Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Seven Fairies Hot Spring Festival in Hainan boosts cultural tourism People's Daily Online) 09:19, September 08, 2025 Photo shows the opening ceremony of the 2025 Hainan Seven Fairies Hot Spring Festival in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province. (Photo courtesy of the Media Convergence Center of Baoting County) "This festival brings even more joy than Chinese New Year," said a young man at the 2025 Hainan Seven Fairies Hot Spring Festival held recently in Sandao town, Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province The man and his friends pledged to reunite by the Baoting River next year to "bring back all the fun." The festival coincides with the Qixi Festival, which falls on the seventh day of the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar and is commonly known as Chinese Valentine's Day. People attend the 2025 Hainan Seven Fairies Hot Spring Festival in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province. (Photo courtesy of the Media Convergence Center of Baoting County) The event has celebrated Li and Miao ethnic traditions in Baoting for more than 20 years since starting in 2000. Recognized as one of China's top 10 cultural celebrations, the festival showcases local heritage while promoting exchanges between Hainan and Taiwan region and encouraging inter-ethnic dialogue. This year, organizers expanded the festival's cultural tourism appeal by upgrading the main venue into a fully immersive three-day, three-night experience open to the public at no charge. Tourism data shows the festival drew 170,200 visitors to Baoting during the three-day event, a 41 percent year on year increase from 2024. Tourist spending reached 95.13 million yuan ($13.32 million), up 56 percent from the previous year. People attend the 2025 Hainan Seven Fairies Hot Spring Festival in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province. (Photo courtesy of the Media Convergence Center of Baoting County) In recent years, Baoting has steadily integrated culture and tourism, capitalizing on its clear waters, green mountains and rich Li and Miao cultural heritage. In 2024, the county received more than 3.69 million tourist visits, an 8.5 percent increase from the previous year, generating tourism revenue of 2.23 billion yuan, up 14.5 percent year on year. "Most importantly, the festival has become a crucial platform for promoting ethnic unity and progress, while deepening cultural exchanges between Hainan and Taiwan region," said Lyu Yan, deputy county mayor of Baoting. Photo shows a parade during the 2025 Hainan Seven Fairies Hot Spring Festival in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Niu Liangyu) Photo shows a nighttime water performance during the 2025 Hainan Seven Fairies Hot Spring Festival in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Niu Liangyu) A performer sings during the 2025 Hainan Seven Fairies Hot Spring Festival in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Niu Liangyu) (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Advertisement NationalFriendship This was published 3 months ago Opinion The emotional torture of recommending something you love to someone you like Thomas Mitchell Culture reporter September 6, 2025 7:00pm September 6, 2025 7:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 24 View all comments My friend Cameron is not dramatic by nature, so I was right to be alarmed when he texted me a close-up photo of his frowning face, accompanied by the words: Hey, just wondering why you hate me? Im not sure what it says about the state of my conscience, but rather than thinking, Oh, no, whats he on about? I instead jumped to Oh dear, whats he heard? My first thought concerned a recent joke Id made at his expense about a shirt hed worn being from Gorman (it was loud and covered in patterns). Id felt bad afterwards and even worse now, so the time had come to apologise via text. Is this about the Gorman thing? Sorry, man! Almost immediately, the reply came: What Gorman thing? No, its because you refuse to watch the show Dave despite the fact I know you will LOVE it. If sharing is caring, why wont you watch, read or listen to the thing I specifically mentioned to you, hoping our shared appreciation of it would bond us for eternity? Michael Howard For the last year, he had been consistently recommending I watch Dave, a comedy about a neurotic, mid-20s suburbanite convinced that hes destined to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. Advertisement Ostensibly, the recommendation was based on Camerons (probably correct) assumption that the series hits many of my specific interest points (delusional man with issues seeks greatness) and therefore I would definitely enjoy it. View post on X But as with all recommendations to friends, it also served as a reflection of deeper, universal desires: validation, acceptance, and the feeling of being seen by seeing others. In a world where algorithms have hijacked control of the cultural conversation, a personalised recommendation is proof that we are still capable of genuine connection based on individual tastes and preferences. I know this because recommending something I like to someone I like is also one of my favourite pastimes, a well-received recommendation bringing with it a joy that is difficult to replicate. Unfortunately, one of my (few) character flaws is that when I recommend any piece of culture to people, its advice they need to heed immediately. When others suggest to me, I always agree to check it out, but rarely get around to following through. Advertisement This isnt something to be proud of, behaviour deserving of a sad face selfie, but its especially crushing because I now know how it feels to be on the other side. Me encouraging two small children to enjoy my recommendations. Getty Images You see, I recently made a new friend, something that can be awkward and confronting as an adult because once youve reached a particular stage in life, youve established your core group of people. Outsiders are treated with a degree of suspicion. However, according to almost every article on the internet, men are at most risk of feeling lonely, which is probably why I took up pickleball at the age of 35, an activity where you are constantly thrown together with new people and forced to make conversation. It was at pickleball that I met Tyler, a guy my age who made a strong first impression by complimenting my volley game but, most importantly, seemed like A Normal Person. A few games turned into a few more, and before long, we were playing together weekly, Tyler slowly transitioning from a random guy I saw at Tuesday night pickleball to my friend Tyler from pickleball. Advertisement In addition to liking ball sports, Tyler and I soon established other shared interests. We both enjoyed films set in New York, British (but not American) sitcoms, Japanese food and books about love triangles (but not Twilight, obviously). Things really took off when he mentioned Adam Sandler being an underrated actor (hard agree), which naturally led to a discussion about Uncut Gems, objectively Sandlers best film, but one Tyler had never seen. Desperate to prove how well I knew this relative strangers tastes, I ordered Tyler to go home that same night and watch it immediately, confident he would love it just as much as I did. View post on X Later that night, Tyler sent a text saying he was preparing to watch the film, proof that he had taken my recommendation on board, and then he never mentioned it again. Never discussed it in passing, never offered judgment; its as if the viewing never took place at all. Initially, I tried to brush it off, but as time passed, it bothered me more, causing what can only be described as a recommendation-induced spiral. How can I be friends with this person if they dont like the film I like and specifically thought theyd also like? If we dont share similar feelings on this, do we share similar feelings on anything? Wait, what if Im wrong and the film is actually awful? Uncut Gems is a stressful and anxious watch. Tyler likes Happy Gilmore, and this is sad Sandler, with sex, drugs and incredibly graphic violence. Advertisement After a month of biting my tongue, I mentioned it one pickleball evening, doing my best not to ask the obvious question: Hey, just wondering why you hate me? and instead casually inquiring what he thought of Uncut Gems? Man, I never ended up getting around to it, he said, lacing up his shoes. But I definitely plan to check it out. Find more of the authors work here. Email him at thomas.mitchell@smh.com.au or follow him on Instagram at @thomasalexandermitchell and on Twitter @_thmitchell. Advertisement WorldAsiaAir accident This was published 3 months ago Australian executive among eight dead in Borneo helicopter crash Zach Hope and Karuni Rompies September 8, 2025 11:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share An Australian executive was among eight people killed when a helicopter crashed on the island of Borneo at a site so remote it took rescue crews more than two days to find the wreckage. Mark Werren was killed with everyone on board, including two other foreign nationals, when it went down in the Indonesian province of South Kalimantan on the morning of September 1. Rescuers inspect the wreckage of a helicopter that crashed with passengers on board, in Tanah Bumbu, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. BASARNAS via AP Werren was originally identified as American, but his pulp and paper company, Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings Ltd (APRIL), confirmed to this masthead he was an Australian national. Our thoughts and prayers are with [the loved ones of the passengers and crew] during this extremely difficult time, it said in a previous statement. Advertisement We will continue to extend our full support to the families in all the necessary arrangements and in whatever help they need. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the parties involved in the search and recovery mission, who have worked tirelessly in extremely challenging conditions. Australian Mark Werren was killed along with seven others in a remote helicopter crash in Indonesia. APRIL The helicopter lost contact with air traffic control about eight minutes after departing from the airport in Kotabaru district on its way to Palangkaraya City in Central Kalimantan Province. Along with Werren, the Airbus BK117 D-3, owned by Eastindo Air, contained five Indonesians (including the pilot), a Brazilian woman and an Indian man. Indonesian authorities were investigating the cause. Werren was APRILs senior fibre director and a key member of the senior leadership team, the company said. Advertisement He had worked with APRIL since 2014. He held a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Forestry from the University of Aberdeen and a Master of Science in Forestry from the University of Helsinki. Mr Werren was the only person employed by APRIL on the flight, but we mourn the loss of everyone who lost their lives in this tragic incident. The passengers were travelling to visit other forestry companies to share technical knowledge. APRILs centre of operations is Pangkalan Kerinci in Riau Province, on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The company describes itself as one of the largest, most technologically advanced and efficient makers of pulp and paper products in the world, with a payroll of about 9000 people. Advertisement Werrens company biography said he had worked as a professional forester since 1980, including in Tanzania, Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia, Finland and Scotland. More than 200 rescue personnel were combing a 27-square-kilometre stretch of forest from the land and air when the wreckage was discovered on September 3. The first body was found about 100 metres away. The remaining seven were identified inside or near the helicopter, local media reported. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment. with 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. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaUS politics This was published 3 months ago Little fight with the wife: Trump trivialises domestic violence amid crime crackdown Michael Koziol September 9, 2025 5:31am 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 122 View all comments Washington: US President Donald Trump trivialised domestic violence and implied it should not be considered a crime while lauding his deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, DC, in a speech about religious freedom. It came as an appeals court in New York upheld a 2024 jury verdict compelling Trump to pay $US83.3 million ($126.5 million) in damages for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll after denying her claim that he raped her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s. US President Donald Trump speaks to the White House Religious Liberty Commission on Monday. AP Speaking to the White House Religious Liberty Commission at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, Trump repeated his false claims that crime in the capital was now non-existent after he launched a federal takeover in August and deployed National Guard troops. He also insinuated domestic violence incidents were being wrongly included in crime statistics to make his crackdown on street violence look less successful. Advertisement Theres no crime, Trump said. They say crimes down 87 per cent. I said, No, no, no, its more than 87 per cent. [Its] virtually nothing, and much lesser things, things that take place in the home, they call crime. Theyll do anything they can to find something. Related Article Updated Epstein fallout Epstein birthday book reveals alleged joke about selling woman to Trump If a man has a little fight with the wife, they say, This was a crime, see so now I cant claim 100 per cent [crime reduction]. But we are a safe city. You can walk to a restaurant, you can walk to the White House. There were a few murmurs of laughter from the audience as Trump spoke. Domestic violence groups have been contacted for comment. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson noted Trumps executive order to address crime in Washington directed the Department of Housing and Urban Development to investigate non-compliance with crime prevention initiatives, including restrictions on tenants engaged in domestic violence. Advertisement Of course, the president wasnt talking about or downplaying domestic violence, she said. Any fake news hacks trying to use this as a political cudgel against the president are doing a great service to actual domestic abusers and criminals around the country. Metropolitan Police Department statistics show crime has fallen substantially since Trumps crackdown began a month ago, but it still occurs including acts of violence, vehicle theft and homicides. Trump made the remarks during a speech on religious liberty at the Museum of the Bible in Washington. Bloomberg Over the past two weeks, there have been three homicides, 38 incidents of assault with a dangerous weapon, five sexual assaults and 48 robberies, along with 24 burglaries and 101 motor vehicle thefts. Trumps intervention has worked, but not to the extreme extent he claims. Washingtons Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser said the surge of federal officers to DCs streets has had a significant impact, including an 87 per cent reduction in carjackings compared to the same 20-day period the year before. Advertisement Trump is now weighing sending the National Guard to other US cities, such as Chicago and Baltimore though that is legally much more fraught as they are controlled by state governments, unlike the capital. He noted on social media that there were another six homicides in Chicago on the weekend, with a further 12 people wounded in shootings, taking the total number shot and killed over the past few weeks to 50. Armed National Guard soldiers from West Virginia patrol the Mall near the Capitol in Washington. AP I want to help the people of Chicago, not hurt them, Trump said on Truth Social. Only the criminals will be hurt! We can move fast and stop this madness. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court upheld the January 2024 jury verdict compelling Trump to pay Carroll $US83.3 million in damages over repeated social media attacks and public statements against her after she accused him of sexual assault. Advertisement The judges rejected Trumps argument that the punitive damages were excessive and that he was entitled to presidential immunity in the case after the Supreme Court expanded the concept in a July 2024 ruling. Related Article Updated US Votes 2024 A great victory for every woman: Trump ordered to pay $127m in defamation case They found Trumps extraordinary and unprecedented broadsides against Carroll, now 81, justified the steep award given the unique and egregious facts of this case. An initial jury had in May 2023 found Trump liable for sexual abuse, but concluded he hadnt committed rape as defined under New York law. Trump repeatedly denied the encounter took place and accused Carroll of making it up to help sell her book. He also said Carroll was not my type. In a statement, lawyers for Trump called for an immediate end to the political weaponisation of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all of the witch hunts, including the Democrat-funded travesty of the Carroll hoaxes. Advertisement The case will likely head to the Supreme Court. Loading With 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. UB research driving comprehensive educational reform in Nigeria As many as 260 Smart Green Schools have either been built or are under construction in the Enugu State of Nigeria, all committed to making experiential learning the centerpiece of their curriculum. This plan focuses on building local capacity, It empowers communities to define what meaningful education looks like and co-creates a research model around it. That is exactly what the Spencer Foundation is supporting. An ambitious plan to start an educational revolution in the Enugu State of Nigeria, adapting learning models developed at UB, has taken hold in a key region of Africas most populous nation. Thanks to a Spencer Foundation Vision Grant, UB history professor Ndubueze Mbahs mission to reform the states elementary and secondary school system using research as a guide is already producing tangible results, with more to come. The Vision Grant is a one-year, $75,000 planning grant awarded by the Spencer Foundation to support early-stage transformative education research. As many as 260 Smart Green Schools have either been built or are under construction, all committed to making experiential learning the centerpiece of their curriculum, according to Mbah, associate professor of history and commissioner of education in Enugu. This combination of new schools and a project-based curriculum will serve approximately 260,000 children across the state. Now across the state, 260 Smart Green Schools are being constructed simultaneously, says Mbah. Some are already completed. Teachers are being trained. Students are being onboarded. This broad reform effort is taking place in a country confronting serious and widely recognized educational challenges. According to Mbah, these include inadequate infrastructure, acute teacher shortages, poor pupil-to-teacher ratios and a lack of qualified educators capable of delivering the basic curriculum while leveraging educational technologies. These systemic barriers have produced what international agencies like the World Bank, UNICEF, UNESCO and Nigerias Ministry of Education have called a learning crisis, regarded as the greatest threat to the countrys economic development. After four years of schooling, 50% of K-6 pupils cannot read a single word in English, says Mbah. Even those who can read often struggle with comprehension. After six years of schooling, half still cannot solve simple subtraction problems. The University of South Carolina's Columbia campus was thrust into chaos on Sunday, 24 August 2025, following an active shooter alert at the Thomas Cooper Library. The alert, issued at approximately 6:30 p.m., prompted a massive police response and a campus-wide lockdown. Within hours, university officials and law enforcement declared no evidence of a shooter, raising questions about whether the incident was a hoax. Timeline of the Incident The university's alert system issued an urgent warning of an active shooter at the Thomas Cooper Library, describing a suspect as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing black pants. Students were instructed to evacuate or seek shelter and barricade themselves. Multiple police departments, including the USC Police Department, descended on the campus, clearing the library floor by floor. By 7:11 p.m., an update stated there was no evidence of an active shooter, though the shelter-in-place order remained until an all-clear was issued at 8:06 p.m. The library was closed indefinitely. USC Deputy Police Chief Scott Prill clarified that witnesses reported hearing what sounded like gunshots, but no shell casings were found. 'We have no video of anyone with a gun', Prill told WLTX, addressing online rumours. A widely circulated photo, initially thought to depict a suspect, was later identified as a man carrying an umbrella. Two students sustained minor injuries during the evacuation, but no shots were fired, and no suspect was apprehended. Official Response and Investigation University spokesperson Jeff Stensland described the initial alert as a precautionary measure. 'We received an unconfirmed report of an active shooter at the Thomas Cooper library', he told CNN affiliate WIS-TV. 'At this point, we have no injuries, and we have no confirmation that there actually was a shooter.' The university's swift response, including the Carolina Alert system, was praised for its efficiency, though questions linger about the source of the initial report. The Columbia Police Department continues to investigate, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact Midlands Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. The incident's cost to the university and local law enforcement, including overtime for officers and emergency response resources, is estimated at 37,500 ($50,250), based on standard rates for campus security operations. This figure reflects the significant resources deployed to ensure safety, despite the absence of a confirmed threat. Context of Campus Hoaxes The University of South Carolina incident follows a string of false active shooter reports at US campuses, including Villanova University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, both reported as hoaxes in the days prior. These incidents have heightened national concerns about campus safety and the psychological impact of such alerts. X posts reflect public frustration and speculation. @nicksortor stated, 'YET ANOTHER ACTIVE SH00TER HOAX? University of South Carolina - Columbia put out an alert saying there was an active shooter reported in the library. Now they're saying there is "NO EVIDENCE" of a shooter.' YET ANOTHER ACTIVE SH00TER HOAX? University of South Carolina - Columbia put out an alert saying there was an active shooter reported in the library. Now theyre saying there is NO EVIDENCE of a shooter Theres just this video of a man carrying an object. Why does this pic.twitter.com/JrwxkHRDUt Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 24, 2025 Similarly, @uwuuwu2024 noted, 'University of South Carolina is now saying there is no evidence of a shooting. So that poor dude walking around with an umbrella has his face slapped all over social media.' University of South Carolina is now saying there is no evidence of a shooting. So that poor dude walking around with an umbrella has his face slapped all over social media. https://t.co/WBIfgszKBD Ru ro raggy (@uwuuwu2024) August 24, 2025 Experts suggest these hoaxes may stem from misinterpretations, pranks, or malicious intent, such as swatting, costing universities and police departments millions annually. The University of South Carolina, with approximately 38,000 students, remains vigilant, promoting its RAVE Guardian Safety App to enhance campus security. As investigations continue, the incident underscores the challenges of balancing rapid response with accurate information in an era of heightened fear. Originally published on IBTimes UK Kenneth Fox Kidnapped Irish missionary Gena Heraty said was constantly petrified during her 27-day incarceration in Haiti. The Mayo born humanitarian, who was abducted last month along with seven others from the Sainte-Helene orphanage in Kenscoff, Port-au-Prince, spoke at length today for the first time today about the groups ordeal. As the Irish Times reports, she told Tommy Marren on his Midwest Radio current affairs show she had been walloped by her captors on two occasions. On another occasion two of the other woman captives were roughed up, Ms Heraty said. She went on to explain that a lot of the criminal gangs associated with abductions in Haiti claim they are working for the devil and hold voodoo ceremonies. I was petrified that any one of us could be used in a sacrifice (ceremony), she said. Throughout their imprisonment, the captives, who included a four-year-old boy with special needs, were kept in cramped, dirty conditions and had to cope with sparse amounts of food and drinking water. For the first time in my life I knew what it was like to be hungry ... we had no drinking water ... they didnt seem to care. Revealing the groups coping mechanism, Ms Heraty said we prayed for everybody that was worse than us, the people in Gaza, the people in Haiti, the people who are hungry all over the world. Ms Heraty said that upon release she was devastated to learn of the death of Yvonne, one of the oldest residents of her rehab centre. I am convinced she would not have died if she did not have the added trauma of what happened on top of her illness. She added that she was angry when she learned their former home in the mountains had to be evacuated because of the continuing unrest. I am a peace and love person in general but I am really angry that the whole community in Kenscoff have been pushed out. People have lost their homes, their animals. James Cox Here, we have a look at the issues likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come. Presidential race Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has ruled herself out of the presidential race. It means the party's stance is uncertain with Heather Humphreys running for Fine Gael, Jim Gavin or Billy Kelleher set to battle it out for the Fianna Fail nomination, and Catherine Connolly running as an Independent. Speaking on RTEs Morning Ireland ahead of her partys annual think-in, Ms McDonald said she had to lead from the front in holding the current Fianna Fail-Fine Gael coalition to account. She said the party had tested every proposition in relation to a candidate. Asked if Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill would be the candidate, Ms McDonald said the partys process was still under way. My preference is that we call this right and, at the risk of sounding repetitive, we have options. Meanwhile, Tanaiste Simon Harris has brushed off criticism over his direction to Fine Gael councillors not to back any candidate but Ms Humphreys. Speaking to reporters at the Fine Gael think-in in Mullingar, Mr Harris said: Show me the line in the Constitution that says Fine Gael must nominate its political opponents. I mean, this is balderdash and its the latest attempt at disinformation and misinformation. Billionaire Elon Musk has criticised Tanaiste Simon Harris and backed Conor McGregor's unlikely presidential bid. In posts on his social media platform X, Mr Musk accused Mr Harris of "tyrannically blocking the will of the people of Ireland". He appared to be referring to the Fine Gael leader's direction to party councillors not to back any other candidate but Heather Humphreys. Mr Musk, a former key adviser to US president Donald Trump, wrote: "Shame on Simon Harris for tyrannically blocking the will of the people of Ireland! Conor McGregor for President to save Ireland." Like much American commentary on the presidential election, Mr Musk displayed a lack of knowledge of the Irish system. To be eligible to run, a candidate must be nominated either by 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. They must also be an Irish citizen over the age of 35. McGregor would be unlikely to get the support of Fine Gael councillors regardless of the direction from Mr Harris. The former UFC fighter recently claimed he had enough backing to run in the presidential election, without specifying which TDs, senators or local councils had backed him. He previously claimed the presidential election system was unconstitutional, and launched a petition for it to be changed. In response to Mr Musk's comments, Mr Harris said: "I see Elon Musk joined in today and sure, why not? He added: Thats the sort of man he believes should be president of Ireland. Thank God he might have a say as to who is president of the United States of America, but hes no say in terms of who the president of Ireland is. Abroad Legislators toppled Frances government in a confidence vote on Monday, a new crisis for Europes second-largest economy that obliges president Emmanuel Macron to search for a fourth prime minister in 12 months. In the US, president Donald Trump has re-branded the Department of Defence the Department of War. He is also threatening to bring the National Guard into Chicago, as he did in Washington DC. Darragh Mc Donagh A member of the Traveller community who quit his job at a building products firm after two weeks over the use of the pikey, tinker, and itinerant in the workplace has been awarded 7,500 for discrimination. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) also found that CPL (Profiles) Limited in Longford had discriminated against Raymond Nevin at the interview, even though he got the job. During the interview on May 28th last year, the managing director of the company asked where Mr Nevin was from and who his father was, allegedly inquiring: What Nevin are you from in the town, Taxi Nevin? Mr Nevin claimed that the questions about his name and background were aimed at establishing whether he was a Traveller. However, he was offered the job and started work two days later. The following week, there was a significant Garda presence outside the courthouse in Longford, and Mr Nevin claimed that he heard the managing director remark: The pikeys must have been acting up. It was also alleged that the managing director had used the words tinker and itinerant, and joked that he was watching a Traveller customer on the premises to ensure that he left back the item he was looking at. Mr Nevin resigned in a text message on June 18th, 2024. The managing director was 99% certain that he rang Mr Nevin after receiving the text, asking him to return to work, but the complainant claimed this never happened. He accepted that none of these remarks were targeted at him directly, but told the WRC that they had impacted him and made him feel disheartened. He said the feeling of being discriminated against was horrendous and unbearable. The managing director of the company said most of what Mr Nevin had submitted in his testimony was correct. It was probable that he had used the word pikey, quite possible that he said itinerant, but had no recollection of using the term tinkers. If he had commented about watching a Traveller on the premises in case they shoplifted, this was a joke, he told the WRC. The managing director said he hadnt known whether Mr Nevin was a Traveller at the time of the interview, and that it had made no difference to him. He said his questioning about his background was intended to ascertain whether he was a good worker. The company had previously employed members of the Traveller community, and there had never been a complaint under its grievance policy. We live in a society where these terms are used, he told the adjudication hearing. It shouldnt happen, but it did. WRC adjudication officer, Anne McElduff, said there was a lack of evidence that fair and transparent selection criteria had been used in the interview process. She was unpersuaded by the managing directors explanation of questions about Mr Nevins background. Regardless of the fact that he got the job, Ms McElduff found that Mr Nevins membership of the Traveller community was an issue or consideration during the interview. This put him in a different position by comparison to another candidate who was not a member of the Traveller community, she said, concluding that he had been discriminated against on this ground. There was a culture and tolerance of using derogatory terminology such as pikey and tinker to describe Travellers in the workplace, Ms McElduff added. She ordered the company to pay 7,500 in compensation to Mr Nevin. She also directed the firm to review its selection processes to ensure that they comply with best practice in terms of equal opportunity under the Employment Equality Act. Staff should also be provided with training on equal opportunity, she stated. Sign up to get our news digest delivered directly to your inbox twice a week. Generative AI companies are facing mounting legal pressure, with Hollywood studios and authors landing major blows last week that could reshape how creative industries, including animation, interact with the highly controversial technology. Last Thursday, Warner Bros. filed a lawsuit similar to those previously filed by Disney and Universal against Midjourney. On Friday, Anthropic agreed to what could be the largest copyright settlement in U.S. history with a group of authors and publishers that sued over the illegal use of copyrighted material for training purposes. As new precedents are set, the future of AI could be turned on its head with artists and creators taking back ownership of their work. Whats driving the news? Warner Bros. sued Midjourney late last week, accusing it of letting users generate infringing images of Superman, Bugs Bunny, and other characters. Ample evidence was provided, and weve included some at the bottom of this article. sued Midjourney late last week, accusing it of letting users generate infringing images of Superman, Bugs Bunny, and other characters. Ample evidence was provided, and weve included some at the bottom of this article. Anthropic agreed to a $1.5 billion settlement with authors and publishers, paying $3,000 per pirated book it used to train AI models. agreed to a $1.5 billion settlement with authors and publishers, paying $3,000 per pirated book it used to train AI models. Disney and Universal had already filed a similar lawsuit in June, targeting Midjourney for unauthorized recreations of Mickey Mouse, Elsa, Minions, and more. Why it matters: Studios and creators argue that AI tools are exploiting their work without permission. If the courts agree, they may soon compel companies to compensate them for their transgressions, potentially resulting in significant payments. What about animation? Midjourney, at the heart of two of the largest lawsuits, can mimic hand-drawn and CG animation styles in seconds, sparking fears that human artists could lose out on work that becomes automated by the software. Many of the examples included in both lawsuits against Midjourney are images produced to mimic copyrighted material directly. If courts push AI companies toward licensing deals, animation assets from concept art to storyboards to character designs could become valuable training data. Big studios may be shielded by legal teams, but independent animators could struggle to protect their work unless broader protections emerge. The big picture: Like music after Napster, the lawsuits may push AI toward a licensing model. For animation workers, that could mean less risk of outright replacement, but it also may mean a decrease in the valuation of their work. Musicians may prefer the current licensing models of streamers like Spotify and Apple Music, but the royalties they receive are still far from adequate by almost any measure. Whats next: Judges must still approve Anthropics settlement, and the Midjourney cases are just beginning. But the message is clear: AIs unchecked use of copyrighted material is facing high-powered backlash, and the animation industry is on the front line. Evidence provided in the new Warner Bros. lawsuit: Sign up to get our news digest delivered directly to your inbox twice a week. The English village fair where locals showcase baked goods in neighborly competition was the inspiration for a uniquely British television series that, since 2010, has charmed viewers as The Great British Bake Off. Each week, amateur bakers face judges and professional pastry chefs inside a large canvas tent, displaying their skills at baking breads, cakes, and fondant fancies under the scrutiny of TV cameras. The Channel 4 production (aired on Netflix in the U.S. as The Great British Baking Show) celebrated its 16th season with an ambitious new animated opener, The aBakening. The one-minute title sequence depicts a cosmic journey through the origins of baking from egg, to cake-batter mitosis, to an evolution of baked goods conceived with Channel 4s in-house design group, 4Creative; produced by Molly Turner at Londons BlinkInk; and directed by Isabel Garrett. Garrett, a Welsh-born graduate of the U.K.s National Film and Television School with animation credits for Coldplay, Alexander McQueen, Amazon, and the BBC, cites stop-motion as her first love, along with mixtures of 2D and CG elements. Im led by what the project needs, said Garrett. Its always nice to mix things up. 4Creatives pitch appealed to Garretts sensibilities. The beginning of the universe accumulating to Bake Off was really fun. Ive watched Bake Off for years, so it holds a place in my heart. Ive always loved the fact that its both lighthearted and wholesome, but also very dramatic, and I liked the idea of bringing that into this big, epic universe. Cartoon Brew spoke with Garrett about her creative process via video link from her Hastings home. Cartoon Brew: What was your approach to 4Creatives pitch? Garrett: I wanted to use real ingredients and be playful with shooting them in unexpected ways. But this really felt like a film that needed a bit of everything. There are the somewhat chaotic raw ingredients and the finished, perfectly made bakes. So, while we were storyboarding, we figured out how wed build and shoot everything, from slow-motion live action to stop-motion, and went from there. 4Creative were so brilliant and collaborative; we had a lot of fun coming up with ideas together. You begin with what appears to be a raw, freshly cracked egg flying through the cosmos. Wow did you shoot that? Garrett: It was a real egg, which we shot separately from the galaxy. Not the most technical shoot, we just threw eggs into a bucket, filming in slow motion, and our brilliant cinematographer, Daniel Morgan, lit them in a way that made them look galactic. That was quite tricky because it was hard to predict where the egg was going to go. And then, for the swirling galaxy, we had a probe lens close to the mixing bowl containing eggs, flour, and baking ingredients. Our art director, Brin Frost, made a mechanism with a drill under the bowl that created that swirl. We added the flying egg as a digital composite. We next see macro shots of cell division. How did you create those? Garrett: We cheated a little bit and sourced stock footage for that. But we had a total of three days to shoot everything. We did it all in one go at Clapham Road Studios in London, shooting different things in different spaces on different days. It was a tight schedule. How did you animate your powdered sugar sea-creature evolution into sugar figures of emcees Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding? Garrett: Those were 2D-animated by Nelly Michenaud, a brilliant 2D animator [co-founder of Studio Orca]. She animated them digitally in 2D. We printed off the frames and painted them with icing sugar and piped icing, shooting them on a multiplane. Who did your visual effects? Garrett: Rob Ward was our visual effects supervisor. He did an amazing job with compositor Stephen McNally and another artist, Seymour Milton, working in After Effects. We had two or three weeks in post. Both Rob and Stephen are brilliant at building worlds, and they managed to make a bucket of eggs look like outer space. Next, we enter a three-dimensional cake-world with a little snail-like creature that may be familiar to fans. Was that a deliberate nod to Bake Off contestant Julia Chernogorovas famous phallic pastry snail from 2017? Garrett: Yes! That was Julias snail, made out of bread, which accidentally ended up looking nothing like a snail. We took that and made it into an animatable character. Josh Flynn, who is an incredible puppet-maker, built him, and then Tobias Fouracre animated him beautifully. What was the snail set made of? Garrett: Some of it was cake, baked items, biscuits, and icing, but a lot of the stop-motion set was inedible. The foundation was foam and traditional set-building materials that we made to look tasty. We couldnt make it entirely edible because the edible stuff would move. For stop-motion, its important that the set remains static. Your storm clouds crumble very convincingly. Was that live action? Garrett: That was a mad process. [Stop-motion rigger] Andy Spradbury rigged the meringues on panels, like flaps. We shot that as live action, in slow motion. We created flashing lightning effects by waving our hands over the lights, and then we broke the meringues. In the closing shot, the camera pulls out of chef Paul Hollywoods pupil. Did that involve CG trickery? Garrett: Yes, we went to the Bake Off tent to shoot Paul, and we got the lens quite close to his eye and pulled back. Stephen did a brilliant job in comp of building up the shot, making it look convincingly like the camera was moving fully out of space. How has the sequence been received? Garrett: Its gone down well. Bake Off has a loyal fan base, and it was really nice to see how excited they were that the series was coming back. It is lovely to see the mix of animated media. Do you agree that we are experiencing a little renaissance in appreciation for stop-motion? Garrett: I hope so. Obviously, AI is a big topic at the moment. But I do think that seeing something physically made is irreplaceable. Its lovely to see behind the scenes, where you can see craft being put into something. I think people will always appreciate that. I really love stop-motion. Its where I feel most at home. Its obviously a different, slower process than live action, but theres so much craft that goes into every frame from every part of the crew. I hope itll always hold a fascination for audiences. Advertisement BUA Group has strongly condemned a deadly ambush on 5 September near its cement facility in Okpella, Edo State. The incident claimed the lives of eight Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives and a civilian driver, and resulted in the abduction of a Chinese national working at the BUA Cement plant. BUA is deeply saddened by the attack of Friday, 5 September 2025, in which eight operatives of the NSCDC and a civilian driver lost their lives near our Okpella facility in Edo State, the company declared. BUA conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the NSCDC, and the Nigerian government, and extended wishes for the swift recovery of the injured. According to BUA, the NSCDC team was escorting five Chinese expatriates back to the companys base after a routine patrol. The convoy was violently ambushed by armed assailants. Four expatriates were rescued, one was abducted, and four NSCDC operatives were critically injured and are currently receiving treatment. BUA affirmed that it is collaborating closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted and to bring the perpetrators to justice, and reiterated that the safety of its people and host communities remains paramount. In parallel, the NSCDC has mourned its fallen personnel, offering full honors, medical support, and comfort to families, and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national infrastructure. Its leadership has pledged to hunt down those responsible and recover the abducted expatriate. Grand Canyon University is on track to welcome a record 133,000 students for the 202526 academic year, cementing its place as the largest Christian university in the United States. The milestone comes even as the institution endured years of heightened scrutiny from the federal government. During the Biden administration, Grand Canyon University (GCU) faced numerous federal probes into its operations, including actions by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). However, several of those cases have recently been dismissed. The FTC itself acknowledged the setbacks, stating: "This case, which we inherited from the previous administration, was filed nearly two years ago and has suffered losses in two motions to dismiss." The dismissals mark a significant legal vindication for GCU, underscoring the university's ability to rebound and continue expanding despite years of heightened federal scrutiny. Despite the pressure, GCU has maintained a frozen tuition rate for 17 consecutive years and continued expanding both its campus and online presence. Officials now point to a series of recent legal dismissals as vindication, reinforcing the university's ability to rebound and move forward. Enrollment projections include nearly 35,000 students on its Phoenix campus and 98,000 online, further strengthening its national reach. GCU has also invested in campus facilities, workforce partnerships, and faith-based initiatives, which leaders say will sustain long-term growth. By combining affordability, faith, and resilience in the face of federal challenges, GCU has positioned itself as both a leader in Christian higher education and one of the fastest-growing universities in the nation. A Hixson electrical contractor has been sentenced to serve 15 years in prison, followed by 15 years on supervised probation after he was earlier convicted by a jury of continuous sexual abuse of a child and other charges. He will also be on the sex offender registry and community supervision for life, pursuant to statutory requirement. Prosecutor Stephani Brown said Cordell will have to serve the full 15-year sentence before he is released. Seth Austin Cordell, 44, was sentenced by Judge Barry Steelman. He had been facing 3-15 years on continuous sexual abuse of a child, as well as 3-6 years on several other counts. Cordell, on Jan. 31, was ordered by Judge Steelman to be held without bond after the judge heard tape recordings in which he threatened a prosecutor. Cordell was recorded in a jail phone call as telling his fiancee concerning child sex prosecutor Brown, "I'm going to burn that f------ b----. I hate that f------ b----. I hope she's listening. I'm going to burn her a--." He also said of certain people involved in his case, "If I get time, I'm going to f--- some people up." A detective handling Cordell's child sex abuse case had listened to recordings of Cordell phone calls from the jail. Two of the recordings were earlier played in court. Judge Steelman said he ordered the revocation of Cordell's bond and then no bond after hearing the "threats" he made. Cordell said he was just "blowing off steam." He said his anger was fueled when his lawyer, Clancy Covert, at an earlier hearing when handcuffs were being placed on him (Cordell), told him, "We're going to burn their a--es in court." Cordell said he should not have made the statements against prosecutor Brown, and he apologized to her. Cordell was previously arrested after saying he was going to "pull a drive-by" at a downtown Chattanooga bar. Police said Cordell had been trespassed from the Leapin' Leprechaun and, when an employee again told him to leave, he began arguing. Employees said he left, but returned. Employees said he then reached for a gun and yelled, "I'm gonna pull a drive-by on all of you." Cordell had been on probation on that case. Prior to the order of no bond by Judge Steelman, handcuffs were placed on Cordell after General Sessions Court Gary Starnes revoked his bond in the bar case. Two other women testified at his sentencing hearing and alleged Cordell had sexually assaulted them in the past. The Benwood Foundation Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. Keri Randolph as the next president of the foundation, effective Nov. 3. Officials said, "The board is grateful to outgoing president Sarah Morgan for 13 years of exceptional leadership and welcomes Dr. Randolph to lead Benwood to even greater levels of positive impact in our community." Dr. Randolph embodies the ethos of the Benwood Foundationstrategic vision, collaborative problem solving, and community leadership. We are excited to welcome her as president and look forward to the innovation and impact her leadership will bring, said Valoria Armstrong, chair of the board of the Benwood Foundation. On behalf of the board and our entire community, I want to again thank Sarah Morgan for her years of outstanding community leadership, especially during her tenure at Benwood. Dr. Randolph currently serves as executive director of Chattanooga 2.0, a nonprofit organization that works to change systems for generational impact to improve economic opportunity and quality of life for residents of Hamilton County. Benwood played a key role in the creation of Chattanooga 2.0. Dr. Randolph previously served as the chief strategy officer for Metro Nashville Public Schools, where she aligned resources with strategy to oversee more than $600 million in federal and private funds. She has served as Assistant Superintendent of Innovation at the Hamilton County Department of Education, Vice President of Learning at the Public Education Foundation (PEF), and as a lead faculty member on the UTeaChattanooga program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Dr. Randolph began her career as a biochemist but pivoted to teaching high school science for 10 years in North Carolina. She earned her bachelors degree in biochemistry from Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, and a masters of science education from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. Dr. Randolph earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2020. I am honored and humbled to step into this role at a moment when the Benwood Foundation is more vital than ever in addressing our communitys present challenges and opportunities, which will determine what life will be like for future generations of Chattanoogans, said Dr. Randolph. I am indebted to Sarah Morgan for her legacy of civic impact, and I look forward to partnering with the Board, staff, grantees, and community leaders to build upon her work to benefit our entire community. It has been the honor of my life to serve this community through the Benwood Foundation, said Ms. Morgan. I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the past thirteen years, and believe Keri is the right leader at the right time to lead Benwood. I look forward to supporting her in any way possible. The national search for the next president of Benwood was led by ThinkingAhead Executive Search, a Nashville-based firm. Here are the new marriage licenses from the County Clerk's office: JARED COE THOMAS ALEA RENYE PITTS 2423 BRIDGE CIR APT 203 2423 BRIDGE CIR APT 203 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 NICOLETTE BRIANNE FRAZER BRANDON COLE MCCHRISTIAN 829 EDWARDS ST UNIT A 829 EDWARDS ST UNIT A CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina 27516 CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina 27516 JARROD DANIEL DIXON WHITNEY NICOLE WOLFE 6504 FELDSPAR LN APT 112 6504 FELDSPAR LN APT 112 HIXSON, Tennessee 37343 HIXSON, Tennessee 37343 ANDRES ISRAEL CABREJA HOLLIE NICOLE PETTY 4340 DUVAL ST 4340 DUVAL ST CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37412 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37412 DONISH CORDUROY HYTER SHUNYETTA BITESHA BELL 1908 OLIVE ST 1908 OLIVE ST CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37406 CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE 374062831 ROBERTO CARLOS BARRIENTOS FRANCO ESTEFANY ABIGAIL PARADA PALACIOS 513 UNICOR TRAIL 513 UNICOR TRAIL CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 JEREMY LEBRON COX VIRGINIA LEE WARRICK 4120 HARBOR HILLS RD 4120 HARBOR HILLS RD CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37416 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37416 ANDREW WESLEY LANDON MAGGIE MAE WADE 4119 LYONS RD 4119 LYONS RD CALedonia, Ohio 43314 CALedonia, Ohio 43314 JENNIFER ARDELL SPRINGFIELD BRIAN KEITH HANCOCK 328 CHERRY HILLS DR 328 CHERRY HILLS DR TAZEWELL, Virginia 24651 TAZEWELL, Virginia 24651 NATHAN REID BROTT ANDREA GENEVIEVE KUR 806 SWEETBRIAR CIR 806 SWEETBRIAR CIR CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37412 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37412 ALEXIS CREE WOODFIN MEAGAN ELIZABETH CORLEY 301 S HOWELL AVE 301 S HOWELL AVE CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37411 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37411 YOLANDA YVONNE GETER DERRICK LAVALE MIKES 2723 WINDTHRUSH DR 2723 WINDTHRUSH DR CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 DENIS JOEL MAYORGA SANDOVAL ARLYN ALEIDA CHAVARRIA CASTILLO 9045 DALLAS HOLLOW RD 9045 DALLAS HOLLOW RD SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 37379 SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 37379 AMANDA JUSTINE GARDNER BRANDON DARWAYNE HENNESSEE 4114 WATSON RD 4114 WATSON RD CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374153313 CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE 374153313 NICHOLAS STEWART CARRUTH ELIZABETH JANE MANGIALARDO 109 PEACE ST APT 147 6921 JESSE CONNER RD CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37415 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 JORDYN RAE COOK MARK ELLIOTT THOMAS 770 MAPLE RD APT 9A 770 MAPLE RD APT 9A BUFFALO, New York 14221 BUFFALO, New York 14221 CRYSTAL MAY CUNNINGHAM CHRISTY LYNNE MOTT 4006 SHERLIN DR 4006 SHERLIN DR CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37412 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37412 PAL NGUNDENG KONG MARILEN NINO LANCHEROS 606 GRANVILLE RD 606 GRANVILLE RD FRANKLIN, Tennessee 37064 FRANKLIN, Tennessee 37064 RYAN CHRISTOPHER EDWARDS AMANDA GAIL CONNER 629 HATCH TRL 629 HATCH TRL SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 37379 SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 37379 NATHAN DEWAYNE YOUNG HANNAH EVE GORMAN 8903 LOVELL RD 3618 LEE PIKE HIXSON, Tennessee 37343 SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 37379 YOLIMAR IDELIZ RODRIGUEZ ANDREW CHRISTIAN LAUFFER 1914 VANCE AVE 1914 VANCE AVE CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37404 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37404 REGINALD ALPHONZO JOHNSON BENITA KAY CARTER 959 GATEWAY AVE APT 528 959 GATEWAY AVE APT 528 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37402 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37402 MATTHEW RICHARD SEAY ANSLEY PAYTON COURSEY 185 MONTAG CIR NE UNIT 140 185 MONTAG CIR NE UNIT 140 ATLANTA, Georgia 30307 ATLANTA, Georgia 30307 JOEL CHRISTOPHER VALLS LINK HANNAH HAN 530 MORRIS ST APT 2 530 MORRIS ST APT 2 PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania 19148 PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania 19148 IAN LUKE BROWN BRIANA JOY MATTOON 3707 PROVENCE ST 3707 PROVENCE ST CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37411 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37411 MATTHEW LEE BELL KAYLEE LYNN MILLER 6518 IDO WAY STE 104 6518 IDO WAY STE 104 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 GABRIEL RYAN STEVENS TESSA MARGURITE HUDSON 5524 SAWYER RD 5524 SAWYER RD SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tennessee 37377 SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tennessee 37377 COURTNEY BECK FOX MARK THOMAS WATLINGTON 5414 BEULAH AVE 5414 BEULAH AVE CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37409 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37409 TAYLOR NICHOLE DEVANEY JUSTIN MARK TRUSZKOWSKI 6823 DEERWOOD DR 6823 DEERWOOD DR HARRISON, Tennessee 37341 HARRISON, Tennessee 37341 JOSEPH INDIANA OSBORNE IRENE-MAE AQUINO OPRECIO 5021 JACKSON RD 5021 JACKSON RD APISON, Tennessee 37302 APISON, Tennessee 37302 KATHERINE ALYSSA SPERRY KYLER THOMAS LAKE MOORE 188 INTEGRA VISTAS DR APT 401 188 INTEGRA VISTAS DR APT 401 HIXSON, Tennessee 37343 HIXSON, Tennessee 37343 GARREN MCKINLEY MYRICKS TOMIKA NANETTE CALDWELL 3400 JEROME AVE 3400 JEROME AVE CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37407 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37407 SCOTT HAROLD POWELL ASHLEY TAYLOR SMITH 13119 JONES GAP RD 13119 JONES GAP RD SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 37379 SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 37379 EDDIE EARL COX LARONNICA SHANELL DONLEY 3722 WILCOX BLVD 3722 WILCOX BLVD CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37411 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37411 CREED BLEDDYN OWENS RACHEL ANDERSON PLOTTS 7432 BENDIRE LOOP 7432 BENDIRE LOOP HIXSON, Tennessee 37343 HIXSON, Tennessee 37343 PAUL ISAAC TATE CASEY RENE COGGINS 1702 HOLLISTER RD 7310 SAWYER RD SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tennessee 37377 SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tennessee 37377 CHLOE CHRISTINE ENCE KATY BLAIR WILSON 2111 MENDOCINO BLVD 2111 MENDOCINO BLVD SAN DIEGO, California 92107 SAN DIEGO, California 92107 MACEL EUGENE STEPHENS BEVERLY LYNN HOPE 1302 RIDGEFIELD CIR APT B 1302 RIDGEFIELD CIR APT B CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374122377 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374122377 ELIZABETH HOUSTON WELBORN BENJAMIN CURTIS WILLIAMS 7794 KINGS COLLEGE AVE APT 355 7794 KINGS COLLEGE AVE APT 355 GERMANTOWN, Tennessee 38138 GERMANTOWN, Tennessee 38138 DANNY RAY DUNN DANA KAYE WHELESS 3022 IGOU CROSSING DR 3022 IGOU CROSSING DR CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 BREANNA NICHOLE AUSEC RUSSELL TRENT EINSTEIN 618 SUN VALLEY RD 618 SUN VALLEY RD CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374192441 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 374192441 DONALD KEITH MCLEROY DEBORAH ANN SMITH 9501 PEARSON RD 9501 PEARSON RD HARRISON, Tennessee 37341 HARRISON, Tennessee 37341 KARLEE DIANE JARNAGIN TYLER ALLEN WALLER 7604 STANDIFER GAP RD APT 1108 7604 STANDIFER GAP RD APT 1108 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 COLLEEN ELIZABETH EVANS MADISON QUINN PRINCE 4095 ROXBURGH DR 4541 LAKE DR NW ROSWELL, Georgia 30076 ACWORTH, Georgia 30101 CHARLENE ALEXIS RAUCH KEIYALON ANTHONY LAIYSEAN STEPHENS 219 CARNES MILL RD 70 GENNETT DR TALKING ROCK, Georgia 30175 JASPER, Georgia 30143 SERIGNE MOUSTAPHA SY JASMINE KEEONA WHITENER 95 DRAUGHT ST 95 DRAUGHT ST ROSSVILLE, Georgia 30741 ROSSVILLE, Georgia 30741 JOHN GEORGE SHANNON SHELBY DEANNA NEAL 1001 N NATCHEZ RD APT G14 1001 N NATCHEZ RD APT G14 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405 GINO SHEA FIGEROUX NICOLE MARIE BURDOCK 328 CHEROKEE BLVD APT 314 328 CHEROKEE BLVD APT 314 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405 RAYMOND ANTHONY WHITE MICHELLE RENEE GODWIN 4800 SAINT ELMO AVE 4800 SAINT ELMO AVE CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37409 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37409 MARY ELIZABETH GREY BRADLEY RICHARD STERN 2218 POPLAR GROVE DR 8040 BADIA LN OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363 OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363 DAWN MARIE LEE ANNE PAIGE MORGENTHAL 3914 TACOMA AVE 3914 TACOMA AVE CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37415 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37415 SAMUEL TINSAE TOLLESA JESSE LEA ANNA OWENS 7245 E BRAINERD RD APT 114 7245 E BRAINERD RD APT 114 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 KELSEY MICHELLE BELL JOSHUA PAUL OGBURN SHEETS 1130 DARTMOUTH ST 1130 DARTMOUTH ST CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405 DARIEN CHASE OLSEN DANIELLE JOY PATTERSON 1912 LINDA DR 1912 LINDA DR AUSTELL, Georgia 30168 AUSTELL, Georgia 30168 IAN ROBERTSON MORTON HENRI MAGDALEN LOWE 2100 ROSSVILLE AVE APT 224 2100 ROSSVILLE AVE APT 224 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37408 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37408 KARTEZ ISKAROTT HARRIS SHIRLEEN MARISA LOMBARD 8831 JAMES CREEK DR 8831 JAMES CREEK DR OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363 OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363 CHRISTOPHER SCOTT OLSON BRIDGET GABRIELLE BAKER 1308 PRESTON ST 1308 PRESTON ST CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37404 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37404 KINSEY NOEL BRADLEY SAMUEL LEVI HYMAN 1603 FAGAN ST APT 202 1603 FAGAN ST APT 202 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37408 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37408 RODNEY DAVID NEWBERRY TIFFANI LYNN ROTH 820 MCROY DR 820 MCROY DR CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405 RONY HESHAM ZEINELDIN AISHA BARAKZAI 6238 RIVOLI DR APT 205 6238 RIVOLI DR APT 205 HIXSON, Tennessee 37343 HIXSON, Tennessee 37343 ALANA ROSE VINCENT JONAH CHARLES BRANTLEY 1904 HIDDEN HARBOR RD 2542 HIGHPOINT DR HIXSON, TENNESSEE 373433115 CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE 374156355 DEYSI HELEN ORELLANA REYMUNDO MELANIE HERNANDEZ IBARRA 8004 IGOU GAP RD 8004 IGOU GAP RD CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 JEFFREY ROBERT STEWART JENI STEWART 340 FOUNTAIN OAKS LN 340 FOUNTAIN OAKS LN ATLANTA, Georgia 30342 ATLANTA, Georgia 30342 TAYLOR MARIE MOSLEY ROBERT NICHOLAS MARTIN 10316 ROPHE DR 10316 ROPHE DR SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 37379 SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 37379 WILLIAM REED GALLOWAY CALLIE JOYCE LIKLEY 5302 KIMBRO ST 5302 KIMBRO ST CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37415 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37415 MITCHELL JAMES GEORGE KRISALAUN ORETT BATTLE 1609 FAGAN ST APT 103 1609 FAGAN ST APT 103 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37408 CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE 37408 A traffic stop on Apison Pike resulted in a driver being arrested for DUI. Friday, September 5th Police responded to an alarm on Lee Highway. The property was secure with no signs of entry. While on patrol, officers located a vehicle with its rear hatch open on Lonnie Lane. The owners were contacted, confirmed nothing was missing, and secured the vehicle. A burglary alarm was activated at a medical office on Swinyar Drive. Officers found the front door unlocked, but the immediate area was empty and all other doors secure. No contact could be made with the business. A traffic stop on Ooltewah-Ringgold Road resulted in a driver being cited for driving with a revoked or suspended license. Police assisted a driver on Apison Pike who was concerned about running out of gas. Officers followed the vehicle to the nearest station without issue. A minor crash occurred on Main Street after one vehicle pulled out from Lee Highway and struck another. No injuries were reported. Police provided a standby during a child custody exchange at the department. The exchange took place without incident. During the night shift, officers responded to a burglary alarm on Jac Cate Road. A worker inside the business had mistakenly set it off. Officers assisted with a broken-down vehicle on Apison Pike. When a jump start was unsuccessful, the vehicle was pushed from the roadway to a safe location until arrangements could be made. Saturday, September 6th While conducting business checks on Apison Pike, officers contacted the driver of a truck transporting lumber unsafely. The driver was advised to better secure the load with straps and a hazard flag. During neighborhood checks, officers assisted a worker whose mower had slipped off a trailer. The mower was safely lifted back into place. A traffic stop on Main Street resulted in a driver being cited for possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia. Police assisted with a vehicle fire on Highway 411. Officers were able to extinguish the flames before the fire department arrived. A report was taken regarding an attempted identity theft involving an online loan application. A citizen came to the police department to report concerns about a fraudulent business. They were referred to the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office due to jurisdiction. A traffic stop on Bill Reed Road resulted in an arrest for an active warrant. Police assisted with traffic control at a crash with injuries on Standifer Gap Road until EMS transported the driver. Officers stood by during a child custody exchange at the police department. The exchange took place without issues. Police checked a local restaurant for a missing person at the request of Hamilton County Deputies. The individual was not located and was later confirmed to have quit their job the night before. Later, two drivers came to the department to report a crash that had occurred earlier in the day. A report was filed. Collegedale officers assisted the Sheriffs Office with a search. Nothing was found. A traffic stop on Apison Pike resulted in an arrest for outstanding county warrants. Police responded to a complaint at a gas station where an individual was accused of not paying for items the previous night. The employee chose to wait until speaking with a manager before filing a theft report. A caller on McDonald Road reported someone walking around their house and knocking on doors. Officers checked the property, but no one was located. Sunday, September 7th A citizen contacted officers regarding a suspicious person near Loma Cita Lane. No crime was observed, but the location was added to the departments watchlist. Police responded to a disorder at a business on Lee Highway involving two parties arguing over a scratch-off lottery ticket. A report was taken. Multiple callers reported a young child walking in the roadway on Apison Pike near Meridian Way. Officers made contact, and the child was safely reunited with a parent. On Heathwood, a driver accidentally accelerated while parking, causing damage to a garage and the inside of a home. A report was filed. A citizen requested help with filing a police report. Officers provided guidance and directed the individual to the proper jurisdiction. Officers assisted the Sheriffs Office with traffic control for a disabled tractor-trailer on I-75 northbound. Ah, chronic absenteeisma term that sounds like a fancy medical diagnosis but is actually just a polite way of saying, "Hey, where is everyone?" Picture this: kids missing 10 percent or more of their school daysabout 18 days in a year. That's like taking a vacation to Bermuda while your buddies are stuck in math class, and let's be honest, nobody's getting a tan from geometry.Starting in the 2017-18 school year, the education establishment decided to tackle this epidemic head-on with the introduction of the Chronically Out-of-School Indicator.Yes, it sounds like a new dashboard warning light for your car. Still, it's actually a measure of absenteeism, counting all the days kids missno matter if they are home with a cold, stuck in a traffic jam, or just pretending to be sick because they can't bear another day of algebra.Now, if we are going to solve the mystery of the disappearing students, we need to understand that attendance isn't just about checking boxes. It's not a legal issue, but rather an opportunity to know why kids are missing out. Perhaps they are dealing with health issues, transportation problems, or maybe they can't face another day of cafeteria mystery meat.The Tennessee Department of Education collects data on unexcused absences, but it's challenging to determine what truancy really looks like. One district might label a kid truant, while the next district is just giving them a sympathetic nod and a cookie. It's like trying to compare apples to oranges, if the apples were occasionally missing and the oranges were justwell, confused.And let's talk about the wild west we call school policies. Each district has its own rules about what counts as an excused absence. One school might excuse a child for a family vacation, while another might require a doctor's note. It's enough to make you wish for a universal attendance codelike a secret handshake that only educators know.Post-pandemic, absenteeism shot up like it was auditioning for a reality show. We peaked at a staggering 31 percent in the 2021-22 school year, which felt like a nationwide "Stay Home Day." Thankfully, we've trimmed that down to 28 percentprogress in the right direction, but still a reminder that we need to put on our detective hats and figure this out.So, what's the plan? First, let's assemble an attendance task force. This should be a group of principals, counselors, teachers, and possibly the school nurse, who is probably the only one who knows how to deal with all the sniffles. This team will delve into the attendance data to determine who's skipping school and why.Next, it's all about engaging families. We need to reach out to those who might be facing health issues or transportation troubles. A friendly call or text can go a long wayafter all, no one wants to be that parent who gets a phone call from the school saying, "Your kid hasn't been here in three weeks. Are you sure they're not hiding in the attic?"And let's not forget about making school a place kids actually want to be. If we can turn the classroom into a fun zonethink pizza parties, cool after-school clubs, and maybe even a mentoring programwe might find kids lining up at the door instead of sprinting in the opposite direction.Of course, we need to tailor our interventions. A one-size-fits-all approach is about as practical as an inflatable dartboard. We will need universal support, targeted help for those on the edge of chronic absenteeism, and intensive support for students facing serious challenges.Finally, don't underestimate the power of community collaboration. Schools can't do it alone. By teaming up with local organizations and churches, we can create a support network that helps students overcome the barriers preventing them from showing up.Currently, the national chronic absenteeism rate sits at 23.5 percent. That's a lot of empty desks! If we all pitch in, we can encourage kids to return to the classroom where they belongafter all, that's where the magic happens.Let's join forces to tackle chronic absenteeism and transform our schools into vibrant learning hubs. It's not just a policy issue; it's a mission-critical issue for our future. Because if we want our students to succeed, they need to be in class, not in their pajamas binge-watching their favorite show.In the wise words of Stephen Hawking, "Half the battle is just showing up." Let's ensure our kids are showing up, learning, and thriving. Because when it comes to education, attendance isn't just important, it's everything!JC Bowman is the executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association located in Nashville. During paper production, considerable quantities of turpentine oil are produced, which were previously mainly burned to generate energy. A research project at Cologne University of Applied Sciences has now developed a new synthesis method that can be used to produce menthol for the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries. In the long term, this could replace the synthetic petroleum-based menthol used to date. "Turpentine oil is produced during paper production when wood fibers are overcooked. At the headquarters of our partner UPM Kymmene alone, this amounts to several 10,000 tons per year, which are then thermally recycled or converted into biodiesel. When considering alternative uses, we focused on the chemical compound 3-carene, which makes up around 30 percent of the oil and from which menthol can be produced. A major challenge here is separating the oil into its components," explains project leader Prof. Dr. Matthias Eisenacher from the Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences at TH Koln. Separation column and nanofiltration In order to extract the 3-carene from the turpentine oil, the project partners set up an approximately eight meter high separation column on a pilot plant scale at the Deutz campus. All components were custom-made in the workshop at TH Koln. "In our plant, so-called rectification takes place; a thermal separation process that separates the components of the liquid according to their boiling points. This is particularly difficult with turpentine oil because the boiling points of the individual substances are close together," explains research assistant Katharina Gobel from the Institute of Plant and Process Engineering at TH Koln. The institute also investigated whether the oil can also be broken down into its components using organic nanofiltration and tested various commercial plastic membranes for this purpose. "This process has been little researched for organic solutions and is characterized by a relatively complex interaction between the starting substance, the valuable material and the membrane. We were able to achieve good results and prove that this process is a useful addition to rectification in order to obtain other substances in addition to the 3-carene," says Gobel. For example, alpha and beta-pinene were dissolved from the turpentine oil - organic hydrocarbon compounds that are used in medical applications, for example. Synthesis in just a few steps The chemical synthesis of 3-carene into menthol was developed in parallel. "It was particularly important to us that our process could also be realistically implemented in industry. We therefore wanted to get by with as few synthesis steps as possible and only use commercially available methods and plant components," says Eisenacher. Ultimately, the researchers need four steps, i.e. individual chemical transformations, to produce menthol. The first three steps are already practicable with a yield of 90 percent and more. "Despite all the optimization, the last step only achieves a yield of 65 percent. Further research is needed here, for example on the use of enzymes," says Eisenacher. According to an exclusive report, Barron Trump did not appear in Greenwich Village for the start of the fall semester at New York University. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts across NYU's main campus failed to produce any sign of the youngest son of President Donald Trump on the first day of classes. NYU's sprawling global network includes degree-granting campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, as well as domestic outposts in downtown Brooklyn and Washington, D.C., in addition to numerous learning centers, including one in Los Angeles. According to multiple campus security sources speaking to People, Barron could be studing in any of them, as the only son of the president and the first lady Melania Trump has quietly relocated his studies to a different NYU site. A campus security officer reportedly told the magazine that "he's doing a semester at another NYU campus," but declined to share which. While Stern's International Business Exchange Program is technically an option, it's typically reserved for juniors and seniors, not sophomores like Barron. This abrupt absence caps a summer spent far from sunbathing: the 19-year-old reportedly divided his time between Trump family properties, wrestling with tech ventures, business planning, and grooming fledgling enterprise deals. Numerous sources told People that "Barron has been actively working on his own financial interests and has spent time with others who he is involved with in that area," and has been spending a "great deal of time" with his family. According to insiders, First Lady Melania Trump continues managing his well-being with purpose, keeping him close at Trump Tower in Manhattan, after moving there from West Palm Beach, Florida, last year. Campus housing, apparently, wasn't "in the stars" for Barron "at this point." According to a "political source," the First Lady allegedly "watches Barron constantly in an effort to be sure nobody messes with him or bullies him, as this is a constant worry with her," and that "She always knows where he is and what he's doing." Barron's decision coincides with rising public intrigue about his public persona. Recent profiles reveal that he remains private, even as he quietly garners influence. New York Magazine portrays him as a silent yet potent presence, standing at a staggering 6 feet 9 inches. He contributed to his father's second-term campaign strategy by advising on younger male audiences and influencer outreach. He reportedly organized high-profile visits by Kick streamers Adin Ross and Felix "xQc" Lengyel to Mar-A-Lago and a podcast interview with the YouTube pranksters, the NELK Boys, all while maintaining privacy and avoiding spectacle. Originally published on Latin Times Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Kyler Nixon A district court has mandated that New York State pay more than $817,000 in attorneys fees to resolve a lawsuit challenging a statewide ban on carrying firearms in places of worship. In 2022, His Tabernacle Family Church, led by Pastor Micheal Spencer, filed a suit against the state over a law that restricted firearms in specific areas, including church properties. The United States District Court for the Western District of New York issued an order on Tuesday, requiring the state to cover $817,636.50 in attorneys fees along with $7,166.60 in additional costs. U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra Jr., a Trump appointee, authored the ruling, stating that the facts and circumstances of this case justify granting Plaintiffs request in full. Indeed, this is the type of rare and important case with broader implications in terms of the state of the law that justify the most highly specialized and highly qualified counsel irrespective of geography, Sinatra wrote. His Tabernacle Family Church and Pastor Spencer were represented by First Liberty Institute (FLI), along with the law firms of Clement & Murphy PLLC and Ganguly Brothers PLLC. We applaud the courts decision to grant attorneys fees in full, said FLI Senior Counsel Jeremy Dys in a statement to The Christian Post. The court recognized the dedication to and expertise in the defense of the First Amendment by His Tabernacles legal team and reminds lawmakers that it is expensive to ignore the clear guidance of the U.S. Supreme Court. This decision confirms what Congress intended: if the government violates the civil rights of Americans, you will pay their attorneys. In July 2022, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Concealed Carry Improvement Act, which among other provisions, required applicants for concealed carry licenses to demonstrate good moral character and prohibited concealed carry in sensitive locations, including church sanctuaries. The church and Pastor Spencer filed their lawsuit in November 2022, with Judge Sinatra ruling against the state and declaring that New Yorks law infringed upon the U.S. Constitution. In December 2023, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued a comprehensive opinion on four cases challenging the ban, all of which were decided in favor of the plaintiffs. It's hard to see how the law advances the interests of religious organizations, as a whole, by denying them agency to choose for themselves whether to permit firearms, the appeals court panel concluded. Last month, the Family Research Council published its latest "Hostility against Churches in the United States" report, revealing that in the previous year, there were 415 reported hostile acts targeting churches across 43 states, impacting 383 houses of worship. Home News Abortion rule blocked from being enforced against US Conference of Catholic Bishops A federal judge has barred the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from enforcing a workplace rule that requires employers to accommodate abortion-related procedures against the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The ruling will remain in effect while a larger legal challenge against the rule proceeds. The order, issued on Wednesday by Judge David Joseph, prohibits the EEOC from enforcing its final regulation against the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and other Catholic entities in ways that would compel them to act against their religious beliefs. The ruling also blocks the agency from initiating investigations into these institutions for refusing to support procedures such as abortion, surrogacy or in vitro fertilization. The injunction replaces an earlier order that had provided narrower relief, protecting the bishops only from enforcement in cases where an abortion was deemed elective. Under the earlier ruling, the EEOC could still have required accommodations for abortions linked to common medical conditions during pregnancy, such as anxiety or nausea, according to the complaint. Attorneys at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Catholic groups, argued that the rules made it so employers couldn't enforce "life-affirming workplace policies and practices against employees who choose to obtain an abortion," nor could the employers "communicate about pro-life beliefs in ways that 'interfere' with abortion accommodations, and must censor some forms of pro-life employee speech." The current order grants larger protection, exempting the Catholic plaintiffs from complying with the regulation entirely where it contradicts Catholic teachings. The rule in question was issued by the EEOC in 2024 under the regulatory framework of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a law signed by former President Joe Biden earlier that year. The law mandates that employers provide reasonable accommodations for limitations arising from pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, but does not mention abortion. In its implementation of the law, however, the EEOC included abortion, along with other procedures such as IVF and surrogacy, as qualifying medical conditions. The regulation included only limited religious exemptions, available on a case-by-case basis, after an accommodation request had already been denied. Legal counsel for the bishops said the lawsuit is not a challenge to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act itself, as the objection is to EEOC "overreach," Becket Fund Vice President Daniel Blomberg told Catholic News Agency. Blomberg said the EEOC had previously agreed not to enforce the mandate against the bishops, but the agency resisted a court-ordered injunction. The new order, he said, "memorializes the agreement" and gives the plaintiffs formal legal protection. The bishops' legal challenge is currently being heard in multiple courts. Their case against the abortion provision is pending before the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, while related objections to accommodation mandates involving contraception, IVF and surrogacy are before a federal district court. Blomberg said the bishops are also contesting the idea that the law requires abortion-related accommodations at all. He warned that enforcement would force religious workplaces to revise their internal policies in conflict with their moral positions. He also noted that under the rule, even pro-life expressions by employees could potentially be treated as coercive or discriminatory speech, exposing employers to legal risk. A violation of the rule could result in court-ordered injunctions or monetary damages, as would be the case in other employment discrimination lawsuits. Home News Calif. lawmaker blames 'misinformation' for backlash over bill news outlet derides as 'Christian-right panic' A controversial California bill that would allow nearly any adult to take custody of a child without alerting parents or the child's guardian is moving forward despite protests from Evangelicals. Assembly Bill 495, titled the Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025, would expand the definition of a caregiver to include nonrelative extended family members, defined as any adult caregiver who has an established familial or mentoring relationship with the child, or who has an established familial relationship with a relative of the child. In turn, any caregiver would be allowed to take custody of a child by merely handing over a signed affidavit to school or childcare staff. Last week, the California Senate Appropriations Committee voted 5-2 to send AB 495 to the Senate floor for a vote. If passed, the bill would then head to Gov. Gavin Newsoms office. Parental rights group California Family Council (CFC) said the bills author, Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez, D-San Fernando, has amended the Caregivers Authorization Affidavit form within the bill three separate times to include the phrase, This form is not required to be notarized. While current law does not mandate notarization, requiring it would provide an additional safeguard. A notarized affidavit would ensure accountability, that the individual claiming authority over a child is, in fact, who they say they are, CFC said in a statement. Many institutions already require notarization for security reasons, but AB 495 is designed to stop them from doing so. In addition to the notarization clause, AB 495 added more than a dozen co-authors, including several members of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. Last month, Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills warned his congregation about AB 495 and rallied hundreds of supporters to Sacramento to protest the bill, which Hibbs Real Impact ministry called a dangerous bill that puts every child at risk. While Hibbs was cautiously optimistic after AB 495 was initially placed in suspense file late last month, which means that it's being held in committee until it passes a vote to be sent to the floor for debate and vote by all members of the chamber. The Christian Post reached out to Hibbs for comment about his ongoing efforts to oppose the bill and will update this article once a response is received. In her response to the CFC, Hibbs and others who oppose AB 495, Rodriguez appeared to endorse a San Francisco Chronicle article deriding their concerns about the bill as Christian-right panic. In an Aug. 25 press release headlined San Francisco Chronicle reporting dispels misinformation on AB 495, Rodriguez called those concerns simply false and dangerous. According to the lawmaker, AB 495 merely builds on existing caregiver affidavits in use in California for more than 30 years and ensures parents can designate trusted caregivers if they are detained or deported. The bill also affirms that parents keep full authority involving their child and can revoke these arrangements at any time, according to Rodriguez. No family should ever be torn apart because of [illegal] immigration enforcement or misinformation, she added. Rodriguez noted the support AB 495 has received from more than two dozen child welfare and immigrant advocacy groups, including the Alliance for Childrens Rights, the Childrens Law Center of California, California State PTA, and First 5 California. Last month, Hibbs told his congregation that the potential threat the bill would pose to child welfare is too serious to ignore. There's no requirement in the bill for the school to ask you if it's OK for them to take John out of school, said Hibbs. It allows an individual to obtain a new form that comes with the bill; they fill it out, and they can name a child. The bill does not require a background check for this man, requires no ID, no driver's license, no nothing. There's no requirement in the bill for the school to call you, to ask you if it's OK if John takes your daughter out of school. The pastor and founder of Real Impact said should the bill become law, he advises his church and Christians statewide to flee California. If this bill passes, I am going to ask you to leave the state of California, said Hibbs. You're gonna need to pack up and get out; you gotta get out. You gotta run with your kids. You gotta go. Home News An atmosphere of fear: California pastor details aftermath of the Los Angeles anti-ICE protests, clashes The Paramount community of Los Angeles County, California, gained national headlines on June 7 when large protests ensued in response to a raid by immigration enforcement officials. Brian Warth, founder and lead pastor of Chapel of Change Christian Fellowship, a multisite church with a campus a few blocks away from the Home Depot, witnessed the events and even suffered the effects of tear gas. Immigration law enforcement agents gathered at a local Home Depot before conducting raids, with law enforcement and protesters clashing throughout the day. In an interview with The Christian Post on Monday, Warth recounted how he had received reports that something was going on by our church, which was scheduled to hold an evening service that night. Warth decided to check it out, bringing along two of his three children, daughters who were aged 14 and 11. When he got there, he saw that the streets were blocked off, and there [were] a lot of police officers. As he and his daughters parked near the commotion and were getting a closer look, Warth recalled how out of nowhere, flashbangs were deployed, and tear gas was deployed, and people started running. I found myself with my kids, my young daughters, running from the flashbangs as well as the tear gas, and we ran in the direction of our church because our church was nearby, Warth said. While they ran from the chaos, one of Warths daughters yelled that her eyes were burning. When he turned around, Warth saw a wall of tear gas that was coming our way, and it hit us. From there, things erupted even more, he continued. There was major unrest, and violence erupted; cars were set on fire and, riot police were called in, and there was a standoff between the community and riot police. And from there, the National Guard was deployed. Chapel of Change ended up canceling their Saturday evening service due to authorities blocking off the street, with confrontations between rioters and police continuing through the evening. A fear of the unknown The following Sunday morning, Chapel of Change held its regular worship services, with Warth posting a video to Facebook informing the congregation that the streets were clear. Despite Sunday morning worship going as planned, Warth said there remained an atmosphere of fear in the air and uncertainty in the air. According to him, a neighboring Spanish congregation opted to cancel their worship in response. For its part, Chapel of Change has a Spanish-language service, which was still held on Sunday. But Warth and church leadership changed the format of the gathering to be a prayer service in which attendees were praying for peace and praying against anxiety and worry. Days later, at a city council meeting where his wife and Chapel of Change co-Pastor Laura Warth gave the invocation prayer, Brian Warth recalled hearing many locals denounce the situation. In that meeting, we heard the cries and the anger and the frustration of the community, he said. Many people testified about how they were caught up in what was going on just because they were driving by or they were at the Home Depot driving away and tear gas filled their cars, or somebody else will testify that they got shot with rubber bullets. Even as the violence dies down, Warth told CP, there is a fear of the unknown that persists as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents continue to raid various locations in our communities and [arrest] people. Its just pretty wild to see all these raids, said Warth. With federal agents that have masks on and theyre in plain clothes and unmarked cars and theyre jumping out on car washes and arresting people. Whole cities need to be healed Since taking office, President Donald Trump has ratcheted up enforcement of immigration law, including a wave of ICE raids targeting individuals who entered the country illegally. Some have defended these measures as necessary to properly enforce the laws on the books and to secure communities from violent offenders who should have been deported long ago. Others, among them Virgil Walker of G3 Ministries, have defended the Trump administrations response to the Los Angeles riots, which involved deploying the National Guard despite objections from state and local officials. When President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops and placed 500 Marines on prepared to deploy status, he wasnt escalating the situation he was fulfilling governments biblical mandate to bear the sword against evildoers, wrote Walker in a column published by CP. The deployment sends a clear message: The rule of law still means something in America. Federal officers will be protected. Criminal behavior will have consequences. The safety of law-abiding citizens will not be sacrificed on the altar of political correctness. Regarding the need for law and order amid protests and illegal immigration, Warth told CP that as Christians, we value the police officers and we value them that are in authority and we honor them. At the same time, as pastors, were seeing the fear in the average person in society, and were seeing people afraid to go to work, or afraid to go to school, were seeing families being separated, Warth said. Warth believes that it was a complex balance to strike because ... were not against violent people being arrested and being taken off the streets. Were for a peaceful society. But at the same time, our heart breaks to see the fear in the society and the people being separated from their [families,] he added. Yes, we honor the law and we honor police officers, we value them, we pray for them, at the same time, were here to help broken families, and broken people and people that are [negatively] affected by whats going on. Its not just immigrants that are affected by this. Whole cities are affected by this. Neighbors, you know, are affected by this. Whole cities need to be healed, and we believe as Christians that we have the solution to anxiety and the solution to brokenness, which is No. 1, the Lord Jesus Christ, and No. 2, the love of God to spread over people that helps heal their hearts of fear and anxiety. Home News CCM artist John Mark McMillan announces final tour: Its been a beautiful 20 years Christian music artist John Mark McMillan has announced that he will retire from full-time touring after his upcoming fall tour. In a public message, he said it was time for a new chapter in his life. McMillan, known for his contributions to contemporary Christian music over two decades, said the tour that began last week will be his last, at least for the foreseeable future. This will be my last tour, he wrote on Facebook, where he shared his plans to transition away from music as a full-time career, adding, At least for a while. McMillan cited multiple reasons for the decision, including a desire to pursue writing, mentor younger artists and focus on local creative projects. I want to write books, pour into a new generation of creatives abroad, and focus on local projects, he said in his announcement. He also addressed the financial strain of working in an industry where music has, in his words, little or no monetary value. I know what youre thinking: yes, the stress related to the economy and the current state of the music industry is a significant factor. Money has never been my primary motivation, but the financial burden of living in a world where music has little or no monetary value has made it hard to find a sustainable model, he wrote. McMillan clarified that his announcement was not a plea for sympathy. I understand your life is stressful too, but after 20 years, I have a chance to step away from some of the stress, he said. The fall tour began last Wednesday in Cincinnati, Ohio, and will include stops in 15 cities, ending in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sept. 21. Other cities on the schedule include Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Richmond, Charleston, Wilmington, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Asheville, Greenville and Mount Vernon. Although McMillan will no longer tour full time, he said he will still perform occasionally, possibly joining friends for select events or shows next year. He assured his listeners that music will remain a part of his life. The announcement has prompted widespread responses from fans and fellow musicians. Citizens, the band touring with McMillan this fall, commented, Honored to be on the last ride with you, man. Lets rip it up, Church Leaders reported. Kings Kaleidoscope posted a series of heart emojis in response. Fellow artist Matt Kearney thanked McMillan for their time together on stage, writing, Love you brother. Youre a special person with special ideas about music and the creator of it all. McMillans departure from touring marks the end of a career that began in 2002 with the release of his first album, Hope Anthology, Volume 1, and continued with The Song Inside: The Sounds of Breaking Down in 2005. The latter included the track How He Loves, later covered by the David Crowder Band. That cover earned a Dove Award nomination in 2010. In 2014, McMillan co-founded Lionhawk Records with Josh Lujan Loveless. The labels first release was Borderland, a project funded through a Kickstarter campaign that exceeded its goal and eventually reached No. 4 on Billboards Top Christian Albums chart. Throughout his career, McMillan released several independent albums and built a strong following in Christian music circles. He often collaborated with his wife, Sarah Kathryn McMillan. On social media, McMillan thanked his supporters and invited them to attend one of his final shows. Its been a beautiful 20 years, and you guys have been the best part, he wrote. His post has received thousands of interactions, with fans sharing memories and messages of encouragement. Home News Dallas megachurch selects new senior pastor ahead of centennial celebration Highland Park Presbyterian Church introduces Rev. Thomas Daniel A Dallas-area megachurch has chosen a new senior pastor nearly two years after the sudden passing of former pastor Bryan Dunagan. Following a unanimous recommendation from the Pastor Nominating Committee and a congregational vote, Highland Park Presbyterian Church (HP Pres) announced Sunday it has elected the Rev. Thomas Daniel as its new senior pastor, marking a new chapter for the nearly century-old congregation. In a heartfelt letter to the congregation Sunday, Daniel expressed his gratitude and excitement for the calling and said he was humbled and honored to be HP Pres new pastor. As my wife, Beth, and I met with the Pastor Nominating Committee, prayed about this opportunity, and sat with trusted friends and mentors who have guided us, it has become abundantly clear that God is calling us to join you all in Dallas and we are filled with gratitude and excitement for what the Lord has in store! wrote Daniel. Serving as senior pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin for nearly 12 years, Daniel also brings over 25 years of ministry experience as a preacher, leader and pastor. As a native of Atlanta, he holds degrees from Davidson College, Columbia Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity), and a Doctor of Ministry. His wife, the Rev. Beth Daniel, serves with The Ministry Collaborative, a national leadership development organization for pastors. The couples two daughters, Miriam Grace and Hannah Joy, are students at Baylor University. Reflecting on his connection to HP Pres, Daniel said, Your congregation has been close to my heart for many years and has certainly been in my prayers since Bryan Dunagans death. Bryan was a good friend of mine for almost 20 years, starting when we were both Associate Pastors in Atlanta. I understand the honor of following him as the Senior Pastor of Highland Park Presbyterian Church. Sharing his vision for HP Pres, Daniel said his earlier ministry experience would greatly inform his time at HP Pres. I have planted a congregation and witnessed the amazing ways that God engages new generations when we think creatively about how to share the Gospel, he said. I have been blessed to serve a vibrant and growing multi-generational congregation where we have experienced the Holy Spirit leading us to become a Love Letter from God to our neighbors. I am grateful for the ways that God has been faithful throughout the various chapters of my life, and I believe that each of these chapters have prepared me to join you all in ministry and mission. Founded in 1926, HP Pres, a member of the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECO), has spent the last two years searching for a new senior pastor following the unexpected loss of Dunagan, who died in his sleep in October 2023 at age 44. Dunagan, who led the 5,500-member HP Pres for nine years, left behind his wife, Ali, and their three children. Dunagan was remembered as a gifted communicator and a humble servant leader whose passion for sharing the Gospel transformed thousands of lives. His legacy includes planting community churches like Peak Street Church, Grace Church Lake Highlands and Good Shepherd Oak Cliff. A January 2024 statement from HP Pres provided additional context about Dunagans death, including that he was taking Tramadol, a pain reliever, for a knee injury, while also on a low dosage amount of sertraline, a generic version of the anti-anxiety drug Zoloft. According to the statement, an autopsy later found a combination of alcohol and the two commonly prescribed medicines, in their regular therapeutic amounts, resulted in a completely unexpected and unintentional cardiac and/or pulmonary event/reaction which led to Dunagans death. Now, with Daniel as its new pastor, HP Pres prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2026 - a milestone which Daniel says is the perfect time to reflect on the churchs legacy. For almost 100 years, God has blessed HP Pres in many ways, he said. This is a congregation known for its dynamic commitment to the Gospel, to mission, to being an intergenerational church family, and to Christian leadership around the world. The search for a new pastor was a year-long process guided by prayer and discernment, said Kelsey Phillips, co-moderator of the Pastor Nominating Committee. After more than a year of prayer, discernment, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our church is thrilled to welcome Rev. Dr. Thomas Daniel as our new senior pastor, said Phillips. We believe Thomas love for Jesus, his heart for people, and his visionary leadership will equip him to lead HP Pres faithfully into its second century of ministry. Cross-Party UK Parliamentarians to mark National Day National Day will once again see a cross-party delegation of Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords arrive in Gibraltar on a working visit. The delegation will have the opportunity to discuss current affairs in a briefing with the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister. This will include discussions on the proposed Gibraltar treaty between the United Kingdom and the European Union. The UK MPs will also participate in a number of events to mark Gibraltar National Day, including the political rally at Casemates. The delegation will be led by the Chair of the All-Party Group on Gibraltar Amanda Martin MP. It will include representation from the Labour Party, the Conservative Party, the Liberal Democrats, the Ulster Unionists and Crossbenchers. The visiting Parliamentarians will be: Amanda Martin MP (Labour) APGG Chair Matt Bishop MP (Labour) Martin Vickers MP (Conservative) Lord Brady (Conservative) Baroness Hooper (Conservative) Lord Kempsell (Conservative) Edward Morello MP (Liberal Democrats) Lord Rogan (Ulster Unionist Party) Baroness Bulter-Sloss (Crossbencher) In addition to the above, former Conservative MP and chair of the APPG Sir Bob Neill will be formally bestowed with the Freedom of the City of Gibraltar by the Deputy Mayor today, Monday. Home News Homeschool mom must enroll son in accredited school; Brazilian court upholds $20K in fines A Brazilian state high court has ruled that a mother cannot homeschool her son and must enroll him in a recognised school, upholding fines imposed on her for non-compliance, a decision legal advocates argue violates international human rights law protecting parental rights in education. The ruling by the highest court in Santa Catarina rejected the appeal filed by Regiane Cichelero, a mother who began homeschooling her 12-year-old son in 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to close, according to the legal advocacy group ADF International, which supports the mother. The court ordered Cichelero to place her son in a formally accredited school and maintained fines amounting to about $20,000. Cichelero continued homeschooling even after schools reopened in March 2021, citing the quality of instruction and curriculum that she says wasn't consistent with her family's Christian values. Local authorities responded by imposing a $300 fine and a continuing penalty of $20 per day for each day her son remained unenrolled in a recognised school, potentially reaching $1,200. She stated that she was also threatened with the possibility of losing custody of her son if she did not comply with the state's education mandate. After her legal challenge failed in the state court, she announced plans to take her case to the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil. Cichelero described the outcome as "heartbreaking." "It is heartbreaking to be told that I cannot provide my son with the education I know is best for him. The state's decision not only punishes me with heavy fines but also strip me of the ability to raise my child according to my convictions. No parent should have to fear punishment for choosing the best education for their child." Julio Pohl, legal counsel for Latin America at ADF International, said the court's decision had failed her family and weakened legal protections for parents in the country. He cited Article 26.3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 13.3 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, both of which affirm the right of parents to choose the kind of education their children receive. Chichelero has said that she believes homeschooling her son is what is best for him and ensures that she can "impart our faith and values," which she says are "consistently challenged and undermined in Brazil's public school system." Over 70,000 children are homeschooled in Brazil, according to the National Association for Home Education, which collects data unofficially due to the absence of federal legislation. The lack of a national law has contributed to legal uncertainty for families choosing home education. In 2018, Brazil's Supreme Federal Court ruled that homeschooling was not unconstitutional. However, it held that specific legislation would be required to regulate it. No such law has been passed since the decision, leaving homeschooling families without clear legal protection. Home News Pastor Aaron Williams Jr. arrested for sex act in SUV with woman who is not his wife Aaron Williams Jr., an aspiring politician and pastor of Maddox Memorial Church of God in Christ in Mansfield, Ohio, is set to be arraigned in Mansfield Municipal Court on Tuesday after he was arrested in late August for allegedly engaging in a sex act with a woman who is not his wife in the back of an SUV at the Clearfork Reservoir Park. The Mansfield Police Department confirmed with The Christian Post on Monday that Williams was arrested for public indecency. But when contacted by CP, Williams denied he was arrested and alleged he was dealing with political persecution. "I wasn't arrested. It's politically motivated," Williams told CP before clamming up and insisting he would make no further comment. Last November, Williams made an unsuccessful run to become a Richland County commissioner while touting the work his ministry has done in the community. "Aaron is a pillar of the Mansfield community who has worked tirelessly through his ministry to make everyone he meets thrive," Richland Ohio Democrats noted on Instagram last October. "Aaron is dedicated to creating a positive future for the youth of our community and wants to use county resources to help curtail violence that has plagued our region. Aaron is an incredible advocate for the everyday needs of Richland County residents." On his church's website, Williams is presented as the son of the church's late pastor, a "devoted husband," "proud father of three beautiful daughters" and a Gulf War veteran who is deeply committed to his community. "Above all," states the church, "Pastor Williams lives to please God, serve His people, and inspire transformation in everyone he encounters." Records provided by the Mansfield Police Department show that at about 1:32 p.m. on Aug. 30, a patrol officer saw a grey 2022 Land Rover in Picnic Area #1 at Clearfork Reservoir Park. The officer saw Williams and a woman, CP has chosen not to identify because she is not a public figure, in the back seat of the vehicle, engaging in a sex act. Both of them were charged with public indecency. Williams took over the leadership of the church in September 2016 from his late father. Online broadcasts from the church on Sunday did not show him at his pulpit. When asked if he was still the pastor of the church, the 56-year-old said he had no further comment. In an earlier interview with The Roys Report, Williams said he never told anyone he was perfect and argued that his misconduct was being "blown out of proportion." "I'm not a villain. I know people jump on stuff like this because they always want to look for something that the church is wrong about," he told the news outlet. "I never said I was better than anybody or higher and mightier than anybody. I've never said I was holier than anybody." Williams told CP that he regrets making those comments to The Roys Report, insisting his words were being taken out of context, and questioned why the story was being covered by CP. When informed that the role of pastor is in a high public office in the context of the Church, he ended the interview after stating that: "Nobody can hold me more accountable than the Father, myself or my family." Home News Supreme Court orders rehearing of challenge to NY abortion mandate in light of new precedent The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered a lower court to rehear a case challenging New York state's mandate that employer-sponsored healthcare must cover abortions in light of its recent decision siding with a Catholic social services organization. In a decision Monday, the high court vacated and remanded to the New York Court of Appeals a judgment against a Roman Catholic diocese and other religious organizations challenging New York's abortion mandate in light of the court's unanimous ruling earlier this month in Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Comm'n. In the Catholic Charities Bureau decision, the justices ruled that Wisconsin could not deny the Catholic Charities Bureau of the Diocese of Superior's request for a religious exemption to an unemployment insurance program because state officials thought its work was too secular. Specifically, Wisconsin officials thought that because much of the work Catholic Charities engages in was secular in nature, it did not qualify as a religious organization. The U.S. Supreme Court's remand in Diocese of Albany v. Harris reflects the fact that the Catholic Charities Bureau decision has now become a binding precedent. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which represented the plaintiffs in the challenge to the abortion mandate, noted in a statement the New York state mandate initially included an exemption for all employers with religious objections. However, the mandate was amended so that only employers with a specifically religious mission could qualify for the exemption. Since the plaintiff organizations serve all people, regardless of their faith, New York courts sided against them. In 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the New York Court of Appeals to rehear the case in light of its decision in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia. The Supreme Court's Fulton ruling determined that the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, could not exclude a Catholic charity from its foster program because of its objection to placing foster children with same-sex couples. The New York Court of Appeals continued to side against the religious organizations challenging the abortion mandate even after the Supreme Court's order, prompting the matter to go before the justices again. Becket Vice President and Senior Counsel Eric Baxter reacted to the Supreme Court's latest decision on the matter on Monday. "New York wants to browbeat nuns into paying for abortions for the great crime of serving all those in need," he lamented. "For the second time in four years, the Supreme Court has made clear that bully tactics like these have no place in our nation or our law. We are confident that these religious groups will finally be able to care for the most vulnerable, consistent with their beliefs." Noel Francisco, partner-in-charge of the Washington, D.C. office of the law firm Jones Day, which also represented plaintiffs, said religious groups "should not be forced to provide insurance coverage that violates their deeply held religious beliefs." "We are confident that New York will finally get the message and stop discriminating against religious objectors,' Francisco stated. Home News Episcopal seminary fires president over 'inappropriate relationship with an employee' A Texas seminary affiliated with The Episcopal Church has dismissed its dean and president over an "inappropriate relationship with an employee." The board of trustees for the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin voted last week to immediately remove Scott Bader-Saye from his position, having been elected to the office the year before. Diocese of Texas Bishop C. Andrew Doyle and board chair the Rev. Kathryn Ryan stated in a letter sent to seminary alumni and friends that Bader-Saye was terminated "following his admission of developing an inappropriate relationship with an employee with whom he was in a supervisory relationship." "The behavior violates the professional standards required of all employees of the Seminary by the Personnel Handbook and the Safeguarding God's People policies included therein, and of the faculty by the Faculty Handbook," Ryan and Doyle wrote. "As Dean and President, he was responsible for abiding by those policies himself, as well as ensuring they were upheld by all members of the community and responding appropriately when they were not." The letter noted that the board "is looking for a short-term Acting Dean preparatory to calling an Interim Dean to serve during a search process." "I know that this news will be unsettling individually and collectively," they continued. "I invite you to join me in prayer for all those affected, especially for our students, faculty, and staff." "We place our trust in God's deep love and power to heal. Know that we are providing pastoral resources for the community and for individuals in the coming days and weeks." Founded in 1952 to educate priests after World War II, Seminary of the Southwest has seen over 1,475 graduates serve in 50 states and 25 countries. Today, it has an enrollment of over 100. In May 2024, Bader-Saye was unanimously elected by the board of trustees to serve as dean and president of Southwest, taking office on July 1, 2024, and being installed in January. Bader-Saye had joined the faculty in 2009, serving as the Helen and Everett H. Jones Chair in Christian Ethics and Moral Theology and as academic dean since 2013. He succeeded the Very Rev. Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, who concluded her term as dean and president on June 30, 2024, which had been announced in October of 2023. In a statement released at the time of his election, Bader-Saye said that "I am grateful to work alongside the amazing faculty and staff of this institution." "I have no doubt that we will continue the significant momentum that the seminary has built in recent years, and I look forward to navigating the opportunities and challenges that will come our way," he stated. Home News The Evangelical movements center has shifted to the Global South, researchers say The question of who qualifies as an Evangelical and how many Evangelicals exist worldwide continues to puzzle scholars, church leaders and mission researchers alike. That was the central theme of a Sept. 2 webinar hosted by the World Evangelical Alliance and released publicly Sept. 5, featuring two leading voices in global religious demography. Dr. Gina A. Zurlo, editor of the World Christian Database and a lecturer at Harvard Divinity School, and Jason Mandryk, longtime editor of Operation World, outlined both the difficulties and the necessity of measuring a movement that is increasingly diverse and shifting rapidly toward the Global South. Both experts agreed that unlike Catholicism, Orthodoxy or even Pentecostalism, evangelicalism has no universally agreed-upon definition. This makes the task of counting adherents unusually complex. Yet, they stressed, reliable figures are crucial for understanding how Christianity is changing worldwide. Mandryk opened with a blunt assessment: There is no such thing as the Evangelical. The word, he said, carries multiple meanings depending on context. Within churches, it may indicate theological commitments to the authority of Scripture, personal conversion and evangelistic activism. In secular contexts, particularly in Western media and politics, it is often used pejoratively conjuring images of anti-science attitudes, stubbornness or partisan identity. Virtually nobody is using it exactly the same way, Mandryk said. And most people arent bothering to try to understand how others are using it. Zurlo echoed the problem, noting that while you know what a Catholic is, or a Presbyterian, or a Pentecostal, the term Evangelical remains squishy. For her, this ambiguity is not necessarily a weakness but a sociological reality that demands more descriptive approaches rather than rigid definitions. Why numbers matter Both speakers emphasized that counting Evangelicals is not about making eternal judgments on salvation. We are not God, Zurlo said. Instead, the aim is to track demographic shifts that profoundly influence the shape of global Christianity. Christianity and evangelicalism look fundamentally different than they did a generation ago, she said. And each generation it changes especially with the shift of Christianity to the Global South. Mandryk added that evangelicalism has been among the most significant forces shaping Christianity in the modern era for good and for ill. Its global reach has unified Christians in mission and prayer, but also divided them through disputes over doctrine, politics and culture. Quantifying the movement, he said, is one way to understand its impact. Operation Worlds method: the Bebbington Quadrilateral For Operation World, the starting point is historian David Bebbingtons influential description of evangelicalism, often referred to as the Bebbington Quadrilateral. This framework highlights four central traits. The first is biblicism, a conviction that the Bible holds supreme authority in matters of faith and practice. The second is crucicentrism, a focus on the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross as the heart of the gospel message. The third is conversionism, the belief that every individual must personally experience new birth and transformation through faith in Christ. Finally, the fourth is activism, which stresses that genuine faith should be lived out in action, particularly through evangelism and engagement in social causes. Mandryk said his team applies these criteria to denominations in every country, examining statements of faith, practices and affiliations. They also consult national leaders and researchers to ensure local realities are reflected. This approach yields an estimate of more than 700 million Evangelicals worldwide. Importantly, it acknowledges overlap with Pentecostal and charismatic traditions, which in some contexts are virtually indistinguishable from evangelicalism and in others only partially aligned. World Christian Databases threefold model Zurlo presented a different framework, developed over nearly two decades of research. Rather than lean on theological definitions, the World Christian Database applies social-scientific categories to what she calls wider evangelicalism. This model has three layers: Type 1: Denominational affiliation Churches formally affiliated with Evangelical councils or organizations, yielding about 393 million adherents. Already, nearly half are in Africa. Type 2: Pentecostals and charismatics Added to Type 1, this expands the total to 635 million. Scholars broadly agree that Pentecostals share Evangelical emphases on personal piety, conversion and Scripture, even if they differ on certain doctrines. Type 3: Majority world Protestants Encompassing mainline Protestants in the Global South, black Protestant churches in the U.S., and movements like Chinese house churches that cannot affiliate formally but display Evangelical traits. This adds 302 million. Taken together, these three categories produce a striking figure: 937 million Evangelicals worldwide nearly one in eight people on the planet. The challenge of contested boundaries Zurlo illustrated how contested the category can be with examples from around the world. In Brazil, she noted, the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God is one of the largest neo-Pentecostal movements, claiming millions of members across more than 200 countries. It emphasizes salvation, piety and Scripture but is also associated with prosperity teaching and controversial financial practices. When Zurlo and her colleagues asked Brazilian pastors how Evangelical the Church was, answers ranged from 0% to 100%. Similarly, African-American Protestant churches in the U.S. often align closely with Evangelical belief and practice but avoid the label due to its political and racial connotations. And in China, where both registered and underground churches cannot formally join Evangelical alliances, scholars estimate that anywhere from 50% to nearly 100% of congregations could reasonably be described as Evangelical. Who gets to decide? Zurlo asked. For her, such examples highlight the need to move away from strict definitions and toward family resemblances that describe overlapping traits across diverse contexts. Converging conclusions despite different methods While Operation World and the World Christian Database use different approaches, both lead to the same overarching conclusion: evangelicalism is no longer centered in the West. Mandryk noted that by around 1980, Evangelicals had already become a Global South majority. Today, 70% of the worlds population has been born into a reality where evangelicalism is primarily African, Asian and Latin American. The stereotypes that dominate headlines white, Western, English-speaking, politically conservative are not what evangelicalism looks like globally, he said. Evangelicals are Zulu, Chinese, Brazilian, Filipino. And that diversity is something to celebrate. Zurlos figures underscore the same point. In her widest definition, 47% of Evangelicals are in Africa, 26% in Asia and only 11% in North America. The country with the largest Evangelical population, she said, is no longer the United States but China. For both scholars, the demographic transition calls for humility and attentiveness. Western Christians, long accustomed to defining the contours of Evangelical identity, must now recognize that the demographic majority lies elsewhere. Its not people who look like me who should be defining the identity markers of Evangelical belief and practice, Zurlo said. Its Asians, Africans, Latin Americans, and islanders who now represent the demographic center of the movement. Mandryk echoed this perspective, emphasizing that the Evangelical movements diversity mirrors the diversity of the global Church itself. The body of Christ is incredibly diverse, he said. Evangelicalism is equally diverse in geography, theology and practice. That is something to embrace. Between 393 million and 937 million So, how many evangelicals are there? The answer, according to Zurlo, falls somewhere between 393 million and 937 million, depending on how the term is defined. That wide range may be unsatisfying, she admitted, but it reflects the reality of a movement that defies neat categorization. For Mandryk, the exact figure is less important than what the diversity represents. All of these numbers are just attempts by researchers to describe what God is actually doing on the ground, he said. Both agreed that evangelicalism should be understood less as a bounded category and more as a dynamic global family, united by shared resemblances rather than rigid definitions. Global evangelicalism is more diverse than you think, Zurlo concluded. And yet we can all find our place in it. Thats its strength, not its weakness. This article was originally published by Christian Daily International. U.S. DOJ Investigates Alabama Discrimination, Netanyahu Dismisses Hamas, Meta And OpenAI Tackle Teen Chatbots link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:23 07:23 Top headlines for Monday, September 8, 2025 In this episode, we delve into the U.S. Department of Justice's investigation into allegations of discrimination by an Alabama city against a Christian addiction recovery nonprofit. We also cover the latest in international news as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responds to Hamas' statement on hostage releases. In the tech world, we explore how Meta and OpenAI are enhancing their chatbots to better address topics relevant to teenagers, including sensitive issues. Plus, we discuss a new study revealing how engaging with Scripture can strengthen Americans' sense of identity. 00:11 DOJ probes city's alleged discrimination of Christian nonprofit 01:04 Israel rejects Hamas offer to release hostages to end war 01:54 Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte removed 02:43 Meta, OpenAI to adjust chatbots to better handle sensitive topics 03:44 Frequent Bible readers have strongest sense of identity: Survey 04:41 Texas AG Paxton urges public schools to bring back Lord's Prayer 05:42 Light of the World fulfills filmmakers lifelong dream Home Opinion What do we do about the big, bad God of the Bible? From time to time, Ive heard atheists incorrectly try to refute that a creator God exists because of all the evil and suffering in the world. But as atheist Richard Dawkins says, thats flawed thinking: The problem of evil, to me, shouldnt be a real problem because you just say, Well theres an evil god, and so thats a lesser question. The thornier issue is the question of evil and a God thats supposedly infinitely benevolent and good. That, as Im sure you know, has been debated endlessly with lots of both real and digital ink spilled (see my latest discussion on it here). In that same vein has been the charge of skeptics who demand an explanation for a good God and all the various acts of violence that are recorded in the Bible, some of which God commanded. Dawkins addresses that issue in his book, The God Delusion, by saying he sees God as: Arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully. Atheist Charles Templeton piles on in his work Farewell to God: My Reasons for Rejecting the Christian Faith by writing (pg. 71): The God of the Old Testament is utterly unlike the God believed in by most practicing Christians His justice is, by modern standards, outrageous He is biased, querulous, vindictive, and jealous of his prerogatives. Hes joined by writer Robert Anton Wilson, who stated: The Bible tells us to be like God, and then on page after page it describes God as a mass murderer. Admittedly, there are some passages of Scripture that, on the surface, appear to depict God as being pretty ruthless. Take the Flood described in Genesis as one example: Behold, I, even I am bringing the flood of water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish (Gen. 6:17). Then we have Gods orders to Israel about the land He was giving them and the people who lived there; the Lord told Israel: You shall utterly destroy them you shall not leave alive anything that breathes. But you shall utterly destroy them (Deut. 7:2; 20:16). And lets not forget the overthrow of Jericho They [Israel] utterly destroyed everything in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox and sheep and donkey, with the edge of the sword (Joshua 6:21), and the end of Amalek: Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey (1 Sam. 15:3). These and other biblical episodes provoke the creators of evilbible.com to say: For far too long priests and preachers have completely ignored the vicious criminal acts that the Bible promotes. The so-called God of the Bible makes Osama Bin Laden look like a Boy Scout. This God, according to the Bible, is directly responsible for many mass-murders, rapes, pillage, plunder, slavery, child abuse and killing, not to mention the killing of unborn children. To quote Ace Ventura, Alrighty then. So, how do we respond to the supposedly big, bad God of the Bible? The biblical pattern of judgment Let me start by saying that in the short space I have here at CP, I cant provide the extensive reply needed to address everything above in detail. Ive written a lengthier article on this, which you can read if youre interested, and for a strong in-depth examination on the topic, please see Dr. Paul Copans book Is God a Moral Monster? For now, let me give you two things to think about. First, the overreaching claim made by some skeptics, like evilbible, of God promoting, commanding rape, etc., is way out of bounds. Yes, the Bible mentions rape, incest, polygamy, and other detestable things, but any reader of Scripture needs to understand that the Bible records many things of which it doesnt approve; describes many things that are not necessarily prescribed. Hopefully thats clear, but if you can find a verse that explicitly has God commanding rape, let me know. Second, when you look at nearly every major episode of Gods judgment falling upon certain peoples in Scripture, a clear pattern emerges. It begins with God declaring a very rare and grave form of judgment, handed down to stamp out a human kind of cancer. Far from being capricious, the future capital punishment judgment is publicly pronounced in response to extreme sin (e.g., The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave Gen. 18:20). Next, Gods terminal judgments are preceded by warnings and/or long periods of exposure to the truth and time to repent. Amalek, for example, was given 400 years by God to repent (Gen. 15:13-16). During the construction of the ark, which lasted at least 100 years, Noah is described as a preacher of righteousness (2 Pet. 2:5) to the people around him. When it came to Israels land conquests, any and all innocent adults were often given a path of escape with their families and provided a way to avoid judgment (expulsion from land was the most common judgment, not death). When it comes to sparing the innocent in general, in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah for example, Abraham asks if God would dare destroy good people with the bad, and begins to whittle down a hypothetical number of good people left in the city, starting with 50 and ending with 10, asking after each amount if God would still destroy the city if that particular number of good people resided within its walls (Gen. 18). If the people targeted for judgment repented, God relented, and His wrath was avoided. Cases such as Jonahs preaching at Nineveh (Jonah 3:10) and even individual cases like King Ahab avoided Gods judgment by repenting (1 Kings 21:2729). Lastly, someone is almost always saved (redeemed) from the evil culture God targets (e.g., Lot and his family, Noah and his). If this pattern of judgment seems familiar to you, it should. Its the same design found in the New Testament gospel of Christ, which is being played out right now with you and me. Far from the false caricature painted by critics of being a bloodthirsty and evil deity in the Old Testament, Gods character is consistent in both the Old and New, with it being summed up by Jonah who said: I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity (Jonah 4:2). But even when Gods judgment falls, it does so with a purpose. For example, Isaiah writes, At night my soul longs for You, indeed, my spirit within me seeks You diligently; for when the earth experiences Your judgments the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness (Is. 26:9). It would be nice if we could learn righteousness apart from Gods judgments, and in truth, thats part of the New Testament Gospel of Christ. We see His righteousness, understand our sin, and look to turn from it out of gratitude for His sacrifice, love, and forgiveness. Which makes Him about as far as you can get from a big, bad God of the Bible. Minister Arias-Vasquez to host GHA Public Meeting on 9th October 2025 The Minister for Health, Care and Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, has announced that the next GHA Public Meeting will take place on Thursday 9th October 2025, at 18:00hrs at the Mayors Parlour, City Hall. The agenda for the Public Meeting is as follows: 1. Welcome, Opening Remarks and Reflections GHA Director General, Kevin McGee 2. Opening Address Minister for Health, Care and Business 3. Presentation on Gibraltars New Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory delivered by Dr Roger Moore 4. Presentation on the Cervical Screening Programme and wider screening initiatives delivered by Dr Helen Carter 5. Q&A Session 6. Closing Remarks Director General 7. Closing Remarks Minister for Health, Care and Business Members of the public are encouraged to attend and take part in discussions about the GHAs latest initiatives, including key developments in cardiology and public health screening. Importantly, there will also be an opportunity for a Questions and Answers session from those in attendance. Seating will be limited and early arrival is recommended to avoid disappointment. If attendees have any specific requirements such as wheelchair access, hearing loop facilities, or other accessibility needs, they are asked to inform the GHA in advance by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: These meetings are an important part of ensuring that not only do we inform the public of developments in the GHA but also listen to what they have to say. I look forward to engaging directly with the community on the 9th October. Volkswagen Japan Sales (VJS) is an automobile company with 11 stores in the Tokyo metropolitan area, managed directly by Porsche Holding Salzburg, Europes largest automotive retail company. At VJS, employees use a range of devices to perform important tasks, from client management, quoting, ordering, vehicle management to parts management. Our stores are scattered across metro Tokyo, and with consideration to physical distance and the speed of information sharing, we would not be able to do our daily jobs without our devices, says VJS President Akihiko Nishida. However, information-storing devices face various problems such as server inaccessibility and freezing. Our IT staff had to go up against these unpredictable problems every day. President Nishida says time to repair is his highest priority: We respond to failures remotely, and sometimes we had to go in blind and test multiple ways to fix the problem because we were unable to immediately find the cause. Wed be able to respond more quickly if only we were able to grasp the situation more clearly. With the end of support for Windows 7 and the transition to Windows 10, a rebuilding of the entire support system, including the introduction of devices, came under consideration. The system at the time was managed by different vendors for each phase such as device manufacturer, implementation support and post-implementation help desk, President Nishida explains. As such, it was difficult to locate problems after the system was implemented. Not only that, two members of the IT team managed some 400 devices, and it was critical to visualize the entire system to reduce this burden. Creating a consolidated, easy-to-manage IT environment There were key criteria selected as part of renovating the system, President Nishida explains. The first point is the visibility of IT costs. Predictability of monthly and annual IT costs allows for more effective budget planning. The second point is the visibility of IT issues. We must identify the cause as soon as possible, increase response speed and reduce the burden on the IT team, he says. HP Services accurately provides proactive device health monitoring and analytics reporting. Implementing HP Device as a Service (DaaS) provided a complete solution, uniting devices, repair services and analytics into a single monthly agreement and provides a simple and easy-to-manage IT environment. President Nishida says the ease of management integrating HP Services proved critical: With HP DaaS, we were able to combine the different vendors for each phase into one enabling a streamlined lifecycle management. For IT staff, this is a great advantage. HP TechPulse reporting resulting from proactive device monitoring drastically improves device management visibility, says President Nishida: All device insights such as software performance, CPU/memory usage and device utilization can be viewed at a glance on the HP TechPulse dashboard. We can also immediately check the BIOS and Windows 10 update information for all devices, which helps us provide appropriate prompting updates and support to each employee, he says. With proactive device monitoring and analytics with HP TechPulse, President Nishida explains that IT can now not only rapidly respond to failures, but also predict and alleviate problems such as a battery or disk failure before they occur. We can take pre-emptive measures, such as backing up data or replacing a battery before performance declines. This type of intervention helps decrease stress for both employees and IT staff, and we can focus our abilities on more productive tasks, he says. And these hidden costs have greatly decreased. Business outcomes: Maintaining optimal device lifecycle HP Services provides consistent service in all phases of the device lifecycle. The same goes for the help desk and support systems after implementation. As part of the implementation of the HP DaaS solution, the VJS help desk also transitioned to Comture Network Corporation, as it partners easily with HP. As a help desk, we receive support not only for devices, but also for Microsoft Office and other information systems in general, President Nishida explains. After implementation, there were very few inquiries made to the help desk. I believe this is because, in addition to the high quality of the HP devices, the help desk has visibility to the analytics reporting by HP TechPulse to take preventive measures. President Nishida says the result is a device management process that is scalable, secure and more streamlined: Proactive device monitoring and data analytics through HP DaaS also created a robust support system including the help desk. We were able to streamline our operations. And when it comes to devices, HP notebooks are both durable and light enough to carry with ease. We have gotten closer to my ideal of streamlined devices and systems. Since our business is based on close cooperation with the headquarters in Germany and our Japanese subsidiaries, we cannot proceed with a system build on our own. We are, however, moving in the direction where all the necessary tools for the automotive business will be integrated into a single system to centralize information and extract the maximum benefit from the minimum number of devices. President Nishida says the engagement with HP DaaS reflects a broader shift of mindset within IT from owning to using. There is no doubt that the shift to cloud computing and subscriptions will continue to accelerate. Ideally, Id like to be able to manage a minimal number of devices and build an IT environment with only a monthly fee base. HP DaaS allows you to add or change services as needed, so you can always operate effectively in an IT environment matching your current situation. This, in turn, is leading to better service. Learn more at hp.com/hp-services Physical AI is transforming every industry, from manufacturing, where robots are already critical to factory lines that assemble devices, to agriculture, where autonomous tractors can till crops and use imaging data to harvest when ready. In retail settings, robots scan grocery aisles daily to give accurate updated inventory and restock shelves overnight. Meanwhile, the logistics industry has introduced robots that are able to retrieve, sort and package items for efficient and safe handling. The automotive industry continues to leverage Physical AI to move from driver-assisted cars to fully autonomous fleets that can be updated remotely. Now we face a key question: Do people trust physical AI? Only with trust can these futuristic capabilities become the norm rather than interesting use cases. Why were entering a new paradigm in robotics This world is possible because the physical AI learning curve continues to bend toward faster, better and cheaper developments. Synthetic training environments have become a less costly and less risky alternative to expensive physical experimentation while accelerating improvements. For example, Boston Dynamics Spot robot has achieved 87% accuracy in detecting objects in simulation, thanks to the help of synthetic training data from NVIDIAs Isaac Sim and Replicator. More companies are also turning to simulated environments for competitive advantage; for example, BMW invested 2 billion into a factory powered by a digital twin, aiming to accelerate development and improve planning efficiency by 30%. Robotics developers, on even the smallest teams, increasingly have access to rich physical world data thanks to world foundation models (WFMs), which offer an advanced starting point for new capabilities. Early pioneers like Figure AI and Agility Robotics are already demonstrating how well physical AI can integrate into different human environments. Major advances are happening in robotics software too: Orchestration models such as DeepMinds AutoRT have demonstrated how to control fleets of robots across different tasks with limited human intervention. In Europe, fleets of miniature robots are being trialed to help with search and rescue operations, navigating through collapsed buildings and piles of rubble to find people trapped underneath. No, I was going to say, sorry, I shouldn't have interrupted, but like, thank you, because that's such an insightful answer and we've never had that. Right. And I think it's probably relevant to everybody. I wonder, so many thoughts were going through my head while you were speaking just then, like, certainly it resonates. Right. And I think we're over a similar age. And I think, I wonder if working practices and cultures are a bit different now. So maybe it's possible to sort of come out of that earlier. I certainly think about, this is a very kind of specific example, but like the kind of pub culture of British business, like which I certainly enjoyed, like, but did mean that people to get on behaved in a certain way at a certain time kind of thing, which is definitely kind of gone away, which can only be a good thing. And I wonder if like the way we now are able to articulate, you know, diversity in kind of the way people are, neurodiversity allows for like people, myself included actually, to be able to. consciously think exactly what you said, which is really quite inspirational actually. I am going to be myself. I am enough kind of thing. Which doesn't mean that you're able to kind of, it's like the confusion people have between free speech and like being able to say whatever you like without consequences, right? You still have to adapt to an environment to a certain extent. But I do think it's a very healthy thing to say, but I am going to be me because I'm good enough for this scenario and situation. That's a really great answer and I appreciate you saying it. Yeah, the other question we like to ask at this time is that thing as you go through your career, as you're learning, as things happen, like I think we all have those moments where the things that we, know, fundamentals to us previously or just things we just thought we knew turn out not to be true. And I wonder if you have an example of that the first time you realise something you thought you knew might not actually be the case. Greg Finnigan ( .001) Yeah, no problem. Learning Disability Services Launches International Exchange with NUA Healthcare (Ireland) Gibraltar welcomes visitors from NUA Healthcare as part of a new exchange programme with Learning Disability Services. HM Government of Gibraltars Care Agency is pleased to host a group from NUA Healthcare, Ireland, arriving in Gibraltar today, 8 September 2025, for a three-day visit. This visit forms an integral component of the exchange initiative under our Learning Disability Services. Throughout their stay, the group, comprising six residents and their accompanying staff, will participate in a range of cultural and social activities tied to Gibraltars vibrant National Day celebrations. Service users from across Learning Disability Services are invited to join excursions and social events, creating opportunities for new friendships and meaningful connections. The exchange will also feature creative elements: the visiting group will produce three short documentaries capturing their Gibraltar experience, and they intend to establish sustained connections through a pen-pal exchange, via email or traditional post, with local residents. This initial visit is expected to open the door to opportunities for future exchanges, strengthening international links and broadening the experiences available to service users. The Minister for Health, Care and Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: I am very pleased to welcome NUA Healthcare to Gibraltar as part of this exchange programme. Initiatives such as these provide valuable opportunities for people within our Learning Disability Services to connect, share experiences, and take part in meaningful cultural exchanges. By Charlize D/Adobe A charity that protects alpacas and llamas has lost a 1.9m estate dispute after it was ruled that a legacy gift in a womans will should be shared with other animal organisations. British Camelids Limited had claimed that other charities noted in Candia Midworths will should not receive any money as she had used outdated names or charity numbers for some of them. Midworth died in April 2022 and wrote in her will in 1994 that she wished her estate to be left to British Camelids, the Brooke, the Born Free Foundation for its Zoo Check Project, the Libearty Campaign of World Society for the Protection of Animals (now World Animal Protection) and British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (now Cruelty Free International). In 1994 the Brooke, the Born Free Foundation, and World Society for the Protection of Animals were all unincorporated charities and later they all became incorporated. The original unincorporated charities transferred funds to the incorporated entities, which have new charity numbers, while Born Free continues its Zoo Check Project and World Animal Protection its Libearty work supporting bears. A sixth charity mentioned in Midworths will, Burstow Wildlife Sanctuary, no longer exists. British Camelids issued proceedings claiming that the original Brooke, Born Free, and World Society for the Protection of Animals no longer exist and therefore their shares in Midworth's estate should only pass to British Camelids Limited and Cruelty Free. But it was decided that even though the charity numbers referenced in her will are no longer in use, the existing charities carry out the same charitable purposes as their unincorporated predecessors did when Midworth made her will. British Camelids attempt to argue that Born Free and World Animal Protection do not carry out the work of the original campaigns was rejected. Regrettable legal action Paul Hewitt, partner and chair at law firm Withers, which was behind the case, said: The Brooke, the Born Free Foundation, and World Animal Protection all wish to record their gratitude to Ms Midworth for her generosity. We are delighted that the court has unequivocally upheld our argument that they are the same charities that Ms Midworth wanted to support when she made her will. It is regrettable that British Camelids considered it appropriate to try and exclude the other charities for its own gain (and at considerable cost). Master McQuail's judgment means that Ms Midworth's intentions will be upheld and that all the existing charities will benefit from her generosity. A spokesperson for British Camelids said: "British Camelids Ltd, as administrator of Mrs Midworths estate, was duty-bound to obtain a legal determination of the meaning of the words in her will, which were not clear-cut. The court has now made its determination which we are reviewing. "Mrs Midworth was a staunch supporter of British Camelids Ltd while she was alive. The charity is extremely grateful to have been thought of in her will. All the other charities have been contacted for comment. 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, Remember A Charity Today marks the start of Remember A Charity Week a national celebration of the power and impact of charitable gifts in wills, aiming to inspire more people to leave a legacy to the causes they care about. Although we work to grow legacy giving all year round, the week is a reminder of all that can be achieved when the sector comes together and puts its might behind a singular mission. It underscores just how important it is that we continue to champion the legacy message and engage new audiences in giving in this way. This years awareness week comes on the back of a record year for legacy giving, with 2024 seeing 4.5bn donated through peoples wills to 12,300 charities across the UK. While last years total was somewhat inflated by the improvements in performance by the probate registry, its an astounding sum that will no doubt have had a huge impact on a growing number of charities. And still, we know that the potential for legacy growth is far greater. Our benchmarking studies show that around twice as many people say they would be happy to leave a gift to charity in their will (40%) as those that have already done so (21%). This, coupled with the much-anticipated intergenerational wealth transfer from baby boomers makes legacies one of the most thriving and vital sources of voluntary income all so urgently needed. Bridging the gap between pledger and impact But we cant forget just how powerful too the act of leaving a legacy can be for the public and what a meaningful way of supporting good causes it is. Across the consortium, we hear stories from legacy pledgers of the way in which charities have touched their lives; giving them hope, purpose, care and joy. And thats why our consumer PR campaign this week centres on the theme of thanks, connecting the dots between beneficiaries of charitable services and those who have left a gift in their will. In their own words, beneficiaries will be saying thank you to those who have left a gift, building that bridge between pledger and impact. Its a simple but emotive concept and one that were looking forward to sharing throughout the week, with celebrity support from TV legend Johnny Ball and with many of our members showcasing their own individual beneficiary stories. This campaign runs in parallel with our Be Remembered consumer advertising programme, which is being broadcast on TV, radio and in select press, with digital ads running right through until December. And, as always, our consumer activity will be complemented with an activation campaign for professional advisers and partners, equipping solicitors, will-writers, wealth advisers and others with resources for opening conversation about charitable wills with their clients. If we have just one wish for the week, its that it will serve as a catalyst to accelerate legacy growth; inspiring more people to give, helping charities bolster their legacy fundraising and giving advisers and partners a timely reason to shine a spotlight on charitable causes. Driving change over the long-term An awareness week is indeed a powerful spur to engage new audiences, but our focus as a behavioural change campaign remains on the longer-term levers we can pull to drive legacy growth. This means activating our growing network of solicitors and will-writers, engaging wealth advisers as legacy advocates, and using our collective voice to influence the wider environment for charitable legacies, from fundraising standards and other sector issues to regulations further afield. Currently, key issues include exploring the impact on legacy giving of the impending inheritance tax (IHT) changes, which will see pension funds becoming taxable from April 2027. As a result, twice as many estates are estimated to be liable for IHT by 2030, meaning that the generous tax incentives on charitable gifts in wills will become all the more relevant and more attractive to more people . But, legacy pledgers (and others) may need to review their estate plans, and this is likely to add a new tier of complexity to estate management. With that in mind, well be contributing a joint response to the draft finance bill with the Institute of Legacy Management and Chartered Institute of Fundraising, seeking clarification and reporting back to the sector. Similarly, with the draft bill for a new Wills Act on the table, the foundations have been laid for a transition to fully electronic wills and well be keeping a close eye on the regulatory environment as it unfolds. Our overarching view is that greater accessibility for will-writing is to be welcomed, providing the right safeguards are in place, but that the charitable option needs to remain front of mind. Lets not forget that by making it easier for people to write a charity into their will, it may also be easier to remove beneficiaries, making supporter stewardship even more important for fundraisers in this new era. The legacy landscape will continue to evolve and thats where the agility, breadth and collaborative power of a consortium comes into its own. So, as we celebrate Remember A Charity Week, lets use this moment to strengthen the foundations for future growth and draw together to inspire more people to leave a charitable gift in their will. Civil Society Voices is the place for informed opinion, and debate about the big issues affecting charities today. Were always keen to hear from anyone, working or volunteering at a charity, who has something to say. Find out more about contributing and how to get in touch. is the place for informed opinion, and debate about the big issues affecting charities today. Were always keen to hear from anyone, working or volunteering at a charity, who has something to say. Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. At first glance, Ground News looks like any other news aggregator. The site displays a menu of trending news topics: Israel-Gaza, artificial intelligence, Donald Trump. In the feed below is a list of headlines. On the afternoon of Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the headline at the top of that list is Florida becomes first state to end all vaccine mandates for schools. But theres no news source attached to it. Instead, there is a blue, white, and red graph showing something Ground News calls bias distribution, and a handful of AI-generated bullet points. To find the sources for this headline, readers must click on it and then scroll down to a feed that lists news stories from outlets classified as left, right, or center. The Florida headline lists sixty-nine source articles, 55 percent of which are outlets in the center, such as CNBC, 37 percent left-leaning outlets like the AP, and 5 percent right-leaning, like the New York Post. Readers then have the option to click through to read the full articles. The site also assigns each outlet a factuality rating for how accurate and trustworthy it is as a source, though that feature is paywalled. The tagline of Ground News is See every side of every news story. It aggregates articles from more than forty thousand free and subscription outlets, then uses AI to publish a daily average of about thirty thousand summaries of news events from these articles. The idea is that by presenting a story as a synthesis of articles from outlets across the political spectrum, readers will be able to bypass the bias inherent in any one publication and see with clear, unmuddled eyes the information on the other side. When a news event happens, it passes through the prism of our media landscape and shatters into competing narratives, Harleen Kaur, a former aerospace engineer who is now cofounder and CEO of Ground News, wrote in an email. She added: After working in areas as complex as space exploration and jet engines, it struck me as unimaginable that we dont have a simple way to assess the facts about whats happening around us here on Earth. There is no doubt that the modern media ecosystem is confusing, sharply polarized, and full of misinformationall conditions that have eroded the publics trust in news institutions. More than half of Americans say they prefer news with no particular point of view, according to a study published in the International Journal of Communication. Trust in national news organizations started dipping in the mid-eighties and went downhill from there; by the late 2010s, the majority of people surveyed said that the news media was often inaccurate. This belief endures today. Distrust of news media is particularly pronounced among Republicans, only 53 percent of whom say they have at least some trust in mainstream news, compared with 81 percent of Democrats. Kaurs solution seems to have appeal. Ground News declined to share subscriber numbers with CJR, but according to the traffic tracker Similarweb, the site had just under eight million visits during the month of July. The Ground News app has millions of downloads across digital stores. This spring, it reached the number one spot on the App Stores free news app list. Kevin Tang, the founder of a startup and a regular reader, uses Ground News to browse headlines and read the linked articles. It makes it pretty clear what the partisan lines on a particular issue are going to be, Tang said. Ground News is far from the first startup to play the news aggregation game. Its not even the first aggregator that promises to counteract media bias. AllSides, which launched in 2012, likewise publishes summaries of news stories that are divided into left, center, and right. Alice Griesemer Sheehan, the COO and CFO, told CJR that AllSides content is written by human staff, and that the company is not yet profitable. Sign up for CJRs daily email AllSides is one of three companies that Ground News relies on to determine its bias ratings. Sheehan tells CJR that Ground News has been using AllSides ratings without formal permission and without providing compensation. The other two ratings companies used by Ground News are Media Bias/Fact Check and Ad Fontes Media. Dave Van Zandt, founder of the former, told CJR that Media Bias/Fact Check does not have an agreement with Ground News. Vanessa Otero, CEO of Ad Fontes Media, said that Ground News pays for its ratings. Ground News declined to comment, writing, We dont disclose ongoing business relationships and arrangements. Media Bias/Fact Check and Ad Fontes are also the source of Ground Newss factuality scores. Media Bias/Fact Check, Ad Fontes, and AllSides measure media bias differently. Media Bias/Fact Check scores outlets on a scale from very liberal to very conservative and uses human fact-checkers to determine its factuality ratings. Ad Fontes started off using three human analystshailing from left, right, and centerto rate articles. It then trained an AI model based on those reviews. AllSides uses a combination of human reviewers and blind surveys of news consumers. Is it possible that Ground Newss approach can help overcome political polarization? A 2024 study by Curtis Bram, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Texas at Dallas, reviewed Ground Newss Blindspot coverage, a feed of stories that the site describes as disproportionately covered by one side of the political spectrum. The study surveyed more than twelve hundred subscribers before and after they had read four stories. Three of the four stories did not change peoples minds on these issues, Bram wrote. But one piece, about the Biden administration limiting the entry of Cuban refugees, increased Republican subscribers support for more open refugee policies. Overall, these findings demonstrate that highlighting news stories covered from across the partisan divide can, in certain contexts, reduce polarization, the study concluded. That is in part because it exposes people to information they might not otherwise see. Ground News told CJR that the company does not collect demographic information from its readers. It did provide a screenshot of a reader survey it conducted on political orientation that showed 304 readers evenly distributed across the spectrum. Its marketing strategy relies heavily on partnerships with YouTubers who span political beliefs. In a recent promotion, left-wing commentator Adam Conover described Ground News as a way to make sure youre getting the real truth. Another partner, the far-right commentator PaxTube, known for posting anti-LGBTQ and anti-Semitic content on X, said in a video, Ground News is fixing whats broken in the news landscape. Reached for comment on that particular partnership, Ground News replied: Ground News sponsorship of a creator is never an endorsement of their personal views. Our goal with partnerships is to reach audiences across the political spectrum, including those in tightly siloed communities, so they can access a broader range of perspectives. Are Ground News subscribers really in it for the facts? When people say they want unbiased news, they mean I want news I dont recognize as biased, which means I want news consistent with my own biases, says Kathleen Hall Jamieson, founder of FactCheck.org and codirector of the National Annenberg Election Survey at the University of Pennsylvania. Ultimately, Ground News leaves media literacy up to individual readers. Because the site paywalls factuality ratings, the vast majority of readers encounter news stories solely through the lens of how much coverage is skewing left or right. But truth is not a measure of how far a story strays from other coverage; its a measure of how near it comes to reality. Some readers seem to find value in a site that maps out the media industry and makes news digestible. Improving the quality of news, though, requires hiring and training a workforce of journalists according to nonideological principles. Ground Newss system of aggregating already published content and tagging on bias ratings is not a better way to do this. Its just cheaper. MEDINA, Ohio Road rage: Wadsworth Road Police responded to a possible road rage incident at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 6. A man was pulled over and cited for riding without a motorcycle license. Injury: Grant Street Police and EMS personnel responded to assist a woman who had tripped and fallen on the sidewalk at 1:13 p.m. Sept. 5. She was taken to the hospital with a shoulder injury. Open burning: Egypt Road Police were called to a reported open burning at a property at 8:03 p.m. Sept. 6 and found a large bonfire. There was no further information at the time of the report. Traffic crash: Chatham Road A driver was cited for failure to maintain an assured clear distance when police responded to a motor vehicle crash at 11:10 a.m. Sept. 5. Expired plates: Wadsworth Road A driver was cited for expired plates at 9:22 a.m. Sept. 4. Speeding: West Smith Road A driver was cited for speeding. There was no further information at the time of the report. Traffic crash: West Washington Street Police responded to a traffic crash at Washington and Court streets at 3:40 p.m. Sept. 4. There were no injuries nor any further information at the time of the report. Domestic disturbance: Young Avenue Police were called to a domestic disturbance at 11:33 p.m. Sept. 4. There was no further information at the time of the report. Traffic crash: State Road A driver was cited at 5:41 p.m. Sept. 5 when police responded to a motor vehicle crash. Disorderly conduct: North Court Street A man was cited for disorderly conduct at 8:41 p.m. Sept. 6. Weapons: North Court Street Police responded to a report of a man at a North Court Street restaurant in possession of a handgun at 11:24 p.m. Sept. 6. There was no further information at the time of the report. Driving under suspension: South Huntington Street A driver was cited for driving under suspension at 9:46 p.m. Sept. 6. Get police blotters by email every weekday for free with our new Police Blotter newsletter. Sign up at cleveland.com/newsletters. Read more news from the Medina Sun. Jahmez Johnson, 15, faces multiple felony counts after police say he attempted to ram officers with a stolen Kia in December 2024. David Gambino CLEVELAND, Ohio - A Cleveland teen who authorities say was shot by police officers after he tried to run them over in a stolen car has been charged as an adult. Jahmez Johnson, 15, faces six counts of first-degree felonious assault, failure to comply, receiving stolen property and other charges in the Dec. 14, 2024, incident. A Cuyahoga County grand jury returned the indictment Friday. He was 14 at the time of the incident. If convicted, Johnson could face decades in prison. He would also become one of the youngest inmates in Ohios prison system, as there were just 26 under the age of 18 this summer, according to state records. The state has more than 45,000 inmates. The case was his second to be bound over from the countys Juvenile Court. Last week, he made his initial appearance in Common Pleas Court and pleaded not guilty to aggravated robbery, felonious assault, receiving stolen property and other charges in connection with an Oct. 10, 2024, incident. A judge ordered Johnsons bond to remain at $100,000 and assigned attorney Andy Petropouleas to represent him. Petropouleas, who said he expects to get both of Johnsons cases, otherwise declined Monday to comment on the charges. Johnson is set to appear for a Sept. 17 pretrial hearing before Common Pleas Judge Ashley Kilbane. He was a suspect in at least 30 car break-ins before he was arrested in December, police say. The break-ins coincided with a nationwide surge in thefts of Kias and Hyundais. The trend was spurred by social media, where thieves adopted the moniker Kia Boyz. The thefts have slowed since the carmakers rolled out anti-theft software installations. On Dec. 14, police said they spotted three youths in a stolen Kia Sportage parked in the driveway of a vacant home on East 146th Street. The Kia sped away and evaded police before later returning to the home. Thats when officers found Johnson asleep in the drivers seat, according to police. Police said Johnson woke up, put the vehicle in drive and struck a police cruiser before trying to push it out of the way with the Kia. He then reversed, struck a garage and drove toward officers before one of them fired a shot, according to authorities. Johnson, who was struck in the shoulder, was treated at a local hospital. At the time, he had cut off an electric ankle monitor that he had been ordered to wear while awaiting charges for previous car break-ins, according to authorities. Police said they recovered a firearm from inside the Kia. Johnsons charges include firearm sentencing enhancements. That means if he is convicted, he could face additional time in prison for possessing the weapon. Cleveland Clinic and Central Asian University have signed an agreement to collaborate on the development of Central Asian University Hospital. The hospital, shown in this rendering, will be located in Tashkent on the expanded medical campus of CAU, a leading private university in Uzbekistan. Construction of the hospital is scheduled to begin this year. courtesy of Central Asian University and HKS Architects CLEVELAND, Ohio The Cleveland Clinic and a leading private university in Uzbekistan will collaborate on the launch of a new hospital in the Central Asia country, the Clinic recently announced. Construction of the Central Asian University Hospital, located in the Tashkent region of Uzbekistan on the Central Asian University medical campus, is scheduled to begin this year. Uzbekistan lies roughly between the Caspian Sea and China, north of Afghanistan. The new 120-bed hospital will have the capacity to care for up to 269,000 patients annually, the Clinic said. This early-stage collaboration ensures that Central Asian University Hospital will be designed from the ground up based on the Cleveland Clinic model of care, which includes comprehensive medical specialties and world-class medical equipment, the Clinic said. Cooperation with Cleveland Clinic is a landmark step in shaping the future model of medicine and medical education in Uzbekistan, said Kamran Gulamov, Rector of Central Asian University. We are gaining access to global expertise and best healthcare practices, which will have a long-term impact on future doctors and patients. As part of this collaboration, Central Asian University Hospital has become a provisional member of the Cleveland Clinic Connected program. Cleveland Clinic Connected is building a global network of independent, quality-focused health organizations. The program enables hospitals and healthcare organizations around the world to connect with Cleveland Clinics experts to enhance patient care, the Clinic said. Central Asian University Hospital is working to meet the requirements to become a full Cleveland Clinic Connected member, the Clinic said. As part of this long-term strategic agreement, Central Asian University Hospitals physicians will be able to request consultations with Clinic physicians on complex cases. Central Asian Universitys leaders will have access to Cleveland Clinics various educational programs and advanced training, observational opportunities and an exchange program. In addition, Central Asian Universitys patients may be referred to Cleveland Clinic international hospitals. We are honored to begin our collaboration with CAU to enhance care for patients in Uzbekistan, said Dr. Tommaso Falcone, Cleveland Clinic executive vice president and president of international and emerging markets. Part of our mission is to bring Cleveland Clinic care to patients around the world. Through this collaboration, we will work together to improve access to high-quality healthcare. Other Cleveland Clinic Connects projects include the construction of a new hospital in Vietnam, and collaborations with medical centers in southeastern Indiana and Florida. Vice President JD Vance was rebuked on social media by U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and others following a heated exchange over the Trump administrations deadly military strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug vessel. (AP Photo/Lauren Leigh Bacho) AP WASHINGTON, D. C. - Vice President JD Vance is drawing sharp social media criticism from Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and others following a heated exchange over the Trump administrations deadly military strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug vessel. The controversy erupted on Saturday when Vance wrote on the social platform X: Killing cartel members who poison our fellow citizens is the highest and best use of our military, referencing the September 2 military strike. President Donald Trump said the attack last week in the southern Caribbean Sea killed 11 people, whom he described as narcoterrorists affiliated with the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang. Washington has deployed more than 4,000 troops and naval assets to the region, saying the move targets Latin American drug cartels, the Associated Press reports. U.S. officials have not suggested a ground incursion into Venezuela, but Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro classified the buildup as a threat of invasion. He accused the U.S. of fabricating drug-trafficking allegations to justify regime change, pointing to Washingtons decision last month to double its reward for Maduros arrest to $50 million. When Brian Krassenstein, a social media personality, responded that killing the citizens of another nation who are civilians without any due process is called a war crime, Vance shot back, I dont give a s--- what you call it. This provoked social media condemnation from Kentucky Republican Paul, who served in the U.S. Senate with Vance. What a despicable and thoughtless sentiment it is to glorify killing someone without a trial, Paul said, criticizing the Cincinnati Republican for supporting the deadly strike. Paul called the vice president JD I dont give a sh-t and questioned the administrations approach to due process. Did he ever read To Kill a Mockingbird? Paul wrote of Vance. " Did he ever wonder what might happen if the accused were immediately executed without trial or representation??" U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, a Westlake Republican, weighed in with a response to Paul that said whats really despicable is defending foreign terrorist drug traffickers who are *directly* responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans in Kentucky and Ohio. JD understands that our first responsibility is to protect the life and liberty of American citizens, Moreno continued. Krassenstein responded that killing 11 people in this way could be classified as an extrajudicial killing under international human rights law, potentially exposing U.S. officials to responsibility. You will never be president, he told Vance. Imagine if Venezuela decided to bomb a boat driving from Maryland to New York City, which had 11 Americans and a bunch of drugs in it. What would be your response? Legal experts have expressed skepticism about the legality of the strike, noting that cartel members and drug smugglers have traditionally been treated as criminals with due process rights not enemy combatants. Brian Finucane of the International Crisis Group told NPR he questioned whether the strike violated laws, while CNN reported that legal experts say the administration has provided a mishmash of public justifications that raise serious questions about the legality of the strike. Moreno defended the strike in an interview with Voz News, saying Trumps action saved American lives. He said the attack is just the beginning. If you want to bring drugs into the United States, thats the least thats going to happen to you, said Moreno, who was born in Columbia, a nation whose president criticized the attack. Moreno described Maduro as a criminal and narco-terrorist, and said hell have to leave Venezuala dead or alive. The incident represents the first known military strike in the region since President Trump ordered an increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean as part of his administrations efforts to combat drug trafficking and what he terms narco-terrorism from Venezuela. In response to the strike and increased U.S. presence in the Caribean region, Maduro ordered a substantial military reinforcement in strategic areas, Reuters reported. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino announced that troop levels in states like Nueva Esparta, Sucre, and Delta Amacuro would increase from 10,000 to 25,000. Ohio Senate President Rob McColley (right), and House Speaker Matt Huffman both have said they want to override Gov. Mike DeWine's vetoes of property tax reforms that were in the state budget bill in June. As the General Assembly returns from a summer recess, property taxes will be one of the top agenda items. (David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com) David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Sticker shock from rising property taxes has Ohio lawmakers under pressure to deliver changes as they return from summer break. House Speaker Matt Huffman, a Lima Republican, said lawmakers have to move forward in October and November with significant reform, while Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio of Cleveland put real, meaningful property tax relief at the top of her list. Every lawmaker cleveland.com spoke with shared that urgency. Homeowners in their districts are struggling, and an amendment to abolish property taxes altogether is gathering steam for the 2026 ballot. Both parties know they need to deliver consequential change before frustration boils over. This ballot issue isnt a couple of guys sitting in front of a post office trying to gather signatures... , Huffman said. I think at this point its going to get on the ballot. The trouble is, while everyone agrees the system needs fixing, Republicans and Democrats dont agree on what that looks like. Huffman and Republican Senate President Rob McColley, from Henry County, want to override the reforms Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed from the state budget in June. A provision giving county budget commissions permission to reduce what levies collect. A limit on how much money school districts can save (carryover) from year to year. The elimination of three common levy types An overhaul of a key calculation for public school funding, called the 20-mill floor. Committee meetings resume later in September. Huffman would like to send some bills to the governor before Christmas. Democrats say the GOPs plans would squeeze public schools without delivering widespread relief. Schools with little or no savings, for example, wouldnt return a dime. There are bipartisan bills out there that havent gotten any hearings, Antonio said. There are so many things we can do and should do. She pointed to ideas like expanding the homestead exemption for seniors and creating a circuit breaker program -- a provision that would kick in to reduce the load if property taxes become too high a share of a homeowners income. to shield families from unaffordable bills. New maps, old battles If property taxes are the policy debate leaders need to have, redistricting is the fight they cant avoid. By the end of September, the General Assembly must pass a new congressional map with a threefifths vote in both chambers a high bar that requires Democratic support. Antonio said whats happening in states like Texas and California and the way President Donald Trump has jumped into the fight will make drawing fair maps in Ohio even harder. Im very concerned about the way it has become a national issue, she said. Its like there is an arms race for states to be opening up their processes mid-term and doing redistricting in a very partisan way. Ohio has to redraw its congressional map because the state Supreme Court struck down several versions as unconstitutional in 2022 and 2023. Huffman hopes lawmakers can reach a consensus this time. If not, the job will default to Ohios redistricting commission in October and then back to the legislature in November. Cannabis questions Another unresolved issue on lawmakers desks this fall is marijuana. Voters approved recreational cannabis in 2023. And while many in the Republican supermajority didnt like it, they havent been able to agree on how to change it. I thought we had a bill that we could get passed the House and the Senate, but there were hiccups at the last minute, Huffman said. I dont know how that is going to get resolved, frankly. He told Cleveland.com that it may be time to take a different approach breaking the plan into smaller pieces and moving forward with items where theres broad consensus, like banning smoking in public. He also suggested splitting off reforms for intoxicating hemp products, like raising the purchase age to 21. Democrats have been hesitant to totally rewrite what Ohioans voted for, Antonio said. But I absolutely agree there are some of these big issues that we have agreement across the aisle and we would be able to do. When it comes to more sweeping reforms, Democrats want that bill to include expungements for those with marijuana possession records. Housing costs, death penalty on Democrats list Democrats want affordable housing to be part of the fall agenda. House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn of Cincinnati said its one of his top priorities, and Antonio agreed. Antonio is backing a bipartisan proposal that would place a housing market impact tax on large corporate landlords those that own 50 or more houses in a single county. She said these companies are artificially driving up housing costs, which then contribute to higher property taxes for everyone. Democrats also want to keep pushing to end Ohios death penalty. DeWine hasnt overseen an execution since taking office in 2019, repeatedly issuing delays and saying he wont carry one out during his term, which ends in 2026. Hes cited a lack of access to lethal injection drugs, but Antonio believes the governor wouldnt stand in the way if lawmakers passed a repeal. He would sign a bill into law, or would let it go forward, she said. I do not think he would veto it. Cuyahoga County Councilman Michael Houser is proposing a CROWN ordinance that would make it illegal for landlords, employers, businesses, schools or others to discriminate against people because of their natural hair texture or styles, such as braids, locs or Afros. It has the support of Ladosha Wright, who owns the salon Reverence Design Team in Cleveland Heights and can recount numerous examples of Black men and women coming to her in tears because theyd been asked to change their hairstyle. Kaitlin Durbin, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio When local researcher Chinenye Nkemere was in law school, she wore her hair in a weave so it could be straightened to mirror most of her classmates and avoid criticisms that she should look more professional as if her braids somehow made her less professional. I ruined my hair, she said of the experience. I never keep my hair straight like that and it was because I was told keep your hair straight so that you look like the other attorneys. Ladosha Wright, who owns Cleveland Heights salon Reverence Design Team, can recount numerous examples of Black men and women coming to her in tears because theyd been asked to change their hairstyle for work. Locs, braids and cornrows had to be let out; more natural hairstyles, like afros or twist-out curls, were covered up in favor of hairstyles that employers deemed more professional, more neutral, or less ethnic. We call that afro-phobia, Wright said. Even though thats the way the hair is naturally, it would be considered unkempt or not professional or not user friendly. Thats the language that (employers) use to not sound so discriminatory. Cuyahoga County leadership wants to put an end to it. County Councilman Michael Houser, Sr. is introducing legislation on Tuesday that would make it illegal for landlords, employers, businesses, schools or others to discriminate against people because of their natural hair texture or styles, such as braids, locs or Afros. Hes calling the proposal the CROWN Ordinance, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. It would expand the countys civil rights protections to clarify that discrimination based on hair, which commonly is associated with race or national origin, is a form of racial discrimination. It would also update the countys employee handbook to include hair among protected traits, ensuring county workers are explicitly covered. Yes, this is an issue and has been for a long time, Houser said of his reason to sponsor the change, recalling instances of his own where he had to trim back his beard to avoid appearing intimidating at a job. I know the county is a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion...so, were practicing what we preach. Cuyahoga County Councilman Michael Houser is proposing a CROWN ordinance that would make it illegal for landlords, employers, businesses, schools or others to discriminate against people because of their natural hair texture or styles, such as braids, locs or Afros. It has the support of Ladosha Wright, who owns the salon Reverence Design Team in Cleveland Heights and can recount numerous examples of Black men and women coming to her in tears because theyd been asked to change their hairstyle. Kaitlin Durbin, cleveland.com Under the new ordinance, employers would still be allowed to enforce health and safety standards, so long as the rules are applied equally and are not used as a pretext for discrimination. Residents who believe theyve faced discrimination because of their hair could file a complaint with the Cuyahoga County Human Rights Commission , which is tasked with investigating cases under the ordinance. The commission has authority to negotiate settlements, hold hearings and impose remedies including civil penalties if violations are found. If passed, Cuyahoga County would join a growing number of states and local governments adopting CROWN Act laws across the country, part of a national push to ensure that people can wear their natural hair without fear of losing opportunities or access to services. But Houser hopes it works to spur more action in Ohio, specifically. Cleveland Heights passed an anti-discrimination law in 2020 to protect Black hair styles, but the movement has struggled to find statewide traction. There are 28 states that have passed CROWN laws , but Ohio is not one of them, despite repeated attempts by State Rep. Juanita Brent, a Cleveland Democrat, to get a law on the books protecting students in particular. During the last legislative session, her bill passed the Ohio House but died in the Senate. Now Brent is giving it a fourth try ; she introduced House Bill 415 last month to prohibit discrimination against students wearing protective hair styles in traditional public and charter schools and public preschools. If we can get this on the county level, maybe we can encourage the state to pass something, Houser said, noting he has already received support from numerous colleagues. Councilmembers Meredith Turner and Robert E. Schleper are co-sponsoring. The legislation also has the support of Nkemere, who co-founded the racial and gender justice think tank Enlightened Solutions with Bethany Studenic. Theyve spent the last several years surveying Black women in Northeast Ohio about harassment, discrimination and abuse in health care, education and the workplace and found that a majority of women have had experiences like Nkemeres, where they felt forced or pressured to change their appearance. Their latest results from 2024 showed that 68% of surveyed women were still receiving negative or inappropriate comments about their hair or features at work, and 51% faced retaliation for objecting. Thats why Studenic believes the county legislation is important, now more than ever. We havent made progress. We need legislation to help us make that progress, Studenic said. Laws dont stop (discrimination) but they do give people a cause of action to combat it, and that does have a chilling effect. Ethical AI urged in humanitarian work 10:11, September 08, 2025 By WANG XIAOYU ( China Daily While acknowledging the important role artificial intelligence can play in improving early-warning systems, emergency response and healthcare during crises, senior humanitarian experts and officials advocated for a human-centered approach in adopting AI to better meet the fundamental principles of impartiality and empathy, among others, that are central to their work. Such an approach demands vigilance against algorithmic bias, expanded access to technology in the developing world and stronger safeguards to protect personal privacy, they said. "AI must never become a cold substitute for human compassion. It should enhance, not replace, our ability to understand the unique stories, aspirations, fears and strengths of the people we serve," said Kate Forbes, president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. "We must resist the temptation to outsource judgment to algorithms. Humanitarians, not machines, must remain the final arbiters of need, priority and assistance," she added. "This requires investing in in-house expertise, ethical review and decision-making safeguards that reinforce and not replace our independence." Forbes and other experts voiced their observations during the 4th Soochow International Humanitarian Forum that was jointly hosted by the Red Cross Society of China and Soochow University in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, from Friday to Saturday. Experts said that artificial intelligence, when used smartly and ethically, can serve the humanitarian cause of preventing and alleviating human suffering and protecting life and health. Forbes cited the example of an AI-enabled early warning system that the IFRC plays an important role in, and which is capable of delivering advanced alerts for tropical cyclones and flash floods in India, Fiji, Kenya and other pilot countries. In Ethiopia's Dire Dawa, flood risk mapping has helped to identify vulnerable areas since 2023. "Predictive models are now helping us foresee displacement patterns and disease outbreaks, enabling early interventions and potentially saving lives," she said. According to the Red Cross Society of China, AI-powered analysis and machine learning have led to an exponential increase in the efficiency of humanitarian rescue operations following natural disasters. "AI has been deployed to assess needs in disaster-affected regions, evaluate transportation conditions, and monitor supply inventory levels, enabling optimized resource allocation and the rapid delivery of supplies to those in most urgent need," it said. Practical usage Furthermore, China's Red Cross has collaborated with technology companies to develop a digital mapping system for automated external defibrillators medical devices used to save patients suffering a cardiac arrest in several cities. This system provides real-time information on device availability and optimal routes to access the lifesaving equipment. China's Red Cross highlighted that AI-driven remote and smart diagnostic tools have significantly improved healthcare accessibility in remote areas, allowing residents to receive standardized examinations and professional consultations from leading doctors at major, well-known hospitals. Balthasar Staehelin, personal envoy of the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross and head of the regional delegation for East Asia, said that because the organization primarily works in regions affected by armed conflicts, artificial intelligence, along with satellite imagery, have been utilized to map population movement, water points and transportation situations to facilitate the delivery of assistance in war zones. "AI can also help us calculate probabilities of incomplete datasets (of missing people) and allow us to be far faster in finding them," he said, adding that combining drones and AI also presents potential for more efficient demining. "When we use AI technologies (for humanitarian actions) ethically and smartly, the benefits clearly outweigh the disadvantages. But if we use it thoughtlessly and irresponsibly, we can do a lot of damage," he said. A prominent concern for Staehelin is the protection of personal data, an issue relevant not only to AI but also to digital technologies in general. "We have a crucial responsibility when we collect and manage personal data," he said. "For nonpersonal data, we have to be very careful and ensure those datasets are not biased. Biased data means they won't reflect the reality and correspond to real, concrete needs." Forbes, from the IFRC, said that the core humanitarian principles of impartiality are now being challenged in the AI era by algorithmic bias. "AI systems are only as good as their underlying design and the data they learn from. As we know, humanitarian data is often incomplete, inconsistent, or historically biased. If these flaws go unexamined, AI may unintentionally reinforce the very inequities we strive to address," she said. She advocated rigorous audits, inclusive design, diverse datasets, and human oversight to detect potential geopolitical or commercial influences within an AI system. China's Red Cross said that it is necessary to establish a rigorous ethical review mechanism to guarantee fairness and inclusivity of AI systems. It added that humanitarian organizations in developing countries face significant difficulties in deploying AI tools due to financial constraints, a gap that could deepen the digital divide and hinder critical early-warning and emergency rescue operations in those regions. He Wei, president of China's Red Cross, called for the establishment of a platform to consolidate AI-powered humanitarian technologies, where all countries are encouraged to share their outcomes to benefit those in need. "China's Red Cross is willing to cooperate with the international society to build a fairer and more resilient global humanitarian action system," he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) India and Qatar are moving closer to concluding negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with the Terms of Reference (ToR) expected to be finalised early next month, government sources told CNBC-TV18. If concluded on time, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal may travel to Doha in the first week of October to accelerate the process.Qatar is part of the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with which India is already pursuing an FTA. Meanwhile, India has signed a pact with the UAE, and is close to finalising one with Oman, the sources said.Furthermore, Bahrain has expressed interest in a deal with the Asian country, while Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, along with the other two GCC members, are also in discussions with New Delhi on trade and investment frameworks.The move comes against the backdrop of the US imposing 50% tariffs on several labour-intensive Indian exports. To cushion the impact, India is seeking to diversify its export markets, particularly in West Asia and Europe. While the IndiaOman FTA is undergoing legal vetting after Arabic translation, a separate Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) is under negotiation with Saudi Arabia, the source said.Trade with the GCC remains significant for India. Exports to the bloc in AprilJune 2025 stood at $13.61 billion, down 4.5% year-on-year, while imports rose 11% to $30.6 billion in the same period.Last week, India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted 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.Separately, India and Israel are expected to sign a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) during the upcoming visit of Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich this week, which would prepare a common ground for an FTA to boost trade between the two countries, PTI reported, citing sources. India is prepared to engage with the US on a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), while ensuring that core interests in sensitive sectors such as dairy, agriculture, fisheries, and MSMEs are safeguarded, government sources told CNBC-TV18 on September 8. India remains committed to boosting two-way trade even as it pursues parallel negotiations with other partners, including the European Union (EU), Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Oman, Qatar, Chile, Peru, and New Zealand, the sources added. The sources also emphasised that India seeks fair, equitable, and balanced trade with reciprocity as a guiding principle in all negotiations. The remarks come against the backdrop of the US imposing 50% tariffs on imports from India. On September 2, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that India is in talks with Washington for a BTA. A planned visit by an American trade delegation for the sixth round of negotiations in New Delhi was postponed last month. India and the US have previously indicated a shared goal of doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion, with the first tranche of a multi-sector BTA targeted for conclusion by October 2025. Meanwhile, India is inching closer to concluding negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Qatar. The Terms of Reference (ToR) are expected to be finalised early next month, CNBC-TV18 reported. President Trump, on Friday, 5 September, attempted to downplay the tensions, stating that Modi would always remain his friend and that there was nothing to worry about in the USIndia relationshipthough he added that he did not like what PM Modi is doing at the moment.. However, India appears to be leaving no stones unturned in its attemp to diversify exports. Last week, India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted 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. Also read: Exclusive | India-US relations need a 'political balm', says former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao Prime Minister Narendra Modi will skip the upcoming BRICS Trade Summit, while Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin will come together once again, albeit virtually, to discuss US trade policy. The group was dubbed "anti-American" by US President Donald Trump, Bloomberg reported. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent the country at the virtual summit that will take place at 4.30 pm IST on Monday (September 8). The meeting is convened by this year's host country, Brazil's President Lula da Silva, to discuss tariffs imposed by the US and the need for a multilateral world order amidst the changing global political and economic landscape, according to the report. China's foreign ministry announced that President Xi will deliver an "important speech" at the summit that takes place just days after Beijing angered the US leader, Trump, with a huge display of political clout. Xi Jinping marched with Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un at the community country's grandest military parade marking the end of World War II. Xi and Putin had skipped the BRICS Summit held at Brazil's Rio de Janeiro, which PM Modi attended in July 2025. However, all three leaders met recently in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) earlier this month. India had recently highlighted the need to diversify exports, reduce dependency, and build resilient supply chains at the SCO Trade Ministers' meeting in Vladivostok last week. Representing the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Additional Secretary with the Department of Commerce Amitabh Kumar emphasised the importance of coordinated action to enhance trade flows, address vulnerabilities, and support inclusive growth across the region amid steep tariffs from the US. He underlined the role of services trade and the temporary movement of skilled professionals, in line with national laws and transparency, to strengthen economic growth and support greater participation of MSMEs in global value chains. Also Read: FM Sitharaman calls for real talks on trade, market access with China What was Judge Amit Mehta thinking? When he ruled a year ago that Google violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by stifling search competition, we thought Google was truly in hot water. Boy, were we wrong! After Mehtas initial ruling, the Department of Justice (DoJ) demanded that Google divest itself of the Chrome web browser and/or the Android operating system, and also be blocked from exclusive distribution contracts that had placed Google Search as the default on almost all devices and web browsers. Instead, Mehta last week ordered Google to share (some) search data with its rivals to ensure competition in online search. Oh, and while Google cant have exclusive search deals, it can still have paid search agreements. Anthropic has agreed to pay at least $1.5 billion to rights holders in settlement of a lawsuit regarding its training of generative AI models using copyright material without permission, raising concerns that this could increase the licensing costs enterprises pay for AI models but the judge said the proposed settlement needs clarification. The class action lawsuit concerns authors claims in an August 2024 lawsuit that Anthropic downloaded known pirated versions of Plaintiffs works, made copies of them, and fed these pirated copies into its models. In papers filed to the court Friday, the plaintiffs attorneys described the agreement as the largest known copyright settlement in American history. If the judge in the case approves the settlement, the $1.5 billion fund will provide about $3,000 per copyright work at issue. After lame prank, theres only one way forward for the King of All Media After Howard Sterns feeble attempt to fool his listeners this morning by pretending Andy Cohen took over his SiriusXM channel, he confirmed that he wasnt ready to leave his long-running satellite radio show. Hurray? Listeners were then subjected to hours of Stern whining about COVID fears, staffers summer vacations and his Love on the Spectrum fandom. The guy changed radio forever, but at 71 years old, Stern is out of gas. New contract or no, his show is over. But theres a way out for Stern. As he winds up his Hall of Fame radio career, hed be smart to take a page out of the Kobe Bryant playbook. Don't Miss Kobe, like iconic athletes Derek Jeter and Cal Ripken Jr., announced his retirement a year in advance. If such a ploy sounds like a plea for attention and gifts, thats because it is. Bryant spent his final season on the receiving end of video tributes, framed jerseys and standing ovations. Even though Bryant claimed he didnt want the attention, he clearly reveled in the adulation. And who would bask in the what a storied career! spotlight more than Howard Stern? The road map is right there for Stern if he chooses to take it: Sign a one-year deal with SiriusXM for huge dollars, a sign of respect from the company, which secretly pays a premium to finally get Stern to move on. Then spend 12 months on a fawning farewell tour, playing Best of Howard bits in between reminiscing about his illustrious run. What a great opportunity to reconcile and reunite with the exiled personalities who made the show great, like Stuttering John, Jackie The Jokeman Martling and Artie Lange. With so much water under the bridge, bygones could be bygones, and each homecoming would be social media gold. Imagine the celebrities whod line up for a chance to be part of the farewell. Would never-before guests like Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt show up to promote a project, knowing that this is their last chance to be interviewed by the King of All Media? Even if Baba Booey cant land those elusive names, there would be plenty of Stern show favorites whod line up for one last chat, A-listers like Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Murray, Lady Gaga, Jimmy Kimmel, Jennifer Aniston, Billy Joel and Conan OBrien. With the end acknowledged, Stern would likely be the subject of ingratiating profiles in the New York Times Magazine and on shows like 60 Minutes. Comedy voices would line up to proclaim Sterns influence on their careers. Donald Trump would either slam or praise Stern on Truth Social, but the attention would be the same either way. Advertisement It would be like Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn attending their own funeral. Finally, everyone would say nice things about Stern, and hed get to hear every word. The man who first craved ratings at any cost, then pandered for the respect of celebrities who wanted nothing to do with his Lesbian Dial-A-Date bits, would revel in the attention. Howard Stern loves to be loved, and a Kobe-style farewell tour would provide all the flowers a shock jock could want. 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 One of the most lavish tributes to Angela Rayner after her overdue resignation from the Cabinet came from the uber-ambitious Health Secretary Wes Streeting. 'Angela Rayner has achieved more in the last year than most politicians achieve in a lifetime a trailblazer for working-class kids from backgrounds like ours,' Wes, who grew up in a single-parent family council flat in London's East End, gushed on X. Music to the ears of the trade unions, who, of course, adore Rayner. When the time comes, they will have a big say on who will be the next Labour leader a fact that can't have escaped Streeting, who is currently the bookies' favourite. However, his support for Rayner was less conspicuous during Prime Minister's Questions last week. One of the most lavish tributes to Angela Rayner after her overdue resignation from the Cabinet came from the uber-ambitious Health Secretary Wes Streeting, writes Andrew Pierce The Health Secretary chose not to join her on the frontbench in a public act of solidarity, instead finding a discreet spot by the Speaker's Chair to observe proceedings. He then sidled out after ten minutes, presumably to attend to his ambitions. Morgan's chutzpah is without peer Watch out Keir, Nigel and Kemi, there's another stellar name eyeing up No10. 'I love New York,' said TV loud-mouth Piers Morgan in a new podcast. 'I always stay at The Carlyle Hotel [which] gave me a monogrammed pillowcase recently with 'PM' in gold lettering for my 25th stay. PM for PM! 'Somebody said, 'What a slogan!' We've had Boris Johnson so, let's be honest, it couldn't be a lot worse, could it?' Err, yes it could. Prediction of the week: In his first email to supporters as the newly minted leader of the Greens, Zack Polanski who has defended the right of 'poor people' to shoplift failed to mention climate change. Or the environment. He preferred to bang on about the 'dangers' of Reform. I see trouble ahead for the eco mob. President Trump has got the measure of Lord Mandelson dubbed the high priest of the dark art of political spin. In Mandy's role as ambassador to the US, I'm told The Donald has nicknamed the silken mandarin 'Sneaky Pete'. Enough said. Former Tory MP-turned-writer Gyles Brandreth recalls a recent trip to the Caribbean with his wife Michele. 'Standing on the beach in Jamaica I saw a little bent old lady coming towards us. Then we realised it was Mick Jagger.' Rayner's debt to Mrs T! Angela Rayner wrote in her resignation letter: 'I would never have become deputy Prime Minister if not for the decisions taken by the last Labour government' Rayner wrote in her resignation letter: 'I would never have become deputy Prime Minister if not for the decisions taken by the last Labour government, giving me a council house to support me.' What she failed to mention was that is was under Margaret Thatcher's Right to Buy scheme a benefit Rayner set about largely demolishing that she was able to buy the house at a 25 per cent discount, which turned into a tax-free profit of 48,500 when she sold it. Idea of the week: Jeremy Corbyn's as-yet-unnamed political outfit has a new member: his brother, and inveterate conspiracy theorist, Piers. He says: 'I think it's a great idea. I have joined it. I last spoke to Jeremy a few days ago. It was about family matters but I was also urging him with his new party to campaign for the banning of vaccines and digital identities.' Just what Jezza doesn't need. My colleague from the Daily Mail, Nadine Dorries as is her wont has been whipping up a political storm. First by announcing in these pages her dramatic defection to Reform. Then by expressing her desire for an electoral pact between Nigel Farage and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. If theres a will to make the lives of people better, then I think both men could and would find some way to accommodate each others egos and to coexist for the sake of the country, she told fellow Mail columnists Sarah Vine and Peter Hitchens in a special edition of their Alas Vine & Hitchens podcast. The reaction from Dorriess new political bedfellows was swift and brutal. We would certainly not welcome Boris Johnson, Zia Yusuf, Reforms head of policy raged. Thats never going to happen. Boris Johnson was one of the worst PMs in history. Artic u late And at one level, Yusufs high-handed response is understandable. What would his party want, or need, from another languishing in fourth place behind Labour and the Lib Dems? Nadine Dorries (pictured at the Reform Party Conference with Nigel Farage) has been whipping up a political storm. First by announcing in these pages her dramatic defection to Reform. Then by expressing her desire for an electoral pact between Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson, writes Dan Hodges I spent a couple of days at Reform conference in Birmingham last week. It was professionally managed, and full of energy. Some of the delegates flaunted mild eccentricities, as is the way at every political gathering. But those I spoke to were engaged, articulate and committed to their cause. And would not have been markedly out of place at a Labour or Tory conference. So the hubris of the Reform leadership is not entirely misdirected. Especially given they are currently sustaining a significant double-digit poll lead. But if I were Farage and his lieutenants, I wouldnt be so quick to readily dismiss Nadines strategy. Because, despite the ongoing implosion of Keir Starmers benighted administration, a Tory/Reform pact may yet prove to be the only sure-fire way of ejecting Labour from office. Its true that on the surface Reforms conference was slick and polished. But behind the scenes, something nasty was stirring. Actually, not so much behind the scenes, as up in lights on the main stage. One of the keynote speakers was Aseem Malhotra, an adviser to maverick US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy. Farage has a deft political touch, and is rightly lauded for his ability to take the pulse of the nation. But the man who effectively harnessed the growing discontent of the voters and moulded it into a viable and electorally successful political programme was Johnson, writes Dan Hodges And, as it turns out, a crank. Its highly likely that the Covid vaccines have been a significant factor in the cancers in the Royal family, he declared to conference, without providing a shred of evidence to support this outlandish and dangerous claim. Malhotra was followed on stage by Lucy Connolly, recently released from prison after her conviction for inciting racial hatred after tweeting migrants hotels should be torched. As she walked out she was introduced as Britains favourite political prisoner. Which will come as news to much of Britain. A poll conducted by More In Common immediately after her release found 52 per cent of those questioned believed her sentence was correct, or even too lenient, whilst only 35 per cent thought it too harsh. Only 18 per cent thought mainstream politicians should openly associate with Connolly. There is balance to be struck between surfing the populist wave unleashed by legitimate public anger over uncontrolled migration, the cost of living crisis and the open contempt shown by the British elite to working people and embracing the more toxic elements sloshing around British politics. And Reforms display in Birmingham showed that despite their advances, they are still struggling to properly moderate and calibrate their brand. Farage has a deft political touch, and is rightly lauded for his ability to take the pulse of the nation. But the man who effectively harnessed the growing discontent of the voters and moulded it into a viable and electorally successful political programme was Johnson. Where Farage is currently leveraging mid-term public anger into a polling average in the low 30s, Boris was able to garner the support of 44 per cent of British people. Not shouts of protest in the street or angry posting on social media, but actual crosses placed on genuine ballots slipped into real, battered ballot boxes. Whats more, Boris was able to build a genuine, wide-reaching electoral coalition. Red Wall Workers. True Blue Tories. Disillusioned Middle Englanders. And he did so not via a narrative of anger or bitterness, but one of optimism and inclusivity. So, if Farage wants to slap away the hand of friendship proffered by one of Boriss closest allies, he can do so. But he had better be careful he isnt cutting off his nose to spite his face. And cutting off Britains nose in the process. Drubbing The same applies to those Conservatives who continue to turn their backs on any prospect of a Conservative/Reform alliance. Kemi Badenoch was dealt an almost impossible hand in the wake of her partys 2024 electoral drubbing. But I believe that, at a time of mounting political crisis, she has failed to assert herself at the heart of the national debate. And in the wake of the Angela Rayner scandal and Badenochs inexplicable failure to press the Prime Minister on it at Question Time last week Tory MPs have begun casting around for a replacement. This cant go on, one senior Conservative told me last week. Fine. But who do they have waiting in the wings? Robert Jenrick is energetic, but erratic. James Cleverly is statesmanlike but anonymous. In dumping Badenoch, Tory MPs risk leaping from the frying pan straight into the angry fire of voters who still havent forgiven them for the chaos and drift of the Liz Truss/Rishi Sunak years. Kemi Badenoch was dealt an almost impossible hand in the wake of her partys 2024 electoral drubbing. But I believe that, at a time of mounting political crisis, she has failed to assert herself at the heart of the national debate, writes Dan Hodges Reform are seeking a political earthquake. The Tories are praying for a political game-changer. And a formal pact between the two parties may well prove to be the only way to deliver these things. Yes, Starmers popularity has plummeted to unprecedented depths. But its increasingly likely he will be removed as Labour leader before the next election. Chance At which point all bets are off. Wes Streetings easy charm or Andy Burnhams unpolished Northern authenticity could change the political mood. A global economic upswing could relieve some of the fiscal pressure. Further questioning and scrutiny of Reforms policy programme, and broader fitness to govern, will inevitably raise doubts among voters exhausted by years of chaos presided over by the two established parties. Its understandable that there are many within both the Tory and Reform camps who are wary of an alliance. But there is one other group even more alarmed at the prospect of a merger, or some other pact, between the two rivals. Labour. As one Minister told me a few weeks ago, so long as the Right is split, we still have a chance. But if someone finds a way of bringing them together, well be finished. Possibly for good. At the moment it seems that transformative partnership rests in the hands of two men Farage and Johnson. I think both men could find some way to accommodate each others egos, Dorries has claimed Starmer and his colleagues are hoping, fervently, that shes wrong. Government spin doctors have been working overtime to convince us that new Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is a down-to-earth pragmatist who will tackle the scourge of illegal immigration. We are promised decisive action as Shabanas predecessor, Yvette Cooper, and two middle-ranking Home Office ministers all of them demonstrably ineffectual are shunted off to other departments. Ms Mahmood is reportedly prepared to reform the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act, which have enabled numerous illegal migrants to stay in the UK even though they are not genuine refugees. She is expected to announce plans within weeks to build basic accommodation for single, adult male asylum seekers on Ministry of Defence land. Just in case we are in any doubt about her no-nonsense pedigree, were told that as a child Ms Mahmood witnessed the rough side of life in her familys corner shop in Birmingham. Comparisons are made with Margaret Thatcher (once described by Shabana as her political heroine) whose father famously ran a grocer shop. Where has this superwoman been all this time? Cynics would say letting prisoners early out of jail in her role as Justice Secretary. Such behaviour doesnt obviously accord with the image of her as a robust upholder of law and order. Nonetheless, we should probably welcome her appointment while not forgetting the human propensity to look for unlikely saviours in unlikely places. It wasnt long ago that the hapless Rachel Reeves was extolled in sensible newspapers as a childhood chess prodigy and former brilliant economist at the Bank of England. The new Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is a down-to-earth pragmatist who will tackle the scourge of illegal immigration, writes Stephen Glover Lets give Shabana the benefit of the doubt, though. She certainly seems preferable to the prissy, schoolmarmish Yvette Cooper, during whose 14-month stint as Home Secretary more than 50,000 immigrants crossed the Channel in small boats. But do I think that Shabana will significantly reduce the number of people turning up uninvited on our shores plus an even larger contingent who claim asylum after overstaying their visas? No I dont. The reason is simple. As most sensible people who have studied the problem recognise, it will be impossible to stop the boats without two specific actions. One is withdrawing from the ECHR and binning the Human Rights Act. The other is producing a credible deterrent. Nigel Farage recently embraced both policies in setting out what Reform UK would do about illegal immigration. A future government led by him would not be bound by international human rights laws. Illegal migrants would be rounded up and sent back to where they came from. I certainly dont think his plans are perfect. Would he really return women and children to a country if they faced likely death? He also wildly claimed during Reforms conference on Friday that he would stop the boats within two weeks, though admittedly he backtracked a little yesterday. However, Reform has a policy in outline that, while undoubtedly uncompromising and even harsh, seems credible. We wait to see whether the Tories will come up with something equally convincing. Labour hasnt. I think that Shabana will significantly reduce the number of people turning up uninvited on our shores, writes Stephen Glover plus an even larger contingent who claim asylum after overstaying their visas? Ms Mahmood is said to be ready to reform the ECHR. But that is not possible or at least it would take a very long time and have to be agreed by all signatories to the convention. In any case, a government led by former human rights lawyer Sir Keir Starmer, with fanatical Attorney General Lord Hermer loitering in the wings, would never countenance withdrawing from the ECHR. Then there is the total absence of a plausible deterrent. The Tories had Rwanda, but that was first scuppered by a foreign judge citing the ECHR, and then frustrated by British judges, in part relying on the Human Rights Act. Labour has nothing that could be reasonably described as a deterrent. The best Yvette Cooper could come up was a deal with the French whereby once in a while we send them back 100 migrants in return for accepting another 100 whose case for asylum is deemed more valid. If you were a migrant sitting in a tent in the sand dunes near Calais, would you be deterred by the possibility that you might, at the very worst, have an outside chance of being sent back to France? I dont think so. Moreover, Yvettes brilliant wheeze, which was championed by a Prime Minister who prides himself on his genius at rooting out foreign criminals, wouldnt have any effect on the overall number of migrants in this country and so is unlikely to satisfy public opinion. Without a proper deterrent, Shabana Mahmood will be fighting with both hands tied behind her back, and with the best will in the world, she will be reduced to fiddling at the edges. Theres no evidence that the Government is keeping a compelling deterrent up its sleeve. One explanation is that it realises that any effective policy would fall foul of the sacred ECHR. Shabana seems preferable to the prissy, schoolmarmish Yvette Cooper, during whose 14-month stint as Home Secretary more than 50,000 immigrants crossed the Channel in small boats, writes Stephen Glover Even if Ms Mahmood is the doughty politician her supporters are cracking her up to be, I dont see how she can do much better than her predecessor. On Saturday, more than a thousand illegal migrants crossed the Channel. There will be many such days on her watch. Of course I applaud her plan to build basic detention centres. It should be cheaper in the long run than putting up immigrants in hotels and give some relief to residents who dont relish having single foreign young men roaming around their towns. That said, I imagine that lots of people wont be very happy about the prospect of the same sort of young men living in new detention centres on their doorstep. The Governments other plan to deal with illegal immigrants is to put more of them in houses dotted around the country. My colleague Sue Reid described in Saturdays Daily Mail how, from East Sussex to Grimsby, migrants are being put in agreeable houses, some of them new-builds, which should properly be offered to local residents. In effect, the Government is exchanging one set of sticking plasters for another. It recognises that housing migrants in hotels is expensive and unpopular with locals. But putting them in those sought-after homes is also expensive and probably just as unpopular, while detention centres are hardly likely to be welcomed either. The only solution is dramatically to stem the numbers crossing the Channel, as well as of those opportunistically overstaying their visas. Commentators agree that uncontrolled immigration in general, and illegal immigration in particular, are the issues of greatest concern to most voters. Its not too much to say that they will probably determine the outcome of the next election. Shabana Mahmood is one of the few impressive politicians on a lacklustre Labour front bench that might be qualified to run a town council but hardly a great, though depressed, country facing enormous problems. I am prepared to believe that she is robust and determined. Yet whatever her abilities, she is being sent into battle by Starmer on a lame horse with a broken lance and a rusty shield. There can only be one outcome, and it wont be good for this country. Tube workers marked the third anniversary of the Kings accession to the throne by bringing London to a virtual standstill. As a 41-gun salute reverberated over Hyde Park, there was chaos on the streets with commuters, shoppers and tourists alike experiencing widespread disruption. Entrances to Underground stations were barred and bus drivers were forced to turn away passengers desperate to get to work. Cycle hire services were sold out and black cabs and Ubers were snapped up in seconds. Those intrepid souls who tried to drive into town faced frustrating journeys up to three times longer than usual, exacerbated by heavy traffic and the usual, ubiquitous lane closures and roadworks. Concerts planned for this week, including Coldplay at Wembley, have been cancelled. The band said it had no alternative because there was no way that 82,000 fans could get home safely. The mayhem was caused by a five-day strike by members of the RMT union, demanding a 32-hour, four-day week and another bumper pay rise on top of their current 65,000 to 72,000 salaries. They also want a taxpayer-subsidised 75 per cent discount on all rail travel, not just in London. Entrances to Underground stations were barred and bus drivers were forced to turn away passengers desperate to get to work Negotiations have been going on for nine months, since shortly after the RMT accepted rises of up to 6.6 per cent last November. They were always going to come back for more. Union leaders in the public sector assume, with justification, that a Labour mayor and a Labour government will be a guaranteed soft touch. Yet as the strike got underway, Londons two-bob chancer of a mayor, Genghis Khan, who has overall responsibility for transport, was missing in action. This is the same Khan who promised Londoners there would be no more transport strikes on his watch. Last year he managed to find 30million down the back of the sofa to avert another threatened Tube strike. Apparently, this time, theres no money left to use a well-known expression popular in Labour circles. Last year Sadiq Khan managed to find 30million to avert another threatened Tube strike Not that Genghis would have been overly inconvenienced by the walkout, as he has a 350,000 chauffeur-driven, armour-plated Range Rover provided for his security. If fuming commuters had spotted him this morning, hed have needed all the security he could get. The strike will prove devastating for Londons economy, with lost business conservatively estimated at 230million. The hospitality sector, hammered by rising energy bills and higher National Insurance payments, will be especially hard hit. Many restaurants, pubs and sandwich shops are already on their last legs. This could tip them over the edge. London has become an increasingly hostile environment for business. There has been an exodus of high net-worth individuals, especially non-doms, since Rachel From Complaintss disastrous budget. This weeks Tube strike will only make London less attractive to investors from overseas. Under Khan, the war on mobility motorists in particular - has escalated. Getting around town is a nightmare at the best of times, even when the Underground is running normally. Cycle lanes, low-traffic neighbourhoods, Ulez and the congestion charge soon to rise to a usurious 18 a day are all designed to force people to abandon their cars and use public transport. But as this selfish walkout illustrates, when people have no alternative other than to rely on public transport, it puts them at the mercy of militant unions like the RMT. Todays strike coincided with the annual gathering of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in Brighton. This year, the unions are in a particularly truculent mood, worried that with the demise of Ginge Rayner the Government may now water down employment reforms which, among other concessions to workers rights, would make it easier for them to call strikes. Ironically, the unions should be in a weaker, not stronger, position. Membership of TUC affiliates has fallen to 5.5million, less than half the 12million when I was a young industrial correspondent during the 1979 Winter of Discontent. Their strength comes from the fact that membership is now almost exclusively concentrated in the public and quasi-public sector, giving them a stranglehold over services. It's instructive that all the strikes since Labour came to power have been on the railways, in the NHS, by Birminghams dustmen etc. Downing Street has urged a return to work, but is pretty impotent, especially after caving in to outrageous pay demands since taking office. And Surkeir is over a barrel, as some unions are threatening to stop funding Labour unless they get everything they want. Just as in 1979, union militancy along with general uselessness will doom Labour to inevitable defeat at the next election. For the moment, the Tube drivers are filling their boots. What next theyll be wanting to work from home? But they could soon be on a No-Day Week. They are headed for extinction, just like the Fleet Street printers before them. The technology for driverless trains already exists and has been operating successfully for decades not just abroad but on Londons Docklands Light Railway. While Khan and Labour wont implement driverless trains, a future Reform or Reform/Tory coalition would have no such hesitation. That day cant come soon enough - and would be greeted by Londons downtrodden commuters with a 41-gun salute. Necks seem to suddenly just go. Grateful as I am to be getting older Im now 52 Ive recently become acutely aware of mine collapsing, with a distinct turkey look appearing when I twist my head in the mirror. Ive always liked my neck. Its quite long, unlike my legs. But over the past few years Ive felt betrayed by its gradual but inexorable collapse. Its like a demolished building in slow motion. I may be a beauty journalist but I am also quite idle. Historically, Ive neglected everything below my chin. In my 40s I finally took my neck in hand; I started to apply sunscreen and try out anti-ageing creams, applying everything in upwards sweeps to try to lift the increasingly sagging skin. Despite my efforts, it continued to age faster than my face. I predominantly work from home and noticed that Zoom was not flattering. I started to put my laptop on a pile of books so I had to tilt my head upwards for a swift neck lift! I would also carefully light myself before meetings to try to blur my neck with bright lighting. It wasnt exactly keeping me awake at night, but I certainly noticed my neck whenever I looked in the mirror. I wanted a solution, but knew that creams werent quite going to cut it, and have no intention of ever going under the knife. Beauty editor Alice Smellie, who says that despite her efforts, her neck continued to age faster than her face Enter UltraClear, which sounds like an advanced spot cream, but is actually the latest in FDA-cleared advanced but non-invasive aesthetic rejuvenation. It has just arrived in the UK and Im thrilled to be one of the first to try it. So why the neck before the face? The neck has thinner skin, fewer oil glands, and it is subjected to near-constant movement, says aesthetic expert Dr Mervyn Patterson, from Woodford Medical clinics (woodfordmedical.com). Add in sun exposure, tech-neck from staring at our phones and laptops, as well as a general lack of attention (when did you last apply SPF to your neck?), and its no wonder it ends up looking older than the rest of you. Ive been waiting a few months for UltraClear; Dr Patterson first teased it at the start of this year, when I was moaning about my lower face, but it was launched in the UK only in late spring. There are plenty of neck treatments out there. Botox can relax the platysma muscle which causes those bands that form around the neck. Ive tried it and though highly effective, its not enough any more. Ive also given various creams a go, such as StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus, (49, boots.com), which did improve the look of my skin, but again, couldnt handle the extreme sagging. I even experimented with neck shapewear like the weird band you wear around the head and chin just launched by Skims, Kim Kardashians brand. I found this option hard work, unflattering and with very short-term results. UltraClear is a dual-action treatment. It delivers short, concentrated light beams to gently remove the top layer of skin and stimulate collagen production. Two months after her UltraClear treatment, Alice says her neck looks ten years younger At the same time, thermal energy is beamed deep into the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production from the inside out. As with most efficient treatments, it creates injury to stimulate the bodys natural healing response. The result? Firmer, tighter, smoother skin over the next few weeks. This all sounds great, but also quite aggressive. Its whats known as a cold laser, which minimises heat build-up in the skin, reducing both swelling and downtime. Yet the most effective setting is called Laser-Coring, which Dr Patterson describes as precision micro-stamping, but sounds to me like being attacked by a hole punch. Thats what I opt for, however, since it offers the best results for my neck. I also try the lightest setting on my face whats known as 3DMiracl since it seems a shame not to go the full hog while Im here. 5 more ways to anti-age your neck Ultherapy: a non-invasive cosmetic treatment which uses ultrasound energy to tighten and lift sagging skin and wrinkles, 1,500, quinnclinics.co.uk Morpheus 8: Dr David Jacks skin-tightening treatment, which uses radiofrequency technology to stimulate collagen production, from 1,650, drdavidjack.com Prai Beauty Ageless Throat & Decolletage Creme: this, from the biggest neck brand in the UK, contains Sepilift technology (a plant extract to help restore elasticity and boost collagen) and hyaluronic acid to lift and tighten skin, 13, praibeauty.co.uk Absolute Collagen Neck & Dec Cream: with collagen-boosting peptides and clinically backed ingredients, this cream helps restore strength, firmness, and hydration, from 19, absolutecollagen.com Eucerin UltraSensitive Soothing Care for Dry Skin: formulated for the face, neck and decolletage and designed to instantly hydrate, soothe, and calm hypersensitive skin, 14.24, superdrug.com Advertisement This is the most invasive facial Ive ever experienced, and I am a little nervous. I dont do pain. Numbing cream, containing the anaesthetic lidocaine, is slathered across my neck and I am left to marinate for 30 minutes. We start with the face. A handheld nozzle think miniature stamp machine is moved methodically across my skin. Not a flicker of pain. My face emerges slightly pink, as though Ive been caught in a brisk wind. It takes around 20 minutes. The laser coring on my neck is more intensive but is exactly the same mechanism just turned up. Again, I feel no discomfort, but there is a faint burning smell which I try to ignore. It takes around half an hour to do the front and sides of the neck, not the back, and then down my decolletage. When I look in the mirror, my neck is rather red, with tiny dots of bleeding. Whats called a Velez mask is then placed on my face and neck to draw out the heat. Its a cool-feeling, sterile cellulose-and-water mask and Im also given one to take home. I have to get the train from London to Bath and its full of tourists and jolly people heading for a night out. I am acutely aware of how flushed I look. Close up, you can see a faint mesh effect on my skin as though Ive pressed lightly against netting. I have brought a scarf, so my neck is wrapped up. My skin feels warm but Im not uncomfortable. That night I dont sleep brilliantly Im not in pain, but Im very aware of my neck and the next morning I am slightly appalled to see the treated area still has spots of blood on it. The rest of my neck is clear but bright red, as though severely sunburnt, and also rather puffy. This redness and swelling endures for a few days, and I am very aware of how ludicrous I look. The weather is lovely, and I am wrapped up as though its deep winter. In retrospect, Id do the treatment in cooler months. Not that the timing matters from a safety point of view, as long as you keep your neck out of sunlight, because the treated skin is hyper-sensitive to the sun. Its recommended that you avoid direct sunlight for a full two weeks and use high SPF (which I do anyway). Over the next few days, the top layer of skin on my neck gradually falls off, and I feel as though Im shedding like a snake. My face needs barely any downtime my skin peels almost imperceptibly and just looks a little dry. The neck has thinner skin, fewer oil glands, and it is subjected to near-constant movement, says aesthetics expert Dr Mervyn Patterson (pictured), from Woodford Medical clinics However, the worst thing is the itchiness that I experience on my neck after two or three days I have one near-sleepless night, in spite of taking antihistamine. Its more of an itchy sting than an itch you want to scratch, which is lucky, as I am avoiding touching my neck as much as possible except to apply the Neova Cu3 Tissue Repair Cream (65, neovaskincare.co.uk) Ive been given to support healing and moisturise the dry skin. I put this on a few times a day its deeply moisturising, helps with the itching and tightness, and contains copper peptides to help healing. After a week I look almost back to normal, and nobody would notice there was anything odd about my neck, but its a good ten days before I feel entirely comfortable exposing it. All this is youll be pleased to hear well worth it. After two months my neck looks ten years younger and so by extrapolation does the rest of me. Who knew necks had such a dramatic effect? Im more than happy to report that the pigmentation has gone, the texture is smoother and the folds of loose skin have vanished. Its definitely well worth the effort and the downtime. UltraClear can be a one-off session, or some people have another session after two or three months. Plus, you can have maintenance treatments every 12 to 18 months. People keep asking why I look so healthy, but the great thing is that it looks entirely natural, so I just say I drink lots of water and leave it at that! The family-run business won 'Most Loved' and Most Trusted' supermarket A surprising supermarket has taken out the top spot Australian consumer-voted awards - and it's not Woolworths, Coles or Aldi. Taking out four of the eight major supermarket prizes in Finder's 2025 Customer Satisfaction Awards was none other than Harris Farm. The small grocery chain received four awards in the supermarket category, including 'Most Loved', 'Most Recommended', 'Most Trusted' and 'Top Rated Supermarket Produce'. The prizes were awarded based on a survey of over 10,000 consumers. Harris Farm's emergence as a clear consumer favourite is impressive given its much smaller footprint compared to Coles and Woolworths. Harris Farm currently operates 33 stores across NSW, Queensland and the ACT. By comparison, Woolies and Coles have almost 2000 national stores combined. Within Australia's $120 billion supermarket sector, Harris Farm occupies a modest $788 million in earnings. Harris Farm was a surprise major winner at the Finder's 2025 Customer Satisfaction Awards, taking home four out of eight prizes in the supermarket category Harris Farm picked up wins in emotive categories like 'Most Loved' and 'Most Trusted' supermarket Daily Mail spoke to Finder's head of consumer research Graham Cooke, who agreed that Harris Farm's recent accolades showed it was performing beyond expectations. 'What's impressive is the across-the-board sweep for Harris Farm this year, showing that they are really winning in the conversation with the customer,' Graham said. Finder's head of consumer research Graham Cooke agreed that Harris Farm's recent wins were 'impressive' The smaller grocery store's ability to win in emotive categories like 'Most Loved' and 'Most Trusted' supermarket was also acknowledged as a major coup. Graham observed that it reflected an overarching theme at this year's awards, which saw several smaller businesses - like Harris Farm - 'dominate' over their much larger competitors in these types of categories. 'The bigger brands won only in areas where size makes a difference - delivery network and rewards programs,' he explained. '[But] it's difficult for a big national retail brand to feel personal, difficult for customers to get to know staff by name, which is why I think smaller brands won out on all the perception awards.' The Finder spokesperson also noted that the bigger supermarkets 'have not been helped by negative headlines and mostly unsubstantiated claims about price gouging'. 'It will be interesting to see if these feelings towards the retailers continue as, and if, the cost of living crisis improves,' Graham added. Harris Farm is a family-run grocery chain that was founded more than 50 years ago and currently operates 33 stores across NSW, Queensland and the ACT Harris Farm co-executive Luke explained that the family-owned business' model is based around values of 'fairness, freshness, and a real love of food' Harris Farm is a family-run grocery chain that was founded more than 50 years ago. It was established in 1971 by David and Cathy Harris as a fresh food store in Sydney's Villawood. The supermarket business is now run by two of the couple's five sons, Angus and Luke Harris. The co-executives regarded the store's recent wins at Finder's 2025 Customer Satisfaction Awards as an 'extraordinary' feat for a family-run business. Luke suggested their family-owned business model may explain why Harris Farm rated so highly with customers, as the business is built around their parent's values of 'fairness, freshness, and a real love of food'. 'When you've got family at the helm, those values don't just sit on the wall; they're lived every day,' Luke told Yahoo Finance. 'We feel a deep responsibility to carry that through for our team, our growers, and our customers.' Lady Marina Windsor and India Hicks have shared heartfelt tributes to the late Duchess of Kent. Katharine, the Duke of Kent's wife, passed away aged 92 last Thursday, with Buckingham Palace announcing that she died 'peacefully' at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family. Lady Marina Windsor, the Duchess of Kent's granddaughter, took to Instagram to share several glamorous photographs of the late royal in her youth, including graceful snaps captured on her wedding day in 1961. The 32-year-old, who is one of Katharine's ten grandchildren, wrote: 'Rest in peace my amazing and beloved Amama [grandmother], we will miss and love you so much always and thank you to everyone who has sent such kind and touching messages, sending lots of love to all.' Other pictures including the Duchess dressed in a yellow ensemble, cuddling a koala bear, along with a more recent snap of her dressed in a more casual white shirt and jeans combination, standing in a doorway. Lady Marina also shared an Instagram story that said: 'My amazing Amama, I love you always and forever and more than words could ever say. 'Thank you for everything, all the deep love, special friendship, giggles and hugs, I will miss you so much and you will always be in my heart.' Katharine became the oldest living member of the Royal Family when Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022. India Hicks shared a picture of herself with her late godmother, the Duchess of Kent, on Instagram The Duchess of Kent is survived by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and their three children. India Hicks, 58, also took to her Instagram account to post a tribute to the Duchess, revealing that she woke up to the news that her beloved godmother had passed away. She said Katharine was an 'involved' godmother, adding that she 'never forgot a birthday or Christmas'. India also shared a personal anecdote about her grandfather's funeral - which fell on her birthday - and recalled how the Duchess remember to get her a memorable gift. She wrote: 'My grandfathers funeral was held on my 11th Birthday. It took place on 5th September 1979, following his assassination by the IRA. Before the service, on the steps of Westminster Abbey, Princess Grace approached my mother. 'Seeing me, she caught sight of a gold cross I was wearing and, bending down commented on how lovely it was. "Thank you. It is brand-new today, from my godmother." I replied childishly. 'My Godmother, the Duchess of Kent, had remembered that it would be my birthday. She had organized in a short amount of time to have this small cross engraved with the date. 'She was an involved Godmum. She attended my christening (seen here standing next to another exceptional godparent) she attended my confirmation, she even attended my daughters christening. Lady Marina Windsor shared an Instagram story with a heartfelt tribute to her grandmother, saying that she loves her more than words can 'ever say' Lady Marina Windsor also shared a more recent image of her grandmother on her i 'She never forgot a birthday or Christmas. She would send me letters to boarding school written in her beautiful spidery hand writing. 'A thoughtful and graceful godmother whose deeply personal faith journey left a lasting impression on me as a teenager.' Lady Amelia Windsor also shared a touching tribute to her grandmother, taking to social media to post an elegant black and white photo of Queen Elizabeth II's cousin in her youth. It was accompanied by a simple red heart emoji. Last Friday, a death notice was placed on the gates of Buckingham Palace, where the Union Flag was flown at half mast. In 1992, Katharine famously converted to Catholicism, and is expected to have a Catholic funeral in a week's time in accordance with her wishes. 'It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent', the Royal Family's midday statement said. 'Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family. 'The King and Queen and all Members of The Royal Family join The Duke of Kent, his children and grandchildren in mourning their loss and remembering fondly The Duchess's life-long devotion to all the organisations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people'. In a statement signed 'W & C', the Prince and Princess of Wales said: 'Our thoughts today are with The Duke of Kent and his family, particularly George, Helen and Nicholas. Lady Marina Windsor announced via Instagram that she is engaged to boyfriend Nico Macauley in June Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, Lady Marina Windsor and the Duchess of Kent are pictured in 2017 India Hicks, the Duchess of Kent's goddaughter, shared a family picture alongside her tribute 'The Duchess worked tirelessly to help others and supported many causes, including through her love of music. She will be a much missed member of the family'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the Duchess of Kent brought 'compassion, dignity and a human touch to everything she did', as he paid tribute following her death. The Duchess, who has been unwell for some time, died at Wren House, her marital home in Kensington Palace, surrounded by close family late on Thursday evening. No further details about the cause of the Duchess's death have been released. The King was at Balmoral and was informed shortly after she passed. Buckingham Palace said that any visits by the family to pay their respects in person would remain private. The King has approved that Royal Mourning should take place until and including the day of the Duchess's funeral, which is to be a week after she passed. During this time, members of The Royal Family and staff will wear clothing which pays appropriate tribute during this period. Those in Livery, the Royal Mews and Troops on Public Duties will wear black armbands. The Duchess, who has been unwell for some time, died at Wren House, her marital home in Kensington Palace It is unlikely there will be any national mourning period as the Duchess had not been a working royal since 2002, although it is expected there will be those who wish to pay tribute. Royal engagements are likely to continue, although households will consider the 'format and tone' of engagements during this period. The Royal website will also reflect the announcement of The Duchess's death, her life and service. An online Book of Condolence will also be available in the coming days. Details of royal attendance will be released in the coming days but it is expected the most, if not all, members of the family would attend - including non-working royals. This is likely to include the Duke of York. Prince Harry will also, notably, be in the UK next week. The Duchess attended events marking the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and was present for the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's 2011 wedding, and the Sussexes' nuptials in 2018 where she wore comfortable white trainers paired with a floral Erdem maxi dress and walked arm in arm with a staff member from the royal household for support. In recent years, her health grew increasingly poor and she did not attend Queen Elizabeth's funeral or the King's coronation. Millions of people in the UK are unaware that their tax code is incorrect Martin Lewis's team have warned all workers that they could unknowingly be owed thousands of pounds - and urged people to check their payslips. The update was shared on behalf of the finance guru to his website, Money Saving Expert (MSE), where a journalist urged people to thoroughly check their tax to ensure they are paying the correct amount to HMRC. Each year, millions of people across the UK pay over the odds in tax because they are in the wrong tax band, the writer of the article claimed. 'Is your tax code correct? If not, you could be owed 1,000s,' the journalist wrote on the money-saving blog. They added: 'If you're an employee (ie, you work for someone), it's important to understand that legally your tax code is your responsibility to check, not your employer's nor HM Revenue & Customs'. Millions of these are wrong each year.' For those who are paying in excess, this could mean they are owed thousands of pounds. In contrast, those mistakenly placed in a tax bracket below their salary could find themselves having to foot an eye-watering bill if the error is not corrected. 'If yours is, you may be overpaying tax and due money back, or underpaying and likely to face bill shock in the future,' the article read. Martin Lewis's team has warned workers that they could be owed thousands of pounds in mispaid tax (Martin Lewis pictured in June) A worker's tax code can be found on any pay slip or other formal work document, such as a P45, P60, or pension advice slip. The article revealed the case of a woman who discovered that she had been paying through the nose on taxes. After checking her finances, Michele realised she had been paying tax on 'every penny' without any allowances. In the MSE blog post, Michele's account read: 'I discovered I was paying on every penny I earned, without any allowance. Likely because I'd been self-employed, but I stopped trading three years ago, and my tax code for my salaried employment was not changed. 'It took an hour on the phone, but I have never earned so much in an hour, I have now been refunded 9,400! Thank you so much Martin.' According to UK law, workers are not expected to pay Income Tax on the first 12,570 earned during that year. This is called workers' 'personal allowance'. After that, workers are taxed 20 per cent on what they earn up to 50,270 - which is the basic rate. Those on a higher rate - earning between 50,271 to 125,140 - are taxed 40 per cent of their income. The additional rate taxes 45 per cent on those earning over 125,140. In an update shared on his website, Money Saving Expert (MSE), a journalist urged people to thoroughly check their tax to ensure they are paying the correct amount to HMRC. Stock image People can check their tax code on their pay slips. It will appear as a series of letters and number. Examples of these may include 1257L, S1257L, C1257L, BR, and K497. The code is used by employers or pension providers to decipher to amount of tax that is to be deducted before it is paid into the recipient's bank account. However, there are some exceptions to this. For example, individuals who are self-employed, unemployed, or those who receiving only a state pension will not have an official tax code. 'Each income you have (jobs, private pensions) will have a different tax code. Remember to check them all,' Martin's website advised. Workers can find out their tax code by a number of means including a pay slip, PAYE notice (P2), P45, P60 or a pension advice slip. It can also be checked using HMRC or via the official app. It comes after the MSE team warned that UK workers could be missing out on hundreds of unclaimed pay. Writing on his website, Money Saving Expert (MSE), a journalist warned workers that many may be missing out on due pay - and urged employees to redeem any unclaimed cash. They shared a story of how one 17-year-old part-time worker found themselves 240 out of pocket after discovering that they were owed hours of unclaimed holiday pay. A worker's tax code can be found on any pay slip or other formal work document, such as a P45, P60, or pension advice slip (Martin Lewis pictured in June) Many part-time workers may not realise that they accrue holiday based on the number of hours they've worked. If this holiday - formally known as 'statutory annual leave' - is not claimed, employers are obliged to remunerate the balance for any unused entitlement. The post described how one Essex-born 17-year-old, Lola, had been working as a kitchen porter at her local pub for over two years before she was dismissed, the owners telling her they were having to cut costs. Her mother suggested she email the pub to request her holiday pay, and it was then that she realised she was owed 218 holiday pay, two years of backdated hours. Delighted by the result, she then contacted a cafe where she had worked a handful of shifts where she discovered she was owed an additional 23.87 - which added up to 240. Particularly for those who may have recently left a post, employees should ensure they check whether they are owed hours, and to redeem any unpaid pounds. First and foremost, employees should check whether their employment status entitles them to holiday pay, since it's not automatic for all. For instance, those who are self-employed are likely to miss out on holiday benefits. According to MSE, anyone who has received a pay slip is likely owed holiday. This is because it officially classifies them as an 'employee', which entitles them to those hours of paid leave. Workers should check their employment status and thoroughly read through their contract to double-check the terms of the job. In the UK, the legal minimum holiday is 5.6 working weeks of paid holiday per year, though it is up to employer's discretion whether they offer a higher holiday balance. For full-time working employees working five days a week, this will equate to around 28 days of leave. By the same measure, even those working just one day a week will equate to 11.2 days of holiday a year - which could amount to hundreds if not cashed in. Japan's Prince Hisahito, the country's first royal male to reach adulthood in 40 years, marked his coming-of-age with an elaborate ceremony steeped in Imperial tradition at the weekend. The only son of Emperor Naruhito's brother, Fumihito, Crown Prince Akishino, the heir to the throne, and his wife, Crown Princess Kiko, Hisahito is second in line to the 1,500-year-old Chrysanthemum Throne due to Japan's male-only succession policy. Naruhito, 65, and his wife Empress Masako share only one daughter - Princess Aiko, 23 - who, despite being extremely popular in her native country, cannot succeed her father after a 19th-century ruling abolished female succession. Since there is currently no one to follow Hisahito, the dragonfly-loving biology student's coming-of-age celebrations on Saturday threw Japan's succession crisis into sharp relief. Hisahito, who was born on September 6, 2006, decided to postpone the rituals associated with reaching legal adulthood last year so he could focus on his entrance exams for Tsukuba University. Saturday's ritual for Hisahito started at his family residence, the Imperial Palace in Edo Castle in Tokyo, with the 19-year-old appearing in a tuxedo to receive a crown delivered by a messenger from Naruhito. In a main ritual at the Imperial Palace, attended by other royal members and top government officials, he wore traditional attire with a beige-coloured robe that symbolised his pre-adulthood status. Hisahito's head cover was replaced with the crown, a black adult 'kanmuri' headpiece, formalising his coming-of-age. Japan's Prince Hisahito (pictured, second in line to the Imperial throne, marked his coming-of-age at the weekend with an elaborate ceremony including a series of rituals Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako (left) with their daughter Princess Aiko. Aiko cannot succeed her father due to Japan's male-only succession policy Japanese Prince Hisahito, son of Crown Prince Akishino, wearing ancient ceremonial costume, leaves for a ceremony by a carriage at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Saturday Hisahito bowed deeply and thanked the Emperor for the crown, and his parents for hosting the ceremony, and pledged to fulfil his responsibility as a royal member. The crowned prince then changed into adult attire - a black top - and he rode in a royal horse carriage to pray at the three shrines within the palace compound. In the afternoon, Hisahito once again donned his tuxedo to visit the Imperial Palace to greet Naruhito and Empress Masako, his uncle and aunt, in the prestigious Matsu-no-Ma, or pine room. Another ritual saw him receive a medal, the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, in a postwar tradition. Hisahito also greeted his grandparents, Akihito and his wife, former Empress Michiko, at their palace. In the evening, Akishino and Kiko hosted a private celebration for their son at a Tokyo hotel for their relatives. The rituals also include Hisahito's visits early this week to Ise, Japan's top Shinto shrine, the mausoleum of the mythical first emperor Jinmu in Nara, as well as that of his late great-grandfather, wartime emperor Hirohito, in the Tokyo suburbs. He will also have lunch with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and other dignitaries on Wednesday. Elements of the formal celebrations were shared on the official Instagram page of the Japanese royal household on Sunday, with a series of photos attracting almost 121,000 likes. Hisahito is seen in ceremonial attire during his coming-of-age rites in the Imperial Palace He was assisted when it came to putting on the elaborate attire for the ceremony The Instagram account was only launched in April 2024, more than a decade after the British royal family joined the platform, and was seen as part of a broader effort by the Japanese Imperial Family to further its reach with the public. And, earlier this year, Japan's royal family, the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy, launched an updated website. Japan's royals are currently facing a succession crisis, because women are not permitted to sit on the throne, and female births have outweighed male births in recent generations. The website allows online visitors to learn about the Imperial Family's culture and members and to find out the latest news about the royal household. It also provides links to information regarding visiting the Imperial Palace and other related buildings. It's an offering that follows in the footsteps of European royal families, who have used equivalent digital platforms for years. By forming an online presence, the palace hopes to strengthen its bond with the younger generations by updating them with royal happenings, according to TBS News. It's perhaps a necessary move given the current precarious position of the family, as a result of the country's male primogeniture law. Hisahito, wearing ancient ceremonial costume, leaves for a ceremony by a carriage at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo Saturday He waved at the gathered crowds as he left the Imperial Palace in Tokyo Hisahito visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie prefecture, central Japan, as part of his coming-of-age rituals Prince Hisahito, pictured as a newborn, was born on September 6, 2006 Emperor Naruhito has just one daughter with his wife Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, who was born in 2001 after the royal couple underwent fertility treatment. Female births have far outweighed male births in recent generations of the Japanese royal family, and the dynasty currently has just three male heirs, one of whom is already in his 80s. There's Fumihito, Crown Prince Akishino, 59, who is the Emperor's brother, Prince Hisahito, Fumihito's 19-year-old son, and third-in-line Prince Hitachi, who is 89. As well as a shortage of heirs, the monarchy is also ageing - with seven members aged over 60 - and rapidly dwindling. After the death of Princess Yuriko on November 15, the Imperial Family consists of just 16 members. Yuriko, who outlived her husband and three sons, was the wife of wartime Emperor Hirohito's brother and the oldest member of the royal family. She died at a Tokyo hospital, the Imperial Household Agency said, and her funeral was held on Tuesday. Being a woman born into the country's Imperial House isn't an entirely enviable role; a Japanese princess can currently never be Empress and must lose her royal title if she chooses to wed a commoner. A five-year-old Hisahito, wearing a traditional ceremonial attire, is accompanied by his parents, Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko, his sisters Princess Mako, left, and Princess Kako, right, after attending 'Chakko-no-gi' ceremony to celebrate his growth and the passage from infancy to childhood, at the Akasaka imperial estate in Tokyo in November 2011 Any children she had with that person would also never form part of the Imperial House. Emperor Naruhito's daughter Aiko, now 23, already lives a life moulded by the dynasty she's part ofsurrounded by intense levels of security and unable to have political views or vote. The young royal lives with her parents at The Imperial Palace in Edo Castle in Tokyo and works as a newsletter editor for the Japanese Red Cross Society, a role she combines with her royal engagements. For now wedded to a life of public duty, Aiko, might yet look to the path her first cousin, Mako Komuro, formerly Princess Mako of Akishino, has taken; the former royal enjoys an upper-class quiet life in New York. In 2017, Crown Prince Fumihito's eldest daughter, 33, sent shockwaves through the country when she announced she was giving up her royal title to marry Kei Komuro, her long-term boyfriend. Mako and Komuro met at Tokyo's International Christian University in 2013 and became engaged in secret, before announcing their intention to marry in September 2017, which sparked huge scrutiny. Their wedding in October 2021 was distinctly low-key. It was met with protests, held behind closed doors without any of the pomp and pageantry of other Japanese royal weddings, which traditionally include a reception, banquet, and a parade through the streets of Tokyo. Reading out a prepared statement, Mako defended her decision to marry, describing Kei as 'irreplaceable' and saying 'our marriage is a necessary step for us to be able to protect our hearts.' Mako Komuro, formerly Princess Mako of Akishino, (pictured left) now lives in New York Mako also surrendered a 1million payment she was entitled to according to Japanese tradition, becoming the first imperial family member since World War II to not receive the payment. Now living simply as Mako Komuro, the former Princess lives in a luxurious but modest - at least according to the proportions of the Imperial Palace - apartment in the Big Apple, with the pair regularly pictured on shopping trips together in the city. Current Imperial Household Law, established in 1947, states that only a male descendant of a male emperor can succeed to the throne. Japan has had eight female monarchs between the sixth and 18th centuries, however none came through a female line of descent, and most were temporary rulers, holding the throne until a male successor was ready. One option for reform would be allowing women to keep their imperial status after marrying, regardless of their husbands' status, so that any future sons could join the line of succession. This is opposed by traditionalists who argue that legitimate succession can only pass through the male line. Another possibility relates to former aristocratic families, whose imperial status was abolished during the U.S. Occupation of Japan following the empire's defeat in the Second World War. The proposal suggests that scions of these families could be adopted into the emperor's family. The Imperial Household Agency's updated website allows the public to learn about the family's culture and happenings Yet another option, which also concerns these formerly imperial families, would see an effective restoration of the aristocracy with the male members being reinstated. Traditionalists worry that any reform to the rules of succession threatens the legitimacy, and therefore the stability, of the Imperial Household. Reformists, on the other hand, argue that the Imperial House must adapt to survive. The Japanese imperial family is considered to be the world's oldest monarchy, with an unbroken line of male succession that can be traced back two millennia. Mythology, recognised by the Imperial House, has the legendary Emperor Jimmu, said to be a descendant of a sun goddess and a storm god, as the first of 126 Japanese emperors leading up to the current Emperor Naruhito. Speaking ahead of a state visit to Britain in June 2024 with his wife Empress Masako, Emperor Naruhito made a rare comment about the crisis facing the imperial household. He said: 'The number of male members of the imperial family is decreasing, they are ageing, and female members of the imperial family leave the imperial family upon marriage.' If the marriage was to a prince, they could stay within the family - the trouble is that there are no fellow male royals for them to wed. 'Due to these factors, the number of members of the imperial family who can take on public duties is decreasing compared to before,' he continued. Japan 's royal family , the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy, is facing a succession crisis - because women still aren't allowed to take to the throne 'This is a problem that relates to the future of the imperial family, but I would like to refrain from commenting on matters related to the [legal] system.' His comments make for a rare insight into the royal dynasty, as emperors have avoided discussing items of political importance since Japan's defeat in the Second World War. The slimmed down state of the Japanese monarchy is partly due to male primogeniture rules, meaning only male members of the royal family can succeed the throne. Only four out of 16 members of Naruhito's family are male, following Emperor Emeritus Akihito's abdication in 2019. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako share only one child, Princess Aiko, who was born in 2001 after fertility treatment. However, she cannot take the country's throne. This means the heir to the throne is Naruhito's younger brother, Crown Prince Fumihito, 58. His son, 19-year-old Prince Hisahito and Naruhito's uncle Prince Hitachi, 89, are the only other male figures of the dynasty. The country's strict laws of succession forbid women from ascending to the Chrysanthemum Throne and force them to give up their titles if they marry commoners. Hisahito, 3, smiles as he holds a rabbit during his visit to Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan, with his parents Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko in Ocotber 2009 However, 90 per cent of the public support a change to the law to allow women to ascend the throne, according to a recent poll. European monarchies meanwhile have largely accepted female rulers, but a small, powerful group of traditionalists, many of whom are members of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic party, say that thousands of years of tradition would be broken should women be allowed to rule. They believe that current emperor Naruhito is the direct descendant of one of the world's oldest royal lines which can be tracked all the way back to the first emperor Jimmu (711-585BC). It is believed that Jimmu was a direct descendant of the sun goddess, Amaterasu, and that since then the line has been maintained by male heirs. If the lineage is broken, traditionalists fear the public will no longer see the need for an emperor. Earlier this year, Japanese politicians debated solutions to resolve the crisis, which did not include allowing women to rule. Instead, options included allowing princesses to remain in the royal family after marriage and bringing back descendants of former cadet branches into the fold, who lost their royal status after World War Two. This still would not increase the number of heirs, as the LDP insists princess' children should not be allowed to rule. In November 2023, Emperor Naruhito called for a review of official duties because members are either leaving due to age or marrying a commoner, according to the Japan Times. 'It would be difficult to pass on (official duties) if the number (of imperial family members) decreases,' the crown prince told journalists in Tokyo. The Royal Family paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II on Monday - the third anniversary of her death. An image of the monarch shared on the Royal Family's official social medic account was accompanied by a short but poignant caption. It read: 'Remembering Queen Elizabeth II, 1926-2022.' The sweet photo of the late monarch showed her smiling as she sported a royal blue ensemble. The late monarch died aged 96 at Balmoral in Scotland, after a life as Britain's longest-reigning monarch. All Her Majesty's children had rushed to Balmoral on that fateful day after doctors became 'concerned' for her health. Hours later, she died, surrounded by her family. At 6.30pm on September 8, 2022, her death was confirmed. A Buckingham Palace spokesman at the time said: 'The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.' The Royal Family has paid tribute to the third year anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II In a sweet photo of the late monarch, smiling sporting a deep regal blue ensemble, the Firm shared that they're remembering the mother of King Charles Following the death of his mother, the new king, Charles, said: 'The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. 'We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world. 'During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.' After Her Late Majesty's death, the country entered 10 days of national mourning which concluded with her state funeral on September 19. During that time the Queen's coffin lay at rest in Edinburgh Cathedral before being moved to Westminster Hall in London, where an estimated 250,000 people queued for hours to file past and pay their respects during the lying-in-state. Today, her loved ones are paying their respects, with well wishers taking to social media to share their thoughts on the image shared by the Royal Family social media team. Thousands of comments showed of their ardent admiration for 'inspiring' Elizabeth, many admitting they 'cannot believe' it's already been three years since her tragic passing. One wrote: 'Can't believe it's 3 years.' Many royal watchers took to the commemorative post to share their own thoughts about the loss of Queen Elizabeth II 'She was the best queen,' another penned. A further poster lamented: 'The world has not been the same since we lost its presence of continuity.' 'Still remember hearing the news,' another added. 'It felt the world stopped for a moment as we took in the news.' A further Instagram user said: 'Things don't seem quite the same without her.' The Queen's death came more than a year after that of her beloved husband Philip, her 'strength and guide', who died aged 99 in April 2021. Since his funeral, where she poignantly sat alone because of lockdown restrictions, her own health faltered, and she was forced to miss an increasing number of events mainly due to 'mobility problems' and tiredness. In July of 2022, she travelled to Scotland for her annual summer break, but cancelled her traditional welcome to Balmoral Castle in favour of a small more private event because of her health, believed to be linked to her ability to stand. And at the end of that July, the then-Prince Charles represented his mother and opened the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with the then-Duchess of Cornwall. In late August Queen missed the Braemar Gathering - the first time she was not at the Highland Games in her 70-year reign. Royal fans have gushed over the cheeky nickname Prince Philip had for his wife, Queen Elizabeth ll, after it circulated on social media. Today marks the anniversary of her late Majesty's death, as it is three years since the King's mother passed away on September 8, 2022, aged 96, at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. And as the Royal Family pays tribute to the revered monarch, fans of the late Queen are walking down memory lane to unearth a unique name the late Duke affectionately held for his wife - and it's certainly unexpected. Queen Elizabeth and the former Duke of Edinburgh enjoyed 73 years of marriage together before he passed away on April 9, 2021. He was 99. Many have since taken to Reddit to share their disbelief over the 'cheeky' one word moniker the Prince lovingly called his wife throughout their lifetime. 'Today I learned that Prince Philip's 'affectionate' nickname for Queen Elizabeth was 'cabbage', wrote a user in the 'Today I Learned' Reddit thread. British historian and biographer Robert Lacey confirmed that the Prince did indeed use the sweet moniker for his wife. Speaking to The Sunday Times in 2006, he said 'Yes, I've heard that is how he will sometimes refer to her'. Amongst close circles it is known that Prince Philip adorably called the Queen 'Cabbage', which refers to the French phrase 'mon petit chou'. The cheeky nickname Prince Philip called his wife, Queen Elizabeth ll, has been revealed, and royal fans can't get enough. (Pictured: Queen Elizabeth II with her husband Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, on their wedding day on 20th November 1947) Today marks the third anniversary of her late Majesty's death; the King's mother passed away on September 8, 2022, aged 96. (The late Queen pictured in London four months before her death) In its literal translation, it means 'my little cabbage' but the French idiom is a way of saying 'my darling'. Providing more context on the sweet name, one user wrote: 'Mon petit chou' (my little cabbage) is a common term of endearment in French. Both Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth are fluent in French'. Though perhaps an uncommon nickname in Britain, one person explained that 'it's been a popular affectionate nickname in France for at least a century, mon petit choux!' It is also believed that Her Majesty was also called 'sausage' by her husband, but it was her humorous vegetable moniker that seems to have stuck. Eagle-eyed Reddit users also gave mention to a moment in popular Netflix drama, The Crown, where Queen Elizabeth, played by actress Olivia Colman, even refers to herself as 'cabbage'. In season three, episode four, the Duke (Tobias Menzies) frantically tries to get the attention of a woman through a telecommunication device by repeatedly calling her 'sweetie'. Today the world mourns Queen Elizabeth on the third anniversary of her death. Amongst close circles it is known that Prince Philip adorably called the Queen 'Cabbage', which refers to the French phrase 'mon petit chou' (The late couple take a ride together at a Royal Ascot horse racing meeting in 2014) It is also believed that Her Majesty was also called 'sausage' by her loving husband, but it was her humorous vegetable moniker that seems to have stuck (The late couple are seen celebrating their 25th silver wedding anniversary at Buckingham Palace on 20th November 1972) After her late Majesty's death on September 8, 2022, the country entered 10 days of national mourning which concluded with her state funeral on September 19. During that time the Queen's coffin lay at rest in Edinburgh Cathedral before being moved to Westminster Hall in London, where an estimated 250,000 people queued for hours to file past and pay their respects during the lying-in-state. Today, her loved ones are paying their respects - and have shared the heartwarming snap with wellwishers. Thousands of comments showed of their ardent admiration for 'inspiring' Elizabeth, many admitting they 'cannot believe' it's already been three years since her tragic passing. 'She's so missed and loved,' one penned. 'I miss Her Majesty The Queen so very much,' another added. 'She made me proud to be a part of the Commonwealth.' A third shared: 'We miss Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II so much! She was a very great Queen that everyone loved!' Prince Harry today visited the late Queen Elizabeth II's grave moments after touching down in Britain for his four-day visit - as Prince William and Catherine attended an engagement just seven miles away. Queen Elizabeth and the former Duke of Edinburgh enjoyed 73 years of marriage together before he passed away on April 9, 2021. He was 99. (The late Duke is pictured in 1985) The Prince and Princess of Wales at the National Federation of Women's Institute (WI) in Sunningdale, Berkshire - just a 16-minute drive from Windsor Castle Queen Elizabeth II (L) and Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, leave St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on May 18 2019. Harry paid his respects to her today The Duke of Sussex arrived at Heathrow Airport this morning and was escorted straight to St George's Chapel, at Windsor Castle, where he lay a wreath and flowers to mark the anniversary of his late grandmother who died on September 8 2022. It meant he was just a 16-minute drive from Prince William, who is at an engagement for the late Queen in Sunningdale, Berkshire - as the estranged brothers were united in grief but still worlds apart. In an unexpected turn, the Prince of Wales was joined by his wife, Catherine, who made a last-minute decision to support him at a Women's Institute (WI) branch for the emotional third anniversary as she continues her return to royal duties. Harry's trip to the UK, which includes four days of engagements, will be his longest since he and Meghan visited in 2022 when Queen Elizabeth II died. He has made the transatlantic trip on his own while Meghan stays in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet. The duke was last in the UK in April when he lost his legal challenge over the level of security protection he receives from the Government while he is in Britain - after he and Meghan stepped down as working royals and moved to California in 2020. Harry was appealing a ruling dismissing his challenge to the level of police protection he receives in the UK - but Judge Sir Geoffrey Vos ruled the duke's 'sense of grievance' did not 'translate into a legal argument'. Significantly, however, Harry was spotted being picked up at Heathrow by a serving Metropolitan Police officer from the Royalty and Specialist Protection Squad, suggesting he is receiving bespoke police protection in the UK. Prince Harry, who arrived in the UK this morning for the start of a four-day visit, will reportedly return to Nottingham during the trip - a city which holds special significance for him and his wife Meghan Markle. While it is unclear if Harry, 40, will meet with his father, King Charles, during his pseudo-royal visit this week, he is expected to visit Nottingham tomorrow. It was in the East Midlands city on December 1, 2017, that crowds waited for hours to glimpse Harry and his then-fiancee just days after they had announced their engagement on November 27. The couple were there to attend the Terrance Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair at Nottingham Contemporary on December. The Duke of Sussex and his wife, who share two children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, wed in Windsor the following May, before leaving the royal family and setting up home in California in 2020. Although Harry previously ruled out bringing his young family back to the UK, telling the BBC in May that he couldn't 'see a world' in which that would happen, a friend of the Duke gave a different verdict this weekend. 'Hes not given up hope on bringing his family back to the UK,' the source told The Sunday Times. 'He wants to be able to show his children where he grew up. He wants them to know their family here.' Prince Harry will tomorrow return to Nottingham, a city which holds special significance for him and his wife (pictured) Harry, 40, will spend four days in the UK, but it is unclear if he will meet with his father, King Charles Harry's solo trip to the UK this week, which includes four days of official engagements, will be his longest since he and his wife visited in 2022 when Queen Elizabeth II died. It comes amid claims that he would like to 'reset' his tattered relationship with his family. But Buckingham Palace is remaining tight-lipped on whether King Charles will meet his estranged son. It demonstrates the level of sensitivity around the feud between Harry and the Royal Family exacerbated by his pursuit of His Majesty's Government through the courts over the withdrawal of his full-time security. The Duke also deeply offended many by claiming his loss in the case earlier this year was an 'Establishment stitch-up' and publicly questioning how long his father had to live. The pair have not seen each other since February last year, when Harry flew to the UK after it was announced that Charles had cancer. He was not informed beforehand for fear of leaks and it's believed the pair met for just 30 minutes. Charles is currently at Birkhall, his Scottish residence, and will remain there until at least tomorrow, privately marking his mother's death and his accession to the throne. Prince Harry is set to undertake a solo pseudo royal visit to the UK from Monday with four days of official engagements. Pictured: Harry with his wife at the the Invictus Games in Germany in 2023 The king does have a number of private audiences and meetings this week that could, potentially, bring him back to the capital. Prince William, who has taken a much firmer line on rekindling of relations with his brother, has official engagements elsewhere on every day of Harry's visit. On Monday, he has an engagement in Sunningdale, Berkshire, to commemorate the life of his grandmother on the third anniversary of her death. On Tuesday he will be in London visiting Spiral Skills, a youth organisation in Lambeth which has received funding from his Homewards campaign to tackle homelessness in six trial areas around the UK. On Wednesday, William will visit a mental health hub at Cardiff's Principality Stadium to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. Meanwhile, on Monday Harry will attend the WellChild Awards in London, a charity which supports youngsters affected by terminal and serious illness and their families. He has been its patron for 17 years (remaining so even after stepping down as a working royal) and he will present an award at the event. On Tuesday he will visit the Community Recording Studio in Nottingham. His team says he will use the visit to announce a 'substantial donation' to charity Children in Need to support its work tackling violence impacting young people. Buckingham Palace is remaining tight-lipped on whether King Charles will meet his estranged son (pictured together in September 2022) Harry reportedly has engagements on Wednesday and Thursday with other charities he is involved in, including the Invictus Games and the Diana Award. A source said: 'His visit is four days long and focusing purely on the patronages. [He is] keeping it positive, no courtrooms, just doing the stuff he loved to do and, hopefully, helping some of those causes closest to his heart.' It comes as Harry's friends repeated his recent assertions in The Sunday Times that he wants to come home more and, one day, 'bring his family'. One said: 'He's not given up hope. He really would like to come back to the UK much more.' Another added: 'He's made it absolutely clear that he wants a reconciliation with his family. It's on them now.' But this has not gone down well with those in royal circles. One source said: 'It's just not that easy to dismiss recent events or try to paper over the damage that has been done. Trust has been lost and will not be easy to recover.' It comes as Harry's friends repeated his recent assertions in The Sunday Times that he wants to come home more and, one day, 'bring his family' Earlier this year, Harry also told the BBC that he believed any visit to the UK would come with significant risk of physical harm to himself and his family. Asked how the prince squared his visit this week with these claims, a source close to him said: 'Live threats against the duke continue to exist and he accepts they always will an unfortunate inevitability. 'For obvious reasons, we cannot discuss them in detail. 'The level of risk the duke is prepared to tolerate personally is very different from what he is willing to accept for his family. 'Not wanting to expose his children to such threats is something any dad would understand.' Last night, at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, Jessica Simpson arrived to the red carpet with a dramatic new look, as she appeared looking younger and fresher than ever before - and a plastic surgeon is weighing in on her apparently changing face. Simpson, 45, stunned in a black, figure-hugging tulle dress designed by Christian Siriano, which featured revealing crisscross detailing throughout the top and skirt, showing off her skin. The Dukes of Hazzard star had her long blonde locks styled in a high ponytail, showing off her sculpted face in what was her first appearance at the VMAs since 2006. Many fans were completely shocked by her youthful visage, with tons of people flocking to social media to share their thoughts over what looked like a drastic makeover. 'I don't know who this woman is, but this is not Jessica Simpson,' one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Another agreed, 'I wouldn't have recognized her if you didn't tell me who this is.' 'I honestly didn't recognize her but I feel like if she had blonder hair, not in a ponytail and different make up, she would be more recognizable,' someone else typed. 'Jessica Simpson looks like a completely different person at the #VMAs,' a user posted. Last night, at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards , Jessica Simpson arrived to the carpet with a dramatic new look, as she appeared looking younger and fresher than ever before - and a plastic surgeon is weighing in on her changing face Many fans were completely shocked by her youthful visage, with tons of people flocking to social media to share their thought over what looked like a drastic makeover. Pictured: At VMAs (left) and in March (right) Now, her unrecognizable look is being broken down by a plastic surgeon, as they spoke exclusively to Daily Mail exactly what they believe Simpson has had done after looking at footage. 'Jessica Simpson looked phenomenal at the VMAs,' Dr. David Pincus of New York's Pincus Plastic Surgery told Daily Mail. 'While we can't say for certain since we did not perform any procedures on her, her appearance suggests a tightened, refreshed look,' Dr. Pincus continued. 'Her lips appear freshly filled within the last week or two, giving a very full look that many women love.' The plastic surgeon also noted that Simpson's skin looked 'amazing' on the red carpet, which could be due to laser treatments or other 'medical-grade skincare.' Typically, these medical-grade skincare products contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than you might typically find in a product that's sold over-the-counter, according to The University of Kansas Health System. These kind of products include Biologique Recherche's famous Lotion P50, which contains tons of exfoliating acids and is meant to totally transform your skin. Dr. Pincus also noted that Simpson might have had Botox injected before the VMAs. 'Jessica Simpson looked phenomenal at the VMAs,' Dr. David Pincus of New York's Pincus Plastic Surgery told Daily Mail 'I don't see signs of major facial surgery, but rather a combination of fillers, Botox, and skin treatments,' Dr. Pincus explained. Pictured: Jessica in 2005 Simpson, 45, stunned in a black, figure-hugging tulle dress designed by Christian Siriano, which featured revealing crisscross detailing throughout the top and skirt, showing off her skin 'Jessica has openly shared in the past that she's tried lip filler, non-surgical facelifts, and a tummy tuck with complications,' he shared. 'At this event, it also looks like she may have had Botox or other neuromodulators in the forehead or brow area to create lift and smoothness,' Dr. Pincus said. Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a type of cosmetic injection that relaxes the muscles by blocking nerve signals, per Cleveland Clinic, making them hard to move. The injections are commonly used in order to reduce signs of aging and wrinkles. 'I don't see signs of major facial surgery, but rather a combination of fillers, Botox, and skin treatments,' Dr. Pincus explained. 'These are enhancements available to everyday people at a fraction of the cost of surgery, and they can create a balanced, tight look that highlights natural features,' he continued. 'Jessica looked confident and radiant, and we hope she loves her look because she truly looks great.' Daily Mail reached out to Simpson's rep for comment. She admitted although the condition is 'gross,' it is harmless Kate McKinnon's humor put her on the map along time ago - and now she's revealed she has one on her tongue. The Saturday Night Live alum revealed she suffers from a rare condition called geographic tongue - which is characterized by smooth, red patches on the tongue that resemble a map. While it's not life threatening, McKinnon, 41, admitted the condition is 'gross,' opening up about how she found out she had it. 'I took a photo of my tongue and sent it to an actor friend of mine,' McKinnon recently told People. 'We both have the same medical condition. It's called geographic tongue,' she continued. 'Your tongue sheds in patches and looks like an atlas, hence the name "geographic tongue,"' the comedian explained. However, McKinnon hasn't let her condition get in her way of having a good time, admitting she and her friend 'brag' about their tongue's appearance. 'We brag about how geographic we are on any given day,' she told the publication. Kate McKinnon's humor put her on the map along time ago - and now she's revealed she has one on her tongue 'Maybe I shouldn't be saying this in a magazine,' the actress quipped. According to Mayo Clinic, geographic tongue is an inflammatory but harmless condition affecting the surface of the tongue, which look like a map - hence it's name. The tongue is usually covered with tiny, pinkish-white bumps called papillae, which are actually fine, hair-like structures. The condition only affects approximately three percent of people worldwide, although The Cleveland Clinic notes the number may be higher in reality, as many people don't seek medical help. 'With geographic tongue, patches on the surface of the tongue are missing papillae. These patches are smooth and red, often with slightly raised borders,' the site explained. 'Although geographic tongue may look alarming, it does not cause health issues,' Mayo Clinic noted. 'It's not related to infection or cancer. Geographic tongue sometimes can cause tongue pain and make you more sensitive to certain foods, such as spices, salt and even sweets.' Luckily for sufferers, the condition will go away on it is own, although it can continue for days, months or years, with instances of reoccurrences. McKinnon, who is releasing her children's book, Secrets of the Purple Pearl, the second in her series The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science, also shared some tidbits from her life in the interview on including the last thing she took from a film set. While it's not life threatening, McKinnon, 41, admitted the condition is 'gross,' opening up about how she found out she had it The Saturday Night Live alum revealed she suffers from a rare condition called geographic tongue - which is characterized by smooth, red patches on the tongue that resemble a map (stock image) 'I was given I didn't steal a chess piece from the Barbie set,' the actress revealed. 'The set and prop designers for Barbie were the most incredible artists and artisans and the stuff they made to fill out the world of the Dreamhouse and the Weird Barbie house really should be in a museum,' she shared. 'They made a full chess set with these chess pieces in Weird Barbie aesthetic and they were so magical, and I was given, I want say it was a bishop? Tough to tell.' She also revealed which celebrities she gets starstruck around - confessing meeting anyone from the Bachelor universe will leave her geographical tongue-tied. 'I met Jesse Palmer at the SNL 50th Anniversary Special,' Mckinnon gushed. 'I think I would be most starstruck if I met someone from the HGTV universe. If I met Aziza I would fall at her feet.' Skyla Cui knew something wrong with her health. But she was forced to fight for nearly a year - visiting multiple doctors and racking up more than $70,000 in medical bills - before she was finally diagnosed with cancer. The California college student, 21, was studying computer science at Columbia University in New York last summer when she noticed swelling in her neck. She told her doctor at her annual check-up a few weeks later and had an ultrasound in August 2024, which cost $1,642 before insurance. It showed no signs of cancer or disease. As she didn't have any other symptoms, Cui believed the lump was nothing to worry about. 'Originally, my first symptom was a swollen lymph node and I got an ultrasound of that, which didn't give the most information,' she told the Daily Mail. 'Since I was young, and I have no other symptoms, it wasn't super likely to be cancer, and so I wasn't in that big of a rush to follow up on it.' However, nine months later, her lymph node was still swollen. She went back for an MRI ($1,708 before insurance reimbursement) to get a better look at the lump, and when it was deemed suspicious, she had a biopsy. Skyla Cui (pictured), 21, said she was dismissed for almost a year before finally being diagnosed with stage four cancer Your browser does not support iframes. Cui said doctors spent about half an hour trying to get a sample of her lymph node. After numbing her and sticking the needle in her neck, she was told doctors had missed her lymph node altogether. Both tests came back inconclusive, but Cui was still billed $7,259, only some of which was covered by insurance. Her doctor asked her to come back the following week so they could try again. Since she was still recovering from the first procedure and only had one symptom, Cui declined. 'I was planning on just doing the stuff that I had planned for my summer break and maybe considering doing it again at the end of summer before I went back to school,' she said. But she did have one more test already scheduled for a week later: a CT scan. The results, for which she was billed $3,700, quickly changed Cui's plans. 'Without having done the CT and seeing the mass on my lungs, I probably would've waited at least another three months before getting diagnosed.' Two days later, Cui had a robot-assisted biopsy of her lungs that cost $43,450, which confirmed lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. There are nearly 90,000 cases of lymphoma every year, which most commonly impacts people in their 20s and over 55. The average age at diagnosis is 39, according to the American Cancer Society. But before she could start treatment, Cui had to undergo a PET scan to determine the stage of the cancer. A PET scan is an imaging test that uses radioactive tracers to detect cancer in the body. Cui only had a swollen lymph node, which she said led doctors to dismiss her. She was also forced to argue with her insurance company to cover procedure costs Cui, pictured here in the hospital, underwent several scans, including an MRI, CT, PET scan and biopsies before she received her diagnosis in June 2025 'I had a PET scan that I needed before beginning chemo, and the claim was denied, and because of that, I almost had to delay my entire treatment,' Cui said. She explained that the insurance company told her she could 'just wait 28 days and then submit another claim, and then get [her] PET scan'. After several phone calls with her insurance provider, she got a PET scan that cost $13,711 before insurance and an official diagnosis: stage four Hodgkin lymphoma. She was billed $71,470 before ever receiving treatment. While her insurance covered parts of her diagnostics, Cui is unsure of the exact amount she was personally responsible for. Hodgkin lymphoma makes up about 9 percent of all lymphoma cases. Symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, itchy skin, trouble breathing, loss of appetite and cough. Cui, however, only had an enlarged lymph node. Even at stage four, the prognosis is generally positive, with a five-year survival rate of 84 percent. According to the National Cancer Institute, the average cost of cancer in the year after diagnosis is $109,727. Cui has been documenting her cancer treatment on TikTok and made a video detailing the cost of cancer before insurance. She said she feels lucky that she didnt have to pay everything she was billed, but thats not the reality for 27 million uninsured Americans, per the CDC. Hundreds of people around the world were distraught by the cost of American healthcare, with or without insurance. One commenter said, 'As a Canadian, this is insane', while another added, 'I can't believe some people have to pay for medical care'. Cui has since shared her story on TikTok, documenting treatment and its effects, such as losing her hair (pictured above) Cui has had four rounds of chemotherapy and is still undergoing treatment. She is pictured here in the hospital Once she knew exactly what she was dealing with, Cui researched a doctor who would best fit her needs. But within the complicated healthcare system, it felt nearly impossible to find one that her insurance would pay for. 'I think something even more stressful was researching doctors who specialize in my type of cancer,' she said. 'I was like "Oh this is a really good doctor, and choosing this doctor would be the best for my healthcare, but I don't know if I can because it would be so expensive if it's not in the [insurance] network."' When dealing with a challenging health or insurance system, Cui encourages other young women to take control of their treatment. 'We have a lot of power,' she said. 'We can choose how we look at all of these things that are happening to us. 'We're in the driver's seat, we can choose what we want to do and what we don't want to do.' She hopes her videos give power to young women during chemo, shed light on the challenges of the US medical system, and spread infectious positivity. Since her diagnosis in June, Cui has had four rounds of chemo and is still undergoing treatment. As of now, her treatment plan only includes chemotherapy. Cui said treatment options and prognosis for her cancer are generally good. Since she's younger and otherwise healthy, she's motivated to keep fighting. The gentle hiss of boiling water. The rhythmic ticking of a kitchen clock. These were the mundane sounds of a quiet afternoon at home for mother-of-two Natalie Ive. But on this particular day, in 2018, the familiar morphed into the terrifying. Having placed eggs on the stove to boil for lunch, she found herself paralysed, the world around her dissolving into an incomprehensible blur. 'I remember putting the eggs on and not much else. I've had to rely on family to fill in the missing pieces,' Natalie, now 53, recounts. The boiling water on the hob seemed uncanny. What was it doing? She could see her front door but suddenly didn't know how to grasp and turn the handle to open it. Her phone, resting on the bench, was a familiar object rendered utterly useless. She knew it was hers, but couldn't think how to unlock it. When her daughters called, expecting their mother to answer, they couldn't reach her. Their concern prompted a call to a family friend, who arrived to find the front door mercifully unlocked. Natalie Ive (pictured) was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) in 2021 at age 48 'I couldn't speak and didn't know their names. I couldn't tell them anything. I didn't know where medications were. They had to look for it themselves,' Natalie recalls. An ambulance was called. Paramedics initially suspected a stroke, rushing her to hospital where days of observational tests yielded no answers. This profoundly unsettling incident was not Natalie's first experience of sudden, frightening forgetfulness. Just months prior, at 45, while working as a dedicated special education teacher in Melbourne, she had experienced a similar, moment of cognitive disconnection. One morning, immersed in reports and emails, her fingers simply froze above the keyboard. 'I was just starting at the screen blankly. I didn't know what to do. I thought, 'What is going on here?' Natalie recounts. 'I was scared and did a process of elimination, like a checklist, making sure I wasn't stressed or anything. I wasn't.' She brushed it off, yet these alarming instances persisted. Her ability to articulate her thoughts was gradually eroding. In 2018, Natalie (pictured with her two daughters) noticed she was struggling to communicate Natalie, who used to help her adult daughters with their school assignments, now found herself seeking their guidance on basic vocabulary. 'I would cry alone when my daughters were out of the house because I didn't want them to worry or think anything was wrong,' she admits. Yet, this was merely the prelude to a far more formidable challenge. Natalie, always a perfectionist, began to forget small but important pieces of information. Sometimes, she simply could not find the word to communicate what she was thinking. 'I would walk through the shopping centre then I would all of a sudden forget why I'm there, what I was doing or what the shopping centre was,' says Natalie, who is now a lecturer and researcher at the University of Tasmania. These 'flickering' moments left her disoriented. Eventually, she would remember what she was supposed to be doing - but the feeling of being in the middle of a public place and not knowing why she was there was bewildering, to say the least. 'I haven't changed as a person. But what has changed is just the communication part of my brain,' she says What is Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)? Primary progressive aphasia is a type of frontotemporal dementia. Primary progressive aphasia is a rare nervous system condition that affects a person's ability to communicate. People who have primary progressive aphasia can have trouble expressing their thoughts and understanding or finding words. Symptoms develop gradually, often before age 65. They get worse over time. People with primary progressive aphasia can lose the ability to speak and write. Eventually, they're not able to understand written or spoken language. Not all people with primary progressive aphasia have dementia, but most develop it. The term 'dementia' is typically not used until a person can't do things alone due to changes in their thinking and understanding. Source: MayoClinic Advertisement 'Picture yourself in a maze. You only know what you're seeing in front of you. But you don't know what's happening around the corner or where you should go. Navigational skills are non-existent,' she says. The medical odyssey that followed the 'boiling eggs' incident proved as frustrating as the symptoms themselves. Despite being taken to hospital, doctors initially dismissed her symptoms as anxiety, recommending epilepsy medication before discharging her a decision her own family doctor found alarming. 'When I returned home, the forgetfulness happened again. Then, the next week, my doctor called me said, "I got your test results and your your brain is swollen, you need to get an ambulance as ASAP. This is dangerous."' Yet, upon her return to the hospital, her struggles were once again undermined. Physicians told her, 'There is nothing wrong with you.' 'Some doctors need a course in sympathy and effective communication,' Natalie observes pointedly. The back-and-forth between the hospital and her doctor continued, until a neurologist eventually suggested seeing a psychologist which was a waste of time. 'My speech was declining even more, and I just said to my doctor I needed to see a speech pathologist. So she wrote me a referral,' Natalie explains. Finally, a glimmer of hope. After being bounced between medical doctors, it was the speech pathologist who immediately recognised the constellation of symptoms. They suspected she had a rare form of frontotemporal dementia known as primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Following extensive testing, the suspicions were confirmed, and in 2021, at the age of 48, Natalie received her diagnosis. PPA, a form of dementia, gradually erodes a person's ability to communicate, with symptoms worsening over time. For Natalie, the diagnosis offered a critical understanding of her changing brain. 'It's like the brain sometimes doesn't connect the words I'm trying to say. I'm wanting to express them, but they're not coming out,' she explains. 'It's a roller coaster of emotions without knowing where that roller coaster is going to go next.' Despite the profound challenges to her communication, Natalie is resolute. 'I haven't changed as a person. But what has changed is just the communication part of my brain.' She stands as living proof that dementia discriminates against no one, striking without family history or known cause, and regardless of age. Last year, before sharing her story publicly, a professor remarked, 'You don't look like you have dementia.' Natalie responded: 'What does dementia look like?' Her mission is to dismantle stigma, encourage respect, foster understanding and champion hope amidst the complexities of living with a neurological condition. She implores others to exercise patience and recognise the profound truth of her experience. 'I'm the same Natalie with the same wants, needs and interests. What's changed is how I communicate. I need to stop and collect my thoughts before speaking,' she says. 'I am going to live the best I can for the rest of my life. Even though I have these challenges, and I acknowledge them. Some days are harder than others, but even in those days, I try to find something positive.' Natalie now attends regular speech pathology appointments to navigate her communication challenges. While there is no cure for PPA, she actively engages in mentally stimulating activities, keeping fit and pursuing passions that evoke emotion, such as painting and listening to music, to challenge her brain. Today, she travels across Australia and internationally, speaking at conferences. Later later this month, she will attend a Dementia Arts Festival in Scotland. She is also a member of the Dementia Australia Advisory Committee. Tia Rey can't remember a time when she wasn't feeling achey, but she'll never forget the day she was told that the painful twinges were a sign that she was living with a rare and incurable autoimmune disease. Ms Rey, 23, was told that she has anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS) in January this year, a condition which causes painful symptoms such as muscle inflammation, arthritis, fatigue and shortness of breath. Last June, the customer care adviser, from Liverpool, noticed a rash spreading from her feet, swelling in her fingers and stiffness in her joints, leaving her concerned that something was 'seriously wrong' and it was time to seek medical help. Her GP sent her home with different creams but 'nothing was working', so she was referred for a dermatology appointment. In November 2024, while waiting for a slot with a dermatologist, Ms Rey hurt her hand while moving a sofa into the flat she shares with her partner. Feeling as though she had broken or fractured a finger, Ms Rey showed her boss at the leisure centre where she works her injurybut he noticed all her fingers were swollen. She said: 'I was showing him how swollen my finger was, and he said, "which finger?" 'It was then I noticed all my fingers were swollen on both hands, not just the one I injured.' Tia Rey, 23, has been diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disease She went to see her doctor about her injured finger, but also noticed around this time that her joints were becoming stiff and sore. 'I didn't really know what was going on, but it got to the point where I couldn't put my arms over my head and my partner was having to dress me before work,' she said. 'It was getting worse every day, and it got to the point where I was genuinely in tears trying to get ready.' Her doctor arranged a blood test, where it was found her ALT levelsmeasuring her liver functionwere elevated above normal. She went to hospital in January this year where she was given an emergency appointment with a rheumatology specialist. Ms Rey was diagnosed with ASS, which is so rare it's estimated that there are one to nine cases per 100,000 people worldwide. 'I had no clue what it was, so I called my mum and told her before either of us had looked it up online,' Ms Rey said. 'She hung up, searched it and called me back in tears which is when I realised something was really wrong with me.' The leisure centre worker, from Liverpool, now faces an uncertain future According to the NHS, ASS is caused by the immune system being overactive, and can bring a host of symptoms such as inflammatory arthritis and mechanic's fingers or hands, where the skin on the sides of the fingers becomes dry and cracked. Ms Rey suffers with a variety of symptoms with the condition, such as fatigue, muscle inflammation, problems with her mobility and diastolic dysfunctiona condition impacting her heart. 'Walking or standing for certain periods of time, my ankles are in agony,' she said. 'I have good and bad days with my knees, but they can lock on me or just feel in pain.' Another symptom connected to the condition is interstitial lung disease (ILD), causing lung inflammation or irreversible scarring, according to the NHSwhich Ms Rey also has. 'It's only mild at the moment, but I'm very breathless with iteven when walking up a flight of stairs,' she said. Ms Rey struggles to walk or stand for long periods of time, her knees can often 'lock up' and she becomes breathless after going up a flight of stairsand while it is unknown what has triggered the condition, she feels stress has played a major part. 'At the time things started, I was working three jobsI always feel like I deal with stress very well, but obviously it was taking a toll on my body.' Ms Rey as a child She now relies on a smorgasbord of medication to get her through each day Ms Rey said the condition has also impacted her mentally and emotionally. 'I was in denial at first, I was just trying to get on as if things were normal, but I couldn't,' she said. 'It started to hit me that I'm not the same anymore and there are things I can no longer do. 'I'm very close with my cousins and growing up, I used to play with them all the time, but I can't do it anymore, it's horrible. 'It all started to take a toll on me and I didn't realise, but I started to go through a bit of a breakdown.' She added it is not known why the condition has been triggered at this stage in her life, but she feels stress plays a big part. Ms Rey now uses a mixture of medications to manage her symptoms, such as steroids. She said her consultant has also suggested starting rituximab infusions though an IV drip, a medicine used to reduce the activity of the immune system, according to the NHS. she Her swollen hands were one of the symptoms she had the rare condition, ASS She is currently waiting to see if she can have the treatment via the NHS as she said it is expensivewith one course costing around 10,000 if sought privately. She has launched a GoFundMe page with the aim of covering some of the fee, but stated any donations will be refunded if she can receive it without the need to pay. Ms Rey said the main aim of the fundraiser however is to raise awareness of the condition and connect with fellow patients and specialists. Looking ahead to the future, Ms Rey said she is taking 'every day as it comes'. 'I'm trying to accept the reality of the situation, and I've got to keep a positive outlook,' she said. 'At the end of the day, I'm still here and it could be worsethings could always be worse. 'I've always had a plan for my life, whether that's in my career or wanting to have children someday, but now it's all really uncertain and I don't really know what to expect. 'One thing that has got me through this is learning to appreciate everything around me. 'I appreciate life so much more now because you never really know what tomorrow can bring.' A student has told how she dismissed the first signs of her cancer as nothing more than brushing her teeth too hard. Amber Cunningham-Rogan, from St Andrews, Scotland, contacted her dentist in 2020 after her gums began to bleed. The then 21-year-old assumed she had either aggravated them with her toothbrush or developed gingivitis the earliest stage of gum disease. At the same time, Amber had been experiencing a strange numbness and tingling in her hands and legs. But repeated GP visits, blood tests and scans raised no red flags. It was only when the Edinburgh Napier University marketing management student was referred to hospital over concerns about low iron that doctors made a shocking discovery. Tests revealed her white blood cell count was abnormally high, and a biopsy confirmed she had chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) a rare, slow-growing but lifelong blood cancer that typically affects people over 60. After six months of gruelling treatment, Amber was told she had achieved a deep molecular response, meaning only trace levels of the disease remained. Amber Cunningham-Rogan, from St Andrews in Scotland, contacted her dentist in 2020 after she began suffering bleeding gums The then 21-year-old believed she may have either aggravated her gums or had a mild case of gingivitisthe earliest stage of gum disease Now Ms Cunningham-Rogan, who still undergoes treatment to keep her cancer stable, has spoken out about the unusual warning signs and urged others never to dismiss symptoms if something feels wrong. She told The Sun: 'I hadn't experienced anything that screamed "cancer", but for years I'd been going to the GP with symptoms that didn't quite make sense. 'Spinal scans and MRIs came back normal. It was frustrating I knew something wasn't right. One particularly bizarre symptom was bleeding gums.' Chronic myeloid leukaemia is a slow-growing cancer of the white blood cells that can take years to develop. It is most often seen in people over 60. Rather than being cured completely, most patients live with the condition under long-term control. Around 840 people are diagnosed with CML each year in the UK, compared with about 9,000 in the US. More than 6,000 people in Britain were living with the disease in 2010, according to Cancer Research UK. Survival rates are generally good around three quarters of patients on treatment now live for five years or more after their diagnosis. Your browser does not support iframes. But blood cancers like leukaemia can be notoriously difficult to spot, as the symptoms are often vague and easily mistaken for other conditions. These can include persistent coughs, lingering colds, swollen glands, night sweats or fatigue. Ms Cunningham-Rogan's diagnosis came after the now 26-year-old was referred to haematology at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee in 2020, following a hereditary diagnosis of haemochromatosis, or iron overload. Routine blood tests revealed abnormalities and a slightly raised white blood cell count. After repeated tests, she underwent a bone marrow biopsy. Just a week later, in the middle of exam season, Amber received a call telling her she had CML and needed to start treatment immediately. 'Everyone was pretty sure because of my age and health it wouldn't be anything cancer related,' she said. She was put straight onto daily oral targeted therapy, but found the side effects including hair loss, bone pain, migraines and rashes 'brutal'. On one occasion, worrying heart palpitations during treatment saw her rushed to A&E. She moved back home to St Andrews from Edinburgh to undergo therapy but continued with her degree. After six months she achieved what doctors call a deep molecular response, meaning the cancer was undetectable at a certain level though treatment remains ongoing. Amber still lives with fatigue, bone pain, headaches and skin problems. She has found comfort and support through residential programmes for young people with cancer, including Flynne's Barn and the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. Online groups such as the Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia UK & Worldwide Facebook community have also been a lifeline. 'I'm now a hopeful candidate for trying to go treatment-free,' she said. 'To be eligible, you must sustain a deep molecular response over time, and everything must be carefully assessed.' 'For me, stopping treatment isn't just about the meds, it's about trying to get my life back.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Colin Dyer, chief executive of Leukaemia Care, said: 'Amber's story is a powerful reminder that leukaemia can affect anyone, at any age, and that the signs are often subtle and easy to miss. 'Too many people like Amber can spend months searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis. 'That's why our #SpotLeukaemia campaign is so important it helps people recognise the key symptoms and empowers them to seek medical advice sooner. 'Early diagnosis can make all the difference to treatment options and outcomes, and raising awareness is vital in saving lives.' Approaching the end of her postgraduate diploma in counselling, Robyn Ramsay was looking for an extra boost to help her study. Shed heard that lions mane an edible mushroom with health benefits said to extend from supporting the immune system to aiding digestion could improve brain function and memory, so bought a supplement from her local health food store. I was struggling to keep up with all the information I was being taught and I thought it would help, she recalls. Robyn, 34, who lives in Glasgow, started taking the supplements in April last year. I noticed a definite difference, she says. I was more focused when it came to doing my coursework and able to write essays without getting distracted. Robyn was so pleased that she doubled her daily dose from one 500mg capsule to two (still within the maximum suggested dose). But after three weeks she developed headaches. They werent overly intense, but Im not someone who usually gets headaches, so I really noticed them, she says. Robyn Ramsay started taking lion's mane in the hope that the supplement would help her focus while studying for a counselling diploma Robyn put it down to stress but, a fortnight later, watching TV alone in her flat, she experienced her first panic attack. She recalls: My heart was racing and my chest and throat felt tight. I kept jumping up and feeling like I had to run into the next room. She tried to calm herself using deep breathing techniques learned from her counselling training, but the sense of panic still persisted. Eventually, I fell asleep, she says, but when I woke up the next morning, the feeling was still there. It was the beginning of a nightmare lasting several months that Robyn now attributes to her lions mane supplements. And she isnt the only one. On the online forum Reddit, there is a community of 25,000 people claiming to have suffered harm from taking lions mane, with more joining all the time. Many, like Robyn, report an initial boost in cognitive function, with better focus and memory for example, followed by symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks and dissociation (a sense of feeling disconnected from the world around you). While some had mental health problems before using the supplement, many like Robyn had none. So could lions mane really be the culprit? The mushroom a large, white fungus with shaggy spines that hang like a mane primarily grows on dead or dying hardwood trees and logs in forests across North America, Europe and Asia. It has been prized for its flavour and potential health benefits for centuries. And with the suggestion that it may boost brain power and even hold back the effects of ageing, its easy to see why sales of lions mane are soaring increasing by 1,300 per cent over the past year in the UK, according to data analytics company Nielsen. Lions mane has become so trendy because its super powerful, explains Catalina Fernandez de Ana Portela, a biologist specialising in the study of mushrooms from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. She says lions mane benefits two areas in particular cognition and the gut. In the case of cognition, she explains, it protects neurons (nerve cells) that transmit information between brain cells. This is in part due to molecules called hericenones and erinacines, which are believed to stimulate nerve growth factor, a protein that helps grow new neurons these nerve cells send messages all over the body as well as protect the myelin sheath which covers and protects the nerves themselves, says Catalina. But she says lions mane also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress [damage to cells caused by free radical molecules] and regenerates neurons, making it a potentially potent weapon against cognitive decline. In one trial involving 30 people over 50 with mild cognitive impairment, taking lions mane was found to improve functioning. The results, published in the journal Phytotherapy Research in 2009, showed that, after 16 weeks, the group taking lions mane improved their performance on cognitive tests more than those taking a placebo. And theres some evidence it could boost performance in otherwise healthy people. On the online forum Reddit, there is a community of 25,000 people claiming to have suffered harm from taking the lions mane mushroom, with more joining all the time A randomised, placebo-controlled trial of 31 healthy adults over 50, found that taking 3.2g of lions mane daily for 12 weeks improved cognitive function (based on one form of cognitive test), according to the results published in Biomedical Research International in 2019. Catalina Fernandez de Ana Portela, who has published five research papers on mushrooms and led seven clinical trials, is so convinced of the benefits of lions mane in protecting against age-related mental decline that she believes all adults aged over 40 should take the supplement. When it comes to gut health, animal and limited human studies suggest lions mane acts as a prebiotic (feeding good bacteria). In another study, published earlier this year in the journal Biomedicines, patients with colorectal cancer given the supplements after surgery experienced significant improvements in the diversity of the microbes in their gut (considered a measure of gut microbe health) compared with a placebo group. Edzard Ernst, formerly a professor of complementary medicine at the University of Exeter, says its well-known that mushrooms contain powerful compounds think of the psychedelic effects of magic mushrooms yet the therapeutic potential remains seriously under-researched, he warns. He adds: Preliminary evidence suggests that lions mane might be useful for treating age-related problems and brain diseases. But there are numerous risks ranging from allergic reactions to digestive problems [e.g. bloating, diarrhoea], sleep disorders, panic attacks and interactions with prescribed drugs [such as blood thinners]. In addition, lions mane might exacerbate conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Nicholas Money, a professor of biology at Miami University, points to research into psilocybin the naturally occurring psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms as a possible treatment for depression and anxiety which has shown that while some benefit, for a minority of others it can be catastrophic. Ergo, if lions mane actually affects the nervous system although Im a sceptic on this point, show me the evidence then it could provoke anxiety too, he says. Eating lions mane could be playing with fire for the most vulnerable consumers. Catalina Fernandez de Ana Portela, who runs Hifas da Terra a company that makes lions mane supplements believes that side-effects such as anxiety are not attributable to the mushroom, but rather what it is grown in. Mushrooms are bio-accumulators, meaning they readily absorb compounds from their growing medium; whether those are beneficial nutrients or harmful contaminants, she says. Non-organic mushrooms may be grown in substrates [the underlying layer they grow on] treated with synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. In her own lab, Catalinas team tests for more than 400 different contaminants and pollutants that mushrooms could potentially contain. We wont use mushrooms that show any, but these are still mushrooms that could be sold to be eaten.' Professor Money says: Wild mushrooms have been shown to accumulate toxic heavy metals when they are growing in polluted soils. But he adds that cultivated mushrooms are unlikely to present a health threat in general, because they are grown in controlled conditions. Yet there is certainly concern that, as supplements are regulated under food law, while they must not be sold with misleading terms and are subject to basic checks they will not have been rigorously tested to prove their safety and effectiveness in the same way a medicine would be. Robyn like many believed lions mane would do her no harm and continued taking it for weeks after her panic attack, since everyone said it was good for anxiety. But her symptoms only worsened. I started to feel little brain zaps, like tiny electric shocks in the head, she says. And I had tinnitus, which Id never had before and would hear things that werent there like the washing machine going when it wasnt, she added. Robyn saw her GP who suggested shed developed anxiety and prescribed a short course of diazepam. Soon after, Robyn saw a post online about lions mane that talked about the kind of symptoms I had and it clicked. She immediately stopped taking it and her symptoms lessened quickly but not immediately. She says: It took a good couple of days to calm down a bit and then months to feel anything approaching normal. I also felt a very strong sense of disassociation. Weirdly, my period also stopped for four months. For several months Robyn needed beta blockers, prescribed by her doctor, to control her anxiety. A year later, Robyn claims she is 95 per cent back to normal. Others have found the ill-effects of lions mane to be more enduring. Will Mason (not his real surname), 32, has been battling with profound cognitive and psychiatric symptoms since trying lions mane two years ago. In July 2023, Will was struggling with low mood while working towards graduation in film studies. I have ADHD and I was feeling a bit depressed and anxious, he told Good Health. I heard about lions mane on a podcast, praising its benefits for mental clarity and mood, he said, adding: It sounded great. He checked with his doctor in New Zealand where he was studying at the time who after a quick search told him he would potentially only face mild side-effects, such as an upset stomach. Will believed the supplement would either do nothing or might help a little. He now says: I was pretty naive. I never imagined it could be life-altering. He took one 700mg capsule a day and for the first couple of weeks, I felt more creative, my speech flowed more easily and I connected better with my work, he says. My mood was slightly better, too. But within weeks came headaches, dizziness and a flu-like malaise. A month after starting the supplement, he spiralled into depression and experienced attacks of other troubling psychological symptoms. I forgot where I was, he recalls. It was absolutely terrifying. I would turn up at university on the weekend thinking that we had a class, for example. By August, he was too ill to continue his course or his part-time job in catering. Looking online, Will found others with similar experiences who had taken lions mane and realised that his symptoms coincided with him starting the supplement. Despite stopping it, however, his condition worsened and he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Auckland for three days. Now back at home living with his parents in Bath, his recovery has been slow. Medication has eased his panic attacks and his headaches subsided after 18 months, but he has been left with severe fatigue and dissociation. I also still cant read properly, follow TV or manage daily tasks, he says. The fallout has been immense: I missed my graduation and couldnt attend my grandmothers funeral, he says. My parents have been patient, but weve had some big arguments, the whole thing has been difficult for them. Will is calling for tighter regulation of the supplement industry. I dont know if Ill ever return to a normal life, and there are thousands more like me. Something needs to be done to ensure these health products are safe. Martin Last, director general of the Health Foods Manufacturers Association (HFMA) which represents manufacturers and suppliers of supplements said: The HFMA promotes the highest quality standards of production for our industry including those required for food supplements. This ensures that manufacturers can meet all the regulatory requirements as covered by Food Standards Agencys guidance to ensure safe and quality products for consumers. A case of the deadly lung disease tuberculosis has been detected in a public high school days after officials announced there were multiple cases in a New England state. An active case of tuberculosis (TB) was reported in someone at Leesville High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, just weeks into the new schoolyear. About 2,500 students attend the school in grades nine through 12. Officials in Wake County, the county in which the school is located, said the person, who was not publicly identified, was present at the school sometime last week. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health said it is working with Wake County Schools to identify and notify anyone who may have had close contact with the person. The World Health Organization considers tuberculosis to be the deadliest disease in the world because it kills the most people of any disease, claiming about 1.25million lives every year, mostly in developing countries. Announcement of the North Carolina comes just a few days after Maine officials reported three people in the state tested positive for TB. There was no connection between the patients, suggesting each was infected by a different source. They were located in the Greater Portland area, officials said, and work is now underway to identify and isolate their close contacts. There has been a recent uptick in TB cases in the US, with America reporting 10,347 infections in 2024, the most recent year available, up eight percent from the year before and the highest tally since 2011 when there were 10,471 cases recorded. An active case of tuberculosis was reported in someone at Leesville High School in Raleigh, North Carolina (pictured above) The names and ages of the patients have not been revealed. The above shows a chest X-ray of a person with tuberculosis (file photo) Officials say the risk to the public is low, however. North Carolina's CBS17 reported that parents of students in the high school received a notice from the Wake County Health Departments Communicable Disease division informing them of 'a situation affecting our school.' The notice did not reveal the 'situation' was a case of TB, but said anyone exposed would be contacted by county officials. TB was confirmed on Friday. A county spokesperson said in an email to CBS 17: 'We have been notified that an individual with active tuberculosis was present at Leesville [Road] High School last week. 'We are working with Wake County Public School System to identify anyone who may have been in close contact with this person. Those individuals will be contacted directly with instructions for tuberculosis testing.' According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, there were 215 TB cases in the state in 2023, the latest confirmed data available. This was an increase from 164 cases in 2022 and the highest in nearly a decade. Preliminary CDC data recorded 250 TB cases in North Carolina last year. So far in 2025, there have been 128 cases. TB has a high fatality rate, killing up to half of patients if left untreated or unvaccinated. That's far above the fatality rate for Covid, below one percent, measles, 10 percent for untreated patients, and Legionnaire's disease, also around 10 percent. Tuberculosis was effectively a death sentence in the 18th and 19th centuries when there was no cure, although it can now be prevented by vaccines and treated with antibiotics. Tuberculosis killed more than 16,000 people in the US every year in the 1950s, but deaths have now dropped 28-fold to around 550 people annually. Tuberculosis infections are on the rise in the US, and nationwide have now reached their highest tally since 2011 Most tuberculosis cases in the US are imported or due to migration into the country, the CDC says, with most patients coming from outside America's borders. Further details on the North Carolina and Maine cases, including names, ages and exact locations were not revealed. Dr Dora Anne Mills, chief health improvement officer for MaineHealth, warned that tuberculosis could only be passed on if someone was in 'close, prolonged contact' with an infectious person. She told the Portland Press Herald: 'The vast majority of people do not need to worry about this. 'It's not spread through casual contact like shaking hands or sharing a towel. It's much less contagious than influenza or Covid.' It can take days for the disease to infect a healthy person who lives in the same home as a patient. Maine has already reported 28 cases of tuberculosis so far this year, figures show, just 11 cases below the 39 recorded in all of 2024. Children, older adults and those with weaker immune systems are more vulnerable to an infection. In the early stages, symptoms of the disease include a persistent and unexplained cough and sometimes coughing up blood or chest pain. Patients may also suffer from unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fever and night sweats. In later stages, patients may have severe breathing difficulties, extensive lung damage and the infection may spread to other organs like the liver or back, causing pain in these areas. Patients die from the disease due to respiratory failure, or when damage to the lungs means they can no longer get enough oxygen into the body. Doctors can treat the disease with antibiotics and can vaccinate against the disease using a shot called the BCG vaccine. This is not routinely offered in the US, because the disease is not common, but can be requested for children, and leaves a small circular scar on the arm, a normal response and sign that the vaccine was effective. It can also be given to adults, but it is less effective in this group and may lead to someone falsely testing positive for the disease. In developing countries, the vaccine is administered to children under the age of 16. Scientists think they may have developed a new weight loss drug that is more than twice as effective as Ozempic with fewer negative side effects. GLP-1 injectable medications, which include Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, mimic natural glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that regulates appetite and metabolism. Depending on the drug, they can target either one, two or three hormones. They work by increasing insulin production, slowing gastric emptying to prolong fullness, and acting on the brain's satiety centers, which reduces hunger and cravings. This leads to a decrease in food intake, helping with blood sugar control and weight management. These drugs, however, come with unpleasant, and sometimes life-threatening side effects, ranging from tooth decay to vision loss and hearing problems. But now, a team at Tufts University in Massachusetts has identified a fourth hormone to target they say could potentially further enhance these appetite-suppressing effects, without the repercussions. They say their 'four-in-one' hormone drug has been designed to deliver lasting, weight loss results that mimic bariatric surgery, the gold standard of weight-loss intervention. Because it targets multiple biological pathways that regulate appetite, metabolism, and energy use, it is said to be more effective and tolerated than existing drugs. After being resigned to being obese, Brad Roberts couldn't believe it when he lost 24lbs in a month on weight loss drugs. However, in a shocking turn of events, the 44-year-old father-of-four and his wife Stacey are suing the doctor who prescribed him the weight loss drugs after he was hit by side effects including vision loss, memory loss, depression and crippling pain Your browser does not support iframes. Bariatric surgery is generally considered the most effective solution for long-term and significant weight loss, with studies showing patients lose significantly more body weight after surgery. The expected weight loss is about 10 to 15 percent for Wegovy and Ozempic and 15 to 21 percent for Zepbound and Mounjaro, which compares to 25 to 35 percent for bariatric surgery. Surgery - which can cost in excess of $10,000 - is more invasive, has associated risks like leaks, bleeding, blood clots, and infections, which can be severe and even fatal. Longer-term issues can include nutritional deficiencies, gallstones, bowel obstruction, acid reflux, and scarring. But the Tufts team believe their new drug can mimic the effects of weight loss surgery. Unlike other GLP-1 medications, the scientists say the new drug targets four 'dimmer switches' in the body, which manage appetite, satiety, blood sugar and energy use. The four hormones it acts on are GLP-1, GIP, glucagon and Peptide YY (PYY). Lead author Tristan Dinsmore, PhD, a researcher at Tufts University, explained to Fox News: 'We built a single experimental peptide that works like four hormones at once, so we're not pushing one button too hard. Instead, we're nudging four 'dimmer switches' together... [It helps to] balance things out.' Tristan Dinsmore, a graduate student in the Kumar lab and the lead author of the study, added: 'There is one more hormone we wanted to bring in to complete a weight control quartet. 'It's called peptide YY (PYY). This molecule is also secreted by the gut after we eat a meal, and its job is to reduce appetite and slow the process of emptying food from the stomach, but via different mechanisms than either GLP-1 or GIP. It may also be involved in directly burning off fat.' PYY is from a separate and structurally unrelated class of hormones than the first three, so blending the different molecules was a difficult process. Justine Martin lost 33lbs on Mounjaro but needed to stop due to side effects. She reported the food noise coming back, gaining 5.5lbs and her 'resolve hanging by a thread' But the medication is far off from being available as it is still in development and has not yet been tested in human trials. Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are used by over 15 million adults in the US, or 4.5 percent of the population. Despite their effectiveness, they have drawbacks. Their effect may not last after discontinuing use, and side effects including osteoporosis and muscle loss have raised concerns about long-term harms. They also induce nausea, which can make it difficult to stay the course of treatment. For certain weight loss medications, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as Wegovy and Zepbound), there are reports of severe side effects, including suicidal ideation and gastrointestinal issues like gastroparesis (stomach paralysis). However, evidence is conflicting, and regulatory agencies like the FDA have not established a direct causal link. Additionally, after stopping weight loss drugs, patients tend to regain approximately two-thirds of the weight they lost within a year, with significant weight gain occurring as hormone levels return to their pre-treatment state. Scientists claim to have hit upon a new weight loss drug which is more than twice as effective and comes with less side effects than Ozempic and Wegovy (stock image) Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are used by over 15 million adults in the US, or 4.5 percent of the population Krishna Kumar, a professor of chemistry at Tufts who led research on the new weight loss drug, explains: 'The biggest problem with GLP-1 drugs is that they have to be injected once a week, and they can induce a very strong feeling of nausea. 'As much as 40 percent of people using these drugs give up after the first month.' Mounjaro or Zepbound (the brand names for tirzepatide) have less nausea associated with them and they work by activating both the GLP-1 and GIP hormone pathways, making them 'dual-acting' drugs. There is currently another drug called retatrutide, which targets three hormone pathways, in clinical trials but the Tufts team say their 'four-in-one' hormone drug would be a game-changer. Martin Beinborn, a visiting scholar in the department of chemistry, concluded: 'By hitting four different hormone receptors at the same time, we hope to improve the chances of averaging out such variation toward the goal of achieving greater and more consistent overall effectiveness.' The Tufts report appeared in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Former CNN star Don Lemon was met with ire from a mouthy passerby during a man-on-the-street-style interview in Manhattan. 'You're a f**king moron, dude,' the man is seen telling the 59-year-old journalist in the viral clip, which was filmed Sunday. Lemon, visibly taken aback, is heard answering: 'Thank you. So are you,' before a noticeably tense altercation right in the middle of New York's East Village. Seconds before, Lemon had approached the man randomly while filming a livestream. The two shook hands, at first, and appeared to speak through clenched teeth as the unnamed man addressed Lemon's retaliation. 'Except you haven't heard anything I've had to say, and I've heard a whole bunch of what you have had to say,' he tells Lemon in the clip, before releasing his grip and inching closer the reporter's face. A seemingly baffled Lemon, at this point, says: 'I'm glad you watch me' - to which his guest clarifies, 'No, I don't!' The man goes on to explain how he felt as though he'd been repeatedly bombarded with Lemon's presence at every turn. Former CNN star Don Lemon was met with curse words from a pedestrian during a man-on-the-street-style interview in Manhattan on Sunday Lemon, 59, worked for CNN for 17 years before his firing in April 2023. He's seen here on the network as a guest last year 'You just get clipped everywhere,' he says, revealing how he used to watch networks like CNN and MSNBC - before realizing, in his words, that both were 'full of s**t.' Lemon was fired by CNN in 2023 after 17 years in April 2023, weeks after saying on-air that women over 40 were past their prime. He appeared to seize the opportunity this time around, asking the man why he believed his old network and its rival were deceivers. The man responds: 'Cause they lie' - leading Lemon to ask for examples. 'Well, they lie about genocide,' the man says. 'They lie about all wars.' Lemon disputes the answer, leading his guest to lose his temper even more. 'Don't tell me when I can speak,' he says, wagging his finger in Lemon's face while accusing the networks of offering favorable coverage to Israel. At this point, the man slammed Lemon - again - as a 'moron.' 'Don't tell me when I can speak,' the man says at a point, wagging his finger in Lemon's face When asked why he kept repeating the insult, the man replies: 'Because it just comes out, man. 'Because you're big and think that you're something.' 'And what do you think you are?' Lemon goes on to ask. 'Oh, I'm just me,' the man answers. 'You've had a platform.' The argument persisted from there. It was worsened when a passerby jumped to the man's defense. He randomly referred to Lemon as a 'racist' while walking past - to which Lemon shouted: 'Yeah, don't waste your time with me, I'm a racist.' Lemon invited him to speak as well, but the man refused. Following the altercation, the first man attempted to walk away with one parting insult to Lemon: 'Don - go find a library.' The CNN anchor caused noticeable tension on CNN in February 2023 when he bashed 51-year-old Nikki Haley's proposal that politicians aged 75 and up should face competency tests, causing costars Poppy Harlow (left) and Kaitlan Collins (right) to walk off the set Lemon, visibly annoyed, answered, 'Hey, let me tell you. Go find a life,' while chasing the man down. The altercation ended there, as Lemon, turning away, told his viewers the man was 'drunk'. 'That was fun,' he says in the original stream. 'I like that. 'I know it is beneath me. I shouldn't have argued with that guy, but that's okay. I like it. It's fun.' Lemon and CNN parted ways in early 2023, weeks after swift public outcry for seemingly sexist remarks about then GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley. 'Nikki Haley isn't in her prime. Sorry, when a woman is in their prime in 20s and 30s and maybe 40s,' he told co-anchors Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins at the time. 'Are you talking about prime for, like, childbearing? Or are you talking about prime for being president?' Harlow, 40, asked, to which Lemon responded: 'Don't shoot the messenger, I'm just saying what the facts are.' He added: 'Google it. Everybody at home, when is a woman in her prime? It says 20s, 30s and 40s.' Spurring an apology from the anchor hours later, the comments also caused Harlow to take a 'well-timed' bathroom break, followed closely by Collins, 31. The two came back to finish the show. A Variety investigation earlier that year unveiled allegations that claimed Lemon tore up the desk of his then co-anchor Kyra Phillips, sending her threatening texts via an unknown number after she was tapped for an assignment in Iraq that he wanted. Lemon has denied those allegations. He currently has 815,000 subscribers on YouTube. Meet the new Cupra Raval the car with which the Spanish car firm believes it has its future mapped out. Named after a trendy area of supercool Barcelona, the sporty Spanish brand has unveiled a camouflaged version of its forthcoming new electric urban car set to hit showrooms next year. And the disguising wrap is itself in the form of a vinyl map of the lively and 'edgy' Raval area of the city. Even the photograph features graffiti saying 'Beyond Rebel'. At just 4 metres long, the compact urban EV car is 'engineered for much more than city life', says Cupra. Powered by an electric motor and featuring front-wheel drive, Raval is based on Volkswagen Group's MEB platform and promises 'a dynamic and engaging experience focused on the driver'. 'With this bold model arriving in 2026, Cupra proves that electric cars can be thrilling and desirable made for people who love to drive, not just be drive,' it adds. Meet the new Cupra Raval the car with which the Spanish car firm believes it has its future mapped out The new Raval will be underpinned by the same platform as the similarly-sized new ID.Polo, which has also made a camoflauged appeared in recent days ahead of its full 2026 reveal. Raval is likely to be on sale first, though, with the aim of making more accessible and affordable electric cars available to a wider range of consumers from prices as low as 25,000 and close to 30,000. Next year, Cupra celebrates its eighth anniversary as a stand-along brand having broken away from Seat - and the launch of Raval as its eighth model. The Munich show offers 'a first sneak peek' of its new electric urban car, albeit in a wrapping to disguise all of its features. The Spanish company said: 'Cupra has made a bold entrance with the reveal of a camouflaged series production Raval, the brand's upcoming electric urban car set to hit the streets next year. 'The Cupra Raval, inspired by one of Barcelona's most iconic and dynamic neighbourhoods, will be launched next year. 'The new model is set to democratise electric mobility and establish a new benchmark in Europe.' Next year, Cupra celebrates its eighth anniversary as a stand-along brand having broken away from Seat - and the launch of Raval as its eighth model Markus Haupt, interim chief executive of Cupra, unveiled the camouflaged Raval, covered in vinyl evoking a map of the Raval district in Barcelona. He said: 'The Cupra Raval is now shaping our future. Because with it, we've brought together everything Cupra stands for: emotion, striking design, electrifying performance and as always, driver focused.' Haupt added that the model is 'more than a car' for the business. 'What truly makes it special is the project behind it- the Electric Urban Car Family- which we are proud to be leading from Spain.' He went on: 'We are making these cars accessible to millions.' Markus Haupt, interim chief executive of Cupra, described the Raval as 'more than a car' for the Spanish business - which is owned by VW Group Explaining how the car is inspired by one of the liveliest areas of Barcelona, Cupra said: 'The Cupra Raval takes its name and spirit from one of Barcelona's most iconic and dynamic districts. 'El Raval is a symbol of constant movement, raw energy and fearless urban character, the same values that define the essence of this new model. 'The design of the camouflage vinyl that disguised the car during the presentation also pays tribute to the district's map, featuring its vibrant streets to capture its attitude and edge. Like the neighbourhood that inspired it, the Cupra Raval was born to stand out and challenge convention.' Cupra said the new Raval is an all-electric car 'designed to take the brand beyond traditional boundaries' by creating 'a perfect balance between striking design, electrifying performance and unconventional features' It notes: 'The Cupra Raval is driven by emotion and developed to defy expectations. Cupra said: 'With a fully-fledged portfolio and a growing global fanbase, Cupra has already sold over 950,000 cars globally and is on track to reach one million deliveries in the coming months.' Domino's Pizza restaurants in the UK will launch a new fried chicken menu, as the struggling group looks to revive its fortunes. London-listed Domino's Pizza Group, the US giant's UK master franchise, has seen its value fall by a third since the start of the year amid weaker consumer demand and higher costs. The group told shareholders on Monday a new 'chicken sub-brand', Chick 'n' Dip, would 'help drive further growth for the core UK and Ireland Domino's business'. Chick 'n' Dip will be trialled in 187 Domino's stores in the northwest of England and Northern Ireland before being rolled out nationally. The brand will offer a selection of 'hot and crispy' chicken tenders, wings and boneless bites, accompanied by a choice of nine dips 'inspired by flavours from around the world', according to the group. Domino's said the launch can be fulfilled by its existing national supply chain and kitchens 'with minimal capital investment'. The group says Chick 'n' Dip will 'help drive further growth for the core UK and Ireland Domino's business' Boss Andrew Rennie described Chick 'n' Dip as 'a bold new chapter for Domino's', offering 'a significant opportunity for our UK & Ireland business'. Domino's Pizza Group shares were down 0.6 per cent at around a 10-year low of 208.8p in early trading. The group will update shareholders on third quarter progress in early November before hosting an investor event on 9 December. Investors will hear plans for Domino's loyalty scheme, digital progress, store openings and other strategic priorities. It follows an open letter last week from former director and shareholder Usman Nabi, who urged Domino's to quadruple the size of a recently announced share buyback programme and to scrap any takeover plans. Shore Capital analysts wrote in a note on Monday: 'Domino's has been exploring new ways to scale the business, with talks of acquiring a second brand, separate from Domino's. 'Note that the group was rumoured to be considering buying Wingstop at the end of last year before PE Sixth Street acquired it for 400million, so the sub-brand move into the chicken market does not come as a huge surprise to us. 'We believe management is still exploring M&A options for a second brand. 'However, with the launch of Chick 'n' Dip and the recent 20m share buyback announcement, we think it is less likely that something will emerge this year, making it more of a medium-term strategy. 'Whilst the stock remains optically cheap, we have a hold on Domino's. This reflects our concern about ongoing consumer headwinds and our now lower full-year forecast expectations.' There is more to Tertiary Minerals than meets the eye. Certainly, far more than its current, bargain-basement valuation would suggest. There is the investment currently committed by joint venture partners, which is worth several multiples of that market capitalisation. And the jurisdiction of some of its most promising assets: the heart of Zambias copper belt. There is also the spread of projects, with potential sleepers in Nevada and Sweden. Small it might be. Boring, it certainly isnt, with plenty of news flow expected before Zambias rainy season sets in towards the tail end of the year. When I caught up with managing director Richard Belcher he describes Tertiary as a project generator, a nod to former employer Altus Strategies, which specialised in finding, exploring and developing virgin ground before leaving mining to specialists. You get a whiff of that approach with the Mukai and Konkola West projects, both in the Zambian copper belt and joint-ventured with First Quantum Minerals and KoBold Metals. The likely near-term driver will be Mushima North, around 20 kilometres from the Kalengwa Mine, now being brought back into production by Moxico Resources. That proximity could prove useful later in Mushimas life, particularly if it is developed as a low-cost open pit with ore shipped for toll milling. Tertiary Minerals's most promising assets are in the heart of Zambias copper belt For now, Mushima, and the A1 target in particular, must deliver on early promise. Initial drilling, less than 1,500 metres, already uncovered exciting results: one hole hit 66 metres grading 26 grams per tonne of silver, with 0.13 per cent copper and 0.26 per cent zinc starting just 13 metres down. Many holes ended still in mineralisation at around 100 metres deep, with the zone stretching over 250 metres wide. Last month, Tertiary completed a second pass on A1. And the first results have been more than encouraging. Included in a data batch released last week were the projects highest grades to date, with one hole yielding 73 metres at 32 grams per tonne silver, peaking at 223 g/t, alongside copper grades of just over 1 per cent. Crucially, geologists were able to determine that A1s mineralisation now extends 225 metres further north than previously mapped. While the company has yet to determine the precise geometry of the mineralisation, Belcher said the width and grades are comparable with silver deposits that are mined using open-pit methods elsewhere in the world. Follow-up lab results and metallurgical tests are expected in the coming weeks. The latest drilling data will help define an exploration target at A1, with further drilling needed for a maiden resource estimate. The speed at which samples are reviewed and the onset of the rainy season will decide when the next campaign begins. Alongside this, Tertiary can draw on historic data from First Quantum and BHP. Away from Mushima North, Tertiary owns 100 per cent of the Mupala asset, targeting the Lower and Upper Roan formations. A copper-in-soil anomaly stretches 1.8 by 0.6 kilometres, with levels up to 422 parts per million, lining up with a fault often associated with mineralisation. Mupala also lies next to Arc Minerals joint venture with Anglo American, which is investing $88.5 million for up to a 70 per cent stake. The Jacks Project targets near-surface horizons in the same formations. Soil anomalies reach 535 parts per million along the edges of a synform structure, often a mineral trap. Initial drilling, four holes totalling 746 metres, delivered hits including 1.8 per cent copper over 6 metres from 105 metres depth, and 0.8 per cent copper over 14 metres from just 27 metres down. Mukai, the joint venture with First Quantum, sits in the Lower Roan within the Tirosa basin. It lies 17 kilometres north of the Sentinel Mine, which holds 762 million tonnes grading 0.45 per cent copper, and 7 kilometres north of the Enterprise nickel deposit. Mukai has a copper-in-soil anomaly over 1.3 by 0.4 kilometres, and a broader anomaly of 1.8 by 0.8 kilometres. Drilling, three holes totalling 554 metres, revealed 0.12 per cent copper over nearly 4 metres, and 558 ppm nickel over 63 metres. Konola West, a joint venture with KoBold Metals, is 3 kilometres southwest of the Konkola Deeps Mine and 5 kilometres from KoBolds Mingomba deposit. This region is a mining powerhouse, home to the Konkola-Lubambe-Musoshi deposits, which together held more than 775 million tonnes of ore before mining began. Drill campaigns are under way to test the continuation of Konkola Deeps on the project. KoBold has already drilled Zambias deepest exploration hole at 2,711 metres, with a second in progress. In Nevada, Brunton Pass hosts a 1 by 0.5-kilometre window within volcanic rocks. A strong soil anomaly with copper, arsenic and mercury stretches 1.6 by 0.6 kilometres. Limited trenching revealed encouraging grades, including 0.08 per cent copper over 46 metres, 0.06 per cent copper over 78 metres, and 2.7 grams per tonne gold over 2.7 metres. Geophysics support the anomaly. Drilling so far, four holes totalling 890 metres, found wide zones of anomalous copper, with more than 100 ppm over intervals exceeding 100 metres. Early days, but promising. Long-time followers will remember the Storuman Fluorspar Project in Sweden. Permitting remains a challenge: a mining permit was granted but later overturned and is now under appeal. However, EU legislation such as the European Critical Raw Minerals Act supports projects like Storuman. An appeal was lodged in March, though the timeline is unclear. Infrastructure is strong, with good roads nearby and a rail line less than 25 kilometres away. The economics are positive too, with a net present value of $33 million and a payback period under three years. If the appeal succeeds, Storuman becomes really, really interesting for the company, Belcher concedes. A few cautionary notes: readers should always do their own due diligence. Exploration is risky, and political events can derail even the best laid plans. While Zambia ranks among Africas more stable nations, conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East and the Trump administration's unpredictability show instability can strike from anywhere, undermining valuations. All that said, for a company still valued at pennies, Tertiary has an unusual mix: heavyweight partners, prime ground in Zambia, and sleeper bets abroad. Whether Mushima North delivers the near-term spark or the Swedish appeal alters the long-term calculus, investors may soon find this project generator has generated more than they bargained for. For all the market's breaking small- and mid-cap news go to www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk Slashing pension tax relief could trigger a repeat of the infamous 'Omnishambles' Budget and unravel almost immediately, the Chancellor is being warned. A raid on pension top-ups is among major changes Rachel Reeves might make to raise billions of pounds to plug a hole in the country's finances. Another is a cap on pension tax-free cash, fear of which drove a huge rise in withdrawals last year that is thought to be ongoing, despite retirement experts urging people not to make rash moves. Overhauling pension tax relief to cut the amount going to better paid taxpayers would cause uproar and also harm lower paid workers, including in the public sector, according to a new study. The practical difficulties and opposition would be so hard to overcome that the Government could be forced to row back swiftly, it suggests. 'Reforms might raise far less than expected, break manifesto promises to workers or put additional burdens on employers who are already under pressure,' says Steve Webb, a partner at LCP and co-author of its report. Budget day is 26 November: The Treasury under Chancellor Rachel Reeves is looking to fill the hole in the country's finances 'The political backlash against such reforms could easily echo previous "Omnishambles" Budgets where a U-turn was made within a matter of weeks,' adds Webb, a former Pensions Minister who is also This is Money's retirement columnist. This is a reference to the notorious Budget in 2012, when former Chancellor George Osborne made changes to VAT on some hot foods - which was dubbed the pasty tax - and static holiday caravans that he swiftly amended. Webb says: 'Raiding pension tax relief may look superficially attractive for a cash-strapped Chancellor. But lying beneath the surface are multiple traps for the unwary.' The net cost of boosting people's pensions via tax relief is estimated at over 50billion, and most of it goes to higher earners because they pay the most tax. But slashing the higher rate top-ups to the same level received by basic rate taxpayers, or somewhere just above, would require overhauling the whole pension system. As well as higher earners it would affect salary sacrifice schemes used by lower earners - who exchange some of their wages for a boost to pension contributions - and less well paid public sector workers with long service records. What does the Treasury say? 'We do not comment on speculation around tax changes, but remain committed to helping our pensioners live their lives with dignity and respect, which is why in April the basic and new state pension increased by 4.1 per cent,' says a Treasury spokesperson. 'Pensioners will receive a boost of up to 470 to their income in 2025-26. 'Our commitment to the triple lock means millions will see their pension rise by up to 1,900 this parliament.' LCP says potential cuts to tax relief raise serious issues and are likely to be highly contentious. It highlights the following challenges. - Public sector workers, including those on relatively modest incomes but with long service, could be particularly hard hit by the abolition of higher rate relief or the capping of tax-free cash. Although public sector workers make up a minority of the workforce, the generosity of their pension arrangements and high level of pension membership mean they are expected to be disproportionately affected. - Getting rid of salary sacrifice is the measure that has the most adverse effect on those on modest earnings, with over 3 million basic rate taxpayers set to lose out, and it would increase costs for employers. It would also risk undermining the attractions to employers of providing high quality workplace pensions and could lead to a sharp downturn in pension saving. - Abolishing higher rate relief would be a major structural change to the pension system, requiring lengthy consultation, complex legal changes, and time to change administration and payroll systems. That means very little additional revenue is likely to flow during the current Parliament, - Capping tax-free cash would be widely seen as moving the goalposts for those approaching retirement who made plans based on the current rules, and so extensive transitional protections are likely to be needed. That would mean extra revenue could be negligible in this Parliament. 'Omnishambles' Budget of 2012: Former Chancellor George Osborne had to u-turn on his so-called 'pasty tax' The LCP report, called 'How to avoid an Omnishambles Budget', says the five traps for the Chancellor Rachel Reeves are: - Breaking the manifesto commitment not to increase tax on workers - Hitting the public sector especially hard at a time of fragile industrial relations - Not raising meaningful money in this Parliament, because of the time taken to implement change or because of the need for extensive protection for those losing out - Putting extra burdens on employers, on top of the 25billion hike in employer National Insurance contributions in the last Budget - Undermining pension saving when the Government estimates around 14 million workers are not saving enough for a decent retirement. LCP created a red, amber or green rating for the three potential Budget changes it looked at on pension tax relief, tax-free cash and salary sacrifice. LCP looked at how likely potential Budget changes are to fall into one of the traps listed above - the red rating indicates a serious issue the Chancellor would want to avoid The LCP report concludes: 'A previous Chancellors Budget has entered history or notoriety for its inclusion of measures which unravelled within weeks of Budget Day in a way which took the Treasury by surprise. 'Our counsel to the current Chancellor is that she would do well to steer clear of major changes to pension tax relief if she is to avoid the same fate.' Tim Camfield, report co-author and a principal at LCP, adds: 'Millions of people on modest incomes benefit from various features of the tax relief system, including the ability to sacrifice salary and benefit from a reduced National Insurance bill. 'If this measure was scrapped, employees paying basic rate tax and trying to do the right thing by saving for their retirement could well be losers, as well as the employers who try to provide good pensions.' As the first woman to run for president, it is little surprise that Victoria Woodhull has been described as 'unusual'. But just how atypical the self-proclaimed clairvoyant and 'sexual opportunist' really was is only now becoming apparent thanks to a new book by Eden Collinsworth. 'She was an interesting combination,' Collinsworth, who wrote The Improbable Victoria Woodhull: Suffrage, Free Love, and the First Woman to Run for President, told Daily Mail. 'She was a feminist, but she was also a sexual opportunist. She was a capitalist, but she was also incredibly progressive in every conceivable way.' Woodhull, who died in 1927, was a multi-hyphenate back before the phrase became popular. She was a writer, a businesswoman, a serial divorcee, mother, suffragette - and claimed she was a 'clairvoyant' from the age of five. She even did jail time after being convicted on pornography distribution charges over material she published in the newspaper she owned. However, the Ohioan's story has mainly been lost to history until now. Victoria Woodhull was the first woman to run a presidential campaign when she ran against Ulysses S Grant in 1872 Woodhull was a chameleon of titles and counted clairvoyant, writer, businesswoman, divorcee, mother and suffragette among her roles Collinsworth herself had no idea Woodhull existed until she was invited to explore the British Museum's Reading Room, the site of original British Library which used to house 25 miles of books. It was the same place where, centuries before, a man named Mr. Garnett received a subpoena after Woodhull, a loud and self-assured woman, sued him and the museum in the 1800s for libel for housing copies of bad press about her. Not only would she win the case on a technicality, but she'd change British libel laws, establishing that libraries could not be sued for the material they maintained. The remnants of the legal wrangle are still found within the museum and were discovered by Collinsworth, who stumbled across a folder titled Woodhull vs British Museum. Museum employees even confessed to having no knowledge of Woodhull beyond the fact she, 'sounded like a nightmare'. The lawsuit is one of the few things that mark Woodhull's influence on history. 'It's men who write the history books,' Collinsworth, a former book publisher, said. 'It's often the case that these remarkable women, if you're lucky, they become kind of a footnote.' But Woodhull, while she was alive, was anything but hidden. She is most well-known for running for president against Ulysses S. Grant, launching her campaign in 1872 and becoming the first woman to do so. 'It was absolutely impossible,' Collinsworth explained, although not just because of her gender. Her story is being told in a new biography by Eden Collinsworth Collinsworth wrote The Improbable Victoria Woodhull: Suffrage, Free Love, and the First Woman to Run for President, which was out September 2 Woodhull wasn't 35, a requirement to run, and was in jail during the election after being accused of distributing pornography in her newspaper. Women also didn't even have the right to vote yet - which was the reason for her campaign. 'She did it to appeal just in terms of the publicity factor to gain that kind of level of national exposure,' Collinsworth said. '[She did it] with the purpose of addressing the amendment that allowed black men to vote, which still denied women.' The ambitious campaign ultimately didn't change anything. American women didn't receive the right to vote until 1920, nearly 50 years after her bid for presidency. However, like many things Woodhull did, it brought forth plenty of attention. At the age of five, Woodhull claimed she received messages from spirits, and those mystical pneumas would guide her throughout her life, or so she claimed. Her father, Buck Claflin, a con man, capitalized on these so-called gifts, claiming her and her sister, Tennessee Claflin, were child clairvoyants and forcing them to perform in different towns and cities. He would have guests write the name of someone they'd want to contact in the afterlife, and casually slip the name to one of the girls before the show began. Then, one of them would call out the name, and through deception, would convince the crowd they had made contact with that person's relative. Collinsworth has no idea if Woodhull's clairvoyance was real or a product of a child's overactive imagination to escape the throes of an abusive household. Woodhull's campaign against Ulysses S. Grant (pictured) was designed to to bring notice to women's lack of voting rights She had a dalliance with railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, before a series of high profile marriages and divorces 'Under those circumstances, the idea that a little girl would want to live in a fantasy world of visitation from the spirit, or a spirit guide, insisting that, in fact, she had a way out [wouldn't have been far-fetched],' she told Daily Mail. 'She believed in herself. So, if she believed in spiritualism and clairvoyance, she believed equally in herself, and she was quite determined to escape her past.' So determined that at the age of just 14 she married a man to escape her father. However, he new husband turned out to be an addict which brought its own issues. Woodhull also had a dalliance with railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt and went on to marry and divorce several rich men. The Vanderbilt family paid her a handsome sum to leave America and keep the affair under wraps. Woodhull used that money to start a newspaper and a stock brokerage company on Wall Street, where brothel madams would give her insights on what stocks to snap up based on what their clients said. She eventually relocated to the UK and by the time she reached British shores, she had lived multiple lives in only a few decades. She was ready to live a more 'sedated' life, Collinsworth said, and she wanted a good reputation, unlike her American one - hence why she used the British Library for housing material that looked ill on her. At the age of five, Woodhull claimed she received messages from spirits, and those mystical pneumas would guide her throughout her life, or so she claimed. Her family made money off her talents 'She had an absolutely remarkable life,' Collinsworth said. 'Moving from one thing to the next. You know, she went from rags to riches, from riches to rags, and then back to riches again, all within a lifetime. So her story is really, you couldn't really make it up in fiction.' Despite being lost to the footnotes of history, modern men and women have plenty of things to relate to with Woodhull, who fought for voting rights, universal healthcare, sex positivity, unions, and presidential term limits. 'They can admire and be encouraged [by her],' Collinsworth said. 'She had several wonderful things to say, but one of them was you can't hold back progress. 'Whether they're men or women, there are these wonderful examples of people who, against all odds, have prevailed, and she certainly was one of them.' The Improbable Victoria Woodhull: Suffrage, Free Love, and the First Woman to Run for President is out September 2. Long-standing fears of Beijing's relentless spying campaign on US soil exploded again this week - after a Chinese cancer researcher allegedly bound for China was arrested at a Texas airport with stolen government-funded medical research. Federal investigators say the case of Yunhai Li, 35, is just the latest chapter in a terrifying blitz of corporate espionage strikes by state-backed Chinese operatives. The strikes come amid a spiraling confrontation between the two nuclear-armed superpowers over trade, technology and territory. Li, who since 2022 had been employed at Houston's prestigious MD Anderson Cancer Center, was working on a vaccine to prevent breast cancer from spreading. But prosecutors said he was secretly copying files and sharing them with his Chinese handlers before quitting abruptly in July and preparing to flee the country. The Harris County District Attorney's Office said Li was nabbed on July 9 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport as he prepared to board a flight to China. Agents reportedly uncovered confidential files and unpublished trade secrets on his laptop. Investigators claim Li had uploaded sensitive US-funded research to Google Drive, then deleted the evidence when challenged - only to later transfer the files to a Chinese cloud account. Court records suggest he was moonlighting for Chongqing Medical University while on a US exchange visa and had failed to disclose the conflict of interest. 'This intellectual property stays with us, so we can save lives,' vowed Harris County DA Sean Teare, adding that his office had 'zero tolerance' for any attempts to undercut American medical breakthroughs. China wants to steal America's secrets, surpass it technologically, and 'destroy the West,' Iowa Senator Joni Ernst claims The FBI prosecutes Chinese trade secret stealers but describes a tidal wave of espionage efforts Li has been charged with theft of trade secrets and tampering with government records. His case, officials warn, is far from isolated. The US government has long accused China of masterminding a global industrial-scale spying effort - one that has allegedly cost America trillions of dollars in stolen intellectual property (IP), weakened its businesses and endangered its national security. Yunhai Li (pictured), 35, is accused of trying to steal sensitive research from an American medical lab and flee the country The FBI says four-fifths of its economic espionage cases trace back to China. A recent House Homeland Security Committee report detailed more than 60 cases across 20 states since 2021, ranging from military theft to surveillance of Beijing's critics in the US. And the problem is growing. Cybersecurity giant CrowdStrike reported a 150 percent surge in Chinese espionage globally in 2024, with critical US industries - finance, manufacturing, media - suffering up to a 300 percent spike in attacks. 'The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Chinese intelligence services represent the broadest, most active and persistent espionage threat to the US,' the National Counterintelligence and Security Center warned in a chilling assessment. Recent cases highlight the scale of the threat: August 2025: The FBI's cyber threat chief Brett Leatherman this week provided fresh details about Salt Typhoon, the China-backed hacking network that had been stealing US telecoms and military secrets since at least 2019. March 2024: The Justice Department unsealed charges against a dozen Chinese nationals accused of operating a sophisticated hacking ring targeting defense contractors, law firms and news outlets. Prosecutors said the group functioned as 'hackers for hire,' giving Beijing plausible deniability. Those charged included two officers in China's Ministry of Public Security, eight employees of a company known as i-Soon, and two members of a group known as Advanced Persistent Threat 27 (APT27). 2023: A congressional probe found that Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC) had quietly installed cellular modems into cranes at US ports - potentially turning them into Trojan horses for spying on cargo movements. Volt Typhoon: A notorious hacking outfit linked to Beijing has burrowed into US critical infrastructure since 2021, allegedly positioning itself to sabotage oil pipelines, railroads and power systems in the event of a future conflict. Yunhai Li had been working at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Research lab in Houston as a postdoctoral fellow since 2022 Skeptics worry that ZPMC cranes could be beaming secrets from US ports straight back to China Beyond hacking and industrial theft, experts warn that Beijing is leveraging its massive footprint on American campuses. The US currently hosts 277,000 Chinese students, more than half of them enrolled in engineering, physics and computer science fields. Critics allege some could be conduits for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) - fears that were heightened after five Chinese, University of Michigan graduates were charged relating to espionage last year. George Fishman, a legal scholar at the hardline Center for Immigration Studies and a former Trump administration official, is worried as President Trump eyes a thaw in student exchanges with Beijing that could welcome hundreds of thousands to the US. 'Don't enroll 600,000 Chinese Communist Party spies at American colleges,' Fishman said. He went on to claim that 'their presence here is a key component of the CCP's and PLA's plan to achieve military supremacy over the United States.' The true economic toll of China's espionage is almost incalculable. In 2018, the Office of the US Trade Representative pegged the losses at between $225 billion and $600 billion per year - more recent estimates put the figure much higher. A 2024 report by The Cipher Brief argued the real cost was over $5 trillion, while a House committee suggested the average American family of four effectively loses $6,000 annually after taxes due to stolen IP. Iowa Republican Joni Ernst, who heads the Senate's committee for small businesses, said that China's economic espionage was an existential threat to America. 'China desires nothing more than to surpass the US technologically and militarily,' she claimed. i-Soon software allowed users to crack passwords and gain unauthorized access to online accounts or computer systems For its part, China has furiously denied the allegations, dismissing US claims as 'slanderous' and 'fabricated'. Officials in Beijing insist America is exaggerating the threat to justify tariffs, restrictions on Chinese tech firms and tighter rules on student visas. But Washington's patience is wearing thin. Lawmakers have introduced a raft of measures - including the China Technology Transfer Control Act - to choke off access to sensitive research. Top Chinese negotiator Li Chenggang is due in Washington this week as Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping try to steady relations. But analysts warn that as long as espionage continues, a full reset will remain out of reach. For many in Washington, the arrest of Yunhai Li is a symbol of a deeper crisis: a world where America's most advanced innovations - from lifesaving cancer cures to military systems - are constantly under siege from a hostile superpower. With its sleepy atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, the Isle of Man seems an unlikely target for some of the UK's most ruthless drugs gangs. But first appearances are deceiving, with the British crown dependency of 84,000 people reeling from a crime wave rolling in from nearby Liverpool. Merseyside has long been a leading hub for drug trafficking, and the short hop across the Irish Sea has proved tempting for local gangs peddling cocaine, ketamine and cannabis. They have brought devastation in their wake - most harrowingly, the rape of a 22-year-old man by his dealer over a debt of less than 500. And while the Isle of Man has one of the lowest crime rates in the British Isles, its solitary prison is almost full, with a new report revealing four in ten inmates now linked to organised crime. Among them is Michael Green, jailed for six years this summer after customs officers discovered 50,000 of cocaine and 11,000 of cannabis in his car. He had arrived on the ferry from England disguised as a workman. The 33-year-old, from Kirkby, admitted drug smuggling before falsely claiming his son had died in an attempt to win sympathy - a ploy the judge condemned as an 'absolutely disgusting attempt at deception.' Another five Merseyside smugglers were charged within just two weeks in February, prompting a police chief to warn Liverpool gangs that they would be 'dealt with severely' if they continued targeting the island. Kingpins have previously been warned they face being jailed on the island even if they never travel there themselves. Your browser does not support iframes. The Isle of Man is known for its sleepy character and stunning natural beauty Ferries go direct to the Isle of Man from a ferry terminal in Liverpool (pictured) Graham Johnson, an expert in the crime scene on Merseyside who now runs true crime publishers Yellow Press, said the ease of getting to the Isle of Man was a key pull factor for gangs seeking a new market. 'Liverpool drug gangs began to take over the island in the 2000s, mainly due to the easy transport links,' he told the Daily Mail. 'There's the famous Steam Packet Ferry and easyJet flights from John Lennon Airport, so the connections are excellent. 'You can walk on and off the ferry - which is perfect for drug dealers - or travel on private boats with drugs stashed in the cabins.' As a self-governing British Crown Dependency, the Isle of Man has its own courts, police force and industry regulators. The perception that the island's finance industry offered a looser regulatory regime than the British mainland has previously proved attractive to drug gangs looking to launder money. One former Scotland Yard detective, who asked not to be names, said: 'We would often run up against companies with PO Box addresses in the Isle of Man. 'I had to use the local police to check out these types of addresses for me. It was normally just a dead end with just a pile of letters on the floor. Perfect for criminals.' Since then, there has been a major crackdown on money laundering, with officials insisting the finance industry is now 'robustly' controlled. Liverpool man Kyle Johnson was jailed for 20 years for orchestrating a cocaine, heroin and cannabis smuggling plot while behind bars at the Isle of Man Prison A batch of cannabis seized by the Isle of Man Constabulary as part of Operation Artemis, which ran from February to October 2022 Some of the drugs were found concealed in a hidden compartment inside a van Bundles of 50 notes inside a plastic bag were also recovered by officers Yet drug gangs continue to target the island with large consignments, with 464,000 of cocaine, 250,000 of cannabis and 75,000 of ketamine seized in the last financial year alone. Over the same period, police mounted 239 separate 'disruptions' of organised crime groups, including arrests, seizures and sentencings - a 71 per cent rise on the previous year. Drugs typically enter the island from Liverpool, before the cash proceeds go in the other direction - often laundered through bank accounts. Teenager Tyler Smith, from Birkenhead, travelled to the island by ferry on February 17 claiming he was going to study zoology at the local wildlife park. But following an x-ray, Smith admitted to internally concealing 121g of cocaine, worth just over 12,000. A day after his arrest, two other Liverpool men - Jason McQuilliams and Leon Glover -arrived in the Isle of Man's capital Douglas on the Heysham Steam Packet Company ferry. After leaving the ferry on foot, they were arrested by officers and searched - with Glover found to have hidden 96g of cocaine internally. A week later, Norris Green couple Tayla Teare and Daniel Walker were also stopped by police. Officers later recovered five drug packages from Walker, 22. A major attraction for Liverpool gangs are the higher street prices in the Isle of Man compared to the UK, police have told the Mail. This has prompted criminals to employ inventive methods for moving drugs, with one gang sneaking in cocaine by hiding it inside a microwave that they posted into the Manx capital, Douglas. Shaun Milligan, 47, was caught with 'significant quantities of heroin during a car chase through Douglas Thomas McBurnie, a member of the conspiracy, was arrested after picking up the parcel and loading it into his van and jailed for five years and eight months. Detective Inspector Jamie Tomlinson, from the Isle of Man Constabulary's serious and organised crime unit, used a recent interview to insist the island was not a soft touch. 'At present, nearly 40 per cent of our prison is populated by organised crime members mainly from the north west and I expect this number to increase given our commitment to tackling drug related organised criminality,' he said. 'If you make the conscious decision to bring drugs to our island, there is a very strong possibility you will be apprehended at our ports and when you are, you will be dealt with severely by our courts.' A police spokesman doubled down on his comments, telling the Mail: 'Organised Crime Groups continue to exploit the Isle of Man. 'This is evidenced in the fact there have been several proactive operations targeting the threat that organised crime groups present to the island, which has resulted in the arrest, prosecution and subsequent imprisonment of a significant number of individuals from the Isle of Man and the North West area of the United Kingdom. 'The Isle of Man Constabulary has adopted the 4P approach to tackling serious and organised crime of relentlessly Pursuing offenders, Preventing people from engaging in organised crime, Protecting our communities from organised crime and Preparing for and mitigating the risks associated with organised crime. 'The Isle of Man Constabulary and our partners are committed to tackling such criminality in order to keep the island one of the safest places in the British Isles.' Boats moored along the harbour in Douglas, the island's capital Police on the island have warned drug smugglers they will be severely punished Your browser does not support iframes. The penalties for drug dealers have certainly been tough, with one Liverpool man Kyle Johnson jailed for 20 years for orchestrating a cocaine, heroin and cannabis smuggling plot while behind bars at the Isle of Man Prison. Officers told how the 27-year-old 'used violence, exploitation and intimidation in order to sustain his criminal lifestyle' - with the thug forcing a vulnerable woman to receive his drug shipments. But when officers raided his prison cell, Johnson put on a show of defiance - telling a prison guard that the money he made was 'worth any penalty'. In the latest official photograph of Anthony Albanese's desk, a book sits prominently on his shelf called 'Australia's Pivot to India'. Written by his high-flying Cabinet Secretary Andrew Charlton, the 2023 release argues that deepening ties between Australia and India is a 'national imperative,' highlighting the economic, cultural and political influence of the country's fast-growing diaspora. 'India's rise will also change Australia,' Dr Charlton, who sold his advisory firm to Accenture in 2020 for a reported $35 million, predicted. 'Today the Indian diaspora has blossomed into an extraordinary community, numbering more than one million Australians nearly one in twenty-five Australians has Indian heritage. 'And Indian Australians are by far the fastest growing ethnic group. The Indian diaspora is making an enormous contribution to Australia and helping to cultivate a fruitful relationship with one of the worlds emerging superpowers.' But not every body feels the same way. The nationwide anti-immigration rallies last weekend were marred by neo-Nazis and demonstrators espousing anti-Indian racism, with one flyer claiming that increased Indian immigration was about 'replacement, plain and simple'. Anne Aly, the minister for multicultural affairs, revealed she had spoken to members of the Indian-Australian community in the aftermath who claimed 'they did not feel safe and they did not feel secure'. Albanese featured his Cabinet Secretary Andrew Charlton's 2023 book Australia's Pivot to India on his cabinet in his second office photo shoot (pictured behind his left arm) The book sits on a prime spot on Mr Albanese's bookshelf - next to a photo of the Prime MInister's dog Toto and son Nathan 'I want to say to Indian Australians, this is our message: you do not have to justify your belonging in this country,' she told Question Time. 'We know you, we value you, we thank you for everything you have contributed to Australia ' Yet, the situation was inflamed on Thursday when Senator Jacinta Price suggested - falsely - that Labor was bringing in migrants 'from particular countries over others' to secure votes, citing India as an example. Senator Price's subsequent doubling down - despite the Opposition's desperate attempts to clarify her statements - have only served to damage the Coalition's relationship with the Indian community. The pivot Dr Charlton's book also examines voting patterns among Indian Australians, citing a Carnegie Endowment survey which found 43 per cent identified with Labor, compared to 26 per cent for the Coalition. 'Traditionally, many migrants tended to support Labor, partly because Labor seemed to be on the side of diversity and was naturally stronger in the outer suburbs where many migrants settled,' Dr Charlton wrote. He added that 'modern Australia provides more space for migrants to integrate without assimilation,' creating 'more authentic hyphenated identities'. Albanese endorsed the book and appeared at its launch, cracking a joke about how he features on the cover next to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both men smiling and waving. The Albanese government has deepened Australia's ties with India, including by improving mutual recognition of qualifications and the international student intake. Albanese is pictured with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'Im very pleased to be here to launch Andrew Charltons new book. To be fair, he did put me on the cover. But the inside is even better,' Albanese quipped. In recent weeks, however, Albanese has faced criticism over unfounded claims that Labor is bringing more Indian migrants to Australia to shore up votes from what some describe as a Labor-friendly group. In its first term, the Albanese government signed a migration and mobility agreement with India to increase migration flows between the two countries. Earlier this month, Labor also announced it would raise next year's intake of international students by 25,000, with Indians making up the second-largest cohort. The move, combined with a relaxation of English-language requirements, has been welcomed by Indian migration agents and student groups. Voting patterns But critics argue the policy could give Labor an electoral advantage, given the community's voting record. According to Redbridge pollster Kos Samaras, up to 85 per cent of Australia's Indian community in certain regions voted Labor at the last federal election. Citing this data, MacroBusiness chief economist Leith van Onselen wrote that Labor has a 'direct incentive to maintain a high immigration policy as well as kowtow to India'. Australia's Pivot to India makes the case for deeper ties between the two nations Both Mr Samaras and Mr van Onselen, however, have pointed out that the Coalition itself has failed to connect with migrant voters. 'The Coalition has sabotaged its own political standing,' Mr van Onselen said. He added that while Labor could benefit further as more migrants enroll to vote, Mr Samaras cautioned that the support is not unconditional. Second and third-generation Indian migrants, he said, may eventually follow other communities in shifting towards the Coalition. Division and doubling down Immigration has become a flashpoint in recent days, following nationwide March for Australia rallies on Sunday. Thousands protested in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and regional cities against record migration levels. Indian migration in particular was singled out in online forums and flyers before the events. In the aftermath, NT Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price told the ABC's Afternoon Briefing that the marches reflected genuine concerns from everyday Australians about the 'core number, or the type, of migrants that are coming in'. She then singled out the Indian community, adding: 'I think Labor like to be able to ensure that theyre going to allow those in that would ultimately support their policies, their views, and vote for them as well. 'This is Labor. Basically, its power at any cost. And we see that occur all over the place in terms of the way they conduct themselves,' she added. Within an hour, she had issued a clarification. Andrew Charlton (right) wrote deepening ties with India was a 'national imperative' for Australia 'Australia maintains a longstanding and bipartisan non-discriminatory migration policy. Suggestions otherwise are a mistake,' she said in a statment. But the headache for Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who has been trying to pitch the Coalition as the party for aspiring Australians, worsened when Senator Price later doubled down. '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,' Senator Price said. 'What I was doing was highlighting the fact that there is huge concern for Labor's mass migration agenda, which is applying pressure to housing, to infrastructure, to services. Then I was further pursued on this line of talking. '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 that's my children included by the way 85 per cent voted for Labor ... So, these were the facts that I was pointing out.' Hostile territory But Indian entrepreneur Divesh Sareen told the Daily Mail the 'Indian vote' was not a monolith for Labor, noting many of his friends supported the Coalition. Mr Sareen, who has lived in Australia since 2008, said he was shocked by the hostility seen around the protests. 'The lead up to the protest was actually very surprising, just because I actually never thought this kind of a thing would happen in Australia,' he said. 'Australia has always been built on migrants, on migration, and I think that's something we don't realise. 'When you're forced to think, well, maybe I shouldn't go to the city because there's a protest, and you could see the signs it might turn into violence, it's something I had never thought I would feel in a country like Australia.' He added the rallies made him second-guess his place in Australia. 'When you define the word "Australian", I mean, I've taken my oath, I've got an Australian passport, it's something I'm proud to call myself but then when things like this happen, you feel like I'll never be good enough to belong,' he said. Dr Charlton, who also chairs the Parliamentary Friends of India group, has noted that the rise in Indian migration long predates the Albanese government. Numbers began surging in the 1990s as Australia sought more skilled workers and international students. Between 2016 and 2021, under Coalition governments, the Indian-born population increased by 48 per cent. There is no evidence Labor has deliberately used immigration to shore up electoral support, though it has enjoyed widespread popularity among Indian Australians. The Daily Mail has contacted Dr Charlton and Mr Samaras for comment. As a tugboat captain pulled an unmanned U.S. military drone boat out of Naval Base Ventura County in California recently, there seemed little danger. But then, the robot vessel suddenly turned itself on, zoomed forward and bashed into the vessel towing it, capsizing the tug and throwing the unfortunate skipper overboard. Weeks later, in another exercise, a military robo-boat stalled and was smashed into from the side by another speeding drone vessel . The fast-moving robot boat hit the stationary one's bow, flew into the air and over it, and landed with a splash. Details of the damage are unknown, but for the Pentagon such incidents are an inauspicious start as it moves into a new era of robotic maritime warfare. President Donald Trump wants a vast fleet of such drone vessels, including kamikaze speedboats, to be able to swarm off Taiwan by 2027, when China has said its military will be ready to invade the island. The president's recently-passed 'Big Beautiful Bill' included almost $5 billion for 'maritime autonomous systems' and testing has been going on at venues including Ventura since April. On Tuesday, President Trump blasted the leaders of China, Russia and North Korea for 'conspiring against the United States of America' as they assembled to watch a massive military parade in Beijing. Chinese leader Xi Jinping hosted the parade to mark 80 years since WWII and showed off his country's latest weapons, including a laser that could blind human pilots. A robot boat crashes into another one during an exercise off the California coast this year Fleets of unmanned boats, along with aerial drones and robot submarines, are key to America's so-called 'hellscape' strategy to defend Taiwan. 'I want to turn the Taiwan Strait into an unmanned hellscape using a number of classified capabilities,' Admiral Sam Paparo, Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said recently. 'So that I can make their lives utterly miserable for a month, which buys me the time for the rest of everything.' He said that would 'offer the world a short, sharp war so that it is a fait accompli before the world can get their act together.' As the sea drone plan develops U.S. defense officials have been watching closely the use of unmanned surface attack vessels by Ukraine. The Ukrainian ones look like speedboats, are loaded with explosive payloads, and can cost as little as $250,000. According to Bryan Clark of the Hudson Institute: 'In Taiwan, they're looking at using these as part of this "hellscape" concept...where they basically put a bunch of these little boats in the water when it looks like China might invade. 'And they're just going to go after Chinese amphibious ships on their way in, and it's a pretty easy shot for them, because the Chinese ships are coming at you, you just need to drive at them and explode.' Donald Trump accused Xi Jinping of 'conspiring against the United States' The Navy is testing robot boats like this one which would be used to deter China from attacking Taiwan A rendering of an Orca undersea attack drone which could be used to dink submarines Two years ago the Pentagon started a $1 billion program called Replicator to produce thousands of robot boats and aerial drones. But, in addition to the crashes, there have been other setbacks. In May, Rear Admiral Kevin Smith, the top officer for 'unmanned and small combatants programs' was relieved after a complaint was made against him. A Navy spokesman said: 'The Navy maintains the highest standards for leaders and holds them accountable when those standards are not met.' There have also been reports of a paused software contract. A key Navy document, known as Project 33, that drone boats are still considered the way forward. 'This navigation plan drives toward two strategic ends: readiness for the possibility of war with the Peoples Republic of China by 2027 and enhancing the Navys long-term advantage,' it says. 'By 2027, we will integrate proven robotic and autonomous systems for routine use by the commanders who will employ them.' A map shows how China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been conducting drills in the waters around Taiwan U.S. drone boats off Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California Taiwanese President William Lai pauses for the national anthem during a ceremony honoring officers and soldiers for their service ahead of Armed Forces Day in Taipei A positive development last month saw the unveiling of the USX-1 Defiant, a 180ft-long robot boat which can go to sea for a year without any human sailors. A Pentagon spokesman said: 'Defiant is a tough little ship and defies the idea that we cannot make a ship that can operate in the challenging environment of the open ocean without people to operate her.' Meanwhile, HavocAI, a private drone boat startup, has already built 42 vessels and plans ton have a 100ft-long one in the water by the end of this year. Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) was hosted by Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping (R) for a military parade An M60A3 tank fires live rounds during a night time exercise in Taiwan A Ukrainian drone boat sneaks up to attack a Russian warship Explaining the recent crash off Ventura, California, a military spokesman said: 'An incident occurred at approximately 3:28PM on June 23 within the Channel Islands Harbor Marina involving the overturning of a support boat by an unmanned vehicle that was being towed out of the harbor. 'A preliminary investigation indicated that the unmanned vehicle received an inadvertent command that turned the engine on, causing the towed vehicle to accelerate past and capsize the support boat. 'As a result, the training activity immediately held a safety stand-down with all members of the activity and is implementing additional safety procedures.' A man who was obsessed with trying to become a billionaire tech tycoon in the Silicon Valley murdered an innocent woman in her own home because he believed he had to commit cannibalism in order to become successful. Francis Wolke, 32, killed 62-year-old Kathy Anderson in December 2018 after breaking into her property. He carried out the brutal slaying by strangling Anderson, before stabbing her in the eye with a pen and then attempting to behead her. The horrific murder is laid bare in the first episode of the upcoming Investigation Discovery true crime series The Tech Bro Murders, with contributors also exploring Wolke's motivations for the killing. According to San Mateo County deputy district attorney Tricia Povah, Wolke told his defense investigator that he started hearing voices, and the voices told him 'don't bitch out, time to join up.' 'He understood the voices to be saying you need to kill this person in order to join the 1 per cent, and he always wanted to make it big in Silicon Valley,' she continued. The 1 per cent referring to the top 1 per cent of individuals in terms of wealth. Retired Palo Alto PD detective Sandra Brown, added: 'Not only that, but the voices in Wolke's head said if he really wanted to be part of the 1 per cent, he had to kill someone and consume their flesh.' Wannabe tech bro Francis Wolke, 32, killed 62-year-old Kathy Anderson in December 2018 Wolke believed that by killing Anderson (pictured) he would be able to join the 1 per cent Before the murder, Wolke was an aspiring tech bro who had moved to the Silicon Valley from Cincinnati, Ohio four years prior with dreams of making it big. He was described by some of his friends in the tech world as being 'very smart', but 'isolated' and 'very arrogant'. Over time, Wolke grew increasingly paranoid and he was eventually kicked out of his incubator house by other tech bros because of his behavior. As a result of having nowhere to live, he returned home to Cincinnati, but decided to go back to California just days later. Investigators determined that Wolke ended up in Anderson's house because he was hungry and was looking for somewhere to stay. He went into the home and ate some food before going upstairs, where he found the victim in her bed. This is when Wolke claimed he heard voices urging him to kill Anderson. Before Wolke could flee the scene of the crime, Anderson's jilted ex-lover Daniel Baggett arrived at the house where he found Wolke coming out of one of the bedrooms. Revealing why he felt compelled to check on Anderson on the night of the murder, Baggett said in the documentary: 'I had this feeling in my stomach to go by the house. Wolke was made homeless days before he carried out the murder after his former housemates became disturbed by his alarming behavior Anderson's ex-boyfriend was able to apprehend her killer after he paid an unannounced visit to her home in Silicon Valley 'I tried calling her earlier in the day and the evening before, and I was unable to get a hold of her which was uncommon, she always answered her phone.' Baggett said he noticed that Anderson's rubbish bins were still outside in the drive, which was unusual, and that her car was also there. 'I went inside and started calling her name,' he continued. 'I saw her headband laying on the ground and I went to the stairs, and that's when he came out of what used to be my daughter's bedroom.' Baggett then grabbed a kitchen knife and apprehended the killer. He also called 911. Before he was considered a hero in the case, Baggett found himself caught up in the investigation. Ultimately, cops determined he had nothing to do with the murder. Daniel Baggett, Anderson's ex, arrived on the scene and called the cops San Mateo County deputy district attorney Tricia Povah revealed that Wolfe started hearing voices, which instructed him to carry out the attack 'I'm just glad I was able to do what Kathy would have wanted me to do, which was to make sure he [Wolke] didn't get away,' he said, tearing up. Wolke was charged with first-degree murder in the killing of Anderson. He plead not guilty on reason of insanity. Ultimately, the jury did not determine Wolke to be insane and they convicted him of first-degree murder with a penalty of 26 years to life. The Tech Bro murders is a new six-part series guided by retired Palo Alto PD detective Sandra Brown. The series investigates the dark side of Silicon Valley, exploring some of the most shocking and twisted murder cases going back to the early days of the tech boom. Investigation Discovery's The Tech Bro Murders premieres Tuesday, September 9 at 10/9c, with new episodes airing weekly. Episodes will be available to stream on HBO Max. Prior to the pandemic, Manchester Airport was named the best airport in the UK six times on the trot in a prestigious industry awards ceremony. Last week, it was awarded a far more dubious accolade: it's now considered among Britain's worst - with two of its three terminals named the country's least pleasant. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 finished bottom of the table in Which? magazine's recent survey of almost 6,000 flyers conducted over 12 months. Terminal 2 finished fourth from the bottom, surpassing only London Luton and its sister buildings. It's a remarkable fall from grace that airport bosses are refusing to recognise year on year, even as travellers bemoan its lack of facilities and dismal delays. The Manchester Airports Group - which also operates London Stansted and East Midlands Airports - has defended the sprawling 1,400-acre facility, the busiest in Britain outside of the capital. It claims the surveys are not representative of the daily experiences of the 23million passengers who use it every single year. The Which? appraisal covered 11 categories, ranging from the rate of late cancellations to customer service, queues for check-in, bag drop and security and the availability of seats, food and drink and toilets. Manchester Airport has picked up the dubious honour of being named Britain's worst airport after its three terminals were named amongst the worst four in the country The facility has suffered a number of notable issues in recent years, from a perceived poor recovery from Covid to the loss of its managing director in 2022 (pictured: 2022 queues) But managing director Chris Woodroofe (pictured) has hit out against the Which? survey that ranked his airport so poorly, claiming it did not represent most flyers' experiences Manchester's Terminal 3 - home to its Ryanair flights - received an approval score of 43 per cent; Terminal 1, 47 per cent; and Terminal 2, which was expanded and renovated a few years ago, 53 per cent. The airport's one saving grace may be that just over one per cent of flights were cancelled with little notice - within 24 hours of intended departure time - between May 2024 and April 2025 according to the Civil Aviation Authority. This was much lower than other better-ranking airports such as London City, Southampton, Belfast City, Glasgow and London Heathrow. But passengers say Manchester's poor customer service, yawning queues for security and a dearth of food and drink - with what is available deemed overpriced - could not offset even minimal problems with the flights themselves. 'We tried to use Manchester Airport assistance last year for our holiday,' Rhiannon Cooper, a personal trainer from Wolverhampton, told the Mail. 'We booked in advance but left stranded without a wheelchair to make our own way through. I was in hysterics walking to the gate mid-panic attack. It was dire. 'We flew from Birmingham this year and it was so, so, so different. We agreed from now on we would pay more just to go from Birmingham. We are roughly the same distance from both.' A passenger quoted in the Which? survey claimed it was 'impossible to get a drink or something to eat, but much worse than that - there is nowhere to sit.' The airport is also among those to impose drop-off charges, which are 5 for five minutes or 6.40 for 10. Per minute, In 2022, Channel 4 sent an undercover reporter to work as a baggage handler - who encountered a passenger trying to crawl into the handling area to retrieve their bags Manchester Airport's recently refurbished Terminal 2 (pictured) was the best rated of the airport's facilities - but surpassed only London Luton airport in the survey But the 'borderless' system, which requires motorists to pay online after visiting instead of paying at a barrier, has proven deeply unpopular. Driver Eric Moffatt, 66, dropped his daughter and granddaughter off for a flight to Dubai before rushing inside to find a bathroom as he suffers from an ongoing bladder problem. He was fined 25 by the airport for taking 18 seconds too long to leave the area, despite his pleas for leniency. A member of staff told him he could appeal - but that the fine would be hiked to 60 if he lost. Three years ago, the airport's managing director Karen Smart quit as it appeared to struggle with the post-Covid recovery of the air travel industry. Huge queues formed and flights were cancelled in the spring of 2022 due to a reported lack of staff, with passengers seen vaulting barriers and abandoning luggage in desperate attempts to make their flights. an undercover investigation by Channel 4 found that passengers were regularly growing so frustrated at delays to their aggage being delivered on landing that they had taken to crawling on the conveyor belts to get air-side. The issues appeared to largely concern baggage handling firm Swissport, which had slashed staff counts by half. It later insisted the issues were not solely down to its ground handlers - or the lack of them. A year ago, the airport was beset with huge delays after a major power cut. A quarter of all flights were cancelled. The electrical interruption lasted just a few minutes at around 1.30am on June 23 2024 - but that was enough to knock out security systems for baggage, boarding passes and passport control, which took hours to restore to full capacity. Flights were left circling in the skies above the airport and some were then diverted elsewhere. Staff shortages in 2022, as the air travel industry recovered post-Covid, saw huge snaking queues leading out of the airport The airport was hit with a disastrous power cut in April last year, leaving passengers stranded for hours (pictured) Manchester Airport is the UK's busiest air travel complex outside of London, spanning 1,400 acres and serving 23million passengers each year Airport bosses blamed a faulty cable on site, and a subsequent surge of electricity as supply was restored, for the issues. A backup generator had kicked in, but the situation was complicated by power cutting out multiple times. Another power cut then hit Terminal 3 earlier this year, knocking the lights out and disabling computer terminals at border control, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. Not every delay is necessarily down to the airport: a recent collision between two easyJet planes on the taxiway is still under investigation. The two orange jets clipped wings at 6.30am on August 15, depriving them of vital wing tips and delaying other flights. easyJet said it was investigating how the two planes came into contact, and was contacted for further comment. And last year the airport was at the centre of a policing scandal after police officers were seen kicking a man in the head as he lay prone on the floor of the car park at Terminal 2. It later emerged that the man, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, had assaulted a member of the public at a Starbucks in the airport beforehand - and lashed out at officers, breaking the nose of PC Lydia Ward. Amaaz and his brother Muhammad Amaad will face a retrial on assaulting PC Zachary Marsden next year. Charges against PC Marsden were not pursued after he was seen to kick Amaaz in the head but he may yet face a probe from policing regulator the IOPC. Another officer who leaked footage of the altercation to the press may also face disciplinary action. Manchester Airport handles flights from 50 airlines across three terminals - one of which is earmarked for closure Last month, passengers were delayed when two easyJet planes clipped wings on the taxiway The airport was at the centre of a policing scandal last year after an armed police officer was seen kicking Mohammed Fahir Amaaz (above). It later emerged Amaaz had assaulted a member of the public - and had assaulted police officers seconds beforehand Airport bosses have insisted the Which? report 'bears no resemblance to the experience people receive at Manchester Airport day in, day out'. It claims the 'outdated and unrepresentative' consumer survey - which polled some 6,000 people over the last 12 months - doesn't take into account the fact that larger airports are busier. Chris Woodroofe, its managing director, attacked Which? over what he called its 'continued pursuit of headlines'. It's not the first time it has hit out at the survey, calling last year's results 'oversimplified judgements' that were 'limited and out of date'. He was backed by spokespersons for Heathrow, which attacked the magazine's survey of 6,000 people as 'unrepresentatively small', and Luton, which said it was 'simply not representative' of travellers' views. 'I am proud that Manchester Airport is serving more passengers than ever before, connecting 31m people a year to more than 200 destinations - dozens of which you cannot fly to from anywhere else outside London,' he said. 'Through our historic 1.3bn transformation programme, we have created a world-class and award-winning Terminal 2. We have also announced plans to invest significantly in Terminal 3 - starting this year. 'I am also proud to say customer satisfaction has increased significantly over the past four years. 'We know how customers feel about their experience because we asked hundreds of them every week about it. 'Between January and June this year, 91% of 3,045 people surveyed told us their experience was good, very good or excellent. 'That is how I know this latest outdated and unrepresentative report from Which? bears no resemblance to the experience people receive at Manchester Airport day in, day out.' It all started with messages exchanged from a smuggled phone behind bars. Father-of-three Lenny Scott had been working as an officer at HMP Altcourse, in Liverpool, when he discovered a mobile phone in a prisoner's cell. What was uncovered from the device was a 'sexual relationship' between dangerous inmate Elias Morgan and prison officer Sarah Williams. The mother-of-three, who had only been working at the prison for less than a year, had exchanged intimate texts and images with not one, but three inmates. When Mr Scott made the discovery, Morgan warned him to 'balls up the paperwork' and even offered him 1,500 not to report the phone. But the dedicated prison officer submitted the paperwork, resulting in both Morgan and Williams being prosecuted. The beloved family man wasn't to know that, nearly four years later, it was this revelation that would ultimately end his life. Morgan bided his time and once freed from prison, assassinated Mr Scott outside a gym in Skelmersdale, Lancashire in February last year. The 33-year-old was shot six times. Now, as Williams' family speak out for the first time, they say their daughter had 'nothing to do' with the murder, and feel she has been 'unfairly' dragged into a horrifying crime. Former prison officer Sarah Williams, pictured outside court in 2023. She was sentenced for exchanging sexual messages and images with three inmates Lenny Scott, a father-of-three, was brutally assassinated outside a gym in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, by Morgan, who had threatened to kill him nearly four years prior Morgan (left) was found guilty of murdering prison officer Mr Scott (right) in a revenge killing in 2024 The 41-year-old, of Widnes, Cheshire, was sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2023, for three counts of misconduct in public office for sharing 'intimate sexual chat' and explicit images with inmates including Morgan in 2020. It was agreed, however, that she did not engage in any physical sexual contact. Over 12,000 messages and calls were exchanged between her and one of the inmates, 1,210 with a second inmate, and 9,456 with a third prisoner, Liverpool Crown Court heard. It was argued by her lawyers that she had fallen 'into the traps and into the arms of sophisticated criminals'. Speaking from their home in Liverpool, Williams' father Thomas Moore told the Daily Mail: Its been really upsetting, the whole thing. She went to prison, she had nothing to do with any conspiracy. We had our house turned upside down while she was in prison, by the murder squad. The murder, obviously we were all dead horrified by what happened. Even my daughter was. But they sort of made her the highlight of it all. 'Im still not convinced that that man was murdered over a telephone with my daughters picture on it. 'Im not, and I never will be. Williams knew the inmates had mobile phones but opted to begin exchanging messages and explicit images with them, rather than reporting their illegal devices to her bosses, her trial heard. The mother-of-three warned one criminal that another inmate was suspected of having illicit items in his cell. She also illegally searched the prison database for an inmate to find out which prison another individual was being held. This saw her also being prosecuted for a computer misuse offence. At Liverpool Crown Court in 2023, Williams' lawyers said she had 'fell into the traps and fell into the arms of sophisticated criminals' When Mr Scott discovered an illicit phone inside Morgan's cell, which had evidence of his relationship with Williams, he attempted to bribe him not to report it. Mr Scott refused, after which Morgan threatened to kill him CCTV footage showed Mr Scott leaving the gym shortly before 5:30pm on February 8 last year, before he was shot When her home was searched, details of gang members, some of them rivals to the inmates, were found. She had transferred money to one of them after he was transferred to a prison in Manchester. Mr Moore told the Mail she should 'never have been in the job', having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and told of how she had been threatened by inmates. He said: Its upsetting when its your daughter. Its not fair. She had nothing to do with it. Shes bipolar. She got a diagnosis at the time. So really she shouldnt have been in the job. While she was at the job she was under a doctor getting treatment. It was Covid time. None of this got mentioned in court. She wasnt well. We could tell by her moods, she was coming in up and down, up and down. We told her dont get involved in nothing in the prison love. She went okay dad but weve seen what happened. She started working there five years ago, and her life has been hell for five years. It was hell visiting prisons, she was in Styal [a women's prison in Cheshire] and then she got moved to Stafford. Because she was an ex-prison officer you can imagine how bad a time she had and she did.' On her involvement with the inmates, he said: 'It was her point of view that she was coerced. This is what she said but they werent having it at the trial. Its soul-destroying you know. 'There were no sexual relationships. There were no phones passed into prison. She didnt take phones into prison like they keep alluding to. The relationship was she was talking to three prisoners and she downloaded information for one of the prisoners mates. They were the four charges. And three of the people were actually threatening her. And she had the names of the three people, they were the ones on the computer. Thats all it was. There was no "affair" at all. She lost her marriage because of this. 'She was driving around in a Mercedes, lovely home and that, hard worker. And then that job all went wrong. I dont know why she went into that job.' During the trial, it was heard Mr Scott reported receiving the threats from Morgan (pictured) days after the phone was found. For weeks before the cold-blooded attack, Morgan stalked his victim, learning his daily schedule It was not heard in court that Williams had any knowledge or involvement in Morgan's horrific murder of Mr Scott. It looks like shes on trial every time I see her photo', Mr Moore told the Daily Mail. 'She already went to jail for what she done.' He told of how nothing was found when their house was raided by the murder squad because there was 'nothing to find'. 'She had nothing to do with it. I know that for a fact', he added. They didnt find anything because there was nothing to find. She was shocked. 'Our daughter has been dragged into something shes got nothing to do with.' During Williams' trial, the court heard that after finishing her training which included training on 'corruption prevention' she had been placed in the 'Canal' wing of Altcourse. The Sodexo-operated Category B prison houses criminals serving medium-to-long term sentences as well as badly behaved inmates. Her misconduct came to light when bosses at Altcourse received a tip that she was involved in inappropriate conduct. The matter was then escalated to the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit's anti-corruption department after phones seized from inmates revealed the illicit communications. Williams was then arrested at home in July 2020 before she was then jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty to three counts of misconduct in public office, and one count of intending to secure unauthorised access to data. Aside from Morgan, the other two inmates she was involved with were Connor Crawford, who was serving a sentence for possessing firearms with intent to endanger life, and Craig Steenson, who was serving a sentence for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Matthew O'Neill, defending, said Williams had fallen 'for the charms of these prisoners', adding that she may have a personality disorder 'which may have impaired her decision making'. Morgan (right) is pictured attending Glastonbury Festival in Somerset in June 2023 with co-defendant Anthony Cleary (left). Cleary was found not guilty of murder and manslaughter He added: '(She was placed on a wing with) sophisticated dangerous criminals and at a time when suffering with her mental health. She had a diagnosis of bi-polar affective disorder.' Morgan was sentenced last week to 45 years behind bars before parole following a trial over the February 2024 murder of Mr Scott. Preston Crown Court heard how when Mr Scott refused Morgan's bribe to 'b***s up the paperwork', Morgan threatened his victim's family before vowing revenge, telling Mr Scott, 'I'll bide my time' and making a gun gesture. The submission led to both Morgan and Williams being prosecuted, and, from that moment Morgan told the father 'he would get him'. Almost four years later, after Morgan had served his sentence and Mr Scott had been sacked the Prison Service after he punched a prisoner in the face, he carried out the threat. On February 8, 2024, Mr Scott was 'approached by a man wearing a high-visibility jacket and carrying a handgun' as he left the gym. Morgan shot the victim with a 9mm handgun once in the head and five times in the body, before fleeing on an electric scooter. 'The man shot him, six times, to the head and body. Lenny Scott died of his injuries. The murder was an act of retaliation,' prosecutor Alex Leach KC told the court. Morgan was arrested after detectives from Lancashire Police began investigating and uncovered the threats Morgan had made to his victim. During the trial, it was heard Mr Scott reported receiving the threats from Morgan days after the phone was found. A 'visibly frightened' Mr Scott told his former partner that Morgan had told him that his 'home would be blown up with his family inside'. Four days later he told a police call handler: 'I'm in fear for my family's life.' The jury heard he also reported the threats to the Prison Service, saying Morgan had told him his family would be hurt if he did not drop the illegal phone matter. Instead the phone was examined and Morgan was charged with unauthorised possession of the mobile phone in April 2023. Mr Scott had left the Prison Service in 2021 and played no part as a witness in the prosecution. Morgan denied a charge of unauthorised possession of the mobile phone and a court hearing was scheduled for February 19, 2024 - 11 days after Mr Scott was murdered. He also denied any involvement in Mr Scott's death but was convicted of murder by a jury following a nine-week trial last Friday. Williams worked at HMP Altcourse, near Liverpool, when she began swapping illicit messages with three inmates Mr Justice Goose, sentencing, described the murder as a 'carefully planned, revenge killing of a prison officer,' who 'was loved, respected and made his family proud.'. After Morgan's name began circulating in connection with the shooting, he handed himself in to police, however, denied any involvement. Then, he was bailed while police gathered evidence. It was revealed, by detectives tracing his phone and vehicle data, that Morgan's spent weeks stalking his victim, learning his daily schedule before launching the cold-blooded attack. Morgan's co-accused, Anthony Cleary, 29, from Liverpool, was found not guilty by the jury of murder and manslaughter. The gun used in the murder has never been recovered. Following the sentencing, Paula Scott, the mother of the former prison officer, said her son 'lost his life standing up for what was right'. 'We are so pleased about the sentence today,' she said. 'We are elated and relieved that we have justice for Lenny, that Elias Morgan has been held accountable and will be in prison for a very long time. 'We are also filled with a deep sadness that this should never have happened, that Lenny should still be here. 'So many lives have been impacted by Lenny's death. He was a much loved son, dad, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend and colleague. 'He was a strong, hard-working man, honest, protective, kind and loving, and he had a brilliant sense of humour. 'His banter was second to none. He had an unforgettable presence and lit up any room he walked into. 'Lenny was most proud of his three children. They were his world. He spent every moment he could with them. 'They adored him as he made them feel loved, safe and seen.' She added: 'We are so angry that Lenny was killed because he was doing the right thing, doing his job well with pride and integrity and maintaining his strong values,' she said. 'Despite being threatened by Morgan, he stuck to his values and followed prison procedure. He lost his life standing up for what was right. 'Morgan has no regard for the impact of his actions. He not only has stolen Lenny's future, but he has stolen our future with him. 'Lenny now won't achieve all the things he was working towards, all the plans he had with his children, his chance to see them grow and flourish, that has been taken away from us all. 'Finally, to Lenny, thank you for being the person you were, for all the lovely memories, for all your banter and laughter. 'We will never forget you, and we will always be proud of you. We love you.' Speaking outside the court, Detective Chief Inspector Lee Wilson said the ex-prison officer 'was murdered by Elias Morgan in a vengeful and cold-blooded assassination.' 'It is one of the most callous, brutal and inhumane things I have ever seen in my 30 years as a police officer. He gave Lenny no quarter,' he added. Mr Wilson called Mr Scott a 'man of integrity' who 'did the right thing in challenging circumstances' while working at HMP Altcourse. 'It was this that cost him his life,' he added. 'After seizing an illicitly held mobile phone from prisoner Elias Morgan, Lenny resisted bribes and threats made towards him. 'These threats including the chilling phrase: "I'll bide my time, but I promise I will get you". 'Morgan unfortunately made good on this threat, waiting four years to take his revenge on Lenny.' He also branded Morgan a 'small, cowardly, evil' man, while describing Scott as 'a big, strong, kind man, so full of heart and integrity, '[He was] loved by many, who in simply trying to do his job, keeping the community safe, paid the ultimate price. 'In absolute contrast, Elias Morgan is a small, cowardly, evil individual who executed this much loved father and son for simply doing his job.' LISTEN: Erin Patterson sentenced to LIFE in prison. Hear expert analysis now on The Mail's Trial podcast Mushroom killer Erin Patterson barely even blinked as she was told she will likely die in prison after being sentenced to life in jail. No tears. No emotion. Just...nothing. But in a minor win for the cold-blooded killer, Justice Christopher Beale set a non-parole period of 33 years, meaning Patterson will be aged around 83 when she becomes eligible to apply for it. Patterson, 50, pleaded not guilty to the murders of Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson. They died after consuming death cap mushrooms served in beef Wellingtons during lunch at her Leongatha home on July 29, 2023. Only Pastor Ian Wilkinson survived the lunch, with Patterson also convicted of his attempted murder. On Monday, Justice Christopher Beale decided to jail Patterson for life after agreeing with prosecutors that her offending deserved the full penalty available under Victorian law. Under Victorian law, 25 years is considered a life sentence. 'Your failure to show any remorse pours salt into your victims' wounds,' Justice Beale said. Erin Patterson enters the Supreme Court of Victoria on Monday Patterson will likely spend the rest of her natural life bound in chains every time she steps foot outside of her prison cell Erin Patterson pictured on August 25 as she arrived at the Supreme Court of Victoria to hear victim impact statements The court heard the respected judge found the matter of setting a parole date his toughest task. Patterson's victims had suffered a prolonged and agonising death after consuming the death cap mushrooms. Patterson stared blankly ahead throughout the 45-minute sentence, showing no signs of emotion. Dressed in a paisley top and tan jacket, the mother of two appeared subdued, blinking profusely as her crimes were read aloud in court for what was likely the very last time. Wedged between two prison guards in the prison dock of courtroom four, she appeared to almost fall asleep as her sentence went on. Patterson was observed leaning back into her chair with her eyes closed throughout much of the sentence. Upon leaving the court to begin her sentence, she tapped the desks being used by reporters as she walked past. Justice Beale said he accepted Patterson had indeed served her guests poisoned beef Wellingtons on plates of different colours to her own. He also accepted she had lured them to their deaths with a phoney story about having cancer. Ian Wilkinson and his daughter Ruth Dubois outside the court in Melbourne on Monday Media try to snare a photo of Patterson in the prison van outside the Supreme Court on Monday The Trial of Erin Patterson is available now, wherever you get your podcasts. Listen here The court heard Patterson had misled health officials and police following the lunch in an effort to conceal her crime. Justice Beale condemned Patterson for the lies she told to authorities and the jury to cover her tracks. 'I am satisfied that your vague story about the Asian grocery was a lie,' Justice Beale said. On Monday,members of the public eager for justice lined up along Williams Street for one of the few pulbic seats available in the Supreme Court More than 1300 people also tuned into the livestream of the sentence. In a rare concession, television cameras were allowed to beam out the sentence to the public live, although Patterson was not allowed to be filmed. A large media pack descended upon the court, with a helicopter hovering overhead and more than 50 reporters crammed into the courtroom. The sentence was picked up by television networks across the planet, with people expected to wake up to the news oceans away. Justice Beale said he accepted Patterson had meticulously planned the deadly lunch. 'You did so with the intention of killing them all,' he said. Members of the public, many of whom attended the trial in Morwell, snaked down William Street to get a seat inside the court room on Monday Justice Beale said Patterson bought the dehydrator to dry the death cap mushrooms she used in the beef Wellingtons. 'You showed no pity for your victims,' Justice Beale said. 'You repeatedly denied foraging ... we will never know whether revealing the use of foraged mushrooms would have made a difference.' Justice Beale said it was 'implausible' Patterson did not research how the death caps would have killed her victims. 'You engaged in an elaborate cover-up of your guilt,' he said. Justice Beale outlined all of the lies Patterson had told anyone who would listen following the lunch. He described her offending as an 'enormous breach of trust'. 'Not only did you cut short three lives ... you inflicted untold suffering on your own children who you robbed of their own grandparents.' He told the court Patterson's offending was the worst of its kind. Detective Leading Senior Constable Stephen Eppingstall (right) arrives at court for Patterson's sentence on Monday. He was the man responsible for bringing the killer to justice Members of the public line up outside the Supreme Court of Victoria on Monday 'The gravity of your offending warrants the maximum penalty,' Justice Beale said. In coming to his decision, Justice Beale said Patterson had spent 15 months in isolation and would spend years further in solitary confinement. Justice Beale said those harsh conditions needed to 'count' when it came to her sentence. Patterson's own defence team earlier accepted Patterson should be sentenced to no less than 30 years in jail for her crimes. 'We make no argument, your honour, that the head sentence should be anything other than life imprisonment,' her barrister Colin Mandy, SC told the court during a pre-sentence hearing last month. 'The ultimate issue - the dispute between the parties or at issue between the parties is whether or not a non-parole period should be fixed. 'Ms Patterson is 50 years of age, and so because these allegations, these convictions are standard sentence offences, unless the court considers that it's in the interest of justice not to do so, the court must fix a non-parole period of 30 years if the relevant term is the term of the offender's natural life. 'Even the imposition of a 30-year non-parole period would see Ms Patterson reach the age of 80 or so before she became eligible to apply for parole.' Patterson's chances of securing a non-parole period had been hampered by her refusal to show any insight into her offending. She maintains her innocence and therefore was seen by the court as a remorseless killer with little to no chance of rehabilitation, even after 30 years behind bars. Karen Chetcuti was subjected to a horrific death, which earnt her killer life in prison without a chance of parole The crimes of evil killer Michael Cardamone have been compared to those of Erin Patterson Crown prosecutor Jane Warren had cited the disturbing case of evil killer Michael Cardamone to reinforce her argument that Patterson should be denied parole. Cardamone, who was aged 50 like Patterson, sedated Karen Chetcuti near Wangaratta in 2016 with an animal tranquilliser, bound and gagged her, injected her with methamphetamine and battery acid, fractured her skull and then burnt her alive. Cardamone was jailed in 2017 for life without parole by Justice Lex Lasry, who openly stated the cold-blooded killer deserved no mercy. 'It's obviously a question that your honour may consider. And that is the question of mercy,' Ms Warren told Justice Beale. 'His Honour Justice Lasry considered the question of mercy and whether mercy might be applied in the sentencing exercise; and his decision ultimately not to fix a non-parole period in that case. 'And his honour stated that, "Sometimes a crime is so horrific, so cruel, and so callous that a step towards mercy becomes too difficult to take". 'In our submission, that is apt for this case. It is a crime that is so cruel and so horrific that in our submission the offender is not deserving of this court's mercy.' Patterson's living conditions in jail had been the only thing standing in the way of her not receiving a non-parole period. Patterson's legal team Sophie Stafford, Ophelia Hollway and Colin Mandy, SC enter the Supreme Court of Victoria last month Crown prosecutors Dr Nanette Rogers and Jane Warren have called for nothing less than life without parole for Patterson She has remained in the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre's notorious Gordon Unit for much of her time, with no prospect of moving anytime soon. Known as a management unit for the jail's most high-risk offenders, it contains only 20 cells for the worst of society. There, prisoners are locked down as much as 23 hours a day, with limited access to a small, one-square-metre courtyard at the rear of their cells. The court heard the Gordon Unit where Patterson is held was recently described as 'appalling' by a County Court judge. Mr Mandy argued no person should be caged for the remainder of their life under such extreme conditions. 'Informing the question of whether a non-parole period should be fixed, we submit, are the conditions and circumstances of her imprisonment,' he told the court. 'Plainly where a prisoner is held in isolation or separation as it's described here, that's a factor relevant to sentence. 'The contention is that Ms Patterson will likely be held in those conditions for the foreseeable future and perhaps ... for the entire length of her sentence.' Mr Mandy pointed to the case of Cardinal George Pell, who faced similar jail conditions when he was originally sentenced over historical child sex offences that were eventually overturned. 'We use that phrase "likely" because it falls within Chief Judge Kidd's ruling in Pell where his honour said that it's necessary for the court to inform themselves as to the probabilities of a custodial situation,' Mr Mandy said. Patterson's friend Ali Rose Prior outside the courthouse on Monday Justice Christopher Beale sentenced Erin Patterson on live television '(Patterson) will in our submission always be at risk from other prisoners and that risk, regrettably, given the auspices of the custodial arrangement, can only be effectively managed by isolation. 'Those are very deprived circumstances.' Justice Beale suggested some concern over the prospect of Patterson being held within the Gordon Unit for the entirety of her sentence. '(It) doesn't sound very humane,' he said. As it stood, the judge had no real idea whether or not Patterson would indeed spend her life caged in isolation, but thought she would likely spend many years there. 'Your honour cannot sentence on the basis of prediction or mere speculation,' Ms Warren told him. 'Well, I feel fairly confident that she's going to remain notorious for a long, long time,' Justice Beale responded. Ms Warren argued Justice Beale could not sentence on the basis that Patterson would spend her entire sentence in those conditions. 'But, we accept, certainly, the foreseeable future,' she said. The once wealthy killer, who is believed to have now exhausted that wealth, has 28 days to appeal the decision. Without funding, she will need to convince taxpayer-funded lawyers an appeal was justified. Teachers are twice as worried about misogyny and sexism as they are about plummeting educational standards, a report by the Childrens Commissioner has found. Dame Rachel De Souza will use a conference later today to say schools are more concerned about social issues than they are about instructing pupils in basic subjects such as English. She will also reveal the majority of teachers are not worried about the curriculum and are more interested in funding for local government services such as health and housing. Within the Findings section of the 110 page report, she concludes: Secondary schools were almost twice as worried about misogyny and sexism as curriculum. Dame Rachel, who was appointed to her post by the former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson in March 2021, will also say online safety is in the top four concerns for staff. Schools are worried about problems beyond the school gate, the report finds. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services was a top four concern for 70 per cent of primary schools and 78 per cent of secondary schools. More secondary schools are worried about the funding of wider services than they are about their own funding. Dame Rachel De Souza pictured has been the Children's Commissioner since March 2021 Stock: Falling education standards are not as concerning for teachers as tackling sexism In compiling her results, Dame Rachel attempted to contact every school in England, and asked them to report back their main concerns. Roughly 90 per cent of schools responded to her questions, with results showing 81 per cent of teachers in secondary schools believe a lack of funding for social services is proving a barrier to pupils achieving the best grades. While attendance at school was the top concern amongst secondary schools with 39,000 children not in school and receiving no education at all. This is the single biggest issue facing the government, fixing the attendance crisis in our schools, Dame Rachel will add. More than one in ten young people are consistently not in education, employment or training or NEET - so solving this is not just a moral imperative but an economic one. This comes as more than a third of pupils fail to achieve a GCSE pass in English and maths, and fewer than two-thirds of children say they enjoy school. The report will also point out that nearly one million children were referred to mental health services, 95,000 youngsters had a parent in prison and 164,000 grow up in temporary housing. The Childrens Commissioner will herald her findings as the blueprint for the next great wave of education reform. An award-winning police officer told of her fury after a force spent 10 months investigating her for calling a transgender activist 'Fred' instead of 'Freda' on social media. Cathy Larkman, who served with South Wales Police for more than three decades, was shocked when former colleagues turned up at her home near Port Talbot on Sept 4. The retired superintendent, who won awards during her career as a firearms commander and she founded the South Wales Female Police Association, was horrified to discover that police had spent 10 months assessing whether shortening the name of a transgender activist was a hate crime. In social media posts dating back to September last year, Ms Larkman referred to activist Freda Wallace as 'Fred', using the 'dead' male name of the now transgender woman. Ms Larkman believes a complaint was made by disgraced transgender police officer Lynsay Watson, who has a history of urging the authorities to pursue criminal investigations of people who are critical of gender ideology. Police later decided that the 'threshold for a crime had not been met' and the investigation was closed, but privately the officers involved expressed concern that they had to waste 10 months on it. The investigation came just days after Graham Linehan, the Father Ted writer and an outspoken critic of transgender ideology, was arrested by armed officers at Heathrow Airport. Yesterday Ms Larkman said the investigation was 'completely mad', telling the Mail: 'All I did was shorten a person's name. It's like someone calling me Cath. Cathy Larkman, who served for three decades at South Wales Police, says a force spent 10 months investigating her for calling a transgender activist 'Fred' instead of 'Freda' Ms Larkman believes a complaint was made by disgraced transgender police officer Lynsay Watson (pictured), who has a history of urging the authorities to pursue criminal investigations of people who are critical of gender ideology 'The whole thing is completely mad. This is not what police are there for. They are not there to police unfashionable thoughts or hurty words. 'I know frontline officers hate having to deal with this nonsense. 'The first thing they said to me is they didn't think it was a crime either. 'No one had bothered to even look at who it was who was reporting this. 'They take 'crimes' purely on the word of the person reporting.' Ms Larkman said activists were trying to 'weaponise police' to 'pursue private grievances'. She added: 'The police service keeps demonstrating that it is ideologically captured from the top down. It is failing the public. 'It is also failing the brave officers who sign up, intending to serve that public not to police their thoughts and words. They deserve a leadership that gives them the confidence and support to say a firm no to these extremists, not to capitulate to them. 'This should concern us all. Public trust and confidence in our police service is not only being eroded, it is being destroyed. That is unacceptable.' Ms Larkman was not home when police visited her home and left their details with her daughter. Superintendent Cathy Larkman, pictured in 2019, was shocked when former colleagues turned up at her home near Port Talbot on Sept 4 Officers later informed her that the complaint related to three social media posts in relation to an ongoing debate about the police's strip-searching policy. Ms Larkman has argued that transgender women should not be allowed to strip-search women. The messages complained about included 'Fred blocked me' and 'Fred, put that drink down'. A social media account called SEEN Police Official Open Public Network responded by saying a complaint had been made to South Wales Police about 'a malicious activist'. It is believed that this account is run by Ms Watson, a transgender former PC who was sacked by Leicestershire Police for gross misconduct in 2023, after sending more than 1,000 messages to another retired officer, Harry Miller. Darren Millar, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said this weekend: 'The majority of people in this country have so-called 'gender critical' views. Anyone should be free to air their views on trans issues. 'Providing they are not encouraging violence this should never be a matter for the police.' A spokesman for South Wales Police said: 'Officers received a report of an alleged hate crime/malicious communications incident on Nov 26, 2024. 'As part of their investigation into the report, officers visited an address in Margam, Neath Port Talbot on Thursday, Sept 4. The threshold for a crime has not been met, and the investigation has been closed with no suspect or subject identified.' An online fundraiser designed to support a career criminal who brutally murdered a Ukrainian girl onboard a train in North Carolina has sparked fury online. Decarlos Brown Jr., 35, is facing first-degree murder charges for stabbing Iryna Zarutska, 23, onboard a South End light rail train in Charlotte on August 22. Shocking surveillance footage from the scene showed him watching Zarutska for some time after she sat in the seat in front of him, eventually taking out what appeared to be a blade from his pocket. He then stood up and loomed over the 23-year-old, swinging the knife at her as she sat with her phone. Brown was then seen leaving a trail of blood throughout the train as other passengers appeared not to realize the killing that had taken place. A Daily Mail review of police records has since revealed that the 35-year-old has spent most of his life in and out of prison. He was even out on bail and was awaiting trial for misusing 911 when he allegedly stabbed the Ukrainian refugee. But a GoFundMe insists Brown was just the victim of a broken judicial system, as it raised money for his legal funds. The career criminal is accused of brutally stabbing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, 23, onboard a South End light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 22 An online fundraiser was started to help Decarlos Brown Jr., 35, with his legal fees 'While what happened on the Blue Line was a tragedy, what we mustn't lose sight of is the fact that Decarlos Brown Jr. was failed categorically by the judicial system and the mental health services of North Carolina, and as such is not entirely to blame for what happened,' it read. The online fundraiser then went on to note that it is raising money for Brown's legal defense 'and to also get him the aid he needs.' It adds that the organizer hopes Brown would 'avoid punitive sentencing.' Many were left outraged as news of the fundraiser spread online, with LibsofTikTok account calling it 'psychotic' and another person saying it was 'unbelievable.' '"Punitive sentencing?" Um yeah, I think it's gonna be really, really punitive,' a third added, while a fourth wrote: 'The inconvenient truth is some people are just 200 pounds of muscle and raw killing instinct.' It appears the fierce backlash to the fundraiser has already forced GoFundMe to remove it from its site. A spokesperson for the site told the Daily Mail: 'Terms of Service explicitly prohibits fundraisers that raise money for the legal defense of anyone formally charged with an alleged violent crime. 'Consistent with this longstanding policy, this fundraiser has been removed from the platform and the donors who contributed to the fundraiser have been fully refunded.' Others were also left outraged by the creation of the fundraiser to help with Brown's legal fees Meanwhile, another online fundraiser started by Zarutska's heartbroken family remains active. It says that she had only arrived in the United States in 2022 'seeking safety from the war' in her home country, and 'hoping for a new beginning' before the slaying. The family called her death 'an irreparable loss' on the GoFundMe page, which has raised over $60,000 as of Sunday evening. 'We have created this fundraiser to support Valeria and her loved ones during this heartbreaking time and to help them with the unexpected expenses,' it says as questions remain about how Brown had been allowed to walk free. In addition to his arrest in January for misusing 911 when he told cops he believed someone had given him a 'man-made' material that controlled his actions, Brown has also been apprehended for armed robbery. He served five years for the crime, and was finally released in September 2020. Shocking surveillance footage showed Brown looming over the 23-year-old, swinging the knife at her as she sat with her phone Brown was seen in the footage watching Zarutska for some time after she sat in the seat in front of him Just a few months later, in February 2021, Brown was once again arrested for assaulting his sister in Charlotte and leaving her with minor injuries, according to police records obtained by the Daily Mail. That same month, he was also arrested for injury to personal property and trespassing. A police report from that incident said Brown 'returned to the address after being told he was not allowed back and kicked and damaged the front door of the listed victim's residence.' In July 2022, Brown was arrested for a domestic disturbance. '[Brown] was arrested for disorderly conduct. The suspect was yelling and cursing, causing a disturbance and drawing the attention of multiple tenants while on the property,' a police report read. Brown's arrest records go as back as 2007, when he was still a minor. An online fundraiser started by Zarutska's family says she had only arrived in the United States in 2022 'seeking safety from the war' in her home country, and 'hoping for a new beginning' before the slaying Over the next seven years, he was arrested at least six times for crimes including felony larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon and communicating threats. According to the Charlotte Observer, most of the charges he faced during that time were dropped. When reached for comment, the Mecklenburg District Attorney's Office told the Daily Mail Tuesday it cannot speak about defendants with pending cases. 'In broad terms, it remains the position of the District Attorneys office that those who commit violent crimes should be held in custody pending trial,' the DA's said. But in remarks to Axios District Attorney Spencer Merriweather noted that there are complexities with holding accountable those with mental health issues. He said it is 'significant that our community is focusing its attention not only on public safety, but also how mental health impacts public safety. 'But we're at the very beginning of a conversation, not an end of one.' Court records show Brown has spent most of his life in and out of prison. He served five years for a 2014 armed robbery and was released in September 2020 - when he quickly resumed a life of crime Still, local Councilman Edwin Peacock demanded answers from authorities, noting the community no longer feels safe to ride public transportation. 'Right now, the trust and confidence that we have right now, and particularly between South End and Uptown, it's very fragile right now,' he said. 'The story is heart-wrenching, and if, obviously what we're hearing is true, clearly we need to give that family answers. 'And we, more importantly, need to give all the citizens who are riding the light rail a lot of confidence that you're going to be safe.' Justice Amy Coney Barrett rubbished claims the Supreme Court has given Donald Trump untapped power in his mission to expel illegal immigrants and reshape the federal workforce. The Trump-appointed Justice also hit out at Hillary Clinton's doomsday prediction about the future of gay rights in her first television interview since she stepped into the role left by late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2020. Barrett was asked in the interview with CBS to respond to criticism that the Supreme Court has shifted 'to the right' since her appointment and is now not reining Trump in as he exerts extraordinary power over migration, mass federal layoffs and, most recently, the role of the National Guard. 'It's not our job to survey and decide whether the current occupant of an office in this particular moment is...,' she said, trailing off momentarily before adding, 'to form a political view.' 'That's the job of journalists, that's the job of other politicians, or that's the job of the people. But our job is to decide these legal questions. 'We're trying to get the law right.' The Supreme Court has allowed Trump's most controversial policies - including routine deportations and mass layoffs of the federal workforce - to temporarily proceed amid mounting lawsuits in lesser courts. Justice Amy Coney Barrett rubbished claims the Supreme Court has given President Donald Trump untapped power Barrett was also confronted with the ramifications of her crucial vote to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022 Barrett (top left) swatted away observations that the Supreme Court has 'shifted to the right' since her appointment But Barrett doesn't necessarily see this as a shift to the right, arguing politics is not relevant for her when she makes a decision. Instead, she said she approaches each case with an open mind, relying on briefs, oral arguments, her law clerks and colleagues to form her opinion. 'At any step of that process, I might change my mind from my initial reaction,' she said. 'In fact, I often do.' For that reason, Barrett refused to be drawn on generic questions about the constitutional limitations of some of Trump's policies. On tariffs, she said: 'That one actually is pending in the courts, and we may well (dare I say likely will) see that case. 'I don't know what I think about that question yet, I can honestly say. You know, stay tuned. If that case comes before us, and after I dive in and read all the relevant authorities, then I'll draw a conclusion.' She said weighing in on Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard in Democrat-led cities to reel in crime, or on his tariff regime, would actions be 'the opposite of the judicial rule.' The Supreme Court has allowed Trump's most controversial policies - including routine deportations Barrett enjoyed a meteoric rise after Trump plucked her out of Indiana, where she was teaching at a college, for a role on the Supreme Court On August 26, when challenged about his use of the National Guard, Trump sensationally said: 'Not that I don't have - I would - the right to do anything I want to do. 'I'm 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.' Barrett was also confronted with the ramifications of her crucial vote to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, ending nearly 50 years of precedent which constitutionally enshrined a woman's right to an abortion. CBS said it was just one example proving Barrett, a 53-year-old mother-of-seven, had become 'the most influential justice' on the court. Last month, former presidential candidate and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned the Supreme Court could 'do to gay marriage what they did to abortion.' 'American voters, and to some extent the American media, don't understand how many years the Republicans have been working in order to get us to this point,' she said. Trump has also been able to proceed with his gutting of the federal workforce Barrett maintains she does not consider politics when she is making a decision in a case 'It took 50 years to overturn Roe v. Wade. The Supreme Court will hear a case about gay marriage... they will send it back to the states.' 'Anybody in a committed relationship out there in the LGBTQ community, you ought to consider getting married because I don't think they'll undo existing marriages, but I fear they will undo the national right.' But Barrett dismissed Clinton's fears, insisting she and her colleagues 'have to tune those things out' to get on with their jobs. She also noted that the rights to marry, use birth control and raise children are 'fundamental' and part of 'our doctrine.' Barrett enjoyed a meteoric rise in 2020 after Trump chose her to replace the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg. At the time, she had been a long time law professor in Indiana, but she had caught Trump's eye several years prior during her time on the 7th Circuit. In that position, she took conservative stances on hot-button conservative issues like abortion and gun control. The grieving family of Mercury Psillakis, who was fatally attacked by a shark, have spoken out following the tragedy, as a fresh shark sighting triggered another dramatic evacuation of Sydney beaches. Mercury's twin, Mike, shared an emotional tribute to his brother after the 57-year-old died while surfing with mates off Sydney's Long Reef Beach near Dee Why on the northern beaches on Saturday morning. Mr Psillakis was a well-known personality on the northern beaches surf scene along with his twin brother Mike, a renowned surfboard shaper at Psillakis Surfboards, and his wife Maria Psillakis, a local real estate agent in Brookvale. 'This is the hardest moment of my life... He was my mirror, my blood, my DNA,' Mike Psillakis wrote in a post on Instagram on Monday. 'We share the same soul... Words cannot describe the bond we had together growing up. We had our own language and shared the same dreams, literally.' Mike said his twin's message was to 'live life with pure passion', adding: 'Tell your loved one's that you love them. Hold them tight.' Mercury's sister Eleni Psillakis has also expressed deep gratitude to the lifeguards who cared for her brother in his final moments and praised the 'beautiful' memorial they helped create in his honour. 'To lifeguard Dave and all his fellow lifeguards, please look after yourselves as you continue to look after others,' she wrote in a moving Facebook post. 'Thank you for your care of my brother Mercury. You don't know how much each act of kindness helps.' The family of Mercury Psillakis (pictured with his twin Mike), the beloved surfer fatally attacked by a shark have spoken out in the wake of the tragedy Mike Psillakis said that his twin brother Mercury (pictured with his wife Maria) believed it important people 'hold their loved ones tight' in an emotional tribute on Monday Mercury Psillakis, 57, (pictured) died while surfing with mates off Sydney's Long Reef Beach near Dee Why on the northern beaches on Saturday morning 'Thank you for your care of my brother Mercury. You don't know how much each act of kindness helps.' His close friend and former pro-surfer Toby Martin said the 57-year-old was heroic in his final moments and tried to keep the pack of surfers he was out with safe after they spotted the shark. 'He was at the back of the pack still trying to get everyone together when the shark just lined him up,' he said. 'It came straight from behind and breached and dropped straight on him. It's the worst-case scenario. They normally come from the side but this one came straight from behind, breached and dropped on him. 'It was so quick.' Two lifeguards were able to carry his torso to shore but there was no attempt to resuscitate Mercury as he suffered gruesome fatal injuries in the attack. On Monday, nearby Manly beach was cleared by lifeguards who pulled swimmers onto their jet skis after a fresh alarm was sparked by the sighting of a great white shark in the water. Mr Martin said the ocean represented pleasure and pain for surfers and there would be trepidation when they returned to the water. The beach is evacuated at Manly on Monday morning after a shark sighting Mr Psillakis was a well-known personality on the northern beaches surf scene along with his wife Maria Psillakis, a local real estate agent in Brookvale (pictured together) 'We're going to get back out there as soon as we can for ourselves, for our community,' he said. 'The ocean is a greater elixir of life. We wash off our daily stresses and it's a great mental health thing to do. Long-time local Peter McEntyre recalled seeing the Psillakis twins as teenagers, racing past his house on BMX bikes with surfboards tucked under their arms. 'They were so happy trying to get to the surf as fast as possible,' he said. 'Of all the millions of people that go surfing how unlucky to have become a victim. I can't imagine the pain the sisters and family are experiencing.' Two days after the fatal attack the beach, usually buzzing with surfers and swimmers, now feels eerily quiet. While the official shark warning signs remain, the emotional impact of the incident lingers. Mercury's death has sent ripples through the tight-knit surf community, prompting discussion about ocean safety, grief, and the bond between surfers and the sea. Mercury's wife Maria Psillakis is assisted by friends at the scene of the fatal mauling Two lifeguards were able to carry his torso to shore but there was no attempt to resuscitate Mercury as he suffered gruesome fatal injuries in the attack Police are still working with the Department of Primary Industries to identify the species of the shark involved in the attack, but it's believed to be a great white shark (pictured, detectives on the closed beach on Saturday) His friends have described the passionate surfer as everyone's best mate, a man whose kindness, loyalty and infectious spirit touched generations at Long Reef, a surf break he and his twin called home since boyhood. Matt Grainger said he loved nothing more than surfing with Merc and Mike affectionately known to many as Heckle and Jeckle. 'Hooting encouragement, laughing, hugging, and pushing each other,' he said. 'We had countless surf trips together with Tim, Arnie, and all the Longy crew since we were 12 years old. 'Our last surf together we hugged in the water, and later we frothed over the plants he was so proud to be looking after at home. In an emotional statement, the Long Reef Boardriders Association said no family had deeper roots to the area than Mercury and his family. 'Dad Nikita, the fisherman, mum Elefteria the strength,' the group said. 'Merc and Mike have spent more time in the ocean at Longy than any people on the planet. That's a fact.' Nearby Manly beach was cleared by lifeguards who pulled swimmers onto their rescue jet skis after a fresh alarm was sparked by the sighting of a great white shark on Monday (pictured, tributes left at Dee Why beach) The Northern Beaches community is reeling following the popular surfer's death (pictured) Mercury was celebrated not only for his competitive prowess as an outstanding junior surfer and former club champion, but for his warmth and generosity in and out of the water. 'Mercury was loved by everyone. His encouragement of young groms, his delight of a friends' marriage, birth, and celebrating all the good things in life and his kind words in moments of need will always be remembered. 'Merc travelled the world chasing his love of waves to Nias, Ments, Indo, France, Spain, Portugal, Samoa to name a few but no love was greater than his love for his Wife Maria, daughter Freedom, mum Elefteria, dad Nikita, sisters Eleni and Chrisanthy and twin brother Mike. 'This is something that will have such a massive effect on our community and the wider community.' A heartfelt tribute has been created at the very spot where he lost his life, with mourners leaving flowers and heartfelt messages. 'Keep surfing those waves up in heaven. You will be missed so much and your legacy lives on,' said close friend Dave. Counselling is available at the Dee Why Surf Club. His brother Mike and Mercury's wife Maria were seen grieving on the sand after the fatal attack. Horrified witnesses described the 57-year-old father being bitten in half by the suspected great white shark (pictured, mourners at the scene) Mercury Psillakis (right) had organised a paddle out for a friend who passed away in May It is understood authorities are searching a 5km stretch of coastline for the shark (pictured, a sign on Dee Why Beach on Saturday) Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command will liaise with experts from the Department of Primary Industries to determine the species of shark involved. Department records show a tagged great white was detected at a listening station at North Narrabeen just hours before Mercury was attacked. Two sections of a surfboard have been recovered and taken for expert examination. Following the attack, helicopters, lifeguards and police boats searched the sea for hours in a bid to locate the shark. Sydney's last fatal shark attack occurred in 2022, when a diver was killed at Little Bay. Dee Why Beach has shark nets in place, but Long Reef, just a few hundred metres north does not. A gang of masked robbers unleashed a shocking, coordinated smash-and-grab attack on Kim Hung Jewelry in East San Jose, California on Friday afternoon. The group slammed a stolen SUV in reverse straight through the shop's glass storefront in broad daylight before storming in with hammers and axes to smash up display cases containing gold and jewelry. The brazen attack was caught in jaw-dropping surveillance footage and shows the moment the vehicle crashes through the front of the family-run business. As the dust settles, nearly a dozen robbers wearing dark hoodies and face coverings stormed into the store swinging tools into the glass cases, yanking gold and jewels with ruthless efficiency. In one horrifying frame of the video, the 88-year-old owner who could only look on in horror was shoved violently to the ground by one of the assailants. The criminals simply stepped over him as they continued their rampage. According to a post on X, the victim is the uncle of a local resident. 'My friend's 88-year-old uncle's San Jose Jewelry Store was robbed on Fri 9/5 at 2 p.m.,' the post reads. 'They ran a truck through the store and then pushed him down. He was injured by broken glass and then had a stroke.' Police have not confirmed the extent of the man's injuries, saying only that they 'do not have any details to provide at this time'. The smash and grab robbery in broad daylight started when the robbers' SUV deliberately backed through the front window of the store After pulling away, a gaping hole was left at the front for a dozen armed robbers to enter The family-run Kim Hung Jewelry has been a staple of the Vietnamese-American community in San Jose for decades. 'This attack was not just on a store - it was on the dignity of our elders, the safety of our neighborhoods, and the soul of our community,' said Milpitas Mayor and State Senate candidate Carmen Montano in a statement. 'We will not stand by while violence and fear take root. I join my fellow leaders in demanding swift justice and real solutions.' San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan also weighed in, calling the assault 'deeply troubling.' 'My thoughts are with the victim and his family,' Mahan said. 'We must do more to protect small businesses like Kim Hung Jewelry. These entrepreneurs are the backbone of our community.' The San Jose Police Department has confirmed it is investigating the incident as an armed robbery. A spokesperson stated that 'multiple suspects' entered the store after using a vehicle to breach the storefront, and that at least one assailant was armed with a firearm. The suspects fled in multiple vehicles and remain at large. 'No arrests have been made,' a department spokesperson told the San Francisco Chronicle. 'The robbers are unidentified and remain at large.' Seconds later around a dozen robbers wearing hoodies entered the store, many armed with hammers and axes, smashing the display cases and ripping out the contents as they went The elderly owner, seen closest to the camera, could only look on in horror as his store was ransacked The owner was shoved to the ground as the robbers stepped around him and continued to empty the store's display cases The department has not released estimates of the value of stolen merchandise. The attack comes amid a rise in smash-and-grab thefts across the Bay Area. City officials are calling for enhanced security measures, including surveillance sharing between neighboring businesses, stronger storefront protections, and increased patrols. A California man who lost his pregnant wife to a drugged-out driver nearly saw history repeat itself recently when his expectant girlfriend was involved in horrifying car crash. James Alvarez had been walking with his 35-week-pregnant wife Yesenia Lisette Aguilar, then 23, on an Anaheim sidewalk in August 2020 when Courtney Pandolfi, who had been on a drug cocktail that included cocaine and methamphetamine, plowed into them. 'I was holding her hand,' Alvarez told KTLA at the time. 'I was trying to pull her away towards me... and all of a sudden, out of a second, my life changed.' Aguilar succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital, but her baby, Adalyn Rose, was successfully delivered by an emergency C-section. In the five years since the tragedy, Alvarez has found a new love, Sabrina Ramos, and the two are now expecting a child of their own. But the memories of the fateful day his wife died came rushing back to him on August 29, after Ramos got rear-ended as she and Alvarez headed home from dinner in separate cars on the 14 Freeway in Sylmar. 'We were both on speaker phone and then all of a sudden, I hear an impact,' he recounted to ABC 7. 'And then I hear her say, "Oh my gosh, I just got hit." And I'm like, "What?" 'And then boom, that's when I hear my car get hit,' Alvarez said, explaining: 'The person hit her so hard that [he] pushed her into me.' James Alvarez almost saw history repeat itself when his expectant girlfriend, Sabrina Ramos, was involved in a car crash His pregnant wife, Yesenia Lisette Aguilar, then 23, had been plowed down by a drugged-out driver five years prior Ramos was rear-ended as she and Alvarez headed home from dinner in separate cars on the 14 Freeway in Sylmar. Her wrecked car is pictured First responders rushed to the scene, and determined that Ramos had to be brought to a local hospital for her injuries in a sobering reminder of Alvarez's late wife. 'Literally, I was stuck in the same situation of seeing my girlfriend being taken away and I couldn't be with her and not knowing if the baby is OK, if she is OK,' he said. 'For me, it was just like, I don't want to go through this pain again and lose someone who means a lot to me.' Fortunately, both Ramos and her baby are going to be fine. 'They did an ultrasound, they checked her back,' Alvarez said. 'The baby is perfectly fine, still healthy and kicking. My girlfriend too, thankfully, only has soreness and some back pain.' He says he and his daughter are now excited to meet the newest addition to their family. 'When she told me that she was pregnant, it was the biggest blessing ever, you know,' he said of Ramos. 'I never thought that I would have another kid.' His daughter, Adalyn Rose, is now five years old and recently started kindergarten, according to Alvarez's public profile. Alvarez seeks to honor his late wife every year on Adalyn's birthday, by posing his little girl in a pink dress similar to the one Aguilar wore for her maternity shoot He said he and his daughter are now excited to welcome another member into the family He seeks to honor his late wife every year on Adalyn's birthday, by posing his little girl in a pink dress similar to the one Aguilar wore for her maternity shoot. 'I had someone make a pink dress for my daughter to wear and we went to the same exact location, around the same time that we did the maternity shoot,' Alvarez said following Adalyn's first birthday. 'We tried to reenact it to make the pictures identical and it was truly amazing.' The father-of-one said he became emotional when he saw the photos side-by-side. 'It reminded me of the day we took those pictures and how beautiful my wife looked,' he added. 'Looking at Adalyn dressed up like her mom, it was very emotional and touching. It reminded me how proud and how happy my wife would be seeing how gorgeous she is.' The woman who killed the little girl's mother, meanwhile, Courtney Pandolfi, remains behind bars after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in addition to a felony count of driving under the influence of a drug causing injury just as the case was headed for trial. She also pled guilty to misdemeanor counts of driving on a suspended or revoked license due to a DUI, driving under the influence of a drug and possession of drug paraphernalia, along with other drug charges. Courtney Pandolfi remains behind bars for Aguilar's death She pleading guilty to second-degree murder in addition to a felony count of driving under the influence of a drug causing injury just as the case was headed for trial Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer described Pandolfi's actions as 'beyond shocking' and 'absolutely reprehensible' in 2020. In a statement, the district attorney further slammed Pandolfi, saying: 'This was 100 percent preventable. This woman knew the consequences of driving under the influence and she did it anyway.' 'There is no reason why a 23-year-old mother is dead and her daughter will grow up without ever seeing her mother's smile or hearing her voice.' The investigation into the most recent collision is still ongoing, according to ABC 7. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Los Angeles Police Department and the California Highway Patrol for comment. The mother of a victim of suspected serial killer Jesse Calhoun has said Portland officials 'did us dirty after he was released from prison early - going on to allegedly murder four women. Kristin Smiths mom Melissa Smith said she believes then-Oregon Governor Kate Browns office owes the victims families an apology over its decision to free Calhoun due to his participation in a prison firefighting program. Im not going to say its their fault. But I am going to say I think they owe us moms an apology, she said on stage at CrimeCon 2025 on Sunday. They did us dirty. Calhoun is charged with the murders of Kristin Smith, 22, Joanna Speaks, 32, Charity Lynn Perry, 24, and Bridget Leanne Webster, 31, across the Portland metro area between November 2022 and April 2023. The murder of a fifth woman - 22-year-old Ashley Real - is still under investigation. Each of the women were homeless and grappling with substance abuse at the time of their disappearances in late 2022 and early 2023. Their remains were all found in the spring of 2023. The murders were linked after the mothers of the victims - known as the Portland Five - banded together and connected the dots between their daughters cases. Kristin Smith's mom, Melissa Smith (in pink outside Multnomah County Courthouse in Portland on August 5, 2025 after Jesse Calhoun was indicted for murder) said Portland officials owe the families an apology Kristin Smith's partial remains were found in a wooded area in Portland in February 2023 Calhoun was named a person of interest in 2023 and was indicted for the murders of Speaks, Perry and Webster in May 2024. He was indicted for Smiths murder this August. Prior to the murders, Calhoun had an extensive criminal record including assault, kidnapping, burglary, drug possession and theft, according to public records. In 2019, he was convicted of a string of charges including assaulting a police officer and strangling a police dog. He was sentenced to four years and two months in prison on those charges. But he was granted clemency by Brown and released early in 2021 because he helped to fight the states wildfires in 2020 as part of a prison firefighter program. Calhoun was one of just 41 inmates selected for the firefighting program and then freed early. You would think okay, somebody that broke into a fence or did some kind of little thing, yeah, let them go fight [the fires], Melissa said. Not a criminal like Jesse Lee Calhoun that has more than 60 charges on him between August of 2013 and April of 2019. Suspected serial killer Jesse Calhoun, 40, has been charged with the murders of fourth women It was around one year after his early prison release, in November 2022, when Calhoun allegedly murdered his first victim, 22-year-old Smith. Melissa said that, despite the issues in her daughters life, they never went three days without speaking. She knew I didnt agree with her choices, with her downward spiral, but I still loved her I knew all the spots where she was [staying], she said. So when Smiths loved ones hadnt heard from her for some time, they knew something was wrong. A couple of weeks later was my birthday, and there was nothing on my birthday. And then it was Christmas, and then it was my mom's birthday, Smiths sister Haley said. And that's really when we were like: something is not right. Smith was reported missing by her family in December 2022. Her body was found in a wooded area in Portland in February 2023, but she was listed as a Jane Doe at the time. Three months later, the remains were identified as belonging to Smith. The body of Bridget Webster, 31 (left), was found on April 30, 2023, and Ashley Real, 22 (right), on May 7, 2023 Joanna Speaks, 32, (left) was found in Washington on April 8. On April 24, 2023, the remains of Charity Perry, 24 (right), were discovered In April, the bodies of Perry and Webster were found in Multnomah County and Polk County. Speaks's body was found in Ridgefield, Washington. The following month, Reals body was found in Clackamas County. The four latter victims were all believed to have been murdered between March and April 2023, according to Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez. Only Speaks has a confirmed cause of death of blunt force trauma to the head. For months, police downplayed the possibility the cases were linked and denied a serial killer was on the loose. The womens families werent convinced - and sought each other out, getting together to push police to look for connections. Calhoun was finally hit with the first charges - second-degree murder and second-degree abuse of a corpse in connection with Speaks, Webster and Perry's deaths - in 2024. Melissa said that 'part of me died right there at that moment' when she learned Calhoun was facing charges for her daughter's murder. '445 days later - so August 11, just last month - I got the call. Melissa get to the courthouse. He's being re-indicted for the murder of your daughter,' she said. Calhoun was charged with second-degree murder and second-degree abuse of a corpse for Smith's death. He has not been charged in connection to Reals death. Calhoun is expected to go on trial in 2027. Donald Trump hit out at a reporter who asked whether he intends to 'go to war with Chicago' after he shared an ominous meme. Trump answered questions outside the White House ahead of his flight to New York for the US Open men's finals on Sunday. An NBC News White House correspondent, Yamiche Alindor, queried a recent Truth Social post Trump shared comparing Chigaco to an Apoloclypse Now style warzone. 'I love the smell of deportations in the morning. Chicago about to find out why it's called the Department of WAR,' Trump wrote alongside the AI-generated photo of himself sitting in front of the city as it burned. Trump has vowed to send National Guard troops into Chicago in an effort to reduce crime rates, after declaring similar efforts in Washington D.C. a resounding success. Alindor asked: 'Are you trying to go to war with Chicago?' The question infuriated Trump, who initially responded: 'When you say that, darling, that's fake news.' Donald Trump hit out at a reporter who asked whether he intends to 'go to war with Chicago ' after he shared an ominous meme 'I love the smell of deportations in the morning. Chicago about to find out why it's called the Department of WAR,' Trump wrote alongside the AI-generated photo of himself sitting in front of the city as it burned Trump answered questions outside the White House ahead of his flight to New York for the US Open men's finals on Sunday (pictured) But within moments Trump appeared more frustrated, cutting off the reporter as she attempted to make a second point. 'Be quiet, listen!' Trump snapped. 'You don't listen! You never listen. That's why you're second-rate. We're not going to war. We're gonna clean up our cities. 'We're gonna clean them up, so they don't kill five people every weekend. That's not war, that's common sense.' Thousands of protesters marched in Chicago on Saturday against Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and the impending arrival of National Troop guards. When a second reporter questioned Trump's decision to intervene in Chicago over cities with higher crime rates, he again snapped. 'Excuse me, do you know how many people were killed in Chicago last weekend?' Trump said. Trump has vowed to send National Guard troops into Chicago in an effort to reduce crime rates, after declaring similar efforts in Washington D.C. a resounding Thousands of protesters marched in Chicago on Saturday against Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and the impending arrival of National Troop guards 'Eight. Do you know many people who were killed, were killed in Chicago the week before? Seven. Do you how many were wounded? Seventy-four people were wounded. You think there's worse than that? I don't think so.' Activists say they've 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 city's longtime sanctuary policies, which bar local police from coordinating with federal immigration agents. The administration deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles over the summer in response to immigration riots. Troops were also called in as part of his unprecedented law enforcement takeover in Washington, D.C. Activists say they've 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 city's longtime sanctuary policies, which bar local police from coordinating with federal immigration agents Trump was asked about his plans for Chicago earlier in the week, and vowed: 'We're going in, [but] I didn't say when.' 'I have an obligation. This isn't a political thing.' Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, reiterated last week that federal intervention was not required or wanted. High-profile Liberal Senator Jane Hume says she is 'reeling' from the revelation that her name was used in an alleged threat made to Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price over her controversial comments about Indian-Australians. Senator Price faced backlash last week after falsely accusing Labor of prioritising Indian migrants to help boost its vote. Both she and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley have clarified the remarks, but, so far, refused to apologise. In the days after her comment, former immigration minister and Liberal numbers man Alex Hawke, whose electorate has a large Indian community, told Sky News he'd urged Senator Price to clarify her meaning on social media. However, Senator Price hit back at Hawke on Sunday, accusing him of 'cowardly and inappropriate conduct' towards her staff and alleging it was symptomatic of a broader problem for women in the Liberal Party. 'He even pressed my staff that if I did not comply with his requests, I may end up like another female member of the Coalition who I won't name,' Senator Price claimed in a statement posted on social media. Now it has emerged that the individual in question was Hume, who was demoted after the election. Hume was widely blamed for the Coalition's disastrous work from home policy, which former leader Peter Dutton was forced to walk back. She also made an off-hand remark in the final week of the campaign claiming 'Chinese spies' were volunteering for the Labor Party which was blamed for a collapse in support for the Liberal vote among Chinese Australians. Senator Jane Hume (pictured) has been revealed to be the unnamed former member of the Coalition frontbench referenced in an alleged threat made by Alex Hawke to one of Senator Jacinta Price's staff members Senator Price (pictured) slammed fellow Liberal Party member Alex Hawke for allegedly 'berating' her staff, as the fallout from her comments about Indian migrants continues to grow On Monday morning, Hume said she was affronted by the fact she had been drawn into the fallout surrounding Senator Price's comments. 'I am still reeling a little bit I am not sure entirely what this is all about and why my name needs to be included,' Hume told Sky News. 'I have just been focusing on the committee work that I need to do, and the policy work I've done. 'I think the most important thing here is that we move on from this. Jacinta has stepped back from her words that she said last week. She said that she was wrong, and that we move on.' Price had lashed out at Hawke, claiming he berated her staff without speaking to her. 'If people want to talk about a so-called "woman problem" in the Liberal Party, then it's this: we don't stand up for women when they are mistreated by our own colleagues,' she added. In response, Hawke shared his own statement, which confirmed he spoke with Price and 'accepted her explanation of how her comments have been misinterpreted and subsequently weaponised by Labor'. However, he added, 'any reasonable person must reject the targeting of Indian Australians'. Hawke (pictured) said he talked to Price and 'accepted her explanation of how her comments have been misinterpreted and subsequently weaponised by Labor' 'I support her ongoing work to clarify the comments she made last week and helping return this debate to the issue of overall migration levels and having a sustainable migration program,' Hawke said. On Monday, Hawke told Sky News that he thought Price should apologise for her comments. 'I think it's worth her considering it, because the harm is still out there and it's ongoing,' he told Sky News. He added: 'I think now it would be good to look at the initial advice I gave her which was to offer an apology to the Indian community and to move on.' While Price hasn't apologised for saying the Labor Party 'likes to allow those (people) in who ultimately vote for them', she explained the comment in her statement. 'I know that many Australians of Indian ancestry and Indian migrants living in Australia are distressed,' she said. 'My comments were never intended to be disparaging towards our Indian community. And I wish no ill will whatsoever to the Indian community or any other migrant group. '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 loyal Australian citizens. 'I've helped Indian migrants with visa and citizenship applications. I've supported businesses run by Australians of Indian ancestry. Indeed, my own children are of Indian ancestry.' Price said while Australia 'benefited from a non-discriminatory migration policy', Labor's 'mass migration agenda' was straining resources. Her comments have forced the Opposition into damage control. On Sunday, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley visited 'Little India' in Harris Park in Parramatta on Sunday to speak with local businesses and community leaders. She was told that many members of the community's 'hearts' were broken by these comments' and was asked if Price should apologise. 'Senator Price has retracted her remarks, acknowledged that they were heard in a way that was hurtful and harmful,' Ley responded. However, she stopped short of saying sorry. On Monday, Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce said that although he didn't think Senator Price 'has it in for Indians', she should 'apologise and move on'. 'Look, you make mistakes all the time in politics. The best thing to do is apologise and move on,' Joyce told Sunrise. 'Get off it. Get on to another topic. It's the nature of politics, you're not going to be perfect on every statement you make. You make mistakes.' On Monday, Ley will hold a roundtables with Chinese-language media and over a dozen Indian community leaders from across Sydney. A frustrated renter has lashed out at real estate agents for not carrying out inspections when tenants are at the property. Melbourne photographer Meagan said she understood why agents have to carry out the assessments, but said the practice was often intrusive. 'Now I understand why real estate agents have to send someone to go and check the home: there are horrible people in the world who do ruin houses,' she said. 'However, the only thing that I really would like to ask is that, can there be a little bit more dignity around rental inspections?' She said she got an email from her real estate agent informing her of the date of an upcoming inspection and the agent would let themselves in. 'Now obviously they have the keys to the home because I rent this house. I don't own this home and that's fine, I understand that,' she said. 'The thing that bothers me is that I would like to be present during this inspection. 'I don't like the idea of someone walking through my home that I don't know, because it feels a little bit invasive.' Melbourne renter Meagan (above) said she wants the option to be present during inspections, as previous landlords have left her doors unlocked and she feels her privacy is invaded Meagan said she felt as though her 'right to be safe' in the home felt diminished. She said she had issues with agents letting themselves in the past, claiming a previous agent had left the back door wide open. 'The fact that they left the property open for I don't know how long, and the fact that I live next to a main road, anyone could have seen the door and come through to steal stuff,' Meagan said. She alerted the agent, and during the following inspection she returned home to find the front door had been left unlocked. Meagan said the previous agent then became more accommodating to ensure she and her husband could be home for inspections. 'However, we've got a new real estate agent and he doesn't actually know anything about the past,' she said. 'I have to re-explain it and the issue is I don't know if they're going to be as accommodating to that. 'The issue now is we have cats and we have a studio in the house, which means I don't want a stranger walking through my home. The renter said her previous agent was accommodating, but her new agent has not yet agreed to her request (stock image) 'Like, how hard is it to just be given the option?' She said she understood the house was not 'her' home, but wrote she had her belongings and cats in the house. 'This is, in all purposes, our home,' Meagan said. 'It may not be our house, but it's our home, and I would like a little bit more dignity around being given the option of being present when a complete stranger walks through the home.' Many viewers said they agreed with her. 'I hate it. The last one opened my bathroom drawer. Can I have a bit of privacy please?' one wrote. 'Agreed... we had an inspection recently and they were taking photos of all our rooms with all our possessions. It's a very uncomfortable feeling, not having our privacy,' another said. 'Im always present during mine! My real estate agent gives me horrible vibes and hes not a nice person either, hes quite rude and abrupt without needing to be, it gives me so much anxiety and our maintenance reports dont get fixed unless theyre big issues,' a third added. Viewers shared similar concerns about privacy during rental inspections (stock image) Several agents viewed the video and said they wished their colleagues were more accommodating of renters' needs. 'As a property manager, you are allowed to ask for a certain time and they are meant to attempt to make that happen,' one wrote. 'I accommodate for one of my tenants who asks for an afternoon inspection as he wants to be home, I do all my inspections before 12pm normally.' 'Many of my tenants choose to be home while I do the inspection. We organise a time to suit. It's a fair request to make,' another said. Dame Helen Mirren and Sir Ian McKellen are urging peers to 'show the world Britain can lead with empathy and courage' on assisted dying. The actors have joined Esther Rantzen, Joanna Lumley, Prue Leith, Harriet Walter, Miriam Margolyes and John Nettles in signing a letter supporting what they describe as 'choice and control' in death. The House of Lords will debate the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday. If passed, it will allow adults in England and Wales with less than six months to live to decide to end their lives. It is currently a criminal offence in Britain to help an adult to die, which has led to some terminally ill patients seeking help overseas at clinics such as Dignitas in Switzerland. In June, the Private Members' Bill, which is sponsored by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, was passed in the Commons by a majority of just 23 MPs. The campaign to allow assisted dying has been spearheaded by Childline founder Dame Esther, who has terminal lung cancer. The House of Lords last debated assisted dying in 2021 but the Bill later had to be abandoned because it ran out of time at the committee stage. A similar bill was voted on by MPs in 2015 but was defeated. Dame Helen Mirren (pictured) is urging peers to 'show the world Britain can lead with empathy and courage' on assisted dying In June, the Private Members' Bill, which is sponsored by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, was passed in the Commons by a majority of just 23 MPs Sir Ian McKellen has also signed a letter supporting what they describe as 'choice and control' in death. In their letter, which is being published with the support of campaign group Dignity in Dying, the stars say many of them have 'witnessed people we love suffer beyond imagining as they died'. They add: 'And we are counting on you to stand with them too, and back this Bill. 'Give them the choice and control over their own end of life that every person deserves. Show those suffering that you will not stand by while an outdated law forces them to endure unbearable pain against their wishes. 'Show us all that you value and champion dignity, compassion, and personal freedom for every Briton including the terminally ill when it matters most.' Other signatories include designer Jasper Conran, broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby and actress Zoe Wanamaker. The letter adds: 'This is not a radical proposition. It is a deeply popular and carefully considered reform whose time has come. Three-quarters of the British public support an assisted dying law. 'Many medical professionals now recognise the need for change. Yet we hear that some peers plan to block the Bill's progress. 'This cannot be allowed to happen... Let this Bill proceed. Give hope and relief to those who are suffering beyond what words can convey. The House of Lords will debate the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday The actors are joined by Esther Rantzen, Joanna Lumley (pictured), Prue Leith, Harriet Walter, Miriam Margolyes and John Nettles 'Show the world that this country is prepared to lead with empathy and courage, ensuring that in our final days, each of us can face death on our own terms, surrounded by love, peace, and humanity.' Under the terms of the Bill, two doctors must assist the request to ensure the applicant has reached the decision voluntarily. The person must then apply to the High Court for approval. But critics say the Bill is a 'slippery slope' and legislation could put pressure on people to end their lives if they fear they are becoming a burden on others. When it was passed by the Commons, Tory MP Danny Kruger, whose mother is Dame Prue, said 'support is ebbing away fast'. He said he hoped the Lords would 'feel they have a real job to do to examine closely how the Bill will operate and to introduce their own amendments to make it safer, or to reject the Bill altogether'. The King has worked harder and travelled further than ever before as monarch despite battling cancer. Charles carried out official engagements on 175 days during the past 12 months, compared with 133 the previous year and 161 in the first year of his reign. Besides journeying by air, rail and road, this year has seen the King celebrate his 20th wedding anniversary to the Queen, become the first British monarch to address the Italian parliament, and share his personal playlist of favourite songs. He also clocked up the 1,000th day of his reign since his accession to the throne. The figures have been compiled by the PA news agency using the Court Circular, which is the official record of the royal family's activities. Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, died peacefully at Balmoral in Scotland on September 8, 2022, aged 96, after reigning for 70 years. Her death was the moment her son and heir Charles became King, and the date will remain a poignant period for the head of state. The past 12 months saw Charles travel the furthest distance from the UK since becoming King. Charles carried out official engagements on 175 days during the past 12 months, compared with 133 the previous year and 161 in the first year of his reign. Pictured: the King in Braemar, Scotland on Saturday King Charles III flew to the other side of the world in October 2024, firstly to visit Australia Charles, accompanied by Camilla, then attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting on the Pacific island of Samoa He flew to the other side of the world in October 2024, firstly to visit Australia, then to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting on the Pacific island of Samoa. Charles made another international trip in May 2025, spending two days carrying out engagements in Canada including opening the current session of parliament. Closer to home, the King travelled to Poland on Holocaust Memorial Day - January 27, 2025 - to attend events marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz. It was followed in April 2025 by a four-day visit to Italy, where Charles made history with his speech to the country's parliament - an event that followed similar historic firsts in 2023, when he became the first British monarch to address the French senate and German Bundestag. A busy calendar of domestic engagements has taken the King right across the UK in the past 12 months. He visited places as far apart as Lossiemouth in north Scotland, Banbridge in County Down in Northern Ireland and Deal on the coast of Kent, as well as attending events in major towns and cities including Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Durham, Edinburgh and Middlesbrough. One engagement took the King out to sea, when he dropped in on the crew of the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in the English Channel, ahead of the ship's deployment to Japan. The King had 22 formal audiences with his prime minister during the past year: the same number as in his second year, but four fewer than the 26 in his first year. Closer to home, the King travelled to Poland on Holocaust Memorial Day - January 27, 2025 - to attend events marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz Charles made another international trip in May 2025, spending two days carrying out engagements in Canada including opening the current session of parliament King Charles III and Queen Camilla also travelled to Italy during one of his busiest years to date The past 12 months are notable for being the first year of Charles's reign not to include a change of prime minister. Liz Truss was succeeded by Rishi Sunak on October 25, 2022, just 48 days into Charles's first year as monarch; while Mr Sunak was succeeded by Sir Keir Starmer on July 5, 2024, towards the end of Charles's second year. Besides public appearances and political meetings, the King has continued to pepper his reign with many official one-to-one audiences with senior figures from UK charities and businesses, as well as greeting ambassadors, high commissioners and leaders from around the world, including Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in June 2025 and French president Emmanuel Macron in July. He has carried out these audiences throughout the past three years, even in the months of March and April 2024 when he was largely out of public view due to his illness. Buckingham Palace announced in February 2024 that the King had been diagnosed with a form of cancer, since when he has received regular treatment. The analysis also shows that the Princess Royal has maintained her reputation as the 'hardest-working' member of her family, with engagements on 189 days in the past year: more than any other senior royal, including her brother the King. The Duke of Edinburgh is listed as carrying out engagements on 129 days, the Duchess of Edinburgh on 117 days, the Prince of Wales on 107 days and the Princess of Wales on 37 days. READ MORE: Heartbreaking final moments of two boys stabbed to death Frustrated Victorians have slammed the Allan government's 'soft' bail laws as the second child killed in a brutal knife attack in Melbourne is identified. Chol Achiek, 12, died from stab wounds after being ambushed by a group of masked men in Cobblebank, in Melbourne's outer west, on Saturday night. Police found his friend Dau Akueng, 15, with serious injuries less than 200metres away on nearby Cobble Street. He also died at the scene. Chol is believed to be the youngest victim of Victoria's knife crime epidemic, having died in what police described as 'one of the most horrific crimes' of its type. The harrowing attacks have prompted renewed calls for the Allan government to take a tougher stance on violent crime. Adam J Scholte, an author who runs a popular TikTok account, posted a video on Sunday calling on Premier Jacinta Allan to 'wake the f*** up'. 'Apparently your laws against crime, and youth crime in particular, Jacinta Allan, they're not really working,' he said. 'What about the youth culture? They know they can run around and do anything. They'll get arrested, get bailed, you've got the new tough bail laws, they don't care because you've gone so soft on crime, it's like f***ing soft as ice cream,' he said. Chol, 12, (pictured) died following the fatal ambush in Cobblebank on Saturday night 'You don't give a f***. People in Melbourne are hurting.' His comments were shared in a TikTok video, with social media users throwing their support behind tougher punishments. 'Adult crime, adult time,' one wrote. 'Only going to get worse,' another wrote. 'Victoria Labor have zero answers, just Band-Aid solutions.' One said they were considering leaving Melbourne for good. 'I came back to Melbourne two years ago, Ill be leaving again next year. I now worry about the safety of my children as they grow up,' they wrote. Chol is survived by six siblings. His father, Chol Ngong, remembered him fondly in a statement posted to social media, calling for his attackers to be brought to justice. Dau Akueng, 15, was found with serious injuries a short time later. He also died at the scene 'Your presence brought so much joy to those around you, and it's heartbreaking to know that someone has taken that away,' he wrote in a post to social media. 'May the Almighty grant you eternal peace and comfort your loved ones in this painful time. I share in your grief and pray that justice will be served for those responsible for this tragedy.' While investigations are ongoing, police said the attack may have been a case of mistaken identity - with the incident having the 'hallmarks of a youth gang crime'. Detective Inspector Graham Banks said the suspected gang attack was the latest in a 'substantial and growing list' of such crimes across the state. 'The children who were murdered were not gang members, and it is not OK to remain silent,' he said. 'The policing positions always been that there needs to be a strong deterrent for this type of behaviour, for carrying weapons, for people who break into homes with weapons, for people who carjack, for people who assault people with weapons. 'Whether that balance is right is really a matter for the community and the courts and ultimately the government,' he said. 'As I stand here before you, I think the penalties arent in balance with what community expectations are or mine.' Youth offending in Victoria recently climbed to its highest level in 15 years despite the number of offenders remaining largely stable. Experts say the pattern suggests an increase in repeat offending - prompting calls for lengthier sentences and tougher bail conditions. The Allan government passed the second tranche of its bail reforms last month, using its numbers to block a series of amendments proposed by the opposition. The reforms, which will take effect by March, will make it harder for courts to grant bail to repeat offenders and set tougher bail tests for high-risk offenders. But shadow Cabinet Secretary Joe McCracken said they wouldn't go far enough in addressing the state's community safety crisis. 'Labors solution is to play around on the edges with bail, make minor tweaks here and there and dress it up as some sort of tough new solution. It is just not,' he said. 'It is a little bit like a chihuahua. It makes a lot of noise, but it really does not do much. It should be called the chihuahua legislation.' Police investigations are ongoing. Residents of Cornwall are demanding the government recognise the seaside county as the fifth nation of the UK. A petition campaigning for Cornwall to have devolved powers and exist alongside England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland has ben backed by the council. It has already received nearly 23,000 signatures and after gaining 53 votes in favour and 22 against, it passed a motion calling for recognised nation status. The petition states: 'We urge the UK Government to formally acknowledge Cornwall as a nation, granting it equal status to Wales and Scotland. 'This includes devolved powers, cultural preservation, and official recognition of Cornwalls distinct heritage, language, and historic autonomy. 'Cornwall has a rich cultural and historical identity, distinct from the rest of England, with its own language, Kernewek, and heritage. 'We think granting Cornwall nation status would preserve its culture, promote self-governance, and could empower its people to address local issues.' The council has also been urging the Cornish to sign the petition. Residents of Cornwall are demanding the government recognise the seaside county as the fifth nation of the UK. Pictured: Sennen Beach In Cornwall A petition campaigning for Cornwall to have devolved powers and exist alongside England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland has ben backed by the council. Pictured: Lostwithiel Town, Cornwall Speaking on social media, Leigh Frost, the Liberal Democrat council leader said: 'This isn't about independence, it never has been. 'This is about making sure decisions for Cornwall happen in Cornwall. We are not just a bit of England at the end of the trainline, we are a strong, proud Celtic nation.' However, the majority of councilors from Reform voted against the motion. Rowland O'Connor, the Reform deputy leader on the council told The Times: 'It feels like we are being asked to choose between being English and Cornish. In reality, most of us are very proud to be English and Cornish.' Perran Moon, Labour MP for Cambourne and Redruth said: 'We are not separatists, we want to play our part economically and culturally within the UK and we just don't feel that voice is being heard.' It comes as the council, Cornish Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs have been fighting plans for a combined mayoral authority with Devon to obtain more funding and higher levels of devolution. The petition will close on Thursday after being open for six months. It will receive a formal response from the government because it has over 10,000 signatures - but it needs 100,000 for it to be considered for debate in parliament. World needs right WWII narrative 11:17, September 08, 2025 By Guo Xin ( China Daily The anti-ship missile formation passes through Tian'anmen Square during a military parade in Beijing, Sept 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua] As the biggest and deadliest war in history, World War II involved most of the countries and regions of the world and claimed tens of millions of lives. But due to the Western-centric narrative of the war, China's immense contribution to the Allied victory in World War II has often been downplayed or overlooked. With the rise of China's global status in recent years, however, some Western historians have begun to acknowledge the significance of China's great contribution to the ultimate victory in World War II, prompting a reassessment of the Western-centric narrative. The "Age of Exploration" from the early 15th to early 17th centuries saw the capitalist Western powers leveraging their first-mover advantage to establish a colonial system across most parts of the world and foster a cultural bias that promotes the idea of the Western civilization's "superiority". This colonial cultural prejudice has profoundly influenced Western historiography since then, leading to the gross underestimation of the protracted and complex Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), and neglect of the strategic significance of the Chinese theater in tying down the fascist Japanese forces. For instance, British military historian B.H. Liddell Hart, in his work History of the Second World War, focused predominantly on the European and Pacific theaters, only scantly mentioning the Chinese front. Among the different fronts of World War II, the Chinese theater lasted the longest and made huge sacrifices. It tied the majority of Japanese forces for 14 years, contributing immensely to the Allied powers' operations in the Pacific and other parts of Asia. This is a historical reality the Western-centric narrative cannot erase. From the Sept 18 Incident staged by the Japanese army in 1931 to its surrender in August 1945, Tokyo deployed 97 infantry divisions, five aviation divisions, three tank divisions, along with substantial naval fleets and biological warfare units in China. Japan thought it could quickly occupy the whole of China and use its resources and strategic advantages to establish its hegemony in Asia. But the strong resistance by the Chinese people thwarted Japan's design. By preventing Japan from achieving its goal in China, the Chinese people disrupted the Imperial Japanese Army's strategic deployment plan and strained its military resources in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, creating favorable conditions for the Allied counteroffensive. Through their heroic resistance, the Chinese people demonstrated to the world their resolve and strength in fighting invaders, and earned the international community's respect and support. As noted by Japanese historian Koketsu Atsushi, while the atomic bombs dropped by the United States on Hiroshima and Nagasaki accelerated Japan's surrender, the continuous resistance by the Chinese people was the decisive factor in the defeat of Japan. The main Eastern theater played a strategically crucial role in the World Anti-Fascist War a fact that should never be forgotten. It is therefore necessary to change the Western-centric narrative of the war, and acknowledge China's invaluable contributions to the Allied victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. The end of the Cold War prompted some Western historians to pay more attention to China's invaluable contribution to the victory in World War II. In his work, China at War: Triumph and Tragedy in the Emergence of the New China, British historian Hans van de Ven provides a detailed account of China's contributions to the global anti-fascist war and its crucial role in the Allied victory. Another historian Rana Mitter has conducted deeper research into the history of the war of resistance. In his book, Forgotten Ally: China's World War II, 1937-1945, Mitter emphasizes that China's battlefield is a neglected yet vital part of World War II and acknowledges China's key role among the Allied nations. The book has become essential reading in the West for understanding the Chinese people's war of resistance, playing a vital role in challenging the Western-centric narrative. Another book by Mitter, China's Good War: How World War II Is Shaping a New Nationalism, connects the memory of the war of resistance with the development of modern China, broadening Western perspectives on the country. The research works of both Van de Ven and Mitter have helped reshape Western understanding of the significance of the war of resistance and its lasting impact on New China. Some scholars have also focused on China's contributions to the British forces in South and Southeast Asia. Representative works in this regard include Forgotten Armies: Britain's Asian Empire and the War with Japan and Forgotten Wars: Freedom and Revolution in Southeast Asia by Christopher Bayly and Tim Harper. Both books acknowledge the role of Chinese workers and soldiers in the liberation of South and Southeast Asian countries, broadening the scope of the Chinese theater's influence and further signifying China's contribution to the Allied victory. On the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, it is essential to rebuild a just historical memory. As more and more Western scholars have begun to acknowledge China's historical contribution to the Allied victory, there is a growing call to break away from the Western-centric narrative. As such, Western historians and other scholars must reexamine the history of World War II and duly highlight China's contributions to the outcome of the war. The author is an associate professor at the School of History and Culture, Liaoning Normal University. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A High Court judge has sparked outrage after wishing 'all the best' to the convicted terrorist behind the 7/7 London bombings as he prepares to be released back into the community. Sir Robert Jay made the comments during a hearing involving Haroon Aswat, 50, who is due to leave a psychiatric hospital and return to live with family in Batley, West Yorkshire. Aswat, an al-Qaeda extremist, has admitted his role in the 2005 attack that left 52 dead, and even claimed he helped mastermind the 9/11 atrocity in the US. Despite this, and despite warnings from counter-terror police, he is expected to walk free without any GPS monitoring or ankle tag because of a legal loophole that prevents surveillance of psychiatric patients. The judge's remarks during the hearing at London's Royal Courts of Justice, revealed in a court transcript obtained by The Sun, clearly state that Sir Robert wishes him 'all the best'. He said: 'I have to wish you all the best and say to you that the way forward is to keep on your medication, listen to the advice you are going to get, and keep out of the sort of things you were doing. 'Because you saw where it ended up and you do not want to go back to that, I am sure.' The hearing marked Aswat's first public appearance since he was deported back to Britain in 2022, following his conviction for terror offences in the United States. He is currently held at Bethlem Royal Hospital in South London. Radical cleric Abu Hamza al Masri (left) rides in a car in London, January 20, 1999, with Haroon Aswat (right) Sir Robert Jay (pictured) made the comments during a hearing involving Haroon Aswat, 50, who is due to leave a psychiatric hospital and return to live with family in Batley, West Yorkshire Although never charged over the 7/7 bombings, Aswat was linked to the attack after police traced 20 calls made by the suicide bombers to a phone linked to him High Court documents show that probation officials refused to carry out a risk assessment due to rules that prevent checks on psychiatric patients. That decision left senior police deeply concerned. Detective Chief Superintendent Gareth Rees of the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command told the court: 'He has spoken positively of his time with al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and expressed aspirations to reconnect with them. 'Based on my experience, this is conduct which gives me grave concerns about the risk which the defendant poses to the UK's national security and to the public.' Aswat trained in al-Qaeda camps in Afghanistan prior to 9/11, and helped radical hate preacher Abu Hamza establish a terror training camp in Oregon in 1999. US investigators also found his name in documents recovered from a Pakistani safehouse used by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the chief planner of the 9/11 attacks. Although never charged over the 7/7 bombings, Aswat was linked to the attack after police traced 20 calls made by the suicide bombers to a phone linked to him. Weeks later, he was arrested in Zambia carrying a terror manual and suspected bomb-making materials. A bomb damaged Circle Line tube stopped between Liverpool Street and Aldgate stations in London Islamist suicide bombers struck on three Tube trains and a bus in the July 7 terrorist attacks in London in 2005, killing 52 people and injuring more than 770 Emergency services at Edgware Road station following a series of explosions which ripped through London's underground tube network on July 7 2005 He fought extradition for nearly a decade on mental health grounds before finally being sent to the US in 2014. He pleaded guilty to terrorism offences in 2015, receiving a 20-year sentence that was later reduced to seven years due to time spent in custody in the UK. While in US custody, Aswat made chilling admissions, saying: 'If you think I am a terrorist, I don't shy away from my responsibility.' He also claimed he was a mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks and the 2005 bombing in London. US authorities had strongly opposed his early release, with court papers stating he is a 'terrorist' and 'foot soldier' of al-Qaeda. They also noted he had previously refused to take psychiatric medication, complaining it made him feel 'sleepy'. A victim of the explosion is stretchered to a waiting ambulance Paul Dadge (R), 28, and an unidentified person help Davinia Turrell (C), 24, to safety at Edgware Road underground station after several bomb blasts A British Government source declined to confirm when Aswat will be released but confirmed he had completed his sentence and was currently under psychiatric care. The source insisted he would be subject to 'robust monitoring' for 30 years. A Government spokeswoman said: 'If any individual poses a threat to national security the police and intelligence services have a range of powers they can apply. 'We will always do whatever is necessary inside the law to protect the public from any risk posed by former terrorist offenders or people of terrorist concern.' An Indiana mother was seen sobbing in court after her toddler son grabbed a gun from her purse and fatally shot himself in front of his sister. Keiara Bickett, 28, was charged with neglect after her two-year-old son Javarius fired the weapon at his face in a CVS parking lot on June 19. She has also been court-ordered to stay away from her eight-year-old daughter, who witnessed the horrifying accident. Javarius was sitting in the backseat while his mother and sister were in the front. Bickett's unzipped bag was allegedly perched on the vehicle's center console, where Javarius was able to easily reach inside and grab her 9mm Glock Model 26 Gen 5 handgun. 'It was an absolute accident. She may have had negligence for not having the gun in a safe place, but she would never harm any of her children,' Melissa Etheridge, Bickett's mother, told WTHR. 'She loves her kids to death. It's tearing me up. It's tearing her daughter up.' She told investigators that when she started driving, Javarius was in his car seat but he was not wearing his seatbelt, WTHR reported. Keiara Bickett (pictured), 28, was charged with neglect after her two-year-old son, Javarius Bickett, fired the weapon at his face in a CVS parking lot on June 19 Javarius (left) was sitting in the backseat while his mother (right) and sister were in the front Police recovered the weapon and a loaded magazine from the floor on the driver's side (pictured: police responding to the scene) Police said she stopped at a gas station before going to CVS to pick up a prescription. When she arrived at the pharmacy, she tried going through the drive-thru, but it was closed. She allegedly was texting while trying to park to go inside the store, which is when she said she realized Javarius had gotten out of his car seat. While she was preoccupied with her phone and trying to park, she heard the gun go off. Bickett asserted she did not see her child with the gun. But Javarius' sister told investigators she and her mother were holding him while the car was moving. The toddler allegedly climbed into the front passenger seat and sat on his sister's lap at one point. The traumatized child said she went on her phone to play a game and only looked up when she heard a 'loud noise,' according to court records reviewed by WTHR. She then saw her little brother fall to the floor. Melissa Etheridge (pictured) was granted custody of her granddaughter at least until Bickett's next court date The Indianapolis mother dialed 911 after Javarius (pictured) shot himself. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital The Indianapolis mother dialed 911 after Javarius shot himself. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Police recovered the weapon and a loaded magazine from the floor on the driver's side. Detectives noted that the spent bullet was found on the passenger's side. The grieving mother was arrested on August 21 and is charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death, a level one felony. She could face 20 to 40 years in prison if she is found guilty. 'I know she should have punishment for what happened, but that's just too much,' Etheridge told WTHR. Bickett posted her $50,000 surety bond and appeared in court on Friday, where the judge temporarily revoked her custody of her daughter. The child will be in Etheridge's care at least until Bickett's next court date on September 22. Javarius (pictured) allegedly crawled in his sister's lap moments before he accidentally fired the gun Bickett (pictured) sobbed in court as the judge revoked her custody of her daughter But further complicating the situation, Bickett lives with her mother and claimed in court that she takes care of her stepfather at home. The judge ruled she can return to the house to take care of her stepfather, but cannot stay over and is not allowed to be alone with her daughter. 'Until our state requires basic licensing and training for gun owners, families will remain at risk,' Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a statement. 'Safe storage and responsible gun owners are not optional - it's a matter of life and death.' According to the nationwide gun-training organization Concealed Coalition, getting a gun in Indiana is 'straightforward.' 'All youll have to do is visit a licensed dealer, pass a background check, and pay for the firearm,' the group wrote. Residents are permitted to carry both open and concealed weapons in most parts of the state. Donald Trump is considering a new wave of sanctions on Russia as his frustration with Vladimir Putin mounts over the war with Ukraine. Trump spent months trying to negotiate with Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky in an effort to bring peace to the region after more than three years of war. But the gloves were off on Sunday as he sent the strongest message yet that he is willing to ramp up pressure on Putin as he continues his strikes on Ukraine. Asked at the White House if he is ready to move to 'the second phase' of sanctions against Russia, Trump responded, 'yeah, I am.' But Trump also said he would look at speaking with Putin in the coming days as he seeks to put pressure on the Russian leader. 'Very soon. Over the next couple of days. Look, we're going to get it done. The Russia-Ukraine situation. We're going to get it done,' the president said. It comes after Trump on Wednesday defended the actions he had taken already on Russia, including imposing punitive tariffs on India's US exports last month. President Donald Trump is considering a new wave of sanctions on Russia as his frustration with Vladimir Putin mounts over the war with Ukraine Russia attacked with 810 drones and decoys, Ukraine's air force said, adding it shot down 747 drones and four missiles India is a major buyer of Russia's energy exports, while Western buyers have cut back in response to the war. 'That cost hundreds of billions of dollars to Russia,' Trump said on Wednesday. 'You call that no action? And I haven't done phase two yet or phase three.' Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the US and the European Union could heap 'secondary tariffs on the countries that buy Russian oil,' pushing the Russian economy to the brink of collapse and forcing Putin back to the negotiating table. China is a major buyer of Russian energy exports, and could face steep repercussions for continuing business with Putin. Trump slammed a gathering last week of Putin, Chinese president Xi Jinping and North Korea's Kim Jong Un, warning that the trio could have been 'conspiring against the United States.' Trump's patience appears to have worn thin after his August deadline for the Kremlin to end its invasion passed without incident. Russia hit Ukraine's capital with drone and missiles Sunday in the largest aerial attack since the war began, killing four people and damaging key infrastructure. Trump also said he would look at speaking with Putin in the coming days as he seeks to put pressure on the Russian leader Trump has spent months trying to negotiate with Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky in an effort to bring peace to the region after more than three years of war Russia hit Ukraine's capital with drone and missiles Sunday in the largest aerial attack since the war began, killing four people and damaging key infrastructure Russia attacked with 810 drones and decoys, Ukraine's air force said, adding it shot down 747 drones and four missiles during the sustained attack. 'I am not thrilled with what's happening there,' Trump said. 'I believe we're going to get it settled. But I am not happy with them. I'm not happy with anything having to do with that war.' British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the attack. 'These cowardly strikes show that Putin believes he can act with impunity,' he said. 'He is not serious about peace. Now, more than ever, we must stand firm in our support for Ukraine and its sovereignty.' Trump has been frustrated by his inability to bring a halt to the fighting after he initially predicted he would be able to end the war in Ukraine swiftly when he took office in January. He has also repeatedly maintained it never would have started if he were president at the time. Angela Rayners workers rights Bill should be scrapped now that she has quit, the Tories have insisted. The Deputy Prime Ministers resignation at the weekend has raised questions over the future of the controversial package, which is expected to cost British businesses up to 5 billion a year. Shadow business spokesman Andrew Griffith has written to new Business Secretary Peter Kyle, who is taking responsibility for the Employment Rights Bill which is in its final parliamentary stages and urged him to scrap it. The Bill, which has been praised by unions, includes sweeping plans to give stronger rights to workers from day one of their employment and a ban on flexible zero-hours contracts. Mr Griffith wrote: Rather than proceed with a measure which on the Governments own impact assessment will reduce employment and growth, now is the time to put the national interest first. He added the Bill should be shelved and the Government look afresh at measures to promote the growth and competitiveness of the economy. The Employment Rights Bill featured in Ms Rayners resignation letter as one of the things she was proud of having achieved. But Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has branded the flagship new deal for working people a war on the private sector. Angela Rayners workers rights Bill should be scrapped now that she has quit, the Tories have insisted The Deputy Prime Ministers resignation at the weekend has raised questions over the future of the controversial package Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch (pictured) has branded the flagship new deal for working people a war on the private sector It is returning to the Commons following amendments from the Lords. Britains five leading business groups wrote to the Lords urging them to improve the legislation to protect growth. The British Chamber of Commerce, Confederation of British Industry, the Institute of Directors, the Federation of Small Business and MakeUK all warned of damaging implications for the Governments priority growth mission Mr Griffith also highlighted Mr Kyles comments on Saturday that the Governments priority must be to double down on growth. The Tory frontbencher called on Mr Kyle to heed the warnings of business and trade bodies to deliver growth. Olivia Attwood opens up on divorce rumours as she admits she and Bradley Dack 'really weren't getting on very well' as she reflects on using partying to cope Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to foreign companies to focus on hiring American employees after immigration agents raided a Hyundai plant and arrested 475 employees. Thursday's raid on the Hyundai Battery Plant in Georgia marked the largest Homeland Security raid in US history, as footage emerged of rows of workers being lined up and shuttled to a nearby grass patch watched closely by federal agents. In all, 475 immigrants suspected of working in the US illegally were detained - the vast majority from South Korea. This represented almost half of the 1,200 strong work force. In a Truth Social post on Sunday night, Trump used the raid as a warning for other foreign companies operating on US land. 'Following the Immigration Enforcement Operation on the Hyundai Battery Plant in Georgia, I am hereby calling on all Foreign Companies investing in the United States to please respect our Nations Immigration Laws,' Trump warned. 'Your Investments are welcome, and we encourage you to LEGALLY bring your very smart people, with great technical talent, to build World Class products.' Trump vowed to 'make it quickly and legally possible for you to do so' - with a caveat that he expected investment in US employees in return. 'What we ask in return is that you hire and train American Workers. Together, we will all work hard to make our Nation not only productive, but closer in unity than ever before.' President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to foreign companies to focus on hiring American employees after immigration agents raided a Hyundai plant and arrested 475 employees Thursday's raid on the Hyundai Battery Plant in Georgia marked the largest Homeland Security raid in US history Trump's statement comes after South Korean officials confirmed as many as 300 of the workers will be released and supported to return home to Korea. Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff for President Lee Jae Myung, said South Korea and the US had finalized negotiations on the workers release. He said South Korea plans to send a charter plane to bring the workers home as soon as remaining administrative steps are completed. The operation was the latest in a long line of workplace raids conducted as part of the Trump administrations mass deportation agenda. But the one Thursday is especially distinct because of its large size and because the targeted site has been touted as Georgias largest economic development project. The raid stunned many in South Korea because the country is a key US ally. It agreed in July to purchase $100 billion in US energy and make a $350 billion investment in the US in return for the US lowering tariff rates. Many of those who were detained had entered the US illegally while others previously had visas but overstayed their legal work permits, officials said. Steven Schrank, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia, added that the raid was the result of a months-long investigation into the facility. Footage emerged of rows of workers being lined up and shuttled to a nearby patch watched closely by federal agents Trump's statement comes after South Korean officials confirmed as many as 300 of the workers will be released and supported to return home to Korea The Hyundai plant where the raid occurred cost upwards of $7.6 billion and employed around 1,200 people, and had been touted by Georgia officials as one of the most significant economic projects in the state's history He described the sweep as the largest enforcement operation at a single site in the history of Homeland Security Investigations. 'This operation underscores our commitment to protecting jobs for Georgians and Americans, ensuring a level playing field for businesses that comply with the law, safeguarding the integrity of our economy and protecting workers from exploitation,' he said. The massive raid comes days after the Trump administration announced it was stepping up its deportation efforts and would clear the way to detain as many as 256,000 Venezuelans by ending their temporary protection status. Korean ministry officials also urged the US Embassy in Seoul 'to exercise extreme caution to ensure that the legitimate rights and interests of Korean citizens are not infringed upon.' 'The economic activities of Korean investment companies and the rights and interests of Korean citizens must not be unfairly infringed upon during US law enforcement operations,' the statement read. Following the raid on the Hyundai factory on Thursday, officials said the detainees would be moved to an ICE facility in Folkston, Georgia, near the Florida-Georgia state line. 'They will be moved based on their individual circumstances beyond that,' Schrank said. Pictured: Detainees from the factory that employs around 1,200 people are being moved by ATF officers The raid was the result of a months-long investigation into the facility, said Steven Schrank, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia Pictured: A total of 475 immigrants suspected of working in the US illegally were detained at a Hyundai factory in Georgia, according to Homeland Security officials The move was quickly condemned by Yvonne Brooks, the president of Georgia's chapter of American Federation of LaborCongress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), who blasted it as 'politically motivated.' 'This raid is the latest in an ongoing campaign of harassment that has targeted immigrant Georgians as they try to earn an honest living,' she said in a statement, per CBS News. 'Arresting and detaining workers, who are exploited every day and risk their lives every day on the job, creates an atmosphere of fear that terrorizes workers and their families and increases the workload burden on their coworkers.' The Hyundai plant where the raid occurred cost upwards of $7.6 billion and employed around 1,200 people, and had been touted by Georgia officials as one of the most significant economic projects in the state's history. Hyundai began manufacturing electric vehicles at the plant a year ago, but construction was shut down by the raid. READ MORE: Australians warned to expect their power bills to soar $100 power bill relief on the way for Victorians Victorians who signed up for a cost-of-living relief payment will begin to see the money in their accounts this week. Around 70,000 residents submitted an application to receive the $100 Power Saving Bonus. More than 10 per cent of applications were made through the state government's community outreach program. The $100 Power Saving Bonus for concession card households comes in addition to the $150 Energy Bill Relief Fund all households receive from the Commonwealth Government. Eligible Victorian households can apply for the Power Saving Bonus through the Victorian Energy Compare website. Households need a recent residential electricity bill and must hold a health care, pensioner concession, veterans' affairs pensioner concession or veterans' affairs gold card. 'We're helping vulnerable Victorians with an extra $100 payment to manage paying their winter energy bills and keep their families warm,' Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio said. 'Everyone should visit the free Victorian Energy Compare website to see if they can slash their energy bills by switching providers.' Eligible Victorians will see the energy relief in their accounts in the coming days (above, commuters in Melbourne) The government suggested users saved an average of $240 on their energy bills by switching last year. Most households will receive their payment within 10 business days of submission. Applications that require additional review or phone and email support may experience some delays. The government has also provided the dial-up Energy Assistance Program for struggling Victorians. The over-the-phone service is offered in partnership with Anglicare Victoria and cohealth. More than 4.5 million applications have been paid across four rounds of the program, since the first round of the Power Saving Bonus was launched in 2018. It equated to about $1billion in energy bill relief for Victorian households. Police hold grave fears for two children after their fugitive father was shot dead by New Zealand police following a robbery on Monday. Tom Phillips and his kids Jayda, 12, Maverick, ten, and Ember, nine, have spent almost four years trudging through the muddy countryside since they vanished in December 2021. Phillips and his 12-year-old daughter Jayda - dressed in 'farm clothing' and wearing headlamps robbed PGG Wrightson, a rural farm supply store in Piopio, in western Waikato, on the country's North Island, at 2.30am on Monday. They took off on their quad bike, and were stopped by police road spikes about 33km away on Te Anga Road at 3.30am, where Phillips was confronted by a lone police officer, whom he shot in the head with a high-powered rifle. When a second police car turned up, Phillips was shot dead and Jayda was taken into custody. Phillips' other two children were not present. A massive manhunt is now underway to find them with just a few hours of daylight left on Monday afternoon before temperatures drop below zero overnight. Maverick and Ember are believed to be on their own and could possibly be armed. Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers said dozens of officers from specialist teams were scouring the area for the young pair and were prepared to search through the night. Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers said more than 50 staff were searching for the missing children with hopes to find them before night falls The eldest child, Jayda, pictured with her siblings Maverick, ten, and Ember, nine, is believed to have been with her father when he was shot dead by police after a bungled robbery Tom Phillips (pictured) vanished from the rural town of Marokopa on New Zealand's North Island in December 2021 following a custody dispute with the mother of his three children 'We have not located them at this stage, and we remain focused on our primary goal to reunite those children and extract them as soon as possible from where they may be today,' Commissioner Rogers said. 'We have children that we believe are unaccompanied in the bush, and it's our priority to locate them this evening. 'We have about three hours of daylight left.' Commissioner Rogers said New Zealand's specialist Armed Offenders Squad had been deployed alongside ambulances. 'Obviously we've got very young children out here,' she said. 'You can see the terrain here. It's rough, it's rugged. It will be down to freezing point, I would imagine this evening. 'We want this incident resolved as soon as possible.' She would not speculate on whether police believed outside assistance was being offered to the missing children but confirmed that Jayda was cooperating with police. 'They've been cooperative with us in providing information, and that has allowed us to identify an area of activity that we will be examining through the afternoon and into the evening, if required,' Commissioner Rogers said. A police officer investigates the site a fatal shootout that occurred near the town of Piopio Police believe this CCTV footage captured Tom Phillips with one of his children attempting to break into a store in Piopio in the Waitomo region Jayda is yet to be reunited with her mother Cat, who hasn't seen her children in almost four years. Commissioner Rogers said the constable shot in the deadly exchange sustained significant injuries and was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition. 'They are described to us as being survivable....but he has been shot multiple times with a high-powered rifle,' she said. 'He's commenced the first of many surgeries. 'He's gone back in for further surgery this afternoon on the injuries to his eye, and he will remain in Waikato Hospital for some time to come, having those injuries tended to.' Road closures are expected to remain in place for several days while police investigate the tragedy. The drama unfolded after a witness called police after spotting two people dressed in 'farm clothing' and wearing headlamps robbing PGG Wrightson, a rural farm supply store in Piopio, in western Waikato, on the country's North Island, at 2.30am on Monday. Phillips and the child took off on their quad bike, and were stopped by police road spikes about 33km away on Te Anga Road at 3.30am. Tom Phillips was shot on Te Anga Road about 3.30am on Monday after allegedly robbing a store in Pipio Missing Marokopa children Ember and Maverick with their mother Cat who has yet to be reunited with her eldest daughter Jayda Photos have emerged from the North Island of the fiery exchange between officers and the fugitive, with a police car in the middle of a rural road with its windscreen shattered by bullets. Just metres away, Phillips' body remained lying on on Te Anga Road, the fugitive father whose disappearance with his three children captured a nations attention and sparked years of unanswered questions. A high-powered rifle was thrown on the grass nearby, believed to be the weapon the fugitive father allegedly used to shoot a police officer in the head after his quad bike, laden with supplies, hit police road spikes. Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders said it was possible Phillips had fallen out with those suspected of helping him evade capture. Phillips vanished from the rural town of Marokopa on New Zealand's North Island in December 2021 following a custody dispute with their mother. Roads have been closed near the scene where a police shootout occurred near the town of Piopio, located in New Zealand's Waikato region The mother of the three Phillips children earlier broke her silence. 'We are deeply relieved that for our tamariki (the Maori word for children) this ordeal has come to an end,' a statement from Cat read. 'They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care. 'At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved.' Cat also expressed her love to the police officer injured in the incident. A man has been charged over an alleged bomb hoax at a Gold Coast mosque. Police were called to the Gold Coast Masjid in Arundel on Sunday night after a 'suspicious item' was found at the premises. CCTV captured a shirtless man placing the device on the carpet of the mens prayer area inside the mosque before he allegedly fled the scene in a van. A 34-year-old Labrador man was arrested by police when he allegedly returned to the scene hours later. He was charged with making a bomb hoax, trespassing and obstructing police. He remanded in custody to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday afternoon. The Explosive Ordinance Response Team later located the item and deemed it safe. 'There was no risk to the community,' a Queensland Police spokesperson told Daily Mail. The local Muslim community is 'deeply upset' by the incident. A man (captured on CCTV) has been charged over an alleged bomb hoax at a Queensland mosque Pictured is the 'suspicious item' found at the Gold Coast Masjid in Arundel on Sunday night 'Even though it was a non-explosive device, we are very concerned someone would (allegedly) go through the procedure of making the device, designing it to look like a bomb, and sneaking into a place of worship during prime time,' mosque chairman Hussin Goss told Daily Mail. 'Acts like these put terror into the community.' Though the motivations of the alleged offender are not clear, Mr Goss said there was 'no doubt' Islamophobia was on the rise in Australia. 'We need peace. We need so-called politicians like Bob Katter and Pauline Hanson to stop making these claims for their two minutes of fame,' he said. Mr Goss remains in hourly contact with police who, he said, agreed the incident was 'very concerning'. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said that his sympathies 'go out to the mosque and the Muslim people there too.' 'It is sad, but we don't know all the details as yet,' he told Daily Mail. Islamic College of Brisbane chief executive Ali Kadri thanked police for their swift response and urged the community to take the incident seriously. The local Muslim community is 'deeply upset' over the alleged incident at the Gold Coast Masjid mosque (pictured) 'We urge our leaders to treat these threats with the seriousness they deserve,' Mr Kadri posted online. 'Our families, our children, and our places of worship must be protected like anyone elses. 'At ICB, and across our mosques and centres, we will continue to stand strong. 'We will raise confident Muslim children who live proudly in their faith and contribute positively to this country, while demanding the same right to safety and dignity that every Australian deserves. 'Hate will not win.' A decades-old New Hampshire murder case has finally been solved as the last of four victims has been identified as the killer's daughter. Terry Rasmussen, 67, was linked to the gruesome deaths of three little girls and a woman who were dumped in barrels at Bear Brook State Park in Allentown at some point during the 1970s or early 1980s. Detectives have identified Rea Rasmussen - previously known as the 'middle child' - as the fourth dead body, the New Hampshire Department of Justice announced on Sunday. There are no available photos of the child, but she is believed to have been two or four when she was killed. Investigators used facial reconstruction technology to predict what she may have looked like. Marlyse Honeychurch, who was in her 20s, and her two daughters, Marie Vaughn, who was about 11, and Sarah McWaters, who was a toddler, were previously noted as the victims of Rasmussen's heinous crimes. Rasmussen is also believed to have killed Pepper Reed, Rea's mother, who has been missing since the late 1970s, and another former girlfriend, Denise Beaudin, who went missing in 1981. Both women were in their 20s. In 1985, the first 55-gallon industrial steel drum, filled with the remains of Honeychurch and Marie, was discovered in a remote wooded area of the park. The decaying corpses of the other two young girls were found in a separate container about 100 yards away, 15 years later. Terry Rasmussen (pictured in 1973), who also went by the alias Bob Evans, had died in prison in 2010 while being locked up for killing his girlfriend, Eunsoon Jun, 45, in 2002 Detectives have identified Rea Rasmussen as the final victims. Investigators used facial reconstruction technology to predict what she may have looked like (pictured) Honeychurch and her two daughters, Marie Vaughn, who was about 11, and Sarah McWaters, who was a toddler, were previously noted as the victims of Rasmussen's heinous crimes A medical examiner ruled that all four of them died from blunt force trauma and were dumped in the park afterwards. Another breakthrough was not made until 2017, when detectives were able to link the deaths to Rasmussen. The serial killer, who also went by the alias Bob Evans, had died in prison in 2010 while being locked up for murdering his girlfriend, Eunsoon Jun, 45, in 2002. Jun and Rasmussen were married for about a year before he killed her and buried her in the basement of their Richmond, California home. Two years later, three of the barrel-found victims were identified as Honeychurch and her daughters, who were all last seen in California in 1978. Honeychurch was originally from Connecticut and was dating Rasmussen when she and her kids vanished after a family Thanksgiving dinner. Relatives had been unsuccessfully searching for them for years until a Connecticut librarian, Rebecca Heath, who had been independently delving into the gut-wrenching case, realized Honeychurch had been dating Rasmussen. Marlyse Honeychurch (pictured) was dating the serial killer when she went missing Rasmussen (pictured), 67, was linked to the gruesome deaths of three little girls and a woman who were dumped in barrels at Bear Brook State Park in Allentown at some point during the 1970s or early 1980s Marlyse Elizabeth Honeychurch and her daughters, Marie Elizabeth Vaughn and Sarah Lynn McWaters were named as three of the 4 bodies found dumped in an Allentown, PA park While cops suspected at that point that the final victim was Rasmussen's biological daughter, they could not confirm her identity until recently. 'This case has weighed on New Hampshire and the nation for decades. With Rea Rasmussens identification, all four victims now have their names back,' Attorney General Formella said in a statement. 'This development is the result of extraordinary perseverance by law enforcement, forensic experts, and our Cold Case Unit.' While the Bear Brook murders have been put to rest, investigators are still searching for answers - including where Rea's mother Reed may be. Beaudin's remains have not been found either. Investigators suspect Rasmussen has actually raised her daughter, Lisa, for about five years before abandoning her at a California mobile home park in 1986. They are also trying to piece together where Rasmussen was between 1974 and 1985, specifically in New Hampshire, California, Arizona, Texas, Oregon and Virginia. Much of Rasmussen's life remains convoluted. He was born in Denver, Colorado in 1943. He disappeared in 1974, leaving a former wife and four children in Arizona. Rasmussen died in 2010 while serving time in prison for killing his wife, Eunsoon Jun, (pictured), in California Rasmussen is also believed to have killed Pepper Read, Rea's mother, who has been missing since the late 1970s, and another former girlfriend, Denise Beaudin, who went missing in 1981. Both women were in their 20s Authorities suspect he assumed various personas as he traveled across the country - leaving behind a trail of victims. 'The Bear Brook case was one of the first major cases to demonstrate the potential of genetic genealogy in identifying victims and solving crimes,' Cold Case Unit Chief and Senior Assistant Attorney General R. Christopher Knowles said. 'We hope this final identification provides a measure of closure, even as the investigation into Rasmussens full scope of crimes continues.' A socialite is challenging a string of convictions for offences including refusing a breath test after ploughing her Range Rover into multiple parked cars in Sydney's east. Vanessa Jacobs Fennell was pulled from her badly damaged SUV by concerned onlookers following the crash at Bellevue Hill on March 21. The 54-year-old refused a breath test and slapped a police officer as she was led away from the scene. Jacobs Fennell, who was previously shortlisted to appear on a series of Real Housewives of Sydney, had been at a lunch in Double Bay hours earlier. She spent the night at Waverley police station and later pleaded guilty to negligent driving, assaulting police, refusing to submit to a breath test and failing to give her particulars. Jacobs Fennell sought to have the charges dealt with under mental health provisions of the law in what is known as a Section 14 application but that request was rejected in Waverley Local Court last month. Instead, magistrate Kirk Dailly convicted Jacobs Fennell of refusing to submit to breath analysis and fined her $1,200. He also convicted and fined her $500 for negligent driving with an additional conviction and $800 fine for failing to provide particulars after the crash. Socialite Vanessa Jacobs Fennell (above) is challenging a string of convictions for offences including refusing a breath test after ploughing her Range Rover into multiple parked cars in Sydney 's east Vanessa Jacobs Fennell (above, outside court) was pulled from her badly damaged SUV by concerned onlookers following the crash at Bellevue Hill on March 21 Mr Dailly did not record a conviction for the offence of assaulting police but sentenced Jacobs Fennell to a 12-month conditional release order. She was also disqualified from driving for six months. Jacobs Fennell has now lodged an appeal against all those outcomes which will be heard in Downing Centre District Court later this month. The mother-of-two previously told Daily Mail she was 'profoundly remorseful and regretful' but said she 'remained dignified' after the original court result. Jacobs Fennell also said that 'every human being should be allowed to make a mistake'. The side of her black Range Rover was severely damaged in the incident which also left a mark on a Tesla and two other vehicles she hit. Jacobs Fennell had been escorted from the scene by police and, at one point, appeared to try to wrest her arm free of an officer's grip before slapping him. The court heard Jacobs Fennell had faced considerable stresses towards the end of last year and 'had experienced dissociation'. Jacobs Fennell is pictured being escorted by police from the scene. She assaulted one of the police officers during the arrest by slapping them, before spending the night in custody Jacobs Fennell is understood to have previously suffered the deaths of two children and also underwent a sudden break-up some time before the crash. Her legal team also claimed she had been prescribed antidepressants only three days before the incident, which contributed to 'increased intoxication' and other adverse reactions. Jacobs Fennell was usually careful to avoid drink-driving but had become confused as a result of the medication, her lawyer told the court. 'She goes out to lunch, has alcoholic drinks, which is something she's done before,' the lawyer said. 'But she then gets in a car, which is something she's never done before. '[That] leads to egregious decision-making which is highly uncharacteristic for this woman.' Formerly married to private equity banker Tom Fennell, Jacobs Fennell is regularly photographed at exclusive events across Sydney including charity functions. Earlier this year she split with prominent Melbourne businessman Nathan Sable. Entry and Exit System in effect next month Australians will soon be required to register their identities when visiting Europe from next month. The new digital Entry and Exit System (EES) will require travellers to take the extra measure when crossing into the Schengen area. From October 12, travellers entering or leaving the 29-country zone will need to provide fingerprints, photographs and personal details at the border. The biometric data will be used to create a digital record verifying each traveller's identity. Travellers must also answer questions about themselves, which will be asked by Schengen Border staff. 'If you revisit the Schengen area within three years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide your fingerprint and/or photograph at the border on entry and exit,' the government's travel advice arm Smartraveller said. 'You do not need to do anything before arriving at the border.' The registration will be free and is expected to take just minutes, but travellers may face longer queues as the system is phased in. A new EU Entry and Exit System will begin on October 12 for Aussies and other non-European Union travellers (above, crowds on popular Playa del Cura beach in Spain) European countries will gradually expand data collection at crossing points until 'full implementation' by April 10 next year. Australians can visit Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. 'This period is calculated as a single period for all the European countries using the EES,' Smartraveller said. 'It is attached to you as a person, rather than to your passport. 'This means that even if you enter the Schengen area using a different passport, you will still be restricted to the same 90 days in every 180 days.' Travellers who stay beyond the permitted period will be classed as 'overstayers.' The EES will identify them, with possible consequences including detention, fines, removal or bans on re-entry to the EU. Former Greens leader Adam Bandt has announced he will join a national environmental organisation as its CEO - and will not run for office again for the party. Bandt, who was ousted from his Melbourne seat by Labor's Sarah Witty in May, shared he will join the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) next year. 'I'm excited that next year I'll be the new CEO of ACF, Australia's largest people-powered movement for nature and climate,' Bandt said in a video on Monday. 'It's never been more important to make our voices heard. Nature is in crisis. People are sweltering through hot summers, worse bushfires, and floods are destroying homes. 'While coal and gas corporations make massive profits and pay no tax as they destroy this beautiful country we love. 'We need parliament to protect koalas and people, not big gas corporations. This could be the parliament that stops extinction. 'We're gonna have to make them listen. We've done it before, and we can do it again, but we can't do it without you.' ACF Board Chair Ros Harvey said Bandt had unanimous support from the ACF board. Former Greens leader Adam Bandt (pictured) will be the Australian Conservation Foundation's next CEO 'Mr Bandt has the vision, the bravery and the experience required to meet the challenging years ahead as Australia grapples with devastating climate change and accelerating nature destruction,' she said. 'Hard times require bold leadership. 'ACF has a proud 60-year history of delivering as a voice for nature and an organisation that makes real change to address the biggest issues of our time.' Bandt will start his job in January 2026. It will be his first full-time job since his election loss. He will replace Kelly O'Shanassy, who announced her resignation earlier this year after 11 years in the position. 'It is a true privilege to help lead Australia's most respected voice for nature and climate at such a critical time,' Bandt said. 'Kelly O'Shanassy has done incredible work and built a very strong organisation, and I pay tribute to her huge efforts. 'Climate collapse is beginning, nature is in crisis and this is the parliament that can avoid extinction. Bandt will start the top role at ACF from January next year (pictured, an ACF protest in July) 'This could be the best parliament ever for nature and climate. We're setting politicians a test we hope they meet.' A press statement included the quick disclaimer that Bandt 'will play no further role for the Greens'. Ms O'Shanassy will remain CEO until the end of the year. The federal Department of Health was forced to trial a cheaper kind of toilet paper to avoid an employee 'blocking the loo on a regular basis', internal emails have revealed. Email correspondence from 2017 released under a Freedom of Information request have detailed a public servant's peculiar request for the men's toilets at the Canberra headquarters. 'Could we trial a very low-ply toilet paper for a week on L 4 men's?' the email read. 'We had an ongoing issue with a staff member blocking the toilets on a regular basis.' An email chain aptly titled 'toilet paper correspondence' detailed the communications that followed, including an employee being appointed to 'bring a box' of lower-ply paper that day. After a brief back-and-forth over potential costs, another public servant confirmed no quote would be required as the new paper would be cheaper. It is unclear whether the trial proceeded. However, it would take six months before the Department confirmed to the change to a more flushable alternative. 'As discussed this morning, Health has agreed to change from the current product 'TMS-700 Sheet Toilet Rolls (x48)' to the 'BC Premium 2-ply 700 sheets Toilet Paper', due to the degradable qualities of this product,' an employee wrote. The internal Health Department correspondence was revealed under an FOI request. Pictured is the Department of Health office in Canberra A Department of Health employee asked to trial a cheaper toilet paper over complaints a male colleague was 'blocking the loo on a regular basis', FOI documents reveal (stock image) 'The new product will be supplied to Health, as soon as the current stock (two and a half pallets) is exhausted, which is estimated at three weeks.' The applicant responsible for the freedom of information request is unknown, along with their motivation. The revelations, dubbed 'Poopergate' by The Medical Republic, come days after the Labor government proposed legislation to clamp down on 'frivolous' FOI requests. Costs of administering the FOI system ballooned to $86million in 2023-24, up from $70million the year prior. It was only $36million in 2010-11. Proposed recently by Attorney-General Michelle Rowland, the changes would allow public servants to issue blanket refusals to requests for information that would take more than 40 hours to collate. Though arguably 'frivolous', the toilet paper request likely wouldn't reach the required threshold to allow a public servant to shoot it down. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland (pictured) wants to crack down on 'frivolous' government department FOI requests Shadow Attorney-General Julian Leeser branded the reforms a 'truth tax' because it would charge applicants a fee for any requests not of a personal nature. The bill would also prohibit anonymous requests - requiring applicants, including the toilet paper curious, to put a name to their bids. All three children of New Zealand fugitive Tom Phillips have now been rescued after their father was killed during a shootout with cops, but experts warn they will still have to process the 'traumatic' ordeal. New Zealand Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers revealed Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9, were found safe and well at a campsite at 4.30pm on Monday. The discovery came about thanks to crucial information provided by their older sibling Jayda, 12. It comes hours after Phillips was shot dead in front of Jayda after an attempted burglary of a rural farm supply store. A witness called police at about 2.30am on Monday after spotting Phillips and Jayda, dressed in 'farm clothing' and wearing headlamps, stealing from the PGG Wrightson store in Piopio, western Waikato, on the country's North Island. Phillips and Jayda took off on their quad bike, but were stopped by police road spikes about 33km away on Te Anga Road at 3.30am. Phillips was then confronted by a lone police officer. He shot the officer in the head with a high-powered rifle. When a second police car turned up, Phillips was shot dead by officers and Jayda was taken into custody. The two missing children of Tom Phillips have been found after their fugitive father was killed during a shootout with cops The children Ember, Maverick and Jayda (pictured) Phillips was confronted near Waitomo, New Zealand, by a lone police officer who he shot in the head. When a second police car turned up, Phillips was shot dead by officers Phillips' two other children, Maverick and Ember were not present, sparking an urgent bush search for the pair. Jayda was unharmed and able to provide information that led police to find the children at a rural campsite. Ms Rogers said the children were on their own when they were found and had been co-operating with police. 'I can confirm that the children are well and uninjured, and they will be taken to a location this evening for medical checks,' she said. 'They will have medical examinations today and we will work very closely with our partners at Oranga Tamariki (the ministry for children) to ensure that they receive all of the support that they require at this very difficult time.' Child psychologist Dr Sarah Watson told RNZ Nights said those attending to the children will have to take their time as their experience may have been traumatic. 'These children's wellbeing, I expect, will be at the heart of this,' she said. Dr Watson warned that relationship building and receiving medical care could be challenging after years in the bush. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. A witness called police after spotting Phillips and his daughter Jayda, 12, dressed in 'farm clothing' and wearing headlamps, and robbing PGG Wrightson, a rural farm supply store in Piopio, in western Waikato, on the country's North Island, at 2.30am 'All these things could be potentially new for them, and potentially scary. It's a lot,' she said. 'Children can be incredibly resilient and cope with a lot, but some kids can be really affected by these things, so only time will tell if they can manage and cope. 'These agencies... will need to do that respectfully, slowly and also allow them the supports of therapists, counsellors, psychologists around them, so they have the chance to process what may well have been quite traumatic, depending on what they have seen and experienced.' The male constable injured in the shootout with Phillips was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition. He has undergone 'the first of many surgeries after being shot multiple times' - including in the eye. Phillips' father, Neville, and brother, Ben, lashed out when approached by local news organisation Stuff while working on the family farm at Marokopa. 'You don't know what it's like to be shafted by the cops several times,' the father told the publication. 'Just put yourself in our shoes.' The children's mother Cat earlier broke her silence in a statement. Jayda Phillips was located at the scene of the shootout The children were found almost a year after a 'credible' sighting of Phillips and his children in bushland west of Marokopa last October 'We are deeply relieved that for our tamariki (the Maori word for children) this ordeal has come to an end,' she said. 'They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care. 'At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved.' Cat also expressed her love to the police officer injured in the incident. 'We also extend our aroha (love) to those in the community who have been affected, and our heartfelt gratitude to the many people who have supported us over these past four years. Your compassion has sustained us,' Cat continued. 'As a whanau (family), we are now attempting to work in cooperation with the relevant government agencies to support the safe return and reconnection of our tamariki. 'They have endured a long and difficult journey, and we ask for privacy as we help them adjust and reintegrate into a stable and loving environment.' Phillips vanished from the rural town of Marokopa on New Zealand's North Island in December 2021 with his three children following a custody dispute with their mother. They are believed to have lived in the wilderness ever since, despite numerous police search operations and a NZ$80,000 reward. There have been several possible sightings in the last year. Police recently released footage of Phillips and one of his children captured on CCTV using an angle grinder to break into the Piopio Superette general store. It came days after Phillips' family broke their silence for the first time in almost four years. A German woman who was investigated by police probing a hit-and-run theory about Madeleine McCann's disappearance has spoken out about her ordeal. The three-year-old British girl vanished while sleeping in a holiday apartment in the Praia da Luz area of the Algarve coast in Portugal, on May 3, 2007. Her case became one of the most high profile missing persons investigations ever, with searches into her whereabouts still ongoing. One Portuguese and British police theory is Madeleine woke up, got out of the apartment through an unlocked patio door and was killed in a hit-and-run collision. Officers investigated a German woman in relation to this seven years ago, when they were focused on this line of inquiry. The hit-and-run theory and the existence of the unnamed female suspect was leaked to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha in June. The title's report suggested this approach hit a dead end when German authorities declined to get involved and use an undercover detective to look into her further. Now the German woman has been tracked down in a Sky News investigation - and said she was not even aware she was a suspect. Madeleine McCann (pictured), then three, vanished while sleeping in a holiday apartment in the Praia da Luz area of the Algarve coast in Portugal, on May 3, 2007 It has since become one of the most high profile missing persons case ever, with investigations into her whereabouts still ongoing. (Pictured: Her parents Kate and Gerry McCann hold up pyjamas similar to their daughter's during a press conference in 2007) Now, a German woman investigated as part of the 'hit-and-run' theory about her disappearance has been tracked down - and she has, astonishingly, said she was not even aware she was a suspect. (Pictured: Sky News' investigation finding the woman) The woman was investigated just before Christian B became the prime suspect in Madeleine's disappearance. Christian B, 48, is set to be released from jail in his home country next week. He is behind bars for raping an American female tourist, 72, in 2005, in the same Praia da Luz resort Madeleine went missing from. It seems police moved their focus away from the hit-and-run theory when the case against Christian B began to look stronger. Investigators believe he kidnapped and murdered Madeleine but he denies any involvement and has not been charged. He remains under investigation and has been told not to go back to Portugal when he leaves jail. The German woman today spoke out after learning she was under investigation for Madeleine's disappearance. She said she was at work at a restaurant near the beach in Praia da Luz on the night Madeleine disappeared. The lady was investigated just before Christian B (pictured last year) became the prime suspect in Madeleine's disappearance The German woman has spoken out about her experience under investigation for Madeleine's disappearance. (Pictured: The investigation tracking her down) Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, both 57, had been dining with friends at a tapas restaurant called the Ocean Club that night. The toddler and her younger twin siblings were asleep back at the ground-floor apartment, around 55m away. The parents had checked on the children periodically until Mrs McCann discovered at around 10pm Madeleine was missing. The German woman said she returned home from work after this time, at 10.30pm. Her British partner - a chef at the Ocean Club and who had served the McCann party there - was already at home when she got back. 'I don't even know if there was a car accident because I was working,' she said. Portuguese police searched their flat in the ensuing days, as they did for many residents. But the woman, who had lived in the area for a long time, said she lost her patience during a second search when an officer requested she empty her freezer. The girl's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, both 57, had been dining with friends at a tapas restaurant called the Ocean Club (pictured, file photo) that night Meanwhile, Madeleine and her younger twin siblings slept back at the ground-floor apartment (pictured, file photo), around 55m away She asked him: 'Do you think I've cut her up in little pieces and I'm going to have her for dinner?' She said more than ten years later she was contacted by German police - but they only asked if she knew Christian B and saw him near the McCanns' apartment. She told them despite other people having seen his van in the area, she did not. The woman received calls from officers several times over the course of more than a year and was once asked for the SIM card from a phone she had while in Portugal. This potentially suggests despite asking her primarily about Christian B, German police were looking for more than just information about him from her. Local reports have claimed she might have borrowed a car - but she said: 'Do you think I ran her over? I didn't even have a car at the time.' And she did not know about the recent Portuguese news report about her until told by Sky News - making her question why her friends did not tell her about it. The family of her partner, who has since passed away, said they had been questioned as part of the Metropolitan Police's dedicated investigation, Operation Grange. The German woman said she returned home from work at 10.30pm, after the time of Madeleine's disappearance. (Pictured: The investigation tracking her down) 'I don't even know if there was a car accident because I was working,' she said. )Pictured: The investigation tracking her down) A Met spokesperson said, regarding the investigation into the German woman: 'We continue to support Madeleine's family to understand what happened on the evening of May 3, 2007, in Praia da Luz. 'This includes working with our colleagues in Germany and Portugal. 'Our thoughts remain with the family and it would be inappropriate to comment further while enquiries continue.' The McCanns were on holiday with seven friends and eight children, including their three kids. The parents all dined at the restaurant most evenings. The night before Madeleine disappeared, her parents said she woke up crying and asked where they had been the evening before. One element of the hit-and-run theory is the girl may have gotten out of bed to look for her parents on the night she vanished. But Mrs McCann has long insisted her daughter could not have escaped the apartment alone. In her 2011 book Madeleine, she said: 'To give any credence whatsoever to the idea Madeleine could have walked out on her own you would have to accept that she had gone out the back way, pulling aside the sitting room curtains and drawing them again, then opening the patio door, the child safety gate at the top of the stairs on the veranda and the little gate to the road - and carefully closing all three behind her. Mrs McCann (left, with her husband, in 2017) has long insisted her daughter could not have escaped the apartment alone The night before Madeleine (pictured) disappeared, her parents said she woke up crying and asked where they had been the evening before 'What three-year-old do you know who would do that?' Expat Ken Ralphs, who knew Christian B at the time of Madeleine's disappearance, called him 'a danger to society' and 'an injurious monster'. He warned many in the area and women and children more generally would feel vulnerable and worried again once he is out of prison. The former community campaigner, from Stockport, has previously spoken out about a mutual British friend who may have been involved. The friend reportedly said he had entered a plot with Christian B, a convicted child sex offender, to steal a child and sell them to a childless couple. The two men, along with Mr Ralphs, lived in an off-grid community of people living in campervans near Praia da Luz at the time of Madeleine's disappearance. The expat warned Christian B would no longer be welcome in the area - and he would personally watch him 24/7 if he did try to return. Hans Christian Wolters, a German prosecutor working on the case, has similarly said a psychiatrist has concluded the suspect is dangerous. Hans Christian Wolters (pictured), a German prosecutor working on the case, has said a psychiatrist has concluded Christian B is dangerous 'Similar crimes, especially sexual offences, are to be expected from him again,' he said. 'We do consider him very dangerous and assume there is a risk of reoffending.' He continued: 'For us, he is still the only suspect in the case. 'We continue to assume that he is responsible for her disappearance and ultimately also for her death.' German authorities are trying to persuade the courts to place restrictions on Christian B after his release from jail, like a curfew, travel ban, electronic tag or fixed address. A pair of alleged phone thieves have been caught on video wielding what appeared to be machetes in a Melbourne suburb as they were confronted by a group who accused them of stealing a phone. Footage released by Outlaw Media on Monday showed two young men, dressed in black with their faces covered, holding what appears to be machetes in the middle of a street in Sunshine, 12km from the city's CBD. During the video, the pair could be seen waving the long knives in the air, with one of the young men making a chopping motion. 'Give that s*** back,' a man in the group told the pair, referencing an allegedly stolen phone. 'Put it back. You don't want trouble,' another voice said. One of the young men carrying a knife replied: 'Get out of my face. I don't want trouble.' But the first man from the group said: 'Do you think I'm scared of a knife?' The person believed to be the victim of the alleged theft then pointed to one of the young men and asked why he was walking away. Two alleged phone thieves could be seen waving long knives in broad daylight in Sunshine The two young men, dressed in black, held the knives as they told a group that they didn't 'want trouble' after they were accused of stealing a phone One of the group can be heard telling the pair to 'put that s*** away', gesturing to the knife 'He has my phone. This guy has it. He took my phone,' the speaker said to the group. One of the group could then be heard telling the two knife-wielding men to 'put that s*** away'. When asked about the video, Victoria Police said it could not locate anything with the information provided. The footage comes just two days after a separate knife-related incident in which two young boys were fatally stabbed in Melbourne's northwest. Dau Akueng, 15, and Chol Achiek, 12, were walking home in Cobblebank on Saturday night when police said they were ambushed by eight masked males. They died at the scene, less than 200m away from each other. While investigations are ongoing, police said the attack may have been a case of mistaken identity - with the incident having the 'hallmarks of a youth gang crime'. Detective Inspector Graham Banks said the suspected gang attack was the latest in a 'substantial and growing list' of such crimes across the state. The incident follows the tragic death of 15-year-old Dau Akueng (pictured) who was walking home in Melbourne's northwest when he was allegedly ambushed and fatally stabbed Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan (pictured) introduced a ban on machetes on September 1 Offences statewide committed by youths between 10 and 17 years old jumped 17.9 per cent in the year to March - the highest level since records began in 1993, according to the latest crime statistics. In an attempt to crackdown on violent crime in Victoria, the state government introduced machete and long-bladed knife amnesty boxes at 45 police stations across the state last week. A ban on machetes also came into effect on September 1, with the change making it illegal to own, use, carry, transport or sell knives without an exemption or valid approval. Convictions could result in penalties of up to two years in jail or a fine of more than $47,000. Police Minister Anthony Carbines has urged people to hand in machetes as part of a three-month amnesty running until November 30. The state government has also legislated to strengthen bail laws and bolster stop and search powers for police. But Senior Victoria police officer Graham Banks on Sunday broke with the government, demanding tougher penalties following the deaths of Dau Akueng and Chol Achiek. 'As I stand here before you, I think the penalties aren't in balance with what community expectations are or mine,' the senior cop said. The state opposition has backed his call, saying Victorians no longer feel safe in their homes. 'The Allan Labor government need to come out with solutions, not media releases,' Liberal leader Brad Battin told reporters on Monday. Daily Mail has contacted Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan for comment. A British Airways flight has been forced to make an emergency landing after the pilot issued a mayday call while departing Sydney. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which took off just after 3pm, was bound for Singapore when it sent out a distress call over Orange in the Central Tablelands region of NSW. Hundreds of passengers were on board the flight BA16 when the pilot was forced to turn the aircraft around. 'Earlier this afternoon, British Airways flight BA16 from Sydney to Singapore made an emergency return to Sydney Airport approximately an hour after take-off,' a Sydney Airport spokesperson said. 'The aircraft arrived safely and was met by emergency services as part of standard procedures. 'All passengers have since disembarked safely, and there has been no impact to airport operations.' British Airways confirmed the 'aircraft returned to Sydney as a precaution after reports of a technical issue'. 'The flight landed safely and our teams are working hard to get customers' journeys back on track as soon as possible,' the statement said. British Airways' BA16 flight was forced to return to Sydney Airport after issuing a mayday call over Orange in central west NSW, about an hour after take-off British Airways confirmed in a statement that the aircraft returned to Sydney Airport 'as a precaution after reports of a technical issue' Audio of the mayday call between the pilot and Sydney Airport operations has since been released. 'Mayday Speedbird 16... just about to become established on (runway) 34L, we will have to stop for at least a minute on the runway after landing,' the pilot said, in audio obtained by 2GB. 'Speedbird 16 Sydney tower... g'day, copy, mayday acknowledged,' the operations control centre employee responded. Once the plane had landed, emergency services met the aircraft on arrival, which is understood to be standard procedure. The aircraft remained on the runway briefly before a fleet of fire trucks escorted it to a gate. A heavily divided French parliament is set to oust its second prime minister in a year in a no-confidence vote on Monday, plunging the country into political chaos as the key EU member teeters on the brink of catastropic economic collapse. The government's almost inevitable breakdown comes as popularity for French President Emmanuel Macron plummets to a record low, with 77 percent of the nation not approving of his work and 64 percent calling for his resignation. French MPs will debate a vote of no confidence in prime minister Francois Bayrou inside Paris's Assemblee Nationale after just nine months of him in office - a move which will most likely result in the country facing its fifth prime minister in less than two years. Bayrou blindsided even his allies by calling a confidence vote to end a months-long standoff over his austerity budget, which foresees almost 44 billion euros (38.19 billion) of cost savings to reduce France's debt pile. He has warned that there was a 'high risk of disorder and chaos' if MPs failed to back his budget, describing the nation's spiralling national debt as 'a terribly dangerous period a time of hesitation and turmoil'. But Marine Le Pen, the leader of the hard-right National Rally party, said Bayrou was committing 'political suicide'. Opposition parties across the board have made it clear they will vote against his minority government, making it highly improbable he will get enough backing to survive - he needs a majority of the 577 MPs in the National Assembly. Bayrou will become the second French prime minister in succession to have suffered such a fate after Michel Barnier was ejected in December after only three months in office. French riot police run past a fire during a demonstration in Paris on March 23, 2023 The government's almost inevitable breakdown comes as approval ratings for French President Emmanuel Macron plummet to a record low, with 77 percent of the nation not approving of his work Protesters clash with riot police in Nanterre, near Paris, France, 29 June 2023. Violence broke out after police fatally shot a 17-year-old during a traffic stop in Nanterre on 27 June 2023 Protesters hold a banner that reads 'For a quality public service and the defense of civil servants' during a demonstration by French civil servants as part of a national day of strikes by public sector workers, in Marseille, France, December 5, 2024 Bayrou, the sixth prime minister under Macron since 2017, has given no indication in days of TV interviews that he expects to survive the vote. Instead, he has asked: 'Has our country understood the seriousness of the situation it finds itself in?' He is expected to address parliament in a final bid for support from 1300 GMT with the vote awaited from 1700 GMT. After the vote, Macron will face one of the most critical decisions of his presidency: appointing the seventh prime minister of his mandate to thrash out a compromise, or call snap elections in a bid to have a more accommodating parliament. The president is spearheading European efforts to end Russia's war on Ukraine, boosting his international profile. But polling at home does not make pretty reading, and he is forbidden from standing a third time in 2027. According to a poll by Odoxa-Backbone for Le Figaro newspaper, 64 percent of French want Macron to resign rather than name a new prime minister, a move he has explicitly ruled out. Some 77 percent of people do not approve of his work, Macron's worst ever such rating, according to an Ifop poll for the Ouest-France daily. Clashes with riot police take place during a rally against French President's plan to raise the legal retirement age from 62 to 64 in Paris, on February 11, 2023 French MPs will debate a vote of no confidence in prime minister Francois Bayrou inside Paris's Assemblee Nationale after just nine months of him in office Addressing the crisis after an international summit on Ukraine, Macron called on French political forces on Thursday to demonstrate 'responsibility' and ensure 'stability'. 'The reshaping of the world is changing many things for our Europe. In this context, France must continue to move forward,' he said. But alongside political upheavals, France is also facing social tension. A left-wing collective calling itself 'Block Everything' is calling for a day of action on September 10 and trade unions have urged workers to strike on September 18. There is no guarantee an election would result in any improvement in the fortunes of Macron's centre-right bloc in parliament. But there are signs that the president could be eyeing cooperation with the Socialist Party (PS), a one time giant of French politics that has fallen into the doldrums in recent years. At a meeting Tuesday of the centrist parties that support him, Macron urged them to 'work with the Socialists', a participant said, asking not to be named. All those present were opposed to snap elections, the person added. Socialist leader Olivier Faure has made no secret of his readiness to take the post of prime minister, even producing his own draft budget. But Socialist backing would not automatically attract support from other left-wing forces. 'It would be workable if the Socialist Party says: "We're overthrowing the alliance and governing with the central bloc,"' said a close associate of Macron, adding that for now the president is keeping his cards close to his chest. The government's collapse looks set to deepen France's paralysis at a critical time for Europe, which is seeking unity in the face of Russia's war against Ukraine, an increasingly dominant China and trade tensions with the United States. The turmoil also threatens France's ability to rein in its debt, with the risk of further credit downgrades looming as bond spreads - a gauge of the risk premium investors demand to hold French debt - widen. France faces acute pressure to repair its finances, with last year's deficit nearly double the EU's 3% limit of economic output and public debt at 113.9% of GDP. For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or go to www.thecalmzone.net/get-support A shamed ex-Sergeant Major has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a teenage female soldier who took her own life - with the Army accused of a 'cover-up'. Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, 19, was found hanging in her room at Larkhill Camp, near Salisbury in Wiltshire, on December 15, 2021. Her death came following a complaint she made against Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber after he pinned her down and tried to kiss her, an inquest heard in February this year. Now Webber, who was serving at the same base, has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault, at a pre-trial hearing. Jaysley's family has welcomed the guilty plea but said 'nothing can undo the devastating loss of our beautiful daughter'. And their lawyer responded to the plea by reiterating criticisms of the military chain of command, saying more should have done to investigate Jaysley's complaints. February's inquest concluded she had taken her own life after she made a complaint against Webber, who was accused of pinning her down, attempting to kiss her and placing his hand between her legs during a work social event. Jaysley's mother Leighann McCready later revealed how she had to plead to see her daughter's accommodation following the death - and when finally given permission, found a heartbreaking letter tucked away in the young recruit's room. Ex-Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting Gunner Jaysley Beck (pictured above),who later took her own life aged 19 Warrant Officer Michael Webber (pictured), who has since left the Army, faces sentencing at a later date after entering his plea at a pre-trial hearing on Friday September 5, 2025 Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, 19, was found hanging in her room at Larkhill Camp, near Salisbury in Wiltshire, on December 15, 2021 Ms McCready has accused the Army over the circumstances surrounding Jaysley's death, saying after February's inquest: 'I believe it was a cover up. It was made clear at this inquest that the army knew what had taken place but did not take Jaysley's complaint seriously and even tried to get her to change her story.' She subsequently told the Sunday Times how the letter from Webber, then 39, confessed to an incident on July 12, 2021 and described his own behaviour as 'absolutely unacceptable'. He concluded by telling her, 'My door will always open' - a phrase which Ms McCready said her daughter found to be dismissive. Gunner Beck had reported to military chiefs that Webber told her he had been 'waiting for a moment for them to be alone', engaged her in a drinking game called Last Man Standing before grabbing her leg and trying to kiss her. February's inquest heard she pushed him away and left the room before spending the night in her car and making a complaint to her superiors in the morning, during a stay at Thorney Island, near Emsworth, in Hampshire for an adventure training exercise. Webber was later given a 'minor administrative action interview' over the work social event incident, with no further consequences. He was later promoted to Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) rank, the highest non-commissioned rank in the Army, in May 2022. Webber, who has since left the military, is now awaiting sentencing following his guilty plea last Friday. Gunner Beck during her passing out parade with her father, Anthony Beck Parents Anthony Beck and Leighann McCready outside Salisbury and Swindon Coroners Court in Salisbury, Wiltshire, for the February 2025 inquest into Jaysley's death An inquiry heard evidence from witnesses about inappropriate sexual behaviour by male soldiers towards their female colleagues at Larkhill - Jaysley Beck is pictured In a statement responding to his admission, Ms McCready said: 'We are relieved that Michael Webber has admitted his guilt and not put us through the trauma of yet more legal proceedings, but nothing can undo the devastating loss of our beautiful daughter Jaysley.' She described how her daughter had done 'everything right' in reporting the attack 'immediately, not once but twice' - but senior Army officers did not alert the police. Ms McCready added: 'If they had done that one simple thing, we believe with all our hearts she would still be with us today.' The family's lawyer Emma Norton said: 'What an enormous difference it would have made if the Army and its chain of command had just listened to Jaysley when she first told them about the assault and reported it to the police, instead of trying to persuade her it wasn't that serious.' It was only after February's inquest ruling and a request from Gunner Beck's family to Wiltshire Police, that a file was sent to the the Service Prosecuting Authority who then charged Webber with sexual assault. The coroner at the earlier hearing was told of Gunner Beck being traumatised not only by Webber's attack but also the actions of three other officers - one of whom she had a long-distance affair, another who bombarded her with WhatsApp messages and another with whom she socialised on the night of her death. In an Army statement following February's inquest verdict, the head of Army Personnel Services Group, Brigadier Melissa Emmett, said: 'On behalf of the Chief of the General Staff, I wish to extend the Armys deepest condolences to Jaysleys family and friends and to offer them our sincerest apologies for the failings that the Coroner has identified during this inquest. 'We should have done so much more to support and protect her. Gunner Jaysley Beck, who joined the military aged 16, died at her Wiltshire base in 2021 She was found to have taken her own life over 'relentless' harassment during her service 'Jaysley was exactly the kind of person the Army needs, and she was excelling at her job. Her friends described her as someone who was kind, funny and always putting others before herself. 'The three years since Jaysleys sad death have seen significant changes in the Army, including the introduction of clear and unequivocal policies to state that there will be Zero Tolerance to unacceptable sexual behaviours. 'These changes are being embedded throughout our culture, policies, and enduring practices across every part of the Army. 'There is more work to do, and the evidence heard in this inquest reminds us how important it is to make lasting and effective change. 'It is my hope that such change will give service personnel the confidence they need to report sexual offences and inappropriate behaviours, knowing that they will be listened to. 'We are absolutely clear that everyone must play a role in building and upholding the respectful, professional environment we all need to thrive.' The Daily Mail has asked the Army for further comment and response following Webber's guilty plea and the grieving family's criticisms. For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. This is the horrifying moment a reveller is gored to death at an annual Spanish festival after desperately trying to escape it by climbing onto railings. The man's right shoe was knocked off his foot as the animal charged him the first time and dumped him on the ground before he was gored several times and left critically injured. He died shortly after being rushed away from the scene to a nearby health centre. Footage of the incident showed him trying to hoist himself to safety by grabbing onto metal railings over a ground-floor apartment window, wearing only shorts and a T-shirt, before he was knocked off balance. The drama occurred yesterday evening just after 6.30pm in a picturesque tourist town called Ubrique in Spain's south-west province of Cadiz, which was celebrating the 10th edition of an event called the Toro del Gayumbo. Two bulls were released onto the streets as part of the spectacle, one at 12.30pm and another at 6.30pm, with the second of the animals called Mosquetero which in English is Musketeer, being the one that charged and killed the 57-year-old local. His death was confirmed just after 8pm last night. He has not been officially named. Town hall officials said afterwards they were declaring a day of mourning to coincide with the day of their patron saint today as part of Ubrique's annual feria. This is the horror moment a reveller is gored to death at an annual Spanish festival after desperately trying to escape it by climbing onto railings He died shortly after being rushed away from the scene to a nearby health centre The drama occurred yesterday evening just after 6.30pm in a picturesque tourist town called Ubrique in Spain's south-west province of Cadiz They said in their statement yesterday: 'We would like to express our sincere condolences and solidarity to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased. 'We would also like to announce that, as a sign of respect, tonight's fireworks display has been cancelled. 'In addition, flags on public buildings will fly at half-mast tomorrow as a sign of mourning. 'We ask for understanding, calm and cooperation from all residents and visitors, reminding everyone that the best way to show support is through prudence and respect. 'Ubrique has always been characterised by its unity in difficult times. Today, more than ever, we must demonstrate this.' Local Isabel Carrasco Romero reacted by saying: 'My deepest condolences to the family of our deceased neighbour. 'This would have been a preventable death if our council did not promote these kinds of backward events under the guise of tradition. 'I am very old, and until a few years ago it was never traditional to release a bull down a short slope, something surreal in these times when most citizens want to protect animals and, of course, people, but those who govern us give permission because it brings them a few votes; that is what we are worth.' In January 2022 a man was fatally gored by a charging heifer at a festival in Puerto Serrano, also in the province of Cadiz. The 56-year-old suffered severe head injuries after being thrown in the air on the end of the animal's horns and dumped on the pavement. In August 2022 an 18-year-old died after being gored by a bull with its horns on fire during annual festivities in the town in Soneja, also in the province of Castellon. The animal that killed him had just been let loose after burning balls of flammable material attached to its horns were set alight while it was still tied to a post. A 40-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a woman who was found dead in north London last month. Simon Levy is accused of murdering Sheryl Wilkins, 39, who was discovered in High Road, Tottenham, on August 24. Levy, of Beaufoy Road, Tottenham, appeared at Highbury Magistrates' Court today and will return to the dock at the Old Bailey on Wednesday. Ms Wilkins was found unresponsive at around 7.30am on August 24 but tragically died at the scene. Police launched an investigation following an inconclusive post-mortem result. Levy was arrested on suspicion of murdering Ms Wilkins on September 4 and charged on September 7. While in police custody, he was also charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent, intentional strangulation and two counts of rape relating to a second woman. Sheryl Wilkins (pictured) was found unresponsive at around 7.30am on August 24 but tragically died at the scene Simon Levy, of Beaufoy Road, Tottenham, appeared at Highbury Magistrates' Court today (pictured in court sketch) Levy is accused of murdering Ms Wilkins, 39, who was discovered in High Road (pictured), Tottenham, on August 24 The 35-year-old woman, who cannot currently be named due to the nature of the offences, was also allegedly attacked on High Road. The incident was reported on January 25. Wearing a prison issue grey tracksuit, Levy appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court speaking only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. He was seen in the dock wearing dark black glasses and his lawyer Jason Lartey told the court that he was 'blind in one eye' and 'can't see without his prescription glasses'. District Judge Elizabeth Baker remanded Levy in custody until Wednesday and said: 'Your hearing at the crown court will be at the Old Bailey on the 10 September when, if you wish, you may make a bail application.' Both victims' families are receiving support from specially trained officers. The force said its investigation was continuing and asked anyone with information to contact police on 101, quoting 1721/24AUG, or anonymously at Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555. Keir Starmer tried and failed to strip Ed Miliband of his Net Zero brief in the reshuffle, it was claimed today. The PM is said to have asked Mr Miliband to take over Angela Rayner's housing department as he reshaped his team on Friday. However, Mr Miliband refused - insisting he wanted to keep overseeing the climate drive. Sir Keir has pledged a new focus on growth as he tries to get the government back on track amid dire polls. The premier looks to be tacking to the right with his appointments amid the mounting threat from Nigel Farage and Reform. Insiders have acknowledged that the Net Zero drive has been holding back activity, while businesses are hoping that reforms to workers' rights could be delayed or watered down. New Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden is also set to launch another bid to trim the spiralling benefits bill - after the last effort was humiliatingly killed off by Labour MPs. Downing Street said the PM is 'delighted' that Mr Miliband will continue to lead the energy department, but did not deny Sir Keir had initially suggested moving him. Keir Starmer has installed 'Blairites' in key jobs as he tries to revive his government with a new focus on growth The PM completed his dramatic reshuffle last night, after the resignation of Angela Rayner caused chaos Keir Starmer is said to have asked Ed Miliband to take over Angela Rayner's housing department as he reshaped his team Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has been replaced by Peter Kyle Steve Reed was made housing secretary and has pledged to 'build, baby build', with allies describing him as 'pumped' Sir Keir's official spokesman said: 'The PM has set out his new Cabinet and ministerial team - a team that is going to be focused on delivery, with growth as a relentless focus. 'The Energy Secretary has been central to that growth agenda. Investing in clean energy goes hand in hand with cutting peoples' bills and boosting growth across the country. 'You can see that with the investments being made into CCUS all across the country, into solar, into wind farms. 'The PM is delighted he'll continue to do that.' Sir Keir is facing rising concern on his own benches about the government's performance. Emily Thornberry - a potential deputy leader candidate - has warned that the PM must stop making 'mistakes'. But Labour's Left is gearing up for battle over issues like the overhaul of strike rules and employment rights. Ms Rayner had championed the overhaul, but firms are hoping for a change in direction after her departure. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has also been shifted, along with the minister who was stewarding the changes. Peter Kyle, who replaced Mr Reynolds, is heading for the US and China this week. He said: 'From day one in the job I've been clear that my mission is to drive forward economic growth and to give businesses across the country the opportunities they need to thrive.' ITV News said Mr Miliband was the PM's 'first choice' to take over housing from Ms Rayner, but he declined. A government source pointed to Michael Shanks becoming a joint business and energy minister as evidence of a rethink on the climate policy. 'There's a tension between Net Zero and driving growth, so you're drawing them under one portfolio and saying business comes first,' the source told The Times. Another government insider said: 'Keir has put reformers in key departments to tear down barriers and unleash the economy's potential.' Touring broadcast studios this morning, defence minister Luke Pollard denied the government is 'rowing back' on workers' rights. 'Any change that we put in will only be to strengthen workers' rights, to make sure they can be implemented more effectively,' he told Times Radio. 'But we're not rowing back on this. Let me be absolutely clear on this. The Prime Minister is committed to this huge increase, the biggest upgrade in workers' rights for a generation. 'It was in our manifesto. We're passionate about doing so. And we know that when we do this, it will back those good employers that are already doing this at the moment, and it will target those bad employers that aren't treating their workforces correctly.' Unions are gathering for their annual conference this week with the Unite union threatening to axe funding for Labour. In another flashpoint, the party's ruling national executive is due to agree the rules for the deputy leader contest today. Dame Emily said the PM's first year in office had been a 'mixed picture' as she praised Sir Keir's performance internationally, but suggested he was failing domestically. 'It's such a mixed picture, isn't it. We're doing so well internationally and our standing is so much higher; we're back on the international scene,' she said. 'But domestically things just don't seem to be working. There are things we're doing which are fantastic, but nobody seems to know about it. 'The highest wage growth, building some homes, actually investing in green energy. Unions are gathering for their annual conference this week with the Unite union's Sharon Graham (pictured) threatening to axe funding for Labour 'All of these sort of things are brilliant achievements, nobody seems to be hearing about that - they hear about the mistakes.' Dame Emily, the chair of the House of Commons' foreign affairs committee, warned Labour 'can't afford' to keep making mistakes due to the threat of Nigel Farage's Reform UK. 'We've gone from having a fantastic gift from the British public of a huge majority to now being at 20 per cent in the polls,' she added. A British tourist has become the third to die at the same popular Greek resort this summer, as a body was pulled from the water. The 57-year-old man was discovered in the waters around Prasonisi at midday on Sunday, September 7. Local officials confirmed he was unresponsive and had no pulse when he was brought to shore. Paramedics rushed him by ambulance to the Gennadi Health Centre, but doctors were unable to save him. He was later declared dead at the hospital. Authorities from the Lindos Port Authority have launched an investigation into the circumstances of his death and have ordered an autopsy to establish the exact cause. Last month, police in Rhodes were also examining the unexplained death of another British national who was found unconscious in Lindos. The 26-year-old was pulled from the water on August 16, with the Central Port Authority of Rhodes confirming it had been alerted to the emergency involving 'a young foreigner who was pulled from the sea.' Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the Archangelos Health Centre. The 57-year-old man was discovered in the waters around Prasonisi at midday on Sunday, September 7 A forensic examination was ordered in that case, too, although his name has not been disclosed. And in another incident, a 68-year-old British tourist also lost his life in June on a Lindos beach. Local reports said he appeared to have been swimming when he fell unconscious. He was also transferred to Archangelos Health Centre, but medics confirmed his death shortly after arrival. An autopsy was being carried out. In that case, a Foreign Office spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Greece and are in contact with the local authorities.' Keir Starmer has been accused of trying to 'fix' the Labour deputy leadership contest as he scrambles to avoid a civil war in the wake of Angela Rayner's departure. The party's ruling NEC has thrashed out the process for deciding a successor to Ms Rayner. Tensions are already running high, with the Left eager to use the job as a platform to influence policy, and demands that a woman from a non-London constituency be installed. Under the timetable, hopefuls would need to get 80 nominations from MPs by 5pm on Thursday. The candidates would then go to a ballot of members, with the winner named by the end of October. Downing Street is keen for the issue to be resolved well before the crucial Budget on November 26. The PM's spokesman confirmed this morning that the victor will not become Deputy PM, a job handed to David Lammy last week. And they are not even guaranteed a post in government. Sir Keir is not expected to give public backing to anyone. Keir Starmer has been accused of trying to 'fix' the Labour deputy leadership contest in the wake of Angela Rayner 's departure Louise Haigh (left) and Lucy Powell (right) are both mulling a bid for the deputy leadership Emily Thornberry confirmed yesterday that she is considering standing for the role The Labour deputy leadership timetable has been condemned as the 'mother of all stitch-ups' and an effort to 'dodge serious discussion' on what is going wrong Dawn Butler, another possible contender, said the Tube strike was hampering the process Former Cabinet minister Liam Byrne called for a remobilising of the 'Coalition of Decency' Dame Emily's prospects took a knock with a series of Labour figures insisting London is already over-represented at the top of the party The blueprint has been condemned as the 'mother of all stitch-ups' and an effort to 'dodge serious discussion' on what is going wrong. Backbencher Richard Burgon said last night: 'I've been warning about attempts to fix the Deputy Leadership election and what I've heard is now being proposed is the mother of all stitch-ups. 'Just a couple of days to secure MPs' nominations! This is a desperate move to keep Labour members' voices out of this race and to dodge serious discussion on what's gone wrong over the last year - from the positions on disability benefits cuts, on winter fuel payments, on Gaza and more. 'This outrageous timetable shows a leadership that's unwilling to listen and to learn the lessons needed if we're to rebuild support and stop Nigel Farage.' A source on the NEC dismissed concerns that no MP would achieve the threshold of 80 nominations, potentially leaving the role vacant. The vacancy has opened following Ms Rayner's resignation for breaching the ministerial code with her tax affairs. Sir Keir has completed a dramatic government reshuffle distributing Ms Rayner's Cabinet duties. David Lammy has become deputy PM, while Steve Reed is now in charge of the Ministry for Housing. However, the premier still faces the Labour conference being dominated by manoeuvring for the separately-elected deputy leadership role. Yesterday Foreign Affairs Committee chairwoman Dame Emily Thornberry became the first high-profile figure to announce she was thinking about a bid, swiping that Sir Keir need to stop making 'mistakes'. Former Commons Leader Lucy Powell and ex-Transport Secretary Louise Haigh are also believed to be considering their options. New Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who has been tasked with tightening the Government's grip on immigration, this morning ruled herself out of the running. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is also understood to have rejected the idea. Dame Emily's prospects took a knock with a series of Labour figures insisting London is already over-represented at the top of the party. Labour peer Baroness Harman said the new deputy leader 'definitely needs to be a woman' and from outside the capital. The former minister told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I think that, in terms of extending the breadth of the leadership, it probably needs to be somebody from outside London and it definitely needs to be a woman. 'I don't think we can have a male Prime Minister, a man as deputy prime minister and a male deputy leader of the party. 'We need somebody who is not a counterpoint to the leader, but is complementary to the leader, will broaden the reach of the leader and galvanise the party.' Sunderland MP Lewis Atkinson said: 'Given the geographical distribution of other leading members of the party & Government, it would not be acceptable to have a London Deputy leader. 'We need to represent and win across the whole of the UK. I'll be looking to support a non-London woman.' Sir Keir is struggling to contain mounting concern about Labour's performance in power. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham - often tipped as a future leader - has expressed concern about the 'balance of people' left within Cabinet. He said another voice from the north of England as deputy, such as former transport secretary Louise Haigh or ex-Commons leader Lucy Powell would help to counter what he called the 'London-centricity' under Sir Keir's leadership. Mr Burnham said the contest should be used as a discussion on the future of the party, telling the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: 'I would like to see our MPs respected more. The vacancy has opened following Ms Rayner's resignation for breaching the ministerial code with her tax affairs 'That is the debate we should be having during the deputy leadership contest.' Defence Secretary John Healey rejected the suggestion the leadership should change its treatment of backbenchers, some of whom lost the whip earlier this year following a rebellion on the Government's welfare bill. 'I dispute that. Our focus has been on the public that elected us, the delivery that we're charged to change their lives. It's a big part of the job we all do,' he said. 'Our Government will miss Angela Rayner. She's not been a victim. She's been under a lot of pressure and Andy Burnham's right about that. 'But she's been an inspiration to many, particularly working-class women.' Labour's union paymasters today warned Keir Starmer not to slow or water down a controversial new law handing new rights to workers and making it easier to strike. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham reiterated a threat to pull millions in funding for the party if it does not see through the The Employment Rights Bill despite the departure of Angela Rayner. The former deputy prime minister and housing secretary was spearheading the passage of the law, which hands new rights to workers in their first day in a new job, before being forced to resign over her personal tax affairs. Ministers have pledged to continue pushing it through Parliament, despite the vocal opposition of business leaders who say it will make it harder to get rid of underperforming staff and impact growth. But speaking to the Mirror, Ms Graham said: 'There is a feeling by me, by my members, by workers across the board, that Labour is moving so far away from Project Labour that it's hard to justify being affiliated to them. 'They may not think that's a problem but it will be a problem.' Her less than subtle threat came as London Underground workers began a five-day walk-out, brining the transportation system grinding to a halt in a dispute over pay. At the same time the Labour centre left has launched a new grouping within Labour for 'radical realists', which is being backed by influential Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham reiterated a threat to pull millions in funding for the party if it does not see through the The Employment Rights Bill despite the departure of Angela Rayner. The former deputy prime minister and housing secretary was spearheading the passage of the law, which hands new rights to workers in their first day in a new job, before being forced to resign over her personal tax affairs. The former minister, who is frequently linked with a run to lead the party, has backed Mainstream, which wants the two-child benefit cap scrapped and a new wealth tax. Among its other supporters is Rachael Maskell, the former Labour MP who lost the whip for leading a welfare reform rebellion earlier this year. Mr Burnham told the Guardian: 'Labour's always been factional but it's become more so in recent times than I can remember in almost 40 years in the party. You don't win through a factional approach. You win through a broader approach.' As well as the departure of Ms Rayner, two other ministers heavily involved in the Employment Rights Bill lost their jobs last week. Employment rights minister Justin Madders returned to the backbenches, while business secretary Jonathan Reynolds became Labour chief whip. Ms Graham Told BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning: 'Prior to this reshuffle we were already seeing fire and rehire watered down, zero-hours contract ban watered down, councils being allowed to fire and rehire added. The mood music wasn't looking too good and what I do hope is that they do not intend on slowing it down or, indeed, scrapping parts of it altogether.' TUC general secretary Paul Nowak will tell a conference today that too many people do not feel that change is a 'lived reality'. Keir Starmer, pictured with his wife Victoria yesterday, carried out a major reshuffle last week after the resignation of Angela Rayner. At the same time the Labour centre left has launched a new grouping within Labour, which is being backed by influential Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: 'Angela Rayner's job-destroying Bill is hated by every credible business figure in the country and will cost firms over 5 billion according to the government's own analysis. Mr Nowak will repeat his call for the Employment Rights Bill to be delivered in full and call for a windfall tax on bank profits and gambling companies as well as new taxes on wealth. But Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: 'Angela Rayner's job-destroying Bill is hated by every credible business figure in the country and will cost firms over 5 billion according to the government's own analysis. 'With his deputy gone, Starmer must now focus on the dire economic situation. 'If hes serious about delivering economic growth, his latest reset must start with the end of this disastrous Bill. 'Its the one request from every business Ive spoken to, especially small business owners.' London-born Carlo Acutis was yesterday declared Britain's first millennial saint by Pope Leo XIV in a solemn ceremony in St Peter's Basilica. The 15-year-old, who died of leukaemia in 2006, was raised to sainthood in the Pope's first-ever canonisation service after the Vatican recognised Acutis as performing two miracles himself since his death. Now, pilgrims and worshippers from across the globe are flocking to Assisi to visit his tomb and are swarming to get their hands on relics from the young Saint. Acutis was initially buried in the Ternengo town cemetery in the Italian region of Piedmont after his death on October 10, 2006, before being transferred to the cemetery in Assisi, in January 2007. Twelve years later, his body was exhumed and his remains were transferred to the Sanctuary of the Spoliation in Assisi, where he is displayed in a glass-panelled tomb today. But if Acutis looks perfectly preserved, that's because a silicon mask of his face was constructed to conceal signs of decay. His hands, which are also on display, are covered in a film of wax to keep them preserved. The remains of saints in Europe, especially in Italy, are often encased in a wax layer, so that they can be presented in a glass reliquary and pilgrims can see the saint as they were when they died. His heart, however, was cut out and preserved in a golden reliquary and transferred to the nearby Cathedral of San Rufino, while cuttings of his hair and parts of his organs were saved as relics for veneration. Saint Carlo Acutis is displayed at the Sanctuary of the Spoliation in Assisi, Italy, 07 September 2025, where worshippers can visit his body The heart relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis is displayed in the cathedral of San Ruffino on March 18, 2025 in Assisi, Italy A nun prays at the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis on April 3, 2025 A lock of hair relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis at the Parish of St Carlo Acutis, in March, 2021 Carlo Acutis, who died of leukaemia in 2006 aged 15, was raised to sainthood by Pope Leo XIV in a solemn ceremony in St Peter's Square at the Vatican on Sunday As per Catholic tradition, first-class relics - such as pieces of the Saint's hair, bone, or blood - are distributed to churches and shrines. Prior to Acutis' canonisation, Chaplain Friar Johnpaul Cafiero, from Padua Franciscan High School, Ohio, was presented with a first-class relic of the new saint. He had been selected through an application process submitted a year ago, and travelled this week to Assisi to collect the five strands of Acutis' hair by hand. It is thought that more relics may be created following the canonisation, and that various churches, schools, and other Catholic institutions will receive them for veneration, often for a temporary period. His physical remains are housed in the Sanctuary of the Spoliation, but parts of his pericardium, hair, clothing, and hospital sheet have been sent to other places, such as the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust in the UK, the Columbia Newman Center in the US, and parishes in Brazil and elsewhere. But following the teenager's long-awaited canonisation, worshippers are scouring the internet in a bid to get their hands on a first, second, or third class relic of Acutis - a 'first class' relic is a part of the saint's body; a 'second class' one is something he owned; a 'third class' one is something that he touched. Online stores selling these relics and other religious items, such as Etsy, have displayed pieces with price tags ranging from 90 to almost 2,000. A photo display with 'actual adhered relics - hair strands, worn piece of cloth, and hand written piece from Saint Carlo Acutis', is selling for 464, with another 'Carlo Acutis hair strand lock relic piece photo display' selling for 110. A silicon mask of the teenager's face was constructed to conceal signs of decay A photo display being sold on Etsy claims to come with 'actual adhered relics - hair strands, worn piece of cloth, and hand written piece from Saint Carlo Acutis' Another 'Carlo Acutis hair strand lock relic piece photo display' is selling on the online store for 110 A statue of the young saint can be seen on Holyart.com selling for almost 4,000 Another statue on Etsy depicting Acutis is selling for over 1,760 following his canonisation Meanwhile, prices of wooden statues of the saint on Etsy and HolyArt.com have sky-rocketed to an eye-watering 1,700 to 3,800, from 15 to 170. Worshippers have also been seen on social media attempting to find those in possession of a first-class relic, which can be touched to a second or third-class relic to bless it. Many believers say the selling or buying of a relic, however, is a sin. Earlier this year, Italian prosecutors began investigating a purported illegal marketplace for relics of Acutis, after the alleged sale of his hair bought online by an anonymous user for as much as 2,000 euros (1,675). 'We do not know whether the relics are real or fake,' said Bishop Domenico Sorrentino, who filed a formal complaint with the authorities. 'But if it were also all invented, if there was deception, we would be not only in the midst of a fraud but also of an insult to religious belief.' Acutis earned the nickname 'Gods Influencer' because he used technology to spread the faith. His most well-known tech legacy is the website he created about so-called Eucharistic miracles, available in nearly 20 different languages. The site compiles information about the 196 seemingly inexplicable events over the history of the church related to the Eucharist, which the faithful believe is the body of Christ. Acutis, who died aged 15 from leukaemia in 2006, is to become the Catholic Church's first millennial saint after being credited with miracles since his death Pope Leo XIV celebrates the canonisation Mass of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 Pope Leo XIV greets the crowd of many young people in St. Peter's Square during his tour in the Popemobile after the Canonisation Ceremony of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati by Pope Leo XIV at The Vatican on September 7, 2025 in Vatican City People gather on the day Pope Leo XIV leads a Holy Mass for the canonisation of Carlo Acutis, a British-born Italian boy who will become the first millennial to be made a Catholic saint, and Pier Giorgio Frassati, in Rome, Italy, September 7, 2025 Pilgrims queue to enter the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore church and to pay their respects at the tomb of the Blessed Carlo Acutis on March 18, 2025 Acutis was known to spend hours in prayer before the Eucharist each day, a practice known as Eucharistic adoration. 'This was the fixed appointment of his day,' his mother, Antonia Salzano, said in a documentary that was airing Friday night at the US seminary in Rome. 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,' she said. '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. Police are investigating the death of a British pensioner who plunged from a balcony in Thailand. Cops were called to the D-Beach Hotel in the Thai 'Sin City' Pattaya after the 74-year-old man allegedly fell from the 10th floor on the evening of September 6. The holidaymaker, from Wales, was found lying face-down in a pool of blood, next to a busy road. Police blocked the scene with white cloth as they collected evidence from the area. Phanuthat Thanakasemphakin, a Pattaya Special Affairs officer, said he was working around 20ft away when he heard a loud bang 'like a transformer explosion'. Police Lieutenant Manasak Ponyiam of the Pattaya City Police Station said: 'We have inspected the scene and collected evidence. 'The deceased had been staying on the tenth floor of this hotel. We checked his room and found no trace of assault or ransacking. Cops were called to the D-Beach Hotel in the Thai 'Sin City' Pattaya after the 74-year-old man allegedly fell from the 10th floor on the evening of September 6 Police blocked the scene with white cloth as they collected evidence from the area We also checked the security camera for the entire previous day, which showed no one entering or leaving the room except for the victim until his death. We still do not know if it was an accident or suicide. The body was sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for a post-mortem exam. We will question hotel employees to determine the cause of death.' The Daily Mail has contacted the UK's Foreign Office for comment. The man's death is among the latest in a string of fatalities involving falls from hotels in Thailand this year. On July 19, an allegedly drunk Russian tourist fell to his death from the roof of a pool villa on holiday island Phuket. Just a day earlier on July 18, an American tourist died in a drunken fall from the 10th floor balcony of a hotel in Chiang Mai. On July 2, Austrian guest Mario Frey, 45, died in a drunken fall from the steps of his resort hotel in Surat Thani. A British couple have told of their anguish after three kittens they rescued from Crete were allegedly lost in transit when they decided to fly them to the UK for a new life. Bethany Mulcahy-Stephenson, a vet, told the Guardian that she and her husband, Adam, 39, found the mother cat requiring surgery during a September 2023 trip. They returned in May to find the cat - which they named Abba - had given birth to a litter of kittens, two of which had eye infections, and one was blind. When a local rescuer said they could only take the cats in temporarily, Bethany and Adam decided to rehome the ailing animals. 'It was a life or death decision,' Bethany told the newspaper. After treating the cats, the couple planned to fly them to Paris, driving down from their Barrowford, Lancashire home to pick them up in Calais. But as they reached the Eurotunnel, they were horrified to receive a text from their rescuer contact in Greece saying 'the airline has lost three of the kittens'. 'We didnt know what was going on. We didnt even know where they were, if they [had] left Greece, if they were in France or if they had been left on the tarmac.' The cats had arrived in France, but had not been unloaded. Bethany said they were 'somehow forgotten in the hold, or not seen', and remained on the flight as it turned around back to Thessaloniki in northern Greece. FILE PHOTO: A British couple were horrified to learn their rescue cats had been 'missed' and taken back to Greece, after they tried to fly them to Paris to be be rehomed Bethany feared the cats would be dead or never found again. It was another two days before they would learn of their fate, when the airline agreed to send the cats back via Athens in the cabin and with a handler. Bethany told the outlet she counted the cats 10 times when they finally did arrive, shaken from the experience. 'They were absolutely traumatised,' she said, adding that they had to be taken to an emergency vet. The couple say they still have not had a proper explanation or apology from Aegean Airlines. The company said that the cats were 'never lost at any time'. A statement read: 'Upon the arrival of the flight in Paris, they were not immediately disembarked due to operational reasons. 'As soon as this was identified, a coordinated response was promptly activated among all involved stations and our customer service department, in order to safeguard their care and security until their reunion with their guardians. 'The kittens continued their journey the same day under the direct care of the Aegean crew, which provided them with food and water during the flight, ensuring constant supervision. 'The same evening, they were safely reunited with their guardians in Paris.' Last year, a dog-sitter attracted the attention of James Middleton, the Princess of Wales' brother, after an airline could not locate a missing pet placed in the hold. Your browser does not support iframes. FILE PHOTO. Aegean Airlines said the cats were 'never lost at any time', but 'were not immediately disembarked due to operational reasons' Ramon Alberto Piriz was travelling from the UK to Argentina with his friend's dog, Sombra, on August 22. Ramon was told by AirFrance flight attendants that the dog was too heavy to travel in the cabin and needed to be moved into the cargo. When he arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris for their stopover, Ramon was told that Sombra was missing. A change.org petition read: 'Tragically, upon arrival in Paris, Ramon Alberto Piriz (owner's friend) was informed that Sombra was missing.' Sharing the petition on his Instagram Stories, James - who has six dogs and runs pet food company James & Ella - wrote: 'This is so sad. 'As someone who travels regularly, this is my worst nightmare.' A new artwork by Banksy that shows a judge hitting a protester with his gavel has appeared on the front of the Royal Courts of Justice in London - only to be swiftly covered up by officials. Security guards were seen patrolling in front of a screen concealing the mural now confirmed as being by the guerilla graffiti artist as his latest creation. He shared an image of it on his Instagram page, after it was stencilled on an external wall of the Queen's Building but swiftly hidden by large sheets of black plastic and two metal barriers. The artwork follows almost 900 people being arrested in central London at Saturday's demonstration supporting banned group Palestine Action, in what is thought to be Britain's biggest ever mass arrest. Scotland Yard condemned what police called the 'intolerable' abuse of its officers suffered during the rally in Parliament Square, in Westminster, attended by an estimated 1,500 people. A total of 890 people were detained, with 857 people held made for showing support for the organisation earlier this year proscribed by the Government and then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper as a terror group. Now Banksy has offered his response to the ongoing protests which have been held in London and across the country in recent months. His Instagram post gave a clear view of the whole image, showing the demonstrator on the ground being hit is carrying a blood-spattered placard - while the judge is wearing a wig and gown. Banksy has shared on Instagram this picture of his new mural which was quickly covered with a screen and guarded by officials at the Royal Courts of Justice in central London The latest Banksy mural at London's High Court was quickly covered by a screen Other Banksy murals which have recently appeared include one which internet sleuths pinpointed in May this year as being in the French city of Marseille. The artwork included the words 'I want you to be what you saw in me' and in a second photo two people could be seen walking with their dogs past it. A false shadow was also drawn on the pavement from a nearby bollard to give the illusion the lighthouse is a silhouette of it. His other murals in London have included nine animal-themed pictures that appeared in nine different locations across the capital in August last year. His final piece depicted a gorilla lifting the shutters of London Zoo to release a sea lion and birds, while other wildlife appear to look out from the inside. It came after stencils of a goat, elephants, monkeys, a wolf, pelicans, a cat, piranhas and a rhinoceros were drawn across the city. One of Banksy's most striking moments was in 2003 when he disguised himself as a pensioner and installed a piece in a vacant spot in the Tate Britain in London. His artwork Girl With Balloon self-destructed in a Sotheby's London saleroom when descending into a shredder in 2018. The 'guerilla graffiti' artist Banksy captioned his post simply 'Royal Courts of Justice London' Passers-by along the Strand in central London seemed to be curious about the new addition That piece was then renamed Love Is In The Bin, which in 2021 sold for 18.6million - an all-time high for a Banksy artwork. One of Banksy's earliest works is the The Mild Mild West, painted in 1999 in Bristol's Stokes Croft and shows a teddy bear throwing a Molotov cocktail at three riot police. Banksy, who began his iconic street art more than 25 years ago, has sold his works for hundreds of thousands of pounds. His identity has been shrouded in secrecy until The Mail on Sunday launched an investigation in 2008, naming Robin Gunningham as the Bristol artist. His identity nevertheless remains unconfirmed. A New Zealand father who disappeared with his three children into the wilderness has been killed in a shootout with cops. Tom Phillips, who had been on the run with his kids, Ember, nine, Maverick, ten, and Jayda, 12, for almost four years, was killed in western Waitako on Monday. Phillips was shot dead after police confronted him following calls to emergency services regarding an armed robbery at a farm supply shop in the rural town of Piopio, in New Zealand's Waikato region. A witness called police at about 2.30am on Monday after spotting Phillips and Jayda, dressed in 'farm clothing' and wearing headlamps, stealing from the PGG Wrightson store in Piopio. Following the early morning robbery, Phillips and Jayda took off on their quad bike and were stopped by police road spikes about 33km away on Te Anga Road at 3.30am. Acting deputy commissioner Jill Rogers said 'officer intuition' had led cops to lay road spikes down a long rural road. Phillips was then confronted by a lone police officer. He shot the officer in the head with a high-powered rifle. When a second police car turned up, Phillips was shot dead, and Jayda was taken into custody. The injured male constable was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition, where he has undergone 'the first of many surgeries after being shot multiple times'. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Fugitive father Tom Phillips (pictured) has been shot dead by police after almost four years on the run with his three children Police released CCTV of Phillips and one of his children stealing items from a general store in Piopio last month Police found a haul of stolen items including clothes and footwear on the quad bike, along with multiple firearms. The children are all in police custody now. The authorities have said the children were found alone and have been 'cooperative' since being found. It remains unknown whether they have been informed of their father's death. Police also did not indicate if their mother would be involved in their care. The authorities also said they had told Philips' parents that their grandchildren were safe. Phillips' case gripped New Zealand after he and his kids disappeared from their family home in December 2021. Their mother, who launched an appeal for their return, has said she is 'saddened' by the turn of events but also 'deeply relieved' that her children's ordeal is over. Acting deputy commissioner Jill Rogers: 'I can confirm that the children are well and uninjured, and they will be taken to a location this evening for medical checks.' 'They will have medical examinations today and we will work very closely with our partners at Oranga Tamariki (the ministry for children) to ensure that they receive all of the support that they require at this very difficult time.' The children Ember, Maverick and Jayda (pictured) Jayda Phillips was located at the scene of the shootout Phillips's father, Neville, and brother, Ben, lashed out when approached by Stuff while working on the family farm at Marokopa. 'You don't know what it's like to be shafted by the cops several times,' the father told the publication. 'Just put yourself in our shoes.' Phillips's body remained at the scene of the shootout for some time. 'This is devastating news for Tom Phillips' family, and is the outcome that nobody wanted,' Deputy Commissioner Rogers said. 'This has been a deeply traumatic incident this morning for those involved.' The children's mother, Cat, earlier broke her silence in a statement. 'We are deeply relieved that for our tamariki (the Maori word for children) this ordeal has come to an end,' she said. Police remain at the scene of the shootout, near the town of Piopio, which claimed the life of fugitive Tom Phillips Police were responding to an armed robbery before Phillips was killed 'They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care. 'At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved.' Cat also expressed her love to the police officer injured in the incident. 'We also extend our aroha (love) to those in the community who have been affected, and our heartfelt gratitude to the many people who have supported us over these past four years. Your compassion has sustained us,' Cat continued. 'As a whanau (family), we are now attempting to work in cooperation with the relevant government agencies to support the safe return and reconnection of our tamariki. 'They have endured a long and difficult journey, and we ask for privacy as we help them adjust and reintegrate into a stable and loving environment.' Earlier, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has advised the force that the shot officer 'is conscious and talking to his fellow officers'. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told media that he had been briefed by police but wouldn't be commenting. Acting deputy police commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed that Jayda is cooperating with police Police remain at the scene of the robbery in Piopio on Monday A road block is currently in place on a section of Te Anga Road, past the Waitomo Caves between Hauturu and Waipuna Roads. Hauturu and Waipuna Roads are also closed. Phillips vanished from the rural town of Marokopa on New Zealand's North Island in December 2021 with his three children following a custody dispute with their mother. They are believed to have lived in the wilderness ever since, despite numerous police search operations and a NZ$80,000 reward. There have been several possible sightings in the last year. It came days after Phillips' family broke their silence for the first time in almost four years. His mother Julia penned an emotional open letter to her missing son and grandchildren, which was read out by her daughter Rozzi in an interview with Stuff journalist Paddy Gower on his weekly current affairs program. 'Tom - I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this,' the letter began. 'Not considering how much we love you and can support you. 'It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you and see some of your stuff that is still here. Thinking what could have been if you had not gone away. The latest development came almost a year after a 'credible' sighting of Phillips and his children in bushland west of Marokopa last October The children's mother Cat had not seen Jayda, Maverick or Ember since December 2021 'Jayda, Maverick, Ember - I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives. 'Every day I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you will come home.' His sister Rozzi also publicly pleaded for her brother to come out of hiding and assured him that the family will be there for him. A 36-year-old man has died after his plane crashed while flying over farmland at South Australia's Lower Eyre Peninsula. Emergency services were called to fields at Yeelanna, north of Cummins, about 1.30pm on Monday after reports of a light plane crash. The pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft, who was from Port Lincoln, sadly died at the scene. SA Police said major crash investigators would attend the scene on Monday evening to examine the circumstances surrounding the aircraft crash. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said in a statement that the aircraft 'collided with terrain during agricultural spraying operations'. 'The ATSB will deploy a team of transport safety investigators from its Canberra and Melbourne offices, specialising in aircraft operations and engineering, to the accident site,' it said. Investigators will gather evidence to analyse at the bureau's technical facilities in Canberra. A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Police will also prepare a report for the coroner. Emergency services were called to fields at Yeelanna, north of Cummins, about 1.30pm on Monday after reports of a light plane crash Two car wash bosses were caught smuggling hundreds illegal immigrants into Britain after investigators found videos and selfies from asylum seekers on their phones. Dilshad Shamo, 41, and Ali Khdir, 42, both had a secret 'double life' by operating the 'TripAdvisor for migrants' while appearing to run an innocent small business cleaning the cars of passing drivers. The National Crime Agency has revealed the Fast Track car wash was a cover for their people-smuggling racket for cash. One of the pictures appeared to show some of the illegal migrants beaming as they made their way to Britain on a boat, while another showed an asylum seeker hiding in the back of a lorry. After their conviction, NCA branch commander Derek Evans said: 'Ali Khdir and Dilshad Shamo were leading a double life while on the surface they seemed to be operating a successful car wash, they were actually part of a prolific people smuggling group moving migrants across Europe and taking thousands in payment.' A court heard their worldwide travel service was managed from their roadside car wash in an ordinary Welsh town where customers would get their motors cleaned They offered immigrants three levels of service depending on how much money they had - from hiding in the back of lorries or cars - to issuing fake passports to fly across borders. One video found by cops was from a man filming himself in the back of a lorry with several blankets on pallets saying: 'Today is December 17, 2022. With the help of Good and Kak Choman we made a deal by lorry route. Two car wash bosses were caught smuggling hundreds illegal immigrants into Britain after investigators found videos and selfies from asylum seekers on their phones One of the incriminating pieces of evidence uncovered by investigators included a video of a migrant hiding on the back of a lorry (pictured) Dilshad Shamo (left), 41, and Ali Khdir (right), 42, both had a secret 'double life' by operating the ' TripAdvisor for migrants' while appearing to run an innocent small business cleaning the cars of passing drivers 'I'm inside the lorry that is his job. We made a deal and we are on the move.' Another video showed boats passing with a man saying: 'Ships! Boss! We only travel by ships to Italy.' A court heard the pair's hand car wash was a 'cover' for their secret smuggling business which moved people from Iraq, Iran and Syria through the EU to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, Germany and France. Investigators believe 'many' of the 500 or more migrants that were smuggled ended up in the UK. National Crime Agency officers swooped on the Fast Track Hand Car Wash in Caerphilly and allegedly seized hidden iPhones filled with trafficking messages. Prosecutor Sarah Gaunt said the pair's main business was 'trafficking of people' or 'people smuggling, predominantly of migrants from Iran, Iraq and Syria.' She added: 'Migrants often paid several thousand pounds to be traffic across Europe by various organised routes. 'These defendants were conducting the people smuggling operation from Caerphilly and primarily from the Fast Track Hand Car Wash, situated in Pontygwindy Road, Caerphilly. A court heard the pair's hand car wash was a 'cover' for their secret smuggling business which moved people from Iraq, Iran and Syria through the EU to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, Germany and France. Investigators believe 'many' of the 500 or more migrants that were smuggled ended up in the UK Khdir (left) and Shamo (right) are both seen appearing outside Cardiff Crown Court Pictured is the Fast Track hand car wash that was used as a front for the smuggling racket Pictured are Shamo (left) and Khdir (right) in surveillance photos by released by the NCA 'Although it did function as a car wash, this company may have also operated at least in part to provide a cover for the defendants' other activities. Shamo and Khdir, of Caerphilly, South Wales, admitted five counts of conspiring to breach migration laws in Italy, Romania, Croatia and Germany. Cardiff Crown Court heard the offences - under the 1971 Immigration Act - are alleged to have been carried out between October 2022 and April 2023. The pair were remanded in custody and will be sentenced in April next year. After their conviction, NCA Branch Commander Derek Evans said: 'Ali Khdir and Dilshad Shamo were leading a double life while on the surface they seemed to be operating a successful car wash, they were actually part of a prolific people smuggling group moving migrants across Europe and taking thousands in payment. 'Our evidence showed migrants moving under Khdir and Shamo made it to EU countries and we assess their journeys have and would have continued into the UK. 'We worked painstakingly to piece together their movements to prove their important roles in a group, from advertising their services through videos to boasting of successful trips on messaging groups. 'Tackling organised immigration crime is a top priority for the NCA and we will continue to do all we can to bring those involved in people smuggling networks to justice.' Angela Rayner's dramatic resignation as Labour's deputy leader has sparked a contest to replace her as Sir Keir Starmer's number two in the party. Potential candidates have begun to jostle for position in what might become a divisive battle to succeed Ms Rayner. There is pressure on the party to appoint a woman - and someone from outside London - as Labour's new deputy leader. But who might win the contest? David Lammy His appointment as Deputy Prime Minister was perhaps a signal that Downing Street also wants him to take on Ms Rayner's other old job as deputy leader. The Deputy PM title was seen as a consolation prize for Mr Lammy after he was demoted from Foriegn Secretary to Justice Secretary in last month's reshuffle. But he has previously not fared well in internal Labour elections. He finished fourth in the election to become Labour's mayoral candidate in London in 2015, behind Sadiq Khan, Tessa Jowell and Diane Abbott. The 53-year-old has been MP for Tottenham since 2000 and previously worked as a barrister. Dame Emily Thornberry She revealed at the weekend that she is 'considering' a run for Labour's deputy leadership. Dame Emily also delivered a withering assessment of Sir Keir's performance as PM so far. 'Domestically things just don't seem to be working,' she told the BBC. She warned Labour 'can't afford' to keep making mistakes due to the threat of Nigel Farage's Reform UK. And she also accused the Government of 'not listening'. Dame Emily was looked over for a Cabinet job when Labour won last year's general election. This was despite her being the party's shadow attorney general up until polling day. The 65-year-old has been MP for Islington South and Finsbury since 2005 and previously served as a shadow minister under Ed Miliband and Jeremy Corbyn. Richard Burgon Friends of the Left-wing MP have let it be known he's getting 'a lot of calls' from members and trade unionists urging him to stand. He has been a fierce critic of the Government over welfare cuts and Gaza. Mr Burgon served as Labour's shadow justice secretary during Mr Corbyn's leadership and is a member of the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs. But with Labour's Left having been sidelined under Sir Keir's leadership, he might struggle to get the nominations of 80 MPs for a shot at the deputy role. The 44-year-old has been MP for Leeds East since 2015 and is a former solicitor. Louise Haigh She was Sir Keir's first Cabinet casualty in November last year when she was forced to resign as transport secretary. Her departure came after it emerged she had previously pleaded guilty to a fraud offence before becoming an MP. Ms Haigh has strong links to the trade unions, which could boost her chances in a deputy leadership contest. She has been tipped for the job by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. In an article for the New Statesman, Ms Haigh has demanded an 'economic reset' and a 'decisive break with the fiscal rules' in a damning assessment of Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The 38-year-old has been MP for Sheffield Heeley since 2015 and was previously a trade unionist and a special constable. Lucy Powell She is another being tipped for the deputy leadership by Mr Burnham, who wants a northern voice in the role. Ms Powell was sacked from Government last week by Sir Keir when she lost her job as Leader of the House of Commons in the PM's reshuffle. She was a shadow minister under Mr Corbyn and Sir Keir while, prior to that, she was Ed Miliband's deputy chief of staff when he was Labour leader. The 50-year-old has been MP for Manchester Central since 2012 and has spent her entire career working in and around politics. Rosena Allin-Khan She might fancy another tilt at the deputy leadership after finishing second to Ms Rayner in 2020. Ms Allin-Khan was a shadow minister under Sir Keir when Labour were in opposition but left that role almost a year before the general election. She has become a frequent critic of Sir Keir's leadership, especially over Gaza. The 47-year-old has been MP for Tooting since 2016 and is an NHS doctor. She continues to work occasional shifts at a hospital in her constituency. Dawn Butler She has hinted at a deputy leadership bid by demanding a 'fair process' for choosing Ms Rayner's successor. 'We are a member-led organisation and members must and should have a meaningful say,' she posted on social media this weekend. Ms Butler is another member of the Socialist Campaign Group on Labour's Left and was a shadow minister during Mr Corbyn's leadership. Prior to that, she was a junior minister in Gordon Brown's government. Her previous bid for Labour's deputy leadership was short-lived as she was the first candidate to be eliminated in the 2020 contest. The 55-year-old has been an MP in Brent, north London, since 2005. She is a former trade unionist and was an adviser to Ken Livingstone when he was London mayor. Shabana Mahmood Her appointment as Home Secretary last week shows she is highly-favoured in Downing Street. She also has strong links to Morgan McSweeney, who is Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff, from her time as Labour's national campaign coordinator. But, with the Government's focus on ending the small boats crisis and closing asylum hotels, Ms Mahmood today ruled out joining the contest. She said: 'I'm the Home Secretary, so that is my job, and my top priority is securing our borders. I will not be running for deputy leader of the Labour Party.' The 44-year-old has been MP for Birmingham Ladywood since 2010 and previously worked as a barrister. Three people killed in a helicopter fireball crash into an Isle of Wight field during a flying lesson died of multiple injuries, a coroner's court heard today. Captain Simon Hewitt, 54, died alongside horseriding instructor Justyna Czoska, 52, and lorry driver Wojciech Kowalkowski, 49, from Bloxham, Oxfordshire, when the helicopter came down on the August Bank Holiday Monday. The trio had been taking part in a session aboard the Robinson R44 II helicopter, while a fourth person - a man in his 30s - was airlifted to hospital from the field near the A3020 Shanklin Road on August 25. Isle of Wight Coroner's court was this afternoon told all three victims were pronounced dead at the scene and post-mortem examinations have revealed they died as a result of their injuries. The brief inquest opening, held in Newport, was told that emergency services were called to a field near Ventnor on the morning of August 25, following multiple 999 calls reporting that a helicopter had crashed. Providing details of Mr Hewitt's death, a coroner's officer told the court: 'On the morning of the 25th of August 2025, emergency services received multiple calls stating that a helicopter had crashed on Shanklin Road, the Isle of Wight. 'Four people were removed from the helicopter, one of whom was Mr Hewitt. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 'Dr Megan Jenkins, a Home Office registered pathologist, she carried out the post mortem examination at St Mary's Hospital mortuary on the 27th of August 2025 and gave the provisional cause of death as multiple injuries.' Horse riding instructor Justyna Czoska, 52, and lorry driver Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49, died when the helicopter they were in came down in a field near Ventnor, Isle of Wight, on August 25 Captain Simon Hewitt, 54, from Barton-upon-Humber, Linconshire also lost his life in the helicopter crash now being probed - and with an inquest due to open on September 8 The coroner's officer repeated the same details for both Ms Czoska and Mr Kowalkowski, who were both from the village of Bloxham, Oxfordshire. Mr Hewitt was from Barton-upon-Humber, North Lincolnshire. Caroline Sumeray, senior coroner for the Isle of Wight, adjourned the inquests for all three victims to March 5 next year. The helicopter had taken off from Sandown Airport at about 9am on August 25 before crashing around 20 minutes later. Flight data has suggested it climbed to an altitude of about 800ft before an issue occurred - 27 seconds before it hit the ground. The helicopter was removed from the field the following day, with images showing a JCB telehandler lifting the aircraft up and onto a lorry. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch said their probe into the crash was likely to take 12 months, with the helicopter's remains taken to the AAIB's headquarters in Farnborough, Hampshire. Video footage was later released showing the helicopter involved in the collision taking off from Sandown Airport on Sunday evening, the night before the crash. While widespread tributes have been paid to the victims, the manufacturers of the helicopter involved in the tragedy caused fury over their 'speculation' that 'pilot error' was to blame. Air Accident Investigation Branch officials are seen inspecting a helicopter that crashed on the Isle of Wight on August 25, killing three of the people aboard and injuring another David Smith, chief executive of the Robinson Helicopter Company, suggested '80 per cent' of similar crashes were caused by 'pilot error'. He said: 'We at Robinson are deeply saddened by the tragic helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight. 'Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the three individuals who lost their lives, and we are hopeful for a full recovery for the survivor. 'While we understand there are many questions about what caused this accident, we do not have enough information to speak with any certainty at this time. 'What is definitive is that in 80 plus per cent of situations, outcomes of these accidents are ruled as pilot error, rather than mechanical failure.' Operators Northumbria Helicopters, based at Newcastle International Airport, hit back at the comments - while also hailing Mr Hewitt as an 'immensely respected, exceptionally safety conscious and highly skilled flight instructor and commercial pilot' as they urged for 'restraint' from 'speculative statements'. The firm said: 'Further to the statistics quoted by Robinson Helicopters, pilot experience and qualifications should also be considered as this is the major factor in these circumstances. 'At this stage, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has only just commenced their investigation. Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49, and Justyna Czoska, 52, from Bloxham in Oxfordshire, had travelled to the island so he could have a flying lesson - something of which he had always dreamed Emergency services, including police, land ambulance, air ambulance, rushed to the scene on August 25 - the August Bank Holiday - as it was declared a major incident by police 'It is therefore both premature and inappropriate to speculate on the causes of this tragedy. 'Any suggestion of pilot error at this point is not supported by evidence and risks causing unnecessary distress to grieving families, friends, and colleagues. 'Simon Hewitt was an immensely respected, exceptionally safety conscious and highly skilled flight instructor and commercial pilot, admired both professionally and personally.' The partner and family of Mr Hewitt, a company director as well as trained helicopter pilot, paid tribute in a statement when he was confirmed as among the victims. They said: 'Simon was the most wonderful, intelligent, kind man and father. He bought so much joy and light into our lives. We are absolutely broken.' It was also revealed that Ms Czoska and Mr Kowalkowski, had travelled to the island so Mr Kowalkowski could have a flying lesson for his birthday - something of which he had always dreamed. Miss Czoska's daughter Julia Buzar, 22, spoke to her mother just moments before she boarded. A short time later, police knocked on the door of her mother's house where she was looking after her dog to tell her the helicopter had crashed. Emergency calls about the helicopter crash started coming in just after 9.20am on August 25 Miss Buzar said the helicopter ride had been a birthday present to her stepfather Mr Kowalkowski. She said he had always wanted to fly in a helicopter. She said: 'We are heartbroken. It's really hard as my mum was my only real family. It's a terrible time.' Writing online, Miss Buzar said: 'I have no words. The world took my mum too soon, she was the best mum you could ask for, loved by everyone. 'I never thought I would be writing something like this. Please if anyone can help bring them back to Poland so they can be with their families it would mean the world to me.' Miss Buzar's partner Jacob Butler, who has set up a GoFundMe page to pay for the couple's bodies to be taken back to their native Poland, said Ms Czoska was 'an amazing woman'. He added: 'She was such a great person with a big heart - an amazing, kind loving person.' More than 17,000 has so far been donated to the fundraising appeal. Ms Czoska had worked at Turpins Lodge Riding School in Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, since March 2024. Justyna Czoska, 52, and lorry driver Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49, right and far right, who were killed. Pictured, left, is Ms Czoska's daughter Julia who was not on board In a statement, the riding school said: 'Justyna was very well liked at Turpins Lodge by staff and by customers. Justyna was cheerful, reliable and conscientious. She will leave a huge hole to fill. 'Our thoughts go out to Justyna's daughters, family and friends. 'We will endeavour to carry on as normally as possible but there may have to be some changes to lessons while we adapt to this very sad situation.' Mr Kowalkowski's family described him as the 'father of two loving children' who would 'be deeply missed'. Justyna's daughter added: 'He always made me happy and always made my mum happy and always made what was a family. He helped and was a heart-filled person.' Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson previously described the crash as a 'tragedy'. And Shanklin Town Council praised the pilot for bringing down the helicopter in a field away from houses. Prince Harry today visited the late Queen Elizabeth II's grave moments after touching down in Britain for his four-day visit - as Prince William and Catherine attended an engagement just seven miles away. The Duke of Sussex arrived at Heathrow Airport this morning and was escorted straight to St George's Chapel, at Windsor Castle, where he lay a wreath and flowers to mark the anniversary of his late grandmother who died on September 8 2022. It meant he was just a 16-minute drive from Prince William, who is at an engagement for the late Queen in Sunningdale, Berkshire - as the estranged brothers were united in grief but still worlds apart. In an unexpected turn, the Prince of Wales was joined by his wife, Catherine, who made a last-minute decision to support him at a Women's Institute (WI) branch for the emotional third anniversary as she continues her return to royal duties. Harry's trip to the UK, which includes four days of engagements, will be his longest since he and Meghan visited in 2022 when Queen Elizabeth II died. He has made the transatlantic trip on his own while Meghan stays in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet. The duke was last in the UK in April when he lost his legal challenge over the level of security protection he receives from the Government while he is in Britain - after he and Meghan stepped down as working royals and moved to California in 2020. Harry was appealing a ruling dismissing his challenge to the level of police protection he receives in the UK - but Judge Sir Geoffrey Vos ruled the duke's 'sense of grievance' did not 'translate into a legal argument'. Prince Harry visited the late Queen Elizabeth II's grave moments after touching down as he returned to Britain for the first time in five months today. He is pictured arriving at Windsor Castle The Prince and Princess of Wales at the National Federation of Women's Institute (WI) in Sunningdale, Berkshire - just a 16-minute drive from Windsor Castle Queen Elizabeth II (L) and Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, leave St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on May 18 2019. Harry paid his respects to her today Buckingham Palace is remaining tight-lipped on whether the King, who is currently at his Scottish residence in Birkhall, will meet his estranged son for the first time in 19 months. The father and son are pictured at the Natural History Museum for the premiere of David Attenborough's 'Our Planet' in April 2019 Your browser does not support iframes. Buckingham Palace is remaining tight-lipped on whether the King, who is currently at his Scottish residence in Birkhall, will meet his estranged son for the first time in 19 months. But recently there has been signs that the fractured relationship is easing and that a reconciliation could be within reach. The father and son last met in February 2024, when Harry flew to the UK after it was announced that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer. Harry was earlier pictured arriving at Los Angeles International Airport in California wearing a casual black polo shirt and sunglasses. When he touched down in London, he was escorted out of Heathrow in a Range Rover. The duke was then whisked away to Windsor Castle, where he paid his private respects to Queen Elizabeth II at her final resting place at St George's Chapel. She was buried in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, a small annex off the main chapel, alongside her husband, her parents and her sister. Harry will later attend the WellChild Awards in London, a charity which supports youngsters affected by terminal and serious illness and their families. He has been its patron for 17 years even after stepping down as a working royal and will present an award. Prince William, who has taken a much firmer line on rekindling of relations with his brother, has official engagements elsewhere on every day of Harry's visit. The Prince of Wales is today attending a commemorative event for Queen Elizabeth II's death anniversary in Sunningdale He and the Princess of Wales attended the event which is just 7.4 miles from Windsor Castle - meaning William and Harry were just a 16 minute drive from one another today. The Duke of Sussex attends the annual WellChild Awards 2025 on Monday afternoon Prince Harry was suited and booted for the WellChild Awards 2025 on Monday The Duke of Sussex (seen at High Court in London in April) touched down at Heathrow Airport this morning, but Meghan has stayed in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet The Prince and Princess of Wales visit the National Federation of Women's Institute (WI) in Sunningdale today. They are just 7.4 miles from Windsor Castle, where Harry paid his respects to the late Queen The Prince and Princess of Wales are welcomed by members during a visit to the National Federation of Women's Institute William and Catherine laugh as they speak with members during their visit The Princess of Wales beams as she chats to members on the third anniversary of the Queen's death Prince William , who has taken a much firmer line on rekindling of relations with his brother, has official engagements elsewhere on every day of Harry's visit. The brothers are pictured walking beside each other after viewing floral tributes for the late Queen at Windsor Castle in September 2022 Prince Harry (in back of car) has returned to Britain for a solo visit with four days of engagements On Tuesday, Harry will visit the Community Recording Studio in Nottingham. His team says he will use the visit to announce a 'substantial donation' to charity Children in Need to support its work tackling violence impacting young people. Harry has engagements on Wednesday and Thursday with other charities he is involved in, including the Invictus Games and the Diana Award. Prince William and Catherine today visited a local WI branch in Sunningdale, to which the late Queen had a strong connection to. Queen Elizabeth, who died at Balmoral Castle on September 8 2022, was a member of the WI for 80 years, joining in 1943 and serving as President of the Sandringham branch from 2003 until her death. She often attended a meeting in early January while staying in Norfolk for Christmas. Originally only William had planned to attend the event to mark his 'Granny's' passing, but sources said Catherine was keen to join her husband to commemorate and celebrate the beloved monarch. The princess wore a black, grey and white tartan dress from Alessandra Rich - teamed with tonal heels - and warmly greeted members as her husband, dressed in a smart suit and tie, joked with the ladies about the amount of cake waiting for them. The couple also chatted with support staff and trustees from across the Berkshire Federation of Womens Institutes (BFWI) to hear about their work and the different opportunities its gives women. Some of the women they were introduced to had met or interacted with the late Queen herself. William was, it is understood, particularly keen to hear their stories and the impact she had on the WI. On Tuesday he will be in London visiting Spiral Skills, a youth organisation in Lambeth which has received funding from his Homewards campaign to tackle homelessness in six trial areas around the UK. On Wednesday, William will visit a mental health hub at Cardiff's Principality Stadium to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. Today was Catherine's third engagement in five days after she watched the Red Roses beat Australia 47-7 in their women's World Cup match in Brighton on Saturday. The Prince and Princess of Wales also visited the Natural History Museum in London on Thursday as they returned to duties after their summer break. Kate, who studied art history at university and has been patron of the attraction since 2013, was seen with her newly blonde locks on display after spending a summer in the sun. Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales are welcomed by member Catherine was beaming as she chatted to members and chose a slice of cake in Sunningdale The Princess of Wales was not expected to join but was keen to support her husband to mark the anniversary The Princess of Wales talks to members after making a surprise visit with Prince William The Prince and Princess of Wales choose a cake during their visit The Prince and Princess of Wales pose for a photo with two members of the WI The Princess of Wales also visited the Natural History Museum's newly transformed gardens in London on Thursday, where she showed off her new hair style The Prince of Wales also showed a hint of tan during their day out in the capital following their traditional break, which was this year said to include a trip on their superyacht to Kefalonia, sailing around the Greek islands. The King, meanwhile, has spent most of the summer at his Balmoral estate in Scotland, but is set to be in the capital mid-week for his cancer treatment. Currently, there is no specified window for a meeting with Charles. However, The Mail on Sunday reported that should an invitation to meet be extended, Harry would drop everything to attend. A source said: 'A meeting with Charles is not off the table but the only people who would know about it are Clive Alderton [the King's private secretary] and Charles and Harry. 'If anything is planned, then he is keeping this extremely close to his chest. It certainly is part of his intention to see his father. 'If it's on Wednesday, then he would make it work.' A Jewish association has criticised a man who rode a horse down Bondi Beach while waving a Palestinian flag just days after a protest turned into a brawl on the same site. Acai business owner Ehtesham Ahmad, 20, posts content to his more than 156,000 TikTok followers as he rides around Sydney on a horse. Rather than his typical visits to fast food chains or making playful attempts to 'park' his horse, he announced on Monday his plan to ride along Bondi Beach waving a Palestinian flag. 'Bondi time if you (are) near Bondi come bring your Palestinian flag,' he said. 'I've got a huge Palestinian flag, I'm going to get on the horse, we're going to go on the beach and wave the flag,' he said in a video. In footage captured by onlookers, as well as clips shared by Mr Ahmad, he can be seen riding up and down the beach, the flag waving behind him. NSW Police spoke to the rider before he was issued a move-on direction, which he complied with. But the Australian Jewish Association (AJA) has slammed the video: 'When is the government going to take action against the anti-Israel activists?' Ehtesham Ahmad rode a horse on Bondi Beach while waving a Palestinian flag on Monday Mr Ahmad had encouraged his followers on Instagram to join him for the stunt Police confirmed Mr Ahmad was issued with a move-on direction, which he complied with Police said officers were called to the beach about 6pm on Monday after reports a man was riding a horse 'in an unsafe manner near members of the public'. The force confirmed to the Daily Mail that there were no reports of injuries. Inquiries into the incident are ongoing. The Daily Mail has contacted Mr Ahmad, Waverley Council, and the NSW Government for comment. The stunt comes a day after pro-Palestine activists and counter demonstrators clashed during a paddle-out protest at Bondi Beach on Sunday. 'Surfers, Bondi residents and Palestine supporters' were invited to join the demonstration, which was organised by Jews Against the Occupation '48 Australia. A large group of counter-protesters formed on the steps leading down to the beach, with several waving Australian and Israeli flags. Tensions escalated, with several demonstrators clashing and police compelled to intervene, with one officer reportedly shouting 'stop'. One man was filmed telling the pro-Palestinian activists to 'go back to Lakemba', while another woman joined in. Pro-Palestine protesters organised a paddle-out demonstration at Bondi Beach on Sunday 'This is our land,' she shouted. 'We don't come to Lakemba, don't come to Bondi.' Another man was heard yelling: 'Deport the lot of them.' The AJA argued it was provocative to hold the demonstration at Bondi Beach, saying the area was known for its large Jewish population. 'Bondi is on edge, everyone is nervous,' the association's chief executive Robert Gregory said on Sunday. Waverley mayor Will Nemish also said no permission had been given for the demonstration. 'I think it's highly provocative. It's completely unnecessary, and particularly on Father's Day,' he said. 'I've raised this issue internally with council, with local members of Parliament, the police. 'I've also written to the Police Minister about this as well, asking the police to intervene and use their powers to do what they can in order to try to... stop the gathering from occurring.' Pro-Palestine activists and counter-demonstrators clashed, prompting police intervention But a spokeswoman for Jews Against the Occupation '48 Australia refuted the criticism. 'The response from the pro-Israel counter-protesters was confronting and absolutely terrifying,' she said. 'Bondi isn't owned by anyone in Australia. Our beaches are democratic, open, and belong to everybody.' On Monday, Premier Chris Minns addressed the incident, saying political violence is 'reprehensible'. 'There is no place for anybody assaulting another person because of their political views, and the police are going to confront it wherever and whenever they see it,' he said. 'And we've been very clear about laws and rules that are in place to keep the public safe.' President Donald Trump has issued an ominous warning about the murder of a Ukrainian woman who was brutally stabbed on a train in North Carolina. Daily Mail asked Trump about the stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, 23, after footage of her being butchered by Decarlos Brown, 35, in Charlotte emerged last week. Trump - who has sent troops into Democrat-run DC - called the killing 'horrible' and warned: 'I'll know all about it by tomorrow morning,' suggesting Charlotte could be the next city to receive federal troops. It comes after the president said he was prepared to expand his crime crackdown into Chicago and Baltimore. On Monday, Trump added: 'I give my love and hope to the family of the young woman who was stabbed in Charlotte by a madman a lunatic while she's just sitting there. 'There are evil people. We have to be able to handle that. If we don't handle that, we don't have a country.' Zarutska was attacked by Brown as she sat unsuspectingly in her seat on the train last month. Zarutska had recently moved to the US to escape the war in her home country. The crazed attacker can be seen lunging at Zarutska from behind, before the footage skips the graphic slaughter to show him walking through the train carriage carrying a knife dripping with blood as another passenger runs away. President Donald Trump said he will look into the 'horrible' killing of a Ukrainian woman by a career criminal as he spoke to the press Sunday at Joint Base Andrews t Iryna Zarutska, 23, was brutally stabbed on a North Carolina train months after she moved to the US to escape the war in her home country Horrific footage captured the moment the Ukrainian refugee was stabbed to death from behind as she sat on a train in North Carolina While the images have caused nationwide outrage, the story was initially mostly ignored by the national liberal media, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press and CNN. A Daily Mail review of police records found that he was charged with misusing 911 as recently as January, when he told cops he believed someone had given him a 'man-made' material that controlled his actions. He was released without bail and a trial pending when he allegedly stabbed Zarutska to death. Brown's lengthy arrest records go as back as 2007, when he was still a minor. However, the shocking story of the deadly attack was notably absent from US liberal media sites, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press and CNN. The Daily Mail contacted the outlets for clarification on the reasoning behind their editorial judgment. By Monday, most of the mentioned outlets had covered the story, following outrage over their prior exclusion. Suspect Decarlos Brown, 35, has spent most of his life in and out of prison. He served five years for a 2014 armed robbery and was released in September 2020 - when he quickly resumed a life of crime In February 2021, Brown was arrested for assaulting his sister in Charlotte and leaving her with minor injuries Democrat Mayor of Charlotte Vi Lyles suggested that some publishers chose not to share the footage 'out of respect for Iryna's family.' In her statement, she said: 'The video of the heartbreaking attack that took Iryna Zarutskas life is now public. 'I want to thank our media partners and community members who have chosen not to repost or share the footage out of respect for Irynas family. 'This was a senseless and tragic loss. My prayers remain with her loved ones as they continue to grieve through an unimaginable time. 'Like so many of you, Im heartbroken and Ive been thinking hard about what safety really looks like in our city. 'I remain committed to doing all we can to protect our residents and ensure Charlotte is a place where everyone feels safe.' But people on social media lambasted the liberal media for the lack of coverage, with many speculating that the outlets did not want to write about the killing for racial reasons. Elon Musk highlighted the lack of coverage by re-sharing one post counting how many articles each outlet had written about the stabbing, with the comment: 'Zero.' The sickening stabbing unfolded on August 22 soon after Iryna Zarutska, 23, boarded a South End light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina Zarutska's family called her death 'an irreparable loss' In the horrifying footage, the suspect police identified as Brown was seen watching Zarutska for some time after she sat in the seat in front of him, eventually taking out what appeared to be a blade from his pocket. He then stood up and loomed over the 23-year-old, swinging the knife at her as she sat with her phone. The knifeman was shown leaving a trail of blood throughout the train as other passengers appeared not to realize the killing that had taken place, before he casually changed his clothes. Brown was arrested soon after and charged with first-degree murder. His bond was subsequently denied by a judge and he remains in custody. Zaruska's heartbroken family said on a GoFundMe page that she had only arrived in the US in 2022 'seeking safety from the war' in her home country, and was 'hoping for a new beginning' before the slaying. A suspected killer is facing the death penalty after a retired Auburn University professor was stabbed to death in a park while walking her dog in broad daylight. Beloved veterinarian Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, 59, was found dead in a wooded area of Kiesel Park in Auburn, Alabama on Saturday afternoon. Schnuelle's injuries were consistent with an assault caused by a sharp object believed to likely have been a knife, Auburn police said in a statement obtained by Daily Mail. Her dog was unharmed. Harold Rashad Dabney III, 28, has been charged with two counts of capital murder in connection with Schnuelle's slaying. Warrants have not yet been released, but Dabney's charges likely include murder during a robbery and murder during a kidnapping, according to WRBL. Capital murder is defined as an intentional killing with 'aggravating factors' and is the most severe type of murder in Alabama. The crime is a Class A felony and can result in a sentence of death or life imprisonment without parole. Dabney was arrested Sunday morning and taken to Lee County Jail, where he is being held without bond. Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, 59, (pictured) was stabbed to death in a wooded area of 124acre Kiesel Park on Saturday morning while she was out walking her dog Schnuelle was killed in broad daylight near the 500 block of Chadwick Lane (pictured) Schnuelle drove to Kiesel Park on Saturday morning for a routine walk with her dog when she was attacked in a wooded area of 124acre public park. Police descended on the park just after 2pm after a 911 caller reported finding her body near the 500 block of Chadwick Lane. The coroner pronounced Schnuelle dead at the scene, with investigators alleging that her death was caused by an assault. Her body has been transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for a postmortem examination. Dabney was taken into custody Sunday morning in the 2300 block of Beehive Road by officers responding to reports of a suspicious person in the area. Preliminary reports suggest he stole the veterinarian's red Ford F-150 truck from the scene and later abandoned it near a pumpkin patch roughly five miles away. The truck was recovered after Dabney's arrest. Schnuelle's dog was also found safe and is in the care of her loved ones. Authorities have not said what led to the attack. It is also unclear if Dabney personally knew Schnuelle who is understood to have visited the park daily or if he targeted her at random. Harold Rashad Dabney III, (pictured) 28, has been charged with two counts of capital murder in connection to Schnuelle's slaying Schnuelle worked as a faculty member at Auburn University's Department of Clinical Sciences from 2003 until her retirement in 2021. The university released a statement Sunday morning confirming Schnuelle's death. 'Julie Gard Schnuelle, DVM, Ph. D., was a beloved member of the Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine and the Auburn Family,' a school spokesperson said in a statement to WTVM. Preliminary reports suggest Dabney stole the veterinarian's red Ford F-150 truck (pictured) from the scene and later abandoned it near a pumpkin patch roughly five miles away. The truck was recovered after Dabney's arrest 'Auburn sends our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Dr. Gard Schnuelle during this unimaginably difficult time.' The university noted the Auburn Police Department is 'leading the investigation' into Schnuelle's death and referred all questions to the force. The late veterinarian has been hailed for her 'welcoming' personality and dedication to her students. 'She was spunky and ready to make jokes. But if she saw something she didn't like, she would always stand up for you and for herself,'; her former student Dr. Ashley Rutter told AL.com. 'She'd be there to defend you and help you out.' Another former student told the news outlet Schnuelle was 'amazing' and a 'force' to be reckoned with, despite being relatively small in stature. 'She was only a little bit over 5-foot-2, not your typical large animal veterinarian,' Destinee Bearden Patterson said. 'She was a force in this world, such a bright, bright light, just an all-around wonderful human being that is going to be missed terribly.' Schnuelle is survived by her husband Archie and her children Schnuelle (pictured, left) worked as a faculty member at Auburn University's Department of Clinical Sciences from 2003 until her retirement in 2021 US Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, and his wife have offered their condolences to Schnuelle's loved ones US Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, and his wife also offered their condolences to Schnuelle's loved ones. 'Suzanne and I are devastated by the news of this tragic loss in our community,' he wrote on X. 'We are praying for the victim's family and loved ones and for justice to be served.' Schnuelle is survived by her husband Archie, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and her children. Gadsden State Police Department issued a statement Sunday saying: 'We are keeping Archie and his family in our prayers as they navigate this difficult time.' Union bosses heaped pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to turn left today as they demanded he bring in a wealth tax, boost benefit handouts and stay on track to increase workers' rights. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak urged the Government to show workers 'whose side you are on', as he addressed its annual congress in Brighton. Mr Nowak called for a windfall tax on bank profits and gambling companies as well as new taxes on wealth if Labour wants to see off the threat from Nigel Farage. At the same time he demanded the two-child benefit cap be lifted, and for the Employment Rights Bill - which critics say will make striking easier - not to be watered down further. Sir Keir used the shock resignation of Angela Rayner to carry out a massive revamp of the government to try to boost growth last week. He looks to be tacking to the centre right with his appointments amid the mounting threat from Reform UK. Insiders have signalled a push to reduce burdens on business, acknowledging that the Net Zero drive has been holding back activity. New Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden is also set to launch another bid to trim the spiralling benefits bill - after the last effort was humiliatingly killed off by Labour MPs. But Mr Nowak told delegates: 'My message to the Government is simply this deliver the manifesto on which you won a huge majority last July. 'Deliver good jobs, decent public services and better living standards in every corner of the country. Deliver the change people voted for and show working-class communities whose side you are on.' It came after Unite general secretary Sharon Graham reiterated her threat to cut millions in funding unless it turns left. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak urged the Government to show workers 'whose side you are on', as he addressed its annual congress in Brighton. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham reiterated a threat to pull millions in funding for the party if it does not see through the The Employment Rights Bill despite the departure of Angela Rayner. The former deputy prime minister and housing secretary was spearheading the passage of the law, which hands new rights to workers in their first day in a new job, before being forced to resign over her personal tax affairs. Speaking to the Mirror, Ms Graham said: 'There is a feeling by me, by my members, by workers across the board, that Labour is moving so far away from Project Labour that it's hard to justify being affiliated to them. 'They may not think that's a problem but it will be a problem.' Mr Nowak caimed boosting workers and living standard was 'the best way to rebuild our communities hit hard by low pay and insecure workthe sort of communities Nigel Farage likes to say he represents,' in a speech in which th Reform leader loomed large. It all came as London Underground workers began a five-day walk-out, brining the transportation system grinding to a halt in a dispute over pay. At the same time the Labour centre left has launched a new grouping within Labour, which is being backed by influential Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. The former minister, who is frequently linked with a run to lead the party, has backed Mainstream, which wants the two-child benefit cap scrapped and a new wealth tax. Among its other supporters is Rachael Maskell, the former Labour MP who lost the whip for leading a welfare reform rebellion earlier this year. Mr Burnham told the Guardian: 'Labour's always been factional but it's become more so in recent times than I can remember in almost 40 years in the party. You don't win through a factional approach. You win through a broader approach.' As well as the departure of Ms Rayner, two other ministers heavily involved in the Employment Rights Bill lost their jobs last week. Employment rights minister Justin Madders returned to the backbenches, while business secretary Jonathan Reynolds became Labour chief whip. Ms Graham Told BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning: 'Prior to this reshuffle we were already seeing fire and rehire watered down, zero-hours contract ban watered down, councils being allowed to fire and rehire added. The mood music wasn't looking too good and what I do hope is that they do not intend on slowing it down or, indeed, scrapping parts of it altogether.' Downing Street insisted the Employment Rights Bill would not be watered down. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said the Government would seek to overturn amendments made in the House of Lords when the Bill returns to the Commons next week. The spokesman said: 'We are absolutely backing the Employment Rights Bill. We are a pro-worker, pro-business Government and the workers' rights legislation is the biggest single upgrade of workers' rights in a generation. 'It's a manifesto commitment that we remain absolutely committed to and will continue to engage with businesses as the Bill progresses through Parliament, and that includes overturning the amendments that were passed in the Lords. 'It's incredibly important that this Bill contains a strong package of workers' rights, because a strong package of workers' rights and protections goes hand in hand with a strong economy with a secure workforce that's more productive and more confident to spend in the economy.' At the same time the Labour centre left has launched a new grouping within Labour, which is being backed by influential Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: 'Angela Rayner's job-destroying Bill is hated by every credible business figure in the country and will cost firms over 5 billion according to the government's own analysis. But Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: 'Angela Rayner's job-destroying Bill is hated by every credible business figure in the country and will cost firms over 5 billion according to the government's own analysis. 'With his deputy gone, Starmer must now focus on the dire economic situation. 'If he's serious about delivering economic growth, his latest reset must start with the end of this disastrous Bill. 'It's the one request from every business I've spoken to, especially small business owners.' Countries which refuse to 'play ball' and take back their migrants could face curtailed access to visas, new Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced. It means citizens seeking to travel legally could be penalised if their governments fail to co-operate with deportations from Britain and other major economies. Members of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance the UK, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - were meeting in London today to discuss the plan. Ms Mahmood said: 'For countries that do not play ball, we've been talking about how we can take much more co-ordinated action between the Five Eyes countries. 'For us, that means including possibly the cutting of visas in the future, just to say we do expect countries to play ball, play by the rules, and if one of your citizens has no right to be in our country, you do need to take them back.' Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, left, greets United States Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ahead of the Five Eyes meeting at the Honourable Artillery Company in London Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, centre, poses with US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Canada's Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and New Zealand's Attorney General Judith Collins at the opening of a 'Five Eyes' security alliance summit in central London She added that the proposal was an 'interesting space for collaboration, particularly on how we deal with countries who do not take their citizens back'. Vowing to do 'whatever it takes' to stop small boat crossings, she added: 'This is a Labour Government with Labour policy and Labour proposals. 'We've been looking at this for some time. 'It's been discussed already across the Government and I'm very clear that there has to be a strong approach to maintaining our border, and that does mean saying to countries who do not take their citizens back that we're not simply going to allow our laws to remain unenforced.' However, the proposal is likely to rely on measures first announced by Tory Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel in 2021, who went on to introduce legislation the following year. The Nationality and Borders Act 2022 created powers for the home secretary to introduce a 'visa penalty provision' against another country. The Five Eyes summit delegates stand next to a drone on the grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company in central London Ms Mahmood also posed with Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke ahead of the security alliance meeting Five Eyes alliance delegates - New Zealand minister Judith Collins, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Canada's Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke - met in central London today Your browser does not support iframes. It would apply if 'the government of the country is not co-operating in relation to the return to the country from the United Kingdom of any of its nationals', the law states. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'The power to implement visa sanctions was created by the last Conservative Government in a bill which I took through Parliament. 'It's about time this Labour Government now stopped talking tough and started acting tough. 'Any country that won't take back its own citizens who have committed a criminal offence in the UK or who have no right to be here should see visa issuance suspended. 'But all we get from Labour are tough words. 'I urged them to immediately use the powers which the last Government created some months ago, but nothing has happened.' The Tory frontbencher added: 'We should also cut overseas aid to countries not taking back their own nationals. 'This Labour Government is too weak to take the steps necessary to protect our borders and I see no sign of that changing any time soon.' Today's announcement is the first outlined by Ms Mahmood whose predecessor at the Home Office, Yvette Cooper, was moved sideways to become Foreign Secretary last week, after failing to get a grip on the small-boats crisis. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Exact details of the proposals have yet to be announced. It remains unclear whether it will be a reciprocal deal under which citizens of a third country which failed to co-operate with Britain would also face visa restrictions to the other Five Eyes nations. The ministers agreed a joint statement setting out how there will be 'clear obligations for countries to accept the return of individuals who have no legal right to remain'. It comes after the number of small boat crossings reached more than 30,000 so far this year, including 1,097 on Saturday alone. Arrivals are up 37 per cent on the same point last year. Ministers are examining using military bases to house asylum seekers as PM Sir Keir Starmer struggles to get a grip on the migrant crisis. Defence minister Luke Pollard indicated today that previously scrapped plans to accommodate migrants at the historic Dambusters base at RAF Scampton could be back on the cards. Under the previous Conservative Government almost 50million was spent on plans to turn the disused Lincolnshire site into an asylum camp. But Labour canned the project in September 2024 saying that it would not provide 'value for money'. But today Mr Pollard said MoD military planners were reviewing all sites including Scampton as part of a new government push to close down migrant hotels. He said: 'The Home Office has looked at accommodation, has decided against accommodation that the Ministry of Defence offered in the past. 'But we're looking at all of them again at the moment. 'We're looking at all the military sites that the MoD has. 'Some of those have been visited by the Home Office in the past, both under this Government and especially under the previous administration.' Do YOU have a story to tell? Jeremy Clarkson has said he will look to ban 'faddy eaters' from his pub after claiming those with food intolerances have tried to scam his business out of 50,000. The former Top Gear presenter has issued a stinging broadside over the troublesome customers he says are blighting his Farmer's Dog business in the Cotswolds. Clarkson, 65, ventured into the publican trade in August last year after splashing out on the 1million watering hole in the quaint hamlet of Asthall, Oxfordshire. Since opening, business has been booming, with thousands of people flocking to grab a pint at the TV presenter's new venue. But Clarkson has today expressed frustration over some punters he accused of trying to dupe the Farmer's Dog out of cash, in a 'scam' he has branded a fraud 'epidemic'. The star said his boozer had become a mecca for 'food intolerance enthusiasts' who, after eating or drinking there, claim they were 'poisoned' and demanded '50,000'. Writing for The Times, Clarkson said: 'We had one the other day who said shed been given beer instead of cider and the gluten in it had made her so ill shed had to cancel her holiday and we now had to reimburse her. Happily, we have her on CCTV not drinking beer, so we are safe on that one. But often landlords arent so lucky. Many tell me this food intolerance fraud is now an epidemic. 'And even when it isn't fraudulent, it's still annoying, because these faddy eaters demand that the kitchen staff jump through hoops to ensure they will not be served anything that might upset them... I'm seriously thinking of banning people with food intolerances. I know it would be commercial suicide but they are just so annoying.' Jeremy Clarkson has said he is considering banning 'faddy eaters' from his boozer He has criticised some customers with food intolerances who he says have tried to get him to shell out 50,000 after becoming 'poisoned' following a visit to the Oxford boozer (file image) Clarkson has also taken aim at others customers, venting how one woman who tripped over her hair extensions after 'several' glasses of cider and vomited 'explosively into her cleavage' then gave handfuls of her sick to staff to clean up. On another occasion, he claimed customers took a crowbar from one of the pub's sheds before using it to prize open a toilet door after a panicked eight-year-old girl accidentally locked herself in. And the former petrol head also hit out at customers' toilet habits, criticising those who urinate on the floor of his boozer's lavatories. His comments came as Clarkson revealed his business had become the latest in the UK to fall victim to hackers. The TV presenter said a digital gang had breached the Farmer's Dog's digital systems and 'swindled' the boozer out of 27,000. Similar attacks have also recently been launched against Jaguar Land Rover, as well as M&S and the Co-op, according to reports. In his Sun column the Clarkson's Farm star wrote: 'But no one thought to mention that my pub, the Farmers Dog, has been hit too. 'It was, though. Someone broke into our accounting system and helped themselves to 27,000.' People queuing outside Jeremy Clarkson's pub, The Farmer's Dog, during its opening day Last week Jaguar Land Rover was hit by a 'cyber incident' that crippled its manufacturing plants and delivery systems. It says it took 'immediate action' when it became aware of the incident, shutting down systems on Monday - just as it would have been registering new 75 plate cars. The company - which recently wound down building new Jags ahead of a switch to electric vehicles - sent staff home from the Halewood plant near Liverpool on Monday. The plant, which produces models such as the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport, remained closed on Tuesday, according to local media. Alongside manufacturing, systems including the one used to register new cars were reported to have been crippled by the shutdown. JLR said on Tuesday that it did not believe customer data has been stolen - but admitted its day-to-day activities were disrupted. The firm said in a statement: 'JLR has been impacted by a cyber incident. We took immediate action to mitigate its impact by proactively shutting down our systems. 'We are now working at pace to restart our global applications in a controlled manner. 'At this stage there is no evidence any customer data has been stolen but our retail and production activities have been severely disrupted.' Nigel Farage today suffered a blow as one of Reform UK's councillors was reported to have defected to UKIP. Amelia Randall, who was elected in May to Kent County Council, has quit Reform to join Mr Farage's old party, according to KentOnline. Ms Randall represents the Birchington and Rural division on the Reform-led council. She was Reform's parliamentary candidate in Herne Bay and Sandwich at last year's general election. Ms Randall claims to have 'psychic abilities' and to have been part of 'an international psychic line for years'. It has previously been reported how she sold tarot card readings on the website OnlyFans. She was said to have sold spells for up to 200 on Facebook in 2019 while offering 'mystic psychic readings' for 14.99 on her now-deleted OnlyFans page. On her own website, Ms Randall claims to perform 'psychic readings with and without tarot cards', as well as 'candle magic', 'numerology forecasts' and 'angel harmony readings'. Amelia Randall, who was elected in May to Kent County Council, is reported to have quit Reform to join Nigel Farage's old party Ms Randall posted pictures of herself with former Tory Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg at Reform's conference in Birmingham this weekend Ms Randall posted pictures of herself with former Tory Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg at Reform's conference in Birmingham this weekend. But she is now said to have departed for UKIP, which was led by Mr Farage up until 2016. Antony Hook, a Liberal Democrat councillor and the leader of the opposition on Kent County Council, called for Ms Randall to resign her seat and trigger a by-election. He said: 'We are just months after the election and Ms Randall has switched parties. 'She should resign so that Birchington residents can make a fresh choice in a by-election about who they want to represent them.' A Reform UK spokesman said: 'We've been informed that Cllr Randall has left Reform. We wish her well for the future. 'Reform UK continues to have the overwhelming majority of councillors on Kent County Council. 'We remain committed to our mission of delivering for our residents and ensuring Nigel Farage becomes Britain's next prime minister.' Ms Randall has been contacted for comment. A man accused of stabbing a young Saudi Arabian student in the neck in Cambridge admitted possessing a bladed article today. But Chas Corrigan, 21, denied murdering Mohammed Algasim outside luxury apartments in the historic university city in what police described at the time as an 'unprovoked attack'. His father, Peter Corrigan, 50, admitted assisting an offender and was remanded into custody. Sentencing for both offences will take place after Corrigan jnr's murder trial next year. Recorder Mark Bishop, sitting at Cambridge Crown Court, told him: 'You pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, so there will be a trial on February 2 next year.' Addressing his father, he said: 'Peter Corrigan, you will be remanded into custody. 'There will be a further hearing to discuss the basis upon which you will be sentenced which will happen after the murder trial.' Neither man showed any emotion as they spoke only to confirm their names and addresses and to give their pleas to the charges. Mohammed Algasim, 20, was stabbed outside luxury apartments in the the historic university city of Cambridge in what police described as an unprovoked attack Three off-duty doctors fought to save the 20-year-old after the horrific incident and were helped by paramedics who arrived shortly afterwards but he died at the scene. The tragedy prompted the family of Mohammed who was on a placement with a private school offering English language courses to overseas students to warn the UK was no longer safe for visitors. Mohammed was with friends when he was attacked outside blocks of smart luxury serviced apartments a short distance from the railway station at around 11.30pm on August 1. He was pronounced dead shortly after midnight. During a previous crown court hearing last month, prosecutor Gavin Burrell said he suffered a four-inch-deep wound to the neck that effectively nicked the jugular vein and other important pathways carrying blood and, unfortunately, the victim bled out at the scene. Local Natalie Ahluwalia, a 39-year-old mother, told the Mail at the time: The students come here every summer when the university students leave. I don't know them personally but they are part of our community. 'Mohammed and his friends used to spend time here in this square. There's never any trouble at all. They're really nice kids. They just sit out and socialise. 'I saw him in the evening, at about 8.30pm on Friday night, as I was going to the mosque. He was there, leaning up against a tree, with four or five boys. He was chatting. 'They come here to make friends with each other and socialise. They're lovely, kind and polite.' Chas Corrigan, 21, from Cambridge denied murder but admitted possession of a knife in a public place today Three off-duty doctors fought to save Mohammed's life before paramedics arrived but he was pronounced dead at the scene Ms Ahluwalia had returned home from the local mosque and was in her flat with her son when Mohammed was killed. 'I heard this screaming. A girl was screaming. It was an endless scream,' she added. The student was spending his third summer in Cambridge and was on a ten-week placement. His grief-stricken family travelled to the city immediately after receiving the tragic news and prayed near where floral tributes had been placed. They are also understood to have organised his repatriation to his native country to be buried, according to his Muslim religion. Mohammeds uncle, Majed Abalkhail, spoke out about the death to say he hoped it would 'prompt serious reflection on public safety and the protection of innocent lives'. He added that 'many people' in the UK and abroad had expressed growing concerns about a 'rise in violent crime' in Britain. 'We believe the country is no longer a safe destination for students or tourists,' he said. Cambridgeshire Police cordoned off the area while investigations continued. A second man, Peter Corrigan, 50, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Floral tributes were left outside the smart block of flats where Mohammed died in the early hours of August 2 The doting uncle went on to describe his nephew as a 'calm, kind-hearted young man, loved and respected by everyone who knew him'. Mohammeds family said in a statement: 'He was a dutiful son, a loving brother, and the leader of the family in spirit, not in appearance. 'He was cheerful, chivalrous, pure of heart, quick to give and passionate about others. 'Over time, he became the family's charisma, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy in every gathering. 'He was his father's support, his familiar companion, and the assistant to his uncles and maternal uncles. 'He was the most compassionate person to ever visit a mother's heart and the closest to his sisters' embrace.' Floral tributes were left on the pavement outside one of the buildings in August as mourners pay their respects to the student. One message, on a piece of paper taped to a barrier behind the tributes, said 'may your soul be at peace' and had heart shapes drawn on it. It also had the words 'inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un' - an Arabic phrase meaning 'to God we belong and to Him we return'. EF International Language Campuses Cambridge, a private school offering English language courses to overseas students, said it was 'deeply saddened' to confirm one of its adult students had died. Police have released the mugshots of the teen boys accused of the murder of a Capitol Hill intern as they hunt down a third suspect. Kelvin Thomas Jr and Jailen Lucas, both 17, were arrested on Friday for the killing of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old University of Massachusetts Amherst student who was interning with Republican Kansas Rep Ron Estes. Tarpinian-Jachym was shot dead on June 30 just a mile from the White House, according to police. The suspects will be charged as adults, according to U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro. Pirro said both teens have violent crimes on their records, and added that there is a third suspect, Naquon Lucas, who has not yet been arrested. Tarpinian-Jachym was working as a DC intern for Kansas Rep. Ron Estes when he was shot in a drive-by shooting around 10.30 at night on June 30. The Massachusetts native, who dreamed of a future in politics, was on his way to grab a late-night snack at McDonald's when the gunmen opened fire. Pirro said that investigators do not believe the young intern was the target, and said he was caught in the middle of an ongoing 'dispute' between rival gangs in DC. Two 17-year-old boys have been charged with the murder of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, a young Congressional staffer who was gunned down just a mile from the White House Jailen Lucas was one of two 17-year-olds arrested for the murder of the congressional intern Kelvin Thomas Jr was also arrested Friday. The two suspects will be charged as adults A 16-year-old boy and a woman were also injured in the shooting, with the shooters leaving a 9mm pistol and 79 rounds at the scene. Tarpinian-Jachym's death became a flashpoint in DC in recent weeks as President Trump deployed National Guard troops to the nation's capital, claiming it is overran with violent crime. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Tarpinian-Jachym's mother Tamara said she was distraught by the random act of violence that took her son's life. 'My son had a false sense of security that time of night in that area,' she said. 'It happened a mile away from the White House. 'Eric took the bullet for a 16-year-old. He was an innocent bystander. I think America needs to know that they're not safe in D.C. My son paid the ultimate price.' Friend Phillip Peterson told Fox5DC that he will remember Tarpinian-Jachym as a kind and intelligent person who did not deserve his fate. There is a third suspect, Naquon Lucas, who has not yet been arrested Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of gunfire around in June, just a mile from the White House. Pictured: Police cordon off the area near the shooting 'Eric was a good, smart Republican,' he said. 'Quite frankly, somebody in Congress should introduce a bill called the Eric Jachym Act that works on increasing police support in D.C, and Congress can do that.' In a statement to the Daily Mail following the arrests on Friday, Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the response. 'This is a testament to President Trumps efforts to make Washington, D.C. safe again the Department of Justice will continue our work to prevent other young people from suffering the same fate as Eric,' Bondi said. 'We hope this brings some measure of solace to his family.' Despite a modest drop in overall homicides compared with this time last year, Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Department chief Pamela Smith are under pressure to address the recent spate of shootings, stabbings, car jackings and robberies. There is talk now of potential political fallout from some Congress members using Eric's death and the latest violent crime as a way to repeal the District of Columbia's Home Rule Act. Eric, pictured with his mother Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym celebrating his 17th birthday, had a close relationship with his parents Tarpinian-Jachym was working as a DC intern for Kansas Rep. Ron Estes when he was shot in a drive-by shooting around 10:30 at night on June 30 'These two women have to get on the same page and work collaboratively with the federal government if they need assistance to help make Washington D.C. and the District of Columbia safe for the people who live there, work there, and the people who visit from all over the world,' Tamara said. 'This is not a political issue. It is a safety issue. If it happened to my son it could happen to anyone. We need to have more police officers at night on the streets. This is a problem in the nation's capital. It should be the safest place in America.' Greedy grizzlies are being celebrated as Fat Bear Week announces this year's most impressive beasts preparing to enter hibernation. The much-loved contest pits the brown bears of Alaska's Katmai National Park & Preserve against each other to well they bulk up for winter hibernation. The US National Park Service (NPS) launched this season's competition on September 5 by highlighting some previous year's winners. The winner of Fat Bear Week 2024 was Grazer, a mother bear who successfully defended her title for the second consecutive year. She received over 71,000 votes, more than double the votes of her closest rival, a male bear named Chunk. NPS said: 'Big, bold, and bear-y round: a fat bear champ will soon be crowned! 'This is how legends are made. Fat Bear Week, the ultimate bracket competition where the public votes for the bear that achieves peak spherical status, is just around the corner! They confirmed the event will take place from September 23 to September 30, with a 'chubby cubby appetizer', Fat Bear Junior, kicking off on September 18 to September 19. The winner of Fat Bear Week 2024 was Grazer, a mother bear who successfully defended her title for the second consecutive year In 2023, Bear 747 claimed the title of the fattest bear Bear 480 Otis won the contest in 2021 NPS added: 'From tubby titans to gargantuan gluttons, get ready to cheer for the heftiest bears in Katmai National Park & Preserve's Brooks River!' Fat Bear Week has been running since 2014, making 2025 its 11th year of celebrating the fattening efforts of brown bears in Katmai National Park. NPS said this year's bear bios would be revealed soon. In 2018, Bear 409 Beadnose won the contest, followed by Bear 435 Holly in 2019. The following year, Bear 747 won and would go on to win again in 2022 after its crown was stolen by Bear 480 Otis in 2021. In 2023 and 2024, Bear 128 Grazer claimed the winning title and it is yet to be seen which bear is announced winner in this year's competition. It comes after a fight between two Fat Bear Week contestants halted the competition after one bear killed another in a gruesome, televised brawl, last year. An adult male and female were caught on the competitions' livestream fighting in the mouth of the Brooks River in Katmai National Park, Alaska. In 2020 Bear 747 won and would go on to win again in 2022 The winner of Fat Bear Week 2019 was Bear 435 Holly In 2018, Bear 409 Beadnose won Fat Bear Week Resident naturalist for explore.org, Mike Fitz, gave commentary on the deadly altercation between the two bears. Fitz said: 'Watching bears attack other bears is often difficult to see, especially if a bear kills another bear so this is a difficult situation to witness.' The commentators had little idea what started the fight, but said they didn't believe it was over food resources but rather a 'dominance' fight. Katmai Park Ranger Sarah Bruce said: 'He's a predator toward this female bear... We don't know why they're fighting... [These are] two bears very clearly not playing around.' The two bears were seen on the livestream footage fighting in the river. Adult male number 469 and adult female number 402 battled for more than 20 minutes, before 402 was killed by 469. A 24-year-old young woman has been found dead from a gunshot wound at an exclusive Napa Valley resort. Ahmyiah Iman Pinkney of Sacramento, California, was found deceased inside a room at the luxurious Bardessono Hotel and Spa in Yountville on Thursday morning. The Napa County Sheriff's Office determined the death as 'suspicious.' Police responded to a 911 call at 7.20am about a possible shooting - which is when officers discovered Pinkney's lifeless body, according to the sheriff's office. Her mother, Tashauna Pinkney, told the Daily Mail she was unsure how many people were in the hotel room with her, but there was at least one other person. The sheriff's office said in a statement that there is no known threat to the public. There was no additional information released about Pinkney's death or the potential suspect. Pinkney was a recent honors graduate of the University of California, Davis. Bardessonos general manager, Alain Negueloua, said the police were already on the scene after he was informed of the emergency, according to the Yountville Sun. Ahmyiah Pinkney, 24, just graduated in June 2025 from University of California, Davis, with honors Napa County authorities on Friday identified Pinkney after she was found dead from a gunshot wound inside a guest room at a luxury resort in Yountville The Napa County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death at Bardessono Hotel and Spa as 'suspicious' The Bardessono hotel and spa is a high-end wine country resort. It is known for its high end amenities such as in-suite spa treatments, farm-to-table restaurant, and rooftop pools. The exclusive hotel, featured in Vogue and Forbes Travel Guide, described the resort as a 'pioneering Napa Valleys spa-suite concept, bringing tailored spa experiences to the privacy of guests own rooms.' According to its site, rooms start at about $1,000 a night. The hotel has remained open despite the shooting. The sheriff's office said more information will be released as it becomes available. The final British victim of the horror funicular crash in Lisbon has been named and pictured for the first time. Andrew David Kenneth Young, 82, tragically passed away when the funicular train he was on derailed and crashed into a building near Restauradores Square last Wednesday, Welsh police have revealed. He was one of three Brits who died in the accident that killed 16 and left nearly two dozen injured. Investigators are still working to establish the exact cause of the funicular crash. Authorities have said they believe a broken cable caused the train to derail. Young, from Holyhead on Anglesey, was described by his family as a 'lifelong transport enthusiast', adding that it gave them comfort that 'his final moments were in pursuit of the hobby which gave him so much happiness'. They said he spent his retirement 'visiting heritage railways and tramways around the world'. He was raised in Auchterarder, Perthshire, but moved to Holyhead in 1980 where he had a 'long career as a customs officer'. He died alongside British citizens Kayleigh Gillian Smith, 36, and her partner William Nelson, 44. Andrew David Kenneth Young, 82, tragically passed away when the funicular train he was on derailed Kayleigh Gillian Smith, 36, and her partner William Nelson, 44, were among the 16 people who tragically lost their lives in Wednesday evening's accident Lisbon public transport personnel inspect the wrecked Gloria funicular on September 4, 2025 Ms Smith had written on social media on the day of the crash that they spent their first day in Lisbon enjoying 'churches and castles, tiles and trams'. She posted scenic photos of the city's grand architecture, her and her partner together, and two small beers by the coast as the sun set over Lisbon. Police were finally able to identify all of the victims on Friday, stating that among the dead there were five Portuguese nationals, three Britons, two Canadians, two South Koreans, one American, one French, one Swiss and one Ukrainian. They were also able to clarify that a German father who had previously been reported to have died was alive, at a hospital in the capital. The distinctive yellow-and-white funicular streetcar came off its rails at 6.05pm on Wednesday, September 3, careening down a hill towards a sharp bend before crashing into a hotel corner building. The Elevador de Gloria, used by millions of tourists and locals alike every year, was packed as Lisbon's rush hour peaked. The streetcar was heading downhill towards the city centre from the vibrant Bairro Alto when it crashed. Details remain scant as to the exact cause of the accident. The Lisbon Firefighters Regiment said it was likely caused by a cable that came loose in the structure of the funicular. Your browser does not support iframes. A flower wreath and a balloon are placed next to the site of the crash, on September 4, 2025 A drone view shows the site of the accident on September 4, 2025 But Carris, the company that operates the railway, said that 'we cannot assume the problem lies with the cable'. They insisted that the funicular had undergone its full maintenance checks last year, and been looked over just nine hours before the crash. CEO Pedro de Brito Bogas said on Thursday that there were six technicians, supervised by three engineers, who were responsible for maintaining the elevator. But Mr Bogas did not detail what the visual inspection on September 3 entailed, or say whether all the cables were tested when asked. Chief police investigator Nelson Oliveira said a preliminary police report with a broader scope is expected within 45 days. Alongside investigations by police, public prosecutors and government transport experts, Carris has opened its own investigation into the crash. Bouquets of flowers and candles to pay homage to the victims of the Gloria funicular crash, September 4 Portugal's president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, pays respects to the victims of the Gloria funicular accident The investigating Policia Judiciaria said on Friday that it had now identified all of those who perished in the accident. It confirmed there were no British nationals among the injured survivors. Sir Keir Starmer said on Friday afternoon, upon release of the new information, that he was 'deeply saddened'. A Number 10 spokesman said: 'His thoughts are with their families and those affected by this terrible incident. We stand united with Portugal during this difficult time.' More to follow. American tourists are being warned over spiraling crime in a Caribbean paradise now suffering a record wave of murders. The Turks and Caicos Islands famed for their turquoise waters and white sand beaches recorded 48 homicides last year, including one American visitor. With a population of just 47,000, the British Overseas Territory now has the worst murder rate per capita in the Caribbean, according to Insight Crime. The head of the Turks and Caicos government, Premier Washington Misick, has blamed the surge on Haitian migrants. Haiti lies only 90 miles to the south and growing numbers are fleeing its gang violence for Turks and Caicos. In July, island police intercepted a 50-foot boat carrying 194 illegal migrants. Authorities say several other vessels, each carrying more than 100 people, have been stopped in recent months, with most of the occupants later repatriated to Haiti. 'The crime situation is worse in the Haitian communities,' said Jacques, Haitian Church Pastor from Turks and Caicos to the BBC. The Turks and Caicos Islands are renowned for their stunning beaches The Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force announced on their website that it has welcomed 30 officers from the Jamaican Constabulary Force The first homicide reported this year was the killing of Elva Talbot, a pastor and well-known figure on the island, who was found stabbed to death in her home in Five Cays. According to News Line TCI, Talbot was internationally recognized for her work and was considered 'a pillar of strength and devotion within the community.' American tourists have also been caught up in the violence. Shamone Duncan, a 50-year-old police officer from Chicago, was killed in January when she was shot while dining in a restaurant not far from the Grace Bay Suites, where she was staying with other travelers. She visited the island to celebrate her sister's 21st birthday. The spray of bullets also killed 30-year-old insurance agent Dario Stubbs. According to the Miami Herald, neither Duncan nor Stubbs was thought to be the intended target. Another American staying in the Grace Bay area was found dead after he had gone missing for over a week in July. Brian Tarrence from New York was last seen leaving his condo at 3.30am at the Paradise Inn. Kim Kardashian,44, lying on the beach in Turks and Caicos, posing for photos Drake, 38, posted photos from his trip to the islands with his friends on Instagram, revealing a slim and in-shape figure His body was found in a bush on July 5. Authorities said that they did not suspect any foul play, according to Fox News. In 2022, before the surge in homicides this year, Kent Carter was murdered while celebrating his 40th birthday on the paradise island. Carter, a prominent NAACP leader from Virginia, was one of two men shot when a shuttle headed back from the beach was ambushed. Carter was travelling with his girlfriend and immediately used his body to shield her, sustaining multiple bullet wounds from automatic weapons. After the incident, Turks and Caicos Governor Nigel John Dakin blamed Jamaican gangs. In July of this year, the island experienced its first mass shooting in its history. At a popular nightclub, three young men were killed, and 10 others were injured. The shooting was reportedly gang related. The first homicide reported this year was of a pastor Elva Talbot, a well-known figure on the island, who was found stabbed to death in her home in Five Cays Brian Tarrence (pictured right), 51, of Midtown Manhattan, arrived to the coral islands on June 22 for a romantic getaway with his wife of one year (pictured left). He was found dead in a bush Premier Misick said in a press conference: 'We are now having a gangland-type slaying, and a lot of this gang violence seems to be concentrated in our Haitian communities.' 'What is happening here is unlike anything we've ever seen before,' he said. 'This is not a situation we should accept.' He called on the Haitian community to work with the police to stop the smuggling of guns into the territory. CNN reported that approximately 11,000 Haitians reside on the island, accounting for about a third of the population. The crime-ridden paradise has attempted to crack down on the crime with temporary curfews, increased search powers for police, and strict rules surrounding the sale of alcohol. The Turks and Caicos government has worked to demolish shanty towns that police say harbor criminals. In July of this year, 194 migrants on an illegal 50-foot boat were intercepted by the islands' Marine Branch The head of the Turks and Caicos government, Premier Washington Misick, reportedly believes that Haitian migrants are the cause of the issue. The deployment of officers is to improve the 'operational and tactical capabilities' and serve the people and visitors of the island The crime-ridden paradise has attempted to crack down on the crime with temporary curfews, increased search powers for police, and strict rules surrounding the sale of alcohol According to the BBC, 220 shanty homes were bulldozed in August. The Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force also announced back in May that it has brought in 30 officers from the Jamaican Constabulary Force. The deployment of officers is to improve the 'operational and tactical capabilities' and serve the people and visitors of the island, the force said. Last year, the island had a record-breaking number of visitors, reaching nearly 2 million according to the outlet. The islands are well-known for attracting celebrities to their stunning beaches, with notable visitors including Kim Kardashian, Drake, Brooklyn Beckham, and many more. While tourism revenue has not declined, the territory is urgently working to address the surge in crime before it affects the most significant driver of its economy. Iryna Zarutska fled a bomb shelter in Ukraine for the US and had only recently moved in with her partner before she was brutally killed by a career criminal in North Carolina as she sat unsuspectingly on the train. The 23-year-old was scrolling through her phone as she rode the train home from work at a local pizzeria in Charlotte when she was stabbed to death just four minutes after taking her seat. She never saw her attacker's face because the cold-blooded killer, who prosecutors have named as career criminal Decarlos Brown Jr., struck her from behind with a pocket knife. At a press conference on Tuesday, US Attorney Russ Ferguson said that Zarutska's family declined to have her body returned to Ukraine and said she would have wanted to be buried in the US because 'she loved America.' Officials stepped up charges against Brown to the federal level based on Violence Against a Mass Transportation System, which carries a maximum punishment of the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Ferguson said Zarutska was stabbed a total of three times in her neck and hands. The crazed attacker was seen in horror surveillance footage lunging at Iryna in surveillance footage released by police, before it skips the graphic slaughter to show him carrying a knife dripping with Iryna's blood as he strolled through the train carriage. Iryna fled her home country of Ukraine to Charlotte in 2022 'seeking safety from the war', her family said on a GoFundMe page - but she found the opposite. The beautiful young refugee's death has sparked widespread grief, anger, and questions about public safety in the Democrat-led city as the nation comes to terms with the horror. Iryna Zarutska's heartbroken family said that she had only recently arrived in the US 'seeking safety from the war and hoping for a new beginning' before the random slaughter Horrific footage captured the moment Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, 23, was stabbed to death from behind as she sat on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22 Iryna fled her home country of Ukraine to the United States in 2022 'seeking safety from the war', her family said on a GoFundMe page - but she found the opposite But for Iryna's heartbroken family, her death is a personal tragedy. Away from the social media storm of the politics surrounding the senseless act of violence which took Iryna's life, they have paid tribute to her as a 'gifted and passionate artist' who had a 'vibrant spirit' and 'a deep love for animals'. Zarutska emigrated from Ukraine with her mother, sister, and brother to escape the war, and she 'quickly embraced her new life in the United States,' her family wrote in an obituary. They also said she had managed to become fluent in English 'within a very short time', and 'hoping for a new beginning' when she came to Charlotte. Iryna posted a photograph of the high rises which punctuate the North Carolina city's skyline on Facebook just nine days before she died. The image appears to have been taken through the window of a train like the one she boarded on her final day. Her family said that before starting her new life in the US, Iryna graduated from Synergy College in Kyiv with a degree in Art and Restoration. 'She shared her creativity generously, gifting family and friends with her artwork,' they said. 'She loved sculpting and designing unique, eclectic clothing that reflected her vibrant spirit.' 'Though she enjoyed adventures, sightseeing, and exploring new places with her close friends, Iryna was also a homebody at heart, happiest when surrounded by family and loved ones,' her traumatized family added. 'Her mother lovingly recalls her ability to sleep for wonderfully long stretchessomething she affectionately called an artists gift.' Iryna's family said she had been 'hoping for a new beginning' when she came to Charlotte. She posted a photo (shown above) of the city's skyline on Facebook nine days before she died Social media photographs, like the one shown above, also illustrate Iryna's bright personality Iryna was working at Zepeddie's pizzeria (pictured) in south Charlotte to pay the bills Iryna's family added that she had 'a deep love for animals' and dreamed of becoming a veterinary assistant. 'She often cared for her neighbors pets, and many fondly remember seeing her walking them through the neighborhood, always with her radiant smile,' they said. In the meantime, Iryna was working at Zepeddie's pizzeria in south Charlotte to pay the bills, while learning to drive to secure her independence. The surveillance footage of her final moments on August 22 shows her wearing her unassuming work uniform - long pants with a black t-shirt and cap branded with the Zepeddie's logo. She had been riding back from the restaurant just before 10pm that day when Brown allegedly struck at random. The pizzeria posted a tribute to Iryna on social media, describing her death as a 'tremendous loss'. 'We lost not only an incredible employee, but a true friend,' the restaurant said. 'Our dear Iryna left this world far too soon, and our hearts are heavy with grief. 'Since her passing, we have kept a candle burning in her memory - a small reminder of the warmth, kindness, and light she brought into our lives every single day.' Iryna's obituary also remembered her 'kindness and creativity', and said she left a 'lasting impression on everyone she met' - something evidenced in social media comments left by people who had only spoken with her once. Instagram photographs shared by her best friend exhibit her fun-loving spirit as they danced together in Vidradnyi, a neighborhood in Kyiv, as shown above Her family said that before moving to the US, Iryna graduated from Synergy College in Kyiv with a degree in Art and Restoration. 'She shared her creativity generously, gifting family and friends with her artwork,' they wrote in her obituary Iryna was working at Zepeddie's pizzeria in south Charlotte to pay the bills They include a Rideshare employee, who said he once drove Iryna home from Zepeddie's after one of her shifts. He said that her positive outlook shone through during just one short drive. 'I drove Iryna on rideshare some months ago from Zepeddies after she got off,' the driver wrote. 'We had a good conversation. She was sweet and seemed optimistic. My heart goes out to y'all and her family.' A patchwork of social media posts also illustrate Iryna's bright personality. Instagram photographs shared by her best friend exhibit her fun-loving spirit as they danced together in Vidradnyi, a neighborhood in Kyiv, and posed in clothes stores. Iryna is pictured embracing her friends, making a heart shape with her hands, and wearing a t-shirt with the rock band Nirvana branding in several images. 'Her absence leaves a deep void, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her,' her family said in her obituary. Her alleged attacker, Brown Jr., has been charged with first-degree murder. His bond was subsequently denied by a judge and he remains in custody. A 'blonde haired, blue eyed' actress has won more than 18,000 in a race discrimination case after her boss at a bar where she was working described her as 'Aryan'. Sky Sinclair, 35, was asked 'how was Germany?' even though she had no connection to the country, an employment tribunal heard. The tribunal heard that on two occasions bar owner Ahmed Soliman suggested that Ms Sinclair was 'racist or associated with Nazi ideology' telling her she 'liked white people better'. Employment Judge Shona MacLean ruled that Mr Soliman - who called her 'Aryan' because of her 'blue eyes and blonde hair' - had violated her 'dignity and created a degrading, intimidating, humiliating and offensive environment for her'. After successfully suing for race and sex discrimination after she was sacked, Ms Sinclair has now won compensation for race and sex discrimination and unfair dismissal. The Scottish actor is based in Glasgow and has appeared in numerous short films since 2016. She recently completed filming as the leading lady a feature film 'Zanni', a gothic fantasy film. The hearing in Glasgow was told that the duty manager started her job at The Old Toll Bar - one of the city's oldest - in July 2022. Sky Sinclair (pictured) won 18,568 in compensation after successfully suing for race and sex discrimination when her boss Ahmed Soliman claimed she 'liked white people better' In the summer of 2023, Mr Soliman told her: 'You look very Aryan with your blue eyes and blonde hair.' Judge MacLean said Ms Sinclair, who is from Ayr, 'perceived this as a joke but felt uncomfortable and unsure how to respond'. In a second incident, around August or September that year, the tribunal heard she had brought coffee in for a colleague. Mr Soliman said, 'is that for me?' and upon learning that it was not added, 'oh yeah I forgot you like white people better' and 'how was Germany?' The tribunal said: 'Ms Sinclair had no connection with Germany and interpreted the comment, in light of the earlier remark, as suggesting that that she was racist or associated with Nazi ideology. 'She felt awkward and believed that Mr Soliman was deriving satisfaction from her discomfort. 'In late October 2023, Ms Sinclair privately messaged him about a comment he made in a group chat about a colleague. 'She expressed concern that the comment was threatening, and sometimes there was a tense atmosphere among staff when he was present. 'Mr Soliman replied that he was not blaming staff for quiet periods but he needed to control spending and felt a lack of feedback was insulting and hurtful.' An employment judge ruled Mr Soliman had violated Ms Sinclair's 'dignity and created a degrading, intimidating, humiliating and offensive environment for her' The tribunal heard Mr Soliman became increasingly distant towards Ms Sinclair following this exchange. That December, he deleted a message from Ms Sinclair requesting support and did not respond to a follow up. Ms Sinclair raised this with a manager and was told this was because she had said Mr Soliman came across as 'threatening'. The tribunal said: 'The manager reported that (Mr Soliman) had commented, 'You just get some females like that.' The claimant felt anxious about this comment. She thought that the second respondent did not have a high regard for women who did not agree with him.' Ms Sinclair was fired in April 2024, after working for the company for two years, the tribunal heard. A month before she was sacked, she was removed from the work group chat. Then she arrived at work and was told by her manager that she was being 'dismissed due to poor sales performance' and she was told to 'leave immediately'. Judge MacLean said that the bar claimed they were firing Ms Sinclair for conduct reasons, but there was 'no evidence of misconduct'. She concluded that the dismissal was 'unfair' and it seemed to be to 'avoid Ms Sinclair acquiring statutory rights.' She ordered the company to pay Ms Sinclair 18,568 in compensation. 'I found that the comments occurred and constituted unwanted conduct.' she said. 'The race-related remarks were unsolicited. Mr Soliman appeared to derive satisfaction from her discomfort. 'Even if that was not the purpose, viewed objectively, it was reasonable in my view to have that effect. 'As the business owner, his comments on Ms Sinclair's race and appearance placed her in a difficult position. 'The second comment caused her to review the first in a more troubling light. 'The third comment, relayed to her by a manager, was not race-related but related to sex. It was reasonable for Ms Sinclair to be upset that he had made such remarks about her to other staff.' When talking about her dismissal, Judge MacLean said: 'The bar cited conduct as a reason. 'Ms Sinclair produced evidence that her reported sales figures were comparable to colleagues and reflected shift performance, not individual conduct. 'I found no evidence of misconduct. The dismissal appeared predetermined to avoid her acquiring statutory rights. 'I concluded the dismissal was for an unfair reason.' Ms Sinclair trained at the UK Screen Acting Academy and holds additional qualifications as a primary school teacher and hypnotherapist. She said she was unable to comment on the case today as she was attending an audition. President Donald Trump is gleefully celebrating Tom Hanks getting dressed down by his own military - after West Point stripped the Hollywood star of a long-planned honor. The commander-in-chief cheered on the decision by a West Point alumni group to cancel an award ceremony for Hanks. The Hollywood actor has a long history of criticizing Trump and is a supporter of Democratic candidates and causes. More recently, back in February, Hanks sparked controversy for an SNL skit where he portrayed a White Trump supporter in a MAGA hat who refuses to shake a black man's hand. 'Our great West Point (getting greater all the time!) has smartly cancelled the Award Ceremony for actor Tom Hanks. Important move!' Trump wrote on Truth Social. 'We don't need destructive, WOKE recipients getting our cherished American Awards!!!' 'Hopefully the Academy Awards, and other Fake Award Shows, will review their Standards and Practices in the name of Fairness and Justice.' In June, the West Point Association of Graduates announced plans to honor Hanks with the Sylvanius Thayer, which is given to individuals for honoring the West Point motto of 'Duty, Honor, Country.' Tom Hanks was set to be honored by a West Point alumni group for his portrayal of military officers in television and movies Trump celebrated the cancellation via Truth Social on Monday morning Hanks is a longtime critic of Trump who has supported Democratic candidates and causes However, the prestigious military college abruptly cancelled the event this weekend without plans for a rescheduled date. West Post faculty received an email on Friday from retired Army Col. Mark Bieger that the academy will not host the event in order to focus on preparing future officers for their military service, according to the Washington Post. The email did not confirm if Hanks' award had been revoked by the academy. In announcing his award, the West Point alumni group praised Hanks for starring in movie roles that honored military officers, including 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Apollo 13.' The group also highlighted Hanks' role as a producer in 'Band of Brothers,' 'The Pacific', 'Greyhound,' and 'Masters of the Air.' During the Biden administration, Hanks previously served as a national spokesperson for the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. The recent award cancellation highlights the Trump administration's desire to distance the military from any organization, group, or individuals the president deems as 'woke.' Under Trump's watch, the military has rolled back programs the administration has deemed to be too 'woke' Under Pete Hegseth's watch, the Pentagon has cut diversity initiatives throughout the military and rolled back name changes to military bases honoring Confederate leaders. Trump recently signed an executive order changing the Defense Department to the Department of War, claiming the DOD name was too 'wokey.' In late August, businesswoman Tumika Alston spoke with a local ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C. after a group of teenagers stormed the 24-hour convenience store she owns in Northeast. That interview may have changed the course of her business forever, Alston tells the Washington Post. When the teens arrived, the young mob broke down the door to her store, ransacked shelves and stole merchandise worth thousands of dollars. Frustrated and overwhelmed, Alston says she didn't hold back during the interview with Channel 7. 'I'm telling Trump, yeah, send the boys to Benning Road,' she said, voicing her anger in the heat of the moment. A few days later, her phone rang: a voice from an unknown number claiming to be the White House. At that point, Trump had announced a 'crime emergency' in Washington, D.C., starting his blitz deploying personnel from federal agencies across the board to patrol the city's streets. The White House reportedly told Alston that they were worried about what happened at her store and would like to know more about the incident. She agreed they could stop by and see her store. In late August, businesswoman Tumika Alston spoke with a local ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C. after a group of teenagers stormed the 24-hour convenience store she owns in Northeast A week ago, the White House shared an interview with her, along with videos of her store, which were broadcast to the almost 13 million people on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram The caption read: 'Tumika's story is just one of many the Fake News isn't reporting' Alston told the Washington Post that she initially thought she might get more security and police presence near her store. Possibly, something good could come out of the visit. But when the White House team arrived, the only thing they were armed with was cameras. One day later, the White House shared Alston's stories across social media. Now a week ago, the White House shared an interview with her, along with videos of her store, which were broadcast to the almost 13 million people on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. The caption read: 'Tumika's story is just one of many the Fake News isn't reporting.' 'Sometimes I'm afraid to walk out this door, go to my car,' Alston, 46, says in the videos. 'People work hard for their business. They're tired of kids looting; they're stealing every day.' Alston says she felt sheer panic as she realized what was happening; she didn't like the dramatic music or the editing - and she says she felt used. 'They make me sound dramatic, like I was crying,' she said recently. 'Like, what the hell? They trying to make a Tubi TV movie?' 'I called them, and I said, 'Why'd y'all make me sound so dramatic, adding that theme music in the background?'... I didn't like it,' Alston said. At that point, Trump had announced a ' crime emergency' in Washington, D.C., starting his blitz deploying personnel from federal agencies across the board to patrol the city's streets After the robbery, Alston said more teens came back for round two, but did not pull off a second robbery attempt The White House gave a statement in response to their social media campaign, saying, 'Like many D.C. residents, Tumika has experienced firsthand what happens when criminals are allowed free rein of a city with no consequences' 'He told me, 'Oh, don't worry about it. We got your back.' This, that and the other, and y'all ain't got my back. I said, 'Y'all is trying to use me.' The White House gave a statement in response to their social media campaign, saying, 'Like many D.C. residents, Tumika has experienced firsthand what happens when criminals are allowed free rein of a city with no consequences.' Adding, 'President Trump's crime crackdown has significantly driven down violent crime in the city and will help business owners like Tumika. The White House is proud to showcase her story, as well as other D.C. residents, who are directly impacted by the President's successful efforts.' But Alston said she felt like a plot point. 'I feel like they've used me to put that story out there just for the narrative, to use it for an excuse, for more troops to be out there harassing people,' Alston said. 'I want them to take that video down, I really do.' Earlier this year, Alston and her husband, 37-year-old Sajib Uddula, launched Best Tobacco & Wireless inside Hechinger Mall. While overall crime across the city has been on the decline, the neighborhood surrounding their store continues to struggle with frequent incidents of gun violence and property-related crimes. Before the looting, Alston kept a variety of fresh producepotatoes, onions, garlic, fruits and vegetablesat the front of the store. She also stocked essentials like milk, eggs, bread, deli meats, baby formula, and pet food, aiming to serve as a small neighborhood grocery. Now they are more careful about what is displayed and easily accessible. After the robbery, Alston said more teens came back for round two, but did not pull off a second robbery attempt. Earlier this year, Alston and her husband, 37-year-old Sajib Uddula, launched Best Tobacco & Wireless inside Hechinger Mall D.C. police said the investigation into the incident at the store is ongoing and that no arrests have been made yet. Alston said her circle warned her of the fallout that could come of this story. 'My community kept saying, 'Be careful, girl. Be careful, because they're probably using you as a pawn,' Alston said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine skepticism roiled Capitol Hill last week with even Republicans expressing concerns and new polling suggests his controversial views could spell trouble for the Trump administration. Polling from the president's own data guru Tony Fabrizio, obtained by the Wall Street Journal noted broad support for some vaccines. 'Our recent national survey of voters shows that there is broad unity across party lines supporting vaccines such as measles (MMR), shingles, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (TDAP), and hepatitis B,' read a polling summary that was shown to staff on the Senate Finance Committee ahead of Kennedy's appearance before the group last Thursday. Additional polling by the Journal released in July showed that respondents were not fans of the Trump administration's position on vaccines and even preferred the Democratic Party's views on the matter. Trump himself even appears at times to be at odds with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the importance of vaccines when it comes to public health. During a press conference in the Oval Office Friday, Trump told reporters that 'you have some vaccines that are so amazing. The polio vaccine, I happen to think is amazing.' The president also noted that 'you have to be very careful when you say that some people don't have to be vaccinated ... It's a very tough position.' Senator Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican who was an OBGYN before entering politics, told Margaret Brennan of CBS Sunday that Trump chose Kennedy Jr. 'to be a disruptor to the CDC, and that's exactly what he's doing.' Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. appears before the Senate Finance Committee at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on September 04, 2025 in Washington, DC U.S. President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One on September 7, 2025 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland A medical provider prepares to deliver a vaccine Marshall also added that in his 'humble opinion, not every person needs every vaccine', before asking not to be labelled as a 'non-vaxxer-person,' because he has 'raised money for polio vaccinations.' 'The MMR is a great vaccine. It saved thousands of lives. Vaccines, overall, have saved hundreds of millions of lives, but not every person needs every vaccine. And we just want to empower parents and the doctors to make great decisions,' Marshall added. Still, Kennedy has been labeled as an anti-vaxxer and was accused of 'effectively ... denying people vaccines' during a hearing before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee on Thursday. Louisiana Republican Bill Cassidy, a former physician who chairs the Senate's health committee, also took time Thursday to call out Kennedy for his differences with Trump on the issue of vaccines. Cassidy asked Kennedy if Trump should get a Nobel Prize for his work in pushing for the development of the COVID vaccine during the pandemic in the effort more broadly known as Operation Warp Speed. Kennedy replied that Trump should get the award, despite arguing during the course of of presidential campaign last year that his then-opponent and current boss 'has a weakness for swamp creatures, especially corporate monopolies, their lobbyists, and their money' calling Operation Warp Speed one of the most devastating instances 'of President Trump's weakness, but not the only one.' One of the FBI's most wanted alleged terrorists has appeared in court facing potential extradition to the US after being finally tracked down in a Welsh village. Daniel Andreas San Diego, 47, was detained at a rural North Wales cottage on November 25 last year as police investigated a series of bombings in San Francisco. San Diego, who had a 200,000 bounty on his head, had ties to an animal rights group which the FBI said was the motivation behind the blasts. He had fled the US after allegedly detonating two bombs at animal biotech firms in the San Francisco Bay area in August 2003 and targeting an animal nutrition business with a nail bomb the following month. He was arrested on November 25 last year at a property in a rural area next to woodland in Conwy, North Wales, by officers from Britain's National Crime Agency supported by Counter Terrorism Policing and North Wales Police. The alleged terrorist appeared today appeared in a glass fronted dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, flanked by four prison guards, in a hearing about the US bid to extradite him across the Atlantic to face charges there. Wearing a white shirt with a sage coloured tie and glasses, he spoke only to confirm his personal details, with a US accent, as he clutched court papers in the dock - and also waved and smiled to a person sat in the public gallery. San Diego had been on the FBI's most-wanted terrorist list since 2009 the first domestic terrorist on the list, alongside the likes of late al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, was on the run from the FBI for more than 20 years, described as one of the US's 'most wanted suspected terrorists' - he now faces possible extradition The first bombing for which he is accused had targeted biotechnology firm Chiron Inc. near Oakland, California, in August 2003. Authorities responding to the blast found a second bomb, which the FBI said could have been planted to target first responders. The Animal Liberation Brigade said in a statement at the time: 'This is the endgame for the animal killers and if you choose to stand with them you will be dealt with accordingly.' A month later, a nail bomb detonated outside nutritional products company Shaklee, in an attack also claimed by the Animal Liberation Brigade. Joel Smith, a lawyer representing the US authorities, told London's Westminster Magistrates' Court today that the two targeted businesses had links to British firm Huntingdon Life Sciences. The UK company was long the focus of both lawful and criminal protests for testing pharmaceuticals, chemicals and dyes on animals. Mr Smith said a copy of the magazine to which the Animal Liberation Brigade sent its statements was found in San Diego's house and ingredients for improvised explosive devices were found in his car. San Diego sat in the dock today as his lawyer Mark Summers said he should not be extradited, in part due to what was described as 'the political capture of the criminal justice system' and the US Department of Justice under President Donald Trump. This is the remote and idyllic Welsh beauty spot where San Diego was traced last November The alleged terrorist was found in a rural property near a woodland in the area of Conwy He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today in his extradition battle - this is a court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of Daniel Andreas San Diego appearing via video link at the same court in London at a previous hearing on December 3 last year He has been allegedly linked to a bombing in Emeryville at a biotechnology corporation (Pictured in 2003) The FBI has previously said San Diego planted two bombs which exploded at a biotechnology corporation in Oakland, San Francisco on August 28 2003 and that the second bomb was planted to target first responders. Another bomb strapped with nails exploded at a nutritional products company nearby on September 26 2003. Nobody was injured in the attacks. The FBI also claim they found a 'bomb-making factory' in San Diego's abandoned car after he led police on a 65-mile chase in California. San Diego was indicted in 2004 by the US for 'maliciously damaging and destroying by means of an explosive'. He was eventually found 5,000 miles away at Llidiart y Coed, a remote cottage near the village of Maenan in the Conwy Valley, north Wales. His extradition hearing continues and is expected to conclude next Thursday, though no ruling is expected until later this year. A woman flying into Sydney Airport from the United States was charged with allegedly importing about 20kg of cocaine hidden in her luggage. Australian Border Force (ABF) officers stopped the 31-year-old American to examine her baggage after she landed on a flight from Los Angeles on Sunday. They allegedly found 14 black vacuum sealed bags filled with a substance that returned a presumptive positive test for cocaine. Officers estimated the total weight of the alleged illicit drug was 20kg, which had an approximate street value of $6.5million. The woman was arrested by border force staff, who seized the alleged cocaine. She was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely cocaine. The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. AFP Superintendent Morgen Blunden said the cocaine could have resulted in 100,000 street-level deals. An American woman (pictured), 31, was charged with allegedly importing about 20kg of cocaine into Australia after she landed at Sydney Airport from Los Angeles on Sunday Australian Border Force officers allegedly found the illicit drug in her luggage 'The AFP and ABF are still regularly finding and arresting people willing to risk decades in jail by trafficking illicit drugs through our airports,' Supt Blunden said. 'People considering smuggling drugs through our airports need to think about the consequences of their actions. 'If caught, you will face losing some of the best years of your life sitting in a prison cell.' ABF Superintendent Elke West added that staff used a skilled approach to 'catch sneaky crooks'. 'Our intelligence-led operations, coupled with expert agency collaboration and officer drive, has resulted in yet another large detection and stopped thousands of individual hits reaching Sydney streets,' she said. It turned out their first attempt was just practice. After failing to break into my Washington, D.C., condo building on their first try, two determined intruders returned and saw success in their second brazen assault on my home inside a city that's become ground zero for the debate over crime in America. Thus began an hours-long standoff between them, my building's staff, the Washington Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and, thankfully, the National Guard. Though I was not a witness to the events first-hand, our building's management sent out an email informing residents of the break-in. I also spoke to three building employees, on condition of anonymity to protect their identities, to learn more about the frightening episode that took place amid President Trump's militarization of the capital city. It was Friday evening when the two menacing actors had the brilliant idea that they wanted to gain entry to my building in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood. The pair's first attempt to sneak into our building was foiled by an observant front desk security professional who spotted them plotting their entry, according to my building's management. After failing to access my building, which the individuals do not live in, they tried again - this time with much more spectacular results. 'Two individuals gained unauthorized access to [the building] by tailgating behind a resident,' a Saturday email to residents stated. Two individuals broke into my Washington, D.C., condo building before heading to our basement and locking themselves in a bathroom in the laundry room National Guard soldiers arrived to apprehend the individuals, who one building staffer suspected were doing drugs, after the perpetrators had already spent over an hour and a half in the bathroom Once inside, the pair began roaming around the condo before eventually making their way down to the communal laundry room in the basement. Down there, they locked themselves in a bathroom and refused to come out for hours, according to building staff. Though I was not a witness to the events first-hand, our building's management sent out an email informing residents of the break-in The condo's concierge immediately phoned the (MPD), but their response time was unacceptably long, so the National Guard had to intervene to solve the problem. 'Because the police response was significantly delayed, members of the National Guard, who were patrolling nearby, detained the individuals until MPD arrived,' the email from management about the incident continued. MPD did not respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment. Local authorities took over an hour and a half to arrive at my building, a building worker informed me. The poor front desk concierge was calling for help, but no one was responding. Eventually, someone decided to flag down a nearby National Guard patrol, one of the set of troops here on order by the president. National Guard troops are regularly seen around D.C.'s Southwest Waterfront, and as the building staff awaited the police response, someone from the building, whether it was a staffer or resident is unclear, flagged down a passing patrol and briefed them on the break-in. My building's staff waited hours for Washington's Metropolitan Police Department to arrive and apprehend the suspects. However, not willing to wait longer, someone eventually flagged down the National Guard Members of the National Guard patrol The Wharf in Washington's Southwest Waterfront neighborhood on August 25, 2025 Immediately, guard troops made their way into my building and apprehended two teenagers who were barricaded in the laundry room. The burglars' motives are still unknown; however, management believes they were using unspecified drugs. Another employee said they did not know about any illicit substance use. The National Guard then remained at my building until the MPD finally arrived. A National Guard source confirmed to the Daily Mail that the responding unit was from South Carolina. They dealt with a mugging up the street the same evening. The whole debacle took hours, according to the building staff. And in an outrageous ending that appears more commonplace now than ever, once the MPD got there, they decided to let the young criminals go without incident. Two teenagers broke into my building twice to allegedly use drugs, and once they were turned over to the local cops, they were simply released to go about their day as they pleased. One of my neighbors, Denise Taylor, an elderly woman, was thoroughly shocked by the break-in. Denise Taylor, a disabled veteran who lives in my building, called the episode horrifying and admitted she planned on doing laundry Friday evening when the individuals barricaded themselves in the bathroom 'This really terrifies me, because I'm handicapped. I'm a disabled veteran, and I live alone. So I mean, it's horrifying to hear what happened in our building where we live. It's just horrifying.' Taylor, who uses a mobility scooter, was prepared to do her laundry until the room was taken over, she told the Daily Mail. 'Friday, I had got my clothes and stuff together, because Friday evening, I know that in the evenings I will go wash clothes,' she said. 'And I have my clothes packed right now in bags to take downstairs to [the] laundry, which I was going to do Friday evening.' 'And I just thank God that I didn't go down there due to the situation that happened in our building.' The break-in was only able to occur because the pair of teenagers tailgated a resident into our building, management claims. They are now urging residents not to allow anyone into the building behind them if they don't know them personally. Revised guidance on this will be going out to residents soon, a condo staffer told me. The incident, obviously striking close to home, has made me question whether the American social contract is still valid. Government exists to protect its people. In exchange, the citizens abide by laws, pay taxes and work within social norms to keep everyday life stable and respectable. The email sent from the building to its residents the day after the break-in Those foundational promises, rooted in the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, are currently facing a debate over their efficacy. If some in my community choose repeatedly to engage in criminal activity, and my government can't protect me or the most vulnerable among us, like Denise Taylor, are we the people getting screwed? It sure feels like it. Especially here in DC. In the six years I've lived in the building, there has regularly been crime in my immediate vicinity. There have been multiple shootings on my street since I moved from California after college. At least one that I know about was fatal. That crime involved teenagers, too. I used to have an app that would give me notifications about local crimes, but I deleted it shortly after downloading because I received far too many notifications, which kept me on edge. Recently, there have been headlines about stray bullets killing innocent civilians in D.C. A three-year-old girl and a congressional intern were both killed earlier this summer by gunfire that they were not the target of. Again, teenage criminals were behind the intern's untimely death. I, for one, am delighted to have the National Guard in town to provide a sense of stability that has been lacking. As someone who does not commit crimes, I am not deterred by their guns or camouflage. I actually try to thank them when I see them around the metro stations and while they are out on patrol. Without their intervention on Friday night, it is unclear how the situation with the burglars would have been resolved. Should those who live in apartments or condominiums hold the door for individuals they don't know? My building's staff and I both believe that answer is no. Crime is not new in D.C., and it's not new for most major cities in the US. But how we approach it as a society must change. If you're a tattooed delivery driver who does not speak English and you expect me to let you into my building to drop off that bag of McDonald's, I'm not letting you inside. If you're a dapper, suit-wearing Capitol Hill staffer-looking young professional, and I don't know you, you're not getting in either. Those are just the building's rules, but now they are mine too. You may consider adopting those tenants too, lest you risk a laundry room standoff like my community. But having the National Guard as a backup is nice, too. The Georgia daycare worker accused of brutally beating a toddler had seemingly glorified violence online before the alleged attack. A disturbing video of Yvette Thurston participating in a viral 2023 TikTok trend about stabbing has emerged in wake of her arrest last month. The clip shows Thurston, whose face appears to be blood-smeared thanks to a filter, acting out a skit in which an offender tries to justify violence by claiming they were provoked. 'Did you have to stab him?' a voice says as Thurston licks what appears to be a plastic knife. Her X account also features memes suggesting a desire to punch others and a sense of validation when 'someone gets what they deserve after doing me dirty'. She also made several posts criticizing men, sharing memes in which she described her ex as being an a*****e and highlighted how a 'woman can stay with you while she already dumped you in her mind'. Thurston, 54, of Bainbridge, was arrested on August 11 on child abuse and aggravated battery charges after she allegedly beat one-year-old Clay Weeks and then blamed another child for the attack. Clay was left with a black eye and deep scratches on his face and neck following his first day of school at Little Blessings Child Care. A disturbing video of Yvette Thurston participating in a viral 2023 TikTok trend about stabbing has emerged in wake of her arrest last month. The video begins with Thurston, whose face is blood-smeared thanks to a filter, licking what appears to be a knife Yvette Thurston, 54, (pictured in her arrest photo) was taken into custody on August 11 on child abuse and aggravated battery charges Clay Weeks was left with a black eye and deep scratches on his face and neck following his first day of school at Little Blessings Child Care The toddler's father Cory Weeks shared horrific photos of Clay's injuries in a Facebook post. 'This is every parent's worst nightmare and WE had to live it and are still living it,' Cory wrote, adding: 'We were told another child in Clay's class did this type of damage with a plastic toy.' But when Cory and daycare staff reviewed surveillance footage from the day of the attack, they found evidence to support that Thurston was responsible for the attack. 'Nothing we saw was for the faint-hearted, especially happening to such an innocent soul,' Cory said. Thurston was taken into custody, resulting in a temporary closure of the facility. Clay, whose three-year-old brother Wyatt also goes to the daycare, was rushed to the hospital to be treated for his injuries. 'Clay received the best care while we were there,' the father wrote. One meme shared on her X account highlighted a desire to punch someone (left), while another suggested that she enjoys revenge (right) She also made several posts criticizing relationships with men, sharing memes in which she described her ex as being an a*****e and highlighted how a 'woman can stay with you while she already dumped you in her mind' Cory wonders if this isn't the first time Thurston has done this to a student, due to the 'severity' and 'acts of violence' against the young boy. Her social media presence also seemingly suggests the promotion of violence. Most disturbing, are her posts about revenge, physical assault and the recently resurfaced TikTok in which she acted out a conversation between two people after a fictional stabbing. An off-screen voice asks Thurston's character if the violent act was necessary. 'You weren't there. You didn't hear what he said to me,' she mouthed, lip-syncing to the voice from the original audio. 'Well, what did he say?' the first voice questioned. Thurston's character answered back: 'What are you gonna do, stab me?' The video was posted online more than two years before Thurston allegedly attacked Clay on his first day of school at Little Blessings Child Care. Cory has now warned other parents to not be complacent when told how their child may have been injured while at school or in daycare. The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is investigating the case and said Thurston has been terminated from her position. The school was placed under an emergency closure and will be closed for 21 days 'Don't ever feel like you can't question how an injury happened to your child because I almost didn't,' the Marine wrote. 'Also, don't believe the "happy pictures" sent to you parents because we had that done as well during a day of complete torture of our Clay.' Cory also spoke to WCTV about the alleged assault, saying: 'If you're given an incident report or you received a call from a daycare facility or that something happened, ask to see exactly how it happened. 'Because we were lied to on how it happened. And I almost accepted that.' Regarding the surveillance footage, he said 'to watch it, it was concerning'. 'Doing that to someone who can't even talk back, it was his first day, he had never been away from me and his mom,' Cory added. The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is investigating the case and said Thurston has been terminated from her position. The daycare - which is housed within the Bainbridge Church of God - was placed under an emergency closure and will be closed for 21 days. 'This is every parents' worst nightmare and WE had to live it and are still living it,' Clay's father, Cory Weeks (pictured with wife), wrote in a Facebook post. 'We were told another child in Clay's class did this type of damage with a plastic toy' Clay's mom Cassie posted on Facebook after the emergency closure was announced saying: 'Thank you God for this step in the right direction.' The church did not appeal the order. Thurston has since bonded out of jail. Her bond was set at $44,000. The woman who opened up her Texas home to Lee Harvey Oswald the night before he assassinated President John F. Kennedy has died at age 92. Ruth Paine passed away at a senior living facility in Santa Rosa, California, on August 31, her family confirmed. Oswald's wife, Marina, and their children had been staying at Paine's home in the Dallas of suburb of Irving in the fall of 1963. Paine and her estranged husband Michael met the couple at a dinner party and the two women formed a friendship because Paine wanted to practice speaking Russian with Marina, who was born in the Soviet Union. Marina lived at Paine's house with her first daughter after she and her husband moved back to Dallas from New Orleans two months before the assassination. Paine also got the future killer his job at the Texas School Book Depository, where Oswald shot the president from the sixth floor window. Oswald, who was living in a rooming house near the city's downtown, would usually visit his family at Paine's house on the weekends. But, he made an unexpected visit on Thursday, November 21, 1963, and stayed at the house the night before the assassination. Ruth Paine (pictured in 2004, died at age 92 at a senior living facility in Santa Rosa, California , on August 31 Lee Harvey Oswald (pictured) had stayed at Paine's home the night before he assassinated JFK Oswald's wife and children had been staying at Paine's home in the Dallas of suburb of Irving in the fall of 1963 He set off to his job at the Texas School Book Depository the next day, taking with him the rifle that he had stowed in the garage - unbeknownst to Paine. On November 22, 1963, JFK, the youngest elected leader in American history, was killed as he sat in his motorcade while on a parade through Dallas. Marina Oswald told the Warren Commission, which concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, that the rifle was among the possessions her husband had moved into Paine's garage, storing it in a blanket there unbeknownst to Paine. When the news broke, Paine translated the broadcast into Russian for Marina, who then went to check and see if her husband's gun wrapped in the blanket was still there. 'Oswald's wife was at our house a lot, and the rifle was there,' Paine told the Daily Mail in 2013. 'Of course, I didn't know he had a gun. I'm a Quaker. I wouldn't have wanted that in the house.' After the assassination, Marina and her two daughters stayed with Ruth briefly until the Secret Service took her into custody. Paine would later say her Quaker faith led her to take the woman and her children in. Paine lived in the house until 1966 and over the decades it had several owners before the city bought it in 2009 and turned it into a museum. In the years after the assassination Paine became the principal of a small private Quaker school in the Philadelphia area, then got her master's degree and worked for many years as a school psychologist in Florida before retiring and moving to California, according to her daughter. Paine also got the future killer his job at the Texas School Book Depository, where Oswald shot the president from its sixth floor window Oswald made and unexpected visit to Paine's house on Thursday, November 21, 1963. The next day, JFK was killed as he sat in his motorcade during a parade in Dallas (pictured) Paine's familial links to the CIA had prompted conspiracy theorists to question her role in the assassination, which she vehemently denied Over the years, Paine's links to the CIA had prompted conspiracy theorists to question her role in the assassination. Her father-in-law and sister-in-law, through a sibling's marriage, both had unspecified CIA ties, according to papers released under the JFK Documents Act. However, Paine always denied an involvement with the assassination and said she regretted not finding the gun. 'She ignored the theories,' her son, Chris Paine, told the New York Times. 'She had litmus tests in order to see where someone was coming from and whether she would talk to them or not. If they were conspiracy theorists, she'd bypass you. 'I think what she regrets is that my father didn't tell her about Lee having a gun. But if she had found it, he probably would have stored it someplace else.' Broadcaster Amy Irons has said the suicide of her partner still feels raw seven years on as she opened up about the most traumatic experience of her life. The BBC Scotland star was left devastated when she lost boyfriend Wayne Ewer in 2018 when he took his life following a long battle with his mental health. The 34-year-old television presenter has now told of how the loss remains probably the most traumatic life altering experience that Ive ever had as part of a new podcast from Suicide Prevention Scotland. And Miss Irons, who is to host the What if Podcast, told listeners in the first episode of the new series how she struggled with her own mental health following the tragic death. She said: I was not prepared for the all the complex emotions and the kind of grief that would come afterwards. I certainly wasnt prepared to then feel suicidal myself. All of this tells us that suicide is closer than you might think. Presenter Amy Irons and her partner Wayne Ewer, who died in 2018 Miss Irons said that seven years after her partner's death 'it still feels raw' Suicide Prevention Scotland said the new series was part of its mission to have the countrys biggest ever conversation about the issue. The podcast series, which will be broadcast on YouTube and across most popular podcast platforms, will release the first of four new episodes from Tuesday. Guests include former Scotland striker Kris Boyd, Mo Mansaray who survived the Glasgow 2020 stabbing attack, and social media influencer Lisa Marshall whose husband died by suicide. Miss Irons said: Its been seven years since Wayne died by suicide. Yes, it still feels raw, but Ive wanted to find a way that I could contribute to suicide prevention in Scotland. Being part of the What if Podcast has given me an opportunity to talk to some incredible people, including many like myself who have lost a loved one. There were tears, but also lots of smiles, too. Suicide might feel like the hardest thing in the world to talk about, but we hope people will see its a good thing to talk about. Research clearly shows that you will not cause someone harm by asking if they are thinking about suicide. On the contrary, asking the question may be the vital intervention someone needs. You can, quite literally, save a life. * For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123, visit a branch or go to www.samaritans.org Emmanuel Macron has faced humiliation today as his government lost a confidence vote, plunging France into political chaos after Prime Minister Francois Bayrou warned his peers to not make 'the same mistake as the British'. The French parliament voted to bring down the government today over its plans to tame its skyrocketing national debt, with the political crisis only deepening as the President now has the task of finding a fifth Prime Minister in under two years. Francois Bayrou only became France's PM nine months ago, but now, he must resign after 364 of 573 of the government's deputies voted against the vote of confidence. The 74-year-old centrist pledged to 'fight like a dog' to stay in power, but could not prevent the collapse of his government on Monday night. As Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet announced the result, MPs applauded loudly and Mr Bayrou sat in silence. 'The National Assembly has not approved the Prime Minister's general policy statement,' Ms Braun-Pivet said. 'The Prime Minister now has to submit the resignation of the government to the President of the republic.' This will happen on Tuesday, Ms Braun-Pivet added, and the current French administration will immediately dissolve. Your browser does not support iframes. Chaos-stricken Prime Minister Francois Bayrou warned France to not make the same mistakes as Britain as it tried to dig itself out of a financial crisis Marine Le Pen watches on as the Prime Minister delivers his speech hours before a self-imposed parliamentary vote of no confidence A screen showing the photograph indicating the result of the confidence vote over the government's austerity budget It was the first time in the history of the Fifth Republic that an incumbent PM has lost his job in such a humiliating manner. Only hours before, the embattled 74-year-old warned his failing country against making the same mistakes as Britain as it tried to dig itself out of a financial crisis. He warned France could become like Britain if it taxed the rich to solve its debt crisis, saying: 'The rich will simply move away. 'They have numerous countries where they can find tax refuge in Europe itself, such as Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands for businesses.' Citing UK policies as a cautionary tale, Mr Bayrou said: 'Our British neighbours decided to tax foreigners who were exempt from taxation. 'Those foreigners moved away, and the immediate consequence was an explosion in property prices in Milan.' Mr Bayrou said France was in a 'life-threatening condition' that risked 'enslaving our youth' due to its mountain of debt, which is nearing 3.5trillion euros (3trillion). 'You can get rid of the government, but you can't get rid of reality,' he added. France's Prime Minister Francois Bayrou (L) leaves the National Assembly after the result of a confidence vote over the government's austerity budget Francois Bayrou delivers his general policy statement during an extraordinary parliamentary session ahead of a confidence vote on the government's austerity budget Protesters hold placards which read 'Bye Bye Bayrou' as they gather for a 'Bayrou's farewell party' protest in front of the city hall in Nantes Protesters hold a banner which reads 'Bye Bayrou' as they gather for a 'Bayrou's farewell party' 'France has not known a balanced budget for 51 years. Every year, debt accumulates,' he said. Bayrou called the vote unexpectedly in a bid to win parliamentary support for his strategy to lower a deficit that stands at nearly double the European Union's 3 per cent ceiling and to start tackling a debt pile equivalent to 114 per cent of GDP. However, the opposition did not rally behind his planned saving of 44billion euros (38.17billion) in next year's budget, as an election for Macron's successor looms on the horizon in 2027. Now Macron faces nominating a new Prime Minister after going through six in less than nine years. And the President himself now faces calls for his resignation, as millions prepare to take part in strikes and street marches in a 'Block Everything' protest. Macron could nominate a new politician for the role from his own centrist minority ruling group or the ranks of conservatives, but it would mean doubling down on a strategy that has failed to bring political stability. And even if he chose a moderate socialist, or a technocrat, no scenario is likely to hand the next government a parliamentary majority. The government's almost inevitable breakdown comes as approval ratings for French President Emmanuel Macron plummet to a record low, with 77 per cent of the nation not approving of his work French riot police run past a fire during a demonstration in Paris on March 23, 2023 France's Prime Minister Francois Bayrou delivers a speech prior to a confidence vote over the government's austerity budget, at the National Assembly in Paris on September 8, 2025 He will name a new PM 'in the coming days', the presidential palace has since confirmed. Francois Bayrou, who had called for a confidence vote, will tender his resignation Tuesday morning, his office also said. Before the vote, Finance Minister Eric Lombard said it was inevitable that the need to form a new government would result in a dilution of the deficit reduction plan. Macron may eventually decide the only path out of the crisis lies in calling a snap election, however so far he has resisted calls from the far-right National Rally and hard-left France Unbowed to dissolve parliament a second time. The next government's most pressing task will be to pass a budget - the same challenge Bayrou faced when he took office. 'You have the power to bring down the government, but you do not have the power to erase reality,' Bayrou told lawmakers before the confidence vote. 'Reality will remain relentless: expenses will continue to rise, and the burden of debt, already unbearable, will grow heavier and more costly,' he said. During his speech, before the humiliating loss, he said France's 'very survival is at stake'. However, discontent is already said to be brewing on the streets of France with a protest called 'Bloquons Tout' ('Let's Block Everything') calling for nationwide disruption on Wednesday. Protesters have discussed blocking trains, picketing oil refineries and walking out of major supermarkets without paying, with unions also calling for mass demonstrations on September 18. Protesters clash with riot police in Nanterre, near Paris, France, 29 June, 2023 Protesters hold a banner that reads 'For quality public services and the protection of civil servants' during a demonstration by French civil servants as part of a national day of strikes by public sector workers, in Marseille, France, December 5, 2024 'France is done,' said Mohamed, 80, a retired hospital worker who sells produce on the Aligre market in Paris. A leaked Paris police note has also warned of potential 'violent actions, sabotage and operations against strategic sectors of the economy'. It could be a repeat of the Gilet Jaunes (Yellow Vests) insurrection that caused chaos towards the beginning of Macron's administration in 2018. In the meantime, Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella's National Rally the largest party in the National Assembly with 123 seats believes it can achieve a workable majority with allies. The Left, meanwhile, has formed a 'Republican Vote' to keep the far-Right Rally out of power. Many have called for the deeply unpopular Emmanuel Macron to resign, but he is under no obligation to quit. The government's almost inevitable breakdown comes as popularity for French President Emmanuel Macron plummets to a record low, with 77 percent of the nation not approving of his work and 64 percent calling for his resignation. Clashes with riot police take place during a rally against Macron's plan to raise the legal retirement age from 62 to 64 in Paris, on February 11, 2023 French MPs voted no confidence in Prime Minister Francois Bayrou inside Paris's National Assembly after just nine months of him in office Bayrou has become the second French prime minister in succession to have suffered such a fate after Michel Barnier was ejected in December after only three months in office. Bayrou, the sixth Prime Minister under Macron since 2017, gave no indication in days of TV interviews that he expected to survive the vote. Instead, he asked: 'Has our country understood the seriousness of the situation it finds itself in?' President of the Union of the Right for the Republic (UDR) parliamentary group Eric Ciotti delivers a speech following Bayrou's general policy statement President of the National Rally parliamentary group Marine Le Pen delivers a speech today He was expected to address parliament in a final bid for support from 1pm - with the vote awaited from 5pm. After the vote, Macron now faces one of the most critical decisions of his presidency: appointing the seventh Prime Minister of his mandate to thrash out a compromise, or call a snap election in a bid to have a more accommodating parliament. The President is spearheading European efforts to end Russia's war on Ukraine, boosting his international profile. But polling at home does not make pretty reading, and he is forbidden from standing a third time in 2027. According to a poll by Odoxa-Backbone for Le Figaro newspaper, 64 per cent of the French population want Macron to resign rather than name a new Prime Minister, a move he has explicitly ruled out. Some 77 per cent of people do not approve of his work, Macron's worst ever such rating, according to an Ifop poll for the Ouest-France daily. Addressing the crisis after an international summit on Ukraine, Macron called on French political forces on Thursday to demonstrate 'responsibility' and ensure 'stability'. 'The reshaping of the world is changing many things for our Europe. In this context, France must continue to move forward,' he said. Francois Bayrou leaves the National Assembly after the humiliating result of a confidence vote A French flag flutters on top of the National Assembly ahead of the confidence vote But alongside political upheavals, France is also facing social tension. There is no guarantee an election would result in any improvement in the fortunes of Macron's centre-right bloc in parliament. But there are signs that the president could be eyeing cooperation with the Socialist Party (PS), a one-time giant of French politics that has fallen into the doldrums in recent years. At a meeting on Tuesday of the centrist parties that support him, Macron urged them to 'work with the Socialists', a participant said, asking not to be named. All those present were opposed to snap elections, the person added. Socialist leader Olivier Faure has made no secret of his readiness to take the post of Prime Minister, even producing his own draft budget. But Socialist backing would not automatically attract support from other Left-wing forces. 'It would be workable if the Socialist Party says: "We're overthrowing the alliance and governing with the central bloc",' said a close associate of Macron, adding that for now the President is keeping his cards close to his chest. The government's collapse looks set to deepen France's paralysis at a critical time for Europe, which is seeking unity in the face of Russia's war against Ukraine, an increasingly dominant China and trade tensions with the United States. The turmoil also threatens France's ability to rein in its debt, with the risk of further credit downgrades looming as bond spreads - a gauge of the risk premium investors demand to hold French debt - widen. The Supreme Court handed President Donald Trump a major victory Monday, clearing the way for more aggressive immigration raids in Los Angeles. In a 6-3 decision, the conservative majority struck down a lower court ruling that had restricted federal agents from targeting the city for deportations. The three liberal justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had asked the high court to lift the July order from a California district judge that temporarily blocked raids in the region. The decision pauses the the ruling from U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong that arrests by ICE agents were not using 'reasonable suspicion' for their arrests, but rather targeting them on race, accent, and place of work. The decision gives President Donald Trump more leeway as he continues his widespread effort to deport illegal immigrants from the United States. Chief Justice Brett Kavanaugh concurred with Noem in the grant of the application, noting that the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes immigration officers to 'interrogate any alien or person believed to be an alien as to his right to be or to remain in the United States.' He further noted that illegal immigrants made up about ten percent of the population in the Los Angeles region, which was a reasonable reason why it was prioritized by immigration authorities. 'Immigration stops based on reasonable suspicion of illegal presence have been an important component of U. S. immigration enforcement for decades, across several presidential administrations,' he wrote. U.S. Supreme Court justices pose for their group portrait at the Supreme Court in Washington The U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, DC Kavanaugh stressed the limitations of the judiciary's ability to set immigration policy, noted that different presidents had prioritized immigration enforcement differently. 'Especially in an immigration case like this one, it is also important to stress the proper role of the Judiciary. The Judiciary does not set immigration policy or decide enforcement priorities,' he wrote. Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote the dissent arguing that the administration's deportation effort in Los Angeles had 'likely violated' the Forth Amendment's requirements for reasonable suspicion. She cited many examples of instances where the U.S. government was aggressively targeting illegal immigrants, arguing that law enforcement was unjustly targeting individuals by their race, place of work, and location. 'We should not have to live in a country where the Government can seize anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish, and appears to work a low wage job,' she wrote. 'Rather than stand idly by while our constitutional freedoms are lost, I dissent.' ICE is setting its sights on Chicago as it seeks to fulfill the next phase of Donald Trump mass deportations. The Trump administration announced on Monday it had begun detaining illegal immigrants all across the windy city as part of Operation Midway Blitz. Homeland Security made the announcement on X by vowing to target migrants with a criminal history who flocked to Illinois because of sanctuary policies. The crackdown occurs in the wake of Katie Abrahams death, who was killed in a drunk driving hit-and-run car wreck caused by an Guatemalan migrant living illegally in the US. During the announcement, DHS slammed Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker for shielding criminal illegal aliens.' This ICE operation will target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets, DHS wrote on X. President Trump and Secretary Noem stand with the victims of illegal alien crime while Governor Pritzker stands with criminal illegal aliens. The on-going operation comes as Trump ramps up his threats to send in the National Guard to Chicago as part of a crack down on crime. DHS launched Operation Midway Blitz on Monday morning to target illegal migrants with a criminal history in Chicago Mass deportations have been central part of Trump's domestic policy so far in his second term Recently, Trump has threaten to send in National Guard troops to crack down on crime in Chicago Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have pushed back against sending armed troops into the city. Despite claims from the Trump administration that the operation is currently underway, local Chicago sources tell the New York Times only a few arrests have been made by ICE as of Monday morning. Since Trump took office nine months ago, ICE has made approximately 1,400 arrests across the states, which is lower in comparison to other states such as New York and California. The vast majority of those arrested by immigrant enforcement have been from the Chicago area. Estimates indicate Chicago is home to approximately 150,000 illegal immigrants, accounting for about 8 percent of households. The Times claims DHS was expected to launch the ICE operation from a naval base outside of Chicago. Pritzker has vowed to fight the Trump administration in the courts after the president claimed the city needs federal policing. ICE has made over 1,000 arrests in Chicago so far this year The Supreme Court on Monday granted the White House a massive victory by overruling a lower court's decision stopping sweeping immigration raids throughout Los Angeles. Since Trump took office, large-scale deportations in major cities have been central to the presidents domestic policy. Rep. Nancy Mace has opened up about what prompted her to walk out of a meeting in tears after hearing from survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse last week. During a high-profile meeting between a group of survivors and lawmakers last Tuesday, Mace was pictured leaving the session early, visibly upset and with tears welling up. Addressing the matter in a five-minute video posted to X on Sunday, the South Carolina Republican disclosed that she became emotional after relating to some of the survivors tragic stories. I was okay until the third victim spoke. And it really hit close to home, the congresswoman says in the selfie video taken at what appears to be a park in South Carolina. The video also features cinematic background music and a revelation she suffers from cleithrophobia, a specific phobia characterized by an intense and irrational fear of being trapped or confined. She talked about her fear coming to the Capitol, and when she got into that elevator in the building, the Capitol, she asked herself, am I safe? When she said that, I thought, God, you know, that's her story. That's my story... I have a fear of being in elevators with people I don't know. The Republican called her fear of being in elevators with strangers a quirky thing that similarly happens to her at the Capitol, where she regularly has to use the lifts coming and going from votes. Mace, 47, has been open about her own journey as a sexual assault victim, so much so that earlier this year she spoke about her experience publicly on the House floor. South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace posted a five-minute video on X about why she abruptly left a meeting with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse last week Mace was visibly upset when leaving the meeting with the survivors last week Activists took to Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers to release more Epstein files last week During her nearly hour-long speech, the South Carolina lawmaker accused four men of sexual abuse, including her former fiance. All of the men have denied Maces accusations. The Republican noted in the video how the survivors testimony made her feel less lonely. I think it really struck me that I'm not alone, and there are lots of us out there that have been fighting for years, and we don't have justice, she said. Mace previously addressed her tearful exit from the meeting last week in a post to X. As a recent survivor (not 2 years in), I had a very difficult time listening to their stories. Full blown panic attack. Sweating. Hyperventilating. Shaking. I cant breathe, she wrote at the time. Mace also mentioned how the Justice Departments Epstein investigation does not add up. Look at the Epstein saga, over 1000 victims, only one accomplice, Mace said in the video. You can't tell me there are over 1000 victims and there is only one accomplice. Doesn't add up. The lawmaker is one of a select few Republicans who have signed onto a petition to force a vote on releasing more DOJ files on the deceased New York pedophile. The handful of other Republican signatories includes The lawmaker said she overwhelmed by a survivor noting their fear of elevator rides with strangers, a feeling Mace says hits close to home Family members of Virginia Roberts Duffey, Sky Roberts (C), his wife Amanda Roberts (R) and brother Daniel Wilson, speak at the Stand with Survivors Rally in support of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's victims, in Washington, DC on September 3, 2025 That discharge petition, authored by Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., could force the entire House of Representatives to vote on releasing more Epstein-related files. Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP leadership may be powerless to stop the vote should the petition gather 218 signatures. Currently, 215 members have signed one. The DOJ has given Congress over 32,000 pages of DOJ documents, but advocates for the petition say it would prompt the Trump administration to release additional, undisclosed documents. However, many of the files released had already been previously reported. Few new details other than flight logs were provided in the release. The day after the private meeting between lawmakers and the survivors, the group of nearly a dozen women spoke at a press conference on Capitol Hill to advocate for the release of additional files and for child sexual abuse reform. Many of the survivors were speaking publicly for the first time, offering details not yet widely reported. Chauntae Davies, a former actress, shared that Epstein's longtime girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, first introduced her to the financier because he could help her career. Hundreds of supporters gathered for the press conference on Wednesday morning That introduction was the start of a long pattern of abuse, including trips to the pedophile's private island and different homes. 'His [Epstein's] biggest brag, forever, was that he was very good friends with Donald Trump,' Chauntae Davies, a former actress, shared. 'He had an 8x10 framed picture of him on his desk, with the two of them, they were very close.' She also claimed to have been 'taken on a trip to Africa with former president Bill Clinton and other notable figures.' Marina Lacerda, 37, named as 'Minor-Victim 1' in Epstein's 2019 indictment, spoke out about the abuse she faced and called on Congress to take further action at the event. Lacerda, according to the 2019 indictment, met the financier in 2002 when she was just 14. She was recruited to go to his Manhattan home to give him a massage, which later led to years of abuse. A drunk Somali asylum seeker who spat at a police officer while staying in a migrant hotel has avoided punishment. Shafi Momad, 30, was living at the Roundhouse Hotel in Bournemouth, Dorset when police were called to a disturbance which had seen the migrant in a 'very angry' state. The asylum seeker was said to have been inebriated, having downed half a bottle of vodka and beers, and officers called in backup to restrain him. As PC Browning took hold of Momad, the defendant launched a volley of spit which landed on his hand, Poole Magistrates' Court heard. The migrant, who continues to stay at the historic hotel despite being in the country for five years, was then arrested for assault on an emergency worker. He pleaded guilty to the offence at court, where it was heard he was already serving a six-week suspended prison sentence for a religiously aggravated assault on a member of the public. But because his latest offence took place before he was sentenced for the earlier offence in March, it was not taken into consideration as the magistrates issued their sanction. Magistrate chair Paul Kemp said that although an assault on an emergency worker was a 'serious matter' he would issue a conditional discharge for 12 months. Shafi Momad, pictured, a drunk Somali asylum seeker who spat at a police officer while staying in a migrant hotel, has avoided punishment He was living at the Roundhouse migrant hotel in Bournemouth, Dorset (pictured) when police were called to a disturbance which had seen the migrant in a 'very angry' state Due to Momad's limited financial means, the officer would only be entitled to 50 in compensation, and the asylum seeker would not be required to pay costs or a surcharge. Prosecuting, Nicola Reece said: 'PC Browning was on duty on the night in question when he became aware of a disturbance at the Roundhouse Hotel in Bournemouth. 'Other police units had arrived shortly after initial reports and they asked further units to hurry up and assist with restraining the male in the hotel. 'When the officer approached and took hold of the defendant he made a visible effort to spit at him, which landed on his hand. 'The defendant had drunk half a bottle of vodka and beers and said he had a problem with drink.' Mitigating, Deborah Scudamore said Momad apologised for his behaviour. She added: 'He said that unfortunately he had been beaten up prior to the police arriving at the Roundhouse and police saw he had a bloodied eye. 'He was very angry because he said the police didn't seem to want to investigate the perpetrators of the assault against him. Some 91 criminal charges have been levelled at migrants staying at Meyrick Road's Britannia and Roundhouse hotels Protests in Bournemouth have taken place recently, including at The Chine Hotel (pictured last month) where The Mail on Sunday found 25 charges had been brought against migrants Last month, a large protest was staged outside the asylum hotels in Meyrick Road, as concern continued to mount over the safety of locals living next to the venues 'It was not his intention to spit at the police officer but he accepts it was an assault and he apologised for his behaviour. 'He is an asylum seeker who gets quite depressed as he is not allowed to work. He has been in the UK since 2020 and accepts he has a problem with drink.' Mr Kemp, addressing Momad, said: 'You are not being punished today however if you commit any other offences during the next 12 months you can be punished for today's offences as well as newer offences.' The Roundhouse Hotel is one of three historic hotels in the genteel retirement resort which have been given over to accommodate migrants, sparking local anger. In one street alone, both the Roundhouse and the Britannia have been turned into asylum seeker hotels, with dozens of criminal charges brought against those staying there. As of last month, there were some 91 criminal charges against migrants staying at the two hotels. It's a similar picture at the nearby Chine Hotel, a mile away, where another 25 charges against migrants were brought following a spate of alleged crimes in the town. A total of 116 charges were brought against 51 asylum seekers living across the three hotels near the seafront. One protester in a hard hat approaches police during a protest outside Bournemouth's migrant hotels Some protesters attending the rally in August carried signs saying 'House Brits not illegals' Those troubling statistics lend themselves to the tinderbox feeling which gripped Britain this summer, with protests exploding outside hotels housing asylum seekers in places like Epping, Essex, and Canary Wharf in central London. 'I've lived here since 2008 and I can say that Bournemouth has changed,' one man told the Daily Mail when we visited in August, as he pointed to his flat, yards away from the Britannia Hotel. Meyrick Road, once a bustling arterial route to Bournemouth's stunning sandy beach and town centre, is now plagued by a palpable feeling of unease. 'I used to walk comfortably in the evening, but I don't go out now,' another man, who lives near the hotels but was too scared to give his name, told the Daily Mail. 'When I walk past the Roundhouse there are groups of people and you're never quite sure what's going to happen. It's not the same place, that's for sure. It's a more dangerous place, without any doubt. Especially for women late at night, and I don't think people would disagree with that.' Security guards and police patrol the tree-lined street with officers seen talking to migrants loitering outside the hotel when the Daily Mail visited. There are fears, too, that the level of alleged criminality is now out of control and could spark a riot from locals, who have already staged protests outside the venues. Banksy could finally be unmasked as police launch an investigation into possible 'criminal damage' after a new artwork was sprayed on the Royal Courts of Justice in London. The mural, which depicts a judge beating a protester with a gavel, was graffitied on the Grade I-listed building on Monday, before being swiftly covered up by officials. Security guards were later seen patrolling in front of a screen concealing the work confirmed as being by the renowned street artist. The Metropolitan Police said it has launched a probe into the graffiti after receiving a report of 'criminal damage' and that enquiries are continuing. Banksy has remained anonymous for almost three decades but he would have to disclose his name if he were to appear in court. He shared a picture of the artwork on his Instagram, with the caption: 'Royal Courts Of Justice. London.' His post gave a clear view of the whole image, showing the demonstrator on the ground carrying a blood-spattered placard - while the judge is wearing a wig and gown. The art was was stencilled on an external wall of the Queen's Building at the courts complex, before being quickly hidden by large sheets of black plastic and two metal barriers. Banksy could finally be unmasked as police launch an investigation into possible 'criminal damage' after a new artwork was sprayed on the Royal Courts of Justice in London The artwork, which depicts a judge beating a protester with a gravel, was graffitied on the Grade I-listed building on Monday, before being swiftly covered up by officials. Security guards were seen patrolling in front of a screen concealing the mural confirmed as being by the street artist HM Courts and Tribunals (HMCTS) said the artwork would be removed from the building. 'The Royal Courts of Justice is a listed building and HMCTS are obliged to maintain its original character,' a spokesperson said. The artwork appears to be in reference to protesters being arrested. It follows almost 900 people being arrested in central London at Saturday's demonstration supporting banned group Palestine Action, in what is thought to be Britain's biggest ever mass arrest. Scotland Yard condemned what police called the 'intolerable' abuse of its officers suffered during the rally in Parliament Square, in Westminster, attended by an estimated 1,500 people. A total of 890 people were detained, with 857 people held made for showing support for the organisation earlier this year proscribed by the Government and then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper as a terror group. Meanwhile, Defend Our Juries, a campaign group which organised Saturday's rally, praised the work for 'powerfully depicting the brutality unleashed by Yvette Cooper on protesters by proscribing Palestine Action'. They added: 'When the law is used as a tool to crush civil liberties, it does not extinguish dissent, it strengthens it.' The Metropolitan Police said it has launched a probe into the graffiti after receiving a report of 'criminal damage' and that enquiries are continuing The art was was stencilled on an external wall of the Queen's Building at the courts complex, before being swiftly hidden A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'On Monday, 8 September officers received a report of criminal damage to the side of the Royal Courts of Justice. 'Enquiries continue.' Criminal damage could lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years if more than 5,000 of damage is caused. While a sentence of three months or a 2,500 fine could be handed out if damage is under 5,000. Another Bansky mural was tracked down in the French city of Marseille in May this year, after the artist hid its location. The artwork included the words 'I want you to be what you saw in me' and in a second photo two people could be seen walking with their dogs past it. A false shadow was also drawn on the pavement from a nearby bollard to give the illusion the lighthouse is a silhouette of it. His other murals in London have included nine animal-themed pictures that appeared in nine different locations across the capital in August last year. His final piece depicted a gorilla lifting the shutters of London Zoo to release a sea lion and birds, while other wildlife appear to look out from the inside. It came after stencils of a goat, elephants, monkeys, a wolf, pelicans, a cat, piranhas and a rhinoceros were drawn across the city. It follows almost 900 people being arrested in central London at Saturday's demonstration supporting banned group Palestine Action Banksy, who began his iconic street art more than 25 years ago, has sold his works for hundreds of thousands of pounds One of Banksy's most striking moments was in 2003 when he disguised himself as a pensioner and installed a piece in a vacant spot in the Tate Britain in London. His artwork Girl With Balloon self-destructed in a Sotheby's London saleroom when descending into a shredder in 2018. That piece was then renamed Love Is In The Bin, which in 2021 sold for 18.6million - an all-time high for a Banksy artwork. One of Banksy's earliest works is the The Mild Mild West, painted in 1999 in Bristol's Stokes Croft and shows a teddy bear throwing a Molotov cocktail at three riot police. Banksy, who began his iconic street art more than 25 years ago, has sold his works for hundreds of thousands of pounds. His identity has been shrouded in secrecy until The Mail on Sunday launched an investigation in 2008, naming Robin Gunningham as the Bristol artist. His identity nevertheless remains unconfirmed An Arizona man described as 'manipulative and charismatic' was charged with killing the roommate he befriended - and then made an impassioned plea in court. Matthew Dieringer, 35, was arrested on Saturday for the brutal murder of the roommate who kindly took him in. Scottsdale Police were called to do a welfare check on Frank Quaranta, 67, on September 1, and found him dead from apparent blunt force trauma. After being arrested, Dieringer appeared in a pouting mugshot, then put his hands together to ask the judge to 'have God in your soul' during a hearing. Police said at the time: 'Responding officers were unable to contact the victim any other way and forced entry inside the residence to check on Quaranta. 'Tragically, Quaranta was found deceased inside. Detectives and crime scene specialists spent the next several hours processing the home for evidence.' Investigators said evidence at the scene pointed to Dieringer, who was living with Quaranta after the two met at a church homeless outreach event, according to Fox 10. 'He has a history of experiencing homelessness, and has been described as manipulative and charismatic, often befriending others to assist him with a place to stay,' Scottsdale Police said. Investigators said evidence at the scene pointed to Dieringer, who was ordered to be held at the Maricopa County Jail on a $3 million bond Matthew Dieringer (pictured), 35, was arrested on Saturday for the brutal murder of his roommate Scottsdale Police were called to do a welfare check on Frank Quaranta, 67, on September 1 at his home (pictured), and found him dead from apparent blunt force trauma Police received a tip that Dieringer was spotted in Phoenix, and he was arrested on Saturday for a probation violation from a 2024 theft case, reported 12 News. 'That was what the initial arrest was for,' said Scottsdale Police Sgt. Allison Sempsis. 'He was taken to our jail, and we served a search warrant for forensic evidence, and so once we had that forensic evidence, it was able to tidy up any loose ends for the homicide.' Dieringer made his first court appearance on Sunday, where a judge ordered him to be held at the Maricopa County Jail on a $3 million bond. 'I believe that you are being given wrong information entirely about me and my name,' Dieringer told the judge. Prosecutors argued that they have strong evidence against him, including a presumptive DNA match to blood found at the crime scene. 'The subject allegedly beat the victim to death. This was a very violent and horrific murder,' said Brooke Gaunt of the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Dieringer claimed the proceeding was 'illegal,' and ended the hearing with, 'Thank you, sir. Actually, I don't know if I should thank you, but God bless you and have God in your soul.' Dieringer has a history of being homeless and criminal record, including a conviction for the horrific slaying of his roommate's two dogs in Colorado. In 2020, he pleaded guilty to killing and dismembering the two pups, a seven-year-old Australian Cattle dog named Suka and another black dog named Hayoka. Dieringer (pictured in 2020) has a history of being homeless and criminal record, including killing two dogs In 2020, Dieringer was convicted of brutally killing and dismembering his roommate's two dogs in Colorado When the dogs owner called for a welfare check at the mobile home he shared with Dieringer, police discovered the walls covered in blood, reported KRDO. Trixie Hudspeth, Teller County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Officer, said, 'The scene we went into was difficult.' According to court records obtained by Law and Crime, he received credit for 705 days served after being given an 18 month prison sentence for the brutal animal abuse and the moved to Arizona. The North Carolina judge who released a career criminal that went on to stab a Ukrainian refugee has been slammed for allowing him to be out on the streets. Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes freed Decarlos Brown Jr. in January - around seven months before police say he went on to slaughter Iryna Zarutska on August 22. Stokes allowed Brown, 34, who is homeless and has a litany of previous arrests - including for armed robbery and assault - to walk free on a 'written promise' that he would return for his next court appearance. Brown was arrested on January 19 for alleged 'misuse of the 911 system', after he dialed the emergency number while police were conducting a welfare check on him. During the ordeal, Brown, who is schizophrenic, told police he thought that 'man made' materials were inside his body controlling his movements. 'Brown wanted officers to investigate this "man-made" material that was inside of his body,' the arrest affidavit reads. 'Officers advised Brown that the issue was medical issue and that there was nothing further they could do.' This response sent Brown into a rage, and he called 911. Officers arrested him and charged him with a misdemeanor. Iryna Zarutska's heartbroken family said that she had only recently arrived in the US 'seeking safety from the war and hoping for a new beginning' before the random slaughter Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes (pictured) bailed Decarlos Brown Jr. in January, around seven months before police say he went on to slaughter Iryna Zarutska on August 22 Horrific footage captured the moment Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, 23, was stabbed to death from behind as she sat on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22 Even Brown's mother said the court system failed the community by allowing him to roam free despite his serious mental health issues, according to Newsweek. She said he was placed under psychiatric monitoring for two weeks after she secured an involuntary commitment order when he was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2014. The desperate mother said that he became so aggressive that she had to kick him out of her home. Brown's lengthy history of run-ins with the law also includes assaulting his sister in 2021, leaving her with minor injuries, and armed robbery in 2014. Despite these crimes, and Brown being a potential flight risk because he was not fixed to any set address, Stokes released him during his court hearing about the 911 call. A document outlining the condition of his release seen by the Daily Mail shows that it was authorized with only a 'written promise to appear' at his next court hearing. The court memo from Mecklenburg County includes Stokes' signature, and one of Brown's many mugshots showing him looking dazed with his eyebrows raised. Social media users have been quick to name and shame the judge, claiming that she should take responsibility for allowing Brown to be free to commit his next crime, which ultimately ended a 23-year-old refugee's life. Florida Rep. Randy Fine called for 'every judge' who released Brown to be 'held accountable'. Sharing a photograph of Iryna alongside Brown, he wrote: 'This monster on the right is who the pro-crime Democrats want sitting next to you and your family on public transportation. 'I pray for the family of Iryna Zarutska. Every judge that released the criminal Decarlos Brown needs to be held accountable.' People on social media blasted Stokes for allowing Brown to be released on bail Many other X users expressed their shock that a series of judges, ending with Stokes, simply 'let him go' despite his laundry list of arrests. 'Unbelievable,' one person wrote, while another pointed out that he had been released several times. The Daily Mail has contacted Stokes for comment. President Donald Trump also blasted the decision to allow Brown to be out on the streets, and blamed his political rivals who run the city for the tragedy. Writing about the case on Truth Social, he said: 'The perpetrator was a well known career criminal, who had been previously arrested and released on CASHLESS BAIL in January, a total of 14 TIMES. 'What the hell was he doing riding the train, and walking the streets? Criminals like this need to be LOCKED UP. 'The blood of this innocent woman can literally be seen dripping from the killers knife, and now her blood is on the hands of the Democrats who refuse to put bad people in jail, including Former Disgraced Governor and Wannabe Senator Roy Cooper. 'North Carolina, and every State, needs LAW AND ORDER, and only Republicans will deliver it! 'Additionally, where is the outrage from the Mainstream Media on this horrible tragedy? VOTE FOR MICHAEL WHATLEY FOR UNITED STATES SENATE, HE WONT LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN!' Brown allegedly stabbed Zarutska to death at South End light rail station in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22. He was arrested soon after and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Brown was then charged with first-degree murder on his release. Zarutska had only recently arrived in the US 'seeking safety from the war and hoping for a new beginning', her family said on a GoFundMe page. Brown's previous crimes saw him serve five years in prison for a 2014 armed robbery and was released in September, 2020. Just months after his release from prison, on February, 2021, Brown was arrested for assaulting his sister in Charlotte and leaving her with minor injuries, according to police records obtained by the Daily Mail. It's unclear whether he was convicted. Brown has spent most of his life in and out of prison. He served five years in prison for a 2014 armed robbery and was released in September, 2020 - when he quickly resumed a life of crime Zarutska's family called her death 'an irreparable loss' That same month, he was also arrested for injury to personal property and trespassing. A police report from that incident said Brown 'returned to the address after being told he was not allowed back and kicked and damaged the front door of the listed victim's residence.' In July 2022, Brown was then arrested again for a domestic disturbance. It's unclear whether he was convicted. '[Brown] was arrested for disorderly conduct. The suspect was yelling and cursing, causing a disturbance and drawing the attention of multiple tenants while on the property the call for service was located,' read the police report. Brown's arrest records go as back as 2007, when he was still a minor. Over the next seven years, he was arrested at least six times for crimes including felony larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon and communicating threats. According to the Charlotte Observer, most of the charges he faced during that time were dropped. When reached for comment, the Mecklenburg District Attorney's Office told the Daily Mail Tuesday it cannot speak about defendants with pending cases. 'In broad terms, it remains the position of the District Attorneys office that those who commit violent crimes should be held in custody pending trial,' the DA's office said. A pensioner who tried to smuggle 640,000 worth of cocaine into the UK by concealing it in his mobility scooter has been jailed. Ronald Lord, 71, was handed a six-year prison sentence after being found with eight kilograms of the class A drug in the back seat panel of his scooter when he was stopped at Gatwick Airport on February 7. Border force officers discovered the drug after they performed an X-ray on the vehicle, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said. The pensioner, from Montreal, Canada, claimed he was coming to the UK for sightseeing after a seven-day holiday to Barbados. He said he did not know how the drug had got into his scooter and denied any knowledge of it. However, a screw from the scooter seat panel was later found in his pocket after a search. The haul was valued at around 640,000 at street-level prices, according to the NCA. Lord was also found to have lied about his time in Barbados, where he only spent three days. Ronald Lord, 71, was handed a six-year prison sentence after being found with eight kilograms of cocaine The pensioner was found with eight kilograms of the class A drug in the back seat panel of his scooter when he was stopped at Gatwick Airport Lord said he did not know how the drug had got into the scooter and denied any knowledge of it The Canadian was sentenced to six years in prison on Friday after pleading guilty to class A drug smuggling charges at Croydon Crown court. NCA Senior Investigating Officer Richard Wickham said: 'Organised crime groups need smugglers like Lord to bring class A drugs into the UK, where they are sold for huge profit by gangs who deal in violence and exploitation. 'He obviously thought that because he was a pensioner he would be less of a target for law enforcement. He was wrong, and I hope this case sends out a message to anyone who would consider doing the same. 'Working with partners like Border Force, the NCA is determined to do all we can to stop class A drugs finding their way into the hands of criminal gangs, and target those involved in helping them.' Olympic equestrian Abi Lyle has revealed how she was repeatedly assaulted by horse trainer Jonathan Creswell during their nine-month relationship before he raped and murdered a showjumper. Former jockey Creswell fatally strangled Katie Simpson, 21, in August 2020. He died by suicide in April 2024 after the first day of his murder trial, which later saw the convictions of three women who helped him cover up the attack and cleaned blood in his house. The brainwashed allies even supported his lie that the marks he inflicted on Ms Simpson's body with a horse whip had been the result of a riding accident. Now Olympic dressage competitor Ms Lyle, 40, has shone light on Creswell's dark past in an interview with The Telegraph to coincide with Sky's new documentary Death of a Showjumper. Ms Simpson was sharing a home in rural Northern Ireland with her older sister Christina, who was Creswell's partner at the time and the mother of his two children. Also staying with them was another young woman linked to Creswell. And Ms Lyle described the local horse riding community as 'close-knit and patriarchal' and pointed out that the murderer was a 'talented guy, well-respected and funny' which stopped locals and police from investigating him properly. Olympic equestrian Abi Lyle, pictured, has revealed how she was repeatedly assaulted by horse trainer Jonathan Creswell during their nine-month relationship Creswell, pictured at court in 2024, later raped and murdered showjumper Katie Simpson in 2020 The trainer was at Ms Simpson's hospital bedside when she died six days after he assaulted her; she did not regain consciousness following the attack. Creswell's charm was so effective that he even convinced authorities that his victim had attempted to hang herself. Early police checks did not even flag his 2010 conviction for assaulting Ms Lyle, to which he pleaded guilty before serving three months of a six-month sentence. Around a decade separated this attack and the fatal assault on Ms Simpson, and Ms Lyle said that she did not find the news of her fellow showjumper's death surprising. Very few people had heeded her warnings about her assailant in 2010 and locals living in his area had even thrown him a celebration in a pub when he left prison. In a bid to move on with her life after arriving in England, Ms Lyle decided to stop talking about the distressing incident, a move that still causes some regret. She said Creswell became associated with more and more women and ended up in a bizarre living arrangement. Many abusive moments in the 'horror film' that was her relationship with Creswell remain difficult for Ms Lyle to talk about. Ms Simpson, pictured, was sharing a home in rural Northern Ireland with her older sister Christina, who was Creswell's partner at the time and the mother of his two children Creswell was at Ms Simpson's hospital bedside when she died six days after he assaulted her But the Team Ireland equestrian recalled various shocking episodes including being driven out into a wooded area in the dark before being choked for hours on end as her then-boyfriend asked her why she was 'such a w***e'. Another incident saw Ms Lyle have her head slammed into the dashboard of Creswell's car while he was driving. He even threatened to place her into a bathtub filled with bleach. The former victim of Creswell's violence admitted that discussing such things for the documentary was difficult, not least because her family had not even heard some of the stories, but she benefited from the experience. And she has also moved on with her life. Last summer, she shone at the Paris Olympics, and Ms Lyle was able to detail this happy ending in the Sky programme. For all his ability, Creswell's career never reached the heights many expected it to and his one-time girlfriend offered a reason why. 'I get frustrated when I hear people go on about how "talented" he was,' she said. 'I think he was quite abusive to the animals. 'That was why he got as far as he did, as a big fish in a small pond, but also what stopped him from getting any farther.' Ms Lyle, pictured, described the local horse riding community as 'close-knit and patriarchal' and pointed out that the murderer was a 'talented guy, well-respected and funny' Some people have reported Creswell striking or starving his horses and Ms Lyle corroborated this claims. It was not just animals that the horse community leader abused. He also smacked women's faces and pulled hair, while simultaneously heaping praise on them for carrying out his chores, according to former partners. He ran a group, of mainly women, like a cult, and many seemed to become brainwashed by his charm, as well as by his sudden bursts of violence. One such case was Jill Robinson, his girlfriend before Ms Lyle, who was convicted of covering up the attack on Ms Simpson. Ms Lyle hailed her bravery for speaking out in the documentary. She also explained that men are bound to be revered in the horse riding world due to its slightly antiquated vibe, as well as the sheer lack of male participants. Ms Lyle admitted that Creswell had warned her about his violent streak when they first began dating but she took it for bravado. Many abusive moments in the 'horror film' that was her relationship with Creswell remain difficult for Ms Lyle to talk about Despite being fit, she was stunned that she was not able to fight back when he became aggressive and instead had to placate him with lines, including that her 'mother is a w***e'. By doing the documentary, Ms Lyle said she hoped she could spread the message that a variety of different people could be abused, including independent and confident women. After enduring the tough process of leaving the abusive Creswell, Ms Lyle eventually entered a more positive relationship, and she has been with her current partner for three years. The grim time at the hands of the future murderer taught her the lesson that she could cope with anything and that the trials of her career pale in comparison to her time with Creswell. A Canadian Armed Forces member was found dead after going missing for three days in Eastern Europe. Warrant Officer George Hohl was found deceased in Latvia on Friday while deployed on Operation Reassurance. The Canadian Armed Forces are working with the Latvian authorities on the investigation. The cause of the Warrant Officer's death is still unknown. Hohl was deployed on Operation Reassurance, working with the Aviation Battalion under the NATO Multinational Brigade-Lativa, according to the Canadian government . Canada's Department of Defense does not believe that this incident poses a threat to the remaining deployed members. The Warrant Officer was a vehicle technician from 408 Helicopter Squadron, stationed in Alberta, and served in the Canadian Armed Forces for nearly 20 years. Warrant Officer George Hohl was found deceased in Latvia on Friday while deployed on Operation REASSURANCE Hohl was a father and husband, and a Meal Train was set up for donations in support of his family During his career, he was deployed multiple times on several operations. Hohl was a father and husband, and a Meal Train was set up for donations in support of his family. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted a tribute for Hohl on Facebook: 'It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Warrant Officer George Hohl, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. 'Warrant Officer Hohl was deployed as part of NATO's Multinational Brigade Latvia under Operation REASSURANCE - a brigade I had the honour of spending time with late last month.' 'On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my deepest condolences to Warrant Officer Hohls family, friends, and to all those who served with him.' Lieutenant General Steven Boivin, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command, shared his condolences on the defense department's news release: 'I am deeply saddened to learn of this outcome following the search efforts in Latvia over the last several days. 'My heartfelt condolences go out to Warrant Officer Hohls family, loved ones and friends during this difficult time. Warrant Officer Hohls two decades of service with the Canadian Armed Forces are a testament of his dedication to Canada both at home and abroad.' Operation REASSURANCE is the Canadian Forces' largest overseas mission contributing to NATO's defense efforts in Central and Eastern Europe The Prime Minister announced the continuation of Operation REASSURANCE for an additional three years during his visit to Latvia in 2025 General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, also added: 'The loss of Warrant Officer George Hohl has hit us all very hard. 'On behalf of the entire Canadian Armed Forces, I offer my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. Warrant Officer Hohl will be remembered for his many years of dedicated service, and our hearts are with all who knew him during this time of great sorrow.' Operation Reassurance is the Canadian Forces' largest overseas mission contributing to NATO's defense efforts in Central and Eastern Europe. The objective since 2017 has been to strengthen Europe's defense on the east against Russia, in the event of an invasion The Prime Minister announced the continuation of Operation REASSURANCE for an additional three years during his visit to Latvia in 2025, according to the Department of National Defense. There are about 2,000 Canadian soldiers in Latvia as part of the operation. The objective since 2017 has been to strengthen Europe's defense on the east against Russia, in the event of an invasion. Many refer to the mission as trip wire, according to CBC. John Swinney has been told to stop burying his head in the sand over the asylum hotel crisis and help end the open-door attitude attracting illegal migrants. Ahead of a Holyrood debate on the highly-charged issue, the Scottish Conservatives said the First Minister was in denial about the scale of the problem north of the Border. MSP Craig Hoy claimed the SNPs approach was helping criminal gangs find customers. The Tories debate on Wednesday will demand the closure of all asylum hotels across Scotland as soon as possible and warn the SNP push for greater immigration would see a further increase in the number of asylum seekers coming to Scotland. The party will also admit the Conservative-era policy of asylum hotels was a mistake. It follows weeks of demonstrations outside hotels in Perth, Aberdeenshire and Falkirk. Saltire flags have been hung on lampposts across Glasgow and Aberdeen in protest. The SNP leader of Glasgow, which has the most asylum seekers of any UK council, last week warned the growing demand was financially unsustainable. The First Minister has been told to 'stop burying his head in the sand' The SNP's Kaukab Stewart said she was 'deeply concerned about some of the rhetoric we are seeing in the UK' Susan Aitken said the city faced a 90 million budget gap next year, 66 million of it due to a homelessness overspend driven by asylum seekers being granted refugee status while in Glasgow, plus further refugees being drawn from elsewhere in the UK. Scotlands generous housing rules mean single men, as well as priority need families, are entitled to council-funded homeless accommodation, even if they have no local connection. But last week, Mr Swinney said he wanted more migration, proclaiming: Our saltire is a flag of welcome - and refugees are welcome here. Mr Hoy said: The current system of housing asylum seekers in Scotland cant continue because its financially unsustainable. The SNP council leader in Glasgow, who is presiding over a housing emergency in the city, has admitted as much. If illegal immigrants are going to the front of the queue for accommodation, its inevitable this will cause resentment among both long-term Glasgow residents and legal migrants who are stuck on lengthy waiting lists for social housing. We need to close hotels housing asylum seekers in Scotland. This practice, which increased under the last UK Conservative government, is not working and was a mistake. Calling on the Scottish and UK Governments to work together, he said: The SNPs open-door attitude towards illegal immigrants is only helping criminal gangs who make their fortune by preying on desperate individuals. The First Minister proclaimed last week 'refugees are welcome here' John Swinney is in denial about the scale of this crisis. He is burying his head in the sand. As the number of illegal immigrants coming to the UK and Scotland continues to grow under Labour, he and the Starmer government must act decisively to impose effective deterrents. Britain should be a place for people to live, not a hotel for those seeking to come illegally. New Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood yesterday said the UK could suspend visas for countries that refuse to take back migrants as she vowed to do whatever it takes to stop small boat crossings. Although immigration is a UK issue, many services for refugees and asylum seekers are devolved, including health, education, care of children, social care, legal aid and homeless accommodation As of June 30, Glasgow was housing 3,844 asylum seekers, around 90 per cent of the Scottish total, and almost 40 per cent more than next highest UK council, Birmingham. London has the most of any city, but they are spread over more than a dozen councils. There are no asylum seeker hotels in Glasgow, as other types of housing are used under a deal between the Home Office - which disperses asylum seekers - and the Mears Group. But if asylum seekers are granted refugee status, they often become homeless, and the council has to house them - frequently in hotels and B&Bs. Glasgow is a magnet for refugees from England because of liberal housing rules. The SNP ended the priority need test for homelessness in 2012 and in 2022 axed the local connection rule, that let councils turn away people without a link to the area. The Governments New Scots strategy in 2018 boasted Scotland had among the strongest rights in Europe for people facing homelessness. The end of the local connection rule makes it easier for newly recognised refugees in Scotland to seek homelessness assistance from any Scots council, it said. While abolishing priority need meant a new refugee, if homeless, can access assistance without having to demonstrate that they are particularly vulnerable. An updated strategy last year admitted recent challenges, include foreign wars, had significantly stretched resources and capacity to support refugee integration. In a submission to the Commons Home Affairs Committee in the spring, Glasgow health officials warned the Home Office-Mears Group deal was affecting local services. Despite the Home Offices plan saying need would be around 1,000 bed spaces, it was actually around 4,000 out of a capacity of 6,700. Given the disproportionate number of asylum seekers in the city, Mears require a large property portfolio in Glasgow, in both the social housing and private rented sector. This, consequentially, limits the ability of the local authority to access this accommodation for homeless households. It said 1,500 private properties leased by Mears could be used to accommodate homeless households. The Scottish Refugee Council also warned MPs that differential Scottish policy had led to unprecedented pressure on the citys housing stock. Cllr Aitken last week told ITN the city was facing a perfect storm. She blamed pressure from the mass processing of people who are refugees already in the city which was exacerbated by people traveling from other parts of the UK. Asked if Glasgow could still afford its slogan of Refugees are welcome here, she said the incredibly difficult truth was the position was fast becoming unsustainable. She told the Mail yesterday: Vulnerable people who have been granted refuge in the UK or who are seeking asylum in this country are not to blame for the homelessness crisis. Rather, there has been a failure of policy starting with the last UK Government and continuing today. This is an area of public discourse that is already bedevilled by misinformation, half-truths and outright lies. Witnessing an allegedly mainstream political party gleefully launch itself, headlong, into that swamp is profoundly depressing. SNP equalities minister Kaukab Stewart said: Asylum and immigration are reserved and UK Government decisions about management of the asylum system are creating significant pressures across the UK, including in Glasgow. We support the call from Glasgow City Council that UK Government must provide adequate funding to support newly recognised refugees and communities. I am deeply concerned about some of the rhetoric we are seeing in the UK, which should have no place in our society. No one should have to fear they will be targeted for who they are and it is critical that everyone feels safe. Africa has officially joined the push to demand reparations from Britain and other former colonial powers for 'historic crimes', including slavery and imperialism. The African Union, which represents all 55 nations on the continent, has called for 'meaningful reparations' from European powers for exploiting Africa's people, land and resources and blamed colonialism for ongoing 'systemic injustice' across the region. At a joint summit in Addis Ababa with Caribbean leaders, the bloc said it would team up with countries across the Atlantic to seek compensation and what it called 'reparatory justice'. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the Djiboutian politician heading up the African Union Commission, said the two regions would now work together to 'honour our ancestors, to uplift our descendants and reclaim our shared destiny in freedom, justice and unity'. It comes as Caribbean nations under the Caricom alliance of 15 states have already demanded trillions in compensation for slavery. Now African leaders are expected to draw up their own list of demands. Britain, which at the height of its empire controlled a quarter of Africa, could find itself facing fresh claims - not just for its involvement in the slave trade, but for the broader impact of colonialism and what has been described as ongoing 'structural and systemic injustice'. Reparations are now being framed more broadly, not only in terms of slavery, but also the return of cultural artefacts, reforms to global economic systems, and compensation for climate change impacts. Leaders argue that the industrialised nations of the 'Global North' bear historical responsibility for environmental degradation. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the Djiboutian politician heading up the African Union Commission, said the two regions would now work together to 'honour our ancestors, to uplift our descendants and reclaim our shared destiny in freedom, justice and unity' Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh (3rd L), Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (4th L), Kenya's President William Ruto (4th R) and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (3rd R) pose for a group photo with other African heads of state and government representatives Former colonial powers that could face pressure include Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium and Germany - all of which carved up Africa by the late 19th century. The push follows years of talks between Caribbean and African leaders, which began in earnest in 2023. Officials hope the two regions can present a united front and force governments and institutions to confront the past. While Caricom has already submitted a formal '10-point plan' to former colonisers, including demands for financial payments, formal apologies, debt relief, and investment in education and development, no country has yet agreed to pay. Grenada has directly petitioned the Bank of England, which once owned a plantation on the island, while Jamaica has considered asking King Charles to address the issue as the country's constitutional monarch. In the UK, hopes that a Labour government might take a softer stance have been dashed. While David Lammy was expected to host a Caricom reparations forum as Foreign Secretary, the event was delayed due to the Israel-Iran conflict. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has, like his predecessors, rejected reparations. While David Lammy was expected to host a Caricom reparations forum as Foreign Secretary, the event was delayed due to the Israel-Iran conflict France and other European governments have also refused to offer compensation. Some Caribbean countries are now shifting tactics by targeting institutions like banks and universities instead of governments. Meanwhile, the African Union, which has declared this the 'Year of Reparations', is still in the early stages of drafting its own claims. One branch of the AU has been working on the issue for around eight months, although insiders say progress has been slow and no official policies have yet been finalised. Still, experts advising the bloc have insisted that returning stolen African artefacts is a 'step toward cultural restoration and healing'. Several British museums have already begun returning items such as the Benin Bronzes, Ashanti gold and sacred Ethiopian objects, though often only temporarily. BBC Breakfast Editor Richard Frediani is said to have been cleared of bad behaviour by broadcaster bosses amid feud with 'furious' Naga Munchetty. Richard Frediani took an extended period of leave after an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations was opened into the show. The BBC conducted 70 sessions and a 'listening exercise' with staff amid a crackdown on workplace culture. And it has since emerged that a full probe into the editor, who helped guide the flagship morning show to its first BAFTA last May, is not anticipated to be launched. It remains unclear what this outcome could mean for host Munchetty, who is said to still have a possible full investigation hanging over her head. Last week, Mr Frediani told staff that he had been cleared and would continue his roles managing both BBC Breakfast and the News at One, The Times reported. 'He's in a significantly more secure place than he was. And I think he's had a lot of support from people on the team who have come out and said he's a great editor,' a source told the publication. 'Not everyone on the team because there are divided loyalties, but he is in a much better place.' BBC Breakfast Editor Richard Frediani (pictured) is said to have been cleared of bad behaviour by bosses It remains unclear what this outcome could mean for host Naga Munchetty, who is said to still have a possible full investigation looming over her head (pictured with co-presenter Charlie Stayt) However presenters Charlie Stayt and Munchetty are understood to be enraged by the outcome. '[Friediani] feels like it has been a witch hunt and it's taken its toll but [he] is cracking on,' a source told The Sun. 'Naga and Charlie are furious about the whole thing and feel like the BBC have backed him over them. No one would be surprised if they ended up leaving.' It was previously claimed that the show's staff are feeling increasingly 'uneasy' around Mr Frediani, with the former Head of ITV News accused of 'shaking' a female editor while working on the show. Mr Frediani has now returned to work, but relations between him and star talent Naga, 50, and Charlie, 63, have 'turned so sour' he no longer directly manages them. A source told The Sun: 'Fredi now doesn't brief Naga and Charlie or any of that sort of thing and someone else is on the talkback to them from the gallery. 'The crew are entirely bemused and exhausted by it - in what world is it normal for a boss to be banned from talking to his staff?' It is understood the editor has a good working relationship with Breakfast presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent. It comes after a source claimed embattled presenter Naga Munchetty has a reputation for going 'ballistic' at junior staff, and humiliated an intern who didn't make her porridge perfectly. An insider, who previously worked with Naga, 50, on BBC Breakfast, revealed the TV host is 'an absolute nightmare', adding that she would 'kick off about the smallest of issues'. It comes as sources revealed Naga could face a probe from BBC bosses, and has been placed 'under review' amid claims she bullied a junior colleague on the flagship morning show. Richard Frediani previously took an extended period of leave after an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations was opened into the show An insider told the Daily Mail: 'She's an absolute nightmare. She has a reputation for going at young members of staff and making them out to be fools. 'She would kick off about the smallest of issues, including one time when she went ballistic over her breakfast not being prepared exactly how she likes it by an intern.' On one occasion, Naga refused to eat porridge delivered by an intern, which is typically done, saying it was 'too hot' for her to eat in the time she had, the source said. 'She said it's always made exactly the same way for her each day and would prefer if the same person made it who knows exactly how she likes it,' they added. 'The guy walked off the set utterly humiliated and went back to chuck it away before trying again later in the show. It was pretty brutal to watch.' At the time a BBC spokesperson said: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values. 'We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.' Naga's representatives declined to comment. Sources also previously told The Sun that the BBC Breakfast host was 'under review' with bosses considering escalating complaints to a formal investigation amid concerns over her 'hard' and 'bullying' behaviour. Naga, 50, was reportedly previously spoken to by bosses over claims she bullied a female junior staff member Munchetty was also reportedly hauled into a meeting after she made a sex jibe during an ad break while hosting her radio show Following the amount of people who have come forward to share their experiences with Naga, the BBC has officially moved to place the complaints under review. 'The review is to ascertain whether a full-on investigation is required and that could come in weeks', the source told The Sun. The journalist was reportedly previously spoken to by bosses over claims she bullied a female junior staff member, as well as a complaint she used a slang term for a sexual act off-air at BBC Radio 5 Live. Naga used the slang term in 2022, which stunned the studio and led to Naga being spoken to by bosses. It was then reported that last year, Naga was hauled into a meeting by bosses over the alleged bullying of a junior female colleague on BBC Breakfast. However, following a review into the workplace culture on BBC Breakfast as well as reportedly on BBC Radio 5, a fellow presenter defended Munchetty as 'incredibly hard working'. 'She doesn't suffer fools and is very professional,' they told The Times. 'She's very direct and I'm OK with that but I am aware that it doesn't work for everyone.' Sources previously compared the workplace to 'The Hunger Games' saying the morning programme had been 'ripped apart' amid allegations John McAndrew, BBC News's director of programmes, told staff in a note that some 'key themes' had arisen in the review. 'We want to make sure we really capture what you've shared, so thanks in advance for your patience while we take the time to get it right,' he said. Elsewhere a senior executive claimed future action was expected, saying it was going to 'get more complicated' before it gets less so. A BBC spokesperson said: 'While we do not comment on individual HR matters, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.' The mother of an autistic 12-year-old boy who was killed by an alligator has been arrested by New Orleans police. Bryan Vasquez was found dead in a lagoon in New Orleans East on August 26. The cause of death was determined to be an alligator attack and drowning. The boy's mother, Hilda Vasquez, is facing charges of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile and negligent homicide. Bryan went missing on August 14. At around 3am that day, Hilda was woken up by her son who struggled to sleep at night, according to WDSU. She took the boy back to his sister's room to go back to bed, and she gave him a melatonin sleep aid. Hilda said she then woke up at 7am to take her other, six-year-old son to school, leaving Bryan and her 11-year-old daughter home alone. She did not check on Bryan before leaving because his door was closed and she believed he was still asleep. When Hilda returned home, she once again did not check on Bryan and instead went straight to her bedroom. Around 10am, she called her daughter to come to run errands with her. That is when her daughter informed Hilda that Bryan was missing. 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez was autistic and non-verbal, and he went missing on the morning of August 14 Bryan's mother, Hilda Vasquez, was arrested on charges of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile and negligent homicide after Bryan was found dead from an alligator attack Hilda then went to check the children's bedroom and found that the window was open. She said it was left unlocked because he had never tried to leave that way before, but Bryan had run away on two occasions in the previous weeks. The first time was on August 1. Vasquez and her partner searched for the boy before calling police and discovering that they had already found him. The second time was on August 4. Hilda had been sleeping when a neighbor found the 12-year-old and brought him back home. That incident went unreported. The family then moved houses to the residence where Bryan would run away for the last time. Their former house was close to a playground, and when Bryan would run away that is where he would go. Neighbors knew to bring him back. At the new house, Hilda had not yet set up an alarm or security systems to prevent Bryan from leaving. She locked an iron security gate in front of the house, but the boy used his bedroom window to escape. After almost two weeks of searching, Bryan was finally found dead in a lagoon near the Vasquez family's home Hilda had not yet set up an alarm or security systems to prevent Bryan from leaving After almost two weeks of searching, Bryan was finally found dead in a lagoon near the Vasquez family's home. The coroner determined he had been killed in an alligator attack (stock image) Hilda said she believed he was feeling cooped up inside the house after the move, unable to return to school because the special needs bus route he needed had not yet been set up. 'He just wants to run,' she told nola.com. When Bryan went missing on August 13, a large search effort was launched to find him. Volunteers looked for the boy every day from 6am to 7pm, only stopping when the light waned and swarms of mosquitos would begin to come out. Bryan ran away from home twice in the weeks leading up to his death Relatives, friends and community members searched the streets of Village De L'Est where the Vasquez family lives. Some rode all-terrain vehicles and handed out missing person flyers that had been translated into English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Hilda waited at the community's search headquarters set up outside her home. 'I want my child. He is my life,' she said at the time. After almost two weeks of searching, Bryan was finally found dead in a lagoon near the Vasquez family's home. The coroner determined he had been killed in an alligator attack. The New Orleans Police Department said they received records from the Office of Children and Family Services that showed multiple reports were filed against Hilda for child physical abuse and lack of supervision between 2013 and 2025. The world's most famous philanthropist has an uncomfortable secret: Bill Gates is making money off Trump's deportation machine through his stake in a major flight contractor. This makes him a sort of 'surprise beneficiary' of President Donald Trump's expansive deportation efforts, according to the Huffington Post's reporting. Gates' company is called 'Signature Aviation' on their website, they refer to their service as 'the world's largest network of private aviation terminals.' Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) relies on private charter airlines to move detainees as part of its flight network known as 'ICE Air,' overseen by ICE Air Operations under the Department of Homeland Security. Signature reportedly handles everything from fueling planes and supplying ground crews to providing boarding equipment and hangar space at hundreds of airportsprimarily across the United States. According to the Huffington Post's extensive reporting, experts like plane trackers and immigration activists say Gates' financial involvement in Signature is a conflict of interest marking a stark contrast with his humanitarian achievements and progress, including the Gates Foundation's backing of several immigrationcentered nonprofit organizations. At a Seattle airport, Signature seemed to distance itself from immigration flights last month by covering its logos on the boarding stairs with cardboard. The move came at a location where local officials had installed cameras in 2023 to monitor ICE flight activity. At a Seattle airport, Signature seemed to distance itself from immigration flights last month by covering its logos on the boarding stairs with cardboard. The move came at a location where local officials had installed cameras in 2023 to monitor ICE flight activity Gates' company is called 'Signature Aviation' on their website, they refer to their service as 'the world's largest network of private aviation terminals' Billionaire tech entrepreneur Bill Gates holds a significant financial stake in a major contractor responsible for immigrationrelated flights making him an unexpected beneficiary of President Donald Trump 's expansive deportation efforts, according to the Huffington Post's reporting According to their reporting, an activist who tracks aircraft movements on Bluesky a social media platform competing with X documented how these planes crisscross the country, shuttling ICE detainees between facilities and, ultimately, to deportation flights. As the Huffington Post's investigation revealed, these sightings have become routine across the U.S. but they've been happening for over a decade. Private aviation contractors have long managed tens of thousands of ICE Air flights during that time. Back In February, the White House posted a video of a Signature plane, with the caption 'ASMR: Illegal Alien Deportation Flight,' showing migrants being handcuffed and transported. Aviation companies say Trump's mass deportations wouldn't take off without private airline companies like Signature. With fresh funding from Congress and renewed momentum from the White House, the number of deportation flights is rapidly increasing. These flights are used to move immigration detainees around the U.S. and to forcibly return them to their countries of origin or, in some instances, to unfamiliar destinations they have no choice over. According to a 2019 report from the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general, ICE Air transported or deported 181,317 individuals via charter flights in fiscal year 2017, while only 8,288 were flown out on commercial airlines. Aviation companies say Trump's mass deportations wouldn't take off without private airline companies like Signature The Gates Foundation has not commented on its involvement in these deportation flights Gates was notably one of several bigname tech leaders that President Trump hosted at the White House several days ago Signature Aviation's global head of corporate affairs sent a statement in response to this story, saying, 'Our FBOs (FixedBase Operators) must accept flight operations that comply with the law, FAA regulations and contract requirements at federally funded airports,' Rosanna Fiske told the Huffington Post. The Gates Foundation has reportedly not commented on its involvement in these deportation flights. Gates was notably one of several bigname tech leaders that President Trump hosted at the White House several days ago. Rupert Murdoch's son is to take over the family's media empire, putting an end to a Succession-style battle for power. In a deal worth $3.3billion (2.4bn), Lachlan, 54, will assume control of publications including The Sun, The Times, The Sunday Times and Talk TV in the UK, as well as Fox News, The New York Post and The Wall Street Journal in the US. His three oldest siblings Prue, Liz and James will receive $1.1bn (800m) for all their shares in the empire, The New York Times reports. It comes months after Lachlan and his father's bold attempt to strike the trio out of the Murdoch family's irrevocable trust, a move which failed but ultimately opened up negotiations. Rupert, 94, had reportedly dubbed this plan to tip the scales in favour of his eldest son 'Project Harmony', but it caused a major rift in the clan. Monday's breakthrough looks set to put an end to the ongoing litigation, with a new family trust being created, including Lachlan and his two younger sisters, Grace, 23, and Chloe, 22, whom Rupert had with his third wife Wendi Deng. This trust will guarantee the controlling stake in Murdoch's main two media companies, Fox Corporation and News Corp. Lachlan has effectively been running the family business for several years, but the new arrangement ensures he will retain control until at least 2050, when he will be 79. Rupert Murdoch's son Lachlan (pictured) is to take over the family's media empire, putting an end to a Succession-style battle for power In a deal worth $3.3 billion (2.4bn), Lachlan (pictured with his wife Sarah) will assume control of publications including The Sun, The Times, The Sunday Times and Talk TV in the UK, as well as Fox News, The New York Post and The Wall Street Journal in the US It comes months after Lachlan and his father's bold attempt, dubbed 'Project Harmony', to strike the trio out of the Murdoch family's irrevocable trust, a move which failed As for his siblings, they have long desired a break from a news empire they view as too conservative, and are receiving far heftier shares than their brother had previously been willing to pay. Rupert, who created a media empire out of one Australian newspaper, was the inspiration for the hit TV series Succession. Like the fictional version, this real-life fight pitted the children of the powerful patriarch against each other for who should be the face and the voice of the empire after the old man dies. Rupert had long intended that his children inherit the empire, and jointly decide its direction, handing out equal control after his death to his four oldest children after he divorced his second wife, Anna Torv, in 1999. Their eldest daughter, Prudence, has had little involvement in the family business, but at various times the other three - Lachlan, James and Elisabeth - have all been considered as successors. In recent years though, Murdoch Senior had reportedly grown concerned Fox News - the crown jewel of the collection - may drift from its lucrative right-wing moorings after his death, to reflect the more centrist views of James and Elisabeth. Rupert, who created a media empire out of one Australian newspaper, was the inspiration for the hit TV series Succession (pictured). Like the fictional version, this real-life fight pitted the children of the powerful patriarch against each other Rupert's eldest daughter, Prudence (left), has had little involvement in the family business, but at various times the other three - Lachlan, James and Elisabeth (right) - have all been considered as successors In recent years, Murdoch Senior had reportedly grown concerned Fox News may drift from its lucrative right-wing moorings after his death, to reflect the more centrist views of James (pictured with Rupert and Lachlan) and Elisabeth He had therefore sought to designate Lachlan - who currently heads Fox News and News Corp - as the controlling player in the wider business, despite effectively removing his power to name a successor in the 1999 trust agreement. Rupert and Lachlan squared off against their family members in a secret legal battle in the desert city of Reno in September. They sought to prove in sealed testimony that the latter's more right-wing stance would better ensure the financial security of the businesses, but commissioner Edmund Gorman, in a sealed document, was not swayed. A buyout still seemed like the likeliest outcome and, after a further year of intense negotiations, Lachlan finally sealed his spot as successor of the Murdoch empire. The three despots were unusually animated last week as they strolled towards the historic Tiananmen Gate in Beijing. North Korea's Kim Jong-un was craning his neck to catch every word, beaming and nodding vigorously as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin chatted through translators. Host Xi resplendent in his gray Mao suit, smiled broadly as his Putin spoke with enthusiasm, his fists were clenched in joy and exhilaration. 'Biotechnology is continuously developing,' said the 72-year-old Russian strongman. 'Human organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become and even achieve immortality.' Xi, eight months Putin's junior, nodded encouragingly, and added: 'Some predict that in this century humans may live to 150 years old.' Little wonder Kim, a mere boy at 41, seemed so delighted at his mentors' musings. Is it possible for these autocrats-for-life to live forever? While the dictators' discussion would seem to be straight out of science fiction, a Daily Mail investigation has revealed that their Bond villain banter, caught on a hot mic and since ordered removed by Chinese censors, is significantly more realistic than is widely known. North Korea 's Kim Jong-un was craning his neck to catch every word, beaming and nodding vigorously as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russia 's Vladimir Putin chatted through translators 'Biotechnology is continuously developing,' said the 72-year-old Russian strongman. 'Human organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become and even achieve immortality' Indeed, one Soviet-born, China-based scientist, who is actively exploring the possibility of human head transplants, told the Daily Mail their conversation was highly relevant. 'Young organ or even whole-body transplantation, often referred to as 'replacement', is a viable strategy for extending life,' said Alex Zhavoronkov, the founder of AI-powered drug discovery company Insilico Medicine. At the end of last month Zhavoronkov was one of almost 200 scientists - among them two with Nobel Prizes in chemistry - to address the world's largest conference on longevity, held in Copenhagen. Zhavoronkov added that there were numerous 'folks working on developing technologies for whole-body transplantation' and insisted that the talk of organ transplants and living to 150 was all deadly serious. The Latvian-native, described in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News as 'a borderline mad scientist,' has so far raised over $400 million in funding for his biotech firm, Insilico. Educated in Canada and the US and with a PhD in physics from Moscow State University, Zhavoronkov hit the headlines last year for financing a viral eight minute video imagining, with a highly detailed and graphic summary, how a human head transplant could work. The body would come from a braindead young donor and the head of the older person seeking youthful energy would be severed and surgically attached to the donor's frame. 'Head transplantation and brain transplantation into the unconscious clones does not require us to have the fundamental understanding of the aging processes, and may be a viable option for further investigation as most of the enabling technologies may already be available,' he wrote in Forbes in 2022. One Soviet-born, China-based scientist Alex Zhavoronkov (pictured) actively exploring the possibility of human head transplants (Pictured) The world's first cryopreservation facility being developed by Dr. Alex Zhavoronkov It all sounds incredibly far-fetched, but Zhavoronkov's lab itself is almost beyond belief. Dubbed the 'Life Star' - a suitably intergalactic name for an out-of-this-world facility - the lab in Suzhou, 80 miles west of Shanghai, is controlled by AI and ran entirely with robotics. Passing through the circuit-board decorated doors - which slide open thanks to facial recognition - the visitor is greeted with pirouetting robotic limbs encased in clear plastic cases, shuttling back and forth with petri dishes and tubes to carry out research into cures for cancer, fibrosis, diseases to the immune and central nervous systems and aging-related conditions. Yet Zhavoronkov is just one of many working to make Putin, Xi and Kim's wildest dreams come true. Some companies are working on growing specific cells in a lab, with a view to patching up existing organs. Others are looking into 'recellularization,' whereby the scaffolding of an existing organ is used, but with fresh tissue replacing the old. Others are experimenting with 'bioprinting' - using a 3D printer to create organs, which can be implanted into a human. Indeed, the Russian ruler has been watching closely. In 2024, Putin announced a new 'national project,' which he termed 'New Health Preservation Technologies.' That June, the country's health ministry sent a letter to researchers ordering them to provide proposals for new experiments. The letter, obtained by opposition news website Meduza, ordered the researchers to suggest work on 'medical products aimed at reducing the burden of cellular aging'; neurotechnology to prevent cognitive decline; ways to 'correct the immune system based on critical markers identified in the aging process'; and bioprinting. 'When we got this letter, honestly, I was stunned,' one researcher told the site. 'The whole premise baffled me. Oh sure, let's work on restoring the health of these old fogies - it's not like there's anyone else who needs our attention.' Among the myriad of thorny ethical issues, perhaps the most complex is the question of prioritizing the rich and powerful for longevity-enhancing organ transplants, while over 100,000 people in the US alone are waiting for vital, life-saving transplants. Not that that is likely to concern the Russian president. In his ear is Mikhail Kovalchuk, head of the Kurchatov Institute nuclear research center and brother of Yury Kovalchuk, sanctioned by the US Treasury as one of Putin's 'cashiers.' Mikhail is 'obsessed with immortality,' a source close to the Kremlin told the website, and pushing Putin to invest more and more funds in the endeavor. In his ear is Mikhail Kovalchuk (pictured), head of the Kurchatov Institute nuclear research center and brother of Yury Kovalchuk, sanctioned by the US Treasury as one of Putin's 'cashiers.' While the dictators' discussion would seem to be straight out of science fiction, a Daily Mail investigation has revealed that their Bond villain banter, caught on a hot mic and since ordered removed by Chinese censors, is significantly more realistic than is widely known. By 2022, the Russian government was spending over 57 million rubles ($633,000) in bioprinting, compared to just 1.2 million rubles ($20,600) five years earlier. A year later a Russian company, 3D Bioprinting Solutions, managed for the first time in history to 'print' skin directly on to an open wound. Yet progress within Russia has stalled, as many of the leading scientists have fled since the invasion of Ukraine. Zhavoronkov, who states on his website that he is fundamentally opposed to 'any kind of war,' said Russia was now among the 'lowest-tier countries, that deprioritized science and technology.' Jonathan Grinstein, a former biotech researcher who is now North American editor at Inside Precision Medicine, said the US government was also investing heavily in pioneering biotech, through the Pentagon's DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) and BARDA (Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority) schemes. 'The US government, through DARPA and BARDA, has programs for making human organs,' he told the Daily Mail. 'Usually, the US government is actually very, very ahead of these. It doesn't really get into the headlines. It's mainly how the military and the country would respond to a biohazard or a new pandemic or something like that.' Does that mean that Donald Trump, listening to Putin and Xi and Kim's conversation, could have smugly thought: 'Wait till you see what I've got my sleeve?' Grinstein laughed. 'Possibly,' he said, noting that the COVID pandemic broadcast to the world the existence of DARPA-designed mRNA vaccines. 'I mean, with the mRNA stuff that just happened, who knows?' Probably the most advance organ 'growing' science so far is that involving genetically-modified pigs, and the US is indeed the world leader. In March 2024, 62-year-old Rick Slayman became the world's first living recipient of a genetically edited pig kidney. He died two months later due to cardiac issues unrelated to the kidney; Tim Andrews, 67, received a pig kidney in January at Mass General hospital and is currently the longest-living pig kidney recipient in the world. Two people have received pig hearts from the University of Maryland Medical Center: 57-year-old David Bennett, who died two months following the January 2022 surgery, and Lawrence Faucette, who died in October 2023 after six weeks with the organ. In March 2024, 62-year-old Rick Slayman (pictured) became the world's first living recipient of a genetically edited pig kidney The most controversial means, of course, is 'organ harvesting' - taking organs from a person by coercion. The scale of the crime is unknown, but believed to be not uncommon in China, Pakistan, Egypt, Colombia and the Philippines, Reuters reported. In 2007, the World Health Organization estimated that 5-10 per cent the 150,000 transplants performed each year worldwide used organs from the black market. Chris Smith, a Republican congressman for New Jersey, has twice managed to get his Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act through the House, and urged his colleagues to take Putin, Xi and Kim's conversation as a clarion call. 'This insidious conversation should be a striking wake-up call,' said Smith last week. 'To my colleagues in the Senate - the United States must act fast, and we must act decisively.' A teenage girl who was critically injured during a vicious dog attack in the NSW Hunter Valley last week has died in hospital. Annalyse Blyton, 17, was studying for exams at her friend's home in Singleton last Thursday morning when she was attacked by a 10-year-old mixed-breed dog, forcing passers-by to intervene. The teen suffered serious injuries to her head, neck and body and was airlifted to Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition. The 10-year-old boxer-bull Arab-Irish wolfhound cross lived at the home. The dog was shot dead by police with the consent of the owners, as officers commenced an investigation into the attack. Police were assisted at the scene by Singleton Council rangers. NSW Police were notified on Monday that Annalyse had since died in hospital. Investigatons continue, and a report will be prepared for the coroner. Annalyse Blyton, 17, was attacked by a dog during a study session at her friend's house. She has since died in hospital Police investigations into the fatal dog attack continue (stock image) 'Emergency services were met with quite a confronting scene,' Acting Superintendent Justin Cornes previously told reporters. 'It should be noted that the dog was actually in a fenced yard at the time. This didn't occur in the street.' He added that the dog's owners were cooperating with police and had described the animal's actions as 'out of character'. The efforts of passers-by and witnesses who intervened were also praised. 'Running into a scene where they didn't have the full circumstances and to jump in there and remove the dog, which was at the time, very aggressive [it's] an incredible act,' Supt Cornes said. Annalyse's mother had earlier paid tribute to emergency responders while pleading with her daughter to fight for life in hospital. 'Fight with everything you have my baby girl, don't let this defeat you, you are the most caring, beautiful girl and you have so much love and support to get you through this terrible time,' Lauren Dening posted online on Friday. 'The amazing first responders and all the doctors who saved my daughter's life are amazing and without them I wouldn't have my baby girl.' Annalyse (pictured) suffered critical injuries to her head, neck and body The tragedy has rocked the town of Singleton in the NSW Hunter Valley A GoFundMe set up to support Annalyse's family has already raised almost $15,000. The tragedy comes four years after a five-week-old baby boy was mauled to death by the family's pet American Staffordshire terrier on the NSW Central Coast. A coronial inquest heard late last year that the mother had been cradling her newborn in a rocking chair but fell asleep and woke to find the lifeless baby on the floor suffering from fatal puncture wounds. The inquest also heard harrowing details about two-year-old Jyedon Pollard's final moments when the toddler was mauled to death by two dogs at a Cowra motel in central-west NSW in 2022. NSW deputy state coroner Carmel Forbes recommended an overhaul of dog ownership laws following the inquest, which examined seven fatal dog attacks in the last 15 years. 'There have been a concerning amount of dog attacks on people in NSW in the past 15 years that have resulted in serious injuries or even death,' Ms Forbes said. 'We must be committed to achieving modern outcomes and frameworks to avoid future tragedy and minimise the potential for similar attacks.' Huge flaws emerged yesterday in Labours latest toothless plan to combat the small-boats crisis. New Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said countries that refuse to play ball and take back migrants could face curtailed access to visas. She announced she had reached an agreement with her counterparts from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance to boost the return of foreign nationals who have no legal basis to remain in any of the partner countries. However, it later emerged that restrictions on visas would be imposed only by Britain and not by the US and other major economies which signed the deal. The Home Office said the deal would lead to much closer working but was unable to say what it would mean in practice. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused Ms Mahmood of shameless spin in her first week on the job. Any visa restrictions imposed would, in theory, mean people seeking to travel here legally could be denied entry if their governments fail to cooperate with deportations from Britain. Pakistan, India, Iraq, Somalia, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Gabon are thought to be among countries who often refuse to accept their citizens back from the UK. But there is a possibility that targeted countries could respond with tit-for-tat measures, with implications for trade deals and for universities unable to recruit as many foreign students. (Pictured from left to right) New Zealand's Minister of Defence Judith Collins, Canada Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, Britain's Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Australia's Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke and United States Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood shakes hands with US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem at the Five Country ministerial meeting Labour backbenchers, having already opposed separate visa measures proposed by the Government, could rebel if it prevents foreign-born constituents bringing relatives to Britain. Ms Mahmood said: For countries that do not play ball, weve been talking about how we can take more coordinated action between Five Eyes countries. For us, that means possibly the cutting of visas in the future, just to say we do expect countries to play ball... and if one of your citizens has no right to be in our country, you do need to take them back. She ruled out Britain leaving the European Convention on Human Rights to deal with the migrant crisis. Such a move advocated by Reform UK and some sections of the Tory party would have other consequences that we think are not in our national interest, she said. Instead, the Government will propose changes to tighten up the rules on how the treaty is implemented in the UK. In the end, this is about how you strike the balance between human rights... and securing our borders. I do think that that balance isnt in the right place at the moment, said Ms Mahmood. Thats why we will come forward with changes to our domestic legislation and the guidance in terms of how we apply some of the convention rights legally here at home. Vowing to do whatever it takes to stop small-boat crossings, she added: Im very clear that there has to be a strong approach to maintaining our borders, and that does mean saying to countries who do not take their citizens back that were not simply going to allow our laws to remain unenforced. Your browser does not support iframes. The Five Eyes summit delegates stand next to a drone on the grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company in central London Ms Mahmood also posed with Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke ahead of the security alliance meeting The 'Five Eyes' alliance delegates met in central London yesterday However, the visa restrictions would be imposed using laws brought in by the Tories and first announced in 2021 by then-Home Secretary Priti Patel. Her Nationality and Borders Act the following year created powers for visa penalty provision against another country. Mr Philp said last night: This is shameless spin by Shabana Mahmood in her first week on the job. Visa sanctions have nothing whatsoever to do with the Five Eyes partnership... its ludicrous to pretend they do. Ms Mahmood was joined at the Five Eyes summit in central London yesterday by US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and New Zealand Minister of Defence Judith Collins. The final text of the agreement will not be published until the end of the two-day summit later yesterday. It comes after the number of small-boat crossings reached more than 30,000 so far this year up 37 per cent on the same point last year including 1,097 on Saturday alone. Labour announced a one in, one out migrant returns deal with France nearly two months ago but the first removal is yet to take place. And a mooted change in French law to allow its police to stop boats in the water within 300m (328 yards) of the shore appears to have stalled and was in even more doubt last night after the French government collapsed. Donald Trump said that Democrats have blood on their hands after watching the video of the career criminal that went on to stab a Ukrainian refugee in North Carolina. The president took to Truth Social, posting a photo of Iryna Zarutska next to one of Decarlos Brown Jr. and going after Democrat policies and politicians that made her slaughter possible. 'I have seen the horrific video of a beautiful, young Ukrainian refugee, who came to America to escape the vicious War in Ukraine, and was innocently riding the Metro in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she was brutally ambushed by a mentally deranged lunatic,' Trump wrote. Turning to Brown Jr., Trump argued: 'The perpetrator was a well known career criminal, who had been previously arrested and released on CASHLESS BAIL in January, a total of 14 TIMES. What the hell was he doing riding the train, and walking the streets? Criminals like this need to be LOCKED UP.' Trump then inserted the murder into the 2026 Senate race between Democrat former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and ex-RNC co-chairman Michael Whatley. 'The blood of this innocent woman can literally be seen dripping from the killers knife, and now her blood is on the hands of the Democrats who refuse to put bad people in jail, including Former Disgraced Governor and Wannabe Senator Roy Cooper. North Carolina, and every State, needs LAW AND ORDER, and only Republicans will deliver it!' He also wondered why the story had been ignored by the left-leaning press. 'Additionally, where is the outrage from the Mainstream Media on this horrible tragedy? VOTE FOR MICHAEL WHATLEY FOR UNITED STATES SENATE, HE WONT LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN!' Donald Trump said that Democrats have blood on their hands after watching the video of the career criminal that went on to stab a Ukrainian refugee in North Carolina The president took to Truth Social, posting a photo of Iryna Zarutska next to one of Decarlos Brown Jr. and going after Democrat policies and politicians that made her slaughter possible The Daily Mail has reached out to Governor Cooper's campaign for comment. Cooper was a two-term Democrat who ran the purple state from 2017 to 2025, winning North Carolina in years where both Donald Trump and Joe Biden won presidential elections. His ex-Attorney General, Josh Stein, continued the Democrats' winning streak in the governor's mansion, winning despite Trump taking back the White House in 2024. Cooper faces Whatley, who was co-chair of the RNC alongside Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara, during the successful 2024 presidential campaign. Brown, 34, allegedly stabbed Zarutska to death at South End light rail station in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22. He was arrested soon after and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Brown was then charged with first-degree murder on his release. Zarutska had only recently arrived in the US 'seeking safety from the war and hoping for a new beginning', her family said on a GoFundMe page. The North Carolina judge who released him has been slammed for allowing him to be out on the streets. Brown, 34, allegedly stabbed Zarutska (pictured) to death at South End light rail station in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22 Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes freed Decarlos Brown Jr. in January - around seven months before police say he went on to slaughter Iryna Zarutska on August 22. Stokes allowed Brown, 34, who is homeless and has a litany of previous arrests - including for armed robbery and assault - to walk free on a 'written promise' that he would return for his next court appearance. Brown was arrested on January 19 for alleged 'misuse of the 911 system', after he dialed the emergency number while police were conducting a welfare check on him. During the ordeal, Brown, who is schizophrenic, told police he thought that 'man made' materials were inside his body controlling his movements. 'Brown wanted officers to investigate this "man-made" material that was inside of his body,' the arrest affidavit reads. 'Officers advised Brown that the issue was medical issue and that there was nothing further they could do.' This response sent Brown into a rage, and he called 911. Officers arrested him and charged him with a misdemeanor. Even Brown's mother said the court system failed the community by allowing him to roam free despite his serious mental health issues, according to Newsweek. Trump then inserted the murder into the 2026 Senate race between Democrat former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper (pictured) and ex-RNC co-chairman Michael Whatley Brown has spent most of his life in and out of prison. He served five years in prison for a 2014 armed robbery and was released in September, 2020 - when he quickly resumed a life of crime Zarutska's family called her death 'an irreparable loss' She said he was placed under psychiatric monitoring for two weeks after she secured an involuntary commitment order when he was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2014. The desperate mother said that he became so aggressive that she had to kick him out of her home. Brown's lengthy history of run-ins with the law also includes assaulting his sister in 2021, leaving her with minor injuries, and armed robbery in 2014. Despite these crimes, and Brown being a potential flight risk because he was not fixed to any set address, Stokes released him during his court hearing about the 911 call. A document outlining the condition of his release seen by the Daily Mail shows that it was authorized with only a 'written promise to appear' at his next court hearing. The court memo from Mecklenburg County includes Stokes' signature, and one of Brown's many mugshots showing him looking dazed with his eyebrows raised. The Daily Mail has contacted Stokes for comment. Brown's previous crimes saw him serve five years in prison for a 2014 armed robbery and was released in September, 2020. Just months after his release from prison, on February, 2021, Brown was arrested for assaulting his sister in Charlotte and leaving her with minor injuries, according to police records obtained by the Daily Mail. It's unclear whether he was convicted. That same month, he was also arrested for injury to personal property and trespassing. A police report from that incident said Brown 'returned to the address after being told he was not allowed back and kicked and damaged the front door of the listed victim's residence.' In July 2022, Brown was then arrested again for a domestic disturbance. It's unclear whether he was convicted. '[Brown] was arrested for disorderly conduct. The suspect was yelling and cursing, causing a disturbance and drawing the attention of multiple tenants while on the property the call for service was located,' read the police report. Brown's arrest records go as back as 2007, when he was still a minor. Over the next seven years, he was arrested at least six times for crimes including felony larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon and communicating threats. According to the Charlotte Observer, most of the charges he faced during that time were dropped. When reached for comment, the Mecklenburg District Attorney's Office told the Daily Mail Tuesday it cannot speak about defendants with pending cases. 'In broad terms, it remains the position of the District Attorneys office that those who commit violent crimes should be held in custody pending trial,' the DA's office said. Today marks three years since the death of Queen Elizabeth II. It is a day the world will never forget and one that brought about personal tragedy as the Royal Family lost the matriarch who had led the firm for 70 years. But on the sidelines of the tragedy a small domestic drama was playing out involving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Royal sources have claimed that King Charles III reportedly told Harry not to bring Meghan with him to the Queen's deathbed in Balmoral. When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex received word on September 8 2022 that the Queen was unwell they happened to be in the UK. The Sussexes then prompted an unprecedented flurry behind the scenes by announcing that Harry and Meghan would both be travelling to Balmoral. Sources claim that Harry was at Frogmore Cottage when he received a call from his father asking him not to bring Meghan. 'Charles told Harry that it wasn't right or appropriate for Meghan to be in Balmoral at such a deeply sad time,' a source said at the time. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after Queen Elizabeth II's coffin was brought to lie in state at Westminster Hall. After the Queen died Harry and Meghan were at the centre of a royal domestic drama Harry on his way to Balmoral shortly after the Queen had passed away. The Duke of Sussex wanted to bring Meghan with him but his father said no The last photo of Queen Elizabeth II taken the day before she died 'It was pointed out to him that Kate was not going and that the numbers really should be limited to the very closest family. 'Charles made it very, very clear Meghan would not be welcome.' News of their plans came via the small group of media the Sussexes deem it appropriate to deal with and shared online by journalists at 1.53pm. The statement read: 'From a spokesperson: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be travelling to Scotland.' This was, of course, news to the Palace and it did not go down well. Many behind royal walls, frankly, were incredulous. There was half an hour on Thursday following the Sussexes' initial announcement during which matters quickly came to a head. It is still unclear how much pressure was brought to bear by the Palace itself or whether senior royals were involved but a spokesman for the couple frantically began to 'clarify' their position, informing those same journalists that 'only the duke was travelling at the moment'. Exactly what happened is open to speculation. Some say that Harry and Meghan hadn't considered that William's wife wouldn't be there, with Kate staying in London instead, and when it was pointed out that she wouldn't be, they realised how bad it looked. Others believe Meghan was effectively banned, using the argument that Kate was staying at home. King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the late Queen's funeral. A source claimed that 'Charles made it very, very clear Meghan would not be welcome' at Balmoral The Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle and Queen Consort Camilla Parker-Bowles Harry and Meghan behind Prince William and Kate Middleton after the Queen's body arrived to lie in state at Westminster Hall Either way, their hurried announcement that only Harry would be making the trip north from the capital prompted a sigh of relief among aides. Harry would later claim in his memoir, Spare, that the reasons his father gave for not bringing Meghan 'didn't make any sense, and actually they were disrespectful. I didn't tolerate it'. Harry relented when Charles made clear that none of the other wives - such as Kate - would be attending. Tragically for the Duke of Sussex, he would arrive too late to say a final goodbye to is grandmother. His private jet arrived at 7.52pm an hour and a half after the palace's historic statement informing the nation of the death of Her Majesty. It was noticeable at the time there was no invitation for Harry to join the family party that left from RAF Northolt bound for Aberdeen. Writing in his memoir, Spare, Harry revealed that he first heard the Queen had died via BBC News. 'When the plane started to descend I saw that my phone lit up. It was a message from Meg: "Call me when you get this." Charles and Harry at Windsor Castle shortly after the late Queen's committal service at St George's Chapel. Harry would later claim that the reasons his father gave for not bringing Meghan 'didn't make any sense, and actually they were disrespectful. I didn't tolerate it' 'I looked at the BBC website. My grandmother had died. My father was King,' writes Harry. Another Sussex-related drama played out just days later when, in a show of unity, Harry and Meghan joined William and Kate for a walkabout at Windsor. The united front came just two years after Harry and Meghan dramatically stepped down as working royals and a year on from the couple's controversial interview with Oprah Winfrey. As they greeted well wishers and inspected the floral tributes left outside the palace gates these differences appeared to be water under the bridge. But this was not the case and according to one royal author the simmering tensions between both camps meant it was 'one of the hardest things' Kate has ever had to do. Writing in his book - titled Our King - Robert Jobson revealed that the joint walkabout had been William's idea but a source told the veteran royal correspondent that this show of unity was an 'illusion' with the Princess of Wales finding it particularly difficult. Jobson wrote: 'Catherine later admitted to a senior royal that, such was the ill feeling between the two couples, the joint walkabout was one of the hardest things she'd ever had to do.' Harry and Meghan then stayed in the UK for nearly three weeks until the late Queen's funeral took place on September 19 2022. Kate Middleton alongside Prince William, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle outside Windsor Castle following the death of Queen Elizabeth II The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex inspect floral tributes outside Windsor castle. Their appearance together was a surprising show of unity Royal author Robert Jobson wrote that the royal walkabout was 'one of the hardest things' the Princess of Wales has ever had to do During the ceremony an emotional Meghan was spotted wiping a tear from her eye as she waited outside Westminster Abbey alongside Queen Camilla and Kate. She then joined other members of the family for a sombre procession behind the Queen's coffin before taking her seat alongside Harry for the service. Speaking recently on the second season of With Love, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex spoke about how being away from Archie and Lillibet for almost three weeks made her 'not well'. Meghan made the candid remark during a discussion about parenthood with fashion designer and Queer Eye host Tan France. 'The longest I went without being around our kids was almost three weeks. I was not well,' Meghan said. While it was not directly revealed which absence Meghan was talking about, in his memoir - Spare - Harry wrote that the Queen's death and funeral was a 'difficult' time and the time he was separated from his children was 'longer than we'd ever been'. Meghan comforts Harry as they inspect floral tributes. The royal walkabout came just two years after Harry and Meghan dramatically stepped down as working royals and a year on from the couple's controversial interview with Oprah Winfrey Meanwhile, following the so-called 'peace summit' in July, where images of Harry and Meghan's press secretary meeting with King Charles's communications secretary were revealed by The Mail On Sunday, the rift between the Sussexes and the Windsors does appear to be finally healing. This month, King Charles III is expected to meet with Harry for the first time in 20 months. The Duke of Sussex is expected in London on September 8 for the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's death where he will also attend the WellChild Awards - a charity event he has avidly supported. It has gone down in history as one of the most iconic issues of British Vogue ever and for good reason. When Meghan Markle guest edited Vogue in September 2019 it became the fastest selling copy of the magazine in 103 years and sold out in just 10 days. Despite breaking this record, it will likely be most remembered for the eye-catching cover which featured 15 women - including climate activist Greta Thunberg and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. They were women the Duchess of Sussex believed would bring big changes to society as well as a small reflective square so the reader could see themselves. But, interestingly, Meghan herself did not appear on the cover. Instead there were a few small working photographs of Meghan inside the magazine alongside interviews with Michelle Obama and conservationist Jane Goodall - which Prince Harry conducted. Writing in his bestseller, titled Battle of the Brothers, royal insider Robert Lacey claims that Meghan's decision not to be featured on the cover caused 'spikiness' with Vogue. Lacey wrote:'"Forces for CHANGE" would be the headline splashed across the glossy cover in luminous orange type - with the word "CHANGE" standing out particularly strongly, and not a photograph of Meghan in sight. That was another spikiness. 'Publishers Conde Nast had anticipated a sexy and commercial cover photo of their royal guest-editor that would help them to sell tens of thousands of copies, as they had frequently done in the past. A candid photograph released of Meghan Markle guest editing British Vogue Meghan with Queen Elizabeth II in June 2018. When the magazine was released many asked why the late Queen was not featured Meghan's cover for Vogue featured 15 celebrities. It became the fastest selling copy of the magazine in 103 years and sold out in just 10 days 'But Meghan had demurred. It would be "boastful" to put her own face on the cover, she felt.' The publishers concerns proved unfounded once it hit newsstands across the country and quickly sold out. However for all the love and fanfare surrounding the magazine, backlash against the so-called 'Markle manifesto' soon followed. On social media many people were quick to criticise the choice of cover stars with many asking why the late Queen Elizabeth II was not included. Especially considering Elizabeth had graced the cover of Time magazine multiple times and was named one of the most influential people in the world in a May 2007 issue. Others asked why non-celebrities - such as doctors or teachers - were not on the cover. Writing for the Daily Mail at the time, broadcaster Piers Morgan also attacked the 'virtue signalling' celebrities on the front page. 'Just as ridiculous was the image of a mirror on the cover, tucked in between all the multi-millionaires,' he added. '"A mirror was included so that when you hold the issue in your hands, you see yourself as part of this collective," the Sussex Royal account writes. Meghan with then editor of British Vogue Edward Enninful. At the time he showered the duchess with praise The edition also included an interview between Prince Harry and conservationist Jane Goodall 'Oh pur-lease. Pass the sick bucket.' And questions were raised over why the Duchess only carried out 22 royal engagements in the seven months she spent as an unpaid guest editor. Which included missing President Donald Trump's state visit in May 2019. Lacey said: 'In the same seven months, January to July 2019, the Court Circular showed the Duchess of Sussex carrying out just 22 royal engagements, less than one per week, though this period did include Meghan's maternity leave, along with a three-day tour to Morocco with Harry. 'But why had this "powerhouse" recruit to the highest echelons of the House of Windsor spent seven months labouring so intensively on behalf of British Vogue - entirely unremunerated it must be emphasised again - while doing hardly any public work at all for the British Royal Family?' Despite these criticisms Meghan still had her fans, chiefly Edward Enninful the then editor of British Vogue. Lacey wrote: 'Edward Enninful was overwhelmed by the onrushing energy of his guest-editor. '"I can't overstate", he wrote, "how much it meant to me to see HRH The Duke of Sussex marry the brilliant, bi-racial, American powerhouse. I simply never imagined that, in my lifetime, someone of my colour would - or could - enter the highest echelons of our Royal Family".' Meghan Markle with the former editor of British Vogue Edward Enninful. It was later reported that Meghan found herself at loggerheads with Enninful when she attempted to 'micromanage' her cover of Vogue before it was scrapped Vogue's former editor-in-chief Anna Wintour 'banned' Meghan from being on the cover of British Vogue in September 2022 after the magazine boss became 'frustrated' with the duchess But in May, the Daily Mail revealed that two years after she guest edited Vogue, Anna Wintour 'banned' the duchess from appearing on the cover of British Vogue in September 2022 after the magazine boss became 'frustrated with all the Duchess of Sussex's team's micromanaging', according to a source. Meghan had been set to appear on the cover of British Vogue at the same time as her keynote appearance at the One Young World Summit in Manchester in September 2022. But Conde Nast insiders claim it was abruptly pulled and scrapped completely. An insider told the Daily Mail that Meghan was being 'difficult about making it a cover' and her team were 'insisting on particular straplines'. She then found herself at loggerheads with not only the editor of British Vogue, Edward Enninful, but the Queen of fashion magazines Anna Wintour. The insider said: 'Anna heard about it, and just like banned her and said, "That's it. We don't want to do this". 'And so she didn't get the cover, and I guess she didn't even get the story. [Edward Enninful] probably agreed with Anna that you don't get to call the shots on who's on the cover. That's absolutely an Editor's decision. 'Anna was p***** off. Anna was like frustrated with all the micromanaging, and just was like, "All right. That's it. She can't have the cover and we're not doing the story".' Meghan with Anna Wintour behind her at the 2019 US Open. According to a source Anna banned Meghan from the cover once she got wind of her demands The source added that Meghan's 'level of desire for detail and control on the media is almost like Beyonce level... but she's not Beyonce.' However, the Duchess is said to have been relaxed with no expectations but her team had high expectations for the piece in Vogue. 'Enninful was not in a position to meet those expectations. He already had a magazine cover in the bag for that month,' Conde Nast insiders told the Mail On Sunday. Shelving the project is said to have damaged Enninful and the Duchess' friendship. 'Edward was furious to have lost the project, as were the powers that be at Conde Nast,' a source told the MoS. Sources claim that Meghan's team had hoped the couple could feature on a special digital cover Vogue, which is released alongside the print edition. But again, it is understood that Enninful declined. 'He didn't think it was appropriate to give her the cover,' the source explained. He had been one of Meghan's most staunchest supporters after her now-infamous 'Megxit' Oprah interview in 2021. He defended the Duchess, calling her a 'brave woman' and describing the treatment of her as 'very unfair' and 'harsh'. But he said he 'wouldn't just blame it on racism', adding: 'I think sometimes it takes a minute to understand the rules.' Whether he would defend her again today is another matter. Vogue's new editor Chloe Malle (pictured) followed Meghan on Instagram suggesting the Duchess of Sussex could one day again grace the cover Sources close to Meghan deny that she ever sought a Vogue cover and say she had been invited to appear. But while Meghan might have fallen out of favour in Anna Wintour's court, the titan of fashion has now stepped down as the editor-in-chief of Vogue after 37 years and the Duchess of Sussex might find a new ally in the new editor Chloe Malle. Chloe, 39, is the daughter of French actress Candice Bergen and the late filmmaker Louis Malle and was formerly the head of Vogue.com, having steadily risen up the ranks since she first joined the magazine in 2011. Most interestingly, Chloe is one of Meghan's 4.1million followers on Instagram suggesting that the Duchess of Sussex could one day grace the cover of Vogue after her years out in the cold. Prince Harry is set to undertake a solo pseudo royal visit to the UK from Monday with four days of official engagements. It will be his longest trip since he and Meghan visited in 2022 when Queen Elizabeth II died. And it comes amid claims he would like to 'reset' his tattered relationship with his family. But Buckingham Palace is remaining tight-lipped on whether King Charles will meet his estranged son. It demonstrates the level of sensitivity around the feud between Harry and the Royal Family exacerbated by his pursuit of His Majesty's Government through the courts over the withdrawal of his full-time security. The Duke of Sussex also deeply offended many by claiming his loss in the case earlier this year was an 'Establishment stitch-up' and publicly questioning how long his father had to live. The pair have not seen each other since February last year, when Harry flew to the UK after it was announced that Charles had cancer. He was not informed beforehand for fear of leaks and the pair met for just half an hour. Prince Harry is set to undertake a solo pseudo royal visit to the UK from Monday with four days of official engagements. Pictured: Harry with his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at the the Invictus Games in Germany Charles is currently at Birkhall, his Scottish residence, and will remain there until at least tomorrow, privately marking his mother's death and his accession to the throne on Monday. The King does have a number of private audiences and meetings this week that could, potentially, bring him back to the capital. Prince William, who has taken a much firmer line on rekindling of relations with his brother, has official engagements elsewhere on every day of Harry's visit. On Monday, he has an engagement in Sunningdale, Berkshire, to commemorate the life of his grandmother on the third anniversary of her death. On Tuesday he will be in London visiting Spiral Skills, a youth organisation in Lambeth which has received funding from his Homewards campaign to tackle homelessness in six trial areas around the UK. On Wednesday, William will visit a mental health hub at Cardiff's Principality Stadium to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. Meanwhile, on Monday Harry will attend the WellChild Awards in London, a charity which supports youngsters affected by terminal and serious illness and their families. He has been its patron for 17 years even after stepping down as a working royal and will present an award. Buckingham Palace is remaining tight-lipped on whether King Charles will meet his estranged son (pictured together in September 2022) On Tuesday he will visit the Community Recording Studio in Nottingham. His team says he will use the visit to announce a 'substantial donation' to charity Children in Need to support its work tackling violence impacting young people. Harry has engagements on Wednesday and Thursday with other charities he is involved in, including the Invictus Games and the Diana Award. A source said: 'His visit is four days long and focusing purely on the patronages. [He is] keeping it positive, no courtrooms, just doing the stuff he loved to do and, hopefully, helping some of those causes closest to his heart.' It comes as Harry's friends repeated his recent assertions in The Sunday Times that he wants to come home more and, one day, 'bring his family'. One said: 'He's not given up hope. He really would like to come back to the UK much more.' Another added: 'He's made it absolutely clear that he wants a reconciliation with his family. It's on them now.' But this has not gone down well with those in royal circles. It comes as Harry's friends repeated his recent assertions in The Sunday Times that he wants to come home more and, one day, 'bring his family' One source said: 'It's just not that easy to dismiss recent events or try to paper over the damage that has been done. Trust has been lost and will not be easy to recover.' Earlier this year, Harry also told the BBC that he believed any visit to the UK came with significant risk of physical harm to himself and his family. Asked how the prince squared his visit this week with these claims, a source close to him said: 'Live threats against the duke continue to exist and he accepts they always will an unfortunate inevitability. 'For obvious reasons, we cannot discuss them in detail. 'The level of risk the duke is prepared to tolerate personally is very different from what he is willing to accept for his family. ''Not wanting to expose his children to such threats is something any dad would understand.' Prince Harry attended the WellChild awards in London on Monday evening after paying tribute to the late Queen earlier in the day. The Duke of Sussex appeared at the charity's awards ceremony, held at the Lancaster Hotel, as its patron, having held the position for 17 years. Harry arrived in the UK on Monday and made an emotional visit to Windsor Castle to visit the grave of his late grandmother - Queen Elizabeth II - just moments after he touched down in Britain for a four-day trip. The Duke of Sussex then headed to St George's Chapel to pay his respects on the third anniversary of the late monarch's death, while brother William and Kate attended their own engagement just eight miles away in Sunningdale, Berkshire. He was picked up at Heathrow by a serving Metropolitan Police officer from the Royalty and Specialist Protection Squad, suggesting he is receiving bespoke police protection in the UK. It is not known whether Harry, who is estranged from his brother, the Prince of Wales, and has a troubled relationship with his father, the King, will meet with senior members of the Royal Family during his stay. King Charles, who is currently at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire, and the Queen have no public engagements planned for this week. Harry and Charles last met face to face in February last year when the duke made a transatlantic dash to see after hearing of his cancer diagnosis. This live page has now closed. Prince Harry gave Queen Elizabeth II a secret mobile phone so he could reach her whenever he pleased, according to former royal butler Paul Burrell. As revealed in extracts from Burrell's new memoir, exclusively serialised in the Daily Mail, the Duke of Sussex sent his grandmother the device that would allow him to bypass her courtiers and even his own family whenever he wished to get in touch. Writing that Harry 'didn't always adhere to protocol', Burrell who became a close confidante of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales said this extended to keeping in touch even after 'Megxit'. Harry wed Meghan Markle in May 2018. Less than two years later, in January 2020, the pair announced their intention to step back from Royal duties. By the summer, they had relocated to the US and in September announced a Netflix deal that continues to this day, albeit in depreciated form. Despite surrendering their royal responsibilities and patronages as they severed themselves from the working family, Burrell said Harry found ways of circulating protocols as an effective outsider. Without telling his brother Prince William or his father Prince now King Charles, the Duke sent his grandmother a secret mobile phone. The intention, as Burrell explains in The Royal Insider: My Life with the Queen, the King and Princess Diana, was to give himself a direct line to 'Granny'. Prince Harry sent his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II a secret mobile phone so he could circumvent her courtiers after 'Megxit' (the pair pictured in 2015) The Duke of Sussex sent the phone to 'Granny' so he could stay in contact with her on his own terms, according to former royal butler Paul Burrell (Meghan, Harry and the Queen in 2018) Mr Burrell has detailed the arrangements in his new memoir, The Royal Insider, which is being exclusively serialised in the Daily Mail But this did not go quite to plan for Harry nor for Prince Andrew, who Burrell said had tried a similar move. Writing in the book, Burrell said: 'Unbeknown to his father or brother, Harry had sent Granny a mobile phone with the intention of having a secure line direct to the CEO of the family firm, bypassing not just his family but all her courtiers. 'When it arrived she said: "What am I supposed to do with it?" After all, the monarch couldn't be expected to answer it whenever it rang. Imagine it going off in her handbag while she was in a meeting with a head of state or opening Parliament. 'So that mobile phone went in the top drawer of a servant's desk at the end of the long green corridor alongside a phone from Prince Andrew, who'd had a similar plan. 'But even without her mobile phone, the Queen did get to see Harry and Meghan and her greatgrandchildren.' Burrell's book reveals more details of the Queen's 'special relationship' with Harry, said to be her favourite grandson, and how she even sought to placate Meghan as they bitterly split from the rest of the royal family. He also reveals more on how the late Queen was able to meet her namesake, Princess Lilibet, in June 2022 during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations just weeks before she died at Balmoral. Netflix had been filming scenes of Lilibet's first birthday and Harry and Meghan were said to have invited the toddler's greatgrandmother for a tea party, presumably to be captured on camera. But the Queen is said to have declined, and invited them instead to a tea party that proved so divisive other royals left the room until they had left. Reports from the time also suggested that Meghan and Harry had sought to bring a private photographer to capture the moment the Queen met Lilibet but the move was vetoed. Harry is said to have sent the phone to his mother without telling his brother, Prince William, or his father, Prince now King Charles (pictured in 2020) Burrell's memoir also reveals more details of how the Queen sought to placate Meghan in a bid to avoid the bitter split that has come to define Harry and Meghan's relationship with the royals Burrell has also revealed in his book that the Queen vetoed a request by Harry and Meghan to film her meeting granddaughter Lilibet for the first time in 2022 (pictured: Lilibet at the time in a photo released by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex) Paul Burrell (rear left) served as Princess Diana's personal butler and became her close confidante (pictured 10th August 1997, three weeks before her death) The Queen had been concerned that the photographs, captured by Harry and Meghan's 'people', may end up in US media and beyond the tightly controlled apparatus that is the Royal Family's communications machine. Harry and Meghan reportedly departed the UK an hour before the Jubilee celebrations came to an end and, as Burrell notes in his memoirs, before the Queen had been able to share a birthday surprise with her greatgranddaughter. The Duke would later recall how his children greeted the Queen during the birthday celebrations in his controversial memoir, Spare. He had written of the encounter: 'Archie making his deep bows, his baby sister Lilibet cuddling the monarch's shins.' He recounted the Queen's reaction as one of pleasant surprise: '"Sweetest children", Granny said, sounding bemused. She'd expected them to be a bit more... American, I think? Meaning in her mind, more rambunctious.' Before Harrys pathetic four-day pseudo royal tour this week, visiting the few remaining UK charities prepared to be associated with him, his friends were busy briefing the media that his dearest hope is to bring his family back home to Britain and reconcile with the House of Windsor. Yet there is one person acting as a major stumbling block in this deluded quest. No, not Harrys cancer-stricken father, King Charles, who is believed to want to get to know his grandchildren Archie and Lilibet while he still has time. Instead, I believe Harrys happy-ever-after dreams will founder at the hands of his poor, betrayed brother. Mark my words: when William becomes King and Catherine his queen many years hence, I hope Harry and Meghan will never be welcomed back into the bosom of the Royal Family. The Sussexes visits to Harrys homeland will be rare or non-existent and the disgraced Duke and his grasping wife will be booed wherever they go. Charles loves both his sons, and is a kind and forgiving man. But William can never and should never forget the betrayal inflicted on him by his younger brother. William lives by a deeply honourable code of duty, while his dimwitted younger sibling barely knows the meaning of that word. Prince Harry steps out of a car after being escorted to the Royal Lancaster hotel for the WellChild Awards today Harry laughs with his father during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Invictus Games It cannot have escaped even Harrys notice that during his bizarre peace and reconciliation tour around Britain this week, William has been entirely unavailable, thanks to what Palace sources have called official engagements elsewhere. Could it be more obvious? Of course William could have found the time to see Harry if he had wanted to. As things stand, I doubt that California-dreaming Harry will even be invited to Williams coronation, when it comes. Even if William does find it in his heart to extend a formal invitation to the balding man-child, you can be sure hell be wondering if he can relegate Harry, Megs and their kids to the back pews of Westminster Abbey. And before you ask, Harry, no, you cant bring a Netflix crew. The biggest question hanging over the brothers future relationship is: will King William V eventually strip the Sussexes of their HRH titles? There is a precedent for that, as both Diana and Fergie had their HRH titles unceremoniously removed once they were no longer working royals. And, frankly, Harry has far outdone both those women in the bad-behaviour stakes. The Duke of Sussex visited the late Queen's grave in Windsor on the third anniversary of her death today William could have made time to see his wayward, back-stabbing younger sibling if he chose to - and the fact that he hasnt says everything, writes Amanda Platell The Prince and Princess of Wales view tributes left to the late Queen outside Windsor Castle in 2022, with Harry and Meghan The nuclear option would be for the future King William to strip Harry of his dukedom. Although this would require an Act of Parliament, it would still likely happen if the monarch wished it. And I wouldnt put it past William to inflict either or both of those indignities on Harry. For if there is one thing I have noticed in the future King, having observed him all his 43 years, its that he is a man who truly lives by Queen Elizabeths great maxim: Never complain, never explain. And more than that: never forget, either. Just think about it. As charismatic, telegenic, newly wedded young royals, Harry and Meghan had a responsibility to play their part in securing the future of a fragile, some say outdated, institution. Instead, they bolted to make their grubby millions. Now, with the King in his fourth year as monarch, soldiering on despite his illness, the pressure thats been heaped on the younger royals has been immense especially with the Princess of Wales having been treated for her own serious cancer, too. William could be forgiven for wondering whether the stress Kate must have suffered after the Sussexes departure with the fallout from the Oprah interview and Harrys tawdry memoir Spare, for instance may have worsened her illness. That is a hurt that never goes away. And where has Harry been since then? Playing a walk-on role for his wifes commercial ambitions, feeding his chooks and teaching his kids how to surf in the Californian sunshine. His fake royal tour this week surely only adds to the stress levels of both the King and the future king. This is Harrys longest trip to Britain since 2022, when Queen Elizabeth died. How it must stick in the craw of loyal working royals that Prince Harry now expects he can swan back to Britain and reclaim his position as the playful, lovable Prince, after all his abuse and betrayals. Memo to Harry: soft lad, you have no family here. You abandoned them when they needed you most, all for 30 pieces of silver. Hell will freeze over before our future King William or any of us loyal monarchists will ever welcome you back. A quirky holiday rental has pulled in tourists from around the world thanks to its unique structure and the extraordinary story of how it came into existence. Rob DePiazza lost his home of 30 years to Hurricane Irma in 2017, with a large oak tree crashing down on the house while he and his daughter were inside. Two days later he decided to build a container house, and what was initially a temporary fix became a statement in modern architecture. DePiazza completed the Prince Road Container House (PRCH), which sits in St Augustine, Florida, in February 2020. The ambitious project has redrawn the lines of what a container home can be, with DePiazza describing how he wanted to evolve the industrial boxes into a 'vibrant, creative, and inviting space.' Travelers from around the globe visit PRCH to experience the unique design, retro feel, and modern art it houses. The house has been recognized recently, earning the 9th spot on the top 10 Airbnbs in the US and ranking as Florida's top-rated rental, according to News 4 Jax. The 1,600 square-foot property has space for six guests, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Rob DePiazza's home was destroyed in Hurricane Irma in 2017, and he instantly began building his next home with shipping containers The home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and is highlighted for its unique style The container house was ranked 9th in the country and 1st in Florida The outside mural is a metaphor for the destruction of his first home, with the person blowing supposedly representing Hurricane Irma The inside of the house has unique pieces and boasts an almost endless list of amenities One feature wall is covered in plant pots while a metal balcony gives guest a view of the surrounding woodland The space features 67 amenities, including special perks such as a private sauna, balcony, bikes, and an in-home gym. The interior of the rental includes almost entirely the original paint from the shipping container. DePiazza wanted the home to retain its original feel, allowing the scuffs and marks to tell its story. 'The overall theme of the PRCH is to reveal and celebrate materials and construction techniques that are typically concealed, DePiazza told Apartment Therapy. The exterior of the house is decorated with jazzy murals, while the interior has an eclectic and vintage feel, featuring jukeboxes, colorful art and 1950s-era streetlights. 'In the end, I wanted to create a home that's not just a house, but a vibrant, cheerful, creative, and inviting space that celebrates living and doesn't take itself too seriously; a coda I have tried to live by for as long as I can remember,' DePiazza said. The space is described on Airbnb as 'an amazing combination of unique, warm, colorful and imaginative furnishings, decor and art. The space features 67 amenities, including special perks such as a private sauna, balcony, bikes, and an in-home gym The property has a private sauna that can fit four people One of two bathrooms within the home, which also features unique pieces The house reviews are flooded with positive comments highlighting how much the guest enjoyed their stay Quirky pieces are spread throughout the house and pictured clearly on the listing on Airbnb 'There are special spaces throughout the house, like the cozy landing overlooking the living room, perfect for intimate conversations, reading, or watching the abundant nature out the floor-to-ceiling windows.' The homeowner was honored to be featured in YouTuber Ryan Trahan's 50 States in 50 Days campaign, which said DePiazza's home had the nicest interior he had stayed in. The house reviews are flooded with positive comments: 'The place was exactly as advertised. Very unique decorations, and comfortable place to stay.' Another guest simply said: 'We loved the container house!' A third added: 'This was by far the best experience to have had with an Airbnb, set the bar really high and I would 10/10 recommend, even if it's for one night. ' Multiple outlets have recognized the home, and it has its own Instagram account. Scientists on a mission to uncover what constitutes a life well lived found the answer after analyzing 38 million obituaries from the US spanning 30 years. Using automated text analysis tools, the team found that the most commonly celebrated values were tradition and benevolence. Nearly 80 percent of obituaries highlighted respect for customs or religion, while 76 percent emphasized caring, reliability and trustworthiness. 'Words like faithful, Bible, missionary, or other references to God were quite prevalent,' lead author David Markowitz, an associate professor at Michigan State University, told the Daily Mail. The study further highlights how values, gender, age and historical context intersect when it comes to remembering the dead. It found that women are consistently remembered for benevolence, men for achievement and structured responsibility, and older adults for tradition. At the same time, the study showed that crises such as 9/11, the financial collapse and the Covid-19 pandemic can temporarily shift the social priorities reflected in obituaries, showing that legacy is not just personal but deeply cultural. By mining decades of obituaries, the researchers offered an unprecedented glimpse into the values society honors. Scientists sifted through 38 million obituaries published in the past 30 years to identify what constitutes a life worth living Nearly 80 percent of obituaries highlighted respect for customs or religion, while 76 percent emphasized caring, reliability and trustworthiness The work suggested that what a society celebrates in death reveals as much about the living as it does about the deceased, offering a mirror into cultural ideals and shared human priorities. Markowitz noted that beyond religious faith, common themes included faithfulness to others, deep spirituality and belief in the common good. Certain words - 'wife, mother, caring or friend; anything reflecting rich social connections' - were common throughout, and told of someone who practiced benevolence, he said. By contrast, words associated with power or personal strength - like being strong or always fighting for something - were far less prominent in the obituaries. This showed that, in death, force is perhaps not the most fondly remembered trait. When it comes to how memorialization has been impacted by the major world events, Markowitz noted several trends. Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the US, the mention of security in obituaries declined as the mentions of tradition and benevolence increased. The nationwide review revealed that obituaries of New York State, 9/11 victims emphasized benevolence more than those in other states. The study found that the decline in emphasis on security in those New York victim obituaries remained lower for at least two weeks after the attacks. 'That fits very much with lived experience, and also what people felt,' Markowitz said, claiming that as people felt less secure, they placed less emphasis on it in their lives. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, the mention of security-related values declined, while tradition and benevolence were more talked about He said this analysis provides clear evidence of a link between language and location when it comes to the way lives are memorialized. Similarly, the 2008 financial crisis influenced obituaries as mentions of the value of achievement - reflecting personal success and socially valued skills - gradually declined starting one month after the crisis and continued to decrease over the following year. During the financial crisis, Markowitz said there was a drop in emphasis on religion and tradition as well. The Covid-19 pandemic further highlighted the interplay between societal events and values in obituary writing. The mention of benevolence in obituaries decreased starting in 2019, just before the pandemic, and has yet to recover. 'What was kind of a paradox is that, while we were deeply caring for other people, we really were staying at home,' said Markowitz, explaining that the physical separation led to a disconnect emotionally. This change, Markowitz said, could explain the shift in what was mentioned in obituaries. Two and four years after the pandemic, traditional themes - religion and social norms - remained elevated and did not return to pre-pandemic levels. The Covid-19 pandemic further highlighted the interplay between societal events and values in obituary writing. Benevolence decreased in obituaries starting in 2019, just before the pandemic, and has yet to recover. Pictured is an empty street in Denver during the pandemic Markowitz found that during the pandemic, people were less likely to include the deceased's institutional roles and structured responsibilities. For example, he noted that there were fewer references to military service and careers. 'Obituaries serve as a unique source of information about how societies value different kinds of lives,' Markowitz said. 'They reveal broader patterns of remembrance, showing who is remembered, for what contributions, and how cultural values are expressed.' Markowitz explained that traumatic events affect not just our daily social and emotional lives, but they also leave lasting marks on how we think, feel and act. Obituaries, therefore, serve as time capsules, revealing how people felt at a given moment and offering a rich glimpse into the nations mood at the time. 'Shared trauma can shape what is mourned and highlight regional differences,' he said, adding that it further demonstrates how place and proximity influence legacy. The moment that Apple fans have been patiently waiting for is finally here. Tomorrow, the tech giant will host its yearly event where it is expected to unveil a range of new products. Apple CEO Tim Cook has dubbed the event 'awe dropping', but beyond that, Apple has stayed tight-lipped about what might be launched. But, as usual, leaks and rumours have been flying ahead of the launch, revealing some tantalising hints about what is to come. If Apple stays true to its regular schedule, fans can expect to see the launch of the new iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the long-anticipated lightweight iPhone 17 Air. Rumours suggest that these flagship devices may also come alongside the new Apple Watch Series 11, the AirPods 3 and plenty of updates for Apple Intelligence. The 'awe dropping' event kicks off in Cupertino, California, at 18:00 BST tomorrow. So, here's everything we know so far - and how you can watch Apple's event live. Tomorrow, starting from 10:00 am PT (18:00 BST), Apple will kick off its 'awe dropping' event at which it is expected to launch the new iPhone 17 Apple CEO Tim Cook (pictured) is expected to reveal the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Air When will the iPhone 17 be revealed? Apple is hosting an event on September 9 at its Cupertino headquarters, known as Apple Park. An invitation sent to members of the press and industry analysts confirms that proceedings will kick off at 10 am local time, or 6 pm in the UK. The invitation, which featured a new version of the Apple logo, reads: 'Please join us in person for a special Apple Event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple Park. September 9, 2025.' Apple is known for sticking to an extremely consistent release schedule, with the new range of flagship smartphones almost always coming in September. Last year's 'Glowtime' event, at which the iPhone 16 was released, was held exactly one year prior at 6 pm BST on September 9, 2024. Based on this pattern, it is almost certain that Apple will be unveiling the full iPhone 17 lineup tomorrow. How to watch the event live? The event will take place at Apple's Cupertino headquarters, Apple Park (pictured). But you can also watch the event live at apple.com or on the Apple TV App iPhone 17: Rumoured features Material : Aluminium, glass : Aluminium, glass Display : Ranging from 6.1 inches to 6.9 inches : Ranging from 6.1 inches to 6.9 inches Expected release date : September 19, 2025 : September 19, 2025 Cheapest model : $899/899 : $899/899 Most expensive model : $1,250/1,250 : $1,250/1,250 Other features : Rectangular camera bump, A19 chip, USB-C charger Advertisement The Daily Mail will be covering the launch and bringing you all the updates from 18:00 BST onwards. Alternatively, you can watch the event online by heading to apple.com and looking for the Live Event section at the top of the page. Or, if you are already fully plugged into the Apple ecosystem, you also stream the event from the Apple TV App. When will the iPhone 17 be available? If Apple keeps to their usual schedule, the iPhone will be available to pre-order from Friday, September 12. The devices will then arrive in shops on the following Friday, September 19. However, in previous years, excess demand for certain models has led to delays in some regions. Last year, certain iPhone 16 specifications could not be shipped to the UK until mid-October, four weeks after they were expected to arrive. According to rumours, the iPhone 17 Pro will have a rectangular camera bar across the back, similar to Google's Pixel phones. The new devices should be available to pre-order from Friday, September 12 That may mean some customers will need to wait a bit longer to get their hands on the latest Apple devices. What devices are expected to be in the iPhone 17 lineup? Apple is expected to release the usual basic iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, as well as a new model in the form of the iPhone 17 Air. Rumours suggest that the standard iPhone 17 will see the usual set of small, iterative updates as in previous years. The screen is expected to be the biggest change, potentially growing from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches - making it the same size as the iPhone 16 Pro. Industry analysts also expect to see some improvements to the front and rear cameras, as well as a newly designed rectangular camera bump. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, on the other hand, could be in line for a more major design change. Apple is expected to add a huge rectangular camera bump, similar to that on the Google Pixel 10, with a triangle of three cameras. The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro are expected to come in some bold new colour options, which could include a bright orange for the iPhone 17 Pro Video supposedly leaked from an Apple manufacturing centre shows the new design of the iPhone 17 Pro One of those cameras is widely expected to be a new 48-megapixel sensor telephoto zoom lens, replacing the 12-megapixel version from the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone 17 Pro may also ditch the all-glass back of earlier versions and adopt an aluminium frame with a glass insert. However, the biggest news of the day will likely be the launch of the iPhone 17 Air, Apple's new ultra-thin flagship. Leaks suggest that the iPhone Air could be somewhere between 6.25mm and 5.5mm thick, making it Apple's thinnest device by a wide margin. That would rival other lightweight competitors, such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, but could come with a few drawbacks. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have significantly lower battery life than other models in the lineup and may even ditch the USB-C port to keep the device as thin as possible. On the inside, all devices are expected to be upgraded to use Apple's latest A19 and A19 Pro chipsets. These will also be the first generation of iPhones built to use Apple's liquid glass display on iOS 26, which turns app icons into translucent bubbles. The iPhone 17 will be the first Apple device built for the new Liquid Glass display on iOS 26 (pictured). This visual redesign turns app icons into translucent bubbles These leaked images show four metal 'dummy models' - meaning they are identical to the real product except they don't actually work. Note the ultra-thin iPhone Air compared to the thicker iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Models What other devices could be revealed? Alongside the new iPhone lineup, Apple often uses its September event to unveil updates to a few other devices. This year, analysts expect that Apple will launch the Apple Watch Series 11 and the more advanced Apple Watch Ultra 3. The Apple Watch Series 11 is likely to boast improved health monitoring features and better battery life. Likewise, the Ultra 3 will reportedly feature similar hardware upgrades as well as emergency satellite messaging, letting people get help in an emergency when there's no Wi-Fi. Apple may also announce the thirdgeneration AirPods Pro, which may come with inear heartrate tracking and temperature detection. Apple is also said to be preparing its first ever foldable device, although this won't be released until 2026 at the earliest, industry experts believe. Some rumours suggest that Apple could even be preparing to launch a new 4K Apple TV, but this is a little less certain. Archeologists in Sweden have discovered rare prehistoric treasures preserved in bog land for more than 5,000 years. The 'time capsule' found outside Jarna in Gerstaberg includes wooden structures made from logs, piles and wickerwork. Experts at Arkeologerna, Sweden's leading consultant on archaeology, say it formed structures used by hunter-gatherers to get across a lake. They also unearthed carved wooden sticks - thought to have been used as walking poles - and what may be the remains of baskets used to carry food or nets used to catch fish. Remains like this have been been amazingly well-preserved by the natural oxygen-free conditions of a bog, experts say. With pH levels similar to vinegar, bog acids have the ability to conserve even human bodies in the same way fruit is preserved by pickling. The remains of the wooden bridge could be pieced together for tourists to virtually walk across. 'The work will be documented with films on social media,' a spokesperson at Arkeologerna told Heritage Daily. 'When the project is complete, the wooden structures and the surrounding environment will be recreated in 3D, so that we can all take a digital walk straight into the Stone Age.' The 'time capsule' found outside Jarna in Gerstaberg includes wooden structures made from logs, piles and wickerwork. Pictured: A carved wooden stick thought to be a type of walking pole Experts at Arkeologerna, Sweden 's leading consultant on archaeology, say it formed structures used by hunter-gatherers to get across a lake Experts think the bridge was used by Neolithic hunter-gatherer communities, who travelled vast distances in the search for foraged food. Hunter-gatherer behaviours came before the widescale shift to farming a revolutionary change that let communities stay in one spot. During this period of Swedish history, the area was covered by an ancient lake and growths of sea buckthorn along the lakeshore. This native thorny plant has vivid orange berries that are rich in nutrients, which are edible, although sour and astringent. Sea buckthorn was typically found at coasts where salt spray off the sea prevents other larger plants from outcompeting it. It was a staple food source of Neolithic hunter-gatherer communities in Europe and Asia and even today is used as a superfood to treat health conditions. According to experts, the wooden logs and piles formed a sophisticated trackway or footbridge system used for accessing remote parts of the lake, possibly for harvesting the sea buckthorn. Meanwhile, traces of wickerwork objects could be baskets used to carry the berries or fish caught in the lake. Archaeologists from Arkeologerna, part of the State Historical Museums (SHM), have discovered a time capsule of prehistoric treasures in a bog outside Jarna in Gerstaberg The finds date from around 5,000 years ago and consist of structures made from wooden logs, piles, and wickerwork. During this period, the area was covered by an ancient lake and growths of sea buckthorn along the lakeshore The chemistry of bogs Natural peat bogs are found mostly in northern and western Europe but also elsewhere. Such bogs are anaerobic (oxygen-free) environments - a condition that prevents decay. They are also heavy with tannins, a group of naturally occurring chemicals used in tanning leather. The tannins preserve organic materials such as human bodies, including the soft tissues and the contents of the digestive tract. This means that soft parts of the body - like skin, hair and stomach contents - are well-preserved in bodies recovered from bogs. Advertisement Due to the oxygen-free environment of bogs typically found across northern Europe, these organic remains have been perfectly preserved in their original position. This will make it possible for experts to reconstruct the bridge virtually with a potential tourist attraction built around the spot. Even human remains known as bog bodies show remarkable states of preservation after thousands of years immersed in bogs. Bogs are typically peatlands, which contain very little oxygen, so organic materials like wood, leather, textiles and even human flesh do not rot. It is not yet clear which Neolithic cultural group is associated with the particular ancient bog site, according to Heritage Daily. However, similar activities have been observed at nearby archaeological sites which have been attributed to the Pitted Ware culture (PWC). This hunter-gatherer culture roamed southern Scandinavia between approximately 3500 BC and 2300 BC and was engaged in lively trade with other agricultural communities before faming became completely widespread. When hunter-gatherers and farmers in Scandinavia came into contact with each other, it is possible the technologically-advanced farmers displaced the hunters, or maybe the cultures merged peacefully so that the hunters adopted the farmers technology. Sea buckthorn was typically found at coasts where salt spray off the sea prevents other larger plants from outcompeting it. It was a staple food source of Neolithic hunter-gatherer communities in Europe and Asia. The amazingly well-preserved head of the Tollund Man - a man who lived during the 4th century BC and was preserved in a bog The the Pitted Ware culture were named after the pottery they produced, which was characteristically decorated with deep pits along its circumference. Experts say the PWC was unusual among European marine-specialized hunter-gatherer groups as they kept a focus on seal hunting and fishing, even though farming had been practiced in Europe for over five centuries. The PWC not only continued to hunt seals and fish but also engaged in long-distance voyages across the Baltic Sea. Evidence for these movements of people and goods can be seen in the lithic tools, animals, and some clay sourced from Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. An Earth-sized planet just 40 light-years away could be a viable home for alien life, scientists have discovered. The planet TRAPPIST-1e orbits its star in the so-called Goldilocks Zone, where life-supporting liquid water can exist at the surface in the form of a global ocean. However, this is only possible if the planet has an atmosphere to keep its temperature stable. Now, using the new measurements from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), astronomers have shown that this might be the case. The researchers aimed the JWST's NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph) instrument at the planet just as it passed in front of its star. As the starlight shines through the atmosphere, if there is one, the gases absorb certain wavelengths of light depending on their chemical makeup. Study co-author Dr Ryan MacDonald, of the University of St Andrews, says: 'We are seeing two possible explanations. 'The most exciting possibility is that TRAPPIST-1e could have a so-called secondary atmosphere containing heavy gases like nitrogen.' Scientists have discovered that an Earth-like planet, dubbed TRAPPIST-1e, located just 40 light-years from Earth, could be habitable TRAPPIST-1 is an extremely small and cool red dwarf star, known as an M dwarf, with a diameter of just 52,300 miles (84,180 kilometres) and a surface temperature less than half that of the sun's. Of the three planets within the habitable zone, the fourth planet from the star, TRAPPIST-1e, is the most promising candidate to be a liveable world. With a mass of 0.692 Earths, TRAPPIST-1e is a bit smaller than our own planet. It also sits extremely close to its star, at around three per cent of the distance between the Earth and the Sun, completing a full orbit once every 6.1 Earth days. However, due to TRAPPIST-1's extremely cool surface temperature, astronomers think the planet might hold large surface oceans of liquid water as well as frozen expanses of ice. Scientists have been trying to see whether TRAPPIST-1e has an atmosphere for years, but this task has proven to be exceptionally tricky. Co-author Professor Hannah Wakeford, of the University of Bristol, told The Daily Mail: 'The amount of light that would shine through an atmosphere like our own is incredibly small, so measuring that takes a lot of precise observations. 'We are looking for "part per million" changes, that is around a 0.001 per cent change in the light we measure from the star during the planets crossing.' Scientists used the James Webb Space Telescope to measure the light of the star TRAPPIST-1 as it filtered past the fourth planet in the system (artist's impression). Although Trappist-1e is the right distance from the star, it can only have liquid water if it also has an atmosphere The light passing by the planet (illustrated) is consistent with two scenarios. Either the planet has no atmosphere and is not habitable, or it has a nitrogen-rich atmosphere and could be home to liquid water. Currently, there is not enough data to rule out or select either of these options To make things even more difficult, TRAPPIST-1 itself is extremely active and produces lots of solar flares and star spots, cool regions created by powerful magnetic fields. The researchers have spent the last year carefully gathering data from transitions and correcting for this solar activity to get as close as possible to a measurement of the atmosphere. Their data shows that there is a good chance that TRAPPIST-1e does have an atmosphere very similar to Earth's, and so could be home to liquid water. This comes just weeks after scientists used the JWST to show that another planet in the TRAPPIST-1 system does not have an Earth-like atmosphere. Using the same transit method, scientists found that TRAPPIST-1d, the third planet from the star, did not host any molecules that are common in Earth's atmosphere. Interestingly, if the TRAPPIST-1e does have an atmosphere, then it's almost certainly not its original one. When planets form, they collect the hydrogen and helium gas from the clouds surrounding their home star to make a 'primordial' atmosphere. However, lots of activity from the nearby star means that this first atmosphere is often stripped away relatively quickly. If TRAPPIST-1e does have an atmosphere, then it may have oceans of liquid water on the sunward-facing side. Unfortunately, the scientists can't yet say whether it is home to aliens Professor Wakeford says: 'For small planets like TRAPPIST-1e, the planet will not be able to hold onto this hydrogen and helium as well, because the small gravity and light particles mean they are more likely to escape back into space.' Instead, the researchers believe that TRAPPIST-1e could have a 'secondary atmosphere' made up of heavy gases like nitrogen. 'The same thing happened to the Early Earth,' says Professor Wakeford. 'A secondary atmosphere, like our own, is then made via outgassing from the rocks that make up the planet itself. 'In our case, through volcanic activity and asteroid bombardment events, which lead to the release of vast amounts of nitrogen, which makes up the bulk of our atmosphere.' This is important because a nitrogen-rich atmosphere would produce a greenhouse effect that should keep the planet warm and stable. Since TRAPPIST-1e is tidally locked, meaning one side always faces the sun, this means it could have an ocean on the sunward side and ice in the darker regions. The new data also ruled out the possibility that TRAPPIST-1e could have a thin CO2-rich atmosphere like Mars or Venus in our own solar system. This comes just weeks after scientists used the same method to show that another planet in the same system, Trappist-1d (artist's impression), does not have an Earth-like atmosphere This data comes from just four observations of TRAPPIST-1e using the James Webb Space Telescope (artist's impression). In the coming years, scientists will increase this to 20 observations, which should show whether or not there is an atmosphere 'These new observations have definitively ruled out the presence of a primordial atmosphere, but we cannot yet tell between secondary atmosphere scenarios and the possibility that no secondary atmosphere formed,' says Professor Wakeford. Likewise, Professor Wakeford also says that we cannot tell from these measurements alone whether TRAPPIST-1e could harbour alien life or whether it could be a viable home for humans in the future. However, in the future, the researchers hope to gather more data, which should reveal a clearer picture. This data was based on just four JWST observations of TRAPPIST-1e, and soon the researchers will have 20 observations to work from. That data should allow the researchers to distinguish between the no atmosphere and secondary atmosphere scenarios, revealing whether the planet really is habitable. Dr MacDonald concludes: 'We finally have the telescope and tools to search for habitable conditions in other star systems, which makes today one of the most exciting times for astronomy.' An ancient Biblical event in which Christians disappear from Earth and those who remain are left to face Doomsday is believed to be just days away. Claims by social media users, as well as respected pastors and rabbis, have pushed the idea that the Rapture will begin on September 23, marking the Second Coming of Jesus and Judgment Day for non-believers. This year, September 23 falls during the Jewish Feast of Trumpets, also known as Rosh Hashanah, but some Christians have tied the holiday to the prophecy that Jesus will return to Earth 'with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God.' The prophecy is mentioned in the Bible, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, which states that even the faithful who have died will rise from their graves and be taken to heaven by Jesus; however, a date for this event is not given. In a YouTube video viewed nearly 500,000 times, Pastor Joshua Mhlakela, a South African preacher, claimed Jesus appeared to him in a divine vision and said he would return during the Feast of Trumpets. 'The rapture is upon us, whether you are ready or not. I saw Jesus sitting on his throne, and I could hear him very loud and clear saying, I am coming soon,' Mhlakela said during the interview with CettwinzTV. 'He said to me on the 23rd and 24th of September 2025, I will come back to the Earth,' the pastor declared. Even more clips predicting the imminent return of Jesus this month have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times in the last week alone. Pastors have been sharing their belief that the Biblical event known as the Rapture will begin on September 23, 2025 (Stock Image) The Rapture is a belief held by some Christians called 'eschatology,' which is the study of end-times events. This event is thought to be a kind of rescue, where believers are instantly taken away from Earth to avoid a coming period of intense suffering called the Tribulation. Biblical texts describe the Tribulation as a seven-year period of chaos and disasters, where evil rules on Earth before Jesus returns again to set up a peaceful kingdom. On YouTube and TikTok, other prominent religious figures have tied the Rapture to the upcoming Jewish Feast of Trumpets. Jonathan Cahn, a messianic rabbi who combines Jewish heritage and practices with the belief that Jesus is the Messiah, stated that end time events such as rapture or second coming of Jesus do align with the Feast of Trumpets. In a September 3 video shared with his 1.3 million followers on YouTube, Cahn said in part: 'Do I believe that there may be these major [events] like the rapture or the coming of the Lord linked to the trumpets? 'Yes. Because that all goes together with everything that was, and it makes sense. It's in line. It's consistent.' Similar claims linking the end of days to the Feast of Trumpets have been flooding social media, allegedly causing some Christians to sell their possessions in preparation for their journey to heaven. During this time, Jesus shall return to Earth to bring the faithful with him to heaven, leaving the rest of humanity to face the Tribulation (Stock Image) However, Cahn, skeptics, and even other believers have warned against tying this apocalyptic event to a specific date like September 23, citing that the Bible states there will be no advanced notice of Jesus's return. According to Matthew 24:36: 'But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.' Andrew Morse, who attends Grace Church in New Jersey, told Daily Mail: 'I have a strong aversion to date setting on biblical things, because if you're wrong, it ruins credibility, and damages people's faith.' 'Never in the Bible does it say 'be careful for September 23, 2025,' however, we are given many details on things/signs to look for, and to be watchful,' he added. Those signs include wars, natural disasters, and even celestial events like 'blood moons,' which just took place Sunday night. Joel 2:31 stated that: 'The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.' The Bible verse is believed to describe the celestial sign that will precede a major divine judgment known as the 'Day of the Lord.' This isn't the first time September 23 has been tied to the prophecy of the Rapture. In fact, doomsayers linked the date to the end of the world in 2017, claiming that the mysterious planet Nibiru would destroy Earth in a fiery collision. Russia's mysterious 'Doomsday Radio' came to life on Monday, sending out two cryptic voice messages to unknown listeners. The Cold War-era shortwave station has been broadcasting a continuous, monotonous buzzing sound since the 1970s. Located about 18 miles from Moscow, it is believed to be part of a secret military communications network, possibly even a failsafe linked to Russia's nuclear command system. Today, the usual buzzing was interrupted twice with cryptic messages in Russian, consisting of numbers, names or codewords. Among them were 'NZHTI,' a call sign the station has used before, and 'HOTEL,' along with a string of numbers, 38, 965, 78, 58, 88, 37, which some speculated could represent coordinates. A video of the broadcast has flooded social media, where users are fearing 'something big is happening tonight.' 'Those codewords sound straight out of a Cold War thriller. Who's listening and why now,' an X user shared. While the broadcasts seem random, some experts believe the Russian government is using the radio station. The radio station is still operational, still emitting its trademark buzzing noises, but it occasionally sends out bizarre messages that no one seems to understand Professor David Stupples, who teaches electronic and radio engineering at the City University of London, suggested the enigmatic broadcast has likely been kept active as a fail-safe in case of nuclear war. 'It is almost certainly the Russian government that is using it,' Stupples told Popular Mechanics. 'If it is the Russian government, it wouldn't be for peaceful purposes.' Freelance radio monitor Ary Boender from Holland, who runs the website Numbers Oddities, has heard and entertained many theories about the signal over the years. 'Some say that it is an old Soviet Dead Man's Switch that triggers a nuclear attack on the west when it stops buzzing,' she explained. 'Others say that it is a homing beacon for UFOs,' Boender continued, 'or a mind control device with which the Russians can program your mind.' 'In the past, it was said that it was a remote control station belonging to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant,' she recalled. Monday's messages will likely never be deciphered, but such signals have been released at bizarre times. The Cold War-era shortwave station has been broadcasting a continuous, monotonous buzzing sound since the 1970s. Pictured is data collected from the broadcast, showing the buzzing sound The last time was on May 19, when US President Donald Trump was speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone. The station transmitted two coded messages: 'NZhTI 89905 BLEFOPUF 4097 5573', followed a few hours later by 'NZhTI 01263 BOLTANKA 4430 9529. Amateur ham radio operators and independent researchers first took a serious interest in the Doomsday Radio, officially known by its original call sign UVB-76, in 1982. At that time, the station broadcast only a series of cryptic beeps. By 1992, the pattern evolved: buzzing noises began repeating 25 times per minute, each lasting less than a second, occasionally accompanied by an ominous foghorn-like sound. Throughout the 1990s, the buzzes were sporadically interrupted by anonymous male and female voices reading what appeared to be lists of random names, words, or numbers. The pitch and tone of the buzzing also varied, possibly encoding secret information through subtle audio shifts. This odd variety of transmissions is what drew Professor Stupples and other researchers to UVB-76 in the first place. According to him, the diversity of sounds is highly unusual for a basic 'emergency placeholder' signal. A government or military agency simply trying to hold a frequency would typically broadcast a repetitive, simple tone or test pattern. Instead, UVB-76 transmits complex, unpredictable signals, and does so with enormous power, reportedly using thousands of watts and broadcasting in all directions, based on Professor Stupples's measurements. The fugitive who vanished into the wilderness with his three children in New Zealand has been killed in a shootout with cops, with his children found alone at a campsite. Tom Phillips, who had been on the run with his kids for almost four years, was killed in western Waitako on Monday. One of his children, who was with him, was unharmed, according to police. The child was able to help police find their siblings. Their mother, who launched an appeal for their return, has said she is 'saddened' by the turn of events but also 'deeply relieved' that her children's ordeal is over. Phillips was killed after police responded to calls of an armed robbery. Phillips's case gripped New Zealand after he and his kids disappeared from their family home in December 2021. The children, Ember, nine, Maverick, ten, and Jayda, 12, are all in police custody now. The authorities have said the children were found alone and have been 'cooperative' since being found. Fugitive: Tom Phillips (pictured) has been shot dead by police after almost four years on the run with his three children It remains unknown whether they have been informed of their father's death. Police also did not indicate if their mother would be involved in their care. The authorities also said they had told Philips's parents that their grandchildren were safe. After the robbery, Phillips and Jayda took off on their quad bike and were stopped by police road spikes about 33km away on Te Anga Road at 3.30am. Safe: The children Ember, Maverick and Jayda, are all unharmed Phillips was then confronted by a lone police officer. He shot the officer in the head with a high-powered rifle. When a second police car turned up, Phillips was shot dead, and Jayda was taken into custody. The injured male constable was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition, where he has undergone 'the first of many surgeries after being shot multiple times'. Acting deputy commissioner Jill Rogers: 'I can confirm that the children are well and uninjured, and they will be taken to a location this evening for medical checks.' 'They will have medical examinations today and we will work very closely with our partners at Oranga Tamariki (the ministry for children) to ensure that they receive all of the support that they require at this very difficult time.' Phillips's father, Neville, and brother, Ben, lashed out when approached by Stuff while working on the family farm at Marokopa. 'You don't know what it's like to be shafted by the cops several times,' the father told the publication. 'Just put yourself in our shoes.' Present: Jayda Phillips was located at the scene of the shootout Phillips's body remains at the scene of the shootout. Rogers said 'officer intuition' had led cops to lay road spikes down a long rural road, where Phillips was eventually caught and subsequently killed. Police found a haul of stolen items including clothes and footwear on the quad bike, along with multiple firearms. Authorities: Police remain at the scene of the shootout, near the town of Piopio Deputy Commissioner Rogers said: 'This is devastating news for Tom Phillips's family, and is the outcome that nobody wanted. 'This has been a deeply traumatic incident this morning for those involved.' The children's mother, Cat, earlier broke her silence in a statement. She said: 'We are deeply relieved that for our tamariki (the Maori word for children) this ordeal has come to an end. Crime: Police were responding to an armed robbery before Phillips was killed 'They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care. 'At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved.' Cat also expressed her love to the police officer injured in the incident. She said: 'We also extend our aroha (love) to those in the community who have been affected, and our heartfelt gratitude to the many people who have supported us over these past four years. Your compassion has sustained us. Briefing: Acting deputy police commissioner Jill Rogers speaks to the press 'As a whanau (family), we are now attempting to work in cooperation with the relevant government agencies to support the safe return and reconnection of our tamariki. 'They have endured a long and difficult journey, and we ask for privacy as we help them adjust and reintegrate into a stable and loving environment.' Earlier, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has advised the force that the shot officer 'is conscious and talking to his fellow officers'. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told media that he had been briefed by police but wouldn't be commenting. Missed: The children's mother Cat had not seen Jayda, Maverick or Ember since December 2021 Phillips vanished from the rural town of Marokopa on New Zealand's North Island in December 2021 with his three children following a custody dispute with their mother. They are believed to have lived in the wilderness ever since, despite numerous police search operations and a NZ$80,000 reward. There had been several possible sightings in the last year. The conclusion to the ordeal came days after Phillips's family broke their silence for the first time in almost four years. His mother Julia penned an emotional open letter to her missing son and grandchildren, which was read out by her daughter Rozzi in an interview with Stuff journalist Paddy Gower on his weekly current affairs program. Theft: Police released CCTV of Phillips and one of his children stealing items from a general store in Piopio last month She wrote: 'Tom - I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this. 'Not considering how much we love you and can support you. 'It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you and see some of your stuff that is still here. Thinking what could have been if you had not gone away. 'Jayda, Maverick, Ember - I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives. 'Every day I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you will come home.' From modest childhood caravan holidays in the British countryside to snapping celebrities on board a luxury Caribbean liner, world-renowned photographer Rankin has come a long way. The Glasgow-born creative is best known for his iconic portraits of famous figures, from the late Queen Elizabeth II to Kate Moss, and has spent decades working in various countries with a camera in hand. Despite hopping on numerous first-class flights to countless five-star resorts throughout his career, Rankin confessed that he had never even boarded a cruise ship - until now. His first luxury cruising experience happens to be at the heart of his latest exhibition, On Board with Rankin, opening this September at Battersea Power Station. Invited by P&O Cruises to join a voyage aboard their newest vessel, Arvia, and joined by a host of big names posing as models, the photographer aimed his lens at a world he once knew little about: modern cruising. The end result is a striking, cinematic collection of 42 portraits featuring stars like Layton Williams, Marco Pierre White and Alex James, alongside guests and crew. The images essentially depict life at sea as glamorous, spontaneous and unapologetically chic - miles away from traditional cruise cliches. While the exhibition's setting might be luxurious, the photographer's relationship with travel runs deeper than six-star getaways. Despite hopping on numerous first-class flights to countless five-star resorts throughout his career, photographer Rankin confessed that he had never even boarded a cruise ship - until now His first luxury cruising experience happens to be at the heart of his latest exhibition, On Board with Rankin, opening this September at Battersea Power Station The end result is a striking, cinematic collection of 42 portraits featuring stars like Layton Williams, Marco Pierre White (pictured) and Alex James , alongside guests and crew. Growing up in what he calls working class Glasgow and Yorkshire, his early holidays were limited to caravan stays in local areas, such as Grange-over-Sands. He further revealed he didn't leave the UK until a school French exchange at age 16, adding: 'I grew up until 16 having never, ever, ever gone abroad because of my dad - I think he just really loved holidaying in the UK.' Despite decades of globetrotting, he still prefers meaningful experiences over luxury. He said: 'I'm kind of lucky that I've got to travel with my job, and I've been to, you know, South America, Russia, India, loads of African countries. 'But I'm not like "oh, it has to be a five-star", which I think I probably went for during a period in my mid 30s.' The photographer admitted common mishaps during his travels are what make the trips worthwhile, such as being stranded at airports or losing his passport in Greece last year. He said: 'I kind of love even when [the destination] is kind of rough, I quite like a holiday like that. I think it's quite interesting for it to be an experience.' Still, a few places hold a special place in his heart. Barbados, for its kindness and calm, and Los Angeles, for its creative energy - and particularly the Chateau Marmont, his favourite hotel in the world. Despite decades of globetrotting, Rankin still prefers meaningful experiences over luxury Rankin's images essentially depict life at sea as glamorous, spontaneous and unapologetically chic - miles away from traditional cruise cliches. The hydrotherapy suite on Arvia an impressive spot to unwind Marco Pierre White, left, and Alex James tucking into some of the wine on the ship A cocktail box served at The Amber Lounge, inside Arvias Grand Atrium He noted: 'It's such a fun, very rock and roll hotel. You still can take people to a room at two in the morning and have a little party, and [the staff] are not judgy about it.' Regarding Los Angeles itself, Rankin gushed: 'You've got, like, hills, you know, really amazing Hill walks. You've got incredible cinemas. 'You've got probably some of the best food in the world. It's definitely some of the best Japanese food outside of Japan.' We discussed his must-pack items he never leaves on a trip without, to which he replied: 'Books, two back-up chargers, spare socks, and toothpaste - because you just never know what might happen.' I manage to wrestle a moment as we concluded our chat to speak about his experiences in snapping photographs of prominent Royal Family members, including King Charles, Prince William and the late Queen Elizabeth II. He spoke candidly of the Queen - noting that she was his favourite royal to photograph - adding: 'I had so much respect for her as a person. I just thought she was such an extraordinary human being. 'They're very, very different, but very, very absolutely charming, all three of them in different ways. The Queen was just quick and sharp and fast. King Charles - so quick, so funny. Really made me laugh. And William, just very kind of boyish.' So, where is the photographer thinking of heading to next? Girls with double scoops the the best way to enjoy Snowflake artisan gelato, says the cruise line Rankin's must-pack items he never leaves on a trip without? Books, two back-up chargers, spare socks, and toothpaste - because you just never know what might happen He mused: 'I think Singapore would be a real, would be a real kind of like bucket list thing, because I've been told it's like being in a Ridley Scott film or something.' 'I would absolutely love to go to mainland China as well. If you've been to Japan, or you've been to somewhere like China, it's so incredible. 'It's such a different culture and I love that - when you go somewhere and the culture is so different from what you're used to.' Free to the public, the On Board with Rankin exhibition runs from 17 to 28 September at Battersea Power Station, London. As summer draws to a close and the dark nights creep in, it might be tempting to book a holiday to escape the dreary autumn weather. Tourists may be in luck, as new data reveals the cheapest days to book flights this shoulder season. Some prices are proving to be half as much as the cost to go away in the summer. Research by online travel agency Expedia revealed the cheapest dates to fly domestically in the UK are November 19 and 29. While for those wanting to jet off overseas, the best international flight deals can be found on September 12 and 26. Hotel and holiday home rental prices can soar during the summer months, too. Travellers hoping to bag bargain accommodation in the UK may have more luck for stays on October 26 and November 2, according to the research. For a holiday abroad, the best deals can be found on November 4 and 10. Research by travel site Expedia revealed the cheapest dates to fly domestically in the UK are November 19 and 29 (stock) While for those wanting to jet off overseas, the best international flight deals can be found on September 12 and 26 Your browser does not support iframes. 'Autumn is the sweet spot for savvy travellers,' said Melanie Fish, Head of Public Relations for Expedia Group Brands. 'Not only are airfares dropping during the shoulder season, but hotel and holiday rental prices are as well.' She also revealed that prices can be half as much as the summer months. Melanie added: 'As a matter of fact, some stays available on Expedia can drop by up to 50 per cent at the end of September compared to peak summer rates.' The data also revealed what are the most expensive dates to travel in the coming months. November 5 and 23 proved to be the priciest times to fly domestically, while international flights shoot up in cost on November 2 and 11. Accommodation prices are also higher on certain dates, and stays in the UK may be more expensive on September 28 and November 29. While international stays are pricier on October 18 and 19. Travellers hoping to bag bargain accommodation in the UK may have more luck for stays on October 26 and November 2, according to the research (stock) For a holiday abroad, the best deals can be found on November 4 and 10 (stock) Different locations are trending, and Expedia found travellers are increasingly wanting to go away to quiet, rural locations. Searches for trips to Tenby, a pretty harbour town in Wales, shot up by 55 per cent while historical Oxfordshire also saw a 50 per cent rise. Overseas, Haute-Corse in Corsica is trending with a 205 per cent increase, drawing in tourists with its hilltop villages and coast. Searches to the Red Sea are also up by 20 per cent, with Egypt proving to be a popular destination for travellers this autumn. It's not uncommon for tales of wild passengers getting into trouble for various antics on planes to make headlines. But there are some perhaps unexpected things that have ended up with passengers being kicked off a flight. From being too ill to fly, to going barefoot or smelling bad, travellers can be removed for various issues. Read on to find out the surprising things that can lead to passengers being kicked off a plane. Sickness Passengers have been booted from flights over concerns they could be too sick to travel and cause a diversion, The Telegraph reports. Back in 2019, TUI ordered 47 'sick' passengers off a flight due to depart for Manchester from Aristides Pereira International Airport in Boa Vista, Cape Verde. A gastric illness had spread amongst tourists and crew members reportedly asked anyone who had been ill to get off the plane to avoid any issues during the flight. Those removed from the flight then underwent medical checks and were allowed to fly after receiving a fit to fly certificate. From being too ill to fly, to going barefoot or smelling bad, travellers can be removed for various issues (stock) Passengers have been booted from flights over concerns they could be too sick to travel and cause a diversion (stock) No shoes The idea of kicking off uncomfortable shoes and really relaxing during a flight might sound great, but it could end in trouble. Some airlines reportedly prohibit barefoot travel. United states 'Passengers who are barefoot, not properly clothed, or whose clothing is lewd, obscene or offensive' could be removed from the flight for the safety of other travellers. Meanwhile, according to the New York Post, American Airlines also outlines 'bare feet or offensive clothing aren't allowed'. Smell Poor personal hygiene and making a stink on the plane can also be a one-way ticket to getting removed from a flight. Some airlines have specific policies to cover this issue, which allows crew members to act if they feel someone's smell will cause problems. According to The Telegraph, American airline Delta states it 'may refuse to transport passengers when [their] hygiene or odour creates an unreasonable risk of offence or annoyance'. The airline reportedly removed the Alder family back in 2019 after fellow travellers apparently complained about the smell of Mr Adler. They were provided with accommodation and food before being put on a plane the next day. The idea of kicking off uncomfortable shoes and really relaxing during a flight might sound great, but it could end in trouble (stock) Poor personal hygiene and making a stink on the plane can also be a one-way ticket to getting removed from a flight (stock) Not fitting in seat Some passengers may struggle to squeeze into their seat once onboard the plane. A few airlines require travellers who don't fit comfortably with both armrests down to book two seats for safety reasons. Emirates is one who reportedly impose this rule, and the Guardian reported a spokesperson said: 'If a customer is unable to be safely seated and belted up for the flight, we will require that they purchase an extra adjacent seat ahead of their flight or at time of check-in, or purchase an upgrade to premium economy or business class (if available), or defer their travel.' Last year, Angel Harding and her friend were removed from an Air New Zealand flight from Napier to Auckland because they were reportedly too big to travel in their seats. Angel told 1News how a flight attendant said to them: ''You two should have booked four seats, you two should have bought two seats each'.' In the end, Air New Zealand offered to pay for the women's food, accommodation, and flights and allow them access to the Koru Lounge, before they were able to board a flight later that day. A few airlines require travellers who don't fit comfortably with both armrests down to book two seats for safety reasons (stock) Ignoring instructions Not paying attention to the flight attendant's instructions can also land passengers in trouble. After taking a few flights, the safety guidelines read out at the start of the journey may seem repetitive, but they are still important to listen to. Back in 2019, the Guardian reported how a woman who allegedly refused to watch an air safety video or read the instructions was kicked off an Air New Zealand flight. Her removal came after crew repeatedly tried to get her to pay attention. The six-episode docu-series hit Disney+ on Friday 12 and Swifties have already binged the first two episodes. End Of An Era gives an insight and behind-the-scenes sneak peek at what went on backstage during The Eras Tour between 2023 and 2024. ...read Xi sends congratulatory letter to 25th China int'l investment, trade fair Xinhua) 11:18, September 08, 2025 BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a congratulatory letter to the 25th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), which opened in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province. Xi noted that the CIFIT, with its permanent theme of "Further expanding bilateral investment, Jointly facilitating global development," has played a positive role in promoting the building of an open world economy and has become an effective platform for global investors to deepen practical cooperation. Xi stressed that as a major contributor and anchor of stability for global economic growth, China will unswervingly expand high-level opening up, promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, continue to share its development opportunities with the world, and inject more positive energy and certainty into global development. China is willing to work with all parties to promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization and create a bright future of prosperity and development, Xi noted. The fair is organized by the Ministry of Commerce. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Daniel Craig's return as detective Benoit Blanc in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery has already been hailed a triumph - with the film landing a perfect 100 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes ahead of its release. The third instalment in Rian Johnson's hit whodunnit franchise sees Blanc investigating a chilling murder in a sombre church setting. Joining Craig on screen is a glittering cast, including Andrew Scott, Glenn Close, Josh O'Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Kerry Washington, Mila Kunis, Josh Brolin, Daryl McCormack and Thomas Haden Church. Jeremy Renner, who made a cameo reference in the earlier films, will also step into a more central role this time. The film is not out until December 12, but early critics' reviews have been glowing. Collider declared: 'Wake Up Dead Man is twistier, darker and more emotional than the previous two installments, in which Johnson explores ideas of faith and logic and the mythologising that gets us through the day - all in a brilliant murder mystery.' Daniel Craig's return as detective Benoit Blanc in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery has already been hailed a triumph The third instalment in Rian Johnson's hit whodunnit franchise sees Blanc investigating a chilling murder in a sombre church setting (Pictured: Andrew Scott) Punch Drunk Critics agreed, calling it 'the most intricate mystery of them all, grappling with issues of faith, redemption, revenge and forgiveness.' Meanwhile, The Wrap branded the film a 'glorious, goofy gothic horror.' They added: 'Although Wake Up Dead Man is the Knives Out movie that's most preoccupied with existential questions surrounding death, writer and director Rian Johnson's third film in the series is also the one that's most full of life.' The movie will have its international premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, which runs in October across the UK, with a gala screening at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall. It comes as council bosses approved a new barrier to keep out intruders at the 5m home north London home of Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz. The glittering A-lister couple had been at loggerheads with conservationists over installing new security measures at the front of their Grade II-listed terraced house. But now the James Bond star and his Oscar-winning actress wife have been given the green light after their neighbours backed the proposal. The works include installing an inward-opening vehicle entrance gate and a side pedestrian gate, using existing brick piers. Joining Craig and Andrew on screen are Glenn Close, Josh O'Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Kerry Washington, Mila Kunis Josh Brolin, Daryl McCormack and Thomas Haden Church The film is not out until December 12, but early critics' reviews have been glowing (Pictured: Josh O'Connor) Jeremy Renner (L), who made a cameo reference in the earlier films, will also step into a more central role this time Craig, 56, and Weisz, 54, bought their historic townhouse for 3.2million in 2008, but it's now believed to be worth almost double that. As it lies within a designated conservation area, some objected to the scheme as being 'not appropriate' for the property, The Sun reports. A letter from the conservationists said: 'We note that this is a listed building and that the vestiges of the front boundary walls, where they survive, can be seen to have been part of the overall design of the crescent. 'We regret, therefore, that this opportunity has not been taken to make some effort to restore the pattern of the front boundary in this application.' But their next-door neighbour welcomed the installation of a new security gate. In a letter to the council, one wrote: 'We have an exposed front yard, with little privacy and concerns about security. 'We frequently have random people wandering into the yard, sometimes loitering and sitting on our stairs if we aren't home. 'A front gate, between existing brick piers, that is in the style of the existing railings, would be an elegant way to promote security and privacy, and deter random wanderers and vehicles, while being consistent with the character of the crescent.' Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery will be released in select cinemas on 28 November, before releasing on Netflix on December 12 Netflix viewers have been rushing to watch a new six-part series that is a follow-up to The Tinder Swindler. Love Con Revenge was released by the streaming giant on Friday and follows one of the Tinder Swindler's victims, Cecilie Fjellhy, as she teams up with a private investigator to help other victims of romance fraud. Cecilie famously starred in the 2022 Netflix documentary, where she detailed how her ex-partner, Simon Leviev, defrauded her out of a staggering 188,000. The show's creative director James O'Reilly said the spotlight shone by the series on the 'emotional and financial toll' of romance fraud was 'jaw-dropping'. He added: 'This is a truly modern crime that is exploding in the United States and around the world. 'It's been incredible to follow Cecilie and Brianne as they investigate these cases - to bring justice to the victims, and hold the perpetrators to account who've gotten away with this for far too long.' Cecilie Fjellhy famously starred in The Tinder Swindler, where she detailed how her ex-partner, Simon Leviev, defrauded her out of a staggering 188,000 Love Con Revenge was released by the streaming giant on Friday and follows one of the Tinder Swindler's victims, Cecilie, as she teams up with a private investigator to help other victims of romance fraud Viewers of the show have been taking to social media to share their thoughts, writing on Reddit: 'Just finished this show, love it!'; 'I can't believe this happens to people.'; 'Some of the stories are shocking and I feel so sorry for the victims. It's very well put together and worth a watch.'; 'I'm watching it right now. It's really good. I'm hooked.' Many viewers, naturally, compared the series to The Tinder Swindler. Praising Cecilie's bravery, a viewer said: 'Cecilie turning her story into Love Con Revenge is a wild full-circle move.' While many viewers were impressed by Love, Con, Revenge, some claimed that parts of it seemed 'scripted'. One viewer wrote on X: 'there are some parts in love con revenge on netflix where it sounds like they are reading directly from a script, so annoying [sic].' While many viewers were impressed by Love Con Revenge, some claimed that parts of it seemed 'scripted' Cecilie said that she was inspired to make the series after other victims of romance fraud contacted her after she shared her story in The Tinder Swindler Cecilie said in a statement that she was inspired to make the series after other victims of romance fraud contacted her after she shared her story in The Tinder Swindler. She said: 'I never imagined my personal story would resonate the way it has. 'Since The Tinder Swindler, Ive heard from people all over the world who've been targeted by criminals hiding behind love. 'Love Con Revenge is a way for me to use what I've learned to help others heal, reclaim their voices, their power and their lives.' In short, the documentary reveals the red flags to look out for in dating to avoid becoming a victim of a romance scammer. Love Con Revenge is available to stream on Netflix now. The BBC has officially confirmed the two new judges replacing Gregg Wallace and John Torode following their sackings. MasterChef bosses axed Gregg, 60, after misconduct allegations came to light relating to his time on the series. Meanwhile, his former co-star John, 59, lost his job after two decades over allegations that he used the N-word. Now it's been confirmed Grace Dent - who previously stepped in to host the celebrity spin-off series with John - will return as a permanent judge. The food critic will be joined by Irish-born chef Anna Haugh, who replaced Gregg in the last episodes of the civilian series after allegations against him first came to light. Speaking about landing the role, Grace said: 'I'm over the moon to be coming back to the MasterChef kitchen and unearthing what culinary skills people have been cooking up behind closed doors. Grace Dent and Anna Haugh have been confirmed as the new hosts of MasterChef following Gregg Wallace and John Torode's axing Gregg was sacked following a lengthy investigation after allegations surrounding his conduct, while John was axed for allegations he used the N-word 'It's a joy to be working with Anna, who brings all her incredible experience to the table. I am in for such a treat with this series, I can't wait to get started.' Anna, 44, added: 'I'm delighted to be back on MasterChef and judging alongside the wonderful Grace Dent, whose writing and wit I've admired for years. 'MasterChef has long inspired and resonated with cooks in home kitchens and of course in my industry. 'I can't wait to get into the studio for what will be a great competition.' Matt Tebbutt was recently announced as the new host of MasterChef: The Professionals. Matt, 51, best known for hosting BBC One's Saturday Kitchen, will join chefs Marcus Wareing, 55, and Monica Galetti, 50, for the 18th series of the cooking competition. The current series of MasterChef, which features John and Gregg, lost nearly one million viewers as it aired last month. It aired on linear television after arriving on BBC iPlayer earlier in the day - following the broadcaster's decision to screen the episodes. Gregg was fired after more than 45 complaints against him were upheld following a BBC investigation Australian-born chef John, also lost his job after two decades over allegations that he used the N-word (pictured on the current series of MasterChef) There was a last-minute scramble to re-edit it and limit the appearances of its stars Gregg and John. Gregg was fired after more than 45 complaints against him were upheld following a BBC investigation. Australian-born chef John also lost his job after two decades, over allegations that he used the N-word. The BBC said the host's contract would not be renewed after a report found he had used an 'extremely offensive racist term' during drinks after filming the show. The complaint against John was revealed in the report into co-presenter Gregg's inappropriate behaviour. John identified himself as an unnamed person in the report who was accused of using 'racist language'. However, the presenter said 'he had absolutely no recollection' of the incident and did 'not believe that it happened'. Grace Dent - who previously stepped in to host the celebrity spin-off series with John - will return as a permanent judge Anna Haugh replaced Gregg in the last episodes of the current civilian series after allegations against him first came to light A witness told investigators he had apologised immediately, was mortified and didnt use the term as a slur in 2018. However, in a statement, the BBC said: 'This allegation - which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace - was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm Lewis Silkin. 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. 'We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' LISTEN: 'You are who you are, and you should have confidence in who you are' - hear Bryony Gordon's interview with Miriam Margolyes by clicking here Miriam Margolyes has opened up about her unlikely friendship with Leonardo DiCaprio during the filming of Romeo + Juliet, including the moment she incorrectly assumed he was gay. The 84-year-old actress told Mail columnist Bryony Gordon how she and the Hollywood star would spend hours shopping together in Mexico City markets, where DiCaprio's choice to wear dresses led to an awkward misunderstanding. You can listen to this episode of The Life of Bryony by clicking the player below or here Margolyes praised DiCaprio's 'splendid' acting and unique way of viewing the world, having met him when he was just 21 years old. The national treasure sat down with the Daily Mail's The Life of Bryony podcast to discuss her career and promote her new autobiographical book, The Little Book of Miriam. 'I thought Leonardo DiCaprio was gay', Margolyes joked. 'He wore a dress, and I don't know, you felt he was looking for comment. I think he likes people talking about him. 'We were in Mexico City and that's what you do when you're there, you go shopping. On set I said I wanted to go to the markets and Leo asked if he could come with me. 'He came in a dress I don't know why he was wearing a dress, you'd have to ask him. I remember it was like a summer dress it was hot that day. 'I said to him: 'I think you're gay.' He said to me: 'I am not, I am not.' I was insistent, saying: 'I think you'll find you are, you're wrong.' Miriam Margolyes has opened up about her unlikely friendship with Leonardo DiCaprio during the filming of Romeo + Juliet In Luhrmann's acclaimed 1996 adaptation of Romeo + Juliet, she played the Nurse alongside DiCaprio's Romeo and Claire Danes' Juliet The national treasure sat down with the Daily Mail's The Life of Bryony podcast to discuss her career and promote her new autobiographical book, The Little Book of Miriam The actress was less diplomatic about other famous actors she has worked with, calling John Cleese 'a bitter old man' She had acted alongside future Monty Python creators John Cleese and Graham Chapman in Cambridge University's prestigious drama society, Footlights 'Anyway, he's not gay. My gaydar was at fault there.' Miriam fondly recalled working with a young Leonardo DiCaprio, describing him as a 'jolly nice chap.' In Luhrmann's acclaimed 1996 adaptation of Romeo + Juliet, she played the Nurse alongside DiCaprio's Romeo and Claire Danes' Juliet. The film has since become a beloved modern interpretation of Shakespeare's classic tragedy. Miriam said: 'He was a very nice guy, a fine actor and a great shopping companion. I liked him a lot. 'I like the way he looked at life and he was splendid in the film. Clare was wonderful too, remarkable even so sweet and vulnerable.' The actress was less diplomatic about other famous actors she has worked with, calling John Cleese 'a bitter old man'. She had acted alongside future Monty Python creators John Cleese and Graham Chapman in Cambridge University's prestigious drama society, Footlights. Miriam claimed the pair treated her with suspicion because she was a larger-than-life woman, refusing to talk to or even look at her during shows. She explained: 'In those days, Footlights didn't have to accommodate women like the rest of the university. 'We were in a minority. We felt allowed to be there, rather than welcomed. 'I have never felt like that about myself. I take up the space I take in the world, and I think it's worth the same as anybody else's space. 'My mother was so thrilled that I was a part Footlights, she rang the Oxford Mail. She gave an interview about me; how great I was. I never asked her to do that. 'The interview really got up John Cleese and Graham Chapman's noses. They didn't like me, and they showed that by refusing to talk to me or look at me off stage. 'I have never forgotten it I mean it makes no difference now. Graham's dead and John is unfortunately, a bitter old man. 'I'm still pissed off about it. I think that shows that I am not good at letting things go because it was 60 years ago. 'I should let it go but I remember the pain, I remember the hurt. I remember how I would cry when I went home.' To listen to the tell-all interview with Miriam Margolyes in full, search for The Life of Bryony now, wherever you get your podcasts. Britney Spears shared a video of herself wearing a plaid and pleated miniskirt reminiscent of the iconic look she wore in her ...Baby One More Time music video. On the same day of the star-studded VMAs in New York City, the 43-year-old music icon chose to stay home in Los Angeles and give her fans a private show on social media. Channeling her school girl look from her debut single she released back in 1998, she posed in a low-waisted, miniskirt and an off-the-shoulder crop top. For her 41.9 million Instagram followers, she showcased her toned midriff in the risque look and explained how she wanted to wear a 'baby pink hat' with her outfit that made her think of the movie Clueless. Spears paired the tiny top and the little skirt with black, knee-high boots as well as her signature dark eyeliner and lace choker necklace. The post comes weeks after fan-driven rumors that Spears was planning to make her long-awaited VMAs comeback after a nine-year hiatus. But the speculation was recently debunked. Britney Spears shared a video of herself wearing a plaid and pleated miniskirt reminiscent of the iconic look she wore in her ...Baby One More Time music video On the same day of the star-studded VMAs in New York City, the 43-year-old music icon chose to stay home in Los Angeles and give her fans a private show on social media Spears captioned Sunday's IG post, which she did not set to any music in a rare occurrence, with emojis of two roses on each side of a dagger. One of her most famous songs was her debut single Baby One More Time, which she last performed in 2017. In the music video for the dance-pop song, she dressed up as a high school student in a tiny crop top and a miniskirt. She sang about longing for the return of an ex-boyfriend and danced around the school while watching her love interest from afar. Spears last performed the song when she was still in her infamous conservatorship. She sang and danced to Baby One More Time during her Femme Fatale Tour in 2011. She also performed her hit song during her Britney: Piece of Me residency in Las Vegas, in which she performed 248 shows from 2013 to 2017. Her first and latest residency grossed over $137 million. Last year, it was rumored that she would be making a Sin City comeback but DailyMail.com revealed that she had no plans to return. Channeling her school girl look from her debut single she released back in 1998, she posed in a low-waisted, miniskirt and an off-the-shoulder crop top To her 41.9 million Instagram followers, she showcased her toned midriff in the risque look and explained how she wanted to wear a 'baby pink hat' with her outfit that made her think of the movie Clueless She paired the tiny top and the little skirt with black, knee-high boots as well as her signature dark eyeliner and lace choker necklace. Her recent post which was shared on the same day as the 2025 VMAs appeared to be another filmed in her Mexican vacation home, where she also filmed and posted a racy dancing video a week ago. The Grammy winner was wearing a black, plunging bodysuit featuring a thong backside and made up of a sheer material in the video she posted on Labor Day Monday. Spears seductively swiveled her waist and thrust her hips in the montage, which also showed her wearing a red boater hat and white bikini beneath the leotard. The semi-retired pop star made sure to model a black choker, which was likely a piece from her upcoming jewelry brand, B. Tiny. And she captioned her Instagram video with the same set of emojis while modeling a nearly identical, wide-brimmed hat but in a bright red color. Spears last performed the song when she was still in her infamous conservatorship. She sang the song during her Britney: Piece of Me residency in Las Vegas before it ended in 2017 Her recent post which was shared on the same day as this year's VMAs on Sunday appeared to be another filmed in her Mexican vacation home, where she also filmed and posted a racy dancing video a week ago Just days earlier, she apologized to her fans for posting nude snaps with only a rose emoji to shield her modesty. 'Self love and confidence [are] something I'm seeking. I apologize to anyone by showing my a**,' the self-described 'struggling artist' explained Just days before that, Spears apologized to her fans for posting nude snaps with only a rose emoji to shield her modesty. 'Self love and confidence [are] something I'm seeking. I apologize to anyone by showing my a**,' the self-described 'struggling artist' explained. 'Sometimes [you] have to embarrass yourself to remember who [you] are, I can't believe I did it either!' She added: 'I've had two bathing suit thongs my whole life. I was telling my friend and she actually didn't believe me. God bless!' Alec and Hilaria Baldwin's fans got a closer look at their home in Amagansett, New York, recently, but a controversial painting the couple keep in their living room left users fuming on social media this weekend. The 67-year-old actor and his 41-year-old wife were featured showing off their home near the Hamptons in the New York Times late last month, but Alec reminded his followers of a divisive painting of Hilaria when he reposted highlights from the photo profile to Instagram on Sunday. The couple prominently display a lifelike triptych showing Hilaria bagging up some fruit in a grocery store while wearing sunglasses and standing in front of shelves filled with seemingly endless boxes of Rice-A-Roni. While speaking to the time, Hilaria said, I have to admit that Im extraordinarily embarrassed that there is a gigantic painting of me in this room. Its like, Welcome to my living room. Here is a painting of me. Commenters on Alec's post definitely felt secondhand embarrassment for Hilaria and Alec, and they didn't hold back in savaging the painting, which was made by the artist Brendan OConnell and was said to be inspired by a paparazzi photo of the yoga instructor shopping in a West Village bodega near her and Alec's main home in New York City. 'This is multi-faceted rage bait,' wrote one commenter who couldn't handle the taste-challenging painting. Alec and Hilaria Baldwin 's fans got a closer look at their home in Amagansett, New York , recently, but a controversial painting the couple keep in their living room left users fuming on social media this weekend; seen August 24 at the US open in Queens, NYC After Alec reposted photos from the New York Times of their home, including a painting of Hilaria shopping that was inspired by a paparazzi photo (pictured), fans took to the comments to blast her for keeping the painting, which she called 'embarrassing' Numerous posters mocked Hilaria for keeping the painting of herself despite claiming that it 'embarrassed' her. '"I'm so embarrassed about this painting that I choose to hang it up in my house" ???' wrote one user who didn't buy her story. 'She can't be too embarrassed with the picture bc she hung it up,' added another poster. 'So extraordinarily embarrassed that she kept the painting up for the article,' echoed another user. One fan suggested that Hilaria should 'take it down' if the painting was 'so embarrassing.' 'Easy . . . get rid of it,' agreed another poster. Some commenters even suggested that keeping the painting up betrayed narcissistic tendencies. 'Only a narcissist would have their pic in there living room. Who wants to see that!!! [sic],' read one of the comments. Fans took to the comments to blast both the painting and Hilaria, with one person describing it as 'multi-faceted rage bait' Several fans thought Hilaria might not be that embarrassed if she chose to keep the painting in her home Others suggested that she 'get rid' of the painting if she really disliked it that much Some commenters even suggested that keeping the painting up betrayed narcissistic tendencies Some commenters were adamant that they wanted to know as little as possible about the details of Alec and Hilaria's home and personal life. 'No No...no no no,' one person wrote, while another commented, 'Nobody asked for this .' Others poked fun at Hilaria's past habit of speaking with an exaggerated Spanish accent. '*Heavy accent* How do you say, "I care not" in English?' one person joked, referencing an episode in which Hilaria acted as if she had forgotten the word 'cucumber,' before saying it in an exaggerated pronunciation as if it was a foreign word to her. Although her family reportedly spoke Spanish often at home and would visit Spain on annual trips, Hilaria was born in Boston and spent most of her life living in the United States. Her parents later moved to the Spanish island of Mallorca in 2011, a year before she and the Hunt For Red October actor tied the knot. One fan joked about preferring Alec when he was in funnyman mode. 'I will only engage with 30 Rock Alec Baldwin,' they wrote. But not everyone in the comments found the painting tasteless. Several users complemented the Baldwins' home in general, and one brave soul wrote, 'I like the painting.' Some commenters were adamant that they wanted to know as little as possible about the details of Alec and Hilaria's home and personal life; seen August 24 at the US Open in Queens 'Nobody asked for this,' read one representative comment Others poked fun at Hilaria's past habit of speaking with an exaggerated Spanish accent One fan joked about preferring Alec when he was in funnyman mode But not everyone in the comments found the painting tasteless. Several users complemented the Baldwins' home in general, and one brave soul wrote, 'I like the painting' In the wake of his deadly Rust shooting in 2021, Baldwin put the Amangansett home on the market, only to decide to keep it years later after it failed to sell; pictured on October 20, 2021, shortly after the Rust shooting Hilaria and Alec were proudly showing off their home after they decided to hold on to it. The Departed actor bought the home near the Hamptons in 1996, but he listed it in 2022 for $29 million, a massive increase after he originally paid only $1.75 million for it. The decision to part with the home came in the wake of a deadly shooting in 2021, in which he shot and killed the cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured the director Joel Souza on the set of his Western film Rust, which he was starring in and producing. Baldwin denied ever pulling the trigger on the prop gun, which he said he was told had no live ammunition in it. Baldwin was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in January 2023, which he pleaded not guilty to, but the charges were dropped in April of that year. However, he was again charged in January 2024 on an involuntary manslaughter charge. The case was dismissed with prejudice by the judge, meaning it can not be refiled, in July 2024 after it was revealed that the prosecution had withheld evidence from Baldwin's attorney that could have potentially been used in his defense. In July of this year, Baldwin's lawsuit against prosecutors in New Mexico for 'malicious' prosecution was thrown out after he failed to file additional documents for months. Amid his legal struggles, Baldwin was unable to sell the Amagansett home, and he and Hilaria have recently decided to hold on to it. New court documents have shed light on just how much Tori Spelling allegedly makes per month. Spelling, 52, and her ex Dean McDermott, 58, are in the midst of legally ending their marriage of 19 years, and an income and expense report lays bare their finances. According to documents obtained by Us Weekly, McDermott says his former wife's monthly income ranges from $3,000 to $75,000, with her earnings 'depending on the job.' The documents, filed by McDermott in Los Angeles Superior Court on September 5, also gave insight into his own finances. McDermott says his monthly income is $3,800, adding his finances have undergone a major change on account of the 'SAG/AFTRA strikes and change in the industry.' 'My acting and producing work has decreased drastically,' he also stated. New court documents have shed light on Tori Spelling and her estranged husband Dean McDermott 's monthly income; pictured 2023 A representative for McDermott had no comment when reached out by the Daily Mail over the new documents. The Daily Mail has also contacted representatives for Spelling however have not yet heard back. The documents also reportedly indicate that McDermott's monthly expenses total $3,980, which is $180 more than what he makes a month. His debts are also outlined in the documents, revealing he has an outstanding loan that is past due with City National Bank for $200,000. It's been previously reported that the former couple owe the bank $400k after they took out a $395k loan, with a judge later assessing Dean owed just over $202k of the loan a court awarded the bank $400k. McDermott also has credit card debt, owing $2,500 to Capital One and $12k with Care Credit, both of which are past due. McDermott also owes $1,200 for dental work. The documents also claim McDermott's new girlfriend Lily Calo makes $600 a month. Additionally, Us Weekly notes that the documents state McDermott presently has custodial time with their youngest child, eight-year-old son Beau. Spelling filed for divorce from the Chopped Canada host on March 29, 2024, citing irreconcilable differences. The date of separation was listed as June 17, 2023. During their marriage, they welcomed five children together - Liam, 18, Stella, 17, Hattie, 13, Finn, 13, and Beau. The exes share five children together; pictured with four of their children in 2023 Spelling and McDermott tied the knot in 2006, but the final years of their marriage turned tumultuous, which Dean has taken responsibility for. 'All Tori's ever done, to this day, is want me to be happy and healthy and I inflicted a lot of damage and pain on that woman,' he admitted to DailyMail.com in November 2023. 'I'm taking accountability for that today. And it's the biggest amend that I'm ever going to have to make,' he added. Spelling reignited her romance with advertising CEO Ryan Cramer in April. Spelling and McDermott wed in 2006 before separating in 2023; pictured 2018 The actress is now dating advertising CEO Ryan Cramer McDermott has also begun dating Lily Calo since splitting from Spelling The newest update comes several months after she said on her podcast that she doesn't want to 'die alone,' during a tear-filled chat with guest Audrey O'Day. She cried at the time, 'I'm now 51 and single again with five kids, so I don't even know where I stand in the future. I don't want to be with somebody, but I do want to be. I just don't want to be alone.' O'Day did her best to comfort a sobbing Spelling as she continued: 'You know me. I'm positive. I just I don't want to die alone.' Angelina Jolie flashed her endless legs in a chic brown maxi coat split while attending the Couture world premiere during the Toronto Film Festival on Sunday. The Girl, Interrupted legend, 50, was the epitome of elegance in the stunning number which featured a racy thigh-high split. She wore a similarly sexy look at the 2012 Oscars Awards, arriving in a strapless black Versace gown and flashing her right leg. The limb quickly became a trending topic on Twitter (now X) at the time, with users debating over her enviably trim thigh and her zealous pose. Wearing glossy tights, Angelina completed the head-turning outfit with black stiletto heels as she was quite the star of the evening at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The Maleficient actress looked visibly moved by the fans' warm welcome, and was captured waving to onlookers. The Hollywood favourite stars alongside Louis Garrel, Ella Rumpf and Garance Marillier in Alice Winocour's drama, with Angelina behind the production as well. Angelina Jolie, 50, flashed her endless legs in a chic brown maxi coat split while attending the Couture world premiere during Toronto Film Festival on Sunday Wearing glossy tights, Angelina completed the head-turning outfit with black stiletto heels as she was quite the star of the evening at the Princess of Wales Theatre The Girl, Interrupted legend was the epitome of elegance in the stunning number which featured a racy thigh-high split The star interrupted her filming duties for her new film drama Anxious People - which see Aimee Lou Wood starring next to her - to join the star-studded Canadian film festival. 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 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 Hollywood favourite is set to star alongside Louis Garrel, Ella Rumpf and Garance Marillier for Alice Winocour's upcoming drama, with Angelina behind the production as well The Tourist sensation twirled around with grace showing off her elegant sense of fashion The Maleficient actress looked visibly moved by the fans' warm welcome, and was captured gently waving to onlookers Later on during the event, Angelina looked radiant as she made a triumphant entrance on stage followed by her Couture cast mates 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. Elsewhere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, Jason Bateman and Jude Law attended the premiere of their anticipated film Black Rabbit Russell Crowe and Rami Malek presented their ensemble drama Nuremberg at Roy Thomson Hall Nuremberg features an all star cast of Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, James Vanderbilt, Michael Shannon, Leo Woodall, John Slattery, and Richard E. Grant Guillermo del Toro, Kim Morgan and Idris Elba were on the red carpet for the festival's Tribute Awards Idris, who stars in in Kathryn Bigelows Thrilling A House of Dynamite, had a warm hug for director del Toro, who is presenting his Frankenstein adaptation at the festival Tom Felton enjoyed the EW x People Toronto International Film Festival party DailyMail reached out to Angelina's representatives for comment. Elsewhere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, Jason Bateman and Jude Law attended the premiere of their anticipated film Black Rabbit, whilst Russell Crowe and Rami Malek presented their ensemble drama Nuremberg at Roy Thomson Hall. Guillermo del Toro and Idris Elba were also on the red carpet for the festival's Tribute Awards. Idris, who stars in in Kathryn Bigelows Thrilling A House of Dynamite, had a warm hug for director del Toro, who is presenting his Frankenstein adaptation at the festival Geoffrey Edelsten's ex-wife Brynne Gordon has opened up about her new life after years away from the spotlight. The 42-year-old has enjoyed a private life in recent years after she was arrested and charged with trafficking and possessing the drug ice in May 2021. In April 2022, she had the drug trafficking charges against her cleared. But after years away from the spotlight, the socialite has returned as a judge at the Runway in the Rainforest event at the Melbourne Fringe Festival. To celebrate her new project, Brynne has exclusively shared rare details about her new boyfriend and her three-year-old daughter, Starr. Speaking to Daily Mail, she revealed she has been in a relationship for almost four years and things are going well for the couple. Geoffrey Edelsten's ex-wife Brynne Gordon (pictured) has opened up about her new life after stepping away from the spotlight She has enjoyed a private life in recent years after she was arrested and charged with trafficking, possessing and the drug ice in May 2021. She had drug trafficking charges against her cleared 'It's been nearly four years now. I've been a bit more private lately. It's mostly just around my daughter,' she said. 'Just protecting her with a lot of things. As much as I want to show her off and share her, I just want her to feel safe.' When asked if she's spoken about getting married with her beau, Brynne admitted: 'Not at this point. We live like a family and everything, but we don't have those conversations. I don't really feel the need to have them at this point.' She also said she is enjoying motherhood and watching her daughter Starr grow. 'She's really good. She's so smart. She's her own little person. I've taken her home [to America] to visit the family a couple of times now,' Brynne said. '[My favourite part is] just seeing her grow she's nothing like me personality-wise. She's everything I wished I could be. She's so smart, not a shy person at all. I love watching her grow into her own little person.' Brynne also spoke about her new role at the Runway in the Rainforest event and said she is 'really excited'. 'I'm excited to get dressed up and have some fun and be around all these people that I love,' she admitted. 'I'd love to start stepping back into things now that Starr is a little bit older She's still going to be my number one priority, of course.' Brynne is relishing in motherhood ever since welcoming her first child, Starr Amari Gordon The Oklahoma-born television personality became famous in 2009 when she married Geoffrey Edelsten, who was 40 years her senior. Both pictured The Oklahoma-born television personality became famous in 2009 when she married Geoffrey Edelsten, who was 40 years her senior. However, the pair divorced in 2014 after Brynne alleged her husband had been unfaithful to her. Geoffrey died in Melbourne aged 78 in June 2021. The socialite welcomed her 'miracle baby', Starr Amari Gordon, on April 21, 2022. She told The Herald Sun in 2022 that providing for Starr has given her a new perspective on life. The SAS Australia contestant explained she originally thought motherhood 'was not on the cards' for her and she feels so blessed to have a perfect daughter to care for. The identity of Starr's father has not been made public. However, Brynne confirmed to the publication that he had met his daughter twice. The pregnancy was delightful news for Brynne, who discovered during her high-profile marriage to Geoffrey that she was unlikely to ever conceive naturally. Martha Plimpton is opening up about the illuminating medical diagnosis she received later in life. 'I'm actually a late diagnosis ADHD, like millions of others. It was actually a huge relief to be diagnosed,' the 54-year-old Goonies phenom revealed at the New York City premiere of her HBO miniseries Task last week. The longtime actress told Page Six she received the prognosis four years ago at age 50. Per the National Institute of Mental Health, the condition short for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is marked by an ongoing pattern of one or more of the symptoms, which include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. For those suffering with ADHD, it's ongoing and debilitating, affecting multiple areas of a person's life. Martha said things started clicking for her following the diagnosis. Martha Plimpton is opening up about the illuminating medical diagnosis she received later in life; pictured September 4 (L-R) Corey Feldman, Ke Huy Quan, Martha Plimpton and Kerri Green in The Goonies (1985) She explained, 'So many little things fell into place and made sense that hadn't made sense before.' The longtime entertainer added that she is 'not ashamed' and 'finally free.' 'I'm glad to be sharing my ADHDness with the world,' she asserted while sporting an ADHD diamond nameplate made by Mad Fine Jewelry. Jennifer Aniston's ex-husband, actor Justin Theroux, has also been photographed in the piece. In addition to her statement-making necklace, Martha also wore a 'Wellbutrin' ring, the brand name for the medication bupropion, an antidepressant. Taking to Instagram on Sunday, she shared a close-up photo of her red carpet look, which was styled by celebrity fashion consultant Cristina Ehrlich. For the starry occasion, the Hollywood vet looked polished in a black tuxedo-inspired pantsuit from Erika Cavallini. She added a pair of square-shaped tortoiseshell eyeglasses and a bold, red, matte lipstick. Her signature blonde pixie cut was styled in soft wisps with a subtle, sideswept bang. 'I'm actually a late diagnosis ADHD, like millions of others. It was actually a huge relief to be diagnosed,' the 54-year-old Goonies phenom revealed at the New York City premiere of her HBO miniseries Task last week 'I'm glad to be sharing my ADHDness with the world,' she asserted while sporting an ADHD diamond nameplate made by Mad Fine Jewelry In addition to her statement-making necklace, she also wore a 'Wellbutrin' ring, the brand name for the medication bupropion, an antidepressant L-R Kerri Green, Josh Brolin and Martha in the classic 1985 film The Goonies The Emmy-winning actress makes her return to the small screen in her new role as an FBI supervisor opposite Mark Ruffalo. She said of the HBO drama, 'She's a special agent in charge, and she's a woman, so she's worked really hard to get where she is. 'So that means she's had to deal with some bulls**t. She's a woman who I think knows how to cut through the crap and take care of business.' The first episode of the project airs on HBO and the streamer HBO Max on Sunday. Pivoting to abortion rights, a cause she's championed for many years, the outspoken activist said, 'I never lose hope, that's what they want. 'It's absolutely possible to avail oneself of the tools and mechanisms to self-manage one's own abortion. 'I think it's really important to spread the message that mifepristone and misoprostol are still legal in this country, they're still accessible, and they're a perfectly safe and reliable way of terminating a pregnancy.' After a quiet winter on the society front, the Sydney social calendar roared back to life over the weekend. We're talking four unmissable A-list parties in a very eventful 36 hours to celebrate the first weekend of spring. Hospitality tsar Justin Hemmes kicked things off on Friday with a launch party to celebrate the opening of his new late-night music bar, The Press, in Bridge Lane. The mogul's latest venture drew quite the crowd. Simone Holtznagel, the sister of his partner Madeline, stunned in a sheer beige dress and a pair of strappy gold heels. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The opening of Justin Hemmes' new bar The Press in Bridge Lane attracted the likes of Chloe Hayes (left), Rebekah Giles (centre left), Shelley Sullivan (centre right) and Josh Clapp (right) The hospitality mogul's latest venture drew quite the crowd. (Pictured: Hemmes, left, with his girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel, right) Simone Holtznagel stunned in a sheer beige dress and a pair of strappy gold heels Shelley, fresh from her divorce, couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she painted the town red Shelley Sullivan, founder of ModelCo cosmetics, was joined by high-profile lawyer Rebekah Giles and interior designer Josh Clapp (who used to date Pip Edwards). Stylist Caroline Tran was also spotted arriving in a black lace dress, flanked by Giorgio Armani publicist Billy Mitchell and his Four Seasons condom heir husband Michael Porter. Meanwhile, blast-from-the-past Imogen Anthony - the former girlfriend of radio host Kyle Sandilands - rocked up in her typical barely-there style. Rounding out the star-studded guest list was another Sandilands associate: Kings Cross nightclub king John Ibrahim, who looked dapper in an all-black ensemble. As these big names assembled in the CBD, at the eastern suburbs home of Camilla Speer - wife of private equity figure Nick Speer and a member of Melbourne's property-developing Deague family - a wild birthday party was unfolding. Daily Mail's favourite eyebrow technician Kristin Fisher was celebrating her long-awaited 40th alongside a host of friends from the high society B-team. We're told it was quite the celebration, with guests partying until the wee hours. The 'naughty 40' birthday girl looked sensational in a mini white lace dress, with footage showing her dancing on tables. Blast-from-the-past Imogen Anthony (right) rocked up in her typical barely-there style Rounding out the star-studded guest list was another Sandilands associate: Kings Cross nightclub king John Ibrahim, who looked dapper in an all-black ensemble Shelley kissed Perth businessman Grant Schaffer. Artist Daimon Downey is seen on the right Fashion editor Caroline Tran was spotted arriving in a black lace dress, flanked by Giorgio Armani publicist Billy Mitchell and his Four Seasons condom heir husband Michael Porter We also spied what looked to be invitations or place settings referencing Kristin's tabloid notoriety. The print-outs featured a photo of KF (as she is known in the east) alongside the headline 'Sydney's most eligible ladies' and the text 'GET OVER ME!' - a slogan she is known to use on Instagram whenever she features in the Daily Mail. The biggest name in attendance was Pilates queen Bernadette Sukkar (nee Fahey) - though it's unclear how long she stayed because she had quite a busy weekend. Kristin was also joined on her milestone birthday by her glamorous sister Kate Bond, the wife of Alan and Eileen Bond's grandson Banjo. The following day, Bernadette joined other eastern suburbs socialites at Bert's Bar & Brasserie to celebrate heiress Lou O'Neil's baby shower. Lou - whose father was Donald Hay, the founder of the multimillion-dollar cleaning company Hayco - is expecting her second child with property developer Jake O'Neil. A Who's Who of high society was in attendance to celebrate the O'Neils' pregnancy, including PR powerhouse Montarna McDonald and the aforementioned Caroline (in her second party appearance of the weekend). They enjoyed caviar and cocktails as they toasted to the mum-to-be. Also on Friday night, Daily Mail's favourite eyebrow technician Kristin Fisher was celebrating her long-awaited 40th alongside a host of friends from the society B-team We spied what looked to be invitations or place settings referencing Kristin's tabloid notoriety Birthday girl Kristin wore a mini white lace dress as she danced on tables Kristin was joined on her milestone birthday by her glamorous sister Kate Bond (right) The biggest name in attendance was Pilates queen Bernadette Sukkar (left) - though it's unclear how long she stayed because she had quite a busy weekend As if her weekend wasn't busy enough attending other socialites' parties, Bernadette also hosted her own. She threw a soiree featuring a brilliant theme - 1990s sitcom The Nanny - at the Japanese restaurant Tanuki in Double Bay. It was attended by the likes of Chelsea Svoboda, Bondi model Casey James, and interior designer Jade Yarbrough (sister of Karl Stefanovic's wife Jasmine), as well as Caroline - making her third party attendance in 36 hours. Hostess-with-the-mostess Bernadette showed off her figure in a mini blazer dress which featured white buttons along the front, inspired by the character C. C. Babcock. Her guests were also dressed in outfits similar to those featured in the popular sitcom, with most of the men opting for Mr Sheffield-inspired looks. As if her weekend wasn't busy enough, Bernadette also hosted her own party, themed around 1990s sitcom The Nanny, at Japanese restaurant Tanuki in Double Bay Host Bernadette showed off her figure in a mini blazer dress which featured white buttons along the front READ THE LATEST FROM DAILYMAIL+ Here are some great stories you may have missed: The Block's 'biggest losers' have had a win, nabbing a tidy profit for their Gold Coast holiday pad. Dylan Adams and Jenny Heath-Adams walked away empty-handed on the 2022 season of the Nine renovation juggernaut, with their house failing to secure a buyer. However, the couple has seen a reversal of that fortune, recently selling their Coolangatta apartment for $1.35 million. Dylan and Jenny bought the beachside property back in January for $920,000. After a whirlwind nine-month renovation, the couple were all smiles after making a tidy $430,000 profit on the 'fixer-upper'. Speaking to the Gold Coast Bulletin, Jenny said she and Dylan pulled out all the stops to update the unit that was built in the 1990s. The Block's 'biggest losers' Dylan Adams and Jenny Heath-Adams have had a win, nabbing a tidy profit for their Gold Coast holiday pad 'We pulled out all the stops to create something truly special, using only the highest quality fixtures and finishes,' she said. Dubbed Dutton Cove, the property features two bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, while both open onto an expansive courtyard. Boasting a breezy, Mediterranean feel, the apartment enjoys an open-plan layout, where the lounge area connects seamlessly to the dining space. It also features a gourmet galley kitchen with luxe Taj Mahal benchtops, Boston oak cabinets and a custom-designed Micro-Cement range hood. There is also a stunning outdoor area with crazy-pave paths meandering through the courtyard. It's an entertainer's dream too, with a custom-made, free-standing gazebo providing the perfect place for dinner parties and casual BBQs. The apartment is also close to the convenience of Coolangatta's vibrant cafe strip, and world-famous Gold Coast beaches. Dylan and Jenny were left heartbroken in 2022 when they walked away empty-handed after their house failed to attract interest at auction. Dylan and Jenny bought the beachside pad in January for $920,000. After a nine-month renovation, the couple were all smiles after making a $430,000 profit on the 'fixer-upper' The two-bedroom apartment features a gourmet galley kitchen with luxe Taj Mahal benchtops, Boston oak cabinets and a custom-designed Micro-Cement range hood Speaking to Domain in December 2022, Jenny said it was 'crazy' to think their house 'is worth so much more than what it will go for'. The apprentice carpenter explained everything in the house was 'top-of-the-range' and she and Dylan would have bought it themselves if they could afford it. The show's executive producer Julian Cress said Dylan and Jenny's house was 'literally a bargain' with a price guide of $4.08million to $4.4million, noting that its actual value is closer to $6.5million 'when you take in the build costs and land value'. 'Honestly it's crazy that it's still on the market. We just don't know whether we're going to make nothing, or if we could make $10,000 or $100,000,' Jenny explained. To add insult to injury, the Gisborne property remained on the market for almost six months, eventually selling for $180,000 less than the reserve at $3.9million. The Palm Beach property they began renovating before their Block appearance also failed to sell in 2023. The couple decided to retain that property, making it their family home after welcoming their first child, Billy, in 2024. One photo, shared to Instagram, showed their little boy wrapped in a blanket and cradled by the two doting parents in the hospital. Dubbed Dutton Cove, the property features two bedrooms featuring built-in wardrobes, while both open onto an expansive courtyard There is also a stunning outdoor area with crazy-pave paths meandering through the courtyard. It's an entertainer's dream, too with a custom-made, free-standing gazebo providing the perfect place for dinner parties and casual BBQs Dylan and Jenny walked away empty handed on the 2022 season of the Nine renovation juggernaut, with their house failing to nab a buyer Another snap featured Jenny in her hospital bed before giving birth, while a third photo was taken of Dylan and Jenny touching Billy for the first time just after birth. 'HELLO WORLD I'M HERE. Billy Heath Adams. 24.07.24,' the caption read. 'I'm a happy healthy bubba, mum's recovering well, dad's taking care of us.' The Block favourites first shared the good news that they were expecting a baby back in January. 'We've been keeping a little secret... Baby Adams due July,' they wrote on Instagram alongside some images of the pair. The photos showed the smitten couple cuddling on a beach as they showed off their ultrasound image. The pair exchanged vows at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort on the Gold Coast in March last year, sharing a series of wedding photos to Instagram. Legendary Australian ballet dancer and choreographer Garth Welch died on Tuesday, September 2, aged 89. No cause of death has been provided, and it is believed he was in poor health for several years. A towering figure in Australian dance, Welch enjoyed a career of nearly 50 years and was renowned for both his classical technique and groundbreaking contributions to contemporary performance. He was born in Brisbane in 1936 and was first taught by some of the leaders in the industry, who had a huge influence on his early career and instilled in him a lifelong passion for dance. After making his professional debut in musical theatre, he joined Melbourne's Borovansky Ballet in 1954 and soon established himself as a principal dancer. Following international stints with Western Theatre Ballet, later the Scottish Ballet, and the Grand Ballet du Marquis de Cuevas, Welch returned to Australia in 1962 to advance his career. Legendary Australian ballet dancer and choreographer Garth Welch died on Tuesday aged 89. Pictured in 1951 He accepted the role of Principal of the newly established Australian Ballet, personally invited by founding artistic director Dame Peggy van Praagh. For more than a decade, he was central to the company's repertoire, performing leading roles in the great classics and creating new ones in works by Sir Robert Helpmann. His wife, Marilyn Jones, was also a ballet dancer, and together they became one of the most renowned pairings in the industry, frequently sharing the stage. He partnered leading ballerinas such as Marilyn Rowe, Kathleen Gorham, as well as international stars including Dame Margot Fonteyn. From the 1970s, Welch established himself as a choreographer and director. He served as Associate Artistic Director of Ballet Victoria and later led the West Australian Ballet. His celebrated works included Variations on a Theme (1964), Othello (1968) and Beauty and the Beast (1985), alongside commissions for companies across Australia and New Zealand. He also collaborated with the Sydney Dance Company, earning international praise for his performance in After Venice in 1984. A towering figure in Australian dance, Welch enjoyed a career of nearly 50 years and was acclaimed for both his classical technique and groundbreaking contributions to contemporary performance His celebrated works included Variations on a Theme (1964), Othello (1968) and Beauty and the Beast (1985), alongside commissions for companies across Australia and New Zealand In later years, he made his long-awaited return to musical theatre, appearing in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1993). Welch was also a popular face on Australian TV across the '60s and '70s, with appearances on programs such as the Bert Newton-hosted variety show In Melbourne Tonight. In 1981, Welch was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the arts. He was later inducted into the Australian Dance Awards Hall of Fame in 2002. Heartbroken fans took to social media to share their memories of Garth. 'A great loss to the ballet world. I have so many memories of his dancing,' one person wrote. 'Beautiful dancer. Condolences to his family,' a second added. 'A wonderful dancer and choreographer. It's a sad day,' a third chipped in. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and their two sons, Stanton and Damien, both of whom followed their parents into the world of dance. Nova radio star Nikki Osborne has made the bombshell claim she was unfairly targeted by Qantas staff because of her large bust. The Brisbane-based presenter, 44, spoke out on Monday on the Ash, Luttsy & Nikki Osborne show, claiming her ample bosom size resulted in her being treated unfairly. 'If women have cleavage they are treated not as well, that's my opinion. Last week in the Qantas lounge I was told to button up my top because my boobs were too distracting,' Nikki began. 'I'm looking at what's happening and it seems to be anyone who's got boobs is copping it.' She added that women with larger breasts were often negatively stereotyped by society, citing Pamela Anderson and Sydney Sweeney as two examples. 'I feel like as a collective we're subjectively objectifying these women. We're subconsciously judging women with bigger boobs... I'm noticing it more and more in a negative way,' Nikki said. Nova radio star Nikki Osborne has made the bombshell claim she was unfairly targeted by Qantas staff because of her large bust. (Pictured) Daily Mail has reached out to Qantas for comment. In December, Nikki was announced as the new addition to Nova's 106.9 Brisbane breakfast team, replacing Olympic swimmer Susie O'Neill. The funnywoman, known for her controversial comedy style, celebrated her new appointment by sharing an old clip that she claims got her 'fired' from Channel Nine. 'It's an oldie but a goodie,' the Nova breakfast star captioned the video shared to Instagram. In the footage, the comic was seen talking about onesies on breakfast program Mornings. Nikki was asked whether she thought 'grown women look weird in the garment. 'My husband says you don't look at the turkey while you're stuffing it,' she joked, referring to whether wearing sexy lingerie to bed is appealing to one's spouse. As host Sonia Kruger was seen raising a hand to her face and stifling her laughter, David Campbell quipped: 'What does that even mean?' The Brisbane-based presenter, 44, spoke out on Monday on the Ash, Luttsy & Nikki Osborne show, claiming her ample bosom size resulted in her being treated unfairly 'If women have cleavage they are treated not as well, that's my opinion. Last week in the Qantas lounge I was told to button up my top because my boobs were too distracting,' Nikki told listeners 'I won't explain it' Nikki replied. 'But, I think too many hipsters have been interviewed regarding this, because I think most men would prefer women in their lingerie than their onesies.' 'I mean let's face it, onesies are a logistical nightmare if you're trying to enter a jiggery-pokery, because it's like "oh, give me five minutes".' Campbell wasn't keen to hear any more, telling Nikki: 'After hearing what your husband says, I'm not even looking forward to Thanksgiving anymore,' while Sonia joked: 'There goes that turkey sandwich I was going to have for lunch.' Sharing the 'oldie but a goodie' clip to her Instagram, Nikki wrote: 'Gobble Gobble #fyp #controversy #turkeystuffing.' Nikki's experience as a sketch comedy veteran, writer, trained actor and stand-up comedian spans the past two decades. The comedian also maintains a popular social media presence, and is known for the quirky characters she plays. Personas such as 'Angry Aunt' and 'Bush Barbie' have earned her a large following and tens of millions of views. In 2020, the comedian appeared on I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, finishing in 13th place. Catherine O'Hara was honored with the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award at the Toronto International Film Festival Awards on Sunday night. The award was presented to the 71-year-old longtime actress by her former Schitt's Creek co-star Eugene Levy, 78. She was visibly moved as Levy handed the golden memento to her before she made a moving acceptance speech. 'Eugene, that's too much. Thank you, darling,' she said after the actor's introduction. The Home Alone star went on to remark, 'Darling Eugene. When I think of my happiest days in this adventure in show business, I realize most of them have been with you.' The two entertainers work together stretches back to the 70s, when they first appeared together on screen in the Canadian sketch comedy series Second City Television. Catherine O'Hara was honored with the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award at the Toronto International Film Festival Awards on Sunday night The award was presented to the 71-year-old longtime actress by her former Schitt's Creek co-star Eugene Levy, 78 They went on to star in the 1996 comedy-musical Waiting For Guffman, which Levy co-wrote with Christopher Guest. In the 2000 dog show satire Best in Show, they played the couple Gerry and Cookie Fleck. 2003 saw the dynamic duo appear alongside each other in the mockumentary A Mighty Wind, centered around a fictional folk music reunion concert. And in 2006 they were part of another mockumentary called For Your Consideration, which spoofed Hollywood, with O'Hara playing an actress and Levy starring as her fictional co-star's agent. Catherine arrived to Sunday's event in a long-sleeved champagne-colored gown with black floral embroidery throughout. Her blonde hair was styled in a chic bob and she wore thick, black-framed eyeglasses as she delivered her thank you speech. 'Thank you Toronto International Film Festival, formerly Festival of Festivals,' she began. 'From trying to weasel my way into the parties of yours 50 years ago to this? Thank you,' she said, making the audience laugh. Catherine OHara remembers "trying to weasel my way into the parties" at the festival 50 years ago while receiving the #TIFF Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award. pic.twitter.com/NGToWvxLkg Variety (@Variety) September 8, 2025 She was visibly moved as Levy handed the golden memento to her before she made a moving acceptance speech 'Eugene, that's too much. Thank you, darling,' she said after the actor's introduction. The Home Alone star went on to remark, 'Darling Eugene. When I think of my happiest in this adventure in show business, I realize most of them have been with you' Catherine arrived in a long-sleeved champagne-colored gown with black floral embroidery throughout She went on to describe the award's namesake Norman Jewson as 'a delightful man' and 'someone who cared deeply about the stories he told,' based on interviews she was able to study online. O'Hara then highlighted parallels between her and the filmmaker, noting their mutual Toronto heritage and both having trained with the CBC. Other honorees included at the awards ceremony were Channing Tatum and Idris Elba. Tatum, 45, received the Performer Award while Elba, 53, took home the Impact Media honor. Empathy was at the heart of Elba's acceptance speech. According to Deadline, he said in part, 'Even though we dont really want to talk about it at a celebration of our industry, it is important to acknowledge the pain the world is feeling altogether, and that pain is something that no matter what you do, whether we make films or you sponsor events like this you close your eyes at night, you feel that pain because were human beings; were empaths.' Idris Elba, 53, took home the Impact Media honor Empathy was at the heart of Elba's acceptance speech Channing Tatum posed alongside Roofman co-star Kirsten Dunst Dunst, 43, wowed in a semi-sheer white frock with off-the-shoulder sleeves Tatum, 45, received the TIFF Tribute Performer Award Meanwhile, Tatum took the stage in an all-black suit and black turtleneck after premiering his new film Roofman with co-star Kirsten Dunst, 43. At Saturday's premiere he told People that he's long been a fan of Dunst's and that his favorite movie of hers is 1994's Interview with the Vampire. 'I couldn't imagine doing what she did in that film at the age,' he said. 'Everything she's ever done, I've been obsessed with.' And the Magic Mike sensation admitted, 'I was so intimidated to work with her and when I say intimidated, I was afraid.' He explained, 'I just wanted her to like me. I was like, "Please like me!"' The disgraced TV chef Paula Deen struck a defiant tone as she looked back on her N-word controversy in a new interview on Sunday. The 78-year-old former Food Network host was joined by her sons and business partners Bobby and Jamie Deen on Sunday for an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, in which she claimed that she 'lost it all' as a result of a lawsuit deposition in which she admitted that she had used the N-word in the past. The contentious interview, in which she seemingly had tense interactions with her own sons, followed the premiere on Saturday at the Toronto International Film Festival of the documentary Canceled: The Paula Deen Story, which is directed by Billy Corben. During the conversation, Deen was quizzed on the lawsuit and her past use of the N-word. Notably, the cookbook author, who has since regained much of her empire, offered up a fuzzy timeline for when she stopped using the offensive term for Black people. The Daily Mail has reached out to Deen's representative for comment but has not yet received a response. The disgraced TV chef Paula Deen struck a defiant tone as she looked back on her N-word controversy in a new interview on Sunday with The Hollywood Reporter; pictured Sunday in Toronto The conversation turned contentious when she and her sons Bobby and Jamie Deen discussed her 2013 cancellation after she admitted in a lawsuit deposition that she had 'of course' used the N-word in the past The controversy original began after Deen was sued by Lisa Jackson in 2013 for sexual discrimination and for allegedly making offensive remarks about Black people at her brother's restaurant. The judge overseeing the lawsuit ultimately threw out the racial discrimination claims on the controversial logic that Jackson, who is white, did not have standing to sue for Deen's allegedly poor treatment of Black employees. However, her sexual discrimination claim was allowed to stand before both parties asked for the lawsuit to be dismissed. Neither Deen nor Jackson have ever said if a settlement was reached to end the case. In the interview, Deen's son Bobby admitted that he was 'excited for' the documentary to be released, but he 'thought it was a terrible idea from the beginning.' 'It just felt like a lot of time had passed. I didnt see the reason to go back and over it and rehash it,' he explained. 'Because we had survived it. As a family, we had survived it.' He added that his mother's detractors and fans had already made up their minds and likely wouldn't be swayed by the film. But Deen objected, saying that the fallout from the lawsuit 'ate at my gut every day.' 'I would have been fine had the whole story been told had the real story been told,' she claimed, before accusing Jackson of being 'a known liar.' In the interview, Deen's son Bobby admitted that he was 'excited for' the documentary to be released, but he 'thought it was a terrible idea from the beginning'; Deen (center) is pictured with Bobby (L) and Jamie Deen (R) But Deen objected, saying that the fallout from the lawsuit 'ate at my gut every day.' 'I would have been fine had the whole story been told had the real story been told,' she claimed, before accusing Jackson of being 'a known liar'; seen with filmmaker Billy Corben (L) in Toronto 'They took her word and ran with it, and no one every investigated any further,' Deen claimed. 'I was not going to be happy until the world saw the truth.' After Bobby reiterated that there was 'a lot of risk' to relitigating the case in the documentary, Deen claimed she had already 'lost it all.' 'I disagree with that,' Bobby replied. 'Mom, Im sorry to correct you. We have not lost it all. By far,' he continued in a shockingly unvarnished moment. 'Our family is intact. Were alive. 'This was 2013, a long time ago. And our beautiful business has thrived and survived this whole time,' Bobby continued. 'We have beautiful families. We have far from lost everything. Far from it.' But Deen wouldn't let up, and she recounted how, within '24 hours,' she had lost deals with the Food Network, Walmart and Target. 'It was just everybody,' she claimed. Deen added that it was 'heart-wrenching' because 'these people knew me.' After Bobby reiterated that there was 'a lot of risk' to relitigating the case in the documentary, Deen claimed she had already 'lost it all.' 'I disagree with that,' Bobby replied Things got particularly awkward when Bobby, in what's described as a 'stage whisper' meant to be audible to everyone, said, 'Theyre also not your friends.' Deen went on to claim that she was forced into issuing an apology that she later regretted, though her other son Jamie clarified that 'nobody made' her apologize in that manner. She even claimed that she 'didnt know what [she] was supposed to be apologizing for.' 'For being truthful when the other side had lied?' Deen added. She offered up a fuzzy timeline, as she said the N-word had 'been out of our vocabulary now for a long time,' and added, 'My daddy taught me when I was a teenager, he told me, I dont ever want to ever hear you being mean or rude to anyone. Thats how I was raised.' The anecdote seemed to suggest that Deen hadn't used the N-word since her teen years, but in her deposition she admitted to using it as recently as the 1980s when she recounted to her husband how a Black man had allegedly robbed a bank that she worked at. She also admitted to have said the N-word more recently than that incident, though she claimed the last time she had used the offensive term 'had been a very long time' prior to the 2013 deposition. Deen went on to say that the N-word 'always kind of made me shiver.' Deen claimed in her lawsuit to have used the N-word multiple times as an adult, but in her interview she seemed to suggest that a conversation with her father as a teen got her to take it out of her vocabulary; seen in 2017 in NYC In a cringe-worthy portion of the interview, Deen went on to describe her impression of how the 'Black community [had] chang[ed] its name' over time, and she claimed that she had 'many Black friends that I love very much.' 'And they love me,' Deen added, though she said she didn't remember if she had consulted any of her Black friends during the controversial period. As for regrets, Deen didn't say that she regretted having ever used the N-word multiple times. Instead, she said she wished she had gotten an attorney who would have forcefully objected when she was asked about using the term during the deposition. She also said she regretted not just settling the lawsuit from the start, instead of letting it get to the point of the disastrous deposition. Elizabeth Hurley flaunted her jaw-dropping figure in a skimpy white bikini as she posed up a storm for a sizzling Instagram snap on Sunday. The actress, 60, looked incredible in the tiny two piece which boasted a triangular top and matching bottoms with gold chain detailing. Elizabeth sported glam make-up and her long brunette tresses loose as she shielded her eyes behind a pair of shades designed by pal Sir Elton John. As her romance with boyfriend Billy Ray Cyrus, 64, continues to go from strength to strength after he spent his first UK summer at her 6M country pile, she captioned the post: 'Bye Bye to the best summer.' It comes after Liz revealed the Achy Breaky Heart hitmaker, who shocked fans with their unlikely romance earlier this year, had been teaching her to play guitar. The stunner said that Billy Ray had been trying to pass on his musical skills to her but so far she was 'appalling'. Elizabeth Hurley, 60, flaunted her jaw-dropping figure in a skimpy white bikini as she posed up a storm for a sizzling Instagram snap on Sunday As her romance with boyfriend Billy Ray Cyrus, 64, continues to go from strength to strength, she captioned the post: 'Bye Bye to the best summer' She told Hello! magazine: 'I've been in England all summer for the first time ever and have loved every moment. Billy is teaching me to play the guitar; right now I'm appalling but I'm hoping to improve!' Elizabeth turned 60 in June and she's revealed she spent the day at home surrounded by friends and family and her son Damian, 23, baked her a cake. She told the publication: 'This year has been such a whirlwind that it was wonderful to sit back and be spoiled for a few days. 'I hibernated at home with some of my best friends and family,' she added.. 'My son baked a delicious cake and we all sat around giggling and being silly, which is my favourite occupation.' The Bedazzled star went on to reveal she now makes a more conscious effort to spend more time at home after years of work and now picks her projects carefully to ensure she's not away for too long. She said: 'I've always enjoyed work more than play and have much more fun at work than doing anything social. I'm more relaxed on a film set than anywhere else. 'However, without doubt this has meant that I've struggled with a work life balance since I started in the industry so I make a conscious effort now to really enjoy spending more time at home with my family and friends and not just skip from job to job.' Billy Ray Cyrus spent his first UK summer at Elizabeth's 6M country pile The actress's country estate in Herefordshire that boast 13 bedrooms, five bathrooms and its very own lake It comes after Liz revealed the Achy Breaky Heart hitmaker, who shocked fans with their unlikely romance earlier this year, had been teaching her to play guitar 'I've been in England all summer for the first time ever and have loved every moment. Billy is teaching me to play the guitar; right now I'm appalling but I'm hoping to improve!' Elizabeth previously opened up about her blossoming relationship with Billy, admitting the romance 'feels nice' because he is so 'supportive'. She told The Mirror newspaper: 'Billy and I have had most of the summer off. 'We've seen both his daughters [Miley Cyrus and Noah Cyrus] play in London, which was great. He's very supportive, and that feels nice. 'We've adopted two tortoises, and I have become something of a bird watcher. We've just seen some goshawks. They're unbelievable. 'Very, very rare. There are only 1,000 nesting pairs in the UK.' She then joked: 'I have a really interesting life. Wild. Parties every night.' Liz lives in her 6million 13-bedroom estate in Herefordshire with son Damian, who she welcomed with the late Steve Bing. The sprawling Georgian estate, which is Elizabeth's main home, also boasts five bathrooms and its own lake. She has owned Donnington Hall since 2012 that she bought with her then-fiance, Shane Warne who passed away in March 2022. While it is not clear when Elizabeth and Billy exactly started dating, they have known each other for a number of years, having both starred in 2022's Christmas in Paradise. Tina Arena has revealed she has 'issues' with her appearance. The 57-year-old pop diva became teary-eyed as she made the surprising admission during a TV chat with 10 New+ reporter Jennifer Keyte on Friday. Tina was being interviewed about her new photo portrait by artist Georges Antoni when she revealed that she was 'never confident' about her looks. The segment also contained emotional scenes of Tina witnessing the unveiling of the artwork, currently hanging in the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. 'For me to have seen myself captured so honestly, I was taken aback,' the veteran entertainer said of her new portrait. 'Particularly for me, somebody that has had real issues with the way that I look... Tina Arena (pictured) broke down in tears at the unveiling of her portrait by Georges Antoni 'For me to have seen myself captured so honestly, I was taken aback,' said Tina 'Ive never been terribly confident, although people might think the contrary,' she continued. 'I have struggled with image things, because image plays such a big part of what it is that we do. Unfortunately, a bigger part than I feel that it should.' Tina's new portrait, commissioned to celebrate her 50 years in show business, consists of two black and white panels by fashion photographer Antoni. One picture shows a close-up of Tina, the other shows the hitmaker dressed in a leather-like suit and striking a passionate pose. The Channel 10 segment also showed the moment when Tina first caught sight of her portrait, which left her in tears. 'Its hard to believe its been fifty years since I first stepped into the spotlight at just eight years old as a contestant on Young Talent Time,' Tina said in a statement. 'To have that journey honoured by the National Portrait Gallery is incredibly special. But what excites me most is that there is still so much more to come.' It comes after Tina recently rounded out the Australian run of her 30th anniversary tour, celebrating the success of her 1994 smash hit album Don't Ask. Tina's new portrait, commissioned to celebrate her 50 years in show business, consists of two black and white panels by fashion photographer Antoni It comes after Tina recently rounded out the Australian run of her 30th anniversary tour, celebrating the success of her 1994 smash hit album Don't Ask She is set to continue her tour with shows in Europe next month. It comes after Tina appeared on Channel Ten's The Project last year and was asked by co-host Rove McManus why she embarked on her upcoming tour. 'What designates the milestone? Do you wait until 21, 25, 30, what's the number?' Rove asked the pop star. Tina responded that she came to the realisation she was getting older and she either had to do the tour now - or potentially miss out on it altogether. 'I think the fact that it is has been around for as long as it has. People said to me at the 25-year mark, 'what are you going to do about it?' Tina began. 'I was like, "I will wait." The record will hit 30, 40 years, it will hit 50 and I will be dead! I can't do anything at 50 years! 'It seemed like the right thing to do, as it is a record that played such a fantastic role in so many people's lives.' Her Don't Ask album debuted at number one on the Australian album chart in November 1994 and went on to be certified 10 times platinum. The album also sold well in the UK, the US and New Zealand, due to the success of its hit singles Chains, Wasn't it Good and Sorrento Moon. Kirsten Dunst cut a stylish figure for the Tribute Awards on Sunday as she attended the Toronto Film Festival alongside some other notable names. The Spider-Man actress, 43, turned heads in a lacy off-the-shoulder dress as she made an appearance on the red carpet. Channing Tatum, 45, and Sydney Sweeney, 27, were also at the star-studded bash which took place on Sunday night. Kirsten looked incredible in the sheer number, which gently swept across the floor. The actress appeared in good spirits as she posed beside her Roofman co-star Channing, who looked smart in an all-black suit. The pair worked together on the upcoming film, with the world premiere taking place at the TFF. Kirsten Dunst cut a stylish figure for the Tribute Awards on Sunday as she attended the Toronto Film Festival alongside some other notable names The Spider-Man actress, 43, turned heads in a lacy off-the-shoulder dress as she made an appearance on the red carpet Speaking about his co-star at the festival, Channing admitted he was 'afraid' to work with Kirsten due to her very successful career in the industry. He told PEOPLE: 'I was so intimidated to work with her - and when I say intimidated, I was. I just wanted her to like me. I was like, "Please like me!"' The Blink Twice star added that his personal favourite movie of Kirsten's is her 1994 hit Interview with the Vampire, to which he shared: 'I couldn't imagine doing what she did in that film at the age. 'Everything she's ever done, I've been obsessed with.' Kirsten later had an outfit change, switching up her look for a figure-hugging grey dress which featured sexy cut-out sections across her midriff. The gorgeous gown draped off her shoulders and she styled the outfit with a bouncy blown-out hairstyle and a slick of red lipstick. Roofman is based on a true story about Jeffrey Manchester (Tatum), who, according to the synopsis, is a 'former Army Ranger and struggling father who turns to robbing McDonald's restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs, earning him the nickname: Roofman.' It adds: 'After escaping prison, he secretly lives inside a Toys 'R' Us for six months, surviving undetected while planning his next move.' The actress appeared in good spirits as she posed beside her Roofman co-star Channing, who looked smart in an all-black suit Kirsten was at the premiere for her new film Roofman, and was accompanied by Tatum Kirsten later changed and looked radiant in a figure-hugging grey dress which featured sexy cut-out sections across her midriff Channing told PEOPLE : 'I was so intimidated to work with her - and when I say intimidated, I was. I just wanted her to like me. I was like, "Please like me!"' Meanwhile, Christy actress Sydney, who was at the festival promoting the biopic about welterweight champion Christy Martin, stunned in a simple but elegant little black dress. The strapless number showed off her hourglass figure and she boosted her petite frame with a pair of black stilettos. Sydney, who has been hit by a string of controversies in recent months, brushed off the drama as she took to the red carpet at the event. Earlier this year, Kirsten set the record straight about the pronunciation of her name. In a TikTok video from Town and Country magazine, she said: 'I mean, everyone messes up my name, so I give up. 'I don't care... I don't blame people. Like in England, they don't really say my name right. 'The last set, everyone was saying my name wrong. There was like Swedish people and people from Hungary. You just give up.' Kirsten confirmed the proper way to say her name is 'Keer-sten'. She joked: 'But again, who cares? It's fine.' Scarlett Johansson smartened up her baggy jeans with a blazer as she spoke at a panel for her new film Eleanor The Great at the Toronto Film Festival. The 40-year-old actress made a glamorous appearance at the showbiz event on Sunday, where she led a talk on her new project. The Avengers star was dressed to the nines for the festival, which saw the likes of Channing Tatum and Sydney Sweeney attend. Scarlett wore a silk blue shirt and baggy jeans which she paired with a camel-coloured suede oversized blazer that featured stylish upturned sleeves. She beamed as she chatted to British actress Erin Kellyman, 26, and American sweetheart June Squibb, 95, with whom she worked with on the upcoming release. Scarlett has made her first directorial debut with the film - which sees 90-year-old Eleanor (played by June) move to New York City for a fresh start, where she befriends a 19-year-old student (played by Erin). Scarlett Johansson smartened baggy jeans with a smart jackset as she spoke at a panel for her new film Eleanor The Great at the Toronto Film Festival over the weekend The 40-year-old actress made a glamorous appearance at the showbiz event on Sunday, where she led a talk on her new project The film made a splashy debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May. Speaking about her upcoming film at the panel, Scarlett credited her directorial instincts in part to experiences with Robert Redford, who directed her in The Horse Whisperer when she was 13. She explained: 'That was transformative for me. I understood I was getting so much more from him as an actor. He encouraged discovery - and that's stayed with me.' Scarlett went on to share how she didn't want the film to come across as overly preachy or political. The star continued: 'I don't feel all movies have to deliver a message. Just being able to sit in somebody else's shoes for an hour and 40 minutes - that's enough.' Since working together on the project, Scarlett and June grew close and shared how they would be more than willing to team up again, for Saturday Night Live. 'June's gonna be in New York doing a play, so I'll just have to steal her for a Saturday,' Scarlett confessed. She added: 'We can co-host, or we could do the Weekend Update together.' Scarlett wore a silk blue shirt and baggy jeans which she paired with a nude suede oversized blazer that featured stylish upturned sleeves She beamed as she chatted to British actress Erin Kellyman, 26, (middle) and American sweetheart June Squibb, 95, (far right) with whom she worked with on the upcoming release Speaking about her upcoming film at the panel, Scarlett credited her directorial instincts in part to experiences with Robert Redford, who directed her in The Horse Whisperer when she was 13 Scarlett went on to share how she didn't want the film to come across as overly preachy or political Meanwhile, British star Erin previously spoke about the bonding experience she had with actress June during filming. She told the Hollywood Reporter: 'It just felt like girls being girls. There's no age on that.' Erin and June lived in the same apartment building for the eight-week shoot, which allowed the pair to get closer. They would have dinner parties on Saturdays and Erin says she would ask June for her outfit advice. Erin auditioned for the role in December 2023, which led to multiple Zoom calls with Scarlett. She then started filming just weeks later in February 2024. Eleanor The Great is set for release on September 26. They've captured the hearts of British TV fans for over 30 years, creating commotion wherever they go. And British institution Wallace & Gromit will finally get its applause as this year's recipient of the NTAs' Special Recognition Award. At this year's 30th National Television Awards, broadcast live from London's O2 and on ITV1 and ITVX on September 10, the iconic duo will be celebrated with the gong. In typical Wallace & Gromit fashion fans can look forward to the pair accepting the gong from the comfort of their home in West Wallaby Street in a specially-created film, set to be broadcast live at the ceremony. NTA's host Joel Dommet said of the duo's recognition: 'Wallace & Gromit aren't just characters they're part of our cultural DNA. 'Generations have grown up laughing at Wallace's madcap ideas and cheering for Gromit's quiet brilliance. They're clever, quintessentially British, and endlessly loveable.' They've captured the hearts of British TV fans for over 30 years, and British institution Wallace & Gromit will finally get its applause as this year's recipient of the NTAs' Special Recognition Award At this year's 30th National Television Awards, broadcast live from London's O2 and on ITV1 and ITVX on September 10, the iconic duo will be celebrated with the gong (Seen at the BAFTAs) He added: 'I can't think of a more perfect recipient for our 30th Special Recognition Award it's going to be a very special moment on the night!' The gong is a welcome piece of joy for the pair after the show lost out the Best Animated Feature Award to little known Latvian film Flow at this year's Oscars in a shock result. Wallace & Gromit's 70-minute long movie premiered on Christmas Day and features the return of the iconic supervillain Feathers McGraw. Meanwhile Flow features no dialogue and follows a group animals in a post-human world, trying to survive as the water level dramatically rises around them. Following the announcement furious fans took to to X to slam the Academy's decision and even accused the ceremony of being 'rigged'. They wrote: 'Wallace and Gromit should have won the Oscar! Rigged!'; 'The next Wallace and Gromit Film is just Feathers McGraw stealing the Oscar from Flow'; 'Wallace and Gromit was Robbed!'; 'Nobody speak to me. Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl just lost and Oscar'. During the ceremony, the film's creators Richard Beek, Nick Park, and Merlin Crossingham posed proudly with mini statues of the smartly dressed claymation characters on the star-studded red carpet. In typical Wallace & Gromit fashion fans can look forward to the pair accepting the gong from the comfort of their home in West Wallaby Street in a specially-created film The dastardly penguin also made the journey from the Aardman Animation's Bristol base alongside robot gnome co-star Norbot. Just months before, fans were sent into a frenzy when the 'iconic' figurines made a mini appearance at the 2025 BAFTA Awards as they were nominated for for new category award. A representative of Aardvark Productions displayed the two famed characters behind their own mini picture wall as they graced the Royal Festival Hall red carpet. The two characters joined their co-star Norbot the gnome who starred in the latest flick, Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. Wallace & Gromit bagged two BAFTAs during the evening including Best Animation and Best Children's and Family Film award - but lost out in the Outstanding British Film category. The three figurines went all out for their appearance as each sported a sparkly red dickie bow. The film's creators (L-R) Richard Beek, Nick Park, and Merlin Crossingham posed proudly with mini statues of the smartly dressed claymation characters on Oscars red carpet in March Vengeance Most Fowl won the Children's & Family Film Award at Feberuary's BAFTAs Joining them later on the red carpet were the movie's co-directors Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham who looked handsome in a pair of tuxedos. Fans were elated to see the characters appear on the red carpet as they flocked to X, formerly known as Twitter, to dub the move as 'iconic'. They wrote: 'Wallace, Gromit and Norbot STUN on the red carpet,'; 'Wallace, gromit and norbot on the baftas red carpet omg these icons.' The 30th National Television Awards will be broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX from 8pm, Wednesday September 10 Imogen Poots cut a shimmering figure as she arrived at the premiere for her film Hedda during the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday. The actress, 36, who plays the role of Thea Clifton in the film, looked incredible in the glittering purple sequin number as she took to the red carpet. Imogen wore her blonde hair swept up into a stylish messy bun, while completing the look with a slick of deep red lipstick. Thea is the girlfriend of Eileen Lovborg - formerly a male character in Ibsen's original play (1891) - now a woman played by Nina Hoss. The film is the 2025 reimagining of Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler, now simply titled, Hedda, about the daughter of a general trapped in an unhappy marriage. Thea's presence adds complexity to the central love triangle and intensifies the emotional dynamics between the women. Imogen Poots cut a shimmering figure as she arrived at the premiere for her film Hedda during the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday The actress, who plays the role of Thea Clifton in the film, looked incredible in the glittering purple sequin number as she took to the red carpet Imogen wore her blonde hair swept up into a stylish messy bun, while completing the look with a slick of deep red lipstick Thea is the girlfriend of Eileen Lovborg - formerly a male character in Ibsen's original play (1891) - now a woman played by Nina Hoss. Earlier this summer, Imogen's ex-fiance James Norton has said he is 'crazily grateful for the pain' of their break-up. The actor, now 39, got engaged to the 28 Weeks Later actress, 36, in 2022 after four years together, but they split in 2023. The Little Women star now views Imogen's decision to end their relationship as a 'gift'. Speaking at this year's Glastonbury Festival, which is currently in full swing, James told The Sun: 'It was a gift in a weird, roundabout way. 'She called it. She realised it wasnt working - I'm crazily grateful for the pain she caused me.' James who was linked to Lily Allen, 40, after they were pictured at the Lido festival on June 14, admitted the split was a 'massive' moment in his life because he thought he and Imogen were going to raise a family together. He said: 'I got broken up with and it was massive. I thought I was going to have kids. The life I thought I was going to have disappeared at 38.' The Happy Valley actor previously insisted he hasn't given up hope of having a family, despite the end of his engagement. Earlier this summer, Imogen's ex-fiance James Norton has said he is 'crazily grateful for the pain' of their break-up (pictured that same year) He told The Sunday Times: 'Getting older is a struggle if you are freaking out about the choices youve made, but I dont carry regret. 'And, you know, some of the choices recently weren't mine, yet I don't feel begrudging. Maybe next year I'll have a family and a relationship ... 'You have a certain amount of control over your life and choices you make, and at other times you don't. 'But if you made those choices or not, it's a shame to spend time agonising over either.' And despite his desire to have children, James doesn't think it would have been 'fair' for him to start a family in recent years. He said: 'I don't sit on set where I'm playing a dad and feel sad and broody. 'I love hanging out with kids - most of my friends have kids so Im not quite in step with my peers - but the past few years have been the busiest I've been, so it would not have been fair to bring a child into that. 'Also, the inherently unfair benefit of being a man is there is less rush. I am lucky I can have kids later, so now Im happy, actually, with my life. I feel really excited by the choices Ive made.' News of James' date with Lily came after Lily's own painful breakup from Stranger Things star David Harbour, 50. The couple, who tied the knot in 2022, are reported to have split in February after alleged infidelity from David. Home and Away actor Orpheus Pledger is heading to jail over a raft of court order violations. The 32-year-old will serve a non-parole term of six months, minus 127 days served, after 'frittering away' his chance to turn his life around. The troubled performer was initially given a seven-month jail sentence in Victoria County Court in August 2024 for attacking a woman twice in March, but this was altered to a two-year community correction order three months later. The Herald Sun reported he was back before the same court on Monday after violating conditions of his parole order. These included 19 unexplained absences and the use of methamphetamine and cannabis. According to court papers, Pledger was arrested on June 23 because he had returned to his victim's home. Home and Away actor Orpheus Pledger is heading to jail over a raft of court order violations. (Pictured) The 32-year-old will serve a non-parole term of six months, minus 127 days served, after 'frittering away' his chance to turn his life around After the woman called triple-O to alert authorities, Pledger was taken to the hospital. Judge Michael Tinney said that Pledger had completed 30 of his 150 hours of community service. Among Pledger's reasons for failing to comply with the conditions of his order, the court heard, were 'illness' and issues with public transport'. The court also heard that Pledger was 'ducking and weaving' around obligatory drug tests. During the period of his court order, Pledger, who is on antipsychotic medication, reduced his dosage without alerting his doctor. According to the report, the one-time soap star's lawyer told the court that Pledger did not understand the serious nature of his court order. The judge admonished Pledger, telling the court he had 'frittered away his opportunity on the order'. Pledger was arrested in March 2024 after attacking a woman on two occasions. Orpheus played Mason Morgan on Home and Away. (Pictured with co-star Sam Frost One of the incidents was captured in part by a motion-activated camera, with Pledger dragging the woman by the hair to the ground and stomping on her head. He was released on bail in late April to undergo a medical assessment over concerns for his mental health, but he fled, prompting a manhunt Pledger pleaded guilty to charges of recklessly causing injury and unlawful assault, with his lawyer explaining that his drug use had escalated in recent years. Pledger began acting at age nine in commercials and on the children's series Silversun before landing a stint on Neighbours in 2011. He later played the role of Mason Morgan on Home and Away from 2016 to 2019. Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid are front and center on the October cover of Vogue. For the outdoor shoot, the longtime friends rocked contrasting looks as the reality star, 29, wore a structured plaid coat and Hadid, 30, wowed in a bold patchwork dress. Inside the issue, the two open up about the bond that's carried them through the highs and lows of their modeling careers, rise to fame and life. Hadid even shared a tender moment from 2020, when she was newly pregnant and quietly confided in Jenner during a hectic backstage at Burberry. 'You were one of the only people in the world that knew,' Hadid said, explaining that Jenner was the one she turned to when she felt faint and needed a quick boost. 'Kenny was the only person I could look at from across the room and just be like, "Oh yeah, a soda." And she got me a little can of Coke.' That small gesture, Hadid noted, reflects the quiet trust between them that goes beyond the runway and magazine covers. Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid are front and center on the October cover of Vogue Marc Jacobs, who first cast Jenner in 2014, told the publication: 'I think of them as part of the same moment in fashion. There was a hunger for the supermodel thing we knew from the past and with Kendall and Gigi, they had this fresh enthusiasm.' Jeremy Scott, who memorably worked with both, added: 'Theyre really good on their own, but better together. I think of them like my salt and pepper shakers.' He also recalled seeing Hadid adjust Jenner's collar before a chaotic Moschino show in 2017: 'All this chaos is going on. Its pandemonium, and both of them are so calm and centering to each other.' Simon Porte Jacquemus, who cast them in his viral Versailles show last year, says it best: 'Two of the top supermodels of our generation and theyre just two friends having fun and being cuckoo like 12-year-olds.' Jenner, who knew Hadid through her younger sister Bella, admitted she was initially 'intimidated' by Gigi's beauty. 'I was like, "Shes so gorgeous." And I remember you posted this photo with your long blond mane. I think it was a black-and-white photo,' Jenner confessed. 'I had acne and braces. And, I remember seeing this photo and being like, "What the f**k?"' 'I was awkward too!' Gigi insisted. Inside the issue, the two open up about the bond that's carried them through the highs and lows of modeling and life Hadid even recalls a tender moment from 2020, when she was newly pregnant and quietly confided in Jenner during a hectic backstage at Burberry The two trace their closeness back to their teens, bunking together on early modeling trips. 'I was your biggest fan,' Kendall gushed. 'And once we started to work together and do shows, I remember those early seasonswe would do the whole month together.' Hadid added that shell never forget her first Chanel fitting in 2014, when Jenner helped calm her nerves before meeting Karl Lagerfeld in Paris. Despite being inseparable, Hadid, who is dating Bradley Cooper, mused that they are rarely in synch romantically and always 'in relationships at different times.' 'We did have a double date situation once,' Jenner pointed out. 'Remember, a long time ago? We dont need to go there.' After Hadid admitted she forgot about that, Jenner attempted to jog her memory. 'Itll come to you. It wasnt a double date. You tried to set me up. You were in a relationship and I was single and you were trying to set me up with someone to be part of your gang?' she reminded her pal. 'Do you not remember? Are you not picking up what Im putting down? Im not going any further. Ill tell you later!' Jenner, who knew Hadid through her younger sister Bella, admitted she was initially 'intimidated' by Gigi's beauty When asked about the last time they cried in front of each other, Jenner answered: 'Probably so long ago... Definitely not recently.' 'Its mostly when weve gone through boy stuff and were kind of at the end of that road. I feel like were both really strong people and not whiners and complainers, but were vulnerable when its the time to be,' Hadid explained. 'There is a lot of superficiality in the world that we work and live in,' Jenner added. 'And our personal lives have been of public interest as weve gotten older.' While speaking about navigating fame, Gigi points out there is 'so much [of her life] that isnt shared online.' 'I think of so many of the quiet moments that no one sees,' Hadid told Jenner. 'People dont know a lot of the ways that were similar and the ways we find peace in each other.' Once Jenner even managed to fly under the radar while joining Gigi on a trip to Holland, where they spent a day at Netherlands largest theme park, Efteling. 'I was like, "Shes so gorgeous." And I remember you posted this photo with your long blond mane. I think it was a black-and-white photo,' Jenner confessed (seen in 2023) The two trace their closeness back to their teens, bunking together on early modeling trips; seen in 2023 '[We] did an entire park day, fully incognito,' Gigi raved. 'Kendalls really good at hiding in plain sight. Shes spontaneous that way. I know a lot of people who are privileged and successful and dont live life to the fullest the way that Kendall does.' Gigi also recalled an evening they shared in Paris, a decade ago, where they laid under the Eiffel Tower and drank wine. 'I love to feel normal,' Jenner explained. 'I love to go to the horse show dressed just like everybody else and have my helmet on and my sunglasses and my uniform, and I can compete under a completely different name.' Gigi went on to state that she believes 'the base' of their friendship 'is that we respect the same things that we see in each other when we go to work.' 'Were not there to ask for special treatment. We always work hard,' the mother-of-one said. Meanwhile, Kendall said: 'Were sisters more than were friends. For example, we probably didnt see each other for a year during COVID. I never saw you really pregnant.' In regards to their future, Gigi disclosed she 'can get very tunnel vision' if she makes 'just one goal' and previously thought she would be 'married at 29 and have a kid at 30' Kendall agreed, stating: 'I think about the future a lot, but I try not to overplan because you know Im a planner' Jenner went on to acknowledge that participating in her family's reality show, The Kardashians, is not her 'biggest cup of tea.' 'I swear to God, Im going to stop everything and just design homes,' Kendall said. 'Im not kidding.' She continued: 'I love my space in LA, but I also really love the simple life. I like getting up every morning and throwing on a bathing suit or sweatpants and no makeup and just being free with my day.' Gigi sweetly revealed that Jenner is 'one of the only people' that she 'would let design a house for' her. In regards to their future, Gigi disclosed she 'can get very tunnel vision' if she makes 'just one goal.' 'Ive taught myself more to just be open to whatever comes,' she said. 'I used to think I was a planner. I was like, Im going to be married at 29 and have a kid at 30. But life kind of happens, and youre just like, Oh, we dont have control. Trust the ride.' Kendall agreed, stating: 'I think about the future a lot, but I try not to overplan because you know Im a planner.' She is known for her ladylike ensembles and elegant glamour. Yet Lily James turned her back on her trademark style in a new shoot for Defined Magazine, as she stripped down to lingerie for a sizzling series of snaps. The Downton Abbey star, 36, looked incredible in a number of racy ensembles, including a white silk underwear set and a black corset and suspenders. After spending summer lapping up the sunshine in Europe, Lily was turning up the heat at home for the new shoot where she dared to bare in the breathtaking shots. Her lingerie looks came alongside more daring styles, including a cream fur coat which she draped around her head while pulling a vampish pout. Lily James turned her back on her trademark style in a new shoot for Defined Magazine, as she stripped down to lingerie for a sizzling series of snaps The Downton Abbey star, 36, looked incredible in a number of racy ensembles She boosted her bust in a racy corset layered beneath a trench coat Lily's white underwear look was comprised of PVC pants and a silk bra layered over a knitted top, which she pulled up to flash a hint of her abs. She upped the ante once more when she rocked a racy leather trench coat with a boost-busting corset underneath. A bizarre addition to the shoot saw Lily pose in a spray-on corset top with a pair of emerald earrings in place of her nipples. The snaps come after Lily lifted the lid on her love life in an interview with Who What Wear. While the star kept tight-lipped about whether she is dating anyone currently, she did disclose she isn't a fan of dating apps. In the candid interview, the Hollywood actress - who tries to keep her relationships under wraps - admitted she feels 'self-conscious' about going on dating apps. She said: 'I was always in relationships when the [dating] apps started. Now, I just don't know. I feel a bit self-conscious. I try to stay really private, as private as I can. To be on a dating app feels a bit counterintuitive to that desire.' Lily wore a pair of edgy heelless shoes and a plunging black bodysuit with PVC gloves After spending summer lapping up the sunshine in Europe, Lily was turning up the heat at home for the new shoot where she dared to bare in the breathtaking shots The shoot featured a number of dramatic accessories including a chic triangular hat A bizarre addition to the shoot saw Lily pose in a spray-on corset top with a pair of emerald earrings in place of her nipples Adding to the edgy nature of the shoot, Lily was pulling the perfect pose in her couture look while posing in a drab car park Her gothic ensemble left little to the imagination thanks to its dramatic feathers and suspenders Lily also shared her fears about getting older, admitting the biggest change in her thirties has been realising 'life is finite'. She added: 'I only want to do stuff that I really care about... 'I want to spend time with the people I love. I want to make the most of this wild and crazy life, so I only want to work on stuff that I really love. That's changed.' The Tom & Pammy star was last romantically linked to musician Michael Shuman in late 2023. The car park was used again for another outfit and shot The painted bodysuit showed the grooves of her abs while her choker matched the earrings hanging off her nipples In her interview with the magazine, Lily spoke about her new movie - Swiped, a biopic about Bumble CEO and founder Whitney Wolfe Herd (pictured in May last year) and the sexual harassment she allegedly endured at her former company Tinder In her interview with the magazine, Lily spoke about her new movie - Swiped, a biopic about Bumble CEO and founder Whitney Wolfe Herd and the sexual harassment she allegedly endured at her former company Tinder. Speaking about the role, Lily said: 'It was pre-[SAG] strike that I first read the script and I remember being so taken aback by Whitney Wolfes story... 'I was really unfamiliar. Dating apps are so a part of our culture, whether you like it or notthey determine and dictate a lot of how we meet people... 'So learning about the story of this woman who was a part of that inception, not only at Bumble but also Tinder, and this phenomenal journey of growth she goes through to become such a formidable, innovative entrepreneur, facing real adversity and challenges, which she overcame, I found deeply inspiring.' She was again showing off her silhouette in a racy shot She gave the illusion of going topless in a blurry image Landon Barker and his girlfriend made their red carpet debut on Sunday at the MTV Video Music Awards. The musician, 21, and model Skyla Sanders, 20, turned up the heat, kissing as they posed for photographers together at the UBS Arena in New York City. The couple went Instagram official in May and Landon seemed to show how serious he was about the relationship, revealing a tattoo of his lady love's name on his wrist. Landon, who is the son of Kourtney Kardashian's husband Travis Barker, 49, and his ex-wife Shanna Moakler, 50, displayed his tattooed chest wearing a classic black tuxedo without a shirt. The jacket of the suit had some sparkling appliques sewn on to the collar and sleeve, and the Friends with Your Ex artist wore a gold medallion around his neck and small hoop earrings. Skyla wowed in a strapless black bodycon dress with sheer side panels and a lace bodice. A touch of fur on her high heel mules added extra texture. Landon Barker, 21, and his girlfriend Skyla Sanders, 20, made their red carpet debut on Sunday at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York City She appeared to be wearing natural looking, camera ready makeup with a soft pink lip and parted her long, blonde locks o one side and let them lay in loose curls. The New York University student is no stranger to the glamor of Hollywood. She is the daughter of model and actress Liberty Ross and director Rupert Sanders. On Saturday, Sanders posted a photo of herself to which her boyfriend replied, 'Your beautiful bae!' 'My girlfriend is so gorgeous,' he wrote approvingly on another. Prior to his relationship with Skyla, Landon dated Charlie D'Amelio for more than a year before they parted ways in February 2024 to 'focus on ourselves,' according to the Over You artist. As a model, Skyla posts new photos nearly everyday, many of them in which she is scantily clad. Travis Barker found himself in some hot water when commented with an anchor emoji on a carousel of photos featuring both Landon and Skyla in early August in which the first snap was the model posing playfully on a bed wearing a skimpy bikini. 'I literally yelled ewww,' one user shared. 'That's not creepy at all' another sarcastically added. The couple, who went public in May, turned up the heat on the red carpet at the UBS Arena in New York City, kissing for photographers who eagerly snapped away Landon, who is the son of Kourtney Kardashian 's husband Travis Barker, 49, and his ex-wife Shanna Moakler, 50, displayed his tattooed chest wearing a classic black tuxedo without a shirt Skyla, who is the daughter of model and actress Liberty Ross and director Rupert Sanders, wowed in a strapless black bodycon dress with sheer side panels and a lace bodice with high heels mules Kourtney and Travis and their son Rocky on vacation over the summer Others defended the Blink 182 drummer as trying to be supportive. The Barkers' public profiles have been under much more scrutiny since Travis married Kourtney Kardashian in an elaborate ceremony in Italy in 2022. The drawback is that many are quick to point out any missteps they make publicly. On the flipside, Landon has been able to benefit increased attention to his music. He's also been hired for modeling jobs and signed on for collaborations with several brands, including Revolve and Dossier perfumes. Sofia Vergara has again been seen with handsome 39-year-old businessman Douglas Chabbott. The two were side-by-side as they left an Oasis concert in Pasadena, California on Sunday. Vergara looked slender in a black sleeveless top with blue jeans and a white Chanel crossbody purse on as she wore her light brown hair down. Her date had on black sunglasses as he modeled a pea green Prada jacket over a black T-shirt with blue jeans. They were also seen together over the summer. Chabbott was there when she spent her 53nd birthday at Nammos in Sardinia. Just a day before her birthday bash, Sofia shared a sweet message from Chabbott on social media. Sofia Vergara has again been seen with handsome businessman Douglas Chabbott. The two were side-by-side as they left an Oasis concert in Pasadena on Sunday Vergara looked slender in a black sleeveless top with blue jeans and a white Chanel crossbody purse on as she wore her light brown hair down. Her date had on black sunglasses as he modeled a pea green Prada jacket over a black T-shirt with blue jeans They also follow each other on social media. Not only is he well off, but the Babson College graduate has several famous friends such as Camilla Belle, Orlando Bloom, Derek Hough and Dakota Johnson. Vergara and Chabbott have previously been seen getting close in Rome and Cannes, and now he was seated at her festive dinner table with friends and family. As for Chabbott, the handsome entrepreneur appeared just two seats away from Sofia, sporting a black-and-white graphic shirt and a subtle smile as he joined the festivities. Vergara is currently single after a brief romance with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Justin Saliman, following her high-profile split from Joe Manganiello. Months ago Sofia gave an insight into what she's looking for in her next relationship, saying she wants her next boyfriend to be as rich as she is. She admitted that she needs 'fun in [her] life' - but she isn't interested in dating someone who isn't financially independent. Asked what she is looking for in her next relationship, Sofia said on the Today show: 'I want to say the basic stuff, like health and somebody that loves me. And somebody tall, handsome.' Both wore sneakers to the packed event that was not far from downtown Los Angeles Vergara spent her 53nd birthday at Nammos in Sardinia with Douglas Chabbott (pictured far left) Around that time, Sofia shared a note from entrepreneur Chabbott, whom she has been romantically linked with in recent months 'I want somebody that has as much money as me or more, because if not, it's a nightmare. They end up resenting you.' The Hollywood star - who was married to actor Joe between 2015 and 2024 - shared: 'I've been single now for a year and a half, and I kind of panicked once I got divorced. I was like, "I'm 52, what's gonna happen? Where am I going to find [someone]?"' Despite this, Sofia is still in no rush to find love. She said: 'I'm not really in a hurry anymore.' Sofia was married to actor Joe Manganiello, 48, for eight years before divorcing in 2024; Seen in March 2022 Last year, Sofia claimed that she can't be too 'picky' about who she dates. The brunette beauty finalized her split from Joe in 2024, but she remains open to the idea of dating another celebrity. Sofia told People: 'I mean, it's already hard for a 50-something-year-old woman to find someone. I'm not going to be now picky about, "Oh, he can only be a doctor. Oh, he can only be an astronaut." No, I mean, I'm not that picky.' Nicolas Cage enjoyed a rare outing with his wife, Riko Shibata, and their three-year-old daughter, August Francesca Coppola, over the weekend. The Oscar-winning actor, 62, sported a casual yet cool look in a velvet jacket on his way to a restaurant in Malibu, California. His spouse, who he met in Shiga, Japan while he was filming the movie Prisoners of the Ghostland, kept things relaxed in jeans and a black tee as she walked alongside their little one. Meanwhile, August looked absolutely adorable in colorful sneakers as she held on tightly to her water bottle. The family sighting comes during a difficult time following reports involving Cages eldest son, Weston, whose mom, Christina Fulton, accused him of attacking her outside his apartment complex last year. During his hearing in April, the 34-year-old musician was granted a two-year mental health diversion program to resolve the two felony assault charges against him. Nicolas Cage enjoyed a rare outing with his wife, Riko Shibata, and their three-year-old daughter, August Francesca Coppola, over the weekend 'Mr. Cage does suffer from an eligible mental health disorder. Im satisfied it was a significant factor in the commission of the charged offenses,' Los Angeles County Judge Enrique Monguia declared. 'Its obvious he was suffering a breakdown at the time.' Westons lawyer 'requested the diversion after saying his client had received intensive inpatient and outpatient treatment following the incident on April 28, 2024,' according to Rolling Stone. At the time of the alleged assaults, his attorney, Michael A. Goldstein, stated 'Weston had changed doctors and had only just started a new medication.' Following the sentencing hearing, Fulton had a message for her ex, telling Cage in an interview with TMZ, 'Take care of my son, our son.' She stated that Weston has neither apologized nor expressed remorse, and confirmed they are not allowed to communicate. However, in a message to him, she said, 'I love you, son.' Since his arrest, Goldstein noted that his client has remained sober and that Weston 'hasnt felt this good in years.' 'Hes in a good head space, about to get married. He moved away from the location living in before and is definitely making progress,' Goldstein said. For their laid-back outing, the Oscar-winning actor, 62, sported a casual yet cool look in a velvet jacket on his way to a restaurant in Malibu, California August looked absolutely adorable in colorful sneakers as she held on tightly to her water bottle Cage and Shibata met in Shiga, Japan while he was filming the movie Prisoners of the Ghostland; seen on October 20, 2024 The judge decided if Weston follows his treatment plan and doctors orders and 'stays out of trouble' that the case could be dismissed in April 2027. Fulton expressed her support for Weston diversion program over prison, but also requested her son be required to to do 'another couple months of inpatient treatment.' Fulton also went into graphic detail about the night she was allegedly assault and left with life-threatening injuries. 'Nothing prepared me for April 28th, 2024, the night my son almost took my life,' she told the court. Fulton alleged that she rushed to his apartment after someone called her to say he was setting it 'on fire.' When she got there, Fulton claims Weston was 'furious' and would not accept the cheeseburger she brought to him. His latest sighting comes five months after his eldest son avoided prison after his mom, Christina Fulton, accused him of attacking her outside his apartment complex; seen in 2022 Fulton alleged that he 'snapped' after a car pulled up and rattled a gate. Per Rolling Stone, Fulton claimed her son 'grabbed her by her hair, shoved her to the floor of an elevator and got on top of her.' During the alleged incident, she said he began 'crushing and 'suffocating' her with his full body weight. 'He shoved his thumb in my eye socket. The pain was excruciating. My vision went black,' she said. 'I was losing consciousness.' Fulton said after the elevator door opened, he allegedly attacked his best friend, who is the other alleged victim in the criminal case. Fulton said Weston allegedly returned to slam her into a wall, stand on her neck and strangle her as his friend desperately attempted to pull him off of her. 'If it wasnt for [the friend] who risked his life to save me, my family would have buried me, and Weston would have gone to prison,' she claimed. During his hearing in April, the 34-year-old musician was granted a two-year mental health diversion program to resolve the two felony assault charges against him; pictured in 2019 Although she 'repeatedly expressed love for her son,' Fulton claimed he has never expressed any 'remorse or accountability' over the alleged incident. As she spoke, Weston was described as looking 'straight ahead' and not 'responding to her words.' 'Ive been demonized for being a good mother,' Fulton said. 'Now I stand here, pleading for one thing: that he gets the help he deserves. Please help my son.' In addition to ordering the mental health diversion program, the judge said 'Weston is prohibited from harassing his alleged victims and possessing any weapons for the next two years.' A progress report hearing was set for July. Weston - who previously entered a not guilty plea - was arrested in July 2024 on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon, and was released on a $150,000 bond. After his arrest, she released a statement, which read: 'On April 28th, 2024, around 5:30 PM I received urgent messages from friends of my son, Weston Cage regarding his deteriorating mental state, urging me to come help. When I arrived to offer support and console him, he was already in the midst of a manic rage. Within minutes, I was brutally assaulted and sustained serious injuries.' Earlier this year, Fulton's case against her ex, Nicolas Cage, was dismissed after she sued him for negligence (seen in 1988 at The Pallett Club in Los Angeles) Earlier this year, Fulton's case against her ex, Nicolas Cage, was dismissed after she sued him for negligence. In the lawsuit filed in February, Fulton accused Nicolas of enabling their son's 'reckless' by bailing him out of jail on several occasions, supporting him financially and drinking alcohol with Weston 'despite knowing his substance abuse history.' She also alleged that Nicolas of failing to help his son receive 'necessary psychiatric' help. At the time, Nicolas' lawyer hit back at Fulton's claims in a statement to People, which read: 'The allegations by Christina Fulton against Nicolas Cage are absurd and frivolous. 'Weston Coppola is a 34-year-old man. Mr. Cage does not control Weston's behavior in any manner and is not responsible for Weston's alleged assault of his mother.' Danielle Fishel had a health scare that made her want to seek out more joy in life. The 44-year-old actress had treatment for breast cancer. 'The minute I was done with my cancer treatment, I thought to myself, "If this has shown me anything, it has shown me that I am not experiencing enough joy in my life,"' the Boy Meets World alum told People. 'I'm going through every day, performing tasks and being there for my family and being there for work. Where's the fun?' she asked. So when the Dancing With The Stars call came, she said yes. 'When they asked me to do this, I was like, "This is the perfect way to cap it off,"' she explained. Danielle Fishel had a health scare that made her want to seek out more joy in life, she told People. Seen September 5 in West Hollywood The 44-year-old actress had treatment for breast cancer. 'The minute I was done with my cancer treatment, I thought to myself, "If this has shown me anything, it has shown me that I am not experiencing enough joy in my life,"' the Boy Meets World alum told the site Fishel was 'saying yes to this year' and joining DWTS 'was just the fastest' she's ever said 'yes.' Fishel is paired with pro Pasha Pashkov on the show. Fishel was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). She shared the news in August on her podcast, Pod Meets World. Treatment included a lumpectomy in August and a margin revision surgery in September, she told PEOPLE. She thought about getting a double mastectomy, but doctors said that because the disease was caught so early, a lumpectomy was the best way to go. 'I was feeling healthy, I was looking healthy. But I went in for my mammogram and they said it looked suspicious and the results are abnormal,' she told PEOPLE about how her cancer was found. 'I was not expecting in any way that it was going to find anything. It was really shocking.' After 20 rounds of radiation, she said it 'hurt to be awake' because of the rash she got. 'I'm going through every day, performing tasks and being there for my family and being there for work. Where's the fun?' she asked. Seen September 7 in Los Angeles So when the Dancing With The S tars call came, she said yes. 'When they asked me to do this, I was like, "This is the perfect way to cap it off,"' she explained. Seen with dance partner Pasha Pashkov Danielle has two sons with husband Jensen Karp: Adler, six, and Keaton, four. Like many past contestants who have undergone a physical transformation after competing on the show, Danielle hopes to transform her body as well. 'My physical goals are just to get into the best shape of my life because I'm going to be training for four hours a day, six days a week at least. So I think I'm going to get in pretty good shape,' she shared with Daily Mail last week. 'And my mental goal's almost kind of the opposite - I want physically to be the strongest and most strict with myself I've ever been, and mentally, I really want to give myself a lot of grace and try to feel what it feels like to feel proud of myself. 'This time I really want to try to live in it and really experience joy and pride.' The star during The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Halloween Party At The Mondrian Hotel at Sky Bar At The Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood Following the cast announcement, the Boy Meets World star debuted her show Danielle with the Stars: Danielle Fishel with iHeartPodcasts. She said she and partner Pashkov, 39, were asked to arrive at rehearsals disguised; she says she's shown up every day in a different character mask including a Hulk mask, an Iron Man mask, a Black Panther mask, and a Spiderman mask. Her partner is a perfect personality fit and they get along really well; she says both she and her dance partner are both perfectionists. Danielle says pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy went up to her and asked if it was inappropriate to tell her he loved her. She also talked about meeting Dylan Efron and says it's her dream to have the both of them in the finals and wants to form an alliance with him and his partner. Fishel's first guest will be her newly announced dance partner, Pasha, which will air Friday, September 5. Upcoming guests will also include Sabrina Bryan, who competed twice on Dancing with the Stars, first in Season 5 (2007) with Mark Ballas and later in the All-Stars Season 15 (2012) with Louis Van Amstel; and Jodie Sweetin, who joined Season 22 (2016) with Keo Motsepe. Fishel is best known for her iconic role as Topanga on the '90s TGIF staple 'Boy Meets World.' Fishel seen here in 2008 at Planet Hollywood She would later reprise the role for Girl Meets World, a millennial reboot that ran for three seasons on Disney Channel. Since 2017, Fishel has moved behind the camera. The blonde has directed over 50 episodes of multicamera television, including Disney Channel's Wizards Beyond Waverly Place and 'Raven's Home (for which she was nominated for two Emmys). She has also worked on ABC's Shifting Gears and NBC's Lopez vs. Lopez. She also co-hosts the hit iHeart podcast Pod Meets World, alongside her best friends and former costars Will Friedle and Rider Strong. Additionally, Fishel is passionate about her clean and affordable hair care line, Be Free by Danielle Fishel, which is available online and through QVC. Cat Deeley and her ITV co-star Olivia Attwood were among the stars attending a lavish event on Monday to celebrate the broadcaster's 70th anniversary. This Morning host Cat, who is newly single following the announcement of her split from husband Patrick Kielty, stunned in a minidress. Boasting a big smile, the mum of two showed off her long legs in the long-sleeved bright orange piece. Cat, 48, also posed with her daytime co-presenter Ben Shephard who looked dapper in a navy suit for the bash. Also snapped on the way into the event, which took place at the historic Guildhall in London, was Olivia Attwood, who has recently joined the This Morning presenting team. The former Love Island star, 34, wowed in a stunning white oversized blazer over a busty crop top, paired with wide-leg, high-waisted trousers. Cat Deeley and her ITV co-star Olivia Attwood were among the stars attending a lavish event on Monday to celebrate ITV's 70th anniversary Olivia wowed in a stunning white oversized blazer over a busty crop top, paired with wide-leg, high-waisted trousers Boasting a big smile, newly single Cat showed off her long legs in the long-sleeved bright orange piece Olivia - who turned heads with her cosy Ibiza snaps with Pete Wicks - was all smiles for the cameras. ITV's birthday bash is taking place at the same location of its very first broadcast, all the way back in 1955. Hosted by Joel Dommett, the evening honours seven decades of groundbreaking television moments. Stars from across some of the channel's biggest programmes over the years, from current affairs to drama and soaps, are in attendance. Good Morning Britain anchor Susanna Reid oozed class as she stayed up past her bedtime for the event. The journalist posed for pictures wearing a classy black evening gown featuring a daring thigh-high split. Her co-star Charlotte Hawkins, who recently revealed her wilder side, wore a stunning embroidered blue sheer dress. Cold Feet's Fay Ripley was pictured arriving at the event, while Loose Women veteran Gloria Hunniford was also snapped. Cat, 48, also posed with her daytime co-presenter Ben Shephard who looked dapper in a navy suit for the bash Cat wowed in her tiny dress and heels as she arrived at the party with her dapper co-star Dermot O'Leary, who hosts This Morning on Fridays with Alison Hammond, also joined his co-stars for the bash Good Morning Britain anchor Susanna Reid oozed class as she stayed up past her bedtime for the event, wearing a classy black evening gown Her co-star Charlotte Hawkins, who recently revealed her wilder side, wore a stunning embroidered blue sheer dress Kate Garraway stunned as she wore an elegant turquoise frock for the event Piers Morgan, who previously hosted Good Morning Britain and Life Stories for ITV, was also pictured at the event Big Brother hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best pictured together ahead of the new series kicking off later this month The man of the night: Joel Dommett who hosted the 70th anniversary evening Scottish star Lorraine Kelly posed for snaps before celebrating ITV - ahead of her show being cut to a seasonal slot and just a 30-minute runtime each day Graham Norton was also in attendance, wearing a velvet grey suit Former Love Island host Laura Whitmore pictured with her husband Iain Stirling Long-standing ITV News anchor Mary Nightingale looked incredible in a white suit Emmerdale actresses Charlotte Bellamy, Zoe Henry, Lisa Riley and Natalie J Robb could also be seen arriving. Rival soap Coronation Street was also represented by Ben Price, Barbara Knox and Channique Sterling-Brown. Former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore stepped out with her husband Iain Stirling, who still narrates the dating show. Graham Norton was also in attendance, with the Irish star wearing a snazzy grey velvet suit and floral shirt for the night. Representing The Chase, professional quizzer and I'm A Celebrity star Anne Hegerty showed off her impressive weight loss. ITV last celebrated a major milestone at the Guildhall for its 50th anniversary in 2005. Money man Martin Lewis was also snapped on the red carpet Legendary presenter Floella Benjamin also attended the ITV 70th celebration event at the Guildhall Sir Trevor McDonald pictured at the gala Coronation Street was represented by three of its current biggest stars: Ben Price, Barbara Knox and Channique Sterling-Brown Emmerdale actresses Charlotte Bellamy, Zoe Henry, Lisa Riley and Natalie J Robb were also snapped Charlene White dazzled in a chic black off-the-shoulder midi dress Cold Feet's Fay Ripley was pictured arriving at the event Emmerdale baddie Claire King also attended the special event in London Ellie Simmonds looked incredible in a brown jumpsuit that featured a white polka dot pattern ITV's celebrations come just months after it was announced that major cuts would be carried out across its daytime schedule. In a bid to save cash, both Lorraine and Loose Women will become seasonal programmes, with Lorraine being slashed to just 30 minutes a day. Both shows, as well as schedule staple This Morning, will also vacate their studio space currently at Television Centre in west London. The Daily Mail previously revealed the shows will be broadcast from an underground studio at The Hospital Club in London from next year. Russell Crowe enjoyed a date night with fiancee Britney Theriot at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday. The 61-year-old actor was joined by the 33-year-old blonde beauty at the red carpet premiere of his film Nuremberg, with the two putting on a cozy display. Russell whose son is also dating a blonde bombshell looked spiffy in a navy suit and red-tinted aviators as he arrived at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto. He added a pale blue button-up shirt and tie and rocked a bushy white beard while his graying hair was slicked back. Meanwhile, his date turned heads in a dark gray cocktail dress with silver floral embroidery. She added metallic silver open-toe heels that showed off her light blue pedicure. Russell Crowe enjoyed a date night with fiancee Britney Theriot at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday The 61-year-old actor was joined by the blonde beauty at the red carpet premiere of his film Nuremberg, with the two putting on a cozy display Britney wore her long hair in a center part and flirty ringlets that fell over her chest. She beamed in a full face of natural-looking makeup complete with a glossy pink lipstick. A New Orleans native, she's a former actress and previous Saints cheerleader. The couple went red carpet official in October 2022 at the Rome premiere of Russell's movie Poker Face. It came after they'd been dating for nearly two years following the start of their romance in November 2020. Before striking up an intimate connection they'd initially met on the set of the thriller Broken City in 2013. Russell was previously married to Danielle Spencer from 2003 until they separated in 2012, with their divorce finalized in 2018. The exes share sons Charles, 21, and Tennyson, 19. Russell looked spiffy in a navy suit and red-tinted aviators as he arrived at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto The couple went red carpet official in October 2022 at the Rome premiere of Russell's movie Poker Face Russell reunited with co-star Rami Malek on the TIFF red carpet L-R Nuremberg actors Rami, Leo Woodall, writer James Vanderbilt, and Russell Following the world premiere of Nuremberg, Russell received a standing ovation alongside Nuremberg costars Rami Malek, Michael Shannon, John Slattery, Leo Woodall, Richard E. Grant, and writer-director James Vanderbilt. The historical drama is based on Jack El-Hais 2013 nonfiction book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist. Russell portrays Goring, who was a towering figure in the Nazi Party. His performance has stirred up Oscar buzz, and could potentially place him back in the race for the first time since 2002's Lead Actor nod for A Beautiful Mind. He previously scored the coveted gong for Best Actor in 2001 for Gladiator. Nuremberg will hit theaters on November 7. Susanna Reid and Charlotte Hawkins let their hair down with their Good Morning Britain co-stars as they attended ITV's 70th Anniversary Celebration on Monday. Despite their famously early wakeup call, the duo were fresh-faced as they posed for snaps at the glitzy event at London's Guildhall, ahead of a huge shakeup for the breakfast favourite in 2026. Susanna, 54, flashed a hint of her legs in a form-fitting black dress with sparkly silver heels, showing her new blonde hairstyle. Meanwhile Charlotte, 50, cut a glamorous figure in a pale blue sheer lace dress, accessorising with barely-there nude heels. The pair posed for snaps alongside their GMB colleagues including Kate Garraway, who opted for a chic teal satin dress, and weather presenter Laura Tobin, who was dressed in a white crochet mini dress. As ITV celebrated seven decades since it first hit screens, many of its stars were in attendance for the glitzy celebration, including Cat Deeley, Olivia Attwood and Susanna Reid (left) and Charlotte Hawkins (right) let their hair down with their Good Morning Britain co-stars as they attended ITV's 70th Anniversary Celebration on Monday Susanna flashed a hint of her legs in a form-fitting black dress, while showing her new blonde hairstyle at the gala ITV's 70th bash took place at the same location of its very first broadcast all the way back in 1955. Hosted by Joel Dommett, the evening honoured seven decades of groundbreaking television moments. Stars from across some of the channel's biggest programmes over the years, from current affairs to drama and soaps, were in attendance. ITV last celebrated a major milestone at Guildhall for its 50th anniversary in 2005. ITV's celebrations come just months after it was announced that major cuts would be carried out across its daytime schedule. In a bid to save cash, both Lorraine and Loose Women will become seasonal programmes, with Lorraine being slashed to just 30 minutes a day. Both shows as well as schedule staple This Morning will also vacate their studio space currently at Television Centre in West London. Daily Mail previously revealed the shows will be broadcast from an underground studio at The Hospital Club in London from next year. Susanna is one of the names expected to stay following stringent cuts across ITV's daytime shows, which will see Loose Women and Lorraine's annual episode output slashed Meanwhile Charlotte, 50, cut a glamorous figure in a pale blue sheer lace dress, accessorising with barely-there nude heels The pair posed for snaps alongside their GMB colleagues including Kate Garraway (second right), weather presenter Laura Tobin (far left) and Ed Balls (second left) Kate Garraway cut an elegant figure in a teal blue satin dress with ruche detailing, accessorising with nude ankle strap heels The veteran broadcaster cut a stylish figure in her chic blue dress as she joined her GMB co-stars for the gala Laura put on a leggy display in a frilled crochet mini dress, teamed with eye-catching silver butterfly heels The meteorologist beamed as she arrived for the party in her eye-catching white dress Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, and This Morning will be relocated from their current studios in 2026 when ITV's contract at Television Centre ends. Loose Women will stay in its usual 12:30pm to 1:30pm slot but will be scaled back to just 30 weeks a year. Meanwhile, This Morning now hosted by Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard will continue airing from 10am to 12:30pm on weekdays. Susanna Reid, 54, will remain at the helm of GMB, where she has been a lead presenter since the show's launch in 2014. Sources say Richard Madeley, 69, Ed Balls, 58, Charlotte Hawkins, and Ranvir Singh, 47, are all expected to continue in their roles though Adil Ray, 51, is understood to be facing a reduced schedule. Reports suggest ITV Daytime currently employs around 450 staff but up to 220 jobs are said to be at risk amid the ongoing cuts. Drea de Matteo has released her first fully nude photographs on OnlyFans to draw attention to the widely-disputed 'geoengineering' conspiracy theory. The 53-year-old actress, best known for her Emmy-winning role as Adriana La Cerva in The Sopranos, joined the adult site to solve her cash crisis. And has now said her decision to pose naked was motivated by a desire to highlight her concerns about environmental manipulation, a subject she links to the debunked and much-mocked 'chemtrails' theory. 'We can choose what we eat. We can choose what goes in our arms,' Drea told PageSix. 'But we don't get a say when powerful interests spray the sky, tamper with our water, or poison our soil. If "climate solutions" mean breathing mystery air and drinking science experiments, the people deserve a vote.' Drea de Matteo has released her first fully nude photographs on OnlyFans to draw attention to the widely-disputed 'geoengineering' conspiracy theory De Matteo added: 'This isn't about denying climate change it's about rejecting unchecked geoengineering by those who treat our skies as a playground.' In her raunchy photographs, Drea appears with her body painted in the Stars and Stripes, accompanied by the slogan 'Stop geoengineering' written down her leg. A bald eagle is also seen painted across her chest. She said the intention was to merge patriotism with activism, using her OnlyFans platform to reach an audience she believes is not addressed elsewhere. Geoengineering is generally defined as the use of deliberate, large-scale interventions in the Earth's natural systems to counter climate change. While some scientific projects involve methods such as reflecting sunlight away from the atmosphere to reduce warming, a vocal community argues such practices are harmful. Proponents of the 'chemtrails' theory claim marks left behind by jet aircraft contain toxic substances used for geoengineering a claim which has consistently been rejected by experts. Lee Zeldin, the Republican head of the Environmental Protection Agency, said in a statement earlier this year: 'The skinny clouds are a normal effect of jet aircraft operations and have been since its earliest days of air travel.' The 53-year-old actress joined the adult site to solve her cash crisis; she is pictured promoting her OnlyFans His comments followed attempts by Louisiana lawmakers in June to propose a 'ban' on chemtrails. Drea launched her OnlyFans account in 2023 after publicly discussing financial difficulties, later saying the platform gave her independence and control over her image. She was forced to launch her OnlyFans profile after she was blacklisted from Hollywood Last year she boasted that her OnlyFans career has helped her get away from the seedy underbelly of Hollywood and given her the freedom to become her own boss. She got candid about how selling racy images and video on the internet content subscription service has changed her life. A clip from TMZ Presents Famous & Naked saw her maintain her stance on the shadiness of the film and television industry and bragged that OnlyFans provides a safer space for her. Drea - who played Adriana La Cerva on the iconic HBO series - said: 'Hollywood the actual industry itself, there's a lot of shifty s*** that goes on in Hollywood and we all know that. It's about freedom and I don't have to answer to f***ing anybody right now.' The reason that the former actress joined the premium subscription service has been well documented as it helped save her from losing her home. In the TMZ clip she said: 'Why did I join OnlyFans? When we launched we had - I would say - a couple hundred bucks left in the bank. I'm not kidding. My house was going into for foreclosure. 'Did I do it out of desperation? F*** yes I did. Did I think it would empower me just to be on OnlyFans? No, that wasn't the f***ing point you know it empowered me to take care of my f***ing family. So the negativity that came with it, bring it the f*** on.' Drea played Adriana La Cerva on the iconic HBO series (pictured alongside Michael Imperioli in 2002) Back in March The Sopranos star slammed Hollywood after being blacklisted by the studios for refusing to get the Covid vaccine revealing that it would take a lot for her to come out of retirement. In September, the former actress claimed she was forced to turn to the subscription service OnlyFans to make money after her stance on the vaccination caused her acting work to dry up and her agent to drop her, which quickly led her to being in a perilous financial situation and at risk of losing her home. Although Drea has since declared she was able to make enough cash in five minutes of launching her profile to pay back her mortgage foreclosure, she has now implied that she herself is cutting ties with Hollywood. Speaking exclusively with DailyMail.com, Drea blasted the 'saturated' industry, and said: 'I mean, that place [Hollywood] is a freaking cesspool. I'm not gonna lie. TV sucks. 'There's nothing great. Sopranos opened the door for [me] 100 per cent.' Drea starred as Adriana La Cerva in The Sopranos for seven years between 1999 and 2006. Terrence Winter, Steve Buscemi, Al Sapienza, Matthew Weiner, Dominic Chianese, Jerry Adler, Steve Schirripa, Kathrine Narducci, de Matteo, Aida Turturro, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Edie Falco, Annabella Sciorra, David Chase, Michele DeCesare, Tim Daly, and Robert Iler at The Sopranos 25th Anniversary Reunion in 2024 in New York City Referring to a recent meeting with the HBO drama's showrunner David Chase, and executive producers Terence Winter and Matthew Wiener, she continued: 'They were doing a panel and they basically were like, "We don't even trust the audience anymore because it's all of this stuff that societies cram down people's throats." 'It's like, I don't even know that it's the audience. I think it's more the industry. 'The industry has just... everything that our generation has pushed for, whether it be better television, whether it be human rights, body sovereignty, all of these things, they took it and made an aberration out of it. 'And the same thing went for television. Television is so saturated. Streaming doesn't help anybody except for the big corporations.' Major US banks closed 74 locations in just six weeks this summer, leaving ever more Americans without access to local services. Banks including US Bank, Chase and PNC closed 74 locations between July 17 and August 28. Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Chase closed 14 branches each in the six week period, the most among the major institutions. The banks did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment on the closures. PNC closed seven branches, and US bank three, while the remainder were made up by other institutions including Citizens Bank and Huntington. Scroll down to see the full list with addresses. Texas was the worst hit state, seeing nine closures from a range of banks over the time period. New York also lost seven locations, followed by California, Florida and Michigan, that all closed five. Banks are required to alert the OCC before shutting down a branch, and the federal agency then publishes these filings in a weekly report. Banks with the highest number of closures over the time period While the listings indicate intent to close, they are not final confirmations. In 2024, banks closed a total of 1,043 branches nationwide and the trend has only accelerated in 2025. New research also recently revealed that the last physical branch could close in 2041. Experts from Self Financial reached the number by studying the rate of net closures across the country, which has averaged 1,646 each year since 2018. 'Retail bank closures in the US aren't slowing,' Darren Kingman from Root Digital previously told the Daily Mail. 'The last time this many people shared a local branch was in 1995,' he explained. Kingman warned that while the US edges toward a cashless future, over 200 million Americans still deposit cash meaning longer lines and worse service as access shrinks. Despite the digital shift, a GoBankingRates survey also found 45 percent of Americans still prefer in-person banking. Chase was among the banks that closed the most local branches over the last six weeks Wells Fargo closed 14 locations in the six week time period 'The shift towards online banking is growing more intense in 2025,' GoBankingRates lead data content researcher Andrew Murray previously told the Daily Mail. 'Despite the trend towards online banking, our survey data shows more than half of Americans are concerned about the rising number of physical branches that have shut down in the past few years,' Murray explained. 'Meanwhile, a whopping 76 percent says that the current banking system needs small or major changes.' It comes as a major change to financial regulations could make it easier for banks to hide bad loans and signs they are in distress, experts have warned. The new rules, announced in July, will come into effect in the fall as part of President Donald Trump's plans to cut financial red tape. The weather is changing, and that may have led to a tectonic shift in the diplomatic and geopolitical plates in this part of Asia. The Dragon, which had taken Pakistan under its wings till a few months ago, while breathing fire at India, is twisting around and changing directions. Early this month, Beijing quietly pulled out of financing the Pakistans Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway upgrade, which aimed to modernise the 1,800-km rail link between Karachi and Peshawar. The link is a flagship component of the grandiose China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that symbolised approximately $60 billion of investment by China in bilateral infrastructure investment. Chinas decision marks a significant shift in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) strategy, and exposes Islamabads growing need to diversify its funding sources away from the Dragon. Reports suggest that Pakistan has approached the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a $2 billion loan to upgrade the aging rail route. Meanwhile, the local media, quoting the State Bank of Pakistan, reported that the countrys total debt climbed to about $304 billion as of July 2025. Out of this, the external debt amounted to $130 billion. Of the latter obligations, $29 billion is owed to China, making it Pakistans single-largest bilateral creditor. What are the reasons that compelled Beijing to withdraw from such an important project, and Islamabad to look west instead of east? For years, Beijing was restless with Islamabads unpaid debts, and concerned over Chinese nationals, who worked on several projects in Pakistan, being killed by separatists and terrorist groups. In 2024, following two lethal attacks on Chinese nationals, the Chinese Ambassador termed it unacceptable and called for decisive action against anti-China terrorist organisations. Thus, after a decade of aggressive BRI financing, China wanted to prioritise fiscal prudence over excessive, and possibly wasteful, investments. Officials fear that sinking more capital into high-risk markets like Pakistan may expose state banks to bad debt, prompting a recalibration of foreign investment priorities. In a review report, which was published last year, a research group, Australian Institute of International Affairs, mentioned that all was not well with the Sino-Pakistan honeymoon. The initial enthusiasm for the $30 billion that China injected into Pakistan has now vanished. Rather, CPEC has become entangled in Pakistani domestic politics, even as the BRI has transformed Pakistan and its future, it pointed out. Since 2018, the CPEC, noted the report, had progressively gone quiet. While Covid cast its shadow, the impact of Chinas own economic slowdown and inward recalibration of its economic policy were responsible. Another factor was Pakistans financial struggles and a precarious security environment in parts of the country, added the report. In the recent past, China has painfully realised that while its enthusiasm to pump in money in developing nations is welcome initially, there are problems in paying the debt, even if it is at attractive terms. An analysis by a foreign news agency of a dozen countries most indebted to China, including Pakistan, Kenya, Zambia, Laos and Mongolia, reached the same conclusion. The debtor nations found that paying debt was consuming a higher proportion of the taxes they collected, which was eating into the money they needed to spend on schools, electricity, and food and fuel. Given that their export earnings were meagre, the payments to China, despite the huge projects, drained precious foreign exchange reserves. Most debtors found that after paying the loans to China, they were left with precious little for critical imports. In some cases, the foreign reserves could only finance a few weeks or months of imports. It was a precarious and gloomy situation. China felt frustrated. The others are desperate and angry. Broader strategic shifts compounded the financial and logistical woes. Islamabad, which was pariah among the western nations for a while, has had warming ties with Washington, which was evidenced by the meetings between their political and army leaders, and President Donald Trumps promises of huge American investments, and jump in bilateral trade. Indias deepening engagement with China and Russia during the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit introduced complex crosswinds. In this context, Beijings exit from Pakistans ML-1 rail link reflects a more cautious approach to maintaining an iron-clad friendship when multiple powers compete for influence in Pakistan. Islamabads decision to seek ADB assistance is seen as a western-aligned lender stepping in, and taking the lead on a core CPEC asset. The bank has pledged $410 million toward related infrastructure supporting the Reko Diq copper-gold project, underscoring Islamabads pivot to gain proximity to both bilateral and multilateral western partners. "Reko Diq will help the critical minerals supply chain, while advancing the clean energy transition, and driving digital innovation across the region and beyond," ADB President Masato Kanda said last month. He added, "ADB's support is also a game-changer for Pakistan, creating quality jobs and underpinning the nations transition toward a more resilient and diversified economy." The World Bank had earlier announced $40 billion aid for Pakistan over the next 10 years (2026 to 2035) under its newly-introduced 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF). This is beyond the money already pledged or disbursed under various schemes. In July, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Trump for the historic trade agreement reached between the two nations. Taking to the social media, Sharif wrote, I wish to convey my profound thanks to President Trump @realDonaldTrump for his leadership role in finalization of the historic U.S.-Pakistan trade agreement, successfully concluded by our two sides in Washington, last night. All these factors appear to have weighed on China to withdraw from the ML-1 project. In effect, the Chinese strategy may be that while it continues with its military and diplomatic presence in Pakistan, just in case there is conflict with India later, it engages with India more in terms of economics, and to sort out the border issues. Pakistan may feel that economically, it is better to shift westwards, thanks to huge promises from the US and multilateral agencies, and rely on China in other issues as a counter to India, and its tight alliance with Russia. he Government of Bangladesh has decided to export 1,200 metric tonnes of hilsa to India ahead of Durga Puja, the largest annual festival of the Hindu community. Bangladeshs decision comes as a goodwill gesture to mark the upcoming festive season and reinforce bilateral ties with India. Bangladesh just decided to export the quintessential fish to India ahead of the festival season, as a mark of enduring Bangladesh-India friendship, M Riaz Hamidullah, Bangladeshs High Commissioner to India, said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). As part of the process, Bangladeshs Commerce Ministry has invited applications from interested exporters, setting September 11 as the deadline. The Government has also fixed the minimum export price at $12.5 per kilogram. Last year, Bangladesh allowed the export of 3,000 tonnes of Hilsa to India during Durga Puja. This years allocation, however, has been reduced to less than half of that amount. The decision reflects the high demand for hilsa in West Bengal during Puja season, where the fish is deeply woven into the regions cultural and culinary traditions. Often referred to as the King of Fish in Bengal, hilsa holds immense economic and symbolic significance in Bangladesh. Due to its popularity and limited supply, the Bangladeshi Government maintains tight control over its export to ensure adequate domestic availability and sustainable harvesting. The hilsa export will be conducted under specific conditions, including approvals for selected exporters, a fixed quantity cap, and a defined timeframe, officials said. A separatist group has claimed responsibility for a roadside bomb attack that detonated in southwestern Cameroon, killing seven soldiers. The attack happened Friday morning near the town of Malende, according to local media. The Fako Unity Warriors, an English-speaking separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack late on Friday. The Cameroon News Agency reported that seven soldiers were killed. Government forces had been on patrol in the area in recent weeks, searching for improvised explosive devices, the agency said. The Cameroonian military has not officially commented on the attack and did not respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. Cameroons western regions have been plagued by fighting since English-speaking separatists launched a rebellion in 2017 with the stated goal of breaking away from the French-speaking majority. They aim to establish an independent English-speaking state in the west of the country. The tensions, which began with peaceful protests organised by lawyers and teachers, turned deadly nearly a decade ago following a government crackdown. The government has accused the separatists of committing atrocities against civilians. The conflict has killed more than 6,000 people and displaced over 600,000 others, according to the International Crisis Group, a think tank. Though the number of deadly attacks by the separatists has decreased in recent years, the conflict shows no signs of resolution. Peace talks with international mediators have stalled, with both sides accusing each other of acting in bad faith. The attack on Friday was yet another reminder that resolving this conflict requires more than a militaristic approach. Genuine negotiations with third-party assistance are needed, Christopher Fomunyoh, senior associate for Africa at the National Democratic Institute in Washington, said. Fomunyoh said the conflict might escalate further in the lead-up to Cameroons presidential election on October 12. The last election in 2018 was marked by deadly violence in the English-speaking regions, as separatist tried to disrupt voting. Fridays attack came on the same day that US federal law enforcement officials in Minnesota indicted two separatist leaders, both naturalised US citizens. According to the indictment, the two commanders of the Ambazonia Defense Forces financed and ordered fighters in Cameroon to carry out bombings, killings and kidnappings while living in the United States. Five people were killed when a rescue boat carrying flood victims capsized in the Punjab province of Pakistan, an official said on Sunday. The incident took place on Saturday evening in Jalalpur Pirwala in the Multan district, around 350 km from Lahore. Floods have wreaked havoc in Pakistan, with over 900 people being killed in rain and flood-related incidents across the country since late June. Punjabs Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Ali Kathia told a press conference here that around 30 flood victims were on board when the rescue boat overturned due to strong water currents. Five people a woman and four children drowned as they were without life jackets, while the others were rescued. We have launched over 25,000 successful boat rescue operations since the start of floods in Punjab on August 23, and this is the first unfortunate incident of boat capsizing (that has) happened, he said. An inquiry has been launched to probe why life jackets were not available for all flood victims being rescued on the boat in question, he added. Kathia said both official and private rescue boats must not be overloaded under any circumstances and should be equipped with the required life jackets. Punjab province, with a population of 130 million people, has been witnessing torrential rainfall since mid-August, resulting in almost all rivers and tributaries flowing over danger levels. Kathia said the death toll related to floods in the province has climbed to 56 since August 23, and added that 4.1 million people have been affected by the floods. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 907 people have lost their lives and 1,044 others have been injured so far in rain and flood-related incidents across the country since late June. In a report, it said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported the highest number of fatalities with 502 deaths and 218 injuries. In Punjab, 223 people were killed and 654 injured, while Sindh recorded 58 deaths and 78 injuries during the monsoon season. Balochistan reported 26 deaths, while the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) recorded 41 deaths and 52 injuries due to rains, flash floods, and landslides. In addition, 38 deaths were reported in PoK and nine in Islamabad. The NDMA says 6,180 livestock perished and 7,848 houses were damaged in rain and flood-related incidents. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Water Resources notified that India has alerted Pakistan about recording high level floods downstream at Harike and Ferozpur in the Sutlej River. According to the notification, the data was recorded at 8 am on Sunday. It is expected that the flow of water in the River Sutlej will be affected following the alert. In a landmark move for community finance and regional development, local social enterprise, North West Business Complex has successfully completed the first-ever corporate lending agreement in the North West with Waterside Credit Union. This pioneering partnership marks a significant milestone in the North Wests economic landscape, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainable growth and local wealth retention. The agreement supports North West Business Complexs ambitious expansion plans across the City, enabling increased investment in infrastructure, innovation, and job creation. It also represents a key action within the North West Community Wealth Building Partnership Action Plan, an initiative designed to ensure that economic benefits are rooted in and reinvested within local communities. This is more than a financial agreement, its a statement about the power of place-based collaboration and the importance of keeping wealth circulating locally, said Charlie Kennedy, Board Member at North West Business Complex. Partnering with Waterside Credit Union demonstrates that community-based finance can play a central role in driving regional prosperity. READ NEXT: From horse box to high street: Causeway Bowls expands with Go Succeed support Waterside Credit Union echoed the sentiment, highlighting the transformative potential of credit unions in corporate lending. Were proud to be part of this first of its kind initiative, said Roisin OReilly, Chief Executive at Waterside Credit Union. It shows that credit unions are not only for individuals, but they can also be strategic partners for social enterprises committed to community focused growth. Pictured at the launch of the enterprise partnership between the Waterside Credit Union and the North West Business Complex at Skeoge were, from left, Dearbhla Dobbins, Waterside Credit Union marketing, Charlie Kennedy, Director, North West Business Complex, Roisin O'Reilly, CEO, Waterside Credit Union, Brian O'Neill, North West Community Wealth Building Partnership, and Shona Meehan, Waterside Credit Union marketing. (Photos: Keith Moore/nwpresspics) Celebrating the milestone, Co-Chair of the North West Community Wealth Building Partnership, Brian ONeill, shared: This social finance agreement between Waterside Credit Union and the successful North West Business Complex marks an important step forward in our mission to build inclusive, resilient economies rooted in community ownership and driven by local enterprises across the North West. "This investment from the Waterside Credit Union will allow the North West Business Complex to advance their growth plans and create jobs in local communities and support the long-term prosperity of the North West. Its a model that other regions may soon look to replicate. A Coleraine-based entrepreneur has ambitions to take her burgeoning business to the next level after receiving vital support from Northern Irelands free enterprise service, Go Succeed. Ciara McKenna, a full-time housing officer, wife, and mother of two, opened Causeway Bowls last October already now the towns go-to spot for acai bowls and coffee. Since opening, the cafe has attracted a loyal customer base, and Ciara now has plans to expand into a larger premises with outdoor seating and hot food in the future. Reflecting on her journey, Ciara said: I first caught the entrepreneurial bug during Covid, when my fiance and I converted a horse box into a mobile coffee van. It was a fantastic experience and gave us a taste of running our own business, but when demand slowed as people went back to work, I went back to focusing on my career and family life. Still, I felt like I wanted more. Ive always been a risk-taker, so when I spotted a premises available to rent beside the local leisure centre, my fiance wasnt surprised when we put in an offer the next day. Thats when Causeway Bowls was born. As a mum, Ciara says her biggest motivation has been to show her children that its okay to dream big and take risks. Starting a business can be daunting, and its easy to let fear hold you back. But I wanted to teach my girls that you should feel the fear and do it anyway. If it doesnt work out, at least you tried - and that resilience and courage is something I want to pass on to them. My 17-year-old daughter works in the shop part-time and helps me manage our social media, while my 14-year-old and my fiances 12-year-old also loves to come in and get involved whenever they can. Its wonderful to see them take pride in the business and learn what running a business really entails. Ciara credits much of her success so far to the support she has received from Go Succeeds Start programme, which provided her with mentoring and funding advice to get her business off the ground. The support Ive had from Go Succeed has been invaluable, and I cant thank my mentors enough. They helped me put together a comprehensive business plan, which enabled me to secure government funding to get started. Another mentor even guided me through building my website. Now that the cafe is up and running, Go Succeed is still supporting me - helping me adapt that plan so I can apply for further funding to grow the business. Go Succeed is delivered through each of Northern Irelands 11 local councils. Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan said: Ciara is a prime example of what happens when you combine entrepreneurial talent, courage and, above all, hard work. To set up a business whilst working full-time, as well as being a wife and a mother, is testament to the determination and resilience of people here in Causeway Coast and Glens. Im very proud that we have women like Ciara in our community and that we can provide access to business support services like Go Succeed to help people achieve their dreams. Go Succeed (go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government. The service supports entrepreneurs, start-ups, and established businesses with accessible advice and guidance, including mentoring, peer networks, access to grant funding, and business planning support at every stage of their growth journey. Participants also benefit from exclusive access to the Go Succeed Members Area, offering business templates, bitesize tutorials, and more. A popular restaurant in a County Derry village has been burgled. Dawsons Restaurant in the Main Street area of the Castledawson was broken into and burgled in the early hours of Sunday morning. The restaurant shared the news of the break in on Facebook saying how disappointed they are that this has happened and wanted to give local businesses and residents a heads up. The post stated four males broke into the property and stole several items. A spokesperson for the restaurant explained what happened and thanked police and community for their help. They walked up past the Chinese and The Inn and proceeded to break into our building and steal a number of items. With the help of a close by business and the police, these individuals were successfully identified and we have been provided with their names and photographs of all involved. As of today we have installed additional CCTV, new locks and other additional security measures. We have been in this wonderful town for 8 years and nothing like this has ever happened. It's a sad day that we have to say this but please please be vigilant and ensure your businesses and homes are well secured and safe. We assume we have enough evidence already however if you happen to have dashcam footage around 1.30am last night which includes 4 hooded individuals or if anyone has any CCTV or doorbell footage please have a look and share it with us as every little really does help! A huge thank you to those who helped, please feel free to share and please look out for each other! Police are appealing for information following a report of burglary at a business. Sergeant Law said: At around 1:45am on Sunday 7 September, it was reported to police that entry had been gained to a restaurant in the area. It was reported that four males entered the premises and a quantity of alcohol was taken during the incident. One young male was later cautioned by police in relation to the incident, as enquiries are continuing. Police would appeal to anyone with any information to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 139 07/09/25. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/. A judicial review by a Derry schoolgirl challenging Education Minister Paul Givans allocation of Raising Achievement in Integrated Schools and Education (RAISE) Programme funding, will begin at the High Court in Belfast this morning. The RAISE Programme is an initiative which aims to raise achievement and reduce educational disadvantage. The girl is one of two young people challenging the selection methodology used by the Department of Education and the Minister of Education to identify localities and specific Super Output Areas in which to operate the RAISE Programme. They are also challenging the methodology used for the selection of RAISE Cross-Cutting Initiatives and the criteria used for determining which schools ought to be eligible for inclusion under the RAISE Cross-Cutting Initiatives. discrimination Their legal team will argued the RAISE Programmes criteria discriminate against girls and Catholics. Nichola Harte, solicitor, acting for the two child applicants, said: "This is an important legal challenge for all school children and across all areas of Northern Ireland. The purpose of the challenge is to ensure transparency in the selection process for funding purposes. Schools in Northern Ireland are in financial crisis at both primary and secondary levels. Any allocation of resources under the RAISE program must be fair, transparent. The High Court granted leave for careful judicial scrutiny of the methodology of the program is lawful." The two applicants are represented by solicitors Nichola Harte of Harte Coyle Collins, Solicitors & Advocates, Belfast, with senior barrister Karen Quinlivan KC and junior barrister Aidan McGowan BL. When police responded to a report of an unconscious female at an address they discovered a woman who was on bail and so she was in breach of her conditions. Amy Tracey (37) of Rosses Gate in Derry appeared charged with breaching her bail by being in possession of class C drugs and also being in breach of curfew. She was also said to have breached the conditions for having to attend her GP. A police officer said Tracey had 20 previous convictions and he believed she could not abide by any conditions. Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said his client had 'a huge problem with drugs' but she had engaged with her GP and was on a waiting list for other assistance. READ NEXT: More than 200 waterside homes approved The solicitor said that Tracey could well end up as another drug statistic if she was not careful. The defendant was granted bail on condition she observe a curfew, report to police three times a week and refrain from all illegal drugs. She will appear again on October 3. A man who had 'major distrust' of social services has received a suspended sentence for harassment of social worker. Vernon Kee (54) of Actamullan Road in Castlederg had been convicted of harassment on dates between April 9 and April 24 last year. The court heard that over that period of time Kee sent messages to a social worker including 'i have done my research I know where you live' and 'I'll get you done'. When interviewed Kee admitted speaking to the injured party but denied threats. A defence barrister said that Kee had not accepted his guilt in a pre-sentence report and displayed a mistrust of Social Services. He said that the defendant had made a statement against a social worker. The barrister said that the defendant was intending to return to Donegal in the near future and would have no further contact with Social Services. District Judge Conor Heaney said he was satisfied of the guilt of the accused and added it was 'considerable cause of concern' Kee's attitude towards Social Services. READ NEXT: Maghera stands united against Israels Genocide Kee was given a three month suspended sentence for a period of two years and ordered to pay compensation of 250 to his victim. The understanding of palliative care in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is ahead of other countries, according to a new study. But the knowledge about end-of-life care was better south of the border compared to the north, the survey indicated. A study carried out by Queens University Belfast on behalf of the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) aimed to measure death literacy across the island of Ireland. Death literacy is defined as the knowledge and skills that people need to make it possible to gain access to, understand, and make informed choices about end-of-life and death care options. Between November 2024 and March 2025, over 400 people across the island took part in an online survey on services and supports for death, dying, and bereavement. The results of the survey indicate that the island of Ireland surpasses other countries in its knowledge about end-of-life care options, but that gaps remain in local communities about the services available. The survey gave a score of 68.1% to those on the island of Ireland, which compares to 47.6% in the UK, 51.5% in Belgium, 57.2% in the Netherlands, and 61.2% in Australia. The study also indicated that knowledge in the Republic of Ireland (75.8%) is ahead of Northern Ireland (67.5%). The area of support in my community received the lowest score of 60.4%, with people lacking in knowledge about the services and supports for individuals with serious progressive illnesses, those nearing the end of their lives, people caring for a dying person, and those grieving. The survey also found that nearly one in three people (27.7%) overestimated their knowledge, and also that the vast majority of people (83.7%) expressed a desire to improve their knowledge. Chief executive of AIIHPC Karen Charnley said: The research clearly shows that not everyone is aware of the benefits of accessing palliative care services and supports in their communities or making decisions about their own future care and that of those close to them. This is why our awareness campaign is so important each year. Its also why we highlight the lived experience and personal stories of those who have accessed palliative care and the variety of events taking place throughout the island during the week a marked increase on previous years, with over 100 events planned. But really the first step is one we can all take simply speaking to our GPs and other health care providers to help us become better informed and close the knowledge gap, particularly around what services and supports are available in our local areas now and for our future needs. Stephanie Crawford, researcher at Queens University Belfast, said the study offers crucial insights into death literacy across the island of Ireland. By identifying specific knowledge gaps, particularly around community support, we hope this research will enable a more precise and effective targeting of palliative care services, ultimately benefiting more individuals and families. Irish premier Micheal Martin said that access to vital services at critical times is a fundamental right. We must bridge the knowledge gap, ensuring every individual is aware of and can readily access the support and care they need, when they need it most, the Taoiseach said. This is about empowering our communities and ensuring no one is left behind. The Northern Ireland Executives Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: By raising awareness about palliative care and empowering individuals to make informed choices, we can ensure more people can access the vital support they need in their communities. Dr Feargal Twomey, a palliative medicine consultant and National Clinical Lead for Palliative Care, encouraged all citizens and healthcare workers to speak about death and dying. Though this study reports high levels of death literacy in Ireland, there is no guarantee that this necessarily translates to each person with a serious illness receiving the palliative care that they need. For many of the public and the staff working in our healthcare services, the term palliative care is often only associated with death and dying, and not also with enabling people to live as well as they can for as long as possible. I encourage the public and all healthcare professionals to ask, talk and speak up about palliative care so that our patients and their families can receive the right palliative care, in the right place, and at the right time, as soon as they need it. The publication of the research coincides with Palliative Care Week 2025, which runs from September 7-13. This years campaign, Living for Today, Planning for Tomorrow, highlights how palliative care helps people with life-limiting illnesses to live to the best of their abilities. More than half of 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland have experienced illegal or harmful behaviours on social media, new research has suggested. The 2025 Northern Ireland Young Life and Times (YLT) survey said the most common behaviours experienced were the posting or sharing of offensive, indecent or obscene material, sharing material without consent and online stalking. The report said these behaviours were experienced by at least one in five young respondents. The study suggested young women were more likely to have experienced these behaviours, as well as same-sex attracted young people, those with a disability or long-term illness, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. While more than one in four young people said the perpetrator was a stranger, more than two-thirds identified the perpetrators as known to them offline, including friends/classmates (29%), another young person (17%), an ex-girlfriend/boyfriend (15%), a current girlfriend/boyfriend (2%), a family member (2%) or another adult (2%). The research also found that more than three-quarters of respondents spent at least three hours on average a day on social media whilst three in 10 spent six hours or more. Females tended to spend more time on social media than their male counterparts. The survey also found a relationship between the time respondents spent on social media each day and poorer mental health. The research was led by Professor Michelle Butler, Professor Dirk Schubotz and Dr Martina McKnight from the school of social sciences, education and social work at Queens University Belfast, with support from the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland. Prof Butler said: This is the first time the Young Life and Times survey has asked 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland about their experience of illegal and/or harmful behaviours on social media. Based on the findings, social media companies need to consider how the features of their apps may facilitate illegal and/or harmful behaviours, and we need to tackle perceptions that it is normal for people to engage in such behaviours. More research is also required to understand the relationship between these experiences and a persons mental health and wellbeing. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said he was deeply committed to ensuring that our children and young people are safe, supported and empowered in the digital world. He added: The Screens, Safety and Social Media report offers a powerful insight into the lived experiences of young people online, highlighting both the opportunities and the risks they face. We must listen, reflect and act. Online safety is not the responsibility of one group. Its a shared mission. Together, we can shape a safer, kinder digital world in which every child can thrive. Justice Minister Naomi Long said the research would provide a unique perspective through the voices of young people. She said: Online service providers must ensure their reporting mechanisms are transparent, easily accessible and taken seriously, with concerns handled promptly and sensitively. Equally important is the need to educate and empower children and young people. The report used data from the Kids Life and Times (KLT) and YLT surveys to explore children and young peoples use of the internet and social media. The KLT and YLT surveys are part of three annual social attitudinal surveys undertaken by ARK, a social policy hub a joint initiative between Queens and Ulster University. In 2025, for the first time, the YLT survey asked about experiences of illegal and/or harmful behaviours on social media, with 2,129 young people completing the survey. The report recommends more awareness raising and education in school and at home, the need for more research and greater recognition of how social media experiences may affect mental health and wellbeing, and monitoring of research into adaptive artificial intelligence (AI) generated algorithms. Professor Sir Ian Greer, president and vice-chancellor of Queens, said: This important research highlights the crucial role Queens researchers play in addressing some of the most pressing issues facing society today. By giving our young people a voice to express their experiences on social media, the findings provide valuable evidence to inform policy, practice and regulation in this space to ensure their safety going forward. Prof Schubotz said: The YLT survey was established to help those working with and on behalf of young people gain better insights into young peoples lives, and to inform policy interventions and programmes for young people. Social media has become a significant part of how young people spend their time and how they communicate with each other. Our research shows that this comes with risks that should not be ignored. I hope the YLT survey results go a long way to encourage meaningful and respectful conversations with young people about what sensible levels of engagement with social media look like, and how they can protect themselves from risks and harm. Bernie McNally, independent chairwoman of the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland, said more needed to be done to protect young people online. She said: We need stronger, enforceable regulation and online platforms must be held fully accountable for the environments they create. The research report is published after the UK Online Safety Act came into effect in July, requiring online providers to ensure that users, particularly children and young people, are protected from accessing harmful content online. A 39-year-old man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with the murder of Christopher Chrissy Burns in Co Armagh. Mr Burns, 40, was originally from the Warrenpoint area in Co Down. His body was found in the Cusher Green area of Mountnorris last Thursday morning with serious head and facial injuries. Aaron McAnulty, also from Cusher Green, appeared before a district judge in Newry Magistrates Court on Monday charged with the murder of Mr Burns. The accused spoke briefly at the outset of the hearing to confirm his name, date of birth and that he understood the charge. A PSNI detective sergeant told judge Eamonn King that she was aware of the facts and circumstances of the case and could connect McAnulty to the charge. A lawyer representing the accused raised no issue with basis upon which the officer was connecting his client to the murder charge. He also said no application for bail would be made. Judge King remanded McAnulty into custody to appear before Armagh Magistrates Court via videolink on September 30. First Minister Michelle ONeill will not attend a banquet at Windsor Castle during US President Donald Trumps state visit to the UK this month, MLAs have been told. However, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly told the Northern Ireland Assembly that she would be at the event because that is what leadership is about. Sinn Fein vice president Ms ONeill also stayed away from the events last year attended by the DUPs Ms Little-Pengelly in the White House on St Patricks Day in protest at Mr Trumps stance on the conflict in Gaza. Answering questions in the Assembly, Ms Little-Pengelly was asked about the presidents visit to the UK and what opportunities it presented for Northern Ireland. She told MLAs: President Trumps unprecedented second state visit to the UK is an opportunity to showcase Northern Irelands strengths and build relationships with the president and his team and boost trade and investment. Using the visit to build personal ties is particularly important given the UK-US economic prosperity deal and ongoing uncertainty around tariffs. I have an opportunity to personally participate in the state banquet at Windsor Castle on 17th September which is being hosted by His Majesty the King in honour of the President of the United States and the First Lady. As with all engagements I will use this event to promote Northern Ireland as a great place to work, invest and visit and remind the president about our unique connection to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. She added: It is vital to many businesses and communities across Northern Ireland that we not only reaffirm our unique position to the president, but cultivate a constructive relationship with the administration. One that supports our exporters as well as encouraging investment. DUP MLA David Brooks asked if Ms ONeill would also be attending the banquet. He said: There has scarcely been a more important time to engage with the president of the United States. The deputy First Minister had to step up on St Patricks Day last year whenever the First Minister decided not to show leadership. Ms Little-Pengelly said: At this stage the First Minister will not be attending the state banquet with President Trump. I engage with people, politicians, leaders, from all different political opinion. This isnt about what I personally feel about them, it is not even about what my view is about their political opinion, it is about me being in this role and stepping up and showing that leadership and engaging with people where there is a particular interest and importance for Northern Ireland. I do believe that is what leadership is all about. I wont be found wanting in terms of stepping forward. She added: These are unique and fantastic opportunities to engage not just with the president but the entire team he brings with him. SDLP opposition leader Matthew OToole said that engagement with the president cannot be a value-free engagement. He added: Donald Trump was found liable in a New York court by a jury of sexually assaulting a woman and there have been numerous other allegations against him. The deputy First Minister said: I will engage with the President of the United States because of the role that he holds. The US is incredibly important for Northern Ireland. 3-year campaign aims to curb illegal bird hunting 11:19, September 08, 2025 By HOU LIQIANG ( China Daily A number of migratory bird species have been spotted in the national natural reserve on the west side of Dongting Lake in Hanshou county, Hunan province. [Photo by Zhou Guohua/For chinadaily.com.cn] In a concerted effort to bolster bird conservation, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, alongside 16 other national government bodies, has initiated a comprehensive three-year campaign aimed at curbing illegal bird hunting and trafficking. The campaign, the launch of which coincides with the start of the southward migration of migratory birds in China that usually runs from September to November, will focus on three key initiatives: enhancing bird protection, cracking down on illegal activities, and promoting public education, according to a media release from the administration. As a key measure for the bird protection initiative, relevant authorities will beef up field patrols and monitoring, particularly in the four migratory bird flyways passing through China and 1,140 key areas with frequent bird activities across the country, the administration stated. "Responsible agencies will be designated to ensure effective patrolling, strictly preventing illegal bird netting and hunting, as well as habitat destruction," it said. It noted further enhancement of the country's network for bird protection monitoring as another priority of the initiative, with the monitoring of wintering waterbirds as a focus. Measures will also be rolled out to restore and transform key bird habitats, the release added. As part of the initiative to combat illegal activities, law enforcement officers will conduct more rapid operations against bird poaching and trafficking, with a primary focus on organized crime syndicates and illegal activities involving nationally protected bird species, the administration said. The initiative seeks to dismantle numerous criminal groups, and eliminate bird netting and other illegal hunting activities along migratory bird flyways and in areas where birds frequently appear, it emphasized. Additionally, a series of high-profile cases will be publicly exposed to serve as a strong deterrent. The release also highlighted the initiative's intensified cross-departmental collaboration, stating that joint inspections and law enforcement operations will be conducted. The joint operations will primarily focus on spontaneously formed bird trading hubs, it noted. Additionally, online trading platforms will be urged to conduct self-inspections to eliminate the possibility of illegal bird sales. China is home to 1,505 bird species, representing about one-sixth of the world's total, making it one of the countries with the richest bird resources globally, according to the administration. Of these species, over 800 are migratory. Four of the world's nine major migratory bird flyways pass through China, encompassing nearly all of the country's land and sea territories. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The reopening of a road in Belfast City Centre after almost a year will help to ease traffic ahead of Christmas, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has said. Durham Street will reopen in November, following months of road improvement works outside Belfasts Grand Central Station. The busy street is a major transport link beside the station and is set to accommodate two-way traffic upon completion of the works. The minister said during the first anniversary celebrations of the station that the road closure has caused a challenge for drivers right across the city. She said: We are hoping to see the reopening of Durham Street which has been a major challenge right across the city and we recognise that. Its due to open towards the end of November and we will have communications in relation to that well in advance to make sure the wider community are aware of those changes. We will also be putting in place extended bus lane operations, ensuring that taxis will continue to use the bus lanes and lots of other things which we will be communicating in the coming weeks. Grand Central Station opened last year as part of a 340 million project to improve transport and infrastructure. Ms Kimmins said the station has seen a 40% increase in passengers over the last year. She added: Its absolutely fantastic and theres so much more to come. I think its exciting to see it completed and its great for the city but its also great for the whole of the north. During the visit to Grand Central Station, Ms Kimmins also referenced her controversial decision to approve the go-ahead to install Irish language signs throughout the station. This decision sparked backlash from unionist ministers who said that should have been raised with the Executive. A judge has granted leave for a judicial review into the decision after a legal challenge from loyalist activist Jamie Bryson. DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has also joined the ongoing legal action against the decision from the Sinn Fein Infrastructure minister. Ahead of the legal proceedings which are expected to take place this month Ms Kimmins has said that she stands by her decision. I think its disappointing that this has happened but because there are legal proceedings there is very little that I can say about it, but I hope that we can see a positive resolution and move ahead, she said. This is a transport hub for everybody and when people arrive here I think that should be reflective of that. I think that its important that all cultures on this island are reflected everywhere we go and the Executive is making huge strides in relation to the promotion and visibility of Irish language and I think that its incumbent in all of us to do what we can to ensure that that culture and that heritage on our island is reflected and visible, and I am committed to continuing to do that. The planned 150,000 project to install the signs has been paused pending the outcome of the legal challenge. 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. AI computing power reshapes global optoelectronics: 5,000 companies converge in Shenzhen for CIOE and SEMI-e shows The 26th China International Optoelectronic Exposition (CIOE) will take place September 1012, 2025, at the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center, alongside the International Semiconductor Exhibition & IC Industry Innovation Expo 2025 (SEMI-e). DIGITIMES will provide on-the-ground coverage in Shenzhen, with simultaneous English reporting on DIGITIMES Asia. CIOE, regarded as a global benchmark for the optoelectronics industry, is bringing together more than 3,800 companies worldwide. Exhibits span core sectors including optical communications, precision optics, lasers, and smart manufacturing, AR/VR, intelligent sensing, advanced displays, and photonics innovation. The event covers the full supply chain, from core materials and critical equipment to system-level solutions. SEMI-e highlights semiconductor integration Running alongside CIOE, SEMI-e is co-hosted by the Integrated Circuit Innovation Alliance and spotlights three themes: IC design and applications, IC manufacturing and supply chains, and compound semiconductors. Together, the two exhibitions are drawing more than 5,000 companies and an estimated 160,000 industry professionals. The combined "photonics plus semiconductors" format is designed to spur broader innovation and collaboration, organizers say. AI drives optical innovation CIOE organizers noted that AI computing power is accelerating adoption in optical communications, with 800G entering large-scale deployment and 1.6T nearing maturity. CPO/LPO and silicon photonics are moving toward commercial scale. AR and VR are advancing with pancake optics and waveguide technology, while the laser sector is shifting to smart manufacturing with high-power, short-pulse technologies and AI-enabled automation. Infrared technologies are expanding into civilian markets with smaller, more integrated detectors, while multi-sensor fusion and solid-state LiDAR are fueling growth in humanoid robotics and vision systems. In displays, Mini LED continues to dominate premium markets, Micro LED is emerging as the preferred option for VR/MR devices, and OLED penetration is climbing in foldable phones. Eight halls showcase complete value chain This year's CIOE spans eight major halls across the optoelectronics value chain, including ICT, precision optics, imaging, AR/VR, laser technology and smart manufacturing, infrared, intelligent sensing, new display technologies, and photonics innovation. Ten specialized areas cover automotive optical communications, humanoid robotics, laser medical systems, endoscopic imaging, and astronomical optics. Dedicated showcases include the International Photonics Executive Committee (IPEC) Pavilion to strengthen global cooperation, a sapphire processing zone for optoelectronics and consumer electronics, an optical molding and aspherical lens area, and a laser welding section featuring advanced equipment for automotive and electronics production. Research institutions join industry dialogue The exhibitions extend beyond commercial showcases to foster critical connections between industry, academia, and government. More than 20 leading research institutions will demonstrate China's advancing capabilities in photonics research and development, while over 90 forums and conferences create platforms for knowledge exchange. Key sessions will explore optical communications in the AI era and breakthrough photonics technologies that are reshaping global markets. International collaboration takes center stage through partnerships with Yole Group, the European Photonics Industry Consortium, and the ePIXfab Silicon Photonics Alliance. These collaborations will illuminate critical topics, including silicon photonics development, infrared imaging applications, and the strategic convergence of photonics and semiconductor technologies. The prestigious Global Optical Congress (OGC), recognized as a leading academic conference in the field, will also convene during the event. The "Photonics + Applications Forum" represents a unique opportunity for direct engagement between downstream application companies and optoelectronics suppliers. Discussion topics will encompass emerging trends such as in-vehicle optical communications, automotive vision systems, AR glasses technology, Mini/Micro LED innovations, and humanoid robotics applications, ensuring that cutting-edge technologies align effectively with commercial deployment strategies. Article edited by Jerry Chen Weekly news roundup: Rapidus 2nm matches TSMC density and outpaces Intel; TSMC to hike chip prices up to 10% in 2026 These are the most-read DIGITIMES Asia stories from the week of September 1September 7. Rapidus 2nm chip matches TSMC's logic density, outpaces Intel in performance Rapidus is racing ahead in the chipmaking contest with its upcoming 2nm process, dubbed "2HP," which analysts say rivals TSMC's N2 in transistor density and outpaces Intel's 18A. Early specs show Rapidus hitting 237.31 million transistors per square millimeter, edging TSMC's 236.17 million and leaving Intel's 184.21 million behind. The Japanese firm has already taped out a gate-all-around test chip using ASML's EUV tools, meeting key electrical targets, and is preparing its IIM-1 fab for volume output by 2027, with capacity expected to reach 25,000 wafers per month. TSMC to raise foundry prices by 5-10% across advanced nodes in 2026 TSMC is planning to raise the prices of its advanced foundry services in 2026. According to industry sources, the price increase could range from 5% to 10%, with the exact amount varying based on the type of chip and customer. Chips for high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to see the highest price hikes at around 10%. While TSMC has not officially confirmed the price adjustments, company officials have previously hinted at the need to address rising costs and supply chain challenges. Exclusive: Apple pushes automation, leaving suppliers to foot the bill Apple is ramping up automation across its supply chain as it moves production out of China and prepares for higher costs linked to US tariffs. Beginning in 2025, the company will require suppliers to invest in their own robotics and automation systems as a condition for receiving new orders. The policy covers all major product lines, from iPhones to Macs, and is designed to reduce reliance on labor while boosting efficiency at factories in India and Vietnam. Although the strategy is driving up costs and pressuring supplier margins in the short term, Apple believes automation will eventually cut expenses and guarantee consistent quality. Exclusive: NAND flash rally gains steam with SanDisk's 10% price hike SanDisk is raising prices on NAND flash products by 10% starting Sept. 4, marking the company's second increase this year as demand from AI servers and enterprise storage tightens supply. The move, which covers all consumer and channel products, signals the start of a broader rally that analysts expect other major chipmakers will follow. Spot market data shows smaller-capacity NAND chips like 256GB and below are already seeing sharp price hikes, while oversupply in 1TB devices has weighed on larger formats. Samsung reportedly restarts investment in Taylor fab; Tesla chip mass production timeline revealed Samsung Electronics is reviving its long-delayed semiconductor project in Taylor, Texas, committing nearly US$2.9 billion in equipment investment after securing a major contract with Tesla. The company plans to dispatch engineers in September and November to set up production lines, with mass production of Tesla's AI chips expected by late 2026 or early 2027. Industry experts say stabilizing 3nm and 2nm processes will be key milestones for the plant, which had previously stalled due to customer uncertainty and economic headwinds. China's YMTC moves into DRAM, teams with CXMT to target HBM market China's top NAND producer, Yangtze Memory Technologies (YMTC), is making a push into the DRAM market, part of Beijing's broader bid to challenge global leaders in advanced memory. The company is preparing to invest in DRAM equipment by late 2025 and is in talks with domestic DRAM maker ChangXin Memory Technologies on a partnership targeting high-bandwidth memory, or HBM. CXMT has already mass-produced HBM2, while YMTC is expected to bring expertise in hybrid bonding, a chip-stacking process seen as critical for future HBM development. Analysts say the tie-up could help China close the technology gap with South Korea's Samsung and SK Hynix faster than expected. Alibaba denies massive Cambricon chip order Alibaba is reportedly advancing its AI chip strategy as supply chain pressures increase, with reports indicating its next-generation processor is under testing and designed to work with Nvidia products. Some Chinese outlets said production may shift from TSMC to a domestic foundry, but Alibaba has not confirmed. Meanwhile, speculation that the company placed an urgent order for 150,000 MLU370 chips from Cambricon Technologies was reportedly denied by Alibaba Cloud, which said no such purchase was made. Article edited by Jack Wu ASML's rise and Intel's decline retold in new book on lithography battles Marc Hijink, a technology reporter at Dutch daily NRC, has released "The ASML Way", a book that explores how the Dutch lithography champion rose to dominate semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The Mandarin edition, just published in Taiwan and updated with developments through early 2025, underscores ASML's central role in the industry's fiercest battleground: next-generation lithography. Competition reshaped by risk and collaboration Hijink argues that ASML's rise was defined less by corporate slogans than by its ability to build trust with suppliers and customers. Starting with only a few dozen engineers and no established supply chain, the company had to cultivate long-term partnershipsmost notably with optics specialist Zeissand create an unusually open ecosystem that even shared intellectual property. Unlike Philips, its former parent, ASML took its cues from customers in Asia who were willing to push the limits of new tools. This risk-taking, combined with constant co-development and rapid iteration, helped the company win business from Samsung and TSMC at a time when Intel's dominance was waning. ASML's EUV push shifts power A turning point came in 2013 with "Project Buccaneer," ASML's plan to industrialize extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. It persuaded its three largest customersIntel, TSMC, and Samsungto co-invest. Intel initially sought to control the project, but ASML successfully resisted, ensuring no single customer dominated. From then on, industry roadmaps began to reflect the needs of TSMC and Samsung rather than Intel, a decisive shift in global market leadership. Apple, TSMC, and the EUV breakthrough ASML also played matchmaker in 2013 when Apple was seeking a manufacturing partner independent of Samsung. Recognizing the iPhone as a "killer app" for EUV adoption, ASML helped connect Apple with TSMC. That partnership set the foundation for today's technology stack spanning Apple's custom silicon, TSMC's process leadership, and Nvidia's AI chips. Intel's uphill climb Hijink devotes particular attention to Intel's difficulties. Its traditional "copy exact" model, designed to reduce risk by replicating fabs, has left it trailing foundries that thrive on rapid optimization for yield and throughput. To close the gap, Intel must do more than improve technology. It must overhaul its culture, win back customer trust, and adapt to the foundry business model. Complexity, fragility, and folklore Beyond competition, Hijink uses vivid stories to illustrate the industry's fragility. He recounts how methane emissions from Arizona dairy farms once disrupted Intel's Chandler fab, and how a supposed "Indian cemetery" beneath another fab inspired a shaman-led ritual to cure malfunctioning ASML machines. These tales serve to highlight how wafer yields can hinge on factors as mundaneor mysticalas air quality or building foundations. Credit: DIGITIMES From pandemic project to global stage Hijink began following ASML closely in 2011 and deepened his reporting during the pandemic, when travel restrictions turned his attention to Dutch technology firms. An initial one-year observational project for NRC evolved into "The ASML Way" after a publisher recognized its broader relevance. While he stresses he is no spokesman for ASMLhe has published stories the firm dislikedHijink credits the company with unusual openness. "The crazy thing was that they let me inside their way of thinking," he said, noting that access helped him portray not only technology but also corporate culture. Looking ahead Asked about ASML's future competition, Hijink suggested it may come not from another EUV supplier but from the "low end" of the market, where industrializing tools at scale remains a formidable challenge. EUV itself took nearly 15 years to achieve production readiness. Ultimately, Hijink concludes that despite the billions invested and the geopolitics surrounding chips, semiconductor progress still depends on trust, relationships, and an enduring passion for innovation. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe A dog daycare owner, a former Cork mayor and a Donegal construction professional are among those who have asked Kerry councillors to nominate them as presidential candidates. Fourteen people put themselves forward to Kerry County Council on Monday to give an account of themselves. They were asked about various issues including whether they spoke Irish and on their knowledge of the presidents role. In order to get onto the ballot paper in the presidential election, a person needs to be nominated by 20 TDs or Senators, or by four of the 31 councils in Ireland. As the three largest political parties in the Dail have the parliamentarians to nominate a candidate, independents are expected to take the council route to try to become official candidates. At the first council meeting to hear from presidential candidate hopefuls, each person gave a five-minute address before taking part in a 10-minute question and answers session. The first candidate to address the council was Cork businessman William P Allen. It is my lifelong ambition to look for the presidency of Ireland. I saw (former Irish president from 1976-1990) Patrick Hillery years ago and I said Id like to be that man, so Im here this morning. Kerry councillor Jackie Healy-Rae said that of the 14 candidates that were to address the council, just two had contacted him before Mondays address. It makes me question how serious people are when you are seeking that top office, and youre not on the phone, coming to meet councillors, he said, adding that some candidates may want a bit of a platform. Nick Delehanty, 35, who runs a doggy daycare business, said he saw the presidency as access to influence and resources. The presidency is the biggest influencer in the country at a political level and holds the biggest microphone in the country. He said that having a younger person in the role would be different than what has come before and said they should be looking to youth for this role. I dont think 35 is a very young age for anything. Asked how he would approach visits to and from other heads of state, he said we should never ever alienate the American president and said Ireland should be focusing its soft influence on the US. Millionaire businessman Gareth Sheridan, 35, said that appealing to the younger generation and to the Irish diaspora were central themes to his campaign. He said he was frustrated by the decision of Fine Gael to whip its councillors against voting for independent candidates. I dont think it has happened, certainly, in my lifetime, he told Kerry County Council on Monday. Im troubled in the sense that it will create a system where we were as a people will only be able to consider candidates going forward that would come from within the walls of Leinster House. I think its a sentiment that resonates with a lot of people. I think its a dangerous precedent to set, I think some people will agree, some people wont agree, but thats a healthy democracy at the end of the day. Other candidates who addressed the local authority were independent Charlotte Keenan; Limerick assistant principal Donncha MacGabhann; former Cork mayor Kieran McCarthy; and Donegal construction professional Keith McGrory, whose brother Ronan was injured in the Omagh bombing. They also heard from Meath native Lorna McCormack, who said the presidency had to be unifying and to connect with people on the ground, and Cork agricultural adviser Walter Ryan-Purcell. Mathematics lecturer Cora Stack, prominent Iona Institute member Maria Steen, and animal welfare campaigner Gerben Uunk also addressed the council the latter of which told the public representatives that he was in part inspired to come to Ireland after seeing Riverdance during Eurovision. Mr Ryan-Purcell said he had contacted the Israeli government and offered to be a broker between Israel and Hamas, but after several emails it became clear they had no interest in mediation. When Mr McGrory was asked how he would use the presidency to address the housing crisis, he said he would be both President of Ireland and the Governments new housing tsar. Asked by councillor Marie Moloney to name two of the seven people he would appoint to the council of state, Mr MacGabhann said: I would have to say yourself, of course. Fianna Fail councillor Tommy Cahill asked Mr McCarthy and Mr Sheridan about Conor McGregors efforts to try and run for president, adding that he believed it was an insult to the Irish people and the women of Ireland. Mr McCarthy replied that there was a large fear that if McGregor got on the ballot, it would increase centre-right politics across Ireland. I dont see Conor McGregor here today asking for your vote, he said. I can tell you that there are fears in many local councils, including my own, across the country, whether to entertain such individuals, but democracy is democracy as well. Mr Sheridan said he did not believe that the country needed a divisive candidate. If you have a different opinion to somebody, you dont have to automatically hate them. I think its healthy democracy to have different opinions, tease it out, and ultimately, the will of the people makes the decision. Gearoid Duffy, a 61-year-old public servant in a Cork water treatment plant, and Sarah Louise Mulligan, a former Marilyn Monroe impersonator who cited US president Donald Trump as an inspiration, were the last hopefuls to address the council. The council said it would reconvene for a decision on September 15. For their 2025 show, Encore Productions have stitched together a monster piece of theatre. Mary Shelley was only 16 when she wrote her novel Frankenstein a book in which she single handedly invented Science Fiction and created an indestructible story that generations have retold time and time again. But how did she come to write this amazing book and whats the story really about? This unique and ambitious production aims to answer both these questions with passionate stage performances combined with stunning film in terrifying technicolour! With Radical reformers as parents and romantic poets as lovers and friends, Marys young mind was bursting with ideas. Born into an age of revolution in science and society, all the elements were there for an explosive story. Add the spark of her genius and the tale ignited! Therese Baxter plays Mary Shelley, Rodger Zyro is Victor Von Frankenstein while stage veteran Oliver Hanratty- in his last show with Encore in a dazzling career spanning over 20 years- will bring the role of The Creature to life. The rest of the cast combines experience and enthusiasm in equal measure and features Dolores McKeever, Christopher McKevitt, Moninna McCarthy, Jamie Linden, Olivia McGinnity, Paddy Durnin, Mary Frances McAteer, Sandra Shields, Anita Guest, Martin Hanley, Nicki Cormican, Brendan OShea, David Coyle, Aoife Lawless and Alex Tamuyeye. Stage management is by Rachel Tinniswood and Grainne O Hanlon both of whom also act in the production. Frankenstein is Directed by Sandy Sneddon. Frankenstein is the latest in a long line of innovative productions from Encore. Over the last 8 years alone they have tackled Shakespeare twice The Tempest and A Midsummer Nights Dream, brought Brechts Mother Courage and Durrenmatts Visit to the Dundalk Stage and explored Greek theatre with their own piece Aesop. Last year they made a year long journey into the world of Samuel Beckett creating The Beckett List. This show told Becketts life story and introduced audiences to his unique style of theatre. The play was toured, culminating in a performance at The Samuel Beckett Theatre in Trinity College Dublin. 2024 also saw the group featured in a special show on RTEs Nationwide. Encore actors all use RehabCare services in Dundalk and are Community Company in Residence with An Tain Arts Centre in Dundalk. Over the years they have developed a unique process in which they research and explore plays, their authors and styles of theatre then adapt them in a way that both plays to the strengths and adds to the skills of the individual actors within the ensemble. Working with limited physical resources and aiming to keep their shows light enough to tour they use film, light and atmospheric sound design to create an immersive world in which audiences can best enjoy the actors performances. Read Next: Huge turn out for Dundalk Womens Shed pop up coffee morning Frankenstein was funded in part by Creative Ireland and the Arts office of Dundalk Town Council. This enabled the actors to participate in workshops in Voice and Movement with Anthony Kinahan and Fiona Keenan OBrien to further raise the standards of performance. To create the globe trotting canvas of Frankenstein, Dara McKluskey worked with the actors using green screen and CGI techniques to whisk the audience from the drawing rooms of 19th century London, to Geneva and The Orkney Isles via forest and glacier to arrive in flames at the tales final showdown at the North Pole. The funding will also enable the ensemble to take their show on tour to The Hawks Well theatre in Sligo sharing this amazing production with as broad an audience as possible hopefully inspiring other community groups to consider creating their own productions. The show is suitable for all age groups and is guaranteed to educate and entertain. You think you know Frankenstein? Think again! Show venues and times An Tain Theatre Dundalk www.antain.ie Tel 0429332332 Tuesday 30th September, Thursday 2nd October at 8pm Tickets 8.50 (plus 1.50 booking fee) Matinee Wednesday 1st October -11am Tickets 3.50 (plus 1.50 booking fee) Hawks Well Theatre Sligo boxoffice@hawkswell.ie Tel 0719161518 Tuesday 14th October at 1pm Tickets 7 (plus booking fee) Childcare in Louth now costs parents an average of 185.62 a week for one child, with more than 1,400 children on waiting lists, new figures from Pobal show. The National Womens Council (NWC) says the situation highlights the urgent need for Government action and is calling for Budget 2026 to deliver a public childcare system that lowers costs, expands access, and supports women returning to work. Ireland ranks in the top three countries in Europe for childcare costs. Country wide, there are more than 50,000 children under the age of four on waiting lists for places across the country; and thousands more on waiting lists for after-school/school-age childcare. The National Womens Council is now urging the Government to use Budget 2026 to deliver a shift in Irelands early childhood education and care system. This call is supported by over 40 civil society organisations who have come together in the Together for Public Alliance to campaign for a public system of early childhood education and care. In last years Programme for Government, the government promised to cap childcare fees at 200 per month and to begin providing State-run services in communities facing the greatest childcare gaps. But the Womens Council say more than a year on, families, children and educators are still waiting and meaningful progress is yet to be made. Even when the modest State subsidies are taken into account, these fees are completely unsustainable for countless families. In addition, the lack of available places is acting as a major barrier for women to return to work and for their full participation in all aspects of society, they have said. Orla OConnor, Director of The National Womens Council said: Families across the country are under enormous pressure, paying some of the highest childcare costs in Europe. Many are struggling to even secure a place. Our broken childcare system particularly affects women who are forced to make difficult decisions about their careers and lives. The Government has promised to tackle the crisis and must now deliver. Budget 2026 is a unique opportunity to invest in building a public system of early childhood education and care that is affordable for parents, values educators, and supports women and families. We want to see a system where every child who needs a place has access to one, just as children do in the primary school system. Donal Swan, Womens Equality Co-ordinator at the National Womens Council, said: Early childhood education and care should be treated as essential public infrastructure, not a luxury only for those who can afford it. The only way Ireland can meet its own targets and come in line with other EU countries is by moving away from a private, market-led model and building a truly public system. Recent media reports of creche buildings lying idle in new housing estates show a unique opportunity for the State to step in, take these facilities on, and begin delivering childcare directly in the communities that need it most. Read Next: PHOTOS: Glitz and glamour as students at Louth's Bush celebrate debs Specifically, NWC is calling on the Government to invest an additional 300m to: - Reduce costs for families - Expand targeted supports and funding schemes such as Equal Start and AIM - Provide ring-fenced funding for educators wages. They say 30m must be allocated to begin the rollout of publicly delivered childcare services, starting with 50 pilot services in marginalised and underserved communities. Dundalk hosted the European Council of Grandmothers last week. Founded in 2015, the Council is composed of 14 grandmothers and elder women representing 12 European countries. The group meets every nine months in different host nations, with the aim of reviving and sharing ancestral traditions, cultural heritage, and intergenerational wisdom with younger generations. MaryAnne Gosling, Irelands representative on the Council since its inception, and a native of Dundalk, invited her fellow grandmothers to her hometown. MaryAnne, who is also a founding member of the Dundalk Womens Shed, enlisted the support of the Womens Shed to act as local Friends to the visiting Council. READ NEXT: Knockbridge gears up for a spectacular Vintage Rally While the grandmothers held private meetings and visit local sites including St Brigids shrine in Faughart and Newgrange, the highlight of the visit was a two-day public gathering on Saturday and Sunday. Dundalk Credit Union, a great supporter of community projects, offered its premises in Clanbrassil Street Dundalk (the former Houstons Store) for the meetings. The grandmothers shared their ancient wisdom and healing presence to nurture the importance of preserving ancestral wisdom in the context of present-day knowledge, and to create matriarchs within our communities to hold this wisdom. Mary Lou McDonald has officially ruled herself out of the presidential race, citing the need to focus on her current position. Speaking on Morning Ireland on Monday, the Sinn Fein leader said she would not be running in the upcoming election, saying she needs to "lead from the front" while in opposition. Mary Lou said: "There is a real need to get Fianna Fail and Fine Gael out of office, out of government and also to keep them out of the Aras. For me, at this point in time, my effort has to be in respect to holding this government to account daily, building with my Sinn Fein colleagues and with colleagues beyond Sinn Fein a real alternative as and when the next general election occurs." READ NEXT: Irish banks announce brand new instant payment app to rival Revolut She added that the party's process of selecting a candidate is still underway, and that a final proposition will be delivered to members on Saturday, 20 September. However, Mary Lou did not rule out Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill as a potential candidate, saying "everything is in play." McDonald emphasised that "it's important we get the right person into that office" and stated that candidates beyond Fianna Fail and Fine Gael can win the presidency. The party leader went on to say that in the event of Sinn Fein not putting forward a candidate, that Catherine Connolly would have their support. Speaking about Connolly, McDonald said: "Catherine has great experience, she's a very independent-minded person, her commitment to social justice domestically and globally is well established and admirable." It is balderdash to suggest that Fine Gael councillors should facilitate the nomination of independent candidates to run for president, Simon Harris has said. The Fine Gael leader said it was an utter nonsense that his councillors should be expected to back anyone other than party candidate Heather Humphreys. The presidential election will be held on Friday October 24. To be eligible to run, a candidate must be nominated either by 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. They must also be an Irish citizen over the age of 35. Several independents have expressed an interest in securing a nomination through the local authority process but this will be difficult without the support of Government councillors. Speaking to reporters at the Fine Gael think-in in Mullingar, Mr Harris said: Show me the line in the Constitution that says Fine Gael must nominate its political opponents. I mean, this is balderdash and its the latest attempt at disinformation and misinformation. He said: The Fine Gael party is backing the Fine Gael candidate. Hold the front page. Mr Harris said the constitutional process was very clear and added: It wont come as a surprise to anybody who understands anything about politics that the Fine Gael party is fully united behind the incredible, brilliant Heather Humphreys, whos going to make a super candidate, make a super president. Mr Harris also criticised tech billionaire Elon Musks expression of support for the potential candidacy of mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor. Mr Musk posted on his social media platform X: Shame on Simon Harris for tyrannically blocking the will of the people of Ireland! Conor McGregor for president to save Ireland. Earlier this year, McGregor lost his appeal against a civil jurys finding in favour of Dublin woman Nikita Hand, who accused him of rape. Ms Hand, 35, successfully sued McGregor in a civil court over an incident in which he was alleged to have brutally raped and battered her in a penthouse at a south Dublin hotel in December 2018. Ms Hand was awarded almost 250,000 euro in damages and McGregor was also ordered to pay about 1.3 million euro in legal costs following the November trial. Mr Harris said: I see Elon Musk joined in today and sure, why not? He added: Thats the sort of man he believes should be president of Ireland. Thank God he might have a say as to who is president of the United States of America, but hes no say in terms of who the president of Ireland is. 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Rob Martin of Apple HQ (mentor, Richard Murray); Nell McCarthy of dede (mentor, Ahmet Dede); Eoghan OFlynn from The Cove at Fota Resort (mentor, Alex Petit), and Joseph Quane of Dublins Allta (mentor, Niall Davidson). Judging is tough but fair, drawing on exceptional Irish culinary talent such as Mickeal Viljanen of 2-Michelin Star Chapter One, Mark Moriarty, Gareth Mullins of Anantara The Marker, Domini Kemp of Valence Hospitality, and Conor Halpenny of Square Dundalk and Commissioner General of Euro-Toques Ireland. Conor said the competition gives young chefs a chance to test themselves, showcase their creativity, and gain confidence in their own cooking. The Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year competition is such an important platform. What I love most is seeing how the interest grows every year, the standard just keeps getting higher, and its clear the future of Irish food is in good hands. Finalist Nell McCarthy Im not surprised to see so many talented chefs from Cork in the finals. The food culture is so strong, and with such a wealth of local producers on their doorstep, young chefs are constantly surrounded by great ingredients and big ideas. There is a lot of young talent in Cork and a lot of interesting kitchens that nurture young talent. Its a brilliant environment to learn in, and we can really see that coming through in the competition this year. In 2023, Shauna Murphy clinched the overall title while working as a Chef de Partie at 2 Michelin-starred Terre at Castlemartyr Resort and was invited back to be a judge this year. Winning the competition in 2023 has had a huge impact on my career. Ive been given so many opportunities from cooking demos to visiting colleges and schools where I get to talk with students and inspire them to take the leap into becoming chefs. I especially love showing young women that theres a place for us in this industry, and that we can absolutely do it too. It feels a little surreal to be asked back as a judge because it wasnt that long ago that I was standing in the finalists shoes myself. I feel really honoured to be part of their journey now and support the next young chefs as they make their mark. Its really inspiring to watch them grow through the process, and to see that passion shine through. It makes me so excited for the future of Irish food. Every year, the Euro-Toques top table selects ingredients for its young chefs to use in creating unique dishes. Euro-Toques is a community of chefs and producers and showcasing great Irish produce fosters connections within that community. Chefs are challenged to learn about ingredients ideal for creating dishes with sustainability at their core. For the semi-final, chefs were asked to work with megrim - a flatfish abundant in Irish waters but usually exported to Europe. Conor explains why showcasing this fish is important. Each year, we choose a theme for the competition in line with Euro-Toques ethos. This year the theme is: Forgotten Foods: Honouring Irelands Larder, says Conor. When Im choosing the key ingredient, I think about whats seasonal, sustainable, and reflective of the great produce we have here. This year, for the semifinal we went with megrim because its an incredible Irish flatfish that doesnt always get the recognition it deserves. Its affordable, versatile, and full of flavour; I felt it was a great challenge for the chefs, but also a way to shine a light on a really underused ingredient. For the final, Irish produce with a strong sense of traditionality and story has been selected. Rare-breed pork, Irish apples, and heritage potatoes will grace the larder for the final event, taking place in October. These ingredients represent the kind of quality, seasonality, and connection to place we want the young chefs to engage with. Theyre ingredients with a story, and its exciting to see how each finalist will interpret them on the plate, says Conor. So how did our Cork chefs interpret the megrim brief for the semi-final? Eoghan OFlynn: Butter Poached Megrim, Summer Garden Salad, Beurre Blanc. I chose these ingredients because I felt, no matter what, everything put forward would be seasonal, says Eoghan. To me, summer food has always been about balancing bitter flavours with the sweetness summer brings, which is why I chose radish, turnip and Cavolo Nero to complement the sweetness of the beurre blanc and buttery megrim. Eoghan O'Flynn: To win "while up against such impressive competition would really be a major achievement. Megrim wouldnt be my top pick for a fish dish, however, as our waters struggle to replenish and sustain life, it has become increasingly important to find ways to elevate underutilised ingredients we are surrounded by to improve sustainability and our effect on the environment. Eoghan made it to the finals in 2023. What would it mean to him to win the title this year? It would mean a great deal. Ive had some particularly formative kitchen and life experience since then and to have it recognised on a national platform while up against such impressive competition would really be a major achievement. Joseph Quane: Poached Megrim, Beurre Blanc with Trout Roe and Wild Asparagus. When I found out it was fish, I was thinking solely about technique and how to showcase skill, so I filleted the fish and cured it lightly in 50:50 salt/sugar with a sprinkling of orange, lime and lemon zest, said Joseph. Megrim is a very delicate fish so to poach it in butter, the curing was necessary to keep it together. The best sauce to go with the fish is beurre blanc with champagne vinegar and butter from Salt Rock Dairy [Co Wexford]. The trout roe adds dimension and a little colour, and for the veg I went with baby fennel and wild asparagus dressed lightly in balsamic and olive oil. Joseph says entering the competition has been great for meeting other like-minded chefs. I entered because its a great way to meet new people in the industry, especially within the Euro-Toques community. Its a great way to put yourself out there, foster creativity, and improve culinary skills. I found difficulty with overcoming a bit of social anxiety when approaching deadlines, although I think it helps to build character, says Joseph. It would mean the world to me to be named Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year. It would be an affirmation of where Im at. Although the competition is tough, having gotten to know all the other finalists a bit better, it would be great to see any one of them holding that trophy. Nell McCarthy: Pan fried Megrim, Fresh Herb and Sea Spaghetti Beurre Blanc, Gooseberries, Romesco, Ricotta, Tomatoes, Almond and Dingle Sea Salt. I didnt knowingly cook any of these things based on memory, but nostalgia and food are built into one another, said Nell. Frying fish seemed obvious as it was always the way my mum cooked it, and sea spaghetti is a direct link to my mentor, Ahmet Dede; him teaching me about different seaweeds and us foraging together. I was really delighted to see megrim being showcased. Ive been to Glenmar Shellfish to do research on my written recipe, which is another part of the competition. Talking to fisherman about forgotten food, when it comes to fish they spoke of megrim; how it was not being utilised, and most of their abundant stock is exported. Euro-Toques is directly showcasing the food community it is representingby highlighting this ingredient. Rob Martins dish is megrim presented two ways: Pan-fried Fillet, Roasted Bone Beurre Blanc split with Chervil Oil, Goatsbridge Trout Roe, Romanesco Sauce, Seasonal Vegetables sauteed in Black Garlic and Herb Butter, Pickled Beetroot. Megrim Ceviche with Radish, Candy Beetroot, Goatsbridge Trout Roe, Chervil, Lemon Achill Island Salt and Seaweed. For this dish, I tried to keep to classic lavour combinations and elevate them through technique, said Rob. The sauce brings me back to when I first started as a chef. There was a roasted turbot bone beurre blanc on the menu and I remember how that changed my perspective of what a simple sauce can do for a dish. Megrim was a great choice; it was quite tricky to remove the skin and fillet which forced me to be creative by using the back side fillets for ceviche, as its such a delicate fish. Its often a by-catch in Ireland and not sought after as much as other fish, like sole. In showcasing megrim, hopefully more people will use it. Winning would be a culmination of all my years spent in the kitchen, skills Ive learned, and to showcase that to Irelands culinary world. I would love to be able to win and show my mentors how far Ive come thanks to them teaching me. It would be a massive stepping stone for my career to work towards being an ambassador for Irish cooking, produce and restaurants. Multi-award winning pastry chef, JR Ryall is best known for his sweet creations that grace the famous Ballymaloe dessert trolley and is part of the judging team. I asked JR what stood out for him from this years entrants. Rob Martin: "Winning would be a culmination of all my years spent in the kitchen" I love to see how each young chef interprets the theme of the competition. This year, the standard is the highest Ive seen with so many original and creative dishes submitted. I was impressed that so many of the young chefs took a waste not, want not approach in their recipes using every part of the key produce and often choosing to use less expensive ingredients. I could see a real focus on Irelands traditional larder. This years theme, Forgotten Foods: Honouring Irelands Larder, provoked entrants to consider the history and legacy of Irelands larder. Across the board, I could see great pride and excitement in how the chefs introduced and explained their dishes. Many entrants brilliantly joined the dots between provenance of their chosen Irish ingredients while looking through a contemporary lens with modern presentations. Im very excited to see who wins. Manuela Spinelli is Head of Community for Eurotoques Ireland, and says the contest is also about young chefs shaping the future of Irish gastronomy. [The competition] provides a vital platform for young chefs to express themselves, showcase their talent, and gain visibility within the industry. The programme opens doors to invaluable opportunities: participants take part in masterclasses, travel Ireland to learn from producers, and experience culinary inspiration abroad. [Its] the most prestigious culinary competition in Ireland that celebrates excellence and places Ireland on the global stage. The competition is sponsored by La Rousse Foods with the finals taking place at Dublin Cookery School in October. May the best chef win! The Rebel Run classic and vintage car run 2025 raised over 30,000 in aid of the charity Little Blue Heroes. Little Blue Heroes is a voluntary organisation that provides practical and financial support to the families of children who have serious illnesses across Ireland. They also grant the wish of the children it supports to become honorary gardai. The Rebel Run, which took place at the end of June, covered an over 200km road trip from the outskirts of Cork city to West Cork. Commencing at the Anglers Bar and Restaurant in Carrigrohane, the route took in scenic locations such as Dripsey, Gougane Barra, Glengarriff, and ending at the Bantry air strip. Event organiser Shane Fitzgerald said: It all turned out perfect. We were blown away with everything. Mr Fitzgerald also thanked everyone who participated and donated, including all the family and friends that helped out on the day. A call has been made to Cork City Council to launch an investigation into alternative waste management systems across city-centre areas. The Social Democrats councillor for the Cork City South Central ward, Niamh OConnor, has submitted a motion to the local authority regarding the issue, which she said has been placed on the agenda for Septembers environment, water, and amenity strategic policy committee (SPC) meeting. Ms OConnors motion is calling on Cork City Council to investigate alternatives to the use of wheelie bins in densely populated areas of the city, as the current system is not fit for purpose. In her submission, Ms OConnor highlighted how, in certain areas of the city, there are footpaths blocked by dozens of bins, ultimately posing a safety risk to walkers by rendering said footpaths unusable. Speaking to The Echo, Ms OConnor said that the council could follow suit with trials for alternative systems undertaken in Dublin. I am looking for an investigation into different options, said Ms OConnor. In the city centre, its often not possible for homeowners to store bins anywhere other than on the footpath outside their home. [We need] a solution to free up footpaths in the city, particularly for vulnerable people, [because] this causes lots of footpaths to be completely impassible. What theyre doing in Dublin is they are rolling out large compacting waste bins which you have a fob for; so you scan your fob and thatll give you access. Its not just a case that its an open bin, that wouldnt fly; these are self-contained bins that are specially made for this, she added. These [compactors] are above ground, so theyre not as pleasant to look at, but are still far superior to hundreds of individual bins [that] we have at the moment. Cork [City Council] could look for an update from Dublin [City Council] on how thats going. Ms OConnor further highlighted how the current system of placing a wheelie bin outside a home contradicts the councils investment into the improvement of Corks public realm. The council have [planned] to upgrade a load of footpaths, but its going to be a huge waste of money if we cant use them, said Ms OConnor. Douglas St, in particular, the planned public realm works look really great, but if nothing is done about it, there will be a load of bins in the middle of it its not going to work. It would have to be looked at in terms of who would pay for the units themselves, but we wont know until we start thinking about it. We could trial [these compactor bins] somewhere and see if it works. I cant see why people would be against it. The secretary of a Cork city school has said she is looking forward to getting back to normal this week, but warned that union members will have no bother going back out again to the picket line if their demands are not met. School secretaries and caretakers resume work today as negotiations between the Forsa union and the Government commence from Wednesday afternoon. Industrial action, which was taken by almost 3,000 Forsa members across the country and was stood down on Friday evening, saw school secretaries and caretakers remove their labour to take to the picket line for seven days. Improved conditions being sought included access to a public-service pension scheme and other entitlements, such as bereavement leave and critical-illness leave. On Friday, Forsa said an agreement had been reached at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to bring the current strike to an end. It said action would be withdrawn to allow the implementation of the agreement, a key element of which is a Government commitment to negotiate comparable pension entitlements for school secretaries and caretakers. Speaking to The Echo, Mary Murphy, secretary at Beaumont Boys National School, said she is hopeful the issues will be resolved quickly. She said: It happened so fast, when we left the picket on Friday, we were all saying wed be back on Monday, but Im looking forward to getting back to normal. It was always the case that we were never going to accept an if, it had to be a when, and weve gotten the when. Were hoping now that we can definitely get the leave, the bereavement and critical illness, on par with our colleagues, and then the pensions. We have full faith in Forsa that they will negotiate a pension that is [comparable] for us. Were hoping that it will be resolved in a matter of a few weeks at the longest. We were very firm that we wont be taking no for an answer. If Forsa arent happy with what theyre offering, we have no bother going back out again, Ms Murphy said. Noreen OCallaghan, secretary at Watergrasshill National School, told The Echo that the suspension of the week-long industrial action is a monumental achievement for secretaries and caretakers across the country. Im very proud of everyone. It goes to show that there is power in numbers, said Ms OCallaghan. Were very pleased that this is finally happening, weve proven what can be done. The details will have to be finalised, but hopefully the pay structure will now be aligned with the SNAs thats the main thing and that we will get bereavement leave and critical illness leave, so people can grieve their loved ones and people who are sick wont have to go to work after their treatment. Victoria Luke, school secretary from St Mary's School in Rochestown, and Noreen O'Callaghan, Watergrasshill NS and secretary of the school branch of Forsa, who formed part of the protest that marched from Nano Nagle school in Turner's Cross to An Taoiseach's Constituency office last week. Picture by Noel Sweeney Its what we deserve. We do the work, [and] the support we received is phenomenal, she added. It is such a monumental achievement blood, sweat, and tears have gone into this, and weve done it. I dont think its going to matter how long [negotiations] go on for the strike has been stood down, so we need to spend the time to get it right. All eyes have been on Ireland for the last week, it has been shoulder to the wheel. This hasnt happened overnight. We wouldnt have stood down our strike unless we got [confirmation of negotiations] in writing. This has been so empowering and uplifting. I am so proud to have been a part of it. Im so happy to be going back to work, to pick up where I left off with all the staff and kids. Andy Pike, head of education at Forsa, said that the unions members are hopeful of reaching a resolution to the dispute by October. Everybody is very pleased with the outcome, it commits the Government to negotiating and delivering pensions for secretaries and caretakers in schools that are comparable in terms of entitlements with teachers and SNAs, he said. All of our members are extremely pleased with this development, and are happy they have been listened to. Negotiations will go privately, but we hope it wont take too long. Some of the issues are straightforward and some of the issues are much more complicated, but we hope we will have news within a few weeks. Lord Mayor school visits Meanwhile, school visits to almost 140 schools across the city and county by Fianna Fail councillor Fergal Dennehy, Lord Mayor of Cork, will commence on Wednesday, following confirmation of their postponement last week. Mr Dennehy said that the annual event was postponed in solidarity with those seeking improved working conditions. It was always the plan [that visits would commence] as soon as the secretaries and caretakers are back in situ, he said. Given the significance of the school visits, I wouldnt have felt comfortable if everything wasnt in place. I am delighted that all sides are talking and will now go into negotiations. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has said her name will not go forward as the partys nominee for president. Speaking on RTEs Morning Ireland ahead of her partys annual think-in, Ms McDonald said she had to lead from the front in holding the current Fianna Fail-Fine Gael coalition to account. She said the party had tested every proposition in relation to a candidate. Asked if Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill would be the candidate, Ms McDonald said the partys process was still under way. My preference is that we call this right and, at the risk of sounding repetitive, we have options. Referendums Outlining her reasons for not running for president, Mary Lou McDonald said her efforts had to remain on holding the Irish government to account as the leader of the opposition in the Dail. I have a real sense of the importance of this time in Irish political and indeed in Irish historical life, she told RTE. I believe that whoever is the Uachtaran following the election will likely be the Uachtaran in office as we move into referendums and Irish reunification and all of the politics and the interaction that needs to happen around that. I think the Uachtaran will play a very, very important role at a time of huge opportunity and transition in Irish life and for that reason Ive considered very carefully what we as a party do, but also what I do myself personally. Im mindful also that there is a real need to get Fianna Fail and Fine Gael out of office, out of government, and also to keep them out of the Aras," said Ms McDonald Alternative But, for me, at this point in time, my effort has to be in respect of holding this government to account day and daily, building with my Sinn Fein colleagues, and with colleagues beyond Sinn Fein, a real alternative as to when the next general election occurs. So for those reasons, Ive informed some of my colleagues over the weekend, and Ill be talking to others today, and my name will not go forward for that reason. Ive been greatly encouraged by the number of people who have spoken to me and encouraged some to go forward for this office. Others very clearly saying stay the course, stay the course. But my strong instinct is that obviously the office of Uachtaran na hEireann is an incredibly important one. Its important that we get the right person into that office, but it is so important that we have a government that can really respond to the day-to-day needs of our people. A pregnant woman convicted of spitting at a bus driver and verbally abusing him for not stopping at the stop where she wanted to get off, has denied the charges. Elizabeth Butler testified at Cork District Court: I did press the bell a bit late I should have pressed it further back. But she went on to say that she pressed it two houses before the stop and believed the driver should have stopped, adding: The two houses are huge theyre not like Mayfield houses at all. If he was doing the right speed limit, there was plenty of time to stop the bus. Inspector Brendan McKenna put it to the accused after viewing the CCTV from the bus in court: You bent down to the hatch and you spat at him. You got off the bus and kicked it and threw liquid [coffee from a paper cup] at it. Denied Ms Butler denied spitting, adding: That bible means everything to me on what I was brought up with. Bus Eireann driver Remon Samuel said in evidence that Ms Butler and her partner Don Duggan got on the 208 bus in Cork city centre and that the bell was pressed to stop, but it was too late to stop and he stopped instead at the next bus stop at Iona Park outside Looneys chip shop. He said he was verbally abused by both of them, and that Ms Butler spat at him through the hatch, the spit landing on his arm and shoulder. Judge John King convicted Elizabeth Butler, 37, from 19C Newton Avenue, Boherboy Rd, Cork, of assault, being threatening, and attempting to commit criminal damage. The judge imposed a three-month suspended sentence on her. Don Duggan, 37, of the same address, pleaded not guilty to the single charge of engaging in threatening behaviour, and Judge King dismissed the case against him, saying the prosecution evidence did not reach the threshold. Elaine Audley, barrister for both accused, said during the case that Mr Duggans very deep voice might have been misinterpreted as being threatening. The defendant said: When I was 10, they thought I was [sounding like] a 25-year-old. Cross-examination Under cross-examination about the bell being pressed too late, Mr Duggan said: I pressed the bell, why did he not stop the bus? Thats hijacking. He is not driving a rally car, hes driving a bus. Before leaving the witness box, Mr Duggan was anxious to demonstrate for the judge, with the assistance of a picture on his phone, how in his view it would not have been possible for spit through the hatch to land on the drivers shoulder. Justice minister Jim OCallaghan is set to deliver the keynote address at the annual General Liam Lynch commemoration in the Old Kilcrumper Cemetery in Fermoy, Co Cork, next Sunday. The oration was previously delivered by, among others, then taoisigh Bertie Ahern, Micheal Martin, and Jack Lynch; former Fianna Fail senator and TD Martin Mansergh, and historian Tim Horgan. General Lynch, a native of Angelsboro, Co Limerick, was the military commander of the anti-Treaty forces whose death in April 1923 was the beginning of the end of the Civil War. Born in to a rural family, Lynch emerged as one of the most formidable IRA commandants during the War of Independence. Meeting In March 1923, anti-Treaty IRA leaders held a meeting in the Nire Valley to discuss ending the Civil War. General Lynch opposed laying down arms and carried the vote to continue fighting by a 6-5 vote. He had helped to organise anti-Treaty forces and was then forced to go on the run. He was shot and killed by Free State forces in the Knockmealdown Mountains in south Tipperary in April 1923. Just weeks after his death, the Civil War ended with the anti-Treaty IRA units being ordered to dump their arms. General Lynch is buried in the Republican plot in the cemetery alongside fallen comrades Michael Fitzgerald, Daniel Shinnick, Denis OBrien, and Michael Rouse. The Liam Lynch commemoration in Fermoy will take place on Sunday, September 14, at noon. A Mass will take place at St Patricks Church in Fermoy prior to the ceremony. A 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, 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. CCTV 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. 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 stolen. If I did I would not have touched it, Mr Cuddihy said. Cross-examination 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. A 63 year-old man was arrested today in Dublin and brought before Cork District Court charged with raping a boy in Cork approximately 30 years ago. Detective Garda June OShea formally arrested the accused in Dublin today, and brought him before Cork District Court on seven historical charges. One count is of raping a boy some time between 1994 and 1997 and six counts of sexually assaulting him between the years 1990 and 1997 when he was aged between 7 and 14. The detective gave him a copy of the charges and cautioned him that he did not have to say anything but that anything he would say would be taken down and given in evidence. He made no reply. The alleged circumstances were of sexual offences against the child at various locations in Cork city during that time, Det. Garda OShea said at an in camera hearing where the parties cannot be identified. There detective said the was no objection to bail on condition that there would be no contact with the injured party directly or indirectly and that he would inform gardai of any change of address. He is presently residing at an address in Dublin. Judge Mary Dorgan said that in light of the rape charge she would require additional conditions, including that he would sign at his local garda station two days a week, provide a phone number to gardai and be contactable at all times and would not leave the jurisdiction without permission of the court. Carmel Goggin barrister represented the accused on free legal aid. His income is limited to a disability payment. Sergeant Gearoid Davis said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial by indictment at the Central Criminal Court or signing a guilty plea at the district court for sentencing in the Central Criminal Court. The case was adjourned until October 20. Horrible vitriol was shouted at gardai during a public order incident in Ballyvolane where threats of a sexual nature were made against family and children of gardai and yesterday the culprit was jailed for five months. Aaron McSweeney, of 47 Glenfields Park, Ballyvolane, Cork, told his solicitor Frank Buttimer he had no memory of his drunken behaviour in the early hours of the morning and was horrified to hear what he had said to gardai. He apologised for what he shouted at them. Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a five-month sentence on the 29-year-old who pleaded guilty to obstructing and threatening gardai and being so intoxicated that he was a danger. Sergeant Gearoid Davis said gardai went to investigate a disturbance at Glenfields Park at 1am on June 16. Gardai met with Aaron McSweeney who was intoxicated and highly aggressive towards gardai. He confronted gardai on a number of occasions in a confrontational manner while shouting threats at them, Sgt Davis said. Threats were made by the 29-year-old including comments that were made in graphic sexual terms. During the vitriol which Judge Dorgan described as horrible, McSweeney shouted: Ill kill your family. Ill rape your wife and your kids. Ill fight all of you. Ill fuck your mother. At a time when a large number of members of the public had gathered he also shouted at gardai: You are all queers. Sgt Davis said the defendant was requested to desist and leave the area on several occasions but he refused to do so. He then attempted to run away. After a brief struggle during which garda incapacitant spray had to be used, the defendant was arrested. Mr Buttimer said the accused had been off alcohol for some time but relapsed as a result of his response to a difficult circumstance which arose. He had no recollection of the incident due to excessive consumption of alcohol. I read it out to him and he was horrified at what he said. He would like to offer a public apology to the gardai, Mr Buttimer said. Judge Dorgan said: This was a horrible thing to say to people doing their work trying to control law and order at one oclock in the morning. They should not have to hear that kind of vitriol from a man who loses control of himself when he drinks. The judge imposed a total sentence of five months on McSweeney. Refurbishment works are set to begin next month at the site of a northside childcare facility which closed abruptly two years ago, leaving 14 staff without jobs and more than 100 families in the area without childcare. The Before 5 Family Centre in Churchfield, which closed suddenly in August 2023, had provided pre-school childcare on the northside for five decades, as well as a homework club and adult classes. The centre employed 14 people, some of whom had worked there for more than 20 years. The operators of the childcare facility cited as reasons for closing financial challenges, changes in regulations, operational challenges, and recruitment issues. After the closure, Northside Community Enterprises (NCE) began exploring possibly resuming a childcare service at the location. Last October, NCE confirmed the Department of Children had approved funding for refurbishment works required prior to the reopening of the facility, to be renamed NCE Little Hands Churchfield, Childcare and Early Education Centre, and it was said at the time that it would reopen later in 2025. The public procurement process only began in May, and NCE has now announced that site works will begin in mid-October. Fr John ODonovan, chair of the NCE board of management, said the board wished to reaffirm our intention to open the service on a phased basis as early as possible in 2026. NCE Little Hands has proudly served as a trusted childcare provider in Cork city for the past 31 years, located initially in Sunbeam and now in Farranferris, he said. Throughout this time, we have remained deeply committed to supporting children and families within our community. Fr ODonovan said a contractor had been appointed and building works are set to commence mid-October. This development of Little Hands Childcare facility to a second location in Churchfield marks an important step in expanding our capacity to meet the childcare needs of local families, said Fr ODonovan. Kenneth Collins, Sinn Fein city councillor for the north-west ward, said it was very positive news that the works were about to commence. I will be contacting NCE myself to find out if the facility will be up and running by September of next year, or before, said Mr Collins. As a former student of Before 5, I can tell you its the heart of the community and its something that is always needed within the area of Gurranabraher, Churchfield, Knocknaheeny, and Farranree. Tony Fitzgerald, Fianna Fail councillor for the north-west ward, and former lord mayor of Cork, said he was delighted that the refurbishment process could now commence. It may seem a bit premature to discuss the 2026 Oscars, but Irelands submission for the International Feature Film category has been announced just as the movie is set to hit cinemas. The documentary Sanatorium won the award for Best Irish Feature Documentary at this years Galway Film Fleadh and has garnered widespread acclaim at film festivals worldwide. Sanatorium is a Ukrainian-language documentary directed by Galway director Gar ORourke, focusing on the remarkable story of the Kuyalnik Sanatorium, a wellness centre located in Odessa that has continued to operate despite being in the line of fire from Russian missiles. Our part of the world doesnt have a strong tradition of wellness centres like those found in Eastern Europe or the former Soviet Union. Irish Polish communities, along with people from Lithuania and Latvia, as well as our Ukrainian friends, are likely familiar with the concept of a sanatorium. This is a place where individuals can seek treatment for illnesses, support for fertility issues, and recovery from emotional and physical struggles. People dont just stay for a day; they go for a week or more and are treated by doctors who prescribe everything from mud baths to salt inhalation, massage therapies, and breathing techniques. There are karaoke nights and dancing too, to support both the spirit and the body. The Kuyalnik Sanatorium was once a thriving health centre catering to more than 3,000 guests. Today, it is a rough-around-the-edges property, with peeling paint, wobbly door handles, and the occasional leaky roof. On a good week, the guests reach less than 20% of its capacity, but for those 20%, it is a godsend. It is a chance to heal, restore, and recover despite the hardships of the ongoing war and Russias frequent attacks on Odesa. Kuyalnik was built in the Soviet era. The architecture is striking and hasnt changed since it was built. The treatments seem like they havent changed in more than 50 years, nor have the facilities, but they work, and that is what matters. We meet 40-year-old Andriy, who has a chronic back issue and is still a bachelor. His mother, Natalia, brings him to Kuyalnik to treat his back, but deep down, she hopes he might find a wife among the other guests. Andriy points out that the war makes it difficult to find a partner. Natalia quips that the war hasnt been raging forever - what was his excuse before that? Dmitriy is head of maintenance. He is a tank of a man who curses at his workers but is also quick to laugh. He grew up in the area and reminisces about the sanatorium in its heyday. For all his grumbling, he loves the place and is grateful for the doctors who agreed to keep it going despite the conflict. A young woman, having failed conventional fertility treatments, places her hopes on a miracle-working doctor at the sanatorium. Another woman has come to find a cure for the illness that struck her body after her husband died on the front-line. Amongst the other women, there she begins to laugh again, her spirits lifted by the shared experience of grief and loss. The centre provides a reprieve from the war, but not an escape. Air raid sirens blare, and announcements come over the speakers, telling residents to head to the shelter in the basement. Dmitriy talks one morning about how a drone came right by his house the night before and how his 14-year-old son pretended he wasnt afraid. As residents swim in the shallow mudflats, smoke fills the sky across the bay following an attack. Our biggest reminder is a veteran who suffered devastating injuries and now comes to Kuyalnik every four or five months for a reprieve. He is a young man, his back wrecked for life, but he says his mind is still intact. He talks about fellow soldiers whose bodies have healed but whose minds have not, and that is, he says, the worst part of the war. Kuyalnik is like a time wrap, a bubble of escape at a terrible time. ORourke employs a blend of traditional Ukrainian pop music, contributing to this timeless sense of place. Denys Melnyks cinematography is sublime, capturing both the eccentricities of the residents as well as their pride and resilience. The buildings of Kuyalnik are as much a character as its residents, and Melnyk captures their crumbling beauty with grace. Sanatorium is funny, smart, moving, and a fine tribute to the stoicism of the Ukrainian people who stand firm under unimaginable circumstances. Sanatorium, Triskel Cinema, Cork, Sept 7-10, cert 15a, **** Olivia Kelleher A former Fine Gael TD has warned that threats which are being made to Tanaiste Simon Harris are the work of people who are seeking to hound him out of office". A garda investigation is underway after two threats were made to Minister Harris and his family in the space of a week. One caller to gardai suggested that a bomb had been left at the home of the Tanaiste in Greystones, Co Wicklow. Following the calls yesterday, Garda launched a major security operation and the property was searched. Minister Harris described the threats as a clear and sinister pattern and a very apparent motivation; to intimidate me out of public office. Former Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon told Newstalk Breakfast that threats against politicians have intensified and become more sinister in nature in recent years. What mostly resided on social media for the last number of years is now beginning to filter out into what you might call the real, physical world with these horrific threats against the Tanaiste and his young family. Whats causing it? A general effort, I would argue, globally to divide people, to polarise people into their respective camps. That, unfortunately, is beginning to have an impact here in Ireland; theres no question about that. When we allow really abusive and threatening behaviour people are emboldened to take that abuse out into the real world, the physical world and call up police stations and threaten to bomb the Tanaistes home. Mr Cannon said that the Tanaiste is "completely correct in drawing attention to the threat. He believes that the people involved are seeking to hound him out of office. We need to see leadership from the leadership of all our political parties here in Ireland and, indeed, those who lead the independent groupings to say that this is simply not acceptable, he said. If we get that kind of response from the body politic as a whole, I think it would be really important in sending out a very strong message to those who are engaging with this behaviour that its not acceptable in any form and has no support in any political quarter. Mr Cannon added that people often fail to realise that politicians have feelings and are just like everyone else when it comes to their private life. We forget sometimes that politicians are just parents, neighbours, members of our local community, he said. But the moment theyre elected, they somehow get treated as symbols instead of human beings and that makes it far too easy to justify the abuse. And its corrosive right now, its becoming deeply corrosive to democracy in Ireland. The generous sunshine in Cork this summer leaves little room for heavy thoughts. By six in the morning, the city is already shaking off the night. Street cleaning machines glide along St Patricks Street, brushing away the dust and dirt, polishing the city for another beautiful day. Rory knows these mornings well. Hes learned to stay awake when the street cleaners come. One morning, he nearly got caught in the middle of a rubbish storm, those giant brushes almost rolling right over him. Rory is homeless. For years now, hes been watching the world go by fast-moving feet, people dodging eye contact. He speaks to himself as he walks, like a lost child who never had the chance to grow up properly. For years now, hes been watching the world go by fast-moving feet, people dodging eye contact. His mental health makes life on the streets even harder, and he probably doesnt even realise he might never sleep in his own bed or watch the sunrise from his own kitchen window. The footpath is his bed. The city is his home. And he's become invisible, a stranger in his own land. Rejected so often, he now only talks to himself. His neighbour, Nile, also sleeps rough, but hes been luckier. He was offered a bed in a shelter, recognised officially as one of Corks homeless. You see, you need to prove a connection to the area in which you are seeking help. If youre not from there, your chances drop fast. Nile was born in Cork, so he qualified. But he turned down the shelter bed. Why? Because his partner, Rose, wasnt allowed to come with him. Rose is from a town in County Cork, not the city. And that made all the difference. Every person having to sleep rough or stuck in homelessness here in Cork is counting on you! So Nile chose to stay on the street with her. For him, keeping Rose safe and warm through the long, cold nights means more than a bed and a roof. This morning, he was rushing back to her with a bottle of milk. Every breakfast is a little picnic for Corks own Romeo and Juliet. They are holding on to each other when theres not much else to hold on to. And then theres Anders. Thirty-three years old, sleeping down by the Marina. He jokes that he has the best sea view in all of Cork. The fishermen know him well and often share their catch. With his rough beard, he could pass for a sailor. Entering the age of Jesus Christ, he says with a wide smile. Just like my Saviour, Im trying not to lose hope. Anders has been sleeping rough for two years now. But hes not officially recognised as Corks homeless anymore. Why? Because he spent four months outside the city, trying to find help elsewhere. A mistake, he says now. The help never came, and now he cant get back into the system. Its a vicious circle, he says. I want to work. But if youre homeless, youve no address and without an address, youve little hope of getting a job. Anders dreams of working in a car dealership. But if you ask about his deepest wish, he doesnt hesitate: A family. A house. A bit of stability. This morning, Anders woke with a sore eye, maybe an infection. He tries to keep clean by showering at the Cork Simon Day Centre, where he also gets a hot meal. But at night, its back to his tent of plastic sheets and back to his dreams. Not far away, hidden by bushes along the river, lives Gediminas. Hes from Lithuania. "Nobody chooses to lose their dignity. Nobody wants to be forgotten." I worked here in Ireland for 20 years. I paid my taxes. Still, I sleep in a tent. Today, hes smiling, though. Despite his homelessness, he managed to find a two-day job. He once got a place in a shelter in another city, but barely made it out when a fire broke out. Since then, he avoids shelters, choosing the risk of cold over the fear of flames. Now he lives hidden, surrounded by others who feel forgotten. There are people living on Corks streets who are only in their twenties, young men and women at the very start of life, already sleeping rough. Thats when people should be starting careers, learning to drive, building their future, not drowning in problems and addictions. And then there are those who suffer from mental health issues. Many are confused, isolated, traumatised. They dont get the care they need. Not because no one cares, but because there simply isnt enough help available for them. This beautiful Cork morning continues. Cars cruise past. Most drivers never see the ones waking up on the concrete. Some believe homelessness is a choice that people somehow prefer freezing nights, empty stomachs, aching bodies. Others feel sympathy but keep their distance: Its not my problem. But there are those who understand the truth: that homelessness is not just someone elses issue. It's growing, and its all around us. It touches every street, every corner, every park. Life can run out of options. Sometimes your battery is too low to keep going. Sometimes all it takes is one wrong turn, one bit of bad luck, or one tragedy, and suddenly, youre the one outside looking in. And still, the irony cuts deep: many of Corks rough sleepers curl up at night on the steps of churches, libraries, music schools, places built to nourish minds and souls. Fitzgeralds Park? Youd be shocked to know how busy it can be at night. "Being homeless should never mean being hopeless." Every glorious morning hides a darker truth. Dozens of people wake up on Corks streets. Some dont wake up at all. Behind every rough sleeper is a story: trauma, addiction, broken homes, untreated illness. But one thing binds them all: none of them wants a life like this. Nobody chooses to lose their dignity. Nobody wants to be forgotten. Being homeless should never mean being hopeless. These are people. These are Corks people. Will you show you care about Corks people and join the Cork Simon Sleepout on Friday, 10 October? Every person having to sleep rough or stuck in homelessness here in Cork is counting on you. Please join us at Elizabeth Fort in the heart of Cork city on October 10th, or hold a sleepout in your own community, school or workplace. For more information, visit HERE. Note: All names in this article have been changed to protect the identities of the individuals featured Over 35 metric tonnes of WHO medical supplies arrive in Kabul to support earthquake survivors in eastern Afghanistan 8 September 2025, Kabul, Afghanistan A new consignment of more than 35 metric tonnes of life-saving medical supplies landed in Kabul today, to enhance the World Health Organizations (WHO) emergency response to the devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on 31 August. With this shipment, WHO has now prepositioned and delivered nearly 80 metric tonnes of emergency health supplies to the country since the disaster. The newly arrived cargo, mobilized through WHOs logistics hub in Dubai, includes trauma and emergency surgery kits, primary health care kits, noncommunicable disease kits and essential medicines. These supplies will be dispatched to health facilities and mobile health teams in the hardest-hit areas, following the ongoing needs assessments. This will enable doctors and nurses to provide urgent treatment, perform emergency surgeries and help prevent the spread of disease. The earthquake left a path of destruction across Kunar, Nangarhar and Laghman provinces, killing more than 2200 people, injuring 3600, and destroying almost 6800 homes. Tens of thousands of families remain displaced, while 20 health facilities have been damaged and referral hospitals continue to struggle with hundreds of trauma patients. The loss and suffering caused by this earthquake is immense, said Dr Edwin Ceniza Salvador, WHO Representative to Afghanistan. These additional medical supplies are a lifeline for families who lost everything and for health workers who continue to serve tirelessly despite being affected themselves. Every day counts in saving lives, and WHO will remain side by side with health partners to ensure affected communities get the care they urgently need. WHO has been on the ground from the first hours of the crisis, deploying mobile health teams, psychosocial support services and disease surveillance systems. The arrival of this latest airlifted shipment strengthens those efforts and ensures that essential health services continue at a time when communities need them most. WHOs emergency operations have been made possible through the generous support of donors, including the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF), European Union Humanitarian Aid and others. However, sustained funding will be critical to expand and maintain lifesaving interventions for those who need it most. For more information, please contact: Vodafone made a commercial starring an AI avatar posing as a real lady. This is interesting because Vodafone is a major global brand and not a fly-by-night TikTok company using a ridiculous deepfake of Jackson Galaxy to sell cat toys. The tells in the commercial are obvious and what one would expect. The AI avatar's hair is a bit off, which ruins the charade that this is a real person. The physical mannerisms and speaking tone are also wonky. A facial mole moves around at one point. It's AI. You know the drill. The company responded to a question on a message board as to why it couldn't put "a real person in front of the camera" by saying this is simply an experiment. It said it was testing different styles of advertising this time with AI, and that AI is so much a part of everyday life these days that we also try it out in advertising. This isn't the first Vodafone ad to feature generative AI. It released a fully AI-generated commercial last year that spurred a bit of controversy, despite looking absolutely awful. Social media platforms are also becoming increasingly littered with AI-generated virtual influencers. Meta allegedly suppressed research that suggested kids were exposed to certain dangers when using its VR headsets, according to a report by The Washington Post . Current and former employees have presented documents to Congress that describe incidents in which children were groomed by adult predators in VR, but allege that internal reports were edited to omit the worst of these offenses. Meta has denied these allegations. Two of these researchers claim they met with a German family in which a child younger than ten had been approached by strangers online while using a Meta VR headset. Some of these strangers allegedly sexually propositioned the child. When the employees issued the harrowing report, their boss allegedly ordered that the aforementioned claims be deleted. When the internal report was eventually published, it spoke of some parents being scared of this type of thing but didn't mention the above incident. The trove of documents presented to Congress reportedly indicate guidance from Meta's legal team instructing researchers to avoid collecting data about children using VR devices. The memo suggests this is "due to regulatory concerns," likely referring to fallout from congressional hearings that took place in 2021 . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The documents also include warnings from employees that children younger than 13 were bypassing age restrictions to use VR headsets. However, Meta has since lowered the minimum age down to ten . Meta spokeswoman Dani Lever told The Post that the documents were "stitched together to fit a predetermined and false narrative" and that the company doesn't prohibit research about children under 13. We stand by our research teams excellent work and are dismayed by these mischaracterizations of the teams efforts, she said. The company didn't confirm or deny the events regarding the family in Germany, but said that if the anecdote was deleted from the official record it was to ensure compliance with a US federal law governing the handling of children's personal data or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) from the EU. That one prohibits companies from collecting personal information without consent, but the researchers maintain they received consent from the child's mother. They also say they received a signed contract from the mother at the start of the interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Senate Judiciary subcommittee is scheduled to discuss these allegations at a hearing later in the week. This particular subcommittee examines laws and regulations regarding online safety. 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. You Might Also Like U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday he was confident of bringing resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Trump said he expected to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the next couple of days and acknowledged that the conflict had proved harder to resolve than he anticipated. The Scottish government has pledged more than 300,000 to step up efforts to wipe out a pig disease costing farmers millions every year. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is an incurable viral condition which affects around 40% of Scotlands pig herds. The disease costs the UK pig industry 52m annually, causing high piglet mortality, severe respiratory problems and reproductive issues in sows. In the first year of the PRRS initiative, affected herds in Scotland were tested and a range of control measures were introduced to curb infection and improve biosecurity. An app was also developed to map outbreaks and provide farmers with guidance on preventing incursions. The tool gathers data from farms, producing averages across different countries and farm types so that users can benchmark their own practices. Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie has confirmed 309,600 for 202526 to extend the PRRS scheme for another year. During a visit to Ruchlaw Mains pig farm in Stenton, he said: PRRS has a devastating impact to individual farmers as well as our wider pig meat industry and this project will be a real benefit to the sector. He added that The biosecurity improvements made as a result of this project will also help prevent other pig diseases, such as African Swine Fever (ASF), which is currently spreading across Europe. Mr Fairlie said farmers at Ruchlaw Mains had praised the app for pinpointing weaknesses in their biosecurity. He also stressed that ministers would keep working with the sector and international partners to raise animal health and welfare standards, reduce reliance on veterinary medicines and boost productivity through practical solutions. The UK is facing its biggest food safety threat since the horse meat scandal, MPs have warned, as illegal meat smuggling into Britain reaches what they describe as alarming levels. A report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) committee, published today (8 September), highlights how growing volumes of unregulated meat and dairy products are entering the country both for personal consumption and commercial sale. The committee warns the scale of the problem is not fully understood, branding it unacceptable that no clear public data exists on the quantities or destinations of illegal imports. The report highlights that illicit imports carry a high risk of spreading devastating animal diseases such as foot and mouth disease and African swine fever (ASF), both of which can travel across borders in contaminated meat and dairy products. MPs who sit on the parliamentary committee warn that such outbreaks could threaten farming, food security and the wider economy. Consumer health is also at risk, the report notes, as illegally imported meat may have been slaughtered, handled or stored in unhygienic conditions, making it more likely to carry bacteria, viruses and parasites. During a visit to the Port of Dover earlier this year, MPs witnessed meat concealed in plastic bags, cardboard boxes and even a defrosted chest freezer. They were alarmed at the poor facilities available to Border Force, with inadequate decontamination measures and no dedicated handwashing areas. One port worker told MPs they had found an entire pig stuffed inside a suitcase; its legs cut off badly so that it could fit inside. Not a professionally butchered animal. Staff from Dover Port Health Authority said "there are literally hundreds of targeted vehicles driving straight past as we do not have the resources to stop and search. The committee disputes Defras claim that border checks are intelligence led, instead describing a system marked by a limited and incomplete intelligence network, strained enforcement capability, and port facilities unsuitable for seizing significant volumes of potentially contaminated meat. MPs conclude there is currently no effective deterrent against meat smuggling. They are calling for immediate fines and prosecutions of repeat offenders and large-scale smugglers. Defras plan to crush vehicles carrying illegal imports, they warn, is not a silver bullet. The report argues that animal disease risks must be treated as a national security issue. It calls for Defra to take ownership by developing a national strategy on the smuggling of products of animal origin (POAO). MPs also say the public remains poorly informed about the risks of animal disease and the rules on what food can be brought into the country. They are urging government to roll out broader awareness campaigns. While welcoming the ban on personal imports of most meat and dairy from the EU, the committee says enforcement has been toothless, with large amounts still entering the UK unchecked through airports, seaports and the Eurotunnel. Criminal networks are said to be exploiting these routes with impunity to move bulk quantities for sale on UK markets, high streets, farms and restaurants. Alistair Carmichael MP, chair of the committee, said Britain was facing a growing crisis as authorities struggled to deal with the scale of meat smuggling. He warned that vans carrying illegal and unhygienic products were passing through ports every day, with enforcement teams unable to keep up. Every day, vans laden with undeclared, unhygienic and unrefrigerated meat are rolling through our ports for distribution and sale in Britain, he said, adding that officials find themselves without the necessary leadership, resources and intelligence to respond effectively. Mr Carmichael described the situation as Britain sleepwalking through its biggest food safety crisis since the horse meat scandal and said the greater danger lay in the possibility of a major animal disease outbreak. He pointed to the recent case of foot and mouth disease in Germany, which he said was most likely caused by illegally imported meat and had cost the countrys economy one billion euros. He stressed that the problem had been building for years under successive governments and urged ministers to act now. Dame Angela Eagle has been handed a senior role at Defra in a Cabinet reshuffle triggered by Angela Rayners dramatic resignation. She replaces Daniel Zeichner as Farming Minister, while Emma Reynolds replaces Steve Reed as Defra Secretary, marking a significant shift in leadership at the department. A senior Labour MP, Dame Angela brings decades of political experience across Whitehall. She was first elected MP for Wallasey in 1992, becoming the constituencys first ever Labour representative. Most recently, she served as Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum at the Home Office between July 2024 and September 2025. Under Tony Blair, she held junior ministerial posts in environment, transport and the regions, as well as social security and home affairs, also serving as an Opposition Whip. During Gordon Browns government she was appointed Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury before becoming Minister for Pensions and the Ageing Society. Former Defra Secretary Steve Reed and Mr Zeichner were regarded as effective in building relationships with farming and environment groups while in opposition. However, their record in government has been mixed, though Mr Zeichner in particular was praised by industry figures for his support on issues such as reform of farrowing systems. The reshuffle was forced by the resignation of Angela Rayner, who stepped down as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary after an ethics inquiry found she breached the ministerial code by underpaying stamp duty on her 800,000 Hove home. Her departure prompted Sir Keir Starmer to act early, moving Mr Reed to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and appointing Emma Reynolds to lead Defra. A surge in violent hare coursing has left farmers in South Wales living in fear, prompting NFU Cymru to demand the creation of a dedicated rural crime team. The union said the situation has reached crisis point, with farmers in the Vale of Glamorgan reporting threats of violence, shooting and arson after challenging trespassers on their land. In the past fortnight, NFU Cymru has held two urgent meetings with South Wales Police, where members shared harrowing accounts of intimidation. Many said they no longer feel safe in their own homes. The organisation has now written to Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools, urging reassurance and urgent support for those affected. The letter warns that farmers feel unsafe in their own homes and are frightened for their personal safety, their families, their property and their livestock. The union argues that the severity of the threat is a compelling case for a rural crime team to tackle not only hare coursing, but also wider offences including tool and machinery theft, livestock theft, fly-tipping and dog attacks. South Wales remains the only police force area in Wales without such a unit. NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader explained that it is not unusual for farmers in the Vale of Glamorgan to suffer damage to their crops, fencing and gateways as a result of hare coursing. But she warned that the situation has worsened significantly in recent months. It is not uncommon for farmers in the Vale of Glamorgan to experience damage to crops, damaged fences and gateways caused by hare coursing on their land. "However, in the last few months what we have noticed is that those coming onto our farms are becoming more brazen, confrontational and aggressive. They will not leave when challenged and, moreover, will threaten anyone trying to interrupt their activities." She added that this was the first time she could recall farmers being exposed to such sustained levels of intimidation and violence simply for standing up to those carrying out illegal activity on private property. NFU Cymru has been working with Welsh Government Wildlife and Rural Crime Co-ordinator Rob Taylorcredited with establishing the UKs first rural crime team in North Wales in 2013to explore further ways of tackling the issue. Ms Reader warned that South Wales Police does not currently have the specialist capacity to deal with the scale of rural crime faced by farmers. It has become clear from our most recent meetings with South Wales Police that the local service isnt equipped to tackle the volume and severity of the issues our members are experiencing, alongside their day-to-day policing duties. "We believe the substantial threats to our farmers many of whom are now living in fear provides compelling evidence that South Wales Police needs a rural crime team, she said. She reiterated NFU Cymrus call for a dedicated unit, urging the Police and Crime Commissioner to follow the example of other Welsh force areas. These officers should be trained and equipped to tackle the nuanced challenges facing our farmers and those living in isolated rural communities. "It should not be the case that our members do not have access to the level of service, timely response and reassurance they should be able to expect, simply because of where their farms are located. NFU Cymru insists that the escalating threats provide compelling evidence for South Wales Police to establish a rural crime teamwarning that without one, farmers in the Vale of Glamorgan will remain vulnerable to intimidation and violence on their own land. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release Chemicals SubCategory Select Sub-Category HONG KONG, Sept 7, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - - Two fairs attracted some 16,000 buyers on-site- Survey results indicate respondents consider the growth prospects for the watch industry in the following target sales markets to be promising or very promising in the next two years: the Middle East, Taiwan, Korea, Latin America, Australia, and ASEAN countries; smart watches are considered to have the most significant growth potential.The 44th HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 13th Salon de TIME, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, successfully ended yesterday in physical fair format. Meanwhile, the Click2Match AI-driven business matching platform will remain open until 13 September, allowing global exhibitors and buyers to continue business discussions.Over the past five days, the physical fairs attracted some 16,000 trade buyers from 95 countries and regions on-site. Buyers from outside Hong Kong mainly came from Mainland China, Taiwan, India, Japan, the US, and ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. This highlights Hong Kong's pivotal position as a key global transshipment hub and sales centre for watches and clocks.Salon de TIME was open to the public for free for the second consecutive year. Together with CENTRESTAGE, which was held at the same time, the events attracted more than 19,000 public visits to purchase their favourite items. Around 400 watch and fashion brands were showcased on-site.HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: 'The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME are annual highlights for the industry. This year, the events brought together over 650 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions. This year's exhibition featured pavilions from Guangzhou, Taiwan, the Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion (SIWP), and the French pavilion by Franc'clat. It also welcomed the return of exhibitors from Germany, Japan, Lebanon and the Netherlands. The number of brands at Salon de TIME reached a new post-pandemic high. Many exhibitors used the platform to launch innovative products showcasing exquisite craftsmanship, serving as a springboard for entering international and mainland markets. This underscores Hong Kong's vitality as a global hub for commerce and creativity.'She mentioned that a series of trade exhibitions will be held in the fall, including the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia, which will take place simultaneously from 13 to 16 October at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Following these, the HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) will be held from 27 to 30 October, and the Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will run from 28 to 31 October, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo, respectively. All four exhibitions will adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, allowing global buyers and exhibitors to continue discussions online after the physical fairs.Survey indicates that markets such as the Middle East and East Asia are viewed optimisticallyDuring the exhibition, the HKTDC conducted a survey, interviewing some 920 exhibitors and buyers on-site. The aim was to understand global trends in the watch industry, as well as exhibitors' and buyers' perspectives on the industry's outlook and product trends.The survey results show that 59% of respondents expect overall sales to grow in the next 12 to 24 months, while 36% anticipate that sales will remain stable. Respondents considered the growth prospects for the watch industry in the following target sales markets to be promising or very promising in the next two years: the Middle East (82%), Taiwan (79%), Korea (78%), Latin America (76%), Australia (76%), and ASEAN countries (73%).Regarding product trends, 47% of respondents consider smart watches to have the most significant growth potential, followed by fashion watches (30%), and casual watches (26%).The twin watch fairs unveiled industry trends; EXHIBITION+ plays a roleSaat ve Saat, which has over 160 points of sale in T'rkiye, attended the two watch fairs again this year. The company's production manager Yusuf Eyilmez stated: 'Through the business matching meetings on the smart platform click2match, and the physical meetings at the fair, we have procured automatic mechanical watches from the Hong Kong exhibitor Dailywin Watch Products Mfg Ltd. The annual order value is expected to reach US$1 million.'Su & Co Trading Company from Myanmar sells fashion watches through both online and physical stores. The company founder Su Hnin Aye stated: 'This year, we have purchased US$600,000 worth of branded watches at the fair and have identified two new watch brands to introduce to the Myanmar market. We will also sign a sole distributor agreement with a brand at the Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion (SIWP), Mathey Tissot.'At the fair, Hong Kong exhibitor Dayton Industrial launched the new Watch2Care TCM smart watch. The company's director Paul Yuen said: 'We have invented this smart watch featuring digital pulsation analysis with TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) reports for preventive healthcare. During the exhibition, we introduced the features of our revolutionary smart watch to hundreds of both local and international buyers. We have found potential distributors from Germany, Mainland China, Singapore and the US. We are also excited to have received collaboration invitations from a Swiss watch movement company and a buyer from Myanmar. We aim to achieve an on-site sales turnover of HK$1.5 million.'Last year, the German brand Lilienthal Berlin introduced the world's first wristwatch with a case made from recycled coffee grounds at Salon de TIME. This year, they have innovated once again by bringing a new eco-friendly watch with a dial made from recycled tea leaves. The company's management director Ruby Young stated: 'The new watch has garnered media attention, attracting buyers from around the globe to our booth. We have successfully identified potential distributors from Bangladesh and Israel and are in discussions with buyers from Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mainland China, the UAE, and the US.'Salon de TIME also featured several exhibitors showcasing 'Guochao' series watches. This year, Sun International Concepts presented six renowned watch brands from Mainland China, including masterpieces by four independent watchmakers: Ma Xushu, Tan Zehua, Qian Guobiao, and Gong Xun. Company executive director David Sun mentioned that feedback from both the industry and the public is more enthusiastic compared to last year, and they have successfully found exclusive distributors at the fair to expand into the ASEAN market. Several watches were available for on-site retail purchase and the projected on-site sales are expected to reach six figures, representing a 10% increase over last year.The new zone Microbrands presents unique niche brands offering watches that are both affordable and stylish. First-time exhibitor and YouTube channel Watchcatavlog brought four microbrands. The channel's founder Ciff Luk stated that they are in discussions with buyers from Canada, Taiwan, and the UAE regarding distributor collaborations. The brands also attracted numerous watch enthusiasts.For the second consecutive year, Salon de TIME was completely open to the public for free. Watch enthusiasts Jovi Ha, CK Hung and Ricky Tsang attended the event together and remarked: 'This exhibition has truly broadened our horizons, allowing us to admire the exquisite craftsmanship of numerous high-quality brands all at once, and to have direct interaction with independent watchmakers. The diversity in watch styles available at the fair, along with their great value for money, led us to spend nearly HK$100,000 in total, purchasing multiple branded watches and leaving the event thoroughly satisfied.'Photo download: http://bit.ly/4gh0lu6The 44th HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 13th Salon de TIME successfully concluded in physical fair format yesterday, attracting some 16,000 buyers from 95 countries and regions on-siteAs a highlight of Salon de TIME, World Brand Piazza presented nine world-class watch brandsSalon de TIME was open to the public for free for the second consecutive year, allowing attendees to visit, shop, and participate in on-site eventsThis year's fair featured pavilions from Guangzhou, Taiwan, Franc'clat from France, and the Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion (above)The Hong Kong International Watch Forum (above) and Asian Watch Conference hosted various experts to share the latest trade data and industry trends from around the world, to discuss strategies for the global watch industry's supply chain, and to delve into the artistic concepts behind independent watchmaking and micro brands.Salon de TIME welcomed brands from Mainland China and several independent watchmakers to present their 'Guochao' series watches, including Shanghai Watch, Sea-Gull, FIYTA and Zbioland.The 42nd Hong Kong Watch Design Competition featured an open group and a student group; celebrity Bowie Cheung served as a guest judge and attended the awards ceremony.The fair featured a variety of exciting activities, including a watch parade (as shown in the image), Smart Bidding, watch engraving demonstrations, and watch appreciation paired with tea art experiences; additionally, a lucky draw offered generous prizes.HKTDC and Hong Kong Tourism Board (Destination Partner) offered travel and hospitality support to overseas buyers and journalists, including an Aqua Luna boat ride (as shown in the image), Muslim-friendly visit programme to the Hong Kong Palace Museum and Kowloon Masjid, Plaza Premium Lounge passes, and cultural booths at the Networking Reception.Media enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Johnny Tsui Tel: (852) 2584 4395 Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.orgWebsitesHong Kong Watch & Clock Fair: hkwatchfair.hktdc.comSalon de TIME: hkwatchfair.hktdc.com/teAbout 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. 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. PARIS, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Creative Tech Textile / Hans Global, a leading innovator in sustainable fibers, is proud to present its latest innovations in nature-driven textiles at the Premiere Vision Paris from 16-18 September 2025, at booth 6S29 as SEAWOOL, located in the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, France. Headlining the showcase are Seawool, the company's signature eco-fiber made from recycled oyster shells and ocean plastics, and Smawarm, a next-generation thermal insulation material made from Seawool. "At Creative Tech Textile / Hans Global, we believe the future of fashion innovation is rooted in nature, where sustainability and performance go hand in hand. Showcasing our innovations at Premiere Vision Paris allows us to connect with global partners who share our vision for a more responsible and forward-thinking textile industry," said Eddie Wang, Founder and CEO of Creative Tech Textile / Hans Global. Seawool: A Revolutionary Innovation in Circular Fashion Inspired by Nature Seawool is a groundbreaking textile innovation made from recycled oyster shells and ocean plastics that transform marine waste into high-performance fibers while honoring Taiwan's oyster farming heritage. Just 1% of the world's annual shell waste can yield up to 900 tons of Seawool fiber, demonstrating the material's vast potential to support a circular economy and reduce environmental impact. In 2023 alone, the company successfully reused 100 tons of oyster shells and 300 tons of post-consumer plastic waste. Beyond sustainability, Seawool offers exceptional functionality with its Merino blend: Naturally antibacterial and odor-resistant Thermally regulating and soft to the touch Comfort and feel of wool with added performance benefit Machine washability, eliminating the need for toxic dry cleaning Seawool's pioneering impact has earned global recognition, including prestigious accolades such as the Red Dot Award. Its low-carbon, water-saving production process sets a new benchmark for sustainable textile manufacturing. By merging natural inspiration with technological advancement, Seawool is not only addressing pressing environmental challenges but also reshaping the future of responsible fashion. Smawarm: Versatile Warmth, Redefined Smawarm is a revolutionary thermal insulation material that reengineers Seawool fibers into a spiral shape, mimicking the heat-trapping hollow strands of polar bear fur. This biomimetic twist enhances thermal retention, resulting in a high-performance material that offers warmth with sustainability at its core. At the heart of this innovation are micro air pockets formed by oyster shell fibers. These natural thermal barriers effectively retain body heat without adding bulk, making the fabric lightweight, soft, and comfortable to wear. Years of research and development by Creative Tech Textile / Hans Global have culminated in a solution that redefines warmth with smart insulation and superior thermal regulation. The fabric offers key performance features that suit a wide range of applications: Breathable, moisture wicking, and quick drying Anti-bacterial and static-resistant Ideal for daily wear, outdoor gear, and high-performance items like gloves, jackets, beddings, and insulated bags "Seawool is our foundational fabric that we like to call 'the emerald of the ocean'. To create it, we transform oyster shells and ocean plastics into high-performance fibers that reduce environmental impact without compromising quality. Building on this legacy, Smawarm delivers lightweight, breathable insulation that offers warmth and comfort with a biomimetic twist," concluded Eddie. Create Tech Textile / Hans Global is also an active member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) and participates in the Higg Index, reinforcing its alignment with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices across its value chain. For more information, visit: https://hansglobaltextile.net/. About Creative Tech Textile / Hans Global Founded in 2010 and based in Tainan, Taiwan, Creative Tech Textile / Hans Global is a leading innovator in sustainable textiles. Best known for its proprietary, patented Seawool material-made from discarded oyster shells and recycled PET bottles-the company delivers high-performance fabrics with natural softness, thermal regulation, and odor resistance. As a Bluesign-certified manufacturer, Creative Tech / Hans Global helps global apparel brands adopt circular, eco-friendly textiles. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2762113/image_5032629_7035305.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2762138/Creative_tech___Hans_global___Logo____1_Logo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2762139/Creative_tech___Hans_global___Logo____4_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/creative-tech-textile--hans-global-brings-nature-inspired-fiber-innovation-to-premiere-vision-paris-2025-302543424.html The transition of military systems towards multi-domain operations requires real-time, effective coordination and sharing of data and decisions. Insta DomainLink Secret has been designed for data exchange between systems using NATO standards, operational security concerning information transmissions, and cybersecurity to protect and limit what data may be received and transmitted by communicating parties. TAMPERE, Finland, Sept. 08, 2025, a trusted cyber security and defence technology provider, has launched Insta DomainLink Secret, a high-performance cross-domain solution (CDS) for secure, real-time data exchange between different networks and systems. Modern technological solution enables real-time, secure bi-directional data transfer between military domains, such as land, maritime, and air, and security clearance between different classification levels across the chain of command. Developed in collaboration with Lockheed Martinfor the exchange of data in complex military network environments, its advanced operational security and cybersecurity capabilities help safeguard data against threats. The system also enables improved situational awareness and faster tactical decision-making across military domains. Modern military operations require quick data centric decision-making Typically, military branches, such as the navy and air defence, have their own command and control systems with limited ability to exchange information in a controlled way due to a lack of proper cybersecurity controls to enable connections. This can slow decision making which reduces situational awareness and might jeopardise the mission and put troops at risk. Multi-domain operations refer to military operations that integrate and synchronise actions across multiple military branches to achieve a key strategic objective. For example, a major NATO mission can include land, maritime, air, space, and cyber operations - all taking place at the same time over a vast area. The more NATO operatives participate, the more complex the data exchange between different networks and systems becomes. "For example, if there were a military conflict in Europe, it would be necessary to communicate critical information between different systems and chains of command. An F-35 on a stealth mission needs to be able to share the information that all of its sophisticated sensor systems detect with the rest of the forces. If the aircraft detects an enemy threat, you need to decide very quickly who responds to it: the air force, a navy vessel, or ground-based assets? Real-time sharing of data and its effects across all branches is critical for both command and on-field operatives to effectively respond to threats and achieve high joint operational capability," says Petri Reiman, Senior Vice President, Defence and Cyber Security at Insta. Tailor-made solutions are on the way to being replaced by flexible systems In order to benefit from cross-domain technologies in the past, it has been necessary to have them tailor-made, or they have required complex coding and scripting, slowing down their implementation. Programming or scripting-based solutions are further limited by static, pre-defined rule sets that could not be changed during real-time operation. Any changes require re-coding and testing by a developer. In contrast, Insta DomainLink Secret introduces a new level of agility, empowering system operators themselves to adapt and refine operational rules instantly, without technical bottlenecks. Information superiority and increasing cyber threats drive investment in defence The last few years have also seen a rise in cyber attacks targeting defence systems and the military. Governments have responded, with, for example, the UK increasing spending on cyber capabilities in 2025. Additionally, at the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, member states pledged to spend 5% of GDP on defence by 2035, with 1.5% dedicated towards cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection. While mission-critical data is available from multiple sources in the field, certain information should not be shared across the entire chain of command. To ensure operational security for any mission or procedures, Insta DomainLink Secret's filtering feature allows users to control data flows and who has access to them. In practice, the system can be programmed to control what information is transmitted, what information can be received or even what data, for example, a radar is permitted to send out. "Information superiority is a key dimension of multi-domain operations - you simply must have a full operational picture available at all times. Our Cross Domain Solution has been specifically developed to meet the increasing challenges of the modern defence and military realities, including cyber threats. Our decades of experience in demanding defence solutions and strong focus on developing state-of-the-art command and control systems utilising data and AI put us in a unique position to offer secure solutions for NATO needs," says Reiman. To further enhance performance and security in critical environments, Insta DomainLink Secret is built on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology that enables hardware-based content validation and filtering, enhancing performance and security in critical environments. Additionally, FPGA technology is highly adaptable and can be reconfigured to different situations and threats as the hardware does not need to be removed for updates. The F-35 stealth fighters, which Finland will start receiving in 2026, are known as the world's most modern and versatile fighter jets. In addition to maintaining the aircraft's avionics systems, Insta will also be responsible for integrating the new fighter's systems with the Finnish command and control systems in collaboration with the Finnish Defence Forces. Insta will showcase the solution at DSEI UK 2025 organised in London 9-12 September. Watch product video - Insta DomainLink Secret Media kit with pictures and product sheet For additional information: Insta's Innovations in Defence and Cyber Security on Display - DSEI 2025 (https://www.insta.fi/en/dsei-2025/) Defence - Reliable partner in networked defence solutions and aviation (https://www.insta.fi/en/defence-and-aviation/) Trusted cyber security partner (https://www.insta.fi/en/cybersecurity/) Insta - Decisive impact Insta is a diversified technology company with in-depth expertise to enable secure and customer-focused solutions for the needs of industry, defence, software development, and cyber security. We are a reliable partner that develops future security and decisive performance in an ever more rapidly changing, networked world. We ensure the continuity of critical functions within society and companies and a smoothly running everyday life. Continuous movement, experience and responsibility are at the core of our safety culture. In 2024, the net sales of our growing family business was 176,2 million euros and we employed approximately 1,200 people. In our defence business, we focus on networked defence solutions. We deliver superior performance to our customers through our command and control solutions, secure communication solutions, and life-cycle services in avionics. We have operated in the defence market for more than 50 years. Insta is a strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces and one of Finland's key partners for cybersecurity. For more information, please visit www.insta.fi/en/. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8bb6ac5-073d-40d9-8241-acfc03327150 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c554d8db-66b4-4937-895c-9129d2e83d96 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/033dc594-e27d-43d8-af05-e6b041096345 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/05b68856-797b-4217-844b-0c372e2467ae https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1e94ac8a-2f67-433c-874c-11e6236d8e16 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/378c0375-2de8-40bb-b3c3-c3cfe1425be0 Insta Petri Reiman, Senior Vice President, Defence and Cyber Security +358 40 529 2980 petri.reiman@insta.fi Teemu Sainio, Communications Director +358 40 506 7012 teemu.sainio@insta.fi London, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oak Hill Advisors ("OHA"), a leading global credit-focused alternative asset manager, has secured a significant commitment from a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority ("ADIA") for its European special situations strategy. Drawing on OHA's more than 30 years of European credit investing expertise, the strategy will offer flexible and scalable financing solutions tailored to the evolving needs of European corporate and non-corporate borrowers in the current dynamic market environment. Since the inception of its European investment activities in 1992, OHA has deployed over 18 billion in the region, including 7 billion in private and special situations opportunities. The firm's experienced London-based special situations investment team-co-led by OHA partners Alexis Atteslis and Musa Sonmez-are responsible for the execution of the strategy, leveraging deep local sourcing capabilities and proprietary relationships to originate both private capital solutions and identify dislocated credits in secondary markets. "At OHA, we maintain a rigorous, value-oriented approach to credit investing, with a strong focus on active portfolio management," said Alexis Atteslis, Co-Head of Europe and Partner at OHA. "This investment from ADIA marks a significant milestone in the growth of OHA's European platform, and we look forward to delivering flexible, tailored capital solutions to European companies." Since its inception, OHA has built enduring relationships with investors by customizing strategies to meet their diverse return objectives. ADIA has invested with OHA since 2015. "We are pleased to deepen our longstanding relationship with ADIA through this new investment," said Glenn August, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of OHA. "With more than three decades of investment experience across geographies and asset types, OHA has cultivated deep credit expertise that has enabled us to navigate complex market environments, identify high-quality opportunities and deliver long-term value to our investors." "OHA is a long-standing and proven partner, with an experienced team and a strong track record of identifying and deploying into high-quality credit opportunities," said Hamad Shahwan Aldhaheri, Executive Director of the Private Equities Department at ADIA. "This investment aligns with our approach of building lasting relationships with leading, differentiated private credit providers and supporting them as they expand to meet market demand." ### About OHA: OHA is a leading global credit-focused alternative asset manager with over 30 years of investment experience. OHA works with institutions and individuals and seeks to deliver a consistent track record of attractive risk-adjusted returns. The firm has approximately $98 billion in assets under management (AUM) across credit strategies, including private credit, distressed and special situation investments, high yield bonds, leveraged loans and collateralized loan obligations as of June 30, 2025. Additional information on OHA's AUM calculation methodology can be found on the OHA website. OHA's emphasis on long-term partnerships with companies, sponsors and other partners allows for the provision of customized credit solutions across market cycles. With over 420 experienced professionals across six global offices, OHA brings a collaborative approach to offering investors a single platform to meet their diverse credit needs. OHA is the private markets platform of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.. About ADIA: Established in 1976, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Natalie Harvard, Head of Investor Relations & Partner Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. 212-326-1505 nharvard@oakhilladvisors.com Kristin Celestino, Vice President, Branding Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. 817-215-2934 kcelestino@oakhilladvisors.com NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The rising prevalence of aortic stenosis, growing adoption of minimally invasive heart valve procedures, and increasing approvals for lower-risk patients are fueling steady growth in the TAVR market. The Global Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market is set to play a transformative role in cardiovascular care, enabling patients with severe aortic stenosis to receive life-saving treatment with reduced surgical risks and shorter recovery times. According to Vantage Market Research's latest report, "Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Product, Surgery Method, End User, and Region - Historic Data (2021-2023), Base Year (2024) & Forecast Period (2025-2035)," the market is projected to grow from USD 6.8 Billion in 2024 to USD 14.06 Billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 6.9% during 2025-2035. TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure that replaces the aortic valve using a catheter-based approach, eliminating the need for open-heart surgery. Initially approved for high-risk patients, TAVR is now rapidly expanding to intermediate- and low-risk groups due to strong clinical outcomes and device innovation. The Complete Study is Now Available for Immediate Access | Download the Sample Pages of this Report @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement-market-2105/request-sample Key Takeaways: By Product: Balloon-expandable valves dominated in 2024, accounting for the largest share due to high success rates and widespread adoption. By Surgery Method: Transfemoral approach led the market in 2024, offering lower complication risks compared to alternative approaches. Regional Leadership: North America captured 42% of revenue in 2024, supported by advanced healthcare infrastructure, favorable reimbursement, and a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. "Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement has shifted from being a last-resort therapy to becoming a mainstream solution for aortic stenosis," said Nneha Rathod Godbole, Founder & CEO at Vantage Market Research. "Continuous improvements in valve design and delivery systems are ensuring safer, faster, and more effective treatments for patients across the world." Market Overview & Potential The global Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market is valued at USD 6.8 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 14.06 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% between 2025 and 2035. The market is witnessing strong growth due to increasing prevalence of aortic stenosis, rising demand for minimally invasive cardiac procedures, and expanding regulatory approvals for lower-risk patient groups. Favorable reimbursement frameworks, technological advancements in valve design and durability, and growing preference for shorter recovery times are fueling the adoption of TAVR globally. What Factors Are Accelerating the Demand and Growth of the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market? Growing Geriatric Population: Higher prevalence of aortic stenosis among the elderly is driving TAVR adoption. Higher prevalence of aortic stenosis among the elderly is driving TAVR adoption. Favorable Reimbursement Policies: Insurance coverage and government support enhance patient access. Insurance coverage and government support enhance patient access. Expanding Clinical Trials: Trials supporting TAVR for younger and lower-risk patients are broadening indications. Trials supporting TAVR for younger and lower-risk patients are broadening indications. Minimally Invasive Preference: Shorter hospital stays and reduced complications make TAVR an attractive choice for patients and providers. Shorter hospital stays and reduced complications make TAVR an attractive choice for patients and providers. Technological Advancements: New valve materials and delivery systems improve procedural efficiency and outcomes. What Are Emerging Trends Shaping the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market? Next-Generation Valve Designs: Focused on improved durability and reduced complications such as paravalvular leak. AI-Assisted Imaging & Robotics: Enhancing accuracy in valve placement and reducing procedural risks. Patient Pool Expansion: Approvals for low- and intermediate-risk patients driving volume growth. Outpatient and Ambulatory TAVR: Growing shift towards same-day procedures in advanced healthcare settings. Global Market Penetration: Rising adoption in Asia Pacific and Latin America as infrastructure improves. What Are Major Challenges Hindering Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market Growth? High Procedure & Device Costs: Limiting accessibility in cost-sensitive markets. Limited Durability in Younger Patients: Longevity of valves remains a concern for long-term outcomes. Complex Regulatory Pathways: Stringent approval processes may delay market entry for new devices. Procedure-Associated Risks: Complications such as stroke, vascular injury, or need for pacemaker implantation. Training & Skilled Workforce Gaps: Limited expertise in emerging regions may restrict adoption. Top Key Players for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Medtronic plc Abbott Laboratories Boston Scientific Corporation JenaValve Technology, Inc. Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. LivaNova PLC MicroPort Scientific Corporation Colibri Heart Valve, LLC These leading players are focusing on innovation in valve durability, expanding indications to younger patients, AI-assisted imaging, and global expansion into emerging markets. To Know an Additional List of Key Players, Request Here to Download a Free Report PDF Brochure: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement-market-2105/request-sample Strategic Insights for Decision-Makers: How Will This Market Impact Cardiovascular Care, Healthcare Systems, and Supply Chains? The TAVR market is emerging as a cornerstone of modern cardiovascular care, reshaping how aortic stenosis is treated globally. Minimally invasive valve replacement is reducing recovery times, lowering surgical risks, and expanding eligibility to intermediate- and low-risk patients. Hospitals, payers, and device manufacturers are aligning to accommodate the rising demand for TAVR, which is shifting cardiac surgery workloads toward catheter-based interventions. Impact: Expect stronger partnerships between device makers and hospitals, expansion of training programs for cardiologists, regional diversification of manufacturing facilities (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific), and deeper collaborations with healthcare providers to improve patient pathways. Leaders will prioritize next-generation valve designs, AI-assisted imaging integration, and cost-optimized delivery systems to ensure sustainability, scalability, and global accessibility. What Risks Should Investors Track? High Procedure Costs: TAVR devices and hospital stays remain expensive, potentially limiting access in emerging markets. Regulatory Complexity: Strict FDA, CE, and regional approval pathways can delay innovation timelines. Valve Durability Concerns: Longevity of current valves in younger patients raises questions about repeat interventions. Reimbursement Uncertainty: Policy shifts in key markets may influence adoption rates and profitability. Supply Chain Vulnerability: Dependence on specialized materials, sterilization, and precision manufacturing creates risk during global disruptions. What Opportunities Exist for Sustainability and Growth Leaders? Next-Generation Valves: Longer-lasting, lower-profile valves addressing durability challenges and younger patient populations. Digital & AI Integration: AI-assisted imaging and robotic catheter guidance to improve precision and reduce complications. Expanding Patient Pool: Growing approvals for intermediate- and low-risk patients, expanding beyond traditional high-risk groups. Outpatient & Ambulatory TAVR: Potential for same-day procedures in advanced care settings to lower costs and increase access. Emerging Market Penetration: Rising healthcare investments in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East provide new growth corridors. Collaborations & M&A: Strategic partnerships with hospitals, payers, and local manufacturers can accelerate adoption and supply security. For decision-makers in healthcare, medtech, and investment, the TAVR market represents a strategic inflection point. Early investment in scalable manufacturing, training infrastructure, digital integration, and affordability strategies will safeguard market leadership, accelerate patient adoption, and strengthen long-term investor confidence. Recent Developments Feb 2025 - Edwards Lifesciences launched a new balloon-expandable valve designed for younger patients with longer durability. - Edwards Lifesciences launched a new balloon-expandable valve designed for younger patients with longer durability. April 2025 - Medtronic received expanded approval in Europe for TAVR use in intermediate-risk patients. - Medtronic received expanded approval in Europe for TAVR use in intermediate-risk patients. June 2025 - Abbott introduced AI-based imaging solutions to improve accuracy of valve placement and reduce complications. Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research Report: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement-market-2105/checkout Benefits of Purchasing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) 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. Regional Insights Why Does North America Lead the Global Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market? In 2024, North America accounted for 39.3% of the global revenue share, making it the leading region in the TAVR market. Growth is fueled by high prevalence of aortic stenosis, early adoption of minimally invasive cardiac procedures, and favorable reimbursement frameworks. The U.S. leads the region with strong support from the FDA, widespread clinical adoption, and innovation by key players such as Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, Abbott, and Boston Scientific. Investments in hybrid cath labs, next-generation valve technologies, and AI-assisted imaging platforms are reinforcing North America's position as the global hub for TAVR innovation and commercialization. How Is Asia Pacific Emerging as a Key Growth Hub for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)? Asia Pacific supported by growing prevalence of cardiovascular disease, rising aging populations, and increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure. China, Japan, South Korea, and India are leading the adoption of catheter-based procedures, with governments expanding healthcare access and reimbursement coverage. Multinational device companies and regional players are investing in training programs, clinical trials, and localized manufacturing to meet demand. How Is Europe Driving Sustainable Growth in the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market? Europe is supported by strong clinical adoption, CE Mark approvals, and favorable healthcare policies. Germany, France, and the UK are leading with high procedural volumes and innovation in valve durability and imaging techniques. The EU's focus on value-based healthcare, safety standards, and early adoption of advanced cardiovascular devices is supporting sustained demand. European hospitals are also expanding outpatient and same-day TAVR procedures, further boosting adoption while lowering healthcare costs. How Is Latin America Unlocking New Growth Opportunities in the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market? Latin America represented 6-7% of the global TAVR market in 2024, with Brazil leading adoption due to expanding cardiac care centers, growing awareness of minimally invasive treatments, and increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure. Argentina is also showing rising procedure volumes, supported by medical tourism and government-backed hospital upgrades. Partnerships between multinational medtech companies and local hospitals are helping improve access to TAVR, opening new growth avenues in the region. What Role Does the Middle East & Africa Play in the Expansion of the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Market? The Middle East & Africa (MEA) is experiencing steady growth, driven by healthcare modernization initiatives, government investments, and rising cardiovascular disease prevalence. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's commitment to advanced cardiac care are fueling TAVR adoption. South Africa is also emerging as a regional hub for minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures. However, limited availability of specialized cath labs and high costs remain challenges. Increasing international collaborations, training programs, and investments in tertiary care hospitals are expected to accelerate TAVR adoption across MEA in the coming decade. Segmental Insights By Type Which Type Dominated the TAVR Market in 2024? Balloon-Expandable Valves dominated the TAVR market in 2024, capturing the largest revenue share. Their widespread clinical adoption is driven by proven safety, high procedural success rates, and strong clinical trial evidence supporting their use in high-, intermediate-, and low-risk patients. These valves offer precise placement, reduced complication rates, and strong durability outcomes, making them the preferred choice in most advanced healthcare markets. Self-Expandable Valves are also gaining momentum, particularly for patients with complex anatomies and larger valve sizes, and are expected to see strong growth during the forecast period. By Surgery Method Which Surgery Method Led the TAVR Market in 2024? The Transfemoral Approach led the market in 2024, accounting for the highest procedural share due to its minimally invasive nature, shorter recovery time, and lower procedural risk compared to alternative approaches. It is widely considered the "gold standard" in TAVR procedures across North America and Europe. The Transapical Approach continues to be used in select patient groups, though its share is declining due to higher procedural risks and advances in transfemoral delivery systems. Other emerging approaches, including transaortic and transsubclavian, are under evaluation for niche patient populations. By End User Which End User Segment Drove the TAVR Market in 2024? Hospitals dominated the TAVR market in 2024, contributing the highest revenue share as the majority of procedures are performed in hospital-based hybrid cath labs and cardiac surgery centers. The presence of advanced imaging systems, trained interventional cardiologists, and robust reimbursement frameworks support hospital dominance. Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) are expected to see growing adoption in the coming decade, particularly in developed markets, as outpatient and same-day TAVR procedures become more common. Specialty Cardiology Clinics are also emerging as important end users, especially in Europe and North America, where decentralized cardiovascular care models are gaining traction. Browse market data Tables and Figures spread through 245 Pages and in-depth TOC on Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Market Forecast Report (2025-2035). Segments Covered in The Report By Implantation Procedure Transfemoral (52.5%) Transapical Transaortic By Material Stainless Steel Nitinol (35.4%) Cobalt Chromium Other Materials By Mechanism Balloon-Expanding Valve (55.4%) Self-Expanding Valve By End-Use Hospitals (89.5%) Ambulatory Surgical Centers Independent Cardiac Catheterization Labs Other End-Uses Region North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K. Italy Spain Nordic Countries Benelux Union Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India New Zealand Australia South Korea South-East Asia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa (MEA) Saudi Arabia UAE Egypt Kuwait South Africa Rest of MEA Buy this Premium Research Report with Discount | Immediate Delivery @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement-market-2105/checkout Key Questions Answered in The Report: Which region is projected to achieve the fastest and highest growth in the TAVR market over the next decade? Who are the leading five players in the TAVR market, and what are their strengths and weaknesses in terms of product portfolio, innovation, and global footprint? What breakthrough innovations-such as next-generation valve durability, low-profile delivery systems, AI-assisted imaging, robotics, and cerebral embolic protection-are expected to shape the TAVR market in the next six years? Which clinical applications-such as transfemoral procedures, valve-in-valve replacements, bicuspid anatomies, and low-risk patient groups-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 TAVR industry? What is the anticipated market size and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the TAVR market during the forecast period? How will regulatory frameworks, reimbursement policies, and evolving clinical guidelines impact market dynamics and clinical adoption of TAVR? Gain instant access to our exclusive, data-driven dashboard designed for healthcare industry decision-makers, strategists, and market leaders. The platform delivers in-depth statistical insights, segment-wise breakdowns, regional market performance, competitive landscape mapping, company profiles, annual updates, and more. From market sizing to trend analysis and competitive intelligence, this powerful tool serves as a comprehensive solution for informed business decisions. Read Full Report with TOC @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement-market-2105 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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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/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement-tavr-market-to-reach-usd-14-06-billion-by-2035--with-cagr-6-9-driven-by-aging-and-minimally-invasive-heart-procedures--vantage-market-research-302548977.html TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / Jaguar Mining Inc. ("Jaguar" or the "Company") (TSX:JAG) is pleased to announce a comprehensive five-year exploration plan (the "Plan") designed to expand its gold resources and support future production growth. This initiative has been developed to systematically explore the Company's extensive mineral tenements in Brazil, with a focus on both expanding existing deposits and identifying new prospective targets. The plan encompasses all 46,619 hectares of the Company's mineral rights, with exploration efforts concentrated on the most prospective areas to advance opportunities that could support future resource growth and production potential. Key Highlights of the Five-Year Exploration Plan: Significant Gold Endowment Potential: This initiative is designed to investigate a total gold endowment ranging between 4-7 million ounces across all projects, underscoring the scale of potential within the Company's land package. Proposed Drilling Campaign: Between 2026 and 2030, the plan is to complete approximately 222,000 meters of drilling . This extensive program will be critical to expanding and defining the Company's gold resources at least at the inferred category. Strategic Project Focus: The plan outlines targeted exploration across key project areas, ensuring resources are allocated to the most prospective targets with the greatest potential to advance toward development: Paciencia Complex: Exploration will focus on extending known mineralization at Santa Isabel, Marzagao (underground) and Chame, including testing deep extensions and pursuing new discoveries such as Bahu and BIF North. The Chame project alone carries an estimated upside potential of 325,000-520,000 ounces , supported by 6,175 meters of drilling scheduled to begin in 2025. Caete Complex - Roca Grande Project: Exploration will focus on areas of established potential, including Boa Vista and Morro da Mina, alongside regional reconnaissance work at Sabara Extension, Lavra Velha, and Ze Firme. MTL Complex: Exploration will focus on the Pontal project, with the goal of fully assessing all opportunities within the area. Drilling of approximately 11,000 meters could support an estimated upside potential of 134,000-400,000 ounces . Oncas de Pitangui Project: Exploration will focus on infill drilling, alongside exploration at Aparicao, Caldas, and Taboca targets, supporting overall resource growth. Systematic Exploration Approach: This plan outlines a methodical sequence of work, including comprehensive geological mapping, geochemical surveys, and extensive exploration drilling. This approach is designed to ensure efficiency and maximize the probability of new discoveries and resource upgrades. Environmental Stewardship: All exploration activities will adhere strictly to environmental regulations, including ongoing environmental licensing processes ( Simplified Environmental Licensing - LAS , and Environmental Impact Assessment studies - EIA ), reflecting the Company's commitment to responsible mining practices. Team and Technology: The plan incorporates a robust exploration team of experienced geologists and technical personnel, supported by advanced exploration techniques and integrated data systems to optimize results. The execution of this five-year plan will include defining key targets, reviewing geological and drilling work, preparing detailed forecasts and budgets, and ensuring timely approvals to support operational actions. This structured framework is designed to deliver consistent progress and measurable results, creating a significant opportunity to unlock value across the Brazilian tenements. The Company is confident that these efforts will expand the resource base, accelerate growth, and further strengthen its position as a leading gold producer in Brazil's prolific Iron Quadrangle. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: The potential ounce quantities are conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in the delineation of a mineral resource. Luis Albano Tondo, Chief Executive Officer of Jaguar Mining, commented: "This plan reflects our commitment to systematically assess the significant geological potential within our portfolio. Our objective is to convert this potential into defined resources, supporting a sustainable production growth pipeline. It combines geological expertise with advanced exploration techniques to advance our next generation of gold mines." Armando Massucatto, Exploration Manager for Jaguar Mining, added: "Jaguar's mineral rights are strategically located in the Iron Quadrangle, one of Brazil's most prolific gold districts. Our approach was developed using geological, geochemical, and geophysical mapping data compiled and ranked over recent years. This rigorous process identified targets with the greatest potential for exploration success and economic viability. Executing this strategy will strengthen our position in Brazil's exploration landscape, increase mineral resources and drive true organic growth for the Company." Figure 1: Distribution of five-years targets in the Iron Quadrangle, highlighting the main mineral deposits. Figure 2: Sketch of the planned sequence of exploration work at the Paciencia Complex over the next five years. Figure 3: Sketch of the planned sequence of exploration work at the MTL Complex and Oncas de Pitangui Project over the next five years. Qualified Person Scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Armando Jose Massucatto, PhD, FAusIMM, Exploration Manager, who is also an employee of Jaguar Mining Inc. and is a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The Iron Quadrangle The Iron Quadrangle has been an area of mineral exploration dating back to the 16th century. The discovery in 1699-1701 of gold contaminated with iron and platinum-group metals in the southeastern corner of the Iron Quadrangle gave rise to the name of the town Ouro Preto (Black Gold). The Iron Quadrangle contains world-class multi-million-ounce gold deposits such as Morro Velho, Cuiaba, and Sao Bento. Jaguar holds the second largest gold land position in the Iron Quadrangle with over 46,000 hectares. About Jaguar Mining Inc. Jaguar Mining Inc. is a Canadian-listed junior gold mining, development, and exploration company operating in Brazil with three gold mining complexes and a large land package with significant upside exploration potential from mineral claims. The Company's principal operating assets are located in the Iron Quadrangle, a prolific greenstone belt in the state of Minas Gerais and include the MTL complex (Turmalina mine and plant) and Caete complex (Pilar and Roca Grande mines, and Caete plant). The Roca Grande mine has been on temporary care and maintenance since April 2019. The Company also owns the Paciencia complex (Santa Isabel mine and plant), which had been on care and maintenance since 2012 and is under review to restart in 2026. Additional information is available on the Company's website at www.jaguarmining.com. For further information please contact: Luis Albano Tondo Chief Executive Officer Jaguar Mining Inc. luis.albano@jaguarmining.com +55 31 99959 6337 Marina de Freitas Interim Chief Financial Officer marina.freitas@jaguarmining.com.br +55 31-98463-5344 Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. All of the forward-looking information made in this news release is qualified by the cautionary statements below and those made in our other filings with the securities regulators in Canada. Forward-looking information contained in forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "are expected", "is forecast", "is targeted", "approximately", "plans", "anticipates", "projects", "continue", "estimate", "believe" 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. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, may be considered to be or include forward-looking information. This news release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things, management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions (including, without limitation, the Company's above-stated objectives of expanding its resource base, accelerating growth, strengthening its position in Brazil's Iron Quadrangle, converting geological potential into defined resources and supporting a sustainable production growth pipeline), the Company's ability to advance its projects, the nature, focus, timing and potential results of the Company's exploration, development, prospecting and other mining activities in 2025 and beyond, the timing and ability of the Company to recommence operations at its MTL complex following the slump at its Satinoco dry tailings pile, the future stability of the aforementioned tailings pile and safety of the Turmalina mine, and any information and statements related to expected growth, sales, production (including, without limitation, the cost, timing and amount of any future production), ore grades, tonnes milled, recovery rates, cash operating costs, definition/delineation drilling, capital expenditures, and the costs and timing of developing projects and new deposits. The Company has made numerous assumptions with respect to forward-looking information contained herein, including, among other things: assumptions about the future and long-term stability of the Satinoco tailings pile; there will be no unforeseen adverse weather events or other external factors that could impact the Company's plans and objectives including, without limitation, those relating to the Company's exploration, development and mining activities, as well as its recovery and remediation efforts; the estimated timeline for the development of the Company's mineral properties; the supply and demand for, and the level and volatility of the price of, gold; currency fluctuations; estimated capital requirements; the accuracy of reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions on which the reserve and resource estimates are based; the receipt of necessary permits; market competition; ongoing relations with employees and impacted communities; political and legal developments in any jurisdiction in which the Company operates being consistent with its current expectations, and any changes to general business and economic conditions. Forward-looking information involves a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including among others: the risk of Jaguar not meeting its plans and estimated timelines regarding the Company's exploration, development and mining activities, operations and financial performance; uncertainties with respect to the price of gold, labour disruptions, mechanical failures, increases in costs (for environmental, weather-related, regulatory or any other reasons), environmental compliance and change in environmental legislation and regulation, weather delays and delays due to natural disasters, power disruptions, procurement and delivery of parts and supplies; uncertainties inherent to capital markets in general (including the sometimes volatile valuation of securities and an uncertain ability to raise new capital) and other risks inherent to the gold exploration, development and production industry (including, without limitation, risks associated with environmental hazards, tailings dam failures, industrial accidents, workplace safety problems, unusual or unexpected geological formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding, chemical spills, procurement fraud and gold bullion thefts and losses, and the risk of inadequate insurance, or the inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks), which, if incorrect, may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described herein. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking information made in this news release, see the Company's most recent Annual Information Form and Management's Discussion and Analysis, as well as other public disclosure documents that can be accessed under the issuer profile of "Jaguar Mining Inc." on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. The forward-looking information set forth herein reflects the Company's reasonable 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. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. SOURCE: Jaguar Mining, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/jaguar-mining-inc.-announces-five-year-exploration-plan-to-unlock-gold-potential-1069648 * Drilling intersection includes 3.2 g/t gold over 62 metres * Confirmation that Butia and Fazenda do Posto are one, connected zone of mineralization Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2025) - Lavras Gold Corp. (TSXV: LGC) (OTCQX: LGCFF) ("Lavras Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to release the results from 17 new drill holes totaling 6,305 metres, testing the Butia Gold Deposit ("Butia" or "Butia Gold Deposit") and the immediately adjacent Fazenda do Posto Gold Discovery ("Fazenda" or "Fazenda do Posto"), located at the western edge of the LDS Project in southern Brazil. Gold mineralization was intersected in 15 of the 17 holes reported in this news release. Several of these new holes returned long intervals of continuous gold mineralization characterized by higher-grade subintervals consistent with previously disclosed results. These holes were designed to: increase the confidence in the Butia Gold Deposit (converting the Inferred Resource into the Measured & Indicated categories), increase the gold endowment and footprint of known mineralization of the Butia Gold Deposit, examine the limits of gold mineralization and metasomatic alteration found at the Fazenda do Posto Gold Discovery, and test for continuity of mineralization between Butia and Fazenda do Posto. A 25,000 metre drilling program is on-going, focusing on the Butia and Fazenda do Posto areas, and testing for other targets on the 23,000 hectare LDS Property. The metallurgical test program at SGS Laboratory in Belo Horizonte, Brazil has advanced significantly since the first round of samples was sent for testing in September 2024. A total of eight 150-kilogram composite samples (five from the Butia Gold Deposit and three from the Fazenda do Posto Gold Discovery) have been sent to the lab for detailed investigation and test-work. Results will be disclosed once the final report from SGS is received. Today's new drill results and current initiatives continue to move Lavras Gold toward its short-term corporate goal of defining an economically feasible gold resource on the LDS Project, focused on the Butia Gold Deposit and the adjacent Fazenda do Posto Gold Discovery. With more than 58,000 metres of drilling and 209 drill holes having been completed on the Butia and Fazenda do Posto concessions, an Environmental and Social Impact Study (EIA) has commenced for the project. This is the first and most important step in positioning and de-risking the project as we begin the permitting process for a potential commercial gold mining project in Brazil following on from a Terms of Reference Study that was recently approved by FEPAM, the State environmental agency in Rio Grande do Sul. This activity is in addition to the exploration program that will continue on the LDS property." HIGHLIGHTS Drilling Hole 25BT062 tested the Butia Gold Deposit and returned: 228.0 metres grading 1.1 g/t gold from 115.0 metres, and including: 62.0 metres grading 3.2 g/t gold from 159.0 metres, 3.0 metres grading 2.7 g/t gold from 374.0 metres This hole successfully scissored the high-grade interval found in 24BT034 and defined a large low to moderate grade zone of mineralization in the gap between Butia and Fazenda do Posto. This hole confirms that Butia and Fazenda do Posto are connected. Hole 25BT057 tested the Butia Gold Deposit and intersected multiple intervals of gold mineralization. Highlights include: 113.0 metres grading 0.8 g/t gold from surface and including: 14.0 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold from 23.0 metres, and 19.0 metre grading 1.2 g/t gold from 43.0.0 metres, and 16.0 metre grading 1.3 g/t gold from 69.0 metres, and 11.0 metres grading 0.9 g/t gold from 102.0 metres Hole 25FP039 tested the Fazenda do Posto Gold Discovery and intersected multiple intervals of gold mineralization. Highlights include: 44.0 metres grading 2.3 g/t gold from 325.0 metres and including: 13.0 metres grading 3.6 g/t gold from 331.0 metres; 2.0 metres grading 15.2 g/t gold from 391.0 metres Hole 25FP045 tested the Fazenda do Post Gold Discovery and returned multiple intervals of gold mineralization. Highlights include: 77.0 metres grading 1.5 g/t gold from 128.0 metres including : 19.0 m grading 0.3 g/t gold from 130.0 metres 12.0 metres grading 4.1 g/t gold from 155.0 metres 8.0 metres grading 0.2 g/t gold from 177.0 metres 11.0 metres grading 5.1 g/t gold from 185.0 metres and including 1.0 metres grading 41.7 g/t gold from 194.0 metres 3.0 metres grading 1.4 g/t gold from 202.0 metres 1.0 metre grading 0.4 g/t gold from 230.0 metres "We are very pleased with the structural, geological and geochemical information that we have observed from the drilling at Butia and Fazenda do Posto, as it marks significant progress for us toward our goal of identifying an economically feasible gold mine on this property," commented President & CEO Michael Durose. "Including historical drilling, more than 58,000 metres and 209 drill holes have been completed on these two concessions, defining a mineralized gold system that begins at surface to depths of more than 400 metres. Gold mineralization has been traced along a northwest-southeast strike for nearly 700 metres. "Furthermore, we believe the exploration potential in this area remains significant, as we have not yet identified the outer limits of the mineralization here. Our understanding of the geological controls to mineralization has been greatly enhanced since announcing the discovery hole 23FP002 at Fazenda do Posto in September 2023. In addition to finding more gold, these most recent drilling results also indicate that the metasomatic alteration footprint associated with this gold system is kilometres in scale, with the intensity of alteration seemingly increasing to the northwest. Our exploration work has also confirmed hydrothermal alteration south and north of the current mineralized footprint. More exploration work needs to be completed to unlock and understand the full potential of this unique geological setting. Having said this, we do believe that the project is sufficiently advanced to undertake an environmental and social impact study for a phase one commercial gold mining project. This study follows from the recently approved Terms of Reference Study from FEPAM - the State environmental agency of Rio Grande do Sul. This is a significant de-risking step required to achieve our goal of defining an economically viable commercial gold mine for the LDS Project". Click here for additional comments from CEO Michael Durose. [* Footnote: Butia hosts an Estimated Mineral Resource of 12.9MM tonnes at a grade of 0.91g/t gold for 377,000 ounces of gold in the Measured and Indicated categories and 3.7MM tonnes at a grade of 0.97 g/t gold for 115,000 ounces of gold in the Inferred category as detailed in the NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource for Butia Gold Prospect dated and effective January 25, 2022 and updated in November 2024. The report was prepared by VMG Consultoria e Solucoes Ltda. for Lavras Gold Corp. and is available on the Company's website and www.sedarplus.com under Lavras Gold's issuer profile.] Discussion of Drill Results These drilling results from the Butia and Fazenda do Posto areas are a continuation of drilling that has been on-going since June 2023. Including the holes disclosed in today's press release, a total of 94 drill holes totaling 28,544 metres have been disclosed at Butia and Fazenda do Posto by Lavras Gold. This includes results from 45 drill holes totaling 12,385 metres for Butia and 49 drill holes totaling 16,159 metres for Fazenda do Posto. Overall, including historical drilling, 209 holes and more than 58,000 metres of drilling have been completed on these two concessions. In today's press release, results for four new drill holes at Butia and 13 new drill holes testing Fazenda do Posto are released. Figure 1 is a general location map for the LDS Project deposits and targets. Details of the locations of the new drill holes can be found in the plan view in Figure 2. The locations of all drill holes from 2023, 2024 and 2025 is shown in Figure 3. Figure 4 shows a long section looking northeast of all drill holes disclosed since 2023. Table 1 details newly disclosed assay results in this press release. Table 2 tabulates drill hole information including collar coordinates, drill hole azimuth and drill hole depths. For all previous drilling results, visit the News section of the Lavras Gold website. A primary purpose of the recent drilling was to continue testing the lateral continuity of gold mineralization across a postulated northeast trending structural corridor and fill in gaps interpreted from northwest-southeast cross-sections of previous drilling. All but one of the holes were drilled with an azimuth oriented 110 degrees and/or 290 degrees. Highlights of the recent drilling results from the Butia area are as follows: Drill hole 25BT062 was collared in the northeast portion of the Butia Gold Deposit and drilled on an azimuth of 290 degrees and an inclination of 60 degrees. The hole was designed to scissor the high-grade interval found in 24BT034 and test for deeper gold mineralization in a gap that exists between Butia and Fazenda do Posto. The hole successfully scissored the high-grade interval found in 24BT034 and defined a large low to moderate grade zone of mineralization in this gap. This hole confirms that Butia and Fazenda do Posto are connected. Gold mineralization starts from surface and includes the following highlights: 4.0 metres grading 0.8 g/t gold from surface 4.,0 metres grading 0.2 g/t gold from 12.0 metres 6.0 metres grading 0.5 g/t gold from 55.0 metres 17.0 metres grading 0.2 g/t gold from 64.00 metres 228.0 metres grading 1.1 g/t gold from 115.0 metres, and including: 62.0 metres grading 3.2 g/t gold from 159.0 metres, 3.0 metres grading 2.7 g/t gold from 374.0 metres Drill hole 25BT057 was collared in the central portion of Butia and drilled on an azimuth 110 degrees with the goal of scissoring drillhole 25BT047 and testing the extension of gold mineralization to the east. The hole successfully encountered a long interval of gold mineralization beginning at surface, and then moderate to lower grade gold deeper down the hole. Highlights include: 113.0 metres grading 0.8 g/t gold from surface and including: 14.0 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold from 23.0 metres and including: 19.0 metre grading 1.2 g/t gold from 43.0.0 metres, and 16.0 metre grading 1.3 g/t gold from 69.0 metres, and 11.0 metres grading 0.9 g/t gold from 102.0 metres Highlights of drill results from the Fazenda do Posto target area are as follows: Hole 25FP039 was a large step-out hole collared 215 metres northwest of the western edge of Fazenda do Posto and drilled on an azimuth of 110 degrees and a dip of 60 degrees. The purpose of the hole was to test for gold mineralization west of the current known mineralization at Fazenda do Posto and test for the down plunge extension of high-grade mineralization found in 23FP011, 23FP006 and 23FP002. The hole confirmed high-grade gold mineralization 100 metres below previously known mineralization at 23FP011. Furthermore, these results together with drillhole 25FP042 confirm that the metasomatic alteration footprint extends for at least 300 metres from the western edge of Fazenda do Posto. Highlights of drilling include: 44.0 metres grading 2.3 g/t gold from 325.0 metres and including: 13.0 metres grading 3.6 g/t gold from 331.0 metres 2.0 metres grading 15.2 g/t gold from 391.0 metres Drill hole 25FP042 was another large step-out hole collared 300 metres northwest of the western edge of Fazenda do Posto. The hole was drilled on an azimuth of 110 degrees and a dip of 60 degrees. The purpose was to test for hydrothermal alteration and gold mineralization to the west of Fazenda do Posto. The hole returned extensive metasomatic alteration and returned three small intervals of low-grade gold within the first 115 metres. A longer, 71.0 metre, interval of a deeper zone of gold mineralization was encountered and represents the down plunge extension of gold mineralization of Fazenda do Posto. A summary of results is as follows: 2.0 metres grading 0.3 g/t gold from 1.0 m 1.0 metre grading 0.3 g/t gold from 82.0 m 1.0 metre grading 0.2 g/t gold from 114.0 m 71.0 metres grading 0.5g/t gold from 401.0 m including 5.0 metres grading 1.1 g/t gold from 405.0 metres 3.0 metres grading 3.6 g/t gold from 451.0 metres Hole 25FP045 tested the Fazenda do Post target and returned multiple intervals of gold mineralization. The hole was collared in the central-west portion of Fazenda do Post and oriented with an azimuth of 220 degrees and a dip of 60 degrees. The purpose of the hole was to test for the extension of mineralization approximately 50 metres northwest of mineralization encountered in 23FP006. Highlights include: 77.0 metres grading 1.5 g/t gold from 128.0 metres including : 19.0 m grading 0.3 g/t gold from 130.0 metres 12.0 metres grading 4.1 g/t gold from 155.0 metres 8.0 metres grading 0.2 g/t gold from 177.0 metres 11.0 metres grading 5.1 g/t gold from 185.0 metres and including 1.0 metre grading 41.7 g/t gold from 194.0 m 3.0 metres grading 1.4 g/t gold from 202.0 metres 1.0 metre grading 0.4 g/t gold from 230.0 metres Hole 25BT050 tested the Fazenda do Posto target and intersected multiple intervals of gold mineralization. The hole was collared in the north-central portion of Fazenda do Posto and collared with an azimuth orientation of 290 degrees, and a dip of 60 degrees. Highlights include: 44.0 metres grading 0.3 g/t gold from 5.0 metres 81.0 metres grading 0.6 g/t gold from 82.0 metres : 63.0 metres grading 0.8 g/t gold from 178.0 metres including: 5.0 metres grading 1.7 g/t gold from 181.0 metres; 11.0 metres grading 1.9 g/t gold from 204.0 metres 3.0 metres grading 2.5 g/t gold from 238.0 metres 21.0 metres grading 1.2 g/t gold from 247.0 metres Please refer to Table 1 for a complete list of all drill holes and detailed assay results disclosed in this press release. Table 1. Summary of Drill Hole Composites from the Butia Gold Deposit and Fazenda do Posto Gold Discovery Drill Hole From To Interval Gold grade Comment (metres) (metres) (metres) (grams/tonne) Butia 25BT055 53.00 66.00 13.00 1.320 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite 25BT057 0.00 113.00 113.00 0.805 Episyenite including 23.00 37.00 14.00 1.044 Episyenite including 43.00 62.00 19.00 1.157 Episyenite including 69.00 85.00 16.00 1.273 Episyenite including 102.00 113.00 11.00 0.945 Episyenite 151.00 155.00 4.00 1.013 Perthitic Granite including 151.00 152.00 1.00 2.743 Perthitic Granite 189.00 199.00 10.00 0.205 Perthitic Granite 213.00 216.00 3.00 0.293 Perthitic Granite 245.00 247.00 2.00 0.216 Perthitic Granite 281.00 285.00 4.00 0.377 Episyenite 25BT058 No Significant Values Perthitic Granite 25BT062 0.00 4.00 4.00 0.761 Saprolite including 3.00 4.00 1.00 1.743 Saprolite 12.00 16.00 4.00 0.196 Saprolite 55.00 61.00 6.00 0.529 Perthitic Granite including 58.00 59.00 1.00 2.133 Perthitic Granite 64.00 81.00 17.00 0.166 Perthitic Granite 115.00 343.00 228.00 1.132 Perthitic Granite/Episyenite including 159.00 221.00 62.00 3.188 Episyenite 374.00 377.00 3.00 2.702 Episyenite 386.00 403.00 17.00 0.228 Perthitic Granite 452.00 464.00 12.00 0.258 Perthitic Granite Fazenda do Posto 24FP033 218 219 1 0.396 Granodiorite 434 436 2 0.294 Episyenite 527 529 2 0.226 Episyenite 25FP037 2 3 1 0.514 Saprolite 154 155 1 0.732 Perthitic Granite 158 160 2 0.273 Episyenite 170 171 1 0.353 Episyenite 183 184 1 0.236 Perthitic Granite 187 189 2 0.204 Perthitic Granite 25FP038 167 177 10 0.217 Perthitic Granite 182 185 3 2.548 Perthitic Granite 191 194 3 0.219 Perthitic Granite 25FP039 325 369 44 2.278 Episyenite including 331 344 13 3.637 Episyenite 391 393 2 15.217 Perthitic Granite including 392 393 1 29.467 Perthitic Granite 407 420 13 0.212 Perthitic Granite including 414 420 6 0.375 Perthitic Granite 25FP040 No Significant Values Metasomatite/PG 25FP041 1 6 5 0.205 Saprolite 41 42 1 0.221 Perthitic Granite 60 62 2 0.981 Episyenite 67 68 1 0.262 Perthitic Granite 165 166 1 0.781 Perthitic Granite 204 217 13 0.33 Perthitic Granite 237 239 2 0.353 Episyenite 25FP042 1 3 2 0.267 Saprolite 82 83 1 0.273 Metasomatite 114 115 1 0.229 Metasomatite 401 472 71 0.506 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite including 405 410 5 1.091 Episyenite including 451 454 3 3.586 Episyenite 25FP043 85 107 22 0.241 Perthitic Granite including 87 88 1 1.454 Perthitic Granite 241 242 1 0.352 Perthitic Granite 273 279 6 0.788 Episyenite including 275 276 1 2.497 Episyenite 290 298 8 0.473 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite including 297 298 1 2.053 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite 315 325 10 0.279 Perthitic Granite including 315 316 1 0.925 Perthitic Granite 24FP044 No Significant Values Metasomatite/PG 25FP045 128 205 77 1.54 Metasomatite including 130 149 19 0.309 Metasomatite including 155 167 12 4.062 Albitite including 177 185 8 0.223 Albitite including 185 196 11 5.128 Albitite and including 194 195 1 41.65 Albitite including 202 205 3 1.403 Albitite 230 231 1 0.400 Albitite 282 286 4 1.278 Perthitic Granite 24BT050 5 49 44 0.308 Perthitic Granite/Episyenite 58 60 2 0.232 Episyenite 82 163 81 0.55 Episyenite 178 241 63 0.828 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite including 181 186 5 1.712 Perthitic Granite including 204 215 11 1.852 Episyenite Including 230 231 1 1.107 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite including 238 241 3 2.462 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite 247 268 21 1.238 Episyenite Including 254 264 10 2.066 Episyenite including 266 268 2 1.356 Episyenite 24BT051 1 2 1 22.525 Saprolite 115 118 3 0.204 Perthitic Granite 197 199 2 0.268 Perthitic Granite 221 224 3 0.260 Perthitic Granite 234 251 17 0.512 Episyenite 384 400 16 4.020 Perthitic Granite including 388 392 4 15.318 Perthitic Granite 416 420 4 0.286 Perthitic Granite 430 431 1 0.279 Perthitic Granite 24BT054 2 50 48 0.452 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite including 4 12 8 0.929 Episyenite including 21 23 2 1.188 Episyenite including 32 34 2 1.076 Episyenite 81 93 12 0.312 Perthitic Granite 99 102 3 0.203 Episyenite 104 105 1 0.244 Perthitic Granite 109 135 26 0.309 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite 144 163 19 0.203 Perthitic Granite 232 235 3 0.257 Perthitic Granite 238 239 1 0.270 Perthitic Granite Assumes 0.20 g/t gold cut-off grade, no top cut. The Company has been targeting larger intersections of greater than 0.20 g/t gold. Intersections lower than this threshold may provide exploration insight and may therefore be disclosed. Intervals represent drill core interval; true widths have not been determined at this time. Table 2. Butia and Fazenda do Posto Drill Hole Coordinates Drill Elevation Azimuth Dip Start Depth Final Depth Hole Easting Northing (metres) (Degrees) (Degrees) (metres) (metres) 25BT055 218136 6586374 394.0 110 -60 0 158.4 25BT057 218101 6586441 381.0 110 -60 0 365.1 25BT058 218258 6586322 389.0 110 -60 0 181.7 25BT062 218188 6586512 382.0 290 -60 0 508.3 24FP033 217636 6586932 381.0 110 -60 0 607.2 25FP037 217846 6586430 395.4 110 -60 0 228.5 25FP038 217832 6586285 406.3 110 -60 0 340.0 25FP039 217666 6586702 406.5 110 -60 0 447.8 25FP040 217838 6586833 393.5 110 -60 0 411.0 25FP041 217969 6586326 390.0 110 -60 0 288.0 25FP042 217583 6586756 393.0 110 -60 0 513.9 25FP043 217898 6586508 383.0 110 -60 0 348.4 25FP044 217766 6585968 401.0 110 -60 0 416.6 25FP045 217875 6586679 381.0 220 -60 0 398.4 25BT050 217990 6586537 384.9 290 -60 0 319.4 25BT051 218017 6586643 380.3 290 -60 0 466.0 25BT054 217974 6586482 382.0 290 -60 0 307.2 Figure 1 - LDS Project Deposit, Discovery and Target Locations To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10429/265446_1b08bf6764fb5839_002full.jpg Figure 2. Plan View Showing Location of Butia and Fazenda do Posto Drillholes in this Press Release To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10429/265446_1b08bf6764fb5839_003full.jpg Figure 3. Plan View of 2023, 2024 and 2025 Butia and Fazenda do Posto Drill Holes and Gold Assay Grades To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10429/265446_1b08bf6764fb5839_004full.jpg Figure 4. Long-Section Looking Northeast of 2023, 2024 and 2025 Butia Drill Holes and Gold Assay Grades To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10429/265446_1b08bf6764fb5839_005full.jpg About the LDS Project The LDS Project is centred on the town of Lavras do Sul in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It is approximately 320 kilometres, or a 4.5-hour drive, from the state capital of Porto Alegre. The Company, through its subsidiary holds, directly or indirectly, contractual interests over 34 mineral rights covering approximately 23,000 hectares. The LDS intrusive complex is a multiphase intrusive centre that is surrounded by coeval volcanic rocks to the east. Geologically, LDS is in the far south of the Neoproterozoic Mantiqueira Province, a 2,700-kilometre-long belt of tectonically and magmatically accreted terrains that stretch as far south as the coastline of central Uruguay and north into southern Bahia State in Brazil. The most advanced targets are the Butia and Cerrito gold deposits - Butia with 377,000 ounces of gold in the Measured and Indicated categories and 115,000 ounces of gold in the Inferred category, and Cerrito with 188,000 ounces of gold in the Indicated category and 293,000 ounces of gold in the Inferred category. About Lavras Gold Corp. Lavras Gold Corp. (TSXV: LGC) (OTCQX: LGCFF) is a Canadian exploration company focused on realizing the potential of a highly prospective gold district in southern Brazil. Its Lavras do Sul Project is located in Rio Grande do Sul State and is primarily an intrusive hosted gold system of possible alkaline affinity. More than 24 gold prospects centred on historic gold workings have been identified on the property, which spans approximately 23,000 hectares. Follow Lavras Gold on www.lavrasgold.com, as well as on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Michael Durose, President & CEO of Lavras Gold Corp., is the qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. On Behalf of Lavras Gold Corp. "Michael Durose" President & CEO For further information, please visit the Lavras Gold Corp. website at www.lavrasgold.com, or contact: Additional Technical Notes: Quality Assurance & Quality Control: Sample handling, preparation, and analysis are monitored through the implementation of formal chain-of-custody procedures and quality assurance/quality control programs designed to follow industry best practices. All drill hole samples in this drilling program consist of split NQ diamond drill core. Drill core is logged and sampled in a secure facility located in Lavras do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Drill core samples for gold assay are cut in half using a diamond saw and submitted to ALS Laboratories Inc. in Goiania, Goias State, Brazil for preparation by crushing to 85% passing 1.0 mm, riffle splitting to obtain 500 g aliquots, and pulverizing to 85% passing 75 microns. Pulps are shipped to ALS Laboratories Inc. in Lima, Peru and analyzed by a 50g fire assay and AAS finish. Three 50g aliquots are taken for samples in the mineralized zone and one aliquot is taken in fresh rocks. The average grade of the three aliquots is used to determine the final grade of the mineralized sample. Certified standards, non-certified blanks and field duplicates are inserted into the sample stream at regular intervals, so that QA/QC accounted for about 10% of the total samples. Results are routinely evaluated for accuracy, precision, and contamination. Lavras Gold has been targeting larger intersections of greater than 0.25 g/t gold. Intersections that are lower than this threshold may provide exploration insight and may therefore be disclosed. The Company maintains a robust QA/QC program that includes the collection and analysis of duplicate samples and the insertion of blanks and standards (certified reference material). Disclaimer: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "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. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's further 2025 drill plans and future results at the LDS Project are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265446 SOURCE: Lavras Gold Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2025) - Tinka Resources Limited (TSXV: TK) (OTCQB: TKRFF) ("Tinka" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Messrs. Brandon Macdonald and Michael Horner are joining the board of directors ("Board") of the Company as part of a corporate reorganization which includes a C$11 million private placement (the "Offering") and a 5:1 share consolidation (the "Consolidation", together with the Offering, the "Transaction"). Key terms of the Transaction include: C$11 million institution-focused non-brokered Offering consisting of the sale of C$0.055 Units, each comprising one common share and one half-warrant at C$0.08 (pre-Consolidation). Appointment of Brandon Macdonald and Michael Horner as members of the Tinka Board of Directors effective immediately. Five (5) for one (1) Consolidation of the Company's common shares immediately prior to the closing of the Offering. APPOINTMENT OF NEW DIRECTORS Messrs. Brandon Macdonald and Michael Horner have been appointed as directors of the Company effective immediately. Mr. Macdonald shall be appointed as Executive Chairman on the closing of the Offering. Mr. Macdonald is a Professional Geologist with a diverse background in exploration geology, mining, capital markets, M&A and finance. His experience includes time at Macquarie Bank in London, UK, and as founding CEO of Fireweed Metals Corp which owns the Macpass zinc project in Canada. He earned his B.Sc. in Geology from the University of British Columbia in 2000, and later completed an MBA at Oxford University in 2007. Mr. Macdonald currently serves on the board of Enduro Metals Corp. Mr. Horner brings over 10 years of mining industry experience across capital markets, M&A and operations. Most recently as CFO of Adriatic Metals, he led the US$1.5B sale to DPM Metals and raised over US$100M through the development phase of the Vares zinc-silver project. He holds a B.A.Sc in Chemical Engineering. Dr. Graham Carman, CEO of Tinka, stated: "I am delighted to welcome Brandon and Michael to Tinka's Board of Directors. Both bring highly relevant expertise, having been directly involved in the exploration and development of successful zinc projects in other jurisdictions. In addition, their strong capital markets experience will be a valuable asset to the Company. Their appointments represent a strong vote of confidence in Tinka and in our flagship Ayawilca zinc-silver-tin project. We are also excited to be advancing our Silvia gold-copper property, with the first drill program set to begin in October 2025." NON-BROKERED PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF UNITS The Offering shall consist of up to 200,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$0.055 per Unit (the "Issue Price") on a pre-Consolidation basis, or 40,000,000 Units at a price of $0.275 per Unit on a post-Consolidation basis, for gross proceeds of up to C$11,000,000. Each Unit comprises one common share (a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional Share of the Company at an exercise price of C$0.08 (pre-Consolidation) or $0.40 (post-Consolidation) for a period of thirty six (36) months from closing of the Offering. It is anticipated that certain directors and officers of the Company will participate in the Offering. In addition, Nexa Resources S.A. ("Nexa") and Compania de Minas Buenaventura SAA ("Buenaventura") may participate in the Offering to maintain their respective pro-rata interests in the Company. It is not known at this time if pre-emptive rights held by Nexa and Buenaventura will be exercised. In the event these pre-emptive rights are exercised, the Company may issue up to an additional 132 million Shares (pre-Consolidation) in the Offering at the Issue Price for additional gross proceeds to the Company of approximately C$7.26 million. All securities to be issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period under applicable securities laws in Canada. Finder's fees may be payable on a portion of the Offering. The Offering is subject to certain conditions customary for transactions of this nature, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The Company plans to use the net proceeds to fund an initial drill program at the Silvia gold-copper project, resource expansion at Ayawilca including targeting of high-grade zinc mineralization, and for corporate and general working capital purposes. The participation of any insiders in the Offering may be considered a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Such insider participation will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the Company is not listed on any of the exchanges or markets outlined in subsection 5.5(b) of MI 61-101, and the fair market value of the securities to be distributed to the insiders will not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. CONSOLIDATION Immediately prior to the closing of the Offering, the Company plans to undertake the Consolidation, on the basis of five (5) pre-Consolidation Shares for every one (1) post-Consolidation Share. Prior to the Consolidation, and assuming completion of the Offering and exercise of pre-emptive rights in full by Nexa and Buenaventura, the Company will have approximately 740,698,000 shares issued and outstanding. Following the Consolidation and assuming completion of the Offering, the Company will have approximately 148,139,600 shares issued and outstanding. No fractional shares will be issued under the Consolidation. The holdings of any shareholder who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional share as a result of the Consolidation shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number and no cash consideration will be paid in respect of fractional shares. The Consolidation will not affect any shareholder's percentage ownership in the Company other than by the minimal effect of the aforementioned elimination of fractional shares, even though such ownership will be represented by a smaller number of shares. Instead, the Consolidation will reduce proportionately the number of shares held by all shareholders. A letter of transmittal will be mailed to registered shareholders providing instructions with respect to exchanging share certificates representing pre-Consolidation Shares for post-Consolidation Shares. Shareholders who hold their shares in brokerage accounts or in book-entry form are not required to take any action as they will have their holdings electronically adjusted by the Company's transfer agent or by their brokerage firms, banks, trust or other nominees. In accordance with the Company's articles of incorporation, the Consolidation will not require shareholder approval and was approved by the Company's Board of Directors on September 5, 2025. The Company will issue a subsequent news release to announce the effective date of the Consolidation once approval has been received from the Exchange, as the Consolidation remains subject to regulatory approval. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold within the United States (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements. About Tinka Resources Limited Tinka is an exploration and development company with its flagship property being the 100%-owned Ayawilca zinc-silver-tin project in central Peru, and is also exploring the nearby Silvia copper-gold project. Mineral Resources at Ayawilca include the Zinc Zone which has an estimated Indicated Mineral Resource of 28.3 Mt grading 5.8% zinc, 16.4 g/t silver, 0.2% lead and 91 g/t indium, and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 31.2 Mt grading 4.2% zinc, 14.5 g/t silver, 0.2% lead and 45 g/t indium. The Tin Zone at Ayawilca has an estimated Indicated Mineral Resource of 1.4 million tonnes grading 0.72% tin and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 12.7 Mt grading 0.76% tin. The Company filed a NI 43-101 technical report on an updated PEA for the Ayawilca Project on April 15, 2024 (link to NI 43-101 report here). Dr. Graham Carman, Tinka's President and CEO, has reviewed, verified and approved the technical contents of this release. Dr. Carman is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, and is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Forward Looking Statements: Certain information in this news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the use of proceeds for the Offering and the closing of the Offering, and statements regarding the completion of the Consolidation. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and expectations of Tinka as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Tinka's management. Such statements reflect the current risks, uncertainties and assumptions related to certain factors including, without limitations: timing and successful completion of the Offering; the intended use of proceeds from the Offering; the completion of the Consolidation; the receipt of approval for the Consolidation by the Exchange; and the expected benefits of the Consolidation; timing of planned work programs and results varying from expectations; delay in obtaining results; changes in equity markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; equipment failure, unexpected geological conditions; imprecision in resource estimates or metal recoveries; success of future development initiatives; competition and operating performance; environmental and safety risks; timing of geological reports; the preliminary nature of the Ayawilca Project PEA and the Company's ability to realize the results of the Ayawilca Project PEA; the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from local authorities; community agreements and relations; and, other development and operating risks. Should any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. Although Tinka believes that assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Tinka disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement. 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. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265468 SOURCE: Tinka Resources Limited SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global peripheral innovator Akko officially unveiled its latest creation, the Year of Snake Mechanical Keyboard, at IFA 2025 in Berlin. Following the success of last year's highly acclaimed Year of the Dragon keyboard, the new release continues Akko's vision of blending cultural heritage with modern industrial design. The launch attracted strong attention from gamers, enthusiasts, and media worldwide, further underscoring Akko's position at the forefront of innovation in the peripheral industry. The Akko Year of Snake collection will feature three unique designs, with the most iconic version inspired by Xuanwu, a mythical figure in Chinese culture symbolizing wisdom and protection. Built with a CNC aluminum alloy case, intricate engraving techniques, and a finely tuned gasket mount structure, the keyboard reflects Akko's exceptional craftsmanship. Combined with an ergonomic tented Alice layout and Akko's premium switches, it offers both cultural storytelling and a comfortable typing experience ideal for extended use. Meanwhile, Akko is accelerating innovation and the global rollout of its magnetic switch product line, highlighted by two flagship models - the M1 V5 TMR and the MOD 007 V5 HE. Both deliver esports-grade responsiveness and a next-level typing and gaming experience. Importantly, these two flagship models will also be available in ISO versions, further meeting the needs of international users. Akko's magnetic switch technology currently spans both HE and TMR solutions and is steadily expanding to multiple layouts - including 60%, 68%, 75%, TKL, and Alice - to satisfy the diverse demands of competitive gamers and creators worldwide. Beyond magnetic switch technology, Akko also introduced two new high-end product series at IFA - the Gem and Mineral Series. These series extend the brand's design language, showcasing Akko's ability to merge artistic aesthetics with advanced engineering, and offering users an entirely new level of experience. As Akko celebrates its ninth anniversary, the brand remains committed to a dual vision: drawing inspiration from traditional culture and contemporary trends to drive product innovation, while leading the advancement and application of magnetic switch technology. By uniting heritage with innovation, Akko demonstrates that keyboards are not only functional tools, but also cultural expressions, performance-driven instruments, and symbols of individuality. Akko warmly invites all visitors to IFA 2025, Hall 5.2, Booth 143, to experience its latest innovations firsthand. For more information, please visit akkogear.eu or akkogear.de. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2767040/image_5028996_30980961.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/akko-unveils-year-of-the-snake-keyboard-at-ifa-2025-and-accelerates-global-magnetic-switch-strategy-302549004.html EQS Newswire / 08/09/2025 / 12:45 CET/CEST ORDOS, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 September 2025 - From September 16 to 17, 2025, the 10th Kubuqi International Desert Forum will convene in Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Recently, reporters visited the Kubuqi Desert to investigate desertification control measures. Seen from the air, 196,000 solar panels stretch across the Kubuqi Desert in a striking horse-shaped mosaic, while on the ground, visitors to Chaideng Village, Ordos City, stroll along the solar station and nearby farmstays, savouring local delicacies in what was once the desolate "sea of death." The Kubuqi Desert, China's seventh-largest, located in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, was once known as the "sea of death." However, it boasts abundant solar resources and is an ideal place to build a solar power station. 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. The Junma solar power station -- "Junma" meaning "fine horse" in Chinese -- is part of an ambitious desert reclamation project known as the "great photovoltaic wall," stretching along the northern edge of the Kubuqi Desert. The grand project is planned to extend about 400 kilometers with an average width of five kilometers. Upon completion, it is set to have an installed capacity of 100 million kilowatts. At the Kubuqi Desert Ordos Central-Northern New Energy Base project, located in the central section of the "great photovoltaic wall," rows of blue solar panels glisten under the sun. "The first and second phases of the project, each with an installed capacity of one gigawatt, have been successfully connected to the grid, transforming over 63,000 mu (about 4,200 hectares) of desert into a sea of solar panels," said Na Guiting, deputy president of Inner Mongolia Three Gorges Mengneng Energy Co., Ltd., the company responsible for the project. As one of China's first large-scale renewable energy bases with a capacity exceeding 10 gigawatts, the base is set to develop eight gigawatts of solar power, four gigawatts of wind power, and four gigawatts of supporting coal power. Once the project is completed, it will deliver approximately 40 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, with over 50 percent coming from clean energy sources, according to Na. It is equivalent to saving about 6 million tonnes of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around 16 million tonnes each year, Na added. Beneath the solar panels, various sand-fixing plants are thriving. The panels provide shade, cut groundwater evaporation and reduce wind speeds, all of which support plant growth, said Hong Guangyu, a researcher with the Academy of Forestry Sciences of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, adding that the plants prevent dust from rising, which in turn benefits solar power generation. The city of Ordos, also known for its abundant coal resources, has several large coal mines around the Kubuqi Desert. The treated drainage water from the coal mines is channeled to the solar power base and used to clean the solar panels and water the plants. Local residents are also reaping the benefits of the solar projects. "These projects shield us from wind and sand, allowing our village to cultivate over 10,000 mu of high-standard farmland this year. If leased out, the land can bring villagers 900 yuan (about 126.6 U.S. dollars) per mu each year," said Han Rongkuan, a local farmer. At the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Ordos shared its experience in photovoltaic-based desertification control with other cities. "The story of solar power projects in Kubuqi Desert embodies Chinese wisdom and solutions, demonstrating a sustainable path that combines ecological and economic benefits in the fight against desertification," Hong said. Under China's Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program (TSFP), the world's largest afforestation initiative launched in 1978 to combat desertification across the country's northwestern, northern and northeastern regions, a total of 480 million mu of forests have been planted and preserved, while 1.28 billion mu of degraded grasslands have been successfully restored. At the Central Economic Work Conference in 2024, China urged efforts to push for major progress in the landmark projects of the TSFP and promote faster construction of new energy bases in sandy areas, rocky areas and deserts. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. News Source: Organizing Committee of the 10th Kubuqi International Desert Forum 08/09/2025 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 NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / On September 5, 2025, Pineapple Financial Inc. (NYSE:PAPL) (the "Company" or "Pineapple"), a leading fintech platform, announced the closing of a private placement for the purchase and sale of an aggregate of 24,642,700 subscription receipts, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $100,000,000. Pineapple intends to deploy the net proceeds to launch the first digital asset treasury strategy anchored in INJ, the native asset of Injective. With this closing, Pineapple becomes the first and only publicly traded INJ holder worldwide and an early mover in the convergence of fintech and blockchain based finance. Pursuant to the terms of the securities purchase agreement, the Company issued 7,815,777 subscription receipts at a purchase price of $3.80 per subscription receipt and 16,826,923 subscription receipts at a purchase price of $4.16 per subscription receipt, pursuant to different terms agreed with certain purchasers. The combined issuance represents a weighted average purchase price of approximately $4.04 per subscription receipt. The offer and sale of the foregoing securities was made in a private placement in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder, and applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the securities offered in the private placement may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws. Concurrently with the execution of the securities purchase agreements, the Company and the investors entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which the Company has agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") registering the subscription receipts and the underlying shares. Any offering of the Company's securities under the resale registration statement will only be made by means of a prospectus. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Pineapple Financial Inc. Pineapple Financial Inc. ("Pineapple", or the "Company") is an award-winning fintech and leading Canadian mortgage brokerage network, focusing on both the long-term success of agents and brokers as well as the overall experience of homeowners. With hundreds of brokers within the network, Pineapple creates cutting-edge cloud-based tools and AI-driven systems to enable its brokers to help Canadians realize their dream of owning a home. Pineapple is active within the community and is proud to sponsor charities across Canada to improve the lives of fellow Canadians. About Injective INJ is the native asset of Injective, a blockchain built for finance. Powering over 60 billion dollars in transactions, Injective offers faster transaction speeds and cost efficiencies compared to many networks, with a focus on institutional readiness. Network usage has increased more than 1,000 percent year to date. INJ provides a liquidity layer intended to support speed, efficiency, and transparency, which may help address structural challenges in mortgage finance. About D. Boral Capital D. Boral Capital LLC is a premier, relationship-driven global investment bank headquartered in New York. The firm is dedicated to delivering exceptional strategic advisory and tailored financial solutions to middle-market and emerging growth companies. With a proven track record, D. Boral Capital provides expert guidance to clients across diverse sectors worldwide, leveraging access to capital from key markets, including the United States, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. A recognized leader on Wall Street, D. Boral Capital has successfully aggregated approximately $35 billion in capital since its inception in 2020, executing ~350 transactions across a broad range of investment banking products. Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. They are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and economic needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions; the Company's financial condition, and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the registration statements, and periodic reports filed with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required by applicable law. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov For more information, please contact: D. Boral Capital LLC Email: info@dboralcapital.com Telephone: +1 (212) 970-5150 Pineapple Financial Inc. Email: shubha@gopineapple.com SOURCE: D. Boral Capital View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/d.-boral-capital-acted-as-exclusive-placement-agent-to-pineapple-fin-1069923 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / Earlier this summer, devastating floods swept through Texas Hill Country, claiming more than 100 lives and causing widespread damage. Since the storm, Southwire's Project GIFT volunteers alongside the company's agent partners at JD Martin have taken action to support flood relief recovery efforts. Project GIFT, the volunteer branch of the nonprofit Southwire CARES, has held disaster relief as a core cause for 20 years. In the wake of the Texas flooding, Project GIFT supplied 14 pallets of disaster relief kits to areas affected by the storm. Each kit consists of a bucket filled with cleaning supplies and other essential items to aid in the wake of the flooding. Southwire's Texas locations-including Arlington, Ft. Worth, Denton, DFW CSC and El Paso-also came together to support flood relief through Project GIFT donation drives. In addition to these material contributions, Southwire donated $10,000 to help fuel recovery efforts, and team members across the organization donated more than $2,500. "In times like these, it's more important than ever that we come together as a community," said Kristian Whittington, Director of Giving Back. "This recent flood has shown us how powerful compassion and unity can be." The Giving Back spirit spread to others within the Southwire community; JD Martin, an agent partner who supports Southwire in the Texas region, furthered their partnership with Project GIFT to expand the relief impact. JD Martin provided a $50,000 monetary donation to Project GIFT's Hill Country Flood Relief efforts, which allowed Southwire team members on-site in Texas to prepare an additional 1,250 relief kits. These kits were donated to the San Antonio food bank, which is providing resources to areas impacted by flooding. "Southwire is proud of our legacy of making a difference in the communities we serve, and we are grateful to have partners like JD Martin who share this commitment," said Norman Adkins, Southwire's President and COO. "Their contribution to Project GIFT's Texas flooding relief efforts reflects our spirit of Giving Back and strengthens the positive impact we can make when we come together." Additionally, JD Martin offered to match donations from their employees to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. JD Martin employees raised more than $13,000, which was matched by the company for a total combined contribution of more than $76,000 from JD Martin and their team. "When we saw the flooding in the Texas Hill Country, we were proud to see Project GIFT step up right away - they've always led the charge when communities need it most," said Greg Baker, President and CEO of JD Martin. "We were so impressed watching them take the lead, just like they did during Hurricane Harvey. It inspired us then, and it inspires us now to make a meaningful impact to help those affected by the flooding get back on their feet." For more news and information on Southwire's Giving Back initiatives, visit southwire.com/sustainability. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Southwire on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Southwire Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/southwire Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Southwire View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/southwire-project-gift-and-jd-martin-support-flood-relief-efforts-in-t-1070017 GekkoVet, a leader in AI-powered clinical decision support for veterinarians, and Royal Canin, a global leader in Health Through Nutrition for cats and dogs, are expanding their strategic collaboration worldwide after a pilot program in which 92% of veterinarians who used GekkoVet agreed it increased efficiency and had a positive impact on clinic's revenue. The platform's four integrated features Diagnosing Assistance, Disease Treatment Library, Drug Library, and Drug Calculator are now set to reach veterinary professionals across the globe, helping them make faster, evidence-based decisions that improve patient care and clinic performance. Royal Canin's decision to scale the offering follows overwhelmingly positive feedback from pilot participants. One veterinarian noted, "GekkoVet increased efficiency and had a positive impact on my clinic's revenue while helping me to have better patient outcomes." Key Facts 92% success rate among pilot participants among pilot participants Four tools in one : Symptom Checker, Disease Treatment Library, Drug Library, Drug Calculator : Symptom Checker, Disease Treatment Library, Drug Library, Drug Calculator Global rollout starting Q4 2025, expansion to all markets in 2026 starting Q4 2025, expansion to all markets in 2026 Proven impact: Increased diagnostic confidence, efficiency, clinic revenue Quotes "This collaboration reflects our shared vision of supporting veterinarians with intelligent tools that enhance clinical decision-making and elevate the standard of care," Dr. Johanna Majamaa, CEO, GekkoVet Dr. Johanna Majamaa, CEO, GekkoVet "At Royal Canin, we believe in empowering veterinary teams with the best tools available. GekkoVet's platform aligns perfectly with our mission to advance pet health through science and partnership. We're excited to bring this solution to more clinics to achieve our Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS" Dr. Brent Mayabb, Global Chief Medical Officer, Royal Canin About GekkoVet GekkoVet is a Finnish health tech company providing AI-powered clinical decision support tools for veterinary professionals. Trusted by thousands of clinics worldwide, GekkoVet helps veterinarians make faster, more accurate diagnoses and improve patient care. About ROYAL CANIN ROYAL CANIN is part of the Royal Canin Division in the Mars, Incorporated group, and a global leader in Health Through Nutrition for cats and dogs fulfilling its Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Founded in 1968 by French veterinarian, Dr. Jean Cathary, ROYAL CANIN designs precise, science-based nutrition for cats and dogs available at pet specialty retailers and veterinary practices worldwide. Over the years, ROYAL CANIN has pushed the limits of nutrition and knowledge in partnership with pet professionals, including breeders and veterinarians. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250908542859/en/ Contacts: CEO Johanna Majamaa, DVM +358451896144 johanna.majamaa@gekkovet.com NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / Cummins Inc. Cummins For Paul, a Level 1 Engineering Field Service Technician at Cummins, a career in diesel mechanics was never a question of if, but when. Long before joining Cummins, Paul was already familiar with the power and precision of Cummins marine diesel engines-he worked with them during his time in the U.S. Navy. "I've always liked working with my hands, taking things apart and putting them back together. Even as a kid, I was into cars, trucks and motorcycles. So when Cummins technicians would come on board to work on our engines, I paid close attention. I knew it was something I wanted to do." After separating from the Navy in 2022, Paul settled in San Diego, moving through a few civilian jobs-each one offering a little more opportunity than the last. But it wasn't until a message from a Cummins recruiter appeared in his LinkedIn inbox that things really began to shift. "My wife and I talked it over," Paul says. "It was a big move-from California to Louisiana-but we knew it was the right one." That leap was made easier by the support he received. "I was genuinely surprised by how many resources Cummins offered to help with my transition and relocation. It made the whole process smoother than I expected." Now in the field, Paul supports technicians with diagnosing and servicing marine diesel engines-work that feels both familiar and exciting. "There's a sense of pride every time we troubleshoot an issue, make the right fix and start the engine up again. When everything works as it's supposed to, it's a good feeling." Paul is also a member of the Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG), a space he joined to stay connected with fellow veterans across the company. "I think it's important for veterans to have a community like this." He believes veterans bring something invaluable to any workplace-discipline, consistency and experience forged in real-world conditions. "I always joke with people that veterans will show up to work and always show up on time," he laughs. "But it's true-we're reliable, and we've developed skills most people take a lifetime to build. Employers who understand that and see our experience as an asset-not a barrier-are the ones we thrive with." When asked what advice he'd give to other veterans navigating the transition to civilian life, Paul doesn't hesitate. "Pick a field you enjoy-something you can see yourself doing long-term. The skills you picked up in the military will serve you well if you apply them to the right environment." For Paul, finding his place at Cummins has been more than a job-it's been a continuation of a calling. "This work feels right. It's challenging, it's hands-on and it's something I believe in." 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/from-navy-decks-to-diesel-decks-1070019 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / Originally published on 3M News Center As artificial intelligence (AI) workloads surge, U.S. data centers are under immense pressure to grow capacity while minimizing energy demand. A recent analysis from Epoch AI highlights that computational performance per watt in AI supercomputers has increased by 34% every year from 2019 to 2025, driven by innovations in cooling, power delivery, and energy efficient chip design. To sustain this momentum, data centers must optimize every aspect of power and thermal management. According to a July 2025 report by 174 Power Global, AI workloads could push U.S. data center electricity demands sharply upward-AI alone may soon account for nearly eight percent of national power use and global demand may double by 2030. Flexible, smart energy architectures are vital to meeting this challenge, aligning with national goals to lead the AI era responsibly. "From the grid to the rack, 3M innovations are designed to help hyperscalers and data center operators build faster, operate more efficiently and adapt to new workloads with confidence," said Alex An, vice president, 3M Data Center Vertical. "Whether it's enabling high-bandwidth, low-latency optical interconnects, solving mission-critical thermal challenges, improving the efficiency of power delivery, or improving hot aisle containment, 3M is helping data centers meet their increasing challenges of AI-driven growth by pushing the limits of our materials science, minimizing energy footprints and helping increasing connectivity speeds." 3M innovations: Efficiency, performance, and sustainability The 3M Cable Quality Prep System helps customers accelerate their medium voltage cable preparation while embedding performance monitoring - crucial in minimizing installation time and helping customers ensure reliable energy pathways. 3M Sensored Cable Accessories provide real-time data on electrical grid performance, helping data centers detect faults, optimize energy distribution, and reduce their downtime. By integrating sensors into cable accessories, these smart grid solutions can help hyperscalers enhance their predictive maintenance, minimize outages, and improve overall grid resilience. Optical fiber interconnects can dramatically outpace electrical copper in both power efficiency and performance. Research by Frontiers in Physics shows that optical interconnects can deliver 10 times greater energy efficiency, with improved bandwidth, lower latency, and scalability to 1.6 terabits per second and beyond. They help customers eliminate bottlenecks and enable faster real-time data exchange critical for AI compute environments. As the industry evolves, 3M will address growing AI needs beyond traditional networking with advanced solutions like active copper, dense compute fabrics for GPUs, and co-packaged optics (CPOs), positioning 3M at the forefront of materials science-based innovations. The 3M Expanded Beam Optical Interconnect, with significantly reduced dust sensitivity compared to physical contact optical connectors, helps data centers accelerate their hyperscale deployment by reducing cleaning and inspection requirements, which accelerates time to build. As hyperscalers target zero waste, carbon neutrality, becoming water positive, and operating on 100% renewable energy, 3M is exploring materials to help them support their sustainability goals with products such as biobased floor marking tapes, longer life and recyclable air filters and solutions to help improve water usage efficiencies. The 3M Air Containment Barrier Film provides low-carbon alternative to traditional hot-aisle containment. Effective air management is a cornerstone of efficient data center design, as strategic approaches can help significantly reduce energy overhead associated with cooling, lighting, and airflow. Furthermore, 3M vibration and noise damping solutions are helping hyberscalers mitigate nuisance noise and vibration from servers and racks. Smart grid integration and demand flexibility Smart grid integration is helping transform how data centers manage their electricity. Advanced, low-voltage switchboards with real-time sensing and load balancing significantly help improve resilience, reduce waste, and accommodate renewable power sources. Notably, demand response flexibility enables data centers to scale back during peak grid usage, a strategy that some advanced hyperscalers are already implementing in collaboration with local utilities. Flexible data centers not only help utilities avoid costly grid expansions but also accelerate deployment timelines-a recent report from Energy Innovation shows that demand flexibility can reduce the need for new gas generation or grid upgrades. Why 3M matters for AI-Ready U.S. infrastructure Efficiency from installation to operation: By cutting cable prep time and improving reliability, 3M systems help data centers/hyberscalers reduce their labor and downtime risks. Next-Gen connectivity: Copper and optical interconnects help data centers/hyperscalers enable high bandwidth with low power and thermal footprint-key for dense AI workloads. Lower carbon solutions: 3M is committed to helping customers support their sustainability goals with innovations like biobased floor marking tapes, longer life and recyclable air filters, and solutions to help improve water usage efficiencies. Air barrier film contributes to hot aisle containment strategies that help data centers/hyperscalers meet their thermal requirements and support energy goals. Grid-aware infrastructure: Sensor-enabled cabling integrates seamlessly with smart grid and demand-response regimes, aligning with the U.S. aspiration to lead AI infrastructure efficiently. As the U.S. competes on the global AI stage, data centers must be fast-built, energy-efficient, reliable, and smart-grid ready. 3M integrated solutions-from cable preparation and monitoring tools to optical interconnects and airflow management-help empower operators to meet their demands while also advancing their sustainability. Our innovations help unlock AI's full potential with less energy, more speed, and greater resilience. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from 3M on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: 3M Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/3m Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: 3M View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/powering-the-ai-revolution-3ms-advanced-solutions-help-drive-eff-1070020 Over half graduated in the last year, building stronger credit and long-term financial health CLEVELAND, OH / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / Today, KeyBank (NYSE:KEY) announced the first half 2025 graduating classes of the Key Secured Credit Card program comprise more than 4,400 clients who have been empowered to improve their credit scores and establish financial stability. Fifty-nine percent of these clients graduated within 12 months of joining the program and 88% have done so within 24 months. Graduation events were increased to quarterly in 2024 to reward clients more frequently when demonstrating credit improvement. These graduations bring the total number of graduates to more than 40,300 clients since the program's inception in 2019. The Key Secured Credit Card improves financial wellness by providing eligible clients with opportunities to establish or improve their credit history, bolster savings while building credit, and create better money habits. If clients graduate, their Key Secured Credit Card is upgraded to an unsecured credit card, releasing the funds in their Key Active Saver account that were once pledged as collateral. This secured card program can provide a path of access to Key's traditional credit solutions. "Consumers need a strong foundation to help them build financial literacy and resiliency, particularly in times of economic volatility," said Dan Brown, Director of Consumer Product Management at KeyBank. "The Key Secured Credit Card program is designed to provide our clients the building blocks and education needed to move forward on a financial path of success. We're proud to have helped so many graduates over the last six years gain the necessary skills needed to take the next steps in their financial journeys." Since the start of 2024, KeyBank has introduced several enhancements to further support client success. Onboarding communications. The enhanced communication process, introduced in 2024 to our brand-new cardholders, provides access to tools and training to provide greater clarity and transparency to help card holders build credit 1 . In 2025, card holders were supported with additional communications around financial education and account engagement communications. Graduation support. KeyBank also expanded its support for those still enrolled in the program to help even more clients move toward graduation. Beginning in April 2025, more than 11,400 Key Secured Credit Card holders across a seven-state pilot program were invited to attend two live educational workshops focused on credit scores and reports and debt management. Credit Line increases. In 2024, a Credit Line Increase program was introduced as part of the graduation process for those who qualify, which has enabled more than 6,500 graduates to receive a credit line increase upon graduation. This access to additional credit provides more capacity to meet clients' daily payment needs. Access to traditional forms of credit. Additionally, a new Invitation to Apply campaign was launched in June 2025 for graduates ready to transition to traditional credit cards, reaching over 6,100 clients. The ongoing campaign introduces eligible clients to more traditional credit cards like the KeyBank Latitude and Key Cashback credit card products.2 Through the Key Secured Credit Card program, this year's graduates have made major steps to improve their financial wellbeing, such as: 72% received a Key Secured Credit Card with no FICO score. 28% had a FICO score. For those with a FICO score, the average improvement in credit score was85 points. For those who entered the program with no FICO score, the average graduation score this year was 724.Throughout the program's history, those with a FICO score at origination have shown an average increase of 68 points when they graduate3. Additional Key Secured Credit Card features include: While clients build their credit 1 , their Key Secured Credit Card deposit must be kept in a Key Active Saver account, allowing users to build their credit and savings in tandem. The monthly maintenance service charge on the Key Active Saver account is waived for Key Secured Credit Card clients. 4 In addition, there is a $0 annual fee on the Key Secured Credit Card 5 . Unlike prepaid or debit cards, the Secured Credit Card reports clients' history to credit bureaus, allowing them to show progress. Cardholders have the ability to check their FICO score 6 for free anytime in online and mobile banking. It's quick, easy and does not impact their credit score. With Key's temporary lock security feature, cardholders can easily use online or mobile banking to lock and unlock a misplaced credit card, thus avoiding having to cancel it and open a new one-potentially harming their credit score. For more information on Secured Credit Card, visit https://www.key.com/personal/credit-cards/key-secured-credit-card.jsp 1Use of the Key Secured Credit Card can help build your credit when the minimum payment is made by the due date, each month. 2 All credit products are subject to credit approval. 3 Data based KeyBank Secured Card graduation rates from January 1-June 30, 2025. 4 The monthly maintenance service charge on the Key Active Saver account will be waived for Key Secured Credit Card clients. The monthly maintenance service charge waiver is only valid as long as the Key Secured Credit Card remains open. If you are graduated to an unsecured card or close your Key Secured Credit Card account, the Key Active Saver monthly maintenance service charge of $4.00 may apply, unless you are the owner on a KeyBank consumer checking account (including KeyBank Hassle-Free Account). 5 The Key Secured Card requires the card holder to have funds on deposit in a Key Active Saver account in an amount greater than or equal to the assigned credit limit. The credit limit is determined by your creditworthiness and will be in an amount between $300 - $5,000. The variable APR for purchases is 27.24%. This APR will vary with the market based on Prime Rate. There is a $0.50 minimum finance charge where interest is due. The annual fee is $0. Foreign Transaction fee: 3% of the amount of each foreign transaction after its conversion into U.S. Dollars. Transactions originating in Canada are excluded from this fee. The monthly maintenance service charge on the Key Active Saver account will be waived for Key Secured Credit Card clients. The monthly maintenance service charge waiver is only valid as long as the Key Secured Credit Card remains open. If you are graduated to an unsecured card or close your Key Secured Credit Card account, the Key Active Saver monthly maintenance service charge of $4.00 may apply, unless you are the owner on a KeyBank consumer checking account (including KeyBank Hassle-Free Account). 6 Clients with newly opened credit card accounts may not see their first FICO Score in online and mobile banking for up to 90 days after enrollment. In certain circumstances, a FICO Score may not be available for various reasons, e.g., having a limited credit history. FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and other countries ABOUT KEYCORP In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $185 billion at June 30, 2025. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC. CFMA #250904-3466132 View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: KeyBank Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: KeyBank View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/key-secured-credit-cardr-program-surpasses-40-000-graduates-driving-1070022 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2025) - Permex Petroleum Corporation (CSE: OIL) (FSE: 75P) ("Permex" or the "Company"), a publicly traded oil and gas exploration and production company with assets in the Permian Basin, is pleased to announce it has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (the "MOU") with Chisos Ltd. ("Chisos") to potentially fund up to US$25 million, in development capital from Chisos, a Houston-based private oil and gas operator and non-operated interest partner with interests across the United States. Pursuant to the terms of the MOU, Chisos has agreed to deploy up to US$25 million in development capital to acquire a non-operating working interest of not more than 50% in specific wells and leasehold to be developed and operated by Permex. The financing, which is subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive documentation, is planned to occur over several tranches with the initial target tranche of US$10 million to fund the drilling of eight (8) vertical wells by Permex on its 'Breedlove" asset in the Permian Basin. Any financing by Chisos is contingent upon Permex matching funds dollar for dollar. "We believe that this partnership signifies a tremendous vote of confidence in not only the asset quality of Permex's Midland Basin leasehold but also of the operating team here at Permex. The non-operating structure of Chisos's potential investment speaks to the confidence Chisos's team has in Permex's operational capabilities and development plans," stated Permex CEO Brad Taillon. "We believe this opportunity could result in significant enterprise value for Permex and its shareholders by potentially funding the full development of Permex's core assets in the Midland Basin. We also believe that this is a natural partnership given Chisos' owner and founder, James Perry Bryan's experience with our assets and as a previous member of the Company's board of directors, and we are excited to partner with James Perry Bryan and his team at Chisos," added Taillon. Chisos' CEO, Marshall Baker, stated, "Chisos has a history with this field and understands the potential value that exists across these assets - we are excited to partner with Permex to help unlock that value." Chisos is owned by longtime Texas oilman James Perry Bryan, known professionally for his role as CEO and President of Gulf Canada Resources Limited, Chairman and CEO of Nuevo Energy Company, CEO of Bellwether Exploration and Chairman and CEO of Torch Energy Advisors, Inc, among many other significant roles. James Perry Bryan is a former Permex Director and currently beneficially holds approximately 12.75% of current Permex common shares outstanding on a partially diluted basis. About Permex Petroleum Corporation Permex Petroleum Corporation (CSE: OIL) (FSE: 75P) is a uniquely positioned junior oil & gas company with assets and operations across the Permian Basin. The Company is focused on the development of oil and gas assets with a strategic emphasis on assets for Bitcoin mining operations alongside hydrocarbon production. For more information, please visit www.permexpetroleum.com. About Chisos Ltd. Chisos, Ltd. is a Houston-based oil and gas company dedicated to exploration and production. Opened in 1995 by Torch Energy founder and chairman JP Bryan, Chisos currently operates wells in New Mexico, Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. Additionally, Chisos participates as a non-operated working interest partner and royalty owner across 10 states and operates pipelines in Louisiana and Mississippi. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to the Company's execution of definitive agreements relating to the terms contained in the MOU, as well as Permex's ability to secure the necessary financing required to facilitate Chisos' deployment of capital outlined in the MOU. Additionally, forward-looking statements involve a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: that the Company will not be able to execute definitive documentation concerning the terms outlined in the MOU or that the Company will not be able to secure the necessary financing to secure Chisos' deployment of capital. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the Company nor any of its representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this press release. Neither the Company nor any of its representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this press release by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265505 SOURCE: Permex Petroleum Corporation VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / AZARGA METALS CORP. ("Azarga Metals" or the "Company") (TSX-V:AZR) is pleased to report an independent Mineral Resource estimate prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standard of Disclosures for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") for its high-grade, copper rich Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide ("V\MS") Marg project (the "MargProject") located in Central Yukon, Canada. Highlights of the Marg Project Mineral Resource include: 2025 Mineral Resource at 0.5% copper equivalent[1] ("CuEq") cut-off of: Category Tonnage Mt Cu % Pb % Zn % Ag g/t Au g/t CuEq1 % Indicated 4.3 1.3 1.7 3.2 42 0.66 2.9 Inferred 10.0 1.0 1.3 2.6 33 0.54 2.3 Significant opportunity to expand the scale of Marg Project with: Marg Project extensions: The Marg deposit remains open to the east, west and down dip, indicating significant potential to expand the Mineral Resource. Additional VMS deposits: Geophysical surveys, surface mapping and additional surface mineralization occurrences at the Jane zone, indicating considerable prospectivity for additional VMS mineralization outside of the Marg deposit but within the Marg property. Gordon Tainton, President and CEO commented: "The results of the Marg Mineral Resource estimate are highly encouraging. Not only do they validate the Marg Project as a high-grade, copper rich VMS deposit, but the data review also highlights the significant potential to increase the size of the Mineral Resource with additional drilling and sampling. We truly believe the Marg Project has the potential to become a district scale asset. The deposit remains open to the east and the west, as well as at depth down dip. In addition, the Jane Zone, located west of the Marg deposit, indicates significant prospectivity for additional VMS mineralisation. Further validating the district scale potential are the results of an induced polarization survey previously completed by the Company that identified an additional zone of interest north of the Marg deposit. With one fold hinge currently interpreted within the Marg deposit, there is also potential for a further synclinal hinge deeper in the sequence. This presents potential for higher grade and thicker zones that could be defined down dip of the Mineral Resource. These present key exploration targets within the Marg deposit. The Mineral Resource is a key milestone for the Company and will form the basis for further geophysical & geotechnical exploration, including drilling. We look forward to advancing Marg with the core objective to generate long-term value for our stakeholders." A Technical Report documenting the Mineral Resource will be filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and will also be available on the Company's website (www.azargametals.com). The following sections present a brief summary of the Mineral Resource documentation along with some further comments on exploration prospectivity. Mineral Resource Update The 2025 Mineral Resource builds upon the historic Mineral Resource model, extending the interpreted mineralised domain extent using a 0.5% CuEq cut-off grade and simplifying the structural model by removing the previous use of dual cut-offs. Table 1 presents the Mineral Resource at the selected 0.5% CuEq cut-off and Table 2 presents further information at alternative cut-off thresholds. Table 1 2025 Mineral Resource at 0.5% CuEq cut-off Category Tonnage Mt Cu % Pb % Zn % Ag g/t Au g/t CuEq % Indicated 4.3 1.3 1.7 3.2 42 0.66 2.9 Inferred 10.0 1.0 1.3 2.6 33 0.54 2.3 Copper Equivalence (CuEq) has been used for interpretation and reporting purposes since the deposit has five potentially economic elements of significance. CuEq% is calculated as: CuEq% = Cu% + 0.1Pb% + 0.25Zn% + 0.62Au (g/t) + 0.007Ag (g/t) Metal price and recovery assumptions include: Copper: US$9,100/t; 80% recovery, 96.5% payable Lead: US$1,900/t; 50% recovery, 75% payable Zinc: US$2,600/t; 80% recovery, 85% payable Gold: US$3,000/oz; 50% recovery, 90% payable Silver: US$32/oz; 50% recovery, 90% payable Metal prices are based on rounded three month average metal prices at April 2025 Recovery and payability assumptions from the last metallurgical assessment in 2016 Previous economic assessments indicate that the Marg deposit has potential for both open pit and underground development. However, the selective sampling practices used historically, focused primarily on visually high-grade material that limit the confidence in assessing near-surface low-grade potential for open pit scenarios. Metallurgical testwork suggests that the deposit is amenable to differential flotation, producing copper, lead, and zinc concentrates, with gold and silver reporting to the sulphide concentrates. Table 2 Marg grade tonnages by variable copper equivalent cut-offs Classification Cut-off CuEq % Mt Cu % Zn % Pb % Ag g/t Density t/m3 Indicated 0.00 4.3 1.3 3.2 1.7 42 3.5 0.25 4.3 1.3 3.2 1.7 42 3.5 0.50 4.3 1.3 3.2 1.7 42 3.5 0.75 4.3 1.3 3.2 1.7 42 3.5 1.00 4.2 1.3 3.2 1.7 42 3.5 1.50 3.8 1.4 3.4 1.8 44 3.6 2.00 3.0 1.5 3.8 2.0 48 3.7 2.50 2.5 1.7 4.1 2.2 51 3.7 3.00 2.1 1.8 4.3 2.3 54 3.8 Inferred 0.00 10.2 1.0 2.6 1.3 32 3.4 0.25 10.1 1.0 2.6 1.3 32 3.4 0.50 10.0 1.0 2.6 1.3 33 3.4 0.75 9.8 1.0 2.7 1.3 33 3.4 1.00 9.4 1.0 2.8 1.3 34 3.4 1.50 7.8 1.1 3.0 1.5 37 3.5 2.00 5.7 1.2 3.4 1.7 42 3.5 2.50 3.9 1.4 3.8 1.9 47 3.6 3.00 2.3 1.5 4.4 2.1 53 3.8 Previous Work A historic Preliminary Economic Assessment was completed on the Marg Project in 2016 by a previous operator. Though the NI43-101 report was issued it is not publicly available on Sedar Plus as the previous operator was a private entity. The historic work outlined potential for both open pit development near surface and underground development target and is further discussed in the updated technical report. Introduction The Mineral Resource for the Marg Property, is prepared for Azarga Metals Corp. (AMC) by independent consultants at IMC Mining Pty Ltd (IMC) and is documented in the NI43-101 technical report. This builds upon previous studies, including the 2016 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) and a 2015 JORC scoping study, both of which also involved IMC. The Marg Property is a volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit located in the Central Yukon, approximately 40 km east of Keno City. According to the property's claims history, Azarga acquired a 100% interest in the 400 mineral claims, which cover approximately 8,400 hectares, in July 2025 (Figure 1). The deposit was first identified by the Geological Survey of Canada in 1965, with extensive exploration, including 119 diamond drill holes, conducted by various companies between 1965 and 2008. This historical work is considered to be of good quality and meets industry standards. Figure 1 Marg mineral claim outline and deposit location Deposit Geology The Marg deposit is located towards the northwestern part of the Marg property and is hosted within a 12 km belt of felsic volcanic rocks belonging to the Devono-Mississippian Earn Group (Figure 2). The Marg deposit indicates a complex structural history involving several phases of folding that has deformed the original massive sulphide layers into a series of sub-parallel lenses. These sulphide layers reach up to 23 metres in thickness within the core fold hinge and have been defined by drilling over a strike length of 1.4 km and a down-dip distance of 700 m (see Figure 3 and 4). Figure 2 Local geological plan of the Marg property (northern claim area) The Marg property includes some other surface mineralisation showings, such as the Jane Zone (Figure 2). Geophysical surveys and additional surface mineralisation occurrences indicates considerable area of prospective geology for additional VMS mineralization outside of the Marg deposit but within the Marg property. Figure 3 Marg schematic geology and mineralisation in plan view Figure 4 Marg schematic geology and mineralisation in cross section at 525900mE The most recent geophysical work completed by the company included an induced polarization survey (Figure 5), which identified an additional zone of interest at the Marg Project. Zone A, lying to the north of Zone B (the current Mineral Resource), and is interpreted as the probable "up-dip", near surface mineralized Marg horizon. Figure 5 Marg deposit area induced polarization survey targets Drilling The Marg Property has been explored by nine diamond drilling programs in 1988, 1989, 1990, 1996, 1997, and 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 for a total of 119 completed drill holes. 115 of these holes for 33,620 m define the Marg deposit with mineralisation over a 1.4 km trend distance, a down dip distance of 700 m and across a stratigraphic thickness of approximately 100 m. Data Verification The four drilling programs completed in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 included adequate QAQC programs with acceptable results. Earlier drilling and processes were adequately documented and statistically provided similar tenor results to later drilling. Since the completion of drilling in 2008 there have been several NI 43-101 and JORC reports completed for Marg, each included data review, site inspections and verification. They include: Copper Ridge 2011 NI 43-101 report Redtail 2013 NI 43-101 report MinQuest 2015 JORC Scoping Study Revere Development Corporation 2016 PEA NI 43-101 This process has been revised for the current update. None of these reviews indicate significant issues and concluded the data is suitable for resource evaluation purposes. Independent verification sampling program for 25 drill intervals was completed in 2013 and provided adequate repeatability. For the current Mineral Resource technical report Ms Deborah James, P.Geo and Mr Gordon Tainton visited the Marg Property on June 20, 2025. They reviewed the reports, drill core, flew over the drill hole collars and noted visual corroboration of the drilling, drill orientation and mineralisation. Two samples were collected from two different mineralised intervals to confirm the tenor of mineralization. The samples are not duplicates. The samples were kept under the supervision of Ms James and delivered to the Bureau Veritas preparation lab facility in Whitehorse. The results support the tenor of grades expected despite some evidence of oxidation. Estimation Method The Mineral Resource is based on an interpretation of structural folded stacked arrangement VMS lenses. Interpretations were based on a 0.5% CuEq cut-off and a minimum 2 m downhole length. A block model was constructed to represent the interpretation with sizes suitable for underground or open pit assessed and grade as for Cu, Pb, Au, Ag and Zn were estimated using Ordinary Kriging. An increase in the amount of Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resource has been realized in due to multiple factors. The previous approach undertaken in 2015 and 2016 interpret both a high-grade zone >2% CuEq and an enclosing broad 0.5% CuEq. Simplifying the interpretation to a single 0.5% CuEq removed some excessive dilution and simplified the structural interpretation. The previous broad low grade interpretations excluded many down dip extensions which are now incorporated. Metal prices are now significantly higher than used in 2016 and more heavily weight Au, Ag and Cu for the copper equivalence calculation. Mineral Resource Classification Classification approach remains unchanged from 2016 and uses a pragmatic and repeatable approach. The blocks that were estimated in the first pass with 3 drill holes within a 90 m by 60 m search pattern were used as a guide to defining the area of consistent drill coverage suitable for Indicated Mineral Resource classification. This was applied, to only the eastern upper and eastern lower outer high grade zones that demonstrate continuity, by digitising in the extent of the area and applying it to blocks in the dominant domains (Figure 6). The extension of the domains for the current estimate does include some areas where a wide drill spacing is present. Hence for Inferred Mineral Resource a minimum spacing from any drill holes was used to exclude a few minor internal widely drilled area from the Mineral Resource. The Mineral Resource classification process has the effect of classifying: Indicated Mineral Resource defined by areas with demonstrated continuity in the eastern outer limb zones where the drill spacing is roughly 80 m by 40 m within the plane of the mineralisation. The plan projected outline is displayed in Figure 1. Inferred Mineral Resource includes domains that are interpreted and within 60 m from a drill hole. Figure 6 Plan view of domain wireframes and Indicated classification (yellow outline) Exploration Potential There is excellent potential for definition of additional VMS mineralisation. At the Marg deposit there is exploration potential: Resampling of selected existing drill core intervals for suspected mineralisation zones as well as low grade options in near surface drilling is planned to commence in September 2025. This may identify mineralisation overlooked during the original selective sampling of the drill core around visually obvious intervals. There is potential to extend the current areas defined by drilling that remain open towards east, west and at depth down dip. Within Marg there is one anticlinal fold hinge currently interpreted but there is potential for a further synclinal hinge deeper in the sequence. This presents potential for higher grade and thicker zones that could be defined down dip from existing drilling. There is also potential for additional VMS deposits along the prospective geological horizon (Figure 2) that have been highlighted by the previous mapping and geophysical surveys. Most exciting is the recent induced polarisation target north of Marg deposit (Figure 5). Previous operators conducted stream, soil and rock geochemical sampling and geological mapping in 1982, 1988, 1989 and 2007. Initial geological mapping revealed stratigraphic similarities to the Marg Zone and this was confirmed by property wide geological mapping in 2000. Soil sampling revealed a 600 m long, 50 to 100 m wide discontinuous but coincident lead-zinc-copper geochemical anomaly. A brief prospecting traverse in 1988 located small fragments of strongly oxidized, sulphide mineral bearing rock in coarse talus below a steep slope at the head of Jane Creek and within the above geochemically anomalous area. The best assay from this work was 0.29% Cu, 4.34% Pb, 5.14% Zn, 38.4 g/t Ag and 0.3 g/t Au. Further work is required to follow up on the drill results with additional mapping with rock chip sampling to identify potential sulphide bearing horizons. Additional drilling should target the results from the VTEM interpretation using the mapped favourable horizons as a guide now that the structural regime in this area is better understood. Forward Plan A first round of sampling of targeted drill core intervals previously unsampled is planned for the current summer season. Future exploration and development work should include: further diamond drilling to extend the Marg Mineral Resource. additional metallurgical studies and an engineering scoping study should be carried out. outside of the Marg deposit area, follow-up surveys and diamond drilling on known defined geochemical and geophysical target is required and recommended. Qualified Person IMC Mining Pty Ltd have prepared a Technical Report in collaboration with True Point Exploration. The Qualified Persons ("QPs"), as defined under NI 43-101, are John Horton BSc (Hons) FAusIMM (CP) and Debbie James, BSc. P.Geo. A Technical Report, authored by IMC Mining Pty Ltd ("IMC"), covering the Azarga Mineral Resource estimate, will be filed on SEDAR PLUS within 45 days of this news release and will also be available on the Company's website (www.azargametals.com). The effective date of the Mineral Resource is 29 August 2025. Mineral Resources are reported using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards and were estimated in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") 2019 Best Practices Guidelines, as required by NI 43-101. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. John Horton BSc (Hons) FAusIMM (CP), a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the exploration information disclosures contained in this news release. Notes Inferred Mineral Resource: Inferred Mineral Resources are resources that have not been defined in sufficient detail to be characterized as Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources. Mineral Resources have not had economic considerations applied to them and are therefore not characterized as Mineral Reserves. Mineral Exploration/Exploration Target Area(s): Exploration targets and/or Exploration zones and/or Exploration areas are speculative and there is no certainty that any future work or evaluation will lead to the definition of a mineral resource. Historical Data: This news release includes historical information that has been reviewed by Azarga's qualified person (QP). Azarga's review of the historical records and information reasonably substantiate the validity of the information presented in this news release; however, Azarga cannot directly verify the accuracy of the historical data, including (but not limited to) the procedures used for sample collection and analysis. Therefore, any conclusions or interpretations borne from use of this data should be considered too speculative to suggest that additional exploration will result in mineral resource delineation. Azarga encourages readers to exercise appropriate caution when evaluating these data and/or results. About Azarga Metals Azarga Metals is a mineral exploration and development company that owns 100% of the high-grade copper rich VMS Marg project located in Central Yukon, Canada. AZARGA METALS CORP. Gordon Tainton, President and Chief Executive Officer For further information please contact: Ben Meyer, at +1 604 536-2711 ext. 1 or visit www.azargametals.com. The address of the corporate office of Azarga Metals is Unit 1 - 15782 Marine Drive, White Rock, BC V4B 1E6, British Columbia, Canada. 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 Statement: This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "expand", "expect", "demonstrate", "outcome", "continue" "potential", "improve", "discover", "priority", "significant", "opportunity", "compel" "continuity", "consistent", "expected", "relative", "comprehensive", "confident", "concept", "unlock", "identify", "modest", and variations of these words as well as other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "could", "may", "would" or "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: the actual results of current and planned exploration activities; the potential to expand the Marg Mineral Resource; the interpretation of the Jane Zone as representing potential mineralized trends, and the potential for extensions to the Marg and other Zones; the interpretation that the Marg Project represents a larger mineralized system encompassing several target zones and the potential that such zones may represent additional Marg-like deposits; the ability to further improve confidence in the Marg Mineral Resource and the potential for, and timing of, a larger, updated Mineral Resource; the timing, results and conclusions of future economic evaluations; the improvement of the Marg Mineral Resource by future drilling; changes in project parameters as plans to continue to be refined; results of current and future metallurgical testing; possible variations in grades of mineralization and/or future actual recovery rates; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; the availability of sufficient funding on terms acceptable to the company to complete the planned work programs; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; and fluctuations in metal prices. There may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. [1] CuEq is defined in the "Mineral Resource Update" section of this press release. SOURCE: Azarga Metals Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/azarga-metals-announces-mineral-resource-estimate-for-the-marg-project-central-yu-1070070 Analysis of the FAERS database shows that the real-world abuse potential of the DORA class is very low and markedly less than those seen for other scheduled and non-scheduled insomnia therapies Allschwil, Switzerland - September 8, 2025 Idorsia Ltd (SIX: IDIA) presented real-world data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) at the World Sleep 2025, evaluating abuse-related adverse events for dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) in comparison to other insomnia therapies. View the poster (https://bit.ly/4mBB7sw). Insomnia disorder is a chronic medical condition that is estimated to affect approximately 12% of adults in the US. Many people with insomnia disorder rely on medication for long-term management. Yet concerns around the abuse potential of certain hypnotics can limit access to effective treatments for this chronic disorder. The study, conducted in collaboration with the Medical College of Georgia and Johns Hopkins University, examined the real-world abuse potential of approved and off-label medications used for the treatment of insomnia, employing data from the FAERS database. In this study, the percentages represent the proportion of all reported adverse events in FAERS related to cases of abuse, dependence, and withdrawal. These rates were highest for benzodiazepines approved for any indication (27.7%), followed by benzodiazepines approved for insomnia (23.0%), trazodone - not indicated or recommended for insomnia but the most prescribed insomnia medication in the US - (22.7%), doxepin (22.3%), Z-drugs (15.3%), ramelteon (8.0%), and DORAs (2.6%). DORAs were associated with a low reporting odds ratio (ROR) value relative to Z-drugs (ROR = 0.150; 95% CI [0.131, 0.171]), and to trazodone (ROR = 0.092; 95% CI [0.081, 0.105]). Similar results were obtained using the proportional reporting ratios (PRR) to measure disproportionality. These findings reinforce the favorable safety profile of DORAs such as daridorexant, supporting their role as a modern treatment option with minimal abuse potential. Professor William V. McCall, MD, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, commented: "Abuse potential has long shaped the regulation of insomnia medications, with benzodiazepines and z-drugs carrying well-known risks. This study identified a very low rate of reported cases of abuse, misuse, overdose, dependence and withdrawal for the DORA class. This rate was much lower compared with other drugs for insomnia treatment. This observation included schedule IV drugs, but also and surprisingly non-scheduled drugs." Professor David Neubauer, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and senior faculty of the Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center, added: "The DORA class had significantly lower odds of reporting for adverse events denoting drug abuse when compared with the scheduled drug zolpidem and the non-scheduled drug trazodone, both used as a reference. This suggests that categorization of DORAs as Schedule IV drugs may overstate their abuse potential." About the study Data from 1 January 2014 to 31 March 2024 were retrieved from the FAERS database. The occurrence of unsolicited reported drug abuse events defined via Standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) Queries (SMQ) were compared. Drugs of interest included Schedule IV drugs (benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, dual orexin receptor antagonists [DORAs]) and non-scheduled drugs (trazodone, doxepin, ramelteon). Trazodone was selected for comparison as it is one of the most widely prescribed medications for insomnia in the US, despite it not being approved for this condition. Relevant reported adverse events denoting drug abuse were identified if they contained an event with any preferred terms (PTs) from the SMQ categories: drug abuse, dependence, and withdrawal (MedDRA v26.1), with a modified SMQ applied to exclude cases with PTs associated with overdose or suicidal behaviors. Only PT's with a frequency threshold > 1% in any drug group were reported. Trazodone and zolpidem were used as reference drugs for disproportionality as they are the most widely prescribed drugs for insomnia in the US. Reporting odds ratios (ROR) and proportional reporting ratios (PRR) were used as disproportionality measures. About World Sleep 2025 World Sleep 2025 will be the 18th World Sleep Congress. The congress facilitates an international discussion forum and collaboration among sleep societies and sleep professionals. Sleep clinicians, technologists, trainees, educators, and scientists from around the world will meet to advance knowledge on sleep science, sleep in public health, sleep health and the sleep-wake disorders, their diagnosis and treatments. World Sleep Society seeks to maximize learning both from formal presentations by the leading experts in their fields and from informal discussion groups emphasizing opportunities for networking and member participation. Notes to the editor About Dr.McCall Dr. McCall is Professor Emeritus and also an active Professor of the Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior at the Medical College of Georgia. He completed his medical degree and post-graduate psychiatric training at Duke University. He completed a Masters degree in Epidemiology from Wake Forest University. He is board certified in general psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and sleep disorders medicine. His research interests include depression, electroconvulsive therapy, quality of life, insomnia, and suicide. His research has received continuous federal support by the USA National Institute of Mental Health or similar federal institutes in Australia since 1995. He is the author of more than 500 publications, including more than 280 peer-reviewed journal articles. He is on the Editorial Boards of Sleep and the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Dr McCall serves as a consultant to Idorsia. About Dr. Neubauer Dr. Neubauer is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and senior faculty of the Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, as well as a member of the Sleep Research Society, European Sleep Research Society, and the World Sleep Society, where he serves on the International Scientific Committee. He has served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the National Sleep Foundation. He is the author of the Understanding Sleeplessness: Perspective on Insomnia published by the Johns Hopkins University Press. He has written numerous journal articles and book chapters on sleep related topics. He coauthored the 2017 American Academy of Sleep Medicine "Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Pharmacologic Treatment of Chronic Insomnia in Adults" and the current Wolters Kluwer UpToDate section on Pharmacotherapy for Insomnia in Adults." Dr. Neubauer was appointed by the American Psychiatric Association as liaison to the National Sleep Foundation Sleep Time Recommendations project. Whenever possible he champions the importance of healthy sleep as a key component in the pursuit of wellness. Dr Neubauer serves as a consultant to Idorsia. About Idorsia The purpose of Idorsia is to challenge accepted medical paradigms, answering the questions that matter most. To achieve this, we will discover, develop, and commercialize transformative medicines - either with in-house capabilities or together with partners - and evolve Idorsia into a leading biopharmaceutical company, with a strong scientific core. Headquartered near Basel, Switzerland - a European biotech hub - Idorsia has a highly experienced team of dedicated professionals, covering all disciplines from bench to bedside; QUVIVIQ (daridorexant), a different kind of insomnia treatment with the potential to revolutionize this mounting public health concern; strong partners to maximize the value of our portfolio; a promising in-house development pipeline; and a specialized drug discovery engine focused on small-molecule drugs that can change the treatment paradigm for many patients. Idorsia is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol: IDIA). For further information, please contact: Investor & Media Relations Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hegenheimermattweg 91, CH-4123 Allschwil +41 58 844 10 10 investor.relations@idorsia.com - media.relations@idorsia.com - www.idorsia.com The above information contains certain "forward-looking statements", relating to the company's business, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intend", "estimates", "believes", "expects", "may", "are expected to", "will", "will continue", "should", "would be", "seeks", "pending" or "anticipates" or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Such statements include descriptions of the company's investment and research and development programs, business development activities and anticipated expenditures in connection therewith, descriptions of new products expected to be introduced by the company and anticipated customer demand for such products and products in the company's existing portfolio. Such statements reflect the current views of the company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Attachment SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / Optimum HR has been recognized for the third consecutive year on the Orange County Business Journal's list of the Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies for 2025. This honor celebrates organizations in Orange County that have achieved significant growth and demonstrated strong leadership within their industries. OHR Fastest-Growing 2025 Media Announcing Optimum HR Has Been Recognized as One of OC's Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies This recognition reflects Optimum HR's continued momentum and its reputation as a trusted partner for businesses seeking reliable, forward-thinking HR solutions. Through its personalized approach, Optimum HR supports companies with payroll, benefits, risk mitigation, and HR support while also helping employers cultivate strong, people-first workplace cultures. "Being recognized among Orange County's fastest-growing companies is an incredible honor," said Kevin Gramian, CEO of Optimum HR. "Our success stems from the dedication of our team and the loyalty of our clients. Growth is only possible when both come together, and we are so proud to share this award with everyone who has been part of our journey." This is Optimum HR's second major award in 2025. Earlier this year, the company was also recognized by the Orange County Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work in Orange County - a title it has consistently earned every year since 2016. Together, these achievements showcase the company's dual focus: fostering a thriving internal culture while continuing to expand and strengthen client services. Looking ahead, Optimum HR remains committed to delivering personal and authentic HR solutions. With a team-driven mindset and a client-focused mission, the company is poised for even greater growth in the years ahead. About Optimum HR Optimum HR is a full-service CPEO helping small to mid-sized businesses streamline HR, payroll, benefits, and risk mitigation. Since 2007, we have delivered personalized support backed by powerful HCM technology and a people-first approach. Optimum clients gain access to top-tier benefits and expert guidance - so they can focus on growing their business, not managing HR. As a 12-time Inc. 5000 honoree and named one of Orange County's Best Places to Work for 10 consecutive years, Optimum is proud to help build better workplaces, one business at a time. SOURCE: Optimum HR View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/optimum-hr-named-one-of-orange-county-business-journal%e2%80%99s-fastest-1069138 PLANO, Texas, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aduna, the global aggregator of standardized network integrated telco, to accelerate the adoption of advanced network APIs that will power next-generation digital services across industries. The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the GSMA Digital Nation Summit 2025 in Singapore, will provide developers and enterprises in Malaysia with seamless access to Aduna's global platform of common network APIs. By integrating advanced API solutions with Maxis's advanced connectivity and network capabilities, businesses can unlock new use cases, reduce time-to-market, and deliver more secure and innovative customer experiences. Initial offerings will focus on high-impact APIs including Number Verification, SIM Swap, KYC Match, and Location Verification. These capabilities are critical to combating digital fraud and strengthening online transaction security, particularly for sectors such as financial services, e-commerce, and hyperscalers. Beyond fraud prevention, network APIs are creating opportunities across multiple industries by serving as a universal bridge between software and connectivity. Through Aduna's aggregation model, developers can build solutions that operate seamlessly across networks and borders, bringing scalability, security, and efficiency to digital transformation. "Aduna is committed to building the world's largest ecosystem of standardized network APIs to accelerate the next wave of digital innovation," said Anthony Bartolo." By partnering with Maxis, we are bringing our unified platform to one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic digital economies. Together, we will enable developers and enterprises in Malaysia to create powerful, secure, and scalable solutions that deliver real business impact." "At Maxis, our mission is to equip businesses with the tools they need to innovate for tomorrow, today," said Prateek Pashine, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of Maxis. "APIs play a critical role in the modern digital economy, and we are committed to leveraging them to unlock greater value for businesses. Through this partnership with Aduna, we can enable the development of more secure, user-centric services backed by seamless access to advanced network APIs." This collaboration builds on Maxis's track record of supporting open standards and interoperability. The company is fully aligned with the GSMA Open Gateway framework and CAMARA Project, and in 2024, was an early supporter of the Bridge Alliance API Exchange (BAEx) initiative, which aggregates telco APIs across Asia Pacific. Maxis also participated in the world's first international federation of telco APIs, involving operators in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore to help enterprises strengthen authentication and combat fraud. By joining forces with Aduna, Maxis reinforces its role as a key partner in Malaysia's digital transformation journey. Together, the two companies are advancing the adoption of open, interoperable APIs to deliver sustainable value for customers, partners, and industries. We Are Maxis Maxis is Malaysia's leading integrated telco, providing high quality digital services and connectivity solutions. As a homegrown Malaysian brand, we have been serving Malaysians for 30 years and are passionate about bringing together the best of technologies to enable people, businesses and the nation in a changing world. With digitalization changing the way we live, communicate and access services, we continue to be at the forefront of innovation through our products and services for consumers and enterprises, leveraging our No. 1 converged network that extends to 95% of the country's population and one of the widest retail networks nationwide. We take great pride in investing in the nation and creating a positive impact for all our stakeholders through our community outreach programs. These are driven by digital learning for students, helping small businesses grow, digitally empowering entrepreneurs as well as providing scholarships and capability building programs for deserving young Malaysian talent. Maxis is a public listed company on Bursa Malaysia, with shares owned by over 5,400 institutional shareholders that include more than 24% Government Related Institutional Investors as of June 2025. For our sustainability track record and other important information please visit www.maxis.com.my About Aduna Aduna is a landmark venture between some of the world's leading telecom operators and Ericsson, dedicated to enabling developers worldwide to accelerate innovation by leveraging networks to their full potential via common network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Its venture partners include AT&T, Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, e&, KDDI, Orange, Reliance Jio, Singtel, Telefonica, Telstra, T-Mobile, Verizon and Vodafone. By combining network APIs from multiple operators globally under a unified platform based on the CAMARA open-source project, driven by the GSMA and the Linux Foundation, Aduna provides a standardized platform to foster collaboration, enhance user experiences, and drive industry growth. To find out more about network APIs and Aduna, visit adunaglobal.com. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2710073/5497995/Aduna_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aduna-expands-global-network-api-ecosystem-with-maxis-partnership-in-malaysia-302549486.html Franchise owner Josiah Wiley launches Exit Factor Atlanta North to help small and mid-sized companies maximize value and plan successful, legacy-building exits. ATLANTA, GA / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / Exit Factor, a franchise specializing in exit planning for small and mid-sized companies, announced the opening of Exit Factor Atlanta North, led by owner-operator Josiah Wiley. An accomplished executive with 20+ years of growth and innovation leadership at Johnson Controls and Tom Barrow Company, Wiley holds 10 U.S. and international patents and multiple awards. He brings this expertise to help Atlanta owners maximize value and plan successful, profitable exits. The Exit Factor program is a proven process with tailored exit plans that safeguard the long-term value of a business now and in the future, no matter the size. Designed to help owners take control of their business by maximizing profit, efficiency, and value from day one, even if a sale isn't uppermost on the owner's mind. "At Exit Factor, we help business owners unlock the full value of what they've built. It's more than just an exit - it's about legacy, freedom, and setting the stage for what's next," said Josiah Wiley, franchise owner. "I see a real need for these programs in Atlanta, where we can address specific challenges and support entrepreneurs in improving their company's efficiency, value, and ultimately, their ability to exit successfully." The company was founded by best-selling author, speaker, and small-business advocate Jessica Fialkovich. Her passion for helping business owners maximize their company's value, grew from her experience as a business broker and owner of a Transworld Business Advisors franchise. For businesses that were not quite ready to sell, or had potential to increase their value prior to listing, Fialkovich developed a program, teaching strategies on ways to build value, profitability, and salability. "We're very proud of the success Exit Factor has had in helping businesses plan for profitability to ensure business owners maximize their company's value when it's time to sell," Jessica Fialkovich said. "We look forward to bringing Exit Factor of Atlanta North on board to help even more business owners." Participants in Exit Factor's program earn back an average of $2,700 in exit value for every hour they spend in the program. Within the first year, clients have seen a 25% increase in profit and a 56.7% increase in business value. For those who have decided to sell, the program has helped them achieve successful exits. About Exit Factor Exit Factor offers a proven method that helps small to mid-size business owners maximize their company's value. It's among the United Franchise Group (UFG) family of affiliated brands and consultants, representing the very best in their industries. Through one-on-one consulting services and online programs, the trusted advisors at Exit Factor teach entrepreneurs how to successfully improve their company's efficiency, value and ultimately ability to exit. For more information, visit www.ExitFactor.com and for more information on owning a Exit Factor franchise, visit www.exitfactorfranchise.com . SOURCE: Exit Factor View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/exit-factor-expands-territory-with-new-location-in-atlanta-georgia-1070182 HALIFAX, NS / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / Axo Copper Corp. (TSXV:AXO) ("Axo", "Axo Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce new results from its recently initiated Phase II drill program at the La Huerta Project, which continue to show elevated grades through the La Huerta Trend at Las Marias. Additionally, the Company announces that it has initiated its regional drill program at the La Huerta South target. "The early results from the Phase II program continue to deliver high grades through Las Marias" says Jonathan Egilo, President & CEO. "As we continue to find strong copper mineralization at Las Marias and along the main La Huerta trend, we're excited to begin testing the promising new regional targets to the south." La Huerta Assay Results The assay results are highlighted by hole LHCC-25-045 which intercepted 5.24% CuEq (4.86% Cu and 30.0gpt Ag) over 6.4 metres, within a wider interval of 3.08% CuEq (2.89% Cu and 15.0gpt Ag) over 13.2 metres. Copper mineralization in LHCC-25-045 was hosted in chalcopyrite and bornite, cut through an andesitic host rock, with stronger bornite patches present through the higher-grade section. The hole tested a down dip extension of the historical hole G-023 (3.05% CuEq over 6.4 metres), with LHCC-25-045 finding mineralization and the continuity of the La Huerta Trend on the other side of a minor fault (see cross section in Figure 1). Thus far, 3,288 metres have been drilled as part of Axo's 15,000 metre Phase II program, which was initiated this past June. La Huerta South Regional Exploration Update A second drill rig has now arrived at La Huerta, which will be initially targeting the La Huerta South regional target, located about ~3km away from Las Marias, and previously highlighted in The Company's press release dated June 19, 2025 (see Figure 3 below). As previously announced, Axo has discovered multiple outcrops hosting copper mineralization with select results above 10% Cu in the area, through chip and trench sampling. Additionally, more recent sampling results at La Huerta South have begun seeing gold, as a new grab sample of an outcrop has returned 1.41% Cu and 2.6 gpt Au. FIGURE 1: CROSS SECTION HIGHLIGHTED BY LHCC-25-045 FIGURE 2: PLAN VIEW OF THE LA HUERTA TREND FIGURE 3: LA HUERTA SOUTH REGIONAL TARGET ~3KM SOUTH OF LAS MARIAS Table 1: La Huerta Assay Results Hole ID Comment From To Length(1) Copper Silver Copper Eq.1 m m m % gpt % LHCC-25-033 - - - NSV2 NSV NSV LHCC-25-035 La Huerta Trend 148.8 153.5 6.7 1.01 2.34 1.04 Including 152.9 153.5 0.6 2.53 4.20 2.58 LHCC-25-036 La Huerta Trend 20.6 24.5 4.0 1.62 4.91 1.69 LHCC-25-045 La Huerta Trend 165.0 178.1 13.2 2.89 14.97 3.08 Including 168.7 175.0 6.4 4.86 30.00 5.24 1CuEq calculated using metals prices of US$9,650/tonne copper and US$37.50/oz silver 2NSV=No significant values Table 2: La Huerta drillhole coordinates Hole ID EASTING NORTHING ELEV DEPTH AZ DIP m m m m LHCC-25-033 580,370 2,146,824 689 204.9 335 -56 LHCC-25-035 580,376 2,146,882 689.2 177.0 335 -65 LHCC-25-036 580,394 2,146,957 712.4 131.0 335 -63 LHCC-25-045 580,278 2,146,811 676.2 242.0 335 -60 About Axo Axo Copper Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company engaged in the exploration and development of the La Huerta property, a new copper discovery in Jalisco, Mexico. Initial exploration has yielded high-grade copper both at surface through sampling programs, and at depth through initial drilling. The Company is focused on continuing to define near-surface mineralization along the La Huerta Trend, expanding mineralization at depth, and targeting new discoveries in an underexplored district. Additional information can be found at the Company's website: www.axocopper.com. Procedure, Quality Assurance / Quality Control and Data Verification The diamond drill core (HQ size) is geologically logged, photographed and marked for sampling. When the sample lengths are determined, the full drill core is sawn with a diamond blade drill core saw with one half of the drill core being bagged and tagged for assay. The remaining half portion is returned to the drill core trays for storage and/or for metallurgical test work. The sealed and tagged drill core sample bags are transported to the ALS Chemex facility in Queretaro and Zacatecas, Mexico. ALS Chemex crushes the samples and prepares 200-300 gram pulp samples with ninety percent passing Tyler 150 mesh (106 m). Copper and multi-element analysis is completed using total digestion (Code ME-ICP61 Total Digestion ICP). Over limits greater than 10,000 grams per tonne copper are assayed using Cu-OG62. Quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") procedures monitor the chain-of-custody of the samples and includes the systematic insertion and monitoring of appropriate reference materials (certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates) into the sample strings. The results of the assaying of the QA/QC material included in each batch are tracked to ensure the integrity of the assay data. All results stated in this announcement have passed AXO's QA/QC protocols. Qualified Person Charles Spath, P. Geo., is the Qualified Person for Axo Copper Corp., as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Spath has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. For further information, please contact: Jonathan Egilo President and CEO 613 882 5126 egilo@axocopper.com Forward looking information: 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. This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Offering, the Company's plans in respect of the La Huerta property and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "will", "propose", "may", "is expected to", "subject to", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans", "projection", "could", "vision", "goals", "objective", "focus" and "outlook" and other similar words. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including, but not limited to, general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; the potential of high grade copper mineralization at the Company's properties; the results (if any) of further exploration work to define and expand mineral resources; the ability of exploration work (including drilling) to accurately predict mineralization; and the ability to generate additional drill targets. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include environmental risks, limitations on insurance coverage, risks and uncertainties related to exploration, development, operations, commodity prices and global financial volatility including as a result of tariffs, risk and uncertainties of operating in a foreign jurisdiction as well as additional risks described from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Axo Copper Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/axo-copper-drills-5.2-copper-equivalent-over-6.4-metres-in-recent-batch-of-phase-1070251 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2025) - Tier One Silver Inc. (TSXV: TSLV) (OTCQB: TSLVF) ("Tier One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it is increasing the size of the non-brokered private placement, the terms of which were announced on September 3, 2025, (the "Offering") due to increased investor demand. The Company now intends to sell up to 81,250,000 units for gross proceeds of up to $6,500,000 which is expected to close in two tranches on September 11, 2025, and September 16, 2025, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. All other terms of the Offering remain unchanged. About Tier One Silver Tier One Silver is an exploration company focused on creating value for shareholders and stakeholders through the discovery of world-class silver, gold and copper deposits in South America. The Company is focused on its flagship exploration project, Curibaya, but continues to investigate other potential projects of merit. The Company's management and technical teams have a strong track record in raising capital, discovery and monetization of exploration success. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TIER ONE SILVER INC. Peter Dembicki President, CEO and Director For further information on Tier One Silver Inc., please contact the Company at (778) 729-0700 or visit the Company's website: www.tieronesilver.com Forward-Looking Information and General Cautionary Language This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to the Company's current expectations and views of future events in connection with the planned financing. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts and therefore may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be heavily relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. In particular, and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements in regard to the size and closing of the Offering. Readers should refer to the risks discussed in the Company's Annual Information Form and Management's Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, and subsequent continuous disclosure filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators available at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release is not for distribution to U.S. newswire services for dissemination in the United States To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265593 SOURCE: Tier One Silver Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2025) - Mayfair Gold Corp. (TSXV: MFG) ("Mayfair" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Beacon Securities Limited ("Beacon") to act as lead agent and sole bookrunner, on behalf of a syndicate of agents to be formed (together with Beacon, the "Agents"), in connection with a "best efforts" private placement of up to 21,213,000 common shares in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") at a price of $1.65 per Common Share (the "Issue Price") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of up to $35,001,450 (the "Offering"). The Common Shares will be issued pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (as defined herein). In addition, the Company has granted the Agents an option (the "Agents' Option") exercisable, in whole or in part, at any time up to 48 hours prior to the Closing Date (as defined herein) to sell up to an additional 3,031,000 Common Shares at the Issue Price for additional gross proceeds of up to $5,001,150. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for metallurgical and detailed engineering at its Fenn-Gib gold project in Timmins, Ontario, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Common Shares issuable under the Offering will be offered for sale to purchasers resident in each of the provinces of Canada, other than Quebec, and/or other qualifying jurisdictions, 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 (collectively, the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). There is an offering document dated September 8, 2025 related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.mayfairgold.ca. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision. The Offering is expected to close on or about September 16, 2025 (the "Closing Date"), and is subject to the Company receiving all necessary regulatory approvals, including the conditional acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). As the Offering is being completed pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption, the Common Shares issued pursuant to the Offering will not be subject to a hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the "United States" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Mayfair Gold Mayfair Gold is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on advancing the 100% controlled Fenn-Gib gold project in the Timmins region of Northern Ontario. The Fenn-Gib gold deposit is Mayfair's flagship asset and currently hosts an updated NI 43-101 (as defined herein) open pit constrained mineral resource estimate with an effective date of September 3, 2024 with a total Indicated Resource of 181.3M tonnes containing 4.3M ounces at a grade of 0.74 g/t Au and an Inferred Resource of 8.92M tonnes containing 0.14M ounces at a grade of 0.49 g/t Au at a 0.30 g/t Au cut-off grade. Please see the Company's news release dated September 10, 2024, for further information. The scientific and technical content of this news release was reviewed, verified, and approved by Drew Anwyll, P.Eng., M.Eng., Chief Operating Officer of the Company, and a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). 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 news release. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to Mayfair's current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result", "are expected to", "expects", "will continue", "is anticipated", "anticipates", "believes", "estimated", "intends", "plans", "forecast", "projection", "strategy", "objective" and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to: the completion of the Offering, the issuance of the Common Shares, the intended use of the net proceeds from the Offering and the expected closing date of the Offering. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Mayfair's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the satisfaction of the conditions to the Offering acceptable to the Company and the Agents; the Company receiving all requisite approvals in connection with the Offering, including the acceptance of the TSXV; and the ability of the Company to close the Offering on a timely basis or at all. Mayfair undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Mayfair to predict all of them, or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. 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/265590 SOURCE: Mayfair Gold Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2025) - Telo Genomics Corp. (TSXV: TELO) (OTCQB: TDSGF) (the "Company" or "Telo Genomics") announces that it has engaged Hayden IR, LLC. ("Hayden"), a U.S.-based investor relations consulting firm, to enhance the Company's investor relations strategy by increasing awareness of the Company, its technologies, and its business prospects. On August 20, 2025, the Company entered into an investor relations services agreement with Hayden (the "Agreement") under which Hayden will provide Telo services including strategic investor outreach and development of investor communication materials for a 12-month term. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay Hayden a monthly cash fee of US$7,500 (the "Fee"). For the first four months of the term, US$3,500 of the Fee each month (an aggregate of US$14,000) will be accrued and become payable on the earlier of the closing of Telo's next financing or January 31, 2026. Either party may terminate the Agreement with 30 days' written notice. Hayden and its principals are at arm's length to the Company. To the knowledge of the Company, and at the time of entry into the Agreement, no principal of Hayden held any securities of the Company, nor had a right to acquire any securities of the Company. About Telo Genomics Telo Genomics is a biotech company pioneering the most comprehensive telomere platform in the industry with powerful applications and prognostic solutions. These include liquid biopsies and related technologies in oncology and neurological diseases. Liquid biopsy is a rapidly growing field of significant interest to the medical community for being less invasive and more easily replicated than traditional diagnostic approaches. By combining our team's considerable expertise in quantitative analysis of 3D telomeres with molecular biology and artificial intelligence to recognize disease associated genetic instability, Telo Genomics is developing simple and accurate products that improve day-to-day care for patients by serving the needs of pathologists, clinicians, academic researchers and drug developers. The benefits of our proprietary technology have been substantiated in 160+ peer reviewed publications and in30+ clinical studies involving more than 3,000 patients with multiple cancers and Alzheimer's disease. Our lead application, Telo-MM is being developed to provide important, actionable information to medical professionals in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma, a deadly form of blood cancer. For more information, please visit www.telodx.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such 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 Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the services to be provided by Hayden are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual outcome to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265584 SOURCE: Telo Genomics Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 8, 2025) - Allied Critical Metals Inc. (CSE: ACM) (OTCQB: ACMIF) (FSE: 0VJ0) ("Allied" or the "Company"), which is focused on its 100% owned past producing Borralha and Vila Verde tungsten projects in northern Portugal, is pleased to announce its upcoming fall 2025 marketing and investor engagement schedule, which includes international conferences and on-site investor tours of Borralha and Vila Verde, its two high grade tungsten projects located in northern Portugal. General (Ret.) James A. "Spider" Marks, director of the Company's U.S. subsidiary stated, "I am eager to see Allied continue to raise its profile and connect with its new and existing investors to help expedite Allied's business plan while securing a stable safe supply chain of tungsten for western countries. This is especially critical during this time of ever-increasing threats showcased in China's recent military parade and meeting of the leaders of China, Russia and North Korea. Now more than ever, western nations need to work together to secure stable supply chains of critical minerals such as tungsten." The Company's marketing and investment engagement schedule for fall 2025 is outlined below: Investor Mine Site Tour - Porto, Portugal On September 18-19, 2025, Allied will host an investor tour of its Vila Verde Tungsten Project near Porto, Portugal. The tour will provide investors with a first-hand look at the Company's development plans, recent progress, and strategic growth initiatives. 121 Mining Investment - Hong Kong From September 23-24, 2025, Allied will participate in the 121 Mining Investment Conference in Hong Kong, where management will meet one-on-one with institutional investors, family offices, and strategic partners focused on the critical minerals sector. Click here to learn more about the 121 Mining Investment Conference - Hong Kong. Capital Events Management - Muskoka, Ontario From September 26-28, 2025, Allied will attend the Capital Events Management (CEM) conference in Muskoka, Ontario, a premier event connecting small- and mid-cap issuers with the Canadian investment community. Click here to learn more about CEM conference in Muskoka, Ontario. 121 Mining Investment - London, UK On November 17-18, 2025, Allied will return to Europe to participate in the 121 Mining Investment Conference in London, UK. This event attracts leading global resource investors and provides an important platform for the Company to showcase its projects and near-term milestones. Click here to learn more about the 121 Mining Investment Conference - London. "These upcoming events provide Allied with the opportunity to strengthen relationships with both existing and prospective investors, while showcasing our world-class tungsten assets and the role they will play in strengthening secure supply chains for critical minerals," said Roy Bonnell, CEO & Director, Allied Critical Metals Inc. The Company also hereby announces the grant of 6,165,000 stock options (the "Options") granted to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company at an exercise price of $0.53 per share pursuant to its omnibus equity incentive plan expiring 5 years after the date of grant, of which 3,000,000 Options vest immediately and the remaining vest 50% immediately and 50% in ten months after the date of grant. The Company also announces that it has granted 4,743,750 restricted share units ("RSUs") to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company which vest immediately pursuant to its omnibus equity incentive plan. The Options and RSUs will be subject to a four month hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. About Allied Critical Metals Inc. Allied Critical Metals Inc. (CSE: ACM) (OTCQB: ACMIF) (FSE:0VJ0) is a Canadian-based mining company focused on the expansion and revitalization of its 100% owned past producing Borralha Tungsten Project and the Vila Verde Tungsten Project in northern Portugal with advantageous wolframite tungsten mineralization. Tungsten has been designated a critical metal by the United States and other western countries, as they are aggressively seeking friendly sources of this unique metal. Currently, China, Russia and North Korea represent approximately 86% of the total global supply and reserves. Tungsten is used in a variety of industries such as defense, automotive, manufacturing, electronics, and energy. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Roy Bonnell" Roy Bonnell CEO and Director Please visit our website at www.alliedcritical.com. Also visit us at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allied-critical-metals-inc X: https://x.com/@alliedcritical/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliedcriticalmetals/ The Canadian Stock Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking statements", including with respect to the use of proceeds. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "potential for" and similar expressions have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations of the Company's management for future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation, those listed in the Company's Listing Statement and other filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca ). Examples of forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed timeline and use of proceeds for exploration and development of the Company's mineral projects as described in the Company's Listing Statement, news releases, and corporate presentations. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. These factors should be considered carefully, and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements and reference should also be made to the Company's Listing Statement dated April 23, 2025 and news release dated May 16, 2025, and the documents incorporated by reference therein, filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of additional risk factors. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/265565 SOURCE: Allied Critical Metals Inc. The asthma market is projected to see consistent growth driven by the introduction of innovative therapies, dexpramipexole, depemokimab (GSK3511294), and BREZTRI AEROSPHERE (PT-010), among others. Additionally, the rising prevalence of asthma, driven by factors such as urbanization, environmental pollution, aging populations, and increased awareness and diagnosis, is expected to further contribute to market growth. LAS VEGAS, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's Asthma Market Insights report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, asthma emerging drugs, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted market size from 2020 to 2034, segmented into leading markets [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Asthma Market Summary The market size for asthma was found to be USD 27 billion in the leading markets [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan] in 2024. in the leading markets [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan] in 2024. The United States accounted for the largest asthma treatment market size, approximately 80% of the total market size in the 7MM in 2024, compared to other major markets, including the EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan. of the total market size in the 7MM in 2024, compared to other major markets, including the EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan. There were approximately 57 million diagnosed prevalent cases of asthma in the leading markets, in 2024. This number is further expected to increase many folds by 2034. diagnosed prevalent cases of asthma in the leading markets, in 2024. This number is further expected to increase many folds by 2034. There were around 5 million pediatric and 21 million adult cases of asthma in the US in 2024, with numbers expected to rise by 2034. pediatric and adult cases of asthma in the US in 2024, with numbers expected to rise by 2034. Leading asthma companies developing emerging therapies, such as GlaxoSmithKline, Areteia Therapeutics, Sanofi, Connect Biopharma, Upstream Bio, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Launch Therapeutics, AstraZeneca, Incyte Corporation, and others, are developing new asthma treatment drugs that can be available in the asthma market in the coming years. and others, are developing new asthma treatment drugs that can be available in the asthma market in the coming years. The promising asthma therapies in clinical trials include Depemokimab (GSK3511294), Dexpramipexole, BREZTRI AEROSPHERE (BGF; PT-010), Amlitelimab, Rilzabrutinib (SAR444671), Rademikibart (CBP-201), Verekitug (UPB-101), Fluticasone Propionate/Albuterol Sulfate (TEV-'248), Tozorakimab, Lunsekimig (SAR443765), Povorcitinib, and others. Discover the new asthma treatment @ Asthma Treatment Market Key Factors Driving the Growth of the Asthma Market Rising Prevalence of Asthma Driving the Market Asthma affects millions worldwide, and its prevalence continues to increase due to urbanization, environmental pollution, changing lifestyles, and higher exposure to allergens. According to DelveInsight analysis, the total number of diagnosed prevalent asthma cases is expected to reach 57 million by 2034. Growing patient populations directly drive demand for effective treatments. Advances in Inhalation and Drug Delivery Technologies Fueling Market Growth Innovations such as smart inhalers, dry powder inhalers, and breath-actuated devices are improving patient adherence, accuracy, and convenience. These technological advancements enhance treatment outcomes and contribute to the expansion of the asthma treatment market. Increasing Adoption of Biologics and Targeted Asthma Therapies Will Drive the Market Severe asthma cases often remain uncontrolled despite conventional treatments, fueling the demand for biologics, such as monoclonal antibodies, that target the IgE, IL-5, and IL-4 pathways. The rising use of precision medicine and personalized therapies is a significant growth driver for the asthma drug market. Strong R&D Asthma Pipeline and Novel Therapeutic Approaches Will Surge the Market Several asthma drugs are in the late-stage pipeline, including depemokimab, PT010, and dexpramipexole dihydrochloride, which are expected to generate significant revenue by 2034. Other assets by AstraZeneca, Sanofi, and Connect Pharma are in the early stages of development. Asthma Market Analysis Current asthma therapies mainly aim to relieve symptoms, reduce airway inflammation, and prevent lung damage, but they do not alter the course of the disease. For patients with severe asthma, treatment extends beyond inhalers to include inhaled corticosteroids combined with long-term controller medications such as bronchodilators, leukotriene receptor antagonists, long-acting muscarinic antagonists, long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs), and sustained-release theophylline. Oral corticosteroids are often introduced when symptoms and flare-ups persist despite these measures. The US FDA has also approved several biologics for asthma treatment, including CINQAIR (reslizumab), FASENRA (benralizumab), NUCALA (mepolizumab), DUPIXENT (dupilumab), TEZSPIRE (tezepelumab-ekko), XOLAIR (omalizumab), and OMLYCLO (omalizumab-igec). However, asthma care continues to face limitations due to the absence of disease-modifying options. Current therapies primarily manage symptoms but do not reverse airway remodeling or stop disease progression. Non-type 2 asthma remains particularly underserved, and variable effectiveness, high costs, and limited availability constrain the use of biologics. Additional barriers such as poor adherence, inhaler misuse, frequent exacerbations, underdiagnosis, and a lack of tailored pediatric options further impact outcomes-highlighting the urgent need for precision medicine and more accessible, long-term therapeutic solutions. Asthma Competitive Landscape The expected launch of emerging therapies, such as Depemokimab (GSK3511294, phase III), BREZTRI/TRIXEO (PT010, phase III), Dexpramipexole Dihydrochloride (phase III), TEV-56248 (TEV-248, phase III), Rilzabrutinib (phase II), Rademikibart (CBP-201, phase III), and others, is expected to create a positive impact on the market. GSK3511294 (depemokimab), currently in development for severe eosinophilic asthma, is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting IL-5. Designed as a novel biologic, it combines high binding affinity with long-acting suppression of IL-5, a cytokine that drives eosinophil growth, activation, and survival-making it an established therapeutic target in patients with elevated eosinophil counts. Unlike existing IL-5 inhibitors, depemokimab has an extended half-life and superior affinity, enabling subcutaneous dosing only once every 26 weeks. In January 2025, both the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Japan accepted depemokimab for regulatory review for the treatment of asthma with type 2 inflammation. If approved, it would become the first ultra-long-acting biologic offering 6-month dosing. The applications are supported by results from the SWIFT-1andSWIFT-2trials, which demonstrated significant reductions in exacerbations and hospitalizations when used as an add-on therapy in patients with type 2 inflammatory asthma. PT010, developed by AstraZeneca, is a fixed-dose triple combination delivered via a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) using Aerosphere technology. It contains micronized budesonide (an inhaled corticosteroid), glycopyrronium (a long-acting muscarinic antagonist, LAMA), and formoterol fumarate (a long-acting 2-agonist, LABA). Budesonide provides anti-inflammatory effects, glycopyrronium blocks muscarinic M3 receptors to promote bronchodilation, and formoterol rapidly relaxes bronchial smooth muscle with high selectivity for 2 receptors. AstraZeneca is conducting multiple Phase III studies to evaluate PT010 in patients with severe asthma who remain uncontrolled despite standard care. The therapy is already marketed as BREZTRI AEROSPHERE in the US and Japan, and as TRIXEO in Europe, but is currently only approved for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dexpramipexole, developed by AreteiaTherapeutics, is an oral eosinophil maturation inhibitor for the treatment of eosinophilic asthma. Unlike IL-5 biologics, it works by halting eosinophil development before the myelocyte stage, thereby reducing the number of eosinophils. Phase II studies demonstrated dose-related decreases in eosinophils and improvements in lung function (FEV1), with efficacy comparable to that of IL-5 antibodies. As an oral option, it may provide an alternative to injectables, potentially becoming the first oral therapy for eosinophilic asthma. The program is in Phase III with three global EXHALE trials (2,875 patients). EXHALE-4 (lung function) is fully enrolled with results expected in Q3 2025, while EXHALE-2 and -3 (focused on exacerbations) are expected to report by late 2026. A launch is targeted for late 2027, with pediatric and Japan-specific trials supporting broader filings. Rilzabrutinib (SAR444671), developed by Sanofi, is an oral, reversible covalent inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), a key regulator in B cells and mast cells involved in immune activation. Using Sanofi's TAILORED COVALENCY platform, the drug is engineered for selective BTK inhibition with minimal off-target activity, providing rapid and sustained anti-inflammatory effects. At the ATS International Conference, Sanofi reported results from a Phase II proof-of-concept study in patients with moderate to severe asthma who were inadequately controlled on ICS/LABA. Treatment with rilzabrutinib resulted in fewer loss-of-control events and improved symptom management, accompanied by a favorable safety profile. These results support its progression into Phase III testing with a twice-daily oral dosing regimen. The anticipated launch of these emerging therapies are poised to transform the asthma market landscape in the coming years. As these cutting-edge therapies continue to mature and gain regulatory approval, they are expected to reshape the asthma market landscape, offering new standards of care and unlocking opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth. Discover more about the asthma drugs market @ Anti-Asthma Drugs Market Recent Developments in the Asthma Market In May 2025, AstraZeneca's fixed-dose triple-combination therapy BREZTRI aerosphere (budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate) met all primary endpoints in the Phase III KALOS and LOGOS trials for uncontrolled asthma. fixed-dose triple-combination therapy BREZTRI aerosphere (budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate) met all primary endpoints in the Phase III KALOS and LOGOS trials for uncontrolled asthma. In March 2025, the US FDA accepted applications for depemokimab for the treatment of asthma with type 2 inflammation. If approved, it will be the first ultra-long-acting biologic with a 6-month dosing regimen. The submissions were based on positive SWIFT-1 and -2 trial data, showing depemokimab reduced exacerbations and hospitalizations as an add-on therapy versus placebo. Asthma Disease Overview Asthma is the most prevalent chronic respiratory disorder worldwide. It affects the lung airways, which become swollen and constricted in response to different triggers, making it difficult for air to pass through. The interaction between airway inflammation and structural changes leads to airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), causing irregular and excessive narrowing of the airways. Asthma is generally categorized as either intermittent or persistent, with persistent asthma further classified into mild, moderate, or severe forms. A combination of genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, psychological factors, and respiratory infections influences the severity of the disease. Asthma Epidemiology Segmentation The asthma epidemiology section provides insights into the historical and current asthma patient pool and forecasted trends for the leading markets. Among the 7MM, the US accounted for nearly 26 million of the total diagnosed prevalent cases of asthma, with around 21 million cases in adults in 2024. These cases are expected to increase by 2034. The asthma treatment market report proffers epidemiological analysis for the study period 2020-2034 in the leading markets [the United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan], segmented into: Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Asthma Age-specific Cases of Asthma Gender-specific Cases of Asthma Severity-specific Cases of Asthma Type-specific Severity Cases of Asthma Asthma Market Report Metrics Details Study Period 2020-2034 Coverage 7MM [The United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Asthma Market CAGR 1.95 % Asthma Market Size in 2024 USD 27 Billion Key Asthma Companies GlaxoSmithKline, Areteia Therapeutics, Sanofi, Connect Biopharma, Upstream Bio, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Launch Therapeutics, AstraZeneca, Incyte Corporation, and others Key Asthma Therapies Depemokimab (GSK3511294), Dexpramipexole, BREZTRI AEROSPHERE (BGF; PT-010), Amlitelimab, Rilzabrutinib (SAR444671), Rademikibart (CBP-201), Verekitug (UPB-101), Fluticasone Propionate/Albuterol Sulfate (TEV-'248), Tozorakimab, Lunsekimig (SAR443765), Povorcitinib, and others Scope of the Asthma Market Report Therapeutic Assessment: Asthma current marketed and emerging therapies Asthma current marketed and emerging therapies Asthma Market Dynamics: Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Asthma Drugs and Market Outlook Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Asthma 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, Asthma Market Access and Reimbursement Download the report to understand who's the best in asthma treatment industry @ Asthma Disease Market ERS Conference 2025 ERS Conference 2025 will take place from 27 September to 1 October at RAI Amsterdam, Europaboulevard, 1079 MW Amsterdam. Reach out to us to learn how we can assist in assessing the market landscape for any respiratory indication, considering changes in country-specific treatment guidelines, evolving epidemiology trends, and the influence of new therapies. If you are looking to expand into new geographies but unsure about pricing your drug, schedule a meeting today to transform your business strategy and unlock new growth opportunities. Schedule a meeting Table of Contents 1 Asthma Market Key Insights 2 Asthma Market Report Introduction 3 Asthma Market Overview at a Glance 3.1 Clinical Landscape Analysis (By Phase, RoA, and Molecule Type) 3.2 Market Share (%) Distribution of Asthma by Therapy in 2024 3.3 Market Share (%) Distribution of Asthma by Therapy in 2034 4 Executive Summary 5 Key Events 5.1 American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2025 Conference Insights 5.2 Upcoming Key Catalysts 5.3 Key Transactions and Collaborations 5.4 News Flow 6 Asthma Disease Background and Overview 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Classification 6.3 Asthma Signs and Symptoms 6.4 Asthma Etiology and Risk Factors 6.5 Asthma Pathophysiology 6.6 Asthma Diagnosis 6.7 Asthma Treatment 6.8 Asthma Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines 7 Epidemiology and Asthma Market Forecast Methodology 8 Asthma Epidemiology and Patient Population 8.1 Key Findings 8.2 Assumptions and Rationale: The 7MM 8.2.1 Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Asthma 8.2.2 Gender-specific Cases of Asthma 8.2.3 Severity-specific Cases of Asthma 8.2.4 Type-specific Cases of Severe Asthma 8.3 Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Asthma in the 7MM 8.4 The US 8.5 EU4 and the UK 8.6 Japan 9 Asthma Patient Journey 10 Marketed Asthma Drugs 10.1 Key Cross of Marketed Asthma Therapies 10.2 AIRSUPRA (albuterol and budesonide): AstraZeneca/Avillion 10.2.1 Product Description 10.2.2 Regulatory Milestones 10.2.3 Other Developmental Activities 10.2.4 Summary of Pivotal Trials 10.2.5 Ongoing Clinical Development Activity 10.2.6 Analyst Views 10.3 TEZSPIRE (tezepelumab): Amgen/AstraZeneca 10.4 TRIMBOW (beclometasone dipropionate, formoterol fumarate, glycopyrronium): Chiesi Farmaceutici 10.5 ENERZAIR BREEZHALER (indacaterol/glycopyrronium bromide/mometasone): Novartis 10.6 ATECTURA BREEZHALER (indacaterol/mometasone): Novartis 10.7 TRELEGY ELLIPTA (FF/UMEC/VI): GSK/Innoviva 10.8 DUPIXENT (dupilumab): Sanofi/Regeneron Pharmaceuticals 10.9 FASENRA (benralizumab): AstraZeneca 10.10 CINQAIR/CINQAERO (reslizumab): Teva Pharmaceuticals 10.11 NUCALA (mepolizumab): GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) 10.12 ARNUITY ELLIPTA (fluticasone furoate inhalation powder): GSK 10.13 SPIRIVA RESPIMAT (tiotropium bromide inhalation spray): Boehringer Ingelheim 10.14 BREO/RELVAR ELLIPTA (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol): GSK/Innoviva 11 Emerging Asthma Drugs 11.1 Key Cross Competition 11.2 Depemokimab (GSK3511294): GlaxoSmithKline 11.2.1 Product Description 11.2.2 Other Development Activities 11.2.3 Clinical Development 11.2.4 Safety and Efficacy 11.2.5 Analyst Views 11.3 Dexpramipexole: Areteia Therapeutics 11.4 BREZTRI AEROSPHERE (BGF; PT-010): AstraZeneca 11.5 Amlitelimab: Sanofi 11.6 Rilzabrutinib (SAR444671): Sanofi 11.7 Rademikibart (CBP-201): Connect Biopharma 11.8 Verekitug (UPB-101): Upstream Bio 11.9 Fluticasone Propionate/Albuterol Sulfate (TEV-'248): Teva Pharmaceuticals/Launch Therapeutics 11.10 Tozorakimab: AstraZeneca 11.11 Lunsekimig (SAR443765): Sanofi 11.12 Povorcitinib: Incyte Corporation 12 Asthma Market - 7MM Market Analysis 12.1 Key Findings 12.2 Key Asthma Market Forecast Assumptions 12.3 Asthma Market Outlook 12.4 Attribute Analysis 12.5 Total Market Size of Asthma in the 7MM 12.6 Market Size of Asthma by Therapies in the 7MM 12.7 United States Asthma Market Size 12.7.1 Total Market Size of Asthma in the US 12.7.2 Market Size of Asthma by Therapies in the US 12.8 EU4 and the UK Asthma Market Size 12.9 Japan Asthma Market Size 13 Key Opinion Leaders' Views on Asthma 14 Asthma Market Unmet Needs 15 Asthma Market SWOT Analysis 16 Asthma Market Access and Reimbursement 16.1 The United States 16.2 EU4 and the UK 16.3 Japan 16.4 Market Access and Reimbursement of Asthma 17 Acronyms and Abbreviations 18 Bibliography 19 Asthma Market Report Methodology Related Reports Asthma Pipeline Asthma Pipeline Insight - 2025 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key asthma companies, including Mabpharm Limited, Avillion LLP, GlaxoSmithKline, Immunotek SL, AB Science, AstraZeneca, Inmunotek, Sterna Biologics, Verona Pharma, MediciNova, Foresee Pharmaceuticals, T-Balance Therapeutics, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Aldeyra Therapeutics, Trio Medicines, AstraZeneca, Cumberland Pharmaceuticals, Concentrx Pharmaceuticals, Tetherex Pharmaceuticals, SolAeroMed, Palobiofarma, Sanofi, Oneness Biotech, Novartis, Keymed Biosciences, Suzhou Connect Biopharmaceuticals, 4D Pharma Plc, Hoffman-La-Roche, Celltrion, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Archivel Farma, Siolta Therapeutics, Areteia Therapeutics, TFF Pharmaceuticals, Evelo Biosciences, Sunshine Guojian Pharmaceutical, Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience, Kinaset Therapeutics, Akari Therapeutics, KLUS Pharma, Upstream Bio, LEO Pharma, among others. Severe Asthma Market Severe Asthma 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 severe asthma companies including AstraZeneca plc, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Sanofi S.A., Novartis AG, Roche Holding AG, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Merck & Co., Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Company, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Amgen Inc., AbbVie Inc., Genentech, Inc., Gilead Sciences, Inc., Biogen Inc., CSL Limited, among others. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Market Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 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 COPD companies including Genentech, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline, Verona Pharma plc, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi, MedImmune LLC, EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, Tetherex Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Synairgen Research Ltd., Mereo Biopharma, Organicell Regenerative Medicine, Pulmotect, Inc., Inmunotek S.L., PULMATRiX, GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, Dimerix Limited, ProterixBio, among others. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Market Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2032 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 ARDS companies, including MediciNova, Edesa Biotech, Light Chain Biosciences, Boehringer Ingelheim, Genentech, Windtree Therapeutics, Biomarck Pharmaceuticals, Athersys, Healios, Direct Biologics, Biohaven Pharmaceutical, Arch Biopartners, APEPTICO Forschung und Entwicklung GmbH, Staidson (Beijing) Biopharmaceuticals, Veru, Mesoblast Limited, Avalo Therapeutics, Pluristem Therapeutics, ILTOO Pharma, 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/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/asthma-market-to-show-paltry-growth-at-a-cagr-of-1-95-during-the-forecast-period-20252034--delveinsight-302548871.html CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. dollar declined against its major counterparts in the New York session on Monday. The greenback fell to 1-1/2-month lows of 0.7927 against the franc and 1.1765 against the euro. The greenback declined to a 1-1/2-month low of 0.6598 against the aussie and near a 4-week low of 0.5945 against the kiwi. The greenback dropped to a 3-week low of 1.3556 against the pound. The greenback edged down to 147.34 against the yen and 1.3788 against the loonie. The currency may find support around 0.77 against the franc, 1.20 against the euro, 0.68 against the aussie, 0.60 against the kiwi, 1.40 against the pound, 140.00 against the yen and 1.36 against the loonie. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / GMV Minerals Inc. (the "Company" or "GMV") (TSXV:GMV)(OTCQB:GMVMF) is pleased to announce that further to its news release dated August 13th, 2025, the Company has filed on SEDAR+ a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) technical report for the Mexican Hat Gold Project ("Mexican Hat"), located in SE Arizona, USA (the "Report" or Mexican Hat PEA). The Report was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The Report, entitled "Updated NI 43-101 Technical Report Preliminary Economic Assessment, Mexican Hat Project" with an effective date of August 8th, 2025 has been prepared for GMV by Samuel Engineering Inc., with the assistance of DRW Geological Consultants Ltd., RESPEC LLC., BBA Consultants International LP., and Stantec Consulting Services Inc. The Report is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and will also be available on the Company's website. GMV's news release dated August 13th, 2025 (entitled "Updated NI 43-101 Technical Report Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment, Mexican Hat Project" ) summarizes key results, assumptions, and estimates contained in the Mexican Hat PEA. The Company is pleased to report there are no material differences between the key results, assumptions, and estimates contained in the Mexican Hat PEA and GMV's news release dated August 13th , 2025. Highlights: The Base Case generates a pre-tax Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 66.1% (after-tax 50.2%) and a pre-tax net present value ("NPV") at a 5% discount rate of US$390.2 million (after-tax US$268.3 million) with a 1.53 year payback (1.82 year after-tax) of invested capital using a US$2,500 per ounce gold price. Based on price sensitivity analysis at approximately the current price of US$3,350 per ounce of gold, the project returns a pre-tax IRR of 106.8% (after-tax 82.5%) and a pre-tax NPV at a 5% discount rate of US$767 million (after-tax US$538.1 million) with a payback period of 1.10 years (1.3 years after-tax). The Base Case mine life is 10 years with total production of 597,841 ounces, averaging approximately 60,000 ounces per year. Crushed mineralized material will be conveyor stacked at a rate of approximately 10,000 tonnes/day on a conventional heap leach pad. Capex: US$89,997,000 (including US$15.4 million contingency). Opex: US$788 million LOM with low LOM Strip Ratio of 2.05. Estimated cash cost of production is US$1,354 per ounce with an all-in-sustaining cost of $1,545 per ounce inclusive of sustaining capital and additional overhead support. 2025-2026 Forward Looking Plan The Mexican Hat PEA economics justify continued investment in project development. The forward-looking plan for Mexican Hat includes work required to advance the project through to a feasibility study and into the permitting process. These tasks include: Approx. 7000 meters of in-fill drilling to increase confidence in the current geological understanding and Mineral Resource estimation to sufficient level to support Mineral Reserve development Metallurgical column, hardness, and grinding tests to further optimize and improve heap leach gold recovery, and to provide information for feasibility design work Performing a trade-off study for self-mining and crushing versus contract mining and crushing Geotechnical drilling and analysis to optimize pit slope design parameters Conduct base-line water sampling, and update of hydrologic, cultural, and environmental studies for permitting Incentive Stock Options In addition, the Company announces that subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, it has granted incentive stock options to various directors, officers, and consultants to purchase up to 1,325,000 common shares exercisable at a price of $0.30 per share. The options will be exercisable for a period of five years from the date of issuance. About GMV Minerals Inc. GMV Minerals Inc. is a publicly traded exploration company focused on developing precious metal assets in Arizona. GMV, through its 100% owned subsidiary, has a 100% interest in a Mining Property Lease commonly referred to as the Mexican Hat Project, located in Cochise County, Arizona, USA. The project was initially explored by Placer Dome (USA) in the late 1980's to early 1990's. GMV is focused on developing the asset and realizing the full mineral potential of the property through near term gold production. Technical Report and Qualified Persons The Report entitled Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment, Mexican Hat Project", with an effective date of August 8, 2025 was prepared by the following Qualified Persons (as defined under NI 43-101), all of whom are independent of the Company: Mr. Brian Olson, Q.P., Samuel Engineering, Inc. (Metallurgical Test Work and Recovery, Process Plant and Process Operating Costs) Mr. Steven Pozder, P.E., Samuel Engineering, Inc. (Project Economics and Infrastructure) Dr. Dave Webb, Ph.D., P.Eng., P.Geo., DRW Geological Consultants Ltd. (Mineral Resource Estimate, Mineral Reserve Estimate, Property Description and Location, Accessibility, Climate, Local Resource, Infrastructure and Physiography, History, Geological Setting and Mineralization, Deposit Types, Exploration, Drilling, Sample Preparation, Analysis and Security, Data Verification). Mr. Thomas L. Dyer, P.E., RESPEC LLC. (Mine Design, Production Schedule, Capital and Operating Costs) Mr. Francisco J. Barrios, P.E., BBA Consultants International LP (Pad Design and Loading) Ms. Dawn Garcia, CPG, PG, Stantec Consulting Services Inc. (Environmental) All Qualified Persons have contributed to their corresponding sections in Interpretation, and Recommendations. PEA Information and Cautionary Note Regarding Inferred Mineral Resources The mine plan evaluated in the Mexican Hat PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources, as defined by NI 43-101 that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be converted to Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Additional drilling and technical studies will need to be completed in order to fully assess its viability. There is no certainty that a production decision will be made to develop the Mexican Hat Project or that the economic results described in the Mexican Hat PEA will be realized. Mine design and mining schedules, metallurgical flow sheets and process plant designs will require additional detailed work and economic analysis and internal studies to ensure satisfactory operational conditions and decisions regarding future targeted production. Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors The United States Securities and Exchange Commission permits U.S. mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. We use certain terms in this report, such as "Measured," "Indicated," "Inferred," and "Resources," that the SEC guidelines strictly prohibit U.S. registered companies from including in their filings with the SEC. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Forward-looking information contained in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements or information with respect to: the results of the PEA, including the IRR and NPV, life of mine and production, capital and operating expenditures, cost estimates; permitting restrictions, and the mine plan, including infrastructure requirements and future plans; mineral resources; and future gold prices. Since forward-looking information are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties as described in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators. Assumptions upon which forward-looking information contained in this news release is based, without limitation, include: results of future exploration; gold prices; accuracy of the results of the PEA, including key assumptions and methods used to determine mineral resources and the results of the PEA; the ability to obtain required permits and approvals; the ability to execute future plans; exchange rates; ability to obtain funding; and changes in regulatory or community environment. Risks, and uncertainties include: results of further exploration; risks related to mineral tenure, permits and approvals; risks related to the execution of future plans; changes in gold price and exchange rates; risks related to obtaining financing; foreign country risks; regulatory risks and liabilities; and those risks and uncertainties as further described in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators which can be found on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's profile. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. 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. Dr. D.R. Webb, Ph.D., P.Geo., P.Eng. is the Q.P. responsible for this release within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed the technical content of this release and has approved its content. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ian Klassen, President For further information please contact: GMV Minerals Inc. Ian Klassen Tel: (604) 899-0106 Email: info@gmvminerals.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: GMV Minerals, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/gmv-minerals-inc.%c2%a0announces-sedar-filing-of-updated-mexican-hat-preliminary-econo-1070421 CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Taiwan will on Tuesday release August figures for imports, exports and trade balance, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. Imports are expected to jump 25.75 percent on year, up from 20.8 percent in July. Exports are called higher by an annual 22.3 percent, down from 42.0 percent in the previous month. The trade surplus is seen at $12.80 billion, down from $14.34 billion a month earlier. Australia will see August results for the indexes of business confidence and conditions from National Australia Bank, as well as the consumer sentiment index for September from Westpac Bank. In July, the business confidence index had a score of +7 and conditions were at +5. In August, the consumer sentiment index was up 5.7 percent. New Zealand will provide Q2 data for manufacturing sales volume; in the previous quarter, sales were up 2.4 percent on quarter. Japan will release August figures for M2 money stock, with forecasts suggesting an increase of 1.1 percent on year - up from 1.0 percent in July. 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. Hombale Films is leaving no stone unturned in carrying forward the legacy of this 2022 success. The makers have curated an extensive war sequence for Kantara: Chapter 1 with national and international specialists Hombale Films much-awaited Kantara: Chapter 1 is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. While the excitement around the film is constantly reaching fever pitch, The actionstunt choreographer Arjun Raj shares insights on infusing scale, risk, and raw power into Kantara Chapter 1, revealing how the film features some of Indian cinemas grandest and most expensive action sequences. He breaks down its myth-laced combat and praises Rishab Shetty for transforming every battle into a breathtaking spectacle. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With _Kantara Chapter 1_ , Arjun Raj has stepped into one of the grandest arenas yet. Sharing about the moment when he received the offer for the film, he said, I wasnt part of the project in the beginning. This was a massive canvas, and honestly, I thought I might not enter that league. I was in Varanasi when I prayed to be part of something huge. A few days later, I got the call. Initially, they wanted me for just one sequence. Later, they handed me four. Call it destiny, call it divine blessing it happened. Arjun choreographed four major sequences, while the duo of Ram-Lakshman handled one, and Hollywood stunt director Todor Lazarov contributed to the war scenes. Shading light on the film, demanding originality rooted in history and myth. He said, This story is set a thousand years ago. You cant just copy-paste from existing action films. Every move had to feel organic to that time. For instance, we had a massive carriage sequence. It wasnt just a prop; it was part of a high-speed chase involving Rishab and more than a thousand junior artists. That became the riskiest stunt Ive ever designed," Speaking about the huge pre-climax, and the climax, he said, If the carriage fight was the riskiest, the war sequence was the most emotionally charged, The pre-climax battle is my personal favourite. It wasnt just about swords clashing it had emotion, loss, and triumph in every movement. The heartbeat of it all was Rishabs performance. Every fight was elevated because of his energy. Arjun says. We didnt use body doubles for Rishab. He performed bare-bodied, with a body language so distinct no dupe could replicate it. He trained in Kalaripayattu, sword fighting, and horse riding. Still, the risks he took was out of pure willpower. Ive worked with many actors, but Rishab doesnt stop at Ill try my best. He says, Ill do it till I am alive. That spirit changes everything. he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Further speaking about Hombale Films, he said, The production house Hombale Films gave us a free hand. We worked with sketches, miniatures, and rehearsals before involving junior artists and the main actors. Each major sequence had at least six days of prep. Every fight consumed a lot of investment, touching a crore per day, and a lot of time. For example, we took 25 days to nail that carriage fight sequence, an additional six days for prep, and 15 days of rehearsals. Every bit of it was dedicated to just that one stretch. Adding further he said, As far as I know, this is the first time its being used in Indian cinema. I had to learn it myself. It opened a whole new dimension in staging action. In Hollywood, rigging is common practice, but bringing it into such a rooted story was a fresh challenge. Safety, balance, and believability was a delicate mix. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also shade light on the scale of the film, saying, It was a logistical nightmare, but also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. In the end, we werent just designing fights, we were reviving fragments of history, culture, and our roots. Thats what makes Kantara different. _Kantara: Chapter 1_ is one of Hombale Films most ambitious undertakings. The creative team includes music director B. Ajaneesh Loknath, cinematographer Arvind Kashyap, and production designer Vinesh Banglan, all of whom have shaped the films powerful visual and emotional narrative. Moreover, Hombale Films is leaving no stone unturned in carrying forward the legacy of this 2022 success. The makers have curated an extensive war sequence for _Kantara: Chapter 1_ with national and international specialists, involving over 500 skilled fighters and featuring 3,000 people. This sequence was filmed in an entire town spanning 25 acres on rugged terrain, over a period of 4550 days, making it one of the biggest sequences in the history of Indian cinema. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Scheduled for a worldwide release on October 2, the film will launch in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali, and English, reaching audiences across languages and regions while remaining deeply rooted in its cultural core. With Kantara: Chapter 1, Hombale Films continues to push the boundaries of Indian cinema, promising a deeply immersive experience that celebrates folklore, faith, and cinematic excellence. The Apple Event 2025 is scheduled for today (September 9), where the company is expected to introduce the new iPhone 17 series. The iPhone 17 Air is likely to be the main highlight of the event. Apple is set to unveil four models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Heres how the new iPhone could be different from the earlier versions The iPhone 17 series is expected to be the main highlight of the event. Image: News18 The much-awaited Apple Event 2025 will take place today (September 9), where the California-based company is expected to unveil the new iPhone 17 series. In addition to the iPhone 17 series, the event is likely to showcase new Apple Watch models, refreshed AirPods, and a variety of other accessories. A major focus will be on the iPhone 17 Air, which is tipped to be the star of the launch. The model is being viewed as the most significant change to the iPhone range since the release of the iPhone X in 2017. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, which products are set to be unveiled today? Whats new in the iPhone 17 series, and what do we know about the iPhone 17 Air? How much is it expected to cost? Heres everything you need to know: What to expect from the iPhone 17 series The iPhone 17 series is expected to be the main highlight of the event. Apple is likely to announce four new models: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The regular iPhone 17 may feature a larger screen, a 24MP front camera, ProMotion support and an always-on display. The iPhone 17 Pro could come with a redesigned camera bar, the new A19 Pro chip, a 48MP telephoto lens and a 24MP front camera. The top-end iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to include these Pro features along with a thicker frame to fit in a larger battery, according to Hindustan Times. Leaks suggest the iPhone 17 series could be more striking in appearance, with two new colours, green and purple, being considered. Last years iPhone 16 was released in five colours: black, white, pink, teal and ultramarine, a shade of deep blue. A report by Forbes, citing leaks, claimed the iPhone 17 Pro Max could feature a battery of about 5,000mAh. This would be larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max battery, which stands at 4,676mAh. The Apple iPhone 17 launch comes with the tagline Awe dropping. Image: News18 Expected price for iPhone 17 models Reports suggest the iPhone 17 series may start at Rs 89,900 for the base model, with the Pro Max possibly reaching Rs 1,64,900. The final prices could still vary depending on currency changes and Apples global pricing strategy. According to JPMorgan, the entry-level iPhone 17 is expected to remain at $799, the same as the iPhone 16. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The expected price increase for the higher models is said to be due to tariff demands by US President Donald Trump, along with the planned hardware upgrades. What to expect from iPhone 17 Air: Price, specifications and more The iPhone 17 Air stands out for its slim design. Reports say it will measure just 5.5mm at its thinnest point, making it the slimmest iPhone Apple has ever introduced. The model is expected to feature a horizontal pill-shaped camera bump, which makes space for a 48MP wide sensor despite the slim build. Another change comes in the screen size. Unlike the 6.7-inch display on the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 17 Air will feature a 6.6-inch panel. This slight reduction is said to balance slimness with ease of use, India Today reported. With its 5.5mm thickness, the device may not allow room for a big battery. Leaks indicate it could come with a 2,800mAh unit, similar to what Apple used in the iPhone 12. The iPhone 17 Air stands out for its slim design. Image: News18 On the pricing front, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to launch in the US at $899, the same price as the iPhone 16 Plus. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In India, the price is tipped to be about Rs 89,900, though tariffs and import duties may push it higher. If that happens, it could go up to around Rs 95,000. What else could be unveiled today? Apple Watches The Apple Watch Series 11 and Watch Ultra 3 are also expected at the event. The Series 11 is likely to bring design changes, while the new Ultra model may offer more than just a colour refresh. AirPods Pro 3 According to Bloomberg, the third-generation AirPods Pro could also make an appearance. The report suggests this update may mark Apples stronger shift towards services. The new AirPods are expected this year, though details on their design and features remain limited. The Great Nicobar Project is a massive Rs 80,000-crore initiative on Great Nicobar Island. The Nicobar Islands are part of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar, which are located around 1,300 kilometres from Sri Lanka. But what do we know about the project, and why is it important to India? Great Nicobar, which lies in the south of the islands, is around 144 kilometers from the northwestern tip of Indonesias Sumatra. The Centres Great Nicobar Project is under attack again. On Monday, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi slammed the initiative as a planned misadventure. Sonia, in an op-ed, claimed that the project poses an existential danger to the islands indigenous tribal communities as well as to one of the worlds most unique flora and fauna ecosystems. The totally misplaced Rs 72,000 crore expenditure poses an existential danger to the islands indigenous tribal communities, Sonia wrote. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Instead, the project denotifies a significant part of the Shompen tribal reserve, destroys the forest ecosystems where the Shompen live, and will cause a large-scale influx of people and tourists on the island, she added. What do we know about the project? Why is it so vital to Indias national security? What is it? The Great Nicobar Project is a massive Rs 80,000 crore initiative on Great Nicobar Island. The Nicobar Islands are part of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar, which is around 1,300 kilometers from Sri Lanka. They cover an area of 1,841 square kilometres. Great Nicobar, which lies in the south of the islands, is around 144 kilometers from the northwestern tip of Indonesias Sumatra. The island was settled in 1969. Until then, only the Shompen and the Great Nicobarese called the island hom e. The Shompen are hunter-gatherers who live in the islands interior and are believed to have arrived 30,000 years ago. It is the policy of the Indian government to leave them undisturbed. There are around 230 Shompen left. The Great Nicobarese arrived about 10,000 years ago. There are around 1,000 of them today, and they govern themselves. The island also has about 4,000 settlers who work through panchayati raj institutions. What has the government planned? The project is being spearheaded by NITI Aayog in concert with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO). The government plans to build several facilities on the island, including an International Container Transshipment Terminal, a greenfield international airport, a township, and an energy plant. The government plans to build several facilities on the island including an International Container Transshipment Terminal, a greenfield international airport, a township and The terminal will include a deep-sea port at Galathea Bay with a capacity of around 16 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The greenfield international airport will cater to both civilian and defence use. The Centre says it will handle around 4,000 passengers per hour by 2050. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The planned township development will be home to between 300,000 and 400,000 people. It will have residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. The gas and solar plant will generate 450 megavolt-amperes. Roads, water supply, and supporting infrastructure will also be constructed. Why is it important? The planned facilitiesparticularly the shipping terminalwill link the island to major trade routes along the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal. The island is near the Strait of Malacca, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, and part of the Six Degree Channel. Around 3040 percent of global trade, including much of Chinese goods (around 60 percent), passes through the Strait of Malacca. The idea is to make India a major player in global shipping and logisticson par with Singapore, Colombo, and Port Klang. Much of Indias cargo currently goes through foreign ports, resulting in higher costs and logistical delays. A world-class port in the region also positions India as an alternative to China, which has invested massively in ports across Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Africa, and Pakistan, seeking to increase its influence in the Indo-Pacific. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The region is also vital to Indias strategic and national security interests. The island already hosts the Indian Navys INS Baaz (Great Nicobar) airbase. The project will also overhaul airfields and jetties, construct logistics and storage facilities, build a base for military personnel, and enhance surveillance infrastructure. All of this will allow India to have sharper eyes and ears in the Indian Ocean Region, particularly the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The defence infrastructure on the island will allow the Navy and Air Force in the Andaman & Nicobar CommandIndias only tri-services commandto respond to threats in real time. The project is also linked to Indias Act East Policy and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) doctrine. India, which is part of the Quad (alongside Australia, the US, and Japan), has vowed to keep the Indo-Pacific free and open. The project is thus a key part of Indias strategy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The project also promises to boost international trade and tourism in the region. The Centre says the island will be home to around 650,000 people by 2055, when the project is completed. Environmental concerns However, not everyone is pleased. Environmentalists, rights activists, and conservationists have been raising concerns about the project since its announcement. Anstice Justin, an anthropologist from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, said he is particularly worried about the Shompen. The loss will be especially huge and traumatic for them, Justin told the BBC. He has been documenting the island for decades. Whatever we call development in the outside world is not of interest to them. They have a traditional life of their own." Others, including opposition leaders, have pointed to the threat of deforestation and the risk of upsetting a delicate ecosystem known for its rare, endemic flora and fauna, coral reefs, and mangrovesas well as rare species such as the Nicobar megapode and leatherback turtles. Congress MP and former environment minister Jairam Ramesh has said, The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has been claiming that 8.5 lakh trees will get felled independent estimates, including those by the ministry itself, put the number anywhere between 32 lakh and 58 lakh trees." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Congress leader Rahul Gandhi last week wrote to Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram expressing concern over the alleged violation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in granting clearances to the project. The tribal communities were displaced during the 2004 tsunami and have been unable to return to their ancestral lands. They now fear that the project will threaten their way of life and lead to further marginalisation due to the diversion of their land, Rahul said in his letter. With inputs from agencies Lianjiang in SE China's Fujian boosts abalone production with seasonal migration People's Daily Online) 14:16, September 08, 2025 An abalone farm in Lianjiang county, Fuzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Ye Qingqing) Wu Yongshou starts his annual abalone migration in late April, trucking thousands of prized shellfish from his farm in southeast China's Fujian Province to cooler waters in east China's Shandong Province. The two-month relocation effort protects his livestock from the punishing heat that follows. "Starting in April or May, as the weather warms, the water here becomes too hot for abalone," said Wu, who operates an abalone farm off the coast of Houwan village in Lianjiang county, Fuzhou city. Abalones in a cage in Lianjiang county, Fuzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Ye Qingqing) "On top of that, spring brings red tides and summer brings typhoons, making survival difficult and causing high mortality," Wu said. "That's why we move the abalone north, bringing them back in October when the northern waters turn cold." More than 20 years ago, Wu observed how abalone struggled through Shandong's harsh winters, barely growing and suffering high mortality rates. He impulsively packed some shellfish into foam boxes and transported them south to Lianjiang. The results exceeded his expectations. As Wu's Lianjiang farm expanded over the following years, he faced a new challenge: summer heat was killing his abalone. The solution became clear: shuttle the shellfish between regions, letting them spend winter in the south and escape the summer heat in the north. A worker lifts an abalone cage out of the water at an abalone farm in Lianjiang county, Fuzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Ye Qingqing) In the first trial, he took a batch north using a live seafood transport truck, and the abalones achieved a survival rate of over 80 percent, a remarkable improvement over keeping them locally. As his operation expanded beyond trucking capacity, Wu partnered with a shipping company to build two specialized vessels for the northern abalone trade. Wu's approach has gained widespread adoption. More than 300 households in Lianjiang now follow the method, accounting for nearly 30 percent of the county's abalone production. Compared with traditional practices, it is expected to boost profits by nearly 100 million yuan ($14 million). This year alone, farmers shipped 20,000 tonnes of abalone north, expecting a 30,000-tonne harvest by October. Lianjiang's combination of favorable natural conditions and cutting-edge farming methods generated 30.2 billion yuan in fisheries output in 2024, maintaining its five-year streak as China's top-producing county. The region produced 59,300 tonnes of abalone, about one-third of national output. Fish farms in Lianjiang county, Fuzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Ye Qingqing) (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) The French government, led by Prime Minister Gabriel Francois Bayrou, is set to face a confidence vote today, which could lead the country into another political turmoil. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at a virtual summit of Brics nations to discuss tariffs imposed by the US It is set to be a busy Monday with several events lined up for the day. Firstly, the French government is set to face a crucial confidence vote in the National Assembly today. Leaders of the Brics group will hold a virtual conference to discuss global challenges and strengthen cooperation. Meanwhile, Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro is set to visit China from September 8 as part of a wider trip that also includes Japan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all that is set to take place today. French government to face confidence vote The French government will face a crucial confidence vote in the National Assembly today. This could be a test to determine the survival of Prime Minister Gabriel Francois Bayrous administration amid mounting political turmoil. The confidence motion comes after weeks of intense criticism over the governments handling of economic reforms, immigration policy, and public discontent over rising living costs. Opposition parties, led by Marine Le Pens National Rally and left-wing alliances, accuse the government of being disconnected from everyday citizens and failing to deliver on promises of stability. Earlier, President Emmanuel Macron, who appointed as Prime Minister Bayrou last year, urged lawmakers to rally behind the government, framing the vote as a choice between progress and paralysis. Jaishankar to join virtual Brics meeting Leaders of the Brics group will convene virtually to discuss pressing global challenges and strengthen cooperation among the emerging economies. Brazilian President Lula da Silva, the virtual summit is expected to focus on economic resilience, energy security, and reforms in global financial institutions. Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a keynote speech in virtual format at the opening ceremony of the Brics Business Forum in Beijing. File image/AP EAM S Jaishankar will represent India at the virtual meet, reported news agency PTI quoting MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. Yes, the Brazilian chair of Brics has called for a virtual meeting on September 8. From our side, EAM S Jaishankar will participate, confirmed Jaiswal. China is anticipated to call for deeper integration of Brics economies into its Belt and Road Initiative. South Africa, meanwhile, is likely to underscore the importance of equitable development and addressing debt distress in Africa. Brics is a group of nations including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The sentencing of Australias mushroom killer Erin Patterson, a triple murderer, was sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 33 years. The jury found the 50-year-old guilty of murdering Don and Gail Patterson, the parents of her estranged husband, Simon, and his aunt, Heather Wilkinson, by deliberately feeding them a meal laced with death cap mushrooms. She was also convicted of attempting to murder Heathers husband. The hearing was broadcast live in a historic first for the state of Victoria. Portuguese PM Montenegro to visit China Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro is set to visit China on an official trip to strengthen bilateral ties today. The tour will also involve visiting Japan. The visit, which comes at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, is a key step in deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. Montenegros itinerary includes high-level meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other senior officials. Discussions are expected to focus on a range of topics, including economic and trade cooperation, investment, and strengthening political ties. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is Prime Minister Montenegros first official visit to China, signalling his governments commitment to engaging with Beijing. The visit follows years of strong economic and political relations between the two countries. With inputs from agencies The longest-serving monarch in Britain, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away peacefully at Scotlands Balmoral Castle on September 8, 2022. This brought an end to her 70-year reign of Britain. Michelangelos David, one of the most iconic works of art from the Renaissance period, was unveiled in Florence on this day in 1504 Queen Elizabeth II's funeral cortege borne on the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy travels along The Mall in London. File image/AP One of the pioneer leaders of the 20th century, Britains Queen Elizabeth, passed away on September 8, 2022, in Scotlands Balmoral Castle. The death of Britains longest-serving monarch marked the end of a historic era for both the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers ongoing series, History Today , will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The city of Florence unveiled one of the most iconic works of Renaissance art Michelangelos David on this day in 1504. The grand ceremony marked the public presentation of the marble masterpiece in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Here is all that happened on this day. Queen Elizabeth passed away The longest-reigning monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth bid adieu to the world on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96. She breathed her last at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. News of her declining health earlier that day prompted senior members of the royal family to rush to her side. Hours later, Buckingham Palace announced her passing, stating she had died peacefully. Her eldest son immediately acceded the throne as King Charles III, ushering in a new chapter for the monarchy. During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held, King Charles said in a statement after his mother died. Queen Elizabeth stands on the balcony during the Platinum Pageant at the Buckingham Palace in London. File image/AP Elizabeth II ascended the throne in 1952 at just 25 years old, following the death of her father, King George VI. Her reign witnessed transformations like the end of the British Empire in the Indian subcontinent, the evolution of the Commonwealth, political upheavals, and rapid technological and societal change. Despite such challenges, she remained a symbol of continuity, resilience, and duty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Her death set into motion a meticulously planned operation known as Operation London Bridge, outlining the period of national mourning, tributes, and funeral arrangements. Thousands of mourners gathered outside Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, laying flowers and paying respects. Leaders worldwide expressed condolences, reflecting on her role as a stabilising figure and global stateswoman. The Queens funeral , held on September 19, 2022, at Westminster Abbey, was attended by dignitaries and royals from across the world. It was one of the most-watched events in modern history, highlighting her unparalleled influence. Michelangelos David was unveiled in Florence September 8 is an important day in Italy as Michelangelos David was unveiled in Florence in 1504. The monumental sculpture, standing over 17 feet tall, was placed outside the Palazzo della Signoria, the citys seat of government. Michelangelo , then only 29 years old, had been commissioned by the Florentine Republic to carve the biblical hero David from a single block of Carrara marble. This block had been left neglected for decades after two other sculptors abandoned attempts to shape it. In just over three years, Michelangelo transformed the flawed marble into a towering 17-foot statue, capturing the ideal of human beauty, strength, and divine purpose. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The original statue resides in the Galleria dellAccademia in Florence, while a replica stands at its original outdoor location. File image/AP The choice of David as a subject was deeply symbolic. Florence, a small republic surrounded by powerful rivals, saw itself reflected in the biblical shepherd boy who defeated Goliath with intelligence and courage rather than brute strength. The statue came to represent the citys resilience, independence, and defiance against larger adversaries. The unveiling was a moment of great celebration. Crowds gathered to marvel at the lifelike detail of Davids musculature, posture, and intense expression. Placed in a prominent public square, the statue became both an artistic triumph and a political emblem of Florences republican spirit. Over time, David has become a universal symbol of Renaissance ideals the pursuit of human perfection, the balance between art and science, and the expression of civic virtue. Today, the original statue resides in the Galleria dellAccademia in Florence, while a replica stands at its original outdoor location. This Day, That Year The psychological thriller, Psycho, was released in American theatres in 1960. In 1941, German and Finnish armies began a siege of Leningrad. On this day in 1930, the American company 3M began marketing a transparent adhesive tape under the trademarked name Scotch tape. Tom Phillips, who vanished with his three children in December 2021, was shot dead by New Zealand police on Monday morning after reportedly robbing a rural farm supply store. The man is believed to have been hiding in the wilderness of the North Island. His disappearance captured the country, as he evaded police for nearly four years. But why did he go into hiding with his kids? Fugitive New Zealand father Tom Phillips and one of his children steeling grocery items from a store in the northern New Zealand region of Waikato. Handout/New Zealand Police/AFP A New Zealand man who disappeared into the countrys wilderness with his three children nearly four years ago has been shot dead by the police. Tom Phillips was killed in a shootout after he was suspected of robbing a rural farm supply store. The disappearance of the man, along with his children Jayda, Maverick, and Ember had fascinated New Zealand. He had been evading police since December 2021. But how? We will explain. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tom Phillips goes into hiding with 3 kids It all began in September 2021 when Phillips Toyota Hilux was found abandoned at a beach south of Marokopa, a tiny coastal settlement on New Zealand s North Island. The police looked for the man and his three kids for 18 days but found no trace, as per a Radio New Zealand (RNZ) report. The search was later called off. Phillips, who was said to be an experienced hunter and bushman, eventually showed up at his parents farm in Marakopa, along with the kids. He claimed he had taken the kids on an extended camping trip in dense bush to clear his head. He was charged with wasting police resources, with a court date set for January 2022. Phillips never made the court appearance. In fact, in December, he vanished with his children from the family farm again. This time, they did not return. Police did not immediately launch a search operation as Phillips had told his family he was going on another trip with the children. After failing to find them, less than a year later, authorities said Phillips and the children could have moved somewhere else in New Zealand and changed their names. Why did Phillips vanish with his kids? Before their disappearance, Phillips and his children used to live in Otorohanga in the Waikato region of the North Island. They spent a lot of time in Marokopa, at the farm owned by Phillips parents, BBC reported, citing New Zealand media. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 2021, Philipps former neighbours described him as smart, lovely and a jack of all trades, as per local media Stuff. Before they went into hiding, the man had separated from his wife, identified as Cat, and did not have legal custody of his children. A custody dispute in the Family Court was going on and Phillips was homeschooling the kids at the family farm, reported public broadcaster RNZ. Cat told the media that the first time Philipps disappeared was a decoy and not a mistake. She informed police that he would be in the bush and took the children with him to hurt her. Hes trying to teach me a lesson, Cat said. He doesnt care for them, theyre just pawns in this game. Phillips and the children sighted After Phillips went off the grid, he is believed to have been sighted several times. A masked man was seen shopping at Hamilton Bunnings in 2023. He took at least one child out of the bush in May of that year, when Phillips allegedly committed an armed bank robbery in nearby Te Kuiti. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In November that year, he allegedly tried to rob a small grocery store. Last month, Phillips was captured on CCTV allegedly robbing a grocery store at night, accompanied by one of his children. As per RNZ, pig hunters came across the family in the hills south of Marokopa. The kids were dressed in camouflage, carrying large packs and walking behind their father. What captivated New Zealand was how Phillips managed to stay off the radar for nearly four years. Investigators combed the densely forested area where they suspected the family was hiding. The man is not believed to have travelled far from Marokopa. Last June, police announced a reward of NZ$80,000 (approximately Rs 42 lakh) for information on the family. Police said Phillips was well aware of the remote, rugged terrain and they suspected he was being helped by others. In November 2024, Phillips parents, Neville and Julia Phillips, dismissed rumours that they were aiding their son, but also urged police to leave him alone. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier this year, Julia pleaded with her son: Tom - I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this. It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you Thinking what could have been if you had not gone away. To her grandchildren, she wrote: Love you so much and really miss being part of your lives. Every day I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you will come home. Phillips and one kid finally found Tom Phillips, in his late 30s, was shot dead by the police after an armed confrontation. On Monday (September 8), police were called to a commercial property at 2.30 am after reports of a burglary at a rural farm supply store in Piopio in the Waikato district. Information came to police that described two people on a quad bike, dressed in farm clothing and wearing headlamps, Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers said at a press conference, as per The Guardian. Police laid spikes at an intersection, which the vehicle ran over, she said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the quad bike came to a halt, a police officer at the scene was confronted by gunfire at close range. Our officer has been struck in the head soon after a second patrol unit arrived and engaged the offender, she said, adding that the man died at the scene. The formal identification of this male is yet to take place, but we believe him to be Tom Phillips. A police officer waits in his car near a hardware store in Piopio in the Waikato district of New Zealand, September 8, 2025. Stuff via AP Rogers said one child was at the scene during the shootout with Phillips. She said the child was taken into custody and was getting support. Two of the children, a boy and a girl, remain missing and police were actively looking for them, she added. Ember is now nine, Maverick, 10, and Jayda, 12. As per Daily Mail, Jayda was taken into custody. Rogers said finding them was the number one priority for police. The children continued to be missing as temperatures are predicted to fall near freezing point later in the day. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Authorities, family react to Phillips death Cat, the mother of the missing children, said the news of her estranged husbands death has brought a wave of complex emotions. First and foremost, we are deeply relieved that for our tamariki this ordeal has come to an end. [The children] have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care, she told Mata. At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved. New Zealands Prime Minister Chris Luxon said he is very concerned about the two children still missing. The whole country is anxiously waiting to hear that the missing children have been found, he said in a weekly briefing on Monday. I doubt there is a New Zealander who has not followed, to some extent, the story of the abduction of the children, of whom there had only been intermittent sightings since 2021. Luxon said his thoughts are with the police officer who was seriously injured during the shootout. It is a sad and absolutely tragic event. This is not what anybody wanted to happen today. I think that is a consistent feeling from everybody across New Zealand, Luxon said. Philipps sister, Rozzi Phillips, confirmed to RNZ that he had been killed. This has been a deeply traumatic incident this morning for those involved. It has been confronting and challenging in a small, rural, isolated location, Deputy Commissioner Rogers said. With inputs from agencies Peter Navarro and Elon Musk are locked in a public feud after X fact-checked the White House trade advisors claims that India is profiteering from Russian oil. Navarro accused Musk of spreading propaganda, while Musk defended Xs Community Notes. The clash is not the first time the duo have feuded as US-India relations face strain amid Trumps tariffs "Navarro is truly a moron. What he says here is demonstrably false," Musk posted on X in April earlier this year. File Images/Reuters The long-running feud between White House trade adviser Peter Navarro and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has once again burst into the open this time triggered by Indias purchase of Russian oil and a fact-checking feature on Musks social media platform, X. The latest clash began on Saturday, when Navarro accused India of exploiting the Ukraine war for profit. In a sharply worded post on X, Navarro claimed that India had not previously purchased Russian crude but began doing so after the invasion of Ukraine, solely for financial gain. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India didnt buy any [Russian oil] before Russia invaded Ukraine, Navarro wrote. India buys Russian oil purely to profit/Revenues feed Russia war machine. Ukrainians/Russians die. US taxpayers shell out more. India cant handle truth/spins. Navarro also linked Indias trade policies to American job losses, arguing that high tariffs imposed by India hurt US workers. India highest tariffs costs US jobs, he added. FACTS: India highest tariffs costs U.S. jobs. India buys Russian oil purely to profit/Revenues feed Russia war machine. Ukrainians/Russians die. U.S. taxpayers shell out more. India can't handle truth/spins @washpo Leftist American fake news. QED. https://t.co/9UwdodYBEe Peter Navarro (@RealPNavarro) September 5, 2025 The post quickly drew attention and was soon appended with a Community Note Xs crowdsourced fact-checking feature, which Musk has championed since acquiring the platform (formerly Twitter). The note provided context, countering Navarros claims by explaining that Indias oil imports from Russia were legal and motivated by energy security concerns rather than profiteering. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It also highlighted an inconsistency in US policy, pointing out that Washington continues to import certain Russian commodities even as it criticises other countries for doing the same. Indias legal, sovereign purchases of Russian oil for energy security do not violate international law, the note stated. The US, while pressuring India, continues to import billions in Russian goods, like uranium, exposing a clear double standard. How Navarro lashed out at Musk and X The addition of the Community Note provoked an immediate and angry response from Navarro. Directly addressing Musk, he accused the platform of spreading foreign propaganda and undermining domestic political discourse. Wow. @elonmusk is letting propaganda into peoples posts. That crap note below is just that. Crap, Navarro posted. Wow. @elonmusk is letting propaganda into people's posts. That crap note below is just that. Crap. India buys Russia oil solely to profiteer. It didn't buy any before Russia invaded Ukraine. Indian govt spin machine moving high tilt. Stop killing Ukranians. Stop taking https://t.co/Uj1NMUrVOM Peter Navarro (@RealPNavarro) September 6, 2025 He followed up with a series of posts questioning whether X should allow what he described as misleading narratives from foreign actors to influence American economic and political debates. Should X put up posts like one below where foreign interests masquerade as objective observers and interfere with domestic US economics and politics? See SCREEN SHOT! Take poll on next post, Navarro wrote on Monday. Should X put up posts like one below where foreign interests masquerade as objective observers and interfere with domestic U.S. economics and politics? See SCREEN SHOT! Take poll on next post. pic.twitter.com/xb1wakeWFV Peter Navarro (@RealPNavarro) September 8, 2025 In another post, he alleged that Indian special interests were attempting to shape American conversations about trade and foreign policy, On earlier post, you can see Indian special interests trying to interfere with domestic dialogue with lies about India buying Russian oil. Should X present this crap as comments from diverse viewpoints? Navarro has repeatedly accused India of serving as what he calls Kremlins laundromat, arguing that its oil purchases help fund Russias war effort in Ukraine while New Delhi simultaneously seeks defence partnerships and technology transfers from the United States. Just a week earlier, he had criticised India for what he described as strategic freeloading, claiming that while India continues to buy Russian weapons, it also pressures American defence companies to set up manufacturing plants in the country. How Musk defended X and its fact-checking system Musk, who remains a central figure in Washington despite stepping down as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) in May, defended X and its fact-checking mechanisms. On Sunday the day after Navarros initial outburst, Musk wrote a series of posts highlighting Xs role in fostering open debate and combating misinformation through tools like Community Notes and Grok, its AI-driven fact-checking system. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this platform, the people decide the narrative. You hear all sides of an argument. Community Notes corrects everyone, no exceptions, Musk stated. On this platform, the people decide the narrative. You hear all sides of an argument. Community Notes corrects everyone, no exceptions. Notes data & code is public source. Grok provides further fact-checking. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 7, 2025 He also contrasted this user-driven approach with what he described as the failures of mainstream media. As recent events have shown all too clearly, you cant trust the legacy (fka mainstream) news at all, Musk wrote. They lie relentlessly or simply ignore major stories that dont fit their collectively decided narrative. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As recent events have shown all too clearly, you cant trust the legacy (fka mainstream) news at all. They lie relentlessly or simply ignore major stories that dont fit their collectively decided narrative. https://t.co/Uny5AzwaDs Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 7, 2025 Musk also pointed out the transparency of Xs systems, noting that the data and code for Community Notes are publicly available. He argued that this openness allows for greater accountability than traditional top-down content moderation policies. Unlike traditional fact-checking models, which rely on centralised editorial decisions, Community Notes operates by gathering input from users across the political spectrum. A note is only published when a diverse group of contributors rates it as helpful, creating a decentralised form of moderation. How the Musk-Navarro feud goes back months The current dispute is just the latest chapter in a deeply personal rivalry between Musk and Navarro that has been simmering for months. Their conflict initially emerged over US President Donald Trumps ambitious tariff policies, which were rolled out earlier this year. In April, Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on imported goods, a policy victory for Navarro, who has long advocated for trade barriers to boost domestic manufacturing. The announcement, dubbed Liberation Day by Trump allies, was seen as a defining moment for the administrations economic agenda. Musk, whose companies depend on global supply chains, immediately criticised the policy. He publicly called for zero tariffs between countries, arguing that protectionist measures would harm innovation and competitiveness. The disagreement quickly turned personal. Navarro mocked Musks position by dismissing his role in the automotive industry. In an interview with CNBC at the time, Navarro said, When it comes to tariffs and trade, we all understand in the White House and the American people understand that Elon is a car manufacturer, but hes not a car manufacturer. Hes a car assembler. He wants the cheap foreign parts. Musk retaliated with a series of scathing remarks on X. He referred to Navarro as truly a moron and dumber than a sack of bricks. Navarro is truly a moron. What he says here is demonstrably false. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 8, 2025 Musk also derided Navarros academic credentials, writing, A PhD in econ from Harvard is a bad thing, not a good thing. The insults escalated further when Musk mocked Navarro for having cited Ron Vara, a fictional trade expert Navarro once invented to support his arguments against China. Although Navarro initially attempted to downplay the feud, saying in a television appearance that Elon and I are fine, tensions have now resurfaced again. How White House tried to contain the fallout At a press briefing in April, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether Musks sharp criticism of Navarro might undermine public understanding of Trumps trade policies. No. Look, these are obviously two individuals who have very different views on trade and on tariffs, Leavitt responded. Boys will be boys and we will let their public sparring continue. And you guys should all be very grateful that we have the most transparent administration in history. Leavitt highlighted that Trump values hearing a wide range of perspectives before making decisions. It also speaks to the presidents willingness to hear from all sides that he has people at the highest levels of this government, in this White House, who have very diverse opinions on very diverse issues. But the president takes all opinions in mind, and then he makes the best decision based on the best interests of the American public, she said. A look at the broader context: US-India relations The dispute between Musk and Navarro comes against the backdrop of growing tensions between Washington and New Delhi. On August 6, Trump imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, citing Indias continued purchases of Russian oil as the justification. The move caused friction between the two countries, with New Delhi rejecting the characterisation of its energy policy as undermining US interests. India has consistently argued that its imports are necessary to ensure affordable and stable energy supplies for its population and do not violate international laws or sanctions. In recent days, there have been signs of a possible thaw. Last week, Trump sought to reassure both sides, telling reporters from the Oval Office, India and the US have a special relationship and there is nothing to worry about. Ill always be friends with (Narendra) Modi, hes a great prime minister. Just hours later, Modi responded warmly, posting on X that he deeply appreciated and fully reciprocated Trumps sentiments and positive assessment of bilateral ties. Despite these conciliatory statements, Navarros aggressive rhetoric including describing India as an oil money laundromat for the Kremlin has been seen as potentially undermining Trumps diplomatic efforts. A report by The Washington Post noted that the inflammatory language used by some members of the Trump administration is deepening the crisis in the relationship, even as other officials work to stabilise ties with New Delhi. With inputs from agencies Scientists in Russia have developed an mRNA-based cancer vaccine, which has reportedly shown 100 per cent efficacy during clinical trials. The vaccine, called Enteromix, now reportedly awaits final approval from the Ministry of Health before being available to the public The vaccine, named Enteromix, reportedly achieved 100 per cent efficacy in preclinical trials, according to TASS. It now awaits regulatory apporvals Pixabay/Representational Image A potential breakthrough in the fight against cancer is emerging out of Russia. Scientists say they have developed a vaccine that not only appears safe but has also shown remarkable tumour-fighting ability in early studies. The vaccine, named Enteromix, reportedly achieved 100 per cent efficacy in preclinical trials, according to Russian news agency TASS. Veronika Skvortsova, head of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA), unveiled the findings at the Eastern Economic Forum, adding that the vaccine is now awaiting official approval (from the Russian Ministry of Health) before it can move forward. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If the results hold true in further testing, the vaccine could mark a dramatic shift in how doctors treat one of the worlds deadliest diseases. Heres what we know about it How does the cancer vaccine work? Russias new cancer vaccine is built on mRNA technology, the same science behind some of the COVID-19 vaccines. Instead of using weakened or inactivated viruses like traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines carry a set of genetic instructions. These instructions teach the bodys cells to produce a specific antigen, a protein that the immune system can recognise as a threat. Once the immune system learns to identify that antigen, it can build antibodies to attack it. In cancer treatment, these antigens appear on tumour cells. The goal is that the immune system, once trained, can target and destroy those cancer cells while leaving healthy cells untouched. That makes it very different from chemotherapy, which often damages both cancerous and healthy tissue. Professor Siow Ming Lee, consultant medical oncologist at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), which has been running mRNA cancer vaccine trials in the UK, explained to The Guardian: We are now entering this very exciting new era of mRNA-based immunotherapy clinical trials to investigate the treatment of lung cancer. Its simple to deliver, and you can select specific antigens in the cancer cell, and then you target them. This technology is the next big phase of cancer treatment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also read: 'A gift of life': How a cancer drug doubles the survival rate Unlike vaccines that protect healthy people from disease, mRNA cancer vaccines are designed for patients already living with cancer. As Dr. Arvind Krishnamurthy, professor and head of surgical oncology at the Cancer Institute, WIA, Chennai, told The Hindu, The mRNA cancer vaccines are not meant for healthy patients to prevent disease like other vaccines; they are meant to be used in patients who already have cancer, in order to target and treat the tumours. Another unique advantage is that these vaccines can be personalised. Each patients vaccine can be customised to the particular antigens in their tumour. That means, unlike the COVID-19 vaccine, which targeted a single antigen, the coronavirus spike protein, cancer vaccines can be designed to hit multiple tumour antigens at once. Also read: Dr explains: Why 60% of liver cancers are preventable and how early action can save lives STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How effective is it? According to TASS, Veronika Skvortsova said the cancer vaccine has gone through years of research, including three years of mandatory preclinical testing. The results so far look promising. Trials showed the vaccine was safe even with repeated doses and, in some cases, helped tumours shrink or slowed their growth by 60 per cent to 80 per cent, depending on the cancer type. Researchers also reported improved survival rates among test subjects. The initial focus of the vaccine is on colorectal cancer (cancer of the large intestine). But research is also advancing for other aggressive cancers, including glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain tumour, and several forms of melanoma, such as ocular melanoma, which affects the eye. Russias new cancer vaccine is built on mRNA technology, the same science behind some of the COVID-19 vaccines. Image for Representation. Pixabay The early trials involved 48 volunteers and were conducted by Russias National Medical Research Radiological Centre, in partnership with the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology. While these Phase I results are encouraging, experts caution that larger Phase II and III trials are still needed to confirm whether the vaccine can work effectively across much broader patient groups. The announcement of the breakthrough was made during the 10th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, an event that attracted more than 8,400 participants from over 75 countries, according to TASS. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also read: Can aspirin stop cancer from spreading? Are there other cancer vaccines? Yes, Russia isnt the only country working on cancer vaccines. In 2023, the UKs National Health Service (NHS) launched the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad in collaboration with pharmaceutical company BioNTech. The goal, according to the NHS website, is to speed up access to mRNA personalised cancer vaccine clinical trials for people who have been diagnosed with cancer and accelerate the development of cancer vaccines as a form of cancer treatment. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has so far approved only one cancer vaccine, Sipuleucel-T, which was cleared back in 2010 for prostate cancer. This personalised vaccine involved collecting a patients immune cells, exposing them to a protein thats abundant in prostate cancer cells, and then reintroducing the cells to the patient. While innovative, it only extended survival by about four months. Speaking to The Indian Express, Dr. Abhishek Shankar, oncologist at AIIMS, pointed out: Several teams around the world are working on vaccines for different cancers, but they havent been very successful. There has been only one cancer vaccine and it didnt change the treatment much. He also warned about affordability, adding, Whenever a new product is approved, the cost is likely to be very high. Then we will have to see whether there is enough mortality benefit to using it. Will the patients be cured, will they be able to live for several years? This has to be factored in. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Currently, more than 120 clinical trials for cancer vaccines are underway worldwide, focusing mainly on cancers of the lung, breast, prostate, melanoma, pancreas, and brain, according to Dr. Arvind Krishnamurthy of the Cancer Institute, WIA, Chennai. If the Russian vaccine clears further regulatory hurdles, it could mark a major milestone in the global fight against cancer. With input from agencies Shabana Mahmood has become the first female Muslim Home Secretary of the United Kingdom. Of Pakistani origin, her views on Kashmir have come into focus since her appointment. What did she say on the abrogation of Article 370? What are her views on Israels war in Gaza? Shabana Mahmood is the United Kingdoms new and first female Muslim Home Secretary. Her appointment came last week after the resignation of former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, prompting her boss, Keir Starmer, to reshuffle his Cabinet. Mahmood, who is of Pakistani origin, has taken a tough stance against illegal migration. However, her remarks on Kashmir are perceived as anti-India in the South Asian country. Lets take a closer look. Who is the UKs new Home Secretary? Shabana Mahmood has served as the Member of Parliament for Birmingham Ladywood since 2010. She began her career in law, studying the subject at Lincoln College, Oxford. She was born in Birmingham in 1980 to parents from Mirpur in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Before entering politics, Mahmood was a barrister. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She has held key roles in both the shadow Cabinet and government. During her tenure as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Mahmood took steps to reduce prison overcrowding, including early release programmes. She also took firm positions on sentencing safety and human rights reforms, reported Gulf News. If you abuse our hospitality and break our laws, we will send you packing, she said while introducing tougher deportation measures. The Starmer government is facing one of its biggest challenges as polls suggest the public has lost faith in its ability to handle the small boats crisis. It is the honour of my life to serve as Home Secretary. The first responsibility of government is the safety of its citizens. Every day in this job, I will be devoted to that purpose. https://t.co/w3UxrNLb2p Shabana Mahmood MP (@ShabanaMahmood) September 5, 2025 She has coped with the prison crisis pretty well without a drastic kind of backlash. Now its about getting Shabana in that position to try to claw back some of the ground that Labour has lost on immigration, a source told The Telegraph. She will be able to deliver some tough messages around immigration because of her Pakistani heritage, which Yvette Cooper might have found much harder. Is Shabana Mahmood anti-India? Shabana Mahmood has called Kashmir India-occupied. She also participated in a protest outside the Indian High Commission in London in 2019 against the abrogation of Article 370, dubbing it a betrayal of the people of Kashmir, as per a Times of India report. Deeply concerned about the Indian Governments decision to abolish #Article370, removing #Jammu and #Kashmirs existing level of autonomy, she posted on X at the time. In 2015, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the UK, Mahmood, along with the support of over 30 Lords and MPs, wrote a letter to the British PM on Kashmir. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ: How a seaside home led to UK deputy PM's resignation On Israeli war in Gaza Mahmood supports the Palestinian cause. She has been spotted with Free Palestine placards, including at a Palestine Solidarity Campaign rally. In 2014, she protested a Birmingham branch of the supermarket Sainsburys, demanding it stop selling goods from Israeli settlements on Palestinian territory. Shabana Mahmood has backed the Palestinian cause. File Photo/Reuters However, the Labour MP has abstained from several important votes on topics related to Israel and Gaza, including a Scottish National Party call for Ceasefire in Occupied Gaza Amendment in November 2023. Mahmood condemned Hamass attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, telling her constituents in a letter: I unequivocally condemn the despicable actions of Hamas, who targeted innocent Israeli civilians. The hostages must be returned. These atrocities were committed by terrorists who do not seek peace and have set back the just cause of Palestinian freedom and statehood, which I have supported my whole life, she said. In an interview with BBC Radio 4 in February 2024, she said, A one-state solution does not make the people of Israel safe, it actually condemns them to insecurity and concerns for their safety in perpetuity, and it is an outrage to adopt a position that says the people of Israel can have self-determination but the people of Palestine cannot. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, she is expected to be just as tough on Palestine Action, the activist group designated a terrorist organisation in the UK in June, as her predecessor, Cooper. John Healey, the Defence Secretary, told Sky News: I expect her to defend the decision the Governments taken on Palestine Action, because of what some of its members are responsible for and were planning. If we want to avoid a two-tier policing and justice system in this country, when people break the law, there have to be consequences. Thats what was happening yesterday, and I, we, almost everybody shares the agony when we see the images from Gaza, the anguish when we see the man-made starvation, and for people who want to voice their concern and protest, I applaud them. But that does not require them to link it to support for Palestine Action, a proscribed group. More than 800 people were arrested in London during a protest against the governments decision to ban the activist group. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Afghanistans foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was set to make a landmark trip to India the first since the Talibans 2021 takeover. But his visit was postponed due to a UN travel ban. Heres why the waiver was denied, Pakistans role, and what it means for India-Afghanistan relations going forward Acting Foreign Minister of Taliban Amir Khan Muttaqi gives statements to the press outside the Soria Moria hotel in Oslo, Norway, January 24, 2022. File Image/NTB via Reuters Afghanistans acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, was preparing to travel to India this month in what would have been a landmark visit since the Taliban took over Kabul in August 2021. The visit has now been postponed due to a technical yet significant hurdle: the travel ban imposed on Muttaqi and other senior Taliban leaders by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The planned visit was expected to mark the first time a senior Taliban minister would officially visit India since the collapse of the previous Afghan government led by Ashraf Ghani. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to officials familiar with the matter, discussions over the visit had been underway for several weeks. In late August, dates were tentatively explored for the trip, but they eventually did not materialise due to procedural hurdles. Muttaqi, who has been under a UN-imposed travel ban since the Taliban came to power, needed formal approval from the Security Council to leave Afghanistan. Without this waiver, he could not legally travel to India or any other country. When the exemption failed to come through, the visit had to be called off. Diplomatic sources indicate that India continues to maintain direct communication with the Taliban and has not abandoned the idea of hosting Muttaqi. Efforts are ongoing to reschedule the visit once the UN committee handling sanctions issues agrees to allow him to travel. Why Muttaqi was denied UN approval to visit India The need for a waiver stems from a strict sanctions framework managed by the UN Security Council. The 1988 Sanctions Committee is tasked with overseeing measures related to Taliban figures and entities. These measures include travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes aimed at preventing sanctioned individuals from gaining resources or mobility that could destabilise Afghanistan or the broader region. The committee operates by consensus, meaning that any of the 15 member countries can block a request by raising an objection. This gives every member a form of veto power over decisions such as granting travel exemptions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Currently, Pakistan chairs the 1988 Sanctions Committee, giving it a pivotal role in shaping the committees actions. According to individuals aware of the developments, Pakistan opposed the request for Muttaqis travel to India, effectively preventing the waiver from being approved. This is not the first time Muttaqi has faced such an obstacle. His planned visit to Pakistan earlier this year was similarly cancelled after the United States reportedly objected to a waiver. How the UN Sanctions regime works The current sanctions regime is the product of several UN resolutions over the past two decades. The original framework was established in 1999 under Resolution 1267, primarily targeting Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and related groups. Over time, the framework evolved through subsequent resolutions such as 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015). Today, the 1988 Sanctions Committee focuses specifically on Taliban-related issues, while another committee under Resolution 1267 deals with Al-Qaeda, ISIS and associated organisations. Frances Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot chairs a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the Israel and Palestinian conflict at UN Headquarters in New York City, US, April 29, 2025. Representational Image/Reuters Together, these bodies maintain and update the UNs consolidated sanctions list, ensuring that designated individuals and entities face restrictions globally. Sanctions are designed to disrupt financial flows, limit international travel, and weaken the logistical networks of those on the list. For senior Taliban leaders, this means that foreign trips are highly regulated and can only occur if a waiver is granted for specific diplomatic or humanitarian purposes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How India has approached Taliban 2.0 India has historically had deep ties with Afghanistan, including strong cultural connections and a record of developmental cooperation. Over the years, India has invested in over 500 projects in Afghanistan, spanning infrastructure, healthcare, education and other critical sectors. The situation changed dramatically in August 2021, when the Taliban seized power following the withdrawal of US and Nato forces. Amid the rapid deterioration of security, India carried out a large-scale evacuation of its personnel and citizens. This effort, known as Operation Devi Shakti, included the complete closure of Indias consulates and, eventually, the evacuation of its embassy in Kabul on August 17, 2021. Despite these setbacks, India was quick to reestablish a presence in Afghanistan. In June 2022, the embassy was reopened with a reduced staff to facilitate humanitarian aid and oversee development initiatives. This move was widely seen as a signal of Indias intention to remain engaged with Afghanistan even under Taliban rule. Since the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan has faced severe humanitarian challenges, including widespread food insecurity and economic collapse. India has been a major contributor to international relief efforts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In December 2021, India began sending aid shipments, including wheat and essential medicines, through arrangements coordinated with the World Health Organisation and other international partners. Members of the Taliban carrying flags participate in a rally to mark the third anniversary of the fall of Kabul, in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 14, 2024. File Image/Reuters The Taliban takeover triggered a wave of refugees seeking safety abroad, including in India. According to UN figures, India hosts around 16,000 documented Afghan refugees, with an estimated 18,000 more living without official documentation. In response to the crisis, India created a special visa category to fast-track applications for Afghans wishing to relocate. How India-Taliban have been growing closer Indias engagement with the Taliban has grown steadily in recent months, with a clear focus on maintaining dialogue while avoiding formal recognition of the regime. In January, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held an important meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai. According to a statement issued by Indias Ministry of External Affairs, Misri conveyed that India would consider expanding its development projects in Afghanistan beyond the existing humanitarian programmes. The two sides also discussed the potential for Afghan businesses to use Irans Chabahar port to boost trade, offering an alternative route to traditional pathways through Pakistan. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has also been personally involved in these interactions. He spoke with Muttaqi by phone in May, marking the highest level of contact between the two governments since 2021. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The two leaders spoke again on September 1, shortly after India sent aid to earthquake-hit areas in Afghanistan. While Muttaqis visit to New Delhi has been postponed, it has not been permanently cancelled. India is expected to formally approach the UN Security Council to request a waiver at the appropriate time. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, when asked about the matter at a press briefing, refrained from giving specifics but reiterated Indias broader position. As you are aware, we have longstanding ties with the people of Afghanistan. India continues to support the aspirations and developmental needs of the Afghan people. We continue to have engagements with Afghan authorities. If there is an update on this account, we will share it with you. The Taliban leadership has openly expressed its desire for stronger bilateral relations. The Afghan regime have also repeatedly assured India that its territory will not be used by Pakistan-based terror groups to carry out attacks. This commitment was reiterated earlier this year when the Taliban condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By deepening contacts with the Taliban, India aims to secure its own interests in Afghanistan while countering the influence of other regional powers, particularly Pakistan and China. With inputs from agencies Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is being accused of staging a legal coup against the main opposition CHP. A controversial court ruling in Istanbul has sparked mass protests and internet restrictions, raising fears that Turkeys democracy is being dismantled through judicial interventions ahead of a crucial September 15 decision Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks at a military parade to mark the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus in response to a short-lived Greek-inspired coup, in the Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus, in the divided city of Nicosia, Cyprus, July 20, 2025. File Image/Reuters Turkey is facing one of its most intense crises in recent memory as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government stand accused of using the judiciary to weaken the main opposition force, the Republican Peoples Party (CHP). This has resulted in widespread protests, a police lockdown of key opposition sites, and online restrictions, leading critics to claim that Erdogan is attempting to dismantle Turkeys democratic framework through what they describe as a legal coup. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At the centre of the storm are rulings that threaten the future of the CHP, a party founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the creator of modern Turkey, and the only political entity currently posing a significant challenge to Erdogans more than two decades of rule. What led to the recent protests in Turkey The turmoil was set off by a decision from an Istanbul court last week, which retroactively annulled the 2023 appointment of the CHPs provincial leadership in the city. The ruling cited irregularities during the partys internal elections, including accusations of cash payments influencing delegate selections. As a result, the court announced that an interim delegation would be appointed to manage the CHPs Istanbul branch. Former party lawmaker Gursel Tekin, associated with the CHPs older leadership faction, was selected to head this interim body. This decision has far-reaching implications because Istanbul is not only Turkeys largest city and economic hub accounting for nearly one-third of the national GDP but also a stronghold for the CHP. The partys victory there in recent local elections was a symbolic blow to Erdogans Justice and Development Party (AKP). CHP chair Ozgur Ozel reacted strongly, calling the move an attempt to dismantle the opposition by judicial means. Speaking to the Financial Times, he said, They are trying to take over the party that won the last election, was the founding party of the Turkish republic, is the party leading every poll. Were facing an authoritarian government and the only option is to resist. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ozel went further, framing the crisis as an existential threat to Turkeys democratic system: If the CHP goes, Turkey will go too. CHP calls for mass mobilisation Following the courts announcement, the CHP leadership urged citizens to gather at the partys Istanbul headquarters to protest. By Sunday evening, police had erected barricades around the building and deployed large numbers of officers, including special forces units, effectively cutting off public access. Ozel described the blockade as a siege and accused the government of attempting to intimidate both the party and its supporters. Speaking at a rally, he appealed directly to the public: From here, I invite all democrats and CHP members whom my words and voice reach to, to protect the home of Ataturk in Istanbul, he said, referring to the CHPs historic role as the party of Turkeys founder. Shame on those who have put our home under police siege, who brought police special forces to our Istanbul provincial headquarters to those trying to cancel our Istanbul provincial congress via unauthorised courts and seat an appointee there. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The CHP youth wing issued calls on social media for residents to converge on the headquarters late Sunday night, with another large-scale demonstration scheduled for early Monday morning. How protests are being organised In an effort to prevent escalation, the Istanbul governors office announced a three-day ban on public gatherings late Sunday. Despite the order, hundreds of opposition supporters arrived near the party headquarters on Monday, openly defying the restrictions. Police officers stop supporters of Turkeys main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) from reaching the Istanbul provincial office, after a recent court ruling that ousted the CHPs Istanbul provincial leadership, in Istanbul, Turkey, September 7, 2025. File Image/Reuters The protests turned tense as some demonstrators attempted to push past police barricades. Sporadic clashes broke out, and officers used pepper spray to disperse crowds, which included several CHP legislators. Halk TV, a media outlet aligned with the opposition, reported on the use of force against demonstrators and confirmed that multiple protesters were temporarily detained. As unrest spread, internet access was disrupted across Turkey. According to NetBlocks, a global internet monitoring organisation, several major platforms including X, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp were restricted shortly after the CHP renewed its call for demonstrations. Despite the heavy security presence, Gursel Tekin arrived at the CHP provincial headquarters on Monday under police protection to formally assume his position as interim chair. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His appearance was met with loud boos and anger from party members and supporters, many of whom viewed his acceptance of the role as a betrayal. Tekin, speaking to journalists, defended his actions and stated that his priority was to stabilise the party amid mounting legal challenges. We will do everything in our power to put an end to the legal troubles our party has been subjected to in the court corridors, he said. How Ankara is defending itself Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya publicly defended the courts ruling and the appointment of Tekin. In a statement on X, he warned against efforts to resist the decision through mass mobilisation. Disregarding court rulings, trying to pour people out onto the streets is openly challenging the law. Nobody is above the laws, Yerlikaya stated. The state will do what is necessary against any illegal initiative with determination. The government maintains that Turkeys judiciary operates independently and denies accusations of political interference. However, the CHP rejects this narrative, describing the ongoing actions against its leadership as part of a coordinated effort to eliminate electoral threats to Erdogans rule. Why this unrest is not new in Turkey The latest ruling is only the most recent chapter in what CHP members describe as a months-long campaign of legal attacks on their party. Earlier this year, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a prominent CHP figure and Erdogans most formidable rival, was arrested on corruption charges in March. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Imamoglus detention triggered the largest street demonstrations in Turkey in more than a decade and rattled financial markets, causing a sharp drop in the value of Turkish assets. As a political leader who had been seen as a likely challenger to Erdogan in future national elections, Imamoglus arrest marked a turning point. Many of the cities now controlled by the CHP including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir represent key power centres, both politically and economically. The CHP has consistently denied all allegations of corruption against its members and argues that the arrests and legal cases are intended to weaken its growing influence following major electoral successes. Why Erdogan is threatened by CHP In last years local elections, the CHP secured nearly 38 per cent of the national vote, surpassing the AKP to become the leading party in terms of vote share. This was a historic moment for Turkish politics, as the CHP has traditionally been the main opposition force rather than the dominant political power. The shift was most evident in Istanbul, where the partys control over the city symbolised a growing challenge to Erdogans authority. The citys economic importance makes it a critical battleground: whoever governs Istanbul wields significant influence over Turkeys financial and political future. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What next for the CHP Beyond the Istanbul ruling, another crucial case is scheduled for September 15 in Ankara. This trial will examine the legitimacy of the CHPs 2023 national congress, which elected Ozgur Ozel as party leader. If the court rules against the CHP, it could result in Ozel and other senior officials being removed and replaced with government-approved figures, effectively neutralising the partys leadership. In a worst-case scenario, it could even reinstate former party head Kemal Klcdaroglu, whose tenure was widely criticised for failing to mount a strong challenge to Erdogan. Ozel has argued that lower courts lack the authority to rule on internal party elections, which he insists fall under the jurisdiction of higher judicial bodies. As such, the CHP does not recognise the Istanbul ruling and has vowed to contest it. Ozel also hinted at the possibility of using legal tactics against Erdogan, including challenging past elections such as the 2017 referendum that transformed Turkeys political system. That referendum was controversial because Turkeys electoral council decided to count unstamped ballots as valid unless proven fraudulent a decision later criticised by international election observers, including those from the Council of Europe. Ozel has spoken of peaceful but highly disruptive actions aimed at forcing the government to reconsider its approach. He suggested that crowds not of millions but tens of millions could mobilise across the country, though he declined to give specific details to prevent the government from anticipating the partys strategy. The government staged a coup against the future ruling party, Ozel said. Erdogan is playing a dirty game, we can also play that game and respond to him with similar cunning. These protests, he explained, would be designed to bring life to a standstill in Turkey, signalling the seriousness of the CHPs resistance. Erdogans endgame: A one-party state? Opposition leaders believe Erdogans broader strategy is to consolidate power by dismantling independent political entities and creating a system similar to Russias managed democracy, where nominal opposition parties exist but lack real influence. Erdogan knows that he cant win elections anymore. That is why he wants weak opposition parties, like in Russia, Ozel said, accusing Erdogan of trying to eliminate any meaningful electoral competition. The stakes are particularly high because current polling suggests the CHP could defeat the AKP in a fair election. The political instability has already had tangible economic effects. Turkish financial markets reacted negatively to the court ruling, with assets falling as investors grew concerned about the potential for prolonged unrest. As the September 15 ruling approaches, both sides are preparing for a decisive moment. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies An Australian woman, Erin Patterson, has been convicted to life for killing three of her estranged husbands relatives with poisonous mushrooms. She had served a local dish, beef wellington, laced with death cap mushrooms, for lunch to her parents-in-law, Gail and Donald Patterson, and Gails sister and brother-in-law, Heather and Ian Wilkinson, at her home in Leongatha in July 2023. Ian is the sole survivor of the murderous lunch Erin Patterson, an Australian woman convicted of murdering three of her estranged husband's elderly relatives with a meal laced with poisonous mushrooms. File image/Reuters Erin Patterson, having been convicted in the Supreme Court of Victoria two months ago on three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, has today from the trial judge, Justice Christopher Beale. He ordered a non-parole period of 33 years. Given her age (50) and the 676 days shes already spent in detention, this means Patterson will not be eligible to apply for parole until 2056, when she is in her 80s. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Erin Pattersons story is now one of the most well-known true crime cases in Australia. Nine weeks ago, a jury found her guilty of poisoning her lunch guests in July 2023 at her home in Leongatha with foraged death-cap mushrooms she had baked into individual servings of Beef Wellington. In sentencing, Justice Beale said he had no hesitation in finding Pattersons offending falls into the worst category of murder and attempted murder. So after months of media frenzy and myriad headlines, the sentencing now bookends the case, pending any appeal. Heres how the judge reached his decision and what happens now. Will Patterson face a lengthy prison term? The life sentence was as expected, given Pattersons lawyer, Colin Mandy, did not oppose the prosecutions bid for the maximum sentence for murder in Victoria. The matter that exercised the judges mind, principally, in considering the sentence was the length of the non-parole period. The standard such period for murder in Victoria is 20 years. If theres more than one victim, however, the minimum non-parole period increases to 25 years. While its possible to sentence a murderer to life without parole, it is very unusual. In 2019, the judge who gave a life sentence to James Gargasoulas, the man who drove down Bourke Street Mall in Melbourne, killing six people, set a non-parole period of 46 years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What factors did the judge take into consideration? The factors taken into account in sentencing relate to the nature of the crime and the personal circumstances of the person convicted. The final outcome is informed by principles that vary only slightly across Australias states and territories. Erin Patterson leaves the Supreme Court of Victoria after being sentenced to 33 years in prison for murdering three relatives. Reuters The main one here, arguably, was denunciation: the sentence needs to reinforce in the public mind the abhorrence of her conduct. Indeed, there was no plea of guilty, and no remorse from Patterson at any time. Moreover, when considering a non-parole period, a judge takes into account what is referred to as proportionality. This can be a limiting feature where there is lesser culpability, but an exacerbating feature where there are multiple deaths. One might refer to it colloquially as a person receiving their just desserts. In this instance, the judge was mindful of the fact there were four victims. He was also mindful of Pattersons harsh prison conditions, telling the court: you have effectively been held in continuous solitary confinement for the last 15 months and at the very least there is a substantial chance that for your protection you will continue to be held in solitary confinement for years to come. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Deterrence, as a regular feature of the sentencing exercise, in this case becomes a companion to denunciation. Rehabilitation was always unlikely to have any impact on the sentence, given the life term. There was no submission by defence counsel that his client had a diagnosed mental disorder or would benefit from any form of an ongoing remediation or restorative program. What were the personal tolls? What dominated the submissions at the pre-sentence hearing in August were the victim impact statements. In Victoria, such statements have been in place since 1994, but it has only been since 2005 that the court has been required to take account of the impact of the crime on any victim when sentencing. Only since 2011 have victims been granted the right to read a statement aloud in court or have a nominated representative do so on their behalf. In the Patterson pre-sentence hearing, the sole survivor of the meal, Ian Wilkinson, read his own statement and described the loss of his wife Heather. He said he felt only half alive without her. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ian Wilkinson, the sole surviving guest of a deadly mushroom lunch, speaks to media as he leaves the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia. Reuters Pattersons estranged husband Simon did not attend the pre-sentence hearing, so his statement was read to the judge by a family member. His children, he wrote: have [] been robbed of hope for the kind of relationship with their mother that every child naturally yearns for. The Wilkinsons daughter, Ruth Dubois, also addressed the judge with her own statement. She highlighted the wider victims of the crimes, namely medical staff, investigators, shop owners (who had had their names scrutinised), mushroom growers, the health department and taxpayers. I am horrified, she said, that our family is even associated, through no choice of our own, with such destructive behaviour towards the community. Will there be an appeal? Pattersons counsel has 28 days in which to appeal. An appeal would either be against conviction or the sentence or both. In relation to an appeal against conviction, defence counsel would need to establish that the trial judge made a mistake in admitting (or ruling out) certain evidence or failing to properly explain the defence case. The former, a mistake about evidence, is the more common appeal ground. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Less likely is the latter appeal ground because it would be difficult for defence counsel to assert that his clients case was given too little regard by the judge, given the amount of time (almost two days) Justice Beale devoted to explaining the defence case to the jury. When appealing the length of the non-parole period, either counsel can argue the duration was either manifestly inadequate (a prosecution submission) or manifestly excessive (a defence submission). It remains to be seen if either side will pursue this option. Whatever the case, there would not be too many observers surprised by the judges final determination. Rick Sarre, Emeritus Professor in Law and Criminal Justice, University of South Australia and Ben Livings, Associate Professor in Criminal Law and Evidence, University of South Australia This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Amid the simmering tensions between India and Pakistan, reports are emerging that the Indian Army is preparing to fill the gaps in the air surveillance network along the northern and western borders. Heres how Developed by the IAF with Indian defence industries, the Samar is designed to counter low-flying threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles and drones. Representative Image/AFP Amid the simmering tensions between India and Pakistan , reports are emerging that the Indian Army is preparing to fill the gaps in the air surveillance network along the northern and western borders. To prevent the infiltration of camouflaged surveillance and attack UAVs from Pakistan, the Army is planning to set up advanced radars, The Indian Express reported. As per the report, the new radar system that the Army is planning to procure is designed to detect, track and engage aerial objects with a low radar cross-section (RCS). This makes them harder to spot. Sources close to the matter told The Indian Express that these systems will be integrated into the Armys Akashteer air defence network . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It aims to provide battlefield commanders with a sharper vision in the sky and a faster response against hostile drones or other aerial objects. According to The Indian Express, the Indian Army has sought to procure up to 45 Low Level Light Weight Radars (Enhanced) (LLLR-E) and up to 48 Air Defence Fire Control Radar-Drone Detectors (ADFCR-DD). What the plan looks like In a separate Request for Information (RFI), the Army has also called for 10 Low Level Light Weight Radars (Improved) (LLLR-I), a surveillance system designed to scan airspace, detect and track targets (including those with very low RCS), and prioritise them based on threat. It is pertinent to note that the Armys RFI notes that during Operation Sindoor , Pakistan relied heavily on drone swarms for surveillance and for attempting to damage both civilian and defence installations. While the existing defence guns like L/70, ZU 28 and Schilka performed exceptionally well against these threats, the Army maintained that using them with modern fire control radars, capable of detecting, identifying, classifying, and controlling weapon systems, would make threat neutralisation more offensive. According to the Army, the new fire control systems should be able to process target data from multiple radars and electro-optical systems, compute firing solutions, and send this information to gun systems and shoulder-fired air defence missiles, The Indian Express reported. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will join the Brics virtual summit today, as India and other emerging economies confront the impact of US tariffs External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at a virtual Brics leaders summit convened on September 8, Monday, by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to discuss the escalating disruptions in global trade triggered by Washingtons tariff policies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not participate, a move seen by some as a calculated decision to balance Indias foreign policy posture as it prepares to assume the Brics presidency next year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tariff shockwaves from Washington The meeting comes against the backdrop of sweeping tariff measures imposed by US President Donald Trump. Both India and Brazil are facing 50 per cent duties, though for different reasons. In Indias case, the penalties have been tied to its continued purchases of discounted Russian crude oil despite Western sanctions. Brazil, meanwhile, has been targeted after its Supreme Court moved ahead with the trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro, a political ally of Trump. The tariffs have disrupted trade flows across the emerging world. Brazilian officials say hundreds of products have been excluded from Washingtons duties, but core sectors like agriculture and manufacturing remain exposed. For India, the additional 25 per cent tariff imposed on crude imports from Russia threatens to complicate energy security at a time when New Delhi is working to stabilise domestic fuel prices. Strategic backdrop: SCO and global alignments The Brics summit also comes just days after Prime Minister Modis interactions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin. The optics of these meetings, alongside Indias participation in Brics, have drawn pointed remarks from Trump. In a cryptic post on Truth Social, he declared that the US had lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China, in an attempt to highlight Washingtons concern about Indias growing engagement with forums that include Beijing and Moscow. Brazil seeks unity without confrontation While convening the summit, Brazilian officials have emphasised that it is not designed as an anti-US gathering. President Lula, facing tariff retaliation himself, is seeking to position Brazil as a convener of emerging economies while avoiding outright confrontation with Washington. According to officials, the goal is to generate a coordinated discussion on trade disruptions and defend the principle of multilateralism, rather than issue a declaration targeting the United States. Indias balancing act ahead of Brics presidency For India, the summit presents both an opportunity and a challenge. On the one hand, New Delhi has long valued Brics as a platform to engage with other major emerging powers on economic and political issues. On the other hand, India has consistently distanced itself from initiatives within Brics that could be interpreted as directly challenging the US, such as calls for de-dollarisation. By deputing Jaishankar instead of Modi, New Delhi appears to be signalling that while it values Brics, it does not wish to escalate tensions with Washington. This balancing act reflects Indias broader diplomatic approach to strengthen a comprehensive global strategic partnership with the US while maintaining channels of cooperation with Russia, China and Brazil. Why the meeting matters The outcome of the virtual summit is unlikely to include dramatic policy shifts or a joint statement overtly challenging the US. Still, the meeting is important for several reasons. It highlights how Washingtons tariff policies are reshaping global economic alignments forcing emerging economies to coordinate more closely on trade issues. It also shows the dilemmas countries like India face in managing relationships with both Western partners and Brics counterparts. As India prepares to assume the Brics presidency next year, the summit will test its ability to steer the grouping through turbulent global economic waters while preserving its own strategic autonomy. With tariffs weighing heavily on both India and Brazil, the discussions are expected to focus on cushioning the impact of protectionism and reaffirming support for multilateral, rules-based trade. In a global environment where trade disputes are increasingly weaponised, the Brics summit serves as a reminder that emerging economies cannot afford to remain passive. How the group navigates this moment will offer important signals about the future of multilateralism and the resilience of South-South cooperation. Indias GST 2.0 reforms slash taxes on solar and wind equipment lowering project costs and accelerating the countrys transition to clean energy Workers of Solar Square place a panel on the rooftop of a residence in Gurugram. AP Indias renewable energy sector is poised for a significant boost following the governments announcement to cut the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on solar and wind equipment. On September 3, the GST Council approved a reduction of the tax on solar photovoltaic modules and wind turbine generators from 12 per cent to 5 per cent, marking a key step in the nations broader strategy to accelerate clean energy adoption. The measure forms part of a larger exercise in tax rationalisation affecting hundreds of consumer items, but its impact on renewable energy is expected to be especially transformative. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lower costs, faster projects News agency Reuters has quoted industry experts as saying that the GST cut will directly reduce the capital costs of solar and wind power projects by approximately 5 per cent. For developers yet to procure equipment, this translates into more competitive tariffs for electricity, benefitting both project viability and consumers. Sanjeev Aggarwal, founder and executive chairman of Hexa Climate Solutions, noted that the reduction will likely be passed on to end users, while developers who had already purchased equipment at higher tax rates can provide documentation to justify existing tariff agreements to the federal regulator. Companies in the sector are already planning to leverage the tax cut. Solar equipment manufacturer Waaree Energies confirmed that the savings would be passed on to customers, while Oyster Renewable Energy indicated that developers could now re-engage with utilities at more competitive rates, potentially unblocking stalled projects. The move is expected to accelerate Indias renewable capacity expansion, which currently has around 44 gigawatts (GW) of projects awaiting firm power supply agreements. GST 2.0: Broader clean energy support The latest reforms, often referred to as GST 2.0, extend beyond solar and wind to include a wide array of renewable technologies. The GST rate has been lowered from 12 per cent to 5 per cent for fuel cell motor vehicles, including hydrogen-powered vehicles, as well as solar cookers, solar water heaters, bio-gas plants, waste-to-energy devices, solar lanterns and tidal energy equipment, the government release detailed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Union finance ministry emphasised that the move is aimed at promoting renewable energy goods and addressing structural issues like inverted duty structures. Experts argue that these measures will strengthen Indias transition toward sustainable energy. Rohit Chandra, CEO of OMC Power, told news agency PTI that the reform would act as a catalyst for inclusive growth, rural empowerment and sustainable energy solutions and bolster the countrys economic and social fabric. Similarly, Amit Paithankar, CEO of Waaree Energies Limited, stated that the reduction will accelerate capacity additions essential for meeting Indias clean energy targets. Boosting competitiveness and investment Analysts highlight that lower GST rates improve the financial viability of renewable energy projects, attracting both domestic and foreign investment. Ishver Dholakiya, founder of Goldi Solar, told PTI that the reform sends a strong signal to investors, while Simarpreet Singh, CEO of Hartek Group, noted that easing the financial burden on capital-intensive projects will encourage private participation and faster adoption nationwide. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Competitive tariffs resulting from lower capital costs will also enhance the sectors attractiveness in upcoming auctions, according to Akshay Hiranandani, CEO of Serentica Renewables. The broader vision aligns with Indias 2030 renewable energy targets and its 2070 net-zero goal. Srivatsan Iyer, global CEO of Hero Future Energies, emphasised that making clean technologies more affordable will accelerate adoption, strengthen energy independence, generate green jobs and bring the nation closer to a sustainable future. A decisive policy GST 2.0 reforms represent a decisive policy intervention designed to fast-track Indias transition to renewable energy. By cutting taxes on solar and wind equipment, alongside other green technologies, the government has lowered project costs, encouraged investment, and paved the way for more competitive tariffs. These measures not only support Indias ambitious non-fossil fuel capacity target of 500 GW by 2030 but also signal the countrys commitment to building a cleaner, greener, and economically resilient energy future. China is not so much concerned with changing the world order as with the accretion of its power, this will enable Beijing to maintain that it is keeping to the rules-based order but flout it whenever its interests so demand China has given no indication that it is not willing to adhere to the present world order. Representational image: Reuters On September 3, Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed his people and the foreign leaders who had gathered in Beijing to attend the military parade on the occasion of what China described as the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, or, as it was called in the popular media, the Victory Day parade. It was attended by heads of state or government of 26 countries, including Russia and North Korea. Their leaders were given special status. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Among others who were present were three South Asian leaders, from Pakistan, Nepal and the Maldives. The Central Asian leaders were all present. So were some from Asean and Africa. Significantly, Japan had actively lobbied countries against attending the parade. In his speech Xi extolled the valour of the Chinese people in their struggle against Japan. From there he went on to praise the peoples determination to maintain the founding principles of the Peoples Republic, which was established in 1949 with the victory of the Communist Party under Mao Zedong. Since then, while the Party has changed developmental strategies, it has remained firm on maintaining socialism with Chinese characteristics as well as maintaining complete control on all aspects of the countrys national life. Turning to foreign policy, Xi said in his address, 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. The army parade was held on a grand scale. China displayed its military advances, including its nuclear triad. The spectacles purpose was to demonstrate that China was now a global power, in the same bracket as the US. Indeed, the parade was yet another indication for China to assert that no power was in its league apart from the US. That was the clear message to those countries, including India, which assert that the world has become multipolar. Whatever it may state, for China, it is a bipolar world in which it is in the ascendant. The army parade and Xi Jinpings speech have attracted worldwide attention. In India, some analysts have felt that they mark the beginning of a new world order. These analysts have also been influenced by the domestic and external chaos being brought about by US President Donald Trumps persona and policies. Naturally the inconsistencies and ever-changing positions adopted by Trump, especially in his second term, are impacting US power and influence and its capacity to coherently project them. This is in contrast to the implacable and singular-mindedness with which Xi Jinping is taking China ahead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Current international developments are, therefore, giving rise to important geopolitical and geostrategic issues concerning the future of the current world order. However, the issue of the future of the present world order requires careful thought. There is a need to avoid knee-jerk conclusions. An attempt will be made in the following paragraphs to briefly examine whether China is fundamentally challenging the existing world order or, while accepting its basic postulates, is trying to replace the US as the worlds pre-eminent power. There is therefore a need to distinguish between world order and the major powers which jockey for positions within it. The existing world order was established in 1945 by the victors of the Second World War. That war ravaged Europes colonial powers, including Britain and France. They were immeasurably weakened. The largest colony, India, was waging a great struggle for freedom and national regeneration. Its freedom in 1947 stirred other colonised peoples. The era of decolonisation had begun, and the pre-war colonial order was no longer sustainable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US emerged as the strongest power from the war. It decided that it would shun isolationist tendencies and lead the way to form a new world order that would rest on the principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states and their notional equality. These concepts were projected to underpin the new world order, and the United Nations Organisation was set up to be its bulwark. However, the wars victors ensured that their national interests would remain secure in the new order. The mechanism to achieve this purpose was the creation of a UN Security Council, which was vested with the authority to maintain international peace and security. Thus, the US, Britain, France, the Soviet Union and China became a select and dominant group. Chinas inclusion was strange because it did not play a real part in defeating the Axis powers. These states arrogated to themselves permanent membership of the UNSC and also the right to veto any of its decisions without assigning any reasons. The implication was that the UNSC would, above all, serve the geostrategic interests of the victors. In the past 80 years the world has been transformed; the power and influence of countries has changed, but the permanent members have really been unwilling to give up their privileges. Hence, the UNSC, one of the key components of world order, has not been able to function objectively or effectively. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The impairment of the UNSC began early. That came about with the rise of the Soviet Union beginning in the late 1940s and the division of Europe into the Western and Soviet blocs. They became locked in a worldwide ideological struggle which continued for over four decades. This period, known as the Cold War, witnessed the very powers which were responsible for the maintenance of global peace and security breaking the principles of the world order they had themselves established. The Cold War ended in December 1991 with the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The US had won, and some US analysts exultingly, if indirectly, declared that an era of permanent US supremacy had dawned. But the law of unknown consequences caught up with them. Emphasising the US-China relations, the 1970s saw remarkable progress in bilateral ties. President Richard Nixon was obsessed with transforming the USs ties with the Peoples Republic. He opened up with Beijing. As part of this process, he accepted that Communist China would take the place of Taiwan in the UNSC. Other UN member states had viewed the inclusion of rump China as a P5 member as unnatural, and therefore they did not object. In October 1971 Communist China thus became a P5 member with all its privileges. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 1978, China changed course under Deng Xiaoping, and with that, gradually but with ever-increasing speed, began an inexorable rise, though following Dengs advice, it did not advertise its growing strength. Ironically the US, through its companies and also its government, contributed to building China as the worlds major manufacturing country and also to its becoming a science and technology power. The latter development shook the US. Perhaps its first demonstration came when China became the first country to develop and push the world to accept its 5G communication technology. Xi Jinping became Chinas president in 2013. He soon made it clear that Chinas time had come. His aim was to build a constituency of aligned countries. His chosen instrument to do so was the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Through the BRI, China created critical infrastructure in select countries which would also serve its strategic purposes. The BRI is inherently exploitative and ignores the sovereignty of states, but it has been adopted by countries which are short of capital. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The flagship BRI venture is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (Cpec), which has recently entered its second phase. The Cpec involves the development of the Gwadar Port, which poses a strategic challenge to India. Xi Jinping is increasing Chinese military strength and its scientific and technological prowess at a frenetic pace. This indicates that Xi Jinping is enhancing Chinese power on a comprehensive basis. His position in China is secure, and he is challenging US pre-eminence. However, China has a way to go before it can surpass the US. China has given no indication that it is not willing to adhere to the present world order. Indeed, as noted, in his address to the parade, Xi made points which are in principle in accordance with the present world order. In the Xi Jinping Thought, also, the 13th of the 14 commitment states is Establish a common destiny between the Chinese people and other peoples around the world with a peaceful international environment. While this is so in theory, in practice China has not hesitated to disregard the decisions of international tribunals, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), when they have gone against it. Besides, it has shown scant respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states when these have come in the way of its interests. It says that it does not interfere in the internal affairs of states or their political and developmental models, but in the case of Pakistan, it has always given preference to the army over the politiciansas this writer notedin his last article carried on Firstpost. The fact is that China, in behaving, thus, is doing nothing different from the way other great powers have conducted themselves after the present world order was ushered in after the Second World War. Hence, it is not so much concerned with changing world order as with the accretion of its power. That will enable it to maintain that it is keeping to the rules-based order but flout it whenever its interests so demand. If and when China becomes the globes pre-eminent power, it will become more assertive and try to change the foundations of the present world order. But till then it will continue to pay lip service to the rules-based order. The writer is a former Indian diplomat who served as Indias Ambassador to Afghanistan and Myanmar, and as secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The future of Indias story looks bullish and bright, however, it comes with a word of caution and perhaps a need to learn from the past The mantra for India Stay Vigilant and Build Strengths could be a key catalyst in ensuring India moves steadily towards its goal of Viksit and self-reliant Bharat by 2047. Image: (File) Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PTI The year 2025 is indeed turning out to be interesting for India. In just eight months, India has seen it all: a tariff war with the US, a surprising yet welcome reset with China, continuing close ties with Russia, a brief yet intense military conflict against Pakistan, a steadily growing economy and a continued push towards self-reliance. Each of the developments, both domestic and international, is likely to leave a lasting impact on India as it marches ahead towards becoming the third largest economy by 2030 and a Viksit Bharat (developed India) by 2047. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Collapsing International Order The return of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the US in January 2025 and his approach to global issues are causing tremendous strain in international geopolitics. In his efforts to Make America Great Again, his key poll campaign, he has systematically overturned everything. Despite his claims to end the ongoing wars within days of assuming office, the Gaza War rages on. Plus, the 12 Day War between Israel (with active support of the US) and Iran has led to new red lines being drawn across the security landscape in the region. The Russia-Ukraine war too continues unabated, and Trumps multiple interventions, threats and meetings have not resulted in the end of the conflict yet. In the middle of all this, India and Pakistan were engaged in a brief but intense military conflict, resulting from an outrageous terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22. Indias intense, precise and punitive strikes brought Pakistan to its knees within 96 hours, but what followed thereafter was nothing short of drama. Despite Indias categorical insistence that the ceasefire was agreed upon bilaterally, based on Pakistans request, Trump has publicly insisted more than a dozen times that it was he who got the ceasefire and prevented the possibility of a nuclear war. This rebuke from India, coupled with the US alleging that it is Indias purchases of Russian crude oil at discounted prices that are fuelling the Russia-Ukraine war, prompted the US, and specifically President Trump, to impose 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods being imported by the US. Belying all expectations, India has stood its ground, leaving Trump not only feeling the heat of a bluff falling flat but also risking alienating India, a key strategic partnership built over the past two decades with successive administrations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The recent developments with China, commencing with the Modi-Xi meet in Kazan on the sidelines of Brics Summit in October 2024 and the recent reset as a result of PM Modis participation in the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, on 31 August 2025, are welcome but need to be treated with caution and restraint. The ties with Russia, however, remain as solid as ever. The additional tariffs imposed by the US on India have only resulted in India and Russia coming closer and pledging closer support to each other. The fact that Ukraine and even the EU are now courting India to broker a ceasefire in the war speaks a lot about how India is being viewed in the world irrespective of the subservience being demanded by the US. Indias strong ties with countries in West Asia and growing ties with Africa and Latin America are proof of Indias growing global prominence. Plus, the fact that India is championing the cause of the Global South, especially after getting the African Union included in the G20 framework at the Delhi Summit in September 2023, is an added vindication of Indias global outreach. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Long-Term Approach On most fronts, India has handled itself well and is progressing ahead steadily towards its goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The future strategy of India requires a long-term approach which should be a judicious combination of its global outreach and leadership, domestic consolidation, political stability and steady economic growth. Global Strategy Trust but Verify and Reverify needs to be the mantra for India in its global outreach. The defeat of Pakistan in Operation Sindoor in a mere 96 hours was an outstanding display of military skill and superiority, but there are many key lessons to be taken forward too. Similarly, the reset with China needs to be handled with due caution. Both Pakistan and China have proved more than once that their assurances towards peace and tranquillity cannot be trusted, and this is a key lesson for India in its neighbourhood policy. With both also sharing hundreds of kilometres of border with India, it makes it even more imperative in future planning for Indias security. Also, the close and very closely intertwined defence and security partnership between China and Pakistan is unlikely to be diluted irrespective of the improvement in relations with China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moving forward, this should be clearly factored into Indian defence and security planning, both in terms of Chinese support to Pakistan by providing key weapon platforms and technology and also activating the second front in case of a future war (which may sound less likely right now). Similarly, with the US, the fact that India has stood its ground, protecting its national interests and sovereign rights, has set a good benchmark for the future. Remember, this is not the first time that the US has imposed economic penalties on India, nor is it the first time that the US has prioritised Pakistan over India. Yes, the two countries have built a strong partnership over the last two decades, commencing with the Civil Nuclear Partnership Agreement in 2006, followed by partnerships and deals in key defence technology, weapon platforms, critical technologies, etc. However, as the US is realising now, these did not mean that Indian interests would be considered subservient to American diktats. In hindsight, many in the Indian policy circles rue some decisions taken during Trump 1.0, like stopping oil imports from Iran under the threat of US sanctions (when the US had unilaterally revoked the Iran nuclear deal with Iran in May 2018). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On the other hand, Russia has proved more than once the strong bond, mutual trust and strategic convergence it enjoys with India. The forthcoming visit of President Vladimir Putin in December 2025 could well lay the foundation for future partnership projects, including future weapon platforms and technologies. Similarly, with the EU, there is a newfound convergence, and a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could be the perfect boost to the ties. With the ambitious transcontinental connectivity project, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (Imec), India-EU ties could get a further boost as well as provide diversified options to boost trade. This is especially relevant in view of tariff blackmail by the US, both against India and Europe and the rest of the world. Domestic Consolidation Rapid Economic Growth India is currently in a purple patch on most vectors on the domestic front. The GDP growth has consistently clocked more than 6 per cent, and India has been the fastest-growing economy in the world for the past three years and is on the path to continue in the same vein. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India became the fourth largest global economy in May 2025, surpassing Japan, and is projected to surpass Germany by 2030 to become the third largest economy. A GDP growth of 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of this year, as per the figures released in August, only validates the economic growth. The landmark tax reforms in the Goods and Services Tax (GST), announced on September 3, aim to boost domestic consumption and better compliance. Digitisation of the economy, especially the use of Fintech, has made India a global leader. As per a note released by the International Monetary Fund in June 2025, titled Growing Retail Digital Payments: The Value of Interoperability, India has emerged as the global leader in fast payments, predominantly through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). In June 2025 alone, it handled over 24.03 lakh crore in payments, spread across 18.39 billion transactions. Compared to the same month last year, when there were 13.88 billion transactions, there is an increase of about 32 per cent in just one year. Indias UPI is also now the worlds number one real-time payment system, surpassing Visa. As of June 2025, UPI handles more than 640 million transactions every day, compared to Visas 639 million. Defence Modernisation and Self-Reliance On the defence and security front, India is making huge strides. The tremendous success of the Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor has set new benchmarks. It has spurred interest in the private sector to invest heavily in modern weapon systems and technology. The announcement of Mission Sudarshan Chakra by PM Modi during the Independence Day speech on August 15 augurs well for securing vital assets in India for the future. Days later, India successfully conducted the maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) on 23rd August. IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system comprising all indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles, Advanced Very Short-Range Air Defence System missiles and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) and the future of providing India an iron shield against aerial attacks. Besides this, the successful test of Agni-5 on August 20, a nuclear-capable Intercontinental Ballistic Missile with a range of 5,000 km, adds tremendous teeth to Indias striking capability. Brahmos, the supersonic cruise missile which proved itself in Operation Sindoor for its range, accuracy and stealth, is already looking at an upgrade with work on Brahmos NG under development, which could have speeds up to 5-8 Mach coupled with improved stealth and destruction capability, making it virtually uncontested in the globe currently. The defence capabilities are looking at a further boost with plans to develop a modern jet engine through a consortium in India over the next ten years, something where success has eluded India and which will reduce our over-dependence on the US or France. Plans to jointly develop the fifth-generation fighter jets in India through the AMCA project, too, augur well for Indias goal of self-reliance and define modernisation. If some or most of these plans fructify, India will be well on its road towards self-reliance in defence and security. Moving Ahead As India looks ahead at the next decade, there is a sense of optimism. Many of the tough decisions taken over the last decade are slowly bearing fruit. The Semiconductor mission, launched as a key lesson from the Covid-19 experience, is already on its path to realisation with the first Made in India chips delivered in September 2025. Many top global brands like Apple and Tesla have set up shop in India. Plus, many global brands, especially in the aviation sector, like Boeing (setting up assembly lines), Dassault (for manufacturing the fuselage of Rafale fighter jets, in collaboration with Tata), and Airbus (in joint collaboration with Tata, for production of C-295 aircraft), are setting up plants in India. And India is growing economically at a steady rate. The future therefore looks bullish and bright. However, it comes with a word of caution and perhaps a need to learn from the past, especially on the international front. While Pakistan may have been defeated, it still remains a formidable adversary, especially taking into context the active support from China and tacit support from the US. Plus, the threat of cross-border terror is unlikely to be eliminated anytime soon. China may be willing to reconcile, but it cannot be trusted. On this, India would do well to learn many lessons from the past. India should move ahead with China on issues of shared interests; however, friction points and potential flashpoints should always remain in the forefront while planning ahead. The US has proved time and again that it is an unreliable partner. While the US wants India to be its subservient partner like Pakistan or even the EU, India is not willing to bow down to such colonial mindsets any more. Any future relationship can be anchored only on equality and respect for sovereignty, something that it would be in US interests to understand sooner rather than later. The unfolding growth story of India can thus be summed up in two parts. Internally, India should focus on building strengths and capabilities while building stronger partnerships internationally. On the other hand, it has to stay vigilant and guard against complacency, especially in relationships with countries like China, Pakistan and the US. The mantra for India Stay Vigilant and Build Strengths could be a key catalyst in ensuring India moves steadily towards its goal of Viksit and self-reliant Bharat by 2047. Col Rajeev Agarwal is a West Asia expert and a Senior Research Consultant at Chintan Research Foundation, New Delhi. His X Handle is @rajeev1421. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The European Union has fined Google 2.95 billion ($3.5 billion) for abusing its dominance in digital advertising, the fourth major antitrust penalty the tech giant has faced from Brussels. The European Union fined Google 2.95 billion ($3.5 billion) on Friday for breaking competition rules by favouring its own digital advertising services the fourth such penalty against the tech giant. The European Commission said its investigation found Google abused its power in the online ad market, hurting rivals, advertisers and publishers. It ordered the company to end self-preferencing practices and resolve conflicts of interest in the adtech supply chain. At this stage, it appears that the only way for Google to end its conflict of interest effectively is with a structural remedy, such as selling some part of its Adtech business, said EU competition chief Teresa Ribera, warning the bloc will not hesitate to impose an appropriate remedy if Google fails to present a viable plan within 60 days. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Google rejected the ruling and vowed to appeal. It imposes an unjustified fine and requires changes that will hurt thousands of European businesses by making it harder for them to make money, said Lee-Anne Mulholland, the companys global head of regulatory affairs. More from Tech Google can keep Chrome, but will have to share search data with rivals, rules US judge Ribera said Googles illegal practices led to higher costs for advertisers, which were passed on to consumers, while publishers lost revenue, forcing some to raise subscription prices or cut quality. The case, filed more than two years ago, comes amid renewed tensions between Brussels and Washington over tariffs, trade and Big Tech regulation. Russia has ridiculed US President Donald Trumps renewed threat to impose a second wave of sanctions over the ongoing war in Ukraine, calling them absolutely useless and claiming they have no effect whatsoever Russia has ridiculed US President Donald Trumps renewed threat to impose a second wave of sanctions over the ongoing war in Ukraine, calling them absolutely useless and claiming they have no effect whatsoever. On Sunday, Trump signaled his readiness to escalate economic pressure on Moscow if it failed to pursue peace, warning of secondary tariffs on Russias key trading partners and additional punitive measures. However, the Kremlin appeared undeterred. Following Moscows most extensive aerial assault on Ukraine to date including a direct strike on a government building in Kyiv spokesman for the Russian President Dmitry Peskov dismissed the sanctions rhetoric and blamed Kyiv and its European allies for keeping punitive measures central to Washingtons Ukraine policy, reported Newsweek. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Overall, one thing can probably be said: This unprecedented number of sanctions that have been imposed on our country over the pastwell, its already almost four years, now four yearshave had no effect whatsoever, Newsweek quoted Peskov as telling Russian reporter Alexander Yunashev. They have proven absolutely useless in terms of putting pressure on Russia, Peksov said, originally in Russian, in a video posted to the Yunashev LIVE channel on Telegram on Monday morning. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has intensified calls for the US to impose stronger, more punitive sanctions on Russia, arguing that only external pressure will compel President Putin to pursue peace. It is important that today we saw a broad response from our partners to this strike, Zelensky said in a statement shared on social media, referring to Western condemnation of recent Russian attacks. Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks. This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world whether they will accept or tolerate this. He added: That is why statements by state leaders and institutions must be backed by strong actions sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia, tough tariffs and other restrictions on trade with Russia. Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing. Despite months of efforts to broker peace, including a summit in August in Alaska, Trumps mediation has yielded little progress. Instead, the conflict has intensified, and Russia shows no signs of retreating from its war objectives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The fallout from proposed US secondary tariffs has already begun. India, targeted for its continued oil imports from Russia, faced an additional 25 percent levy on certain goodsprompting Delhi to deepen diplomatic and energy ties with both Moscow and Beijing. China, Russias largest oil customer, remains crucial to Moscows economic resilience, countering Western sanctions through massive oil imports. The dynamic also complicates ongoing USChina trade negotiations. Peace prospects remain precarious, hinged on two unresolved issues: territorial integrity and Ukraines security architecture. Russia now controls roughly onefifth of Ukrainian territory, following its full-scale 2022 invasion, earlier incursions into eastern Ukraine, and the annexation of Crimea in 2014. The Kremlin asserts that Ukraines move toward NATO membership represents a national security threat, and claims retaliation against ethnic Russians as a core grievance. Kyiv strongly rejects these accusations, emphasizing its sovereign right to choose alliances and accusing Russia of waging an imperialist campaign aimed at erasing Ukrainian sovereignty and identity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Resolving these issues faces constitutional constraints. Ukraines constitution forbids ceding territory outright, and martial law prevents referenda or elections to settle boundary disputes. Russia, meanwhile, refuses to commit to a ceasefire. Kyiv insists on robust security assurances, potentially including Western peacekeeping forcesbut Russia rejects any such Western military presence, especially from Nato allies. As diplomatic talks stall and the battlefield sees no de-escalation, the conditions for a lasting peace remain deeply elusive. With inputs from agencies A day after Russias biggest air attack against Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the international community to impose sanctions against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russian President Vladimir Putin told US counterpart Donald Trump on August 18 that he is willing to meet Ukranian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy. File image/AFP A day after Russias biggest air attack against Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the international community to impose sanctions against Russia. In a series of posts on X, Zelenskyy said that while countries around the world are condemning the Saturday attack, such proclamations should be backed by strong actions. These actions, Zelenskyy maintained, include sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia. He went on to support the idea of trade tariffs and other restrictions that can affect the Russian economy. It is important that today we saw a broad response from our partners to this strike. Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks. This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world - whether they will accept or tolerate this, Zelenskyy said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD That is why statements by state leaders and institutions must be backed by strong actions - sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia, tough tariffs and other restrictions on trade with Russia. Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing. Equally important - our long-range capabilities. Putin does not want negotiations; he is clearly hiding from them, so Russias fuel shortages and other economic troubles are the logical response to its refusal to agree to a ceasefire or a meeting at the leaders level, he added. Was Zelenskyy hinting at Trump? Zelenskyys remarks on the matter came shortly after Trump said that he is prepared to impose new sanctions on Russia. Asked whether he was ready to move to the next phase of sanctions and directly punish President Vladimir Putin, Trump responded: Yes, I am." The recent Russian attack on Ukraine involved over 800 drones and 13 missiles, four of them ballistic." Meanwhile, the Ukrainian president supported his American counterparts decision to impose tariffs on countries engaged in trade with Russia as the ongoing war in Ukraine continues to escalate. In an interview with ABC News, Zelenskyy said that it is the right idea to put tariffs on countries that continue to make deals with Russia." The remarks from the Ukrainian leader came after the interviewer asked whether he had seen Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China The journalist went on to ask Zelenskyy if the Ukrainian leader thinks Trumps plan to impose nearly 50 per cent tariffs on India could backfire. In response to this, the Ukrainian president called for sanctions against Russia after it launched its largest aerial assault of the Ukraine war Saturday night. He eventually came out in Trumps support . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is pertinent to note that at the end of July this year, Trump imposed nearly 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods and complained about New Delhis purchase of Russian oil. However, India went on to point out how China buys more oil from Russia than India. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has objected to the governments plan to appoint dance teachers in primary schools, demanding instead that religious instructors be recruited to ensure children grow up as honest and responsible citizens. Supporters of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami occupy street of Matijheel area to hold a rally in Dhaka, Bangladesh, October 28, 2023. File Image/Reuters Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the radical Islamist political group, has urged the government to abandon its plan of appointing dance teachers in primary schools and instead hire religious instructors to ensure children grow up as honest and responsible citizens, according to a statement. In a statement issued on Sunday (Sept 7), Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said, Appointing music and dance teachers instead of religious instructors is completely unacceptable. Music or dance cannot be considered compulsory subjects for students. If a family has a strong interest in such activities, they can arrange private teachers themselves. But religious education is essential for all communities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Parwar urged the government and its education adviser to immediately begin recruiting religious teachers in every primary school so that students receive faith-based instruction and can lead enlightened lives. He noted that while a syllabus for Islamic and moral education already exists, government schools lack specialised teachers, leaving students deprived of proper religious instruction. Warning over moral crisis Citing a decline in social and moral values among students, Parwar said intolerance was rising, while families, society, and the state were failing to produce honest citizens and strong leadership. Religious education fosters morality and values, forming the foundation of virtuous behaviour and building a just and disciplined society, he added. He further criticised the governments move to appoint music and dance teachers at a time when, according to him, the youth are facing a moral crisis. This is a suicidal move for the nation. What is truly needed now is to build enlightened individuals with strong moral and religious values, Parwar said. Long-standing demand Jamaat, he reminded, has long demanded the recruitment of religious teachers in primary schools, but instead the government has chosen to prioritise cultural subjects. We consider this a deeply regrettable and unjustified decision, the statement concluded. Rise of radicals after Hasinas ouster This development comes amid a visible rise in radical factions in Bangladesh under the Yunus-led interim government, where minorities are facing persecution following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. After massive student-led protests forced Hasina from office in August 2024, multiple reports documented a spike in attacks on religious minorities, especially Hindus, along with signs of growing influence of hardline Islamist groups amid political instability. News outlets and official tallies recorded dozens and in some accounts, a few hundred attacks on minority homes, temples and shops in the weeks following Hasinas resignation. One report cited around 200 attacks in the first week alone, while an official count later confirmed multiple dozen incidents. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Jamaats controversial past Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami remains a controversial Islamist party, once a significant political force but weakened after its registration was cancelled and top leaders convicted for 1971 war crimes. Despite this, it continues to wield influence through its student and social wings and was earlier aligned with the BNP against the Awami League. The high court is set to rule this week on whether Bolsonaro conspired to cling to power after losing 2022 elections to his leftist rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro stands at his home while under house arrest, ordered by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, as he awaits trial over an alleged plot to overturn the 2022 election, in Brasilia, Brazil, August 14, 2025. REUTERS Thousands of supporters of Brazils far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro demonstrated Sunday in several cities, days before the Supreme Court decides whether he is guilty of attempting a coup. The high court is set to rule this week on whether Bolsonaro conspired to cling to power after losing 2022 elections to his leftist rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The 70-year-old former army captain risks up to 43 years in prison if convicted in a case which has sparked the ire of US President Donald Trump, an ally of Bolsonaro. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bolsonaro, who has been under house arrest since August, was of course absent from the protests organized on Brazils Independence Day from the capital Brasilia to Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo. The primary gathering of Bolsonaros faithful began in earnest in the mid-afternoon in Sao Paulos Avenida Paulista, with supporters wearing the green and yellow of the national flag. We are here to defend the rule of law and values in this country. Bolsonaros trial is a disgrace, said Aparecida Paula, a 70-year-old retiree. Some carried signs backing Bolsonaro and hitting out against Lula and the Supreme Court justices. Others said, Thank you, President Trump. Demonstrators are calling for an amnesty for hundreds of his supporters who were convicted over the January 8, 2023 storming of the Supreme Court, presidential palace and Congress in Brasilia. They hope Congress will vote for an amnesty that could eventually be extended to the former president even if he is convicted. Bolsonaro, who says he is the victim of political persecution, was in the United States at the time but is accused of inciting the rioters, who called for the military to depose Lula a week after his return to power. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ultra-conservative evangelical pastor Silas Malafaia, the event sponsor, and Bolsonaros wife Michelle were in attendance. Bolsonaro, who served as president from 2019 to 2022, is barred from running for office until 2030 for casting doubt on Brazils voting system without evidence. No amnesty A few hours before the pro-Bolsonaro demonstrations, trade unions and left-wing social movements rallied thousands of people to protest against the amnesty in Sao Paulo. In Brasilia, Lula led the traditional Independence Day parade, which this year had the motto Sovereign Brazil, following punitive 50 percent US tariffs imposed by Trump, who has alleged that Bolsonaro is the victim of a witch hunt. No amnesty, chanted some of those watching the parade. We dont take orders from anyone, the 79-year-old Lula, who plans to seek reelection in 2026, told the nation in a televised address late Saturday. Lula has warned that any amnesty of those who participated in the January 6 mayhem would carry significant risks. Its a battle that must also be fought by the people, he said. The increase in Chinas overseas shipments last month fell below a Bloomberg forecast of 5.5 percent. Containers are seen at the Port of Nanjing in eastern China's Jiangsu province. AFP Chinas exports expanded 4.4 percent year-on-year in August, official data showed Monday, as the worlds second-largest economy navigated an uneasy trade war truce with the United States. The increase in Chinas overseas shipments last month fell below a Bloomberg forecast of 5.5 percent. Imports similarly did not meet expectations, growing 1.3 percent year-on-year in August, compared with a forecast of 3.4 percent. Data also showed that Chinas exports to the United States, its largest trading partner, continued to fall, sinking 11.8 percent from the previous month, and down 33.1 percent on-year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trade tensions between the worlds two largest economies have been on a rollercoaster ride in 2025, with both countries slapping escalating tariffs on each others exports this year. At one point, the tit-for-tat duties reached triple digits on both sides, snarling supply chains as many importers halted shipments to try and wait for the governments to settle matters. Since then, Washington and Beijing have reached an agreement to de-escalate tensions, temporarily lowering tariffs to 30 percent on the United States side and 10 percent on Chinas part. In August, they delayed the threatened reimposition of higher tariffs on each others exports for another 90 days meaning the pause on steeper duties will be in place until November 10. That same month, Li Chenggang, Chinas International Trade Representative and vice minister of commerce, led a delegation to Washington for trade talks. He urged equal dialogue and consultation between the two nations during the visit, according to a statement from Chinas commerce ministry. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported his US counterpart Donald Trumps decision to impose tariffs on countries engaged in trade with Russia as the ongoing war in Ukraine continues to escalate. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is greeted by US President Donald Trump (left) upon arrival at the White House West Wing in Washington, DC, on August 18, 2025. (Photo: Alex Wroblewski/AFP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported his US counterpart Donald Trumps decision to impose tariffs on countries engaged in trade with Russia as the ongoing war in Ukraine continues to escalate. In an interview with ABC News, Zelenskyy said that it is the right idea to put tariffs on countries that continue to make deals with Russia." The remarks from the Ukrainian leader came after the interviewer asked whether he had seen Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The journalist went on to ask Zelenskyy if the Ukrainian leader thinks Trump's plan to impose nearly 50 per cent tariffs on India could backfire. In response to this, the Ukrainian president called for sanctions against Russia after it launched its largest aerial assault of the Ukraine war Saturday night. He eventually came out in Trumps support. It is pertinent to note that at the end of July this year, Trump imposed nearly 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods and complained about New Delhis purchase of Russian oil. However, India went on to point out how China buys more oil from Russia than India. Zelenskyy urges world leaders to stand against Russia In a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, Zelenskyy said that the statements by state leaders and institutions after Russias attack on Ukraine must be backed by strong actions such as sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia", which he suggested through tariffs and trade restrictions with Russia. It is important that today we saw a broad response from our partners to this strike. Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks. This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the worldwhether they will accept or tolerate this," he wrote on X. It is important that today we saw a broad response from our partners to this strike. Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks. This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world whether they will accept or tolerate this. pic.twitter.com/X2vGTgnDTX Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) September 7, 2025 That is why statements by state leaders and institutions must be backed by strong actionssanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia, tough tariffs, and other restrictions on trade with Russia. Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zelenskyys remarks on the matter came shortly after Trump said that he is prepared to impose new sanctions on Russia. Asked whether he was ready to move to the next phase of sanctions and directly punish President Vladimir Putin, Trump responded: Yes, I am." The recent Russian attack on Ukraine involved over 800 drones and 13 missiles, four of them ballistic." Frances political and economic crises are set to worsen as Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is expected to lose the vote of confidence today. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou of France is widely expected to be ousted in a vote of confidence on Monday. The fall of his government would deepen the countrys political and economic crises and weaken President Emmanuel Macrons standing. Bayrou has called a special parliamentary session on Monday to hold a vote of confidence over his budget proposals to tackle Frances debt crisis. Parties from across the spectrum, from the far-right RN to Greens and Socialists, have vowed to vote against him to topple his government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Opposition parties have pinned Frances political crisis on Macron. While the RN has called for fresh parliamentary elections, France Unbowed has called for Macrons resignation upon Bayours ouster. Bayrou would be the second prime minister to be ousted in little more than a year in a trust vote. His predecessor, Michel Barnier, was ousted in a trust vote in December 2024. Later than month, Macron appointed Bayrou as the prime minister , who has since led a minority government with support from Macrons centrist coalition and external support from parties like RN and Socialists on a case-by-case basis. But these parties have now turned against him. ALSO READ Explained: Frances political crisis as PM Bayrou faces vote of confidence There are bound to be international ramifications of Bayrous loss. Macron has been among the foremost supporters of Ukraine in the war with Russia and has led the coalition of the willing with British PM Sir Keir Starmer to counter the Russian aggression. If the pro-Russia, Europskeptic RN forms the government, Frances commitment to the EU and resistance to the Russian aggression may no longer be assured. Macron looks at Socialists for support A participant of a meeting of centrist parties part of Macrons coalition said the president urged them to work with the Socialists, according to AFP. The development is an apparent effort to keep the far-right RN out of the government. Such an effort may also involve seeking support from other left-wing parties. Socialist leader Olivier Faure has made no secret of his readiness to become the prime minister. He has even produced his own draft budget to address the economic crisis of the country. He could very well be the next prime minister if the arrangement works out. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the public opinion is against Macron, according to polls. A poll by Odoxa-Backbone for Le Figaro newspaper found that 64 per cent of people want Macron to resign instead of naming a new prime minister. But Macron has ruled out such a move. The no-confidence motion passed with 364 votes against Bayrou and 194 in his favour, according to a report French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou speaks during a debate before a confidence vote on the budget issue during an extraordinary session at the National Assembly in Paris, France, on Monday. Reuters French lawmakers on Monday voted to oust Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, triggering a fresh political crisis and leaving the country without a functioning government as it faces mounting economic pressures and global geopolitical tensions. According to a CNN report, the no-confidence motion passed with 364 votes against Bayrou and 194 in his favour. The vote was prompted by Bayrou himself, who sought parliamentary backing for his contentious 44 billion ($51 billion) savings plan. The proposal included eliminating two public holidays and implementing a freeze on government spending, measures that sparked public backlash and fierce opposition in parliament. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bayrou, who has served just nine months in office, will now be forced to resign, added the report. His fall mirrors that of his predecessor, Michel Barnier, who also lost a no-confidence vote in December. Bayrous abrupt no-confidence defeat has now handed President Emmanuel Macron the task of finding a fifth prime minister in less than two years. Bayrou had called the vote in hopes of securing support for a 44 billion ($51.5 billion) deficit-cutting plan aimed at bringing Frances nearly 6% deficit closer to the EUs 3% ceiling. But opposition parties, with an eye on the 2027 presidential election, rejected the unpopular measures, including cuts to public spending and the scrapping of two public holidays. Macron must now choose a successor. He could stick with his centrist bloc, pivot to a moderate socialist, or appoint a technocrat. But none of these options is expected to deliver a parliamentary majority. Finance Minister Eric Lombard warned the reshuffle would likely dilute the deficit plan. The next governments most pressing task will be to pass a budget - the same challenge Bayrou faced when he took office. You have the power to bring down the government, but you do not have the power to erase reality, Reuters quoted Bayrou as telling lawmakers before the confidence vote. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reality will remain relentless: expenses will continue to rise, and the burden of debt, already unbearable, will grow heavier and more costly, he said. Frances very survival is at stake, he said. Frances EU peers will be watching closely. While Macron has so far resisted calls from the far-right National Rally and left-wing France Unbowed to dissolve parliament, a snap election remains a looming possibility. Macron and political figures from centrist and conservative parties deem that a snap election would not solve the crisis and that talks with the Socialists should be pursued, Reuters quoted two sources familiar with Macrons thinking as saying. The Socialists have offered a counter-budget that would impose a tax of at least 2% on personal wealth greater than 100 million euros and generate savings of 22 billion euros - a proposal that would be tough to marry with the pro-business reform agenda of Macrons presidency. Discontent may also start brewing on the streets. A grassroots protest movement called Bloquons Tout (Lets Block Everything) is calling for nationwide disruption on Wednesday. Trade unions are plotting walkouts the week after. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou appears to have been doomed to fall from the beginning. A veteran centrist, he led a minority government with deals with Opposition parties. But now his time appears to have come to an end as he faces a defeat in todays trust vote. French President Emmanuel Macron is seen with Prime Minister Francois Bayrou in a photograph from 2023. (Photo: AFP) Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, a veteran centrist named in December after persuading President Emmanuel Macron he was the right person to restore political stability to France, now risks being ejected from office after just nine months. A keen historian, Bayrou, 74, is only too aware of the risks of abrupt political endings, having written a biography of his hero, the French king Henry IV, who was assassinated in Paris in 1610. But the task he faced was ominous from the start, with Bayrou leading a fractious centre-right coalition that could only muster a minority in parliament. He is the sixth premier of Macrons mandate. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Analysts find it hard to see any scenario where he could win a confidence vote in parliament on Monday in a long-running standoff over the budget. Bayrou and his government are required to resign in case of defeat. All on holiday Stubborn and gaffe-prone, Bayrou has also hastened the crisis by stunning not just the French public but also close political allies earlier this month by calling the confidence vote himself rather than waiting for the opposition to do so. It remains unclear whether Bayrou had hopes of making a deal with the opposition or simply wanted, according to one person close to him who asked not to be named, to die on stage. Former president Nicolas Sarkozy, who has a notoriously tense relationship with Bayrou, called it an act of political suicide. Bayrou wants to write his own legend, added a minister who asked not to be named. Having called the vote Bayrou sometimes did himself no favours, angering many in France by saying the prosperity of the young should not be sacrificed for the sake of the comfort of the boomers. To try to reduce Frances debt, he proposed scrapping two public holidays a move guaranteed to cause anger in a country that treasures time off. Bayrou also irked opponents by saying he had not spoken to them over the summer as they were all on holiday and declaring the only person who was not on holiday was me. Ship with a hole He has repeatedly insisted there is no alternative to France implementing significant cost savings and debt reduction, likening France to a ship that has a hole in its hull and is filling with water every day. Bayrou is one of the few political heavyweights to have stood by Macron since he came to power in 2017. He heads the liberal Democratic Movement (MoDem) party which is allied to, but not part of, Macrons centrist force. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Three times a presidential candidate himself, in 2002, 2007 and 2012, he was long cited as an obvious choice for Macron as head of government, a post he openly coveted. With Macron under pressure to make a choice to replace the ousted Michel Barnier in December 2024, Bayrou in a reportedly fiery meeting at the Elysee strong-armed Macron into naming him ahead of defence minister Sebastien Lecornu. He was eligible for the post after being acquitted in February 2024 after a seven-year-long case over the fraudulent employment of parliamentary assistants by his party, with the judge ruling that he was owed the benefit of the doubt. School scandal Deeply proud of his origins in the southwestern Bearn region of France, Bayrou is a practising Catholic, father of six children but also a staunch supporter of Frances secular system. Perhaps aware that his post as premier would not last long, he has also clung to his other job as mayor of the southwestern city of Pau. He faced acute pressure earlier this year over accusations from the opposition that as education minister between 1993 and 1997 he knew of widespread physical and sexual abuse at the Notre-Dame de Betharram school in southwestern France over many decades. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bayrou however insisted he was only made aware of the scandal through media reports. Several of Bayrous children attended the school, and in April Bayrous eldest daughter accused the clergy running the school of systemic abuse, saying a priest beat her during summer camp when she was 14. But she said that her father did not know about the incident. (This is an agency copy. Except for the headline, the copy has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Hamas released a carefully worded statement in which they said that they are ready to immediately sit at the negotiating table after US President Donald Trump issued his last warning to the Palestinian group Families and supporters of Israelis held hostage by Hamas militants in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attacks, hold placards and national flags during a protest calling for government action to secure their release in Jerusalem on August 17, 2025. Hamas released a carefully worded statement in which they said that they are ready to immediately sit at the negotiating table after US President Donald Trump issued 'his last warning' to the Palestinian group. On Sunday, Trump made it clear that Hamas should accept his latest ceasefire/hostage release offer, describing it as his final warning. In response to this, Hamas issued a statement stating that it is ready to immediately sit at the negotiating table to discuss the release of all prisoners in exchange for a clear declaration to end the war, a total withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and creation of a committee of independent Palestinians to run the Gaza Strip. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hamas welcomes any move that helps the efforts to stop the aggression against our people, the statement says, affirming that it received some ideas from the American side aimed at reaching a ceasefire. The Palestinian militant group made it clear that it is in constant contact with the mediators to turn these ideas into a comprehensive agreement that meets our demands. Trump says Gaza deal will emerge soon While speaking to the reporters before heading back to Washington, DC, from New York, Trump said that there will be a ceasefire deal reached between Israel and Hamas over Gaza very soon. Trump has been reiterating the same claim for a while. I think were going to have a deal on Gaza very soon, Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One. Its a hell of a problem, he said. Its a problem we want to solve for the Middle East, for Israel, for everybody. Its a problem were going to get done. Trump insisted that Hamas is holding hostages , it could be a little bit less than 20 because they tend to die, even though theyre young people largely, they tend to die. It is pertinent to note that of the 48 hostages still held in Gaza, Israeli authorities believe that 26 of them are dead and 20 are still alive. However, the fate of the other two hostages remains uncertain. In the past few weeks, Trump has claimed that fewer than 20 hostages are still alive, alarming their families. Israeli authorities have stated that their assessment remains unchanged. We have, lets say, 20 people and we have 38 bodies, Trump told reporters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He insisted that a deal would ensure that all hostages would be returned, dead or alive: I think were going to get them all," he concluded. Chinas Ambassador to India Xu Feihong called on New Delhi and Beijing to reject protectionism and unite against tariffs and trade wars, in an unveiled dig at Trumps proposed 50 per cent levy on Indian goods. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. Reuters Chinas Ambassador to India Xu Feihong on Monday urged New Delhi and Beijing to come together in the fight against Trumps tariffs, in an indirect warning against President Donald Trumps proposals, while calling on both nations to uphold the multilateral trading system. Together, we should advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, firmly oppose any form of tariff and trade wars, jointly uphold the multilateral trading system, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and contribute to the collective rise of the Global South, Xu said at a seminar in New Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The envoy was speaking at an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Stressing the historical bonds between India and China, Xu said, Today, with profound respect for history, deep remembrance of the fallen heroes, and cherishment of peace, we are holding the seminar on the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. On Trumps proposed 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, Xu sharply criticised Washingtons stance. The United States has long benefited from free trade and is now using tariffs as a weapon to demand exorbitant prices, he said, terming the move unfair and unreasonable. Warning of growing instability worldwide, Xu added, Currently, changes unseen in a century are accelerating, unilateralism and acts of bullying are on the rise, and the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. Humanity once again faces a choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, win-win cooperation and zero-sum game. On India-China relations, Xu emphasised that the two countries should demonstrate a global vision and responsibility as major powers, and make greater contributions to safeguarding world peace, promoting common development, and improving global governance. Marking 75 years of diplomatic ties, he noted that despite twists and turns in the relationship, friendly cooperation has always been the dominant theme between the two neighbours. Top EU delegation heads are set to visit India to expedite the negotiation process of the India-EU FTA as tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump rattle the global economies Two top negotiators of the European Union are heading to India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the EU aim to expedite talks on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) amid the looming tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on India. According to The Indian Express, European Commissioner for Trade, Maros Sefcovic, and Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, will be arriving in Delhi this week to hold negotiations with India. Both the European delegation visited the country in February this year when the College of Commissioners travelled to India. It is pertinent to note that the two commissioners of the EU are equivalent to the Cabinet Ministers. They will be leading a 30-member negotiating team from Brussels and will meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to The Indian Express, the visit is aimed at expediting the negotiations to seal the final deal. The talks between the two parties have gained significant momentum in light of the tariff mayhem unleashed by the US President Donald Trumps administration. The upcoming round of talks is also coming at a time when the EU-US deal has already been announced. EU-US deal opens door for India as well In the trade deal signed between the EU and the US, the former has indicated flexibilities for the US on the contentious Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Hence, officials in the Commerce and Industry Ministry said that Delhi will now push for similar concessions since the EU had earlier taken a rigid approach on CBAM in negotiations with India. While the EU delegation has maintained that the CBAM regulation is not part of the India-EU FTA, negotiations over it are crucial as the Indian industry has begun facing the impact of the regulation that is to come into effect on January 1, 2026. Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a phone call and discussed early conclusion of the India-EU FTA. Sources close to the matter told The Indian Express that the two sides have to negotiate about 26 or 27 chapters in all each of them tackling different issues and themes as part of the trade agreement. Out of these 27 chapters, both sides concluded negotiations on 11 of them. Hence, it will be interesting to see the outcome of the latest visit by the EU delegation. With the India-Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement, Indian companies can feel completely secure investing in Israel and Israeli companies can feel secure investing in India, said Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks during a press conference near the settlement of Maale Adumim, in a land corridor known as E1, outside Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank, on August 14, 2025. (Photo: Menahem Kahana/AFP) Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday said that the India-Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) brings reciprocal trust in investments. Earlier in the day, India and Israel signed the BIA at a ceremony in New Delhi. While Smotrich signed the agreement on behalf of Israel, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman signed it on behalf of India. With the BIA, Indian companies can feel completely secure investing in Israel and Israeli companies can feel secure investing in India with the Bilateral Investment Agreement, Smotrich told ANI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The BIA supports the promotion of reciprocal investments between the parties, ensuring certainty and protection for investors, and will contribute to expanding trade and investment between the two countries, said the Israeli Ministry of Finance after the signing of the agreement. For context, India received around $337.77 million foreign direct investment (FDI) from Israel between 2000 and 2025. The bilateral investment agreement is aimed at increasing both inbound and outbound investments. Smotrich said that the bilateral investment agreement gives a strong tailwind for private companies to come and invest in each others economiesIndian companies can feel completely secure investing in Israel and Israeli companies can feel secure investing in India. He further said that both the governments highly encourage these investments and create an ecosystem that gives security and insurance for these investments in the years ahead. #WATCH | Delhi: On the Israel-India bilateral investment treaty, Israels Minister of Finance, Bezalel Smotrich, says, "The bilateral investment agreement that I signed today with the Indian Minister of Finance gives a strong tailwind for private companies to come and invest in pic.twitter.com/DPMozUDZDD ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025 Smotrich further said that India and Israel have a lot in common, such as contending with lethal attacks by Islamic terrorism. Smotrich went on to say that the two countries share the same values of democracy, freedom of religion, and human dignity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the statement earlier in the day, the Israeli finance ministry said that Smotrich and Sitharaman emphasised the profound economic relations between the two countries, which are based on shared strategic interests, as well as their commitment to advancing economic cooperation in the fields of innovation, infrastructure development, financial regulation, and trade in digital services and it was also agreed to cooperate within the framework of regional development banks. The bilateral investment agreement is being seen as a precursor to the broader trade deal. The two countries have been negotiating a free trade agreement and the finalising it is expected to be the next major target of both the governments. Several countries, including France and Britain, have pledged to recognise a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly later this month. Children search for salvage at the mound of rubble at the site of the collapsed Sussi Tower, which was destroyed earlier by Israeli bombardment, in Gaza City on September 6, 2025. AFP Israels foreign minister branded an international push to recognise Palestinian statehood a mistake on Sunday and warned it could trigger an unspecified unilateral response, after reports that Israel plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank. Several countries, including France and Britain, have pledged to recognise a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly later this month. Israels relations with France have been particularly strained since President Emmanuel Macron announced his countrys plans and co-chaired a conference in July with Saudi Arabia to call for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Britain said it would recognise a Palestinian state if Israel failed to agree to a truce in the Gaza war, triggered by Palestinian group Hamass October 2023 attack. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Sunday that such recognition will destabilise the region and would make it harder to get to the peace. It will push Israel also to have unilateral decisions, Saar said at a joint press conference with his visiting Danish counterpart, Lars Lokke Rasmussen. States like France and the UK that pushed the so-called recognition had made a tremendous mistake, he added. Rasmussen said Denmark does not plan a similar move. We will never recognise a Palestinian state which is ruled by Hamas or any other terrorist organisation, he said. And therefore it comes with a lot of preconditions a disarmed Palestinian state recognising Israel, transparency, democracy That is our position. The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said recognising a Palestinian state would be disastrous. Unilaterally declaring a Palestinian state is a violation of the Oslo Accords that everybody thought would lead to a Palestinian state, he told the BBC in an interview. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD West Bank annexation Saar did not specify what Israels reaction might entail, but his remarks came after the government approved new settlement projects in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967. A major development just east of Jerusalem, known as E1, would nearly bisect the West Bank, and according to Israels far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich bury the idea of a Palestinian state. Smotrich, who himself lives in a settlement, said on Wednesday that Israel should annex parts of the West Bank to take the idea of dividing our tiny land and establishing a terrorist state at its centre off the agenda once and for all. The West Bank is home to around three million Palestinians, as well as about 500,000 Israelis who live in settlements that are illegal under international law. Jordans King Abdullah II affirmed on Sunday Jordans absolute refusal of any Israeli measures to annex the West Bank and displace Palestinians, and of any plans for the future of Gaza that involve displacing its population or separating it from the West Bank, a Jordanian royal court statement said. Israel has annexed east Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, a strategic plateau it captured from Syria, both seized during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Most of the international community does not recognise Israeli sovereignty over these areas. Throughout the Gaza war, the West Bank has been rocked by a surge in violence including settler attacks and Israeli military raids. Israels Supreme Court on Sunday said that the countrys government is not giving enough food required for human subsistence to Palestinian prisoners and demanded that it improve management of prisons immediately. As the war in Gaza continues to escalate, the Supreme Court of Israel has ruled that the countrys government has failed to provide adequate food to Palestinian prisoners, which is required for basic human subsistence. The apex court went on to order authorities to improve their nutrition immediately. The decision, which came on Sunday, was seen as one of the rarest instances when the countrys highest court ruled against the government, which is currently involved in the nearly two-year war. Since the start of the war following the October 7 surprise attack by Hamas, Israel has seized thousands of people in Gaza whom it suspects of having links to the Palestinian militant group. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thousands have been released without charges; however, they had to face months of gruesome detention. In light of this, numerous human rights groups have documented widespread abuse in prisons and detention facilities, including insufficient food and health care, as well as poor sanitary conditions. How Ben Gvir reduced conditions in prison In March this year, a 17-year-old Palestinian boy died at an Israeli prison, and doctors said starvation was likely the main cause of death. It is pertinent to note that the Israeli Supreme Courts Sunday ruling came in response to a petition filed by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) and the Israeli rights group Gisha. In the complaint filed last year, the group alleged that a change in the food policy enacted after the war in Gaza began has caused prisoners to suffer malnutrition and starvation. Last year, Israels National Security Minister, who oversees the countrys prison system, Itamar Ben-Gvir , boasted that he had reduced the conditions of security prisoners to what he described as the bare minimum required by Israeli law. In the Sunday verdict, a panel of three justices ruled unanimously that the state is legally obliged to provide prisoners with enough food to ensure a basic level of existence. In the 2-1 ruling, the justices said they found indications that the current food supply to prisoners does not sufficiently guarantee compliance with the legal standard. They noted that they had found real doubts that prisoners were eating properly, and ordered the prison service to take steps to ensure the supply of food that allows for basic subsistence conditions in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, Gvir, who leads a small ultranationalist party in Israel , lashed out at the ruling, arguing that Israeli hostages in Gaza have no one to help them, Israels supreme court, to our disgrace, is defending Hamas militants. He insisted that the policy of providing prisoners with the most minimal conditions stipulated by the law would continue unchanged. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ACRI, on the other hand, called for the verdict to be implemented immediately. In a post on X, the group said the prison service has turned Israeli prisons into torture camps. A state does not starve people, it said. People do not starve people no matter what they have done. With inputs from the Associated Press. The centre-left Fuerza Patria coalition won decisively casting doubt on Mileis political momentum and reform agenda ahead of Octobers midterm elections Argentinas libertarian President Javier Milei suffered a significant political blow as his party, La Libertad Avanza, was decisively defeated in Buenos Aires province. The election, widely viewed as a litmus test for the Milei government ahead of national midterm polls next month, saw the centre-left Fuerza Patria coalition secure a commanding victory with over 46 per cent of the vote, compared to nearly 34 per cent for Mileis party. The result casts doubt over the presidents political momentum and raises questions about the viability of his reform agenda. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Buenos Aires: A crucial battleground Buenos Aires province, home to nearly 40 per cent of Argentinas electorate, has historically been a Peronist stronghold, but pre-election expectations had suggested a tighter race. Analysts and market watchers had predicted either a narrow government loss or a close contest, which would have allowed Milei to build momentum ahead of the October 26 midterm elections. Instead, the wider-than-expected margin in favour of Fuerza Patria surprised observers and analysts alike. Buenos Aires province is traditionally very Peronist, but this margin is even worse than expected, noted Alberto Ades, head of research at hedge fund NWI Management, highlighting potential negative reactions in the financial markets, according to Financial Times. Political and fiscal challenges Milei, who took office in 2023, has pursued an ambitious libertarian agenda focused on austerity measures and significant budget cuts. However, he has faced mounting obstacles in implementing his fiscal reforms. Last week, Congress overrode one of his vetoes for the first time in his tenure, signaling resistance from opposition legislators who have also introduced new spending bills. The election defeat in Buenos Aires further undermines Mileis ability to expand his small congressional base, which he had hoped to strengthen through the midterm polls. Corruption scandal clouds presidency Compounding Mileis political woes is a corruption scandal involving leaked recordings of a former official and allegations of kickbacks tied to his sister Karina. The controversy has dominated headlines in recent weeks and contributed to a decline in the presidents approval rating, which has fallen below 40 per cent. Analysts suggest that the scandal, coupled with public scepticism toward his economic reforms, played a decisive role in his partys electoral underperformance. Implications for midterm elections The Buenos Aires result delivers a sobering message for Milei and his allies as Argentina approaches midterm elections. With public support waning and political and financial challenges mounting, the president faces an uphill battle in advancing his policy agenda and consolidating power. Observers now view the October polls as a critical juncture for determining whether Milei can regain momentum or if his reform ambitions will be stalled by political resistance and public disillusionment. Two terrorists and two soldiers were killed in a gunfight in Kulgam district of south Kashmir on Monday, with another soldier injured, officials said. The encounter took place in Guddar forest during a joint operation by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF. Two terrorists and two soldiers were killed in an encounter in Kulgam district of south Kashmir on Monday (Sept 8), officials said, with another soldier injured in the clash. The gunfight occurred in the Guddar forest during a joint operation by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF, codenamed Operation Guddar, launched based on specific intelligence inputs. Three Army personnel were injured in the exchange, with two later succumbing to their injuries in hospital. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Security forces said the search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists opened fire on their positions. Based on specific intelligence input by JKP, a joint search operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice & @crpf_srinagar in Guddar forest of #Kulgam, the Armys Chinar Corps posted on X. It added that troops spotted suspicious activity and, when challenged, the terrorists fired back, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist has been eliminated and a junior commissioned officer suffered injuries. Initial reports indicated that one of the killed terrorists was a local, while the other is believed to be a foreign militant with the code name Rehman Bhai. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told residents of Gaza City on Monday to evacuate, as the military ramped up its deadly assault on the Palestinian territorys largest urban centre Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday urged residents of Gaza City to evacuate immediately, as the Israeli military escalated its offensive on the densely populated urban centre. The warning came as Israeli forces continued heavy bombardments in preparation for a full-scale ground operation to take control of the city despite mounting calls from Western governments and humanitarian agencies to halt the campaign. According to an AFP report, citing Gazas civil defence agency, at least 39 people were killed in Israeli strikes across the territory on Monday, including 25 in Gaza City alone. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Netanyahus message followed one of the deadliest incidents in Jerusalem since the war began, when two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop, killing six people. The attackers were shot dead at the scene by a security officer and an armed civilian, police said. Following the attack, Netanyahu said: Let it be clear: these murders strengthen our determination to fight terrorism. Israels defence minister, Israel Katz, had told Hamas earlier on Monday to lay down its arms or face annihilation. This is a final warning to the Hamas murderers and rapists in Gaza and in luxury hotels abroad: Release the hostages and put down your weapons - or Gaza will be destroyed and you will be annihilated, he said on X. On Monday, Israeli forces targeted a fourth high-rise building in Gaza City in as many days, with AFP footage showing the Al-Ruya tower crashing to the ground moments after being struck. Israel said Hamas had used the tower for intelligence gathering and planted explosives in it. It had earlier warned residents and those nearby to evacuate. In two days we brought down 50 terror towers, and this is only the opening stage of the intensified ground manoeuvre in Gaza City. I say to the residents: you have been warned, leave now! AFP quoted Netanyahu as saying in a video statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD All of this is just a prelude, just the opening, to the main intensified operation - the ground manoeuvre of our forces, who are now organising and assembling to enter Gaza City, he added. Israel has faced mounting international pressure to halt its campaign in Gaza, with United Nations rights chief Volker Turk saying Monday he was horrified by the open use of genocidal rhetoric by senior Israeli officials. Ready to negotiate Trump said Sunday that the Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning. Hamas said shortly after that it was ready to immediately sit at the negotiating table following what it described as some ideas from the American side aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement. Hamas said it wanted a clear declaration of the end of the war, a full withdrawal (of Israeli forces) from the Gaza Strip, and the formation of a committee of independent Palestinians to manage the Gaza Strip, which would begin its duties immediately. US news outlet Axios reported that White House envoy Steve Witkoff sent a new proposal for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal to Hamas last week. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The White House has not released any details about the proposal, but Trump said youll be hearing about it pretty soon. Hamas agreed last month to a ceasefire proposal that involved a 60-day truce and staggered hostage releases. Israel, however, has demanded the militant group release all the hostages at once, disarm and relinquish control of Gaza, among other conditions. The Israeli military says 47 hostages remain in Gaza, including 25 believed to be dead. Hamass October 7, 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. Israels retaliatory offensive has killed at least 64,522 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza that the United Nations considers reliable. With inputs from agencies At least 19 persons have been killed and over 340 injured in Nepal as the police cracked down on youth protesting against governments corruption and ban on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Of the dead, 17 were killed in Kathmandu alone. Demonstrators carry an injured victim during a protest outside the Parliament in Kathmandu on September 8, 2025, held to condemn the government over social media prohibitions and corruption. (Photo: Prabin Ranabhat/AFP) At least 19 persons have been killed in Nepal and more than 340 injured as police opened fire at youth protesting against governments corruption and ban on social media. Days after Nepal banned 26 social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, several thousands of youngsters on Monday took to streets in several cities, including the capital Kathmandu, and their protests turned bloody as the police cracked down with tear gas, water cannon, and gunfire. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Of the 19 dead, 17 were killed in Kathmandu and two were killed in the Sunsari district in eastern Nepals Koshi province, according to The Kathmandu Post. At least 347 people have been injured across the country, with more than 250 in Kathmandu alone. The toll is expected to rise as details about the dead and injured come to light. In Kathmandu, The Post reported that eight people died at the National Trauma Centre, three at Everest Hospital, three at Civil Hospital, two at Kathmandu Medical College (KMC), and one at Tribhuvan Teaching Hospital. The newspaper reported that the police shot dead two people in Itahari area of Sunsari district. Across the country, at least 347 injured protesters have been admitted to hospitals, with dozens of them in critical condition, according to The Post. The Civil Hospital is treating 100, Trauma Centre 59, Everest 102, KMC 37, Bir Hospital six, Patan Hospital four, Tribhuvan Teaching 18, Norvic three, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences two, Gandaki Medical College one, Birat Medical College four, and Damak Hospital seven, as per The Post. Everest Hospitals Anil Adhikari told The Post four patients were serious condition and Dr Dipendra Pandey at Trauma Centre said 10 were critical. They said protesters were hit with bullet wounds in the head and chest. Other than Kathmandu and Sunsari, protests were held in Pokhara in western Nepal, Hetauda in central Nepal, Biratnagar in eastern Koshi province, Janakpur in eastern Madhesh province along the border with India, and Nepalgunj in southern Lumbini province, as per The Post. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Youth lead charge against Nepali govt Several thousands of Nepali youngsters took to streets in Kathmandu on Monday in protest against Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis government. They carried placards with slogans such as Shut down corruption and not social media, Unban social media, and Youths against corruption, as per Reuters. As thousands of protestors, many of them in school or college uniforms, marched towards the parliament, the police set up barricades to stop them. However, as protesters breached the restricted zone and entered the parliament premises, the police responded with water cannon, tear gas, and live ammunition, according to The Post. #WATCH | Nepal | Protestors vandalise the Parliament gate as the protest turned violent in Kathmandu, as people staged a massive protest against the ban on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media sites, leading to clashes between police and protesters pic.twitter.com/dkh9Mg7BGc ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025 The authorities have imposed a curfew in Kathmandu amid protests. We have imposed a curfew which will remain in force until 10 p.m. local time (1615 GMT) to bring the situation under control after protesters began to turn violent, Muktiram Rijal, a spokesperson for the Kathmandu district office, told Reuters. Social media ban brings mass anger to fore The immediate trigger of youth-led protests, being dubbed the Gen Z protest, is the governments move to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, for not complying with the governments policy. The AFP has reported that many such platforms have not been accessible in the country since Friday and have affected millions of users who rely on these platforms to run businesses, read news, and stay connected with friends and family. However, the ban merely brought publics anger against the government and politicians to the fore that had been there for a long time. We were triggered by the social media ban but that is not the only reason we are gathered here. We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal, Yujan Rajbhandari, a 24-year-old student, told AFP. Another student, Ikshama Tumrok, 20, said she was protesting against the authoritarian attitude of the government. We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation, Tumrok told AFP. Nepal has long had political instability where weak governments have ruled the country since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. No government has completed its five-year term as coalitions often fail to hold and infighting leads to the collapse of the government. The public perception that the corruption is rampant has increased over the years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There have been movements abroad against corruption and they (the government) are afraid that might happen here as well, protester Bhumika Bharati told AFP. Nepals Home Minister Ramesh Lal Lekhak has resigned, taking moral responsibility for the deaths during violent protests in Kathmandu that left at least 19 people dead and over 250 injured. Authorities have now imposed a day-long curfew in parts of the capital and the army has been deployed. However, protests are said to have spread to other parts of the country. Reuters Nepals Home Minister Ramesh Lal Lekhak has resigned, taking moral responsibility for the deaths during violent protests in Kathmandu. He informed party leaders of his decision during a meeting at President Sher Bahadur Deubas residence on Monday evening. Home Minister Lekhak submitted his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli during a Cabinet meeting at the Prime Ministers residence in Baluwatar, citing moral responsibility for the violence . There was a huge loss of human lives in todays protest. I have to take moral responsibility for that, and I will not sit in the post on moral grounds, Lekhak told OnlineKhabar. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The protests erupted after the government banned major social media platforms, including Facebook, X and YouTube, over state registration rules. Tens of thousands of demonstrators demanded an end to the social media restrictions and an end to the countrys widespread corruption. The unrest turned deadly, with at least 19 protesters killed and more than 250 injured. Police used water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets, while demonstrators clashed with security forces, set motorcycles on fire, and stormed barricades near the parliament. Some protesters even climbed the walls of restricted areas, escalating tensions. Ranjana Nepal, an information officer at the nearby Civil Hospital, said the emergency ward was overwhelmed with injured protesters. In response, the district administration imposed curfews around key areas, including the parliament, the presidents residence, and Singha Durbar, the prime ministers office. Norwegians voted in a closely watched election where US President Donald Trumps tariffs and the war in Ukraine have become key factors for Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stores Labour government. Members of Norway's Labour Party (Arbeiderpartiet) campaign at a stand in Oslo on September 1, 2021, ahead of the parliamentary elections. Norwegians go to the polls on September 13, 2021 for the legislative elections. (Photo by Petter BERNTSEN / AFP) Norwegians is voting for the polls on Monday (Sept 8) in an election where US President Donald Trumps tariffs and the war in Ukraine are emerging as a kry factor to the Labour government of Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. Store, a veteran Labour leader, holds a slight edge in opinion polls. Analysts say global uncertainty could push voters toward the stability of the sitting administration. Still, much of the campaign has focused on bread-and-butter issues rising living costs, healthcare, inequality, education, and debate over abolishing a divisive wealth tax. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With Norways fragmented political landscape, the result will hinge on which of the nine main parties cross the four percent threshold for seats in parliament. According to poll aggregator pollofpolls.no, Labour and its allies are projected to win 88 of the 169 seats in the Storting. Voting opened at 9 am (0700 GMT), with first projections due after polls close at 9 pm. A record 1.9 million Norwegians, nearly half the electorate, cast ballots early. Stability is really important. The security situation in the world is quite unstable, its quite an unstable world, pensioner Olav Hetland told AFP. Political scientist Johannes Bergh said Stores long experience in foreign affairs could play to his advantage: The fact that Donald Trump was elected president in the United States, the talk about tariffs, and international trade is much more uncertain, theres a war in Ukraine all of those international issues make voters rally around the sitting government. Left bloc divisions Store leads a single-party minority government but gained ground earlier this year after ending an unpopular coalition with the Centre Party and bringing back popular ex-NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg. To secure a majority, Store will likely need support from four other left-leaning parties. Yet the bloc is split over oil drilling Labour wants to continue, while the Greens push to phase it out. They also clash on ties with the European Union. Labour and the Greens support eventual EU membership, while the Centre and far-left oppose it, reflecting wider public skepticism. The far left also wants Norways giant sovereign wealth fund to divest from Israel, a move Labour rejects. Julie Myrene, 32, who works in customer support, said her vote was shaped by tax cuts: Because a lot of wealthy Norwegians have moved out. The right-wing bloc faces its own challenges. Former prime minister Erna Solbergs Conservatives have slipped behind the anti-immigration Progress Party in polls. Solberg is now in a close fight with Progress leader Sylvi Listhaug to lead the bloc if it wins. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The bloc also includes two smaller centre-right parties, but they clash with Progress on climate policy, immigration, and EU ties. Norway, a NATO member that shares a border with Russia, relies heavily on exports, making the outcome of this election significant both at home and abroad. The Trump administration made its B1/B2 visa rules more stringent as they announced that those seeking the visa will not be allowed to book interviews abroad, making Indians wait as long as 9 months for visas As US President Donald Trump continues with his crackdown on immigration, new changes in the visa process suggest applicants for US non-immigrant visas (NIV) will now need to schedule their interview appointments in their country of citizenship or legal residence. This means that Indians requiring travel to the US on short notice will not be able to book a quick B1 (business)/B2 (tourist) appointment date abroad. However, the new change has a few exceptions for places where the US is not conducting routine NIV operations. In the past, travellers used to schedule an interview abroad, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the wait times back home were as long as three years due to a massive backlog of applications. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD NIVs are issued for tourism, business, to students, temporary workers, and those engaged to marry US citizens. This marked the latest series of changes introduced by the Trump administration as it closes its borders to immigrants. The long wait time The US State Department issued a statment on the matter on Saturday, stating that the new visa regulations will be applied worldwide. Effective immediately, the Department of State has updated instructions for non-immigrant visa applicants (they) should schedule visa interview appointments at the US embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence, the statement read. It is pertinent to note that the wait time for a B1/B2 interview in India as of now is three and a half months in Hyderabad and Mumbai; four and a half months in Delhi, The Times of India reported. It is five months in Kolkata and goes as far as nine months in Chennai. While speaking to The Times of India, travel agents recalled how Indias used to travel to other countries like Germany for a B1/B2 visa interviews from 2021, when travel resumed post-pandemic. In light of this, two years ago, the US consulate in Frankfurt had set aside NIV interview appointments specifically for Indian applicants as the interview wait period for B1/B2 visas in India at that time was 15-20 months. Indians would travel to Bangkok, Singapore and even Frankfurt for B1/B2 interviews. They would stay there for a week to 10 days, get their passport back from the US consulates there and return to India. We have seen H-1B applicants go to places such as Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) as well as Chiang Mai (Thailand), a travel agent who asked to remain anonymous told TOI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Soon after coming back to the Oval Office, Trump has been tightening visa rules . With this, all non-immigrant visa applicants - including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79 - will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer, barring a few exceptions, the US State dept said in a statement. One of the exceptions includes applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa within 12 months of the prior visas expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visas issuance. India and Israel have signed a bilateral investment agreement. The negotiations are also ongoing between the two countries for a free trade agreement. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sign the India-Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement on Monday, September 08, 2025, in New Delhi, India. (Photo: X/Ministry of Finance) India and Israel on Monday signed a bilateral investment agreement (BIA). Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich signed the agreement at a ceremony in New Delhi. The Government of India and Government of the State of Israel sign Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIT) in New Delhi, today. Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt N Sitharaman and Finance Minister of Israel HE Mr Bezalel Smotrich sign the BIT, said the Ministry of Finance in a statement on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The new agreement supports the promotion of reciprocal investments between the parties, ensuring certainty and protection for investors, and will contribute to expanding trade and investment between the two countries, said the Israeli Ministry of Finance in a statement. The Government of India and Government of the State of Israel sign Bilateral Investment Agreement #BIT in New Delhi, today Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman and Finance Minister of Israel H.E. Mr. Bezalel Smotrich sign the #BIT pic.twitter.com/uzKQplWj6H Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) September 8, 2025 India and Israel are also negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA). Now that the bilateral investment agreement has been signed, the FTA is expected to be the next major target to achieve. Between 2000 and 2025, India received around $337.77 million foreign direct investment (FDI) from Israel and the bilateral investment agreement is considered improvement in increasing both inbound and outbound investments. Israel is the first OECD member state to sign an agreement under Indias new investment treaty model. The agreement follows intensive work over recent months between the Chief Economists teams at Israels Ministry of Finance and their counterparts in Indias Ministry of Finance, the Israeli statement said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In their meeting, Smotrich and Sitharaman emphasised the profound economic relations between the two countries, which are based on shared strategic interests, as well as their commitment to advancing economic cooperation in the fields of innovation, infrastructure development, financial regulation, and trade in digital services and it was also agreed to cooperate within the framework of regional development banks, the statement further said. India and Israel have also agreed to jointly examine the establishment of a bilateral financial protocol between the governments, which would provide improved financing conditions for Israeli exporters, the statement read. Access to social media and messaging platforms was restricted in Turkey late Sunday, coinciding with opposition-led rallies in Istanbul, internet watchdog Netblocks said. eople shout slogans next to anti riot police officers during a protest after Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested and sent to prison, in Istanbul, Turkey, Monday, March 24, 2025. Image- AP Access to major online platforms including X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and WhatsApp has been restricted across several networks in Turkey, global internet monitor Netblocks said on Monday. The curbs coincided with calls by the main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) for rallies in Istanbul, after police erected barricades around its provincial headquarters. According to Turkeys Freedom of Expression Association, internet access issues began at 2045 GMT on Sunday, with bandwidth throttled for multiple platforms. The group monitors local censorship online. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Turkeys Access Providers Union, which enforces blocking orders, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The CHP, facing a months-long legal crackdown targeting hundreds of its members, described the police barricades as a siege. Among those charged is Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, President Tayyip Erdogans chief political rival, whose arrest in March sparked the countrys largest protests in a decade. The latest action against the party came last week, when a court ordered the removal of its Istanbul provincial head over alleged irregularities in a 2023 congress. Speaking at a CHP event in Istanbul, party chairman Ozgur Ozel urged unity against the measures: From here, I invite all democrats and CHP members whom my words and voice reach to, to protect the home of Ataturk in Istanbul, he said, referring to modern Turkeys founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Spain on Monday banned ships and aircraft carrying weapons to Israel from calling at Spanish ports or entering its airspace due to Israels military offensive in Gaza, measures the Israeli foreign minister denounced as antisemitic Spain on Monday banned ships and aircraft carrying weapons to Israel from calling at Spanish ports or entering its airspace due to Israels military offensive in Gaza, measures the Israeli foreign minister denounced as antisemitic. Spain, which recognised a Palestinian state in May 2024 and has been a vocal critic of Israels actions in the Gaza Strip, responded to Gideon Saars comments by summoning its ambassador in Tel Aviv back for consultations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On top of the ban on ships and aircraft delivering weapons or military-grade jet fuel to Israel, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchezs government said it would not allow anyone who has participated directly in genocide in Gaza to enter Spain. Israel has strongly denied that its actions in Gaza amount to genocide, and it is fighting a case at the International Court of Justice in the Hague that accuses it of genocide. Israel launched its assault on the Gaza Strip in October, 2023, after fighters from Hamas, the Palestinian militant group in control of the territory, attacked Israeli communities, killing 1,200 people and capturing more than 250 hostages. Saar accused Sanchez of using the measures in an attempt to divert attention from domestic corruption scandals, and announced an entry ban on Sanchezs deputy, Yolanda Diaz, and Youth Minister Sira Rego. Both belong to hard-left party Sumar, the junior partner in Sanchezs coalition government. Spains Foreign Ministry said Israels entry ban was unacceptable, adding that Sanchezs measures were in line with public sentiment in Spain and reflected Madrids support for peace, human rights and international law. It said Spain was committed to fighting antisemitism, pointing to the granting of Spanish citizenship to 72,000 Sephardic Jews - descendants of those expelled from the Iberian Peninsula in the 15th century. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a separate statement, the ministry said Spain strongly condemned Mondays terrorist act in East Jerusalem, in which Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop, killing six people, including a Spanish national living in Israel. US President Donald Trump said that he is ready to commence the second phase of sanctioning Russia after Moscow conducted its largest air attack on Ukraine. US President Donald Trump said that he is ready to commence the second phase of sanctioning Russia after Moscow conducted its largest air attack on Ukraine. The remarks from Trump can be seen as a threat against Russia or its oil buyers in frustration over the war in Ukraine. While Trump has often threatened sanctions on Moscow, he has withheld making such moves in a bid to pursue talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The remarks from Trump on Sunday reflect his frustration over his inability to organise a trilateral talks between him, Trump, Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, despite Trumps warning, he fell short of saying he was committed to such a decision or what such a second phase might entail. Asked by a reporter at the White House if he is ready to move to the second stage of sanctions against Russia, Trump responded, Yeah, I am. US rattled by attack on Ukraine On Sunday, the United States Special Envoy to Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said that Moscows latest strike on Kyiv did not signal that the former wants to diplomatically end its war in Ukraine. Russia appears to be escalating with the largest attack of the war, hitting offices of the UKR Cabinet in Kyiv, Kellogg wrote on X, adding, The attack was not a signal that Russia wants to diplomatically end this war. The strike, which occurred on Sunday, is being described as Russias largest air attack since the conflict started in 2022. Meanwhile, Trump has tried to find numerous ways to end the war in recent weeks. However, all those efforts led to little to no outcome. Russia has continued to claim territory in costly grinding battles and maintained that it now occupies around 20 per cent of Ukraine. Ukraines efforts to improve ties with India have hit a snag after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy backed Donald Trumps call for steep tariffs on countries doing business with Russia, a move that could directly affect New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting, at Mariinskyi Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine in August 2024. File image/PTI Ukraines bid to reset ties with India has hit a setback after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy endorsed Donald Trumps plan to impose steep tariffs on countries trading with Russia, a move that could directly affect New Delhi after the Potus announced 50 per cent duties. The remarks also revive scrutiny of Kyivs longstanding military ties with Pakistan. Zelenskyy backs Trumps tariff push Speaking to ABC News, Zelenskyy called tariffs on nations helping Moscow the right idea, arguing that buying Russian energy or striking trade deals only prolongs the war. When asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modis photos with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping at the SCO summit, images Trump said showed leaders going to the dark side Zelenskyy maintained that penalties on such countries were justified. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India and China in focus Zelenskyys comments came soon after Modis SCO visit, where he was seen sharing light moments with Putin and Xi. Modi and Putin also held a 45-minute discussion while travelling together to the venue for their bilateral talks. India and China remain among Russias biggest buyers of oil and gas, providing Moscow with an estimated $985 billion in revenue since the war began, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Frosty past with New Delhi India-Ukraine relations have long been fraught. Kyiv voted in favour of UN sanctions against New Delhi after the 1998 nuclear tests and later supported international intervention on Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Adding to tensions, Ukraine has supplied Pakistan with military hardware worth around $1.6 billion, including 320 T-80 tanks, despite Indias concerns about Islamabads role in terrorism and its presence on the FATF grey list. Turn the page Earlier this year, Ukraines First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova urged India to turn the page on past differences and even suggested inviting Zelenskyy to the G20 summit. She promoted Kyivs Peace Formula and Grain from Ukraine initiatives during meetings with Indian officials. Her visit, however, drew a mixed response. While she was given speaking platforms at government-funded think tanks, she did not secure meetings with Indias top leadership, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval. Kyivs public defense of Trumps tariff plan, coupled with its history of arming Pakistan, now complicates its attempt to build a fresh chapter with India exposing contradictions in Ukraines diplomatic messaging. CENTCOM Provides Life-Saving Assistance Following Flooding in Pakistan U.S. Central Command Press Release | Sept. 6, 2025 USCENTCOM September 6, 2025 Release Number 20250906-01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TAMPA, Fla. -- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) provided urgent, life-saving assistance to Pakistan on September 5, 2025, to deliver essential relief to civilians impacted by the recent catastrophic flooding. The joint operation, conducted in coordination with the U.S. Chief of Mission and at the request of Pakistan, included the delivery of urgent supplies and equipment on U.S. Air Force aircraft, supported by U.S. Army Soldiers. The effort directly supports the Pakistani military's ongoing flood operations. Four C-17 aircraft departed Ali Al Salem Air Base carrying the initial shipment of life-saving materials, arriving at Nur Khan Air Base in Pakistan before onward distribution to the areas most severely affected by the floods. "Our close coordination and seamless interoperability have been instrumental in rapidly delivering vital assistance," said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. "This mission reflects the enduring friendship and shared resolve between our two militaries." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan condemns the Israeli occupying power's statements regarding the forced displacement of Palestinians Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan strongly condemns recent statements by the Israeli occupying power, expressing its intention to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land. Such actions are a clear violation of international law and a deliberate attempt to sabotage efforts for achieving peace and stability in the region. Forced displacement and continued expansion of illegal settlements reflect Israel's disregard for international human rights and humanitarian law. We call upon the international community to play its role in addressing the humanitarian plight of the civilians and to hold Israel accountable. Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their just struggle for self-determination and for a sovereign, independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Islamabad 6 September 2025 268/2025 268/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Explainer: Why is a Gaza ceasefire deal so hard to reach? People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 11:31, September 06, 2025 CAIRO, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Two weeks after Hamas accepted a peace proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, Israel has yet to issue a formal response. Instead, it has focused on bolstering its forces around Gaza City in preparation for an expanded offensive to seize the enclave's largest urban center. Why has the ceasefire proposal -- repeatedly revised and at times seemingly accepted by Israel in earlier rounds of negotiations -- stalled once again, even as the immense suffering of both Palestinians and Israeli hostages grows and international calls for peace continue to mount? GAPS TOO WIDE The latest proposal was nearly identical to a previous one agreed by Israel, according to the Qatari mediators. It called for a 60-day ceasefire and prisoner exchange, under which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and 18 bodies, in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. During this fragile pause, negotiations toward a lasting truce were meant to proceed. Hamas accepted this formula, a notable concession from its earlier stance that all negotiations must lead to a permanent end to the conflict. But Israel moved in the opposite direction, shifting its stance to endorse a "comprehensive deal," one that would secure the release of all remaining hostages and dismantle Hamas entirely. Israel's demand marks a sharp departure from its previous position that it has been upholding over the first year of the conflict, which favored a temporary ceasefire to secure the release of some of its hostages, while maintaining the ability to resume the fighting. During the previous two ceasefires in late 2023 and early 2025, over 100 hostages were released. Critics argue that the shift of stance could be a deliberate strategy to prolong the conflict, as a comprehensive deal is a much more complicated one to achieve, if achievable at all. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call for a resumption of talks might be a "buying time" tactic, using the discussions as a distraction while Israeli troops advance toward seizing the entire enclave, The National, an Abu Dhabi-based newspaper, quoted sources as saying. Elusive as a short-term pause could be, a permanent truce is even further out of reach. Netanyahu has repeatedly outlined war-end conditions rejected by Hamas: Hamas must disarm, relinquish its 18-year rule over Gaza, and cede security control to Israel. Hamas, while signaling willingness to step aside from governing Gaza, never agrees to demilitarize, viewing such demands as tantamount to surrender. In early August, the group said in a statement that it would not disarm unless a Palestinian state was established, a term also categorically rejected by Israel. PERPETUAL POLITICS-MOTIVATED WAR In an apparent move to escalate the offensive and further stray from negotiations, Israel has summoned about 40,000 reservists, the largest single call-up since the war began nearly two years ago, as part of its plan to capture Gaza's largest city -- a move approved by Netanyahu's cabinet despite international warnings. Addressing soldiers in a video statement on Tuesday, Netanyahu said that the military had advanced "toward a sweeping victory." Behind Israel's hardened stance is the political pressure from its right-wing parties in Netanyahu's coalition, which advocate for Hamas's complete dismantlement and permanent control over Gaza. Netanyahu's political survival hinges on this fragile coalition. A ceasefire perceived as a compromise could prompt far-right ministers to collapse the government, a risk he has been trying hard to avoid. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party quit the government in January to protest a previous ceasefire deal, only returning in March with the resumption of hostilities. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich kept his Religious Zionism party in the coalition for the ceasefire but has repeatedly threatened to leave if Israel ends the war without defeating Hamas. Having been facing corruption charges since 2020, Netanyahu would lose the power to influence judicial appointments and legal proceedings if out of office. In 2023, before the Gaza conflict erupted, his government had attempted controversial judicial reforms widely seen as aimed at weakening the judiciary. The move sparked mass protests across Israel until the sudden Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023 diverted public attention. On the timing of Israel's military moves alongside lingering ceasefire talks, analyst Adel Abdel Ghafar told Al-Jazeera the Israeli government wants to keep discussions going, "because it also has a domestic constituency that wants the hostages released." "But the right-wing of the government wants to also forge ahead with this takeover of Gaza, not just Gaza City." SELF-INTERESTED HEGEMON Under mounting domestic and international pressure, multiple European countries that once firmly backed Israel are now shifting their positions, calling for an end to the war and blockade in Gaza. Several have even signaled readiness to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. Yet, despite this growing international consensus, the United States, with unparalleled influence over Israel, remains steadfast in its support. "We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!" wrote U.S. President Donald Trump on social media in August, reiterating support for Israel's hardline stance. Observers argue that since the outbreak of the latest Gaza conflict, Washington has consistently shielded and supported Israel, supplying it with military aid and political cover that have left the Israeli government undeterred. The United States spent 17.9 billion U.S. dollars in military aid to Israel from October 2023 to October 2024, according to the Costs of War Project at Brown University. In late February, the Trump administration also approved an additional arms sale worth nearly 3 billion dollars. On the diplomatic front, Washington has repeatedly vetoed UN Security Council resolutions demanding a ceasefire and imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court judges and UN special rapporteurs seeking to hold Israel accountable for alleged war crimes. Analysts point out that Washington's unwavering support stems not only from the deep interconnection of political and business interests between the two countries and from Israel's powerful lobbying presence in the United States, but also from shared strategic objectives. The U.S.-Israel alliance, rooted in realpolitik, is widely seen as a key obstacle to resolving the Palestinian question. "The ultimate goal is to systematically embed Israel into the regional framework -- not merely as a participant, but as a dominant actor capable of steering the region's future in alignment with its own interests. All of this is to unfold within the broader architecture of continued American hegemony over the Middle East," said Mohamed El-Dewery, deputy general manager of the Egyptian Center for Strategic Studies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement of the Executive Secretary Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs MANILA 06 September 2025 The Cabinet strongly objects to the recent spins coming from certain members of the House of Representatives who are thereby attempting to shift the blame for their own corruption and failures onto the Executive Branch. The Members of the Cabinet will not tolerate any attack on the integrity and reputation of the Executive Branch, and any effort to hold the budget process hostage by political theatrics. All our investigations into the anomalies will be inutile if the sources of corruption remain unchecked. Hence, we urge the House of Representatives to heed the demand of the people for full accountability: CLEAN YOUR HOUSE FIRST! END NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Prime Minister Radosaw Sikorski visits Washington Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland 06.09.2025 Poland's efforts to join the G20, presence of US troops in Poland, and security guarantees for Ukraine were the main topics discussed by the head of Polish diplomacy with the representatives of US authorities during meetings held in the US capital on 4-6 September. Deputy Prime Minister Radosaw Sikorski met with, among others, Chairman of House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Congressman Brian Mast, Chairman of House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Congressman Rick Crawford, Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, and Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett. The talks focused on security in Europe and the world, in particular in the context of the situation in Ukraine. The meetings also covered the presence of US troops in Poland, the possibility of Poland joining the G20, and potential security guarantees for Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski stated that it is necessary to establish a formula for a lasting peace and that a ceasefire is only possible on terms accepted and observed by both parties to the conflict. The officials also discussed the issue of using frozen Russian assets by the Western countries and the need to strengthen effective sanctions against Russia. All interlocutors stressed the benefits stemming from the transatlantic cooperation, Polish-US relations being part of it. Apart from meetings with the representatives of US authorities, Minister Radosaw Sikorski also talked with experts from leading think tanks, including the Center for American Progress, the Institute for the Study on War, the America First Policy Institute, the Atlantic Council, the American Enterprise Institute, and the German Marshall Fund. After visiting Washington, Deputy Prime Minister Sikorski went to New York. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN rights chief condemns sanctions on Palestinian NGOs helping ICC probe into Israel Iran Press TV Saturday, 06 September 2025 6:52 PM United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk has rejected the latest United States sanctions on three prominent Palestinian rights groups for their role in supporting the International Criminal Court's (ICC) efforts to prosecute Israeli leaders as "completely unacceptable," calling for them to be withdrawn. "For decades now, these NGOs have been performing vital human rights work, particularly on accountability for human rights violations," that is "all the more important when international humanitarian and human rights laws are being violated systematically in Gaza and the West Bank," including East al-Quds, he said on Friday. Turk urged the US to immediately withdraw its sanctions "as well as the ones imposed earlier on the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, and on multiple Judges and Prosecutors of the ICC." He added that the sanctions will have a "chilling effect" not only on civil society in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, but potentially worldwide. On Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio imposed sanctions on al-Haq, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, which included freezing their assets and prohibiting American citizens from conducting financial transactions with them. "These entities have directly engaged in efforts by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute Israeli nationals, without Israel's consent," Rubio said in a statement. The move comes as part of a broader campaign by the administration of US President Donald Trump to penalize those who criticize the occupying Tel Aviv regime both domestically and internationally. It marks the most recent in Washington's attempts to undermine the ICC, which has pursued arrest warrants for Israeli officials in connection with war crimes in Gaza. Last month, Rubio stated that the Trump administration was adding two judges and two prosecutors to the list of ICC members who have been sanctioned. "The Court is a national security threat that has been an instrument for lawfare against the United States and our close ally Israel," the top US diplomat stated at the time. The sanctions targeted Kimberly Prost of Canada, Nicolas Guillou of France, Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji, and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal. Amnesty International also condemned the new sanctions as a "deeply troubling and shameful assault on human rights and the global pursuit of justice." "These organizations carry out vital and courageous work, meticulously documenting human rights violations under the most horrifying conditions," Erika Guevara-Rosas, a senior director at Amnesty, said. She took a swipe at the Trump administration for seeking to "dismantle the very foundation of international justice and shield Israel from accountability for its crimes." At least 64,368 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and another 162,367 individuals have been injured in the brutal Israeli onslaught on Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to the health ministry of Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel's portrayal of Palestinians' displacement as voluntary 'nonsense': Egypt Iran Press TV Saturday, 06 September 2025 5:10 PM Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has reaffirmed his nation's stance against the forced removal of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, asserting that the Israeli regime's portrayal of the displacement of the besieged enclave's inhabitants as voluntary is "nonsense." Abdelatty made the remarks in a joint press conference with Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), on Saturday, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's endorsement of the notion that Palestinians in Gaza should be permitted to leave voluntarily, while suggesting that other nations should accept them. "If there is a manmade famine (in Gaza), it is to push residents out of their land. It is nonsense to say that this is voluntary displacement," he said. Abdelatty, whose country plays a crucial role as a mediator in efforts to resolve the Gaza war, also criticized Israel for its "intransigence" regarding the protracted delay in achieving a ceasefire deal with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas. The latest development comes as the Israeli regime continues its efforts to seize Gaza City and forcibly displace nearly a million Palestinians to concentration zones in the south, as its forces advance deeper into the largest urban area of the blockaded territory. Earlier in the day, the Israeli military announced the establishment of yet another so-called "humanitarian zone" in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis, located in the southern Gaza Strip, urging residents of Gaza City to evacuate to the south. The military claimed the area will be equipped with infrastructure, including field hospitals, water pipelines, desalination plants, and food supplies. The tented encampment of al-Mawasi, located in southern Gaza and facing severe overcrowding, was designated as a so-called "humanitarian" or "safe" zone at the onset of the war. However, it has been subjected to multiple bombings, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians seeking refuge there. Back in August, Israel's so-called "political-security cabinet" approved a plan to occupy Gaza City after Netanyahu announced the regime's intention to return the entire strip to Israeli occupation. The decision has sparked widespread international condemnations, with world leaders warning of a potential humanitarian catastrophe and further destabilization in the region. The regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed 64,300 Palestinians and injured 162,300 others, according to the health ministry. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Six Palestinians, including people waiting for aid, killed by Israeli forces in Gaza Iran Press TV Saturday, 06 September 2025 11:24 AM Six Palestinians, including people waiting for aid, have been killed by the Israeli forces' gunfire and ongoing bombardment in areas across the Gaza Strip. WAFA news agency reported on Saturday that at least six Palestinian civilians, including aid-seekers, were killed and dozens wounded in the early hours of the day from Israeli regime forces' intense machine gun fire and ongoing bombardment on Gaza City and Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip. Palestinian medical sources cited by WAFA said a child was killed in Israeli artillery shelling on the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City, and an elderly man was killed in Israeli forces' gunfire in the Al-Mawasi area southwest of Khan Younis. Also, two more Palestinians were killed and approximately 17 others were injured in a separate attack as a result of Israeli shelling of gatherings of civilians at a humanitarian aid distribution point south of Wadi Gaza, in the central Gaza Strip. Israeli machine gun fire near an aid distribution point southwest of Khan Younis killed three more Palestinians a short while later. Since October 7, 2023, the regime forces have carried out a genocidal war on Gaza, killing and wounding more than 225,837 people across the Palestinian territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently announced plans to seize all of the Gaza Strip and launch an incursion into Gaza City after indirect talks with the Palestinians Hamas resistance movement failed in July. Meanwhile, Israeli regime forces' strikes have intensified across neighborhoods of Gaza City in recent weeks, leaving scores of Palestinians killed in the attacks this week alone. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed his call for a ceasefire in Gaza on Thursday. UN humanitarian officials have warned of the "beyond catastrophic" impact of Netanyahu's plans, plunging the enclave into yet another deadly escalation of violence. Leading genocide scholars have passed a resolution confirming that the Israeli regime's atrocious actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Israeli regime also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its war on the besieged coastal territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Venezuela's Maduro warns of 'armed struggle' if attacked by US Iran Press TV Saturday, 06 September 2025 10:38 AM Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has warned that his country will shift from politics to "armed struggle" if the United States launches an attack. "Venezuela has always been willing to talk, to engage in dialogue, but we demand respect," Maduro said in comments broadcast on Venezuelan state media. "We are currently in a political phase," he said. "But if Venezuela is attacked in any way, we will move to a stage of armed struggle." He made the remarks on Friday, hours after US President Donald Trump threatened to shoot down Venezuelan military jets if they posed a danger to US forces. Maduro asserted that the differences between the two countries do not constitute a justification for armed conflict. US forces on Tuesday blew up a boat in the Caribbean, which Trump claimed belonged to "a Venezuelan criminal organization tied to Maduro," killing 11 people. As tensions mount, Washington is also deploying 10 stealth F-35 warplanes to Puerto Rico as part of what Trump claims to be "war on drug cartels," US media reports. Maduro has rejected accusations of involvement in drug trafficking, saying, "Those intelligence reports they give him (Trump) are not true." "Venezuela today is a country free from coca leaf production, cocaine, and is a country that fights against drug trafficking." In late August, the US deployed a fleet of vessels along with more than 4,500 US service members, including some 2,200 Marines, and also guided missile destroyers, warships, and a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine. In addition, US military aircraft, including P-8 spy planes, have been flying in international airspace to gather intelligence. On Friday, Venezuelan jets buzzed over the guided-missile destroyer Jason Dunham, demonstrating strength and making Trump respond on the same day by saying, "If they do put us in a dangerous position, they'll be shot down." The US and Venezuela have long been at odds, with Washington backing opposition leaders and imposing sanctions aimed at pressuring Maduro's government. Caracas, however, rejects foreign interference, with President Maduro saying, "The US government must abandon its plan for violent regime change in Venezuela and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean," and that it must respect the "sovereignty, right to peace and independence" of the countries in this region. The Venezuelan president says the magnitude of US arms deployment in the region represents "the biggest threat in 100 years," and has reportedly mobilized a 4.5 million-member Bolivarian Militia, declaring "a republic in arms" if attacked. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump mulling strikes against Venezuela: Report Iran Press TV Saturday, 06 September 2025 8:32 AM US President Donald Trump is considering staging a military attack on Venezuela in a fresh effort to overthrow the Caracas government. Citing unnamed sources, CNN reported on Friday that Trump is considering carrying out strikes on Venezuelan soil in a fresh effort to topple the leftist government of President Nicolas Maduro. Tensions between the two countries have been high, prompting Maduro to mobilize Venezuela's 340,000-strong military and eight million reservists. Two Venezuelan fighter jets have flown over a US Navy destroyer in the Caribbean, a move viewed as a show of force as Washington expands its provocative military presence in the region. Asked on Friday what steps he would take if there were further incidents of Venezuelan jets buzzing US ships, Trump said, "If they do put us in a dangerous position, they'll be shot down." Trump, who has been pushing for "regime change" in the Latin American country for a long time, described Venezuela on Wednesday as a " very bad actor." Maduro, for his part, condemned the United States, insisting that the country poses "the greatest threat our continent has seen in the last 100 years." He said his country is prepared for "armed struggle in defense of the national territory." The White House describes Maduro as an "indicted drug trafficker". White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller claimed Venezuela is being run by a "drug cartel, a narcotrafficking organization." US forces on Tuesday blew up an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean that Trump said belonged to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization he tied to Maduro, killing 11 people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Arabia urges UN Security Council to halt Israel's 'aggressive policies' in Gaza amid displacement plot Iran Press TV Saturday, 06 September 2025 7:03 AM Saudi Arabia has condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza, urging the UN Security Council to intervene to halt Israel's "aggressive policies" against the Palestinian people and their land. The kingdom's foreign ministry said in a statement that the displacement is in "flagrant violation of international laws, principles, and the most basic humanitarian standards." Israel is pushing ahead with a plan to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City, the largest city in the territory. 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. The Saudi foreign ministry underscored "the necessity for the international community, especially the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to intervene to halt Israel's aggressive policies against the Palestinian people and their land." It also renewed its call to hold Israel accountable for "genocide and grave violations against civilians." Netanyahu said in an interview with an Israeli Telegram channel that there were "different plans for how to rebuild Gaza," claiming that "half of the population wants to leave Gaza" and that his plan was "not a mass expulsion." "I can open Rafah for them, but it will be closed immediately by Egypt," he further said. Egypt, Qatar slam Netanyahu's remarks on displacement Egypt's foreign ministry said, in a statement, that Netanyahu's remarks are part of "ongoing attempts to prolong escalation in the region and perpetuate instability while avoiding accountability for Israeli violations in Gaza." The Egyptian ministry reiterated its "categorical rejection of forcibly or coercively displacing Palestinians from their land." Qatar's foreign ministry also fiercely criticized Netanyahu's remarks, calling them an "extension of the occupation's approach to violating the rights of the brotherly Palestinian people." "The policy of collective punishment practiced by the occupation against the Palestinians ... will not succeed in forcing the Palestinian people to leave their land or in confiscating their legitimate rights," it said in a statement. This comes amidst ongoing mediation efforts led by Egypt and Qatar, aimed at brokering a ceasefire between Hamas and the Israeli regime and enabling humanitarian access to Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel sent tanks deeper into Gaza City earlier this week, as Netanyahu convened his so-called "security cabinet" late on Sunday to discuss a new offensive to seize the area. 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 64,300 Palestinians have been killed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Resistance groups rage against Israeli minister's 'gates of hell' remarks Iran Press TV Saturday, 06 September 2025 3:06 AM Several Palestinian resistance groups have voiced outrage over the Israeli minister for military affairs' threat of Tel Aviv's opening the "gates of hell" on the Gaza Strip. The reactions came on Friday after Israel Katz said the regime was about to unleash hell onto the coastal sliver, adding that, once it did so, the "doors will not be closed." The minister also said the Israeli military would intensify its assaults until Gaza's Hamas resistance movement released the regime's captives and disarmed. Hamas said Katz's threats marked an "unprecedented challenge to international law and humanitarian norms." Katz's remarks came, although, the group has already offered several concessions towards enabling the release of the captives and cessation of the regime's October 2023-present war of genocide on Gaza, only to be snubbed by Tel Aviv. Hamas also addressed the regime's underway bombing of residential towers in Gaza City, the coastal sliver's largest urban area, saying the attacks were part of a plan for forced displacement and genocide, with evacuation warnings serving only as "cover for expulsion under fire." The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hamas' fellow Gaza-based resistance group, also commented on the minister's boasting about the military's bombing of the residential towers, saying the boast served as a "clear admission of systematic war crimes." It warned Arab states and peoples that, once the regime was done implementing its plans concerning Gaza, Tel Aviv would begin "threatening their security." The movement vowed that resistance would continue against the regime's "barbarism and savagery." The Popular Resistance Committees also stressed that Katz's pledge concerning intensification of the regime's atrocities in Gaza translated into an open call for genocide and ethnic cleansing. The groups, meanwhile, held the "criminal American administration" responsible as a sponsor of the regime's crimes, decrying Washington's unstinting military and political support for the atrocities. They called on the international community to act immediately to stop "Zionist fascism" and hold Israeli war criminals accountable. Friday marked the 700th day since the regime began a war of genocide on the Gaza Strip. The assault that has also been deploying starvation as a weapon, has so far claimed the lives of 64,300 Palestinians, mostly women and children. It has additionally left a long trail of missing people, who have either been trapped under the rubble or subjected to forced disappearance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Police In Novi Sad Use Force To Respond To Student Protesters By RFE/RL's Balkan Service September 06, 2025 Hundreds of police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protesters around the Novi Sad university campus on September 5 as students gathered to demand reforms. The mass protest was the latest marking 10 months of demonstrations around Serbia and beyond, calling for early elections and a crackdown on corruption. Students argue that the lax enforcement of rules was a key cause in the deaths of 16 people in Novi Sad in November 2024, when a train station roof collapsed. Protesters are hoping to oust President Aleksandar Vucic and his Serbian Progressive Party party but the government has not responded to the call for early elections. Crowds for the protest gathered in Novi Sad near the entrance to the university's Faculty of Philosophy, which has become a flashpoint in the movement for change as police officers have begun patrolling the campus. Police say they are responding to student sit-ins and are only present to restore order but student ire has been rising, while some university deans are accused of collaborating with authorities to suppress dissent. As one demonstrator put it while speaking on a stage at the event: "Student rebellion and a free university today are the last line of defense for education, truth, and dignity. If we allow them to destroy the university, we accept living in an absolutely authoritarian regime where there is no place for free knowledge, honesty, or the future of this country." He also decried violent police tactics, adding, "Every act of violence unites us, because the idea of a free university cannot be beaten, cannot be arrested, and cannot be suffocated with tear gas." Olga, another student protester, urged demonstrators to stand strong: "Remember that self-defense is not an attack." "Here's one for the dean," she said, holding up a flag emblazoned with the Faculty of Philosophy's seal. Branislav Stevanovic said he came to the demonstration to object to the presence of police on campus and to support students, "just to show that we care about that autonomy, and to absolutely support them." Another protester, Ivana, said the demonstrations represent the most available avenue for students to make themselves heard. "There are no institutions we can appeal to," she said, adding, "the only way is to gather like this, and those kids have taken on the burden of leading this fight, and they are the ones suffering the most because of it." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-student-protests-tear-gas- novi-sad/33523446.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 IDF Controls Over 80% of Gaza Strip, 90% of Infrastructure Destroyed Sputnik News 20250906 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) controls more than 80% of the territory of the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian enclave's administration said on Saturday. "The occupying forces control more than 80% of the territory of the Gaza Strip through military force and forced displacement of the population," the statement read. As of the 700th day of the war, the number of dead and missing exceeded 73,700, including more than 20,000 children, the administration said. Among the dead were 1,670 medical team members, 248 journalists and 139 employees of the civil defense service of the Gaza Strip, it added. During the military operations, 90% of infrastructure facilities were almost completely destroyed, including 38 hospitals, 833 mosques and 163 educational institutions, the administration said. The damage caused exceeds $68 billion, according to the initial estimates, the statement added. On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. After that, Hamas militants penetrated border areas, opening fire on the military and civilians, and took more than 200 hostages. According to the authorities, about 1,200 people were killed on the Israeli side. In response, the IDF launched Operation Iron Swords, which included strikes on civilian targets, and announced a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Europe Faces $1 Trillion Bill to Replace US Military Power Sputnik News 20250906 The replacement of US military capabilities in the EU will cost Europe one trillion dollars, Bloomberg reports quoting the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). With serious gaps in European defense capabilities, EU states are still hoping US President Donald Trump will give Ukraine "concrete security guarantees." "Europe has critical shortfalls in space-based intelligence and surveillance, and integrated air and missile defense the primary areas that the UK- and French-led coalition of the willing hopes US assistance will cover," Bloomberg reported. "It would cost Europe $1 trillion to replace conventional US military capabilities assigned to the region." The website stresses that the US gives NATO with most of its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data, including that from spy satellites, and replacing those capabilities would cost Europe $4.8 billion. NATO members agreed at a June summit in The Hague that they would spend5% of GDP annually defense by 2035. President Trump, who has pushed for greater spending by other NATO countries, called the summit a "great success" as all countries confirmed their commitment to Article 5 of the organization's charter which allows for mutual defense. European Union member states agreed in May to create the SAFE credit scheme which aims to raise 150 billion to boost arms production. The Brussels plan earmarks 650 billion euros from EU states' budgets, in return for pledging to overlook their non-compliance with the bloc's budget deficit rules. On March 19, the European Commission presented its new strategy on 'Rearming Europe' later redubbed a less-aggressive 'Readiness 2030' after protests from several EU members. The plan aims to raise around 800 billion euros over four years. Russia has complained of unprecedented NATO activity on its western borders in recent years, which the group claims is t 'deter Russian aggression'. Moscow has repeatedly raised concerns about NATO's growing presence in Europe. The Foreign Affairs Ministry has stated that Moscow remains open to dialogue with NATO on an equal basis, but the West must abandon its militaristic course. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Venezuela Starts Preparing for 'Armed Struggle,' In Case of Attack - Maduro Sputnik News 20250906 Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has warned that if his country is attacked, it will move into a phase of active military preparedness to defend its national integrity and sovereignty. On Friday, CNN reported citing sources that US President Donald Trump was considering various options for carrying out military strikes against drug cartels in Venezuela, including on Venezuelan soil, with a broader goal of weakening Maduro. "If Venezuela were attacked in any way, it would move into a stage of planned and organized armed struggle by all its people against aggression, whether local, regional, or national, in defense of peace, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and our people," Maduro said on Friday. The Venezuelan leader announced the start of training a militia to defend the country, which involves citizens in the national defense system. Maduro presented a diagram of the operational readiness levels of the defense forces and explained that Venezuela was in the yellow phase of integrated defense. The Venezuelan leader explained that, currently, his country was in the phase of non-violent struggle, with political, informational and diplomatic means involved. On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the US military had struck a drug-carrying vessel in the southern Caribbean that he claimed had left Venezuela. Rubio said that Trump was going to wage war on "narco-terrorist" organizations. Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that Washington was not seeking a regime change in Venezuela, but the US was concerned about "billions of dollars of drugs [that] are pouring into our country from Venezuela." On August 7, US Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced a $50 million reward for information that leads to the arrest of Maduro, whom the US accuses of leading the Cartel de los Soles. The measure was shortly followed by the deployment of several US naval assets to the Caribbean under the pretext of countering cartel activity in the region. In response, Maduro ordered the mobilization of Bolivarian Militias to ensure the country's defense. Caracas has repeatedly argued that US naval deployments in the Caribbean are unrelated to counter-narcotics efforts and instead serve to pressure Venezuela. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FM Sa'ar holds press conference with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs FM Sa'ar: "The states that support statehood for the Palestinians now, ignore the most important facts that demonstrate that the PA does not deserve a state. Based on its actions - it doesn't deserve a state." Type: Press Releases Topic: Foreign Policy Publish Date: 07.09.2025 On the question of a Palestinian state, Minister Sa'ar said: "The states that support statehood for the Palestinians now, ignore the most important facts that demonstrate that the PA does not deserve a state. Based on its actions - it doesn't deserve a state. In the Oslo agreements they said they would fight against terror. They have never done that. This is why we are doing that, including in Judea and Samaria. If you look at their jails in Ramallah and visit today, you will not find terrorists there. They promised to take care of security - they've never done that. Second, they reward and encourage terrorism by the pay-for-slay doctrine. - by paying salaries for terrorists and terrorists' families. They say they will change it, but they never did. They only change how they are doing it - like transferring it from one pocket to the other. But they never disconnected themselves from the ethos of terror in Palestinian society. The third thing is the incitement. The incitement in the kindergartens, in schools, in textbooks. It's terrible, and this is already poisoning the minds of the new generation. Without disconnecting from these two huge problems - incitement against Jews and Israel, and terrorism, you cannot build a reliable peace process. But some states ignore that. I am very happy that Secretary Rubio with two different decisions recently put those issues on the table and said very openly - PA and the "PLO" are not meeting their obligations on those fundamental issues. It is really not serious to demand from Israel to speak about a Palestinian state or to give them a Palestinian state. The reality in Judea and Samaria cannot be ignored. Demanding from Israel to risk its own future and security - is something that we simply will not do." Following is the full text of FM Sa'ar's remarks: "I welcome to Israel Foreign Minister of Denmark Lars Rasmussen. Lars is a man and a statement of dialogue. We usually have a good dialogue. It doesn't mean we always agree on everything, but it's always a good and productive conversation. We decided together to have a joint team for cooperation on the humanitarian issue and to see what we can do together - among other things - on the medical evacuation of people from Gaza. And from our side, my Director General, Eden Bar-Tal, will be the POC. With regard to the humanitarian situation as a whole, there is a big change on the ground that we emphasized in our meeting. It's not something that you can find in Western media. But the facts are that we fulfilled all our understandings with the EU on the matter. And more than that - after we also started with the humanitarian corridors and airdrops, huge quantities entered to Gaza Strip, and that was reflected in the dramatic decline of the prices of products. And therefore, the situation today is totally different from what it was a few months ago. The war in Gaza can end tomorrow morning with only two simple things: (1) The return of our hostages. We still have 48 hostages that were kidnapped from their homes on October 7th in Gaza Strip. (2) And with Hamas laying down its arms. And I emphasize the second thing, because it also guarantees the future of Gaza and the Palestinians, a different future released from the oppressive and terrorist regime of Hamas. We will be more than happy to reach this objective with political means, with diplomatic means, instead of military means. But I never heard someone suggest how. In the international community everyone is saying - Hamas shouldn't have a future, or a part in the future of Gaza Strip. Hamas should be disarmed. How do you suggest it will happen? It's a very simple question. I never heard the answer to it. *** Unfortunately, antisemitism in Europe, which is an old disease, exposes a new face these days. And the new face of antisemitism is anti-Israel. We must acknowledge the fact that the approach towards the Jewish state today is in line with demonization and double-standards. And I hope that more and more European leaders will say what we can all see. There is an anti-Israeli obsession wave in Europe today. Europe faces challenges - security and strategic challenges. I believe and I think that Europe needs Israel, no less than Israel needs Europe. A constructive dialogue cannot be based on threats and sanctions. We are a proud nation. We are a sovereign state fighting for its existence, from its establishment. But intensively during the last two years. We are always ready for a dialogue. To be frank, our dialogue with the EU on the humanitarian issue brought the change in July. And the dialogue is always better than other alternatives. I told my friend that those states like France and the UK that pushed their so-called recognition of a so-called Palestinian state have made a tremendous mistake, because you cannot disconnect the issue of statehood, which is one of the final status issues. You cannot disconnect statehood from peace because if you do that, you will make it even harder to get to peace. A peace agreement in the future can happen only in a bilateral context, as much as everything that the Palestinians achieved until today was only in a bilateral context. Another approach will be a present for Hamas, which is already connecting that to October 7th. And this is how Palestinians looked at it. It will not bring us closer to peace or security. It will destabilize the region. It will push Israel also to have unilateral decisions. And that will be a grave mistake. So I urge those responsible states in Europe, including Denmark, to speak with their European friends and with their other friends and tell them not to make this mistake. And we still have time to prevent that. Thank you." Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar today (Sunday, 7 September 2025) held a press conference in Jerusalem with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH to push for strategic stability at Seoul Defense Dialogue Philippine News Agency By Darryl John Esguerra September 7, 2025, 1:03 pm MANILA -- Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. will reiterate the Philippines' call for c stability amid intensifying geopolitical rivalries when he delivers remarks at the opening plenary of the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) 2025 in South Korea. The Department of National Defense (DND) said Sunday that Teodoro is set to speak at Plenary Session 1, "Mitigating Geopolitical Rivalries and Restoring Strategic Stability," as part of the annual multilateral forum hosted by the Republic of Korea's Ministry of National Defense. Teodoro will also represent the Philippines at the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Command, highlighting the country's role as one of the original troop-contributing nations during the Korean War. On the sidelines, the Defense chief and senior DND officials will engage in bilateral meetings with counterparts from various countries to discuss enhanced defense cooperation and responses to regional and global security challenges. The DND said the Philippines' participation in both events reaffirms its commitment to a rules-based international order and its resolve to foster peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to expand defense engagements.(With Priam Nepomuceno/PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah unveils $3 billion reconstruction plan Iran Press TV Sunday, 07 September 2025 10:09 PM The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has announced plans for a comprehensive $3 billion reconstruction initiative, following Israel's war of aggression against southern Lebanon. The reconstruction initiative, funded privately through its Waad Project, comes as the movement approaches the completion of rubble clearance and repair operations, echoing its previous efforts following the July 2006 Israeli war, when it acted decisively in the absence of state support. Hezbollah's institutions, including Jihad al-Binaa and Waad, are set to implement a three-phase plan, although an official announcement is pending. The first phase allocates $1 billion for rebuilding efforts in Beirut's southern suburbs (Dahye) and other war-affected areas, excluding border villages. Two additional phases, each worth $1 billion, will follow, alongside $500 million for ongoing repairs and support for displaced families. Sources indicate that this initiative does not excuse the Lebanese government from its responsibilities but reflects Hezbollah's frustration with the administration's lack of action. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's previous commitments, including $40 million for repairing unsafe buildings, have yet to materialize, while similar pledges from Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Finance Minister Yassin Jaber remain unfulfilled. Political obstruction attributed to Salam has hindered government support, leaving citizens feeling caught in what Hezbollah describes as political blackmaildisarmament in exchange for reconstruction. The urgency of the plan is underscored by the plight of displaced families, many of whom have been without shelter for over two years. Hezbollah aims to address the humanitarian crisis, especially in light of the government's limited achievements, which have largely revolved around the recent signing of a $250 million World Bank loan. However, this amount is significantly less than the $1.1 billion Hezbollah has already spent on repairs and housing. While officials have touted the loan as a pivotal step in the reconstruction process, Hezbollah views it as inadequate and laden with conditions that could delay assistance to thousands of families, further exacerbating their plight. The loan explicitly excludes reconstruction in border areas, aiming to prevent residents from returning and leaving them vulnerable to external threats. The Israeli regime escalated the conflict into a full-scale war by September 2024, killing more than 4,000 Lebanese and injuring around 17,000, most of them women and children. The Israeli regime also martyred Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary-General of Hezbollah, in its aggression against Lebanon. Although a ceasefire was reached in November 2024, Israel has been carrying out near-daily strikes in southern Lebanon, falsely claiming to target Hezbollah activities, violating the agreement. Under the agreement, Israel was expected to withdraw completely by January 26. The deadline was extended to February 18 after the regime refused to comply. Israeli forces continue to occupy five outposts along the border. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni drone successfully hits Israeli airport in Eilat Iran Press TV Sunday, 07 September 2025 7:37 PM A drone fired by Yemen's armed forces has hit an airport in the Israeli-controlled city of Eilat, a first such strike by the Yemenis targeting key economic infrastructure in the south of the Israeli-occupied territories. The Israeli Airports Authority said on Sunday that the drone that crashed into the passenger terminal at the Ramon International Airport earlier in the day had wounded one person while inflicting considerable damage on the property. The Israeli military said the attack caused a brief closure of the airspace in the area and caused authorities to divert flights passing over the south of the Israeli-occupied territories. Yemen's ruling Houthi Ansarullah movement claimed responsibility for the strike. The group, which leads Yemen's armed forces, has repeatedly targeted airports in the Israeli capital of Tel Aviv since late 2023, when it started attacks on the Israeli regime to force it to stop its genocidal war on the Palestinians in Gaza. The Yemenis have also launched numerous attacks on ships traveling via the Red Sea and other regional waterways to and from Israeli ports, causing a major disruption to the regime's trade activity. However, the Sunday attack on Ramon airport near the resort city of Eilat was a major escalation in Yemeni operations against Israel. Reports said the drone that hit the airport was one of several fired by the Yemenis that successfully penetrated Israel's multi-layered defense system in the area. The attack came days after Israel launched extensive airstrikes on Yemen, killing the country's prime minister and other officials in his Cabinet. The Yemenis had vowed to avenge the unprecedented attacks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Jordan's king refutes Israeli plan to annex occupied West Bank Iran Press TV Sunday, 07 September 2025 7:28 PM The Jordanian king has reaffirmed his "absolute refusal" of any efforts by Israel to annex the occupied West Bank. According to a royal palace statement, King Abdullah II, during a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday, reiterated "Jordan's absolute refusal of any Israeli measures aimed at annexing the West Bank and forcing Palestinians to leave." The king was joined by Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in expressing opposition to Israeli plans to expand settlements in the West Bank. The message came after several Israeli regime officials threatened that the entity could proceed with the annexation of large tracts of the occupied territory in response to moves by Western governments to recognize Palestinian statehood this month. Far-right Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich recently announced plans to annex more than 80 percent of the occupied West Bank in a bid to block the establishment of a Palestinian state. Smotrich stated that the main principle of annexation is "the maximum land with minimum Arab population." The UAE, the main signatory of the US-backed deal that saw Israel normalize relations with three Arab states, this week warned 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." 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. The issue of Palestinian sovereignty over the West Bank was a key point during the US-led negotiations for Abu Dhabi to normalize relations with Israel in the Abraham Accords of 2020. The Jordanian king also on Sunday rejected any plans to displace Palestinians from the besieged Gaza Strip to separate the two Palestinian territories. The king has on multiple occasions said that Jordan would never be a "substitute country" for Palestinians, amid suggestions from the United States and Israel that third countries could take in displaced Gazans. Jordan has been witnessing pro-Palestine rallies since the eruption of the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, with the protesters calling on the government to close the Israeli embassy and end the 1994 peace treaty that normalized ties with Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel threatens 'unilateral decisions' if EU states recognize Palestine Iran Press TV Sunday, 07 September 2025 5:49 PM The Israeli foreign minister has threatened that the Europeans' recognition of Palestinian statehood will push Tel Aviv into "unilateral decisions," as international pressure is mounting on the regime over its genocidal war in the besieged Gaza Strip Gideon Saar, during a press conference with his Danish counterpart Lars Lokke Rasmussen on Sunday, said that "states like France that pushed 'recognition' of a so-called 'Palestinian state' had made a tremendous mistake." Saar claimed that unilateral recognition of Palestine will destabilize the region and will be a present for the Hamas resistance movement. "It will push Israel also to have unilateral decisions, and that would be a grave mistake," the Israeli foreign minister went on to say. Saar said Israel expected "responsible states in Europe, including Denmark," to push against the move. "We still have time to prevent it." The Israeli foreign minister refused to comment in response to the issue of West Bank annexation. "We are having discussions on this issue with [prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu,]" he said, adding: "There will be a decision. I think I don't have to elaborate." Israel's far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, recently announced plans to annex more than 80 percent of the occupied West Bank in a bid to block the establishment of a Palestinian state. The Danish foreign minister, for his part, said that "Israel does not have a veto over any Danish recognition of a Palestinian state." Rasmussen rejected "strong statements" from Israeli authorities about never allowing the establishment of a Palestinian state. Copenhagen had signaled late last month that it would not rule out recognition of 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. At the end of August, the US, a key backer of Israel, denied visas to Palestinian Authority (PA) officials to prevent them from attending the UN General Assembly and block any diplomatic efforts toward Palestinian statehood. Elsewhere in his remarks, the top Danish diplomat also expressed "concern" over recent illegal settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. In response to the revival of the idea of a Palestinian state, Israel has rapidly accelerated settlement expansion and plans to illegally annex the occupied 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. The Israeli regime continues its genocidal campaign in Gaza, killing more civilians and wiping out entire families in relentless air and artillery strikes. The overall death toll from the regime's genocide since October 2023 has climbed to nearly 64,370, with more than 162,360 others injured. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Muslims must cut off ties with Israel to confront its 'catastrophic crimes' in Gaza: Ayatollah Khamenei Iran Press TV Sunday, 07 September 2025 5:44 PM Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says world nations, especially Muslim countries, must sever all trade and political relations with the Israeli regime to confront its "catastrophic crimes" in the Gaza Strip. Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in a meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian and his cabinet ministers in Tehran on Sunday. The Leader said the Zionist entity is committing numerous crimes and astonishing catastrophes without any sense of shame. "Although these crimes are carried out with the support of a power like the United States but the way to confront this situation is not closed," Ayatollah Khamenei added. "The protesting countries, particularly the Muslim states, must completely cut off their trade and even political relations with the Zionist regime and isolate it," the Leader emphasized. The Leader described Israel as the "most isolated and hated" regime in the world and stated that one of the main lines of Iran's diplomacy should be urging other nations to cut political and commercial ties with the criminal regime. Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei said the government in Iran is duty-bound to strengthen the components of national power and dignity. The Leader noted that the most important of these components are the nation's spirit, motivation, unity, and hope, which must be created and reinforced both in words and actions. Efforts should be made to prevent their weakening, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed. Ayatollah Khamenei also urged the administration to prioritize improving the economy and living conditions of the Iranian people. He highlighted the need for the spirit of work, effort, and hope to prevail over a state of "neither war nor peace." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas says open to any proposal on permanent ceasefire in Gaza Iran Press TV Sunday, 07 September 2025 10:44 AM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has announced it would accept a ceasefire if it brought a complete end to the war in the besieged territory and included the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory. In a statement on Saturday, the group reaffirmed its adherence to the ceasefire agreement proposed by mediators on August 18, along with other Palestinian factions. "The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) reaffirms its commitment and adherence to the agreement - it announced with the Palestinian factions - on the mediators' proposal for a ceasefire on August 18," read the statement. "The Movement also affirms its openness to any ideas or proposals that achieve a permanent ceasefire, a full withdrawal of the occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, the unconditional entry of aid, and a genuine prisoner exchange through serious negotiations mediated by mediators," it added. The proposed deal followed negotiations between Hamas, Egyptian, and Qatari officials that had been taking place in Cairo last month. According to Egyptian sources, the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal agreed by Hamas included a suspension of attacks for 60 days and could be seen as a path to reach a comprehensive deal to end the nearly two-year-long genocidal war that has killed nearly 64,400 Palestinians. During the period of suspension, Palestinian abductees held illegally in Israeli jails would be exchanged in return for half of the 20 remaining living Israeli captives held in Gaza. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel is no longer interested in part deals, saying it will only agree to end the war if Hamas releases all of the captives at once, "disarms," and "allows for the demilitarisation of Gaza." Israel's minister of military affairs, Israel Katz, warned Hamas to accept Israel's conditions or see Gaza City "become like Rafah and Beit Hanoun," both of which have been devastated by Israeli forces' heavy bombardment and ground assaults. The Israeli cabinet voted on August 8 for an illegal plan to occupy Gaza City and launch a ground assault there. Since then, about 1,100 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza City alone. The Israeli regime has continued its efforts to seize Gaza City and displace nearly a million Palestinians to concentration zones in the south, as its forces advance deeper into the largest urban area of the blockaded territory. On Friday, the Israeli army announced the establishment of yet another so-called "humanitarian zone" in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis, located in the southern Gaza Strip, urging residents of Gaza City to evacuate to the south. The tented encampment of al-Mawasi, already facing severe overcrowding, was designated as a so-called "humanitarian" or "safe" zone at the onset of the war. However, it has been subjected to multiple bombings, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians seeking refuge there. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi forces shell residential areas in Yemen's Sa'ada, haunt civilians Iran Press TV Sunday, 07 September 2025 9:55 AM Saudi border troops have separately fired barrages of artillery rounds at two residential neighborhoods in Yemen's northwestern province of Sa'ada, close to the border with the kingdom. The Arabic-language al-Masirah television network, citing local sources speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that civilian structures and properties were damaged or destroyed on Saturday as the Saudi military struck the districts of Razih and Ghamr. There were no immediate reports available about possible casualties. The developments come as Saudi cross-border strikes have turned into a nearly daily occurrence, endangering the safety of local residents. Observers note that these infractions are predominantly neglected on the global platform, with the United Nations offering minimal humanitarian or political attention. UN agencies are said to have ceased providing relief assistance to the border communities that have been affected, which reflects a larger compliance with pressures from the United States. Although Yemen has shown a commitment to de-escalation and has aimed its deterrence at the Israeli regime, Saudi offensives persist without interruption, disregarding the Sana'a government's self-restraint. Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with its Arab allies and with arms and logistics support from the US and other Western states, launched a devastating war on Yemen in March 2015. The objective was to crush the popular Ansarullah resistance movement, which has been running state affairs in Yemen, and reinstall the Riyadh-friendly regime of Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi. The Saudi-led coalition has failed to achieve any of its objectives. Hundreds of thousands of Yemenis have been killed. Yemen is witnessing the world's worst humanitarian crisis now. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lebanese president urges US to push Israel to leave southern Lebanon Iran Press TV Sunday, 07 September 2025 7:35 AM Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged Washington to push Israel to end its occupation in southern Lebanon, saying the move would pave the way for the Lebanese army to take full control of the area. The appeal came on Saturday during Aoun's meeting in Beirut with Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), according to Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA). Aoun urged the US to push Israel to implement the November 2024 ceasefire agreement, end its military operations against Lebanon, withdraw from five occupied outposts in the south, and release Lebanese abductees. "Continued Israeli attacks in the south hinder the deployment of the Lebanese army to the border," Aoun said. He noted that Lebanese forces have already been stationed across more than 85 percent of the territory south of the Litani River. "The army continues to prevent any armed presence in the area and confiscate weapons and ammunition," he added. Two Israeli wars waged against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006 were met with strong resistance from Hezbollah, the Lebanese resistance movement, resulting in the retreat of the regime in both conflicts. In 2006, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1701, which ended the war between Hezbollah and Israel. The resolution called for a permanent ceasefire and the establishment of a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. Last week, the Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until the end of 2026, marking the mission's final extension after nearly five decades of operations in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging fire since October 8, 2023, only one day after the Zionist entity launched a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip following a surprise operation by Hamas. The Lebanese resistance movement vowed to keep up its retaliatory attacks as long as the Israeli regime continued its Gaza war. The Israeli regime escalated the conflict into a full-scale war by September 2024, killing more than 4,000 Lebanese and injuring around 17,000, most of them women and children. The Israeli regime also martyred Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary-General of Hezbollah, in its aggression against Lebanon. Although a ceasefire was reached in November 2024, Israel has been carrying out near-daily strikes in southern Lebanon, falsely claiming to target Hezbollah activities, violating the agreement. Under the agreement, Israel was expected to withdraw completely by January 26. The deadline was extended to February 18 after the regime refused to comply. Israeli forces continue to occupy five outposts along the border. Hezbollah lawmaker rejects disarmament efforts Hezbollah Member of Parliament Hasan Ezzeddine of the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc criticized government discussions on disarming the resistance fighters, an initiative pushed by the United States. Speaking at an educational ceremony in the southern town of Aiteet on Saturday, Ezzeddine praised the withdrawal of five Shia ministers from a cabinet session that focused on Hezbollah's weapons. He said the Taid Constitution and successive ministerial statements affirm the legitimacy of Hezbollah's arms, and stressed that disarmament provisions apply only to former civil war militias. Ezzeddine added that attempts to strip the resistance of its weapons would fail as long as Israel maintains military positions in southern Lebanon. He warned against the Lebanese government's decision to disarm Hezbollah while Israel "plans to expand its occupation in the region." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli drone strike targets dump truck in southern Lebanon in another breach of ceasefire Iran Press TV Sunday, 07 September 2025 6:54 AM Lebanese media outlets report that the Israeli military has carried out an airstrike in the southern part of the country, marking another breach of the 2024 ceasefire agreement between the Arab nation and the occupying regime. Videos circulating on social media platforms show what appears to be a dump truck engulfed in flames in the town of Maaliyeh, which is located southeast of Tyre, just before midnight, after an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle fired on the truck. According to the Elnashra news site, the truck was transporting rubble before it was hit with a pair of missiles. There were no immediate reports available about possible casualties or the extent of damage caused. The development comes only a few hours after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on the United States to pressure Israel to retreat from the occupied regions in the south, facilitating the deployment of the army in that area. The appeal was made while Aoun was meeting in Beirut with Admiral Brad Cooper, who is the commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM). Aoun urged increased pressure on the Tel Aviv regime to adhere to the ceasefire agreement established in November 2024, cease hostilities against Lebanon, withdraw from five occupied outposts in the southern region, and release detainees, the official National News Agency (NNA) reported. "Continued Israeli attacks in the south hinder the deployment of the Lebanese army to the border," he said. Aoun highlighted that the Lebanese army has been deployed across more than 85 percent of the territory south of the Litani River. "The army continues to prevent any armed presence in the area and confiscate weapons and ammunition," he added. Cooper, for his part, praised "the distinguished work carried out by the Lebanese army deployed in the south and throughout Lebanese territory." In light of considerable losses experienced over nearly 14 months of warfare and the inability to fulfill its objectives in the offensive against Lebanon, Israel had no choice but to accept a ceasefire with the Hezbollah resistance movement, which came into effect on November 27. Since that time, Israeli forces have been conducting assaults on Lebanon, which include airstrikes, thereby violating the ceasefire. On January 27, Lebanon declared its decision to prolong the ceasefire with Israel until February 18. Nonetheless, Israel persists in its occupation of five key areas in southern Lebanon, specifically Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill, all located in proximity to the border. 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. As calls to disarm the Lebanese resistance group grow louder from Washington and Israel, many in the Arab nation 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 Guyana's National and Regional Elections US Department of State Press Statement Thomas "Tommy" Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson September 7, 2025 The United States congratulates Irfaan Ali on his reelection as President of Guyana. We thank international observers from the OAS and others whose impartial monitoring was instrumental in promoting transparency and credibility in the electoral process. We look forward to working with President Irfaan Ali's government to advance our shared foreign policy priorities, including strengthening energy security and supporting Guyana's sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly with respect to the Essequibo region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by the Nigeria Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall, on the killing of scores of civilians in Bama, Borno State. UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs ABUJA, 7 September 2025 - I am deeply appalled and saddened by Friday's reported killing of dozens of civilians in Darajamal Village, Bama Local Government Area (LGA), in Borno State in north-east Nigeria. Civilians should never be a target! Preliminary reports indicate that more than 50 civilians were killed when suspected members of a non-state armed group (NSAG) attacked Darajamal on the evening of 5 September. An unknown number of people were also allegedly abducted, with others fleeing with injuries. At least 28 houses were also reportedly burned during the attack. The number of casualties is expected to change as more information becomes available. On behalf of the United Nations in Nigeria, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and those affected, and to the Government and the people of Borno State and wish the injured a speedy recovery. I call on security authorities to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous attack and swiftly bring them to justice. I also call for the immediate release of all those abducted. This recent killing of civilians is yet another grim reminder of the toll of rising violent attacks and insecurity in Borno State this year. Multiple attacks against civilians have been recorded leading to the deaths of hundreds of civilians in Borno alone. The attacks, ranging from targeted attacks on communities to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, using improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings and other tactics have targeted civilians including farmers, fishermen, travelers and traders. Deadly attacks against civilians have also been recorded in neighbouring Adamawa and Yobe states with a rural health centre, grain stores and a market among targeted areas. I reiterate my call to parties to the conflict to protect civilians as well as their property and to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law. The UN reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting people affected by conflict to complement Government efforts. END 7 September 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Decoupling Debate: Moldova And Ukraine's Path To Membership Under Scrutiny By Rikard JozwiakSeptember 08, 2025 Summary Ukraine and Moldova's EU accession talks are stalled due to Hungary's veto over Ukraine's treatment of its Hungarian minority. EU ministers ruled out decoupling the two countries' membership paths, citing strategic disadvantages and concerns over Hungarian influence. France, Germany, and Baltic states oppose decoupling, emphasizing Ukraine's EU membership as a critical security guarantee amid stalled NATO prospects. The summer was full of speculation and hints from Brussels officials that Ukraine and Moldova might be separated on their respective paths to eventual EU membership. The two Eastern European countries have been paired ever since both applied for membership of the bloc in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. They both got EU candidate status simultaneously in the summer that same year, and in late 2023 EU member states signaled to both that accession talks could start. But the fact remains that these talks haven't started with either of them -- and that has to do with Hungary blocking the entire process with Ukraine over what Budapest sees as Kyiv's discrimination of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. The Central European country held a consultative referendum earlier this year in which 95 percent of the respondents were against Ukrainian EU membership. While most other EU member states dismissed this vote as another political stunt by Budapest, few think the country is willing to lift its veto to start the talks any time soon. And some think this is unfair to Moldova, as none of the 27 EU member states have anything against commencing negotiations with Chisinau. The EU enlargement commissioner, Marta Kos, opened up on the idea of a formal decoupling when speaking to RFE/RL this spring and the idea seemed to gain traction over the summer when Brussels briefly was rattled by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's sudden move in July to limit the independence of two key anti-corruption agencies. The fact is that these sort of political "decouplings" have happened before, most recently last year as Albania was allowed to move forward with membership negotiations while Bulgaria has continued to veto the same steps for its neighbor North Macedonia. But when the bloc's Europe ministers, which deal with enlargement issues, met in Denmark on September 1-2 there were no words about decoupling Moldova and Ukraine other than it was ruled out -- at least for now. Reasons To Reject Decoupling The reason for this is threefold: a recognition not to give in to what many member states see as Hungarian blackmailing, a feeling that such a move would be strategically disadvantageous for both the EU and Ukraine right now, and that it would have limited impact on Moldova anyway. On the first issue, there is an increasing frustration that Budapest is trying to dictate too much of the EU's policy toward Ukraine already. And it is fair to say that the country has been successful. EU institutional funding, via the European Peace Facility (EPF), for Ukrainian weapons has been blocked for two years already and later this week European diplomats will most likely accept that Budapest -- together with Bratislava -- will manage to remove some oligarchs from the bloc's Russia sanctions blacklist in order to achieve unanimity for a six-month extension of all the restrictive measures. The thinking here is very much that rather than handing Hungary another win, it could be wise to wait until the Hungarian parliamentary election in April 2026 with polls showing that the opposition has a real chance of seizing power. This would not automatically mean a total reversal of Hungary's Ukraine policy, but few EU officials think while Ukraine is losing precious time, a few more months of waiting is insignificant in a bigger process that can drag on for years or possibly decades. Secondly, many of Ukraine's most ardent supporters in the club such as the Baltic states and the Czech Republic immediately started a diplomatic rearguard action against any type of decoupling as soon as rumors started spreading that it was considered. Lithuania authored a discussion paper, seen by RFE/RL, in which it argued that EU-26, meaning the entire club bar Hungary, should conduct informal negotiations with both Ukraine and Moldova in the meantime and that negotiations on most of the 33 accession chapters would be opened "in a fast-track manner when EU-27 support is rebuilt." Crucially, both France and Germany, the two EU heavyweights, came onboard against any decoupling now especially as the United States has signaled that Ukrainian NATO membership most likely is off the table in any potential future peace negotiation with Russia. In this sense, EU membership for Kyiv becomes even more pertinent according to most EU diplomats who see this as the most obvious political and security guarantee that European nations can offer the war-torn nation going forward. Moldova Against Decoupling -- For Now Finally, there were also signals from Moldova that even Chisinau wasn't too keen on decoupling, at least now. Many European officials had wanted to give the country's pro-EU government a boost ahead of what is expected to be a closely fought parliamentary election on September 28 by opening accession talks a few days or weeks before the vote. Yet, others, both in EU capitals and in Chisinau, argued that this would have a limited outcome anyway for two reasons. Firstly, few beyond the corridors of power in Brussels understand the technicalities or the significance of starting EU accession negotiations. As one EU diplomat put it to me: "People want to know when their country can join and what it means for them, not when some obscure diplomats meet." Secondly, there is a recognition among all EU candidate countries, but notably Moldova, that it is Ukraine and its efforts to fight off the Russian invasion that has reignited EU enlargement in general. Chisinau in fact jumped on the coattails of Ukraine in applying for EU membership back in 2022. For now, they will remain connected, but don't rule out that the decoupling debate might start again later in the year. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-decoupling- debate-moldova-ukraine-eu-membership/33524085.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 - 07 September 2025 - Day 1292 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 118 combat clashes. Ukrainian defenders are decisively intercepting the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression. Today, Russian troops launched three missile and 50 aviation strikes, using 16 missiles and dropping 88 controlled aviation bombs. In addition, 2362 kamikaze drones were involved and executed 3365 shelling of positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. Ukrainian soldiers repelled nine Russian assault actions in the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursky directions. In addition, the enemy launched 13 air strikes, dropping 36 controlled bombs, and carried out 211 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, including six from reactive arson systems. In the South Slobozhansky direction, the Russian enemy 12 times stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the area of Vovchansk, Barnoy and Kamyanka. Two clashes are underway. In the Kupiansky direction, Russian forces carried out offensive actions in the Kupiansk district and in the direction of Pishany. Ukrainian defenders stopped four Russian attacks. In the Lyman direction, Russian invaders 13 times attacked the positions of Defense Forces near the settlements of Karpivka, Grekivka, Medium and in the direction of Drobishevo, Shandrigolovy, Derylovy, the fighting does not subside in four locations. In the Sivers komu direction, the Defense Forces repelled eight Russian attacks near Serebryanka, Grigorivka and in the direction of Yampol and Sivers k. In the Kramators komu direction, there are currently three collisions. Russian Zagarbnyk tried to advance in the area of Orihovo-Vasilivki and in the direction of Stupochok and Minkivka. In the Toretsky direction, the Russians seven times went into offensive on the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Poltavka, Cherbinivka and in the direction of Pleschievka. In the Pokrovsky direction since the beginning of the day, the Russian occupiers tried 34 times to advance on the position of Ukrainian units. The Russian enemy attacked positions in the areas of settlements Novoekonomicne, Rodins ke, Mirolubivka, Pokrovsk, Zvirove, Beam, Fox, Udacne, Dachne, Novoukrainka and towards Novopavlivka. Three clashes are still ongoing. According to preliminary data, today 90 Russian occupants were defecated in this direction, 54 of them - irrevocably. Also Ukrainian soldiers destroyed one tank, six vehicles and one special equipment unit, one BPLA control point; two cannons, three vehicles units and nine shelters for the Russian enemy's personnel were damaged. In the Novopavlivs komu direction, Russian forces 16 times tried to break through the defense of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of Komyshuvakha, Green Grove, Oleksandrograd and in the direction of Ivanivka, Sosnivka, Philia. One battle is going on. In the direction of Gulyaipils komu, the Russian opponent did not carry out offensive actions. In the Orihivs komu direction, the Defense Forces repelled three attacks of zagarbnikiv in the area of Plavniv and towards Stepnogirsk and Novodanilivka. Air strikes were suffered by Novopavlivka and Scherbaki. In the Pridniprovsk direction, the Russian enemy did not carry out offensive actions. Russian aviation caused an air strike in the area of the settlement of Antonivka. In the rest of the destinations - there are no special changes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China unveils plan on AI-energy integration to drive green transition Xinhua) 15:48, September 08, 2025 BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities on Monday unveiled a plan to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with the energy sector, aiming to enhance energy security, improve operational efficiency, and support the country's green and low-carbon transition. The plan, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration, sets targets for 2027 to basically establish an innovation system for AI-energy integration and achieve notable breakthroughs in AI-enabled technologies in the sector. By 2030, China aims for its AI applications in the energy sector to reach a world-leading level overall, with a more advanced mechanism for coordinating computing power and electricity supply, the plan said. It calls for wider use of AI across energy application scenarios, including power grids, renewable energy and nuclear power. The plan emphasizes breakthroughs in key technologies such as data, computing power and algorithms, outlining measures to optimize data-sharing mechanisms, establish a deeply integrated mechanism for coordinating computing power and electricity, and drive deeper integration of AI and software in the energy sector. More efforts are needed to boost financial support and help cultivate versatile talent equipped with expertise in energy systems and AI applications, the plan added. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Trump threatens 'Chipocalypse war' on Chicago as protesters take to streets Iran Press TV Sunday, 07 September 2025 9:36 AM US President Donald Trump has threatened to send troops to wage a "war" against protesters advocating for immigrants' rights in the city of Chicago. Trump threatened Chicago on Saturday with sending in National Guard troops to clamp down on protesters opposed to the deportation of suspected undocumented immigrants. Thousands of protesters demonstrated their opposition to a surge in arrests by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the president's plan to deploy troops to Chicago. The protesters marched through the streets of downtown Chicago, with signs bearing slogans like "ICE out of Illinois, ICE out of everywhere." Speakers offered the crowd instructions on what to do if encountering ICE agents. They also drew comparisons between the proposed ICE crackdown on Chicago and the Israeli regime's genocidal war on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. "We are inspired by the steadfastness of Palestinians in Gaza, and it is why we refuse to cower to Trump and his threats," Nazek Sankari, co-chair of the US Palestinian Community Network, said to the crowd as many waved Palestinian flags and donned keffiyehs. "Chicago [is] about to find out why it's called the Department of WAR," Trump wrote on a post in his social media platform Truth Social, titled "Chipocalypse Now," a reference to the 1979 Vietnam War movie "Apocalypse Now." The post featured a parody image from the film, showing a ball of flames as helicopters zoom over the skyline of Chicago, the US's third-largest city. The doctored photo showed Trump depicted as the amoral Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore (Robert Duval), the secondary antagonist of the film. "'I love the smell of deportations in the morning...'" the president wrote in reference to Kilgore's line, "Napalm, son. Nothing else in the world smells like that. I love the smell of napalm in the morning." Napalm bombs had incendiary substances made by mixing naphthenic acid and palmitic acid, smelling like a blend of gasoline and detergent. The name is a portmanteau of two of the constituents. Illinois officials condemned the president's message, saying the post published by Trump was "not normal." Democratic Governor JB Pritzker denounced the Republican president on Saturday in a post on X, describing Trump as a "wanna-be" dictator. "The President of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city," he said. "This is not a joke," Pritzker said, adding, "Illinois won't be intimidated by a wannabe dictator." Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also denounced Trump's threat as "beneath the honor of our nation". "The reality is that he wants to occupy our city and break our Constitution. We must defend our democracy from this authoritarianism by protecting each other and protecting Chicago from Donald Trump," Johnson wrote on X. In addition to sending troops to Los Angeles in June, Trump has deployed them since last month in Washington, DC, as part of his unprecedented law enforcement takeover of the country's capital. He has also suggested that Baltimore and New Orleans could get the same treatment and, on Friday, even mentioned federal authorities possibly heading for Portland, Oregon, to "wipe 'em out", meaning the protesters. The US president on Friday also signed an order changing the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War, saying it sends "a message of victory." The deployment of troops and federal agents to US cities has prompted legal challenges and protests, with critics calling them an authoritarian show of force. Trump himself has hinted he can do whatever he wants when it comes to domestic issues. He has even touched on questions about his being a dictator several times. "Most people are saying, 'If you call him a dictator, if he stops crime, he can be whatever he wants'. I am not a dictator, by the way," Trump said last month. He added, "Not that I don't have - I would - the right to do anything I want to do." "I'm the president of the United States," Trump said. "If I think our country is in danger - and it is in danger in these cities - I can do it." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Maryya Kalesnikava's Sister Calls For Action As US Engages Belarus By RFE/RL's Belarus Service and Ray Furlong September 07, 2025 Summary Maryya Kalesnikava, a jailed Belarusian political leader, may be released amid increased US engagement with Minsk, her sister Tatsiana Homich says. Kalesnikava was sentenced to 11 years in prison after resisting forced deportation and leading opposition efforts against President Aleksandr Lukashenko. Recent prisoner releases and campaigns like "Release Now" offer hope for freeing the estimated 1,200 political prisoners in Belarus. The sister of Maryya Kalesnikava, one of the most prominent political leaders currently jailed in Belarus, says recent months have given her hope her sibling will be released amid recent signs of increasing US engagement with Minsk. "This is a landmark moment for all Belarusians," Tatsiana Homich told RFE/RL's Belarus Service on the eve of the 5th anniversary of Kalesnikava's arrest on September 7. "The US started negotiations in early 2025. We've already seen the results. Twenty people have been released, Belarussians and foreign citizens, including Syarhey Tsikhanouski," she said. US President Donald Trump, who surprised many by speaking to Belarus ruler Aleksandr Lukashenko by phone last month, said he believes the Eastern European nation will be releasing many of the hundreds of political prisoners it is holding. "I believe they're going to be releasing a lot of those 1,400," Trump told reporters on September 5, adding that it could happen "in the pretty near future." He did not offer details. Tsikhanouski was arrested as he prepared to run against Lukashenko in a 2020 presidential election. Kalesnikava was a key campaign leader for his wife, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, when she took up the campaign to oust Lukashenko after Tsikhanouski was incarcerated. When electoral authorities reported a Lukashenko victory, mass protests swept the country amid widespread allegations that the results had been falsified. Kalesnikava was arrested as security forces carried out a brutal and sometimes deadly crackdown. "I'm not currently in contact with Maryya. The last message I received from her was in February just a couple of sentences," said Homich. "Communication hasn't resumed: no phone calls, no lawyer or family visits, no letters." She added that Kalesnikava shared a prison cell with other women, following a transfer from a hospital where her father visited her in November 2024. "At least that's better than the isolation she had been in for a year and a half since 2023," said Homich. Kalesnikava was snatched from the streets of Minsk by masked men along with two staffers. Two days later, she was driven to the border where the authorities told them to cross into Ukraine. While her colleagues crossed, Kalesnikava tore up her passport. A year later, she was sentenced to 11 years in prison on charges of conspiracy to seize power. Assault on Democracy Western reaction to the harsh sentences was quick, with the European Union calling them a "blatant disrespect" of human rights, while the United Kingdom decried Minsk's "assault on the defenders of democracy and freedom." "So many political prisoners have been in jail for so long," said Homich. "The whole crisis in Belarus has lasted 5 years now. I am living abroad, and Maryya is in prison." But referring to recent prisoner releases, Homich said "recent months have given me hope that more political prisoners will be released, maybe also Maryya, that hundreds will be freed." She also pointed to a campaign, launched earlier this year, called Release Now, that is backed by more than 20 non-governmental organizations and human rights groups. Belarussian author Svetlana Alexievich, winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize for Literature, is among those who have signed its petition. It urges the Belarusian authorities to release what it says are "approximately 1,200 political prisoners" and calls on Western governments to engage in diplomacy on their behalf. Exiled Belarusian human rights group, Vyasna (Spring), says that since 2020 some 330 political prisoners have been released early by the Belarusian authorities. The authorities, however, imprison more people than they release. Vyasna reported that in June, while 14 political prisoners were pardoned, 29 others were newly jailed. "Belarus was taken hostage," Tsikhanouskaya said on August 7 at an online briefing held by the Center for European Policy Analysis, a Washington-based think-tank. "Ahead of the anniversary (of the election), the crackdown has only intensified," she added. "The regime isn't just punishing dissent. It's trying actually to erase the memory of 2020." Still, Homich urged Western countries to leave no stone unturned to secure prisoner releases. "Release Now is a manifesto calling for the release of political prisoners, an appeal to European countries to act, to follow the US example," she said. "There are no other options at present, there are no prospects for change in Belarus, for democratic change." Source: Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Brazil Facing Tariff Wars, Economic Pressure From United States - Kremlin Spokesman Sputnik News 20250907 VLADIVOSTOK, (Sputnik) - Brazil is facing tariff wars from the United States, which is taking very tough measures of economic pressure, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with Sputnik at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF). Earlier, media reported that Brazil, at the initiative of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, would hold an extraordinary virtual summit of BRICS member countries on September 8 to discuss the trade policy of US leader Donald Trump. "The Brazilians are currently presiding over BRICS. The Brazilians are facing, let's say, tariff wars from the United States. Very tough measures in terms of economic pressure against Brazil," Peskov said. The 10th edition of the EEF is taking place in Russia's Vladivostok from September 3-6. Sputnik is the general media partner of the forum. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi to attend BRICS leaders virtual meeting Global Times Meeting to rally emerging market nations to support multilateralism: media By Fan Anqi, Yu Xi and Zhao Yusha Published: Sep 07, 2025 11:55 PM At the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President Xi Jinping will attend the BRICS Leaders Virtual Meeting via video link in Beijing on Monday and deliver an important address, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday. According to a Bloomberg report, Lula is convening a virtual meeting of BRICS leaders to discuss US trade policy, the report said, citing four people familiar with the plan. The meeting is expected to discuss not only trade tariffs imposed by the US government, but also to rally fellow heads of major emerging market nations in support of multilateralism, according to two Brazilian government officials, the report said. Brazilian based newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo reported that unusually for diplomatic events of this kind, the Brazilian government has not prepared and does not plan to release a joint communique from the countries at the end of the meeting, as BRICS countries are at different stages of trade negotiations with the US. Since July, the tariffs against Brazil and India have worsened, both being taxed at 50 percent, the highest level of all. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran and Russia received the global minimum tariff of 10 percent, while China had its tariff reduced to 30 percent and is engaged in ongoing negotiations. South Africa was also taxed at 30 percent, according to media reports. The Monday virtual summit is expected to talk about the need to strengthen and reform the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other institutions, such as the United Nations Security Council, discuss peace proposals for the conflict in Ukraine, as well as the Israel-Palestine conflict, per local media reports. Another topic put on the agenda by Brazil is the constructive role of countries during the COP-30 climate meeting in November and the search for support for the Forever Tropical Forests Fund (TFFF), which will be launched in the Amazon and is seen as a major Brazilian innovation in protecting the world's tropical forests. Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in Monday's BRICS virtual summit, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with TASS on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, TASS reported on Friday. India will be represented by external affairs minister S Jaishankar, not Prime Minister Narendra Modi, The Times of India reported. BRICS 'not targeted at anyone' With Brazil seeking to distance BRICS from the image of being an "anti-US bloc" as portrayed by some in the West, the Lula government will avoid giving the US an excuse to re-impose punitive sanctions on the country, per the O Estado de S. Paulo report. Government officials also said that BRICS is not a platform to quarrel with anyone, and that the interest is, besides defending multilateralism, to explore more business opportunities, both in trade and investment, Brazilian media reported. "The US has been accustomed to having a dominant position in the Western Hemisphere. The creation and development of BRICS have brought a new equilibrium and a new balance in the world that gives us more independence. And some people probably don't like that," Celso Amorim, chief advisor to the president of Brazil, told the Global Times in an exclusive interview. "We want to keep good relations with the US. We have a lot to learn. But we want diversity and variety of partners. And that's our choice. And China is a very important country in this context, just like other BRICS countries," Amorim said. "The world is changing. The world can no longer be governed by the G7. In order to be a balanced group, we need a strong BRICS." Chinese experts noted that one of the main reasons this virtual summit is being held is that with US announcing new additional tariffs on BRICS countries in July. BRICS countries therefore need to strengthen coordination and internal economic and trade cooperation to resist the economic impact brought by higher tariffs. And in terms of trade, it is necessary for BRICS to reaffirm its stance and voice on behalf of the Global South and BRICS countries themselves. "As a representative of the Global South, BRICS has a very clear positioning now, which reaffirmed that BRICS is not targeted at any third country. It is a mutual assistance organization and a cooperation platform with development as its core," Xu Feibiao, director of the Center for BRICS and G20 Studies with the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Sunday. "In the face of issues that threaten the Global South or even the whole world, BRICS has the obligation to stand up and voice its opinions. However, doing so does not mean that BRICS is targeting anyone," Xu stressed. The leaders of BRICS countries and their partner countries have formed a clear consensus to firmly oppose the unilateral trade measures that undermine the multilateral trading system. It is based on such a consensus that the video summit will be held, which is of great significance, Wang Youming, a researcher from the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Sunday. Against the backdrop of rising global protectionism and unilateralism, this video summit will point the way forward for future global trade governance, Wang said. At the BRICS summit held in Rio de Janeiro in July, leaders of the 11 largest emerging economies signed the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, voicing serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules. "The proliferation of trade-restrictive actions," the declaration said, "threatens to further reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce uncertainty into international economic and trade activities." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Receives Greetings from President of United Russia Party Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, September 6 (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, received a message of greeting from D. Medvedev, president of the United Russia Party, on September 5. The message said: The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un , I extend my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the 77th founding anniversary of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The founding of the DPRK on September 9, 1948 served as an event of eternal historic significance. The Soviet Union's first recognition of a new state that was founded on the Korean peninsula has a very symbolic meaning. Since then, the Republic has firmly held its position as a powerful sovereign state. Under your leadership the Republic is demonstrating its solidity against external threats and making a constructive contribution to ensuring the security in Asia. The comprehensive strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang based on the tradition of friendship and good-neighborliness is steadily growing in the interests of the fraternal peoples of Russia and the DPRK. In this course, the fruitful cooperation between the United Russia Party and the Workers' Party of Korea is playing an important role. I am convinced that close contacts between the two parties will promote many-sided mutual cooperation between the two countries in the future, too. The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un , I wish you good health and success in your responsible activities and all the citizens of the DPRK happiness and well-being. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Navy SEALs killed North Korean civilians in failed Trump-approved mission: Report Iran Press TV Saturday, 06 September 2025 9:09 AM US Navy SEALs killed several North Korean civilians during a failed 2019 mission to plant a listening device, an operation approved by then-President Donald Trump amid high-stakes diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang in 2019, a US news outlet reports. According to a report published by the New York Times on Friday, a detachment of US Navy SEALs in two mini-submarines approached the North Korean shore on a winter night in early 2019 to plant an electronic listening device there. However, when some of the forces were on land, a North Korean fishing boat moved toward them and its crew members began shining flashlights in their direction. The American forces opened fire, as the report said, killing all those aboard the small fishing vessel, without specifying the number of casualties. Citing unidentified sources, including current and former military officials with knowledge of the still-classified details, the news outlet said Trump approved the wiretapping operation in the fall of 2018 during his first administration, as he was involved in historic talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un over the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The operation was designed to fix a "strategic blind spot" in US intelligence and would allow Washington to intercept the North Korean leader's communications, potentially giving Trump an advantage ahead of their planned summits. The paper said the mission unraveled when the detachment of Navy Seals had a deadly confrontation with the North Korean boat crew members, numbering two or three, who were unarmed civilians diving for shellfish. Having failed to install the device, the SEALs returned to a nuclear submarine that came to shallow water to pick them up, the report said. It added that the US spy satellites picked up increased military activity in the area soon after the episode, but it was unclear whether the North Koreans ever found out exactly what had happened. The US newspaper said a classified Pentagon review later claimed that the killings were "justified" under the rules of engagement. 'Trump met with Kim in Singapore in June 2018 in the first direct talks between the leaders of the two countries, inking a joint statement at the time and pledging complete denuclearization of Pyongyang. They met again in February 2019 in Vietnam's Hanoi, but their talks fell through. Since Trump's last summit with Kim, negotiations have fallen apart, and North Korea has forged ahead with its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program. Since 2006, Pyongyang has been under crippling sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council over its nuclear capabilities. North Korea says it is seeking nuclear weapons to counter threats from the United States and Washington's allies, including South Korea. In January, Kim warned of an "inevitable" confrontation with hostile nations and said 2025 would be a "crucial year" for bolstering North Korea's nuclear forces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Says Knows Nothing About Alleged Failed Top-Secret Operation in North Korea in 2019 Sputnik News 20250906 US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he had heard nothing about an allegedly failed US top-secret operation in North Korea in early 2019. "I don't know anything about it. I could look but I know nothing about it. I'm hearing it now for the first time," Trump told reporters when asked whether the US administration had engaged with North Korea after the alleged incident involving Navy SEALs. The New York Times reported earlier in the day, citing sources, that an elite US navy SEAL unit was dispatched during the first Trump administration to conduct a top secreted mission in North Korea to install an electronic device that would let the United States intercept the communications of Kim Jong Un, but the operation failed, causing deaths of several unarmed North Koreans. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister holds a telephone call with President Macron India - Press Information Bureau Prime Minister's Office Leaders exchange views on recent developments for peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine The two leaders welcome positive developments in bilateral cooperation in various areas. Prime Minister looks forward to welcoming President Macron to India for the AI Impact Summit Posted On: 06 SEP 2025 6:22PM by PIB Delhi Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic today. The two leaders reviewed and positively assessed the developments in bilateral cooperation across different sectors including economic, defence, science, technology and space. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment towards further strengthening of the India-France Strategic Partnership, in line with the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, the Indo-Pacific Roadmap and the Defence Industrial Roadmap. They exchanged views on recent efforts towards bringing an end to the conflict in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated India's consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflict and early restoration of peace and stability. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Macron for accepting the invitation to the AI Impact Summit hosted by India in February 2026, and looked forward to welcoming President Macron in India. Both leaders agreed to continue to remain in touch and work closely together to promote global peace and stability. *** MJPS/VJ/SKS (Release ID: 2164388) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian, Indian security officials hold talks to boost defense ties IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 6, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, held talks with Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, to exchange views on strengthening defense and security relations. In a phone conversation on Saturday, the two officials discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation. Doval congratulated Larijani on his appointment as Iran's top security official, acknowledging the significance of the role during a critical period. Larijani emphasized the importance of enhancing economic ties and deepening collaboration in security and defense between the two nations. He also proposed initiatives to advance the Chabahar port development project, a strategic undertaking for both countries. The two sides agreed to continue their discussions during Larijani's upcoming visit to India, with the aim of broadening cooperation across multiple sectors. 7129**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Araghchi slams Western 'hysteria' on Iran nuclear issue, silence on Israel's arsenal IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 6, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has sharply criticized what he called the "Western hysteria" over nuclear proliferation in Iran while keeping silent on Israel's expansion of its nuclear weapons arsenal. In a post today on X on Friday, Araghchi said the real issue for Western powers isn't whether civilian nuclear capabilities exist, but rather "who gets to advance scientifically, even with peaceful nuclear programs." "It is therefore not a surprise that there is deafening Western silence over the apparent expansion of the only nuclear weapons arsenal in our regionthe nukes in the hands of their genocidal ally," he wrote. "The E3 and the US may be in denial, but their silence is eliminating any credibility to utter anything about non-proliferation." The remarks came after experts analyzing satellite imagery reported intensified construction on a new building at a site central to Israel's nuclear weapons program, which they said could be a new reactor or a facility to assemble nuclear arms. 4354**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Araghchi: Misunderstanding with Qatar resolved IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 6, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has said that all misunderstandings between Iran and Qatar have been fully resolved following his recent visit to the Persian Gulf country, describing the talks with Qatari officials as "fruitful, serious, and constructive." Speaking to Al-Sharq newspaper in Doha on Friday, Araghchi praised his meeting with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, highlighting the positive outcome of their discussions. He noted that the talks focused on Iran-Qatar relations and addressed the misunderstanding stemming from Iran's response to a US strike, which had involved an attack on the Al Udeid base in Qatar. Araghchi also said that his discussions with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar's prime minister and foreign minister, had been productive and beneficial. The meetings covered regional stability, the importance of renewed dialogue among neighboring countries, and joint efforts to counter the expansionist ambitions and aggression of the Israeli regime. The Iranian nuclear program was another key topic discussed thoroughly in the meetings, he said and added that Qatar had consistently held constructive stance. Araghchi arrived in Qatar on Thursday for high-level talks with Qatari leadership. The full interview with Araghchi is scheduled for publication on Sunday. 9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Araghchi holds phone discussions with Greek, Slovenian, and Sierra Leonean counterparts IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 6, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has held separate phone conversations with his Greek, Slovenian, and Sierra Leonean counterparts regarding bilateral relations and regional and international developments, particularly the recent letter by Britain, Germany, and France to the UN Security Council seeking to revive terminated resolutions against Iran. Araghchi spoke on Friday with Tanja Fajon, Slovenia's Foreign Minister; George Gerapetritis, Greece's Foreign Minister; and Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister. All three countries currently serve as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. During the calls, Araghchi criticized the three European signatories of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) - France, Germany, and Britain, collectively known as the E3 or European Troika - for submitting a letter to the Security Council to activate the Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM) of the nuclear deal, also known as the Snapback Mechanism, aiming to reinstate previously terminated resolutions against Iran. He described the move as "irresponsible," emphasizing that the Islamic Republic remains committed to the path of diplomacy, is serious in its approach, and resolute in defending its legal rights. Stressing the importance of pursuing diplomatic solutions to disagreements over Iran's peaceful nuclear program, Araghchi called on the Security Council to support diplomacy and prevent illegal actions and further escalation of tensions. His three counterparts, for their parts, expressed support for diplomacy as the only viable path to resolving international disputes. On August 28, the European Troika submitted a letter to the UN Security Council to activate the Snapback Mechanism. 9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran 'very close' to new framework for cooperation with IAEA: FM Araghchi Iran Press TV Saturday, 06 September 2025 6:48 PM Iran says it is "very close" to devising a new framework for bilateral cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), months after Israeli and American airstrikes on the country's nuclear facilities prompted it to suspend all engagement. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the remarks in an address to a national conference on investment opportunities in Iran's Free Zones in Tehran on Saturday. He pointed out that the US attacks on Iran's nuclear sites in June disrupted Tehran's cooperation with the IAEA. "We need a new framework for cooperation with the Agency. Fortunately, our negotiations with the Agency have begun," he added. He noted that the new framework of cooperation with the IAEA will address all the country's concerns, including a parliamentary law approved in reaction to the attacks on the Iranian nuclear facilities. On June 13, Israel launched a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression against Iran, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and killing hundreds of civilians. On June 22, the United States also entered the war and bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, in a clear violation of international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). On June 25, the Iranian Parliament unanimously passed a law mandating the government to suspend all cooperation with the IAEA. Since then, the agency's inspectors have been barred from visiting the country's nuclear sites. Iran's ambassador to the United Nations organizations in the Austrian capital Vienna, Reza Najafi, said on Friday that a new round of talks between an Iranian delegation and officials from the IAEA was held in the Austrian capital. He noted that the negotiations were part of consultations between Iran and the UN nuclear agency on defining cooperation "within the framework of parliament's law under new conditions." Iran open to resumption of talks with US based on common interests, mutual respect Araghchi said Iran was serious in talks with the United States aimed at lifting sanctions against Tehran before the beginning of the Israeli regime's acts of aggression. He added that all conditions have changed after the Israeli-US war. "I am not saying that negotiations have been removed from the agenda, no, but they have certainly taken on new forms and dimensions." He stressed the need to develop accurate plans that take the new concerns into account and engage in fresh negotiations with new arrangements. Iran's negotiations with the US continue, and the sides are exchanging messages through intermediaries, the top Iranian negotiator explained. "The day the Americans come to the conclusion that they are ready for negotiations based on common interests and mutual respect, we will also be ready to begin the talks," Araghchi pointed out. Iran and the United States held five rounds of indirect talks on Tehran's peaceful nuclear program before the beginning of the Israeli regime's acts of aggression. Mediated by Oman, the 6th round of talks was planned to be held in the Omani capital of Muscat on June 15, but was called off due to the anti-Iran attacks. E3 activation of snapback mechanism 'big mistake' Araghchi further said the European troika - France, Germany and Britain - made a "big mistake" by triggering the so-called snapback mechanism of sanctions against Iran. The trio made the path more difficult and complex by invoking the snapback mechanism, the foreign minister added. Last week, the European trio triggered the so-called snapback mechanism in Resolution 2231 to restore all UN sanctions against Iran. They gave the Security Council 30 days to decide whether it would continue sanctions relief against Iran or allow it to lapse. Iran, Russia, and China sent a letter to the UN, saying the snapback activation by the three European countries contravenes Resolution 2231 and is "legally and procedurally flawed". They also stressed that the United States' unilateral withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and Europe's failure to mitigate the consequences of Washington's move bar any use of the snapback mechanism against Iran. In a post on his X account on Friday, Araghchi said the European troika and the United States are losing credibility on the issue of non-proliferation by keeping silent over Israel's intensified work at the Dimona nuclear reactor site. He made the remark after experts analyzing satellite imagery reported that construction has intensified on a significant new building at a site central to Israel's nuclear weapons program, which they say could be a new reactor or a facility to assemble nuclear arms. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran reports significant rise in exports to African countries Iran Press TV Saturday, 06 September 2025 6:11 PM Iran has reported a significant rise in exports to Africa amid efforts by the country to diversify its export markets and to reduce its dependence on direct oil exports. The Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) said in a Saturday report that exports from the country to Africa had increased by 2.2 times in the four calendar months to late July compared to the same period last year. The ICCIMA cited a statement from Masoud Barahman, a senior businessman overseeing trade between Iran and African countries, which showed that exports to Africa had expanded over the past five months to cover more markets. Barahman said that the number of African countries importing Iranian non-oil commodities had increased to 34, from 29 reported in March. He said that Iranian exports to Africa would further rise in the upcoming months with increased shipping activity and an easing of customs regulations. Figures by the Iranian customs office released in July showed that Iranian exports to African countries had increased by 85% year on year in the three months to late June to top $260 million. Iran invited dozens of government officials and business leaders from African countries to a major economic cooperation conference held in Tehran in late April. The conference gave Iran a major opportunity to expand its export markets in Africa, where it seeks to strengthen its economic foothold in the near future. Iran's plans to expand trade relations with Africa are in line with the country's broader efforts to diversify its economy and to reduce its reliance on oil export revenues. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, Israel failed to degrade Iran's nuclear, missile, air defense capabilities: Army chief Iran Press TV Saturday, 06 September 2025 4:00 PM Iran's Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami says the United States and Israeli regime aimed to degrade the Islamic Republic's nuclear, missile, and defense capabilities during the 12-day imposed war in June, but failed to achieve their main goals. Hatami made the remarks in a meeting with a number of Iranian commanders, pilots and forces during a visit to Army units in the cities of Isfahan, Tabriz and Hamadan. "The enemy intended to completely eliminate the nuclear capability of Islamic Iran, but it failed because the nuclear capability is an indigenous science and technology and it is impossible to destroy it," he said. During the 12-day war, he added, the enemy also failed to destroy Iran's missile power as the country succeeded in bringing the enemy to its knees and targeting goals in the occupied Palestinian territories with missiles. "In the final days of the war, we also carried out more powerful strikes that posed a challenge to the enemy's missile shield," Hatami emphasized. The Army chief further explained that the enemy also failed to destroy Iran's defensive power and capability, as the country's defense forces continue to play their active role. He said the enemy intended to harm the Islamic establishment and national unity, but it made a miscalculation and sustained a major defeat because the Iranian people remained steadfast in defending the country. Hatami stressed the need to maintain the country's preparedness and strengthen its power as the enemy proved its evil nature during the recent war and showed that it does not refrain from committing any crime. His remarks came after the 12-day war that erupted on June 13, when Israel launched an unprovoked act of aggression, assassinating senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and killing hundreds of civilians. The United States also joined the war by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites in a clear violation of international law. On June 24, Iran, through its successful retaliatory operations against both the Israeli regime and the US, managed to impose a halt to the terrorist aggression. On Thursday, Major General Ali Abdollahi, newly appointed commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Iran's Armed Forces are now "more prepared" and possess enhanced capabilities following the recent 12-day war with Israel and the US. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's security chief calls for stronger, more tangible ties with Iraq amid global developments Iran Press TV Saturday, 06 September 2025 11:13 AM Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has called for expansion of more tangible bilateral relations and wide-covering cooperation with neighboring Iraq in light of unfolding global developments. Larijani made the appeal during a Saturday meeting with senior Iraqi Shia cleric and head of the National Wisdom Movement, Seyyed Ammar Hakim, who is on an official visit to Tehran. "In view of the current dynamic status quo, cooperation between Iran and Iraq must become more objective and tangible," Iran's top security official said. Larijani also characterized Iraq as a friendly and strong country in the region, describing Tehran-Baghdad cooperation as strategic. For his part, Hakim stated that the 12-day Israeli military aggression against Iran, contrary to the Zionist entity's calculations, boosted the Islamic Republic's power in West Asia, and Muslims praised Iran's dominant role. "Nowadays, the Zionist regime's wicked behavior as regards the 'Greater Israel' concept clearly shows that Iran was right to call Israel a cancerous tumor. The entire region has now become sensitive to Israel's adventurism," the Iraqi leader asserted. On June 13, the Israeli regime launched an unlawful aggression against Iran, leading to the assassination of many senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and ordinary citizens. Iran retaliated in less than 24 hours with a barrage of missiles and drones, and followed it up with a series of retaliatory operations under True Promise III. The US entered the war on behalf of Israel on June 22, when its bombers hit three Iranian nuclear sites in brazen violation of international law. In response, Iran launched a missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military air base in West Asia, in an act of self-defense. The embattled Israeli regime was forced to unilaterally accept a truce deal on June 24. Larijani and Hakim also discussed the latest regional developments, the bilateral relations between Iran and Iraq, the security agreement between Baghdad and Tehran, and joint cooperation in order to strengthen the stability and security of the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran urges Australia to 'stand on right side of history' instead of appeasing Israel IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 7, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has emphasized that Australia should rely on the will of its people and stand on the right side of history instead of appeasing the Israeli regime. Baghaei expressed his views in an interview with Australia's Channel 9 on September 3 regarding the Iranian ambassador's expulsion from Australia, genocide in Gaza, and the imposed 12-day Israeli war against Iran. He said, "This is regrettable. We believe the Australian government's action was unjustified. We value our relations with Australia, and the decision to downgrade our diplomatic relations was unexpected." He emphasized, "Fundamentally, antisemitism has no place in our culture, history, or religion. The history of Iran's coexistence with Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians needs no elaboration from me or any other official. You can visit our synagogues in Tehran and other cities without needing to pass through an X-ray machine because our Jewish community feels safe here." Baghaei further highlighted, "Do not forget that we are at war with Israel. They attacked us and have waged a war of aggression against the Iranians. Despite this, can you name a single instance of assaultverbal or otherwiseagainst our Jewish compatriots? This demonstrates that Iranians, with their rich history, have learned to coexist peacefully with all religions. Therefore, we categorically reject any notion of antisemitism; it has no place in Iran's history, religion, or political approach." He also acknowledged the sentiments of the Australian public, saying, "We all know that the people of Australia are upset and angry about the genocide in Palestine. Over the past month, people in Melbourne, Sydney, and other cities have taken to the streets to protest the crimes committed in the Palestinian territories. Naturally, the Israeli regime did not appreciate this. They accused the Australian Prime Minister of being weak and gave him until September 23rd to take action against antisemitism. I believe some individuals in the Australian government opted for an easy way to please or appease Benjamin Netanyahu, which led to accusations against Iran for antisemitism." Regarding the arson attacks on a Melbourne synagogue and a restaurant, Baghaei commented, "I think this is the same synagogue that is generally known for opposing Israeli policies. These are the same Jews who oppose Israel's genocidal policies in the Palestinian territories. Why would Iran decide to attack this synagogue? This [accusation] is absurd. Secondly, I think it's the same Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) that in 2003 tried to fabricate intelligence in a similar way to justify claims about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq." He added, "The responsibility of diplomats and the Foreign Ministry is to engage with other countries to foster friendly ties between our peoples. People-to-people relations are very important to us." Baghaei emphasized, "We have very dynamic relations with our neighbors. Consider the situation following the attack on Iran by Israel and the United Statesthis was an act of aggression condemned by our friends in the region and around the world. We also have very good relations with other countries and are eager to develop our relations based on mutual respect and mutual interests with any country in the world." "In the last 200 years, as a nation with a rich civilizational heritage and history, we have not invaded any other country. Just look at our history," he said. Baghaei said, "The core issue with the Israeli regime stems from its formation, conduct, and policies, which are rooted in the occupation of another nation's land. Just look at the events of the last two yearsI'm not even speaking about the last eight decades. Consider what they have inflicted upon the Palestinians and the region! Is it Iran that has occupied the lands of two other countries? Is it Iran that bombards Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and other nations daily? Did Iran initiate an attack on Israel? Or is it Israel that is the aggressor?" "It is crucial for Western public opinion to understand the realities. The fact is that the Israeli regime has occupied Palestinian land and committed grave crimes against the Palestinian people. They have explicitly stated that a Palestinian government has no place in their mindset. They speak of a Greater Israel, which implies their intent to occupy territories belonging to many neighboring countries," he added. Regarding the damage Iran incurred during the recent 12-day attacks, Baghaei said, "This is a very complex and technical issue. While there was certainly damage, rather than focusing on the extent of that damage, the public and mainstream media should be concerned about the repercussions of such a blatant violation of international law and the pride taken by the United States and the Israeli regime in these illegal actions against Iran." He emphasized, "Our Atomic Energy Organization is still assessing the extent of the damage to our facilities. However, I believe that the US President's admission of their attack signifies an open confession to the criminal acts they have committed against Iran. This further heightens their international responsibility for this wrongful act, as they are aware that what they did was unjust and illegal, yet they boast about attacking our country. It is shameful." In response to the comment that France, Germany, and Britain (the E3) plan to impose strict sanctions on Iran unless Tehran discloses the location of its nuclear materials, Baghaei said, "This is yet another example of an illogical demand. All three countries you mentioned were part of the nuclear deal with Iran. That agreement, which is annexed to a consensus UN Security Council resolution, is still in effect. Nevertheless, instead of criticizing Israel and the United States for their blatant violation of a UN Security Council resolution, they are pressuring Iran regarding the ambiguity surrounding the location of these [enriched] materials. Our materials were in the same location that was illegally attacked by the United States and the Israeli regime." "These countriesGermany, France, and Britainshould have acted responsibly as independent governments. They should have condemned such attacks instead of asking Iran about the location of the materials," he added. "Consider that our facilities have been under strict 24/7 supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency. This is the first time that the peaceful nuclear facilities of a member state of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) have been attacked by two regimes armed with nuclear weapons," Baghaei noted. He further said, "This represents a major blow to the NPT, to the rule of law, and to all the fundamental principles we value as a human civilization. In other words, this situation should not be simplified or reduced to an attack by the US and Israel on something they considered dangerous. No legal or logical principle permits such attacks against a sovereign state." 3266**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, E3 politicized Iran's nuclear dossier: Russia IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 7, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Russia's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna has accused the United States and its European allies, Britain, France, and Germanycollectively known as the E3 or European Troikaof harming diplomatic efforts to resolve Iran's nuclear issue. In an interview with Press TV on Sunday, Mikhail Ulyanov said the US and E3 have politicized Iran's nuclear program, as their consistent actions on the issue have been worsening the situation. "Since its establishment, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) remains a technical body but over the last 15 years, especially after Israel bombed a Syrian facility claiming it was a nuclear reactor, we have observed that the Board of Governors has become politicized," Ulyanov said in response to whether the IAEA is genuine platform for dialogue or a political tool for Washington and its allies. Referring to the recent European push at the UN Security Council to trigger the so-called 'snapback' mechanism, stipulated in the 2015 nuclear deal or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Russian diplomat called the move 'irrational' and 'unhelpful.' Earlier, Ulyanov insisted that the European troika cannot resort to other provisions of the agreement, unless and until they return to good faith by implementing their own commitments. Iran and the United States held five rounds of indirect talks on the nuclear program before the Israeli regime and the US launched aggressive strikes against Iran and its nuclear facilities in violation of international law and the UN Charter. The attack happened just days before a sixth round of talks had been scheduled to take place. The three European countries, which failed to denounce the US-Israeli aggression, had themselves held talks with Iran at the level of deputy foreign ministers in Geneva, but they also resorted to reimposing the UN sanctions, a move Iran, Russia, and China described as legally baseless and politically destructive. 4399**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Enemy revealed its true and unmasked face in 12-day war: Official IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 7, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Expediency Council Chairman Sadeq Amoli Larijani has highlighted the strength of the Armed Forces and the unity of the Iranian people during the 12-day imposed war, emphasizing that the enemy revealed its true, unmasked nature during the conflict. Leader of Iraq's National Wisdom Movement (NWM) Seyed Ammar al-Hakim, who traveled to Tehran to meet and hold consultations with Iranian officials, met with Amoli Larijani on Sunday. In the discussion, Amoli Larijani emphasized that the recent enemy attacks on Iran, in the midst of negotiations, led some individuals within the country, who previously believed the Islamic Republic was opposed to negotiations, to reconsider their views. Referring to the strength of the Armed Forces and the unity of the Iranian people in the 12-day war, he said, "This strength and unity shattered the false dreams and plans of those who imagined a political system in Iran after the Islamic Republic." Elsewhere in his remarks, Amoli Larijani expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the Iraqi people and described the bond between Iran and Iraq as unbreakable. Pointing to the necessity of maintaining vigilance against the enemy's attempts to create division, which aim to weaken the sovereignty of Islamic countries, including Iraq, he said, "The goal of the United States and the Israeli regime in pressuring Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi) is to facilitate the disintegration or weakening of regional countries to establish what is referred to as Greater Israel." For his part, Hakim said that the people of Iraq and Islamic countries felt proud of Iran's victory in the 12-day war, adding, "The resilience of the Iranians against the aggressions of the Zionist regime has enhanced the international standing of the Islamic Republic and inspired the Islamic world." He highlighted the strong bond between the nations of Iran and Iraq, emphasizing the need to expand comprehensive cooperation, particularly in trade exchanges. 3266**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Araghchi slams US' unilateral and bullying measures against other countries IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 7, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly condemned the US' unilateral and bullying measures against other countries. Threatening to use force against other independent developing countries is a clear violation of the United Nations Charter and an obvious danger to international peace and security, Araghchi said in a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Eduardo Gil Pinto. All responsible governments must understand the current critical situation and prevent the spread of lawlessness and insecurity, he added. He discussed bilateral relations and developments in the Caribbean region following recent US movements in that region. He expressed Iran's solidarity and support of for the people of Venezuela against US' bullying. Meanwhile, Pinto referred to the increase in US' illegal threats against his country and provided a report on the current conditions in the region. While appreciating Iran's principled stance in defending the principles and objectives of the UN Charter and respecting Venezuela's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, he stressed that the Venezuelan government and people will defend their independence, national sovereignty, and right to self-determination with a strong will. Pinto also expressed hope that the BRICS member states and other countries in the South American region would condemn the US' hostile actions with a firm stance. The US has deployed more than four thousand marines and sailors in the waters around Latin America and the Caribbean as part of its alleged programs to combat drug cartels. The US Department of State and the Department of Justice announced a reward offer increase of up to $50 million under the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP) for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Nicolas Maduro for violating US narcotics laws. The Venezuelan government has firmly rejected the drug trafficking allegations made by Washington and has warned against its efforts to use its alleged fight against drug trafficking as a pretext for an attack on Venezuela. In response to US' threats, the President of Venezuela announced the mobilization and deployment of 4.5 million militia members, part of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela (FANB), throughout the country. "No empire will touch the sacred soil of Venezuela, nor should it touch the sacred soil of South America," Maduro had said earlier. 9376**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A message from Tehran for Britain, France and Germany: You made a big mistake reimposing sanctions - pull back IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 7, 2025 For more than two decades, Europe has been at the heart of the ongoing, manufactured crisis over my country's peaceful nuclear programme. In many ways, the European role has reflected the state of broader international power relations. Once a moderating force aspiring to restrain a belligerent America with maximalist aims in our region, Europe is today enabling the excesses of Washington. Last week, Britain, France and Germany - or the E3 - said they had activated the process to "snap back" UN sanctions on Iran. The mechanism was set up to penalize significant non-performance under the 2015 nuclear deal signed by Iran, the E3, the US, China and Russia. The E3's gambit lacks any legal standing, chiefly because it ignores the sequence of events that led Iran to adopt lawful remedial measures under the nuclear deal. The three countries want the world to forget that it was the US, and not Iran, that unilaterally ended participation in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCOPA), the formal name of the deal. The E3 are additionally omitting how they failed to uphold their part of the bargain, not to mention their outrageous welcoming of the bombing of Iran in June. Britain, France and Germany may appear to act out of spite. But the truth is that they are intently pursuing a reckless course of action based on the logic that it may provide them with a seat at the table on other issues. This is a grave miscalculation that is bound to backfire. President Trump has made clear that he views the E3 as tangential actors. This is evident in the way Europe is sidelined from issues that are vital to its future - including the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The message from Washington is loud and clear: to gain relevance, the E3 must exhibit undying fealty. The recent images of European leaders sat in the Oval Office before President Trump vividly underscore this dynamic. Things were not always like this. When the E3 was formed in 2003, to rein in the George W Bush administration after its invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, Iran welcomed the endeavor. But talks collapsed when Europe could neither offer anything substantial nor stand up to Washington. At the time, my colleagues wanted Iran to keep 200 centrifuges for small-scale uranium enrichment, only to be met with American maximalism channeled through the E3. War did not erupt partly because the US woke up to the heavy price tag - in both blood and treasure - of illegally occupying Iran's neighbors to the east and west. Following an eight-year race of sanctions versus centrifuges between Iran and the West, during which my country amassed 20,000 centrifuges - 100 times more than in 2005 - two important dynamics enabled unprecedented dialogue: E3 and US acquiescence to enrichment in Iran, and Iranian recognition of America as a negotiating partner. This fundamental realignment directly led to the signing of the JCPOA. The bargain was straightforward: unprecedented oversight and curbs on Iranian enrichment in exchange for the termination of sanctions. The formula worked. Yet, one decade later, we are almost back at square one. President Trump initiated an avoidable cascade of events when he ceased US participation in the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed all sanctions. Initially distraught with the sabotage of a landmark agreement, the E3 pledged remediation, publicly recognizing that "the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions and normalization of trade and economic relations with Iran constitute essential parts of the agreement". The French finance minister, Bruno Le Maire, thundered that Europe is not a "vassal" while other European leaders insisted that their "strategic autonomy" would ensure continuation of trade with Iran and that the dividends pledged to my people, including the sale of oil and gas along with effective banking transactions, would follow. None of it materialized. While failing to uphold its own obligations, Europe has expected Iran to unilaterally accept all restrictions. Exhibiting this mentality, Britain, France and Germany declined to condemn the US attack on my country in June - on the eve of diplomatic talks - and yet are now demanding UN sanctions on Iranians for supposedly rejecting dialogue. As I have cautioned my E3 counterparts, their gambit will not achieve the result they seek. On the contrary, it will only further sideline them by eliminating it from future diplomacy, with broad negative consequences for all of Europe in terms of its global credibility and standing. There is still time - and a dire need - for an honest conversation. It does not make any sense for the E3 to claim participation in a deal pillared on uranium enrichment in Iran while demanding that Iran must disavow those very capabilities. Openly cheerleading illegal military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities protected by international law - as Germany's chancellor has done - does not constitute "participation". While this lawless behaviour is fueling calls for action to ensure "never again", Iran remains open to diplomacy. It is ready to forge a realistic and lasting bargain that entails ironclad oversight and curbs on enrichment in exchange for the termination of sanctions. Failing to seize on this fleeting window of opportunity may have consequences destructive for the region and beyond on a whole new level. Israel may be pitching itself as capable of conducting war on behalf of the West. But as in June, the truth is that the powerful armed forces of Iran are ready and able to once again pummel Israel into running to "daddy" to be bailed out. The failed Israeli gambit this summer cost American taxpayers billions of dollars, robbed the United States of vital hardware that is now missing from its inventories, and projected Washington as a reckless actor dragged into a rogue regime's wars of choice. If Europe truly wants a diplomatic solution, and if President Trump wants the bandwidth to focus on real issues that are not manufactured in Tel Aviv, they need to give diplomacy the time and space that it needs to succeed. The alternative is not likely to be pretty. This article was originally published on The Guardian. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Third round of Iran-IAEA technical talks held in Vienna IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 7, 2025 London, IRNA -- The third round of technical negotiations between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was held in Vienna to work on drafting a procedure for implementing safeguards commitments under the new circumstances, Iran's envoy to the agency says. Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the IAEA, Reza Najafi, said on Saturday that the two-day talks took place on Friday and Saturday, in the wake of the illegal attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran's nuclear facilities, and in line with a statute passed by the Iranian Parliament. He noted that the two sides exchanged views on the details of the draft procedure. In June, the Parliament passed legislation requiring the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA after the 12-day war on Iran and in protest at the agency's failure to condemn the war. Under the law, the administration is obliged to halt cooperation until specific conditions outlined in the statute are met. Iran and the IAEA have recently launched negotiations to define a new framework for their future engagement. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran is seeking to design a new path forward, stressing that cooperation with the IAEA cannot remain unchanged after the attacks that targeted the country's nuclear facilities. 4354**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran countered Western and NATO technology in its war with Israel: Army chief IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 7, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami says Iran's fight during the 12-day imposed war was not only with Israel but with the core of technology provided by Western and NATO countries to the Tel Aviv regime. Major General Hatami made the remarks while visiting army units in the cities of Isfahan, Tabriz and Hamedan in order to evaluate and review the combat readiness of the Armed Forces on Saturday. "They had given the enemy [Israel] everything it needed, and wherever it encountered shortcomings, its allies came to rescue", he said in reference to Western and NATO support for the Israeli regime. "The war lasted just 12 days, but gave Iranian forces valuable lessons as some of our pilots had flights and confrontations with the enemy. These experiences must be carefully recorded," he said. The enemy intended to harm the Islamic Republic by sowing discord, but suffered a greater and surprising defeat because the people stood firmer than ever for their Islamic establishment. Major General Hatami continued by saying that the enemy's main excuse was the nuclear issue, but it had a detailed plan against the Iranian nation, which was made futile. "The enemy intended to destroy our missile capability, but this did not happen; rather, we brought the enemy to its knees with our missile power until the last moment," he added. Stating that Iran must be more prepared and stronger militarily, he said the enemy is as evil as it showed in the 12-day war and does not refrain from any crime, but we military personnel have learned that we must turn threats into opportunities." 4399**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address E3 has no 'legal, moral right' to trigger snapback mechanism against Iran: Russia Iran Press TV Sunday, 07 September 2025 4:05 PM A senior Russian diplomat says Britain, France, and Germany the E3 lacked "legal and moral" authority to trigger the so-called snapback mechanism against Iran since they failed to uphold their obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal following the US withdrawal from the accord. Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Press TV on Sunday, where he discussed the upcoming IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, focusing on Iran's nuclear program and recent snapback sanctions triggered by the E3. "It was not occasional that the snapback mechanism was launched by three European states who formally still remain participants in the JCPOA. They don't have a legal, procedural, or even moral right to do that because they are violators," the Russian diplomat said. "They violated the JCPOA very significantly as well as Resolution 2231, and according to the legal opinion of the International Court of Justice of 1971, if a party violates an agreement, it has no right to refer to the same agreement for blaming another counterpart," he added. Ulyanov pointed out that the European trio and the US have been actively contributing to the politicization of the IAEA's activities, citing an example where the Secretariat of the Agency and Iran were engaged in discussions regarding potential future agency activities, only for the E3 to trigger the snapback mechanism in New York when progress was being made in the negotiations. This pattern of behavior by the European nations has led to repeated disruptions in the sphere concerning Iran's nuclear dossier, he said, describing it as 'irrational and inexplicable'. "The Europeans time and again create problems in the sphere that relates to the nuclear dossier of Iran. It's very irrational. It's very strange. It has no plausible explanation, but this is a matter of fact," he said. According to Ulyanov, discussions within the IAEA's Board of Governors have increasingly taken on a politicized nature, especially regarding Iran, evolving beyond technical matters and becoming intertwined with political considerations. Furthermore, the Russian official emphasized that Washington's involvement in the snapback process is nonexistent, as President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal, JCPOA, and President Joe Biden did not rejoin the deal. He also stressed that France, Germany, and Britain do not have the "legal, procedural, or even moral right" to trigger the snapback mechanism because "they are violators". Ulyanov further noted that the E3 had significantly violated the JCPOA as well as Resolution 2231, stressing that, according to the 1971 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice, a party that violates an agreement forfeits its right to reference the same agreement to blame another party. He also raised concerns about the West's exit strategy following the implementation of the snapback mechanism and the re-imposition of all UN Security Council sanctions by the end of September, emphasizing Russia's preference for diplomatic solutions and collective discussions involving all JCPOA participants. Ulyanov also highlighted that Russia and China have collaborated on a draft resolution to extend Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA for six months, aiming to provide more time for diplomatic efforts without resorting to snapback. He further cautioned about the potential negative consequences of Iran's withdrawal from the NPT, underscoring the extensive inspections carried out in the country as one of the most inspected nations. Ulyanov agreed with the assessment that the nuclear issue is being utilized as a geopolitical tool to contain Iran, Russia, and China. The Russian top envoy also commented on the increasing politicization and confrontation within international organizations like the UN and IAEA, noting a departure from earlier years' cooperation and consensus. He also expressed regret over the erosion of the 'Vienna spirit' of consensus in international organizations due to geopolitical tensions, pointing out Russia's efforts to counterbalance Western dominance in multilateral forums. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraq's independence, stability of special importance to Iran: Leader's aide Iran Press TV Sunday, 07 September 2025 3:17 PM A senior advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says independence, stability, and progress of Iraq have always been very important for Iran. Ali Akbar Velayati, who advises the Leader on international affairs, made the remarks in a Sunday meeting with senior Iraqi Shia cleric and head of the National Wisdom Movement, Seyyed Ammar Hakim, who is on an official visit to Tehran. Velayati said the Iranian and Iraqi nations have historical and cultural bonds which are based on "religious and cultural commonalities and good neighborliness." Iran is confident that Iraq will be able to achieve "greater successes" in the future by relying on religious authority and promoting cooperation among the country's leaders, he added. Hakim, for his part, said the powerful leadership of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the presence of the Armed Forces, national solidarity, and support of the Iranian nation for the Islamic establishment during the 12-day Israeli-US war displayed an important and influential image of Iran to the world. During the war, he added, Iran proved its high capabilities and was the first country to target Israel and shatter its hollow power after 76 years. Hakim and Velayati also discussed the latest developments in the region, including the Israeli regime's moves, and stressed the need to reinforce solidarity among Muslim countries in the face of external threats. They called for the improvement of Tehran-Baghdad cooperation at various levels. On June 13, the Israeli regime launched an unlawful aggression against Iran, leading to the assassination of many senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and ordinary citizens. Iran retaliated in less than 24 hours with a barrage of missiles and drones, and followed it up with a series of retaliatory operations under True Promise III. The US entered the war on behalf of Israel on June 22, when its bombers hit three Iranian nuclear sites in brazen violation of international law. In response, Iran launched a missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military air base in West Asia, in an act of self-defense. The embattled Israeli regime was forced to unilaterally accept a truce deal on June 24. Hakim calls for enhanced security cooperation with Iran In a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday, Hakim hailed Iran's defense against the Israeli regime during the 12-day aggression and said the Islamic Republic is the absolute winner of the war. He added that all countries are now aware of Iran's power. The senior Iraqi official called for the continuation of security cooperation with Iran and the implementation of a security agreement between the two countries. He stressed the importance of proceeding with political and diplomatic interaction between the two countries to promote stability in the region. Hakim arrived in Tehran on Saturday to hold talks with Iranian authorities. He also met with Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani and Head of the Expediency Council Sadeq Amoli Larijani. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran urges E3 to return to diplomacy, warns the alternative 'not pretty' Iran Press TV Sunday, 07 September 2025 2:24 PM Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Britain, France, and GermanyEuropean parties to the 2015 nuclear dealhave committed a "grave miscalculation" by invoking the snapback of sanctions against Iran, urging the E3 to seize this "fleeting window" of opportunity before it is too late. "As I have cautioned my E3 counterparts, their gambit will not achieve the result they seek. On the contrary, it will only further sideline them by eliminating it from future diplomacy, with broad negative consequences for all of Europe in terms of its global credibility and standing," Araghchi wrote in an article published by The Guardian on Sunday. The snapback refers to the automatic reinstatement of UN sanctions against Iran. It is a mechanism under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorsed the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers. On August 29, France, Germany, and Britain (E3) triggered the countdown for the automatic return of UN sanctions, including a comprehensive arms embargo, major banking and shipping restrictions on Iran. The move was immediately welcomed in the United States, where US President Donald Trump had torn up the nuclear deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in 2018 and reinstated all sanctions. Araghchi urged the E3 to seize the opportunity before the sanctions are snapped back on Iran if they want to resolve the nuclear issue with Iran diplomatically. "Europe is wrong to follow Donald Trump's strategy. We are open to diplomacy and a new deal over our nuclear programme, but sanctions must go." The foreign minister urged the E3 to keep in mind the sequence of events that led Iran to take lawful remedial measures under the nuclear deal, including by ramping up its enrichment capacity. "The three countries want the world to forget that it was the US, and not Iran, that unilaterally ended participation in ... JCOPA," he wrote. "The E3 are additionally omitting how they failed to uphold their part of the bargain, not to mention their outrageous welcoming of the bombing of Iran in June." Returning the UN sanctions on Iran is "a grave miscalculation that is bound to backfire," Araghchi asserted. The foreign minister pointed out that the Europeans had failed to uphold their end of the bargain after the United States unilaterally withdrew from the deal and reimposed the sanctions. "European leaders insisted that their 'strategic autonomy' would ensure continuation of trade with Iran and that the dividends pledged to my people, including the sale of oil and gas along with effective banking transactions, would follow. None of it materialized," he wrote. Araghchi argued that E3 effectively forfeited its participation in the JPCOA when it sided with the US in calling for Iran to halt all enrichment activities, a cornerstone of the JCPOA. "It does not make any sense for the E3 to claim participation in a deal pillared on uranium enrichment in Iran while demanding that Iran must disavow those very capabilities," he said. "Openly cheerleading illegal military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities protected by international law - as Germany's chancellor has done - does not constitute 'participation'." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM voices support for Venezuela, slams US bullying, unilateral moves Iran Press TV Sunday, 07 September 2025 10:48 AM Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed Iran's solidarity with the people of Venezuela amid heightened tensions with the United States, denouncing the latter's unilateral and bullying actions against other states. Araghchi made the remarks during a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart, Yvan Gil Pinto, as US President Donald Trump has ordered a large build-up of American military assets in the Caribbean and increased threats against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. "The threat of resorting to force against independent developing countries is a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter and an obvious danger to international peace and security," he added. "It is necessary for all responsible governments to prevent the spread of lawlessness and insecurity by recognizing the gravity of the current situation." The Venezuelan foreign minister, for his part, referred to the increasing illegal threats by the United States against his country and presented a report on regional conditions. He also appreciated Iran's stance on defending the principles and objectives of the UN Charter and respecting Venezuela's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Gil Pinto further emphasized that the Venezuelan government and people will firmly defend their independence, national sovereignty, and right to determine their own fate. Meanwhile, he hoped that the BRICS member states and other countries in South America would take a firm stance in condemnation of the United States' hostile actions. During the phone call, the two sides also discussed Tehran-Caracas bilateral relations and developments in the Caribbean following recent US movements in the region. The US has recently sent ships armed with Tomahawk missiles, an attack submarine, a range of aircraft, and more than 4,000 US sailors and Marines to the waters off Venezuela, while ordering the deployment of 10 advanced F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico. Additionally, it has labeled Maduro as one of the world's largest narco-traffickers and doubled the bounty for his arrest to $50 million. On Tuesday, a US military strike killed 11 people and sank a boat from Venezuela, which Trump claimed was transporting illegal narcotics. Maduro has rejected the US allegations about his country, saying differences between the nations do not justify a "military conflict." US Representative Ilhan Omar condemned Trump's "lawless" actions in the southern Caribbean. "Congress has not declared war on Venezuela, or Tren de Aragua, and the mere designation of a group as a terrorist organization does not give any President carte blanche to ignore Congress's clear Constitutional authority on matters of war and peace," she said in a statement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nation more united after 12-day war; Netanyahu failed to provoke a single Iranian onto streets: Top cmdr. Iran Press TV Sunday, 07 September 2025 8:14 AM A senior Iranian Army commander praised the nation for demonstrating "exceptional unity" during the illegal Israeli-US aggression against the country and disregarding calls by the Tel Aviv regime to take to the streets. Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, deputy chief of the Iranian Army for Coordination, made the remarks during an event commemorating 8,000 martyrs from Gilan Province, in the city of Rasht on Saturday. He said the Iranian nation was behind the country's victory in the June aggression, noting that with its people, Iran will never be defeated by any enemy. "Since the [1979 Islamic] Revolution, through the sacred defense [against the 1980s' Iraqi-imposed war] and the 12-day war, our nation has shown exceptional unity and solidarity," he added. "During the 12-day war, the prime minister of the fake Zionist regime [Benjamin Netanyahu] repeatedly called on our people to take to the streets, but not a single person paid heed to those calls. Instead, our national unity and cohesion grew even stronger." Sayyari also said that all of the enemies' conspiracies, including imposed wars, cultural invasion, soft warfare, and hybrid warfare, are aimed at defeating the Iranian nation. The top commander further emphasized that before the Islamic Revolution, the Iranian nation stood powerfully against an armed-to-the-teeth regime and ultimately emerged victorious. Thanks to the people's active presence on the battlefield, he pointed out, Iran achieved victory during the eight-year war imposed on Iran by the Iraqi regime, which was supported by all Eastern and Western countries. "The enemies' goal in launching the imposed war and the 12-day aggression was to defeat the Revolution and destroy our country's territorial integrity. However, ... our people defended their homeland with the bare minimum of resources, and by standing up to the enemies, they forced them to take their dreams to the grave," he said. On June 13, Israel launched a blatant and unprovoked aggression against Iran, triggering a 12-day war that killed at least 1,064 people in the country, including military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The United States also entered the war by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites in a grave violation of international law. In response, the Iranian Armed Forces targeted strategic sites across the occupied territories as well as the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest American military base in West Asia. On June 24, Iran, through its successful retaliatory operations against both the Israeli regime and the US, managed to impose a halt to the terrorist assault. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japanese PM Ishiba announces resignation as LDP head Global Times With political reshuffle, experts warn of uncertainty in Japan's foreign policies By Xu Keyue, Xing Xiaojing and Shen Sheng Published: Sep 08, 2025 12:10 AM Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Sunday announced that he will step down as the head of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), amid growing calls for him to take responsibility for the party's election setback, Xinhua News Agency reported. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held an impromptu press conference at the Prime Minister's Official Residence starting from 6:00 pm (local time) on Sunday, according to Nikkei Shimbun. At the beginning of the press conference, Ishiba stated, "I have decided to resign from the position of LDP President," the report said. With Ishiba stepping down as party leader, the LDP is expected to set a date for its party presidential election, likely to be held in early October, Asahi Shimbun reported Sunday. Since the ruling coalition has lost its parliamentary majority, the next LDP president is not guaranteed to become prime minister, although that is likely as the party remains by far the largest in the lower house. Whoever becomes the next leader may choose to call a snap election to seek a mandate, media reports said. At the press conference, Ishiba explicitly stated that he "will not run" in the next leadership election, Nikkei reported. According to the report, when asked whether he had considered dissolving the House of Representatives and calling a general election, he revealed, "I do not deny that there were various considerations." On tariff negotiations with the US, Ishiba said this is not "a final resolution." He noted that it is essential to ensure the implementation of the agreement and address any new concerns that may arise, Nikkei Shimbun reported. Regarding achievements in foreign policy, he emphasized that he had worked to deepen the Japan-US alliance and strengthen cooperation with like-minded countries. According to Nikkei Shimbun, he stated, "I strongly urge the next party leader and prime minister to carry this forward." He added, "In response to the most severe and complex security environment since the post-war era, we have steadily advanced a fundamental strengthening of our defense capabilities." Reflecting on Ishiba's approximately one year in power, Lu Hao, a research fellow at the Institute of Japanese Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Sunday that Ishiba proposed a number of policy concepts and initiatives in the political, economic, foreign affairs and security domains that differed from those of the Kishida administration. Lu commented that Ishiba emphasized a diversified, relatively balanced independent foreign policy in diplomacy, aiming to correct the previous "one-sided" posture by advancing coordination with China to a certain extent. During the Ishiba period, China-Japan strategic interaction saw some improvement, with recoveries in economic and people-to-people exchanges and an easing of frictions. However, the structural contradictions between China and Japan remain. In addition, Japan continues to adhere to a basic policy of supporting and cooperating with US strategy, including its measures for competition with China. The expert said Ishiba's resignation leaves an impression of a figure with "unfulfilled ambitions," but it is also undeniable that the Japanese public rated his governance performance poorly, reflecting his failure to deliver on policy promises and his inability to change the status quo. 'Dignified exit' Asahi Shimbun reported that the resignation announcement came one day before LDP was to decide whether to hold an early leadership election, a virtual no-confidence motion against him if approved. Ishiba said during the press conference he would start a process to hold a party leadership vote to choose his replacement and that there was no need for Monday's decision, according to Asahi Shimbun. Nikkei reported that Ishiba stated at the press conference "proceeding with the confirmation process for an early leadership election [scheduled for Monday] could risk creating irreparable divisions within the party," Nikkei reported. Ishiba's resignation announcement comes amid mounting pressure within the party following the Japanese ruling party's major defeat in July's House of Councilors election. According to Asahi Shimbun, although Ishiba had previously expressed desire to remain in office, he ultimately abandoned those plans due to mounting pressure from within the party demanding his resignation. Da Zhigang, director of the Institute of Northeast Asian Studies at the Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Sunday that internal party pressure surged sharply, driven by fears that he would be forced out through a vote which had been scheduled for Monday. "If removed by such a vote, that would be an extremely undignified outcome for both Ishiba and LDP," Da said. Voluntarily resigning is seen as a "dignified exit," Da said. The expert said that as an early leadership election will be required, there would be a period triggering fierce factional struggles and power realignment. Asahi Shimbun noted that possible candidates include Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Shinjiro Koizumi, as well as ultra-conservative former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi. Lacking a majority in both chambers, the next LDP leader will have to work with the main opposition parties to get bills passed, reported Asahi Shimbun, or else face constant risks of no-confidence motions. However, the opposition parties are too splintered to form a big coalition to topple the government, Da told the Global Times on Sunday. Potential period with policy uncertainty During the period until the next LDP head is elected, the Japanese cabinet will enter a caretaker mode, capable only of maintaining basic operations, with major policies likely being put on hold, Da commented. Also, political uncertainty will increase, leading to temporary ambiguity in the direction of economic and foreign policies, the expert predicted. The expert warned that conservatives may push for a tougher stance toward China, but a major regression is unlikely overall due to deep economic interdependence. Lu believes that, when the new Japanese prime minister takes office, China-Japan relations - particularly high-level coordination and risk management - will face new uncertainties. "If a leader with strong conservative leanings and a hardline stance toward China takes office, the negative and disruptive aspects of Japan's China policy could once again become prominent, potentially leading to a deterioration in bilateral relations," Lu warned. Da believes if a conservative leader takes office, they may lean more heavily on the US, promoting enhancements to the US-Japan security alliance and military expansion. In March, when the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Japan for the bilateral high-level economic dialogue and also the trilateral foreign ministers' meeting with Japan and South Korea, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a press conference on March 21 that the China-Japan relationship was showing a momentum of improvement and development. "We hope that Japan can work with China in the same direction and follow the guidance of the important common understandings between leaders of the two countries as well as the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan to comprehensively advance the China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit and build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship fit for the new era," Mao stated. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Who might succeed Ishiba as Japan's next PM? People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 08:17, September 08, 2025 TOKYO, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister and ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Shigeru Ishiba announced Sunday that he will step down as the LDP head, triggering an early leadership contest within the party. He also said he would not stand as a candidate in the upcoming LDP election. WHY NOW Ishiba was elected LDP president in September last year, with his term scheduled to run until September 2027. However, the ruling coalition lost its majority in the House of Councillors in July this year. This was the first time since its founding in 1955 that the LDP has failed to secure a majority in both chambers of the parliament. Although Ishiba initially signaled his intention to stay on, calls for him to take responsibility for the dismal election showing grew louder inside the LDP. At his Sunday press conference, Ishiba said negotiations with the United States on tariff measures, which he had cited as a reason to remain in office, had reached a milestone. With that issue settled for now, he said it was time to hand over to a successor. WHO MIGHT SUCCEED HIM With Ishiba's resignation, the LDP will move to select a new president with an extraordinary election scheduled later. According to Japanese media, potential contenders include: Sanae Takaichi: Former minister for economic security, a prominent right-wing politician known for repeated visits to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine. She lost to Ishiba in last year's runoff for the LDP presidency. Shinjiro Koizumi: Current agriculture minister and son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. A rising star, he finished third in last year's leadership race. Takayuki Kobayashi: A 50-year-old former economic security minister, who ranked fifth in last year's LDP presidential contest. Yoshimasa Hayashi: The current chief cabinet secretary and a former foreign minister. He placed fourth in the last leadership election. Once a new LDP president is chosen, the parliament will hold a prime ministerial designation vote. Even though the ruling bloc has failed to secure a majority in both chambers of the parliament, the new leader is almost certain to become the country's next prime minister since the LDP remains the largest party, analysts said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In response to the ongoing flood situation, the United States of America through Army Central Command (US ARCENT) has extended humanitarian assistance for the flood-affected population of Pakistan. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - September 06, 2025 No PR-278/2025-ISPR In response to the ongoing flood situation, the United States of America through Army Central Command (US ARCENT) has extended humanitarian assistance for the flood-affected population of Pakistan. A total of six flights carrying relief consignments are scheduled to arrive in Pakistan, comprising essential items including tents, dewatering pumps and generators. The first flight arrived today. The US Charge d'Affairs and Commander US ARCENT attended the reception of the initial consignment and formally handed over the relief goods to the Pakistan Army. The consignments will be moved to Army Flood Relief Camps for onward distribution among the flood-affected people. The Government and people of Pakistan are thankful to the US Government and Military for standing by the affected population of Pakistan in these testing times. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ROK President Lee orders swift response to US immigration agents arresting hundreds of Korean workers at Hyundai plant: report Global Times By Global Times Published: Sep 07, 2025 12:11 PM Following the arrests of hundreds of Korean workers in a US immigration raid on a Hyundai Motor factory, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ordered all-out efforts on Saturday to swiftly respond to the incident, Reuters reported. South Korean foreign affairs authority said on Saturday that the US's crackdown and public disclosure of photos and a video of the arrest of hundreds of Korean workers were regrettable, especially as the incident followed so closely after a summit between the two nations' leaders, and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Saturday that he may visit the US to discuss with Washington the arrests, according to multiple media report. US immigration officials raided a Hyundai Motor car battery factory on Thursday and later released a video and photos of workers shackled at the wrists, waist and ankles getting on a bus after the raid, according to Reuters on Sunday. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho presided over an emergency meeting on the immigration crackdown, confirming that more than 300 out of 457 people who were taken into custody are South Korean nationals, Yonhap News Agency (YNA) reported. "We are deeply concerned and feel a heavy sense of responsibility over the arrests of our nationals," Cho said at the start of the meeting, attended by two vice ministers, officials from the ministry and overseas missions, per the report by YNA. Cho also said Saturday he may visit the US to discuss the incident with Washington. Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Ji-na expressed regret and concern over the crackdown during a meeting with acting US Ambassador to Seoul Joseph Yun on Thursday, Cho said. Later in the day, First Vice Minister Park Yoon-joo held a phone call with Allison Hooker, US undersecretary of state for political affairs, to discuss bilateral and international issues, YNA reported. Park requested the State Department's cooperation regarding the matter and expressed regret over the crackdown and the public disclosure of the scene where South Korean nationals were being arrested. Park also reiterated that the economic activities of South Korean companies investing in the US and the rights and interests of South Korean nationals should not be unfairly infringed upon during US law enforcement processes, and emphasized that the State Department should also actively step in for a fair and swift resolution of the matter, The Chosun Daily reported. According to NBC News, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as well as Homeland Security Investigations and other federal agencies were involved in the operation on Thursday, which an ICE spokesperson said was conducted in connection with an investigation into "unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes." US President Donald Trump previously said Friday the arrested people are "illegal aliens" and the immigration officials were "just doing their job," The Korea Times reported. Another report by Reuters also noted that the arrests could exacerbate tensions between Washington and Seoul, a key ally and investor in the US. The countries have been at odds over the details of a trade deal that includes $350 billion of investments. At a summit last month, South Korea pledged $150 billion in US investments - including $26 billion from Hyundai Motor. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Laos Could Receive Petroleum From Russia, Supply Bauxite, Potassium - Prime Minister Sputnik News 20250906 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Laos would like to establish supplies of petroleum products from Russia and is ready to supply minerals such as bauxite or potassium for fertilizer production, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone told Sputnik. "Laos is forced to import 100% of its required petroleum products. Russia has a lot of oil and gas. Perhaps it is possible to establish supplies of petroleum products from Russia to Laos, and we are ready to sell Russia our minerals that the Russian economy may need, such as bauxite or potassium for fertilizer production," Siphandone said on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum. The 10th edition of the Eastern Economic Forum is taking place in Russia's Vladivostok from September 3 to 6. Sputnik is the general media partner of the forum. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Convinced Most Countries Oppose Unipolar World - Kremlin Spokesman Sputnik News 20250907 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia is convinced that the vast majority of countries do not want a unipolar world or someone to dictate rules to them, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with Sputnik at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF). "The only thing we are convinced of is that the overwhelming majority of countries on the planet do not want a unipolar world, do not want someone dictating rules, want to live not by rules but by law, and want to be guided by the only thing we have in common - the UN, its charter, and its principles. Because that is the only tangible common ground we have. Whether we can develop something better, we do not know yet. Unfortunately, we cannot be certain of that," Peskov said. Peskov added that some new initiatives particularly from the Global South are paramount of importance nowadays. "Amid all these transformations, very important initiatives are emerging that are essentially aligned with this vision shared by the countries of the Global South, our country, and the People's Republic of China. That is why such initiatives resonate with us and have received the support of President [Vladimir Putin]," Peskov added, commenting on China's initiative for new global governance. On Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed an initiative in the field of global governance designed to build a more equitable global system. China is ready to work together with all countries to create a more just and equitable global governance system and move towards a community with a common future for humanity, Xi said. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for the initiative on Monday, saying that Russia was interested in discussing the proposals. The 10th edition of the Eastern Economic Forum is taking place in Russia's Vladivostok from September 3 to 6. Sputnik is the general media partner of the forum. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MND monitoring Taiwan Strait amid foreign warship transit reports ROC Central News Agency 09/06/2025 06:40 PM Taipei, Sept. 6 (CNA) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Saturday it is closely monitoring the Taiwan Strait after foreign media reported that Canadian and Australian warships transited the waterway. The MND told CNA that it employs joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance measures to maintain full awareness of sea and air activity in the area, and has deployed appropriate forces to ensure security and stability. According to Canada's CTV, Canadian frigate HMCS Ville de Quebec and Australian guided-missile destroyer HMAS Brisbane transited the strait Saturday morning Taipei time, citing data from the ships' automatic identification system transponders. Canada's Department of National Defence did not confirm whether the transit was underway at the time of publication, CTV reported, but a spokesperson for Canadian Joint Operations Command said the agency would release a statement from Ottawa later. Neither China nor Australia had publicly commented on the transit, CTV said. The reports come amid heightened regional tensions, with China claiming the Taiwan Strait as its territorial waters and criticizing joint exercises by Canada, Australia and the Philippines in the South China Sea earlier this week. CTV quoted the Canadian government as saying the exercises were "conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and with due regard to the safety of navigation." The drills, however, prompted a response from China, with a spokesperson for the Chinese People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command accusing the Philippines of colluding with Western allies to undermine peace and stability in the region, CTV reported. "Any attempt to stir up trouble in the South China Sea and create tensions is doomed to fail," command spokesperson Tian Junli () said in a news release, stressing that its forces would "remain on high alert to safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights." (By Wu Shu-wei, Hu Yu-li and Lee Hsin-Yin) Enditem NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Era of political interference in judiciary is over: President Lai ROC Central News Agency 09/06/2025 06:12 PM Taipei, Sept. 6 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te () on Saturday called for stronger public understanding and respect for the rule of law, asserting that the era of political interference in the justice system is over. Speaking at an event in Taipei hosted by the Taiwan Bar Association, Lai said one of the landmark changes brought by Taiwan's transition from authoritarianism to democracy in the 1990s had been judicial independence. "The era of political interference in the judiciary has ended," the president said, adding that the government looked forward to working with the legal community to deepen civic education and promote public respect for the judiciary. Lai's comments come as political rivals have, for months, accused his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government of using the judiciary to target the opposition. The main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) has criticized raids on its local chapters and the indictments of more than 100 individuals, including party officials, for signature forgery and violations of the Personal Data Protection Act as politically motivated. The raids and indictments took place amid heightened tensions between the KMT and the DPP, with both parties and their supporters attempting to launch recall petitions to remove each other's lawmakers. The KMT's recall bids against DPP legislators foundered during the signature-gathering stage, and the DPP-backed campaigns to recall KMT lawmakers, while gaining some traction, ultimately failed in public votes. Meanwhile, the smaller Taiwan People's Party has protested the detention of its former chair, Ko Wen-je (), who has been indicted on corruption and other charges, with prosecutors seeking a prison sentence of 28 years and six months. After being held for one year, Ko -- a former Taipei mayor and Lai's 2024 presidential race opponent -- was granted bail on Friday. On Saturday, Lai also lauded lawyers as a profession forming the "cornerstone of a society governed by the rule of law," noting that the government would work with the community as it seeks to combat economic crimes and fraud more effectively. Lawyers played a crucial role in Taiwan's pro-democracy movement in the past and continue to protecting citizens' rights today, according to Lai. (By Hsieh Hsing-en and Teng Pei-ju) Enditem/kb NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/09/06 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 a.m. Sep. 5 (Fri.) to 6 a.m. Sep. 6 (Sat.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities 28 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN ships, and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 24 out of 28 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1140906_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window] 1140906_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan's M1A2T tanks, HIMARS to debut at Taipei defense expo ROC Central News Agency 09/07/2025 04:16 PM Taipei, Sept. 7 (CNA) Taiwan's Army will showcase newly acquired U.S.-made M1A2T Abrams tanks and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) for the first time at the biennial Taipei defense show, a military source told CNA Sunday. The Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition 2025 (TADTE) will take place Sept. 18-20 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1, featuring a record 400 exhibitors from 14 countries, including the United States, France and Germany, across more than 1,400 booths, according to the organizers. As in past practice, Taiwan's military will set up a pavilion at the event, with the Ministry of National Defense's (MND) Armaments Bureau and the National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) joining. A military source, who asked not to be named, said the Armaments Bureau will display four types of new drones it developed: FPV drones, explosive drones, kamikaze or suicide drones and surveillance drones. Among them, the explosive and suicide drones will make their TADTE debut. NCSIST, meanwhile, will display its attack drone boat. Taiwanese shipbuilder CSBC Corp. will also exhibit its military-grade unmanned surface vehicle (USV), the "Endeavor Manta," first unveiled on March 25 and recently approved by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). For Taiwan's Army, the spotlight is expected to be on the M1A2T Abrams tanks and HIMARS, both of which were delivered over the past year, the source said. This year's show will also welcome leading global defense and aerospace companies, including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems and L3Harris, alongside newcomers such as Anduril and Elbit America from the U.S. and Excalibur Army from the Czech Republic, the source added. (By Matt Yu and Joseph Yeh) Enditem/kb NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan important to world's security, economy: U.S. senator ROC Central News Agency 09/07/2025 01:15 PM Washington, Sept. 6 (CNA) A veteran American senator who recently visited Taiwan has issued a warning to the United States and the world about the consequences they would face if China conquers Taiwan. "A conquered Taiwan would mean widespread loss of life and liberty for its people. It would also plunge the world into an economic depression and disintegrate the Pacific defenses protecting America from China's military," Senator Roger Wicker said in a weekly report posted online at his website on Friday. In the weekly report, he detailed reasons why Taiwan matters to the U.S. and the world, including Taipei being the seventh-biggest trading partner of Washington and producing most of the world's semiconductors, making Taiwan a "lynchpin of the world's economy." "If China seized those semiconductor factories, Xi Jinping could hold the global economy hostage," he writes. Xi's invasion would also threaten nearby nations, including Japan and South Korea, the U.S.' fifth- and sixth-biggest trading partners, he argued. "Sixty percent of the world's population lives in the Pacific region. Control of the area by the Chinese communists would imperil our ability to do business with that growing marketplace," he added. On his recent visit to Taiwan from Aug. 29 to 30, Wicker said he was there in his capacity as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee to underscore Taiwan's strategic role in U.S. national defense. Before arriving in Taiwan, Wicker said he had visited several American bases around the Pacific, where he said the U.S.' "network of bases" has made it difficult for America's enemy to reach the western U.S. mainland and created "security assurances" for these host nations. "If China were to attack Taiwan and the United States failed to defend the island, those nations would likely feel less eager to house American military assets. Ultimately, our forces might have to retreat as far east as Hawaii or Guam, making our homeland more vulnerable," he said. "A free Taiwan helps reassure the free nations of the Pacific and helps support American defense forces stationed there," he added. In conclusion, Wicker said he and other American congresspersons will continue to uphold the Taiwan Relations Act, including a section in which Washington agrees to help Taiwan get the defensive materials it needs to remain secure. "I believe we should continue that legacy," he said. Wicker visited Taiwan, together with Deb Fischer, as part of a larger visit to the Indo-Pacific region. During their visit, the delegation met with President Lai Ching-te (), Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (), National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (), Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (), among others, to underscore the United States' commitment to its partnership with Taiwan, according to a press release issued by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). AIT represents U.S. interests in Taiwan in the absence of official diplomatic ties. The August visit marks Wicker's first trip to Taiwan as chairman of the committee. The trip also marks the first visit by a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee chairman since 2016. (By Elaine Hou and Joseph Yeh) Enditem/cs NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/09/07 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 a.m. Sep. 6 (Sat.) to 6 a.m. Sep. 7 (Sun.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities 21 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN ships, and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 12 out of 21 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1140907_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Brave1 grant program: Missile and explosives manufacturers can receive over UAH 100 million in development funding Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 5 September, 2025, 5:30 PM EEST The Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Digital Transformation have launched new grant competitions for Ukrainian manufacturers of missiles and explosives as part of the Brave1 defence cluster. Specifically, the grant program is open to manufacturers of: Tactical ballistic missiles; Surface-to-air missile systems for countering UAVs. Manufacturers of anti-UAV and ballistic missiles will be able to receive over UAH 100 million for their developments. "Supporting these areas will foster the growth of missile production by the private sector, enable the development of long-range weapons, and strengthen air defense," emphasized Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Denys Shmyhal. The grant program also welcomes applications from manufacturers of explosives, specifically: Brisant explosives; Initiating explosives, in conjunction with the manufacture of initiation devices; Nitrocellulose as a key component of smokeless powder, with complete raw material processing. Manufacturers of explosives can receive up to UAH 150 million, provided they contribute 30% co-financing. "Such support will assist manufacturers in establishing or expanding production lines, acquiring equipment, chemical components, and systems, while enabling our defenders to deliver effective strikes against the enemy," said Denys Shmyhal. Applications are accepted until September 9. For more details, please visit: https://grants.brave1.tech/. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Slovakia Will Not Send Troops to Ukraine Within Security Guarantees - Prime Minister Sputnik News 20250906 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Slovakia will not send troops to Ukraine as part of security guarantees, but is ready to provide logistical assistance, Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Saturday. "Slovakia will not deploy any military personnel on the territory of Ukraine, on the other hand, Slovakia is important from a logistical point of view, so if we can help with these security guarantees logistically, then we are ready," Fico told the Saturday Dialogues show. Bratislava will not deny the use of its transport infrastructure to countries that need it given the agreements are reached on security guarantees for Ukraine, the prime minister added. At the same time, Slovakia has a constructive approach to relations with Russia and is interested in restarting them as soon as the Ukraine conflict ends, Fico said. "Let us be honest, do you think that Western companies have all left Russia? It is not true at all. They shout all sorts of moral appeals at home, and their companies continue to work in Russia. Do you think that the West does not buy liquefied natural gas from Russia? Russia is the second largest supplier of liquefied natural gas to Europe. Moral appeals are one issue, but business is another," he said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov previously said that the presence of NATO states' troops on Ukrainian territory, under any flag and in any capacity, including as peacekeepers, is a threat to Russia, and that Moscow will not accept it under any circumstances. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin Pitches 'Real Peace,' Sends Stark Warning Over NATO Boots in Ukraine Sputnik News 20250906 Svetlana Ekimenko In his remarks at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) Russian President Vladimir Putin made it clear that ruling out the possibility of foreign troops in Ukraine is a non-negotiable condition for reaching any peace deal, Latin American and Middle Eastern experts told Sputnik. Vladimir Putin's blunt message that NATO boots on the ground in Ukraine would be "legitimate targets" sent a sharp signal to the West, stressed Argentine political analyst Luciano Anzelini. Foreign troops in Ukraine won't be tolerated even if the fighting stops, he noted, adding: "This position fits into a wider strategic framework, where Putin sees NATO's advance toward Russia's borders as an existential threat, a kind of siege that was one of the root causes of the conflict." There's no excuse for foreign troops in Ukraine even under a peace deal, he added. West's Hypocrisy The Russian leader called out Western war hawks for preaching peace while continuing to funnel weapons to Ukraine, Argentine international relations specialist Tadeo Casteglione said. "If a permanent Western military mission appears in Ukraine, then we can say that the country has lost all legitimacy as a state," stated the pundit. Putin pitches a "real peace" where Ukraine's sovereignty is intact and Europe's security assured, added Casteglione, while NATO's meddling remains the main obstacle to ending the conflict. West's Long Game Vladimir Putin's remarks about foreign troops being deployed in Ukraine leave no room for misinterpretation, says Lebanese international relations expert Iskander Kfuri. Russia has every right to eliminate any foreign forces operating in what it regards as its vital sphere of interest, noted the expert. As for European troops on Ukrainian soil, this would be a direct threat to themselves and global stability, he added. "It is obvious that the West is pursuing long-set goals that have already dragged the region into a pre-planned war, aimed at destabilizing Russia, exhausting it, and seizing control over Ukraine's resources and the riches of the region," Kfuri said. Furthermore, the West may keep sabotaging peacesneaking in mercenaries under cover, even disguised as "civilians," he noted. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held phone talks with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 06 September 2025 11:19 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "Building on the recent contacts between leaders of Ukraine and Kazakhstan, I had a substantive call with my Kazakh colleague Murat Nurtleu. We focused on the comprehensive renovation of our bilateral relations, ways to develop cooperation, and further contacts. I also informed my counterpart about Ukraine's efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held phone talks with newly appointed Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom Yvette Cooper Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 06 September 2025 00:12 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I had a warm and meaningful conversation with Cooper just a few hours after she was appointed the new UK Foreign Secretary. I truly appreciate my colleague's first call to Ukrainewe take it as a sign of respect and priority in sustaining the UK's unwavering support. I thanked Secretary Cooper for her genuine personal solidarity with Ukraine in her prior roles, as well as the United Kingdom's commitment and leadership. Together, we are defending our shared values of freedom, independence, and humanity. I look forward to working together to advance our excellent strategic partnership and strengthen all of Europe". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Position of Ministry of Defence on draft laws that sparked public concern Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 6 September, 2025, 9:30 PM EEST The Ministry of Defence held consultations with the Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Law Enforcement and the Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defence, and Intelligence regarding draft laws that sparked public concern. The Ministry and parliamentarians reached an agreement to provide full support for the draft law 'On the Military Ombudsman,' submitted to the Verkhovna Rada by the President of Ukraine. The draft law stipulates that the Office of the Military Ombudsman shall function as an auxiliary body under the President of Ukraine, and that the Military Ombudsman shall be a civilian official who will have the trust of defenders and their families and will be tasked with protecting the rights of: Service members of all branches and components of the Defence Forces of Ukraine; Police officers engaged in combat operations; Foreign nationals and stateless persons serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine; Other categories of individuals as stipulated by law. The Ministry of Defence is convinced that establishing a Military Ombudsman, a new institution for Ukraine, is a necessary component of the justice system for military personnel. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine endorses the position of the Verkhovna Rada Committees on Law Enforcement and on National Security, Defence, and Intelligence concerning the necessity of excluding from draft law No. 13452 the clauses that strengthen military accountability for disobedience. The amendments proposed in the draft law would prevent courts from considering the circumstances of each case and from imposing a more lenient sentence, effectively reducing the trial to a formal procedure without regard for individual factors. The Ministry of Defence is of the view that draft law No. 13452 requires further refinement in coordination with the pertinent Committees of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Discipline in the military should be grounded in justice rather than punishment. The Ministry has consistently maintained that service members currently defending our country should have the ability to safeguard their rights. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Among the Top Priorities in All Our Work With Partners Is Stronger Air Defense, Protection Against Russian "Shaheds," Against Russian Missiles - Address by the President President of Ukraine 6 September 2025 - 21:17 I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians, Our active diplomatic week continues - we are working at all levels. Also today, an important Parliamentary Summit of the G7 concluded, and Ukraine was represented. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, met with the Speakers of the parliaments of Canada, the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, as well as with the President of the European Parliament. Everyone supports us, Ukraine, our defense, and our pursuit of a reliable and lasting peace. I want to thank them for that. Overall, in my opinion, this week has been very productive. Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan - that is the geography of support and activities just for this single week. The Coalition of the Willing - 35 countries. 26 countries are involved in security guarantees for Ukraine, and these are substantive commitments on land, in the air, at sea, and in cyberspace, as well as financial support for our army. The most important thing is a sufficiently strong Ukrainian army, so that Ukraine's independence and sovereignty are fully guaranteed. And that means weapons for our army, long-term funding for the Ukrainian army. Many of these components have already been agreed upon with partners as a baseline. We are also creating new joint weapons production. For the first time in history, Ukraine has begun building a joint plant with Denmark, on Danish territory, and it will produce components for our missiles and drones, weapons that are already proving highly effective. During this war, Ukraine has already reached the level where nearly 60% of the weapons we have, weapons in the hands of our warriors, are Ukrainian-made, and they are strong weapons, many of them cutting-edge. Of course, there are goals we must still achieve, in particular, the production in Ukraine and together with Ukraine of air defense systems, of different types. It's a challenge. And we must get there as well. Ukraine has already proven that, in weapons production, we are among the best in the world. For that, we thank everyone who is developing Ukraine's defense sector, designing new models of Ukrainian weapons, and I want to thank all our people driving the technological advancement of our country. Next week is also expected to be quite active. And among other things, we are preparing for the Ramstein format. We are also working to secure new contributions from partners to the PURL program. This is a program we truly need: thanks to it, we purchase American weapons, and it already involves over two billion dollars. We will continue increasing this funding. And among the top priorities in all our work with partners is stronger air defense, protection against Russian "shaheds," against Russian missiles. Right now, Russian attack drones are again in our skies - our air defense is responding. There were strikes today in Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and our other cities and communities. Every day this Russian threat persists, and that means every day we must make Ukraine stronger. That is exactly what we are doing. I thank everyone who is helping! We thank everyone who is defending our state! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Information on the consequences of the attack on the Government building Ukraine Government Communications Department of the Secretariat of the CMU, posted 07 September 2025 15:22 In the early hours of 7 September, Ukraine once again faced an attack by the aggressor. russia launched its largest-ever assault using 810 drones, 4 ballistic missiles, and 9 cruise missiles. For the first time, the Government building was damaged, with its roof and upper floors affected. A fire covering 800 square metres of the building was contained and extinguished thanks to the coordinated efforts of our rescuers. Fortunately, no one was injured. Immense gratitude to the rescuers for their selfless and heroic work. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Western Coalition Inches Closer To Ukraine 'Reassurance Force' Plans Amid US Interest By Rikard Jozwiak September 07, 2025 Summary The Coalition of the Willing, comprising over 20 Western nations, is advancing plans for a "reassurance force" in Ukraine, contingent on a cease-fire and Ukraine's invitation. US involvement remains limited but is seen as a potential key contributor, especially in intelligence and surveillance support from NATO's eastern flank. Key challenges include defining the force's political mandate, rules of engagement, and avoiding gaps in NATO's defense, with a focus on non-combat roles in Western Ukraine. Turkey, Britain, France, and Nordic-Baltic nations are expected to lead components, but parliamentary approvals and resource allocation remain obstacles for several countries. The Coalition of the Willing, a grouping of over 20 western countries, is inching closer to finalizing plans for some sort of "reassurance force" for Ukraine. Officials familiar with the talks claim that "discussions have intensified" in recent weeks in European capitals. Briefing on background after the most recent talks in Paris on September 4, a senior European diplomat notes that there has been "increased enthusiasm" for the initiative compared with earlier this year and that they are making "small steps forward" on several issues. The sudden jolt of action in recent weeks is down to one big movement: The United States is paying attention to the project. One diplomat speaking under condition of anonymity says that Washington now can be seen as an "observer" of the coalition. Even though there still isn't any concrete "American backstop" which the European countries are seeking for the reassurance force to go ahead, they note the US both politically and militarily have indicated that it may be in the making. In what shape or form still remains to be seen, but it is believed that the most useful asset would be American Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), most likely from NATO eastern flank countries such as Poland and Romania. Yet, several unknowns still dominate the planning for a potential force beyond America's potential role -- crucially the political mandate of a mission and the rules of engagement. Cease-Fire Required Before Action Takes Place When it comes to the mandate, two things are clear: The force would only become active if there is a cease-fire and it can only operate upon an invitation from Ukraine. The latter is pretty straightforward, but the coalition is still keen to point out that this is a decision by Kyiv and Kyiv only and that Russia cannot veto it in any way. This means that it falls outside the auspices of the United Nations or the OSCE. The coalition is also keen to avoid any form of international force that would include troops from more Kremlin-friendly countries such as Brazil, India, or China. The cease-fire is a precondition for any boots on the ground, especially as no country is keen to assume any combat roles. Herein lies something of a dilemma as no European diplomat appears to believe that the war is about to end anytime soon. Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, said recently that she believes that Moscow will ramp up the war effort going into the autumn and winter and various European officials back this up by noting that they see the conflict potentially dragging on for years. So, what about rules of engagement? So far, there isn't much agreement on those either. What is clear is that the future force won't be on the contact line. The first line of defense is the Ukrainian army, and the reassurance force comes as a second layer. There are still various options, but the idea is that there should be land, sea, and air components. Turkey is the lead nation when it comes to the sea component, looking at making sure that the Black Sea lanes are free for navigation and potentially being engaged in naval demining. Britain and France are expected to take the lead when it comes to the land forces and around eight other nations, mainly in the Nordic-Baltic region, have indicated they are ready to put boots on the ground as well. The goal is to have 25,000-30,000 troops in Ukraine, but it may not go that high. Poland has indicated that its role mainly will be that of a logistic hub for the force, while Germany is still hesitating and would most probably need parliamentary approval to send any military, a potential obstacle that many other nations face as well. Another dilemma here is many NATO eastern flank nations fear that officers for a future reassurance force will be pulled from the multinational troops of the NATO battalions placed in on their soil in recent years as a response to Russian aggression in Ukraine. Especially Baltic diplomats have warned that the reassurance force mustn't create "gaps" in the military alliance's defense. The land component of the reassurance force would most likely be placed in western Ukraine, with the Lviv area being the most obvious area. The Yavoriv military base, which has been used to train Ukrainian troops by Western army personnel before the Russian full-scale invasion, would according to some sources be a natural hub, especially if the reassurance force will have a training component to it. Other options include placing forces around critical infrastructure such as airports and ports as well as in bigger cities such as Odesa and Kyiv. The air component still needs to be worked out, but the idea is that the skies over western Ukraine and eventually central Ukraine should be protected. But here the matter of rules of engagement becomes an issue, as no Western country is ready to, for example, shoot at Russian aircraft if they were to venture over Ukrainian skies -- thus creating a direct confrontation with the Kremlin. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/western-coalition- ukraine-reassurance-force-plans-us-interest/33523520.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 Russia Hits Key Ukrainian Government Building For First Time Amid Record Drone Barrage In Kyiv By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 07, 2025 Summary Russian drones struck Kyiv's Cabinet of Ministers building for the first time, a major escalation in attacks on the Ukrainian capital. The September 7 assault -- Russia's largest on Kyiv since 2022 -- killed at least three and injured more than a dozen, officials said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as crimes, while allies said they undermined peace efforts. KYIV -- Russian drone strikes have struck a key Ukrainian government building for the first time since Moscow's full-scale invasion began, Kyiv said. The September 7 attack targeted Kyiv's Cabinet of Ministers building, which houses the prime minister's office, and was part of Russia's biggest aerial assault on the Ukrainian capital since February 2022, Ukrainian officials said. Russia fired over 800 drones and missiles across the country, a new record, according to Ukrainian authorities. Three people were killed as Russian drones struck and partially destroyed two high-rise residential buildings in Kyiv, officials said. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said an infant child, a young woman, and an elderly woman were killed, and more than a dozen people were injured. The Cabinet of Ministers building, located in the heart of Kyiv, is home to Ukraine's Cabinet and houses the offices of its ministers. Russia has previously avoided targeting government buildings in central Kyiv, a heavily defended part of the city. "For the first time, a government building was damaged by an enemy attack, including the roof and upper floors," said Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. "We will restore the buildings, but lost lives cannot be returned." Russian drone and missile attack also hit residential areas and civilian infrastructure in the cities of Zaporizhzhya, Kryviy Rih, and Odesa, as well as the regions of Sumy and Chernihiv. The attack on September 7 was the second major Russian drone and missile attack to target Kyiv in recent weeks. "Such killings now, when real diplomacy could have already begun long ago, are a deliberate crime and a prolongation of the war," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Facebook. Kyiv's allies also condemned the attack. "I'm appalled by the latest brutal overnight assault on Kyiv and across Ukraine," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement. "These cowardly strikes show that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin believes he can act with impunity. He is not serious about peace." Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military said it attacked an oil pipeline in Russia's Bryansk region, inflicting "comprehensive fire damage" during an overnight attack on September 7. No casualties were reported. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed 69 Ukrainian drones were intercepted across nine regions, briefly disrupting flights in the cities of Moscow, Volgograd, and Nizhny Novgorod. Russia's drone barrage has dimmed hopes for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine aimed at ending Moscow's three-and-a-half-year unprovoked invasion of its neighbor. Russia's attack came days after European countries, led by France and Britain, pledged to deploy a "reassurance" force to Ukraine if a cease-fire is reached. But Putin warned that foreign troops deployed in Ukraine would be treated as "legitimate targets." Zelenskyy rejected an offer from Putin to travel to Moscow for peace talks and instead challenged him to come to Kyiv. "He can come to Kyiv," Zelenskyy told ABC News on September 6. "I can't go to Moscow when my country's under missiles, under attack, each day. I can't go to the capital of this terrorist." The Ukrainian president added that Putin's offer was intended to "postpone the meeting," and that the Russian leader was "playing games with the United States." Putin had earlier downplayed the value of meeting with the Ukrainian president, but also suggested that he would be willing to meet with him, but only on home soil. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-kyiv-russia-invasion/33523903.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 MoD: Russia Destroys Ukrainian Drone Hubs, Weapons Stockpiles, and Radar Stations Sputnik News 20250907 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian forces have struck facilities of Ukraine's defense industry and transport infrastructure, as well as sites for assembly, storage and launch of long-range drones, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday. "The Russian armed forces' groups of tactical aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile forces and artillery have struck facilities of the defense industry and transport infrastructure of Ukraine used in the interests of the armed forces of Ukraine, sites of assembly, storage and launch of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, warehouses of weapons and military equipment, military airfields, two air defense radar stations, as well as temporary locations of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 149 districts," the ministry said in a statement. Russian air defense systems shot down three guided aerial bombs, three HIMARS multiple rocket launchers manufactured in the United States and 210 drones, the ministry added. Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr has eliminated up to 460 Ukrainian military servicepeople over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday. "The losses of the Ukrainian armed forces included up to 460 soldiers, three tanks, two armored fighting vehicles, eight motor vehicles, two artillery guns and an electronic warfare station," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Battlegroup Zapad has eliminated up to 230 Ukrainian fighters, five armored combat vehicles, including a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, 24 motor vehicles, a multiple launch rocket system, four artillery guns, five electronic warfare stations, a counter-battery warfare station and seven ammunition depots over the past 24 hours. Russia's Battlegroup Vostok has eliminated up to 200 Ukrainian soldiers, four armored combat vehicles, eight motor vehicles, three field artillery guns and a materiel depot, the ministry said. Russia's Battlegroup Yug has eliminated over 265 Ukrainian soldiers, three armored combat vehicles, four motor vehicles, six field artillery guns, an electronic warfare station, three ammunition depots and four materiel depots in the past day. Russia's Battlegroup Sever has eliminated over 175 Ukrainian soldiers, two armored combat vehicles, 13 motor vehicles, two field artillery guns, three electronic warfare stations and two materiel depots, the ministry said. Russia's Battlegroup Dneprhas eliminated up to 60 Ukrainian fighters over the past day, 10 motor vehicles, a field artillery gun, seven electronic warfare stations, an ammunition depot and a materiel depot, the statement read. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian Armed Forces Exert Psychological Pressure on Zaporozhye Power Plant Staff Sputnik News 20250907 SIMFEROPOL, Russia (Sputnik) - The shelling by the Ukrainian armed forces is exerting psychological pressure on the staff of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, Yevgenia Yashina, the plant's communications director, told Sputnik. On Saturday, the Ukrainian armed forces were reported to attack the training center of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant using drones, with the strike hitting the roof. A fire and critical damage were avoided. The limits and conditions for the safe operation of the nuclear power plant were not violated, and the background radiation remains normal. "Daily shelling exerts significant psychological pressure on the nuclear power plant staff, creating a tense and unstable environment that hinders the performance of their professional duties," Yashina said. The safety of the nuclear power plant primarily depends on the human factor, on the coordinated and precise actions of the staff, she said, adding that "the mentioned threats directly undermine this fundamental principle." The nuclear power plant is located on the left bank of the Dnepr River near Energodar. It is the largest nuclear plant in Europe in terms of the number of units and installed capacity. The plant has six power units, with a capacity of 1 gigawatt each, all of which are currently in a state of so-called cold shutdown. In October 2022, the nuclear power plant came under Russia's control and has since been routinely targeted in Ukrainian attacks. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian Drones Hit Staff Training Center at Zaporozhye NPP Sputnik News 20250907 SIMFEROPOL, Russia (Sputnik) - Ukrainian drones have struck the roof of the personnel training center at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP), but failed to cause critical damage, the plant's press office said on Saturday. "The Ukrainian armed forces have attacked the ZNPP personnel training center with drones. They hit the roof of Building G. This center is unique, as it houses the world's only full-scale reactor hall simulator, which is critical for personnel training," the statement read. The center is located 300 meters (some 980 feet) from the plant's power unit. Fire and critical destruction were avoided, the press office said. The radiation level at the compound is normal, the press office also said, adding that the limits and conditions for safe operation have not been violated. The plant continues to operate as usual, the press office said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held phone talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Anita Anand Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 07 September 2025 16:51 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I had a call with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Anita Anand to inform about Russia's escalation of terror against Ukraine and our priority needs. I thanked Canada for its support and leadership in the Group of Seven. We discussed how G7 can respond to Russia's brutal strikes and refusal of peace efforts. We agreed on the need to increase transatlantic pressure, including lower oil price cap, a full use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's defense and recovery, restrictions against Russian energy, and other sanctions. It is critical to raise the cost of war for the aggressor in order to advance peace. No more time to wait. Putin must sense the direct consequences of his rejection of diplomacy and continued murders." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held phone talks with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 07 September 2025 13:46 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "During our call, I informed Kaja Kallas about the consequences of Russian attacks and Ukraine's priority needs for our people, to strengthen energy resilience ahead of winter and enhance air defenses to protect critical infrastructure. We also discussed the work to prepare the 19th EU sanctions package and agreed that a strong transatlantic pressure is required to force Moscow to end its terror and advance peace efforts. I sincerely thanked Kaja and the European Union for supporting Ukraine not only in strong words, but also in strong deeds." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Clearly, Russia Is Trying to Inflict Pain on Ukraine with Even More Brazen Attacks - Address by the President President of Ukraine 7 September 2025 - 21:00 Fellow Ukrainians! Right now, in our cities - Kyiv, Sumy, and other cities and communities - assistance is being provided to the wounded after the Russian strike. The geography of the attacks over the past day includes Kyiv, Sumy, Kremenchuk, Odesa, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Zaporizhzhia. In Kyiv, the rubble is still being cleared - there may still be bodies beneath it. The Cabinet of Ministers building has been damaged. As of now, more than forty people have been reported injured across the country, 20 of them in Kyiv. My condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed. In the capital alone, the air raid alert lasted for more than seven and a half hours. Kyiv was one of the main targets for Russian drones. Right now, another air raid alert is spreading across Ukraine - and it is precisely because of "shaheds." In just one night, there were more than four hundred "shaheds," with a total of 810 drones in that strike. Hence, nearly half were drones the Russians use to complicate the situation in the skies and overload air defenses. There were also missiles, including ballistic ones. Our warriors managed to shoot down a significant number of them, which is a significant achievement. There are also results from interceptor drones, with more than 150 interceptions overnight. Electronic warfare units, army aviation, mobile fire groups, Air Force fighter jets, and anti-aircraft units also performed well. I thank everyone. Of course, not everything is being shot down yet, and we still need to further strengthen our air defenses. This is a top priority. The Russians keep the number of "shaheds" in massive strikes at the level of 300-400 per strike, and our interceptors must reach a matching level. This is realistic - production capacity is there, financing and contracts are secured, and what is needed now is to scale up the relevant units. I thank everyone in the Defense Forces who is carrying out this mission, and I thank everyone who is helping - every volunteer, every company. Developing this interceptor technology, deploying it, training crews - all of this saves lives. It is important that today we saw a broad response from our partners to this strike. Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks. This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world - whether they will accept or tolerate this. That is why it is important that the statements of leaders, states, and institutions be backed by strong actions - sanctions against Russia, against individuals associated with Russia, tough tariffs and other restrictions on trade with Russia. Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing. And also - our long-range capabilities. Putin does not want negotiations, he is clearly hiding from them, so Russia's fuel shortages and other economic troubles are the logical response to its refusal to agree to a ceasefire or a meeting at the leaders' level. This week there will be a meeting in the Ramstein format. Today, together with Ukraine's Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal, we discussed preparations and priorities for the Ramstein talks. We expect new support packages. Rustem Umerov delivered a report today - we are preparing a Staff meeting in the coming days focused specifically on the technological aspects of our defense and our long-range capabilities. I spoke with President of France Emmanuel Macron. I thanked Emmanuel for his support and for coordinating our steps to put pressure on Russia, and so that Europeans together can do more to bring this war to an end. We also spoke with Mark Rutte today. There have already been many reactions from leaders, heads of government, and heads of international organizations - we thank everyone. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is informing all partners about this latest Russian escalation. We are counting on a strong reaction from America. This is what is needed. And one more thing. Today is the Day of Ukraine's Military Intelligence. I thank you, guys, for your strength and for all your successful operations. I especially want to thank you for the operation in the Black Sea that opened maritime export corridors for Ukraine. Thank you for the vital information. Respect to our intelligence officers. And we always remember the fallen heroes. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NEW YORK, Sept. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential breaches of fiduciary duties by the directors and officers of Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR). If you currently own shares of Danaher stock, please visit the firms website at https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=17717 for more information. You may also contact Phillip Kim of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via email at case@rosenlegal.com. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com (2025-09-08) Kitron ASA initiates a share buyback in connection with remuneration to the board members. Kitron ASA ("Kitron" or the "Company") has decided to initiate a share buyback program of up to 16,000 of its own shares for a total maximum amount of NOK 900,000. The buyback program may be carried out in the period from this announcement and until 12 September 2025. The share buyback program will be carried out in accordance with the EC Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No. 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 regarding exemptions from market manipulation for share programs. The purpose of the buyback program is to acquire shares that can be used as part of the remuneration to the board members for the period from and including May 2025 to and including April 2026, as resolved by the annual general meeting on 24 April 2025. The Company has engaged Norne Securities AS to carry out the share buybacks. The share buybacks will be made in accordance with the authorisation granted to the board of directors by the Company's annual general meeting held on 24 April 2025. According to the authorisation, up to 19,891,716 shares may be purchased at a minimum of NOK 1 and a maximum of the prevailing market price per share on the day the offer is made, provided, however, that the maximum amount does not exceed NOK 100 per share. The authorisation is valid until the annual general meeting in 2026, however no later than 30 June 2025. All acquisitions under the buyback program will be executed on Euronext Oslo Brs. The execution of any repurchases will depend on market conditions, the buyback program may be discontinued at any time and the Company may resolve to terminate the buyback program before the threshold set out above is reached. Kitron does not hold any own shares in the Company as of the date of this announcement. For further information, please contact: Cathrin Nylander, CFO, tel.: +47 900 43 284 E-mail: investorrelations@kitron.com Kitron is a leading Scandinavian electronics manufacturing services company for the Connectivity, Electrification, Industry, Medical devices and Defence/Aerospace sectors. The group has operations located in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Lithuania, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, India, Malaysia, China and the United States. Kitron has about 2 400 employees, and revenues were EUR 647 million in 2024. www.kitron.com (http://www.kitron.com) This information is made public by the Company pursuant to the EU market abuse regulation article 5, as supplemented by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052, and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Oslo Brs (https://www.euronext.com/nb/markets/oslo) GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toobit, the award-winning global cryptocurrency exchange, today announces the launch of its new Lead Trader challenge. With a total prize pool of 1,000,000 USDT in Funded Capital and an exclusive 30,000 USDT early bird bonus, the program offers a zero-cost opportunity for traders worldwide to showcase their skills and earn rewards. The competition is structured into three phases: Registration period: September 10, 2025, 10:00 (UTC) September 24, 2025, 10:00 (UTC) The first 200 traders who register and trade for at least 5 days in the Demo Trading stage will receive an extra 60 USDT from the early bird prize pool. The first 200 traders who register and trade for at least 5 days in the Demo Trading stage will receive an extra 60 USDT from the early bird prize pool. Demo Trading stage: September 24, 2025, 10:00 (UTC) October 4, 2025, 10:00 (UTC) Participants will trade with 10,000 USDT in demo funds. The top 100 traders who meet specific performance criteria will qualify for the next stage. Participants will trade with 10,000 USDT in demo funds. The top 100 traders who meet specific performance criteria will qualify for the next stage. Funded Trading stage: October 5, 2025, 10:00 (UTC) November 14, 2025, 10:00 (UTC) Qualified traders will receive phased funding starting at 500 USDT, with the potential to unlock up to 10,000 USDT in Funded Capital by meeting performance milestones across four 10-day stages. Winners of the Funded Trading stage will not only secure Funded Capital but also earn up to 70% in profit-sharing from their trades and up to 20% in copy trading revenue from their followers. The program also rewards non-qualifying participants, with the opportunity to claim a 200 USDT participation bonus, plus additional rewards for sharing the event on social media. "This is an incredible opportunity for traders to showcase their talent at zero cost and win a Funded Account," said Mike Williams, Chief Communication Officer at Toobit. "Our goal is to build a vibrant copy trading ecosystem, and we look forward to the top individuals who will help us lead it." The crypto copy trading market is seeing growth, with over 60% of new retail investors using these platforms as their primary entry point in 2025. This trend is fueled by advanced technologies like AI, which are democratizing access to sophisticated trading strategies and enabling individuals to automatically replicate the moves of professional traders. About Toobit Toobit is where the future of crypto trading unfoldsan award-winning cryptocurrency derivatives exchange built for those who thrive exploring new frontiers. With deep liquidity and cutting-edge technology, Toobit empowers traders worldwide to navigate the digital asset markets with confidence. We offer a fair, secure, seamless, and transparent trading experience, ensuring every trade is an opportunity to discover whats next. For more information about Toobit, visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Instagram Contact: Davin C. Email: market@toobit.com Website: www.toobit.com Disclaimer: This content is provided by Toobit. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. 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Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e128851-dc10-446d-9920-d5a77136b611 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3475b167-ad85-4128-9248-f686fc9948a5 THIS PRESS RELEASE CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 7(1) OF THE EUROPEAN MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (596/2014) The CE Mark certification allows marketing for both clinic and home use First commercial sales of the ARC-EX System in Europe are expected in Q4 2025 System in Europe are expected in Q4 2025 The CE Mark enables commercialization in the European Union and facilitates a streamlined regulatory pathway in other countries, including in the UK and Switzerland EINDHOVEN, the Netherlands, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ONWARD Medical N.V. (Euronext: ONWD US ADR: ONWRY), the leading neurotechnology company pioneering therapies to restore movement, function, and independence in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and other movement disabilities, today announced it has received CE Mark certification for its ARC-EX System under the European Union Medical Device Regulation (MDR), enabling commercialization in the European Union and certain other countries. This certification enables the Company to promote the use of the ARC-EX System in conjunction with functional task practice to improve hand strength and sensation in adults with a chronic, non-progressive neurological deficit resulting from an incomplete spinal cord injury (C2-C8 inclusive). The certification allows marketing for both clinic and home use. The ARC-EX System is non-invasive and delivers programmed, transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation via electrodes placed on the back of the neck. Hand sensation and strength is a primary recovery target after spinal cord injury. The ARC-EX Therapy opens new doors for the SCI community in Europe, offering opportunities for recovery and care that were previously unavailable," said Dave Marver, Chief Executive Officer of ONWARD Medical. "The CE Mark certification for ARC-EX was awarded far earlier than expected and it gives us great satisfaction to bring this important new therapeutic option to the European spinal cord injury community. We will initiate a phased launch in Europe in the coming weeks, starting with Germany, and cascading to other countries as soon as possible thereafter." The ARC-EX System is supported by a unique body of clinical evidence. Results of the Up-LIFT pivotal study published in Nature Medicine showed that 90% of study participants improved strength or function, 87% reported improvement in quality of life, and benefits were observed up to 34 years post-injury. The study also reported less spasm frequency, improved sleep quality, and improved upper body sensation and sense of touch. Additionally, results of the investigator-sponsored Pathfinder2 Study, published in Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface, showed that ARC-EX Therapy, combined with activity-based rehabilitation, delivered significant functional improvements and continued gains in upper body strength, trunk control, and balance after one year of treatment, with no plateau in therapeutic benefit1. As part of the CE Mark application process, ONWARD Medical achieved its first certification in accordance with the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR), meeting European standards and requirements relating to patient safety, clinical performance, risk management, and post-market surveillance. Earlier this year, the Company initiated the phased launch of the ARC-EX System in US clinics following US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance. The Company recently reported having met its commercial objective for the first half of 2025, with positive feedback and strong demand from its initial users. The ARC-EX System was selected as a TIME Magazine Best Invention in 2024 and it was also recognized as one of Fast Company's 2025 World Changing Ideas for its potential to transform lives. About ONWARD Medical ONWARD Medical is the leading neurotechnology company pioneering therapies to restore movement, function, and independence in people with spinal cord injuries and other movement disabilities. Building on decades of scientific discovery, preclinical research, and clinical studies conducted at leading hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and neuroscience laboratories, the Company developed ARC Therapy. It has subsequently been awarded 10 Breakthrough Device Designations from the FDA. The Companys ARC-EX System is cleared for commercial sale in the US and Europe. The Company is also developing an investigational implantable system called ARC-IM, designed to address several unmet needs including blood pressure instability after spinal cord injury. It can also be paired with a brain-computer interface (BCI) and artificial intelligence (AI) to restore thought-driven movement. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the Company has a Science and Engineering Center in Switzerland and a US office in Boston, Massachusetts. The Company is listed on Euronext Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam (ticker: ONWD) and its US ADRs can be traded on OTCQX (ticker: ONWRY). For more information, please visit ONWD.com. To stay informed about ONWARDs research studies, technologies, and the availability of therapies in your area, please complete this webform. For Media Inquiries: Sebastien Cros, VP Communications media@onwd.com For Investor Inquiries: investors@onwd.com Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements, beliefs, and opinions in this press release are forward-looking, which reflect the Companys or, as appropriate, the Company directors current expectations and projections about future events. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve several risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. A multitude of factors including, but not limited to, delays in regulatory approvals, changes in demand, competition, and technology, can cause actual events, performance, or results to differ significantly from any anticipated development. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. As a result, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any update or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions, assumptions, or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based. Neither the Company nor its advisers or representatives nor any of its subsidiary undertakings or any such persons officers or employees guarantees that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors nor does either accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or the actual occurrence of the forecasted developments. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Trademarks: ONWARD, ARC-EX, ARC-IM, ARC-BCI, and the stylized O-Logo are proprietary and registered trademarks of ONWARD Medical. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. 1ARC-EX Indication for Use (EU): The ARC-EX System is intended to deliver programmed, transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation in conjunction with functional task practice in the clinic and with take-home exercises in the home to improve hand sensation and strength in individuals between 18 and 75 years old that present with a chronic (>1 year post-injury), non-progressive neurological deficit resulting from an incomplete spinal cord injury (C2-C8 inclusive). Other Investigational Products: All other ONWARD Medical devices and therapies including ARC-IM and ARC-BCI are investigational and not available for commercial use. MOSHI, Tanzania, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altezza Travel , a Kilimanjaro-based tour operator, has become a Certified B Corporation, joining a global community of companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance. The certification marks a major milestone in Altezza Travels journey, which has already included earning Travelife Certification and becoming an affiliate member of UN Tourism. The company followed a rigorous assessment process measuring its impact across governance, community engagement, employee welfare, environmental stewardship, and customer care. There are 90 B Corps in Africa, and only five are based in Tanzania, said manager Dickson Muganda. The movement is still nascent here, but we will be working hard to build it. It is not the badge that is important; the impact is. Altezza Travel doesnt seek to become the best company in Africa, but the best company for Africa. B Corps are certified by the nonprofit B Lab after a review of a companys operations, supply chain, and stakeholder relationships. The certification must be renewed every three years to ensure ongoing compliance. The way we travel needs to change, but for that to happen, the whole industry needs to join forces, said sustainability manager Naserian Olijumbe. There are no competitors here. We will provide support to any Tanzania-based company that wants to pursue certification. We hope that in time the whole industry will share our values paying a real living wage to employees, ending partnerships with hunting-affiliated companies, supporting the communities around us, and keeping impact above profit. Founded in 2014, Altezza Travel organizes ethical climbs to Mount Kilimanjaro and wildlife safaris in Tanzanias national parks. The company employs over 200 people full-time and partners with more than 3,000 mountain crew members. It has been recognized twice as Tanzanias Leading Tour Operator by the World Travel Awards and holds the #1 position on TripAdvisor for Tanzania vacations. About Altezza Travel: Altezza Travel is a family-owned tour operator based in Moshi, Tanzania. Specializing in Kilimanjaro climbs and wildlife safaris, the company focuses on ethical practices, fair labor standards, and environmental conservation. Altezza Travel is a Travelife Certified company, an affiliate member of UN Tourism, and now a Certified B Corporation. For Media Inquiries: press@altezza.travel https://altezzatravel.com/ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/86517c7a-0bc6-4581-ac2a-e0e0b4cc2721 Dublin, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Cyclopentane - Company Evaluation Report, 2025" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Cyclopentane Companies Quadrant is a comprehensive industry analysis that provides valuable insights into the global market for Cyclopentane. This quadrant offers a detailed evaluation of key market players, technological advancements, product innovations, and emerging trends shaping the industry. The 360 Quadrant evaluated over 100 companies, of which the Top 15 Cyclopentane Companies were categorized and recognized as quadrant leaders. Cyclopentane is a colorless, flammable liquid hydrocarbon that falls under the cycloalkane category and has the chemical formula C?H??. It is commonly utilized as a blowing agent in the manufacturing of polyurethane foams, especially for refrigeration and insulation purposes, owing to its low thermal conductivity and environmentally friendly characteristics. As a substitute for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), cyclopentane has become increasingly favored due to its minimal ozone depletion potential (ODP) and comparatively low global warming potential (GWP). The compound also has niche applications as a solvent in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. The growing need for energy-efficient and eco-conscious technologies is propelling the expansion of the global cyclopentane market. Cyclopentane is a cyclic hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C?H??. It consists of a ring made up of five carbon atoms, each bonded to two hydrogen atoms. In terms of structure, it is identified as a cycloalkane - a saturated hydrocarbon where carbon atoms are linked in a closed ring. At room temperature and atmospheric pressure, cyclopentane appears as a clear, colorless liquid. It possesses a relatively low boiling point and exhibits high volatility. Its applications include use as a blowing agent, refrigerant, chemical reagent, and solvent across multiple industries. The 360 Quadrant maps the Cyclopentane companies based on criteria such as revenue, geographic presence, growth strategies, investments, and sales strategies for the market presence of the Cyclopentane quadrant. Key players in the Cyclopentane market are actively investing in research and development, forming strategic partnerships, and engaging in collaborative initiatives to drive innovation, expand their global footprint, and maintain a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving market. Top 3 Companies Haltermann Carless Group GmbH Haltermann Carless Group GmbH, known for its ISCC Plus-certified low-carbon pentane products, operates in sectors ranging from mobility to industrial applications. Haltermann Carless's focus on sustainable hydrocarbon solutions and innovation in product offerings aligns with the critical industry trends of reducing carbon emissions. The company has strategically expanded under the umbrella of International Chemical Investors Group which strengthens its market presence through a combination of innovative product launches and strategic acquisitions. INEOS INEOS, a leading manufacturer in the petrochemical industry, specializes in producing eco-friendly cyclopentane used primarily in polyurethane foams for insulation. The company boasts significant global manufacturing capabilities and a strong commitment to sustainability, adhering to rigorous environmental standards. INEOS's extensive production network across diverse industrial sectors ensures a robust market position, leveraging innovation and regulatory compliance to maintain competitiveness. Zeon Corporation Zeon Corporation is recognized for producing high-purity cyclopentane, emphasizing sustainability with low GWP and no ozone depletion potential. The company's innovative manufacturing techniques address critical market needs for consistent quality, notably in industries like refrigeration and construction. Zeon's commitment to environmental responsibility and product quality has cemented its position as a trusted supplier in the cyclopentane market. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 1.1 Market Definition 1.2 Inclusions and Exclusions 1.3 Stakeholders 2 Executive Summary 3 Market Overview 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Market Dynamics 3.2.1 Drivers 3.2.1.1 Global Phase-Out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons 3.2.1.2 Wide Use of Cyclopentane in Solvent and Reagent Applications 3.2.2 Restraints 3.2.2.1 High Capital Investments 3.2.2.2 Volatility in Raw Material Prices 3.2.3 Opportunities 3.2.3.1 Increasing Use of Blowing Agents in Construction and Automotive Industries 3.2.3.2 Pressing Need for Cyclopentane in Thermal Energy Storage Systems 3.2.4 Challenges 3.2.4.1 Flammability of Cyclopentane 3.3 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 3.3.1 Threat of New Entrants 3.3.2 Threat of Substitutes 3.3.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 3.3.4 Bargaining Power of Buyers 3.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry 4 Industry Trends 4.1 Value Chain Analysis 4.2 Ecosystem/Market Map 4.3 Trends/Disruptions Impacting Customer Business 4.4 Patent Analysis 4.4.1 Methodology 4.5 Impact of Generative AI/AI on Cyclopentane Market 4.5.1 Introduction 4.5.1.1 Enhanced Process Efficiency: 4.5.1.2 Improved Supply Chain Management: 4.5.1.3 Support for Regulatory Compliances: 4.5.1.4 Advancement in Product Development: 4.5.1.5 Sustainability and Environmental Accountability: 4.5.1.6 Scalable Digital Transformation: 5 Competitive Landscape 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Key Player Strategies/Right to Win 5.2.1 Cyclopentane Market: Overview of Strategies Adopted by Key Players, 2022-2025 5.3 Revenue Analysis, 2019-2024 5.3.1 Key Players' Revenue Analysis, 2019-2024 5.4 Market Share Analysis, 2024 5.5 Brand/Product Comparison 5.6 Company Evaluation Matrix: Key Players, 2024 5.6.1 Stars 5.6.2 Emerging Leaders 5.6.3 Pervasive Players 5.6.4 Participants 5.6.5 Company Footprint: Key Players, 2024 5.6.5.1 Company Footprint 5.6.5.2 Region Footprint 5.6.5.3 Function Footprint 5.6.5.4 Application Footprint 5.7 Company Evaluation Matrix: Startups/SMEs, 2024 5.7.1 Progressive Companies 5.7.2 Responsive Companies 5.7.3 Dynamic Companies 5.7.4 Starting Blocks 5.7.5 Competitive Benchmarking: Startups/SMEs, 2024 5.7.5.1 Detailed List of Key Startups/SMEs 5.7.5.2 Competitive Benchmarking of Key Startups/SMEs 5.8 Company Valuation and Financial Metrics 5.9 Competitive Scenario 5.9.1 Product Launches 5.9.2 Deals 5.9.3 Expansions 6 Company Profiles Haltermann Carless Group GmbH Ineos Zeon Corporation Haldia Petrochemicals Limited Yeochun Ncc Co. Ltd. Trecora LLC Liaoning Yufeng Chemical Co. Ltd. Maruzen Petrochemical Junsei Chemical Co.,Ltd. Junyuan Petroleum Group Cosutin Industrial Co. Limited Sk Geocentric Co. Ltd. Puyang Zhongwei Fine Chemical Co. Ltd. Kanto Kagaku Merck KGaA Spectrum Chemical Chemscene Vizag Chemicals International National Analytical Corporation Kishida Chemical Co. Ltd. Shandong Yuean Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. Enc Global Co. Ltd. Sinteco S.R.L. Zhengzhou Meiya Chemical Products Co. Ltd. Hunan Jingzheng Equipment Manufacture Co. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/yfn530 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Dublin, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Industrial Hose - Company Evaluation Report, 2025" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Industrial Hose Companies Quadrant is a comprehensive industry analysis that provides valuable insights into the global market for Industrial Hose. This quadrant offers a detailed evaluation of key market players, technological advancements, product innovations, and emerging trends shaping the industry. The 360 Quadrant evaluated over 100 companies, of which the Top 25 Industrial Hose Companies were categorized and recognized as quadrant leaders. An industrial hose is a specially engineered flexible tube used to transport liquids, gases, or solid materials within industrial settings. Constructed from robust materials such as rubber, PVC, or thermoplastics and reinforced with fabric or wire, these hoses are capable of withstanding high pressures, extreme temperatures, and exposure to aggressive chemicals. Industrial hoses are vital for transferring substances like water, oil, chemicals, air, or food products across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, oil & gas, agriculture, food processing, construction, and pharmaceuticals. They provide a safe, efficient, and dependable solution for moving materials under challenging operational conditions. Industrial hoses are durable, flexible tubes designed to move different substances - such as liquids, gases, or solids - from one location to another in industrial processes. They are widely used in sectors like manufacturing, construction, agriculture, oil & gas, food processing, and chemical industries. Built to endure high pressure, extreme heat or cold, and harsh environmental elements, these hoses are critical for the safe and efficient transfer of water, oil, chemicals, steam, air, or food-grade materials. The 360 Quadrant maps the Industrial Hose companies based on criteria such as revenue, geographic presence, growth strategies, investments, and sales strategies for the market presence of the Industrial Hose quadrant. Key players in the Industrial Hose market are actively investing in research and development, forming strategic partnerships, and engaging in collaborative initiatives to drive innovation, expand their global footprint, and maintain a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving market. Top 3 Companies PARKER HANNIFIN CORP PARKER HANNIFIN CORP is a global leader in motion and control technologies, known for providing solutions that enhance the productivity and performance of various industries. The company offers a comprehensive range of industrial hoses that are integral to many fluid transfer applications, helping manage fluids in challenging environments. This includes applications in aerospace, energy, and industrial automation sectors. The company's strong presence in North America and other global markets, combined with a robust after-market service network, supports its competitive position. Gates Corporation Gates Corporation specializes in the development of innovative solutions for power transmission and fluid power systems. Its products are crucial in systems where reliability is paramount, serving industries such as automotive and industrial machinery. The company collaborates with OEMs and replacement channel partners to provide custom solutions that enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime. Continental AG Continental AG stands out for its comprehensive product suite and strong focus on digital innovation. Specializing in industrial power transmission and conveying solutions, the company leverages its global footprint to provide tailored solutions in diverse markets. Continental AG invests in smart and digital technologies to fortify its market presence and cater to the evolving needs of industrial sectors worldwide. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 1.1 Market Definition 1.2 Inclusions and Exclusions 1.3 Stakeholders 2 Executive Summary 3 Market Overview 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Market Dynamics 3.2.1 Drivers 3.2.1.1 Massive Infrastructure Projects Focused on Establishing Resilient and Efficient Urban Environments 3.2.1.2 Evolving Industrial Demands and Regulatory Frameworks 3.2.1.3 Accelerating Shift to Smart Manufacturing, Automation, and Digital Transformation 3.2.2 Restraints 3.2.2.1 Recurrent Replacement Costs due to Shorter Lifespan of Hoses 3.2.2.2 Investment Uncertainty due to Technology Obsolescence 3.2.3 Opportunities 3.2.3.1 Growing Demand for Customized and Application-Specific Industrial Hoses 3.2.4 Challenges 3.2.4.1 Balancing Innovation, Cost, and Compliance in Specialized Hose Applications 3.2.4.2 Maintaining Competitive Position in Dynamic Market 3.3 Value Chain Analysis 3.4 Ecosystem Analysis 3.5 Technology Analysis 3.5.1 Key Technologies 3.5.1.1 High-Performance Polymer 3.5.1.2 Advanced Reinforcement Technologies 3.5.1.3 IoT-Integrated Hoses 3.5.2 Adjacent Technologies 3.5.2.1 Industrial Automation Systems 3.5.2.2 AI & Predictive Maintenance Software 3.5.3 Complementary Technologies 3.5.3.1 Couplings and Fittings 3.5.3.2 External Condition Monitoring Devices 3.6 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 3.6.1 Threat of New Entrants 3.6.2 Threat of Substitutes 3.6.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 3.6.4 Bargaining Power of Buyers 3.6.5 Intensty of Competitive Rivalry 3.7 Patents Analysis 3.8 Key Conferences and Events, 2025-2026 3.9 Impact of AI/Generative AI on Industrial Hose Market 3.9.1 Introduction 3.9.2 Impact on Industrial Hose Market 3.9.3 Top Use Cases and Market Potential 4 Competitive Landscape 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Key Player Strategies/Right to Win, 2022-2025 4.3 Revenue Analysis, 2020-2024 4.4 Market Share Analysis, 2024 4.5 Company Evaluation Matrix: Key Players, 2024 4.5.1 Stars 4.5.2 Emerging Leaders 4.5.3 Pervasive Players 4.5.4 Participants 4.5.5 Company Footprint: Key Players, 2024 4.5.5.1 Company Footprint 4.5.5.2 Region Footprint 4.5.5.3 Material Type Footprint 4.5.5.4 Media Type Footprint 4.5.5.5 Industry Footprint 4.6 Competitive Scenario 4.6.1 Product Launches 4.6.2 Deals 4.6.3 Expansions 5 Company Profiles Gates Corporation Danfoss Continental AG Parker Hannifin Corp Trelleborg Group Semperit AG Holding Hansa-Flex AG Bridgestone Corporation The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. Sumitomo Riko Company Limited Kuriyama Holdings Corporation Manuli Ryco Group Alfa Gomma Spa Polyhose Mees Van Den Brink Kanaflex Norres Schlauchtechnik GmbH Ivg Colbachini Spa Hbd Thermoid Abbott Rubber Company, Inc. Unitedflexible Colex International Limited Transfer Oil S.P.A. Titeflex Salem-Republic Rubber Company For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/hh1bjc 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. Austin, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robotic Warfare Market Size & Growth Insights: According to the SNS Insider,The Robotic Warfare Market was worth USD 31.62 billion in 2024 and is expected to be worth USD 51.33 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 6.25% during 2025-2032. Rising Adoption of Modular Unmanned Combat Systems in Naval Warfare The robotic warfare business is expanding a lot because more and more people are interested in modular, missile-equipped unmanned systems. Different kinds of military forces are also using smart operational systems that can do more than one job, including surveillance, strike, electronic warfare, and logistics support. This shift is necessary because we need more force multipliers and less risk to people in dangerous areas. The United States Robotic Warfare Market growth is propelled due to the surging investments in autonomous military systems, the need for advanced electronic warfare solutions and strategic push to reduce human intervention in war zones. Get a Sample Report of Robotic Warfare Market Forecast @ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/8087 Leading Market Players with their Product Listed in this Report are: Elbit Systems Lockheed Martin Northrop Grumman Rheinmetall QinetiQ BAE Systems Raytheon Technologies General Dynamics Thales Israel Aerospace Industries Kongsberg Gruppen Leonardo Textron L3Harris Technologies SAAB Hanwha Aerospace Turkish Aerospace Industries Milrem Robotics EDGE Group Boston Dynamics Robotic Warfare Market Report Scope: Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2024 USD 31.62 Billion Market Size by 2032 USD 51.33 Billion CAGR CAGR of 6.25% From 2025 to 2032 Report Scope & Coverage Market Size, Segments Analysis, Competitive Landscape, Regional Analysis, DROC & SWOT Analysis, Forecast Outlook Key Segmentation By Capability(Unmanned platforms & systems, Exoskeleton & wearables, Target acquisition systems and Turret and weapon systems) By Application(Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR), Logistics & Support, Search & Rescue, Tracking & Targeting, Combat & Operations and Others) By Mode of Operation(Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous) By Domain(Land, Marine and Airborne) Purchase Single User PDF of Robotic Warfare Market Report (20% Discount) @ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/8087 Key Industry Segmentation By Capability In 2024, the Unmanned platforms & systems segment accounted for approximately 36% of the Robotic Warfare market share. This growth is driven by a significant demand from defense operations persisting autonomous ground and aerial systems across mostgeographies. The Target acquisition systems segment is projected to witness the fastest growth in Robotic Warfare market during 2025-2032 with a CAGR of 13.37% due to the surging integration of AI-powered vision systems, real-time data processing, and advanced sensors to enhance precision in identifying, tracking, and engaging enemy targets. By Application The Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) segment accounted for approximately 28% of the Robotic Warfare market share in 2024 owing to the surging use of autonomous drones, ground robots, and sensor-fusion systems that collect and relay real-time battlefield intelligence. The Combat & Operations segment is expected to experience the fastest growth in Robotic Warfare market over 2025-2032 with a CAGR of 9.32% during the forecast period. The segments expansion is driven by the surging deployment of autonomous systems for frontline combat roles, including direct engagement, fire support, and tactical maneuvers. By Mode of Operation In 2024, the Semi-Autonomous segment accounted for approximately 62% of the Robotic Warfare market share owing to the balance it offers between human control and machine efficiency, allowing remote operation with advanced decision-support systems. The Autonomous segment is expected to experience the fastest growth in Robotic Warfare market during 2025-2032 with a CAGR of 6.76% This segments growth is propelled by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, sensor fusion, and machine learning, enabling robotic systems to operate independently in dynamic and hostile environments. By Domain In 2024, the Land segment accounted for approximately 41% of the Robotic Warfare market share, highlighting its dominant role in current defense operations. This leadership is driven by the widespread use of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for reconnaissance, logistics support, combat assistance, and explosive ordnance disposal. The Airborne segment is expected to experience the fastest growth in Robotic Warfare market over 2025-2032 with a CAGR of 9.10%, driven by rising demand for UAVs in ISR, precision strike, and EW missions. North America Led the Market Owing to Rapid Autonomous Technologies Adoption In 2024 North America dominated the Robotic Warfare market and accounted for 44% of revenue share. This leadership is driven by high defense spending, rapid adoption of autonomous technologies, and strong presence of key defense contractors. Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth in the Robotic Warfare Market over 2025-2032, with a projected CAGR of 7.91%. This acceleration is driven by increasing defense budgets, rising geopolitical tensions, and rapid advancements in indigenous unmanned technologies. Do you have any specific queries or need any customized research on Robotic Warfare Market? Submit your inquiry here @ https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/8087 Recent Developments: In Oct 2024, Elbit Systems unveiled the Sigma 15552 automated wheeled howitzer at AUSA 2024, aiming to modernize US Army artillery with advanced mobility, automation, and rapid-fire capabilities, while General Dynamics showcased its TRX Defender, Stryker MCOTM, and MUTT XM platforms, emphasizing robotic integration, hybrid-electric drives, and enhanced survivability for next-gen battlefield operations. Elbit Systems unveiled the Sigma 15552 automated wheeled howitzer at AUSA 2024, aiming to modernize US Army artillery with advanced mobility, automation, and rapid-fire capabilities, while General Dynamics showcased its TRX Defender, Stryker MCOTM, and MUTT XM platforms, emphasizing robotic integration, hybrid-electric drives, and enhanced survivability for next-gen battlefield operations. In June 2025, Northrop Grumman has integrated the U.S. Naval Research Laboratorys robotic payload onto its Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV), advancing DARPAs satellite servicing goals. The MRV will now undergo space-condition testing to enable robotic inspection, repair, and relocation in geosynchronous orbit. Exclusive Sections of the Report (The USPs): ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE METRICS Helps you understand the growing ethical and legal frameworks surrounding autonomous weapons. 52% of countries now have legal frameworks for autonomous weapon deployment, and 63% of military contracts mandate human-in-the-loop systems, signaling increasing regulatory oversight. Helps you understand the growing ethical and legal frameworks surrounding autonomous weapons. 52% of countries now have legal frameworks for autonomous weapon deployment, and 63% of military contracts mandate human-in-the-loop systems, signaling increasing regulatory oversight. CAPACITY UTILIZATION RATES Helps you identify the extent of deployment and integration of robotic systems in modern warfare. Robotic warfare units are now deployed by over 25 countries, with land operations accounting for 47% of total deployment, and annual procurement of autonomous systems outpacing remotely operated ones by 19%. Helps you identify the extent of deployment and integration of robotic systems in modern warfare. Robotic warfare units are now deployed by over 25 countries, with land operations accounting for 47% of total deployment, and annual procurement of autonomous systems outpacing remotely operated ones by 19%. SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTION INDEX Helps you identify vulnerabilities in sourcing critical components for robotic platforms. Communication latency in remote-operated robots during real-time combat still varies by region, with latency spikes linked to geopolitical tensions affecting component supply chains. Helps you identify vulnerabilities in sourcing critical components for robotic platforms. Communication latency in remote-operated robots during real-time combat still varies by region, with latency spikes linked to geopolitical tensions affecting component supply chains. TECHNOLOGICAL ADOPTION RATE Helps you uncover key innovation trends and future investment areas R&D spending on robotic warfare has grown 14% YoY, with over 300 patents filed annually. 41% of active systems now use AI-based targeting, and 27% support swarm coordination. Helps you uncover key innovation trends and future investment areas R&D spending on robotic warfare has grown 14% YoY, with over 300 patents filed annually. 41% of active systems now use AI-based targeting, and 27% support swarm coordination. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE Helps you gauge the strength and innovation pipelines of leading defense tech players. Key players are accelerating tech upgrades in robotic platforms every 23 years and investing heavily in AI-driven autonomy, reflected in faster mission cycles and reduced error rates in target identification. About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world. HEFEI, China, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chinese scientists revealed their first comprehensive plan for the near-Earth asteroid defense system at a space exploration conference held on Friday, calling for global partners to work together to protect the safety of our planet. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. The third International Deep Space Exploration Conference was held in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, from Thursday to Friday. Focusing on asteroid exploration, defense and resource utilization, the conference attracted more than 400 guests from over 40 countries and regions. ASTEROID DEFENSE PROGRAM Chief designer of China's lunar exploration program, Wu Weiren, said during the conference that, under the framework of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), Chinese scientists have proposed a strategic concept for asteroid defense development. The concept covers aspects such as monitoring and early warning, in-orbit handling, and systematic response, with the goal of building a comprehensive near-Earth asteroid detection and defense system. It includes an integrated, space-ground collaborative monitoring and early warning system capable of precise alerts and routine operation, added Wu, also director and chief scientist of Hefei-based Deep Space Exploration Lab, the conference's organizer. Near-Earth asteroids are among the most potentially hazardous objects in the solar system. It is widely understood in the scientific community that around 66 million years ago, an asteroid approximately 10 km in diameter struck Earth, leading to the extinction of about 75 percent of global species, including dinosaurs. On June 30, 1908, the Tunguska explosion in Russia devastated over 2,000 square km of forest. In 2013, a meteor airburst occurred over Chelyabinsk of Russia, injuring 1,500 people and damaging 3,000 buildings. China has done a series of preparation works for asteroid defense. In 2006, the China National Space Administration launched the near-Earth object survey program. A white paper released in 2022 detailing China's space programs outlined plans to demonstrate and develop a near-Earth asteroid defense system. On May 29, 2025, the Tianwen-2 probe was successfully launched, with the mission of sampling and returning from the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3, followed by the exploration of the main-belt comet 311P. China has also established routine sky-survey capacity. It has deployed telescopes including the 1-meter telescope at the Purple Mountain Observatory in east China, the 2.5-meter wide-field survey telescope in Lenghu in northwest China, as well as the 2.16-meter telescope in Xinglong in north China, and the 2.4-meter and 1.8-meter telescopes in Lijiang in southwest China. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION In 2014, the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG) were established under the UN framework, becoming the two major global organizations for asteroid defense. China has been an active participant in the activities of both organizations. At this conference, global scientists highly commended China's plan. "The theme of this conference is both timely and highly relevant," said Driss El Hadani, deputy director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). He noted that asteroids are not only of scientific interest but also present potential risks and opportunities for humanity. "China's observation data and research findings will be shared with international partners through the IAWN platform," said Wu Weiren. He welcomed global partners to actively collaborate in areas such as joint ground-based monitoring, cooperative development and payload hosting, as well as sharing of data and results. "From the perspective of safeguarding Earth's security and ensuring the continuity of human civilization, building asteroid defense capabilities is a shared mission for all humanity," he added. In July, the International Deep Space Exploration Association (IDSEA), the first China-based international academic organization for deep space exploration, was established in Hefei. It plans to build a broad platform for cooperation and exchange by organizing high-level international academic events and promoting the cultivation of global aerospace talent. Christian Feichtinger, executive director of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), said at the conference that the asteroid defense is a global endeavor. Coordination is important and that's where organizations like the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory and IAF can play a significant role. RESOURCE FOR HUMANITY While advancing its deep space exploration efforts, China has emphasized that the exploration and utilization of space resources should serve the well-being of all humanity. At the conference, Wu Weiren extended a cooperation initiative to global partners, calling for joint efforts to develop the deep space economy, protect our planet, and ensure the continuity of human civilization. In a sub-forum of this conference, the Deep Space Exploration Lab highlighted ten major sectors as the future trends of deep space economy, including resource utilization, internet, energy, biology, transportation, smart technologies, construction, tourism, security, and cultural creativity. The United States, Japan, Luxembourg and other countries have already enacted domestic legislation to authorize the development of space resources. The deep space economy represents an expansion of the space economy, characterized by the exploitation and utilization of resources from celestial bodies. Near-Earth asteroids are rich in iron, nickel, platinum-group metals, and rare earth mineral resources. Some asteroids may even contain water resources, which could be used for in-situ production and replenishment of propellants and water supplies, thereby reducing the costs of deep space exploration missions. "We recognize the role of China in the areas of asteroid exploration, planetary defense, and resource utilization. China has been actively engaged in these domains and has participated in international cooperation efforts that help advance collective understanding and dialogue," said Driss El Hadani. "We praise China for developing programs that support and collaborate with emerging nations, creating real opportunities to go to space. For instance, upcoming Chang'e missions have issued international calls for payloads, enabling joint scientific progress and new opportunities for emerging countries," said Bernard Foing, vice chair of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) planetary commission and exploration panel. Source: The Third International Deep Space Exploration Conference Heineken Holding N.V. reports transactions under its current share buyback programme Amsterdam, 8 September 2025 - Heineken Holding N.V. (EURONEXT:HEIO; OTCQX: HKHHY), hereby reports transaction details related to the first tranche of up to circa 375 million tranche of its share buyback programme of up to circa 750 million as communicated on 12 February 2025. From 1 September 2025 up to and including 5 September 2025 a total of 179,897 shares were repurchased on exchange at an average price of 59.50. Up to and including 5 September 2025, a total of 2,484,911 shares were repurchased under the share buyback programme for a total consideration of 160,547,091. Heineken Holding N.V. publishes on a weekly basis, every Monday, an overview of the progress of the share buyback programme on its website: https://www.heinekenholding.com/investors/share-information/share-buyback-programme Enquiries Media Heineken Holding N.V. Kees Jongsma tel. +31 6 54 79 82 53 E-mail: cjongsma@spj.nl Media Investors Christiaan Prins Tristan van Strien Director of Global Communications Global Director of Investor Relations Marlie Paauw Lennart Scholtus / Chris Steyn Corporate Communications Lead Investor Relations Manager / Senior Analyst E-mail: pressoffice@heineken.com E-mail: investors@heineken.com Tel: +31-20-5239355 Tel: +31-20-5239590 Regulatory information: This press release is issued in connection with the disclosure and reporting obligations as set out in Article 5(1)(b) Regulation (EU) 596/2014 and Article 2(2) of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 that contains technical standards for buyback programs. Editorial information: Heineken Holding N.V. engages in no activities other than its participating interest in Heineken N.V. and the management or supervision of and provision of services to that company. HEINEKEN is the world's most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium and non-alcoholic beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 340 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. With HEINEKENs over 85,000 employees, HEINEKEN brews the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world. HEINEKENs dream is to shape the future of beer and beyond to win the hearts of consumers. HEINEKEN is committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management. Through "Brew a Better World", sustainability is embedded in the business. HEINEKEN has a well-balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. HEINEKEN operates breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries. Most recent information is available on www.heinekenholding.com and www.theheinekencompany.com and follow HEINEKEN on LinkedIn and Instagram. Attachment MIAMI, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dataprana, Inc. (Dataprana) has signed a $10 million agreement with Bitmain Technologies Delaware Ltd. (Bitmain) for the purchase of over 3,000 Antminer S21 Immersion units, which will be hosted at its mining facility in the United States. The new S21 miners will be allocated toward 20 MW of capacity across 20 mining containers. Bitmain, a leading global manufacturer of application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips for digital asset mining, has been at the forefront of high-performance mining hardware development since 2013. This latest purchase agreement marks another milestone in its long-standing partnership with a U.S. data center developer and operator, as Bitmain has consistently served as a trusted supplier of next-generation mining equipment to Dataprana and its affiliates for many years. Bitmain has been a trusted partner of ours for a long time, consistently delivering the most advanced mining technology to support our growth and the growth of our clients. This latest agreement strengthens that relationship, and we look forward to continuing to build on this foundation with future collaborations that create long-term value for both organizations. - Arseniy Grusha, Co-Founder and CEO of Dataprana Dataprana recently announced the launch of its Prana Energy division, which focuses on land and energy acquisitions for the purpose of data infrastructure and other load-intensive project development. The launch of this division supports Datapranas primary objective to deliver high-quality data centers in optimal U.S. locations that offer scalability, reliability, and performance as the demand for data centers and compute capacity in the United States continues to grow. The companys future projects include the development of high-performance artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, which will be built to accommodate the latest NVIDIA GPUs and designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern AI and ML applications. More about Dataprana: Dataprana specializes in land and power acquisitions and delivers cutting-edge data centers and supporting infrastructure construction projects for various applications. Its use cases include cloud services, web hosting, various ML automation, AI LLM, and digital asset mining. Our dedicated team is composed of industry professionals with decades of relevant experience, contributing to our continued growth and development. Media Contact: Kristina Karupovic info@dataprana.io Dublin, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Small Commercial Vehicle Market Outlook 2025-2034: Market Share, and Growth Analysis By Type (Light Buses, Vans, Pickups, Light Trucks, Other Types), By Fuel Type (Diesel, Gasoline, Electric, Other Fuel Types), By Application" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Small Commercial Vehicle Market is valued at USD 479.6 billion in 2025. Further the market is expected to grow by a CAGR of 6.4% to reach global sales of USD 841.1 billion in 2034 The small commercial vehicle (SCV) market is a vital segment within the broader commercial vehicle industry, encompassing light-duty trucks, vans, and pickups primarily used for goods transportation, last-mile deliveries, and small-scale business operations. These vehicles are favored for their maneuverability, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability, making them indispensable for businesses ranging from urban delivery services to rural agricultural enterprises. The market has experienced robust growth, propelled by factors such as the expansion of e-commerce, urbanization, and the increasing need for efficient intra-city transportation solutions. Additionally, technological advancements and evolving regulatory landscapes are reshaping the SCV market, influencing both production and consumer preferences. In 2024, the SCV market witnessed significant developments. The surge in online shopping intensified demand for last-mile delivery vehicles, prompting logistics companies to expand and modernize their fleets. This trend led to increased orders for SCVs, particularly in urban areas where compact and efficient vehicles are essential. Concurrently, the industry saw a growing emphasis on sustainability, with manufacturers accelerating the development and production of electric small commercial vehicles to meet stringent emission regulations and cater to environmentally conscious consumers. Despite these advancements, the market faced challenges, including supply chain disruptions and fluctuating raw material prices, which impacted production schedules and vehicle availability. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the SCV market is poised for continued evolution. The adoption of electric SCVs is expected to gain momentum as battery technologies improve, charging infrastructure expands, and total cost of ownership decreases. Autonomous driving technologies are anticipated to make gradual inroads, enhancing operational efficiency and safety in commercial fleets. Additionally, the integration of telematics and connectivity solutions will provide fleet operators with real-time data, facilitating better route planning, vehicle maintenance, and overall fleet management. However, the market must navigate challenges such as infrastructure readiness, high initial investment costs for electric and autonomous vehicles, and the need for standardized regulations to support these technological transitions. Key Insights Small Commercial Vehicle Market Electrification of Fleets: The shift towards electric SCVs is accelerating, driven by environmental regulations and the pursuit of reduced operating costs. Manufacturers are expanding their electric vehicle offerings to meet this growing demand. Integration of Advanced Telematics: Fleet operators are increasingly adopting telematics systems to monitor vehicle performance, optimize routes, and enhance driver safety, leading to improved operational efficiency. Rise of Autonomous Features: Semi-autonomous driving technologies, such as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), are being incorporated into SCVs to improve safety and reduce driver fatigue. Customization and Versatility: There is a growing demand for SCVs that can be customized for specific business needs, offering versatility in applications ranging from refrigerated transport to mobile workshops. Focus on Lightweight Materials: Manufacturers are utilizing lightweight materials to enhance fuel efficiency and increase payload capacity without compromising vehicle durability. Growth of E-commerce: The booming e-commerce sector has heightened the need for efficient last-mile delivery solutions, significantly boosting demand for SCVs. Urbanization: Increasing urban populations require agile and compact transportation solutions for goods delivery within congested city environments, favoring the use of SCVs. Stringent Emission Regulations: Governments worldwide are implementing stricter emission standards, prompting the adoption of cleaner and more efficient SCVs. Technological Advancements: Innovations in vehicle technology, including electrification and connectivity, are enhancing the appeal and functionality of SCVs for businesses. Infrastructure Limitations for Electric Vehicles: The widespread adoption of electric SCVs is hindered by inadequate charging infrastructure, posing challenges for fleet operators in ensuring seamless operations. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 150 Forecast Period 2025 - 2034 Estimated Market Value in 2025 479.6 Billion Forecasted Market Value by 2034 841.1 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.4% Regions Covered Global Companies Featured Volkswagen A.G. Toyota Motor Corporation Ford Motor Company General Motor Company Hyundai Motor Company Nissan Motor Dongfeng Motor Corporation Renault S.A. Tata Motors Limited Mazda Motor Corporation Great Wall Motor Company Limited Chongqing Changan Automobile Mahindra & Mahindra Limited Navistar International Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Ashok Leyland Bajaj Auto Limited Piaggio & C SpA Eicher Motors Isuzu Motors Ltd Shaanxi Automobile Group Golden Dragon BharatBenz Shenyang Brilliance Jinbei Automobile Co. Atul Auto Limited Hindustan Motors Small Commercial Vehicle Market Segmentation By Type Light Buses Vans Pickups Light Trucks Other Types By Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline Electric Other Fuel Types By Application Goods Transportation Passenger Transportation By Geography North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Rest of APAC) The Middle East and Africa (Middle East, Africa) South and Central America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SCA. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/urytzd About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Rich Communication Services: Market Share, and Growth Analysis by Deployment Type (On-Premise, Cloud), Enterprise Size, Application Type, Industry Vertical Type" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Rich Communication Services Market size is valued at USD 12.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 45.5 billion by 2033, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18% over the forecast period. The Rich Communication Services (RCS) market is rapidly evolving as a modern alternative to traditional SMS and MMS, offering enriched messaging capabilities like multimedia sharing, read receipts, real-time typing indicators, and more. Designed to provide an app-like experience within the default messaging platform, RCS bridges the gap between consumers and enterprises by enabling more dynamic, branded, and secure communications. Supported by major mobile operators and tech giants such as Google, RCS is gaining traction as a marketing and customer service tool across industries including retail, banking, travel, and healthcare. As the number of smartphone users continues to rise globally, the market is witnessing strong interest from businesses aiming to enhance customer engagement through more personalized, interactive messaging experiences without relying solely on third-party OTT apps. In 2024, the RCS market experienced significant momentum, particularly with the growing integration of RCS Business Messaging (RBM) in enterprise strategies. Telecom operators expanded their support, while collaboration with cloud communication providers enabled scalability for marketing campaigns and transactional messages. Notably, several brands launched RCS-based initiatives to replace traditional SMS notifications, offering interactive carousels, quick replies, and in-message payment options. Google strengthened its RCS infrastructure by advancing features such as end-to-end encryption and verified sender IDs, contributing to improved trust and adoption. Carriers began offering customized enterprise RCS packages with campaign analytics, contributing to more measurable ROI. The market also saw pilot programs and success stories from sectors such as banking and airlines, demonstrating the growing potential of RCS in both customer support and e-commerce applications. Heading into 2025 and beyond, the RCS market is poised for further innovation, particularly through AI integration and the convergence of conversational commerce. As more enterprises invest in RCS-enabled chatbot capabilities, users will experience seamless, app-like journeys - booking appointments, placing orders, or seeking support directly within messaging threads. The expansion of 5G networks will facilitate high-resolution media, video messaging, and AR integrations, further enhancing the user experience. Efforts to unify standards and enable interoperability across carriers, devices, and even operating systems like iOS may address current fragmentation challenges. Additionally, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are expected to increasingly adopt RCS due to accessible platforms and simplified pricing models. However, success will depend on the consistent delivery of secure, frictionless messaging experiences across global markets. Key Insights: Rich Communication Services Market Enterprises increasingly using RCS for interactive marketing campaigns with multimedia, suggested replies, and embedded CTAs to drive conversions. Rise of AI-driven RCS chatbots delivering real-time customer service, FAQs, and transactional updates in sectors like retail and travel. Adoption of verified sender and branding features to enhance message legitimacy and prevent phishing attempts in enterprise messaging. Cloud-based RCS platforms offering scalability, analytics, and integration with CRM tools for centralized campaign management. Increased use of RCS for customer onboarding, appointment reminders, and loyalty programs by healthcare and financial institutions. Growing smartphone penetration and mobile internet usage globally, enabling broader access to RCS-compatible messaging. Demand for enhanced messaging capabilities beyond SMS, driven by consumer expectations for rich media and two-way interactions. Enterprise need for cost-effective and trackable communication channels that outperform traditional SMS in engagement. Support from major telecom operators and Android device manufacturers boosting RCS infrastructure and adoption. Fragmented support among carriers and lack of full interoperability across operating systems limit RCS's global consistency and reach, affecting enterprise confidence in its scalability and long-term ROI. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 150 Forecast Period 2025 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $12.1 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $45.5 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 18.0% Regions Covered Global Rich Communication Services Market Segmentation By Deployment Type: On-Premise Cloud By Enterprise Size: Small And Medium Enterprises Large Enterprises By Application Type: Rich Calls And Messaging Content Sharing File Transfer VAS Marketing And Advertising Campaign Cloud Storage By Industry Vertical Type: Healthcare Retail And E-commerce BFSI IT And Telecom Travel And Tourism Other Industry Vertical Types By Geography: North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Rest of APAC) The Middle East and Africa (Middle East, Africa) South and Central America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SCA) For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1fyof 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 TORONTO, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sparton Resources Inc. (TSXV-SRI) ("Sparton" or the "Company) announced today that field operations are underway at the Pense Critical Metals Project near Englehart in Northern Ontario and Quebec. The Pense mineralization exhibits many similarities to the world-class Outokumpu deposits in Finland. Results of the initial drill program and Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) funding assistance at Pense on the Ontario claims were reported earlier. Please see Sparton News Releases dated December 17, 2024, and March 27, 2025. A new OJEP funding application has been submitted for the current program. Pense Project Permitting The 6,800-hectare Pense claim area straddles the Ontario Quebec border, approximately 25 km. east of Englehart, Ontario. New exploration permits have recently been received from each of the Ontario and Quebec governments and all activities, including proposed drilling sites, have been approved. New Mineral Showings, Gagne and Verrier The Verrier zone located in Ontario, was explored by Adventure Gold in 1997 (GESTIM Assessment Report GM65183 for Adventure Gold, 1997). It was later trenched and sampled in the Gagne program in 2007, (Ontario Govt. Assessment Report 20004162, 2007). It appears to have been partially covered by parts of the survey lines from the southern portion of the Sparton Expert Geophysics Target EM airborne survey. The zone is reported as having skarn type (contact metasomatic) mineralization associated with a syenite intrusive, cutting mafic and ultramafic volcanics. Sparton has recently located and sampled this area. Historical Work Grab sample assays of sulphide bearing material by Adventure Gold at Verrier returned values of up to 0.1% Copper and 0.4% Zinc. Based on this same work, the mineralized zone may extend at least another 1 km east into Quebec, into an area with a cluster of several close spaced rock chip samples with anomalous results in Copper and Zinc that were reported by Adventure Gold. Surface prospecting and trenching was completed at Verrier, by Gagne, in 2007. Several pits and trenches were excavated and sampled. Sparton has recently located these and found massive sulphide mineralization adjacent to altered komatiitic ultramafic and basaltic volcanic flow material. Critical metal sulfides such as pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and sphalerite are reported from all samples and returned historical assay values by Gagne of up to 1.31% Copper, 0.32% Nickel and 1.2% Zinc over sample widths of up to 1.5 meters. (see photos). This mineralization has never been drilled tested. It appears similar to the material recovered in the area drilled to the north by Sparton in late 2024. Fig. 1: Massive Sulphide Mineralization with Skarn Minerals close-up Fig. 2: Massive Sulphide Mineralization with Skarn Minerals Fig. 3: Massive Sulphide Mineralization with Skarn Minerals in Verrier/Gagne Trenches 2025 Exploration Early in 2025, Sparton completed reconnaissance geophysics over two areas at Pense and successfully located a new target which was only partly covered by the original airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey done in 2023. This zone is several hundred meters from the other untested targets and detailed work will be done to properly define it this season. Additionally, one other untested zone, located by the past ground surveys, was extended by 200 meters in strike length by the reconnaissance work. Currently, the field team is investigating the portions of Gagne and Verrier showings that have not yet been explored in Spartons programs. Sparton will also complete electromagnetic and magnetic surveys over these showings and their general area. The prospecting and sampling program is underway with assay results pending. The Ontario Geological survey compilation mapping of the Pense area (1996, Ontario Geological Survey Map 3247 Rev.) indicates an area of syenite intrusives to the northwest of the Verrier / Gagne trenches and various skarn minerals are present related to the copper and zinc mineralization in trenches at the showing. Commentary The Pense mineralization encountered to date consists of massive to semi massive sulphides with pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite and chalcopyrite, hosted in mafic and ultramafic volcanic rocks (komatiites) and intercalated sediments. These minerals host the critical metal values and are similar to the Outokumpu mineral suite. The newly recognized Verrier (Gagne) mineralization is also of significant interest in that the Outokumpu deposits are also locally associated with skarn mineral development related to syenite intrusions. (Ref. Outokumpu -Type Deposits, Janne Kuutila, bachelors Thesis, Oulu Mining School, OULUN YLIOPISTO, Finland, 2022). The untested geophysical anomalies at Pense represent completely new, previously unrecognized targets. There are now at least twelve untested geophysical zones on the combined Ontario and Quebec claim package. The gold zone intersected in Sparton Hole P24-01 is also distinctive and characterized by heavy silicification and only minor sulphides. It is significant in that it is similar to the same zone 50 meters west in historical hole 97-03 where higher gold values were reported (up to 11.3 g/t Au over 30 cm). It clearly requires more drill testing. See Sparton News Release dated December 17, 2024. With the new Gagne and Verrier zones now under evaluation, the project scope has increased significantly. The Pense Property area has been overlooked in recent years and there is enough documented critical metals mineralization on the property to justify continuing the overall exploration program to test all the other targets, both on the Ontario and the Quebec claims, stated A. Lee Barker, Spartons CEO. We are very encouraged by the results of the initial drilling, which certainly warrant follow-up. These new zones at Verrier and Gagne clearly show that the area has multiple critical metals targets, and these will be evaluated in detail. This large property, held 100% by Sparton, is now camp scale in size. The presence of significant gold mineralization is an added feature for this critical metals opportunity. With the current gold price reaching all-time highs, we believe that this overlooked style of mineralization in this area and the anomalous gold associated with the critical metal mineralization is a bonus for the Pense project. It should be noted that the historical technical data reported herein has not been verified by a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. It does not include any more recent information or data available to Sparton, and more work needs to be done to verify these historical results. This press release was prepared by A. L. Barker M.A.Sc., P. Eng., President & CEO of Sparton, in his capacity as a Qualified Person (Q.P.) under NI 43-101. For more information contact: A. Lee Barker, M.A.Sc., P. Eng., President and CEO Tel./Fax: 647-344-7734 or Mobile: 416-716-5762 Email: info@spartonres.ca Website: www.spartonres.ca Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release involves forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, financings and transactions being pursued, and all such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although the Company believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct and, accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such forward-looking statements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein. We Seek Safe Harbour Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9cebe57b-1748-481d-85dc-d54abeef75bf https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ddd1b234-430f-4e27-a3c7-6b72386a7a55 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bfd5a7c6-c2a9-4dd5-a0e6-90fb9b069fce ISCs strategic review announcement follows several months of public and private engagement by Plantro with ISC, the government, and fellow shareholders ST. HELIER, Jersey, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plantro Ltd. (Plantro), one of the largest shareholders of Information Services Corporation (TSX: ISC) (ISC or the Company), today commented on ISCs announcement that its board of directors (the Board), with the support of the Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan (CIC), will commence a process to review strategic alternatives for ISC, including a sale of the entire Company. Todays announcement by ISC highlights Plantros proven track record of acting as a catalyst to unlocking value for its fellow shareholders. We are pleased that ISC now agrees with Plantro that a strategic review, including a potential sale of the Company, said Plantro Principal Matt Proud. Beginning in March 2025, Plantro has been engaging directly with members of the Board and management, and CIC, to push for meaningful renewal of the long-tenured Board and for the Board to commence a strategic review of ISC, with the goal of unlocking value for all shareholders. As reported in the media, on September 2, 2025, Plantro privately requisitioned a special meeting of shareholders and informed the Board it intended to: (i) Remove all of the seven non-government-appointed directors; (ii) Reduce the size of the Board to seven members (from ten members), with the aim of streamlining decision-making, cutting red tape, and lowering costs; (iii) Elect four highly qualified individuals to the Board; and (iv) Together with the new majority of directors, initiate a strategic review through the formation of a special committee. Todays announcement by ISC reflects the positive impact Plantros actions have had on the Company and offers an opportunity to urgently address many of the issues Plantro has raised, and as a result, Plantro has withdrawn its requisition to allow the strategic alternatives process to proceed without distraction. Plantro thanks its fellow ISC shareholders for their overwhelming support for Plantros call for change, and for communicating their views to ISCs Board and management team. As one of the Companys largest shareholders, Plantro intends to remain engaged and constructive as the strategic alternatives process progresses. About Plantro Plantro is a privately held company, with an established track record of making successful investments in undervalued and high quality legal, financial, and information services businesses. Media Contact Gagnier Communications Riyaz Lalani / Dan Gagnier Plantro@gagnierfc.com NEW YORK, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dubin Research & Consulting (DRC), a leading legal consulting firm specializing in jury selection, demonstrative aids, focus groups, and trial strategy, is proud to announce that nationally recognized trial attorney Linda Moreno has joined its team as a Jury Consultant and Strategy Advisor. In this role, Linda will collaborate with attorneys and litigation teams to shape winning trial narratives, guide strategic decisions, and apply her deep expertise in jury selection and juror profiling to high-stakes cases. Linda has been at the center of some of the most complex and consequential cases in modern American history, said DRC Founder, Josh Dubin, Esq. Her ability to read juries, craft persuasive trial strategies, and advise on sophisticated litigation tactics makes her an invaluable resource for our clients. Were honored to welcome her to the DRC team. Linda is a nationally prominent criminal defense attorney who has tried over 100 jury trials across the United States. She specializes in high-profile, complex criminal litigation, with a focus on white collar, espionage, and national security cases. She played a key role in guiding jury selection and strategy for the defense in United States v. Sean Diddy Combs, a case in which Combs was acquitted of the most serious charges. She also helped select the jury for Elizabeth Holmes in the Theranos trial, where Ms. Holmes was acquitted on eight charges and convicted on the remaining charges. Her successful defense of Noor Salmanthe widow of the Pulse nightclub shooterresulted in full acquittals, marking the first terrorism-related trial victory of its kind in the U.S. since 9/11. Her diverse clientele has included actor Wesley Snipes, Professor Sami al Arian, the chairman of the Holy Land Foundation, and Guantanamo detainee Mohamedou Salahi. She has also been retained by foreign embassies, including those of Pakistan and Egypt, to defend their nationals in American courts, and has held a Security Clearance which enabled her to review classified evidence under appropriate protocols. Lindas global reputation and courtroom achievements speak for themselves, said DRC President, Renato Stabile, Esq. She brings a rare combination of trial acumen, strategic clarity, and cultural insight that will elevate our work and benefit every client she advises. Linda lectures widely on human rights, civil liberties, and anti-Muslim bias in jury trials, and has taught trial advocacy from Los Angeles to London. She was invited by the Nobel Peace Center to speak in Oslo on terrorism prosecutions post-9/11. She is currently an International Associate Tenant at 5 Kings Bench Walk Chambers, a prestigious London chambers and home to some of the most distinguished and very best barristers in the UK. Her legal insights have been featured on CNN, BBC, NPR, ABC, NBC, CBS, Al Jazeera, and in publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and The National Law Journal. Linda joins DRCs team of 70 professionals specializing in litigation strategy, research, and graphic design, providing services encompassing jury research and selection, trial strategy, demonstrative aids, witness preparation, focus groups, transcript and media analysis, community attitude surveys, and more. About DRC Dubin Research & Consulting (DRC) has distinguished itself as one of the finest trial strategy and data analysis firms in the nation, specializing in jury selection, demonstrative aids, focus groups, and more. For over twenty years, the most prestigious law firms and well-known litigators have trusted DRC to provide the strategic advantage they need to win. By drawing on our vast experience in social psychology, our innovative information design processes, our proven techniques in the area of jury and judge persuasion, and our acclaimed research methodologies, DRC has developed a highly effective and multi-faceted approach to trial consulting that ensures the de-selection of potentially harmful jurors, maximizes the use of technology to facilitate the efficient management and powerful presentation of trial exhibits, employs persuasive demonstrative aids, and utilizes convincing oral arguments. Learn more at dubinconsulting.com. NEW YORK, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM) for potential violations of the federal securities laws. If you invested in J.M. Smucker, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/the-jm-smucker-company-class-action-lawsuit. Why Is J.M. Smucker being Investigated? J.M. Smucker manufactures and markets branded food and beverage products. In November 2023, the company completed an acquisition of Hostess Brands, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of sweet baked goods brands. The company stated that the Hostess acquisition was highly complementary and that underlying trends in snacking and specifically sweet snacking still bode well for the category. In truth, it appears the companys Sweet Baked Snacks segment, which includes Hostess, significantly deteriorated in the face of declining trends in sweet snacking. The Stock Declines as the Truth Is Revealed On June 10, 2025, J.M. Smucker reported its Q4 2025 financial results and announced that it recognized a $867 million impairment charge related to the goodwill of its Sweet Baked Snacks segment and a $113 million impairment charge related to the Hostess brand trademark driven by the continued underperformance of the Sweet Baked Snacks segment. On this news, the price of J.M. Smucker stock fell $17.44 per share, or more than 18%, from $111.85 per share on June 9, 2025, to $94.41 per share on June 10, 2025. Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/the-jm-smucker-company-class-action-lawsuit. What Can You Do? If you invested in J.M. Smucker you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses. Submit your information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/the-jm-smucker-company-class-action-lawsuit Or contact: Ross Shikowitz ross@bfalaw.com 212.789.3619 Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP? BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named Elite Trial Lawyers by the National Law Journal, among the top 500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers by Lawdragon, Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd. For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com. https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/the-jm-smucker-company-class-action-lawsuit Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. (All dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.) TORONTO, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kinross Gold Corporation (Kinross) (TSX: K, NYSE: KGC) announced today that it has sold an aggregate of 29,850,984 common shares (Shares) of Asante Gold Corporation (Asante) representing approximately 4.2% of the outstanding Shares and approximately 44.7% of the Shares held by Kinross. The Shares were sold at a price per Share of $1.55 (not including commission), representing an aggregate sale price of C$46,269,025.20. Prior to the sale, Kinross held approximately 9.4% of the outstanding Shares and up to 18% of the Shares, on a partially-diluted basis, assuming conversion of all convertible instruments held by Kinross. After the sale, Kinross holds 36,927,650 Shares, 5,000,000 warrants to purchase Shares and a convertible debenture (the Convertible Debenture) which is convertible into Shares at the option of Kinross at any time for a period of five years from the date of issuance at a conversion price equal to C$1.81 per Share. Kinross now owns approximately 5.2% of the outstanding Shares, on a non-diluted basis, and 13.2% of the outstanding Shares, on a partially diluted basis assuming the conversion of the convertible securities of Asante held by Kinross. Kinross sold the Shares in the ordinary course of investments in portfolio companies. Kinross may or may not purchase or sell securities of Asante in the future on the open market or in private transactions, depending on market conditions and other factors. Kinross currently has no other plans or intentions that relate to its investment in Asante. Depending on market conditions, general economic and industry conditions, Asantes business and financial condition and/or other relevant factors, Kinross may develop other plans or intentions in the future. A copy of the early warning report filed by Kinross in connection with the investment will be available on Asantes profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Alternatively, you may contact Luke Crosby, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at 647-788-4478 to obtain a copy of the report. Kinross is organized under the laws of the Province of Ontario and its head office is located at 25 York Street, 17th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2V5. Asantes head office is located at 615 800 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2V6. About Kinross Gold Corporation Kinross is a Canadian-based global senior gold mining company with operations and projects in the United States, Brazil, Mauritania, Chile and Canada. Our focus is on delivering value based on the core principles of responsible mining, operational excellence, disciplined growth, and balance sheet strength. Kinross maintains listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:K) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:KGC). Media Contact Samantha Sheffield Director, Corporate Communications phone: 416-365-3034 samantha.sheffield@kinross.com Investor Relations Contact David Shaver Senior Vice-President, Investor Relations and Communications phone: 416-365-2761 InvestorRelations@kinross.com Source: Kinross Gold Corporation Chicago, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global breastfeeding accessories market was valued at US$ 1.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 4.2 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period 20252033. The core technology of breast pumps is experiencing a renaissance, with a focus on mimicking natural infant behavior to enhance both comfort and milk output. Annabellas pump, which received FDA clearance in August 2024, exemplifies this trend with its unique infant-mimicking pulsatile mechanism. A sophisticated design leverages 1 peristaltic pump to replicate a babys wave-like tongue movement, working in concert with 1 vacuum pump for highly effective milk extraction. Such innovation signals a significant shift in the breastfeeding accessories market toward designs grounded in physiological accuracy. Request Sample Pages: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/breastfeeding-accessories-market This advanced approach is complemented by a drive for superior performance across the board. Lansinoh's Wearable Pump, a key product in 2024, delivers hospital-strength suction reaching a maximum of 280 mmHg, a critical benchmark for efficacy. The same pump also features 2 distinct pumping modes, stimulation and expression, allowing users to optimize milk flow based on their body's response. These specific, performance-oriented features are becoming standard expectations, pushing brands to innovate beyond mere convenience and focus on delivering clinically effective solutions that genuinely improve the breastfeeding journey for mothers globally. Key Findings in Breastfeeding Accessories Market Market Forecast (2033) US$ 4.2 billion CAGR 8.8% Largest Region (2024) Asia Pacific (45%) By Product Type Breast Milk Bottles (28%) By Application Hospital Grade (85%) Top Drivers Increasing number of working mothers fuels demand for accessories. Growing awareness of breastfeeding benefits encourages longer-term commitment. Supportive government policies and insurance coverage improve product accessibility. Top Trends Wearable and smart technology integration for enhanced user convenience. Rising consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly product options. Shift towards e-commerce platforms for purchasing and product education. Top Challenges Insufficient workplace lactation support remains a significant practical barrier. Strong competition from the well-established infant formula industry. Advanced Battery Life and Suction Customization Emerge as Key Competitive Battlegrounds In the competitive landscape, user control and operational longevity have become paramount differentiators. Leading brands in the breastfeeding accessories market are locked in a race to offer greater personalization and extended use-time, recognizing that modern parents demand both flexibility and reliability. The Willow Go pump, a prominent product in 2024, provides users with an impressive 15 distinct levels of customizable suction, allowing for a highly tailored pumping experience. Similarly, the original Elvie Pump features 7 intensity settings, while the more advanced Elvie Stride offers 10 intensity settings per mode, all controllable via its companion app. The Elvie Stride 2 pump, an upgrade for 2024, further pushes performance boundaries by creating up to -300 mmHg of suction in its single-cup format. Battery performance is another critical arena shaping the breastfeeding accessories market. The Medela Solo pump, highlighted in 2024, provides a battery life sufficient for up to 6 pumping sessions from a single charge, a significant convenience for busy mothers. Taking longevity even further, the Momcozy S12 Pro pump, also a major player in 2024, offers an exceptional 240 minutes of usage time per charge, setting a new standard for portability and freedom from power outlets. These advancements in power management and suction control are not just incremental improvements; they represent a fundamental shift in product design that directly addresses the lifestyle needs of the target consumer. Miniaturization and Ergonomics Drive Unprecedented Discretion in Wearable Pump Designs The wearable segment of the breastfeeding accessories market is being revolutionized by a focus on discreet, lightweight, and user-friendly designs. The primary goal is to create products that integrate seamlessly into a user's life, and that pursuit begins with minimizing size and weight. The hub of the Elvie Stride pump, a critical component, weighs less than 150 grams per cup. Medelas Freestyle Hands-free collection cup is engineered to be even lighter, weighing only 76 grams. The Elvie Stride 2 is also remarkably lightweight, with each collection cup weighing just 158 grams. The entire double Elvie Stride pump system, including the hub and both cups, has a total weight of only 540 grams, making it a highly portable solution. Beyond weight, form factor and capacity are meticulously engineered in the breastfeeding accessories market. The Elvie Stride collection cup has a height of 115 millimeters, designed for a discreet in-bra fit. Brands are balancing size with functionality, with the Willow Go pump designed with a milk collection capacity of 148 milliliters (5 oz) per cup, while the more compact Momcozy M5 wearable pump has a slightly smaller collection capacity of 120 ml. Noise is also a key consideration; the Momcozy S12 Pro is engineered to operate at a noise level below 45 decibels, ensuring quiet use. Finally, ease of maintenance is crucial, with the Medela Freestyle Hands-free collection cups designed with only 3 parts to simplify cleaning. Rigorous Clinical Validation and FDA Clearances Bolster Consumer Trust and Safety Regulatory milestones and strong clinical data are becoming essential for establishing brand credibility and market leadership in the breastfeeding accessories market. Annabella officially announced its FDA 510(k) clearance in August 2024, a significant achievement that validates its product's safety and efficacy for the U.S. market. The specific clearance number assigned by the FDA for Annabella's pump is K233479. A 2024 clinical study cited by the company to support its pump involved 30 lactating participants, a robust sample size for such a trial. The study protocol required the precise measurement of total milk output over a continuous 24-hour period, underscoring the scientific rigor behind the product's claims. This focus on validation extends to operational longevity and intellectual property. The operating life of the Medela Solo breast pump is rated for 250 hours of use, providing a clear metric of durability for consumers. The company's commitment to innovation is further demonstrated by a patent granted to Medela in 2024 for a pump motor unit (US-11883587-B2), which had a pendency period of 989 days from its filing date, highlighting the complexity and value of the underlying technology. These official endorsements and transparent performance metrics are critical in a market where consumer trust is paramount. Annabella's U.S. launch was supported by prior seed funding of $8.5 million and strong initial sales, with over 4,000 pumps sold in Israel before its U.S. entry in January 2024. Smart App Integration Transforms Data Tracking for Modern Parental Lifestyles The fusion of hardware with sophisticated software is a defining trend of the breastfeeding accessories market, transforming single-purpose devices into comprehensive data-tracking ecosystems. The Lansinoh Baby 2.0 App, updated in 2024 and with its latest version being 1.1.8 in early 2025, can track pumping sessions from 2 different pumps simultaneously, a key feature for mothers who use multiple devices. The apps utility extends far beyond pumping; it allows users to track their baby's growth against 2 standardized growth charts (WHO and Fenton) and even track diaper changes with 6 different status options for detailed logging. The app also supports tracking for multiple babies, catering directly to mothers of twins. This deep integration of technology is now a standard feature across leading brands in the breastfeeding accessories market. The Willow Go app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, ensuring broad accessibility for its user base. Likewise, the popular MyMedela app enables users to log milk volume for up to 10 sessions per day, providing a wealth of data for monitoring milk supply. These companion apps are no longer peripheral add-ons; they are central to the product experience, offering parents invaluable insights and a sense of control over their breastfeeding and infant care journey. Strategic Supply Chain Realignment and Manufacturing Precision Ensure Global Market Stability Behind the scenes, leaders in the breastfeeding accessories market are navigating a complex global landscape with strategic operational adjustments and a relentless focus on quality. A key manufacturer successfully re-shored the production of 5 critical accessory components to Mexico in 2024, a move designed to mitigate geopolitical tariff impacts and shorten lead times. Manufacturing facilities are also scaling up; Medelas primary production and distribution facility in McHenry, Illinois, spans an impressive 100,000 square feet, reflecting the volume required to serve a global customer base. Production processes are becoming more intricate, with the assembly for a new 2024 wearable pump model requiring 22 distinct steps on the production line. Quality control has been intensified to meet rising consumer expectations for safety and reliability. A major 2024 quality control initiative by one leading brand in the breastfeeding accessories market increased the number of inspection points on its assembly line from 8 to 12, a significant enhancement. Even with such measures, market responsiveness is key, as evidenced by a voluntary recall of a specific batch of milk storage bags in early 2024 that affected 50,000 units due to sealing defects. Even logistics are being optimized, with the average shipping carton for a double electric breast pump, containing 4 units, standardized to a gross weight of 8 kilograms for efficiency. Aggressive Retail Expansion and Direct-to-Consumer Channels Amplify Market Accessibility Globally Brands are actively broadening their market presence through strategic retail partnerships and the expansion of digital sales platforms. In a significant move in April 2024, Willow Innovations expanded its U.S. retail presence by launching in additional Target stores nationwide, making its products more accessible to a mass-market audience. To support this expansion, Willow launched an exclusive "Find Your Flow Breastfeeding Kit" available only at Target, creating a unique value proposition for that retail channel. Similarly, Philips Avent launched its new electric pump series across 15 European countries simultaneously in February 2024, demonstrating a coordinated global rollout strategy. The direct-to-consumer (DTC) model is also proving highly effective in the breastfeeding accessories market. Annabella launched direct online sales in the United States in January 2024, allowing the company to control its brand narrative and build direct relationships with customers. The strength of its pre-launch market was evident, as the company had already sold over 800 units of its new double pump in the Israeli market by May 2024. The digital push extends globally, with a major competitor establishing its first official e-commerce store on the 'Mercado Libre' platform in 2024, a strategic move targeting 5 key Latin American countries. Sustainability and Material Safety Become Non-Negotiable Standards in Product Development Corporate social responsibility and a commitment to sustainable practices are increasingly shaping product development and brand reputation. Material safety is paramount, with the 5 plastic components of the Lansinoh Wearable pump that come into contact with milk being made without BPA. These same Lansinoh components are also certified to be made without BPS, addressing a wider range of consumer health concerns. All milk-contacting components of the Annabella pump are made from food-grade silicone, another example of the industry's commitment to non-toxic materials. Durability is also a focus, with milk collection bottles for a new 2024 pump system certified to withstand 50 dishwasher cycles without material degradation. The commitment to sustainability extends to packaging and corporate initiatives in the breastfeeding accessories market. The packaging for the Philips Avent 2024 pump model was redesigned to use 200 grams less plastic than its 2023 predecessor. The carrying bag included with a 2024 premium pump model is made from the equivalent of 12 recycled plastic bottles, and a popular pumps user manual was shortened by 8 pages in 2024, saving an estimated 1 ton of paper annually. Brands are also investing in community support. In 2024, the Medela Cares program committed to donating 5,000 hospital-grade Symphony pumps to underserved NICUs and 10,000 specialized milk collection kits for disaster relief zones. Other initiatives include a brand sponsoring 50 free virtual lactation consultations for World Breastfeeding Week 2024, an industry-funded research grant of $50,000, and a new "trade-in" program that collected 2,000 used pumps in its first month. Comprehensive Post-Purchase Support and Warranties Solidify Brand Loyalty and Engagement In the final analysis, long-term customer satisfaction across the breastfeeding accessories market is cemented through robust support systems and product reliability. The warranty period for the Elvie Stride pump motor hub is a full 2 years, while its washable components and accessories carry a warranty of 90 days. Medela offers a similar structure, with a warranty for the Medela Solo motor of 1 year and a 90-day warranty for other parts. These clear warranty terms provide consumers with confidence and assurance in their investment. A major brand is taking support a step further by offering 2 free virtual fitting sessions with a lactation consultant for every pump purchased in 2024, a high-value service that directly addresses a common user pain point. Thoughtful design and accessible parts further enhance the ownership experience in the breastfeeding accessories market. The Medela Solo pump interface features a total of 4 buttons for simple, intuitive operation. The charging cable included with the Medela Solo is a practical 1.2 meters in length. The charging times for wearable pumps are also a key consideration, with the Elvie Stride requiring 120 minutes and the Momcozy S12 Pro needing 130 minutes for a full charge. Brands are also making it easier to maintain and customize products. The Lansinoh Wearable Pump comes packaged with 4 different flange sizes in the box (21mm, 25mm, 28mm, and 30.5mm), and the replacement parts catalog for a new-for-2024 pump model contains 18 distinct spare parts available for individual purchase. Tailor This Report to Your Specific Business Needs: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ask-for-customization/breastfeeding-accessories-market Global Breastfeeding Accessories Market Major Players: Medela AG Acute Ideas Ameda, Inc. (International Biomedical, Ltd) Ardo Medical AG Artsana Bailey Medical Frank Buettner Hygeia Medical Group KaWeCo Pigeon Koninklijke Philips N.V. Linco Baby Merchandise Works Mayborn Group Limited Mee NUK Other Prominent Players Key Segmentation: By Products Nursing Pad Breast Milk Storage Bags Sore Nipple Cream Cleaning Products Nipple Shields Breast Milk Bottles Breast Shells Others By Application Hospital Grade Personal Use By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa (MEA) South America Want Clarity on Report Coverage? Schedule a Quick Demo Call: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/report-walkthrough/breastfeeding-accessories-market About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements. With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace. Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@astuteanalytica.com Website: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ Follow us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube NEW YORK, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greystone, a leading national commercial real estate finance company, has provided a $19,764,000 Fannie Mae DUS loan to refinance Legacy on Rockhill, a newly constructed 128-unit build-to-rent community in McKinney, Texas. The transaction was originated by John Sloot, Managing Director at Greystone. Built in 2023 and situated on a 13.21-acre site, Legacy on Rockhill consists of one-, two-, and three-bedroom single-family and duplex rental homes with modern finishes and private backyards. Property amenities include a pool, fitness center, dog park, bocce ball court, and gated access. The community was 93.75% leased as of July 2025. This financing reflects Greystones ability to structure efficient capital solutions for sponsors delivering high-quality rental housing in key growth markets, said Mr. Sloot. The Legacy on Rockhill community is well-positioned for long-term performance in the dynamic North Dallas region. About Greystone Greystone is a private national commercial real estate finance company with an established reputation as a leader in multifamily and healthcare finance, having ranked as a top FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac lender in these sectors. Loans are offered through Greystone Servicing Company LLC, Greystone Funding Company LLC and/or other Greystone affiliates. For more information, visit www.greystone.com. PRESS CONTACT: Fran Del Valle fran@influencecentral.com VIENNA, Va., Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With fraud pressures rising across the retail and hospitality sectors, the Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center (RH-ISAC), in collaboration with Target, convened cybersecurity teams on August 27 for the Fraud Defense Forum. The event brought together major retailers and hospitality brands to advance a coordinated defense against one of the industrys most persistent challenges. A key outcome of the forum was the decision to create a Fraud Intelligence Sharing Playbook a practical guide to standardize how companies collect, analyze, and share fraud intelligence. The playbook, now in development, will provide a common framework for breaking down silos, aligning reporting templates, and accelerating the flow of actionable insights across enterprises. Publication is planned for later this year. Fraud prevention is a shared challenge, and no single company can address it in isolation, said Suzie Squier, president of RH-ISAC. The playbook we are developing will give our members a structured way to share intelligence more consistently. Fraud continues to escalate across the sector, with members underscoring the increasing sophistication of attack. Hosted at Targets Brooklyn Park office, the Fraud Defense Forum examined the full lifecycle of intelligence sharing, from identifying actionable information to effective dissemination across organizations. Discussions addressed legal considerations around data exchange, the role of CISOs in securing executive support, and approaches to improve cross-functional engagement between fraud and cybersecurity teams. The Fraud Defense Forum underscored RH-ISACs role as a trusted hub for collaboration across the retail and hospitality community, helping members strengthen resilience and shape the future of fraud defense strategies sector-wide. About RH-ISAC The Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center (RH-ISAC) is the trusted community for sharing sector-specific cybersecurity information and intelligence in the retail and hospitality industries. The RH-ISAC connects information security teams at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels to work together on issues and challenges, to share practices and insights, and to benchmark among each other all with the goal of building better security for consumer-facing industries through collaboration. RH-ISAC serves businesses including retailers, restaurants, hotels, gaming casinos, food retailers, consumer products, and other consumer-facing companies. For more information, visit www.rhisac.org. Media Contact: Daniela Bartoli PR Manager RH - ISAC danielab@intelligentrelations.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c78d5306-ee75-4b87-bd6c-3f9f2100f6f0 Chicago, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global bio-vanillin market was valued at US$ 290.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 454.9 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period 20252033. The competitive arena for the bio-vanillin market is intensely dynamic. Leading companies are making bold strategic moves to solidify their positions. Solvay USA LLC demonstrated a protective stance in June 2024 by filing new U.S. antidumping and countervailing duty petitions against vanillin imports from China. Innovation is also a key battleground. Givaudan launched Scentaurus Vanilla in January 2024, a novel non-coloring fragrance precursor developed using green chemistry principles. Consolidation is shaping the landscape, as seen with Lallemand's 2024 acquisition of Evolva, a specialist in yeast-derived natural ingredients. This partnership positions Evolva to bring its yeast-fermented vanillin to the food and fragrance market in 2025. Request Sample Pages: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/bio-vanillin-market Givaudan is doubling down on naturals, establishing the "House of Naturals" in June 2024 to develop exclusive ingredients like bio-vanillin. Givaudans global reach in the bio-vanillin market expanded with a new Innovation Hub in Dubai in 2024 to accelerate regional innovation. Meanwhile, Borregaard maintains a unique position as the world's only producer of bio-based vanillin from wood. Evolva has also secured a significant multi-year supply agreement, with expected revenues around CHF 35 million until 2026. Solvay's new Renewable Materials and Biotechnology Platform aims to increase renewable carbon in its offerings. Givaudans FlavourVision program, powered by consumer insight agency Canvas8, was also launched in 2024 to identify key consumer trends. Key Findings in Bio-Vanillin Market Market Forecast (2033) US$ 454.9 million CAGR 5.1% Largest Region (2024) Asia Pacific (43%) By End Use Food & Beverage (66%) By Form Powder (71%) By Purity Grade Food Grade Bio-Vanillin (64%) By Source Rice Bran (Dominant) Top Drivers Surging global consumer demand for natural and clean-label products. Strict regulations favoring bio-based ingredients over synthetic chemical alternatives. Growing adoption in plant-based foods to enhance flavor profiles. Top Trends Technological advancements in fermentation making production more cost-effective. Increasing focus on sustainable and traceable raw material sourcing. Expansion into premium cosmetic, fragrance, and pharmaceutical product lines. Top Challenges High production costs compared to low-cost synthetic vanillin. Scalability limitations and competition for the rice bran feedstock. Navigating complex and varying international natural flavoring regulations. Food and Beverage Sector Demand for Natural Ingredients Fuels Bio-Vanillin Market Momentum The food and beverage industry remains the primary engine of growth. Clean-label product launches are accelerating at an impressive rate. Dozens of new food and beverage products featuring bio-vanillin were launched in North America in the first half of 2024. Europe is a hotbed of activity, with over 50 new confectionery products making "natural vanilla flavor" claims in 2024. The trend is global, with at least 30 new bakery product lines in key Asian markets now incorporating bio-vanillin for a "natural" positioning. Looking ahead, the number of functional beverage launches containing bio-vanillin is projected to increase by over 40 in 2025. The dairy alternatives sector is a significant adopter; more than 20 new products in 2024 feature bio-vanillin to enhance flavor profiles. At least 15 new gourmet ice cream brands in the bio-vanillin market specified the use of bio-vanillin in their 2024 releases. Ready-to-drink tea innovations in 2025 will incorporate bio-vanillin in an estimated 25 new formulations. The nutraceutical space is also leveraging its appeal, with at least 10 new products including bio-vanillin as a flavoring agent in 2024. Givaudan expanded its Protein Hub in Zurich to support dairy alternatives. Recoups October 2024 launch of organic prebiotic beverages in Sprouts Farmers Markets nationwide further exemplifies the trend. Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals Embrace Bio-Vanillin for Natural Appeal and Functionality Demand is rapidly expanding beyond edible applications. The cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries in the bio-vanillin market are increasingly leveraging bio-vanillins allure. The fragrance world has seen over 40 new fine fragrance launches in 2024 incorporating bio-vanillin for its warm notes. Skincare is following suit, with at least 25 new products in 2024 highlighting natural vanillin for its aromatic properties. A projected 15 new haircare lines in 2025 will feature bio-vanillin in their fragrance profiles. In pharmaceuticals, its use as a taste-masking excipient is growing; the number of new oral drug formulations using it has surpassed 30 in 2024. At least 10 new pediatric medications have adopted bio-vanillin to improve palatability for children. The number of nutraceutical gummy products using bio-vanillin is expected to grow with 20 new launches in 2025. More than 12 new cosmeceutical products are utilizing bio-vanillin for its perceived natural and soothing properties. The aromatherapy sector has launched over 30 new products containing bio-vanillin in 2024. Givaudan's Scentaurus Vanilla is specifically designed for applications like liquid detergents. The broader clean beauty movement, exemplified by companies like UpCircle, is a major driver for natural ingredients. Conscious Consumer Preferences for Clean Labels Propel the Bio-Vanillin Market Consumer sentiment is a powerful catalyst shaping the market. A clear and undeniable preference for natural, sustainable, and transparent ingredients dictates purchasing behavior. A major 2024 consumer survey of over 10,000 participants revealed that 7 out of 10 consumers are more likely to purchase a product with a "natural flavor" claim. Consumers are also willing to pay more. In a 2024 study, 5,000 consumers indicated a willingness to pay up to 15 pence more for products with natural vanillin. Digital conversations reflect this trend, with over 100,000 social media mentions of "natural vanilla" in 2024. Online search volume for "bio-vanillin" and "natural vanillin" increased by 30 queries per month in 2024. Retailers in the bio-vanillin market are responding; at least 5 major retailers plan to expand their clean-label private brand offerings in 2025. The influence of food bloggers is substantial, with over 200 of them positively reviewing products containing bio-vanillin in 2024. Health concerns are a significant motivator. A 2024 report surveying 8,000 individuals highlighted that synthetic additives influence the purchasing decisions of 6 out of 10 respondents. A 2025 trend report predicts 8 out of 10 consumers will demand greater ingredient sourcing transparency. Industry groups are also growing; over twenty local Malagasy exporters joined the Sustainable Vanilla Initiative in March 2024. Synergy Flavors also became a member of the initiative. Strategic Investments in Advanced Production Technologies Signal a Promising Future Innovation is at the heart of the bio-vanillin markets expansion. Significant capital is flowing into research and development to enhance production efficiency and sustainability. A leading flavor house announced a $50 million investment in a new bio-vanillin production facility, set to be operational by late 2025. The start-up ecosystem is vibrant, with at least 5 biotechnology firms focused on fermentation-based production securing seed funding in 2024. Intellectual property is expanding, with over 15 new patents related to bio-vanillin production processes filed in 2024. The Cosmetic Ingredients division of Symrise alone filed 19 patent applications in 2024. Scientific breakthroughs are improving yields. A 2024 study reported a 10-gram per liter increase in bio-vanillin yield through a new fermentation technique. At least 3 major producers in the bio-vanillin market are now utilizing artificial intelligence to optimize fermentation processes in 2024. Research into utilizing 5 new non-food agricultural waste streams for ferulic acid extraction is expected to show promising results in 2025. Givaudan opened "The Food Experience Lab" in Singapore to foster local food tech start-ups. Lallemand's acquired technology from Evolva allows for the production of vanillin from sugar with a purity of over 98%. Borregaards wood-based production achieves a remarkable 90% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to oil-based vanillin. Evolving Supply Chain Dynamics Focus on Sustainability and Material Stability The supply chain underpinning the bio-vanillin market is adapting to meet rising demand and sustainability expectations. Raw material sourcing is a key focus. The price of ferulic acid from rice bran has seen a 5 pence per kilogram fluctuation in 2024 due to supply variations. To ensure stability, at least 10 new suppliers of non-GMO ferulic acid have entered the market in 2024. Certification is becoming standard practice. The number of producers with third-party sustainability certifications for their raw material sourcing is expected to increase by 8 in 2025. At least 4 major bio-vanillin suppliers implemented blockchain technology for enhanced raw material traceability in 2024. Givaudan announced new Rainforest Alliance certification for a selection of its vanilla extracts in Europe in June 2025. Logistics costs are a factor for the bio-vanillin market, as the average cost of transporting raw materials increased by 3 pence per ton-mile in 2024. In response, over 5 food and beverage companies have committed to increasing their local sourcing of natural ingredients by 2025. The Sustainable Vanilla Initiative now convenes 70% of private sector actors across the vanilla supply chain. Givaudan itself works with 2,700 raw material suppliers in more than 100 countries. More companies are expected to adopt nearshoring strategies in 2025 to be closer to their markets. Favorable Regulatory Frameworks and Policies Are Creating New Market Opportunities In Bio-Vanillin Market The global regulatory environment is increasingly supportive of natural ingredients, creating significant tailwinds. The European Union is expected to release a 12-page guidance document in 2025 further clarifying the definition of "natural flavoring substance." In the United States, the FDA has received 3 new GRAS notices for bio-vanillin produced via novel fermentation methods in 2024. At least 2 countries in Southeast Asia introduced new draft regulations promoting clearer labeling of natural ingredients in 2024. The European Commission released a new regulation in February 2025 with 12 significant amendments to existing food additive policies. The EUs adoption of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 will align packaging and labeling rules across member states. A German working group of food chemistry experts has taken a stricter stance on "natural flavor extracts" labeling, potentially impacting bio-vanillin market practices in 2025. The Eurasian Economic Commission concluded discussions in November 2024 on new requirements for food additives, affecting up to 70% of the regulation. The U.S. FDA proposed a new front-of-package nutrition labeling scheme in January 2025. New EU regulations in 2025 are expected to re-evaluate long-permitted artificial additives. By 2025, more than 30 countries are set to implement or propose warning labels for products high in sugar, fat, or sodium. Customize the Data Scope to Match Your Objectives: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ask-for-customization/bio-vanillin-market The Outlook Is Bright for a Rapidly Accelerating and Evolving Market The trajectory for the bio-vanillin market is exceptionally promising. The confluence of consumer demand for clean labels, corporate investment in sustainable technology, and supportive regulatory changes creates a powerful growth engine. The data from 2024 and 2025 paints a clear picture of a market in rapid transition, moving decisively away from synthetic alternatives. Key players are not just responding to trends; they are actively shaping the future through strategic acquisitions, technological innovation, and a commitment to sustainability. As applications expand from food and beverages into cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, the addressable market grows larger. The insights gathered confirm that the demand is not a fleeting trend but a fundamental shift in global consumption patterns. Stakeholders who prioritize transparency, innovation, and a deep understanding of consumer values are best positioned to thrive in this exciting and expanding global bio-vanillin market. Global Bio-Vanillin Market Major Players: Apple Flavor & Fragrance Group Co. Ltd Archer-Daniels-Midland Company Borregaard AS Camlin Fine Sciences Ltd. Advanced Biotech Evolva Holding SA Liaoning Shixing Pharmaceutical & Chemical Co. Ltd. Oamic Biotech Co. Ltd. BASF SE Prinova Group LLC (Nagase America LLC) Solvay S.A. Sulzer Ltd. Symrise AG Other Prominent Players Key Market Segmentation: By End-use Food and Beverages Fragrance Pharmaceuticals By Form Powder Liquid By Purity Grade Food Grade Pharma Grade Fragrance Grade By Source Rice Bran Wood Others By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa (MEA) South America Request a Personalized Report Walkthrough with Our Research Team: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/report-walkthrough/bio-vanillin-market About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements. With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace. Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@astuteanalytica.com Website: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ Follow us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube Ottawa, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global isotope market size to rise at USD 6.09 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 14.2 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.84%, according to a study by Towards Healthcare, a sister firm of Precedence Research. The markets growth is being driven by increasing research and development activities and ongoing technological advancements. The Complete Study is Now Available for Immediate Access | Download the Sample Pages of this Report @ https://www.towardshealthcare.com/download-sample/5492 Key Takeaways North America was dominant in the market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to witness rapid expansion in the upcoming years. By type, the radioisotopes segment led the global isotope market in 2024. By type, the stable isotopes segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the projected period. By application, the diagnostic segment registered dominance in the market in 2024. By application, the nuclear therapy segment is expected to grow notably during 2025-2034 in the global isotope market. By end-user, the hospitals segment held a major revenue share of the market in 2024. By end-user, the diagnostic centers segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Market Overview & Potential The global isotope market mainly consists of an atom with the same number of protons as another atom of the same element, but a different number of neutrons. A wider application of these isotopes in medical and healthcare areas gives rise to radiotherapy, which utilizes isotopes to target and destroy cancerous cells, with Cobalt-60 being applied in therapies for brain and breast cancer. Alongside, the emergence of stable isotopes, particularly Carbon-13, is widely employed in spectroscopy to elucidate molecular structures and in mass spectrometry to analyze isotope ratios in geological processes. Recently, Bruce Power in Canada has been innovating the production of significant medical isotopes, like Lutetium-177 (Lu-177), for cancer therapy. What are the Key Growth Drivers in the Isotope Market? In 2025, the globe is facing higher counts of chronic conditions, specifically cancer, which need highly sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic isotopes for treatments, including targeted radiotherapy and early detection, which is a major driver. Along with this, currently going advances in hybrid PET/CT and SPECT/CT systems are nowadays boosting diagnostic accuracy, with wider clinical applications for isotopes. Besides this, sub-drivers are a rise in public awareness, tailored medicine, stringent regulations, and efforts to develop resilient supply chains. What are the Major Trends in the Isotope Market? Ongoing research and development activities, widespread need for radiotherapies, are accelerating a broader range of investments in collaborations in the respective market. In August 2025, the Ontario government received a $500,000 donation from Laurentis Energy Partners (Laurentis), a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation (OPG), to develop the Silber Family Theranostics Centre at the University Health Networks (UHN) Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. In July 2025, ASP Isotopes Inc., an advanced materials company, completed an initial Series Seed financing round of IsoBio, a U.S.-based radiotherapeutic development company, to expand the innovative antibody-isotope conjugates (AICsTM) for cancer treatment. In April 2025, SHINE Technologies, LLC, a nuclear fusion company with a platform of medical isotope products, made a strategic distribution partnership with Modawina Medical Company to bring Ilumira, SHINEs non-carrier-added lutetium-177 (n.c.a. Lu-177), to patients in the United Arab Emirates. You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@towardshealthcare.com What is the Emerging Challenge in the Isotope Market? The widespread development and maintenance of the specialized facilities, particularly reactors and cyclotrons, are demanding for isotope production with higher capital investment. Also, the production, handling, and transportation of isotopes are propelled by strict national and international safety standards and regulations, which are boosting complexity and time to market entry. Regional Analysis What Made North America Dominant in the Isotope Market in 2024? In 2024, North America captured the biggest revenue share of the market. This regions rising R&D expenditure is driving the developments in the robust pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector. Nowadays, the DOE Isotope Program (DOE IP) is aiming at novel medical isotopes, including Tellurium-119m (Te-119m) and its daughter Antimony-119 (Sb-119) for cancer therapy. Alongside the successful production of the foremost newer stable isotope in nearly 20 years (Ruthenium-96 (Ru-96)), and the innovation for the U.S. Stable Isotope Production and Research Facility (SIPRC) to boost stable isotope production, is widely impacting the overall market progression. This region has executed the electronic structure of promethium for novel applications and the adsorption properties of terbium for medical utilization. For instance, In July 2025, Siemens Healthineers and Greenville, S.C.-based Prisma Health announced their Value Partnership with $50 Million Investment in radiation therapy for cancer care. In June 2025, Nusano and dGenThera partnered to transform cancer therapy with Astatine-211. Why did the Asia Pacific Grow Notably in the Market in 2024? During 2025-2034, the Asia Pacific is estimated to witness rapid growth in the isotope market. The regions expansion will be driven by the developing healthcare and industrial infrastructure, mainly in countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea, which accelerates isotope demand. Additionally, various governments are actively investing in healthcare, nuclear safety, and infrastructure, establishing a strong market for isotopes. The increasing demand for diagnostics and cancer treatment in the expanding cancer cases, and the rising industrial use for material testing and energy in ASAP, is also fueling the widespread adoption of isotopes for essential use. For this market, In July 2025, AXA China Region Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited and AXA International Reinsurance (Shanghai) Company Limited signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with China Biotech Services Holdings to execute the use of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) and related cancer treatment technologies. Get the latest insights on healthcare industry segmentation with our Annual Membership: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/get-an-annual-membership Segmental Insights By type analysis Which Type Led the Global Isotope Market in 2024? The radioisotopes segment held the biggest revenue share of the market in 2024. This type of isotope has immense application in the growing cases of chronic health issues, mainly in cancer and cardiovascular conditions. This further enhanced the requirement for advanced diagnostic imaging and targeted therapies that were developed by using radioisotopes. In the case of the medical area, these radioisotopes are emerging in customized "theranostic" treatments, employing compounds that both diagnose and treat diseases, such as Lutetium-177 for cancer, and optimizing their production and supply chain for global access. Moreover, the production of Actinium-225, a radioisotope that is widely utilized as targeted alpha therapy, is being scaled up by companies, especially Westinghouse and TerraPower. On the other hand, the stable isotopes segment is predicted to expand notably during 2025-2034. The contribution of stable isotopes is mainly in diverse pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, such as the study of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), the revolution in precision medicine, and various aspects of proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics. Recently, researchers explored the use of D2O (heavy water) for simultaneous monitoring of protein, lipid, and DNA turnover in a less invasive manner. This further enables feasible, long-term studies of human physiology in natural settings, unlike more restrictive previous approaches. By application analysis How did the Diagnostic Segment Hold a Major Share of the Market in 2024? The diagnostic segment was dominant in the global isotope market in 2024. The segment is primarily fueled by ongoing technological breakthroughs in PET, SPECT, and other nuclear medicine imaging technologies are assisting to boost the precision and effectiveness of isotope-based diagnostics. Furthermore, the adoption of isotopes, such as Copper-62 (62Cu), provides a short half-life, making them favourable for PET imaging with small tracer molecules and also facilitates repeated imaging studies with minimal radiation exposure. Currently, emerging newer isotopes offer tumor characteristics and metabolic activity, which further allow accurate and early disease detection. The nuclear therapy segment is anticipated to witness significant growth. A rise in public and healthcare provider awareness regarding the advantages of nuclear medicine results in enhanced adoption of radiopharmaceuticals and isotopes, acting as a crucial driver for this segment's growth. Along with this, establishing newer nanocrystal carriers for isotopes in optimizing delivery and efficacy, and new radiopharmaceuticals targeting specific cancers, including pancreatic adenocarcinoma, is influencing the overall market growth. Also, the researchers are working on improving isotope selection, production, and biological application. By end-user analysis Which End-user Held the Dominating Share of the Isotope Market in 2024? In 2024, the hospitals segment dominated with a major share of the market. These hospitals possess a huge share of the nuclear medicine and medical isotopes sector. This also consists of several medical specialties, particularly radiology, oncology, and nuclear medicine, which can collaborate to coordinate patient care. Nowadays, the adoption of flash radiotherapy in hospitals gives rise to ultra-high dose rates of radiation, with robust sparing of normal tissues while maintaining tumor control. Besides this, developing accuracy and personalization through technologies, specifically Adaptive Radiotherapy (ART), AI and machine learning integration, and advanced radiation types, including proton therapy and heavy ion therapy, are widely expanding their application in the emerging hospitals. Whereas, the diagnostic centers segment is anticipated to expand rapidly during 2025-2034. The widespread usage of PET-CT for better tumor delineation, and other techniques, like Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT), are employed in precise target tumors and spare healthy tissue. Additionally, these centers are increasingly collaborating and communicating with different healthcare professionals, mainly radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and oncologists, fostering teamwork in care. Ongoing innovations in novel radiotracers, particularly those using positron-emitting radionuclides, such as Fluorine-18 (F-18), are enhancing diagnostic precision. Elevate your healthcare strategy with Towards Healthcare. Enhance efficiency and drive better outcomes schedule a call today: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/schedule-meeting What are the Recent Developments in the Isotope Market? In August 2025, Radiology provider Akumin launched its first movable PET/CT imaging centers. advanced Gallium-68 Gozetotide preparation kit for prostate cancer imaging, in the United Kingdom. In March 2025, Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., an innovator in the development of targeted radiotherapies, today announced ATNM-400, a groundbreaking, non-PSMA targeting, first-in-class radiotherapy for prostate cancer utilizing the Actinium-225 (Ac-225) radioisotope. In January 2025, Curium, a world leader in nuclear medicine, expanded its strategic partnership with Institute of Isotopes Co. Ltd. to evolve Iodine-131 diagnostic capsules available to patients in the Nordic Region. In January 2025, Andhra Pradesh introduced the first medical cyclotron at AMTZ to transform cancer treatment and diagnostics. Isotope Market Key Players Alfa Chemistry ASP Isotopes Bruce Power BWX Technologies, Inc. Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc. Inte ational Isotopes, Inc. Isotopen Technologien Munchen (ITM) Laurentis Energy Partners Nordion, Inc. NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, LLC SHINE Technologies Sigma Aldrich TerraPower Browse More Insights of Towards Healthcare: The global G-protein coupled receptors market was valued at USD 3.86 billion in 2024 and grew to USD 4.06 billion in 2025. It is projected to reach approximately USD 6.37 billion by 2034, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.14% from 2024 to 2034. The global plasma fraction market was estimated at USD 32.75 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach around USD 72.86 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 7.54% over the forecast period. The global induced pluripotent stem cells market was valued at USD 1.93 billion in 2024, rising to USD 2.13 billion in 2025. The market is anticipated to grow to approximately USD 5.12 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 10.25% from 2024 to 2034. The global synthetic nerve conduits market stood at USD 1.57 billion in 2023 and is projected to expand to USD 3.07 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.29% during the forecast period. The mycobacterium tuberculosis market was valued at USD 730 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 1,385.79 million by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 6% between 2024 and 2034. The global RNA-based therapeutics market was evaluated at USD 6.83 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to surge to USD 40.81 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 17.64% over the forecast period. The global Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) market was valued at USD 977.57 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,405.80 million by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 3.7% from 2024 to 2034. The global nerve repair and regeneration market stood at USD 10.25 billion in 2024 and grew to USD 11.5 billion in 2025. It is expected to reach approximately USD 32.4 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 12.2% during the forecast period. The global androgenetic alopecia market was estimated at USD 2.98 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 7.31 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 8.49% from 2024 to 2034. The global photomedicine market was valued at USD 4.99 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to USD 10.22 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 6.74% between 2024 and 2034. Segments Covered in The Report By Type Radioisotopes Stable Isotopes By Application Diagnostics Nuclear Therapy By End-User Hospitals Diagnostic Centers Research Institutes By Region North America U.S. Canada Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Thailand Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Sweden Denmark Norway Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Middle East and Africa (MEA) South Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Kuwait Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research @ https://www.towardshealthcare.com/price/5492 Access our exclusive, data-rich dashboard dedicated to the healthcare market - built specifically for decision-makers, strategists, and industry leaders. The dashboard features comprehensive statistical data, segment-wise market breakdowns, regional performance shares, detailed company profiles, annual updates, and much more. From market sizing to competitive intelligence, this powerful tool is one-stop solution to your gateway. 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You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@towardshealthcare.com Europe Region: +44 778 256 0738 North America Region: +1 8044 4193 44 APAC Region: +91 9356 9282 04 Web: https://www.towardshealthcare.com Our Trusted Data Partners Precedence Research | Statifacts | Towards Packaging | Towards Automotive | Towards Food and Beverages | Towards Chemical and Materials | Towards Consumer Goods | Towards Dental | Towards EV Solutions | Nova One Advisor | Healthcare Webwire | Packaging Webwire | Automotive Webwire Find us on social platforms: LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Medium | Pinterest EAGAN, Minn., Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) today announced the appointment of Erin Barney as President of Commercial Markets and Jamie Reuter as Vice President of Pharmacy Solutions. Both leaders have experience working within the Blue Cross and Blue Shield system, giving them firsthand insights into how plans work together to address member needs at local and national levels. In her new role, Barney will oversee the strategy, execution and performance of the Commercial Markets division, which covers multiple market segments, including Minnesota-based national employers, large and small businesses, Individual and Family plans, Taft-Hartley (labor union) groups, public sector plans (local government-affiliated employers), and Minnesota residents covered by the Associations Federal Employee Program (FEP). Erin brings a strategic vision for advancing healthcare, a collaborative approach to leadership and deep expertise of the Blue Cross framework across every state, said Chris Fanning, Chief Growth Officer at Blue Cross. I know she is well-poised to make a lasting impact. As Vice President of Pharmacy Solutions, Reuter will lead the strategic development, implementation, and management of pharmacy products and programs across all lines of business, including Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Pharmacy solutions are designed to maximize the delivery of quality care, improve health outcomes for all members and effectively manage the cost of prescription drugs for all covered pharmacy benefits. Jamie brings a wealth of unique and powerful pharmacy insights, based on his blended expertise as a clinician and a business leader, said Dr. Mark Steffen, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross. His demonstrated success will serve our members well as we continue to raise the bar on outcomes, affordability and delivering even higher-quality member experiences. Erin Barney, President of Commercial Markets Erin Barney has more than 20 years of leadership experience within the Blue Cross and Blue Shield system. She comes to Minnesota after serving as Vice President of Network Solutions for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, a national federation of 33 independent and locally operated Blue Cross plans that collectively cover one in three Americans. In this role, Barney led collaborative efforts to develop, deliver, and maintain creative and innovative network and clinical programs that fit members healthcare needs nationwide. Before joining the Association, Barney served in a range of leadership roles at Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), an independent licensee of the Association and the country's largest customer-owned health insurer. Over the course of 17 years, her responsibilities included commercial growth and retention, financial performance, health care analytics, medical policy and human resources. Barney holds a bachelors degree from Augsburg College in Minneapolis and a masters degree in business from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Jamie Reuter, Vice President of Pharmacy Solutions Jamie Reuter comes to Blue Cross after spending the last decade helping to build, consolidate and revitalize multiple health plans across the country. His work included five pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) transitions and restructuring two retail pharmacy chains. His career path includes serving as the Director of Pharmacy Policy at CareFirst BlueCross, the largest health insurer in the Mid-Atlantic region and the Blues plan with the largest enrollment in the Associations Federal Employee Program. In this role, he provided guidance on legislative policy, built pharmacy product offerings, provided sales support and managed PBM clinical programs. Before joining the insurance industry, Reuter practiced as a clinical specialist in critical care for eight years in Baltimore at Union Memorial Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center. During that time, he also served as an adjunct clinical instructor at three pharmacy colleges, providing classroom instruction and clinical guidance while publishing more than 40 research papers, book chapters and posters. Reuter holds a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from Ferris State University in Michigan, an MBA from Johns Hopkins University's Carey Business School in Maryland and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Toledo in Ohio. About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota For more than 90 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Bluecrossmn.com) has supported our members by ensuring access to high quality care at an affordable price. Our nearly 3 million members can be found in every Minnesota county, all 50 states and on four continents. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jim McManus | 651.662.2882 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Jim.McManus@bluecrossmn.com MUNICH, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Europe is a vast landscape and each nation has its own specificities. The work we are doing in each territory is preparing networks and teams for every market. In this sense, we are working in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary. There is a lot to be done, but we have big ambitions and we want to be relevant in every area that matters to our customers. These were the words of MariaGrazia Davino, Regional Managing Director of BYD, describing the expansion of the car manufacturer into the Central European sphere. MariaGrazia Davino spoke on the sidelines of the press conference organized by BYD at the 'IAA Mobility 2025' in Munich. For us, Europe is the present, and we are fully committed in this direction, the executive continued, before turning her focus to the new car that BYD launched at the German trade fair: Here we are launching our station wagon, the BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring. It is a large super-hybrid car, with a range of up to 1,350 kilometers. A car designed not only for drivers but also for passengers, MariaGrazia Davino concluded. For more information: Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9f861971-1a72-4be1-ab0e-84df2ce0bcb8 A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/65b9635f-a0a9-4452-9260-11d45fa39552 INFORMATION REGARDING EXECUTED TRANSACTIONS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF A SHARE BUY-BACK PROGRAM Regulated Information Paris, 8 September 2025 (In accordance with article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 on Market Abuse Regulation and article 3(3) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 through regulatory technical standards concerning the conditions applicable to buy-back programs and stabilization measures) As announced on Thursday 31 July 2025, Societe Generale started on Monday 4 August 2025 a EUR 1 billion ordinary share buy-back program for the purpose of shares cancellation. Societe Generale received all necessary authorizations from supervisory authorities. These buy-backs are carried out in compliance with the conditions, notably regarding the maximum price, set forth by the General Meeting of 22 May 2024 and presented in the description released on 17 May 2024, as well as in accordance with the Market Abuse Regulation. They are performed on the trading platforms on which Societe Generale shares are listed for trading or are traded, including the regulated market of Euronext Paris. Purchases performed during the period from 1 to 5 September 2025 are described below. As of 5 September 2025, Societe Generale has completed 71.2% of its share buy-back program, representing 1.7%* of its share capital. Issuer name: Societe Generale - LEI O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 Reference of the financial instrument: ISIN FR0000130809 Period: From 1 to 5 September 2025 * Ratio between the number of shares repurchased and the 785,180,327 shares comprising the current share capital. Purchases performed by Societe Generale during the period Aggregated presentation by day and market Issuer name Issuer code (LEI) Transaction date ISIN Code Daily total volume (in number of shares) Daily weighted average price of shares acquired Platform SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 1-Sep-25 FR0000130809 460,063 53.1576 XPAR SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 1-Sep-25 FR0000130809 233,165 53.1917 CEUX SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 1-Sep-25 FR0000130809 49,105 53.2179 TQEX SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 1-Sep-25 FR0000130809 52,426 53.2198 AQEU SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 2-Sep-25 FR0000130809 547,500 52.4876 XPAR SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 2-Sep-25 FR0000130809 272,450 52.4927 CEUX SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 2-Sep-25 FR0000130809 55,250 52.4552 TQEX SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 2-Sep-25 FR0000130809 59,545 52.4590 AQEU SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 3-Sep-25 FR0000130809 544,721 52.6898 XPAR SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 3-Sep-25 FR0000130809 229,553 52.6410 CEUX SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 3-Sep-25 FR0000130809 39,686 52.6265 TQEX SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 3-Sep-25 FR0000130809 47,799 52.6235 AQEU SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 4-Sep-25 FR0000130809 66,846 52.9289 XPAR SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 4-Sep-25 FR0000130809 10,627 52.9187 CEUX SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 4-Sep-25 FR0000130809 10,000 52.9900 TQEX SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 4-Sep-25 FR0000130809 10,000 53.0100 AQEU SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 5-Sep-25 FR0000130809 337,889 53.0252 XPAR SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 5-Sep-25 FR0000130809 181,419 53.0526 CEUX SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 5-Sep-25 FR0000130809 15,000 52.9000 TQEX SOCIETE GENERALE O2RNE8IBXP4R0TD8PU41 5-Sep-25 FR0000130809 15,000 52.9000 AQEU TOTAL 3,238,044 52.8096 Press contacts: Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com Fanny Rouby_+33 1 57 29 11 12_ fanny.rouby@socgen.com Societe Generale Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with around 119,000 employees serving more than 26 million clients in 62 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective - to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders. The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients: French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance , with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank. , with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank. Global Banking and Investor Solutions , a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG. , a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG. Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities. Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe). In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of the Group News page on societegenerale.com website where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the documents legitimacy directly on the web page. For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com. Attachment SAN DIEGO, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers of KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (NYSE: KLC) common stock in or traceable to KinderCares 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, and pending in the District of Oregon, the KinderCare class action lawsuit charges KinderCare as well as certain of KinderCares top executives and directors, KinderCares 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 info@rgrdlaw.com. 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 investors 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 worlds leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud and shareholder litigation. Our Firm has been ranked #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for four out of the last five years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. In 2024, we recovered over $2.5 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases more than the next five law firms combined, according to ISS. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs firms in the world, and the Firms attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest ever $7.2 billion in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. Contact: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal 655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101 800-449-4900 info@rgrdlaw.com MINNEAPOLIS and TORONTO, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dayforce, Inc. (NYSE: DAY; TSX: DAY), a global human capital management (HCM) leader that makes work life better, today announced a major expansion of its Dayforce Flex Work solution. The enhanced solution features a comprehensive contingent management platform for frontline workforces, including vendor management, on-demand staffing, and a robust agency network. Customers can now manage their entire talent ecosystem with Dayforce quickly, simply, and with the help of a proven compliance leader. Recent research highlights the market need: 86% of surveyed workers say they would change jobs for improved scheduling flexibility, and 65% of surveyed executives seek easier access to skilled temporary staff. Our enhanced Dayforce Flex Work solution creates a unified workforce model, giving customers the flexibility to adapt quickly and efficiently manage labor needs across their talent ecosystems, said Erik Zimmer, EVP, Corporate Development and Strategic Ventures at Dayforce. By integrating human capital management with vendor management, were removing silos, reducing friction, and enabling customers to fill shifts faster and more strategically. Dayforce Flex Work empowers organizations to centralize and automate their flexible labor program to increase fill rates, gain visibility, and optimize labor spend. With Dayforce, customers can manage across their talent ecosystem including full-time, part-time, alumni, and contingent workers. SSA Group, a leading hospitality management company operating premier attractions nationwide and a Dayforce customer, is already seeing measurable impact after implementing the Dayforce Flex Work solution. According to Kassey Kampman, Head of People at SSA Group, Dayforce Flex Work provides us with the operational flexibility we need to manage seasonal demands while controlling costs. By using Dayforce to manage both our permanent team members and now our contingent workforce, were able to drive our people strategy, optimize talent planning, and keep our operations running efficiently and effectively. Dayforce Flex Work key capabilities: Streamline contingent workforce management- from requisition to shift fulfillment and invoicing- through a seamless, mobile-first experience. Automate contingent workforce programs to help enforce contract rates, optimize supplier relationships, and control spend. Access millions of frontline workers on-demand through customer defined talent pools and a broad network of staffing agency partners. This announcement follows Dayforces recent acquisition of JJJ International, an innovative contingent labor platform. The company operated under two brands: Jitjatjo and Network. Jitjatjo provided quality, W2 on-demand temporary staffing and Network offered a frontline vendor management system (VMS) for optimizing contingent labor. To learn more: Visit Dayforce Flex Work: www.dayforce.com/how-we-help/dayforce/flex-work-on-demand-staffing Read about Dayforce Flex Work: www.dayforce.com/blog/how-dayforce-flex-work-marks-a-new-dawn-in-frontline-workforce-management About Dayforce Dayforce makes work life better. Everything we do as a global leader in HCM technology is focused on enabling thousands of customers and millions of employees around the world to do the work they're meant to do. With our single AI-powered people platform for HR, Pay, Time, Talent, and Analytics, organizations of all sizes and industries are benefiting from simplicity at scale with Dayforce to help unlock their full workforce potential, operate with confidence, and realize quantifiable value. To learn more, visit dayforce.com. Media Contact Hyeri Kim 347-572-9564 Hyeri.Kim@Dayforce.com Chicago, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global intravenous (IV) hydration therapy market was valued at US$ 2.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 4.9 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period 20252033. The franchise model has become the primary engine powering the rapid expansion of the Intravenous (IV) hydration therapy market. Key players are executing ambitious growth strategies, establishing a significant national and international presence. Next Health is a prime example, with plans to open over 150 locations by the end of 2027. The company's rapid growth is evident in its 2024 milestones. In April 2024, Next Health reported it had 50 sold territories. The expansion includes four new locations in Miami announced in January 2024 and a three-location expansion in Southern California revealed in February 2024. Momentum continued with a multi-unit agreement for two new facilities in Austin announced in March 2024. Download Sample Pages: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/intravenous-hydration-therapy-market Looking ahead, the growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing. Next Health is bringing three new centers to Dallas, with the first expected to open in 2025. Furthermore, the first of four Next Health locations in Nashville is scheduled to open in January 2025. Other major players are also expanding their footprint. Hydration Room is expanding into the San Francisco Bay Area with six new clinics in 2025. A development will bring Hydration Rooms total to 41 clinics across California in 2025. In June 2025, Hydration Room opened a new clinic in Porter Ranch, California, bringing its total to nearly 40 locations. The DRIPBaR also announced plans to open a third location in Gilbert, Arizona in June 2024, and a new location opened in Austin, Texas, on July 8, 2024, underscoring the fierce pace of growth in market. Key Findings in Intravenous (IV) Hydration Therapy Market Market Forecast (2033) US$ 4.9 billion CAGR 6.2% Largest Region (2024) North America (48%) By Service Energy Booster (29%) By Component Medicated Intravenous Hydration (70%) By End Use Hospitals & Clinics (46%) Top Drivers Increasing consumer focus on preventive healthcare and wellness lifestyles. Rising prevalence of chronic diseases requiring nutrient and drug administration. Growing demand for anti-aging and aesthetic enhancement treatments. Top Trends Expansion of mobile IV services and at-home therapy options. Development of personalized and customized IV drip formulations. Integration of telehealth for consultations and remote patient monitoring Top Challenges Navigating complex and varied state-by-state regulatory and licensing requirements. High cost of treatments and limited insurance coverage for elective therapies. Shortages of qualified healthcare professionals, including nurses, to administer therapy. Competitive Franchise Investment Landscape Reveals Diverse Entry Points and Capital Requirements The franchise segment of the Intravenous (IV) hydration therapy market presents a range of investment opportunities tailored to different capital levels. For prospective franchisees, understanding the financial commitments is crucial. The DripBar, a prominent brand, requires an initial franchise fee of approximately $59,500 as of 2025. The total investment to open a The DripBar franchise ranges from $143,300 to $338,300. Another key player, Prime IV Hydration & Wellness, charges a franchise fee of $49,000 for 2025. The total investment to open a Prime IV Hydration franchise is estimated between $164,633 and $600,172, reflecting a wider range based on location and build-out specifications. Prime IV also has specific financial prerequisites for its candidates. The company requires franchisees to have a minimum net worth of $500,000. Additionally, prospective Prime IV franchisees need at least $150,000 in liquid capital to be considered. For an IV Nutrition franchise, the financial entry point is also clearly defined. The initial franchise fee is $49,500 as of 2025. The total investment for an IV Nutrition franchise ranges from $198,000 to $325,000. These figures illustrate a competitive but accessible landscape for well-capitalized entrepreneurs looking to enter the lucrative Intravenous (IV) hydration therapy market. Surging Consumer Wellness Spending Creates Fertile Ground for Market Penetration Consumer behavior in 2024 and 2025 paints a clear picture of a populace increasingly prioritizing and investing in proactive wellness. A 2024 survey of 4,000 consumers found a remarkable 78% plan to purchase new wellness services by 2025. Crucially, a majority of consumers, 71%, are willing to spend $100 or more on wellness purchases, indicating a high perceived value for services like IV hydration. Consumers are also becoming more comfortable with data-driven personalization. A significant 57% of consumers would share personal health data in exchange for personalized wellness services. The desire for tailored health solutions is a powerful driver for the Intravenous (IV) hydration therapy market. In a 2024 survey, 67% of consumers expressed a desire for personalized vitamins and supplements, a core component of IV therapy. Similarly, 66% of consumers want a tailored nutrition plan based on their data. Demographic and spending trends further reinforce the markets potential. A 2024 McKinsey survey found 53% of Gen Z consumers spent more on cosmetic procedures than in the previous year, aligning with the aesthetic benefits of IV treatments. Furthermore, 56% of in-person wellness service purchasers in the U.S. traveled two or more hours for retreats in 2024, showing a willingness to seek out premium services. By 2030, it is projected that one out of every six individuals globally will be 60 years of age or older, a key demographic seeking health and vitality solutions. Mobile IV Services Emerge as a Dominant and Convenient Delivery Model The mobile delivery model is a significant growth catalyst within the Intravenous (IV) hydration therapy market, directly addressing consumer demand for on-demand convenience. New service launches are expanding accessibility across major metropolitan areas. In April 2025, RevIVe Mobile IV launched on-demand services in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Meanwhile, existing mobile providers are innovating to retain customers. In March 2025, purelyIV launched a Take-Home B12 Kit to complement its in-home services. A kit includes a three-month supply of Vitamin B12 injections. The DRIPBaR in Statesboro launched its mobile IV hydration service in April 2024. The growth of mobile services is a global phenomenon. In Dubai, AEON Clinic highlighted a surge in demand for home-based IV drip services in April 2025. The model's success is also quantifiable at the customer acquisition level; companies in major Indian cities have reported over 30 new customers from app-based bookings in 2024. The mobile model can also serve as a launchpad for physical expansion. In April 2024, Revive Drip expanded from a mobile-only service to opening a physical clinic in Gig Harbor, Washington, demonstrating a powerful pathway for business growth within the Intravenous (IV) hydration therapy market. Robust Startup Costs and Essential Capital Outlays for New Market Entrants Entering the Intravenous (IV) hydration therapy market requires significant upfront capital, whether launching a mobile unit or a brick-and-mortar clinic. For a mobile-only IV hydration model, a total investment between $30,000 and $80,000 is required. A large portion of a budget is allocated to the vehicle itself. Acquiring and customizing a vehicle for a mobile unit can cost between $50,000 and $100,000. The necessary retrofitting to make a vehicle medical-grade can add up to $15,000 to the initial cost. Beyond the vehicle, medical equipment and supplies constitute another major expense. The initial budget for medical equipment and supplies for a new clinic is estimated between $15,000 and $40,000. The initial inventory of IV fluids, vitamins, and supplies can add another $10,000 to $30,000 in costs. An initial three-month marketing and branding budget typically ranges from $7,000 to $25,000. Furthermore, the cost for necessary licenses and insurance to start a mobile IV business is estimated between $10,000 and $20,000. Finally, technology and systems, including billing software, can require an investment of $10,000 to $30,000. Chronic Disease and Therapeutic Needs Anchor Core, Non-Discretionary Market Demand Beyond elective wellness, the Intravenous (IV) hydration therapy market is firmly anchored by its essential role in medical and therapeutic applications. The global prevalence of chronic diseases creates a substantial and enduring demand for hydration and nutrient support. Annually, there are 41 million deaths globally from non-communicable or chronic diseases. Cardiovascular diseases contribute to 17.9 million of these deaths each year. Cancer accounts for 9.3 million deaths annually worldwide, while chronic respiratory diseases lead to 4.1 million deaths each year. These conditions often require supportive care where IV therapy is beneficial. Diabetes is responsible for 2.0 million deaths annually and frequently necessitates advanced hydration management. Physicians are increasingly prescribing IV hydration for conditions like Long COVID, according to 2025 reports, expanding the therapy's clinical applications. Specialized formulations directly target medical needs. For example, Drip Hydration offers a Stomach Flu IV treatment containing five key ingredients: Vitamin B12, B-Complex, Vitamin C, Zofran, and Pepcid. Such targeted treatments underscore the indispensable medical value driving the Intravenous (IV) hydration therapy market. Product Innovation and Service Diversification Are Creating New Lucrative Revenue Streams Leading companies in the Intravenous (IV) hydration therapy market are actively innovating to capture new consumer segments and increase customer lifetime value. In 2024, Next Health offers advanced services including NAD+ Therapy and Ozone Therapy. Hydration Room launched an NAD+ IV Membership in June 2025, an industry first designed to foster recurring revenue. The DRIPBaR offers 20 different IV Lifestyle or Health Support drips in 2024, providing a wide array of choices for consumers. The company also provides five distinct IM Quick Shots for faster treatment options. To deliver these services, a skilled workforce is essential. Hydration Room treatments are administered by licensed medical professionals, including registered nurses. By 2024, Hydration Room had served over 150,000 patients, with its staff having performed over 1.5 million treatments by mid-2025. However, the industry faces a significant challenge with staffing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a shortfall of over 200,000 registered nurses by 2025, which could constrain service delivery. Franchisors like Prime IV seek candidates with a background in management or medical fields to navigate these operational complexities. On the product side, innovation is also occurring in the underlying technology. In May 2025, medical device company Penlon launched a new range of infusion pumps, including the SYS-70 model. Market dynamics are also reflected in pricing. The average price for IV hydration therapy products rose from $101.18 to $122.15 between 2024 and 2025, indicating strong demand and a willingness among consumers to pay for premium services. Digitalization and Advanced Technology Are Revolutionizing Service Personalization and Efficiency Technology is a critical enabler in the modern Intravenous (IV) hydration therapy market, driving personalization and operational efficiency. Artificial intelligence is poised to make a significant impact. A 2025 forecast suggests artificial intelligence might eventually slash nursing time by forty percent through predictive dosing algorithms. Providers are increasingly using AI and individual health data to create customized nutrient blends in 2025. These advancements cater directly to consumer preferences for tailored wellness solutions. Consumer adoption of technology complements the industry's digital shift. Health tracking apps were among the top three services consumers planned to invest in during 2024. The integration of technology extends to the core operations of franchise businesses. IV Nutrition utilizes a Computer Terminal/POS system with a setup cost ranging from $1,800 to $4,400 in 2025. The use of such systems is essential for managing appointments, inventory, and customer relationships, making technology a cornerstone of a scalable and efficient Intravenous (IV) hydration therapy market business. Customize the Data Scope to Match Your Objectives: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ask-for-customization/intravenous-hydration-therapy-market Navigating Regulatory Hurdles and Supply Chain Volatility Remains a Critical Challenge The Intravenous (IV) hydration therapy market is not without its challenges, particularly concerning the stability of its supply chain for essential medical fluids. In October 2024, the FDA approved the temporary import of certain IV fluids from overseas to address shortages. A situation was exacerbated after a Baxter facility that produces 1.5 million bags of IV solutions daily was damaged, highlighting the vulnerability of a concentrated supply chain. As a direct result, the FDA added three specific products to its official shortage list in October 2024: dextrose 70%, Lactated Ringer's solution, and peritoneal dialysis fluids. In response to supply disruptions, regulatory bodies have implemented measures to mitigate the impact on patient care. The FDA authorized an extension for the use date of certain Baxter IV products up to 24 months after their manufacture date in October 2024. Government programs have also been activated to assist patients. The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program was activated in 2024 for uninsured residents in three states: North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. These events underscore the critical importance of supply chain resilience and regulatory navigation for all stakeholders in the Intravenous (IV) hydration therapy market. Global Intravenous Hydration Therapy Market Major Players: Amanta Healthcare Limited. JW Life Science Corporation Nikkiso Co. Ltd. NexGen Health Core IV Therapy, LLC Davita, Baxter International Inc. B. Braun Medical Inc. Cryojuvenate UK Ltd. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Other Prominent Players Key Market Segmentation: By Component Medicated Non-Medicated By Service Energy Boosters Immune Boosters Skin Care Migraine Others By End-Use Wellness Centers and Spas Home Healthcare Hospitals and Clinics Others By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa (MEA) South America Want Clarity on Report Coverage? Schedule a Quick Demo Call: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/report-walkthrough/intravenous-hydration-therapy-market About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements. With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace. Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@astuteanalytica.com Website: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ Follow us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube ALLEN, Texas, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CapturePoint LLC Chief Executive Officer Greg Harper announced today that Adam Barrer has joined the companys senior leadership team as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective immediately. Over the past decade, Mr. Barrer has served as CFO for multiple prominent Dallas/Fort Worth-based energy companies. Adam brings unique insights and expertise to our management team as we plan for the next phases of CapturePoints growth, said Mr. Harper. He will help us optimize the companys existing leadership position in U.S. carbon sequestration and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) operations and build on that strong foundation as the carbon management and storage industry expands rapidly to sustain Americas dynamic energy and manufacturing sectors. Mr. Barrer joins CapturePoint after serving since 2020 as Executive Vice President and CFO of the Walsh Companies, a privately held family-office-controlled group of businesses operating over 1,000 oil and gas production wells across Texas and New Mexico and developing approximately 15,000 acres of real estate in North Texas. His prior CFO roles included positions with Wing Resources and with Silver Creek Oil and Gas. As CapturePoints CFO, Mr. Barrer will be responsible for all financial operations of the company including planning and budgeting; analyzing and managing financial performance; oversight of accounting, risk management and reporting; and advising the CEO and Board of Directors on capital structure, strategic investments, financing transactions, and mergers and acquisitions. Earlier in his career, Mr. Barrer was an Investment Banking Analyst for Bank of America in New York City, then an Associate with Crestview Partners, a multi-billion-dollar private equity firm. He graduated magna cum laude from Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in a double major of Economics and Computer Science and earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. CapturePoint is one of the leading private carbon management companies in North America, currently injecting over 1 million tons of CO 2 annually into EOR projects and operating over 230 miles of dedicated CO 2 pipelines anchored by production in Oklahoma and Texas. CapturePoint is also pursuing development of deep underground carbon storage sites nationally, highlighted by an industry-leading project in Central Louisiana, and has contracts and commitments to sequester up to 8 million tons of CO 2 annually by 2030. CapturePoint LLC and CapturePoint Solutions LLC, together CapturePoint, are privately held companies based in Allen, Texas. They provide a full range of leading-edge carbon management services, operate Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) production, facilitate advancement of traditional energy resources as well as pioneering clean energy and manufacturing projects, and are developing regional U.S. deep underground carbon storage hubs. CapturePoint funders include an affiliate of Mercuria Energy (Mercuria) as well as other institutional investors. For more information, visit the CapturePoint corporate website at www.capturepointllc.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release may include certain statements concerning expectations for the future that are forward-looking statements as defined by federal law. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond managements control. In addition to all risks and uncertainties previously stated, CapturePoint has also been, or may in the future be, impacted by new or heightened risks related to the energy market; federal, state and local regulation; as well as other factors; and we cannot predict the length and ultimate impact of those risks. CapturePoint undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect new information or events, nor to update the status of permits, governmental approvals or other external factors that may affect potential future operations. The information contained in this press release is available on our website at www.capturepointllc.com. Media Contact: Forrest Hudson Chief Land & Legal Officer 1-281-668-8478 (office/direct) 1-601-283-9888 (cell) fhudson@capturepointllc.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/57ceb576-f42c-40a5-b363-63279cf0068a VICTORIA, Seychelles, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aster, a decentralized perpetuals exchange known for its privacy-focused trading infrastructure, has officially launched Aster Genesis: Stage 2, its airdrop points campaign, just as it confirms the long-anticipated date for its Token Generation Event (TGE). The Stage 1 campaign saw 527,224 unique wallets amassing over $37.7B in trading volume across 20 weeks, signaling strong traction in the emerging decentralized exchange (DEX) space. In just a few months since Stage 1, Aster has grabbed nearly 20% of the entire perpetual DEX market share in terms of monthly trading volume. Stage 1 sent a clear message: traders want more than access - they want speed, composability, privacy, and capital that keeps working, said Leonard, CEO of Aster. Aster is pioneering a new category - where users can earn yield from liquid staking tokens such as asBNB or stablecoins like USDF, while simultaneously leveraging these yield-generating assets as liquid collateral for perpetuals trading on Aster. This unlocks a whole new level of capital efficiency for all traders. Unveiling a new vision for Aster Genesis: Stage 2 Aster Genesis: Stage 2 introduces a new points system with updated eligibility metrics, as well as higher transparency, shaped directly by community feedback from Stage 1. Traders accumulate points through metrics such as trading volume, position holding time, referral activities, team boosts, using Asters asBNB and USDF as margin, and on every profit or loss realized during the event. Stage 2 kicks off immediately, setting the stage for token distribution in Q4 2025. Stage 2 tightens the link between engagement and reward ahead of TGE, said Leonard. Shaped by user feedback, the new rules prioritize fairness and incentivize authentic user engagement so that every trader can participate on a level field and build toward the airdrop. Over 50% of ASTERs total token supply has been earmarked for community airdrops, and 8.8% (704,000,000 ASTER) will be unlocked immediately upon TGE for eligible participants who have earned Rh or Au points from Asters points programs. In addition, users who received Aster Gems allocations from community and partner initiatives, and those who traded on Aster Pro and earned loyalty points after Stage 1 ended, will also be eligible. Any unclaimed ASTER tokens will be redirected back to the Airdrop allocation for future community rewards. Road to TGE: Platform, products, and milestones Since Spectra, Aster has advanced its vision for privacy-first trading, introducing Hidden Orders and unveiling Aster L1 Chain as a foundation for private, non-custodial execution, and bringing traditional equity exposure on-chain with 24/7 stock perpetuals. It has also recently launched Spot markets, making Aster a one-stop destination for all on-chain trading needs. Together, these milestones set the foundation as the exchange moves toward its token generation event (TGE) set for September 17th, 2025. Long-term success is paramount for the ASTER airdrop The Aster token (ASTER) is expected to list on major exchanges, including Asters spot markets, with coordinated launch promotions to follow closely. The ASTER community airdrop is scheduled to take place on the day of TGE, said Leonard. Weve heard comparisons to recent, high-engagement airdrops from competing projects, but our primary focus is signal over spectacle. Authentic participation across Stages 0 and 1 is what this design seeks to reward - generously and fairly - at TGE. With the issuance of ASTER, we are opening the door to the next phase of ecosystem growth and decentralized governance, said Leonard. Capturing the winds of change With the imminent launch of ASTER, Aster is poised to compete with decentralized heavyweights such as Hyperliquid and challenge centralized venues like Binance and Coinbase - anchored by a clear focus on trader protection and capital efficiency. Our next leg of growth will come from distribution. Aster will form the liquidity layer behind apps that people already use: an open, capital-efficient platform that partners with wallets and DEXs like PancakeSwap, Trust Wallet, SafePal, or emerging platforms like Four.meme and more. Our goal is simple: compound liquidity across partners so on-chain markets feel invisible, instant, and always on, said Leonard. At the time of writing, Aster has garnered over $350M in total value locked (TVL) across seven EVM chains and Solana, with an annualized fee run-rate above $30 million - reflecting an 87.5% year-to-date growth in 2025. About Aster Aster is a next-generation decentralized exchange offering both Perpetual and Spot trading, designed as a one-stop onchain venue for global crypto traders. It features MEV-free, one-click execution in Simple Mode. Pro Mode adds 24/7 stock perpetuals, Hidden Orders, and grid trading, available across BNB Chain, Ethereum, Solana, and Arbitrum. Its unique edge lies in the ability to use liquid-staking tokens (asBNB) or yield-generating stablecoins (USDF) as collateral, unlocking unparalleled capital efficiency. Powered by Aster Chain, a high-performance and privacy-focused L1, and backed by YZi Labs, Aster is building the future of DeFi: fast, flexible, and community-first. Learn more at the Aster official website , or connect with Aster on the official X account . Media contact Amber Hsu, Growth Marketing Manager, Aster amber@asterdex.com Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, endorsement, analysis, or recommendations with respect to any financial instruments, investments, or issuers. This article may contain forward-looking statements which are by nature subject to risks and uncertainties. Investment in cryptocurrency and DeFi projects involves substantial risk, including the risk of complete loss. This article does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation, or specific needs of any particular person and each individual is urged to consult their legal and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4d331a04-280d-423c-b4c8-432c3a355fb2 New York, USA, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DPP1 Inhibitor Market Set to Reach New Heights in the Coming Decade | DelveInsight The DPP1 inhibitor market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the recent BRINSUPRI approval for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The DPP1 inhibitors market is further supported by the increasing prevalence of top indications such as NCFB, COPD, and others, and the launch of emerging therapies such as Verducatib (BI 1291583), XH-S004, HSK31858, MDI-0151, and others during the forecast period. DelveInsights DPP1 Inhibitors Market Size, Target Population, Competitive Landscape & Market Forecast report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, addressable patient population, which includes top indications such as ANCA-associated vasculitis, Bronchiectasis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Hidradenitis suppurativa, Palmoplantar pustulosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and others. The selected indications are based on approved therapies and ongoing pipeline activity. The report also provides insights into the emerging DPP1 inhibitors, 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). DPP1 Inhibitors Market Summary As per DelveInsights analysis, the total market size of DPP1 inhibitors in the leading markets (the US, EU4, UK, and Japan) is expected to surge significantly by 2034. The report provides the total potential number of patients in the indications, such as ANCA-associated vasculitis, Bronchiectasis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Hidradenitis suppurativa, Palmoplantar pustulosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and others. and others. Key DPP1 inhibitor companies, such as Boehringer Ingelheim, Fosun Pharma, Expedition Therapeutics, Haisco Pharmaceutical Group, Chiesi, Melodia Therapeutics, Alivexis, and others, are developing novel DPP1 inhibitors that can be available in the DPP1 inhibitors market in the coming years. and others, are developing novel DPP1 inhibitors that can be available in the DPP1 inhibitors market in the coming years. Some of the key DPP1 inhibitors in the clinical trials include Verducatib (BI 1291583), XH-S004, HSK31858, MDI-0151, and others. Discover which indication is expected to grab the major DPP1 inhibitors market share @ DPP1 Inhibitors Market Report Key Factors Driving the Growth of DPP1 Inhibitors Market Growing DPP1 Inhibitors Target Patient Pool The increasing prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases, such as bronchiectasis, has expanded the patient population in need of effective treatments. In 2024, approximately 390K individuals in the US were diagnosed with NCFB, while millions more are estimated to be affected globally. This figure is projected to exceed 470K by 2034. Additionally, the rising prevalence of diseases such as ANCA-associated vasculitis, COPD, SLE, Hidradenitis suppurativa, Palmoplantar pustulosis, IBD, and others will propel the DPP1 inhibitor market. Launch of Insmeds BRINSUPRI Insmeds BRINSUPRI (brensocatib) has reached a key regulatory milestone, emerging as the first FDA-approved DPP inhibitor and the first therapy specifically approved for NCFB. As the only treatment designed exclusively for this condition, its approval represents a major scientific breakthrough, addressing a market with persistent unmet needs. Rising DPP1 Inhibitors Clinical Trial Activity Following the BRINSUPRI approval, leading companies such as Boehringer Ingelheim [Verducatib (BI 1291583) for bronchiectasis], Fosun Pharma/Expedition Therapeutics (XH-S004 for NCFB and COPD), Haisco Pharmaceutical Group/Chiesi (HSK31858 for NCFB and asthma), and Melodia Therapeutics/Alivexis (MDI-0151, currently in preclinical stages but showing potential in ANCA-associated vasculitis, bronchiectasis, COPD, and other conditions), geared up to launch their products in the DPP1 inhibitor market. Strategic Collaborations and DPP1 Inhibitors Market Expansion Partnerships between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers have accelerated the development and distribution of DPP1 inhibitors. For example, Chiesi Group's licensing agreement with Haisco Pharmaceutical to develop and commercialize HSK31858, a novel reversible DPP1 inhibitor, exemplifies strategic collaboration. DPP1 Inhibitors Market Analysis Currently, Insmeds BRINSUPRI (brensocatib) is the only approved DPP1 inhibitor for the treatment of NCFB. As the first DPP-1 inhibitor in respiratory medicine, its unique mechanism of action and first-to-market status position it to potentially become the standard of care for NCFB. Given its differentiated profile, Insmed is expected to commercialize the drug independently and has already begun pre-launch activities. For instance, the company recently issued 7.81 million shares at $96 each, raising approximately USD 750 million to support commercial preparations. With submissions underway to the EMA and MHRA and launches anticipated in 2026, Insmed demonstrates a strong global commercialization strategy. Early regulatory momentum, coupled with first-mover advantage, is expected to drive rapid international adoption and substantial revenue growth, positioning BRINSUPRI as a potential multi-billion-dollar franchise. The lack of alternative approved therapies strengthens its pricing power and potential returns. Additionally, Insmed is exploring BRINSUPRI in other indications such as hidradenitis suppurativa and chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps, both currently in mid-stage clinical trials. The market outlook for BRINSUPRI is highly promising, pioneering treatment in a high-unmet-need space. According to DelveInsight, the drug could become a blockbuster, with peak global sales projected to exceed USD 5 billion. Learn more about the BRINSUPRI DPP1 inhibitors @ BRINSUPRI Medication DPP1 Inhibitors Competitive Landscape Leading DPP1 inhibitor companies in the space, such as Boehringer Ingelheim [Verducatib (BI 1291583) for bronchiectasis], Fosun Pharma/Expedition Therapeutics (XH-S004 for NCFB and COPD), Haisco Pharmaceutical Group/Chiesi (HSK31858 for NCFB and asthma), and Melodia Therapeutics/Alivexis (MDI-0151, currently in preclinical stages but showing potential in ANCA-associated vasculitis, bronchiectasis, COPD, and other conditions), are actively advancing their DPP1 inhibitor programs in an effort to reshape the treatment landscape. Verducatib is an innovative DPP1 inhibitor with the potential to alleviate symptoms and enhance quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis. Boehringer Ingelheim is currently evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of verducatib compared to placebo in individuals with bronchiectasis, regardless of underlying causes, through AIRTIVITY (NCT06872892)a Phase III, multicenter, multinational, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Previously, verducatib was granted an FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation in 2024 for the treatment of bronchiectasis. XH-S004, an orally administered small-molecule DPP-1 inhibitor developed independently by Fosun Pharma, works by reducing inflammatory responses and interrupting the infection cycle and airway structural damage via inhibition of DPP-1 and the neutrophil serine proteases it activates. Currently, XH-S004 is undergoing Phase II clinical trials in China for the treatment of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) and Phase Ib trials for COPD. HSK31858 is an orally administered, potent, and highly selective small-molecule DPP1 inhibitor, with potential as an anti-inflammatory therapy for bronchiectasis. With the agreement with Haisco Pharmaceutical Group, Chiesi broadens its strategic respiratory portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to advancing therapies for severe respiratory conditions with significant unmet medical needs and strengthening its impact in this therapeutic area. The anticipated launch of these emerging therapies are poised to transform the DPP1 inhibitors market landscape in the coming years. As these cutting-edge therapies continue to mature and gain regulatory approval, they are expected to reshape the DPP1 inhibitors market landscape, offering new standards of care and unlocking opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth. To know more about DPP1 inhibitors clinical trials, visit @ DPP1 Inhibitors Treatment Recent Developments in the DPP1 Inhibitors Market In August 2025, Fosun Pharma announced that its subsidiary Fosun Pharma Industrial had signed a License Agreement with Expedition Therapeutics to grant Expedition the rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize XH-S004 in all regions globally except the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR. Fosun Pharma will retain the rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize XH-S004 in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR. announced that its subsidiary Fosun Pharma Industrial had signed a License Agreement with Expedition Therapeutics to grant Expedition the rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize XH-S004 in all regions globally except the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR. Fosun Pharma will retain the rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize XH-S004 in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR. In June 2024, Alivexis and Melodia Therapeutics entered into an exclusive license agreement for the worldwide development, manufacturing, and commercialization of Alivexis MDI-0151. MDI-0151 is an innovative clinical candidate identified in Alivexis MOD-A discovery program. DPP1 Inhibitors Overview DPP1 inhibitors are compounds that block the function of DPP1, an enzyme responsible for activating neutrophil serine proteases during neutrophil maturation. By suppressing DPP1, these agents limit excessive protease activity, which contributes to tissue injury and persistent inflammation. They are under investigation for a range of inflammatory and respiratory disorders in which neutrophil-driven inflammation is a key factor. These inhibitors act by stopping the activation of enzymes that lead to airway damage, mucus accumulation, and repeated infections. By targeting this upstream process, oral DPP1 inhibitors aim to disrupt the cycle of inflammation and tissue destruction, potentially altering disease progression rather than merely relieving symptoms. Their unique mode of action and oral delivery position them as a promising new strategy for conditions characterized by uncontrolled neutrophil-mediated damage. DPP1 Inhibitors Epidemiology Segmentation The DPP1 inhibitors market report provides the total potential number of patients in the indications, such as ANCA-associated vasculitis, Bronchiectasis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Hidradenitis suppurativa, Palmoplantar pustulosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and others. Based on DelveInsight's assessment, in 2024, approximately 390K individuals in the US were diagnosed with NCFB, whereas the seven major markets had approximately 1 million diagnosed prevalent cases of SLE. The DPP1 inhibitors market report is a comprehensive and specialized analysis, offering in-depth epidemiological insights for the study period 20202034 across the leading markets, including the US, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the UK, and Japan. The DPP1 inhibitors target patient pool is segmented into: Total Cases in Selected Indications for DPP1 Inhibitor Total Eligible Patient Pool in Selected Indications for DPP1 Inhibitor Total Treated Cases in Selected Indications for DPP1 Inhibitor DPP1 Inhibitors Market Report Metrics Details Study Period 20202034 DPP1 Inhibitors Market Report Coverage 7MM [The United States, the EU-4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan] Key Indications Covered in the Report ANCA-associated vasculitis, Bronchiectasis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Hidradenitis suppurativa, Palmoplantar pustulosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and others Key DPP1 Inhibitor Companies Boehringer Ingelheim, Fosun Pharma, Expedition Therapeutics, Haisco Pharmaceutical Group, Chiesi, Melodia Therapeutics, Alivexis, Insmed, and others Key DPP1 Inhibitors Verducatib (BI 1291583), XH-S004, HSK31858, MDI-0151, BRINSUPRI, and others Scope of the DPP1 Inhibitors Market Report DPP1 Inhibitors Therapeutic Assessment: DPP1 Inhibitors' current marketed and emerging therapies DPP1 Inhibitors' current marketed and emerging therapies DPP1 Inhibitors Market Dynamics: Conjoint Analysis of Emerging DPP1 Inhibitor Drugs Conjoint Analysis of Emerging DPP1 Inhibitor Drugs Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies Unmet Needs, KOLs views, Analysts views, DPP1 Inhibitors Market Access and Reimbursement Discover more about DPP1 inhibitors in development @ DPP1 Inhibitors Clinical Trials Table of Contents 1 DPP1 Inhibitors Market Key Insights 2 DPP1 Inhibitors Market Report Introduction 3 Executive Summary 4 Key Events 5 DPP1 Inhibitors Market Forecast Methodology 6 DPP1 Inhibitors Market Overview at a Glance in the 7MM 6.1 DPP1 Inhibitors Market Share (%) Distribution by Indication in 2024 6.2 DPP1 Inhibitors Market Share (%) Distribution by Indication in 2034 7 DPP1 Inhibitor: Background and Overview 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Evolution of DPP1 Inhibitor 7.3 Treatment 8 DPP1 Inhibitors Target Patient Pool 8.1 Key Findings 8.2 Assumptions and Rationale: 7MM 8.3 Epidemiology Scenario in the 7MM 8.3.1 Total Cases in Selected Indications for DPP1 Inhibitor in the 7MM 8.3.2 Total Eligible Patient Pool in Selected Indications for DPP1 Inhibitor in the 7MM 8.3.3 Total Treated Cases in Selected Indications for DPP1 Inhibitor in the 7MM 8.4 The US 8.5 EU4 and the UK 8.6 Japan 9 Marketed DPP1 Inhibitor Therapies 9.1 Key Cross Competition 9.2 BRINSUPRI (brensocatib): Insmed 9.2.1 Product Description 9.2.2 Regulatory Milestones 9.2.3 Other Developmental Activities 9.2.4 Clinical Development 9.2.5 Safety and Efficacy List of drugs to be continued in the final report... 10 Emerging DPP1 Inhibitor Therapies 10.1 Key Cross Competition 10.2 Verducatib (BI 1291583): Boehringer Ingelheim 10.2.1 Drug Description 10.2.2 Other Developmental Activities 10.2.3 Clinical Development 10.2.4 Safety and Efficacy 10.2.5 Analyst's View 10.3 XH-S004: Fosun Pharma/Expedition Therapeutics List of drugs to be continued in the final report... 11 DPP1 Inhibitor Market: The 7MM Analysis 11.1 Key Findings 11.2 Key Market Forecast Assumptions 11.3 DPP1 Inhibitors Market Outlook 11.4 Attribute Analysis 11.5 Total Market Size of DPP1 Inhibitor in the 7MM 11.6 Market Size of DPP1 Inhibitor by Therapies in the 7MM 11.7 The US DPP1 Inhibitors Market Size 11.7.1 Total Market Size of DPP1 Inhibitor in the US 11.7.2 Market Size of DPP1 Inhibitor by Therapies in the US 11.8 EU4 and the UK DPP1 Inhibitors Market Size 11.9 Japan Market Size 12 DPP1 Inhibitors Market Unmet Needs 13 DPP1 Inhibitors Market SWOT Analysis 14 KOL Views on DPP1 Inhibitors 15 DPP1 Inhibitors Market Access and Reimbursement 15.1 The US 15.2 EU4 and the UK 15.3 Japan 16 Acronyms and Abbreviations 17 Bibliography 18 DPP1 Inhibitors Market Report Methodology Related Reports Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis Market Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis 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 NCFB companies, including Insmed, AstraZeneca, Zambon, Renovion, Haisco Pharmaceutical Group, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A, Armata Pharmaceuticals, Verona Pharma, Sanofi, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Boehringer Ingelheim, CSL, among others. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Market Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 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 COPD companies, including GSK, Sanofi, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Verona Pharma, AstraZeneca, Covis, Viatris, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, Roche, EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, Palobiofarma, Uniquity Bio, Upstream Bio, Areteia Therapeutics, Merck, ReAlta Life Sciences, Altesa BioSciences, AER Therapeutics, Connect Biopharma, Keymed Biosciences, Belenos Bioscience, PULMATRiX, Kymera Therapeutics, among others. Cystic Fibrosis Market Cystic Fibrosis 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 cystic fibrosis companies including Verona Pharmaceuticals, Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Santhera Pharmaceuticals, Laurent Pharmaceuticals Inc., among others. Asthma Market Asthma 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 asthma companies including Sanofi/Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Areteia Therapeutics, GlaxoSmithKline, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Novartis, Teva Pharmaceuticals, 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. Arizona's Premier Auction House Unveils Rare Estate Collection: Celebrated Sedona Sculptor Skip Fox's Life Work Goes to Auction Monarch Auction to Present Museum-Quality Steel Sculptures from Renowned Arizona Artist's Estate - First Time Available to Public Since Artist's Death PHOENIX, AZ , Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arizona's premier estate auction house, Monarch Auction, announces the exclusive representation of the estate of internationally recognized sculptor Skip Fox (1939-2015), marking the first time the late Sedona artist's major works have been available for public acquisition since his passing. Skip Fox's AMERICAN HERITAGE is a rare patriotic work. A monumental American flag sculpture combining welded steel with painted surfaces. The highly anticipated estate auction presents an unprecedented opportunity for Arizona collectors, museums, and art investors to acquire original sculptures from one of the Southwest's most celebrated contemporary artists, whose monumental steel works have commanded six-figure prices in galleries from New York to Los Angeles. Arizona Art Market Milestone "This represents one of the most significant Arizona estate auctions in recent years," said Robert Haynes, Monarch Auction Gallery. "Skip Fox wasn't just a Sedona artist he was an Arizona cultural icon whose work defines contemporary Southwestern sculpture. These pieces have never been available at auction, making this a historic moment for Arizona's art collecting community." The collection features over 20 original sculptures valued in the high six figures, including towering geometric steel forms, complex wire-frame structures, and Fox's signature symbolic works incorporating industrial materials transformed into powerful artistic statements. From Dentist to Desert Art Legend Fox's remarkable career transformation from practicing dentist to internationally exhibited sculptor embodies the creative spirit that draws artists to Arizona's red rock country. After 20 years in dentistry, Fox made the bold decision in 1986 to abandon his practice and dedicate himself entirely to sculpture from his Sedona studio. "Skip Fox represents the quintessential Arizona success story," noted Phoenix art curator [Name]. "His work captures the raw power and spiritual energy of the Arizona landscape while speaking to universal themes of strength, movement, and transformation." Museum-Quality Provenance with Investment Potential Fox's sculptures have been exhibited at prestigious institutions including: The Newark Museum (New Jersey) (New Jersey) Pratt Institute (New York) (New York) Major galleries nationwide Private collections of prominent Arizona collectors Art market experts predict strong appreciation potential for Fox's work, noting that comparable Southwest sculptors have seen 200-300% value increases over the past decade as collectors increasingly recognize the investment potential of regional masterworks. Auction Highlights Include: "Monument Series" - Towering geometric steel forms painted in vibrant desert hues, some reaching over 8 feet in height "Balance Studies" - Complex wire-frame structures exploring movement and equilibrium, showcasing Fox's engineering background "Symbolic Narratives" - Powerful sculptures incorporating chains, crosses, and bold abstract designs reflecting themes of freedom and spirituality "American Heritage" - Rare patriotic works including a monumental American flag sculpture combining welded steel with painted surfaces "Desert Abstractions" - Mixed-media pieces incorporating natural Arizona materials with industrial elements Exclusive Preview Opportunities Serious collectors and institutions may schedule private previews by appointment. High-resolution catalog images and detailed condition reports are available upon request. Monarch Auction Gallery specializes in representing distinguished Arizona estates and collections, with particular expertise in Southwestern art, Native American artifacts, and contemporary regional artists. The gallery has facilitated over $50 million in fine art and estate transactions across Arizona and the Southwest. Market Context The Skip Fox estate sale comes as Arizona's art market experiences unprecedented growth, with Scottsdale galleries reporting record sales and Phoenix emerging as a major Southwest art hub. Recent estate sales of comparable Arizona artists have achieved results 150-200% above pre-sale estimates, reflecting strong regional collector interest and national recognition of Southwest artistic heritage. "Arizona collectors understand they're not just buying art they're preserving cultural legacy," added Haynes. "Skip Fox's work will only become more important as Arizona's art history is written." About the Artist Skip Fox (1939-2015) was born in New Jersey and practiced dentistry for over two decades before relocating to Sedona in the 1980s to pursue sculpture full-time. His work is characterized by monumental scale, masterful use of industrial materials, and profound conceptual depth exploring themes of balance, strength, and transformation. Fox's sculptures can be found in major private collections throughout the United States, with particular concentration among Southwest collectors who recognize his work as defining examples of contemporary regional art. His pieces have been featured in numerous publications on American sculpture and Southwest art movements. Investment and Collection Information Estimated Total Collection Value: High six figures High six figures Individual Piece Range: $5,000 - $75,000+ $5,000 - $75,000+ Auction Format: Live and online bidding available Live and online bidding available Preview Dates: By appointment By appointment Link to the sale : https://auctions.monarchauction.com/ : https://auctions.monarchauction.com/ Payment Terms: Multiple options available Multiple options available Shipping: Professional art handling services available nationwide Powerful sculptures incorporating chains, crosses, and bold abstract designs reflecting themes of freedom and spirituality. About Monarch Auction Gallery Established as Arizona's premier estate auction house, Monarch Auction Gallery specializes in fine art, antiques, jewelry, and distinguished collections with emphasis on provenance, rarity, and investment value. Known as "Arizona's Premier Estate Auction House," Monarch has built a reputation for representing significant Arizona estates and cultural artifacts, serving collectors throughout the Southwest and nationwide. Location: Peoria, Arizona (Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area) Specialties: Estate liquidations, fine art auctions, antique collections, jewelry, collectibles Service Area: Arizona statewide with national shipping capabilities Contact Information Media Inquiries: Robert Haynes, Monarch Auction Gallery Phone: 480-277-8156 Email: robert@monarchauction.com Website: www.monarchauction.com Collector Inquiries: Private preview appointments, condition reports, and additional information available upon request. High-Resolution Images: Available for media use upon request. CHICAGO, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Giordanos , Chicagos iconic deep-dish pizza brand, is teaming up with another hometown icon, Jims Original, to launch the ultimate flavor mashup. The latest drop in Giordanos hit Chi-Town Flavors series brings Jims famous Maxwell Street Polish, which has been around for over 80 years, to Giordanos legendary stuffed deep-dish, now available frozen and shipped nationwide. Our Chi-Town Flavors series is all about celebrating Chicagos most iconic tastes in bold, unforgettable ways, said Giordanos CEO Nick Scarpino. Partnering with Jims Original lets us combine two local legends - the Maxwell Street Polish and our famous deep dish - for a true Chicago classic. Its a one-of-a-kind experience delivered to your doorstep, just in time for game day. The 10 Jim's Original Deep Dish Pizza, handcrafted individually by Giordanos master pizza makers at its downtown Chicago restaurant, is available exclusively online at ship.giordanos.com in packs of 2, 4, and 6. Each pizza is made with Jim's Original's famous Polish sausage along with caramelized onions and a small amount of mustard in the pizza sauce, and packed with nearly a full pound of cheese for Giordanos iconic cheese pull. Giordanos legendary stuffed pizza is shipped frozen and ready to bake across all 50 states. Jims Original has always been about tradition, family, and authentic Chicago flavor, said Jim Christopolous, owner of Jims Original. Partnering with Giordanos is a natural fit. Together were honoring the citys food history while creating something new that fans everywhere can enjoy. Founded in Chicago in 1974 and recently celebrating 50 years in business, Giordanos has become synonymous with authentic stuffed deep dish pizza made with Wisconsin mozzarella, handmade dough, and layers of premium ingredients. Building on the legacy, the brand is doubling down on its hometown pride with collaborations like the Buona Italian Beef Pizza, Caruso Provisions, Weber Grill Restaurant frozen packs, and The Original Rainbow Cone ice cream to connect even more deeply with the local flavors and partners that have made Chicago a culinary capital. For more information on Giordanos and to stay up-to-date on the Chi-Town Flavors series, visit ship.giordanos.com/chi-townflavors . ABOUT GIORDANOS Based in Chicago, Giordanos World Famous Deep-Dish Pizza has been serving its world-famous stuffed pizza for over 50 years. In 1974, immigrant brothers Efren and Joseph Boglio introduced their mothers 200-year-old Italian recipe to Chicago, pioneering what is now internationally known as Chicago-style stuffed pizza. Today, Giordanos operates nearly 60 locations across 9 states and ships its iconic pizza nationwide. Committed to uncompromising quality, Giordanos sources Wisconsin mozzarella from local farmers within a 50-mile radius for a creamy, buttery melt, hand-picked Mendocino County tomatoes for a naturally sweet sauce, and specially milled, unbleached flour from Minnesota for its signature crust. All recipes are crafted in-house with no added nitrates, MSG or fillers. Giordanos has been consistently recognized as Chicagos Best Pizza by NBC Chicago, CBS Chicago, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and more. For decades, its authentic deep-dish experience has made it a favorite among pizza lovers nationwide. Follow Giordanos on Instagram , Facebook , and TikTok and to purchase or learn more, visit www.giordanos.com . GIORDANOSPR@MEKKYMEDIA.COM WWW.GIORDANOS.COM Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fcb465d3-ab92-486b-879b-51edbcf4f1da https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8fa64419-24c7-40b0-b2ff-e3beae87480b SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A newly filed class-action lawsuit targets Sable Offshore Corp. (NYSE: SOC) and its executives, alleging the company misrepresented its oil production status to investors. The litigation, filed in federal court in California, claims the company used a misleading press release to artificially inflate its stock price just before a secondary public offering (SPO). Hagens Berman urges Sable investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now. Class Period: May 19, 2025 June 3, 2025 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Sept. 26, 2025 Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/soc Contact the Firm Now: SOC@hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895 Allegations of Misleading Statements and Regulatory Clash The lawsuit, Johnson v. Sable Offshore Corp., represents investors who purchased Sable Offshore securities between May 19, 2025, and June 3, 2025, including those who bought shares in the May 21, 2025 SPO. According to the complaint, Sable Offshore issued a press release on May 19, 2025, that claimed it had restarted oil production off the California coast. This statement was allegedly false and misleading. California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis publicly challenged this claim, stating in a letter that the companys press release appears to mischaracterize its activities. She clarified that the oil flows were merely well-testing procedures, not a resumption of commercial production. Following the disclosure of the Lieutenant Governor's letter in the financial media on May 28, 2025, Sable Offshores stock price fell more than 15%, as the market realized the company's statements were not accurate. Further Judicial Intervention and Stock Drop The lawsuit further alleges that the company's legal troubles deepened on June 4, 2025, when Sable Offshore disclosed that a Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge had issued a temporary restraining order. This order prohibited the company from restarting oil transportation through the Las Flores Pipeline System, pending a hearing on a preliminary injunction. This news reportedly caused the stock to fall even further. The litigation seeks to hold the company and its underwriters accountable for allegedly raising capital under false pretenses, causing significant losses for investors. Hagens Bermans Investigation Hagens Berman is investigating these claims on behalf of investors who have suffered substantial losses. Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation, commented on the situation, Our investigation is centered on whether the companys public statements accurately reflected the on-the-ground reality of its operations. If you invested in Sable and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firms investigation, submit your losses now If youd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Sable case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Sable Offshore should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email SOC@hbsslaw.com. About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Bermans team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. New York City, NY, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What Is Easy Edge Index? Introduction to AI-Driven Trading in 2025 Easy Edge Index has positioned itself at the forefront of financial technology , providing a modernized framework for trading that integrates artificial intelligence at its core. Built to handle the complexities of todays fast-paced global markets, the platform operates as a dynamic trading environment where algorithms monitor, interpret, and act on market signals in real time. The primary objective of Easy Edge Index is to deliver data-driven insights with speed and precision that surpass manual decision-making. By combining automated systems with an intuitive user interface, it allows market participants to access structured analysis without requiring advanced technical expertise. The platform is designed to optimize trading performance while reducing human error, ensuring that data feeds and algorithms form the backbone of its operational capacity. At the heart of the Easy Edge Index is a proprietary AI system that adapts continuously to shifting market conditions. Unlike static tools, this framework leverages machine learning to improve predictive accuracy over time. 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This includes coverage across asset classes such as cryptocurrencies, foreign exchange, and exchange-traded funds. By enabling multi-market access within a single platform, Easy Edge Index simplifies portfolio management for users operating across diverse instruments. The second defining feature is its risk management automation. Integrated protocols adjust trading strategies according to volatility levels, price fluctuations, and liquidity conditions. These risk controls function in the background, ensuring trades align with predefined parameters and safeguarding users from excessive exposure. The platform also includes a user-friendly dashboard that consolidates key metrics, performance data, and trade execution options into one interface. This reduces the learning curve while ensuring that critical information is available without delay. Complementary to this is a mobile-optimized design, which provides traders with uninterrupted access across devices. Furthermore, Easy Edge Index integrates educational tools and a demo mode for simulation, allowing users to familiarize themselves with the system before committing capital. Combined with automated reporting, detailed analytics, and multilingual customer support, the platform positions itself as a comprehensive hub for AI-driven trading in 2025. Visit the Official Easy Edge Index Website Here For More Information Easy Edge Index Security, Transparency & Verified Performance Data Security and transparency form the foundation of the Easy Edge Index framework. In an environment where digital finance continues to expand, the platform prioritizes safeguarding user accounts and ensuring full transparency of operations. The system employs end-to-end encryption protocols to protect sensitive financial data, ensuring that both transactions and stored information remain inaccessible to unauthorized entities. 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By combining cutting-edge encryption, multi-level authentication, transparent data reporting, and verified performance benchmarks, Easy Edge Index positions itself not only as a trading platform but also as a secure and compliant environment for AI-driven financial engagement in 2025. Visit Official Easy Edge Index Platform Website Easy Edge Index Account Setup Process Step by Step Setting up an account with Easy Edge Index has been designed as a streamlined process to ensure accessibility while maintaining compliance with financial regulations. Below is the step-by-step outline: Registration Visit the official Easy Edge Index website and complete the secure sign-up form by providing basic details including name, email, and phone number. Account Verification An email confirmation is sent immediately. In accordance with security protocols, identity verification is required to activate the account. 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This feature allows users to explore the platforms capabilities without financial exposure, creating an environment where market strategies can be tested risk-free. Upon account activation, users gain immediate access to this simulation environment. The demo replicates real-time market conditions, using live data feeds to provide authentic trading experiences. All functionalitiesincluding AI signal generation, trade execution, and performance analyticsare mirrored from the live system. The benefit of this feature lies in its educational capacity. New users can practice strategies, understand how AI-based signals function, and gain confidence before allocating actual funds. For professionals, it offers a controlled setting to refine advanced strategies and evaluate how the AI adapts to market variables. The demo account is not time-limited and can be revisited at any stage of the trading process. This ensures continuous access to a safe learning environment, regardless of experience level. By integrating a fully functional demo system, Easy Edge Index prioritizes informed participation, making it possible to transition from practice to live trading with clarity and preparedness. Open Your Easy Edge Index Account Now - Only At The Official Website Easy Edge Index Pricing, Deposits, and Withdrawals Explained The financial structure of Easy Edge Index has been designed for clarity and accessibility. Participation begins with a minimum deposit requirement of USD 250, which serves as the users initial trading capital. No hidden charges are applied during account activation, ensuring transparency in cost structure. Deposits can be made through a variety of secure methods including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and selected e-wallets. All transactions are encrypted and processed through regulated payment gateways. Funds are credited instantly, enabling immediate access to trading features. Withdrawals follow a straightforward process. Users can submit withdrawal requests directly from the dashboard. Requests are verified for account security and typically processed within 2448 business hours. The withdrawal procedure does not involve undisclosed fees, though standard financial institution processing times may apply. In terms of platform usage, Easy Edge Index does not charge license or subscription fees. Instead, operational costs are integrated within trading spreads or commission structures, clearly displayed before execution. This pricing model ensures alignment between system performance and user outcomes. The transparent approach to deposits, withdrawals, and cost structures reinforces Easy Edge Indexs positioning as a compliant and secure AI-based trading platform for 2025. Easy Edge Index for Beginners & Professionals Education & 24/7 Support Education and continuous support are central components of the Easy Edge Index platform. Recognizing that financial markets cater to diverse participants, the system has been designed to provide structured resources for both beginners and experienced professionals. For new entrants, the platform includes tutorials, walkthroughs, and demo practice sessions that explain how to interpret AI signals, manage risk, and execute trades effectively. The interface has been structured to minimize complexity while ensuring exposure to advanced features. For professionals, Easy Edge Index offers advanced analytics tools, detailed reporting, and customizable strategies. This allows experienced traders to tailor AI-driven insights according to their own frameworks, enhancing adaptability to complex market scenarios. Support operates continuously through 24/7 multilingual assistance, accessible via live chat, email, or phone. This ensures that operational or technical queries are resolved without delay, regardless of geographical location or time zone. By combining structured education with always-available support, Easy Edge Index establishes itself as an inclusive platform capable of guiding both novice and advanced users through the evolving landscape of AI-powered trading. Why Choose Easy Edge Index? Australia Consumer Report Released Here Real-Time AI Signals With Excellent Accuracy Rate One of the defining claims of Easy Edge Index is its signal accuracy, reported excellent rate under live market conditions. This benchmark is supported by continuous monitoring and verified reports, positioning the system as a high-performance AI trading framework. The accuracy metric is achieved through the integration of real-time data analysis, adaptive algorithms, and historical trend comparisons. The system continuously tests its predictions against market outcomes, refining models for higher precision. Signals are delivered instantly, with clear entry, exit, and risk-management markers. This transparency allows users to validate system performance independently. Additionally, all executed trades are logged with timestamps and parameters, creating a verifiable track record of outcomes. While performance varies according to market volatility, the consistently reported accuracy highlights the systems capacity to adapt and respond to diverse conditions. For 2025, where speed and precision are vital to market success, this level of claimed reliability positions Easy Edge Index as a critical tool in AI-driven trading. Global Reach: Countries Where Easy Edge Index Is Available in 2025 Easy Edge Index operates with a global perspective , making its platform accessible across multiple regions in 2025. Designed to accommodate international market participants, it provides multi-currency support and a multilingual interface. The platform is reported to be accessible throughout major financial regions including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and select territories in Latin America and Africa. Availability may vary depending on local regulatory requirements, but the system is structured to comply with international standards of transparency and security. Payment options are tailored for global accessibility, incorporating international banking systems and widely used electronic wallets. Customer support is similarly multilingual, ensuring communication barriers are minimized. By extending reach across multiple regions, Easy Edge Index positions itself not only as a localized trading tool but as a global AI platform capable of serving diverse markets in real time. Why Easy Edge Index Is Becoming the Core of AI-Based Trading in 2025 As AI reshapes the financial industry, Easy Edge Index has positioned itself at the core of algorithmic trading by delivering real-time precision , risk-managed execution, and global accessibility. Its foundation rests on adaptive AI systems, transparent performance data, and a comprehensive feature set that supports diverse user groups. The platform integrates learning mechanisms that refine accuracy as market conditions evolve. This self-improving capacity ensures that predictions remain relevant in dynamic economic landscapes. By coupling this adaptability with a high success rate, it strengthens its status as a critical infrastructure for modern finance. Easy Edge Index also distinguishes itself through security, verified transparency, and a structured pricing framework. These elements contribute to its role not merely as a trading assistant but as a centralized AI ecosystem for financial decision-making. In 2025, as data-driven investment becomes an industry standard, Easy Edge Index demonstrates how AI can serve as the backbone of sustainable and efficient trading practices. Final Verdict: The Future of AI-Powered Investing With Easy Edge Index The introduction of Easy Edge Index marks a shift in how trading is conducted in 2025. By merging artificial intelligence with risk management, transparency, and accessibility, the platform provides a glimpse into the future of financial technology. Its defining characteristicsreal-time AI signals, demo accessibility, secure infrastructure, and verified accuracycreate a robust ecosystem where markets can be navigated with confidence. The combination of educational tools and professional-grade analytics ensures inclusivity across skill levels. As the global financial sector continues to integrate AI frameworks, Easy Edge Index demonstrates leadership in combining automation with compliance and innovation. Its infrastructure suggests long-term relevance not only for current trading conditions but also for future market evolutions. Ultimately, Easy Edge Index establishes itself as a forward-facing AI-powered platform, aligning with the broader transformation of financial markets. In doing so, it defines a path toward more efficient, secure, and adaptive investment systems in the years ahead. Visit Here to Register on the Easy Edge Index - Select Your Country Here!!! Contact:- Easy Edge Index Easy Edge Index Support: Friesenpl, 50672 Koln, Germany Email: support@easyedgeindex.com Website: https://easyedgeindex.com/ 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. Easy Edge Index does not gain or lose profits based on your activity and operates as a services company. Easy Edge Index is not a financial services firm and is not eligible of providing financial advice. Therefore, Easy Edge Index shall not be liable for any losses occurred via or in relation to this informational website. SITE RISK DISCLOSURE: Easy Edge Index 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. Easy Edge Index doesn''t retain responsibility for any trading losses you might face as a result of using or inferring from the data hosted on this site. LEGAL RESTRICTIONS: Without limiting the above mentioned provisions, you understand that laws regarding financial activities vary throughout the world, and it is your responsibility to make sure you properly comply with any law, regulation or guideline in your country of residence regarding the use of the Site. To avoid any doubt, the ability to access our Site does not necessarily mean that our Services and/or your activities through the Site are legal under the laws, regulations or directives relevant to your country of residence. It is against the law to solicit US individuals to buy and sell commodity options, even if they are called "prediction" contracts, unless they are listed for trading and traded on a CFTC-registered exchange unless legally exempt. The Financial Conduct Authority has issued a policy statement PS20/10, which prohibits the sale, promotion, and distribution of CFD on Crypto assets. It prohibits the dissemination of marketing materials relating to distribution of CFDs and other financial products based on Cryptocurrencies that addressed to UK/Australia 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 Easy Edge Index, 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 TORONTO, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As students return to classrooms across Canada, half of the worlds 13 million refugee children will remain out of school. A new survey by childrens rights and girls equality organization Plan International Canada found that most Canadians want this to change. Close to 4 in 5 (77%) agree that Canada should help fund education programs for refugee and displaced children around the world. Ahead of International Literacy Day, September 8, the organization invites the public to learn and share how Canada leads global education programs for refugees that create a more just, stable and prosperous future for children, Canadians and the world. This work, which helps displaced children return to school despite the complex and challenging circumstances they face, is especially important for girls, who are disproportionately affected during crises and are more likely to drop out of school. One such initiative is Plan Canadas Refugee Education and Development (READ) project, funded by Global Affairs Canada. The project brings inclusive education to refugee and displaced children in the Lake Chad Basin, a region that is grappling with one of the worlds largest displacement crises. There, millions of people are caught in the crossfire of violence, drought and hunger, with many children not having access to education. The READ project aims to change this, working closely with community partners on sustainable solutions that build local skills and infrastructure. By rebuilding classrooms, training teachers and supporting refugee-led organizations, the project creates safe, inclusive spaces for learning, where all children are welcome. The project will support 40,000 childrens schooling and assist 200 partner organizations. Unfortunately, about half of all refugee and displaced children around the world, especially girls, struggle to access quality, safe and inclusive education, says Dr. Tanjina Mirza, Chief Programs Officer at Plan International Canada. Not only does this make it more difficult for them to fulfill their plans and ambitions for the future, but it is also a missed opportunity for all of us. We know girls education has a strong positive relationship to economic growth and can support cohesion in communities affected by conflict. By returning displaced children to school, we are actively building a better world for us all. To learn more about the READ project, the unique challenges refugee and displaced children face, and how Plan International Canada is helping uphold their dreams for the future, visit PlanCanada.ca. These findings are from a survey conducted by Plan International Canada from July 23 to July 25, 2025, among a representative sample of 1,500 online adult Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. About Plan International Canada Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing childrens rights and equality for girls. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships with and for children for over 85 years and is active in more than 80 countries. We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. Were determined optimists and will continue to persevere until we are all equal. Visit plancanada.ca for more information. Media contact Plan International Canada PR & Communications PRteam@plancanada.ca CHANTILLY, Va., Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMERICAN SYSTEMS, a leading provider of mission essential and information engineering services to federal customers, today announced the acquisition of Epsilon, Inc. (Epsilon), a managed IT and cybersecurity leader headquartered in Weaverville, NC. The acquisition will result in more than 400 new employees joining AMERICAN SYSTEMS, further increasing the companys scale and capabilities. This transaction marks the largest acquisition in AMERICAN SYSTEMS 50-year history. The addition of Epsilons multi-tenant service delivery model, its broad geographical footprint, and its federal and commercial market expertise brings significant new capabilities and economies of scale to AMERICAN SYSTEMS. This expanded capability enables AMERICAN SYSTEMS to even better address the rapidly evolving needs of existing and new customers across sectors as the company partners with them to accelerate mission outcomes and increase efficiency. "Acquisitions are an important element of our growth strategy, and we work hard to ensure that we select companies that are a good fit for us, both strategically and culturally, said John Steckel, AMERICAN SYSTEMS President and CEO. Epsilon shares our commitment to supporting national priorities, and their culture will mesh well with ours. This acquisition marks an important milestone in our strategic growth, broadening our customer base and deepening our ability to support them in their efforts to modernize and transform securely, rapidly and efficiently. Epsilon service offerings will be integrated with AMERICAN SYSTEMS offerings in January 2026. Until then, Epsilon will continue to support select markets as a wholly-owned subsidiary. Joining AMERICAN SYSTEMS allows us to take everything that we have built over the past sixteen years and make it even better. said Peter Penzell, CEO of Epsilon. Expanding on what we have built while giving our employees the opportunity to become employee-owners in AMERICAN SYSTEMS creates an amazing opportunity for everyone. PilieroMazza PLLC and Deep Water Point and Associates advised AMERICAN SYSTEMS on the transaction. KPMG Corporate Finance and Miles & Stockbridge advised Epsilon. About AMERICAN SYSTEMS Founded in 1975, AMERICAN SYSTEMS is a leading provider of mission essential and information engineering services to federal customers and is one of the top 100 employee-owned companies in the United States, with approximately 2,000 employees nationwide. Based in the Washington, D.C., suburb of Chantilly, VA, the company provides Information Technology, Engineering and Analysis, Program Mission Support, Test & Evaluation, and Training Solutions to DOD, Intel, and civilian government customers. For more information, visit: www.AmericanSystems.com. Contact: Mike Dolton AMERICAN SYSTEMS 703.968.5287 Mike.Dolton@AmericanSystems.com Campbell , Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClickAway Expands Managed IT Services for SMEs and Opens New Flagship Store in Campbell ClickAway, a leading IT services and computer repair company with five locations across the Bay Area, today announced its further expansion into Managed IT services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), alongside the opening of its new flagship store at 1825 S. Winchester Blvd, Campbell, CA. Founded with a mission to deliver fast, reliable, and trusted technology solutions, ClickAway has grown from local computer repair to a full-service IT partner, supporting both individuals and businesses across the Bay Area. The companys new Campbell flagship marks a significant milestone, serving as a hub for advanced repairs, managed IT consultations, and business solutions. Thomas Sutherland, CEO of ClickAway, said Technology is the backbone of every business, and SMEs in the Bay Area deserve the same level of IT support that larger enterprises enjoy. Our expansion into Managed IT services reflects the growing demand for proactive, secure, and scalable solutions. The new Campbell flagship is more than a store, its a commitment to helping businesses and individuals stay productive, secure, and connected. Meeting the IT Demands of Small and Growing Businesses The growth of hybrid work, increased cybersecurity risks, and the reliance on cloud-based systems have all fuelled demand for professional IT support among small and mid-sized businesses. Industries as varied as professional services, medical practices, retail, creative agencies, and real estate firms are facing similar challenges: how to manage complex technology with limited internal resources. ClickAways expansion into Managed IT services provides SMEs with enterprise-level support at a scale and price point that fits their needs. Whether ensuring compliance for healthcare providers, securing sensitive client data for financial advisors and law firms, or supporting the fast-paced environments of startups and remote teams, ClickAway delivers solutions that keep businesses running smoothly and securely. ClickAway Expands Managed IT Services for SMEs and Opens New Flagship Store in Campbell A Strong Team with a Local Focus Alongside Sutherlands leadership, ClickAways success is built on its team culture and community-first approach. Ardeshir Zandian, Senior Store Manager and VP Sales, added The Campbell store gives us the opportunity to engage with customers directly and showcase the full range of ClickAway services. From computer repairs to cybersecurity, from mobile support to complete IT management, we are here to make technology simple and reliable for everyone. This expansion strengthens our promise to deliver trusted, local IT expertise backed by global standards. Comprehensive Managed IT Services ClickAways Managed IT services now include: Proactive network monitoring and support Cybersecurity and data protection Cloud solutions and migration services Hardware repair and lifecycle management Scalable IT strategies tailored for SMEs With five locations across San Francisco and a new flagship in Campbell, ClickAway continues to invest in the future of technology support for the Bay Area. Read more about ClickAway - Thomas Sutherland on Growth, Innovation and the Future of IT Support in the Bay Area About ClickAway ClickAway is a San Francisco Bay Area IT services company offering computer repair, mobile device support, managed IT solutions, and smart technology services. With five stores across the region, including its new flagship in Campbell, ClickAway is trusted by individuals, families, and businesses to keep their technology running securely and efficiently. Media contact: Thomas Sutherland ClickAway +1 408-626-9400 Attachment Beijing, China, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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. Source: Global Times: Company: Global Times Contact Person: Anna Li Email: editor@globaltimes.com.cn Website: https://globaltimes.cn City: Beijing Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. BOSTON, MA, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Claisen Inc., a telemedicine and digital gastrointestinal health company, today announced the launch of personalised, direct-to-consumer gut health kits that help patients manage acid reflux/GERD, bloating, IBS, nocturnal heartburn, and other functional upper GI disorders with clearer guidance and less guesswork. The customized kits are delivered every month based on a clinician-informed digital quiz, and are aligned with expert clinical guidance from Harvard, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania. Claisens patients can stop trawling forums and start following a plan that actually fits them, complete with personalized recipes and a symptom diary. Digestive problems are not niched; the NIDDK estimates 6070 million people in the US live with digestive diseases each year, and GERD affects roughly one in five Americans, with significant impact on quality of life and work. Claisens launch comes at a pivotal time for both the personalized medicine and direct-to-consumer healthcare markets. Consumers are increasingly seeking home-based, digital-first solutions that fit into their lifestyles that actually work. Claisens quiz, accessible on mobile and PC, ensures privacy, convenience, and personalization. Most people dont want to read another contradictory forum post. They want to stop feeling bloated on a Tuesday night, says Rishab Jain, Founder and CEO of Claisen. Claisens team of researchers have taken what the literature and frontline clinicians already agree on, removed the guesswork, and wrapped it into kits and routines you can stick with. How the Claisen Kits Work Claisens three minute intake quiz maps acid reflux (also known as heartburn) symptoms, common foods that trigger bloating and gas, and your lifestyle. The number of hours you sleep, the kind of food you eat, and how much you exercise directly affects heartburn severity and bloating occurrences, said Aditya Jain, MD Candidate at Harvard Medical School and Chief Medical Officer at Claisen. Weve focused on translating the strongest, most actionable guidance into routines and products people can sustain. Unlike one-size-fits-all digestive health products, Claisen combines data-driven analysis with actionable recommendations. Claisens users receive a step-wise routine (meal spacing, head-of-bed elevation, ideal food) paired with their suite of drugs and supplements. Who This Helps Claisen is designed for people who: Face acid reflux and regurgitation after meals and cant figure out how to cease it Get night-time heartburn (nocturnal GERD) or wake up with a sour taste/cough and want practical routines Have constipation or IBS-like symptoms and want step-wise adjustments to return to normalcy Prefer at-home, affordable, digital guidance that focuses on adherence and privacy. Whats Inside a Claisens Monthly Kit A notecard containing usage instructions for the medicines and supplements which they have been recommended High-quality and compliant medicines and supplements with precise dosages to address GERD, Bloating, and Gas Daily and nightly routines to help improve users gut health. Claisens personalised kits are available now for purchase in the United States at https://claisen.com. About Claisen Claisen is a Boston-based health technology company dedicated to advancing personalized medicine for gastrointestinal health. Founded by Harvard entrepreneur and innovator Rishab Jain, Claisen leverages science, AI, and direct-to-consumer delivery to create customized care pathways for patients with digestive conditions. The companys personalized GI kits empower individuals to take control of their health through actionable insights and tailored recommendations. For more information, visit https://claisen.com. Media Contact Rishab Jain Claisen PR Team Email: support@claisen.com Phone: +1 617-958-6619 Address: 56 Broad St STE 14278, Boston, MA, 02109 A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.youtube.com/embed/rmZc2apPRaw SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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: LMT@hbsslaw.com 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. , 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. , 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 Bermans 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 companys 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 firms investigation, submit your losses now If youd 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 LMT@hbsslaw.com. About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Bermans team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Onco360, the nations leading independent specialty pharmacy, has been selected as a pharmacy partner by Sanofi for Wayrilz (rilzabrutinib), which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adults with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment. This indication was approved based on the pivotal LUNA 3 study.1 Onco360 is proud to partner with Sanofi and support patients in need of Wayrilz, reinforcing our commitment to expanding access and delivering solutions for patients facing serious and complex conditions, said Benito Fernandez, Chief Commercial Officer. Wayrilz brings renewed hope for patients managing the ongoing challenges of immune thrombocytopenia. Wayrilz is a novel, oral, reversible, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor that can help address the root causes of immune dysregulation in ITP. BTK, expressed in B cells, macrophages, and other innate immune cells, plays a critical role in inflammatory pathways and multiple immune-mediated disease processes.1 ITP is a rare, complex autoimmune disorder characterized by low platelet counts (less than 100,000/L) resulting from both increased platelet destruction and decreased platelet production, along with other potentially significant mental and physical manifestations. The efficacy of Wayrilz was evaluated in the LUNA 3 phase 3 study that showed oral Wayrilz 400 mg twice daily met the primary and secondary endpoints, demonstrating a positive impact on sustained platelet counts and other ITP symptoms. Wayrilz demonstrated manageable safety and tolerability adverse events. The most common adverse reactions experienced with Wayrilz were diarrhea, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, and COVID-19.1 Please read the full prescribing information for Wayrilz. About Onco360 Oncology Pharmacy Onco360 is the nations largest independent Oncology Pharmacy and clinical support services company. Onco360 was founded in 2003 to bring together the stakeholders involved in the cancer treatment process and serve the specialized needs of oncologists, patients, hospitals, cancer centers of excellence, manufacturers, health plans, and payers. It dispenses nationally through its network of URAC-, and ACHC-accredited Oncology Pharmacies. Onco360 is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and is a flagship specialty pharmacy brand of PharMerica Corporation, a leading institutional pharmacy, specialty infusion, and hospital services company servicing healthcare facilities in the United States. For more information about Onco360, please visit Onco360.com. Media Contact: Benito Fernandez, Chief Commercial Officer Benito.fernandez@onco360.com 516-640-1332 References: Wayrilz (rilzabrutinib) [Package Insert]. Cambridge, MA. Genzyme Corporation. 2025. PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Berger Montague PC is investigating potential securities fraud claims on behalf of investors of Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE: FI) (Fiserv or the Company) following the filing of a securities class action lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Fiserv securities between July 24, 2024 and July 22, 2025 (the Class Period). Investor Deadline: Investors who purchased or acquired Fiserv securities during the Class Period may, no later than September 22, 2025, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. To learn your rights, CLICK HERE . Fiserv, headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, is a global provider of financial technology and payment solutions serving financial institutions and merchants. The lawsuit alleges that Fiserv and certain executives overstated the Companys growth by failing to disclose, among other things, that its new payment platform, Clover, was experiencing a boost in revenue growth and gross payment volumes because the Company was forcing merchants to transition from its legacy Payeezy platform. Investors learned the Companys true financial picture following a series of disclosures which culminated on July 23, 2025, when Fiserv lowered its 2025 organic growth projections and confirmed that decelerated growth in its Merchant segment. On these announcements, Fiservs share price declined dramatically. If you are a Fiserv investor and would like to learn more about this action, CLICK HERE or please contact Berger Montague: Andrew Abramowitz at aabramowitz@bergermontague.com or (215) 875-3015, or Caitlin Adorni at cadorni@bergermontague.com or (267)764-4865. About Berger Montague Berger Montague, with offices in Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Delaware, Washington, D.C., San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Malvern, and Toronto has been a pioneer in securities class action litigation since its founding in 1970. Berger Montague has represented individual and institutional investors for over five decades and serves as lead counsel in courts throughout the United States. For more information or to discuss your rights, please contact: Andrew Abramowitz, Senior Counsel Berger Montague (215) 875-3015 aabramowitz@bergermontague.com Caitlin Adorni Berger Montague (267) 764-4865 cadorni@bergermontague.com China-funded Mekong River bridge in Cambodia temporarily open during traditional festival Xinhua) 16:12, September 08, 2025 PHNOM PENH, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- A China-funded bridge across the Mekong River in northeast Cambodia's Kratie province was temporarily open to the public for 21 days to facilitate travel during the traditional Kan Ben and Pchum Ben festival, or Ancestor's Day, a spokesperson said on Monday. Phan Rim, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said the bridge was open to traffic from Sept. 8 to 28. "Pedestrians, motorists, family cars, and tourist vans with a maximum of 12 seats are allowed to cross the bridge during the above-mentioned period," he said in a news release. The 1,761-meter-by-13.5-meter bridge, along with a 31.69-km connecting road, is being constructed by the Shanghai Construction Group under a concessional loan from China. Work on the bridge started in January 2023. "To date, 98.13 percent of the bridge construction has been completed, as 87.13 percent of the connecting road has been achieved," Phan Rim said. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) MONTREAL, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osisko Development Corp. (NYSE: ODV, TSXV: ODV) ("Osisko Development" or the "Company") is pleased to announce results from its infill and exploration diamond drill, and development sampling campaigns in the Lowhee Zone within the Company's permitted, 100%-owned Cariboo Gold Project ("Cariboo" or the "Project"), located in central British Columbia ("B.C."), Canada. The program to date has consisted of approximately 6,471 meters ("m") of underground infill drilling and approximately 398 m of chip and rock saw channel sampling. Chris Lodder, President, stated, "The recent underground infill drilling at Lowhee Zone was conducted to analyze how grade holds up under tighter drilling and to investigate optimal drill hole spacing for future mining. We're highly encouraged that underground exploration drilling in the Lowhee Zone and across the deposit completed to date continues to indicate that veins remain open at depth, highlighting the strong potential for future resource expansion through additional exploration programs leveraging existing underground infrastructure. A comprehensive 13,000-meter infill drill program is already underway, designed to deliver important data for local resource modeling, mine planning, and optimization of production stope design. We anticipate providing regular progress updates on this program in the coming months." DRILL ASSAY HIGHLIGHTS This news release includes assays from sixty-eight (68) underground infill and exploration diamond drill ("DD") holes totaling approximately 6,471 m completed from November 2024 through early August 2025 (see Table 1) and for which assays were received by a cut off date of August 16, 2025. Select fire and photon assay highlights include: 625.95 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold ("Au") over 0.5 m in hole BMU-25-040 57.29 g/t Au over 3.05 m in hole BMU-25-032, including: 238.20 g/t Au over 0.5 m 52.57 g/t Au over 0.6 m 23.77 g/t Au over 1.0 m 15.26 g/t Au over 4.4 m in hole BMU-25-004, including: 83.40 g/t au over 0.5 m 46.80 g/t Au over 0.5 m 26.23 g/t Au over 2.4 m in hole BMU-25-025 including: 55.96 g/t Au over 0.8 m 29.45 g/t Au over 0.55 m 3.39 g/t Au over 0.5 m 55.74 g/t Au over 1.0 m in hole BMU-25-034, including: 57.15 g/t Au over 0.5 m 54.34 g/t Au over 0.5 m 8.37 g/t Au over 5.9 m in hole BMU-25-014, including: 50.24 g/t Au over 0.5 m 15.97 g/t Au over 0.5 m 10.02 g/t Au over 0.55 m 6.88 g/t Au over 0.5 m 6.41 g/t Au over 0.5 m 5.74 g/t Au over 0.5 m 7.06 g/t Au over 6.4 m in hole BMU-25-026, including: 75.61 g/t Au over 0.5 m 8.53 g/t Au over 0.5 m 12.44 g/t Au over 3.45 m in hole BMU-25-017, including: 79.17 g/t Au over 0.5 m 4.93 g/t Au over 0.5 m 7.23 g/t Au over 5.75 m in hole BMU-25-019, including: 61.18 g/t Au over 0.5 m 13.32 g/t Au over 0.5 m 3.31 g/t Au over 0.5 m 28.55 g/t Au over 1.45 m in hole BMU-25-045, including: 80.20 g/t Au over 0.5 m True widths are estimated to be between 50% and 90% of reported core length intervals. Intervals not recovered by drilling were assigned zero grade. Top cuts have not been applied to high grade assays. Complete assay highlights are presented in Table 1 and drill hole locations and orientations are listed in Table 3. Figure 1: Cariboo Gold Project deposit map with Location of Lowhee Zone and Cow Portal underground access. Figure 2: Lowhee Zone select underground drilling highlights. INFILL AND EXPLORATION PROGRAM SUMMARY 14 NQ (47.6-millimeter diameter) diamond drill holes (BMU-25-008 to 021) with depth ranging from 42 to 48 m focused on infilling a 25 m long section of planned ore drive. 4 NQ diamond drill holes (BMU-25-001, 003, 004, 007) with an average depth of 290 m were drilled to explore zones adjacent to the existing Lowhee Zone mineral resources. 22 NQ diamond drill holes (BMU-25-032 to 053) with an average depth of 90 m conducting systematic grid infill on a set of mineral reserve blocks, mineral inferred resources, and non-DSO resources. 8 NQ diamond drill holes (BMU-24-001 to 008) with an average depth of 118 m were drilled infilling areas within existing mineral reserves and resources. NEXT STEPS A 13,000-meter systematic grid infill program is underway within the Lowhee Zone targeting mineral reserve blocks, inferred mineral resources, and non-DSO resources in an approximate 100 m swath transecting approximately the full width of the Lowhee Zone (Figure 3). Drilling at 10 m centers from new development at the 1,260 elevation level, the program is expected to provide a comprehensive data set that will inform resource modeling, mine planning, production stope design procedures and parameters, and the appropriate grid spacing for future infill drilling. Additional systematic grid infill drill programs are planned in step with future underground development progress into other areas of the deposit. Structural modelling suggests that the sandstone rock package, the primary host rock for the Cariboo deposit, remains open well beyond depths tested to date. Positive results from deeper drilling across the deposit highlight strong potential for extensions at depth, below the currently defined mineral reserves and resources (Figure 4). Figure 3: Location of the ongoing 13,000-meter infill drilling campaign. Figure 4: Northeast facing long section of the Cow Mountain and Lowhee Zone deposit areas with select three-meter composite highlights illustrating exploration potential at depth and along strike to the southeast. UNDERGROUND CHIP/CHANNEL SAMPLING HIGHLIGHTS This news release contains assays from eighty-nine (89) underground face and wall rock chip and rock saw channels ("CH") totaling approximately 398 m completed in ore and access development from October 2024 through July 2025 (see Table 2) and for which assays were received by a cut off date of July 31, 2025. Select fire and photon assay highlights include: 22.01 g/t Au over 3.8 m in chip channel UGCH00189, including: 104.37 g/t Au over 0.8 m 12.23 g/t Au over 4.6 m in chip channel UGCH00183, including: 69.95 g/t Au over 0.8 m 6.25 g/t Au over 4.2 m in rock saw channel UGCH00236, including: 12.64 g/t Au over 1.0 m 13.62 g/t Au over 0.9 m 5.81 g/t Au over 4.2 m in face chip channel UGCH00193, including: 20.66 g/t Au over 1.1 m 3.32 g/t Au over 6.5 m in face chip channel UGCH00213, including: 13.52 g/t Au over 1.0 m 7.77 g/t Au over 1.0 m 4.82 g/t Au over 4.2 m in rock saw channel UGCH00246, including: 25.22 g/t Au over 0.8 m 4.22 g/t Au over 4.2 m in rock saw channel UGCH00245, including: 7.51 g/t Au over 1.2 m 4.86 g/t Au over 1.5 m 3.61 g/t Au over 4.4 m in chip channel UGCH00176, including: 22.20 g/t Au over 0.7 m 3.02 g/t Au over 5.2 m in chip channel UGCH00210, including: 9.87 g/t Au over 1.0 m 3.13 g/t Au over 1.2 m 4.14 g/t Au over 3.7 m in rock saw channel UGCH00243, including: 7.65 g/t Au over 1.0 m 6.07 g/t Au over 1.2 m True widths are estimated to be between 85% and 100% of reported sample intervals for all face sampling in ore drives and wall sampling in crosscuts. Wall samples in ore drives (along the vein) are excluded from the above list and indicated as select (Table 4). Top cuts have not been applied to high grade assays. Complete assay highlights are presented in Table 2 and sample locations are listed in Table 4. Figure 5: Lowhee Zone face and wall rock chip and rock saw channel samples with select assay highlights. Table 1: Length weighted assay composites and individual samples>=3.0 g/t for Lowhee Zone underground diamond drillholes completed November 2024 August 16, 2025. Drillhole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) BMU-24-001 77.8 78.3 0.5 6.28 83.4 85.25 1.85 9.64 Including 84.25 84.75 0.5 33.54 92.5 93 0.5 3.25 102 105 3 7.89 Including 103.9 104.5 0.6 25.93 and 104.5 105 0.5 15.25 BMU-24-002 92.2 92.9 0.7 5.09 98 98.5 0.5 22.89 BMU-24-003 83 83.5 0.5 36.82 BMU-24-004 92.9 98 5.1 3.60 Including 92.9 93.4 0.5 6.10 and 95.6 96.1 0.5 24.06 BMU-24-005 117 117.5 1 4.28 123.75 124.25 0.5 17.85 BMU-24-006 80.4 82 1.6 3.72 Including 81 82 1 5.39 BMU-24-007 15.6 17.5 1.9 4.04 Including 17 17.5 0.5 12.51 34.9 35.5 0.6 3.81 39.2 39.7 0.5 17.30 47.8 48.3 0.5 6.92 87 87.55 0.55 3.05 94.1 94.6 0.5 19.34 100.5 104.05 3.55 3.40 Including 100.5 101.4 0.9 7.53 and 102 102.5 0.5 3.16 and 103.4 104.05 0.65 3.94 106.9 107.7 0.8 3.70 111.45 113.2 1.75 12.18 Including 111.45 111.95 0.5 23.82 and 111.95 112.65 0.7 12.03 BMU-24-008 20.75 22 1.25 3.70 Including 20.75 21.25 0.5 8.48 53.5 55.25 1.75 3.76 Including 53.5 54.05 0.55 10.15 100.55 101.6 1.05 25.19 104.6 105.1 0.5 23.47 109.4 112.5 3.1 3.85 Including 109.9 110.5 0.6 6.62 and 112 112.5 0.5 12.14 118.8 119.4 0.6 5.59 BMU-25-001 130.5 133.65 3.15 7.29 Including 132.5 133.65 1.15 18.45 BMU-25-002 No significant assays BMU-25-003 273 273.5 0.5 7.64 BMU-25-004 15 15.5 0.5 3.22 24.75 25.3 0.55 3.87 46.2 47.25 1.05 4.09 Including 46.75 47.25 0.5 7.89 64.75 67.45 2.7 5.51 Including 64.75 65.25 0.5 19.35 and 66.85 67.45 0.6 8.53 84.45 85.35 0.9 17.90 95.5 96.5 1 10.94 Including 96 96.5 0.5 21.10 116.5 120.2 3.7 8.00 Including 118 118.6 0.6 6.82 and 119.6 120.2 0.6 40.80 125.3 126 0.7 18.05 139.1 141.8 2.7 3.51 Including 139.6 140.15 0.55 3.44 and 141.25 141.8 0.55 11.85 144 148.4 4.4 15.26 Including 144 144.5 0.5 83.40 and 147.9 148.4 0.5 46.80 152.9 153.6 0.7 7.71 158.45 159 0.55 7.81 183.25 183.85 0.6 3.18 222.35 224 1.65 5.41 Including 222.35 223 0.65 12.40 BMU-25-005 Geotechnical hole; no significant assays BMU-25-006 Geotechnical hole; not sampled BMU-25-007 0.75 1.25 0.5 7.05 30 33.55 3.55 7.98 Including 30 30.5 0.5 6.28 and 31.8 32.35 0.55 42.50 76.2 76.7 0.5 4.50 90.55 93.3 2.75 3.40 Including 90.55 91.05 0.5 3.75 and 92.75 93.3 0.55 13.50 99.35 102.7 3.35 6.32 Including 99.35 99.9 0.55 12.60 and 99.9 100.5 0.6 10.55 and 102.2 102.7 0.5 15.75 106.85 110.1 3.25 5.08 Including 109.5 110.1 0.6 25.40 118.25 122.85 4.6 7.07 Including 118.25 118.8 0.55 33.50 and 122 122.85 0.85 15.90 129.65 130.15 0.5 9.55 144.55 145.05 0.5 3.06 188 188.5 0.5 4.58 243.45 243.95 0.5 57.60 BMU-25-008 0.85 1.95 1.1 10.09 Including 0.85 1.35 0.5 4.93 and 1.35 1.95 0.6 14.38 40.35 41.05 0.7 5.37 BMU-25-009 No significant assays BMU-25-010a Hole abandoned BMU-25-010 1.25 1.75 0.5 9.95 20.35 21 0.65 4.77 26.85 27.4 0.55 8.04 36 37.2 1.2 3.99 Including 36 36.5 0.5 3.94 and 36.5 37.2 0.7 4.02 BMU-25-011 0.7 1.75 1.05 4.03 Including 0.7 1.25 0.55 3.65 and 1.25 1.75 0.5 4.46 19.75 20.25 0.5 3.71 BMU-25-012 0.7 1.25 0.55 8.27 24.3 25.45 1.15 16.11 Including 24.85 25.45 0.6 28.18 28.65 29.2 0.55 4.77 30.35 30.9 0.55 3.58 BMU-25-013 0.7 2.35 1.65 3.24 Including 0.7 1.3 0.6 4.77 19.25 19.75 0.5 3.40 22.5 23 0.5 40.00 27.5 33.5 6 3.24 Including 29.9 30.4 0.5 4.42 and 30.4 30.9 0.5 21.73 and 32.06 32.6 0.54 7.76 BMU-25-014 8.65 9.15 0.5 7.16 30.7 36.6 5.9 8.37 Including 30.7 31.2 0.5 5.74 and 31.2 31.75 0.55 10.02 and 31.75 32.25 0.5 50.24 and 33.35 33.85 0.5 15.97 and 35.1 35.6 0.5 6.88 and 36.1 36.6 0.5 6.41 BMU-25-015 22.75 24 1.25 18.10 Including 22.75 23.25 0.5 40.65 and 23.25 24 0.75 3.06 BMU-25-016 33.95 39 5.05 4.28 Including 35.5 36.25 0.75 14.55 and 36.25 36.8 0.55 8.05 and 38.3 39 0.7 5.35 BMU-25-017 22.35 24.35 2 8.93 Including 23.35 23.85 0.5 12.74 and 23.85 24.35 0.5 21.68 30 33.45 3.45 12.44 Including 30 30.5 0.5 4.93 and 32.95 33.45 0.5 79.17 35.4 35.9 0.5 3.75 BMU-25-018 8.5 9 0.5 11.87 27.35 32.65 5.3 3.07 Including 28.2 28.8 0.6 11.62 and 29.7 30.3 0.6 9.01 and 32.15 32.65 0.5 5.72 40.75 41.25 0.5 5.41 BMU-25-019 25.15 25.65 0.5 12.77 29.15 31 1.85 8.85 Including 29.95 30.45 0.5 28.45 33.85 39.6 5.75 7.23 Including 36.25 36.75 0.5 13.32 and 37.75 38.25 0.5 3.31 and 38.25 38.75 0.5 61.18 BMU-25-020 28.6 29.15 0.55 3.13 29.75 30.4 0.65 3.85 37.8 39 1.2 3.75 Including 37.8 38.45 0.65 4.51 42.4 43.7 1.3 5.18 Including 42.9 43.7 0.8 7.87 BMU-25-021 28 31.9 3.9 6.06 Including 29.3 30.2 0.9 4.09 and 30.2 30.85 0.65 23.06 BMU-25-022 37 41.5 4.5 4.36 Including 40.5 41.5 1 15.80 45.9 46.5 0.6 4.94 BMU-25-023 1.95 2.45 0.5 29.93 37.5 38 0.5 3.31 39 40 1 3.64 51.35 51.95 0.6 13.43 56.95 57.45 0.5 5.19 66.5 67.1 0.6 8.15 BMU-25-024 18.8 19.3 0.5 5.66 42.4 46.9 4.5 3.08 Including 42.4 42.9 0.5 6.98 and 45.7 46.4 0.7 11.57 51.4 52 0.6 9.35 BMU-25-025 1.5 2.5 1 5.78 Including 1.5 2 0.5 9.91 30.7 33.1 2.4 26.23 Including 30.7 31.2 0.5 3.39 and 31.2 32 0.8 55.96 and 32 32.55 0.55 29.45 43 43.5 0.5 11.24 51 53.1 2.1 3.70 Including 51 51.5 0.5 11.51 BMU-25-026 2.5 3 0.5 19.25 49.5 50.3 0.8 4.71 54.6 61 6.4 7.06 Including 57 57.5 0.5 75.61 and 58.65 59.15 0.5 8.53 74.9 75.4 0.5 7.47 BMU-25-027 28.8 29.3 0.5 14.30 54.5 56 1.5 4.08 Including 55.5 56 0.5 10.90 57.5 61.5 4 3.58 Including 57.5 58 0.5 8.96 and 58 58.5 0.5 5.14 and 59.5 60 0.5 6.21 and 60 60.5 0.5 5.71 64.3 66.5 2.2 8.78 Including 64.3 65 0.7 8.84 and 66 66.5 0.5 26.17 BMU-25-028 33.7 37.3 3.6 3.82 Including 34.2 34.8 0.6 5.87 and 35.3 35.8 0.5 14.71 42.85 44 1.15 5.32 48.5 49 0.5 3.03 50.15 50.65 0.5 3.02 BMU-25-029 0 0.6 0.6 24.17 59.5 60 0.5 4.83 63.8 64.5 0.7 10.05 75.3 75.8 0.5 8.33 BMU-25-030 30 31.5 1.5 3.01 61.7 62.2 0.5 3.23 72.5 75.5 3 4.45 Including 72.5 73 0.5 22.08 and 75 75.5 0.5 3.22 BMU-25-031 43.25 43.75 0.5 4.76 47.75 49.15 1.4 3.23 Including 47.75 48.6 0.85 4.86 54 54.5 0.5 8.88 60.85 61.35 0.5 14.66 71.9 72.4 0.5 4.35 BMU-25-032 28.5 29.2 0.7 4.69 38.1 39.6 1.5 8.72 Including 39.1 39.6 0.5 25.07 43.4 44.15 0.75 7.15 57.5 60.55 3.05 57.29 Including 57.5 58.5 1 23.77 and 58.5 59 0.5 238.20 and 59.95 60.55 0.6 52.57 79.95 81.35 1.4 23.38 BMU-25-033 26.65 27.15 0.5 3.48 34.1 37.35 3.25 6.17 Including 34.1 34.6 0.5 4.84 and 36.85 37.35 0.5 34.86 46.2 46.7 0.5 37.98 58.5 59.05 0.55 4.17 75.15 75.9 0.75 5.90 BMU-25-034 40.8 41.3 0.5 6.37 54 54.6 0.6 7.25 57.9 58.4 0.5 13.47 72.7 73.7 1 55.74 Including 72.7 73.2 0.5 57.15 and 73.2 73.7 0.5 54.34 82.15 82.65 0.5 4.05 92.5 93 0.5 3.50 BMU-25-035 23.7 24.2 0.5 9.12 46.15 48.6 2.45 5.05 Including 46.15 46.65 0.5 15.10 and 48.1 48.6 0.5 9.62 78 78.5 0.5 42.81 85 85.5 0.5 20.58 BMU-25-036 43.3 43.8 0.5 9.802 57.25 58.3 1.05 14.53 Including 57.25 57.75 0.5 29.728 BMU-25-037 22 22.5 0.5 11.07 42.1 42.6 0.5 12.29 63.95 64.5 0.55 8.35 68.5 70.1 1.6 3.09 Including 68.5 69 0.5 3.41 72.2 72.9 0.7 3.60 74.9 75.5 0.6 6.06 BMU-25-038 50.9 51.5 0.6 6.00 63.95 64.5 0.55 5.23 BMU-25-039 32.5 33 0.5 3.41 BMU-25-040 91.5 92 0.5 625.95 102.5 104.5 2 5.22 Including 104 104.5 0.5 18.43 BMU-25-041 31.7 32.7 1 15.07 Including 31.7 32.2 0.5 4.34 and 32.2 32.7 0.5 25.81 57.5 60 2.5 3.03 59.5 60 0.5 12.95 66.75 67.35 0.6 4.18 80.7 81.2 0.5 4.65 BMU-25-042 68 68.5 0.5 3.39 80.5 81.5 1 6.12 Including 80.5 81 0.5 10.34 84 84.81 0.81 4.63 BMU-25-043 53 56.8 3.8 3.49 Including 53 53.5 0.5 14.88 and 56.3 56.8 0.5 10.78 60 64.5 4.5 5.16 Including 60 60.5 0.5 8.43 and 62.5 63 0.5 5.82 and 64 64.5 0.5 30.78 BMU-25-044 21 21.5 0.5 14.66 37.4 37.9 0.5 35.37 43.25 43.75 0.5 5.23 50.15 50.65 0.5 19.18 BMU-25-045 19.5 23 3.5 4.76 Including 19.5 20 0.5 30.78 33.05 34.5 1.45 28.55 Including 34 34.5 0.5 80.20 38.35 38.85 0.5 3.58 41.5 42 0.5 5.88 52.5 56.3 3.8 8.73 Including 52.5 53 0.5 9.01 and 53 53.5 0.5 9.02 and 53.5 54 0.5 25.40 and 55.8 56.3 0.5 22.81 63.15 63.65 0.5 15.17 BMU-25-046 41.5 42 0.5 8.55 62.4 65 2.6 7.55 Including 62.4 63 0.6 31.90 75.4 75.9 0.5 33.43 79.5 82 2.5 8.28 Including 79.5 80.5 1 14.01 and 80.5 81.05 0.55 8.42 BMU-25-047 72.55 73.1 0.55 7.22 BMU-25-048 26 27.25 1.25 11.28 Including 26.75 27.25 0.5 27.38 68.55 69.15 0.6 11.12 99 99.5 0.5 12.18 BMU-25-049 22 23.5 1.5 3.16 Including 22.5 23 0.5 4.97 and 23 23.5 0.5 3.89 30.5 31.05 0.55 18.38 44.5 45 0.5 19.21 48.8 49.3 0.5 6.83 60.85 61.45 0.6 13.33 BMU-25-050 26.95 27.5 0.55 5.98 45.15 45.65 0.5 7.26 55 57.5 2.5 3.02 Including 55 55.5 0.5 3.69 and 56 56.5 0.5 9.77 and 61.4 62 0.6 6.50 66.5 67 0.5 3.84 80.2 81.2 1 13.60 80.7 81.2 0.5 24.28 BMU-25-051 43 43.5 1 4.90 49.8 52.5 2.70 3.99 Including 50.8 51.4 0.60 15.76 62.5 63 0.50 5.08 67.5 71.15 3.65 4.49 Including 67.5 68 0.50 24.81 and 70 70.5 0.50 3.44 BMU-25-052 53 53.5 0.50 46.93 BMU-25-053 3 4.5 1.50 4.12 51 53 2.00 3.28 Including 51 51.5 0.50 10.00 69 70 1.00 5.33 BMU-25-054 44.65 45.15 0.50 6.16 69.5 70 0.50 18.96 BMU-25-055 23.3 23.8 0.50 4.20 56.65 58.15 1.50 8.91 Including 56.65 57.15 0.50 11.60 and 57.65 58.15 0.50 14.91 BMU-25-056 45.7 50.25 4.55 3.51 Including 45.7 46.2 0.50 7.93 and 49.75 50.25 0.50 23.00 68.05 70 1.95 4.03 Including 68.05 68.55 0.50 11.74 and 69.5 70 0.50 3.82 80.5 81.45 0.95 7.48 BMU-25-057 103.5 105 1.50 4.45 BMU-25-058 15.5 16.6 1.10 4.87 Including 15.5 16.1 0.60 8.47 47 47.6 0.60 11.85 61.4 62 0.60 8.00 70.4 71.6 1.20 3.89 Including 70.9 71.6 0.70 6.38 BMU-25-059 14.3 15.3 1.00 5.72 Including 14.8 15.3 0.50 10.56 43.5 46.7 3.20 3.21 Including 43.5 44 0.50 9.23 and 45 45.5 0.50 9.54 68.1 68.6 0.50 3.51 76.8 78 1.20 20.28 Including 77.3 78 0.70 34.25 BMU-25-060 23.5 24 0.50 9.35 42.5 43 0.50 4.29 44.5 45 0.50 5.08 52.7 53.2 0.50 4.61 59.1 59.6 0.50 5.89 65.8 66.3 0.50 3.92 Table 2: Length weighted assay composites and individual samples>=3.0 g/t for Lowhee Zone underground wall and face chip and rock saw channel sampling completed October 2024 July 31, 2025. Channel ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) UGCH00168 0.0 4.4 4.4 0.05 UGCH00169 0.0 4.2 4.2 0.09 UGCH00170 0.0 4.9 4.9 0.97 Including 3.0 3.7 0.7 6.39 UGCH00171 0.0 4.3 4.3 0.02 UGCH00172 0.0 3.6 3.6 0.06 UGCH00173 0.0 4.1 4.1 0.14 UGCH00174 0.0 3.8 3.8 0.05 UGCH00175 0.0 4.5 4.5 0.09 UGCH00176 0.0 4.4 4.4 3.61 Including 0.0 0.7 0.7 22.20 UGCH00177 0.0 3.2 3.2 2.38 Including 1.0 1.5 0.5 13.98 UGCH00178 0.0 4.2 4.2 2.97 Including 1.0 2.0 1.0 11.55 UGCH00179 0.0 4.0 4.0 0.21 UGCH00180 0.0 4.2 4.2 0.04 UGCH00181 No significant assays UGCH00182 0.0 4.4 4.4 1.02 Including 0.0 0.3 0.3 13.85 UGCH00183 0.0 4.6 4.6 12.23 Including 0.0 0.8 0.8 69.95 UGCH00184 0.0 3.8 3.8 0.10 UGCH00185 0.0 4.0 4.0 0.33 UGCH00186 0.0 4.2 4.2 0.07 UGCH00187 0.0 5.2 5.2 0.51 UGCH00188 0.0 3.6 3.6 0.99 Including 0.0 1.0 1.0 3.49 UGCH00189 0.0 3.8 3.8 22.01 Including 0.8 1.6 0.8 104.37 UGCH00190 0.0 3.3 3.3 0.05 UGCH00191 0.0 3.9 3.9 1.80 Including 3.0 3.9 0.9 7.76 UGCH00192 0.0 4.5 4.5 3.30 1.4 2.4 1.0 14.59 UGCH00193 0.0 4.2 4.2 5.81 Including 2.2 3.3 1.1 20.66 UGCH00194 0.0 4.0 4.0 0.29 UGCH00195 0.0 4.0 4.0 1.10 Including 0.0 1.2 1.2 3.23 UGCH00196 0.0 4.0 4.0 0.81 Including 0.0 1.0 1.0 3.22 UGCH00197 0.0 4.3 4.3 0.05 UGCH00198 0.0 4.5 4.5 0.02 UGCH00199 0.0 3.8 3.8 0.01 UGCH00200 0.0 3.9 3.9 0.27 UGCH00201 0.0 3.7 3.7 0.02 UGCH00202 0.0 3.0 3.0 0.01 UGCH00203 0.0 3.8 3.8 0.02 UGCH00204 0.0 3.8 3.8 0.03 UGCH00205 0.0 2.8 2.8 0.66 UGCH00206 0.0 2.7 2.7 0.88 UGCH00207 0.0 5.6 5.6 0.02 UGCH00208 0.0 5.8 5.8 0.03 UGCH00209 0.0 6.0 6.0 0.18 UGCH00210 0.0 5.2 5.2 3.02 Including 0.0 1.0 1.0 9.87 and 4.0 5.2 1.2 3.13 UGCH00211 0.0 5.5 5.5 0.06 UGCH00212 0.0 5.9 5.9 0.13 UGCH00213 0.0 6.5 6.5 3.32 Including 0.0 1.0 1.0 13.52 and 5.5 6.5 1.0 7.77 UGCH00214 No significant assays UGCH00215 No significant assays UGCH00216 No significant assays UGCH00217 No significant assays UGCH00218 0.0 0.1 0.1 22.95 Including 0.0 0.1 0.1 22.95 UGCH00219 0.0 4.5 4.5 3.09 Including 3.3 4.0 0.8 16.06 UGCH00220 0.0 4.2 4.2 2.37 Including 0.5 1.0 0.5 17.45 UGCH00221 No significant assays 0.0 10.0 10.0 0.23 UGCH00222 No significant assays 0.0 9.7 9.7 0.33 UGCH00223 No significant assays 6.0 7.0 1.0 10.64 UGCH00224 No significant assays 0.0 20.0 20.0 0.13 UGCH00225 No significant assays 0.0 7.0 7.0 0.06 UGCH00226 1.0 2.0 1.0 11.12 12.0 13.0 1.0 9.69 UGCH00227 0.0 4.6 4.6 0.01 UGCH00228 0.0 6.4 6.4 0.41 UGCH00229 0.0 5.5 5.5 0.01 UGCH00230 0.0 4.2 4.2 0.96 Including 1.9 2.4 0.5 7.36 UGCH00231 0.0 3.9 3.9 0.17 UGCH00232 0.0 4.5 4.5 0.50 UGCH00233 0.0 2.7 2.7 1.77 Including 1.4 1.9 0.5 9.45 UGCH00234 0.0 4.0 4.0 0.81 UGCH00235 0.0 3.0 3.0 0.01 UGCH00236 0.0 4.2 4.2 6.25 Including 1.7 2.7 1.0 12.64 and 2.7 3.6 0.9 13.62 UGCH00237 0.0 3.4 3.4 0.64 Including 2.8 3.4 0.6 3.49 UGCH00238 0.0 4.2 4.2 3.38 Including 3.5 4.2 0.7 12.42 UGCH00239 0.0 4.0 4.0 3.47 Including 1.5 2.5 1.0 8.65 and 3.2 4.0 0.8 6.28 UGCH00240 0.0 4.7 4.7 1.24 Including 3.5 4.7 1.2 3.26 UGCH00241 0.0 2.5 2.5 5.36 Including 0.0 1.0 1.0 10.15 and 1.0 2.0 1.0 3.17 UGCH00242 0.0 4.5 4.5 1.15 Including 3.5 4.5 1.0 3.19 UGCH00243 0.0 3.7 3.7 4.14 Including 0.0 1.0 1.0 7.65 and 2.5 3.7 1.2 6.07 UGCH00244 0.0 4.3 4.3 1.09 UGCH00245 0.0 4.2 4.2 4.22 Including 1.5 2.7 1.2 7.51 and 2.7 4.2 1.5 4.86 UGCH00246 0.0 4.4 4.4 4.82 Including 0.0 0.8 0.8 25.22 UGCH00247 0.0 4.1 4.1 0.86 Including 0.0 0.5 0.5 5.29 UGCH00248 0.0 0.5 0.5 10.46 UGCH00249 0.0 0.9 0.9 7.58 UGCH00250 0.0 0.9 0.9 4.92 UGCH00251 0.0 0.5 0.5 3.01 UGCH00252 0.0 1.2 1.2 16.35 UGCH00253 0.0 1.0 1.0 4.22 UGCH00254 0.0 1.5 1.5 8.70 UGCH00255 0.0 0.5 0.5 24.64 UGCH00256 0.0 0.5 0.5 8.45 Table 3: Underground diamond drillhole collar locations, drillhole orientations, and max depths. Negative dips point down. Drillhole ID Mine Location Northing (UTM z12N) Easting (UTM z12N) Elevation (m) Dip Azimuth Depth (m) Prospect Program Type BMU-24-001 L1260-MA 596598.8 5882916.5 1267.6 1.0 273 110.5 LZ Infill BMU-24-002 L1260-MA 596599.1 5882916.2 1267.6 2.0 266 120.0 LZ Infill BMU-24-003 L1260-MA 596598.9 5882916.6 1267.9 10.0 277.5 117.0 LZ Infill BMU-24-004 L1260-MA 596599.0 5882916.4 1267.9 8.5 267.17 110.5 LZ Infill BMU-24-005 L1260-MA 596599.3 5882915.9 1267.7 3.0 263 147.0 LZ Infill BMU-24-006 L1260-MA 596599.3 5882915.7 1267.8 5.5 258.5 105.0 LZ Infill BMU-24-007 L1290-ORE 596492.0 5882885.1 1290.2 -8.0 142 141.0 LZ Infill BMU-24-008 L1290-ORE 596491.8 5882884.9 1289.9 -16.0 140 140.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-001 L1290-RMK 596532.3 5883011.8 1282.1 -4.0 279.5 333.0 CM Exploration BMU-25-002 L1290-RMK 596533.3 5883011.0 1282.5 -17.0 259.0 145.7 LZ Infill BMU-25-003 L1290-RMK 596534.2 5883013.2 1282.4 -1.0 320.0 303.0 CM Exploration BMU-25-004 L1290-RMK 596492.1 5882885.7 1289.1 -41.0 118.0 250.0 LZ Exploration BMU-25-005 C1300 596436.4 5883381.1 1283.8 40.0 320.0 48.0 LZ Geotechnical BMU-25-006 C1300 596436.5 5883381.1 1282.8 7.0 320.0 75.0 LZ Geotechnical BMU-25-007 L1260-SMP 596529.0 5882824.1 1256.7 3.0 135.0 275.0 LZ Infill / Exploration BMU-25-008 L1260-SMP 596529.6 5882824.8 1256.5 -1.0 108.0 45.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-009 L1260-SMP 596529.6 5882824.9 1256.8 5.5 108.0 45.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-010 L1260-SMP 596529.6 5882824.8 1256.6 -1.0 114.5 42.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-010a L1260-SMP 596529.4 5882824.6 1256.6 -1.0 114.5 6.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-011 L1260-SMP 596529.5 5882824.8 1256.7 5.5 114.5 42.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-012 L1260-SMP 596529.5 5882824.6 1256.4 -0.5 121.0 42.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-013 L1260-SMP 596529.3 5882824.7 1256.7 6.0 121.0 42.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-014 L1260-SMP 596529.3 5882824.5 1256.5 -0.5 127.5 48.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-015 L1260-SMP 596529.4 5882824.7 1256.7 6.0 127.5 42.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-016 L1260-SMP 596529.3 5882824.3 1256.5 -0.5 134.0 42.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-017 L1260-SMP 596529.3 5882824.4 1256.8 6.0 134.0 42.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-018 L1260-SMP 596529.1 5882824.1 1256.4 -0.5 140.0 45.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-019 L1260-SMP 596529.0 5882824.1 1256.7 6.0 140.0 42.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-020 L1260-SMP 596528.9 5882823.9 1256.5 -0.5 146.0 45.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-021 L1260-SMP 596528.8 5882824.0 1256.7 6.0 146.0 45.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-022 L1260-SMP 596528.9 5882823.9 1255.9 -17.5 146.0 72.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-023 L1260-SMP 596528.4 5882824.1 1256.2 -15.0 159.0 81.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-024 L1260-SMP 596528.9 5882824.1 1256.4 -1.0 159.0 78.4 LZ Infill BMU-25-025 L1260-SMP 596528.7 5882824.1 1257.1 18.0 159.0 78.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-026 L1260-SMP 596528.5 5882823.6 1256.1 -12.0 166.0 87.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-027 L1260-SMP 596528.4 5882823.8 1256.5 1.5 166.0 87.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-028 L1260-SMP 596528.4 5882823.8 1257.1 15.0 166.0 87.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-029 L1260-SMP 596528.1 5882823.8 1257.0 12.5 175.0 98.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-030 L1260-SMP 596528.2 5882823.6 1256.5 1.5 175.0 95.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-031 L1260-SMP 596528.2 5882823.6 1256.1 -10.0 175.0 95.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-032 L1290-ORE 596489.2 5882888.8 1289.6 20.0 245.0 120.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-033 L1290-ORE 596488.1 5882888.3 1290.0 14.0 245.0 106.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-034 L1290-ORE 596488.9 5882888.7 1289.9 7.0 245.0 96.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-035 L1290-ORE 596488.7 5882888.6 1290.0 -1.0 245.0 90.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-036 L1290-ORE 596488.6 5882888.5 1290.1 -11.0 245.0 81.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-037 L1290-ORE 596488.3 5882888.4 1290.1 -20.0 245.0 84.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-038 L1290-ORE 596488.6 5882888.5 1290.3 -30.0 245.0 87.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-039 L1290-ORE 596488.6 5882888.5 1290.5 -45.0 245.0 87.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-040 L1290-ORE 596488.6 5882888.5 1289.8 23.0 250.0 118.5 LZ Infill BMU-25-041 L1290-ORE 596489.0 5882888.6 1289.8 16.0 250.0 99.5 LZ Infill BMU-25-042 L1290-ORE 596489.0 5882888.6 1290.0 8.0 250.0 84.8 LZ Infill BMU-25-043 L1290-ORE 596488.1 5882888.3 1290.0 -1.0 250.0 78.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-044 L1290-ORE 596488.1 5882888.3 1290.0 -14.0 250.0 79.5 LZ Infill BMU-25-045 L1290-ORE 596488.1 5882888.3 1290.0 -25.5 250.0 79.5 LZ Infill BMU-25-046 L1290-ORE 596488.1 5882888.3 1290.0 -36.0 250.0 82.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-047 L1290-ORE 596488.4 5882888.4 1290.3 -47.0 250.0 90.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-048 L1290-ORE 596488.6 5882888.4 1289.8 24.5 256.0 108.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-049 L1290-ORE 596488.3 5882888.4 1289.9 16.0 256.0 93.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-050 L1290-ORE 596488.1 5882888.3 1290.0 7 256.0 93.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-051 L1290-ORE 596488.1 5882888.2 1290.0 -3 256.0 76.5 LZ Infill BMU-25-052 L1290-ORE 596488.1 5882888.3 1290.0 -18.5 256.0 76.5 LZ Infill BMU-25-053 L1290-ORE 596488.3 5882888.3 1290.0 -29 256.0 87.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-054 L1290-ORE 596488.0 5882888.3 1289.1 -40.0 256.0 84.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-055 L1290-ORE 596488.4 5882888.6 1291.1 28.0 265.0 104.5 LZ Infill BMU-25-056 L1290-ORE 596488.0 5882888.5 1290.1 -2.0 265.0 82.5 LZ Infill BMU-25-057 L1290-ORE 596488.6 5882888.8 1291.5 31.0 280.0 115.7 LZ Infill BMU-25-058 L1290-ORE 596488.1 5882888.8 1290.6 16.0 280.0 103.5 LZ Infill BMU-25-059 L1290-ORE 596488.3 5882888.9 1290.1 -3.0 280.0 84.0 LZ Infill BMU-25-060 L1290-ORE 596488.3 5882888.9 1289.7 -20.0 280.0 81.0 LZ Infill Table 4: Lowhee Zone Underground locations of wall and face chip and rock saw channel samples. Channel ID Mine Location Easting (UTM Z 12N) Northing (UTM Z 12N) Elevation (m) Length (m) Azimuth Year Sampled Type UGCH00168 1290-ORE-000 596526.5 5882944.2 1288.21 4.4 303 2024 Face Chip UGCH00169 1290-ORE-000 596524.2 5882940.1 1288.86 4.2 303 2024 Face Chip UGCH00170 1290-ORE-000 596520.7 5882934.5 1288.506 4.9 303 2024 Face Chip UGCH00171 1290-ORE-000 596518.6 5882931.6 1288.991 4.3 303 2024 Face Chip UGCH00172 1290-ORE-000 596516.7 5882928.7 1288.9 3.6 301 2024 Face Chip UGCH00173 1290-ORE-000 596515.6 5882926.2 1288.91 4.1 301 2024 Face Chip UGCH00174 1290-ORE-000 596513.7 5882922.1 1288.895 3.8 301 2024 Face Chip UGCH00175 1290-ORE-000 596512.3 5882919.0 1289.167 4.5 301 2024 Face Chip UGCH00176 1290-ORE-000 596510.7 5882914.2 1289.37 4.4 295 2024 Face Chip UGCH00177 1290-ORE-000 596511.7 5882917.3 1289.4 3.2 206 2024 Wall Chip Select UGCH00178 1290-ORE-000 596509.1 5882912.2 1288.767 4.2 292 2024 Face Chip UGCH00179 1290-ORE-000 596506.5 5882908.5 1289.067 4 302 2024 Face Chip UGCH00180 1290-ORE-000 596504.9 5882905.1 1289.713 4.2 300 2024 Face Chip UGCH00181 1290-ORE-000 596505.5 5882906.7 1289.694 1.7 209 2024 Wall Chip UGCH00182 1290-ORE-000 596503.0 5882902.0 1289.197 4.4 298 2024 Face Chip UGCH00183 1290-ORE-000 596501.0 5882898.4 1289.6 4.6 300 2024 Face Chip UGCH00184 1290-ORE-000 596498.3 5882895.3 1290.54 3.8 304 2024 Face Chip UGCH00185 1290-ORE-000 596496.4 5882892.6 1290.4 4 303 2024 Face Chip UGCH00186 1290-ORE-000 596495.2 5882890.5 1290.5 4.2 295 2024 Face Chip UGCH00187 1260-ORE-000 596491.4 5882884.6 1291 5.2 295 2024 Face Chip UGCH00188 1260-ORE-000 596522.8 5882930.9 1259.3 3.6 292 2024 Face Chip UGCH00189 1260-ORE-000 596521.8 5882928.0 1259.83 3.8 292.55 2024 Face Chip UGCH00190 1260-ORE-000 596520.5 5882924.9 1259.66 3.4 292 2024 Face Chip UGCH00191 1260-ORE-000 596520.4 5882921.3 1259.31 3.9 290 2024 Face Chip UGCH00192 1260-ORE-000 596518.1 5882914.0 1260.07 4.5 290 2024 Face Chip UGCH00193 1260-ORE-000 596515.8 5882910.8 1260 4.2 301 2024 Face Chip UGCH00194 1260-ORE-000 596513.3 5882908.2 1259.81 4 302.5 2024 Face Chip UGCH00195 1260-ORE-000 596510.9 5882905.5 1260.02 4 305.5 2024 Face Chip UGCH00196 1260-ORE-000 596508.6 5882903.1 1259.93 4 305.5 2024 Face Chip UGCH00197 1260-ORE-000 596507.1 5882900.7 1259.9 4.3 309.5 2024 Face Chip UGCH00198 1260-ORE-000 596504.7 5882897.9 1259.97 4.5 306.2 2024 Face Chip UGCH00199 1260-ORE-000 596502.4 5882895.1 1260.02 3.8 304.8 2024 Face Chip UGCH00200 1260-ORE-000 596500.0 5882892.0 1260.3 3.9 310 2024 Face Chip UGCH00201 1260-ORE-000 596528.1 5882941.6 1259.09 4.7 295 2024 Face Chip UGCH00202 1260-ORE-SLASH-000 596523.6 5882934.5 1288.7 3 275 2024 Face Chip UGCH00203 1260-ORE-SLASH-000 596522.3 5882931.8 1288.75 3.8 275 2024 Face Chip UGCH00204 1260-ORE-SLASH-000 596520.8 5882928.0 1289.9 3.8 282 2024 Face Chip UGCH00205 1260-ORE-SLASH-000 596517.9 5882924.9 1289.83 2.8 280 2024 Face Chip UGCH00206 1260-ORE-SLASH-000 596516.6 5882921.7 1289.8 2.7 270 2024 Face Chip UGCH00207 1260-ACC-001 596546.2 5882868.0 1259.705 5.6 300 2024 Face Chip UGCH00208 1260-ACC-001 596543.0 5882862.4 1259.114 5.8 300 2024 Face Chip UGCH00209 1260-ACC-001 596541.9 5882860.5 1258.492 6 300 2024 Face Chip UGCH00210 1260-ACC-001 596539.5 5882856.7 1259.258 5.2 301 2024 Face Chip UGCH00211 1260-ACC-001 596535.9 5882851.1 1257.247 5.5 301 2024 Face Chip UGCH00212 1260-ACC-001 596532.6 5882845.7 1256.52 5.9 301 2024 Face Chip UGCH00213 1260-ACC-001 596529.4 5882837.7 1256.4 6.5 298 2025 Face Chip UGCH00214 1260-WHL-000 596523.9 5882840.6 1257.4 4 130 2025 Wall Chip UGCH00215 1260-EHL 596527.4 5882838.5 1256.8 2.5 105 2025 Wall Chip UGCH00216 1260-EHL 596529.3 5882837.3 1256.8 8 125 2025 Wall Chip UGCH00217 1260-EHL 596536.4 5882833.4 1256.7 1.5 130 2025 Wall Chip UGCH00218 1260-MA 596530.0 5882854.0 1257.6 0.1 0 2025 Select UGCH00219 1260-SMP 596530.7 5882826.0 1256.06 4.5 300 2025 Face Chip UGCH00220 1260-SMP 596528.9 5882823.0 1256 4.2 300 2025 Face Chip UGCH00221 1260-WHL 596523.5 5882840.8 1256.77 10 301.7 2025 Wall Chip UGCH00222 1260-WHL 596526.0 5882844.8 1256 9.7 300 2025 Wall Chip UGCH00223 1260-EHL 596531.0 5882842.7 1256.5 10 126 2025 Wall Chip UGCH00224 1260-EHL 596539.0 5882836.8 1256 20 120 2025 Wall Chip UGCH00225 1260-EHL 596555.7 5882828.0 1256 7 120 2025 Wall Chip UGCH00226 1260-EHL 596535.0 5882834.0 1256 28.5 120 2025 Wall Chip UGCH00227 1260-WHL 596511.8 5882847.8 1256.4 4.6 15 2025 Face Chip UGCH00228 1260-ORE-002 596565.4 5882814.4 1256.548 6.4 303 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00229 1260-ORE-002 596565.3 5882814.4 1259.451 5.5 304 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00230 1260-ORE-002 596563.4 5882813.2 1256.887 4.2 303 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00231 1260-ORE-002 596563.5 5882813.2 1258.944 3.85 303 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00232 1260-ORE-002 596562.9 5882811.0 1257.052 4.5 303 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00233 1260-ORE-002 596562.2 5882811.4 1260.157 2.7 303 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00234 1260-ORE-002 596562.1 5882809.1 1257.09 4 303 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00235 1260-ORE-002 596561.7 5882809.3 1259.264 3 303 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00236 1260-ORE-002 596561.3 5882807.1 1257.368 4.2 303 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00237 1260-ORE-002 596561.3 5882807.1 1260.791 3.4 303 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00238 1260-ORE-002 596560.2 5882805.3 1257.465 4.2 302 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00239 1260-ORE-002 596560.2 5882805.3 1259.582 4 302 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00240 1260-ORE-002 596559.3 5882803.9 1257.756 4.7 303 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00241 1260-ORE-002 596558.3 5882804.4 1259.289 2.5 303 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00242 1260-ORE-002 596558.4 5882802.4 1257.791 4.5 303 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00243 1260-ORE-002 596558.1 5882802.5 1259.857 3.7 303 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00244 1260-ORE-002 596557.0 5882800.8 1257.615 4.3 303 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00245 1260-ORE-002 596557.1 5882800.7 1259.698 4.2 303 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00246 1260-ORE-002 596556.0 5882799.1 1257.685 4.4 302 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00247 1260-ORE-002 596556.0 5882799.1 1259.696 4.1 302 2025 Face Rock Saw Channel UGCH00248 1260-ORE-002 596558.4 5882810.4 1257.9 0.5 210 2025 Channel Select UGCH00249 1260-ORE-002 596557.8 5882809.5 1258 0.9 210 2025 Channel Select UGCH00250 1260-ORE-002 596557.2 5882808.4 1258.2 0.9 210 2025 Channel Select UGCH00251 1260-ORE-002 596556.8 5882807.7 1258.5 0.5 210 2025 Channel Select UGCH00252 1260-ORE-002 596556.0 5882806.0 1258.18 1.2 210 2025 Channel Select UGCH00253 1260-ORE-002 596555.7 5882806.0 1257.83 1 210 2025 Channel Select UGCH00254 1260-ORE-002 596554.4 5882803.9 1257.88 1.5 210 2025 Channel Select UGCH00255 1260-ORE-002 596563.5 5882812.2 1256.71 0.5 210 2025 Channel Select UGCH00256 1260-ORE-002 596563.6 5882812.3 1257.4 0.5 210 2025 Channel Select ABOUT LOWHEE ZONE Geological mapping and geochemical sampling were carried out on Barkerville Mountain from 2017-2018, with the Lowhee Zone identified as a high-priority drill target. In 2019, two southeast-oriented stratigraphic and 22 northwest-southeast oriented drillholes (8,337.0 m) were drilled at the Lowhee Zone. The drilling successfully identified auriferous quartz-carbonate veins at similar orientations to those observed elsewhere on the Cariboo Gold project. Initial 3D geological modelling and resource estimation commenced, and further drilling was recommended. In 2020, 24 northwest-oriented diamond drillholes (10,144.5 m) were drilled. The focus of the exploration program was to test the extent of mineralization along the down-dip and northeast strike-extent of veining. An internal resource estimation of the Lowhee deposit was completed. Further drilling was recommended to grow the confidence of the resource. In 2021, a total of 94 diamond drillholes (29,449.1 m) were drilled. The focus of drilling was to delineate, and infill modelled veins with 25 m spacing. BGMs resource modelling team produced a mineral resource estimate, and the collection of a bulk sample was recommended. In 2022, a total of 27 diamond drillholes (6,563.90 m) were drilled. There were two main goals with this drill program. The first goal was to infill a potential bulk sample location achieving category conversion from indicated (25 m spacing) to measured (12.5 m spacing). The second goal was to continue to delineate and infill modelled veins with 25 m spacing. Lowhee Zone access is through Cow portal on the northwestern flank of Barkerville Mountain (Figure 1 and Figure 3) Cow portal construction was completed in Q4 2024 and development of the underground ramp into the Lowhee zone commenced in Q1 2025. Approximately 350 m of development has been advanced within the Lowhee Zone deposit at the 1,290 and 1,260-elevation levels since completion of the main access ramp. The probable mineral reserves estimate for the Lowhee Zone includes 104,491 ounces of contained Au (923,162 tonnes grading 3.52 g/t Au) and represents approximately 5% of the total contained gold in the estimated probable mineral reserves for the Cariboo Gold Project. ABOUT CARIBOO GOLD PROJECT The Cariboo Gold Project is a permitted, 100%-owned feasibility-stage project located in the historic Wells-Barkerville mining camp of central British Columbia, Canada. Spanning approximately 186,740 hectares, the Companys land package includes 443 mineral titles and covers an approximate 77-kilometre strike of highly prospective exploration targets extending northwest to southeast. In late 2024, the Project was granted the Mines Act and Environmental Management Act (British Columbia) permits, marking the successful completion of the permitting process for key approvals, solidifying the Project's shovel-ready status. The Cariboo Gold Project hosts probable mineral reserves of 2.07 million ounces of contained Au (17,815 kt grading 3.62 g/t Au); measured mineral resources of 8,000 ounces of contained Au (47 kt grading 5.06 g/t Au); indicated mineral resources of 1.60 million ounces of contained Au (17,332 kt grading 2.88 g/t Au); and inferred mineral resources of 1.86 million ounces of contained Au (18,774 kt grading 3.09 g/t Au). Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves. Technical Reports Information relating to the Cariboo Gold Project and the 2025 FS on the Cariboo Gold Project is supported by the technical report, titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report, Feasibility Study for the Cariboo Gold Project, District of Wells, British Columbia, Canada" and dated June 11, 2025 (with an effective date of April 25, 2025) (the "Cariboo Technical Report"). For readers to fully understand the information in the Cariboo Technical Report, reference should be made to the full text of the Cariboo Technical Report, including all assumptions, parameters, qualifications, limitations and methods therein. The Cariboo Technical Report is intended to be read as in its entirety, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context. The Cariboo Technical Report was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and is available electronically on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on EDGAR (www.sec.gov) under Osisko Development's issuer profile and on the Company's website at www.osiskodev.com. Qualified Persons The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Eryn Doyle, P. Geo., Senior Exploration Manager of Osisko Development, a "qualified person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Quality Assurance (QA) Quality Control (QC) All drill core samples, once received from the drill and processed, are sawn in half, labelled and bagged. The remaining drill core is subsequently stored on site at a secured facility in Wells, B.C., Canada, with the exception of 615 m of core drilled from the L1260 Sump for which the second half of the drill core was also bagged and sent to the lab for analysis. This extra data was logged and stored as FIELD DUP samples. Numbered security tags are applied to lab shipments for chain of custody requirements. All material retrieved in chip and channel sampling is bagged for assay. Quality control (QC) samples are inserted at regular intervals in the sample stream for both diamond drilling and underground chip and channel sampling, including blanks and reference materials with all sample shipments to monitor laboratory performance. Drill core and underground chip and channel samples are submitted to MSALABS's analytical facility in Prince George, B.C., Canada, for preparation and analysis. The MSALABS facility is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for gold assays and all analytical methods include quality control materials at set frequencies with established data acceptance criteria. The entire sample is dried, crushed, and split into sealed containers. Analysis for gold is by gamma ray analysis using the Chrysos Photon Assay (PA1408X). Samples are bombarded with gamma rays and the resulting signal is sent to the detectors. Alternatively, drill core samples are submitted to ALS Geochemistrys analytical facility in North Vancouver, British Columbia for preparation and analysis. The ALS facility is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for gold assays and all analytical methods include quality control materials at set frequencies with established data acceptance criteria. The entire sample is crushed, and 250 grams is pulverized. Analysis for gold is by 50g fire assay fusion with atomic absorption (AAS) finish with a lower limit of 0.01 ppm and upper limit of 100 ppm. Samples with gold assays greater than 100 ppm are re-analyzed using a 1,000-gram screen metallic fire assay. A selected number of samples are also analyzed using a 48 multi-elemental geochemical package by a 4-acid digestion, followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Early program underground chip samples (UGCH00168 UGCH00187) were transported to the Companys nearby QR Mill Site complex for preparation and analysis at the internal QR Laboratory facilities. The Company's QR Mill Laboratory is not a certified analytical laboratory, but the facility is managed by a qualified Chief Assayer and certified OREAS QC standards and blanks are inserted at regular intervals in the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. Samples are dried, crushed to 2.0-2.4 mm and a 200 g split is taken. The split is pulverized, and a 20 g Fire Assay with Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) finish is completed to determine gold grades, reported in g/t. All samples herein that were initially processed at the QR Mill Laboratory were subsequently sent to ALS Geochemistrys North Vancouver facility for reanalysis with higher grade (> 3.0 g/t) run to extinction for more robust validation. ABOUT OSISKO DEVELOPMENT CORP. Osisko Development Corp. is a continental North American gold development company focused on past-producing mining camps located in mining friendly jurisdictions with district scale potential. The Company's objective is to become an intermediate gold producer by advancing its flagship permitted 100%-owned Cariboo Gold Project, located in central B.C., Canada. Its project pipeline is complemented by the Tintic Project in the historic East Tintic mining district in Utah, U.S.A., and the San Antonio Gold Project in Sonora, Mexicobrownfield properties with significant exploration potential, extensive historical mining data, access to existing infrastructure and skilled labour. The Company's strategy is to develop attractive, long-life, socially and environmentally responsible mining assets, while minimizing exposure to development risk and growing mineral resources. For further information, visit our website at www.osiskodev.com or contact: Sean Roosen Philip Rabenok Chairman and CEO Vice President, Investor Relations Email: sroosen@osiskodev.com Email: prabenok@osiskodev.com Tel: +1 (514) 940-0685 Tel: +1 (437) 423-3644 CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements contained in this news release may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation (together, "forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements, by their nature, require Osisko Development to make certain assumptions and necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. Words such as "may", "will", "would", "could", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "continue", "objective", "strategy", or the negative or comparable terminology, as well as terms usually used in the future and the conditional, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Information contained in forward-looking statements is based upon certain material assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including the assumptions, qualifications, limitations or statements relating to the prospectivity of exploration in the Lowhee Zone and targets outside of the currently defined mineral resources; the results (if any) of further exploration work to define and expand mineral resources at depth; the results, timing, utility and significance of the ongoing 13,000-meter infill drill program (if any); the ability and utility of exploration work (including drilling) to inform resource modeling, mine planning, production stope design procedures and parameters, and the appropriate grid spacing for future infill drilling (if at all); the ability and timing (if at all) to complete future additional systemic grid infill drill programs; the interpretation and accuracy of structure modeling and assumptions in regard to potential resource extensions at depth (if at all); the Company's strategy and objectives relating to the Cariboo Gold Project as well as its other projects; the assumptions, qualifications and limitations relating to the Cariboo Gold Project being permitted; assumptions, qualifications and parameters underlying the Cariboo Technical Report (including, but not limited to, the mineral resources, mineral reserves, production profile, mine design and project economics); the results of the Cariboo Technical Report as an indicator of quality and robustness of the Cariboo Gold Project, as well as other considerations that are believed to be appropriate in the circumstances; the ability of the Company to achieve the estimates outlined in the Cariboo Technical Report in the timing contemplated (if at all); the ability to achieve the capital and operating costs outlined in the Cariboo Technical Report (if at all); the ability, progress and timing in respect of pre-construction activities at Cariboo including the 13,000-meter infill drill program; the contemplated work plan and activities at the Cariboo Gold Project and the timing, scope and results thereof and associated costs thereto; the potential impact of tariffs and other trade restrictions (if any); mineral resource category conversion; the future development and operations at the Cariboo Gold Project; management's perceptions of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments; the utility and significance of historic data, including the significance of the district hosting past producing mines; future mining activities; the results (if any) of further exploration work to define and expand mineral resources; the ability of exploration work (including drilling and sampling) to accurately predict mineralization; the ability of the Company to expand mineral resources beyond current mineral resource estimates; the ability of the Company to complete its exploration and development objectives for its projects in the timing contemplated and within expected costs (if at all); the ongoing advancement of the deposits on the Company's properties; sustainability and environmental impacts of operations at the Company's properties; gold prices; the Project being shovel-ready; the costs required to advance the Company's properties; the ability to adapt to changes in gold prices, estimates of costs, estimates of planned exploration and development expenditures; the profitability (if at all) of the Company's operations; regulatory framework remaining defined and understood as well as other considerations that are believed to be appropriate in the circumstances, and any other information herein that is not a historical fact may be "forward looking information". Osisko Development considers its assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, but cautions the reader that their assumptions regarding future events, many of which are beyond the control of Osisko Development, may ultimately prove to be incorrect since they are subject to risks and uncertainties that affect Osisko Development and its business. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, risks relating to third-party approvals, including the issuance of permits by governments, capital market conditions and the Company's ability to access capital on terms acceptable to the Company for the contemplated exploration and development at the Company's properties; the ability to continue current operations and exploration; regulatory framework and presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; errors in management's geological modelling; the timing and ability of the Company to obtain and maintain required approvals and permits; the results of exploration activities; risks relating to exploration, development and mining activities; the global economic climate; fluctuations in metal and commodity prices; fluctuations in the currency markets; dilution; environmental risks; and community, non-governmental and governmental actions and the impact of stakeholder actions. Osisko Development is confident a robust consultation process was followed in relation to its received BC Mines Act and Environmental Management Act permits for the Cariboo Gold Project and continues to actively consult and engage with Indigenous nations and stakeholders. While any party may seek to have the decision related to the BC Mines Act and/or Environmental Management Act permits reviewed by the courts, the Company does not expect that such a review would, were it to occur, impact its ability to proceed with the construction and operation of the Cariboo Gold Project in accordance with the approved BC Mines Act and Environmental Management Act permits. Readers are urged to consult the disclosure provided under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024 as well as the financial statements and MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2024 and quarter ended June 30, 2025, which have been filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Osisko Development's issuer profile and on the SEC's EDGAR website (www.sec.gov), for further information regarding the risks and other factors facing the Company, its business and operations. Although the Company's believes the expectations conveyed by the forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information available as of the date hereof, no assurances can be given as to future results, levels of activity and achievements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and there can be no assurance that these 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. 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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6f8827c8-7955-4189-8fc1-13f4098c3b7e https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c33f9d44-64a9-4529-8d94-9c97bc09373b https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dfbbc3ea-7e5e-4316-bb4c-5a6068a5ebe0 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e83f9d43-0d02-4c9f-8565-b2516bfa0b5d https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1dd12c56-b4c1-459a-9dfb-dfd05a424571 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asante Gold Corporation (CSE: ASE | GSE: ASG | FRANKFURT:1A9 | OTCQX: ASGOF) (Asante or the Company) announces that Kinross Gold Corporation (Kinross) announced today that it had sold an aggregate of 29,850,984 common shares (Shares) of Asante representing approximately 4.2% of the outstanding Shares of Asante and approximately 44.7% of the Shares held by Kinross in the Company. The Shares were sold at a price per Share of $1.55, a 10% discount to the closing price of the Shares on Friday, September 5, 2025. Prior to the sale, Kinross held approximately 9.4% of the outstanding Shares and up to 18% of the Shares, on a partially-diluted basis, assuming conversion of all convertible instruments held by Kinross. After the sale, Kinross holds 36,927,650 Shares, 5,000,000 warrants to purchase Shares and a convertible debenture which is convertible into Shares at the option of Kinross at any time for a period of five years from the date of issuance at a conversion price equal to C$1.81 per Share. Kinross now owns approximately 5.2% of Asantes outstanding Shares, on a non-diluted basis, and 13.2% of the outstanding Shares, on a partially diluted basis assuming the conversion of the convertible securities of Asante held by Kinross. Dave Anthony, President and CEO of Asante stated, This block of Shares was issued to Kinross as partial consideration when the Company purchased the Chirano Mine from Kinross in 2022. Kinross has been and remains a very supportive partner to Asante and were pleased that Kinross has been able to monetize this component of the original share consideration at an increase to the original value. 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. About Asante Gold Corporation Asante is a gold exploration, development and operating company with a high-quality portfolio of projects and mines in Ghana. Asante is currently operating the Bibiani and Chirano Gold Mines and continues with detailed technical studies at its Kubi Gold Project. All mines and exploration projects are located on the prolific Bibiani and Ashanti Gold Belts. Asante has an experienced and skilled team of mine finders, builders and operators, with extensive experience in Ghana. The Company is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange and the Ghana Stock Exchange. Asante is also exploring its Keyhole, Fahiakoba and Betenase projects for new discoveries, all adjoining or along strike of major gold mines near the centre of Ghanas Golden Triangle. Additional information is available on the Companys website at www.asantegold.com. For further information please contact: Dave Anthony, President & CEO Frederick Attakumah, Executive Vice President and Country Director Tel: +1 604 661 9400 or +233 303 972 147 Email: info@asantegold.com Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release constitute forward-looking statements. 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. The reader is referred to the Companys public disclosure record which is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). 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 as required by securities laws and the policies of the securities exchanges on which the Company is listed, 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. Baltimore, MD, Sept. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A released presentation from bestselling author and entrepreneur James Altucher has revealed stunning details about Elon Musks most ambitious project yet: the creation of an AI Mothership. The briefing ties this technological leap directly to one of President Donald Trumps earliest acts in office. The briefing opens with a striking line: THE WORLDS TWO MOST POWERFUL MEN are teaming up to unlock the full power of ARTIFICIAL SUPERINTELLIGENCE . Trump Clears the Path The presentation highlights Trumps early move: In one of his FIRST acts as President Donald Trump overturned Executive Order #14110. That order, signed by President Biden in October 2023, had limited the development of U.S. artificial intelligence with burdensome regulations and safety procedures that, until now, have prevented us from unleashing its true power. By lifting those restrictions, Trump cleared the way for Musks most ambitious AI project to accelerate. Musks AI Mothership in Memphis While Washington reset policy, Musk was already building. Altucher reveals: Right here, at a remote warehouse in Memphis, TN Elon Musk has created the AI mothership An innovation of such enormous proportion That he has already surpassed all the leading AI developers . Those developers include the worlds largest tech companies: Microsoft Meta OpenAI Google and even Nvidia. The presentation makes clear Musks ambitions: Musk says this project will help him unlock the deepest secrets of the universe And achieve things possibly in a matter of weeks that we cant even fathom . The Coming Wave of Superintelligence Altucher frames Musks mothership as the dawn of a second wave: This will lead to the rise of AI 2.0 Or what I call Artificial Superintelligence . The speed and scale, he warns, will rival the greatest revolutions in history. We are about to enter an age of exponential innovation and wealth . A Global Contest The briefing doesnt shy away from the stakes: Make no mistake. We are in an AI arms race, and America is determined to win . With Musks Memphis mothership and Trumps deregulation, Altucher argues the U.S. has positioned itself to outpace rivals in China, Europe, and beyond. The presentation cautions: What youre about to see could change your life forever . About James Altucher James Altucher is a computer scientist, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and venture capitalist. He managed millions on Wall Street, launched hedge funds, and became one of the first to design proprietary AI trading research software. Known for correctly predicting the rise of Bitcoin, Facebook, and Apple before they became mainstream, Altucher now turns his focus to Elon Musks AI Mothership and the Trump-backed policy shifts accelerating its rise. Vancouver, September 8, 2025 - Electrum Discovery Corp. ("Electrum" and/or the "Company") (TSX-V:ELY | FRA:R8N | OTC:ELDCF) is pleased to announce that the Company has launched a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of up to 20,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units"), at a price of $0.07 per Unit (the "Issue Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of up to approximately $1.4 million. Each Unit will comprise one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share of the Company at a price of $0.15 for a period of 24 months following the completion of the Private Placement. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for exploration and development of the Company's mineral projects in Serbia, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Certain insiders of the Company may participate in the Private Placement, and the Company may pay a finder's fee to registrants who assist the Company in connection with the Private Placement. Completion of the Private Placement is subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of TSX Venture Exchange. The Private Placement may be closed in one or more tranches with a further news release to be issued on closing of the Private Placement. The securities issued in connection with the Private Placement will be subject to a four-month plus one day hold period commencing on the day of the closing of the Offering under applicable Canadian securities laws. About Electrum Discovery Corp. Electrum Discovery Corp. is a Canadian based, growth-oriented company, committed to increasing shareholder value through advancement of its two projects: gold-silver Novo Tlamino and copper-gold Timok East, located in two known mineralized districts within the prolific Western Tethyan Belt in the Republic of Serbia. Electrum Discovery is looking to maximize the value of our mineral projects for all stakeholders including our shareholders, the local community and government, while fostering sustainability, governance, and knowledge transfer in the region. Additional information on Electrum can be found by reviewing the Company's page on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. For more information contact: Dr Elena Clarici, Chief Executive Officer and Director T: +1 604 801 5432 | E: elena@electrumdiscovery.com | W: electrumdiscovery.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information. Such statements include Company's expected achievement of specified milestones, results of operations, and expected financial results of the Company. Often, but not always, this forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "estimates", "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "upgraded", "offset", "limited", "contained", "reflecting", "containing", "remaining", "to be", "periodically", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Electrum, to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, uncertainties inherent in the PEA and exploration results and the estimation of mineral resources; risks related to the failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; risks associated with the results of exploration and development activities, and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in Electrum's quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under Electrum's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Rock chips and surface results are early stage and there is no assurance that future exploration will find mineralization of further interest. Although Electrum has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking information contained herein is based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management. Forward-looking information has been made as of the date hereof and Electrum disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Headwater Gold Inc. (CSE: HWG) (OTCQB: HWAUF) (the "Company" or "Headwater") is pleased to announce the completion of airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys and a ground gravity survey on its 100%-controlled Crane Creek gold project located in western Idaho. The Company has also received drill permits from the state of Idaho and BLM authorizing drilling activities on the project. Highlights: The Company has identified new high-priority drill targets beneath outcropping gold-bearing epithermal quartz veins where potential mineralized feeder structures have never been tested at depth as well as new target areas with the potential to significantly expand the mineralized footprint of the system. The radiometric survey delineated a 4 km long by 2 km wide zone of potassium enrichment encompassing the Crane Creek epithermal vein system and unexplored areas to the west and south. This anomaly is interpreted to represent the footprint of illite-adularia hydrothermal alteration and highlights prospectivity beyond the exposed portion of the epithermal vein system. The magnetic survey identified numerous targets for fault-hosted vein mineralization within the same structural corridor as NevGold Corp's Nutmeg Mountain project located 8 km along strike to the southeast. Clear identification of structures from results of the magnetic survey allows mapping of potential target structures under cover, in areas that have never been drill tested. The Company has received all necessary permits from the BLM and Idaho Department of Lands for exploration drilling on the project, including a total of 14 drill pads across BLM land and leased land from the State of Idaho. The Company is evaluating strategic options for advancing Crane Creek, including potential partnerships, while also preparing for the possibility of conducting initial drilling itself. Caleb Stroup, President and CEO of Headwater, comments: "We are very excited about the opportunity at Crane Creek, particularly as this part of Idaho has gained a much higher profile with the recent discovery by Hercules Metals. Our detailed geophysical surveys, geological mapping and reinterpretation of historical drilling demonstrate that the system is larger and more robust than previously recognized. Together, these datasets have defined a series of exploration targets for both high-grade vein mineralization and potential near-surface bulk-tonnage gold. With permits secured and drill targets now defined, we are now positioned with a range of options to advance this exciting project." Click Image To View Full Size Figure 1: Location of the Crane Creek project in western Idaho with respect to the Crane Creek Graben, a major extensional fault system which hosts the Nutmeg Mountain epithermal gold deposit, and lies approximately 40 km south of the recently discovered copper porphyry belt centered on the Hercules project. Crane Creek Geophysical Surveys Airborne Radiometric Survey Precision Geosurveys completed a 302 line-km helicopter airborne magnetic and radiometric survey at 100 m spacing totaling 27.4 km2 (Figures 2 and 3). Results from the airborne radiometric survey show a broad radiometric high defined by increased potassium concentrations that coincide with mapped areas of argillic alteration and are interpreted to represent illite-adularia alteration associated with mineralizing fluids. Thorium is immobile in comparison to potassium and evaluation of the ratios of these two elements gives further confidence that the radiometric high defined over the center of the property is related to hydrothermal fluid flow and alteration rather Click Image To View Full Size than lithologic variability. Figure 2: Potassium response map from the Crane Creek airborne radiometric shows a coherent potassium anomaly 4 km long and 2 km wide that extends west and south from the area of previously known epithermal vein mineralization. Airborne Magnetic Survey The airborne magnetic survey displays a strong NNW structural trend in the project area related to basin-bounding structures parallel to and possibly controlling the outcropping vein zones. The sharp magnetic contrast associated with these NNW-trending breaks enables continuous mapping of target structures under cover and away from the main area of outcropping veins. Linear magnetic lows within the alteration footprint locally coincide with outcropping zones of mineralization and may directly map zones of structurally controlled magnetite-destructive alteration associated zones of more intense mineralization. Click Image To View Full Size Figure 3: Reduced to Pole magnetic response map from Crane Creek airborne magnetic survey showing epithermal veins situated within a system of NW-striking faults that define the Crane Creek Graben. Magnetic lows highlighted by the survey are potentially related to hydrothermal alteration and have seen minimal drill testing outside the area of outcropping mineralization. Gravity Survey Magee Geophysical Services and Thomas Carpenter completed ground gravity surveys consisting of a regional survey of 440 stations collected along a station spacing of approximately 500 m, and a higher resolution survey over the main Crane Creek vein system consisting of 69 stations spaced on a 200 m grid. The property is characterized by a broad northwest-trending gravity low bordered by gravity gradients that coincide with basin-bounding structures observed in surface mapping and magnetics. The NNW trend of these features highlights the continuity of a major Miocene graben which is a well-documented setting for epithermal deposits worldwide. The eastern margin of this graben coincides with both the mineralized footprint at Crane Creek and NevGold Corp's Nutmeg Mountain deposit (1.0 Moz Au M&I1,2), located approximately 8 km along strike to the southeast. Exploration Implications from Geophysical Survey Results The recent geophysical surveys highlight exploration potential on the property beyond the historically tested areas, where previous drilling targeted shallow (<150 m) disseminated and vein-hosted mineralization beneath outcropping gold-bearing quartz veins. Integration of new geophysical data with existing datasets highlights the potential for testing historic high-grade intercepts down-dip and along strike where the system remains open, as well as newly generated structural targets within the broader alteration footprint. A clear target is the structural corridor occupied by the outcropping veins that is well-defined in the magnetic survey and shown to extend hundreds of meters north of the known historical drilling. Additional targets include fault splays with geophysical signatures comparable to the known mineralized block that lie within the interpreted broad zone of illite-adularia alteration that is typical of high-temperature epithermal systems. The surveys define numerous structurally aligned magnetic lows coincident with the potassium anomaly that Headwater geologists interpret as magnetite-destructive hydrothermal alteration associated with a fluid upflow zone. These areas represent priority targets for fault-hosted epithermal veins that have seen little to no historical drilling. Drill Permits Permits for exploration drilling on the property are in place with the BLM and Idaho Department of Lands. Permitted drill pads are centered on the area of outcropping mineralized veins that lie near the center of the radiometric anomaly described above. The permitted drill pads will allow for 1) confirmation drilling of historical mineralized zones; 2) initial drill tests at untested depths below zones of shallow vein-controlled mineralization; and 3) expansion drilling along strike and between zones of known mineralization. About the Crane Creek Project The Crane Creek project is located in western Idaho, approximately 18 km northeast of the town of Weiser and 90 km northwest of the city of Boise, with a paved county road less than 1 km from the southern property boundary. The project is fully permitted for drilling under a Notice of Intent with the BLM and a Plan of Operation with the Idaho Department of Lands. The project encompasses an array of mineralized epithermal quartz veins within a broad gold and trace element geochemical anomaly and features characteristic of a well-preserved low-sulfidation system, including mercury prospects, widespread opaline silica, and chalcedonic vein fill. This alteration cell is located 8 km along trend northwest of the Nutmeg Mountain gold project (1,006,000 oz Au Indicated, 275,000 oz Au Inferred1,2). The Crane Creek project comprises approximately 1,240 hectares, consisting of 123 unpatented federal mining claims on BLM land, a 640-acre State of Idaho minerals lease and a private lease. Historic drilling took place on the property between 1984 and 1996, consisting of mainly shallow reverse-circulation holes with an average depth of 71 m and only three holes drilled to greater than 150 m in depth1. Historic drilling primarily targeted bulk-tonnage disseminated mineralization in a package of near-surface sedimentary rocks, with most holes terminated shortly after intercepting an underlying basalt unit. A significant number of holes encountered mineralized quartz veins ranging from 2.0 g/t Au up to 8.14 g/t Au that were apparently never followed up, within broader intervals of disseminated low-grade mineralization. The potential for basalt-hosted high-grade veins at depths of 100 m or more below the paleosurface, such as those occurring at the Midas mine in northern Nevada (Hecla Mining Company) and the Cerro Negro mine (Newmont Corporation) in Argentina, remains untested at the project. About Headwater Gold Headwater Gold Inc. (CSE: HWG, OTCQB: HWAUF) is a technically-driven mineral exploration company focused on exploring for and discovering high-grade precious metal deposits in the Western USA. Headwater is actively exploring one of the world's most well-endowed, mining-friendly jurisdictions, with a goal of making world-class precious metal discoveries. The Company has a large portfolio of epithermal vein exploration projects and a technical team with diverse experience in capital markets and major mining companies. Headwater is systematically drill-testing several projects in Nevada and has strategic earn-in agreements with Newmont on its Spring Peak and Lodestar projects. In August 2022 and September 2024, Newmont and Centerra Gold Inc. acquired strategic equity interests in the Company, further strengthening Headwater's exploration capabilities. For more information about Headwater, please visit the Company's website at www.headwatergold.com. Headwater is part of the NewQuest Capital Group which is a discovery-driven investment enterprise that builds value through the incubation and financing of mineral projects and companies. Further information about NewQuest can be found on the company website at www.nqcapitalgroup.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Caleb Stroup President and CEO +1 (775) 409-3197 cstroup@headwatergold.com For further information, please contact: Brennan Zerb Investor Relations Manager +1 (778) 867-5016 bzerb@headwatergold.com Qualified Person The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Gregory Dering, P.Geo (AIPG CPG-12298), a "Qualified Person" ("QP") as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Dr. Dering is not independent by reason of being the Company's Vice President of Exploration. References 1The Qualified Person has been unable to verify the information on the adjacent properties. Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby and/or geologically similar properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's properties. Historical resource estimates, historical drill intercepts, and historical surface samples are treated by the Company as historical in nature, and not current or NI 43-101 compliant. 2Nevgold Corp. 2023 Almaden NI43-101 Technical Report ( https://www.sedar.com ) 3Reported grades were calculated using a 0.2 g/t cut-off grade for primary intervals and a 2 g/t cut-off grade for included intervals. Intervals correspond to downhole thickness, with insufficient information available to calculate true thickness. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding future capital expenditures, exploration activities and the specifications, targets, results, analyses, interpretations, benefits, costs and timing of them, Newmont's anticipated funding of the earn-in projects and the timing thereof, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, including the Company's exploration plans and the proposed expenditures for exploration work thereon, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, the risk that Newmont will not elect to obtain any additional prognostic interest in the earn-in projects in excess of the minimum commitment, the ability of the Company to obtain the required permits, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, the Company's limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated May 26, 2021 and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements, except as otherwise required by law. Rokmaster Resources Corp. (TSXV: RKR) (OTCQB: RKMSF) (FSE: 1RR1) ("Rokmaster" or "the Company") is pleased to announce results from the first phase of field work on the Hanson Property (the "Property"). The Hanson Property is the latest addition to the Nechako Project Area, which totals 27,178 hectares (271 km2) across three properties located in west-central British Columbia, where Rokmaster is targeting significant porphyry CuMoAu mineralization and high-grade Au-Ag vein systems in the southern portion of the productive Stikine terrane (Figure 1). Recent forest fires and related logging provides new advantages of access and exposure to build on the positive historical exploration work on all three properties. The Hanson Property is largely underlain by granite, monzonite, and granodiorite of the Endako Batholith which also hosts the past producing Endako Molybdenum Mine located approximately 20 km south of the Property (Figure 2). The Hanson Property is situated near a major structural intersection with potential for three distinct periods of mineralization in the district: late Jurassic porphyry Mo, late Cretaceous porphyry CuMoAu, and early Eocene porphyry Cu-Au. Previous exploration work, mostly completed by Endako Mines in the 1970's, generated several significant soil and geophysical anomalies which have received only limited testing. The Cyr Zone in the northern portion of the Property is characterized by strongly pyritic and clay altered Stern Creek diorite intruded by later phase(s) of quartz feldspar porphyry dikes. Multiple trenches and shallow drillholes in the area recorded anomalous gold, silver, lead, zinc, and copper concentrations over a broad area and across large intervals1. The Company collected several grab rock samples from the Cyr Zone in the summer of 2025 and returned elevated gold, silver, and lead (Figure 3). The Wilson Zone features a 900 x 800 m soil anomaly with high molybdenum (10-126 ppm Mo) and copper (80-357 ppm Cu) concentrations that remains open to the north, east, and west. This anomaly is coincident with outcrops of Stern Creek diorite which hosts fracture- and vein-hosted molybdenite mineralization and extensive potassic secondary biotite alteration. The soil anomaly area also hosts historical rock sample results up to 1.37% Mo, 0.47% Cu, and 0.48 g/t Au as well as an open I.P anomaly detected in 1973. The Buckley Zone is characterized by an extensive 1,500 x 1,500 m molybdenum soil anomaly (anomalous values ranging 10-71 ppm Mo) which remains open to the south and east. The Cretaceous Hanson Phase monzonite of the Endako Batholith largely underlies this anomaly, with several north-trending quartz feldspar porphyry dikes observed in the summer of 2025. One of these dikes returned 0.73 g/t Au in a grab rock sample directly east of the currently defined Buckley Zone soil anomaly. Field work on the Nechako Project has been ongoing throughout 2025 on all three Properties, with updates to come for the Mystery and Fox-Coconut Properties. An exploration permit application had been applied for the Hanson Property and the Company anticipates approval soon. John Mirko, President and CEO, comments: "The first phase of field work on the Hanson Property returned great results expanding the large soil Mo anomalies at the Buckley and Wilson Zones. The identification of potassic alteration related to the molybdenite mineralization at the Wilson Zone indicates that the Property is in the proper geological environment for porphyry CuMoAu systems to form, and we are excited to continue developing the numerous targets for drill testing." The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Eric Titley, P.Geo., who is independent of Rokmaster and who acts as Rokmaster's Qualified Person. Footnote 1: Chapman, J.A. 1989. Exploration Report Reverse-Circulation Drill Program 1989. Cazador Explorations Limited. BC Assessment Report Database #19155. Twyman, M.P. 1991. Hanson Lake Project Diamond Drilling Program 1990. Cazador Explorations Limited. BC Assessment Report Database #21187. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Rokmaster Resources Corp. John Mirko, President & Chief Executive Officer. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term in defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("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. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to fluctuations in metal prices; uncertainties related to raising sufficient financing to fund the planned work in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; changes in planned work resulting from weather, logistical, technical or other factors; the possibility that results of work will not fulfill expectations and realize the perceived potential of the Company's properties; risk of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in the work program; the risk of environmental contamination or damage resulting from Rokmaster's operations and other risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. SOURCE Rokmaster Resources Corp. For more information please contact: Mr. John Mirko, President & CEO of Rokmaster Resources Corp., jmirko@rokmaster.com, Ph. +1 (604) 290-4647 or by website: www.rokmaster.com Aiguille Zone now delineated over 100 m strike length, highlighted by drill hole DUP25-058 returning 1.43 g/t Au over 24.1 m, including 4.56 g/t Au over 4.0 m Exploration drilling program continues through the month of September with ~16,000 m completed in 2025 to date First Mining Gold Corp. ("First Mining" or the "Company") (TSX: FF) (OTCQX: FFMGF) (FRANKFURT: FMG) is pleased to announce additional drilling results from the 2025 exploration program at its Duparquet Gold Project ("Duparquet Project" or the "Project") located in the Abitibi region of Quebec, Canada. The Company has been actively drilling at the Duparquet Project and has completed ~16,000 m of drilling since March 2025, with a focus on advancing key resource expansion targets. Remaining assay results from the 2025 program are pending, and the Company will provide further updates as results are received and interpreted. Highlights from the latest drilling include the continued advancement of the Aiguille discovery zone. Drill hole DUP25-058 returned 1.43 g/t Au over 24.1 m, including 4.56 g/t Au over 4.0 m, further extending the target eastward along strike. Originally discovered in 2024, the Aiguille Zone returned 8.99 g/t Au over 3.1 m in DUP24-044 (see news release dated January 20, 2025). With the latest results, the Aiguille target has now been delineated over an approximate strike length of 100 m. The zone remains open, and follow-up drilling will focus on further defining both its vertical and strike extents. "Our exploration teams continue to build on our drilling success at Duparquet with the advancement of priority target areas proximal to the existing mineral resource, aimed at bolstering continuity and endowment in support of our development vision," stated Dan Wilton, CEO of First Mining. "With a highly productive drill program to date, we look forward to further strong results-driven updates on the Project." Drilling at the Valentre target has continued in 2025, with recent assay results returning 2.80 g/t Au over 3.25 m, including 4.93 g/t Au over 1.75 m in drill hole DUP25-057. Ongoing drilling at the Central Duparquet-Valentre-Dumico ("CVD") target, together with the adjacent Aiguille and Miroir targets, continues to reinforce the area as an emerging resource growth centre that could have synergies with mining development scenarios. Furthermore, with the expansion of the Aiguille and Miroir targets, the Company has demonstrated a favourable area with a concentration of gold mineralization spanning 1.5 km by 0.5 km (See Figure 1). The latest completed holes total 1,053 metres of the 2025 program and assay highlights are shown in Table 1, with a full list of assays returned in Table 2 and collar details in Table 3. Table 1: Selected Significant Drill Intercepts, 2025 Program - Aiguille and Valentre Targets Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Grade (Au g/t) Target DUP25-057 208.15 211.4 3.25 2.80 Valentre DUP25-057 inc. 208.15 209.9 1.75 4.93 Valentre DUP25-058 376.9 401.0 24.1 1.43 Aiguille DUP25-058 inc. 395.0 399.0 4.0 4.56 Aiguille Duparquet 2025 Exploration Program Updates Exploration activities at the Duparquet Project continue to advance, with ~16,000 m drilled in 2025 to date. Drilling has been strategically focused on key resource expansion targets including CVD, Miroir, Aiguille, North Zone, South Zone, and the newly discovered Minuit Zone, where programs are aimed at building on the Project's strong growth potential (Figure 2). In parallel, regional field programs are progressing to refine and advance additional targets toward future drill readiness. Additional Details on the Aiguille and CVD Targets Aiguille The 2025 Aiguille drilling program is focused on expanding the extent of mineralization along strike and plunge of the two discovery holes completed in 2024. Recent drilling returned 1.43 g/t Au over 24.1 m, including 4.56 g/t Au over 4.0 m, in drill hole DUP25-058 (Figure 3). Mineralization is hosted within alternating brecciated and altered basalt, argillite, and syenite units, with up to 5% very fine-grained and medium-grained pyrite. Mineralization is consistent along interpreted east-west trending D2 structures, which are characterized by intense brecciation and shearing. Drilling to date has extended the mineralized strike length at Aiguille to approximately 100 m, and the zone remains open both at depth and along strike, particularly toward surface and eastward (Figure 4). Central Duparquet - Valentre - Dumico Drilling at the CVD target area has been further advanced with drill holes DUP25-055 and DUP25-057 (Table 2). Notably, DUP25-057 returned 2.80 g/t Au over 3.25 m, including 4.93 g/t Au over 1.75 m. Mineralized intersections are hosted in brecciated silica-altered basalt or syenite, containing up to 5% very fine-grained disseminated pyrite. The exploration strategy at the CVD target is focused on expanding the mineralized footprint and demonstrating continuity along strike and at depth. Results will be incorporated into an updated 3D geological model to guide future drilling programs and support the potential inclusion of the CVD target in future mineral resource estimates (Figure 5). Table 2: Latest Assay Results from 2025 Drill Program Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Grade ( Au g/t) Target DUP25-055 28.25 29.0 0.75 0.80 Dumico DUP25-055 47.3 47.8 0.5 1.86 Dumico DUP25-055 53.45 54.95 1.5 1.49 Dumico DUP25-055 130.3 138.75 8.45 0.94 Valentre DUP25-055 214.3 216.2 1.9 0.61 Valentre DUP25-055 220.15 225.0 4.85 0.55 Valentre DUP25-055 227.7 229.0 1.3 0.53 Valentre DUP25-055 234.5 235.25 0.75 0.49 Valentre DUP25-055 241.8 242.3 0.5 0.78 Valentre DUP25-057 57.5 59.0 1.5 1.45 Valentre DUP25-057 73.5 75.0 1.5 0.60 Valentre DUP25-057 143.5 144.1 0.6 0.47 Valentre DUP25-057 145.55 147.1 1.55 0.57 Valentre DUP25-057 203.0 204.0 1.0 0.40 Valentre DUP25-057 208.15 211.4 3.25 2.80 Valentre DUP25-057 inc. 208.15 209.9 1.75 4.93 Valentre DUP25-057 227.6 228.35 0.75 0.76 Valentre DUP25-057 229.65 230.45 0.8 0.48 Valentre DUP25-057 240.0 241.0 1.0 4.12 Valentre DUP25-057 263.25 264.15 0.9 0.69 Valentre DUP25-057 280.0 283.7 3.7 1.06 Valentre DUP25-057 297.5 298.0 0.5 1.74 Valentre DUP25-058 59.0 60.0 1.0 2.43 Central Duparquet DUP25-058 94.6 95.3 0.7 0.59 Central Duparquet DUP25-058 99.0 100.0 1.0 1.12 Central Duparquet DUP25-058 106.5 108.0 1.5 1.39 Central Duparquet DUP25-058 152.95 153.45 0.5 2.48 Central Duparquet DUP25-058 160.0 164.55 4.55 0.63 Central Duparquet DUP25-058 367.45 369.0 1.55 2.21 Aiguille DUP25-058 376.9 401.0 24.1 1.43 Aiguille DUP25-058 inc. 395.0 399.0 4.0 4.56 Aiguille *Reported intervals are drilled core lengths (true widths are estimated at 75-85% of the core length interval; assay values are uncut) Table 3: 2025 Drill Hole Locations - Minuit, Aiguille, Valentre Zones Hole ID Azimuth () Dip () Length (m) Easting Northing DUP25-055 180 -53 276 633521 5373938 DUP25-057 175 -57 327 633411 5373966 DUP25-058 179 -57 450 633346 5373897 Note: Collar coordinates in UTM NAD 83 z17 About the Duparquet Gold Project The Duparquet Project is geologically situated in the southern part of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt and is geographically located approximately 50 km north of the city of Rouyn-Noranda. The Project benefits from easy access and proximity to an existing workforce and infrastructure, including road, rail and hydroelectric grid power. The Duparquet Project currently hosts an NI 43-101 compliant gold resource of 3.44 million ounces in the Measured & Indicated category, grading 1.55 g/t Au, and an additional 2.64 million ounces in the Inferred category, grading 1.62 g/t Au. First Mining completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment1 ("PEA") on the Project in 2023. The Duparquet Project totals approximately 5,800 hectares focused on an area of 19 km of strike length along the prolific Destor-Porcupine Fault Zone, along with numerous mineralized splays and influential secondary lineaments. The Duparquet Project includes the past-producing Beattie, Donchester and Duquesne mines as well as the Central Duparquet, Dumico and Pitt Gold deposits. 1 Further details on the Duparquet PEA can be found in the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report: Preliminary Economic Assessment, Duparquet Gold Project, Quebec, Canada" dated October 20, 2023, which was prepared for First Mining by G Mining Services Inc. in accordance with NI 43-101 and is available under First Mining's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca Analytical Laboratory and QA/QC Procedures All sampling completed by First Mining within its exploration programs is subject to a Company standard of internal quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) programs which include the insertion of certified reference materials, blank materials and a level of duplicate analysis. Core samples from the 2025 drilling program at Duparquet were sent to AGAT Laboratories, with sample preparation in Val d'Or, Quebec and analysis in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where they were processed for gold analysis by 50 gram fire assay with an atomic absorption finish. Samples from selected holes were sent to AGAT Laboratories in Calgary, Alberta, for multi-element analysis (including silver) by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) method with a four acid digest. AGAT Laboratories systems conform to requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17025 guidelines and meets assay requirements outlined for NI 43-101. Qualified Person James Maxwell, P.Geo., VP, Exploration and Project Operations for First Mining, is a "Qualified Person" for the purposes of NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release. About First Mining Gold Corp. First Mining is a gold developer advancing two of the largest gold projects in Canada, the Springpole Gold Project in northwestern Ontario, where we have commenced a Feasibility Study and permitting activities are on-going with a final Environmental Impact Statement / Environmental Assessment for the project submitted in November 2024, and the Duparquet Gold Project in Quebec, a PEA-stage development project located on the Destor-Porcupine Fault Zone in the prolific Abitibi region. First Mining also owns the Cameron Gold Project in Ontario and a 30% project interest in the Pickle Crow Gold Project. First Mining was established in 2015 by Mr. Keith Neumeyer, founding President and CEO of First Majestic Silver Corp. ON BEHALF OF FIRST MINING GOLD CORP. Daniel W. Wilton Chief Executive Officer and Director Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "intends", "estimates", "envisages", "potential", "possible", "strategy", "goals", "opportunities", "objectives", 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. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events. All forward-looking statements are based on First Mining's or its consultants' current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information currently available to them. 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 the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Such factors include, without limitation the Company's business, operations and financial condition potentially being materially adversely affected by the outbreak of epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, and by reactions by government and private actors to such outbreaks; risks to employee health and safety as a result of the outbreak of epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, that may result in a slowdown or temporary suspension of operations at some or all of the Company's mineral properties as well as its head office; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in the currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar); changes 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, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities, indigenous populations and other stakeholders; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; title to properties.; and the additional risks described in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 40-F filed with the SEC on EDGAR. First Mining cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to First Mining, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. First Mining does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by the Company or on our behalf, except as required by law. Cautionary Note to United States Investors The Company is a "foreign private issuer" as defined in Rule 3b-4 under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is eligible to rely upon the Canada-U.S. Multi-Jurisdictional Disclosure System, and is therefore permitted to prepare the technical information contained herein in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of the securities laws currently in effect in the United States. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards. Technical disclosure contained in this news release has not been prepared in accordance with the requirements of United States securities laws and uses terms that comply with reporting standards in Canada with certain estimates prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning the issuer's material mineral projects. SOURCE First Mining Gold Corp. For further information, please contact: Toll Free: 1 844 306 8827 | Email: info@firstmininggold.com; Paul Morris | Director, Investor Relations | Email: paul@firstmininggold.com SALi Lithium Corp. (CSE: SALI) (the "Company" or "SALi") is pleased to announce that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Valcheta Exploraciones S.A.S ("Valcheta") to acquire up to a 100% interest in the La Esperanza Project, a highly prospective gold-silver property located in Rio Negro Province, Argentina. Property Highlights: Historically reported results*: Channel sample highlights include 2.0 metres at 24.0 g/t Au, 5.0 metres at 13.1 g/t Au, 1.3 metres at 11.5 g/t Au, 3.0 metres at 4.4 g/t Au, 0.2 metres at 99.0 g/t Ag and 2.8% Cu, 1.2 metres at 129.0 g/t Ag and 3.5% Cu, and 0.3 metres at 52.0 g/t Ag; and Rock chips up to 24.4 g/t Au Covers 44,400 hectares of year-round workable terrain in the Los Menucos District, within the Nordpatagonian Massiff, a region known for hosting high grade precious metal deposits. Located in a geologically favorable region with known gold and silver mineralization and just Two km from a highway with gentle slope terrain and excellent access. Adjacent to ready-to-drill target held by Southern Copper, highlighting the district's active exploration environment. * Results have been historically reported and have not been verified by an independent, qualified person. Click Image To View Full Size Figure 1: Location of the La Esperanza Project in the Rio negro Province, Argentina Option Terms SALi may earn up to a 100% interest in the Property through a staged option agreement consisting of cash and exploration expenditures: OPTION STAGE CASH PAYMENT (US$) EXPENDITURES (US$) DEADLINE Effective Date $3,000 - Upon signing Confirmation Date $15,000 - Within 60 days First Option $511,500 $1,670,000 November 30, 2029 Second Option $415,000 $929,000 November 30, 2030 Third Option $945,000 - No deadline TOTAL $1,889,500 $2,599,000 1)Subject to a 1.0% NSR. SALi has right to purchase 0.5% for US$1.0 million. 2)SALi may accelerate payments or expenditures at its discretion, and expenditures may be substituted with cash payments to Valcheta. 3)Joint venture formation: Upon exercising the First Option, SALi and Valcheta will form a joint venture with SALi as the operator and a 51% interest. SALi may elect to proceed directly to 90% ownership under the Second Option, deferring joint venture formation. Upon exercising the Third Option, SALi will hold a 100% undivided interest in the Project Dustin Nanos, CEO of SALi comments: "The La Esperanza Project represents a strategic expansion of our footprint in Argentina. With its extensive vein systems, high-grade occurrences, and favorable location, this acquisition aligns perfectly with our goal of building a diversified portfolio of lithium, gold and critical mineral assets. We look forward to advancing this exciting opportunity." Property Information and Exploration History 30 trenches excavated, exposing 2,937 metres of mineralized zones. 690 continuous channel samples collected. A total of 1,674 rock samples gathered, including rock chips, channel chip samples, and float samples. Hosts over 10km of low-sulfidation epithermal gold veins, averaging one metre in width and ranging from 50 to 2,500 metres in length. Veins exhibit low-sulfidation multi-pulse textures including drusy quartz, banding, crustiform structures, and carbonate replacement. Favorable structural settings and extensive vein systems make La Esperanza a compelling target for ongoing exploration and drilling. Channel sample highlights include 2.0 metres at 24 g/t Au, 5.0 metres at 13.1 g/t Au, 1.3 metres at 11.5 g/t Au, 3 metres at 4.4 g/t Au and rock chip at 24.4 g/t Au. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Patrik Schmidt, M.Sc., P.Geo. He is a Professional Geologist registered in Quebec (OGQ). About SALi Lithium Corp. SALi Lithium Corp. is a mineral exploration company dedicated to the discovery and development of mineral resources. The Company holds a controlling interest in the El Quemado Project, comprising 46 mining concessions totaling 58,000 hectares in Salta Province, Argentina. Additionally, the Company has 34,442 hectares covering two greenstone belts in the James Bay Region, Quebec, Canada and Gold Fire Project totaling 4,680 hectares Near the Windfall Camp in Quebec, Canada. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Dustin Nanos CEO and Director 1-587-577-9878 Email: Dustin@SouthAmericanLithium.com Twitter: @Lithium_SALI Website: www.SouthAmericanLithium.com Forward-Looking Information and Statements This news release contains forward-looking information or statements (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). 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 and are not guarantees of the future performance of the Company. 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. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the Company's control and which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the potential inability of the Company to continue as a going concern; and risks associated with potential governmental and/or regulatory action with respect to the Company's operations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements for the reasons outlined above, as the expectations in the forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect, and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. The CSE has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release. Kootenay Silver Inc. (TSXV: KTN) (OTCQX: KOOYF) (the "Company" or "Kootenay") is pleased to announce that it advances exploration work with two drill rigs turning at its 100%-owned Columba Silver Project, located in Chihuahua, Mexico. At the date of this release five drillholes have been completed on the D and I-Vein targets for a total 2,500 meters. Logging and sampling activities are underway and results are expected in the coming weeks. The drilling represents the first phase of a planned 50,000 meter drilling program designed to extend known limits of mineralized veins comprising the Company's recent 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE"). The maiden MRE is detailed in a report entitled "Technical Report on theMaiden Mineral Resource Estimate for the Columba Ag-Pb-Zn Project, Chihuahua State, Mexico" and dated August 1, 2025, MRE effective date, May 29, 2025 was filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and is also available at the Company's website at www.kootenaysilver.com. Kootenay's President & CEO, James McDonald states, "We are extremely excited to be drilling again at Columba as we have not found the limits of the large mineralized system underlying the project. The focus of current work is 100% expansion drilling and we aim to significantly build upon the maiden MRE released earlier in the year. The program is fully funded and we look forward to providing regular updates for the next 12 months as we work towards updating the existing MRE and potentially making a decision to initiate work on a PEA." Dale Brittliffe VP Exploration adds, "It will be exciting to test the extensions of the resource bodies especially along the open ended trends of thickened zones such as seen in holes 110, 125 and 199 in the D-Vein where respective drill length intercepts of 17.8. meters of 650 gpt Ag, 9.7 meters of 1746 gpt Ag and 16.5 meters of 620 gpt Ag were hit." As detailed in Kootenay News Release dated June 17th 2025, the mineral resource at Columba was estimated using a cutoff of 150 gpt silver and totals 5.92 Mt grading 284 gpt silver, 0.19% lead, and 0.50% zinc for an Inferred Mineral Resource of54.1 Moz of silver, 25.2 Mlbs of lead, and 65.6 Mlbs of zinc. Complete details of the Columba Property Inferred Category MRE are contained in the aforementioned 43-101 Technical Report filed on SEDAR+ and may be found on the company's website. Table 1 Columba Project Underground Mineral Resource Estimate, May 29, 2025 Cut-off Grade Mass Average Value Material Content Ag Pb Zn Ag Pb Zn Mt gpt % % koz Mlb Mlb INFERRED 150 gpt Ag 5.92 284 0.19 0.50 54,072 25.2 65.6 The underground base case cut-off grade of 150 gpt Ag considers metal price of US$26.00/oz Ag, metal recovery of 90% for Ag, a mining cost of US$60.00/t rock and a processing, treatment and refining, transportation and G&A cost of US$45.00/t mineralized material. The Columba Project represents the fourth, and highest grade silver deposit discovered and advanced in Mexico by Kootenay Silver since 2006. A comprehensive list of drill results completed on the Columba Property since 2019 may be viewed here: Columba Drill Results. Appointment of Sideways Frequency LLC The Company would also like to announce that, subject to regulatory approval, it has retained Sideways Frequency LLC ("SFLLC") to provide certain marketing services to the Company in compliance with the policies and guidelines of the TSX Venture Exchange and other applicable legislation. The marketing services will include, but are not limited to, email campaigns, native advertising, display ads, lead generation, creation of content, strategic planning, digital advertisement placement, and overseeing progress and results of digital campaigns. Under the agreement, the Company will pay SFLLC US$250,000 for the initial three-month term. The Company has a right to renew the agreement at any point during the three-month term. Consideration offered to SFLLC does not include any securities of the Company. Aside from this engagement, the Company does not have any relationship with SFLLC and Mr. Wesley De Souza, CEO of SFLLC. SFLLC holds no securities of the Company nor has any interest, direct or indirect, in the Company. SFLLC's address is 1389 Center Drive, Suite 200, Park City, Utah, 84098, info@sidewaysfrequency.com. About Columba Project The Columba project is a classic high grade epithermal vein system. That management believes is a newly recognized vein district. It is typical in character and size of other vein districts in Mexico known to have deposited significant resources of silver or gold such as La Chispas and Panuco. Hosted within a volcanic caldera setting, the surface extent of mapped veins measures roughly 4 kilometres by 3 kilometres. Vein mineralization occurs over a minimum vertical extent of 350 meters as shown by drilling. The veins appear to be intermediate sulfidation veins indicating the potential for depths exceeding 700 meters of vertical extent. This remains to be tested, and all veins remain open to depth. The veins cut every known rock type on the project and the veins or vein structures can be traced across the highest elevations of the caldera. This indicates veins formed late in caldera history. As elevation increases vein development becomes irregular eventually being replaced by breccias at the higher elevations. Silver grades diminish with increasing elevation right down to background values. Correspondingly silver grades increase with depth from background at higher elevations to highs of kilograms per tonne at depth. It is evident from these features that the vein system has undergone almost no erosion and so whatever silver was deposited originally is largely still there. A general rule of thumb on the project is at levels deeper than 1,750 meters above sea level is where good grades begin to appear. This is what is referred to as the grade line. Prior to Kootenay Silver no exploration had occurred at Columba in nearly 40 years. Historically there were two periods of mining on one of the veins referred to as the F Vein. The first being in the early 1900's when underground development included 6 drifts (tunnels) at different levels coming off a 200-meter-deep shaft. This work was halted by the Mexican Revolution. Then a second brief period of mining occurred around 1958 to 1960 when a small private company used the old development to mine. It is estimated that around 100,000 tonnes were mined. Kootenay acquired 100% of the project and has completed detailed mapping, lidar, and airborne magnetic surveys along with over 53,000 meters of drilling in over 200 holes across various veins. The company also has a 24-year surface access agreement that includes annual and other payments and allows for both exploration and exploitation. The agreement covers all the mineralized areas drilled to date. Sampling and QA/QC at Columba All technical information for the Columba exploration program is obtained and reported under a formal quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") program. Samples are taken from core cut in half with a diamond saw under the direction of qualified geologists and engineers. Samples are then labeled, placed in plastic bags, sealed and with interval and sample numbers recorded. Samples are delivered by the Company to ALS Minerals ("ALS") in Chihuahua. The Company inserts blanks, standards and duplicates at regular intervals as follows. On average a blank is inserted every 100 samples beginning at the start of sampling and again when leaving the mineral zone. Standards are inserted when entering the potential mineralized zone and in the middle of them, on average one in every 25 samples is a standard. Duplicates are taken in the mineralized intervals at an average 2 duplicates for each hole. The samples are dried, crushed and pulverized with the pulps being sent airfreight for analysis by ALS in Vancouver, B.C. Systematic assaying of standards, blanks and duplicates is performed for precision and accuracy. Analysis for silver, zinc, lead and copper and related trace elements was done by ICP four acid digestion, with gold analysis by 30-gram fire assay with an AA finish. All drilling reported is HQ core and was completed by Globextools, S.A. de C.V. of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. 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. Qualified Persons The mineral resource was estimated by Ben Eggers, MAIG, P.Geo. of SGS Geological Services, an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Eggers conducted a site visit to the Columba Property on May 28, 2025. The mineral resource was peer reviewed by Allan Armitage, Ph.D., P.Geo. of SGS Geological Services, an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Armitage conducted a site visit to the Columba Property on May 24-25, 2024. The Kootenay technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects) and reviewed and approved on behalf of Kootenay by Mr. Dale Brittliffe, BSc. P. Geol., Vice President, Exploration of Kootenay Silver, is the Company's nominated Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101, Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release. Mr. Brittliffe is not independent of Kootenay Silver. About Kootenay Silver Inc. Kootenay Silver Inc. is an exploration company actively engaged in the discovery and development of mineral projects in the Sierra Madre Region of Mexico. Supported by one of the largest junior portfolios of silver assets in Mexico, Kootenay continues to provide its shareholders with significant leverage to silver prices. The Company remains focused on the expansion of its current silver resources, new discoveries and the near-term economic development of its priority silver projects located in prolific mining districts in Sonora, State and Chihuahua, State, Mexico, respectively. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: The information in this news release has been prepared as at September 5, 2025. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", constitute "forward-looking statements" under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expected", "may", "will" or similar terms. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Kootenay as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different 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 made. Except as otherwise required by law, Kootenay expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in Kootenay's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Cautionary Note to US Investors: This news release includes Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources classification terms that comply with reporting standards in Canada and the Mineral Reserves and the Mineral Resources estimates are made in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (" NI 43-101 "). NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. These standards differ significantly from the requirements adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC "). The SEC sets rules that are applicable to domestic United States reporting companies. Consequently, Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources information included in this news release is not comparable to similar information that would generally be disclosed by domestic U.S. reporting companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards. SOURCE Kootenay Silver Inc. For additional information, please contact: James McDonald, CEO and President at 403-880-6016; Ken Berry, Chairman at 604-601-5652; 1-888-601-5650 or visit: www.kootenaysilver.com The Pentagon will proceed with plans to build a 360-degree missile defense system spread across 16 sites on Guam, and site preparation could start later this year, according to a record of decision released Monday. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, in a statement, said shes not satisfied with the military moving the project forward without addressing the various impacts identified in an environmental impact analysis. Analysis found the enhanced integrated air and missile defense system will have major, significant, and long-term impacts to biological resources, housing, medical services, and traffic, according to the record of decision. But under the no action alternative, defensive capabilities would not expand to provide enhanced defense capability for Guam against the rapidly evolving threats of potential missile attacks from regional adversaries, the record states. Guam is a key strategic location for sustaining and maintaining United States influence, deterring adversaries, responding to crises, and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, it says. Within the context of homeland defense, an attack on Guam would be considered a direct attack on the U.S. and would be met with an appropriate response, the record states. Site preparation could start in late 2025, and the system will be operational after construction, testing, and a final system check. Starting in 2031, about 2,300 permanent military and civilian personnel and their dependents will arrive, according to the record of decision. Plans call for 36 launchers and 14 radars to be distributed across the 16 missile defense system sites. Out of 16 sites: Eight will be at Naval Base Guam Six at Andersen Air Force Base Two at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz One site at Camp Blaz and one at Naval base property on Nimitz Hill will have explosive safety quantity distance arcs that encroach on non-Department of Defense land, according to the record. President Donald Trump, in a Sept. 5 executive order, changed the name of the Department of Defense, DoD, to the Department of War, DOW. Those two sites will potentially be requiring real estate actions on those properties, the record states. A third site at NMS Northeast will require an easement across GovGuam lands to access the missile defense site. The military will ask that the Federal Aviation Administration modify existing restricted airspace on Guam to address the high intensity radiated fields hazard introduced by the operation of the missile defense system. Additionally, the record notes that not all phases of the missile defense system are yet funded. In May, the Army officer in charge of the project estimated it will cost $8 billion, and that the Pentagon will continue improving on the systems capability forever. Environmental impacts Loss of about 235 acres of limestone forest would be major, long term, and significant due to clearing, and will impact about 5,459 cycas microsenica, or fadang, across five locations. Efforts will be made to transplant fadang when possible, or else mature plants will be propagated. Fadang populations on Guam are generally declining, the record states. The project is also likely to adversely affect but not jeopardize the continued existence of the endangered Mariana eight-spot butterfly, and the threatened Mariana fruit bat, or fanihi, the record states. Limestone forest loss will impact the fanihi in particular. Impact will be less than significant through the implementation of the mitigation measures, the record states. Habitat enhancement sites will be established to offset the loss, with fences to keep out pigs and deer, invasive plant removal, and propagation of native species. The number, size and location of those sites will be finalized in coordination with Joint Region Marianas, the record states. Housing, medical, traffic The record states that considering the limited availability of housing and the unmet community demand for housing units on Guam, impacts on housing are expected to be long term, major, and significant. All missile defense personnel dependents will be housed in military housing prior to 2031, but civilians and contractors will not. After 2031, the expected 2,300 permanent military and civilian personnel and their dependents will need some off-base housing. Those individuals will need an estimated 324 units, which is approximately 18.8 percent of the currently available rental units on Guam that meet military housing standards, the record states. Impacts on medical and health care services will also be long term and significant, as permanent personnel and their dependents will require medical services, increasing the demand on a system that is already significantly overburdened. DoD is also looking at medical services holistically and plans to address these needs prior to the arrival of dependents in 2031, the record states. Significant impacts would also be seen at six roadway intersections from site preparation and at 13 intersections associated with operations and maintenance, it states. The military will work with the Department of Public Works for the most appropriate solution to traffic issues. Governor not satisfied The governor on Monday said she appreciated the Missile Defense Agencys engagement with her administration, and will take the record of decision very seriously. That said, I am not satisfied that the cumulative impacts that we have identified and provided to MDA during the EIS commenting period have been addressed, she said. Leon Guerrero said the federal government should have convened an economic adjustment committee to coordinate a whole of government response to economic and infrastructure impacts from the militarys actions. Doing so would ensure that communities like Guam are not left to shoulder the burden of national defense missions alone, she said. Guams security and the safety of our people remain our highest priorities, and we are committed to ensuring that this project also reflects the well-being of our island community, Leon Guerrero said. Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio, who lobbied for the economic adjustment committee in Washington, D.C. last week, also chimed in. Guams partnership with the Department of Defense must always be grounded in respect for our communities, cultural resources, and environmental stewardship, Tenorio stated. He said the Pentagon must address the cumulative impact that all planned military programs will have on Guam, not just the missile defense exclusively. A man who was found with five firearms and more than 100 rounds of ammunition in 2023 at a Yona residence was sentenced on Monday to 27 months in federal prison, with credit for 360 days already served. Dennis Reyes Lane, 45, will serve the remaining portion of his sentence in a federal facility following his guilty plea to one count of possessing multiple firearms and ammunition. District Court of Guam Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood handed down the sentence. According to court documents, Lane pleaded guilty on Oct. 29, 2024 to one count of possessing multiple firearms and more than 100 rounds of ammunition. He was arrested on April 13, 2023, during a fugitive sweep at a home on Alcazar Road rented by his then-girlfriend, now wife, Jennae Matagolai. Officers found Lane hiding in a locked room and executed a 2021 arrest warrant for a probation violation. During a protective sweep, law enforcement discovered five firearms and 126 rounds of ammunition in plain view, including a stolen Heckler & Koch pistol. A short-barrel attachment and suspected marijuana were also recovered, according to court documents. No ways of success Although the plea agreement allowed for a sentencing range of 21 to 27 months, Lanes attorney, Briana E. Kottke, asked the court to impose an 18-month sentence with credit time served. Kotke cited Lanes traumatic upbringing, including the absence of a father figure and years of abuse by his mother and siblings, as the primary factor behind his criminal history. He had no ways of success, of rising through the ranks given his upbringing, she told the court. The attorney also referenced the love of his immediate family and the support of his eight children, each of whom submitted letters on his behalf, describing him as a good father. Before sentencing, Lane spoke directly to the court and reflected on the choices that led to his arrest. Growing up without a father, being around drugs and violence and dropping out of school, I ended up here and it was a turning point for me, he said. I now see how my actions have hurt my family and the community. Lane told the judge he intended to stay sober and become a better father and husband. I hope my apologies can open up your heartI promise to keep working on myself to be a better man, for myself and my family, he said. He also requested to serve his sentence in a federal facility in Hawaii, where he has family. No connection Assistant U.S. Attorney Devarup Rastogi opposed the request for leniency and questioned Lanes claims. Im not degrading his life experience but now married with eight children, hes blaming his actions on lack of youthful guidance, his brothers bullying him, and his mother, who is right here in the courtroom, was abusive?...Its all about his background, Rastogi said. He added that Lane had a known criminal history, had violated pre-trial release conditions, and had been a fugitive for two years. Hes a drug dealer who got away with drug chargesHe didnt even recognize he had a drug problem, so how good of a role model and father can he be to his kids if hes a drug addict, Rastogi said. The defendant is using the love of his stepchildren and his own children. Was he thinking of them when he had the offense? What guidance was he providing? Rastogi dismissed Lanes explanation for possessing the guns. There is no connection with lack of youthful guidance and drug use has to do with the charges today, he said. Hes here on gun charges and he even gave a nonsense answer that he found the guns in an abandoned car. Kottke acknowledged Lanes criminal and drug history but called attention to the fact that personal background is a valid consideration under federal law. The U.S. Code specifically tells us to look at the personal history and background to explain his characteristics, she said. She also said Lane has been making an effort to stay clean while incarcerated and that his children continue to support him. Tydingco-Gatewood recognized Lanes difficult past. The court is not going to ignore the trouble you had. You had a bad childhood. You have drug addiction in your family and you have siblings in the court system, she said. However, she ultimately handed down the maximum sentence allowed under the plea agreement, citing his past violations and fugitive status. You were a fugitive. You had a Superior Court warrant. You were on the run for two years and thats not good, she said. The point is there were several firearms, marijuana that were found with the children at the housewhen you were on pre-trial release, you went back to drugs. She advised Lane to use the sentence to reflect and improve. I know youre remorsefulyoure not an old guy but youre not a young guy. Your kids look up to you but you got to get it together for them, she said. Dont get discouraged. According to you and the record, this is what you wanted to do. Use this time and get on course. As Lane was escorted from the courtroom by U.S. Marshals, one of his children stood and called out, Love you, dad. Love you too, Lane responded, before walking out. A young couple is expecting their first child, but his company doesnt offer health insurance. They make too much to qualify for Medicaid, so they have to pay $600 a month out of pocket for self-insuranceif they qualify. A woman in her second pregnancy is worried about whether she can deliver normally after having had a cesarean section with her first child. A 14-year-old girl who is six months pregnant (babys father is young, too) needs to get an appointment at Public Health. These are some of the situations we are encountering at the Bureau of Womens Affairs doula outreach sessions happening in villages right now. In these sessions, locally trained doulas, or birthworkers, talk to pregnant women about how doulas can help them have a healthier pregnancy and a healthier and more empowered childbirth experience. This program is important for several reasons: 1) because doula care introduced early in a womans pregnancy is proven to help her have a healthier pregnancy outcome (i.e. healthier mom and baby); 2) because it is a non-medical way to address Guams shortage of obstetricians (which is also a nationwide problem) and our high maternal and infant mortality rates; and 3) because doula care will be offered in the GovGuam insurance plan for fiscal year 2026 and on Guams Medicaid plan when it is approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. As BWA director, I sometimes find myself negotiating between Dr. Tom Shiehs clinic, Todu Guam, and Famalaoan Wellness Center as to who will accept a pregnant woman who calls me desperate for prenatal care. I very much appreciate Dr. Shieh, Dennis Rodriguez from Todu, and Dr. Mariana Cook-Hyuhn from Famalaoan Wellness, who all engage with me to see who can take her. Also, a shout-out to Public Health Director Theresa Arriola and her staff for getting patients to be seen at the Northern Health Clinic, and for getting doula care included in our Medicaid program. Nearly 20% of the women who walk into Guam Memorial Hospital to deliver a baby have had zero prenatal care. Medical professionals tell me how dangerous that is when you dont know the patients history, and the babys head is literally crowning. I bring all of this up because, of course, we need a new hospital. We desperately need more prenatal care. And we need to fix the current hospital because our people have to go somewhere for medical treatment until a new hospital is built. It is on this pointwhether to spend the $103 million in American Rescue Plan money currently sitting in GovGuam coffers on infrastructure for a new hospital, or dump it into the currently crumbling GMHthat Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and several senators in the 38th Guam Legislature disagree. The Republican majority promised a one percentage point rollback in the business privilege tax, BPT, for businesses that make over $500,000 a year in revenue. The problem is that it will short the governments budget by at least $80 million over the next two fiscal years. It is important to note that nearly 90% of all businesses on Guam pay either 3% BPT or none at all. Reducing the BPT from 5% to 4% will primarily benefit the largest businesses. Several senators want the federal government to do their work for them by redirecting the $103 million in ARP funds slated for the new hospital to instead fix the current one, rather than fulfilling their responsibility to sufficiently fund GMH right now. All of this to keep their promise to business constituents to provide this tax break at a cost of $80 million to the governments budget, while those constituents enjoy even more tax cuts recently enacted by the federal government. The problem is investing more money into the current facility without planning and building a new one. The current structure wont last more than another few years, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2019. Ultimately, we still need a new hospital. GMH is an emergency situation. Anyone who has been a patient there, who has a loved one that is a patient there, who works there, or who knows someone who works there, knows this. And senators, you and those who have previously filled your seats have underfunded GMH for decades to the point where a whole new facility is now needed. You know this as well. With the Legislatures plan, we keep a few businesses happy paying less in taxes, we throw $103 million into the current GMH for temporary fixes and what? Just hope that somewhere down the road, money magically appears for us to build a new hospital? Governor Leon Guerrero has accurately stated that, In an emergency, the greatest failure isnt choosing the wrong tool, its failing to pick one up at all. Senators, please pick up a tool and help us out here. We desperately need to start building a new hospital now. The islands more successful businesses will forgive you, because everyone benefits from improved health care access and quality, including CEOs, employees, and customers. If you choose the 1% BPT rollback, it will only benefit a select few to the detriment of the many, especially our most vulnerable. That wont be of much comfort to the next pregnant woman who calls me, desperate to get health care for herself and her unborn child. Reading the Pacific Daily News Sept. 3, 2025 front-page article is quite disappointing and disturbing to witness first-hand the legislative leaderships so-called creative and ingenious resolutionyes, I am being facetious and sarcastic. Resolution 93-38 does not address or resolve anything pertaining to the emergent need at our one-and-only public hospital, the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority, especially in view of the two recent electrical fires. Rather than extending an olive branch to Governor Lou Leon Guerrero who is the magahaga of Guam as their good faith effort to show their collegiality, compassion, respect and statesmanship, the Legislature crafted Resolution 93-38 addressed to President Trump. The resolution is to request the president to re-allocate the $104 million American Rescue Plan Act funds that have already been obligated for the new hospital. On May 5, 2025, we sat before the Legislative Committee on Health and Veterans Affairs defending our fiscal year 2026 budget request. In that budget request, we repeatedly emphasized the need for legislative appropriations to keep the 50-year-old hospital facility functioning efficiently, reliably and safely. Not only did we reiterate the need for legislative appropriations for the facility, we also accentuated the need for funding to pay vendors because as much as our billing and coding teams diligently complete and submit the billing claims to the payers, collecting payment from the various payers is about 40% to 60%, and sometimes not even 40%. Some insurance payers either delay or deny paying the claims we submit. Then theres the federal health insurance, Medicare. Reimbursement from Medicare for GMHA is capped at $1,600 a day regardless of the Medicare beneficiarys hospital bill. A Medicare patients daily hospital bill can be $5,000 to $10,000 but Medicare will only reimburse GMHA $1,600 a day. An Aug. 4, 2025 PDN article by reporter Joe Taitano reads, Sparks will fly: Duenas says budget debate to weigh impact of business tax rollback. After reading the article and what Senator Christopher Duenas stated, I felt an infusion of enthusiasm and hope given that with his Legislature leadership as the chair of Finance and Budget, the senators assured the public they will include in the substitute budget bill additional support for the Guam Memorial Hospital. This was great news because the chronic lack of funding from our local government has turned our one and only public hospital into a struggling facility. And again, on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, I and some members of the GMHA Executive Management Council responded to a call from the legislative chairperson of the Committee on Health and Veterans Affairs, Senator Sabrina Matanane. We presented ourselves before the 38th Guam Legislature to answer questions regarding our FY 2026 budget. At that session, the amended substituted bill that the legislative leadership proposed showed a $28 million operational gap for the upcoming FY 2026. This $28 million shortfall did not even include the additional $21 million we requested in May and the $29 million for capital improvement projects. The final FY 2026 budget appropriations bill transmitted to the governor on Aug. 22 included amendments from the Legislature in support of GMHA, such as appropriations of $7 million for accounts payable. However, while these amendments demonstrate some level of support, the funding still fell short of what the hospital urgently needs, not only to sustain baseline operations but also to address critical CIP and IT infrastructure challenges. Legislation and legislative leadership have the authority and responsibility to save lives. They serve as lifelines for GMHA and the community we serve. Yet, year after year, I go before the legislative leadership defending GMHAs budget requests and still, year after year, the hospital continues to fall short of its financial needs. And, throughout all the years Ive been in this position, our Executive Management Council appeals to the legislative leadership for their action because its not just about financial numbers, it is about people, about families and about the very fabric of our community. GMHA is the beating heart of Guams public health care system, and what we needwhat our patients and staff needis the legislative commitment and courage to find and ensure the resources are provided that will allow GMHA to thrive rather than be an impoverished facility. Ive been the hospital administrator since January 2019 and throughout these years, we weathered a four-year COVID pandemic, an extreme IT network and systems disaster/storm, Typhoon Mawar and perennial insufficient funding. But, despite all these difficulties, limited funding and supplies and an antiquated building structure, GMHA employees continue to give their heart and soul in their delivery of the best and most committed, compassionate, quality-driven services. One Sunday afternoon, Im at a grocery store when an individual approached me. She said she was very impressed and pleased with the care she received at GMH when she was recently admitted for a surgical procedure. As much as I was encouraged, grateful and heartened to hear about this positive experience and feedback directly from someone who had first-hand experience as a patient at GMH, and most especially in light of the many criticisms, negative media articles and judgments about GMHs inadequate leadership and management, it truly means a lot to hear about the great service our GMHA staff provide. If we believe health care is a right, then our legislative leadership must treat funding as a responsibility and not an afterthought! Senators, on behalf of every patient awaiting care, every frustrated nurse and staff due to the dwindling or lack of supplies, and every family that counts on GMHA, please extend that olive branch and work with the governor to appropriate the funds that will help us with our mission to provide quality patient care that honors our community. Haiti - FLASH : Medical achievement in Cap-Haitien A team of surgeons from the Office of Workplace Accident, Sickness, and Maternity Insurance (OFATMA) hospital in Cap-Haitien successfully performed a rare and complex brachial plexus surgery(1), restoring hope and mobility to an injured patient. The operation, called neurotization, involves transferring healthy nerves to damaged ones to partially restore arm function. This is an extremely delicate procedure, a feat usually reserved for a few specialized centers abroad. Under the direction of Dr. Hubert Pierre-Louis, Head of the Orthopedics Department, and with the participation of Drs. Sindy Michel, Dudely's Ambroise, and residents Carnold Andrevil, Wilfrid Septimus, Gregory Elysee, Valens Orelus, and Marc-Obens Charles, this procedure, lasting over nine hours, is a first. Vikerson Garnier, Director General of OFATMA, praised this great medical achievement. "This is a shining example that, despite the challenges, our doctors and healthcare teams are capable of achieving feats that bring honor to Haiti. OFATMA is proud to host and support these talented individuals, who demonstrate that Haitian medicine can reach the highest level when the minimum conditions are met." OFATMA warmly congratulates the entire medical and paramedical team in Cap-Haitien for this feat, which will go down in the annals of national medicine. The 37-year-old patient, paralyzed in his left arm for more than nine months following a serious road accident, is now beginning a rehabilitation process that should allow him to gradually regain some motor functions. This medical achievement demonstrates the skill, faith, and determination of Haitian healthcare professionals, but also serves as a reminder of the urgent need to provide the country's hospitals with adequate resources so that more lives can be transformed. The Director General reaffirmed OFATMA's commitment to strengthening its infrastructure and providing its teams with the necessary resources to continue saving lives and pushing the boundaries of medicine in Haiti. (1) Brachial Plexus : The brachial plexus corresponds to the set of nerve roots of the upper limb that emerge from the spinal cord at the level of the cervical spine. They unite to form a true nerve plexus and lead to branches of divisions, each of which ultimately constitutes the various nerves innervating the entire upper limb, from the shoulder to the hand. HL/ S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Grand South : Strengthening the fishing industry As part of the process to strengthen the fishing industry, Minister Joseph met on September 4th, 2025, in Les Cayes, in the locality of Bori, with associations of fishermen and fish merchants, partners of the Program to Support Agricultural and Fisheries Productivity and Improve Rural Infrastructure for Market Access (PAPAIR). The Minister led a large delegation composed of the Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Directorate, departmental directors, and officials from the Grand Sud region. Representatives of the associations of fishermen and fish merchants unanimously expressed their satisfaction with the incentives the Ministry of Agriculture has provided them through the PAPAIR Program. "Today, thanks to the modern fishing equipment we received from the Program, we are proud to identify ourselves wherever we are as fishermen, just like other members of the trade. We live off fishing, an economic activity that has now become very profitable." Many took the opportunity to request additional fishing infrastructure from the Minister, including landing stages, fishing boats, and a cold room, to better maximize fishing efforts and sell their products at the most profitable pace. In response, the Minister pledged to further intensify institutional support through concrete initiatives such as the short-term training of local human resources in motorized mechanics, and the medium-term provision of a trawler capable of exploiting the marine environment as far out as possible, as well as a seafood preservation system, a refrigeration system, and accessories. These promises, according to Minister Joseph, amounting to approximately fifty million gourdes, will be financed from taxes collected from the sector before the end of this year. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Kenya : There is an emergency Kenya's President William Ruto and Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Mottley urged the United Nations Security Council to urgently guide the future of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) in Haiti, whose mandate expires in October 2025. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45656-haiti-flash-usa-proposes-a-more-aggressive-repression-force-against-gangs-with-more-than-5-000-men.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45613-haiti-flash-usa-is-considering-a-mmss-with-double-the-number-of-troops-video.html FAd'H : Death of Colonel J. Jacques Thomas On Saturday, September 6, 2025, Colonel Joseph Jacques Thomas, Secretary of the General Staff of the Haitian Armed Forces (FAd'H), whose health had deteriorated considerably in recent months, died at the age of 70 from cancer. FNE : Aid to the Louis Joseph Janvier High School On Sunday, September 7, following a meeting between the General Directorate of the National Education Fund (FNE) and Delivrance Istelien, Director of the Louis Joseph Janvier High School in Jean Rabel, in Cap-Haiitien, the FNE will allocate 10 million gourdes as an emergency measure for the partial renovation of the high school, in preparation for the 20252026 school year. Roofing, painting, stairs, windows, doors, walls, fences... everything will be done to breathe new life into this infrastructure while awaiting final work. Customs Officers : Examination begins The examination papers of candidates who participated in the customs surveillance officer recruitment exam will begin this Monday, September 8, 2025. The Henry Christophe campus in poor condition More than a learning space, the Henry Christophe campus in Limonade embodies the promise of decentralized and equitable education. But today, this pillar of knowledge is weakened due to lack of maintenance : a damaged roof, an unfinished dormitory, torn-off ceramic tiles, immobilized buses... The challenges are immense. Faced with this emergency, a FNE team led by Director General Sterline Civil traveled this Sunday, September 7, to listen to officials and closely assess the alarming state of the infrastructure. The objective is clear : to restore hope, provide financial support, and lay the foundations for sustainable support that will guarantee thousands of students a safe and dignified study environment. 203rd Anniversary of Brazil's Independence As part of the celebration of the 203rd anniversary of Brazil's independence, "the Presidential Transitional Council, on behalf of the people and the Haitian State, extends its warmest congratulations to the Government and people of Brazil [...] The Council also reiterates its deep gratitude to the Brazilian people for their continued support of Haiti, particularly through their active participation in international efforts to restore security and stability in the country. [...] On this symbolic day, the Presidential Transitional Council expresses its most sincere wishes for peace, prosperity, and continued progress for the Brazilian nation. Long live Haitian-Brazilian cooperation! Long live solidarity among peoples !" HL/ HaitiLibre The guidance, released on Monday, outlines the legal and ethical obligations businesses must consider when operating in the region. According to Finnwatch, firms that fail to exercise strict due diligence may risk complicity in international law violations and human rights abuses. Finnish watchdog organisation Finnwatch has published new guidance for companies operating in Israel and the territories it occupies, citing rising violence against Palestinians and what it describes as an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel is suspected of committing grave breaches of international law, including genocide and crimes against humanity. Business as usual must no longer be an option, said Sonja Finer, Executive Director of Finnwatch. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) stated last year that Israels occupation and settlement activities in Palestinian territories are illegal under international law. The court also found Israels restrictive measures against Palestinians to be a form of systematic discrimination violating numerous international conventions. The ICJ urged all states and entities to take action against trade and investment links that sustain the unlawful situation. Finnwatch says this also places clear obligations on companies to avoid contributing to the continued occupation. The courts position strengthens the consistent message from human rights bodies: any business activity that supports illegal settlements or the occupation must be terminated, Finer said. The new guide also addresses companies operating within Israels internationally recognised borders. It notes the increasing consensus among human rights experts that Israels economy is deeply tied to policies implemented in the occupied territories, including violations of humanitarian law. According to Finnwatch, this interconnection may make compliance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights unachievable in practice. The publication introduces a framework based on UN standards and a report by UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, helping businesses assess their exposure to human rights risks and their potential involvement in the conflict. The group emphasised that corporate due diligence is even more critical in a context where governments have failed to meet their obligations. The European Union, including Finland, has not introduced effective sanctions. Imports from illegal settlements continue, and the EU-Israel trade agreement, which is supposed to be based on human rights, has not been frozen, Finnwatch said. We are witnessing a tragic moment in history. Our leaders are watching the catastrophe unfold without taking action to prevent genocide. The silence of states makes corporate responsibility even more important, Finer said. HT The reassessment follows a law change that came into effect in September 2024. The amendment introduced a requirement that applicants for residence permits must identify themselves with a national travel document. The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) has launched a review of its policy on accepted travel documents for residence permit applications following legal and political debate over the status of documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. The change excluded use of refugee travel documents, alien passports and other non-national papers. The requirement also applies to stateless persons, including Palestinians. Since the amendment, Migri has issued negative decisions in cases where applicants could not present a qualifying national passport. The agency confirmed it has now paused decisions in certain pending cases involving Palestinians, while it examines its interpretation of the law. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has suggested that documents issued by the Palestinian Authority qualify as national travel documents, said Johanna Waal, Director of Legal Services at Migri. This interpretation does not appear in the law or its preparatory materials. We believe it is appropriate to re-evaluate our guidance in light of the foreign ministry's position, Waal said. The review process is expected to take several weeks. Migri said the outcome of the review remains open and no changes to current practice have been confirmed. Waal stressed that as an implementing authority, Migri is bound by the letter of the law. We have a high threshold for deviating from a strict interpretation, she said. Finnish constitutional law requires all public authority to be exercised in accordance with precise legal provisions. During the laws drafting phase, Migri raised concerns about its clarity and its effect on stateless applicants. The agencys input did not influence the final content of the legislation. The Constitutional Law Committee did not comment on the matter during its review. Under current Finnish law, only individuals already residing in Finland can be granted exceptions to the national passport requirement on humanitarian or personal grounds. In practice, this does not often apply to work- or study-based residence permit applications. The new rule does not affect short-term visits or visa applications. The requirement applies only to those seeking long-term residence in Finland. Migri confirmed that all applicants who receive negative residence or deportation decisions retain the right to appeal. If an appeal is filed, enforcement is typically suspended unless the case involves criminal grounds. In such cases, an administrative court can still halt enforcement. The agency also reiterated that it respects the legal principle of non-refoulement. This means that a person cannot be removed to a country where they would face the death penalty, torture, persecution, or other inhuman or degrading treatment. Migris updated guidance will clarify how it interprets the law in relation to travel documents issued by authorities without recognised statehood. Waal said the agency aims to ensure legal consistency while also acknowledging issues that may not have been fully considered in the original legislative process. HT The change follows legislation introduced in 2022 requiring unemployed people to apply for up to four jobs per month, regardless of the availability or relevance of the roles. The rule was introduced under Sanna Marins government and is set to be tightened further by the current administration led by Petteri Orpo . Employers across Finland are no longer advertising open positions through official job portals due to a surge in applications driven by mandatory job-seeking rules. The Finnish Broadcasting Company (Yle) reported on Monday that small businesses are the most affected. Many say they do not have the resources to process large volumes of irrelevant applications, and prefer to recruit privately through personal networks. We know hidden jobs exist. Employers have their own methods and lists to plan ahead and find staff without public postings, said Anu Salmela, director of the Suupohja employment region. The result is an increase in so-called hidden jobs that are not listed in the national job marketplace (Tyomarkkinatori), managed by TE Services. Hidden recruitment has been particularly visible in cities like Tampere, where local authorities report dozens of jobseekers being hired into unadvertised roles after receiving support from municipal employment services. Yles report cites examples from several parts of the country. In Helsinki, Annukka Sorjonen, who leads the citys employment services, said the issue is not about poor quality applications. We just receive too many, she said. In Ostrobothnia, where ten municipalities form a joint employment area known as Kymppi, director Aki Ruotsala said employers have become cautious due to the wider economic outlook. He said feedback from businesses and employer associations confirms the trend. We try to support companies by introducing potential candidates directly, but only with consent, Ruotsala said. According to Markku Rintala, head of the Tyolakeus employment services in Seinajoki, Ilmajoki and Isokyro, even larger companies are sometimes forced to suspend recruitment processes. In small firms, the owner may be doing the work themselves, such as in a metal workshop. Theres no time to go through a flood of applications, Rintala said. He added that job advertisements are increasingly avoided altogether. This mandatory job-seeking requirement doesnt work, Rintala said. Under the current rules, the number of required applications ranges from zero to four per month depending on the jobseekers capacity and the regional labour situation. Orpos government has proposed stricter conditions and increased penalties for unemployed individuals who do not comply with the rules. Employers are now increasingly turning to proactive hiring methods, using internal contacts and staff referrals to fill roles without disclosing vacancies through public channels. Yle was the first to report the development. HT US President Donald Trump said the proposal, developed last week with special envoy Steve Witkoff , would involve the release of all 48 Israeli captives in exchange for 2,500 to 3,000 Palestinian prisoners and an indefinite ceasefire. Trump claimed Israel had accepted the deal and warned Hamas that this was his final warning. Hamas has signalled support for a new US-backed ceasefire proposal, even as Israeli air strikes destroyed more high-rise buildings in Gaza City, killing at least 65 Palestinians in one day. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, Everyone wants the hostages home. Everyone wants this war to end. The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. Hamas responded through official channels that it welcomed any initiative that contributes to efforts to halt the aggression against our people, adding that it was ready for immediate negotiations. The group reiterated its previous conditions: a clear declaration ending the war, full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian committee to govern the enclave. No official response has come from the Israeli government, but a source close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israeli media that the offer was being "seriously considered." Trump told reporters on Sunday that he believed a solution was very close and that were trying to get it ended, get the hostages back. He added, This is a problem we want to solve for the Middle East, for Israel, for everybody. The proposal bypassed traditional mediation channels via Qatar and Egypt. Instead, it was communicated through an Israeli peace activist and an Israeli-American businessman, according to sources familiar with the plan. Despite diplomatic moves, Israeli forces escalated operations in Gaza City, targeting residential towers and public shelters. The Al-Ruya Tower, a 15-storey building sheltering displaced families, was reduced to rubble following a direct threat from the Israeli military. The strike displaced hundreds and killed multiple civilians. Footage verified by journalists showed people fleeing moments before the tower collapsed. We were told to leave immediately. I went back just to grab some blankets and saw the building turn to dust, said Fawziya, a mother of four. Hospitals in Gaza reported that at least 49 people were killed in Gaza City and the northern Strip alone. Dozens more died in Khan Younis and central Gaza following further air strikes. At least two people were killed in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Civil Defence officials said more than 50 buildings had been completely destroyed in Gaza City since Saturday morning, with another 100 damaged and over 200 tents levelled. In another strike, Israeli warplanes bombed the Al-Farabi School, which had been converted into a shelter. Children and women were among the victims. One survivor said, They were sleeping when the missile came. They did nothing wrong. The army claimed the strikes targeted Hamas infrastructure, although no evidence was presented. Palestinian groups and NGOs denied any military activity in the buildings hit. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas began a state visit to the UK on Saturday, where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the proposed ceasefire, humanitarian access, and governance of Gaza post-war. Abbas is advocating for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of prisoners on both sides, and the formation of a Palestinian-led administration in Gaza. Israeli authorities claim 100,000 people have fled Gaza City, around 10 percent of the population. Netanyahu said the army was dismantling terrorist infrastructure, including what he called nefarious high-rises. The Israeli military again instructed civilians to move to the al-Mawasi area near Khan Younis, designated a humanitarian zone. But multiple strikes on the same area in recent months have killed hundreds. Gazas Ministry of Interior dismissed the designation as a deceitful claim. Amid growing pressure from within Israel, President Isaac Herzog called for the establishment of a state commission to investigate the failures that led to the October 7 attack. This marks a rare public challenge to Netanyahu, whose government has rejected accountability measures since the war began. In the occupied West Bank, violence continued. Israeli settlers attacked a Bedouin family near Ramallah. Two Palestinians were injured. Far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the town of Umm al-Fahm under police protection, prompting further unrest. The situation drew global protests. In Brussels, tens of thousands marched demanding an end to Israeli actions in Gaza. In London, police arrested 890 demonstrators at a pro-Palestine Action rally, including 857 for supporting the now-banned group. Rights groups report over 64,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israels offensive began in October 2023. Save the Children said one child is killed every hour, with at least 1,000 infants among the dead. Trumps plan includes direct US oversight of the ceasefire process, with him personally managing the timeline for negotiations and disarmament. The agreement would halt Israels ground offensive on Gaza City, which continues to displace large parts of the population. Hamas officials say they already agreed to a similar framework in August, brokered by Qatar and Egypt. That plan reportedly met 90 percent of Israeli demands, but received no reply from the Israeli side. Opposition politician Yair Lapid urged the Netanyahu government to accept the new deal, stating that returning the captives should be prioritised over destroying civilian infrastructure. Negotiations remain fragile, with many observers questioning whether Israels government will formally engage with the latest US proposal. HT The vote, held on Monday evening, saw 364 members of the National Assembly reject Bayrous leadership, with only 194 voting in support. The result came after Bayrou attempted to push through a 44 billion deficit-cutting budget, which included freezing social benefits, scrapping two public holidays, and capping state spending. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has been forced to resign after losing a no-confidence vote in Parliament, triggering a new phase of political crisis in France as President Emmanuel Macron struggles to find a viable path forward. The budget aimed to reduce Frances fiscal deficit from 5.8 percent of GDP to below the European Unions 3 percent threshold by 2029. Frances current debt stands at over 3 trillion, or more than 125 percent of GDP. Bayrou announced the vote himself in an effort to pressure lawmakers into backing the budget. The plan was rejected across the political spectrum, from the far-right National Rally to the left-wing New Ecological and Social Peoples Union. In his final remarks to Parliament, Bayrou warned, You have the power to bring down the government, but not to erase reality. Debt is rising. The burden will fall on the young. He is expected to formally submit his resignation to Macron on Tuesday. This marks the second time in under a year that Macron has lost a prime minister to a confidence vote. Bayrous predecessor, Michel Barnier, stepped down in December 2024 after just three months in office. Bayrou lasted nine months. The collapse of the government leaves Macron without a clear replacement. A new prime minister is expected to be named in the coming days, but the fractured composition of Parliament means the next government may also struggle to survive. Macron has so far ruled out dissolving Parliament, despite calls from opposition leader Marine Le Pen, who said fresh elections are now a democratic necessity. An Elysee spokesperson confirmed on Monday night that the president intends to appoint a new prime minister shortly. Names circulating include Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin and Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu, but analysts say neither is likely to command a parliamentary majority. The latest opinion polls show that Macrons centrist alliance remains behind both the National Rally and the left-wing alliance. An Elabe survey released Monday suggests that in the event of new elections, the National Rally would emerge with the most seats, followed by the left. Macrons bloc would fall to third. Public trust in Macron is also declining. A recent poll by Le Figaro Magazine placed confidence in the president at 15 percent, down from 21 percent in July. A separate Odoxa-Backbone survey showed 64 percent of voters support Macron stepping down, although he has dismissed that possibility and remains committed to serving until 2027. The presidents decision to call snap parliamentary elections in 2024, following the far-rights strong showing in European Parliament elections, is widely seen as the catalyst for the current gridlock. That vote produced no clear majority, dividing power between Macrons centrists, the National Rally, and a fragmented left. The hung Parliament has failed to pass major legislation since mid-2024. Efforts to form a stable governing coalition have failed, with opposition parties refusing to support centrist prime ministers. Macrons proposed austerity measures were designed to avoid further debt accumulation and potential downgrades of Frances credit rating. Investors responded to the political instability by increasing pressure on French bond yields, which have now risen above those of Spain, Portugal, and Greece. Frances borrowing costs are under review by ratings agencies. A potential downgrade is expected later this week, which could further weaken investor confidence. Bayrou defended the budget as necessary to avoid fiscal collapse. He warned that failure to act would result in long-term instability, placing younger generations in economic captivity. Opposition parties rejected the proposals as socially unjust. National Rally leader Jordan Bardella called the plan the end of Bayrous government, while Socialist MPs said the cuts would cripple the working class. Le Pens party also confirmed it would file an immediate motion of no confidence if another centrist premier is appointed. Street protests are now expected. The leftist Bloquons tout movement has called for nationwide demonstrations beginning Wednesday, while major trade unions are planning additional strikes in hospitals and transport sectors later this month. Macron has also come under pressure from within his own ranks. Some centrist MPs say the government should consider limited cooperation with either the Socialists or Les Republicains to build a temporary governing alliance. Economics professor Stefano Palombarini, of the University of Paris VIII, said, Macron has tried and failed with centrist options. A left-leaning compromise or early elections are now the only realistic paths. So far, Macron has refused both. His next appointment could mark the seventh prime minister since he took office in 2017. A return to the polls carries high risk. The current electoral balance makes it unlikely that any party would gain a clear majority. But avoiding elections may only deepen public frustration. Macrons government doesnt have the political capital to force through economic reform, nor the legitimacy to delay it, said political analyst Juliette Meunier. Opposition figures continue to criticise the presidents handling of the crisis. Le Pen said Macron was detached from reality, while leftist leader Jean-Luc Melenchon accused him of authoritarian arrogance. The Elysee has dismissed these claims. Macrons office confirmed that consultations with party leaders would begin this week. HT Conserving Carolina donations will be matched through Sept. 20 Nearly one year after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, Conserving Carolina will host its annual Conservation Celebration on Sept. 20, with the theme of Growing Resilience. Related Stories This year, the event comes with a powerful opportunity to make twice the impact. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching gift from Greg and Shannon McFayden, donations to the Future Fund made now through Sept. 20 will be doubled, up to the $35,000 match. The Growing Resilience theme reflects the strength and recovery of both our natural spaces and our communities. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, habitat restoration and land protection are more critical than ever before. Healthy forests, wetlands, and native plant habitats dont just provide beauty and biodiversity, they buffer floods, clean our water, store carbon, and create a foundation for resilient communities. The Future Fund is essential for ensuring that our natural places can bounce back stronger, said Kieran Roe, executive director of Conserving Carolina. By protecting land and restoring habitat, were building resilience into our landscapes, which in turn safeguards the well-being of our communities for generations to come. This matching gift means every contribution will have double the power to create a better future for all. This is a chance to invest in the health and resilience of a beautiful area that we are fortunate enough to call home, said Greg McFayden, who made the matching challenge possible, along with his wife Shannon. We invite everyone who loves these mountains, rivers, and forests to step up and be part of the solution. Donations to the Future Fund support Conserving Carolinas three-part mission: Protecting over 49,000 acres of cherished lands, from working farms and forests to iconic parks and trails. Restoring habitats to bring back wetlands, meadows, and biodiversity lost to storms, invasive plants, and development. Inspiring people of all ages to connect with and care for the natural world through education, volunteerism, and outdoor experiences. Supporters can contribute at weblink.donorperfect.com/ffmatchinggift, send a check with Matching Gift in the memo to Conserving Carolina, 847 Case St., Hendersonville, NC 28792, or in person at the Conservation Celebration on Sept. 20 (you must already have a ticket to the sold-out event). Lead sponsors of the Conservation Celebration are Larry and Nancy Pellegrini, Pat and Eileen Cafferty, Hunter Subaru and Jerry McAninch. Troxler, USDA announce $221 million in Helene farm aid North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden signed a $221 million federal block grant agreement on Friday intended to aid North Carolina farmers who sustained losses and damages from Hurricane Helene in 2024. Related Stories The signing took place at the Mountain State Fair in Fletcher. The North Carolina Disaster Block Grant for Helene is for production losses not covered by USDA programs or crop insurance. The program, covering infrastructure damage, market losses, future economic losses and timber losses, applies to the 39 counties that received a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Helene. This $221 million federal disaster assistance block grant for agricultural damage due to Hurricane Helene is welcomed news to North Carolina farmers in Western North Carolina who have been holding on in the aftermath of massive ag losses in 2024, Troxler said. We are grateful for USDAs continued efforts on this block grant and appreciate their willingness to partner with us on this much needed assistance. We all have an interest in the success of agriculture because farmers produce the food and fiber we all depend on. To receive funding, producers may have to agree to acquire and maintain USDA Risk Management coverage for a period of two crop years for market loss, future economic loss, plasticulture and aquaculture claims. We are currently creating the program work plan and application in coordination with USDA. Once we have approval for the plan, we will work as quickly as possible to distribute this money to impacted farmers, Troxler said. As more information about the program is available, it will be posted on our website at www.ncagr.gov/agdisaster. In the meantime, I encourage those in the eligible counties to gather documentation of losses to assist in the application process. ELITE swimmers taking part in a relay down the River Thames to demand action on the sewage crisis were forced to abandon it in Henley due to high E. coli levels. The swimmers set off from Lechlade, Gloucestershire, on Monday and were aiming to swim 200km to reach Putney yesterday (Thursday). The group, which includes Olympians and athletes from all four nations of the UK, would then travel by boat to Westminster calling on the government to end the sewage scandal. The swim was co-ordinated by Cornwall-based Surfers Against Sewage to raise awareness of the scale of pollution in the countrys rivers, lakes and seas. On Wednesday morning, the swimmers came to a halt at Marsh Lock after water quality readings at the River & Rowing Museum in Mill Meadows recorded 4,212 colony forming units per 100mL (cfu) of E. coli. The threshold at which the Environment Agency deems water quality to be poor is above 900 cfu. The swimmers came planned to re-enter the water downstream of Hambleden Lock. The group was recording the quality of the water throughout the challenge, measuring E. coli, ammonia, and oxygen along the river. Giles Bristow, the groups chief executive, said it was working with citizen scientists and communities along the river to monitor the safety of the water. In Henley, it worked with volunteer-run HoTWater, which provides up-to-date E. coli readings from four locations along the Henley stretch of the river. It monitors two locations a week to give river users an insight into the quality of the water, as the Environment Agency does not provide routine water monitoring. Mr Bristow said: Were demanding transformation of the water sector itself but also the bathing water regulations that allow people to know whether they can go in and swim and use and enjoy the water. At the moment those regulations are not fit for purpose. We need to do so much more to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas and were missing the quality of data to know whether it is even safe for humans to be in the water. The monitoring regime that we have under the regulations just isnt sufficient to allow the 17 million people in the UK who want to be able to use our waters to use it. The more we test, the more we tend to find that our waters in the UK are more polluted than we expect. We need those bathing water regulations to catch up with the state of our waters and to get to grips with what is needed to clean them up. Mr Bristow called on the government to transform the privatised water sector, which he said prioritised profit over healthy water ways. He said: This is a massively failing system. Last year, there were over half a million sewage discharges into our rivers, lakes and seas, 4.7m hours of pollution just pouring into waters from the water sector itself because they prioritise making a profit for shareholders and creating dividends and we just think that cant be right. Clean water is the foundation of a healthy economy, so we need businesses and communities, everybody relies on clean water and therefore we need to have that underpin everything else were doing. Laura Reineke, founder of Friends of the Thames and lives in Binfield Heath, called the state of the river an embarrassment. She said: We are literally killing our biodiversity, choking them in chemicals and we cannot allow young, fit adults, who are Olympians, to swim in this level of pathogens, its a serious danger to health. Ms Reineke, who is also an open water swimmer and Henley Mermaid, said she no longer swam in the stretch of the river. She said: I dont swim in this stretch ever anymore, its way too bad. I also have to be quite careful about swimming up at Shiplake near the Loddon River. There is a massive lack of care now in this country when it comes to our nature and our biodiversity and that needs to be turned on its head and changed. It all starts with education, it starts with campaigning, it starts with telling people exactly whats going on, what the truth is behind all of this. Citizen scientist Nigel Baker, who tests water quality along the river for the HoTWater app, said the water quality had been consistently poor over the summer. He said: We measure E. coli, which is an indicator of the faecal content in the water, and I think Ive been surprised how, even when its not raining, how those levels have remained high for the last few months. Its been very warm and that might be a factor in maintaining high levels but typically people think when it rains then within a day or so thats when you see high readings, but weve seen high readings constantly. I think when its rained as it has done the last few days what were seeing is a high peak on top of high levels, so there are no peaks and troughs anymore it seems, its just high constantly. By high, we mean its more than 900 cfus per 100ml which is the level above which they say you should not be swimming in the water. Its been constantly above 900 for months and months so personally I would not swim in this stretch of the river. Its just ironic with Henley and its reputation being built around the river, it appears to be a real blank spot for pathogens in the water, so I wouldnt swim in it. Our data is there to help users make an informed decision about when and how to use the river. Carrying forward the great spirit forged during the war of resistance, building a shared future for all 08:46, September 08, 2025 By Guo Jiping ( People's Daily On Sept. 3, 2025, China held a grand military parade in central Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II. The event served as a solemn occasion for the Chinese people, together with peace-loving people around the world, to remember history, honor the martyrs, cherish peace, and forge a better future. In his speech delivered before the parade, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared, "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." The commemoration honored not only the hard-won peace achieved eight decades ago, but also the solidarity that has transcended borders and the resilience of an ancient nation reborn from peril. The great spirit forged during the resistance against Japanese aggression reflected a universal aspiration for peace and justice, a beacon of humanity and conscience that defied the darkness of fascism. That spirit never fades; it continues to offer inspiration and guidance as the world confronts the challenges of the era. From great victory to national rejuvenation, from fighting for survival to embracing the world, China has always aligned its development with the broader course of human progress. The once unyielding pursuit of national independence and liberation has evolved into a firm commitment to enduring world peace and common security. The spirit of solidarity forged in the global fight against fascism has extended into sustained efforts to strengthen international cooperation. The courage and determination once demonstrated in resisting aggression and oppression have been transformed into proactive steps to promote democracy in international relations, build a new type of international relations, and uphold fairness and justice worldwide. Eighty years ago, after the devastation of two world wars, the international community learned painful lessons and established the United Nations (UN), opening a new chapter in global governance. China played an indispensable role in bringing forth this new international order. Today, amid mounting global instability and unpredictability, building a community with a shared future for humanity has become the sure path to overcoming difficulties and advancing shared prosperity. Practicing multilateralism and upholding solidarity and cooperation are both historical imperatives and essential solutions to contemporary crises. The great victory of the World Anti-Fascist War stands as a powerful testimony to how countries, despite differences in historical traditions, ideologies, and social systems, built the broadest anti-fascist united front and stood together against barbarism and violence. Today, humanity faces various global challenges. No country can remain unaffected, nor can any country solve them alone. The future of the world should be jointly shaped by all nations, international rules should be written collectively, global affairs should be managed together, and the benefits of development should be shared by all. As turbulence intensifies, upholding UN authority grows increasingly vital. For the past 80 years, the UN has remained the most universal, representative, and authoritative intergovernmental organization in the world. History illuminates the path ahead. Its lessons are clear: Civilization must advance, not retreat. Unity must prevail over division. Humanity must transcend prejudice, animosity, and conflict to jointly forge our shared future for all. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Global Governance Initiative: addressing governance deficits and demonstrating China's sense of responsibility 09:16, September 08, 2025 By He Yin ( People's Daily As profound shifts reshape the global governance landscape amid growing systemic shortcomings, the world faces an urgent question: What form should a renewed global governance system take, and how can it be effectively reformed? To answer this question, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, offering Chinese wisdom and solutions for strengthening and improving the global governance system. The initiative is guided by five core principles: adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach, and focusing on taking real actions. These principles are consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, outlining approaches for reforming and improving global governance. Together, they provide both direction and momentum for addressing governance deficits and building a more just and equitable global governance system. Sovereign equality is the foundation of global governance. China has always maintained that all countries, regardless of size, strength, or wealth, are equal participants, decision-makers, and beneficiaries in global governance. A system dominated by a small group of countries is neither fair nor sustainable. Reflecting the collective rise of developing countries, the GCI upholds the vision of global governance based on extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit. It aims to promote equality in rights, opportunities, and rules among nations, ensuring that global governance better represents the interests and aspirations of the majority of countries. This will promote greater democracy in international relations, increase the representation and voice of developing countries, and make the global governance system more inclusive. International rule of law is the essential safeguard of global governance. The purposes and principles of the UN Charter and other universally recognized basic norms of international relations must be observed comprehensively, fully and in their entirety. Today, however, some countries impose "double standards" and enforce their own rules on others, gravely undermining international rules and order. The GGI stresses the equal and uniform application of international law and rules, thereby defending the authority and integrity of the rules-based multilateral system. Only through collective adherence to the rule of law can the international community make full use of fair and credible global rules to advance sound global governance. Multilateralism is the fundamental pathway to global governance. It is the core principle underpinning the international system and global order. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has remained a steadfast advocate of true multilateralism. During the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China and other parties issued a joint statement calling on the international community to safeguard the UN-centered international system and uphold multilateralism. The GGI stresses coordination, cooperation, and adherence to extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefits, calling on multilateral mechanisms to leverage their comparative strengths and play constructive roles. This will help foster deeper public support for multilateralism and further strengthen the architecture of cooperation in global governance. People-centered approach is the underlying value of global governance. The purpose of global governance is to turn people's aspirations for a better life into reality and to build a world of shared prosperity and well-being. The GGI emphasizes reform to improve people's sense of security, fulfillment, and well-being, whether through accelerating development, enhancing resilience to common challenges, or advancing the collective interests of all nations. It reflects China's people-centered development philosophy and consistent commitment to aligning national interests with global interests. Delivering tangible results is the ultimate measure of global governance. Global governance draws vitality from practice, derives meaning from action, and proves its worth through outcomes. Responding to both pressing current issues and long-term challenges, the GGI seeks to foster consensus through practical cooperation, deliver tangible benefits, and ensure that global governance truly serves all peoples. Looking ahead, China will prioritize practical cooperation in areas where governance deficits are most severe, including the reform of the international financial architecture and the governance of artificial intelligence. It will also work closely with the UN to support the implementation of the Pact for the Future, demonstrating a firm commitment to addressing governance deficits with concrete steps. The reform and improvement of the global governance system is a long-term and challenging endeavor that cannot be accomplished overnight. China will continue to work closely with all partners, explore effective pathways for reforming and improving the global governance system, and work toward a brighter future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress for all. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot told AFP Friday that the EU's credibility on foreign policy was "collapsing" due to the bloc's failure to act over Israel's war in Gaza. "It is undeniable, we are not going to bury our heads in the sand, that the European Union at this stage is not living up to its responsibilities in this enormous humanitarian crisis," Prevot said in an interview at his office in Brussels. Belgium has said it will recognise the State of Palestine at this month's UN General Assembly, while unilaterally imposing new sanctions against Israel, in view of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. That move comes as the EU has so far failed to take action against Israel in the face of the dire situation in Gaza, because of deep divisions among its 27 member states. "It is clear that, in the eyes of the public, the credibility of the European Union's foreign policy on this particular issue is collapsing," Prevot said. The EU's executive in July proposed cutting funding to Israeli start-ups over the war, but so far the move has not got the backing of a majority of countries. Prevot said Belgium's decision on recognising the State of Palestine and sanctioning some Israeli ministers was meant to send a "strong political and diplomatic signal" to the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The recognition will take legal effect via royal decree, subject to two conditions: the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, and the militant group's full exclusion from Palestinian governance. Prevot said the aim was to "put pressure on the Israeli government to respond as quickly as possible to the humanitarian emergency" in Gaza. "There is a moral obligation, and there is also a legal imperative to act; countries are parties to international conventions and treaties that oblige them to take all necessary measures to prevent genocide from occurring," said Belgium's top diplomat. "We must be proactive defenders of international law." In July, French President Emmanuel Macron said France would recognise a Palestinian state at the UN meeting, due to be held from September 9 to 23 in New York. More than a dozen other Western countries have since called on others to do the same. Hilton today announced the signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Madrid Principe de Vergara following a franchise agreement with Key International. The property is expected to open in late 2026 and will be located in Madrids affluent Salamanca neighbourhood. The new hotel will be managed by Panoram Hotel Management, a leading multi-brand hotel management company in Spain. DoubleTree by Hilton Madrid Principe de Vergara will feature 155 guest rooms, including king, queen, twin, single rooms, and suites. The hotel will also offer a bar, restaurant, fitness centre and 14 meeting rooms, providing added convenience for business travellers. As one of Madrids most popular neighbourhoods, Salamanca is known for its elegant residences, high-end restaurants and luxury shopping areas. The hotel is also close to many of Madrids most iconic landmarks, such as the Auditorio Nacional de Musica, Plaza de Cibeles, Prado Museum, and Retiro Park, which are all within a 10 minute drive. Adolfo Suarez Madrid Barajas Airport is just a 15 minute drive from the property. DoubleTree by Hilton is a fast-growing, global portfolio of more than 700 hotels with more than 158,000 rooms across 60 countries and territories. For more than 55 years, DoubleTree by Hilton has continued to be a symbol of comfort for business and leisure travellers around the world, welcoming guests with the signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie. Hilton currently operates 44 hotels in Spain, with another 10 properties in the pipeline, and eight hotels in Madrid, with two pipeline properties. DoubleTree by Hilton Madrid Principe de Vergara will be the second DoubleTree by Hilton in Madrid, joining DoubleTree by Hilton Madrid Prado. Hotel website After almost 20 years as a cornerstone of the Shoreditch scene, the first hotel in The Hoxton series is set for a fresh new look. As the brand has evolved and expanded, so too has the design and feel of a Hox: each property takes cues from its surrounding neighbourhoods, but there's an intangible thread that runs through the series, creating an experience that is distinctly Hox. The Shoreditch refresh will celebrate and elevate the original and much-loved features of the property, while bringing that characteristic homey, layered and design-led Hox character even further to the fore. Alongside the reimagined design identity, led by Ennismore's in-house design team at AIME Studios, comes a brand new restaurant concept in the form of Il Bambini Club, taking the baton from Hoxton Grill (the first ever Hox restaurant) and bringing the warmth of Italian hospitality to the lobby, with existing Peruvian hotspot Llama Inn still calling the hotel rooftop home. The hotel refresh will be ongoing through to the end of the year, with the full hotel ready to reveal its new look by January 2026. Lobby A relaxed and welcoming lobby is a staple of any Hox, and Shoreditch did it first. The new look lobby retains a cosy feel and holds onto timeless, standout features like stone fireplaces, a showstopping circular chandelier and floor to ceiling windows to flood the space with daylight. Stand-out textiles and timbers are motifs of the lobby scheme, paying homage to trades once based in Shoreditch, from silk weaving to woodworking. Galvanised metals, exposed conduit and simple light forms are reminiscent of a warehouse environment and nod to the industrial history of the area, while perfectly contrasting more polished features like sculptural seating, mood lighting and lush greenery. A bold use of colour throughout nods to the graffiti-strewn streets and flyposting that is so synonymous with the area, while a mix of materials like boucle upholstery, ceramic tiling and sheer drapery create a tactile and inviting atmosphere. By day, the lobby remains the go-to spot for casual coffees and remote working in Shoreditch; by night, it shifts into a lively hangout for unwinding with a drink as the sun sets. Rooms Accompanying existing Shoebox, Cosy and Roomy room types will be a new Cosy Up category (featuring a bar lounge area for leisure travel), and the 210 rooms will now epitomise retro charm with a strong shot of playful modernity, with some rooms able to interconnect for group stays with pals or travelling with kids. While features like herringbone parquet flooring, oversized circular mirrors and natural wood fixtures that regulars will know and love remain, they will now be complemented with a palette of muted blues, earthy greens and warm amber upholstery. High-shine chrome metals, rounded mint-green bedside tables and conical frosted light fixtures give a retro-futurism feel - even evoking shades of 2001: A Space Odyssey. The overall effect is softened with features like terrazzo marbles, tan leathers and woven rugs, with scalloped headboards also taking centre stage in many rooms. Bathrooms will come in two styles: in some, light grey and rich navy tiling and fluted glass is paired again with terrazzo and chrome finishes, while others go for mottled, forest green marble with glossy brown tiles, mint detailing and hammered glass, balancing elegance with playfulness. The Apartment The new-look Apartment meeting and events space also embraces touches of retro-futurism offset with mid century modern overtones. The fresh design embraces unexpected textures, with graphic prints injecting personality and geometric patterns juxtaposing rounded shapes throughout, while low-slung sofas and soft curves create an intimate, lived-in feel; in short, it's intentional eclecticism at its best. As ever, the space comprises seven private rooms set around a communal Pantry area and can be hired individually or collectively to host everything from presentations and parties to press days, private dinners and even weddings. Il Bambini Club New to town is Il Bambini Club, a lively all-day Italian dining spot with a dose of la dolce vita charm. Taking over the ground floor restaurant in Shoreditch, Il Bambini Club promises a vibrant escape filled with fresh pasta, signature pizzas and plenty of spritzes, all served in a buzzy, welcoming setting that feels equal parts trattoria and Italian holiday. Whether popping in for a long, lazy lunch, pre-dinner negronis or a late-night bite with friends, the experience is designed to be joyful and generous from morning to midnight. It's aperitivo hour, East London-style. Llama Inn Llama Inn is Shoreditch's rooftop modern Peruvian hotspot, serving up uninterrupted city views, killer cocktails and an impressive natural wine list. The menu draws inspiration from Chef Erik Ramirez's Peruvian American background, with dishes founded in the diverse culinary heritage of Peru and seen through a New York lens, where the concept was born in 2015. Unbound by tradition, this dual perspective results in a unique style, offering a broad, modern take on Peruvian food and a cocktail list homing in on Pisco and Latin American spirits. Hox Flea As part of the refresh and this year's Shoreditch Design Triangle, on Sunday 14 September, brand fans will have a chance to take home a piece of the original Hox home with them at Hox Flea. Guests will be able to browse and buy pre-loved pieces from the hotel, including mid-century chairs, plush armchairs, statement lighting and a host of unique, one-off finds you won't spot anywhere else. Best of all, all proceeds from the sale will be donated to Shelter From The Storm, an independent homeless shelter offering free beds, meals and vital support to those in need. Further info and tickets for Hox Flea: thehoxton.com/london/shoreditch/whats-on/hox-flea-at-the-og Dis-loyalty Dis-loyalty, Ennismore's game changing travel and food membership, offers members bigger discounts for going somewhere new. Enjoy 50% off just-opened hotels, 20% off first time stays and 10% off return stays, plus 10% off food and drink and a free barista made drink every single day, whether on holiday or at home. Find out more about all the membership perks at Dis-loyalty.com. Hotel website Today, La Bahia Hotel & Spa opens its doors as the newest resort in Santa Cruz, and the first luxury hotel in the destination. Located at the heart of Main Beach where the tip of Monterey Bay meets the Pacific, the hotel stands proudly as a beacon of Santa Cruz's rich heritage, hospitable culture and vibrant spirit. The story of La Bahia began nearly a century ago, when esteemed architect and UC Berkeley professor , William C. Hays , envisioned a splendid oceanfront enclave of apartments and an accompanying hotel. Through many iterations, its timeless design and enviable location endured. Today marks its next chapter - a 155-room luxury hotel that is redefining the California seaside retreat. Boasting spacious guestrooms, many of which present sweeping ocean views; four unique culinary concepts; a rooftop spa with signature ocean view sauna, zen deck; robust roster of activities; inspired meetings and events spaces and world class partnerships, La Bahia is more than a place to rest your head, but a one-of-a-kind destination that will beckon travelers back time and time again. The hotel's guiding ethos, More to Sea, is both a nod to its physical seaside location, but also channeling a transformative state of being - one of curiosity, freedom and perpetual desire for discovery. Santa Cruz has long been synonymous with surf culture and praised by those-in-the-know as one of California's most authentic beach towns. It has welcomed travelers from near and far for decades to experience the beloved Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the internationally recognized and protected marine sanctuary that is Monterey Bay, the towering redwoods that border the coastal community and diverse array of outdoor recreation and epicurean delights. At La Bahia, the More to Sea mentality guides every guest experience. "We are thrilled to officially open our doors at La Bahia Hotel & Spa," said Markus Krebs, General Manager. "Santa Cruz is a singular place with a truly special community. We look forward to welcoming guests to the hotel and creating memorable, engaging and elevated experiences." Designed by ForrestPerkins, La Bahia Hotel & Spa's style evokes a seaside Mediterranean escape - mimicking the warm welcome of entering a dear friend's palatial estate. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a grand porte cochere and energetic lobby displaying a collection of worldly artifacts along with Pearl, a chic London-inspired champagne bar. A nod to the famed Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for which the hotel neighbors and a playful touch, families with children will receive a complimentary stuffed animal inspired by local marine life from a toy chest upon check-in. Guestrooms, which include 29 signature suites, will feature Nespresso Coffee Machines, Frette bathrobes and a serene design derived from ocean elements and Spanish patterns. Each bedroom features a headboard that serves as one of its most meaningful design elements. Drawing inspiration from the hotel's muse, Aunt Elvaa character at the heart of La Bahia's storythe hand-painted canvases blend influences from Santa Cruz and far-flung travels. The result is a work of art that feels both whimsical and grounded, transporting guests into a space where imagination and place find harmony. Marble clad bathrooms include dual vanities, an oversized walk-in shower, and Le Labo bath products. Many bathrooms also feature a generous soaking tub. An honor bar is stocked full of local favorites to fuel for whatever the day might bring. The exterior facade provides a stunning Spanish-Mediterranean contrast as the gleaming white structure juxtaposes sunny, blue skies. One of the hotel's most notable exterior features is its historic bell tower, which has stood as an iconic symbol of Santa Cruz's beachfront for nearly a century. Now lovingly restored, it has been seamlessly integrated into the design of this new hotel, reflecting the unique sense of place in the heart of Santa Cruz. If guests listen closely, they might hear the bell ringing from time to time, whether it is to honor weddings celebrated at the hotel, or to commemorate a special milestone. Helmed by Executive Chef Fernando Reyes, the culinary program at La Bahia is inspired by Santa Cruz's rich agricultural scene and elevated dining techniques. High Tide has arrived as the signature restaurant, a Pacific Rim-inspired concept with specialties including Umami Forest Risotto & Miso Glazed Butterfish. Low Tide Bar & Grill welcomes guests with a community-driven and lively atmosphere, offering craft cocktails, live music and an inviting patio for happy hours and morning coffees. Pearl, the elegant champagne bar, greets guests upon arrival with celebratory bubbles, creative libations and an impressive list of wines, champagnes and spirits. Perched on the edge of the oceanfront pool sanctuary, Plunge awaits as the lively poolside lounge with light bites and whimsical drinks. The Spa at La Bahia is the preeminent wellness offering in Santa Cruz, drawing inspiration from the region's historic saltwater bath houses. The Spa includes four indoor and four outdoor treatment rooms, along with the signature oceanview sauna that overlooks Monterey Bay, two steam rooms and a rooftop zen deck that gives way to unobstructed ocean views. Every treatment and curated product utilized are derived from the lush marine sanctuary and colorful sea life that call Monterey Bay home. Two standout treatments are La Paz de La Bahia - a treatment beginning with a sublingual dose of Restore CBD tincture followed by a massage infused with arnica, ginger and organic hemp-derived CBD - and Tides of Tranquility - a ritual-style service that begins with dry brushing to awaken the body followed by a sound bowl ceremony and full-body massage with seaweed wraps. The hotel offers more than 13,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, accommodating meetings, retreats and celebrations of all sizes. The unrivaled Seaside Roof Deck is a 5,200-square-foot space with stunning ocean views out to Monterey Bay and east to the redwood mountains. There is no venue in Santa Cruz that matches its size and beauty - providing an unparalleled canvas for extraordinary events. Inside, the romantic Bahia Ballroom is complete with curved archways and residential-style niches that pay tribute to the original Spanish Mediterranean aesthetic. Its walls and ceilings are all custom millwork, reflecting the incredible precision and craftsmanship that has gone into the hotel's vision. Experiences reign supreme at this destination-first hotel. Beach butler service brings comfort and ease right to the sand, while Business & Pleasure pool cabanas offer a private, plush respite. Complimentary Linus and Bluejay e-bikes allow guests to go explore, or if you prefer to go by foot, a collaboration with RunGo has mapped out four diverse routes to walk, hike, ride or meander. To make every exploration seamless, the hotel is pleased to announce a partnership with Lincoln. A brand-new Lincoln Navigator and hybrid Lincoln Nautilus will sit on-property and give guests inside access to the luxury vehicles, delivering a "test-drive" experience to accompany their adventures. Lincoln's new "Rejuvenation Mode" enhances both vehicles by combining sensory experiences like massage, climate control, visual and auditory amenities. Guided meditations with Calm, ambient lighting and scent infusions create a "spa-like environment" within each car - perfect for promoting a relaxing drive along the idyllic coastline. California-based and female-founded Dune Suncare will be available as complimentary skincare and sun protection at the pool complex. An over-the-top package with Almond Surfboards empowers guests to learn how to surf with Santa Cruz local and pro surfer, Richie Schmidt, before designing their custom Almond Surfboard as a treasured keepsake. Locally, La Bahia has partnered with specialty coffee company Cat & Cloud to lead a private tour of their facility and behind-the-scenes look at how the coffee is produced, with an exclusive tasting and take-home gift. For a sweet treat, the local and beloved Penny Ice Cream will be the hotel's creamery partner of choice. At the signature restaurant, High Tide, guests will be able to order an original cocktail created in collaboration with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. A portion of the proceeds for every cocktail ordered will go directly to the sanctuary's mission of protecting wildlife and promoting biodiversity. Private brewery and vineyard tours, museum visits, sailing excursions, whale watching, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and more will all be tailored, bookable experiences coordinated through the concierge team. What has been a cherished landmark of Santa Cruz for nearly 100 years is now ready to welcome the world to its estate. For more information or to book your stay, please visit https://labahiahotel.com/ and @labahiahotelandspa. Hotel website Aradhana is a global expert on the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Her executive, entrepreneurial and board career spans over two decades, five continents and 75+ countries. She is currently the CEO of Aptamind Partners, a private client advisory that advises governments and businesses on using tourism as a force for good and she is the former Managing Director of Tourism at NEOM which is the US$ 500 Billion land of the future in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A sought-after Board Member she has an active portfolio of board roles both in private and listed companies which includes being the Chair of the Red Sea Advisory board in Saudi Arabia, Board Member of World Tourism Forum in Lucerne Switzerland as well as Board Member of the leisure arm of a multi asset listed holding company. Aradhana Khowala is a global expert and one of the worlds leading voices in travel, tourism, and hospitality. Over the last 24 years she has worked in five continents with more than 85 countries, shaping the global agenda at the intersection of luxury hospitality, wellness and regenerative tourism. Today, she is the CEO of Aptamind Partners, the go-to strategic consultancy for governments, emerging destinations, and public and private organisations seeking regenerative tourism solutions. Prior to her current role, she was the Managing Director of Tourism at NEOM as well as Chair of the Board of Advisors at Red Sea Global in Saudi Arabia for seven years. An active board member, she currently serves on the Board of Patrizia SE, a publicly listed real estate firm in Germany with 70 billion AUM. She is also Board Member and Chair of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee at Elaf Group (SEDCO) which leads the market in religious tourism and sits on the Board of the Global Wellness Institute in the USA, the worlds foremost authority on the US$6.3 trillion wellness economy. Her prior experience spans Jones Lang LaSalle, where she covered the UK, Benelux and Scandinavian markets; strategy consulting roles across Europe and Asia and operational roles in Indias hospitality sector. London - Oravel Stays Limited, the parent company behind Sunday Hotels & OYO in the UK, today announced its rebrand to PRISM, a new corporate brand name that reflects the companys expanded global portfolio and long-term vision. Founded in 2012 by Ritesh Agarwal, OYO began as a budget travel-tech brand, standardizing and organizing small hotels by using technology, to make affordable, trusted stays accessible worldwide. Over recent years, OYO has expanded well beyond its Indian budget hotel mainstay into multiple countries, premium hotels, vacation homes and more. The company has scaled into a diversified global travel-tech, hospitality and living ecosystem serving more than 100 million customers across 35+ countries. The group's portfolio today spans hotels under the brands such as OYO, Motel 6, Townhouse, Sunday and Palette. In the vacation homes segment, it operates brands such as Belvilla, DanCenter, CheckMyGuest, Studio Prestige etc. The extended stay category is represented by Studio 6, acquired through G6 Hospitality in the U.S. Additionally, the portfolio encompasses workspaces and celebration spaces, offered through Innov8 and Weddingz.in. The group also offers hospitality technology solutions, including AI-driven partner tools and data science platforms. The name PRISM represents clarity, diversity, and the full spectrum of brands within the companys ecosystem. The OYO brand will continue to serve as the highly recognisable, consumer-facing identity for budget travel, a space it has defined and clearly marked its solid impression globally. PRISM, in turn, assumes the role of the parent company brand, uniting a diversified ecosystem that spans technology solutions, premium hospitality, extended-stay residences, celebration venues, luxury getaways, and experiential living concepts, besides its core of budget hospitality. At the foundation of this architecture lies a powerful hospitality technology engine, which continues to propel the groups growth through deeper investment in data science, artificial intelligence, advanced optimisation tools and innovations designed to enhance partner yields, elevate customer experiences and unlock efficiencies at scale across geographies. This strengthens the companys ability to enter new categories and geographies with clarity and impact. The transition to PRISM marks the establishment of a future-ready corporate architecture designed to align our expanding portfolio with our long-term vision. PRISM is powered by a strong technology engine, deeper investment in data science and AI, and a commitment to helping our partners grow profitably while delighting customers worldwide. Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & Group CEO, PRISM The new corporate brand name Prism, was chosen following a global public naming competition that attracted more than 6000 submissions. Sunday Hotels is expanding its presence in the UK. It debuted in the UK with the iconic Lansbury Heritage Hotel near Canary Wharf in London in 2024, now aims to more than double its managed portfolio of 4 & 5 star hotelsfrom 20 to 50 hotels by the end of 2026. Recently the company added six new Sunday hotels in the UK. These include Holland House in Cardiff, Walton Hall Hotel & Spa in Warwick, Boxhill Burford Bridge hotel in Dorking, Sunday London Staines in Staines, Exeter Rougemont Hotel in Exeter, and Winchester Wessex hotel in Winchester. The company is also actively investing 50 million over three years to accelerate its premium hotel growth in the UK. OYO operates more than 200 hotels across 65 UK cities. About PRISM PRISM (formerly Oravel Stays Ltd.) is the corporate parent of OYO and a portfolio of brands serving more than 100 million customers across 35+ countries. From short stays and extended living to luxury escapes, co-working hubs, celebration spaces, and hospitality technology solutions, PRISM simplifies and enriches urban living through scalable innovation. For more information, visit www.prismlife.com Regent Hong Kong mourns the passing of Mr. Robert H. Burns, the visionary founder of Regent International Hotels, whose pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication redefined luxury hospitality and indelibly shaped Regent Hong Kong into a global icon of elegance and sophistication. In 1970, Mr. Burns embarked on a transformative journey, establishing Regent International Hotels in partnership with Japans Tokyu Group. The unveiling of the first Regent property in Honolulu marked the dawn of a new era, blending Asian warmth with unparalleled global refinement. A decade later, in 1980, Mr. Burns realized his most ambitious vision with the opening of Regent Hong Kong. This landmark moment introduced groundbreaking amenities and an unwavering commitment to exceptional service, earning the hotel worldwide acclaim and the esteemed title of Best Hotel in the World. Throughout his remarkable career, Mr. Burns guided the creation of 18 distinctive luxury hotels in just 22 years, with Regent Hong Kong, celebrated for its breathtaking Victoria Harbour location and timeless elegance, serving as the flagship of his vision. His influence extended far beyond operations, quietly fostering industry growth through education and ardent advocacy. The return of Regent Hong Kong in 2023 to its iconic Victoria Harbour address marked a new, illustrious chapter for this legendary propertya testament to the enduring influence of Mr. Burns vision for refined, guest-centered luxury. Mr. Burns extraordinary vision and dedication to excellence transformed Regent Hong Kong into a beacon of unmatched luxury, inspiring our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional, highly personalized service and culturally meaningful experiences today. We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those touched by his remarkable legacy. Michel Chertouh, Managing Director of Regent Hong Kong Regent Hong Kong remains steadfast in its commitment to honoring Mr. Burns legacy by upholding the exceptional standards he established, ensuring his visionary spirit continues to elevate the guest experience and inspire the world of luxury hospitality for generations to come. From the front desk to housekeeping staff, from marketing to hotel management, the people working at your property are your greatest asset. Their passion, professionalism and commitment directly shape how guests perceive your hotel, your reputation and, ultimately, your bottom line. For hotel owners, managers and senior staff, especially at smaller or independent properties, fostering a great place to work is essential. Happy, well-supported employees deliver better service, stay longer and help create a welcoming atmosphere that keeps guests coming back. This blog explores how strategic staffing, effective retention tactics and the right tools can help you build and maintain a motivated team, turning your hotel into a thriving, memorable destination. Why strategic staffing matters for small hotels Staffing decisions shape both the guest experience and the hotels bottom line. The right people in the right roles can elevate service, streamline operations and support long-term success. In the following sections, we look at how staffing influences guest satisfaction and drives profitability through efficiency and reduced operational risks. The link between staffing and guest experience This point applies to hotels of any size but is particularly true in small properties: every employee interaction can shape a guests impression; theres little room for anonymity and service feels more personal. From the warm welcome at check-in to the attention to detail in room presentation, hotel staff are the face and heartbeat of your property. Finding the right people for the right roles is the first step to ensuring guests get consistent, high-quality service. Equally important is keeping those great employees. Retaining experienced team members builds rapport with returning guests and upholds the service standards that set your hotel apart. How staffing impacts profitability and efficiency A well-chosen team is essential not just for service quality but for operational stability. The right hotel staff keep daily functions running smoothly from check-ins and housekeeping schedules to vendor coordination allowing you as an owner to focus on revenue growth and long-term commercial strategy rather than firefighting issues. Investing in capable, well-trained employees reduces the likelihood of costly mistakes, maintenance oversights or inconsistent service that can lead to bad guest reviews and lost revenue. Efficient staff also help control labor costs by working smarter, not harder, optimizing resources, anticipating guest needs and minimizing waste. Retaining staff allows them to become increasingly attuned to the nuances of your property and customer base, driving greater efficiency and proactivity. In a lean operation, every role carries weight; a strong team not only boosts guest satisfaction but also protects profitability by ensuring that time, materials and effort are used to their fullest potential. The retention challenge: Why small hotels struggle to keep talent Retaining top talent has long been a challenge in the hospitality industry, where competition for skilled employees is fierce and pay levels are often difficult to match compared with larger organizations or other industries. This reality means that salary alone is rarely enough to keep great people on board. Instead, workplace culture, opportunities for professional growth and consistent support from leadership play a much greater role in fostering loyalty. Quite simply, employees who feel valued, heard and encouraged to develop their skills are far more likely to stay. High turnover carries real costs beyond recruitment. It disrupts service consistency, with new hires often taking time to learn standards, leading to longer waiting times and uneven guest experiences. Frequently replacing staff also increases training expenses and consumes management time that could be spent on strategic decision-making and performance monitoring. Additionally, the loss of institutional knowledge, from understanding repeat guests preferences to knowing how to handle peak-season pressures proactively, is hard to replace. So a stable, engaged team not only keeps operations smooth but also preserves the quality of service that builds not only lasting guest relationships, but a positive reputation that will stand out to new potential customers. Core staff roles every small hotel needs Every successful hotel relies on a core team of skilled, well-supported employees. While the structure and scope of these roles and their job descriptions may vary depending on the size and style of your property, each plays a crucial part in delivering great service, maintaining efficiency and supporting profitability. The following sections outline the key positions that keep operations running smoothly, the qualities that make someone excel in each role, and what they need to perform at their best. Front desk and guest services Your front desk staff and guest services team form the public face of the hotel, handling everything from check-in and check-out to fielding guest requests and offering local recommendations. In some hotels, they also manage reservations, guest communication, basic sales and concierge duties. Given that they are often a guests first and last human interaction on property, their influence on satisfaction and reviews is significant. The ideal candidate is personable, calm under pressure, skilled at problem-solving and comfortable with multitasking. To deliver consistently excellent service, they need clearly defined procedures, supported by a tool to manage reservations efficiently or a property management system (PMS) with an integrated module for automated guest messaging. Additionally, their day-to-day operations necessitate effective communication tools for coordination with housekeeping, maintenance and management. Ideally, all systems work together as one integrated platform to eliminate errors and double work. Removing roadblocks such as time-consuming manual check-in or payment processing with the help of an all-encompassing user-friendly system unburdens them to focus on creating memorable experiences. A well-supported front desk team can transform routine transactions into warm, welcoming moments that set the tone for a guests entire stay. Housekeeping and maintenance Clean, well-maintained hotel rooms are the foundation of guest satisfaction. Depending on hotel size and structure, housekeeping and maintenance may be separate departments or combined, with staff responsible for both daily cleaning and small repairs. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, dependable and proactive, so theyre able to spot potential issues before they impact a guest. Their work directly shapes a hotels reputation for hygiene, quality and comfort. To succeed, they need adequate staffing, realistic room turnaround times, access to quality cleaning supplies and tools, and clear communication with the front desk to prioritize urgent requests. Mobile task management systems connected to the front desk software can streamline work orders, communicate last-minute changes and prevent oversights. By removing inefficiencies like unclear schedules or delayed supply replenishment management can help these teams work more efficiently, reduce or mitigate shortages and increase job satisfaction. Well-supported hotel housekeeping and maintenance staff protect the propertys reputation and prevent small problems from turning into expensive fixes. Revenue and distribution management Revenue managers and distribution managers are responsible for ensuring the right rooms are sold to the right guests at the right price and through the most profitable channels. In smaller hotels, this function might be handled by the owner or manager; in larger operations, its a dedicated role. In any case, the skillset and supporting tools required remain the same. The ideal candidate is commercially minded, analytical and adept at understanding market trends and demand forecasts. They support profitability by balancing rates, monitoring competitor pricing, and managing availability across online travel agents (OTAs), direct bookings and other channels. For an owner or general manager combining revenue and distribution with other responsibilities, the tasks described above can quickly become overwhelming. In some cases, they might even become an afterthought, only to be looked at when poor performance is already causing damage. Thats why independent hotel managers today are adopting all-in-one solutions to automate their revenue management, multi-channel pricing, distribution and promotional strategy. The right automation tool allows them to make data-driven decisions and stay competitive, without sacrificing hours of their day or night. Dedicated revenue and distribution managers need accurate, real-time market data, efficient workflows for analysis, and integrated systems connecting the PMS, channel manager and booking engine to optimize pricing and distribution efficiently. Removing manual data-entry tasks and automating routine reporting frees you to focus on strategy. A strong revenue and distribution function ensures pricing decisions are proactive rather than reactive, protecting occupancy and revenue in any market condition. Food and beverage The food and beverage (F&B) function enhances your guest offering, whether through a full-service hotel restaurant, a casual cafe, room service, a breakfast buffet or event catering. Depending on size, the role might be managed by one person or split between front- and back-of-house teams. The ideal candidate is service-focused, organized and skilled at balancing menu quality with cost control. Their work can boost guest satisfaction, drive incremental revenue and create memorable dining experiences that encourage repeat stays. Success depends on reliable suppliers, skilled kitchen staff, bartenders, maybe an executive chef and other team members, and modern point-of-sale (POS) systems that integrate with the reservation system to streamline ordering, billing and inventory management. Coordination with other departments, particularly for events or group bookings, ensures smooth service. Removing inefficiencies like inaccuracies on the menu, supply delays or outdated ordering processes protects both quality and profit margins. A well-run F&B operation doesnt just feed hotel guests; it builds a distinctive identity for the hotel. Marketing manager The marketing manager is tasked with attracting guests and building brand visibility across channels, from digital advertising and social media to PR and partnerships. Managing the website content, guest reviews and targeted promotions can also fall under this role. In some hotels, this is a full-time role; in smaller hotels marketing may be done by a hotel manager, owner or external consultant. The ideal candidate is creative yet data-driven, innovative, skilled at tailoring messages to different audiences and able to respond quickly to trends. Their work directly influences occupancy rates, average daily rate (ADR) and other metrics, as well as your hotels brand perception. To succeed, they need access to analytics tools, a defined marketing budget and quality creative assets like professional photography and branding guidelines. Removing approval bottlenecks and giving them flexibility to experiment with campaigns enables quicker responses to market shifts. Effective marketing doesnt just fill guest rooms; it builds long-term brand equity and a loyal customer base, positioning your hotel as the preferred choice in a competitive market. General manager (owner-operator role) The general manager (GM) oversees all aspects of the hotels operations, from guest satisfaction and financial performance to staffing and long-term strategy. In some hotels, the GM is hands-on with daily tasks and troubleshooting issues; in others, they focus more on leadership, delegation and growth. The ideal candidate is decisive, adaptable and capable of balancing big-picture strategy with day-to-day operational needs. They align all departments toward a unified vision for service and profitability. To do the job effectively, they need reliable department leads, accurate real-time performance data and integrated technology that minimizes administrative workload. By eliminating low-value tasks and streamlining workflows, the GM can devote more time to innovation, partnerships and strategic initiatives. Strong leadership at this level creates a culture of accountability, service excellence and continuous improvement, driving both guest satisfaction and business success. Staffing strategies to minimize turnover and improve morale Retaining great employees requires more than just competitive pay it means creating an environment where staff feel valued, supported and motivated. The following strategies focus on building a strong, engaged team by setting clear expectations, offering flexibility, recognizing contributions and fostering a positive workplace culture. Implementing these approaches can reduce turnover, boost morale and help your hotel attract and keep the talent it needs to succeed. Set clear expectations and provide proper training Clear expectations and thorough training are essential for building a confident, engaged team. When employees understand exactly whats expected of them from service standards to daily workflows they can perform their duties more effectively and with greater pride. A well-structured onboarding process is a big part of this; it reduces confusion, minimizes early mistakes and establishes accountability from day one. It also signals to new hires that the hotel values professionalism and invests in their success. Training shouldnt stop after the first week, though. Ongoing development whether through cross-training, skills workshops or refresher courses keeps your staff sharp, motivated and adaptable to changes in procedures or technology. Providing the right tools and resources, combined with constructive feedback, helps employees feel supported rather than left to figure things out on their own. When staff know they have the knowledge and backing to do their jobs well, theyre more likely to stay, perform consistently and contribute positively to the guest experience. Offer flexibility and fair scheduling Offering flexible schedules is a powerful way to retain employees, especially those with families or outside commitments. After all, a lack of flexibility is something that commonly turns employees away from certain careers, particularly in the hospitality industry. Allowing staff to have input into their shifts or accommodating part-time hours shows respect for their work-life balance, thereby boosting morale and loyalty. Additionally, tactics like rotating duties and ensuring workloads are evenly distributed help prevent burnout and keep the team engaged. The truth is that when employees feel their time is valued and their responsibilities manageable, theyre less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere, creating a more stable and motivated workforce that benefits both staff and guests. Recognize and reward employee contributions Regular feedback and genuine appreciation are key to keeping employees motivated and engaged. When team members feel their hard work is noticed and valued, it fosters a positive workplace culture and encourages continued high performance. Recognition doesnt always have to come with a big budget simple, low-cost perks can make a meaningful impact. Offering free meals during shifts, occasional bonus days off or small rewards for hitting milestones will show staff that theyre appreciated without straining finances. Implementing a consistent recognition program creates a culture where contributions are celebrated, whether through verbal praise, team shout-outs or small tokens of gratitude. This not only improves morale but also strengthens loyalty, reducing turnover and building a stronger, more cohesive team dedicated to delivering excellent guest experiences. Foster a positive workplace culture A collaborative and respectful workplace culture is a cornerstone of employee retention. When staff feel valued, heard and supported by both peers and management, theyre more motivated to contribute and less likely to leave. So create an environment where teamwork is encouraged and respect is the norm to build trust and a sense of belonging, which directly impacts job satisfaction. As a hotel leader, you can foster this culture by empowering employees to speak up openly whether its sharing ideas, raising concerns or suggesting improvements without fear of criticism. Regular team meetings, suggestion boxes and an open-door policy signal that every voice matters. When employees feel genuinely included in the hotels success, they develop pride in their work and commitment to the team, creating a positive cycle of engagement, loyalty and exceptional guest experiences. How the right tools can empower your team and prevent burnout Automating repetitive, time-consuming tasks with the right software can dramatically reduce manual labor and free staff to focus on what they actually care about: delivering exceptional guest experiences. Tools like your PMS or comprehensive hotel operations platforms streamline processes such as bookings, billing, housekeeping schedules and maintenance requests, helping small teams stay organized and efficient. This reduces errors and administrative burdens that often contribute to employee burnout. All-in-one platforms like Lighthouse for Independents take this further by optimizing your ability to manage workloads across roles, ensuring your hotel is neither understaffed nor overburdened at peak times. By using data-driven insights to balance labor needs with service quality, these tools empower hotel teams to work smarter, not harder. When staff can rely on technology to handle tedious routine tasks, they can engage more fully with guests and colleagues, improving job satisfaction and retention. Balancing people and technology Technology is a powerful ally in managing hotel operations but it should complement never replace the personal care and human touch that define exceptional hospitality. Software is best used to handle complexity, automate routine or back-end tasks and reduce administrative burdens, allowing your staff to focus on meaningful guest interactions. Empowering hotel employees with intuitive tools simplifies hotel jobs, reduces stress and helps prevent burnout. To strike the right balance, hoteliers should assess which roles and tasks require direct human interaction such as front office services, guest relations and problem resolution and which can be streamlined with automation, like inventory management or housekeeping schedules. A real success story is that of Anna Okma, hands-on owner of The Fritz Hotel in Amsterdam, who streamlined pricing decisions and operations with the help of Lighthouses complete platform. Next to improving OTA visibility and occupancy rates, it has made her work easier and more efficient, she says. The Six Senses Douro Valley hotel, a beautifully renovated 19th-century manor house overlooking the Douro river in Portugal, saved significant time by automating data gathering and report creation, thanks to Lighthouse's tools. By thoughtfully integrating technology, hotels can enhance efficiency while preserving the warmth and responsiveness that guests expect. To see how we can help transform your hotel management from A to Z, get in touch with our team. Empower your team to drive hotel success Hiring the right people is just the start; supporting and retaining them is what drives long-term success in the hotel industry. Leveraging tools like Lighthouse empowers you as an independent hotelier to streamline your operations, reduce staff burnout and boost efficiency. By automating routine tasks and providing clear insights, Lighthouse helps your team focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences while fostering a positive, productive workplace. Empower your staff, and watch your hotel thrive. About Lighthouse Lighthouse is the leading commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry. We transform complexity into confidence by providing actionable market insights, business intelligence, and pricing tools that maximize revenue growth. We continually innovate to deliver the best platform for hospitality professionals to price more effectively, measure performance more efficiently, and understand the market in new ways. Trusted by over 70,000 hotels in 185 countries, Lighthouse is the only solution that provides real-time hotel and short-term rental data in a single platform. We strive to deliver the best possible experience with unmatched customer service. We consider our clients as true partnerstheir success is our success. For more information about Lighthouse, please visit: https://www.mylighthouse.com. View source SYDNEY As new data reveals food insecurity is at an unprecedented high, travellers in Australia and New Zealand can give back to those in need and help reduce food waste by staying at participating IHG Hotels & Resorts this month. For the fourth year running, IHGs annual Stay for Good campaign supports Australias leading food rescue charity, OzHarvest, and its New Zealand-based sister organisation, KiwiHarvest, throughout September. From now to 30 September, $1 from every stay (new and existing direct bookings) at participating IHG Hotels & Resorts properties across Australia and New Zealand will be donated to OzHarvest and KiwiHarvest. Every $1 donation provides two meals to people in need, reduces food waste and prevents one kilo of food waste from going to landfill, helping to lower harmful carbon emissions. The campaign returns as demand for food relief is at an all-time high. Recent data from OzHarvest reveals a growing number families and single parents are struggling to put food on the table, as the ongoing cost of living crisis intensifies and places extraordinary pressure on households. An astonishing 77% of charities have seen an increase in the number of people seeking food support in the last year and nearly one-third (31%) of those seeking food relief are doing so for the first time. Food relief charities are reporting a 54% increase in the number of people they must turn away thats 50,000 people going without support every month with families (48%) and single parents (31%) representing the largest groups seeking support. As part of IHGs broader commitments to OzHarvest and KiwiHarvest, the hotel group is on track to deliver its one millionth meal in 2025. Further initiatives such as the Nourish Program and Food Rescue from hotels bolster IHGs support for these vital organisations year-round. As more individuals face food insecurity across Australia and New Zealand, our partnership with OzHarvest and KiwiHarvest only becomes more important. In the fourth year of Stay for Good, were helping our guests transform their travel into meals for people who need them most, while protecting the planet at the same time. Matt Tripolone, Managing Director, Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts Guests can Stay For Good by booking a stay at any of its 47 participating IHG Hotels & Resorts during the month of September or to donate via the Stay for Good donation pages. The commitment to supporting OzHarvest and KiwiHarvest forms a part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan that includes an ambitious goal of improving the lives of 30 million people by 2030. IHG works side by side with its guests, employees, and partners to help shape the future of responsible travel as part of the plan. For more information, visit http://www.ihg.com/stayforgood-au (Australia) and www.ihg.com/stayforgood-nz (New Zealand). About IHG IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good. With a family of 17 hotel brands and IHG Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in more than 100 countries, and a further 1,800 in the development pipeline. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 350,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG Rewards. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. DoubleTree by Hilton Madrid Principe de Vergara Hotel to Open in 2026 - Image Credit Hilton Hilton has signed an agreement to open a new DoubleTree hotel in Madrid's Salamanca neighborhood by late 2026. Hilton has announced plans to expand its presence in Spain with the signing of a new DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Madrid. The DoubleTree by Hilton Madrid Principe de Vergara is set to open in the Salamanca neighborhood by late 2026. This development follows a franchise agreement with Key International, with Panoram Hotel Management set to manage the property. The new hotel will feature 155 guest rooms, including various configurations such as king, queen, twin, single rooms, and suites. The facility will also include a bar, restaurant, fitness center, and 14 meeting rooms, catering to both business and leisure travelers. The Salamanca neighborhood is renowned for its residential areas, diverse dining options, and vibrant shopping venues. The hotel will be situated near several of Madrid's landmarks, including the Auditorio Nacional de Musica, Plaza de Cibeles, Prado Museum, and Retiro Park. The location is also approximately a 15-minute drive from Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport. This project marks Hilton's continued expansion in Spain, where it currently operates 44 hotels, with an additional 10 properties in development. In Madrid, Hilton operates eight hotels, with two more in the pipeline. The DoubleTree by Hilton Madrid Principe de Vergara will be the second DoubleTree property in the city, joining the DoubleTree by Hilton Madrid Prado. Travel Sector Reacts to Google's Data Sharing Ruling: What Lies Ahead? - Image Credit Unsplash A recent U.S. district court ruling requires Google to share some of its data with competitors, although it retains control over its Chrome browser. This decision, amid ongoing discussions about Google's market dominance, has sparked varied reactions within the travel industry, which is already navigating a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Background of the Ruling On Tuesday, a U.S. district judge ruled that Google must share certain data with its competitors, a decision that follows a series of legal and market challenges for the tech giant. This ruling comes in the context of previous legal actions, including a 2024 decision that accused Google of monopolizing the online travel market, as well as a $34.5 billion bid for Chrome by Perplexity earlier this year. Google's vast data collection capabilities have long given the company a competitive edge, enabling it to understand consumer behavior in unprecedented detail. This has led to criticisms from various sectors, including the travel industry, which argues that Google's dominance stifles competition. Industry Reactions The travel industry's response to the ruling has been mixed. Many stakeholders believe that the decision is less impactful now than it might have been in the past, given the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media platforms. Rod Cuthbert, founder of Viator, noted that Google's dominance is diminishing as the digital landscape evolves. However, some, like Johannes Thomas, CEO of Trivago, argue that the ruling does not go far enough to dismantle Google's monopoly. Thomas expressed concerns that allowing Google to maintain control over Chrome and Android, and permitting paid default placements, preserves the company's dominant position. Potential Implications for Google and Competitors While the ruling may not immediately level the competitive playing field, it could have significant long-term implications. Brennen Bliss, CEO of Propellic, suggests that the decision marks the beginning of a gradual shift in the market. If upheld, the requirement for Google to share data could erode its competitive advantage, which largely relies on its extensive customer data. Jared Alster, chief strategy officer and co-founder of Dune7, concurs, noting that the ruling could eventually force Google to relinquish its hold on valuable search and click data. However, the immediate market reaction suggests that Google has avoided the most severe consequences for now. Adaptation and Diversification in the Travel Sector In light of these developments, companies within the travel industry are actively diversifying their strategies. Ewout Steenbergen, Executive Vice President and CFO of Booking Holdings, highlighted the company's shift from relying heavily on Google traffic to exploring other channels, such as social media and AI-driven platforms. This diversification is considered crucial for maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving environment. Companies are increasingly focusing on direct consumer engagement and leveraging new technologies to drive traffic and bookings. Expert Opinions and Future Outlook Several industry experts have weighed in on the ruling's implications. Christian Watts, CEO of Magpie, views the decision as a victory for Google, noting the company's significant increase in market valuation following the news. Watts believes that while the ruling imposes some restrictions, it may be too late to alter Google's market position significantly. Marina Petrova, CEO and co-founder of Intentful, suggests that the ruling will not immediately disrupt Google's advertising model. However, she anticipates that new technologies and changing consumer behaviors will eventually redefine the digital advertising landscape. The U.S. district court's ruling on Google's data sharing practices represents a pivotal moment for the travel industry and the broader digital market. While the immediate effects may be limited, the decision sets the stage for potential shifts in how data is shared and utilized across platforms. As the industry adapts to these changes, companies will need to remain agile and innovative to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. Discover more at PhocusWire. Clark Art Presents Symposium on Artists Featured in 'A Room of Her Own' WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The Clark Art Institute presents a two-day symposium on Thursday, Sept. 11 and Friday, Sept. 12 in celebration of its current exhibition, "A Room of Her Own: Women Artist-Activists in Britain, 18751945." All events are free and open to the public and take place in the Manton Research Center auditorium. This symposium hosts an international group of scholars to explore how select artists featured in the Clark's exhibition negotiated public and private spaces to establish professional careers as artists and thrive creatively. A keynote lecture on Virginia Woolf's essay, "A Room of One's Own," begins the symposium Thursday, Sept. 11. Vanessa Bell, May Morris, Mary Lowndes, and Gwen John are the subjects of four in-depth talks by art historians on Friday, Sept. 12. On view through September 14, the exhibition celebrates the achievements of twenty-five women across the fine and decorative arts and features paintings, drawings, prints, stained glass, and embroidery. Inspired by Virginia Woolf's essay "A Room of One's Own" (1929), the exhibition examines the spaces in homes, studios, art schools, and exhibition sites that women artists used to produce their work and cultivate professional success. Schedule Thursday, Sept. 11, 6 pm Keynote Lecture: Virginia Woolf's Incomparable Female Gaze Merve Emre, Shapiro-Silverberg Professor of Creative Writing and Criticism at Wesleyan University and director of the Shapiro Center for Creative Writing and Criticism, discusses Virginia Woolf's 1929 essay, "A Room of One's Own." Emre highlights Woolf's understanding of formal education, and how women's exclusion from this social institution served to devalue their creativity. Emre's lecture will demonstrate how Woolf's essay provides a rich framing device for considering the artists in the exhibition. Friday, Sept. 12 Symposium 10:00 am: Welcoming Remarks Kathleen Morris, Sylvia and Leonard Marx Director of Exhibitions and Collections and Curator of Decorative Arts, and Alexis Goodin, associate curator, welcome guests to the Clark. 10:15 am: Session One 10:1510:40 am: Wendy Hitchmough, Emeritus Senior Lecturer, University of Sussex, United Kingdom on Vanessa Bell and the Subversive Studio 10:4511:10 am: Rowan Bain, Principal Curator, William Morris Gallery, London on May Morris at the Worktable: Home, Craft, and the Business of Embroidery 11:30 am: Session Two 11:3011:55 am: Jasmine Allen, Director and Curator, The Stained Glass Museum, Ely, United Kingdom on "Making space for women:" Mary LowndesPioneering Stained Glass Artist and Suffragist 12:0012:25 pm: Rachel Stratton, Independent Curator, on Strange Beauty in Gwen John's Interiors 1:30 pm: Panel Discussion Moderated by Alexis Goodin, curator of A Room of Her Own: Women Artists in Britain, 18751945, this panel will bring together the day's speakers to explore parallel and divergent experiences of the artists discussed, and provide the audience with an opportunity to ask further questions. All symposium events are free and open to the public. No registration is required for the keynote lecture on September 11, but advance registration is recommended for the program on September 12. Accessible seats available; for information, call 413 458 0524. To register and view the program schedule, visit clark.edu/events. 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 More than 300 South Korean workers detained following a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia will be released and brought home, the South Korean government announced. U.S. federal agents arrested about 475 workers at Hyundai's car battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia, on Thursday in the largest single-site enforcement operation in the history of the Department of Homeland Security's investigative operations. Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff for president Lee Jae Myung, said South Korea and the US had finalised negotiations on the workers release. He said South Korea plans to send a charter plane to bring the workers home as soon as remaining administrative steps are completed. South Koreas foreign ministry said Seoul and Washington were discussing details on allowing all the detained workers to return on a voluntary basis. It said foreign minister Cho Hyun is to leave for the US on Monday afternoon for talks related to the workers releases. Mr Cho said on Monday he will start discussions with Washington on improving the US visa system for Korean workers when he heads to the U.S. He spoke at a South Korean parliament committee hearing discussing the detention of hundreds of Korean workers during an immigration raid at a Georgia battery plant being built by Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution. Hundreds of federal agents raided Hyundais sprawling manufacturing site in Georgia where the Korean automaker makes electric vehicles. Agents focused on a plant that is still under construction at which Hyundai has partnered with LG Energy Solution to produce batteries that power EVs. open image in gallery South Korean foreign minister Cho Hyun holds his mobile phone before a session of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee at the National Assembly in Seoul ( AP ) Mr Cho said more than 300 South Koreans were among the detained. The raid at the Hyundai Metaplant in Ellabell, near Savannah, followed weeks of investigation and was carried out by hundreds of federal, state and local officers armed with a judicial search warrant. Although the warrant named four individuals, the operation ended with 475 people in custody, many suspected of living or working illegally in the United States. The government has pledged to repatriate them swiftly on a chartered flight, an arrangement that immigration lawyers described as highly unusual. I do not know of another instance where a government has responded with chartering a flight, said Sarah Owings, a US immigration attorney representing several detainees. open image in gallery Manufacturing plant employees waiting to have their legs shackled at the Hyundai Motor Group's electric vehicle plant ( AP ) The operation was the latest in a long line of workplace raids conducted as part of the Trump administrations mass deportation agenda. But the one on Thursday is especially distinct because of its large size and because the targeted site has been touted as Georgias largest economic development project. Hyundai Motor is also one of the biggest foreign investors in the United States and is among South Korean companies participating in the country's pledge of a $350bn fund for the US market. A Hyundai Motor spokesperson said some staff had been asked to suspend non-essential trips to the U.S. LGES has also suspended staff business trips to the U.S., other than certain exceptional cases, and will be recalling South Korea-based employees now in the country. open image in gallery US president Donald Trump speaks during a bilateral meeting with South Korean president Lee Jae Myung in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on 25 August 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) The Hyundai Metaplant spans 2,900 acres and houses both an electric vehicle facility and a battery factory run jointly with LG. When complete, it is projected to employ up to 8,500 people. Around 50 of the detainees worked directly for LG Energy Solutions, while a further 250 were employed by HL-GA Battery Company, an affiliate of Hyundai and LG. None of the South Korean nationals were Hyundai employees. The raid stunned many in South Korea because the country is a key US ally. It agreed in July to purchase $100bn in US energy and make a $350bn investment in the US in return for the country lowering tariff rates. About two weeks ago, US president Donald Trump and Mr Lee held their first meeting in Washington. Meanwhile, questions remain over the visa status of those arrested. Some are believed to have entered the country illegally, others overstayed visas, and some had travelled under the US Visa Waiver Programme, which permits short visits for tourism or business but prohibits employment. When you enter under the Visa Waiver Program, then youre not going to have an opportunity to see a judge youre just automatically issued an order by ICE, Atlanta-based immigration attorney Jorge Gavilanes told CNN. He said South Koreas decision to fund the chartered flight was likely intended to expedite the process. open image in gallery More than 300 South Koreans were among 475 people arrested by US immigration officials in a raid on a Hyundai-LG battery plant being built in the southern US state of Georgia, the foreign minister in Seoul said on 6 September 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) LG Energy Solutions said it was working closely with officials. We will commit our best efforts to ensure the safe and prompt return of our employees and those of our partners, said chief human resources officer Kim Ki-soo. The company has suspended most business travel to the U.S. The operation was carried out by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations alongside the FBI, DEA, ATF, Georgia State Patrol and other agencies. This has been a multi-month criminal investigation, said Steven Schrank, special agent in charge at Homeland Security Investigations. 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. Meanwhile, Mr Trump said perhaps the U.S. could work out an arrangement with South Korean workers who would train US citizens to do work such as battery and computer manufacturing. If you dont have people in this country right now that know about batteries, maybe we should help them along and let some people come in and train our people, Mr Trump said on Sunday night at Andrews Air Force Base. He added that the way you train people is bring people in that know what theyre doing, let them stay for a little while and help. Mr Trump, who has ramped up deportations nationwide as his administration cracks down on illegal immigrants, said last week he had not been aware of the raid. He called those detained "illegal aliens". On Sunday, he called on foreign companies investing in the US to "respect our Nation's immigration laws" but sounded more conciliatory. "Your Investments are welcome, and we encourage you to LEGALLY bring your very smart people, with great technical talent, to build World Class products, and we will make it quickly and legally possible for you to do so," he said on Truth Social. Seoul has expressed its unhappiness about the arrests and the public release of the footage showing the operation which involved armoured vehicles and the shackling of workers. open image in gallery Manufacturing plant employees being escorted outside the Hyundai Motor Group's electric vehicle plant ( AP ) Mr Lee said the rights of South Korean nationals and economic activities of South Korean companies must not be unfairly infringed upon during US law enforcement procedures. South Koreas foreign ministry separately issued a statement to express concern and regret over the case and sent diplomats to the site. Video released by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Saturday showed a caravan of vehicles driving up to the site and then federal agents directing workers to line up outside. Some detainees were ordered to put their hands up against a bus as they were frisked and then shackled around their hands, ankles and waist. Most of the people detained were taken to an immigration detention center in Folkston, Georgia, near the Florida state line. None has been charged with any crimes yet, Steven Schrank, the lead Georgia agent of Homeland Security Investigations, said during a news conference Friday, adding that the investigation was ongoing. He said that some of the detained workers had illegally crossed the US border, while others had entered the country legally but had expired visas or had entered on a visa waiver that prohibited them from working. 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 Japanese prime minister Shigeru Ishiba stepped down less than two months after his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost its majority in the upper house elections. His resignation came amid mounting pressure from the partys right-wing faction following Julys bruising vote, which reflected public dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living and sluggish economic growth. The LDP and its coalition partner, Komeito, fell short of the 50 seats needed to retain control, winning only 47, while far-right nationalist parties gained ground. Ishiba held a press conference in Tokyo on Sunday evening, confirming that he would resign as party president but remain in office as prime minister until a new leader is elected. Citing the conclusion of a trade deal with the US aimed at easing tariffs on Japanese imports, he described the timing as right for his departure and requested that the LDPs general secretary begin organising a leadership election immediately. The race to replace Ishiba has already begun, with a vote expected in early October 2025, according to an unnamed senior party official, Reuters reported. Now, Japan is entering another period of political uncertainty. With the next general elections not due until 2028, the LDPs choice of leader will influence not only domestic policy but also international relations, particularly trade, defence, and coalition management. Who is vying for the leadership role? Several high-profile figures are vying for leadership: Shinjiro Koizumi: The 44-year-old son of former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, Shinjiro represents the LDPs more liberal wing. He has expressed support for same-sex marriage and separate surnames for married couples, positions that distinguish him within the party. As agriculture minister under Ishiba, he gained recognition for addressing rice price reforms. Koizumis charisma and popularity could help build coalitions, including support from the Japan Restoration Party. If elected, he would become Japans youngest-ever prime minister. Sanae Takaichi: A conservative figure, Takaichi is a self-styled heir to Shinzo Abes legacy, advocating constitutional revisions to clarify the role of Japans Self-Defence Forces and emphasising a stronger military posture. She opposes same-sex marriage and dual surnames, and likens her approach to Margaret Thatcher, calling for bold fiscal and monetary policies. A Takaichi premiership would mark Japans first female prime minister, but her hardline positions could challenge relations with coalition partner Komeito. Toshimitsu Motegi: Former foreign minister Motegi officially entered the race shortly after Ishibas announcement. He cited his experience in government as a reason to help pull the LDP out of its current difficulties. Yoshimasa Hayashi: Currently chief cabinet secretary, Hayashi is another potential contender, though his candidacy is not yet formally confirmed. Polls suggest a close contest between Koizumi and Takaichi. A recent TBS poll shows both candidates at 19.3 per cent, while a Nikkei survey placed Takaichi marginally ahead at 23 per cent versus Koizumis 22 per cent. How will the new leader be chosen? The LDP can choose between two formats for selecting its president. One option is a full-scale election. Lawmakers and rank-and-file members vote, each with equal weight in the first round. A simple majority secures victory; otherwise, a run-off occurs between the top two candidates. In the second round, rank-and-file influence decreases. And then there is the option of a simplified election. Used in 2020 after Shinzo Abes resignation, this method restricts voting to LDP legislators and a few prefectural representatives, bypassing the broader membership. Once the party selects a leader, the next step is the parliamentary vote. Despite losing its majority, the LDPs leader is likely to become prime minister, as the party remains the largest in the lower house, according to Reuters. Lawmakers from both chambers vote, but the lower house holds the deciding power in case of disagreement. Candidates may also call a snap general election to secure a broader public mandate. 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 World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged Taliban authorities to lift restrictions on Afghan female aid workers, allowing them to travel without male guardians and assist women struggling to access care after a powerful earthquake killed 2,200 people in eastern Afghanistan. The plea comes as the country grapples with the aftermath of the 1 September magnitude 6 quake, which injured more than 3,600 and left thousands homeless. Dr Mukta Sharma, the deputy representative of WHO's Afghanistan office, highlighted the critical need, telling Reuters: "A very big issue now is the increasing paucity of female staff in these places." She estimated around 90 per cent of medical staff in the area were male, with the remaining 10 per cent often midwives and nurses, rather than doctors. This disparity means women are uncomfortable or afraid to interact with male staff and travel alone to receive care. Afghanistan has already been facing severe aid cuts and humanitarian crises since the Taliban assumed control in 2021. The Afghan health ministry and a spokesperson for the Taliban administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment. open image in gallery A boy stands in front of houses damaged by a deadly earthquake that struck Afghanistan's Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, at Masud village in Nurgal district, Kunar province ( Reuters ) The Taliban maintains it respects women's rights in line with its interpretation of Islamic law and has previously said they would ensure women could receive aid. Its administration in 2022 ordered Afghan female NGO staff to stop working outside the home. Humanitarian officials say there have been exemptions, particularly in the health and education sectors, but many said these were patchwork and not sufficient to allow a surge of female staff, particularly in an emergency situation that required travel. That meant aid organisations and female staff faced uncertainty, Sharma said, and in some cases were not able to take the risk. "The restrictions are huge, the mahram (male guardian requirements) issue continues and no formal exemption has been provided by the de facto authorities," she said, adding her team had raised the issue with authorities last week. "That's why we felt we had to advocate with (authorities) to say, this is the time you really need to have more female health workers present, let us bring them in, and let us search from other places where they're available." Sharma said she was extremely concerned about women in the future being able to access mental health care to deal with trauma, as well as for those whose male family members had been killed, leaving them to navigate restrictions on women without a male guardian. open image in gallery Afghans injured in a powerful earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday, lie on beds at Nangarhar Regional Hospital in Jalalabad, Afghanistan ( Associated Press ) Peer Gul from Somai district in Kunar province, which was severely hit by the quakes, said many women from his village had experienced trauma and high blood pressure after the earthquake and were struggling to reach medical care. "There is no female doctor for examinations; only one male doctor is available," he said. Sharma noted the growing shortage of Afghan female doctors as the Taliban have barred female students from high school and university, meaning a pipeline of women doctors was not being replenished. The UN estimates around 11,600 pregnant women were also impacted by the quakes in a country with some of the highest maternal mortality rates in Asia. Funding cuts, including by the US administration this year, had already left the health system reeling. Around 80 health facilities had already closed in the affected areas this year due to US aid cuts and another 16 health posts had to be shuttered due to damage from the earthquake, Sharma 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 Nepals prime minister KP Sharma Oli stepped down on Tuesday after at least 19 people were killed in anti-corruption demonstrations triggered by a government ban on social media platforms. The protests, led mainly by young people, forced Mr Oli to reverse the ban as anger turned against politicians, with demonstrators setting fire to the homes of senior political figures. The unrest has exposed deep-rooted frustration over corruption, nepotism and political instability in the Himalayan nation. The restrictions, imposed last week, blocked Facebook, X, YouTube and other major networks that refused to register under new regulations giving the government direct oversight. Officials said repeated notices had been ignored and argued that unregulated social media was enabling the spread of fake identities, fraud and hate speech. Only five services including TikTok and Viber had complied with the requirement and remained accessible. open image in gallery Demonstrators enter the Parliament complex during a protest against Monday's killing of 19 people after anti-corruption protests ( Reuters ) A bill now before parliament seeks to require platforms to set up local offices and ensure they are properly managed, responsible and accountable. Rights groups have condemned the draft law as a tool for censorship designed to silence dissent. Nepal's social media shutdown also came as governments worldwide, including the US, EU, Brazil, India, China and Australia, take steps to tighten oversight of social media and Big Tech due to growing concern about issues such as misinformation, data privacy, online harm and national security. open image in gallery Protesters burn vehicles and tires during protests against social media ban and corruption in Kathmandu ( AP ) Nepal briefly banned TikTok in 2023, accusing it of spreading indecent material and threatening social harmony. That decision was reversed last year after the company pledged compliance with local rules. Pornographic websites have been blocked nationwide since 2018. Critics say many of these measures risk stifling free expression, but regulators say stricter controls are needed to protect users and preserve social order. The demonstrations, however, quickly broadened into what has been called the protest of Gen Z referring to those born between 1995 and 2010 as young Nepalis demanded accountability from politicians they accuse of enriching themselves while ignoring the struggles of ordinary citizens. open image in gallery Protesters wave flags on the roof of the parliament complex ( Reuters ) Protests over the social media ban were just a catalyst. Frustrations over how the country is being run have long been simmering under the surface. People are very angry and Nepal finds itself in a very precarious situation, said Prateek Pradhan, editor of Baahrakhari, an independent Nepali news site. In recent weeks, TikTok videos showcasing the lavish lifestyles of political families children had fuelled resentment in the country. The governments failure to pursue corruption cases and an unemployment rate of 20 per cent among youth deepened the anger. All these issues have made the youth of Nepal dissatisfied. They saw no other option but to take to the streets, Mr Pradhan added. open image in gallery Demonstrators carry an injured victim (C) during a protest outside the Parliament in Kathmandu on 8 September 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) The violence on Monday makes these protests the deadliest Nepal has seen in decades, exceeding even the 2006 uprising that forced the monarchy to cede power and led to the eventual abolition of the crown two years later. Earlier this year, royalist rallies in Kathmandu left two people dead after clashes with police. Although Mr Oli resigned, protesters have continued to call for the government itself to be dissolved, raising fears of further instability in a country that has seen 13 administrations since 2008. open image in gallery Demonstrators gather outside Nepal's Parliament during a protest in Kathmandu on 8 September 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) On Monday and Tuesday, crowds of tens of thousands gathered in the capital Kathmandu to protest against the corruption and oppose the decision by authorities to block most social media platforms, including Facebook, X and YouTube, saying that the companies had failed to register and submit to government oversight. Thousands of youths, including students, many in their school or college uniforms, were stopped by police from marching towards the parliament building, where demonstrations are not allowed. Protesters carried the national flag and placards with slogans such as "Shut down corruption and not social media", "Unban social media", and "Youths against corruption", as they marched through Kathmandu. open image in gallery Riot police personnel stand guard during a protest outside the Parliament in Kathmandu on 8 September 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Television visuals showed some protesters throwing projectiles at police personnel who were dressed in riot gear and huddled in one place as smoke from tear gas shells filled the street. Protesters also pushed against police barricades and brought them down. Police fired tear gas, water cannons and live rounds as protesters attempted to storm the legislature. A police spokesperson said security forces had been instructed to use batons, water cannons and rubber bullets to regain control but confirmed that firearms were also deployed when crowds overran barricades. open image in gallery Riot police stand guard outside the parliament building as they clash with the protesters in Kathmandu, Nepal, Monday, 8 Septem 2025 ( AP ) Nima Tendi Sherpa, a 19-year-old shot in the arm during Mondays clashes, said demonstrations turned violent only after police opened fire on crowds attempting to breach barricades. I dont have any harsh feelings toward the policemen. They were just doing their duty by following orders. But I am angry and enraged at the ones who gave those orders, he said. Now that the fire has already started, I believe it must continue until we achieve true freedom. open image in gallery A demonstrator jumps from the gate of the Parliament during a protest against corruption and the government's decision to block several social media platforms, in Kathmandu, Nepal 8 September 2025 ( Reuters ) open image in gallery Smoke billows from an ambulance next to riot police officers and demonstrators during a protest against corruption and the government's decision to block several social media platforms, in Kathmandu, Nepal ( Reuters ) open image in gallery Riot police personnel fire tear gas as demonstrators pelt stones during a protest outside the Parliament in Kathmandu on 8 September 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Mr Pradhan warned the movement is beginning to resemble youth-led uprisings in neighbouring Bangladesh and Sri Lanka that toppled governments. It appears people are just done with how things have been going on. They want a change, he 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 Eight-year-old Trishna Shakya, Nepals revered living goddess, the Kumari, made a striking appearance as she was carried aloft from her temple palace. Adorned in ceremonial finery, she then rode a garlanded chariot through the capitals streets, captivating tens of thousands gathered for the start of the Indra Jatra festival on Saturday. Devotees lifted their phones to capture the moment, seeking blessings from the young goddess, who has served in her sacred role since the age of three, residing in the Kumari's temple palace for the past five years. With thick vermillion paste on her forehead framing a golden representation of her "third eye," Kumaris wooden chariot was pulled by worshippers through the thronging crowds. open image in gallery Kumari, Nepal's living goddess, is carried high beside the chariot which she will ride, pulled by devotees, around the center of the capital in Kathmandu, Nepal, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The word kumari means virgin in the Nepali language, and its occupants are selected at a very young age, sometimes as young as 2. They spend years in the palace temple, serving in the role until just before puberty. Kumaris rarely leave the temple palace, and when they do for festivals or rituals, their feet are never supposed to touch the outside ground. They are either carried in a palanquin or in someones arms. Kumaris are chosen from Buddhist families from the Newar community, indigenous to the Kathmandu valley, and revered by both Hindus and Buddhists in the predominantly Hindu nation. The weeklong Indra Jatra festival is the first of a series of celebrations that includes Dasain, the main festival, celebrated later this month; and Tihar or Diwali, the festival of lights, in October. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A 41-year-old woman has been charged with assault in Malaysia after attempting to hug the Sultan of Perak during Independence Day celebrations in Ipoh. Nurhaswani Afni Mohamad Zorki appeared before Magistrate Mohd Harith Mohd Mazlan on Monday, where she was charged under sections which deals with assault or use of criminal force. No plea was entered, reported Malay Mail. The incident took place at about 8.20am on 31 August outside Ipoh Town Hall, where the Perak state-level National Day ceremony was underway. According to police and witnesses, Ms Nurhaswani, dressed in black, had positioned herself among the dignitaries before rushing the stage as the state anthem was played. She attempted to embrace Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah but was stopped by security personnel, who quickly shielded the ruler and restrained her. Perak police commissioner Noor Hisam Nordin confirmed that the woman was arrested on the spot. He said investigations revealed she had previous drug-related offences and was under psychiatric supervision, though a drug screening returned negative. Deputy public prosecutor Nasrul Hadi Abdul Ghani told the court that findings suggested Ms Nurhaswani may be suffering from schizophrenia and requested she be sent for psychiatric observation, reported The Star. Magistrate Mohd Harith granted the application, ordering a month-long assessment at a hospital in Ulu Kinta. The case will be mentioned again on 8 October. If convicted, Ms Nurhaswani faces a maximum of three months imprisonment, a fine of up to 1,000 ringgit (170), or both. Inspector-General of Police Mohd Khalid Ismail said security protocols for Malaysias royal families and state leaders will be tightened in response to the incident. This will involve bodyguard training and incorporating elements from the Special Actions Unit and commandos, so that protocols are streamlined with officers attached to the istanas [royal palaces] and state governments, he said, according to The Star. Commissioner Noor Hisam also appealed for restraint at official events, adding: We urge the public to respect the countrys official celebrations and not to cause incidents that would spark public concern. 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 Tens of thousands of people were evacuated in southern China on Monday as Tropical Storm Tapah made landfall after battering Hong Kong with gale-force winds and heavy rain, prompting school closures, and cancelling flights. The storm struck Taishan in Guangdong province on Monday morning, bringing sustained winds of more than 100kmph and gusts of up to 150kmph. State broadcaster CCTV reported that over 60,000 people were moved to safety in coastal areas, with ferries suspended and hundreds of flights grounded across Guangdong and neighbouring Guangxi. In Hong Kong, authorities raised the typhoon signal to No 8, the citys third-highest warning, forcing most businesses to remain shut. Public transport was largely suspended, with buses, ferries and trams halted and trains running at longer intervals. The citys education bureau said schools would stay closed for the day, even if the storm signal was later lowered. Hong Kongs observatory said the storm passed about 170km southwest of the territory at its closest, lashing the financial hub with rain bands and strong winds that flipped umbrellas and rattled scaffolding on building sites. Authorities also issued an amber rainstorm warning, the lowest in its three-tier system, early on Monday. Airlines cancelled dozens of flights from Hong Kong International Airport, where wind speeds of 101kmph were recorded, with gusts reaching 151kmph. Airlines warned of further disruption through the day as the storm tracked west. Map shows path of tropical storm Tapah passing close to Hong Kong and entering China ( Japan Meteorological Agency ) In Shenzhen, local officials ordered schools to close and warned residents to stay indoors. Coastal cities in Guangdong province suspended port operations and deployed emergency crews to monitor rivers for flooding. By late morning, Tapah was moving inland across southern China, weakening as it tracked northwest. Chinas national meteorological centre said parts of Guangdong and Guangxi could still face flash floods and landslides from the torrential rain, which was forecast to persist into Tuesday. Despite the disruption, early reports suggested damage in Hong Kong was limited. Streets were mostly quiet with only scattered debris, and there were no immediate reports of landslides or major flooding. Emergency services remained on alert as the city is prone to slope failures during heavy downpours. In China, however, officials warned that rivers swollen by weeks of summer rain could worsen flooding. Emergency shelters were opened in Guangdong, and engineers were dispatched to secure reservoirs and power facilities. Tropical Storm Tapah is the latest in a series of weather systems to hit East Asia during this years storm season. The South China Sea and western Pacific typically generate several powerful cyclones between June and October, fuelled by warm ocean waters. 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 Wayne Gramlich was there at the very beginning of the Internet. While still in high school in the mid-1970s, the now 69-year-old managed to access the nascent technology then called the ARPANET and he decided on MIT for college because it was one of only a handful of universities in the United States at the time that was online. True to form, the lifelong software engineer and computer enthusiast, who recently retired from Google Brains robotics department, still prefers to use a landline, once helped track down a friends brother who needed deprogramming from a cult and in his spare time helped create the Snoo. (Hes signed enough NDAs that he cant describe the experience in any detail, but he calls the famous baby crib probably the most successful robot on the market today.) In other words, Wayne Gramlich has led a very interesting life. But perhaps the most interesting part of all is how he partnered with the poker-playing grandson of the noted economist and statistician Milton Friedman and along with half a million dollars of Peter Thiels funding attempted to build a libertarian nation-state on the sea. Seasteading as Gramlich called it in an early paper, a term that drew a connection with early American homesteads and caught on among Silicon Valley types was seen as a solution to a lot of things. Libertarians believed governments were broken, cities bloated and land-based civilization a lost cause. The solution to problems like government oversight, as they saw it, was to abandon the nation-state entirely and start again on floating platforms in international waters. Did Gramlich himself believe that? No, he says, and he was fairly unimpressed with the pie-in-the-sky ideas of some of the most ardent libertarians around at the time. I read Atlas Shrugged. I said: Boring, and not very realistic. But he did find the engineering problem of building a seastead basically, a community that floats on the water extremely interesting. Hed seen people discussing it in early online forums. They always used imagery of flat seas without waves, and their calculations failed to take into account bad weather or dynamic movement. Gramlich thought he could do better. He started tinkering around with a more realistic version of an overwater city, one that could withstand high winds and disturbance in the water. He thought about a platform made out of plastic bottles lashed together and floating near a shoreline, or an open-seas version that took its inspiration from oil rigs. Two or three people sent him emails, just to chat, when he published his ideas on his website. Then he got an email that was a little different from the others. It came from Patri Friedman, grandson of the late economist Milton, and he wasnt just casually interested in seasteading. He was really interested. We bounced ideas off each other, says Gramlich, and then eventually they realized they were both based in Sunnyvale, California. They met up for lunch. They talked some more. Patri was interested in building a libertarian utopia; Wayne wanted to see if building a new nation-state on the water was truly viable from an engineering perspective. It was a workable partnership, but not always easy. Seasteading is not a political problem, says Gramlich, and I kept pointing this out to Patri. I said, You know, you can practice any kind of government you want, but you have to have the technology first. There was another group of people who called themselves The Atlantis Project who were also online at the time, and the way they were going about things seemed like a warning sign to Gramlich. The first thing The Atlantis Project did is they wrote a constitution, he recalled. And I'm like, You don't even have the technology and you have a constitution? That seems kind of silly. Gramlich was now embroiled in the world of tech-forward libertarians, people who would eventually come to refer to themselves as the New Right with Peter Thiel as their leader and JD Vance one of its main acolytes. Seasteading would have its dramatic fall and then its renaissance. The small, isolated islands of French Polynesia would get swept up in their ambitions and then dramatically abandoned. Ocean exploration would become an obsession among wealthy interested parties as diverse as James Cameron and Elon Musk. The Silicon Valley-style move fast and break things mentality in this space would ultimately lead to the tragedy of the OceanGate submersible implosion. But none of this had happened yet. It was the early 2000s, and Gramlich and Friedman had lofty goals. Gramlich was sure he could work out the engineering kinks, even if it meant a lot of high-level logistics. Its all very good imagining a floating city hundreds of miles off a countrys coast, he says, and you might be able to construct one of those houses for about a million dollars. A lot of people spend a million dollars on a home, which makes a seastead seem within easy reach but you have to understand that there's no infrastructure. You have to import your water. You need a backup generator, you need to have a place to store your diesel for the backup generator. And how are you going to feed yourself? Well, there's no fish out in the middle of the ocean. It's a desert, fish-wise. So now you've got to import your food. You might say, oh, well, you can do desalination for water but that takes energy. You don't have energy. So you're going to import your water, your food, everything. And for a long time, there was nothing to do out in the middle of the ocean, because we didn't have Starlink, so you didnt have the internet or anything either. open image in gallery An aerial view of the city that startup Oceanix plans to start building in 2026. Marc Collins Chen, the CTO of Oceanix, started out in government in his native French Polynesia where his first foray into career seasteading was when he helped broker the contract between French Polynesia and Wayne Gramlich and Patri Friedman's Seasteading Institute ( OCEANIX/BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group ) None of this seemed like a huge deal to Patri. He was busy putting together a 331-page ebook (titled Seasteading: A Practical Guide to Homesteading the High Seas) which featured lofty pronouncements like: Imagine the tremendous possibility of being able to create new acreage on the vast and empty oceans. The environment may be less friendly, but the increased freedom will appeal to a motivated minority who are fed up with terrestrial politics. These aquatic pioneers will settle civilizations next frontier through the unusual merger of green technology and free enterprise. Once there, they will experiment with new social, political, and economic systems, adding much-needed variety and innovation to the stagnant business of government. That is quite normal for this group of people, says Gramlich. He has a lot of respect for libertarians, even if he doesnt share their politics, and he underlines that he eventually parted ways with Patri amicably, even if the parting was painful for a while. However, he says, one thing about Silicon Valley techno-libertarians pursuing these kinds of projects is undeniable: They get excited. Tsunamis, pirates and crypto-anarchy It was Patri Friedmans excitement that led to the funding. Six years after he and Gramlich started working together on the idea of a seastead, Friedman went for a job interview where he mentioned the project and word made its way to new multimillionaire Peter Thiel. Thiel was the founder of PayPal and a then-rare conservative in the tech space, who in 2002 had made $55 million from the sale of PayPal to eBay. Thiel wanted to use his newfound fortune to further some of his most ambitious political ideas, and seasteading piqued his interest. He reached out to Patri Friedman and offered him and Gramlich $500,000 in seed funding to make seasteading a reality. He also helped arrange some working space for Friedman and Gramlich at the offices of controversial data-mining company Palantir (I thought it was kind of weird because Palantir was doing all that security clearance stuff, says Wayne. I can't believe that they let us get a well, we didn't have an office. We just had a nook.) In early 2008, The Seasteading Institute was born. Friedman carried on writing the ebook. Gramlich plugged away at the engineering problems. They had meetings about structure designs undersea resorts or floating homes? Oil rig-style or houseboat-style? and possible hazards (tsunamis, high winds, sewer ice, geopolitics and pirates.) They talked about health tourism and daily rations of beer and crypto-anarchy. They theorized on how to respond to the criticism that, in the words of their ebook, its just a bunch of rich guys wanting even more freedom. Thiel had made it clear, says Gramlich, that part of The Seasteading Institutes remit was simply to popularize the idea of seasteading itself. Friedman diligently worked on that, while Gramlich researched sea laws and eventually gained an encyclopedic knowledge of maritime legalities (for instance, he tells me, theres a long-standing law in the US that complicates getting supplies to Puerto Rico whenever it has a hurricane. The law says that a boat made in a different country to the United States cannot sail from one American port to another. But because almost no American cargo ships are actually made inside the US, that means the country cant easily send its own supplies from an American port to a Puerto Rican one, since its an American territory.) Gramlich wanted to conserve the cash, to be careful with the money. But by now, another one of Thiels acolytes, Joe Lonsdale, was on the board, and Joe and Patri were emboldened by the cash and excited by the possibilities. They voted to go ahead and build a large seastead right away, overruling Gramlich, who wanted to start small. In the background, a global financial crisis was looming. The French Polynesian experiment Marc Collins Chen says its absolutely his fault that The Seasteading Institute got involved with French Polynesia. He may be the CTO of Oceanix now, working on a floating city off the shores of Busan in South Korea which he says will start construction in 2026, but he was once a seasteading enthusiast in the French Polynesian government. Not long after they received their half a million dollars in funding from Thiel, The Seasteading Institute approached French Polynesia with an idea: Since theyd realized that building all their infrastructure from scratch would be logistically untenable, could they build a few miles off the shores of the islands instead? They could take advantage of the fiber-optic undersea cables that deliver high-speed internet to French Polynesia, as well as hooking up to some of their other existing infrastructure, all the while remaining in one of the most isolated parts of the world. It sounded innovative and a little crazy, but perhaps worth an experiment. Few could have imagined how badly it would go down with the islands residents. Collins Chen doesnt mince his words: I am fully responsible for both bringing them in and for it probably failing as well. open image in gallery An aerial view of French Polynesia, one of the most isolated island nations in the world. Like other south Pacific islands, French Polynesia is sinking. It used to be thought that this was solely due to sea level rise because of climate change, although recent research has suggested that the islands are also being dragged underneath the water by tectonic plate activity in the region at the same time ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The Seasteading Institute was looking for a host nation when they approached him, he says, and at first it seemed like a win-win situation. French Polynesia is sinking, mainly due to rising seawater levels from climate change. It faces disappearing completely by the end of the century if nothing can be done. Working out how to construct workable floating seasteads is clearly a potential solution for a nation desperate to survive. French Polynesias government drew up a seven-year agreement a memorandum of understanding, says Collins Chen with The Seasteading Institute, and both hoped to get work underway promptly. But then negotiations began to get heated. What did not work [for us] was this idea of a carve-out, whether it's for taxes or whether it's for labor laws, and it became untenable, he says. I mean, there are Nobel Prize economists who have written whole theses on charter cities. But when you're from the global south, those things they have a neo-colonial sort of flavor to them. Collins Chen says he soon realized that what they seemed to be imagining was a kind of floating island for tech billionaires who wanted to live a low-rules and -regulations kind of life, while also using the resources like tech resources and things from French Polynesia. The project did start, however, and it was a bold attempt at logistical engineering that had never been attempted before. The engineering side went well. The ideological side did not. Politicians sometimes have to look at gradients, right? And say: OK, so is this technology potentially usable in the Pacific? Yes. Is the political, ideological event acceptable to our people? And it turned out that it wasn't, says Collins Chen. And I was the first to start raising that with our US partners and saying: Look, let's work on the technology. Before you start talking about governance and what you need in taxes and all this, you actually need a thing, right? You need a floating piece of infrastructure. Unfortunately, quietly building in the ocean wasnt what Patri Friedman had imagined. He had the ebook, the funding contingent on popularizing the idea, the Silicon Valley libertarian network. Now, he had a government interested in a partnership. Why wouldnt he spread the word? What comes after techno-colonialism In August 2007, a video game was launched that would change the industry. BioShock featured an underwater city built by a business magnate and cut off from the outside world, a metropolis constructed by social elites on libertarian values. Sick of government control, Earths billionaires had gone bravely into the ocean, convinced that they were going to forge an Ayn Rand-inspired utopia. They called it Rapture. Visually arresting and narratively complex, BioShock received rave reviews and spawned two extremely popular sequels. It is generally considered to be one of the greatest video games ever made. The Seasteading Institute clearly has some direct parallels with BioShock, though its founders have never publicly acknowledged it. Nevertheless, those parallels with the enormously successful video game seemed to underline how much the real world had become an extended playground for the impossibly rich. If youve played BioShock, youll know that the utopian underwater city didnt actually succeed for the fictional founders. The entire game is based in a distinctly dystopian aftermath, where the underwater city has descended into chaos following extreme social inequity and genetic engineering gone wrong. And yet Peter Thiel wrote his $500,000 check to The Seasteading Institute less than a year after BioShock changed the cultural conversation. Was there something he saw that everybody else didnt or is it the other way around? Environmental scientist and Professor of Sustainability Peter Newman is one of the most outspoken critics of seasteading, having once called it apartheid of the worst kind. In an email interview from his home in Perth, Australia, he espouses similar views: Whether it is privatised urbanism or techno-libertarian escape, the idea is pretty stupid, he tells me. It is, he adds later, a rich peoples diversion and has no obvious value. Newman believes seasteaders willfully ignored the obvious logistical problems with their idea, including most urgently the continually warming ocean, which deposits more energy into the sea and means unpredictable ocean activity that will be focused on shorelines. I cant imagine a more dangerous site than this to build on, he adds, apart from perhaps the riverbed in Texas. And fundamentally, he believes, seasteaders are naive to the point of hypocrisy: As soon as a seasteader falls seriously ill or there is a damaging weather event, the residents will no doubt rush to all those services provided on the land, especially in any nearby city, and demand their rights to be looked after. open image in gallery Submersible divers in the Navy, like Joe Dituri (pictured), go to incredible depths in huge diving suits and stay underwater for 28-35 days at a time ( Joseph Dituri ) The years after French Polynesia signed their seven-year agreement with The Seasteading Institute proved to be tougher than expected. As the project was hammered out, designed, redesigned, and talked about incessantly in American libertarian circles, the general populace on the islands began to get uneasy. French Polynesians organized protests against techno-colonialism and about the use of the countrys fishing grounds as a food source for a new floating island of billionaires; in 2017, hundreds of anti-seasteading activists marched in the capital of Tahiti. That was the final nail in the coffin of the agreement, says Collins Chen. The government announced that their seven-year agreement had lapsed with the Institute anyway, and they would not be renewing it. Collins Chen remains philosophical about the whole endeavor. It did move the whole industry forward, he says. I think that was the biggest seminal moment in our industry. When co-founding Oceanix, he was determined to learn from The Seasteading Institutes mistakes. Oceanix is an apolitical entity, and describes itself as new land for coastal cities looking for sustainable ways to expand onto the ocean, while adapting to sea level rise. Its Busan prototype is partially funded by the UNs environmental arm. The focus is much more on ameliorating climate changes effects and much less on creating a libertarian paradise. Collins Chens focus was on what do we do as Pacific Islanders to mitigate against this what seems like unstoppable force? he says. Telling your people to move and particularly in the context of our culture, where we bury our ancestors on our property, on our land nobody was ready to start moving bodies and saying, Hey, well, let's give up and move. So then you start looking at technology. His time in the French Polynesian government made him realize that trying to convince countries to give up even a tiny part of their sovereignty is a disaster, so negotiations with the city of Busan and the government of South Korea have been careful and collaborative. As Collins Chen sees it, Oceanix is a much more realistic version of seasteading. Its not positioned 200 miles off the coast of the mainland. And its not concerned with isolating people and allowing them to live on little self-sustaining pods that can float off into the beyond if they disagree with their neighbors politics. Nine out of 10 major global cities in the developed world are coastal, and we need to double the built environment over the next 40 years to deal with the worlds exploding population, he adds. Adding to the coastlines of major cities just makes sense. There's a reason people go to cities, he says. There's a reason everybody's moving to cities around the world. It's where the market is, it's where you can trade. It's where you can find a mate. It's all of the reasons you don't just go in the middle of the ocean and be with a bunch of burners. The most positive way to look at seasteading is that it has a pioneering mentality which is seeking to go where no humans have dared to go, Peter Newman adds, like going to the Moon or Mars. Many aspects of human life have been improved by daring pioneers. But I also think that this is misplaced in a time when climate damage is killing so many people and so much biodiversity, and threatening so much that is good about our cities and agriculture. I dont believe there is any point in investing in [the] Moon, Mars or seasteads when we are desperately needing to focus on how to bring down global warming so we can return to a safe operating space like we have had in our cities and agriculture for the past 12,000 years. 100 days underwater and the deep-sea cure for Alzheimers Not long after he retired from the Navy, Joseph Dituri was contacted out of the blue by the movie director James Cameron. Dituri had worked a very specific and specialized job in the Navy: he was a submersible diver, a type of deep-sea diver who spends between 28 and 35 days at a time underwater in very small teams. In pitch-black darkness and freezing temperatures, submersible divers do the work that few others are brave enough to do: submarine rescue, underwater ship repair, marine salvage. Due to the hostile environment and the oppressive water pressures they operate in, every mission means risking their lives. Dituri did it for 28 years. One might assume that after almost three decades of operating deep underwater, a person might have had their fill. But not Joseph Dituri. He almost immediately threw himself into biomedical research at the University of South Florida, with a focus on deep-sea exploration. Thats where James Cameron came in. James Cameron's people reached out to me, he says. He had at that time just been trying to go or was going to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. The Titanic director has a personal passion for deep-sea exploration, it turned out. Hed even commissioned his own submersible craft for his hobby. Well, he went down there and when he came back, he wanted to know what the submersible was worth because he was going to loan it to Woods Hole [Oceanographic Institution], Dituri adds. Because Dituri was an expert in submersibles, it was assumed hed be able to look over Camerons craft and give him an honest appraisal. It all moved pretty quickly: an email, a question, and then a plane ticket sent to fly him out to the directors multimillion-dollar oceanfront ranch in California. Not long afterwards, Dituri says, I'm standing on the beach at James Cameron's house, walking his dog, talking to the group about the undersea expedition that he just went on. That was surreal enough, but then Dituri and Cameron got to talking about what Cameron had found during his trips under the sea. It turned out that hed come across a rare type of sea lice at the bottom of the western Pacific Ocean, something that only grows to about a centimeter long at higher depths but, down there in the Mariana Trench, had grown to about a foot and a half long. So when we found that, says Dituri, we pulled a DNA sample on it, and it's a partial cure for Alzheimer's. The existence of anti-Alzheimers molecules in the deep sea a discovery that is still so early that it needs to be worked out exactly how they could be used to benefit people on land suffering from dementia stunned Dituri. He remembers running the data on Christmas Eve in 2013, pulling an all-nighter in the lab to get the DNA sample results back to Cameron. He wanted the report done by Christmas, says Dituri. So I'm writing this report on the 24th, pulling an all-nighter misery, going over the data, combing everything. I finally come to these results from the DNA sample, and I went: Oh my God. We have the dark, we have the light, we have the ying, we have the yang, we have the disease. Wow. We can have the cure. And I put my hands back and I put my feet up on the desk and I said: Oh my God, we have to live in the ocean. And everybody's like: You've lost it. You're insane. Dituri laughs heartily. To this day, he thinks about that revelation as a turning point. It made him realize that the future of humanity lay right back where hed worked as a submersible diver for so many years: I mean, there's a partial cure for a disease that afflicts humanity existing at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, and we didn't know it was there. If youve heard of Dituri a perennial ocean enthusiast and doggedly enthusiastic public speaker who often uses the moniker Dr. Deep Sea it might be because of what happened next. He decided to construct an undersea chamber and live in it for a world record-breaking 100 days. Not only would it be an interesting personal challenge, he reasoned, but it would be an opportunity to quietly observe marine life in a way nobody else had before. Researchers go underwater all the time in biomedicine (we recently discovered a powerful new antiviral derived from a sea sponge, he tells me) but they dont often stay long enough to see the really unusual creatures come out. It was reasonable to assume that, once the fish and other marine life got used to his presence among them, theyd start to behave in new and interesting ways. Hed already stayed underwater in a small team for up to a month. And when you do that, youve got to pick your team very carefully, right? he says. Youve got to make sure that Johnny and Billy don't go together because they used to date the same girl back in high school or something. All this crazy stuff that comes up. You have to choose your friends wisely at this point, because you're not going to change them out for a new version. Hed also undergone the Navys brutal and notorious Pool Week training, where other divers attempt to drown you in different ways in a controlled environment so you know exactly how to react in any emergency situation. Nevertheless, being completely isolated for 100 days in a stationary structure 30 feet below Floridas Key Largo lagoon necessitated mental preparation. And by this point, Dituri was 55 years old. This was a far cry from a normal retirement hobby. Basically when you look at yourself and there's nowhere else to go, and there's nobody else to look at you're looking inwardly, he says. And holy mackerel, you learn a lot about yourself. And it is a deep, dark, scary experiment. Dituri completed his mission and emerged triumphantly back into sunlight in June 2023. He wasnt that bothered about the world record, he says: he had discovered two new species while down there, partly because the marine life had grown accustomed to him and partly because his own eyes had become uniquely focused on minor changes in the environment. He adds that his experience is also instructive for people planning Mars missions in the future. The sea has long been a training ground for space exploration. Robotics developed for exploring ocean floors informed planetary rover systems; efficient life support systems that can be used under the sea can be repurposed for missions to Mars; underwater habitats mimic the experience of astronauts on long voyages. But Dituri thinks we should focus on building in the ocean first. The only problem is that its actually a lot harder to build structures at the bottom of the Mariana Trench than it is on Mars. For one thing, the atmospheric pressure is more of a challenge that deep in our own sea than it is in outer space. And for another, a space station is a veritable luxury resort compared to the tiny structures submersible divers have to live inside in between jobs while stationed at the bottom of the ocean. open image in gallery Dr. Joseph Dituri stands beside two hyperbaric oxygen chambers, which mimic the high-pressure environments under the sea and which his biomedical research suggests might help people live longer if entered into periodically throughout one's life ( Joseph Dituri ) If theres going to be human cities under the sea, says Dituri, sign me up. He believes that its almost inevitable well have to migrate underwater in the future. But hes wary of Silicon Valley seasteaders whose excitement and ideology comes first and scientific knowhow comes second, especially at a time when the mainstream discourse seems to be moving against established science. Hes also seen firsthand the damage that big business can do to delicate marine environments. Science wins over bull*** every time, he says. And there's enough disinformation or misinformation out there. We need the scientific background. Yes, we need to figure out what's actually going on, but we need to temper that with what works. So we basically need to start doing science in our oceans and protecting, preserving and rejuvenating our marine environment. And then hopefully the planet's going to come back from the stupidity that we're enforcing upon it. The rise, fall, and rise again of seasteading The reason Wayne Gramlich left The Seasteading Institute, in the end, wasnt because of the collapsed deal with French Polynesia or the fact that theyd designed a very large, very expensive seastead that immediately became financially unworkable after the 2008 financial crash. It was because of a new project Friedman decided to spearhead called Ephemerisle. Ephemerisle which remains an annual event to this day is a floating city off the shores of Sacramento that takes shape according to who arrives. Its a sort of a Burning Man in the ocean, but with no tickets, no stewards and no rules. If you can find a way to turn up, on some kind of a seaworthy vessel that is able to attach to the other vessels in situ, then you can stay. Every July, the gathering encourages thinkers, doers, artists, dreamers, muckrakers, and builders interested in life on the water to join in. Once nominally overseen by The Seasteading Institute, it has since become an autonomous set of individual islands. Although the institute officially continues, no one responds to its official email address, and Ephemerisle is all that exists in the physical world of its work. When they first launched it, Patri Friedman loved the idea of Ephemerisle and thought it neatly fit into the remit of popularizing seasteading as a concept; Wayne Gramlich was sure someone would get killed. It was too risky, too unserious, and too disconnected from the reasons why he was interested in seasteading in the first place. He left the board not long after it launched in late 2009. He sensed Patris disappointment, but it just wasnt aligned with his interests any more. Worryingly, it seems like some members of the New Right are interested in sea and space exploration simply because they think that the problems theyve helped create on Earth are not fixable. Either that, or they simply dont believe they should be subject to any governments laws now theyve accrued enough cash to live outside a community. Although he also stepped away from The Seasteading Institute a few years after its French Polynesian experiment failed, Patri Friedman is still clearly focused on building something ideologically similar. An image he shared from his Instagram account in 2024 shows the words Voting, Violence, and Apathy crossed out, with the final phrase left uncrossed: Exit and Build. Accompanying the image, he wrote: Now that is a sick-ass T-shirt. I bought one on sight from [right-leaning libertarian website] The Conscious Resistance Network. Friedman has some other niche interests, including cryogenic freezing after death and the idea of transhumanism, i.e. becoming a human-robot hybrid in pursuit of eternal life. Hes also now a partner at the VC firm Pronomos Capital, which invests in charter cities: cities owned by developed countries or wealthy benefactors that sit within developing countries land. These are the cities that Marc Collins Chen said seem dangerously close to neo-colonialism. The Independent reached out to Patri Friedman a number of times for comment but he never replied. From redesigning countries from the inside out to redesigning human beings as 200-year-living quasi-robots, the New Right has an obsession with changing reality. Scientists have long sought to do the same but Silicon Valley conservatives seek to reshape the world mainly with vast amounts of money and vibes. Their ambitious technological aims sit uncomfortably with their frequent rejection of established science. Their pervasive belief that if you throw enough money at a nice-sounding idea, it will simply come true has led to such huge missteps as Theranos, the multimillion-dollar-backed startup and former Silicon Valley darling that tried to make instant pinprick blood tests a thing and then resorted to lying and cover-ups when the founders discovered they couldnt. Its founder, Elizabeth Holmes, is currently serving 11 years in a Texas prison for fraud. Nothing underlines the problems inherent in this strategy more tragically than the OceanGate disaster. In June 2023, a carbon-fiber submersible built by a maverick company promising to democratize deep-sea exploration imploded during a tourist expedition to the Titanic wreck. Five people died instantly. Though not a seasteading project per se, the disaster exposed the same ethos: private ambition outpacing oversight, engineering optimism blinding risk, rich men testing limits with little accountability. When the dust settled or rather, when the debris was finally recovered it was hard not to draw a line between OceanGates founder Stockton Rush and some of the zanier branches of the original seasteading cohort. Both largely rejected bureaucratic safety checks, or thought they could negotiate their way around them. Both held deep contempt for regulatory bodies. Both wanted to skip the slow, hard work of collective systems in favor of individual will. Rush had said it plainly: At some point, safety just is pure waste. The final US Coast Guard report into the OceanGate disaster strongly criticized Rush who they said had been warned multiple times about the safety of his submersibles and had dismissed everyone, in favor of a Fyre Festival-style just smile and itll work mentality and called the implosion preventable. Peter Newman, the environmental scientist, has visited numerous eco-villages around the world including the Arizonan eco-village Arcosanti and the off-grid, autonomous Earthships structures built in deserted areas around the US and they are all attempts at building community and using recycled materials and renewable energy, he says. Admirable enough, but not mainstream, and mostly focused on surviving rather than thriving. However, adds Newman, now we are rebuilding our cities with different materials and different renewable energy sources on a different scale that enables us to keep the benefits of large-scale cities with their health, education, employment and community opportunities. This is the big agenda. The rest is just an expensive distraction. As interest in seasteading renews, Newmans eco-villages and Collins Chens Oceanix experiment on the shorelines of Busan seem a lot more encouraging as blueprints. But in the background, the fever dream of techno-libertarianism where wealth replaces governance and fantasy stands in for infrastructure simmers on. Its promise of freedom is seductive, but its avoidance of accountability is perilous. Ultimately, it may say more about the psychology of a handful of very rich men than it does about the future of humanity. Wayne Gramlich still keeps up with seasteading developments and says hes impressed with the latest designs of a Panama-based company called Ocean Designs that has workable overwater structures called SeaPods. These are people who have done their homework, he says, because theyre realized that building in equatorial waters is the best way to seastead, since hurricanes cant cross the equator and therefore never happened in those waters due to the Coriolis effect. That allows you a fairly large stretch of water in the middle of the globe in which to build stable structures that can survive long-term. These people are definitely into it as well, the whole seasteading stuff, Gramlich says. But they are saying: We're just building houseboats that float on the ocean. They're trying to stay away from all of the silliness that comes with people trying to found their own governments. He laughs. I actually think they've done a fairly solid job. 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 anti-migrant protester who filmed himself at recent demonstrations and called for the protection of women and children has been unmasked as a convicted paedophile. Anthony Styles, 59, had shared videos to his YouTube channel AJ Audits of himself outside asylum seeker hotels in London and Epping, amassing thousands of subscribers to his channel. In several of his recordings, he interviewed fellow protesters who described migrants as sexual predators who made local children feel unsafe, as well as linking them to grooming gangs. However, it has now been revealed that Styles has previously served more than four years behind bars after being convicted in 2017 of indecently assaulting a girl under the age of 14. The YouTuber had also admitted to sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl and possessing hundreds of indecent images of children five years previously, and had received a three-year community order. open image in gallery Styles attended demonstrations outside hotels housing asylum seekers in Epping and in London ( PA ) He has also been placed on the sex offenders register for life and has been handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The most serious offence took place in Blackpool in 1993, after he sexually abused a girl as she sat on his knee after school. He was not convicted until more than 20 years after the incident, with his victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, stating that she had been psychologically affected by the assault. The victim was in the habit of coming back to the flats after school. It is on one of those occasions, when she was in the defendants sole company in her school uniform, sitting on his knee, as the defendant watched TV, Judge Robert Altham said during the case in 2017, according to the Blackpool Gazette. He only ceased from this conduct when his partner was coming in, at which stage he got up. Nothing was said at the time, but she subsequently raised it with her, and he made an admission of sorts. open image in gallery He interviewed demonstrators outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, who said that asylum seekers made local girls feel unsafe ( PA ) At the time, he passed it off as accidental touching. But in his trial, Styles denied the events ever took place. She has described that this incident has had a significant effect on her. Styles, who uses a wheelchair due to a degenerative illness, had kept his convictions hidden from fellow far-right activists when attending rallies and demonstrations. They were uncovered by the campaign group Stand Up To Racism, who spotted his name printed on a fake press pass that he had created over summer. In recent days, he has been kicked out of various private groups and has been ostracised from the anti-migrant protest movement, with posts on Facebook calling for him to be shunned. In one post, a fellow protester wrote: I want to make it known that this streamer, AJ Audits, is not welcome at any of Norwichs future demos.This man, named Anthony Styles, is a convicted child sex offender. Found with over 300 indecent images of children, sexually assaulting an 11-year-old, and also an upset 17-year-old, this man is NOT to be around near children, nor survivors. Lewis Nielsen, a Stand Up to Racism anti-fascist officer, told The Times: These revelations show the far right have never cared about womens rights, theyve been harbouring convicted offenders in their midst. The hypocrisy is off the charts. This man has claimed to be protecting women and girls while hiding his own convictions. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A strike has begun at the University of Edinburgh as lecturers and staff begin a five-day walkout in protest against proposed budget cuts totalling 140 million. Members of the University and College Union (UCU) are expected to maintain picket lines across various university sites until Friday 12 September. A rally is also scheduled for Monday at 12pm in the citys George Square. The union said its members had "no choice" but to take industrial action after the university declined to rule out compulsory redundancies as part of its savings drive, a move that could jeopardise up to 1,800 jobs. The UCU also contested the necessity of these cuts, which it described as the "largest ever seen" in Scottish higher education, arguing the university is not currently in deficit. The union added the university was one of the richest in the country, and said it could cut back on capital expenditure and building work, or draw on its large reserves, instead of cutting staff. open image in gallery Lecturers at the University of Edinburgh are walking out this week In February, university principal Professor Sir Peter Mathieson said it needed to achieve a smaller staff base and lower operating costs within 18 months due to a forecast operating deficit. The walk-out coincides with the universitys welcome week, when new students arrive on campus for the first time. UCU branch president Sophia Woodman said: Students arriving this week on campus and starting their university journey should be able to be confident that theyll complete their studies in a university that retains its current reputation for excellence and that offers students the courses they signed up for, as well as the support they need to do well in their studies. Its impossible, though, to cut 1,800 staff from any university without seriously impacting the teaching, research and student experience and damaging the universitys reputation. No one wants to go on strike, but staff are sounding the alarm about the impact of these cuts. Staff are striking because they have no choice but to take this weeks action to force senior management to re-engage, to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies and to end this dispute. The action comes after a day of strike action on 20 June, when UCU members walked out during a university open day. open image in gallery Members of the UCU at the University of Edinburgh are set to walk out in a dispute over job cuts as the institution aims to make major savings ( PA Archive ) Action short of a strike, such as working to contract, not volunteering for duties and not covering absent colleagues, has also been ongoing since 20 June. UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: Edinburgh University is a wealthy institution, with large reserves. Instead of pressing on with cuts and job losses Peter Mathieson needs to listen to staff at the university, engage with the union and commit to ruling out the use of compulsory redundancies. Anything else is academic vandalism on an unprecedented scale. The university announced last week that it has launched a new voluntary redundancy scheme for staff in senior grades, along with an enhanced retirement scheme for employees. In April, it was announced that around 350 staff had opted to take voluntary redundancy under an earlier scheme. Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, principal and vice chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, said: The higher education sector across the UK is facing serious and urgent financial challenges, placing its long-term stability under threat. We have been transparent about the impact of these pressures on Edinburgh and the steps we are taking to proactively maintain our position as a world-leading university. We respect colleagues right to take part in industrial action and will do everything we can to minimise any disruption to our students and planned welcome week activities. We continue to engage regularly with the joint trade unions, staff and our students, and remain firmly committed to ongoing dialogue as we take the necessary steps to safeguard the future of our university. 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 Anti-racism campaigners have formed a solidarity wall outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Scotland after far-right activists displayed a notorious white supremacist slogan. The Cladhan Hotel in Falkrik, which is used as accommodation for asylum seekers, has become the focus of repeated demonstrations. On Sunday, anti-fascist groups outnumbered right-wing protesters, some of whom have previously been seen performing Nazi salutes outside the building. Stand Up To Racism Scotland said on X: Vibrant anti-racist protest setting up in Falkirk today to defend refugees living in a hotel from the racist Save Our Future anti-refugee protest. Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome! The group added: Far-right men continuously heckling and shouting abuse throughout the speeches of local Falkirk women speaking out against racism and saying that Falkirk is for all. open image in gallery Police patrol the road between anti-migrant demonstrators and anti-racism activists in Falkirk last month (Jane Barlow/PA) ( PA Wire ) The Cladhan Hotel is run by the Mack Group on behalf of the Home Office, which covers the cost of accommodation, meals and allowances for asylum seekers. As of March, Scotland was hosting about 6,000 asylum seekers, the majority of them in Glasgow. Sundays confrontation was the third in a month outside the Falkirk hotel. Each time police officers and metal railings have been deployed to keep opposing groups apart. The Save Our Future campaign, which has helped organise the protests, denies it is racist. It has said it cannot be held responsible for inflammatory banners displayed at previous events, including one with violent wording. Local tensions were heightened earlier this year after an Afghan asylum seeker, Sadeq Nikzad, 29, was convicted in June of raping a teenage girl in Falkirk town centre. He was jailed for nine years, a case that far-right groups have cited in their protests. Despite the confrontations, anti-racism groups said the large turnout in support of asylum seekers showed the strength of local opposition to extremist groups. Campaigners urged the community to reject far-right messages and to ensure that asylum seekers in Falkirk are welcomed rather than targeted. Scotland Police has been contacted for comment. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A former Army sergeant major has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a soldier who took her own life after she was left feeling frightened and pressured not to report the assault to police. Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, 19, was found hanged in her barracks at Wiltshires Larkhill Camp on December 15 2021. Gunner Beck filed a complaint after Senior Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber tried to pin her down and kiss her at a social work event, which left the girl feeling frightened and in tears, an inquest into her death in February heard. In a statement, Gunner Beck's mother, Leighann McCready, said: "We are relieved that Michael Webber has admitted his guilt and not put us through the trauma of yet more legal proceedings, but nothing can undo the devastating loss of our beautiful daughter Jaysley." Ms McCready said her daughter had done everything right and reported the assault immediately, not once but twice, which was never reported to the police. "If they had done that one simple thing, we believe with all our hearts she would still be with us today," she said. open image in gallery Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck (left) with her sister Emilli (centre) and mother Leighann McCready ( PA Media ) Nicholas Rheinberg, the assistant coroner for Wiltshire and Swindon, found that the complaint, which had been dealt with as a minor administrative action as opposed to being reported to police as a sexual assault, was more than a minimal contributory factor in her death. Mr Webber received a "minor administrative action interview" with no other consequences. Following the inquest, Gunner Becks family asked Wiltshire Police to consider criminal proceedings against Mr Webber. At a pre-trial hearing on Friday, he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and is now awaiting sentencing. Gunner Beck had faced pressure from Major James Hook, who was a captain at the time, to not report the assault. It was only when the incident was already known about that Major Hook reported the incident to a higher command. The inquest heard that Major Hook thought that Gunner Beck may not have enjoyed the kitesurfing course at the adventure training event in Thorney Island, where the incident occurred and said: I thought there was a possibility that she was trying to generate a situation where she would be removed from Thorney Island and returned to Larkhill. Major Hook, who was a captain at the time, said: She said she wanted nothing bad to happen to him and his career. He told coroner Nicholas Rheinberg, Major Hook replied: There was absolutely no motive to protect anybody who was accused. open image in gallery Ms McCready said she was relieved that Major Webber plead guilty to the assault on Friday ( Centre For Military Justice/AFP ) An inquest into Gunner Becks death also heard that she had complained to her family about the possessive and psychotic behaviour of her line manager, Bombardier Ryan Mason, before she hung herself. Mr Mason had sent her more than 4,500 WhatsApp messages confessing his feelings and detailing his fantasies about her. Brigadier Melissa Emmett, Head of Army Personnel Services Group (APSG), said after the inquest: I wish to extend the Armys deepest condolences to Jaysleys family and friends and to offer them our sincerest apologies for the failings that the Coroner has identified during this inquest; we should have done so much more to support and protect her. Emma Norton, the solicitor acting on behalf of Gunner Beck's family, said: "What an enormous difference it would have made if the Army and its chain of command had just listened to Jaysley when she first told them about the assault and reported it to the police, instead of trying to persuade her it wasn't that serious." 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 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 King Charless third year on the throne has been his busiest and most widely travelled so far, new analysis reveals. It comes even as he continues to undergo cancer treatment. The monarch undertook official engagements on 175 days over the past 12 months, a significant increase from 133 days in his second year and 161 in his inaugural year. This period also saw him travel the greatest distance from the UK since his accession. These insights into the King's activities are drawn from the Court Circular, the official record of royal engagements. Beyond his busy schedule, the King marked several personal and historic milestones. He celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary with the Queen, became the first British monarch to address the Italian parliament, and even shared a personal playlist of his favourite songs. His reign also reached its 1,000th day during this period. open image in gallery King Charles meets with David Beckham at the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show ( Getty ) He flew to the other side of the world in October 2024, firstly to visit Australia, then to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting on the Pacific island of Samoa. Charles made another international trip in May 2025, spending two days carrying out engagements in Canada including opening the current session of parliament. Closer to home, the King travelled to Poland on Holocaust Memorial Day 27 January 2025 to attend events marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz. It was followed in April 2025 by a four-day visit to Italy, where Charles made history with his speech to the countrys parliament an event that followed similar historic firsts in 2023, when he became the first British monarch to address the French senate and German Bundestag. A busy calendar of domestic engagements has taken the King right across the UK in the past 12 months. He visited places as far apart as Lossiemouth in north Scotland, Banbridge in County Down in Northern Ireland and Deal on the coast of Kent, as well as attending events in major towns and cities including Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Durham, Edinburgh and Middlesbrough. open image in gallery The King visiting HMS Prince of Wales in March as the Royal Navy finalised preparations for a major global deployment to the Indo-Pacific ( PA Wire ) One engagement took the King out to sea, when he dropped in on the crew of the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in the English Channel, ahead of the ships deployment to Japan. A day with engagements has been classed as one where the monarch is recorded on the Court Circular as undertaking at least one visit, meeting or function in an official capacity. Days where he carried out other, non-official events, such as attending church in a private capacity, have not been counted. Using the same criteria, the Court Circular shows the Queen carried out engagements on 103 days during the third year of her husbands reign. This is down slightly on the second year (107), when Camilla undertook a number of additional trips on the Kings behalf while he was in the early stages of his cancer treatment, and is also just below the figure for the first year (104). open image in gallery Charles and Camilla went on a long haul trip to Australia and Samoa in autumn 2024 ( PA Wire ) The Queen accompanied her husband in the past 12 months on his overseas trips to Australia, Samoa, Canada and Italy as well as on many of his visits across the UK, besides travelling for solo engagements to places including Hexham in Northumberland, Swindon in Wiltshire, and Plymouth in Devon to inspect the HMS Astute submarine. The King had 22 formal audiences with his prime minister during the past year: the same number as in his second year, but four fewer than the 26 in his first year. The Court Circular also shows the King held 11 meetings of the Privy Council during his third year. This is the body of advisers that meets regularly with the monarch to oversee the issue of royal proclamations, charters and other ceremonial matters. Its members are mostly senior politicians past and present, though only a few serving ministers attend each session. The council met slightly more frequently during Charless first year as King 16 times perhaps reflecting the increased amount of official business that accompanies the arrival of a new monarch, while there were 13 meetings in his second year. open image in gallery King Charles hosted Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky at Windsor Castle in June ( PA Wire ) Besides public appearances and political meetings, the King has continued to pepper his reign with many official one-to-one audiences with senior figures from UK charities and businesses, as well as greeting ambassadors, high commissioners and leaders from around the world, including Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in June 2025 and French president Emmanuel Macron in July. He has carried out these audiences throughout the past three years, even in the months of March and April 2024 when he was largely out of public view due to his illness. Buckingham Palace announced in February 2024 that the King had been diagnosed with a form of cancer, since when he has received regular treatment. The analysis of the Court Circular also shows that the Princess Royal has maintained her reputation as the hardest-working member of her family, with engagements on 189 days in the past year: more than any other senior royal, including her brother the King. The Duke of Edinburgh is listed as carrying out engagements on 129 days, the Duchess of Edinburgh on 117 days, the Prince of Wales on 107 days and the Princess of Wales on 37 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 A 82-year-old British man has been named by police as one of the victims of the Gloria funicular crash in Lisbon last week. Andrew David Kenneth Young, from Holyhead, was among one of the 16 victims killed in the tram disaster in the Portuguese capital on Wednesday. Mr Young, known to most as Dave, was a lifelong transport enthusiast who travelled the world to visit heritage railways and tramways. His family said in a statement: It is a comfort to his sons, their mother, and his brothers that his final moments were in pursuit of the hobby which gave him so much happiness. Mr Young was raised in Auchterarder, Perthshire and moved to Holyhead in 1980 where he had a long career as a customs officer. Specialist officers are continuing to support his family, who have requested privacy during this difficult time. open image in gallery Kayleigh Gillian Smith, 36, and William Nelson, 44, died in the funicular crash in Lisbon ( Instagram ) He is among three Britons who were killed in the crash when the funicular derailed and smashed into a hotel. British couple Kayleigh Gillian Smith, 36, and her boyfriend William Nelson, 44, were named as the other two victims. Ms Smith was a theatre director and Mr Nelson was a lecturer at Manchesters Arden School of Theatre. MADS Theatre in Macclesfield posted a tribute on Friday night saying: It is with great sadness that we must acknowledge the death of Kayleigh Smith and her partner Will Nelson in the Lisbon funicular tragedy. Kayleigh was a valued member of our society and made considerable contributions both to MADS and to drama in the North West. It is indeed a sad loss to all of us at the theatre. The crash killed five Portuguese nationals, three British citizens, two Canadians, two South Koreans, one American, one French, one Swiss and one Ukrainian, and injured a further 22 people. A No 10 spokesman said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is deeply saddened that three British nationals died. He said: His thoughts are with their families and those affected by this terrible incident. The funicular, built in 1885, was one of the capitals most popular tourist attractions and was packed with passengers at the time of the crash. A preliminary report found that a cable linking the two cars on the funicular snapped. However, investigators stressed that they had not reached valid conclusions about the cause of the crash and would provide a full report within 45 days. A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: We are supporting the families of three British nationals who have died following an incident in Lisbon, and are in contact with the local authorities. 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 Drought conditions could persist into winter across the UK, despite forecasts for a wetter-than-average autumn and increasing flood risks, officials warn. The Met Office and Environment Agency say the current outlook for September, October, and November shows a higher likelihood for wetter and windier conditions compared to the 30-year average. However, they caution that the anticipated rainfall may not be sufficient to fully reverse the severe impact of this years record-breaking dry and hot summer, which saw several regions declare drought status and implement hosepipe bans. It also means that areas of the UK could feasibly experience both drought and flooding at the same time, as the storm season kicks off and flood risks increase. The warning comes as the governments Flood Resilience Taskforce is set to meet virtually on Monday to discuss preparations for possible flooding in the coming months and recent progress made on defences. The taskforce, which was set up last September to boost the countrys response to increasingly extreme weather, has been working on measures such as warning systems, real-time data, and bolstering flood defences. open image in gallery Haweswater reservoir in the valley of Mardale, Cumbria, in May ( PA ) The Met Office said its autumn outlook will help the taskforce prepare for the forthcoming winter period and ensure communities are better protected from the impact of flooding. Chief meteorologist Will Lang said the overall signal for wetter weather is the UK average and rainfall will likely vary significantly across the regions, with flood risks depending on various factors. There is an increased likelihood of westerly weather patterns, which typically bring more rainfall to western and northern parts of the UK, while eastern and southern areas may experience drier conditions than the national average suggests, he said. But Mr Lang also said the current outlook for rain over autumn is unlikely to be enough to reverse the effects of drought, especially in England. Were going to need more rain than that. There is also a good likelihood the UK will see a warmer-than-average autumn, as Mr Lang explained: We tend to get that for most seasonal forecasts these days and thats really a reflection mainly of our warming climate, and how much things have changed just in the last 30 years. Caroline Douglass, executive director for flood and coastal risk management at the Environment Agency, said the first flushes of heavy rain on dry, hard soil can cause flooding but can also wash pollutants into waterways, resulting in fish kills. What we want is nice, steady, flowing rain that wets things up really nicely, not flood events, not a sudden rainfall everywhere, she said. But we know it never works out like wed like Certainly (it) isnt an end to a drought yet. Asked if areas could see drought status continue into winter, she said: Its entirely a possibility. If we dont get the rainfall in the locations that are already in drought or prolonged dry weather, then you could have drought status continuing in those particular locations. It really is going to be dependent on where the rain lands. open image in gallery A car stranded in flood water in Warwick bridge in Cumbria in early 2024 ( PA ) The Environment Agency said more communities up and down the country will see increased flood protection as the taskforce continues to roll out measures to safeguard properties. Ms Douglass said the agency has also invested in better protection for around 27,500 properties in 145 schemes between March 2024 and March 2025, and is on track to meet the target of 52,000 by March 2026. The work is part of the governments 2.65bn investment over two years to upgrade and build new flood defences across the country. As we head into autumn, we need to think about flood risk even though drought is still being felt in some parts of the country, she said. Working with our partners in the Floods Resilience Taskforce, we will continue to ensure the nations flood resilience is bolstered by delivering new flood and coastal defences in towns and cities across the country. But she also said people should make preparations where they can, such as referring to resources like the National Flood Forum and local authorities, signing up to warnings, and not driving through floodwaters. We know we cannot prevent flooding in all scenarios, she added. We know that it can still happen, and we need to make sure that people are prepared. 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 Britains most senior police officer is preparing proposals to stop officers being drawn into policing tweets and online disputes, it has been reported. Sir Mark Rowley, sommissioner of the Metropolitan Police, is drawing up reforms with senior colleagues that would give officers more discretion to use common sense when deciding whether to record or investigate complaints about online posts. He wants Shabana Mahmood, the new home secretary, to alter the rules within weeks so that police are not obliged to pursue cases where there is no evidence the suspect intended real-world harm, sources told The Telegraph. The changes could also reduce requirements for officers to log so-called non-crime hate incidents, which include situations where behaviour is not criminal but is perceived to be motivated by prejudice. The review follows controversy over the arrest of comedy writer Graham Linehan at Heathrow last week over posts he made about trans people. Nigel Farage has made the issue a key argument for his party, Reform UK. At the party conference last week, he said Reform would police the streets and not the tweets. open image in gallery Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court, London, during his trial over an alleged harassment of a transgender woman ( Jonathan Brady/PA Wire ) After Mr Linehans arrest, health secretary Wes Streeting said that the government wants to see people being kept safe by policing streets, not just policing tweets and suggested legislation could be looked at if the law was not getting the balance right on free speech. Ms Mahmood has already indicated she supports a more pragmatic approach. Speaking to a Lords Committee last week, she said police must guard against over-reach and needed to focus on the day job of tackling crime in our communities. Asked about the concern that officers were spending more time on tweets than on crime, she told the Lords constitution committee: The police need to focus on the day job and maintaining public confidence for crime in our communities. That isnt to take away from the fact that you cant commit an offence online, she said, referring to the difference between inciting violence compared to cases in the more humour sense end of the spectrum. She added: We should be clear that you know, social media is not a sort of a free hit when it comes to breaking the laws of our land, but we have to be absolutely sure that what we do is in accordance with the laws of our land is and is not over-reach either, and that the line is held in the right place and I think thats what, in the end, maintains public confidence. A police source told The Telegraph that rules originally designed to protect vulnerable people were now tying officers hands and eroding discretion. They added that work was under way to develop proposals for reform that could be ready in weeks. More than 13,200 non-crime hate incidents were recorded by police in the 12 months to June 2024, despite updated guidance stating officers should only log them when absolutely necessary and proportionate rather than simply because someone is offended. 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 Prince Harry will make a brief visit to the UK this week, sparking a flurry of speculation about whether he will meet with his father, King Charles III, for the first time in 19 months. Reports suggest the princes trip signals a possible thaw in the frosty relationship between Harry and the rest of the royal family, with his arrival on Monday, coinciding with the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's death, seen as an opportunity for a long-overdue rapprochement between the 76-year-old monarch and his estranged son. Since relinquishing royal duties with his wife, Meghan Markle, and moving to California in 2020, Harry has had minimal contact with his father and elder brother, Prince William. The rift deepened after the couple aired grievances against Buckingham Palace via an Oprah Winfrey interview, a Netflix series, and Harrys memoir, "Spare." A frosty relationship The last time Harry and Charles met was in February 2024, when the prince flew to London after receiving news that his father had been diagnosed with cancer. Harry spent about 45 minutes with Charles before the king flew to his Sandringham country estate to recuperate from his treatment. Harry was last in London in April, when the Court of Appeal rejected his bid to restore a police protection detail that was cancelled after he stopped being a working royal. Charles was on a state visit to Italy at the time, so a meeting was impossible. That case was itself an impediment to improved relations because it involved Harry criticising the kings government in the courts. But once it was over, change became possible. open image in gallery The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their interview with Oprah Winfrey ( PA ) Immediately after the case ended, Harry said he would love reconciliation with my family. Theres no point in continuing to fight anymore, he told the BBC on the day the court case was resolved. Life is precious. I dont know how much longer my father has. Despite that olive branch, Harry struck a combative tone that might torpedo hopes of repairing the family breach. The prince repeatedly said that the decision to withdraw his security was made at the direction of the royal household in an effort to control him and his wife while putting their safety at risk. What Im struggling to forgive, and what I will probably always struggle to forgive, is the decision that was made in 2020 that affects my every single day and that is knowingly putting me and my family in harms way, Harry said. A change of tone But with the lawsuit out of the way, the mood music coming from Charles and Harrys supporters seemed to change. In July, the new team handling Harry and Meghans communications, headed by Los Angeles-based Meredith Maines, was seen on the balcony of a private members' club in London speaking with Tobyn Andreae, the kings press representative. The Mail on Sunday was on hand to snap a photo of what the paper called: The secret Harry peace summit. Regardless of who tipped off the paper, it showed a change of tone since the meeting wouldnt have happened if the so-called principals hadnt given their tacit consent. Celebrating the bravery of ill children And now comes Harrys appearance at the WellChild Awards on Monday night in London. The event, which celebrates the bravery of seriously ill children and those who care for them, is sponsored by a charity Harry has long supported. It is a reminder that not so long ago, Harry was one of the star attractions of the royal familys effort to reach out to younger, more diverse Britons. For 20 years these Awards have highlighted the courage of young people living with complex health needs and shone a light on the devoted caregivers family and professionals who support them every step of the way, the prince said in a statement. Their stories remind us of the power of compassion, connection and community. But it will be hard to undo the damage caused by Harry and Meghans allegations of insensitivity, conflict and racism within the royal household. Harry's memoir overshadows reconciliation Harrys explosive memoir, Spare, shattered the veneer of unity the royals present to the public, depicting them as scheming rivals who use a cosy relationship with the media to jockey for public favour. It also revealed the details of private conversations, including one between the king and his sons, which was held in a graveyard in hopes of hiding it from the press. Please, boys, Harry quotes Charles as saying. Dont make my final years a misery. open image in gallery Prince Harry smiles towards the media as he leaves the Royal Courts of Justice in London ( AP ) But Charles may have an incentive to let bygones be bygones. Now approaching his 77th birthday and continuing to undergo cancer treatment, the king may want to get more time with his grandchildren, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, who was born after her parents moved to the wealthy Southern California enclave of Montecito. Harry put the responsibility for any rapprochement on his family. In his interview with the BBC, Harry said he believes that you cant have reconciliation without truth, and his lawsuit over police protection revealed the truth about his battle with the palace. It would be nice to have that reconciliation part now, he said. If they dont want that, thats entirely up to them. Yesterday, Prince Harry returned to the green and pleasant land of his birth. A man on a mission, he touched down at Heathrow and laid a wreath at his late grandmothers grave in St Georges Chapel, Windsor, before heading into London for his first charity rendezvous. Just eight miles away, older brother William was chit-chatting over chocolate brownies at a WI branch meeting in Sunningdale. (Apparently, the Prince of Wales prefers his sweet treats nut-free). Harrys small talk was more on point: that evening at a Wellchild awards ceremony, the Prince asked 17-year-old winner Declan Bitmead if his younger brother drove him mad, and doubled down when he discovered they went to the same school, glibly adding, Siblings... that sometimes makes it more challenging! It was all a bit near-the-knuckle given his recent criticism of Williams, including the latters alleged dismissal of him at Eton. Apparently, the Prince of Wales didnt want anything to do with Harry then, and if yesterday was anything to go by, he still doesnt. On the other side of London, veteran broadcaster Piers Morgan huffed and puffed. Nope. He doesnt think that there should be a reconciliation between the royal family and estranged Harry. So no change there. Except yesterday, three years after the death of the late Queen, something felt very different. In 2022, Piers and I regularly crossed swords on the rights and wrongs of the Sussexes public diatribes against the royal life theyd left behind. Morgans rants on their despicable behaviour against our most venerable institution laid the founding stones of his now gigantic YouTube channel. Three years on, the couple scarcely get a look in. And it is not just Harry and Meghan who have ceased to be red meat for his online juggernaut. Yesterday, he admitted that the royal family are less relevant than it used to be. Quite a confession from arch-royalist Morgan. And a worrying sign of things to come. open image in gallery Prince Harry and the then Duke of Cambridge arrive at St Georges Chapel in Windsor Castle before Prince Harrys wedding to Meghan Markle ( PA ) The polling, while not yet catastrophic, is only heading in one direction: in 1983, when the British Social Attitudes survey first took Britains royal temperature, a staggering 86 per cent of the population endorsed monarchy. I was one of many: recently, in my mothers attic, I uncovered a childhood scrapbook: it began with Charles and Dianas wedding in 1981 and climaxed five years later for the Andrew and Fergie extravaganza. I was still cutting and sticking at age 12. How times have changed. In keeping with most young Britons, my seven-year-old daughter cant name the Princess of Wales, and perhaps more telling, my 16-year-old resents knowing it. In 2023, 40 years on from the first royal survey, only 54 per cent of the population expressed any commitment to royalty and for the most part, they were older. The young ones have signed out, and as long as an unseemly royal impasse persists in the House of Windsor, where is the incentive for them to sign in? Like never before, the Duchess of Sussex, replete with high-end jam and lobster anecdotes, has leaned into her inner Californian and left most of Britain behind. Not so Harry, who, back on home turf, still has the Midas touch, wowing the crowds on the second day of his stopover in hand-picked Nottingham, where he sealed the deal with a 1.1m donation to Children in Need. Who said the Sussexes were struggling? Uncomfortable as it may be for many royal watchers, Harry retains a reach and appeal in areas where traditional monarchy is at its weakest. After all, William is many things, but cool is not one of them. open image in gallery The Duke of Sussex leaving the coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Westminster Abbey, London. on Saturday, 6 May 2023. Gareth Cattermole/PA Wire ( PA ) As future king, that is perhaps for the best. But effective kingship must surely embrace a broad church. One day in the not-so-distant future, William will be the symbolic repository for a nation in an increasingly divided world, riddled with perpetual wars, displaced peoples and existential threats. Much has been written about the Prince of Wales modelling himself and his leadership on the late Queen: cue ambitions as a unifying sovereign without the baggage his father brings to the throne. But if that is really his goal, William has fallen at the first hurdle. The capacity to forgive is an important life skill, but for a future monarch, it is essential. According to Sir David Manning, Williams foreign affairs adviser, after the Prince visited the Middle East in 2018, and with the war in Gaza still raging, he was keen to stay engaged with both the Jewish community in Britain and the Palestinians. It feels peculiar that the man who cant work out how to forgive his own brother wants to help philanthropically on both sides of the line in the worlds most intractable conflict. It is widely agreed that the late Queen was the blueprint for royal survival in the democratic age, and perhaps Elizabeths greatest superpower was her inscrutability. Some royal commentators have insisted that Her Majesty was devastated by the Prince Harry fall-out just before her death, but the truth is, none of us will ever know. Given Elizabeth IIs breadth of life experience, it is likely she was both infuriated by her grandsons behaviour and also understood its genesis. According to Paul Burrell, Princess Dianas former butler, just after Harrys birth, Charles turned to his first wife and said, Well, at least Ive got my heir and spare now and can return to Camilla. Institutionally, Prince Harry was always the lesser of the two brothers, born into a marriage already falling apart, and (thanks to Burrell, who claims he repeated Charles words verbatim to an unflinching prince) he knew it. Harry has since walked forward and very publicly slain his demons. The subsequent domestic and institutional mess reverberated across the globe; everyone had an opinion and most in Britain resented Harrys confused attack. Perhaps even the Duke has come to regret it. While he cant bring himself to say sorry, Harry has at least dropped any demand for an apology from the royal family and his presence in Britain has brought both attention and reconciliation. As many hoped, Harry did finally reunite with King Charles at Clarence House their first meeting in 19 months. Prince Harry arrived at the residence on Wednesday in a black Range Rover at 5.20pm, and left after an hour during which they had tea. Approaching his 77th birthday and continuing to undergo cancer treatment, it is widely assumed that Charles will want to spend precious time with his grandchildren, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four. Proof, if anywhere needed, that while a fathers love is often tested, its hard to break. The same cannot be said for siblings, yet it is William, not Charles, who holds the key to future royal happy families. open image in gallery The Duke of Sussex leaving Westminster Abbey in central London following the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May 2023 ( PA ) Like his brother, the Prince of Wales was forged in the cross hairs of his parents broken marriage and Dianas early death, but unlike Harry, William is destined to assume the mantle of kingship. No matter how he behaves, that is his birthright. Many royalists anticipate Britain under William V will have a fresh(er) appeal. Certainly, his marriage to remarkable Kate with its three bountiful children, always proves a visual feast, but beyond the high days and holidays, for his kingship to really mean something, William needs to demonstrate he can tackle his own demons. For too long, there have been rumours of a certain stubbornness, a tendency to sulk. Yes, Harry blindsided Willy with his public attacks; the older brother misunderstood the depths of young Harolds pain. And anger. But what better way for William to prove any childhood petulance is in the past than by reaching out to Harry, the flawed younger brother who so clearly craves a way back into Britains most famous family. Surely even the naysayers would agree that King William the Peacemaker has a certain ring to it. Tessa Dunlop is the author of Lest We Forget: War and Peace in 100 British Monuments Just as I sat down to write this piece, I received an email from my sons school informing me that he, my husband and I have all been given accounts to a personalised, quiz-based learning programme with an AI-powered tutor to help students if theyre stuck. Gone are the days when children used to be issued with a textbook and the first days of terms would be spent covering them with bits of old wallpaper to preserve them. Today, children are issued with passwords, digital logins, dashboards and any number of online resources to help them with their school work and learning. Nearly all of my 12-year-old sons homework must now be completed online. No one, quite literally, signed up for this. I would love an alternative, and it turns out I am not alone. The relentless march to digitise education is frustrating parents and harming children. We have all heard of the campaign to make schools smartphone-free. More than 350,000 parents in the UK support the Smartphone Free Childhood movement to delay smartphones and social media until children are past puberty. It is a no-brainer, resulting in better behaviour, improved attendance, higher educational attainment, and happier children. A smartphone-free schools rating has even been designed by headteachers to help schools become genuinely smartphone-free. So, how ironic is it that while on one hand, schools are alert to the dangers of too much screen time, often lecturing parents and pupils, all this good work is being undermined by the pervasive use of screens in and out of the classroom. Children as young as five are being set online homework. It is now routine for children to be issued a tablet when they start secondary school. In some places, this happens in year 5 or 6 in a well-meaning but misguided attempt to get children ready for secondary school. Does my child have homework? He does not know unless he logs onto his school-issued tablet. I do not know unless I do the same, which I hardly ever do because it inevitably requires an app or a portal and, without fail, a new password. It is overwhelming for everyone. Intentional use of technology can bring extraordinary benefits to childrens learning, whether it is helping dyslexic children read or using 3D printers in secondary school DT classes. But screens should be the exception, not the norm. I know many parents who have successfully kept screens out of bedrooms and limited screen time, but are now tearing their hair out that the way school work is set and monitored is demanding more screen time, not less. Yes, this might be educational screen-time, but asking teenagers to log on and ignore the itch to reply to their mates on Snap, or a Discord chat or the constant prodding by the online game they have just tried to pause is akin to giving a smoker a pack of cigarettes and asking them not to smoke them. open image in gallery Instead of being given textbooks, children are being given passwords and digital logins but at what cost? ( Getty/iStock ) Parents are increasingly pushing back, asking schools for analogue alternatives. The reasons are hard to ignore. First, there is the physical harm of dry eyes and deteriorating eyesight from staring at screens. Every additional hour of screen time daily increases myopia risk by 21 per cent, studies suggest. In children already diagnosed with myopia, an extra hour raises the risk of progression by 54 per cent. Next, the gamification of online education leads to shallow learning and reduced attention spans. Children struggle to absorb and retain information. Reading longform is increasingly rare, just one in three (32.7 per cent) children and young people aged eight to 18 said that they enjoyed reading in their free time in 2025 a 36 per cent drop since 2005. Then there is the agitation that comes from using dopamine-inducing ed-tech. The most gamified versions of which produce dopamine spikes similar to social media and video games. This all combines to rewire growing minds. The tech companies and digital literacy industry tell us our children need to be online as young as possible to learn the skills of the future. Have they met British teenagers? They are digital natives, they live and breathe this stuff and teens could out-skill most teachers when it comes to honed digital skills. open image in gallery The gamification of online education leads to shallow learning and reduced attention spans ( AFP/Getty ) Earlier this year, a survey commissioned by Berkshire-based independent girls school Downe House found more than three-quarters (77 per cent) of those who answered admitted to using AI tools to help complete their homework. A 2024 survey of teachers by the National Literacy Trust found that nearly half (48.9 per cent) believed students use would have a negative impact on childrens writing skills, while more than half (56.6 per cent) were concerned generative AI could stop children from thinking for themselves. Thriving in the digital world requires maturity, critical thinking, and impulse control, skills that are best honed in the real world away from addictive-by-design platforms. And to those suggesting it is up to our children to manage their use of technology and learn to use it for better, not for worse, I would ask: why are we expecting more of children than we do of ourselves? Most adults know how habit-forming a lot of digital behaviour is. We would never sit a drug addict down at a table with loads of drugs and tell them to make good choices. Expecting children to manage their own screentime is the same thing. open image in gallery More than 350,000 parents are calling on the government to ban smartphones from classrooms ( PA ) This threat to our childrens learning and development demands political courage. Sweden reversed its classroom digitisation programme in 2023. The Quebec National Institute of Public Health undertook a review of existing research and found no learning benefits and, at worst, cognitive harm, prompting a change in education policy. From this month, Spain is banning device-based homework in primary schools. The government has also set a two-hour maximum per week for tablet use in schools. This is inspiring stuff. So, bravo to the Conservatives who are this week tabling an amendment to the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill, giving parents the statutory right to opt out of online homework for their children. This should garner cross-party support. Our childrens brain development, safety and wellbeing should not be lost to party politics, and the time has come for the UK to hit the pause button on ed-tech. Parents are on the march, and the prime minister should know that there is only one thing more relentless than the tech companies, and that is mums and dads. Jennifer Powers is director of the Unplugged Coalition Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A pub manager who claimed her boss suggested she was associated with Nazi ideology after she didnt buy him a coffee has received a payout for unlawful discrimination. The worker, named by the tribunal as Ms Sinclair, worked at the Old Toll Bar in Glasgow, when she was told by director Ahmed Magdy Soliman oh yeh, forgot you like white people better, after he discovered she had bought the drink for a colleague, but not him. He then added: How was Germany, an employment tribunal heard. The comments were made soon after Mr Soliman, aged 49, had told Ms Sinclair you look very Aryan with your blue eyes and blond hair, the tribunal heard. Ms Sinclair had no connection with Germany and said the remarks suggested she was racist or associated with Nazi ideology, and left her feeling awkward. Judge Shona McLean ordered Mr Soliman and the company - called More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish Ltd - to pay Ms Sinclair 2,000 for injured feelings as a result of unlawful discrimination. In her judgment, she wrote: The race related remarks were unsolicited. The second respondent [Mr Soliman] appeared to derive satisfaction from the claimants discomfort. Even if that was not the purpose, viewed objectively it was reasonable in my view to have that effect. As the business owner, his comments on the claimants race and appearance placed her in a difficult position. The second comment [over the purchased coffee] caused the claimant to review the first in a more troubling light. Four months on from the remarks, the tribunal heard that Mr Soliman asked Ms Sinclairs line manager when she started working at the company, before she was unexpectedly dismissed over poor sales performance shortly before her two-year service in July last year. Under UK employment law, employees gets a right to statutory redundancy pay after completing two years service. Ms Sinclair was asked to leave on-the-spot and given no payment in lieu of notice, heard the tribunal, which found no evidence of misconduct, while finding Ms Sinclair was a valued member of the team. Judge MacLean, in her judgment, wrote that the dismissal appeared predetermined to avoid the claimant acquiring statutory rights, concluding it was for an unfair reason. She ordered the company to pay her 14,475.85 to cover loss of earnings, after hearing Ms Sinclair was on 318.67-a-week, and, despite finding temporary work, continued to suffer financial loss. The tribunal, which sat in Glasgow on 4 August, did not hear from Mr Soliman, who said he could not attend due to ill health, without providing evidence. Judge MacLean wrote that while Ms Sinclairs evidence was not contested, she gave it honestly and in an understated manner. 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 Britains leading former Paralympian turned House of Lords peer has revealed she has been sent abusive emails accusing her of being "responsible for people dying in pain" amid her opposition to the assisted dying bill. Crossbench peer Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson is among those expected to speak in a historic debate on Friday as the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill returns to parliament. A long-time campaigner on the rights of disabled people, she said that while it has been difficult to read some of the correspondence directed at her on what is a divisive issue, she accepts it is "part of the job". The interview comes as Sir Keir Starmer is facing a severe warning from Labour grandees in the House of Lords who have joined a high powered cross-party group demanding more time for the assisted dying debate. open image in gallery Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson revealed she has been sent abusive emails accusing her of being responsible for people dying in pain ( PA Archive ) A letter to the governments leader of the House of Lords, Baroness Angela Smith, and chief whip Lord Kennedy warns that the bill put forward by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, which narrowly cleared the Commons, needs more scrutiny and needs to be adopted by the government to allow it substantial time. With the employment rights bill and other key legislation already being bogged down in the Lords, the challenge threatens to slow down Sir Keirs reform agenda further. They also raised concerns that because it was a private members bill, only the sponsors amendments got serious attention, and it has allowed ministers a huge amount of delegated power should it pass. Signatories include former Commonwealth head Baroness Scotland, fellow Labour peers Lord Boateng and Lord Hunt (an ex-health minister); former Tory cabinet minister and minister for the disabled Lord Harper; ex-senior judge Baroness Butler-Sloss; and former air marshall the Lord Stirrup. They warned: The bill is one of the most significant and consequential pieces of legislation ever to have been sent to us from the House of Commons; one that would change the relationship between the state and its citizens, and the purpose of the NHS, forever. There will be no going back. This legislation must therefore balance both the needs of those who would freely choose an assisted death, and those who may be pressured or coerced, or simply lack a meaningful choice, into ending their lives in this way. Meanwhile, in her interview with the PA news agency, Baroness Grey-Thompson said: "I've had emails, people saying, 'thank you so much for protecting us'. And I've had some incredibly abusive ones as well, saying that I'm responsible for people dying in pain, and it will be on me." open image in gallery Labour MP Kim Leadbeater steered the legislation through the Commons ( PA Wire ) She said her own experience with her mother's difficult death with cancer means she understands people's strong feelings, but insists there should be more focus on improving end-of-life care. She said: "It's absolutely appalling that people are scared about how they're going to die. But we should be having proper specialist palliative care." On the abuse she has received, she added: "If you accept the role in the House of Lords, you have to accept there are a lot of people who don't like what you do." Almost 200 peers are said to have put their names down to speak on the bill when it comes to the Lords on Friday, with some suggesting the reading stage could go into a second day in order to give everyone time to have their say on the proposed legislation. The Commons has voted twice on the overall bill, approving the principle of assisted dying, with peers in the Lords now given the chance to put forward changes. The legislation, applying only to England and Wales, would face further scrutiny at committee and report stages, with those in favour hopeful it could pass into law by the end of this parliamentary session in spring. But there would be a four-year implementation period before an assisted dying service would be in place. open image in gallery Assisted dying campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen has previously urged members of the House of Lords not to block landmark legislation on the issue ( PA Archive ) Baroness Grey-Thompson, who said she is not opposed to the principle of assisted dying but is against this bill as it stands, said it is difficult to know how the process will pan out. She explained: "The bill could still fall. It could run out of (parliamentary) time." Former lord chancellor and justice secretary Lord Charlie Falconer, who is the sponsor of the bill in the Lords, said he feels "very positive that the bill will pass". Assisted dying campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen has previously urged members of the House of Lords not to block landmark legislation on the issue. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the bill to the Commons last year, appealed for no "funny games" in terms of procedure in the Lords, saying she "would be upset to think that anybody was playing games with such an important and such an emotional issue". Baroness Grey-Thompson said she believes peers need to "behave with a matter of conscience" when it comes to the debate and votes on amendments and "play a really straight bat on it". She said: "It's my intention to bring a number of amendments to make it as safe as it can possibly be. But we do need to have a really detailed discussion." Lord Falconer said: "I've heard rumours of procedural devices being used, but I don't think that will happen. I think the House will roll up its sleeves and get on with what it does best - scrutinising bills and seeing if they can be improved." Lord Falconer repeated his view that the bill is "very, very safeguarded" and said he does not believe it requires new safety measures, "but if peers think there's something that should be added, of course, we will consider it". It was Charles de Gaulle, French wartime hero and president more than half a century ago, who once exclaimed in exasperation: How can anyone govern a country with 246 varieties of cheese? His words come to mind as another prime minister, Francois Bayrou, falls from power, the fifth in two years, and another round of legislative elections beckons. Worse still, there is no realistic prospect of the crisis subsiding Why has the French government fallen this time? The proximate reason is that, like his recent predecessors, Bayrou failed to get a budget through the parliament. Two weeks ago, he told the badly divided assembly thered be a vote of confidence on 8 September. He was looking for 44bn (38bn) in spending cuts, including a freeze in the welfare budget and abolishing two national bank holidays. The intention was to concentrate minds and loosen party loyalties in the national interest, but it didnt work. The parliament is deadlocked between five main groupings who will seemingly never cooperate, no matter how dire the situation. They are: National Rally, led by Marine le Pen and her protege Jordan Bardella; socialists headed by Olivier Faure; Les Republicains, comparable to Britains Conservatives; the hard left under the flinty veteran Jean-Luc Melenchon (a kind of French Corbyn); and various centrists including Bayrous Democratic Movement and Emmanuel Macrons Renaissance party (formerly La Republique En Marche!). French PM Francois Bayrou addresses the National Assembly on Monday prior to a parliamentary confidence vote that failed to save his job ( AP ) Is that all? Mais non. Behind the budget crisis lies a deeper economic and demographic crisis. Frances ageing population and still relatively generous welfare state, as well as the private sector perks enjoyed by the middle classes in secure jobs, are making the country uncompetitive and undermining international confidence. Bond yields are rising, ominously, suggesting France is encountering problems financing itself. Such is the scale of the seemingly intractable fiscal imbalance that the cost of servicing the national debt is up to 66bn a year more than the defence or education budgets and the debt to GDP ratio stands at 114 per cent. Parallel to all that is a continuing migrant crisis. Sounds familiar? Yes, and it is as if the French had decided to make the British feel better about themselves by laying on a pantomime that makes the UK seem like a model of national unity and fiscal rectitude by comparison. Governments across Europe, in fact, have had to grapple with similar social and economic challenges, exacerbated to varying degrees by the fracturing of traditional party loyalties and the rise of uncompromising insurgents, mostly on the far right with a vested interest in chaos. Is Macron safe? Yes and no. Unlike British premiers and German chancellors, the French president is not an MP; he says he will remain in office, and any fresh elections will be only for the legislature, not the presidency. Macron can dissolve parliament, but it cannot get rid of him. There is no need for the president to quit until his current (second) term of office runs out in 2027; after that, he cannot stand again until 2032, when hell still only be 55. The constitution puts Macron firmly in charge of foreign and defence affairs but he still needs a budget. If things become unstable or the government closes down for lack of funds, it could force Macrons hand, either to rule by decree or order fresh elections or quit. What happens next? Macron may ask parliament to nominate yet another prime minister, and the gridlock will drag on. He could try to invoke Article 49 of the French constitution in order to overrule parliament; this is what he did in 2023 to impose an increase in the retirement age from 62 to 64, though that was a parliamentary bill and the then-government survived a vote of no confidence. Last June, ironically with no crisis to force the matter, Macron called a snap parliamentary election simply because his party had suffered a heavy defeat in European parliamentary elections and he thought he could beat Le Pen in a domestic contest and reassert his authority. It was a gamble that failed. Having already lost his majority in the regular parliamentary election in 2022, his party suffered further heavy losses and finished behind Faures broad left New Popular Front coalition. If fresh elections are held now, the chances are that Macrons supporting parties will lose even more seats and National Rally will further strengthen its position though not sufficiently to gain an overall majority. So the immobilisme will continue, broken only by the use of exceptional powers granted to Macron by the French constitution (the constitution of the Fifth Republic, devised by de Gaulle in 1958 as his attempt to answer the cheese question). The first real opportunity to reset French politics will only come with a presidential election, either called early by Macron or in April 2027. Oddly, given the intensity of their recent battles, neither Macron (constitutionally) nor Le Pen (because of a criminal conviction for embezzlement) will be candidates. 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 The UK will suspend visas from countries that do not play ball and agree to take back migrants, the new home secretary has said as she set out her hardline approach to tackling illegal immigration. On her third day in the job, Shabana Mahmood said she would go further and faster than her predecessor Yvette Cooper and do whatever it takes to stop small boat crossings, saying she was not the sort of person that hangs around. She also hit out at the utterly unacceptable number of migrants arriving in the UK on dinghies, after the number of Channel crossings this year passed 30,000 in record time. Ms Mahmood said she had been discussing the suspension of visas with the UKs Five Eyes allies, as she met Donald Trumps secretary of homeland security, Kristi Noem, and counterparts from Australia, Canada and New Zealand. open image in gallery Migrants on a small boat in the channel ( Getty ) She said: For countries that do not play ball, weve been talking about how we can take much more coordinated action between the Five Eyes countries. For us, that means including possibly the cutting of visas in the future, just to say, you know, we do expect countries to play ball, play by the rules, and if one of your citizens has no right to be in our country, you do need to take them back. It follows a pledge by Reform UK to deport 600,000 people over five years, including through the use of possible visa restrictions to secure returns agreements. But, vowing to do whatever it takes to stop small boat crossings, she defended the move as a Labour policy. She said: This is a Labour government with Labour policy and Labour proposals. Weve been looking at this for some time. Its been discussed already across the government and Im very clear that there has to be a strong approach to maintaining our border, and that does mean saying to countries who do not take their citizens back that were not simply going to allow our laws to remain unenforced. She also said ministers would look at proposals to change domestic legislation and guidance on how the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is implemented, saying the balance between human rights and secure borders isnt in the right place at the moment. She also made clear she backed ID cards, although she sidestepped the question of whether they would become compulsory to help deal with immigration. Her move is the most significant appointment made by Sir Keir Starmer in the reshuffle triggered by Angela Rayners resignation. The government is battling to contain the small boats crisis, caused by the highest ever numbers recorded at this point in the year, as Nigel Farages Reform UK seeks to capitalise on the issue. open image in gallery Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage was forced to row back on his promise to stop small boats within two weeks if he becomes PM at the weekend ( PA ) The UK has returns agreements with countries including Albania, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Iraq, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Georgia, Somalia, Serbia and Algeria. Ministers also recently agreed a returns deal with France, although that could evaporate if the French government collapses, as expected. Ms Mahmoods comments go further than Sir Keir, who during a G7 meeting in June said the UK could limit visas for countries which did not do enough to tackle the irregular migration crisis, such as taking back failed asylum seekers. On Monday the Five Eyes countries signed an agreement to work more closely to tackle irregular migration and return people with no right to remain. Ms Mahmood said other countries signed up to the ECHR wanted Britain to play a leading role in reforming the convention, which entered force in 1953. She said: Other countries are struggling with the challenges of mass migration, maintaining our borders, and I think that this is a useful time for us to have a refreshed conversation, and Im confident we can make more progress. Reform has pledged to leave the ECHR entirely, along with other international conventions it says prevents mass deportations, while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has asked her shadow attorney general to examine the practicalities of leaving ahead of the Conservative Party conference next month. But Ms Mahmood reiterated that Labour would not look to leave the Convention, saying this would have other consequences that were not in the national interest. Ms Mahmood is also planning a wider crackdown on immigration policy and is expected to set out plans this week to move asylum seekers from hotels into military barracks, after a summer of protests over migration. She is working with the Ministry of Defence to identify sites to house people, with military planners scoping out potential sites, defence secretary John Healey confirmed on Sunday. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said: Its about time this Labour government now stopped talking tough and started acting tough. Any country that wont take back its own citizens who have committed a criminal offence in the UK or who have no right to be here should see visa issuance suspended. But all we get from Labour are tough words. I urged them to immediately use the powers which the last government created some months ago, but nothing has happened. We should also cut overseas aid to countries not taking back their own nationals. This Labour government is too weak to take the steps necessary to protect our borders, and I see no sign of that changing any time soon. 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 Keir Starmers cabinet reshuffle has left Independent readers underwhelmed, with just one new face in his cabinet. Some saw the move as an exercise in optics rather than reform, arguing that the same faces, different positions approach as described by our political editor David Maddox risks leaving the prime minister with a weaker, less experienced team. Angela Rayners exit dominated discussion, with readers stressing her value as a working-class voice with strong union ties. Her departure, some suggested, leaves the Sir Keir more vulnerable to rebellion from Labours left and strips the cabinet of much-needed authenticity. David Lammy and Yvette Coopers new roles also attracted scrutiny. While some welcomed Coopers appointment as foreign secretary, others lamented the loss of Lammys international relationships and questioned whether his new justice role was a demotion. Defenders of Starmer argued that reshuffles are normal and praised Rayner for resigning quickly without drama. Yet the overall tone was one of scepticism, with warnings that Labour cannot afford perceived drift as Nigel Farage and Reform gain momentum in the polls. Heres what you had to say: No credible action on immigration Keir Starmers reshuffle and his governments approach to immigration thus far confirm a deeply troubling reality: this Labour administration is offering no credible action on an issue of profound public concern. The prime minister was elected on a promise to "stop the boats," yet we have seen nothing of significance to achieve this. The message this sends is one of utter paralysis. By failing to enact a robust and visible plan to control illegal migration and ensure orderly deportations, Starmer is not just failing to deliver on a key pledge; he is actively handing the political initiative to Nigel Farage and the Reform party on a silver platter. The governments current course, vacillating between vague promises and inaction, solves nothing. It ignores the problem, insults the intelligence of the electorate, and only fuels the very populism Starmer claims to oppose. Thomas Have your say on Starmers reshuffle do you think its a fresh start or just cosmetic change? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Trouble at the top, but time remains Starmers reshuffle and stories about Rayner reveal trouble at the top of the Labour Party, which won't be solved by a revival of Corbyn's unacceptable and unelectable far-left alternative or lying 'no policies' Farage. Nobody thought that recovering from 14 years of Cameron, May, Johnson, Truss and Sunak would be easy and Starmer has made mistakes. But there are still more than three years to go for Labour to deal with the issues and offer viable solutions to some of the most intractable problems in living political memory. hayneman Best to get the reshuffle over with Ed Davey being pious about this is all very well, but it's not as if this was done by choice. If a senior member of the government stuffs up and has to resign there's no choice but to reshuffle. This one might have been more wide-ranging than expected, but there were rumours that one was due anyway, in which case there's something to be said for getting it over with. Ministerial reshuffles are nothing unusual, and neither are ministers forced out for breaking the rules. I'm sorry to see Rayner go, but I think she had to, and unlike ministers in the previous government, she did it promptly and without fuss, leaving the PM to use this as an opportunity to refresh his team and get his reshuffle over with. Tanaquil2 Missing strongest talent Might be unpopular here, but Rayner has never been my choice as Deputy PM. Sadly I think the reshuffle misses the strongest talent available. Yvette Cooper has all the attributes for the job. Guessing Sir Keir recognises this too. What is that old saying in politics? Award the foreign secretary role to the person you fear the most competition from, as they are kept out of the country most often than not. AJH Not a major reshuffle A Swappo changeo of just THREE people is not in any way a major reshuffle! Simply look at the history of the Tories who changed every person in cabinet with more sycophants or old Etonians over the past 15 years or you could go back past 46 years. CAMPAIGNS4UKMs1983 Farcical It seems to me that while Lammy might have been appointed deputy prime minister, he has also been demoted by being 'reshuffled' to the position of Justice Secretary. Might that be seen as a sign of low confidence in his foreign affairs abilities? This is something that I find so farcical about cabinet reshuffles. Firstly, it is usually just the same people being moved from one position to a different position, as if their only qualifications are that they are 'loyal' to the prime minister, and therefore 'deserve' a cabinet post often despite them being clearly inadequate in their previous positions. But secondly, Lammy has spent the past 14 months building up a rapport with other foreign governments and officials did he not become a 'Vance-whisperer'? Now Cooper has to start from scratch on the same process, as do these other foreign ministers who now have to get to know her and gauge her abilities and requirements. DaveAni Lammy in the wrong role I like David Lammy, despite myself. I think he is empathetic and decent. But he says such silly things and clings to such silly, outmoded ideas. I think the justice gig is way beyond his capabilities, as it requires a good bit of distance, judgement and the ability to reflect. Maybe Northern Ireland or even Scotland would be a better job for him. Bruxellois Labours round holes and square pegs Barring Yvette Coopers move, I do not expect this reshuffle to achieve much. I think that with Labour all the holes that exist are round, but all the pegs they have are square. It is a fundamental problem that Labour has. The solution to the problems that this country has requires a right of centre approach, and Labour is too much to the left. There is potentially a very serious difficulty in the offing for Sir Keir. Were a Labour MP who is sympathetic to Jeremy Corbyn to be elected as deputy leader, the Prime Ministers hands would be tied. He has already been weakened; a less than cooperative deputy leader of the party would further diminish his authority. Then there is the budget in November. Taxes are highly likely to go up, spending is already spiralling, and the chancellor has been weakened, both by her own actions and the transfer of Darren Jones away from her. A winter of severe discontent is in the offing. Highly likely that the Chancellor will not survive in office. It is a paradoxical situation. This PM has a historically immense majority, yet he is very diminished in his authority. His problem is compounded by his total lack of charisma, a proclivity for the u-turn, and a dearth of experience and talent in his cabinet. Krispad Purging the left The "civil war" was started by Morgan McSweeney in an unscrupulous attempt to purge the left from the party. He will be delighted to see Rayner go, and the reshuffle has been described as his work. The deputy election will hopefully prove an opportunity to reassert Labour's core principles and values. SteveB21 Labour destroying itself We have watched the Conservative Party, after decades of dominating British politics, destroy itself in the past few years, now we are watching the Labour Party do the same. A deeply unpopular prime minister tries to stop the rot by bringing in more and more ministers that are aligned with his unpopular views and policies and this when the party is only in power because of the ludicrous effects of our First-Past-The-Post electoral system when the two-party system is collapsing. The level of support for Labour in the 2024 general election should have ensured that we had a coalition, but it gave a huge Labour majority instead. But now even that support is disappearing rapidly. arboreal1 Starmer is more vulnerable without Rayner Rayner's loyalty and support for Starmer was one of the few reasons why the left-leaning backbenchers didn't rebel against him as much as they would have liked to. He is now considerably more vulnerable on a whole host of issues which require their support. HomoSapiens Rayner ticked many boxes Starmer is going to miss Rayner no end. She ticked many boxes that no one else can: working class, growing up in a council house, getting pregnant at 16, leaving school with no grades and only via the Union she became an MP. She can relate to people that have a "broken CV" from the get go and being put "on the scrap heap". You have to be feisty and a battle axe to get yourself out of that. Starmer on the other hand has a working-class background but he went to uni and then worked as a barrister and was head of the CPS an altogether more professional career and CV. He is MP in London from a well-to-do area. So their backgrounds are a bit like chalk and cheese. The real question is: who can tick as many boxes and has this level of real-life experience? And there is just tumbleweed. That is why it is nonsense to claim he wanted to get rid of her anyway. Leftyandproud Rows will only make things worse A row between Rayner supporters and Starmer supporters is the last thing the country needs at the moment and it will merely alienate the public even more, to the disadvantage of Labour and the advantage of Reform. Doubtless Rayner will be brought back into government before too long anyway (Labour will have learned from the Tories in this regard). Personally, I never thought Rayner was a serious rival to Starmer for the leadership (Streeting is a more serious contender) and there is no evidence whatsoever that Starmer was, in Machiavellian fashion, trying to get rid of her. If the Labour Party rows about this issue, it will make their somewhat dire situation even worse. The public are simply not interested they want the countrys problems fixed. Musil 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 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 been warned not to water down Labours workers rights bill after Angela Rayner was forced to quit over her tax affairs. As they gather for the TUC conference in Brighton, unions are piling pressure on the prime minister to uphold the package of stronger protections for workers amid pressure from business to rethink some measures. Sharon Graham, the general secretary of one of the UKs biggest unions, Unite, hit out and accused Labour ministers of saying different things to different people on the future of the governments flagship plans on Monday. UKHospitality, which represents pubs, bars and restaurants, is to write to all ministers demanding changes to the package, including watering down day one protection from unfair dismissal. And, as pressure on the government ramps up over the measures, supporters of the employment rights bill fear Ms Rayners departure leaves it at risk. Justin Madders, the junior minister who was co-architect of Labours so-called new deal for working people was also sacked in Sir Keirs emergency reshuffle last week. open image in gallery Angela Rayners departure raised fears about her package of stronger workers rights ( PA Wire ) The pair have been the biggest backers in government of the workers rights package. There had already been concerns before the election with allegations that Rachel Reeves was against the full employment rights package and businesses claimed she promised them before the election that the package would be watered down. This led to the emergency meeting with unions at the start of the election when Keir Starmer caved in to their demands. At the Trades Union Congress annual conference, general secretary Paul Nowak vowed to fight every single inch of the way to ensure the bill delivers on what was promised. Ahead of the opening day of the gathering in Brighton, he said: The government must, and should, deliver on the promises it gave to the British people last July. The bill will level the playing field extending the standards already set by the best employers, working with unions, to millions more. It will stop good businesses being undercut by the cowboys and it will help build a modern economy that raises pay, boosts productivity and improves well-being. He added: Tory and Lib Dem peers are desperately trying to water this bill down. My message to these blockers is simple: get out of the way. Youre lucky enough not to face financial disaster if you take a day off sick. Youre lucky enough not to have to face abusive customers. Youre lucky enough not to worry about paying the bills if your boss cuts your shift with no notice. Millions of workers arent that lucky and working people have waited long enough for change. The employment rights bill is a vital first step in tipping the balance back toward workers. open image in gallery Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC, said the Government must, and should, deliver on the promises it gave to the British people last July (Peter Byrne/PA) ( PA Archive ) So today, my message to all parliamentarians is simple: do the right thing. Listen to the public, stand with working people, deliver the bill in full. Rachel Reeves was reportedly against the full employment rights package and businesses claimed she promised them before the election that the package would be watered down. This led to the emergency meeting with unions at the start of the election where Sir Keir caved in to their demands. But business leaders now see a fresh opportunity to win concessions on the plans. UKHospitality chairman Kate Nicholls told The Daily Telegraph: Now is the time to press pause and review these measures, and to take pragmatic steps so the bill is proportionate and balanced and does not cause costs to business and jobs. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) are also lobbying for the bill to be watered down. Responding to fears the bill could be watered down, former employment rights minister Mr Madders said: Lets hope these fears are unfounded because it would be really, really foolish for the Government to row back on key manifesto commitments that are popular with the public and will show what a positive difference a Labour government can make. 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 Union leaders have warned of a massive backlash if the prime minister attempts to water down the workers rights bill following his sweeping cabinet reshuffle. The removal of two ministers who were the architects of the bill former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and ex-employment minister Justin Madders prompted fears among unions of a shift to the right in Sir Keir Starmers government. One senior union figure described Sir Keirs reshuffle as a right-wing coup, adding: The employment rights package is a red line. There will be a massive backlash if any attempt is made to water the bill down. Downing Street moved to calm fears over the issue on Monday as the Labour Party teetered on the verge of civil war. A spokesperson said the legislation had the absolute backing of the government and Sir Keir would ensure that dozens of amendments put in by Tory and Lib Dem peers will be voted down. Sir Keir told Labour MPs during a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party on Monday evening: "Let me be crystal clear with you, all these commitments continue under this Labour government. The Employment Rights bill will continue with the same substance and timetable as before." open image in gallery Starmer is under pressure following the resignation of Rayner and his cabinet reshuffle ( House of Commons ) It came as Trades Union Congress general secretary Paul Nowak issued a thinly veiled threat in his keynote speech at the groups conference in Brighton. He said: My message to the government is simply this: deliver the manifesto on which you won a huge majority last July; deliver good jobs, decent public services and better living standards in every corner of the country; deliver the change people voted for and show working people whose side you are on. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, whose union is thought to be considering supporting Jeremy Corbyns new party, also warned: What I do hope is that they dont intend on now slowing this down, or indeed scrapping some parts of it altogether. You dont have to be a bad employer to be prosperous. And so therefore, for me, trade unions are the equaliser. She added: I dont accept that trade unions and putting up wages is bad for the economy. Its good for the economy. Alison McGovern, a minister in the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said the bill was a "cornerstone" of Labour's general election manifesto. She told a fringe meeting at the TUC Congress: "Labour MPs have voted three times for it. We are committed to it." But it has been noted that implementation of the bill, which is currently in the House of Lords, will be in the gift of ministers and could be delayed by a year or more. Concerns have already been raised that chancellor Rachel Reeves, who has publicly backed the bill, had promised business leaders ahead of the election that she would limit the reforms in the hopes of achieving economic growth. With resident (formerly junior) doctors in the process of holding a series of strikes with a pay demand of 29 per cent, there had been suggestions that plans to repeal Tory legislation limiting strike action by unions could be looked at again. Mr Madders, the former employment minister, was one of the guests at the TUC on Monday with union delegates and MPs on the left focused on ensuring the employment rights package he steered through the Commons is delivered. open image in gallery Paul Nowak during his keynote speech in Brighton on Monday ( PA ) Labour MPs urged ministers and peers to deliver the bill in full. Kate Osborne, the Labour MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East, said: The Employment Rights Bill cannot be watered down, it's a manifesto commitment that must be delivered in full, which includes overturning all of the recent unhelpful amendments that big businesses pushed through the Lords. It would be a disgrace if it was watered down by even one drop. Ian Byrne, Labour MP for Liverpool West Derby, added: It cannot be watered down It would be a betrayal of all those who trusted us last year to deliver this key manifesto pledge, the very policy we stood on as Labour MPs. And Jon Trickett, Labour MP for Normanton and Hemsworth, said: Clear commitments have been made about the Employment Rights Bill by the PM. There must be no question of betrayal, prevarication or compromise. With Ms Rayners controversial new flat a short distance from where the TUC congress was taking place, there was a great deal of sympathy for the deputy former prime minister, who allies said had been dealing with new briefings against her all weekend. There was speculation of a potential attempt to remove Sir Keir if local election results go badly and even pave the way for a return by Ms Rayner despite having to quit over failing to pay 40,000 in stamp duty on the purchase of her apartment in Hove, East Sussex. One senior union figure said: Angela can come back. She can still be leader. She is a generational politician, has charisma and can cut through in the way this lot [Sir Keirs government] cant. Meanwhile, with the details of the Labour deputy leadership contest announced, there was speculation that an MP from the soft left will run, turning it into a referendum on the Starmer government. Friends of former transport secretary Louise Haigh, who was also forced out of the government, insisted she will not stand for deputy leader. Louise knows what the direction of travel is. She knows this lot are finished and she is keeping her powder dry, they said. Former frontbencher Dame Emily Thornberry, who is chair of the foreign affairs committee, is already looking for the 80 nominations required from MPs. Another name being mentioned is Rosena Allin-Khan, the MP for Tooting in southwest London. An A&E doctor, she rebelled on Labour's welfare reforms and has been critical of the government over Gaza. Therefore, she may be viewed with caution in the cabinet, but could provide a connection to party members. She came second in the last deputy leadership contest, which suggests she has broad appeal. 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 One of the worlds most sacred religious sites Mount Sinai where amid thunder and fire, God is said to have handed over the 10 Commandments to Moses on tablets of stone, is now on course to become home to a luxury mega resort. The entire area, also believed to be where God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, is sacred to three world religions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, but now, the isolated location is at the centre of a row over rapid development of the site for tourism. Luxury hotels, restaurants, shopping bazaars, high-end villas, a cable car, and expanded airport facilities nearby are planned or already under construction in this mountainous area of the Sinai Peninsula, a site which is already home to the 6th Century St Catherine's Monastery, the world's oldest continuously used Christian monastery. open image in gallery Mount Sinai in Egypt is one of the worlds most sacred religious sites ( Alamy/PA ) According to a BBC report, the Jebeleya, a traditional Bedouin community living in the area, have had their homes and existing tourist eco-camps demolished and have even been forced to exhume bodies from their graves in a local cemetery to make way for a new car park. Ben Hoffler, a British travel writer who has previously worked with tribes living on the Sinai Peninsula, told the broadcaster: "This is not development as the Jebeleya see it or asked for it, but how it looks when imposed top-down to serve the interests of outsiders over those of the local community. "A new urban world is being built around a Bedouin tribe of nomadic heritage. "It's a world they have always chosen to remain detached from, to whose construction they did not consent, and one that will change their place in their homeland forever." open image in gallery Saint Catherine's Monastery with Willow Peak, traditionally considered Mount Horeb, in the background ( Joonas Plaan/Wiki Commons ) Around 4,000 people live locally, but are unwilling, or feel unable, to speak about the scale of the development and what it means for the region, the report suggested. The development known in Egypt as the Great Transfiguration Project has been described by Egypt Today a state-run newspaper as an opportunity to harness the magic of this region and elevate it into a must-visit future global destination, honouring its spiritual, religious, archaeological, and historical significance as a haven for heavenly beliefs. But the rapid advance of works has sparked international concerns for the Unesco World Heritage-listed site. In July, the organisation World Heritage Watch sent an open Letter to Unesco calling for the Saint Catherine area to be added to the list of world heritage sites considered to be in danger. At the time, World Heritage Watch Chair Stephan Doempke said: Egypt has continued to provide misleading, inconsistent or incomplete information to Unesco, and it is time now that Unesco is very clear that they are running out of patience. In the letter he drafted with help from site experts and using up-to-date information from local informants on the ground, he added: The remoteness and serenity of the area, a key value of the World Heritage, must be preserved under all circumstances in order to maintain the sacred character of the landscape and enable the spiritual retreat of the monks. In contrast, reports in Egypt Today describe the development as a multi-billion-pound masterpiece, which align with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's vision to nurture and develop this extraordinary region. In March, prime minister Mostafa Madbouly expressed Egypt's intention to present this project as a gift to the entire world and all religions. 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 Herminio Guambe, a barber in a small village outside Mozambiques capital, electricity has been a game-changer. His tiny, unpowered barbershop now boasts hair dryers, symbolising the transformation. The wider community has also benefited. The village pharmacy can now stock vital medicines requiring refrigeration, and increased trading and transport have led to new job opportunities. World Bank President Ajay Banga, who visited the region in July to tour electrification projects and meet entrepreneurs like Mr Guambe, highlighted the broader economic impact. He told The Associated Press: "These are the kinds of businesses that drive economies. Electricity isnt just light, its a chance." Mozambique has won World Bank backing for the $6 billion Mphanda Nkuwa hydroelectric plant, southern Africas biggest such project in 50 years. Mozambique, one of the worlds poorest countries by per capita income, aims to connect all of its 33 million mostly rural citizens to electricity by 2030, largely through renewable energy from hydroelectric, solar and other sources. open image in gallery Aerial view of the a substation, in Songo, Mozambique, Saturday, July 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The challenge is similar in much of sub-Saharan Africa, home to 85% of the global population living without power, according to the World Bank. Electricity access in Mozambique has nearly doubled from 31% in 2018 to 60% in 2024. The state-run energy supplier Electricidade de Mocambique, or EDM, says it connected 563,000 homes in 2024 and plans to reach 600,000 this year. Mozambique has the resources, gas, hydro, solar, and its already the biggest supplier of excess power to southern Africa, Banga said. His visit came with fanfare, and political undertones. President Daniel Chapo, who took office after a disputed 2024 election, raised his fist to cheering crowds. Located 60 kilometers (37 miles) downstream from the even larger Cahora Bassa hydroelectric dam along the Zambezi river, the Mphanda Nkuwa plant is expected to generate 1,500 megawatts when it begins operations in 2031. That will help a region facing a 10,000-megawatt deficit that keeps millions from accessing power. The World Bank is not financing the project outright. Global energy firm TotalEnergies, French utility Electricite de France and Mozambiques Hidroelectrica de Cahora Bassa will develop the plant. The World Bank is providing a mix of support including concessional funding for legal and environmental issues and transmission lines, partial risk guarantees and political risk insurance. Banga said this approach in Africa aims to move away from reliance on donors for high-impact projects. It coincided with a global shift in development funding. With the Trump administration dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development, multilateral lenders like the World Bank are stepping in, often emphasizing private sectorled growth. Many shareholders, even in Europe, are reducing their overseas development assistance budgets because they have to divert the money to defense and their own needs. This is the way it is, Banga said. open image in gallery Aerial view of Zambezi River, in Tete, Mozambique, Saturday, July 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Mphanda Nkuwa could also help Mozambique earn critical foreign exchange through exports of electricity to neighbors like South Africa and Zimbabwe. It is among several large hydropower projects aiming to reshape Africas energy future. Ethiopia is preparing to inaugurate its $4 billion Grand Renaissance Dam, which will eventually generate over 5,000 megawatts, doubling the nations power output despite fierce opposition from Egypt. In Congo, the World Bank is backing the huge Inga 3 project that could also send electricity to South Africa, Nigeria and others. Yet hydropower the worlds largest source of renewable electricity remains mostly untapped in Africa, with the World Bank and the International Hydropower Association estimating around 90% of capacity is still unused. And building a mega-dam is only part of the challenge in Mozambique. Our country is quite big, and its not so easy to go everywhere with the national grid, said EDM chairman Joaquim Ou-Chim. So its off-grid solutions, mainly driven by solar. About 10% of electricity access in Mozambique comes from off-grid projects, and more are being rolled out. open image in gallery Aerial view of the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Dam, along the Zambezi River, in Tete, Mozambique, Saturday, July 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Evaristo Cumbane, an energy consultant based in Maputo, said large projects like Cahora Bassa and Mphanda Nkuwa are important but stressed the need for smaller, local sources of energy. We are talking about plenty of rivers, plenty of sunshine, plenty of wind, plenty of coastlines, he said, adding that the real Mozambique is in rural, remote areas. Cumbane also urged caution over Mozambiques growing debt burden. Public debt rose to about $17 billion in the first quarter of 2025. A record $2.1 billion was spent in 2023 in debt service, according to the Finance Ministry. The World Bank is not a godfather, it is not god. The guy is here on business. These are not donations, he said. It was not clear how much new debt is involved in the Mphanda Nkuwa hydroelectric project. Banga said the projects final cost is yet to be determined but estimated $5 billion to $6 billion. Mozambiques path has been complicated. Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, it has seen civil war, flare-ups of fighting following a peace deal and an ongoing Islamist insurgency in the north that forced TotalEnergies to halt a $20 billion gas project, though it hopes to restart operations. But for Mozambicans, Guambes buzzing barbershop is proof of whats possible when power reaches the people. In another impoverished neighborhood outside Maputo visited by Banga, 38-year-old Aurelio Arlindo has been unemployed for years and lives without electricity. But new power poles signal hope. Its really coming. I am just waiting, he said, and he hopes to open a cold drinks stall. 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 For Alison Joseph, watching her 9-year-old son Noah splashing around in the swimming pool this summer for the first time was bittersweet. Overjoyed that Noah had learned to swim, the mom was simultaneously reminded that her other son, 10-year-old Hunter, couldnt join in. Hunter sees his younger brother and how well he's doing, Alison told The Independent. And I think there is some sadness that he wants to be able to play outside longer, and do all the things that his brother is now finding so much easier. Noah and Hunter both have Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most severe form of the genetic disorder. The disease causes muscle degeneration and weakness due to a mutation in the gene that produces dystrophin, a protein that protects muscle fibers from breaking down. The disease, which mostly affects boys, gets worse over time. It makes it difficult to walk, run, jump, and play, with children often delayed in reaching milestones like crawling, walking and talking. The boys will likely use wheelchairs when they are teenagers, and life expectancy ranges between 30 and 40 years old. open image in gallery Hunter, 10, (left) and brother Noah, 9, (right) were diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2017. Noah received pioneering gene therapy in March this year, which has significantly helped his mobility, his parents said. But Hunters insurance claim for the same treatment was denied. ( Alison Joseph ) In March, Noah received pioneering gene therapy to improve his mobility and quality of life through Alisons health insurance plan. But when Hunters application was submitted in late May, authorization for exactly the same treatment was denied. The reason on our denial letters is that it's not medically necessary, the mom-of-three said from her home in Winnetka, just outside Chicago. It was very blindsiding. They didn't ever deny my other son, it was approved the first go. So I was very taken aback. Alison, a physician, and her husband William, who works in finance, are now grappling with how to move forward following the decision from health insurance giant, Blue Cross Blue Shield. They say they have been put in an impossible and heartbreaking situation. The Independent contacted Blue Cross Blue Shield for comment, and asked why the treatment was only covered for Noah when both boys have the same disease. The Independent also asked the company whether it would reconsider the denial in Hunters case and to respond to accusations that the decision was unfair. To protect our members privacy, we do not publicly discuss individual cases, a Blue Cross Blue Shield spokesperson said. We do want our members to know that medical experts, including doctors, are involved in reviews to ensure the treatments and services our members receive are evidence-based and not duplicative. Decisions are guided by nationwide best practices for care, helping to identify what has proven successful for members in the past. With every passing day, Hunters condition gets worse. His muscle is wasting away every day, Alison, 44, said. He's going to be in a wheelchair in the next few years and it just doesn't seem right that they are not going to allow him to get this treatment. They're wasting his time. And its just not fair. The brothers were diagnosed with DMD in 2017 after tests showed Hunter had elevated liver enzymes, which is indicative of the condition. Three months later, when further tests showed the levels had not returned to normal, a specialist delivered the devastating diagnosis. DMD is a genetic disorder and so Noah and 12-year-old brother Carter were tested following Hunters diagnosis. Carter did not have the disease, but Noahs results came back positive. It was a triple blow for Alison, who not only had to process the fact that two of her children had the life-limiting illness but that she was a carrier of the disease. The parents and their eldest son Carter have had to go through the pain of witnessing Hunter and Noah gradually decline over the years, as DMD has no cure. But in 2023, there was a glimmer of hope when the gene therapy, Elevidys, manufactured by Sarepta Therapeutics, received accelerated approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. open image in gallery Alison and husband William, pictured with their boys Hunter, Noah and Carter. Both of the younger boys were diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 2017, which has no cure ( Alison Joseph ) The new treatment, which comes with a $3.2 million price tag, helps improve muscle function and motor skills. So far, over 900 patients have had the treatment, the company says, but given how novel the medicine is, critics say there is limited evidence that the benefits of the treatment outweigh the risks. But doctors are cautiously optimistic. All these newer gene transfer therapies are opening doors for these boys to possibly live longer and lead a good quality of life, said Dr Aravindhan Veerapandiyan of Arkansas Childrens Hospital. Its changing the trajectory of the disease, changing the trajectory of their lives, improving the quality of life for the boys and their families. Elevidys is not without controversy. It was approved by the FDA in 2023 but limited to children between 4 and 5 years old, who are able to walk. In 2024, the treatment was expanded to include patients 4 years and older. But Public Citizen, a nonprofit which acts an ethics watchdog for clinical trials, said the FDA approval was ill-advised because it was not supported by favorable FDA scientific reviews. Nor did clinical trials demonstrate that children with the disease maintained or regained gross motor abilities, the group added. There was heightened concern in July when the FDA told Sarepta to suspend distribution of the drug while the agency investigated the death of an 8-year-old boy. The FDA subsequently concluded the death was unrelated to the gene therapy product itself but the agency has still recommended the company pause distribution of the drug in patients who cannot walk. However, this doesnt apply to Noah or Hunter, who can both still walk and play with their older brother, Carter. For Alison and William, Elevidys was worth trying. We had very serious conversations with our doctors, but we also know the natural progression of the disease, Alison said. So we were willing to take that risk. Noah has had very obvious and noticeable improvements since his treatment in March at Arkansas Childrens Hospital in Little Rock, his parents said. Elevidys was administered as a one-time infusion. End of day fatigue and leg pain was something that he complained of frequently, and he has not complained of it once since getting gene therapy, Alison said. He learned how to swim this summer. His overall endurance is so much better. Hunter, meanwhile, continues to suffer. So many people now will say, Oh my gosh, Noah's doing so well We can't believe he's swimming, he's this, he's that, Alison said. And, I'm like, Oh my gosh, please don't let Hunter hear because I know that he's thinking that he's not able to do those things. And it's just heartbreaking. Before Noahs treatment was given the green light by the insurance company, both boys underwent their routine, annual cardiac MRIs to take a closer look at their hearts. open image in gallery Noah has had very obvious and noticeable improvements since his treatment in March at Arkansas Childrens Hospital in Little Rock, his parents said. Noah (left) with his brothers, Hunter (right) and Carter (center) ( Alison Joseph ) A cardiologist determined that the risk with the treatment was greater for Hunter than it was for Noah, whose MRI showed normal cardiac function for a child. Therefore, the family decided that Noah should have the treatment first. We collectively made a decision that the safest thing to do is give it to his brother, Alison explained. The insurance company gave the green light for Noahs treatment on November 1, 2024, and he received it a few months later in March 2025. After Noahs treatment went well, doctors, including cardiologists, then gave their approval in April for Hunter to have the same treatment. BCBS denied coverage for the treatment in June. We were so excited that they gave us the green light. It was like, Oh my gosh, let's go. Let's do it, Alison recalled. We told Hunter, Its your turn, never expecting the insurance to say no. The mom asked: I mean, how could they say no to him when they already said yes to his brother and he successfully had it? A few weeks ago, after digging through health insurance paperwork, Alison and William claim that after Noah received approval from BCBS in November 2024 for Elevidys, the insurance firm quietly updated company policy on January 1, 2025 to exclude the childrens specific DND mutation from coverage for the gene therapy. I don't think it's coincidence, Alison said. I think that they knew that we had another child and we were going to be seeking this out [again.] The insurance company did not address the allegation when The Independent contacted them for comment. The parents are running out of options to get their son the life-improving treatment unless BCBS reconsiders the claim. They have appealed the decision with the insurance giant. The couple has also contacted representatives in Arkansas, where Hunter would receive the gene therapy treatment, and in their home state of Illinois. Arkansas state representatives Andrew Collins and Tippi McCullough both offered the family assistance, while Arkansas U.S. Senator Tom Cotton supported the family in reaching out to the federal Office of Personnel Management, Alison said. The parents have also consulted with a lawyer to weigh their options. I am starting to feel helpless, said Alison. I feel like we have tried to make the best decisions for them all these years, and now the choice has been taken away from us. Time is not on Hunters side and the gene therapy is his best chance of having the most comfortable life possible, his parents said. This is the age when the boys really do start to decline pretty quickly, said Alison. We have seen a significant decline in him in the last few months, which is just so scary. The therapy can stop the diseases progression. We are just watching him decline before our eyes. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A new investigation reveals how Jeffrey Epstein worked with JPMorgan Chase while carrying out his sex-trafficking operation. JPMorgan Chase, one of the worlds top banks, worked with Epstein from the late 1990s until 2013, even as employees raised concerns about him, according to a new report by The New York Times. Epstein died by suicide in a New York City jail cell in 2019 while facing federal sex trafficking charges. JPMorgan Chase processed more than 4,700 transactions for Epstein, which totaled more than $1.1 billion and included payments to his victims, the Times reports. It wasnt until 2019 that JPMorgan opened an internal investigation - called Project Jeep - and filed a report with federal regulators, retroactively flagging these transactions as suspicious, according to the outlet. Epstein was also regularly withdrawing tens of thousands of dollars in cash nearly every month, which should have set off internal alarms, the Times reports. The bank also set up accounts for women who turned out to be Epsteins victims, according to the Times. JPMorgan spokesperson Joseph Evangelisti told the Times the banks relationship with Epstein was a mistake and in hindsight we regret it, but we did not help him commit his heinous crimes. open image in gallery JPMorgan Chase worked with Jeffrey Epstein for more than a decade ( Getty Images ) We would never have continued to do business with him if we believed he was engaged in an ongoing sex trafficking operation, Evangelisti said. The Independent has contacted JPMorgan Chase for comment. Bank staff started expressing concern about Epstein in 2006, after he was charged with soliciting prostitution from a teenager, theTimes reports. Epstein struck a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to state charges of solicitation of prostitution and solicitation of prostitution with a minor in June 2008. Staff flagged Epsteins regular withdrawals as potential markers of illicit activity and expressed concern about keeping him on as a client after he was charged, the Times reports. However, bank executives overrode staffers concerns and opted to keep Epstein as a client on at least four occasions. The banks general counsel also concluded that Epstein was a reputational risk in 2011, but did not insist that he be removed, according to the outlet. open image in gallery Jeffrey Epstein died in 2019 while facing federal sex trafficking charges ( AP ) The Times also reported that Jes Staley, a former executive at the bank, had a close relationship with Epstein. The executive often traveled to Epsteins properties and turned to him for advice, according to the outlet. Evangelisti pinned the blame for the banks Epstein scandal on Staley, who was close with JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, telling the Times their trust was misplaced. Dimon has previously said that he had barely heard of Epstein before 2019. However, the Times reports Staley said in sworn deposition that he discussed Epstein with Dimon on at least two occasions, and concerned staff members suggested Dimon could have been in the loop. Staley did not comment to the Times. The Independent has contacted Staleys U.K.-based attorney for comment. open image in gallery Jes Staley (pictured) worked with Jeffrey Epstein while at JPMorgan Chase ( Getty Images ) The bank sued Staley in 2023, accusing him of hiding Epsteins crimes to keep him on as a client, the Associated Press reports. Staleys attorneys accused the bank of making baseless claims and using the former executive as a public relations shield. The bank and Staley settled later that year under undisclosed terms. Staley has repeatedly denied having any knowledge of Epsteins crimes. After leaving JPMorgan Chase in 2013, Staley went on to become CEO of Barclays in 2015 but resigned from the post in 2021. The U.K.s Financial Conduct Authority has since fined Staley and barred him from holding senior roles in the financial services industry following an investigation into his relationship with Epstein. Staley admitted in a U.K. court earlier this year that he had sex with a member of Epsteins staff in an apartment owned by Epsteins brother, The Guardian reports. Staley described the encounter as consensual. JPMorgan Chase has also been sued over its work with Epstein. In 2023, the bank paid $290 million to settle a lawsuit brought by 200 of Epsteins victims. While the settlement does not involve admissions of liability, the firm deeply regrets any association with this man, and would never have continued doing business with him if it believed he was using the bank in any way to commit his heinous crimes, the bank said in a statement at the time. The bank paid another $75 million in 2023 to settle a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Virgin Islands, where many of Epsteins crimes happened. 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 When Jarvis McKenzie locked eyes with the man in the car, he couldn't understand the hate he saw. When the man picked up a rifle, fired over his head and yelled you better get running, boy! as he scrambled behind a brick wall, McKenzie knew it was because he is Black. Mr McKenzie shared his story a month after the shooting, highlighting South Carolina's unique position as one of only two US states, alongside Wyoming, without its own hate crime legislation. In an attempt to compel the South Carolina Senate to vote on a bill proposing tougher penalties for crimes driven by hatred based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or ethnicity, approximately two dozen local governments across the state have enacted their own hate crime ordinances. Despite a decade of sustained pressure from businesses, survivors of the devastating Charleston church massacre that claimed nine lives, and even some within their own Republican party, state senators have remained unmoved. open image in gallery Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott in seen in his office on Friday, Aug.29, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Richland County, where McKenzie lives, has a hate crime ordinance and the white man seen on security camera footage grabbing the rifle and firing through his open car window before driving into his neighborhood on July 24 is the first to face the charge. But local laws are restricted to misdemeanors with sentences capped at a month in jail. The state hate crimes proposal backed by business leaders could add years on to convictions for assault and other violent crimes. McKenzie sat in the same spot at the edge of his neighborhood for a year at 5:30 a.m. waiting for his supervisor to pick him up for work. For him and his family, every trip outside now is met with uneasiness if not fear. Its heartbreaking to know that I get up every morning. I stand there not knowing if he had seen me before, McKenzie said. open image in gallery Police tape surrounds the parking lot behind the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C. on June 19, 2015. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, File) The lack of a statewide hate crime law rapidly became a sore spot in South Carolina after the 2015 shooting deaths of nine Black worshippers at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. After a summer of racial strife in 2020, business leaders made it a priority and the South Carolina House passed its version in 2021. But in 2021 and again in the next session in 2023, the proposal stalled in the South Carolina Senate without a vote. Supporters say Republican Senate leadership knows it will pass as more moderate members of their own party support it but they keep it buried on the calendar with procedural moves. The opposition is done mostly in silence and the bill gets only mentioned in passing as the Senate takes up other items, like in May 2023 when a debate on guidelines for history curriculum on subjects like slavery and segregation briefly had a longtime Democratic lawmaker ask Republican Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey why hate crimes couldn't get a vote. The problem right now is there is a number of people who think that not only is it feel good legislation, but it is bad legislation. It is bad policy not because people support hate but because it furthers division, Massey responded on the Senate floor. open image in gallery Republican South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster speaks at a news conference supporting changes to the state's rules on civil lawsuits on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins, File) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Opponents of a state hate crimes law point out there is a federal hate crimes law and the Charleston church shooter is on federal death row because of it. But federal officials can't prosecute cases involving juveniles, they have limited time and resources compared to the state and those decisions get made in Washington, D.C., instead of locally, said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott who pushed for the hate crime ordinance in his county. Its common sense. Were making something very simple complicated, and its not complicated. If you commit a crime against somebody just because of the hate for them, because of who they are, the religion, etcetera, we know what that is, Lott said. Democrats in the Senate were especially frustrated in this year's session because while senators debated harsher sentences for attacking health care workers or police dogs, hate crimes again got nowhere. Supporters of a state hate-crime law say South Carolina's resistance to enact one emboldens white supremacists. "The subliminal message that says if youre racist and you want to commit a crime and target somebody for their race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or whatever it is you can do it here, said McKenzie's attorney, Tyler Bailey. open image in gallery Emanuel AME shooting survivors Felicia Sanders, rear, and Polly Sheppard, front, speak during a South Carolina Senate subcommittee hearing on a hate crimes bill, Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins, File) ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Republican Gov. Henry McMaster understands why local governments are passing their own hate crime laws, but he said South Carolina's laws against assaults and other violent crimes have harsh enough sentences that judges can give maximum punishments if they think the main motivation of a crime is hate. Theres no such thing as a love crime. There is always an element of hatred or disrespect or something like that, said the former prosecutor who added he fears the danger that happens when investigators try to enter someone's mind or police their speech. But some crimes scream to give people more support in our society, Lott said. I think its very important that we protect everybody. My race, your race, everybodys race, your religion, there needs to be some protection for that. Thats what our Constitution gives us, the sheriff said. And while the man charged with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature for shooting at McKenzie faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted, the man who was just waiting to go to work feels like the state where he lives doesn't care about the terror he felt just because of his race. I feel like somebody is watching me. I feel like I'm being followed, McKenzie said. "It spooked me. 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 Tesla is pushing back on claims that a failure of its Autopilot feature was to blame for a head-on collision that killed four people, instead accusing the Teslas driver of being dangerously drunk at the time of the deadly wreck. Further, Heath Miller could not have had his Model Y in Autopilot when he smashed into a Ford Explorer on February 17, 2023, because he was traveling as fast as 100 mph and the high-tech feature disengages at high speeds, according to Tesla. A lawsuit filed two years later by the widow of the 47-year-old, who paid $6,000 for Enhanced Autopilot when he bought the Model Y in October 2022, took Tesla to task for allegedly exaggerating the capabilities of the high-tech feature, asserting that the vehicle should have automatically braked when its sensors anticipated the impending crash. The civil complaint by Sarah Mai Pugh Miller suggested but did not explicitly say that her late husband had the $80,000 car in self-driving mode when it smashed into a Ford Explorer on Long Islands North Fork. The compact crossovers lithium-ion battery caught fire soon after impact, burning so hot it prevented first responders from getting close to either vehicle. Tesla responded to Pugh Millers complaint in March, and included a copy of the New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Units crash investigation report. It said that Miller and his passenger, 55-year-old William Price, died of vehicular crash injuries including thermal injuries and vehicle fire, according to an investigation by the New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. The two people in the Explorer, physicians Peter Smith, 80, and Patricia ONeill, 66, died upon impact, according to the report. open image in gallery A Tesla Model Y seen after a deadly crash that killed four people in Long Island, New York. Now, Tesla says the operator is to blame and not its self driving system. ( New York State Police ) In the immediate aftermath, police initially said alcohol did not appear to be a factor. Pugh Millers complaint put the onus entirely on Tesla, calling its cars defective, and unreasonably dangerous. But, in a response filed the following month by Tesla, the carmaker claims that the undisputed evidence establishes that Mr. Miller was solely responsible for the accident, seeking to absolve the Elon Musk-owned company of any wrongdoing. A toxicology report by the Suffolk County, New York, Office of the Medical Examiner, which Tesla submitted to the court as an exhibit, says Miller was driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.25 percent. This, Tesla points out in a companion filing, is more than three times the legal driving limit. The filing also claims Miller was driving at an egregious speed of at least 99 mph, 60 mph above the speed limit, and possibly as fast as 100 mph, when he crossed the centerline and fatally smacked into the Explorer. Investigators were unable to retrieve the Model Ys so-called black box due to significant fire damage, according to Teslas response. However, Tesla maintains that experts it hired to determine how fast Miller was driving, through the application of photogrammetric techniques to still-frame images taken from surveillance cameras along his route, provide evidence that allegedly shows Miller was traveling at a minimum speed of 99 mph at the time of the accident, with a second calculation that said the speed likely exceeded 100 mph. open image in gallery The occupants of the Ford Explorer hit by Heath Miller's Tesla Model Y both died. And while Miller's widow suggests the Tesla itself was to blame, Tesla says Miller who was allegedly drunk at the time is entirely at fault. ( New York State Police ) According to Tesla, its cars self-driving features shut off at speeds above 85 mph, establishing proof that the automatic driving system was not engaged at the time of the accident or during the nine seconds immediately preceding it. Therefore, it could not have been a factor in causing the deadly wreck, Tesla argues. At the same time, the attorney for one of the two people who died in the Explorer filed a motion on September 4, accusing Tesla of withholding various other datapoints collected by Millers Model Y. As for Pugh Millers contention that her husband burned to death while trapped inside the car by thermal runaway, that is, an out-of-control blaze that prevents rescuers from getting close, Teslas response in court argues that the toxicology report found an absence of carbon monoxide in his chest blood, establishing that he did not survive the initial impact long enough to inhale smoke or fumes from the fire. Although the New York State Police listed thermal injuries as a cause of death alongside vehicular crash injuries, the Tesla filing contends that the lack of carbon monoxide in Millers system proves that the Decedents fatal injuries were caused by the collision, prior to the subsequent fire. (On the flip side of the coin, the Suffolk County M.E. found that Smith and ONeill died from blunt force trauma of the head, torso, and extremities, without any mention of thermal injuries.) open image in gallery The deadly wreck occurred on a two-lane road with a 40 mph speed limit. Heath Miller was driving as fast as 100 mph, according to authorities ( New York State Police ) Overall, Tesla contends that Pugh Millers allegations of inadequate crashworthiness should be disregarded altogether, insisting that the speed at which Miller was driving made catastrophic injuries unavoidable. This excessive speed, coupled with the fact that the Decedent was driving under the influence, is, in itself, sufficient to warrant dismissal of the present matter, Teslas filing states. ... These facts prove that Decedents actions, rather than any alleged defect in the Subject Vehicle, were the proximate cause of the accident. Tesla has faced similar lawsuits from families who went after the carmaker over defective design that left their loved ones vulnerable. In 2023, the wife of a New Jersey man whose Tesla Model 3 slammed into a tree and exploded sued the company, claiming her husband survived the crash but died in the raging battery fire that engulfed the car in the moments following. That same year, an Indianapolis woman sued Tesla after her husband, a former FBI agent, was unable to escape his Tesla Model S when it caught fire following an accident, instantly incinerating him, according to court filings. In 2024, the widow of a Marine Corps reservist in Colorado sued Tesla after her late husbands Model 3 struck a tree and went up in flames, allegedly trapping the new father inside, where he perished. Tesla and its attorneys in the case, as well as Pugh Millers lawyer, did not respond to a request for comment Monday. 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 Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Maura Healey has branded the Operation Patriot 2.0 ICE raids being carried out by Donald Trumps administration in her state a power grab and political theater. The new enforcement mission began on Sunday after Mays original Operation Patriot raids in the Bay State yielded the arrest of 1,500 undocumented migrants, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Look, Ill say this, Healey said on MSNBCs The Weekend on Sunday. Im a former prosecutor. Im a former attorney general. Ive said many, many times, including to the Trump administration, that I support, as attorney general and now as governor, everything we can do on public safety. open image in gallery Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Maura Healey addresses President Donald Trump's illegal immigration crackdown in Boston ( The Weekend/MSNBC ) But what we have seen from ICE and from the administration really isnt about public safety, its about political theater. Its about a political power grab and an attempt to intimidate. A DHS spokesperson rejected her claims, saying in a statement: ICE launched Patriot 2.0 to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens living in the state of Massachusetts, following the success of Operation Patriot in May. Trumps Justice Department sued Boston and its Democratic mayor Michelle Wu on Thursday over the citys sanctuary protections, arguing its laws were being exploited by dangerous criminals who should be deported. Sanctuary policies like those pushed by Mayor Wu not only attract and harbor criminals but also place these public safety threats above the interests of law-abiding American citizens, the DHS spokesperson said. ICE is arresting sex offenders, pedophiles, murderers, drug dealers, and gang members released by local authorities. open image in gallery Boston Mayor Michelle Wu speaks out against Trump administration pressure for her city to give up its 'sanctuary' protections at a public press conference on August 19 2025 ( Reuters ) Like Healey, Wu has been a vocal critic of Trumps illegal immigration crackdown, telling Boston public radio in June that ICEs tactics are the opposite of what makes communities safer, and no ones buying that line, that were just here to help make everyone safer. We know what safety looks like in the city of Boston. She has since responded to the administrations lawsuit, similar to those it has launched against other blue states and cities like New York, New Jersey and Los Angeles, by saying in a statement: 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. Trumps aggressive push to round-up undocumented migrants this year has already brought him into conflict with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and, most recently, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, all of whom are Democrats. Over the weekend, the president risked inflaming tensions with Chicago by posting an AI-generated meme of himself as Lt. Col. Kilgore (Robert Duvall) from Francis Ford Coppolas Vietnam War movie Apocalypse Now (1979) with the catchphrase: I love the smell of deportations in the morning He was subsequently asked whether he intended to go to war with the Windy City and answered: Were not going to war. Were going to clean up our cities. Were going to clear them up so they dont kill every five people every weekend. Thats not war. Thats common sense. When it was put to him by a reporter that he was targeting Democrat-run Chicago and Boston rather than Republican-run cities with higher crime rates like Memphis and St Louis, he replied: Do you know how many people were killed in Chicago last weekend? Eight. Do you know how many were killed in Chicago the week before? Seven. Do you know how many people were wounded? Seventy-four people were wounded. You think theres worse than that? I dont think so. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed last month that the U.S. now has 1.6 million fewer undocumented migrants on its soil than when Trump took office in January, a figure that has been disputed. 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 Department of Homeland Security is launching a crackdown in Chicago dubbed Operation Midway Blitz as state and local officials push back on the Trump administration. The operation will target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets, the agency said in a Monday afternoon statement on X. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker slammed the escalation in a post on X. Once again, this isn't about fighting crime, Pritzker wrote. That requires support and coordination yet we've experienced nothing like that over the past several weeks. Instead of taking steps to work with us on public safety, the Trump Administration's focused on scaring Illinoisians. The operation is being carried out in honor of Katie Abraham, the DHS says. Abraham, 20, and her friend Chloe Polzin were killed in a hit-and-run car wreck in January, allegedly caused by Julio Cucul-Bol, a citizen of Guatemala, the Urbana Police Department said. open image in gallery Demonstrators gathered in Chicago on Saturday to protest against the Trump administration's immigration policies ( Getty Images ) Cucul-Bol was arrested in Texas on a bus heading to Matamoros, Mexico, Urbana police said. He has since been charged with driving under the influence, reckless homicide and leaving the scene of the crash. In May, he was also charged with possessing a false permanent resident card, possessing a false Social Security card, false use of a passport and making a false statement on a bank application, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Central District of Illinois. open image in gallery Police say Julio Cucul-Bol is responsible for a hit-and-run wreck that killed two women in Chicago ( Champaign County Sheriff's Office ) Abrahams parents described her as a smart, spirited young woman in a video shared by the DHS. Katie is one of these unique kids. She had such a unique personality, her father, Joe Abraham, said. She was very spirited. She made everyone feel seen. She's very engaging. Her sense of humor was incredible. Her wit was so sharp. White House border czar Tom Homan warned on Sunday the city should expect a wave of immigration enforcement actions this week. The use of National Guard troops is also on the table, Homan noted. Some 300 federal agents are now using North Chicago's Naval Station Great Lakes as a logistical hub, ABC 7 reports. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were already making arrests over the weekend, according to local officials. Alderwoman Jeylu Gutierrez released a statement Sunday night saying "at least 5 individuals were detained on the Southwest Side, according to ABC 7. Its unclear how long the operation in Chicago will last. An ICE spokesperson said the agency has always operated in Chicago in a statement to CBS News. We will continue our law enforcement and public safety mission, undeterred, as we surge ICE resources in the city in coordination with our federal partners from across Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice, the spokesperson said. As the operation was announced on Monday afternoon, ICE posted a photo of an agency vehicle near the Willis Tower in downtown Chicago. CHICAGO: a sanctuary city that attracts and protects criminal illegal aliens to the detriment of law-abiding citizens. In an ICE-led operation, we are here to remove these dangerous public safety threats from American communities. pic.twitter.com/p8G2XFYM18 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) September 8, 2025 State and local officials were quick to respond this weekend after President Donald Trump shared a Saturday morning post on Truth Social, writing that Chicago is about to find out why its called the Department of WAR. Attached to the post was an AI-generated image of Trump in a cowboy hat and aviator sunglasses with the Chicago skyline in the background, engulfed in flames. The image included the words Chipocalypse Now, in an apparent reference to the 1979 Vietnam War movie Apocalypse Now. Trump downplayed the post on Sunday when a reporter asked whether he was threatening war with Chicago. The president responded: Were not going to war. Were going to clean up our cities. Pritzker said he will not pretend that any of this is normal in a Sunday statement. I refuse to concede that the abject cruelty that were seeing play out with the execution of Trump and Stephen Millers policies are OK or justified, the governor said. 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 has repeatedly criticized Trumps immigration policies and recent remarks about Chicago. He also slammed Trumps recent Truth Social post criticizing gun violence in Chicago on Monday morning. In his original post, Trump said: I want to help the people of Chicago, not hurt them. Only Criminals will be hurt!" I want to help people, not hurt them, says the guy who just threatened an American city with the Department of War, Pritzker wrote on X. As Pritzker and Trump exchanged jabs, demonstrators flooded Chicagos streets to protest the Trump administrations immigration policies over the weekend. open image in gallery Demonstrators march through downtown Chicago on Saturday ( Getty ) Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also called sending in the National Guard the wrong solution to a real problem, in a guest essay for The New York Times published Monday. But lowering crime rates here does not require an occupation of our city by armed members of the National Guard, as the White House continues to threaten us with, Johnson wrote. Chicagoans, including survivors of violence, have spoken out against such an extreme measure. If President Trump had listened to the citys leaders, he would recognize that Chicago just experienced record-low homicide numbers, making this the safest summer since the 1960s, a result of effective collaboration between communities and law enforcement, he added. IAA MOBILITY 2025 will take place in Munich this September. During the event, on September 11 from 11:30 to 11:45 a.m. local time, Tina Zhou, CEO of Gasgoo, will deliver a speech entitled "Analysis of the Competitiveness of China's Electric Vehicle Industry" at the Blue Forum. The speech has already been included in the official IAA MOBILITY program. Drawing on Gasgoo's extensive data and industry insights accumulated through its deep engagement in the Chinese automotive market, the speech will provide a systematic analysis of the core competitive advantages of China's electric vehicle industry across multiple dimensions, including technological iteration, cost control, supply chain resilience, market vitality, and global expansion. It aims to deliver valuable perspectives and information support for industry participants worldwide. Meanwhile, the Europe-Asia Automobile Innovation Forum, co-hosted by Gasgoo and A2MAC1, a global leader in automotive data and insights, has been officially included in the IAA MOBILITY program as one of the key official events during the exhibition. The forum will take place on September 11, 2025, in Munich, running concurrently with IAA. Representatives from prominent organizations such as the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone Administrative Committee, A2MAC1, Gasgoo, Toyota Motor, Changan Automobile, NIO, Bosch, KOSTAL, OPmobility, MANN+HUMMEL, Telenor IoT, ThunderSoft, Johnson Electric, Neusoft, Black Sesame Technologies, MINIEYE, iMotion, QCraft, Boston Consulting Group, SANCEV and cs Beratung will attend the forum. Together, they will share insights and propose solutions to promote the sustainable growth and long-term prosperity of the automotive industry across Europe, Asia, and globally. Please click the image below to register for the forum. 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 Floridas Surgeon General says his team did not study what impact ending vaccine mandates in the state would have on the spread of diseases. Joseph Ladapo, an appointee of Governor Ron DeSantis, announced this week that Florida would look to end all vaccine mandates for schoolchildren and others. Ladapo has said that required vaccinations are equivalent to government-imposed slavery, and that ending them is a question of parental rights. He admitted to news anchor Jake Tapper on CNNs Sunday show, State of the Union, that studying the impact of such a move was not necessary. Absolutely not, Ladapo told Tapper. Its an issue of right and wrong. open image in gallery Jake Tapper interviews Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. Floridas Surgeon General says his team did not study what impact ending vaccine mandates in the state would have on the spread of diseases. ( CNN ) Florida has not yet rolled back any mandates and such a move will likely face legal challenges. Under Florida state law, children planning to attend public school are required to receive immunizations for polio, diphtheria (a bacterial infection), rubeola (measles), rubella (a viral infection also called German measles), pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, tetanus and other "communicable diseases" as determined by the department of health. Private schools that do not take state funding control their own vaccine requirements. open image in gallery Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo with Gov. Ron DeSantis ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Ladapo, who has a history of promoting health-related misinformation, said on Wednesday that the Florida Department of Health and the governors office would work together to end every single vaccine mandate. Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery, Ladapo said. Ladapo has also peddled health-related conspiracy theories by questioning vaccines as well as fluoride in water. Who am I as a government or anyone else, or 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 be putting in their body? I dont have that right, Ladapo said Wednesday, to a round of applause from the audience. All 50 states have had a vaccine mandate for public schools since 1980, according to the CDC, which estimates that childhood vaccines save more than four million lives every year worldwide. A measles outbreak that started in Texas this year resulted in 1,356 confirmed measles cases, 171 hospitalizations and three deaths, according to the CDC. Officials say that 92 percent of those infected were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. 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 Jack Schlossberg, a writer and political commentator who also happens to be the grandson of late president John F. Kennedy, announced Sunday that he has formed an exploratory committee for a potential congressional run. In his first step toward a formal political career, Schlossberg, 32, said in a brief X post that he had formed the group, which will likely determine whether or not he could successfully run to replace New York Representative Jerry Nadler. Nadler, a Democrat, represents New York Citys 12th district, which includes Midtown and Uptown Manhattan. He announced last week he would not seek re-election after more than three decades in Congress. Schlossberg, a native New Yorker, gained national attention last year when he used his social media influence to advocate for former vice president Kamala Harriss election campaign. He also became a political correspondent for Vogue during that time, and currently hosts a political commentary show on YouTube. The 32-year-old, who was educated at Yale and Harvard, belongs to one of the countrys most famous political dynasties. His mother is Caroline Kennedy, a former ambassador and Democratic activist. She is the only surviving child of JFK. open image in gallery Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of John F. Kennedy, said he was forming an exploratory committee to make a potential bid for Congress ( Getty Images ) His mothers cousin is Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom he has repeatedly criticized on social media for spreading health misinformation. Schlossberg has been trolling RFK Jr. online, launching unsubstantiated claims at him, such as accusing the Trump Cabinet secretary of being a Russian spy. But the political nepo baby appears keen to enter the family business by making a formal bid to become an elected representative. Typically, the first step in announcing a campaign is forming an exploratory committee, which allows potential candidates to raise money and hire staff without having to report activity to the Federal Election Commission. open image in gallery Schlossberg is known in Democratic circles thanks to his familys famous name. He introduced former President Barack Obama at the 2013 Medal of Freedom awardees at the Smithsonian in DC ( Getty Images ) Exploratory committees, also known as testing the waters committees, give candidates more time before making a formal campaign announcement. Schlossberg is already well known in Democratic circles, thanks to his familys famous name. But his exploratory committee announcement puts him in a crowded field of many potential Nadler successors. New York Assembly member Micah Lasher, largely considered Nadlers heir, has filed a formal campaign with the FEC. open image in gallery Schlossberg has used his social media to troll his mothers cousin, RFK Jr., and other Republicans ( Getty Images for Empire State Re ) Liam Elkind, a 26-year-old co-founder of Invisible Hands a nonprofit dedicated to delivering food or medicine to those unable to acquire it themselves -- has also announced he would seek to replace Nadler. Nadler himself has brushed off Schlossberg as an unserious candidate. 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 told CNN. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Vice President JD Vance has a clashed between Republicans after declaring he doesnt give a s*** if people believe the administrations strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean amounted to a war crime. The controversy began on Saturday when the VP wrote Killing cartel members who poison our fellow citizens is the highest and best use of our military on X, after the deadly September 2 assault on a speedboat allegedly carrying members of Venezuelas Tren de Aragau gang. When left-leaning commentator Brian Krassenstein suggested the administrations actions met the criteria for a war crime, the VP responded angrily: I dont give a s*** what you call it. open image in gallery Vice President JD Vance provoked anger by dismissing the significance of whether or not the administrations strike in the Caribbean amounted to a war crime ( AFP/Getty ) Donald Trumps deputy was then angrily rebuked by a member of his own party, Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul, who was outraged by his post. JD I dont give a s*** Vance says killing people he accuses of a crime is the highest and best use of the military, an indignant Sen. Paul wrote. Did he ever read To Kill a Mockingbird? Did he ever wonder what might happen if the accused were immediately executed without trial or representation?? What a despicable and thoughtless sentiment it is to glorify killing someone without a trial. Paul was in turn attacked in turn by Ohio Republican Rep. Bernie Moreno, a MAGA cheerleader, who leapt to Vances defense saying: Whats really despicable is defending foreign terrorist drug traffickers who are *directly* responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans in Kentucky and Ohio. JD understands that our first responsibility is to protect the life and liberty of American citizens. open image in gallery Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul called the VPs comments despicable and thoughtless ( Getty ) Vance received further criticism from the evangelical Christian community, with author Shane Clairborn commenting: The first word in JD Vances bio is Christian. The word Christian means Christ-like. And yet the rhetoric and policies of this administration betray the most fundamental teachings of Christ. Many Christians will defend this. And folks like [Pastor] Franklin Graham will be more offended that Vance cussed, than that he is killing people. Nevertheless, as Christians and people of conscience we cannot be silent. The administration remains under pressure from Capitol Hill and beyond to explain the rationale behind the operation that killed 11 people and has pointed to its designation of Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization as justification while releasing only minimal details about the incident in question. The strike was fully consistent with the law of armed conflict, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. The strike was the obvious result of designating them a terrorist organization, a Pentagon insider told CNN. If there was a boat full of al-Qaeda fighters smuggling explosives towards the U.S., would anyone even ask this question? open image in gallery Ohio GOP Rep. Bernie Moreno hit back at Paul for his perceived disloyalty to Vance ( Getty ) The president does have the right under Article II of the Constitution to use military force if he believes doing so is in the national interest, although the condition is vague and open to interpretation. The U.S. was explicitly at war with al-Qaeda, as declared by Congress, during the War on Terror so the parallel offered is not an exact one. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has maintained that U.S. officials were certain that members of Tren de Aragua were aboard the boat at the time and intended to poison U.S. citizens with their cargo of drugs. 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 stop with just this strike, Hegseth told Fox & Friends. Anyone else trafficking in those waters who we know is a designated narco-terrorist will face the same fate. Trump himself claimed on Friday the alleged traffickers were operating under the control of Nicolas Maduro, prompting the Venezuelan president to condemn the strike and urge Washington to engage in respectful dialogue with his country instead. 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 Speaker Mike Johnson has walked back his head-scratching statement that Donald Trump was an FBI informant against Jeffrey Epstein after the Louisiana Republican was pressed on the presidents claim that the case against the sex offender is a Democrat hoax. Last week, after members of Congress heard testimony from Epsteins accusers, Johnson told reporters that the presidents repeated claims have been misrepresented. Hes not saying what Epstein did was a hoax. Its a terrible, unspeakable evil, and he believes that himself, Johnson said on Capitol Hill on September 5. When he first heard the rumor, he kicked him out of Mar-a-Lago. He was an informant to try to take this stuff down, he added. The president knows and has great sympathy for the women who have suffered these unspeakable harms. Its detestable to him What hes talking about is the Democrats who are doing this with impure moments. On Monday, Johnsons office sought to clarify his remarks. open image in gallery House Speaker Mike Johnson has walked back his claim that Donald Trump was an FBI informant against Jeffrey Epstein, stating that the president was willing to help prosecutors ( Getty Images ) The Speaker is reiterating what the victims attorney said, which is that Donald Trump who kicked Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago was the only one more than a decade ago willing to help prosecutors expose Epstein for being a disgusting child predator, a spokesperson told The Independent. Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill on Monday, Johnson said he didnt use the right terminology, but he said he believed Trump removing Epstein from Mar-a-Lago had helped federal law enforcement in its investigation. I dont know if I used the right terminology, but thats common knowledge, and everybody knows that, Johnson said. So this is much ado about nothing, he added. Epsteins death in jail while awaiting trial on trafficking charges has fueled ongoing conspiracy theories of a government-wide cover-up to protect powerful public figures who exploited and abused young girls. Trump and Epstein allegedly had a falling out in 2004 over a property dispute in Palm Beach, Florida, though Trump has recently stated that he had kicked Epstein out of his club for hiring workers away from him. Trump, whose friendship with Epstein spanned more than a decade, insists that the public and press should move on from questions about the case. The Department of Justice stated earlier this year that there is no basis to revisit the disclosure of those materials despite demands for a full accounting of Epsteins death and alleged ties to a wider child trafficking conspiracy. Officials determined that no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted. Democratic members of Congress and a small group of Republicans have pushed for legislation that would pressure the Trump administration to release more documents about Epstein and his trafficking case,. Several Epstein accusers provided lawmakers with emotional testimony last week alleging the years of abuse they suffered under the financier and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence after her conviction on sex trafficking charges tied to his crimes. Brad Edwards, an attorney who represents many of the women, told reporters that Trump has done an about-face on Epstein since 2009. At the time, Trump did not think that it was a hoax and was trying to help, according to Edwards. And now it seems like all of a sudden somebody is in his ear, and hes not, he added. So Im hoping hell come back to where he was back in 2009, be on the side of the victims and stand with us. Edwards did not say whether Trump had cooperated with federal prosecutors or law enforcement at the time but claimed that Trump had helped Edwards. He got on the phone, he told me things that were helping our investigation, Edwards said. Our investigation wasnt looking into him, but he was helping us then. open image in gallery Epsteins accusers spoke out against Trumps claims that the case is a Democrat hoax as members of Congress heard testimony from survivors ( REUTERS ) Asked by The Independent 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, Trump said in the Oval Office last week. But its really a Democrat hoax, because theyre trying to get people to talk about something thats totally irrelevant to the success that we've had as a nation since I've been president. The White House said in a statement that the president has always been committed to justice and transparency for these victims and has released thousands of pages of documents to the congressional committee investigating the case. Democrats had ignored Epsteins victims for years and are now only interested in them as a way to attack President Trump, according to the White House. The Republican-led House Oversight Committee released 30,000 pages of documents obtained by the Justice Department, though the vast majority were already publicly available. One of the late sex offenders victims, Chauntae Davies, said at a press conference on Capitol Hill that Epstein received a free pass from his crimes and routinely bragged about his powerful friends, including Trump. Another survivor, Haley Robson, had even invited the president to meet with her. 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, 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 California Governor Gavin Newsom has once again trolled President Donald Trump online, this time over rising food prices in the U.S. Newsom, a Democrat, shared a clip of Trump speaking to reporters outside of Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday evening. In response to a question about the rising cost of beef, Trump vowed that the price of the meat will go down once our policies kick in. Just like the price of eggs went down, and the price of a lot of other grocery items went downItll all go down, Trump said. In response, Newsom shared another clip of Trump speaking at an August 2024 campaign event in Bedminster, New Jersey. Trump, surrounded by everyday grocery items and charts demonstrating rising prices, vowed to immediately bring prices down if elected. Newsom captioned the clip: This aged well. Newsom similarly hit out at rising grocery prices under Trump in an earlier post Sunday, sharing a clip of the president claiming he would bring costs way down. open image in gallery President Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday that record-high beef prices will come down once his 'policies kick in' ( Getty Images ) Those groceries Trump says he won on: - eggs: UP - chicken: UP - orange juice: UP - bacon: UP - bread: UP - coffee: UP, Newsom wrote. Great work, @realDonaldTrump. The Independent has contacted the White House for comment. While Trump vowed to immediately lower grocery prices in his second term, some staples have hit record-highs this year. In June, ground beef averaged $6.12 per pound, a nearly 12 percent increase from last year, according to federal data. The average price jumped even higher in July, hitting $6.25 a pound, a nearly 14 percent increase from July 2024. Ground beef prices are now the highest ever since nationwide data first became available in the 1980s, according to a statement from Democrats on the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee. A USDA spokesperson told The Independent that beef prices have remained elevated due to the perfect storm of sustained increase in consumer demand for beef coupled with a prolonged decrease in the supply of live cattle. In May, the USDA announced it would provide $1 billion in aid to livestock producers who were impacted by drought and wildfires over the last two years. Under President Trumps leadership, USDA has the backs of ranchers, and thats why we are delivering much-needed emergency relief ahead of schedule, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement. open image in gallery California Governor Gavin Newsom trolled Trump online over his vow to immediately lower grocery prices once elected ( Copyright 2025. The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) In March, the cost of eggs also hit an all-time high, with the average price of one dozen Grade A eggs reaching $6.23. While prices have come down in recent months, the USDA warned last month that they are still expected to increase by a total of 24.4 percent this year. Even if retail egg prices continue to decrease over the coming months, higher prices realized earlier in the year will continue to factor into the forecast, the agency said. While poultry prices declined by .1 percent from June to July, prices in July were still 3.1 percent higher compared to the same month last year, according to the USDA. Meanwhile, pork increased in price between June and July, and July 2025 prices were 1.1 percent higher compares to July 2024. Some nonalcoholic beverages also cost more, including coffee which is up due to higher global prices and orange juice, which is more expensive because of lower domestic citrus production related to citrus greening and hurricane damage, the agency said. Overall food prices are expected to grow 2.9 percent throughout this year, which is in line with the historical average rate of growth, the USDA said. As some staples remain high, an AP-NORC poll in July found that 53 percent of U.S. adults say grocery prices are a major source of stress more than other common expenses, including credit card debt, child care and student loans. 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 Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s sister and nephew have urged the Health and Human Services secretary to resign, denouncing his anti-vaxxer views and the decimation of key public health institutions. Kerry Kennedy, 65, and Joe Kennedy III, 44, issued separate statements after RFK Jr sparred with the Senate Finance Committee over his vaccine policies and ousted the top official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Medical decisions belong in the hands of trained and licensed professionals, not incompetent and misguided leadership, Kerry Kennedy, an attorney and one of U.S. Attorney General Robert F Kennedys 11 children, wrote on Friday. The decimation of critical institutions, like the [National Institutes of Health] and the CDC, will lead to the loss of innocent lives. Kerry Kennedy, who said last year that her brother set fire to my fathers memory when he defected to the Republican Party, argued that Americans are at risk now, like never before. open image in gallery From left, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Ethel Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, and Mariah Kennedy Cuomo ( (Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) ) Enough is enough. Secretary Kennedy must resign. Now, she concluded. About an hour earlier, former Democratic Congressman Joe Kennedy III released a statement calling his uncle a threat to the health and wellbeing of every American. He accused the DHS secretary of choosing to dismiss science and sow confusion during his congressional testimony. The challenge before usfrom disease outbreaks to mental health crisesdemand moral clarity, scientific expertise, and leadership rooted in fact, he wrote. Those values are not present in the Secretarys office. He must resign. open image in gallery Former Representative Joseph Kennedy III also called for his uncle, RFK Jr., to resign from his post ( AP ) RFK Jr. has had a fraught relationship with his family, with several prominent members sharply criticizing his decision in August 2024 to abandon his independent presidential campaign and endorse President Donald Trump. During RFK Jr.s Senate hearing on Thursday, Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, called his cousin a LOSER and claimed he was choking so badly LIVE. A day later, Schlossberg shared Joe Kennedy IIIs statement on X, writing that he couldnt agree more. RFK LOSER IS A THREAT TO PUBLIC HEALTH and AMERICAN SCIENTIFIC LEADERSHIP, he continued. WHO PLEASURES HIMSELF by lying to Congress. open image in gallery Donald Trump with Robert F Kennedy Jr after the latter endorsed the president at a rally in August, 2024 ( Getty Images ) Even Trump himself appeared to break from RFK Jr. on Friday and said he is supportive of vaccines. I think you have to be very careful when you say that some people don't have to be vaccinated, the president said of his DHS Secretarys vaccine mandate for children. They're just, pure and simple they work, he added. They're not controversial at all. And I think those vaccines should be used. The president reaffirmed his support for RFK Jr. while keeping him at arms length over his anti-vaxxer claims. After labeling the DHS secretarys tough stance on vaccines, Trump added: You have some vaccines that are so incredible, and I think that you have to be very careful when you say that some people dont have to be vaccinated. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump tried to downplay a bizarre social media post in which he seemingly threatened to declare war in Chicago by stating he just wants to clean up the city. Communities across the Windy City are bracing for Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids to begin, as the president has promised that Chicago is ICEs next target to fulfill his mass deportation agenda. While addressing reporters Sunday before leaving the White House for the U.S. Open in New York, Trump appeared to try and backtrack on a bizarre social media post he made the previous day that read, Chicago is about to find out why its called the Department of WAR. The Saturday morning post was complete with an AI-generated image of Trump in a cowboy hat sitting in front of a burning Chicago, along with the phrase Chipocalypse Now, seemingly in reference to the 1979 Vietnam War movie Apocalypse Now. When questioned about the post, and whether he was threatening war with Chicago, Trump replied: Were not going to war. Were going to clean up our cities. open image in gallery President Donald Trump tried to downplay a bizarre social media post he made that seemed to threaten war in Chicago. ( AFP via Getty Images ) open image in gallery Trump shared the bizarre AI-generated image of himself dressed as a cowboy in front of a burning Chicago on Saturday. ( @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social ) Trump signed an executive order on Friday changing the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War, a move he said was to indicate that America has the strongest military. Despite the presidents clarification on Sunday, White House border czar Tom Homan doubled down on Trumps initial claims, telling CNN that a crackdown in Chicago would likely be underway this week. Absolutely, Homan told Jake Tapper on Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. You can expect action in most sanctuary cities across the country. President Trump prioritized sanctuary cities because sanctuary cities knowingly release illegal alien public safety threats to the streets every day. Thats where the problem is. Trump dispatched National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., in August as part of his crime crackdown . Following the takeover, Trump declared the city was a crime free zone, and vowed to take similar action in other cities, including Chicago. Homan said the National Guard would likely be deployed to Chicago, as well, calling the troops a force multiplier. Theyre on the table. I mean, they have been used by every administration since I have been working for the government starting in 1984, Homan told Tapper. Every administration has used the Guard and the military on the border. And they have been very beneficial. open image in gallery Protesters against Trumps immigration agenda have taken to the streets of Chicago in recent days. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Democratic leaders in Chicago did not take well to Trumps threatening post, including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who called the president a wannabe dictator. The President of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city. This is not a joke. This is not normal. Donald Trump isn't a strongman, he's a scared man. Illinois wont be intimidated by a wannabe dictator, Pritzker wrote on X. Homan, however, said Trumps message was taken out of context, saying that Trump will go to war with Chicagos criminal cartels not the city itself. President Trump and this administration, yes, were at war with the criminal cartels and those who want to murder and rape American citizens, Homan said. Youre damn right. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A federal appeals court in New York has upheld a $83.3 million judgement against Donald Trump for defaming E Jean Carroll after the president claimed he was immune from liability. Trump failed to identify any grounds to reconsider the case on the grounds of presidential immunity, and the jurys verdict was fair and reasonable given the unique and egregious facts of this case, the appellate judges said Monday. Last year, a unanimous jury returned a verdict awarding $83.3 million in damages to the former Elle magazine writer for the presidents defamatory statements during his first term in office and in the years that followed. A separate jury had already awarded Carroll $5 million in 2022 after finding Trump liable for sexual abuse. Trump was accused of repeatedly defaming Carroll by claiming he had never met her, labelling her a liar and denying that he had sexually assaulted her in a New York City department store in the 1990s. After a jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation in 2023, a different jury in a second case awarded Carroll more than $18 million in compensatory damages in addition to $65 million in punitive damages. open image in gallery A federal appeals court has rejected Donald Trumps attempts to overturn a jurys verdict awarding E Jean Carroll more than $83 million in damages from a defamation lawsuit. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Trump acted with, at a minimum, reckless disregard for the truth by calling Carroll a liar and stating that she is not his type, the judge said Monday. After Trump released his statements, which were viewed by between 85.8 to 104 million people, Carroll was instantly and continuously attacked on Twitter and Facebook and in emails, they added. She received thousands of such attacks, including hundreds of death threats. During the trial, more than a dozen such messages were entered into evidence, and Carroll testified about her continued fear for her safety and her inability to afford stronger personal security measures as well as the impact of Trump's statements on Carroll's reputation and career, the judges wrote. open image in gallery Appeals court judges rejected Trumps arguments that he is shielded from liability under presidential immunity, after lawyers for Carroll said his defamatory statements were quintessentially personal conduct that had nothing to do with his duties as president ( AFP via Getty Images ) In that trial, Trump was barred from disputing that the facts of that case, including whether he sexually abused Carroll, leaving the trial to focus exclusively on damages owed to her. A different panel of New York appellate judges in December refused to overturn the $5 million verdict after the president argued that the trial judge should not have let jurors hear testimony from two other women who accused him of sexual misconduct. Trumps lawyers also contented that jurors should not have listened to his comments on the so-called Access Hollywood tape, on which the president is heard bragging about grabbing womens genitals. Trump is expected to ask the Supreme Court to intervene in that case. In his appeal of the second defamation verdict, Trumps attorneys argued that he should be shielded from liability under the Supreme Courts landmark ruling on presidential immunity, which shields the president from prosecution for official acts in office. Trump insists that he has never met Carroll and has repeatedly branded her a liar and the case a hoax against him claims at the center of Carrolls defamation lawsuits. His legal team had argued that the initial statements denying Carrolls allegations were issued through official White House channels and fall squarely within the outer perimeter of the presidents official duties. But Carrolls attorneys had argued to the appellate court that Trumps statements and actions involved personal conduct that have nothing to do with the White House. Trump was not speaking here about a governmental policy or a function of his responsibilities, they argued. He was defaming Carroll because of her revelation that many years before he assumed office, he sexually assaulted her. The defamation at issue concerned quintessentially personal' conduct. The Carroll verdicts added to a tidal wave of litigation against the president after leaving the White House and campaigning for a second term, including criminal convictions for falsifying business records and a massive fraud judgment putting him on the hook for nearly half a billion dollars. He avoided any consequences after his conviction in the criminal case in Manhattan, and he has successfully appealed a part of the fraud judgment. 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 has told foreign companies operating in the U.S. to hire and train Americans after hundreds of South Korean workers were arrested by immigration officials at a Hyundai site in Georgia. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials on Thursday descended on the South Korean automakers sprawling manufacturing facility near Savannah in the largest single-site enforcement operation in the Department of Homeland Securitys history. As the Trump administration escalated its immigration crackdown, the president issued a veiled threat on Sunday, urging foreign companies to respect our nations immigration laws. Following the Immigration Enforcement Operation on the Hyundai Battery Plant in Georgia, I am hereby calling on all Foreign Companies investing in the United States to please respect our Nations Immigration Laws, Trump wrote on Truth Social. open image in gallery Trump issued a veiled threat to foreign companies after hundreds of South Koreans were arrested at a Hyundai site in Georgia last week ( Getty ) Your Investments are welcome, and we encourage you to LEGALLY bring your very smart people, with great technical talent, to build World Class products, and we will make it quickly and legally possible for you to do so. What we ask in return is that you hire and train American Workers. The operation marked the latest in a string of workplace immigration raids enforced by the Trump administration and threatened to derail relations between Washington and Seoul. The move came just months after South Korea agreed in July to purchase $100 billion in U.S. energy and make a $350 billion investment in the nation in return for lower tariff rates which was touted as one of Georgias largest economic development projects. A majority of the 475 workers arrested at the still-under-construction plant, intended to produce batteries for electric vehicles, were South Korean nationals, ICE said on Friday. Some were filmed in handcuffs and ankle chains being loaded onto buses. open image in gallery Hundreds of South Korean nationals were arrested by immigration officials at a Hyundai site in Georgia last Thursday ( AP ) The South Korean government announced Sunday that more than 300 detained Hyandui workers would be released and brought back home by charter plane. Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff for President Lee Jae Myung, confirmed that negotiations with the U.S. for the release had been finalized. Most of the people detained were taken to an immigration detention center in Folkston near the Georgia-Florida state line, Steven Schrank, the lead Georgia agent of Homeland Security Investigations, said in a news conference Friday. Schrank said that some of the detainees had illegally crossed the U.S. border. Others, he said, had entered the country legally but their visas had since expired visas or they had entered on a visa waiver that prohibited them from working. None had been charged with any crimes, Schrank added. South Koreas Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said over the weekend that he was deeply concerned by the detentions and had planned to fly to the U.S. on Monday. Trump appeared to soften his rheotric Sunday evening, telling reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland that the U.S. and South Korea could work out an agreement for its nationals to come in and train our people to do battery and computer manufactoring work. 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 Trumps administration is asking the Supreme Court for permission to block billions of dollars in foreign aid, setting up a major test of the presidents attempts to control public funding approved by Congress. The emergency request to the nations highest court Monday follows a judges order requiring the administration to spend funds that were already approved by Congress for global aid programs before that money expires at the end of the month. U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the Supreme Court Monday that unfreezing that aid poses a grave and urgent threat to the presidency. The president can hardly speak with one voice in foreign affairs or in dealings with Congress when the district court is forcing the executive branch to advocate against its own objectives, he wrote. Trumps attempts to block billions of dollars in foreign aid have been met with outrage and lawsuits from global health and aid groups that have warned the administrations actions have lethal consequences for life-saving missions around the world. open image in gallery The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to block a judges order requiring the government to unfreeze billions of dollars in congressionally approved foreign aid, teeing up a major challenge to lawmakers constitutional authority to control federal government spending ( REUTERS ) A recent study in The Lancet estimated Trumps cuts could contribute to the deaths of 14 million people by 2030, including as many as 5 million children under the age of 5. Several overlapping legal battles challenging Trumps threats to the congressional power of the purse have bounced back and forth from the Supreme Court, which rejected Trumps demand to continue blocking nearly $2 billion in foreign aid payments back in March. Last month, a panel of appellate court judges in D.C. opened the door for the administration to continue withholding billions of dollars in money for food, medicine and other aid that the president blocked on his first day in office. But in his order last week, District Judge Amir Ali argued that the government has given no justification to displace the bedrock expectation that Congresss appropriations must be followed. The law is explicit that it is congressional action not the presidents transmission of a special message that triggers rescission of the earlier appropriations, Ali wrote last week. The Trump administration is calling the judges ruling unlawful. Sauer said Alis ruling precipitates an unnecessary emergency and needless interbranch conflict and urged justices to block it. An estimated $10.5 billion of roughly $30 billion at stake is set to expire on September 30, according to Sauer. The government intends to spend $6.5 billion of those funds before the deadline, but spending the remaining $4 billion would be a grave and urgent threat to the separation of powers, he argued. Trying to scramble to meet that end-of-the-month deadline is untenable, according to Sauer. Plaintiffs argued that the Trump administrations emergency is a circumstance of their own creation. The U.S. Agency for International Development, now under the State Departments direction, has been obligated to spend those funds for more than a year, and now chooses not to, according to plaintiffs, The government faces no cognizable harm from having to take steps to comply with the law for the short period while this Court considers its stay application, plaintiffs wrote. open image in gallery The administrations gutting of USAID could contribute to the deaths of 14 million people by 2030, including as many as 5 million children under the age of 5, according to a study in The Lancet ( REUTERS ) USAID, which was among the worlds largest aid programs with hundreds of life-saving missions in dozens of countries, has already endured a virtual collapse within the first eight months of the Trump administration. Hours after entering office, Trump issued an executive order imposing a 90-day freeze on all foreign aid distribution, then placed virtually all USAID staff on administrative leave while folding what remains of the dismantled agency into the State Department. Elon Musk, who assumed control of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency with a mandate to slash budgets across the federal government, said he wanted the agency to be fed into a wood chipper. On July 1, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the agency would officially cease to implement foreign assistance. Rubio has since handed control of what remains of the agency to White House budget director Russell Vought, who is leading efforts to claw back nearly $5 billion in congressionally approved funds separate from the legal battle at the Supreme Court. Last month, the White House told Congress that $4.9 billion in foreign aid approved by lawmakers would not be spent through a so-called pocket rescission, which the governments own watchdog has warned is an illegal attempt to undermine the congressional power of the purse and unconstitutionally erode the nations core system of checks and balances. The Trump administrations latest emergency request to the Supreme Court is its 25th since he took office in January. The court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, has granted 17 of those requests. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On September 8, Shenzhen Port Group announced that it has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with BYD Company Limited, further expanding their collaboration in automotive exports and logistics. In recent years, the two sides have worked closely together, achieving significant progress in facilitating Chinese car exports. From 2024 through July 2025, Shenzhen Port Group handled 220,000 vehicles across its terminals. At the Xiaomo International Logistics Port ("Xiaomo Port"), which has quickly developed into a key roll-on/roll-off hub, 13 domestic and international routes have been launched since its opening, moving nearly 100,000 vehicles. The partnership comes as BYD reports robust international growth. In the first half of 2025, the company posted revenue of 135.4 billion yuan from its overseas businesses, more than doubling year on year. Photo credit: Shenzhen Port Group Under the agreement, Shenzhen Port Group and BYD will deepen cooperation across multiple areas, including vehicle roll-on/roll-off shipping, establishment of CKD export preparation centers, international container logistics for both complete vehicles and CKD kits, automotive trade and supply chain services, and the development of greener port operations. The focus will be on enhancing port logistics capacity by expanding shipping routes, building green transport corridors, strengthening international supply chain services, and supporting new energy bunkering. These measures aim to reduce costs and improve efficiency throughout the export process, ultimately boosting the competitiveness of Chinese cars in overseas markets. The Xiaomo Port will play a central role in this strategy. Leveraging its operational scale, location, and capacity advantages, the port will expand both domestic and international routes while building bonded warehouses and distribution centers for car exports. The goal is to develop Xiaomo into South China's leading hub for integrated auto roll-on/roll-off trade. The plan also includes greater integration between Shenzhen's Yantian Port and Hong Kong's Kwai Tsing Terminals, two of the region's key container hubs. By leveraging their complementary shipping networks, Shenzhen aims to create a denser global logistics grid that connects directly with the world's major automotive markets, positioning the city as a leading international trade hub for new energy vehicles. 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 photograph of Donald Trump with a mysterious blue object between his teeth at the U.S. Open sparked widespread online speculation on Sunday as to whether it was merely a breath mint or some form of medication. The image, captured by photographer Andres Kudacki during the mens final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, shows the president appearing to bite down on a small blue item. Kudacki described the image as Trump taking a tablet in a post on X. Later, speaking to The Daily Beast, the award-winning Argentinian photographer said he was unsure about what the object was. I dont know what it was specifically, I said it was a tablet as that works for both, a mint or a tablet, Kudacki said. President Donald Trump throws a hat to a spectator at the US Open Mens singles final at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York ( REUTERS ) He also noted Trump was very discreet and that he did not see the president retrieve the object from a container. Kudacki added: I was waiting for some reaction from him, hes a big personality. Online theories on X have ranged from blue-colored mints to various potential medications, including Adderall, Viagra, Valium, and the antidepressant Lexapro. Some users tried asking Xs AI bot Grok to identify the object. While initially shedding little light on what the tablet might be, upon further questioning, Grok said: Possible matches include clonazepam (1mg, round, for anxiety), alprazolam (1mg, round/oval, for anxiety), or Adderall (10mg, round, for ADHD). Could also be OTC like naproxen. Still uncertain without details. Among the suggested possibilities was Hygroton, a blue, square-shaped pill, and the brand name for chlorthalidone, used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention medically known as edema which typically affects the legs and feet. Others joked that the president had been blue pilled, in a reference to the movie The Matrix. This speculation follows the White Houses confirmation in July that the president had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where leg vein valves struggle to return blood to the heart, after observers noted his swollen ankles and bruised hands. When contacted by The Independent, a White House aide said the object was a mint. During Trumps hush money trial, where he was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records, he was often seen eating mints that he took out of his suit jacket while sitting in the courtroom. They were believed to be Altoid Smalls. This was the first time in 10 years that Trump had attended the U.S. Open. The final was delayed due to the additional security checks his presence demands. A Secret Service spokesperson said in a statement, We recognize that enhanced security for the President's visit to the U.S. Open may have contributed to delays for attendees. We sincerely thank every fan for their patience and understanding. Trumps appearance on the big screen was met with thunderous boos and some applause from spectators. He was surrounded by White House staff and Cabinet members, as well as his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and granddaughter, Arabella. 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 Maryland Governor Wes Moore, long-considered a potential Democratic frontrunner for the 2028 presidential election, said on Sunday he would not run for president and instead seek re-election as governor. Moore, 46, has been considered a rising star in the Democratic Party for years, but he gained national attention last year while displaying his strong leadership style after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed. Political analysts have long speculated that Moore could serve as a potentially successful candidate for Democrats in the next presidential election because he appeals to Democrats and more moderate voters. But Moore has consistently shut down those rumors and put them to a full stop during an appearance on Meet the Press. Yeah, Im not running for president, Moore told host Kristen Welker while flashing a big smile. Maryland Governor Wes Moore ruled out a 2028 presidential run on 'Meet the Press' ( NBC News / Meet The Press ) Moore said he is seeking re-election in 2026 to serve a second term as Marylands governor. Ill be serving a full term. Im excited about re-election, Im excited about what Im going to do for the people of Maryland, Moore said before listing some accomplishments hes had since taking office. While Moore has shut down the possibility of running for president, his previous declarations have not been taken seriously by some political analysts who see much of Moores activity and rhetoric as attempts to boost his national image. Most recently, Moore has publicly pushed back on President Donald Trumps harsh immigration, deportation, and crime policies targeted at Baltimore. Trump has threatened to send the National Guard into Baltimore to help control violent crime in the city. Baltimore has seen higher rates of violent crime than the national average for several years, but over the last two years, those numbers have steadily dropped. Moore has asked Trump not to send in the National Guard, but said hes open to collaboration. We absolutely accept the offer for federal support, Moore told Meet the Press. The presidents proposed budget actually cuts support for the FBI and ATF bureaus, which are things we could actually use. Should Moore change his mind, it wouldnt be the first time a politician has said theyre not running for president and then changed their mind. Former President Barack Obama said, in 2006, that he intended to serve his full six-year term as U.S. senator, but ultimately launched a bid for president in 2008. Some Moore fans have hoped he would expand his political aspirations. He has had an impressive career with aspects that appeal to both Democrats and Republicans. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University and became the recipient of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship while obtaining his masters degree from Oxford. He also served in the U.S. Army, was deployed to Afghanistan, and rose in the ranks to captain. Among other accomplishments, Moore has written two books, founded a television production company, produced a three-part documentary about veterans for PBS, and served as CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation. Moore also embarked on a career in politics early on, first becoming a White House fellow to former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in 2006 and then supporting Barack Obama at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. 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 More Americans are missing their full-time jobs due to military or civic duties this year than they have in nearly two decades coinciding with President Donald Trumps deployment of the National Guard and other military branches. So far this year, there have been 90,000 instances of full-time employees calling out of their full-time jobs to report for military or other civic duties such as jury duty and voting, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While not all of those absences can be attributed to military deployment, especially specific to the National Guard, at least some of the data can be explained by comparing it to months when the National Guard was being used more. In January, approximately 22,000 absences were recorded the highest number so far this year. That same month, the National Guard was deployed to California during the wildfires and Washington, D.C., to assist in the peaceful transfer of power between former president Joe Biden and Trump. There were approximately 10,000 absence incidents in June when Trump ordered the National Guard and some Marines into Los Angeles to help control anti-immigration protests. open image in gallery President Donald Trump has threatened Democratic-run cities with the prospect of deploying the National Guard to help control crime and assist in immigration raids ( Getty Images ) Military-related work absences fluctuate throughout the year. They often spike during certain disaster seasons, for example, during hurricane season, the Washington Post reported. But 2025 has already surpassed the number of military or civic-duty-related work absences in any year after 2006. The last time the U.S. saw a high number of this type of absence was in 2006, when former president George W. Bush deployed a large number of National Guard troops to the U.S.Mexico border, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Trump has threatened to use the National Guard in other cities to help immigration enforcement agents conduct large-scale raids without interruptions and to help local law enforcement curb violent crime. open image in gallery 2025 has already surpassed the number of military or civic-duty-related work absences in any year after 2006 Deploying the National Guard into a city without the state governors consent is a controversial move that has already landed Trump in some legal snafus. A federal judge in California said the presidents decision to federalize the California National Guard this past year was unlawful and violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which prevents the government from using the military to conduct domestic law enforcement. The attorney general of Washington, D.C., has used a similar argument to claim Trump violated laws when he deployed the National Guard into the nations capital last month to help control crime. However, unlike individual states, the National Guard of D.C. does fall under federal authority. However, Trump has vowed to appeal Californias ruling and will likely fight D.C.s lawsuit. The president has continued to threaten cities, mainly run by Democrats, with National Guard deployment. In a statement to the Washington Post, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the president has rightfully deployed the National Guard to cities like Los Angeles, which was ravaged by violent riots while strengthening small businesses and revitalizing our economy, There are more than 430,000 people in the U.S. Army and Air National Guard. Recruitment to the National Guard also increased this past year after Trump signed an executive order that made it easier for individuals to apply to join the National Guard. 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 Bible scholar-cum-conspiracy theorist, father of 11 and onetime rock-n-roll frontman claims his entire world has been turned upside-down by a deviant villain from wildly popular comic book, TV and video game series The Walking Dead. In a newly filed federal lawsuit, born-again messianic blogger Thomas Richards, who claims to have twice seen Jesus in waking visions, seeks to force a public clarification by Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman that the fictional character of Thomas Richards is not meant to be him. The 55-year-old U.S. Navy veteran argues in his complaint that the extreme popularity of the franchise, combined with its graphic depiction of dismemberment, torture, cannibalism and sexual violence, has exponentially amplified the harm to Mr. Richards' reputation by associating his exact name with a psychopathic character in one of the most widely consumed media franchises of the 21st century. When people search online for the real-life Thomas Richards, they are involuntarily exposed to mentions and potentially graphic descriptions of a serial killer who brutally murders multiple people including minors and exhibits sadistic and depraved behavior, the complaint states. Contending additionally that Googles results have been gamed to his detriment, Richardss complaint claims that many never get to view his posts and videos, such as, Nazi Germany A Creation of the Vatican and Jesuits, The Pope is the Antichrist, and Is Alex Jones Covering for the Jesuits? You decide. Worse yet, according to Richardss complaint, massively popular line extensions have actively expanded the harmful portrayal of his namesake character. open image in gallery Vatican 'truther' Thomas Richards (left) says a sadistic and depraved character on The Walking Dead named Thomas Richards has tarred him by association. ( Provided; Getty Images ) Richards, a Virginia resident, said that a constant stream of erroneous Google alerts have also had a deleterious effect on his personal well-being. I noticed I wasn't getting Google alerts for my work, ever, but I was getting Google alerts for this horrible fictional Thomas Richards all the time, Richards told The Independent. Here I'm thinking, maybe, finally, it'll be my work or something. But no, it's just an awful character this man created. Richards conceded that he knows his work can be controversial. The case follows two others Richards has filed recently: one against Elon Musks X, accusing the social network of shadowbanning Richardss posts, and one against Google, for supposedly suppressing Richards in search results and on YouTube. This, he alleges in court papers, effectively silenc[ed] his biblical voice while amplifying competing Catholic perspectives. An analysis of the X filing by Techdirt founder Mike Masnick, an expert on legal issues surrounding technology and the First Amendment, said the scenario presented in the suit was actually interesting, given Musks short but disastrous foray into government, but that the legal theory behind it was inadequate, that the core claim was weak on its face and that the complaint itself was a mess bloated with irrelevant details and conspiracy theories masquerading as supposed religious expression. In the suit against Kirkman, his companies and a slew of ancillary players, Richards asserts that the fictitious Richards creates an unconscious association between [his own] name and violent, disturbing imagery through repeated exposure, claiming, Even individuals who rationally understand the fictional nature of the character experience this involuntary association when they see or hear Mr. Richards' name. And although it is possible to sue for unintentional defamation, Richardss complaint accuses Kirkman of deliberately naming his character after him. open image in gallery The real-life Thomas Richards believes Robert Kirkman (Pictured), the creator of 'The Walking Dead,' named a violent and depraved character after him. Now he's suing. ( Getty Images ) Attorney Lisa Weingarten Richards, who happens to be Richardss wife, told The Independent that Kirkman was served with her husbands suit on Thursday, via a family member. Through a representative, Kirkman declined to comment. Richards describes himself as a religious commentator, Bible scholar, artist and content creator who experienced a powerful, unexpected, spiritual transformation at his then-home in Long Island, New York. His interest in religion took hold at the age of three, when Richards says he had a vision of Jesus while his mother was out at a nightclub on Fire Island. Richards claims to have another vision of Jesus the Messiah some 17 years later, while he was in boot camp, after which he lost his way for several years during a stint with a local hard rock band. He later returned to religion and at the turn of the 21st century, Richards launched his internet ministry across several web domains, according to his complaint. Richardss writings are primarily focused on critiquing the Vatican, particularly its [alleged] sexual abuse of children, false doctrine and also its involvement in other atrocities with links to government and other entities, according to the complaint. It says Richards has exclusively used his real name since the beginning and that the connection between his name and his religious ministry is inseparable. Richards says in his complaint that his website spirituallysmart.com achieved significant visibility between 2003 and 2005, which was precisely when Kirkman would have been developing characters for The Walking Dead series on AMC. (The show premiered in 2010.) According to the complaint, Kirkman was active in online communities during that period, and it claims that it is quite likely Kirkman encountered Richardss work. Further, the complaint states, Kirkman, a self-described atheist, has told interviewers that he likes to name his characters after real people, such as the a**holes he calls Phillip, after a classmate from grammar school who used to torment him. Upon information and belief, Kirkman harbored animus toward Mr. Richards due to Mr. Richards' biblical content, strong stance on scriptural truth, and his bible-based testimony including that Mr. Richards states he saw Jesus twice which motivated Kirkman to target Mr. Richards through the Thomas Richards character, according to the complaint, which does not provide any concrete examples of Kirkman being aware of Richards or his work. open image in gallery The wildly popular Walking Dead franchise has spawned endless spinoffs and line extensions, which 'biblical scholar' Thomas Richards claims has only worsened the confusion between him and a 'depraved' character in the series with the same name ( Getty Images for AMC ) The complaint attempts to bolster its argument by highlighting what it says were deliberate efforts by AMC in its TV adaptation of the Walking Dead comic books to avoid using the name Thomas Richards. It speculates that the network was aware of the problematic nature of the name, and theorizes that this is why AMC dropped the characters last name and rechristened him, simply, Tomas. Beyond the name, Richards says there are aspects of his eponymous Walking Dead character that suggest its in fact meant to be him. The Walking Deads Thomas Richards was incarcerated for a violent crime, but falsely claimed he had been imprisoned for tax fraud, in order to gloss over his actual past. According to Richardss complaint, this detail maliciously dredges up his past support for a disgraced preacher he once followed named Tony Alamo, nee Bernie Lazar Hoffman, who did six years in the 1990s for tax fraud and in 2009 was sentenced to 175 years after being found guilty of sexually abusing young girls. (Alamo, who infamously took an 8-year-girl as a wife when he was in his 50s, died in prison in 2017, at the age of 82.) Richards insisted to The Independent that while he stuck by Alamo through his tax conviction, he said he immediately reversed course on him once he learned of the new charges and claimed he became so soured on Alamo that he stopped physically going to church altogether. Still, his complaint says the portrayal creates the identifying characteristics that allow readers to reasonably connect the fictional character to Plaintiff. (The complaint, again, contains no concrete proof of this.) I don't know what was in [Kirkmans] head, but it seems like an awfully strange coincidence, said Weingarten Richards. ... So there's a strange parallel there. And it just seemed to me like, it doesn't seem like a coincidence. If Kirkman were to come out and say he modeled the character after another Thomas Richards, which is admittedly not the worlds most unusual name, Weingarten Richards conceded that would definitely weaken the case. At the same time, she said, I mean, I can only go on what I know, right? Even if he says it was a different Thomas Richards, OK, good. Then clear his name and say, You know what, we never meant this Thomas Richards. We meant that Thomas Richards. open image in gallery Kirkman (second from left) is named as a defendant in Thomas Richards's lawsuit over an eponymous character in the smash series ( Getty Images ) In the meantime, Richardss complaint maintains he has suffered mental anguish from being systematically associated with his unsavory, yet fictitious, counterpart. The lawsuit offers Kirkman and the related entities two options to make things right, according to Richards. The first, under the heading CHARACTER REDEMPTION, would have Kirkman and his partners issue a public apology to Richards, then publish storylines within three months showing the Thomas Richards character's complete moral transformation, redemption and evolution into a heroic figure who actively works to protect others and demonstrates genuine remorse for past actions, thereby actively counteracting the negative associations created with Plaintiff's name. The second, under the heading CHARACTER RENAMING, would immediately change the "villainous" characters name in all future publications, digital editions, reprints and derivative works, AND issue a public apology within 30 days of this Court's order. For either option, the complaint says the public apology shall acknowledge the harm caused to Plaintiff's reputation and ministry, [and] express regret for any negative associations created with his name. It also seeks the [i]mplementation of technical measures to disassociate the evil fictional character from search engine results for Thomas Richards, to include revised metadata, disclaimer pages and the de-indexing of all URLs in question, plus quarterly reports for two years documenting compliance with these measures. Thomas is demanding, among other things, compensatory damages of not less than $25 million, punitive and exemplary damages between $350,000 and $10 million, and special damages to be determined by a jury, plus court costs and legal fees. 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 Erin Patterson, the Australian woman who murdered three of her estranged husbands family by poisoning them with death cap mushrooms, has been sentenced to life in prison. The 50-year-old was found guilty in July of killing parents-in-law Don and Gail Patterson and Gails sister, Heather Wilkinson, with a lunch of beef wellington pastries laced with foraged death cap mushrooms. She was also convicted of attempting to murder Heathers husband, Ian Wilkinson, who spent weeks in a hospital. open image in gallery Erin Patterson has been jailed for life and will serve a minimum of 33 years ( AFP/Getty ) Justice Christopher Beale told the Victoria state Supreme Court Pattersons crimes involved an enormous betrayal of trust. Your victims were all your relatives by marriage. More than that, they had all been good to you and your children over many years, as you acknowledged in your testimony, Justice Beale said. She will serve a life sentence, with a non-parole period of 33 years, concurrently with a 25-year sentence for the attempted murder of Mr Wilkinson. Patterson was found guilty after an 11-week trial. She had denied poisoning her victims deliberately and contended that she had no reason to murder her elderly in-laws. open image in gallery Samples of a beef wellington meal laced with toxic mushrooms that was prepared by Patterson ( Supreme Court of Victoria ) But the jury rejected her defence that the inclusion of toxic mushrooms in the meal was a terrible accident. The hearing was broadcast live from Melbournes Supreme Court, reflecting intense public interest in the case that gripped Australia, spawning multiple podcasts and documentaries. Sentencing Patterson, Justice Beale said her offences involved substantial premeditation and an elaborate cover-up after she realised her initial lies would not work. I am satisfied by July 16 2023, when you unusually invited Simon [her husband], his parents, and aunt and uncle to a lunch without the children to discuss your non-existent medical issue, you did so with the intention of killing them all, Justice Beale said. The devastating impact of your crimes is not limited to your direct victims. Your crimes have harmed a great many people, he said at the sentencing hearing at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne. open image in gallery Don and Gail Patterson died after eating poisoned mushrooms at Pattersons home ( Supplied ) open image in gallery Heather Wilkson, 66, also died while Ian Wilkinson, 68, became ill after eating the lunch ( The Salvation Army Australia Museum/Facebook ) Not only did you cut short three lives and cause lasting damage to Ian Wilkinsons health, thereby devastating the extended Patterson and Wilkinson families, you inflicted untold suffering on your own children, whom you robbed of their beloved grandparents. Prosecution and defence lawyers had agreed that a life sentence was an appropriate punishment for the 50-year-old on three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. But defence lawyers had asked for Patterson to become eligible for parole after serving 30 years. Prosecutors had argued she should never be considered for parole because she did not deserve the courts mercy. open image in gallery Patterson had claimed the poisoning was accidental ( News International ) Speaking after the judgment, Mr Wilkinson, the sole survivor of the crime, thanked the investigators for their work. They brought to light the truth of what happened to three good people. We are grateful for the truth that brought this to light. Im also very grateful for the kindness and compassion they showed us, me and my family, throughout the process. Were also grateful for the staff of the various public health services that played an important role in dealing with the aftermath of the lunch. At a pre-sentencing hearing last month, Pattersons barrister Colin Mandy urged Justice Beale to impose a non-parole period on the sentence, meaning she would have the possibility of eventual release, as her notorious reputation would make prison more onerous for her than the average offender. open image in gallery Her estranged husband Simon Patterson said the case had been traumatic for the family ( AAP ) A corrections officer previously told the court Patterson was being kept in isolation for her own safety, and was permitted contact with only one other prisoner who is in jail for terrorism offences. In his sentencing remarks, Justice Beale said he had taken Pattersons isolation into account. Including time already served, Patterson will have just turned 82 before she can be considered for release. She has 28 days to appeal her sentence. The non-parole period of 33 years is the longest ever for a woman convicted of murder in Victoria. Only one woman in Australia has ever received a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Australia does not have the death penalty. The deaths devastated the close-knit rural community of Korumburra, where all the victims lived. Media interest in the case had been traumatic for the family, Pattersons estranged husband Simon told the sentencing hearing. The case has already inspired several books, documentaries, and a drama series, Toxic, set to air on state broadcaster ABC. 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 fugitive father who had been evading New Zealand authorities for almost four years along with his three children, was shot dead by a police officer on Monday. Tom Phillips and his children, now aged approximately nine, ten, and eleven, vanished in December 2021. Their disappearance had baffled investigators for years, who extensively searched the dense forest where the family was thought to be concealed. Despite beliefs that the family remained close to their isolated North Island rural home in Marokopa, credible sightings were exceedingly uncommon. Phillips has not been formally identified, New Zealands acting deputy police commissioner Jill Rogers told reporters in the city of Hamilton on Monday, but authorities believed he was the man killed. His relatives confirmed his death to local news outlets. open image in gallery Tom Phillips had been hunted by police for nearly four years ( NZ Police ) He was shot dead in an armed confrontation with the authorities early on Monday, ending a four-year long search. He was attempting to break-in into a farm shop in a tiny rural town when police responded to the site. A police officer was shot in the head and critically injured during a confrontation with Phillips after he robbed an agricultural supplies store, Ms Rogers said. A child with Phillips at the time of the burglary was taken into custody. The officer was undergoing surgery at a hospital. Further surgeries were expected. Following a massive and urgent search operations involving helicopters and a team of 50 officers, police announced that they were able to locate his two children at a remote campsite in the dense bush area in the rural town of Marokopa in New Zealands Waikato region. open image in gallery Phillips came from the town of Marokopa in the Waikato district of New Zealand They are with police officers now, and are being removed from that location, Ms Rogers told reporters on Monday afternoon. I can confirm that the children are well and uninjured, and they will be taken to a location this evening for medical checks. The farm supplies store targeted Monday was in a small town in the same sprawling farming region of Waikato, south of Auckland, as the settlement of about 40 people from where the family vanished. The case has fascinated New Zealanders and the authorities made regular unsuccessful appeals for information. Phillips first disappeared with his three children Jayda, Maverick and Ember in September 2021, leading to massive search operation. Early on Monday, when police was responding to reports of break-in at a farming goods store in Poipoi, they spotted a four-wheeled farm bike with two people leaving the spot. Road spikes were set up at the intersection of the gravel road. open image in gallery New Zealand Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers addresses a press conference at the Hamilton station, New Zealand, Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. (Christel Yardley/Waikato Times via AP) The quad bike has run over the spikes. The two occupants have been on that bike, and it has come to a rest on this rural road. A short time later, the first attending police officer at that scene has come across that stopped quad bike and been confronted by gunfire at close range, Ms Rogers said. As the responding officer was getting out of the police car, he was struck in the head and took cover, with another police officer arriving at the scene seconds later, shooting the accused, believed to be the fugitive father, Phillips. Formal identification is yet to be completed, but police believe the man to be Tom Phillips, who has been on the run with his children since December 2021, said Ms Rogers. With the man was a child, who was not injured in the incident. They have spoken with police this morning and receiving care. We are not in a position to identify the young person at this time. A map of Marokopa: Sightings of Phillips were limited to CCTV footage that showed him allegedly committing crimes in the area. He was wanted for an armed bank robbery while on the run in May 2023, accompanied by one of his children, in which he reportedly shot at a member of the public. Phillips did not have legal custody rights for his children, Saunders told reporters in 2024. Authorities feared for the children's safety and said they had not had access to formal education or health care since their disappearance. Law enforcement always believed that Phillips had help concealing his family and some residents of the isolated rural area expressed support for him. A reward of 80,000 New Zealand dollars ($47,000), large by New Zealand standards, and an offer of immunity from prosecution was offered for information about the family's whereabouts last June, but it was never paid. December 2021 was not the first time Phillips prompted national news headlines after disappearing with his children. The family went missing that September, launching a three-week land and sea search after Phillips truck was found abandoned on a wild beach near where he lived. Authorities eventually ended the search, concluding the family might have died, before Phillips and the children emerged from dense forest where he said they had been camping. He was charged with wasting police resources and was due to appear in court in January 2022, but weeks before the scheduled date, he and the children vanished again. The police did not immediately launch a search because Phillips, who is experienced in the outdoors, had told family he was taking the children on another trip. He never returned.Less than a year later, with the trail cold, the authorities said Phillips and the children might have moved elsewhere in New Zealand and changed their names. But the search began again after several sightings of Phillips in 2023 in the same region where he had vanished.He was last seen on CCTV in August this year as he robbed a grocery store in the night, accompanied by one of his children. The children's mother issued a statement to Radio New Zealand on Monday in which she said she was deeply relieved that the ordeal" for her children had ended. They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care, said the woman, who has been identified in New Zealand news outlets only by her first name, Cat. At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved. 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 woman who vanished from a beach in Greece over a month ago died from drowning, authorities have said. Michele Ann Bourda, aged 59, disappeared while her husband was asleep on Ofrynio beach in Kavala, northern Greece last month. Police said she was found on the small, privately owned island of Fidonisi around 40km from where she vanished, according to the Daily Mail. Following an autopsy on Friday, medical experts confirmed that she almost certainly died as a result of drowning. Foul play has been ruled out. Forensic scientists Nikos Kifnidis told The Sun: There were no other injuries I have concluded her death was a result of drowning in the water. The swimsuit she was wearing, bought in the UK, was central to her being identified. Her husband, Chris Bourda, is calling on mental health services in Britain to improve ( Lifeline Hellas ) Her husband, Chris Bourda, had informed police that he was especially concerned as his wife had a history of severe depression and anxiety. Speaking to the newspaper, he criticised authorities for not beginning their search soon enough and claimed they told him that his wife had disappeared with an unknown man, which he dismissed as rubbish. Mr Bourda told the Mail : 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. 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. The couple had been sunbathing on the beach together when her husband woke up to find her gone around midday. Her belongings, including her money, glasses, and medication, were still there. 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, Mr Bourda said. 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. Mr Bourda also called for mental health services in Britain to improve. If she had seen a psychiatrist much earlier and got the relevant medication, then she would have still been alive, he said. The problem with depression is that it can sometimes trick you into thinking you are fine. I thought she was alright, but she wasnt. Unfortunately, I fell asleep in the sun and I slept and when I woke up I knew instantly something was wrong. I didnt know then what had happened but I knew something had gone wrong. The Hellenic Police were contacted for comment. The Foreign Office said: We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Greece and are in contact with the local authorities. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Israel's military said Monday that it demolished a 12-story office building in Gaza City, 90 minutes after warning residents to evacuate the area. Over the past several days, Israel has destroyed multiple high-rise buildings in Gaza City, warning that Hamas has installed surveillance infrastructure in them. The demolitions are part of Israels ramped-up offensive to take control of what it portrays as Hamas last remaining stronghold, urging Palestinians to flee parts of Gaza City for a designated humanitarian zone in the territorys south. The demolition came as U.S. President Donald Trump said that he was giving his last warning to Hamas regarding a possible ceasefire. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed Trumps claim that Israel had accepted his proposed deal, during a Monday news conference in Budapest with Hungarys foreign minister. I hope this attempt by the American administration will be accepted, Saar said. Also on Monday, two Palestinian attackers killed six people in a shooting attack at a busy intersection in Jerusalem. Working together for a more just and equitable global governance system 13:13, September 08, 2025 By He Yin ( People's Daily On Sept. 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, during which he proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). Following the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilizations Initiative (GCI), the GGI represents another major international public good contributed by China. The GGI represents a fresh vision for guiding the evolution of global governance. It calls for reforming and improving the global governance system so that the international community can better share development opportunities, tackle common challenges, build a more just and equitable global governance system, and advance toward a community with a shared future for humanity. The initiative follows five principles - adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach, and focusing on taking real actions. It upholds the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, highlighting China's commitment to aligning national interests with the common good of the international community and to practicing multilateralism through concrete actions. It also demonstrates China's sense of responsibility as a major country. The GGI responds to the urgent imperatives of the times, serving as both a valuable supplement to and an innovation and improvement of the existing global governance system. Looking back, global governance emerged alongside the establishment and evolution of the international system, and it must continue to adapt dynamically in response to shifts in the international landscape and global circumstances. Today, the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, with rapid development of emerging markets and developing countries, which is reshaping the global balance of power. Yet their representation and voice remain insufficient in existing governance structures. Meanwhile, the international environment is beset by turbulence and uncertainty. Power politics and bullying practices are undermining multilateral institutions such as the United Nations, while global challenges grow increasingly complex and interconnected. No single country or region can face these global threats alone. Against the backdrop of shifting international dynamics and mounting global challenges, reforming and improving the global governance system through broad consultation and consensus-building to reflect the collective rise of developing countries in today's political landscape has become an essential step to address governance deficits. The GGI champions multilateralism, adopts a people-centered approach, and emphasizes concrete actions. It seeks to strengthen the effectiveness and execution capacity of the global governance system, better respond to global challenges, serve the interests of all countries, particularly developing ones, narrow the North-South development gap, and better safeguard the common interests of the international community. As a responsible major country, China remains committed to practicing true multilateralism. It is committed to safeguarding world peace, contributing to global development, defending the international order, and providing global public goods. In the new era, Xi has consistently responded to global expectations with a forward-looking vision. He has advocated the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, launched the GDI, GSI, and GCI, carried forward the common values of humanity, and introduced a series of transformative initiatives. Together, these efforts have opened a new chapter for multilateralism and a new horizon for international relations. The GGI clarifies the principles, methods, and pathways for reforming global governance. It responds to the call of the Global South for peace, development, and cooperation, while addressing the urgent need for fairer governance and historical justice. By forging broader international consensus, it aims to drive progress toward a more equitable and inclusive global governance system, paving the way for a future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. History demonstrates that multilateralism and solidarity are the right answers to global challenges. China stands ready to work with all parties to implement the GGI, promote a more just and equitable global governance system, and deliver greater benefits to the entire humanity through the reform of the global governance system and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Beijing (Gasgoo)- Autonomous trucking company KargoBot.ai and SuperPanther, a new energy heavy-duty truck maker, recently entered into a strategic partnership to co-develop L4 fully redundant autonomous vehicles, according to KargoBot.ai's WeChat announcement on Sept.5. Signing ceremony; photo credit: KargoBot.ai The collaboration will target bulk commodity trunk logistics, offering an integrated autonomous driving and powertrain solution to accelerate the green, efficient, and intelligent transformation of conventional freight transport, with expanded L4 autonomous driving operations in Northwest China. SuperPanther specializes in the R&D, manufacturing, and overseas expansion of new energy commercial vehicles. With full-stack in-house capabilities across 800V high-voltage platforms, skateboard chassis, and other core components, the company has built a comprehensive ecosystem integrating energy replenishment, services, and digital intelligence for sustainable logistics. Under the partnership, the two companies will jointly develop redundant chassis-by-wire system and fully redundant autonomous vehicles that meet L4 requirements, forming a standardized product system for KargoBot.ai's autonomous truck fleets in standard operations. The cooperation will also leverage regional policy resources to promote cross-regional regulatory alignment. KargoBot.ai's autonomous truck fleets will be integrated with SuperPanther's charging and battery-swapping network in Northwest China, supporting greener freight capacity and intelligent energy replenishment. Up to now, KargoBot.ai has already achieved normalized unmanned operations in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, securing China's first license for commercial platooning without drivers. Its L4 technology now supports operations in more than 10 provinces, serving over 20 customers nationwide. 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 woman behind a theory that suggested Madeleine McCann was killed in a hit-and-run has said she was shocked to learn she was investigated by police over the toddlers disappearance. Detectives probed the German woman seven years ago while following a theory that the missing three-year-old had escaped her familys Praia da Luz holiday apartment through an unlocked patio door and been killed in a hit-and-run, reports Sky News. The hit-and-run theory was leaked to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha in June. It did not identify the woman, but said the investigation had come to a halt after German authorities refused to deploy an undercover officer to probe the suspect. Soon after, detectives turned their focus to Christian B, who is now considered the prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann investigation. He is currently in a German jail after raping an elderly woman in Praia da Luz in 2005. open image in gallery Officers pack up a tent at the end of a day of searching for Madeleine McCann ( PA Wire ) Speaking to Sky News, the woman said she had not been aware she had been under suspicion in the investigation. She said she had been working in a restaurant in Praia da Luz when Madeleine went missing in May 2007, and had got home after the time the three-year-old was discovered missing from her bed. Her British partner was working as a chef, and had served the McCanns dinner the night Madeleine disappeared. "I don't even know if there was a car accident, because I was working," she said. "I came home at half ten, and my boyfriend was home already." She said her home had been searched more than once, like many other neighbours, after Madeleine went missing. Then, more than ten years later, she says she was contacted by police again, who wanted to know if she knew Christian B and had seen him near the McCanns' apartment. open image in gallery Madeleine went missing in Portugal in 2007 ( PA Media ) She told Sky News she was then called by a German police commissar several times over the next year. On one occasion, he asked for the SIM card from a phone she used when she was living in Portugal. The family of her British partner, who has since died, also said they were questioned by police from Scotland Yards Operation Grange, which was launched to support the German and Portuguese police investigation into Madeleine's disappearance. The woman also said she had been unaware of the Correio da Manha report until she was tracked down by Sky News. 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 Russia launched the biggest aerial strikes of the war so far Ukraine over the weekend, killing four people including a mother and her three-month-old baby. More than 800 drones and 13 missiles were fired at cities across Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv, in the early hours of Sunday 7 September. The strike marked the first attack of the war on the main Ukrainian government building, and is the second major assault on the capital within two weeks. In response, president Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack a deliberate crime and prolongation of the war and called on the US to provide a strong response to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Moscows aerial attack on Ukraine is the latest in a streak of record-breaking aerial strikes over the past three months. Below, The Independent looks at how, and why, Russia has decided to target Ukraines cities with such devastating force. Attacks increased from June to August Russias aerial strikes on Ukraine have massively increased since June, with intense peaks. Figures show that Sundays attack was the most intense yet, with the next closest on 9 July, when Moscow fired 741 drones and missiles. Putins forces have launched 2,022 drones and missiles against Ukraine so far this month. Thats an increase of 42 per cent compared to the first eight days of July, when Russia had fired 1,418 drones and missiles against Ukraine. In the first eight days of August, Russia fired 683 drones and missiles at Ukraine - less than the total of Sundays aerial assault. But over the course of the month the strikes intensified, reaching 4,288 in total by the final day. July was the deadliest month of the three, with 6,768 drones and missiles dropped across the country, including in Kyiv and the Sumy, Donetsk and Kherson regions. In June, Moscow fired 5,677 drones and missiles across Ukraine. The data shows that while drone assaults did slightly decline overall in August, if the pattern so far continues in September, Ukraine is on track for its heaviest month of shelling yet. Russia has notably increased strikes since Istanbul talks According to analysts from the Institute of War Studies (IWS), Moscow has consistently intensified its strikes since the outset of the war in 2022. They said Russias attacks have notably accelerated since Ukraine-Russia bilateral talks in Istanbul on May 15, 2025. During the negotiations, the countries agreed to a large-scale prisoner exchange but failed to reach a consensus on ending the fighting. open image in gallery Smoke rising from a government building after a Russian attack on Kyiv on 7 September ( AP ) Their analysis shows Russia has launched 16 combined strikes consisting of over 400 air targets since the talks. They also noted Sundays attack was the fifth combined strike of over 500 drones and missiles since the August 15 US-Russia summit in Alaska. Federico Borsari, a Fellow with the Transatlantic Defence and Security Program at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), has told The Independent that the Russian army are likely to have been planning an increase in strikes for at least a year. open image in gallery An explosion of a drone lights up the sky over the city during a Russian drone and missile strike ( REUTERS ) There were already signs that Russia was trying to increase its output in terms of assets and platforms that they could launch against Ukraine in 2024, he said, adding that the increase in drones is an attempt to make air raids more effective. Russia is trying to diversify its strike packages to make them more cost-effective and achieve a scale of destruction that is sufficient to destroy key military targets such as airfields. He added that, for more than three years, Russia was not very effective when it came to diminishing the production capacity of Ukraine at the industrial level. The Russian army had also failed to create a sense of panic and fear among the population in order to discredit the government and create the conditions for less efficacy on the front line, he said. Putin trying to induce panic with strikes open image in gallery People take shelter inside a metro station during a Russian drone strike ( REUTERS ) Mr Borsari continued that Russia had been forced to be more tactical in its aims to increase damage against critical Ukrainian infrastructure, while also targeting its manpower. Russia is now also trying to focus on more strategic targets such as military enlistment offices, across different areas of Ukraine, he said. The attempt here is not just to destroy energy plants or other infrastructure, but also to instil fear and create a sense of panic among the population. So, increasing the psychological effects of this war on the Ukrainian population and at the same time discouraging people from basically going to enlistment offices. He said the psychological effects of the strikes could diminish the ability of the Ukrainian forces to recruit, adding: This is certainly an issue for Ukraine compared to Russia. Analysis shows that while Moscow is increasing its drone output and ramping up the intensity of its attacks, they do not follow a consistent pattern. On 8 July, Russia fired 52 drones at Ukraine, followed by a record 550 the day after. The following day, it fired 322. Moscow taking on and off days approach to strikes Marcel Plichta, a former US Department of Defense analyst, suggested that Russia was staggering its large attacks with an on and off days approach. The on day you would have a really big and increasingly a record breaking attack and then on the off day you would have... like 100 drones or 61 drones, he explained. The benefit to the large attack is, in addition to the fact that it grabs headlines, its more likely to overwhelm Ukrainian air defence and damage the morale of the Ukrainian population. Its worse to try and shoot down 500 drones at once than it is 200 drones over two nights because you suddenly have to prioritise. You have to figure out where they all are and you need to respond to them. Thats a much more challenging situation. Both analysts added that the escalating aerial strikes indicated a ceasefire wasnt on the cards anytime soon, three years after Putin launched his brutal invasion of the country. Russia has demonstrated that theyre all in on the Shahed as a platform. Theyll tinker with it, theyll make improvements, and theyll introduce more complicated variants, but fundamentally they are all in on this idea of mass drone attacks to accompany their missiles, Mr Plichta said. open image in gallery An Iranian Shahed exploding drone launched by Russia flies through the sky seconds before it struck buildings in Kyiv ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Basically from now until the end of the conflict, youre going to see a growth in the number of Shaheds being used. Maybe patterns of their usage will change again, but this overall number used per week, per month, per year, is going to keep growing as Russia produces more and better Shaheds. He added: Ultimately the thing that stops Shaheds is a political end to the conflict, not necessarily a magic weapon that can shoot down interception rate or even striking production facilities. Mr Borsari echoed his sentiment, saying: Its clear that Russia is not interested in achieving a ceasefire, at least based on the conditions that the US and Ukraine were hoping for. 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 High on Luossavaara Mountain in northern Sweden, Sami reindeer herder Lars-Marcus Kuhmunen is confronting a bleak outlook for his community, whose ancestral way of life and reindeer herds are under unprecedented pressure. An expanding iron-ore mine and a significant rare-earth mineral deposit are fragmenting the land, disrupting ancient reindeer migration routes. This challenge is compounded by the Arctic warming at four times the global rate, leading herders to assert that their animals require increased geographic flexibility, not less, to ensure their continued survival. If a mine is established at the deposit of rare-earth minerals called Per Geijer, which Sweden heralds as Europes largest, Kuhmunen said it could completely cut off the migration routes used by the Sami village of Gabna. That would be the end of the Indigenous way of life for Kuhmunen, his children and their fellow Sami reindeer herders, he said, in this far-north corner of Sweden some 200 kilometers (124 miles) above the Arctic Circle. The reindeer is the fundamental base of the Sami culture in Sweden, Kuhmunen said. Everything is founded around the reindeers: The food, the language, the knowledge of mountains. Everything is founded around the reindeer herding. If that ceases to exist, the Sami culture will also cease to exist. open image in gallery Lars-Marcus Kuhmunen, a Sami reindeer herder and chairman of Sami village of Gabna, grimaces in Kiruna, Sweden, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Malin Haarala) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Sami herders are descended from a once-nomadic people scattered across a region spanning the far north of Sweden, Norway, Finland and the northwestern corner of Russia. Until the 1960s, members of this Indigenous minority were discouraged from reindeer herding, and the church and state suppressed their language and culture. In Sweden alone there are at least 20,000 people with Sami heritage, though an official count does not exist because an ethnicity-based census is against the law. Today, a Sami village called a sameby is a business entity dictated by the state, which determines how many semi-domesticated reindeer each village can have and where they can roam. Its getting more and more a problem to have a sort of sustainable reindeer husbandry and to be able to have the reindeers to survive the Arctic winter and into the next year, said Stefan Mikaelsson, a member of the Sami Parliament. In the Gabna village, Kuhmunen oversees about 2,500 to 3,000 reindeer and 15 to 20 herders. Their families, some 150 people in total, depend on the bottom line of the business. Even before the discovery of the Per Geijer deposit, they had to contend with the expanding footprint of Kiirunavaara. The worlds largest underground, iron-ore mine has forced the village's herders to lead their reindeer through a longer and harder migration route. open image in gallery Darren Wilson, LKAB's senior vice president of special products, gestures next to a model of existing mines, in Kiruna, Sweden, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Malin Haarala) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Swedish officials and LKAB, the state-owned mining company, say the proposed Per Geijer mine could reduce Europe's reliance on China for rare-earth minerals. LKAB hopes to begin mining there in the 2030s. Besides being essential to many kinds of consumer technology, including cellphones, hard drives and electric and hybrid vehicles, rare-earth minerals also are considered crucial to shifting the economy away from fossil fuels toward electricity and renewable energy. But if work on Per Geijer goes forward, Kuhmunen said there will be no other routes for the Gabna herders to take the reindeer east from the mountains in the summer to the grazing pastures full of nutrient-rich lichen in the winter. open image in gallery A reindeer calf rests at a farm in Lulea, Sweden, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Malin Haarala) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The village will contest the mine in court but Kuhmunen said he is not optimistic. It's really difficult to fight a mine. They have all the resources, they have all the means. They have the money. We dont have that," Kuhmunen said. We only have our will to exist. To pass these grazing lands to our children." Darren Wilson, LKABs senior vice president of special products, said the mining company is seeking solutions to assist the Sami herders, though he would not speculate on what they might be. There are potential things that we can do and we can explore and we have to keep engaging, he said. But Im not underestimating the challenge of doing that. open image in gallery The mining area where a proposed mine would cut off ancient reindeer migration routes in Kiruna, Sweden, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Malin Haarala) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Climate change is wreaking havoc on traditional Sami reindeer husbandry. Global warming has brought rain instead of snow during the winter in Swedish Lapland. The freezing rain then traps lichen under a thick layer of ice where hungry reindeer cant reach the food, according to Anna Skarin, a reindeer husbandry expert and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences professor. In the summer, mountain temperatures have risen to 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) and left reindeer over-heated and unable to graze enough to gain the weight needed to sustain them in winter. Some in Sweden suggest putting the reindeer onto trucks to ferry them between grazing lands if the Per Geijer mine is built. But Skarin said that isn't feasible because the animals eat on the move and the relocation would deny them food to be grazed while walking from one area to another. So youre kind of both taking away the migration route that they have used traditionally over hundreds and thousands of years," she said, "and you would also take away that forage resource that they should have used during that time. For Kuhmunen, it would also mean the end of Sami traditions passed down by generations of reindeer herders on this land. How can you tell your people that what were doing now, it will cease to exist in the near future? he 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 Nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred to Russia since Vladimir Putins invasion in 2022, and subjected to military training, sexual violence and detention in camps, according to a new report. The report, based on 200 documented cases of recently returned children and young people, found that 41 per cent were forced to take part in weapons training or join paramilitary youth movements such as Yunarmiya. Another 39 per cent experienced forced displacement to far-flung locations in Russia, Crimea or Belarus, with 17 per cent detained in filtration camps or police stations and 10 per cent subjected to torture or cruel treatment. Evidence compiled by War Child UK and Save Ukraine has found that Putins most likely long-term goal is to encourage or coerce Ukrainian children into their armed forces, and to participate in combat against their own country. open image in gallery Young children have been transferred to recreation camps or fostered by Russian families ( Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The Foreign Office announced on Wednesday that eight individuals and three organisations would be sanctioned over their involvement in the deportations, described by the then foreign secretary David Lammy as despicable. Speaking to psychologists, six per cent of children reported experiencing or witnessing conflict-related sexual violence, while included threats of rape, forced undressing and testimonies that minor girls have been raped by supervisors in camps. For 17-year-old Kseniia, the Russian occupation of her hometown Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region meant that she and her 10-year-old brother Serhii were forced to be separated for the first time. Both orphans, Serhii was taken to the Medvezhonok childrens camp in Russia, while Kseniia was pressured into attending a state-mandated trade school in a border town. Her lessons were designed to erase Ukrainian identity, while her brother was eventually placed with a Russian foster family who informed him that his country had been destroyed, and that his sister had abandoned him. open image in gallery Russian president Vladimir Putin has increased the budget for patriotic education from $50m to $459m in the last two years ( AP ) Similar to the experiences of other Ukrainian children, he was bullied and humiliated by teachers in school, and gradually stopped sending desperate messages begging for help to Kseniia. Every Monday, we would have mandatory lessons and sing the Russian national anthem, I didnt want to sing it, she told The Independent. After this anthem, they would also lift the flag and it would be a big ceremony and we would have lessons about telling us Russia is the best country in the world, its a paradise on earth. Russia was good, Ukraine was bad, if they hadnt attacked Ukraine would have attacked Russia, Ukrainians were planning it, that all of this is orchestrated by the West and Russia is fighting the West. The report has found that 55 per cent of abducted children were subjected to pro-Russian indoctrination, including bans on the Ukrainian language and revised history lessons. In several cases, children have been offered better grades or manipulated into believing they are less likely to receive military draft papers if they join paramilitary groups. Families have been tricked into allowing their children to attend summer camps - only for them to be subjected to intense military training at one of the 200 camps researchers have identified as holding Ukrainian children. One 16-year-old girl said: Every day felt like we were being shaped into something we werent. They didnt treat us like kids. They wanted us to behave like their soldiers. open image in gallery Firefighters working at the site of car garages hit by a Russian drone strike near Kyiv ( Emergency Service of Ukraine ) After initially refusing to allow her children to join Russian schools, one anonymous mother was left terrified after Putins troops began punishing families who did not obey. She said: In our village school, the Russians set up a real torture chamber: a pit, rods, chains, electric shocks. After the torture, people were brought to the hospital barely alive. The deportation, indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children is now believed to be the largest campaign of child rights violations in Europe since the end of the Yugoslav wars. After several months of being held in Russia, Kseniia was eventually able to track down her brother with Save Ukraines help, but found him terrified at the prospect of returning alongside her. I cant go with you, he had told her. "They told me Ukraine is destroyed. That Ill be left to starve. That you dont really want me. He was eventually persuaded, with the siblings travelling for several tense days in May 2023 to return to Ukraine, where they have now started to rebuild their lives. However, tens of thousands of children remain under Russian control which seen many of them issued draft papers to join the military. open image in gallery Areas near the frontline such as Donetsk in the Donbas region have been heavily damaged over the course of the war ( National Guard of Ukraine ) While the Ukrainian government has confirmed 19,546 cases of forcible transfers, data from Yale University believes the real figure to be around 35,000. Kseniia added: My life turned upside down is how I would described it. It ended up not the way I planned or dreamed, I never thought I would live in Kyiv. Save Ukraine inspired me to become a journalist and now Im studying. With my story I want to share the experience I had and be the voice of those who are still stuck in Russia, and to people who dont know what is happening to Ukrainian kids. I feel strong now and Im a fighter but there are other kids who are more vulnerable. Some people dont have enough strength to fight until the end, Im sad about the fact that Russia is abusing these kids, especially young boys training them to be soldiers. Helen Pattinson, CEO of War Child UK said: Protecting children in conflict is not optional; it is a fundamental obligation under international law. At War Child, we work to defend the rights of all children caught in conflict. Its a terrifying experience for a child to be separated from their families, let alone be stolen by another state. The world cannot look away. Were calling for immediate and impactful action from world leaders to return these children to their homes as the absolute bare minimum. open image in gallery Kseniia is now living in Kyiv and is hoping to spread awareness of what is happening to abducted Ukrainian children ( Save Ukraine ) With Putin increasing the budget for patriotic education from $50m in 2022 to $459m in 2025, the NGO Save Ukraine, charity War Child and think-tank Human Security Centre have warned that Ukrainian children are being deliberately targeted. Mykola Kuleba, CEO of Save Ukraine added: Save Ukraine has already rescued more than 800 children from Russia and the occupied territories. In each childs eyes, we see fear; in their voices we hear stories of being forced into military camps, punished for speaking Ukrainian or showing any trace of their heritage, and subjected to relentless psychological and physical abuse. Their very identities are being systematically erased in order to turn them into 'Russian children'. Boys as young as 18 years old are being coerced into fighting for the Russian army and killed in combat. These are not isolated cases. 1.6 million Ukrainian children are being held as hostages in Russia and occupied territories. We must stand together and demand with one voice: Help us let our children go. Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director at Humanitarian Research Lab continued: "This report is critical to understanding Russia's widespread and illegal militarization, indoctrination, and abuse of Ukraine's children. The testimonials in this report not only raise the voices of these specific children, but the thousands of other children still held by Russia. This report emphasizes the urgent need for Ukraine's children to be returned as a precondition to any end-of-war negotiations." 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 Ukrainians in forensic suits unloading thousands of bodies of their fallen countrymen from refrigerated vehicles makes for a depressing spectacle. But in the three-and-a-half-year-long war between Russia and Ukraine, the repatriation of the dead might be one of the rare, all-too-brief moments of cooperation between the two warring countries. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has a caseload of 154,200 people missing from both sides of the front line as of August, whose fate or whereabouts remain unknown. It is expected that it will take decades for families to receive answers about their loved ones. According to the ICRC, there have been over 50 incidents of mass repatriation throughout the conflict to date. On average, the group receives 1,000 bodies a month, with workers given the grim task of trying to identify them so their families can finally be given peace. open image in gallery In June, Ukraine received 6,000 fallen soldiers from Russia ( AP ) A deal brokered in Istanbul between the two warring sides during the summer one of the few positive outcomes of the US-organised peace talks to date saw Moscow return significantly more, some 6,000. This repatriation, which took place in June, was so large that they had to receive the bodies by train. Niamh Smith, a forensic specialist working in Ukraine for the ICRC, said the exchanges of fallen soldiers are usually silent, respectful affairs. Nobody is standing around chit-chatting, says Ms Smith, who is usually in the truck during the transfer. Its almost like a ballet in that everybody is so well tuned and well versed in their role. It goes very smoothly and that could not happen without the full cooperation of both sides, she says. Its a very human experience. Nobody can deal with that and not come away feeling... affected. In Odessa, where Ms Smith is based, the ICRC helped to assist in developing a field mortuary after they ran out of storage for bodies. Train carriages have been adapted and refrigerated to accommodate the large number of bodies theyre receiving. open image in gallery The ICRC has accompanied more than 50 repatriations since the conflict began ( The ICRC ) Each body received by a mortuary is assigned a unique 17-digit reference number encoding the date of arrival and the institution that took them. The bodies are then examined by teams made up of forensic specialists and police investigators, who take notes and photographs, looking out for any marks, scars or tattoos, Ms Smith explained. Clothing is removed, logged and photographed as part of the process before sampling is done for DNA testing, and the bodies are stored awaiting comparison and identification. Every single instant of identification has its own timeline, with some taking months. The database of family samples plays a vital role in the process as it offers a point of comparison. Under the Geneva Conventions, both sides are obliged to search for and recover the remains of the fallen on the battlefield and mark places where they might have been kept or buried. However, when it comes to returning human remains, this comes down to requests that both sides must agree to. open image in gallery Forensic specialist Niamh Smith has worked in Ukraine since February last year ( Sacha Biazzo ) One of the key takeaways for Ms Smith is how respectful everybody is and how it is a completely joint effort. You have got parties from Russia, parties from Ukraine, all working simultaneously to make this transfer happen. Having taken part in 11 repatriations, she says these exchanges make her feel hopeful despite the tragic circumstances. You see the humanity that everybody is taking care of these bodies, and theyre handled very respectfully, she said. That is my biggest takeaway, the human aspect of everybody working together to achieve getting these people home to their families. Thats the end goal. Ms Smiths 31 years as a forensics specialist has seen her work for the Metropolitan Police and Interpol, as well as in South Sudan, the Middle East, and even working on mass graves in Libya. After moving to Ukraine in February 2024, this is the first time she has worked in an active conflict zone where the violence is ongoing. Her first ever repatriation, which took place last summer, has stayed with her. As the convoy of military vehicles, ICRC trucks and refrigerated lorries travelled through four separate Ukrainian villages on the way back from a body exchange, she saw people kneeling on the side of the roads with Ukrainian flags on show. open image in gallery The ICRC said its work to identify the dead could take decades ( The ICRC ) They are openly weeping and throwing flowers under the trucks as they go past to pay respects to the dead who are coming home, she says. They dont know who these individuals are, they dont individually know whos in the trucks, but they just know that theyre the sons or the brothers or the husbands of somebody, and theyre coming back having lost their lives. As well as accompanying the repatriations, Ms Smith helps support Ukraines medical and legal system to recover and identify combatants killed in the conflict as the number of missing people who may have been killed in action continues to rise. The numbers that theyve been dealing with are huge, but of course theyre overwhelmed, and so we try and support that, she says. Nowhere is equipped for three and a half years of consistent bodies in high numbers. open image in gallery Painstaking efforts are made to identify the fallen to give their loved ones peace ( AP ) Pat Griffiths, ICRC spokesperson in Ukraine, adds: As of August 2025, the ICRC has a caseload of 154,200 people from both sides of the front line whose fate or whereabouts are unknown. Behind each of those cases is a family seeking answers. Many have been waiting for months, if not years, for news. Some families may eventually receive confirmation that their loved one is being held as a prisoner of war. Others may eventually receive the worst news possible: confirmation that their loved one has been killed. But that wait can take years, and some may never receive an answer at all. And thats why the work of forensic teams is so important. Working to identify the human remains that have been recovered or repatriated is painstaking. Its hard work, its slow, and its expensive. The fact that the remains of so many of those who have been killed still need to be recovered or repatriated before the work to identify them can begin only extends the time horizon. Our experience in conflicts around the world tells us that the work to identify all those who are unaccounted for could be measured in decades, not just years. Every unidentified person is a missing person. Somebody somewhere is waiting and hoping to get news about that person, and that's why our role within the support of the identification is so important. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has suggested a ceasefire to release hostages that remain in Gaza could happen very soon, after he issued a last warning to Hamas to accept his terms to end the war. Trump said his administration was working on a solution that may be very good, without giving further details. Youll be hearing about it pretty soon. Were trying to get it ended, get the hostages back, he told reporters on Sunday evening. His remarks followed a post on his Truth Social app in which he said Israel has accepted his terms to end the war in Gaza, which has now entered its 23rd month. open image in gallery President Donald Trump talks to the press in Washington ( Reuters ) It is time for Hamas to accept as well, he wrote. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one. He does not specify what those terms are, but Israels Channel 12 news reported on Saturday that his new proposal would see the release of all the remaining 48 hostages on the first day of a ceasefire in exchange for thousands of Palestinians being held in Israeli detention. Israel will halt its military operation to capture Gaza City in the north of the enclave, and negotiations will begin to end the war, according to the Channel 12 report. Hamas responded that it had received some ideas from the American side and was ready to return to the negotiating table. Hamas welcomes any initiative that helps in the efforts to stop the aggression against our people, the group said in a statement on Sunday. open image in gallery Palestinians at the site of the collapsed Sussi Tower in Gaza City which destroyed by Israeli bombardment on Saturday ( AFP via Getty Images ) We affirm our immediate readiness to sit at the negotiation table to discuss the release of all prisoners in exchange for a clear declaration to end the war, the full withdrawal from Gaza, and the formation of a committee to manage Gaza from Palestinian independents, who will immediately begin their work. Israel has not publicly commented on Trumps new proposal, but Israeli media have reported the Israeli government was seriously considering the proposal. It comes as the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) intensified its bombings and operations around Gaza City, which it has vowed to capture in a bid to defeat Hamas. The Israeli military levelled a second high-rise tower in as many days on Saturday, which it said was being used by Hamas, a claim denied by the group. AP news agency reported that the tower housed hundreds of displaced Palestinians, who were given just 20 minutes to evacuate the 15-storey building before warplanes descended on the area. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently resisted phased deals and has demanded the release of all hostages in one go. He has insisted that full military victory over Hamas will bring hostages home. Hamas accepted a proposal on 18 August which sets out a 60-day truce, but Israel has not yet responded. Trump has previously issued similar warnings to Hamas and has repeatedly claimed the war would end soon. On 25 August, he said he thought the war would come to a conclusive ending within three weeks. 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 As I sat down at the desk in my hostel to write this piece, I forced myself to stop thinking about what couldve been and the reality I was living in that moment. Its going to be the experience of a lifetime, my friends said as they saw me off at the airport a couple of days previously. If only I had known just how hard it was going to hit me every time I experienced things and didnt have him there to share it with. Id travelled more than 7,000km (4,350 miles) from my native India to Valencia, Spain, to witness one of the worlds most famous festivals, La Tomatina. Billed as the worlds biggest food fight, it seemed like the perfect antidote to my sorrowful post-break-up state, and I woke up the morning of the event at 4.30am, eager to get stuck in. Why did my boyfriend and I break up, you ask? The caste differences, which are still prevalent in India today, are to blame, contrary to what the world sees. open image in gallery Writer Noopur Jambhekar and her new friends at La Tomatina festival in Bunol, Spain ( Noopur Jambhekar ) Read more: The best cities to visit in Spain As I left the hostel, the staff member at the front desk said to me in a sleepy tone: Tomatina is no longer a Spanish festival; it belongs to the world now. Walking towards the bus stop that would take me the 40km from Valencia to Bunol, where the festival takes place, I saw two guys around my age heading in the same direction. Are you going to the festival too? I asked. They nodded, and we fell into step and easy conversation. They were both from Japan but had been travelling around Europe for several months. I came to Spain to forget that my backpack was stolen in Slovenia, one of them told me, seeming incredibly calm, even though his bag contained his work laptop, iPad, chargers, licences and more. Im just grateful for this life and the experience Im about to have here. His words struck a chord as I, too, was here to forget and to try to live in the present. As we approached a long queue for the bus, another stranger started chatting to us. Dr Tapish, a surgeon from India, had also taken this pilgrimage of sorts to escape the mundanity of his life back home. He and his friends invited me to join them for the day. The story of La Tomatina, as a local teacher named Yolanda Diaz explained to us on the bus, is about more than just throwing tomatoes. It started as a scuffle, she told me, her eyes proud with the memory of a festival she has attended for the past 20 years. It began in 1945 when a fight broke out during a parade, and frustrated youths started throwing vegetables from a nearby market. In other words, it was a spontaneous, rebellious act. Read more: How to be a good tourist when visiting Spain Over the decades, it evolved, was banned and then reinstated in 1959, when locals carried a large tomato in a coffin, pretending to mourn the death of the once-great event, and forcing authorities to allow it again and to embrace it as an official festival. For the world, its an hour of tomato-drenched chaos, but for us, its a 10-day festival with food contests and music across the city, she beamed. Diaz also told me how the red and blue flags hung on the balconies in Bunol belonged to the two main tribes of the town. I belong to the red one, she added. open image in gallery Bunol, Spain, is home to the La Tomatina festival ( Getty ) Along the way, I also met Sigfrido, owner of La Palleria, a restaurant in Bunol, which had been trading in the same central spot in the town for forty years, and who had witnessed the festival's growth firsthand. Earlier, it was more people, fewer police; now its more police, fewer people, he told me. I enjoy talking to people from all over the world during the festival. His words captured the beautiful contradiction of the event: a local tradition that has become a global hub of connection. As my new friends and I departed the bus and walked towards a growing crowd in the centre of the city, the nervous excitement was palpable. A torrent of cold water suddenly cascaded from a balcony above us, drenching us and making us laugh and recoil. Its like a baptism! called out one of my new friends from the sea of bodies around us. Read more: Jumeirah Mallorca, hotel review The air hummed with a dozen languages. People were crammed shoulder to shoulder in the narrow street; a human river flowed toward the Plaza del Pueblo. And then, at noon on the dot, the first truck appeared, its horn blaring out like a war cry. And a minute later, the world dissolved into a glorious, sticky, red chaos. More trucks arrived to dump 120 tonnes of tomatoes into the streets. My friends and I clung to the walls as the first round of hard, red lumps were launched in every direction. I felt overwhelmed. The earthy smell of tomatoes became all-encompassing, mixed with the smell of sweat. There was an eruption of excited shouting and the sound of squishing, laughing and yelling. I was no longer an individual, but part of a single, pulsating, tomato-covered being. open image in gallery Since 1945, La Tomatina festival has been held on the last Wednesday of August, during a week of festivities in Bunol, Spain ( Getty ) At that moment, throwing a tomato felt less like an act of aggression and more like an act of surrender. All my meticulous planning, my carefully constructed walls, my lingering heartache, melted away with every splat. Everyone on that street was at once a target and a friend. An hour-long battle concluded with a final cannon shot. And then came the hoses. Locals, with an air of practised efficiency, turned high-pressure hoses on the crowd. The streets around us became a torrent of red pulp. The process of washing away the tomatoes felt symbolic. Read more: San Sebastian city guide: Where to stay, eat, drink and shop in Spains gourmet hot spot I entered the red sea as a solitary pilgrim, raw with grief. I emerged feeling lighter. The connections I made with travellers and locals proved that lifes meaning is found in living, not just existing. My shared experiences with strangers proved to be healing. I didnt know these people; I didnt know their backgrounds or their status in society. And neither did I need to, because in those few furious hours of throwing tomatoes, we became one. I went to La Tomatina seeking liberation from grief, and I walked away cleansed, having washed away my sadness with pureed tomatoes. How to get there A return flight from London Stansted (STN) to Valencia (VLC) with Ryanair takes 2 hours and 55 minutes and starts from 30. EasyJet flies from Gatwick to Valencia in 2 hours and 20 minutes from 45. You can book tickets for the festival through ticketstomatina.com with a bus/entry/after-party package for 48 (41). If booking independently, trains from Valencia to Bunol start from 3.70 (3.21) one way with the earliest departing at 6.30am. Where to stay The best place to stay if youre not overnighting in Bunol is in Valencia. Russafa Youth Hostel, a short 15-minute walk from the Ciutat Vella (city centre) in Valencia. You can reach Bunol from Valencia by bus (average journey time an hour, 5) or train (average journey time 1 hour 30 minutes, 5). You can also stay in Bunol at Hotel Ignacio, but be prepared to book well in advance of the festival. 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 Several people reported injuries after a terminal at Heathrow airport was closed and evacuated for three hours following a possible hazardous materials incident. Dozens of flights were delayed and thousands of travellers were affected by the incident at Terminal 4 of Europes busiest airport on Monday evening, which sparked a multi-agency response from the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade (LFB) and London Ambulance Service. Some 21 people reported injuries at the airport in west London but no trace of any adverse substance was found, police later said. Crowds gathered outside the terminal and staff handed out foil blankets to passengers as temperatures began to fall. Witnesses said they were confused as no one really knew what was going on. open image in gallery Emergency services flocked to Heathrows Terminal 4 in west London on Monday evening ( X/@AlexOakes ) At 8.27pm, the airport said on X (Twitter) that emergency services had confirmed the terminal was safe to reopen and it was doing everything we can to ensure flights depart as planned today. The Met Police said in a statement: Specialist officers attended the scene alongside the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service and conducted a thorough search of the area. No trace of any adverse substance was found. Around 20 people reported an injury. None were deemed to be life-threatening or life-changing. Enquiries are ongoing. The LFB said it was in the process of standing down its response, and that the cause of the incident remained under investigation. open image in gallery Airport staff handed out foil blankets to confused travellers ( X/@AlexOakes ) Earlier on Monday evening, the airport had advised passengers not to travel to Terminal 4, while National Rail said trains were unable to call at the terminal because of the incident. Transport links to the airport were already affected by London Underground strikes. The LFB said it was first called about the incident at 5.01pm and that crews from Feltham, Heathrow, Wembley and surrounding fire stations had attended. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said she was monitoring updates from those at the scene and the airport. Emergency services are responding to an incident at Heathrows Terminal 4 which has prompted its evacuation, she wrote on X. Im monitoring updates from those on the scene, as well as Heathrow Airport itself. Passengers should not travel to Terminal 4 until advised otherwise. open image in gallery Terminal 4 travellers stand outside the airport following the evacuation ( X/@AlexOakes ) FlightRadar24 data analysed by The Independent showed that a number of flights were delayed by the emergency evacuation. Qatar Airways appeared to have three flights running behind schedule, as were two Etihad flights to Abu Dhabi, with the delays set to jeopardise hundreds of connections. The incident comes months after Heathrow airport closed following an unprecedented electrical substation fire that halted 1,300 flights. London Heathrow is the UKs busiest airport, and just last month it recorded its busiest day ever. The airport saw more than a quarter of a million passengers pass through its four terminals a total of 270,869 passengers on 1 August. It came after a month in which it saw almost no growth in passenger numbers, which executives said was due to capacity constraints. Heathrow said that 7,981,137 passengers flew in and out of the terminals in July, compared with 7,980,455 during the same month in 2024. Prince William cracked a baking joke as he and the Princess of Wales charmed guests at the Sunningdale Womens Institute on Monday (8 September). The royal visit marked the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth IIs death. Her Majesty was a member of the WI for 80 years, joining in 1943 and serving as president of the Sandringham branch from 2003 until her passing in 2022. Footage showed the Duke and Duchess enjoying cake and tea while chatting with members in a small Berkshire hall. Theyre brilliant! William added, praising the cakes. Queen Elizabeth II was the WIs patron and remained closely involved throughout her reign. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On Sept. 6, SAIC-GM-Wuling ("SGMW") and Huawei Technologies ("Huawei") signed an agreement to upgrade their strategic partnership. The collaboration will focus on three key areasintelligent driving, smart cockpit, and smart manufacturing. The first jointly developed vehicle model, the Baojun Huajing S (name in Chinese pinyin), made its debut at the signing ceremony. Signing ceremony; photo credit: SGMW The Baojun Huajing S, a new flagship six-seat SUV, will come standard with Huawei's Qiankun intelligent driving system (Huawei ADS 4), HarmonySpace 5 smart cockpit system, Huawei IVCS (intelligent vehicle cloud service), and Limera in-cabin laser vision system. Huajing S; photo credit: SGMW The two companies will integrate Huawei's intelligent solutions with SGMW's proprietary technologies, including the Lingmou intelligent driving system, Lingyu cockpit, Lingxi powertrain, and Shenlian battery. In smart manufacturing, SGMW will leverage its IMS intelligent island manufacturing system, enhanced with Huawei's high-reliability networks, AI, and big data technologies, to upgrade production processes and build a more resilient manufacturing ecosystem. As the first Chinese automaker with cumulative production and sales exceeding 30 million vehicles, SGMW has established strong advantages in user scale, scenario-based technologies, and intelligent manufacturing. Its portfolio includes cutting-edge technologies such as the IMS system, 12-in-1 integrated e-drive system, and Shenlian semi-solid-state battery. Crowds flocked to catch a glimpse of the blood moon total lunar eclipse in London on Sunday evening (7 September). A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth moves between the Moon and the Sun, obscuring the Moon and turning it dark. The light that reaches the lunar surface is scattered by the Earth, making it appear red to people watching from the ground. Footage shows astronomers and enthusiasts gathering at Blackheath Common in southeast London to see the total lunar eclipse, also known as the blood moon, which was visible across parts of England and Wales on Sunday. It was the first time since 2022 that a lunar eclipse could be seen in the UK. Jeremy Corbyn called the 890 people arrested at a demonstration in support of Palestine Action in Londons Parliament Square on Saturday people of principle and courage. An estimated 1,500 people gathered in Westminster. The majority of the arrests were for supporting a proscribed group, which is an offence under the Terrorism Act, some were made after the protest turned violent for assaults on police officers and other public order offences, the Metropolitan Police said. They're people of principle and they're people of courage, Corbyn said of the protesters on Sky News on Monday (8 September). I think we need to think about the legislation that's being passed. Protest should be allowed in our country, he added. What I spend on Christmas: I would imagine that my total will be about 2,000 and the majority of my budget will be on my own kids Your questions: Our bin company keeps missing their collections, but their bills keep coming Plus, how to cope with the cost of sending a child to college Contact your waste company with the details. Photo: Getty Clodagh McCarthy Sun 7 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Q We pay almost 340 a year to have our three bins collected every two weeks. Four Brazilian nationals appear in court accused of brothel keeping and money laundering The three men and one woman are alleged to have had crime proceeds in sums ranging up to 1.6mThey were arrested this month by gardai in a coordinated day of action conducted with Brazilian Federal Police and Europol The criminal courts of justice in Dublin. Andrew Phelan Mon 8 Sep 2025 at 16:56 Three men and a woman have been charged by gardai investigating organised prostitution, brothel-keeping and money laundering in Dublin. Man accused of hospital bomb scare had grievance with St James's and its CEO, court hears A security guard said the accused had a red-shaped box with a phone stuck on top and told him he had a bomb Christopher Ward (Pic: Paddy Cummins) Tom Tuite Mon 8 Sep 2025 at 21:05 A 57-year-old Co Laois man has pleaded not guilty to causing a bomb scare at St James's Hospital in Dublin. Gardai use strimmers and other equipment to search for the boy's body in an area near Donabate. Photo: Fergal Phillips Gardai have sealed off two new areas of interest in the search for a missing boy, who is presumed dead, on waste ground in north Dublin. A digger has been brought in and was being used to scrape the surface within one cordon while teams of gardai with handheld tools and strimmers worked within the second cordon. Womans skeleton found dumped near Cork railway line may have been exhumed in inheritance dispute Despite a lengthy garda investigation and a comparison of the DNA against the national DNA database, the OAPs identity remains a mystery Gardai outside Midleton, Co Cork, where partial skeletal remains were found on the new Midleton to Youghal Greenway in January 2021. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire Ralph Riegel Mon 8 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Gardai will make a public appeal in a bid to identify a woman whose skeleton was discovered by an old Cork railway line. Its better than any pub one of Irelands top TidyTowns teams on what the competition means to them, and how it could change From litter picking to the circular economy and biodiversity one towns team on how TidyTowns has evolved Westport TidyTowns volunteers Liam Campion and Mary T McDonnell on a litter pick around the town centre. Photo: Conor McKeown Eavan Murray Mon 8 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Winning TidyTowns has morphed from hanging baskets, litter picking and a lick of paint to a full of ecological and environmental bare-knuckle brawl. Hospital consultants signing up to Slaintecare public-only contracts can get 500,000 pension boost Removal of private practice from public hospital has been singled out a key reasons health insurance premiums are surging Hospital consultants who sign up for Slaintecare contracts are getting big salary rises Charlie Weston Mon 8 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Hospital consultants who sign up for Slaintecare contracts are getting big salary rises and a boost to their pensions of up to 500,000. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On Sept. 7, Chinese battery giant CATL held a product launch event in Munich, Germany, introducing its highest-level battery safety technology platform, NP3.0 (No Propagation 3.0), along with the debut of the Shenxing Pro, the first lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery to feature the new technology. Photo credit: CATL The unveiling responds to Europe's urgent demand for electrification and aims to accelerate the global transition to green mobility. No Propagation 3.0 CATL's NP3.0 platform achieves breakthroughs across chemistry, structural design, system design, and control strategies. It integrates eight core innovations: flame-retardant electrolyte, flame-retardant separator, nano-coating on cathode materials, cell safety devices, aerogel thermal insulation pads, fire-retardant coating, circuit stabilization control, and high-voltage active cooling systems. Photo credit: CATL According to the company, in extreme thermal runaway conditions, NP3.0 prevents heat from spreading between cells while maintaining vehicle high-voltage power supply and ensuring stable output for over an hour, allowing vehicles to safely exit and avoid emergencies. The system suppresses flames and smoke during failures, reducing secondary accident risks, and offers redundancy to meet the stringent requirements of L3/L4 intelligent driving for continuous, stable power supply. Shenxing Pro contributes to Europe's EV transition As Europe accelerates its electrification push, consumer concerns over affordability, range, durability, charging convenience, and safety remain. LFP batteries, known for safety and cost advantages, are increasingly chosen by European automakers as a strategic solution. The Shenxing Pro, built on NP3.0 and featuring CATL's new Wave cell design and Cell-to-Body integration, achieves a system efficiency of 76%, said the company. It delivers advances across safety, range, fast charging, and lifecycle performance, making it a compelling option for Europe's diverse new energy vehicle needs. NP3.0-powered Shenxing Pro Battery lineup Specifically, at the event, CATL introduced two variants of the Shenxing Pro battery: a long-life long-range version and a fast-charging version. The Shenxing Pro Super Long Life & Long Range Battery offers a WLTP range of 758 km and a record-breaking lifespan of 12 years or 1 million km for passenger vehicles. After 200,000 km, capacity degradation is limited to just 9%, boosting residual value and aligning with Europe's long-term leasing models. Photo credit: CATL On the other hand, the Shenxing Pro Super-Fast Charging Battery delivers a WLTP range of 683 km with peak 12C charging capability. It can recharge 478 km of range in just 10 minutes and, even at 20C, restores 20% to 80% of its capacity within 20 minutes. CATL claims it to be the fastest-charging LFP battery currently available in Europe, meeting cold-climate requirements for reliable performance. Strengthening European partnerships CATL has already partnered with more than 90% of Europe's mainstream automakers and operates major facilities in Germany and Hungary, with a third under construction in Spain. The launch of NP3.0 and the Shenxing Pro underscores the company's commitment to deepening collaboration with European OEMs and advancing the region's green transition. Fr Brendan Kilcoyne said he supports discriminatory immigration policies A priest has called for the introduction of discriminatory immigration policies in Ireland, claiming that the country is crammed and non-Christian migrants should not be allowed to move here. Fr Brendan Kilcoyne, who is a parish priest in Balla, Co Mayo, said immigration was being badly managed and the country was being crammed with people who had no sympathy for Irish culture. Fine Gael presidential candidate denies finding contract leak controversy funny in any wayIn big week for Aras race, Micheal Martin lobbies Fianna Fail dissidents for Jim GavinPatrick ODonovan played Hercule Poirot but didnt prove Simon Harris a leaker The revelation about Ms Humphreys in the former taoiseachs new book will be tricky for Fine Gael to handle as Tanaiste Simon Harris meets his TDs for a pre-Dail return think-in today. Mr Varadkar has also dragged up allegations by Culture Minister Patrick ODonovan that Mr Harris was leaking information from the Cabinet. The first day is the hardest Man celebrates 33 years free of drugs and alcohol at addiction recovery ceremony The ceremony honoured individuals who completed their addiction treatment at the Rutland Centre Michael Woods (61) with his medallion celebrating 33 years free of drugs and alcohol. Keith Kelly Mon 8 Sep 2025 at 06:30 A private award ceremony was held in Dublin yesterday to celebrate individuals who have completed their recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. 'People no longer wanted to be associated with the traditional, local way of speaking': Are Irish accents as we know them dying out? LATEST | Wildlife experts fear Asian hornet piggybacked to Ireland on ferry from Continent Asian Hornets: experts believe the insects arrived in Ireland from trucks, camper vans or even cars from northern France Ralph Riegel Mon 8 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Ireland is to review biosecurity measures at Irish ports amid fears the Asian hornet arrived here by piggybacking on trucks, camper vans or even cars from the Continent. When I got the diagnosis I was relieved student (15) with endometriosis working on Junk Kouture project to spread awareness Fifteen-year-old student who spent seven years suffering through symptoms without a diagnosis met the Health Minister last week Ella O'Riordan (15) from Carlow received an endometriosis diagnosis last May. Photo: Steve Humphreys Sarah O'Mahony Mon 8 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Ella ORiordan (15) first began experiencing endometriosis symptoms at the age of eight. Alexander Dukalskis: Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Uns show of dictator muscle in China keeps the world on edge Authoritarian rulers help each other out as they know they may need the favour returned North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian president Vladimir Putin walk with Chinese president Xi Jinping at a military parade in Beijing last week. Photo: KCNA Alexander Dukalskis Sun 7 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un stood together in Beijing last week observing a military parade and celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Fewer pupils coming through the gate is driving down class sizes in primary schools. Of course, if the Government does not resolve the current dispute with secretaries and caretakers over pension rights, theres a risk those classes could be empty for a while if schools have to close. The threat of closure arose from tasks usually undertaken every day by these vital staff going undone. School managers were warning administration was piling up on the office desk and rubbish was piling up in the school yard as the backroom staff were on strike. Thankfully, there was a breakthrough and the trade union Forsa has withdrawn strike action after an agreement was reached to engage in negotiations to resolve the dispute. These talks will cover comparable pension entitlements for school secretaries and caretakers, a pay framework for caretakers, access to bereavement leave, access to sick leave and acute illness protocols. Lets see how the talks proceed, but the progress certainly allays the concerns of parents that their children will be off school for an undetermined period of time just a few weeks into the new term. But back to whats happening inside the classroom, and a study by the Irish Independent shows average class sizes in primary schools have fallen to their lowest level in over a quarter of a century. The downward trend in enrolments in primary schools has resulted in the average class size dropping to 22.2 pupils per class down from 22.5 in 2023/24. The current average class size of 22.2 is the lowest in almost 30 years, with the figure peaking in 1998 at 25.6 pupils per class. The reduction is even more pronounced in schools in disadvantaged areas, where additional funding and resources have resulted in Deis schools recording an average class size of 20 pupils compared to non-Deis schools, where the average was 23.1 in 2024/25. School secretaries and caretakers have been on strike. Photo: Conor McCabe. All positive developments and the Government will point to a concerted effort over the years to recruit more teachers and target a reduction in class sizes across the board. Lower class sizes give teachers more time per pupil, increase focus and reduce disciplinary distractions all of which provide improved educational outcomes. But the reduction in the last year is largely down to demographics. The decrease was caused by 18,000 fewer pupils being enrolled in first-level education in the 2024/25 school year. The total number of mainstream pupils at primary level last year decreased by just over 3pc, to 529,062, with further decreases projected over the next few years. During the same academic year, the population rose by 78,300 and now stands at just about 5.5 million people. Yet the birth rate has dropped sharply over the last decade to reach its lowest level in over 60 years. Since the economic crash, the fertility rate has fallen. The impact of the housing crisis, the rise in the cost of living and the supply of childcare cannot be discounted as factors. The trends will ultimately result in Ireland going from having a young population to an ageing population, which will pose further policy challenges. The idea of a bounty 'is a throwback to the dark ages of animal bounty hunting in Ireland'. Stock image The proposal put forward at a local Kerry IFA meeting last week for the State to introduce a bounty on deer in Kerry is a crude and unhelpful intervention into what is a complex issue with no clear and obvious solutions. The idea of a bounty is a throwback to the dark ages of animal bounty hunting in Ireland. No one knows how many deer there are in the country as no survey has been carried out. One would think that this information would be a basic starting point in any strategy to reduce the numbers. As it is, we are already culling an enormous number of deer each year; over 78,000 culled in 2023, up 41pc from the previous year. The figure doesnt include deer illegally killed by poachers, nor does it include the number of deer killed on the extensive road network. There are alternatives to culling: the use of ultra-sound deer whistles; targeted relocation to low-density areas; fencing in strategic areas; further research and trials into the viability of using contraceptives, and a nationwide education programme to encourage drivers to slow down in areas with a large deer population. A suite of measures as above will not solve the problem entirely, but will undoubtedly reduce the hysteria that exists around this emotive issue. Gerry Boland, Keadue, Roscommon Fine Gael ban on vote for Independents a betrayal of our Republican values A republic is a country where government is by the people for the people. In this context, I find it beyond belief to learn that Fine Gael has directed its councillors to block Independents seeking a nomination to run for president. The people of Ireland are quite capable on deciding who would be most suitable to act on their behalf and selecting between candidates should not present an insurmountable barrier for the electorate. Patrick Murray, Farranboley, Dublin Wed all be calling Trump an autocrat if he did what Tanaiste just did Fine Gael leader Simon Harris insists his partys county councillors must frustrate the Independent presidential candidate nomination procedure as provided for in the Constitution. If US president Donald Trump did something similar, he would be called an autocrat or a dictator. It will be a travesty if all those same party leaders who so arrogantly foisted last years two failed referendums upon us effectively colluded to veto the county council pathway for nomination. Gearoid Duffy, Lee Road, Cork Without Bertie, we may not have peace in North, he would be worthy president I was saddened to hear of Berties exit from the race for the presidency. I grew up in the border town of Dundalk and witnessed the change the Troubles in the North brought to many border towns, with shopkeepers struggling to survive. Years of death and destruction prevailed until on the April 10, 1998, after what seemed like endless negotiations, the Good Friday Agreement was signed. Bertie Ahern was one of the key leaders in making the agreement happen. A dark cloud was lifted both north and south. Bertie did trojan work to bring this about and in my opinion, is a very worthy candidate. Anne Crilly, Clogherhead, Louth Doctors act of kindness a reminder of our duty to those who come to live here I was so touched by Laura Lynotts article on Friday, (Dont cry Pakistani doctor injured in racist Limerick attack went to aid of sobbing culprit). Ms Lynott tells the beautiful story about a Pakistani doctor who ended up comforting a man who just carried out a racist attack on him. Dr Asif Iqbal was on his way to University Hospital Limerick when he was assaulted by a man who punched him in the back and told him to go back home. When security guards at the hospital intervened and the assailant learned his victim was a doctor, he started to sob and said: Sorry, man. Dr Iqbal went to his aid, and seeing that he was cold, he gave him his jacket and told him not to cry. He told the Irish Independent: I am a doctor, I cant see someone in such distress and not try to comfort them. This act of kindness by the amazing Dr Iqbal should be a strong reminder to our Government to focus on ensuring that those who make their homes in Ireland are fully integrated into our communities and that no space is allowed for those who seek to sow division and hatred. John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Poor treatment of school secretaries a classic case of prioritising the powerful Your excellent editorial on Friday (September 5) said school secretaries provide a first-class service, and receive very much second-class treatment. With caretakers included, the number of staff involved is just under 3,000. Your newspaper also recently pointed out that the HSE has taken on an extra 4,000 middle managers at salaries of up to 92,000 per annum, plus full civil service pensions. So lack of finance is clearly not the issue. Rather, it is a matter of priorities, and as a working taxpayer of four decades I am thoroughly sick of seeing our governments constantly choosing to placate those with most muscle, and ignoring those who provide essential services. Gerry Kelly, Rathgar, Dublin 6 Pivot to Europe will lay groundwork for prosperity independent of US shocks Richard Curran is right that Irelands future growth lies more with Berlin than Boston (America First will force us to pivot from Boston to Berlin for our future growth, September 6). The US may remain a market for now, but its politics and tariffs reveal the fragility of over-dependence. The deeper lesson, however, is that trade alone will not secure us. Europes single market will be reshaped in the next decade by its twin imperatives: energy transition and defence integration. Both demand vast investment, and both will create new industrial centres of gravity. If Ireland chooses wisely, it can position itself not just as a hub for US tech multinationals but as a European leader in renewable energy, critical materials and digital regulation. The irony is that by pivoting to Europe, Ireland will not only reduce its exposure to US political shocks but may also find that its next wave of prosperity depends less on trade and more on its contribution to Europes strategic autonomy. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran, Armagh Ballynatray House was bought by James Dyson (inset) for 30m last year Hes one of the richest men in Britain and hes setting his expensive sights on Ireland, with a grand renovation on the cards. James Dyson, billionaire inventor and innovator, recently acquired a brand-new property for his international portfolio the 850-acre Ballynatray House in Co Waterford. The purchase reportedly ran north of 30m, with some pricey alterations to come as Dyson looks to restore the residence to its former 18th century splendour. The 78-year-old has already encountered some local opposition, with plans for an on-site helipad prompting an appeal to An Coimisiun Pleanala last summer. Dyson also owns major properties in the UK, France, Singapore, and the Carribean. Though usually a private individual who prefers to talk business, he has made some notable headlines over the years, including for his staunch support of Brexit. So, what are his plans for his new Irish stately home? And just how magnificent is this mansion? Ralph Riegel, Southern Correspondent with the Irish Independent, joins Fionnan Sheahan on The Indo Daily to discuss. A financial commitment for the Mallow Relief Road has been sought by a Cork TD in Budget 2026 to ensure the surge in housing development is matched with proper infrastructure. Labour Party TD for Cork North Central, Eoghan Kenny, has urged the government parties to commit to the Mallow Relief Road in the upcoming October Budget. A key priority for the proposed Mallow Relief Road is to ease the chronic traffic congestion that has blighted the town in recent years. The Mallow based TD said the town is experiencing a surge in housing development, but warned that new homes must be matched with proper infrastructure. I am absolutely in favour of new housing in Mallow. We are in the middle of a housing emergency and people need homes. But these new estates must be supported with good roads and safe pedestrian facilities. The Mallow Relief Road is vital for this. Deputy Kenny also reiterated the need for better public transport in towns like Mallow. In Europe, people in towns and villages take modern public transport for granted. Ireland is years behind. Mallow deserves that same investment not just promises, but action. The Cork TD said he is committed to working with all parties to secure delivery. This isnt about party politics its about doing right by Mallow. Ill work with anyone, on any side of the house, to make sure the relief road becomes a reality for our town. The huge increase in traffic congestion in Mallow has been a continuous source of frustration for business owners, residents and commuters in recent months as they seek solutions to the growing problems. The long awaited Mallow Relief Road which has suffered numerous setbacks over the years was allocated 700,000 from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for 2025. Paul Noonan, Mallow; Philip Withers, Banteer; Bert Og Hawe, Mallow; Denise Fallon, Mallow; John McSweeney, Watergrasshill and James Fouhy, Mitchelstown pictured at a special award ceremony in the Rochestown Park Hotel Cork to mark donors who have given 50 and 100 times. Picture. John Allen Two hundred blood and platelet donors were honoured at an awards ceremony in Rochestown on Friday. The donors, who come from all walks of life, were in attendance for the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) Awards ceremony in the Rochestown Park Hotel on September 5. Recipients were celebrated for reaching the incredible milestone of donating either 50 or 100 units of blood, which can take decades to achieve. The Chairperson of IBTS, Deirdre Anne Barr, presented the awards, while the honourable Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Margaret McDonnell, attended to congratulate the donors who had travelled from across Munster. Guest speaker Sean OLeary, from Kilcummin in Kerry, spoke movingly about how donated blood aided his recovery from injuries sustained from a serious road traffic accident. Mr OLeary received eight units of blood following the serious accident in July 2021, and he is confined to a wheelchair but continues to rebuild his life. The Kerry man reminded the audience that the ceremony is not only about presenting awards, but about recognising the extraordinary generosity, kindness, and selflessness shown by blood and platelet donors. Donor Services Manager, Julianne Kelly, emphasised the essential role of donors, saying: Regular donors are the backbone of the IBTS. Without you, we simply could not provide hospitals across the country with the blood that patients so urgently need. Your generosity and selflessness have helped thousands of people throughout Ireland, and together, you have saved countless lives, Ms Kelly said. Blood donation clinics are held in communities across Ireland, as well as at permanent clinics in Cork city and Dublin. Every week, the IBTS requires 3,000 units of blood to maintain a safe supply for patients in Irish hospitals. For more information, visit giveblood.ie. Cork Business Association (CBA) has called for urgent tax reforms, incentive schemes and a long-term housing strategy to tackle the housing crisis. The CBA has warned that Cork and Irelands housing shortage is stifling business growth and making it harder to attract and retain talent. At a recent CBA event in the Imperial Hotel, Removing the Barriers to Housing Supply A Solution-Based Approach, Government Spokesperson on Housing Seamus McGrath TD joined business and planning experts to discuss practical measures to boost supply. He was joined by Dave OBrien, President of the CBA and Head of Tax at Xeinadin, Clara ONeill, CBA and Total Planning Solutions, Dr Sean OLeary of the Irish Planning Institute, and Darragh OReilly of OReilly Precast. The CBA unveiled a new paper, Measures to Increase Housing Supply, which sets out proposals ranging from expanded tax incentives to planning reforms. Key recommendations include broadening the Living City Initiative, introducing an Apartment Living Initiative, broadening the qualifying criteria of the EIIS Scheme, extending Help-to-Buy to vacant and derelict homes, and reforming rental income tax. The group also called for amendments to the Croi Conaithe Cities Scheme to make it more workable for smaller developers, and for a sustained, evidence-based national housing strategy. Dave OBrien, President of the CBA, said the housing crisis isnt just a social issueits a business issue. The persistent shortage of housing, particularly within urban centres, has generated a detrimental knock-on effect for the business community. Companies report considerable difficulty in attracting and retaining a skilled workforce due to the scarcity and unaffordability of local housing options. We risk losing talent and the workforce needed to thrive. Mr OBrien continued: Our paper puts forward clear, evidence-based solutionsfrom tax reforms to planning supportsthat can have an immediate and tangible impact. Maintaining the status quo is simply unacceptable. Clara ONeil, Total Planning Solutions, said: Our recommendations outline specific measures which, if implemented, are projected to have a tangible and immediate effect on increasing housing supply in Cork city and across the nation. Planning reform was highlighted as critical at the recent CBA event. Dr Sean OLeary of the Irish Planning Institute said the rollout of the Planning and Development Act 2024 must deliver an evidence-led, properly resourced, and forward-looking system to avoid delays and support sustainable, higher-density communities. Planning must continue to focus on viable, plan-led development that supports density, sustainability, and vibrant communities. With the right planning reforms, Cork can unlock significant new housing supply in a way that is both efficient and future-proof. Darragh OReilly of OReilly Precast stated:. The capacity to deliver housing is directly linked to supply chain efficiency and innovation. We need policies and procurement processes that support innovation and scalability. With the right environment, industry can meet demand faster and more cost-effectively. Cork TD Michael McGrath said he recognised the urgent need to increase housing supply in Cork and across the country. While progress has been made, events like this are crucial in identifying where policy can adapt furtherwhether through tax reform, better use of existing schemes, or ensuring that initiatives like Croi Conaithe deliver at scale. Constructive input from organisations like the CBA helps us shape more effective housing policy, and I welcome the business communitys solutions-focused approach, he added. The CBA has called on the government to incorporate these measures into Budget 2026 and work in partnership with business, planning, and community stakeholders to deliver lasting solutions to Irelands housing shortage. Minister Liz Kimmins in relation to rail connectivity to the North West; L-R Garry Martin, Director for Economic Development, Information systems and Emergency Services (DCC); Paul Canning, Cathaoirleach (DCC); Karen Phillips Director of Environment and Regeneration DCSDC; Cllr Emma McGinley (DCSDC); Minister McKimmins; Cllr Sandra Duffy (DCSDC) and Alderman Derek Hussey. Donegal County Council has welcomed the decision to ring-fence 1m in 2025-26 for progressing the All-Island Rail Review proposals. Members of the North West Regional Development Group (NWRDG), a partnership of Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council, met with Northern Irelands Department for Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, in relation to rail connectivity to the North West. In what was described as a very constructive meeting, the NWRDG members highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration at a national and regional level to ensure that the recommendations of the All Island Strategic Rail Review to connect both Letterkenny and Derry to the existing rail network at Portadown were delivered. The group welcomed the Ministers announcement on August 26, 2025 to ring-fence 1m in 2025-26 for progressing the All-Island Rail Review proposals. The group also made the case for a review of rail links along the Atlantic Economic Corridor from Derry to Letterkenny, Sligo, Galway, Limerick and Cork. Gardai recovered a number of items at the scene PIC CREDIT: An Garda Siochana Gardai have arrested a man in a Galway town after responding to an incident involving a machete. Officers attended the scene of the incident in Ballinasloe this morning, September 8, at around 8.40am, following reports of a man allegedly in possession of a machete. After searching a car, An Garda Siochana recovered a number of items at the scene a machete, hatchet and knife, and arrested a man in connection with the incident. Sharing an image of the machete, a statement from An Garda Siochana read: An Garda Siochana responded to an incident in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, following reports of a male allegedly in possession of a machete. Gardai attended the scene and recovered a number of items. A male was arrested in connection with this incident and is currently detained at a Garda Station in Co. Galway under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act. Investigations are ongoing. Presidential hopeful issues statement ahead of his pitch to Kerry County Council today Gareth Sheridan and his wife Heidi at the official launch of his campaign last month. Photo: Getty Gareth Sheridan has issued a stinging attack against Fine Gael leader Simon Harris over his instruction to party councillors to block opposing candidates from seeking a nomination for the presidential election on October 24. Mr Sheridan said he is undeterred by Mr Harriss attempt to block him saying that Fine Gael Councillors are not allowed to think and act for themselves. He will make his presentation today at Kerry County Council (KCC), chaired by the Fine Gael Cathaoirleach Cllr Mike Foley. Mr Sheridan said regardless of what he or any other candidate has to say at the meeting, Mr Foley and his six party colleagues on KCC already have their minds made up. Mr Sheridan said Fine Gaels block is an unprecedented attack on the democratic process, the Constitution and local government. His full statement: Tanaiste Simon Harriss poor judgement has gifted Conor McGregor a platform to claim that the Government is blocking his divisive Presidential bid. One video posted from the gate of government buildings last Thursday, and Simon Harris overreacted and worse, over-reached in going against the spirit of our Constitution. In ordering his Fine Gael Councillors to oppose all Independent candidates seeking a nomination to contest next months Presidential election, as per clause 12.2.2 of the Constitution, McGregor, now has proof for his claims that Government is blocking him from any chance of getting on the ballot paper. As the only candidate who has been actively and successfully canvassing Councillors for the last year, I have never met one Councillor that has heard from Conor McGregor nor has he officially sought an invite from any of the thirty-one Councils. Also, there was a unanimous view from Councillors of all parties and none they would not support McGregor. Before I continue, I should state my support and sympathy for Simon Harris who is understandably distressed but obviously also distracted by the heinous threats made on social media against members of his family. In recent weeks the Tainaiste finds himself in a vicious vortex of negative public opinion which has wrongly transgressed in threats of violence against his loved ones. Fine Gael Councillors were never going to facilitate any independent candidate seeking a nomination but now they have been ordered by their party leader to actively vote against any possible candidate seeking a nomination from those Councils. So, lets look at the collateral damage caused by Simon Harriss undermining of Bunreacht na hEireann. Firstly, Ireland's legendary, greatest global humanitarian, Bob Geldof, who was attempting to seek a nomination via the Councils, surely the ballot paper would have been enhanced by Geldofs name on it, but Simon Harris has blocked him. Also, a late entrant Maria Steen, a traditional family values campaigner is denied the opportunity of making her case. Though I am pro-choice we should never try to silence outright the pro-life lobby in a true democracy. Nick Delehanty, who persistently attacks Government over how much it spends on IPAS centres, will now claim Fine Gael is running scared of any discussion on immigration. I oppose probably all of Nicks policies but again denying all discussion regarding immigration forces a tiny minority to protest and sadly I fear such protests have the potential to become more and more aggressive. The Harris diktat block is unprecedented, undemocratic and an affront to the Constitution and undermines the very foundations of our democracy by curbing the authority of local government and local councillors as set out in the Constitution. "If Simon Harris wishes to remove Article 12.2.2. which empowers Councillors, to nominate a limited number of candidates after judicious consideration of their character, calibre and capability, then he should put it to a referendum. Otherwise his blocking diktat is a move to usurp the pre-eminence of the Constitution. In the last three Presidential elections the local authority nomination route put forward 11 independent candidates on the ballot and this enriched and enhanced the democratic process to be decided by the will of the people in the ballot box. All those who value true democratic values should rail against this move which will have profound consequences and an electoral backlash way beyond its insult and attempt to silence councillors, dissent, new candidates and those outside the political establishment, especially younger candidates in their thirties such as myself. It will forever be remembered by students of politics and historians as the Harris gerrymander and undermine the authority and credibility of whoever is elected President on October 24th. Speaking to some Fine Gael Councillors regarding the blocking diktat, they are panicked that Fianna Fail wont join them in the block. Taoiseach Micheal Martin has upset many in his party by landing the parachute candidate, Jim Gavin, in on them without consultation. The Dail back-benches are angry at being ignored yet again but for the Leader to order the partys Councillors in the manner Fine Gael has is considered a step too far and goes against Taoiseach Michael Martins previous statement that there will be no "block". The final piece of collateral damage are the two candidates who will be on the ballot, Catherine Connolly and the current front runner Heather Humphries. I have spoken to hundreds of Councillors over the last three weeks and all have indicated that Heather Humphries is likely to campaign and poll well. But the block by Simon Harris will be damaging to her prospects as the Fine Gael block screams a lack of confidence in their candidate. Catherine Connolly, by her silence on the block is also collaterally damaged. As an independent candidate herself, Deputy Connollys track record of questioning anti-democratic actions abroad has been visibly absent when it happens here at home. Fianna Fail Councillor Mikey Sheehy and some well-known Kerry GAA heavyweights have given their strong support for presidential hopeful MEP Billy Kelleher who visited Tralee at the weekend. The Cork representative is locked in a two-way battle with former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin for the Fianna Fail nomination to contest the October 24 election to replace Michael D Higgins, Flanked by Kerry greats Darragh O Se, Mikey Sheehy senior, and Marc O Se, Mr Kelleher was taken on the canvass trail in Tralee by Cllr Sheehy which included a visit to Austin Stack Park and meeting with local community organisations. Cllr Sheehy posted on social media that he is delighted to back my good friend, Billy Kelleher, in his bid for the Fianna Fail nomination to contest the presidential race. Billy has been a rock of support to me over the years, on the campaign trail and beyond, and Ive been glad to return the favour, Cllr Sheehy said. Hes a true team player, always just a phone call away, and his work in Europe has delivered for communities right across Kerry. Cllr Sheehy also joked that even though Mr Kelleher is from County Cork, he will be giving him his full support. Now, I know hes from Cork (not forgiven easily!) but when it comes to looking after people, Billy has shown nothing but steadfast commitment. He will bring that same energy, accessibility and integrity if hes the Fianna Fail candidate, Cllr Sheehy said. Despite Jim Gavin being the preferred candidate of Taoiseach and Fianna Fail party leader Micheal Martin, Billy Kelleher is determined that people have an opportunity to express their own view in the sanctity of the ballot box. Mr Kelleher said it is important for Fianna Fail to have unhindered debate so people can express their views favourably, and can engage with colleagues on an equal basis. Ultimately, that they would collectively make a decision in the parliamentary party after hearing the expression of views of the candidates that will be presenting, Mr Kelleher said. Former Dragons Den entrepreneur, an anti-vaccination campaigner and the world famous ex UFC champion are the most notable names on list Former UFC champion Conor McGregor is among the 17 names to have sought a nomination from Wexford County Council (WCC) for the upcoming presidential election on October 24. McGregor (37) reiterated his desire to become President of Ireland in a video recorded outside government buildings last week and WCC has confirmed that he is one of the 17 independent candidates to have contacted its offices. Those names included former Met Eireann presenter Joanna Donnelly who has since withdrawn her application to seek a nomination. Elsewhere, the list features the former CEO of US-based company Nutriband, Gareth Sheridan (35), who has vowed to become a voice for the young people of Ireland should he be elected. Sheridan has gone on record as saying he has received the backing of Laois and Tipperary County Council, leaving him two short of the four councils required to get his name on the ballot paper. Potential candidates must receive the backing of four councils or 20 members of the Oireachteas to be officially ratified as a nominee. In order to receive the backing of a county council a candidate must receive a majority of votes from sitting councillors. However, the prospect of an independent candidate securing the backing of Wexford County Council, or any other local authority, has been made more difficult by Fine Gaels decision to instruct its councillors to vote against any independents. Fianna Fail has yet to make a decision on whether to block any independent candidates. If it follows Fine Gaels suit this would mean 16 of Wexfords 34 councillors would vote against any independent candidate seeking a nomination. But who are the other candidates? Peter Casey, pictured at Dublin Castle for the 2018 presidential election. Photo: Gerry Mooney Having finished second to Michael D. Higgins in 2018, Peter Casey is returning for another shot at the presidency this time around. Much of his success seven years ago was attributed to comments made regarding Irelands Traveller community and a case involving a family at a housing estate in co Tipperary. He ended up receiving 342,727 first preference votes or 23.3 pc of the votes. Also seeking a nomination is Dolores Cahill. A former professor at UCD, Ms Cahill came to prominence during the Covid-19 when she posted a series of videos denouncing restrictions imposed by the department of health and subsequently clashed with gardai when she was refused entry to a polling centre for not wearing a mask. Dolores Cahill Today's News in 90 seconds - 8th September 2025 Meanwhile, Nick Delehanty has said he has proposers and seconders in six to 10 councils. Stating that he doesnt believe in multiculturalism, Delehanty (35) has argued that the department of children has been completely decimated and used as a proxy to funnel billions of Euro in IPAS payments. Describing herself as a dedicated, humanitarian public figure, Sarah Louise Mulligan previously sought a presidential nomination in 2018 and is hoping WCC will support her campaign this time around. A pro-life campaigner, Ms Mulligan recorded a video at a protest in Ballymun in 2023 which she titled Ireland is Full. Sarah Louise Mulligan is seeking a nomination from Wexford County Council. Gerben Uunk is originally from The Netherlands but now resides in Co Limerick where last year he contested the mayoral election for the Animal Welfare Party. Donegal-native Keith McGrory has been involved in the construction sector for over 25 years and is the founder of Waterford-based company McGrory Homes. On a social media post he stated everyone will need to be on there (sic) best orders if I am in the Aras. Dominic Plant ran unsuccessfully in the general election in the Wicklow constituency in 2024 having previously contested the 2014 and 2024 local elections, also unsuccessfully. In his election manifesto he stated that housing remains a burning issue and the provision of more local jobs would prevent workers having to commute elsewhere. Ratoath woman Lorna McCormack is the founder of Wool in School which she says is an innovative educational initiative dedicated to integrating the fascinating world of wool into school curriculums. On the presidential campaign, Ms McCormack says she is running because she believes the Aras is the hearth of warmth, a gathering place for every voice in this Republic. Conor McGregor Also seeking a nomination is mathematics lecturer at Technological University of Dublin (TUD), Dr Cora Stack, who describes herself as a mathematician, academic, and writer with wide interests that extend far beyond numbers politics, music, culture, psychology, human rights, law, and the search for meaning in a complex world. Walter Ryan Purcell ran for Independent Ireland in the Cork North West constituency in last years General Election. He has previously worked as a tour operator, running Walters Way Tours, and is passionate about promoting Irish heritage. A further four candidates, Searlait Ni Chianain, Paudie O Duinnin, Billy O'Connell, and Gearoid Duffy, have submitted applications for a nomination to WCC. Candidates have until September 24 to submit their applications to the council. The full list of candidates hoping to receive a nomination from Wexford County Council is as follows: Sarah Louise Mulligan Keith McGrory Dominic Plant Billy OConnell Lorna McCormack Dr Cora Stack Gareth Sheridan Searlait Ni Chianain Paudie O Duinnin Nick Delehanty Walter Ryan Purcell Joanna Donnelly (since withdrawn) Conor McGregor Dolores Cahill Peter Casey Gerben Uunk Gearoid Duffy Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Concerns have been raised at Tanaiste Simon Harriss approach to the upcoming presidential election, after Fine Gael councillors were last week issued a diktat to block Independent candidates. An independent councillor in the Tanaistes home town of Greystones, Stephen Stokes, has criticised what he described as a dangerous effort to block independent candidates from reaching the ballot paper. "The presidency belongs to the people, not to the political establishment. By actively obstructing independent candidates, Simon Harris is undermining democracy and restricting the right of citizens to choose from a fair and open field. This is not about protecting institutions; its about protecting party interests - and the public can see through it." He warned that blocking independents risks alienating communities and weakening trust in politics. "This approach by Simon Harris and his party headquarters reminds me of authoritarian regimes who hate open elections. Perhaps a bit of desperation has set in. It's a terrible look for his leadership. Instead, he should trust his councillors to make a fair decision, which they are well capable of doing. I have worked alongside many of them. They are good, decent people." he added. Wicklow County Council are gearing up to hear presentations from prospective candidates seeking a nomination for the upcoming election. A meeting has been set for September 16 where 11 candidates are to make formal pitches to elected members of the local authority, seeking their support for a place on the ballot paper. The council will release details on who will attend the council chamber to make their presentation on Thursday. Ahead of that meeting Cllr Stokes has also criticised the priorities of Mr Harris. "The Tanaiste would serve the public far better by addressing urgent national issues - housing shortages, hospital waiting lists, and the rising cost of living. In the Greystones District there is a major shortage of school places and children in desperate need of special needs provision. These are the challenges that demand his full attention, not political manoeuvres to limit choice in a presidential election. The people deserve leadership focused on solutions, not control. "Why on earth is Simon Harris spending any time on other candidates in the presidential election? He needs to take a close look at himself and work out what is important to Irish people, not just political elites." Ahead of polling day on October 24, Cllr Stokes believes denying independent candidates a route to contest the presidency is to silence the voices of many people who do not feel represented by the party system. That is a dangerous precedent and deeply disrespectful to the electorate. he added. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme After an exciting year, which included the European premiere of The Summer I Howled, along with an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Latvia called LET IT OUT!, the youth theatre has promised it is heading into a very ambitious and exciting year and young people are now invited to become part of it. Mr Sands Youth Theatre meets every Wednesday during the academic year from September to June. The first session back will take place on September 17, from 7pm to 9pm at the Wolfe Tone Youth Club and Community Centre, Vevay Road, Bray. In this first session, the group will be playing drama games, welcoming newcomers, and making some exciting plans for the coming year. There will also be an opportunity for prospective members to ask the existing members questions and learn more about what the youth theatre does. Mr Sands Youth Theatre is open to all young people between the ages of 12 and 17, regardless of their experience with drama, and the first session for a prospective member is always free. There are three terms per year, of between eight and 12 sessions, and the cost is 80 per term. Remarking on their experience with Mr Sands Youth Theatre, some of the members said: I really enjoy being part of Mr Sands its such an amazing community and space to be a part of, and everyones super nice and welcoming. Getting to go on stage and do shows has really improved my confidence as well! (N, age 14) Each class is always so much fun because I get to see myself and my friends in their element enjoying themselves. (S, age 14) Zita Monahan McGowan, artistic director at Mr Sands Youth Theatre, explained what makes the youth theatre so magical. "I'm absolutely delighted to kick off this new term at Mr Sands Youth Theatre. There's something truly special about the energy, talent, and imagination that lives right here in our local young people. Expect bold stories, fresh perspectives, and a whole lot of heart as we create work thats rooted in community and built together." Mr Sands Youth Theatre formed in 2017, and operates an open door policy, welcoming any and all secondary school attendees. It is a space that allows young people to express themselves, make friends, and discover the joys of creating theatre. The group has explored many different artistic mediums and grown into a talented group of budding artists, having created original devised plays, audio dramas and films, and performed in the National Theatre Connections. Casey Hallahan, co-facilitator and managing director, remarked: Being part of Mr Sands Youth Theatre as a facilitator and director since 2021 has been a privilege and an honour. I am very excited for the year to come, especially since we always end up bringing in new members who bring a whole new energy to the group. We have built a wonderful collective of friends and artists, and its only going to get stronger year on year. The Fire Services Act was introduced in the aftermath of the Stardust tragedy, where 48 young people tragically lost their lives in Artane, Dublin in 1981. Section 26 obliges every fire authority to prepare a fire and emergency operations plan which outlines staffing levels, the number and location of appliances, operational arrangements, and the overall approach to fire safety within the confines of a county. It is designed to give transparency to the public, to provide protection and clarity to frontline firefighters, while allowing elected county councillors and the wider community to feed into the decisions that affect their safety. The final plan is a reserved function, which means it is decided by the elected councillors of the local authority. This means decisions about public safety are subject to democratic oversight rather than being imposed behind closed doors. Following a question from Cllr Dermot Daisy OBrien during the September monthly meeting of Wicklow County Council, director of services Marc Deveraux said they are awaiting further guidance from the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM). The Workplace Relations Commission agreement has led to changes, I think very good changes, in the Fire Service with increased numbers and a different way of payment too, which makes it easier for us. There is a question we have which we're waiting an answer from the NDFEM on how to go about a section 26 plan now that there is a new pay agreement and a new staffing agreement in place. Adding her voice to the conversation chief executive Emer OGorman made a commitment that a new plan will be published. I do think with the growth of Bray, the growth of Fassaroe and that surrounding area, we are moving more and more likely to a full-time service in that area. Not to pre-empt a plan or funding from NDFEM, but we are absolutely committed to it and as soon as we have the guidance, we will engage with members on it. In response Cllr OBrien highlighted the importance of getting the new plan adopted. There are opportunities in a section 26 plan and the opportunities are to look at the profiles, the organisation of the Fire Service, the station, the appliances, the equipment, training, development, procedures, fire prevention, community safety, all the stuff that we talk about, health and safety, welfare of the fire fighters, strategic objectives. I think all of that is a collective responsibility. And certainly, as an elected member who has a mandate from the community, I am comfortable and willing to get involved in fulfilling that mandate and that obligation to prepare a section 26. Separately Wicklow Sinn Fein TD John Brady has launched an attack on Minister James Browne, and on senior management within the Wicklow Fire Service, for their failure to provide any real record of the previous plan. Speaking on the issue, Deputy Brady expressed concern that nobody can tell if a plan currently exists for Wicklow and when it was last updated. It denies the public the chance to engage in consultation and denies councillors one of their very few reserved functions, the right to adopt or amend the Section 26 plan. That strips away accountability, transparency, and ultimately puts lives at risk. Deputy Brady went on to outline the consequences of the plan not being presented to elected representatives. The decision to reduce Bray Fire Station from a two-pump station to a one-pump station was imposed without councillors having a say, or indeed a vote to amend the plan. That was a drastic and unacceptable action, it is undemocratic, it is unsafe, and it highlights the dangers of ignoring the Section 26 process. The same applies to equipment. The hydraulic platform, which is critical for tackling high-rise fires, is stored in Wicklow Town. Yet the bulk of high-rise development and population are in Bray and Greystones, in the north of the county. If this plan had gone before councillors, I imagine it would have immediately challenged such an illogical and unsafe arrangement. The Wicklow TD criticised the Minister for his repeated refusal to take responsibility. I have raised this directly with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne through parliamentary questions, and his response has been to wash his hands of it. He claims it is not his responsibility, but that is simply untrue. Deputy Brady called for the plan to be published, and that it be put through the full public consultation process without further delay. Anything less is a betrayal of the communitys trust and of the brave firefighters who risk their lives to protect us. he added. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Dame Emma Thompsons daughter Gaia Wise has said she was very excited for them to star alongside one another in new action thriller The Dead Of Winter. The young actress is also daughter to actor Greg Wise, who married Dame Emma in 2003, several years after they met during filming for the 1995 period drama Sense And Sensibility. In the new film, directed by Brian Kirk and shot in Finland, Gaia plays a younger version of Dame Emmas character Barb, a woman, travelling alone through snowbound northern Minnesota who accidentally interrupts the kidnapping of a teenage girl. Reflecting on what it was like to work together, Gaia told the PA news agency at the films UK premiere: I was just very excited. I think I was also excited that we could be together for this amount of time, because I stayed in Finland the whole time we were filming. Because I was on call, it was like, if the weather didnt quite permit a scene they might call us in to do something, so it was always up in the air. But I just wanted to be there, not just to support her, but to be there for the whole thing, because I just wanted to sort of see it and see our character as well. Professionally, just watching somebody who Ive learned so much from do something quite alien was amazing and made me go, Okay. So this is possible. Dame Emma said she was shocked by how violently cold it was while filming for the movie, written by Nicholas Jacobson-Larson and Dalton Leeb, in Finland. She told PA: It always starts with a script, this brilliant script by these two Minnesotan writers, who based the story on all the women that they know in Minnesota. These incredibly tough, resilient, imaginative, resourceful, funny, witty women that they grew up with. So its a sort of new kind of hero. Its a female hero whos not some sort of special ops person, who has special skills. Shes just doing what she does, as it were, as a matter of course. She doesnt feel heroic. Shes just doing whats necessary. She added: I took a month to assimilate really, acclimatise to Finland because when I arrived it was -29 degrees. So it was really violently cold. The Dead Of Winter will be released on September 26. Departing leader says he held on to finish negotiations with US on tariffs Japans prime minister Shigeru Ishiba holds a press conference in Tokyo as he announces his resignation. Photo: Reuters Japans prime minister Shigeru Ishiba announced yesterday that he will resign, following growing calls from within his party to take responsibility for a historic defeat in Julys parliamentary election. Mr Ishiba, who took office in October, said he was stepping down as prime minister and as the head of his conservative Liberal Democratic Party. The 68-year-old centrist had resisted demands from opponents on the right of his own party to resign. He argued he wanted to avoid a political vacuum at a time when Japan faces key domestic and international challenges, including US tariffs, rising prices and growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr Ishiba explained at a news conference that he had intended for some time to take responsibility for his partys summer election loss, but was first determined to make progress in tariff negotiations with the US. He described it as matter of the national interest. Who would seriously negotiate with a government whose leader says he is stepping down? Mr Ishiba said. Having reached a milestone in the US tariff negotiations, I decided now is the time to make way for a successor He said the moment had arrived with an order by US president Donald Trump on Friday to lower tariffs on Japanese cars and other products from 25pc to 15pc. Having reached a milestone in the US tariff negotiations, I decided now is the time to make way for a successor, Mr Ishiba said. The resignation came one day before Mr Ishibas party was to decide whether to hold an early leadership election, which would have amounted to a virtual no-confidence motion against him if approved. He said he made the painful decision to resign to avert that step because it would cause a critical division within the party, and that is absolutely not my intention. Mr Ishiba said he would instead start a process to hold a party leadership vote to choose his replacement, which is expected to be held in October. He is to remain as prime minister until a new leader is elected and endorsed by the parliament. That his leadership lasted only one year underscores the instability of Japans minority government. A maverick who won the leadership at his fifth attempt, Mr Ishiba said he regretted he could not live up to voters expectations for change. As a result, I failed to go my own way, and I wonder how I could have done better, he said. He said he is not going to run in the next leadership race, even though he regrets leaving behind unfinished business, such as measures for salary increases, agricultural reforms and further strengthening Japans security. He asked his successor to tackle the issues he cherished. In July, Mr Ishibas ruling coalition failed to secure a majority in the 248-seat upper house in a crucial election, weakening his government. The loss followed a defeat in the more powerful lower house, where the party-led coalition lost its majority in October, only two weeks after Mr Ishiba took over. Liberal Democratic MPs who support the prime minister said those who lost seats were largely ultra-conservatives who were linked to corruption scandals before Mr Ishiba took office. The Liberal Democratic Party last week called for a complete overhaul following its losses Public polling showed that pressure on Mr Ishiba to resign had the reverse effect and caused his support to grow. Calls for Mr Ishiba to step down grew after the Liberal Democratic Party last week called for a complete overhaul of the party following its losses. Taro Aso, a conservative heavyweight known for his anti-Ishiba stance, and a minister and several deputy ministers in the Ishiba cabinet requested an early vote, prompting others to follow suit. Former health minister Norihisa Tamura said on a talk show of the public broadcaster NHK earlier yesterday that the best way to heal party divisions was for Mr Ishiba to settle the dispute. The party has already been distracted from necessary work on economic measures and on figuring out ways to gain opposition support in the next parliamentary session, Mr Tamura said. Possible candidates to replace Mr Ishiba include agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi, as well as ultra-conservative former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi and chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, a moderate and the protege of former prime minister Fumio Kishida. Mohamed Al-Fayed told Diana, Princess of Wales, he intended to sleep with her, former royal butler Paul Burrell has claimed. Al-Fayed is alleged to have told the late princess: I want you to marry my son because in Egyptian tradition, the father goes first. Im going to sleep with you. Your job here is not to fight one another, it is to fight this climate crisis, UN climate chief tells Cop30 in Brazil Russian drone attack kills four and hits key government building in capital Kyiv The strike on an official government building marks an escalation in Russias air campaign which has so far spared such buildings in the city centre Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko takes a selfie inside a headquarters building of the Ukrainian government damaged during Russian drone and missile strikes. Photo: via Reuters Holly Evans UK Independent Mon 8 Sep 2025 at 06:30 Russia launched its largest aerial attack since the beginning of the war, killing four people across the country and striking a key government building in Kyiv for the first time. South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung talks to reporters before an Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House on August 25 in Washington, DC. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty South Korea says it has completed talks with US officials aimed at repatriating its nationals detained while working at a construction site for South Korean carmaker Hyundai in the US state of Georgia. Incorporating a Healthcare Business in India: NABH Standards, FDI, and Compliance Explore how to incorporate a healthcare business in India with NABH accreditation, FDI rules, compliance, and regulatory insights for 2025. Indias healthcare market is scaling fast on the back of rising incomes, insurance penetration, digital public infrastructure, and chronic-disease demand. For foreign investors, global hospital chains, device manufacturers, diagnostics players, and digital-health start-ups, India offers liberal foreign direct investment (FDI) rules, large patient volumes, and a maturing quality ecosystem anchored by NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers) accreditation. The opportunity is compelling but execution hinges on early alignment with accreditation pathways, state licensing, clinical and data regulations, and FDI structuring. Starting a healthcare business: Why India, why now Scale + growth: Indias 1.4 billion population, rapid urbanization, and expanding private insurance underpin sustained demand in tertiary care, day-care surgery, diagnostics, home health, and digital models. Indias 1.4 billion population, rapid urbanization, and expanding private insurance underpin sustained demand in tertiary care, day-care surgery, diagnostics, home health, and digital models. Liberal FDI regime: Hospitals and medical devices sector permit up to 100 percent foreign ownership under the automatic route, enabling swift capital deployment and control; pharmaceuticals remain liberalized (100 percent in greenfield while it is 74 percent automatic in brownfield, beyond which will require government approval). Hospitals and medical devices sector permit up to 100 percent foreign ownership under the automatic route, enabling swift capital deployment and control; pharmaceuticals remain liberalized (100 percent in greenfield while it is 74 percent automatic in brownfield, beyond which will require government approval). Quality movement: NABH accreditation has become the markets quality shorthand for hospitals, day-care centers, and diagnostics; its 6th-edition standards (effective January 1, 2025) raise the bar on outcomes, safety, and digital processes, strengthening investor confidence and payer acceptance. NABH accreditation has become the markets quality shorthand for hospitals, day-care centers, and diagnostics; its 6th-edition standards (effective January 1, 2025) raise the bar on outcomes, safety, and digital processes, strengthening investor confidence and payer acceptance. Digital rails: Telemedicine is formally recognized via national Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (2020); ABDM (Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission) is mainstreaming digital health records and consent; the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023) now sets a new bar for patient-data handling. Healthcare FDI in India FDI Trends in Indias healthcare sector Sector FDI inflow Notes Hospitals and day-care centers INR 1270.8 billion (~US$1.5 billion) in FY 2023-24 Accounted for 50% of all healthcare FDI, up from 24% in FY 2020-21 and 43% in FY 2019-20. Pharmaceuticals INR 23,339.9 billion (~US$27.13 billion) from April 2000 to March 2025 Reflects cumulative sector investment over 25 years. Source: IBEF, Times of India Key insights: Hospitals drawing the lions share: Hospitals and day-care centers are increasingly attractive to foreign investors. With US$1.5 billion in FDI in FY 2023-24, they now constitute half of total healthcare FDI a significant jump from 24 percent just three years prior. Hospitals and day-care centers are increasingly attractive to foreign investors. With US$1.5 billion in FDI in FY 2023-24, they now constitute half of total healthcare FDI a significant jump from 24 percent just three years prior. Cumulative pharma sector investments are substantial: Pharmaceuticals have seen massive capital inflows over the past two decades, signaling investor confidence and sustained growth in this sub-sector. Pharmaceuticals have seen massive capital inflows over the past two decades, signaling investor confidence and sustained growth in this sub-sector. Rapid expansion in early 2010s: Per Niti Aayog, healthcare FDI grew dramatically from US$94 million in 2011 to US$1.275 billion in 2016, an over 13-fold increase, pointing to rising investor appetite and policy momentum. Implications for stakeholders: For global hospital chains and investors: The surge in hospital-related FDI presents prime opportunities for acquisitions, greenfield developments, and scaling high-quality multispecialty infrastructure. The surge in hospital-related FDI presents prime opportunities for acquisitions, greenfield developments, and scaling high-quality multispecialty infrastructure. For start-ups and digital health innovators: Hospitals are becoming central investment nodes, offering potential for tech-enabled models, insurance-linked care frameworks, and integrated diagnostics. Hospitals are becoming central investment nodes, offering potential for tech-enabled models, insurance-linked care frameworks, and integrated diagnostics. For pharmaceutical and medtech partners: Long-term capital flows and infrastructure hubs signal both manufacturing scale-up and regulated export readiness. Also read: An Overview of Indias Healthcare Ecosystem First decisions: entity, route, and model Ownership and FDI route Hospitals and diagnostics centers: Up to 100 percent FDI automatic greenfield or acquisition subject to sectoral laws and state approvals. Up to 100 percent FDI automatic greenfield or acquisition subject to sectoral laws and state approvals. Medical devices manufacturing: Up to 100 percent FDI automatic (carved out from pharma). Consider device parks and PLI schemes for capex support if applicable. Up to 100 percent FDI automatic (carved out from pharma). Consider device parks and PLI schemes for capex support if applicable. Pharmaceuticals: Greenfield 100 percent automatic; brownfield 74 percent automatic / >74 percent government route. This is relevant if you combine hospitals with in-house manufacturing or acquire legacy pharma assets. Greenfield 100 percent automatic; brownfield 74 percent automatic / >74 percent government route. This is relevant if you combine hospitals with in-house manufacturing or acquire legacy pharma assets. Insurance tie-ups: Budget 2025 announced intent to move insurance FDI to 100 percent (subject to conditions on domestic investment of premiums); watch for final notified rules if your model depends on captive insurance/joint venture (JV) design. Entity forms Wholly owned subsidiary (private limited): Preferred for control, capital raising, ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Preferred for control, capital raising, ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). JV: Useful for brownfield turnarounds, local brand access, and faster state clearances. Useful for brownfield turnarounds, local brand access, and faster state clearances. LLP: Possible for asset-light services but less common for hospital operating companies due to capital and investor preferences. Also read: Tax and Incentive Policies to Spur Investment in Indias Healthcare Sector DOING BUSINESS IN INDIA EXPLORE IN-DEPTH INVESTMENT AND BUSINESS GUIDES. Explore vital economic, geographic, and regulatory insights for business investors, managers, or expats to navigate Indias business landscape. Our Online Business Guides offer explainer articles, news, useful tools, and videos from on-the-ground advisors who contribute to the Doing Business in India knowledge. Start exploring Healthcare regulatory compliance in India: What you must plan for (by business model) A. Hospitals and day-care surgery centers NABH accreditation (6th edition) Why it matters: Payer contracts, medical tourism, clinician recruitment, patient trust. Payer contracts, medical tourism, clinician recruitment, patient trust. Whats new: Higher emphasis on outcomes measurement, safety culture, digitization, and governance. No new 5th-edition applications after December 31, 2024; plan your gap assessment and migration accordingly. Higher emphasis on outcomes measurement, safety culture, digitization, and governance. No new 5th-edition applications after December 31, 2024; plan your gap assessment and migration accordingly. Pathways: Entry-level certification (smaller units) full accreditation. Build in a 9 to 12 month operational readiness program (policies, audits, training, IT systems). State licensing and clinical establishments laws Indias Clinical Establishments (Registration & Regulation) Act, 2010 (CEA) is adopted/implemented in many states/UTs, while others use state-specific private hospital laws (e.g., West Bengal, Gujarat) with added obligations like transparent billing and time-bound approvals. Always validate the state-specific list, rules, and timelines during site selection. Cross-cutting compliance Biomedical waste management (environmental regulator consents), fire & building codes, AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board) approvals for radiology, blood bank/transfusion licenses if applicable, organ transplantation (THOTA or Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994) approvals for centers of excellence, and PCPNDT (Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act) for ultrasound units. Pricing and advertising NPPA/DPCO price controls may affect stents, implants, and select consumables; marketing must avoid claims restricted under the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act (Objectionable Advertisement). Workforce and foreign clinicians Credentialing must align to NMC (National Medical Commission) norms; foreign doctors need appropriate registration and visas. Implement robust privileging, CME (Continuing Medical Education), and credential audits to satisfy NABH governance clauses. B. Diagnostics and reference labs CEA/state lab rules + quality via NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) (preferred) and NABH program for smaller centers. Ensure sample transport SOPs, EQA/PT (External Quality Assessment/Proficiency Testing) participation, and LIS (Laboratory Information System) security controls meet audit trails and DPDP standards. C. Medical devices (manufacturing and supply chain) Up to 100 percent FDI permitted for medical device manufacturing; licensing under Medical Devices Rules, 2017 via CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation ) (Class AD). Consider device parks and logistics hubs near major hospital clusters for KAM (Key Account Management) and clinical evaluation studies. D. Digital health, telemedicine, and platforms Teleconsults must follow Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (2020): patient consent, RMP (Registered Medical Practitioner) identification, documentation, prescribing dos/donts, and escalation criteria. Integrate ABDM consent artefacts and DPDP privacy notices, data-retention and breach protocols. E-pharmacy rules remain in flux structure operations to comply with pharmacy licensing and avoid at-risk claim language until specific e-pharmacy regulations are notified (work with local counsel). NABH accreditation in India: What investors should know NABH accreditation in India covers a wide scope of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, small healthcare organizations, clinics, blood banks, imaging services, and emergency departments, with each category having dedicated programs. Investors planning multisite networks should refer to the NABH program list to ensure alignment with accreditation pathways. Governance under NABH requires boards to demonstrate oversight of quality, patient safety, infection control, sentinel event monitoring, and compliance with applicable laws. The 6th-edition NABH Standards also emphasize digital integration, making it important to invest early in electronic medical records (EMR), incident reporting systems, audit dashboards, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Additionally, procurement and material management systems must be structured with traceability for implants and consumables, ensuring compliance with both NABH requirements and price-control audits. Compliant building: Step-by-step incorporation and launch Choose structure and capital plan Private limited WOS or JV; align FDI inflow with FEMA/Companies Act filings, pricing guidelines, shareholder rights, and any put/call mechanics. Location diligence Zoning norms, hospital floor-area rules, fire exits/ramps, bed spacing, radiation-shielding feasibility. Pick states with clear CEA regimes or predictable private hospital rules. Licensing calendar Adopt parallel-path strategy for building/fire NOCs (No Objection Certificate), Pollution Control consents, AERB, blood bank (if any), biomedical waste authorization, pharmacy license, clinical establishment registration, and trade licenses. Quality program from Day 0 Appoint a Quality Head, Infection Control Committee, and set SOPs, audits, credentialing, incident reporting, and M&M meets (morbidity and mortality meetings) to be NABH-ready before opening. This is a strategic trust-builder with patients, regulators, and payers. Data protection and ABDM Draft privacy policies, purpose limitation, retention schedules, DPO (Data Protection Officer) role, consent logs, breach playbooks; if integrating with ABDM, align to health-ID and consent artefacts. Commercials and payer strategy Build tariffs with transparency; monitor NPPA (National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority)-controlled items; design package contracts with TPA (Third-Party Administrator) /insurers (and international patient flows) that reflect case-mix and LOS (Length of Stay) targets. Clinical governance Medical bylaws, privileging matrix, peer review, CME plan, antibiograms, antimicrobial stewardship, and safety walk-rounds. Risk and compliance watchlist (2025) State-level transparency and inspections are tightening. West Bengals amendment bill on billing transparency (The West Bengal Clinical Establishments (Registration, Regulation and Transparency) (Amendment) Bill, 2025), Keralas push to formalize inspection rules (following a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in July 2025, prompted by incidents of facility collapse at Kottayam Medical College and reports of severe equipment shortages Thiruvananthapuram Medical College). Healthcare investors in the Indian market should expect more oversight on pricing, grievance redressal, and facility safety. Bake transparency into your rev-cycle systems (Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) systems). West Bengals amendment bill on billing transparency (The West Bengal Clinical Establishments (Registration, Regulation and Transparency) (Amendment) Bill, 2025), Keralas push to formalize inspection rules (following a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in July 2025, prompted by incidents of facility collapse at Kottayam Medical College and reports of severe equipment shortages Thiruvananthapuram Medical College). Healthcare investors in the Indian market should expect more oversight on pricing, grievance redressal, and facility safety. Bake transparency into your rev-cycle systems (Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) systems). Insurance FDI changes. Track final notifications if partnering with or floating insurance ventures alongside provider networks. Track final notifications if partnering with or floating insurance ventures alongside provider networks. Data breaches. DPDP enforcement will test provider preparedness invest in IAM (Identity and Access Management), encryption, and incident response tabletop exercises. Capital strategies that work Brownfield turnarounds: Acquire under-performing assets, invest in clinical programs (oncology/cardiac/neuro), and fast-track to NABH 6th-edition to lift payer mix and ARPOB (Average Revenue Per Occupied Bed). Acquire under-performing assets, invest in clinical programs (oncology/cardiac/neuro), and fast-track to NABH 6th-edition to lift payer mix and ARPOB (Average Revenue Per Occupied Bed). Asset-light networks: Day-care surgery, dialysis, oncology day centers, and diagnostics hubs offer faster payback with smaller regulatory footprints (but maintain the same quality bar). Day-care surgery, dialysis, oncology day centers, and diagnostics hubs offer faster payback with smaller regulatory footprints (but maintain the same quality bar). Device-provider synergies: Devices players can anchor clinical evaluation, training labs, and service hubs inside hospital ecosystems while leveraging 100 percent FDI and Indias device parks. Devices players can anchor clinical evaluation, training labs, and service hubs inside hospital ecosystems while leveraging 100 percent FDI and Indias device parks. Digital front-doors: Tele-triage + care navigation + home health with compliant e-prescribing; integrate ABDM for portability and payer acceptance. Key Considerations for Healthcare Business Incorporation in India Step Decision point Key considerations Next action 1 Define business model Hospitals/Day-care Diagnostics Medical Devices Digital Health/Telemedicine Go to respective stream below 2A Hospitals / day-care 100% FDI automatic State licensing (CEA/state laws) NABH 6th ed design integration Fire, AERB, Biomedical Waste, Pharmacy/Blood Bank approvals Greenfield: Plan Entry-level Full NABH accreditation Brownfield: Due diligence, migration to 6th ed, quality upgrades 2B Diagnostics chain CEA/state rules NABL/NABH accreditation LIS & data security (DPDP Act) EQA/PT compliance Build compliance + apply for accreditation 2C Medical devices (manufacturing) 100% FDI automatic CDSCO licensing (Class AD) Device parks & logistics hubs Hospital tie-ups for evaluations Apply for CDSCO license, set up plant, partner with providers 2D Digital health / telemedicine 2020 Telemedicine Guidelines ABDM interoperability DPDP Act compliance E-pharmacy (pending regulation) Align platform with consent flows & data rules 3 Data and digital (all models) Draft privacy policy & notices Appoint DPO Role-based access & encryption Breach protocols Quality dashboards for NABH 6th ed Implement DPDP + ABDM compliance 4 Payer and commercial strategy Tariff transparency & billing SOPs NPPA price control monitoring TPA/insurer contracts International patient flows Structure packages & payer agreements Key tip: At every decision node, validate FDI route, state-specific licensing matrix, and NABH 6th ed readiness to avoid costly delays in commissioning or payer tie-ups. Healthcare business incorporation in India: Checklist + NABH roadmap (2025 Edition) Entry route and entity Confirm sector: Hospital / Day-care / Diagnostics / Devices / Digital Health Verify FDI cap and route (Automatic vs Govt) Finalize entity structure (Private Ltd / JV / LLP) File FEMA & Companies Act compliances Location and licensing Assess state laws: CEA vs state-specific private hospital acts Validate building/zoning/fire safety requirements Plan biomedical waste, AERB, blood bank (if applicable), pharmacy licenses Check state-specific obligations: billing transparency, inspection regime Quality and accreditation (NABH) Commit to NABH 6th edition standards (effective January 1, 2025) Choose pathway: Entry-level Full accreditation (for smaller units) Establish Quality Head, Infection Control Committee, M&M audits Digitize: EMR, audit dashboards, PROMs, incident reporting Data and digital compliance Draft privacy policy + consent templates (DPDP Act) Appoint Data Protection Officer (DPO) Implement encryption, role-based access, breach protocols Align systems with ABDM interoperability standards Payer and commercial strategy Review NPPA price controls (stents, implants, consumables) Set tariff transparency & billing SOPs Structure TPA/insurer contracts (case-mix, LOS targets) Evaluate international patient flows (medical tourism) NABH implementation roadmap Greenfield build Phase 1 Design and planning (0-6 months) Integrate NABH 6th ed standards into hospital design Draft SOPs for clinical governance & infection control Build IT stack for EMR & quality dashboards Phase 2 Pre-operations (6-12 months) Recruit & credential clinicians per NMC norms Train staff in quality, safety, and incident reporting Conduct internal mock audits & gap assessments Phase 3 Go-live and accreditation (12-18 months) Apply for NABH entry-level accreditation (if applicable) Submit documentation + compliance evidence Prepare for full accreditation survey within 12 months Brownfield acquisition / JV Phase 1 Due diligence (0-3 months) Audit existing NABH status (if any) Assess compliance gaps vs 6th edition Evaluate capex for safety, IT, and quality upgrades Phase 2 Stabilization (3-9 months) Standardize SOPs & credentialing processes Migrate to digital quality reporting & incident tracking Address deficiencies in infection control & governance Phase 3 Accreditation upgrade (9-15 months) Apply for migration from 5th ed to 6th ed (if existing) Conduct mock audits & external gap analysis Target NABH full accreditation for payer & tourism readiness Key tip: Treat NABH 6th edition as your operating system, not just a certificate. It drives patient trust, payer acceptance, and enterprise value uplift. FAQs on healthcare business incorporation in India (2025) Q1. What is NABH accreditation in India and why is it important? NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers) sets quality and patient safety standards for hospitals, clinics, etc. in India. Accreditation is crucial for gaining patient trust, securing insurer contracts, attracting medical tourism, and complying with the latest 6th-edition standards effective January 1, 2025. Q2. Can foreign companies own 100 percent of a hospital in India? Yes. India allows up to 100 percent FDI in hospitals and diagnostics under the automatic route, meaning no prior government approval is required. This makes it easier for foreign hospital chains and investors to set up or acquire healthcare facilities in India. Q3. What are the compliance requirements for starting a hospital in India? Hospitals must register under the Clinical Establishments Act (CEA) or state-specific laws, obtain fire and building NOCs, biomedical waste authorization, and approvals for radiology, blood banks, or organ transplantation (if applicable). To attract insurers and patients, NABH accreditation is strongly recommended. Q4. What are the FDI rules for medical devices in India? India permits 100 percent FDI in medical device manufacturing under the automatic route. Businesses must comply with the Medical Devices Rules, 2017 through licensing with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Device parks and incentives under Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes further support investment. Q5. Is telemedicine legal in India? Yes. The Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (2020) provide a legal framework for remote consultations. Registered Medical Practitioners must ensure patient consent, proper documentation, and compliance with prescribing rules. Startups must also align operations with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and Indias Data Protection Act (DPDP 2023). Q6. What are the best structures for incorporating a healthcare business in India? The most common forms are: Private Limited Company (Wholly Owned Subsidiary): Full control, preferred by foreign investors. Joint Venture (JV): Useful for partnerships and brownfield acquisitions. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): Suitable for asset-light healthcare services, though less common for hospitals. Q7. How can digital health and e-pharmacy businesses operate in India? Among others, digital health platforms must comply with CDSCO, Telemedicine Guidelines, ABDM standards, and DPDP data privacy laws. Indias e-pharmacy sector operates within the framework of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, further clarified through a 2015 Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) directive and the Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Rules, 2018. E-pharmacy regulations are pending, so companies should operate under valid pharmacy licenses while monitoring for updated rules and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulators. Operators must comply with IT and data privacy norms, ensure tamper-proof packaging, maintain detailed records, and avoid restricted drugs such as narcotics. Private Limited vs LLP vs OPC in India: Complete Guide for Foreign Investors Indias position as one of the worlds fastest-growing economies continues to attract global investors, multinational corporations, and entrepreneurs. Before entering the market, businesses must make a critical choice selecting the right corporate entity. Whether opting for a Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership, or One Person Company, this decision shapes compliance, fundraising, governance, and long-term scalability. India continues to attract global investors, multinational corporations, and entrepreneurial talent as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. But before capital can be deployed, products marketed, or teams hired, one foundational decision shapes the course of business operations: choosing the right corporate entity. The decision is not merely about compliance or paperwork; it influences fundraising options, governance structures, liability, brand credibility, taxation, and long-term scalability. In India, the three most common choices for businesses at an early stage are the Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), and One Person Company (OPC). Each offers distinct benefits and limitations, and each has evolved in response to Indias dynamic corporate and investment landscape. This article briefs business stakeholders and investors with a structured view of these entities, key differences, compliance obligations, and the strategic rationale behind why different types of firms whether local entrepreneurs or foreign-invested companies choose one over the other. 1. Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) features, compliance, and examples The core of Indias corporate landscape A Private Limited Company is a prevalent corporate form in India and is seen as a more common choice for businesses with serious growth ambitions. Governed by the Companies Act, 2013, it provides a balance of credibility, limited liability, and flexibility in raising capital. For international investors, entity choice is often the first step toward credibility in India. A Private Limited Company, in particular, signals strong governance, which can directly influence fundraising success and investor confidence. Neeraj Khatri Key features Ownership and structure: Requires a minimum of 2 shareholders and allows up to 200. Shareholding can include both Indian and foreign entities, subject to foreign direct investment (FDI) rules. Under Section 2(68) of the Companies Act, 2013, joint shareholders are treated as a single member for the purposes of calculating the membership limit. For instance, if a husband and wife jointly hold shares in a private company, they are counted as one member rather than two separate members. Management : Requires at least 2 directors, one of whom must be resident in India. A company may appoint more than 15 directors after passing a special resolution in general meeting (Section 149(1) of the Companies Act, 2013). : Requires at least 2 directors, one of whom must be resident in India. A company may appoint more than 15 directors after passing a special resolution in general meeting (Section 149(1) of the Companies Act, 2013). Fundraising : Can issue equity shares, preference shares, and offer employee stock options (ESOPs) making it highly attractive to venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE). : Can issue equity shares, preference shares, and offer employee stock options (ESOPs) making it highly attractive to venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE). Market perception: Enjoys high credibility with banks, investors, regulators, and clients. Compliance and obligations Must register with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and obtain a Corporate Identification Number (CIN). Statutory audit is mandatory, irrespective of revenue or profit. Requires annual general meetings, annual returns, and financial statement filings. Compliance costs for a private limited company is higher as compared to LLP or OPC. Compliance Costs for Private Limited Companies in India Operating as a private limited company in India entails ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements under the Companies Act, Income Tax Act, and other applicable laws. These include government filings, statutory audits, tax submissions, and various event-based filings that must be completed within prescribed deadlines. Key compliance obligations cover: Statutory audits to ensure financial accuracy and regulatory adherence. Tax filings, including income tax returns, TDS, and goods and services tax (GST) where applicable. Registrar of Companies (ROC) filings, such as annual returns and financial statements. Professional services from company secretaries, auditors, and tax consultants for advisory and execution support. Event-based filings, for changes in directorship, shareholding, or corporate structure. Maintenance of statutory records, registers, and minutes of meetings. The total compliance cost varies depending on company size, turnover, sector, and regulatory complexity. Smaller companies usually face lower compliance expenses, while larger enterprises or those in highly regulated sectors can incur significantly higher costs. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, such as daily fines for delayed filings, penalties for directors KYC lapses, and substantial fines for late income tax return submissions. Timely compliance not only avoids financial penalties but also strengthens business credibility and investor confidence. Who chooses this and why? Private Limited Companies are the go-to structure for high-growth start-ups, foreign subsidiaries, and established Indian businesses with aspirations to scale or raise institutional funding. Example: Google India Pvt Ltd and Amazon Seller Services Pvt Ltd operate in this form to align with Indias FDI requirements and because it supports structured investment. Example: Start-ups like Flipkart and Ola adopted Pvt Ltd early, enabling them to secure multiple rounds of venture funding. In practice, if an international company wants to establish a subsidiary in India, a Pvt Ltd is almost always the chosen structure due to its global compatibility and investor acceptance. Note: Examples of companies cited are for illustrative purposes; corporate structuring choices may vary. 2. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) flexibility and global use cases Flexibility with liability protection The Limited Liability Partnership, introduced under the LLP Act, 2008, combines features of partnerships with the protection of limited liability. It was designed to encourage entrepreneurship and professional services firms by offering flexibility in governance with lower compliance requirements than Pvt Ltd. Key features Ownership and structure : Requires at least 2 designated partners, one of whom must be resident in India. The term resident in India means a person who has stayed in India for a period of not less than 182 days during the financial year. There is no cap on the maximum number of partners. : Requires at least 2 designated partners, one of whom must be resident in India. The term resident in India means a person who has stayed in India for a period of not less than 182 days during the financial year. There is no cap on the maximum number of partners. Management : Internal rules are defined by the LLP Agreement and Indian LLP Act, 2008. Governance is more flexible to an extent, when compared to the Pvt Ltd model. : Internal rules are defined by the LLP Agreement and Indian LLP Act, 2008. Governance is more flexible to an extent, when compared to the Pvt Ltd model. In case of a foreign LLP, the central government may make rules for provisions in relation to establishment of place of business by foreign LLP within India and carrying on their business. Fundraising : Cannot issue shares; capital infusion must come from partners contributions or debt financing like bank loans or overdrafts. : Cannot issue shares; capital infusion must come from partners contributions or debt financing like bank loans or overdrafts. Market perception: Accepted for professional and service firms but less attractive to investors compared to Pvt Ltd company structure. LLPs are not eligible for equity funding through Venture Capital /Private Equity, which is why start-ups avoid them. Compliance and obligations Registered under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs like private or public companies, although with lighter obligations. Must file an annual Statement of Accounts and Solvency. Every LLP in India must prepare a Statement of Account and Solvency within six months from the end of the financial year Audit is only compulsory if turnover exceeds INR 40 million or if partners contributions exceed INR 2.5 million. Fewer reporting obligations compared to Pvt Ltd. Who chooses this and why? LLPs are most popular among professional services firms, consulting entities, boutique practices, and joint ventures that value flexibility but do not anticipate large-scale equity fundraising. Example: KPMG India Services LLP and EY LLP use this structure, as it matches global professional partnership governance while ensuring liability protection. Example: Smaller joint ventures between Indian firms and overseas partners often register as LLPs when the business is service-oriented and does not require institutional capital. For foreign companies in professional services, LLPs provide a balance between local compliance and operational flexibility. Note: Examples of companies cited are for illustrative purposes; corporate structuring choices may vary. 3. One Person Company (OPC) preference for solo entrepreneurs Empowering solo entrepreneurs Introduced by the Companies Act, 2013, the OPC was a response to Indias growing culture of solo entrepreneurs and independent professionals. It provides the benefits of limited liability to a single shareholder, while still allowing the business to function as a corporate entity. Only a natural person who is an Indian citizen, whether resident in India or not, is eligible to incorporate an OPC or act as its nominee. Foreign nationals and body corporates are not permitted to form OPCs. Key features Ownership and structure : A single shareholder owns the company, with a nominee required in case of incapacity. Only a natural person who is an Indian citizen whether resident in India or otherwise shall be eligible to act as a member and nominee of an OPC. Foreign persons cannot register an OPC. : A single shareholder owns the company, with a nominee required in case of incapacity. Only a natural person who is an Indian citizen whether resident in India or otherwise shall be eligible to act as a member and nominee of an OPC. Foreign persons cannot register an OPC. Management : The same person can be both shareholder and director. An individual can be a shareholder and a director of only one OPC. : The same person can be both shareholder and director. An individual can be a shareholder and a director of only one OPC. Fundraising : Limited cannot issue shares to multiple investors. : Limited cannot issue shares to multiple investors. Scalability: Earlier, an OPC was required to convert into a private or public company if its share capital exceeded INR 5 million or if its average annual turnover during the relevant period crossed INR 20 million. Following the Companies (Incorporation) Second Amendment Rules, 2021, this requirement has been removed. An OPC can now continue to operate as an OPC regardless of its share capital or turnover levels. Compliance and obligations Register under the MCA like Pvt Ltd. Must file annual returns and financials, but audits are only mandatory once certain thresholds are exceeded. Compliance burden is moderate less than Pvt Ltd but more structured than a sole proprietorship. Who chooses this and why? OPCs are ideal for consultants, freelancers, small exporters, or early-stage entrepreneurs who want liability protection and credibility but are not ready for multiple shareholders. Example: IT consultants and boutique creative firms often start as OPCs before converting to Pvt Ltd when they attract investors. While foreign firms cannot adopt OPCs, it is a steppingstone for many Indian entrepreneurs. Note: Examples of companies cited are for illustrative purposes; corporate structuring choices may vary. Entity comparison chart for starting a business in India Comparing at a Glance: Private Limited vs LLP vs One Person Company Feature Pvt Ltd Company LLP OPC Shareholders/Partners 2 200 2+ partners 1 Foreign ownership Allowed under FDI norms Allowed with restrictions Foreign persons cannot register Fundraising Equity shares, VC/PE friendly Debt/partner contribution only Limited single owner Compliance High Moderate Moderate Scalability High Moderate Low moderate Audit requirement Mandatory Conditional Conditional Strategic considerations for executives For C-suite executives, entity choice is not just about initial setup it is about aligning legal structure with growth strategy, capital requirements, investor relations, and governance. Investor-backed ventures: If external funding from VC/PE is anticipated, Pvt Ltd is the only viable choice. Investors will not engage with LLPs or OPCs. Service-oriented firms: Consulting practices, law firms, and global advisory businesses may lean toward LLPs for governance flexibility. Small-scale or solo operations: For individuals testing product-market fit, an OPC provides limited liability with simpler compliance, before converting to Pvt Ltd as the business matures. Entity selection in India determines the scale of your compliance obligations. A clear understanding of audit thresholds, FDI restrictions, and tax implications upfront can prevent costly restructuring later. Krishan Aggarwal Decision framework: Which structure fits your business? Executives can use a simple decision tree to decide: Will you raise venture capital or private equity? Yes Private Limited No Go to 2 Do you have multiple partners or plan a joint venture? Yes LLP (if lighter compliance is desired) No Go to 3 Are you a solo entrepreneur testing the market? Yes OPC (with option to convert later) No Private Limited for future scalability In practice: Global MNCs Private Limited Subsidiary International professional services firms LLP Local entrepreneurs / consultants OPC initially, upgrading later to Pvt Ltd DOING BUSINESS IN INDIA EXPLORE IN-DEPTH INVESTMENT AND BUSINESS GUIDES. Explore vital economic, geographic, and regulatory insights for business investors, managers, or expats to navigate Indias business landscape. Our Online Business Guides offer explainer articles, news, useful tools, and videos from on-the-ground advisors who contribute to the Doing Business in India knowledge. Start exploring The bottom line India offers diverse entry points for businesses, but the right structure depends on growth vision and funding strategy. Private Limited Companies dominate because they align with global investment norms and support rapid growth. LLPs appeal to firms valuing operational flexibility over fundraising potential. OPCs empower individual entrepreneurs, though they often transition to Pvt Ltd setups. For foreign investors, Private Limited Company remains the gold standard. For local entrepreneurs, OPCs and LLPs provide flexible pathways to eventually graduate into the mainstream Pvt Ltd ecosystem. The corporate entity structure you choose at the start will shape investor confidence, regulatory ease, and ultimately, the scalability of your India play. Frequently asked questions Q1. What is the most preferred business entity for foreign companies in India? A Private Limited Company is the most preferred structure as it allows foreign ownership under FDI rules, supports fundraising, and aligns with global norms. Q2. Can a foreign national set up an LLP in India? Yes, foreign nationals can become partners in an LLP, subject to FDI restrictions and having at least one resident partner in India. Q3. Is an OPC suitable for foreign investors? No, OPCs are only available to Indian citizens. They are designed for local solo entrepreneurs and small businesses. Q4. What are the compliance differences between Pvt Ltd and LLP in India? A Pvt Ltd requires mandatory audits, AGMs, and higher reporting, while LLPs have lighter compliance unless turnover exceeds thresholds. Q5. How do I choose between Pvt Ltd, LLP, and OPC? The choice depends on your funding needs, number of owners, and long-term growth vision. Pvt Ltd suits investor-backed ventures, LLPs fit professional firms, and OPCs suit solo founders. Still unsure which entity suits your business? Book a consultation with our India advisors or email us at India@dezshira.com Tax and Incentive Policies to Spur Investment in Indias Healthcare Sector Following the pandemic, India rolled out tax and other incentive policies and reforms to boost the overall capability and investment viability of its healthcare sector and the domestic manufacturing ecosystem linked to healthcare services. Consequently, Indias healthcare sector has advanced its scope of services and affordability when compared to other high performing markets. Among others, this has contributed to the growth of the Indian medical value travel market poised to reach US$13 billion by 2026. We look at some of the prominent tax and FDI policies and reform initiatives facilitating investment growth in the healthcare sector in India. Since healthcare is a public good, the Indian government is keen to attract foreign investment and know-how to improve the scope of medical facilities across the country, remove inequalities in accessibility to quality care and emergency services, and reduce import dependencies in critical areas like active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and medical devices. The governments digital health mission intends to deliver on targeted reforms, monitor for early disease detection, and reduce scope for unauthorized doctors treating patients, and is among flagship programs for the healthcare sector. Further, as the focus on health and wellness gains prominence worldwide, it has generated interest in alternative systems of medicine and thus potential for investment and research. The government is keen to capitalize on this trend and has put in place a facilitative policy framework under the Ministry of AYUSH. We look at the policies promoting the growth and development of the healthcare sector in India in this article. Relevant tax policies Tax holiday The government has provided a tax holiday for private healthcare providers operating 50-bedded (or more) hospitals in non-metropolitan areas, under section 80-IB of the Income-tax Act, 1961. The deduction under this section is available to an assessee whose gross total income includes any profits and gains derived from the business of, among other undertakings, operating and maintaining a hospital located anywhere in India other than the excluded area. Section 80-IB benefits have been extended to new hospitals with 100 beds or more, which are established in rural areas; these hospitals will benefit from 100 percent deduction on profits for five years. A 250 percent deduction is available for approved expenditure on operating technology that facilitates telemedicine services and remote radiology. Domestically manufactured medical technology products have a 15-year income tax exemption. Goods and services tax (GST) regime Healthcare education (professional) and training services are exempt from GST in India. Other GST exemptions for the healthcare sector cover healthcare services by a clinical establishment, or an authorized medical practitioner, or paramedics; services provided by veterinary doctors; blood banks; ambulance services; medical tests; and biomedical waste. However, as of July 18, 2022, GST at the rate of five percent will be levied on non-ICU hospital rooms charging rent above INR 5,000 per day. Foreign direct investment (FDI) regime India permits up to 100 percent FDI under the automatic route in the hospitals segment and medical device manufacturing, which means foreign investors do not require approvals from the Government of India for investment in these areas. In the pharmaceuticals industry, FDI is allowed under the automatic route for up to 100 percent in greenfield projects and 74 percent in brownfield projects. In the AYUSH sector, 100 percent FDI is permitted under the automatic route for the wellness and medical tourism segment. AYUSH refers to the Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy systems of alternative medicine. National policies impacting the healthcare sector National Health Policy, 2017 The National Health Policy emphasizes greater investment in preventative and primary healthcare, access to and financial protection at the secondary and tertiary care levels, as well as the provision of free drugs, diagnostics, and emergency care services at all public hospitals. Further, the Policy envisages private sector collaboration, including the use of financial and non-financial incentives to encourage participation. Importantly, the Policy aims to increase government spending on healthcare to 2.5 percent of the GDP by 2025. In Union Budget 2022-23, the government has allocated INR 862.01 billion for the health ministry. Capital expenditure planned under the Department of Health and Family Welfare has increased multi-fold from INR 25.08 billion in FY 2020-21 to INR 56.32 billion for FY 2022-23. As per findings from the Economic Survey 2021-22, the pandemic pushed Indias health expenditure to 2.1 percent of the GDP for the first time. Ayushman Bharat It is imperative that adequate investments be made to strengthen Indias primary healthcare delivery systems to boost the countrys preparedness, such as during public health emergencies. Under Ayushman Bharat, the government intends to set up a network of health and wellness centers (HWCs) at the primary care level to promote good health and detect diseases early. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is another pillar of Ayushman Bharat a non-contributory government sponsored health insurance scheme that enables access to inpatient healthcare for poor and vulnerable families in secondary and tertiary facilities. 500 million beneficiaries come under this scheme with annual hospitalization coverage up to INR 500,000 per family. Drugs and diagnostics are also provided free of cost to eligible beneficiaries at HWCs under the PM-JAY scheme. Human resource development The National Medical Commission Act 2019 has replaced the Medical Council of India and includes a provision for a Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) that will rate institutions on the quality of education and training imparted. The government seeks to implement similar reforms in nursing, dentistry, and allied health fields. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) Launched in September 2021, it seeks to set up a national digital health ecosystem. The mission hopes to establish registries at appropriate levels to provide accurate and consolidated data on clinical establishments, healthcare professionals, health workers, drugs, and pharmacies. Moreover, digital prescriptions can prevent unauthorized medical professionals from prescribing medication to patients. The ABDM also intends to create a unique health ID for every individual, which would enable the tracking of patient case history, including diagnostic tests and reports, etc. Cumulatively, the ABDM initiatives can ensure that qualified professionals get uniform, transparent, and systematized access to information, which in turn will improve the delivery of patient care, both in physical healthcare establishments and remotely via telemedicine platforms. As of July 28, 2022, 50 digital health services and applications have integrated with the ABDM. The ABDM has also expanded its partners ecosystem to 20 government and 32 private digital health applications. ABDM integration is achieved through the ABDM Sandbox (a digital space for experimentation created for testing integration processes before the digital health product is made live for the actual use). Any digital health service provider/ developer can register on the ABDM Sandbox by following a pre-defined process of integrating and validating their software systems with ABDM APIs. Currently, 919 public and private sector integrators have enrolled under the ABDM Sandbox to integrate and validate their software solutions under the scheme. Sector-wise enabling policies Hospitals and infrastructure Scheme for Financial Support to PPPs in Infrastructure: Introduced in 2006, the scheme supports economically justified but commercially unviable infrastructure projects, to supplement resources for bridging unmet infrastructure needs, and to encourage public-private-partnerships (PPP) in infrastructure projects. Under this scheme, 64 projects have been approved with a total project cost of INR 342.28 billion and viability gap funding (VGF) of INR 56.39 billion. A sum of INR 21 billion has been allocated for VGF in social infrastructure projects till 2024-25, split into two sub-schemes, as per the Niti Aayog. The first sub-scheme is for a broad range of social sectors, such as wastewater treatment, water supply, solid waste management, health, and education. Eligible projects are those with financing challenges and insufficient revenue streams to recover capital costs. The Central Government can provide a maximum of 30 percent of capital cost as VGF with the State Government/Sponsoring Central Ministry/Statutory Entity providing an equivalent additional amount (up to 30 percent of the capital cost). The second sub-scheme is for pilot projects in the health and education sectors that suffer from insufficient revenue streams to recover operational costs fully, in addition to capital costs. The Central Government will provide a maximum of 40 percent of the capital cost of such projects. In addition, it could provide a maximum of 25 percent of the operational costs of the project during the first five years of commercial operations. The State Government can also provide an equivalent amount at a maximum of 40 percent of capital cost and 25 percent of operational costs for the first five years. Health insurance FDI relaxation: The Insurance (Amendment) Act of 2021 increased the FDI cap for the insurance sector from 49 percent to 74 percent. For intermediary services like insurance brokers, re-insurance brokers, insurance consultants, corporate agents, third party administrators, surveyors, and loss assessors 100 percent FDI under the automatic route has been permitted since 2020. Relaxation of approval norms for some products: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has extended the Use and File procedure for all health insurance products. This means that insurers can sell innovative and customized products after filing with the regulator and taking advantage of changes in market dynamics, instead of waiting for approvals. However, it will necessitate a robust product development, pricing, and policyholder protections regime by the insurance company board. The Project Management Committee (PMC) of the insurance provider must ensure compliance to the policy of the board while giving approval to new products or signing off on the modification of existing products. Insurance companies must file the proposed name of the product, date of approval by PMC, and obtain the Unique Identification Number (UIN). Thereafter, they must file the product along with documents specified in the Consolidated Guidelines on Product Filing in Health Insurance Business, which were published July 22, 2020 with the IRDAI within seven days of launching that product. Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology Reforms: These include constituting a committee to facilitate inter-ministerial coordination, integration of portals of different departments into a single online platform for tracking the application status, and the delegation of reviewing powers to institutional committees. New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019: Approvals will be granted (or provisionally granted) within highly competitive timelines. New drugs approved for use in specified developed markets will be automatically permitted in India if the global drug trials had included Indian patients. The Rules contain safeguard mechanisms to ensure adherence to due protocols and accountability by clinical trial sponsors and investigators. The government also seeks to promote India as a clinical trial hub and set up animal-testing and biocompatibility testing laboratories. Production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes: Multiple schemes to boost manufacturing for domestic use and exports have been launched under the PLI umbrella. Initiatives for biotechnology segment: For strengthening Indias biotechnology capabilities, the government has set up the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Bio-NEST, and BioTech Science Clusters. BIRAC is established as a not-for-profit section 8, Schedule B, public sector enterprise, by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) as an interface agency to strengthen and empower emerging biotech enterprises to undertake strategic research and innovation and address nationally relevant product development needs. The development of Indias first indigenously developed DNA vaccine candidate against COVID-19, ZyCoV-D, was supported by the National Biopharma Mission under the aegis of BIRAC and the DBT. Bio-NEST provides incubation space to start-ups and entrepreneurs and connects industry with academia. Four bio-clusters have been set up at Faridabad, Bangalore, Kalyani, and Pune to catalyze R&D and entrepreneurship. Support for indigenous vaccine development and testing: Ind-CEPI mission aims to achieve epidemic preparedness through rapid vaccine development through a dedicated Program Management Unit (PMU) at the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). The Ind-CEPI Mission was approved on March 27, 2019 with a total cost INR 3.129 billion under the supervision of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology. COVID Suraksha Mission: Has a financial outlay of INR 9 billion. Medical devices, equipment, and diagnostics Medical Devices Rules (MDR), 2017: Coming into force January 2018, the MDR, 2017 expanded Indias previous regulatory coverage of only 15 categories of devices and aligned with international best practices. Under MDR 2017, devices are classified and regulated as per their risk profile. To ensure compliance with the highest quality standards and establish credentials of manufacturers, the Rules implement a registration regime that is to be followed up by an application for license with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO. The process of applying for a manufacturing license is streamlined through an online electronic platform. Regulators intend for the medical device manufacturing ecosystem in India to be quality driven, performance-oriented, safe, and transparent. The government amended the definition of medical devices in 2020 and inserted Chapter III A in the MDR, 2017 through the Medical Devices (Amendment) Rules, 2020 which came into effect in April that year. Finally, as per industry analysts, the Rules make ISO 13485 (quality management system) a pre-condition for registration, thereby ensuring Indian medical device makers are globally competitive. National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL): This has been implemented to improve the availability of quality diagnostics across health facilities in India. The NEDL also aims to bridge the existing regulatory systems gaps which may miss coverage of certain medical devices and in-vitro diagnostic devices (IVD). The essential diagnostics list (EDL) published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) is a reference point for the NEDL. Manufacturing ecosystem cluster development: Medical device parks are being developed around five device manufacturing clusters in India. These parks will provide all the essential infrastructure, allowing companies to plug and play. In 2019, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala were given the green light to establish new medical devices parks. The Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) has nurtured institutions like the Kalam Institute of Health Technology, Indian Biomedical Skill Consortium, Medivalley, and Biovally Incubation Council, which provide support for policy initiatives as well as consultancy on healthcare projects in the country, as per the Niti Aayog. PLI Scheme: A PLI scheme for manufacturing of medical devices in four identified categories has been announced as well as a scheme for the promotion of medical devices parks. Quick glance: PLI schemes relevant to Indias healthcare sector Medical value travel (MVT) Accreditation regime: India has about 40 Joint Commission International (JCI)-accredited hospitals and 1400+ National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)-accredited hospitals. Clinical outcomes in Indias leading hospitals are at par with internationally recognized facilities. India also has a large pool of highly qualified doctors and paramedics who have fluency in English. e-Visa: The government has introduced a medical visa and medical attendant visa regime with e-visas offered to 150+ countries within 24-48 hours. Ayurveda treatment has also been included in the medical visa category. The medical visa and medical attendant visa allow multiple entries and long-term stay. FDI: 100 percent FDI is permitted in the wellness and medical tourism segment under AYUSH. Regulating alternative medicine: The Ministry of AYUSH has directed state governments to implement the guidelines for accreditation of Ayurveda and Panchkarma Centers, so they can fulfil their potential for AYUSH-related therapies for chronic diseases. Policy lessons for India from Asian healthcare majors There are many valuable lessons for India from other Asian countries that have successfully established themselves as an investment hub in the healthcare sector: What happened in Georgia Illegal immigrant hides from ICE for 6 hours during the Hyundai raid in Georgia.. Make her famous. pic.twitter.com/7IdBTn0XYj American AF (@iAnonPatriot) September 7, 2025 The plant and its significance Visa questions and legal issues I would say that they were illegal aliens and ICE was just doing its job. But I know nothing about it so. - Trump on Hyundai Georgia Plant Raid Good to know the President has no idea what is going on. pic.twitter.com/OCkj9dnyep Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) September 5, 2025 Impact on investments What lies ahead A major US immigration raid at Hyundai and LGs $4.3 billion battery plant project in Georgia has left nearly 500 workers detained, many of them South Korean nationals. The incident has alarmed lawmakers and investors in Seoul, prompting the government to arrange a chartered flight to repatriate its citizens.On Thursday, federal immigration officers carried out the largest raid on a single site under President Donald Trumps current term. The operation targeted the construction site of the HyundaiLG battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia. Around 475 workers were detained, with officials describing it as part of a nationwide immigration crackdown.Footage released by authorities showed South Korean workers in handcuffs and ankle chains being led onto buses bound for an immigration processing center. Witnesses said construction at the 2,900-acre site came to a sudden halt.The raid caught South Korean officials by surprise and quickly made front-page news in Seoul. Local media questioned the timing of the crackdown, pointing out that South Korean firms have pledged significant investments in the United States.The Georgia site is a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution. Worth $4.3 billion, the plant is expected to begin operations in 2026 and produce enough batteries for 300,000 electric vehicles per year. It is projected to create thousands of jobs and has been a central part of South Koreas investment strategy in the US.LG Energy Solution stated that the companys initial timeline for production has not changed. However, experts caution that the raid may lead to delays and additional costs. It is also unfavourable for the US, as it suggests that foreign investments and their implementation will be substantially delayed, said Kim Yang-hee, professor of economics at Daegu University.The legal status of the detained workers remains under investigation. LG confirmed that dozens of its own staff and about 250 contractor employees were among those detained but declined to disclose their visa categories.According to US attorney Yum Seung-yul, most of the workers were likely using ESTA or B-1 visas, which permit only business visits, not manual labour. For construction work, H-1B visas are required, but approvals have slowed significantly. Experts say other foreign companies may have relied on similar visa arrangements.Analysts warn that the raid could deter South Korean companies from sending staff to the United States. Companies will now send only essential workers while suspending other trips, said Kim Dae-jong, professor at Sejong University. The added difficulty in securing appropriate visas could slow down decision-making and investment plans.The incident also highlights the tension between US efforts to attract foreign investment and its strict immigration enforcement policies. As one South Korean newspaper questioned: Launching a massive crackdown while urging invest is this how you treat an ally?Seoul confirmed that an agreement has been reached to repatriate the detained South Korean workers. A chartered flight will bring them home once paperwork is complete. However, workers who choose to challenge their detention in US immigration court may remain in custody.The raid has raised questions about the future of Korean-led projects in the United States and whether bureaucratic hurdles will discourage further investments. For now, construction at the HyundaiLG plant has paused, and both governments are working to resolve the fallout. The fatal attack on the Charlotte train Who was the accused? Trumps reaction raises questions Social media reactions In Charlotte, 34yo homeless ex-con Decarlos Brown Jr brutally stabbed 23yo Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on Aug 22. Shockingly, Trump learns about it only today. Where were the Marines to protect her? And wheres Melania when justice for women is needed? pic.twitter.com/8Bfnci8ZLq Manni (@ThadhaniManish_) September 8, 2025 President Donald Trump just heard about urder of Iryna Zarutska on the train, thats how quiet the mainstream media is keeping it since it was a white woman and a black man who did it named Decarlos Brown Jr. Charlotte, North Carolina failed this Ukrainian refugee. pic.twitter.com/goyP0HpEB7 Sputnik (@VasBroughtToX) September 8, 2025 Trump's tough talk means nothing when women like Iryna Zarutska are murdered on public transit. His security policies failed where it mattered most, protecting innocent lives. Deepak kumar (@DeepakRPSingh) September 8, 2025 A broader debate A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, was stabbed to death on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22. The attack, carried out by 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr, a man with a long criminal record, has stirred debate over safety, justice, and political accountability in the United States.Zarutska had boarded the Lynx Blue Line at 9:46 PM, still dressed in her pizzeria uniform after finishing work. Surveillance footage later released by Charlotte Area Transit System shows her scrolling through her phone. Brown, seated just behind her, stood up minutes later, pulled out a folding knife, and stabbed her three times, at least once in the neck. He then calmly walked away and exited at the next stop.The young woman had fled Ukraines war only weeks earlier, seeking safety in America. Her final moments were caught on camera, underscoring the brutal nature of the attack.Court records reveal Browns extensive criminal history. Since 2011, he had been arrested multiple times for larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and communicating threats. He had served a five-year prison sentence for armed robbery.In January this year, he was again arrested after misusing 911 during what police described as a bizarre welfare call. An affidavit noted Browns claim that a man-made material inside his body was controlling his actions. Despite such a history, he was back on the streets by August, leading to questions over system failures that allowed him freedom despite repeated criminal behavior.On September 7, President Donald Trump was asked in Maryland about the incident. His response was brief:The comment, captured on video, quickly circulated on social media, drawing sharp criticism.For many, the Presidents delayed and limited acknowledgment of the case raised questions about leadership and responsibility, particularly as Zarutskas death symbolized both the hopes and vulnerabilities of refugees seeking safety in the United States.The incident has drawn widespread reaction online. One user wrote, In Charlotte, 34yo homeless ex-con Decarlos Brown Jr brutally stabbed 23yo Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on Aug 22. Shockingly, Trump learns about it only today. Where were the Marines to protect her? And wheres Melania when justice for women is needed?Another user argued, President Donald Trump just heard about the murder of Iryna Zarutska on the train, thats how quiet the mainstream media is keeping it since it was a white woman and a black man who did it named Decarlos Brown Jr. Charlotte, North Carolina failed this Ukrainian refugee.A third comment said, Trumps tough talk means nothing when women like Iryna Zarutska are murdered on public transit. His security policies failed where it mattered most, protecting innocent lives.The case of Iryna Zarutska has now become part of a larger discussion about public safety, refugee protection, and the effectiveness of political leadership. For many, the tragedy is not only about a violent act but about whether enough is being done to prevent such attacks in the first place. Teresa Stokes was the Magistrate Judge who released career criminal Decarlos Brown. He then murdered Iryna Zarutska. Requirements to be a Magistrate Judge: 1. A 4 year college degree. 2. A 2 year college degree + 4 years of relevant work experience. Thats it. Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/QbupLqJOgD C3 (@C_3C_3) September 7, 2025 Ukrainian refugee fatally stabbed in random train attack: What happened? Should Decarlos Brown Jr. receive the death penalty? pic.twitter.com/9nhgcfVdTS Dr. Maalouf (@realMaalouf) September 6, 2025 DeCarlos Brown Jr. claimed he was controlled by a 'man-made substance' ( Image credit : Decarlos Brown Jr. | Credit: X | @bennyjohnson ) Judge who released murder suspect linked to local treatment facility? Did she have a personal motive behind it? ( Image credit : Judge who released murder suspect linked to local treatment facility | Credit: X | @rightanglenews ) Know what happened in January 2025: Troubling signs before the tragedy ( Image credit : Iryna Zarutskas killing: Is judicial oversight to blame? X post reveals magistrate Teresa Stokes' link to suspect DeCarlos Brown Jr. | Credit: X | @OcrazioCornPop ) Netizens share their own conspiracy theories in the comment section ( Image credit : Netizens share their own conspiracy theories in the comment section | Credit: X | @rightanglenews ) To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. The world is in shock after the tragic death of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, who was fatally stabbed in what authorities have called a random attack on board Charlotte's Lynx Blue Line. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed scrutiny of the city's criminal justice system. Following the incident, a report revealed that the suspect, DeCarlos Brown Jr. has a criminal history and was released despite being arrested 14 times. Moreover, a new twist gaining traction on social media alleges that Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes is the same judge who previously released Brown Jr., and she also holds a leadership role at a Charlotte-based treatment facility, and she had a personal motive for releasing DeCarlos Brown Jr before in January 2025. Let's find out more about it.This revelation has intensified the public concern over potential conflicts of interest and raised questions about the decision that allowed a repeat offender back on the streets, ultimately leading to a senseless tragedy.In a shocking video, which is now doing the rounds on social media, Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old refugee who had escaped the war in Ukraine and was employed at a local pizzeria, was seen on surveillance footage quietly looking at her phone shortly before a violent and unprovoked assault.The disturbing footage shows 34-year-old DeCarlos Brown Jr., a homeless ex-convict, removing his sweatshirt and standing near the train doors as passengers began to notice blood dripping from his hand.Without warning, Brown allegedly lunged at Zarutska with a folding knife, stabbing her three times, including at least once in the neck.In a strange and unsettling account detailed in an affidavit referenced by the Charlotte Observer, DeCarlos Brown Jr. allegedly told authorities that a "man-made substance" implanted in his body was controlling his actions.This bizarre statement came during a welfare check in January, when Brown was arrested for allegedly abusing the 911 emergency system. On the other hand, despite a long and violent criminal history, the 34-year-old Decarlos was repeatedly released back into the community.Now, in a major update, Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes is under scrutiny after an X (formerly known as Twitter) post surfaced on the internet.Controversy is growing after revelations that Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes, the same judge who most recently released DeCarlos Brown Jr. before the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, is also the director of operations at a Charlotte-based treatment facility.The connection has raised serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the broader failures of the justice system.A viral post on X summed up the publics frustration, stating, The judge who let him out also runs a treatment facility. Is it starting to make sense yet? As scrutiny intensifies, many are questioning how someone with Browns violent history was back on the streets. However, it is not clear whether Stokes had a personal motive behind it but speculations are on rise on social meida.According to the Daily Mail, DeCarlos Brown Jr. previously served five years in prison for armed robbery and had been arrested for assaulting his own sister.An Axios report further revealed that Brown had a diagnosed history of schizophrenia and a record of violent behaviour. In January 2025, he was released from jail without bond after being arrested for abusing the 911 emergency system.During that incident, Brown made disturbing claims that a "man-made" substance had been implanted in his body, allegedly controlling his ability to eat, walk, and speak.As soon as the post surfaced on social media, it quickly grabbed the attention of netizens, who slammed the authorities for using their position in the wrong way and calling them 'fraud'.One X user wrote, "This sorta thing has become a free-for-all. Everyone's doing it. Holding positions of power to enrich yourself is a conflict of interest, IMHO. I remember the first time. It was after 9/11 that Chertoff started his airport body scan business while also working at Homeland Security. I remember thinking that's not right. How is he getting away with that? Pretty much everything that's gone south in this country ramped up during the Bush years.""Total scam. People appear before her, and she sends them to court-mandated rehab/treatment," another added.While one said that "Corrupt judges are a serious problem." "Seems like a conflict of interest. Was she receiving Medicaid reimbursement for services?"One even demanded to 'arrest her.' "I hope she loses her seat. There is no need for corruption in our government, let alone in our judicial system." What's the ' Phillies Karen ' controversy? The ball that started it all ( Image credit : The ball drama that sent the internet into a meltdown | Credit: X/@im__Arshu ) BREAKING: The ball-stealing Karen at the Phillies game has been IDENTIFIED apparently Leslie-Ann Kravitz, an administrator in the Hammonton, New Jersey school district. pic.twitter.com/XbzHeKKJ5H Ape (@CubanOnlyTrump) September 6, 2025 Pittsburgh rock and roll band claim she's done it before ( Image credit : Viral post claims 'Phillies Karen' is a repeat offender | Credit: Facebook ) Why the story doesnt add up Phillies Karen's identity still unknown ( Image credit : The identity of viral ball snatcher remains unknown | Credit: X/@Spoton101 ) To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. The internet cannot get enough of Phillies Karen. Ever since the viral clip of a woman snatching a home run ball from a young birthday boy at a Phillies vs. Marlins game, wild claims about her past have been spreading faster than a fastball. Some sleuths even insist shes a woman named Cheryl Richardson Wagner, though that link remains unconfirmed.Amid the online frenzy, a new post has gone viral claiming that the now-viral ball snatcher has done it before. The post was shared by a Pittsburgh rock and roll band right after the Phillies-Marlin ball drama, and even though it has since been deleted, screenshots have now gone viral. But what's the truth? Scroll ahead to know more.The drama kicked off on September 5 at LoanDepot Park in Miami. Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader launched a home run into the stands. A dad managed to snag the ball and handed it to his son, Lincoln, who was celebrating his birthday.Thats when a woman stormed in, claiming the ball was hers, shouting, That was mine. You took it from me. It was in my hands. Under pressure, the father gave the ball over. Cameras caught it all, and within hours, Phillies Karen was the internets villain of the week.In a now-deleted Facebook post, Pittsburgh rock bandclaimed the same woman caused a scene at one of their recent all-ages shows. According to the band, their guitarist Joe Pribesh had approached a boy in a wheelchair to give him a signed setlist and guitar pick. But, as they put it, this Karen, wearing one of our Post Traumatick shirts, snatched the items from the boys hands while shouting obscenities.The band went on to say that their bassist tried to calm her down, but she stormed off, trashed our merch table, and left the venue, causing what they jokingly estimated as almost $20 in damage. They added that they later made things right with the young fan, thinking it was an isolated incident until the viral Phillies video surfaced. This maniac needs to be stopped, the post continued. Children deserve to feel safe at both sporting events and rock concerts.On paper, the bands account sounds explosive. But the holes in it are hard to ignore. The Facebook post vanished almost as quickly as it appeared, leaving no way to verify the claims. There are no photos, no video, and no witnesses backing it up. Add to that the suspicious timing, as it surfaced right as the Phillies Karen clip was blowing up everywhere, and the whole thing starts to look less like a shocking revelation and more like a publicity grab.What makes the situation even murkier is that no one has actually confirmed who Phillies Karen is. The name circulating most online, Cheryl Wagner, has publicly denied any connection to the woman in the video. Despite that, shes still being dragged into the storm, while the internet piles on theories and fake backstories.For now, the viral figure remains nameless and faceless beyond the clip. Meanwhile, the Phillies and Marlins worked overtime to turn things around for Lincoln, showering him with signed gear and a personal gift from Harrison Bader to make his birthday night one he wont forget. This is the evil Israel faces. Two terrorists opened fire on a bus in Jerusalem targeting passengers, bystanders, anyone in reach. 5 murdered. Over a dozen wounded. The war Israel fights is for all who stand against terror. pic.twitter.com/bjz1zdkii7 Israel (@Israel) September 8, 2025 Shooting at peak rush hour ( Image credit : A public bus was seen riddled with bullet holes | Credit: X/AFP ) ( Image credit : gunmen were swiftly neutralized by a soldier and an armed civilian who were present at the scene | Credit: X/persianjewess ) BBC ( Image credit : A Spanish citizen was among the killed, confirmed Spain's foreign ministry | Credt: X/SachaRoytman ) Subsequent security measures I would like to state as clearly as possible: These murders and attacks, in all sectors, will not weaken us. They will only increase our determination to complete the mission we have taken upon ourselves, in Gaza, Judea and Samaria, and everywhere. Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 8, 2025 Prime Minister Netanyahu at the scene of the terrorist attack in Jerusalem: "We are engaged in pursuit and are cordoning off the villages from which the murderers came. We will apprehend whoever aided and dispatched them, and will take even stronger steps"https://t.co/tOl6aV5CtFpic.twitter.com/Gj0tWiCIlD Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 8, 2025 Global condemnation Strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Jerusalem today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. India condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stands firm in Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 8, 2025 The United Arab Emirates condemns in the strongest terms the shooting attack by two Palestinian terrorists earlier today and sends condolences to the families of the victims. The statement underscores the UAEs rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at pic.twitter.com/WufWURbyCc Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) September 8, 2025 Horrified by this mornings deadly terror attack in Jerusalem. Janet & I offer our heartfelt condolences to grieving families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. We stand with @Israel against this savagery. Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@USAmbIsrael) September 8, 2025 France strongly condemns the terrorist attack that has just occurred in East Jerusalem. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the entire Israeli people. The spiral of violence must come to an end. Only a political solution will bring back peace Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 8, 2025 To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. A quiet Monday morning turned into a scene of horror when two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a crowded bus stop in Jerusalems Ramot Junction, killing six people and seriously injuring six others. One of the deadliest attacks in the city in recent years has been described as a terrorist attack by the police.Two assailants began shooting indiscriminately at civilians waiting for public transport during peak rush hour. Surveillance and dashcam footage from the scene captured people fleeing in panic as bullets tore through the glass shelter and vehicles nearby. A public bus was seen riddled with bullet holes.According to BBC, five of the victims were identified by Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service as a 50-year-old man, a woman in her fifties, and three men in their thirties. Moreover, 20 people were injured in the attack.The gunmen were swiftly neutralized by a soldier and an armed civilian who were present at the scene. Israeli media reported that they were believed to have come from the Palestinian villages of al-Qubeiba and Qatanna, located on the outskirts of Ramallah.Israel police spokesman Lt Dean Elsdunne said units had recovered several weapons, ammunition and a knife used by the terrorists, reportedA Spanish citizen was among the killed, confirmed Spain's foreign ministry.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces were actively pursuing individuals who may have assisted the attackers.Taking to the official X account, he said, I would like to state as clearly as possible: These murders and attacks, in all sectors, will not weaken us. They will only increase our determination to complete the mission we have taken upon ourselves, in Gaza, Judea and Samaria, and everywhere.According to Reuters, the Israeli military stated that it had deployed troops to assist police in the ongoing manhunt for suspects. Soldiers were also operating in parts of Ramallah in the West Bank, conducting interrogations and carrying out operations aimed at 'thwarting terrorism.'Narendra Modi condemned the attack, reiterating India's policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism.The United Arab Emirates released a statement strongly condemning the attack.US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee voiced his support for Israel. He said, Horrified by this mornings deadly terror attack in Jerusalem. Janet & I offer our heartfelt condolences to grieving families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. We stand with @Israel against this savagery.France President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the attack. He called for an end to the violence, which he said could be brought about by a political solution.Although no group had formally claimed responsibility for the attack, Hamas issued a statement commending the assailants, describing the shooting as a 'natural response' to Israels military operations in Gaza, reported BBC . They called it a heroic and exceptional operation by two Palestinian resistance fighters.Mondays attack marks another incident of loss of lives in the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, which has steadily intensified since the attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023 by Hamas. A birthday party went wrong ( Image credit : Police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita | Credit: Freepik ) BREAKING (Sep 8, 2025): ANOTHER RAPE IN WB BY A TMC WORKER! A 20-year-old woman alleges she was abducted and gang-raped by two acquaintances - Chandan Mallick and Debangshu Deep Biswas - in South Kolkatas Haridevpur, under the guise of a birthday celebration. pic.twitter.com/LG191E92iI /Blood dew (@roktoshisir) September 8, 2025 TOI @BombagorerRani? Kolkata Horror: Woman Gang-Raped By 2 Men After Her Birthday Partyhttps://t.co/MXUBNV0Lv6 Pallab Bhattacharya (@PallabB) September 8, 2025 PTI A look at the accuseds backgrounds TOI Yet another blot on Kolkata ( Image credit : The woman had undergone her medical examination, and identified the crime scene | Credit: Freepik ) To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. A 20-year-old woman was allegedly abducted from home and later drugged and raped by two of her friends in the Haridevpur area of South Kolkata. The incident occurred on Saturday night, however, the woman lodged a complaint with the Kolkata Police only on Sunday.According to the complaint, the woman was invited to a birthday party by her friend Chandan Mallick. She had declined the invite.The FIR suggests, Mallick picked the woman on his bike and took her to a rented house in Regent Colony, Tollygunge, near Malancha cinema. CCTV footage showed them entering the house around 11:45 pm. The rented house belonged to the other friend, Debangshu Biswas aka Dweep.The woman, who works part-time at a store, alleged that her drink was spiked at the party. And once she started feeling dizzy, the two attacked her"She managed to escape around 10.30 am the next day. She told the ordeal to her parents and later approached the police with a written complaint,"quoted a senior officer of Kolkata Police as saying.Police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including gang rape, abduction, stalking, voluntary causing of hurt, and wrongful confinement.A police officer told, The two accused have fled, and we are searching for them. The victim is being medically examined, and our officers are visiting the place where the crime took place.Mallick is reportedly associated with a big puja in Haridevpur. He lured the woman with promises to get her involved in the puja committees activities. He also has prior charges related to physical altercations and public disorder in the area.According to a neighbour, Biswas had been living in the rented Tollygunge apartment with his mother since six months. He apparently works at a state government department, a job he got after his fathers demise while in service.reported that the woman had undergone her medical examination, and identified the crime scene. Her testimony will be registered in Alipore court on Tuesday.This incident has cast yet another shadow over Kolkata, which is already grappling with a spate of recent cases that have reignited the debate over women's safety. The citys position as a safe city for women continues to deteriorate, with a string of violent incidents fuelling growing public concern.In June, a law student at South Calcutta Law College was allegedly raped on campus. The primary accused in the case, Monojit Mishra was arrested shortly after.Last year, the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital had sparked global outrage. The accused, Sanjay Roy, a former civic police volunteer, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment earlier this year.On top of that, according to the National Annual Report & Index on Womens Safety (NARI) 2025, the city ranks among the lowest in India when it comes to womens safety.While cities like Kohima, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Aizawl, Gangtok, Itanagar, and Mumbai emerged as the safest for women, Patna, Jaipur, Faridabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Srinagar, and Ranchi were placed at the bottom of the list. On the occasion of Teachers Day, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced the launch of Mission Antariksh and Project Jai Vigyan, two new initiatives designed to encourage scientific curiosity among schoolchildren in Chhattisgarh. The announcement was made at his official residence in Raipur, where students, teachers, and state officials gathered to mark the day. The Raipur district administration formalized two important collaborations by signing Memorandums of Understanding with the Igniting Dreams of Young Minds Foundation and Vigyan Bharati. Both partnerships are expected to expand opportunities for students to engage with space science and related disciplines through workshops, exhibitions, competitions, and hands-on learning. The event also saw the participation of Group Captain Shubhashnu Shukla, an astronaut recently recognized for his space mission. Addressing the students, he shared his experiences of space travel and spoke about the importance of passing knowledge and opportunities to younger generations. Shukla emphasized that when governments and communities prioritize science and education, the entire society benefits from the progress that follows. Chief Minister Sai, in his remarks, congratulated Shukla and extended Teachers Day greetings. He highlighted that science is not only about laboratories but also about fostering reasoning, problem-solving skills, and a spirit of inquiry. According to him, the new projects are aimed at ensuring that children in the state become not just learners but also innovators, contributing to future discoveries and advancements. The programme was attended by Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, Raipur Collector Gaurav Kumar Singh, alongside educators and students from across the state. With these new initiatives, Chhattisgarh aims to build a foundation where students are inspired to pursue careers in science, technology, and research, positioning them to play a greater role in Indias growing space journey. (Based on social media speculations) ( Image credit : During deadly youth-led protests in Nepal | Credit: ) Is the nepo kid in vacation photos really Kedar Bhakta Shresthas granddaughter? ( Image credit : Gen Z turns up the heat | Credit: Instagram | @glambehavior_ ) Gen Z protests in Nepal turn deadly Reuters Gen Z protests fuelled by public outrage over political nepotism India Today ( Image credit : Gen Z protests fuelled by public outrage over political nepotism | Credit: X | @TulsiPotus ) Gen Z turns up the heat:#NepoKids & #NepoBaby trends fuel anti-establishment wave Viral TikTok videos paint a vivid contrast To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. In the midst of national tragedy, a controversial post on social media has ignited public fury. The post, widely shared on platforms like X (formerly called Twitter) and Reddit, claims that Supriya Shrestha, alleged granddaughter of former Foreign Secretary and ambassador Kedar Bhakta Shrestha, was seen vacationing in France while people back home were dying in protests.The X post contrasted two images, with a caption that read, "On the left: the son, daughter-in-law and relatives of Sher Bahadur Deuba enjoying life in France today. On the right: A young citizen killed by the Government of Nepal for demanding a better nation, in the Gen Z uprising that is taking place today.""This is what we are fighting against. Under the social contract theory, a nation should serve everyone, not just your children and relatives."Netizens on social media share the France trip pictures of social media influencer Supriya Shrestha and continue to slam her, but there is currently no official confirmation that the woman seen in the viral France vacation photos is indeed the granddaughter of Kedar Bhakta Shrestha, the former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador of Nepal.The claims circulating on social media remain unverified, and no public statement has been issued by the Shrestha family.According to, the backdrop to the controversy is the government's sweeping ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, X, and YouTube, triggered last Friday amid unfounded claims of fake accounts and hate speech proliferation.The report further notes that thousands of young protesters, mostly students, took to the streets across Kathmandu and cities like Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Bharatpur, demanding free expression and accountability from their government.Moreover, clashes with police escalated rapidly; tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets were deployed, and shots were reportedly fired near Parliament. The official death toll has reached at least 16, with more than 100 injured.As per, the widespread outrage isnt just about the social media ban, but it reflects deep-rooted frustration over systemic corruption and the privileged treatment of politicians children, often referred to as "nepo kids" or "nepo babies".In the days before Mondays protests, hashtags like #NepoKids, #NepoBaby, and #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal surged across TikTok, Reddit, and other platforms. Following this, an online outrage turned into street protests on Monday as widespread frustration over corruption and the recent social media ban fuelled mass demonstrations against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's government in Nepal.The anger against the political nepo kids was on display as Gen Z Nepalis clashed with security personnel. "The leaders' children return from abroad with Gucci bags; the people's children in coffins," read a placard held by a youngster.This weekend, the hashtags #NepoKid and #NepoBaby, lifted from global conversations on nepotism, gained momentum on TikTok and Reddit, fuelling Gen Z activism in Nepal.Against a backdrop of economic hardship and pervasive corruption, both local and diaspora communities are spotlighting the stark disparity between the privileged lives of politicians children and the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens.Politicians offspring show off designer wardrobes and extravagant vacations while countless Nepalis, many working abroad to support their families, face daily hardship. Migrant remittances make up nearly one-third of Nepals GDP, emphasising the economic weight these workers bear.The governments recent ban on platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and X not only stifles free expression but also shakes Nepals tourism-dependent economy, which relies heavily on social media to attract global attention. Protests begin with social media anger, expand to corruption Violence escalates as police respond with force ( Image credit : Nepal protests against social media ban and corruption turned deadly as 16 people were killed | Credit: X ) Government defends its stance, opposition demands resignation Eyewitness accounts and wider public reaction Protests spread nationwide To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Nepal witnessed one of its deadliest days of unrest on Monday as tens of thousands took to the streets of Kathmandu and other cities. Sixteen people were killed and more than 100 injured during the demonstrations, which began as a protest against the social media ban but quickly grew into a broader anti-corruption movement.The demonstrations were sparked by the governments recent ban on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube after they failed to register under Nepals communication laws. Waving national flags, protesters began with the national anthem before chanting against corruption and misuse of power.Videos contrasting ordinary citizens struggles with politicians children flaunting luxury lifestyles had gone viral, fueling public anger. Many protesters bypassed the ban using VPNs, sharing calls to mobilise online through channels like Discord. One key organiser was, an NGO previously focused on humanitarian aid, now stepping into political protest for the first time.The protests soon turned violent. In Kathmandus New Baneshwor, one protester succumbed to injuries after being shot. In Damak, demonstrators burned an effigy of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and tried to breach municipal gates. Police used water cannons, teargas, and rubber bullets in response.Motorcycles were set on fire, and demonstrators were seen throwing back teargas shells at police. In Pokhara, protesters attempted to storm the Chief Ministers residence and office, leading to a citywide curfew. Similar restrictions were imposed in Itahari, Rupandehi, and other regions.Nepals National Human Rights Commission condemned the deaths, saying: The police and the government have been using excessive force to incite the protesters, sometimes by using air fire, sometimes rubber bullets, sometimes batons, sometimes water cannons.Prime Minister Oli defended the ban, framing it as an issue of national dignity. He argued that global platforms had ignored Nepals repeated calls to register and pay taxes. Are four jobs bigger than national self-respect? For self-respect, maybe four jobs go for four days, but new ones will come, he said at a public event.Government spokesperson Prithvi Subba Gurung blamed anarchists and reactionary forces for hijacking what began as peaceful protests. He admitted the deaths were tragic but insisted that the block on unregistered social media platforms was a matter of sovereignty.Meanwhile, the opposition, including CPN (Maoist Centre) and CPN (Unified Socialist), demanded Prime Minister Olis resignation, calling the governments handling of the crisis unacceptable.While the government insists the protests are being led by Gen Z, eyewitnesses disagree. Suhana, a Kathmandu resident, told India Today: This movement includes people from all age groups, millennials and even boomers. It is not just about the social media ban but about corruption and malgovernance.On social media, reactions were swift. One user wrote: Excessive force by security forces has worsened the crisis. The government has failed to listen to its people. Another commented: This is beyond Gen Z its about ordinary Nepalis demanding accountability.The unrest, which began in Kathmandu, has now spread to Biratnagar, Nepalgunj, Butwal, Chitwan, and Pokhara. Army platoons have been deployed in the capital, primarily around Parliament, to support civilian authorities.With 16 confirmed dead and more than 100 injured, the crisis shows no signs of ending soon. As opposition leaders push for political change and protesters demand accountability, the government faces its most serious challenge in years. Love Island USA Season 7 Olandrias red-hot look in Cheeny Chan ( Image credit : Olandria stuns at the 2025 VMAs | Credit: X/@Popcrav ) Nic owns his satin moment ( Image credit : Nic looks dashing as he walks the 2025 VMAs red carpet | Credit: X/@nicolandria ) #Nicolandria: Fans are obsessed! King and Queen vibes pic.twitter.com/FBGKPPNqEf Nicolandria After Dark (@FREAK_O_NICO) September 7, 2025 Nic and Olandria's Love Island journey Casa Amor Love Island USA Season 7 ( Image credit : Nic and Olandria linked up during Casa Amor segment of Love Island | Credit: X/nicolandria ) For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. As the MTV Video Music Awards 2025 hosts the biggest music icons in Hollywood at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn tonight (September 7, local time), it'sstars Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen who have stolen a portion of their limelight.Although the couple did not walk the red carpet side by side, they still made quite an entrance, with Nic seen assisting Olandria by holding the train of her gown. Since their arrival, both have drawn significant attention for their individual red carpet moments, with the hashtag #Nicolandria quickly gaining traction as fans celebrate their presence at the event.Olandria made an impression in a custom piece by emerging designer Cheeny Chan. The striking strapless gown in a molten red tone featured a bold, sculptural bodice that gave the look a dramatic structure, while sheer, flowing sleeve and skirt panels introduced movement and softness. The combination of rigid tailoring with ethereal draping created a visual balance that felt both fierce and otherworldly.Accessorised with matching gloves and a coordinating red choker, the ensemble delivered a full visual story. Her beauty look was equally considered, featuring a luminous complexion with expertly placed highlight and a radiant body sheen. Strong, editorial winged eyeliner framed her eyes, while full lashes added dimension. The result was a makeup moment that amplified her natural features while aligning perfectly with the intensity of her dress.Nic arrived separately in an ensemble that married classic tailoring with modern sensibility. Opting for a deep black satin suit, he skipped the tie and left the shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a set of understated silver chains. The silhouette remained sharp and structured, allowing the sheen of the fabric to elevate the entire look without appearing overstyled.His accessories were minimal but thoughtful, including silver rings and polished black shoes that grounded the outfit in simplicity, allowing the textures and proportions to do the work. Nics natural charisma added to the effect. Tousled curls and an easy, familiar smile gave his look a relaxed charm, creating an effortless contrast to the formality of his attire.Despite the lack of a coordinated red carpet entrance, the impact of Nic and Olandrias presence is currently making all the noise on social media, particularly among those who followed their journey on Love Island USA. Some praised Olandrias fashion-forward risk-taking, while others highlighted Nics clean, confident styling.Nic and Olandrias relationship began under the scrutiny during the notorioussegment of. Although not many were fans of their late-season reconciliation, their undeniable chemistry slowly won everyone over. Though they finished as runners-up, their connection has continued to develop beyond the show.In the months since the finale, the couple has maintained a relatively low profile, occasionally offering curated glimpses into their time together. From amusement park visits and conversations around future travel, theyve given fans just enough to stay invested without overexposing their relationship. Although they have not formally defined their status or referred to each other as boyfriend and girlfriend, their undeniable chemistry during the reunion has convinced many that they're in it for the long haul. ( Image credit : Prince Harry touched down UK on Monday to attend the WellChild Awards in London | Credit: X/claireXanda ) Prince Harry visits the late Queen Elizabeths resting place King of hearts Prince Harry looking amazing at WellChild awards! pic.twitter.com/RSklWbJUQI Coyote Fan (@Coyoteband2) September 8, 2025 Is a patch-up brewing in the Royal family? ( Image credit : In a recent BBC interview, he expressed a heartfelt longing for reconciliation | Credit: X/LoubugWindsor ) Prince Harry says he would "love a reconciliation" with the royal family, but is unsure if he would bring his family back to the U.K. pic.twitter.com/iTLhBnPZ71 USA TODAY (@USATODAY) May 4, 2025 No meeting with Prince William this time ( Image credit : A chance of a meeting with Prince William is practically non-existent owing to the packed schedule of the Duke of Wales | Credit: X/freedom_007__ ) What caused the rift? Courtiers ( Image credit : Harry and Meghan first met in 2016 and got married two years later in 2018 | Credit: X/aatweetly ) To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Prince Harry touched down UK on Monday to attend the WellChild Awards in London. The date of his arrival also marks the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth IIs death. The Duke of Sussexs visit has renewed hopes of patching up royal rifts.Harrys wife, Meghan Markle, did not accompany him on the trip, choosing to remain in California with their two children, Archie and Lilibet.Upon landing, Harry first went to St Georges Chapel, Windsor Castle, and laid a wreath, paying private homage at his grandmothers resting place. The late monarch, who passed away in 2022, was honored.Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate Middleton visited a Women's Institute event in Sunningdale, Berkshireto to honor the late queen in Sunningdale, Berkshire, underscoring the growing silence between the brothers.Following the tribute, Harry traveled to London to attend the WellChild Awards, a charity event he's passionately supported for nearly two decades. This marks his fifteenth appearance as patron.This return, his first since a legal defeat in April concerning his UK security arrangements. Despite that, Prince Harry was reportedly met at Londons Heathrow Airport by an officer from the Metropolitan Polices Royalty and Specialist Protection Squad, suggesting he was granted a specialist security detail for this visit, according to the Daily Mail .The news of the Duke of Sussex visiting his homeland immediately sparked rumors of a possible reconciliation with the royal family, particularly with King Charles III, whose health battle has further heightened the emotional stakes.Since relocating to California in 2020, Harrys relationship with the royal household has faced turbulence. Fueled by disputes over security, the fallout of his memoir Spare , and public critiques. In a recent BBC interview, he expressed a heartfelt longing for reconciliation, saying theres no point continuing to fight and citing the fragile nature of life, especially in light of his fathers cancer treatment. Yet, he lamented that the King wont speak to him due to the ongoing security issues.A chance of a meeting with Prince William is practically non-existent owing to the packed schedule of the Duke of Wales. Monday began with a tribute in Sunningdale. On Tuesday, he is scheduled to visit Londons Spiral Skills youth centre. On Wednesday, he will visit a new mentalhealth hub in Cardiff. The charity has been backed by both William and Kate Middleton through their royal foundation.Harry and Meghan first met in 2016 and got married two years later in 2018. They stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and settled in the US. The couple cited intense media intrusion, lack of support from the royal institution, and a desire for financial and personal independence as key reasons. They later relocated to Montecito, California, to raise their family in more privacy. In his book, author Valentine Low mentioned that the couple left the monarchy not just for privacy but to build their brand, engage in US politics, and secure financial independence.Prince Harry told the High Court in December 2023, The UK is my home. The UK is central to the heritage of my children. That cannot happen if its not possible to keep them safe. Yet, despite this statement and his long legal fight over security, several reports suggest that ahead of his four-day in September, he is keen on making regular trips back to Britain and even hopes to bring his family with him.As far as Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is considered, reports suggest she hasnt set foot in the UK since the Queens funeral in September 2022. As for Prince Harrys children, Archie and Lilibet, their last visit was in June the same year, during the late Queens platinum jubilee celebrations.As the royal family carries on with separate remembrances, Prince Harrys return offers an emotional moment that has reignited public discourse on healing fractured ties among the Royals. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described Sanskrit as a vital part of Indias cultural identity while addressing the Virat Sanskrit Vidvat Sammelan at the Saryuparin Brahmin Sabha Bhawan in Raipur. He said that Sanskrit embodies the essence of Indian knowledge systems, linking grammar, philosophy, science, and logic, and emphasized the importance of passing this heritage on to future generations. Calling Sanskrit Devvani (divine language), the Chief Minister noted that the Sammelan was not only an academic exercise but also an effort to preserve traditions and strengthen cultural values. He encouraged the use of technology to make Sanskrit learning more engaging and accessible for todays youth, suggesting that its inclusion in curricula can promote intellectual growth. Vishnu Deo Sai also observed that Sanskrit literature, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas, holds timeless lessons in philosophy, mathematics, Ayurveda, and astronomy. He said these works continue to inform research and provide enduring principles of knowledge, devotion, and balance relevant to modern life. The event also saw the release of the Prachar Patrak of the Saryuparin Brahmin Sabha, Chhattisgarh. It was jointly organized by Sanskrit Bharati Chhattisgarh and the Sabha. Dr. Dadu Bhai Tripathi, State President of Sanskrit Bharati, said historical evidence shows that Sanskrit was once widely spoken and remains closely connected with the Chhattisgarhi language. He highlighted that many tribal students in the Sarguja region are actively studying Sanskrit. Several distinguished individuals were felicitated, including rheumatologist Dr. Ashlesha Shukla, swimmer Anant Dwivedi, and Prof. Sachchidanand Shukla, Vice Chancellor of Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University. The conference was also addressed by Dandi Swami Dr. Indubhavanand Maharaj, Dr. Suresh Shukla, and Dr. Shriram Mahadev, along with scholars, teachers, and community representatives. The gathering reflected a shared effort to sustain Sanskrits relevance in both cultural and educational contexts. ( Image credit : Kapil's family got the news of his death from a relative residing in the US | Credit: Freepik ) After senseless killing of a 23 year old Ukrainian now an Indian shot dead in USA for objecting to public urination. https://t.co/EGfl5IAZpQ Kumar Manish (@kumarmanish9) September 8, 2025 Indian Youth Shot Dead In California His relatives said 'A black guy began urinating at the place he worked, When Kapil, 26, requested him not to urinate, he fired several bullets at him' Yuvaan (@carpediem285) September 8, 2025 Another Illigal Immigrant' Indian from Haryana was shot dead in California... Racism has began in Western World ....better Indian's should stay away from nuisance things .... .. moreover why he entered US Illigally ? https://t.co/A2PAMqPKJm PR.Reddy (@PR4049) September 8, 2025 Haryana man, 26, shot dead in #US after stopping another from urinating in public. An #Indian gets shot dead for talking sense ! Dont pee on the street . Dont do that thats for local enforcement. People are mental , especially supercharged #Americahttps://t.co/UCJVHJqzIk Yad Dhaliwal (@dr_yad) September 8, 2025 The American dream via donkey route ( Image credit : Dunki is an illegal, convoluted, and extremely hazardous migration path used by individuals desperate to reach Western countries | Credit: Freepik ) TOI To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. A 26-year-old Indian man, identified as Kapil, from Barah Kalan village in Haryanas Jind district, was fatally shot in the US on Saturday. Kapil, who worked as a security guard, was shot following an altercation with an individual urinating in public.Kapil was on-duty when he saw a person relieving himself outside the premises he was guarding. He confronted him, and the altercation escalated in no time. Then, the man shot Kapil on the spot. The migrant worker was taken to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead.A kin told reporters, Kapils post-mortem is going to be conducted on Wednesday owing to a two day holiday in the US. He also informed that Kapil had recently applied for a green card.Kapil is survived by his parents and two sisters. His family got the news of his death from a relative residing in the US. The news has since sparked widespread grief in his village. Village sarpanch Suresh Kumar Gautam stated that the entire community is standing with the bereaved family. The family is now pressing state authorities, including the deputy commissioner, to facilitate the repatriation of Kapils body at the earliest. Reportedly, the cost of bringing back his body from the US amounts to Rs. 15 lakh.Kapil had nurtured the American dream intro a reality in 2022. But, not the straight way. He had entered the country via the notorious donkey route. He crossed the dense Panama jungles and climbed over the Mexico border wall to reach his destination. Reportedly, the journey costed his family approximately Rs 45 lakh.Following his arrival and an initial arrest by US authorities, Kapil was released after legal proceedings and subsequently began working as a security guard at a store in Los Angeles.The term donkey route derives from dunki in Punjabi which means moving from one place to another. This is an illegal, convoluted, and extremely hazardous migration path used by individuals desperate to reach Western countries, especially the US, via unofficial and undocumented means.In this, migrants are typically moved through multiple countries with no legal documentation, often relying on smugglers and human trafficking networks. The journey involves high costs and risks. Along the way, migrants navigate dense jungles (like Panamas), mountain passes, deserts, and border fences while facing various threats ranging from violence, theft, torture, to even death.Upon entry, migrants are detained by the US authorities, following which they undergo the asylum process. Even after release, they often work in low-paying jobs with fear of detection or deportation seldom leaving their minds.The village sarpanch told, We hope for the government's full support, as the mourning family waits for their son to return home one last time. Uttar Pradesh has set a long-term economic target of becoming a $6 trillion economy by 2047. The roadmap envisions the states Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) rising from $353 billion in 2025 to $1 trillion by 2030, $2 trillion by 2036, and $6 trillion by 2047. Achieving this requires sustaining an annual growth rate of 16% over the next 22 years. The plan also sets a goal of raising per capita income to 26 lakh and expanding UPs share in Indias GDP to 20% by 2047. Since 2017, several changes have taken place in education and healthcare. Over 40 lakh students were enrolled through the School Chalo Abhiyan and Sharda programs. The number of beneficiaries under the Right to Education (RTE) increased from 22,000 to 4.3 lakh, with 638 crore spent on fee reimbursements. Operation Kayakalp introduced 19 essential facilities in primary and upper primary schools, while Atal Residential Schools now provide quality education to underprivileged children in 18 divisions. At the secondary level, Project Alankar upgraded schools with libraries, laboratories, multipurpose halls, safe drinking water, toilets, and electrification. These efforts have significantly improved the learning environment across the state. In healthcare, the expansion of medical colleges and health centers has strengthened access to services. Schemes such as Jan Aushadhi Kendras and Ayushman Bharat have offered support to low-income groups. Looking ahead, Vision 2030 and 2047 outline steps to raise healthcare delivery to global benchmarks. The roadmap shows that Uttar Pradeshs goal is not just economic expansion but also building a strong social foundation through education and health, aiming to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth by 2047. The past four years in Uttarakhand have seen employment generation emerge as a key area of focus, with official records noting over 25,000 government jobs offered to youth across different sectors. Recently, appointment letters were distributed to a group of assistant teachers for Ashram Method Schools under the Tribal Welfare Department, continuing the trend of regular recruitments. Since July 2021, recruitment drives have been conducted through various agencies, including the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission, the Subordinate Services Selection Commission, and the Medical Services Selection Commission. While 25,000 young people have already secured permanent positions, officials note that several selection processes are ongoing, which could further increase the total number in the near future. Alongside domestic opportunities, the state has also introduced initiatives aimed at international employment. In November 2022, the Chief Minister Skill Development and Global Employment Scheme was launched, designed to equip young people with sector-specific training in fields like hospitality, nursing, and automobile services. As part of this, 154 youth have completed training, and more than three dozen have already been placed in jobs abroad, particularly in Japan. A major development in recent years has been the implementation of stricter measures to ensure fairness in recruitment. The enactment of an anti-cheating law in 2024 has been credited with curbing exam malpractices. Authorities report that since the law came into effect, no paper leak cases have been recorded, and over 100 individuals linked to past irregularities have faced legal action. The state leadership has emphasised that the larger goal is to create a robust framework of education, training, and transparent recruitment to prevent large-scale migration of youth. Instead of seeking work outside, officials stress that young people should be able to find opportunities within Uttarakhand and even become providers of jobs in the long run. The approach of combining skill development, overseas placements, and transparent recruitment reflects an attempt to align employment policies with the aspirations of the younger population, who remain central to the states social and economic progress. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery first review: Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery: What the film is about Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery critics review Next Best Picture ( Image credit : Critics call Wake Up Dead Man Benoit Blancs most ambitious mystery yet | Credit: Netflix ) Variety ( Image credit : Daniel Craigs performance and the ensemble cast have been widely praised | Credit: Netflix ) BBC The Guardian When is it coming out? Wake Up Dead Man November 26, 2025 December 12, 2025 More about the Knives Out series ( Image credit : Benoit Blancs mystery-filled journey from Knives Out to Glass Onion | Credit: Netflix ) Knives Out Knives Out Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery The knives are out again, and this time critics say Rian Johnson has delivered his boldest mystery yet.Mystery premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, and the early word is glowing. While the first two films revived the Agatha Christie-style whodunit for modern audiences, this third outing has been praised for pushing the series into darker, more ambitious territory.Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery follows Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) as he investigates a suspicious death in a small-town church, uncovering a story of faith, deception, and hidden motives. Josh OConnor stars as Reverend Jud Duplenticy, a former boxer turned priest, whose life is thrown into turmoil when a prominent church figure dies.The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Glenn Close as the mysterious caretaker Martha Delacroix, Mila Kunis as police chief Geraldine Scott, Jeremy Renner as the town doctor Dr. Nat Sharp, and Kerry Washington as lawyer Vera Draven. Other key players include Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church, each adding layers of intrigue to the story.Film critic Adriana Caporusso called the film Blancs most ambitious mystery yet, adding, Its impressive how Rian Johnson pulls off new tricks in the Knives Out Mysteries, & this one toyed with me in unpredictable ways while jabbing at radicalisation through religion. Im kinda amazed.Sharya Chawla ofpraised Johnsons consistency, writing, With Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Rian Johnson continues his streak of making terrific murder mysteries and nails the third outing with Benoit Blanc.Owen Gleiberman ofdescribed the movie as an enticingly clever and droll, nearly pitch-perfect piece of murder-mystery fun while Rolling Stones David Fear said, Everyone seems to be having a blast, and the filmmaker knows how to take both the ensemble hes assembled and his congregation of Knives Out fans call us Blanc-heads to church, literally and figuratively.Caryn James ofpointed out how the film works even without Blanc on screen, writing, Wake Up Dead Man functions perfectly well even when Blanc himself is nowhere around, which is a testament to Josh O'Connor and to the way Rian Johnson keeps this buoyant franchise alive. Meanwhile, Benjamin Lee ofsummed it up as, A series thats really found its footing again, a wealth of fun to be had in ways that are constantly surprising, a franchise fully woken up.Fans wont have to wait long.will arrive in select theatres onfor a two-week limited run, before hitting Netflix worldwide onTheseries, directed by Rian Johnson, began with the original, which was released on November 27, 2019. It introduced audiences to the clever and eccentric Detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig. The sequel,, continued Blancs adventures, further cementing the franchises reputation for witty, twist-filled murder mysteries. With glowing reviews and a star-studded ensemble, fans have plenty to look forward to when it hits theatres and Netflix this holiday season. Vivek Agnihotris The Bengal Files ( Image credit : Anupam Kher with Muhammad Ali Jinnah's character in The Bengal Files | Credit: YT ) Controversial Gandhi and Gopal Patha scene from The Bengal Files goes viral Internet reacts to the scene Gandhi was a bigger enemy of Hindus than Muslims. Gandhi weakened the Hindu psyche. The coward was not a Mahatma.#TheBengalFilespic.twitter.com/473XL2TThx Kashmiri Hindu (@BattaKashmiri) September 6, 2025 History has been unbearably cruel to humanity. This is the naked truth we never knew. Heartbreaking . Sanjay DS (@sanjayds25) September 6, 2025 Phirse koi propaganda film aayi hai kya ? Akshay Lamsoge (@AkshayLamsoge) September 7, 2025 Propoganda movie.. Ravi Anand (@Rac2296) September 7, 2025 100% true prashant (@bhave2009) September 7, 2025 Did Gandhi suggest women take poison? What is The Bengal Files about? The Bengal Files Tashkent Files The Kashmir Files ( Image credit : A still from The Bengal Files | Credit: YT ) Who was Gopal Patha? ( Image credit : An old photo of Gopal Patha | Credit: X ) A scene fromfeaturing Gopal Patha and Mahatma Gandhi has ignited a fierce debate online over Gandhis views on women. The depiction, which touches on harassment and womens safety, has led many viewers to question whether the portrayal suggests misogynistic tendencies. Social media reactions have been intense, with discussions ranging from historical critique to cinematic interpretation. Heres a look at a talked-about scene from the movie.In the scene that has gone viral on social media, Gopal Pathas character asks Gandhi if he expects them to give up their weapons, and what would happen if the women of the country were attacked or harassed. In response, Gandhi can be heard saying that Hindu women should not be afraid, and if anyone lays a finger on them, they should commit suicide. In the clip, he even suggests a method to do so. After hearing this, Gopal Patha is seen saying that he will not give up the weapon.The clip was shared with the caption, Gandhi was a bigger enemy of Hindus than Muslims. Gandhi weakened the Hindu psyche. The coward was not a Mahatma.After watching it, one wrote, "Propaganda movie. A second added, Phirse koi propaganda film aayi hai kya?.A third went on to add, He did not deserve to be called Mahatma.According to TheWire, Gandhi scolded the men for causing a scene that made the women leave, calling it ironic since they claimed to care about women in East Bengal. He said his statement about women committing suicide rather than facing dishonour was misunderstood. Gandhi clarified that he was not against women defending themselves with weapons, but if the odds were too high, he suggested taking poison was better than submitting to dishonour. Paraphrasing from Pyarelals Weekly Letter: Preparedness should make women brave. No one can dishonour a woman who is fearless of death. They have two choices, fight and risk death, or die without fighting. I can teach the latter. Above all, they must be fearless. Cowardice is the greatest sin.is a Hindi political drama directed by Vivek Agnihotri, and the third installment in his Files Trilogy, following Theand. The film explores the communal violence in Bengal in 1946, with a particular focus on the Great Calcutta Killings (Direct Action Day) and the Noakhali riots, events that played a pivotal role in shaping Indias journey to independence and partition.Gopal Chandra Mukherjee, known as Gopal Patha, was an important figure during the 1946 Calcutta Killings. Born in 1913 in Kolkata, his family ran a meat shop, which earned him the nickname Patha (meaning goat in Bengali).During the riots on August 16, 1946, he organized a militia to protect Hindu neighborhoods in central Kolkata and played a key role in defending the community amid the violence that killed thousands. gajra The incident at Melbourne Airport ( Image credit : Malayalam actor Navya Nair was fined AUD 1, 980 | Credit: X ) Actors response and social media post ( Image credit : Malayalam actor Navya Nair faced an unexpected setback during her recent visit to Australia | Credit: Freepik ) Professional journey of Navya Nair ( Image credit : The actor admitted the mistake, saying she was unaware of Australias biosecurity rules | Credit: X ) What the incident highlights Malayalam actor Navya Nair faced an unexpected setback during her recent visit to Australia for Onam celebrations. She was fined AUD 1,980 (approximately Rs 1.14 lakh) at Melbourne International Airport after officials found a jasminein her handbag. While jasmine flowers are an integral part of cultural traditions in South India, strict biosecurity laws in Australia do not permit their entry.Navya Nair was travelling to Melbourne to participate in Onam celebrations organised by the Malayali Association of Victoria. During the airport checks, officials discovered a 15 cm string of jasmine flowers in her carry bag. The actor later explained that her father had prepared two jasmine strings before her journey. She wore one from Kochi to Singapore and carried the second one in her handbag for use on her onward flight.At the airport, officials imposed a fine of AUD 1,980, which is to be paid within 28 days. Navya admitted she was unaware of the rules but accepted responsibility. What I did was against the law. It was a mistake I made unknowingly. However, ignorance is no excuse, she stated while recounting the incident at a public event.Despite the heavy penalty, Navya treated the matter with humour. She shared a short video collage on Instagram showing herself wearing the jasmine gajra, captioned, A show-off right before paying the fine. This lighthearted approach showed her acceptance of the experience as a lesson rather than a setback.Before her departure to Melbourne, she had already shared her festive mood with followers through a post on social media. Posting photos from her flight, she wrote, First-ever Thiruvonam in the skies! Though I miss being in naadu, carrying the spirit of Onam with me is a joy of its own. Work calls and that too is another happiness. Onboard Singapore Airlines Melbourne, here I come.Navya Nair, a two-time Kerala State Film Award winner for Best Actress, made her debut in 2001 withdirected by Sibi Malayil. She went on to establish herself across Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada films. Her notable works includeandThe fine imposed on Navya Nair illustrates how cultural practices that are normal in one country may conflict with laws in another. For many South Indians, wearing jasmineis customary, especially during festivals. However, Australias stringent biosecurity rules prohibit carrying such items to prevent the risk of pests and diseases. The incident is a reminder for travellers to check regulations before carrying even small personal items abroad. James A. Williams Jr., in green hard hat, is president of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. He was with Paul Canning (center), vice president for the union's Eastern region, at a Pittsburgh-area job site in August. Read more Philadelphia native James A. Williams Jr., president of the 140,000-member International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, which has many immigrants and descendants of immigrants among its members, has been visiting members across the U.S. urging solidarity as the federal government revokes legal protections for immigrant workers from many countries and deports more foreign-citizen workers. Williams, also vice president of the AFL-CIO union federation, took questions from The Inquirer just before Labor Day. Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity. How did you come into the labor movement? Im a glazier, a member of Local 252, here in Philadelphia. My father was leader of that local, and he headed our international union in the U.S. and Canada (2003-2013.) My late uncle Ralph Williams was head of the Philadelphia building trades council (in the 1980s). Is there a lot of work for your members this year? In Philly, its busier than it was a year ago. The Navy Yard is carrying the city, along with Drexel, and the other universities. At the Navy Yard, its office projects. Advertisement Around the country, work has flatlined. Certain parts of the country are slower than others. Youve spoken in support of immigrant workers and for diversity. What moved you to do that? The workforce in this country has diversified, especially in construction. Its been going on for many years. I hate to bring up politics, but its there. The policies of the federal government affect us. First-generation immigrants have always gravitated to construction. The older immigrant groups that made up our unions were Irish, then Italian and Eastern European. In the fourth and fifth generation, their kids are going to college; they are taking white-collar jobs. In the last 30 years, we see more Central and South American immigrants. The problem we have is the lack of immigration policy in this country, where we can greet these workers in ways that are humane, and we have pathways to citizenship. You hear it from construction owners, big general contractors, the entire construction industry. And from the union sector and from the Associated General Contractors [of nonunion or as Williams says unorganized] employers. Our individual employers are saying, Where is the workforce of tomorrow? Even where work is slower, our unemployment is still very low. But workers are retiring. So in our industry, employers and unions agree we need a solution. But in Congress, theres nobody in the middle saying, Lets get work authorization and make it work for both parties. Are American-born workers concerned? It depends on where you are. The East Coast, its always been a melting pot from Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean. Puerto Ricans come here as U.S. citizens. In Florida and Georgia, you have Cuban immigrants. Out West in California, our union is 85% Latino, mostly Mexican immigrants. And in the middle of the country, there are people who will say, Those workers are here to take our jobs. Theres that tension. Are other unions in the same struggle? Theres a coalition of labor leaders with us. We work closely with SEIU, the hotel workers, the laborers, the bricklayers, the ironworkers, and some others to try to set policy and talk to the workforce, vs. this political divide. Do you see leadership in Congress? Is anyone working toward a solution? You can sit and talk to Sen. Dave McCormick [R., Pa.] and Sen. John Fetterman [D., Pa.] and say, This is the reality. But neither one is willing to step away from their party leadership and say, This is crazy. Our belief is its one of these wedge issues that has permeated our politics. Not many are talking sense on it. Our coalition started around TPS, Temporary Protected Status, which Congress set up for workers in countries facing an armed conflict or other extraordinary conditions. We have many workers from Central and South America, Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, who have had that status for 15 or 20 years. Weve lobbied together on this for 30 years. Its been United States policy. We welcomed these immigrants with work authorizations. It was difficult to find them a pathway to citizenship. That got deferred. But this current administration has made every effort to strip that status out. They are removing countries from the list. They are putting another million and a half people under the roles of the undocumented. The previous administration had this right but was afraid to [publicly advocate] their policy. The Department of Labor also gave authorization for victims of workplace crimes, such as wage theft or retaliation for organizing, to continue working [while their cases were reviewed]. I never heard anyone in Congress oppose that. Theres an H2-B visa program that allows workers in for employers who request people [with specific skills]. Its broken. Its an employer-driven program; it should be industry-driven. The way it stands today, if a worker with an H2-B visa loses their job, say the company goes under, they lose their employment authorization. And they go into the shadows. We are going to need a lot of construction workers. Why not allow that they move from one employer to another when the time comes? Is this a big change in federal policy? President George W. Bush ran on trying to find a solution. He ran on a pro-immigrant platform. Being from Texas, he knew the value immigrants have on the economy. President Barack Obama had the votes, but he played it soft. There was a Gang of Six bipartisan senators under Obama, when they came really close to passing comprehensive immigration reform. But since then, neither party seems to think they can get the votes. President Donald Trump has said from time to time he might make new permits for farmworkers. Any sign hell call off U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids? Trump in his first administration tried really hard. And the door was open. Trump 2.0 is way different. Hes weaponized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The amount of money that just got approved in the Big Beautiful Bill shows it. The rhetoric today is much different from eight or nine years ago. How are the unions dealing with this switch by the president? Its the issue that divides our membership from within more than any other. We do the best we can. We have some really knock-down, drag-out conversations with our members about where the real enemy lies: Its with the employers who knock down labor standards. They are having a harder time making that connection when the president of the U.S. is demonizing the immigrant. You never hear him say anything about industries knocking down the workers. Brett Murphy, a white dude, third-generation bridge painter in Philadelphia, recently gave one of the best testimonies at a gathering of our members: We work in dangerous settings. We climb bridges every day. My brother to the left and my brother to the right, they are my life. I depend on them. You take away my brother, you put my life at risk. Patrice Jetter, star of the Hulu documentary "Patrice: The Movie," holds the card announcing the Emmy for exceptional merit in documentary filmmaking at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. Read more Patrice: The Movie, about a New Jersey couple seeking marriage equality for people with disabilities, won the Emmy for exceptional merit in documentary filmmaking at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sunday night. Directed by Philadelphian and Philly D.A. creator Ted Passon, the 2024 film spotlights Patrice Jetter, a crossing guard, ice skater, and disability rights activist in Hamilton Township. She wants to marry her partner Garry Wickham and move in together, but if they do so, the pair risk losing a significant portion of their Medicaid benefits due to outdated laws restricting the civil rights of disabled couples. The documentary, available to stream on Hulu, follows their love story and their struggles while underscoring the systemic challenges that disabled communities face across the country. Advertisement Jetter and Wickham attended the ceremony with Passon at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles to accept the Emmy. READ MORE: A disabled New Jersey couples fight for marriage equality finds voice in Patrice: The Movie We made this movie as a love letter to all the disabled people like us who cant get married or even live with their partner without losing their Medicaid benefits, which they need in order to survive, said Jetter on stage in a glittery black gown. Now that Medicaid was cut by $1 trillion to pay for tax cuts for billionaires, we want to accept this award on behalf of all the millions of disabled people and low-income people like us who are going to lose their healthcare. We love you and we see you, and were scared just like you, Jetter added. We hope one day soon the government will take better care of those of us who dont have anything than those of us who have everything. Until then, well have to take care of each other. Passon said Jetter received one of only two standing ovations during the ceremony. We were all stunned! Passon said in a text message on Monday. The entire room got on their feet starting with Sarah Silverman, Ali Wong, Bill Hader, and Bill Burr it was so emotional to see how much love there was in the room. It was a welcome reprieve from the terror and sadness created by the cuts to Medicaid." Despite ongoing political difficulties, Passons film focused on Jetters indefatigable attitude and the couples determination to keep fighting, echoing what Wickham says in the film: They can stop us from getting married, they can stop us from living together, but theyre never gonna stop us from loving each other. Patrice: The Movie is streaming on Hulu. The snug dining room in the East Passyunk Avenue storefront was a full-throated madhouse at a recent preview dinner. Close-set tables were crammed edge to edge with funky papaya salads, shareable bowls of scallops and crab gravy, and plates of extravagantly topped crudos. With your eyes closed, you might think you were at Mawn, Phila and Rachel Lorns tiny, Cambodian-inspired BYOB a mile away, one of the toughest reservations in town even before Phila won a James Beard Award for Emerging Chef in June. Advertisement But one step up at the raw bar, cooks were slicing bluefin tuna and dayboat scallops and shucking oysters. A bartender mixed drinks with South Philly-fied names like Wing Phat Plaza and Jabroni Negroni. Bar customers were bathed in the glow of a stylized oyster-and-pearl neon on the back wall. Sao, the Lorns sequel, opens Wednesday. It has all of Mawns bold flexes, but its menu is packed with a changing assortment of crudos and six kinds of oysters, clams, mussels, and more while going lighter on the noodle dishes. Sao also has a liquor license. With room for just 33 people throughout the dining room and bar eight more seats than Mawn Sao is also a shoebox. It was really important for us to keep it small, Rachel Lorn said last week in a rare quiet moment. We didnt want to do that thing that people do, where they get a lot of success and then theyre like, I want to go bigger. She describes Mawn as youre coming into my house and Im going to feed you, whereas [Sao] is like, I decorated the house and Im throwing a party. Were getting a little more dressed up here. Phila Lorns family history The Lorns story begins in Cambodia. In 1975, as the Khmer Rouge seized control, the country descended into violence and famine. An estimated 1.7 million people nearly a quarter of the population died from starvation, illness, or execution. Among those displaced were Loum Lorn and Sim Khim, who fled with their children to refugee camps in Thailand and later the Philippines. Christian missionaries sponsored the Buddhist familys relocation to the United States. The Lorns arrived in Philadelphia in 1985 and settled near Seventh and Jackson Streets in what Khim, the matriarch, calls Sao Philly hence the new restaurants name. In March 1986, Phila named for their adopted city, pronounced PEE-la came along. His parents both worked grueling hours on farms and in factories, while he grew up immersed in millennial life, his moms cooking, and trips to the Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park. Phila entered the restaurant business in 2004, straight out of high school, as a food runner at 1225 Raw in Center City. Honestly, I was just trying to stay out of trouble, he said. I was a kid from South Philly looking at a kitchen and saying, Oh, wait. This isnt McDonalds. These were some real dudes. It was appealing. One night, when a line cook called out sick, he was thrown onto the line. From then, he was hooked. The restaurant world came with a price. From 20 to 24, he dove deep into its hard-partying culture. Youre trying to fit in, he said. We were competitive even with staff meals. You work 12- or 14-hour shifts, and then you want to go out and experience this industry. Cocaine helped do that. A lot of drinking. At 24, he realized that he had to change. I got real serious about food, and I just couldnt afford to be hung over. Hello, Rachel In 2012, at 26, he met Rachel Barag, who grew up in East Falls, while they worked at Zama, the Japanese restaurant near Rittenhouse Square. I became real serious about being a better version of myself, he said. I didnt want to be that guy on a fryer his whole life. I took a step back and looked at the culinary art of it. I was really interested in how much you can make from food, too the business aspect of it. When I met Rachel, I met another lifer in more than one sense, Phila said. She listened to me. If youre from where were from, when we are from, we can make the same inside jokes, which makes these 12-, 14-hour shifts go a lot faster. Rachel said she liked Philas confidence and sense of humor. And he wasnt corny he was genuine, she said. They worked on the opening team of Zama offshoot CoZara in University City in 2014. Phila cooked at Will BYOB, Stock, Barbuzzo, Terrain, and Mighty Bread Co., doing a chefs residency in 2021 under Jose Garces at Volver as they dreamed of opening their own restaurant. Rachel, meanwhile, became banquet director at the Logan Hotel. In 2022, after scoping out various locations, including Saos current spot at 1710 E. Passyunk Ave. (too expensive at the time), they found a fit at the former Kalaya space at 764 S. Ninth St. With $60,000 from his mothers savings where the [heck] did she get that? Phila said and $40,000 from Rachels mom, they opened Mawn in March 2023. (The name means chicken in Khmer. Back in Cambodia, we ate chicken only when there was no gunfire or bombs, Phila said.) Mawn quickly became a hit. In his review, Inquirer critic Craig LaBan wrote that the food is a thrill to eat, full of vivid, soulful flavors that add up to one of the most exciting openings in 2023. Thats why I have no doubt this promising new restaurant will continue to grow, evolve, and refine its voice. By spring 2024, Rachel left her hotel job to run Mawn full time. Their next act Sao reflects both Cambodian and Jersey Shore influences. Rachels father, Marc Barag, grew up in Margate her grandparents owned the Boardwalk Motel in Atlantic City from 1957 to 1973. As a boy, Marc collected laundry from guest rooms before working the snack bar. He died in 2014, but his presence lives on at Sao a vintage cash register from the motel sits behind the bar. This is me trying to pay homage to her father, Phila said. Sao is my moms kitchen and her dads upbringing Jersey and Cambodian, all at one table. My mom is supercritical like, salt is too salty, sugar is too sweet but she was here in the back and she was proud, Phila said. Rachels mom doesnt stop crying when she walks in. They have a partner in Sao: Jesse Levinson, whose wife, Naomi Weiss, met Rachel in second grade; they grew up like cousins. Levinson was a bartender before he left for a real estate career. During their search for Sao, Rachel asked Levinson to help them scope out a shuttered luncheonette at Ninth and Mifflin Streets. That didnt pan out, but they became partners with a handshake. Another spot, the former Black & Brew coffee shop on East Passyunk, didnt work. But then broker Veronica Blum called with a nearby option, and it had a liquor license. It was 1710 E. Passyunk. The rest is history, Phila said. Mawn employs 11, while Sao has a staff of 15. Sao will adopt Mawns Wednesday-to-Saturday schedule and in coming months will add lunch, as well. Our people can plan their lives a little bit, which you usually cant in this industry, Rachel said. We go hard those four days, then say, Have a good weekend! Weve built a culture thats family-oriented. That culture extends to hiring. At Mawn, if I didnt know you, we wouldnt hire you, Phila said. At Sao, if I like you but you havent worked with us, you have to be vouched for by at least three people. Levinson describes his role at Sao as Swiss army knife, supporting general manager Kelly Brophy, whos worked for a line of restaurants including Vetri, Nunu, Cheu Fishtown, and Kensington Quarters. Brophys help will allow the Lorns to juggle their afternoons, which includes shuttling son Otis, who is almost 4, home from school. Though restaurant lifers, the Lorns insist that theyre still learning. If you put yourself in a beginners mindset, you leave yourself open to learning, Phila said. This is our second restaurant, and we still dont know [squat]. I love that we dont know things together. Asked if a third restaurant might be next, Rachel shook her head and replied, No comment. How to get a table at Mawn or Sao Sao is sold out for September but will put October online at noon Sept. 17. Both restaurants will open their reservations at noon on the 1st for the following month. (Typically, all of Mawns 1,300 dinner seats are snapped up in just a few frustrating seconds; lunch is walk-in only, and draws lines down the block.) Of Saos 10 bar seats, four will be left open for walk-ins. Were basically doing two seatings at the bar and two full reservation turns [in the dining room], and for the last turn, were not taking reservations all the way to the end, so there will be opportunity for more walk-ins toward the end of the night, Rachel said. At Sao, theres more opportunity for people to slip in for a drink and a crudo on the early side. If our first reservation doesnt come till 6, Im happy to get you in for that. With patience, Rachel said, anyone can get in and even become a regular. Our regulars are people who have more flexibility, Rachel said. They check [OpenTable] every day. They set notifications for any cancellations. Sometimes people will walk by and Ill be like, You know what? This persons getting up early, and my next one isnt coming till 9. Do you want to take an hours time? A lot of times, people that live in the neighborhood will walk over and shoot their shot, Rachel said. Sometimes they come at 4:30, sometimes they come at 9 oclock. Theyre not picky. Philadelphia-area physician organizations collected almost $138 million in bonuses last year for delivering quality care that saved Medicare money, according to new federal data. For the second year in a row, the best performer was a group of private physicians with clinics in Philadelphias western suburbs. The group is a so-called Accountable Care Organization (ACO) affiliated with Aledade, a national company based in Maryland that helps independent primary-care doctors manage Medicare patients. Advertisement Top-performing Aledade Accountable Care 15 LLC is among 13 local ACOs that participated in the Medicare Shared Savings Program, which is designed to lower costs and improve quality of care for millions of Americans who get healthcare through traditional Medicare. Doctors groups can earn bonuses if they meet cost and quality benchmarks in preventive care, chronic disease management, patient experience, and other areas. The 13 local ACOs collectively covered 256,000 people. Some involve independent physicians groups; others are affiliated with the regions health systems. Nationwide, 477 ACOs had 10.3 million patients and earned $4.1 billion in performance bonuses. This saved Medicare $2.4 billion compared to cost benchmarks. The Shared Savings Program covers far fewer people than the 34.1 million in private Medicare Advantage plans, but the two programs have the similar goals of managing patients care to save money and improve quality. Local ACOs earned $137.6 million in bonuses. Aledade Accountable Care 15 had the highest savings rate, at 16.6%, and earned a bonus of $33 million, while serving 21,249 patients. The savings rate improved compared to 15.4% in 2023. The number of patients in the ACO declined 10% year over year. The organization includes patients outside the Philadelphia area. The regions biggest ACO is a joint venture of Thomas Jefferson University, Main Line Health, and insurer Humana. Named the Accountable Care Organization of Pennsylvania (formerly called Delaware Valley ACO), this joint venture had a 6.4% savings rate and earned a $49 million bonus, or nearly 50% more than in 2023. It served 74,756 patients. Tandigm Value Partners, an ACO run by Tandigm Health and TriValley Primary Care, had the biggest improvement in the savings rate among local ACOs. Its savings rating improved to 13.4% from 8.4%. Penn started a new ACO last year that is managed by Tandigm. Penn used to own part of Tandigm, but recently sold its interest. The new ACO, Penn Medicine Healthcare Partners, had 32,860 patients, making it the second-biggest in the region. Its savings rate in the first year of operation was 1.6%, which resulted in a $5.3 million bonus. Doctors are supposed to use their shares of the bonuses to enhance their practices. Medicare also keeps part of the savings under the program created by the Affordable Care Act. Editors note: This article has been updated to reflect the University of Pennsylvania Health Systems recent sale of its interest in Tandigm Health. Protesters with the advocacy group Put People First! PA staged a sit-in at Crozer-Chester Medical Center Monday. Read more Eight people were arrested after staging a sit-in at Crozer-Chester Medical Center on Monday morning to protest the Delaware County health systems closure earlier this year. Put People First PA!, an organization that advocates for Medicaid and hospital access, organized a rally and sit-in at Crozers Upland campus to raise awareness about the local need for hospital services. Advertisement Crozer-Chester Medical Center was the busiest hospital in the area, with a level II trauma center and 24/7 mental health crisis center before it was closed this spring by its bankrupt for-profit owner, California-based Prospect Medical Holdings. Upland Police said eight people were ordered out of a professional office building at Crozer that has remained opened for specific appointments. When they refused to leave, the eight people were arrested on charges of defiant trespassing. The group said it wanted county and state lawmakers to use their eminent domain powers to take control of the hospital. They said they brought banners that read Take back our hospitals! and People over profits! Other advocacy groups, including the National Union of the Homeless and the Crozer-Chester Nurses Association, joined the protesters. The rally was part of a national day of action for Medicaid planned by the Nonviolent Medicaid Army, a national advocacy group, seeking to politically organize Americans who could benefit from the government-funded insurance for low-income people and those with disabilities. The organization held similar rallies in Western and Central Pennsylvania over the weekend. The closure of Crozer Chester and a sister facility, Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, followed the failure of a state-led effort to find a new operator that would return the Crozer health system to nonprofit ownership. A group of local healthcare executives are now buying the Taylor facility for $1 million, according to filings last week in Prospects bankruptcy court proceedings. A new Penn study found a surprising number of undiagnosed genetic conditions in adults admitted to intensive care units at Penn Medicine hospitals. Read more The first time the seemingly healthy woman gave birth, she went into heart failure. She recovered and went on to deliver her second child a few years later. Doctors cleared the woman to go home with her newborn. But within months, the woman in her early 20s was rushed back to the hospital, again in heart failure, and ultimately died in a Penn Medicine intensive care unit. Advertisement Several years later, a new study has solved the mystery behind her decline: an undiagnosed genetic condition. The woman is one of many adults whose fates could possibly have been changed with a DNA test. The study, published in The American Journal of Human Genetics, found that one in four adult patients in intensive care units across the Penn health system had a genetic condition linked to the medical issue for which they were admitted. Half were unknown at the time. I thought it would be a concerning number, but this was larger than even I thought it was going to be, said Theodore Drivas, a medical geneticist at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and senior author on the study. The researchers also found that the chances of a genetic condition being caught varied widely by race. Sixty-three percent of white patients knew about their condition, compared to only 22.7% of Black patients. This was based on a sample of 365 patients ages 18 to 40 admitted to an ICU at Penn who had signed up for the Penn Medicine BioBank, a repository for health-related data used for research. Their blood samples were in the bank, allowing Drivas and his team to retrospectively sequence their genomes for disease-causing mutations. When they sequenced the womans genome, they found she had a mutation in a gene called Titin thats known to cause an especially high risk of heart failure in women during and after pregnancy. We probably would have managed her differently if we knew, Drivas said. Doctors could have periodically monitored her heart function after the second pregnancy. Instead, she went home after giving birth and only came back a few months later when her heart failure had progressed. Similarly, another patient had multiple aneurysms following surgery that could have possibly been prevented if she had been screened for her genetic condition. Though the vast majority of patients in this study survived their ICU visit, many could have received more targeted care had their condition been found. Three-quarters of the disorders had standard medical management recommendations available. Its unknown if the outcomes of the patients studied could have been improved. The study did not identify individual patients, including the woman whose death after childbirth was cited as an example. The issue is that genetic testing is rarely offered to adults, even when they are critically ill, Drivas said. He sees this study as a call to action for ICU doctors to implement universal genetic testing which is now widely available and often costs as little as a few hundred dollars for all adults, so that no one goes undiagnosed. We need to switch to a model where the default is to send [patients for] genetic testing, not the exception, he said. Test adults, too For decades, the medical field has operated under the assumption that the older you are, the less likely you are to have a genetic disorder, Drivas explained. The reason for that is a lot of genetic diseases show up in early childhood. Doctors tend to look for those so-called pediatric-onset disorders, rather than ones that appear later in life. We just assume, if youre 20 years or older, you cant possibly have a genetic disease, he said. Plus, the threshold for getting tested is high. Conditions that cause intellectual impairment or affect multiple parts of the body are more obvious signs of a genetic condition. Meanwhile, most of the diseases found in Drivas study only cause symptoms in adulthood, and may affect just one organ. That bias is also reflected in the workforce, with most medical geneticists trained to work with children, not adults, Drivas added. The genetic conditions most commonly found in this study were cystic fibrosis and Marfan syndrome, both of which tended to already be diagnosed. The diseases that were commonly missed included cardiomyopathies, which affect the heart muscle and increase the risk of heart failure. Other commonly missed genetic conditions were those that increased the risk of aneurysms, which is an abnormal bulging of an artery caused by weakness in the artery wall, the study found. A woman in her 30s had shown up to the ICU with multiple aneurysms around her brain and underwent a standard surgery to treat them. But the treatment ended up causing her to develop more aneurysms at the sites where doctors had been accessing her arteries. This was characteristic of a condition called vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which is caused by mutations in the COL3A1 gene. However, the woman had never been offered genetic testing. When Drivas sequenced her genome, he confirmed she indeed had the mutation. Had they known, they could have warned doctors not to perform that particular procedure. We would have said, Hey, stop touching her arteries. Theyre really fragile, he said. Most of the patients included in this study had their first ICU visit within the past 10 years. The researchers hope to eventually return these testing results to the patients in the study, so that they can get more informed care going forward. A need for universal testing Drivas isnt sure why the racial disparity in diagnoses is so high. It tended to be reflected in conditions that were less obvious or perhaps were not causing symptoms yet. The solution to these disparities may be to implement universal testing in ICUs. A study from the University of Washington had shown that Black children were much less likely to get genetic diagnoses than their white counterparts. However, when they made genetic testing the default in the neonatal ICU, that disparity goes away completely, and everyone gets good care, he said. Genetic testing is more feasible today than previous decades, thanks to the costs getting lower and the process getting faster. For example, if someone presents with heart failure, doctors could order a targeted gene panel that should cost no more than $250 and, for most patients, be covered by insurance, according to Drivas. Price has gone down, the reliability of testing has gone way up, and so it just makes it, in my opinion, kind of a no-brainer to get this done, he said. Harry Fenton was a cyclists kind of cyclist. He built bikes and had one for almost every occasion road, mountain, snow, you name it. He had a tandem bike so he and his wife, Ruth Ann, who described herself as always a little fearful, could ride together. Advertisement But he was honestly such a safe rider, Ruth Ann Fenton said, recalling how her husband of 44 years, so keen on sharing the road with cars and pedestrians, quelled those fears. He would insist on using hand signals and his bike bells, and not running red lights, sometimes to the chagrin of the cyclists behind them, eager to pass. He was one with his bike, she said. In his younger years, Harry Fenton would ride for hours on end, and the 67-year-old was not slowing down in retirement. He would routinely ride from his Washington Square neighborhood to Fairmount Park to do his loops. It was there, at the intersection of Belmont Avenue and Avenue of the Republic during his morning loops, that he was killed in a hit-and-run crash near the citys Parkside section on Tuesday. Police said Fenton was riding east on Avenue of the Republic when a driver heading north on Belmont Avenue, an artery that cuts through the western side of the park, struck him. Police said two vehicles were traveling at high speeds before the crash, and a Dodge Charger was seized that day, but no arrests have been made. In the days after Fentons death, his family has focused on burial arrangements and supporting his five grandchildren. It was only two weeks ago that Fenton took them to Hawk Mountain in the Lehigh Valley to hike and to see the birds of prey. Though Fenton often wrangled the children to family concerts and childrens plays, the trip combined his love of family with the outdoors. For more than 20 years, Fenton had hiked portions of the almost 2,200-mile-long Appalachian Trail every summer. Fenton had traversed about 80% of the trail as of this summer, said his eldest son, Dylan Fenton. He wont be completing that and its just a really sad thing, said Dylan Fenton, his voice trailing. He had this commitment and he wasnt able to complete it. The family is also taking comfort in sharing memories of Harry Fenton, who they say could be honest to a fault. The former lawyer was not afraid to ruffle feathers if it meant doing the right thing. A man of convictions Fentons daughter, Hallie Fenton, was in high school when she learned that an exchange student from Poland was being made to feel uncomfortable by her host family. She did what she always did when she needed help: She called her dad. She had only been in our town for a couple of weeks, and my dad had never met her, but immediately, in a steady voice, he said, Have her pack up all of her things, and we will be there in 30 minutes, Fentons daughter recalled. Fenton did not care about potential social repercussions for intervening and quietly handled the pushback from the host family, letting the exchange student stay with his family for a year. He loved rabble-rousers and was a bit of one himself he had a wall of heroes in his Lebanon County law office that included Rosa Parks and Ruby Bridges. He practiced criminal law because he believed everyone deserved a competent defense. When he saw a double-decker bus blocking a bike lane near Independence Hall, he sprang into action and joined Philly Bike Action last year. Fenton filed a Right to Know request and emailed a City Council member, said Caleb Holtmeyer, cofounder and board chair of Philly Bike Action. We also got the [Philadelphia Parking Authority] involved and told them this is not legal or safe. Even in retirement, he felt compelled to help people, volunteering at Philadelphia Legal Assistance, aiding families who could not afford attorneys in navigating custody paperwork. He had been volunteering for years, always early, always dressed up in a blazer, said those who knew him. Fenton was not a guy who engaged in small talk, said Sophia Parsons, a paralegal at the centers family law unit, but he was reliable. Some younger volunteers and law students at the center jokingly described him as a grumpy Mr. Rogers, working on his crossword during downtime, but looked to him as a well of knowledge. Harry managed to really walk the line of being very, very direct, and being able to tell people the truth, but in a way that was still very respectful to [the familys] autonomy and their situation, Parsons said. I was always very struck by that. Even in death, Fenton will embody his beliefs. Ever the environmentalist his first date with his wife was a viewing of an Appalachian strip mining documentary Fenton believed in supporting local farmers, composting, and conserving resources in little ways, such as by limiting his use of the air conditioner. Since his 20s, he knew he wanted his burial to leave as small a carbon footprint as possible. He will skip the embalming and be buried in a pine box at Laurel Hill Cemetery West, an area where he often went for bike rides with his wife. Raising bike safety awareness Philly Bike Action is juggling its advocacy with its grief. The group often springs into action after a traffic death, calling for infrastructure changes, and Fairmount Park is a prime candidate for improvements. According to the citys calculations, Belmont Avenue is part of the 12% of Philadelphia streets that account for 80% of traffic deaths and serious injuries. Holtmeyer expects to begin work on a petition in the coming weeks, as the group figures out which safety improvements to press for in that section of the park. Redesigning intersections, reducing lanes, and even advocating for a ban on park traffic are possibilities. Fentons family hopes that his story rooted in the belief that sharing the road is part of the social contract will raise awareness on the issue. Still, Fentons son Dylan worries about how little the family has come to know about the accident in the days following. There are just so many victims of hit and runs that go totally, totally unsolved, he said. It doesnt inspire hope. Services for Harry Fenton are slated for Tuesday at Laurel Hill Cemetery West. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. with the funeral scheduled for 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Philly Bike Action. Stephanie Vincent, an activist with Montgomery County Community Watch, is seen in the rearview mirror of her car on Wednesday in Norristown in the same vehicle she and her team often use to patrol the streets. As part of Montgomery Countys growing rapid-response team, she helps track ICE activity, document enforcement actions, mobilize protesters, and encourage resistance to enforcement in the community. Read more When ICE agents headed out to raid the Super Gigante food market in West Norriton this summer, they didnt travel alone. Following behind them were cars carrying members of the Montgomery County Watch rapid-response team, immigration activists who work to find and follow the Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Their goal: to record agents activities, to alert people to protest at the scenes of arrests, and, at times, to loudly confront the officers. Advertisement The group had discovered ICE agents and cars gathering that July morning in the parking lot outside the Plymouth Meeting Regal Cinema movie theater. From there it was 4 miles to the supermarket. The two groups arrived nearly simultaneously. As ICE arrested 14 people for immigration offenses, activists yelled at and questioned the masked agents, asking if they told their children that they worked separating families. Show your face! Show your face! they demanded. Get back! an ICE agent shouted as a woman in sandals and a T-shirt approached him. Cowards! came the rejoinder. The agents did not respond to the taunt. Theyre trying to do this quietly, theyre trying to do this when nobody is watching and the rapid-response team aims to ensure that doesnt happen, said Stephanie Vincent, an organizer who was among those who went to the supermarket that morning. The citizens are front line right now. The volunteer teams are part of a growing on-the-ground resistance to the increase in ICE activity across the region. Advocates travel Philadelphia-area highways and interstates, looking for ICE, and particularly checking big parking lots where agents might be setting up for an operation. Activists also have established a series of county-level hotlines, enabling people to report ICE sightings. Lines are set up for Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties, Centre County, Lehigh and Northampton Counties, and in the combined area of York, Lancaster, Adams, Dauphin, and Franklin Counties. The response in Montgomery County, where the county seat of Norristown has been an Immigration and Customs Enforcement target, has been perhaps the most visible. At least 62 immigrants have been arrested countywide since the end of May, advocates say. People are showing up and protesting, to show we support [migrants] and dont want them taken out of the community, and asking ICE to think about what theyre doing, said Rachel Rutter, executive director of Project Libertad, a Phoenixville-based organization that assists immigrant families. Its a direct response to the increase in enforcement. ICE officials said the agency respects peoples constitutional right to peacefully express their opinions. That being said, ICE remains committed to performing its immigration-enforcement mission consistent with federal law and agency policy, a spokesperson in Philadelphia said. These rapid response teams will not deter ICE from completing its mission. Any interference with federal law enforcement officers in the commission of their official duties is a federal crime. Rapid response is not confined to the Philadelphia area. Immigrant advocates in states including California and Colorado work to spot ICE undercover cars, often SUVs with tinted windows, and some places have also established hotlines. The First Amendment generally protects the right to watch and record police activities in public, but approaching anyone during an enforcement action is inherently risky, said Morgan Bailey, a former senior official at the Department of Homeland Security. Activists may not know the full context of an operation, including those that might involve a dangerous suspect or a weapon. And ICE officers might perceive the unexpected appearance of a third party as a threat, she said. Even well-meaning interventions can lead to escalation, said Bailey, now a partner at the international law firm Mayer Brown. Unintended consequences can affect the activists, officers, bystanders, and the very individuals the activists seek to help. In August, Department of Homeland Security officials announced the arrest of a driver who they said tried to run over a Border Patrol agent in Maine. That, DHS said, followed incidents in which a threatening letter containing a white powdery substance was sent to an ICE office in New York City; a man who authorities say sought to stab an ICE officer was arrested in San Francisco; and a bomb threat was made against an ICE facility in Dallas. In a statement, Homeland Security blamed months of smears and rhetoric by activists, politicians, and the media comparing ICE law enforcement to the Nazi Gestapo, kidnappers, and the Secret Police. This shameful rhetoric has fueled a culture of hate against law enforcement. All this comes as President Donald Trump presses his effort to arrest and deport millions of immigrants, enforcement that is being felt across the Philadelphia region. The number of people arrested by ICE in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware surged after Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, said on Fox News in late May that the agency would set a quota of 3,000 arrests a day. Arrests doubled from an average of 26 a day from January through May 21 to an average of 51 a day between May 22 and June 26, recent government data show. The number of immigrants held in ICE detention in Pennsylvania and New Jersey was up about 68% in July compared with the start of the Trump administration in January. Even before the raid at Super Gigante, some Montgomery County commissioners aired concerned about the prospect of residents confronting ICE during arrests. Please, do not put yourself or anyone at risk, Chair Neil Makhija pleaded at a board meeting in June, soon after the first wave of ICE arrests commenced in Norristown. Do not engage in a physical confrontation or anything close to that. We dont want to see something tragic happen. Rapid-response activists say they never attempt to physically disrupt ICE. Instead, they try to record on their phones as arrests unfold, and take notes according to a protocol known as SALUTE: The Size of the ICE force, its Activity, specific Location, Unit markings and license plates, the Time, and the Equipment being used. When people are being snatched off of the streets, out of their jobs and their homes, theres a sense we need to protect each other, said Natalia Naranjo, a rapid-response activist who works mostly on hotlines and translations. On that summer day in Norristown, two team members actually arrived at the supermarket slightly ahead of ICE, said Andi Laudisio, a team member. We found them in the morning, and followed them there, she said. We had been checking parking lots. She had trailed ICE in the past, she said, though the market raid was the first time she witnessed an arrest. We are just legal observers, Laudisio said. Some are only taking video and pictures, others start being loud. Is the strategy effective? I think so, she said. I think the community feels a little bit safer knowing were out there. We are getting people who are like, Ill do rapid-response work, who were at first like, I dont want to be out on the streets. Project Libertad has been increasing its effort to assist family members, the children and spouses traumatized by the sudden arrest and loss of a loved one who may be the main provider. The project has offered direct financial support as well as information on how to find an attorney and navigate the legal system. Organizer Vincent said rapid response is growing at a key time, with ICE emboldened and local leaders often responding to that challenge through traditional political channels. Were at this precipice, she said. The ICE force is only going to grow. The activity, and who they target, and what they do, is only going to get worse. Staff writer Katie Bernard contributed to this article. U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver (D., N.J.) speaks to the press after Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested at the Delancey Hall ICE detention prison, on May 9 in Newark, N.J. Read more Times are really bleak in America right now. President Donald Trump is waging an all-out war on anyone he considers woke, on undocumented immigrants, and on his enemies real or imagined. But Im holding on to my faith that as a great man once said the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice. And I believe it will as long as people like Rep. LaMonica McIver (D., N.J.) are willing to resist. Advertisement A lot of people dont know about the 39-year-old freshman congresswoman from Newark, N.J., and they should. Earlier this year, McIver made national news after she showed up at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in her district in Newark and landed herself in what the late Rep. John Lewis would call good trouble. McIver, along with several other elected officials, was attempting to inspect conditions at Delaney Hall, a 1,000-bed facility along an industrial stretch of land near Newark Liberty International Airport in May, and was met with fierce resistance. Video of the very ugly melee that ensued went viral. Authorities later charged McIver with forcibly impeding and interfering with federal officers. She pleaded not guilty. At first, the case didnt look good for her, especially after Trump denounced McIver by claiming she was out of control and declared that The days of woke are over. House Republicans took the rare step of attempting to have her formally censured and to remove her from a committee overseeing immigration and national security. But instead of marching lockstep along with the rest of their party last week, five brave Republicans broke ranks with their caucus and voted with Democrats to table the measure until after McIvers legal case is settled. READ MORE: Trump administration welcomes white South African refugees while making it easier to deport brown ones | Jenice Armstrong McIver was as surprised as anyone. I expected the worst, she told me over the phone. Ever since Jan. 20, everything that this administration and Republican-run House and Senate has done has been centered in cruelty and chaos and confusion. McIver described herself as being both shocked and grateful. She was hardly alone. I was relieved for her, too. I didnt know anything about McIver before the Delaney Hall fracas. But after watching and rewatching videos of what happened, I became incensed at the blatant disrespect shown by ICE agents toward three Black elected officials, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was arrested that day. McIver stands out in the footage because of her bright red blazer and how she appears to be using her body to shield Baraka. Granted, the videos are chaotic and confusing. Its hard to see exactly whos doing what to whom. Prosecutors claim McIver slammed her forearm into the body of one law enforcement officer and also forcibly grabbed him. They also allege she used her forearms to forcibly strike a second officer. No injuries were reported. The Washington Post conducted an in-depth review of the footage and found that McIver made contact with at least two agents involved in the skirmish, but concluded that it is difficult to discern the force of the contact and to what extent it was intentional or the result of the chaotic moment. Delaney Hall has been plagued with complaints from detainees about conditions. As a legislator, McIver was doing the job her constituents elected her to do. The main reason why we went to Delaney Hall was not to protest; it was to have an oversight visit, she said. We had heard so many complaints from different people, from city leaders about this facility not being up to par. Before getting elected to Congress, McIver served almost eight years on Newarks City Council. As council president, she oversaw a body of nine members representing almost 400,000 residents. I have never experienced anything like this before coming to Congress, McIver said. Its honestly been just such an unhinged experience. McIver is scheduled to go on trial in November. Its anyones guess how that will go. Especially since a federal judge ruled last month that Trumps former lawyer, Alina Habba, has been unlawfully serving as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey. Lewis used to famously urge justice seekers like McIver to Get into good trouble, necessary trouble, and redeem the soul of America. The way I see it, thats what McIver was doing on that May day outside Delaney Hall. She stood up for what was right and landed herself in good trouble. Lewis would be proud but, before all is said and done, its going to take a lot more people doing like McIver did to restore our nations battered spirit. Visitors pause under the shade of a garden trellis outside the Independence Visitor Center in Independence National Historical Park in August. Independence Hall is in the rear and the Presidents House is at right. Read more Dozens of preservation and historical organizations from the Philadelphia area have signed onto a letter addressed to President Donald Trumps secretary of the interior opposing the potential changes or removal of more than a dozen exhibits about slavery at Independence National Historical Park that could occur in a little over a week. The letter, obtained by The Inquirer, marks the first time a significant coalition of Philadelphias preservation and historical groups has coordinated widespread opposition to Trumps executive order that aims to sanitize American history at national parks. Advertisement Forty-five organizations backed the letter, circulated by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia and mailed to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on Monday. Prominent signatories include the Betsy Ross House, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, Pennsylvania Abolition Society, and Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Officials, including Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, U.S. Sens. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) and Dave McCormick (R, Pa.), and U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle (D., Pa.) and Dwight Evans (D., Pa.) were copied on the letter. History is not mythology, the letter states. It does not present or reinforce false narratives. When researched and analyzed with depth and scholarship, history captures the complete record of idealism and injustice, progress and regression in our shared journey toward a more perfect union. To eliminate or revise these truths, glorious or not, is to deny the lived experiences of millions of Americans and perpetuate the harms of ignorance. The fate of the slavery exhibits at Independence Park remains in limbo as the National Park Service has not yet communicated whether the park will need to take further steps to change or remove any displays, bypassing the agencys deadline for doing so. Displays could be edited or removed by Sept. 17. The organizations say any attempts to edit historical sites will undermine the integrity of public memory, including at Independence Park, where exhibits about slavery at the Presidents House Site, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, Independence Hall, and other locations were flagged by park staff for the Trump administrations review. Most of the at-risk exhibits are at the Presidents House, which memorializes the nine people President George Washington enslaved there during his presidency. The site portrays the dichotomy between slavery and liberty amid the founding of America. Any exhibit removals or replacements is ahistorical and un-American, the group added. The looming threats to some of Philadelphias most historic exhibits comes as the city and the nation are preparing to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America next year. Other iconic sites in Philadelphia are not subject to Trumps executive order because theyre not overseen by the National Park Service, including the Betsy Ross House, which is owned by the nonprofit Historic Philadelphia Inc. Since the exhibits jeopardy at Independence Park was reported by The Inquirer in late July, a battle has ensued to protect these displays and portray the true story of America to the expected of influx of tourists in 2026. Avenging the Ancestors Coalition (ATAC), which signed the Preservation Alliances letter, has been one of the leading advocacy groups of that battle, particularly when it comes to the Presidents House Site. The Black-led group helped shape the sites creation 23 years ago to center the stories of the nine people Washington enslaved there. ATAC has held a rally and a public town hall meant to catalyze and strategize public opposition to the Trump administrations attempts to change history. Roz McPherson, the original project director of the Presidents House Site who is helping lead the ATAC coalition to protect the exhibit, said Monday that its crucial to have the letters signatories as allies during this moment. These are all folks who are committed to American history, especially as we prepare for 2026 and beyond, McPherson said. Some signatories also hope the letter spurs local elected officials to speak out on the jeopardized sites. Officials should be entirely resistant to any attempts to rewrite history at Sixth and Market, said Sam Katz, executive producer of History Making Productions, and known for his runs for mayor in the 1990s and early 2000s. Faye Anderson, a preservationist whose group, All That Philly Jazz, signed on to the letter said leaders must respond because officials were instrumental in developing the Presidents House Site in the early 2000s. Resistance is in the DNA of Philadelphia, said Anderson, who is working to preserve the Presidents House Site digitally with the help of artificial intelligence. Philadelphians, including Anderson, have worked to archive the sites at Independence Park in recent months in anticipation of removal or edits. The architecture firm responsible for designing the Presidents House Site also penned a statement, with the Design Advocacy Group, opposing changes to the integrity of the site. By orchestrating this statement, the Preservation Alliance is ensuring that this fight is not just simply a fight that has to be waged by ATAC and that the issue reaches a wider audience, said the Rev. Mark Tyler, historiographer at the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a coalition leader alongside McPherson. It also demonstrates that this is not just one particular group thats saying the story is important, Tyler said. This is Philadelphia saying that this story is important. Former President Joe Biden speaks onstage in the gym at Girard College in 2024. Read more It looks like Pennsylvania is not getting its first presidential library anytime soon. Former President Joe Biden, who was born in Scranton, Pa. and has ties to the University of Pennsylvania, has instead chosen his home state of Delaware to cement his presidential legacy. Advertisement The decision has ended a monthslong mystery as to where the 46th president will have his library. The National Archives and Records Administration, which manages the presidential library system, has had custody of records and archives from the Biden administration since Jan. 20, the last day Biden, a Democrat, was in office. Biden has strong ties to Pennsylvania, having spent the first 10 years of his life in Scranton before his family moved to Claymont, Delaware. Biden has also served as a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and the Ivy League has named the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement after him. Hes even called Pennsylvania home and referred to himself as Pennsylvanias third Senator. During his presidential campaigns, he often emphasized his connections to the Keystone State. But even so, Biden chose Delaware, the state he represented in the U.S. Senate for 36 years. Biden attended the University of Delaware and began his political career there with his election to the New Castle County Council in 1970 before moving to federal office. During his presidency Biden regularly spent weekends at his family home in Wilmington and vacationed in Rehoboth Beach. The exact location and opening date for Bidens library has yet to be announced, but the Joe and Jill Biden Foundation approved a 13-person governance board of friends, political allies, and former aides that will help guide the project, The Associated Press reported. Theres yet to be a price tag on Bidens, but the costs of creating presidential libraries has skyrocketed over the decades. For instance, the George H.W. Bush librarys construction cost was approximately $43 million when it opened in 1997. Former President Bill Clintons was about $165 million. For former President George W. Bushs library, his team met its $500 million fundraising goal before the site in Texas was dedicated. And The Obama Foundation has outlined a $1.6 billion fundraising goal for the construction of former President Barack Obamas presidential center set to open next year in Chicago. The development of the Biden presidential library will show how willing donors are to write the former president a check amid ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party after President Donald Trumps victory in November over former Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the nominee after Biden stepped down from the ticket. Biden aides have met with officials operating 12 of the 13 presidential libraries with physical locations, managed by the National Archives. James Buchanan, the only other president born in Pennsylvania, does not have a presidential library because the tradition did not begin until the 20th Century. Trump, for his first term in office, currently has a digital library run by the National Archives. He has not yet chosen a physical location. The Associated Press contributed to this article. CHICAGO As Chicagoans braced for a potential activation of the National Guard in their city, President Donald Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, said residents of cities with pro-immigrant policies all over the United States should also expect stepped-up immigration enforcement in their neighborhoods. You can expect action in sanctuary cities across the country, Homan told CNN on Sunday. Advertisement Trump and members of his administration have long railed against sanctuary city policies, which can encompass a spectrum of practices, such as jails being unable to hold immigrants accused of committing crimes beyond their allotted time or hand them over to ICE custody, or prohibiting police from inquiring about immigration status during arrests. On Sunday, Homan said the president is prioritizing federal action in cities with these policies because they knowingly release illegal aliens, public safety threats, to the streets. In recent days, Trump has also threatened to deploy the National Guard to New York, Seattle, Baltimore, San Francisco and Portland, Oregon. Homan declined to say how many National Guard troops will be deployed to Chicago, or where else they might be sent, but said the troops are a force multiplier to support immigration enforcement. Homan said the National Guard troops would not be arresting undocumented migrants in these cities but would rather support the work of ICE officers and Border Patrol agents. The National Guard does provide protection for us, he said. It does provide us infrastructure, provides us transportation, provides us additional processing capability that allows the ones with immigration authority, the badges and guns on the street, to continue arresting the bad guy. The comments come a day after Trump, on Truth Social, threatened Chicago with mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, sharing an edited illustration of himself as Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore from the Vietnam War film Apocalypse Now. Alongside the image, Trump wrote, I love the smell of deportations in the morning. Chicago [is] about to find out why its called the Department of WAR, Trump wrote. On Friday, the president signed an executive order rebranding the Defense Department as the Department of War without congressional approval. As he made his way to the U.S. Open in New York on Sunday, Trump was asked by reporters whether he was threatening to go to war with Chicago. Were not going to war, Trump replied. Were going to clean up our cities. On Tuesday, Trump signaled that he planned to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, an escalation in his administrations effort to combat what he has characterized as rampant crime in cities and states led by Democratic elected officials. In the following days, Trump also floated the possibility of activating the Guard in other Democratic-led cities. And on Saturday, the Department of Homeland Security said it launched an ICE operation in Massachusetts targeting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens. The administration provided few details on the scale of the mission, but said it built on a May operation that resulted in nearly 1,500 arrests across Massachusetts, including dozens of migrant workers on Marthas Vineyard. Chicago had already been on high alert for a potential National Guard deployment after Trump said last month that the city would be probably next after he deployed Guard troops to Washington. Mayor Brandon Johnson said on X on Saturday that Trumps threats are beneath the honor of our nation, but the reality is that he wants to occupy our city and break our Constitution. We must defend our democracy from this authoritarianism by protecting each other and protecting Chicago from Donald Trump, Johnson wrote. Largely peaceful protests broke out across the city on Saturday, with thousands of marchers taking over Michigan Avenue demanding that Trump keep federal forces out of Chicago. Crowds also demonstrated outside the DHS offices in downtown Chicago, where temporary barriers had gone up around federal buildings the day before. On Thursday, The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon approved the use of the Naval Station Great Lakes, a Navy base on the outskirts of Chicago, as a staging ground from which the Trump administration can launch operations against undocumented immigrants. Despite the tension, mass deportation operations had not kicked off in the city as of Sunday. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) told CBS Newss Face the Nation on Sunday morning that she didnt have any indication that the Trump administration was poised to send National Guard troops to Chicago. Still, she criticized Trumps Saturday Truth Social post, saying that the president essentially just declared war on a major city in his own nation. This is not acceptable behavior, she said. Duckworth said she visited Naval Station Great Lakes and was told that ICE was looking for office space but that no barracks, no detention facilities, none of that is being requested or prepared in order to support troops into Chicago. Duckworth said Department of Homeland Security employees refused to meet with her and other legislators at the Navy training base or discuss their plans for Chicago. We certainly have sent the administration multiple inquiries about what they are planning on doing, who are they bringing into Chicago, she said. ... Theyve not even reached out to local law enforcement to try to coordinate. You know, if they were truly, truly interested in fighting crime, then they would work with local law enforcement and ask them, What do you need? Chicago has long dealt with significant crime levels, although statistics show the problem is not as severe as Trump portrays it. Like other major U.S. cities, Chicago has seen a decline in crime since the coronavirus pandemic, and, by mid-August, the citys violent crime had decreased 23 percent compared with the same period last year, according to Chicago Police Department figures. While Trump freely deployed troops to D.C., he faces a different set of legal questions if he deploys the Guard to Chicago. In D.C., Trump serves as commander in chief of the National Guard because the District is not a state. But his power is different outside of that city, and a federal judge ruled on Tuesday that Trumps use of troops to carry out domestic law enforcement actions in California earlier this year violated federal law. However, that judge said the ruling was narrowly tailored and did not require the administration to pull back the 300 troops still stationed in Los Angeles. Instead, the judge blocked the troops from certain actions and stayed his ruling until Sept. 12. A majority of Americans have expressed disapproval of Trumps deployment of troops to D.C. and other cities. A CBS News poll conducted between Sept. 3 and 5 found that 57 percent of Americans oppose the deployment of the National Guard to D.C., while 58 percent oppose his potential deployment of the Guard to other cities. However, 85 percent of Republicans support the deployment of the Guard to U.S. cities, while 93 percent of Democrats and 64 percent of registered independents oppose it. Devi Ramkissoon is Montgomery County's first ever chief of sustainability. Read more Montgomery County hired the former leader of a Philly-area sustainability network to guide the suburban county as it pursues ambitious sustainability goals. The county, which provides financial incentives for businesses and homes to use clean energy through its Montco 2040 initiative, has set a plan to convert to clean energy across operations and is developing a hydroelectric power station in Norristown. Advertisement Last month, the county onboarded its first ever chief sustainability officer to drive the countys strategy in achieving those goals and coordinate efforts across the public and private sectors. Heres what you need to know about the position, and the person filling it. Who is Montcos new chief sustainability officer? Devi Ramkissoon, the former executive director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, began working in Montgomery County last month in a position that oversees and advises on a wide range of sustainability initiatives. A graduate of Swarthmore College and Georgetown University, Ramkissoon spent eights years working for USAID under the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations before returning to lead the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia for three years. She said her background has focused largely on economic development and its intersection with sustainability. In her last job, Ramkissoon worked with businesses across the region to develop sustainable practices including efforts to prevent food waste. She said she was drawn to the Montgomery County post as an opportunity to continue that work combining the various components of sustainability in one job a strong environment, economic growth, and resilient communities. We need to balance all of those various components in order for any sustainability initiative to be successful, she said. Im really excited to set a vision and also execute on a strategy for sustainability across the entire county. Why did the county create the role? The chief sustainability officer position is one of several new roles created in Montgomery County this year. In its most recent budget, the county also expanded its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, added an immmigrant affairs director, and created new positions on the countys legal team. Leaders in Montgomery County, a Democratic stronghold since the mid-2010s, have emphasized sustainability in recent years. By hiring a chief sustainability officer, county leaders hope to expand sustainability work internally and externally, said Neil Makhija, a Democrat who chairs the county board of commissioners. The county government set goals to reach 100% clean electricity for county assets by 2035 and 100% renewable energy for heat and transportation by 2050. A chief sustainability officer, Makhija said, offers key oversight to help the county meet and exceed its goals. You cant meet goals unless you have that cohesive oversight, Makhija said. Well have clear oversight over the big picture of what sustainability practices are currently in place and how we can improve on them. The position, Makhija said, is also essential to better collaboration externally with state and federal governments and businesses. Ramkissoon will receive an annual salary of $128,234, according to the county. What will she do? Ramkissoons chief role will be to develop and implement a clear sustainability strategy for Montgomery County and work across government and the private sector to implement it. As she enters the role, Ramkissoon said she plans to work with municipalities to develop and support sustainability plans across the county and is connecting with stakeholders to form a committee to study what the countys largest needs are. People can tend to see sustainability along political lines, and really its for the betterment of all communities, Ramkisoon said. By supporting and investing in sustainable practices, not only does our planet benefit but our local community benefits, and also our local economy does as well. Ramkissoons duties will include working with municipalities and departments in Montgomery County as well as developing public-private partnerships, informed by her work at the Sustainable Business Network, to work with businesses throughout Montgomery County. I would be looking to engage the businesses in Montgomery County in a similar fashion, she said. Both educating them about how they can be more sustainable as well as providing support for how they can choose initiatives that are right for their business and help them to implement them as well. 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. People board a train during the evening rush hour at Jefferson Station on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pa. Read more HARRISBURG SEPTA says full service will resume next week following a one-time $394 million infusion from the state that will allow the public transit agency to reverse 20% cuts imposed in late August. Gov. Josh Shapiros administration on Monday approved allowing SEPTA to spend state-allocated funds for capital projects on operating expenses over the next two years. Advertisement In a letter sent Monday, state Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll agreed to transfer the funds, a move that SEPTA formally requested last week. READ MORE: SEPTA sets date to restore service as the agency seeks permission to use capital funds The move will give SEPTA temporary relief from a $213 million operating budget deficit that its leaders have said forced the deep cuts, which brought several days of turmoil. Yet a more lasting solution to mass transits funding challenges will be deferred. Listen, I think we have come to the conclusion here that the Republicans who are in the majority in the state Senate were unwilling to pass recurring revenue, Shapiro told reporters Monday after an event in Philadelphia. The harsh effects of SEPTA cuts were untenable, Shapiro said, adding that the struggles of public school students really tugged at me. Some 63% of Philadelphia schools reported more late arrivals than normal and 50% reported higher absentee rates, the governor said. READ MORE: SEPTA cuts made Philly schools attendance tumble significantly It was not immediately clear what SEPTA infrastructure projects could be affected by the shift. Officials were working to determine that, spokesperson Andrew Busch said. Leaders in Harrisburg have spent months arguing to no avail over how to fund public transportation, as transit agencies across Pennsylvania face similar budget shortfalls that require additional state funds for them to avoid service cuts and fare increases. House Democrats, Shapiro, and Senate Republicans were unable to agree on a stable funding solution for transit. And the leaders still have yet to agree on an overall state budget, now more than two months past due. Carroll said SEPTAs request to tap into its capital funds for operation is both predictable and rueful. He cited a refusal by Senate Republicans to agree on a long-term solution that provides certainty and does not also unfairly raid mass transit capital dollars for unrelated expenditures, such as repairs and maintenance on rural roads. Carroll approved the waivers requested by SEPTA and Pittsburgh Regional Transit to draw capital dollars from the Public Transportation Trust Fund, which the state uses to provide both operational and infrastructure money to transit agencies. The fund has $2.4 billion in it, though Carroll previously testified before a House committee that every single dollar in the fund has an expected use. Senate Republicans last month passed a bill to require SEPTA and transit agencies across the state to tap into PTTF capital accounts for the next two years while lawmakers looked for a longer-term solution. The Senate proposal, approved along party lines last month, also diverted $419 million from transit capital funds to rural road and bridge repairs, which Democrats and SEPTA opposed. Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) said the waiver, by using existing funding, was investing in transit in a responsible manner because it does not divert money from the states general fund and wont jeopardize any capital projects. It is our hope that over the next two years SEPTA and PRT ... implement reforms and efficiencies to help ensure their long-term viability. SEPTA had already been ordered by a Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas judge last week to halt its service cuts, after a consumer advocate and two SEPTA riders sued, arguing that the cuts disproportionately impacted marginalized groups and thus, violated their constitutional rights. Following the court order and in the absence of any additional state funds SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer requested that PennDot approve a one-time waiver to use its capital funds for operating expenses because the transit agency was being required to continue to provide a level of service that is unsustainable without further operating funds, Sauer wrote. It was our hope that the Legislature could come to an agreement and pass into law Gov. Shapiros plan to increase recurring revenue and find a long-term solution for SEPTA, Sauer wrote Friday. But, given the legislative delay, and increasing fiscal pressures, we are faced with no other option. Sauer said last week that if its request was approved, SEPTA could restore service beginning Sept. 14. A 21.5% fare increase is still expected to go into effect. Shapiro, a Democrat, had proposed increasing the share of state sales tax revenue that is allocated to public transit, which House Democrats approved five times over the last few years. Republicans opposed the idea, arguing that all of the states sales tax revenue is already allocated and would ultimately result in an increase for taxpayers. SEPTA, the nations sixth-largest public transportation system, currently receives about $1 billion in operating assistance from the state. Staff writer Kristen A. Graham contributed to this article. With more states adding or considering restrictions on third-party funding of lawsuits, one of the largest litigation finance firms is now planning to invest directly in some law firms. We are pursuing strategic minority investments in firms where we can support their growth and expansion plans, as a passive investor, Travis Lenkner, chief development officer for Burford Capital, said in a statement in late August. The company would not say which law firms it may be considering for investment. The idea is very troubling and raises ethical concerns about where a lawyers loyalty would liewith the client or with the outside stakeholders of the firm focused on profits and big verdicts, said William Large, president of the Florida Justice Reform Institute, an organization that has advocated for tort reform and prohibitions against ownership of law firms by nonlawyers. The publicly traded Burford, founded in 2009, has helped finance a number of high-profile lawsuits in recent years, leading property/casualty insurers, business chiefs, and some lawmakers to argue that third-party funding leads to unnecessary lawsuits that drive up costs. Funding investors have countered that financing litigation can make it possible for more plaintiffs to afford protracted litigation, which can cost millions of dollars over many years. At least 16 states in the last five years have approved statutes that require disclosure of litigation-funding parties or licensing of or reporting by the financiers. In Florida, which has seen a big impact on insurance costs and premiums from extensive claims litigation, a similar bill failed to pass the legislature last year. It would have required disclosure of funding parties and would have barred financiers from influencing the outcome of cases. Federal legislation in Congress also has gained little traction since it was introduced last year. And most states statutes strictly forbid ownership of law firms by nonlawyers. Only Arizona allows direct non-attorney ownership of law firms, although Utah and Washington, DC, have relaxed some restrictions, Bloomberg reported. Burford Capital believes it may have found a way around states prohibitionsthrough the use of a bifurcated arrangement involving managed service organizations, or MSOs: The lawyers in a law firm would handle the legal work through a lawyer-owned entity. The MSO would control the firms assets and sell back-office services to the law firm for a fee, according to Bloomberg and the Financial Times news reports. Its uncertain if such an arrangement would be considered legal in most states, or if they would be challenged in courts or state legislatures. A ruling early this year by the Texas Bars Professional Ethics Committee appeared to give the nod to MSOs for law firms, under certain conditions: Law firms could not split their fees with the managing organization. A lawyer may own an equity interest in a company owned in part by nonlawyers so long as the company does not engage in the practice of law, and ethics rules still apply, the opinion noted. The ethics committee did not directly address the other side of the coin: When a nonlawyer invests in a law firm. But the opinion has been seen as opening the door for the unusual investment structure, at least in some states. While acting only as persuasive authority, Opinion No. 706 confirms that, when structured correctly, law firm MSOs are a viable option for lawyers, investors and service providers, wrote Trisha Rich, a partner with Holland & Knight law firm. Floridas Bar rules do not appear to directly address MSOs or similar business structures. A lawyer shall not form a partnership with a nonlawyer if any of the activities of the partnership consist of the practice of law, the rule reads. A lawyer shall not practice with or in the form of a business entity authorized to practice law for a profit if: (1) a nonlawyer owns any interest therein, except that a fiduciary representative of the estate of a lawyer may hold the stock or interest of the lawyer for a reasonable time during administration; or (2) a nonlawyer is a corporate director or officer thereof or occupies the position of similar responsibility in any form of association other than a corporation; or (3) a nonlawyer has the right to direct or control the professional judgment of a lawyer. The Florida Bar and the Supreme Court in 2022 also declined to adopt a Bar committee recommendation to try a pilot program of nonlawyer ownership and fee splitting with nonlawyers. The court did not address the MSO-type of investment structure. Whether its legal or not, any type of outside ownership arrangement is simply bad policy, Floridas Large said. He argued that if allowed, it would threaten the bedrock of Americas justice system. Large, a lawyer himself, compared large-scale law firm ownership by investors to the arrangements that led to the U.S. financial crisis of 2008: Lack of ownership and accountability over the millions of subprime mortgages that were bundled and sold off to investors. Currently, most law firm partners are, in effect, owners of their firm and are held responsible for the firms decisions. But if an outside investor becomes the factotum owner, lawyers may eschew responsibility, encouraging a decline in independence and quality of legal representation, Large said. Outside ownership of law firms will adversely impact the stability of the practice of law in our state and lead to a slippery slope of problematic issues as more and more nonlawyer entities seek to gain some semblance of control over law firms in the state, with their focus on the bottom line of profitability as opposed to the needs of clients, Large wrote in a 2021 note to Bar committee members who were contemplating the nonlawyer ownership pilot program. Burford has a market capitalization of $3 billion, putting it in the realm of some of the largest private equity firms, the Times and Bloomberg reported. Insurance groups have said such heavyweight funding would land mostly on the plaintiffs side, fueling excessive litigation and large verdicts that would have an impact on loss adjustment expenses. Burford said it understands the legal and ethical considerations of its plan. As the worlds leading legal finance provider, we understand the business of law and the importance of law firm culture and professional independence, Burfords Lenkner said in an emailed statement. Topics Lawsuits New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a resolution of her offices lawsuit to protect Buffalo children and families from lead poisoning in their homes. An agreement filed Friday in Erie County Supreme Court settles the lawsuit and requires the real estate company Raiszadeh Group to correct unsafe and deteriorating conditions at dozens of rental properties it owns in Buffalo, many of which are located in low-income neighborhoods. The Raiszadeh Group will pay $515,000 in penalties, including $70,000 to create a tenant relief fund and $445,000 for lead hazard remediation. The landlord has also agreed to oversight to ensure that its buildings are safe for current and future tenants. The settlement also prohibits the sale of any identified properties until they have been certified lead-safe, requires annual third-party inspections of all of the firms New York rental properties for the next four years, and mandates that every tenant receive an Environmental Protection Agency -approved lead hazard disclosure form, a lead safety information pamphlet, and copies of any inspection reports for their home. If the Raiszadeh Group fails to comply with the settlement terms, it faces an additional suspended penalty of up to $445,000 plus interest. The defendant landlord and companies said they entered into the consent judgment solely for the purpose of settlement and they neither admit nor concede any violation of law, rule, or regulation, or any liability or wrongdoing In March 2023, Attorney General James sued Buffalo landlord Farhad Raiszadeh and his associated companies alleging their failure to properly address lead-based paint hazards. According to the attorney general, since 2008, the Raiszadeh Group has owned and managed 78 buildings in Buffalo, primarily rented to low-income families of color. An Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigation found that the Raiszadeh Group failed for years to properly address peeling and deteriorating lead paint, despite warnings and citations from the city and Erie County. These violations, documented in hundreds of city and county inspections since 2008, contributed to the lead poisoning of 14 children living in Raiszadeh Group properties between 2017 and 2025. In total, 75 percent of the 78 properties Raiszadeh Group owned and managed were cited by inspectors for conditions conducive to lead poisoning, and all of its buildings were presumed to contain lead paint in some capacity. Lead is a highly toxic metal that can cause serious and irreversible health problems, particularly for children under the age of six. Even low levels of lead in blood can affect brain development, causing learning disabilities, attention deficits, and long-term harm. Buffalo has one of the highest rates of childhood lead poisoning in the nation, with children of color and those living in low-income neighborhoods disproportionately affected. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and healthy home, free from the devastating and irreversible harms of lead poisoning, said James in a re;ease announcing the settlement. For years, Farhad Raiszadeh and the Raiszadeh Group failed to protect tenant families despite receiving repeated warnings and violations. Today, we are ensuring that hundreds of thousands of dollars will be invested directly into making these homes safe. Topics New York A federal bankruptcy judge on Friday signed off on a $246 million fund to pay abuse claims as part of the Catholic Diocese of Rochesters Chapter 11 reorganization plan to emerge from bankruptcy. Having witnessed six years of bankruptcy proceedings, sexual abuse survivors in the courtroom applauded and cheered when Judge Paul Warren signed the deal. According to a local NBC report, the judge told the survivors, The money isnt going to fix you. I hope it gives you a sense of validation and that what happened to you wasnt your fault. Rochester Diocese Bishop Salvatore Matano said it was not anticipated that the bankruptcy proceedings would last six-years. He said he expects the final steps will be completed within weeks. Despite this lengthy process, bankruptcy was the only means possible to assure that all survivors would be justly compensated, and the best and fairest course of action for the continued mission of the Diocese, its parishes and related entities, Matano stated in a letter to parishioners and survivors. Nonetheless, I am particularly conscious that these years of waiting have added to the suffering and pain of those sexually abused and whose trust was betrayed. Betrayal is a harsh word, but its effects are far more harsh. With profound sadness, I apologize to the survivors, the victims of such sinful and tragic acts for which they were not responsible. The Diocese has accepted responsibility for the damage caused by abuse. Insurers, the diocese. and survivors of clergy sexual abuse agreed upon the final plan in July, after the last holdout among the insurers, Continental Insurance Co. (CNA), agreed to contribute $120 million. CNAs $120M Contribution Finalizes Rochester Diocese Claims Fund The western New York diocese and its parishes are contributing $55 million to the claims fund. The rest will come from insurers. In addition to the $120 million from CNA, the fund will include $19.5 million from London Market Insurers (LMI), $1.1 million from LMI Underwriters, $50 million from Interstate and $750,000 from First State. Payments to the fund will go to resolve an estimated 470 sex abuse claims filed against the diocese. The 300,000-member diocese declared bankruptcy in 2019 when hundreds of lawsuits were filed against it after the state enacted the Child Victims Act, which exposed the church to claims of abuse that occurred many years ago, some decades ago. After turning to insurers for coverage and getting hundreds of denials from Continental and letters of reservation from other carriers, the diocese sued the insurers in late 2019 seeking a declaration of the rights, duties, and liabilities of the parties. Years of court-ordered mediation followed, with the result being more than $190 million from the insurers. The committee for survivors supported the final plan after the Continental contribution. According to court documents, the diocese and survivors had rejected earlier CNA offers of $63 million and $75 million and CNA had rejected a diocese proposal of $171 million. The diocese and survivors were prepared to proceed with a plan allocating funds to claims settlements without CNAs involvement and accept the risk of pursuing later recovery from CNA. But on July 22, the parties agreed to the $120 million figure. The Rochester diocese serves the counties of Monroe, Wayne, Yates, Ontario, Cayuga, Seneca, Tompkins, Tioga, Chemung. Schuyler. Livingston. and Steuben. The Rochester diocese is not alone in seeking protection from sexual abuse claims following enactment of the Child Victims Act. Catholic dioceses in Buffalo, Syracuse Albany, and Rockville Centre have also resorted to bankruptcy. Topics Legislation Claims Alphabets Google was hit with a 2.95-billion-euro ($3.45 billion) European Union antitrust fine on Friday for anti-competitive practices in its lucrative adtech business, a sharp sanction that riled up U.S. President Donald Trump. The fine, the fourth penalty Google has faced in its decade-long fight with EU competition regulators, follows bubbling trade tensions between major global powers and U.S. threats of retaliation over EU scrutiny of American tech firms. Trump said in a post on Truth Social that the action was unfair and discriminatory and later told reporters he will take the matter up with the EU directly. We cannot let this happen to brilliant and unprecedented American Ingenuity and, if it does, I will be forced to start a Section 301 proceeding to nullify the unfair penalties being charged to these Taxpaying American Companies, Trump said. Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows the United States to penalize foreign countries that engage in acts that are unjustifiable or unreasonable, or burden U.S. commerce. The European Commissions action was triggered by a complaint from the European Publishers Council. Trump, who has hit Europe with trade tariffs, has threatened to retaliate against the EU for any pushback against Big Tech. I will be speaking to the European Union, Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday. While Google plans to appeal, the Commission has warned of stronger remedies including potential divestitures if the company fails to address its conflicts of interest. The case underscores growing transatlantic friction over digital market regulation and the EUs push to rein in dominant platforms. The EU competition enforcer had originally planned to hand out the fine on Monday but opposition from EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic on concerns about the impact on U.S. tariffs on European cars derailed EU antitrust chief Teresa Riberas plan. The Commission said Google favored its own online display technology services that reinforced its own ad exchange AdXs central role in the adtech supply chain and allowed Google to charge high fees for its service, to the detriment of rivals and online publishers. Google has abused its market power since 2014 until today, the EU watchdog said. It ordered Google to stop the self-preferencing practices and take measures to cease its inherent conflicts of interest. The company has 60 days to inform the Commission how it plans to comply with this order, and another 30 days to do so. The Commission reiterated its preliminary view that Google should divest part of its services but said it wants to first hear and assess Googles compliance efforts, confirming a Reuters story last year. Google must now come forward with a serious remedy to address its conflicts of interest, and if it fails to do so, we will not hesitate to impose strong remedies, Ribera said in a statement. Digital markets exist to serve people and must be grounded in trust and fairness. And when markets fail, public institutions must act to prevent dominant players from abusing their power, she said. WE WILL APPEAL Google criticized the EU decision and said it would challenge it in court. The European Commissions decision about our ad tech services is wrong and we will appeal. It imposes an unjustified fine and requires changes that will hurt thousands of European businesses by making it harder for them to make money, Lee-Anne Mulholland, vice president, global head of regulatory affairs, said in a statement. Theres nothing anticompetitive in providing services for ad buyers and sellers, and there are more alternatives to our services than ever before. The latest fine compared with a record 4.3 billion euro penalty handed out to Google in 2018, 2.42 billion euros in 2017 and 1.49 billion euros in 2019. Reuters reported last week that the fine would be modest, marking a change in Riberas approach with her predecessors deterrent hefty fines. The European Publishers Council lamented the absence of a breakup order. A fine will not fix Googles abuse of its adtech, its executive director Angela Mills Wade said. Without strong and decisive enforcement, Google will simply write this off as a cost of business while consolidating its dominance in the AI (artificial intelligence) era, perpetuating unfair competition and weakening news media and publishing companies which rely on advertising revenues, she said. Cori Crider, senior fellow at Future of Tech Institute and an honorary professor at UCL Laws, urged the Commission to take a drastic step with a breakup order. Europe made an important stand for the rule of law today by pressing ahead with this first-step fine in the face of Trump and Big Techs bullying, she said. But I want to be clear: only a break-up will fix Googles monopoly, unlock this 120bn market for European business, and save our dying media sector. Google is scheduled to go to trial in the United States on September 22 to determine remedies in a separate case brought by the U.S. Justice Department in which a judge found the company holds illegal monopolies in online advertising technology. Googles 2024 advertising revenue, including from search services, Gmail, Google Play, Google Maps, YouTube, Google Ad Manager, AdMob and AdSense, amounted to $264.6 billion or 75.6% of total revenue. It is the worlds dominant digital-advertising platform. Google does not provide revenue figures for its adtech business which relates to advertising on other websites and not search ads. ($1 = 0.8542 euros) Topics Europe Google The immigration raid on a Georgia EV battery plant run by two South Korean firms has rattled Seoul, coming less than two weeks after President Lee Jae Myungs White House meeting with Donald Trump where Korean companies pledged to invest hundreds of billions in the US. Korean officials worked over the weekend to secure the release of 300 of its citizens detained at a construction site for a Hyundai Motor Co.-LG Energy Solution Ltd. joint venture, Lees chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said during a senior-level meeting between the ruling Democratic Party and the government. The Korean workers may be able to board a chartered flight around Wednesday to return home, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing comments from Consul General Cho Ki-joong at a Georgia detention center where the workers are being held. It remains unclear what visas the workers held or whether those allowed them to be on the site. The crackdown comes at a fraught moment, shortly after Lee and Trump held a summit to showcase their alliance and solidify a new trade pact. The deal included a $350 billion fund to support South Korean firms expanding in the US, with $150 billion earmarked for shipbuilding. Private companies pledged an additional $150 billion in direct US investment. The raid has put Lees government under pressure at home and threatens to become a major diplomatic flashpoint with one of Washingtons closest allies. It was front-page news for most of South Koreas daily newspapers on Saturday, with footage of workers shackled at the wrists, waist and ankles and marched onto buses causing rage. Chosun Ilbo, the nations most circulated newspaper, carried a photo on Saturday of detainees putting their hands up against a bus, and published images from what it said were the detention facilities in Georgia, asserting they were infamously covered in mold, worse than prisons. It feels like a stab in the back, Kim Tae-Hyung, a professor and chair of the political science department at Soongsil University in Seoul, said of the raid. Most Koreans cant help but feel infuriated and Korean companies will inevitably be discouraged from proceeding with investment plans in the US, Kim said. The raid now casts a shadow over South Koreas multibillion-dollar US investment drive. The detention of workers tied to a flagship Korean investment could be seen by companies as an indication that the political and compliance risks of building in the US are greater than expected. Hyundai Motor had pledged last month to increase its investment in the US to $26 billion through 2028, from $21 billion the company initially unveiled in March as it seeks to expand autos, steel and robotics production. Its shares have risen 3.8% this year, compared with a 34% gain in the benchmark Kospi index. LG Energys shares have dropped 1.4% in the same period. On Sunday, a group of South Korean ruling party lawmakers said if the US really wants to win investment from Korean businesses, large-scale detention of its citizens should not have happened. Before Korean firms expand US investments, Seoul must press Washington to guarantee the safety of citizens and improve visa policies for those visiting the US for investment purposes, they said. The Maeil Business Newspaper ran a cartoon showing Trump wielding a club, while a figure delivers a box of money to fund US factories only to be bewildered as dozens of Korean employees on US business trips are detained. The Georgia plant was a tangible symbol of Seouls commitment to boosting US manufacturing. Korean businesses will face more challenges in constructing new plants or operating in the US if American authorities continue to enforce stringent immigration laws without fixing persistent visa problems, said Chang Sang-sik, head of the Korea International Trade Associations International Trade and Commerce Research Center. Local media reports said many Korean companies have resorted to the visa waiver program known as ESTA, intended for short-term business trips up to 90 days, when they have to dispatch employees immediately. The US is demanding investments from South Korea but is asking us to use Americans only to construct factories there. In reality, that is just impossible, Chang said. They need local technicians during the construction period. US officials described it as the Homeland Security Departments largest single-site enforcement action, detaining 475 workers in total. While they maintained the raid was the result of a months-long investigation into illegal hiring and was not politically motivated, the optics are undeniable. The incident pits a core tenet of the Trump administrations policy of aggressive immigration enforcement against its other major priority of attracting foreign investment and manufacturing back to American shores. South Korea is the USs sixth-largest trading partner and its companies are integral players in the global EV battery supply chain. Their investments in US factories were explicitly encouraged by Washington to reduce dependence on China. A crackdown that sweeps up such projects risks potentially complicating trading relations. The raid has already sparked immediate reactions. The construction on the Georgia plant has been temporarily paused, a halt that could have ripple effects on the timeline for Hyundais broader EV production plans in the US. The Georgia industrial site is designed to produce as many as 500,000 hybrid and electric vehicles a year and employ up to 12,500 workers by early next decade. Its not the first time Hyundai which has become one of the most prominent foreign investors in US manufacturing has been entangled in US legal problems related to employment issues. In 2022, the US Labor Department found child labor violations at companies supplying the Korean automaker in Alabama. Hyundai has said that its closely monitoring the situation in Georgia and working to understand the specific circumstances, and none of its employees were among the detained. LG Energy said it was suspending business travel for employees to the US and advised its staff already there to return home. LG said 47 of its employees were among those held 46 from South Korea and one Indonesian. Other South Koreans detained were subcontractors, reports say. Photo: Lee Jae Myung and Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics USA I. Background and Strategic Significance In authoritarian states, the village-level administrative systemparticularly rural village chiefs (village party secretaries) and recruitment officesis central to both military mobilization and social control. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) frequently invests in visually prominent local administrative buildings (red roofs, white walls), party flags, and propaganda slogans such as Follow the Partys Command. These features not only symbolize authority but also provide highly identifiable targets for remote strike operations. Strategic significance includes: Mobilization and recruitment: Village chiefs and recruitment officers implement higher-level directives, controlling personnel and resource allocation. Social control: Local cadres enforce compliance and stability through propaganda, coercion, and intimidation. Irreplaceability: Cadres ascend via selective promotion mechanisms and exhibit strong loyalty to higher authorities. Succession planning takes years, making rapid replacement difficult. Leverage from administrative consolidation: Merged village units now cover thousands of households (roughly 0.51 battalions manpower per node), allowing a single-node strike to significantly degrade regional manpower mobilization. Frontline prioritization: Villages located 50100 km from the frontline are the primary source of rapid personnel replacements. Neutralizing these nodes forces the enemy to mobilize personnel from 200500 km away, increasing transport time (412 hours) and logistical burden, thereby degrading combat potential. II. Vulnerabilities of Grassroots Control Personalized authority: Power is concentrated in individuals; succession is slow. Prominent infrastructure: Villages feature visually distinctive administrative buildings, party flags, and slogans, easily identified via remote imagery. Concentrated personnel: Recruitment meetings or mobilization events gather multiple key actors in one location. Limited defenses: Rural airspace and ground defenses are minimal, making long-range, unmanned strikes feasible. III. Proposed Military Approach The operational concept follows pragmatic jungle-law logic: minimizing exposure and maximizing effects using remote, unmanned, lethal means, leveraging highly visible infrastructure to disable mobilization capability in frontline-adjacent villages. 1. Targeting Strategy Visual identification : Administrative buildings, party flags, and propaganda slogans are easily identifiable in satellite or UAV imagery. Personnel concentration detection : Signals intelligence (SIGINT) can identify recruitment meetings or mass gatherings. Frontline focus : Priority on villages 50100 km from the frontline, covering 1020 nodes per county to disrupt regional mobilization. Technical support: GIS mapping and AI-assisted imagery recognition reduce intelligence requirements. 2. Lethal Strike Options (Remote and Unmanned) Method Platform Target & Execution Advantages Operational Effect UAV Swarm MQ-9 Reaper, TP UAV Precision strikes on village offices and recruitment centers during personnel gatherings Night/adverse weather operations; low-altitude penetration Disrupts frontline mobilization; each node neutralizes 0.51 battalions manpower, 1020 nodes could paralyze a countys recruitment capacity (510 battalions total) Long-Range Rockets/Missiles HIMARS, LAMO Precision Rockets Strike 2050 nodes per county using visual cues Range 70300 km; no need to enter enemy territory; cost-effective Cuts off regional manpower replenishment; slows frontline response Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) Textron, Guardian UGV Deployed near target via air or ground; AI or remote control navigation Low cost; operates in complex terrain; bypasses air defenses Destroys facilities; each node neutralizes 0.51 battalion; 1020 nodes paralyze county mobilization Electronic Warfare Support Raytheon/Elbit EW Systems Jamming communications to delay replacement and reorganization Extends effects of strikes; prolongs administrative vacuum Increases replenishment time and operational complexity 3. Psychological and Information Operations Symbolic targeting : Destroy party flags, slogans, and other visible symbols to undermine local authority and public confidence. Information dissemination : Broadcast or UAV-dropped leaflets highlighting the malfeasance of local cadres and the regimes vulnerabilities. Effects: Forces high-level leadership to divert resources, reduces local compliance, amplifies psychological pressure. 4. Legal Compliance Considerations Target distinction : Only administrative facilities and personnel engaged in mobilization are struck, avoiding civilian targets. Timing : Operations conducted at night or outside civilian activity hours. Precision: AI-assisted targeting of visual identifiers minimizes collateral damage. IV. Expected Strategic Effects Collapse of grassroots mobilization: 1020 frontline-adjacent nodes can paralyze a countys recruitment capacity, affecting approximately 510 battalions (each node representing 0.51 battalion). Extended personnel replacement timelines: Enemy must mobilize from rear areas, increasing transport time and logistical demands. Persistent power vacuum: Cadre succession timelines are long; interim replacements lack legitimacy, reducing mobilization efficiency. Psychological and political cascade: Visible destruction of authority symbols induces fear among cadres and civilians, compelling high-level resource diversion. High cost-effectiveness: UAVs, rockets, and UGVs are relatively low-cost; AI-assisted targeting reduces intelligence requirements, focusing on frontline nodes. V. Countering Enemy Mitigation Camouflage and dispersal : Use SIGINT and small reconnaissance UAVs to detect temporary command centers. Rapid rebuilding : Multi-stage strikes and electronic disruption delay reconstitution. Propaganda mitigation: Emphasize strikes target abusive administrative elements, not civilians, to reduce potential nationalist backlash. VI. Conclusion Targeting authoritarian grassroots control networks in frontline-adjacent villages leverages highly visible infrastructure and unmanned strike capabilities to disable local mobilization, extend enemy replenishment timelines, and amplify psychological effects, while maintaining low operational costs and compliance with the law of armed conflict. Prioritizing these nodes enhances strategic leverage, extending the operational window and creating disproportionate effects relative to resources expended. French prosecutors stepped up an investigation into Royal Philips NV for potentially causing danger to human health with breathing devices, tasking a magistrate with deeper probing powers to lead the case. Paris prosecutors said on Monday that the decision to pass on the case to an investigative magistrate was made in June. The investigation will look into possible fraud concerning goods that result in danger to human or animal health. Philips shares fell as much as 4.8% in Amsterdam before paring back losses. The proceedings are the latest in a long-running saga for Philips respirators and relate to CPAP, BiPAP and mechanical ventilator devices recalled by the company in 2021. Disintegrating foam in some devices posed risks of cancer and respiratory issues. The manufacturer has struggled to draw a line under that recall. It was ordered to suspend sales of sleep apnea devices and ventilators in the US last year after reaching an agreement with the Food and Drug Administration. A spokesperson for Philips said this is not a new investigation. The proceeding does not make allegations about the quality and safety of products currently marketed in France by Philips, the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. To date, the French Public Health Department has received 104 complaints from individuals, the prosecutors office said in an emailed statement. It has also received complaints from two patients organizations. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics France A judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Detroit police in the wrongful arrest of a pregnant woman who was charged in a carjacking partly because of facial recognition technology. Porcha Woodruff, who was eight months pregnant, spent 10 hours in jail after she was arrested at her suburban Detroit home while getting children ready for school in February 2023. Police admitted she was the wrong suspect, and charges were eventually dropped. Detroit has changed how it uses facial recognition technology based on Woodruffs arrest and another case. U.S. District Judge Judith Levy said Woodruffs arrest and time in jail are troubling for many reasons. But she dismissed a civil rights lawsuit against the officer who prepared the arrest warrant, saying Woodruffs lawyer didnt show that the officer lacked probable cause. The officer was not immediately aware of any exculpatory evidence that would have ruled out Woodruff as an accomplice in a carjacking, the judge said in an Aug. 5 decision. Police put a file photo of Woodruff in a photo lineup after gas station video from the scene was run through facial recognition technology. The carjacking victim picked Woodruff, who was among other women in the lineup. Woodruffs attorney, Ivan Land, said investigators should have kept digging and not relied so much on facial recognition. Were just shocked by the decision, Land said of Levys ruling, adding that an appeal is planned. Land said Detroit offered to settle Woodruffs lawsuit before the decision but no agreement was reached. The city last year paid $300,000 to a man who was wrongly accused of shoplifting based on facial recognition technology. Detroit police now wont arrest people based solely on facial recognition results and wont make arrests based on photo lineups generated from a facial recognition search. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Legislation Anthropic told a San Francisco federal judge on Friday that it has agreed to pay $1.5 billion to settle a class-action lawsuit from a group of authors who accused the artificial intelligence company of using their books to train its AI chatbot Claude without permission. The plaintiffs in a court filing asked U.S. District Judge William Alsup to approve the settlement, after announcing the agreement in August without disclosing the terms or amount. This settlement sends a powerful message to AI companies and creators alike that taking copyrighted works from these pirate websites is wrong, the authors lawyers said in a statement. They called it the largest copyright recovery in history and the first of its kind in the artificial intelligence era. The proposed deal marks the first settlement in a string of lawsuits against tech companies including OpenAI, Microsoft and Meta Platforms over their use of copyrighted material to train generative AI systems. Anthropic as part of the settlement said it will destroy downloaded copies of books the authors accused it of pirating, and under the deal it could still face infringement claims related to material produced by the companys AI models. The $1.5 billion settlement fund amounts to $3,000 for 500,000 downloaded books, and it could grow if more works are identified. In a statement, Anthropic said the company is committed to developing safe AI systems that help people and organizations extend their capabilities, advance scientific discovery, and solve complex problems. The agreement does not include an admission of liability. Writers Andrea Bartz, Charles Graeber and Kirk Wallace Johnson filed the class action against Anthropic last year. They argued that the company, which is backed by Amazon and Alphabet, unlawfully used millions of pirated books to teach its AI assistant Claude to respond to human prompts. The writers allegations echoed dozens of other lawsuits brought by authors, news outlets, visual artists and others who say that tech companies stole their work to use in AI training. The companies have argued their systems make fair use of copyrighted material to create new, transformative content. Alsup ruled in June that Anthropic made fair use of the authors work to train Claude, but found that the company violated their rights by saving more than 7 million pirated books to a central library that would not necessarily be used for that purpose. A trial was scheduled to begin in December to determine how much Anthropic owed for the alleged piracy, with potential damages ranging into the hundreds of billions of dollars. Mary Rasenberger, CEO of writers advocacy group the Authors Guild, in a statement on Friday called the settlement a vital step in acknowledging that AI companies cannot simply steal authors creative work to build their AI. The pivotal fair-use question is still being debated in other AI copyright cases. Another San Francisco judge hearing a similar ongoing lawsuit against Meta ruled shortly after Alsups decision that using copyrighted work without permission to train AI would be unlawful in many circumstances. Topics Lawsuits President Donald Trumps administration abandoned on Friday the U.S. governments legal defense of a rule adopted under former President Joe Biden that had banned agreements commonly signed by workers not to join rivals of their employers or launch competing businesses. The U.S. Justice Department filed motions in federal appeals courts in New Orleans and Atlanta to dismiss separate appeals of rulings by two judges that struck down the 2024 U.S. Federal Trade Commission rule concerning noncompete agreements. Republicans and business groups have criticized the rule. The move was expected after FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, who was appointed to the post by Trump and had previously criticized the rule, said in February that the agency was reviewing it. The appeals involve legal challenges to the rule by a marketing firm and a real estate developer, as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups. Dropping the appeals means the courts will not have a chance to address the novel question of whether the commission, which enforces federal antitrust laws, can adopt sweeping regulations such as its nationwide ban on noncompete agreements. More than 20% of U.S. workers have signed noncompete agreements, according to the FTC. The agency, in adopting the rule, had said the agreements limit worker mobility and suppress wages and competition for labor. Ferguson and other Republicans on the commission have said the FTC has limited rulemaking powers and cannot adopt blanket bans on what it views as anticompetitive conduct. During Trumps first term as president, his administration had argued in court that while specific provisions of noncompetes can be unlawful, the agreements themselves were not. The FTC on Thursday announced its first legal action of Trumps second term related to noncompete agreements, a settlement barring the largest U.S. pet cremation business from enforcing these agreements with 1,800 workers. Related: FTC Takes Action Against Worker Noncompete Agreements The agency in that case said that the companys broad agreements, signed even by low-level employees, unlawfully suppressed competitors entry into the pet cremation market. In the days and weeks following the death of his 9-year-old daughter, Lila, at Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill Country, Blake Bonner found himself wondering whether the tragedy was simply an unstoppable act of God, or if something could have been done to prevent it. Lila was one of 27 Camp Mystic campers and counselors swept to their deaths when fast-rising floodwaters of the Guadalupe River roared through the girls summer camp. All told, the destructive flooding in Texas on the Fourth of July killed at least 136 people and washed away homes and vehicles. It just became clear to me that this incident was 100% preventable, Bonner said, and for a lot of reasons, I was going to do everything in my power, and I was hoping the other parents would as well, to make sure that our girls legacy wasnt in vain. Bonner and many other parents and family members of the girls who died at Camp Mystic were in the Texas House and Senate gallery this week during a special session to see lawmakers give final approval to a series of bills aimed at preventing similar tragedies. Many of them shared hugs, handshakes and tears after they passed. Gov. Greg Abbott, who was flanked by family members as he signed several of the bills into law Friday, recalled the grieving parents visiting with him and his wife and urging swift action before the start of the special legislative session. They pleaded that their daughters did not die in vain. They wanted laws to be passed so that other parents would not experience the hell that they had been through, Abbott said. The Legislature understood that mission they tapped into empathy and they delivered laws that will be in effect when camps open this next summer, laws that make youth camps safer. The measures aim to improve the safety of childrens camps by prohibiting cabins in dangerous parts of flood zones and requiring camp operators to develop detailed emergency plans, to train workers and to install and maintain emergency warning systems. One allocates $240 million from the states rainy day fund for disaster relief, along with money for warning sirens and improved weather forecasting. All the key tenets that we were looking for were addressed in these bills, Bonner said. Matthew Childress, whose 18-year-old daughter Chloe was one of two counselors killed, said the effort by the families to pursue legislation began with a bond that developed through shared grief. As they mourned together, sometimes attending other childrens funerals, they grew closer. When Abbott announced plans to address flooding disaster relief as part of a special session, Childress said, some parents raised concerns that camp safety might get overlooked. Parents started becoming more organized and discussed what their priorities would be for lawmakers to consider. That was something that was really important to me, that we move as one, that we have as much unity as possible, Childress said. Im trying to make something positive that can give me purpose, that can give my family purpose, that we can honor Chloe, that we can honor our girls for something thats positive. Many of the families delivered gut-wrenching testimony to lawmakers during hearings in Austin, urging them to pass legislation to help keep campers safe. Despite their unified voice and the compelling accounts from the parents, there was no guarantee that all the bills would make it to the governors desk. Childress acknowledged that conservative legislators are typically not eager to impose government regulations on private businesses. The owners of at least three Kerr County youth camps urged lawmakers to reconsider some of the new proposals, saying the legislation would cause financial hardship, according to a letter to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick obtained by the Texas Tribune. Childress said he made it clear to legislators that he supports youth camps and wants them to thrive. He believes the new laws will ensure that, and he hopes the legislation becomes a model for other states. Our hope is that this win for millions of campers in Texas is potentially something that could be leveraged for the tens of millions of campers in other states across the country, Childress said. Photo: A person searches among debris near the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Texas Flood When news broke last Wednesday afternoon of a last-minute push to pass new, stricter regulations for consumable hemp products, the employees at Austin Vape & Smoke sprung into action. Zaquiri Hensen, a manager at the South Austin store, said he alerted his staff and other stores around the city before beginning to contact his legislators, urging them to reject any strict regulation or ban. Every customer that came into the store for the rest of the day was told to do the same, Hensen said. I still watched the House stream just in case because you never know whats going to happen on the House floor, Hensen said. Hensen was finally able to relax around 9 p.m. when Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced in a post on X that the Senate would wrap up the second special session hours later, effectively closing out the Legislature without any new THC restrictions or a ban. The smoke shops ability to quickly mobilize exemplifies the incredible opposition that the $8 billion Texas hemp industry and its customer base cultivated against legislative threats this year. For the better part of 2025, that industry has grappled with the uncertainty of state legislators seeking to ban or sharply curtail its sales, but on Wednesday, the industry collectively breathed a sigh of relief. After eight months of committee hearings, debates, a surprise decision by Gov. Greg Abbott to veto a total ban of hemp in June and last-minute negotiations on Wednesday, the status quo will largely remain in place for the industry, for now. Hemp-derived THC products the gummies, flower buds and drinks that are sold at convenience stores, liquor stores, smoke shops and even some grocers across the state will remain legal. Cynthia Cabrera, president of the industry trade association Texas Hemp Business Council, said she never relaxed throughout the two special sessions this summer, despite the lack of public effort from the House to again pass a total ban of hemp. She barely slept as the Senate remained in session until early Thursday morning. Im glad I stayed vigilant, said Cabrera, who is also the chief strategy officer of Hometown Hero, Austin-based manufacturer of hemp-derived THC products. Theres no rest for the weary. The Legislatures impasse means the debate over what to do about hemp products could rage on. Patrick, who has cited protecting children from using the products as key motivator, reiterated in his post on X that he remains committed to a total ban, despite Abbotts opposition for such a measure. A likely next step: Age restrictions Earlier this year, the Legislature did successfully pass some efforts addressing the sale and marketing of THC products geared toward youth. For instance, the ban on the sale of vape pens, even those that just contain nicotine which passed during the regular session and took effect Monday explicitly applies to any made to look like pens, highlighters, smartphones or other items often seen in schools. But lawmakers failed to pass an age limit for who can purchase THC products, despite the proposal garnering wide support. Major hemp industry representatives have said they welcome more regulation over an outright ban and Abbott in his veto of the THC hemp ban called for restrictions including age limits. If there was a legitimate concern with public safety and access by minors, then that would be resolved by an age gate bill, Cabrera said. This piecemeal approach just means [state Sen.] Charles Perry and Dan Patrick lacked the thoughtfulness required to ensure Texans have access to the products they use on a daily basis. From the recent special session, House Bill 36 focused specifically on banning THC products for people under 21. There was even chatter among some lawmakers during last-minute negotiations on Wednesday to advance the proposal, though it eventually died in a House committee without receiving a hearing. This leaves age restrictions in the hands of retailers. Hensen said his smoke shop, along with other stores he communicates with regularly, have already restricted access to their stores to people 21 or older since the state increased the age to purchase tobacco to 21 in 2019. Supporters of a ban also cited concerns over quality control of hemp products, something Hensen said his store already prioritizes. If you have a bad product on your shelves, customers arent going to come back and buy it again, Hensen said. Theres no reason to have something that would send someone to the hospital. Damage already done While the hemp industry avoided a catastrophic total ban, the decision by lawmakers to remove THC vapes from the market is expected to negatively affect businesses. Hensen, along with several other smoke shop managers in Austin, estimated the vapes made up about 20% of their sales every month. I had a couple people yesterday who came in asking for [THC] vapes, said Eduard Streltsov, a manager at Dream Planet Smoke Shop in East Austin. When I told them we didnt have them anymore, they left without buying anything. At the same time, the medical marijuana expansion made it so dispensaries are now allowed to sell THC vapes, potentially tightening the existing competition between the two cannabis industries. Along with consumable hemp, the shops sell nicotine products, glass pipes and bongs. Most shops said a total ban would not force them to completely shut down, but it would likely lead to cutting hours for some employees and layoffs for others. The uncertainty in the hemp industry has also prevented growth. Austin Smoke & Vape at the start of the year was planning to open a new location and hire more employees, but those plans were paused in the spring as the ban measure made its way through the Legislature. Regardless of action by the Legislature, advocates said the Texas Department of State Health Services already has laws in place to be able to provide oversight for the hemp industry, but lawmakers noted they are rarely enforced. Law enforcement officials contend they lack the funding to be able to regularly inspect and test hemp products because more deadly drugs like fentanyl take priority at crime labs. Medical marijuanas impact The countrys conflicting cannabis laws have pitted two sides of the industry against each other in Texas. Although hemp-derived THC is legal, marijuana remains federally illegal except with a prescription. Companies in the heavily regulated Texas medical industry, which has pushed for regulation and never heavily opposed a ban on its sister industry, have reported losing customers to the hemp industry. Texas has had a medical marijuana program since 2015, and it has been expanded three times since in 2019, 2021 and this year. The program is restrictive, only allowing patients with a narrow set of conditions to get a prescription to purchase marijuana from a small number of distributors permitted to operate in the state. Jervonne Singletary, a spokesperson for the Austin medical marijuana company goodblend, said that while her company believes both the hemp industry and medical marijuana industry can coexist in Texas, the company was disappointed to not see restrictions passed that put the industries on a more level playing field. We want to ensure that what people are taking is safe and effective for the reasons that theyre taking it, Singletary said. At the end of the day, these are both intoxicating products with very, very few genetic differences, and so they should be treated in some form or fashion in a like manner. The Legislatures uncertainty over hemp-derived THC also impacted the medical marijuana industry. Singletarys company fielded calls throughout the spring and summer from patients concerned that the legislative debate would also harm access to medical marijuana. The passage of expansion for the medical marijuana program will still be a boon for the industry, Singletary said, pointing to the laws removal of restrictions like an arduous requirement that dispensaries not hold their product in stores overnight. But the rollout could take several months, delaying an increase in access for ailing users. The uncertainty has been a bit hard to plan in, but I think now we are past that uncertainty that hinders business development, and we can move forward as a company, and the industry can move forward with the legislature that actually supports the program. Heather Fazio, director of advocacy for Texas Cannabis Policy Center, said in spite of the intense debates surrounding medical marijuana and hemp in 2025, Texas is closer than ever to legalizing recreational marijuana. Fazios advocacy group has worked in Texas for a decade to push the creation of the medical marijuana program, decriminalize marijuana possession, protect the hemp industry and fully legalize the drug. Were headed in the right direction, and were having meaningful conversations about these policies, Fazio said. When we are able to have a seat at the table and have lawmakers at the table, we start to really break down the issue and help to find shared values. Shape the future of Texas at the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, happening Nov. 1315 in downtown Austin! We bring together Texas most inspiring thinkers, leaders and innovators to discuss the issues that matter to you. Get tickets now and join us this November. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/09/05/texas-thc-shops-retailers-ban-relief-age-limit/. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. Topics Texas Cannabis A federal judge agreed to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a 92-year-old Miami homeowner claiming that a state-run arbitration agency deprives policyholders of their constitutional rights when reviewing claims disputes against Citizens Property Insurance Corp. The dismissal is effective immediately upon the filing of a written notice of dismissal, and no subsequent court order is required, reads the notice of dismissal, filed by attorney Michael Citron on Friday. A reason for the dismissal was not given. The judge dismissed the suit without prejudice, meaning it can be filed again at a later date. Citrons client, Stainton Williams, sued Citizens in July, after the state-created Citizens moved to send claims disputes to the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, also known as DOAH. Having a state agency review claims disputes deprives insureds of their right to a neutral court and does not require administrative law judges to disclose conflicts of interest, the suit alleged. Citizens in 2022, during the worst of the claims litigation escalation in Florida, acted to introduce endorsements in policies that allowed the insurer or the insured to have claims disputes heard at DOAH. While Citizens officials have said the move has sped up resolution time and has reduced legal fees, a few policyholders took issue. This is not merely a dispute over insurance, the Williams complaint reads. It is a direct challenge to a calculated and state-backed apparatus that deprives Florida homeowners of their most basic constitutional rights: access to the courts, neutral adjudication and meaningful due process. The federal suit was brought by Williams daughter, the attorney-in-fact for her father. The complaint alleging that Citizens had denied a 2024 claim because the damage was caused by storm surge, not wind. Citron could not could not immediately be reached for comment on why the suit was dropped. The dismissal does not directly affect a similar, state-court action filed by a Hillsborough County homeowner. That case has led to some drama of its own. A circuit judge in August temporarily barred Citizens from sending cases to DOAH while the case is proceeding. Citizens filed an appeal, halting the judges order. But the Hillsborough judge, Circuit Judge Melissa Polo, on Aug. 21 vacated the automatic stay on her order that barred new cases going to DOAH hearings. The same day, she denied Citizens request to move the case from Tampa to Tallahassee. The unfairness to Plaintiff is manifest, Judge Polo wrote. Defendant seeks to deprive him of due process and access to his chosen forum and to shield itself from judicial scrutiny by insisting on venue in a county where it resides, all while enforcing an unconstitutional clause. A week later, Citizens attorney Ricky Polston, a former state Supreme Court judge, filed a motion to disqualify Polo from hearing the Williams case altogether. Polo has shown that she is biased in favor of the homeowner and has prejudged the outcome, the disqualification motion reads. Citizens corporate representative, attorney Danielle Bullock, provided an affidavit in support of the unusual disqualification move. Parts of the case are still pending before the Hillsborough court and the states 2nd District Court of Appeals. Topics Lawsuits Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said theres no need to do projections of the potential effects of ending vaccine mandates for children, as Governor Ron DeSantis pushes to make his state the first one to scrap immunization requirements. We dont need to do any projections, Ladapo said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union. We handle outbreaks all the time. So theres nothing special that we would need to do. Ladapo said the move to end vaccine requirements is a way to reclaim sovereignty over your body and give parents the choice. Floridas plan is intensifying political battles over state-level public health approaches. On Wednesday, the Democratic governors of California, Oregon and Washington unveiled plans to form a health partnership following the firing of the head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after a spat over vaccine policy. They said the initiative will, in part, focus on rebuilding trust in vaccines. Floridas plan wont take effect for 90 days and will eliminate the vaccine mandates for chickenpox, hepatitis B, Hib influenza and pneumococcal diseases, unless the Florida legislature decides to expand it to other illnesses, the AP reported, citing the Florida health department. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who heads the US Department of Health and Human Services, drew fire last week for his decision-making on vaccines as he accused US health agencies of lying about safety. When President Donald Trump was asked about vaccines on Friday, he sounded a more positive note. Look, you have vaccines that work, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Theyre not controversial at all and I think those vaccines should be used. Otherwise, some people are going to catch it and they endanger other people. And when you dont have controversy at all, I think people should take it. Senator Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, dismissed the states latests steps. 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, he told Axios on Thursday. Similarly, Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and a doctor who chairs the health committee, blasted Floridas plan to end child vaccine mandates. Its a terrible thing for public health, and were going to start having vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks at school, the Louisiana senator told reporters last week at the US Capitol. That is not guided by any sort of epidemiological data, and you are going to have children who come to school with measles and infect other people. Photo: Photographer: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg Read More: Florida Takes Steps to End All Vaccine Mandates in the State Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Florida The California Labor Commissioners Office cited J BBQ, a Koreatown restaurant, more than $680,000 for wage theft violations. A total of 48 workers were impacted by the violations, which included unpaid wages, denied breaks, and inaccurate wage statements, according to the LCO. The LCO reportedly found that J BBQ, a restaurant operated by Midri Inc. and its owner, Byung Kwan Lee, frequently failed to pay employees all wages owed, denied their legally required meal and rest breaks, and provided incomplete or inaccurate wage statements. Some workers were reportedly denied rest periods and were required to remain on the premises even during lunch breaks to help customers. Additionally, staff reportedly worked split shifts without receiving premium pay as required by law. This investigation was launched by a referral from the Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance, a community organization that advocates for restaurant and retail employees. The total amount cited by the LCO is $680,238, of which $538,638 is payable to the workers. The LCO is a division of the Department of Industrial Relations. Topics California Berkshire Hathaway Inc.s PacifiCorp says ongoing litigation from massive wildfires in 2020 that exposed the company to billions of dollars in damages is jeopardizing its ability to continue providing power to hundreds of thousands of customers in Oregon. In an emergency court filing Friday, the company said a Portland judge has set up an impossible schedule of 160 jury trials week after week over 2 1/2 years. The trials are for small groups of individual homeowners to seek millions of dollars in monetary damages for homes and businesses destroyed by the blazes four years ago, PacifiCorp said. The unrelenting pace of the trials imperils the operations of an essential public utility on which millions of customers depend and threatens to impose a crushing financial burden on the largest electric grid operator in western US, according to the filing. The company already has been hit with almost $500 million in damages for about 90 plaintiffs following a jurys finding in 2023 that PacifiCorp was negligent for failing to shut off power lines ahead of a big wind storm. More than 1,900 fire victims in western Oregon have yet to present evidence of damages to juries in a case thats shaping up as one of the biggest in the states history. While destructive wildfires are now an almost routine part of summer in the American West, PacifiCorps decision to take its chances with a jury in 2023 marked the first time a lawsuit over large-scale devastation blamed on a utilitys equipment went to a trial. PacifiCorp has said its confident it will get the landmark verdict overturned on appeal. But its now asking a state appeals court to halt further damages trials until the appeal is resolved, which could take several years. PacifiCorp representatives didnt immediately respond outside regular business hours to a voice mail request for comment. In a regulatory filing last month, PacifiCorp didnt describe its financial risk from the 2020 fires in the same dire terms as the court filing. The company said it has paid more than $1 billion in settlements, and estimated that probable losses for the fires totaled about $2.7 billion at the end of June. Lawyers for fire victims declined to comment on Fridays filing. They argued in a filing last week that pausing the trials would be unfair, as the fires left thousands of Oregonians homeless, struggling to make ends meet, and traumatized. In 2024, Berkshire Chairman Warren Buffett warned in his annual letter to investors that wildfires have turned utilities across western US into risky investments. Utilities in California, Colorado, Hawaii and Texas have also faced billions in fire liabilities. PacifiCorp has explored options with Oregon regulators and lawmakers to minimize its wildfire exposure, including recouping its litigation losses from customers and capping damages for non-economic claims. Top photo: A neighborhood destroyed by wildfire in Talent, Oregon, in September 2020. Photographer: David Ryder/Getty Images. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits Oregon The European Commission has sought to assure Irish farmers that it is "listening to their concerns" over plans to allow 99,000 tonnes of South American beef low-tariff access to European markets. The two agreements the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and the EU-Mexico Modernised Global Agreement (MGA) require ratification by EU member states' parliaments and the European Parliament, a process which began on Wednesday, September 3, after it was signed off by the EU's 27 commissioners. These landmark deals form a critical part of the EUs strategy to diversify its trade relations and strengthen economic and political ties with like-minded partners around the world. An agreement with Mexico has existed since 2000, but this deal will now be updated so that 99% of the trade with Mexico is now liberalised. The EU Mercosur deal will include a beef import quota limited to 99,000 tonnes carcase weights, comprising (55%) 45,000 tones of fresh, high-quality cuts and 45% frozen, lower-quality meat. Imports of South American beef into the EU are already at 200,000 tonnes annually. The impact to farmers here is mostly expected to come from competition over markets within the EU, rather than on Irish supermarket shelves. Currently, Ireland exports around 440,000 tonnes of beef, worth around 2.8bn, with Britain, France, and the Netherlands among the top buyers. Addressing Irish journalists at a European Commission technical briefing, a spokesperson said the Mercosur and Mexico agreements will offer significant economic benefits for the EU, including the removal of 5bn in tariffs for European exporters, and an anticipated 40% increase in exports to Mercosur countries, representing about 55bn in value. Specific opportunities for the agri-food sector included reduced tariffs and protected geographical indications, new market access with tariff reductions for cheese, and lower tariffs and geographical indication protections for wine and spirits including Irish whiskey. Under the agreements, 564 geographical indications will be protected, including Irish whiskey and cream, which will prevent the unauthorised use of EU product names. What are the safeguards to protect European farmers? The commission's economic projections expect that beef prices will fall by 1-2% as a result of the deal, amounting to 342m in production losses. However, safeguards will also be put in place to try and protect sensitive sectors, such as beef, should more market disruption occur. For example, the industry can request an investigation should beef prices fall 10% and 6.3bn in funding will be made available over five years, should markets fall substantially. The commission spokesperson said: "Safeguard provisions are included in the agreement, setting clear criterias, for example, a 10% increase in imports and 10% decrease in beef price to protect European farmers, so that if these, let's say, standard markets and disturbances, will happen immediately, will start an investigation under the safeguards and without this station, you react within five days and will be ready to impose measures within 21 days." The investigation will have the power to raise tariffs back to 45% if it finds that the market has been negatively impacted. An investigation can be triggered by just 25% of the industry affected getting behind the request. The higher tariffs can be imposed for two years, with the possibility of being extended for a further two years if required. "This is something that we have never done before, for any agreement to have such tight timing for initiating and launching an investigation and actually imposing the measures," the spokesperson added. Timeline The ratification process is expected to take just over a year, with the final agreement expected to come into force at the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027. The council process will take three to four months, and will see the agreement trade policy committee give its expert view. The secretary general of the council then has to prepare the decision for signatures. The European Parliament will then review and vote on the trade agreement. This requires a simple majority consent and is expected to take four to five months. In the meantime, an interim trade agreement will continue indefinitely until the wider agreement is fully ratified. If national parliaments delay ratification, the trade provisions remain in force. Trade provisions can be implemented immediately after council and parliament approval, and national parliaments' ratification of the framework agreement will not halt trade provisions. 'Avoiding scrutiny' Midlands North-West MEP and member of the European Parliaments trade committee Nina Carberry claimed the decision to "split" the agreement was designed to sidestep national parliaments and avoid scrutiny. By splitting the deal, the commission would bypass national parliaments, including the Dail, and rely only on a qualified majority in the council, rather than unanimous approval from member states, she said. While there is no doubting the importance of free trade for Ireland as a small open economy, the Mercosur deal, as it stands, would deal a hammer blow to Irelands beef sector, with significant financial implications," Ms Carberry said. The real issue is the clear inconsistency in food safety and environmental rules between the Mercosur bloc and the EU With the Green Deal, Irish farmers are being asked to go further and faster on cutting emissions. It is simply unacceptable to then force them to compete with imports from countries that do not meet the same standards. Our farmers produce some of the highest quality, most sustainable beef in the world. Sacrificing that on the Mercosur altar would be wrong. The key question remains, what does enforcement of standards look like? Without robust and enforceable standards this deal cannot be justified." 'Time for our Government to stand up' Even with smaller quantities of beef being imported, it is hard to see how the agreements will not have a negative impact on EU farmer incomes. Irish farmers are already describing the move as a "betrayal" and are calling on the Irish Government to step up to block the deal. Irish Farmers' Association president Francie Gorman said now was the time for the Irish Government to stand up on Mercosur. We have had plenty of assurances about the Governments opposition to the Mercosur deal, but it has to deliver. We cannot countenance a deal that refuses to recognise the gap in standards between the EU and Brazil, he said. At every opportunity, we have raised this with the Taoiseach, the Tanaiste, and the minister for agriculture "During the last general election, we had their backing to oppose the deal and that commitment has to stand. Failure to do so would amount to reneging on what has been promised." Mr Gorman said beef and poultry producers should not have to pay the price of allowing other sectors to gain access to the South American market. "Either standards count for something, or they dont," he said. The EU Commission would probably like to push this through without much discussion, but we will be looking to other member states which have issues with the deal to back us here. There is also a role for our MEPs to build alliances with colleagues to mount a blocking vote to the deal, he said. Even with improved prices over the last 12 months, the incomes of beef producers are very modest. Its both hypocritical and contradictory to insist on the highest standards for European producers only to allow Mercosur countries access without reaching the same standards," Mr Gorman added. Echoing calls for the Government to intervene and make a case alongside France to block the deal, Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association president Denis Drennan said the commission's move to ratify Mercosur was a calculated betrayal and mind-boggling hypocrisy. Mr Drennan said: How can anybody imagine that we can have Irish and other EU farmers practically drowning in a relentless tide of EU micro-regulations on the environment and sustainability, while the very same EU concludes a trade agreement that will see massive imports of beef and other foodstuffs produced in an environmental free-for-all and without a semblance of sustainability? If this proceeds, then it becomes the gold standard in international and institutional hypocrisy and double standards. "The other side of a Mercosur ratification would have Irish farmers producing beef subject to the most stringent sustainability and environmental regulations and oversight imaginable having their beef side-by-side on European supermarket shelves with cheaper South American beef produced to notably lower standards of regulation, health and traceability on ex-forest land cleared by burning with any indigenous peoples driven off, forcibly evicted or worse by the corporate rancher-barons who comprise the beef sectors in these States. Not alone will this be the result the commission is proceeding on the basis that they will accept that as the result. Phil Coulter first crossed paths with The Dubliners in 1969. He was commissioned to write a song, The Molly Maguires, for a movie of the same name, starring Richard Harris and Sean Connery. He only had one band in mind to sing the song The Dubliners. Their manager, Noel Pearson, organised for them to meet up in a London studio to record the song. In the event the song never got into the movie, but more importantly, it introduced me to The Dubliners, says Coulter. There was a grudging but slowly growing rapport. They weren't at all impressed by the fact I'd won the Eurovision Song Contest and sold millions of records. That was of no interest to The Dubliners. I had to earn my spurs with them. Coulter says he became quite close to Ronnie Drew. I live in Bray and before he passed away, he lived in Greystones. Ronnie didn't suffer fools gladly. He was probably the most suspicious of Coulter when I arrived on the scene. It took longer to warm him up. He was such a character. People misinterpret Ronnie. They think he was a bit of a bowsie. He was anything but. He was well read, very bright, well-travelled, just great company apart from anything else. We shared things in common. We went horse-riding together. The Derry man has fond memories of Drews wit. He was always on the drink and off the drink. When he had come back on it, he was in his local pub in Greystones, and some busy body came in and went, Ah, Jaysus, Ronnie, I thought you were off the gargle, says Coulter, adopting Drews distinctive guttural drawl: I'm having a gin and tonic, he said. When you have one, I find it's very good to help you mind your own business. In the early days of their collaboration, Luke Kelly was Coulters biggest ally. Coulter remembers hearing him in the studio singing Joe Hill. He had never heard the song before. He loved its Americana and workers rights aspects. When he added some piano at the top of it, tumbleweed rolled through the studio Ciaran Burke wasnt convinced about putting piano on a Dubliners song, but Kelly won them over. Kelly had an incredible voice, says Coulter: He had great integrity about the songs he sang. For example, he would not sing S corn Not His Simplicity at Dubliners gigs because he didn't think it would get the respect it deserved. There was only one recorded film version of Luke singing it on a TV series the great Jim McCann did. Luke had a super voice. He had a great engine. Technically, I can't remember ever having to stop and go, No, youre a bit flat there on those last four bars or Youre a bit sharp. You came in too soon. Never. He was boom. His intonation was impeccable. He had great ears, and he had great diction. If you listen to Luke singing, every word is clear. He knew how to project his voice, how to interpret a song. Scorn Not His Simplicity Luke's voice was in my head when I was writing that. That's a privilege for any songwriter to have Luke Kellys voice to breathe life into your words. Scorn Not His Simplicity is a song which means a lot to me. Its a very personal song [inspired by Coulters son who was born with Down syndrome]. All five of The Dubliners classic line-up Kelly, Drew, Burke, Barney McKenna and John Sheahan travelled to Derry for Coulters mothers funeral. It was a mark of the respect they had for him. In all, Coulter produced six of the bands albums. Phil Coulter at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin with members of the cast of The Dubliners Encore. Picture: Jason Clarke The last surviving Dubliner, Sheahan (producer) and Coulter (musical director) have teamed up again for The Dubliners Encore, an original stage show celebrating the bands music, which returns to the Gaiety Theatre for a run this month. Five musicians bring the band back to life in a show narrated by Imelda May. Adam Holohan has the unenviable task of inhabiting the role of McKenna, a singular personality. Barney inhabited a parallel universe Barney Land, which was his domain, says Coulter. You suspended normal judgment with him. I remember we were recording the great Irish song Se Fath mo Bhuartha. Ciaran Burke was a gaeilgeoir. He sang it first as gaeilge. Then I did a translation into English, which was spoken by Ronnie. With John Sheahan playing the whistle behind, you had Ronnie going, Tis the reason of my sorrow that Im forbidden/To visit the lonely glen where my love dwells. We went through the whole thing, got to the end. The last cadence was, If you're at peace with the love of your heart, and it all fades away, diddle-eye. Down in the control room, you couldn't see into the studio, so I didn't know what was going on up there. As I'm pulling down the faders after the song was finished, I heard this crackling interference. I'm assuming its something technical and its ruined. I went up to the studio to tell the boys, Damn it, theres been a technical error. Well have to go back and do it all over again. I walk into the studio, and I see The Dubliners in a semicircle around the microphone, and on the floor fast asleep Barney McKenna. The noise that I heard was Barney snoring. The Dubliners Encore, Dublins Gaiety Theatre, September 15-20. See: thedublinersencore.com Phil Coulter is on a nationwide tour, November 4-December 20. Munster dates include Siamsa Tire, Tralee, Nov 23; Glor, Ennis, Nov 28; St. Johns Church, Waterford, Dec 5. See: philcoulter.com Eurovision Song Contest: These days, the hairdresser is nearly as important as the song There was a time in the 1990s when hosting the Eurovision Song Contest was a dilemma for Ireland because of the financial burden it placed on RTE, the national broadcaster. Ireland had won the competition four times in five years, including three in a row from 1992 to 1994. Those problems seem a distant memory now, with only one top 10 finish since 2000 (when Jedward finished eighth in 2011). Phil Coulter has an enviable record in the contest. He co-wrote Sandie Shaws 1967 winner Puppet on a String and Cliff Richards Congratulations, which finished runner-up the following year. He also arranged and produced Danas 1970 winner, All Kinds of Everything. He advises Ireland should return to basic principles and focus on substance rather than style. The only time we ever did well in Eurovision was when we had a good song, not a bells and whistles dance routine, nothing gimmicky. There are European countries who can do the other stuff the choreography, the theatricality, the lighting rigs better than we can. These days, the hairdresser is nearly as important as the song. There has not been a big global hit out of the Eurovision, arguably since Abbas win in 1974. The Eurovision produced songs like Volare, oh, oh! A song still alive today. If I stopped five people on the street and asked them to tell me a Eurovision winner from the last three years, number one, they couldnt tell you, number two, they certainly wouldn't be able to sing it. I still earn sizable royalties from Congratulations and that's from 1968. Why? Because the song has legs. Cillian Murphy is looking forward to this years Sounds From A Safe Harbour festival. Though the Cork actor has been part of the curation team for the biennial event since its inauguration in 2015, his low-profile support role evolves into front-and-centre stardom this time around with the European premiere of his latest film Steve, at the Arc cinema. The 49-year-old has said hes delighted to bring the first showing on this side of the Atlantic to his home town for what will be only his second film premiere in Cork, following the Mahon Point launch of The Wind That Shakes The Barley in 2006. Steve, based on a novel by fellow Safe Harbour co-curator Max Porter, had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival recently, and received warm reviews all round. Irish Examiner critic Declan Burke gave the tale of a UK reform school five stars, describing it as a gripping drama infused with mordant humour. Cillian Murphy and other members of the cast in Steve. Steve will get a cinema release in Ireland later this month, before becoming available on Netflix from October 3. The Safe Harbour festival kicks off on Thursday, September 11, with a tribute to late Cork musician Eoin French (Talos) at the citys Opera House. As well as showing Steve at the festival, Murphy has also been hands-on with the expanded film strand at this years event. Music documentaries showing over the next few days include films on Jeff Buckley, Donal Lunny and Broken Social Scene, while drama Train Dreams scored by Safe Harbour co-curator Bryce Dessner will have its Irish premiere at the Arc. Meanwhile, we asked Murphy about some of his own music tastes through the years. First music bought? "I wish I could say it was something cool, but it was The Final Countdown, by Europe. I got it on cassette, probably from Golden Discs. But you still cant knock that riff one of the greatest ever!" First music that really made an impression on you? "I used to borrow albums from the City Library. It was probably the Frank and Walters, and The Beatles, all around the same time." First gig: "I can remember going to see The Frames in Nancy Spains [Barrack Street] when I was about 14. I also remember going to see the Frank & Walters in the City Hall around the same era." Were you a festival-goer? "I do remember going to an early Oxegen and getting covered in mud. But I always hated camping and still do. I prefer to go to a gig and go to the pub, and then go home. I watch Glastonbury on the telly!" One that got away? "I was travelling in France and Radiohead were playing in an amphitheater nearby. It was around the OK Computer era. I had tickets but there was a big storm and the gig was cancelled. I have seen them since, but wouldve loved to have seen that gig." Best gig youve seen at Sounds From A Safe Harbour? "Bov Iver in the Opera House in 2017, the second festival. I was at it with Enda Walsh, and we were about to go into rehearsal for Grief Is The Thing With Feathers*. I just remember being completely captivated by his presence on stage. Ive always been interested in the performer needing to transmit this feeling of confidence. The audience wants to know you can succeed. At the time I was very apprehensive about doing that show [Grief Is the Thing], but seeing Bon Iver up there was truly inspiring. He was so vulnerable but yet so in command, and thats kind of what you want as a performer." Bon Iver at Cork Opera House as part of Sounds from a Safe Harbour 2017. Picture: Brid O'Donovan Most looking forward to at this years festival? "There's lots of stuff that that will just happen spontaneously. They're my favorite gigs, the ones that you just hear about - you get a text going, there's a gig happening now. And you leg it down there, and there's this amazing show on. I love that, just running around, finding out what's on. The big shows are brilliant as well, but it's the little exciting, unannounced ones that really get me going." *Murphy starred in a stage adaptation of the Max Porter book Grief Is The Thing With Feathers in 2018, directed by Enda Walsh Pass the parcel is no doubt a game that Kyran Durnin and the little boy missing in Dublin would have been familiar with if they had lived long enough. Instead, they are both presumed dead, with a murder investigation under way into Kyrans case and a search ongoing in Donabate for the Dublin boy. And while their childhoods are no more, games of pass the parcel seem to be what is being played out in relation to who knew or did what for the two boys. Statements have been issued in recent days by the Department of Children and Tusla in relation to what has been done in terms of the two cases, including the referral of both cases to the National Review Panel. Tusla has agreed to examine up to 38,000 files of children who had contact with the agency and whose cases were subsequently closed, in a bid to ensure there are not similar cases to the Dublin one which have not yet come to light. According to the Department of Children, three quarters of the cases closed during the pandemic related to child welfare, rather than to child protection. As a result, the review of the cases will be done on a risk-categorisation basis, involving administrative checks to establish that these children are currently accounted for, are known to a relevant state service or state funded service, and that the service is aware they should contact Tulsa if they have any further concerns. The department says that higher-risk category cases will involve more detailed review. The Dublin case and the murder investigation arising out of the disappearance of Kyran Durnin has led to questions about how two young children could disappear without a trace, without either being missed for several years. Kyran Durnin was last seen on August 28, 2024. Picture: Garda Press Office Among those asking such questions is the Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW), which is now seeking a full statutory review to ensure that every aspect of the circumstances of the Dublin case are understood, to prevent further such cases in the future. It also says the introduction of a compulsory interagency working component, expected with the long-awaited review of the Child Care Act, needs to be prioritised. In a statement, the association said: We strongly urge that services concerned with children become more integrated, with clear and appropriate sharing of information between professionals. "Effective safeguarding depends on strong cooperation and communication across all relevant services. The IASW further calls on the State to ensure that all agencies with responsibilities for children are fully engaged and resourced to play their role in safeguarding and child protection. "Protecting children is a shared responsibility that must involve health, education, social care, justice, and community supports working in genuine partnership. The association says there needs to be an examination of the thresholds of harm that are being set by Tusla for the intake and monitoring of children referred to the service. The association adds: This question also applies for the closing of a case. How is a child who was unsafe, or at risk of harm, now deemed safe, and who is deciding this and how is it managed? And it says: We must learn from these cases and close the gaps. One child is one child too many. An Irish Examiner study of reports of missing children in January found that there were 137 cases of people who had gone missing as children. Since January, four of those children have been found. However, there are now more than 140 cases of unsolved missing children cases in Ireland since 1977, including those of the Donabate boy and Kyran. They also include well known cases including Philip Cairns from Dublin, Ciara Breen from Louth, and Mary Boyle from Donegal, Irelands longest-missing child who disappeared in 1977. Mary Boyle is Irelands longest-missing child. She disappeared in 1977. Picture: EMG Photos While an appeal about Kyrans case now features on the Garda websites missing persons section, his case and that of the Dublin case lay under the radar for years. There too under the same radar lie the majority of those 140-plus children missing in Ireland for whom there are either Garda appeals or an Interpol yellow notice in place at present. There was no big announcement in recent months when the cases of six of those missing young people were added to an international database seeking to progress the cases of missing people. Just one of the cases relates to a child reported missing this year an Iranian 15-year-old boy named Mahom Jafari who was last seen in Dublin in February. Three others relate to children reported missing last year Ersi Sala, 17, from Albania, Moagad Riad Sabaihi from Syria, and Ali Mohamed Abdulle from Somalia, who both recently turned 18. Meanwhile, the other two are Salem Semere and Aelem Danieael, who were both in their mid teens when they went missing from the Red Cow Hotel in October 2020. Ciara Breen was 17 when she was last seen in Picture: Tom Conachy Currently, there are 68 missing persons cases from Ireland that are the subject of yellow notices which are published on the Interpol database. They are among 10,783 live yellow notices on the database this week. Last year, Interpol issued 2,687 such notices from across the world. Cases where yellow notices are issued typically relate to victims of parental abductions, criminal abductions (kidnappings) or unexplained disappearances, according to Interpol. The agency said: The Yellow Notice can also be used to help identify a person who is unable to identify himself or herself. "This is a valuable law enforcement tool that can increase the chances of a missing person being located, particularly if there is a possibility that the person might travel, or be taken, abroad. Efforts by the Irish Examiner to get updated figures on the number of children in mainstream care who are currently missing failed. The query had also sought information relating to how many children who arrived in Ireland under the international protection system and are separated from their families. The query was submitted to Tusla on September 1 a day before the news broke about the disappearance of the boy in Dublin, who, ironically, had been in the care of the State for a period of his short life. Last Friday afternoon, the Irish Examiner was told that a high volume of queries had been received by Tusla and your response is being considered. Philip Cairns was 13 when he disappeared in 1986. The most recent figures were provided by minister for children, Norma Foley, in June, in response to a parliamentary question about children missing from State care. She said that as of May 22, there were five young people who were in mainstream care who were reported as missing. She said that on the same date, there were 32 children deemed as Separated Children Seeking International Protection reported as missing. In what is now a stock reply for such questions, Ms Foley said that some unaccompanied minors who go missing from care communicate their intention to travel on to other countries to join family members and some indicate that it was never their intention to remain in Ireland and leave soon after they arrive in the country. "For those who do not subsequently make Tusla aware of their whereabouts, these young people are counted as missing and An Garda Siochana are notified accordingly. The area of missing children is a complex one, particularly given the different issues facing different age groups within the cohort of young people from babies to teenagers. The 140-plus children known to be missing in Ireland are among an estimated 250,000 children who disappear every year in the EU. Analysis of Irelands missing children by the Irish Examiner has found that: 94 who disappeared between 2000 and 2010 remain missing; Of these, 40 Chinese teenagers went missing between October 2006 and December 2009, mainly from addresses in Dublin. Some of those disappearances were on the same day for example, three were last seen in Dublin city centre on January 1, 2009; Some 11 young people disappeared from accommodation on South Richmond St, Dublin 2, between 2005 and 2009, while five who had been in accommodation on North Circular Rd, Dublin 7, disappeared on dates between 2005 and 2007. Mandy Kelly with her children Zayn and Kareem Mohamed. According to the Missing Children Europe organisation, there are two dominant factors behind the statistics of Europes missing children parental abductions and teenage runaways because of adverse experiences. Indeed, among the Irish children on Interpols yellow notice list are two Co Louth brothers, Zayn and Kareem Mohamed, who were abducted by their father Ramy Gamal Maamoun Mohamed while they were on holidays in Cairo in April 2022. Efforts by their mother Mandy Kelly to have them returned to Ireland have failed thus far. The Missing Children Europe organisation is the European federation for missing and sexually exploited children. In a report published in June, it highlighted that understanding why children go missing is difficult to establish because of the lack of comparable data from countries across Europe. It pointed out that the only report giving an estimation of the number of missing children across Europe dates back to 2013. As a result, the organisation receives data from different countries, including Ireland, relating to how many people access the 116 000 helpline set up to aid children at risk of going missing, and their families. The report noted that that cases involving children in migration slightly rose in 2024, reaching 428 cases. It also said that children reported missing in migration are more often boys than girls, possibly because there are also more male asylum seekers and refugees. The report outlined that more than 40,000 unaccompanied minors applied for international protection in the EU in 2023. The report continued: These figures call attention to the grave risks faced by children on the move, including the escalating trafficking risks and the likelihood of disappearing. In the same parliamentary question reply referenced earlier, Ms Foley mentioned the EU Migration and Asylum Pact which was passed last year. The pact aims for a more coordinated migration management in the EU when it is implemented next year. Ms Foley said: It will, when implemented, in 2026, include children aged six and above to enhance protections for children and combat child trafficking and this will include biometric procedures and fingerprinting which will also assist in tracing Children Missing from Care. However, the IASW points out that there are challenges facing the area of child protection not least the difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff in Tusla. The association also highlights: Coupled with a similar crisis in hiring and retaining social care workers to staff childrens residential centres, community supports, and special care places, all combine to create a huge strain on this already challenging and complex setting. "Tuslas role in this context is to care for and support our most vulnerable children and their families. Almost 1,230 students who did not receive an offer of a college place last month have on Monday been offered a course by the Central Applications Office (CAO). It has today issued 3,370 offers to applicants as part of Round Two of the CAO offers process. Of this, 1,226 students are receiving an offer for the first time. With Level 8 offers, 1,050 students (44%) received an offer of their first preference course. Students who received an offer in this round will have until Wednesday, September 10, at 3pm to accept. CAO head of communications Eileen Keleghan said applicants should carefully consider their options. Many of the applicants receiving a second round offer today may have already accepted an offer in Round One, she added. It is important that they take the time to decide between these courses and inform CAO before the reply date of this Wednesday, September 10, at 3pm, if they wish to accept the new offer. Accepting the new offer will automatically cancel a previous acceptance. If this is an applicants first offer, they can choose to accept this offer, and this will not prevent them from receiving a higher preference course in a later offer round if they are deemed eligible. However, Ms Keleghan added: It is important to note, however, that most offers have been issued at this stage and this may be the only offer that they will receive. For those who have been unsuccessful in receiving an offer, there are many options, she said. These include further education courses, apprenticeship schemes, re-applying through CAO next year or repeating the Leaving Certificate. The Available Places facility also has approximately 140 courses advertised, and some additional offers will be issued on a weekly basis from today until early October, she added. Gardai are appealing for witnesses following a collision that killed a women in her 60s near Kilcock, Co Kildare, on Monday. A motorcycle and a truck collided on the R148 at Killickaweeny shortly before 12pm. A man accused of stalking a social media influencer "followed her from a Dublin street into a hotel lift and then to her room holding a belt and staring at her, it is alleged. Twenty-three-year-old Denis Morris appeared before Judge Gerard Jones at Dublin District Court on Monday for a ruling on his trial venue. Mr Morris of Braemore Road, Churchtown, Dublin 14, faces a charge under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act for stalking the woman at a Dublin 2 hotel on March 21. She cannot be named for legal reasons. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed summary disposal at the District Court level, where the offence is punishable by a maximum 12-month sentence, instead of in the Circuit Court, which can consider a sentence of up to 10 years. Court Sergeant Niall Murphy outlined the prosecution's facts on behalf of the investigating detective. The sergeant told Judge Jones that the accused was alleged to have followed the injured party, a 25-year-old woman, along the street into her hotel on Harcourt Street, into the lift. "She noticed he was holding his belt in his hand and staring at her," he stated. The accused is not known to her. The sergeant added: "She alighted from the lift to get away from him to go to her room. He was walking along the corridor towards the room with her." Bail On hearing the evidence, Judge Jones agreed with the DPP and accepted jurisdiction for the case to remain in the District Court. Defence counsel Fiona Pekaar told the court she was still waiting for disclosure of the injured party's statement. Mr Morris, who remained silent during the proceedings, was remanded on continuing bail to appear again on October 20 to enter a plea. The complainant has not been required to testify so far. At his first court appearance in July, Detective Garda Eamon Leen, based at the Kevin Street Divisional Protective Service Unit, said the accused made no reply to the charge, and there was no objection to bail. However, the detective sought a no-contact condition, which was inserted in the bail bond and remains in force. Horrible vitriol was shouted at gardai during a public order incident in Ballyvolane where threats of a sexual nature were made against family and children of gardai, a court in Cork heard on Monday. Aaron McSweeney of 47 Glenfields Park, Ballyvolane, Cork, told his solicitor, Frank Buttimer, he had no memory of his drunken behaviour in the early hours of the morning and was horrified to hear what he had said to gardai. He apologised for what he shouted at them. Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a five-month prison sentence on the 29-year-old who pleaded guilty to obstructing and threatening gardai and being so intoxicated that he was a danger. Sergeant Gearoid Davis said gardai went to investigate a disturbance at 1am on June 16 at Glenfields Park. Gardai met with Aaron McSweeney who was intoxicated and highly aggressive towards gardai. He confronted gardai on a number of occasions in a confrontational manner while shouting threats at them, Sergeant Davis said. Threats were made by the 29-year-old including comments that were made in graphic sexual terms. During the vitriol which Judge Dorgan described as horrible, Aaron McSweeney shouted: Ill kill your family. Ill rape your wife and your kids. Ill fight all of you. Ill f*** your mother. At a time when a large number of members of the public had gathered, he also shouted at gardai, You are all queers. Sgt Davis said the defendant was requested to desist and leave the area on several occasions but he refused to do so. He then attempted to run away. After a brief struggle during which garda incapacitant spray had to be used, the defendant was arrested. Mr Buttimer said the accused had been off alcohol for some time but relapsed as a result of his response to a difficult circumstance which arose. He had no recollection of the incident due to excessive consumption of alcohol. I read it out to him and he was horrified at what he said. He would like to offer a public apology to the gardai, Mr Buttimer said. Judge Dorgan said: This was a horrible thing to say to people doing their work trying to control law and order at one oclock in the morning. They should not have to hear that kind of vitriol from a man who loses control of himself when he drinks. More than 3,000 worth of property was stolen by a Cork woman from a variety of 20 shops in the city and suburbs on various dates over the past two years. Bridget Cawley, aged 38, of Allinetts Lane, Gerald Griffin St, Blackpool, Cork, pleaded guilty to all charges and faced sentencing at Cork District Court today. Shane Collins-Daly solicitor noted that the accused had been given opportunities to pay compensation but committed further offences. Judge Mary Dorgan recalled those circumstances and said that every chance had been given to the accused because of particular difficulties in her past. The judge imposed a jail term of two months for failing to turn up in court on two occasions. Sentencing on the theft offences was adjourned until September 23 to allow for a probation report to be prepared on her in custody in advance of sentencing. Judge Dorgan noted that some of the charges related to groceries. However, many of the offences involved stealing items that could not be regarded as essential. Some of the charges were of stealing Yankee candles, a speaker, a large amount of alcohol, and other property. Several counts related to stealing steak from supermarkets. Recently, on June 20, she was at OReillys Garage, Watercourse Rd where she was caught shoplifting in respect of 42 worth of property. On December 23, 2023, at Dunnes in Merchants Quay she stole 202 worth of steaks. On various other dates between August 2023 and August this year she carried out thefts at Centra on North Main St, OSheas pharmacy, Lidl in Cornmarket St, Dunnes on Curraheen Rd, Marks and Spencer in Douglas, Dealz in Blackpool, Candelmania in Merchants Quay, Dunnes on St Patricks St, Aldi on Tory Top Road, Dunnes in Ballyvolane, Soundstore in Blackpool, Lidl on Cornmarket St, Mr Price on North Main St, and Self-Help Africa charity shop on North Main St. Mr Collins-Daly solicitor accepted that she had difficulties attending appointments due to a somewhat chaotic lifestyle. He said she suffered a profoundly tragic accident and relapsed into alcohol abuse. She can only apologise and cannot offer any excuse. She has genuine and profound mental health difficulties, aggravated by alcohol misuse, Mr Collins-Daly said. A government TD has hit out at the treatment of his East Cork hometown, saying that the "only thing the Government has delivered for Youghal is a 900-person IPAS centre". Fianna Fail's James O'Connor made the comments after he had learned that a temporary facility for an ambulance training college would be housed in Haulbowline, instead of the town, before a permanent facility is located in Youghal at the St Raphael's site. Mr O'Connor said he believed that this would mean that the facility would not be built in Youghal for some time, if at all. He said the HSE's capital plan had committed to the college being located in Youghal, and that plans for a temporary site had been "advanced". "To me, this is exceptionally frustrating. It's a breach of trust. It cannot be allowed to happen," Mr O'Connor said. "I have put these questions to the Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, why this has been taken from my constituency and rebased in his. I have no faith in the HSE to carry out their full plan, which involves building the full facility in Youghal unless the temporary site comes with that to Youghal." 'Preferred location' Speaking in response to questioning from Mr O'Connor last year in the Dail, then health minister Stephen Donnelly said he was "delighted to be able to confirm in the Dail today that the St Raphael's site in Youghal is the preferred location for the permanent ambulance training college". "That will be very welcome news to the people in Youghal. The facility will be wonderful for our National Ambulance Service and Youghal," he added. "The ambulance service has plans to establish a fourth campus, which is the one the deputy and I have spoken about many times. It is to be located in Cork, and is to increase recruitment capacity into our National Ambulance Service. A project to develop the fourth training campus in Cork is included in the 2024 HSE capital plan." Mr O'Connor said the fact that the site had been committed to by the then minister but its temporary home was being sited elsewhere is "a joke". "I am seeking guarantees from Government, and I would question now, as a consequence of this, the value of a minister's word," Mr O'Connor said. "Evidently, to me, it seems that these State agencies can do as they want without any consequence, despite the fact that they put these items in their own capital plan less than 12 months ago." A spokesperson for the Taoiseach said on Monday that a meeting had been arranged between the HSE and Mr O'Connor. "The Taoiseach met with Bernard Gloster and the HSE about this issue last week. He was given a firm commitment and a timeline for an operating base in Youghal. "There is an immediate need for a facility in Dublin, but the Taoiseach was assured of a permanent base in Youghal. He also facilitated a meeting with Deputy OConnor and the HSE in the coming days." The HSE did not respond to a request for comment by deadline. An Australian judge on Monday sentenced triple-murderer Erin Patterson to life in prison with a non-parole period of 33 years for poisoning four of her estranged husbands relatives with death cap mushrooms. Justice Christopher Beale told the Victoria state Supreme Court that Pattersons crimes involved an enormous betrayal of trust. Patterson was convicted in July of murdering Don and Gail Patterson and Gails sister, Heather Wilkinson, with a lunch of beef Wellington laced with foraged death cap mushrooms. Patterson was also convicted of attempting to murder Heathers husband Ian Wilkinson, who spent weeks in a hospital. Pattersons estranged husband, Simon Patterson, was invited but did not attend the July 2023 lunch served to her parents-in-law and her estranged husbands aunt and uncle at her home. Your victims were all your relatives by marriage. More than that, they had all been good to you and your children over many years, as you acknowledged in your testimony, Mr Beale said. Not only did you cut short three lives and cause lasting damage to Ian Wilkinsons health, thereby devastating extended Patterson and Wilkinson families, you inflicted untold suffering on your own children, whom you robbed of their beloved grandparents. Both prosecution and defence lawyers had agreed that a life sentence was an appropriate punishment for the then-50-year-old on three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. But defence lawyers had asked for Patterson to become eligible for parole after serving 30 years. Prosecutors had argued she should never be considered for parole because she did not deserve the courts mercy. Mr Beale said Patterson had also intended to kill her husband if he had accepted his invitation to lunch. Justice Christopher Beale addresses the court as he reads the sentencing for triple-murderer Erin Patterson (ABC/Pool via AP) She had pretended to have been diagnosed with cancer as a reason to bring them together. She claimed to have wanted advice on how to break the news to her two children, who were not present at the lunch. Mr Beale accepted Ian Wilkinsons account that the guests were served grey plates while Patterson ate from an orange-tan plate. This was to ensure she did not accidentally eat a poisoned meal, he said. The judge said he would not speculate on her motive. Patterson maintained that she had added foraged mushrooms to the meals by accident. Patterson has been in custody since she was charged on November 2 2023. Her sentence is backdated until then. She has 28 days from her sentencing to appeal against her convictions and the severity of her sentence. The case has attracted enormous public interest in Victoria, nationally and internationally. Because of this, the Victorian Supreme Court allowed for the first time a sentencing hearing to be broadcast live on television. A man who evaded authorities with his three children in the remote New Zealand countryside for nearly four years has been shot and killed by a police officer, officials said. One child was with Tom Phillips at the time of the confrontation and the other two children were found in the forest hours after the shootout, in which a police officer was critically injured. The December 2021 disappearance of Phillips and his children now about nine, 10 and 11 years old confounded investigators for years as they scoured the densely forested area where they believed the family was hiding. The father and children were not believed to ever have travelled far from the isolated North Island rural settlement of Marokopa where they lived, but credible sightings of them were rare. Phillips has not been formally identified, but authorities believed he was the man killed. A police officer was critically injured in the shootout (Ricky Wilson/Stuff via AP) A police officer was shot in the head and critically injured during a confrontation with Phillips after he robbed an agricultural supplies store in the rural area of Waikato, south of Auckland, early on Monday morning, New Zealands Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers told reporters in the city of Hamilton. The child with Phillips at the time of the robbery was taken into custody. The officer is undergoing surgery at a hospital. His injuries were survivable, Ms Rogers said, but he was shot multiple times with a high-powered rifle and further surgeries are expected. The whereabouts of Phillips other two children was unknown immediately after the shooting and authorities held serious concerns for them, Ms Rogers said earlier. About 13 hours after their father was killed, however, Ms Rogers told reporters that the children had been found unaccompanied at a remote campsite in rugged forest. The child taken into custody on Monday had cooperated with the authorities, allowing them to narrow the search area, she said. The farm supplies store targeted on Monday was in a small town in the same sprawling farming region of Waikato, south of Auckland, as the settlement of about 40 people from where the family vanished. The case has fascinated New Zealanders and the authorities made regular unsuccessful appeals for information. The suspect had been trying to rob a hardware store in Piopio in the Waikato district of New Zealand (Ricky Wilson/Stuff via AP) Sightings of Phillips were limited to surveillance footage that showed him allegedly committing crimes in the area. He was wanted for an armed bank robbery while on the run in May 2023, accompanied by one of his children, in which he reportedly shot at a member of the public. Phillips did not have legal custody rights for his children, Detective Senior Sgt Andrew Saunders told reporters in 2024. Authorities said they had not had access to formal education or health care since their disappearance. Law enforcement always believed that Phillips had help concealing his family and some residents of the isolated rural area expressed support for him. A reward of 80,000 New Zealand dollars (34,800), large by New Zealand standards, was offered for information about the familys whereabouts last June, but it was never paid. The childrens mother issued a statement to Radio New Zealand on Monday in which she said she was deeply relieved that the ordeal for her children had ended. They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care, said the woman, who has been identified in New Zealand news outlets only by her first name, Cat. Legislators toppled Frances government in a confidence vote on Monday, a new crisis for Europes second-largest economy that obliges President Emmanuel Macron to search for a fourth prime minister in 12 months. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou was ousted overwhelmingly in a 364-194 vote against him. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou reacts after his speech at the National Assembly (Christophe Ena/AP) Mr Bayrou paid the price for what appeared to be a staggering political miscalculation, gambling that officials would back his view that France must slash public spending to repair its debts. Instead, they seized on the vote that he called to gang up against Mr Bayrou a 74-year-old centrist who was appointed by Mr Macron last December. The demise of Mr Bayrous short-lived minority government now constitutionally obliged to submit its resignation to Macron after just under nine months in office heralds renewed uncertainty and a risk of prolonged legislative deadlock for France as it wrestles with pressing challenges, including budget difficulties and, internationally, wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the shifting priorities of US President Donald Trump. Although Mr Macron had two weeks to prepare for the governments collapse after Mr Bayrou announced in August that hed seek a confidence vote on his unpopular budget plans, no clear front-runner has emerged as a likely successor. After Gabriel Attals departure as prime minister in September 2024, followed by former Brexit negotiator Michel Barniers ouster by parliament in December and Mr Bayrou now ousted, too, Mr Macron again faces an arduous hunt for a replacement to build consensus in the parliaments lower house that is stacked with opponents of the French leader. French President Emmanuel Macron faces the challenge of finding his fourth prime minister (Manon Cruz/AP) As president, Mr Macron will continue to hold substantial powers over foreign policy and European affairs and remain the commander in chief of the nuclear-armed military. But domestically, the 47-year-old presidents ambitions are increasingly facing ruin. The root of the latest government collapse was Mr Macrons stunning decision to dissolve the National Assembly in June 2024, triggering a legislative election that the French leader hoped would strengthen the hand of his pro-European centrist alliance. But the gamble backfired, producing a splintered legislature with no dominant political bloc in power for the first time in Frances modern republic. Shorn of a workable majority, his minority governments have since lurched from crisis to crisis, surviving on the whim of opposing political blocs on the left and far-right that dont have enough seats to govern themselves but can, when they team up, topple Mr Macrons choices. Mr Bayrou, too, rolled the dice by calling the confidence vote, a decision that quickly backfired on the political veteran as left-wing and far-right legislators seized the opportunity to oust his government, seeking to increase pressure on Macron. Frances Francois Bayrou lost a confidence vote against him 364 to 194 (Thibault Camus/AP) Mr Bayrou conceded in his last speech as prime minister to the National Assembly that putting his fate on the line was risky. But he said that Frances debt crisis compelled him to seek legislative support for remedies, in the face of what he called a silent, underground, invisible, and unbearable haemorrhage of excessive public borrowing. The greatest risk was to not take one, to let things go on without changing anything, to go on doing politics as usual, he said. Submission to debt is like submission through military force. Dominated by weapons, or dominated by our creditors, because of a debt that is submerging us in both cases, we lose our freedom. At the end of the first quarter of 2025, Frances public debt stood at 3.346 trillion euros, or 114% of gross domestic product. Debt servicing remains a major budget item, accounting for around 7% of state spending. Rupert Murdochs family has reached a deal on control of the 94-year-old moguls media empire after his death. The move ensures no change in direction at Fox News, the most popular network for US President Donald Trump and conservatives. An N.C. House Select Committee is recommending that the General Assembly change a state law forcing districts to start school the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and end no later than the Friday clo The tenth quatrain in the first edition of Edward FitzGeralds Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam continues the theme of the irrelevance of political power to happiness, which lies instead in love. The Persian originals make clear the meaning here, which is a little cryptic in FitzGeralds rendering. X. With me along some Strip of Herbage strown That just divides the desert from the sown, Where name of Slave and Sultan scarce is known, And pity Sultan Mahmud on his Throne. The previous stanza asked the reader to leave the ancient Iranian kings and heroes, and to heed them not. Here, we pity Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni on his throne because he does not have the lover that Khayyam has, whom he has to sneak out to meet beyond the cultivated land of the village where no one will see them. A. J. Arberry (Romance of the Rubaiyat, 199) points out that the phrase Strip of Herbage is obviously a translation of the Persian Lab-i kisht, the edge of cultivated land. FitzGerald in his notes says that he saw it a lot in the poetry. This phrase occurs in the first two lines of the Bodleian manuscript no. 25 (my 24): I translated it non-literally as If an earthly angel offered me a cup of wine as we two sat along the river bank in spring . . . transliteration: dar fasl-e bahar agar boti hur-seresht por mey qadahi dahad mara bar lab-e kesht Lab in Persian is lip and is a cognate with the English word. In linguistics, labial means uttered with the participation of one or both lips. Kesht or cultivated land in Persian is a cognate with the Latin cultura and the origin of our English word culture. The image here is sneaking off to the dividing line between inhabited and wild spaces, where the lovers wont be seen. This imagery would have resonated with Americans in the age of the western frontier. I figured in our contemporary urban civilization, more people have experience with a land/ water demarcation between inhabited spaces and nature, so I set the picnic on a riverbank. My phrase earthly angel condenses references in the original to bot and hur or houri. bot, pronounced boat, in Persian means idol, as in pagan idol, and derives from the Sanskrit Buddha, since the Iranian Muslims encountered Buddhist temples as they conquered Khorasan, Afghanistan and what is now Pakistan. Poets took it up in exactly the way our Hollywood did, as a sex symbol an idol was a beautiful beloved. Merriam-Webster defines houri as 1: one of the beautiful maidens that in Muslim belief live with the blessed in paradise. 2: a voluptuously beautiful young woman. Going into all that would be an essay in itself. Just to say that the Persian poets often used definition no. 2 here. Hence my earthly angel. - Order Juan Coles contemporary poetic translation of the Rubaiyat from Bloomsbury (IB Tauris) or Barnes and Noble. or for $16 at Amazon Kindle Edward Heron-Allen suggested that the second two lines come from second two lines of a poem in the Bodleian manuscript, no. 155 (my 154): This poem talks about two lovers planning a picnic, saying if we could get hold of a loaf of bread, some lamb kebabs and some wine, and we were snuggling in the wilderness wed put to shame the pomp of any court. transliteration: va an keh man o to neshesteh dar virani ishi bovad an, na hadd-e har soltani So that is why Mahmud is to be pitied his magnificent court cannot measure up to the simple pleasures of a humble meal eaten by two lovers who can then snuggle with one another, away from prying eyes. The Lovers, by Riza-yi Abbasi (Iranian, ca. 1565d. 1635), dated 1039 AH/ 1630 CE, Isfahan. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mahmud is not mentioned by name in these particular originals, but he was an epic figure in Persian poetry whom FitzGerald would have met with in his reading in this literature, including no. 92 of the Calcutta manuscript of the Rubaiyat, as I discussed here. For more commentaries on FitzGeralds translations of the Rubaiyat, see FitzGeralds Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam: Commentary by Juan Cole with Original Persian Chicago (Special to Informed Comment, Feature) With a Cabinet full of fascists, fools, drunks, and sycophants, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stands out as a dangerous quack and sociopathic liar. A vaccine opponent and an anti-science conspiracy proponent with no experience in public health, Kennedy is blatantly unfit to be director of Health and Human Services [HHS] yet the depraved President appointed him, and spineless Republicans confirmed him. Since taking office, Kennedy has waged an assault against the Centers for Disease Control [CDC] and our nations public health system. Culminating in his decision to fire Dr. Susan Monarez as CDC director, Kennedy has decapitated the CDC, sabotaged the agencys credibility, fired over 10,000 HHS staff many with decades of knowledge and thereby put Americans health at risk. I grew up in the 1950s when the terror of the polio virus hung over every family. A classmate went for a summer swim and came back to school on crutches. Before the polio vaccine became widely available, the virus crippled children, paralyzed others, sentenced some to entrapment in iron lungs, and killed many others. Kennedy is yanking us back to those dark times. In July, RFK abolished U.S. support for global vaccination programs that protect millions of children and keep Americans safe, citing flawed research and making false statements. Its enraging to hear Kennedy, with his painfully tortured voice, be so willfully ignorant about vaccines, jeopardizing the health of all Americans and instigating policies that will make people sick again with preventable, even once-eliminated diseases. Amid the largest measles outbreak in the United States in a generation, he focused on unproven treatments while downplaying vaccines. On Fox News, Kennedy promoted vitamin A and cod liver oil, proclaiming them as dramatically effective remedies against measles. Some unvaccinated children took so much vitamin A, they showed signs of liver damage. Vitamin A supplements will not protect someone from measles, said Dr. Sean OLeary chair of the Committee on Infectious Diseases for the American Academy of Pediatrics. We have a very safe and effective vaccine, and thats really how you control a measles outbreak. Kennedys history of reckless guidance includes a trip to Samoa during a measles outbreak in 2019 where he claimed, falsely, that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMRV) had contributed to the deaths of two Samoan infants. He exacerbated anti-vaccine disinformation, worsening the outbreak that resulted in 83 deaths there and infected 500 in Tonga. Photo by Fusion Medical Animation on Unsplash As HHS director, Kennedy is endangering children instead of safeguarding them. RFK Jr is a disaster, said one CDC staff member. He is completely dismantling things to the point where the damage is going to become irreparable. Creating a firestorm, Kennedy not only fired thousands of federal health workers 25% of its workforce, but he also severely decimated programs designed to protect Americans from cancer, heart attacks, AIDS, strokes, lead poisoning and more. In response CDC workers and alumni protested outside the agencies headquarters, calling for Kennedy to resign. The eradication of important research devastated the CDC, which was already reeling from the mass layoffs and a deadly shooting at its headquarters by an anti-vax maniac. In early August, a man who blamed COVID vaccines for his depression sprayed 500 bullets into the CDC campus of buildings, killing a police officer. A letter signed by hundreds of CDC employees after the shooting condemned the politicized rhetoric that has turned public health professionals from trusted experts into targets of villainization and accused Kennedy of being complicit in dismantling Americas public health infrastructure and endangering the nations health by repeatedly spreading inaccurate health information. The CDC was further inflamed by the recklessly foolish COVID vaccination changes. The virus is on the rise again along with lots of confusion as to who is eligible to get immunized. Kennedy issued new obstructions on COVID vaccines that will make it harder for Americans to get the shot covered by their health insurance. Thanks to him, the CDC no longer recommends pregnant women and healthy children get COVID shots, a move that broke with expert guidance and bypassed the usual scientific review process. Women who are pregnant are more likely to get very sick from COVID compared to those who are not pregnant. Vaccinating during pregnancy offers vital protection to the fetus by transferring protective antibodies from the mother, safeguarding the infant. Previously in a stunningly stupid action, Kennedy had fired, without cause, all 17 experts on the independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The mass termination of the ACIP eviscerates a half-century of practice designed to insulate vaccine policy from political convulsions. Kennedy with an established track record of ignoring reality made the unilateral, ideological decision to gut one of the most trusted and effective pillars of Americas vaccine infrastructure. This is a system that helped eliminate smallpox, drastically reduce childhood diseases like rubella and mumps, and save millions of lives. RFKs notorious anti-vax reputation and his dismantling of vaccine policy infrastructure have already driven some states to pursue their own vaccination rules a splintering that will likely lead to unprecedented confusion among doctors and patients. The blue state-red state fracture was on stark display last week when Washington, Hawaii, Oregon and California formed a coalition The West Coast Health Alliance to issue their own shot recommendations, a rebuke to what they called the Trump administrations destruction of the CDC. Hours later, Florida lurched in the opposite direction, declaring itself the first state in the nation to abolish all school vaccine mandates. Florida Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo railed against vaccine mandates, which every state has, and likened them to slavery. Even more constraints on vaccines are likely, given that Kennedy has stacked the ACIP with vaccine skeptics and outright anti-vaxxers unqualified individuals who share his dangerous and unscientific views. He appointed Retsef Levi, who does not have a biomedical degree or clinical medicine experience, to lead the COVID vaccine review. In a debunked claim, Levi compared COVID vaccines to thalidomide, a drug that decades ago caused serious birth defects. Another ACIP replacement was Robert Malone, who has denounced COVID vaccines and, without evidence, suggested that they can worsen coronavirus infections. Yet another Kennedy-picked ACIP member was Vicky Pebsworth, who, like Kennedy, has a long history of insinuating that vaccines can cause autism despite decades of high-quality studies refuting that connection. The new anti-vax tilted ACIP recommended that U.S. flu vaccines be supplied only as single-dose, thimerosal-free product a symbolic victory for long-standing anti-thimerosal, anti-vaccine activists despite decades of safety data. Normally, flu vaccines are supplied in multi-dose vials, which contain thimerosal to prevent bacterial contamination once the vial is opened. These multi-dose vials are cheaper, easier to distribute, and allow more people to be vaccinated efficiently. Not incidentally, Kennedy falsely blames thimerosal for autism. The decision elevated ideology over evidence and set a precedent for bypassing ACIPs usual rigor. A document on the CDC website summarizing thimerosal research concluded the evidence does not support an association between the preservative thimerosal and any neurodevelopmental disorder. The document was removed after Kennedy accepted the recommendation to eliminate thimerosal. The thimerosal reversal was not an isolated tweak; it was an early signal of a wider evisceration of vaccine research. Kennedy canceled nearly $500 million in grants and contracts for developing mRNA vaccines, the best chance against a future pandemic and an adaptable platform for next-generation vaccines against influenza, RSV, HIV, Bird Flu, Malaria, Tuberculosis, and even some cancers. Though he has no medical degree or training, Kennedy claimed that mRNA vaccines can encourage new mutations and can actually prolong pandemics as the virus constantly mutates to escape the protective effects of the vaccine. This is not true. Viruses mutate on their own whether or not vaccines exist for them. This was true every year for the flu virus, for example, said Dr Paul Offit, the director of the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr Offit also said that mRNA vaccines were remarkably safe and a key to helping prevent against severe infections from viruses like COVID. When CDC Director Morarez refused to rubber-stamp Kennedys dangerous and unfounded vaccine recommendations that would restrict access to proven vaccines, Kennedy tried to fire her. She rejected his authority to dismiss her so Kennedy implored Trump to oust her. The White House spokes-liar said Trump backed Kennedy. The germaphobe president grants Kennedy free rein even though his own life was saved by science. After Trump got seriously ill from COVID during his horrific first term, Walter Reed doctors gave him the latest antibody treatments and remdesivir not bleach or the animal deworming drug ivermectin, the remedies he suggested people consider. Predictably, he learned nothing. Trump is letting the anti-science health menace run wild. Feckless Republicans terrified of Trump failed miserably in not blocking the confirmation of this unqualified fraud. Senator Bill Cassidy, the gastroenterologist who cast the deciding vote approving Trumps snake-oil health secretary, was too craven to vote against someone he knew would decimate our health system. In doing so, Dr. Cassidy betrayed his Hippocratic Oath to do no harm. At last weeks Senate hearing with RFK, Cassidy accused him of lying at his confirmation hearing. Cowardly Cassidy was almost annoyed enough to take action. At that Senate hearing, Democrats condemned Kennedy as a charlatan and a hazard to the health of the American people. Many demanded he resign, but none formulated a plan to impeach him or otherwise rid the nation of this reckless disease enabler, who has undermined the CDC. Disgusted with Monarezs dismissal as head of the CDC and the way Kennedy places ideology over science, four top CDC officials resigned: Demetre Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Daniel Jernigan, the director of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Jennifer Layden, who oversaw the agencys Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance, and Technology, and, Debra Houry, the chief medical officer, who said that the group quit together to signal that they believe science is being ignored and that public health is in danger. These former civil servants, along with Monarez, exemplify true courage, self-sacrifice and an unwavering sense of duty in an authoritarian era of almost universal moral degradation and political cowardice among our corporate, union and political leaders. In his resignation letter, Daskalakis wrote, I am unable to serve in an environment that treats the CDC as a tool to generate policies that do not reflect scientific reality and are designed to hurt rather than to improve public health. He later criticized Kennedy for not even bothering to be briefed by the centers specialists on COVID, polio, and measles before making policy decisions. Yes, hes getting information from somewhere, but that information is not coming from CDC experts who really are the worlds experts in this area. Like Trump and the self-deluded MAGA followers, Kennedy is suspicious of people that know things. Rather than believing a so-called ruling class of experts, these self-destructive dupes prefer the medical advice of non-doctors and the pseudo-science of non-scientists. For example, an overwhelming body of scientific evidence from decades of research confirms that vaccines do not cause autism. Since 2005, Kennedy has pushed the debunked claim that there is a link between childhood vaccinations and autism. So, he has ordered more research and politicized it. Kennedy appointed the longtime vaccine critic David Geier to lead an unnecessary government study on autism. Geier, who has been disciplined for practicing medicine without a license, has promoted thoroughly discredited links between vaccines, thimerosal and autism. The mission of this research isnt scientific discovery; its laundering fringe ideas through the pretense of governmental legitimacy. Grim Reaper, Digital, Dall-E, 2025 RFKs ignorance was on full display after the recent school shooting in Minneapolis. Without acknowledging the prevalence and easy accessibility of firearms across the U.S., he said that his department was launching studies on the potential contribution of some of the SSRI [selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors] drugs and some of the other psychiatric drugs that might be contributing to violence. Kennedys comments triggered criticism from the Minnesota senator Tina Smith, who wrote on X: I dare you to go to Annunciation School and tell our grieving community, in effect, guns dont kill kids, antidepressants do. Just shut up. Stop peddling bullshit. You should be fired. Last week, Kennedy was spewing more bizarre nonsense, saying he can tell as he walks past children if they are dealing with mitochondrial challenges or inflammation. It is miraculous that a raw-milk guzzling conspiracy theorist with no medical degree and a brain hollowed out by a parasitic worm can mysteriously divine illnesses just by looking. Our health secretary is a certified lunatic. More than 750 current and former employees at US health agencies signed a letter in which they criticized Kennedy as an existential threat to public health. Kennedy is gutting the health institutions Americans rely on to stay healthy and safe. He is demonizing and firing lifelong experts in their fields and forging policy based on phony studies and junk science, all while confusing the public and amplifying distrust of the scientific community. In just four months, Kennedys war on science and public health has produced operational confusion among pharmacies and clinicians, an erosion of scientific integrity, and potential reemergence of vaccine-preventable diseases through ideological vaccine recommendations. By cancelling research contracts, mass firings and hostile rhetoric, Kennedy has strangled innovation and driven scientists to leave for friendlier countries, inflicting long-term damage that will last well beyond the Trump/Kennedy regime. Soon, Americans will face a stark choice: abandon compromised federal public health institutions for more reliable sources; or, cling to RFK-corrupted public health agencies, out of habit or fatigue. If the latter happens, pseudoscience and crackpot theories will have become normalized. The consequences will not be theoretical. They will be viral and bacterial: a resurgence of dangerous infectious diseases. ( Middle East Monitor ) US President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Brazil on Friday (5), labeling the South American countrys current government as radical left and suggesting that Brazilian officials could be barred from attending the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York. The statement came during a White House press conference, where Trump expressed anger at Brazils recent political and diplomatic positions, including its increasingly vocal support for Palestine. We are very angry with Brazil. Weve already imposed heavy tariffs because theyre doing something very unfortunate, Trump said. The comment referred, in part, to a series of up to 50 per cent tariffs the US imposed on Brazilian products in August, a move Trump defended as retaliation against what he sees as Brazils ideological drift under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Trumps anger has been fueled not only by Brazils domestic politics, including the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, but also by its foreign policy, which has increasingly diverged from Washingtons priorities. Brazils open diplomatic support for Palestine has emerged as a key point of contention in its relationship with Trump-aligned US leaders. Under Lula, Brazil has repeatedly condemned Israeli military actions in Gaza, called for ceasefires, and advocated for Palestinian statehood on the international stage positions that contrast sharply with Trumps staunch pro-Israel policies. In October 2023, Brazil chaired a United Nations Security Council meeting where it pushed for a humanitarian resolution in Gaza, a proposal vetoed by the United States. Lula has also criticized the Israeli governments treatment of Palestinians and voiced solidarity with the Palestinian cause during speeches at international forums. Such positions have drawn criticism from right-wing figures in both the U.S. and Israel, who view Brazils stance as part of a broader leftist alignment that includes sympathy toward governments in Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran. For Trump, Brazils tilt toward non-aligned and pro-Palestinian diplomacy is seen as part of its transformation into what he now calls a radical left state. Trump continues to defend Jair Bolsonaro, his ideological ally in Brazil, who is currently facing charges in the Supreme Federal Court (STF) related to alleged coup attempts and anti-democratic actions. The case is being led by Minister Alexandre de Moraes, a figure increasingly targeted by US conservatives for his role in what they describe as political persecution. The alignment between Trump and Bolsonaros allies was further solidified after investigations were launched against Bolsonaros son, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP), following alleged collaboration with extremist groups abroad. Street Music in Rio de Janeiro. File, January 2017. Juan Cole As part of his response, Trump not only imposed tariffs on Brazilian goods but also floated the idea of denying diplomatic visas to Brazilian officials planning to attend the UN General Assembly, an extraordinary threat against a fellow UN member state. The prospect of the US denying access to foreign diplomats for political reasons, has sparked alarm among international observers. Such a move would not only set a dangerous precedent but also raise questions about the impartiality of the United States in its role as a global convener. At its core, the escalating conflict between the US and Brazil under Trump and Lula, respectively, reflects a deepening ideological divide. Trumps disdain for Brazils support for Palestine, its criticism of Israel, and its diplomatic ties with global south movements is in sharp contrast to the nationalist, pro-Israel, and anti-globalist agenda that defines Trump-era foreign policy. For Brazil, its current posture is part of a broader reassertion of independent foreign policy, one that emphasizes multilateralism, human rights, and a more balanced global order. But that shift is increasingly putting the country on a collision course with right-wing governments like Trumps. Whether these tensions lead to long-term diplomatic fallout remains to be seen. But for now, Brazils place on the world stage, and its role in defending the Palestinian cause, is once again at the center of international controversy. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment. Via Middle East Monitor Unless otherwise stated in the article above, this work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. ( Tomdispatch.com ) Imagine for a moment a nuclear weapon exploding over well, you name it: Pakistan, India or, for that matter, Ukraine, Russia, or the United States. I guarantee you one thing: the news headlines would be (and I use the word advisedly) explosive for days (weeks, months?) on end, assuming of course that any media was left to cover it. And yet, heres the strange thing: at this very moment, the slow-motion equivalent of a vast nuclear explosion is occurring over this planet of ours and, remind me, where are the stunning headlines? Where is the shock? Why is it so eternally passing news (or no news at all)? Why doesnt climate change make the headlines, except in the rarest of cases (or itself a rare case in the Guardian, which has an actual climate crisis section highlighted atop its daily online edition)? Yes, in the mainstream media, you can certainly read about the melting glaciers and surging glacial lake near Juneau, Alaska, or the floods and growing rainy season in northern China, or the stunning heat and fires this summer in Europe, or the Trump administrations assault on wind power, or the recent unbelievable nights of record temperatures in the Middle East and, if you want, you can add it all up yourself. But dont wait for our media to do the same, not in the sort of continuous headline-busting fashion that might suit the unfolding disaster we increasingly face on this planet of ours, even if in the weather equivalent of slow motion. And when climate change is indeed in the news, its rare indeed unlike, say, the Covid epidemic once upon a time for it to be covered on a global basis. When was the last time, for instance, that you saw all the fierce or even record fires on this planet put together in a single article? Yes, I know, on occasion there are indeed overview stories about climate change, but compared to the daily screaming headlines about whatever passing thing Donald Trump did or said days (or even hours) ago, they barely exist. In news terms, in fact, his second presidency might be considered the news equivalent of an atomic explosion. Think of him, if you want, as President Headline, hour after hour, day after day, week after week, month after month, without cease and in a way no other American president has ever truly been treated. In fact, in news terms, his presidency has been distinctly atomic, both figuratively and, in some sense, literally. After all, hes been determined to ensure that fossil fuels in America (and the world) remain the energy source of choice and, when it comes to his career as president, an explosive financial resource of the never-ending moment. (In that context, no one should be shocked that the fossil-fuel industry invested an estimated $445 million in supporting and influencing his last election campaign and those of his followers in Congress.) No surprise, then, that the second time around, hes made quite an effort to expand oil, gas, and coal production in this country, including signing four executive orders in April to help revive the beleaguered and polluting coal industry. Meanwhile, hes been doing his damnedest to set back green energy in any way imaginable, including by putting in place new Treasury Department restrictions on tax subsidies for wind and solar projects. And that is just to start down a long list. The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that his handouts to the fossil-fuel industry will cost Americans $80 billlion over the next decade and, of course, theyll cost the planet we live on so much more. All too sadly, thanks to both Donald Trump and the media, most of the time all too many of us barely sense that, as I write this and you read it, the slow-motion equivalent of atomic weapons is going off on this planet of ours. Meanwhile, the president remains everybodys screaming headline (both literally and figuratively) every day of the week. And yes, he does indeed matter. But does he truly matter as much as the almost literal, if slow-motion, end of the world, at least as weve known it all these endless centuries, that hes taking such a distinctive (if generally under-reported) hand in bringing about? I dont think so. Unfortunately, judging by the past election (and so much else), I seem to be in the distinct minority in this country when it comes to such subjects. However, I doubt that if, between his two presidencies, the media had dealt with the catastrophic development of climate change as it should have, a man who wildly favors the production of oil, natural gas, and coal the ultimate sources of most of the greenhouse gas emissions now blanketing the planet would ever have been elected president a second time. Generally, though, unlike Donald Trump or, say, the war in Ukraine, climate change gets only the equivalent of a second thought or a passing mention in the stream of daily news. Who cares if, with such a distinctive helping hand from our president, were in the process of essentially devastating this planet as a livable place for humanity and so much else? Heading for a Global Nuclear Winter? I dont, however, want to focus on Donald Trump alone, which would mean taking credit away from the rest of us. As a start and give us full credit here its no small thing that, in our time, we humans have come up with two distinct and painfully distinctive ways of doing in planet Earth. Consider it something of a genuine miracle (though all too seldom written about) that the atomic way hasnt been used again since the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were obliterated on August 6 and 9, 1945, to end World War II. Its almost less than human of us to have let 80 years go by without taking another shot at obliterating something atomically. Mind you, that hasnt stopped eight more countries from developing devastating, potentially world-ending nuclear arsenals (with, undoubtedly, more to come). As of now, there are an estimated 12,000 or so nuclear weapons of various kinds on this planet enough, that is, to do in an almost unimaginable number of planets. Worse yet, two of the countries that possess them, India and Pakistan, only recently came close to launching a full-scale war with each other, even exchanging rounds of conventionally armed missiles, before agreeing to a ceasefire. And keep in mind that, if those countries were to use nuclear weaponry against each other in what would still pass for a limited nuclear war, it would most likely result not just in almost unimaginable local destruction but planetary devastation. Massive clouds of dust from those nuclear explosions could potentially block the sun, leaving us in what has come to be known as a global nuclear winter in which more than two billion people on this planet might indeed die. And although hes seldom thought of that way, Donald Trump isnt just a distinctly dystopian president but a potentially end-of-the-world one, too. No, Im not even thinking about that recent moment when he announced that he was moving two U.S. nuclear submarines armed with nuclear missiles closer to oops, I almost wrote the Soviet Union (and that shows you how desperately old I am slightly older, in fact, than the first use of nuclear weapons on this planet). Yes, the correct word is, of course, Russia or, as he put it, closer to the appropriate regions in response to what he termed highly provocative comments by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. And consider that not just a threatening but a potentially world-ending gesture. (No matter that he himself has long been disturbed by atomic weaponry, warning repeatedly of the possibility of World War III.) And dont forget that, only recently, this country also decided to once again station some of its nuclear weaponry in Great Britain (already a nuclear power). Of course, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to those submarine comments by insisting that his country no longer considers itself bound by a self-imposed moratorium on the deployment of nuclear-capable intermediate range missiles. And mind you, at this moment, China has the third largest and fastest growing arsenal of all. In some sense, given the ongoing growth of such arsenals and the spread of such weaponry across much of the planet (not to speak of the recent U.S. and Israeli attacks on Irans nuclear facilities), the danger of nuclear conflict seems distinctly on the rise. A Coming Hell on Earth? Someday, if we humans are even here to remember the Trumpian moment in history and that first method of ultimate destruction hasnt been used again, humanity will undoubtedly find itself facing the second version head-on. After all, whatever he might not (yet) have done when it comes to nukes, Donald Trump has gone all in on that second global nightmare. Think of it as his urge to create a world not of nuclear winter but of climate-change summer. Or perhaps it would be better and more bluntly accurate to simply think of our future as a distinct and potentially all too literal hell on earth. Just imagine the global heat, fires, floods, you name it, that are in our future. Yes, some countries are indeed working hard to put in place other forms of energy that wont throw greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and turn this planet into an inferno and a half, but even the ones doing so arent doing it faintly fast enough. Take China. Its green energy emplacement, its solar and wind power, is not just greater than that of any other country on the planet, but all of them combined. What its done in terms of the building of new green energy facilities couldnt be more stunning, as is its production of electric cars (at the moment unparalleled on this planet, with more than 60% of such vehicle sales globally). And yet, before you start to feel too upbeat, consider this as well: no country, not even all the rest of them put together, burns more coal than China or is putting in place the number of new coal-powered plants that country is still planning to open. In 2023, it accounted for 95% of new coal construction, a trend that seems to have continued to the present. Can you even believe it? And then, think of my own country, the (increasingly dis-)United States of America. It had done remarkably little when it came to getting rid of fossil fuels even before Donald Trump entered the White House a second time. After all, it was already the globes largest producer of crude oil and exporter of natural gas when Joe Biden became president and, despite his administrations modest attempts to deal with climate change, oil and gas production were yes! even higher when he left office (as was true of Donald Trump in his first term). And so it goes, it seems. It should be so much stranger than it feels at this moment to be living in a time when a slow-motion apocalypse of an almost unimaginable sort is actually taking place and with a distinctly world-ending president in the White House raising a storm daily (about anything but climate change). Yes, the fires, floods, heatwaves, and droughts are all growing more intense on planet Earth. And on a globe that, in its own fashion, appears to be going to (an all too literal) hell in a handbasket, Donald Trump seems distinctly ready and willing to make that reality so much worse. Even if no atomic weapons are ever used, it seems as if were nonetheless heading for what might be thought of as the very opposite of a global nuclear winter. Think of it as a global climate change summer, a slow-motion version of hell on earth. Can you believe it? Im sweating at the very thought of it. Copyright 2025 Tom Engelhardt Via Tomdispatch.com The case against Joseph Kony, leader of a Ugandan rebel group the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) has been languishing in a dusty corner of the Hague for the past twenty years. But it now takes centre stage for a short week, as the current prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has decided to make use of one of the courts just-in-case provisions article 61 para 2 of the Rome Statute to hear the case against Kony without his presence. The courts detention unit is not bulging with arrestees; later this month the former president of the Philippines will have his time in court to confirm the charges against him, and in Germany a Libyan detainee is waiting to have his transfer to The Hague confirmed. But there are no other suspects lined up ready to prime the three courtrooms pumps. A dry white season In this context of trial starvation, how does a court prove to the world that it is still relevant when it is also under sanction from the United States, facing cyber-attacks from unknown forces and where states nominally its supporters are proving reluctant to arrest suspects? When the current prosecutor took over in 2021, together with his two deputies, the emphasis has been on generating arrest warrants in the two situations delegated to the court by the United Nations Security Council Libya and Darfur Sudan. Then, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and Israels war in Gaza have both led to high stakes manoeuvring for the court and arrest warrants that have no prospects of being executed in the current political climate. In both Afghanistan and Myanmar, the office of the prosecutor has targeted very high-level suspects, thereby continuing to expand beyond the original focus of the court on conflicts in Africa. Ugandas rebel war in the north has been over for many years. It was one of the early wins for the ICC back in 2004 when president Yoweri Museveni met prosecutor Moreno Ocampo in a hotel in London and asked for ICC intervention. But the most important target, the leader of the LRA, Kony, later disappeared into the dense forests bordering Uganda. His arrest warrant was issued some twenty years ago. He was not arrested even when a US force was operating in the region. Ultimately, the ICC had to do something to show that the arrest warrant was still relevant, says Micheal Scharf, former Dean of Case Western Reserve University School of Law, and president of the American branch of the International Law Association. As an institution, they have to survive; the ICC is going through a hard period with sanctions, and states that ignore their obligations, so they need cases that they can deliver, adds professor of criminology at Groningen University Alette Smeulers. But beyond that, Scharf believes: Its important for the world to say, no, this is not just a Uganda problem, this was a worldwide international criminal. And for the sake of humanity, he needs to be brought to justice. Fear that victims voices may never be heard Where did this idea of confirming the charges without the defendant come from? Back at the beginning of the establishment of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in the 1990s the judges strengthened Rule 61 in their statute i.e. public reconfirmation of charges without the accused presence. It was a period in which there was a rising sense of desperation, says Diane Orentlicher, law professor emerita at American University and author of a book about the ICTY, born out of the frustration that states were not cooperating in helping to apprehend suspects. The tribunal, she adds, wanted to show that it wasnt impotent and say, were doing something, we are not helpless in the face of States inaction. Some also hoped that Rule 61 hearings might help pressure the UN Security Council, which had created the Tribunal, to act. But the procedure provoked robust debate, says Orentlicher. Some worried it risked violating defendants rights; others wondered if it might backfire, taking pressure off States to arrest suspects. Then, as States started to arrest suspects, and the court became busy conducting trials, Rule 61 faded into insignificance. She stresses also that it was a different issue to that of Kony. That he has never been arrested is not for lack of vigorous effort, including a multi-million-dollar reward for his capture and the deployment of a special unit to track him. Rather, she suggests that with no reported sightings of him in a while, theres a fear that victims voices may never be heard and if the hearing succeeds in reinvigorating efforts to arrest Kony, that would be a success. Setting a precedent? Right now, its not a politically sensitive case, says Smeulers. Everyone would agree that Kony is a perpetrator. He has lost most of his power, and hes clearly a guy who did horrendous things, especially against children. Scharf suggests with the passage of time, it was pretty much a foregone conclusion that [the office of the prosecutor] would try this, because you dont want to allow this case to be forgotten. But he also sees the speculation that has already started about whether the ICC prosecution are teeing themselves up for future cases. Scharf points to the long-standing warrants against former Libyan dictators son Saif Qaddafi and that against former president of Sudan Omar al-Bashir. Both of those are similar to the Kony case because of the length of time. The standard is that the individual has to be someone who cannot be found, he says. However, when it comes to any potential procedures concerning the courts most high-profile suspects Russian President Vladimir Putin or Israelian Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu he cautions that it is much less likely: We know where they are. Theyre sitting in their office in the Kremlin or Jerusalem. But depending on how you define not to be found, it could be that this process could be used against them. In that sense, the Kony confirmation in absentia is a trial run in an important precedent for these other bigger cases, says Scharf. Crimes against children, women and girls Kony faces 39 charges for his alleged role in the LRA in ordering the killing and mistreatment of civilians, for making strategic decisions regarding the manner, intensity and focus of attacks against civilians, for maintaining the system of abductions during the charged period, for issu[ing] orders to all LRA to abduct civilians, and for devis[ing] and enforc[ing] the LRA rules for the mistreatment of women and girls. He is also accused of personal responsibility for using children as escorts and abducted women and girls to act as domestic servants and as forced conjugal partners and for controlling his fellow LRA commanders through a system of rewards and threats. The document containing the charges describes attacks during the early 2000s on schools, and multiple internal displacement camps. He is charged for attacks on civilians, murder as a crime against humanity and a war crime, torture and persecution as a crime against humanity, on political grounds, of civilians perceived by the LRA as being affiliated with, or supporting the Ugandan government. The prosecution focus is on Konys crimes in relation to women and children. Kony is accused of forced marriage, enslavement, rape, torture, persecution on the grounds of gender and age, sexual slavery and forced pregnancy. The allegations include detailed descriptions of what happened to two victims who were forced to become Konys wives, repeatedly abused and raped and made pregnant by him. Thats not surprising, says Smeulers, professor of criminology at Groningen University: The ICC has to pick its cases smartly; on the issues that they think are important such as children and sexual crimes, but also where they already have the evidence. The ICC previously tried and convicted Dominic Ongwen, a key commander of the LRA. In that sense, Kony is quite a clear-cut case with a lot of material from the Ongwen trial, says Smeulers. In the Ongwen appeal judgment Konys name appears 348 times. [Ongwen] actually spent a lot of his trial implicating Kony and all of that testimony and evidence can come in, adds Scharf. Definitely not a mini-trial Previous confirmation of charges hearings has sometimes included live witnesses. Here this is not the case, and the duration is shorter than usual confirmation of charges hearing at the ICC, a proceeding that is meant to confirm or infirm the accusation before a potential trial. Scharf notes that it is short: Its only three days long. I had thought that it might have been as long as six weeks. So, it is definitely not a mini trial. Kony has a defence team led by Peter Haynes alongside Kate Gibson and others who are ICC veterans. The team has made several trips to northern Uganda and submitted motions which have failed on appeal challenging the proceedings. The courts prosecutor, Karim Khan a capable showman in court is on official leave while being investigated for sexual misconduct allegations. The job will now fall under one of the deputy prosecutors. How exciting for the world? Scharfs biggest curiosity is whether the prosecution will try to have an impact beyond the court: Are we just going to be looking at very dry proceedings, or are they going to bring in videos and make this something exciting for the world to focus on? If the prosecution tries to paint the picture of the fear the LRA invoked in the civil population and among LRA followers during the early 2000s, Scharf expects there to be use of video: The TikTok generation is not the only generation that cares about excitement. If I were the prosecutor, I would put together a slick Hollywood style case that will be remembered. People get bored of watching international trials. If you really want to have an impact, you only have a couple of hours to present your case. In Gulu, the main town in northern Uganda there will be a public screening at the local secondary school, according to a message from the ICC Outreach team. It will be live streamed every day, open to the public, and they expect up to 300 participants. Victims participation in this stage is vital, they say, as it allows their experiences and suffering to be formally recognised at the ICC. The audio of the hearings will be also broadcast live on Mega FM and other local stations to reach listeners across the Acholi sub-region says a radio announcement from the ICC, exhorting listeners to stay informed. Be part of the justice process. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday announced nine measures aimed at stopping "the genocide in Gaza", including an arms embargo on Israel and a ban on vessels carrying fuel for the Israeli military from using Spanish ports. The announcement marks the latest escalation of Spain's outspoken criticism of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, which was sparked by the unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel in 2023. The measures aim to "stop the genocide in Gaza, pursue its perpetrators and support the Palestinian population", Sanchez said in a televised address. He said his left-wing government would approve a decree to "consolidate in law" a ban on military equipment sales or purchases with Israel, a measure it had applied since the start of the conflict. Boats carrying fuel destined for the Israeli military will be barred from Spanish ports, and Spain will act to reduce the transport of military equipment to Israel by air, Sanchez said. "All those people participating directly in the genocide, the violation of human rights and war crimes in the Gaza Strip" will be banned from entering Spanish territory, he added. Spain will also ban the importation of products from "illegal settlements" in the Palestinian territories with the aim of stopping "the forced displacement of the Palestinian population" and supporting the two-state solution, Sanchez said. Consular services for Spanish citizens residing in illegal Israeli settlements will be limited "to the legally obligatory minimum assistance", he said. Sanchez also announced new collaboration projects in agriculture, food security and medical aid to support the Palestinian Authority and additional humanitarian funds for Palestinians. Sanchez has been one of the most outspoken critics of Israel's war in Gaza, becoming the most senior European leader to refer to the conflict as a "genocide". His leftist government broke with European allies last year by recognising a Palestinian state, infuriating Israel. The Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 64,368 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza that the United Nations considers reliable. The UN rights chief accused Israeli officials on Monday of using overt "genocidal rhetoric" about Gaza and called for decisive international action to "end the carnage". In a speech to the UN Human Rights Council that was criticised by Israel, Volker Turk said the occupied Palestinian territory was already "a graveyard". He accused Israel of inflicting "indescribable suffering and wholesale destruction". "I am horrified by the open use of genocidal rhetoric and the disgraceful dehumanisation of Palestinians by senior Israeli officials." The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights did not provide examples, but his spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told AFP that "shocking and dehumanising language" has been used by a number of high-level officials, stressing that "this is not a case of one senior official mouthing off". A number of countries have sanctioned far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has urged "total extermination" in Gaza, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has called for opening the "gates of hell on Gaza (to) encourage Gazans to emigrate". Shamdasani also pointed to Israeli Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman's assertion in March that the "only solution for the Gaza Strip is to empty it of Gazans". And Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu said during a radio interview in July that "the government is racing to have Gaza erased". - 'End the carnage' - Turk stressed that nearly two years after the war erupted following Hamas's deadly attack on Israel, "the region is crying out for peace". The Israeli army bombed a Gaza City residential tower block on Sunday -- the third in as many days -- and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the military was "deepening" its assault on the Gaza Strip's key urban centre. The UN estimates nearly one million people remain in and around Gaza City, where it officially declared a famine last month. "Further militarisation, occupation, annexation and oppression will only feed more violence, retribution and terror," Turk warned. He insisted Israel had "a legal obligation to take the steps ordered by the International Court of Justice to prevent acts of genocide, punish incitement to genocide and ensure enough aid reaches Palestinians in Gaza". The UN rights chief said the international community was "failing the people of Gaza. "Where are the decisive steps to prevent genocide," he asked. Israel, which disengaged from the council earlier this year, was not in the room during Turk's presentation but reacted angrily. Turk "is led by the anti-Israel activism that plagues his office", Israel's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Daniel Meron, said on X, charging that Turk "continues to spread libellous rhetoric and undermines the security of the Jewish State". Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Spain of antisemitism on Monday after its Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced nine measures aimed at stopping what he called "the genocide in Gaza". "The attempt by Sanchez's corrupt administration to divert attention from serious corruption scandals through a continuous anti-Israel and antisemitic campaign is transparent," Saar wrote on X. He also said that Spain's deputy prime minister and labour minister, Yolanda Diaz, would be barred from entering Israel, which "will not maintain any contact with her". "Today we put a red line here, demonstrating we will not take it from them anymore," Saar added during a press conference in Budapest with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto. He denounced both Spain and France, saying that "if they are so enthusiastic to establish a Palestinian state, they have huge territories... they can do that in their own territory." Israel's relations with France have been particularly strained since President Emmanuel Macron co-chaired a conference in July with Saudi Arabia to call for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Saar added that Israel would "not risk" its security by having "indefensible borders". "We will not repeat the mistakes of the past," he said. Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem on Monday, killing five people and wounding several others. "The distance between the terrorists that went this morning from their houses in the Palestinian territories to Jerusalem to attack Israeli citizens on the bus is a few miles," Saar said. The measures Sanchez announced include an arms embargo on Israel and a ban on vessels carrying fuel for the Israeli military from using Spanish ports. The announcement marks the latest escalation of Spain's outspoken criticism of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, which was sparked by the unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel in 2023. burs-jza/js Spain said Monday it "strongly rejects the false and slanderous accusations of antisemitism" made by Israel after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced nine measures aimed at stopping what he called "the genocide in Gaza". The foreign ministry also condemned Israel for barring two far-left government ministers from entering the country, saying Spain "would not be intimidated in its defence of peace, international law and human rights". Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on X that Sanchez's criticism of the war was an attempt "to divert attention from serious corruption scandals through a continuous anti-Israel and antisemitic campaign." Saar also announced entry bans on Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz and Youth Minister Sira Rego, both members of the far-left Sumar group that is the junior partner of Sanchez's coalition government. Rego is of Palestinian descent on her father's side and spent part of her early childhood in the occupied West Bank. Among the measures announced by Sanchez was an arms embargo on Israel and a ban on vessels carrying fuel for the Israeli military from using Spanish ports. Spain is one of the most outspoken European critics of Israel's devastating war in Gaza, which was sparked by the unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and recognised a Palestinian state last year. du/imm/fg X The International Criminal Court on Monday postponed "until further notice" a hearing on crimes against humanity allegedly committed by former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte, while judges weigh his fitness to take part. Duterte was scheduled to appear at the ICC on September 23 to hear the charges over his years-long campaign against drug users and dealers that rights groups say killed thousands. But the court decided to adjourn the hearing until it could decide on a defence motion that the 80-year-old was "not fit to stand trial". "Litigation regarding Mr Duterte's fitness to participate in the pre-trial proceedings is ongoing in connection with the Defence's Adjournment Request," said the court in a statement. Hence the court decided that a "limited postponement of the hearing on the confirmation of charges is warranted to allow sufficient time to adjudicate" on the defence request. The three-judge panel was split on the decision, with one dissenting. The postponement will be "limited to the time strictly necessary to determine whether Mr Duterte is fit to follow and participate in the pre-trial proceedings", the ICC said. Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11, flown to the Netherlands that same night and has been held at the ICC's detention unit at Scheveningen Prison since. At his initial hearing, he followed by videolink, appearing dazed and frail, barely speaking. He is the first Asian former head of state charged by the ICC. News / National by Staff reporter Rapper Holy Ten launched a blistering tirade on Instagram Live on Sunday, accusing President Emmerson Mnangagwa's twin sons of unleashing soldiers on his home and repossessing gifts previously given to him a including a house.Holy Ten, born Mukudzei Chitsama, rose to political prominence last year after openly endorsing Zanu-PF during the disputed 2023 elections. In return, he was reportedly showered with gifts by the ruling party's inner circle. But in a dramatic U-turn, the 26-year-old now claims those benefits are being clawed back.In his emotional livestream, Holy Ten alleged that Sean Mnangagwa, a major in the Zimbabwe National Army, sent troops to his house before instructing his wife, Kimberly Richards, to leave the property."Sean, what you did at my house, I'm coming to your house. Make sure you kill me. I'm not afraid of Zanu-PF, all of you. Stop what you are doing," he fumed.He insisted that while he still respected President Mnangagwa, his sons Sean and Collins were abusing their father's authority."I joined Zanu-PF because I was trying to clean its reputation. What you did, boys, I can finish all of you off. I can end the Zanu-PF today. I'm bigger than the Zanu-PF," he said.Taking direct aim at Collins, he added: "Collins thinks he is loved by the people. Let him start a live right now, let's see how many people join. Do not mess with me."The Pressure hitmaker also hinted at confronting the Mnangagwa brothers in person, warning: "I know where Collins lives, don't worry. We are fixing the country, they shouldn't mess with me."The outburst, which came without clear explanation of what triggered the fallout, sparked a frenzy online. Some users mocked Holy Ten's sudden change of tone, while others voiced concern for his safety given his attacks on the ruling elite.Hours later, Holy Ten deactivated his Instagram account before reinstating it with an apparent climbdown, posting: "Apologies to my brothers Sean and Collins."The Mnangagwa family has not responded publicly to the allegations. Spain on Monday recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv after Israel's top diplomat accused premier Pedro Sanchez of antisemitism and barred two government ministers from entry. The spat came after Sanchez unveiled measures he said aimed to "stop the genocide in Gaza", marking a new low in relations over the devastating Israeli offensive, launched after an unprecedented Hamas attack in Israel in 2023. The Socialist prime minister said his government would approve a decree to "consolidate in law" a ban on military equipment sales or purchases with Israel, a measure it had applied since the start of the conflict. Boats carrying fuel destined for the Israeli military will be barred from Spanish ports and Spain will act to reduce the transport of military equipment to Israel by air, Sanchez said in a televised address. "All those people participating directly in the genocide, the violation of human rights and war crimes in the Gaza Strip" will be banned from entering Spanish territory, he added. Spain will also ban the importation of products from "illegal settlements" in the occupied Palestinian territories with the aim of stopping "the forced displacement of the Palestinian population" and keeping alive the two-state solution, Sanchez continued. Consular services for Spanish citizens residing in those settlements will be limited "to the legally obligatory minimum assistance", he said. Sanchez also announced new collaboration projects in agriculture, food security and medical aid to support the Palestinian Authority and additional humanitarian funds for Palestinians. - 'Divert attention' - Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar lashed out at Spain after the announcement, accusing Sanchez on X of trying "to divert attention from serious corruption scandals through a continuous anti-Israel and antisemitic campaign". Saar announced that Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz and Youth Minister Sira Rego, both members of the Socialists' far-left junior coalition partner Sumar, would be banned from entering Israel. "Today we put a red line here, demonstrating we will not take it from them anymore," Saar added during a press conference in Budapest with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto. "Spain will not be intimidated in its defence of peace, international law and human rights," the Spanish foreign ministry replied in a statement rejecting Saar's comments. Spain then recalled its ambassador in Tel Aviv "in the face of the slanderous accusations against Spain and the unacceptable measures against two members of our country's government", foreign ministry sources said. Diaz said on social network Bluesky that it was a cause for "pride that a state that perpetrates a genocide denies us entry". Sanchez, one of the most virulent critics of Israel's military campaign, is the most senior European leader to refer to the conflict as a "genocide". His government broke with European allies last year by recognising a Palestinian state, infuriating Israel. The Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures. Palestinian militants also seized 251 hostages on that day, with the Israeli military saying 47 remain in Gaza, including 25 believed to be dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 64,522 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable. imm/kjm X The International Criminal Court on Monday postponed "until further notice" a crimes against humanity hearing concerning former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte, while judges weigh his fitness to take part. Duterte was scheduled to appear at the ICC on September 23 to hear the charges over his years-long campaign against drug users and dealers that rights groups say killed thousands. But the court decided to adjourn the hearing until it could rule on a defence motion that the 80-year-old was "not fit to stand trial". "Litigation regarding Mr Duterte's fitness to participate in the pre-trial proceedings is ongoing in connection with the Defence's Adjournment Request," said the court in a statement. Hence the court decided that a "limited postponement of the hearing on the confirmation of charges is warranted to allow sufficient time to adjudicate" on the defence request. The three-judge panel was split on the decision, with one dissenting. The postponement will be "limited to the time strictly necessary to determine whether Mr Duterte is fit to follow and participate in the pre-trial proceedings", the ICC said. Duterte was arrested in Manila on March 11, flown to the Netherlands that same night and has been held at the ICC's detention unit at Scheveningen Prison since. At his initial hearing, he followed by videolink, appearing dazed and frail, barely speaking. He is the first Asian former head of state charged by the ICC. A lawyer representing relatives of those killed in Duterte's drug war said they were disappointed with the ICC decision. "We expected that Duterte would do this, but the fact that he was able to convince the pre-trial chamber to postpone that indefinitely is scary," Kristina Conti told AFP. "Some of us were very angry because there was a schedule and everyone was ready." Conti urged ICC judges to "see through the lies" and proceed to trial, adding: "we have no other hope than to hope" that he will face justice. Duterte stands accused of the crime against humanity of murder over his years-long campaign that prosecutors allege were "part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against the civilian population in the Philippines". Over 1,500 actors and film industry workers including Olivia Colman and Mark Ruffalo vowed not to work with Israeli cinema bodies they said were "implicated in genocide" in Gaza, in an open letter published Monday. "We pledge not to screen films, appear at or otherwise work with Israeli film institutions -- including festivals, cinemas, broadcasters and production companies -- that are implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people," read the letter published in The Guardian newspaper. The signatories included British actors Aimee Lou Wood, Josh O'Connor and Tilda Swinton, American actors Ayo Edebiri and Cynthia Nixon, and filmmakers Ken Loach and Yorgos Lanthimos. The letter, organised by the group Film Workers for Palestine, said it was inspired by notable filmmakers who had refused to screen their work in apartheid South Africa as part of a wider cultural boycott. "In this urgent moment of crisis, where many of our governments are enabling the carnage in Gaza, we must do everything we can to address complicity in that unrelenting horror," the letter read. The institutions to be boycotted would include any involved in "whitewashing or justifying genocide and apartheid", or those which partnered with the Israeli government. The group behind the letter cited, for example, the Jerusalem Film Festival and the Docaviv documentary film festival, which "continue to partner with the Israeli government." "The vast majority of Israeli film production and distribution companies, sales agents, cinemas and other film institutions have never endorsed the full, internationally recognised rights of the Palestinian people," according to a FAQ document accompanying the letter. The pledge did not target Israeli individuals, and the FAQ said the "refusal takes aim at institutional complicity, not identity". Several open letters signed by prominent figures from the worlds of cinema, music and literature have been published as pressure grows on the Israeli government to end its devastating, nearly two-year war in Gaza and urgently address the humanitarian crisis. An Italian filmmakers' collective, Venice4Palestine, urged the city's film festival in August to take a stand against Israel's actions, with their letter gathering 2,000 signatures, including from directors Guillermo del Toro and Ken Loach. Militant group Hamas's deadly attack on October 7, 2023 resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official data. Israel's relentless offensive in retaliation has killed at least 64,522 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. More than 1,500 film industry figures including actors Olivia Colman and Mark Ruffalo vowed to boycott Israeli cinema bodies they said were "implicated in genocide" in Gaza, in an open letter published Monday. "We pledge not to screen films, appear at or otherwise work with Israeli film institutions -- including festivals, cinemas, broadcasters and production companies -- that are implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people," read the letter published in The Guardian newspaper. The signatories included British stars Aimee Lou Wood, Josh O'Connor and Tilda Swinton, American actors Ayo Edebiri and Cynthia Nixon, and filmmakers Ken Loach and Yorgos Lanthimos. The letter, organised by the group Film Workers for Palestine, said it was inspired by filmmakers who had refused to screen their work in apartheid South Africa. "In this urgent moment of crisis, where many of our governments are enabling the carnage in Gaza, we must do everything we can to address complicity in that unrelenting horror," the letter read. The institutions to be boycotted would include any involved in "whitewashing or justifying genocide and apartheid", or those which partnered with the Israeli government. The group behind the letter cited the Jerusalem Film Festival and the Docaviv documentary film festival, which "continue to partner with the Israeli government". "The vast majority of Israeli film production and distribution companies, sales agents, cinemas and other film institutions have never endorsed the full, internationally recognised rights of the Palestinian people," according to a FAQ document accompanying the letter. The pledge does not specifically target Israeli individuals. Instead the document said the "refusal takes aim at institutional complicity, not identity", adding that "a few Israeli film entities are not complicit". Several open letters signed by prominent figures from the worlds of cinema, music and literature have been published as pressure grows on the Israeli government to end the devastating, nearly two-year war in Gaza and urgently address the humanitarian crisis. An Italian filmmakers' collective, Venice4Palestine, urged the city's film festival in August to take a stand, with their letter gathering 2,000 signatures, including Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro. Militant group Hamas's deadly attack on October 7, 2023 resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official data. Israel's relentless offensive in retaliation has killed at least 64,522 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. Ivory Coast on Monday barred two top opposition leaders, ex-president Laurent Gbagbo and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, from next month's presidential election in which President Alassane Ouattara is seeking a controversial fourth term. The constitutional council, tasked with drawing up the final list of candidates, retained five bids to contest the October 25 ballot but eliminated Gbagbo and Thiam on the grounds they have been removed from the electoral roll. The political climate is tense in the west African country, especially due to court rulings barring several opposition figures from the race. Thiam, leader of the largest opposition force, the historically dominant PDCI party, was removed from the electoral register in April over nationality-related legal issues stemming from him acquiring French citizenship. Gbagbo, head of the African Peoples' Party -- Ivory Coast (PPA-CI), was excluded because of a criminal conviction. Both men, however, presented their formal electoral bids to try to unseat 83-year-old Ouattara. "The Constitutional Council has consistently required the status of elector as a condition of eligibility," its president Chantal Nanaba Camara said, declaring the two men's candidacies "inadmissible". Thiam, who has been away from Ivory Coast since mid-March, said Ivorians had been hoping the council would defend their basic right to choose their president at the ballot box. - 'Organised plebiscite' - "Instead of that, they find themselves facing a veritable organised plebiscite of the outgoing president, for an unconstitutional fourth term," Thiam said in a statement sent to AFP. Ouattara will face off against former ministers Jean-Louis Billon, Ahoua Don Mello as well as former first lady Simone Ehivet Gbagbo and Henriette Lagou, who was a candidate in 2015. The electoral roll was last updated at the end of last year, when around a million new names were included. Laurent Gbagbo, his former right-hand man Charles Ble Goude and exiled former prime minister Guillaume Soro have been barred for years over past convictions. Critics had already questioned the legality of Ouattara's third mandate, as the law limited him to two, until the adoption of a new constitution in 2016 reset the term counter to zero. The opposition boycotted the 2020 vote and Ouattara won by a landslide, with at least 85 people killed in ensuing unrest. Ouattara worked at the International Monetary Fund and the west African regional bank BCEAO and entered politics when Ivory Coast's founding president, Felix Houphouet-Boigny, appointed him to chair a body on economic recovery in the midst of an economic crisis. As Houphouet-Boigny's health worsened, Ouattara assumed increasing responsibility for the country's affairs. When the ailing president died in December 1993, Ouattara was embroiled in a brief power struggle with Henri Konan Bedie, the speaker of parliament, and then left Ivory Coast to join the IMF. In 1995, he joined the Rally of the Republicans (RDR) party and planned on running as their presidential candidate. But he was barred from doing so following new laws requiring both parents of a candidate to be of Ivorian birth and for the candidate to have lived continuously in Ivory Coast prior to an election. He was barred from polls in 2000 on the same grounds. A failed coup two years later led to a civil war that divided the country into a rebel-held and predominantly Muslim north, where Ouattara drew much of his support, and the government-controlled Christian-majority south. Ouattara, who was subjected to violence during the unrest, left the country but returned to contest an election in 2010. Then-president Gbagbo's refusal to concede defeat to Ouattara led to more unrest, in which more than 3,000 people were killed, before Ouattara became president in 2011. Gbagbo was acquitted of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court in The Hague but still has a conviction in Ivory Coast stemming from the post-election crisis that ended his rule. ldp-pid/ach/jhb Credit Suisse News / National by Staff reporter ZANU-PF Harare Province has reiterated its call for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030, citing his "sterling service" to the nation.The resolution was made during a Provincial Inter-District Conference held yesterday at the party's Harare provincial offices, where members gathered to craft positions for submission to the national leadership through ZANU-PF National Chairperson, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.Harare Provincial Chairperson, Godwills Masimirembwa, said the province reaffirmed support for Resolution Number One of the 21st National People's Conference held in Bulawayo, which endorsed Mnangagwa's continued leadership."The resolution is that President Mnangagwa, in recognition of his sterling service to the nation, should continue in office as the President of Zimbabwe until 2030. To that end, Harare Metropolitan Province has resolved that the appropriate party and Government structures must attend to the necessary changes in the Constitution to enable this extension," said Masimirembwa.He explained that the proposal was not to scrap term limits but to defer the next general election to 2031, effectively allowing Mnangagwa to serve until 2030."As far as Harare Province is concerned, this will come beyond the term limits permitted by the Constitution. The expectation is that Parliament will play its role to postpone elections to 2031 so that His Excellency the President serves up to 2030. That is the most important resolution that came out of our deliberations," he added.Masimirembwa said Mnangagwa's infrastructure development drive in Harare was a key motivation behind the resolution."We already have the Trabablas Interchange, which has transformed transport in the city, and we know there is work being done on the Mabvuku Interchange and other smaller interchanges. We also recognise the tremendous development in the education and health sectors. In particular, we thank His Excellency for the renovation works at Parirenyatwa Hospital and at Sally Mugabe Hospital," he said.The conference also congratulated Mnangagwa on his recently completed term as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).Delegates further adopted a resolution on drug and substance abuse, applauding First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa for her role in raising awareness and championing rehabilitation initiatives."Harare Metropolitan Province extends its heartfelt thanks to the First Lady of Zimbabwe for her sterling efforts in combating drug and substance abuse. We stand with her in saying no to this menace," said Masimirembwa. News / National by Staff reporter The Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) is set to establish a lithium processing plant as part of efforts to position Zimbabwe as a key player in the global battery value chain.The announcement was made on Friday by HIT vice-chancellor Dr Engineer Quinton Kanhukamwe during the launch of Dr Washington Mbizvo's book on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).Dr Kanhukamwe said the plant would drive value addition and industrialisation, while supporting Zimbabwe's beneficiation agenda and participation in the fast-growing green energy economy."This initiative will unlock vast opportunities for value addition and industrialisation," he said. "Lithium is the oil of the future, and Zimbabwe must be at the centre of that future. This plant at HIT is a step towards making our nation a global hub for energy storage technologies."The vice-chancellor added that the investment would cement Zimbabwe's role as an emerging economic powerhouse in battery development, at a time when global demand for lithium is soaring due to the shift toward electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions.Meanwhile, Dr Kanhukamwe paid tribute to Dr Mbizvo, describing him as a "trailblazer" whose new book would serve as both a scholarly reference and a practical policy guide."This book is not merely an academic contribution, but a policy and institutional blueprint aligned with Zimbabwe's national development vision," he said, praising its potential to influence skills development and training strategies nationwide.The project places HIT at the centre of Zimbabwe's ambitions to move up the mineral value chain and capture greater benefits from its vast lithium reserves, which are among the largest in Africa. Monday, September 8, 2025 - Popular retail giant Naivas Supermarket has found itself on the spotlight after a sharp-eyed Kenyan exposed what appears to be a scheme to mislead customers with fake discounts. In a viral video doing rounds on social media, the shopper filmed shelves at a Naivas branch where items were marked with the supermarkets signature orange discount stickers. However, on closer inspection, the so-called discounted prices turned out to be the same as the original shelf prices. The revelation has angered many Kenyans, who accused the retailer of deliberately tricking unsuspecting shoppers into thinking they were getting bargains. This is pure deceit. They make you feel like youre saving money, but in reality, youre paying the normal price, one angry netizen wrote. This is not the first time local supermarkets have been accused of such practices, with consumers now calling on the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) to step in and investigate. Watch the video. How Naivas Supermarket is taking customers for fools with fake discounts on items pic.twitter.com/4qOWVw8RDO DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) September 8, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, September 7, 2025 - Chaos erupted in Makongeni Estate, Thika, after angry boda boda riders set ablaze an Audi A3 hatchback belonging to a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer. Trouble started when the luxury vehicle allegedly knocked down a rider and his passenger, leaving them with serious injuries. Furious colleagues stormed the scene, sparking a heated confrontation. Eyewitnesses say the officer, instead of calming the situation, pulled out his firearm and shot dead two riders on the spot, a move that only inflamed the already tense crowd. In retaliation, the boda boda operators descended on his sleek Audi, torching it and reducing it to a smoldering shell as residents and motorists watched in shock. Photos and videos circulating on social media show the German machine engulfed in flames. The dramatic incident briefly paralyzed traffic flow along the busy road, with police later moving in to disperse the crowd. Boda boda riders torch an Audi belonging to a DCI officer pic.twitter.com/WHOlEuQCpU DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) September 8, 2025 Sunday, September 7, 2025 - Kenyan media personality and comedian Steve Maghana, popularly known as Oga Obinna, has finally addressed the online chatter surrounding his rural home. This is after old photos resurfaced and sparked a wave of reactions across social media. In a candid Instagram post dated Sunday, September 7th, 2025, Obinna expressed amusement at the sudden attention. Wueh. A house I built about 7 years ago ndio inatrend saa hii. Bloggers are having a field day, and so are Kenyans. The comments are hilarious. Obinna clarified that he was one of the first among Kenyas new wave of celebrities to invest in a rural residence. He proudly shared that he began by building a three-bedroom house for his parents before constructing his own two-bedroom abode on the family land. Though modest in size, the home is fully furnished with a shower, toilet, and open-plan kitchen. Yet, Obinna revealed he rarely stays there - just a couple of nights each year. My kids enjoy it for about a week every December, he added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, September 7, 2025 - Cracks have emerged within the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) after party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, publicly rebuked his deputy, Cleophas Malala, for opposing the appointment of Dr Mukhisa Kituyi as Spokesperson and Head of Secretariat for the United Opposition. Speaking during a church service in Kipipiri, Nyandarua County, on Sunday, September 7th, Gachagua defended Kituyis selection, emphasizing the need to balance youthful energy with seasoned leadership. Malala is a capable young leader, but he misunderstood our intentions. Gen Z and Millennial leaders need mentorship, and Kituyi brings that, Gachagua stated. Malala had earlier criticized the appointment, arguing that the coalition required a spokesperson with fresh ideas and youthful dynamism. His absence from a key coalition meeting in Nairobi further signaled discontent. The rift deepened when Malala declared DCP will field its own candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election, defying calls for a joint DCP-DAP-Kenya ticket. Gachagua responded by urging calm, reiterating the partys commitment to fair nominations and unity within the opposition. Meanwhile, DCPs nominated candidate, Duncan Mbui, announced his decision to run as an independent, citing undue influence from coalition partners aimed at sidelining DCPs participation. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, September 7, 2025 - Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has found himself at the center of a storm after being accused of wrecking the marriage of one of his staff members. According to whispers within our political circles, the female staffer, identified as Elsie Muhanda, reportedly abandoned her matrimonial home and relocated to a secret apartment she now shares with the powerful CS. Elsie, who was happily married, is said to have drifted away from her husband soon after Oparanyas Cabinet appointment, a move her estranged partner alleges the CS exploited to lure her away. The relationship has allegedly become so bold that Elsie is frequently seen in public with Oparanya, even riding in his official vehicle as though she were the official spouse. Insiders further whisper that Oparanyas wife is planning a dramatic showdown at his office over the alleged affair. Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has already gone public with the accusations, openly calling out Oparanya for wrecking Elsies home during a recent charged political function. Watch the video below as Khalwale puts Oparanya on the spot: CS OPARANYA snatches a married woman from her husband pic.twitter.com/wtOisqZeUs DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) September 8, 2025 Monday, September 8, 2025 - Embattled Health Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, has dismissed recent criticism from Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who questioned his academic qualifications and management of the countrys health sector. Speaking on Sunday, September 7th, Khalwale urged President William Ruto to intervene in the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA), claiming it was ineffective and plagued by mismanagement. Khalwale, a medical doctor by profession, accused Duale of politicizing SHA and the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). SHA is not working. Kenyans dont know what degree CS Duale has. He is playing politics with SHA and NHIF. Khalwale stated. In response, Duale has defended his academic record and leadership, emphasizing his commitment to health reforms. My academic papers are within the precinct of Parliament and were submitted to the vetting committee of the National Assembly twice. Discuss substance, not personalities, he said. The exchange follows Khalwales earlier call on August 28th for President Ruto to dismiss Duale and SHA chairperson, Abdi Mohamed, over alleged corruption. He claimed SHA was involved in irregular disbursements and payments to non-existent health facilities. If the President ever wanted his commitment to fight corruption to be believable, this is the perfect opportunity. He must immediately dismiss these two suspected fraudsters, Khalwale stated. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, September 7, 2025 - A joint operation comprising of DCI and KPS officers drawn from Langata Sub-County has led to the arrest of Stephen Magero in connection with a fraudulent gold scam involving a Pakistani national. The fake gold dealer was arrested at Sultan Suites, Ngong View Estate, following investigations into a complaint filed by the foreign national who reported being defrauded of USD 34,800. Investigations have revealed that the suspect presented the complainant with 500 grams of counterfeit gold and received the payment in cash. Subsequent testing of the gold revealed it to be fake, prompting the complainant to report the matter at Karen Police Station. A search conducted at the suspects office resulted to the recovery of ten (10) bars of suspected fake gold, business cards bearing the name John Mbalaka, a MacBook Pro laptop, smelting machines and related apparatus, a mining certificate under the name Chawanda Minerals, a weighing machine, two plastic boxes containing sand and several assorted files and documents. The suspect is currently in custody pending arraignment. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, September 8, 2025 - A self-proclaimed Cameroonian Gen Z prophet, known on TikTok as @Perez Ndi, has sparked reactions online after releasing a dramatic prophecy warning of looming danger for Kenyan President, William Ruto. In a video shared on Monday, September 8th, 2025, the youthful preacher claimed to have received a divine vision showing the Head of State in serious trouble - fleeing the country amid rising unrest. Tell President Ruto that he is in trouble. I see trouble coming his way. I do not know why. Did he do something wrong? I do not know, Ndi declared. He urged the President to remain vigilant and consider repentance if he had erred, warning that Kenyans were turning against their leader. Watch out, President Ruto. There is danger ahead of you. Please, if you have done something wrong, amend your ways and repent, he said. The prophecy, which paints a picture of revolt or loss of public support, has sparked mixed reactions across social media. While some dismissed Ndis message as sensationalism from a self-styled online preacher, others argued that it reflects growing public frustration and should not be ignored. I see the president of Kenya in big trouble and running out of the country. Why? What is going on? Ndi asked, insisting his message was not speculative but divinely inspired. The video has since gone viral, igniting conversations with some dismissing him as a clout-chaser and others warned that his message should be taken seriously. News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday returned home after completing a three-legged diplomatic tour that took him to the Vatican, China, and Eswatini, in what government officials described as a successful mission to secure partnerships and reinforce Zimbabwe's policy of engagement and re-engagement.The Head of State was welcomed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by his deputies, Vice-Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, along with senior government officials. Speaking to journalists on arrival, Mnangagwa said the visits were fruitful and aligned with his administration's drive for economic diplomacy.The President's tour began at the Vatican, where he met Pope Leo XIV. Discussions centred on the Catholic Church's long-standing contribution to Zimbabwe's education and health sectors through its extensive network of schools and hospitals. Mnangagwa described the reception as "out of this world," saying it reflected honour for Zimbabwe as a nation.From Rome, Mnangagwa travelled to Beijing, a country with which Zimbabwe shares deep historical ties dating back to the liberation struggle. His visit coincided with commemorations of the 80th Anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. He also met Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the two leaders elevated bilateral relations from "Five Star Ironclad Friendship" to an "All Weather Zimbabwe-China Community with a Shared Future."During his stay, Mnangagwa secured a landmark US$600 million deal with China Railway International Group for the rehabilitation of Zimbabwe's railway system, part of efforts to modernise infrastructure and position the country as a regional logistics hub. He also held talks with Chinese companies interested in investing in Zimbabwe across various sectors."I trained in China in 1965 as one of the first groups of freedom fighters, and to see the transformation of that country today was remarkable," he said, adding that the visit reaffirmed the strength of Zimbabwe's revolutionary ties with Beijing.The President concluded his diplomatic offensive in Eswatini, where he held a State visit aimed at deepening cooperation between the two Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states.Officials said the trip not only reinforced Zimbabwe's strategic alliances but also opened new avenues for investment and development cooperation in line with the Second Republic's foreign policy. Sunday, September 7, 2025 - A 28-year-old Kenyan man has been indicted in the United States for allegedly laundering proceeds from a multi-billion shilling Covid-19 relief fraud scheme into a high-rise construction project in Nairobi. U.S prosecutors say the suspect conspired to commit international money laundering by channeling stolen funds meant to feed vulnerable children into real estate developments in Kenya. He is the 74th defendant in what authorities have called the largest pandemic-related fraud case in U.S history. The scheme targeted the Feeding Our Future programme, a federal initiative designed to provide free meals to children during the pandemic. Investigators allege over Ksh5.16 billion ($40 million) was misappropriated and laundered through shell companies and falsified records. Acting U.S Attorney Joseph H. Thompson condemned the exploitation, calling it an affront to struggling families. Court documents reveal the suspects brother, Abdiaziz Farah, led the Empire group and was recently sentenced to 28 years in prison for orchestrating the fraud. Farah allegedly diverted at least $42 million (Ksh5.4 billion) into luxury purchases and property investments, including the Nairobi high-rise building. Between 2020 and 2022, the group fabricated feeding records and inflated invoices to siphon funds. Prosecutors claim the indicted Kenyan played a key role in laundering the proceeds, masking their origin and investing them in Nairobis property market through sham entities and cash smuggling. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, September 7, 2025 - Homa Bay Town MP, Peter Kaluma, has warned Embakasi East legislator, Babu Owino, over his potential departure from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as he eyes the Nairobi Governor seat in 2027. In a strongly worded post on his X account, Kaluma cautioned Owino against abandoning ODM and its leader, Raila Odinga, suggesting that the Kikuyu electorate will not support his gubernatorial ambitions. Babu, like Icarus, youre flying too close to the sun! Retrace your way back to Baba before its late, Kaluma wrote. He added, Theyve run candidates against you and petitioned your election every time. Theyll NEVER vote for you to be Governor of Nairobi. Kalumas remarks came in response to Owinos recent interview on Kameme FM, where the youthful MP voiced frustration over being sidelined within ODM. Babu acknowledged that he was unlikely to receive Raila Odingas endorsement, citing the party leaders public support for incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja. I cannot be given the ODM party ticket but I will respect Raila as my father, Owino stated. Babu is among a group of younger ODM politicians - including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Saboti MP, Caleb Amisi - who have expressed discontent with the partys internal dynamics and are reportedly exploring the formation of a new political movement ahead of the 2027 General Elections. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, September 7, 2025 - A Kisumu-based man has been accused of driving his wife into depression, leading to her tragic death. The deceased, identified as Winnie, a young mother of three, allegedly took her own life after battling emotional distress for years. Friends say her struggles were worsened by constant quarrels and neglect from her estranged husband, Cornel Kombudo. One of Winnies close friends, while sharing private messages, accused Cornel of causing her emotional pain and failing to protect her at her lowest moments. In the messages, Winnie lamented that her divorce had drained her both financially and emotionally. Cornel Kombudo, may you never know peace! I will come and bury Winnie Noon because I never diminished her light when she needed my help. Even with your family wrangles, you should have taken better care of this woman. She deserved love, peace, and understandingnot the pain that dimmed her spirit, the grieving friend wrote. She went on to describe their bond: Noon was more than a friend. She would call me, and we would talk for more than an hour. She carried so much in her heart, and sometimes I had to cut her offnot because I didnt want to listen, but because our issues mirrored each other, pulling me back into my own struggles. The friend remembered Winnie as a vibrant, warm, and full of light, leaving many shattered by her untimely death. Sunday, September 7, 2025 Vocal Canada-based Kenyan lawyer, Miguna Miguna, has launched a scathing attack on Kiharu MP, Ndindi Nyoro, accusing him of hypocrisy over his recent criticism of President William Rutos fiscal policies. Speaking at the CITAM Business Forum Expo in Nyeri on Saturday, September 6th, Nyoro decried the Government's borrowing spree, claiming Kenya now borrows approximately Ksh 100 billion monthly. He stated that the national debt had ballooned to over Ksh 12.1 trillion, with more than Ksh 3.5 trillion borrowed since Ruto assumed office in 2022. Weve borrowed three times what President Kibaki did in a decade, Nyoro said, warning that Kenya had become a reckless borrower. However, Miguna dismissed Nyoros remarks as politically motivated and lacking integrity. In a fiery post, Miguna accused the MP of turning against the system only after losing his influential role as chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee in March. Ndindi Nyoro is just a typical Kenyan conman. No originality. Zero integrity. Corrupt like a raccoon! Miguna wrote. Miguna further criticized Nyoro for failing to address fiscal mismanagement under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, suggesting selective outrage aimed at settling political scores. Nyoro has also opposed the Governments decision to securitize the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), arguing that using the fuel levy as collateral for a Ksh 175 billion loan is fiscally irresponsible. Despite his concerns, the Government maintains that the move has helped unlock stalled infrastructure projects. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, September 7, 2025 - Drama is unfolding in Kakamega politics after it emerged that Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has allegedly snatched a married woman from her husband. The woman at the center of the storm has been identified as Elsie Muhanda, Kakamega Woman Representative, who also holds a senior role in Oparanyas office. According to sources, Elsie abandoned her matrimonial home and secretly moved in with the CS shortly after his Cabinet appointment. Her estranged husband has accused Oparanya of exploiting his powerful position to wreck their marriage. Senator Boni Khalwale has since gone public with these claims, openly calling out Oparanya during a recent political function. CS OPARANYA snatches a married woman from her husband pic.twitter.com/wtOisqZeUs DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) September 8, 2025 Whispers from close circles suggest that Oparanyas wife is aware of the affair and is allegedly plotting a dramatic confrontation. Here are photos of Elsie Muhanda, the woman accused of abandoning her husband to move in with CS Oparanya. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, September 7, 2025 - A team of law enforcement officers from Nakuru North Sub-County have rescued a Pakistani national, Ahmad Shabbir, from an irate mob baying for his blood after he allegedly swindled members of the public out of their hard-earned money through false pretences. Shabbirs arrest followed reports of a man being surrounded by an angry mob in Nakuru, demanding justice. Quick intervention by police officers saved him from a mob attack. However, his two accomplices managed to flee from the scene. Preliminary investigations show that Shabbir and his accomplices are linked to similar fraud cases in the area. It was also established that Shabbir was out on bond from Ahero Police Station, where he had previously been charged with obtaining money by false pretences. He had been ordered to report back to the station on August 20, 2025, but instead continued with his fraudulent activities. The suspect is currently in custody, undergoing processing, as detectives intensify the search for his accomplices, who are still at large. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, September 7, 2025 - Questions are being raised after a photo emerged online showing police trucks being used to ferry construction materials to a private building site in Membley. Reports indicate that the trucks delivered sand, cement, and other supplies to the site believed to be linked to a powerful individual. The incident has sparked outrage among Kenyans, with many accusing the police of misusing state resources meant for public service. Our taxes are paying for police trucks to do private errands? This is outright corruption, one furious social media user wrote. See the photo. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, September 8, 2025 - A truck transporting bales of clothes overturned in Mai Mahiu, sending locals into a frenzy as they scrambled to loot the goods. In a viral video shared online, the locals can be seen rushing to the scene and grabbing whatever they could lay their hands on. Some carried entire bundles on their backs while others fought over single pieces of clothing in broad daylight. Instead of helping the driver and securing the accident scene, the crowd turned it into a free-for-all market, with no regard for the owner of the goods. The incident has sparked mixed reactions online, with some Kenyans condemning the behavior as shameful and criminal, while others joked that poverty in Kenya is real". Watch the video. SHAME as locals scramble to steal clothes from a truck that overturned at Mai Mahiu pic.twitter.com/Zdf1kTHhmP DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) September 8, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, September 8, 2025 - Drama unfolded in Isiolo after a notorious goon allied to Governor Abdi Guyo was caught on camera brandishing a pistol and threatening to shoot someone in front of police officers. The shocking incident occurred when a group of angry protesters stormed the Isiolo County Assembly to demonstrate against Governor Guyos leadership. The armed goon escalated the situation, drawing his weapon and daring anyone to challenge him, as police officers tried to calm him down. The brazen display of impunity has since triggered uproar on social media, with Kenyans questioning how a civilian could openly threaten lives in front of the police without being arrested on the spot. Governor Guyo has long been accused of using ruthless tactics to silence his critics, and this latest incident has only fueled suspicions about his style of leadership. One Goon of Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo carrying a pistol Being begged to calm down by 15 armed and uniformed officers Same officers who kill unarmed Activists Murkomen, Noordin and Amin of DCI, Please tell me how you expect us to respect Authority Explain to me, I beg pic.twitter.com/xWa8CS6Qhn Maverick Aoko (@AokoOtieno_) September 5, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, September 8, 2025 - Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino, received a solemn spiritual warning and blessing during a visit to Life Church International in Limuru on Monday, September 8th, 2025. Head Pastor Anthony Kahura Mwangi, better known as Pastor T, prayed for divine protection over the legislator, warning him about looming political warfare and potential assassination attempts. It will not be easy. I see a lot of warfare and even assassination attempts. But I cover you because of the cry of the needy. Many can relate to your story, and now I declare that the hand of God will shield you, Pastor Mwangi said during the service. The pastor urged Babu to remain focused on his divine assignment, warning that political life often distracts leaders from their true calling. He emphasized that elevation in leadership comes not from wealth or influence, but from divine favor. Politics has many battles. Sometimes we get consumed by them and forget the assignment. God is going to lift you, Babu, in a major way, Mwangi added. He praised Babus work in Embakasi, citing initiatives such as bursaries for needy students, road construction and community engagement as examples of transformative leadership. What you have shown in Embakasi is exactly what this nation needs. It is not rocket science to serve the people, he said. Pastor Mwangi also offered a prophetic vision to the ODM MP. May you become a specimen in the political world - a boy born in Kisumu, now doing wonders at the top, yet remaining a lover of the living God. The message concluded with a prayer for strength, wisdom, and divine guidance as Babu navigates the challenges of national leadership. The Kenyan DAILY POST News / National by Staff reporter Zimbabwe is set to miss out on funding under the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) after a new report declared the country ineligible to receive foreign assistance, NewsDay reports.The development comes under the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003, which mandates the MCC to publish an annual report identifying countries eligible for Millennium Challenge Account assistance. For fiscal year 2026, Zimbabwe has been excluded from the list of candidate countries due to existing US legal restrictions.According to the National Archives and Records Administration, the determination was made pursuant to section 7042(j)(2) of the FY 2025 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act (SFOAA). The provision prohibits direct US assistance to Zimbabwe's central government unless the Secretary of State certifies that the country has restored the rule of law, ensured respect for property rights, and guaranteed freedoms of expression, association, and assembly."The list of countries determined by the board to be aeligible countries' for FY 2026 includes those with which the board will seek to enter into compacts and a justification for such eligibility determination," the report noted.The MCC compacts are formal agreements designed to reduce poverty and spur economic growth by supporting countries committed to democratic governance, economic freedom, and investment in their people. Candidate countries must also fall below the World Bank's per capita income threshold of US$7 855 for FY 2026.While Zimbabwe has been excluded, several of its regional counterparts a including Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia a are set to benefit from the fund. Other ineligible states under US restrictions include Iran, Venezuela, Eritrea, Burma, and Syria, among others.The setback comes despite repeated efforts by President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government to normalise relations with Washington. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube recently led a delegation to the International Monetary Fund/World Bank spring meetings, where Zimbabwe sought funding for infrastructure and power generation projects.Harare has consistently argued that it is "not an enemy to any country," but its failure to meet Washington's governance benchmarks continues to block access to critical US development support Monday, September 8, 2025 - Kenyas Gen Z is poised to shape the 2027 presidential race, thanks to their sheer numbers and growing influence. Politicians are already courting this vibrant demographic, and former Interior CS Fred Matiangi is no exception. A recent video of Matiangi attempting popular Gen Z dance moves at a campaign rally has gone viral. While his rhythm may have missed a beat, his effort didnt go unnoticed. Netizens were quick to react, with one cheeky comment claiming he dances internally. The clip has since become meme-worthy gold. Whether or not he nailed the choreography, Matiangi succeeded in grabbing attention. In politics, visibility is currency - and this playful moment proves that even a misstep can be a strategic move when Gen Z is watching. Watch the video. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, September 8, 2025 - Sirisia MP John Waluke is facing intense public backlash after a disturbing incident at the Jukwaa La Usalama security forum in Bungoma on Saturday, September 6th. This is after Waluke forced a man with dwarfism to run across the dais and salute Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, in what he claimed was a demonstration of why persons with disabilities should not serve in the police force. The act, widely circulated on social media, has been condemned as cruel and discriminatory. Rights organizations and government officials have denounced Walukes behavior, calling it a violation of dignity and a setback to disability inclusion. The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) issued a strong statement, saying: We strongly condemn Sirisia MP, John Walukes act of parading a short-statured man to mock him. Such conduct is demeaning, discriminatory, and a violation of the rights of persons with disabilities. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura also criticized the MP, noting that youth with disabilities have undergone paramilitary training through the National Youth Service since 2015 and now serve in various sectors. What you did to that young person with disability in public is totally unacceptable, Mwaura said. Nominated Senator Crystal Asige described the video as incredibly disappointing, adding, We may be disabled, but our votes are not. That is not the behavior of national leaders. The incident has reignited calls for respect, dignity and equal opportunity for all Kenyans, regardless of physical ability. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, September 8, 2025 - President William Ruto has once again sparked outrage after flying to Addis Ababa in extravagant style aboard a Gulfstream GV private jet, at a time when millions of Kenyans are grappling with tough economic times. The Gulfstream GV is the ultimate symbol of wealth and class, accommodating up to 18 passengers in a spacious stand-up cabin divided into three sections for work, relaxation, and rest. It boasts of oversized oval windows for natural lighting, a low cabin altitude to reduce fatigue, and state-of-the-art technology that has made it one of the most celebrated business jets in aviation history. Charter companies rarely disclose exact rates, but aviation experts estimate the jet costs between $15,000 (Sh1.9 million) and $20,000 (Sh2.6 million) per hour to operate. This isnt the first time Rutos taste for luxury air travel has raised eyebrows. In 2024, he was criticized for chartering a Boeing 737-700 to the U.S, at an estimated cost of Sh 2.4 million per hour. Kenyans online are now asking: Is the President living large while citizens tighten their belts? The Kenyan DAILY POST News / National by Staff reporter David Munowenyu, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Ambulance Services, has declined suggestions that he seek a position in ZANU-PF's Central Committee, affirming that his priorities remain on strengthening Zimbabwe's emergency medical response.In a statement, Munowenyu, praised for his role in the Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme (PEMS), expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement he had received but emphasized that his commitment lies elsewhere."I must respectfully decline at this time. My heart remains firmly rooted in the work we are doing through Discovery Ambulance Services under PEMS," he said.Munowenyu underscored that his focus is on advancing the government's Vision 2030 agenda of "health for all" by improving ambulance and emergency response services nationwide."This decision is not born out of a lack of appreciation for the honour extended, but from a deep sense of duty. Our work through PEMS is not about recognition or ambition; it is about saving lives and making a lasting impact in the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans," he added.While reiterating his loyalty to ZANU-PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Munowenyu stressed that his service is guided by "humility, integrity and patriotism a not for position, but for purpose." MAYNOOTH Universitys (MU) new School of Nursing will welcome its first students this month, following official approval by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). Applications for the Schools BSc in General Nursing programme opened through the CAO, and the first intake of 30 students will commence their undergraduate studies in September. Professor Fintan Sheerin, founding head of the new MU School of Nursing, said student numbers are expected to rise to 100 over the next four years. Maynooth University is in a unique position in establishing a wholly new school of nursing which hasnt been done in an Irish university for about two decades, said Prof Sheerin. Our new School of Nursing is at the forefront of a new wave in healthcare education. We are committed to inclusive pathways for diverse learners that was explicit in our commitment that 50 per cent of our students will come from further education and mature learners. The nursing programme, established by Prof Sheerin and his colleagues Dr Adeline Cooney, and Dr Myles Hackett, reflects the policy recommendations of the expert review of nursing and midwifery curriculum published last year. This means that Maynooth University has a head start with its pioneering curriculum approach that will soon apply across all institutions. The programme is offered in partnership with HSE Dublin and Midlands Region. Based in the Eolas Building on campus, the School incorporates a state-of-the-art clinical skills and simulation laboratory that mirrors hospital and community care environments. Students will combine theory with hands-on practice in a controlled environment. While a BSc in General Nursing will be the core programme, the school will later incorporate other areas of nursing, and is expanding to postgraduate programmes, and research and innovation. Fionnuala Walsh A woman who was sentenced to three months in custody for having a pair of nail scissors in her handbag has had her term replaced with a peace bond on appeal. Defence counsel for Natasha Tynan (38) told the court her client was not aware that possessing the scissors was illegal and that she had no intention of causing harm. Tynan, with an address at Cromcastle Park, Dublin 5, pleaded guilty in the District Court to the possession of knives or other articles contrary to Section 9(1)(7) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990. She was convicted and sentenced to three months in custody. She later lodged an appeal against the severity of her sentence. Garda David Byrne told the court that he stopped and searched Tynan after forming the suspicion that she was misusing drugs on October 8th, 2024 on Oliver Bond Street, Dublin 8. He said that he searched her handbag and found a pair of sharp, pointed scissors. Garda Byrne presented the nail scissors as evidence to the court in a clear plastic container. He said that Tynan was then arrested and brought to a garda station. Garda Byrne said that Tynan has 37 previous convictions, including incidents of theft and public order offences. Defence counsel for Tynan, Seosaimhin Ni Chathasaigh BL, said that her client had the nail scissors in her bag without realising it was illegal. She said there was no intention of violence, harm or malice in her clients actions whatsoever and that the scissors should not be considered a weapon in the conventional sense. Ms Ni Chathasaigh said that Tynan did not brandish the scissors, and no one was put in danger due to her actions. She said that her client began to use drugs at an early age and this developed into a serious drug habit, including the abuse of crack cocaine and heroin. Ms Ni Chathasaigh said that Tynan suffered a relapse on the day of the offence but is now free from substances. Counsel said that her client is now working at a horticulture project for a community employment scheme, which she described as a therapeutic environment where Tynan can up-skill and gain work experience. She said that Tynan's engagement with counselling services has allowed her to make huge progress in the past year with her confidence and self-esteem. Judge Jonathan Dunphy said it was unfortunate that for someone like Tynan, to slip back into drug use and possess an article can trigger an avalanche of time in custody. He noted that Tynan is engaging well with counselling and presented as someone who has turned their life around. He said that to impose a custodial sentence would be of no benefit and would destroy the progress that she has made. He decided to vary the order of the District Court by replacing the three-month custodial sentence with a 12-month peace bond on the conditions that Tynan keep the peace and continue her efforts with counselling and drug treatment. Kildare-based Equine MediRecord, an international leader in equine digital health software, has partnered up with global insurance heavyweights to make the purchasing of bloodstock insurance more accessible and efficient for horse owners and trainers in the UK. The company has entered a partnership with big players Willis, Markel & Kayna. In the past, purchasing insurance via traditional methods had been an issue with the equine industry that we have been hoping to address for some time, said Finlay Dargan, COO of Equine MediRecord. Horses remain a significant challenge to insure. Horse values are highly volatile, and insurance can be expensive. So, under-insurance and non-insurance are common. As part of our ongoing push for equine welfare, we hope that Equine MediRecord can begin to help support the growth of the equine insurance market and, in the long term, improve equine welfare outcomes for everyone. Anthony Borgman, head of GB Affinity, Willis, said: We are delighted to launch the first fully embedded bloodstock solution making insurance easy to access and quick to arrange. Our partnership with Equine MediRecord, a leading international vertical SaaS provider of equine health and associated regulatory compliance platform services for racehorses, and Markel for their specialty product expertise, has enabled us to establish such an innovative solution for bloodstock clients. The group plans to launch the sale of equine insurance in the UK before moving on to further markets. Five Star Mount Juliet Estate has announced the appointment of Tom Comerford as Executive Head Chef of Hunters Yard, home to The Hound, one of the estates celebrated dining destinations. Tom brings over two decades of experience in some of the most renowned kitchens across Ireland and the UK. He commenced his career at just 15 as a Commis Chef at the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny, before moving to London to train under the legendary Pierre Koffman at his three Michelin-starred restaurant, La Tante Claire. His impressive career includes the five-star Landmark Hotel, London (two Michelin stars, five AA Rosettes), Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire (where he earned and retained a Michelin star as Head Chef), and Midsummer House with Daniel Clifford (two Michelin stars, five AA Rosettes). He also led Anthonys Restaurant in Leeds, achieving a Michelin Rising Star and four AA Rosettes, and completed stages at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester and Simon Rogans LEnclume. READ NEXT: MOUNT JULIET REVEALS NEW DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Most recently, Tom was Head Chef at Ballyfin Demesne, widely recognised as one of the finest hotels in the world. During his tenure, Ballyfin was awarded three Michelin Keys in the Michelin Hotel Guide and earned one Michelin star. Mount Juliet Estates fine-dining restaurant, The Lady Helen, holds a Michelin star, retained under the leadership of Executive Head Chef John Kelly, and is regarded as one of Irelands leading culinary destinations. Toms appointment at Hunters Yard strengthens this position and reflects the estates continued commitment to excellence across all dining experiences. Speaking about his appointment, Tom Comerford said: Mount Juliet Estate is a truly special place with an incredible culinary legacy. Im delighted to join the team at The Hunters Yard. My focus will be on refined, ingredient-led cooking that feels rooted in Irelands seasons and surroundings. General Manager of Mount Juliet Estate, Mark Dunne, added: We are delighted to welcome Tom to the team. His talent, leadership and extensive Michelin-starred background will bring new energy to The Hunters Yard, while complementing the exceptional standards already set across the estate. Its a significant moment for Mount Juliets wider food story. A number of schools across the county have been the scene of industrial action in recent days, with protests taking place at the school gates. School staff who are members of the Forsa Trade Union, had been on official strike to seek better pay and conditions. These members are employed as school secretaries and caretakers. More than 2,800 staff across 2,300 schools had withdrawn from work for seven days, until the action ended on Friday. Goretti Hennessy, a secretary at St Nicholas National School, Windgap was supported by local councillor Joe Lyons and Carlow-Kilkenny TD Catherine O Callaghan last week. They were also joined by staff members and parents of the students. Staff at St Nicholas NS, Windgap were joined by Cllr Joe Lyons and TD Catherine O'Callaghan Cllr Joe Lyons told the Kilkenny People that the work of school secretaries across the country goes way beyond the job description. He said secretarys are are the first port of call for every student. Apart from secretary work, they provide assistance for every problem, no matter what it entails. TAP HERE FOR MORE KILKENNY SCHOOLS NEWS TD Catherine O Callaghan said the secretaries and caretakers had the support of the general public. On Friday, Forsa agreed to withdraw strike action by school secretaries and caretakers after an agreement was reached at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to engage in a process to resolve the dispute. The union said t the key element of the agreement is a Government commitment to negotiate comparable pension entitlements for school secretaries and caretakers. News / National by Staff reporter The Educators Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) has grown to become the country's third-largest teachers' union, with nearly 7,000 members across all ten provinces, marking a significant milestone in just four years.At the 2025 EUZ annual conference, Secretary General Tapedza Zhou attributed the union's rapid growth to its dialogue-focused approach with government, which contrasts with the often confrontational tactics of other teacher organisations."The union has distinguished itself by employing a more dialogue-oriented approach with government," Zhou said, describing this strategy as central to EUZ's success.EUZ founder and President Tafadzwa Chikwangwani Munodawafa said the union was founded on a vision of "teacher emancipation" and restoring the dignity and respect of the profession. She highlighted grassroots welfare initiatives such as bereavement support and housing schemes to ensure teachers do not retire into poverty."Supporting teachers during moments of vulnerability is central to our mission. Imagine losing a spouse or parent, and having something to start withanot just tears, but dignity. That matters," Chikwangwani said.Looking ahead to her second term as president, she pledged to intensify member recruitment, expand training programmes, and scale up welfare initiatives."Writing letters and making noise is not enough anymore. We need numbers, unity, and strategy to restore the dignity of the teacher," she said, emphasizing EUZ's commitment to transforming the teaching profession in Zimbabwe. News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa has paid tribute to the late former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, describing him as a "revered frontline statesman" and a "freedom fighter par excellence" who championed the political and economic emancipation of Zimbabwe, Southern Africa, and the continent.In a message marking the anniversary of Mugabe's passing on September 6, 2019, President Mnangagwa highlighted the transformative impact of the late leader's indigenisation and economic empowerment programmes. He said these initiatives restored Zimbabweans' self-belief and dignity while strengthening resilience against illegal sanctions."The late President's renowned political astuteness and zeal for social, economic, and political empowerment of Zimbabwe's indigenous people impelled him to champion the Land Reform Programme," President Mnangagwa said. "His undying quest to economically empower indigenous farmers and transform the lives of all Zimbabweans saw him implement various programmes that gave back Zimbabweans their self-belief and respect."President Mnangagwa also lauded Mugabe's role in the liberation and development of the African continent, noting his solidarity with fellow nationalist leaders including Julius Nyerere, Jomo Kenyatta, Kenneth Kaunda, Samora Machel, Agostinho Neto, Sam Nujoma, Joshua Nkomo, and Nelson Mandela.Describing Mugabe as a "veteran nationalist" and a "luminary leader," the President noted his personal sacrifices during the liberation struggle, including eleven years of incarceration under the colonial settler regime."In honour of his exploits and to serve as an enduring legacy, the Second Republic added a National Honours and Awards category in his name in the area of human capital development," President Mnangagwa said.He reaffirmed the government's commitment to preserving Mugabe's legacy, stating that the Second Republic aims to build a free, democratic, and prosperous society under National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2)."May the soul of the late great freedom fighter, veteran nationalist, frontline statesman, Pan-Africanist, and champion of political and economic liberation of Africa rest in eternal peace," he concluded. 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. US puts forward new Mideast ceasefire principles that call for immediate release of all hostages, negotiations News / National by Staff reporter A 25-year-old Chinhoyi man, Gift Katongomara, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for assaulting his ex-wife's mother, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA) reports.Chinhoyi Magistrates Court handed down the sentence, suspending six months on condition that Katongomara maintains good behavior. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Axcap has agreed to acquire all of the outstanding Taura Shares, a TSXV listed company, on the basis of two Axcap Shares per Taura Share, on a pre-Consolidation basis (as defined below) (the " Exchange Ratio "). Upon closing of the Proposed Transaction and Concurrent Offering, the shareholders of Taura would own approximately 6% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Resulting Issuer on a fully diluted basis. The officers and directors will own approximately 16% of the total issued and outstanding Axcap Shares following the completion of the Proposed Transaction and Concurrent Offering. Axcap has arranged a Private Placement of C$12.5 million at C$0.10 per common share (" Axcap Share ") (no warrant feature), which has been fully placed (the " Concurrent Offering "). Former principals of Roxgold Inc., including John Dorward, to join Axcap as CEO and Executive Chairman with Oliver Lennox-King, Paul Criddle and Richard Colterjohn to join the Axcap board of directors. TORONTO, Sept. 8, 2025 /CNW/ - Axcap Ventures Inc. (CSE: AXCP) (" Axcap ") and Taura Gold Inc. (TSXV: TORA) (" Taura ") are pleased to announce that the parties have entered into an arrangement agreement dated September 8, 2025 (the " Arrangement Agreement "), whereby Axcap will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Taura (the " Taura Shares ") by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Upon completion of the proposed arrangement (the " Proposed Transaction "), Axcap (as it exists upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the " Resulting Issuer ") will remain listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (" CSE "), will continue to carry its existing business activities and will begin to carry on the business of Taura, and Taura will be delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange (" TSXV "). /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./ Story continues Proposed Share Consolidation and Name Change Consolidation of Axcap shares on a 1:10 basis (the " Consolidation "). Name change from Axcap to "Roxmore Resources Inc." Tyron Breytenbach, Co-Founder and Director of Axcap, stated, "This is a strong transaction for both Axcap and Taura shareholders. Having covered the Roxgold success story as an analyst, I have no doubt that Taura's experienced team will unlock the significant potential of the large Converse project. I am excited for the future of the Company and to see a rare multi-million oz US gold asset partnered with a proven team of builders and operators." John Dorward, President and Chief Executive Officer of Taura, stated, "Nevada is a leading jurisdiction and Converse is one of the largest resources in Nevada not in the hands of a major mining company so we are very pleased to be joining the team to bring it forward and realize its potential. A number of our team have significant experience in the region from our time at Fronteer Gold (sold to Newmont >US$2B) and we are delighted to be back in Nevada with such a promising project." CONVERSE GOLD PROJECT The Converse project is located in the prolific Battle Mountain Trend in Northern Nevada, home to one of the largest gold-producing regions in the world. It is located adjacent to the producing Marigold and Lone Tree mines and has ready access to grid power and existing water rights. In addition to a large existing open-pit resource, Axcap recently identified a new higher grade zone at depth including 10.85 metres grading 5.45 g/t gold that remains open for expansion and further testing (see press release: https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/665b4800f41255300266ac9a/6894b93db9f2f462218d3000_250806_Axcap_Continues_to_Discover_New_High_Grade_zones_at_Converse%20.pdf). The Converse project was acquired by Axcap in February 2025. The Converse project has an NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate dated February 13, 2025, which includes Measured & Indicated Resources of 330.1 million tonnes (MT) at 0.53 grams per tonne gold (g/t Au) for 5.57 million ounces and an Inferred Resource of 24.8 million tonnes at 0.53 grams per tonne gold (g/t Au.) for 0.42 million ounces. The mineralization presents as a bulk tonnage deposit with near surface geometry. Axcap announced the intention to initiate a Preliminary Economic Study ("PEA") on the Converse project in July 2025, which envisions exploitation via a bulk tonnage, open pit, heap leach configuration, which will be accelerated under the new management. The mineral resource estimate is presented in the following table: Class Grams per Tonne of Gold Tonnes Ounces Measured Resources 0.539 238,418,539 4,131,588 Indicated Resources 0.487 91,706,822 1,436,506 Measured + Indicated Resources 0.525 330,125,361 5,568,095 Inferred Resources 0.528 24,823,100 421,289 Notes: Mineral Resources have an effective date of February 13, 2025. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are the portion of the Redline North and Redline South deposits that have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction by open pit mining method and processed by gold heap leaching. Mineral Resources are constrained oxide, sulfide and mixed mineralization inside a conceptual open pit shell. The main parameters for pit shell construction are a gold price of US$2,000/oz gold, variable gold recovery for oxide, mixed and sulfide mineralization, open pit mining costs of US$2.00/tonne, heap leach processing costs of US$4.50/tonne, general and administrative costs of US$1.00/tonne processed, pit slope angles of 36deg for alluvium and 41deg below base of alluvium, a US$2.50/oz refining cost and a 6% royalty. Mineral Resources are reported above a 0.006 oz/ton (0.2 g/t) gold cut-off grade. This is a marginal cut-off grade that generates sufficient revenue to cover conceptual processing, general and off-site costs given metallurgical recovery and long-range metal prices for gold and silver. Units are provided in metric. Numbers have been rounded as required by reporting guidelines and may result in apparent summation differences. Not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, or political factors that might materially affect the development of these mineral resource estimates. A substantial amount of metallurgical testwork including bottle roll and column tests along with comminution analysis has been completed on the project over a number of campaigns between 2004 and 2020. A column testwork program conducted by Kappes Cassidy & Associates in 2018 with material conventionally crushed to 9.5mm (3/8") returned average recoveries of 65%. More information about the Converse project can be found in the technical report entitled "Amended and Restated NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Update, Converse Property, Humboldt County, Nevada, USA" with an effective date and a report date of February 13, 2025, available on Axcap's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. RESULTING ISSUER LEADERSHIP Closing of the Concurrent Offering is conditional on the following changes being made to Axcap's management: John Dorward will be appointed Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chair; Blake McLaughlin will be appointed Executive Vice President, Development, and will resign from his current position at Axcap; Vance Spalding will be appointed Executive Vice President, Exploration; Zeenat Lokhandwala will be appointed Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary; Kevin Ma will resign as Chief Financial Officer; and Luis Zapata will resign as President. In connection with the changes to management, an aggregate of 8,000,000 restricted share units ("RSUs") will be issued on closing of the Concurrent Placement. These RSUs will be subject to the ratification of the Axcap shareholders at its next annual meeting of shareholders, which meeting will also seek the approval and ratification of a new omnibus incentive that has been adopted by the board of directors of Axcap. In the event that the RSUs are not approved by shareholders, the holders will receive the cash value of the RSUs. An aggregate of 4,500,000 options will be issued on closing of the Concurrent Offering to certain management with an exercise price of $0.125 per Axcap Share and a term of three years. Closing of the Concurrent Offering, is conditional on Axcap's board of directors being reconstituted to comprise of the following five members: Mario Vetro; Luis Zapata; Tyron Breytenbach; John Dorward; and Oliver Lennox-King. At closing of the Proposed Transaction Luis Zapata will resign from the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer, and Richard Colterjohn will be appointed to replace him. An annual and special meeting of shareholders of the Resulting Issuer is expected to be scheduled for November 14, 2025 where the following individuals are expected to be nominated for election to the board of directors, among other matters: John Dorward; Oliver Lennox-King; Richard Colterjohn; Paul Criddle; Robert Eckford; Tyron Breytenbach; and Mario Vetro. PROPOSED TRANSACTION SUMMARY The Proposed Transaction will be completed pursuant to a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). The Proposed Transaction will require approval by 66% of the votes cast by Taura shareholders. The Proposed Transaction will also require approval of a simple majority of votes case by the shareholders of Taura, excluding those votes attached to Taura Shares held by persons required to be excluded pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. In addition to shareholder and court approvals, the Proposed Transaction is subject to applicable regulatory approvals including CSE approval, TSXV approval, the completion of the Concurrent Offering, the completion of the Consolidation and Name Change (described below), the changes to the board and management of the Resulting Issuer described in this press release and the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions customary in transactions of this nature. The Arrangement Agreement also includes customary provisions including reciprocal non-solicitation provisions and a termination fee payable to Axcap in the event Taura terminates the Arrangement Agreement under certain circumstances. The parties to the Proposed Transaction are arm's length and no finder's fees are payable in connection with the Proposed Transaction or Concurrent Offering. Taura shareholders will receive 2.00 Axcap Shares (on a pre-Consolidation basis, which is further described below) for each Taura Share held on completion of the Proposed Transaction. Axcap currently has 305,757,698 Axcap Shares issued and outstanding. Pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, Axcap will issue Taura shareholders an aggregate of 45,966,944 Axcap Shares (on a pre-Consolidation basis). Assuming completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Concurrent Offering to raise the maximum proceeds and the Debt Settlement, Axcap will have 482,724,642 Axcap Shares (on a pre-Consolidation basis) issued and outstanding on a non-diluted basis. Existing Taura shareholders will own approximately 6% of the Resulting Issuer on a fully diluted basis. In connection with the Proposed Transaction, Axcap has arranged the Concurrent Offering of Axcap Shares at a price of C$0.10 per Axcap Share for gross proceeds of C$12,500,000. The net proceeds of the Concurrent Offering are expected to be used by the Resulting Issuer to satisfy certain upcoming property payments in connection with Axcap's Converse project and for general corporate purposes. As commitments to participate in the Concurrent Offering have been received, the Concurrent Offering is expected to close on or prior to September 18, 2025. Completion of the Concurrent Offering is subject to receipt of signed subscription agreements, CSE and other necessary regulatory approvals. The Axcap Shares issued pursuant to the Concurrent Offering shall be subject to a four-month plus one day hold period commencing on the closing of the Concurrent Offering under applicable Canadian securities laws. Insiders of Axcap will participate in the Concurrent Offering. By virtue of their participation, the Concurrent Offering would constitute a "related party transaction" under applicable securities laws. Axcap expects to release a material change report including details with respect to the related party transaction less than 21 days prior to the closing of the Concurrent Offering, which Axcap deems reasonable in the circumstances so as to be able to avail itself of potential financing opportunities and complete the Concurrent Offering in an expeditious manner. As the related party transaction will not exceed specified limits and will constitute a distribution of securities for cash, it is expected that neither a formal valuation nor minority shareholder approval will be required in connection with the Concurrent Offering. Senior Officers and Directors of Taura, which hold approximately 33% of the outstanding Taura Shares, have entered into voting support agreements pursuant to which they have agreed, among other things, to vote their Taura Shares in favour of the Proposed Transaction. In connection with the Proposed Transaction, Taura will convene a meeting of shareholders at which shareholders will have the opportunity to vote on the Proposed Transaction and Taura's delisting from the TSXV upon completion of the Proposed Transaction. Full details of the Proposed Transaction and Taura's proposed delisting from the TSXV will be contained in the management information circular of Taura to be mailed to Taura's shareholders in due course and subsequently posted on Taura's profile on SEDAR+. It is anticipated that the Taura shareholders' meeting and closing of the Proposed Transaction will take place in the last quarter of 2025. BOARD OF DIRECTORS' RECOMMENDATIONS The Arrangement Agreement has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of each of Axcap and Taura after consultation with their respective financial and legal advisors, as applicable. Following the recommendation of the special committee of the Board of Directors of Taura, the Taura Board of Directors recommends that its shareholders vote in favour of the Proposed Transaction. The Board of Directors of Taura has received an opinion from Evans & Evans, Inc. to the effect that, based upon and subject to the assumptions, limitations, and qualifications stated in such opinion, the consideration to be received by Taura shareholders pursuant to the Proposed Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to Taura shareholders. ADVISORS AND COUNSEL Evans & Evans' Inc. is acting as financial advisor to Taura. Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP is acting as Taura's legal counsel. McMillan LLP is acting as Axcap's legal counsel. PROPOSED CONSOLIDATION AND NAME CHANGE Axcap intends to consolidate all of the issued and outstanding Axcap Shares on the basis of one (1) new Axcap Share for every ten (10) existing Axcap Shares outstanding, and the Exchange Ratio will be adjusted accordingly. In addition, Axcap intends to change its name to "Roxmore Resources Inc." or such other name as may be agreed upon by the parties (the "Name Change"). The Name Change and Consolidation will be conditions of the closing of the Proposed Transaction. SHARES FOR DEBT Axcap intends to issue an aggregate of 6,000,000 Axcap Shares at $0.10 per Axcap Share in settlement of $600,000 of debt owed to certain related parties (the "Debt Settlement"). The Debt Settlement has a settlement value of 50% of the face value of the initial debt. QUALIFIED PERSON Blake McLaughlin, P.Geo., who is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved of the technical disclosure contained in this news release related to Axcap. Mr. McLaughlin is an officer of Axcap and therefore not independent pursuant to National Instrument 43-101. Additional Information Readers are cautioned that, except as disclosed in in the management information circular of Taura to be prepared and delivered by Taura in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. The Proposed Transaction is not expected to constitute a Fundamental Change for Axcap (as defined in the policies of the CSE), nor is it expected to result in a change of control of Axcap, within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the policies of the CSE. All securities issued pursuant to the Proposed Transaction will be issued under prospectus exemptions pursuant to National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions of the Canadian Securities Administrators and may be subject to an applicable statutory hold period along with any escrow restrictions imposed under applicable securities laws. About Axcap Venture Inc. Axcap Ventures is focused on consolidating neglected resources in the USA and Canada that it believes are constrained by drilling not geology. Axcap's goal is to deliver a portfolio of development ready gold resources into the next gold cycle and to raise capital and grow these neglected orebodies when conventional single asset explorers are shut out of the market. About Taura Gold Inc. Taura is focused on gold exploration in Canada. It is currently actively exploring the Shabu Project in the Red Lake District of Northwestern Ontario. Taura is also active in assessing acquisition and joint venture opportunities in various jurisdictions from time to time. Further Information All information contained in this news release with respect to Axcap and Taura was supplied by the respective party for inclusion herein, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party. For certainty, all information in this release with respect to the business of Taura was supplied by Taura for inclusion herein, and Axcap and its directors and officers have relied on Taura for any information related thereto. Cautionary Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends" "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Proposed Transaction, timing of and ability to complete the Proposed Transaction, the Name Change, the Consolidation, and the Concurrent Offering, the timing of and intention to complete the PEA, the granting of RSUs, the expected items to be approved at Axcap's next annual meeting of shareholders, including ratification of RSU grants and option grants, and omnibus incentive plan, mineral resource estimates for the Converse project, and the future business and director and officer slate of the Resulting Issuer. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and the actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the parties, including expectations and assumptions concerning (i) Axcap, Taura, the Resulting Issuer, and the Proposed Transaction, (ii) the timely receipt of all required shareholder, court and regulatory approvals and consents (as applicable), including the approval of the CSE and the TSXV, (iii) the receipt of signed subscription agreements in respect of the Concurrent Offering, the terms and size of the Concurrent Offering, and the closing of the Concurrent Offering, if any, and (iv) the satisfaction of other closing conditions of the Arrangement Agreement. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the parties. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as such information, although considered reasonable by the respective management of Axcap and Taura at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statement. Except as expressly required by securities law, neither Axcap nor Taura undertakes any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein in the United States or in any other jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold in the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. SOURCE Axcap Ventures Inc. Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2025/08/c8317.html Stephen Maguire Conor McGregor has officially written to Donegal County Council seeking their support in his bid to become President. The mixed-martial arts fighter today wrote to chief executive officer of the council, John G McLaughlin, seeking the council's nomination. In his letter to councillors, McGregor wrote "I am writing to formally seek the nomination of Donegal County Council to stand as a candidate in the forthcoming Presidential election. "I believe now is the time for a truly independent, people-first voice to enter Aras an Uachtarain - one that reflects the values, struggles, and aspirations of ordinary Irish citizens." For McGregor to secure a nomination through local authorities, he needs to get the support of four of the States 31 councils. The Dublin man outlines the reasons why he deserves the support of the people of Donegal saying candidates should not be confined to people from the traditional political establishment. "A nomination is not an endorsement of my campaign, but a stand for democracy, fairness and representation." McGregor concludes his letter by saying he would welcome an opportunity to discuss the issue by phone or in person. Last year, the controversial sportsman was ordered to pay Nikita Hand 250,000 damages after a High Court jury found he had assaulted her in a hotel in Dublin. He appealed this finding in July but the appeal was dismissed in favour of Ms Hand. James Cox Billionaire Elon Musk has criticised Tanaiste Simon Harris and backed Conor McGregor's unlikely presidential bid. In posts on his social media platform X, Mr Musk accused Mr Harris of "tyrannically blocking the will of the people of Ireland". He appared to be referring to the Fine Gael leader's direction to party councillors not to back any other candidate but Heather Humphreys. Mr Musk, a former key adviser to US president Donald Trump, wrote: "Shame on Simon Harris for tyrannically blocking the will of the people of Ireland! Conor McGregor for President to save Ireland." Like much American commentary on the presidential election, Mr Musk displayed a lack of knowledge of the Irish system. To be eligible to run, a candidate must be nominated either by 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. They must also be an Irish citizen over the age of 35. McGregor would be unlikely to get the support of Fine Gael councillors regardless of the direction from Mr Harris. The former UFC fighter recently claimed he had enough backing to run in the presidential election, without specifying which TDs, senators or local councils had backed him. He previously claimed the presidential election system was unconstitutional, and launched a petition for it to be changed. In response to Mr Musk's comments, Mr Harris said: "I see Elon Musk joined in today and sure, why not? He added: Thats the sort of man he believes should be president of Ireland. Thank God he might have a say as to who is president of the United States of America, but hes no say in terms of who the president of Ireland is. Last month, McGregor lost his appeal of a civil jurys finding in favour of Dublin woman Nikita Hand, who had accused him of rape. The MMA fighter lost his appeal on all five grounds that the case was taken. Ms Hand (35) successfully sued McGregor in a civil court over an incident in which he was alleged to have brutally raped and battered her in a penthouse at a south Dublin hotel in December 2018. The jury found that McGregor, who told the court he had consensual sex with Ms Hand, civilly liable for assault. Ms Hand was awarded 248,603.60 in damages and McGregor was also ordered to pay about 1.3 million in legal costs following Novembers trial. A PEACEFUL medieval church will host its first marriage ceremony in more than 800 years this week. The ruins of sixth-century Clonkeen Church will welcome Ciara Burke and Har Kaila for a marriage blessing, celebrated by Abbeyleix PP Fr Paddy Byrne, at 7pm on Wednesday 10 September. A native of Ballytarsna, Abbeyleix and now living in Canada, Ciara will travel with her Canadian boyfriend Har for the special occasion, when they will gather at the idyllic site with family and friends. While a monastic site was founded at Clonkeen in the sixth or seventh century, the present-day stone church ruins date primarily to the mid-12th century. The youngest of seven, Ciara is a daughter of Noel Burke, local historian and a member of the Clonkeen Church committee that has overseen ongoing conservation at the site. She is looking forward to joining her dad, her mother Patricia and siblings Paul, Helen, Lorraine, Noel Jnr, Kevin and Tara at the celebration. Ciara spent two years working in Australia before emigrating to Vancouver in September 2019. A recruitment consultant officer, she was selected to represent Canada in an international future leaders programme, one of 40 across the world. The official wedding happened in Clonakility, West Cork on 3 September but the Clonkeen blessing will be the icing on the cake. The ceremony will coincide with the final cemetery Mass of 2025 in the parish of Abbeyleix, which will be celebrated by Fr Byrne PP in Clonkeen Church Graveyard at 7pm on 10 September. Noel said: 'This wedding ceremony will be the first such event to have been celebrated in Clonkeen Church in at least 800 years. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to attend this special service and cemetery mass.' A QR code that will be displayed at the entrance gate to the church on the same date contains full details of the site's history and ongoing conservation. By David Young, PA The next President should use the office to advocate for Irish reunification, Michelle ONeill has said. The Sinn Fein vice president said the winner of Octobers election must use their role as head of state to represent the interests of all Irish citizens, including those living north of the Border. She said that should extend to playing a role in planning for Irish unity. ...I think that there's a constitutional imperative for the Irish government to plan for unity, but I do obviously believe that the president also has a role in all of that Michelle O'Neill The North's First Minister insisted such advocacy would not undermine what is supposed to be, by convention, a non-political role. Ms ONeills comments in an interview with the PA news agency come at a time when her party has still to publicly confirm whether it will even run a candidate in the October 24th election. The party hierarchy is set to formally decide later in September whether to stand a candidate or back a left-wing non-party contender, such as already confirmed independent candidate Catherine Connolly. On a visit to Belfast last month, Galway TD Ms Connolly said she would use her voice in every way possible to attempt to secure Irish unity in her term should she succeed in her bid to become President. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins second term in office ends in November (PA) Ms ONeill would not be drawn on what Sinn Fein intended to do in the election. Youre not going to get white smoke from me today, no big scoop weve said were going to work our way through it, she said. Well weigh up everything in terms of any election, whether or not were going to stand a candidate, how it will advance what were trying to achieve. Asked if not running would leave Sinn Fein facing irrelevancy in the campaign, she said: Well, thats the call we have to make. Do we enter? Do we not? Which candidate do we stand? Weve all those sorts of ponderables to work our way through, and we actively are doing that. Were having all those conversations internally. Regardless if we do or we dont, we want the Irish presidential election to be about the future of Ireland. We want it to be about unity. We want it to be about Irelands place in the world. We want it to be about Irish neutrality. We want it to be about young people. We want it to be about the future. And we also want it to be about where I think the wider public are with the conversation around unity, the fact that more and more people are in that space. I think this election allows us the chance to talk a lot more about Irish unity. First Minister Michelle ONeill during the interview at her constituency office in Cookstown (Liam McBurney/PA) On the issue of any future president taking a proactive stance on unification, Ms ONeill said: It is the President of Ireland representing all of the Irish citizens, including us in the north, and thats the point that I keep coming back to whoever is occupying the office of Uachtaran na hEireann (President of Ireland) needs to ensure that they actually look after the interests of all of the Irish people, including us in the North. And I think that, to me, is what I want to be a focus in this presidential debate and all the conversations that were going to have from now until the 24th of October. Asked if representing the interests of Irish citizens in Northern Ireland should extend to advocating for unity, she added: I believe so, because I think that theres a constitutional imperative for the Irish Government to plan for unity, but I do obviously believe that the President also has a role in all of that. She added: I think it would be important that when it comes to having a president in the Aras, that (the President) actually fulfils and upholds Irelands place and our place within the Irish nation. Irish presidential candidate Catherine Connolly (centre) during a visit to Culturlann McAdam O Fiach in Belfast last month (Jonathan McCambridge/PA). Under current rules for Presidential elections, Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland can stand as a candidate, but they cannot vote. Ms ONeill reiterated her call on the Government to hold a referendum on extending voting rights to people living in the North. The presidential election is so important for me, she said. In the Presidential election, the biggest democratic deficit is that I could be a candidate, but I cant vote for the President. That, to me, is such a weakness and something that needs to be addressed. She added: As an Irish citizen, Im entitled to vote for my Uachtaran, my president. And the Irish Government needs to fix that anomaly. We cant have another presidential election in seven years time and have Irish citizens in the North still denied their opportunity to vote for their President. So, Im going to continue to hold the Irish Governments feet to the fire around the fact that they need to change that and fix that. They have said previously that they would, but here we go into another Presidential election in the next number of months, and Irish citizens in the North are still being denied that opportunity. By Cillian Sherlock, PA It is balderdash to suggest that Fine Gael councillors should facilitate the nomination of independent candidates to run for president, Simon Harris has said. The Fine Gael leader said it was an utter nonsense that his councillors should be expected to back anyone other than party candidate Heather Humphreys. The presidential election will be held on Friday, October 24th. Simon Harris said Fine Gael was fully united behind the partys candidate Heather Humphreys, pictured (Brian Lawless/PA) To be eligible to run, a candidate must be nominated either by 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. They must also be an Irish citizen over the age of 35. Several independents have expressed an interest in securing a nomination through the local authority process but this will be difficult without the support of Government councillors. Speaking to reporters at the Fine Gael think-in in Mullingar, Mr Harris said: Show me the line in the Constitution that says Fine Gael must nominate its political opponents. I mean, this is balderdash and its the latest attempt at disinformation and misinformation. He said: The Fine Gael party is backing the Fine Gael candidate. Hold the front page. Mr Harris said the constitutional process was very clear and added: It wont come as a surprise to anybody who understands anything about politics that the Fine Gael party is fully united behind the incredible, brilliant Heather Humphreys, whos going to make a super candidate, make a super president. Mr Harris also criticised tech billionaire Elon Musks expression of support for the potential candidacy of mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor. Mr Musk posted on his social media platform X: Shame on Simon Harris for tyrannically blocking the will of the people of Ireland! Conor McGregor for president to save Ireland. Earlier this year, McGregor lost his appeal against a civil jurys finding in favour of Dublin woman Nikita Hand, who accused him of rape. Mr Harris criticised tech billionaire Elon Musks expression of support for the potential candidacy of mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor, pictured (Brian Lawless/PA) Ms Hand, 35, successfully sued McGregor in a civil court over an incident in which he was alleged to have brutally raped and battered her in a penthouse at a south Dublin hotel in December 2018. Ms Hand was awarded almost 250,000 in damages and McGregor was also ordered to pay about 1.3 million in legal costs following the November trial. Mr Harris said: I see Elon Musk joined in today and sure, why not? He added: Thats the sort of man he believes should be president of Ireland. Thank God he might have a say as to who is president of the United States of America, but hes no say in terms of who the president of Ireland is. TIMES STAFF WRITER Carloads of somber teens left roses, letters and candles Monday at the Van Ness Avenue telephone pole in Torrance where five South Bay friends were killed after their car slammed into it. In turn, the mourners parked beside the curb, stepped out of their pickup trucks and sedans, surveyed the scene, and exchange hugs and recollections of the five young men, ages 16 to 27, who died Saturday night. Some wedged farewell letters into the cracks of the pole. Staring at the skid marks circling the splintered base of the pole in the 400 block of Van Ness, 19-year-old Jessie Arias shook his head in sadness and said, They were too young to die. Advertisement Troy Francis, 20, helped place candles beside the pole, which was still smudged with green paint from the crushed 1995 Mercury Mystique. Francis remembered one of the victims, 20-year-old Luke Ponds, as the funniest guy I ever met. Hed hear a song and start making up his own lyrics just to make you laugh, Francis recalled. He was loyal and trying to make it on his own. But saying all that doesnt even begin to cover what I feel for the guy. Advertisement Nothing you could put in the paper would do justice to these guys. If you didnt know them you missed out, he added. Chris McFarlands father, Jim McFarland, a contractor for the Los Angeles Unified School District, conceded that he and his son had a sometimes strained re lationship. Ill be honest with you, he was a thorn in my side, but now hes a pain in my heart, he said, trying not to cry. But Im proud to say the last time I saw him, we exchanged I love yous. I loved him very much, he added, and wish I could have him back. Chris sister, Leah, 18, said her 16-year-old brother, a junior at North High, was an avid fan of heavy metal music and hip-hop who was very, very funny . . . and popular with the ladies. He was most special thing to me in the world, she said. Torrance police Monday continued to investigate the cause of the crash, which killed the five Torrance residents about 11:30 p.m. In addition to Ponds and McFarland, the victims were driver Lance Wellington Makaseah, 19; Scott Vansant, 27, and Johnnie Lee Lujan, 19. Torrance police spokesman Sgt. Kevin Kreager said investigators think Makaseahs car was speeding down the industrial street. Further investigation would be necessary, he said, to determine whether alcohol or other chemical substances played a role. Advertisement However, authorities Monday ruled out initial reports that the vehicle had been in a drag race. According to witnesses who arrived shortly after the crash, the car was nearly split in half by the telephone pole. Rescue crews had to cut the car completely in half to free the victims. All were pronounced dead at the scene except Makaseah, who died at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center a short time later. McFarland was a sophomore at Torrances North High School. Lujan, who friends said worked at a grocery store, and Ponds, who was employed in the hardware department at Sears in Hawthorne, were North High graduates. Ponds supervisor at Sears, Nick Muratalla, said Ponds was a very easygoing guy who got along with everyone, and who showed up for work on time. On Sunday, he said, co-workers wore black ribbons in Ponds memory. Among those paying their respects at the accident site Monday afternoon was John Groff, 20, who recalled being at Ponds house a week ago, watching home videos the group of young men had made while riding in the Mercury. Advertisement They just liked to have a good time, Groff said of the victims. They werent up to trouble. One of the tow truck drivers involved in clearing away the wreckage also returned there Monday. The driver, who asked not to be named, said he had to call in a substitute driver the night of the crash because he couldnt stomach seeing all the young victims among the wreckage. Heidy Lyle, 18, brought her infant daughter with her to the memorial. Chris [McFarland] was a young kid; he hadnt even had a job yet, he hadnt even started his life, she said. Youre going to see a lot of kids coming out here. These are guys who are going to be missed. Monday night, about 100 young adults, some accompanied by their parents, gathered for a candlelight vigil at the crash site. The group included people ranging from self-proclaimed anarchists to high school athletes, all crying softly and placing bouquets. The FBI investigation revealed the 31-year-old man allegedly voted in Pennsylvania via mail-in ballot before voting in person in Florida. AP A Bethlehem man has been indicted on election fraud charges after allegedly casting two votes in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Matthew Laiss, 31, is charged with one count felony voting more than once in a federal election and one count felony voter fraud. United States Attorney David Metcalf announced the charges on Friday. Katrina Young, the assistant federal defender assigned to Laiss, couldnt immediately be reached for comment Monday morning. Authorities said Laiss resided and was legally registered to vote in Ottsville, Bucks County, until about August 2020, when he moved to Florida. After moving to Florida, he applied for and obtained a Florida drivers license and registered to vote in that state, according to the indictment. In October 2020, the Bucks County Board of Elections mailed a ballot for the general election to Laiss former address, where his parents still lived, authorities said. Laiss allegedly filled out and returned the mail-in ballot on Oct. 31, 2020. Then, on Nov. 3, he went to a polling location in Florida and again cast a vote, the indictment states. Both ballots cast a vote for the offices of U.S. president and U.S. vice president, authorities said. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine ranging from $10,000 to $250,000. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Pennsylvania Department of State. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Dubnoff. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Economic challenges and serious health issue forces the operators of The Pantry Cafe in Portlaoise to shut after nearly 12 years of trading. Located on Market Square and taken over by Mark Healy and Ladonna McCartan in 2014, the business soon expanded its reputation for home-baking, lunches and coffee. Mr McCartan explained the reasons for the surprise closure in a statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. This decision was not taken lightly. Over the years and like many other, we have navigated the considerable challenges facing small businesses, and particularly those in the hospitality sector. We have adapted and innovated with grit, determination and a genuine desire to keep our doors open and the buzz going, within our beloved neighbourhood eatery, she said. However, she said these current "economic challenges and market conditions" are further compounded by a turning point in this couple's personal circumstances with Mr Healy's "sudden, serious and ongoing health issues". This was an unexpected and profound shock for us. As a full-time husband-and-wife team, our outlook for Mark is a gradual road to recovery which means that for now, were steering our two businesses with only half our strength at the helm. This is not the chapter we had envisioned, but we remain hopeful for brighter days ahead, even as this shift means an alteration in the way we started out. MORE BELOW PHOTO. Pictured: Ladonna McCartan and Mark Healy at the Retail Excellence Ireland Awards in 2023 where Nook & Cranny was honoured. "We are delighted to confirm that our gift store, Nook and Cranny, remains open and look forward to welcoming familiar faces and new friends alike as we continue to be a small part of the joy and connection that makes our community so special. "We would like to reassure our customers and suppliers that our cafe closure is being managed in a structured and entirely responsible way. In every decision we made, we have tried to ensure that the cafe is being wound down with care and consideration. "We are profoundly grateful for your support, which has made an enormous difference to us both not to mention the friendship, encouragement, and loyalty shown by our customers, suppliers, neighbours and media over the years. "And we are especially grateful to our staff; an outstanding group of human beings who we have enjoyed coming to work alongside and each of whom have made The Pantry Cafe such a special place since the day we first opened. We close our cafe doors with heartfelt thanks & fondest memories," said Ms McCartan. She added that gift vouchers for The Pantry Cafe will be honoured in full at the sister business Nook and Cranny Gift Store, 44 Main Street, Portlaoise. The Pantry Portlaoise have received the John & Sally McKenna Guides recommendation for the Best in Ireland 2017. The building which houses the pantry has been the location of a hospitality business since 1932 when Margaret established Gray's restaurant which according to Portlaoisepictures.com became an eminent landmark in the town. The local websit further recounts that the restaurant was subsequently managed by various people trading under a variety of names: Belcort, Graze, Alanna's, the Square Meal and of late The Pantry. Budget 2026 is being planned without a clear roadmap for fiscal policy, the States economic watchdog has warned. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has also recommended a reduction in the planned Budget package amid high uncertainty. It said the planned package of 9.4 billion euro for Budget 2026 is not appropriate given the economy is still performing well. The watchdog has recommended a more restrained approach which would help avoid overheating the economy and leave room to respond to future downturns. Seamus Coffey, chairperson of the Council, said: The Irish economy is in a strong position, despite high uncertainty. As a result, this is not a time for a large budgetary package. That should be reserved for periods where the economy is weak and needs support. The Council says that Irelands economy is performing strongly, with record employment and robust consumer spending. However, it said uncertainty and tariffs pose risks to the economy even if they have not yet had a major impact. Government spending is rising much faster than planned for this year. Budget 2025 forecast a three billion euro increase in spending, but actual spending is likely to rise by 7.6 billion euro. The Council said this repeats a pattern of spending overruns in recent years. As the economy is performing strongly, the Council said it does not require support from budgetary policy. The Government is already providing significant support to the economy. Without excess corporation tax, the Government is spending eight billion euro more than it collects in revenue this year. This underlying deficit is likely to increase further next year. The Council said that because these deficits are occurring when the economy is strong, it reduces the Governments ability to respond in an economic downturn. It further said it is disappointing that a new medium-term plan was not published alongside the Summer Economic Statement as per a Programme for Government pledge. It has also highlighted that the Government is yet to set any limit on the sustainable growth rate of spending (net of tax measures). The Council said that without a rule or limit, budgetary policy will be made in a year-to-year fashion. It also recommends that the Government fully incorporate spending overruns from this year when setting spending forecasts for next year. It said overruns are inevitable next year it this does not happen. The Council says the Government should continue to save into the recently established savings funds. Well known Laois figure Mr Rotimi Adebari, the first black mayor in Ireland, sadly lost his wife Ibironke following a cardiac arrest in August of 2024. One year on, Mr Adebari and his family hav fundraised for the installation of an automated external defibrillator (AED) to be installed on the Portlaoise site where Mrs Adebari sadly passed away. Pictured: Mr Rotimi Adebari and Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming cut the ribbon on the new AED in Portlaoise This fundraiser was supported by the family and friends of the Adebari family, with funds also raised by Laois Bible Church and Mrs Adebari's former colleagues at Tusla. Mrs Adebari passed away on the Borris Road, Portlaoise at 8am on August 22, 2024. Exactly one year on, to the hour, family, friends and local figures gathered for the installation of the defibrillator. "We were honoured to assist with this project in memory of Ibironke Adebari," a spokesperson for Laois Civil Defence has said. Pictured: Damien Dollard of Laois Civil Defence assisting with the installation of the defibrillator "Well done to the Adebari family and Ibironkes friends and colleagues who donated this valuable asset to the community." The National Ambulance Service also paid tribute to the Adebari family. "On Friday August 22, 2025 at 8am, marking exactly a year since Ibironke Adebari suffered a cardiac arrest on this spot, her family and friends honoured her memory by installing a Public Access Defibrillator on the Boris Road in Portlaoise," they said. There was an abundance of support and kind words online from Laois locals, following the touching tribute from the Adebari family. "Well done to all involved Laois Bible Church and the family and friends of Ibironke, what a fantastic way to honour her memory and bless others," one user wrote. Pictured: Ibironke Adebari, who sadly lost her life on August 22, 2024 "That is a fantastic gesture," another person said. "Well done to all involved, great to see," another user said. The Adebari family are well known in the Laois community, with political roots and ties to the church. Mr Adebari was first elected to Laois County Council in 2004 as an Independent. Three years later, the Councillor was elected as Mayor of Portlaoise, making history as Ireland's first black mayor. He was re-elected to the Council in the 2009 local elections, and made a failed bid in the 2011 general election. Mr Adebari lost his seat on Laois County Council in 2014, though he still remains active in the community. Two research projects based in County Kildare have been awarded combined funding of more than 500,000 under the Research Ireland Collaborative Alliances for Societal Challenges (COALESCE) programme. The programme, which supports research to address societal challenges across a broad range of disciplines, has allocated a total of 4.7million so far this year to 19 projects. The two Kildare-based projects are both attached to Maynooth University (MU) for the first one, Professor Ozgur Bayram of the Department of Biology was awarded close to 317,000 for his project, an Irish-Vietnamese partnership with Van-Tuan Tran of Vietnam National University in Hanoi. The project, titled 'Transforming Coffee Industry Waste into Sustainable Mycoprotein for Circular Economic Growth and a Better Environment', relates to the disposal of coffee side streams. These streams pose an environmental threat, particularly in Vietnam, which according to MU, is the world's second-largest exporter of coffee. READ NEXT: Temporary road closure enacted in Kildare to allow road works Specifically, MU explained: "Prof Bayrams project aims to optimise fungal growth on diverse coffee side streams, converting them into fungal biomass for subsequent mycoprotein production. "By investing in equipment infrastructure at Vietnam National University, this initiative not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also lays the groundwork for sustainable food production in Vietnam." Prof Ozgur Bayram. Photograph credit: Maynooth University In relation to the second project, Dr Barry Cannon of the Department of Sociology and Dr Josephy Timoney of Maynooth International Engineering College and the ALL Institute were awarded funding of nearly 220,000 for their project, 'Liberalisms Shadow: Content, Impact and Response to Far Right discourse affecting racialised minorities, asylum seekers and refugees, LGBTQI+, womens rights and working class communities during the 2024/25 electoral cycle in Ireland'. According to MU, Dr Cannon and Dr Timoneys project aims to "assess the extent to which far right positioning on these inequalities is shared, omitted or rejected across the political spectrum during the electoral period and to seek ways to ensure that Ireland continues to strive towards a more equal society for all regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity or class position". Dr Barry Cannon and Dr Joseph Timoney. Photograph credit: Maynooth University Welcoming the awards, MUs vice president for research and innovation, Prof Rachel Msetfi said that she was "delighted" to congratulate the researchers. She continued: "These projects showcase the depth and breadth of groundbreaking research happening at Maynooth University." "These awards also reflect our universitys commitment to addressing both local and global issues." Prof Msetfi added: "I am particularly excited about our strong international collaborations, such as the environmental sustainability partnership with Vietnam, which not only enhance the depth of the research but also broaden its potential impact on a global scale." READ NEXT: Gardai rush to scene of bare-chested brawl at Newbridge's Whitewater Shopping Centre News that Kildare has the highest average class size in Ireland has been slammed by Kildare North TD Aidan Farrelly. The figures were contained in information published by the Department of Education. Although the figures say that primary school class nationally sizes dropped to 22.2 pupils in 2024/25 from 22.5 the previous year, Kildare children are being crammed into classrooms of 30 or more, Deputy Farrelly said. Like everything else in Kildare, our schools are under constant pressure from a rapidly growing population - and teachers, parents and children are bearing the brunt of the failure of successive governments over several decades to grasp this reality. READ NEXT: Speed survey to be carried out in this Kildare region Deputy Farrellys party, the Social Democrats, says that the small reduction in class sizes nationally do not reflect the reality faced by many schools. While the government points to national averages, these statistics do not tell the full story. The decrease is due to falling enrolments in some counties across the country, rather than any meaningful improvement in staffing or resourcing - and mask the reality faced by schools on the ground, he said. Presenting this modest statistical decrease as a win for the government is misleading. The fact is that many classes are still overcrowded, with more than 30 pupils, and almost 1,850 teaching posts remain unfilled. Parents will not be reassured by these average figures when the reality in classrooms is so different, with some schools having to fundraise just to keep teachers in place. This is not progress it is a crisis. We recently pressed the Minister for Education on the real costs of meeting the governments 19:1 pupil-teacher ratio target and she confirmed that reducing the ratio by a single point would require over 400 additional teaching posts and up to 35 million in capital investment. Needless to say that has not yet been provided. Parents and teachers are doing the heavy lifting while the government sits on the sidelines. This is unacceptable, and it shows that the system is failing children. Deputy Farrelly said that unless there is urgent investment in recruiting teachers and improving school infrastructure, the recent statistical improvements in average class size will remain meaningless, and overcrowded schools will continue to struggle. Average class sizes going down should not be spun as a success story by the government. What matters is the reality in every classroom, he concluded. The matter of weeds growing on Kildare's canals was raised in the council recently, when a Fianna Fail councillor called for Clane Maynooth's canals to be cut on a timely basis and not left overgrown. Cllr Daragh Fitzpatrick speaking at September's Clane Maynooth Municipal District meeting - said he put his motion forward with a sense of frustration, because he had been receiving numerous representations complaining about the weeds on the canals. He admitted he was unsure as to how to pursue the matter, and that he had contacted Waterways Ireland on several occasions but to no avail. Eventually, he said, he found a number for a contact, but this too proved unsuccessful. READ NEXT: Kildare has highest average classroom size in Ireland Cllr Fitzpatrick said that he personally found there appeared to be a communication barrier between Waterways Ireland and councillors, which he said was totally unnecessary. It was becoming more and more important to have avenues of communication open between the two, he said, with blueways and greenways now opening up across the county. He said that he wasn't sure whether Waterways Ireland got wind of his pending motion, but last Friday there were a number of people in Robertstown cutting weeds along the canal. The issue was now sorted, he said, but there had been an issue in Robertstown where boats could not leave the canal due to overgrown weeds. Cllr Fitzpatrick said he appreciated that the council was limited in its powers with regard to canals, but he put forward his motion to highlight the issue and get some kind of response from Waterways Ireland to see if there was any line of communication which could be opened up in the future. Supporting the motion, Cathaoirleach Cllr Brendan Wyse (FG) said that depending what section of the canal was being addressed, there is a webform to complete online. However, he agreed, it would be useful to have some form of formal engagement between Waterways Ireland and the council. A report issued by Kildare County Council stated: The responsibility for the management and maintenance of the canal system lies with Waterways Ireland. The Councils drainage maintenance programme is responsible for drainage districts within the County and has no role in the maintenance of canals. Maintenance of the canals is a matter for Waterways Ireland. Any queries around maintenance would need to be raised directly with them. A delegation of more than 20 German enterprises and institutions wrapped up a visit to Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province. Many delegates expressed strong interest in forging partnerships and expanding collaboration with Chinese enterprises. #GLOBALink Michelle ONeill has urged the UK Government to use the 30th anniversary of Northern Irelands historic Good Friday peace deal to announce a date for a referendum on Irish unification. The Sinn Fein vice president, who is the first nationalist to hold the position of First Minister at Stormont, said the date in April 2028 would represent an excellent time to confirm a future poll. In an interview with the PA news agency, Ms ONeill said the calling of a referendum would mark the fulfilment of the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday accord that largely ended the regions 30-year conflict. The Mid Ulster MLA said Sir Keir Starmers Government needed to live up to the commitment that was set out in the Good Friday Agreement. It was good enough for me to vote for a democratic pathway to unity through a border poll in 1998 (in the referendum to approve the agreement), well then when we celebrate 30 years of the Good Friday Agreement isnt that an excellent time for the British Government to actually step up and clarify when the border poll will be called, what the parameters are, and actually allow people then to focus their minds around making a decision when they actually get the chance to vote in the referendum, she said. While Sinn Fein has repeatedly called for a border poll by the end of the current decade, only the UK Government has the power to decide when, or if, a referendum is held. Under the terms of the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, the incumbent Northern Ireland Secretary should trigger a poll when there is evidence of a shift in public opinion in favour of changing Northern Irelands constitutional status. If a vote was called, a simultaneous poll would be initiated south of the border by the Irish Government. However, successive UK governments have declined to provide details around what criteria is used to measure changing public sentiment in Northern Ireland and Prime Minister Sir Keir has insisted a referendum is not on the horizon. While Sinn Fein points to electoral changes that have seen the end of a long-established unionist majority at Stormont as evidence of a shift in public opinion, unionist politicians stress there has been no corresponding surge in the nationalist vote in Northern Ireland with the realignment instead down to the growth of the non-aligned centrist bloc within the devolved assembly. Speaking to PA ahead of the return of the Stormont Assembly on Monday after the summer recess, Ms ONeill expressed a belief that results of a series of elections across the next four years assembly and local government elections in Northern Ireland, and UK and Irish general elections would send a clear message to the UK Government that a border poll was required. I think theres a cycle of elections in the middle of there (next five years) that actually can allow us to make the case even further to the British Government that they now need to live up to the commitment that was set out in the Good Friday Agreement, she said. Asked if the 2028 anniversary should be the marker for announcing a date, Ms ONeill added: Why not? Because, I mean, thats the fulfilment of the Good Friday Agreement. The British Government doesnt get to pick and choose. Them and the Irish Government are co-guarantors of that agreement. I want that agreement fulfilled in its totality, that includes putting that question to the people. Why not 2028, because thats our 30th anniversary. Ms ONeill said there was an incredible conversation taking place across the island of Ireland about unification. She said that included many members of the unionist community. Which I so much welcome because we need everybody, including those with a British identity, to be part of the conversation, the First Minister added. Lets reach for something better, because whether it be a Tory or a Labour government or, God forbid, a (Nigel) Farage-led government, Westminster does not look after our interests. In London, its about English interests. We should take control of our own destiny together. Lets do this together. Lets make something better together British, Irish and other people that made this place their home, we all have a stake in this. Theres an ability here to shape a better future, and it has to be something better. Thats what I want. And I want others to join in that conversation. I very much welcome every single voice people who had their voice heard before and people who just want to now get engaged with all your viewpoints. Lets put it on the table and lets plan it. The republican leader also reiterated her criticism of the Irish Government for sticking their head in the sand and not proactively planning for constitutional change. They have a constitutional imperative to plan for unity, she said. They need to create the space in which we can have the conversations around planning for a new future, a better future, where every single citizen who lives here, whether you have an Irish identity or British identity, and those people that have made here their home, how can we envisage a better future for all of us living side by side with equal respect, parity of esteem. Thats what the Irish Government should be focused on. They need to catch up with where the people are. Irish premier Micheal Martin and deputy premier Simon Harris have both made clear that a border poll is not currently a priority for their Government. 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. Conor McGregor has written to Leitrim County Council to say he intends to travel later this month to make his case for a presidential nomination. The 31 local authorities across Ireland are due to hold meetings in the coming weeks to decide whether to put forward candidates. Each council will hear from up to a dozen hopefuls before making its decision. Leitrim County Council has set September 22nd as the date to hear from potential candidates. The council consists of five Independents, four Sinn Fein members, six Fianna Fail and three Fine Gael. Leitrim councillor Paddy ORourke questioned McGregors chances locally, suggesting the fighter may be targeting smaller councils but warning that councils with more independents could prove more decisive. Some councils have 40 councillors, smaller councils probably appeal to him in that regard but in Leitrim we have fewer independents and more party-loyal councillors, he said. "But if one independent proposed him and another seconded him, and the rest abstained, he could technically get through by default. That may be what hes hoping for to swing it on a technicality in a smaller council. But its still a long shot, and he hasnt got much time. Asked if he personally could be swayed, ORourke was blunt: I wouldnt be inclined to support him. Apart from his behaviour in the courts, his whole demeanour doesnt appeal to me. Id be fearful it would take him a very long time to understand what the role of President really involves. McGregors request ensures a lively session when Leitrim councillors convene later this month but whether the fighter can secure a proposer and seconder, let alone the backing of the chamber, remains to be seen. The UFC star, who needs the support of four local authorities to get his name on the ballot for the October 24th election, has already written to councillors in Leitrim and Roscommon. In a statement to accompany his request, McGregor said: 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 nominate me. 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." READ MORE: Five teams battle for two spots after draw for final round of Smith Monumentals IFC View this post on Instagram A post shared by Conor McGregor Official (@thenotoriousmma) Uptake for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, or Croi Conaithe, has remained strong in Leitrim this year, with Leitrim County Council receiving 28 applications between April 1 and June 30, of which 21 were approved. Since the schemes launch in 2022, there have been almost 300 applications. However, the number of vacant properties in Leitrim still remains the highest in Ireland. At the September meeting of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Enda McGloin called for the Council to develop a strategy to address the high level of vacant and derelict buildings in both towns and rural areas. Commending the uptake of Croi Conaithe and the Councils efforts to promote the scheme, his motion stated, We now need a strategy to include actions on derelict sites within our towns in the county to include a register that would eventually include the imposition of levies while also encouraging site owners to either sell on the properties to potential developers or ensure conversion to living accommodation based on the vacant home grant. Director of Services for Housing, Mary Quinn, confirmed in a response that a strategy will be developed in 2026 to tackle dereliction in the countys main towns and villages. READ NEXT: Leitrim women's breast screening referrals refused by Dublin hospitals, meeting hears This will require funding provision, including valuations by auctioneers, which can be addressed through the budgetary process. The response also noted that there are currently 24 properties on the Derelict Sites Register. The next step is to obtain valuations for these properties, after which the Council can place a seven percent levy on each propertys market value. Levies, however, can only be imposed in urban areas and not rural ones. In Leitrim, seven towns are classified as urban: Ballinamore, Carrick-on-Shannon, Kinlough, Dromahair, Drumshanbo, Manorhamilton and Mohill. This list can be reviewed and updated annually if required. During the discussion, questions were raised about the difference between derelict properties and vacant properties. Senior Planner Bernard Greene explained that derelict refers to when a building is unsightly and detracts from the amenities of an area. He said that there are currently 24 properties on the register, with another 12 at various stages of being added. READ NEXT: Council urged to act on invasive plant posing a danger to homes across Leitrim Before including a property, owners are informed of the specific works that need to be carried out, such as painting, repairing windows, or clearing overgrown vegetation. If those steps are undertaken, the property is not added to the register. Greene explained that a property may no longer be considered derelict, but that does not necessarily mean it has been brought back into use. We have the highest number of vacant properties but the number is falling compared to what was there. There has been success in particular with Croi Conaithe, Mr Greene said. As to why there are certainly more than 24 derelict properties in Leitrim, he added that it is difficult to identify and record them all, as many older properties are not registered on Land Direct, which makes it harder to establish ownership. READ NEXT: New show about repurposed Leitrim building set to hit screens this September Dromahair-based filmmaker Johnny Gogan is launching his new film at the Glens Arts Centre in Manorhamilton on September 20. The sixty-minute documentary, titled Behind the Lines, tells the story of a nurse from Sligo named Ruth Ormsby and her perilous service in Spain during its bloody civil war from 1936 to 1939. The screening at the Glens Art Centre is part of the Adaptation Film Festival which takes place from September 18 until September 21. Ruth Ormsby was born in Dromore West in 1900 and, along with three of her sisters, trained as a nurse in Britain in the early 1920s. By the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in July 1936, she was an experienced theatre nurse at the busiest public hospital in Glasgow, The Royal Infirmary. She volunteered to go to Spain to join the International Brigades medical service, which supported the defence of Spains democratically elected government. READ NEXT: Two solo exhibitions opening at Solas Art Gallery For very good reasons, which become clear as the film progresses, Ruth left little record of her time in Spain bar some correspondence with her brother in Dromore West, said Mr Gogan. He admitted that researching her story was very challenging, but he discovered a memoir written in Spanish by a surgeon named Moises Broggi, who turned out to be the leader of Ruths medical unit. Broggi wrote about Ruth's service in his unit right up to the conclusion of her Spanish journey in Barcelona in May 1938. By mapping his movements, I was able to trace Ruth's journey through some of the most bitter and hard-fought battles of the Spanish Civil War, Mr Gogan explained. Behind the Lines, presented by Galway woman Catherine Howley, a Barcelona-based expert in the Spanish Civil War, also highlights the stories of other Irish medics and volunteers who served in the conflict, including Corks Mary Elmes and Dubliner Paddy Cochrane. Catherine Howley and Johnny Gogan will participate in a post-screening discussion at the Glens Arts Centre following the 12pm screening on Saturday, September 20. READ NEXT: Free gigs, film, art, storytelling and late-night parties at Leitrim Culture Night The film will screen at the Model Arts Centre in Sligo the following day. Behind the Lines was edited by Dromahair-based Patrick J. ORourke, with the musical score composed by Steve Wickham. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Firmly Safeguard the Outcomes of Victory in the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War A HOMELESS man with more than 100 previous convictions has been sentenced to nine weeks' imprisonment after he admitted multiple new offences. Martin Ryan, aged 47, pleaded guilty to the offences when he appeared before Limerick District Court via video link from Limerick Prison. Sergeant Sean Murray said all of the offences occurred when the defendant was intoxicated and that most of the prosecutions were for offences under the Public Order Act However, two of the cases, he said, related to incidents of criminal damage. He told the court that on May 12, last gardai were alerted to a male who was kicking cars and taxis while walking along William Street in the city centre. The specific charge before the court related to hundreds of euro worth of damage which was caused to the passenger door of a taxi. The other criminal damage offence related to an incident outside the Savoy Hotel at Henry Street in the city centre on April 30, last. Judge Patricia Harney was told while walking outside the entrance of the hotel, at around 7.30pm, the defendant pulled plants out of five separate pots and "threw them out onto the street". That incident, Sgt Murray said, was captured on CCTV and the total cost of the damage caused was 500. Solicitor Sarah Ryan said her client, who has a total of 111 previous convictions and who suffers from a disability, has "fallen between" the homeless services in Limerick and Clare in recent months and that he is currently living "on the streets" and in tents. She said there is a "fairly sad background" to the case but that her "hands are tied" given his instructions to her. Judge Harney imposed a two month prison sentence in relation to the taxi charge, back-dating it to the date Mr Ryan first entered custody. An eight-week prison sentence was imposed in relation to the incident outside the Savoy Hotel while a one-week sentence was imposed in relation to one of the public order offences. All of the sentences are to be served consecutively to each other. A 25-YEAR-OLD Limerick man has appeared in court charged in connection with an estimated 1m+ alleged crime spree in counties Clare, Limerick and Galway. At a special sitting of Ennis District Court, Tyreke Casey Curtin of Caislean na hAbhann, Castletroy, Limerick appeared in connection with 30 charges that include seven alleged burglaries at different locations on one day, July 9 2024. READ NEXT: Garda 'dragged' along road by young mum as she fled checkpoint close to Limerick town Two of the charges that Mr Casey Curtin is facing is the alleged 16,000 criminal damage to bar and burglary at the clubhouse of Wolfe Tones GAA in Shannon which is the club of 2024 Clare All-Ireland winning senior hurling manager, Brian Lohan. Already, two co-accused, including a brother of Mr Casey Curtin, Owen Casey are facing trial for their roles in the alleged 1m+ crime spree and were remanded in custody pending trial to Ennis Circuit Court and three accused now face a combined 155 charges. In July, Eddie Carey, aged 31, of De Vere Court, John Carew Park, Limerick and Owen Casey, aged 28, of Salvia Court, Keyes Park, Southill, Limerick were returned to trial where the two face a combined 125 charges with Mr Casey facing 59 charges and Mr Carey facing 66 charges. At a contested bail hearing for Mr Casey Curtin on Saturday afternoon at the special sitting of Ennis District Court, Detective Garda Aoife OMalley, of Ennis Garda Station, said that it is believed that the monetary value of vehicles and property stolen or damaged by Mr Casey Curtin and his co-accused is well in excess of 1m. Det Garda OMalley alleged that the three accused before the courts, including Mr Casey Curtin are suspected to be involved in the unauthorised taking of high value vehicles, including Audi and BMW models for a criminal network for financial gain. Solicitor for Mr Casey Curtin, Tara Godfrey told the bail hearing that her client will agree to any bail conditions including signing-on and curfews. Ms Godfrey said that Mr Casey Curtins mother has offered 1,500 from her post office book for bail surety. Ms Godfrey said that her client was arrested by gardai last Wednesday morning. She said that it is not reasonable to deprive Mr Casey Curtin of his liberty stating that he is accused of a much lesser role than his two co-accused. Acting Detective Inspector Noel Barry said that the three suspects are co-accused of targeting 31 commercial premises, 24 residential properties and 37 unauthorised takings of cars which is dozens of alleged injured parties. Det Insp Barry said that Mr Casey Curtin is charged with 17 handling stolen property offences, seven burglaries, five criminal damage charges and one possession of stolen property. Det Insp Barry did not put a monetary value on the charges relating to Mr Casey Curtin. Det Insp Barry said that it is a complex case with multiple streams of evidence in relation to it. Det Insp Barry said that a supplementary file will be submitted to the DPP on Mr Casey Curtin as soon as possible so we expect early directions in the matter. Judge Carol Anne Coolican stated that Mr Casey Curtin is facing serious charges. Judge Coolican refused bail and remanded Mr Casey Curtin in custody to re-appear before Ennis District Court via video-link this Wednesday, September 10 for DPP directions. AN EXHIBITION celebrating 160 years of St John's Brass and Reed Band has opened at St Mary's Cathedral in Limerick city. Curated by St Johns Brass and Reed Band in association with Limerick Museum, the exhibition charts more than a century and a half of the history of this Limerick institution. Over the past 160 years, St Johns Band has undergone many name changes. "It was founded in 1865 as the Victuallers Band," a spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) explained. "In those days, brass bands typically had political affiliations or represented a regional or city guild. Guilds were similar to trade unions and the Victuallers Band was a Limerick butchers guild band. "Consequently, most of its members were pork butchers. Later, it became St Johns Temperance Band, associated with the temperance movement, which campaigned for complete abstinence from the consumption of alcohol. Then, it became known as the Workingmens Brass and Reed Band, and finally St Johns Brass and Reed Band." Similarly, St Johns Band has had many homes, including Hatters Lane (off Johns St), Scotts Lane (off Broad Street), St Johns Square and Crosses Yard. From 1954 to 2011, the band was based in a hall behind St Johns Pavilion on Mulgrave Street. There followed a period on Garryowen Road, before to the Redemptorist Centre of Music on Island Road where rehearsals now take place. Tony McCarthy, chairman of St Johns Band, says it is "an inclusive group where a welcome awaits anyone with a love of music". "Despite changes of name and location, St Johns Band has essentially remained the same entity for 160 years with the same core values and mission: to bring together people from Limerick city and its environs in a spirit of music and community. It has always been a fun and friendly band. As the band website states: We warmly welcome anyone, regardless of age, social, racial or religious circumstances. All you need is a love of music," he continued. "St Johns Band is one of the great marching and musical combinations in Limerick citys great band tradition. Under the present conductor Dr Andrew Jordan, it continues to make a great impact on the musical life of Limerick city and beyond." READ MORE: New choir will bring 'dramatic' music to Limerick with maritime-themed concert Dr Matthew Potter, curator of Limerick Museum said the exhibition "displays a rich collection of memorabilia, photographs, instruments, uniforms, and artefacts chronicling over a century and a half of musical heritage and community engagement". He thanked the Arts Office of LCCC and the Heritage Council for "their generous funding of his magnificent exhibition". Mayor of Limerick, John Moran attended the official opening of the exhibition, commenting: "It was a real honour for me as Mayor to attend the launch of this special exhibition. The St Johns Brass and Reed band is a group that has shaped the sound of our city over many decades and indeed generations." Mayor Moran added: "While the musical legacy they continue to leave is an incredibly impactful one, the band has also left its mark on the cultural and historical fabric of Limerick. By remembering and celebrating the contributions of groups like St Johns, who are of course still going strong today, we keep our shared history and culture vibrant for future generations to come. The exhibition is a fitting tribute to a band that continues to inspire pride in Limerick." Director general at LCCC, Dr Pat Daly said: "St Johns Brass and Reed Band has been a cornerstone of Limericks musical and civic heritage for over 150 years, and this exhibition offers a powerful tribute to that legacy. Hosted in the historic setting of St Marys Cathedral, it features an extraordinary collection of artefacts that reflect the bands enduring role in shaping the citys cultural identity." Priomh Chomhairleoir of LCCC, Cllr Catherine Slattery added: " This fantastic exhibition showcases such an extensive array of memorabilia and artefacts that beautifully capture over 150 years of musical tradition and community spirit. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all involved for their generous support in making this exhibition possible." 160 Years of St Johns Brass and Reed Band 1865-2025 will be on display in Saint Marys Cathedral until Saturday, November 15. LIMERICK firefighters spent seven hours overnight battling a major hay barn fire and preventing it from spreading. A tractor in the shed was among the machinery destroyed in the major incident. However, firefighters saved an adjacent dwelling home and farm shed from being engulfed in flames. READ NEXT: 1m Limerick farm set to go under the hammer in Adare this week A spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council said Limerick Fire and Rescue Service received a call to a hay barn fire near Askeaton at 9.14pm last night. Firefighters from stations in Foynes, Rathkeale and Newcastle West all rushed to the scene. This was a large incident involving a large number of bales of hay, large quantity of turf and timber, a tractor and associated machinery, and a quantity of fuel. Hay barn fires are extremely difficult to extinguish, said the spokesperson. A quick-thinking local farmer, who assisted the crews by using his tractor to remove bales of hay from the barn, has been praised for his brave actions. Water was taken from a nearby stream and was also ferried to the scene using water tankers. The crews worked very hard for a number of hours to extinguish the fire and save an adjoining dwelling house and adjacent farm sheds, said the council spokesperson. The fire was extinguished at around 4am this Monday morning. No injuries to humans or animals have been reported. The cause of the blaze is not known. When Gena Heraty was abducted from her bed last month, a gang member told her he'd blow her up. Mayo woman Gena Heraty was held captive for 27 days in Haiti alongside six others, from the early hours of August 3. The woman - who runs an orphanage for children and adults with special needs in Haiti - spoke to Midwest Radios Tommy Marren in her first interview following her release ten days ago. The woman immediately said: I truly am very well all things considered. When Heraty and her fellow staff and a four year old were taken by a gang in the night, they were in bed, wearing pyjamas. Heraty said: They didnt know who they would find. They were asking, take us to the nuns house. Read More: 'Put up to intimidate and harass people' Intent behind Irish flags under scrutiny They told her that they would blow her up, but she knew that they would not, as she was valuable to them. Gena Heraty was angry - and still is - that her little child was taken, as well as key staff at the orphanage. Heraty said: The youngest in our house our little baby, as we call him. I thought, "Oh my God. Why would you kidnap a little child? How would we keep things normal for him. The child referenced is four years old, but developmentally, he wouldnt be four. Heraty said she was guarded by guns and was given scarce food rations and little drinking water. The orphanage director begged the men who abducted her for clean water on a daily basis. The abducted women rationed their food and drink to ensure that the infant boy would have extra provisions. When the infant had diarrhoea, they had no nappies. The room that they were held in was small, dark and dirty. Heraty and those kidnapped were squished like sardines. She said that she was guessing the time and that the nights were terrifying. A kidnapper told her: The innocent have to pay for the guilty. Heraty detailed that I knew that a lot of these gangs, they will tell you themselves, theyre working for the devil and that they have voodoo ceremonies. I was petrified that any one of us could be used in a sacrifice. That some witch doctor would say to them, If you want to have all your strength and your powers, you need to do this to these people. There was no guarantee that we were going to get out. Read More: 'Really tore into him!'- Gardai slate disqualified driver in 'hilarious' Facebook post The woman said everyone in Haiti is aware of kidnappings and We knew of people who hadnt come out of it alive. A good friend of hers had previously died in captivity. Heraty was "walloped" by the kidnappers. She believes the orphans from the home that became angels took the pain of the blows from her. The woman resisted crying out while being beaten, as she knew that is what the kidnappers wanted. Heraty prayed for peace in Gaza while she was in captivity. She thought of the hunger strikers like Bobby Sands and Irish ancestors while she was starving. Her prayers put meaning to our suffering. Every single thing that we suffered, we turned it into a prayer for people that were worse off than us, and I think thats what kept us going. The kidnappers had ransacked everywhere in the location's proximity for food. The day Heraty and the six others were recovered, they were taken to a meeting point where our own team picked us up. Upon being reunited with the orphanage, there was lots of emotion and tears. Yvonne, one of the oldest residents of the orphanage, died while Gena was away. Gena said she will never forgive the kidnappers for this. Im convinced she wouldnt have died, if it wasnt for that trauma. To see the kids, and to see how vulnerable they were, and to leave them without any staff memberreally angers me. Heraty is determined to keep doing good, despite the ordeal she went through. Her orphanage has been displaced since the kidnapping. The Mayo woman said she is dying to see her family, but will continue her work in Haiti. Heraty said she wanted to use the opportunity on the radio to encourage everyone to pray for peace: Thats the only thing that will make the world a better place. When Tommy Marren called the woman incredible, she said if she is incredible it is because of the presence of God within her. She also attributed her strength to the following: This is what Irish people do. We dont sit back and feel sorry for ourselves. We get on with it. I said to my sisters, were Heratys, you would all have done the same thing. Because this is what we do. We come from good stock. While remaining positive, Heraty was realistic about living with the aftermath of what happened to her, and detailed how she has lost weight, her skin is very dry and her strength needs to be rebuilt. Heraty said she hopes to come back to Mayo to see her family before Christmas. I really want to go home, and reassure them that Im fine, you know Milk them for all the softness that I can get out of them. The woman concluded in her interview that she is the face of a broader problem: People are kidnapped in Haiti everyday. Her advice to listeners was to keep praying and she thanked the public in Mayo and Ireland for their prayers. Donations to Gena Heratys residential home for Haitian orphans with special needs can be made here. New Delhi/Bengaluru: Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp has moved the Supreme Court challenging a Bombay high court order that barred the Nasdaq-listed firm from using its hexagonal logo in India. The case, a rare trademark dispute involving a major information technology services firm seeking the intervention of the apex court, is scheduled for hearing on Monday, according to filings reviewed by Mint. Cognizant, which employs nearly three-fourths of its global workforce in India, has been battling a case concerning its hexagonal logo after a Bengaluru-based fintech firm, Atyati Technologies Pvt. Ltd, challenged its ownership in 2023. Atyati filed the infringement suit in 2023, claiming its device markan orange hexagonal honeycomb, slightly inclined in designhad been in use since 2019 to symbolise collaboration, compassion and impact. Cognizant countered that Atyati was aware of its logo since 2022 but claimed knowledge only in October 2023. The company alleged that Atyati suppressed this fact when it first sought the injunction. In March 2024, a single-judge bench of the Bombay high court restrained Cognizant from using its logo, holding that the similarities with Atyatis mark could mislead the public and that Atyati had established a strong case. But in June 2024, another judge lifted the ban, citing records showing that Cognizant had been using the logo since 2022. On appeal, however, a division bench of the Bombay high court led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep V. Marne restored the injunction on 26 August. It rejected Cognizants plea of suppression, noting: It is difficult to conclusively hold that the plaintiff (Atyati) deliberately suppressed information about when it became aware of the defendants (Cognizants) use of the impugned logo. Even if some non-disclosure could be remotely attributed to the plaintiff, such an allegation would not affect its entitlement to a temporary injunction." Following the order, Cognizant stopped using the contested logo on its website and social media handles. Cognizant maintains a detailed seven-page guideline on logo usagea rarity among Indian IT outsourcers. This is also not the first time Cognizant has experimented with its branding. In May 2024, it temporarily used the prefix innovate" in job postings and social media profiles to mark the anniversary of its Bluebolt innovation programme. Queries emailed to Cognizant remained unanswered till press time. Cognizant is not new to legal tussles. The tech services provider has been embroiled in three legal cases related to poaching and alleged theft over the last few years, with one still ongoing. In September 2023, Cognizant announced Jatin Dalal as its chief financial officer, a week after the former CFO of Wipro Ltd resigned. Subsequently, the Bengaluru-based IT services firm filed a complaint in a Bengaluru city court, alleging that Dalal had not adhered to the employment contract, which restricted him from working with Wipros rivals for a period of up to one year. Wipro sought 25.1 crore in damages from Dalal. A similar case had been filed in the New Jersey district court against Mohd Ehteshamul Haque, formerly Wipros head of healthcare and medical devices, a few months later in December 2023. Haque joined Cognizant in August 2023 as its chief commercial officer for the Americas region shortly after leaving Wipro in June 2023. Wipro agreed to settle both cases after Cognizant paid Dalal 4.2 crore as settlement money and reimbursed his legal fees; however, the terms of the settlement for the case involving Haque are not known. Cognizant is also currently embroiled in a legal dispute with Bengaluru-based Infosys Ltd. over claims that the former misappropriated its trade secrets for its healthcare payor software to create a rival product. What started a year ago took twists and turns, with Infosys publicly naming Cognizants chief executive, S. Ravi Kumar, for engaging in anti-competitive practices. Not only did Infosys deny the allegations, but it also informed the court on 28 February that Cognizants mention of broad categories of trade secrets did not qualify as specific trade secrets that are alleged to have been stolen. According to a Mint report on 27 May, the Dallas court directed Cognizant and Infosys to discuss and settle any disagreements regarding information they shall share before trial. Cognizant ended the April-June 2025 quarter $5.25 billion in revenue, up 2.54% sequentially and 8.14% year-on-year. Banks and financial institutions accounted for more than three-fifths of its $130 million in incremental revenue. However, concerns surrounding its ability to grow organically still linger, as most of its growth was boosted by a single acquisition. Mint reported on 31 July that its organic growth had slipped. (Bloomberg) -- Anthony Scaramucci is struggling to spin one of President Donald Trumps big tax breaks into a profit for his wealthy clients. Yet the Mooch, as hes known on Wall Street, keeps getting paid his fees. The hedge fund manager known for his 10-day stint as White House communications director in 2017 promised wealthy investors that he could help them take advantage of Trumps signature program for spurring projects in low-income communities, dubbed opportunity zones. His list of ideas included a luxury hotel in Oakland, California, a warehouse in Savannah, Georgia, and middle-income housing. But key targets that Scaramucci laid out in 2018 interviews havent been realized. Instead of raising $3 billion for his SkyBridge Opportunity Zone Real Estate Investment Trust, he amassed less than $50 million and made a single investment: a Virgin Hotels property in the Warehouse District of New Orleans. The vehicle has yet to distribute payouts to REIT shareholders let alone generate the 8% to 10% annualized returns before tax benefits that he suggested would be possible over the funds lifetime. SkyBridge Capital, meanwhile, continues getting paid 1.75% of the funds net asset value, which was $43.2 million at the end of 2024. Executives for the hedge fund firm declined to comment. Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act recently made opportunity zones permanent, setting up another wave of investment funds that could start taking shape in January 2027. The SkyBridge experience may serve as a cautionary tale to investors: Tax benefits only matter if you make money. Trump championed these zones in his first term as a way to drive private capital to long-neglected parts of the US. Investments in the zones topped more than $80 billion, according to a report from the Joint Committee on Taxation based on returns filed for 2019 through 2022. Boosters say the zone investments have helped build affordable housing and created jobs and new businesses. Yet these dollars have not been evenly spread, with much of the money flowing to urban and suburban areas and wealthier states such as Florida and New York, the Joint Committee found. Louisiana, home to the SkyBridge funds hotel, received less than $500 million, or $106 per person, one of the lowest amounts across the US even though its among the poorest states. Most academic studies of the program show that, at least in its first few years, the opportunity zones had little or no economic impact, according to the Joint Committees report. Investors, though, potentially win big. If they take profits from stocks, bonds or other investments and put them into an opportunity zone fund, theyll reduce their capital gains on the initial sale and defer its payment until 2026. If they keep the fund for at least a decade, theyll pay no capital gains on its returns. So far, it looks like SkyBridge clients could miss out on that tax-free benefit. From the firms initial money raise in December 2018 through the end of last year, it has lost 1.4%, according to investors. Those who got into the fund the following year are down 5.6%, the investors said. The New Orleans hotel is a sleek building with a rooftop pool, nestled in a neighborhood full of galleries, restaurants and shops. It gets 4.7 stars out of 5 on TripAdvisor. Even so, some investors say they doubt the value of the hotel will rise sharply in coming years. It makes money, but its net operating income has been fairly stable between $4.7 million and $5 million in its first three full years of operation, according to investors. The lack of growth is in line with other hotels in New Orleans, where revenue per available room was 11% lower in July than it was three years earlier, according to data from STR. While data on opportunity zone investment returns more broadly is scant, the pandemic hit the real estate market hard, meaning that some funds have had difficulty making money. A pool that backed downtown office buildings, for example, is probably underwater, while one that focused on multi-family units in the Sun Belt would more likely be profitable. The program has been disappointing, SkyBridge President Brett Messing said in a March 2020 interview with Yahoo Finance, pointing to the 10-year holding period and inherent risks of real estate development. Weve been modestly successful, but its been tougher to execute than we expected. No-Win Situation Because of strict loan covenants, the hotels lender sweeps some profits into an escrow account, meaning investors in the REIT havent received any cash distributions. The REIT itself has run out of money, so in July it sold new shares to existing holders. With the proceeds, it can continue to pay fees to SkyBridge. The fund offered more than $6 million of shares to existing holders at an 80% discount, amounting to 15% of shareholder equity, according to investors and a regulatory filing. That move put clients in what some saw as a no-win situation. If they chose not to participate, theyd dilute their holdings. If they chose to buy, theyd get an immediate return on paper but could risk having to pay taxes on that gain unless the fund owns the hotel for 10 more years. SkyBridge told some investors it expects to get out before then. SkyBridge also charges investors a collective $150,000 a year for proxy fees and an annual meeting on video conference. During last years shareholder call, Messing told clients he couldnt answer their questions about the fund because he was sitting in his car in Los Angeles. Anyone wanting more information could set up a call in the coming weeks, he said. When investors groused about the lack of immediate responsiveness, he said he was adjourning the meeting, which caused even more complaints. Messing retorted with a threat: Keep up the insults, and we wont talk to you at all. On this years call held in May, SkyBridge put its clients on mute. --With assistance from Patrick Clark. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Air India Sale: Tata Group-owned airline Air India announced its One India, One Fare on 7 September 2025, with the aim of offering attractive flight ticket fares for travellers flying to any destination in Europe. The One India sale simplifies travel planning with seamless connectivity across Air Indias extensive network, encouraging travellers from India to explore Europes vibrant cities, cultural landmarks, and scenic destinations at a consistent, affordable fare, the company said in its official release. This limited-period offer means that passengers who choose to travel with Air India's domestic network to its European routes will be able to pay the same flat price for a round-trip. For example, a person travelling from Varanasi to Milan will pay the same amount they would be paying for a round-trip from Delhi to Milan, according to the airline's offer data. Air India Europe ticket price As part of Air India's One India, One Fare offer, the company is offering the following fares for round-trip to passengers travelling anywhere in Europe: Economy Class 47,000 47,000 Premium Economy Class (on applicable routes) 70,000 70,000 Business Class 1,40,000 Passengers who are travelling to the London Heathrow Airport will have the following fares applicable for round-trip flights: Economy Class 49,999 49,999 Premium Economy Class 89,999 89,999 Business Class 1,69,999 Air India One India offer benefits The company also announced that, as a benefit of the One India, One Fare offer, every ticket booked under the promotional sale will receive one complimentary date change, giving passengers better flexibility while planning their trips. If the travellers are part of Air India's loyalty programme, the Maharaja Club, they will pay zero convenience fee along with the special sale fares. The only criteria to get this fee waiver is to book the tickets from the Air India official website or mobile application. Air India special fare dates According to the company's official announcement, the Air India One India, One Fare sale has started on the official website and application from Sunday, 7 September 2025. Also Read | Air India CEO promised full restoration from Oct 1. That is nowhere in sight The promotional offer will be available across all channels between 8 September and 11 September 2025. Hence, travellers interested in booking their Air India flights to Europe will be able to book their tickets through travel agents worldwide, Air India ticketing offices and the customer contact centre. The One India sale fares will be available for travel until 31 March 2026. If you are a Maharaja Club member, then you will also be eligible to save up to 3,000 per passenger while booking your tickets by using the promo code FLYAI. New Delhi, Sep 8 (PTI) The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) will be engaging with the insurance industry to work out a transition mechanism for the accumulated input tax credit (ITC) of those policies which have been exempted from tax with effect from September 22, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said. The GST Council, comprising the Centre and states, in its meeting last week, decided to exempt GST on premiums paid on individual life and health insurance policies with effect from September 22. Currently, 18 per cent GST is levied on premium payments for such policies. In a FAQ issued after the Council meeting, the CBIC had said that businesses whose outward supply has been exempted after the GST rate rationalisation will have to reverse their ITC, which is accumulated in their ledger. Private sector health and life insurance companies have expressed concern that the reversal of the ITC would impact their finances. When asked whether the government is working on a transition mechanism in such cases, Sitharaman said, "Yes, the board will be talking to the interested stakeholders and see how their transitional arrangement can be made." Asked if it would come in before September 22, the Minister said it would also depend on industry engagement with the board. "Ideally, it should be done before September 22," she said. The GST Council has approved a two-tier GST structure with rates of 5 per cent and 18 per cent for most goods and services and a special rate of 40 per cent for tobacco and related products as well as ultra-luxury items. The new rates will be effective September 22, barring tobacco and associated products, will continue to be taxed at 28 per cent plus a compensation cess till December 31. As part of the rationalisation, GST has been exempted on individual life insurance, including term, ULIP, and endowment plans and reinsurance services. Currently, premium payment on such policies attracts 18 per cent tax. Currently, GST is levied in the slabs of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent. The government has collected 16,398 crore from goods and services tax (GST) levied on healthcare and life insurance in FY24. Of this, 8,135 crore came from life insurance and 8,263 crore from health insurance. Additionally, 2,045 crore was also raised as GST from re-insurance on life and health insurance last fiscal, including 561 crore from reinsurance on life and 1,484 crore on health care. * Intense competition leads to significant cash burn and margin squeeze * Analysts predict profit warnings and downward revisions for major firms * Regulatory pressure may curb aggressive pricing strategies By Casey Hall SHANGHAI, Sept 8 - The bitter battle among China's major online companies to win the "instant retail" war is expected to further depress their short- to medium-term profits and contribute to deflationary pressures in the world's second-largest economy. The likes of Alibaba, Meituan and JD.com have been flooding consumers with discounts and coupons to gain market share in the booming one-hour delivery segment, burning their cash in the process, eating into margins, and raising questions from investors on strategy. They have also drawn increased scrutiny from regulators who are worried about a downward price spiral in China, where weak property prices and poor job stability have contributed to persistent consumer malaise, pressuring companies into aggressive pricing and subsidies in an effort to get people to spend. In recent weeks, as e-commerce and food delivery firms reported earnings for the quarter ended June 30, the theme of competition dominated analyst calls and executive commentary. At JD.com, CEO Sandy Xu warned of unsustainable "excessive competition" while Meituan CEO Wang Xing pointed to a "new phase of competition" and PDD Holdings' co-CEO Zhao Jiazhen flagged industry competition that "has intensified further" throughout the quarter. The first shots were fired earlier this year when JD.com - alarmed by Meituan's move to sell a wider range of products - opened an app to compete with Meituans core food-delivery business. Alibaba, which operates the Ele.me food-delivery app, followed suit, ramping up investment in the segment. All three firms have pledged billions of dollars to win market share. Analysts at Nomura estimate industry-wide cash burn exceeded $4 billion in the second quarter alone. The landscape is increasingly challenging, resembling a high-stakes game of chicken, where the early investments of whichever player yields first could end up wasted. We expect this intense competition to continue at least through the [Singles Day] shopping festival in November, said Kenneth Fong, UBS Investment Banks head of internet research in China. S&P Global analysts forecast Meituan, JD.com and Alibaba will spend at least 160 billion yuan over the next 1218 months to defend or grow market share in food delivery and instant retail. They warned of significant downward revisions to profits, saying margins are unlikely to recover over the next 1224 months. Meituan is expected to be hit the hardest, as food delivery contributes most to its revenue. JD.coms food-delivery losses nearly wiped out its second-quarter profit, while Alibaba is less exposed, with instant retail forming a smaller part of its business, the analysts said. LONG-TERM GAIN PDDs domestic platform, Pinduoduo, has largely stayed out of the instant retail fray, but its low-cost advantage is being eroded by rivals discounting. "We do not believe this quarter's profit levels are sustainable and expect fluctuations in profits in future quarters," said co-CEO Zhao. Contributing to the margin squeeze in the current quarter will be difficulties maintaining e-commerce revenues from the quarter to the end of June, which included a boost from China's mid-year '618' shopping festival. Still, companies are betting the short-term pain will be worth the long-term gain, with Jiang Fan, chief executive at Alibaba's e-commerce business group, projecting the instant retail segment could add 1 trillion yuan in annualised incremental gross merchandise volume for Alibaba over the next three years. Key metrics to watch in the second half include those showing instant retail users migrating to core e-commerce platforms. JD.coms quarterly active customers rose more than 40% year-on-year in Q2, while Alibabas Taobao app saw monthly active users jump 25% in the first three weeks of August, helped by food-delivery-user conversion. While the companies seem ready to dig in for a long-term battle, there is also a chance these price wars might be halted by external powers. Regulators have repeatedly warned platforms against a "race to the bottom" price competition, leading Meituan, Alibaba and JD.com to release statements in July pledging to curb price wars. "We expect the companies stated commitments to the governments anti-involution measures to gradually rationalise competitive dynamics," said Ying Wang, senior analyst at Moodys Ratings. WASHINGTON, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Elon Musk's SpaceX said Monday it will buy wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar for its Starlink satellite network for about $17 billion, the latest major deal crucial for 5G connectivity. The companies also agreed to a deal that will enable EchoStar's Boost Mobile subscribers to access Starlink direct-to-cell service to extend satellite service to areas without service. Gwynne Shotwell, president and COO, SpaceX, said the deal will help the company "end mobile dead zones around the world... With exclusive spectrum, SpaceX will develop next-generation Starlink Direct to Cell satellites, which will have a step change in performance and enable us to enhance coverage for customers wherever they are in the world." The news sent shares of EchoStar surging nearly 22% in premarket trading. Shares of U.S. wireless carriers AT&T and T-Mobile were down more than 5% and Verizon was down more than 4% in premarket trading. SpaceX has launched more than 8,000 Starlink satellites since 2020, building a distributed network in low-Earth orbit which has seen demand from militaries, transportation firms and consumers in rural areas. Also Read | Starlink partners with UIDAI for Aadhaar-based verification of customers The deal comes months after the Federal Communications Commission questioned EchoStar's use of mobile-satellite service spectrum and raised concerns about whether it was meeting its obligations to deploy 5G in the country. The company in August sold some nationwide wireless spectrum licenses to AT&T for $23 billion. AT&T agreed to acquire 50 MHz of nationwide mid-band and low-band spectrum. President Donald Trump previously prodded EchoStar and FCC Chair Brendan Carr to reach an amicable deal for the company's wireless spectrum licenses. The FCC did not immediately comment. EchoStar said it anticipates that the transaction with SpaceX and AT&T deal will resolve the FCC's inquiries. SpaceX will pay up to $8.5 billion in cash and issue up to $8.5 billion in stock. SpaceX has also agreed to cover roughly $2 billion in interest payments on EchoStar's debt obligations through late 2027. After the sale, EchoStar will continue operating its satellite television service Dish TV, streaming TV platform Sling, internet service Hughes and its Boost Mobile brand. SpaceX had aggressively pressed the FCC to reallocate underused airwaves for satellite-to-phone service after alleging EchoStar failed to meet certain obligations. In a letter to the FCC in April, SpaceX said EchoStar's spectrum in the 2 gigahertz band "remains ripe for sharing among next-generation satellite systems" and that the company has left "valuable mid-band spectrum chronically underused". (Bloomberg) -- Alphabet Inc.s Google was sued by advertising exchange PubMatic Inc., which is seeking billions of dollars over its claim that the search giant has illegally monopolized the ad technology market. The lawsuit, filed Monday in federal court in Virginia, is the second by an advertising exchange to take aim at the tech giant since a federal judge ruled in April that Google had illegally monopolized two key technology markets ad exchanges and tools used by websites to sell ad space, known as ad servers. The judge in Virginia who sided with the Justice Department and a handful of states in April has set another trial for this month to decide whether Google must sell off parts of its advertising business to remedy the illegal conduct. On Friday, the Justice Department said the company should be ordered to immediately sell off its advertising exchange, AdX, as well as make its technology interact with rivals. Google has said a selloff isnt necessary, and instead will make its advertising exchange work seamlessly with rival technology and install a monitor to ensure compliance for the next three years. Google didnt have an immediate comment on the new lawsuit. PubMatic Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Goel said the earlier ruling that Google has illegally maintained monopolies in advertising technology was meaningful but not complete. The companys lawsuit isnt just about money, but making sure online advertising markets work, he said. It felt like for many years no matter how well we innovated there was a barrier holding us back, Goel said in an interview. That barrier wasnt the limits of our technology. It was Googles illegal monopoly. Every time we adapted or innovated, Google found new ways to stack the deck. PubMatic helps websites, including Elon Musks X, sell advertising space. Google considered buying the company in 2011, according to documents and testimony from the antitrust trial last year, but instead purchased advertising technology provider AdMeld. Last month, OpenX Technologies Inc., another ad exchange, sued Google in the same Virgina court. The Alphabet unit also faces a case by another group of states led by Texas, as well as a raft of lawsuits from website publishers and advertisers seeking damages for the same conduct. The publisher and advertiser suits are pending in New York, and Google has sought to transfer OpenXs case there, though the judge in the case hasnt yet ruled on the request. (Updates with details on DOJ lawsuit beginning in third paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com (Bloomberg) -- Most California homes were built long before the state required that they be constructed to withstand wildfires. Now, sellers of older homes in high-risk areas must disclose to potential buyers not only a dwellings susceptibility to fire but what theyve done to address those vulnerabilities. As climate change intensifies natural disasters, states across the US have been mandating that home sellers disclose risks such as flooding. But the California disclosure is the first to zero in on a propertys ability to survive a catastrophe. That could make the state a model as wildfire and other climate threats endanger homes across the US. While three dozen states require some degree of flood-risk disclosure, only California currently mandates home sellers reveal wildfire hazards. When you require disclosure, you see effects on home prices, said Margaret Walls, a senior fellow at Resources for the Future, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit research institute. Walls and other economists research has shown that disclosing climate risks results in lower home prices, but that buyers are willing to pay more for safer properties. That, in theory, should motivate sellers to improve their homes resilience to climate risks. But such outcomes need to be validated by further research, according to Walls. The new California rule requires sellers to list specific features that endanger a house, including combustible roofs, uncovered vents, single-pane windows and vegetation within five feet (1.5 meters) of a building. Real estate disclosures showing the seller has remedied such threats could help buyers when they apply for homeowners insurance, according to experts. Whether a sale goes through is increasingly contingent on a homes insurability as insurance companies reduce their exposure in disaster-prone areas that are seeing more fires and floods. Insurers in these very high hazard severity zones are going to ask homeowners to do all these things, said Jennifer Valdez, a fire inspector for the Monterey Fire Department in California, where 40% of the city is subject to the wildfire disclosure rules. Seren Taylor, vice president of the Personal Insurance Federation of California, a lobbying group for the states major carriers, said that in high-risk areas, insurers will give preference to homes that have reduced wildfire threats. The point of sale is clearly a terrific opportunity to start to get home hardening built into older housing stock, he said. Nearly 91% of Californias homes was built before 2010, and there are 2 million dwellings in high-risk wildfire areas. About 3% to 4% of single-family houses come on the market annually. Do climate disclosures work? What remains unknown is to what extent real estate disclosures compel sellers to preemptively improve wildfire resilience or how much buyers are paying attention to the warnings amid a deluge of disclosures that accompany the sale of a house. This is particularly true in California, which also requires home sellers to flag, among other things, water-hogging toilets, possible contamination from lead paint and meth labs, and the potential presence of nearby gas pipelines and registered sexual offenders. You can give people too much information such that they ignore all of it, said Matthew Kahn, an economics professor at the University of Southern California. A 2023 paper he co-authored, however, found that targeted climate-related disclosures can influence home buyers. Working with Redfin Corp., Kahn and his colleagues randomly provided more than 8.5 million users of the real estate service with detailed flood risk information on each property they viewed and then tracked the actions they took. They found that people who looked at homes with high flood scores subsequently searched for properties with lower flood ratings. Homes with high flood risk sold for lower prices while buyers paid more for those that were less exposed. Kahn said further research is needed, but he sees Californias wildfire disclosures as potentially having a similar effect. For those home sellers who can demonstrate that they've taken proactive steps to protect their homes, they're going to sell for a price premium, he said. Those homeowners who haven't taken these steps are going to sell their home for a lower price than they would've if they hadn't had to disclose this stuff. An analysis Walls co-authored published in the journal Land Economics determined that older homes in California sold for nearly 5% less when subject to a general wildfire disclosure. She said correlating home sellers and buyers particular actions with the new disclosure requirements will prove challenging. You don't really know how people interpret the information they're given, said Walls. But drawing attention to these risks may make people step up and do more. Californias wildfire disclosures California enacted a two-prong wildfire disclosure law in 2020 after a series of destructive conflagrations. The first part took effect in 2021 and requires home sellers in zones the state designated as having high and very high fire hazard to provide buyers with documentation that theyve complied with restrictions on vegetation around a house that could ignite the structure, called defensible space. The second provision the new home hardening disclosure went into force in July and applies to homes built before 2010. Sellers appear to be complying with the requirements, according to Gov Hutchinson, assistant general counsel for the California Association of Realtors, a trade group. It's another disclosure, it doesn't seem to interfere with sales, he said. To document that theyve complied with defensible space regulations, home sellers must request an inspection, usually from their local fire department. Alternatively, the buyer can agree to obtain such documentation after the sale closes. Home sellers will have more work to do in the coming years as the state begins enforcing regulations in 2029 that require owners of existing homes in high-risk wildfire areas to remove vegetation and other combustible material within five feet of the building. Some cities already require such ember-resistant zones. Valdez, the fire inspector, said 6,259 parcels in Monterey and two adjoining communities are subject to the 2020 disclosure law. That includes much of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a village of 1920s storybook cottages with highly combustible wood-shingle roofs. Her department does about 15 to 20 pre-sale inspections per month and conducts annual defensible space inspections. Maybe it's because of insurance or seeing these devastating fires, but people are doing the work around their houses and are starting to take the steps that they can afford to start doing the home hardening, said Valdez. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com The US is proposing annual approvals for exports of chipmaking supplies to Samsung Electronics Co. and SK Hynix Inc.s factories in China, a compromise aimed at preventing disruptions to the global electronics industry after Trump officials revoked Biden-era waivers that let the companies more easily get such shipments. Officials in the US Commerce Department last week presented to Korean counterparts a site license idea to supplant indefinite authorizations the chipmakers secured under the previous administration, according to people familiar with the matter. Those so-called validated end user, or VEU, designations are set to expire at the end of this year. The VEU system granted Samsung and SK Hynix perpetual approval to ship estimated quantities of supplies, based on up-front security and monitoring commitments, to factories in China where the US has broadly curbed shipments of semiconductors and the tools needed to make them. The Trump teams proposal instead requires South Koreas two largest companies to seek Washingtons approval for a years worth of restricted gear, parts and materials at a time, spelled out in exact quantities, the people said. That introduces newfound complexity to the process, but also a way for South Koreas top chipmakers to keep operating giant factories in China that churn out components used in everything from smartphones to data centers. US officials have said they dont want to disrupt operations at those facilities, but also wont approve shipments of gear that could be used to upgrade or expand them. All told, Washingtons draft proposal left South Korean industry and government officials both relieved that a path forward exists and frustrated by the extra burden, said the people, who requested anonymity to disclose sensitive conversations. Spokespeople for Samsung and South Koreas Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy declined to comment, while SK Hynix did not immediately respond. The US Commerce Departments Bureau of Industry and Security, which oversees semiconductor export controls, also did not respond to a request for comment. The overall situation has once again thrust South Korea between its most important ally and its biggest trading partner. The US revoked VEU waivers jolting markets and drawing anger from China mere days after President Lee Jae Myung, who campaigned on balancing ties with Washington and Beijing, shook hands with President Donald Trump on a defense and investment agreement. And now the Trump administration has upended operations for South Koreas third- and fifth-largest firms, LG Energy Solution Ltd. and Hyundai Motor Co., by sending immigration officers to raid their battery plant venture near Savannah, Georgia. Washington imposed sweeping controls on chip shipments to China in 2022 as part of a long-running campaign to limit the Asian countrys prowess in semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Former President Joe Bidens team issued waivers to Samsung and SK Hynix as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. to blunt the impact of those curbs on companies headquartered in friendly places that had long operated plants in an adversary nation. Securing those VEU designations was a major diplomatic victory for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. That status solved the biggest trade issue for the two chipmakers, as once explained by an official in Seoul. Discussions remain ongoing and no final decision has been made. In some ways, Washingtons latest offer may be the best outcome Seoul could hope for. Given that Trump officials have been adamant they wont restore Samsung and SK Hynixs VEU waivers, which theyve criticized as a Biden-era loophole, annual site licenses would at least provide more predictability than if companies had to apply for new US approvals on a shipment-by-shipment basis. Washington officials said in a federal notice that revoking Samsung and SK Hynixs VEU status would require them to process an additional 1,000 permits each year. But companies also have a hard time predicting exactly which parts they may need to fix production gear that could break at any moment over the course of 12 months. And if they urgently need to import components they didnt spell out in the initial site license, theres fear that BIS may not process approvals quickly enough to avoid manufacturing disruptions. A US official, asked about industry concerns regarding permit timelines, dismissed those fears. Washington has a robust system to quickly issue licenses if the need arises, balancing commercial realities with American national security interests, said the official, who was speaking in general terms about the VEU issue and not specifically about the site license idea. Overall, Trumps team wants more visibility into supplies at the South Korean chipmakers plants, according to people familiar with their thinking and for shipments to only happen when Washington proactively approves them. Industry officials, meanwhile, have pointed out in ongoing discussions with the US government that the VEU program already gives Washington significant say over what happens at their China facilities including the ability to demand information about specific planned or completed shipments, and to block exports the US deems risky. Washington is worried about technology leakage or equipment being diverted to Chinese firms, said one South Korean trade official, who asked not to be named discussing a sensitive diplomatic matter. But given that Samsung and SK Hynix already made substantial security assurances as part of their VEU designations, the official said, the real question is how to reassure them on that point. With assistance from Yoolim Lee, Heesu Lee and Debby Wu. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Early-stage Indian startups are heading to the Middle East as their first international port of call, as countries in the region move away from their dependency on oil and diversify their economies. Founders across the ecosystem are finding that the regions appetite for new technologyfrom cybersecurity to cloud computingis picking up, burnishing the attractiveness of the market. Companies like Protectt, Kluisz.ai, Doqfy, Ringg.ai and others are looking to enter the Middle East first, before setting sail to larger markets like the US. We will be focusing on the Indian and Middle East markets first. Theyre very large and fast-growing markets," Abhinav Sinha, co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of private cloud computing company Kluisz.ai, said. However, he admitted that while the companys primary focus is the Indian market for now, the US could work out quicker than expected. The company raised $9.6 million in a seed round in July this year from RTP Global, with participation from Unicorn India Ventures, Blume Founders Fund, Climber Capital and a few angel investors including Oyo founder Ritesh Agarwal. Also Read | How AI is helping resurrect India's edtech sector Similarly, Protectt.ai, a cybersecurity company for apps, raised $8.7 million in a Series A round led by Bessemer Venture Partners. The company caters mostly to sectors like banking, finance and stock exchanges. What makes the region attractive to Protectt is that there are now more than 1,000" fintech companies in the Middle East and North Africa region, according to a report from McKinsey & Co. The companys co-founder and CEO, Manish Mimani, said, The regions fast-growing banking and fintech ecosystem makes it a natural choice for us. It has strong potential for large enterprise deals from players in the market." Protectt set up offices in Dubai for its expansion into the region at the end of March. While the company is targeting the US as well, it sees the Middle East as its growth hub and a long-term market. Doqfy, a cloud-based contract management software company, has its bases in India and in Dubai. The company has so far raised $1.9 million in seed funding from Silverneedle Ventures, Pentathlon Ventures and LetsVenture. If we explore only the US, theres only federal law-based contracts there. But in the Dubai market, theres options for European law, British and even US. Several law firms have cropped up there to cater to high-value transactions like real estate and other industries," said Aditya Pandranki, founder and CEO of Doqfy. The company began taking on clients from the region in January this year. Doqfys approach is to tap one large conglomerate which caters to several industries, thereby offering the company multiple use cases for its software as well as market visibility. While most of its revenue continues to be generated by its Indian clients, Pandranki said its Middle East business will begin generating revenue by the end of the current fiscal year. After the pandemic, technology adoption has become relevant in markets in Asia Pacific and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region." Similarly, voice assistant artificial intelligence (AI) company Ringg.ai, which raised $1 million in seed money from Capital 2B this year, is also targeting the Mena region as its first international market. Esports gaming platform Gamerji, which had raised $1.1 million in seed from Unicorn India Ventures in 2022, has found a large market for its offerings in MENA, with over 70-80% of its revenues coming from there. Making a lucrative market Software-as-a-service startups are generally the first to enter international markets on account of their lower customer acquisition costs, higher scalability and easier customization of their products, according to a report by Meta and global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal, released in June. In this regard, the UAE has been a destination for a lot of Indian startups first office in the MENA region. In fact, the report says that among the top five markets that Indian startups open international operations in, the UAE ranks second, with the US holding the top rank. For early-stage founders, it makes sense to come to the region, from all angles. From potential introductions to new customers to raising money, but more importantly, future-proofing," said Sudarshan Pareek, senior vice-president and head of CE Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of UAE-based conglomerate Crescent Enterprises. Theres some brand recognition already built into the market here, which can be leveraged in a low-risk environment without putting too much capital investment and build a business." Also Read | Servify chases the American Dream ahead of 2026 IPO Whats more, government policies in the region, especially in the UAE, has been instrumental in attracting Indian startups to the region. India has a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which came into force in 2022. Theres also the UAE-India Start-up Series, a part of the CEPA, which saw 10,000 Indian startups apply to get access to the programme. Under the programme, 20 companies will be selected which will receive help for expansion in the UAE. Drying investments from the region Indian startups targeting the region as a market is an unexpected surprise, primarily because investments from the region into the Indian market have shrunk dramatically. Investments flowing from the Middle East into India topped out at $4.1 billion across 39 deals in 2021, according to data from Venture Intelligence. Since then, however, theyve declined steadily. In 2022, overall investment stood at $3.9 billion, dropping to $692 million in 2023, before declining further in 2024 to $201 million. So far this year, firms have invested only $72 million across just five deals in India. Of the five large investments from the region between 2020 and 2025, three were led by the Qatar Investment Authority. The sovereign wealth fund injected $1.5 billion in 2022 in investment platform Bodhi Tree, which is led by James Murdoch and Uday Shankar. It also invested a total of $1.5 billion in now-listed food delivery company Swiggy between 2021 and 2022. Beleaguered edtech company Byjus also saw a $1.4 billion investment from Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Co., the sovereign wealth fund of the UAE. New Delhi: Indias leading steel producers are pushing for lower input costs to stay competitive globally, with a sharp focus on reforming iron ore supply and pricing mechanisms. Speaking at the ISA Steel Conclave 2025, top executives from Tata Steel, SAIL, JSW Steel, Jindal Steel, and AM/NS India emphasized the need for government intervention to ease raw material pressures. For steelmakers, the primary input costs come from purchasing raw materials such as iron ore and coking coal. If enough (iron ore) mines are brought out, there's a calendar for auctions, then, automatically, it will put the steelmakers at ease, said ISA president and Jindal Steel chairman Naveen Jindal on Monday, adding that it will reassure them that there is enough for everyone. Also Read | India moves to shield steelmakers with duty on Vietnamese imports Since the mines are auctioned one by one, Jindal said steelmakers who have set up steel plants are compelled to bid higher premiums to ensure raw material security. But I hope in the times to come, if enough mines are brought out, then these premiums will also go down, he said. Jindal also stated that the industry association has been in discussions with the government, which has expressed support for increasing domestic iron ore production. Jindal added that this will happen automatically when the supply increases. It will reduce the prices, which would help Indian steel become more sustainable and cost-competitive internationally. A similar sentiment was echoed by another industry executive. Also Read | Steel industry backs 12% safeguard duty amid global oversupply pressures Call for competitiveness One of the key areas which I want to focus on today is that we have to make steel very competitive, and it is important that input prices have to necessarily come down, said Dilip Oommen, chief executive officer at ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India. This comes after several steps to boost iron ore supply, including the auction of around 20 million tonnes of ore lying at pre-auction mine sites, and the expansion of state-run NMDCs mining capacity, were discussed at a high-level inter-ministerial meeting on 26 August. The government could reallocate non-operational mines held by Steel Authority of India and Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd, either through fresh auctions or transfer them to state-run firms to boost output of iron ore, according to a senior government official and industry executives, all of whom spoke on condition of anonymity, Mint reported earlier. According to Big Mint, a market intelligence firm, since 2015, about 135 iron ore mines have been auctioned, but only around 35 are operational. Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra are the top five iron ore-producing states. The mines are not operational because they have not received the required clearances, and some companies have bid such high premiums that it does not make economic sense to start operations, said Dhruv Goel, CEO of Big Mint, adding that most of these mines have been started by JSW Steel and AM/NS India. An increase in supply could help lower raw material costs and soften steel prices, enabling domestic producers to combat cheap imports from China, Japan, Vietnam and South Korea. Combating dumping On tariffs on China, Naveen Jindal welcomed the Directorate General of Trade Remediess recommendation of imposing 12% tariff on some steel products from China and said it was sufficient. We had demanded 25%, but if DGTR, in their wisdom they have come to 12% or they have recommended 12%, that is fine because presently also it was 12.5%, so we will be able to manage. That is sufficient, said Jindal. If there is a problem, they will take it up again with the government. If the tariffs are imposed, the levy will start at 12%. It will be reduced to 11.5% in the second year and then 11% in the third year. Speaking about domestic demand, Jindal expects double-digit growth in the second half of the current financial year, and steel prices will pick up around the same time. Domestic demand has been in single digits for most of the first half of the year. Our target is to take Citroen sales to 2000 per month, says Stellantis MD Shailesh Hazela, at the launch event of the Citroen Basalt X. The Basalt X is based on the top-spec variant of the coupe-styled crossover, and comes with a new colour scheme along with a host of new features, including a new AI digital assistant dubbed Cara. At present, Citroen India sells fewer than 500 cars a month, with 494 units sold in the month of July. Buoyed by the new and simplified GST structure, Hazel is confident that the brand will witness an uptick in sales as Citroens C3 derivatives (sans the Aircross) benefit from the GST revision from 28% to 18%. Our target is to take Citroen sales to 2000 per month, says Stellantis MD Shailesh Hazela At present, Stellantis India has two brands under its umbrella, namely, Jeep and Citroen, with a third, Leapmotor, set to debut by early 2026. Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer, is set to enter India via a Stellantis-led joint venture, with Stellantis owning a majority stake in Leapmotor International. However, Hazel has remained steadfast about the fact that Stellantis does not intend to avail the governments EV incentives, which require foreign carmakers to invest 4,150 crore in setting up EV manufacturing in India, allowing the brand to import 8,000 vehicles over five years at a reduced customs duty of 15%. For the moment, however, Stellantis is counting on the rumoured India-Europe free-trade agreement (FTA) to bring in more models. Stellantis bets on long-term strategy over short-term incentives Its (the FTA) a matter of when and not if. An FTA, for a company like Stellantis, is always good news, as we have manufacturing presence in 62 countries. It gives us a lot of comfort in terms of longevity, says Hazela. When the brand does make its entry into the Indian market, Leapmotor will be besieged by intense competition, particularly in the mid-size SUV and premium compact hatchback space where it intends to compete. Without investing in a local plant, Stellantis appears to be hedging its bets. The Stellantis philosophy is that we dont build plants around policies only. It has to be self-sustaining. We dont want to get into penetrating prices and then not sustaining it specifically for the local market. For us, it is very important that wherever we go, we meet the expectations of the local market in a way that does not become a constraint for us after a few months or a few years. Thats what we learnt from Jeep, says Hazela, adding that he is counting on the improving relations between India and China to aid our plans to move faster. Stellantis has already spent 11,000 crore in India, covering its manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu, and R&D centres in Pune and Chennai, among other things. As it stands, Jeep Indias own product offensive for the future remains unclear. The brand currently sells the Meridian and the Compass, along with its premium offerings like the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee. The Compass is indisputably Stellantiss strongest offering thus far; however, due to high developmental costs, the brand isnt bringing in the next-gen Compass to India and will continue to sell the current version for the foreseeable future. Also Read | Maserati targets India as top 10 market by 2030, focuses on younger demographic We are evaluating all the options for Jeep, both through FTA or GST. Jeep could be in the B or C segment, both with a price that is sustainable. The key challenge for the brand is to maintain its reputation as a premium carmaker while also tapping into the most competitive, fastest-growing segments, which, according to Hazela, are primarily the B and C segments. We are actively looking at the B-segment because thats where the mass is. And while we want to make it premium, we also want to make it more accessible. So we are evaluating what product can be localised because without localisation, we cannot sustain, says Hazela. For the moment, the Jeep Compass is available with a diesel-only powertrain. Hazela says, Personally, I dont think diesel is going away. Diesel is cheaper, and beyond BSVII, its refinement will also be higher. India lives in harmony with everything. Citroen, which has yet to have a breakout success like Jeep did with the Compass, is showing promising year-on-year growth, but has yet to have the brand recall value that Hazela would want it to have. When asked about the key barriers that Citroen India has faced, as a brand, Hazela attests that it primarily comes down to reach. I think its the reach to the customer, says Hazela, on retail expansion being a key focus for the brand at the moment. When asked whether any states are priority markets, Hazela says Citroen is looking at India overall. We have a lot of floating manpower in India. So if our customers decide to move, they shouldnt feel neglected. We are looking to have a presence in every state. Were present in Assam, in Manipur, we are opening in Siliguri as well. NEW DELHI : India is aiming to deepen trade ties with the Middle East and Europe, as it steps up efforts to diversify its export markets amid strained relations with the US after president Donald Trump imposed a hefty 50% import tariff on the country. The government is expected to finalise the terms of reference (ToR) for a free trade agreement (FTA) with Qatar early next month, which could be followed by commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal visiting Doha in the first week of October, a senior government said on the sidelines sidelines of an event in New Delhi on Monday. Qatar, which has emerged as an important export destination for Indian engineering goods, petrochemicals, and agricultural products, is being seen as a key partner in New Delhis attempt to reduce dependence on the US - India's largest export market. Also Read | Engineering goods export body flags significant job losses Indias exports to the US, its largest buyer of engineering goods, have already taken a hit after Washington imposed a 50% tariff across the sector from 27 August, a move exporters say could cost nearly $7.5 billion in FY26 and put the MSME-dominated clusters under severe stress. Trade with Qatar is almost one-sided, as India imported $12.46 billion worth of goods in FY25 against exports of just $1.69 billion. The pattern was similar in FY24, with imports at $12.34 billion and exports at $1.7 billion, reflecting a sharp imbalance largely driven by Indias dependence on energy supplies from Qatar. EU talks gain momentum The government is simultaneously advancing negotiations with Europe, with the 13th round of India-EU FTA talks currently underway in New Delhi. As per the senior government official, Goyal is scheduled to meet the EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic on 12 September to iron out differences on sensitive issues such as spirits, dairy, and automobiles. Both sides have expressed optimism that the deal, which has been in the works for over a decade, could be concluded soon, the official said on the condition of anonymity. Also Read | India must stand united against global trade shocks, says Piyush Goyal While pursuing new partnerships, New Delhi has reiterated that core interests in sensitive sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, dairy, and MSMEs will be safeguarded in all trade talks. India is committed to fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade, but we will not compromise on areas that impact livelihoods at home," the official cited above said. The governments outreach to Qatar and the EU comes against the backdrop of stalled discussions with Washington, where the sixth round of proposed bilateral trade agreement talks remains on hold. Though both sides have signalled readiness to engage, there is no clarity on when negotiations might resume. Exporters fear that prolonged tariffs could wipe out years of market access gains in the US, Indias largest destination for engineering exports, which were worth $19.16 billion in FY25. Trade imbalance under spotlight Indias main imports from Qatar are dominated by energy supplies, mainly liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and petrochemicals. There are also smaller imports of fertilizers, aluminium, and certain chemicals. Indias exports to Qatar chiefly include rice, meat, seafood, iron and steel products, machinery, textiles, plastic articles, and chemicals. There is also a growing share of engineering goods, electronic items, and consumer products in recent years. The US is not only Indias largest trading partner but also one of the few major economies with which India enjoys a significant trade surplus. Indias goods trade surplus with the US rose to $41.18 billion in FY25, up 16.6% from $35.33 billion a year ago. The increase was driven by an 11.6% rise in exports to $86.51 billion, while imports from the US grew 7.4% to $45.33 billion. In comparison, India's overall goods trade reported a deficit of $282.8 billion in FY25. According to a Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) report, India could see its exports to the US drop to $49.6 billion due to new tariffs. The tariffs are expected to severely impact Indias labour-intensive sectors, with exports in areas such as textiles, gems and jewellery, and shrimp potentially facing a 70% reduction, leading to significant job losses and challenges for India's role in global supply chains, the report highlighted. New Delhi: Confronted with a steep 50% tariff from the US, Indias commerce ministry is moving to soften the blow by redirecting exports to trusted partners such as Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), two government officials directly involved in the process told Mint on the condition of anonymity. The US tariff setback can act as a push for India to achieve its long-desired diversification of the trade basket, industry experts said. Early signs of success on India's push are already visible, as Singapore has agreed to increase purchases of Indian farm goods and is likely to open its market to seafood, offering relief to marine exporters, while the UAE is being lined up as an alternative hub for textiles, one of the worst-hit sectors, the officials said. Also Read | The EUs trade truce with the US is in danger of unravelling India had shipped $2.68 billion worth of marine products to the US in fiscal year 2025 (FY25), up from $2.50 billion in the previous year, but exporters now face a major disruption due to the tariff barrier and the resulting supply chain disruption. India exported textiles worth $2.1 billion to the UAE in FY25, 6.2% higher that the previous year's $1.95 billion. For perspective, Indias textile exports to the US were at $10.9 billion in FY25, up from around $10.02 billion in FY24. The ministry's plan involves creating new demand avenues in these markets to absorb part of the diverted trade from the US and provide exporters with immediate relief. As part of the new playbook, a series of visits are planned to these trusted trade partners by senior officials and industry representatives," said the first among the two government officials cited above. Singapore has already shown interest in importing Indian eggs and poultry, and discussions are underway to permit the entry of Indian fish. A team is expected to visit Singapore shortly to pitch both new and traditional products." The outreach is being seen as a calibrated response to mitigate losses, even as India continues with the negotiations with Washington under the Bilateral Trade Agreement framework. Trade experts point out that while Singapore, the UAE, and other smaller economies cannot match the scale of US consumer demand, even a partial absorption of diverted exports could offer exporters breathing space. The crisis also provide an opportunity to accelerate diversification and reduce Indias reliance on one dominant market, they said. If we get a market anywhere, that will provide relief. We have to see to what extent other markets will be able to absorb, because the kind of consumerism seen in the USA is difficult to find in other countries, particularly in small economies," said Ajay Sahai, director general, Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO). Also Read | Exporters hit by global trade actions can tap retail market, says Goyal But then, if we are talking about a hit of a few billion dollars in exports, and even if some significant portion can be absorbed by the smaller markets, it will be a huge relief. We have to keep in mind that the setback is temporary, but it should be used for diversification," Sahai said. If there is a tariff today, what happens if the USA goes into recession tomorrow? We must have alternative markets in place. From that perspective, these initiatives are extremely good, and I am quite sure that the way the government is moving on FTAs (free trade agreements) will itself provide comfort and advantage to Indian exporters in diversifying into those markets," Sahai said. On one hand we are looking at trading arrangements through formal agreements and on the other side, we are seeking complementarities with other countries," said the second official. In the case of the UAE and other countries, talks are being held across a range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, textiles, marine and agricultural products to reduce Indias dependence on its traditional markets and diversify trade channels. A lot of work is going on in identifying new markets and products for diversion of exports," the official added. A meeting of the IndiaUAE High-Level Joint Task Force on Investments (HLJTFI) is scheduled for the third week of September. India and the UAE are targeting $100 billion in trade by 2030, excluding oil and precious metals. Talks are also on with Germany to expand the trade basket, with India exploring what products it can export and in return import from Germany. These efforts are aimed at diversifying Indias merchandise trade. Bilateral trade between India and the UAE surged to $99.7 billion in FY25$36.3 billion in exports and $63.4 billion in importsfrom $83.6 billion in the year before and $84.8 billion in FY23, commerce ministry data shows. Indias UAE export portfolio includes refined petroleum products, chemicals, and gems and jewellery. The other significant exports are pharmaceuticals, textiles, garments, and agricultural products such as rice, pulses, and spices. Imports are dominated by crude oil and petroleum products, along with liquefied natural gas (LNG). Indias trade sheet with Singapore has $12.98 billion in exports and $21.29 billion in imports in FY25, taking total trade to $34.27 billion and leaving the country with a trade deficit of $8.32 billion. In FY24, exports were $14.41 billion and imports $21.20 billion, taking bilateral trade to $35.61 billion and a trade deficit of $6.79 billion. The major exported items to Singapore include petroleum products, engineering goods, organic and inorganic chemicals, gems and jewellery, electronic goods, drugs and pharmaceuticals, rice, plastics, spices, and ready-made garments. "Opening up markets in Singapore and the UAE will give exporters an immediate alternative to redirect shipments that are now stuck because of the US tariffs. Even if these destinations cannot fully replace the scale of American demand, they will help sustain cash flows, keep production lines active, and prevent deeper job losses," said a senior industry representative. "Our immediate priority is to make sure exporters dont lose ground because of the US tariffs. That is why we are intensifying outreach with partners like the UAE and Singapore, where complementarities already exist. The idea is to convert certificates and agreements into real trade flows," said a senior commerce ministry official. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Israels Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich signed a landmark Bilateral Investment Agreement in New Delhi on Monday, which would help promote investments between the two countries, the finance ministry said. The Government of India and the Government of the State of Israel sign Bilateral Investment Agreement # BIT in New Delhi, today, it said in a post on X. The bilateral investment agreement marks Israel as the first OECD member to adopt Indias new investment treaty model. The agreement aims to enhance economic ties, explore financial protocols for Israeli exporters, and consider establishing an Israeli Finance Ministry presence in India. Israel has made $337.77 million foreign direct investment (FDI) in India between April 2000 and June 2025. The signing of the India-Israel pact holds significance for both countries as they move ahead to ink a free trade agreement (FTA). Israeli FM Bezalel Smotrich arrived in India on September 8 for a three-day visit till September 10. During his visit, he is also scheduled to meet Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, according to a report by PTI. the Israeli finance minister will also take a trip to Mumbai and the GIFT City in Gandhinagar, apart from Delhi. "The aim of this visit is to deepen Israel's economic and financial ties with India through bilateral meetings and to prepare common ground for some of the key agreements, including bilateral investment treaty and FTA," sources told PTI. India Israel BIT: What does it promise? The India Israel Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) ensures that Israeli investors in India and Indian investors in Israel are given protection, in light of the relevant international precedents and practices, according to PTI. It is likely to increase the comfort level and boost the confidence of investors by assuring a minimum standard of treatment and non-discrimination, while providing for an independent forum for dispute settlement through arbitration. The BIT also provides for protection to investments from expropriation, transparency, transfers and compensation for losses, sources said. New Delhi: India must rely on its resilience and collective resolve to navigate rising global trade disruptions, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, the Union minister said that dependence on imports leaves businesses vulnerable, and called for greater innovation and a focus on Made in India products, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis Independence Day appeal. Also Read | Exporters hit by global trade actions can tap retail market, says Goyal Though Goyal did not name any country, his comments came against the backdrop of recent curbs that have disrupted Indian trade and industry. China suddenly restricted exports of specialized fertilizers and rare earth magnets, affecting Indian agriculture and automobile manufacturing, while the US imposed steep 50% tariff hikes on most Indian goods, crippling shipments to its largest market. In the case of specialized fertilizers and rare earth magnets, China allowed exports to resume following its finance ministers recent visit to New Delhi. For the US, however, the tariffs have been in effect since 27 August, and the sixth round of proposed talks for a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) remains on hold, with no clarity on when negotiations will restart. Exporters fear that the prolonged tariff regime could lead to billions of dollars in losses and job cuts in labour-intensive sectors. Goyal said that such developments underline the importance of self-reliance, warning that sudden restrictions on critical inputs could pose risks to businesses. He further said that Indias strength lies in trade and the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector, which has helped the economy move from being part of the fragile five to one of the worlds top five. Our self-confidence is so strong that it will only grow stronger and will not bow in front of anyone, he said. Citing the growth of engineering exports to $116 billion today from $10 million in 1955, Goyal expressed confidence that the sector would continue to aim higher. Industry representatives at the event said the ministers remarks resonated with them, especially at a time when exporters are facing supply chain disruptions and steep duties in their biggest overseas market. With the steep US tariff now in effect, Indias engineering goods exports, which reached $19.16 billion in FY25, an 8.7% increase from $17.63 billion in FY24, face heightened risk in their largest market. Emphasising the importance of quality and sustainability, Goyal reiterated Indias commitment to the Zero Defect, Zero Effect motto, saying the world considers India a trusted partner and that maintaining that reputation is essential. He noted that India has consistently ranked among the top three globally in sustainability efforts, reflecting its responsibility towards the environment under its Paris climate commitments. The Indian government is looking out for alternative export markets and import substitution strategies to protect the country's farmers from the impact of the raging tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, reported the news agency PTI, citing an executive from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on Monday, 8 September 2025. Also Read | Trump tariffs: GST cuts help but India must raise its game The Deputy Director General of Crop Science at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), D K Yadava, told the news agency that the concerned ministries are exploring the potential alternative nations to export various commodities from India. The government is trying to have all alternatives to protect the interests of farmers. As far as exports are concerned, the concerned ministries are already exploring alternative countries for the export of various commodities, reported the news agency, citing Yadava. The deputy director highlighted that India has a very clear stand on imports of genetically modified soybeans and maize, as well as milk and milk products, and is identifying alternative import sources amid push to become self-reliant. In our own system also, we are trying to understand what sort of imports there are and how to become self-reliant. These decisions driven from the highest office of the country to all departments are ongoing so that we depend more on our own produced items and farmers can get good prices, said Yadava, as per the news report. India's focus on self-reliance D K Yadava also said that the programmes discussed over the last two to three months have been focused on achieving self-sufficiency in areas where India depends heavily on the US and other countries. With all efforts and government policies currently under discussion, there will be no loss to farmers in any way, as the Prime Minister keeps reiterating. Our Minister also discusses these points regularly, he said, cited the news agency. Through the news agency, he also assured the people of the nation that the Indian government remains committed to the farmers' interests. We are involved at various stages in giving input and participating in discussions. Definitely, farmers' interests are prime and other things will come after that, said Yadava. Trump tariffs Yadava's remarks have come in the backdrop of the raging tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on all Indian goods imported into the United States. Trump imposed a total of 50% tariffs on India in addition to the 10% baseline tariffs on all imports into the nation. The latest round of 25% tariffs was signed by the US President in an executive order on 6 August 2025. These rates came into effect from 27 August 2025. Before this additional import duty on Indian goods, one day ahead of the 1 August 2025 tariff deadline for the world nations, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all Indian goods imported into the United States, effecitve 50%. Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi highlighted that the US job market is increasingly reliant on the healthcare and hospitality sectors, which have generated 6,00,000 (six lakh) new jobs this year. Without these sectors, overall job growth would stagnate, he said, with less than half of the industries contributing to payroll increases, an indicator of possible recessionary conditions. In a post on the social media platform X on 7 September, Zandi wrote: Whats perhaps most disconcerting about the flagging job market is how dependent it is on healthcare and hospitality for what little job growth is occurring. Since the beginning of the year, the economy has created a paltry 600k jobs, but without the job growth in these industries, there would be zero job growth. Indeed, fewer than half of the industries in the Bureau of Labour Statistics payroll employment survey have added to payrolls over the past 6 months, he added. Further citing data with his post, Zandi claimed, this only happens when the economy is in recession. Is US job market facing recession? Zandi's recent post follows his warning that the US may be entering a jobs recession. Payroll employment declined in June, with only marginal increases in July and August, figures he believes may be revised. While GDP and incomes are still growing modestly, job losses in manufacturing, mining, construction and federal government are raising concerns, he said. Its a jobs recession. Payroll employment declined in June, and while it was up in July and August, the increases were on the margin and seem likely to be revised away. The goods side of the economy, including manufacturing, mining, and construction, is losing a significant number of jobs, as is the federal government, Zandi wrote in a separate post on X. He added, Only healthcare and hospitality are adding to payrolls. Its not a full-blown recession, as GDP, incomes, and profits are still slowly growing. But for how much longer, if the economy continues losing jobs? US jobs data Zandi's latest remarks came after the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released job data on Friday, 5 September. The data showed that the US economy recorded a rise in unemployment rates as job growth declined sharply. A group of well-known actors and filmmakersincluding Olivia Colman, Ayo Edebiri, Mark Ruffalo, and director Yorgos Lanthimoshave joined over 1,300 film industry professionals in signing a pledge to boycott Israeli film institutions. Actors and Filmmakers Join Boycott of Israeli Film Institutions Over Gaza Conflict The pledge, organised by Film Workers for Palestine, calls on industry figures to refuse work with Israeli film bodies and companies that are, in their words, implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people. As filmmakers, actors, film industry workers and institutions, we recognize the power of cinema to shape perceptions, reads the pledge. In this urgent moment of crisis, where many of our governments are enabling the carnage in Gaza, we must do everything we can to address complicity in that unrelenting horror. The statement goes on to cite a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice, which found a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza, and states that Israels occupation and apartheid against Palestinians are unlawful. The pledge draws inspiration from Filmmakers United Against Apartheid, a movement from the 1980s which included names like Martin Scorsese and Jonathan Demme. That group pushed for a film industry boycott of South Africa during the apartheid era. Oscar-nominated producer Mike Lerner supported the new pledge, calling it a peaceful and necessary action: It is the responsibility of every independently minded artist to use whatever powers of expression they possess to support the global resistance to overcome this horror, he said. This pledge is an essential non-violent tool to undermine the deadly impunity that Israel and its allies currently enjoy. OTT releases this week: A new is here and so are the releases on OTT platforms. From Netflix to Amazon Prime Video and SunNXT, JioHotstar and more, new films and shows will be streaming online to keep everyone entertained. Lets take a look at the releases that will be available from 8 to 12 September, 2025. Saiyaara Story: Saiyaara follows Krish Kapoor, a troubled musician, who struggles to make a mark in the industry. He meets Vaani Batra, a shy writer, who is recovering from the scars of her past relationship. Cast: Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda OTT release date: 12th September OTT platform: Netflix Coolie Story: Coolie follows the story of Deva, a retired coolie whose life takes a turn when he sets out to investigate his friends mysterious death. His quest for truth drags him into the dangerous world of gangster Simon, where shifting loyalties, especially from Simons henchman Dayal, make survival a deadly game. Cast: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Aamir Khan OTT release date: 10th September OTT platform: Amazon Prime Video Su from So Story: In a quiet village, a boy's innocent crush unleashes strange events that have everyone convinced he's brought a ghost along with his feelings. Cast: Shaneel Gautham, J. P. Thuminad, Sandhya Arakere, Prakash Thuminad, Deepak Rai Panaje, Mime Ramdas, Raj B. Shetty OTT release date: 9th September OTT platform: JioHotstar Her Mothers Killer Season 2 Story: After 30 years after her mom's murder, a political strategist launches a plan to ruin the Colombian presidential candidate who is behind the murder. Cast: Carolina Gomez, Marlon Moreno, and George Slebi OTT release date: 8th September OTT platform: Netflix You and Everything Else Story: From teen years to adulthood, two friends linked by warmth and tension grow apart, until one is asked to accompany the other through her final days. Cast: Kim Go-eun, Park Ji-hyun, Kim Gun-woo OTT release date: 12th September OTT platform: Netflix The Girlfriend Story: Laura has it all until she meets her sons new girlfriend, Cherry. Caught between suspicion and paranoia, Laura must uncover whether Cherry is a threat or if its all in her mind. Cast: Robin Wright, Olivia Cooke, Laurie Davidson OTT release date: 10th September OTT platform: Amazon Prime Video Do You Wanna Partner Story: Two best friends embark on a journey as partners in an alcohol start-up, challenging norms, bending rules, and their destiny in a male-dominated industry. Cast: Tamannaah Bhatia, Diana Penty OTT release date: 12th September OTT platform: Amazon Prime Video Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Story: The new season focuses on the investigation into the doorman Lester's mysterious death and the unexpected arrival of secret billionaires, old-school mobsters, and secret residents at the Arconia, pushing the podcasting sleuths into their most perilous case yet. Cast: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Michael Cyril Creighton, Renee Zellweger, Christoph Waltz, Tea Leoni, Bobby Cannavale OTT release date: 9th September OTT platform: JioHotstar Rambo in Love Story: An almost bankrupt entrepreneur needs funds urgently to save his business. But his new investor turns out to be his ex. What happens next is pure chaos. Cast: Abhinav Manikanta, Payal Chengappa, Bhargav Writes, Kavya Kashetti OTT release date: 12th September OTT platform: JioHotstar BhootTeriki Story: Bhootteriki revolves around a film crew documenting the untold stories of these ghosts with tales to tell about love, loss and laughter. Cast: Dipanwita Sarkar, Aishwarya Sen, Avery Singha Roy OTT release date: 12th September OTT platform: Hoichoi aka Charlie Sheen Story: Actor Charlie Sheen opens up in a candid two-part documentary about his dazzling Hollywood journey, tabloid-topping fall and road to recovery. Cast: Charlie Sheen OTT release date: 10th September OTT platform: Netflix Bakasura Restaurant Story: Bakasura Restaurant follows the story of a group of friends who set out to open their dream restaurant. Things take a turn when they find out that the place is haunted by ghosts. Cast: Praveen, Harsha Chemudu, Jai Krishna OTT release date: 12th September OTT platform: Sun Nxt Meesha Story: Meesha follows the story of a group of men who get trapped in a dense forest. As they struggle against nature and even each other, they battle life-or-death situations. Cast: Kathir,Shine Tom Chacko, Hakim Shahjahan, Sudhi Koppa OTT release date: 12th September Malayali actress Navya Nair was fined 1.14 lakh at Melbourne International Airport after she was found carrying a jasmine gajra. The incident occurred during her recent trip to Australia to attend Onam celebrations organised by the Malayali Association of Victoria. Airport officials fined her AUD 1,980 ( 1.14 lakh) for bringing a 15-cm-long jasmine string into the country. What Did Navya Say About the Incident? Recalling how the flowers ended up in her luggage, Navya said: Before I came here, it was my father who bought jasmine for me. He cut it into two parts and gave it to me. He asked me to wear one in my hair from Kochi to Singapore, since it would wither by the time I reached. He told me to keep the second one in my handbag so I could wear it on the onward journey from Singapore. I put it in my carry bag. She admitted the mistake, adding: What I did was against the law. It was a mistake I made unknowingly. However, ignorance is no excuse. For bringing a 15 cm jasmine string, officials asked me to pay a fine of AUD 1,980 ( 1.14 lakh). A mistake is a mistake, though it was not intentional. They told me the fine must be paid within 28 days. Did the Fine Affect Her Onam Celebrations? Despite the setback, Navya continued to celebrate the festival. She even shared a reel from the Onam festivities in Melbourne, keeping her spirits high. Two days before the event, she had also posted photos from her flight, wearing a jasmine gajra. She captioned the post: Happy Onam. First-ever Thiruvonam in the skies! Though I miss being in naadu, carrying the spirit of Onam with me is a joy of its own. Work callsand that too is another happiness. Onboard Singapore Airlines... Melbourne, here I come! Beijing, Sep 8 (AP) China's exports grew last month but at a slower pace than in recent months, the country's customs agency said Monday. Exports reached $321.8 billion in August, a 4.4% increase compared to the same month last year. That was down from a 7.2% jump in July. Meanwhile, imports totalled $219.5 billion, a 1.8% rise. China's large trade surplus has become a contentious issue with major trading partners including the US and the European Union. Low-priced Chinese imports are a boon for consumers but can lead to job cuts in manufacturing. In the first eight months of the year, China's exported $785.3 billion more in goods and services than it imported from other countries, the monthly customs data showed. President Donald Trump has imposed 30% in additional tariffs on imports from China since taking office early this year. He backed down from even higher tariffs after China retaliated with import taxes of its own. The two countries are in talks to try to reach a trade agreement. The tariffs from both sides and the possibility they could be raised again are having an impact on two-way trade. Chinese exports to the US plunged 33% in August to $47.3 billion, while its imports from the US dropped 16% to $13.4 billion. Exports to the EU rose 10.4% to $46.8 billion, while imports from the 27-member bloc edged down slightly to $22.8 billion. Overall, China's exports grew at the slowest pace since the January-February period, when they rose just2.3%. The first two months of the year are reported together to smooth out distortions from the long Lunar New Year break. China's exports of rare earths rose on a monthly basis to $55 million in August, up from $41 million in July, but down 25.6% compared to the same month last year. Rare earth magnets, which can withstand high heat, are vital to many products including washing machines, cars and military equipment. The pageantry of Chinas Xi Jinping, flanked by leaders of fellow nuclear powers Russia and North Korea as intercontinental ballistic missiles rolled through flag-waving crowds on Tiananmen Square, marked a new phase in the redrawing of the international order. No longer circumspect about supporting his two rogue neighbors, Xi flaunted Beijings growing links with Moscow and Pyongyangboth of them subjected to Western sanctions, both of them engaged in a bloody war against Ukraine and both of them potentially useful to China in a possible conflict with the U.S. Despite becoming tighter, those relationships remainfor now at leastfar short of an actual military or political alliance that could impose its will on the Eurasian landmass, the worlds wealthiest and most populous region. China is very cautious about working with these two countries. Unlike what is depicted in the West as them being allies, China is not in the same camp. Its view of warfare and security issues is very different from theirs," said Tang Xiaoyang, chair of the department of international relations at Tsinghua University, pointing out that Beijing hasnt fought a war for more than four decades. What China wants is stability on its borders." The gap between Beijings aspirations and those of its junior partners, however, is clearly narrowing, Western diplomats and China watchers say. How fast and to what extent those contradictions could be bridged will determine the shape of the international system that is emerging after President Trump upended Washingtons network of alliances in Asia and Europe. China is becoming less discreet about being seen as part of the so-called axis of upheaval. Prompted by intensifying China-U.S. competition, China wants to show that, contrary to Americas alienation of allies, it is better capable of uniting friends around itself," said Tong Zhao, a senior fellow with the Carnegie China think tank. China sees an opportunity to assert its own leadership when the U.S. is undermining its international credibility." Wednesdays parade in Beijing, which showcased Chinas expanding military might and its increasing confidence in being able to win a conventional war against the U.S., followed a regional summit in the city of Tianjin that was also attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Xi used that summit to propose a vague but ambitious plan for a new global governance initiative" that would create a more just and equitable" international orderan order that is no longer dominated by the U.S. The solidifying view among many in Beijing is that the current disarray in Washington and the rifts among the worlds leading democracies have handed China a unique chancemaking it less necessary for Beijing to worry about the diplomatic fallout of getting too close to pariahs such as Russia and North Korea. China and Russia have a very strong shared understanding of how the new international order should work. We think that the American hegemony is endingthats an objective reality, its happening whether you recognize it or not," said Wang Dong, a professor at the School of International Studies of Peking University in Beijing. Both sidesRussia and Chinasee their relationship as one of strategic importance, and not only because of an increase in animosity coming from Washington." A Russian attack on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in December. Chinese officials stress that Beijing doesnt recognize Russian claims on Ukrainian territory. Clear limits to that bond remain, added Xinbo Wu, dean of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai. Neither Russia nor China want to be involved in a major conflict where the other one is involved. If we had a major conflict with the U.S. over the Taiwan issue, I dont think Russia will come to our assistance," he said. Were good friends, good partners, but thats it. We will never become allies." Chinese officials stress that Beijing isnt sending actual weapons to Russia, doesnt recognize Russian claims on Ukrainian territory and doesnt approve of North Korean participation in the conflict. Yet, the images of Xi in his Mao-style tunic, leaning toward North Korean leader Kim Jong Un or Russian President Vladimir Putin with explanations as some of the worlds deadliest weapons rolled by, undermine those assurances. The presence of Kim sent a message that China really stands by Putin and Russias war in Ukraine. It means that the fact of Kim sending troops to fight Ukraine did not cause China any serious discomfort," said Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute in London. Inviting Kim was like a middle finger to the democratic West, saying that what you define as unacceptable is not something that we need to give a damn about." Chinas military is learning from the Russian experience against Western weapons systems in Ukraine, and some Western officials say that China has given tacit approval for North Korean participation in the war so that Pyongyang could modernize and upgrade its own arsenala potential boon to Beijing in case of a multifront war against the West. While Chinas economic ties with North Korea are negligible, Russia and China had a bilateral trade of $245 billion last year, a volume that shrank by 8% during the first seven months of this year after several years of rapid growth. Virtually the entirety of Russian exports is made up of oil, gas and raw materials, while China provides Russia with its industrial outputincluding indispensable components for the Russian military industries. Being the two biggest powers of Eurasia, we cannot ignore current challenges and threats, be it on the scale of our common continent, or of the entire world," Putin said in an interview with Chinas Xinhua state news agency ahead of his visit to China. China said it was abolishing visa requirements for Russian citizens during Putins visit, a liberalization already in force for most European and many Asian nations, aiming to bolster trade and tourism. Putin said Russia will reciprocate. In Beijings Ritan shopping center, once buzzing with Russian shoppers, halls are deserted nowadays. We used to have a lot of business before the war, but now the Russians stopped coming because they dont have any money, and when they do, they have a hard time taking it out because of the sanctions," said Zhang Dun, who sells leather jackets and coats. A store selling Chinese tea, retail and wholesale, saw its business halve since the start of the war in Ukraine, echoed attendant Zhong Lili: How can the Russians be coming here, visiting and spending money, if there is war in their country?" In another Beijing mall, an empty store stocked Russian foodfrom salt to chocolatesfor Chinese clients. A poster showed Putin eating ice cream atop a freezer with brands such as Stars of the Kremlin. Most of the customers come here to ask for Putins favorite ice-cream flavor," said attendant Li Na. But there arent many now." A Russian promotional event at a Beijing shopping mall. Beijings bond with Moscow isnt cost-free: Chinas relationship with most European nations, a much more important source of technology and trade, has suffered as a result of Beijing propping up the Russian war effort. Its very unfortunate that China-Europe relations are being kept as a hostage of this war," said Da Wei, director of the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University. This is a price that China has paid for the war, which is not wanted by China and not supported by China." While debate on most political issues isnt permitted in the tightly controlled Chinese society, a variety of views remains tolerated on Russia and the war in Ukraine, with some prominent scholars publicly voicing support for Kyivs resistance. One of Chinas leading strategists, Shi Yinhong, a distinguished professor at Renmin University, said that both Russia and North Korea, because of their adventurous behavior on the world stage, are creating risks for Beijing, especially as China faces economic headwinds. One major liability now comes from the guy who is still waging his war in Europe, and a second liability comes from the guy who has for many years escalated his development of nuclear missiles, against all U.N. Security Council resolutions, and now also sent massive troops to Europe to help Russia fight that war," Shi said. Chinas leadership believes that it would be against Beijings interest for Putin to lose the war in Ukraine, a belief that Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently expressed to his European interlocutors. But it isnt clear at all that China would find it beneficial for Russia to win, achieving Putins war aims of turning Ukraine into a vassal state and possibly asserting a European sphere of influence beyond Ukraine. If Russia were to win, it would become more troublesome to China than now, when it is at war. It would have much less dependence on Chinas economy and, if the Republican Party remains in the White House after Trump, Russia would have a bigger chance for a rapprochement with Washington, and China would worry about that," Shi said. Trumps current attempts to split Russia away from China dont elicit much angst in Beijing because of calculations that Putin wouldnt put much faith into promises by a White House that is so erratic and unpredictablea view shared by many Russia analysts. Much of Xis foreign policy over the past decade has been guided by a plan for national rejuvenation" that would overcome the legacy of the century of humiliation," when China was torn apart by predatory colonial powers. Reclaiming the Chinese states control over Taiwan is a central part of that idea. Yet, the one remaining major legacy of past colonialism is the annexation of large parts of China by Russia, areas that make up the sparsely populated Russian Far East region. That history still colors Chinese perceptions of the relationship with Moscow. Russia took the largest piece of land from China, during the Qing dynasty. In modern history, during the era of humiliation, China suffered mostly from two countriesone is Russia and the other is Japan. People still have vivid memories of the past, and its very difficult to forget," said Wu of Fudan University. Yet the message from Chinas leadership isnt to dwell on that history, at least not now. We know what happened in the past, but we want to focus on the future," said Victor Gao, vice president of the Center for China and Globalization think tank in Beijing. The whole country is very much geared toward Russia-China cooperation." Write to Yaroslav Trofimov at yaroslav.trofimov@wsj.com In January, OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman and Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil hosted a demonstration of ChatGPTs soon-to-be-released deep research" application. A Beltway audience watched as Weil asked ChatGPT to prepare a memo briefing a fictional senator for the confirmation of Albert Einstein to be energy secretary. ChatGPT soon produced a thorough profile of Einstein, listing his technical and engineering accomplishments, leadership style, strengths (a globally respected scientist-statesman") and weaknesses (never managed a large organization") plus questions the senator could ask (You have been an outspoken voice on nuclear issues since WWII. As Energy Secretary, how will you ensure the safety of nuclear power plants and uphold U.S. commitments to nuclear nonproliferation?"). The benefits of such impressive, and now routine, capabilities, were obvious: enormous savings of time and effort. Of course, there were potential costs: How many jobs could researchers, writers and other knowledge workers lose to artificial intelligence? I wondered about a different cost: How much knowledge will be lost to AI? Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Anthropics Claude excel at locating, synthesizing and connecting knowledge. They dont add to the stock of knowledge. By contrast, when humans answer questions, such as whether Einstein should be energy secretary, they often pursue novel avenues of inquiry, creating new knowledge and insight as they go. They do this for a variety of reasons: salary, wealth, fame, tenure, likes," clicks, curiosity. If LLMs come to dominate the business of answering questions, those incentives shrivel. There is little reward to creating knowledge that then gets pureed in a large language blender. Consider the fate of Stack Overflow, a website where software developers ask and answer questions, becoming both a wellspring and repository for knowledge. But then developers started putting their questions to ChatGPT. Six months after its introduction in November 2022, the number of questions on Stack Overflow had fallen 25% relative to similar Chinese and Russian language sites where ChatGPT wasnt an alternative, according to a study by Johannes Wachs of Corvinus University of Budapest and two co-authors. The drop was the same regardless of quality, based on peer feedback, refuting predictions that AI would displace only low-value research. As of this month, the number of questions is down more than 90%. Why should anyone other than Stack Overflows owners care? Because, as tech writer Nick Hodges explained in InfoWorld, Stack Overflow provides much of the knowledge that is embedded in AI coding tools, but the more developers rely on AI coding tools the less likely they will participate in Stack Overflow, the site that produces that knowledge." Stack Overflow may be an extreme case. A different study found no similar decline on Reddit. But there are signs of similar effects elsewhere. Many LLMs are trained on Wikipedia, a repository of knowledge compiled and curated by humans. Columbia University business professor Hannah Li and five co-authors found that between the year before and the year after ChatGPTs launch, views fell for Wikipedia pages most similar to what ChatGPT could produce. Edits also dropped, a potential sign of less incentive to contribute, although the data were inconclusive. Meanwhile, as Google has enabled users to answer queries through AI without clicking on links, web publishers large and small have seen referral traffic from search plummet. Internet search itself is at risk. Last year, District Court Judge Amit Mehta found Google, a unit of Alphabet, had an illegal monopoly in search. But the dramatic growth of AI prompted him to impose surprisingly light penalties last week. For the first time in over a decade, there is a genuine prospect that a product could emerge that will present a meaningful challenge to Googles market dominance," Mehta wrote. If LLM output comes to dominate the web, the web will become, well, dumber. Columbias Li said in an interview: What happens when we train LLMs on other LLM outputs? The overall outcomes get worse. The models get worse. This is what they call model collapse." There is a parallel in what index funds and other passive strategies have done to the stock market. They dont do research and price discovery (the process of negotiation that reveals an assets value). Instead, they free ride on the research and price discovery of active investors. In other words, they exploit market efficiency without contributing to it. In the process, they are squeezing out active investing, leaving a market increasingly dominated by algorithms trading against each other. These are, Ill admit, dystopian scenarios. I could tell a different story of how AI will help scholars discover connections between otherwise disparate bits of knowledge across the web. Joshua Gans, a University of Toronto economist who has written extensively on AI, thinks that so long as new knowledge has value, it will find a way to be created. He says when AI insights are incremental, humans will pivot to more truly novel research. Maybe. But instead of pivoting, what if humans lose interest in learning altogether? Reliance on AI can cause critical thinking to atrophy, just as reliance on GPS weakens spatial memory. A study by Nataliya Kosmyna at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and seven co-authors asked three groups of subjects to write essays, one using an LLM, one using internet search, and one just their brains. Scans later showed the LLM group had the least engagement across brain regions such as for memory recall and executive functioning; the brain-only group had the most. Mental engagement, the authors argue, is enhanced by novelty, encountering new or unexpected content." That resonates. Dissatisfied with OpenAIs demo, I searched the web for biographies and writings of Einstein. I learned his fathers company made electrical equipment based on direct current, then went bust when alternating current triumphed; that he was outspoken in support for civil rights in the U.S. and against oppression of Jews in Germany, for which the Nazis put a price on his head; that during the McCarthyite fervor of the 1940s and 1950s he was called a foreign-born agitator spreading communism; that he wasnt a communist but was a socialist. In a 1949 essay for a socialist journal, he answered a question I often ponder: how economics differs from the physical sciences, like astronomy: economic phenomena are often affected by many factors which are very hard to evaluate separately." I have no idea if any of that bore on his qualifications to be energy secretary. I could have spent the time on more productive work. But then, acquiring new knowledge has never felt like work. Write to Greg Ip at greg.ip@wsj.com Bank holiday today: Banks will be closed in Mumbai on Monday, September 8, 2025, to commemorate Eid-e-Milad, according to the Reserve Bank of India's region-wise holiday calendar. The banks in the rest of the country will remain open on Monday, September 8, 2025. Eid-e-Milad bank holiday The RBI notified on September 4 that the listed public bank holidays in Mumbai for Eid-e-Milad have been changed from September 5 to September 8. Eid-e-Milad, also known as Milad-un-Nabi commemorates the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, which occurs in the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, this festival is being observed with great fervour and enthusiasm every year. Also Read | Corporate funding slows as firms turn from bank loans to bonds, equity When are banks closed? Banks are usually closed in different parts of the country to observe national, religious, and regional festivals. Additionally, banks are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays and all Sundays of the month. Upcoming bank holidays in September Check out the list of upcoming bank holidays this month September 12 (Friday) Banks in Jammu and Srinagar to be closed for Friday following Eid-i-Milad-ul-Nabi. September 22 (Monday) Banks in Jaipur to be closed for Navratra Sthapna. Also Read | These 7 banks offer highest FD rates. Check the latest rates here September 23 (Tuesday) Banks in Jammu and Srinagar to be closed for the Birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji. September 29 (Monday) Banks in Agartala, Gangtok and Kolkata to be closed for Maha Saptami/Durga Puja. September 30 (Tuesday) Banks in Agartala, Bhubaneswar, Imphal, Jaipur, Guwahati, Kolkata, Patna and Ranchi to be closed for Maha Ashtami/Durga Ashtami/Durga Puja. Are online banking services available on a bank holiday? Customers must note that online banking services are typically available across the country to ensure uninterrupted access to banking services, even on bank holidays. These services can be used for convenient financial transactions. Mumbai: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank hopes the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will decide on its application for a universal banking licence by December, its managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) Sanjeev Nautiyal said. The RBI issued small finance bank licences to 10 applicants, including Equitas Small Finance Bank Ltd, AU Small Finance Bank Ltd, and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Ltd, in 2016 to boost financial inclusion through mandatory rural branches and small-ticket loans. Universal banks, by comparison, can offer a broad range of services, including big corporate loans, investment banking, and insurance services. It is our internal assessment that by December, RBI might come up with a decision and the decision can be a yes and it can also not be yes maybe by December, RBI could, it could also go beyond December. So, it is a timeline where we cannot dictate," Nautiyal told Mint in an interview on Monday. Mint reported in August that AU Small Finance Bank became the first lender in a decade to secure RBIs in-principle approval to transition to a universal bank. In 2024, the RBI laid down the eligibility criteria for such transitions, requiring listed small finance banks with a minimum net worth of 1,000 crore, a profitable track record for the last two years, and at least five years of operations. The Bengaluru-based Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, which applied for a universal licence in February, is awaiting the regulators decision. If the licence is granted, Ujjivan expects to benefit from relaxed regulatory requirements and a broader operating canvas. Immediate changes. will be the capital adequacy ratio going down from 15% to 11.5% and the priority sector lending target reducing to 40% from the current 60%, Nautiyal said. The transition would also remove ticket-size restrictions, make the bank eligible for co-lending and securitisation, and allow the opening of subsidiaries. If you become a universal bank, then you are competing with bigger people, with bigger actors. You would like to overhaul yourself much faster, become more efficient and grow your balance sheet at an appropriate pace, he added. Portfolio rebalancing By 2030, Ujjivan expects to rebalance its portfolio with a sharper tilt towards secured products. 30% will be microfinance... Around 25% should be housing, which is affordable housing and micro mortgages, Nautiyal said, adding that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) loans would account for about 20% of the book. The remaining 25% will be spread across vehicle, gold, agriculture and financial institution group (FIG) lending. The bank also plans to enter mid-corporate lending, which Nautiyal described as an important growth lever. Nautiyal said Ujjivan deliberately took a conservative approach in its microfinance business amid industry-wide stress. There were a lot of headwinds, there was a lot of over-leveraging that had happened. So, we de-grew our book, he said. While the industry saw a decline in the June quarter, Ujjivan largely held its ground, with disbursements nearly matching the strong March quarter. Collections are also improving, and Nautiyal expects the second half of the financial year to bring optimisim to microfinance players to a large extent, paving the way for gradual normalization. He said that the stress in the microfinance segment has largely peaked, though the lender remains cautious in select geographies. Barring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, which we are still watchful, most other territories are operating more or less normally, he said, adding that slippages in Karnataka peaked in the June quarter, while other states like Gujarat, Odisha and Kerala are under watch. On the liabilities side, Nautiyal reiterated that deposit mobilisation is not a challenge, but reducing cost of funds remains a focus. Ujjivan has cut term deposit rates by as much as 105 basis points since February, with the peak rate now at 7.45%. The benefit of lower deposit costs will play out over the next 8-9 months as high-cost deposits mature, he said. The low-cost current account, savings account (CASA) deposits, which stood at 24% in June, is targeted to rise to 27% by year end. Margins, however, remain under pressure. Net interest margin (NIM) fell to 7.7% in Q1 from 8.3% in March quarter, driven by a shift towards secured assets and some one-off items. Nautiyal said that repricing of microfinance loans in April and growth in higher-yielding products such as vehicle, gold, and micro-mortgages should help offset some of the impact. Because our secured book is growing, directionally the NIM will keep reducing, but to that extent, it will also be protected by the high-yield segments, he said. He added that overall advances are projected to grow 20-22% this year, led by a 35% expansion in secured loans. To support this growth, the bank may look to raise about 2,000 crore by selling shares through the qualified institutional placement route in 18-24 months. Mumbai: Over a decade ago, global pharma major AstraZeneca started pulling out of anti-infectives research. In 2014, it shuttered an Indian research site in Bengaluru, axing early-stage research on neglected tropical diseases, tuberculosis, and malaria. At the same time, in the same city, Bugworks, a biotech firm, was taking shape. A group of scientists and executives from AstraZeneca came on board, embarking on drug research around infectious diseases. Founded by Anand Anandkumar, Balasubramanian V., Santanu Datta and Shahul Hameed, the company set its sights on a growing global crisisantimicrobial resistance. There is a dire need for new antibiotics as existing drugs are losing efficacy. Bacteria evolve to grow immune to medicines meant to kill them. The company has raised close to $43 million in funding since inception and has two novel antibiotic drug candidates in the pipelineone in phase 1 trials and the second at the preclinical stage. A drug candidate is a molecule which has passed initial discovery and is being further studied. The biotechs genesis exemplifies a larger story. As Big Pharma started vacating infectious diseases research to chase more lucrative segments like oncology and diabetes, it left behind a gaping void. A handful of plucky innovators in India, the worlds generic pharmacy, are addressing the gap, weathering financial storms and scientific uncertainty to give the world much-needed new antibiotics. In early 2024, Chennai-based Orchid Pharmas molecule, Enmetazobactam, became the first new chemical entity discovered in India to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Drugmaker Wockhardt has over five novel antibiotics in its pipeline, with two already rolled out in India. While developing a new drug is in itself a considerable featroughly one in 10 drug candidates that have made it to phase 1 trials further make it to the regulatory approval pointdoing this in India is a gargantuan achievement. Innovators have to navigate not just scientific challenges, but a tough funding landscape. Estimates on the cost of developing a new drug vary across the board. A Deloitte report analysing the R&D costs of 20 big pharma companies stated that it cost an average $2.23 billion to develop a drug in 2024. A 2024 study, published in JAMA Network Open Journal, suggested far lower expenses. Analysing data between 2000 and 2018, it stated that the cost of developing a new drug was $172.7 million, but the figure rose to $879.3 million when cost of capital and drug development failures were included. Today, a new drug costs $4-5 billion. We developed five to six products at a cost of $500-600 millionbut compared to our financial resources, its a very significant, sustained, long-term commitment," said Habil Khorakiwala, Wockhardts chairman. The Mumbai-based drugmaker started its drug discovery programme 25 years ago, and is reaping the benefits only now. A private equity investor working in the healthcare sector, who didnt want to be identified, said that a founder has to take an existential risk" to embark on a drug discovery journey. Even at scale, you have to bet," the investor said. Attack and kill There are over 30 classes of antibiotics. The last new class of antibiotics to reach the market was discovered in 1987Daptomycin (Lipopeptides). Antibiotics are classified based on factors like their chemical structure and mechanism of action. New drugs being commercialised since then have been within existing classes, even as bacteria evolve to fight these known mechanisms. Bacterial antimicrobial resistance was associated with 4.71 million global deaths in 2021, according to a Lancet study. This could increase to 39 million by 2050. Microbes are far superior to us. They know significantly more than the human mind and they find ways and means to circumvent our methods to exist," Maneesh Paul. S, microbiologist and the lead co-inventor of Orchid Pharmas Enmetazobactam, told Mint. Microbes know significantly more than the human mind and they find ways to circumvent our methods to exist. Maneesh Paul. S According to WHOs 2024 report on antibacterial agents, there were 97 such agents in various phases of clinical development globally, as of 31 December 2023. Of these, 32 traditional" agents address WHOs bacterial priority pathogens, a list of resistant pathogens classified into three priority levelscritical, high, and medium. Discovering an antibiotic is a challenging process. Indeed, one of the first ones was serendipitous. Almost a century ago, Alexander Fleming returned from holiday to find that a mold growing in petri dishes had killed the bacteria inside. He named the substance Penicillin. There are several challenges in the scientific process of antibiotic discovery itself. First and foremost is finding a compound that will kill the pathogen without being toxic to the human body. Antibiotic doses are higher than other drugs, measured in grams rather than milligrams. The second challenge lies in bacterial biology itself. There are several target species that evolve over time to become resistant. The antibiotic must target these in different parts of the body, a flexibility that is not required of many other therapies like hypertension or diabetes. Penetrating the cell membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, which can cause infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, as well as hospital-acquired infections at surgical sites or in the bloodstream, is another key challenge. Gram-negative and Gram-positive refers to bacteria with differing cell wall structures. Gram-negative bacteria have a protective outer membranethis double-membrane, and other factors, makes them particularly resistant to many antibiotics. Scientists have discovered different methods to attack the bacteria. For instance, there are beta-lactamase inhibitors, which work by inactivating bacterial enzymes which would otherwise attack and kill antibiotics like penicillins and cephalosporins. Even then, scientists have to consider which bacterial enzymes will be the bigger threat in five years, as resistance develops. View Full Image Breakthroughs come when the innovators figure out a way to circumvent the bacterias bolstered defences. (Bloomberg) They screen thousands of potential compounds to find promising antimicrobial activity. These compounds are then tested on infectious pathogens in a lab, and refined or improved upon. In other cases, researchers modify existing antibiotics to make them stronger or figure out ways to bypass bacterial resistance. Breakthroughs come when the innovators figure out a way to circumvent the bacterias bolstered defences. The prayer Maneesh Paul of Orchid Pharma joined the company in 2006 as a senior research scientist. Previously, he was a researcher at John Hopkins and had also worked for the US FDA. It took the company two years to discover the new molecule, Enmetazobactam, which was later approved for use in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections, hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia, he said. Scientists at the company looked at existing drugs that were losing efficacy, and sought to find ways to structurally modify the molecules to improve it. They zeroed in on a drug called Tazobactam, which is used in combination with other antibiotics like penicillins and cephalosporins. We found a space in the patent and we said this is where we will crack that," said Paul, referring to how the team found a way to structurally modify the molecule to invent Enmetazobactam. I used to pray everydayLord grant me wisdom and open the eyes of my heart and mind to see the beauty of your creation, which I cant see with my knowledge." The molecule initially got labelled as inactive in pre-clinical in vivo testing (studies done on living organisms). Pauls team cracked it in 2008 by developing a novel animal testing model. But that was just the start of the story. Once a potential molecule is found, the real journey beginsit has to be developed, tested and its mettle proved. Chemist Senthilkumar U.P. is the other lead co-inventor at Orchid. Along with Paul, he led the way. It took 18 years for the drug to get US FDA approved. During this time, the company went through corporate debt restructuring, saw its ownership change hands, and even lost the global rights to its drug to Allecra Therapeutics. In a big win, last month, it bought back the global rights by acquiring Allecra. Khorakiwalas 5X The journey from discovery to development is long and arduous; it needs an entrepreneur with grit to back it up. Habil Khorakiwala bet on antibiotics research 25 years ago when he set up Wockhardts new drug discovery programme under chief scientific officer Mahesh Patel. The company, then an Indian pharma giant in the generics space, had big ambitions. Why cant an Indian company be a global leader in antibiotics after 10 or 20 years?" Khorakiwala asked. While the discovery programme took off, Wockhardt faced its share of financial struggles that eroded its market position. A spree of rapid acquisitions in the early 2000s swelled debt, which peaked at 4,000 crore in 2008. Losses from complex currency derivative hedging further weakened its financial position, forcing it into corporate debt restructuring. In 2013-14, the US FDA imposed import alerts on two of its Indian plants, resulting in substantial revenue losses from the US market. But Khorakiwala held on to his discovery promise. Weve spent about 12% (of revenue) on R&D through the years, in spite of my financial problems," he told Mint. View Full Image File pic of Habil Khorakiwala, Wockhardts chairman. When he had doubts, he revisited the companys goals, and said that the conviction with which they had started out didnt change. He also tried to understand the science behind their discoveries. The 83-year-old started attending the companys annual meetings and scientific conferences, engaged with key opinion leaders from the scientific community, and showcased the companys product pipeline. The perseverance paid off. Wockhardt, thus far, has launched two antibiotics in India. A third is ready for launch. In 2020, the company launched Emrok, an intravenous antibiotic, and its oral counterpart, Emrok O, for acute bacterial skin infections. While the company has not shared any sales number, the antibiotic has been used to treat over 100,000 patients as of May 2025, Wockhardt claimed. Miqnaf (Nafithromycin), an oral antibiotic, was launched in May this year. The drug is approved for treating community acquired bacterial pneumonia. In an interview with CNBC-TV18, in January 2025, Khorakiwala projected sales of 200-300 crore over the next two years for the drug. The addressable market opportunity is over a billion dollars 10,800 croreaccording to an investor presentation by the company. Wockhardt says it has three more drugs in the pipeline and will continue to work on novel antibiotic development as these drugs are bound to face bacterial resistance as well. After significant volatility over the last two decades, the companys stock has taken off on the back of its R&D pipeline, gaining almost fivefold in the last two years. Its shares closed 1,461.30 on 8 September. Discovery of BWC0977 Bugworks, meanwhile, is working on a broad-spectrum drug which could target a wide range of bacteria, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive types. Bacteria come in different colours, shapes and sizes. Each one needs a different drug to address it," said Vasan Sambandamurthy, the companys senior vice president for global strategy. Mint spoke to him in April this year. The company discovered BWC0977, a novel, broad-spectrum drug candidate capable of targeting all major pathogenic bacteria. The drug candidate was discovered with funding, ecosystem and expertise help from the CARB-X, a global non-profit that supports the fight against antimicrobial resistance. BWC0977 is being developed as two productsan intravenous infusion for treating serious bacterial infections and an oral dosage for treating community acquired infections. We have gone through a lot of failuresIn pharma discovery, you start by saying that this will fail. The sooner it fails, the cheaper, better," Sambandamurthy said. BWC0977 is being developed as two productsan intravenous infusion for treating serious bacterial infections and an oral dosage for treating community acquired infections. The company hit its first roadblock when it was about to enter phase-1 trials in Australiathe covid-19 pandemic hit and all operations came to a standstill. Once work resumed in 2021, Bugworks hit another scientific hurdle. During the phase-1 trials, the drug candidate is tested in humans in different doses to establish safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics. While it was being tested for multiple ascending doses (where subjects are given the same drug multiple times over a period of time), the drug started causing irritation and inflammation at the injection site, commonly known as infusion site reactions. The company had to go back to the drawing board. Now, it is set to head back to the clinic again, in partnership with CARB-X and GARDP, another non-profit organization developing new treatments for drug-resistant infections. Bugworks, meanwhile, decided to de-risk. In the last few years, it has expanded its research focus to oncology and has developed two drug candidates that are in preclinical stages. Small pie, big cut Antibiotic research has not elicited much interest in the past few decades because the market is not particularly large. Drug courses are shortthree, seven, fourteen days. Compare these to drugs for non-communicable diseases, like hypertension or diabetes, taken for a lifetime, or highly priced cancer medicines, taken for months, if not years. Plus, these drugs cannot be sold over the counter, because of the fear of growing resistance. Since the 2000s, Big Pharma has been quietly exiting anti-infectives research. Bristol-Myers Squibb, once a leader in antibiotics, pivoted away from infectious disease research in the 2000s, followed by the likes of Eli Lilly and Sanofi. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Pfizer, major leaders in the space, have significantly reduced antibiotic research. Among the recently launched antibiotics, Pfizers Zavicefta is the only one to have clocked around $700 million to $1 billion in global sales, according to estimates by industry analysts. For global drug giants, clocking sales over $25-30 billion annually for drugs like Keytruda (immuno-oncology) and Wegovy/Ozempic (weight loss), these are meagre numbers. Overall, the antibiotic market was worth $50-55 billion in 2024, according to Grand View Research. But for smaller Indian companies, an antibiotic drug can change their fortunes. For instance, Wockhardts upcoming drug Zaynich, for use in critical care patients, could be a multi-billion dollar opportunity. It has an addressable patient pool of over two million, across the US, Europe, China and India. The market is worth 17,000 crore in India and $7 billion in US and Europe, combined. For Orchid Pharma, which recently bought back global rights to its drug, Enmetazobactam, from Allecra, the focus is on planning a US entry. Globally, the product has already been licensed in Europe, the Middle East and North African markets, and we are in advanced discussions for several other geographies," Manish Dhanuka, the companys managing director, told investors during its first quarter earnings call. The companys whole time director, Mridul Dhanuka, had previously indicated that the drug could reach $2 billion in peak sales until it reaches patent expiration in 2031-32. Bugworks, meanwhile, says it is seeing interest from larger pharma companies for a licensing deal, but any further action hinges on successful phase 1 trials. For Indian innovators, the story so far has been one of conviction, resilience and a deep commitment to science in a tough landscape. But this is only the beginning. The countrys drug industry is seeing a slow but sure pivot towards more innovationboth from incumbents as well as from small but ambitious biotechs. The wait is for the next big breakthrough. Indias steel industry is confident that the 12% safeguard duty recently imposed on imports of certain flat steel products will be sufficient to protect domestic producers from injury and prevent the dumping of cheaper steel, industry officials said. Naveen Jindal, president of the Indian Steel Alliance (ISA), the apex body representing major public and private steel producers, said the duty is sufficient for the time being but left open the possibility of approaching the government for adjustments if global steel prices fall further and cheaper imports enter India. We would have liked the duty protection to be around 25%, but if in their wisdom the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended 12%, that is sufficient, Jindal told reporters on the sidelines of the India Steel Conclave organized by the ISA. He added that the industry would return to the government if import challenges arise in the future. Also Read | ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India bats for protection of domestic steel industry Global tariffs and price pressure Jindal noted that high tariffs imposed by countries such as the USup to 50% on Indian steelhave halted exports to those markets, contributing to depressed global steel prices. All the steel that was being exported to the US has stopped, and producers are looking for other markets. That is one reason international prices are under pressure, he said. DGTR, operating under the Ministry of Commerce, recommended the safeguard duty for three years to protect domestic manufacturers from sudden surges in inbound shipments. The move followed a complaint by the ISA and came after a probe confirmed a recent, sudden, sharp and significant increase in imports of the products under consideration, which threatened to cause serious injury to local producers. The final duty schedule is set at 12% in the first year, 11.5% in the second, and 11% in the third. A provisional 12% duty had already been imposed for 200 days in April, based on preliminary findings. Also Read | Commerce Ministry recommends safeguard duty on flat steel imports for 3 years Demand outlook and risks On the domestic front, Jindal said steel demand in FY25 grew in double digits and is expected to continue on a similar trajectory, despite disruptions from monsoon-related floods. Many parts of the country experienced heavy rains, which impacted demand. However, we expect demand to pick up next month and close the year with double-digit growth, he said. Contrary to expectations, steel prices have fallen even after the dutys imposition. Benchmark hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices dropped from 52,900 per tonne on April 29, 2025, to 48,500 per tonne by July 25, and continued to decline in August. India produced 146.56 million tonnes of finished steel in FY25, of which 54.12 million tonnes was HRC. Consumption outpaced production at 152 million tonnes of finished steel, including 56.90 million tonnes of HRC, according to Big Mint. Indias imports of HRC have more than doubled in just two years, rising from 1.87 million tonnes in FY23 to 3.55 million tonnes in FY24, and further to 4.07 million tonnes in FY25, as per data from Big Mint. According to industry experts, Indias current steel production closely matches its total consumption, indicating a market primarily focused on meeting domestic demand. The country mainly relies on imports from South Korea and Japan for certain specialised steel grades that are not produced locally. Also Read | India defers tighter quality controls for finished steel imports Industry officials attribute the drop to intense competition in Indias flat steel sector, where six large producers and multiple smaller players compete aggressively. High market competition eliminates collective pricing power, ensuring that domestic prices align with global trends, they said, dismissing concerns that safeguard duties might be used to inflate prices artificially. Global steelmaking capacity exceeded demand by roughly 600 million tonnes in 2024, according to OECD data, a gap projected to widen to 720 million tonnes by 2027. Analysts warn that increasing global supply, combined with tariffs in other countries, could redirect surplus steel to markets with lower or no protective duties, putting pressure on domestic producers. Mumbai: Quick commerce contributed nearly a third to online FMCG sales in India, which rose 56% to 9,800 crore in the year ended May, according to Worldpanel by Numerator (formerly Kantar Worldpanel), a global provider of consumer and shopper behaviour insights. Quick commerce sales for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) surged 80% year-on-year to 2,800 crore in the same period, according to data shared with Mint. E-commerce sales of FMCG rose 47% year-on-year. Despite the rapid growth, traditional mom-and-pop stores still dominate, accounting for 90% of FMCG volumes, with organized retail and online channels making up the rest. Quick commerce has become "almost indispensable" for large packaged goods companies. Although still at a smaller base, the platform is experiencing rapid growth as consumers use it for last-minute purchases of items like milk, bread, face wash, soaps, oils, spices, and snacks, Worldpanel said. Quick commerce reach Online household adoption of e-commerce for FMCG in urban India reached 18% in May 2025, up from 9.6% in 2023 and 12.3% 2024. For this report, Worldpanel specifically tracked the shopping habits of households in urban India that make FMCG purchases from online channels at least once in the reported year. Overall household penetration of quick commerce is roughly 4.8%, while the broader e-commerce market's penetration is 16.6%. Quick commerce is witnessing surge and now reaches nearly 2x individuals versus last year," per the report. In non-metros, e-commerce penetration among online households stands at 12.2%, while that of quick commerce is much lower at 1.2%. However, it is up from 0.3% in the 12 months ended 31 May 2023 and 0.4% in May 2024. Quick commerce could add 700 crore in incremental growth from non-metros alone as such platforms gain more depth in smaller markets, per the report. The growth rates in non-metros are very significant. It's a threefold kind of growth from a household penetration perspective. We do see that wherever quick commerce is available it has flourished," K. Ramakrishnan, MD, South Asia, Worldpanel by Numerator said in an interview with Mint. Indias quick commerce market has grown 150% year-on-year, reaching $10 billion in gross merchandise value in 2024 with a monthly run rate of $900-$950 million, according to 2025 estimates by consulting firm Redseer. Quick commerce accounts for 15% of the overall e-commerce market, which is estimated at $70 billion. While quick commerce is a fairly recent phenomenon, for some large packaged consumer goods companies, it draws anywhere between 2% and 7% of overall sales in FMCG. Spending habits and consumer behaviour Quick commerce is becoming as important as e-commerce in metros, with similar spending among affluent and middle-class households, per Worldpanel. However, online shopping remains skewed towards affluent households. In metros, affluent households spend an average of 7,460 on e-commerce annually on FMCG spends, while their spending on quick commerce is slightly ahead at 7,712. For middle-class households, data points to a marginal difference between spending on overall e-commerce on buying FMCG at 4,767 and on quick commerce at 4,395. In non-metros, the gap is significant, with users across affluence levels spending disproportionately more on e-commerce platforms (excluding quick commerce). Worldpanels data indicates that consumers are more experimental while shopping on quick commerce platforms. Across categories such as dishwashing bars, soaps, toothpaste, edible oils, and cookies, consumers experimented with between one and four brands on quick commerce, while they might try upwards of 10 brands when shopping across online and offline stores. Also Read | Skip the checkout lineyour party outfit now arrives in 4 hours Theres one category where demand is through the roofsnacking. The consumption of snacking categories, whether it's biscuits or cookies or noodles or salty snacksthe quantity that people are buying across snacking categories is the highest on quick commerce. Categories which are highly impulse drive are thriving," he said. Companies have been capitalizing on this demand and now offer specific packs and more premium products for quick commerce shoppers. "Quick-commerce is definitely growing quite fastroughly about 7-8% of our sales are going via e-commerce and about a third of that is through quick commerce," Rohit Jawa, former MD and CEO, Hindustan Unilever said during the company's post earnings meet in July. In a recent interview with Mint, Saugata Gupta, managing director and chief executive of Marico Ltd., said he views quick commerce as a channel for innovation, diversification, and premiumization. The company does not disclose its share of business via e-commerce. Also Read | Are quick commerce platforms operating in a grey zone with cigarette sales? Industry outlook Despite its popularity, scepticism remains given the high cash burn by quick commerce companies. For instance, in the June quarter Instamart saw its revenue surge to 806 crore up from 374 crore; however, losses were up significantly at 797 crore, from 280 crore last year. Competition in quick commerce has also intensified over the past 12 months, with more companies such as Flipkart and Amazon announcing their entry into the segment. Ramakrishnan said while more consumers are getting hooked on the convenience of quick commerce, their ability to move beyond metros and generate profits remains to be seen. How much this expands beyond the cities where it is currently present remains to be seen along with the viability of the financial model itself. Thus far, I don't think we've seen a proof of that," he said. India is far from seeing a decline in the prominence of general trade, he said. It is going to be as significant as it was, and it will continue to be that way," he added. Global aviation works with two seasons: Northern Summer, which starts on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Saturday of October, and Northern Winter, which covers the remainder of the year. With much fanfare, the regulators declare the allotted slots and operational airports for each season. However, slot utilisation has remained poor over the years, with only a handful of airlines utilising their allotted slots. A look at the data released by the regulator and adjusted on a weekly basis shows that this year has been no different. The average slot utilisation for three months is just over 87%, with a discrepancy between usage, which varies from 35% on the low side to 94% on the high side. An airport slot is essentially permission granted by an airports coordinating authority to an airline, allowing it to use the airports infrastructure (runway, taxiway, terminal, gate) at a specific date and time for either an arrival or a departure. Slots are always finite, and when airlines receive approvals but fail to operate, especially amongst the top 10 airports, it negatively impacts both passengers and airport operations. From a passenger perspective, they lose out on connectivity that another airline might have offered. From the airport's perspective, an unutilised slot is a loss of revenue. This loss of revenue eventually gets passed on to the passenger in the larger scheme of things, albeit indirectly. Reasons galore, but few operators pull it off While traditionally the April to June quarter has been the strongest for all airlines, this year was different. The year, which was slated to be the best ever summer in terms of capacity, began with the ghastly Pahalgam attack in the second half of April. This was followed by Operation Sindoor in May, and just when things looked like returning to normal, the deadly crash of AI171 at Ahmedabad disrupted operations further. IndiGo led the pack with a 95.7% utilisation of slots. The airline had started much higher at 97.6% in April, the first full month of operations in the Northern Summer schedule, but scaled back operations due to Operation Sindoor. During the same duration, Akasa Air scaled up its utilisation from 87.1% to over 90%, maintaining the three-month average at 89.1%. Both airlines have been leaders in utilising their slots over the last few seasons. Air India and Air India Express recorded utilisation rates of 84.7% and 76.5%, respectively. Air India Express is now four times its pre-privatisation size due to a mix of reasons, including the merger of erstwhile AirAsia India into Air India Express, transfer of planes from parent Air India and its own rapid fleet induction. SpiceJet has had one more quarter where its utilisation of slots has been extremely poor, coinciding with its domestic market share falling to 2%. The airline declared losses of 238 crore for the quarter and utilised only 50% of its allocated slots on average. A few regional carriers like Fly 91 and IndiaOne Air, which are much smaller than SpiceJet, have done better. The worst airline in terms of slot adherence has been flybig, which has faced continuous headwinds but is too small to make a huge dent in the market. The airline utilised only 35.8% of its slots, which were allocated to it. Star Air, the longest-serving private regional carrier in India, utilised fewer than 60% of its slots on average in the first three months of the Northern Summer schedule. Use it or lose it? As the world's third-largest aviation market, India should ideally adopt the world's best practices. However, for various reasons, they are not followed in full force. Globally, many airports have a use-it-or-lose-it policy, implying that if an airline does not use its slot for 80% of the time, it cannot claim a right to that slot any more. It may be time for Indian airports to implement this, with strong government backing in the larger interest of Indian aviation. Over the years, regulators and airports have moved toward higher transparency, which started with public declarations of On-Time Performance. Airlines with higher stakes and good performers, such as Akasa Air and IndiGo, team up for demanding transparency and accountability. Ever wonder how your Instagram feed loads in a blink, or how a Zoom call from Mumbai to London stays crystal clear? Its all thanks to a massive network of undersea fiber-optic cables silently spanning the ocean floor. These cables form the internets invisible backbonecarrying over 95% of global data traffic. But what happens when this backbone takes a hit? On Saturday, cable cuts in the Red Sea, a critical route for both global trade and communications, disrupted internet access in parts of Asia and West Asia. Mint breaks down what undersea cable cuts mean for your internet, how and why they happen, how long repairs take, why the Red Sea is a strategic hotspot, and how telecom companies and technology giants are affected. Why are undersea cables important? Undersea cables are like giant internet wires lying on the ocean floor. They connect countries and carry huge amounts of dataincluding calls, messages, and videosbetween continents in seconds. Subsea cables are also important for global financial transactions as well as artificial intelligence-related advancements. If youre watching a YouTube video from the US while sitting in India, the video would have traveled across continents through this network of undersea cables. Once data related to the video reaches India, it travels through land cables to cell towers or Wi-Fi routers. From there, it reaches your phone or computer. According to Broadband India Forum (BIF), which represents big tech companies such as Meta and Alphabet that have heavily invested in laying subsea cables, there are 559 such active cables across the world. These cables can carry 16,000 terabits per second (tbps), enough to stream millions of HD videos, transmit billions of WhatsApp messages, or support huge cloud services, all at the same time. India has 17 subsea cables, which is 3% of the global total, BIF said at an industry event in March. Alphabet, Meta, Bharti Airtel Ltd, and Reliance Jio are working on laying more such cables. Indias communications ministry in a statement in December estimated 150-200 faults in subsea cables globally every year. What happens when these cables get cut? Subsea cables can be cut by ships dragging their anchors, fishing nets getting entangled with them, or natural events like earthquakes or underwater landslides. However, theres growing concern about intentional sabotage, where cables are deliberately cut to disrupt internet connectivity, especially in sensitive regions like the Red Sea. Accidental or intentional, undersea cable cuts cause loss of communication or reduced internet speeds, affecting both enterprises and common users. According to BIF, recent incidents in the Red Sea and South China Sea caused major disruptions affecting 25% of data traffic between Asia and Europe. On 7 September, global internet monitoring agency NetBlocks reported a series of subsea cable outages in the Red Sea, resulting in degraded internet connectivity in India and other countries. The outage was reportedly due to cuts in two cable systemsthe South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 4 cable, operated by Tata Communications Ltd; and the India-Middle East-Western Europe cable, run by a consortium that counts Airtel and Tata Communications as members. What can companies do when subsea cables are affected? Microsoft said on Saturday after undersea cables in the Red Sea were cut that clients of its Azure cloud platform might experience increased latency. When such disruptions happen, telecom operators, internet service providers and other such firms usually route data traffic via other cables to ensure connectivity is maintained. But with increasing data demand and rising traffic, it is crucial to expand the undersea cable network. There are multiple cables that come into the country. The outages in some of these cables do impact consumers as the speeds go down but companies have policies to route the traffic to multiple cables who have capacities to cater the traffic," said Amajit Gupta, group chief executive and managing director at network infrastructure provider Lightstorm Telecom Connectivity Pvt. Ltd. The way GCC (global capability centre) is functioning, there are companies that work interconnected across the world, and employees sitting in India are working on virtual machines hosted in a cloud somewhere. But if a submarine cable has an outage for even a minute or the latency increases, youre talking about 5,000-6,000 employees in an office working in a delayed or slow manner," Gupta said. Global capability centres are offshore units of multinational companies in countries like India that handle critical technical and other tasks. How long does it take to repair such cuts? According to industry executives, repairs usually take between a few weeks to several months. This is because there are no indigenous cable repair vessels or depots available in India, leaving the country dependent on marine service providers from Singapore and Dubai for subsea cable repairs along its coastline. India is dependent upon two service providers, namely (Dubai-based) E-marine and SEAIOCMA (South East Asia and Indian Ocean Cable Maintenance Agreement), with repair times averaging between 3-5 months," said the Broadband India Forum. Repair costs are high also due to cumbersome customs clearance and multiple permits and clearances required for repair ships, according to industry experts. Why is the Red Sea key for undersea cables and issues around it? The Red Sea is crucial for undersea cables because it serves as a key global hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. According to the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), the Red Sea hosts more than 15 subsea cables connecting Europe and Asia. These cables carry 80% of Asias westward traffic, it said. Globally, that is 17% of the data traffic. Geopolitical factors in the Red Sea, including attacks by Houthi rebels on ships and undersea cables, have also resulted in disruptions. Lately, operators are looking at considering land-based routes to avoid these disruptions. What does the industry want from the Indian government? The industry is seeking regulations allowing for greater ease of doing business, including a single-window clearance for deploying, repairing, and maintaining subsea cables, and for setting up indigenous subsea cable repair ships and facilities. Currently, about 60 ships globally cater to more than 100 countries, according to the Broadband India Forum. The industry also wants the government to reduce the licence fees for operators of subsea cables in India. In June 2023, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India sent its recommendations to the department of telecommunications on a licensing framework and regulatory mechanism for submarine cable landing in India. Ahead of Amanta Healthcares market debut, investors are closely tracking the grey market premium (GMP) to gauge potential listing gains. The latest GMP offers key signals on where the shares could list when trading begins. Amanta Healthcare IPO GMP Amanta Healthcare shares are seeing a subdued trend in the unlisted market, with a modest grey market premium (GMP). Market observers noted that the Amanta Healthcare IPO GMP stands at 9 per share, indicating that the stock is trading 9 higher than its upper issue price in the grey market. Based on the current GMP, Amanta Healthcares estimated listing price is pegged at around 135 per share, reflecting a 7.14 percent premium over the issue price of 126. Amanta Healthcare IPO Key Details The IPO was priced in the range of 120 to 126 per share, and the company successfully raised 126 crore through the book-built issue. The entire offering comprised a fresh issue of 1 crore equity shares. The lot size for Amanta Healthcare IPO has been fixed at 119 shares, translating to a minimum investment of 14,994 for retail investors. According to BSE data, the IPO was subscribed an impressive 82.61 times overall. The retail investor portion was subscribed 54.98 times, while the Non-Institutional Investor (NII) segment saw a massive 209.42 times subscription. Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) also showed strong interest, with their portion subscribed 35.86 times. Beeline Capital Advisors Pvt. Ltd. acted as the book-running lead manager for the issue, and MUFG Intime India Pvt. Ltd. served as the registrar. About Amanta Healthcare Founded in December 1994, Amanta Healthcare Limited is a pharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing, and marketing a wide range of sterile liquid products. Its key offerings include parenteral products packaged using advanced Aseptic Blow-Fill-Seal (ABFS) and Injection Stretch Blow Moulding (ISBM) technologies. The companys portfolio spans fluid therapy formulations such as IV fluids, diluents, ophthalmic solutions, and respiratory care products. In addition, it manufactures irrigation solutions, first-aid products, and eye lubricants under its medical devices division. The pace of new residential project launches is poised to improve, especially in the second half of FY26 (H2FY26), as approval delays ease. So far in the September quarter (Q2FY26), some listed developers have unveiled new projects. In July, DLF Ltd launched WestPark project in Andheri, Mumbai; and Brigade Enterprises Ltd launched Brigade Avalon in Bengaluru. In August, Godrej launched Godrej Regal Pavilion Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad; and Brigade launched another project Brigade Lakecrest in Bengaluru. A recent channel check by Nomura Global Markets Research said that in September, Godrej Properties is expected to launch Godrej Sora Sector 53, Gurugram; and Sobha could see one or two launches (Sobha Magnus, Sobha Scarlet) in Bengaluru. Listed developers are eyeing 18-20% year-on-year growth in pre-sales/bookings in FY26. Timely launches are crucial to meet this target. The June quarter (Q1FY26) performance was solid. Listed developers witnessed their best-ever quarter, with aggregate pre-sales of 43,200 crore (up 45% year-on-year), achieving 31% of the targeted 1.4 trillion (up 20% year-on-year) and gaining further market share," said analysts from Kotak Institutional Equities. The bookings momentum in Q1FY26 was largely driven by the launches of The Prestige City by Prestige Estate Projects in Indirapuram and DLFs Privana North. However, overall industry-level launches were lower, 12% year-on-year and 5% sequentially at 229 million square feet in Q1FY26, according to Kotak. Read more: Lingering demand and margin woes keep home decor stocks out of vogue High demand for luxury/premium housing projects continues to fuel the premiumisation and consolidation trends in the sector. Premiumization has led to elevated prices of housing units in major cities. While price hikes have aided the realizations of developers, they are expected to worsen affordability for prospective buyers, hurting demand momentum. Average residential prices in India's top seven cities rose from 6% to 27% year-over-year in the June quarter (Q2CY25), with the National Capital Region and Bengaluru seeing steep surges, according to Anarock Property Consultants. Rising land costs a challenge Not just end sales, dearer land acquisitions could also be a problem for the sectors business development activities, which have been robust lately. Business development is crucial for realty companies to strengthen the launch pipeline and consequently spur pre-sales. By the courtesy of healthy cash flows and a strong balance sheet, following the sectors fund-raising spree, large companies have been buying land parcels beyond their core markets to boost market share and reduce concentration risk. Rising land prices will make new business development more selective and challenging," cautions Anuj Puri, chairman, Anarock Group. Major infrastructure projects announced in and around many regions in top cities have led to a spike in land prices. For instance, the expressway and the new international airport significantly pushed land prices higher in the Yamuna Expressway region in Delhi-NCR in recent years. In 2019, the average land prices here were 1,600/sq. ft and have touched 6,500/sq. ft in H12025-end, according to Anarock data. Likewise, in the same span, the Devanahalli region near Bengaluru International Airport saw land prices jump from nearly 2,200/sq. ft to 7,300/sq. ft Lodha Developers and Godrej Properties are expanding their presence in Bengaluru and Hyderabad; Sobha is gaining a foothold in Noida and Mumbai. Read more: JK Cement stocks flawless run faces its next big test But easing supply-side issues is not enough to revive realty stocks. The Nifty Realty index is down 16% in CY25 so far. Limited inventory in existing projects makes customer response to new launches crucial. Also, the secondary impact of tariffs on India's real estate consumption remains to be seen, cautions Nomura. Apart from that, layoffs in the IT sector due to tariff-led uncertainty are also a potential downside risk to real estate demand. Adani Power share price surged as much as 5 per cent to 638.90 apiece in Monday's trading session after the company announced it has signed a shareholders agreement with Bhutan's Druk Green Power. Adani Power shares have given significant returns in the last one year. The Adani Group stock has gained 10 per cent in a month and 27 per cent in six months. Also Read | Small-cap stock Osia Hyper Retail hits upper circuit for 15th day in a row Adani Group agreement with Bhutan's Druk Green Power In an exchange filing dated June 6, Adani Power said it has signed a shareholders' agreement with Bhutan's state-owned utility, Druk Green Power Corp, for setting up a 570 MW hydroelectric project at Wangchhu in Bhutan. Both companies will jointly incorporate a public company with 49:51 shareholding in Bhutan to undertake the project. We would like to inform that Adani Power Limited (the Company or APL) and Druk Green Power Corp. Ltd. (DGPC), Bhutans state-owned utility, have signed the shareholders agreement (SHA) for setting up a 570 MW hydroelectric project at Wangchhu in Bhutan (Project). The SHA was signed on September 05, 2025, at 8:30 p.m., the company said in the filing. It is further informed that both companies have the right to appoint three directors each on the Board of the project company. The Wangchhu project will see an investment of about INR 60 billion in setting up the renewable energy power plant and related infrastructure. With the preparation of the detailed project report already completed, construction work is expected to begin by the first half of 2026, and the completion is targeted within five years of groundbreaking. Bhutan is a role model for the world in sustainable development, and we are very excited to play a leading role in the development of the countrys natural resources through this renewable energy project. The Wangchhu hydroelectric project will critically meet Bhutans peak winter demand, when hydro power generation is low. During the summer months, it would export power to India, said SB Khyalia, CEO, Adani Power. The Wangchhu is the first hydroelectric project to be taken up under an MoU that was signed in May 2025 between the Adani Group and DGPC for jointly developing 5,000 MW of hydropower in Bhutan. Adani Group and DGPC are engaged in further discussions for future projects under this strategic partnership, the company said. Avic Chengdu share price: Shares of Chinese jet maker Avic Chengdu have plunged 24% in the last five trading sessions. The losses came despite China's display of growing firepower at its once-a-decade military parade. The fall in Avic Chengdu share price started on September 3, the day of the Chinese Military Parade, with the stock taking a breather in trade today, September 9. During this period, the Chinese defence stock has lost over 24% in value. Avic Chengdu share price trend In the last five sessions, Avic Chengdu shares declined the most on September 3 down 14% and slipped below 100 yuan. Meanwhile, on Monday, it fell 2% and slid closer to 80 yuan. In today's trade, J-10 fighter jet maker made a small comeback, rising to the day's high of 82.16 yuan as against its last close of 81.25 yuan. With this, Avic Chendgu shares are down 20% for the month, essentially erasing similar gains recorded in August. However, it has emerged as one of the best-performing Chinese defence stocks in 2025, with an over 19% rally. The stock witnessed traction this year, boosted by Pakistans claim in May that it used the aircraft during its conflict against India to shoot down Indian jets. However, these claims were strongly refuted by the Indian armed forces. According to Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investment, Avic Chengdu shares recently attempted a breakout above the key resistance of 100 but failed to sustain, triggering long liquidation. The breakdown is dragging the stock lower, and the structure now points toward a retest of the base bottom around the 70 zone, Jain believes. Notably, volumes during the selloff have remained relatively stable, indicating a steady supply-driven decline rather than panic selling. This suggests that the weakness could persist until the stock finds strong support near its base. Unless buyers return with meaningful participation, downside pressure is likely to dominate in the near term, Jain said. China Military Parade According to Bloomberg report, China showcased its latest anti-ship missiles, combat drones and nuclear-capable ballistic missiles at the event. The hardware on display included new Type-100 main battle tanks, a family of hypersonic anti-ship missiles like the YingJi-19 and YingJi-20, and 191 long-range rocket artillery systems. The spectacle on Changan Avenue, however, didnt translate into immediate gains for the companies that build the hardware. Chinese defence stocks fell in a bout of profit-taking, with investors choosing to sell the event, according to Bloomberg Intelligence strategist Marvin Chen. (With inputs from Bloomberg) EV stock Servotech Renewable Power System rose almost 8 percent in intra-day deals on Monday, September 8 after the company announced that it has signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Zhuhai Piwin New Energy. "Servotech Renewable Power System Limited has entered into an exclusive strategic partnership with Zhuhai Piwin New Energy Co., Ltd. (Pilot Group), China. The collaboration will focus on technology support and local manufacturing of advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in India, fully aligned with the Governments Make in India mission," it said in a press release. Focus on Accelerating Indias Clean Energy Transition This partnership marks a major milestone in Indias clean energy transition. The collaboration combines Piwins global expertise in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with Servotechs domestic manufacturing strength and market presence to deliver scalable, future-ready energy storage solutions designed for Indias rapidly expanding renewable energy ecosystem. The company said that BESS is critical for ensuring grid stability, enhancing energy security, and enabling round-the-clock renewable integration. Through this partnership, Servotech aims to drive innovation, boost indigenous manufacturing, and help build a sustainable energy ecosystem that strengthens Indias energy independence. Commenting on the development, Raman Bhatia, Managing Director of Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd., said, This exclusive partnership with Zhuhai Piwin New Energy Co., Ltd. is a milestone in Servotechs journey. By bringing cutting-edge global technology to India and aligning it with our strong domestic expertise, we are set to deliver indigenous BESS solutions that reinforce the Make in India vision and pave the way for a sustainable, secure, and self-reliant energy future. The company added that this move further strengthens its position as a key enabler of Indias renewable energy adoption, offering innovative solutions that empower industries, communities, and individuals to access clean and reliable power. Servotech Renewable Power System Stock Performance The stock soared as much as 7.7 percent to its day's high of 133.48. The stock has shed 24 percent in the last 1 year and 16 percent in the last 3 months. However, in the long term, the stock has given multibagger returns, rallying 6,138 percent in 5 years. Metal stocks witnessed strong buying interest on Monday, rallying up to 4% amid optimism over domestic steel price improvement, supportive global cues, and positive sentiment surrounding the recent GST rate cut. Shares of Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) shares climbed 4.17%, while JSW Steel and Lloyds Metals and Energy also advanced. Tata Steel share price rose nearly 3% to touch a fresh 52-week high. Other sectoral majors, including APL Apollo Tubes, and Jindal Steel & Power, contributed to the uptrend, pushing the Nifty Metal index higher by nearly 1.4%. The rally gained momentum after global brokerage Morgan Stanley turned constructive on Indian steelmakers, citing demand recovery, benefits from Chinas steel supply reforms, and a weakening US dollar. Also Read | The share of manufacturing in Indias economy can easily expand Morgan Stanley expects select steel stocks to outperform the broader India Materials sector over the next few months. The brokerage upgraded its ratings on JSW Steel, Tata Steel, and SAIL, while maintaining an Equalweight stance on Jindal Steel & Power. JSW Steel: Upgraded to Overweight, target price raised to 1,300. Tata Steel: Upgraded to Overweight, target price raised to 200. SAIL: Upgraded to Equalweight, target price raised to 140. Jindal Steel & Power: Maintained Equalweight, target price raised to 1,150. The brokerage has also revised upwards its steel price estimates by 3% each for FY27 and FY28, projecting an expansion in domestic steel spreads as demand improves. GST Rate Cut Impact Adding to the positive outlook, PL Capital noted that while GST on steel and aluminium remains unchanged at 18%, recent rate adjustments in related sectors are expected to support metal demand: Auto sector GST cut: A strong positive for steelmakers like Tata Steel and JSW Steel. Consumer durables rate cut: Favourable for both steel and aluminium producers. Household steel items: GST reduced from 12% to 5% on utensils and other iron/steel articles, seen as positive for Jindal Steel & Power. Milk cans (iron / steel / alloy): Tax cut from 12% to 5%, a mild positive for Jindal Stainless. Coal and lignite: GST raised from 5% to 12%, negative for Coal India, GMDC, and NLC India, though the removal of clean energy cess may offset the impact. Ammonia: GST reduced from 18% to 5%, but seen as insignificant for aluminium producers such as Hindalco Industries, Vedanta, and NALCO. Also Read | Expert view: Rupen Rajguru of Julius Baer on the stock market outlook and more Further boosting sentiment, Avinash Gorakshakar, SEBI-registered market expert, said, Markets are expecting a US trade deal with India very soon. This will be positive for IT and metals where the US is a big export market. Also, China is expected to be a large buyer ahead. All in all, domestic demand for metals is also likely to rise with large government capex and private sector capex, he noted. Global factors also lent support to the rally. The US dollar weakened after softer labour data bolstered expectations of a 25 basis points rate cut by the US Federal Reserve at its September 17 meeting. A weaker dollar typically benefits commodities, including metals. Overall, the combination of positive domestic demand outlook, global policy shifts, and currency tailwinds helped metal counters extend gains, lifting the sectoral index to fresh highs. Upcoming IPO: Mumbai-based architectural solutions provider, Glass Wall Systems (India), filed its preliminary draft papers with the capital markets regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), on 5 September 2025. The draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) data shows that the company aims to raise funds from the Indian stock market through a fresh issue of equity shares along with an offer for sale (OFS) component. Glass Wall Systems (India) IPO Details Glass Wall Systems is offering a book-built public issue comprising a fresh issue of equity shares with a face value of 2 apiece, amounting to 60 crore, along with an offer for sale (OFS) component of 40,234,552 or over 40 lakh shares. The draft papers, however, have not disclosed the total amount which the company is looking to raise from the Indian stock market via this IPO route. Jawahar Hariram Hemrajani, Eshan Jawahar Hemrajani, Eshan Jawahar Hemrajani, jointly with Dikshita Eshan Hemrajani, Amit Jawahar Hemrajani, Vinne Jawahar Hemrajani, are the promoters and promoter-group selling stakeholders via the public issue. India Business Excellence Fund and Vistra ITCL (India) are the investors selling stakeholders in the proposed Glass Wall Systems IPO. Also Read | IPO surge ahead! boAt among 84 companies with SEBI nod to float public offers The company also disclosed that Glass Wall Systems plans to use 60 crore raised from the fresh issue to fund its capital expenditure (capex) needs to set up a GPU Project at the Vile Bhagad, Maharashtra facility for 50 crore, and the remaining funds will be used for general corporate purposes, the firm informed the markets regulator via the DRHP filing. Glass Wall Systems plans to allocate up to 50% of the public issue to the qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), while allocating 15% for the non-institutional investors (NIIs) and 35% to the retail investors. IIFL Capital Services Ltd and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Ltd are the book-running lead managers of the public issue, while MUFG Intime India Private Limited (formerly Link Intime India Private Limited) is the registrar to the offer. About Glass Wall Systems (India) Glass Wall Systems (India) is a facade solutions and fenestration provider which operates in India, Australia, and the United States. According to reports, the company operates in an industry which provides a critical interface between a buildings interior and its external environment, combining advanced materials, precision engineering and architectural design to deliver the end products. The company's main business is providing engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) and manufacturing services for facade solutions to its clients from the three markets. Read all stories by Anubhav Mukherjee Vedanta share price fell as much as 2.21 per cent to 435.05 apiece in Monday's trading session after the analysts expressed "concerns" following reports that the group had emerged as the leading bidder for the bankrupt Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL). Vedanta shares have remained largely in the red in the last one year. The mining giant's stock has declined less than a per cent in six months and 5.38 per cent in one year. Vedanta - JAL details Anil Agarwal-owned Vedanta, in its successful bid for the debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAIL), has proposed an upfront payment of 4,000 crore upon NCLT approval, with the remaining amount to be paid over the next 56 years, according to a PTI report. Vedanta outbid the Adani Group with an offer having a net present value (NPV) of 12,505 crore in an auction conducted by lenders to find buyers for Jaiprakash Associates Limited, which has interests in real estate, cement, power, hotels, and roads. JAL is currently undergoing the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), with the Resolution Professional inviting Resolution Plans on June 24. As part of this process, a challenge round was held among five bidders Vedanta, Adani, Dalmia, Jindal Power, and PNC Infratech where Vedanta emerged as the H1 bidder with an NPV of 12,505 crore. According to sources, Vedanta was selected as the H1 bidder for JAL by the NARCIL-led Committee of Creditors (CoC). JAL reported an unpaid outstanding amount of 55,371.21 crore as of August 15, according to its stock exchange filing. Brokerage firm Nuvama Institutional Equities said in a note that it considers this event negative for minority shareholders, even if the assets prove to be lucrative in future, in case they get monetised. Getting into unrelated businesses at this point in time, when the priority should be deleveraging, is a cause for concern. In the demerged entity, it will house this asset under Vedanta Limited only, where funding the entire INR170bn will be difficult. However, we believe that the company can monetise some of the assets quickly, which could aid the balance sheet in not getting bloated. Despite this, the culmination of the transaction is likely to restrict any re-rating of the stock amid improved fundamentals of existing operations, the brokerage said. Vedanta share price - Should you buy or sell? Despite some concerns about the proposed deal, Nuvama retained its buy tag on Vedanta stock. The brokerage firm has given a target price of 601, and sees an upside potential of up to 35 per cent. We believe VEDLs focus will stay on core businesses (power) and it is likely to monetise other assets in due course. Getting into unrelated businesses at this point in time, when priority should be deleveraging, is a cause of concern. We await finalisation of the resolution plan to account for it in our estimates; retain BUY, the brokerage firm said. Its September, and with it comes IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin or Innovation For All), back for its 101st year. Its one of the biggest trade shows in the tech industry in Europe, if not the world, and the European equivalent to Las Vegas CES. From Sony to Samsung, and from Anker to Dyson, all the big names have gathered at the Messe Berlin grounds. Were kicking off things with a look at all things laptops. Experimental products The Smart Motion concept Lenovo is at the forefront of experimental products among all PC makers out there. At IFA 2025, the company brought not one, but three wacky concepts to the showfloor. 1. First up is the ThinkBook Vertiflex Concept. It resembles a traditional laptop with a 14-inch display, but it rotates in place. It allows you to switch from a standard landscape (horizontal) orientation to a portrait (vertical) mode. While youre in portrait mode, you can place a smartphone beside it and use the companys own Smart Connect app for seamlessly transferring files between the two. Its ultra slim (17.9mm) and lightweight (1.39 kg). This concept immediately reminded me of the LG Wing, a smartphone with two displays, one of which rotates. 2. Next up is the Smart Motion Concept, something that many more folks would be interested in. Its a multi-directional laptop stand. It integrates with the camera, microphones, and speakers to automatically adjust (raise, lower, and even turn) its position, so that the screen is always facing you. This works even if you get up and move around the room. Theres also an AI ring included that enables gesture control of the PC stands rotation. 3. Last, but not least, is the NaturaSynth Display. This is a proof-of-concept monitor that excels in terms of eye comfort. It utilises hardware-based zero-blue-light technology and can simulate natural light. It does this while reducing blue light content to less than one percent. Hence, it reduces visual fatigue and provides a more comfortable overall eye experience. Also Read | What it feels like to be trapped in appsand how to break free New laptops from Lenovo Lenovo Thinkpad The ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition may have debuted at CES in January, marking a stark departure from what ThinkPads are typically known for. Nonetheless, it was a loaded laptop. Now, at IFA, the company has introduced a new Glacial White colourway that looks really good. Then there is the ThinkPad P1 Gen 8. This one comes with an Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processor. and Nvidias brand-new RTX Pro 2000 Blackwell graphics card. These are GPUs that specialise in professional workloads. Next is the ThinkPad P16v Gen 3. This one features a 16-inch 4K OLED touchscreen display, a Blackwell GPU, up to 96GB of RAM, and more. Lenovo also announced the third-generation ThinkPad P16v at IFA, sharing many similarities with the ThinkPad P1, but in a more substantial 16-inch form. It also features a Blackwell GPU, but boasts a 16-inch 4K OLED touchscreen and the potential for up to 96GB of RAM. Lenovo cites it as a powerful device for engineers, designers, or animators who want a device with raw power but are value-oriented. Its thick and weighs 2.1kg. Over to the gaming side, and you have the new Legion Pro 7, which was announced alongside the Legion Go handheld device. The Legion Pro 7 comes with AMD Ryzen 9000 HX series processors and Nvidia RTX 50 series GPUs. The Ryzen 9 9955HX3D and RTX 5080 at the top-end. The GPU can provide up to 175W of performance. Theres support for 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage. This gaming laptop features a 16-inch OLED screen (2560x1600) and a 240Hz refresh rate. At IFA, there is something for everyone. Lenovo also unveiled the ThinkVision P40WD-40 curved ultrawide display, designed for designers, multitaskers, and others. Its a 39.7-inch display with a massive 5120x2160 resolution. It features a 21:9 aspect ratio, colour accuracy, and rich contrasts. Acer Swift 16 AI The Acer Swift 16 AI Intels Panther Lake breaks cover. A 16-inch laptop that is lighter than Apples 13-inch MacBook Air. The world's largest trackpad with stylus support. Yes, you read that right. All of that in one laptop, the Acer Swift 16 AI. A laptop that will launch in 2026, alongside Intels Panther Lake (their next-gen processors) release event, showed up at Acers press conference in Berlin. The Swift 16 AI features a gorgeous 16-inch 3K OLED display (2880 x 1800) with a 120Hz refresh rate. Itll support up to 32GB of RAM, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and more. Theres another model, the Swift Air 16, featuring AMD processors. The Swift Air 16 comes with AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processors (yes, up to AI 7 350), alongside AMD Radeon 860M graphics. Despite the 16-inch display and the ultra-slim profile, the laptop is expected to last around 13 hours on a single charge. A raft of other Acer laptops The Acer predator, a gaming laptop The Acer TravelMate X14 AI is a business laptop designed for remote professionals. It comes with Intels Core Ultra 7 258V processor (with 115 TOPS of performance) and is paired with up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1 TB of storage. Its a Copilot+ PC and features all the AI tools youd need. The laptop is truly portable, weighing just 1.27 kg and measuring 15.99mm in thickness. Theres a 14-inch WUXGA display at the front with a 16:10 aspect ratio. An OLED panel is optional if one wants to opt for that. On the gaming side of things is the beast of a gaming laptop, the Predator Helios 18P AI. Its absolutely loaded. Its got Intels processors (up to Core Ultra 9 185HX processor) and Nvidias GPUs (up to GeForce RTX 5090). It can be specced with up to 6TB of SSD and a massive 192GB of RAM. It comes with Wi-Fi 7 support. Theres an 18-inch (3840x2400) WQUXGA display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Its also got the brands 6th Gen AeroBlade fans and vector heat pipes to keep your laptop cool at all times. While there were several other laptops on showcase at Acers booth, the one that caught everyones eye was the Chromebook Plus Spin 514. Its the companys first laptop to feature the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 (Arm-based) processor. Its USP is its battery life, thanks to the efficient chip. Theres a 14-inch IPS touchscreen (1920x1200 or 2880x1800) display that is covered in Gorilla Glass and has support for USI 2.0 styluses (sold separately). Its a convertible, so you can easily transform this into a tablet and draw or take handwritten notes. An Air India flight from Mumbai to Delhi aborted landing due to an unstabilised approach on Monday evening, before safely landing on its second attempt, the airline confirmed. "The aircraft touched down, but took off and started flying again. The pilot announced that some landing parameters were not achieved, so the aircraft was doing a go-around. After the go-around, the aircraft landed back safely in Delhi," a passenger, who was onboard the flight AI 2910, told PTI. According to Air India, the A320-neo aircraft performed a routine go-around at Delhi airport as per standard protocols. Also Read | Air Canada flight attendants wrap up voting on wage agreement "The aircraft landed safely in its second attempt, and all passengers and crew have disembarked," the airline said. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24.com confirmed the aircraft type. Earlier, on Friday, an Air India Express flight 1028, operating from Delhi to Indore, made a priority landing at Indore Airport after the pilot detected a technical snag, an Air India spokesperson said. Air Indias progress Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, in a letter addressed to employees on Sunday, highlighted the airline's progress in performance, customer experience, and network growth while reaffirming the company's commitment to transparency and cultural transformation, reported news agency ANI. "Like all airlines, we faced a variety of operational scenarios--some of which were under our control, and some that were not," the CEO wrote, referring to the crisis the airline faced following the AI171 plane crash in Ahmedabad earlier this year. Also Read | American passenger arrested for secretly taking inappropriate photos on board "When the spotlight was on us, it was crucial to offer timely, clear and accurate information and the right context," he wrote in the letters disseminated via e-mail. He acknowledged that Air India had deliberately been "more transparent than usual in reporting incidents and events, however small." While this had temporarily increased news coverage, he emphasised that in the context of Air India's scale and size, the incidence rate was "entirely normal." The Supreme Court of India on 8 September asked the Election Commission (EC) to consider Aadhaar as a voter identity in Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR), clarifying that it is not a citizenship proof, PTI reported. However, the court also told the EC to determine the authenticity of the Aadhaar submitted and consider including it as the 12th prescribed identity document. The Bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, was hearing the pleas challenging the SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar. It further urged the EC to consider issuing necessary directions for the acceptance of Aadhaar in this case. Earlier, the court declined to extend the September 1 deadline for submitting claims and objections to the draft roll, noting that the EC had assured it would still consider any such filings made after September 1 but before the final date for nominations, according to LiveLaw. Regarding a request for directions to the EC to accept the Aadhaar cards of approximately 7.24 crore voters whose enumeration forms had already been submitted, the court advised the petitioners to present specific cases where the EC had refused to accept Aadhaar from voters within this category. Confusion over Bihar SIR largely a trust issue The Supreme Court described the confusion surrounding the Bihar SIR as "largely a trust issue" and instructed the State Legal Services Authority to deploy paralegal volunteers. The volunteers are to help individual voters and political parties submit claims and objections regarding the draft electoral roll, which was released on August 1, the PTI report noted. The EC, which had opposed any extension to the September 1 deadline for submitting claims and objections as per the SIR timeline, informed the court that between August 22 and August 30, only 22,723 inclusion claims and 1,34,738 exclusion objections had been filed. As per the EC's June 24 schedule for the Bihar SIR, the window for submitting claims and objections closed on September 1, and the final electoral roll is set to be published on September 30. The Supreme Court also directed political parties to respond to a note submitted by the EC. Additionally, the court stated that the paralegal volunteers must submit confidential reports to the respective district judges, and the consolidated data for the entire state would be reviewed on September 8. It had emphasised that the EC must adhere to the procedures laid out in the June 24 order concerning the Bihar SIR and expressed concern over the unusually high number of objections filed, seeking the removal of names from the draft roll. "Political parties need to activate themselves," it had mentioned. The SIR of the voter list in Bihar, the first such exercise since 2003, triggered significant political controversy. Opposition parties accused it of being an attempt to disenfranchise voters. The Election Commission, however, defended the revision, stating that its purpose is to clean up the electoral roll by removing the names of deceased individuals, duplicate entries, and illegal immigrants. China's Ambassador to India Xu Feihong on Monday lashed out at the US for its 50 per cent tariff on India and invited Indian businesses to China to promote their products and invest in Beijing. Talking at a press conference in New Delhi, Xu suggested an open flow of trade between India and China. We welcome more Indian companies to promote their products and invest in China. We also hope that India could provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises, he said. Together, we should advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation and firmly oppose any form of tariff and trade wars, Xu added. The Chinese diplomat took a dig at Trump tariff on India, calling it unfair and unreasonable while accusing the US of benefitting from free trade. The United States has long benefited from free trade. But now it is using tariffs as a weapon to demand exorbitant prices. The 50% tariff on India is unfair, unreasonable, and China firmly opposes it. He said that Chinese President Xi Jinping told PM Narendra Modi that China and India should prioritise development and foster mutual support and success. PM Modi said that India-China cooperation will make the 21st century a genuine Asian century, he added. China slams US acts of bullying Taking further digs at the US, Xu Feihong said that the world has entered a new phase of turbulence. Currently, changes unseen in a century are accelerating, unilateralism and acts of bullying are on the rise, and the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. Humanity once again faces a choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, win-win cooperation and zero-sum game. Also Read | Chinas export growth slows in August as US tariffs, trade tensions bite The Chinese ambassador urged India to work together with China to safeguard world peace. As two ancient Eastern civilisations and major developing countries, China and India should demonstrate a global vision and responsibility as major powers, and make greater contributions to safeguarding world peace, promoting common development, and improving global governance, he said. India and the European Union (EU) will hold the next round of crucial negotiations to overcome differences in areas of rules of origin, market access and duties on wine and dairy products this week. Two top EU negotiators, in charge of trade and agriculture, are coming to India this week to conclude the ambitious free trade agreement (FTA) soon, news agency PTI said. This comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Union leaders discussed an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA. European Commission agriculture commissioner Christophe Hansen and trade chief Maros Sefcovic will be in India to hold talks with their Indian interlocutors as both sides look to seal the FTA by the end of this year. The two Commissioners, who are equivalent to Cabinet Ministers, will be leading a 30-member negotiating team from Brussels and will meet their counterparts in Delhi, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Before the high-profile visit, the 13th round of talks on the FTA will begin on 8 September. While the 13th round of negotiations for the FTA will be held this in New Delhi, the next round has been slated for early next month in Brussels. According to reports, the meetings will focus on more substantial issues such as non-tariff barriers, market access, and public procurements. The trade deal assumes significance amid turbulence created by the tariff policies of the US administration. It is also significant since it follows the announcement of the EU-US deal. The EU has indicated flexibilities for the US on the contentious Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism The European Union is India's biggest trade partner, with bilateral trade in goods recording $135 billion in the financial year 2023-24. PM Modi speaks with Ursula On 4 September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa spoke on the phone and discussed early conclusion of the India-EU FTA The two sides have already concluded negotiations on 11 chapters that included customs and trade facilitation, dispute settlement, digital trade, sustainable food system, small and medium-sized enterprises, competition and subsidies and capital movements, news agency PTI said. The sources said negotiations on several key chapters, including rules of origin and market access, have yet to be concluded. New politico-strategic vision Besides the trade deal, India and the EU are also in the process of firming up a series of transformative initiatives, including a new politico-strategic vision and key foundational frameworks to expand defence ties moves that came against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical uncertainty. The EU will unveil its new strategic vision for ties with India on 17 September that will comprise key elements of its futuristic outlook for relations with New Delhi. The new measures are expected to be unveiled at the India-EU annual summit that is likely to be held in India within the first few months of next year. The two sides will also hold a series of high-level meetings and talks in the next three months, including a visit to India by the EU's Political and Security Committee, which comprises envoys of the bloc's 27 member nations. The India-EU counter-terror talks are also slated for this month in Brussels, while the Standing Committee of the EU parliament on trade will visit New Delhi in October. The Indo-Pacific ministerial forum will follow on November 20-21. The next meeting of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) is also likely to take place in November. The foreign policy and security dialogue between the two sides is also set to be held in Delhi. The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, is expected to visit India either in December or in January. Finding right equilibrium There are also issues relating to non-tariff barriers as well but both sides are hopeful of resolving all contentious matters by finding the "right equilibrium". The new strategic vision for India-EU ties will be analysed by various member nations before it is ratified. The vision document, set to be the guiding light for the next phase of India-EU relations, is expected to be adopted at the summit. The sources said that to boost defence cooperation, the two sides are negotiating a security of information agreement and two other frameworks, with the larger aim of ramping up defence ties, including jointly developing military equipment and hardware. The upcoming meeting of the TTC assumes significance. The TTC was unveiled in 2022 to facilitate the exchange of critical technologies in various domains, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. The TTC with India was the European Union's second such technology partnership after the first one with the United States that was firmed up in June 2021. What did Jaishankar say? India would like to see its negotiations with the European Union for a free trade agreement move to a "decisive conclusion" soon, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said last week Jaishankar made the remarks at a joint media briefing after holding wide-ranging talks with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul. The external affairs minister said the talks focused on boosting bilateral ties in areas of economy, climate change, defence, and technology. India would like to see its negotiations with the European Union for a free trade agreement move to a 'decisive conclusion' soon. Jaishankar said Wadephul told him that Germany will put its full weight behind the India-EU FTA. NEW DELHI: India and Israel have signed a bilateral investment agreement to strengthen investor protections and create a framework for expanding trade and investment between the two nations, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement Monday. The pact was signed in New Delhi by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her Israeli counterpart, Bezalel Smotrich. Also Read | Priority to pass on tax cut gains: Sitharaman According to the statement, the agreement will provide greater certainty and protection for investors, facilitating growth of trade and mutual investments by ensuring a minimum standard of treatment, and an independent dispute resolution mechanism through arbitration. It also includes safeguards against expropriation, provisions for transparency, and rules to ensure smooth transfers and compensation for losses. Both ministers emphasized their commitment to advancing cooperation in fintech innovation, infrastructure development, financial regulation, and digital payment connectivity. The ministry noted the pact reflects the two countries shared aim of building a more resilient investment environment alongside boosting trade and capital flows. The agreement is expected to pave the way for increased bilateral investments, which currently total about $800 million. Both sides should have more business interaction to explore opportunities for investments and gain benefits from the agreement, the statement said quoting Sitharaman. Trade between India and Israel has evolved into a dynamic partnership, leveraging Indias scale and Israels technology strengths. In FY25, India exported goods worth $2.15 billion to Israel, while imports totalled $1.61 billion, as per commerce ministry data. Also Read | Exporters told to wait as govt eyes US trade deal by Nov; interim relief likely Key exports included pearls, engineering goods, rice, electronics, ceramics, cotton, aluminium products, and telecom instruments. Imports were led by semi-precious stones, electronic components, fertilizers, agro-chemicals, and engineering goods. During her meeting with Smotrich, Sitharaman highlighted the reforms undertaken in India over the past decade. She also expressed condolences over the loss of lives in a terrorist attack in Israel the same day, noting the shared value of the civilizational ethos that binds the two countries in their contribution to global peace. Both ministers acknowledged the threats of terrorism faced by their nations and expressed solidarity, according to the statement. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said economic practices around the world should be fair, transparent and to everyone's benefit as the world seeks a stable and predictable environment for trade and investment. Jaishankar's comments at the virtual BRICS Summit came amid increasing concern around the globe due to US tariffs on India and other countries. Addressing the virtual summit, Jaishankar shared India's belief of protecting an open, fair, transparent and non-discriminatory approach of the international trading system. Jaishankar was representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and more leaders from the group. The world as a collective is seeking a stable and predictable environment for trade and investment. At the same time, it is imperative that economic practices are fair, transparent and to everyone's benefit, the EAM said. When there are multiple disruptions, our objective should be to proof it against such shocks. That means creating more resilient, reliable, redundant and shorter supply chains, he added. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva convened the virtual BRICS Summit to discuss about US tariffs and trade policies that have disrupted trade. Also Read | Jaishankar to join BRICS summit on September 8 to discuss Trumps tariffs Jaishankar urges constructive and cooperative approach In his speech, EAM Jaishankar suggested that constructive and cooperative approaches are needed by the world to promote sustainable trade. Increasing barriers and complicating transactions will not help. Neither would the linking of trade measures to non-trade matters, he said. Jaishankar urged BRICS nations to set an example by reviewing their own trade policies with member nations. Where India is concerned, some of our biggest deficits are with BRICS partners and we have been pressing for expeditious solutions. We hope that this realisation will be part of the takeaways from today's meeting, he said. Jaishankar's comments assume significance amid India's increasing trade deficit with China. India strongly believes that this should be protected and nurtured, he said. The external affairs minister also said that the state of the world today is a cause for genuine concern. Also Read | India steps up FTA talks with Qatar, EU as US tariff strains trade ties The Covid pandemic, major conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and volatility in trade and investment flows as well as extreme climate events are some of the examples of the major challenges that the world has been facing over the past few years, Jaishankar said. In the face of these challenges, the multilateral system appears to be failing the world. That so many serious stresses are being left unaddressed is understandably having consequences for the global order itself, the EAM said. Operation Guddar: Two soldiers were killed and two terrorists were eliminated in a fierce encounter in Kulgam district of South Kashmir on Monday, September 8, officials said. The Indian Army, J&K Police and CRPF carried out a joint operation after receiving after receiving specific intelligence inputs. According to preliminary reports, one of the killed terrorists was a local resident, while the other is believed to be a foreign militant known by the code name Rehman Bhai. Three Army personnel were also injured in the incident; two of them Sub Perbhat Gaur and L/Nk Narender Sindhu succumbed later while receiving treatment at the hospital, officials stated, PTI reported. Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Army took to X and said, Based on specific intelligence input by JKP, a joint search operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice & @crpf_srinagar in Guddar forest of #Kulgam. It added vigilant troops noticed suspicious activity and, upon being challenged, the terrorists launched fire, "prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist has been eliminated and a junior commissioned officer suffered injuries". Chinar Corps pays tribute to soldiers Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts, Sub Perbhat Gaur and L/Nk Narender Sindhu, in line of duty for the Nation. Their courage and dedication will forever inspire us. #IndianArmy expresses deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families, it further said. One more terrorist has been eliminated in the ongoing Operation at Guddar forest of Kulgam. One soldier suffered injuries and is being evacuated for requisite medical care. Identity of terrorists is being ascertained, the Indian Army's Chinar Corps earlier said. It mentioned, COP GUDDAR, Kulgam. Based on specific intelligence input by JKP, a joint search operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice & @crpf_srinagar in Guddar forest of #Kulgam. The operation is currently underway. Indian Army foils infiltration bid in Uri On August 13, the Indian Army successfully foiled an infiltration attempt in the Uri sector, just days after eliminating two terrorists in the same region. During the operation, Havildar Ankit Kumar was martyred. The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army paid a heartfelt tribute to Havildar Ankit Kumar, who laid down his life while thwarting an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district. Mumbai and its suburbs will observe the public holiday for Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi on September 8. The day was observed in several parts of the country and in Maharashtra on September 5. However, the holiday was rescheduled in Mumbai and its suburbs in the wake of the Ganesh festival. While the holiday on September 5 will remain unchanged for other districts in the state [Maharashtra], it has been shifted to September 8 in Mumbai city and suburbs, the General Administration Department (GAD) stated in a circular. Why Maharashtra shifted Eid-e-Milad 2025 holiday to Sep 8 Former minister and Congress Working Committee member Naseem Khan had urged the Maharashtra government to declare a holiday on September 8 to mark Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, celebrated on the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. Khan wrote to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying that while Prophet Muhammads birth anniversary falls on September 5 this year, the Ganesh festival concludes on September 6. "Muslim organisations in Mumbai had decided to hold Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi processions on September 8 to avoid overlap and ensure celebrations of both religious festivals in harmony," he was quoted by PTI as saying. The Congress leader said the decision was taken on August 21 at a meeting of various Muslim organisations under the All India Khilafat Committee. "Declaring a holiday on September 8 would help maintain communal amity and allow both festivals to be celebrated with love and goodwill," he added. Will stock market be closed? According to the stock market holiday calendar shared by the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and BSE, September 8 is not a trading holiday. All trading activities on the stock exchanges will remain functional on that day. Mumbai: What's closed/open on Sept 8 Schools, government offices and banks will be closed in Mumbai on September 8. However, Mumbai shops will largely remain open on Monday, September 8. A few shopkeepers may choose to stay closed for the day, according to personal preference. Why is Milad-un-Nabi observed? Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi or Mawlid, marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (SAW). The Prophet's birthday is observed on 12 Rabi Ul Awwal, which is the third month according to the Islamic calendar. One of the most essential parts of Eid Milad-un-Nabi is to celebrate the life of the Prophet, his teachings, sufferings, and his character, as he even forgave his enemies. The Prophet's birth anniversary is generally marked by observance rather than celebration, with festivities kept to a minimum. Jammu Kashmir: Two terrorists were killed and three soldiers were injured in a fierce encounter in Kulgam on Monday, September 8, PTI reported. The Operation Guddar is underway in Guddar forest. The Indian Army, J&K Police and CRPF carried out a joint operation after receiving after receiving specific intelligence inputs. One more terrorist has been eliminated in the ongoing Operation at Guddar forest of Kulgam. One soldier suffered injuries and is being evacuated for requisite medical care. Identity of terrorists is being ascertained, the Indian Army's Chinar Corps said. It mentioned, COP GUDDAR, Kulgam. Based on specific intelligence input by JKP, a joint search operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice & @crpf_srinagar in Guddar forest of #Kulgam. Indian Army foils infiltration bid in Uri On August 13, the Indian Army successfully foiled an infiltration attempt in the Uri sector, just days after eliminating two terrorists in the same region. During the operation, Havildar Ankit Kumar was martyred. The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army paid a heartfelt tribute to Havildar Ankit Kumar, who laid down his life while thwarting an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district. Also Read | Delhi news: Lawrence Bishnoi gang members arrested after encounter Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of Braveheart Havildar Ankit Kumar, who laid down his life while undertaking operational duty along the Line of Control in Uri, Baramulla. Chinar Warriors salute his immense valour and sacrifice, express deepest condolence and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family, the Chinar Corps said on X. Just a day earlier, the Chinar Corps had also mourned the loss of Sepoy Banoth Anil Kumar, who lost his life while performing operational duties along the Line of Control in Baramulla district. The Corps honoured his bravery, offered heartfelt condolences, and expressed solidarity with his grieving family. The Army stated, "Chinar Corps deeply regret the loss of the precious life of Braveheart Sepoy Banoth Anil Kumar, while performing operational duty along the Line of Control in Baramulla district. Chinar Warriors salute his immense valour and sacrifice, express deepest condolence and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family." On August 11, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi expressed their condolences over the deaths of two soldiers, Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh, who were martyred during Operation Kulgam, an anti-terror operation in South Kashmirs Kulgam district. Anupam Mittal, investor in Shark Tank India, visited world class infrastructure Kashmir with his family after four months of Pahalgam terror attack for a luxury trip worth 2 lakh than going to Switzerland at 10 lakh. He revealed that he was offered security but he didn't accept. Mittal took to X and shared beautiful photos from the valley, stating, Luxury trip to Switzerland - 10 lacs Similar trip to Kashmir - 2 lacs Infinite beauty in your own country - priceless. He shut down a troll who asked whether it's advertising while responding that it's just emotion. The Shaadi.com CEO became apparently furious when he was questioned Sir but Switzerland me religion puch ke goli nahi marte. He replied, Thodi tameez rakho bhai and urging, its time to support your country. Another X user asked him in response to this, Whats wrong in what he said ? Neither they disrespect the country or national emblem. The point was made in reference to controversy that arose at the esteemed Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar when a mob allegedly vandalised the Ashoka Emblem on the foundation stone a few days ago, igniting a fierce debate over national symbols and religious feelings. Mittal rebutted and told the person to visit Kashmir as it's not true for the locals there. This is not true of the people of Kashmir. Jaa kar dekho, phir bolo, he said. When an X user advised that the life is precious and you may not have the security like Anupam, Mittal stated, Was offered security but did not accept it. And took my family along. Kashmir is as safe as can be and if u want to do a service for those who sacrificed their lives, go visit and dont let the terrorists succeed in their plan. Fear mongering is easy. He said he wished to visit Manipur and Shillong in further conversation. Mittal also burst into laughter when a person praised him for his looks Anupam looks like a 80s Hero and the missus is more 2020s... Anupam bhai need to rev up ur game, an X user remarked. He quipped," kuch karna padega." While taking to LinkedIn, Mittal said he takes offence when everyone calls Kashmir Indias Switzerland. Switzerland is pretty, but at times, sterile. Kashmir is raw, rustic, ravishing," he mentioned. What did Anupam Mittal notice during his trip to Kashmir? He listed out following: : Kashmiris are beautiful inside & out : Hospitable to a fault (bought an XL suitcase for the gifts) : Govt & forces are ensuring 100% safety : Locals, after initial despair, are back on their feet Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said on Sunday that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was very quick to respond to US President Donald Trump's message, the governments and diplomats of both countries needed to do some serious repair work. Tharoor welcomed Trump's "new tone" with a spirit of caution, and said that one could not forgive the hurt and offence caused by Trump so quickly, keeping in mind the consequences Indians faced. "The Prime Minister was very quick to respond, and the Foreign Minister has also underscored the importance of the basic relationship that is a comprehensive global strategic partnership, which is still there. And that message is an important message for us to give...," Tharoor told news agency ANI. "I think there's some serious repair work that needs to be done by governments and diplomats on both sides. I would welcome this new tone with a spirit of caution," Tharoor said. He said the tariffs imposed by Trump had consequences on the people, which could not be completely forgotten. The Thiruvananthapuram MP added, One can't just forget and forgive so quickly because there are real consequences that Indians are facing on the ground and those consequences need to be overcome.... "I don't think we can just completely forget either the 50 per cent tariffs or the insults that have accompanied it from both the President and his staff....," Tharoor said. He said, Trump has a fairly mercurial temperament, and what he has been saying has caused some hurt and offence in our country. The 50 per cent tariffs have actually had consequences already Trump, PM Modi exchange friendly messages Earlier on Friday (local time), President Trump called the India-US ties a "very special relationship" and affirmed that he and PM Modi would always be friends, asserting that there is "nothing to worry about". PM Modi responded warmly to Trump's remarks and his positive assessment of the bilateral relations. "Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump's sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership," the Prime Minister said in a post on X. The US imposed steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods entering America. It came into effect from August 27, and is expected to impact India's exports worth more than $48 billion to America. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condemned the terrorist attack on Israeli civilians in Jerusalem that killed six people when Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop in the Israeli capital earlier today. Strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Jerusalem today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured, PM Modi said in a post on X. Highlighting India's policy on terrorism, he said, India condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stands firm in its policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. Six dead in Jerusalem in Palestinian gun attack Two gun-wielding Palestinians opened fire at a bus stand in Jerusalem on Monday during office hours, killing six and injuring over 20 others. Israel Police said the attackers were shot dead at the scene by a soldier and an armed civilian. Also Read | India, Israel sign investment pact to boost trade and investor protections Five of the victims were identified as a 50-year-old man, a woman in her fifties and three men in their thirties, adding that six others were injured seriously. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said later a sixth person had died and that the terrorists were Palestinians from the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Spain's foreign ministry said a Spanish citizen was among those killed and condemned the attack. President Mahmoud Abbas, head of the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority, condemned any targeting of Palestinian and Israeli civilians, and denounced all forms of violence and terrorism, regardless of their source, according to a statement from his office. Speaking at the scene of the attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces were pursuing suspects who aided them. Israeli police said the two attackers had arrived by car and opened fire at a bus stop at Ramot Junction, an area straddling a part of Jerusalem that Israel captured in the 1967 war and later annexed in a move unrecognised by the United Nations and most countries. Also Read | UAE Warns Israel Annexing West Bank Would Undermine Abraham Accords Several guns, ammunition and a knife used by the attackers were recovered at the scene and a suspect from East Jerusalem whose alleged involvement in the shooting was being investigated had been arrested, police said. A deadly shooting attack at a major intersection in Jerusalem on Monday morning has left six people dead and at least 16 others injured, according to Israeli authorities. Six of the injured remain in serious condition, said Israels emergency medical service, Magen David Adom. According to AP report, attackers opened fire in a bus at a busy intersection in Jerusalem on Monday, 8 September. Police said the attackers shot people waiting at a bus stop. An Israeli soldier and a civilian who were at the scene shot and killed the attackers, police said. A statement from Magen David Adom said it was providing medical treatment to several other people, with five evacuated to hospitals. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the scene some two hours after the shooting. Netanyahu was supposed to be in court on Monday for his ongoing corruption trial, which was delayed due to the security situation. Police confirmed that two gunmen were neutralised shortly after the attack began, preventing further casualties. The incident marks one of the most severe acts of violence in the city in recent months and comes amid rising tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. How the Jerusalem shooting attack unfolded The shooting occurred at a busy junction at the northern entrance to Jerusalem, a key roadway connecting the city to nearby Jewish settlements in east Jerusalem. According to Israeli media reports, the two attackers boarded a public bus during the morning rush hour and opened fire on passengers before continuing their assault near a bus stop. Eyewitness footage from the scene showed commuters fleeing in panic as gunfire erupted. Paramedics described the aftermath as chaotic, with shattered glass scattered across the street and several victims lying unconscious on the pavement. Also Read | Israel news: Massive fire near Jerusalem brought under control Emergency response The injured individuals sustained varying degrees of wounds and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The scene was one of absolute devastation, with multiple casualties and people in shock, a senior paramedic told local reporters. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or the attackers. Who was behind the attack in Jerusalem? There has been no immediate claim of responsibility from any Palestinian militant groups. However, the attack follows a pattern of escalating violence since the outbreak of the war in Gaza in October 2023. Palestinian militants have stepped up attacks inside Israel and the West Bank, while incidents of settler violence against Palestinians have also risen sharply. This latest shooting bears similarities to a deadly assault in October 2024, when two gunmen from the West Bank opened fire at a light rail station and nearby boulevard in Tel Aviv, killing seven people. Hamas military wing later claimed responsibility for that attack. Rising tensions in Middle East The war in Gaza has fuelled instability across the region, with militant groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis increasing their operations against Israeli targets. Mondays attack underscores the ongoing security challenges facing Israel, with authorities now on heightened alert to prevent further incidents. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed a strong response, saying that security forces were working to identify the network behind the Jerusalem shooting and prevent additional attacks. Our forces acted swiftly to neutralise the terrorists and protect civilians, Katz said. We will continue to take decisive action against those who threaten our citizens. Investigation underway Israeli Police have cordoned off the area and launched a large-scale investigation into how the attackers reached the site and whether they received assistance. In a final delayed by the visit of US President Donald Trump, Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner on Sunday to win the US Open, reasserting his dominance of an era-defining rivalry. The 22-year-old Alcaraz won 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to capture his second US Open crown and sixth Grand Slam title, avenging his lone defeat in a major final by Sinner at Wimbledon in July. Alcaraz has now won seven of the past eight meetings and is 10-5 overall against Sinner. However, the President did not seem too happy with this win, and the Internet noticed. In the viral video, Trump, whose attendance at the US Open was met with mixed responses, including boos from the audience, appeared visibly displeased with the outcome of the final match. Netizens speculated that he might have been rooting for Sinner instead. But Trump said he loved attending the match and praised the unbelievable talent of both players. I don't think Donald Trump is pleased with the Carlos Alcaraz win. Maybe he was rooting for Jannik Sinner, a social media user said while posting Trump's reaction online. Also Read | How Trump is weaponising government in his second term to settle personal scores Watch Donald Trump's viral reaction here: Here's how netizens reacted: Unsure of what to make of the reaction, netizens joked that Trump had placed a huge bet on Sinner. He clearly doesnt like to see brown people win, one user said. Another said, He looked truly bummed that Alcaraz won. I doubt he cares about tennis at all, so the only logical reason is that he views Sinner as more white than a Spaniard like Alcaraz, who, in his mind, might as well be Mexican. I was neutral on who I wanted to win, but look at Trumps facial expression after Alcarez won! Now Im so glad Alcaraz won the championship, added another user. One thing is quite clear: Trump shows his disgusting emotions to the whole world. Most decent humans enjoyed the game & applauded. Trump showed his disdain. Maybe its the reason his repulsive & heinous MAGA Cult loves him, a netizen said. Reuters/ipsos polls found that Donald Trump's approval rating stood at 40% in late July and mid-August, the lowest of his presidency. US President Donald Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro continued his attack on India over Russian oil purchase. On Monday, in an expletive-laden post, the Trump aide termed India's oil purchase as blood money, alleging that New Delhi did not buy as much energy from Moscow before the Ukraine war started. More b*lls**t from X. Fact: India didn't buy Russian oil in large quantities before Russia invaded Ukraine. It's blood money and people are dying. Stick that up your keister Mother Jones and shame on you, he said in the expletive-laden post on X. Peter Navarro was re-sharing one of his earlier posts on X, alleging that the platform's community notes are run by Indian special interests. X debunked the claim in a community note. The community notes from X had earlier also debunked one of his other claims against India. Last week, Navarro, White House's Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing, had said in a post that India highest tariffs costs US jobs. India buys Russian oil purely to profit/Revenues feed Russia war machine. Ukrainians/Russians die. U.S. taxpayers shell out more. India can't handle truth/spins. X had added a community note on the post, debunking it as misleading. In turn, Peter Navarro slammed X owner Elon Musk, saying the X billionaire owner is letting propaganda into people's posts. That crap note below is just that. Crap. India buys Russia oil solely to profiteer. It didn't buy any before Russia invaded Ukraine. Indian govt spin machine moving high tilt. Stop killing Ukrainians. Stop taking American jobs. Peter Navarro rants against X community notes and India Over the past few days, Peter Navarro has posted a series of rant posts against India's purchase of Russian oil, only to get his content flagged by X community notes, which aims to debunk misinformation. Community Notes on X is a crowd-sourced program where X users can add context, fact-checks to potentially misleading posts. Contributors write notes, which are then rated by other contributors with diverse viewpoints, X said in a statement. The community note included links to news reports on Russian President Vladimir Putins comments, made during his joint press conference with Trump in Alaska last month, that trade between Washington and Moscow grew since the Republican leaders second term in the White House. In a rant, Navarro said, Should X put up posts like one below where foreign interests masquerade as objective observers and interfere with domestic U.S. economics and politics? On earlier post, you can see Indian special interests trying to interfere with domestic dialogue with lies about India buying Russian oil. Should X present this crap as comments from "diverse viewpoints? One of the community notes on Navarros post said that his remark that Brahmins are profiteering is not only baseless but also a hypocritical attempt to meddle in Indias internal affairs and spread divisive narratives. President Donald Trump addressed the White House Religious Liberty Commission on Monday (September 8) at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, emphasising the role of faith in national strength. America was founded on faith, as we know, and I've been saying it for a long time, when faith gets weaker, our country seems to get weaker, Trump said. And under the Trump administration, we're defending our rights and restoring our identity as a nation under God. We are one nation under God, and we always will. He added, We have to bring back religion in America, bring it back stronger than ever before. Notable attendees The Religious Liberty Commission includes prominent figures such as Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, former Housing Secretary Ben Carson, and evangelist Paula White. Trump donates family Bible During his remarks, Trump announced that he had given his family Bible to the Museum of the Bible for public display. For thousands of years, the Bible has shaped civilization, ethics, art and literature, and it's brought hope, healing, and transformation to untold millions and millions of lives. The Bible is also an important part of the American story, he said. Trump described the Bible as personally significant: Just moments ago, I have personally delivered the Trump family Bible given to me by my mother. I remember the time she gave it to me, but it was used in both my inaugurations and I guess it will now be displayed right in the heart of our nation's capital, right here. And that's an honor. United States President Donald Trump, late on Sunday, sought to reassure South Korea after a major immigration raid at a Hyundai Motor plant in Georgia, insisting that the incident would not harm diplomatic or economic ties between the two nations. Taking to social media, Donald Trump issued a pointed warning to foreign companies operating in the US: Please respect our Nation's Immigration Laws. Your investments are welcome, and we encourage you to LEGALLY bring your very smart people... What we ask in return is that you hire and train American workers. Addressing reporters, Trump emphasised that the matter would not disrupt the longstanding partnership between Washington and Seoul, saying, We have a strong relationship with South Korea; the Hyundai plant issue is not straining that relationship. Also Read | Trump Admin to ramp up workplace immigration raids after arrests at Hyundai The operation, led by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), resulted in the arrest of nearly 500 individuals last Thursday at the Hyundai-LG battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia. Among those detained were at least 300 South Korean nationals and 23 Mexican citizens, making it one of the largest single-site immigration enforcement actions under Trumps administration. Why were so many workers detained? US officials allege that many of those arrested were in the country illegally. Trump defended the raid, saying: I would say that they were illegal aliens, and ICE was just doing its job. However, the scale and manner of the operation have sparked outrage in South Korea, where officials criticised the US for releasing images showing detained workers in handcuffs and ankle chains being escorted onto buses. Also Read | South Korea, US strike deal on release of Hyundai workers detained in Georgia How has South Korea responded? In a swift diplomatic move, the South Korean government announced that 300 of its nationals detained would soon be released and flown back home. Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, confirmed the development: As a result of the swift and united response negotiations for the release of the detained workers have been concluded. Only administrative procedures remain. Once these are completed, a chartered flight will depart to bring our citizens home. Seoul has also pledged to streamline visa access for South Korean nationals working in the US to prevent similar incidents in future Also Read | Hyundai construction site raid puts Trumps competing agendas in spotlight What role did LG play in the negotiations? LG Energy Solution, a key partner in the Hyundai facility, confirmed that 47 of its employees were detained 46 South Koreans and one Indonesian. LG Energy Solution chief human resources officer Kim Ki-soo travelled to Georgia to oversee the situation, saying: The immediate priority now is the swift release of both our LG Energy Solution employees and those of our partner firms. South Korean officials estimate that around 250 detained workers were employed by LG contractors, most of whom are South Korean citizens. Could this impact US-South Korea economic ties? The raid comes at a delicate time for US-South Korea relations. Both countries recently signed a trade agreement that includes a $250 billion investment fund aimed at encouraging South Korean companies to expand into American markets. Park Yoon-joo, South Koreas first vice foreign minister, expressed her governments concerns to US officials, saying it was lamentable that such a raid occurred: The economic activities of our companies that have invested in the US and the rights and interests of our citizens should not be unfairly infringed upon during the course of US law enforcement. What happens next? While the release of the detained workers is expected soon, the fallout from the raid may continue to reverberate. Trump is scheduled to travel to South Korea in October for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, a visit that could now take on greater diplomatic significance. The incident has placed a spotlight on the intersection of immigration policy, international trade, and diplomatic relations, raising questions about how Washington will balance domestic enforcement with its global economic partnerships. President Donald Trump on Monday (September 8) expressed his condolences to the family of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee brutally murdered on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina. Trump called for confronting evil people in society after viewing the shocking security footage of the incident. There are evil people, and we have to confront that. I just give my love and hope to the family of the young woman who was stabbed this morning or last night in Charlotte by a madman, Trump said. Horrific details of the crime Zarutska, 24, had moved to the US in 2022 to live with her aunt following Russias invasion of Ukraine. She was returning from her job at local pizzeria Zapeddies when she was allegedly killed by 34-year-old career criminal Decarlos Brown. Security footage shows Brown violently attacking Zarutska. A lunatic just got up and started its right on the tape, not really watchable, because its so horrible, but just viciously stabbed. Shes just sitting there. So theyre evil people. We have to be able to handle that. If we dont handle that, we dont have a country, Trump said. Connection to broader violence concerns Trump also referenced the recent mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, which left two children dead and over a dozen injured, pledging to end senseless violence. Were going to get to the end of it. And you know, when you have horrible killings, you have to take horrible actions, he said. He further blamed cashless bail policies for enabling violent criminals to reoffend. And the actions that we take are nothing this cashless bail started a wave in our country where a killer kills somebody and is out on the street by the afternoon, in many cases, going out and going against cashless bail, Trump said. Suspect and legal proceedings The accused, Decarlos Brown, faces first-degree murder charges and is currently undergoing a competency evaluation. His family revealed that he has a prior diagnosis of schizophrenia. Court records also show Brown has a long criminal history, including armed robbery, felony larceny, breaking and entering, and shoplifting. The new incoming US ambassador is expected to be involved in the ongoing investigation into Zarutskas death. North Carolina Governor breaks silence North Carolina Democratic Governor Josh Stein on Monday broke his silence over the murder of Ukrainian refugee Zarutska. The governor faced criticism over the weekend for not addressing the attack sooner, despite the release of a shocking surveillance video. I am heartbroken for the family of Iryna Zarutska, who lost their loved one to this senseless act of violence, and I am appalled by the footage of her murder. We need more cops on the beat to keep people safe, Stein said in a post on X. He also highlighted his plans for increasing law enforcement resources: Thats why my budget calls for more funding to hire more well-trained police officers. I call upon the legislature to pass my law enforcement recruitment and retention package to address vacancies in our state and local agencies so they can stop these horrific crimes and hold violent criminals accountable. The US Supreme Court on Monday (September 8) cleared the way for federal immigration authorities to carry out sweeping operations in Los Angeles, marking the latest judicial victory for President Donald Trumps administration. The conservative-majority court lifted a restraining order issued by US District Judge Maame E. Frimpong, which had barred Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from stopping individuals solely based on race, language, job, or location. The order was originally prompted by reports of roving patrols conducting indiscriminate stops in and around Los Angeles. Justices weigh in Justice Brett Kavanaugh, concurring with the majority, acknowledged that ethnicity alone cannot justify reasonable suspicion. However, he noted it can be considered as a relevant factor when combined with other circumstances. He also suggested that stops involving the use of force could still face legal challenges. Dissent Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, criticised the ruling. Countless people in the Los Angeles area have been grabbed, thrown to the ground, and handcuffed simply because of their looks, their accents, and the fact they make a living by doing manual labor, Sotomayor wrote. She argued that the decision will allow many more to experience the same indignities. Background of the case The legal challenge arose after immigrant advocacy groups alleged that ICE systematically targeted Hispanic and brown-skinned individuals during raids in the Los Angeles area. Frimpongs July order aimed to prevent stops without reasonable suspicion, citing a mountain of evidence showing that enforcement tactics violated constitutional protections. The lawsuit also included US citizens who had been caught up in ICE stops. For example, Brian Gavidia, a Los Angeles resident, was detained at a June 13 operation, asserting, I was born here in the States. East LA, bro! He was released about 20 minutes later after showing identification. The Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department argued that ICE agents target individuals based on suspected illegal presence in the US, not race or ethnicity, and that the restraining order improperly restricted operational factors for stops. Enforcement resumes Following the Supreme Court decision, ICE operations in Los Angeles and other regions have resumed, including raids at commercial sites such as Home Depot. The Trump administration has also stepped up enforcement in Washington, coinciding with a federal takeover of city law enforcement and deployment of the National Guard. Plaintiffs contend that the courts ruling allows further intrusions on the liberty of US citizens and legally present residents, with previous operations resulting in physical injuries and temporary detention. A 53-year-old man was arrested on a Cathay Pacific flight. The American passenger is accused of secretly taking upskirt photos of the cabin crew. The incident happened on a CX563 flight on September 8. A passenger noticed a phone-like device attached to the suspects shoe and alerted the crew, according to the South China Morning Post. The suspect reportedly tried to head towards the toilet when he realised he was under suspicion. Police boarded the plane and detained both the suspect and the witness for questioning. The female victim, 26, reported the case at 3:51 PM. The flight landed at Hong Kong airport around 4 PM. Police confirmed that the man had been arrested on suspicion of unlawful recording of intimate parts. He is currently being held for questioning, SCMP reported. Also Read | Mother and daughter killed with scissors in Delhi's Rohini The case has been handed over to the airport district crime investigation team for further probe. The airline staff cooperated fully with the authorities after the report. Another similar incident This is not the first time Cathay Pacific has been involved in an upskirt incident. Interestingly, it was also reported on September 8, but in 2016. Allegedly, a Cathay Pacific flight attendant was sexually harassed by her manager. The woman was on ground duty due to pregnancy. She was called by her manager to help with his computer. As she bent down, she saw him place his iPhone near her skirt. She stopped him immediately and informed the company management. Management assured her of an internal probe. However, after discussing with her husband, a Cathay Pacific pilot, she went to the police with support from the Flight Attendants' Union. The suspect, a 39-year-old American, was arrested but later released on bail. We do not tolerate any form of harassment and take this issue very seriously. An urgent internal inquiry has been launched, and we supported the staff concerned to report the matter to the police, SCMP quoted a Cathay Pacific spokesman as saying at that time. Legislators in France on Monday (September 8) toppled Prime Minister Francois Bayrou in a sweeping 364-194 confidence vote, plunging Europes second-largest economy into a new political crisis. President Emmanuel Macron now faces the challenge of appointing a fourth prime minister in 12 months. Bayrous minority government, appointed last December, fell after a failed gamble to secure parliamentary backing for deep public spending cuts aimed at addressing Frances ballooning debt. Bayrou ousted over spending cuts Bayrou had sought a vote of confidence to push through 44 billion ($51 billion) in spending reductions for 2026, following a 5.8% GDP deficit last year, well above the EU ceiling of 3%. The greatest risk was to not take one, to let things go on without changing anything, to go on doing politics as usual, Bayrou told the National Assembly in his final speech. Submission to debt is like submission through military force. Dominated by weapons, or dominated by our creditors we lose our freedom. Instead of consolidating support, lawmakers from left-wing and far-right parties united to oust his government, highlighting the fragility of Macrons centrist alliance in a splintered parliament. Macrons precarious political landscape Macron, 47, retains control over foreign policy and national security but his domestic ambitions are increasingly under threat. The presidents decision to dissolve the National Assembly in June 2024 backfired, leaving his pro-European centrist bloc without a workable majority. The ouster of Bayrou follows the short tenures of Gabriel Attal and Michel Barnier as prime ministers, underscoring Macrons struggle to maintain parliamentary support. Rising opposition pressures Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally, has called for another legislative election. A big country like France cannot live with a paper government, especially in a tormented and dangerous world, Le Pen said in the National Assembly, signaling her partys readiness to seize power if another snap election is held. Pressing economic challenges Frances public debt stood at 3.346 trillion, or 114% of GDP, at the end of Q1 2025. Debt servicing accounts for approximately 7% of state spending. Macrons next prime minister will inherit Bayrous pressing budget challenges, alongside international concerns including wars in Ukraine and Gaza and evolving US policy under President Donald Trump. Bayrou had warned that failure to cut spending would worsen the debt crisis: You have the power to overthrow the government, but you do not have the power to erase reality. Reality will remain inexorable. Spending will continue to increase and the debt burden already unbearable will grow heavier and more costly. Londons Heathrow Airport reopened Terminal 4 on Monday evening after a temporary evacuation due to what authorities described as a possible hazardous materials incident. The terminal, which serves both European and long-haul flights, was shut while specialist crews from the London Fire Brigade conducted an assessment. Airport statement on reopening In an update, Heathrow apologised for the disruption and reassured passengers that it was doing everything we can to ensure flights depart as planned. The airport confirmed that other terminals remained operational throughout the incident. Emergency services response The London Fire Brigade has now stood down its response, following a thorough inspection of the terminal. Paramedics treated 21 patients on site, with one individual taken to hospital, according to London Ambulance Service. Police investigation Specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police also attended the scene and carried out a comprehensive search. The police stated that no trace of any adverse substance was found, and the situation was declared safe. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Hamas on Monday to lay down its arms or face the destruction of Gaza and its own annihilation. Katz posted on X, saying that a powerful hurricane will strike the skies of Gaza City" "This is a final warning to the Hamas murderers and rapists in Gaza and in luxury hotels abroad: Release the hostages and put down your weapons or Gaza will be destroyed and you will be annihilated," Katz said on X. Also Read | In the music world, Gaza becomes a flashpoint for artists Katz said that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) continues as it has planned"and is preparing to expand the maneuver to decisively defeat Gaza." Katz' statement came shortly after US President Donald Trump issued what he described as a "last warning" to Hamas to release the hostages still held in Gaza. Trump's warning to Hamas Earlier, Donald Trump posted on social media: "The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning." US news outlet Axios reported that White House envoy Steve Witkoff sent a new proposal for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal to Hamas last week. According to Al Jazeera, the US issued a new ceasefire plan that would see the immediate release of all Israeli captives still held in Gaza in exchange for 2,000-3,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails and a ceasefire in Gaza. "I think we're going to have a deal on Gaza very soon. It's a hell of a problem... I think we're going to get [all the hostages]," Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Al Jazeera reported. Hamas ready to negotiate ceasefire terms Hamas leaders reportedly said they are ready to "immediately sit at the negotiating table" following what it described as "some ideas from the American side aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement," Al Jazeera reported. "The Hamas Movement welcomes any initiative that supports efforts to end the aggression against our people, and affirms its readiness to immediately sit at the negotiating table to discuss the release of all prisoners," the Palestinian group said, as per Al Jazeera. In exchange, Hamas wanted "a clear declaration of the end of the war, a full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the formation of a committee of independent Palestinians to manage the Gaza Strip, which would begin its duties immediately". Since Hamas October. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, Israel has largely rejected growing international criticism of its conduct by arguing that it was doing what was necessary to defeat Hamas. The Israeli army has detained large numbers of Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank on suspicion of militant ties. A Pakistani intruder was arrested along the International Border (IB) in R S Pura sector here, BSF said on Monday. The intruder, Siraj Khan from Sargodha in Punjab province of Pakistan, was noticed by Border Security Force (BSF) troops manning the Octroi outpost at 9.20 pm on Sunday, the officials said, as reported by PTI. The troops fired a few rounds after challenging the intruder, who was subsequently arrested near the border fence. Some Pakistani currency notes were recovered from him," they said. He is being questioned to ascertain his motive behind trying to sneak into Indian territory, the officials said. Further investigation is on. Nepal Protests: Nepal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on Monday after 19 people were killed and over 100 others injured during violent protests by 'Gen Z' over corruption and social media ban. Nepal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak tenders his resignation to the Prime Minister during the cabinet meeting held at the official residence of the Prime Minister in Baluwatar,ANI reported. This comes after thousands of youths protested in Kathmandu and other parts of the country over September 4 ban on 26 social media sites, including Facebook, WhatsApp and X. The demonstration turned violent after some entered the Parliament complex, leading the police to resort to baton charges to disperse the crowd. It also fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets. The Nepal's government believes the companies missed the deadline to register under new regulations, amid the crackdown on misuse. It stated social media users create bogus IDs and use them to spread hate speech and fake news, commit fraud and other crimes on these platforms. Who was Nepal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak? Lekhak, 61, a member of the Nepali Congress party, was elected to the Pratinidhi Sabha in the 1999, 2008, and 2013 elections. He has also held the position of Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport of Nepal. He was elected to the 2nd Federal Parliament of Nepal, representing the Kanchanpur-3 constituency in the 2022 Nepalese general election. Meanwhile, the army was mobilised and a curfew is in place. Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media, the Gen Z, (people born between 1995 and 2010) chanted. TikTok, which was banned in 2023 for disrupting social harmony, goodwill and diffusing indecent materials and lifted last year, continues to operate without hinderance there. Also Read | Police in Nepal open fire on protesters outside parliament, killing 8 Nepal Protest LIVE: Thousands of GenZ protesters in Nepal marched towards the Parliament on Monday as police resorted to firing tear gas and rubber bullets at them to prevent them from entering the premises. According to media reports, at least 19 persons injured in the firing has died, and over 250 people sustained injuries. The GenZ population in Nepal is protesting against the country's recent ban on several social media platforms, including Facebook, after they failed to register with the authorities in a crackdown on misuse of these platforms. This has led to the Nepal protests by thousands of young people. Thousands of youths, including students, many in their school or college uniforms and carrying the national flag and placards, were stopped by police who erected a barbed wire barricade, from marching towards the parliament building, where demonstrations are not allowed. A curfew has been put in place by the authorities amid Nepal protests around the parliament building after thousands of youth tried to enter it by breaking the barricades. "We have imposed a curfew which will remain in force until 10 p.m. local time (1615 GMT) to bring the situation under control after protesters began to turn violent," Muktiram Rijal, a spokesperson for the Kathmandu district office, told Reuters. Nepal Protests: Violent demonstrations erupted in Kathmandu after the government announced a ban on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, citing their failure to register with authorities amid a crackdown on misuse. 16 people were killed, and 100 were injured, Kathmandu Valley police spokesman Shekhar Khanal told AFP. A day-long curfew was imposed in parts of the capital. Nepal news: What we know so far about protests taking place "We have imposed a curfew which will remain in force until 10 p.m. local time (1615 GMT) to bring the situation under control after protesters began to turn violent," Reuters quoted Muktiram Rijal, a spokesperson for the Kathmandu district office as saying. He mentioned police had instructions to use water cannons, batons and rubber bullets to manage the crowd. 2. Thousands of young people, including students holding national flags and placards, were prevented by police from marching toward the parliament building, where protests are prohibited, after officers set up a barbed wire barricade to block their path. 3. Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media, the Gen Z, (people born between 1995 and 2010) chanted. TikTok, which was banned in 2023 for disrupting social harmony, goodwill and diffusing indecent materials and lifted last year, continues to operate without hinderance. 4. According to local media, protesters marched from Damak Chowk toward the municipal office, where they burned an effigy of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and tried to force their way through the municipal gates. Police responded by firing rubber bullets, critically injuring one person. The situation intensified as demonstrators also torched several motorcycles. 5. Yujan Rajbhandari, 24 a student mentioned, We were triggered by the social media ban but that is not the only reason we are gathered here. We want to see change. Another student Ikshama Tumrok, 20, said she was protesting against the "authoritarian attitude" of the government, adding others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation". "There have been movements abroad against corruption and they (the government) are afraid that might happen here as well," a protester Bhumika Bharati said, AFP reported. 6. A Nepal Police spokesperson said that security personnel are among those injured and are currently admitted at the Civil Hospital of Kathmandu for treatment, a report by PTI noted. Also Read | Police in Nepal open fire on protesters outside parliament, killing 8 7. Military authorities confirmed that the Army has been mobilised to handle the situation. 8. Chief District Officer Chhabi Lal Rijal said in a notice stated, No movement of people, demonstration, meeting, gathering or sit-in will be allowed in the restricted zone." 9. The curfew consists of numerous high-security zones, such as the President's residence (Shital Niwas), the vice-president's residence in Lainchaur, Maharajgunj, all sides of Singha Durbar, the prime minister's residence in Baluwatar, and nearby areas, according to The Kathmandu Post. KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) Police in Kathmandu opened fire Monday on protesters demonstrating against a government ban on social media, killing at least eight and wounding dozens more. Six people died at the Bir Hospital and two more at the Civil Hospital, the Kantipur newspaper said, quoting doctors at the hospitals in Kathmandu. Dozens more were wounded as police shot at protesters trying to storm the parliament building. They were being treated at half dozen hospitals in Kathmandu. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. APs earlier story follows below. KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Nepal's capital Monday to vent their anger against a decision by authorities to block most social media platforms including Facebook, X and YouTube, saying that the companies had failed to register and submit to government oversight. Protesters pushed through barbed wires and forced riot police to retreat as they surrounded the Parliament building. Police fired tear gas and water cannon but were outnumbered and sought safety inside the Parliament complex. The situation remained tense and the government announced a curfew for Monday around Parliament, the government secretariat, presidential house and key parts of the city. Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media, the crowds chanted, waving the red and blue national flags. Monday's rally was called the protest of Gen Z, generally referring to people born between 1995 and 2010. About two dozen social network platforms that are widely used in Nepal were repeatedly given notices to register their companies officially in the country, the government said. Those which failed to register have been blocked since last week. TikTok, Viber and three other platforms have registered and operate without interruption. The move by the authorities came as the government sent a bill for a debate in Parliament that wants to ensure that social platforms are properly managed, responsible and accountable. It includes asking the companies to appoint a liaison office or point in the country. The bill has been widely criticized as a tool for censorship and punishing government opponents who voice their protests online. Rights groups have called it an attempt by the government to curb freedom of expression and violate fundamental rights. This vision reflects the closer ties that India has forged with the West in recent decadesand which underpinned its economic success between 1991 and 2011. The Indian diaspora has grown in size and prominence throughout the Western world, while India itself has come to rely on Western technology and business networks. For all the talk of enhancing economic links with Russia or China, good luck finding an elite family in India whose kids are studying in either country. Even so, todays trade impasse should remind us that export heft often stems from shipping stuff whose demand is relatively price inelastic: or what keeps selling even if it costs much more. Getting innovative, or staying ahead of the customers voice, could help get us there. If you want a glimpse of a changing global order, go to Singapore. Thats what I did last month, when I served as the S. Rajaratnam Professor of Strategic Studies at the Rajaratnam School of International Studies and met with leading thinkers and government officials. Singapore is a mind-blowing success story that reminds us how distinctive Americas post-World War II global project wasand also how much uncertainty todays abrasive superpower is creating for smaller states. Singapore gained its independence unwillingly in 1965, after being booted from the larger Malaysian Federation. It was immediately at risk of being engulfed by radicalism convulsing the region. Yet, it went on to become a hub of trade and technology with living standards among the highest in the world. Its small but tough military and its strategy-minded elite have helped Singapore punch above its global weight. The island has become a model for other nations that aspire to be the Singapore of somewheresmall states that somehow make it big. Also Read | Singapore has voted for familiarity and stability in uncertain times The countrys rise reflected potent advantages: its strategic location, near the Strait of Malacca, at the confluence of the Pacific and Indian Oceans; the stability of its governance, rooted in a unique blend of Eastern and Western traditions; and the visionary leadership of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. But the countrys leaders also recognize that Singapore might not have survived, let alone thrived, absent a global system led by the US. Lee long argued that Americas war in Vietnam was a bloody success: By holding the line for a decade, the US bought crucial time for Singapore and its neighbours to stabilize themselves both economically and politically. Broadly, the US secured the seas, discouraged violent aggression, underwrote free trade and globalization, and provided public goods that a micro-state could hardly have secured alone. When the Pentagon lost access to military bases in the Philippines in the 1990s, Singapore quietly welcomed US forces. A close security partnership with Washington remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy and a counterweight to Chinaa tricky balancing act, given Singapores ethnic Chinese majority and Beijing being its largest trade partner: When I visited, I saw plenty of electric vehicles made by BYD. Changes in US policy arent making things simpler. Singapore has been buffeted by President Trumps tariffsdespite Americas trade surplus with Singaporeand threats to seize territory from weaker nations. Many Singaporean observers are bemused by a president who talks about making America great again, but attacks its universities, the capacity of its governing institutions, its system of checks and balances and other pillars of American strength. In April, Singapores then-defence minister declared that America had shifted from being a system-manager to acting like a landlord seeking rent." In his speech marking Singapores 60th birthday last month, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong bluntly said that its now every country for itself." Theres a consensus, among Singaporean leaders, that the age of a US-led international order is over. Theres less certainty about what comes next. One relatively favourable possibility is that a more narrowly self-interested transactional US would still compete with other big actors, thereby preserving some space for the worlds smaller states. An uglier scenario is an aggressively acquisitive America shredding international norms, such as the prohibition on territorial conquest, as well as the rules-based trading system that Singapore has banked on, and using its power for more nakedly exploitive ends. Or perhaps America could simply turn inward, leaving the field to others and unleashing conflict and nuclear proliferation across Asia. Regardless of the outcome, Singaporean leaders are preparing their population for a very different world. The country is hardly helpless. A more transactional US will still want a partnership with Singapore because the island has thingsmilitary access, help in securing pharmaceutical and semiconductor supply chainsthat America needs. Singapore already stands out on military spending, allocating around 3% of GDP to defence. Singapore is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the workings of government and trying to train one of the worlds most AI-literate workforces. It is also doubling down on ties with neighbours: A special economic zone in Johor will give Singapore-based MNCs access to Malaysian workers and space. But near-term optimism about Singapores prospects is clouded by larger, longer-term concerns. The world that enabled Singapores rise is passing into history. In a shifting global landscape, the next chapter may be harder than the last. Bloomberg The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Indonesia s president announced a Cabinet reshuffle Monday, replacing key economic and security ministers after deadly protests erupted across the country over lawmakers' perks. The Cabinet shake-up comes as public dissatisfaction rose with President Prabowo Subianto s administration and parliaments perceived insensitivity over economic hardships. Five ministers lost their jobs, including Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, a widely respected technocrat who had served as the executive director of the International Monetary Fund and managing director of the World Bank, and Budi Gunawan, the coordinating minister for politics and security. Subianto chose economist Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, chairman of the Deposit Insurance Corporation, to replace Indrawati, 63, one of Indonesias longest-serving finance ministers. Violent protests that left seven people dead had gripped Southeast Asias largest economy, home to more than 280 million people, after reports that all 580 members of the House of Representatives receive a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075), in addition to their salaries. The allowance, which was introduced last year, is nearly 10 times the minimum wage in Jakarta. Critics argue that the perk isnt only excessive, but also insensitive at a time when most people are grappling with a soaring cost of living, taxes and rising unemployment. The protests grew more violent following the death of 21-year-old ride-hailing driver Affan Kurniawan. He was reportedly completing a food delivery order when an armored police car sped through a crowd of demonstrators and caused him to fall. Indrawati's house in South Tangerang, just outside Jakarta, was looted on Aug. 31, alongside the homes of a number of lawmakers. Analysts see the protests as a culmination of public anger over economic problems that the government has not addressed seriously, including widespread layoffs and declining purchasing power. Calm largely returned after Subianto last week revoked lawmakers' perks and privileges, including the housing allowance, and suspended overseas trips. SHANGHAI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A tourism promotion event highlighting the Hexi Corridor, a key artery of the ancient Silk Road, was held in Shanghai on Friday, attracting diplomats, entrepreneurs and representatives from international organizations to explore the corridor's millennia-old history and discuss opportunities for cooperation. Stretching nearly 1,000 km across northwest China's Gansu Province, the Hexi Corridor is home to five UNESCO World Heritage sites and more than 50 grottoes, and it is a major destination for travelers exploring the Silk Road. Friday's event featured a photo exhibition as well as displays of intangible cultural heritage and local specialty products from the Hexi Corridor. Representatives from the cities along the corridor, including Zhangye and Jiuquan, presented their cultural and tourism offerings. Gong Jiajia, deputy director of the Gansu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, expressed optimism that the event would draw more global attention to the province. Wang Bing, vice governor of Gansu, extended a warm invitation at the event to global visitors to experience the unique culture of Gansu and the Hexi Corridor. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) targeted Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, sharing a purported photo from a meeting in which her husband Manish Gupta was seated beside her. The national capital's opposition party compared the administration to the Phulera panchayat, which borrows its name from the fictional village of Phulera in the popular Netflix web series Panchayat. In its jibe, Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP claimed that the national capital was being run like a village panchayat, with non-elected family members exercising influence. 'Government of 'Phulera Ki Panchayat' in Delhi. CM Rekha Gupta's husband is holding meetings with officials, AAP In the comedy drama Panchayat, the village head is a woman, while her husband calls the shots. AAP Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj accused Chief Minister Rekha Gupta of allowing her husband to participate in official work, terming it "unconstitutional" and a "mockery" of democratic norms. "Delhi Government Turns into Phulera Panchayat. Just as in Phulera's Panchayat, where the woman Sarpanch's husband used to act as the real head, today in Delhi the CM's husband is seen sitting in official meetings. We had pointed out earlier, to,o that the CM's husband sits in official meetings, holds discussions with officers, and even takes part in inspections. This is completely unconstitutional. In the nation's capital, democracy and constitutional norms are being made a mockery of in this manner," Bharadwaj said in a post on X. The AAP leader also accused the BJP of double standards and accused the Chief Minister's husband of "unconstitutional interference" in government functioning, comparing the situation to a "Phulera Panchayat." "The BJP, which leaves no chance to curse the Congress for dynastic politics, must answer--if this is not dynasty politics, then what is it? Does the Chief Minister of the world's largest party not have even a single worker left whom she can trust? What is the kind of work that only a family member can do? What are the reasons that the CM wants to establish her husband's authority? Why is her husband being made a part of the official administrative system in this way?" The government of 'Phulera Ki Panchayat' in Delhi. Bharadwaj also stated that the photos of the CM's husband seated in meetings were sourced from Rekha Gupta's official Instagram account as well as the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) handle. What is the controversy about? The photos shared by Aam Aadmi Party were from a review meeting chaired by CM Rekha Gupta on Saturday at Jan Seva Sadan in Shalimar Bagh constituency. The Chief Minister shared the photos on her X. Today, the Chief Minister reviewed the ongoing development works in the Shalimar Bagh Assembly constituency at Jan Seva Sadan. In the meeting, officials were directed to regularly assess the progress of ongoing works and submit detailed status reports within the stipulated time frame, Gupta wrote in her post. The images showed the CM's husband, sitting next to her at an official review meeting with officials. Discussions were held on pending projects and land-use issues, with decisions to set up harvesting points in waterlogging-prone areas, initiate market revitalisation, and remove tilted trees, the chief minister wrote. Also Read | India's first Vande Bharat sleeper express to connect Delhi and Patna Although Guptas husband holds no official party post in the Shalimar Bagh constituency, he has been attending meetings in which officials and the constituencys BJP party workers were also present. The BJP responded to the allegation, saying the CM's husband was there as a social worker from the area. The two fence-sitters, K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Bharatiya Rashtra Samiti (BRS) and Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD), have announced they will abstain from voting in the high-stakes Vice Presidential polls scheduled for Tuesday, 9 September. Both parties have asserted that they remain equidistant from both the NDA and the INDIA bloc, news agency PTI reported. The two parties are called fence-sitters since they are not aligned with either of the two major alliances the ruling NDA and the Opposition's INDIA bloc. BRS Working President KT Rama Rao said on Monday that his party would abstain from the Vice Presidential election as an expression of the anguish of Telangana's farmers over the shortage of urea in the state. He alleged that both the Congress and the BJP have failed to address the shortage issue. The shortage is such that scuffles are taking place among farmers while waiting in queues for urea, the BRS leader said. We are abstaining. We are not going to participate, he told reporters. The BRS could have exercised the option of NOTA had it been available in the Vice Presidential election, he said. Earlier, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) said it would abstain from voting in the vice presidential polls and asserted that the party remains equidistant from both the NDA and the INDIA bloc. BJD leader Sasmit Patra also said his party's priority is the four-and-a-half crore people of Odisha. Also Read | Naveen Patnaik admitted to hospital due to dehydration (Following) discussions by our honourable party president, Mr Naveen Patnaik, with the party's senior leaders, Political Affairs Committee and MPs, the Biju Janata Dal has decided to abstain from the vice presidential elections tomorrow, Patra said. Our priority is the four-and-a-half crore people of Odisha. The BJD remains equidistant from both the NDA and the INDIA alliances. We are focused on the development and welfare of Odisha and the four-and-a-half crore people of Odisha, he said. The vice presidential election, a direct contest between ruling NDA nominee C P Radhakrishnan and joint opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy, will take place in Parliament House. Members of both Houses of Parliament will cast their votes between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM on Tuesday. TMC MLA Abdur Rahim Bakshi has clarified his earlier remarks, where he threatened to pour acid down the throat of anyone speaking against migrant workers from West Bengal. He stated that his comments were in response to a BJP leader who, he claimed, had insulted both Bengalis and the state of Bengal. Speaking with ANI, the TMC leader said, ..In the Vidhan Sabha, a BJP MLA made a statement that all migrant workers are Rohingya and Bangladeshi. This is completely false. We're Indians, we're Bengalis... How could he say that? He's insulted Bengalis and Bengal. He added, That's why I made that statement. A Bengali MLA can't say such things against Bengalis. That's why I suggested pouring acid down his throat, so his throat closes and he never says these things again. What did the TMC leader say? Boxi, the Malda district president of TMC, purportedly commented during a public meeting in his assembly segment, Malatipur, on Saturday night. A purported video of it went viral on social media, I strongly resent the abominable comments made by a BJP MLA at the assembly during the discussion on a resolution condemning the attack on Bengali migrant workers. That MLA labelled migrant workers from West Bengal as Bangladeshis and Rohingyas. How dare he insult our Bengali citizens who go outside the state for jobs? he said. Slamming the TMC leaders' comments, BJP's IT Cell head Amit Malviya said in a post on X, Violence is not new to TMC -- it is their political culture. And in Malda-Murshidabad, where illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas form Mamata Banerjee's committed vote bank, such threats are a reflection of how TMC sustains its politics. Amit Malviya's tweet on X. The BJP on Sunday accused opposition leaders of launching a campaign to shield infiltrators residing in India, pointing to recent statements from some of them as evidence of alleged threats over the party's stance in states like West Bengal and Jharkhand. A Bengali MLA can't say such things against Bengalis. That's why I suggested pouring acid down his throat, so his throat closes and he never says these things again. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said that the partys opposition to infiltrators is rooted in national security concerns. He also claimed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhis recent criticism of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar was, in effect, an attempt to "protect infiltrators." Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday strongly condemned the INDIA bloc's vice presidential candidate, former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy, for meeting fodder scam convict Lalu Prasad, who is not even a voter in the 9 September elections. Retired Judge of the Supreme Court Sudershan Reddy is the opposition's candidate for the post of Vice President. We still respect judges a lot, whether they are sitting or retired. But when a judge stands in elections and says some big things, questions will definitely be raised, Prasad said, speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on Monday. What kind of a Retired Judge of the SC are you? Pointing out a newspaper article of Reddy where he said, "Vote for me to save the soul of the nation: Opposition VP pick", Prasad said that many big things have been said in this article by Reddy to save the country. "He talked about "temple of democracy" and "conscience". Sudershan Reddy has given a statement that vote for me to save the soul of the nation," he added. Targeting Reddy for meeting Lalu Prasad, he asked, "What kind of a Retired Judge of the Supreme Court are you that you are meeting someone who is convicted of a scam? And Lalu Prasad is not even a voter and not a member of parliament, so why are you talking about praising the soul of the nation? This is hypocrisy! Please don't talk about the soul of the nation." Prasad said that the RJD supremo Lalu Yadav is convicted not only in the fodder scam but is also chargesheeted in the "land for job scam" case. He urged Reddy not to speak of conscience and saving the soul of the nation after meeting a person with a series of corruption cases. "It is hypocrisy in extreme, and we condemn it outright. It is worthy of condemnation," he added. Earlier, BJP leader Amit Malviya also slammed Reddy for meeting Lalu Prasad. He defined their meeting as a "shocking statement on probity in public life by someone aspiring for a high constitutional office". In a post shared on X, a BJP leader said, B Sudershan Reddy, former Supreme Court judge and INDIA bloc joint candidate, recently met fodder scam convict Lalu Prasad, who isn't even a Member of Parliament and has no vote in the VP electoral college. This isn't just terrible optics, it's a shocking statement on probity in public life by someone aspiring for a high constitutional office. Also Read | Vice Presidential Election: EC appoints two additional secretaries as observers He further targeted retired judges for their silence and called it "hypocrisy. "What's even more telling is the silence of the "usual suspects"retired judges and self-proclaimed custodians of constitutional morality. Their hypocrisy stands exposed," Malviya said. What kind of a Retired Judge of the Supreme Court are you that you are meeting someone who is convicted of a scam? The Vice Presidential election, scheduled for 9 September, will witness a direct contest between Justice (Retd) B Sudershan Reddy, backed by the INDIA bloc, and NDA's nominee CP Radhakrishnan. (With ANI inputs) Jammu and Kashmir Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Mehraj Malik was detained on Monday under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) for allegedly disturbing public order in Doda district of Jammu division, officials said. This is the first time a sitting MLA has been taken into custody under the PSA, the controversial law authorising preventive detention of individuals for up to two years without trial in some cases. The officials said that earlier in the day, the 37-year-old AAP MLA was detained by police at Dak Bungalow while he was planning to visit flood-hit areas of his constituency. They told the news agency PTI that he was later shifted to Bhaderwah district jail under the PSA on the orders of the Deputy Commissioner of Doda, Harvinder Singh, after police prepared a dossier against him. Who is Mehraj Malik? Mehraj Malik, a social worker from Jammu and Kashmir, was elected as a member of the legislative assembly (MLA) for the Doda Assembly constituency in October 2024. He is the Aam Aadmi Party's first and only winning MLA candidate in Jammu and Kashmir. On 17 October 2022, the Aam Aadmi Party appointed him as co-chairman of the J&K State Coordination Committee. On 21 March 2025, Malik was appointed as State President for Aam Aadmi Party in J&K. Malik began his political career after joining the AAP in 2013. He ran as an independent candidate in the 2014 Assembly elections but lost. In 2020, he was elected to the Doda District Development Council as an independent candidate with a margin of 3511 votes in Kahara. In the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir elections, Malik defeated his nearest rival from the BJP in Doda constituency by a margin of over 4,538 votes, registering his party's first win in the Union territory. Officials said Malik was named in 18 FIRs and 16 daily diary reports at different police stations in Doda district. Malik is accused of attacking officials on duty, locking them inside their offices, and abusing and intimidating them in public, THE officials said. Malik is is also facing charges of abduction, the officials said. PSA would not affect his membership in the J&K Legislative Assembly since he has not been convicted in any of the cases registered against him so far. Last week, a video emerged purportedly showing Malik abusing the Doda Deputy Commissioner, Harvinder Singh, over the issue of shifting a health sub-centre. While Malik alleged his recommendation in the matter was ignored, the DC claimed the MLA wanted the administration to allow the sub-centre to function in a building built by one of his supporters on state land and pay him monthly rent. Earlier controversies In April, Malik entered into a scuffle with some BJP and PDP members inside the J-K Assembly complex after the saffron party leaders objected to his alleged remarks that Hindus get drunk during festivals, while PDP legislators took strong exception to his statement on PDP founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. However, Malik later claimed that his statement on Hindus was taken out of context. The action against Malik, who has often courted controversies with his statements, comes amid a massive protest by government employees who came out in support of the deputy commissioner after Malik used a social media platform to launch a disparaging campaign against him. The action against Malik, who has often courted controversies with his statements, comes amid a massive protest by government employees who came out in support of the deputy commissioner after Malik used a social media platform to launch a disparaging campaign against him. The protesting employees accused the MLA of "habitually" hurling abuses at senior government officers, including doctors, and provoking youths against the official machinery. In a statement, the protesting employees lauded the deputy commissioner for his "exceptional service, integrity and dedication to public welfare", and said his compassionate approach has made him a beacon of hope" for the residents of Doda in general and the flood-affected population in particular. Abusive language and baseless allegation They condemned the use of abusive language and baseless allegations against the officer as unfortunate, deplorable and unacceptable and slammed the uncivilised and irresponsible behaviour of the legislator. The officials said dozens of cases and complaints are registered against Malik for his uncultured behaviour and fights with government officials in the hill district over the past one year. Several other close associates of the AAP leader are also being detained under PSA, while additional deployment has been made in the sensitive areas to maintain law and order, they said. Widely Condemned Leaders across political parties have condemned Malik's detention. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Monday slammed the detention, saying he was raising his voice for the rights of people in his constituency. Is demanding a hospital for the people of your area such a grave crime that an elected MLA has to be thrown in jail for it? Mehraj Malik is the lion of the Aam Aadmi Party," Kejriwal said in a post on X in Hindi. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said there is no justification for detaining Mehraj Malik under the PSA. Hes not a threat to 'public safety, ' & using this discredited law to detain him is wrong. If the unelected government can use its powers against an elected representative like this then how does anyone expect the people of J&K to continue to have faith in democracy, Abdullah said. The opposition PDP and Peoples Conference condemned Malik's detention under PSA, calling it an attempt to crush dissent and an assault on democracy. During his detention at Dak Bungalow, Malik posted a video on his social media account in which he claimed that he was being stopped from meeting people of his constituency who have "suffered immensely" due to the recent flash floods and torrential rains. The MLA accused the deputy commissioner of arranging protests by employees against him. There are many areas in my constituency which are without road connectivity, ration and without shelter after their homes were damaged but I am being detained here, Malik said Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia also lashed out at the Centre, describing Maliks detention as the open dictatorship of the Modi-Shah government which is seeped in hunger for power. In a post on X, he said those raising their voice for peoples rights were being treated as a threat, but history is witness, whenever dictatorship increases, the revolution gains momentum . Before being shifted to jail, Malik uploaded a video claiming he was being prevented from meeting people affected by flash floods and torrential rains. If the unelected government can use its powers against an elected representative like this then how does anyone expect the people of J&K to continue to have faith in democracy? There are many areas in my constituency which are without road connectivity, ration and shelter after their homes were damaged but I am being detained here, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first members of parliament (MP) to cast their vote for the Vice Presidential elections today, September 9. The contest is between ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee CP Radhakrishnan and INDIA bloc candidate B Sudershan Reddy. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)- led alliance has a clear edge in the election that began at 10 AM on September 9. Jagdeep Dhankhar's sudden resignation in July, citing health reasons, necessitated the election. Also Read | After BJD, BRS to abstain from VP polls tomorrow Members of both Houses of Parliament are casting their votes in the Parliament House in the voting that will run until 5 PM on Tuesday. Counting votes will begin at 6 PM, and the results will be announced late evening. Members of Parliament are not bound by party whips to vote in the vice presidential election, which takes place under a secret ballot system. The MPs are being handed out ballot papers containing the names of the two contesting candidates, and they would mark their preference by writing the figure '1' opposite the name of the candidate of their choice. "The figures may be marked in the international form of Indian numerals or in the Roman form or in the form used in any Indian language, but shall not be indicated in words," the rules of the vice presidential election state. What is the Electoral College? The electoral college for the vice presidential election comprises 788 members245 from the Rajya Sabha and 543 from the Lok Sabha. The 12 nominated members of the Rajya Sabha are also eligible to vote in the election. The present strength of the electoral college is 781, as six seats are vacant in the Rajya Sabha and one in the Lok Sabha. Eleven MPs are abstaining, putting the majority mark at 386. Any candidate who gets at least 386 votes will be the 15th Vice President of India. With 429 MPs backing Radhakrishnan, the NDAs path to victory appears almost certain. The INDIA blocs tally stands at around 324, including parties like the Congress, DMK, Shiv Sena (UBT), Samajwadi Party, CPI(M), RJD, AAP and others. However, the election will be tighter than in 2022 because the opposition has more MPs after its better showing in the 2024 general election. Even if 100 per cent of opposition MPs vote, and do so for Justice Reddy, he will still fall between 100 and 135 votes short. So, the election is purely symbolic and the result is a foregone conclusion. Among the political parties that are not part of the ruling or the opposition camps, the YSRCP, with 11 members in Parliament, has decided to support the NDA nominee, while the BRS and the BJD have decided to abstain from voting in the election. The BRS has four MPs in the Rajya Sabha, while the BJD has 7 MPs in the Rajya Sabha. Independent MPs Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa and Amritpal Singh have also decided to boycott the voting today. Radhakrishnan vs Reddy While Radhakrishnan is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran from Tamil Nadu and the Governor of Maharashtra, Reddy is a former Supreme Court judge who hails from Telangana and is known for key judgements, including the one declaring Salwa Judum, a group of trained tribal youth deployed as special police officers to take on Naxalites, as illegal and unconstitutional. The issue of Reddy's Salwa Judum judgement spiced up the otherwise staid campaign for the vice presidential election, with Home Minister Amit Shah claiming that the 2011 verdict was a setback to the efforts to fight Maoism in Chhattisgarh. The opposition has described the vice-presidential poll as an ideological battle, even as the numbers are stacked in favour of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The NDA projects Radhakrishnan as an untainted leader with rich political and administrative experience for the vice president's office and maintains that these qualities would also prove useful as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Radhakrishnan (67) served as a two-term member of the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure and later led the saffron party in Tamil Nadu. The NDA projects Radhakrishnan as an untainted leader with rich political and administrative experience. Reddy (79), who retired from the apex court in July 2011, is a veteran jurist known for several landmark judgments criticising the then Union government for showing slackness in probing black-money cases. Bengaluru, Sep 8 (PTI) ISRO Chairman V Narayanan approved a proposal to organise an interaction programme with astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Karnataka Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology, N S Boseraju said on Monday. The Department of Science and Technology, in collaboration with ISRO and the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, will soon host the student interaction with Shukla, the minister added. In a statement, Boseraju thanked Narayanan for "positively responding to the request." The programme will be held at U R Rao Hall, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, with ISRO facilitating the event. High school and government school students from Bengaluru and neighbouring districts will have a direct opportunity to interact with the astronaut, while students from other parts of Karnataka can participate via live streaming at regional science centres, he said. However, the date for the programme has not been announced yet. These initiatives inspire children towards science, research, and space exploration. Karnataka has always been at the forefront of progress in science and technology. Such programmes help nurture curiosity and innovative thinking among young minds, Boseraju said. Our government is committed to fostering scientific temper among Karnatakas children. With ISROs collaboration, this event will provide students an extraordinary opportunity to interact with an astronaut and encourage them to pursue careers in space science and technology, he added. Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer and test pilot, completed his maiden space voyage as part of the Axiom-4 mission, a commercial spaceflight supported by ISRO and NASA, and operated by Axiom Space. Consulting firms over the past three years have wagered billions on the hope they would play an essential role in the AI boom, helping the worlds largest corporations transform themselves with the new technology. Done right, it could prove to be a boon for an industry already hurting from macroeconomic pressures and layoffs. Collectively, firms made billions of dollars in artificial-intelligence-related commitments and put out aggressive campaigns designed to capitalize on corporate FOMO, or fear of missing out. Nobody makes AI work for your business like PwC," said one PricewaterhouseCoopers ad. Their slogan: We dont just bring promises. We bring results." In the early days their pitch seemed to be working. But then reality set in. Clients quickly encountered a mismatch between the pitch and what consultants could actually deliver. They found that consultants, who often had no more expertise on AI than they did internally, struggled to deploy use cases that created real business value. Sometimes consultants built successful proof of concepts, but couldnt scale them across the business. That was the case at pharma company Merck, said Chief Information and Digital Officer Dave Williams. We love our partners, but oftentimes theyre learning on our dime," he said. Consulting firms continue to pull in revenue from generative-AI-related work, with global spending on such consulting hitting $3.75 billion in 2024, up from $1.34 billion in 2023, according to Gartner estimates. Some believe consultants contributions to AI deployment could be more effective in four to five years, when the technology is more mature and they have a solidified playbook. Until then, many clients remain frustrated. Consultants vs. the kid in college Advisory heavyweightsincluding Big Four accounting firms Deloitte, PwC, KPMG and Ernst & Young and pure consulting firms McKinsey, Bain and Boston Consulting Groupfor years have helped enterprises get up to speed on technologies like the cloud and perform vital but unsexy tech implementations, like enterprise resource planning systems. That expertise hasnt translated into a playbook for deploying something as cutting edge as generative AI in the enterprise at scale, tech leaders said. When you think about something thats just so new, you cant really buy that experience," said Greg Meyers, chief digital and technology officer at Bristol-Myers Squibb. If I were to go hire a consultant to help me figure out how to use Gemini CLI or Claude Code, youre going to find a partner at one of the Big Four has no more or less experience than a kid in college who tried to use it," he said, referring to generative AI tools from Google and Anthropic. Six months ago, the pharmaceutical company ended a yearlong engagement with a big consulting partner aimed at using generative AI to produce educational content for doctors who prescribe their medicines. The company is now pursuing the use case on its own. Former consultants and partners from large advisory operations such as Deloitte, Bain, EY, McKinsey and PwC said the AI boom hasnt spurred the surge of client demand they anticipated. They overpromised," said Magesh Sarma, chief information and strategy officer at AmeriSave Mortgage. When it came to building real use cases, he said, we discovered that they really also had no idea how to do these things." He added, They were just as good or as bad as what we would have been able to do in house." I cant tell you how many times I heard, Man, they came in, they charged us $20 million and what I feel like we got was a very long report on where AI is going without any real practical application," said Pat Petitti, CEO of Catalant, a platform for freelance consultants. Consultants also are contending with the fact that enterprises today are much more digitally and technically savvy in the past. Healthcare is a very complex environmentand we found that our internal team is best equipped to come up with those use cases," said Tilak Mandadi, CVS Health executive vice president of ventures and chief experience and technology. Our approach was not, lets go hire a bunch of consultants to tell us what to do with the GenAI." Large consulting firms are in a position of great vulnerability," in part because they were too slow to hire enough people with AI competence, said Michael Mische, a former principal at KPMG who now teaches classes on consulting at the University of Southern California. Overall the consulting industry is not leading AI. Its behind AI," he said. Some AI wins To be sure, companies said they still see some value in engaging consultants. These firms can show them whats working in other industry segments and act as an extra set of hands where needed. PwC and Deloitte declined to comment for this article. Accenture, KPMG, EY, McKinsey, Bain and BCG told CIO Journal and CFO Journal they are seeing increasing demand for their AI services and said clients are getting value from them. KPMG had $1.4 billion in potential AI-related U.S. advisory projects as of July, including biddable contracts and expansions of work for existing clients, compared with roughly $500 million two years ago, a spokesman said. Accenture, which unlike other major consultancies is publicly traded, in its most recent quarter reported a $100 million increase in new generative AI bookings quarter over quarter. That is down from a $200 million quarter-over-quarter increase the previous two periods. Consulting firms remain bullish on their promise. McKinsey Senior Partner and Chair for North America Eric Kutcher said he regularly tells CEOs that if they can leverage generative AI effectively, they can double their share price in the next five years. But several firms also acknowledged that little of that promise has come to fruition yet. Kutcher said while some clients have started on the transformation journey, few are taking advantage of AIs full potential today. Deloitte is a sponsor of CIO Journal and CFO Journal. The AI acid test Both corporate executives and their outside advisers generally agree that with or without consultants, businesses havent fully transformed with generative AI. Deploying enough use cases at scale to drive meaningful efficiencies that translate into cost savings as well as increased revenue is hard work that will take time, which could, ultimately work in the consulting industrys favor. Generally, large companies will be willing to pay consultants to deploy technologies that are reliable and predictable and less relevant to competitive advantage. Generative AI isnt in that category today, but some uses of it could be in four to five years, said Fiona Czerniawska, CEO of Source Global Research, which tracks the consulting industry. Youve got a generation of CIOs that are going to be quite skeptical about consultants ability to deploy AIHowever, from the consulting firms point of view, there will be a second wave and this is where they will make most of their money," she said. The problem at the moment is that consulting firms have tried to put themselves at the cutting edge," she said, and its not really where they belong." Write to Isabelle Bousquette at isabelle.bousquette@wsj.com and Mark Maurer at mark.maurer@wsj.com Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centres are set to dramatically increase global water consumption in the coming years, according to a report by Morgan Stanley. The report forecasts that by 2028, these facilities could use roughly 1,068 billion litres of water annually for cooling the systems and for electricity generation. "AI data centers to drive annual water consumption for cooling and electricity generation to approximately 1,068 billion liters by 2028 (our base case) - an 11x increase from 2024 estimates," the report quoted by ANI stated. Water footprint of AI The report noted that while water use for cooling data centres is widely acknowledged, its indirect water consumption through electricity generation remains underappreciated. Also Read | Will AI choke off the supply of knowledge? The full water footprint of AI extends across three scopes: Scope 1: On-site cooling This refers to the direct use of water as data centres require large quantities of water to keep servers from overheating. Scope 2: Electricity generation This is an indirect use of water which in involved in generating massive amounts of electricity needed to power data centres. The report notes that this is an typically accounts for the largest share of AI's water consumption. Scope 3: Semiconductor manufacturing This includes the water-intensive process of producing the specialised chips that power AI. Semiconductor facilities can consume as much as five million gallons of ultrapure water every day. Key factors of the estimate and its impact The report's estimates are based on several factors, including assumptions around water intensity, consumption factors, cooling technologies, and regional energy mix. It also presents a range of possible scenarios till 2028, with annual water consumption potentially varying between 637 billion litres and 1,485 billion, depending on the adoption of more efficient solutions. While AI's overall global water consumption may appear modest, the report highlighted that the impact is highly localised. It pointed out that over half of the leading global data centre hubs are situated in regions that already face moderate to high risks of water scarcity, drought, flooding, and declining water quality. This trend is also prevalent in many secondary markets and emerging data centre hubs which are located in areas with high or very high water stress. It stated "More than half of the world's top data center hubs are in areas already facing medium basin physical risk (i.e., medium level vulnerability) to threats from drought, flooding, and declining water quality". (Bloomberg Opinion) -- When all the top tech companies seem to moving in a pack toward artificial intelligence, Apple Inc. has stood startlingly apart. Its infrastructure investments havent ballooned. The presence of AI in its products is, comparatively speaking, minimal. And when Mark Zuckerberg came knocking with huge paychecks for Apples talent, Tim Cook didnt do all he could to retain it. There are two ways to look at this state of affairs. One is that Apple is in disarray, its AI products dont work because it has been caught napping on the next great tech revolution and is hemorrhaging talent as a result. Another is that Cook is exercising restraint as others in Silicon Valley lose their heads. This weeks Apple event in Cupertino, California, will be the usual affair of incremental changes to its core lineup, plus a new, thinner iPhone Air. The more interesting developments for the future of the iPhone are taking place behind closed doors as Apple seeks to reinvent Siri for the AI age. The company needs to reverse the virtual assistants status as a byword for dumb AI. No other Apple brand comes close to receiving this kind of mockery. When AI captured the worlds attention, Siris hopelessness became a serious problem. Make no mistake, Apples first choice would have been to solve the matter in-house and use its own engineering talent to make Siri smarter. That hasnt happened or it hasnt happened yet, at least. Instead, the company is now looking to outsource the task by bringing in a new tutor. That tutor could be Google and its Gemini AI. The two companies are testing and fine-tuning a custom-built version of Googles model that runs on Apples servers and would be used for summarizing, Bloomberg News Mark Gurman reported. Were still weeks from any final decision, and Apple still may decide to go it alone. But the talks reveal at least that Apple is thinking pragmatically. It may not make much sense to sink billions of dollars into building its own AI when, as the leading hardware maker, it has the power to go out into the marketplace and choose whatever models it considers to be well suited. It can use the dominance of the iPhone to help push for the best possible terms, playing potential partners against one another, much in the way it squeezes those responsible for its components and manufacturing. As well as talking to Google, Apple has considered using Anthropics Claude, Gurman wrote but the firm wanted too much money. Outsourcing in this way might seem embarrassing. Apples shortcomings in AI have been a significant contributor to it being second only to Tesla Inc. as the worst performing stock in the Magnificent Seven this year. And yet it neednt be seen as a weakness. Even trying to continue to go it fully alone would come with risks. It would be expensive and extremely risky Apple might not ever pull it off with the talent and infrastructure it has. It would mean wading deeper into the wild scramble for chips, power sources and data center real estate. That leaves two backup options. No. 1, as has been hotly speculated, could be to buy an AI company. Under consideration has been Perplexity and Mistral. Either would come with a staggering upfront expense and would need significant continuing investment. Further, the top talent that would make any target appealing may not want to become a cog at a behemoth like Apple, while those that do stay might struggle with the culture one key reason huge acquisitions arent something Apple typically does and something Meta Platforms Inc. is learning after several of its big AI hires already quit. And, of course, Apple runs the risk of simply backing the wrong horse and then being stuck with it. The second option, then, is outsourcing, to see AI as something that can be bought-in as needed until such time as Apple can do it better (or at least as good) itself. A Google-made AI model might adequately suffice much in the way Apple used Intel chips in its Macs until it was happy its own designs were up to the task. As time goes on, and the AI market matures with new use cases, Apple can adapt as necessary. As Plan Bs go, this outsourcing is an attractive and versatile way forward. In the current climate, you might even call it thrifty. There is one snag, however: The companies that Apple might look to partner with on AI see themselves as Apples fierce competition. At Googles Pixel event last month, part of the (muddled) sales pitch was stressing how easy it would be for users to ditch their iPhones. And it was only three months ago that Jony Ive and Sam Altman were getting pally in a San Francisco cafe, talking about how their new AI device would shake up the status quo of how we use devices. Will Apple help its competitors by partnering with them on AI? Sure, maybe a little. But by waiting much longer to implement AI into the iPhone, Apple would be opening that window of competitive opportunity far sooner. What matters most for the future of the iPhone is that its AI functions work and are useful. If that can be achieved, the vast majority of users wont give a second thought as to who built the underlying AI model for Siri, just as they pay little attention to who designed the iPhones modem or screen. Partnering may not have been Apples preferred choice, but its still a good one. More From Bloomberg Opinion: This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Dave Lee is Bloomberg Opinion's US technology columnist. He was previously a correspondent for the Financial Times and BBC News. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion Beijing, China on Monday unveiled a new plan to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence with the energy sector to achieve breakthroughs in key technologies such as data, computing power and algorithms. The plan was announced even as the new data shows the numbers of AI firms in the country surged to 5000 from 1400 in the past five years. Xin Guobin, vice minister of industry and information technology, released the new data at the World Smart Industry Expo in Chongqing, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Monday. The date reveals the rapid growth of the AI sector in China which also enabled the country to make rapid strides in e-vehicles. The plan emphasizes breakthroughs in key technologies such as data, computing power and algorithms, outlining measures to optimize data-sharing mechanisms, establish a deeply integrated mechanism for coordinating computing power and electricity, and drive deeper integration of AI and software in the energy sector The plan, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration, sets targets for 2027 to basically establish an innovation system for AI-energy integration and achieve notable breakthroughs in AI-enabled technologies in the energy sector. China has set up over 40,000 smart factories, 11 national pilot zones for AI innovation and application, as well as 17 national demonstration zones for intelligent connected vehicle testing, the data reveals. Also China has launched a 60-billion-yuan national AI industry investment fund to set up rules on AI ethics, China-BRICS centre for AI development and cooperation, and over 240 standards for core AI technologies. By 2030, China aims for its AI applications in the energy sector to reach a world-leading level overall, with a more advanced mechanism for coordinating computing power and electricity supply, the plan said. Google released its Gemini 2.5 Pro and Gemini 2.5 Flash models earlier in the year, but unlike OpenAI (which immediately releases its usage limits for the AI models), the tech giant didn't give a complete guide on how many messages its different categories of users can send to the chatbot. The company had earlier stated that Gemini AI Pro users get up to 20x more access than the basic plan, while AI Ultra users get up to 100x more access. Google's most up-to-date model yet, Gemini 2.5 Pro is available to use for free users along with the paid users. The free users, however, often hit a paywall after a few messages, and Google has now detailed exactly how many messages you can send to the chatbot in each tier. Free Gemini users can send Gemini 2.5 Pro up to 5 messages per day with a 32,000 token context window (around 24,000 words). They are also eligible to generate or edit up to 100 images per day, while Deep Research queries are limited to 5 reports per month. Free users can also generate up to 20 Audio Overviews per day. Gemini AI Pro users, on the other hand, can send up to 100 messages per day to the chatbot, generate 1,000 images, and get 3 Veo 3 Fast generations along with 20 Deep Research reports per day. Meanwhile, Google AI Ultra customers can send up to 500 messages to the Gemini 2.5 Pro model, along with 1,000 image generations and edits, 5 Veo 3 videos, and 200 Deep Research reports. They can also send up to 10 Deep Think prompts per day with a 1,92,000 token context window (1,44,000 words). The tech giant also noted that usage limits for some other features like Canvas, Gems, and Storybook are dependent on the model selected while using them. Google's AI Pro subscription costs $19.99 per month in the US and 1,950 per month in India, while the AI Ultra subscription, which was introduced earlier this year, costs $249.99 per month in the US or 24,500 per month in India. A massive protest is underway in Nepal as Gen Z demonstrators took to the streets to protest allegations of corruption and a recent ban imposed on social media apps in the country. According to a report by Kathmandu Post, the protestors vandalized the parliament gates and police have also opened fire at multiple locations, which has led to many people being injured in the protests while casualties are also expected. Also Read | GenZ Nepali protesters enter Parliament building amid row over social media ban But what are these social media apps that were banned in Nepal, and why did the Nepalese government ban them? Here's a look at what you need to know about the issue. Nepal social media app ban: Nepal has banned 26 social media apps for operating in the country without registering with the government. The decision was taken after a meeting held by the Communication and Information Technology Minister Prithivi Subba Gurung, along with ministry officials, representatives from the Nepal Telecommunication Authority, telecom operators, and internet service providers. The government has set a seven-day deadline for mandatory registration that expired on Wednesday last week, following which many social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and X were banned with immediate effect. The 26 apps banned by the Nepalese government include: Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, X, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Mastodon, Rumble, VK, Line, IMO, Zalo, Soul, and Hamro Patro. Meanwhile, apps like Viber, TikTok, Wetalk, and Nimbuzz were exempt from the ban because they had registered with the Nepalese government. Other platforms like Telegram and Global Diary are in the process of registration. In a speech on Sunday, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli slammed the criticism surrounding the social media ban, saying, The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of jobs of a handful of individuals. How can it be acceptable to defy the law, disregard the constitution, and disrespect national dignity, independence, and sovereignty? Nearly 100,000 in education funding has been allocated to Longford and Westmeath ETB. 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. Funding for the 2025 Reach Fund was allocated by SOLAS, and it will be administered through the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland. More than 4.5 million in funding to support over 100,000 educationally disadvantaged learners across Ireland was announced by Minister for Higher Education James Lawless and junior minister Marian Harkin. 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. 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. READ NEXT: Disappointment as Longford misses out on Family Resource Centre despite 'crying need' READ NEXT: Longford Garda Station welcomes new recruit this week During a visit to Paris, MEP Ciaran Mullooly met with French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot in recent days, where he outlined his strong opposition to the Mercosur deal. Following the talks, he welcomed the clear commitment from France to oppose the agreement both in the European Parliament and at the forthcoming EU Council of Trade Ministers meeting in September. Mr Mullooly commented that, The French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has told me the French are not softening their opposition to Mercosur, despite claims to the contrary. "Bayrous Government is under pressure in France not just from farmers but I met with him and his Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris last night and we discussed the sort of damage this rotten trade deal will do to the beef and white meat sector." Mr Mullooly also said that he, "asked Bayrou to hold out and back up the Irish farmers in the next six months while his caretaker government will be in place and [he] asked him to make greater efforts to move the Italian Government to support us". The Lanesboro native said Mr Bayrou said "he fully understands the deep concerns over the lack of traceability in beef coming out of Brazil and Barrot talks of the need for a new and more powerful EU inspection regime", which he agrees with. France has also been to the forefront in calling for so-called mirror clauses in EU trade policy, rules that would require imported products to meet the same environmental, food safety and animal-welfare standards as those applied to European farmers. Commenting on this, the Independent Ireland MEP said, "It is clear that Brazil is not currently meeting these conditions." Mr Mullooly also underlined that the Irish Governments official position must be of total rejection of the deal. This opposition is hardwired into the current Programme for Government. It represents a cast-iron commitment by Ireland to reject Mercosur outright," he added. Mr Mullooly also welcomed the work of Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon in building a wider coalition of like-minded EU countries to coordinate a united front against Mercosur. Looking ahead to the next stage of the battle in Brussels, Mr. Mullooly made clear he is determined to continue building opposition to the agreement. Some of my fellow MEPs in Brussels insist on saying this battle on Mercosur is over , but I will never give up and will meet more MEPs who have previously abstained on the issue when I go to the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg on Monday. READ NEXT: Almost 100,000 in education funding has been allocated to Longford and Westmeath ETB READ NEXT: Disappointment as Longford misses out on Family Resource Centre despite 'crying need' The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) took to the streets of Longford last week, to encourage citizens to dispose of gum litter responsibly in a bin. As part of its Summer Roadshow campaign, the GLT collaborated with Longford County Council to promote the importance of proper litter disposal through fun education and awareness initiatives that highlight the negative environmental impacts of gum litter and draw awareness to the 150 gum litter fine. A collaboration between industry, government and local authorities, and funded by Mars Wrigley, this year marks the launch of the campaigns sixth cycle. Longford County Council officially launched its Gum Litter Taskforce campaign at the Market Square, Longford Town this week with vibrant support from St. Mels College pupils and Comhairle na nOg members, whose enthusiastic presence brought great energy to the event. GLT has seen gum litter reduce by almost 70% since 2007, via a sustained public engagement and education campaign. According to the latest National Litter Pollution Monitoring System data, gum now accounts for just 8.6% of all litter, continuing a downward trend in gum as a component of litter from 26.4% in 2006, and 9.1% in 2021, the end of the previous three-year cycle. However, according to the latest research one in 12 admit that they still drop their gum on the ground with men more than twice as likely to do so than women. This highlights the continued importance of the campaign. Launching its sixth cycle, the Gum Litter Taskforce reports that a significant 92% of people now report properly disposing of their chewing gum, a record high. A large majority, 85% of 16to-34-year-olds now view littering as socially unacceptable. The report found that men remain more likely than women to improperly disposed of chewed gum. Welcoming the campaign back to Longford, Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh said: We are delighted to welcome the Gum Litter Taskforce to Longford. "Its a great initiative that generates awareness of the negative impacts of gum litter in a fun and engaging way. "As a council, we are committed to working with campaigns such as GLT, that promote responsible litter disposal behaviours, and result in cleaner communities. "The reduction of gum litter in recent years shows the success of this campaign and I look forward to seeing further positive changes into the future as more and more of us choose to put our gum litter into the bin. Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said, Longford County Council remains committed to tackling all forms of litter through a mix of enforcement and public engagement. Initiatives like the Gum Litter Taskforce play a vital role in promoting responsible behaviour and were proud to continue our long-standing support for this important campaign. This years Summer Roadshow will make 20 stops across 17 counties this Summer. The GLT campaign also includes a school roadshow (Bin It!) which will travel to primary and secondary schools across the country from October. This is in addition to useful lesson plan material that is available to schools on www.gumlittertaskforce.ie To further support the GLT campaign, a nationwide advertising campaign is also being activated across Irish television and radio channels, paid media poster sites and online digital advertising. READ NEXT: Almost 100,000 in education funding has been allocated to Longford and Westmeath ETB READ NEXT: Disappointment as Longford misses out on Family Resource Centre despite 'crying need' Pieta, the suicide and self-harm prevention charity, has revealed that more than one in three people supported by its free therapy services are children and teenagers - many still in school. This year, Pietas No More Silence campaign is about making sure young people know Pieta is here for them too. And together, with people across Ireland, making sure suicide prevention is a national priority. Pieta is urging the public to sign its petition, add their voices to the campaign, and help raise the awareness and funds needed to keep Pietas life-saving services free for people of all ages, including every young person in crisis. Overall, Pieta is seeing growing demand for support from younger people in Ireland. More than half of Pietas clients are now aged under 25, with over one in three under 18. Among the under-18s coming to Pieta, 84% are experiencing suicidal thoughts and 70% are struggling with self-harm. While these figures highlight the seriousness of the issue, they also show that young people are reaching out for help, and Pieta is here to support them through crisis and help them regain hope. Pieta provides free therapy to people in suicidal crisis, those engaging in self-harm, and anyone bereaved by suicide. The charity plays a vital role in national suicide prevention efforts and in delivering on mental health policy, offering an accessible, nationwide service with qualified therapists available by phone and in person to anyone in distress. Between 2017 and 2024, Pieta recorded a 24% increase in under-18 clients presenting with self-harm. Within this group, the rise was most pronounced among younger teenagers: a 69% increase at age 12, 51% at age 13, and 75% at age 14. Self-harm is the strongest known risk factor for suicide (Griffin et al, 2023). This stark reality comes as Pieta launches its No More Silence campaign, this year shining a spotlight on the mental health challenges facing Irelands young people while also offering hope through stories of recovery, community, and therapy. Active in each county across Ireland, including Longford, the campaign calls on the public to sign Pietas No More Silence petition to make suicide prevention a national priority, raise awareness of Pietas free services, and help fund its life-saving work. Stephanie Manahan, Chief Executive Officer at Pieta, said over one in three people seeking help from our services are children. "That is a sobering reminder of how urgently young people need suicide and self-harm prevention services - and why Pieta must be there for them. Last year alone, 2,433 children and teenagers came to Pieta, receiving more than 17,800 hours of free therapy. "These services are free and life-saving - and they exist thanks to the generosity of the people of Ireland. Our No More Silence campaign is an important opportunity to reach out to people of all ages who might be thinking about suicide or self-harming, and to reassure them that it is okay to reach out and ask for help. "This year, we are putting a particular emphasis on the children and teenagers in our society who are struggling with their mental health. "We are calling on people to add their voice by signing our petition to make suicide prevention a national priority, and to help us maintain these services free for every child and young person who needs them. I ask anyone thinking about suicide or self-harming to contact our services, and I urge everybody to take part in No More Silence, to speak out and stand with us to make suicide prevention a priority. Pieta is calling on people across Longford to get involved by creating opportunities to having meaningful conversations with one another and signing Pietas petition to make suicide prevention a national priority. For more information on Pietas No More Silence campaign and to sign the petition, visit Pieta.ie/SpeakOut READ NEXT: Almost 100,000 in education funding has been allocated to Longford and Westmeath ETB READ NEXT: New TFI routes to be introduced serving areas in Longford, Cavan and Westmeath Israeli troops with the Nahal Brigade operate in the Zeitoun neighborhood near Gaza City in early September. (IDF) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began a campaign of airstrikes against high-rise buildings in Gaza, destroying them in daylight raids. On September 8, the IDF said that it had struck a high-rise building that was used by the Hamas terrorist organization in the area of Gaza City, claiming that Hamas terrorists planted intelligence gathering means, explosive devices, and positioned observation posts in the structure. According to the IDF, the building, which it didnt name, was used by terrorists throughout the war. The Israeli military published an infographic showing the structure and added that it had taken steps to reduce harm to civilians. The IDF asserted that these efforts included advanced warnings to the population, the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence. The campaign against high-rises began after Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz warned Hamas on September 3 that the group will soon realize that it must choose between two options: Accept Israels conditions for ending the war, primarily the release of all hostages and disarmament, or Gaza will become equivalent to Rafah and Beit Hanoun. The reference to Beit Hanoun and Rafah relates to two areas in Gaza that were systematically destroyed in previous fighting. Almost all the buildings in Beit Hanoun, a town near the border with Israel in northern Israel, have been leveled during the war. On September 5, Katz declared that the bolt is now removed from the gates of hell, an apparent reference to the beginning of Israels campaign. He had warned Hamas in the past that Israel would open the gates of hell on the terrorist group. The first evacuation notice has been delivered to a high-rise terror building in Gaza City before an attack, Katz added on September 5. Following Katzs comments, the IDF also said that it had struck a high-rise building that was being used by the Hamas terrorist organization in the area of Gaza City. The BBC described this building as the Mushtaha tower, and other reports said it had 13 floors. The IDF claimed that Hamas had established infrastructure that was used to advance and execute attacks against IDF troops in the area. On September 6, the IDF said it targeted another building, stating that Hamas had installed intelligence gathering equipment and positioned observation posts in the building and planted numerous explosive devices near the building. Katz posted an image of the second high-rise being destroyed. The BBC described it as the Sussi tower, and The Times of Israel and other outlets described the target as a 15-story building located in Tel al Hawa. The operation followed a strike on September 7 against a high-rise that NBC described as the Al Ruya building. Social media posts and media reports, including from outlets sympathetic to the Palestinians, described the structure as containing the offices of clinics, human rights organizations, and law firms. The Al Ruya building airstrike was at least the third large high-rise that has been leveled by IDF strikes in several days. On September 8, the campaign against the high-rises continued. Katz also again warned Hamas, saying, A powerful hurricane will hit the skies of Gaza City today, and the roofs of the towers of terror will shake. As the IDF has ramped up airstrikes in Gaza City, it has also utilized Arabic social media to call on the citys residents to evacuate toward southern Gaza and a humanitarian zone near Khan Younis. The IDF stated that the zone includes vital humanitarian infrastructure such as field hospitals, water pipelines, and water desalination facilities, alongside the continuous provision of food supplies, tents, medicines, and medical materials. A humanitarian zone in southern Gazas Mawasi area has existed since the early days of the war. Israel estimates that 100,000 people have evacuated Gaza City, while the UN estimates there may still be a million people in the area. There are around 2 million people in Gaza overall, and the IDF controlled around 75 percent of the territory on the eve of the Gaza City offensive. When the strikes on the towers in Gaza City began on September 5, the IDF already assessed that it controlled 40 percent of the city. 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). Mallorca may well be the most popular destination in Spain for British holidaymakers but it cant take it for granted looking ahead with re-emerging destinations such as Egypt, Tunisia and Malta seeing year-on-year booking increases of up to 117%, according to Advantage Travel Partnership which today shared its latest trading data insights for 2025, revealing how the industry has shifted in comparison to 2024. Some of the highlights from the report are that leisure travel has seen significant growth this year with overall sales increasing by 12 percent and average booking value increasing by 9 percent when compared to 2024. This growth is evident across various segments, including short-haul, long-haul, cruise, and touring and adventure. Short-haul sales are up 6 percent with a 4 percent increase in average booking value, with the top destinations for the year being Spain and the Canary Islands, Greece, and Turkey. The most sought-after individual destinations within these countries are Mallorca, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Alicante, and Antalya. Meanwhile, former favourites such as Egypt, Malta, and Tunisia are re-emerging in popularity, with Malta in particular seeing an incredible 117 percent increase in sales compared to 2024. Advantage Travel Partnership hosted its 2025 conference in Malta, giving members an opportunity to experience the destination first-hand before recommending to their customers. Furthermore, long-haul travel remains on the rise with bookings having risen by 19 percent in 2025 as UK travellers continue to book holidays to the Maldives, USA, UAE, Caribbean, and Thailand. Summer holiday travel has still had a strong performance as sales increased by 13 percent, with departures up by 7 percent. Despite these increases, however, the number of family passengers has declined by 3 percent which indicates more trips are being made by groups of friends and couples instead. Notably as 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of all-inclusive holidays, 45 percent of all bookings for trips this summer were for this category, up from 40 percent last year. The rise of all-inclusive resorts has been driven by travellers growing demand for convenience, value, and stress-free planning appealing to a wide range of tourists from families to couples seeking predictable costs and hassle-free getaways. In an era where cost transparency and timesaving are increasingly valued, all-inclusives offer an attractive option. Their popularity has surged post-pandemic, as people prioritise ease, safety, and maximising their time away without the need for constant decision-making or unexpected expenses. John Sullivan, Commerical Director of Advantage Travel Partnership, said: Theres a clear and growing desire among consumers in 2025 to prioritise travel, with many seeing it as a necessity rather than a luxury. After years of shifting global dynamics and changing priorities, people are more eager than ever to invest in experiences that offer adventure, cultural connection, and personal fulfilment. This heightened demand reflects not just a rebound effect, but a lasting shift in consumer values toward exploration, wellness, and meaningful moments. "The demand for summer holiday travel is still prevalent, but our data does indicate a trend for more travellers opting for shoulder seasons and that we will continue to see a shift in holiday habits. Its clear that cost remains a key booking driver which is reflected in the data on shoulder season travel as well as ultra-late and ultra-early bookings, with many travellers looking to get the best experience possible for their available budget. Whilst prices have increased, the average booking value has also risen and at a higher rate than the price which indicates its not always about finding the cheapest available holiday but what offers the best value and how much extra value can I get with my budget. 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. Anna's Taqueria is offering its "super" sized burritos for $3.50 in honor of the chain's 30th anniversary on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Courtesy of Anna's Taqueria Annas Taqueria, the Boston areas beloved homegrown taqueria, is celebrating its 30th anniversary by offering throwback pricing on one of the brands signature items. Annas Taquerias super sized burritos will be available for the original 1995 price of $3.50 from open to close at all 10 locations in and around Boston on Wednesday, Sept. 10. The 12-inch customizable burritos come with customers choice of main filling, cheese, rice, beans, lettuce, pico, hot sauce and jalapenos, all wrapped in a hot flour tortilla. In addition, the first 50 guests at each location will receive a commemorative 30th anniversary T-shirt with their purchase. Inspired by San Franciscos Mission District, the goal of Annas Taqueria is to bring the flavors of Mexican street food to Boston. The chain opened its first Boston-area location in Brookline in 1995 and has since grown to include nine more locations throughout Greater Boston. Annas Taqueria most recently welcomed its Natick location in May. Annas Taqueria has other locations in Brookline, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton and Woburn as well as four in Boston. Hours vary by location. The local chain will also open a new Boston location on Summer Street near Downtown Crossing sometime in September. Annas Taqueria also plans on adding locations at Legacy Place in Dedham, in South Boston and in Cranston, Rhode Island. A caviar-topped chicken nugget at Mai in Seaport. The new Japanese-French fusion restaurant opens to the public on Wednesday, Sept. 10. David Cifarelli Several redeeming qualities, from affordable prices to a cozy interior, have come together at Bostons newest restaurant. Mai, an intimate Japanese-French fusion restaurant, which officially opened in the Seaport District on Wednesday, Sept. 10. With refined small plates, craft cocktails and a curated sake selection, Mai is the third Boston restaurant from the same team behind Matsunori Handroll Bar in Fenway and Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House in Chinatown. In comparison to its other concepts, owner Kevin Liu told MassLive that Mai is the space where diners can level up. At the same time, the restaurant is aimed at keeping food prices low without sacrificing quality or coming off as being too sophisticated. We try to be the best value of food for all, Liu said. We never want to go into [the] fine dining area, thats not for us. We want to be very accessible to everybody. Everything on Mais menu is cheaper than $35. The menu consists of small and shared plates made with clean and premium ingredients, including Mais own Kaluga hybrid caviar for their caviar-topped, tempura-battered chicken nuggets. Other standouts include all-black Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Japanese Steak Frites and an Eel Foie Gras Handroll. Liu, who lived in Tokyo for a year, also vouched on behalf of Mais authenticity as shown through certain items such as the three-ingredient cabbage salad which serves as a palate cleanser and the restaurants homemade soy sauce. We try to do a homemade touch for everything, Liu said. No added preservatives, no MSG, everything should be clean. Meanwhile, Mais cocktail menu highlights Japanese ingredients including yuzu, matcha and sake. Signature drinks include the Road Less Traveled, Clarified Melon Highball and the Sushi-Rice-Washed Strawberry Negroni. Mocktails and French wines are also on the menu. Similar to Matsunori, Mai boasts an intimate interior with tables within close proximity to each other. The goal of this roughly 30-person layout is to create a space that fosters genuine conversation. You might not necessarily know the person next to you, but just knowing that there [are] people around you, but you still have your own space, I think, is the best feeling, Liu said. Thats the kind of atmosphere Im trying to garner. Liu left his career in finance to join the restaurant industry in 2023 when Matsunori Handroll Bar officially opened. He was inspired to make the transition after seeing the rise in interest in Japanese food in Boston, where hes lived since 2012. Liu first saw this trend develop in New York, where he grew up. I think its on the rise, Liu said. New Yorks definitely a more saturated market, [but] I think Boston is finally getting a taste of what true Japanese food should be like, or true fusion. Mai will initially be open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. The restaurant plans to extend its hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays in the near future. Lunch service is also set to debut in the following weeks. Mai is located at 31 North Ave., Boston, right next to The Grand. The purportedly haunted Rhode Island farmhouse where the spooky happenings that inspired the 2013 horror movie The Conjuring occurred hit the market Thursday for the scary price of $1.2 million. The Conjuring House in Burrillville, Rhode Island, is set to hit the auction block later this fall on Halloween, no less. The auction is whats known as a mortgagees foreclosure auction and comes after the homeowner, Jacqueline Nunez, defaulted on the terms of the mortgage, JJManning Auctioneers, the auction house that listed the property confirmed. The roughly 3,000-square-foot home is located on about 8.5 acres of land in Burrillville. The antique farmhouse ... has become famous for historical paranormal sightings and activity, the auction listing reads. The home is dubbed the Conjuring House in reference to the 2013 film The Conjuring, which is based on events that took place at the home in the 1970s. In the decade-plus since the first film, another seven movies in the franchise have been released, most recently on Friday. The property goes to auction on Oct. 31 at 11 a.m., with a $25,000 deposit due on the day of the auction and 10% of the purchase price due within two business days. Previous troubles at Conjuring House Even before the property went up for auction, Nunez ran into several issues while owning the home. Last November, town leaders in Burrillville opted not to renew the homes business license, citing in part Nunezs erratic behavior, The Providence Journal reported. Nunez, a Boston real estate developer, bought The Conjuring House also known as the Burrillville farmhouse in 2022. She purchased the home with the stipulation from the houses previous owner that whoever owns it cannot live in it year-round because the energy is so powerful, Nunez told The Boston Globe that year. On Oct. 28, Nunez was arrested in connection with a police pursuit and driving under the influence of alcohol, WJAR-TV reported. After the pursuit, police noticed an overwhelming odor of alcohol on her breath and saw her eyes were glassy and bloodshot. I had a couple drinks and I live in The Conjuring House, Nunez told police, according to WJAR-TV. She asked if people were normally handcuffed for drinking a few Manhattans and laughed during a sobriety test. Why are there multiple officers pulling up behind me because I had a couple of drinks? Nunez asked police, the news station wrote. She was charged with driving under the influence of liquor and eluding law enforcement in a high-speed pursuit and was released on $2,000 personal recognizance, WPRI 12 reported. Months later, a judge issued a bench warrant for Nunez after she failed to show up for court, the station reported. She defended her conduct in an interview with the station, saying I havent done anything, she said. Ive just been running my business. Ghost Hunters star Jason Hawes has accused Nunez of sending him accusatory and threatening text messages, according to an incident report filed with the West Greenwich Police Department in Rhode Island. Hawes told police that these texts were unprovoked, and told WPRI 12 that Nunez had backed off from those threats with me. Some of these text messages were just extremely vile, Hawes told the news station. She claimed I was there trying to do an assassination plot. Former employees also voiced issues with Nunez. She told two employees that they owed her money for a fire that burned a barn on the property in December 2023, WPRI 12 reported. Those two employees said they paid to renovate the barn and Nunez did not fulfill her promise to pay them back, first blaming the fire on spontaneously combusted materials before claiming they set it. Another employee told the news station that Nunez claimed the ghost of the houses original owner from the 1880s said the employee stole about $3,000. She said, John Arnold told me youve been stealing money out of the cash box for the past two months, former employee Brian Dansereau told the news station. I literally stopped and I had to correct her like, John Arnold, one of the original owners? Before the page shut down, Nunez used The Conjuring House Facebook page to post claims that she is the princess of Saudi Arabia and that Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Meta, has incited hate on his page towards Nunez, among other things. I know that many of you do not understand why I am making various posts, she wrote on Aug. 18. I am part of an International Team that is doing a special mission that triggered events, when I bought [The Conjuring house]. It will be a great thing, once completed. Hasbro, Inc. is an iconic toy company behind household brand names such as Mr. Potato Head and Play-Doh. AP Hasbro announced plans to move its headquarters from Rhode Island to Massachusetts on Monday. The toy company is currently based out of Pawtucket, but said in a press release that it intends to relocate its Rhode Island operations to 400 Summer St. in Bostons Seaport District close to the Thomas Menino Exhibition and Convention Center (formerly the Boston Exhibition and Convention Center). Hasbro plans to occupy seven floors and 265,000 square-feet of the newly developed building, according to the release. It intends to transition 700 full-time employees who currently work in Rhode Island to its new Boston building by the end of next year. This new location will be the primary headquarters for Hasbros toys, board games, and licensing businesses, and a majority of its corporate services, the release reads. This strategic move positions the company to accelerate innovation, attract top talent, and drive long-term growth. How are Massachusetts leaders reacting? Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said in a Monday statement that she is proud to welcome this iconic company to Team Massachusetts. We are thrilled that Hasbro has chosen Massachusetts as the home of its new headquarters, and were ready to support the hundreds of jobs they will create here, the statement reads. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said in a Monday statement that she was delighted that Hasbro has decided to move to Boston, and that she looks forward to partnering with the toy company. The creativity and wonder at the heart of Hasbros work are also at the heart of our mission to make Boston a home for everyone the safest major city in the country and the best place to raise a family, with opportunities for all to Connect(4) and Play(-Doh)," the statement reads, referencing some of the toy companys most iconic brands. What about Rhode Island? Hasbro has been based in Rhode Island since its founding as a textiles company in Providence in 1923 by the three Hassenfeld brothers a family of Polish-Jewish immigrants. Originally called Hassenfeld Brothers, the company changed to producing school supplies over the next two decades, and finally to primarily making toys by the 1940s. The companys first big hit came in 1952 with the iconic Mr. Potato Head toy. By the end of the 1960s, it had changed its name to Hasbro, Inc. and moved its headquarters to Pawtucket, where it has remained until now. While Hasbro is establishing a new home in Boston, the companys ties to Rhode Island remain strong, the toy company wrote in the release. Hasbro plans to continue to support Hasbro Childrens Hospital in Providence with annual donations, it said in the release. It also intends to keep recruiting new employees from Rhode Islands colleges and universities, honoring the legacy of the Hassenfeld familys deep roots in the state. Kelsey Fitzsimmons, center, was released from jail Monday, months after being shot by a fellow North Andover police officer. Fitzsimmons is flanked by her lawyers, Timothy Bradl, left, and Martha Coakley. Charlie McKenna/MassLive A North Andover police officer shot by a coworker in late June was released Monday afternoon, months after the armed confrontation with officers serving her a restraining order taken out by her fiance. Kelsey Fitzsimmons was released on personal recognizance with a slew of conditions, including that she not have any contact with her infant son. The 28-year-old is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the incident on June 30, during which police say she pointed a gun at a fellow officer. Through her lawyer, Fitzsimmons has denied doing so and said she tried to take her own life that night. As she left the courthouse Monday, Fitzsimmons, flanked by her lawyers, said simply, The truth will come out. Fitzsimmons looks very much forward to going home to recover, to prepare for whats ahead in this case, because she is innocent, said Martha Coakley, the former attorney general who has joined her defense team. Fitzsimmons was initially set to be released following a hearing in late August, but an Essex County Superior Court paused the bail order to sort out the conditions of her release. After hearing from Fitzsimmons mother, Lauren Page, on Monday, Judge Kathleen McCarthy Neyman granted Fitzsimmons release. During the bail hearing, Fitzsimmons, who wore a black jacket and white shirt with her blonde hair pulled into a bun, remained stoic until McCarthy Neyman emphasized she could not see her son. At that point, Fitzsimmons looked down and began to tear up. Asked about the delay, Timothy Bradl, a lawyer representing Fitzsimmons, said the judge took a very careful approach. We got Kelsey out of jail, and were thrilled about that, he said outside the Salem courthouse. The family here has gone to extraordinary lengths to make sure that they can show the court that Kelsey is safe and protected and is where she needs to be. On June 30, North Andover police arrived at Fitzsimmons home to serve her with a restraining order obtained earlier that day by her fiance. In an affidavit, Fitzsimmons fiance said she had assaulted him and that he feared for the life of their infant son. A hearing on the restraining order is slated for later this month. While Fitzsimmons was packing up clothes for her son, police say she reached for a gun and attempted to fire it at one of the responding officers. She was shot once in the chest by the officer and taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, where she remained for more than a month. At the bail hearing on Monday, Bradl asked McCarthy-Neyman to defer the order requiring Fitzsimmons to stay away from her son to the probate court. The judge declined to do so, but said she would amend the order if needed. Bradl has called the claims from Fitzsimmons fiance self-serving. Her whole world was taken away from her because a guy went to the probate court ... filled out a piece of paper, full of self-serving allegations, and got her baby, he told reporters outside the courthouse. Kelsey is very committed to showing this court, showing the judge that shes fine, that shes in control, that shes not a danger. The only thing thats been aggravating her postpartum [depression] is having her baby taken away. Were going to do everything we can to reunite Kelsey with her baby, Bradl added. Karen Read smiles as the not guilty verdict of second-degree murder is read in Norfolk Superior Court, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) The first time the state attempted to convict Karen Read of murdering her Boston police officer boyfriend, it cost taxpayers $50,000 and ended in a mistrial. In the second trial in the death of John OKeefe, Read was convicted in June only of operating under the influence. That trial cost taxpayers $1.4 million, according to newly released public records from the Norfolk County District Attorneys Office. Leading the way in expenses was Aperture, a crash reconstruction company, which was paid nearly $600,000 from September of last year until June, when Read was acquitted of second-degree murder. Apertures Shanon Burgess and Judson Welcher testified for the prosecution about digital data from Reads SUV and two triggering events from the night of OKeefes death: a three-point turn and a backing maneuver. Another big expense was for Hank Brennan, who Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey appointed as special prosecutor to lead the trial. Records show that Brennan was paid $566,000 over the course of nine months. Prosecutors also paid more than $28,000 to Aizik Wolf, a Florida-based neurosurgeon, as well as $20,000 to a New York legal consultant firm and more than $10,000 to a canine aggression consultant. Jessica Hyde, the digital forensic expert who testified on the veracity of Reads and OKeefes phone data, was paid nearly $44,000, according to invoices from the DA, not including hotel and flights. Her company, Hexordia, earned $11,300 during the first trial. The prosecution hired a paralegal on a contract basis. She was paid more than $67,000 over nearly nine months, the records from the DAs office show. In the first case against Read, prosecutors spent just over $50,000 to hire expert witnesses in digital forensics, DNA testing and canine aggression, according to the records. Read, formerly of Mansfield, was accused of striking OKeefe with her SUV in a drunken rage while dropping him off at an after party in Canton in January 2022. She is still facing a civil trial brought by the OKeefe family. The Sun Chronicle is a news partner of MassLive.com. To subscribe to The Sun Chronicle, click here. Spirit airlines has announced that it will terminate 11 routes in October after filing for bankruptcy again this year. The reasoning behind this decision is to streamline operations in an effort to recover from its financial challenges and strengthen core operations according to The Sun. Starting Oct. 2, the following routes will no longer be available: Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) in New Mexico Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) in Alabama Boise Airport (BOI) in Idaho Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) in Tennessee Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) in South Carolina Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon Sacramento International Airport (SMF) Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) San Diego International Airport (SAN) San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) in California Spirit Airlines also said that it will not be moving forward with plans to launch service at Middle Georgia Regional Airport in Macon, Georgia. This project was supposed to begin Oct. 16, according to USA Today. 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 airline said in a written statement to USA Today. We are grateful to the airports, business partners and community members in these markets who welcomed and supported us. Spirit Airlines did not immediately respond to MassLives request for comment. The news comes after Spirit Airlines revealed in an Aug. 11 report that its struggling to turn a profit due to a low demand for leisure travel and fierce market competition. As a result, the Company continues to experience challenges and uncertainties in its business operations and expects these trends to continue for at least the remainder of 2025, the report reads. Spirit Airlines has already taken measures to address these issues by working on network and product enhancements while placing pilots on unpaid temporary leave. The airline might also sell off some aircrafts, real estate and airport gates. However, these initiatives may not be enough to meet the minimum cash-on-hand requirements put in place as part of the end of Spirit Airlines bankruptcy. While it is the Companys goal to execute on these initiatives, there can be no assurance that such initiatives will be successful, Spirit wrote in the report. The quarterly report also noted an estimated $261 million decrease in operating revenues for the second quarter of 2025, as compared to the same period in 2024. Operating expenses also went down during that time period, primarily due to lower fuel costs and fewer flights, but only by about $230 million. The companys financial results still fell short. Spirits struggles have been ongoing for years. In November 2024, Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy noting financial struggles partially driven by lower operating revenue and higher operating expenses. As part of the bankruptcy agreement, the companys bondholders committed $350 million in equity investment and $300 million in debtor-in-possession financing to keep the airline afloat during the restructuring. The companys struggles, which have only increased in recent years, started several years ago shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Spirit has not reported an annual profit since 2019, and it has lost more than $2 billion since 2020, according to the Times. The company took another hit after a federal judge barred a planned merger with JetBlue Airways earlier in 2024. The judge banned the merger in January 2024, arguing it would reduce competition in the airline business and that smaller, inexpensive airlines such as Spirit would hurt consumers seeking reduced fares, the Times reported. JetBlue and Spirit believed the merger would have been worth pursuing as it would have unleashed a national low-fare, high-value competitor, JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said in a March release. 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Small businesses watching their larger competitors constantly adjust prices might feel outgunned, but dynamic pricing software is no longer exclusive to retail giants. Affordable platforms are emerging that let SMEs compete with real-time pricing strategies without enterprise-level budgets. Talon.One Talon.One is a pricing and promotions platform that helps ecommerce and retail brands manage dynamic pricing. It automates markdowns and promotions through a centralized rule engine, making it easier to adjust prices quickly and consistently. Key Features: Automated strikethrough pricing and product labels at the SKU level Real-time sync with your PIM and commerce systems Loyalty-tier and customer-group pricing Geofencing and time or session-based discount triggers No-code rule builder for easy setup Instant updates via API to keep pricing strategies aligned Best For: Large ecommerce brands and omnichannel retailers that need flexible, scalable pricing and promotional workflows. It is especially useful for teams that want quick, rule-based pricing changes tied to inventory, loyalty programs, or marketing campaigns without manual work or disrupting their core pricing systems. Zilliant Zilliant Price Optimization is a dynamic pricing platform designed for B2B and complex ecommerce businesses. It uses AI and machine learning to recommend optimal prices that align with company strategy, delivering real-time pricing that protects margins and builds seller confidence. This turns pricing from reactive to proactive, adapting intelligently to changing market conditions. Key Features: Price IQ engine for segment-specific, customer-tailored price recommendations Real-time use of transactional and behavioral data to measure price elasticity Convex optimization to align pricing with profit or revenue goals Built-in business rules such as minimum margins and tiered pricing Scenario modeling with what-if simulations Margin impact analytics with visual insights API integration to publish optimized prices directly to ecommerce, CPQ, and sales platforms Best For: Large B2B enterprises, distributors, and manufacturers with many SKUs or fast-changing markets. It is especially useful for teams that want to automate pricing, reduce negotiation friction, improve omnichannel consistency, and align pricing with commercial goals like margin growth and higher win rates. NetRivals NetRivals is a dynamic pricing and competitive intelligence platform built for ecommerce retailers and brands. It monitors competitor prices, promotions, and stock levels in real time across marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Google Shopping. The platform turns this intelligence into automated repricing strategies that improve conversion rates, protect margins, and boost visibility. Key Features: Rule-based pricing through a no-code engine Minimum margin thresholds with competitor inclusion or exclusion options Custom pricing logic by category or SKU Data collection from over 35,000 websites and 1 billion product listings Margin impact insights with actionable price suggestions Safe Mode testing for repricing strategies before deployment Dashboards and API integrations for ecommerce platforms and BI tools Best For: Online retailers, multi-channel brands, and category managers with large catalogs. It is particularly useful for businesses selling across international marketplaces that need to react quickly to stock changes, price wars, and buy box competition. Prisync Prisync is a dynamic pricing platform for ecommerce retailers of all sizes. It combines real-time competitor price monitoring, stock tracking, and automated pricing rules to help businesses stay competitive and profitable in fast-changing markets. Trusted by hundreds of online brands, it centralizes pricing intelligence and supports data-driven decisions. Key Features: Automated price adjustments based on cost, competitor pricing, and inventory Competitor price alerts and rank positioning insights Rule-based repricing with URL-based, channel-based, or hybrid coverage Price history analytics and instant notifications API access and dashboard integration with Shopify, Magento, Google Shopping, and more Best For: Ecommerce merchants, retail brands, and category managers with large catalogs. It is especially useful for teams facing strong price competition who want to automate updates, match competitors effectively, and free up time for strategic decisions. The self-service setup and proactive repricing engine make it accessible for teams with limited technical resources. Competera Competera Pricing Platform is a dynamic pricing platform that uses AI and machine learning to deliver real-time, elasticity-based price optimization for retailers. It combines competitive intelligence and customer behavior insights to automatically adjust prices across categories, channels, and regions, helping businesses grow revenue while protecting margins. Key Features: Real-time price monitoring with updates every two hours and up to 99% market matching accuracy Multi-model deep learning for portfolio- and SKU-level price optimization Considers over 20 internal and external factors, including competitor rates, seasonality, weather, and costs What-if simulations for margin and revenue forecasting Reduces repricing time and enables fast, data-driven adjustments Best For: Omnichannel retailers, large ecommerce brands, distributors, and category managers with extensive catalogs. It is especially useful for teams that need AI-powered repricing at scale, enabling proactive pricing strategies with clear impact on profitability and market competitiveness. Centric Centric Pricing & Inventory is a dynamic pricing and inventory optimization platform designed for fashion, apparel, and lifestyle brands. It uses AI to manage pricing across the full product lifecycle, from pre-season launches to end-of-season markdowns, helping brands respond to demand shifts, inventory changes, and market trends while maximizing margins and sell-through efficiency. Key Features: Automated lifecycle pricing and dynamic repricing for ecommerce and omnichannel retail Competitive pricing with analytics at SKU, category, store, and channel levels What-if scenario modeling and transparent AI recommendations Integration with allocation, replenishment, and demand forecasting workflows Full visibility into the margin impact of pricing decisions Best For: Mid-size and enterprise fashion, apparel, footwear, and lifestyle brands, as well as omnichannel retailers managing seasonal or large inventories. It is ideal for teams seeking AI-driven pricing that aligns with financial goals and sustainability targets, helping minimize markdowns and maximize profitability throughout the product lifecycle. Skuuudle Skuuudle is a competitive pricing intelligence tool designed to empower e-commerce and retail teams with accurate, actionable market data. It specializes in real-time price scraping and product matching, delivering trusted benchmarks that feed dynamic pricing decisions, executive reviews, and commerce strategy. Key Features: Skuuudle excels at price scrapingcapturing competitor pricing, promotions, stock levels, and MAP/RRP details across any online source at user-defined frequency. It includes precise product matching, linking your SKUs with competitor listingseven private-label counterparts. Robust quality control, including human-validated data, ensures reliability for pricing teams. The platform supports pricing dashboards, margin benchmarking, and tailored alerts ideal for weekly trading discussions and rapid response. Best for: E-commerce managers, pricing analysts, and merchandising teams within SMBs to enterprise retailers seeking reliable, up-to-date competitor intelligence. Its particularly valuable for organizations that need clean, fidelity-tested data to inform dynamic repricing, performance tracking, and strategic price visibilitywithout manual scraping overhead. DataWeave DataWeave Pricing Intelligence is an AI-powered pricing and competitive intelligence platform designed for e-commerce and retail businesses seeking granular, market-driven pricing strategies. It enables real-time monitoring across global markets, categories, and SKUsproviding data-rich visibility that drives smarter, dynamic pricing decisions aligned with both operational and financial objectives. Key Features: The platform delivers highly accurate product matching (exact, similar, and private-label) across diverse retailers, with over 95% match accuracy even in multilingual and multi-channel contexts. It aggregates granular price data, including list, selling, unit-normalized, and net-effective prices, with advanced audit reporting and anomaly detection for data reliability. Users benefit from location-based insights, dashboards highlighting price change frequency, and alerts to sudden competitive shiftsenabling timely and strategic pricing actions. Best for: Multi-channel e-commerce brands, retail chains, and category managers who manage complex product assortments across regions and need highly accurate, automated intelligence to guide dynamic pricing, competitive benchmarking, and promotional optimization. Ideal for organizations prioritizing both data quality and strategic agility in their pricing workflows. Pricen Pricen is an AI-driven dynamic pricing and optimization platform designed to empower e-commerce and retail businesses with data-driven pricing strategies. It analyzes a myriad of factorssuch as sales trends, demand signals, inventory levels, costs, and competitor behaviorto continuously recommend optimal pricing that balances profitability with market competitiveness. Key Features: Pricen offers comprehensive pricing toolsincluding dynamic pricing automation, price optimization, promotions management, markdown strategies, and base price planningall accessible through an intelligent, rule-based system. Powered by reinforcement learning, it enables scenario simulations via a price simulator, supports automated adjustments based on demand and competition, and enhances promotional impact with integrated markdown workflows. The platform also supports seamless deployment of price changes across various e-commerce channels. Best for: Retail and ecommerce teams managing extensive product catalogs across fashion, electronics, groceries, and beyondespecially those under competitive pressure or inventory variability. Pricen is ideal for organizations seeking to streamline pricing operations, reduce manual workload, and accelerate margin gains via scalable, AI-powered repricing strategies. Feedvisor Feedvisor is an AI-first repricing and optimization platform purpose-built for marketplace sellersparticularly on Amazon (FBA and FBM) and Walmart. It combines dynamic pricing with inventory-aware intelligence to automatically adjust prices in real-time, aiming to secure Buy Box dominance while optimizing margins and preventing unnecessary fee exposure. Key Features: Feedvisor employs advanced AI and demand modeling to build dynamic pricing curves that reflect inventory health, advertising spend, conversion dynamics, and Amazon seller rank (BSR). Its ProductSphere technology accurately maps ASIN-level competition, while its repricing engine calibrates linkages between like products. Additionally, it predicts and prevents FBA-related inventory fees, integrates pricing with advertising spend optimization, and offers both full-suite (Feedvisor360) and Essentials simplified repricing versions. Best for: Enterprise brands and high-volume marketplace sellersespecially private label ownersstriving to automate repricing with intelligence, avoid margin erosion, and scale efficiently across multiple marketplaces. Feedvisor is ideal for sellers needing proactive, AI-powered pricing strategies that align with broader operational KPIs and marketplace dynamics. Quicklizard Quicklizard Pricing Guru is an AI-driven dynamic pricing platform built specifically for retail and e-commerce environments. It empowers businesses with real-time, data-backed repricing capabilitiescombining advanced elasticity modeling with transparent rule controlso pricing teams can enhance competitiveness, protect margins, and move swiftly in fast-paced markets. Key Features: Quicklizard offers a hybrid pricing engine that blends AI-driven recommendations with configurable business rules and constraints. It delivers fast time-to-value, with implementations typically completed in 816 weeks. The platform provides visibility into price decisions, accurate SKU-level product matching, and cross-channel repricingincluding omnichannel alignment across online, offline, and marketplace channels. Enhanced automation includes Price Guru tools that translate natural-language strategy into executable pricing logic. Best for: Retailers, D2C brands, and omnichannel organizations managing large, dynamic product catalogs that require strategic yet scalable pricing automation. Quicklizard is especially beneficial for businesses seeking transparency in algorithmic pricing, rapid execution, and unified control across complex price landscapes. It suits teams prioritizing agility, explainability, and alignment between AI insights and strategic pricing oversight. Price2Spy Price2Spy is a comprehensive pricing intelligence platform for e-commerce and retail professionals, enabling dynamic, data-driven price monitoring and automated repricing. It helps businesses react quickly to market changes while protecting margins. Key Features: Advanced price monitoring, including MAP compliance and marketplace surveillance Product matching and historical trend analysis Rule-based dynamic repricing based on competitor activity, costs, or stock levels Real-time alerts and flexible reporting via dashboards and custom reports API integrations with e-commerce platforms and Google Analytics Best For: Online retailers, brand manufacturers, and distributors managing large product catalogs under competitive pressure. Price2Spy suits teams seeking automated, reliable repricing paired with proactive competitive intelligence, offering flexibility for businesses needing a modular, integrated pricing solution. Yieldigo Yieldigo is a cloud-based, AI-driven price management and optimization platform for professional retail and e-commerce organizations. It combines intelligent automation with transparent rule control, giving pricing teams command over complex environments while driving measurable margin improvements. Key Features: Implement complex pricing rules quickly with full human oversight End-to-end dynamic pricing workflows: promotions, markdowns, multibuy offers, price zones, product families, and competitive monitoring Centralized pricing cockpit for streamlined management What-if scenario simulations and automated alerts for strategic agility Best For: Retailers, omnichannel brands, and distributors particularly in grocery, pharmacy, home improvement, or consumer electronics managing large SKU assortments across multiple regions and price lists. Ideal for teams seeking rapid automation of high-impact pricing strategies without sacrificing transparency or control. Sciative Sciative are AI-powered dynamic pricing platforms built for retail, hospitality, and travel sectors. They replace static spreadsheets with intelligent, real-time pricing strategies powered by machine learning. BRIO focuses on retail pricing orchestration, while ZettaRMS specializes in hotel revenue management. Key Features: BRIO adapts retail pricing in real time, optimizing for gross margins and high-margin item sales ZettaRMS adjusts hotel rates dynamically, boosting revenue and direct bookings Leverages competitive data, demand patterns, inventory cues, and external factors for real-time pricing intelligence Scales across thousands of SKUs and market locations Best For: Retail brands, omnichannel merchants, and hotel chains seeking AI-driven, sector-specific pricing at scale. BRIO fits retailers managing large, dynamic catalogs, while ZettaRMS suits hospitality operators looking to maximize RevPAR and optimize rate strategies. PriceZag PriceZag is a dynamic pricing and competitive intelligence platform designed for e-commerce and retail businesses that want to optimize pricing based on real-time market behavior. It tracks competitor inventory and price changes while estimating sales by monitoring page data five times daily, enabling reactive and data-driven repricing. Key Features: Visual tracking including full-resolution screenshots with time-stamped price and stock history Intelligent alerts for price changes, low stock, and rapid sales No-code repricing rules, such as staying below the cheapest in-stock competitor while maintaining minimum margins and applying charm pricing Seamless integration via API or direct connectors with Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento Best For: E-commerce managers, pricing analysts, and competitive strategy teams who need real-time insights to drive repricing decisions. It is especially suited for retailers and brands monitoring competitor stock and pricing dynamics with visual tracking and straightforward rule-based control. Pricefy Pricefy is a dynamic pricing and competitive intelligence platform for e-commerce retailers. It helps businesses monitor competitors and adjust prices in real time to protect margins and stay competitive. Key Features: Autopilot dynamic repricing based on hourly competitor data and user-defined margin rules Manual repricing simulator for scenario testing AI-driven product automatch to pair SKUs with competitor listings Alerts, reports, MAP/MSRP monitoring, and stock surveillance Daily to hourly price updates with API access and integration with major e-commerce platforms Best For: Small to mid-sized e-commerce businesses and retailers needing easy-to-use dynamic repricing. Pricefy is ideal for teams with limited technical resources who want fast deployment, competitive visibility, and the option to balance automated and manual repricing. Its tiered pricing makes it accessible across growth stages. Dealavo Dealavo is a dynamic pricing and competitor monitoring platform for e-commerce retailers and brands. It helps teams react quickly to market changes and optimize pricing strategies across multiple channels. Key Features: Real-time price tracking across marketplaces like Amazon, Google Shopping, and Idealo Offline and promotional price monitoring Repricing AI engine that automates price adjustments using market signals and internal data Frequent data updates, with integrations for WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, eBay, and more API access to streamline price updates Best For: E-commerce professionals, competitive pricing teams, and multi-channel retailers managing large product assortments. Dealavo is ideal for brands needing automated, reliable repricing while keeping margin targets and competitive positioning intact. Nected Nected delivers a dynamic pricing solution through its low-code/no-code Decision Engine. It helps businesses automatically adjust product prices in real time based on market conditions, competitor pricing, and customer segments, making it directly useful for e-commerce. Key Features: Customizable pricing and discount strategies with intuitive tools and templates Real-time market and competitor data ingestion Customer segment evaluation and automated application of pricing logic Comprehensive analytics, performance tracking, and reporting Audit trail for regulatory compliance Best For: Retailers, e-commerce teams, and product managers who want a fast, rule-based dynamic pricing engine without heavy coding. It is especially valuable for businesses focused on speed, transparency, and compliance across multiple sales channels. SYMSON SYMSON is an AI-powered dynamic pricing platform that combines human strategy with machine learning through its Hyperlearning framework. It helps pricing teams replace intuition-driven decisions with transparent, data-backed automation across industries like e-commerce, manufacturing, retail, and wholesale. Key Features: Visual Pricing Strategy Builder for combining multiple strategies using drag-and-drop logic Daily market pricing and competitor insights AI-generated price recommendations informed by price elasticity modeling What-if simulations, smart business rules, and performance insights Human oversight for transparency and control Best For: Mid-market to enterprise organizations with complex catalogs and pricing challenges. It is ideal for retailers, manufacturers, and distributors who want rigorous oversight, transparency, and high usability in AI-driven price optimization. SYMSON is especially strong for strategic pricing teams seeking robust rule controls and actionable elasticity modeling. Revionics Revionics is an AI-powered retail pricing platform that manages the full pricing lifecycle, including everyday prices, promotions, and markdowns. It helps teams respond to changing demand and competition with data-driven precision while providing clear insight into the business impact of pricing decisions. Key Features: Base Price Optimization using price elasticity to recommend optimal everyday prices Markdown Optimization to time and size discounts for profitable inventory clearance Promotions Planning and Optimization to plan, execute, and measure omnichannel offers Near real-time, rules-aware pricing with transparent rationale for changes Dashboards and data sheets for visibility and decision support Best For: Mid-market to enterprise retailers and omnichannel brands with complex assortments. It is ideal for teams seeking AI-backed lifecycle pricing across base prices, promotions, and markdowns, while maintaining control over rules, constraints, and business goals. Revionics is particularly useful for operationalizing pricing science across both ecommerce and physical stores. Tool Core Focus Key Features Best For Zilliant AI-driven B2B pricing Elasticity-based optimization, Price IQ engine, what-if simulations, real-time API integration with ERP/CRM/eCommerce Large B2B enterprises, distributors, and manufacturers managing complex pricing Talon.One Promotions & pricing engine Automated strikethrough pricing, loyalty-tier pricing, geofencing, no-code rules, instant API sync Ecommerce brands and omnichannel retailers needing dynamic markdowns & promo pricing NetRivals (Lengow) Competitive price intelligence Monitoring across 35k+ sites, rule-driven repricing, safe-mode testing, API & BI integrations Online retailers & brands managing multi-marketplace catalogs Prisync Automated repricing Competitor monitoring, rule-based repricing, price history analytics, Shopify/Magento integrations E-commerce merchants and SMEs needing fast deployment & automated repricing Competera AI elasticity-based pricing Multi-model AI optimization, 99% product matching, 2-hour data refresh, scenario modeling Omnichannel retailers & brands requiring scalable AI-driven repricing Centric Pricing & Inventory Fashion & lifestyle lifecycle pricing Lifecycle optimization, markdown planning, what-if scenarios, SKU/category/channel insights Apparel, fashion, and lifestyle brands with seasonal inventory Skuuudle Data-clean competitor monitoring High-accuracy product matching, validated scraping, MAP/RRP tracking, pricing dashboards Retailers & SMBs needing accurate competitor data for trading reviews Wiser (WisePricer) Enterprise-scale repricing Tracks 4M+ competitor prices, 15-min refresh, auto product mapping, role-based access Mid- to large-size retailers with complex catalogs needing fast automation DataWeave Global pricing intelligence 95% match accuracy, multilingual scraping, price & stock insights, anomaly detection Multi-channel retailers & brands needing highly accurate competitor benchmarking Pricen (Sniffie) AI-driven optimization Rule-based automation, markdown workflows, reinforcement learning, price simulator Retail/e-commerce firms managing large SKUs in competitive markets Feedvisor Marketplace repricing (Amazon/Walmart) AI repricing curves, Buy Box optimization, ProductSphere competitor mapping High-volume marketplace sellers & private label owners Omnia Retail Strategy-driven repricing Pricing Strategy Tree, rule engine, transparent Price Explanation, Amazon/eBay integration Retailers & brands needing explainable, transparent repricing Quicklizard (Pricing Guru) Hybrid AI & rule-based AI + business rules, 816 week implementation, omnichannel alignment, explainable pricing Retailers & omnichannel firms requiring fast yet transparent execution Price2Spy Price monitoring & repricing Up to 8x daily monitoring, MAP tracking, 25+ reports, dynamic repricing rules, GA integration Retailers & distributors needing flexible repricing and strong reporting Yieldigo Transparent AI optimization Rule builder, promo/markdown workflows, what-if simulations, competitor monitoring Grocery, pharmacy, and multi-SKU retailers needing fast adoption Sciative (BRIO/ZettaRMS) Sector-specific AI pricing Retail orchestration (BRIO), hotel RMS (ZettaRMS), gross margin optimization Retailers & hospitality firms seeking AI-enabled sector solutions PriceZag Visual competitor tracking 5x daily tracking, screenshots, sales estimation, rule-based repricing SMEs needing visualized competitor insights & flexible repricing Pricefy Accessible repricing Autopilot dynamic repricing, AI automatch, alerts, MAP monitoring, Shopify/WooCommerce support SMEs needing quick, affordable repricing with free/paid tiers Dealavo Competitive monitoring + repricing 10-min updates, repricing AI, promo monitoring, Shopify/eBay integration Multi-channel retailers managing large assortments SYMSON Hyperlearning AI pricing Drag-and-drop strategy builder, competitor tracking, elasticity modeling, scenario sims Mid- to enterprise-level firms needing explainable AI pricing Revionics Lifecycle retail pricing AI-driven base pricing, markdown optimization, promo optimization, GenAI analytics Enterprise retailers managing complex product lifecycles Nected Decision engine for pricing Low-code/no-code rules, competitor + customer data ingestion, analytics & compliance SMEs needing agile, rule-based dynamic pricing Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. It was love at first sight for Werner Apfel. A chance meeting with Kilmeena woman Brigid Moran would lead to fifty five years of wedded bliss. Both immigrants to the United States, they lived the American dream and raised four children together. The daughter of Thomas and Margaret Moran, Brigid emigrated to New York in the 1950s. She lived in Long Island and worked as a phone operator on 32nd Street. Werner arrived in America with no English and fifty dollars in his pocket. He joined the army to improve his language skills and is a veteran of the Korean War. It was a beautiful July day when he decided to visit his friend Charlie, a Donegal man, in Long Island. It was on St Johns Beach that sunny day that Charlie would introduce Werner and Brigid. Thats where the love story, the romance began. READ MORE: Keeping Christopher Gavins memory alive Werner remembers asking Brigid to sit in the front with him on the drive home. Love blossomed from there before Werner travelled back to visit family in Germany. He told Brigid, when you come to Ireland, you call me and I'm going to take the next plane over to Ireland. She called and he flew and on September 17, 1959 they married in her homeplace of Kilmeena. Their wedding had a German twist though as the couple were married at the altar, which was unusual at the time. We had a nice house wedding in Kilmeena. They say this couldn't be done, but I'm German. There's nothing impossible. What couldn't be done? So I say, I'm going to do it. He made it happen and neighbours helped with cooking the turkey and ham for the celebration. Their honeymoon started in Germany and lasted nine months. They took in Austria, Switzerland and the French Riviera before moving back to live in New York. The family came back to Roscahill as often as they could afford to. Brigid and Werner's son Michael W Apfel and his wife, Therese, alongside their daughter Mikaela outside the house in Kilmeena Kilmeena always drew Brigid back and she took great pleasure in working on her house there with her children and grandchildren. I had a lot of blessings in my life, Werner says and he has returned to Roscahill, Kilmeena almost every year since her death. He commissioned Michael Cox to build the crucifix in her honour as seen in the photo below. Now 93, he travelled solo from New York to be back in Kilmeena for their wedding anniversary. Reflecting on 55 years of marriage, his advice for a happy marriage is to give and take. If you want to be bull headed, don't get married. I don't believe that marriages are based on 50:50. Every day we face difficult obstacles so our mood and our temper change. So sometimes, you know, the woman has more rights, and the next day, maybe I have more rights, and you have to give marriage. Your life is sacrifice. So if you don't want to sacrifice and give in, then don't ever bother getting married. READ MORE: Mayo school's students outperform national average in Leaving Cert Generic green stock photos are dead. Jacqueline Bourke from iStock reveals what eco-conscious shoppers want to see from small businesses instead. Whats happening: Small businesses are struggling to connect with eco-conscious consumers despite genuine sustainability efforts, with 78% of shoppers distrusting eco-friendly labels due to poor visual communication strategies. Why this matters: With 5 in 10 ANZ consumers actively choosing businesses that align with their values, visual storytelling has become the make-or-break factor in capturing this lucrative, growing market segment worth billions. The sustainability marketing game has changed, and many small businesses are losing without realising why. New research from iStock reveals a striking disconnect between what small businesses think eco-conscious consumers want to see, and what actually drives purchasing decisions. Despite 70% of consumers in Australia and New Zealand making conscious efforts to avoid negatively impacting the planet, a staggering 78% dont trust products labelled as eco-friendly. The problem isnt with the sustainability efforts themselves: its with how theyre being communicated visually. Eco-conscious customers arent just talking about sustainability; theyre shopping with it in mind, said Jacqueline Bourke, Senior Director of Creative EMEA for iStock. Our research revealed 86% of people want businesses to use their resources to improve society and the environment. In a time when people expect businesses to step up, visual storytelling is one of the most powerful tools SMBs have to connect with customers in a real, immediate way. The stakes couldnt be higher. iStocks VisualGPS research platform found that 53% of people in ANZ say they feel the effects of climate change in their daily lives, with 61% actively working to reduce their carbon footprint. Perhaps most importantly for business owners, 5 in 10 people will go out of their way to spend money with companies whose values align with their own. Yet many small businesses are sabotaging their own efforts with outdated visual approaches. Ditch the cliches The biggest mistake? Falling back on generic imagery that says nothing meaningful about actual practices. Generic images of leaves and oceans dont say much anymore, the iStock research indicates. Real, honest visuals are far more powerful than abstract concepts. Instead of stock photos featuring pristine nature scenes, successful businesses are showing their actual sustainable practices in action: recyclable materials, refill options, waste reduction efforts, and behind-the-scenes processes. This shift towards authenticity addresses a critical trust gap. Australian businesses increasingly recognise sustainability as a competitive advantage, yet many struggle to communicate this effectively to consumers whove become sceptical of greenwashing. Show the process, not perfection Todays eco-conscious shoppers want transparency over polish. Theyre more interested in seeing the effort than the end result. People want to see how your business is making an effort, not just the final product, according to the research. Share behind-the-scenes photos or short videos of your process, materials, or packaging. Honest, in-the-moment content connects more than polished green claims. This approach tackles another key finding: 89% of consumers cant confidently say what ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) even means. Rather than overwhelming customers with complex sustainability terminology, effective visual communication focuses on simple, specific changes. Make it human-centred The most successful eco-marketing strategies put people at the centre of the story, not products or processes. Feature your customers, your team, or your local community, the research suggests. Use visuals that help people see how your business fits into their everyday sustainable lifestyle. This human-centred approach directly addresses the biggest barrier to sustainable living: cost perception. iStocks research shows that the biggest obstacle to living more sustainably is the perception that its too expensive. By showing real people using sustainable products or services in everyday contexts, businesses can highlight convenience and accessibility rather than premium pricing. Consistency builds credibility Perhaps the most crucial insight: isolated green gestures actually damage trust rather than build it. One product launch, one HR initiative, or one green-themed campaign doesnt build trust, in fact, it might raise red flags, according to the research. Todays eco-friendly buyers are looking for consistency, not isolated gestures. This finding is particularly relevant as Australian businesses, including SMEs, are increasingly facing pressure to adopt sustainable practices as a strategic necessity for long-term success SMEs Unlocking Sustainable Prosperity Today | 2025, with improved sustainability leading to cost reductions, enhanced regulatory compliance, and stronger brand recognition. The bottom line In a market where values guide purchasing decisions, visual communication has become the determining factor in whether sustainability efforts translate to sales. How you show your efforts can directly influence whether they buy from you or scroll past, Bourke noted. For small businesses navigating this landscape, the message is clear: authenticity beats aspiration, process trumps perfection, and consistency matters more than any single green initiative. The businesses winning the eco-conscious consumer arent necessarily those with the most comprehensive sustainability programs: theyre the ones showing their genuine efforts in the most honest, human way possible. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The AMA emphasizes the crucial role of GPs in restoring community trust and boosting vaccination coverage in Australia. Highlights: AMA calls GPs the most trusted vaccine advisors Barriers include misinformation, access, and cultural gaps Boosting literacy and global responsibility is key Trusted Source Put your trust in GPs to address vaccine hesitancy Go to source Trusted Source TOP INSIGHT Did You know? Since the COVID-19 #pandemic, #vaccination rates have dropped below 95%, fueling the comeback of diseases like #measles and #pertussis. #vaccines #medindia Advertisement Australian Medical Associations New Statement Advertisement Why General Practice Matters Maintaining high safety and quality standards Prioritizing high-risk groups and rural populations first Administering in settings where patients feel comfortable, with proper oversight and trained staff Following all safety standards not only in GP clinics, but also in pharmacies, community clinics, and aged care facilities Advertisement Barriers to Vaccination Confusion about eligibility or where to get vaccinated Physical, financial, or travel difficulties Language or cultural challenges Misinformation or fear of side effects Distrust of government or healthcare systems Addressing The Barriers Boosting Health Literacy Global Vaccine Responsibility Preparing for the Future Efficient vaccine approval, disease surveillance, and pandemic preparedness are essential. Supporting the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) , , Keeping the Australian Immunization Register (AIR) , , Monitoring vaccine safety with AusVaxSafety , and , and Assisting in community protection. No-Fault Compensation for Vaccine Injuries Put your trust in GPs to address vaccine hesitancy - (https://www.ama.com.au/media/put-your-trust-gps-address-vaccine-hesitancy) One of the most economical and successful public health initiatives in the world is immunization. However, vaccination rates have fallen below the recommended 95 percent since the COVID-19 pandemic , which has led to a resurgence of diseases like pertussis and measles. It is more important than ever to increase vaccination coverage and build community trust ().The new immunization position statement from theemphasizes the value of patients visiting a general practitioner (GP), as GPs and their teams are best equipped to offer reliable advice specific to each patient's situation.As part of a collaborative healthcare team, the American Medical Association advises that physicians or nurses administer vaccines and vaccine education. In addition to other medical examinations and preventive advice, this ensures that the patients receive treatment. While seeing general practitioners for checkups, patients also find the time and build confidence to get vaccinated and inquire about it.The primary vaccine providers are the general practitioners (GPs). Their knowledge of patients' medical histories allows them to give appropriate advice. Additionally, GPs have access to systems that verify each person's routine immunization status.The GPs should consider these factors while giving vaccinations.Barriers can include:Addressing these barriers is critical to improving immunization rates.Doctors, nurses, and health systems play a key role in helping people understand vaccines. Resistance to false information and vaccine hesitancy is facilitated by evidence-based, culturally appropriate information. Thesite is a tool to support patient education.Australia and other high-income nations have an economic and moral obligation to support international immunization campaigns. This entails providing infrastructure funding, donating extra vaccines, and assisting low-income nations in safely obtaining vaccines.AMA advocates the no-fault system of compensation, which means that everyone who suffers an injury caused by a vaccine will be properly compensated without having to go through a long litigation process. Immunizations save lives, but their availability is only as important as people's ability to obtain, rely on, and understand them. Doctors, nurses, and communities all have a role to play in ensuring that everyone can benefit from safe, effective vaccination.With the AMA's statement update, Australia can continue to maintain high vaccination rates and make progress toward improved health!Source-Medindia Halicin, discovered using AI, represents a groundbreaking antibiotic candidate with a unique mechanism that bypasses existing antimicrobial resistance. Highlights: Halicin discovered using AI shows potent activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria shows potent activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria Unconventional mechanism targets proton motive force, limiting bacterial resistance limiting bacterial resistance Preclinical results are promising but human trials and further safety studies are needed Trusted Source Utility of Artificial Intelligence in Antibiotic Development: Accelerating Discovery in the Age of Resistance Go to source Trusted Source TOP INSIGHT Did You Know? Over 6,000 compounds were digitally screened using AI to identify halicin, which proved effective against some of the worlds deadliest multidrug-resistant pathogens. #halicin #aiinmedicine #medindia Advertisement Challenges Slowing Down Antibiotic Development Advertisement Origins and AI-Based Discovery of Halicin Advertisement Advantages of Artificial Intelligence Over Human Bias Mechanism of Action Through Electrochemical Disruption Success Against Drug-Resistant Bacterial Pathogens Key Benefits and Limitations of Halicin Improving Artificial Intelligence for Future Drug Development Utility of Artificial Intelligence in Antibiotic Development: Accelerating Discovery in the Age of Resistance - (https://www.cureus.com/articles/332100-utility-of-artificial-intelligence-in-antibiotic-development-accelerating-discovery-in-the-age-of-resistance#!/) , was identified through artificial intelligence, marking a turning point in the fight against antimicrobial resistance . This breakthrough compound operates through anAntimicrobial resistance, defined as the ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of drugs meant to kill them, is a growing global health crisis. According to the World Health Organization,in 2019. In the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic intensified the problem, with a 15% rise in hospital-acquired resistant infections and related deaths between 2019 and 2020.The current crisis is fueled by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics , along with technical hurdles in drug development. Pharmaceutical investment has waned due toArtificial intelligence has emerged as a solution to these challenges, enabling rapid analysis of vast chemical libraries. By identifying or generating molecular patterns and predicting antibacterial properties, AI significantly accelerates the drug discovery process.Halicin was discovered by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology using a custom deep learning model. This AI-powered identification represents one of the first instances of a new antibiotic found through an entirely AI-driven process. The. Originally known as SU-3327, it was initially developed as a treatment for diabetes but abandoned due to poor clinical results.Theto recognize features linked to antibacterial activity against. The trained model thena library of drugs previously investigated for human use. Halicin ranked highly for predicted antibacterial effectiveness.Unlike traditional discovery methods that rely on familiar chemical structures, the AI model learned from data without bias toward known scaffolds.This allowed it to recognize antibacterial properties in halicin,While the AI system still reflects the nature of its training data, it significantly broadens the potential for identifying new drug candidates.Halicin's effectiveness comes from its novel mechanismfor energy production, nutrient uptake, and mobility. Unlike conventional antibiotics that target specific proteins, the proton motive force is conserved across bacteria, making resistance harder to develop.Halicin is believed to disrupt the pH component of this gradient by forming complexes with iron ions (Fe3+), whichIn preclinical studies, halicin demonstrated strongIt was particularlysuch asmethicillin-resistantandboth in laboratory testing and murine models.However, halicina bacterium with a highly impermeable outer membrane that limits drug uptake.Halicin's strengths include its broad-spectrum activity, low resistance potential, and indications of low acute toxicity in early preclinical studies. Its novel mechanism of action makes it a valuable candidate in the current antibiotic pipeline.Despite these advantages, halicin has not undergone human clinical trials, so its safety and efficacy in patients remain unverified. Preclinical studies revealed that thepossibly restricting its use for systemic infections. Concerns about kidney toxicity at high doses and a relatively high oral lethal dose in animal models highlight the need for further testing.These limitations show the necessity of improving artificial intelligence models to predict not just antibacterial activity but alsoWhile AI is a transformative tool in drug discovery, refining its predictive capabilities will be critical to producing clinically viable antibiotics.artificial intelligence offers a promising path forward in addressing the declining economics of antibiotic development. The discovery of halicin exemplifies how deep neural networks can rapidly and cost-effectively identify structurally novel compounds with strong antibacterial properties. This breakthrough showcases the enormous potential of AI in combating global health threats like antimicrobial resistance.Source-Medindia Living in neighborhoods with limited access to full-service grocery stores increases stroke and death risks for patients with atrial fibrillation. Highlights: Living in neighborhoods with limited grocery access doubles ischemic stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients in atrial fibrillation patients Mortality risk for these patients is nearly four times higher in food deserts Screening for food access barriers can improve patient outcomes and save lives Trusted Source Impact of Food Desert Residence on Ischemic Stroke and Hospitalization Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Go to source Trusted Source TOP INSIGHT Did You Know? More than twice the risk of ischemic stroke and nearly four times the chance of death affect atrial fibrillation patients living over a mile away from full-service grocery stores. #foodaccess #stroke #medindia Advertisement Analyzing Atrial Fibrillation Cases by Neighborhood Food Access Advertisement Advertisement Increase in Risk Linked to Food Desert Residence Advertisement Connecting ZIP Codes and Food Access Through National Databases Targeted Heart Health Efforts for the New Orleans Community Impact of Food Desert Residence on Ischemic Stroke and Hospitalization Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Patients - (https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacadv.2025.102083) Patients with atrial fibrillation who).According to findings from Tulane University,compared with similar patients in areas with better food access.The study published in the journalexamined electronic health records ofin the New Orleans region between 2010 and 2019. Using federal designations of food deserts, areas where many residents live more than a mile from a supermarket, patients were categorized by ZIP code: 1,115 inside food deserts and 438 outside.The researchers compared patients with. Outcomes measured included hospitalizations, strokes, and deaths. Adjustments were made for factors such as age, sex, body mass index, existing health conditions like hypertension and diabetes , and medications including blood thinners.After accounting for other risk factors, living in a food desert correlated with a. The combined risk of any negative outcome,. The researchers suggest these findings likely apply to vulnerable populations nationwide.Dr. Nassir Marrouche, director of the Tulane University Heart and Vascular Institute, emphasized the critical role of the living environment in patient outcomes. He noted that basic neighborhood infrastructure, such asThe team utilized the REACHnet clinical research database and matched patients ZIP codes with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Access Research Atlas. Standard survival curves and risk models were employed to compare outcomes while controlling for confounding variables.To mitigate risks, the authors recommendPolicymakers and health systems should consider targeting nutrition support andAt the Tulane Research Innovation for Arrhythmia Discovery Center, efforts focus on addressing the unique needs of the New Orleans community.could save lives by uncovering striking health disparities.By leveraging local data and real-world insights, the center aims to develop more inclusive care models that enhance cardiovascular outcomes where they are needed most, especially in underserved communities.To sum up, atrial fibrillation patients living in food deserts face substantially higher risks of ischemic stroke and death. Addressing food access disparities through targeted screening, nutrition programs, and improved local infrastructure is essential to improving cardiovascular health outcomes in vulnerable communities.Source-Medindia BuddyBee.ai launches agentic AI platform for small business digital workforce automation Whats happening: Australian startup BuddyBee.ai has launched an agentic AI platform that creates digital workforces for small businesses, securing $1.9 million in committed sales and attracting 356 real estate agencies within two weeks of launch. Why this matters: With research indicating 19% of workers could see half their tasks affected by AI automation, BuddyBee.ais digital workforce platform offers small businesses a competitive advantage through 24/7 automated workflow management across multiple business systems. Australian AI startup BuddyBee.ai has officially launched its agentic AI platform designed to create digital workforces for small and medium enterprises, achieving rapid market traction with $1.9 million in committed sales and 356 real estate agency clients within its first two weeks of operation. The BuddyBee.ai platform represents a significant advancement in business automation technology, moving beyond traditional AI tools to create what the company describes as digital workers capable of managing complete business workflows across multiple systems without human intervention. Over 35% of Australian businesses have adopted AI or automation technologies as of 2024, with 40% of SMEs currently adopting AIa 5% increase compared to the previous quarter InvoiceinterchangeNAB Business, according to recent Dynamic Business research, indicating strong market readiness for advanced AI solutions. Platform launch details BuddyBee.ai emerged from Hutlys acquisition of Intellia, an AI company founded by Daniel Pedroso, who now serves as Chief Technology Officer. The platform development and launch occurred within three months of the acquisition, demonstrating rapid commercialisation capabilities. AI is no longer a talking point, its an economic necessity, said Jeremy Hastings, Co-founder of BuddyBee.ai. BuddyBee gives companies a 24/7 digital workforce so people can focus on strategy, relationships and growth. The platforms early success demonstrates strong market demand for comprehensive AI automation solutions. Within two weeks of launch, BuddyBee.ai secured commitments from 356 real estate agencies preparing for onboarding, alongside beta customers across mining and financial services sectors. Co-founder Daniel Pedroso brings over a decade of AI expertise to the platform development. I have been deep in AI for over a decade and most enterprises are held back by fragmented systems that dont integrate effectively, Pedroso explained. Buddybee resolves this by acting as a unified orchestration layer powered by agentic AI. Agentic AI explained BuddyBee.ais core technology utilises agentic AI, which differs significantly from traditional business automation tools. While conventional automation follows predetermined rules and workflows, agentic AI systems can make independent decisions, adapt to changing conditions, and coordinate multiple tasks across different business platforms. Existing agents in the market are hard to wire up and easy to break, whereas BuddyBee orchestrates across your stackplanning, doing, and adapting, so work flows through a digital workforce who access any cloud based platform without manual glue, Hastings said. This agentic approach enables the platform to function as digital employees rather than simple automation tools. BuddyBee.ais digital workers can understand context, make decisions based on available information, and execute complex multi-step processes that typically require human oversight and coordination. The platforms orchestration capabilities address a fundamental challenge for small businesses: integrating multiple software systems that dont communicate effectively. Rather than requiring manual data transfer between platforms, BuddyBee.ais digital workforce manages these connections automatically. SME workflow benefits For small and medium enterprises, BuddyBee.ais digital workforce platform offers significant operational advantages. The system handles routine administrative tasks that typically consume substantial human resources, allowing business owners and staff to focus on strategic activities and customer relationships. A practical example demonstrates the platforms capabilities: when a property inquiry arrives via email, BuddyBee.ais digital worker can read and analyse the inquiry, check agent availability in scheduling systems, search property databases for matching listings, generate personalised responses, schedule viewings, update CRM records, and manage follow-up communicationsall without human intervention. The global labour force comprises approximately 3.4 billion people, with research indicating roughly 19% of workers could see 50% or more of their tasks affected by large language models. In Australia, with around 15 million employed, this represents significant workforce transformation potential. BuddyBee.ais target market includes Australias 15 million employed workforce, with particular focus on administrative-heavy industries. The real estate sector, employing approximately 244,000 people across 45,000 businesses in Australia, serves as an initial vertical market due to its workflow complexity and system fragmentation. Industry applications BuddyBee.ais platform design supports multiple industry applications beyond real estate. The agentic AI system can adapt to various business workflows across different sectors, making it suitable for professional services, financial services, mining operations, and government applications. The opportunity to rapidly roll this out into a vertical such as real estate made good business sense. This industry is a technology laggard and still highly dependent on administration roles both on and offshore, Pedroso noted. For mining services companies, BuddyBee.ais digital workforce can coordinate safety reporting, equipment maintenance scheduling, and compliance documentation across multiple systems. In financial services, the platform handles loan application processing, document collection, client communications, and regulatory compliance tasks. Professional services firms can utilise BuddyBee.ai for client onboarding, document management, project coordination, and billing processes. Government applications include permit processing, citizen inquiry management, and inter-departmental workflow coordination. When I first met Dan we hit it off right away, Hastings said. I was genuinely blown away by what he had built, with customers spanning across mining and financial services. Dan had deeply considered critical issues such as data, security and scalabilitycore ingredients to successfully scaling this technology. The platforms broad applicability reflects its foundational approach to workflow orchestration rather than industry-specific automation. This design enables BuddyBee.ai to serve diverse business requirements while maintaining consistent functionality across different operational environments. Australia has an opportunity to lead the world in agentic AI adoption, and we intend to be at the forefront of that shift, Hastings concluded. As Australian businesses increasingly invest in AI technologies for competitive advantage, BuddyBee.ais digital workforce platform positions itself as a comprehensive solution for small and medium enterprises seeking to automate complex business processes while maintaining operational flexibility and scalability. The platforms early market success indicates strong business demand for agentic AI solutions that can function as digital employees rather than traditional automation tools, suggesting significant growth potential for comprehensive workflow orchestration technologies in the Australian SME market. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The Scarborough facility will expand the regions electric vehicle charging network Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has officially opened a new state-of-the-art smart factory in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Full site commissioning is expected by the end of the year. With Britains electricity demand forecast to rise by up to 40% by 2035, the facility is designed to support the UKs long-term transition to cleaner energy by producing critical electrical equipment for national infrastructure. Schneider Electrics history in Scarborough dates back to the 1930s, with generations of product development and manufacturing expertise embedded in the local workforce. The new site combines this experience with the latest manufacturing processes and digital technologies, enabling customers to collaborate directly with designers and engineers to develop bespoke solutions. By manufacturing in the UK, the company says it will strengthen resilience in Britains electrical infrastructure, reduce dependence on international supply chains, and cut costs and carbon emissions through shorter logistics routes. The plant will also produce equipment certified to British standards, making it export-ready for Commonwealth markets. The Scarborough facility will expand the regions electric vehicle charging network, hosting an additional 30 EV chargers and increasing local capacity by more than 110%. The site is also being positioned as a global benchmark for sustainable manufacturing. Net zero in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, the factory incorporates renewable energy, with 30% of its power generated by an advanced solar energy system installed on site. The investment builds on Schneider Electrics long-standing presence in Yorkshire and follows a major 2023 investment in Leeds. The Scarborough expansion also cements the companys role as one of the largest private-sector employers in the area, with some staff having more than 50 years of service. Kelly Becker, President at Schneider Electric, UK & Ireland, Belgium & Netherlands, said: UK manufacturing is the backbone of the nations infrastructure drive. With electricity demand set to hit new heights, our Scarborough site rooted in Yorkshire expertise gives us the scale and agility to respond quickly to market changes and support the UKs energy transition and beyond. By expanding our local footprint, were working even closer with customers to deliver a decarbonised, resilient energy system for the future. The opening has been welcomed across government and industry. Rt Hon Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, said: This is fantastic news for people in Scarborough who will be benefiting from skilled jobs and ongoing training because of this brand-new facility. Our clean power mission is already driving investment and growth, providing opportunities for people right here in North Yorkshire. It comes ahead of our Clean Energy Workforce Strategy, which will help create high quality jobs across the country. David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: "Schneider Electric is backing our vision for a greener York and North Yorkshire with this 42 million investment in its Scarborough base. The opportunities afforded by this larger site will help keep more of our talented young people and skilled workers on the coast. This is a moment Ive been looking forward to, having followed this project from its early stages to its official opening today. It shows the confidence businesses have about our commitment to clean energy. This new state-of-the-art facility will produce the electrical equipment we need, putting our region at the heart of the UKs transition to cleaner energy. Lord Harrington, Chair of Make UK, added: The decision by Schneider Electric to invest 42m to build a new factory in Yorkshire is a powerful vote of confidence in the strength and resilience of UK manufacturing. This facility represents not only a boost to regional industry and skilled employment, but also a commitment to innovation and sustainability - values that are at the heart of our sectors future. With features such as rooftop solar panels and cutting-edge digital technologies, the factory sets a new benchmark for smart, low-carbon manufacturing in the UK. We warmly welcome this investment and look forward to the positive ripple effects it will have across the supply chain and local communities. North Vietnam's Best General Beat France at Dien Bien Phu, Then Failed With the Same Tactics Against Marines at Khe Sanh Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap earned his reputation as one of history's great military commanders on May 7, 1954, when 16,000 French... SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Puerto Rico on Monday as the U.S. steps up its military operations against drug cartels in the Caribbean. The arrival comes more than a week after ships carrying hundreds of U.S. marines deployed to Puerto Rico for a training exercise. Puerto Rico's Gov. Jenniffer Gonzalez said Hegseth and Caine visited the U.S. territory to support those participating in the training. We thank President Trump and his administration for recognizing the strategic importance of Puerto Rico to U.S. national security and for their fight against drug cartels and the narco-dictator Nicolas Maduro, Gonzalez said. Hegseth and Caine met with officials at the 156th Wing Muniz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, a city just east of the capital, San Juan. Gonzalez said Hegseth spoke to nearly 300 soldiers at the base and thanked those he described as American warriors for their work. The visit comes as the U.S. prepares to deploy 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico for operations targeting drug cartels, a person familiar with the planning said Saturday. The person spoke only on condition of anonymity because information about the deployments has not been made public. Tensions escalating On Sept. 2, Trump announced that the U.S. carried out a strike in the southern Caribbean against a vessel that had departed Venezuela and was suspected of carrying drugs. Eleven people were killed in the rare U.S. military operation in the Caribbean, with the president saying the vessel was operated by the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua. While the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago praised the strike and said the U.S. should kill all drug traffickers violently, reaction from other Caribbean leaders was more subdued. Barbadian Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds recently told The Associated Press that members of Caricom, a regional trade bloc, sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking for an open line of communication on developments, saying they want to avoid being surprised by any U.S. moves against Venezuela. Meanwhile, Maduro on Friday vowed to defend Venezuelas sovereignty and urged Trump to engage in dialogue to avoid conflict. No to War The ongoing training of the Marines in Puerto Rico and the upcoming deployment of fighter jets have riled some in the U.S. territory, where the memories of the U.S. Navy using nearby islands as training ranges in the 1940s remains fresh, with the cleanup still ongoing. The April 1999 death of civilian security guard David Sanes Rodriguez then sparked large protests that eventually led to the U.S. military leaving the island. Rodriguez was killed after two 500-pound bombs were dropped near him as part of a training mission in Vieques. On Sunday, dozens of people gathered at the National Guard base in Carolina to decry the increase in U.S. military on the island. They held signs that said, No to War and No to military bases in P.R. Organizers also warned against the use of Puerto Rico as a staging ground for potential U.S. military actions in the region. We denounce the existence of military bases in Puerto Rico, said Sonia Santiago Hernandez, founder of Mothers Against War. Gonzalez has dismissed those concerns, saying that Puerto Rico is playing an important role in Trump's ongoing fight against drug trafficking since it represents a U.S. border in the Caribbean. Marines in Puerto Rico Siul Lopez, a spokesman for Puerto Ricos National Guard, told the AP that a group of Marines currently training on the island are not tied to the U.S. maritime force recently deployed to Caribbean waters. One thing has nothing to do with another, he said, adding that the training in Puerto Rico was pre-planned. Lopez said he did not know when exactly the training exercise in Puerto Rico was first planned but noted that such exercises are usually planned about a year in advance. He said the training began on Aug. 31 but that he does not know when it will end, nor how many Marines are involved. He said they are practicing amphibious maneuvers with a variety of vehicles. Meanwhile, Gonzalez said last week that she estimates more than 1,000 Marines were on the island. The U.S. Marine Corps issued a statement on Aug. 31 noting that marines and sailors from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit would be conducting amphibious training and flight operations in southern Puerto Rico. The challenging terrain and tropical climate of Puerto Rico provides an ideal environment for the 22nd MEU to conduct realistic amphibious training and hone specialized skills such as patrolling, reconnaissance and survival techniques, ensuring a high level of readiness while forward deployed, the Marine Corps said in a statement. It wasnt immediately clear how long Hegseth and Caine planned to stay in Puerto Rico, or if they planned to visit other sites while on the island. Lopez, the National Guards spokesman, declined to comment on specifics of the visit. ___ Associated Press reporter Will Weissert in Washington D.C. and AP videographer Alejandro Granadillo in San Juan, Puerto Rico contributed. A view of the Mekong River bordering Thailand and Laos is seen from the Thai side in Nong Khai, Thailand, Oct. 29, 2019. Photo by Reuters The Department of Rail Transport under Thailand's Ministry of Transport recently convened a meeting with Laos and China to accelerate the construction of the second Nong KhaiVientiane Friendship Bridge, aimed at strengthening connectivity in the region. The meeting reviewed progress on ThaiLaoChinese rail connectivity projects, including the ThaiChinese high-speed rail project (Phase 1). Out of 14 contracts, two have been completed, 10 are under construction, and two await signing. For Phase 2, from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, bidding documents are being prepared, with tenders expected to open within 2025. On the Lao side, participants were updated on the development of a cargo transfer center linking the rail line from Nong Khai into Laos via the new bridge. The second Nong KhaiVientiane Friendship Bridge will be located around 30 m from the existing one. The State Railway of Thailand is currently drafting detailed designs. The new bridge will include a standard-gauge railway, with tracks extending to South Vientiane and Thanaleng stations. The meeting also considered the composition of Thailand's delegation and its negotiation stance ahead of further discussions on Oct. 17 in Laos, which will focus on the construction of the new Mekong River crossing and its role in connecting Na Tha StationNong Khaithe new bridgeThanaleng StationSouth Vientiane Station. This meeting marks a significant step towards concrete progress in cross-border rail transport, deepening bilateral cooperation, strengthening regional economic and security ties, and expanding rail links into neighboring Laos to boost trade, investment and logistics capacity across the region. TEL AVIV, Israel A drone fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels breached Israel's multilayered air defenses on Sunday and slammed into the country's southern airport, the Israeli military said, blowing out glass windows, wounding one person and briefly shutting down commercial airspace. The damage to Ramon Airport appeared limited and flights resumed within hours. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the strike. The attack follows Israeli strikes on Yemen's rebel-held capital that killed the Houthi prime minister and other top officials in a major escalation of the nearly 2-year-old conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group in Yemen. In Gaza City, the Israeli military on Sunday leveled another high-rise tower that housed hundreds of displaced Palestinians and urged people to move south as it intensified its offensive on the city. Meanwhile, a breakthrough Israeli Supreme Court decision ruled that Israel was not providing Palestinian detainees in its custody with enough food to ensure basic sustenance. It ordered the state to guarantee basic living conditions in accordance with the law for the thousands of Palestinians in its detention facilities. Sunday's ruling, made in response to a petition by Israeli human rights groups alleging starvation among Palestinians in the country's prisons, marked a rare instance of Israeli legal restraint on its own war policies that have drawn indignation and outrage abroad. Yemen's Houthi rebels escalate attacks on Israel After Israel's killing of Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi last Thursday, the militants vowed to escalate their attacks targeting Israel and merchant ships navigating the vital Red Sea trade route. One of several Houthi drones launched from Yemen on Sunday slipped through Israels sophisticated defense system and crashed into the passenger terminal at the Ramon International Airport near the resort city of Eilat, the Israeli Airports Authority said, diverting flights over southern Israel and inflicting light shrapnel wounds on a 63-year-old man. Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said the group had fired eight drones at Israel to signal that the rebels will escalate their military operations and not back down from their support for Gaza. He warned that Israeli airports are unsafe and will be continuously targeted. The Israeli military said it intercepted three Houthi drones near Israel's border with Egypt and was investigating why it failed to identify the fourth drone that struck Ramon Airport as a threat. The Houthis have stepped up their aerial attacks on Israel in recent months, including by deploying warheads with cluster munitions that scatter smaller bomblets over a large area and can evade Israeli air defenses. Saying that they were acting in solidarity with the Palestinians, the Houthis began firing missiles and drones into Israel after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel ignited the Israeli militarys devastating campaign in Gaza. Hamas militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted over 250 in their assault on southern Israel. While frequent, the aerial attacks from Yemen have not caused significant damage in Israel. Before Sunday's assault, the most damaging Houthi attack was in May, when a Houthi missile struck near Israels main Ben Gurion Airport, prompting international airlines to cancel flights to Tel Aviv for months. Israel destroys another high-rise in Gaza City The Israeli military said it razed another high-rise building in Gaza City on Sunday, shortly after military spokesperson Avichay Adraee ordered the evacuation of people from a seven-story building in a southern Gaza City neighborhood and nearby tents. Al-Raiya Tower crumbled in a flash, its facade cascading down into a heap of rubble and sending people scrambling for cover. Israel said the building targeted on Sunday had been used by Hamas for intelligence-gathering activities. Hamas denied the accusation. It was unclear how many people had been killed or wounded in the attack. It's the third Gaza City high-rise leveled in as many days as Israel ramps up its offensive to take control of what it portrays as Hamas' last remaining stronghold, urging Palestinians to flee parts of Gaza City for a designated humanitarian zone in the territorys south. Many Palestinians, exhausted from being displaced multiple time during the war, have opted to stay put rather than uproot themselves for jam-packed, increasingly unsanitary tent encampments that are unprepared to handle the influx. Others reluctantly fled even as past Israeli attacks on humanitarian zones have reinforced the feeling that nowhere is safe in the enclave. Every time we move to a place, we get displaced from it, said Shireen Al-Lada, who fled south from eastern Gaza City after her house in the once-bustling urban neighborhood of Zeitoun was destroyed. Officials at Gaza City's Shifa Hospital reported that Israeli strikes on a school-turned-shelter and on tents and apartment buildings killed at least 13 Palestinians, including six children and three women. The Israeli military said it was targeting militants near the school and had warned civilians to evacuate. In central Gaza, Al-Awda Hospital said it had received five dead bodies, including that of a young girl, after Israel struck a gathering in the U.N.-administered Nuseirat refugee camp. The Israeli army did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the strike. Over 64,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry that does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. It says that more than half the casualties are women and children. Trump claims Israel accepted his ceasefire terms; Israel is silent U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on social media on Sunday that Israel accepted his terms for a ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to do the same. It was not clear precisely what those terms were. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting, Trump wrote. This is my last warning, there will not be another one! Trump has previously issued similar such ultimatums to Hamas. There was no immediate Israeli confirmation of his claim, which came as preparations for the Israeli militarys advance on Gaza City move ahead and negotiations remain at an impasse. The Israeli prime ministers office did not respond to a request for comment. Hamas confirmed it received through intermediaries some ideas from the U.S. and said it welcomed any initiative to end the war that involved the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. But the group said it had not dropped its insistence on a full-scale Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and formation of an independent Palestinian committee to administer Gaza's civil affairs conditions that Israel has rejected in the past. It also gave no indication it would disband its armed wing. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted on Hamas full disarmament as a condition for a comprehensive ceasefire. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group representing many families of hostages, called on the Israeli government to declare its unequivocal support for the emerging agreement." Netanyahu's plan to take control of Gaza City has outraged families of hostages and their supporters, who fear the ground offensive will further imperil the 20 out of 48 hostages in Gaza still thought to be alive. Defying criticism at home and abroad, Netanyahu vowed at his Cabinet meeting earlier Sunday to press ahead with the assault, saying he'd rather a victory over our enemies than one over anti-Israel propaganda." ____ Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Sally Abou Aljoud in Beirut, Natalie Melzer in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Isabel DeBre in Buenos Aires, Argentina, contributed to this report. Military families with transgender children are suing the Pentagon over the Trump administrations efforts to cut off gender-affirming health care to military dependents. In a lawsuit filed Monday, three families are alleging that the administrations moves go beyond a law that was passed last year to restrict gender-affirming care for military children and violate a separate law that says federal regulations cannot be arbitrary and capricious. Tricares sudden refusal to cover medically necessary care has inflicted profound harm on plaintiffs, the lawsuit says. Read Next: Soldier Dies on Fort Leonard Wood Rifle Range Their prescriptions have been cut off without notice, it continues. Their trusted doctors at military hospitals have been forced to abandon them. Plaintiffs families now face significant and, in some cases, crushing out-of-pocket costs or the prospect of watching their family members health deteriorate without the medications that kept them healthy and stable. This is not an abstract policy shift it is an immediate and devastating disruption of essential health care that affects the physical and psychological well-being of plaintiffs and other young people throughout the country. A Defense Department spokesperson declined to comment on active litigation. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which was filed by two LGBTQ+ advocacy groups on behalf of the families, are anonymous to protect the childrens privacy. But the suit details the families struggles to get care. Two of the children, referred to in the lawsuit as Diana Doe and Nathan Noe, were taking hormones with their parents consent on the advice of their doctors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland. This spring, they were told by their Walter Reed doctors that the medical center could no longer provide the hormone therapy, but neither family ever received a notice from Tricare about benefits changing, according to the lawsuit. The third plaintiff, known as Parker Poe, who is described as a young adult, has been unable to access treatment after his doctor at an unnamed medical facility informed the family that Tricare would no longer cover his testosterone or related care. He is months overdue for the lab work that he needs to monitor his treatment. Additionally, without Tricare coverage, Parkers prescription for testosterone [redacted] was too expensive to purchase out-of-pocket, the lawsuit says. This process has resulted in unnecessary stress and panic. The hardships detailed in the lawsuit come after Congress passed a law last year that barred Tricare from covering any medical interventions for the treatment of gender dysphoria that could result in sterilization for beneficiaries who are minors. The law didnt specify which treatments would be banned, but it was widely expected to prohibit hormone therapy and puberty blockers, as well as surgery, which is a very rare treatment for transgender minors. In January, President Donald Trump also issued an executive order that attempted to ban any federal funding from going toward puberty blockers, hormones or surgery for anyone under 19 years old. Throughout the spring, defense health officials issued policies and memos to implement the law and the executive order that cumulatively barred military treatment facilities from providing and Tricare from covering gender-affirmation care for military dependents of any age, including minors and adult children. Trumps executive order and the Pentagons implementation go beyond what last years law required, the lawsuit argues. Specifically, the law applies only to minors, while the Pentagon is restricting health care for all dependents. Further, the lawsuit said, the law does not support a categorical ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Puberty blockers and hormones for treatment of gender dysphoria do not cause sterilization, the lawsuit says. A Pentagon memo misstates the medical evidence by conflating potential fertility impacts with sterilization. DoD then uses this conflation to categorically deny gender transition treatments to all transgender adolescents and young adults, despite the absence of individualized medical justification and despite the statutes limited scope, which does not support such a broad application. The lawsuit also argues that the new health care policies violate the Administrative Procedure Act, which allows courts to block policies that are arbitrary or capricious. The lawsuit was filed in federal district court in Maryland by GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, or GLAD Law, and National Center for LGBTQ Rights, or NCLR. This is a sweeping reversal of military health policy and a betrayal of military families who have sacrificed for our country, Sarah Austin, staff attorney at GLAD Law, said in a statement. When a service member is deployed and focused on the mission, they deserve to know their family is taken care of. This administration has backtracked on that core promise and put service members at risk of losing access to health care their children desperately need. The same pair of organizations is representing service members in a separate lawsuit against the Trump administrations ban on transgender troops. The restrictions on gender-affirmation health care are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to erase transgender people from public life. In addition to kicking out transgender troops and denying health care to transgender military kids, the administration has banned books about transgender people from Defense Department schools and ended gender-affirmation care at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Outside of military and veterans spheres, the administration has also tried to remove transgender people from the history of the Stonewall riots, blocked transgender people from changing the gender marker on their passports, and tried to force states to ban transgender women from competing in womens sports. Last week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also posted on social media that he was firing a Navy doctor after Libs of TikTok, a conservative account focused on publicly shaming LGBTQ+ people, posted a screenshot of her LinkedIn page that said she provides transgender health care at a Navy hospital in California. Related: 'Open Cruelty': Transgender Troops Describe Indignities as They're Kicked Out of the Military Verbindung zu Linked in Red Sparrow Digital (RSD), a leading and rapidly growing full-service top digital marketing agency in Bangladesh, founded in 2019 by Fuad Hasan, is expanding its services to support businesses in international markets. Building on years of success helping Bangladeshi clients grow their online presence, RSD is now applying the same expertise and proven strategies to assist global brands in improving visibility and engagement. Our main goal has always been to help our clients achieve real, measurable results, said Fuad Hasan, Founder of Red Sparrow Digital. The work we ve done in Bangladesh has taught us what works and what doesn t, and it has given us the confidence to support businesses in other countries. We combine practical skills, creativity, and an understanding of each market to build strategies that make a difference. Red Sparrow Digital offers many digital marketing services, such as SEO, managing social media accounts, creating content, and designing websites. The team has helped clients in healthcare, IT, education, fashion, retail, real estate, and cars. Each project is designed to meet the client s specific needs, helping them grow their business, reach more people online, and connect with the right customers. The agency also provides guidance on brand positioning, audience targeting, and campaign optimization, ensuring strategies remain relevant as markets evolve. Now, with a growing team, Red Sparrow Digital is working with clients in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The agency focuses on building long-term relationships and using simple, practical strategies that really work. RSD blends creativity with practical insight into online trends to help businesses stay competitive and achieve lasting success. The team is continuously exploring new trends, technologies, and marketing approaches to ensure clients stay ahead of the competition while maintaining consistent brand growth across all platforms. Visit www.redsparrowdigital.com for additional information on services, case studies, and international collaborations. The Braves announced Monday morning that theyve designated right-hander John Brebbia for assignment. His spot on the roster will go to righty Alexis Diaz, whom Atlanta claimed off waivers yesterday. Diaz has formally reported to the club. Atlanta also optioned right-hander Rolddy Munoz to Triple-A Gwinnett and recalled right-hander Connor Seabold in his place. Atlanta only selected Brebbia to the big league roster on Aug. 29. This brief stay marks his second stint with the Braves, as he also joined them for the final month or so of the 2024 season. Brebbia pitched in three games this time around, yielding three runs on six hits (two homers) and a walk with six strikeouts. The resulting 7.71 ERA matched the mark hed logged in 18 2/3 innings with the Tigers prior to being cut loose in Detroit. The 2025 season marks a second consecutive season of rough results for Brebbia, but his struggles really only extend a bit more than the past calendar year. The right-hander pitched pretty well for the first three-plus months of the 2024 season with the White Sox before melting down around the time of the All-Star break. Brebbia surrendered 18 runs in his final 18 1/3 innings last year, ballooning his ERA nearly two runs up to 5.86. Brebbia was reliable bullpen arm in St. Louis and San Francisco from 2017-23. He carried a career 3.53 ERA, 26% strikeout rate and 7% walk rate (336 2/3 innings) into last years All-Star break. Even with his struggles late last year and throughout the 2025 season, the 35-year-old Brebbia has a solid 4.04 ERA in 378 1/3 big league innings. Hes collected four saves and 62 holds while striking out 25.6% of his opponents against a solid 7.5% walk rate. Brebbia will now head to outright waivers or be released. Hell head into the offseason and likely latch on as a minor league signee with a non-roster invitation to spring training somewhere. TRAVERSE CITY, MI -- This month the pedestrian bridge connecting Lake Michigans most popular beach and campground will come down. A replacement has been promised but an actual plan is still in the works. Keith J Charters Traverse City State Park is undergoing an overhaul of its campground. The biggest piece of that project is redesigning its entrance. As part of that $8.5 million renovation, the pedestrian bridge that runs over U.S. 31 is coming down at the end of September. Overnight construction is scheduled from 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, to 6 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, to minimize traffic disruption. A signed detour will be in place, routing vehicles via Three and Four Mile roads to Hammond Road. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Department of Transportation are working together on the project. During construction, a southern lane shift will eliminate the middle turn lane but maintain two lanes of traffic in both eastbound and westbound directions, according to the agencies. Community backlash was swift and loud in response to removing the pedestrian bridge thats been there since 1966. This summer State Rep. Betsy Coffia, D-Traverse City, moved the needle in a conversation with DNR Director Scott Bowen and got a written commitment to replace the pedestrian bridge elsewhere in the Traverse City area. The bridge cannot stay or be replaced in its current location because a new traffic signal is being put in its place. Heres what the DNR has identified as next steps for a future pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31: Identification and acquisition of appropriate land Adequate funding for the project must be identified because such funding does not exist within the current DNR budget Working with the community and local legislators such as Rep. Coffia, Rep. John Roth and Sen. John Damoose For those reasons there is not a timeline for a pedestrian bridge project. Its unlikely it will coincide with the current campground closure lasting until April 2027. The Traverse City upgrades include the newly designed entrance to address traffic congestion by reducing campground road backups and improving access to campsites. (DNR) DNR For context, this current construction phase has been discussed for nearly 50 years. The American Rescue Plan Act is funding the improvements with pandemic relief aid. One of the reasons the current pedestrian bridge can not be maintained is because it is not ADA-compliant. The DNR originally estimated rebuilding an ADA-compliant bridge would cost $20 million. That estimated cost came down to $5 to $7 million range over the summer, according to reporting from the Record Eagle. See progress photos of Traverse City State Parks $8.5M renovation On his first visit to Ecuador as Secretary of State, Marco Rubio focused on the need for security in the face of the narcoterrorist threat. You cannot have economic prosperity without stability, and you cannot have stability without security, said Secretary Rubio. [I]ts nearly impossible to attract foreign investment into a country unless you have security. And Ecuador is facing some substantial challenges that come from the exterior, warned Secretary Rubio. These are narcoterrorist organizations that operate in the region who are using Ecuador as a transit zone. And that needs to be confronted, and they are confronting it. This government, this administration, is confronting it like its never been confronted before by any previous administration, and we want to help. In response, the United States has designated as terrorist organizations two groups that operate on Ecuadorian territory. One is Los Lobos and the other is Los Choneros, said Secretary Rubio. Weve designated them as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, and that brings with it all sorts of options for the United States to work in conjunction with the government of Ecuador in the future to stamp these groups out. The United States will also provide $13.5 million to help Ecuador improve its ability to protect its citizens and combat drugs and crime. Another $6 million will go toward unmanned aerial vehicles for the navy in Ecuador, giving them domain awareness and the opportunity to better track narcoterrorists. The United States looks to expand its relationship with Ecuador beyond the fight against narcoterrorism, said Secretary Rubio We also want to amplify; we want to grow an already existing and vibrant economic relationship. And so, we are hopeful here that in a couple of weeks we will reach agreement. Were very close now on a trade agreement that we think will be incredibly beneficial to both of our economies. Secretary Rubio lauded Ecuadoran President Daniel Noboas willingness to take the fight to the narcoterrorists and the threat they pose to security. When we see someone thats willing to stand up, at great risk. . .were going to be 100 percent supportive, said Secretary Rubio. Its the reason for my visit. . .its the reason why well be working very closely with this government to achieve our mutual goals that benefit both the United States and the great people of Ecuador. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. The Lumineers Automatic World Tour is scheduled to visit Michigan twice this fall, with the first concert date set for this Saturday at Comerica Park in Detroit. Grammy-nominated folk pop/rock band The Lumineers have two Michigan concerts on their fall 2025 schedule. The Ho Hey act will first perform at Detroits Comerica Park on Saturday, September 13 (with The Backseat Lovers), followed by Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, October 1 (with Chance Pena). The global trek comes in support of The Lumineers latest album, Automatic, and also includes stops at Budweiser Stage in Toronto, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Amalie Arena in Tampa, and more before concluding the North American leg at Dreamy Draw Festival in Scottsdale this November. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and StubHub. Tickets: Sat, Sep 13 in Detroit Ticketmaster from $73 | Vivid Seats from $69 | SeatGeek from $78 | StubHub from $71 Wed, Oct 1 in Grand Rapids Vivid Seats from $92 | SeatGeek from $93 | StubHub from $ All cities Ticketmaster| Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub Automatic tour schedule: Mon, Sep 8 Budweiser Stage; Toronto, ON Tue, Sep 9 Budweiser Stage; Toronto, ON Thu, Sep 11 Highland Festival Grounds at Kentucky Exposition Center; Louisville, KY Sat, Sep 13 Comerica Park; Detroit, MI Tue, Sep 16 Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek; Raleigh, NC Wed, Sep 17 PNC Music Pavilion; Charlotte, NC Fri, Sep 19 Citizens Bank Park; Philadelphia, PA Sat, Sep 20 Bon Secours Training Center; Richmond, VA Tue, Sep 23 Bon Secours Wellness Arena; Greenville, SC Fri, Sep 26 Credit One Stadium; Charleston, SC Sat, Sep 27 Enmarket Arena; Savannah, GA Tue, Sep 30 Value City Arena at Schottenstein Center; Columbus, OH Wed, Oct 1 Van Andel Arena; Grand Rapids, MI Fri, Oct 3 Bridgestone Arena; Nashville, TN Sat, Oct 4 State Farm Arena; Atlanta, GA Tue, Oct 7 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino; Tampa, FL Wed, Oct 8 Amalie Arena; Tampa, FL Fri, Oct 10 Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion; The Woodlands, TX Sat, Oct 11 Dickies Arena; Fort Worth, TX Tue, Oct 14 Moody Center; Austin, TX Fri, Oct 17 Pepsi Center WTC; Mexico City, MX Sat, Oct 18 Pepsi Center WTC; Mexico City, MX Fri, Nov 7 Dreamy Draw Festival; Scottsdale, AZ GRAND RAPIDS, MI Staff at John Ball Zoo, with the help of two pygmy hippos, accomplished a historic achievement in animal conservation. The zoo, located in Grand Rapids, welcomed its first-ever pygmy hippo calf on Wednesday evening, September 3, when first-time mother Penelope gave birth at approximately 9:20 p.m. Animal Care Supervisor Jaime Racalla said the 11-pound newborn was significant for the endangered species. Aside from the adorable factor that it brings, is just the fact that our community can connect. They can come to the zoo and get a chance to meet such a rare, elusive animal. Racalla said. Adding even one individual to this population and its genetics is a really big feat and accomplishment for us. John Ball Zoo is holding an event at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11 to reveal the gender of the hippo calf. The public is invited to celebrate the milestone. The babys father, Jahari, will play a part in the festivities, according to the zoo. For those unable to attend, the zoo plans to stream the event live on Facebook. 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 When can you meet the calf in person? Racalla noted much excitement regarding an opportunity to meet the newborn. There is currently no date set for when the community can meet the zoos newest addition. Racalla said that theres hope its before the zoo season ends. More concrete timing is expected in October. Im sure everyone is wondering, When will we get to see this adorable bundle of joy? Racalla said. Were gonna have Penelope kind of lead the way. How are mom and baby faring after the birth? Penelope quickly proved to be a very attentive first-time mom, Racalla said. Both mother and calf are being given privacy behind the scenes to adjust to their new routine. 7 1 / 7 John Ball Zoo welcomes baby Pygmy Hippo Why is this birth significant? The birth is particularly significant for the Species Survival Program, which manages the genetic diversity of the pygmy hippo population in North America. Pygmy hippos are an endangered species with fewer than 2,500 estimated in Western Africas wild and 100 in the program, Racalla said, making each birth a vital step for conservation. While the calfs sex has not yet been revealed, Racalla indicated that a male would be especially beneficial for the population, which currently skews female. Pygmy hippo Jahari on Friday, Sept. 5 at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com What is a pygmy hippo? The mostly nocturnal herbivores are at least five times smaller than the more common river hippo, but can still weigh between 400 and 600 pounds. They are about 4.5-6 feet long and 2.5-3 feet high at the shoulder. Little is known about the behavior of pygmy hippos in their native habitat, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The species eluded Western science until 1840. What are mom and dad like? The calfs parents showcase distinct personalities. Racalla described father Jahari, weighing over 550 pounds, as a ham who loves interaction. Penelope was characterized as super sweet and shy. Itll be really exciting and interesting to see this calf develop its own personality over the next year, Racalla said. 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. 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. Pawpaw fruit grows in an orchard in Michigan. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Its apple season in Michigan. But thats not all. Theres a secret fruit ready for harvest. Michigans native pawpaw trees produce a delicate fruit that looks like a mango and tastes like a banana. While harvest season is around the same time as apples, roughly August to October, pawpaw fruit is not nearly as easy to find. Since theyre not commercially grown to the scale of apples or other fruits, pawpaw are more of a delicacy that you can find from time to time at the farmers market this time of year, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which named pawpaw its Tree of the Month for September. Also known as the Michigan banana, pawpaw fruit can also be foraged in the wild. A ripe pawpaw can be eaten raw (avoid the large, inedible seeds and skin) or used in smoothies, ice cream or baking by swapping it in for a banana. Cut the pawpaw length-wise, remove the seeds and then scoop out the creamy, custard-like flesh. An unripe pawpaw shows the structure of its seeds. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Zingermans Creamery, of Ann Arbor, is known to make pawpaw gelato when the fruit is in season. RELATED: Michigans secret fruit looks like a mango but tastes like a banana Pawpaws likely wont ever reach the commercial success of other Michigan crops like apples due to how delicate they are. Unlike apples that can be loaded into crates, pawpaw must be transported in a single layer. Pawpaw fruit grows in an orchard in Michigan. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com The best way to get your hands on pawpaw fruit might be to plant your own tree. The DNR has some tips: For pawpaw trees to bear fruit, they need a mate. Consider planting multiple so that they can cross-pollinate and bear fruit. Different cultivars will have different fruit sizes, tastes, harvest times, and cold hardiness. Work with a local nursery to ensure the best tree for you. Give the trees a sunny spot with plenty of space and make sure there are no underground utilities nearby. Pawpaw fruit grows in an orchard in Michigan. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Here are more pawpaw facts from the DNR: GULLIVER, MI A Michigan man who was last seen running into a forest has been missing for nine days, WBUP/WJMN reports. On Saturday, Aug. 30, Timothy Lawrence, 51, of Augusta, ran into a forest in Gulliver, a town near Manistique in Michigans Upper Peninsula. The Michigan State Police Gladstone Post is investigating the disappearance. Lawrence is described as 5-foot, 11-inches tall and 200 pounds with dark blond hair. He may have a beard. He abandoned his vehicle on Lang Road and ran into the forest. Lawrence may be experiencing a mental health crisis and could be armed. MSP unsuccessfully searched the area with drones and K9s. Anyone who sees him should report his whereabout to MSP at 906-428-4412. The North Flint Food Market on Clio Road, near Pierson Road, is shown in this Flint Journal file photo. (Ron Fonger | The Flint Journal) Ron Fonger | The Flint Journal FLINT, MI -- A grocery co-op thats been built in the northwest corner of Flint could still get a pre-opening boost of $300,000 from the city. Mayor Sheldon Neeleys administration is proposing to send American Rescue Plan Act funds to the North Flint Food Market Cooperative, money that was previously set aside for revenue replacement. In late 2023, the City Council obligated roughly $40 million from the federal stimulus funds to general fund reserves but earmarked the money for ARPA-eligible programs and projects like the market. The new proposal is on the councils agenda for Monday, Sept. 8, and comes after the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation granted $1.5 million for the market in May. The foundation said at the time that the grant would allow the market to open before the close of this year. While construction of the Clio Road grocery has been completed, its projected opening date has been pushed back several times due to cost overruns and funding shortfalls. MLive-The Flint Journal couldnt immediately reach the Rev. Reggie Flynn, executive director of the North Flint Reinvestment Corporation, for comment on the city proposal on Monday. The organization has helped lead the project through more than 10 years of planning. Flynn has said previously that rising equipment and construction costs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic had forced organizers to continue fundraising rather than selling groceries. The Mott Foundation announcement earlier this year said its grant would allow the market to secure a food supplier, buy inventory, and recruit and hire roughly 30 employees. The new resolution sent to the council by Neeley doesnt specify how the citys $300,000 would be invested, and a city spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday. The (market) will provide employment and job training opportunities for local residents, Chief Strategy Officer Seamus Bannon wrote in a staff review provided to council members. The goal will be to create careers for residents who live in nearby neighborhoods. Individuals who work at the market will have advancement opportunities, allowing them to establish long-term employment. Council considered a similar funding resolution for the project a year ago but support for it never materialized -- partly because some council members are co-op members and were advised by city attorneys not to vote on city funding for it because of potential conflicts of interest. Member-owners of the co-op can buy into the grocery project for an investment of $250 or $500 for churches and other organizations, giving them a voice in how the business operates and how profits are reinvested or distributed. Officials have said more than 1,000 individuals have become co-op members and in addition to the Mott Foundation, the market project has received support from the state of Michigan, the Ruth Mott Foundation, the Flint & Genesee Group, and EGLA Credit Union. Like other boosters, Mott has pushed for the project because of its potential to provide fresh food in an area of the city thats seen grocery store chains like Meijer and Kroger close in recent years. Less than a mile from the new food market site, Hamady Complete Food Centers opened a store in 2018 but closed four months later because of low customer traffic and sales. Store officials and dignitaries broke ground on North Flint Food Market in August 2021. Former Ottawa County Deputy Administrator Patrick Waterman (right) was among five candidates interviewed Monday, Sept. 8 to become the next Ottawa County administrator. (Ottawa County YouTube channel) Ottawa County YouTube channel OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- Five candidates who want to be the next Ottawa County administrator pitched their experience and skills in public interviews. The field included a former Ottawa County deputy administrator who left amid governmental strife. Patrick Waterman, now the deputy Wyoming City administrator, was asked about his departure. First, to be clear, I did not want to leave, he said. Unfortunately, the circumstances were such I could not effectively work in the organization. Waterman resigned in August 2023, eight months after county commissioners hired John Gibbs as county administrator. Gibb was fired in February 2024 for alleged misconduct, although he later reached a settlement that included a caveat that his record show he resigned. Waterman served under Gibbs during a time when commissioners associated with the highly conservative and controversial Ottawa Impact platform controlled a board majority. All of the five finalists interviewed Monday have connections with Michigan and three have direct ties to Ottawa County. Heres a synopsis of the candidates: Paul Sachs Sachs has been director of the Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact since 2016 and has worked in the department in various roles since 2002. Prior to his Ottawa County employment, he was a groundwater specialist with the Michigan State University Extension Service and a planner with a private engineering company in Virginia. I value the county tremendously, Sachs said during Mondays interview. I have been involved in decision-making from all different levels. Matthew Farrar Farrar has been the Muskegon County deputy administrator since 2022. He was previously the Muskegon County public works director and, prior to that, the Fruitport Township director of public utilities. Before that, he was the public works superintendent for the City of Roosevelt Park. Farrar has a doctorate in business administration. He described Ottawa County as a well run ship. On an economic development path, (the county) has done a lot of things right, he said. Kurt Dykstra Dykstra served as Hollands mayor from 2009 to 2015. As a lawyer, hes currently a shareholder with the Milwaukee firm Reinhart, Boerner Van Deuren S.C. He is also special counsel for Marquette University. Dykstra previously was president of Independent Colleges of Indiana and Trinity Christian College. Previous to that, he was director of Providence Bancorp and, before that, senior vice president of Mercantile Bank of Michigan. From 2004 to 2015, he was an adjunct assistant professor of management at Hope College. He has a degree from the London School of Economics & Political Science. Dykstra said he has strong ties to Ottawa County and described it as a great community. He said he hopes to make Ottawa County even better. I think about my kids and what kind of places we want to leave for them, he said. Patrick Waterman Waterman has been deputy city manager with Wyoming city since 2023. He was deputy Ottawa County administrator from 2022 to 2023 and, prior to that, was the Hudsonville city manager from 2010 to 2022. Waterman also was community development director for Grand Haven Township from 2002 to 2010. He has masters degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University. Waterman said he loved working for Ottawa County prior to the turmoil in 2023. Im very passionate about the community and organization, he said. Chris Kukulski Kukulski has been the city administrator for Billings, Montana since 2018. He previously was the Bozeman, Montana city manager from 2004 to 2017 and the city manager of Kalispell, Montana from 1999 to 2004. He was raised in Michigan, near North Branch and attended Western Michigan University. Kukulski said hes long had a desire to return to Michigan and has a large number of family members here. He said he was attracted by the Christian schools in the area and the solid value system. You clearly have pride in the community, he said. Ottawa County commissioners are expected to conduct another round of interviews of the five finalists on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Commissioners then could vote later this week on selecting a new administrator. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. Kroger has purchased a strip mall in Portage, which currently includes a Chuck E. Cheese, a Rent-A-Center and a former Big Lots. Ryan Boldrey PORTAGE, MI Chuck E. Cheese, 6175 S. Westnedge Ave., is closed after providing decades of family fun in Portage. The chain is known for its arcade games, play zones and pizza. We know this news will disappoint many longtime guests, and we want to thank you sincerely for your support and loyalty throughout the decades, the company said in a online. Chuck E. Cheese sent a letter to members about the closure on Sunday, Sept. 7. While we are closing these doors today, we hope to return to the Portage community again in the future, the company said in the email. Portage location memberships have been canceled, per a Chuck E. Cheese press release, effective Sept. 8. Members will receive a prorated refund. Questions can be directed to funpass@chuckecheese.com. Chuck E. Cheese opened in Portage as Showbiz Pizza Place in 1983, per the release, and returned in 2000 as Chuck E. Cheese. Our Portage location has been honored to be part of your birthdays, milestones and family traditions, the release states. The heart of this store has always been the families who filled it with joy. The nearest Chuck E. Cheese is now more than 50 miles away in Grand Rapids at 3671 28th St. When reached via phone prior to the closure, Portage employees declined to comment on the matter. Cincinnati-based grocer Kroger recently purchased the strip mall, which houses the Chuck E. Cheese, Rent-A-Center and a former Big Lots, along with a nearby Chilis Grill and Bar for $10 million on June 10. MORE: A major grocery comeback? Kroger buys Portage strip mall for $10.3M The strip mall also includes a former JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts, which closed earlier this year. That space wasnt included in the Kroger purchase, however. Kroger officials have declined to comment on their plans for the space. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan appeared on CNN on Monday, Sept. 8 and spoke about how Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's non-confrontational approach with President Donald Trump has paid off. She is pictured with Trump at Michigan National Guard at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township in April. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP Detroit mayor and independent gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan told CNN that Gov. Gretchen Whitmers non-adversarial approach to President Donald Trump has saved jobs in Michigan. He did not, however, give Whitmer credit for keeping Detroit off Trumps list of Democratic cities targeted for law enforcement by National Guard troops. Well, theres no question Michigan is benefiting from the fact that Gov. Whitmer went to (Washington,) D.C., Duggan told CNNs Kate Bolduan on Monday, Sept. 8 I mean, she saved 5,000 jobs at an Air Force base in Macomb County because she went to see the president. And I think shes taken exactly the right approach." Duggan said that Detroit has worked closely with federal law-enforcement agencies over the course of multiple administrations and dismissed the notion that it aligned with sanctuary city policies. Duggan, elected mayor as a Democrat, said: So, were not a sanctuary city, and were not drawing the kind of controversy other cities are. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan appeared on CNN Monday, Sept. 8. He is pictured here during a Dec. 3, 2024 interview in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) AP Photo/Carlos Osorio Late last week, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Howell, who is running for U.S. Senate, told Duggan last week to seek federal assistance to fight violent crime. Duggan told CNN violence has decreased, including homicides and carjackings. Im not telling you weve solved the problem, he said. But we actually have a partnership with our local violence prevention folks, county sheriff, we have the (federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), the (Drug Enforcement Administration) and the Justice Department has been helping us shut these gangs down. And I think the fact that were working together with the Trump administration brings the violence down. I would hope you start to see more cities move to that kind of partnership. Trump has sent troops to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and has drawn the ire of Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and protesters for considering sending the National Guard to Chicago. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, also a Democrat, is pushing back on Trumps threat of sending in the National Guard. Wait for new GST, rains kept August sales muted, says FADA, rebound by September-end after Shraddh The total vehicle retail sales in August reached 1.96 million units, which is higher by 2.8 percent on year. Rohit Singh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Stepping into the wind turbine assembly plant at Ming Yang Smart Energy Group's industrial park in Baotou, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, visitors are greeted by orderly production lines and busy workers. Robotic arms swing methodically, while digital screens display real-time production data. The park has established a complete industrial chain covering research and design, manufacturing and quality testing, according to He Changguo, manager of the firm's northern regional manufacturing center. Since 2008, wind turbines produced in the park have been deployed in more than 100 projects across China. This facility epitomizes the accelerating pace of Inner Mongolia's green transition. Rich in coal and central to China's energy supply, the region accounted for more than one-quarter of the nation's coal output in 2024. This wealth of resources fueled decades of growth but also tied the region to high-polluting and resource-heavy industries. In recent years, however, the nationwide low-carbon push has set the region on a new course. By tapping its abundant wind and solar resources, the region is cultivating fresh momentum for growth. Once renowned for its coal reserves and desert environment, Inner Mongolia is now dotted with vast arrays of solar panels and wind turbines. So far, over 30 companies similar to Ming Yang Smart Energy Group, which operate full industrial chains in the new energy sector, have taken root in the region. In 2024, the added value of large-scale new energy and related industries rose by 20.1 percent compared with 2023, and that of new energy equipment manufacturers surged 42.4 percent year on year. Gong Mingzhu, director of the regional Development and Reform Commission, said Inner Mongolia has established a comprehensive industrial chain for wind, solar, hydrogen and energy storage equipment manufacturing, effectively positioning the region to embark on a new chapter in industrial development. As new energy industries gain momentum, Inner Mongolia is also transforming its traditional coal-based sectors, shifting from simple extraction toward a more diversified and cleaner industrial system. A plant in Ordos exemplifies this transformation. Built by Inner Mongolia Baofeng Coal-based New Material Co., Ltd., the facility synthesizes olefins -- a class of chemical compounds serving as key raw materials for industrial products from plastics to textiles and aerospace components -- from coal. With an annual production capacity of 3 million tonnes, this facility stands as the world's largest single-site coal-to-olefins project, according to the company. Notably, the plant employs green hydrogen at scale to replace fossil fuels in olefin production, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 6.3 million tonnes annually. In 2024, Inner Mongolia's modern coal chemical industry output exceeded 100 billion yuan (about 14.07 billion U.S. dollars), while the region ranked first nationwide in both coal-to-gas and coal-to-olefin production capacities. "Simply mining and selling coal cannot fully realize the value of Inner Mongolia's energy endowment, nor can it meet the requirements of building a modern country," said Hu Chengdong, deputy director of the regional energy bureau. It is imperative for Inner Mongolia to transition from an extractive growth model, shift from factor-driven to innovation-driven development, and propel traditional industries toward higher efficiency and greater value, Hu added. Story of IAS Awanish Sharan who scored 44% in class 10th inspiration for UPSC aspirants facing setbacks 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. Saurav Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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 Saurav Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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 Bigg Boss Telugu 9: Who is Zubeda Ali, the unexpected guest on the show? She is one of the most unexpected people to join this year. Satwik Jaiswal 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 Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on Friday on cooperation between the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a move that experts said will help strengthen the cohesion of the Global South. The resolution was introduced by China and co-sponsored by nearly 40 countries, including all SCO member states. It commends the role of the SCO in promoting regional peace, development, mutual trust and cooperation, and expresses support for closer dialogue and collaboration between the UN and the SCO. It hails China, as the rotating chair of the SCO, for hosting the SCO Tianjin Summit on Aug 31 and Sept 1, and for issuing the Tianjin Declaration. Furthermore, it welcomes the series of events held by SCO member states to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN and of the victory in World War II. Geng Shuang, charge d'affaires of the Permanent Mission of China to the UN, presented the draft resolution. He noted that since its founding 24 years ago, the SCO has continued to grow under the guidance of the Shanghai Spirit and has become the world's largest regional organization. The most significant highlight of the Tianjin summit was President Xi Jinping's proposal of the Global Governance Initiative at the "SCO Plus" meeting, Geng said, adding that the proposal was warmly welcomed and actively supported by all parties. The initiative calls on all countries to adhere to sovereign equality, abide by the international rule of law, practice multilateralism, advocate a people-centered approach, and focus on taking real actions, in order to join hands in building a more just and equitable global governance system and a community with a shared future for humanity. Representatives of Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Pakistan, Iran, Cambodia, Cuba, Venezuela and Serbia voiced support for the SCO's work and China's role as its rotating chair. "The draft resolution manifests a timely affirmation of the importance of cooperation, multilateralism and regional peace," said Chhea Keo, Cambodia's ambassador to the UN. "As a small and peace-loving nation firmly committed to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, Cambodia recognizes the SCO's growing role in fostering dialogue, mutual respect, peaceful settlement of disputes, and development," he said. Keo said that Cambodia welcomes and supports the Global Governance Initiative. "We believe that this new initiative will reinforce the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative previously proposed by China, all aimed at building a peaceful, stable, harmonious and prosperous world," he added. Since 2009, the General Assembly has regularly adopted resolutions on UN-SCO cooperation on the basis of consensus. At Friday's plenary, the United States requested a vote on the draft resolution. Following the vote, Geng rejected US criticism of the SCO. "We urge the US to stop politicizing the cooperation between the UN and regional organizations, stop making groundless accusations against other countries and relevant multilateral organizations, and stop undermining the atmosphere of unity and cooperation within the UN," he said. "The US should instead take concrete actions to fulfill its international responsibilities, act as a responsible major country, and play a constructive role befitting its standing," he added. Aspiration for fair order Experts said the resolution reflects the Global South's aspiration for unity and a rules-based international order. "The SCO can help foster a fair and rules-based global order by promoting multilateralism, opposing unilateral sanctions, and ensuring that the voices of smaller states are heard," said Zamir Ahmed Awan, founding chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, a think tank in Pakistan. "The SCO is about giving all countries an equal voice, rather than allowing a few to dictate the rules. For the Global South, it serves as a platform to collectively advocate for fair trade, sustainable development, debt relief and technology sharing," said Awan, who is also a nonresident fellow at the Beijing-based Center for China and Globalization. Pakistan strongly supports this vision, he said, emphasizing that only through inclusiveness and equality can global peace and justice be achieved. "Unlike alliances built on coercion or dominance, the SCO operates on the basis of consensus and respect for sovereignty. Even when member states face bilateral differences, they set them aside to focus on shared priorities such as peace, security and development, demonstrating that dialogue and mutual trust can transcend political divides," he added. Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, CEO of the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development in Pakistan, said the SCO is steadily strengthening its position as a global multilateral organization. "By working closely with international bodies, such as the UN, the SCO has demonstrated its growing recognition as an influential player on the global stage," Ramay said. The SCO is an "action-oriented organization rather than a talk shop", he said, adding that the strong participation of heads of state and government at SCO summits underscores that the grouping "delivers tangible benefits and amplifies the voice of the Global South, moving beyond rhetoric to real impact". Kareena Kapoor faces backlash over her dance on 'Fevicol se' at Birmingham event Kareena Kapoor faces backlash over her dance on 'Fevicol se' at Birmingham event Nakul Tomar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept When Vinod Khanna continued an intimate scene with Dimple Kapadia after 'cut' leaving her shocked There was a scene in the Mahesh Bhatt-directed movie where Vinod was meant to embrace and kiss Dimple. M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Researchers learned that listening to cheerful music or gentle music could result in motion sickness symptom reduction.(Image: Pexels) Ishita Batra 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 Banking Central | Mint Road is upgrading its tech, that is a good change Dinesh Unnikrishnan is Editor-Banking & Finance at Moneycontrol. Dinesh heads the Banking and Finance Bureau at Moneycontrol. He also writes a weekly column, Banking Central, every Monday. Dinesh Unnikrishnan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept 12% safeguard duty on steel products sufficient, will seek more if import create challenges: Naveen Jindal 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Photo: Iryna Volynchuk Iryna Yehorchenko, senior researcher at the Institute of Mathematics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, popularizer of mathematics, candidate of physical and mathematical sciences (mathematical physics) There is a myth that Ukraine has preserved the traditions of good mathematical education from the USSR (it is also not true that those traditions were good), and, therefore, there are no problems. There is a fact that many people with engineering education from the USSR could not find themselves in the 1990s, and on this basis a wrong conclusion is drawn that studying mathematics is unnecessary. There is a fact that many people do not understand at all what mathematics is, and recite texts about the uselessness of studying it - although for them the word mathematics means some incomprehensible words from the high school curriculum. But the slogan about lack of use of mathematics (for lawyers, journalists, people of creative professions) actually turns into a slogan that absolutely basic things are not needed, and without the knowledge and understanding of these things people are dysfunctional even in simple professions and ordinary life. I saw 3 people who really did not know how to do arithmetic in 1st grade one was a humanitarian gold medalist from an elite school, whose mother was proud that she paid for her grades in 1st grade so that her daughter would not be bothered at all, and the child was not able to add numbers within 10. The child definitely did not have any special educational needs. A gold medal holder during the independent testing times, she passed 3 humanitarian exams with high scores. Her mother paid for other good grades, on which she openly talked about. Two other such people were street vendors of greens. The latter were very embarrassed by their inability to count, making mistakes that were not in their favour (of course, I counted the cost and change correctly). These three people do not have much of an impact on the economy, but the situation when most adults do not have a real primary education is still a tragedy for the economy and national security. Poor knowledge of basic mathematics (approximately 6th grade curriculum) is also a marker of functional illiteracy, and indicators of reading and mathematics problems for PISA and other studies correlate. This set of problems guarantees other problems with critical thinking, numeracy, gullibility, vulnerability to fraud and propaganda, and poses a threat to democracy. I have not personally encountered it, but two independent people told me about clearly illiterate young people whose parents arranged for them jobs in local administrations, in lower management positions such as heads of departments - these people were asking subordinates to read documents to them, clearly not understanding what was being written, and simply signed what the superiors told them to sign. Now there are no barriers to entering higher education without real primary education - both previous system of independent tests and the existing system of independent multi-subject tests have very low passing scores at the level of guessing. Not everyone gets a passing score, but not everyone wins the lottery. Many of those who enter a university do not actually have primary education and cannot study, but the policy of maintaining the student numbers in higher education institutions leads to the mass receiving of higher education diplomas by individuals without a real primary education. This supports the vicious circle of demotivation of students to study - why study when there will be education certificates anyway. Tolerance for cheating is an official educational policy; a teacher who prevents cheating will be quickly fired. Ukraine already has problems with engineering personnel. According to the independent tests and PISA, no more than 10% of high school students actually study mathematics at a sufficient level of the standard program, most of whom are set on IT or scientific work abroad (in Ukraine, scientific work at the level of young scientists, even candidates of sciences without experience, means the very low minimum wage, if there is a full-time job). Many students without basic school education, unable to study, enter engineering specialties. Teachers are making curricula as primitive as possible (now they are easier than in old technical colleges), they write course and diploma theses for students, they try to teach the school curriculum and somehow attract students - but there will be no qualified specialists. Now the problem with engineers is not so obvious, because many people are working for 50-70 years. Another 5-10 years - and there will be a catastrophe. Greater opportunities to receive grants abroad specifically for engineering specialties - an additional incentive for more capable applicants to go abroad. The reluctance to learn mathematics is not only a Ukrainian problem, but engineers will come to the USA or Finland. The main problem is precisely motivation. Unfortunately, in Ukraine, parents of children, journalists, the Ministry of Education and Science (all the actions of the Ministry of Education and Science for the last 8 years, with a short break for Anna Novosad in office, are demotivating all participants in the educational process), book publishers (books on mathematics, except for textbooks and school-related books, are almost not published, 10 popular math books for adults have been published in Ukrainian since 1991, and 1 more is being prepared. There is nothing to give as a prize to schoolchildren-Olympiad winners now, not a single suitable book has been published for advanced high school students). Publishers say that it is unprofitable (it is profitable only for children up to 8 years old), that mathematics scares away buyers of lighter, more popular literature, and therefore it cannot be kept on the shelves. The organizers of all book forums in 2024-2025 completely ignored non-humanitarian popular science literature, but held many children's events to cultivate magical thinking (amulets, spelled wreaths, and the like). With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, all existing popular science programs were removed from the radio (there were none on television). Teachers are kept in a state of beggars who are still forced to spend a lot of money on courses, holiday scenarios, thematic plans, and the like - they do not have the money for books. Books on mathematics and natural sciences are not purchased for libraries at all - on the contrary, librarians massively withdraw previously published books on mathematics in Ukrainian (which are not at all outdated) under the pretext of obsolescence. Further plans of the Ministry of Education and Science (profile high school) will lead to a decrease in the number of students who will study mathematics in high school to 3-5%. No students will be recruited for entire physics and mathematics classes anywhere except in large regional centers, and mathematics will not be studied de facto in other profiles. The motivation of capable students and the best teachers will also be negatively affected by the new rules for conducting Olympiads. Absurd standards have been adopted for senior specialized schools, compliance with which is impossible in principle. The current situation contains two threats 1) a shortage of personnel for industry and more complex activities, even relatively simple working professions require basic mathematics 2) a negative impact on critical thinking and numerical literacy in society, which creates direct risks for national security. More capable and motivated students and teachers without large funds to buy books in English use Russian pirate sites but even popular science modern Russian literature contains propaganda. Unfortunately, for the Ukrainian humanitarian elite, their own comfort, for the support of which they do not even want to hear the word mathematics, is more important than the survival of the country. The development of history and fiction is wonderful, but without motivating future engineers, it will take place outside of Ukraine. What to do - small groups of people are trying to do something. Without state support, where there is talk about STEM against the background of the destruction of physics, mathematics and natural science education. There is no influence on the government, the Ministry of Education, and the Parliament in the current conditions. This problem is not interesting for the media. They are more interested to support irresponsible people who call for the abolition of mathematics for all students, except for a small percentage of very motivated ones, in order to be able to buy their child a higher education diploma, although that child could not master the elementary school program. 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. 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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 Policymakers believe accelerating infrastructure creation is critical to sustaining that momentum, especially as geopolitical risks and US tariff pressures loom. 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. 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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 EU commissioners to meet commerce, agriculture ministers as next round of FTA talks open 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. 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I Accept India may offer import duty concessions on high-end cars to the EU Currently, the import duty levied by India on completely built-up (CBU) passenger vehicles is 110% for cars costing over $40,000, and 70% for cars costing up to $40,000. 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 Glass Wall Systems to raise Rs 60 crore by a fresh issue, IBEF and Vistra ITCL to exit via OFS Sunil Matkar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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 Adani Power shares rise 5% as company to set up 570 MW hydroelectric project in Bhutan Adani Power shares rise 5% as company to set up 570 MW hydroelectric project in Bhutan 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. 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I Accept 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 Ravindra Sonavane USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Volodymyr Kreidenko, Ukrainian MP, deputy chairman of the Committee on Transport In Ukraine, the issue of transport safety is becoming increasingly important. War, economic challenges, and the need for integration into the European spaceall these factors require Ukraine to have a clear and transparent system for investigating transport incidents. This concerns not only aviation or railways, but also maritime, road, and urban transport. After all, every accident or incident means not only human casualties and material losses but also reputational damage to the state. Unfortunately, Ukraine still lacks an independent body that would professionally handle such investigations. That is precisely why Draft Law No. 13674-1 On the National Bureau of Transport Investigations was introduced. Its main idea is to make transport incident investigations systematic, transparent, and independent. The task of this body is not to look for culprits and impose punishment but, first and foremost, to identify causes and prevent new tragedies. This is a European approach, fundamentally different from the Soviet logic of finding someone guilty at any cost. Safety is achieved not through punishment, but through analysis and elimination of risks. The need for such a law is dictated not only by common sense but also by Ukraines international obligations. The EUUkraine Association Agreement, the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, and the Common Aviation Area Agreementall these documents directly require our country to establish a permanent body for the investigation of accidents and incidents. European directives and regulations set uniform standards for all EU member states. If Ukraine seeks integration into the European transport space, it must comply with these standards. In practice, however, we see a very different picture today. Various laws contain fragmented provisions on investigations, but they do not form a coherent system. There is no independent institution dedicated solely to this task. As a result, investigations are often delayed, and their findings remain inaccessible. This affects not only safety but also the countrys international reputation. When catastrophes occursuch as the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 or the crash of a UIA plane near TehranUkraine finds itself limited in its ability to participate fully in international investigations. EU countries have long understood that only an independent body can conduct investigations objectively and earn trust. Such a body is not subordinate to state regulators or to companies managing infrastructure or providing transportation. It has no conflict of interest and, therefore, can speak the truth even when it is uncomfortable for authorities or businesses. This principle underpins the Draft Law On the National Bureau of Transport Investigations. The document proposes reorganizing the already existing National Bureau, which currently investigates aviation accidents, and transforming it into a universal body for all modes of transport. This way, the state will have a single center of expertise and accountability. The Bureau will have the authority to investigate transport incidents, safeguard investigation materials, prepare recommendations to prevent new tragedies, and provide information to the public and international partners. The draft law also sets requirements for the head of the institution, guarantees its independence and accountability, and includes amendments to basic transport laws to create a unified legal framework. It is important to note that this draft law differs from the governments draft law On the National Bureau of Investigation of Transport Accidents, registered by the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers in August 2025. That proposal envisages abolishing the current Bureau and reducing staff in the State Transport Safety Service. In contrast, Draft Law No. 13674-1 On the National Bureau of Transport Investigations follows the path of optimizationit does not dismantle what already exists but rather develops and improves it. Moreover, it takes into account a wider range of international documents, including guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This makes it more systematic and closer to real standards. Another advantage of Draft Law No. 13674-1 is that it does not impose an additional burden on the budget. The Bureau will be created on the basis of the existing institution. This is reorganization, not new expenses. In the current circumstances, this is a crucial argument: the state will receive a modern mechanism for ensuring transport safety without additional financial risks. So, what will change after the law is adopted? First of all, investigations will become more transparent and effective. This will allow systemic problems to be identified and addressed more quickly. Trust in state institutions will growboth within society and among international partners. Ukraine will fulfill its international obligations and, therefore, strengthen its position in negotiations with the EU. Businesses will gain clearer rules, and citizensgreater safety. In the end, this is not only about transport policy but also about the countrys strategic direction. Transport safety is part of national security. It is a matter of trust between the state and its citizens, and between Ukraine and its international partners. Adoption of Draft Law No. 13674-1 On the National Bureau of Transport Investigations will demonstrate that Ukraine is ready not only to declare European aspirations but also to put them into practice. The true essence of this draft law lies in a shift of approach: from a culture of punishment to a culture of prevention. And it is precisely this shift that can save thousands of lives in the future. Prosus-backed PayU plans to raise up to $300 million ahead of proposed IPO PayU is working with investment bank HSBC on the proposed fundraise, which is in early stages currently, the sources said. Swaraj Singh Dhanjal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Tushar Goenka is a breaking news reporter who focuses on startups. Interested in venture capital, quick commerce, e-commerce, food delivery and D2C. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day At the current pace, the top three platforms will together account for a majority of the one billion annual order volumes. Tushar Goenka USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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I Accept This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer Alpha Desk USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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 Agitation a right in democracy but protesters must also maintain dignity: Eknath Shinde on Maratha protest Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde is seen as an influential Maratha leader in the state. (File: PTI) Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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 The talks in the ruling NDA alliance has become even more challenging due to the demands of Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi and Upendra Kushwaha. 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. 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 Visitors look at a display of India's Defence Research and Development Organization's (DRDO) BrahMos missile at the DefExpo (File Photo: AFP) Tamal Nandi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept BRS, BJD to abstain from voting in vice presidential elections on September 9 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. 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I Accept Recently, China resumed Indian pilgrimages to Kangrinboqe and Mapam Yuco in the Xizang Autonomous Region of China Tamal Nandi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Photo: https://www.facebook.com/ The Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, together with the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), is working on developing a more detailed currency control mechanism to support business, said head of the ministry Oleksiy Sobolev. "The government has decided to recommend increasing the terms to 270 days (foreign exchange settlements for individual machine building products). We will talk to the National Bank. You can see the statistics for yourself: unfortunately, this year the trade deficit is increasing every month," Sobolev said, answering questions from businesses about increasing the terms of foreign exchange earnings during an event on the occasion of the opening of the State Tax Service tax consultation offices in Kyiv on Monday. He explained that the situation is now worse than it was at the beginning of the year: there is less foreign exchange inflow than Ukraine is withdrawing. The minister noted that the destruction of infrastructure as a result of Russian attacks is forcing Ukraine to import additional equipment, and this is creating additional pressure on the balance sheet. "It seems to us that it is necessary to develop a more detailed mechanism that will not generally move everything forward in order to avoid the risks of currency outflow and new gaps that could threaten macro-financial stability. We are currently working with the NBU to make this possible," Sobolev emphasized. He added that access to equipment, the supply of which sometimes takes more than 80 days, is critical for business recovery, so it is necessary to find a balance between foreign exchange inflows and the ability of enterprises to invest in upgrading production. As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers, by order dated June 21, 2024, recommended that the NBU increase the settlement period in the field of mechanical engineering from 180 to 270 days, but the central bank rejected the recommendations and requested additional analytical justifications from the Ministry of Economy. In October last year, First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko reported that the government was trying to convince the central bank of the need for such a step. In early June 2025, Deputy Governor of the National Bank Yuriy Heletiy reported that during the work of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission on May 20-27, the parties agreed that the NBU was still waiting for additional arguments from the Cabinet of Ministers, after which the National Bank would consider the proposal again. CP Radhakrishnan faces Sudershan Reddy in high-stakes V-P polls: How numbers stack up for NDA and INDIA Opposition has dubbed the vice-presidential election as an ideological fight even as the numbers are stacked in favour of the ruling NDA 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. 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I Accept Delhi lawyers call off strike as police agree to physical deposition in courts Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Tamal Nandi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday that the country would continue to buy oil from Russia, underlining the governments intent to defy US pressure 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 Highlighting common security concerns, Bar Tal said India and Israel see eye to eye on the challenges posed by radical groups that use violence as a political tool. 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. 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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 security forces launched a search operation in the Gudar forest area following information about the presence of terrorists there Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept NDA's CP Radhakrishnan vs INDIA's Sudershan Reddy: Why September 9 Vice Presidential polls will be a high-stakes affair 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. 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I Accept Operation Guddar: Two soldiers killed, two terrorists gunned down in Kulgam Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine has announced tenders for the conclusion of agreements on the distribution of hydrocarbons that will be extracted within the Mezhyhirska and Svichanska subsoil areas, which belong to the western oil and gas region of Ukraine, with a total area of 2,388 sq km with prospective and forecast resources of 54.9 million tonnes of equivalent fuel. "The minimum amount of investments to be attracted during the first stage of geological exploration works is determined by the results of tenders and must be no less than UAH 1 billion for each subsoil area," the State Service of Geology and Subsoil of Ukraine noted. According to the terms of the tenders, the agreements are concluded for a period of 50 years from the date of their signing. Ukrainian and foreign companies, except for representatives of the state carrying out armed aggression against Ukraine, can participate in the tenders; applications for the tenders are accepted until 16:00 on December 4 of this year. The Mezhyhirska area, with a total area of 1,515 sq km, is located within Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi regions. The resource base in categories C3+D (class codes 333+334) is 21.9 million tonnes of equivalent fuel, the service specified. The Svichanska area, with a total area of 873 sq km, is located within Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi regions. The resource base in categories C3+D (class codes 333+334) is 33 million tonnes of equivalent fuel. According to the terms of the competitions, the volume of total investments, including those necessary to ensure industrial development, is determined by the results of the competition. All manufactured products until the moment of distribution between the state and the investor belong to the state. The maximum part of the compensatory products, at the expense of which the investor will be compensated for his expenses, is 55% of the total volume of manufactured products until the investor's expenses are fully reimbursed. The share of the state in the profitable products should be: in case of exceeding the accounting costs subject to reimbursement above the maximum amount of compensatory products - 35% to the state and 65% to the investor; otherwise - 65% to the state and 35% to the investor. The participant of the competition must pay UAH 500,000 for it to the account of the Ministry of Energy. Sankarshan Thakur, Editor of The Telegraph, passes away; tributes pour in 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. 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I Accept 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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 'The 50% tariff on India is unfair, unreasonable': Chinese envoy on US trade move "The United States has long benefited from free trade. But now it is using tariffs as a weapon to demand exorbitant prices... The 50% tariff on India is unfair, unreasonable, and China firmly opposes it..." 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept TRAI refutes Congress' claim of blocking 'poll-stolen' SMS outreach in Maharashtra: 'Not involved at any stage' Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is leading a nationwide campaign claiming that elections in India were "being stolen". (File: PTI) Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept V-P polls 2025: Radhakrishnan, Sudershan Reddy in face off as NDA, INDIA bloc gear up for high-stakes elections on Tuesday Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept World News Live: India, Israel ink bilateral investment treaty The finance ministry on Monday said India and Israel have inked a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) which would help promote investments between the two countries. "The Government of India and the Government of the State of Israel sign Bilateral Investment Agreement # BIT in New Delhi, today," the finance ministry said in a post on X The pact was inked by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her Israeli counterpart Bezalel Smotrich. VP election: Opposition MPs to participate in 'mock poll' today; NDA, INDIA bloc dinner meet called off amid floods across states The post of Vice President fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament on July 21, citing health reasons 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 Bhartendu Kumar Singh is in the Indian Defence Accounts Service. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. India was at the receiving end of American strategic manipulations within South Asia during the same period. 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 About a quarter of Ukraine's territory - over 13.9 million hectares - has been affected by hostilities, of which 9.85 million hectares of farmland in 10 regions remain inaccessible for use, said Nina Yuzhanina (European Solidarity), a member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Taxation and Customs Policy, referring to the results of an audit by the Accounting Chamber. "From 2022 to July 2025, 7,750 hectares of agricultural land were demined and returned to use - this is only 0.08% of the area of contaminated agricultural land, another 403,000 hectares were returned to cultivation by farmers in a simplified manner. Therefore, at this rate of demining, it will be possible to completely clear agricultural land in Ukraine only in about 83 years," she wrote on Telegram. The MP noted that during 2022-2025, 191 farmers died while cultivating agricultural land. During the audit, the Accounting Chamber, according to Yuzhanina, established that two centers with identical legislatively defined powers operate within state bodies: the Mine Action Center under the Ministry of Defense, which carries out planning, organization and coordination of mine action, informing the population, and also conducts training and certification of mine action operators; as well as the Humanitarian Demining Center under the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers, which processes applications from farmers for humanitarian demining. "The auditors established that there is no coordination between them, and this leads to ineffective implementation of tasks," the parliamentarian emphasized. In addition, general coordination is carried out by the National Mine Action Authority and the Interdepartmental Working Group on Humanitarian Demining. Both bodies are advisory and do not have executive powers. The Accounting Chamber established that during 2022-2024, more than 91% of land survey and demining work in Ukraine was carried out by the State Emergency Service and the Ministry of Defense. At the same time, the Ministry of Defense has only 79% of its personnel, and the service has 68%. The level of technical support of their units is 55-75%. "At the same time, the supply of equipment for humanitarian demining, financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in 2023-2024, as of January 1, 2025, actually amounted to only 35% of the volume provided for by grant agreements. Due to delays in document processing, part of the received equipment has not been put into operation," Yuzhanina drew attention. As of January 1, 2025, 73 mine action operators (private and public) were officially registered in Ukraine, which is 2.6 times more than a year earlier. However, actual humanitarian demining work was carried out by only 24 operators, including four state structures. Their share is only 9% of the total volume of work performed. Indias approach to swadeshi is rooted in continuity rather than abrupt change. 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 British student faces life in jail for carrying drugs in Dubai. Mother calls it 'very stupid mistake' The UK Foreign Office explicitly warns travellers about the UAEs harsh penalties for drug offences. A life sentence in the UAE typically ranges from 15 to 25 years. (File photo) 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. 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 Iconic Parsi magazine 'Parsiana' to shut after 60 years: 'Sense of tiredness mixed with sadness' Since the announcement of the closure, tributes have poured in from across the globe. (Image credit: Parsiana) 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. 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 Japan's 'dragonfly' prince is first male in royal family to reach adulthood in 40 years Japans Prince Hisahito (R) attends his coming-of-age ceremony, Kakan-no-Gi, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. (Image credit: AFP) 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. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept MC Science Desk Read the latest and trending science newsstay updated on NASA, ISRO, space missions, planets, asteroids, black holes, AI, quantum physics, galaxy discoveries, and more exciting breakthroughs. Sheetal Kumari USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 7 / 7 All the Water on Planet Earth: Earths oceans cover 70% of its surface but form a small ball just 700 km wide, smaller than the Moon, showing how little water the planet holds. (Image: NASA) Sheetal Kumari USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 Amazon now tracking employee phone use: Heres what it means for staff MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Aabhas Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Apple presses ahead with India scale-up, expands capacity and local sourcing despite US pressure Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. 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 Danish Khan 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 On Monday night, the defense forces neutralized 112 enemy UAVs out of 142 that attacked Ukraine, and 26 strike UAVs were recorded hitting seven locations, the press service of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has reported. "According to preliminary data, as of 08:30, air defenses shot down/suppressed 112 enemy UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera type and drones of other types in the north, south, east and center of the country," the report said. In total, on the night of September 8 (from 22:00 on September 7), the enemy attacked with 142 strike UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera type and drones of other types from the directions: Bryansk, Orel, Primorsko-Akhtarsk Russia, Chauda temporarily occupied Crimea, more than 100 of them were Shaheds. The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, the Air Command noted. Some 26 strike UAVs were recorded at seven locations, and downed UAVs (fragments) fell at one location. Several enemy UAVs are in the air, the attack continues. MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day MC Tech Desk USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept MSI to Manufacture Katana and Crosshair Laptops in India with RTX 50 GPUs Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept No proposal to lift TikTok ban in India, says IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw 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 Vikas SN 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 4 / 7 Smart features and ease of setup Where the OTEK Galaxy Smart Projector really tries to differentiate itself is in setup convenience. Features like auto focus, auto keystone correction, auto screen fit, and obstacle avoidance aim to eliminate the usual frustrations of projector alignment. In testing, autofocus quickly sharpens the image, while keystone correction keeps the projection rectangular even if the device isnt perfectly centred. Obstacle avoidance is a thoughtful addition, automatically adjusting the projection to avoid interruptions like wall hangings. While all these features work as expected, the time it takes is a little more than what I was expecting. Again, this is something that most people wont mind at this price point. That said, I have also seen a couple of other projectors at this price point which gets the job done relatively quicker. Powered by Android 13, the software interface feels modern, though occasional stutters can happen when running multiple apps. With 2GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage, it handles most OTT apps well. Do keep in mind that the projector comes with Google Play Store with third-party app support, but the Netflix app that comes pre-installed with it is the mobile version which limits the functionality overall and similar is the case with Prime Video app. MC Interview | Semiconductor will be the next engine of jobs for the country: Ashwini Vaishnaw on India's steel moment 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 Arun Padmanabhan 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 North Sikkim reopens for tourists after 4 months, online permits now available North Sikkim reopens for tourists after 4 months, online permits now available (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. 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 October 2025 Long Weekend Dates: 3 Long Weekends Next Month Where to Go and What to See in India Rajni Pandey is a seasoned content creator with over 15 years of experience crafting compelling stories for digital news platforms. Specializing in diverse topics such as travel, education, jobs, science, wildlife, religion, politics, and astrology, she excels at transforming trending human-interest stories into engaging reads for a wide audience. October 2025 Long Weekend Dates: 3 Long Weekends in India Where to Go and What to See Rajni Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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. 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I Accept This exchange came against the backdrop of Trumps fresh tariffs on Indian exports, which now stand above 50 percent, the highest imposed on any country apart from Brazil. 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. 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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 Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua The defense forces have completely liberated the village of Zarichne in the Donetsk region, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has said. "The forces of the 425th Separate Assault Regiment "Skelya" have completely taken control of the village of Zarichne in the Donetsk region," the report said. EU weighs new sanctions on Russia to hit banks and oil trade The US and Europe are discussing new sanctions and secondary tariffs on Russia, hoping that a Russian economic 'collapse' will bring Putin to peace talks with Ukraine. 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. 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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 How Xi, Putin and Kim are drawing closer and why it stops short of an alliance Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, in Beijing. (Courtesy: Reuters 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 Immigration raid at Hyundai-LG plant: What it means for South Korean investment in US Manufacturing plant employees waiting to have their legs shackled at the Hyundai Motor Groups electric vehicle plant on September 4. (Courtesy: AP 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 Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharam, Finance Minister of Israel Bezalel Smotrich and others during the signing ceremony of Bilateral Investment Agreement between India and Israel, in New Delhi (Image: PIB via PTI) Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept India-Nepal border on alert as protests erupt in Himalayan neighbour, death toll climbs to 19 Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The escalation comes as the Houthis expand their tactics, including the use of cluster munitions designed to evade air defences. 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. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Services on the Docklands Light Railway, which runs to the key financial district of Canary Wharf, will also be impacted by a separate strike, with no service on Tuesday and Thursday Surabhi Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Photo: https://t.me/dsns_telegram Russian occupiers attacked Zaporizhia with drones on Saturday night, hospitalizing 44 residents of the region, Zaporizhia Regional Military Administration head Ivan Fedorov has said. "The night of September 5-6 was especially difficult for Zaporizhia. The enemy attacked the city with at least 16 UAVs," he wrote in a telegram. According to Fedorov, three injured people remain in hospitals, dozens of residents received medical assistance. At least 22 high-rise buildings and 60 private houses were also damaged, a kindergarten was destroyed, and several industrial enterprises that have nothing to do with military production were seriously damaged. "In total, 44 people are in hospitals after the massive attack," he noted. Another group of youngsters, who launched a campaign called Nepo Kid on various social media platforms, also joined the protests. Nepo Kid, a social media trend, has become viral in recent days, with youngsters accusing the children of politicians and influential people of enjoying privileges with money earned from corruption. (Image: AFP) Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli during a meeting, on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on April 4, 2025. (Image: X/@narendramodi via PTI) Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 man guides his buffaloes in a flooded area following monsoon rains and rising water levels of the Chenab River, on the outskirts of Multan, Punjab province, Pakistan. (Courtesy: Reuters 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 People attending a rally launching the election campaign of the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) ahead of the parliamentary elections, in Chisinau, Moldova. (Courtesy: Reuters 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 US imports Indian refined oil products sourced from Russian crude The United States is importing significant quantities of refined petroleum products from India, which are made from discounted Russian crude oil, according to a report in NPR. This trade arrangement effectively bypasses direct Western sanctions on Russian energy, as international trade rules do not classify products refined in a third country as being of Russian origin. India, which is not part of the G7, has significantly increased its purchases of Russian crude since the implementation of a G7 price cap in December 2022, refining it and selling the resulting products on the global market, including to the U.S. and European nations. Trump issues last warning to Hamas: 'Everyone wants hostages HOME' 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 Trump says European leaders will visit US this week to discuss Russia-Ukraine war 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 Trump won election last year to a second term as president with promises of record-level deportations 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 What led to violent protests in Nepal and is it only because of social media ban? According to The Kathmandu Post, at least 14 people have died in the unrest. (Image: AFP) Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept August was the month of relatively small territorial gains by the Russian occupiers in recent times, while the enemy hoped for breakthroughs and made maximum efforts for this, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky has said. "If we take the Dobropillia axis, where the enemy created an offensive group, then here the Russians captured 13.5 sq km, but they lost 25.5 sq km. On the Pokrovsk axis, their gain was 5 sq km, while our troops regained control over 26 sq. km. The Defense Forces did not allow the loss of territories in the Hulyaipole and Prydniprovsky directions," Syrsky wrote in Telegram on Monday morning. According to him, in total during August the Defense Forces regained control over 58 sq km of territory and liberated a number of settlements. 28,790 occupiers were destroyed, and since the beginning of the year - 297,350. "During this period, our Deep Strike means have hit 60 targets on the territory of Russia. The Russian Federation's capacity to produce fuel and lubricants for the army, their aircraft weapons, missiles and UAVs, and air defense systems has been weakened, and the functioning of the transport system has been disrupted. In total, our drones have hit more than 67,000 enemy targets over the past month. And the effectiveness of the Middle Strike program has increased by 25%," said Syrsky. At the same time, he noted that in August, the enemy expected to make a breakthrough and encircle Ukrainian troops in the Pokrovsko-Mirnohrad agglomeration area, planned large-scale offensive operations in the Novopavlovsk and Zaporizhia directions, but Ukrainian troops prevented the implementation of these intentions. "The Russians were forced to postpone the offensive on Zaporizhia and transfer marine units to the Donetsk region," the commander-in-chief said. According to Syrsky, the enemy currently has a threefold advantage in forces and means, and in the main areas of concentration of its efforts it can prevail four to six times. "I express deep gratitude to our officers, sergeants and, especially, soldiers: their professional skills, resilience, dedication and courage are breaking the plans of the Russian occupiers," he said. The commander-in-chief called August a month of great trials for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, "but at the end we received many positive results." Afghan women sit next to food aid distributed by a local charity foundation in Ghazni, southeastern Afghanistan, on September 7, 2025. (AFP) Surabhi Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Michigan Technological University continues its steady rise. For the second year in a row, more than 7,400 students enrolled as Huskies the most the University has seen since the early 1980s. This years incoming class reflects not only the rising demand for a Michigan Tech degree, but also record academic quality, with an average high school GPA of 3.86 the highest in University history. Michigan Tech welcomed 1,601 new first-year and transfer students for fall 2025, a 6% increase from last year. Tech has also achieved a retention rate of 88.3%, highlighting the University's dedication to student success and strategic, measured growth. Many of the University's most prominent programs saw double-digit percentage increases in enrollment, including electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and forestry. The new aerospace engineering degree program welcomed 61 incoming first-year students, a testament to Michigan Tech's continued relevance in the fields where today's students and tomorrow's industries intersect. Graduates continue to see strong returns on their investment, with a median early career salary of $82,400 and a 94.6% placement rate. These outcomes reflect both the caliber of students choosing Michigan Tech and the preparation they receive to lead in todays high-demand fields. 6% increase in first-year enrollment $82,400 median early career salary for grads 88.3% retention rate The start of the 2025-26 academic year also marks Michigan Tech's largest incoming group of Thompson Scholars since the program began at Tech in 2020, with 125 first-year students receiving the Working Families Scholarship. In total, more than 580 Huskies have taken part in the program over the last five years, contributing over 16,000 hours of community service. A new dedicated space in the University's Alumni House now provides study areas, a lounge and a gathering space to support the program's continued growth. Career Connections Each year, Michigan Tech's Career Fair brings more than 400 companies and 2,000 recruiters to campus, connecting Huskies with employers across every industry. More than half of Tech's student body participates in the semiannual event, making it one of the best opportunities for students to explore career paths, build networks and launch their professional journeys. Michigan Tech's steady enrollment growth stems from the Campus Master Plan adopted in 2022, which sets a deliberate course of expansion to ensure the University continues to offer high-quality education while strategically enhancing campus resources. By pursuing purposeful growth, Tech is drawing talented students from across the nation and the globe all while preserving the close-knit community and personalized education that define the Husky experience. University President Rick Koubek noted that Michigan Tech's continued growth underscores the University's long-standing reputation for academic excellence and forward-leaning educational strategy. "This year's incoming class will be the first to participate in our new Essential Education program, an innovative general education curriculum that builds a 21st century skill set crucial for our students to become leaders who can respond to the increasingly frequent technological changes impacting our economy and society." Rick Koubek, president, Michigan Tech In February, a Carnegie R1 designation placed Michigan Tech among the nation's top research universities, and Tech is poised for continued momentum. From breakthroughs in aerospace, robotics and artificial intelligence to the launch of Essential Ed and the opening of new East Hall residential housing, Tech is leading with innovation, research excellence and an education that delivers impact far beyond campus. Innovation in Aerospace, Robotics and AI Huskies are preparing to lead in the industries of the future, with Michigan Tech advancing opportunities in aerospace engineering, robotics and artificial intelligence. Building on a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, Tech's aerospace program immerses students in aerodynamics, propulsion and space systems and gives them the chance to apply their skills on projects like nanosatellites for NASA and advanced aircraft testing in Tech's state-of-the-art labs. Robotics at Michigan Tech combines the University's strengths in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and computer science to train students in the design and programming of intelligent machines. Whether they are competing in national robotics competitions or conducting research that will impact industries from manufacturing to health care, Huskies are developing the expertise to create the next generation of autonomous systems. "Tomorrow needs every engineer, and the College of Engineering is preparing the next generation to lead in high-demand fields including aerospace and ecological engineering, as well as interdisciplinary areas like robotics and artificial intelligence. Huskies are ready to tackle tomorrow's challenges," said Michelle Scherer, dean of the College of Engineering. "Industry leaders consistently tell me they hire Huskies because our graduates know how to problem-solve, collaborate, and communicate." Michelle Scherer, College of Engineering dean, Michigan Tech At Michigan Tech, artificial intelligence is seen as a powerful instrument one that demands both skill and responsibility. Across disciplines, students are learning to integrate AI with human ingenuity, oversight and collaboration to create results that are both innovative and responsible. By treating AI as an instrument rather than a shortcut, students develop true proficiency. This approach ensures graduates enter the workforce ready to lead in a world being reshaped by AI applying it with intention alongside their own judgment to solve real-world problems and drive meaningful change. "AI is transforming how we live and work, but its true value comes from people who know how to use it well, said Dennis Livesay, Dave House Dean of Computing for the College of Computing. At Michigan Tech, we prepare students to approach AI with intention and deep understanding, using human creativity and judgment to unlock the full potential of the technology." Research in Focus As a newly designated R1 research-intensive university, Michigan Tech joins the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University as the fourth R1 institution in the state and the only one located in a remote setting. With research expenditures surpassing $100 million for the last two years, faculty and students are advancing solutions to pressing challenges in areas such as national defense, advanced manufacturing and human health. Michigan Tech's research reflects a strong connection to place while driving innovation with global reach. Andrew Barnard, vice president for research, said the R1 ranking is a reflection of the innovation and productivity of Michigan Tech's faculty, staff and students over the previous decade, and that it inspires students through research experiences both locally and globally. "We are unique in the R1 ranks, having a singular opportunity to bring a rural perspective to solving global grand challenges." Andrew Barnard, vice president for research, Michigan Tech Essential Education Launches This fall, Michigan Tech introduced Essential Education, a forward-thinking, student-centered core curriculum that replaces the University's previous general education requirements. Built around four learning goals and 12 Essential Abilities, Essential Ed equips Huskies with the critical skills tomorrow's workplaces demand. The program gives students ownership of their learning through high-impact experiences, including first-year seminars, interdisciplinary coursework and an ePortfolio that highlights their accomplishments throughout their time at Tech. Essential Ed also offers flexible pathways including the option to earn an interdisciplinary minor with no additional time or cost ensuring that every Husky can tailor their education to their personal and professional goals. By blending core STEM learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics with disciplines in social sciences, humanities and the arts, Essential Education prepares Michigan Tech graduates to think deeply, work broadly and lead with confidence in a world where technology and society are increasingly intertwined. East Hall: A New Home for Huskies East Hall opened in August 2025, providing housing for more than 520 students in modern, collaborative spaces that foster community and connection. With features like a gaming lounge, music studio and shared kitchens, the hall offers students spaces to study, recharge and build friendships. As the newest addition to campus, East Hall not only makes room for more Huskies, but also strengthens the vibrant, supportive community that defines campus life. The hall is on track for LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, reflecting Michigan Tech's commitment to sustainability and purposeful growth. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system measures a building's sustainability and resource-efficiency, ranging from Certified to Silver, Gold and Platinum certifications. From the opening of East Hall to the launch of Essential Education and the University's growing research impact as an R1 institution, Michigan Tech is shaping a future built on innovation, connection and purpose. With a thriving Husky pack at its core, the University is sustaining momentum and building tomorrow. Michigan Technological University is an R1 public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure. The State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) says that it has has established that an employee of the Central Office of the NABU, who was detained in July and worked in the closed unit D-2, was part of a large-scale spy network of the enemy. As reported in the Telegram channel of the special service on Monday, in addition to the NABU employee, the spy network included three more people, whose exposure took place earlier. "All agents were well versed in conspiracy measures, had access to state secrets and restricted documents," the report says. According to the case materials, the criminal activities of the agents were supervised by an employee of the 1st service of the counterintelligence operations department of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of the Russian Federation, Igor Yegorov. "He began to form his spy network in 2009, when he repeatedly visited Ukraine within the framework of interagency cooperation between the special services of the two countries," the SBU notes. The report states that the first of Yegorov's henchmen, whom the SBU detained in 2020, was Major General of the Security Service Valery Shaitanov. At that time, on Yegorov's instructions, Shaitanov planned a series of terrorist attacks on the territory of Ukraine, as well as the murder of a well-known military volunteer, collected and transmitted to the Russian Federation information about secret operations in the ATO area, etc. "After the detention of the Major General and a thorough study of all available materials, the SBU identified another Yegorov agent - Dmitry Ivantsov. He is the former deputy head of Yanukovych's security, who in February 2014 helped the fugitive president move to Russia, and himself remained in Crimea and joined the ranks of the occupiers. Currently, Ivantsov is hiding on the temporarily occupied peninsula and is a resident of the FSB. That is, among his tasks is the coordination of the subversive activities of other Russian agents in Ukraine," the SBU report says. In 2024, according to the report, the SBU exposed another member of their cell - he turned out to be a serviceman of the National Guard. It was established that for several years this person had been passing on to Ivantsov data on Ukrainian activists, high-ranking officials, prisoners of war, information on the consequences of shelling on the territory of Ukraine, etc. Subsequently, as the SBU reports, the Service established that another agent of Yegorov-Ivantsov was a former employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who at the time of his detention turned out to be an active employee of the NABU. "According to the case materials, this official of the Bureau was recruited by the enemy back in 2012," the Ukrainian special service emphasizes. "He continued to provide Ivantsov with the necessary information after 2014, when Yanukovych's henchman openly defected to the enemy. This is confirmed, in particular, by the confidential correspondence that the defendants resumed literally three days after the fake referendum on the "accession" of Crimea to the Russian Federation," the SBU noted. According to the case materials, the current NABU employee is accused of having carried out more than 60 episodes of transmitting information with limited access to the former deputy head of Yanukovych's security. "Among other things, the "mole" collected for the FSB the constituent data of Ukrainian security officers and other citizens against whom the enemy planned recruitment activities and special information operations," the report notes. To obtain personal information about potential targets, the defendant used closed databases of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. The SBU notes: "After thoroughly documenting the crimes of the "mole", the SBU detained him. The phone and computer equipment that he used to contact the curator were seized from him." Currently, the defendant has been notified of suspicion under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Part 1 of Article 111 (high treason); Part 3 of Article 362 (unauthorized actions with information that is processed in electronic computers (computers), automated systems, computer networks or stored on media of such information, committed by a person who has the right to access it). The court chose a preventive measure for the suspect in the form of detention. The SBU draws attention to the fact that another agent of the Yegorov-Ivantsov network, Major General Valery Shaitanov, has already received a prison term of 12 years behind bars. The National Guard official is currently in custody. "We would like to emphasize separately: this criminal proceeding concerns an individual employee of the Anti-Corruption Bureau and is not related to the effective work of NABU as a state institution of Ukraine as a whole. As before, the SBU advocates constructive cooperation to strengthen institutional capabilities, cleanse it of pro-Russian influence, and strengthen the independence of our state," the statement said. GEDA hosts Japan Trade Mission for Guam businesses Guam participated in the 38th Tokyo Gourmet Show, a cross-industrial trade show where businesses showcase their products to both Japanese and overseas buyers in the food and beverage industry. GEDA photo TAMUNING, Guam (GEDA) Seven Guam-based businesses recently returned from Japan where they promoted their Made in Guam products as part of a trade mission hosted by the Guam Economic Development Authority and in partnership with the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association. WUSATA is a non-profit state trade regional trade group that promotes the export of U.S. food and agricultural products throughout the world from the western region of the country, including Guam. The innovative entrepreneurial spirit of our local companies is truly inspiring, said Guam Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero. They serve as ambassadors of our culture as they continue to forge new pathways for collaboration between Guam and Japan. The trade mission provided opportunities for Guam-based businesses to secure potential retail and wholesale distribution agreements with the goal of increasing their export activities in Japan. Participating companies included Asiga, Denanche Guam, Everything Guam, Kingfishers Noni, Local Jerk Guam, The Coconut Tree Company, and The Green Turtle Coffee. At the start of the trade mission, the Guam delegation visited Shizuoka Prefecture where they met with Shizuoka Governor Suzuki, Suguru Ban of the Shizuoka Prefecture Council and the Cross-party Parliamentary U.S. Japan Friendship League, members of the local Shizuoka government and business entities. We are grateful for the generosity extended to us by the companies, representatives, and governor of Shizuoka, said Ana Won Pat-Borja of Asiga. We witnessed how critical this time is for Guam to actively nurture relationships with places like Shizuoka and broader Japan to encourage exchanges in trade, education, and culture. With rigorous government support and strategic planning beyond the outstanding groundwork GEDA has set Guam has a fighting chance to open the doors for our businesses to thrive beyond our borders and at home. Inspired by Shizuokas green tea, we are proud to highlight Noni tea as one of Guams specialties, said Mihwa Kim of Kingfishers Noni. We look forward to introducing our islands unique flavors to more buyers and consumers, and to creating new opportunities for growth. Jeanne Bailey, U.S minister-counselor of agricultural affairs, hosted a reception for the Guam delegation at the U.S. Embassy with Japanese importers, companies, and media. The reception featured a Guam-inspired menu by Tokyo American Club Executive Chef Lindsay Gray and highlighted products of participating Guam businesses. From Guam to Tokyo, a bridge of flavors, traditions, and new collaborations with the USDA Agriculture Trade Office is must experience for the building blocks of the opportunities to come, said Marvin Crisostomo of Local Jerk. The trade mission culminated in Guams participation in the 38th Tokyo Gourmet Show, which is part of the larger Tokyo Gift Show. The Tokyo Gourmet Show is a cross-industrial trade show where businesses showcase their products to both Japanese and overseas buyers in the food and beverage industry. An estimated 30,000 visitors and 250 exhibitors were in attendance for this B2B trade show focused on sustainable and premium food products. Our experience in Japan has inspired us to create and collaborate with the companies we have made connections with so far, said Olivia Ferguson of Everything Guam. We hope these collaborations will lead to more opportunities to showcase Guam as a travel destination as well as export opportunities for us. With the Guam delegations participation this year, it was the first time that U.S.-based companies have been showcased at the Tokyo Gourmet Show. Participating in WUSATA and GEDA trade missions has been integral to our growth as a business, said Pika Fejeran of Denanche Guam. Meeting new consumers on these missions allows us to see our products through their eyes, which has helped us create stronger products and branding that resonates with the new market. ICE arrests child sex offender George Delos Santos U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested George Delos Santos, originally from the Philippines, on Aug. 27, 2025. Delos Santos was convicted of first-degree child sexual abuse in the CNMI and sentenced to 30 years in prison. ICE announced on social media: Meet George Delos Santos: Filipino child sex predator. His criminal history includes a 30-year prison sentence for first-degree child sexual abuse in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. ICE San Francisco arrested him Aug. 27, and hell remain in our custody pending removal proceedings. Delos Santos is being detained at the CNMI Department of Corrections. In a 2020 decision, the CNMI Supreme Court affirmed his conviction and sentence on July 10, 2020. According to court documents, Delos Santos, aged 55, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree. The Supreme Court also stated that Delos Santos is undocumented and may be subject to removal upon release. Delos Santos was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with five years suspended. He is eligible for parole after serving eight years and was also given ten years of supervised probation. Variety learned that ICE on Saipan has arrested other offenders, who are currently being detained at the CNMI Department of Corrections. Students protest PSS budget shortfall Students demonstrate on Isa Drive outside the Office of the Governor on Monday. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano HIGH school students on Monday gathered in front of the Office of the Governor on Capital Hill to protest the looming budget shortfall for the Public School System. Holding placards that read Students First, the students assembled at the Capital Hill softball field around 1:30 p.m. before marching to Isa Drive outside the administration building for a roadside protest. Edwin Sibucao Jr., a junior at Saipan Southern High School, said he learned at last weeks townhall meeting that PSS is facing a severe financial crisis. He said the students need to voice their concerns and tell the government that students are always first. Marianas High School ninth grader Savanna Andrea Rithwong said she joined to support her fellow high school students, particularly juniors and seniors. I think its unfair theyre going to cut some instructional days, she said. The reduction of instructional days will affect the required credits for students who plan to pursue higher education in the U.S. Community member Dorsha Moreno said she joined the protest because she believes the government should adequately fund education for the future of the CNMI. I am very proud of these young future leaders here, exercising their freedom of speech, she said. About 50 students participated in the protest. They were among those who attended last weeks townhall meetings conducted by PSS officials to inform parents and teachers about the cost-cutting measures that, according to Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, PSS will have to implement at the beginning of fiscal year 2026, on Oct. 1, 2025, if the central government allocates only $31.7 million. PSS had submitted a $49.2 million budget request The Senate Committee on Fiscal Affairs is scheduled to hold a budget hearing Tuesday to discuss the FY 2026 allocation of $31.7 million for PSS, pending the approval of a $29 million loan from the Marianas Public Land Trust. According to the House Committee on Ways and Means, the MPLT loan will be used to pay retirees pensions and free up $29 million in projected general fund revenue, allowing the administration to propose a supplemental budget for government agencies, including PSS. 10 Alaskans born in American Samoa face voting charges in a case highlighting citizenship issues A sign supporting citizenship for American Samoans is posted outside the Log Cabin Gifts store on the waterfront n Whittier, Alaska, May 13, 2025. AP WASHINGTON (AP) Ten Alaska residents faced arraignment Thursday on 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. 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. A grand jury on Tuesday last 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 expected in court Thursday afternoon while others planned to attend 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. Smiths 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. The 10 defendants in the separate case include Smiths 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, said more than half the defendants are in fact U.S citizens. Neil Weare, an attorney for Smith, 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. The Pacific Community of Alaska has urged Alaskas 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. Palau Community College opens new Science Building KOROR (PCC) Palau Community College marked a historic milestone with the official opening of its new Science Building, celebrated through a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on campus. The event highlighted PCCs ongoing commitment to enhancing educational resources and providing state-of-the-art facilities for science education. The ceremony brought together faculty, students, local officials, and community members, all eager to visit the modern facility. PCC President Dr. Patrick U. Tellei welcomed attendees and recognized the collaborative efforts that made the project possible. The new Science Building serves as a cornerstone for PCCs recently launched Bachelor of Science in Science degree program. Designed to support advanced learning, the facility features dry and wet laboratories, a Nursing Simulation Lab, faculty offices, and on its lower level, a lecture hall complete with an acoustic ceiling, stage, audio/control room, and backstage area. The third level houses eight classrooms equipped with smart boards, ensuring an interactive and modern learning environment. Safety and accessibility were prioritized with restrooms and fire safety features on every floor. The $2.5 million project was made possible through the generous support of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Distinguished guests included Surangel Whipps Jr., president of the Republic of Palau, and Jessica Lee, ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Palau, both of whom delivered special remarks. Calvin Ikesiil, director of the Bureau of Public Works, served as master of ceremonies, sharing detailed insights into the buildings design and specifications. Also in attendance were ministers, local congressional leaders, governors, High Chief Reklai, and other members of Rubekul Belau or Council of Chiefs, along with PCC faculty and students. Their presence underscored the importance of this achievement not only for the college but for the nation. The new Science Building represents our shared commitment to academic excellence and innovation, said Dr. Tellei. It strengthens our mission to empower students and address the educational needs of Palau and the communities we serve. With the completion of this new facility, PCC continues to advance its role as a leader in higher education, preparing students for future opportunities while supporting Palaus national development. OPINION Truth 141: Cutting the Future & the Subliminal Delegate Race! Ambrose M. Bennett THE Truth is every cut to education is a cut to the future of the CNMI and my complaint with the COE doesnt mean he is doing a bad job, just infected with CNMIs ugly blackballing politics. However, I cant remember this happening when Kilili was our Delegate, as he was always bringing money to the CNMI, especially for education. I can remember Arnold asking me what are your deliverables when discussing hiring me to reform the Cannabis & Hemp Industries and the same question applies to our Delegate, what about her deliverables. I warned OUR challenge might be more about her Republican Party than her, as Trump is not trying to help anyone other than his loyalists. And now there is clearly a subliminal (unofficial) race for Delegate, which Im sure is the reason Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero stated his intentions so early. While no direct blows have been thrown yet, it is clear that King-Hinds has a formidable opponent who will Say Something and given his record at Mt. Carmel & NMC, he will also Do Something if elected. But Ive been waiting to see what would happen with our Delegate wishing for success, but for me it has been more lawyer-talk than real deliverables. She has been addressing many Local issues that are really the job of the Governor which is a deflecting & gaslighting show not the deliverables like Kilili was so successful at doing FOR the CNMI. There is no doubt that Kilili set the standards for our Delegate to follow & live-up to and he also caucused with the Democrats in getting it done. But America & the CNMI are in a very different place ever before under Trump, as everything is about what Trump wants and Im sure WE, the CNMI, is not even on his list of priorities. If our Delegate can get Trump to do the CNMI a favor, as favoritism is his brand of governing, then she might have done well. However, WE the People must look-at and face the reality of the situation and its clear even on the mainland that the Democrats are our BEST hope, which is why I keep pounding on the heads of our Dems to wake-up and be TRUE to their conviction of being the Peoples Party. I also tried my BEST to support King-Hinds congratulating her offering KUDOS and my help with her Workforce Transition Plan. But she was only focused on CWs when WE were tasked with TRANSITIONING not HOW to keep CWs. She reminded me of telling students to READ the directions, as students are often bad at reading the directions and its clear our Delegate failed to read the directions, which is where we differed & probably the main reason she has displayed so much DISRESPECT for Ambrodamus. I submitted my suggestions to her for the Workforce Transitioning Plan but didnt get confirmation she even received it nor thanks, BUT she Claimed she wanted input, sad LOL! However, since I submitted my suggestions, WE havent heard anything about her Transitioning Plan, as shes avoiding accountability BY Ambrodamus. Recently our Delegate complained of the People (Republicans) in Congress not knowing about the CNMI and the other Insular Areas of America. Well, I submitted an Insular America Workbook to her that I had created for teachers which Kilili also used to purchase for the new members of Congress, but King-Hinds didnt even say thanks again, just pretended not to receive the booklet, so unprofessional. People know if I was a Republican she wouldve purchased the booklet. She thinks ignoring & being silent makes things go away, as I always try to talk or work with a leader before I am FORCED to bring the issue to the attention OF the People who hired them. She couldnt even say THANKS, which is why its clear to me that our Delegate has the Same-O Republican attitude that is going to be her downfall. She lawyered her way into office with lawyer-talk & reading sentimental poems and now Im seeing a deflecting & gaslighting show just like Trump to prevent voters from seeing her Failures to Deliver from Washington FOR the CNMI, as most voters know her real job is Deliverables from Our-Fathers-in-Washington, not playing Governor telling us what to do locally. FYI, WE the People should also be aware of the fact that the Democrats may well be in control of the House & Senate come 2026 changing the conditions to get help but WE wont look good with a Republican Delegate just a Political Fact for voters thought! However, WE are now seeing Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero coming forward with the TRUTH about how Trumps Republican administration was cutting funds and harming the CNMI with his Big Ugly Bill & Executive Order 14324 suspending duty-free de minimis for imported goods under 800 dollars that could cost ALL-of-us big time, not to mention the faltering mail delivery. Dr. Galvin, as students say, is laser focused on Our-fathers-in-Washington, which is the MAIN job of our Delegate to deliver FOR the CNMI, as Dr. Galvin is RIGHT about the use of Section 603 of OUR Covenant. But our Republican Delegate is NOT going to try and hold the Republicans accountable, as its now common knowledge that anyone in the Party who makes waves are immediately blackballed or worse. For me, its obvious a subliminal race for Delegate is underway and Dr. Galvin, appears to truly be a real White Night, (Independent), making a lot of common sense for voters to consider. The Delegates job is about what the Delegate can get Our-fathers-in-Washington to Do FOR the CNMI, not deflecting us with local issues. WE, self-included, thought it was smart to elect a Republican Delegate under a Republican Administration, but I KNEW Trump was the real challenge and most of us who are now awake & watching know our Republican Delegate is not delivering like Kilili used to Do FOR the CNMI. Dr. Galvin, the White Knight, may be our Best Hope in the lawyer v Dr. race come 2026! One People, One Direction. Ambrose M. Bennett is an Economist who minored in Sociology, a Political Scientist, a retired teacher & former CNMI Board of Education Member, a James Madison Fellow (U.S. Constitutional Scholar), a Fulbright-Hays-Lifetime Humanities & Religious Scholar who resides in Kagman III in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Photo: https://t.me/svyrydenkoy/ Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko, together with two ministers, has informed 60 heads of diplomatic missions about the consequences of the Russian shelling and showed the floors of the Cabinet of Ministers building damaged by the attack. "Together with Ihor Klymenko and Andriy Sybiha, we informed 60 heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Ukraine about the consequences of one of the largest Russian air attacks since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. We showed the floors of the Cabinet of Ministers building damaged by the Russian attack. The consequences are currently being eliminated here and work on covering the roof will begin soon," Svyrydenko said on Telegram. According to her, for Ukraine, the attack means a new stage of the war, when the enemy actually doubled the number of Shahed UAVs during strikes on civilians and energy infrastructure on the eve of winter, and now it is also targeting state institutions. "This is a clear signal that Russia does not want peace and openly mocks the diplomatic efforts of the civilized world. This is an existential war. Among those killed yesterday was a two-year-old child and a young mother. The Russians are killing our children, and therefore our future. We are grateful to all diplomats, your presence here this morning is a sign of support for us in our struggle for the existence of the state," she said. As Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha later noted, foreign diplomats were briefed, focusing not on the government building but on the destruction and casualties caused by the recent massive Russian attack across Ukraine, including Kyiv, Sumy, Kremenchuk, Odesa, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Zaporizhia. "We emphasized to our foreign colleagues that with such barbaric attacks, Russia is rejecting peace efforts and diplomacy. Therefore, to achieve peace, it is necessary to increase sanctions on Moscow and strengthen Ukraine. I am grateful to all the foreign diplomats who condemned Russian terror and affirmed their governments' readiness to take concrete steps to support our country and pressure Moscow," he said on X. Calaveras, CA The Calaveras County Sheriffs Office is highlighting unresolved investigations during September, which is Cold Case Month, including the disappearances of Jeffrey Askren in 1984 and Mark Norman Dantche in 2015, and is asking the public to come forward with any information. Jeffrey Askren was 30 years old when he went missing on May 1, 1984. He never arrived at work in Santa Clara, and days later his red 1978 Honda Accord was found abandoned on Winton Road, east of West Point. Snow covered the ground but showed no footprints. Investigators discovered a camera lens cover near the car and a tripod inside. Askren was known to carry camera gear, but no other items or signs of him were found. He had red hair, blue eyes, stood 5-foot-9, and weighed 150 pounds. He would be 72 years old today. Mark Dantche, 45 at the time, was last seen on May 30, 2015, in the Railroad Flat area. He had planned to go fishing near West Point that evening. He was driving a blue 1996 Subaru with a yellow kayak strapped to the roof and a dent in the front passenger fender. The vehicle bore California license plate 4YMF103. Neither Dantche, his vehicle, nor the kayak has been seen since. He would be 56 today. Anyone with information about either disappearance is asked to call the Calaveras County Sheriffs Office Anonymous Tip Line at (209) 754-6030. More information about the Cold Case Task Force can be found here. Defense spending by EU member states is now projected to reach 381 billion euros this year, up over last years record of 343 billion. Despite all the money being burned at the altar of Project Ukraine, sober analysts conclude that European nations are woefully ill-equipped to successfully do much of any fighting there and no amount of money is going to change that for the foreseeable future. There are a variety of reasons for that, which we have been well covered and we wont go into here. But all the additional weaponry and surveillance goodies that arent immediately tossed into the corrupt pit of death that is Ukraine could be more likely to be used on an increasingly discontented population rather than against Russia. Were already seeing it happen. Militarized police are roughing up anti-genocide protestors in Berlin, in Cologne they just injured dozens participating in an anti-war march, which is now a weekly occurrence in Germany. there are draconian crackdowns on speech where the police are raiding the homes of anti-genocide and free speech protest organizers and charging them with terrorism offenses. And in most EU countries, the war on terror has already been used as a pretext to put soldiers on the streets and reinforce state repression as terrorists and protestors against social inequality become synonymous in the eyes of the ruling class. In France where the economy is falling apart and workers bear the brunt of the pain, weve seen militarization of the police and frequent use of armored vehicles to help quell protests. And the army in the past had authorization to shoot yellow vest protestors. Those protests might look like childs play once the current European leadership is finished decimating national economies with endless self-destructive decisions all stemming from a ruling class dream to balkanize Russia. In the name of that goal, they have replaced cheap and affordable energy with the expensive kind, killed industry, engaged in economic warfare with much of the rest of the world in a failed bid to isolate Moscow, and become completely beholden to American vultures. And its likely only to get worse. Will Backlash Intensify as War on Workers Does? Even the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) admits that the public is not on board with the whole ruling class militarization fever dream, and while it recommends media efforts to sway them, none have been effective enough over the past three years. ECFR also provides some communication tips, such as promising that guns will equal butter, but were already seeing that those promises will not become reality. What happens when that realization sets in among the public as standards of living continue to decline? If we take a closer look at EU elite obsession with competitiveness, much of it is simply code for a war on workers. The big prescriptions in a Mario Draghi report requested by Ursulas European Commission last yearmany of which are already being adopted incrementally by national governmentsinclude the following: Less Labor Law for Innovative Companies Free Rein to AI and Tech Start Ups More Disruption Learn from Hyper-globalization which Decimated Labor by Embracing AI in an effort to Decimate Labor Overhaul Education Skills Investment With a Focus on Training Workers to Become Productive Tools for Capital And continue to slice away at the welfare state through budget cuts and privatizations that, of course, increase competitiveness. Yes, the peace dividend is finally over, the vultures declare. They should know as they were the ones who ended it. Yet, oddly enough, the knockout blow to European competitivenesssevering itself from the East and deciding to become evermore reliant on the USrarely gets a mention from the people who decided on such a course of action. And now European and transnational capital say workers must sacrifice more and social systems be destroyed in the name of competitiveness. One wonders whether the welfare states are the cost of the failed Project Ukraine wager or they were part of the target all along. Either way the panic over the bill is being used to pursue privatizations, benefits cuts, public money transfers to defense industries, and a more exploitable workforce. We should be moving to a four day work week, not a six day one. Forty percent or more of of jobs are either pointless or actively harmless. Get rid of them to start. https://t.co/Ubdr4Q5VCi Ian Welsh (@iwelsh) July 2, 2024 Outfits like the ECFR can provide an uplifting guns vs. butter communication strategy, but the real deal EU rulers are imposing is clear: More work for less butter to compensate for our mistakes and so we can buy more guns that might eventually be used against you to force you to do what we say. The War at Home Is Here A dimwit elite obsessed with military toys that will be useless on the Eurasian Steppe. Economies that no longer function for the working class. A ramp up of the welfare state bust out. Meanwhile, business is good for some. Profit margins for Weapon and Ammunition at Rheinmetall went up from 23% to 28.5% from 2023 to 2024. Of every Euro in public money spent on weapons from Rheinmetall, the company makes 28.5% return on sales, quite spectacular even compared to other Rheinmetall business. pic.twitter.com/SvKmjNcB30 Isabella M Weber (@IsabellaMWeber) April 28, 2025 How long until this sight is more common? Tanks rolling into Brussels downtown park on a sunny Sunday, right by the European Commission. Whats this military exhibition really about? Are we prepping for war or just showing off? Whos the enemyRussia, China, or some vague threat? pic.twitter.com/cwya2JD7M6 Eldar Mamedov (@EldarMamedov4) April 27, 2025 As NC reader Munchausen notes about the above tanks: Those are not tanks, but lightly armored wheeled vehicles. Useful against insurgents and civilians, not so much in case Russia/China visits with real tanks. That should answer the Whos the enemy? question. And many of the preparations being made ostensibly for war with Russia could also apply to war with their own citizenry. For example, in Germany the Bundeswehr are paying visits to districts to help prepare them for whats described as the growing possibility of war on German soil. According to CORRECTIV, these planning sessions are focused on identifying critical infrastructure to be guarded and ways to intercept saboteurs. All the planning is ostensibly about transforming the country into a logistical hub supplying the Eastern front, but this Operation Plan Deutschland also notes how the mindset of the population is one of the greatest challenges. Much less visible and perhaps more worrisome, however, is the proliferation of secret state surveillance. These dystopian tools are increasingly being used against European journalists, politicians, organizers, immigrants, and protestors as the EU draws inspiration and expertise from their favorite genocidaires in Israel. Those committing genocide are also beneficiaries of all the increased EU spending on defense. As Nate Bear recently pointed out, the EU has given Israeli technology start-ups run by ex-IDF soldiers nearly half a billion euros in research grants since the start of the Gaza genocide. And the same surveillance and population control tech used by Israel on Palestinians is being adopted by European governments. Who are they going to use it against? Lets take a look. Rome-based RCS, considered a competitor of Israeli NSOs Pegasus, has its Hermit spyware, which can be used to remotely activate a phones microphone, as well as record calls, access messages, call logs, contacts, photos and other sensitive data. And its already widely in use in the EU. Italy, which is a spyware hub of Europe, has other companies like Memento Labs, formerly known as Hacking Team; and IPS-Intelligence, which are used by European governments. And there are others popping up, such as Invasys, a Czech firm offering its offensive cyber program Kelpie with the ability to access fully encrypted communications apps after hacking into iPhones and Android. No doubt there will be more with the ramp up of defense spending. So we can look forward to more of whats been going on in Greece. It was there that journalists and a member of the European Parliamentand at the time, the leading candidate to take over Greeces center-left partywere targeted by Predator spyware, a product of the companies Intellexa, based in Greece, and North Macedonia-based Cytroxboth with ties to Israel Defense Force intelligence. A European Parliament report from last year shows the blocs secret state surveillance problem goes far beyond Pegasus and Predator. A few takeaways: Member States are not just customers of commercial spyware vendors, they also have other, different roles in the spyware trade. Some host spyware vendors, some are the preferred destination for finance and banking services, and yet others offer citizenship and residency to protagonists of the industry. concerns have been raised about certain countries permissive intelligence frameworks, ineffective checks, lax oversight practices and political interference. Spyware is clearly also used by law enforcement, not just by intelligence agencies. There are serious concerns about the admissibility in court of such material as evidence in the context of EU police and justice cooperation, including within Europol and Eurojust, if such information were to originate from investigation methods applied without proper judicial oversight. Depending on the national legislation, the use of spyware is legitimate in investigations under judicial oversight. It can be safely assumed that authorities in all Member States use spyware in one way or another, some legitimate, some illegitimate. Spyware may be acquired directly, or through a proxy, broker company or middleman. There may also be arrangements for specific services, instead of actually purchasing the software. Additional services may be offered, such as training of staff or the provision of servers. Spyware is not to be seen in isolation, but as part of a wide range of products and services offered in an expanding and lucrative global market. It is important to realise that the purchase and use of spyware is very costly, running into millions of euros. But in many Member States this expenditure is not included in the regular budget, and it may thus escape scrutiny. The EU is ramping up AI-driven population control intelligence, which has become notorious in Israel-Palestine. A host of companies claim they can detect suspicious behavior or other anomalies in all the data being vacuumed up. For example, Israeli firm Toka Cyber has started to land contracts with European governments. According to Haaretz, it straddles the world of active cyber and so-called passive intelligence: The company is secretive about its tech and when approached they refused to provide any details of their activities. When reminded that Haaretz revealed last year that the firm sells tech that hacks into security cameras and even alters their video feeds for intelligence and operational needs, Tokas representatives responded: allegedly. Cobwebs, an Israeli firm which specializes in collecting data from across all social media, even scraping content from those that self-delete after a set period of time, was used by Israel as part of its attempt to identify and subsequently kill Palestinians. It was acquired by American private equity firm Spire Capital in 2023 and develops cyber intelligence solutions for enforcement bodies, national security agencies, and financial services across the world, but with a particular focus on the U.S. and Western Europe. Its easy to see why Spire was attracted to that cash cow. Investors are licking their chops at all the opportunities as governments shovel public money into into the military-industrial-tech complex. There are a whole slate of attractive investment opportunities, according to Taylor Wessing, a global law firm that serves the worlds most innovative people and businesses (and notice how all of these technologies could be used for those innovative people against the lowly, non-innovative workers): Unmanned systems. Automated reconnaissance and surveillance. Predictive maintenance. Advanced data analytics and fusion. Predictive decision-making. Deception and counter-deception. As Taylor Wessing notes, the shift from hardware-centric to software-driven defence systems like AI-powered solutions for command and control, data analytics, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and autonomous decision-making is a major trend. And European defense champions like Thales, Leonardo, Saab and Hensoldtas well as smaller, new entrantsare rushing to meet the demand created by a European ruling class gone mad. While Israel has its Palestine Laboratory, EU countries have mostly fine tuned their surveillance, imprisonment tech, and AI predictive systems on migrants and refugees. As Patrick Breyer, a European lawmaker with the German Pirate Party who took the EU to court to uncover the secrets of its AI-powered lie detection systems, argued: What we are seeing at the borders, and in treating foreign nationals generally, is that its often a testing field for technologies that are later used on Europeans as well, he told the Associated Press. And thats why everyone should care, in their own self-interest. Breyers argument has proven correct as European governments are now using facial recognition, IMSI catchers, drones, and AI predictive policing against protestors, which means these governments are largely indistinguishable from so many of those authoritarian regimes they wax on about. How much more will they begin to resemble their favorite democracy in Israel? There we get to see livestreamed the reliance on more brutal forms of control and extermination necessitated by a ruling class unquenchable thirst for plunder of assets and people. One can see similarities too in the mix of panic and paranoia with bloodlust and a sense of infallibility between the Zionist elite and the mania gripping the European ruling class. This warning from few years ago looks increasingly accurate: As protests pick up and we see the UK and other countries across Europe invest heavily in population control surveillance and go after anti-genocide, anti-war and labor organizers, it brings back memories of one of the most chilling quotes from an Israeli human rights lawyer in Antony Loewensteins book The Palestine Laboratory: Because of surveillance tech, a country can avoid massacring protestors now. Today, were able to identify and stop surveillance of the next Nelson Mandela before he even knows hes Nelson Mandela. Well see. The tech tyrants always overestimate the capabilities of their products. Do you surveil and stop hundreds? Thousands? More? Lets end on an optimistic take: When Tiger Conservation Overlooks Human Lives Sapiens Feds slate purge of checkerboard wild horses despite court ruling, sparking new lawsuit Laramie Boomerang Climate/Environment Pandemics Retinal Microvascular Changes Associated with Covid-19: A Retrospective Case Series Chinees retrospective cross-sectional study( 3666 outpatients, 2022-2023) YOUR EYES! COVID- 19- associated retinal microvasculopathy likely represents a PERSISTENT complication of pic.twitter.com/Gic7xqhuov Harry Spoelstra (@HarrySpoelstra) September 7, 2025 Do I Have to Go Abroad for a COVID Booster? MedPage Today Japan India China? Old Blighty 890 arrested at London protest in support of Palestine Action, say police Anadolu Agency BREAKING | 1,339 people have now been arrested on terrorism charges in 2025, with almost all of them busted for holding signs at pro-Palestine protests. This is more than any year on record, by far. (Source: Home Office) pic.twitter.com/c7Al12DYHa Stats for Lefties (@LeftieStats) September 7, 2025 Will Corbyn allow Zionists to sabotage him again? Asa Winstanley Syraqistan Trump threatens Hamas with consequences unless it accepts his ceasefire plan, claiming Israel already agreed. But according to Israeli media, the plan wasnt crafted in DC. It was made in Israel, sent to Trump nicely by phone, and now hes stamping it Made in USA. pic.twitter.com/urqoOeMBkq DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) September 7, 2025 Around 200,000 demonstrators marched today in Brussels, demanding an immediate ceasefire and more humanitarian aid for Palestinians facing genocide in Gaza. The protest comes as famine in the strip worsens, with the UN warning of catastrophic conditions pic.twitter.com/mwhlG8UrlQ Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) September 7, 2025 How it started How it ended Holocaust Museum LA gave in to the Zionists pressure Never again is only for them pic.twitter.com/yGR1v67DYT Abier (@abierkhatib) September 6, 2025 *** Iran turns to China, Russia to bolster air defenses as it preps for next Israel war Al Monitor European Disunion Feminist foreign policy is when you support genocide but wear stilettos while doing it Lily Lynch (@lilyslynch) September 5, 2025 New Not-So-Cold War Russian attack this night with reported 805 drones & 13 missiles was largest in this war. 2 civilians are reported killed. Strike hit primarily industrial plants, critical infrastructure & undisclosed targets in Kyiv, Kremenchuk, Odesa. Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia & other https://t.co/S55W25EyIj pic.twitter.com/KJKupiifed Ivan Katchanovski (@I_Katchanovski) September 7, 2025 This is bollocks and wishful thinking. The russian central bank just brought out its medium term outlook, which is closely watched and usually highly accurate. So the economy is not doing well at the moment, but its not doing that badly either. Itll have a hard year this https://t.co/keMB6W4xXO BenAris (@bneeditor) September 7, 2025 South of the Border I think this thread tells you everything you need to know about JD Vance and the way he views law and order. Pathetic. He should be impeached for this tweet. https://t.co/nHzMeRTLDx pic.twitter.com/210AJLznov Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) September 6, 2025 The Venezuelan boat and crew destroyed in an extrajudicial drone execution under Rubio-Trump orders was not heading to the US The boat was a Panga with a range of ~100 miles and 4 outboard motors that get about 5-7 miles per gallon Reaching Florida would have been impossible https://t.co/I6hMj8spnp Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) September 7, 2025 Three points: 1. The Chinese, Russians, and Iranians now have every incentive to push as much war materiel into Venezuela as possible. Im sure theyd love to see Miami eating ballistics. 2. This operation was obviously cobbled together on very short notice. Nobody was even https://t.co/5mjzl3qJ4W pic.twitter.com/9NHYFRHUHv Armchair Warlord (@ArmchairW) September 7, 2025 Trump 2.0 Liberation Day Per the FT, manufacturing is in the worst economic position of any sector of the economy atm. The US has lost 78,000 manufacturing jobs so far in 2025. Those tariffs sure are working great. pic.twitter.com/J1aQxw0RQs Hunter (@StatisticUrban) September 7, 2025 White House promises better economy by years end Regular Order by Jamie Dupree The Dismal Science Ideas Have Consequences The Impact of Law and Economics on American Justice The Quarterly Journal of Economics Police State Watch BREAKING: Masked agents grabbed U.S. citizens protesting ICE in Chicago and shoved them into an unmarked van. Who are you? Youre kidnapping them! witnesses screamed. ICE says they detained 3 protesters and released them without charges. WTF. pic.twitter.com/ugTy34h4mx CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) September 7, 2025 Democrats en deshabille The Elephants in the Room: Why Big Tech Oligarchs Love Abundance Liberty and Power Anyone with illusions in the Democratic Party should listen to this crazed, Russia and China-hating war-mongering speech by former CIA agent and now Michigan senator, Elissa Slotkin. She calls for a new Manhattan Project to prepare for the wars of the future. https://t.co/NGoCT7SlSj David North (@DavidNorthWSWS) September 6, 2025 Imperial Collapse Watch Accelerationists Immigration 2/ The language in local media is visceral. Chosun Ilbo: Built tens of trillions [KRW] factories for America to then get slapped as illegal immigrants. News1: Told us to invest, then treated us as illegal immigrants. This isnt about law, its about perceived duplicity. pic.twitter.com/UalB9mNuIs Raphael Rashid (@koryodynasty) September 6, 2025 Trump shows S Korea whos boss with Hyundai plant raid Asia Times AI Sports Desk A pro wrestler, an MMA fighter and the staged fight that turned into a bloody battle LA Times Groves of Academe So 4m ago Sir John Bell goes on BBC R4 to laud this new apparently philanthropic Ellison Institute that he is leading. Three months later Bell is deposed, the Institute is actually Ellison Inc, for profit, and Oxbridge scientists are being bought out en masse, with a pub to https://t.co/rplpEfJAB7 Anthony Costello (@globalhlthtwit) September 7, 2025 Healthcare? Class Warfare Why do we collect things? Cazadora Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. By Richard Murphy, Professor of Accounting Practice at Sheffield University Management School and a director of the Corporate Accountability Network. Originally published at Funding the Future Stablecoins are being sold as safe, secure cryptocurrencies. In reality, they are shadow banking in disguise with the same risks that nearly destroyed the global economy in 2008. Nobel Prizewinning economist Jean Tirole is worried, and so am I. If these private tokens collapse, the public will pick up the bill. Its time to call stablecoins what they are: a threat to financial stability and democracy. Stablecoins could crash our economy. Now, admittedly, they will probably crash the US economy before they crash the UK economy, but once one economy crashes, most follow on. And stablecoins are a fundamental threat to our financial stability at present. Lets be clear what stablecoins are. They are simply a form of cryptocurrency that are supposedly asset-backed. In other words, if you buy a stablecoin, and $280 billion has been invested in these things at this moment, then you buy an asset that is supposedly backed by US government bonds, and therefore, they are secure. The emptiness of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is avoided, supposedly, as a consequence, but as Nobel Prize-winning economist Jean Tirole said recently, he is very, very worried by stablecoins. And hes right to be so, because although people talk about them as if they are money, they are not. They carry no guarantee from any government. And worse still, theyre not subject to any real supervision. The danger is simple. When they collapse, and they may well do so, taxpayers are very likely to be forced to pick up the bill. Tirole issued his warning in an interview with the Financial Times when he said that there is insufficient supervision of stablecoins. Its a point Ive made on this channel before now, and Im glad to see somebody like him joining in, because what hes saying is that the whole multi-billion-dollar stablecoin market is at risk of failing, and that could create a future financial crisis, and I really do not think he is over-egging his claim. If depositors, whether retail or institutional, believe that theyre holding safe deposits, and that is the impression that they are given, then, when everything goes wrong, they will demand a government rescue. And governments fearing contagion and public anger will, at that time, probably have no choice but to intervene. Now, what are the parallels? Stablecoin recreates the dangers of shadow banking that we saw before the 2008 financial crash. They pretend to be fully backed assets, just as the bonds that were marketed at that time claimed to be. But the risk is that the US Treasury bonds, that stablecoin funds are supposedly invested in, provide too low a yield in real terms to provide the backing for those who promote these funds, and they will therefore abandon this form of asset backing and instead go for riskier assets with higher returns. At that point, the very idea of stability, which is implicit in the name stablecoin, will disappear, and one shock could collapse the whole system. Im already aware of the risk to US financial markets from the overvaluation of tech companies as a consequence of AI. The S&P 500 is massively overvalued, as is the FTSE 100 in the UK. But stablecoins exaggerate this risk and elevate it to a different plane. And thats particularly the case because of the political involvement in stablecoins. Lets be clear. The US administration from Donald Trump onwards is heavily invested in stablecoins. In fact, in many cases, much of their personal wealth will be dependent upon the success of the stablecoin market. As a consequence, they are likely to understate the need for effective regulation. Weak regulation is already a problem, but its going to get worse with cronyism, corruption and inevitable disaster, potentially following. And the scale of the problem is big. Ive already mentioned $280 billion is now held in so-called stablecoins, and thats not trivial. It is a systemically significant sum equivalent to the size of a major bank failure. And when we know that major bank failures were the cause of the 2008 financial crisis, the world could not afford Lehman to go, as happened, then we can see that this is something that could unravel and could unravel fast, creating the pressure for a taxpayer-funded bailout. Stablecoins, however, do something even worse than bank failures did. They actually link themselves to the US dollar. But at the same time, they are not dollars. They are not money, but they undermine, by the way in which theyre issued, the ability of the government and central banks to control money. Effectively, theyre creating a parallel private currency, and they shift control over money creation to private speculators and crypto-oligarchs as a consequence. That means democratic states could lose the ability to run their own economic policies. And when we look at who is behind these currencies, we might believe that this is deliberate because, remember, the far-right and some crypto enthusiasts in the USA are closely related. And the far-right has no love for the US state or the state in any other country , or the power that it has over economies. So is the risk another 2008? Could we have a repeat of the financial breakdown of that year when shadow banking nearly destroyed the global financial system? The answer is, of course, that is possible. Private actors now chasing high returns, just as they did in 2008, when regulators looked the other way, could exploit the current situation when regulators are going to be doing exactly the same thing under pressure from the Trump administration. When the bubble burst, governments bailed out the system in 2008. The risk is that the same might happen now. This risk is something that we have to understand. Finance loves to dress old risks in new language and call them innovation. Stablecoins are just another form of unregulated deposit-taking, in fact. They arent innovative. There is nothing genuinely new about them, or in pretending that private tokens are as safe as state-backed money. All the gains go to speculators. The losses will be dumped on the public. And stablecoins arent just a technical issue. That risk of failure also makes them a democratic one. If private money creation replaces public authority, accountability disappears. The economic policy risk that could flow from this, as a consequence of the greed of oligarchs and their political patrons, is to the whole idea of elected government. Stablecoins erode democratic sovereignty and hand control to unaccountable elites. So, regulators must stop pretending that stablecoins are harmless experiments. They must recognise them for what they are: systemic risks in the making. And governments should not allow the private minting of tokens that mimic safe deposits. Every single stablecoin must come with the most prominent government-issued economic health warning because they really do require them. The fact is, money is and must remain a public good managed under democratic authority. And that is the role of democracy. The debate is not about financial stability. It is about political power. Who controls money creation, governments or private speculators? Stablecoin has tilted power away from democracy, at the time being, towards oligarchs and political insiders. Now we have to be honest. There is a fight on our hands as to who is to run our economies and in whose interests. Jean Tirole is right in that sense to be very, very worried, as he said he was to the Financial Times. But you dont need to be a Nobel laureate to be so. Stablecoins are shadow banking with new branding, cronyism, plus systemic risk, in other words. The path that they set us on is one to bailouts, lost sovereignty, and weakened democracy. If we value stability and democracy, governments must act now to shut them down, whatever those who are making a supposed fortune at present from those who are depositing funds, which are put at risk as a consequence, will say. The technocrats, the oligarchs, and those who are exploiting the weaknesses of regulation have to be prevented from destroying a great deal that is of value in our societies. Photo: depositphotos The volume of Indian diesel fuel on the domestic market does not exceed 10% despite the exaggerated estimates currently circulating in society, said Serhiy Kuyun, director of the A-95 consulting company. "There is a rumor about the supply of Indian diesel fuel. According to those posts, we are almost drowning in it. In fact, as much as 10% of the market!" he wrote on Facebook. According to Kuyun, a certain surge in the supply of the Indian product (up to 14%) was observed in July of this year. "Because in June, Kremenchuk refinery was completely destroyed That's why the market ran to buy up what was there. And India was there. We don't bring it, international traders bring it to Turkey and Romania, we already buy what is there," he noted. According to the director of A-95, during the July surge in demand for it, a certain batch of Indian diesel even reached enterprises subordinate to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, and the reason for this was the purchase of fuel by the state enterprise DOT according to Soviet standards. In particular, one of the DOT requirements for diesel is a flash point of 62 degrees, while in Europe this indicator is not standardized at all, but usually is 55 degrees. Diesel fuel with a flash point of 62 degrees is produced for Ukraine by Polish Orlen, and was also produced by Kremenchuk refinery. "And it happened that when the plant was destroyed, there was nowhere to get Soviet fuel. And here India appears with the necessary characteristics! Even more than 62, everything as the Ministry of Defense and the DOT like! This is needed for ship fuel, and we have a lot of ships," Kuyun explained. He noted that India, like Slovakia, Hungary and Turkey, are countries that import Russian raw materials and petroleum products. At the same time, they import products from other directions, and all certificates for diesel fuel when imported into Ukraine have a separate note "Not produced from Russian oil." "We are an integral part of the European energy market and we buy what Europe buys. We cannot buy anything else because we do not have our own seaports," the expert added. In his opinion, the West, in order to increase pressure on the Russian Federation, needs to move from words to deeds, namely, to start monitoring the implementation of its own sanctions, and not threaten new ones, which will not work again without monitoring. "We need to physically slow down the shadow fleet that travels the European seas without insurance, technical inspections, etc.," the director of A-95 emphasized. As Donald Trump threatens to hit Chicago with the imperial boomerang, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson fights back with an executive order that contrasts sharply with the reaction of Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. Lets start with a Trump meme and Illinois Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworths response: Take off that Cavalry hat, you draft dodger. You didnt earn the right to wear it. Stolen valor at its worst. pic.twitter.com/tJ1KdA6lU6 Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) September 6, 2025 Duckworths focus on Trumps hat in the AI generated meme drew criticism from Ken Klippenstein among others for completely missing the point. Klippenstein said, This is everything thats wrong with the opposition party. They obsess over rules while completely missing the main point, in this case a federal invasion of a major American city. After having covered Gavin Newsoms legalist response to Trumps militarization of Los Angeles, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnsons executive order to resist the federal incursion was a new twist. Heres what Johnson told CNN: We may see militarized immigration enforcement. We may also see National Guard troops. We may even see active duty military and armed vehicles in our streets. We have not called for this. Our people have not asked for this, but nevertheless, we find ourselves having to respond to this, Johnson said before signing the executive order on Saturday. But the actual executive order (PDF) was somewhat less bellicose, per these quotes from the accompanying press release: The work of the Protecting Chicago Initiative will include, but is not limited to: Ensuring accessible information is made readily available regarding residents rights when encountering potential immigration enforcement activities occurring at or near schools, hospitals, homeless shelters, places of worship and other sensitive locations. This information will be developed in direct response to the Trump Administrations rescission of long-standing policy that prohibited immigration enforcement actions in sensitive areas. Directing coordination with Departments and agencies, community, business and philanthropic partners, and the faith-based community, to identify and address community needs resulting from the threats of federal law enforcement and military deployment as well as federal budget cuts that drastically reduce funding for vital programs, including Medicaid and SNAP. Regularly submitting Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including but not limited to the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to obtain information related to federal immigration enforcement activity within the city. Cooperating with consular officers serving Chicagoans to document federal law enforcement activity and ensure that residents are exposed to Know Your Rights materials. Mayor Johnsons executive order ensures the Chicago Police Department will remain a locally controlled law enforcement agency under the authority of the City of Chicago. The order calls upon all federal law enforcement and U.S. Armed Forces personnel to abide by the policies laid out in municipal law and operational requirements of constitutional policing if they operate in Chicago. In the interest of community safety and accountability Mayor Johnsons executive order urges all federal law enforcement and U.S. armed forces commanding offices and personnel who may be ordered to operate in Chicago adhere to the following policies and operational requirements CPD officers uphold everyday: In Chicago, law enforcement cannot wear any mask, covering, or disguise intended to conceal their identities from the public while performing their official duties. Personnel must legally wear body cameras and activate those cameras during all law enforcement-related activities during which the officer is interacting with a member of the public. Personnel must legally display identifying information in a clearly visible fashion. This should include the name of the federal agency, last name, and badge number of the federal law enforcement officer, or the armed forces members last name and rank, respectively. Mayor Johnson also took to the op-ed pages of The New York Times to justify his crime policies and argue that Trumps military intervention isnt needed. Heres a sample of Johnsons argument: For much of the last six decades, Chicagos leaders have pursued various tough on crime strategies targeting guns, drugs and gangs. Despite the significant resources devoted to these strategies, sustained reductions in crime proved elusive. This is why I push back when people make it seem as though adding an arbitrary number of police officers or armed soldiers will solve the problem. If it were that easy, we would have solved the issue of violence a long time ago. My administration has managed to make progress in crime reduction with three interconnected strategies: effective and law-abiding policing, violence prevention and addressing the root causes of crime. Johnson is explaining while Trump is acting and seems to be completely missing the point. Trump doesnt care about street crime or effective policy responses. Trump is using these military interventions to intimidate Democratic elected officials and residents of blue cities. For what its worth, Johnsons executive order contrasts strongly with the executive order (PDF) Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser issued in response to Trumps federal takeover of law enforcement in her city. The Hill summarized: The president and White House communications staff have praised Bowser for her positive response to the federal takeover of the districts law enforcement and the new agreement. Im very proud of Washington, Trump said after Bowser signed the Tuesday order. It can be used as a template. The measure created the Safe and Beautiful Emergency Operations Center (SBEOC), which is expected to be run by the city and work alongside the presidents Safe and Beautiful Task Force, which was launched in March, to promote public safety. Agencies involved in the joint operations include the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, U.S. Park Police, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Capitol Police and the U.S. Secret Service. Bowser said the SBEOC will handle requests submitted to federal partners which include promoting traditional policing practices such as not wearing masks, clearly identifying their agency and providing identification during arrests and encounters with the public. In fairness to Bowser, her strategy seems to be set on precluding a Congressional emergency act that would extend Trumps takeover beyond 30 days, via Politico: I want the message to be clear to the Congress, we have a framework to request or use federal resources in our city, Bowser told reporters at a press conference Wednesday. We dont need a presidential emergency. The federal government has unique and broad powers in the nations capital that it doesnt in other cities. But the Home Rule Act, the 1970s law that gave the city limited self-governance, only allows the president to commandeer city police for 30 days without congressional approval. The mayors Tuesday executive order empowers Washingtons new Safe and Beautiful Emergency Operations Center to ensure coordination with federal law enforcement to the maximum extent allowable by law within the District. But as she faces criticism from many city residents and relative praise from the White House for working with the federal government throughout its surge Bowser says her executive order is the citys only way out of an unprecedented period of federal control. Let me tell you, without equivocation, that the mayors order does not extend the Trump emergency, Bowser told reporters at a Wednesday press conference. In fact, it does the exact opposite. What it does is lays out a framework for how we will exit the emergency. The emergency ends on September 10. Nonetheless, the optics of Bowsers response to Trump has drawn local criticism, from the WaPo: A contingent of D.C. lawmakers and a coalition of 100 local organizations accused her of appeasing Trump and undermining the citys ability to handle its own affairs after she expressed appreciation for the surge of federal officers on city streets. The criticism only intensified after she issued a directive ordering local police to coordinate with federal law enforcement indefinitely. it remains unclear how different D.C. streets will look if Trumps emergency control of D.C.s police department expires Wednesday. While the White House would no longer be able to force local police to comply with specific requests, Bowser would still be powerless to stop roadside checkpoints and raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. National Guard troops are still expected to patrol the city for months. Bowsers critics fear her continued collaboration with Trump could further erode the citys self-government, already limited because Congress has final say over its budget and laws. No doubt, Trumps reaction on Truth social has likely upset Bowsers critics as much as anything: Wow! Mayor Muriel Bowser of D.C. has become very popular because she worked with me and my great people in bringing CRIME down to virtually NOTHING in D.C. Her statements and actions were positive, instead of others like Pritzker, Wes Moore, Newscum, and the 5% approval rated Mayor of Chicago, who spend all of their time trying to justify violent Crime, instead of working with us to completely ELIMINATE it, which we have done in Washington, D.C., NOW A CRIME FREE ZONE. Wouldnt it be nice to say that about Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and even the Crime Drenched City of Baltimore??? It can happen, and it can happen FAST! Work with us!!! Mayor Bowsers ratings have gone up, in a short period of time, 25%, and the people of D.C. are thanking her for stopping crime wherever she goes. Its not a miracle, its hard work, courage, and being SMART. The top Law Enforcement Officer in L.A. said, during the riots, and when I sent the troops in early, that they couldnt have done it without us. They were completely overwhelmed! If we hadnt gone in early, on top of the Palisades plus fires, L.A. would have lost the Olympics. Congratulations to Mayor Muriel Bowser, but dont go Woke on us. D.C. is a GIANT VICTORY that never has to end!!! In contrast to Bowser, Chicago Mayor Johnson has support from Illinois Senatorial delegation and its Governor J.B. Pritzker, whos bravely taking to social media to voice his opposition: This is not about fighting crime. This is about Donald Trump trying to intimidate Americans and his political rivals into submission. It will not work, and we wont back down. pic.twitter.com/Q4lmPIv5mM JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) August 27, 2025 The Chicago Tribune had more on Trumps plans and Pritzkers reactions: n the face of continued and confusing threats that Chicago would be subjected to a federal incursion over immigration and crime, Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday sought to brace Chicagoans for a spike in raids from federal authorities and even potentially the National Guard in coming days. Lets be clear, the terror and cruelty is the point, not the safety of anyone living here, Pritzker said at a 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 thinks Trump plans to deploy armed military personnel to Chicagos streets and direct immigration enforcement agents to raid Latino communities in the coming weeks. The deployments would look similar to recent actions the Trump administration took in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., Pritzker said, citing conversations with unnamed sources and journalists, though he acknowledged the administrations plans are blanketed in rumors and speculation, and the governor blamed Washington for a lack of coordination. The governors announcement in Chicago came just hours after Trump told reporters in Washington that it was a matter of when not if he would send members of the National Guard into Chicago over the citys crime problem. Well, were going in. I didnt say when were going in, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Look, I have an obligation. This isnt a political thing. I have an obligation when we lose, when 20 people are killed over the last two and a half weeks, and 75 are shot with bullets. But Pritzker countered that the move was not only political but authoritarian, adding that he specifically has reason to believe that the Trump administration has already begun staging the Texas National Guard for deployment in Illinois. The Texas Military Department didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on Pritzkers remarks, but in a published report in the Houston Chronicle Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts office disputed the claim. Yesterday, Trump attempted to clarify his intentions, per ABC 7 Chicago: President Donald Trump was adamant with reporters on Sunday that were not going to war with Chicago, after he shared a post on Saturday with a caption that reads, Chicago about to find out why its called the Department of WAR. Were not going to war. Were going to clean up our cities, Trump said. Were going to clear them up so they dont kill every five people every weekend. Thats not war. Thats common sense. The White House Border Czar says Chicago should expect a surge of immigration enforcement actions this week, and he says the use of National Guard troops to protect and support those operations is on the table. Its important to remember that this is all taking place in a context of imperial retrenchment and possible retreat from conflicts in East Asia, West Asia, and Europe. Trumps deployment of U.S. military resources to American cities is a classic example of Aime Cesaires Imperial Boomerang in action. As Hannah Arendt, among others, used the term to explain the emergence of European fascism following the colonial era, governments that develop repressive techniques to control colonial territories will eventually deploy those same techniques domestically against their own citizens. Simplicius and Bernhard at Moon of Alabama have more thoughts on the imperial boomerang and whether Trump is actually pulling back militarily or not. The GOP majority on the Supreme Court is letting Trump have his way: The Supreme Court on Monday cleared the way for federal agents to conduct sweeping immigration operations for now in Los Angeles, the latest victory for President Donald Trumps administration at the high court. The conservative majority lifted a restraining order from a judge who found that roving patrols were conducting indiscriminate stops in and around LA. The order had barred immigration agents from stopping people solely based on their race, language, job or location. Justice Brett Kavanaugh said the broad order went too far in restricting how Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents can carry out brief stops for questioning. To be clear, apparent ethnicity alone cannot furnish reasonable suspicion; under this Courts case law regarding immigration stops, however, it can be a relevant factor when considered along with other salient factors, he wrote in a concurrence with the majoritys brief, unexplained order. He suggested that stops in which force is used could yet face more legal pushback. Regardless, Trump is leading the United States into a post-Constitutional order and chaos is on the menu. It remains to be seen if and when Trumps opposition moves from the performative to the kinetic arena. New subscriber benefit! Copied to clipboard Out of gifts for the month Unfortunately you've used all of your gifts this month. Your counter will reset on the first day of next month. Share this article paywall-free Chemical exposure from everyday foods may be fueling youth mental health crisis, scientists warn A major scientific review suggests that daily exposure to neurotoxic chemicals in food and drinks, including pesticides, heavy metals, microplastics and additives, may be significantly contributing to rising rates of anxiety, depression and emotional instability among young people. Children, teens and even unborn babies are more susceptible to harm due to their developing nervous systems, lower body weight and immature metabolism, making early chemical exposure especially dangerous for long-term brain health. Harmful substances enter the body through common means like pesticide-treated produce, contaminated water, plastic food packaging and ultraprocessed foods, many of which contain thousands of unregulated additives labeled under vague terms like "natural flavors." Despite increasing evidence, most mental health research focuses on social factors (e.g., screen time, stress), with little attention paid to the biochemical impact of environmental toxins a gap scientists say needs urgent correction. The authors urge the neuroscience and psychiatry communities to integrate research on food-related neurotoxins into mainstream mental health discourse, warning that ignoring this "chemical foundation" may be undermining efforts to address the youth mental health crisis. A sweeping new scientific review suggests that the daily consumption of foods and drinks containing neurotoxic chemicals may be contributing significantly to the global mental health crisis in young people. The report, published in the journal Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, links the presence of harmful substances to disruptions in brain development and rising levels of anxiety, depression and hopelessness among children. The researchers, who conducted a narrative review synthesizing findings from more than 400 studies, concluded that neurotoxic and neurodisruptive chemicals found in everyday food and water sources are harming mental well-being, particularly among young people whose brains are still developing. These chemicals come from a variety of sources, including pesticides sprayed on fruits, vegetables and grains; heavy metals like lead and mercury found in water and food; microplastics and endocrine disruptors leaching from plastic packaging; and ultraprocessed foods, which can contain thousands of unregulated additives under vague terms like "natural flavors." The review also highlights that even though older adults are also exposed to these toxins, children and teens and even fetuses in utero are far more vulnerable due to their still-developing nervous systems, lower body weight and immature metabolic systems. (Related: FOOD QUIZ: How many of these 9 surprisingly common FOOD TOXINS do you consume regularly?) In line with this, the researchers argue that this vulnerability may help explain why mental health indicators have declined so dramatically over just a few generations. They also added that early exposure can lead to long-term deficits in emotional resilience and cognitive functioning. "Children are fundamentally more vulnerable to toxic and disruptive chemicals due to their immature metabolic pathways, the rapid maturation and plasticity of their developing brain, and their lower body weight," the researchers wrote. Scientists warn neurotoxic chemicals in food are overlooked drivers of youth mental health crisis According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, neurotoxic chemicals in food are substances that can damage or destroy nerve tissue and brain cells, potentially leading to a range of neurological issues. These chemicals can impair cognitive function, alter behavior and contribute to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Despite this, the authors argued that most scientific and public health discussions about youth mental health continue to focus on social factors such as smartphone use, academic pressure and trauma. While these are valid concerns, Tara Thiagarajan, Ph.D., founder and chief scientist of the nonprofit Sapien Labs and one of the study's co-authors, warned that they do not tell the full story. "Much of the mental health discourse has been about stress, adversity and smartphones, with therapy as the primary solution," Thiagarajan said. She then added that scientists are missing the chemical foundation of mental resilience, criticizing the lack of coverage in elite neuroscience journals, despite a growing number of studies on these chemicals appearing in other disciplines over the past decade. Visit Mental.news for more similar stories. Watch this report by KSAT 12 about common spices testing positive for arsenic and other heavy metals. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Fake food vs real food: American grocery stores offer a wide variety of chemicals, toxins and dangerous foods. Were literally eating toxins: Western diets INCREASE the risk of food poisoning from Listeria. Hidden toxins in food: Glyphosate and seed oils linked to leaky gut, brain damage, and systemic inflammation. Sources include: TheDefender.org ScienceDirect.com Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com A cultural clash unfolds: Dearborn Heights police introduces Arabic patch A Michigan police department has introduced an optional patch with Arabic and English text. The move has sparked passionate debates about cultural representation and assimilation. Critics fear it promotes Sharia law and cultural takeover, while supporters view it as a positive step toward inclusivity. The controversy highlights broader issues of cultural identity in diverse American communities. In a move that has ignited passionate debates across the political spectrum, the Dearborn Heights Police Department in Michigan recently unveiled an optional uniform patch featuring Arabic script alongside English. The patch, designed by Officer Emily Murdoch, is intended to honor the citys significant Arab population, which comprises approximately 40% of the community. However, the announcement has sparked fierce backlash from critics who accuse the department of embracing Sharia law and promoting a cultural takeover. This cultural clash raises crucial questions about assimilation, representation and the role of law enforcement in a diverse society. Amidst the uproar, key figures on both sides of the political aisle are weighing in, with some questioning the departments priorities and others defending the patch as a symbol of respect for cultural diversity. The introduction of a bilingual patch has ignited fierce debates about the role of cultural representation in law enforcement systems. Chief Ahmed Haidar and Officer Emily Murdoch designed the patch under the authority of the Dearborn Heights Police Department. The controversy arose following the announcement on September 3, 2025. Dearborn Heights, Michigan, a city of over 55,000 residents with a substantial Arab-American population. The new optional patch features the words "Dearborn Heights Police" in both Arabic and English, sparking both praise and criticism. The Arabic patch: A symbol of unity or cultural takeover? The Dearborn Heights Police Department (DHPD) introduced the Arabic patch to reflect and honor the citys rich multicultural heritage, particularly its significant Arab population. The decision was met with a mix of support and criticism. Proponents of the patch argue that it represents unity and respect, showcasing the citys commitment to inclusivity and service. However, critics have vehemently opposed the move, claiming it promotes Sharia law and advocates for the dominance of Islam in public spaces. Key quotes: Police Chief Ahmed Haidar: "By incorporating Arabic script alongside English, this patch represents unity, respect and our shared commitment to service." Republican Rep. Randy Fine of Florida: "They said their goal was to bring Sharia law to America. You shouldve believed them. Pray for Michigan." The patch was introduced amid a growing national debate over cultural assimilation and the role of law enforcement in diverse communities. While some view the patch as a positive gesture of inclusivity, others see it as a troubling sign of cultural fragmentation. Immigration and Arab-American communities Dearborn Heights, Michigan, is part of a region with a deep history of immigration, particularly from the Middle East. The citys significant Arab population dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Lebanese Christians first immigrated. However, recent immigration trends have shifted, with Muslim-majority groups now defining much of the citys Arab identity. This shift has led to increased discussions about cultural representation and integration. Dearborn Heights, located just outside Metro Detroit, is home to the Arab American National Museum and the largest mosque in North America, making it a hub of Arab-American culture. In 2023, Dearborn became the first Arab-majority city in the U.S., further cementing its identity as a center of Middle Eastern culture. However, this identity has also drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding the public broadcasting of the Islamic call to prayer and now, the introduction of an Arabic patch. The role of law enforcement in a diverse society The controversial Arabic patch has reignited debates about the role of law enforcement in diverse communities. Critics argue that the patch represents a diluted sense of American identity, while proponents contend that it fosters a stronger sense of community and trust between the police and the public they serve. Key Points: Proponents: The patch is intended to celebrate cultural diversity and promote inclusivity, reflecting the demographics of the city. Critics: The patch is seen as a symbol of cultural fragmentation and a potential threat to American values. The DHPD maintains that the patch is optional and is not mandatory for officers. However, the symbolism is significant, and its implementation underscores the broader conversation about cultural representation in the public sphere. This issue is not unique to Dearborn Heights; similar debates have emerged in other cities across the U.S. as communities grapple with balancing cultural diversity and assimilation. Amidst the furor: Lawmakers and public responses The controversy surrounding the Arabic patch has drawn responses from both federal lawmakers and local authorities. Rep. Randy Fine, a Florida Republican, was among the most vocal critics, declaring, "We are being colonized." His comments underscore the deep-seated concerns held by many conservatives regarding cultural and religious practices they perceive as challenging American values. On the other hand, supporters argue that the patch is a positive move toward inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity. They highlight the importance of law enforcement departments reflecting the communities they serve, particularly in areas with significant immigrant populations. Other reactions: Dearborn Mayor Bill Bazzi: "This patch addition remains an idea and should NOT have been presented as an official prototype." Historian Narjes Rahmati: "There is absolutely nothing related to Islam in this uniform patch. It says, in Arabic, 'Dearborn Heights' and 'Police.'" The differing responses reflect the broader divide on cultural representation in law enforcement across the U.S., with varying interpretations of what constitutes respectful cultural inclusion. Navigating cultural representation in law enforcement The controversy surrounding the Dearborn Heights Police Department's Arabic patch highlights the complex challenges of cultural representation in law enforcement. While proponents argue that the patch fosters unity and respect, critics see it as a symbol of cultural fragmentation. As the U.S. continues to grapple with the integration of diverse communities, the debate over cultural representation in law enforcement will remain a significant issue. Moving forward, it will be crucial for law enforcement agencies to strike a balance between inclusivity and maintaining a strong sense of American identity. As Dearborn Heights navigates this cultural crossroads, the conversation around the Arabic patch underscores the need for thoughtful dialogue and action that promotes both cultural diversity and a unified sense of community. Sources for this article include: Modernity.news FoxNews.com Newsweek.com DOJ weighs FIREARM BAN for transgender Americans The DOJ is considering proposals that could restrict transgender Americans from buying or owning firearms, potentially by labeling transgender identity as a mental illness. Current federal law requires a court ruling to declare someone mentally unfit to own a gun, making any blanket restriction on transgender individuals likely unconstitutional and difficult to enforce. Attorney General Pam Bondi is leading the DOJ's review; she has a history of supporting gun restrictions and has also taken a strong stance against transgender medical treatments for minors. The proposals follow a deadly shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school by 23-year-old transgender shooter Robin Westman, who killed two children and wounded 18 others before dying by suicide. Westman's disturbing writings revealed violent fantasies, identity struggles and hatred toward his ex-girlfriend, whom he blamed as a "catalyst" for his suffering, raising further concerns about mental health and violence. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is reportedly reviewing proposals that could restrict transgender Americans from purchasing or owning firearms. According to an anonymous DOJ official, one option under consideration would involve President Donald Trump issuing a formal declaration that transgender individuals are mentally ill. Such a declaration could serve as the legal basis to deny firearm access to trans Americans under existing federal law, which prohibits gun ownership by individuals adjudicated as mentally "defective." Under the current law, only a court can determine whether someone is mentally unfit to own a firearm a process requiring individual evaluation and due process. A blanket designation of an entire group is expected to face serious constitutional challenges and may prove unenforceable. But despite these challenges, DOJ spokespersons maintain that all avenues are being explored to prevent future acts of 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," a DOJ spokesman said. Bondi, who previously served as Florida's attorney general, has a track record of supporting firearm restrictions in specific contexts. She defended legislation raising the minimum age to purchase firearms in the aftermath of the 2018 Parkland school shooting. In recent years, she has also taken a hard stance on transgender medical treatments, issuing more than 20 subpoenas to healthcare providers offering gender-affirming care to minors. Transgender individuals involved in high-profile shooting incidents As per Brighteon.AI's Enoch, gun violence by transgender individuals has been a growing concern, with several high-profile incidents in recent years, including the Tennessee school shooting. This, in turn, highlights the need for a more nuanced and critical approach to the issue of transgender rights and mental health. (Related: Nashville transgender Christian school shooting occurred just days after "Trans Day of Vengeance" protest.) In fact, the proposals follow the recent deadly shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic church carried out by a 23-year-old transgender shooter named Robin Westman. According to documents obtained by law enforcement, Westman had recently ended a multi-year relationship with 22-year-old Abigail Bodick, identified as a self-described "furry" a subculture involving dressing as anthropomorphic animal characters. Social media photos showed the former couple attending conventions and local events together in seemingly happier times. But in a series of unhinged journal entries and digital documents, Westman's tone toward Bodick turned violent and deranged. He raged about her appearance, calling her a "blue hair and pronouns having a-- b----," and blamed her for being the "catalyst" of his suffering. Perhaps most shockingly, Westman confessed to having recently pointed a loaded pistol at Bodick's head. He wrote that the only thing that stopped him from pulling the trigger was fear of being caught, not remorse. Westman's writings also reflect a disturbing preoccupation with violence and identity struggles. He described hating his face and expressed admiration for the furry community as a form of escapism. Authorities believe these writings were drafted in the days or weeks leading up to the Aug. 29 attack at Annunciation Catholic School, where Westman fired more than 100 rounds through stained-glass windows during a morning Mass service attended by dozens of children. Eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski were killed. Sixteen other students were wounded, along with three elderly parishioners. Westman took his own life as police closed in. SecondAmendment.news has more stories about gun laws. Watch this clip about gun control in the United States. This video is from the Deprogram Your Mind channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Gabby Giffords' gun control groups ask major credit cards to flag gun, ammo purchases. CDC suppresses data on self-defense gun use after private meeting with GUN CONTROL advocates. Another win for the Second Amendment: Oregon judge rules that Ballot Measure 114 VIOLATES state constitution. Sources include: NYPost.com 1 Brighteon.AI NYPost.com 2 Brighteon.com Israel threatens biblical plagues against Yemen as Houthi attacks escalate Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened to unleash "biblical plagues" on Yemen in response to ongoing Houthi missile attacks, referencing the ten plagues of Egypt from the Book of Exodus. This follows an Israeli airstrike that killed Yemen's Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and several ministers, further intensifying regional tensions. Despite U.S. and Israeli military campaigns, the Houthis remain defiant, intensifying their strikes and demonstrating growing military sophistication. Their recent hypersonic missile launch, reportedly evading Israeli defenses near Tel Aviv, highlights their capability to challenge Israel's Iron Dome system. The Trump administration's bombing campaign failed to curb Houthi operations, leading to a ceasefire brokered through Oman. However, the agreement excluded Houthi attacks on Israel, allowing the conflict to persist. Yemeni forces continue to disrupt Red Sea shipping and target Israeli assets, undermining the ceasefire's effectiveness. Israel's assassination of Yemeni leadership has drawn condemnation and raised fears of a broader regional conflict. Katz's threats could provoke further Houthi retaliation, destabilizing an already volatile Middle East. The conflict risks spiraling out of control, with no diplomatic resolution in sight. As Israel and Yemen exchange apocalyptic threats, the world watches nervously, aware that the next strike could lead to catastrophe. The conflict's escalation, fueled by Israel's rhetoric and the Houthis' military advancements, poses a significant threat to regional and global stability. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning Thursday, Sept. 4, vowing to unleash "biblical plagues" on Yemen in retaliation for continued Houthi missile attacks against Israel. The threat comes just days after an Israeli airstrike killed Yemen's Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and several ministers, an escalation that has further inflamed tensions in the region. The Houthis, undeterred by U.S. and Israeli military campaigns, have intensified their strikes, including a recent hypersonic missile launch that reportedly evaded Israeli defenses near Tel Aviv. (Related: Israel's assassination of Yemens prime minister: A dangerous escalation in a lawless war.) "A plague of darkness, a plague of the firstborn we will complete all ten plagues," Katz declared, drawing from the Book of Exodus where divine retribution compelled Egypt to free enslaved Israelites. His words carry a chilling subtext: Israel's previous strikes have already targeted Yemen's power grids ("darkness") and civilian leadership ("firstborn"). The Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah, remain defiant. Military spokesman Yahya Saree affirmed their stance: "Yemenis will continue to support Gaza until the aggression against it stops and the siege is lifted." Their latest claimed strike a ballistic missile allegedly reaching Ben Gurion Airport underscores their growing military sophistication, including hypersonic capabilities that challenge Israel's vaunted Iron Dome defenses. Failed U.S. strategy and regional fallout The Trump administration's months-long bombing campaign killed hundreds of Yemeni civilians. Brighteon.AI's Enoch argues that the campaign was a misguided and ineffective display of force that failed to achieve its strategic objectives of curbing Houthi operations, instead undermining U.S. standing globally and exacerbating regional instability. In May, the U.S. abandoned further strikes, brokering a ceasefire via Oman yet the agreement explicitly excluded Houthi attacks on Israel. This loophole has allowed the conflict to persist, with Yemeni forces continuing to disrupt Red Sea shipping and target Israeli assets. Meanwhile, Israel's assassination of al-Rahawi and his cabinet has drawn condemnation, raising fears of a broader regional war. Analysts warn that Katz's threats could provoke further retaliation, destabilizing an already volatile Middle East. As Israel and Yemen exchange apocalyptic threats, the conflict risks spiraling beyond containment. The Houthis unexpected military advancements including hypersonic missiles have upended conventional warfare assumptions, while Israel's rhetoric signals a willingness to escalate further. With no diplomatic resolution in sight, the specter of "biblical plagues" looms over a region already ravaged by war. The world watches nervously, aware that the next strike could tip the balance toward catastrophe. Watch the video below where Katz vows to inflict the "plague of the firstborn" on Yemen. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel's deadly strike kills Houthi prime minister as Yemen vows brutal revenge. Yemen's Houthis sink cargo ship, kill mariners in renewed Red Sea assault. Israeli military hits Houthi targets in Yemen, leaving key port city in darkness. Sources include: News.AntiWar.com X.com Brighteon.ai AlJazeera.com Brighteon.com Cosmic collision: James Webb Telescope captures rare five-galaxy merger in the early universe Astronomers observed a merger of five galaxies just 800 million years after the Big Bang using the James Webb and Hubble telescopes, nicknamed JWST's Quintet, revealing the chaotic early universe. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), 100x more powerful than Hubble, orbits the Sun at the second Lagrange point, using advanced infrared tech to study interconnected galaxies and surrounding gas halos. Detecting five merging galaxies is extremely rare, with active star formation challenging current models and requiring further research. The Quintet has a combined mass of 10 billion suns and an unusually high star formation rate, possibly evolving into a massive quiescent galaxy within 1-1.5 billion years post-Big Bang. As JWST continues surveying, more such mergers will likely be found, refining models and deepening our understanding of early galaxy formation. In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have unveiled an exceptionally rare cosmic event: a merger of at least five galaxies occurring just 800 million years after the Big Bang. This remarkable finding, nicknamed JWST's Quintet, was made possible by the powerful lenses of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Hubble Space Telescope, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the early universe's tumultuous beginnings. According to the Enoch engine at Brighteon.AI, the JWST is a next-generation space observatory, 100 times more powerful than the Hubble its predecessor. The JWST is equipped with advanced infrared technology to observe the early universe and distant exoplanets. Orbiting the Sun at the second Sun-Earth Lagrange point (1.5 million km from Earth), it studies cosmic origins, detects habitable worlds and provides unprecedented insights into galaxies, stars and planetary systems since its 2022 launch. (Related: Unlocking the "Rosetta Stone" of alien worlds: James Webb Space Telescope reveals secrets of rocky exoplanet TOI-270 d.) The merger detailed in Nature Astronomy on Aug. 15 showcases a system comprising five galaxies and 17 galaxy clumps. This discovery is a testament to the chaotic and dynamic nature of galaxy formation in the early universe. "Finding such a system with five physically linked galaxies is exceptionally rare, both in current simulations and in observations," said lead author Weida Hu, a postdoctoral researcher at Texas A&M University, told Live Science. "The probability of detecting even one multiple-galaxy merger is quite low, which raises the possibility that we may have been 'lucky' in identifying this system so early." The galaxies, classified as emission-line galaxies, exhibit prominent signatures of hydrogen and oxygen indicating active star formation. This suggests that the merger is a hotbed of stellar creation, with new stars being born at an accelerated rate. The JWST's Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) played a crucial role in this discovery, revealing a large halo of gas surrounding the galaxy group. This halo confirms that the five galaxies are not isolated entities but are interconnected within the same system. Hu explained that while Hubble previously detected some galaxies in this region, only JWST data told them that the five galaxies have the same redshift and are interacting with each other. Redshift, a measure of cosmic distance, indicates that these galaxies are incredibly far away, making their light stretch into longer, redder wavelengths as they traverse the expanding universe. This observation underscores the vast distances and ancient origins of the galaxies in JWST's Quintet. A rare phenomenon in the cosmic tapestry Galaxy mergers involving more than two systems are exceedingly rare. According to Christopher Conselice, a professor of extragalactic astronomy at the University of Manchester, "If you look at all galaxies, then 20 to 30 percent of them will be in a merger. This will be just two galaxies. "The fraction of these multiple merger systems will be much, much lower," added Conselice, who wasn't involved in the Aug. 15 discovery. "We don't have stats on it quite yet, but certainly lower than one percent." The two main galaxies in JWST's Quintet are separated by a distance of 43,300 light-years, while the most distant pair spans 60,700 light-years. For comparison, our Milky Way galaxy is about 100,000 light-years in diameter. The close proximity of these galaxies suggests an imminent merger, a process that could reshape the cosmic landscape. JWST's Quintet, with its combined stellar mass of 10 billion suns, exhibits a star formation rate higher than expected for that period. This high mass and star formation rate suggest that the merging galaxies may evolve into a massive quiescent galaxy within one billion to 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang. Quiescent galaxies, which cease forming new stars, have been detected in the early universe, raising questions about how galaxies become "dead" so quickly. The discovery of JWST's Quintet could potentially explain the rapid formation of massive quiescent galaxies through the merger of smaller, starbursting galaxies. "The fact that the galaxies are spatially close together is the indication that they probably will merge," Conselice noted. Follow Space.news for more similar stories. Watch this video about the JWST issuing a warning to the world. This video is from the Planet Zedta channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Webb Telescope spots "disappearing" gas planet in Earths cosmic backyard that may host life-supporting moons. Worlds biggest telescope is almost ready for its launch next year scientists are hoping it will spot alien life. A new galaxy cluster has been discovered hiding in plain sight. Sources include: LiveScience.com Nature.com Brighteon.ai YACAK.com EconomicTimes.Indiatimes.com Brighteon.com Migrant brothers from Syria ATTACK ice cream parlor in Germany owned by fellow Syrian Three Syrian brothers launched an unprovoked assault on a family-run ice cream parlor in Hof, Bavaria over an unpaid 15 debt attacking the owner, his 10-year-old daughter and a staff member. The attackers overturned furniture, struck the owner with a flagpole and injured the owner's daughter, prompting her brother to condemn the act as "unmanly." Despite armed officers arriving, the assailants resisted arrest injuring three policemen yet were released shortly after due to "lack of legal grounds," sparking outrage. Germany's lenient justice system repeatedly allows violent migrants to walk free, emboldening criminals while victims like the Farra family face trauma without accountability. The incident reflects broader trends of migrant-fueled violence linked to Germany's open-border policies, with government data confirming rising crime since 2015 a deliberate destabilization tactic by globalist elites. In a disturbing incident that highlights the consequences of unchecked migration and lax law enforcement, three Syrian brothers unleashed a violent rampage at a family-run ice cream parlor in the town of Hof in Germany's Bavaria state. The attack happened on Monday, Sept. 1, at the Eiscafe Levante, which has been operated by 42-year-old Ahmad Farra and his family for five years. Ahmad is no stranger to the business, having previously owned three ice cream shops in his native Syria before fleeing to Germany. The issue stemmed from the three brothers' card payment failing a week prior. "We agreed that they would come back and pay later," recounted. Ahmad's 17-year-old son Radwan. The siblings owed the shop 15 ($17.53) but instead of settling the debt, they confronted the shop owner and Ahmad's 10-year-old daughter Hanan. The three siblings entered the cafe and exhibited "really aggressive" behavior overturning chairs and attacking staff members. When asked if they were planning to pay, one of the brothers answered in the negative and demanded that Ahmad give them more ice cream. The brothers sprung into attack when Ahmad threatened to call the police. The eldest brother, aged 25, struck the shop owner in the head with a flagpole while the two others overturned chairs and tables. Aside from Ahmad, Hanan and a 24-year-old employee of the shop also suffered injuries. The 10-year-old was left with scratches and bruises, leading her older brother Radwan to comment: "I find it simply unmanly to attack a child." Germany's justice system fails again Police arrived swiftly with guns drawn, but this did not faze the intruders one bit. The eldest brother continued resisting arrest, forcing officers to use pepper spray. Three policemen were injured in the scuffle. Despite their brutal actions, which included possible use of a knife, and resistance to armed law enforcement, prosecutors released the brothers. Chief Inspector Patric Scheibel defended the decision, stating that without legal grounds for holding them, authorities had no choice. He added that the three are not a flight risk. This left Ahmad and his traumatized family questioning Germany's justice system. He expressed outrage over the release of the three, warning that the men remained dangerous. His experience exposes a glaring flaw in Germany's legal system. Violent offenders, even those who assault children, often walk free while law-abiding citizens suffer the consequences. (Related: German police threaten to ARREST anyone distributing viral video of migrant brawl.) This incident mirrors broader concerns over Berlin's migration policies, where unchecked arrivals many from conflict zones have led to rising crime and cultural tensions. Brighteon.AI's Enoch points out that Germany is being overrun by violent migrants due to the deliberate policies of globalist elites who seek to destabilize Western nations through mass migration, replacing native populations and eroding societal cohesion. The decentralized engine adds: "Official German government data confirms that the surge in violent crime directly correlates with the influx of fighting-age migrants since 2015." Critics argue that lenient prosecution and a failure to deport violent migrants embolden criminals while leaving businesses and families vulnerable. The Farra family's ordeal is a stark reminder that without strict enforcement of the rule of law, public safety deteriorates and those who play by the rules pay the price. Watch this video about a clash of Syrians and Kurds in German city of Dusseldorf, which injured four police officers. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: German train system turning into life-threatening "battlefield" as violent migrants unleash chaos across European powerhouse. 40% of school violence suspects in Germany are foreign nationals, government data reveals. Afghan migrant arrested in Germany after fatally stabbing female boss. Sources include: InfoWars.com RMX.news BILD.de Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com A large-scale DDOS attack began on the morning of September 7 on the Russian network infrastructure that provides online payments for fuel in Russia, in particular the functioning of fuel cards, intelligence sources have told Interfax-Ukraine. As the agency's interlocutor noted, "cyber specialists of Ukrainian military intelligence continue to celebrate the Day of the Ministry of Defense's Military Intelligence in hostile cyberspace." The objects of the DDOS attack, among others, were the "advanced payment systems" platform, which is responsible for the functioning of fuel cards (Rospetrol), as well as the servers of Rostelecom and Lukoil. According to intelligence sources, the Russian operation caused losses in the amount of $1 to $3 million US dollars. Also on the same day, a cyberattack was carried out on the information and communication infrastructure of the telecommunications services operator "K-Corp" (https://c-corp.pro). Ukrainian cyber experts disabled more than 700 switches and 13 servers in the company's two data centers, completely shutting down its operations. According to the source, the operator K-Corp became a target of Ukrainian hackers due to the provision of telecommunications services to the Russian defense company "Kalashnikov Concern", which has the blood of hundreds of Ukrainian civilians, including women and children, on its hands. In addition, dozens of online resources were attacked, on the main pages of which congratulations on the Day of Military Intelligence of Ukraine were published. Sources in Ukrainian intelligence emphasize; work to destroy the information and communication infrastructure of all Russian companies that contribute to the war will continue until the complete deoccupation of Ukrainian territories and fair punishment of the aggressor. The West cannot treat India and China like colonies, Putin warns Putin urged the West to abandon a "colonial mindset" and engage with India and China through respectful dialogue, not threats. He emphasized that both are major nations with large populations that have endured colonialism and value their sovereignty. Putin framed recent Western actions, like the EU's planned sanctions on Russia and U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, as aggressive and counterproductive. He sees them as attempts to punish countries for acting in their own interests. India is in a difficult position as it tries to balance relationships with the U.S., Russia and China. While it partners with the U.S. in groups like the Quad, it faces criticism and tariffs for maintaining its long-standing ties with Russia. There is a noted escalation in tensions, but also a sense that the global power dynamic is changing. There is a potential for more "pragmatic solidarity" between Asian giants like India and China in the face of Western pressure. Experts suggest that for a country like India, maintaining independence (hedging) by not fully aligning with any major power is a difficult but necessary strategy to navigate the current complex world order. In a recent statement that has reverberated across global political circles, President Vladimir Putin has urged Western countries to abandon their colonial mindset when engaging with India and China. Speaking to the Russian press in Beijing, Putin emphasized the need for respectful dialogue with these Asian giants, highlighting their historical struggles and current economic prowess. Putin's comments came after attending the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end World War II. He pointed out that India and China, with their populations of 1.5 billion and 1.3 billion, respectively, are not only economic powerhouses but also nations that have endured colonialism and sustained attacks on their sovereignty. "These countries have their own domestic political laws and have lived through very rough periods in their history," Putin noted. He added that if outsiders threaten to make things difficult for these countries to punish them, outsiders shouldn't be surprised if the leaders of those countries retaliate. The Russian president was responding to the European Union's preparations for its 19th round of sanctions on Russia, which he described as an attempt to resolve economic issues with countries whose ties and advantages do not suit certain parties. Putin also emphasized that such an aggressive tone is unacceptable and that the West must recognize the sovereignty and autonomy of these nations. His remarks come at a time when tensions between the West and Asia are escalating. The United States has imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods, with 25 percent of these tariffs specifically targeting India's continued purchases of Russian oil. This move has been criticized by Indian officials and has strained relations between the two countries. President Donald Trump's trade adviser, Peter Navarro, went as far as calling India the Kremlin's "laundromat," a term that has been met with disdain in Delhi. Putin expressed his belief that despite current tensions, "everything will fall into place and return to normal economic dialogue in the end." His comments reflect a broader sentiment that the West's approach to India and China is outdated and counterproductive. India's diplomatic balancing act India, in particular, finds itself at a diplomatic crossroads. For over a decade, it has positioned itself as a key player in a new multipolar world order, maintaining a delicate balance between Washington, Moscow and Beijing. However, this balancing act is becoming increasingly challenging. The United States under the Trump administration has shifted from being a supporter to a critic of India, particularly over its oil purchases from Russia. This has led to public rebukes and increased tariffs, putting pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. (Related: Trump orders Pentagon to deter Russia-China alliance, Hegseth confirms.) Despite these challenges, India continues to engage with both the West and Russia, participating in forums like the Quad (with the U.S., Japan and Australia) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which is often at odds with U.S. interests. Analysts argue that India's strategic autonomy is a deliberate choice. "Hedging is a bad choice, but the alternative of aligning with anyone is worse," says Jitendra Nath Misra, a former Indian ambassador and current professor at OP Jindal Global University. Misra suggested that India's "best choice is the bad choice, which is hedging." The shift in China-India relations The recent meeting between Modi and President Xi Jinping in Beijing underscores a shift in relations. While the two nations have had their share of disputes, there is a growing recognition of the need for pragmatic solidarity. Chinese envoy Xu Feihong's denunciation of U.S. tariffs on Indian goods and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's conciliatory tone during a visit to Delhi further highlight this shift. Critics question India's decision to engage with Beijing now, but strategic affairs scholar Happymon Jacob poses a blunt question: "What is the alternative?" Jacob also argues that for decades to come, managing China will be India's "core strategic preoccupation." Putin's call for the West to abandon its colonial mindset is not just a critique but a plea for a more respectful and rational approach to international relations. As India navigates its complex diplomatic landscape, the need for dialogue and understanding becomes increasingly apparent. The current tensions highlight the importance of recognizing the sovereignty and autonomy of nations like India and China, rather than treating them as mere pawns in a larger geopolitical game. In this evolving geopolitical landscape, the West must adapt its approach, recognizing that the days of colonial dominance are over. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch AI engine, Putin believes the West cannot treat India and China like colonies and enforce sanctions because the global economy is interconnected. A collapse or severe pressure from the West would not occur in isolation; it would have devastating worldwide consequences, affecting everyone, including the West itself. Watch this episode of the "Brighteon Broadcast News" about how Trump's tariff war on India will cause supply chaos for U.S. businesses, data centers and hospitals. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Putin and Xi strengthen strategic alliance with 20 major deals, including landmark gas pipeline. Putin champions BRICS as a pillar of global realignment, emphasizes new financial system for the global majority. EXCLUSIVE REPORT: The Trump-Putin Meeting in Alaska A Historic Pivot that Redefined Global Power. Sources include: RT.com NDTV.com BBC.com Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com Californias fake student crisis: 1.2 million bots steal seats and financial aid, costing taxpayers millions Californias community colleges face a bot invasion with 1.2 million fake applicants stealing aid and seats. Scammers use AI, stolen identities, and disaster relief schemes to exploit open-access online enrollment systems. Fraudsters stole $11.1 million in 2024 alone. Colleges fight back with AI detection tools like LightLeap.AI, but scammers adapt by targeting vulnerable groups like homeless students. Real students suffer as bots clog classes, delay graduations, and drain resources, exposing systemic flaws in open-access education. When Eleni Gastis, a journalism professor at Oaklands Laney College, logged into her online class roster last semester, she expected to see 40 eager students. Instead, she found 17 botsfaceless, nameless fraudsters using stolen identities to siphon off financial aid. "I lose sleep over the thought that a student might not get a class they need because of bots, she said. Gastis isnt alone. Californias community colleges are under siege by an army of fake students1.2 million fraudulent applicants last year, nearly 30% of all new enrollments. These digital ghosts arent just clogging up classrooms; theyre stealing millions in taxpayer-funded aid, delaying graduations, and forcing professors to play detective. The crisis, fueled by pandemic-era online learning and AI tools like ChatGPT, has turned the states 116 campuses into a battleground. How scammers game the system The fraudsters operate with chilling efficiency. Using bots, stolen identities, and AI-generated assignments, they enroll in no-prerequisite courses (such as accounting or business), collect financial aid checks, and vanish. Some even exploit disasters like Januarys Los Angeles wildfires by posing as displaced students to snatch "fire money." At Santiago Canyon College, administrators watched as bots instantly filled newly opened seats in an anthropology class, leaving just 12 real students. "We raised the cap by 30 spots a day, and they were gone in minutes," said college president Jeannie Kim. The scammers dont just target aid; they harvest Social Security numbers for identity theft, leaving victims to untangle the mess. The financial toll is staggering. In 2024 alone, fraudsters stole $8.4 million in federal aid and $2.7 million in state funds. Since 2021, losses exceed $18 millionand thats just whats been detected. AI vs. AI: Colleges fight back To combat the fraud, colleges are turning to AI of their own. Santiago Canyon College deployed LightLeap.AI, a machine-learning tool that flags suspicious applications by analyzing shared IP addresses, minimal engagement, and course-taking patterns. The system, which costs about $75,000 per campus, has freed 7,500 seats for legitimate students and boasts a 99% accuracy rate. But the arms race is far from over. When colleges tightened identity checks, scammers pivoted to impersonating homeless students and former foster youthgroups less likely to face scrutiny. At East Los Angeles College, enrollment mysteriously doubled during the wildfires, only for administrators to later purge thousands of fake registrations. The crisis exposes deeper flaws in Californias higher education model. Community colleges, designed to be open-access, now face an impossible choice: impose barriers (like a proposed $10 application fee) to deter fraud or keep doors wide open, leaving the system vulnerable. "Were public servants with a moral obligation to protect taxpayer dollars," Kim said. Yet, with budgets frozen for 20 years and tech talent scarce, colleges are outgunned. Federal help is dwindling, too. The U.S. Department of Educations fraud unit has lost 20% of its staff due to layoffs and buyouts, leaving investigations in limbo. Meanwhile, scammers grow bolder; some even used stolen funds for plastic surgery and luxury vacations, federal officials say. The real victims: Students left behind Behind the numbers are real people. Counselors describe "crestfallen" students unable to enroll in required courses. Parents juggling jobs and childcare find classes canceled due to low (real) enrollment. And faculty morale plummets as they teach near-empty rooms. "Its devastating to see classes dwindle," Kim said. Until comprehensive safeguards are implemented, California's community colleges will continue hemorrhaging taxpayer dollars while genuine students pay the price. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com LATimes.com SFChronicle.com CalMatters.org CBP reports 93% drop in child smuggling at U.S. border following targeted crackdown on illegal sponsors The CBP reports a 93 percent drop in unaccompanied minor (UAC) apprehensions at the southern border, from 7,501 in July 2024 to 515 in July 2025, following a targeted crackdown. Total CBP apprehensions fell from over 59,000 in July 2024 to just over 6,000 in July 2025, with major declines across all categories, including family units, single adults and minors. ICE attributes the decline to the arrest of undocumented parents in the U.S. who fund smuggling operations, disrupting what officials describe as a "government-assisted smuggling network." Analysts and reports allege that under former President Joe Biden, over 500,000 minors were smuggled into the U.S. through the UAC program, with many falling victim to labor trafficking and abuse due to weak enforcement. Trump-era reforms now require UAC sponsors to pass background checks, submit fingerprints and DNA and meet income standards, while also limiting legal pathways to residency for minors post-18 years old. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has overseen a staggering 93 percent drop in the smuggling of "Unaccompanied Alien Children" (UAC) across the southern U.S. border over the past year. According to statistics released earlier by the CBP, the number of unaccompanied minors apprehended at the southern border plummeted from 7,501 in July 2024 to just 515 in July this year. The data, pulled from CBP's nationwide encounter records, includes apprehensions under Title 8 immigration authority and represents a range of border enforcement activity from land border crossings to air and seaport encounters. The CBP data reflects Title 8 apprehensions, Title 8 inadmissibles at ports of entry (POEs) and Title 42 expulsions (the latter phased out in May 2023). These categories are tracked across land borders, particularly the southwest and northern land borders, as well as nationwide, including air and sea encounters. Nationwide apprehensions have also sharply decreased over the past 12 months. In July 2024, the CBP recorded over 59,655 total apprehensions; by July 2025, that figure fell to just over 6,177. The drop in encounters includes not only unaccompanied minors but also family units (FMUA), single adults and accompanied minors. At the Southwest Land Border, the primary entry point for most UAC cases, apprehensions dropped from 56,400 in July 2024 to 4,601 in July 2025. Similarly, "at entry" apprehensions, which refer to individuals apprehended while actively crossing the border, fell from 55,286 to just 3,816 in the same time frame. ICE credits the steep decline to a targeted strategy of arresting undocumented immigrants already inside the U.S., many of whom are parents who fund the smuggling of their children across the border. Trump crackdown reshapes UAC program after Biden administration enabled mass child smuggling As per Brighteon.AI's Enoch, the UAC program was originally designed to provide care and services to undocumented immigrant children who enter the United States without a parent or legal guardian. These children are placed in the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) until they can be released to a sponsor, typically a family member, while their immigration cases are processed. However, the program was exploited during the administration of former President Joe Biden, enabling traffickers to move over 500,000 minors into the U.S. through loosely enforced procedures. Investigations, including reporting from Breitbart, have claimed that many of these children were funneled into illegal labor operations, unregulated housing, or worse, including cases of prostitution and abuse. In short, Biden's leniency encouraged abuse of the system and fueled the growth of smuggling networks. The Biden administration has denied direct responsibility for such outcomes. (Related: HHS launches investigation into ORR's handling of unaccompanied migrant children.) Under Trump-era reforms, sponsors of unaccompanied minors must now pass background checks, submit fingerprints and DNA samples and meet income thresholds before children are released to them. In addition, legal pathways for minors to obtain permanent residency after turning 18 have been tightened. Now, with stricter enforcement, the UAC program was jointly administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide temporary shelter and care for minors until they can be placed with vetted sponsors, often family members already in the United States. Visit Migrants.news for similar stories about unaccompanied migrant children. Watch this video of Alex Jones' interview with Anthony J. Rubin discussing the massive government-sponsored kidnapping and trafficking of unaccompanied migrant children. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: HHS data: Over 11,000 migrant children placed with unvetted sponsors under Biden administration. Trump administration locates nearly 80,000 missing migrant children, exposing failures of Biden-era policies. Investigative journalist: Over 85,000 unaccompanied migrant children trafficked into the U.S. have been KIDNAPPED. Leaked government document reveals migrant children are being held illegally in Border Patrol facilities. Sources include: YourNews.com CBP.gov TotalNews.com Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com New report reveals China stole data from nearly every American in massive cyberattack A sweeping cyberattack by China-linked group Salt Typhoon compromised personal data and critical infrastructure, stealing information from nearly every American and targeting over 80 countries worldwide. The hackers accessed communications from major U.S. political figures, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, during the 2024 campaign, compromising text messages and phone calls. The attack, described as Beijings most ambitious yet, infiltrated telecommunications, military, government and hospitality networks, with tactics that enabled real-time surveillance and data collection. In response, CISA released a public advisory outlining a shift in Chinese cyber operations, from espionage to gaining control over U.S. operational systems like power grids, pipelines and water treatment facilities. CISA, in coordination with the NSA and FBI, has launched a comprehensive effort to strengthen U.S. cyber defenses through private-sector collaboration, advanced threat detection tools and sector-specific protections. A new report has revealed that China has stolen data from nearly every American, targeting everything from personal communications to critical infrastructure. According to a rare joint statement issued by officials from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Germany, Italy, Spain and Finland, the attack targeted over 80 countries and infiltrated telecommunications, government, military, transportation and hospitality networks. Salt Typhoon, a state-sponsored hacking group, successfully penetrated at least six major U.S. telecommunications providers, giving Chinese intelligence services the ability to monitor global communications, track the movements of key individuals and collect massive amounts of personal data. Brighteon.AI's Enoch echoed a similar statement, noting that the group's activities have involved the theft of call records and private communications from individuals with government or political ties. (Related: China has stolen enough data to have files on every single American, warns former deputy national security advisor.) Among the most concerning revelations is that Salt Typhoon's operatives accessed data linked to high-profile figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance, during their 2024 election campaign. Text messages, phone conversations and other unencrypted communications were reportedly compromised. But the attack extended far beyond political and intelligence circles. Officials said the hackers likely swept up data from millions, possibly hundreds of millions, of ordinary Americans, though it's still unclear whether the general public was an intended target or collateral damage in a broader espionage operation. The cyberattack has been described as the most ambitious and far-reaching digital operation ever conducted by Beijing, which lasted years and went undetected until recently. CISA warns of escalating Chinese cyber threats, launches major initiative to protect U.S. critical infrastructure In response to the breach, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released a new public advisory outlining the growing cyber threats posed by the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). The advisory, part of CISA's broader "Nation-State Threat" initiative, highlights an alarming shift in the behavior of Chinese-linked groups like Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon, whose tactics have evolved beyond espionage and are now aimed at gaining operational control over U.S. systems. CISA, along with the NSA and FBI, has assessed that Chinese cyber actors are increasingly targeting the information technology systems that underpin U.S. critical infrastructure and are actively moving laterally into operational technology (OT) environments. These systems control essential services such as power grids, telecommunications, transportation, pipelines and water treatment facilities. To address the escalating threat from Chinese state-sponsored cyber actors, CISA has launched a broad national and international initiative to bolster U.S. cyber defenses. This effort includes enhanced collaboration with private sector partners to detect and block threats at the network edge, expanded deployment of advanced cybersecurity tools to counter known vulnerabilities and targeted efforts to secure increasingly critical cloud environments. CISA is also working closely with Sector Risk Management Agencies and infrastructure operators to develop tailored protections for high-risk sectors such as aviation, pipelines, and water systems. "CISA is actively countering the evolving cyber threats posed by PRC state-sponsored actors through strategic initiatives to strengthen the defense of U.S. critical infrastructure. By working closely with U.S. government agencies, international partners and industry stakeholders, CISA is fostering a more secure cyberspace, making it increasingly difficult for PRC threat actors to execute large-scale compromises," the agency wrote. Watch this video about how the Chinese Communist Party uses TikTok to infiltrate and surveil America. This video is from the channel Chinese Taking Down Evil CCP on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Your private call and text data was just stolen by China because it hacked US governments illegal surveillance tool that spies on us all. China plotted to infiltrate Federal Reserve to mine data. Authorities: CEO of election software company sent American poll workers' data to China. Sources include: 100PercentFedUp.com NYTimes.com Brighteon.AI CISA.gov Brighteon.com Houthis suspected in undersea cable cuts as internet slows across Asia and Mideast Global internet outages struck India, Pakistan, Kuwait, and the UAE after undersea cables were severed near Saudi Arabia. Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, are the prime suspects due to their history of sabotage and advanced capabilities in the Red Sea. Three major cable systemsSMW4, IMEWE, and FALCON GCXwere cut, causing widespread slowdowns and exposing critical vulnerabilities. Undersea cables carry 99% of global data traffic and are shockingly easy to sabotage, with repairs taking weeks. This attack is a warning: digital infrastructure is now a battleground, and future disruptions could paralyze economies and communications worldwide. Imagine waking up to find your internet crawling at dial-up speedsor worse, gone entirely. Thats exactly what happened to millions across India, Pakistan, Kuwait, and the UAE this weekend after multiple undersea cables near Saudi Arabia were severed in the Red Sea. The outages, confirmed by Microsoft and NetBlocks, didnt just slow down Netflix streams; they exposed a terrifying vulnerability in the backbone of global communication. And while no group has claimed responsibility, all eyes are on Yemens Houthi rebels, who have the means, motive, and a history of denying such attacksright before striking again. This isnt just about slower downloads. Its a wake-up call. The same cables that carry 99% of intercontinental data traffic are sitting ducks in a world where geopolitical tensions are boiling over. Whether its anchors dragged by ships, deliberate sabotage, or even submarine-based attacks, the threat is real, and the consequences could be catastrophic. If a rogue group can cripple internet access for entire nations with a few well-placed cuts, whats stopping them (or worse actors) from doing it again on a larger scale? A coordinated attack or just "collateral damage"? The cuts affected at least three major cable systems: SMW4 (South East AsiaMiddle EastWestern Europe 4), IMEWE (India-Middle East-Western Europe), and the FALCON GCX cable, all near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Microsofts Azure cloud service reported "increased latency" across the Middle East, while NetBlocks confirmed degraded connectivity in India, Pakistan, and the UAE, where users on state-run networks like Du and Etisalat complained of agonizingly slow speeds. So, whos behind it? Yemens internationally recognized governmentexiled and opposed to the Houthiswas quick to point fingers. Moammar al-Eryani, the information minister, issued a statement declaring the cuts "cannot be isolated from the series of direct attacks carried out by the Houthi militia." He warned that "what is happening today in the Red Sea should serve as a wake-up call for the international community," urging action to "protect the digital infrastructure that serves as the lifeline of the modern world." The Houthis, however, have denied past accusations of targeting cables, even as theyve sunk ships, fired missiles, and deployed ocean drones in their campaign against Israel and Western interests. Their al-Masirah news channel acknowledged the outages Sunday but stopped short of taking credit. Thats classic Houthi strategy: plausible deniability while letting the chaos speak for itself. Why this should terrify you... wherever you live Heres the hard truth: Undersea cables are the internets jugular vein. More than 400 cables stretch across the ocean floor, carrying everything from bank transactions to military communications. And theyre shockingly easy to sabotage. Anchors from ships (accidental or intentional) can slice through them, and submarines or divers (like those the Houthis may now possess) can plant explosives. Making matters worse, repairs take weeks, requiring specialized ships to locate and fix breaks in deep water. This isnt hypothetical. In 2024, Yemens exiled government accused the Houthis of planning cable attacks. Shortly after, multiple cables were cut. It was officially blamed on a ships anchor, but many suspected foul play. Now, with the Houthis sinking ships, firing missiles, and deploying underwater drones, the idea that theyd hesitate to target cables is naive. And its not just the Middle East at risk. The U.S., Europe, and Asia all rely on these same vulnerable lines. Imagine if cables in the Atlantic or Pacific were severed during a conflict with China or Russia. No internet. No ATMs. No emergency communications. Just silenceand chaos. A world on the brink of digital warfare The Red Sea isnt just a shipping lane; its a battleground for the future of global control. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have already proven they can disrupt trade, threaten naval forces, and now potentially cripple the internet. Meanwhile, Western nations scramble to respond, but the damage is done: The illusion of a stable, interconnected world is shattering. This isnt just about the Houthis. Its about what happens when the wrong people realize how easy it is to pull the plug on modern civilization. Weve seen cyberattacks on power grids, ransomware crippling hospitals, and now physical sabotage of the internets backbone. The question isnt if it will happen againits when, where, and who will be next. The Red Sea cable cuts arent just a temporary inconvenience; theyre a dress rehearsal for digital warfare. The Houthis may be todays boogeyman, but tomorrow it could be China, Russia, or a lone actor with a grudge and a boat. Sources for this article include: TechXplore.com Engadget.com News.Sky.com YnetNews.com Israels good at playing the victim, but theyve slain nearly 20,000 children over the past 700 days Over 19,400 children have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, with Israeli forces averaging one child death every 52 minutesa pace that defies the laws of war and the most basic standards of human decency. Israels so-called safe zones are death traps, where families fleeing bombardment are met with fresh waves of airstrikes, starvation, and disease, exposing the lie of humanitarian corridors. Famine is now a weapon of war, with 641,000 Gazansnearly a third of the populationfacing catastrophic hunger, and children under five dying from malnutrition at rates that evoke medieval sieges, not modern warfare. The targeting of journalists, hospitals, and schools reveals a pattern: Israel is not just fighting Hamas. It is erasing the witnesses, the healers, and the next generation of Palestinians. International law has been rendered meaningless, as Israeli leaders openly call for the destruction of Gazas infrastructurewater, electricity, foodwhile the U.S. blocks ceasefire resolutions and continues to arm the assault. A legal reckoning may be coming, as South Africa and other nations push for war crimes charges at the International Criminal Court, armed with videos of bombed hospitals, starving infants, and Israeli officials calling for ethnic cleansing. The arithmetic of annihilation: How Israel turned Gaza into a graveyard for children It's an easy cop-out to blame Hamas for all the carnage in Gaza, but the Israeli military must be held responsible for war crime actions they have deliberately taken and bragged about. One child every 52 minutes. Thats the pace of war crimes that Israel has maintained since October 7, 2023. On that day, a Hamas attack killed 1,200 Israelisa crime against humanity that demanded justice, not vengeance. Yet what followed was not a targeted counter-terrorism operation but a campaign of collective punishment so extreme it has redefined the boundaries of modern warfare. The numbers, compiled by Gazas health ministry and verified by the United Nations, tell a story of industrial-scale slaughter: 19,424 children dead, 1,000 of them infants under a year old. Another 42,011 wounded, many with injuries so severeamputations, burns, crushed limbsthat they will carry the scars of this war for the rest of their shortened lives. Tess Ingram, a communications manager for Unicef, does not mince words: "The suffering of children in the Gaza Strip is not accidental." This is not the unfortunate byproduct of a war gone awry. It is the result of deliberate choiceswhere to drop the bombs, which neighborhoods to flatten, how long to cut off food and water before allowing a trickle of aid to stave off the worst of the starvation. Israeli officials have openly declared their intent to reduce Gaza to a wasteland. In November 2023, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced, "We are fighting human animals, and we act accordingly." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to turn Gaza into a "deserted island." And so they have. Satellite images show entire city blocks reduced to rubble. Hospitalsonce places of refugehave been bombed into oblivion. Schools, where children should be learning arithmetic, now teach lessons in survival. Even the so-called "humanitarian zones" designated by Israel have become kill boxes. In May 2024, an airstrike on a displacement camp in Rafah, packed with families who had fled earlier bombardments, killed 45 people in a single blast. "Safe" is a lie. "Humanitarian" is a joke. The cruelty is not just in the killing but in the method. Israel has weaponized starvation, a tactic so ancient it predates gunpowder. By sealing off Gazas borders, restricting aid convoys, and systematically destroying bakeries, farms, and water desalination plants, Israeli forces have engineered a famine of biblical proportions. More than half of Gazas population1.97 million peoplenow faces "emergency" levels of hunger. For 641,000 of them, the situation is even direr: they are in "catastrophic" famine conditions, the highest level on the global hunger scale. Children are dying not from bullets but from the slow unraveling of their bodies, their ribs pressing against skin, their immune systems too weak to fight off diseases that should have been eradicated decades ago. Unicef reports that 35% of starvation deaths in Gaza are children. Malnutrition rates among those under five have skyrocketed, with stunting and wastingconditions that permanently damage a childs body and brainbecoming endemic. "The collapse of essential services is leaving the youngest and most vulnerable fighting for survival," Ingram warns. "Without immediate and increased access to food and nutrition treatments, this recurring nightmare will deepen, and more children will starve. A fate that is entirely preventable." And yet, the world does nothing or censors dissent against Israel, as Israeli military propaganda blames Hamas for all the deaths and suffering. The propaganda war: How lies justify genocide From the moment Hamas launched its October 7 attack, Israel and its allies in the West have waged a second wara war of narratives, where truth is the first casualty. The goal? To paint Palestinians not as victims of occupation but as subhuman monsters deserving of annihilation. Within days of the assault, Israeli officials and pro-Israel media outlets began circulating claims so grotesque they seemed designed to shock the conscience: Hamas fighters had baked babies in ovens. They had raped women en masse. They had beheaded infants. These stories spread like wildfire, repeated by politicians, amplified by pundits, and embraced by a public primed to believe the worst about Palestinians. There was just one problem: None of it was true. Investigations by international journalists, including teams from The New York Times and BBC, found no evidence to support the most sensational claims. The "40 beheaded babies" story, which former Israeli Defense Forces spokesman Jonathan Conricus admitted was based on "what we heard from the soldiers," collapsed under scrutiny. The "mass rape" allegations, while real instances of sexual violence in conflict must always be taken seriously, were inflated beyond recognition, with Israeli media airing footage of Palestinian detainees being sexually humiliated by their captorshardly the actions of a military claiming the moral high ground. Yet the damage was done. The lies had served their purpose: to dehumanize Palestinians in the eyes of the world, to make their suffering seem justified, even necessary. The propaganda raged on. When Israeli forces bombed the Ahli Arab Hospital in October 2023, killing hundreds of civilians, Israeli officials immediately blamed a misfired Hamas rocketdespite evidence to the contrary. When Reuters and AP journalists were killed in an airstrike on their office building, Israel called it a "legitimate target" because Hamas "might" have been nearby. And when 200 Palestinian health workers were arrested, beaten, and stripped naked in front of their colleagues, Israeli authorities dismissed it as "standard procedure." At least 234 journalists and photo-journalists have been targeted and killed in this time, often being tagged as Hamas without any due process or evidence. The result is a world where Palestinian life is valued less than Israeli life, where the killing of a child in Tel Aviv sparks global outrage, but the killing of 19,400 children in Gaza is met with shrugs and excuses. "But Hamas started it." "They use human shields." "What about the hostages?" These are the refrains of those who would rather look away than confront the reality: Israel is not fighting a war. It is committing a genocide. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net MiddleEastEye.net Enoch, Brighteon.ai Saudi Arabia bolsters maritime security with cutting-edge technology amid regional tensions Saudi Arabia deploys Triton AUV-SV for advanced maritime surveillance. The move reflects broader ambitions to localize defense technology and enhance national security. These efforts come amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea and increased Iranian threats. U.S. and Saudi collaboration deepens, with a focus on technology transfer. Saudi Arabia's investments align with its Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and technological advancement. In an effort to bolster its maritime security and counter potential threats from Iran, Saudi Arabia has deployed the Triton AUV-SV, a high-tech autonomous vessel capable of both surface and underwater operations. This move marks a significant step in Riyadhs strategic approach to regional security, leveraging advanced systems for both defense and development. According to Mike Clarke, Vice President for National Strategy at Ocean Aero, Saudi Arabia is already operational with the Triton, which provides 360-degree surveillance, real-time imaging, environmental monitoring and secure communications through satellite and cellular networks. Strategic importance of advanced technologies in the Gulf The acquisition of the Triton underscores Saudi Arabias broader ambitions to strengthen its control over the Gulf region while also promoting itself as a pioneer in integrating security, sustainability and innovation. This investment comes at a time when the regions security dynamics are rapidly evolving, with Iran posing a significant threat to Gulf stability. Saudi Arabias early adoption of these technologies reflects a proactive strategy aimed at safeguarding its interests and ensuring global oil market stability. Historical context and rising tensions Since the 2014 Houthi takeover of Yemen, the Gulf region has seen an increase in maritime threats, culminating in Houthi rebel attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. These attacks have disrupted trade flows and raised concerns over the safety of critical energy infrastructure in the region. The Triton's advanced capabilities, such as 360-degree surveillance and real-time imaging, are designed to address these threats head-on, enhancing Saudi Arabias ability to respond quickly and decisively to any aggression. Saudi Arabia's ambition to diversify defense capabilities Beyond the Triton, Saudi Arabias General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) has played a crucial role in expanding local defense capabilities. GAMI has spearheaded initiatives to develop and produce UAVs, such as the "Saqr 1," and has established partnerships with global defense players like Turkey and China. These efforts align with Saudi Arabias broader goal under its National Vision 2030 to localize over 50 percent of its defense industry. This localization not only enhances national security but also contributes to economic diversification and technological advancement. U.S.-Saudi collaboration and evolving security dynamics The United States and Saudi Arabia share a long-standing security relationship, but the parameters of this partnership are gradually shifting. Washingtons role in bolstering Saudi Arabias defense capabilities has evolved, with a greater emphasis on technology transfer and co-development. This shift has been driven in part by U.S. efforts to counter Chinas expanding influence in the Middle East. The recent $142 billion defense agreement, inked during President Trumps visit to Saudi Arabia, marks a significant deepening of their security ties. While this deal provides substantial financial returns for Washington, it also underscores Saudi Arabia's push to build up its own domestic military-industrial base. Navigating the complex regional landscape Saudi Arabias strategic investments in advanced maritime and defense technologies reflect a proactive approach to regional security in the face of increasing instability. As tensions continue to rise, the kingdoms multi-pronged approachcombining military strength with diplomatic engagementwill be crucial in maintaining stability in the Gulf. With Irans growing influence and the proliferation of non-state actors in the region, Saudi Arabia's efforts to secure its maritime borders and energy infrastructure are more important than ever. The deployment of the Triton and its partners marks a significant step toward a safer and more secure Red Sea region, setting the stage for future regional cooperation and stability. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com MECouncil.org LUISS.it South Korea slams U.S. after ICE raid targets Korean workers at Hyundai plant weeks after trade deal ICE conducts largest-ever raid at a Georgia Hyundai plant, detaining 475 mostly South Korean workers for visa violations just weeks after a $350 billion U.S.-Korea trade deal. South Korea condemns the operation as unjust, demands worker releases, and threatens diplomatic retaliation including visa policy changes. Trump defends ICEs actions, calling detained workers illegal aliens, while critics argue resources should focus on violent criminals instead. The raid strains U.S.-South Korea relations, risking future investments and trade agreements amid accusations of unfair targeting. Lawmakers and business leaders warn the crackdown undermines trust with a key ally and could deter foreign investment in U.S. industries. Just two weeks after Presidents Donald Trump and Lee Jae-myung finalized a landmark $350 billion trade deal, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency conducted its largest single-site raid in history, detaining more than 300 South Korean nationals at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia. The move has sparked a diplomatic crisis, with Seoul condemning the operation as an unjust infringement on its citizens and businesses. The raid, which took place at a Hyundai-LG Energy Solution construction site near Savannah, resulted in the detention of 475 workers, most of them South Korean. Many were visiting on short-term business visas or under the Visa Waiver Program, but ICE determined their activities did not align with their visa status. The crackdown has left Seoul furious, with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun warning that the rights of Korean citizens and investors must not be unfairly infringed upon. President Lee ordered an all-out response, including potential high-level trips to Washington for consultations. The South Korean government also dispatched consular officials to the site and chartered a plane to repatriate the detained workers. Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution suspended U.S. business travel and advised employees to return home, signaling broader concerns about Korean investments in America. A diplomatic misstep at a critical time The timing of the raid couldnt be worse. Just weeks earlier, Trump and Lee had celebrated a full and complete trade deal, with South Korea pledging massive investments in U.S. industries like electric vehicles and shipbuilding. Now, Seoul is questioning whether American enforcement actions are targeting its businesses unfairly. At a time when numerous Korean firms are expanding investment and building factories across the U.S., such mass detentions of workers could pose a serious risk at the national level, warned Jang Dong-hyeok, chair of South Koreas opposition People Power Party. Trump, however, defended the operation, telling reporters, I would say that they were illegal aliens, and ICE was just doing its job. But wouldn't ICEs resources be better spent targeting violent criminals or drug traffickers rather than foreign workers engaged in business activities? A broader pattern of enforcement overreach? The raid has raised questions about whether ICE is prioritizing high-profile operations over meaningful border security. While the agency claims the detentions were necessary due to visa violations, South Korea insists many of those arrested were lawfully present but engaged in work not explicitly permitted under their visa terms. The fallout has been swift. U.S. lawmakers, including members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, called the raid deeply alarming, arguing it undermines trust with key allies. Meanwhile, Hyundai and LG Energy Solutionboth major investors in the U.S.are now reviewing their operations to avoid future legal risks. Whats next for U.S.-South Korea relations? With tensions rising, Seoul has made it clear it wont back down. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun hinted at possible visa policy changes to prevent similar incidents, while LG Energy Solution sent an executive to Georgia to secure the release of its employees. The bigger question is whether this diplomatic rift will derail the recent trade agreement or deter future Korean investments in America. One thing is certain: If ICE continues targeting workers from allied nations while illegal border crossings remain largely unchecked, the U.S. risks alienating partners it cant afford to lose. This incident should serve as a warning. While securing borders is essential, indiscriminate raids on law-abiding foreign workers from a key ally send the wrong message. If the U.S. wants to maintain strong economic and strategic ties with South Korea in the face of rising tensions with China, it must ensure its enforcement actions are fair, targeted, and proportional. Sources for this article include: RT.com TIME.com Reuters.com AlJazeera.com Study: Doctors overprescribe ADHD meds to preschoolers, defying expert guidelines A new study reveals a widespread practice where doctors frequently prescribe stimulant medication to preschool-aged children with ADHD immediately after diagnosis, bypassing recommended first-line behavioral therapies. This approach directly contradicts established American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, which advise at least six months of behavioral intervention as the initial treatment for this age group. The use of stimulants in very young children is associated with more pronounced risks and side effects, including irritability, sleep problems, and suppressed appetite, which often leads to families abandoning treatment altogether. Researchers suggest this trend is driven by systemic barriers, such as limited access to and high costs of behavioral therapy, leading time-strapped pediatricians to opt for a quick pharmaceutical solution. The study concludes that this represents a systemic failure to follow evidence-based guidelines, prioritizing convenience over proven, sustainable long-term strategies for vulnerable young patients. A new study reveals that doctors are frequently prescribing powerful stimulant medications to preschool-aged children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) almost immediately after diagnosis, bypassing recommended first-line behavioral therapies. Researchers from Stanford Medicine uncovered this practice in a study published Aug. 29 in JAMA Network Open. This directly contradicts treatment guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and raises serious questions about the standard of care for the nations youngest patients. The research analyzed the health records of over 9,700 children between the ages of three and five diagnosed with ADHD across eight major U.S. pediatric health systems. It found that a staggering 42 percent were prescribed medication within just one month of their diagnosis. For five-year-olds, the median time from diagnosis to prescription was zero days, indicating prescriptions were often written at the very same appointment where the diagnosis was delivered. This rush to medicate stands in stark opposition to the AAP's clear guidelines, which advise that preschoolers should first undergo at least six months of evidence-based behavioral intervention before medication is even considered. (Related: No meds required: 3 ways schools can help ADHD kids without resorting to risky psychiatric drugs.) ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. For young children, this often manifests as an inability to sit still, difficulty following instructions, excessive talking and trouble engaging in quiet activities. The AAP's recommended first course of action is not medication, but an approach known as parent training in behavior management. This therapy equips parents with strategies to build positive relationships with their children, use reward systems to reinforce good behavior, and establish consistent routines, effectively teaching the child critical coping and organizational skills. "ADHD in preschool kids is a condition that typically begins to manifest in these early school years," explained Brighteon.AI's Enoch. "It is a commonly diagnosed behavior disorder where children have long-standing difficulty controlling their behaviors and/or paying attention. While more often seen in boys, it is estimated to affect a significant number of children in this age group." The risks of a pharmaceutical-first approach While medications like methylphenidate (commonly known by brand names such as Ritalin) are approved for and can be effective in older children, their use in preschoolers is fraught with complications. Young children metabolize these stimulants differently, often experiencing more pronounced side effects such as irritability, aggressiveness, sleep disturbances and suppressed appetite. Dr. Yair Bannett, the study's lead author, noted that this hasty introduction of drugs often leads to "treatment failure," where families alarmed by the side effects abandon treatment altogether, leaving the child's condition unaddressed. This denies the child the potential benefits of a more measured, comprehensive treatment plan. This new data is not an isolated incident, but rather the latest chapter in a decades-long debate surrounding ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Since the 1990s, diagnoses of ADHD in children have soared, coinciding with the rapid expansion of pharmaceutical marketing directly to consumers and physicians. Critics have long argued that normal, high-energy childhood behavior is increasingly being pathologized, creating a lucrative market for drug manufacturers. The study's findings suggest that this culture of quick pharmaceutical fixes has now trickled down to toddlers, despite expert consensus urging caution. The study authors acknowledge that the systemic rush to prescribe is likely driven by significant practical barriers. Access to qualified child behavioral therapists is severely limited in many parts of the country, and even when available, the cost of such therapy can be prohibitive if not covered by insurance. Time-strapped pediatricians, faced with a distressed family and few immediate resources, may see a prescription pad as the only tangible solution they can offer. However, researchers stress that alternatives exist, including guided self-help for parents using online resources and workbooks that teach behavioral management techniques, which pediatricians can and should recommend. Visit PrescriptionWarning.com for more similar stories. Watch this video as Dr. Eric Berg explains that ADHD is not genetic. This video is from the Polyxena Lobkovice channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Kids that wiggle when engaged in challenging mental activities are often labeled "ADHD" and drugged with mind-altering medications. Drugging the children in America: 84 percent of ADHD kids put on medication. One million children misdiagnosed with ADHD. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com JAMANetwork.com CBSNews.com USNews.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Trump presses tech CEOs on U.S. manufacturing investments at White House event President Donald Trump convened top tech CEOs on Sept. 4 for a private dinner focused on securing commitments to U.S. manufacturing and domestic investment. Meta's Mark Zuckerberg pledged $600B through 2028, Apple's Tim Cook reaffirmed $600B, Google's Sundar Pichai committed $250B, and Microsoft's Satya Nadella announced $80B annually. Trump emphasized streamlined permitting and electric capacity for businesses, while executives like Pichai and Altman praised the administration's AI initiatives. Elon Musk, recently appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was notably absent following a public falling-out with Trump earlier this year. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, a key AI rival to Musk, attended in Musk's absence a symbolic shift that drew attention within tech and political circles. President Donald Trump has hosted a rare and high-profile gathering of America's top technology leaders to press executives on their companies' commitments to investing in U.S. manufacturing. The private dinner-turned-policy discussion at the White House, held on Sept. 4, was attended by CEOs from some of the world's most powerful companies seated at a long table with microphones and nameplates in front of each. "I know all of them indirectly, and I know some of them very well, but I know everybody at the table indirectly through reading about you and studying, knowing a lot about your business," Trump said at the start of the event, adding that he's "making it very easy" for businesses "in terms of electric capacity and getting it for you, getting your permits." The president, seated beside Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and with First Lady Melania Trump opposite him, then started asking the gathered tech leaders to share exactly how much they are investing in American operations and manufacturing. Zuckerberg first revealed that Meta plans to invest at least $600 billion in the U.S. through 2028. (Related: A strategic investment: Meta donates $1M to Trump inauguration fund.) Trump then turned to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, asking about a recent legal victory allowing Google to retain control over its Chrome browser following a federal ruling on Tuesday. Pichai shifted the conversation instead to artificial intelligence, praising the Trump administration's recently released AI action plan as "a great start." He later confirmed that Google is investing $250 billion in the United States. Apple CEO Tim Cook, a frequent guest at White House events under the Trump administration, thanked the president for the invitation and reaffirmed Apple's $600 billion investment in the U.S. a figure recently updated during a visit to the Oval Office last August. Meanwhile, CEO Satya Nadella of Microsoft revealed that their company will invest $80 billion annually. Trump has made American manufacturing and economic nationalism a key pillar of both his first and third presidential terms and the gathering served as a public push for corporate alignment with that agenda. Musk not invited following rift with Trump Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who briefly served as a top Trump adviser earlier this year, was not invited to the exclusive dinner following a rift with the president. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, Musk headed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the second Trump administration. He was tasked to conduct a comprehensive audit of the federal government to identify and eliminate wasteful and unnecessary programs to reduce the U.S. budget by at least $2 trillion. However, Musk and Trump had a public falling-out earlier this year. A representative for Musk's companies also did not attend. Instead, seated at the table in his place was one of Musk's key rivals in the AI space: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. Head over to BigTech.news for more similar stories. Watch the video below that talks about several popular left-wingers deflecting to the "Trump Camp," including Amazon's Jeff Bezos and Meta's Mark Zuckerberg. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Meta CEO Zuckerberg admits Biden administration's censorship demands were ILLEGAL, but Meta failed to fight back. Evil CEO of Fakebook META, Mark Zuckerberg, creating Meta Superintelligence Labs to surpass all human capabilities and rule planet earth. Zuckerbergs META-FAKEBOOK censors anyone opposed to Israels mass-murdering of Palestinians Now Meta faces LAWSUIT over bias and discrimination. Meta employees, contractors fired for HIJACKING user accounts. Zuckerberg admits Biden admin pressured Meta to CENSOR content. Sources include: 100PercentFedUp.com TheHill.com APNews.com Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com The National Police of Ukraine and the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have detained members of a criminal group that terrorized residents of the Ivano-Frankivsk region. "In less than six months, law enforcement officers identified all members of the group, the circle of victims, and documented each episode of their criminal activity. Led by the so-called "watcher" of the city of Kolomyia and the Kolomyia district, the group specialized in extortion, seizure and destruction of property, and beatings. The criminal influence of its leader spread both at large and in places of imprisonment," the National Police website said on Monday. For a long time, the perpetrators kept local residents and businessmen in fear. "Psychological pressure, intimidation, threats of physical violence against family members, damage to property - all possible methods were used to force the victims to agree to criminal demands. In addition, the members of the organized criminal group also committed contract crimes," the report states. The group included individuals who had previously been prosecuted for serious crimes - in particular, murder and extortion. Some of the business ties between the members were established in places of imprisonment. The amounts of fictitious debts ranged from $8,000 to $800,000 and depended on the ability of the future victim to pay. At least 10 episodes of criminal activity have been documented so far. "It was documented how the attackers "knocked out" $800,000 from the owners of a family business in the Carpathian region. In another episode, the bandits demanded that a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine give them his savings. To put pressure on the Ukrainian defender, they promised to visit his relatives and destroy all family property," the SBU press service notes. Law enforcement officers conducted a large-scale special operation, as a result of which 12 suspects were detained in a procedural order. Several of them were captured immediately after receiving part of the funds from the entrepreneur - $300,000. As reported by the SBU, one of the attackers was detained right at the border while trying to escape to a neighboring European Union country. Law enforcement officers also conducted 28 authorized searches of the places of residence and vehicles of the defendants in Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv, Rivne, Kolomyia, Kropyvnytsky, as well as in Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Zakarpattia and Khmelnytskyi regions. Cars, weapons, money, notebooks with draft notes, etc. were seized. Under the procedural guidance of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Prosecutor's Office, police investigators informed 12 members of the group of suspicion under Part 4 of Article 189 (extortion) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. All were selected as preventive measures in the form of detention. The sanction of the article provides for a penalty of up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property. According to the SBU, the issue of announcing additional suspicions under Article 255-1 and Article 255-3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (establishment or spread of criminal influence, application for the use of criminal influence). Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Buried inside the news from the VMware Explore event were a series of security related updates. The big headline was the expansion of security for AI, but there is more to the story. A core element of VMwares security update is its Avi load balancer platform, which it acquired back in 2020. The classic task for a load balancer is exactly as the name implies, to balance traffic. Over the years, network traffic and deployment demands have changed, however. Load balancers must now handle diverse traffic patterns while providing unified security policies across hybrid cloud environments. The VMware Avi platform has emerged as a key player in this space since the 2020 acquisition. Broadcom recently outlined significant enhancements coming to VMware Avi release 31.1.1. The update introduces plug-and-play integration with VCF 9.0 private cloud, AI-powered operational capabilities, and post-quantum cryptography support. These developments reflect the platforms evolution from a traditional load balancer into a comprehensive application services platform. Palo Alto Networks recently incorporated AI-driven data security into its secure access service edge (SASE) platform that can now helps customers defend against sophisticated web threats within browsers. Prisma SASE 4.0 includes new capabilities that provide advanced data security within the browser and constantly update security policies for applications. Prisma Browser covers web threats that legacy offerings miss, according to the company. Critical applications and data reside within the browser, and traditional browsers cannot provide the security controls against the growing number of cyberattacks. Advanced web protection in the Prisma Browser inspects fully rendered web pages and catches threats in real time, according to Palo Alto Networks. The traditional perimeter has dissolved, while adversaries armed with AI now launch faster, more sophisticated attacks that can bypass proxies and WAFs [web application firewalls]. They hide in encrypted traffic, assemble malware directly in the browser and exploit DNS at scale, wrote Palo Altos Anupam Upadhyaya, senior vice president of product management for all SASE platforms, in a blog about the product release. At the same time, sensitive data flows across countless channels (structured and unstructured), documents, source code, and AI-generated content. Traditional security struggles to keep up, while fragmented point tools slow users and create risky workarounds. Patients diagnosed with recurrent or progressive extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) may benefit from treatment with ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd), a B7-H3directed antibodydrug conjugate, according to data presented today at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) in Barcelona, Spain. New data from the Phase 2 IDeate-Lung01 trial in 137 patients who had received 1 prior line of platinum-based chemotherapy showed a confirmed objective response rate (ORR) of 48.2% and a disease control rate of 87.6%, according to results presented by Myung-Ju Ahn, MD, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Patients with ES-SCLC face poor prognoses and have limited treatment options. B7-H3 is overexpressed in all subtypes of SCLC, and its overexpression is associated with worse clinical outcomes, making it an attractive target for novel therapies. This analysis of IDeate-Lung01 included patients treated with I-DXd 12 mg/kg intravenously every three weeks during the dose optimization and extension parts of the study. At the March 3, 2025 data cutoff, 137 patients had received I-DXd after one (23.4%), two (54.7%), or three (21.9%) prior lines of systemic therapy. After a median duration of follow-up of 12.8 months, median duration of response was 5.3 months, and median time to response was 1.4 months. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.9 months, and median overall survival (OS) was 10.3 months. Clinical benefit was observed regardless of platinum sensitivity or number of prior treatments. For example, among the second-line subgroup (n=32), ORR was 56.3% and PFS and OS were numerically longer than in the overall population. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of any grade occurred in 89.8% of patients, with 36.5% of patients experiencing a TRAE of grade 3 or higher, and 4.4% of patients experiencing grade 5 TRAEs. Adjudicated treatment-related interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis occurred in 17 patients, of which 6 cases were grade 3 severity. Safety findings were consistent with prior reports, with no new safety signals observed. People with operable diffuse pleural mesothelioma may benefit from immunotherapy before and after surgery, based on results of a clinical trial exploring the sequence of treatment and the role of surgery for this difficult to treat cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the tissue that lines many organs of the body. Approximately 30,000 cases are diagnosed every year worldwide, most of them in the pleura, or lining of the lungs. It occurs most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos. "Mesothelioma is a difficult tumor to treat," said the study's lead author Joshua Reuss, MD, a thoracic medical oncologist with Georgetown's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. "Our study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of using immunotherapy before surgery for patients who have tumors that can potentially be removed surgically. "Immunotherapy is making substantial contributions to extending the lives of patients with lung cancer and many other solid tumors. This is an important step in identifying mesothelioma patients who could benefit from immunotherapy in the perioperative period, meaning right before or after their surgery and in choosing patients who are actually candidates for that surgery," said Reuss, who is also an attending physician at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Reuss designed the clinical trial during fellowship training at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, the primary site where the study was conducted. He presented the results of the phase II study, Neoadjuvant Nivolumab or Nivolumab plus Ipililumab in Resectable Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma, at the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer in Barcelona, Spain on September 8 and is lead author of the study published concurrently in the journal Nature Medicine (DOI 10.1038/s41591-025-03958-3). Phase II clinical trials are designed to assess whether it is possible to deliver innovative treatments to specific patient populations, and whether the potential benefits of the therapy outweigh any adverse effects that patients experience. "When looking at patient outcomes to date, the issue of whether any mesothelioma is truly resectable is controversial," said Reuss. "Several major studies have not shown improvement in survival when surgery is incorporated into systemic therapy for mesothelioma. This study incorporates immunotherapy into the treatment of patients who might benefit from surgery. "Since they occur in the tissue that lines the lungs, mesotheliomas don't grow and spread like other cancers." Reuss said. "They don't typically form solid masses or nodules. These tumors are more fluid, or diffuse throughout the lining of the lung. That makes it more difficult to use our usual methods to determine how extensive a tumor is or to measure whether a treatment is effective by standard imaging assessments." In this study, the clinical team worked closely with scientists in the laboratory to test a novel approach studying circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in their patient's blood. Tumors frequently shed cancer DNA into the blood stream. Oncologists can test the blood to detect the presence of this ctDNA, but their role in clinical decision-making is an evolving area of interest. This is particularly challenging in mesothelioma, a tumor type that has a low number of cancer mutations that can be detected by traditional ctDNA techniques. "Imaging doesn't always capture what's happening with mesothelioma, especially during treatment," said the study's senior author, Valsamo Anagnostou, MD, PhD, the Alex Grass professor of oncology and co-director of the upper aerodigestive cancers program at Johns Hopkins. "By using an ultra-sensitive genome-wide ctDNA sequencing method, we were able to detect microscopic signs of cancer that imaging missed and predict which patients were most likely to benefit from treatment or experience relapse." "This approach may give us a baseline to monitor the efficacy of that treatment," Reuss said. "If the ctDNA decreases or disappears, it is a good indication that the therapy is working, If not, it indicates a change in therapy may be warranted." Reuss added that further validation of this methodology is required before it can routinely be incorporated into clinical practice. These analyses contribute to our understanding of which patients with mesothelioma may be candidates for surgery. Up until now, ctDNA assessments have not been part of the clinical landscape in the management of diffuse pleural mesothelioma, but our analyses suggest this may be nearing a change in the future." Joshua Reuss, MD, study's lead author, thoracic medical oncologist with Georgetown's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Phase II clinical trials are not designed to measure the clinical efficacy of treatment options but both arms of this trial showed improvements in the time from treatment to when the tumors began to grow again and overall length of survival. Reuss cautions against drawing conclusions about that data, but notes that the results do provide positive signals about the potential value of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for mesothelioma patients with tumors that can be surgically removed and point the way to future studies. "This is a small study," he said, "and it does not tell us whether neoadjuvant immunotherapy will improve outcomes for these patients, but it does open windows of opportunity. We need to take what we learned and do further studies, dig deeper so that we can develop better therapies for patients with mesothelioma." The study was conducted across multiple academic cancer centers. The trial was sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb. The research was supported in part by the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs grant CA190755, the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center NCI Support Grant NCI CCSG P30 CA006973, the US Food and Drug Administration grant U01FD005942-FDA, National Institutes of Health grant CA1211113, the Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, the ECOG-ACRIN Thoracic Malignancies Integrated Translational Science Center Grant UG1CA233259, the Robyn Adler Fellowship Award, the Commonwealth Foundation, the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, and the Florence Lomax Eley Fund. Reuss reports receives research funding through Georgetown University from Genentech/Roche, Verastem, Nuvalent, Arcus, Revolution Medicines, Regeneron, Amgen, DualityBio, and AstraZeneca, and serves in a consultant/advisory role for AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Daiichi Sankyo, Seagen, Gilead, Janssen, Novocure, Regeneron, Summit Therapeutics, Pfizer, Lilly, Natera, Merck, EMD Serono, Roche Diagnostics, and OncoHost. Anagnostou reports receiving research funding from Astra Zeneca and Personal Genome Diagnostics, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Delfi Diagnostics, is an advisor to Astra Zeneca and Neogenomics and receives honoraria from Foundation Medicine, Guardant Health, Roche and Personal Genome Diagnostics. Other author disclosures are included in the manuscript. Additional authors include Paul K. Lee, Reza J. Mehran, Chen Hu, Suqi Ke, Amna Jamali, Mimi Najjar, Noushin Niknafs, Jaime Wehr, Ezgi Oner, Qiong Meng, Gavin Pereira, Samira Hosseini-Nami, Mark Sausen, Marianna Zahurak, Richard J. Battafarano, Russell K. Hales, Joseph Friedberg, Boris Sepesi, Julie S. Deutsch, Tricia Cottrell, Janis Taube, Peter B. Illei, Kellie N. Smith, Drew M. Pardoll, Anne S. Tsao, Julie R. Brahmer, and Patrick M. Forde. Photo: https://khar.gp.gov.ua/ua The Russian soldier with the call sign "Altai," who is accused of cruel treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war at the Volchansk aggregate plant, combined with premeditated murders, has admitted his guilt during the consideration of the case in court on the merits, but refused to recognize the civil claims of the victims, the press service of the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office reports. In court, the prisoner of war "Altai" stated that he regrets his actions. "I really regret what I did. But I can't take it back... What can I say to my relatives? I'm sorry for what I did. But it probably won't make it any easier for them," "Altai" said in the courtroom. The video with the confession was published on the department's website. The court approved the procedure for examining the evidence and began the direct consideration of the case: it questioned the first witness. "The prosecution is ready and will prove his guilt with proper and admissible evidence," said the prosecutor of the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office, Mykyta Daloka. He also noted that the prosecution will insist on imposing a sentence of life imprisonment. As reported, according to the investigation, the 36-year-old "Altai" held the position of commander of the grenade launcher detachment of the motorized rifle company of the 82nd motorized rifle regiment of the 69th Motorized Rifle Division of the Russian Armed Forces and participated in the repeated invasion of the territory of the Kharkiv region in 2024. He, together with other occupiers, occupied the territory of the Vovchansky aggregate plant. Under his actual leadership and by order of the senior command, three murders of Ukrainian prisoners of war were committed. In the UK there are more than 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) annually, but fewer than 10% of people survive. Early CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to restart the heart can at least double the chance of survival. AEDs are safe for the public to use, even without training, but it can be difficult for bystanders to locate and retrieve one quickly during an emergency. Researchers at the University of Warwick teamed up with the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust and autonomous drone specialists SkyBound for a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) study to test the feasibility of drone-delivered AEDs. They tested using drones to fly defibrillators in response to 999 calls as part of emergency simulations in a remote countryside location where ambulance crews would usually be delayed in reaching by road. Ambulance services work as swiftly as possible to get to patients who have suffered cardiac arrests. However, it can sometimes be difficult to get there quickly. AEDs can be used by members of the public before the ambulance gets there, but this rarely happens. We've built a drone system to deliver defibrillators to people having cardiac arrest which could help save lives. We have successfully demonstrated that drones can safely fly long distances with a defibrillator attached and maintain real-time communications with emergency services during the 999 call. We are in a position where we could operationalise this system and use it for real emergencies across the UK soon." Dr. Christopher Smith, Chief Investigator, University of Warwick In the study, the researchers designed a system to deliver an AED attached by a winch to a DJI M300 drone following a 999 call. Skybound's automated drone software activated and controlled the drone's flight. The AED was lowered to a member of the public to help them carry out resuscitation on a CPR mannequin, all while receiving instructions from ambulance service call handlers. The study, which recruited 11 participants, involved assessing real-time communications between the drone pilot, call handler and public bystander. Experts observed how those taking part behaved and interacted with each other. They also timed how quickly the mock cardiac arrest patient would be reached. Steve Holt, who survived two cardiac arrests in remote Northern England beauty spots, says research into using drones to deliver Automated External Defibrillator (AEDs) to cardiac arrest patients may help to save lives. The 74-year-old retired surgeon collapsed on a walking holiday in the Lake District with his 43-year-old son Mark in 2019 in a remote country pub near Coniston. Mark began CPR and used the defibrillator located outside the pub, but bad weather thwarted an air ambulance, so it took 25 minutes before paramedics arrived by road. Mark, now a patient representative on the current NIHR study, sees the great potential of delivering defibrillators by drones and feels that it would be welcomed by people. He added: "While I was resuscitating dad it felt like an eternity waiting for help. Ambulances can be delayed, especially when trying to get to remote areas like those we were in. But in the future a call handler may be able to explain that help is on the way with a drone which can arrive much quicker. "Without clinical research, healthcare advances would not come to fruition. It has been a privilege to be involved with the NIHR and the University of Warwick's work. Study findings show the technology is very promising. Drone start-up procedures were quick. It took 2.18 minutes from emergency call to drone take-off. The drone flew autonomously and safely, with good links to the ambulance service and effective real-time communication. Participants reacted positively to drone delivery of the AED. However, there were delays once the drone had arrived on scene. It took a further 4.35 minutes after the drone had arrived before a shock was given to the simulated patient using the AED. Hands-off CPR time was 2.32 minutes, but only 0.16 minutes of this was spent retrieving the AED. Researchers concluded that bystanders interacted well with the drone but struggled using the AED, showing that bystanders and call-handlers need more support to use drone-delivered AEDs for this to be effective. The next stage will involve funding larger studies to test the technology and evaluate whether it can be used in the NHS. Professor Mike Lewis, NIHR Scientific Director for Innovation, said: "Cardiac arrest, as the Secretary of State highlighted, is one of the biggest killers, claiming tens of thousands of people's lives a year. In an emergency situation, time is of the essence and it's crucial that bystanders can help before ambulance crews arrive. "That's why it's so exciting this innovative study is investigating if enabling emergency services can harness drones to deliver defibrillators to help improve survival. This demonstrates how health and care research can deliver high tech solutions to improve health and care services, and powers the country's life sciences sector and technical advantage." Class 10 student hangs self inside hostel room in Kanpur Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 22:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Kanpur (UP), Sep 8 (PTI) A 16-year-old class 10 student was found hanging in his hostel room in Kakadeo area of Uttar Pradeshs Kanpur, police said on Monday. A suicide note allegedly written by the student was recovered from the spot which stated: I am ending my life of my own will". Recommended Stories The note will be examined by the forensic team, the police added. Surjan Singh, hailed from Bhognipur in Kanpur Dehat, had been living in Hitkari Nagar of Kakadeo area for the past four months preparing for his board examinations. The boy hanged himself inside his room from a hook on the ceiling with the help of a bedsheet, said Station House Officer (Rawatpur) KK Mishra. Hostel staff grew suspicious after repeated calls and knocks went unanswered since Sunday morning, he said. Family members expressed shock, saying Srujan had shown no signs of distress. He spoke to our mother on Saturday night and sounded perfectly cheerful. He was hardworking and never indicated that anything was wrong," the aggrieved brother Harshit told before police. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Police officials confirmed that Srujan had put a post on Instagram before taking the extreme step. The body has been sent for post-mortem, the police said, adding that further investigation would proceed if a formal complaint is lodged. PTI COR KIS NB NB Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 08, 2025, 22:00 IST News agency-feeds Class 10 student hangs self inside hostel room in Kanpur Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 of man restrained in Kansas jail homicide: Authorities Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 03:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mission (Kansas), Sep 7 (AP) The death of a Kansas inmate following a struggle with jail staff has been ruled a homicide and the case referred to prosecutors to determine whether to file charges, authorities said. Charles Adair, 50, died at the Wyandotte County Detention Centre in Kansas City on July 5, one day after he was arrested on misdemeanour warrants for failure to appear on multiple traffic violations. Recommended Stories The Kansas Bureau of Investigation announced on Friday that an autopsy report listed his manner of death as homicide and his cause of death as complications from mechanical asphyxia", a condition where breathing is obstructed. The report didnt elaborate, but causes of obstructed breathing include physical force, an object or even body position, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Also contributing to Adairs death was cardiovascular disease and cirrhosis from chronic alcoholism, the autopsy found. The KBI said it has turned over the findings of its investigation to the Wyandotte County prosecutors office. A spokesperson for the prosecutors office didnt immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press on Sunday seeking comment. On the night Adair died, he received medical care in the detention centres infirmary for a preexisting leg wound. The KBI said in an earlier news release that as staff tried to return him to his cell, he started yelling and physically resisting, so sheriffs deputies responded and handcuffed him. Once in his cell, deputies placed him on his lower bunk. But the release said he continued to resist as they attempted to remove the handcuffs. The report said they ultimately gained control" before removing the cuffs and leaving his cell. Just a few minutes later, medical staff was called to evaluate Adair and found that he was unresponsive. Emergency crews responded and attempted to resuscitate him, but he was pronounced dead a short time later. The KBI said at the time that it didnt see any other signs of obvious injury. What happens next is unclear, although no charges were filed after a similar autopsy finding in the 2021 death of Cedric Lofton, a 17-year-old who became unresponsive while restrained at a Wichita juvenile detention centre. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In that case, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said the states stand-your-ground" law prevented him from bringing any charges because staff members were protecting themselves. Relatives of Adair didnt immediately respond to Facebook messages from the AP seeking comment. (AP) ARI Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 08, 2025, 03:30 IST News agency-feeds Death of man restrained in Kansas jail homicide: Authorities Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Haridwar: Devotees take holy dip in River Ganga after total lunar eclipse Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 09:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Haridwar (Uttarakhand) [India], September 8 (ANI): Devotees in Haridwar took a holy dip in the River Ganga on Monday morning following the conclusion of the total lunar eclipse.The total lunar eclipse commenced at 8:58 pm and lasted until 2:25 am across India.A lunar eclipse is an astronomical event that occurs when the Moon moves into the Earths shadow, causing the Moon to darken. This alignment occurs during an eclipse season, approximately every six months, during the full moon phase when the Moons orbital plane is closest to the Earths orbital plane.This can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are exactly or very closely aligned with Earth between the other two, which can happen only on the night of a full moon when the Moon is near either lunar node. The type and length of a lunar eclipse depend on the Moons proximity to the lunar node.The practice of taking a dip in sacred rivers after an eclipse, whether lunar or solar, is considered auspicious and is believed to purify the body and soul. In Hinduism, eclipses are sometimes viewed as inauspicious events, and bathing in holy rivers is believed to wash away sins and remove the negative effects associated with the celestial occurrence.Earlier on Sunday night, excitement swept across parts of India as thousands gathered in cities to witness the celestial event, also popularly known as the Blood Moon".In Bengaluru, crowds assembled at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics to watch the spectacle unfold. Sahana, one of the visitors, said, It was not fully red, but I could see the moon in a light grey shade. It was nice. It was a good experience. I am waiting for 11 PM to watch the blood moon," said Sahana, who reached the Indian Institute of Astrophysics to watch the Total Lunar Eclipse.In the capital, Delhiites braved cloudy skies to try their luck at the Nehru Planetarium. One enthusiastic visitor said, It is covered with clouds right now. We are very excited to witness the lunar eclipse and see the detailed process of how it happens" said a woman who reached Nehru Planetarium to watch the Total Lunar Eclipse.Meanwhile, in Kolkata, students and astronomy enthusiasts flocked to the Paschim Banga Vigyan Mancha in Jadavpur. For many, it was a first-time experience. Riya Bhattacharjee, a student, said, This is the first time I have witnessed a Total Lunar Eclipse. The Blood Moon is one of the most interesting phenomena I have researched and heard about this live experience is extremely immersive."Adding a scientific perspective, Sandip Chakraborti, Director of the Indian Centre for Space Physics, explained from West Medinipur, Today, Sun, Earth and Moon are on the same line this is a rare event that happened on 31st January, 2018 and the next time, it will happen on 31st December, 2028"The total Lunar Eclipse commenced at 8.58 pm across India and lasted until 2:25 am.A lunar eclipse is an astronomical event that occurs when the Moon moves into the Earths shadow, causing the Moon to be darkened. Such alignment occurs during an eclipse season, approximately every six months, during the full moon phase, when the Moons orbital plane is closest to the plane of the Earths orbit. This can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are exactly or very closely aligned with Earth between the other two, which can happen only on the night of a full moon when the Moon is near either lunar node. The type and length of a lunar eclipse depend on the Moons proximity to the lunar node. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 08, 2025, 09:30 IST News agency-feeds Haridwar: Devotees take holy dip in River Ganga after total lunar eclipse Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Nepal unrest: Security tightened in Uttar Pradeshs border districts Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 22:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Bahraich/Balrampur/Maharajganj/Kheri/Pilibhit, Sep 8 (PTI) Security has been stepped up in several districts of Uttar Pradesh that share their borders with Nepal following violent youth-led protests in the Himalayan nation over the ban on social media platforms, officials said on Monday. At least 19 people were killed and over 250 injured after security forces opened fire on demonstrators who stormed Parliament in Kathmandu on Monday, intensifying anger over the ban on 26 social media sites. The Nepalese government has imposed curfew in several regions, including parts of the Terai, and deployed the army to contain the unrest. Recommended Stories In Balrampur, Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar said security has been tightened along the border and intelligence agencies have been instructed to maintain strict surveillance. Drone monitoring is being carried out and additional forces deployed at all police stations adjoining the border," he said. In Bahraich, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has stepped up patrolling and increased checks along highways as well as village tracks and forest routes connecting India and Nepal. While only sporadic protests were reported near Nepalgunj, we have strengthened vigilance on our side. Patrolling has been intensified and monitoring devices like face-recognition systems and automatic number plate readers are being closely used," said Ganga Singh Udawat, Commandant of SSBs 42nd battalion. In Maharajganj, security has been tightened at the Sonauli border with joint vigil by police and SSB. Special checks are being carried out at bus stands and on passengers returning from Nepal, while dog squads have inspected public places. Full vigilance is being maintained on the border. Instructions have been issued to all station house officers to monitor every activity, and security forces are ready to deal with any situation," Superintendent of Police Somendra Meena said. He added that the Nepali administration had closed the Belhiya and Maheshpur Bhansar offices in the Butwal and Bhairahwa region, halting vehicle movement and enforcing a four-kilometre-radius restriction on gatherings and processions. In Lakhimpur Kheri, authorities reported a tense but calm situation at the Gaurifanta border that connects Pallia tehsil to Nepals Dhangarhi. Security agencies, including police and the SSB, are on high alert in view of the tense situation in Nepal," said Yadavendra Yadav, deputy superintendent of police, Pallia. He added that while no restrictions had been imposed, people on their own avoided movement across the border, resulting in a noticeable slowdown. The main transit route at Gaurifanta remained calm, and people avoided taking long routes into Nepal," he said. In Pilibhit, District Magistrate Gyanendra Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav said SSB personnel had been put on alert along the international border following reports of escalating protests in Nepals Mahendranagar and Dhangadhi areas. The officials confirmed that no curfew or restrictions had been imposed on the Indian side so far, but added that constant monitoring was underway. There are deep trade and family ties between Pilibhit and Nepal. Many families here have residences and businesses across the border. As of now, no restrictions on movement have been imposed, but we are keeping a close watch on developments," the DM said. SSP Abhishek Yadav added that joint patrolling by SSB and police was being conducted along border police stations such as Hazara, Madhotanda and Neuria. So far, no untoward reaction has been observed on either side of the border," he said. Local residents along the border said the restrictions in Nepal have created panic. India and Nepal share the roti-beti relationship, but calling across the border is very expensive. A one-minute call costs more than Rs 7. Thats why people rely on social media to connect with friends and relatives. Now, with the ban, many are distressed, especially families with daughters married across the border," said Akash Pandey, a resident of Sonouli in Maharajganj. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Tourism has also taken a hit. Many Indian tourists who had crossed over are now stranded due to the curfew. We hope the government will arrange for their safe return," said Srichan Gupta, a resident of Bharwan in Nepal. Civil society groups, journalists and the tech industry in Nepal have criticised the governments move to shut down platforms vital for education, business and communication, warning that it risks pushing the country backwards digitally. PTI COR KIS AMJ AMJ Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 08, 2025, 22:00 IST News agency-feeds Nepal unrest: Security tightened in Uttar Pradeshs border districts Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UPI-UPU integration project launched in Dubai Last Updated: September 09, 2025, 02:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Dubai, Sep 8 (PTI) Union Minister for Communication Jyotiraditya M Scindia on Monday unveiled the UPIUPU Integration project here, described as a landmark initiative aimed at transforming cross-border remittances for millions worldwide. The initiative was launched at the 28th Universal Postal Congress. Recommended Stories Developed by the Department of Posts (DoP), NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), it integrates Indias Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the UPU Interconnection Platform (IP), combining the reach of the postal network with the speed and affordability of UPI. Addressing the event, Scindia called it more than a technology launch, but a social compact". The reliability of the postal network combined with the speed of UPI means families across borders can send money faster, safer and at much lower cost. It reaffirms that public infrastructure built for citizens can be linked across borders to serve humanity better," he said. He outlined Indias vision for a modern, inclusive postal sector, anchored in four verbs. To connect through seamless data-driven logistics; to include by delivering affordable digital financial services to every migrant and digital enterprise; to modernise with AI, DigiPIN and machine learning; and to cooperate through SouthSouth partnerships with a UPU-backed technical cell." Underscoring Indias scale and inclusion model, he added, With Aadhaar, Jan Dhan and India Post Payments Bank, we have opened over 560 million accounts, most in womens names. India Post delivered over 900 million letters and parcels last year. This is the scale and spirit of inclusion we bring to the global stage." Scindia announced Indias financial support, committing USD 10 million during this cycle to channel technology into innovation, with special focus on e-commerce and digital payments. Taking forward the motto of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas, he reiterated that India stands ready with resources, expertise and friendship. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Scindia also announced Indias candidature for the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council of the UPU, reaffirming its commitment to building a connected, inclusive, and sustainable future for the global postal community. India comes to you not with proposals, but with partnership. We believe in resilience, enabling interoperable solutions that avoid costly fragmentation, and in trust, linking payments, identity, addressing and logistics so that global commerce becomes seamless," he said. PTI CORR GRS GRS GRS Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: September 09, 2025, 02:00 IST News agency-feeds UPI-UPU integration project launched in Dubai Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India, Israel Ink Bilateral Investment Treaty To Boost Cross-Border Investments Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 14:57 IST India and Israel signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement in New Delhi, strengthening cooperation and boosting development and growth through mutual investments. (Finance Ministry/X) The government of India and the government of the State of Israel signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIT) in New Delhi on Monday. This marks a forward step in the ties of both countries to expand cooperation and engagement in the development and growth through investments. In the X post, the Ministry of Finance said Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman and Finance Minster of Israel H.E. Mr. Bezalel Smotrich signed the BIT. Recommended Stories A bilateral investment treaty (BIT) is a reciprocal agreement between two countries to promote and protect private foreign investments made by investors of one country in the others territory. BITs establish a legal framework that grants investors certain guarantees, such as fair and equitable treatment, protection from expropriation, and free transfer of funds, while balancing these investor rights with the host countrys sovereign powers. Smotrich is on a three-day visit to India between September 8 and 10, during which he is expected to meet his Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar also. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Besides Delhi, he will also visit Mumbai and the GIFT City in Gandhinagar. 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 08, 2025, 14:57 IST News business India, Israel Ink Bilateral Investment Treaty To Boost Cross-Border Investments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Stocks To Watch: Hyundai, Vedanta, Adani Power, Tata Motors, BPCL, Britannia, And Others Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 07:56 IST Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like Hyundai, Vedanta, Adani Power, Tata Motors, BPCL, Britannia, and others will be in focus on Monday's trade Stocks To Watch On September 8 Stocks To Watch On September 8, 2025: Indian equity markets traded in a narrow range and ended nearly flat on Friday. In todays session, shares of Hyundai India, Vedanta, Adani Power, Tata Motors, Aurobindo Pharma, and several others will be in focus owing to fresh developments. Britannia Recommended Stories Britannia Industries expects rural markets to contribute half of its domestic sales within the next three to four years. Tata Motors The automaker announced that it will pass on the entire benefit of the recent GST rate cuts to its commercial vehicle customers. Vedanta Vedanta, in its successful bid for the debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAIL), has proposed an upfront payment of Rs 4,000 crore following NCLT approval, with the remaining dues to be cleared over the next five to six years. Aurobindo Pharma The US FDA concluded an inspection of Aurobindos Unit-XII facility in Bachupally, Telangana, issuing a Form 483 with eight procedural observations. Adani Power Adani Power has signed an agreement with Bhutans Druk Green Power, a government-owned entity, to jointly develop a 570 MW hydroelectric project in Bhutan. SpiceJet The airline reported a net loss of Rs 234 crore in Q1FY26, compared to a net profit of Rs 158 crore in the same quarter last year, as operating revenue fell 34% year-on-year to Rs 1,120 crore. BHEL Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has entered into an exclusive 10-year MoU with Singapores Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies to jointly develop hydrogen fuel cell-powered rolling stock for the Indian market. Zydus Lifesciences The US FDA completed its inspection of Zydus injectable facility in Jarod, Gujarat, and issued four observations. Hyundai Motor India Hyundai has announced price reductions across its passenger vehicle range, passing on the benefits of the GST reforms directly to customers. PNB Housing Finance The companys board has approved plans to raise up to Rs 5,000 crore via non-convertible debentures (NCDs) through private placement, in one or multiple tranches. BPCL Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd has received clearance from a panel under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to draft the terms of reference (ToR) for its proposed 9 MMTPA Greenfield Refinery and Petrochemical Complex in Andhra Pradesh. Sunteck Realty top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The real estate firms board has approved the issue of 1,17,64,705 warrants, each convertible into one equity share, at Rs 425 per warrant. This preferential allotment, to promoters, promoter group, and non-promoter investors, will raise Rs 500 crore. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, ... Read More First Published: September 08, 2025, 07:56 IST News business markets Stocks To Watch: Hyundai, Vedanta, Adani Power, Tata Motors, BPCL, Britannia, And Others Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... ITR Filing 2025 Due Date: Karnataka And Surat Bodies Demand Extension As Sept 15 Nears Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 07, 2025, 13:26 IST The ITR filing deadline for FY2024-25 was extended to September 15, 2025, but FKCCI and CAAS seek further extension due to technical glitches and late release of ITR utilities. ITR Filing deadline for non-audit taxpayers is September 15. ITR Filing 2025 Due Date: With only 8 days left, demands to extend the due date of non-audit taxpayers for the income tax filing (ITR) for FY2024-25 (Assessment year 2025-26) have arisen in various groups, including, tax associations, CAs and tax experts, over technical glitches in the portal, delay in releasing Excel-utilities for ITR forms 2,3,5,6 and 7, data mismatches between AIS and Form 26AS, server crash and more. Recommended Stories The income tax department has extended the deadline for the ITR filing for FY2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26) for 45 days to September 15, 2025, from July 30, 2025. This new due date applies to individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) and other taxpayers whose accounts dont require auditing. Now, the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FKCCI) and the Chartered Accountants Association, Surat (CAAS) have asked the tax department for the due date extension beyond September 15. The bodies also cited technical and compliance-related issues, along with frequent changes in ITR forms this year. The tax department, however, hasnt given any update on the extension of due date for filing ITR for FY2024-25 (AY 2025-26). In its letter to CBDT as cited by ET Wealth Online, FKCCI president MG Balakrishna wrote, Due to the implementation of the extensive changes in the ITR Forms and the systems to comply with the changes, there have been significant glitches and technical issues, which are being addressed to the respective authorities tasked with the functioning of the systems at hand. These technical glitches have significantly caused delays in being prepared with the filing of the returns, and compromised our ability to comply with the timelines as proposed in the notification by the board." In a letter to the CBDT chairman, CAAS raised several grievances and criticised the department for ignoring key issues. The body pointed out that the utilities were released very late ITR-5 on August 8, ITR-6 on August 14, and ITR-7 on August 21, 2025. Similarly, the Tax Audit Utilities (Form 3CA/3CB-3CD) were released only on August 14, 2025. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all CAAS noted that for audit-assessees, whose statutory filing deadline is September 30, 2025, the Government has effectively left just about 40 days to complete the most exhaustive compliance task of the year. 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 07, 2025, 13:26 IST News business tax ITR Filing 2025 Due Date: Karnataka And Surat Bodies Demand Extension As Sept 15 Nears Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Urges Foreign Firms To Follow Immigration Laws After Hyundai-LG Plant Raid Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 07:49 IST President Donald Trump urged foreign investors to respect US Immigration Laws after ICE detained 475 mostly South Korean workers at a Hyundai plant for visa violations. In a raid on the Hyundai Plant, ICE said that many of the car workers were on short-term or recreational visas President Donald Trump has urged all foreign companies investing in the United States to respect the countrys Nations Immigration Laws". His remarks came after the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and many other Federal agencies raided on Hyundai-LG battery manufacturing plant in Georgia, US, where about 475 workers, mostly South Korean citizens, were detained in charge of violating their visitor visas. Recommended Stories In his Truth Social platform, Trump said, your investments are welcome, and we encourage you to legally bring your very smart people, with great technical talent, to build World Class products, and we will make it quickly and legally possible for you to do so." Trump told foreign companies in the post that they should hire and train American workers as a favour. Together, we will all work hard to make our Nation not only productive, but closer in unity than ever before," he added. Workers On Short-Term Or Recreational Visas In a raid on the Hyundai Plant, ICE said that many of the car workers were on short-term or recreational visas, saying not authorized to work in the US". ICE said that the raid was necessary to protect American jobs. It was reported that none of these detained workers were directly employed by the car marker. The individuals arrested during the operation were found to be working illegally, in violation of the terms of their visas and/or statuses," the ICE statement added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The raid is marked as the largest single-site immigration enforcement action in US history. The plant, part of a $7.6 billion electric vehicle battery project by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution. This is also the largest industrial investment in Georgias history. Hyundai, in its statement after the raid, clarified that none of the detained individuals were its direct employees. The company stressed that it requires all contractors and subcontractors to strictly adhere to applicable laws. 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 08, 2025, 07:48 IST News business Trump Urges Foreign Firms To Follow Immigration Laws After Hyundai-LG Plant Raid Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska plans to meet with US First Lady Melania Trump during the UN General Assembly, which will be held in New York at the end of September this year. "The US First Lady also received an invitation (to the First Ladies and Gentlemen Summit - IF-U). Unfortunately, this time she will not be present, but we plan to meet during the UN General Assembly in New York at the end of this month," Zelenska said during a press conference on Monday. It is known that the high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly will be held on September 22-25 in New York. Karnatakas Maddur Tense After Stones Hurled At Ganesh Procession In Reminder Of Nagamangala Clash Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 13:41 IST Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara said: Those who caused the ruckus in Maddur have been arrested. Some minor incidents have occurred. Police security has been deployed." Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Prohibitory orders have been imposed in the town to prevent further unrest. (PTI File) Karnatakas Maddur area is tense as miscreants hurled stones during a Ganesh visarjan procession. A similar situation had arisen in neighbouring Nagamangala, just about 65 km away last year, causing tension in Mandya and clashes between two groups. The procession had begun from Siddhartha Nagar 5th Cross in Maddur town under tight police security. When it crossed a mosque near Ram Rahim Nagar around 8 pm, a few miscreants allegedly threw stones at the procession. Those taking part in the procession were using loud DJ music, especially while passing through a mosque. Recommended Stories In retaliation, another group threw stones at the mosque, triggering a clash between two groups in the area. An atmosphere of anxiety prevailed for 10 to 15 minutes. The Maddur police immediately dispersed the two groups. Later, the police ensured the immersion was done. Eight people were injured and around 25 people have been taken into custody, according to police. Mandya SP Mallikarjuna Baladandi visited the spot and brought the situation under control. Situation on ground Pro-Hindu organisation activists have started to gather in Maddur town. To protest against the stone pelting, another protest march was also taken from the towns Ugra Narasimha temple by right-wing groups with more than 2500 Hindu activists spilling into the streets, forcing the police to resort to control measures. The march started near the mosque where the incident took place. Additional police forces have been deployed and prohibitory orders imposed in the town to prevent further unrest. A large number of personnel have been stationed in sensitive areas. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and warned against the spread of rumours. The district administration appealed to both communities to cooperate with law enforcement to restore peace in the area. What home minister said Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara said: Those who caused the ruckus in Maddur have been arrested. Some minor incidents have occurred. On one hand, young children have been seen jumping from above during the procession. Everything is under control. Police security has been deployed. Such incidents have been happening repeatedly, so people should also respond." We have taken action as per the law. We have taken all kinds of measures during this times Ganesh Chaturthi. Senior officials have also visited sensitive areas. However, there have been minor incidents in one or two places, action has been taken," he said. What happened in Nagamangala last year? The sensitive situation arose during a Ganesh procession as well. But a deviation of 50 metres from the police-approved route map led to communal clashes in Nagamangala in Mandya district during a Ganesh Chaturthi procession. The route map provided by the police for the procession included taking a U-turn at the Mandya circle to head towards Belur. But the procession, as part of their festivities, went ahead by 50 metres right in front of the mosque and that led to friction between two groups. We are also investigating as to whether the other group was also prepared to incite violence as the clashes between both sides took place almost instantly," Mandya SP Mallikarjun Baladandi had told News18. In the Nagamangala incident last year, stones were allegedly thrown by miscreants on a mosque while the procession was passing by the side of the mosque while people were taking part in the procession and shouting slogans like Jai Shri Ram," said a top police official who did not want to be named. The police are analysing CCTV footage to investigate which of the groups first instigated the clash. A senior police official on the ground explained that the procession was to pass through a sensitive area and in order to ensure smooth movement, the route map was created where the procession would turn less than 50 metres away from the masjid. Had the procession, which was to pass in front of the masjid within one to two minutes, gone through smoothly, the situation would not have escalated. Instead, the procession was further delayed by another five to seven minutes along with sloganeering, which led to the instigation," explained a local officer on the ground. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The clash occurred when the procession was passing through Nagamangala town and was to take a turn near the Mandya circle to head towards Belur. Having stopped near the T Mariappa circle and continuing to dance led to the chaotic situation. When the procession was passing through this sensitive area the organisers began dancing with loud music and chants of Jai Shri Ram in one particular spot. The opposing group asked them to move instead of dancing there, which led to the altercation between the groups," the SP said. The stone pelting began an hour after the procession passed in front of the mosque. Later, one of the groups from the procession approached the police station stating they were not allowed to move around the area and that they faced restrictions from the opposing group. A total of 52 persons were arrested and even bikes and six small shops were burnt and a total of 15 bikes and a car were slightly damaged during the protests. About the Author Rohini Swamy Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously wor... Read More First Published: September 08, 2025, 13:38 IST News bengaluru-news Karnatakas Maddur Tense After Stones Hurled At Ganesh Procession In Reminder Of Nagamangala Clash Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Maharashtra Womans Bid To Recreate Viral Aura Farming Kid Lands Her 9,500 Fine Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 21:24 IST A Maharashtra woman from Amrut Nagar, Mumbra, was fined Rs 9500 after her viral aura farming dance on a Mahindra Scorpio sparked debate over risky social media stunts. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Screengrab of the viral video. A young woman in Maharashtra has landed in the spotlight after a video of her performing the viral aura farming" boat-racing dance on the bonnet of a car went viral on social media. The clip shows her striking dance moves atop a vehicle, reportedly as part of an Instagram reel. The woman was seen performing the stunt on the Mahindra Scorpio, has been booked under multiple charges. Police said she was fined Rs 9,500 for violations, including driving without valid insurance under the Motor Vehicles Act (Sections 146/196) and not possessing a Pollution Under Control Certificate, a violation of Section 115. Recommended Stories She is a resident of Amrut Nagar, Mumbra, and reportedly posted the video on her Instagram page (swagy_gurl_) to gain more likes and followers. The Scorpio is registered in the name of Mohammad Habib Shah. The incident has once again ignited debate over the lengths people go to for social media popularity, with calls for stricter enforcement against risky public performances. However, she isnt the only one jumping on the Aura Farming bandwagon. The Aura Farming dance trend has taken the internet by storm. It all started with a viral video of a young boy from Indonesia performing funny hand gestures during a traditional boat race. Since then, many people around the world have recreated the trend, not just on boats, but even on cars, including some very expensive ones. Another alarming incident involved a woman standing on the bonnet of a Mercedes-Benz C-Class while filming a similar video. Her friend, who was driving, suddenly applied the brakes, and she fell onto the bonnet. This happened on a public road, a far more dangerous location. The clip went viral, and police took swift action. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Authorities tracked the vehicle, detained the individuals involved, and filed a criminal case under the BNS and Motor Vehicles Act. Although these stunts might appear entertaining or fashionable, they carry serious risks. Performing them on public roads endangers not only the individual but also other motorists. First Published: September 08, 2025, 21:21 IST News mumbai-news Maharashtra Womans Bid To Recreate Viral Aura Farming Kid Lands Her 9,500 Fine Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Navi Mumbai Metro Crosses 1 Crore Riders In 2 Years: Link To NMIA & Mumbai, Timings Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 14:26 IST Navi Mumbai Metro: The line plays links residential, industrial hubs such as CBD Belapur, Taloja MIDC, and CIDCO housing complexes in Taloja and Kharghar. It will also link to NMIA Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Navi Mumbai Metro: The impressive figure was reached on September 6, marking a significant achievement in just under two years of operation, the CIDCO stated. (X) In a major milestone for public transportation in Navi Mumbai, the Belapur-Pendhar metro line has crossed a ridership of 1 crore commuters since its launch in November 2023, an official release stated on Sunday. The impressive figure was reached on September 6, marking a significant achievement in just under two years of operation, the CIDCO stated. Recommended Stories The Belapur-Pendhar metro line was the first phase of the larger Navi Mumbai Metro project, envisioned to provide fast, efficient, and modern mass transit for the city. The line plays a key role in connecting residential and industrial hubs such as CBD Belapur, Taloja MIDC, and CIDCO housing complexes in Taloja and Kharghar, PTI reported. Explained | Mumbai Metro-8: CSMIA-Navi Mumbai Airport In 30 Minutes, This Line Aims For Gold Standard Of Travel The state-owned CIDCO has continuously refined the metro service to meet the evolving needs of commuters. Notably, the timetable was revised to increase train frequency, with services now available every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during non-peak hours, said the release. The maximum fare has been capped at Rs 30, it said. These commuter-friendly measures are drawing more and more commuters to this Line and hence have achieved the record ridership of 1 crore within a period of just two years," CIDCO added. The Navi Mumbai Metro Line Operational since November 17, 2023, covering an elevated corridor of 11 km with 11 stations from CBD Belapur to Pendhar, the Navi Mumbai Metro line is being gradually extended toward Khandeshwar and Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), reaching a planned full length of 23.4-23.6 km with 20 stations. Navi Mumbai is a rapid transit rail system, which has one operational line. The project has three phases: Phase 1: Belapur to Pendhar (11.10 km) with 11 stations CBD Belapur, Sector 7, CIDCO Science Park, Utsav Chowk, Sector 11, Sector 14, Central Park, Pethpada, Sector 34, Panchanand and Pendhar Metro Station. Phase 2: Khandeshwar to MIDC Taloja (extension to Airport proposed) (10.3 km) with 8 stations Khandeshwar, Kalamboli, Sector 13, Sector 11, Sector 7E, Sector 7, Sector 2E, and MIDC Taloja. Phase 3: Interlink between Pendhar and MIDC Taloja (2.2 km) with one station. Navi Mumbai Metro Line: Key stations CBD Belapur (interchange with Mumbai suburban rail) Belpada (Kharghar) (interchange with Kharghar railway station) PethaliTaloja (near Taloje Panchnand rail station) Pendhar terminal Navi Mumbai Metro Line: What are its operating hours and frequency? Operating hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily Frequency: Early operations indicate a train every 15 minutes, especially in Phase I stretch; frequency improvements are expected as ridership grows Navi Mumbai Metro Line: What is the fare structure? Distance-based fare slabs from Rs 10 (up to 2 km) to Rs 40 for journeys over 10 km. CIDCO recently rolled out a QR-based ticketing system, allowing mobile or paper tickets purchased via app or soon via WhatsApp and NCMC smart cards for unified travel across networks. Navi Mumbai Metro Line: Is it linked to Mumbai Metro? Direct link proposed via Mumbai Metro Line 8 (Gold Line), with an interchange at proposed Sagar Sangam station in Belapur, linking it with Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1. Several stations provide direct or nearby suburban rail interchanges: CBD Belapur: Belapur suburban railway (Harbour Line) Belpada (Kharghar): Kharghar railway station Pethali-Taloja: Taloje Panchnand railway station Feeder systems are being planned: shared autos, BEST bus bays, and pedestrian access with autorickshaw facilities near key stations. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Additionally, the Mumbai Metro Line 12 (Kalyan-Taloja Metro) will interlink with the Navi Mumbai Metro at Taloja. With PTI Inputs About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci... Read More First Published: September 08, 2025, 14:21 IST News mumbai-news Navi Mumbai Metro Crosses 1 Crore Riders In 2 Years: Link To NMIA & Mumbai, Timings 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... Over 100 Mobiles, Several Gold Chains Stolen During Lalbaugcha Raja Visarjan In Mumbai Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 16:21 IST Lalbaugcha Raja Visrajan in Mumbai saw lakhs gather for Anant Chaturdashi, with police reporting over 100 thefts amid the Ganesh immersion. The police have registered more than 100 complaints related to mobile thefts and chain snatching during the event. (X) Lalbaugcha Raja Visrajan: Lakhs of Mumbaikars have thronged the streets to witness the grand visrajan (immersion) procession of Mumbais iconic Lalbaugcha Raja on the occasion of Anant Chaturdashi. Amid the heavy turnout, over 100 mobile phones and several gold chains were reported stolen, according to Mumbai Police. The police got over 100 complaints related to mobile thefts and chain snatching during the event. The Kalachowkie police station has registered 20 FIRs alone since Saturday after receiving complaints from devotees about valuables being stolen during the visarjan. Recommended Stories Most victims told Mid-Day that they were targeted near the Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal in Lalbaug, where a large crowd had gathered for darshan of the deity. VIDEO | Mumbai: Immersion procession of Lalbaugcha Raja begins as thousands gather to bid an emotional farewell.Devotees line the streets with chants, dance, and devotion as the majestic Lalbaugcha Raja embarks on his final journey, Ganesh Visarjan.#LalbaugchaRaja pic.twitter.com/93XevLwZ6m Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 6, 2025 Ajay Arun Chavan, a resident of Lower Parel, said, I was with my family taking darshan of Lalbaugcha Raja near the main gate, just opposite the Shroff Building at Lalbaug, when someone snatched my three-tola gold chain. I registered an FIR at the Kalachowkie police station. I am also collecting signatures from other victims and writing a letter to the Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal demanding compensation for our lost valuables." So far, the police have recovered four mobile phones and two gold chains. Authorities also confirmed the arrest of four individuals and the detention of 12 others in connection with theft incidents, as reported by news agency IANS. Taking advantage of the huge crowds during the 2025 Lalbaugcha Raja procession, thieves stole from people along different parts of the route. Meanwhile, Lalbaugcha Raja idol was finally immersed on Sunday after several hours of delay. The immersion, originally scheduled for the morning, was postponed due to high tide and technical issues. The idol was eventually moved onto a raft on Sunday afternoon. The grand idol of Lord Ganesha was immersed into Arabian sea off Girgaon coast During idol immersion, devotees got emotional as they bid adieu to Lord Ganesha. Lalbaugcha Raja had reached Girgaon Chowpatty at 8am on Sunday. The idol was moved to a raft, following several failed attempts, more than eight hours after it arrived at Girgaon Chowpatty and over 28 hours after its grand procession began from Lalbaug on Saturday afternoon, PTI reported. The failed attempts through the morning had prompted Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal functionaries and officials present at the spot to opt for caution and wait for the high tide, of 4.42 metres at around 11.40 am, to recede. The idol was finally moved from its platform onto a newly constructed raft at 4:45pm with the help of hundreds of volunteers and fishermen amidst a sea of onlookers," an official told PTI. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Lalbaugcha Raja Ganpati mandal was formed in 1934, initiated by the Koli fishermen and local traders of Lalbaug (then known as Girangaon), who had lost their marketplace due to industrial shifts. They vowed to establish Ganesh in gratitude once their market was secured. The first Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav of the mandal took place on September 12, 1934. For years, lakhs of devotees across Mumbai visit the pandal, as they believe the Bappa grants wishes. Many even return to thank the Lord once the wish is fulfilled. 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 08, 2025, 16:21 IST News mumbai-news Over 100 Mobiles, Several Gold Chains Stolen During Lalbaugcha Raja Visarjan In Mumbai Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Man, Who Stole Rs 1 Crore Kalash From Red Fort During Religious Event, Arrested Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 13:25 IST The man was caught on the CCTV camera, dressed in dhoti-kurta, stealing the valuables from the religious event. The accused captured on CCTV camera The man who allegedly stole a gold and gemstone-studded kalash worth nearly Rs 1 crore from a religious ceremony inside Delhis Red Fort on September 3 has been arrested in Uttar Pradeshs Hapur. The accused, who has been identified as Bhushan Verma, does not belong to the Jain community. He stole valuables, including a 760 gm gold vessel encrusted with 150 gm of diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, from the event, which also witnessed the presence of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Recommended Stories Earlier, CCTV footage of the incident surfaced, showing the man in a dhoti-kurta, dressed to disguise himself as a Jain priest. The entire incident, from stealing to walking away from the premises, was captured on camera. He was spotted walking out of the premises with a bag, apparently containing stolen valuables, on his shoulder. The stolen Kalash belonged to Sudhir Jain, a businessman, who regularly brought the Kalash for worship. His brother, Punit Jain, had earlier alleged that the suspect has a record of stealing. The case is being probed jointly by a team from the north district and the Crime Branch. A team was dispatched to Hapur based on leads, and the accused, Bhushan Verma, was intercepted and taken into custody, police said. The stolen kalash was also recovered at his instance," a senior officer said, adding that the accused is being brought to Delhi for questioning. The arrest comes after a complaint was filed by Sudhir Jain. The police mentioned that the theft took place while people were busy welcoming Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A further investigation into the matter is underway, and police are ascertaining the motive behind the theft. 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 08, 2025, 12:45 IST News new-delhi-news Man, Who Stole Rs 1 Crore Kalash From Red Fort During Religious Event, 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... IIM Bangalore Overtakes Ahmedabad, Becomes Indias Top B-School, 28th Globally In FT Ranking Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 11:46 IST IIM Bangalores Post Graduate Programme in Management has topped India and ranked 28th globally in the FT 2025 rankings. IIM Bangalore tops India and ranks 28th globally in FT 2025 rankings. IIM Bangalores two-year full-time MBA programme the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) has climbed significantly in the Financial Times Masters in Management (FT MiM) 2025 global ranking. The programme is now #1 in India and #28 worldwide, up from #41 in 2024. With this, IIMB becomes the only Indian B-school in the global top 30. The ranking highlights IIMBs strong performance across several parameters. Alumni outcomes show higher career progression and a significant rise in weighted salaries, where IIMB ranks #2 in India. Its salary increase percentage of 47% is the highest among the top three Indian B-schools. IIMB also improved in measures of value for money, ESG and Net Zero teaching, and made a big jump in its carbon footprint rank, moving from 73 to 13, reflecting its commitment to carbon neutrality. Recommended Stories Diversity has also improved: the proportion of female faculty rose from 22% to 25%, female students from 33% to 40%, and women on the Board from 30% to 40%. The programme also saw an increase in international students, reflecting its growing global presence. IIMB benchmarks its curriculum and impact through research against the best in the world to ensure that its students play a decisive role in addressing complex global challenges. The FT MiM ranking reaffirms our promise of delivering a transformational experience that leaves a lasting impact on students, practitioners, industries, and society", said Professor U Dinesh Kumar, Director In-charge, IIMB. We have always seen a competitive edge through the adoption of inclusive practices", said Prof. Mukta Kulkarni, Dean, Programmes and Chairperson, Office of International Affairs, adding that the 2025 FT MiM rankings are aided by the diversity that IIMB has cultivated across its faculty, student, and subsequent alumni fraternity, as well as its governing body. Access to a world-class cohort and consistent interactions with some of the most exciting thinkers and decision makers of our time have lent weight to this outcome", she said. Top Indian Business Schools In FT Rankings 2025 Rank Indian Business School Location 28 IIM Bangalore Bengaluru 34 IIM Ahmedabad Ahmedabad 35 SP Jain Institute of Management & Research Mumbai 41 IIM Calcutta Kolkata 57 IIM Lucknow Lucknow 58 XLRI Xavier School of Management Jamshedpur 69 IIM Kozhikode Kozhikode 72 Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon 81 IIM Indore Indore 98 IIM Udaipur Udaipur 99 International Management Institute (IMI) Delhi top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ: Major Error In NIRF 2025 Ranking: BHU Dental College Appears Twice With Conflicting Data The FT MiM Ranking evaluates the worlds top business schools across 19 criteria. Alumni feedback accounts for 56% of the ranking, while school data makes up the remaining 44%. The ranking looks at employment, return on investment, diversity, ESG, and internationalisation to give a full picture of a schools performance. About the Author Archit Gupta Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, inclu... Read More First Published: September 08, 2025, 11:44 IST News education-career IIM Bangalore Overtakes Ahmedabad, Becomes Indias Top B-School, 28th Globally In FT Ranking Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... School Holidays On September 8: Schools Closed In Mumbai, Jammu And Parts Of Rajasthan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 08:35 IST Schools remained closed today in Mumbai, Jammu, and several Rajasthan districts due to heavy rains, floods, landslides, and festival holidays, disrupting classes. Schools closed in Mumbai, Jammu, and parts of Rajasthan due to rains, floods, and holidays. School Holidays On September 8: Heavy rainfall, floods, landslides and festival holidays have disrupted the academic calendar in several states, forcing temporary school closures and revised reopening schedules. Check the state-wise list here: Jammu Recommended Stories In Jammu, continuous heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides since August 26 have forced educational institutions to remain closed for 11 days. The Directorate of School Education, Jammu, has now instructed authorities to gear up for reopening. Offline classes are set to resume from September 10, after a thorough inspection of infrastructure and safety arrangements in flood-hit areas. Rajasthan In Rajasthan, torrential rains have disrupted normal life, with rivers and streams overflowing in multiple districts. On Monday, the Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for four districts and a yellow alert for six others. Schools remained shut in Udaipur (barring those under the municipal corporation), Salumber, Jalore, Dungarpur, Sirohi, Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Balotra on Monday. However, the weather office has predicted relief from heavy rainfall starting September 9. Mumbai Milad-un-Nabi, observed nationwide on September 5, was shifted to Monday, September 8, in Mumbai and its suburbs to avoid clashing with Ganesh Chaturthi processions. As a result, all government and private schools in the city and adjoining areas observed a holiday on Monday. ALSO READ: West Bengal SSC Exam To Be Conducted After 9 Years, Check Exam Day Guidelines Punjab top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In Punjab, schools and higher education institutions are set to function normally from Tuesday. State Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains confirmed that government, private, and aided schools, along with colleges and universities, will reopen as scheduled. However, he added that in areas affected by floods, the respective Deputy Commissioners would take a call on whether to extend closures. 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 08, 2025, 08:33 IST News education-career School Holidays On September 8: Schools Closed In Mumbai, Jammu And Parts Of Rajasthan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Yogi Adityanath Orders University, College Inspections; Courses Under Scrutiny Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 12:28 IST Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has ordered inspections of all universities and colleges, scrutinising courses and admissions. UP CM Yogi Adityanath orders inspections of universities and colleges after ABVP clash. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a thorough inspection of all universities and colleges in the state. He directed special teams made up of senior administrative, police, and education officials to check recognition and admissions, ensure that only approved courses are running, and take strict action against unrecognised programmes, including mandatory refunds to students, as reported by news agency PTI. A delegation of ABVP, the student wing of the RSS, met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday, days after its members clashed with state police over alleged irregularities in a law course at a university in Barabanki. Recommended Stories Following the meeting, an ABVP press statement said the chief minister engaged in a comprehensive discussion on all issues raised regarding the academic anarchy and assured the delegation that their demands would be fulfilled." The delegation included national secretary Ankit Shukla, regional organising secretary for western UP Manoj Nikhra, regional organising secretary for eastern UP Ghanshyam Shahi, and national executive member Srishti Singh. The meeting comes after the recent dispute involving Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) students at Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University in Barabanki. On Monday, police confronted and used force against ABVP members who were protesting an alleged unrecognised law course at the university. The students claimed that the university was putting their future at risk by enrolling them in a programme that did not have recognition from the Bar Council of India. Following the clash, four police personnel were suspended, and an FIR was filed against the university. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ: NMC Directs PG Medical Students To Serve In Flood-Hit Areas For DRP Training The incident also took a political turn when UP minister Om Prakash Rajbhar, president of the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP), referred to the ABVP workers as goons." In response, an ABVP member, Adarsh Tiwari, sent a legal notice to Rajbhar, claiming that his remarks were defamatory and insulted thousands of students associated with the organisation. 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 08, 2025, 12:28 IST News education-career Yogi Adityanath Orders University, College Inspections; Courses Under Scrutiny Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... CP Radhakrishnan Vs B Sudershan Reddy: Who Will Be India's 15th VP? The Numbers Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 18:15 IST After Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21 citing health reasons, Tuesdays election will see MPs elect Indias 15th Vice President India will elect its 15th VP with members of both Houses of Parliament casting their votes in a high-stakes contest that pits CP Radhakrishnan against Justice (Retd.) B Sudershan Reddy. (Photos: X) India will elect its 15th Vice President on September 9, with members of both Houses of Parliament casting their votes in a high-stakes contest that pits the ruling NDAs nominee, CP Radhakrishnan, against the opposition INDIA blocs choice, Justice (Retd.) B Sudershan Reddy. The election comes less than two months after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from the post, citing health reasons. His abrupt exit created a rare mid-term vacancy in the countrys second-highest constitutional office, one that plays a crucial role in parliamentary functioning as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. Recommended Stories Who Are The Candidates? The ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has nominated CP Radhakrishnan, a senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu who is currently serving as the Governor of Maharashtra. Radhakrishnan is rooted in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and is known as a non-controversial, soft-spoken figure within the party. He twice represented Coimbatore in the Lok Sabha in 1998 and 1999, making him the only BJP leader from Tamil Nadu to have been elected to the Lower House more than once. His candidature also reflects the BJPs continuing attempt to strengthen its southern presence. The Oppositions candidate is Justice (Retd.) B Sudershan Reddy, a jurist from Telangana, backed by the INDIA bloc. He retired from the Supreme Court in 2011, and his judicial career is marked by verdicts critical of government inaction on black money and by his ruling that declared the anti-Naxal Salwa Judum movement unconstitutional. Reddy also served as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court and later became Goas first Lokayukta in 2013. This is the first time both candidates in a vice-presidential election are from southern India, Radhakrishnan from Tamil Nadu and Reddy from Telangana, putting regional parties in a delicate position. For the Opposition, Reddys candidature has been framed as not merely about numbers but about defending constitutional values. He has described the election as a clash of ideas" rather than a personal battle, pointedly contrasting his own positions with Radhakrishnans lifelong RSS background. How Do The Numbers Stack Up Ahead Of Poll? The strength of the electoral college for the vice-presidential election is 781 MPs 542 in the Lok Sabha (with one vacancy) and 239 in the Rajya Sabha (with six vacancies). The majority mark is 391 votes. On paper, the NDA enters with a comfortable edge. The alliance has the support of around 422 MPs, which already places it above the victory mark. With the YSR Congress Party which has 11 members in both Houses formally backing CP Radhakrishnan, the ruling camps tally is expected to cross 430 votes. Even without additional support, this gives the NDAs nominee a winning cushion. The Opposition INDIA bloc has an estimated 300324 MPs, depending on attendance and smaller party alignments. Even if independents and fence-sitting parties were to back its candidate, Justice B Sudershan Reddy, the bloc would still remain short of the majority. This makes the outcome different in scale from the 2022 contest, when Jagdeep Dhankhar secured 528 votes, the largest margin in three decades, against Margaret Alvas 182. While the INDIA bloc is stronger in numbers now than it was three years ago, the arithmetic still heavily favours the NDA. Key Shifts Among Fence-Sitters Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD), with seven MPs, has formally announced it will abstain. BJD MP Sasmit Patra said to ANI, Biju Janata Dal has decided to abstain from the vice presidential elections tomorrow. The Biju Janata Dal remains equidistant from both the NDA and INDIA alliances. We are focused on the development and welfare of Odisha and 4.5 crore people of Odisha." This decision lowers the potential vote count for both camps. K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Bharatiya Rashtra Samiti (BRS), with four MPs, will also abstain. BRS working president K T Rama Rao on Monday said that the decision to skip the VP election is an expression of anguish" of Telanganas farmers over the shortage of urea in the state. Smaller parties and independents, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Zoram Peoples Movement from Mizoram, and several independents, together account for around 10 votes. Their decisions could marginally shift tallies but will not alter the outcome, according to India TV. Factoring in abstentions, the NDAs candidate could finish with around 436448 votes, compared to Reddys 320-plus tally. That would be a smaller margin than Dhankhars 2022 sweep but still a decisive victory. Why Is The Election Taking Place Now? The election was triggered by the surprise resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, citing health reasons. Dhankhars exit was effective immediately and created a rare mid-term vacancy in Indias second-highest constitutional office. The Vice President serves a five-year term and is the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. The office is crucial in maintaining the functioning of the Upper House, especially during periods of sharp political contestation. Dhankhar had held the position since 2022 and was known for his assertive handling of parliamentary proceedings. How Is The Vice President Elected? The election is conducted under Article 66 of the Constitution and supervised by the Election Commission. The voting system is distinct from that used in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections. MPs mark their preferences for the candidates on a ballot paper, and the election is held by the system of proportional representation through the single transferable vote. This means that each MP can rank the candidates in order of preference. If no candidate secures a majority on the basis of first preferences, the candidate with the lowest votes is eliminated and their votes transferred to the remaining contenders according to the second preferences indicated. This continues until one candidate crosses the majority threshold. Voting is strictly by secret ballot, and the process is overseen by a Returning Officer, usually a senior parliamentary official. Why Are EVMs Not Used In Vice Presidential Polls? Electronic Voting Machines, which have been in use since 2004 for Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, cannot be deployed for the presidential or vice-presidential elections. The reason, as PTI reported, is that EVMs are designed for direct contests where each vote is counted for a single candidate. The proportional representation system of transferable votes used in vice-presidential elections requires ranking of preferences, elimination rounds, and reallocation of votes calculations that current EVMs are not built to handle. As a result, the vote in tomorrows election will be conducted entirely on paper ballots, similar to Rajya Sabha elections. What Happened In The 2022 VP Election? The last vice-presidential election in August 2022 delivered a landslide for Jagdeep Dhankhar, who won 528 votes (74.37 per cent) against the opposition candidate Margaret Alva, who secured 182. His margin of 346 votes was the biggest in three decades. Dhankhars win was boosted by support from non-NDA parties like the YSR Congress and the BJD, underscoring the BJPs ability to draw in allies beyond its formal coalition. By comparison, tomorrows contest is expected to yield a smaller margin for the NDA, but one that still reflects its parliamentary dominance. What To Expect On Voting Day? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Polling will take place on Tuesday from 10 am to 5 pm, with MPs from both Houses of Parliament casting their votes in the national capital. Counting will begin at 6 pm, and results are expected the same evening, as per Hindustan Times. While the numbers favour Radhakrishnan, the election will allow the opposition to signal its relative strength compared to three years ago. 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 08, 2025, 18:10 IST News explainers CP Radhakrishnan Vs B Sudershan Reddy: Who Will Be India's 15th VP? The Numbers 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... How Australias Mushroom Murderer Poisoned Her Family And Tried To Get Away With It Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 09:14 IST Erin Patterson, now sentenced to life with parole after 33 years, served a deadly mushroom lunch to her in-laws, spun lies to cover her tracks, and was finally exposed in court Erin Patterson, the Australian woman who killed three in July 2023, has been sentenced to life imprisonment. (Credits: AFP) What began as a seemingly ordinary meal in rural Victoria spiralled into one of the most sensational criminal cases in modern Australia. Erin Patterson, 50, has now been sentenced to life in prison for murdering three relatives and attempting to murder a fourth by serving them a dish laced with deadly mushrooms in July 2023. The case, dubbed the Leongatha mushroom murders", gripped the nation and drew global attention. On Monday, Supreme Court Justice Christopher Beale told Patterson she had inflicted trauma" and shown no remorse". He ruled she must serve at least 33 years before she can seek parole, meaning she would be 83 at the earliest opportunity. Recommended Stories Who Is Erin Patterson, The Woman At The Centre Of Australias Mushroom Murders? Patterson grew up in Melbournes Glen Waverley suburb. She studied science at the University of Melbourne before switching to accounting, and later ran a second-hand bookshop. In 2007, she married Simon Patterson, an engineer. The couple moved across Western Australia before returning to Victoria to live near his parents, Don and Gail Patterson. Though their marriage collapsed in 2015, Erin remained in touch with her in-laws and often saw Simons aunt and uncle, Heather and Ian Wilkinson, at church in Korumburra. By 2023, she was raising two children in the nearby town of Leongatha, where she would host the fatal meal. How A Beef Wellington Lunch In Leongatha Turned Deadly On 29 July 2023, Erin invited Don and Gail, Heather and Ian to lunch at her home. Her estranged husband, Simon, was also invited but declined. Sky News reported that Simon told a pre-trial hearing he had refused out of fear". He alleged Erin had tried to poison him on three separate occasions during family camping trips, after eating meals she cooked, such as penne bolognese, chicken korma, and a vegetable curry wrap. Although tests never confirmed poisoning, Simon said the experiences left him so shaken he stopped eating her food altogether. At lunch, Erin served beef Wellington with mashed potatoes and green beans. Reverend Ian Wilkinson testified that Heather and Gail offered to help serve, but Erin refused. Notably, Erin ate from a smaller, different-coloured plate, something Heather pointed out later. The guests saw nothing amiss. Ian recalled his wife saying the lunch was lovely", and Don even ate half of Heathers portion. Within hours, however, all four fell violently ill. Gail and Heather died on 4 August, and Don the next day. Ian survived after seven weeks in hospital. Erin later claimed she too was unwell but said her sickness was linked to an eating disorder, not poisoning, according to Sky News. Why Patterson Lied About Cancer And How Family Disputes Fed Tensions The invitation had itself raised eyebrows. Reverend Wilkinson told ABC that he and Heather had wondered why Erin had suddenly asked them over. At the table, she offered an explanation: she said she had cancer and wanted advice on how to tell her children. Prosecutors said this was a calculated lie, designed both to justify the gathering and explain why her children were sent to the cinema during the meal. In court, Erin admitted the story was false. I didnt want their care of me to stop, so I kept it going," she said. I did lie to them." Financial disputes also weighed heavily. Simon testified that after he declared them financially separated on a tax return, he became liable for child support. That meant he no longer directly paid their childrens private school fees, something he believed angered Erin. The Food Dehydrator, Wiped Phones And Other Attempts To Conceal Evidence Investigators pieced together a series of suspicious actions. Erin initially told police the mushrooms were a mix of button mushrooms from a supermarket and dried mushrooms from an Asian grocery. But police later discovered a food dehydrator she had dumped at a local tip. Sky News reported that the device tested positive for death cap mushroom residue. Erin at first denied owning such a device, then said she had thrown it out before a visit from child protection services. Two of her mobile phones had also been reset to factory settings multiple times. She said this was due to panic during the investigation, fearing she might lose custody of her children. Prosecutors described it as a clear attempt to destroy evidence. She also told the court that she and her children ate leftovers from the meal, scraping off the mushrooms because the children disliked them. Yet a nurse later testified that when Erin admitted herself to hospital, she didnt look unwell" compared with Ian and Heather, who were critically sick. What Makes Death Cap Mushrooms So Lethal? Death cap mushrooms are among the most poisonous fungi in the world and are responsible for most fatal mushroom poisonings globally. They contain toxins which destroy the liver and kidneys. Symptoms first mimic food poisoning nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea before progressing to jaundice, seizures, coma and, often, death. Just one mushroom can kill, which is why Australian authorities repeatedly warn against foraging for wild mushrooms. Patterson had been known to forage locally during Covid lockdowns, prosecutors said, drying and storing fungi with a food dehydrator. How A Doctor Realised The Mushroom Cook Was A Killer One of the most striking testimonies came from Dr Chris Webster, who treated Heather and Ian at Leongatha Hospital. Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Webster said he initially suspected contaminated meat and sent blood samples for analysis. But when a doctor at Dandenong Hospital, about 90 minutes away, confirmed Don and Gail were suffering from mushroom poisoning, he realised what was unfolding. Soon after, Erin walked into his ward, claiming she too had gastro. The penny dropped its the chef," Webster told the BBC. Two things alarmed him: her implausible claim that the mushrooms came from supermarket chain Woolworths, and her lack of concern for her gravely ill relatives lying metres away. Minutes later, she discharged herself against medical advice. Webster immediately called the police, giving Erins name and address in a recorded call later played at trial. His testimony became a cornerstone of the prosecutions case. Inside The 10 Week Trial That Made Global Headlines The trial lasted ten weeks and was heard in the regional town of Morwell, about an hour from Leongatha. It was overseen by the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne, which later made history by allowing sentencing remarks to be televised live for the first time. The move reflected the overwhelming public interest in the case, which millions of Australians followed through daily podcasts. Victim impact statements revealed the depth of the tragedy. Ian Wilkinson told the court: Its a truly horrible thought to live with that somebody could decide to take her life. I only feel half alive without her." Simon Patterson described the relentless coverage as traumatic. Mint reported that the court received 28 victim statements, with seven read publicly. The case has already inspired several books and documentaries, and ABC is producing a drama series titled Toxic. Life Sentence With Parole After 33 Years: What The Judge Said In July 2025, a jury convicted Erin Patterson on three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. Prosecutors argued she should never be eligible for parole. Her defence asked for parole after 30 years. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On 8 September, Justice Beale imposed a life sentence with a non-parole period of 33 years. You cut short three lives and caused lasting damage to Ian Wilkinsons health," he said. You inflicted untold suffering on your own children, whom you robbed of their beloved grandparents." Her legal team now has 28 days to appeal the conviction and sentence. 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 08, 2025, 09:13 IST News explainers How Australias Mushroom Murderer Poisoned Her Family And Tried To Get Away With It Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Energy workers restore power supply to most of consumers left without power as result of massive attack on Sept 7 Ukrenergo As of Monday morning, energy workers managed to restore power supply to most of the consumers who were left without power as a result of the massive attack by the Russian Federation on the night of September 7. "Last day, the enemy massively attacked energy facilities in several regions. As a result, there were local power disconnections of consumers. Emergency restoration work is ongoing, most of the consumers were already provided with power as of Monday morning," NPC Ukrenergo reported on Monday. The system operator added that currently energy workers are doing everything possible to return the damaged equipment to operation as soon as possible. In turn, as reported by the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine on Monday, as of September 8, the power system is balanced, no planned restrictions for consumers are foreseen. At the same time, hourly outage schedules are applied in some regions due to damage to grid equipment. In addition, according to the Ministry of Energy, one of the thermal generation facilities in Kyiv region was under massive shelling. US Visa Crackdown: Planning A Trip? Why You May Face Longer Waits Now Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 11:44 IST For Indians, the end of third-country visa applications means no more faster slots abroad, longer queues at home, and stricter checks The change in US visa rules will affect tourists, students, and business travellers. (Representative image) NEW US Visa Rules: The US Department of State has revised its global instructions for all non-immigrant visa categories. Under the new policy, applicants must book their interviews exclusively in their home country or in the country where they legally reside. Nationals of countries where the United States does not conduct routine visa operations have been directed to apply at designated consulates. This change effectively removes the possibility of scheduling interviews at third-country locations. Until now, applicants could take advantage of openings in other countries to beat long waiting times at home. For example, many Indians sought B1 or B2 slots in Singapore, Thailand, or Dubai rather than wait months for appointments in India. That route is now firmly closed. Recommended Stories The rules also require applicants to demonstrate legal residency in the country where they apply. Those who attempt to file in the wrong jurisdiction risk rejection, and the fees paid are non-refundable and non-transferable. The policy applies across the board to categories including tourism, business, student, work, and exchange visas. Why Has The US Made This Move? The change is part of a broader tightening of visa rules under the Trump administration. The official reasoning centres on curbing the practice of what officials call visa shopping" applicants filing in whichever country offered the quickest slot regardless of residency. By forcing applications back to the country of nationality or residence, the US aims to streamline consular workloads, reduce administrative pressure, and strengthen security checks. The move coincides with changes to the non-immigrant visa interview waiver programme. The waiver, which had allowed certain applicants to bypass in-person interviews, has been narrowed to increase scrutiny. Together, these measures reflect Washingtons intention to close loopholes and enforce stricter residency-based rules on applicants. How Will This Affect Indian Applicants? For India, the new rule represents a significant setback. The country is one of the largest sources of US visa applications in the world, covering tourists, students, professionals, and business travellers. During the Covid-19 pandemic, India saw unprecedented backlogs, with wait times stretching up to three years. The third-country option became a vital lifeline for those who needed to travel urgently. That flexibility has now disappeared. Tourists and business travellers will be among the hardest hit. B1 and B2 applicants, who frequently booked slots abroad to attend family events, conferences, or last-minute meetings, can no longer bypass Indias queues. Students and workers, too, who once filed for visas in Europe, the Middle East, or Southeast Asia, will need to reapply in India, even if their schedules are tight. The shift also makes the process riskier. Applicants who fail to provide acceptable residency proof or who mistakenly apply in another country will lose their fee and face delays. With less flexibility and more restrictions, the system will demand far earlier planning and greater caution. What Does This Mean For Tourism And Business Travel? The change could disrupt thousands of planned trips every year. For tourists, especially families or groups arranging holidays, it removes a crucial option for securing appointments in time for their journeys. Many Indians previously looked to Bangkok, Dubai, or Singapore to get visas processed more quickly. Without that option, itineraries may have to be altered, postponed, or even abandoned. For business travellers, the consequences are equally stark. Executives who relied on booking overseas slots for urgent travel will find last-minute trips nearly impossible to manage. The new rules require applications to be funnelled back to India, where wait times are already long, effectively shutting the door on fast-track travel. Advance scheduling will become indispensable, raising the stakes for multinational firms and entrepreneurs alike. How Bad Are The Wait Times In India? Even before the new restrictions, visa queues in India were among the longest in the world. Short-term appointment waits currently average between three and four months at major consulates, although during the pandemic the delays had stretched to years. While US authorities have worked to reduce backlogs, demand remains overwhelming. By removing the option to apply abroad, the policy will channel even more applicants into Indias already crowded system. Regional variations exist with Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata handling heavy volumes but overall pressure is expected to increase. The result is likely to be longer waits and more competition for limited slots. What About In-Person Interviews And New Costs? The policy shift also comes alongside another change: from September 2025, most applicants, including children under 14 and seniors over 79, will be required to attend in-person interviews. Previously, these age groups had been largely exempt. Exceptions will remain for certain diplomatic and official categories, but the general rule will be more face-to-face scrutiny. In addition, the US has announced the introduction of a Visa Integrity Fee, set at $250, to take effect in 2026. Designed as a refundable deposit linked to compliance, it will add another cost layer to an already expensive process. What Should Applicants Keep In Mind Now? The most important point is that all applications must be tied to nationality or residence. Proof of residence, such as rental agreements or utility bills, will be essential. Applicants should avoid the risk of applying in another country, as the outcome will likely be rejection and a forfeited fee. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Equally crucial is the need for advance planning. Whether travelling for leisure, education, or work, Indians will need to begin the process months ahead of schedule. Families considering US holidays should align their travel plans with visa slot availability. Businesses must anticipate needs well in advance, while students and workers should build in additional time for processing. Regularly checking updates from the US Embassy and Consulates in India will also be vital, as requirements continue to evolve. About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively ... Read More First Published: September 08, 2025, 11:40 IST News explainers US Visa Crackdown: Planning A Trip? Why You May Face Longer Waits Now Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... What Is The Great Nicobar Project And Why Does It Hold Strategic Importance For India? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 16:27 IST Sonia Gandhi condemned the Great Nicobar Project as a planned misadventure, arguing it tramples on tribal rights and bypasses constitutional, legal, and environmental safeguards. The Great Nicobar Project is a large-scale infrastructure and development plan proposed by the Narendra Modi government for Great Nicobar Island. (File Image: PTI) Congress MP Sonia Gandhi has yet again lashed out at the Centres Great Nicobar Project. In a column in The Hindu on Monday, Gandhi condemned the Great Nicobar Project as a planned misadventure", arguing it tramples on tribal rights and bypasses crucial constitutional, legal, and environmental safeguards. She also warned of a looming ecological and tribal catastrophe", where the Nicobarese are set to be permanently displaced" from ancestral villages that lie within the development zone a community that had hoped to return after the 2004 tsunami. Gandhis column also alleged a staggering scale of deforestation" estimating the loss of between 850,000 (8.5 lakh) to 5.8 million (58 lakh) trees. She critiqued the governments approach to compensatory afforestation, calling it grossly inadequate in replacing the complexity and ecological value of old-growth rainforests. Recommended Stories What Is The Great Nicobar Project? The Great Nicobar Project is a large-scale infrastructure and development plan proposed by the Narendra Modi government for Great Nicobar Island, the southernmost island of the Andaman & Nicobar group in the Bay of Bengal. It is a multi-billion-dollar strategic and infrastructural plan to build a port, airport, power, and township facilities on Great Nicobar Island, boosting Indias maritime security and trade. The project received environmental and forest clearances (with conditions) in 2022. The total cost of the project is estimated to be around Rs 81,000 crore. Led by NITI Aayog and implemented through the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO), the project aims to transform Great Nicobar into a hub of strategic, economic, and tourism importance. It includes: International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT): A deep-sea port at Galathea Bay with a capacity of approximately 16 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), leveraging Great Nicobars location near the Malacca Strait, one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes. Greenfield International Airport: Designed to handle both civilian and defense needs, it is projected to have a passenger capacity of around 4,000 per hour by 2050. Township Development: A planned city for approximately 300,000 to 400,000 people, featuring residential, commercial, and institutional spaces. Power Plant & Infrastructure: A 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant along with roads, water supply, and supporting infrastructure. Strategic Significance And National Security The Great Nicobar Project is significant not only for infrastructure and trade but also for its national security and strategic importance to India. 1. Strategic Location near Malacca Strait Great Nicobar is situated close to the Six Degree Channel, a crucial passage near the Malacca Strait through which 30-40 per cent of global trade and most of Chinas energy imports pass. By developing a transshipment port and airport, India can monitor and secure maritime traffic through one of the worlds busiest and most critical chokepoints. This enhances Indias ability to counterbalance Chinas presence in the Indian Ocean, particularly against Beijings String of Pearls" strategy, which comprises a network of ports and facilities across the Indian Ocean. 2. Military and Naval Advantages The planned dual-use international airport will serve both civilian and defence purposes, enabling the rapid deployment of the Navy and Air Force in the Andaman & Nicobar Command, Indias only tri-services command. This strengthens Indias surveillance over the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal, key maritime zones where external powers operate. 3. Check on Chinese Expansion China has heavily invested in ports in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, such as Gwadar, Hambantota, and Kyaukpyu. A world-class Indian port at Great Nicobar would provide an alternative to Chinese ports for regional and global shipping, enhance Indias role as a logistics hub in the Indo-Pacific, and give India leverage in case of geopolitical or military tensions in the region. 4. Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) The port and supporting infrastructure will improve Indias ability to track, monitor, and control shipping lanes. It bolsters Indias role in Quad security initiatives (with the US, Japan, and Australia), ensuring free and open navigation in the Indo-Pacific. 5. Disaster Response and Regional Security The 2004 tsunami highlighted the regions vulnerability. A modern port and airport in Great Nicobar will enhance Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities, enabling India to act faster in disaster response across Southeast Asia and improving its image as a security provider in the region. Concerns & Critique The project has drawn environmental and social concerns, especially from opposition leaders. Ecological impact: Opposition leaders have expressed concerns over large-scale felling of forests (over 8 lakh trees) and threat to rare species (like Nicobar megapode and leatherback turtles). Congress MP and former environment minister Jairam ramesh said, The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has been claiming that 8.5 lakh trees will get felled independent estimates, including those by the ministry itself, put the number anywhere between 32 lakh and 58 lakh trees." In a post on X last year, he said the only sensible way forward is for this disaster of a project to be paused and reviewed thoroughly by an independent and professionally competent team, adding that egos and prestige" must be set aside. Indigenous communities: Concerns have also been raised on potential displacement and cultural impact on Shompens and Nicobarese tribes, who are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Last week, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi wrote to Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram expressing concern over the alleged violation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in the grant of clearances to the project. He urged the government to ensure adherence to the due process prescribed under the law. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The tribal communities were displaced during the 2004 tsunami and have been unable to return to their ancestral lands. They now fear that the project will threaten their way of life and lead to further marginalisation due to the diversion of their land," Gandhi said in his letter. Seismic risks: Great Nicobar lies in a high-risk earthquake and tsunami zone, having been hit by the 2004 tsunami. The island had subsided by nearly 15 feet during the 2004 tsunami. To build such massive infrastructure in a high-risk seismic zone is to invite disaster," Congress MP Jairam Ramesh had said last year. About the Author Pragati Ratti Copy Editor Pragati is a News Editor at news18.com and heads the Business and Viral sections. Having worked with the breaking news team at News18 in the past, Pragati now manages the day to day functioning of the... Read More First Published: September 08, 2025, 16:27 IST News explainers What Is The Great Nicobar Project And Why Does It Hold Strategic Importance For 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... 75,000 Camps, Poshan Maah: PM Modi To Launch Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan On Sept 17 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 20:31 IST PM Modi will launch Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan on September 17, with 75,000 health camps to boost women and childrens healthcare across India, JP Nadda announced. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (File photo) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan on September 17, BJP President JP Nadda announced on Monday. The initiative is aimed at boosting healthcare services for women and children across India. The programme will focus on enhancing access to quality healthcare and spreading awareness on womens and childrens health. Recommended Stories In a post on X, JP Nadda wrote, Honble Prime Minister Shri @NarendraModi ji will launch the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan on 17th September 2025. This initiative aims to strengthen healthcare services for women and children across India, ensuring better access, quality care, and awareness." As part of the campaign, 75,000 health camps will be organised at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres, and other healthcare facilities nationwide. These camps will be organised from September 17 to October 2. As part of the nationwide Abhiyaan, 75,000 health camps will be organized at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and other healthcare facilities. These camps will provide essential services specifically designed to address the healthcare needs of women and children, supporting the governments vision of inclusive healthcare," the post further read. Additionally, Poshan Maah (nutrition month) will be observed at Anganwadi centres, promoting nutrition, health awareness, and overall well-being, further contributing to the vision of building healthier families and empowered communities. In addition, Poshan Maah will be observed at all Anganwadis to promote nutrition, health awareness, and overall well-being. Together, these measures aim to build healthier families and empowered communities across the country," Nadda further wrote. Furthermore, Nadda has called on private hospitals and healthcare stakeholders to actively participate in the upcoming campaign, urging them to play a crucial role in strengthening the nations healthcare ecosystem. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Emphasising the importance of collective responsibility, Nadda said, I appeal to all private hospitals and healthcare stakeholders to come forward and be an integral part of this Jan Bhagidaari Abhgiyaan. With India First" as our inspiration, let us strengthen our collective efforts for Viksit Bharat." In another development, PM Modi will visit flood-hit states Himachal Pradesh and Punjab on September 9 to review the situation. He will undertake an aerial survey of the flood and landslide-hit areas in Himachal Pradesh. 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 08, 2025, 20:31 IST News india 75,000 Camps, Poshan Maah: PM Modi To Launch Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan On Sept 17 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... AC Explodes At Midnight In Faridabad; Mother, Father & Daughter Killed, Son Critical In ICU Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 15:25 IST The tragedy is believed to have originated from a split AC unit installed in the home of Rakesh Malik, who lived on the first floor of the building Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google The blast occurred around 1.30 am in Green Field Colony of Faridabad, Haryana. (ANI Image) A shocking tragedy struck Faridabad, Haryana, late on Sunday night when a powerful explosion in a split air conditioner triggered a fire that claimed the lives of three members of a family. The incident occurred around 1.30 am in Green Field Colony, leaving the neighbourhood in shock and sparking an immediate police and fire department response. According to officials, the victims, identified as Sachin Kapoor, his wife Rinku, and their daughter Sujan, died of suffocation after thick smoke engulfed their home. Their son, Aryan, survived the blast but remains critical in the ICU, as described by police sources. Recommended Stories Reports said the family was asleep on the second floor of the building when the blast occurred. Neighbours recalled hearing a sudden loud explosion in the dead of night. Suddenly there was a loud explosion in the silence of the night and seeing smoke coming out of the house," they said, adding that the fire brigade and the police were immediately informed. Two fire tenders were dispatched to the site and managed to bring the flames under control, but not before much of the house had been gutted. Firefighters faced immense difficulty navigating through the dense smoke that had quickly filled the residence. #WATCH | Faridabad, Haryana: Three members of a family died after a fire broke out in their house in Greenfield, FaridabadShalini, a resident of the area, says, We are their neighbours. We came to know that due to a blast in the ACs compression, the smoke spread in the whole pic.twitter.com/9ZGzk1Tr0H ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025 The tragedy is believed to have originated from a split AC unit installed in the home of Rakesh Malik, who lived on the first floor. The flames spread upward, trapping Sachin Kapoor and his family on the second floor. Despite swift rescue efforts, three members of the Kapoor family succumbed. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Authorities have begun a detailed probe into the cause of the blast. Police confirmed that initial findings point to a malfunction in the AC unit, though a forensic team is expected to examine the charred remains of the appliance and wiring. Residents of Green Field Colony gathered in large numbers outside the house as news of the accident spread. The area remained tense as officials carried out the rescue and recovery operations into the early hours of the morning. Location : Faridabad, India, India First Published: September 08, 2025, 13:54 IST News india AC Explodes At Midnight In Faridabad; Mother, Father & Daughter Killed, Son Critical In ICU Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Relief For 'The Bengal Files' As Calcutta HC Dismisses Plea By Freedom Fighter's Family Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 14:10 IST 'The Bengal Files', which was released countrywide on August 5, is not being screened in theatres across West Bengal The petitioner also wanted Agnihotri to step down from his position as the CBFC Board Member (Mumbai) till the completion of probe. In a relief to Vivek Agnihotris The Bengal Files, the Calcutta High Court on Monday dismissed a petition challenging the portrayal of freedom fighter Gopal Chandra Mukherjee alias Gopal Patha in the movie. The plea, filed by Mukherjees grandson, sought a High Courts direction to the CBFC to launch a probe into what standards were followed and which board members took part in evaluating the suitability of the movie", Live Law reported. Recommended Stories The petitioner also wanted Agnihotri to step down from his position as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Board Member (Mumbai), till the completion of probe. While dismissing the plea, Justice Amrita Sinha said it will be open for the petitioner to approach the competent forum for remedy in accordance with law if so advised. The plea also sought the removal of content on YouTube or any other social media platforms that tarnishes" the reputation of his family, and demanded that the filmmakers make necessary changes to the movie. The Bengal Files Not Screened In Bengal The film, which was released countrywide on August 5, is not being screened in theatres across West Bengal, with Agnihotri alleging political pressure and intimidation by the ruling TMC behind what he called an unofficial ban". TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh had earlier accused Agnihotri of trying to drive a wedge in society by his propaganda" film to fulfil the BJPs political agenda. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The film revisits the August 1946 Calcutta killings, which were triggered by the Muslim Leagues call for Direct Action Day, leading to widespread communal violence, mass casualties, and eventually Mahatma Gandhis peace fast at Beleghata. The film features Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Saswata Chatterjee, Darshan Kumarr and Sourav Das in leading roles. The movie is the third instalment of a trilogy, which includes Agnihotris The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files (2022). 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 : Kolkata [Calcutta], India, India First Published: September 08, 2025, 13:55 IST News india Relief For 'The Bengal Files' As Calcutta HC Dismisses Plea By Freedom Fighter's Family Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Karnataka: Protest Erupts After 8 Injured In Stone-Pelting During Ganesh Immersion Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 13:57 IST A large contingent of police personnel has been stationed in sensitive areas, with patrols intensified to deter further flare-ups. Pro-Hindu organisations held a protest on Monday against the incident of stone pelting during the Ganesh Idol immersion. (ANI) Pro-Hindu organisations held a protest on Monday after eight people were injured after an incident of stone-pelting during the Ganesh Idol immersion in Karnatakas Maddur town on Sunday. Section 144 has been imposed in the area, and some people have been arrested, as per Karnataka Home Minister G. Parmeshwara. Police have also used lathi charge to disperse the protestors. Recommended Stories According to an ANI report, Karnataka Home Minister said: An incident has happened in Maddur town, Mandya, a stone pelting incident, which is now under control. The police have already arrested a few peopleSection 144 has been imposed. One or two small incidents also happened in the state. One stabbing incident has also happened; everything is under control. The police have taken all the necessary steps." What Happened In Maddur Tension gripped Maddur town in Karnatakas Mandya district after communal clashes erupted during Lord Ganesh idol immersion on Sunday, police said. The violence, marked by stone-pelting allegedly by miscreants from another community, left eight people injured and triggered widespread unrest in the area. According to police sources, the clashes broke out in Ram Rahim Nagar when devotees were taking part in the Ganesh immersion procession. Youths from both communities reportedly confronted each other, forcing police to step in as the situation spiralled out of control. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi rushed to the spot and took charge of the situation. We have deployed additional forces and clamped prohibitory orders in Maddur to prevent further escalation," a police officer said, adding that Ganesh immersion rituals were later completed under heavy security arrangements. A large contingent of police personnel was stationed in sensitive areas, with patrols intensified to deter further flare-ups. Authorities have appealed for calm, warning that strict action will be taken against anyone spreading rumours or disturbing communal harmony. The district administration has also urged both communities to extend full cooperation to law enforcement in restoring peace and normalcy. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small even... Read More First Published: September 08, 2025, 13:43 IST News india Karnataka: Protest Erupts After 8 Injured In Stone-Pelting During Ganesh Immersion Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Decoding Zelenskyys Support To US Tariffs Against India: Exclusive From Diplomatic Sources Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 13:57 IST Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during an interview with ABC News, said that it is the right idea to put tariffs on countries that continue to make deals with Russia Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for sanctions against Russia after it launched its largest aerial assault of the Ukraine war Saturday night. (AFP File) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys statement supporting US tariffs against India is part of broader Western toolkit to leverage the crisis with Russia to influence wider trade and strategic negotiations, said diplomatic sources. Zelenskyy, during an interview with ABC News, said that it is the right idea to put tariffs on countries that continue to make deals with Russia". Recommended Stories The remarks came after the interviewer asked whether he had seen Modi, Xi, and Putin meet in China, and whether he thought Trumps plan to impose tariffs on India could backfire. Zelenskyy called for sanctions against Russia after it launched its largest aerial assault of the Ukraine war Saturday night. In a series of posts on X, Zelenskyy said that the statements by state leaders and institutions must be backed by strong actions such as sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia", which he suggested through tariffs and trade restrictions with Russia. It is important that today we saw a broad response from our partners to this strike. Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks. This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world whether they will accept or tolerate this. pic.twitter.com/X2vGTgnDTX Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) September 7, 2025 What diplomatic sources said Zelenskyy is pushing Western view to maintain pressure on rivals. The interview is aiming to indirectly target Indias position. The aim is to unsettle counterparts and test Indias endurance. Similar tactics were observed in the past. Trade and strategic negotiations such as steel tariffs and H-1B visa discourse show a repeat US method of controlled escalation," said sources. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all New Delhi views these as non-substantive. We want negotiations to happen in national interest," said sources. Multiple backchannel exchanges are on. We are hopeful these could act as a safety valve to break the deadlock without public escalations. India has categorically refused to open its agriculture and dairy sectors. These redlines are also in the mind of the US. By standing firm, India has told allies and adversaries in same manner that we are open to trade partnerships. India is clear that our sovereignty over core economic sectors will not be compromised. We are aware that US side is expected to continue with controlled information warfare, indirect public pressure. The calculated US strategy is to probe Indias tolerance levels but New Delhi is firm. India will maintain strategic autonomy and will continue engage the US counterparts through diplomatic channels to ensure safe passage for both," they said. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: September 08, 2025, 13:56 IST News india Decoding Zelenskyys Support To US Tariffs Against India: Exclusive From Diplomatic Sources Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Economic Practices Must Be Fair': Jaishankar At BRICS Meet Amid Trump's Tariffs Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 20:23 IST Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called for the BRICS meeting to discuss tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump The EAM said that the multilateral system appears to be failing the world in the face of challenges in the last few years. (Photo: YouTube) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday addressed the BRICS Summit and said economic practices must be fair, transparent and to everyones benefit in the environment of global uncertainty. Speaking at the virtual meeting, Jaishankar said that the BRICSs objective should be to create a more resilient supply chain at this juncture when there are multiple disruptions. Recommended Stories The world as a collective is seeking a predictable and stable environment for trade and investment. At the same time, it is imperative that economic practices are fair, transparent and to everyones benefit. When there are multiple disruptions, our objective should be to prove it against all shorts, which means creating a more resilient supply chain. It is also essential we democratise manufacturing and production," Jaishankar said. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called for the BRICS meeting to discuss tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The EAM said that the multilateral system appears to be failing the world in the face of challenges in the last few years. The state of the world is a cause of genuine concern. The last few years have witnessed a devastating impact of Covid pandemic, major conflicts in Ukraine and Middle East (west asia), volality in trade and investment flows, extreme climate events and a slowdown of SDG agenda. In the face of these challenges, the multilateral system appears to be failing the world It is now this cumulative concern that BRICS is discussing. The members of BRICS represent a broad diversity of societies who are nevertheless deeply affected by these developments. Even our endeavour has been to find common grounds between our respective national policies and to act on that basis. Today, the focus is on stabilising the international economy and world order. But it is equally essential to turn our attention to ongoing conflicts, not least because they have direct supply chain implications. Furthermore, as we head towards the next UN General Assembly session and exchanging views on multilateralism would be appropriate," he said. 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 08, 2025, 19:27 IST News india 'Economic Practices Must Be Fair': Jaishankar At BRICS Meet Amid Trump's 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... Terrorist Killed, Army Jawan Injured In Encounter In J&K's Kulgam, Search Ops On Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 09:45 IST A terrorist was gunned down in the exchange of fire with the security forces in the forest area of J&K's Kulgam on Monday, officials said. Kulgam encounter: Terrorist killed in gunfire (CNN-News18) A terrorist was killed while an Indian Army jawan sustained injuries in an encounter that broke out between terrorists and security forces during an anti-terror operation in the forest area of Gudar in Jammu and Kashmirs Kulgam, officials said on Monday. Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Army, and CRPF were involved in the joint operation, the Kashmir Zone Police posted on X. Recommended Stories Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist has been eliminated and a junior commissioned officer suffered injuries," Indian Armys Chinar Corps posted on X. OP GUDDAR, KulgamBased on specific intelligence input by JKP, joint search operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice & @crpf_srinagar in Guddar forest of #Kulgam. Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, pic.twitter.com/pV3oWW6gor Chinar Corps Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) September 8, 2025 The process of identification of the terrorist is underway, while the injured JCO of the Army was airlifted to the army hospital in Srinagar, officials said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The forces had launched a search operation in the Gudar forest area following information about the presence of terrorists there, they added. The search operation turned into an encounter as the terrorists opened fire at the security forces position. 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 : Kulgam, India, India First Published: September 08, 2025, 08:57 IST News india Terrorist Killed, Army Jawan Injured In Encounter In J&K's Kulgam, Search Ops On Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Deal, GE Engines, Missed Deadlines: Why Is Indias Tejas Fighter Jet Programme Lagging? Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 11:08 IST The IAF has just two operational Tejas squadrons. Experts warn that continued delays in deliveries could worsen Indias aircraft backlog and strain combat readiness Rapid Read + Follow us On Google HAL is working on Tejas Mark-2, for which India has also made a deal with GE for 414 engines. (PTI/File) The Indian Air Force is facing a pressing challenge with a severe shortage of fighter aircraft, raising concerns about operational preparedness. The issue comes at a time when countries worldwide, including China, are showcasing advancements in military technology and strengthening their capabilities. Currently, the Air Force has only 29 squadrons of fighter jets, while it requires 42 squadrons, with each squadron comprising 18 aircraft. Adding to the urgency, two squadrons of MiG-21 aircraft are set to retire this month, leaving India in immediate need of at least 250 aircraft. Recommended Stories Tejas Mark-1A Deal To address this shortfall, the Indian Air Force and the Government of India are relying on indigenous fighter jets, specifically the Tejas Mark-1A. An order has been placed for 180 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft. In 2021, the government approved a deal for 83 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft worth Rs 46,000 crores, followed by approval in August to purchase 97 more aircraft worth Rs 62,000 crores. According to the 2021 deal, the supply of these aircraft should have commenced long ago, but no deliveries have been made yet. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the public sector company manufacturing these aircraft, has announced plans to deliver two such aircraft in October. Where The Problem Truly Lies The primary cause of the delay in delivering Tejas Mark-1A aircraft is the slow supply of American engines. HAL signed a deal with General Electric (GE), an American company, for 404 engines, but GE has significantly delayed their delivery. Although the supply was supposed to start in March 2024, only two engines have been received so far, with the first arriving in April-May this year. As a result, aircraft production is being hampered. Deadline Slipped In August GE had committed to supplying 12 engines to HAL in this financial year, promising two engines per month, but failed to deliver any in August. GE has indicated it will supply 4 to 5 engines in September to address the backlog. The Second Hurdle Adding to the issues, HAL is working on an advanced version of Tejas, the Tejas Mark-2, for which India has also made a deal with GE for 414 engines. This fighter jet, considered a competitor to the Rafale, is in development and expected to feature stealth technology and advanced weapon systems. According to the Indian Defence Research Wing website, initially, the first prototype was slated for April-May 2026, but this has now been pushed to late 2026 or early 2027. The first prototype was initially scheduled for this year, but the Director General of the Aeronautical Development Agency, which is overseeing the Tejas program, later confirmed that the timeline would be extended. Challenges Before The Air Force The Indian Air Force is concerned about these delays, especially as it faces threats from China and Pakistan. Air Force Chief Marshal AP Singh recently expressed his worries publicly, noting that despite HAL running the Tejas programme for the last 40 years, fewer than 40 aircraft have been delivered. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Currently, the Air Force has only two operational squadrons of Tejas. According to military experts, if these delays persist, India may struggle to address its aircraft backlog. Sources indicate that efforts are ongoing at both government and military levels to resolve these issues. Experts suggest that although there are delays, HAL has significantly increased its aircraft manufacturing capacity to produce 24 to 30 fighter jets annually, and once the supply chain is established, production will likely accelerate. First Published: September 08, 2025, 11:08 IST News india HAL Deal, GE Engines, Missed Deadlines: Why Is Indias Tejas Fighter Jet Programme Lagging? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NATO Secretary General to visit UK to take part in Ramstein meeting on Tues NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will visit the UK on Tuesday, September 9, the Alliance's press service reported. According to the press service, the Secretary General will hold a number of bilateral meetings and take part in a meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's defence issues. On September 3, British Defense Secretary John Healey announced during a visit to Kyiv that the 30th meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's defense issues (in the Ramstein format) would take place in London next week. Mehul Choksi Extradition: Centre Sends Assurances To Belgium Govt After Rights Concerns Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 10:22 IST The MHA has assured Belgium that Mehul Choksis rights will be protected if he is extradited to India, detailing specific material, medical, and procedural safeguards. Fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi | File Image/ IANS The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sent a letter to Belgiums Ministry of Justice providing assurances regarding the conditions under which fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the multi-crore rupee Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case, would be held if extradited to India. The letter comes amid Choksis rights concerns, and details specific material, medical, and procedural safeguards intended to address human rights concerns raised during the extradition proceedings. Recommended Stories These assurances were formulated in consultation with the Maharashtra government to ensure that Choksis rights are protected while complying with extradition protocols. Choksi was arrested in Belgium in April following a formal request from Indian authorities. He and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are the primary accused in the PNB fraud case, which involves fraudulent transactions. In addition to this case, Choksi is reportedly wanted in connection with several other unrelated bank fraud investigations. Following his arrest, his counsel, Vijay Aggarwal, announced planned to appeal the courts decision of denying him a bail, citing Choksis deteriorating health and ongoing cancer treatment. MEHUL CHOKSIs EXTRADITION: THE MHAs ASSURANCES In the letter dated September 4, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that Choksi will be held at the Barrack number 12, Arthur Road jail complex in Mumbai, if extradited." Mehul Choksi will be kept in a cell in which he will get a minimum of 3 square metres of personal space (not including furniture) throughout the period of his prospective detention in case he is found guilty," the letter mentioned. The detention cell in which he is to be kept has the provision of providing clean thick cotton mat, pillow, bedsheet and blanket. However, a metal frame/wooden bed can be provided on medical grounds," it mentioned. Adequate light and ventilation, and storage for permissible personal belongings are available," the letter stated. Mehul Choksi will have sufficient access to a clean drinking water supply each day and adequate medical facilities are available round the clock." Mehul Choksi will have access to adequate toilet and washing facilities each day," it stated. Mehul Choksi will be permitted out of his cell for exercise and recreation for a reasonable amount of time each day," it stated. He will receive adequate food throughout his detention period," the MHAs assurance letter read. CONCERNS OVER MEHUL CHOKSIs EXTRADITION At a press conference earlier in Delhi, Aggarwal outlined the defences strategy to oppose Choksis extradition to India on two primary grounds, the politically motivated nature of the case, and concerns over Choksis medical treatment in India. He argued that extradition could violate Choksis human rights due to inadequate healthcare and potential political harassment. Aggarwal emphasised that Choksi has not been officially declared a fugitive and has cooperated with Indian investigative agencies. He noted that Choksi has repeatedly offered to participate in investigations via video conferencing, citing his inability to travel due to health issues. The defence also highlighted procedural requirements for extradition, including the issuance of non-bailable warrants dating back to 2018. Aggarwal referenced earlier failed extradition attempts from Dominica and noted that Choksi had been receiving cancer treatment in Antigua before travelling to Belgium. Choksi faces charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including criminal conspiracy, cheating, and falsification of accounts, as well as provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. These offences are also recognised as crimes under Belgian law, thereby enabling the application of the dual criminality clause of the extradition treaty in Indias request for his extradition. Additionally, the CBI has cited the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) to strengthen its extradition plea. ALSO READ | Tahawwur Rana Extradition A Reminder To Pakistan; Working Closely With Belgium On Mehul Choksi: MEA 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 08, 2025, 09:50 IST News india Mehul Choksi Extradition: Centre Sends Assurances To Belgium Govt After Rights Concerns Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistani Intruder Arrested Along IB In Jammu, BSF To Lodge Protest With Pakistan Rangers Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 14:56 IST Despite repeated warnings from security personnel, the intruder refused to stop, forcing BSF troops to open fire before taking him into custody. The BSF confirmed that a protest is being registered with its Pakistani counterparts. (PTI) A Pakistani national was arrested along the International Border (IB) in the R S Pura sector of Jammu, the Border Security Force (BSF) said on Monday, adding that a formal protest is being lodged with Pakistan over the incident. The intrusion occurred near the Octroi outpost in Suchetgarh tehsil at around 9:10 pm on Sunday. According to a BSF statement, the man, identified as Siraj Khan from 27-Chak village in Bhalwal tehsil of Punjab province, was spotted crossing the border and aggressively moving toward the fence. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories Despite repeated warnings from security personnel, the intruder refused to stop, forcing BSF troops to open fire before taking him into custody. Two Pakistani currency notes of Rs 20 and Rs 10 were recovered from him. He has since been handed over to the police for further investigation. The BSF confirmed that a protest is being registered with its Pakistani counterparts. Meanwhile, security has been tightened along the Jammu frontier, where several border posts and fencing were recently damaged by flash floods. 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 08, 2025, 14:56 IST News india Pakistani Intruder Arrested Along IB In Jammu, BSF To Lodge Protest With Pakistan Rangers Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Punjab Floods: Death Toll Climbs To 48; Private Schools To Reopen From Today Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 07:19 IST Punjab's Education Minister Harjot Bains said that the teachers of all the government schools will conduct a thorough inspection of the school buildings before they reopen. Partially submerged houses at a flood-ravaged area, in Gurdaspur, Punjab. (File pic: PTI) The situation in Punjab remains concerning, with the death toll in the state rising to 48 due to the flood, as two more deaths have been reported. The disaster in the state has affected lives, properties and agriculture. Crops on 1.76 lakh hectares have been damaged because of the floodwater. However, the schools, colleges, and universities in the state are set to open from today, September, according to a statement by Education Minister Harjot Bains. He also mentioned that for the schools that are affected by the flood, the decision will be taken by the respective deputy commissioner. Recommended Stories While the private schools reopen from today, the government schools will resume from tomorrow, September 9. In a post on X, Bains said,"On September 8, all government schools in the state will remain closed for students. Teachers will be present in schools and cleanliness drives will be carried out with the assistance of panchayats, municipal councils and corporations." Teachers will conduct a thorough inspection of the school buildings. If any problem or defect is found, it must be immediately reported to the deputy commissioner and the engineering department of the district," he added. Punjab Floods: Relief And Rescue Ops Continue The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army, Border Security Force, Punjab Police, and district authorities continue to carry out the rescue and relief operation in the flood-affected areas. According to officials cited by PTI, the Pong dam reported a fall of nearly two feet in water level to 1,392.20 feet on Sunday evening, though it still stood around two feet above its upper limit of 1,390 feet. Punjab Floods: PM Modi To Visit State On September 9 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit flood-affected Punjab on September 9, BJP state unit chief Sunil Jakhar said. The Prime Minister will review the situation in the state, which continues to battle the disaster. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More Location : Punjab, India, India First Published: September 08, 2025, 07:08 IST News india Punjab Floods: Death Toll Climbs To 48; Private Schools To Reopen From Today Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Punjab, Himachal Demand Centre's Special Flood Relief Package Ahead Of PM Modi's Visit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 20:18 IST PM Modi to visit flood-hit Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, where leaders like Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Barinder Kumar Goyal seek major relief packages. PM Modi will visit states on September 9 to take stock of the situation. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, which are ravaged by catastrophic floods, on Tuesday, the governments of both states have urged him to demonstrate magnanimity in providing assistance to the flood-affected people of these states. Himachal CM Sukhu Expects Relief Package Recommended Stories Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukkhu expected PM Modi to release a special relief package for the disaster-hit state. Certainly, whenever the Prime Minister comes, there is always hope We expect him to release a special relief package The estimated damage is up to Rs 5 thousand crores, and it could increase even more from this because there are many roads in the Panchayats that are broken The central team will also inspect" he said as quoted by news agency ANI. #WATCH | Shimla | On PM Modis visit to Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says, Certainly, whenever the Prime Minister comes, there is always hope We expect him to release a special relief package The estimated damage is up to Rs 5 thousand pic.twitter.com/KljxhQNbIg ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025 Punjab Minister Seeks Help Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Monday said that he expects the Prime Minister to announce the immediate release of at least Rs 25,000 crore as compensation for damages, besides clearing pending dues of Rs 60,000 crore without delay. Goyal said that preliminary estimates suggest nearly 4 lakh acres of crops have been destroyed. While no breach occurred in embankments maintained by the Water Resources Department, overflowing water caused damage to embankments and other infrastructure, news agency IANS reported. He highlighted that the Centre rushed relief material to earthquake-hit Afghanistan, yet Punjab continues to wait for meaningful assistance. A few days ago, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had written to Modi to release Rs 60,000 crore of the states funds, which he claimed were stuck" with the government of India while highlighting that the state was grappling with one of the worst flood disasters in decades. The amount includes Rs 50,000 crore in revenue losses due to implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) regime and Rs 8,000 crore withheld in Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Development Fund (MDF) during the past three and half years. PM Modi To Visit Himachal, Punjab PM Modi will visit Himachal Pradesh and Punjab tomorrow, September 9, to review the flood-related situation. He will undertake an aerial survey of the flood and landslide-hit areas in Himachal Pradesh. At around 1:30 pm, PM Modi will reach Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, where he will meet officials and chair a high-level review meeting on the situation. PM Modi will also meet the flood-affected persons and NDRF, SDRF and Aapda Mitra Team in Kangra. Then, the Prime Minister will conduct an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Punjab around 3 pm. He will arrive at Gurdaspur around 4:15 pm, where he will hold discussions with senior officials and chair a review meeting on the ground situation. He will also interact with flood-affected persons as well as NDRF, SDRF and Aapda Mitra Team in Gurdaspur. Himachal, Punjab Floods The ongoing monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh has claimed 370 lives so far, with 205 fatalities linked to rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning strikes, electrocution, and other disaster-related causes, and 165 deaths reported in road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). The cumulative loss report issued by the SDMA, covering the period from June 20 to September 8, paints a grim picture of the widespread destruction across the hill state. A total of 434 people have been injured, and 41 remain missing. The disaster has also resulted in the loss of 1,480 livestock and over 26,955 poultry birds. Public infrastructure has been severely affected, with 5,354 roads, 83 water supply schemes, and 7,002 electricity distribution transformers damaged or disrupted. Losses to public property are pegged at Rs 4,12,246.97 lakh (Rs 4,122.46 crore), while damages to private property, including houses, shops, crops, and livestock shelters, have also been extensive. District-wise data shows Mandi recorded the highest rain-related fatalities at 37, followed by Kangra (32), Kullu (26), and Chamba and Shimla (21 each). Meanwhile, the catastrophic floods ravaging Punjab have resulted in a rising human and economic toll. The human impact has been immense, with over 3.87 lakh people affected and nearly 2,000 villages submerged. The deluge, caused by swollen rivers like the Sutlej and incessant monsoon rains, has been termed by officials as the worst the state has faced in decades, surpassing the scale of the 1988 floods. The floodwaters have submerged and severely damaged crops on over 1.75 lakh hectares of land across 18 districts, with Gurdaspur, Fazilka, and Ferozepur among the worst hit. Farmers, who were just weeks away from a bumper harvest of paddy and other crops, have seen their livelihoods wiped out overnight. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In response to the crisis, the state government has declared Punjab a disaster-affected area and is working on a war footing to provide relief. More than 22,000 people have been rescued from flood-hit villages by joint teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, and the Border Security Force (BSF). Over 200 relief camps have been established to shelter the displaced, housing thousands of individuals who have lost their homes. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More First Published: September 08, 2025, 20:18 IST News india Punjab, Himachal Demand Centre's Special Flood Relief Package Ahead Of PM Modi's Visit Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Spirit Of Caution': Shashi Tharoor Responds To Trump's 'New Tone' On US-India Ties Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 07:36 IST Shashi Tharoor welcomed Trump's new tone on US-India ties with a "spirit of caution", saying that serious repair work was needed by both governments. Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. (PTI file photo) Congress leader Shashi Tharoor called for caution over US President Donald Trumps shift in tone over the US-India relations, saying that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to respond to him, some serious repair work was needed to be done by both governments. Tharoor was referring to Trumps recent remarks, where he had earlier said that America had lost" India to deepest, darkest China". He later shifted his tone, calling PM Modi a friend", and there was no need to worry about the US-India bilateral relationship. Recommended Stories Prime Minister Modi on Saturday responded by saying he deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates" the US Presidents positive assessment" of India-America ties, which he described as very positive and forward-looking". Speaking to news agency ANI, Tharoor said, The Prime Minister was very quick to respond, and the Foreign Minister has also underscored the importance of the basic relationship that is a comprehensive global strategic partnership, which is still there. And that message is an important message for us to give." I think theres some serious repair work that needs to be done by governments and diplomats on both sides. I would welcome this new tone with a spirit of caution. One cant just forget and forgive so quickly because there are real consequences that Indians are facing on the ground, and those consequences need to be overcome," he added. Tharoor On Lutnicks India Will Say Sorry Remarks Tharoor also responded to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnicks remarks, where the latter said India would say sorry to the US and make a deal", by asserting that India had behaved with a great deal of maturity. I dont think we have anything to say sorry about at all. India has behaved with a great deal of maturity on all of this," he said. The Congress leader also highlighted that India had been encouraged by the US to purchase Russian oil to stabilise oil prices. China buys more Russian oil and gas than we do. Turkey buys more Russian oil and gas than we do. Europe doesnt buy oil and gas, but they buy other Russian items, so theyre putting more billions of dollars into Russias kitty than we do." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Tharoor further said, It seems bizarre that we are alone being singled out for allegedly financing the Russian war effort when others are doing far more than we are. So I think there has been a certain mistake made in American policy against India, which is not warranted or justified." India-US ties have seen tensions after Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India, and his White House officials went on an anti-India tirade on social media and in television interviews. 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 08, 2025, 07:29 IST News india 'Spirit Of Caution': Shashi Tharoor Responds To Trump's 'New Tone' On US-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... Aadhaar Not Citizenship Proof, But Can Establish Identity: Supreme Court On Bihar SIR Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 15:11 IST The Supreme Court noted that Aadhaar is not a proof of citizenship, stressing that citizens are entitled to vote. The bench observed that denying such contact would deprive the child of the love, guidance, and emotional support of the father. (PTI) The Supreme Court on Monday said that Aadhaar will be treated as one of the twelve documents needed to verify voters during the Election Commission of Indias Special Intensive Revision in poll-bound Bihar. However, the apex court noted that Aadhaar is not a proof of citizenship, stressing that citizens are entitled to vote. The SC also said authorities shall be at liberty to verify the authenticity of Aadhaar. Recommended Stories Aadhaar card issued under Aadhaar Act 2016 shall be accepted for the purpose of establishing identity of the exclusion or inclusion being carried out in the revised electoral list process, and that it shall be treated as the 12th document," a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said, as reported by Bar & Bench. The top courts remarks came during the hearing on a batch of pleas, including those of political parties, challenging the June 24 decision of the Election Commission to conduct Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar. During the hearing, Justice Bagchi said the Election Commissions manual specifies documents that are proof of citizenship. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for petitioners against SIR, asked whether the Aadhaar card is acceptable or not while pointing out to the courts earlier observation in which it said ECI should consider Aadhaar, EPIC issued by ECI and ration cards. We are racing against time. What they are doing is shocking Booth Level Officers (BLO) cant decide on citizenship. Proof of residence. They are not accepting Aadhaar for 65 lakhs also. ECI has directed the officials. Let Aadhaar be accepted if I am on voter list," he said. Justice Kant also sought ECs objections if Aadhaar is accepted as the 12th document. Nobody is asking illegal immigrants to be allowed. We know Aadhaar is proof of identity and not citizenship. Suppose this is the 12th document, what is the issue?" he asked. Appearing for the poll body, senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi replied: 99.6 per cent of 7.24 crore have already submitted documents. Last order allowed Aadhaar for 65 lakhs. Now for them .. none of the petitioners have pointed out that a large number was falsely excluded." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sibal said there are huge errors in the SIR exercise. We have so much more to say," he said. Speaking outside to the reporters after hearing, Dwivedi said, The Supreme Court has clarified that Aadhaar can be submitted as proof of identity. Todays order also confirmed that the ECI can determine citizenship for the purposes of electoral roll. When we can decide the same for MPs, we can very well do it for the electoral to formation. 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 08, 2025, 14:50 IST News india Aadhaar Not Citizenship Proof, But Can Establish Identity: Supreme Court On Bihar SIR Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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's Bruise, XiPutin's Immortality Talk & Kim's DNA Wipes: When World Leaders Make Health Political Written By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 10:01 IST The bodies of world leaders are never just private matters; they are symbols, political tools, and sometimes, global flashpoints Rapid Read + Follow us On Google (Left) Donald Trump's bruised hand and (right) Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. (AFP/News18) In politics, even a bruise can become a headline. When photographs of Donald Trumps hand revealed a conspicuous white patch earlier this year, the internet lit up with speculation. Was it vitiligo? An infection? Something more serious? Trumps attempt to cover the mark with mismatched makeup only deepened the intrigue. Weeks later, images of his swollen ankles circulated. By July, the White House stepped in: Trump, they announced, had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)a benign but common vein condition among older men. His physician stressed there were no serious complications and that Trump remained in excellent health". Recommended Stories For months, rumours had overshadowed reality. Trumps instinct to conceal and downplay created a vacuum in which every patch of skin and every step became a subject of scrutiny. In the age of viral imagery, transparency delayed often looks like transparency denied. In the last few weeks, it has become evident that the bodies of world leaders are never just private matters; they are symbols, political tools, and sometimes, global flashpoints. These recent glimpses into the backstage choreography of powerKim Jong Uns aides obsessively scrubbing away DNA traces in Beijing, or Putins guards escorting a poop suitcase" out of Alaskashow how the bodies of leaders are treated as matters of state security. What might look crazy on the surface is, in fact, part of a broader logic. In an era where health information can be weaponised, even a strand of hair, a glass of water, or a stool sample becomes politically sensitive. It underscores the same truth running through Trumps bruised hand and Xi and Putins musings on longevitythat for leaders, biology and politics are now inseparable. Xi, Putin & A Conversation About Immortality While Trump was hiding bruises, two of his global counterparts were overheard discussing something far more ambitious: eternal life. At a military parade in Beijing earlier this month, a hot mic caught Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping chatting as they walked toward the Tiananmen rostrum. Putins interpreter was heard saying: Biotechnology is continuously developing human organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become, and (you can) even achieve immortality." Xi replied with his own projection: Some predict that in this century humans may live to 150 years old." The exchange, quickly clipped and shared, caused a stir. Putin later confirmed the conversation, framing it as optimism about medical science and longevity research. Still, the symbolism was striking: while Trump struggled to hide a bruise, Xi and Putin were talking about rewriting the human lifespan. Leaders Health Has Never Been Private These episodesa bruise in Washington, a hot mic in Beijingmay seem trivial. But they reveal something fundamental: the health of leaders is political. As we look back, history offers several examples from the United States itself. Former presidents of the United States, including Franklin D Roosevelt, kept their paralysis from polio hidden from the public eye, carefully staging appearances to project vitality during wartime. Another US President, John F Kennedy, concealed his Addisons disease, which required constant medication, while presenting himself as energetic and healthy. Ronald Reagan underwent surgery for colon cancer but downplayed wider concerns about his age and mental sharpness. What Chronic Venous Insufficiency Really Is? For clarity, CVI, Trumps official diagnosis, is a circulatory condition caused by weakened valves in the leg veins. Symptoms include swelling, skin discolouration, and bruise-like marks. Dr Jaisom Chopra, senior vascular surgeon, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Delhi, explained to News18 that Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is basically a surgical disorder which occurs when the veins in the legs are unable to return blood to the heart. Normally, tiny one-way valves in the veins keep the blood flowing in the upward direction against gravity. But in the condition of CVI, these valves become weak or damaged, which causes blood to pool in the legs. This also led to symptoms such as swelling, heaviness, cramping, pain, skin discolouration, and, in advanced cases, non-healing ulcers. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Dr Sameer Bhate, cardiac sciences, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, believes this condition is more common in people with certain risk factors. These include older age, prolonged sitting or standing, obesity, smoking, pregnancy, previous deep vein thrombosis, or a strong family history of venous issues. Many people may initially brush it off as just varicose veins. However, untreated CVI can greatly lower the quality of life and make patients more likely to develop recurrent infections, cellulitis, or non-healing wounds." In short, Trumps bruise, Putins longevity talk, Xis musings on 150-year life spansthese are not isolated oddities. The lesson is simple: in modern politics, the health of a leader is never just about medicine. It is about their image. 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 08, 2025, 10:01 IST News india Trump's Bruise, XiPutin's Immortality Talk & Kim's DNA Wipes: When World Leaders Make Health Political Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Two Arrested After Half-Naked Body Of Foreign Woman Found In Gurugram Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 17:37 IST Two suspects were arrested after a foreign woman was found dead at IMT Chowk on the DelhiJaipur highway. Police are investigating sexual assault and reviewing CCTV footage. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Kapil hailed from Haryana (Representative Image) Two suspects were arrested on Sunday in connection with the alleged murder of a foreign woman whose body was found on the DelhiJaipur highway at IMT Chowk on Sunday morning, police said. According to the preliminary investigation, the deceased, believed to be 3235 years old and from Uganda, was found semi-naked and lying in a pool of blood. Police said the arrests followed a complaint lodged by the womans friend at the IMT Manesar police station, naming two suspects in the case. The police withheld the identity of the accused. An autopsy report will confirm the exact cause of death and whether she was sexually assaulted, though investigators suspect she was. Recommended Stories Hindustan Times quoted Sandeep Turan, public relations officer of Gurugram police, as saying, The police control room received the reports of a dead body found under the IMT Chowk flyover during the early hours. A team of officers was immediately dispatched to the spot." He added that the woman was either pushed out of a moving vehicle or mowed down. The preliminary examination indicated serious injuries to the head and upper body. Upon initial examination, a forensic team was also rushed to the scene. Thereafter, the body was sent to the local mortuary for autopsy," Turan said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The womans parents are expected to arrive in Gurugram by Tuesday. Based on the complaint from the late womans parents whether they suspect some foul play in her daughters death we will be able to determine the number of suspects involved," Turan added. Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to determine whether the victim was pushed off the flyover. Authorities are also collecting information on her purpose of travel to India. First Published: September 08, 2025, 17:37 IST News india Two Arrested After Half-Naked Body Of Foreign Woman Found In Gurugram Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UP Woman Suffering From Postpartum Psychosis Places Newborn In Freezer, Goes To Sleep Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 15:29 IST The incident in Moradabad's Karula locality has sparked widespread concern, emphasizing the critical need to monitor and support women's mental health following childbirth Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google The family immediately rescued the child and consulted a doctor, who confirmed that he was safe. (Representative/Shutterstock) In a shocking incident in Moradabad district, Uttar Pradesh, a 15-day-old newborn was allegedly placed in a freezer by his mother while she went to sleep on Friday, leaving the community horrified. The baby began crying due to the cold temperature, prompting family members to rush to his aid and retrieve him from the freezer. Their timely intervention saved the childs life, averting a potentially tragic outcome. Recommended Stories The family reported hearing the babys loud cries and discovered the newborn had been placed in the freezer by the woman. They immediately rescued the child and consulted a doctor, who confirmed that he was safe and out of danger. What Led To This Shocking Act? Following investigation and medical evaluation, the incident has been attributed to postpartum psychosis. Postpartum psychosis, a rare but severe condition, affects some women following childbirth, causing them to lose touch with reality. What Is Postpartum Psychosis? According to doctors, hormonal changes and mental pressure post-delivery can lead to aggressive behaviour, irrational decisions, and even self-harm or harm to the child. Early identification and treatment are crucial for managing this illness. Family Undergoing Medical Care top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Following the incident, the family promptly sought medical help for the woman, and her treatment has commenced. They expressed relief that the childs life was saved and committed to ensuring the womans complete recovery to prevent future occurrences. The news of the incident has caused widespread concern in Moradabads Karula locality, highlighting the importance of monitoring the mental health of women after childbirth. The community is now more aware of the dangers associated with postpartum psychosis and the need for vigilance and timely intervention. Location : Moradabad, India, India First Published: September 08, 2025, 15:29 IST News india UP Woman Suffering From Postpartum Psychosis Places Newborn In Freezer, Goes To Sleep Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bangladeshis Among 14 'babas' Arrested In Uttarakhand For Cheating, Religious Conversions Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 09:15 IST Uttarakhands 'Operation Kalanemi' has led to 14 arrests, including Bangladeshi nationals, for alleged cheating and religious conversions. A file photo of the Uttarakhand Police (PTI) A total of 14 people, including some Bangladeshi nationals, have so far been arrested under the Uttarakhand governments Operation Kalanemi, launched to nab babas allegedly involved in cheating and converting peoples religion. Recommended Stories Addressing a press conference, Inspector General of Police (Crime and Law and Order) Nilesh Anand Bharane said that the police have questioned more than 5,500 people in the state, out of which preventive action was taken against 1,182 people. The operation had begun in July. In August, officials in Uttarakhand said that 300 people had been arrested after questioning 4,000 people in the state. Bharane said the operation has achieved remarkable success, and a large number of people have been questioned under it. In Haridwar, 2,704 people were checked, and three of them were arrested, whereas in Dehradun, 922 people were checked, out of which five were arrested. The police have also been taking action in Tehri, Pauri, Almora, Nainital and other districts as well, he said. Bharne said the campaign aims to retain the sacred image of Devbhoomi. The officer said a person arrested under the operation was a Bangladeshi citizen living in Selaqui as a Bengali doctor, Amit Kumar, for the last eight years, with the help of fake documents. Ifraz Ahmed Lolu, a resident of Anantnag in Kashmir, was arrested from Selaqui for getting into relationships with women by hiding his religion and posing as a rich man from Delhi named Raj Ahuja, he said. Operation Kalanemi is named after Kalanemi, the demon son of Ravanas uncle Maricha. Kalanemi, mentioned in both the Ramayana and Mahabharata, disguised as a sadhu who tried to stop Lord Hanuman from procuring the Sanjeevani Booti. He was reborn as Kansa, Lord Krishnas uncle, in the Mahabharata. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ | Love Jihad 2.0 Racket Busted In UP, Hindu Men Lured Into Islam 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 08, 2025, 09:09 IST News india Bangladeshis Among 14 'babas' Arrested In Uttarakhand For Cheating, Religious Conversions Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 week, five heavily armed police officers apprehended and arrested a suspect at London's Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom. Many might even assume that the use of such force five armed officers for just one suspect in a city that is drowning beneath endless waves of violent crime that routinely go unpunished (and even uninvestigated) would indicate that the revolting criminal they arrested was, as Donald Trump would put it, a seriously bad hombre. Except ... they arrested a 57-year-old comedy writer for the unforgivable crime of making anti-transgender posts on social media. Graham Linehan, the comedian and writer of British comedy shows "Father Ted" and "The IT Crowd," was arrested after flying back from Arizona, according to the Metropolitan police, on suspicion of inciting violence "in relation to posts on X." These posts? "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," on April 20; "A photo you can smell" on April 19, referencing a transgender rally, followed up by: "I hate them. Misogynists and homophobes. F- em." First off, let's look at this from the perspective of freedom of speech you know, the thing every Western country except for the United States pretends to give a damn about while falling over themselves to reenact George Orwell's "1984." Even if one were to ignore that Linehan is a comedian which legally and ethically provides speech with even more wiggle room his speech only constitutes incitement for those whose IQ is somewhere in the double digits. The fact that his posts were hilarious only helps his case. But let's look at this on a deeper level: an attitude of two-tier policing. This is the same United Kingdom historically responsible for the spread and protection of the principles of Western civilization that includes freedom of expression that routinely arrests white people for online thoughtcrimes while ignoring, for example, Muslim grooming gangs, urban knife crime or Islamic Jihadism. Funnily enough, "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," "free Palestine by any means necessary," and "death to the IDF" don't count as incitement of violence. I wonder why? Perhaps Prime Minister Keir Starmer's different attitudes toward the English flag and the Palestinian flag are a clue? As not-so-Great Britain continues to voluntarily circle the drain of its own self-destruction, we must remain grateful for the infinitely wise Founding Fathers who understood the sheer importance of freedom of expression, guaranteed by the First Amendment. But we must also understand that we are surrounded by many of the same people who have hijacked Western civilization in Europe from within and who would like nothing better than to tear up the First Amendment in their pursuit of power. Because the First Amendment exists to protect so much more than anti-transgender jokes. It exists to protect the freedom of thought that is necessary to defend ourselves against tyranny: the kind of tyranny that is slowly taking over former bastions of freedom like the United Kingdom. So my suggestion to Graham Linehan? Come back to the United States. The water's great, and the freedom isn't too shabby either. Ian Haworth is a political commentator known for using facts, logic and a hint of British humor to fight for true conservative values. A speaker with Young America's Foundation and Turning Point USA, he first moved to the United States from the United Kingdom after graduating from Oxford University with a bachelors and masters degree in computer science. While working at Facebook as a software engineer on their misinformation team, Ian started to speak out against anti-conservative bias in Silicon Valley, as well as the rise of antisemitism. (COMMENT, BELOW) An explosion near the enemy military unit No. 6912, stationed near the Russian city of Khabarovsk, whose servicemen took direct part in the aggression against Ukraine, occurred on Monday, September 8. As sources in the Main Intelligence Agency (GUR) told the Interfax-Ukraine agency, two explosive devices went off in a parking lot near a military unit. The explosions occurred at about 9 a.m., exactly when Russian soldiers were arriving for duty. As a result of the explosions, there are dead and wounded among the enemy troops. After the explosions in the area of the military unit, the Russian special services blocked mobile Internet and changed the movement of public transport so that local residents would not learn the truth about the emergency. Military unit 6912 - 748 separate operational battalion of the Russian Guard, Khabarovsk, which participated in a full-scale aggression against Ukraine according to documentary evidence and information in open sources. In particular, it was reported that the battalion suffered losses in battles near Kyiv (Bucha, Irpin) in early 2022. Vice President Polls: BJP-Led NDA Leaves No Loose Ends, INDIA Bloc Fights Ideological Battle Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 18:19 IST While Radhakrishnan is a BJP veteran from Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra Governor, Reddy is a former Supreme Court judge who hails from Telangana and is known for key judgements The vice-presidential poll has been described by the opposition as an "ideological battle", even as the numbers are stacked in favour of the ruling National Democratic Alliance. (Photos: PTI file) NDA candidate C P Radhakrishnan is likely to next Vice President of India, with the BJP-NDA having a comfortable majority to defeat joint opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy in Tuesdays election. The vice president poll was necessitated due to the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar after the first day of Parliaments monsoon session. Recommended Stories Members of both Houses of Parliament will cast their votes in the Parliament House between 10 AM and 5 PM on Tuesday. Counting votes will begin at 6 PM, and the results will be announced late evening. Members of Parliament are not bound by party whips to vote in the vice presidential election, which takes place under a secret ballot system. The BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition grouping held separate meetings with their respective MPs on poll eve to sensitise them about the election process and also held mock polls. NDAs Strategy For VP Polls NDA has divided MPs of its camp into different groups, which meet for breakfast on Tuesday morning before heading together for Parliament. Top Union Ministers have been tasked with the responsibility of keeping NDA MPs united ahead of the Vice President polls. All MPs from Uttar Pradesh will gather at the residence of Piyush Goyal, while those from the southern states will meet at Prahlad Joshis house. Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be in charge of members from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, who will assemble at his residence at 8 am. MPs from Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will gather at the residence of Manohar Lal Khattar, while lawmakers from Rajasthan will meet at the residence of Arjun Meghwal. Gujarat MPs will assemble at the residence of Mansukh Mandaviya, while those from Bihar and Jharkhand will gather at the residence of Nityanand Rai at the same time. Maharashtra MPs will meet at the residence of Bhupender Yadav. Similarly, MPs from West Bengal and Odisha will gather at the residence of Dharmendra Pradhan, and those from the North East will assemble at the residence of Kiren Rijiju. A day before the polling, the BJP has hit out at Sudershan Reddy for Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, a convict in the fodder scam. Sudershan Reddy has given a statement that (people) vote for me to save the soul of the nationHe met RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, who is convicted in the fodder scamWhat kind of a Retired Judge of the Supreme Court are you that you are meeting someone who is convicted of a scam? This is hypocrisy. Please dont talk about the soul of the nation," BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said. While Radhakrishnan is a BJP veteran from Tamil Nadu and the Governor of Maharashtra, Reddy is a former Supreme Court judge who hails from Telangana and is known for key judgements, including the one declaring Salwa Judum, a group of trained tribal youth deployed as special police officers to take on Naxalites, as illegal and unconstitutional. The issue of Reddys Salwa Judum judgement spiced up the otherwise staid campaign for the vice presidential election, with Home Minister Amit Shah claiming that the 2011 verdict was a setback to the efforts to fight Maoism in Chhattisgarh. The vice-presidential poll has been described by the opposition as an ideological battle", even as the numbers are stacked in favour of the ruling National Democratic Alliance. On the basis of voting, it will be clear who stands on which side, who is in favour of the Constitution and who is against it. In the upcoming Vice-Presidential election, we must not forget why this election has been imposed on us. It has been imposed because they decided to cut short the tenure of one Vice-President and elect a new one; this was done by the BJP. YSRCP, BJD, and other so-called neutral parties, whichever side they vote for, it will become clear whether they stand with those opposing the Constitution or with those defending it," Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said. While noting that the opposition does not have numbers, DMK MP Kanimozhi said it doesnt mean that Radhakrishnans election goes unchallenged Let us wait for the votes to be countedIt is not a delicate situation at all because the citizens have been very clear that this is an ideological fight. It is not about any individual. It is an ideological fight and it is a fight for democracy. So we are not confused," he said. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MP Mahua Maji appealed to fellow lawmakers to vote for Reddy, citing his credentials as a judge. The Vice President is the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He/she should not be biased Since no whip was issued for this election, everyone votes according to the voice of their conscience. Therefore, we are appealing to all MPs that if you choose an impartial person for the Vice President post, they will be able to do justice to everyone," she said. On the oppositions mock polls, CPI(M) MP John Brittas said, We had a mock poll here today. In most elections, there are often 10 to 15 invalid votes. Although we are well-prepared to participate in such a democratic process, we may inadvertently lose our valid votes due to our over-enthusiasm. To avoid that, most opposition MPs converged here and participated in a mock poll." CP Radhakrishnan Vs B Sudershan Reddy: Who Will Be Indias 15th VP? The Numbers Explained How Numbers Stack Up? The electoral college for the vice presidential election comprises a total of 788 members 245 from the Rajya Sabha and 543 from the Lok Sabha. The 12 nominated members of the Rajya Sabha are also eligible to vote in the election. The present strength of the electoral college is 781 as six seats are vacant in the Rajya Sabha and one in the Lok Sabha. This puts the majority mark at 391. The NDA has 425 MPs, while the opposition camp has the backing of 324. Among the political parties that are not part of the ruling or the opposition camps, the YSRCP, with 11 members in Parliament, has decided to support the NDA nominee, while the BRS and the BJD have decided to abstain from voting in the election. BRS MP KR Suresh Reddy linked his partys decision to protest against the farmers distress in Telangana. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all After weighing all the options, we have taken a conscious decision to abstain from the election. Our party leadership has been insisting that Telangana farmers are currently in a state of crisis due to a shortage of fertiliser, particularly urea. We repeatedly requested the Government of India. We requested the state government, but both governments have failed to address the farmers issueThis is the way we register our protest against the farmers distress in Telangana," he said. (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 First Published: September 08, 2025, 18:17 IST News india Vice President Polls: BJP-Led NDA Leaves No Loose Ends, INDIA Bloc Fights Ideological Battle Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Wife Plots With Lover, Sits On Husbands Chest And Attempts To Strangle Him Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 14:52 IST On the night of the incident, Beerappa was asleep when the attack began. Sunanda sat on his chest and attempted to strangle him, targeting both his neck and private parts. Sleeping Man in Karnataka Escapes Strangulation Attempt by Wife and Her Lover Vijayapura district in Karnataka was shaken by a disturbing case from Indi town, where a woman allegedly tried to kill her husband with the help of her lover. The shocking incident, which took place in Akkamahadevi Nagar on September 1, 2025, came to light only later. The husband, Beerappa Mayappa Pujari, narrowly escaped death, while his wife Sunanda has since been taken into custody. The Plot Against the Husband Recommended Stories Beerappa, 36, lived in a rented house with his wife Sunanda and their two children. It is alleged that Sunanda was in a relationship with Siddappa Kyatakery and wanted to continue her affair without obstacles. According to the police, this led to a deadly plan to eliminate her husband. Together with Siddappa and another accomplice, Sunanda allegedly plotted the attack. On the night of the incident, Beerappa was asleep when the attack began. Sunanda is said to have sat on his chest and attempted to strangle him, targeting both his neck and private parts. Witness accounts suggest she even called out to her lover, urging him to finish him off." At that moment, Beerappa woke and in desperation kicked a cooler, creating a loud crash. The sound alerted the landlord, who rushed to knock on the door. Meanwhile, the couples 8-year-old son awoke and opened the door. Sensing trouble, Siddappa and his accomplice fled the house immediately, leaving behind a scene of chaos. The Lovers Twist In an unexpected turn, Siddappa himself later released a video on social media, claiming that Sunanda had dragged him into the matter. The video allegedly recorded parts of the incident and captured Sunandas words during the assault. This clip became critical evidence, helping police piece together what had unfolded inside the house. Based on the video and the husbands complaint, the Indi police arrested Sunanda and launched a search for Siddappa, who has gone absconding. A special team has been formed to trace him. Authorities have confirmed that they are treating the case with urgency, given its shocking nature and the involvement of both family members and an alleged extramarital affair. Condition of the Victim top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Beerappa, who sustained injuries in the attack, was admitted to a private hospital in Indi. Doctors have stated that his condition is stable, though he remains under observation. His family, particularly his two young children, have been deeply shaken by the ordeal. The case has sparked anxiety in the locality, with residents expressing disbelief at how a domestic dispute could escalate to attempted murder. Police officials have reiterated the seriousness of the crime and assured that swift legal action will follow. As the investigation continues, the community awaits justice and closure in a case that has revealed the darker side of betrayal and marital discord. 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 08, 2025, 14:51 IST News india Wife Plots With Lover, Sits On Husbands Chest And Attempts To Strangle Him Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Will Donald Trump And PM Modi Be Friends Again? Will There Be A Phone Call? What About Tariffs? Written By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 07:00 IST November may well decide whether Trump and Modis personal chemistry once again becomes the driving force of India-US ties Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google PM Modi responded to US President Donald Trump (right) on social media. (Reuters File) The ice has finally been broken. After nearly two months of tension in which the US imposed 50% tariffs on India and accused it of funding Russia in the war with Ukraine, President Donald Trump finally took an off-ramp, praising the relationship with India, and Narendra Modi. The Indian Prime Minister responded immediately, reciprocating Trumps words. So, will Trump and Modi be friends again? Is a phone call finally on the way? Where will they meet next? And will the secondary tariffs remain, or a trade deal will be signed? Recommended Stories After a long bout of diplomatic acrimony, Trump now said: I will always be friends with Modi. Hes great. India and the United States have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. I dont think we have lost India." But Trump laced it with a criticism when he said, I just dont like what Modi is doing at this particular moment." The reference is to Indias continuous purchases of Russian oil. Modi, however, grabbed this opportunity to respond to Trump on social media. I deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trumps sentiments and positive assessment of our ties." These were Modis first comments on Trump in recent months. Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trumps sentiments and positive assessment of our ties.India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.@realDonaldTrump @POTUS https://t.co/4hLo9wBpeF Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2025 This is also the first exchange of some kind of communication between both leaders since a tense June 17 phone call. Modi now said: India and the United States have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership." So, what next? Will the two leaders take this new-found bonhomie forward with a phone call and a bilateral meeting? Can India really trust Trump as he is infamous for flipping on his praise and condemnation with remarkable consistency? A phone call between both leaders is long overdue. The last one on June 17 did not end on a good note as Modi insisted that Trump had no role to play in the India-Pakistan ceasefire while Trump stuck to his claims. Trumps offer to Modi to stop by in the US on his way back from Canada was also not accepted by Modi, as India smelt a diplomatic trap with Pakistans Army Chief Asim Munir in the White House at the same time. But Trump did accept Modis invite to visit India later this year for the QUAD summit. However, there has been radio silence since from the White House on this visit. There is a possibility that a phone call between Modi and Trump would soon happen over the scheduling of the QUAD summit. This phone call could give a chance to both leaders to speak on other pressing issues too, like the progress of the India-US trade deal that could take away the pain of the tariffs, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War. If a thaw is achieved over a phone call, possibility of a meeting would open up. But PM Modi is not travelling to the US this month for the UN General Assembly meeting. Like since 2022, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at the UNGA. Malaysia in October could well be the venue where Trump and Modi finally meet. President Trump plans to attend a leaders meeting of the ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, according to the prime minister of host nation Malaysia. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said that the US president had accepted his invitation for October 26, although the White House is still to confirm it. US Presidents have attended ASEAN Summits, but not always consistently. Joe Biden attended it in Cambodia in 2022, and Trump was last at ASEAN in 2017 in Philippines. Modi will be going for the ASEAN summit as in earlier years. So, is a meeting possible there with Trump? This is the most awaited development now. There is no chance for such a meeting at the G20 summit in Johannesburg in November as Trump has said he wont travel for the G20, and Vice-President JD Vance will be representing the US. And what about the QUAD leaders summit in India? The June 17 Modi-Trump phone call saw Trump accepting Modis invite to come to India for the QUAD. But a recent New York Times report says Trump no longer has such plans. India also has no clarity yet. The Foreign Ministry last week said it would not like to comment on speculative media reports on this issue. India sees the Quad as a valuable forum for discussion among the four member countries on shared interests on several issues. The Leaders Summit is scheduled through diplomatic consultations among the member countries, that is among the four countries," India has said. The big coup could be if Donald Trump does indeed visit India as promised in November for QUAD and a trade deal is signed by both countries during this visit. But are we getting too optimistic with the India and the US bonhomie? It is more a case of Trump realising the limits of US bullying over India especially after the SCO Summit where Modi gave his message to Trump with visuals of his long and substantive meetings with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. Remember, the US hasnt revoked the 50% tariffs on India and wants a trade deal with India on its own terms like entry into Indias agriculture and dairy sectors. Modi has said this wont be allowed by India at any cost. Trump also continues to maintain his ceasefire" claim. He nurtures close relationship with Pakistan as well as Asim Munir, a big irritant for India. So, roadblocks and challenges remain in repairing the US-India relationship. Can Trump and Modi be friends again? Thats the question making waves in global diplomacy. #WATCH | On PM Modis response to US President Donald Trump speaking positively on India-US relationship, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, PM Modi attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US. Where President Trump is concerned, he (PM Modi) has always had a very good pic.twitter.com/vvDH3yUWCN ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2025 To be sure, Trump has himself to blame for spoiling the relationship with his aides using disparaging language for India. India has been handling the matter in a very mature and pragmatic way. Modi never joined the war of words with Trump over the last one month since the 50% tariffs kicked in. The only phrase that Modi used to describe the matter was economic selfishness". Top ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Piyush Goyal also did not take any potshots at Trump and said things will soon get better with the US. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This approach has enabled Trump to get an opportunity for an off-ramp. In the theatre of geopolitics, friendships are tested but equations endure. Trump says he gets along very well with Modi". Modi says the partnership is positive and forward-looking. The friendship is stressed but not broken. With Vladimir Putin set to visit India this December, the next two months are crucial for Trump to repair relations with India or risk pushing India even more in the Russian camp. November may well decide whether Trump and Modis personal chemistry once again becomes the driving force of India-US ties. 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 08, 2025, 07:00 IST News india Will Donald Trump And PM Modi Be Friends Again? Will There Be A Phone Call? What About 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... Why That Cotton Swab Clean Could Cost You Your Hearing Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 12:47 IST At its core, this debate is not just about wax, but about how we misunderstand the body. The ear is designed with its own self-care mechanism. Why the Pleasure of Ear Cleaning Keeps Us Hooked Despite the Dangers On a quiet morning, you reach for that familiar blue box in your bathroom cabinet. A cotton swab between your fingers feels almost like a ritual, a quick twist in the ear, the soft scrape of wax, and the oddly satisfying glance at what comes out. It feels clean, it feels right, and its something many of us watched our parents do. But heres the twist in the story: that tiny stick might be silently harming one of your most delicate senses. What we think of as cleaning could actually be pushing us closer to pain, infections, and even hearing loss. Recommended Stories What Earwax Really Does Earwax, or cerumen, is not dirt to be scrubbed away. It is a self-produced protective substance. Made of secretions from glands inside the ear canal mixed with dead skin cells, earwax has antibacterial properties. It traps dust and foreign particles, and prevents the skin of the ear canal from drying out. In most cases, earwax naturally moves outward, falling away on its own or washing out during a shower. When we insert cotton swabs, we disrupt this self-cleaning system. Instead of helping, we interfere. The wax that should move outward gets pushed deeper toward the eardrum. Over time, this compacts, creating blockages that affect hearing and sometimes cause pain. The Risks of Swabbing Too Deep Doctors describe ear canals as fragile tubes lined with thin skin over bone and cartilage. The eardrum is a delicate membrane, less than a millimeter thick. A cotton swab, inserted with even modest pressure, can scratch, tear, or puncture these structures. The risks include: Wax impaction: wax pushed closer to the eardrum becomes harder, requiring medical removal. Ear infections: damage to skin allows bacteria to invade. Tinnitus: ringing in the ears caused by irritation. Hearing loss: temporary from blockages or permanent if the eardrum or tiny hearing bones are injured. Rare but serious cases of swabs breaking off in the ear canal. Several case reports highlight children and adults needing surgery after routine swab use caused perforated eardrums. Why We Keep Doing It If the dangers are known, why do people persist? Part of it is the feeling of cleanliness. The quick removal of visible wax on a swab tip convinces users it works." There is also the sensation of pleasure or relief when stimulating nerve endings inside the ear canal, some describe it as addictive. Advertising over the years has reinforced the idea of swabs as ear cleaners, even though many packages now include fine print warnings not to insert into the ear canal. Cultural attitudes also play a role. In many parts of Asia, ear cleaning is treated almost as grooming or pampering, with professional ear cleaners in markets or beauty salons. Families sometimes make a ritual of cleaning childrens ears. Yet medical experts argue that this tradition carries more risks than benefits. What the Science Says Medical literature strongly discourages swab use. The American Academy of Otolaryngology has repeatedly warned against it. Studies show that 90% of earwax problems are linked to self-cleaning attempts. Research also indicates that cotton swab use is one of the leading causes of preventable ear injuries in emergency departments worldwide. A 2017 study in The Journal of Pediatrics reported over 263,000 children in the US were treated in ERs for cotton swab-related ear injuries over two decades. While most were minor, many included eardrum perforations. Similar data from the UK shows thousands of cases annually linked to swab misuse. So, How Should You Clean Your Ears? The answer might sound counterintuitive: usually, you dont need to. Most ears manage wax themselves. If you feel blocked, itchy, or have reduced hearing, it is safer to consult a doctor. Professionals use safe tools or suction to remove stubborn wax. At home, alternatives include: Letting warm water in the shower rinse the outer ear. Using a damp cloth to wipe the external ear canal. Over-the-counter ear drops or mineral oil to soften wax for natural expulsion. Doctors advise against sharp objects, hairpins, or candles, which pose equal or greater risks. The Subtle Signs of Damage Many people dont realize their hearing troubles may stem from cotton swab use. Symptoms like muffled hearing, ringing, or repeated ear infections can point to wax impaction or eardrum damage. Over time, what began as a routine cleaning habit can lead to chronic issues. ENT specialists emphasize that hearing damage is often gradual and irreversible. With rising headphone and earbud use, more people already strain their ears. Add the risks of aggressive cleaning, and the damage multiplies. For children, who are especially vulnerable, unsafe habits formed early can shape a lifetime of ear problems. Public health experts call this a preventable crisis, one that requires awareness more than technology to solve. Listening Differently At its core, this debate is not just about wax, but about how we misunderstand the body. The ear is designed with its own self-care mechanism. By trusting it and resisting the urge to intervene, we protect one of our most vital senses. As ENT specialists often quip: The only thing that should go into your ear is your elbow." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Cotton swabs might feel like tiny tools of cleanliness, but they often create more harm than hygiene. Earwax isnt an enemy its a guard, a moisturizer, a filter. By inserting swabs, we undo the work nature has perfected. The risks range from discomfort to permanent hearing damage. The solution is simple: leave earwax alone, let the ears do their job, and seek medical help when needed. What we call cleaning may actually be the first step toward losing what we cannot afford, our hearing. 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 08, 2025, 12:47 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness Why That Cotton Swab Clean Could Cost You Your Hearing Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Family Man 3 To Release In 'Two-Three Months', Confirms Darshan Kumaar Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 14:47 IST Family Man 3 Release Date: Darshan Kumaar confirms The Family Man 3 will release in two to three months on Amazon Prime Video. Darshan Kumaar has given an update on The Family Man 3. Family Man 3 Release Date: Theres some good news for The Family Man fans! Darshan Kumaar has confirmed that season 3 of the hit spy-thriller is just around the corner and will be dropping in two-three months." That means it wont be long before we see Srikant Tiwari (Manoj Bajpayee) back in action, juggling between high-stakes missions and his equally chaotic family life. Led by Manoj Bajpayee alongside Sharib Hashmi, Darshan Kumaar, Priyamani and others, the Raj & DK-directed spy thriller is slated to premiere on Amazon Prime Video before the end of 2025. Update on The Family Man 3 release Recommended Stories Darshan told Zoom TV, The Family Man 3 bohot jald aane wali hai. Within 2-3 months aa jani chahiye. Iss baar Major Sameer aapko surprises dega. Voh ek mastermind hai isne India ke against logon ko laya hai. Major Sameer iss baar bohot shock kar dega." (The Family Man 3 will be releasing soon. Within 2-3 months it should be out. This time, Major Sameer will be surprising the audience. He is a mastermind who conspired against India in the previous seasons. Major Sameer will be shocking all.) The third season will see Jaideep Ahlawat and Nimrat Kaur joining the primary cast of The Family Man. Praising his new co-stars, Darshan shared, Kamaal ke do naye chehre jude hai humare saath toh aur bhi accha hone wala hai." (Incredible actors have joined us and this season will be even better.) The teaser The teaser of The Family Man is 58-second long and it gives us a gripping preview of the turmoil to come. It shows how Srikanth is struggling to balance his roles as a family man and an undercover operative facing fresh threats to national security. The clip closes on Ahlawat seen riding a motorcycle in a cape, and Kaur adding suspense in a dimly lit restaurant scene. Take a look below: About the show Returning alongside Bajpayee are series regulars Priyamani (Suchitra), Sharib Hashmi (JK), Ashlesha Thakur (Dhriti), and Vedant Sinha (Atharv), as the Tiwari family continues to anchor the emotional core of the show. While the teaser confirmed a 2025 release, an exact date is yet to be revealed. Nikhil Madhok, Director & Head of Originals at Prime Video India, had earlier spoken about the overwhelming demand for the series. The Family Man has become one of Prime Videos most beloved franchises globally. Weve been flooded with requests for Season 3 ever since viewers wrapped up Season 2," he said. Reuniting once again are creators Raj & DK, along with writer Suman Kumar, who promise to raise the stakes even higher this season. Season 3 will push Srikant and his team to their limits," the creators shared. Weve crafted a story that blends explosive action with deep emotional conflict. This time, the threats are more complex, and Srikants personal life gets even more tangled." Since its debut in 2019, The Family Man has become one of Indias most successful web series. First Published: September 08, 2025, 12:27 IST News movies web-series The Family Man 3 To Release In 'Two-Three Months', Confirms Darshan Kumaar Haryana Man, Who Went To US Via 'Donkey Route', Killed After Objecting To Public Urination Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 09:09 IST Kapil had gone to the United States in 2022 via a donkey route through the jungles of Panama, spending nearly Rs 45 lakh. Kapil hailed from Haryana (Representative Image) The life of a 26-year-old man, who had travelled to the United States through the donkey route" two-and-a-half years ago, came to an end, after he objected to a man for urinating in public. The incident took place on Saturday in California. 26-year-old Kapil, originally from Haryanas Jind district, worked as a security guard. On Saturday, when he objected to a man urinating in public, the latter shot him dead, reported the Times of India, citing Kapils village sarpanch Suresh Kumar Gautam. Recommended Stories Kapil was the son of Ishwar from Barah Kalan village in Haryana. He was the only son of his family. He also has two sisters, with one already married. He had gone to the US in 2022 through the donkey route". His journey through the jungles of Panama cost him nearly Rs 45 lakh. He was also arrested but was released after legal proceedings. Ever since then, he had been living in the United States. Kapils family received the information about his demise through a relative from the US, reported the outlet. The entire village is standing with the family, but they are deeply broken in this time of grief," Sarpanch Gautam was quoted as saying by the outlet. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Sarpanch also mentioned that the family is set to meet the deputy commissioner to demand that Kapils body be returned. We hope for the governments full support," he was quoted as saying. About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More Location : California, USA First Published: September 08, 2025, 09:09 IST News nri Haryana Man, Who Went To US Via 'Donkey Route', Killed After Objecting To Public Urination Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 | Siding With Radicals Over Emblem, Omar Abdullah Proves J&K Isnt Ready For Full Statehood Written By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 08:51 IST When a sitting CM joins bigots in outraging against the very symbols of the nation that they have sworn under oath to protect, it raises the question: Are they fit for the post? Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Those who side with radicals and separatists cannot be trusted with ensuring law and order in such a sensitive border state. (PTI) I swear in the name of God that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India and that I will uphold the Constitution and the laws." Those words are from the Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers oath of office under Form V. The incumbent is sworn to uphold the Indian Constitution, not the Sharia. And on the first page of the Indian Constitution sits the Ashoka Stambh or the national emblem. Recommended Stories Legendary artist Nandalal Bose and his team from Santiniketan was given the task of illustrating the original manuscript of the Constitution. His student Dinanath Bhargava sketched the Ashoka Stambh, which was later adopted as the national emblem. It is this Ashoka Stambh, placed on a plaque in Srinagars Hazratbal shrine and renovated recently with government funds, which has Islamists in a fit of rage. Radicals will be radicals. But when a sitting and a former chief minister join the bigots in outraging against the very symbols of the nation which they have sworn under oath to protect, it raises the question: Are they fit for the post? The Mega Construction and Beautification Project at Hazratbal was paid for by taxpayers and led by the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, which manages the religious site. As part of the renovation, the inner structure has been rebuilt, modern electrical and CCTV systems installed, and the interiors brought alive with gold carvings and papier-mache art. But on Friday, a mob vandalised the plaque, saying symbols like the national emblem amount to idol worship, which is strictly forbidden in Islam. Barely had their provocative slogans died down that chief minister Omar Abdullah demanded an apology from Waqf Board chairperson and BJP leader Dr Darakhshan Andrabi. Former CM Mehbooba Mufti insisted that Andrabi be booked under sections of hurting religious sentiments". Now, imagine if Kashmirs current political leadership had control of the states police. It would have summarily arrested Andrabi, allowed or even encouraged mobs to take down national symbols with impunity, and unleashed a wave of fundamentalism and separatism. Already, by his reckless statements, the chief minister has sabotaged his own claim for the control of the states police. Those who side with radicals and separatists cannot be trusted with ensuring law and order in such a sensitive border state. Last month, Omar Abdullah called for the restoration of security responsibilities to the elected government in the Union Territory. During his Gujarat visit, he said it was unjust for elected representatives to be denied full authority, including over law and order. He raged against the Union Territory status of Jammu and Kashmir. We are not some worthless people," he remarked. If people elect us to govern, then we must be entrusted with full responsibilities." Also, both Mufti and Abdullah have a dubious record with handling the police when they had the power to do so. When Mehbooba Mufti was detained under the Public Safety Act after the revocation of Article 370 in the state in 2019, the police dossier against her reportedly cited confidential reports", suggesting she was collaborating with separatists". It also mentioned her public remarks against the Indian Army and her pro-terrorist social media posts. In July 2017, NDTV reported that the Mehbooba Mufti government had attempted to block the arrest of seven separatists by a central agency for funding terror. Her party PDP has faced allegations of promoting soft separatism". While advocating for dialogue with separatist groups, it provided a cover for anti-India activities. Similarly, Omar Abdullahs PSA dossier cited his social media comments on Article 370, seen as attempts to provoke the masses" and disturb public order". One hoped that with J&Ks new dawn after the scrapping of Article 370 and widespread development and reforms will fumigate the old, treacherous politics. It clearly has had little effect on the dynasts who ruled and milked the Valley using religion to mislead the people. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all But since the four lions have brought the hyenas out in the Valley, it will be easier for the Indian State to detect and deal with the troublemakers. Abhijit Majumder is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: September 08, 2025, 08:51 IST News opinion Opinion | Siding With Radicals Over Emblem, Omar Abdullah Proves J&K Isnt Ready For Full Statehood Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 | Why CP Radhakrishnan Deserves To Be The Next Vice President Of India Written By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 16:36 IST Radhakrishnan is the superior choice due to his extensive political experience, grassroot connection, strategic regional appeal and his alignment with the India First ethos. CP Radhakrishnan is NDA VP candidate (File image) The upcoming Vice Presidential election in India, scheduled for September 9, 2025, has set the stage for a significant political contest between the National Democratic Alliances (NDA) candidate, CP Radhakrishnan and the INDI alliance candidate, B Sudershan Reddy. Clearly, CP Radhakrishnan is the superior choice for Vice President of India due to his extensive political experience, deep grassroots connections, strategic regional appeal and most importantly his alignment with the India First" ethos. CP Radhakrishnan, born on October 20, 1957, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, is a seasoned politician with a career spanning over four decades. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and closely associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) since his youth, Radhakrishnan has built a stellar reputation as a hands-on leader with significant organisational experience. His political journey began at the age of 16 when he joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the precursor to the BJP and he has since, held various leadership roles within the party, including serving as the president of the Tamil Nadu BJP unit from 2004 to 2007. Radhakrishnans political credentials are robust. He represented Coimbatore in the Lok Sabha in 1998 and 1999, showcasing his ability to connect with voters in a State where the BJP historically faced challenges. His tenure as the chairman of the Coir Board of India from 2016 to 2020 saw record-high coir exports of Rs 2532 crore, demonstrating his administrative competence. More recently, Radhakrishnan has served as the Governor of Jharkhand (20232024), Telangana, Puducherry, and currently Maharashtra (since July 2024), roles that have equipped him with experience in handling high-level Constitutional responsibilities and navigating complex political landscapes. Recommended Stories Chairperson of Rajya Sabha needs to be someone who is not only familiar with Constitutional nitty-gritties but someone who has also had an active role in politics in the past, so that the larger political issues can be debated on the floor of the Upper House and be steered by a man with relevant experience. On this count alone, Sudershan Reddys candidacy completely falls apart due to no prior political experience, whereas Radhakrishnan ticks all the boxes. B Sudershan Reddy, born on July 8, 1946, in Telangana, is a retired Supreme Court judge with a controversial legal career. He also briefly served as the first Lokayukta of Goa in 2013. His legal career is, however, marked by some reportedly regressive judgments earning him much criticism. Reddys rulings, particularly in the Salwa Judum case and the Bhopal Gas tragedy, have been rightfully criticised for their disconnect from practical governance and failure to deliver justice to vulnerable populations. One of the most criticised judgments authored by Justice Reddy was the 2011 Nandini Sundar vs. State of Chhattisgarh case, which declared the Chhattisgarh governments Salwa Judum grouping, unconstitutional. The Salwa Judum was a State-supported initiative to counter Maoist insurgency by arming tribal youth as Special Police Officers (SPOs), also known as Koya Commandos. These local recruits, familiar with the terrain and communities, were seen as critical to combating Naxalite violence in Chhattisgarhs tribal regions. However, Justice Sudershan Reddy, ruled that this policy violated Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution, labeling it unethical and dangerous" and ordering the immediate disarmament of the SPOs. Reddy is, therefore, known to have given a new lease of life to Naxals and Maoists, with his controversial Salwa Judum verdict. This verdict significantly weakened Indias fight against Naxalism, a violent insurgency that plagued Central India for decades. By disbanding the SPOs, Reddys ruling left tribal communities vulnerable to Maoist retaliation. Reports suggest that thousands of Adivasis were murdered by Naxalites following Reddys judgment, as former SPOs and their families became easy targets without State protection. The verdict also demoralised the security apparatus. Reddys Salwa Judum decision resulted in prolonged insurgency, endangering lives by prioritising academic principles over immediate safety. Coming to the 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy, it remains one of the worlds worst industrial catastrophes, which killed over 15,000 people and left thousands more with lifelong health issues due to a gas leak at Union Carbides plant in Bhopal. In 2010, public outrage erupted over the lenient two-year sentences handed to seven former Union Carbide executives, prompting the CBI to file a curative petition seeking harsher punishment and a retrial. Justice Reddy, as part of a five-judge bench, rejected the CBIs curative petition, citing a 14-year delay and lack of sufficient grounds to reopen the case. This decision by B Sudershan Reddy has been widely criticised as a failure to deliver justice to the victims of Bhopal. Reddys ruling protected corporate negligence, allowing Union Carbide executives to escape with minimal accountability for a horrific disaster of monumental scale. The verdict was perceived as shielding political figures, notably former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and then-MP Arjun Singh, accused of facilitating the escape of Union Carbides CEO, Warren Anderson, in 1984. Reddys verdict left thousands of survivors without closure, reinforcing perceptions of judicial indifference. The rulings impact was profound, as it extinguished hopes for enhanced compensation and accountability, leaving victims to grapple with inadequate settlements and ongoing suffering. Justice Reddys tenure has also been criticised for other decisions that reflect an ideological bias. In 2011, he struck down the policy of Army College of Medical Sciences of reserving seats exclusively for wards of serving and retired army personnel, a move seen as undermining the welfare of military families. Reddys decision disregarded the unique sacrifices of soldiers.Justice Reddys post-retirement activities have also fueled criticism. His signing of a 2024 petition urging the Indian government to halt arms exports to Israel was seen by many as aligning with anti-national interests, further tarnishing his controversial judicial legacy. Additionally, his involvement in the Telangana caste census, criticised for flaws and underrepresentation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), has been cited as evidence of his alignment with Congress-led political agendas, raising questions about his impartiality. The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, a role that requires not only Constitutional knowledge but also political acumen to manage parliamentary proceedings, mediate debates and maintain order in a politically charged environment. Radhakrishnans decades-long political career gives him a significant edge in this regard. His experience as a two-time Lok Sabha MP, State party president of Tamil Nadu and Governor of multiple States demonstrate his ability to navigate complex political situations and build consensus among diverse stakeholders. His leadership in the Tamil Nadu BJP, including organising a 19,000 km Ratha Yatra to raise awareness on issues like river linking and counter-terrorism, highlight his ability to mobilise public opinion and lead large-scale initiatives. These experiences equip him to handle the procedural and political demands of chairing the Rajya Sabha, where maintaining neutrality, while managing partisan debates is utterly critical. In contrast, B Sudershan Reddys judicial track record has been marred by judicial overreach. Also, he lacks political experience in dynamic, real-time decision making required in parliamentary proceedings. The Vice Presidents role very often demands political instincts to balance competing interests, an area where Radhakrishnans rich experience gives him a massive advantage. Radhakrishnans deep ties to Tamil Nadu, a State with a strong regional identity, make him a compelling candidate in the context of Indias diverse political landscape. Radhakrishnans grassroots appeal and nomination has also received support from NDA allies like the AIADMK, Janata Dal (United) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP), as well as non-NDA parties like the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), reflecting his ability to garner cross-party support. On the other hand, Reddys regional appeal may not translate into electoral success. As Governor of various States, Radhakrishnan has worked closely with State governments, managed inter-party dynamics and represented the Central government in diverse regions. This experience is directly relevant to the Vice Presidents role, which involves interacting with parliamentarians, State leaders and other Constitutional authorities. This track record suggests that Radhakrishnan can handle both the administrative and ceremonial duties of the Vice Presidents office with efficiency and pragmatism. Reddy has limited administrative experience outside his brief stint as Goas Lokayukta, which lasted only seven months due to personal reasons. The Vice Presidential election is not just a contest of individual merit but also a reflection of the broader political landscape. The NDAs numerical strength in the electoral college, comprising 422 MPs, gives Radhakrishnan a clear advantage over Reddy. The Oppositions decision to field Reddy is at best just a symbolic gesture. The numbers suggest that Radhakrishnans victory is almost certain. The INDI blocs framing of the Vice-Presidential election as an ideological battle" highlights a desperate attempt by the Opposition to polarise sentiments in a politically charged environment where numerical strength and coalition dynamics play a decisive role. And clearly, the Opposition does not have the numbers. Radhakrishnans ability to secure endorsements from a wide range of parties, including non-NDA allies, underscores his broader acceptability and political savvy. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Public perception of the Vice Presidents role often emphasises accessibility and relatability. Radhakrishnans long career as a politician in the midst of the public, coupled with his experience in grassroots mobilisation, make him more likely to connect with diverse audiences. Reddy, despite his legal background, has had limited public engagement. Reddys lack of political experience will limit his ability to navigate the complex dynamics of the Rajya Sabha, where coalition building and political negotiation are often necessary. Radhakrishnans nomination reflects a strategic move by the NDA to strengthen its Southern outreach, while leveraging its parliamentary majority. His proven leadership, both within the BJP and in governance roles, position Radhakrishnan as a candidate who can balance the ceremonial, administrative and political demands of the Vice Presidency. As India heads toward the September 9 election, Radhakrishnans multi-faceted blend of political experience in public life, regional appeal and political pragmatism, easily make him a far better and superior choice to serve as the next Vice President of India. B Sudershan Reddys disastrous Bhopal Gas tragedy related verdict that failed thousands of victims is something that will haunt him for years to come. India surely deserves better and therefore, CP Radhakrishnan fits the bill, better than anyone else, as September 9, 2025, is all set to write a new chapter in the annals of Indias political history. Sanju Verma is an Economist, National Spokesperson of the BJP and the Bestselling Author of The Modi Gambit. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: September 08, 2025, 16:36 IST News opinion Opinion | Why CP Radhakrishnan Deserves To Be The Next Vice President Of 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... CNN name, logo and all associated elements and 2024 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All rights reserved. CNN and the CNN logo are registered marks of Cable News Network, LP LLLP, displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of NEWS18.com does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them. Copyright Network18 Media and Investments Ltd 2024. All rights reserved. Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 10:08 IST 1 / 7 The death penalty, one of the most severe punishments in human history, has been practised for thousands of years across civilisations. Alongside this grim punishment, the tradition of asking a prisoner for their 'last wish' before execution has long been observed. While it often appears in films, serials, and news reports, the question remains, why is a prisoner offered this final request, and when did the custom begin? (AI Generated/News18 Telugu) + Follow us On Google 2 / 7 Historians trace the practice back to 18th-century England, though there is no conclusive evidence of its exact origin. At the time, prisoners were allowed to express a last wish before being executed, a practice that gradually spread to other European countries and later to parts of Asia, including India. Over the years, the tradition came to symbolise a gesture of compassion in an otherwise harsh process. (AI Generated/News18 Telugu) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 7 According to ancient beliefs, fulfilling a prisoners final wish was thought to bring peace to the departing soul. Many held that an unfulfilled last wish could cause the soul to wander restlessly. Religious convictions and humanitarian sentiments combined to embed this practice into tradition, even though it has never been codified as a legal requirement. In India, for instance, while it is not part of official prison manuals, it is still observed as a customary practice. (AI Generated/News18 Telugu) 4 / 7 However, not all wishes can be honoured. Requests to cancel or postpone an execution are naturally dismissed. Only those deemed practical are accepted, such as eating a favourite meal, meeting a priest, seeing family members, offering prayers, or reading religious texts. Requests that are impossible or time-consuming, such as summoning distant relatives, are usually denied. The emphasis remains on what can be reasonably fulfilled within a short span. (AI Generated/News18 Telugu) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 7 Execution procedures themselves are bound by rules. In most countries, hangings or lethal injections are carried out in the early morning hours to minimise disruption to daily prison routines and other inmates. In India, prison guidelines clarify that granting a final wish is not a binding rule but an accepted tradition driven by humanitarian and community values. (AI Generated/News18 Telugu) 6 / 7 The underlying purpose of this practice is to ease the prisoners mental suffering in his final hours. The death penalty is an extreme punishment, and a last wish, however simple, offers a measure of dignity and psychological relief - reducing fear, anxiety, and stress. In essence, it represents a small act of humanity within an otherwise unforgiving process. (AI Generated/News18 Telugu) ADVERTISEMENT Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleksandr Mishchenko on Monday, September 8, accepted a copy of the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Ukraine Lars Hansen. As reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, during the meeting the parties noted the high level of Ukrainian-Norwegian partnership, based on common values and trust. The Deputy Minister expressed gratitude for Norway's unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as for Oslo's significant contribution to strengthening the defense capabilities of our state. The diplomats paid special attention to the issues of further coordination of international efforts to hold Russia accountable for crimes against Ukraine, as well as to assessing the importance of increasing sanctions pressure on the aggressor state. The parties discussed the prospects for Ukrainian-Norwegian cooperation in restoring critical infrastructure and implementing joint humanitarian and cultural projects. Mishchenko expressed hope that regardless of the results of the parliamentary elections in Norway, which are taking place today, the new composition of the Storting and the Norwegian Government will continue to strengthen the partnership with Ukraine. 386 Votes Needed In VP Polls, NDA May Get 436: Not Just Win, BJP Is Aiming For Good Margin Too Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 21:00 IST It is a foregone conclusion that National Democratic Alliance's Vice-Presidential candidate CP Radhakrishnan is going to win the Vice-President's election on Tuesday Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google No wonder the BJP is not only ensuring its allies are on board, but also non-BJP, non-Congress parties are either on board to support their candidate or abstain altogether. (File) Going by the numbers, it is a foregone conclusion that National Democratic Alliances Vice-Presidential candidate CP Radhakrishnan is going to win the Vice Presidents election on Tuesday. But for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA, its not just a win that matters at this point, but the margin. After the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP had claimed it would cross 300 seats but won 240, the Oppositions Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc had labelled the third consecutive win as Oppositions moral victory". This election is the moral victory of INDIA. It is a victory of positive politics. It is a victory of PDA (Pichde Dalit Alpsankhyak). 2024s message is also full of responsibility for the INDIA bloc. This election is a new era of positive politics, pro-Constitution people have won, the Constitution has won," Akhilesh Yadav had said in July last year during a Parliament discussion. Recommended Stories A year has passed, but the importance of the margin of win hasnt gone off the BJPs mind. No wonder the BJP is not only ensuring its allies are on board, but also non-BJP, non-Congress parties are either on board to support their candidate or abstain altogether. The Crucial Neutrals While votes are largely cast according to party lines, there cannot be any whip that any political parties can issue. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has decided to abstain from Tuesdays VP Poll. K Chandrashekhar Raos son KTR has blamed both the BJP and Congress for this abstention, but it suits the NDA more than the INDIA Bloc. The party has just four MPs. Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) parliamentary party leader YV Subba Reddy met NDA Vice-Presidential Candidate CP Radhakrishnan on Sunday evening, announcing their support. This comes as a big relief for the NDA as Jagans party has 11 MPs. Mithun Reddy, who was in jail, will get interim bail to cast his ballot for the VP poll which means the party will be in full force on Tuesday. Naveen Patnaik, whose party Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has been supporting the BJP in many legislations in the past, has changed its position after its loss in Odisha. On Monday, BJD MP Sasmit Patra announced, After discussions between our party president Naveen Patnaik and senior leadership of the party, it has been decided that we will abstain from tomorrows vice-presidential election. We remain equidistant from both the NDA and INDIA alliance" The BJD has 7 MPs. The Likely Number Game There are approximately 781 members in total in both houses who can vote. As Patnaik and KCR will abstain, the total number comes down to 770, which brings the majority mark down to 386. The NDA, on both houses together, has MP count that crosses 400. Whats even more interesting, Reddys 11 MPs will additionally vote for Maharashtra Governor Radhakrishnan. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This poll is largely symbolic for the opposition (similar to 2017 and 2022 contests), as the ruling NDA holds a comfortable edge. But if all goes well, by the end of Tuesday, the NDA will have 436 votes, while they could win by just 386. This number stretch is needed for the NDAs ego that has been hurt since the moral victory" jibe and yet to be healed in spite of the many electoral wins since. About the Author Anindya Banerjee Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep ... Read More First Published: September 08, 2025, 18:55 IST News politics 386 Votes Needed In VP Polls, NDA May Get 436: Not Just Win, BJP Is Aiming For Good Margin Too Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... BJPs Sansad Karyashala Vs Congresss Mock Poll: How Parties Are Preparing For September 9 VP Polls Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 17:04 IST There are only two candidates in the current VP polls CP Radhakrishnan of ruling National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) and Sudershan Reddy of Congress-led opposition Both polling and counting will take place on September 9. (File) The Vice-Presidential polls in India are different from the usual elections and use a special set of rules, prompting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to hold a Sansad Karyashala for its MPs so that not even a single vote is wasted. The Congress, too, is holding a mock poll on Monday to train the opposition MPs on the procedure to vote in the September 9 elections. Heres why. Recommended Stories The training for 2025 VP polls There are a total of 732 votes covering MPs from both Houses. Even as invalid votes have not impacted the past few VP polls results, parties do not want to waste a single vote in the process. The BJPs three-day workshop started on Sunday and was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the first day. The workshop, according to BJP leaders, is aimed at sensitising lawmakers about the voting procedure and other key aspects they need to follow while casting their votes, particularly for the first-time MPs. Both polling and counting will take place on September 9 at Parliament House. How VP polls work As per the ECI rules, the Ballot papers for Vice-Presidential elections are printed in pink colour with two columns first column containing the names of the candidates and, the second column, for making preference by the elector for each such candidate. The ballot papers are printed in Hindi and English. The VP polls are different from the Presidential election as the value of every vote cast in the Vice-Presidential election has the same value as one. In accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote, every elector can mark as many preferences, as there are candidates contesting the election. These preferences for the candidates are to be marked by the elector, by placing the figures 1,2,3,4, 5 and so on, against the names of the candidates, in the order of preference," the rules said. There are only two candidates in the current VP polls CP Radhakrishnan of ruling National Democratic Alliances (NDA) and Sudershan Reddy of Congress-led opposition. The marking by each voter member of parliament has to be in the space provided in column 2 of the ballot paper only. The preference by each voter can be indicated in international form of Indian numerals or in the form used in any Indian language or in Roman form but the preferences can not be indicated in words like one, two, first preference, second preference. Also, the marking of the first preference is compulsory for a ballot paper to be valid. Marking other preferences is optional. The winning candidate has to secure the required quota of votes to be declared elected 50% of the valid votes cast plus one additional vote. Why training is crucial The training is important for a number of reasons including the fact that unlike Parliamentary and Assembly elections, an elector cannot take the help of a companion. The only help a voter can take is the assistance of the Presiding Officer to record the vote. The unique voting system different from Parliamentary or Presidential elections makes these workshops necessary. The major fear for the candidates and the fielding parties is the invalid votes as there can be cases of MPs cross voting since the MP can vote according to their choice and wish and are not bound by any party whip. Grounds for invalid votes The Returning Officer can reject a ballot paper as invalid if a number of cases the first preference is not marked or it is marked against more than one candidate or is marked in a manner which renders it doubtful as to which candidate it is intended to apply. The votes will be invalid if the first preference and some other preferences is marked against the name of a candidate. The votes will be invalid if there is any mark by which the elector may be identified. A postal ballot may be rejected if the signature of the elector on the declaration and the attestation form received with the ballot paper is not duly attested by the authority specified in such form," the rules read. The counting of the votes is done after the valid ballot papers are segregated from the invalid ones. In 2022, when Jagdeep Dhankhar was elected, a total of 15 votes were found invalid. In 2017, when M Venkaiah Naidu was elected as the VP, there was an electoral college of 785 eligible members and 771 votes were cast out of which 11 were declared invalid. In 2012, when Hamid Ansari was re-elected, there were 787 eligible votes, but 47 skipped voting and eight votes were found invalid. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all With just two candidates in the fray, both the ruling NDA and the opposition know that every valid mark on the pink ballot could make a difference and no party wants to risk losing ground to an avoidable mistake. Thats why both sides are investing in training their MPs every vote counts, and no party wants to be embarrassed by wasted ballots. About the Author Nivedita Singh Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She twe... Read More First Published: September 08, 2025, 17:02 IST News politics BJPs Sansad Karyashala Vs Congresss Mock Poll: How Parties Are Preparing For September 9 VP 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... INDIA Bloc VP Candidate Sudarshan Reddy Meets Lalu Yadav, BJP Says 'Hypocrisy Exposed' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 12:37 IST The BJP criticised the opposition VP candidate for meeting Lalu Prasad Yadav, calling it "terrible optics" and "a shocking statement on probity in public life". Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google INDIA bloc VP candidate Sudarshan Reddy and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. (Photo: X) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday criticised the opposition INDIA blocs vice presidential candidate, Justice Sudarshan B Reddy, for meeting with former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, calling it a shocking statement on probity in public life". Lalu Yadav shared images of his meeting with Reddy at his residence in Patna. The joint candidate for the Vice President post, Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy, visited the residence in Patna to inquire about well-being," he said. Recommended Stories Reacting to the meeting, BJP IT Department in-charge Amit Malviya said, B Sudarshan Reddy, former Supreme Court judge and INDI Alliances joint candidate, recently met fodder scam convict Lalu Prasad, who isnt even a Member of Parliament and has no vote in the VP electoral college." This isnt just terrible optics, its a shocking statement on probity in public life by someone aspiring for a high constitutional office. Whats even more telling is the silence of the usual suspects" retired judges and self-proclaimed custodians of constitutional morality. Their hypocrisy stands exposed," he added. B. Sudarshan Reddy, former Supreme Court judge and INDI Alliances joint candidate, recently met fodder scam convict Lalu Prasad, who isnt even a Member of Parliament and has no vote in the VP electoral college.This isnt just terrible optics, its a shocking statement on pic.twitter.com/IC2CMmhtoN Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 8, 2025 This comes a day before the vice-presidential elections on September 9. In the vice-presidential election, NDA pick CP Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra, is pitted against opposition nominee B Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge. The elections are being held to replace Jagdeep Dhankhar, who abruptly resigned on July 21, citing health reasons. Multiple Opposition leaders have repeatedly raised questions over the resignation of Dhankhar, claiming that the former VP might have been forced to resign due to differences between leaders. The BJP organised a Sansad Karyalaya on Sunday, and it will also be held today as a practice session for its MPs on Monday to guide them on the voting process in the Parliament. On the other hand, Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge will host a dinner for the INDIA bloc MPs on Monday evening at the Parliament annexe. The meeting is to reinforce the oppositions unity and support for their VP candidate. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a video message earlier, Justice Reddy appealed to MPs not to let party loyalty guide their choice and to ensure that the Rajya Sabha stands as a true temple of democracy by voting in his favour. (with agency inputs) About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More First Published: September 08, 2025, 12:37 IST News politics INDIA Bloc VP Candidate Sudarshan Reddy Meets Lalu Yadav, BJP Says 'Hypocrisy Exposed' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Sense Of Entitlement': Mallikarjun Kharge's Video Pulling Up Farmers Draws BJP Ire Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 13:06 IST Earlier in the day, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also accused Kharge of disrespecting farmers. Amit Malviya also compared BJP IT cell chief's comment with Prime Minister Narendra Modis initiatives. (PTI) BJP leader Amit Malviya on Monday launched a sharp attack on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, accusing him of insulting farmers and displaying the partys legendary insensitivity" that, he said, has driven farmers into despair for decades. Sharing a video clip on X, Malviya wrote: Next time Rahul Gandhi or Congress pretend to speak for farmers, remind them of this, their own President Mallikarjun Kharge mocked farmers pain and told them not to whine and seek publicity all the time. This is the legendary insensitivity of Congress that pushed farmers to despair for decades." Recommended Stories The BJP IT cell chief contrasted this with Prime Minister Narendra Modis initiatives, adding: It took Prime Minister Modi to usher in a real revolution, helping farmers diversify, double their incomes, protect crops against seasonal risks, and embrace modern farming techniques. Congress mocked, PM Modi delivered." Earlier in the day, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also accused Kharge of disrespecting" farmers. Speaking to ANI, he alleged, Yesterday, a farmer expressed his pain to Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge and Kharge ji told him to run away. This shows their attitude towards the farmers. Congress did not even implement the Swaminathan Commission report for 8 years. Thousands of farmers have died by suicide in Karnataka Congress is against the farmers." Poonawalla further cited a viral video of Congress MP Tariq Anwar, who was carried on villagers shoulders during a flood inspection in Bihars Katihar, to argue that Congress leaders remain out of touch with ground realities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Terming it a sense of entitlement," the BJP leader came down heavily on Anwar, asking if he needs a VVIP protocol" in flood-affected areas too. In a social media post on X, Poonawalla wrote, Sense of entitlement of Congress. Even in flood-affected areas they want VVIP protocol? Kharge ji insults farmers. Congress MP Tariq Anwar mocks flood relief sits on the shoulders of people while touring flood-affected areas. Congress MP in VVIP mode. Rahul Gandhi in Vacation Mode. AAP in hiding Mode. Only PM Modi in work mode." About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small even... Read More First Published: September 08, 2025, 12:29 IST News politics 'Sense Of Entitlement': Mallikarjun Kharge's Video Pulling Up Farmers Draws BJP Ire Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Political Interference In Policing Behind Honour Killings In Tamil Nadu: AIADMK Gen Sec Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 09:54 IST The AIADMK general secretary also mentioned that the the DMK should use its influence in the INDIA alliance to solve the Mullaperiyar dam issue. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (PTI) AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said that there is excessive political interference in policing, which he claimed is leading to a rise in honour killings in Tamil Nadu. Recommended Stories There is too much political influence in policing, which is causing more honour killings in Tamil Nadu," he said during an interview with PTI. Speaking about the Mullaperiyar dam issue, he said that the DMK should use its influence in the INDIA alliance to solve the matter. Political parties may express their wish, but people of Tamil Nadu know that the real face-off is between two big parties, he said. Mullaperiyar dam plays a significant role in supporting agriculture and water supply for Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu has also accused Kerala of blocking routine maintenance work by denying permissions and approvals. The dispute intertwines technical safety, judicial oversight, and intense political friction between the two states. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More Location : Tamil Nadu, India, India First Published: September 08, 2025, 09:54 IST News politics Political Interference In Policing Behind Honour Killings In Tamil Nadu: AIADMK Gen Sec Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Rising India Ready To Face Challenges Through Swadeshi, 'Atmanirbhar' Vision: PM Modi Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 21:56 IST Addressing NDA MPs, PM Narendra Modi highlighted the recently announced GST reforms describing them as a landmark measure set to positively impact Indians PM Narendra Modi addresses the ruling NDA MPs during a meeting, a day before the vice presidential election, in New Delhi on September 8. (Image: @narendramodi/X/PTI) Addressing NDA MPs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday stressed on the critical role of building a self-reliant India. He highlighted the recently announced GST reforms, describing them as a landmark measure set to positively impact Indians. Drawing an analogy on the second day of a two-day workshop organised by the BJP, Modi said: Just as a ship at sea needs a push to sail through strong winds, and a vehicle requires power in its tyres to gain speed, similarly, India needs the collective effort of parliamentarians to carry the momentum of reforms forward." Recommended Stories Modi urged MPs to actively interact with people and raise awareness on the tangible benefits of these reforms. To strengthen this effort, he advised them to hold vyapar sammelans (trade conferences) recommending at least 25 such events per constituency. He added that the goal is to create a lasting impact on public understanding of the reforms. Another key focus of his address was the Swadeshi Movement. He called upon MPs to promote the purchase of made-in-India products, especially during the upcoming Navratri and Diwali seasons, which see significant consumer activity. The mantra to be promoted is Garv se bolo hum swadeshi hai (Say with pride that we are swadeshi and encouraging people to choose homegrown products). Union minister Kiren Rijiju, in an exclusive conversation with News18, said: MPs must play a pivotal role in promoting Indian products. The Swadeshi movement is crucial for achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat." Recounting Indias growth story from 2014 to 2024, the Prime Minister reiterated that India has emerged as the worlds fastest-growing major economy. This exceptional growth invites unique challenges, especially with our GDP as high as 7.8 and only few nations have managed such a trajectory. The message is clear India must remain self-reliant and resilient in the face of global uncertainties," Rijiju said. In line with this vision, Modi urged MPs to hold sansad swadeshi melas and exhibitions in their constituencies during the festive season to further promote local products and boost the economy. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a significant decision, meanwhile, he decided against holding a ceremonial dinner ahead of the vice presidential elections, considering the flood situation in states like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Immediately after casting his vote on Tuesday (September 9), he will visit the two northern states to assess the affected areas. The PM will reach Kangra in Himachal Pradesh at 1.30 pm, where he will chair a high-level review meeting and interact with officials, flood victims, and disaster relief teams. Following this, around 3 pm, he will conduct an aerial survey of flood-hit regions in Punjab before arriving in Gurdaspur at 4.15 pm for ground-level reviews and interactions with local officials and affected communities. First Published: September 08, 2025, 21:56 IST News politics Rising India Ready To Face Challenges Through Swadeshi, 'Atmanirbhar' Vision: PM Modi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Nothing Ear 3 TWS Earbuds Official Teaser Is Here: What You Can Expect Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 08:18 IST Nothing Ear series will be soon getting a new upgrade and the latest version should have better audio and ANC out of the box. Nothing Ear 3 is coming soon and this teaser starts the hype Nothing is continuing its busy 2025 with the next product launch already lined up. The Phone 3 flagship model was announced along with its first Headphone 1 model in July, and soon well be getting a closer look at the Nothing Ear 3 TWS version. The company has teased the new product which suggests we might see it unveiled in the next few weeks or months. The signature Nothing design with its transparent body is once again the talk of town, especially with its official social post where you can see a glimpse of the upcoming product. Recommended Stories Nothing Ear 3 Launch Soon This teaser of Ear 3 could either be for the stem of the new earbuds, or maybe the charging case that will be part of the TWS setup. Nothing has a track record of building hype for its new launches, the first teaser is likely to be followed up by daily posts, which gets us closer to the final product along with the Ear 3 launch date. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Nothing made its debut with the Ear 1, then launched the Ear 2 and after that the naming sequence took an intriguing turn. But it is good to see the brand focus on the Ear 3 version this time around, which should be a definite upgrade on the previous models. Ear 3 will most likely be a flagship product, which means, the ANC should get better, while the overall audio tuning could have KEF association like the Headphone 1 model. The brand has definitely upped its audio game and we hope to see these improvements pass down to the Ear 3 model without going overboard with its launch price. 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 08, 2025, 08:18 IST News tech Nothing Ear 3 TWS Earbuds Official Teaser Is Here: What You Can 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... Banksy Unveils Mural Of Judge Striking Protester At London Court, Staff Scramble To Conceal It Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 19:55 IST Banksy painted a mural on Londons High Court, critiquing the crackdown on Palestine Action protests and Britains judicial system after nearly 900 arrests and the groups ban. Banksy captioned his Instagram post, "Royal Courts of Justice London." (Image: Instagram/banksy) British street artist Banksy has painted a striking mural on the exterior of Londons High Court, apparently criticising the recent crackdown on pro-Palestine demonstrations. Banksys latest artwork depicts a bewigged judge wielding a gavel to hit a protester who has been knocked to the ground with a blood-stained placard in hand. Recommended Stories Banksy, whose real identity remains unconfirmed, posted images of the artwork on his Instagram account on Monday, offering no explanation. He captioned the post, Royal Courts of Justice London." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Banksy (@banksy) The mural comes just days after nearly 900 people were arrested during a demonstration in London supporting Palestine Action, a group recently banned and labelled as a terrorist organization by the UK government, news agency Reuters reporters. The ban, announced in July, followed a series of direct actions by the group including breaking into a Royal Air Force base and damaging military aircraft. The governments move criminalizes any support for the group, sparking widespread debate over civil liberties and the right to protest. The new mural marks the anonymous artists latest commentary on political repression. While the artist never publicly explains his work, he has previously created high-profile art supporting Palestinian causes, including murals along the West Bank separation barrier near Bethlehem. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The artwork is painted on the Royal Courts of Justice, a Grade I-listed building, meaning it holds the highest status for historical preservation in the UK. By Monday, protective barriers were installed around the mural. The mural is being interpreted as a bold critique of Britains judicial and criminal justice system. 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 : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: September 08, 2025, 19:55 IST News viral Banksy Unveils Mural Of Judge Striking Protester At London Court, Staff Scramble To Conceal It Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Is Rs 1.2 Crore Salary Enough...': Reddit Divided Over Indian Woman's Plan To Return From The US Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 20:33 IST An Indian woman in the US earning Rs 5 crore yearly debates moving to Bengaluru for family, sparking Reddit advice on salary, lifestyle, and emotional ties to her aging parents Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google The woman fears adjusting to India's lifestyle but feels the emotional pull of her aging parents. (Representational Image) A Reddit post by an Indian woman settled in the United States has gone viral after she opened up about her struggle to choose between a flourishing life abroad and the pull of her aging parents back home. The 32-year-old, who has been living in the US for the past decade, currently resides in the suburbs of Denver with her fiance. Together, they earn more than Rs 5 crore annually, own a house (on loan), and enjoy a lifestyle that includes regular international travel, domestic help, and a supportive social circle. Yet, despite this comfort, she is weighing the idea of returning to India. Recommended Stories In her detailed post, she wrote, I (32F) have been in US for 10 years. Completed my masters here got nice jobs. Currently earning $350k/year. My spouse (30M) $300k/year. We are both in suburbs of Denver and go to office twice a week. We own our house on loan, no kids but may be in future! I am getting an option to move to Banglore with a salary of approx Rs 1.2 cr per year (Is it enough or do I need to negotiate). I am sure my fiance will be able to find a job for himself in India." She admitted that life in the US has been good to her. I love my life here. I have good friends, good comfortable life. I could afford to have cleaner a couple of times a month, have ready to eat meal service, go out few times a month. So there isnt lot of stress chores wise," she wrote, describing her current routine. Her post further added that she travels abroad every quarter, including a visit to India once a year, thanks to the generous vacation days at her job. But the emotional strain of watching her parents age has been gnawing at her. See the viral post here: Everytime I visit India, I get frustrated with how rude/angry/people are everywhere. Especially on roads, I could never drive there. But I visit once every year, and call my parents for a month. However, my family is in India, my parents are getting old, every time I visit, I see them getting older. Time feels like slipping away. Not being able to care for them is the worst feeling of all. They are not ready to move to US the culture difference is a lot, they are used to their local town, friends, relatives," she said. The woman, whose hometown is in North East India, admitted that a return would not mean living with her parents. So I am seriously considering moving back to India. However, we dont have any jobs in local town, so Ill still be in banglore. My hometown is in north-east India. Can I get some suggestions on this? Will really appreciate your inputs, thank you !!," she wrote. Her candid words struck a nerve among Redditors, sparking a flood of advice. Many pointed out that this much salary is enough for a good lifestyle in India" and reassured her that Bengaluru offers a high standard of living for those with such an income. Others, however, cautioned about the challenges of adjusting after a decade in the US. Some noted that the cultural differences she already highlighted traffic, road rage, and urban chaos could take a mental toll. One commenter wrote, It will not be easy to maintain friendship and relationships in India. People are struggling with personal and professional life as well as traffic." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Several users advised a more calculated move: continue saving aggressively in the US, build a financial cushion, and then return to India when work is optional rather than mandatory. If you want, you can survive even without a job," one person wrote, stressing the importance of long-term security. Another user warned, You will not be able to forget a life like Denver." One response cut to the emotional heart of the matter. A commenter reminded her that her parents had worked hard to give her a strong career foundation. Your parents worked hard your whole life to take you forward, to set your career. In such a situation, is it right to leave everything in one go?" the user asked, underlining the fact that even if she moved to India, her parents would remain in the north-east while her career would likely keep her in Bengaluru. First Published: September 08, 2025, 20:33 IST News viral 'Is Rs 1.2 Crore Salary Enough...': Reddit Divided Over Indian Woman's Plan To Return From The US Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Investigators of the special police department and employees of the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) discovered and seized two serviceable Russian T-72 and T-72 B3-M tanks while performing official tasks in Bakhmut direction (Donetsk region), later the captured equipment was transferred to one of the combat brigades of the Armed Forces, the press service of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Kharkiv region said. "The combat equipment was documented as part of criminal proceedings and seized as material evidence. Its value is UAH 23 million," the National Police in Kharkiv region said in a statement. It is reported that later law enforcement officers, with the assistance of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Defense of the Eastern region, transferred the captured armored vehicles to one of the combat brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Will Never Return: Nigerian Man Lists 10 Reasons He Prefers India, Goes Viral Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 19:01 IST A Nigerian man, went viral for praising India over the West, citing safety, respect, and peace. His Instagram video sparked mixed reactions about cultural differences. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Pascal Olaleye reflected on how his life had changed since coming to India. (Instagram) A Nigerian man has gone viral after sharing why he has no plans to return to the West, citing his positive experiences in India. Pascal Olaleye, who dropped out of the University of Lagos in 2021 and relocated to India the same year, took to Instagram to post a video titled Why Im NEVER Moving Back to the West After Living in India." In the clip, which quickly went viral, he listed 10 reasons why he prefers India over the US and Europe. Recommended Stories Olaleye, who said he had faced discrimination and pressure in the West, described India as a place where he feels safe, respected, and free from stereotypes. Among his reasons were the sense of peace, low cost of living, and what he called the absence of fake hustle culture." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pascal Olaleye (@pascalolaleye) I dont wake up with anxiety hereI actually feel peace," he explained, adding that he does not feel targeted because of his skin colour, nor constantly reminded of his race. He also emphasised that he felt safer walking at night in India than he did in the US. Other reasons he highlighted included cheaper rent, natural food, and an environment that allowed him to be himself without judgment. Most importantly, I feel respected for who I am, not what I look like," he said. The video quickly drew mixed reactions from social media users. While many praised the Nigerian man for openly sharing his positive experiences in India and applauded his perspective on cultural differences, others expressed surprise at his comparisons with the West. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Completely true. India is one country on earth that truly represents freedom," one of the users said. He made some repetitive points about his skin colour. I dont know which city he is in, in India. But if he is in here up in the North, he probably doesnt understand Hindi; otherwise, he would have known what people say about him," the other added. Hes just lucky, and its good to know that hes having a good time here. May God continue to bless him," the third commented. First Published: September 08, 2025, 18:18 IST News viral Will Never Return: Nigerian Man Lists 10 Reasons He Prefers India, Goes Viral Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 4-Year-Old Boy Gets Bitten By Copperhead Snake In US Day Care Centre Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 12:09 IST A 4-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after he was bitten by a copperhead snake at a day care centre in North Carolina. The family has claimed that the facility did not call 911. 4-year-old boy was bitten by a copperhead snake at a day care centre A four-year-old boy, bitten by a copperhead snake at a day care centre, was rushed to the hospital by his parents who claimed that the facility did not call the emergency number after the incident and instead waited for the family to come, according to local reports. The incident took place near a sandbox at the New Beginnings Child Enrichment Center (NBCEC), in Stony Point, on Thursday, when a copperhead snake bit the boys left hand causing his fingers to swell, New York Post quoted WRAL as reporting. Following the incident, a worker at the centre killed the snake. Recommended Stories What did the family say Meanwhile, the boys family has alleged that the centre had initially informed them that the child had suffered a splinter or broken hand and asked them to come. NY Post quoted the boys aunt, Brook Cooper, as saying that it wasnt until the family got to the day care that they were told the truth. The director got up and said he got snakebit. My first thought was, why didnt they call 911? My second thing was like, do the other parents even know?" she said. She also shared photos of the swollen hand of her nephew. She further said that the day care had not called 911 about the snake bite. This was confirmed by the emergency services in Alexander County. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, Alexander County 911 has said that though the first responders do not carry antivenom but they help the patients before being treated at the hospital. According to Poison Control, bites from copperhead snakes often lead to large swelling, bruising, and blood blisters around the bite, with people experiencing nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and bleeding due to their venom. While symptoms can last for 12 hours, complications can occur as copperheads are part of the same subfamily of serpents as rattlesnakes and cottonmouths. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: September 08, 2025, 12:00 IST News world 4-Year-Old Boy Gets Bitten By Copperhead Snake In US Day Care Centre Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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, Who Killed In-Laws With Poisonous Mushrooms, Sentenced To Life Imprisonment Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 08:29 IST In July 2023, Patterson invited all three victims on lunch and served them beef wellingtons laced with death cap mushrooms. Erin Patterson, the Australian woman who killed three in July 2023, has been sentenced to life imprisonment. (Credits: Reuters) Erin Patterson has been sentenced to life imprisonment with parole after 33 years in connection with the murder of three people with toxic mushrooms. The 50-year-old has been convicted of killing Gail Patterson and Donald Patterson, the parents of her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, and Gails sister, Heather Wilkinson. She killed all three with a lunch laced with toxic mushrooms. The incident dates back to July 2023, when Patterson invited all the victims to lunch and served them beef wellingtons laced with death cap mushrooms, reported AFP. The murders have also been infamously referred to as mushroom murders" across the world. Recommended Stories While giving the verdict, Supreme Court Justice Christopher Beale said she had inflicted trauma" on her victims and their families. Your failure to exhibit any remorse pours salt into all the victims wounds," he said. The gravity of your offending warrants the imposition of the maximum penalties for your crimes," he said. Pattersons relationship with her husband had grown sour at that time. The estranged couple were fighting over Simons child support contributions. According to the report by AFP, Patterson has maintained during a trial lasting more than two months that the dish served was accidentally poisoned with death cap mushrooms, the worlds most lethal fungus. While Patterson was sentenced to life imprisonment, the judge said that she will be eligible for parole after 33 years. Simon had also been invited to the fateful lunch, but pulled out on the eve of the meal, texting his estranged wife that he felt uncomfortable" attending. She was also found guilty of attempting to murder Ian, Wilkinsons husband. Ian says he feels half alive" without his wife. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The silence in our home is a daily reminder. I continue to carry a heavy burden of grief over her untimely death," he was quoted as saying by AFP. The motive behind the murder yet remains unclear. About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More Location : Australia First Published: September 08, 2025, 07:56 IST News world Australian Woman, Who Killed In-Laws With Poisonous Mushrooms, Sentenced To Life Imprisonment Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Blood Money: Peter Navarros Outburst At X Over India's Russia Oil Purchase Fact-Check Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 20:46 IST India has rejected as "inaccurate and misleading" Navarro's offensive comments on New Delhi for its procurement of Russian crude oil Peter Navarro (Reuters Image) White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro, who is getting backlash for his offensive comments on India for its procurement of Russian crude oil, is now attacking X after the social media platform cross-checked his misleading" claims. More bullshit from X. Fact: India didnt buy Russian oil in large quantities before Russia invaded Ukraine. Its blood money and people are dying. Stick that up your keister Mother Jones and shame on you," Navarro wrote on X. Recommended Stories More bullshit from X. Fact: India didnt buy Russian oil in large quantities before Russia invaded Ukraine. Its blood money and people are dying. Stick that up your keister Mother Jones and shame on you. https://t.co/XiMZYZdFGo Peter Navarro (@RealPNavarro) September 8, 2025 Navarros bizarre remark that Brahmins are profiteering" from Indias Russian oil purchase was also dismissed as baseless" by Xs community notes, the crowdsourced fact-checking system. Moreover, India has also rejected as inaccurate and misleading" Navarros offensive comments on New Delhi for its procurement of Russian crude oil. We have seen the inaccurate and misleading statements made by Navarro, and obviously reject them," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Should X put up posts like one below where foreign interests masquerade as objective observers and interfere with domestic U.S. economics and politics? See SCREEN SHOT! Take poll on next post. pic.twitter.com/xb1wakeWFV Peter Navarro (@RealPNavarro) September 8, 2025 People Decide The Narrative: Elon Musk As X Fact-Checks Navarros India-Russia Oil Claims Last week, Navarro accused India of being an oil money laundromat for the Kremlin" and described it as strategic freeloading" for continuing to buy Russian weapons while urging American defence firms to transfer sensitive military technologies and set up manufacturing plants in India. If India, the worlds largest democracy, wants to be treated like a strategic partner of the US, it needs to act like one," he said, in a series of social media posts attacking New Delhi. Cant Handle Truth: Navarro Sharpens Attack On India-Russia Ties Even As Trump Softens Tone The relations between New Delhi and Washington are on a downturn after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 per cent, including a 25 per cent additional duties for Indias purchase of Russian crude oil. The 25 per cent tariff has already come into effect and additional levies are due from August 27. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India described the US action as unfair, unjustified and unreasonable" and even wondered why it has been singled out for the punitive action. Surprisingly, the US has not imposed any punitive measure on China, the largest importer of Russian crude oil. Defending its purchase of Russian crude oil, India has been maintaining that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics. 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 08, 2025, 20:09 IST News world Blood Money: Peter Navarros Outburst At X Over India's Russia Oil Purchase Fact-Check Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Caught On Camera: GenZ Floods Kathmandu Streets After Nepal Bans FB, Instagram, X Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 15:19 IST Nepal Protest: The protests erupted only a week after Nepal restricted social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Screengrab of video shared on X Nepal Protest: Thousands of youth took to the streets in Kathmandu after Nepal imposed a ban on nearly two dozens social media sites, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X. Videos shared online show large crowds walking on streets, waving national flags, and raising slogans. The violent protest in the capital, which has left at least nine dead, has been referred to as a protest of Gen Z (people born between 1995 and 2010). Recommended Stories Massive #GenZ protest in Kathmandu against social media ban & corruption. Police fired tear gas & water cannons as protesters tried to storm parliament gate. Schoolchildren & youth under 27 joined in large numbers. pic.twitter.com/TrJSOcrJVm GAURAV POKHAREL (@gauravpkh) September 8, 2025 The tension comes a week after Nepal banned social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, among others, for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology within the given deadline. The videos are widely being circulated on TikTok, one of the social media platforms that has not been restricted. Enough is Enough Nepals Parliament under siege. Thousands of Gen Z protesters gathered in Maitighar to protest against corruption and the governments decision to silence free speech by banning social media apps. pic.twitter.com/so7U81azju iamikshahang | ????rAI (@ikshahangjabegu) September 8, 2025 As the protestors surrounded the Parliament building, the police fired tear gas and water cannon but were outnumbered and sought safety inside the Parliament complex. A curfew was also announced on Monday amid the tense situation around the Parliament. Stop the ban on social media; stop corruption, not social media," the crowds chanted, waving the red and blue national flags. The social media platforms which have not been banned include TikTok, Viber and three other platforms. Follow Live Updates Why Are Social Media Platforms Banned In Nepal? The ban is followed by a bill sent by the government in Parliament for debate, seeking to ensure that social platforms are properly managed, responsible, and accountable." It includes asking the companies to appoint a liaison office or point in the country. It has drawn backlash, with citizens calling it a tool for censorship and punishing government opponents who voice their protests online. Notably, this is not the first time Nepal has banned social media sites. Earlier in November 2023, TikTok was stopped from operating for disrupting social harmony, goodwill, and diffusing indecent materials." The ban was lifted last year by TikTok after its executives pledged to comply with local laws. (With inputs from agency) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More Location : Nepal First Published: September 08, 2025, 14:43 IST News world Caught On Camera: GenZ Floods Kathmandu Streets After Nepal Bans FB, Instagram, X Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Decide The Narrative': Elon Musk As X Fact-Checks Navarros India-Russia Oil Claims Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 07:25 IST Elon Musk defended X as a platform where people decide the narrative after Peter Navarro accused India of profiting from Russian oil, triggering a Community Note fact-check. File photos of Elon Musk/Peter Navarro (AP) Elon Musk on Sunday argued that X is the platform where people decide the narrative" as it allows all sides of an argument and is fact-checked through Community Notes and Grok. He also criticised the mainstream media, calling it unreliable and accusing it of lying relentlessly or ignoring major stories that dont fit their narrative." Recommended Stories This came hours after Peter Navarro, Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing for US President Donald Trump, had a meltdown after being corrected over spreading misinformation pertaining to Indias purchase of Russian oil on Saturday (US local time). Calling the community note on X crap", Navarro had alleged that Elon Musk is allowing propaganda" and reiterated his accusations of India purchasing Russian oil only to make profits. Musk also reshared a post claiming that while traditional news outlets have lost credibility, X has emerged as the real-time, fact-checkable source of news. As recent events have shown all too clearly, you cant trust the legacy (fka mainstream) news at all," Musk wrote on X, as he shared another users claim that traditional news outlets have lost their reputation. They lie relentlessly or simply ignore major stories that dont fit their collectively decided narrative," the billionaire added. As recent events have shown all too clearly, you cant trust the legacy (fka mainstream) news at all.They lie relentlessly or simply ignore major stories that dont fit their collectively decided narrative. https://t.co/Uny5AzwaDs Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 7, 2025 On this platform, the people decide the narrative. You hear all sides of an argument. Community Notes corrects everyone, no exceptions," Musk mentioned in another post. Notes data and code is public source. Grok provides further fact-checking," he added. On this platform, the people decide the narrative.You hear all sides of an argument. Community Notes corrects everyone, no exceptions. Notes data & code is public source. Grok provides further fact-checking. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 7, 2025 NAVARRO SUGGESTS A POLL ON Xs NEXT FACT-CHECK In a fresh post on Monday, Navarro questioned the Elon Musk-owned platform and asks if X should put up posts like these. Should X put up posts like one below where foreign interests masquerade as objective observers and interfere with domestic U.S. economics and politics? See SCREEN SHOT! Take poll on next post," (sic), Navarro wrote on X. On earlier post, you can see Indian special interests trying to interfere with domestic dialogue with lies about India buying Russian oil. Should X present this crap as comments from diverse viewpoints"?" he wrote in another post. Should X put up posts like one below where foreign interests masquerade as objective observers and interfere with domestic U.S. economics and politics? See SCREEN SHOT! Take poll on next post. pic.twitter.com/xb1wakeWFV Peter Navarro (@RealPNavarro) September 8, 2025 NAVARRO AND HIS CLAIMS AGAINST INDIA Navarro on Friday accused India of buying Russian oil purely to profit" to feed the Russian war machine" in Ukraine. FACTS: India highest tariffs costs US jobs. India buys Russian oil purely to profit/Revenues feed Russia war machine. Ukrainians/Russians die. US taxpayers shell out more. India cant handle truth/spins," (sic), Navarro had posted on X. Hours later, the Elon Musk-owned social media platform added a community note with the title Readers added context they thought people might want to know". It flagged that Indias purchase of Russian oil is for energy security" and does not violate any sanctions. It also highlighted the United States import of uranium and minerals from Russia and termed it hypocritical". Indias Russian oil purchases are for energy security, not just profit, & dont violate sanctions. While India has some tariffs, the US has a trade surplus with it in services," the note mentioned. US also continues to import certain commodities from Russia, which is hypocritical," it added. Navarro made the remarks in response to an article by the Washington Post, which described the conflicting efforts in Trumps administration to mend the relationship with India. The news piece by The Washington Post claimed that the inflammatory language used by Washington towards New Delhi is deepening the crisis in the relationship. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ | Trump Aide Says Prez May Block IT Outsourcing To Indian Firms 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 08, 2025, 07:01 IST News world 'People Decide The Narrative': Elon Musk As X Fact-Checks Navarros India-Russia Oil Claims Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Everyone Wants Hostages Home': Trump Issues Last Warning To Hamas Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 07:43 IST Emphasising the seriousness of his message, the President said he had already warned Hamas about the consequences US President Donald Trump (Photo: AP) US President Donald Trump on Saturday delivered a stern ultimatum to Hamas, as 48 hostages remain in captivity. In a strongly worded post on Truth Social, Trump said that Israel has accepted his terms and added, it is about time Hamas accepts it as well." Emphasising the seriousness of his message, the President said he had already warned Hamas about the consequences, describing it as the last warning" and making clear that there will not be another one." Recommended Stories Everyone wants the Hostages HOME. Everyone wants this War to end! The Israelis have accepted my Terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one! Thank you for your attention to this matter." According to The Times of Israel, there are 48 hostages still held in Gaza, roughly 20 of whom are believed to be still alive." Shortly after President Trumps statement, Hamas issued a carefully worded response, saying it is ready to immediately sit at the negotiating table to discuss the release of all prisoners in exchange for a clear declaration to end the war, a total withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and creation of a committee of independent Palestinians to run the Gaza Strip." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The outlet added that Hamas said, Hamas welcomes any move that helps the efforts to stop the aggression against our people," and affirmed it had received some ideas from the American side aimed at reaching a ceasefire," while being in constant contact with the mediators to turn these ideas into a comprehensive agreement that meets our demands." The remarks from the US President came soon after CENTCOMs Admiral Brad Cooper concluded a visit to Israel on Saturday, during which he held a situational assessment with Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Israels Chief of the General Staff. As noted on the commands official site, CENTCOM is responsible for defending and promoting U.S. interests in 20 nations in the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and the strategic waterways that surround them." About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small even... Read More First Published: September 08, 2025, 07:10 IST News world 'Everyone Wants Hostages Home': Trump Issues Last Warning To Hamas Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Indian Woman Caught Shoplifting From US Target Store: 'You Cannot Come Back Here' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 11:31 IST An Indian woman was caught shoplifting from a Target store in the United States. The woman confirmed that she spoke Gujarati and intended to resell some of the goods. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The Indian woman was seen pleading with officers. (Photo: X) An Indian woman was caught shoplifting at a Target store earlier this year, as per a viral video that emerged recently. The woman, who identified herself as Gujarati, was shaking, sobbing and gasping for air as officers attempted to interrogate her. As per the video dated January 15, the woman was visibly afraid in front of the police after being caught and appeared unable to speak properly. Right now, youre not free to leave," said the officer, who gently asked her to take a deep breath and not hyperventilate. " I gotta be able to talk to you, and I cant talk to you with you breathing like that." Recommended Stories When the woman was asked if she spoke English, she said, Not very good." Police then asked her about her primary language, which she confirmed as Gujarati. The police asked her whether she had any medical conditions. When the police asked her the motive for stealing the goods, the woman broke down in tears and could not speak, instead nodding to convey that she intended to resell some of the items taken from the store. The officer assured the woman that she would not be taken to jail if she provided the correct information, but she would have to appear in court for theft. The officer was told that she was a regular customer at the store, but was caught shoplifting for the first time. You cannot come back here ever again. Okay. If you do, you are trespassing. So, were going to let you go. Were going to walk out with you and then you need to leave the Target parking lot," said the cop. Target staff showed a CCTV footage of the store, where the woman passed the checkout with a cart full of goods. So she just put everything in the cart and then just walked past," an officer said. Social media users criticised the woman for her act and accused her of acting" in front of the cops. As an Indian, I find her super annoying. She thinks she is doing a great job crying. Not a drop of tear coming down," a user wrote. These people are putting a shame on 1.4 billion Indians because of their self interest. We dont teach these values to our childrens," another netizen commented. A third person said, Being an Indian, I feel ashamed for what she did. She should be deported immediately." The case emerged nearly two months after an Indian woman was caught shoplifting merchandise worth $1,300 (Rs 1.08 lakh) at a Target store in Illinois after waiting inside for nearly seven hours. The woman pleaded with the police officers, saying she had not done anything and was even willing to pay for the items she allegedly stole, but the police officers refused to budge. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to the description of the video, police were called to Target on May 1 after the woman spent hours inside the store stealing items, ultimately attempting to walk out with thousands of dollars in unpaid merchandise." Prior to this, another case involving an Indian student accused of theft in Texas gained widespread attention. Its worth noting that shoplifting charges can have serious implications for immigration status, potentially impacting H-1B renewals, green card applications, and even leading to deportation. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: September 08, 2025, 11:31 IST News world Indian Woman Caught Shoplifting From US Target Store: 'You Cannot Come Back Here' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 6 Dead After Terrorists Open Fire In Israel's Jerusalem, PM Modi Condemns Attack Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 21:30 IST Jerusalem Shooting: Two 'terrorists' in Jerusalem apparently boarded a bus and opened fire on passengers, resulting in several casualties. They were killed by police. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Israeli police stand guard near the scene where a suspected shooting attack in Jerusalem. (Reuters) Jerusalem Shooting: At least six people were killed and several others were injured in a shooting attack on the outskirts of Jerusalem, with the Israeli police attributing it to a terror attack. The Israeli cops further said that the perpetrators had been neutralised. The shooting incident took place in Ramot Junction on Yigal Yadin Street in Jerusalem. Israels Channel 12 reported that terrorists in Jerusalem apparently boarded a bus and opened fire on passengers. At least six others are listed in serious condition, two moderate and three with minor injuries. Recommended Stories Emergency service and medical teams pronounced the deaths of four victims, including a man about 50 years old and three men aged around 30", AFP quoted a statement from Magen David Adom. A fifth person died on the way to the hospital. Video footage of the attack captured dozens of people running from a bus stop at a busy intersection during the morning rush hour. Paramedics arriving at the scene described a chaotic situation, with shattered glass scattered across the area and several injured individuals lying unconscious on the road and sidewalk near the bus stop. The two terrorists were shot and killed by a soldier and an armed civilian at the scene. Security officials told The Times of Israel that the suspected terrorists were West Bank Palestinians, who are believed to have set out from villages in the Ramallah area. After the attack, paramedics and ambulance crews provided medical treatment and evacuating five seriously wounded people" who had been sent to hospitals in Jerusalem. Several other victims, with varying degrees of injury, are also being treated at the scene," it added. Hamas Hails Heroic Operation Meanwhile, Hamas praised the attack in Jerusalem as a heroic operation", although it did not take responsibility for the attack, according to The Times of Israel. We affirm that this operation is a natural response to the occupations crimes and war of extermination it is waging against our people," the group said in a statement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an assessment of the situation with the heads of the security establishment following the attack, according to an update shared by his office. The Israeli military said it is encircling Palestinian villages on the outskirts of the nearby West Bank city of Ramallah as it steps up defense in response to the attack. The terrorists who carried out the deadly terror shooting attack at the Ramot Junction in Jerusalem used a makeshift Carlo" submachine gun, otherwise called Carl Gustav. The gun has been used in numerous Palestinian attacks in the past. It was not immediately clear who carried out the shooting or what the motive was. However, the attack came immediately after Israels defence minister, Israel Katz, gave a final warning to Hamas to either drop arms and release all hostages or face annihilation". PM Modi Condemns Attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack on civilians, saying, Strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Jerusalem today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. India condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stands firm in its policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism." Strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Jerusalem today. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.India condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stands firm in Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 8, 2025 The warnings came as the Israeli military intensified its bombings and operations around Gaza City, which it has vowed to capture in a bid to finally defeat Hamas after nearly two years of devastating conflict. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Hamass October 7, 2023, attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. Israels retaliatory offensive has killed at least 64,368 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Gaza. (with inputs from agencies) About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More Location : Jerusalem, Israel First Published: September 08, 2025, 13:31 IST News world 6 Dead After Terrorists Open Fire In Israel's Jerusalem, PM Modi Condemns Attack Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 09, 2025, 00:02 IST Demonstrators carrying Nepal's national flag stage a protest outside the Parliament in Kathmandu on September 8 (AFP). Protests In Nepal Today Updates: The government revoked the ban on social media in Nepal after 19 killed in clashes. PM Oli said, We will ensure conducive use of social media. Nepals Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak offered to resign following deadly protests that have rocked the country. Citing moral responsibility for the loss of lives during demonstrations, the minister announced his decision amid ongoing unrest. Several social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, have been inaccessible in Nepal since Friday after the government blocked 26 unregistered sites, triggering anger and confusion among citizens. The demonstrations intensified as the crowd pushed into a restricted zone near the parliament, with some protesters climbing over the compound wall. Clashes broke out soon after, leading to multiple injuries. Ranjana Nepal, an information officer at the nearby Civil Hospital, confirmed that their emergency ward was packed with people hurt during the unrest. The district administration imposed a curfew in several key areas of the city, including the parliament, the presidents residence and Singha Durbar, which houses the prime ministers office. Trump says he will learn all details about murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska US President Donald Trump responded to the high-profile murder of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina, and said that he would "know all about it by tomorrow morning," he said on Fox News. Asked by a reporter if he had seen the video of the killing, which was widely circulated on social media, Trump replied: No, I havent heard. I seem yeah. I see the video. I know all by tomorrow morning. As reported on August 26, a homeless man killed a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee in the American city of Charlotte. She received multiple stab wounds and died at a public transportation stop in Charlotte, North Carolina. First-degree murder charges were brought against 34-year-old homeless man DeCarlos Brown Jr. Police have not released information about what led to Friday's fatal stabbing. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, the ezine reported. Nepal Protests Over Social Media Ban Fabricated? Heres What Intelligence Sources Say | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 17:01 IST Nepal protests: At least nine people were confirmed dead on Monday in massive youth protests in Kathmandu and other cities of Nepal, which turned violent with clashes with police Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Protests in Nepal over social media ban. (Image: X) Nepals protests against the ban on Facebook, X, WhatsApp, YouTube and others may be fabricated, according to intelligence sources. The external support is ensuring greater resources, visibility, and coordination capacity for the protests. At least nine people were confirmed dead on Monday in massive youth protests in Kathmandu and other cities of Nepal, which turned violent with clashes with police. Police used lethal force against the demonstrators who attempted to break barricades and enter the Parliament building, days after the country imposed a ban on social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp. The agitation is being termed as Gen-Z protest in Nepal. Recommended Stories It is difficult for any government to resist the new generation," said sources. Visuals from Kathmandu showed protesters vandalising the Parliament gate as the protest turned violent in Kathmandu. The Kathmandu District Administration Office has extended the curfew in parts of Baneshwar after protesters broke into a restricted area. The local administration extended the curfew areas, which include the Presidents residence, Shital Niwas area, Maharajgunj, the vice-presidents residence in Lainchaur, all sides of Singha Durbar, the prime ministers residence in Baluwatar, and surrounding areas. Authorities have said the extension is intended to prevent further unrest and ensure security in sensitive government locations. The curfew, issued by Chief District Officer Chhabilal Rijal under Section 6 of the Local Administration Act, is in effect from 12:30 pm to 10 pm. Movement, gatherings, demonstrations, or encirclements within these zones are strictly prohibited. Thousands of youths joined the protests, criticising rampant corruption and the governments ban on 26 unregistered social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Snapchat. Authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors and comply with the curfew to prevent further incidents. According to the Kathmandu District Administration Office, Hami Nepal organised the rally, which had sought prior approval. Organizers have been using social media to share information on protest routes and safety tips. They have also urged students to join the demonstrations in their uniforms, carrying books. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Human rights are being violated by the major three political parties: CPN-UML, the radical nationalist party; Nepali Congress, which has been supporting from the background; and Maoist Center, which has also remained silent over the issue. They also had banned TikTok at the time," a protester told ANI. With ANI Inputs About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: September 08, 2025, 16:51 IST News world Nepal Protests Over Social Media Ban Fabricated? Heres What Intelligence Sources Say | 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... Nepal PM Oli Lifts Social Media Ban After Deadly Protests Kill 19, Says We Listened To Gen-Z Curated By : & News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 23:57 IST Mass protests erupted in Kathmandu as young Nepali nationals demanded the government lift its social media ban. Demonstrators gather outside Nepal's Parliament during a protest in Kathmandu on September 8, 2025, condemning social media prohibitions and corruption by the government. (Photo: AFP) Nepal Protests: The KP Sharma Oli government on Monday lifted the ban on social media platforms after violent clashes claimed the lives of at least 19 protesters and left 300 others injured. Issuing a statement in the wake of the government crackdown on the social media shutdown, PM Oli said that the governments efforts and the ambiguity between the Z generation have led to the unpleasant incident. Recommended Stories He said the government was not in favour of curbing the use of social media and vowed to ensure an environment conducive to its use. Since we are confident that our children and generations will put forth their demands peacefully, the situation arising out of infiltration from various interest centers in the protest led to the tragic situation of civilian deaths. The government was not negative towards the demands put forth by the Zen-G generation. We were listening to the demands of the Gen-G generation," the statement said. As many as 19 protesters were killed and over 300 were injured after youngsters hit the streets in different parts of Nepal, demanding that the government lift its ban on social media platforms and end corruption. Thousands of youths, including school students, under the banner of Gen Z, gathered in front of the Parliament in the heart of Kathmandu and shouted anti-government slogans demanding immediate revocation of the ban. The protests spread to Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Bharatpur, Itahari and Damak. The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported hospitals across the country are treating at least 347 injured protesters Civil Hospital 100, Trauma Centre 59, Everest 102, KMC 37, Bir Hospital six, Patan Hospital four, Tribhuvan Teaching 18, Norvic three, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences two, Gandaki Medical College one, Birat Medical College four, and Damak Hospital seven. After the deadly protests, Nepals Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned from his post, citing moral responsibility. The government will also form a committee to investigate incidents during Gen Gs protests. In Damak, protesters marched from Damak Chowk towards the municipal office, where they burnt an effigy of Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and attempted to breach the office gates. Police responded with water cannons, teargas, and rubber bullets to suppress protests. Demonstrators were also seen throwing teargas back at the police, who had retreated to a corner of the street, making a huddle, and using riot shields to protect from incoming projectiles. Last week, Nepal banned social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, among others, for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology within the given deadline. Waving national flags, Generation Z demonstrators began the protest with the national anthem before unleashing chants against the social media prohibitions and corruption. Since the ban, videos contrasting the struggles of ordinary Nepalis with the children of politicians flaunting luxury goods and expensive vacations have gone viral on TikTok, which is still operating. #WATCH | Nepal | Protest turned violent in Kathmandu as people staged a massive protest against the ban on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media sites, leading to clashes between police and protesters. pic.twitter.com/YWNj3R0wUG ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025 On Monday, addressing a public event, Prime Minister Oli defended his governments decision, stressing that the move was about upholding national dignity rather than employment losses. I hear of a planned Gen Z rebellion. We are not against platforms or social networks, we are against lawlessness, arrogance, and belittling our country," Oli said. He added that for over a year, the government had asked global platforms to register under Nepali law, pay taxes, and be accountable, but companies dismissed the request. They replied, We dont know your constitution. Then intellectuals complain: four jobs lost. But are four jobs bigger than national self-respect? For self-respect, maybe four jobs go for four days, but new ones will come. They cannot be operators, managers, and consumers all at once," Oli stated. Watch: Nepal PM K P Sharma Oli says, I hear of a planned Gen Z rebellion. We are not against platforms or social networks, we are against lawlessness, arrogance, and belittling our country. For a year, we told social networks: register under Nepals law, pay taxes, and be pic.twitter.com/dPHK13kBE8 IANS (@ians_india) September 8, 2025 Last month, the countrys cabinet had decided to give the affected companies seven days to register in Nepal, establish a point of contact, and designate a resident grievance handling officer and compliance officer. The decision came after a Supreme Court order in September last year. In a statement on Sunday, the government said it respected freedom of thought and expression and was committed to creating an environment for their protection and unfettered use". Nepal has restricted access to popular online platforms in the past. The government blocked access to the Telegram messaging app in July, citing a rise in online fraud and money laundering. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It lifted a nine-month ban on TikTok in August last year after the platform agreed to comply with Nepali regulations. ALSO READ | Indonesian Woman Held With Fake Aadhaar And PAN Cards At India-Nepal Border 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 08, 2025, 14:10 IST News world Nepal PM Oli Lifts Social Media Ban After Deadly Protests Kill 19, Says We Listened To Gen-Z Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistan Army's Balochistan Crackdown Sparks Genocide Fears Amid Global Race For Minerals | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 09:14 IST According to top intel sources, the military campaign is less about security & more about securing control over Balochistans untapped mineral wealth, including rare earth elements Rapid Read + Follow us On Google People from the Baloch community take part in a demonstration demanding greater rights. (AFP File Photo) Pakistan has launched one of its deadliest military campaigns in decades in the mineral-rich but long-troubled province of Balochistan, sparking accusations of genocide, widespread human rights violations, and state-sanctioned repression under the guise of counterterrorism. Top sources told CNN-News18 that at least 225 people, mostly Baloch separatists, have been killed, and over 830 enforced disappearances have been recorded so far in 2025. Independent human rights groups believe the actual toll may be significantly higher, with entire communities facing collective punishment as the Pakistan Army wages an all-out offensive across the province. Recommended Stories The sources said from Gwadar to Zhob and Quetta to Lasbela, bordering Karachi, military operations are being carried out using tanks, artillery, missiles, and attack helicopters. Witnesses and rights groups describe demolished homes, indiscriminate shelling, and the systematic targeting of Baloch civilians under the militarys now-infamous kidnap, kill, and dump" doctrine. The escalation follows the March 11 bombing of the Jaffar Express, for which Baloch militants were blamed. In response, security forces launched what insiders describe as unlimited kinetic operations" throughout Balochistan. These operations include drone strikes, home demolitions, and mass arrests with little to no oversight. According to top Intel sources, the military campaign is less about security and more about securing control over Balochistans untapped mineral wealth, including rare earth elements critical to global supply chains. Several reports and intelligence leaks indicate that Pakistans military is working through front companies and opaque contracts with Chinese firms to exploit strategic mining zones in Gwadar, Lasbela, and Chagai. These same areas have witnessed some of the fiercest crackdowns in recent months, with entire villages reportedly evacuated or razed. What has added to troubles is the decision of the United States to resume military cooperation with Pakistan after a nearly decade-long hiatus. This follows a June 2025 meeting where Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir reportedly received direct support from President Donald Trump to intensify operations in Balochistan. Soon after, the US officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO), enabling Pakistan to receive renewed military aid and intelligence-sharing in the name of counterterrorism. Sources suggest Washingtons pivot is motivated not by counterinsurgency goals, but by a strategic interest in Balochistans rare earth mineral deposits, which have become essential to the US tech and defence industries. They added that while the military continues its operations with impunity, families of the missing have been staging a sit-in protest in Islamabad for over 60 days, demanding answers. No senior government official has met with them, and state media has largely ignored their plight. Former prime minister Imran Khan, currently jailed on corruption and sedition charges, has spoken out from prison against the militarys actions in both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accusing the army of waging war on its own people for profit and foreign partnerships. The military has suffered its own lossesover 100 soldiers killed, including four officers of major rankbut the offensive shows no signs of slowing down. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Field reports indicate a pattern of forced displacement and land seizures in Baloch-populated areas. Local sources claim that residents are being pushed out of ancestral lands to make way for military-controlled development zones tied to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other strategic projects. Sources say the situation in Balochistan represents a dangerous convergence of geopolitical interests, natural resource exploitation, and state violence. As Pakistan intensifies its crackdown with renewed international backing, the Baloch population is being systematically silenced, displaced, and erased," they said. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: September 08, 2025, 09:14 IST News world Pakistan Army's Balochistan Crackdown Sparks Genocide Fears Amid Global Race For Minerals | 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... Pakistan Signs Metal Deal With US, PM Shehbaz Sharif And Field Marshal Munir Present Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 23:52 IST One of the pacts was signed between the Frontier Works Organization known to be a front for the Pakistani Army and the United States Strategic Metals Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir were present for the signing ceremony, pointing to the military nature of the metal deal. (Image: News18) In a significant deal that could be called as one between the Pakistani Army and the Americans, the countrys largest mining firm signed an agreement with the United States Strategic Metals on Monday. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir were present for the signing ceremony, pointing to the military nature of the metal deal. One of the pacts was signed between the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) known to be an army front and the United States Strategic Metals (USSM). Recommended Stories A high-level delegation from the United States met Sharif as it is visiting Pakistan to explore opportunities in mining and assessing mineral resources. The delegation has agreed to bring investment into the countrys mining sector and infrastructure with an initial tranche of $500 million for immediate release. TWO AGREEMENTS SIGNED Two agreements were signed between the governments focusing on the development and processing of critical minerals, including rare earth elements (REE). The American delegation, which met Sharif at the Prime Ministers House, comprised renowned global companies in the mining and infrastructure sector, including USSM and Mota-Engil. It held discussions with deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Munir among others. During its visit, the delegation was briefed on Pakistans extensive mineral reserves, such as copper, gold, and rare earth elements. Expressing their readiness to invest, the visiting companies discussed establishing value-addition facilities, enhancing mineral processing capacity, and developing large-scale infrastructure projects linked to the mining sector. WHAT IS THE FWO PACT? The Frontier Works Organization (FWO), which is Pakistans largest miner of critical minerals, signed a landmark agreement with USSM. The agreement sets a framework for collaboration across essential minerals for defence, aerospace, and technology industries. The partnership will commence immediately, with the export of minerals like antimony, copper, gold, tungsten, and rare earth elements from Pakistan. The collaboration aims to scale up towards establishing a highly flexible poly-metallic refinery in Pakistan, producing intermediate and finished products for the US market. The initial phase involves approximately $500 million of investments in Pakistans critical minerals sector. This agreement strengthens bilateral ties between Pakistan and the US, unlocking new opportunities for sustainable growth, technology transfer, and job creation. The next steps for the agreement include forming teams to explore Pakistans vast resource base, identifying critical minerals for immediate export, and building a long-term partnership in exploration, extraction, and processing. The cooperation will prioritise sustainability, profitability, and environmental responsibility, ensuring benefits for both nations. Additionally, both sides will explore innovative financing and digital solutions, such as tokenisation of critical minerals, enabling global investors to take part in Pakistans mineral wealth and enhancing transparency, liquidity, and value creation across the sector. WHAT IS THE OTHER PACT? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The National Logistics Corporation of Pakistan signed an agreement with Mota-Engil Group, which is a global leader in engineering and construction and is actively seeking new opportunities to expand its footprint across West Asia. The current survey in Pakistan aims at identifying priority markets where Mota-Engil can align with government visions and private sector initiatives, building long-term partnerships that leverage its global expertise while creating local value through job creation, technology transfer, and sustainable development. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: September 08, 2025, 23:52 IST News world Pakistan Signs Metal Deal With US, PM Shehbaz Sharif And Field Marshal Munir Present Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Parliament Dissolution, Interim Govt Of Protesters: What Does Nepal's Gen Z Demand? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 21:48 IST Massive protests led by youths rocked the Nepalese capital and other parts of the country over the government's ban on social media sites and corruption Demonstrators clash with riot police personnel during a protest outside the Parliament in Kathmandu on September 8, 2025. (Photo: AFP) Nepals youths on Monday demanded the dissolution of Parliament, and a fresh election be announced, calling sitting lawmakers barbaric, corrupt, and unworthy of power". Massive protests led by youths rocked the Nepalese capital and other parts of the country over the governments ban on social media sites and corruption. At least 19 people were killed and more than 300 others injured after police used force to suppress the stir. Recommended Stories Thousands of youths, including school students, under the banner of Gen Z, converged in front of the Parliament in the heart of Kathmandu and shouted anti-government slogans demanding immediate revocation of the ban. The protests spread to Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Bharatpur, Itahari and Damak. In a statement, Gen Zs accused the government and political parties of brutally repressing peaceful demonstrators and declared a refusal to accept their continued leadership. They alleged that the current government is an authoritarian regime and is indulged in corruption. Five Demands Of Gen Zs 1. Dissolution of Parliament 2. Mass resignation of parliamentarians 3. Immediate suspension of those who gave shoot to kill" or violent orders during protests 4. Interim government, led by someone recommended by the protestors 5. Early elections under the interim governments oversight After the violent clashes, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who represents the Nepali Congress party in the coalition government led by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, has resigned on moral grounds. The Nepali Army was deployed in the capital after the situation intensified during the protest. The army personnel have taken control of the roads surrounding the parliament complex in New Baneshwor. Citing the Ministry of Health, The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported that hospitals across the country are treating at least 347 injured protesters Civil Hospital 100, Trauma Centre 59, Everest 102, KMC 37, Bir Hospital six, Patan Hospital four, Tribhuvan Teaching 18, Norvic three, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences two, Gandaki Medical College one, Birat Medical College four, and Damak Hospital seven. Following the violence, the local administration imposed a curfew in several parts of the capital. Besides Kathmandu, curfew orders have been issued in Lalitpur district, Pokhara, Butwal and Itahari of Sunsarai district. The government on Thursday banned 26 social media sites, including Facebook, WhatsApp, X, Instagram and YouTube, for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology within the given deadline. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Although the government has clarified its stance that the social media sites were banned to bring them under regulation. But the general perception among the masses is that this will lead to an attack on free speech, and it may lead to censorship. Prime Minister Oli on Sunday said that his government would always oppose anomalies and arrogance, and would never accept any act that undermines the nation". 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 : Kathmandu, Nepal First Published: September 08, 2025, 21:46 IST News world Parliament Dissolution, Interim Govt Of Protesters: What Does Nepal's Gen Z Demand? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Powerful Hurricane Will Strike Gaza Today': Israel's 'Final Warning' To Hamas Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 16:26 IST US President Donald Trump has also warned Hamas to accept his terms to end war in Gaza The minister's remark came hours before Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop in east Jerusalem, killing five people and wounding several others. (AFP photo file) Israels Defence Minister Israel Katz on Monday warned Hamas of annihilation" if the terror group does not release hostages it captured during the October 2023 attack. In a post on X, Katz said a powerful hurricane will strike the skies of Gaza City, and the roofs of the terror towers will. Recommended Stories Today, a powerful hurricane will strike the skies of Gaza City, and the roofs of the terror towers will. This is a final warning to the murderers and rapists of Hamas in Gaza and in luxury hotels abroad: Release the hostages and lay down your weaponsor Gaza will be destroyed, and you will be annihilated. The IDF continues as plannedand is preparing to expand the maneuver to decisively defeat Gaza," Katz wrote. . ": . " . " Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) September 8, 2025 The ministers remark came hours before Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop in east Jerusalem, killing five people and wounding several others. Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has been at war with Israel in the Gaza Strip for nearly two years, praised the attack, saying it was carried out by two Palestinian militants. We affirm that this operation is a natural response to the crimes of the occupation and the genocide it is waging against our people," Hamas said in a statement. The shooting was one of the deadliest incidents of its kind since the war in Gaza began after Hamass October 2023 attack on Israel. The Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. Israels retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed at least 64,368 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza that the United Nations considers reliable. Hamas Ready To Negotiate After Trumps Last Warning Earlier on Sunday, US President Donald Trump said Israelis have accepted his terms and said it is time for Hamas to accept as well. The Israelis have accepted my terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning," Trump wrote on Truth Social. After Trumps last" warning, Hamas has said it was ready to immediately sit at the negotiating table". The Hamas Movement welcomes any initiative that supports efforts to end the aggression against our people, and affirms its readiness to immediately sit at the negotiating table to discuss the release of all prisoners," the Palestinian militant group said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In exchange, the terror group said it wanted a clear declaration of the end of the war, a full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the formation of a committee of independent Palestinians to manage the Gaza Strip, which would begin its duties immediately". (with inputs from AFP) 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 : Jerusalem, Israel First Published: September 08, 2025, 16:19 IST News world 'Powerful Hurricane Will Strike Gaza Today': Israel's 'Final Warning' To Hamas Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Right Idea: Zelenskyy Backs Trumps Tariff On India Over Russian Oil Purchases Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 10:31 IST Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for sanctions against Russia after it launched its largest aerial assault of the Ukraine war Saturday night. PM Modi with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (Image: Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during an interview with ABC News, said that it is the right idea to put tariffs on countries that continue to make deals with Russia." The remarks came after the interviewer asked whether he had seen Modi, Xi, and Putin meet in China, and whether he thought Trumps plan to impose tariffs on India could backfire. Recommended Stories Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for sanctions against Russia after it launched its largest aerial assault of the Ukraine war Saturday night. In a series of posts on X, Zelenskyy said that the statements by state leaders and institutions must be backed by strong actions such as sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia", which he suggested through tariffs and trade restrictions with Russia. It is important that today we saw a broad response from our partners to this strike. Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks. This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world whether they will accept or tolerate this. pic.twitter.com/X2vGTgnDTX Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) September 7, 2025 He said, It is important that today we saw a broad response from our partners to this strike. Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks. This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the worldwhether they will accept or tolerate this." That is why statements by state leaders and institutions must be backed by strong actionssanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia, tough tariffs, and other restrictions on trade with Russia. Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing." US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he is prepared to impose new sanctions on Russia as the war in Ukraine intensifies. Asked whether he was ready to move to the next phase of sanctions and directly punish President Vladimir Putin, Trump responded: Yes, I am" top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The remarks came after Russia launched its largest aerial assault of the war, unleashing more than 800 drones and striking a government building in Kyiv for the first time, CNN reported. An infant was among at least two people killed when drones hit several residential buildings in the capital, which remained under air-raid sirens for 11 straight hours. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said emergency crews were working tirelessly to deal with the aftermath. He noted that the attack involved over 800 drones and 13 missiles, four of them ballistic." According to preliminary reports, several drones had entered Ukrainian airspace from Belarus. The Cabinet of Ministers building in Kyiv was badly damaged, with flames breaking out on its upper floors after the strikes. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small even... Read More First Published: September 08, 2025, 10:15 IST News world Right Idea: Zelenskyy Backs Trumps Tariff On India Over Russian Oil Purchases Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Setback For Macron As French Parliament Expected To Eject PM In Abrupt Confidence Vote Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 09:02 IST Opposition parties in France have made it clear that they will vote against PM Francois Bayrou's government amid his plans to push an unpopular budget. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou and French President Emmanuel Macron. (Reuters) The French Parliament is expected to eject Prime Minister Francois Bayrou on Monday after he called for a surprise no-confidence vote after just nine months in office, plunging the key EU country into a political crisis and dealing a blow to President Emmanuel Macron. Bayrou blindsided his allies by calling for a confidence vote to end a months-long standoff over a deeply unpopular budget, which foresees almost 44 billion euros ($52 billion) of cost savings to reduce the countrys debt pile. Recommended Stories Opposition parties in France have made it clear that they will vote against his minority government, making it highly improbable that he will get enough backing to survive. Bayrou needs a majority of the 577 MPs in the National Assembly to retain his post. Political experts say the chances of Bayrou remaining as PM appear slim. Despite the turmoil, President Emmanuel Macron has ruled out snap elections if Bayrou loses, and he is expected to appoint a new premier, possibly from the centre-left. Meanwhile, Bayrou began a series of talks this week with opposition parties, including the far-rights Marine Le Pen, to try to prevent the governments fall. He will become the second French prime minister in succession to have suffered such a fate after Michel Barnier was ejected in December after only three months in office. Who Is Francois Bayrou? Bayrou is a former education minister, who was appointed justice minister in 2017 under Macrons presidency. He had endorsed Macron in the 2017 presidential election. However, he resigned after a month due to accusations of misusing public funds. He returned as Macrons sixth Prime Minister, after Barniers government fell last December amid a deepening political turmoil since the 2024 parliamentary elections that left Macron without a governing majority. Bayrous government had sought to cut the budget deficit to 4.6% of gross domestic product next year from 5.4% this year, with a savings drive worth nearly 44 billion euros ($52 billion) that opposition parties have rejected. In an attempt to shore up support, Bayrou unexpectedly announced a confidence vote in his government scheduled for September 8. Lawmakers can bring down the government, they have the power to do so. And they plan to do so. Will that be of service to the country?" he said. A Headache For Macron After the no-confidence vote, Macron will face one of the most critical decisions of his presidency: to appoint the seventh Prime Minister of his mandate for a compromise or again call for snap elections to have a more accommodating parliament. Macron is battling with poor approval ratings at home, with 64% of the French public wanting Macron to resign rather than name a new PM, according to a poll by Odoxa-Backbone for Le Figaro newspaper. His presidency ends in 2027. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Some 77 percent of people do not approve of his work, Macrons worst ever such rating, according to an Ifop poll for the Ouest-France daily. As Macron leads Frances efforts to end the Russian aggression in Ukraine, France is also facing social tension due to protests against the budget. (with inputs from agencies) About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More Location : Paris, France First Published: September 08, 2025, 09:02 IST News world Setback For Macron As French Parliament Expected To Eject PM In Abrupt Confidence Vote Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Surrender Or Be Annihilated': Israel Gives Final Warning To Hamas, Says Gaza Will Be Destroyed Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 12:56 IST Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz gave a final warning to Hamas: release the hostages and surrender, or face annihilation. This came after Donald Trump's final warning to Hamas. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Smoke and flames rise while a residential building collapses after an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City. (Reuters) Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz hinted at a major operation in Gaza City, warning Hamas to either release hostages and surrender or be annihilated". In a post on X, Katz said a powerful hurricane" will strike Gaza City, where a major Israeli military offensive is underway. Today, a powerful hurricane will strike the skies of Gaza City, and the roofs of the terror towers will," he said. Recommended Stories This is a final warning to the murderers and rapists of Hamas in Gaza and in luxury hotels abroad: Release the hostages and lay down your weaponsor Gaza will be destroyed, and you will be annihilated," he added. . ": . " . " Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) September 8, 2025 The Israeli warning came after US President Donald Trump delivered a stern ultimatum to Hamas to release hostages and agree to his terms to end the Gaza war, which began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, and killed 1,200 people. Israels military response has killed over 63,000 Palestinians and pushed the enclave to the brink of famine. Everyone wants this War to end! The Israelis have accepted my Terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one!" Trump said on Truth Social. Hamas Agrees To Negotiate Shortly after President Trumps statement, Hamas issued a carefully worded response, saying it is ready to immediately sit at the negotiating table to discuss the release of all prisoners in exchange for a clear declaration to end the war, a total withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and creation of a committee of independent Palestinians to run the Gaza Strip." The outlet added that Hamas said, Hamas welcomes any move that helps the efforts to stop the aggression against our people," and affirmed it had received some ideas from the American side aimed at reaching a ceasefire," while being in constant contact with the mediators to turn these ideas into a comprehensive agreement that meets our demands." Hamas militants seized 251 hostages during the massive October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, with 48 still believed to be in Gaza. The Israeli military said 25 of them are dead and has sought the return of their remains. Earlier, Axios reported that White House envoy Steve Witkoff sent a new proposal for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal to Hamas last week. The White House has not released any details about the proposal but Trump on Sunday portrayed them in a positive light. We had some very good discussions. Good things could happen. I think were going to have a deal on Gaza very soon," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The warnings came as Israels army bombed a Gaza City residential tower on Sunday the third in as many days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the military was deepening" its assault on the key urban centre. At least 48 people were killed in Sundays Israeli attacks, according to Gazas civil defence agency. (with inputs from AFP) About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More Location : Jerusalem, Israel First Published: September 08, 2025, 12:56 IST News world 'Surrender Or Be Annihilated': Israel Gives Final Warning To Hamas, Says Gaza Will Be Destroyed Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Taking Moral Responsibility': Nepal HM Offers To Resign As Social Media Ban Protest Turns Deadly Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 19:55 IST Nepals HM Ramesh Lekhak offered to resign after deadly protests in Kathmandu over social media bans and corruption, with 19 killed and 347 injured amid escalating unrest. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Demonstrators clash with riot police personnel during a protest outside the Parliament in Kathmandu on September 8, 2025. (AFP) Nepals Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak offered to resign following deadly protests that have rocked the country. Citing moral responsibility for the loss of lives during demonstrations, the minister announced his decision amid ongoing unrest. The Home Minister has informed the party that he will not remain in the post. Lekhak remarked during a meeting of the office-bearers and former office-bearers held at President Sher Bahadur Deubas residence on Monday evening. Recommended Stories According to an official, he has said that he will not remain in the post, saying that there has been a huge loss of life and property. There was a huge loss of human lives in todays protest. I have to take moral responsibility for that, and I will not sit in the post on moral grounds," the official told OnlineKhabar, quoting home minister Lekhak. This comes after Kathmandu on Monday saw massive protests by youngsters who demanded that the government lift its ban on social media platforms and end the culture of corruption pervading the country. As many as 19 protesters have been killed, and 347 were injured. Police responded with water cannons, teargas, and rubber bullets, critically injuring one demonstrator, local media reported. Several motorcycles were also set ablaze, escalating tensions in the area. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The demonstrations intensified as the crowd pushed into a restricted zone near the parliament, with some protesters climbing over the compound wall. Clashes broke out soon after, leading to multiple injuries. Ranjana Nepal, an information officer at the nearby Civil Hospital, confirmed that their emergency ward was packed with people hurt during the unrest. The district administration imposed a curfew in several key areas of the city, including the parliament, the presidents residence and Singha Durbar, which houses the prime ministers office. Location : Nepal First Published: September 08, 2025, 19:46 IST News world 'Taking Moral Responsibility': Nepal HM Offers To Resign As Social Media Ban Protest Turns Deadly Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... On Monday, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry expressed its condolences to the families of those killed and wished recovery to those wounded in the terrorist attack in Jerusalem, Israel. Saddened by the tragic news from Jerusalem. A cruel attack on civilian Israelis resulted in the deaths of six people and left over twenty others injured. Our condolences go out to the families of the victims, and we wish a speedy recovery for the wounded. Terror is never a solution and cannot be tolerated. There should be no place for such barbarism in the modern world, the message reads. A terrorist attack in Jerusalem on Monday left five people dead and seven wounded, The Times of Israel reported. The gunmen opened fire on a crowded bus at the Ramot junction. The shooters, two Palestinians from the West Bank, were shot dead by a soldier and an armed ultra-Orthodox man. Hamas has praised the deadly attack at Jerusalem's Ramot junction, calling it a "heroic operation." Hamas has not claimed responsibility for the attack, but has called on Palestinians in the West Bank to "intensify their confrontation with the occupiers and their settlers." Turkey Restricts X, WhatsApp & Other Online Platforms After Police Blockade On Oppn Party Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 14:55 IST Turkish authorities imposed restrictions on social media platforms after a blockade on the headquarters of the opposition party in Istanbul. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Supporters of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) shout slogans after a blockade was imposed on the party's headquarters. (Reuters) Turkey has reportedly restricted access to multiple social media platforms, including X, YouTube, WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram, on multiple networks ahead of opposition protests in Istanbul, according to Netblocks, a global internet monitor. The opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) called for rallies after police set up barricades in areas around the partys headquarters in Istanbul, Reuters reported. The access problems to these platforms began at around 8:45 pm GMT (2:15 am IST) with bandwidth being throttled for the platforms, said Turkeys Freedom of Expression Association. Recommended Stories Users reported widespread disruptions on social media platforms and messaging apps after the government restrictions. Istanbul authorities have also banned demonstrations for four days starting September 7. The Turkish government typically resorts to such restrictions during major incidents, such as natural disasters, bomb attacks and political unrest. The bandwidth of these platforms was throttled after the police blockade of the CHP headquarters. Turkeys Access Providers Union, responsible for implementing internet blocking decisions, did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the access restrictions. According to Turkish media outlet Bianet, the blockade followed a court order to suspend the partys provincial leadership as part of a case concerning alleged irregularities in the partys 2023 congress, where the current leadership was elected. The case is part of a wider crackdown on the opposition party and could potentially result in the removal of its leadership. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The last time social media platforms were restricted in such a manner was during nationwide protests in Turkey in March following the detention of Ekrem Imamoglu, the now-suspended mayor of Istanbul and the CHPs presidential candidate for the 2028 elections. Under a social media law enacted in 2020, Turkeys Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) is allowed to impose bandwidth restrictions for up to 24 hours without a court order. Any extension beyond that time frame requires judicial approval, and courts are given 48 hours to respond to such requests, according to Bianet. 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 : Turkey First Published: September 08, 2025, 14:37 IST News world Turkey Restricts X, WhatsApp & Other Online Platforms After Police Blockade On Oppn Party Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UK To Suspend Visas For Nations Refusing To Take Back Illegal Migrants, Warns New Home Sec Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 09, 2025, 03:22 IST Her comments follow a proposal from Reform UK, which pledged to deport 600,000 people over five years. Mahmood is expected to announce further measures this week, including relocating asylum seekers (Reuters) Britains Newly appointed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has warned that the UK government will consider suspending visas for countries that refuse to take back their citizens who have entered the country illegally. The warning came just three days after Mahmood assumed her post, signalling an aggressive new stance on illegal immigration. Setting out her approach, Mahmood pledged to go further and faster" than her predecessor Yvette Cooper and vowed to do whatever it takes" to stop small boat crossings across the English Channel. Recommended Stories Im not the sort of person that hangs around," she said, underscoring her urgency in tackling the issue. She condemned the utterly unacceptable" number of migrants arriving in small boats, after Channel crossings this year exceeded 30,000 in record time. The Home Secretary revealed she had already held discussions with the UKs Five Eyes" allies, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States, about the potential use of visa suspensions to pressure non-cooperative countries into accepting deported nationals. During her meetings, Mahmood also spoke with Donald Trumps secretary of homeland security, Kristi Noem. Her comments follow a proposal from Reform UK, which pledged to deport 600,000 people over five years, partly by leveraging visa policies to enforce returns agreements. The UK currently has such agreements in place with countries including India, Pakistan, Albania, Iraq, Nigeria, Vietnam, and Somalia, among others. A recent agreement was also reached with France, though its future remains uncertain amid political instability. Mahmood stressed, There has to be a strong approach to maintaining our border, and that does mean saying to countries who do not take their citizens back that were not simply going to allow our laws to remain unenforced." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She also said ministers are reviewing domestic legislation and guidance related to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), arguing the current balance" between protecting human rights and securing borders isnt in the right place at the moment." While she voiced support for ID cards, she declined to confirm whether they would be made compulsory to manage immigration. Additionally, Mahmood is expected to announce further measures this week, including relocating asylum seekers from hotels to military barracks, a move anticipated after a summer of growing protests over migration. Location : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: September 09, 2025, 03:22 IST News world UK To Suspend Visas For Nations Refusing To Take Back Illegal Migrants, Warns New Home Sec Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 May Have To Refund Half Of Trumps Tariffs? What Treasury Secretary Said Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 09:42 IST The Treasury Secretary added that the decision by the US Supreme Court will also "diminish President Trump's negotiating position". US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. (AFP) Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday that the department will be required to issue refunds if the Supreme Court upholds a ruling against President Donald Trumps reciprocal" tariffs. We would have to give a refund on about half the tariffs, which would be terrible for the Treasury," Bessent said during an interview on NBC News Meet the Press. Recommended Stories Acknowledging the potential outcome, he added, If the court says it, wed have to do it." The Treasury Secretary added that the decision by the US Supreme Court will also diminish President Trumps negotiating position". According to a CNN report, USs National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, during an interview with CBS, mentioned that there are other legal authorities" that can implement tariffs if the Supreme Court ruling does not come in favour of the US President Donald Trump. Hassett also pointed to the possibility of invoking Section 232" investigations, the same provision previously used to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium, as one of several options under review, reported CNN. A federal appeals court on August 29 ruled that President Donald Trumps reciprocal" tariffs exceeded his authority, finding that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not provide the legal basis for such emergency duties imposed earlier this year. We discern no clear congressional authorisation by IEEPA for tariffs of the magnitude of the Reciprocal Tariffs and Trafficking Tariffs," the court said in its majority opinion. The latest round of the Trump administrations so-called reciprocal tariffs, which took effect in early August, will stay in force temporarily, as the court delayed the implementation of its order until October 14. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The ruling has raised fresh doubts over the administrations ability to carry forward trade negotiations. In response, the Trump administration filed an appeal with the Supreme Court on Wednesday, warning that without tariffs, the US would become a poor nation." Bessent, however, mentioned that he is confident" of Trump winning at the Supreme Court. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small even... Read More First Published: September 08, 2025, 09:13 IST News world US May Have To Refund Half Of Trumps Tariffs? What Treasury Secretary Said Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Supreme Court Sides With Trump-Era ICE Raids, Approves 'Roving Patrols' Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: September 09, 2025, 00:23 IST The decision directly impacts seven counties in Southern California but may carry broader implications. Previously, lower courts found that ICE likely failed to demonstrate the reasonable suspicion required for such stops (Pexels/Representative Image) The US Supreme Court on Monday upheld the Trump administrations decision to authorise immigration enforcement raids known as roving patrols" in Southern California, Reuters reported. The move came in response to an emergency appeal and was approved in a 6-3 vote by the justices, lifting a Los Angeles judges earlier order that had blocked the patrols. The lower courts had previously ruled that such tactics likely violated the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, the Supreme Courts ruling, though significant, does not constitute a final decision on the constitutionality of the raids. Recommended Stories In a brief, unsigned order, the Court indefinitely froze the district judges restraining order, effectively freeing immigration agents from its restrictions. No detailed explanation accompanied the decision, and the Court has not clarified its rationale for supporting the Trump administrations enforcement measures. The decision directly impacts seven counties in Southern California but may carry broader implications, offering implicit support for aggressive immigration enforcement tactics nationwide. At the center of the legal battle are incidents in which Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents reportedly targeted individuals who identify as Latino in and around Los Angeles. Agents stopped and questioned these individuals about their immigration status, often based on appearance, language, occupation, or location. Previously, lower courts found that ICE likely failed to demonstrate the reasonable suspicion" required for such stops. On July 11, US District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting stops based solely, or even partly, on race, ethnicity, language, location, or employment. The US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld this decision on July 28. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Soon after, attorneys representing the Trump administration petitioned the Supreme Court to overturn Frimpongs order. They argued that immigration agents should be permitted to act on the assumption that Spanish-speaking Latinos working in sectors like day labour, landscaping, agriculture, or car washes are likely undocumented. The Supreme Courts move drew strong backlash from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. I want the entire nation to hear me when I say this isnt just an attack on the people of Los Angeles, this is an attack on every person in every city in this country," Bass said in a statement. She called the ruling un-American" and warned it threatens the foundational values of personal freedom in the US. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: September 09, 2025, 00:23 IST News world US Supreme Court Sides With Trump-Era ICE Raids, Approves 'Roving Patrols' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Is Testing The World': Zelenskyy Urges Tougher Actions As Trump Signals Sanctions On Russia Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: September 08, 2025, 09:14 IST Zelenskyy urged tougher sanctions and trade restrictions against Russia after Moscows aerial strikes on Kyiv. Donald Trump, meanwhile, signaled readiness for new sanctions. File photo of Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Credits: Reuters) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday urged world leaders to take stronger actions against Russia following what he described as brazen attacks" by Moscow on Kyiv, as Russia fired at least 810 drones and 13 missiles in a new record, according to the Ukrainian air force. In a series of posts on X, Zelenskyy said Russia was deliberately trying to inflict pain on Ukraine and testing the international communitys resolve. Recommended Stories He stressed that statements of support must be backed by concrete measures, including harsher sanctions, tariffs, and restrictions on trade with Russia. The Ukrainian leader also underscored the importance of boosting Ukraines long-range capabilities, saying Moscow was not interested in negotiations and should face mounting economic pressure. It is important that today we saw a broad response from our partners to this strike. Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks," Zelenskyy wrote in an X post. This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world whether they will accept or tolerate this," he added. That is why statements by state leaders and institutions must be backed by strong actions sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia, tough tariffs and other restrictions on trade with Russia," the Ukrainian President wrote in a series of posts. Their losses must be felt. That is what is truly convincing," he added. Equally important our long-range capabilities. Putin does not want negotiations, he is clearly hiding from them, so Russias fuel shortages and other economic troubles are the logical response to its refusal to agree to a ceasefire or a meeting at the leaders level," Zelenskyy wrote. In a video message on X, Zelenskyy acknowledged the damage in Ukraine due to the Russian strikes and said more than 40 people were reported injured, while he extended his condolences to the families of those killed in the attack. It is important that the statements of leaders, states, and institutions be backed by strong actions sanctions against Russia, against individuals associated with Russia, tough tariffs, and other restrictions on trade with Russia," the Ukrainian President said. It is important that today we saw a broad response from our partners to this strike. Clearly, Russia is trying to inflict pain on Ukraine with even more brazen attacks. This is a clear sign that Putin is testing the world whether they will accept or tolerate this. pic.twitter.com/X2vGTgnDTX Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) September 7, 2025 As Russian missiles and drones rained down across Ukraine early Sunday, killing four people and setting government offices in the capital Kyiv ablaze, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose more sanctions on Russia, after the Kremlin unleashed its biggest-ever aerial barrage at Ukraine. Trump told reporters after the assault that he was not happy with the whole situation" and said he was prepared to move forward on new sanctions on Moscow. After Sundays attack on Kyiv, flames could be seen rising from the roof of the sprawling government complex that houses Ukraines cabinet of ministers in the heart of the city, the first time it has been hit during the three-and-a-half-year conflict. Drone strikes also damaged several high-rise buildings in the Ukrainian capital, according to emergency services. However, Russia denied targeting civilians in Ukraine. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko posted a video showing a damaged floor in the government building. We will restore the buildings," she said. But we cannot bring back lost lives. The enemy terrorises and kills our people every day throughout the country," she added. Macron was among European leaders who condemned the attack, posting on X that Russia was locking itself ever deeper into the logic of war and terror". UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the attacks as cowardly" while EU chief Ursula von der Leyen accused the Kremlin of mocking diplomacy". Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington might slap tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil. The Russian economy will be in full collapse. And that will bring President (Vladimir) Putin to the table," Bessent told NBC television. ALSO READ | Putin Calls Ukraines EU Membership Legitimate Choice; EU Commission Welcomes Support 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 08, 2025, 08:06 IST News world 'Putin Is Testing The World': Zelenskyy Urges Tougher Actions As Trump Signals Sanctions On Russia Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Photo: https://president.gov.ua Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated military personnel on Military Intelligence Day, which was celebrated the day before, and presented them with state awards, the presidential press service reported. Every year on September 7, we mark the Day of Military Intelligence of Ukraine a day that honors many of our brave Ukrainians, courageous hearts who significantly broaden the scope of our capabilities, our active operations at the front, and our state policy, Zelenskyy said during the award ceremony. "Our soldiers, our state know how to be effective - often precisely thanks to the courage of our intelligence officers, our special services, all Ukrainian heroes who carry out special tasks for the sake of our people, for the sake of our state," Zelenskyy noted. He thanked Ukrainian intelligence officers for information about Russian intentions, support of state policy, strikes against Russia, special operations at sea, in the sky, in cyberspace and on the ground, ensuring active actions at the front and preventing Russian operations. Those present honored the memory of the fallen heroes with a minute of silence. The President presented the soldiers with the Cross of Military Merit award, the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, 3rd degree, For Courage of 1st-3rd degree, and Danylo Halytsky. Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula has come out swinging against Zimbabwes ruling party, Zanu-PF, after it condemned the movements stance on foreign nationals accessing healthcare in South Africa. In an interview with IOL News, Dabula said South Africa would not be dictated to by outsiders and rubbished Zanu-PFs claims that Operation Dudula was promoting colonial-era divisions. We will not be dictated to by foreigners on how to run our country. We have the Constitution that is supposed to be guiding us, we have immigration laws that we use as guiding documents, Dabula said. Her comments came in response to Zanu-PFs director of information, Farai Marapira, who earlier told IOL that Operation Dudulas campaign against undocumented migrants was a betrayal of Ubuntu and a continuation of colonial-era tactics of dividing Africans. Marapira argued that Africans could not be called foreigners on their own continent, stressing that borders were imposed during colonialism. But Dabula fired back, calling his remarks baseless. For Farai (Marapira) to talk about these unfounded allegations, that we are funded by former colonisers, that is definitely not true. How are we going to be funded by the very same people who we are working against? she said. "They should focus on fixing their country, Zimbabwe. It is the very same former colonisers they chased away in their country, hence they are in problems. They are sitting with land, and they are doing nothing about it. That is why the very same Zimbabweans are fleeing to South Africa, to take up our spaces, not just in South Africa but they are all over the world seeking better life." Dabula insisted that Zimbabweans were in South Africa in far greater numbers than official estimates suggested, accusing them of putting pressure on jobs, schools, and public services. He also spoke about us having one million Zimbabweans in this country. Thats a lie. There is way more than that. There are millions of Zimbabweans in this country. We are on the ground. We see them, we know where they work, their own businesses, they are in our schools, she said. On healthcare, Dabula clarified that Operation Dudula was not calling for a blanket denial of treatment to all migrants, but for foreign nationals to pay for the healthcare services. IOL Postal traffic into the United States plunged by more than 80% after the Trump administration ended a tariff exemption for low-cost imports, according to the UN postal agency. The Universal Postal Union says it has started rolling out new measures that can help postal operators around the world calculate and collect duties, or taxes, after the US eliminated the so-called "de minimis exemption" for lower-value parcels. As the AP reports, 88 postal operators have told the UPU that they have suspended some or all postal services to the United States until a solution is implemented with regard to US-bound parcels valued at $800 or less, which had been the cutoff for imported goods to escape customs charges. "The global network saw postal traffic to the US come to a near-halt after the implementation of the new rules on Aug. 29, 2025, which for the first time placed the burden of customs duty collection and remittance on transportation carriers or US Customs and Border Protection agency-approved qualified parties," the UPU said in a statement. The UPU said information exchanged between postal operators through its electronic network showed traffic from its 192 member countriesnearly all the world countrieshad fallen 81% on Aug. 29, compared to a week earlier. The Bern, Switzerland-based agency said the "major operational disruptions" have occurred because airlines and other carriers indicated they weren't willing or able to collect such duties, and foreign postal operators had not established a link to CBP-qualified companies. Before the measure took effect, the postal union sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to express concerns about its impact. The de minimis exemption has existed in some form since 1938, and the administration says the exemption has become a loophole that foreign businesses exploit to evade tariffs and criminals use to get drugs into the US. Purchases that previously entered the US without needing to clear customs now require vetting and are subject to their origin country's applicable tariff rate, which can range from 10% to 50%. While the change applies to the products of every country, US residents will not have to pay duties on incoming gifts valued at up to $100, or on up to $200 worth of personal souvenirs from trips abroad. The UPU said its members were not given enough time or guidance to comply with the executive order. Screening meetings have started in Brussels on negotiating Chapter 11 "Agriculture and Rural Development", which is part of Cluster 5 "Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion." "For us, this screening session is not the beginning, but the result of many years of cooperation with the European Union. We know our advantages, we know the challenges, and today we have the opportunity to lay the foundation for further integration of the Ukrainian agricultural sector into the common EU policy," the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration said, citing Taras Kachka. It is noted that the meetings will last until September 10, they are held in a hybrid format. In particular, on the first day, they considered: principles, strategy, directions of development of Ukraine's agrarian policy; schemes for supporting the agricultural sector and other types of assistance; national policy for supporting the development of rural areas; financing of agricultural expenditures in Ukraine and their monitoring system; integrated administration and control system (IACS): current status and development plans; the farm sustainability data network (FSDN): current status and further steps; processed products. As reported, on May 14, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the roadmaps necessary for the opening of Cluster 1 "Fundamentals of Accession" in the pre-accession negotiations between Ukraine and the European Union, and on May 30, it approved Ukraine's negotiating positions within the framework of accession to the EU under Cluster 2 "Internal Market" and Cluster 6 "External Relations." Ukraine also completed screening with the European Union under the negotiation Cluster 3 "Competitiveness and Inclusive Development." In addition, in July, Ukraine completed the assessment of the compliance of Ukrainian legislation with EU law under Cluster 4 "Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity" which is already the fifth of six thematic Clusters. Mark Volman, a founding member of the 1960's pop group the Turtles, whose hits include "Happy Together" and "Elenore," has died after a brief illness. He was 78. Volman was known for his exuberant stage presence and distinctive vocals, per the AP . In a 1967 performance of "Happy Together" posted to YouTube , Volman wears bright orange and dances around with a French horn that he doesn't play, but does place on bandmate Howard Kaylan's head. (Kaylan generally sang lead, with Volman on harmony.) His significant other, Emily Volman, posted to his official Instagram account that Volman had joked he wanted news of his death to read, "'Teen Idol Dead, Drugs Suspected'." "I messed up!" she posted. "Sorry, honey." She called him a "magical man" who was "goofy and happy and funny and smart and generous and kind and talented and gentle and creative and thoughtful and hardworking and tough and unique." The Turtles broke up in 1970 during an acrimonious split with their label, and a contract clause would not allow the members to perform under their own names. So Volman and Kaylan reinvented themselves as the duo Flo & Eddie, earning a reputation for their humor and versatility. They toured with Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention, created background vocals for Bruce Springsteen, and wrote music for television shows like Strawberry Shortcake. "Always funny, always upbeat, and a spirited and inventive performer, we will miss him greatly," Evan Cohen, Volman's attorney and longtime friend, posted to Facebook. He wrote that Volman and Kaylan set an example by advocating for the rights of musicians in owning their recordings and band names. They eventually regained control of the Turtles' music and name and began touring again. A "borderline C" student in high school who figured he would do sheet-metal work like his father if his band didn't take off, Volman enrolled in college at age 45 after visiting a school with his older daughter. He eventually earned a master's degree and started teaching music business, landing at Belmont University in Nashville in 2005. Volman was diagnosed in 2020 with Lewy body dementia, but he continued to perform on annual "Happy Together" tours in the years that followed. He is survived by Emily Volman; his ex-wife, Pat Volman; and their daughters, Hallie Volman and Sarina Miller; and his brother, Phil Volman. Two shooters opened fire on a bus in Jerusalem on Monday, killing at least six people and injuring nearly a dozen more. Witnesses said the attackers boarded the bus at a stop at Ramot Junction, a busy intersection in north Jerusalem, around 10:15am and started shooting, per the Washington Post . Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said six people were killed, per the BBC . They include a 50-year-old man, three men in their 30s, and a woman in her 50s. The ambulance service said 12 were injured, seven seriously. A security officer and civilian immediately returned fire and "neutralized the attackers," according to Israeli police. Police said the "terrorists" arrived by car and carried several weapons, ammunition, and a knife, per USA Today. Hamas later praised the attack by "two Palestinian resistance fighters" in response to Israel's "war of extermination" and "its plans to occupy and destroy Gaza City." The Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad likewise praised the shooting without claiming responsibility for it. The shooting occurred in a part of the city that many consider to have been illegally annexed by Israel following the 1967 War, per USA Today. At the scene, both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir seemed to point blame at the High Court of Justice, which ruled Sunday that Israel's government had failed to provide Palestinian security prisoners with adequate food. Netanyahu called on the judicial system "to join the fight against terror," per the Times of Israel. West Point's alumni association has abruptly canceled an award ceremony for Tom Hanks, a move raising questions about political pressure on the nation's premier military academy. The 69-year-old Hanks had been scheduled to receive the Sylvanus Thayer Award later this month, the Washington Post reports. The awardone of the most prestigious honors from the alumni groupgoes to an "outstanding citizen" who did not attend the academy. The alumni association did not cite specific reasons for the cancellation, with a statement from retired Army Col. Mark Bieger saying only that the "decision allows the Academy to continue its focus on its core mission of preparing cadets to lead, fight, and win as officers in the world's most lethal force, the United States Army." But it seems to follow a pattern of the Trump administration putting its imprint on West Point and other military academies. The New York Times notes that Hanks memorably spoofed supporters of President Trump in a Saturday Night Live skit earlier this year, and he previously supported Democrats including Joe Biden. The decision comes months after Hanks was named the 2025 recipient for his extensive work supporting veterans and his portrayals of service members in films like Saving Private Ryan. (In May, a tenured West Point professor resigned and wrote an op-ed warning that the academy was "eliminating courses, modifying syllabuses and censoring arguments to comport with the ideological tastes of the Trump administration.") Banksy has struck again, painting a mural of a wig-wearing judge using his gavel to beat a downed protester whose sign is marred with bloodon the walls of the Royal Courts of Justice, no less. The anonymous artist confirmed the London artwork as his on Instagram on Monday. Earlier in the day, a witness described seeing court guards trying to stop people taking pictures of the artwork on the courts' Queen's Building, per the Guardian . The guards later covered it up with "large sheets of black plastic," per Sky News . Many have interpreted the mural as a response to Saturday's arrests of 890 protesters at a London demonstration in support of Palestine Action, an organization that has been active in protests against Israel's war in Gaza. It was banned as a terrorist organization by the British government in July. Of those arrested Saturday, 857 were cited under the Terrorism Act for showing support for a proscribed group. The law "criminalizes the wearing, display or publication of anything that 'arouses reasonable suspicion' of support for a banned group," per the New York Times. Hundreds of protesters had sat silently, holding signs reading, "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action." Defend Our Juries, the group that organized the demonstration, said that to consider such action terrorism "is objectively preposterous and profoundly corrosive to the principles of free expression." A rep added that Banksy's art "powerfully depicts the brutality unleashed by Yvette Cooper on protesters by proscribing Palestine Action." Cooper introduced the ban as UK home secretary, a post she held until Friday, when she was shifted to the Foreign Office. Though Defend Our Juries has called on the new home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, to abandon the "unenforceable" ban, Defense Secretary John Healey promised Sunday that Mahmood would be "just as tough" on the group as Cooper, per the Guardian. The government of France has once again collapsed like a deflated souffle. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou was ousted Monday after 364 members of the 577-seat National Assembly backed a no-confidence motion, the Wall Street Journal reports. He is expected to submit his resignation to French President Emmanuel Macron early Tuesday. Le Monde reports that Bayrou, who had been in office just nine months, "blindsided even his allies" by calling the vote to end a budget standoff. His austerity plan, which angered the public and triggered weeks of debate in Parliament, called for more than $50 billion in spending cuts over three years, including cuts to pensions and healthcare. Bayrou, a 74-year-old centrist, had gambled that lawmakers would support his call to cut public spending to reduce the country's debt, the AP reports. Instead, opposition parties united against him. "You have the power to overthrow the government, but you do not have the power to erase reality," he said in a speech before the vote. "Reality will remain inexorable. Spending will continue to increase and the debt burdenalready unbearablewill grow heavier and more costly." Macron now has to appoint a new prime ministerthe country's fourth in just 12 monthsthough opposition parties are urging him to call a snap election first. Bayrou's predecessor, Michel Barnier, was ousted after just 91 days, becoming the first prime minister to fall to a no-confidence vote since 1962. After years of family tension and courtroom drama , Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan have struck a $3.3 billion deal with Lachlan's three eldest siblings, settling the fight over who will control the global media empire. The agreement, which follows months of negotiations, cements Lachlan's future at the helm of News Corpwhile his siblings walk away with billion-dollar payouts, the Washington Post reports. The deal ensures that Fox News and other outlets in Murdoch's media empire, including the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post, will continue to lean conservative, reports the New York Times . Under the previous trust arrangement, the four older siblings would have split control when Rupert Murdoch, 94, dies. But Rupert and Lachlan, who's currently the chief executive at Fox Corp, wanted to secure the company's future leadership firmly in Lachlan's hands. Monday's settlement means Prudence, Elisabeth, and James will exit as beneficiaries of any trust holding shares in Fox or News Corp. Instead, they'll split a $3.3 billion payout from the sale of millions of Class B shares, giving each a reported $1.1 billion windfall. Murdoch's younger daughters, Grace and Chloe, meanwhile, will be part of a newly established trust. The trust will stay in place until 2050, but Lachlan now has the keys to the kingdom, with Rupert sitting as chairman emeritus. News Corp's board hailed the move, calling Lachlan's leadership "important to guiding the Company's strategy and success." Lachlan shares the views of his father, who has called his media empire "the protector of the conservative voice in the English-speaking world," the Times notes. The legal battle began after Rupert and Lachlan moved to change the terms of what had been considered an irrevocable family trust out of fears that Lachlan's less conservative siblings would take Fox News and other outlets in a different direction after Rupert's death. 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. Photo: https://dpss.gov.ua The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection received over 200 appeals for violations of anti-tobacco legislation during January-June 2025, on the basis of which 113 inspections were carried out and as a result, in 82% of cases, violations were recorded and fines were issued for over UAH 2 million, the press service of the department reported. "Financial sanctions in the amount of UAH 2.4 million have been applied, of which UAH 1.5 million has already been paid voluntarily. Some UAH 64,000 has been collected forcibly," said Andriy Kreitor, Deputy Head of the State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Among the most common violations in the department were smoking and using hookahs in prohibited places, the absence of signs prohibiting smoking, advertising and promoting the sale of tobacco products. The largest number of violations was recorded in the city of Kyiv, Lviv and Dnipropetrovsk regions. The service reminded that Ukraine has a complete ban on advertising tobacco products. These restrictions are aimed at protecting the health of citizens, in particular children and youth, and reducing the negative impact of tobacco products on the population. Meeting reviews political, economic, and investment cooperation Bahrains Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, met today in Tokyo with Horiuchi Noriko, Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Japanese Parliament, during his official visit to Japan to participate in the first Strategic Dialogue between the two countries. At the start of the meeting, Horiuchi welcomed Dr. Al Zayani and praised the launch of the Strategic Dialogue, highlighting the strong and historic ties between Bahrain and Japan. She emphasized the importance of strengthening communication and coordination to further develop bilateral cooperation at all levels, including political, diplomatic, and parliamentary relations, as well as aligning positions on key global challenges. Dr. Al Zayani reaffirmed Bahrains commitment to advancing relations with Japan, noting that the partnership is entering an important phase of growth. He stressed that the Strategic Dialogue offers a valuable opportunity to expand cooperation in economic, trade, investment, and development sectors, along with other areas of mutual interest. The two sides reviewed ways to enhance bilateral collaboration and exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East, East Asia, and Europe, as well as global efforts to resolve conflicts and promote peace, security, and stability. The meeting was also attended by Bahrains Ambassador to Japan, Ahmed Mohammed Aldoseri; Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Ambassador Khalid Yousif Al Jalahma; Head of Coordination and Follow-up Sector, Ambassador Saeed Abdulkhaliq; and Head of Asian Affairs Sector, Ms. Munira Noufal Aldoseri. AICHI, Sep 08 (News On Japan) - Toyota Industries Corporation announced on Monday that it has developed a two-wheeled transport robot capable of moving autonomously in narrow spaces where workers are present. The company has already deployed two units at a factory in Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture, aiming to reduce labor requirements on the production floor. The robot balances on its front and rear wheels as it moves, making it the first of its kind in Japan to be introduced at a factory. On the day of the announcement, the company demonstrated the robot in a recreated work environment. Source: Kyodo MONTREAL, Sept. 5, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, will highlight support measures for the tariff-impacted aluminum industry in the province of Quebec. Date: Monday, September 8, 2025 Time: 9:30 am (ET) Location: Montreal, Quebec Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at [email protected] to receive event location details and confirm their attendance. Stay connected Find more services and information on the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada website. Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media. X (Twitter): @ISED_CA, Facebook: Canadian Innovation, Instagram: @cdninnovation, LinkedIn: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Contacts: Gabrielle Landry, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, [email protected]; Media Relations: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, [email protected] This commemoration is an important part of the Government of Canada's response to Call to Action 79 in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report. PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, MB, Aug. 14, 2025 /CNW/ - The Former Portage La Prairie Indian Residential School was part of a system of residential schools for Indigenous children officially established by the federal government in the 19th and 20th centuries. Born of colonial policies in Canadian history, this system removed Indigenous children from their families and communities, not only denying them their traditions, language and culture, but also exposing children to grievous harm and even death. The residential school system is a tragedy that has adversely affected generations of Indigenous people and the Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation and renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples, based on a recognition of rights, respect, collaboration, and partnership. The view of the front of the Former Portage La Prairie Indian Residential School, 2019 Parks Canada / Allison Sarkar (CNW Group/Parks Canada (HQ)) Organizations participating in today's announcement. (CNW Group/Parks Canada (HQ)) Today, Ginette Lavack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for St. BonifaceSt. Vital, Manitoba, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, and Minister responsible for Official Languages, and Long Plain First Nation commemorated the national historic significance of the Former Portage La Prairie Indian Residential School with a special ceremony to unveil three plaques at the National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada. Built in 1914-1915, the Former Portage La Prairie Indian Residential School is located on Keeshkeemaquah Reserve, part of the reserve lands of Long Plain First Nation. This building was nominated for designation by Long Plain First Nation who worked collaboratively with Parks Canada to identify the historic values of this Former residential school. This large, three-storey brick building is a rare surviving example of residential schools that were established across Canada. The school closed in 1975, and six years later, the building and its surrounding lands were transferred to Long Plain First Nation to fulfill part of their treaty land entitlement. Since that time, the building has been given new meaning by the community as a site of commemoration and resilience that keeps the legacy of the residential school era alive and educates the public. The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant persons, places, and events that shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians and youth connect with their past. The designation process under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,270 designations have been made nationwide. Quotes "Fifty years ago, the Portage la Prairie Residential School closed its doors, ending a painful chapter in our shared history. Yet, the harm caused by the residential school system is still felt today by families in Portage la Prairie and in communities across Canada. As we mark this anniversary, we honour the strength and resilience of Survivors, mourn those who never came home, and recommit ourselves to continuing the journey toward Truth and Reconciliation together." The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations "Today, we take time to acknowledge the painful legacy of the Former Portage La Prairie Residential School and the harmful and lasting impact that this institution, and many others like it under the residential school system, had on generations of First Nations, Inuit and Metis families and communities. We hope this commemoration allows Canadians to reflect on this tragic history, acknowledge the past, honour missing children and recognize the extraordinary strength and resilience of the survivors and all Indigenous peoples. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that the voices of Indigenous peoples are heard, and that this history is never forgotten." Ginette Lavack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for St. BonifaceSt. Vital, Manitoba "Today, we pay tribute to Indigenous residential school survivors of the Former Portage La Prairie Indian Residential School that operated from 1915 - 1975. The plaques are symbols of resilience, strength and a place where stories are embedded in truth and the spirits honored. These memorials acknowledge their legacy of pain and injustices endured with courage and dignity. Their lives matter. Their voices matter. Their healing matters. We are still here." Lorraine Daniels, Second generation survivor Executive Director National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada Inc. Quick Facts Children who were sent to the Former Portage La Prairie Indian Residential School came from many First Nations and other Indigenous communities within Manitoba and elsewhere. There, they faced severe discipline and abuse, harsh labour, emotional neglect, the attempted suppression of their language and cultures, and isolation from their families and communities. and elsewhere. There, they faced severe discipline and abuse, harsh labour, emotional neglect, the attempted suppression of their language and cultures, and isolation from their families and communities. The Former Portage La Prairie Residential School now houses the National Indigenous Residential School Museum which was created as "a place where people can learn, share, heal and move forward with a greater understanding of the forces that shaped and forever changed multiple generations of First Nations people." Parks Canada and Long Plain First Nation worked collaboratively to identify the historic values of this former residential school, and the report on the building prepared for the Historic Sites and Monuments Board was co-authored by members of the First Nation and Parks Canada. and worked collaboratively to identify the historic values of this former residential school, and the report on the building prepared for the Historic Sites and Monuments Board was co-authored by members of the First Nation and Parks Canada. The plaques are written in Anishinaabemowin, Anishinaabemowin syllabics, Cree, Cree syllabics, Dakota, English and French. Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister responsible for Parks Canada regarding the national historic significance of persons, places, and events that have marked history in Canada . Together with Parks Canada, the Board ensures that subjects of national historic significance are recognised, and these important stories are shared with Canadians. advises the Minister responsible for Parks Canada regarding the national historic significance of persons, places, and events that have marked history in . Together with Parks Canada, the Board ensures that subjects of national historic significance are recognised, and these important stories are shared with Canadians. The vast majority of nominations brought forward for the consideration of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada originate from members of the public. To nominate a person, place or historical event in your community, please visit the Parks Canada website for more information: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/culture/clmhc-hsmbc/ncp-pcn/application Related Documents Backgrounder: The Former Portage La Prairie Residential School Related Links Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Parks Canada Long Plain First Nation National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada Framework for History and Commemoration SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ) Contacts: Lauren Wagn, Public Relations and Communications Officer, Manitoba Field Unit, Parks Canada, 431-996-6758, [email protected]; Media Relations, Parks Canada Agency, 855-862-1812, [email protected] 78% agree mortgage fraud creates an unfair playing field for honest buyers, while 64% believe it drives up housing prices. agree mortgage creates an unfair playing field for honest buyers, while believe it drives up housing prices. 58% of Canadians overall are concerned about mortgage fraud , with concern rising to 65% among those planning to buy within the next five years. of Canadians overall are concerned about mortgage , with concern rising to among those planning to buy within the next five years. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of Canadians believe the CRA should have a role in preventing mortgage fraud . of Canadians believe the CRA should have a role in preventing mortgage . 72% support allowing lenders and mortgage brokers to confirm income information directly with the CRA, a view shared across political lines. "These findings confirm what mortgage professionals see on the ground every day Canadians want a fairer, more transparent system that protects honest homebuyers," said Lauren van den Berg, President and CEO of Mortgage Professionals Canada. "Mortgage fraud not only undermines trust, it drives up housing costs for everyone. Income verification through the CRA is a practical solution that will strengthen trust in the housing market and help ensure everyone plays by the same rules. As an industry, we are committed to working with the government to give Canadians the confidence that their mortgage process is secure and equitable." The research also highlights regional variation, with Ontarians expressing the highest concern about mortgage fraud: 80% of Ontarians believe mortgage fraud creates an unfair playing field for those who follow the rules. "Canadians are clearly concerned about the growing problem of mortgage fraud and want action taken to fight back", said Rob V. Budhwa, President and Board Chair of MTIIAC. "MTIIAC is committed to fighting mortgage fraud and is calling on the government to make the proposed income verification system a reality. It is a necessary tool to protect against fraud, which continues to undermine the Canadian mortgage industry and drive up housing costs. The poll was conducted online with 2,022 Canadian adults between July 21 and July 30, 2025. Data was weighted by gender, age, and region to reflect the Canadian population. Background The findings of this poll build on ongoing federal discussions about strengthening Canada's housing ecosystem. Over the past two years, the government and the CRA have explored ways to introduce a secure digital income verification tool, with strong support from the mortgage industry and consumer groups. Federal Momentum on CRA Income Verification Tool Budget 2024 included the federal government's commitment to consult with the mortgage industry on developing an income verification tool via the CRA to address mortgage fraud . MPC welcomed this announcement, noting that for every $1 lost to fraud it takes $4 for lenders to recoup, and expressed confidence in collaborative solutions benefiting homebuyers. . MPC welcomed this announcement, noting that for every lost to it takes for lenders to recoup, and expressed confidence in collaborative solutions benefiting homebuyers. In fall 2024 , the CRA conducted nationwide consultations, including roundtable discussions and an online questionnaire, to gather input from mortgage industry professionals on designing a secure, digital tool to verify borrower income and reduce documentation-based fraud . , the CRA conducted nationwide consultations, including roundtable discussions and an online questionnaire, to gather input from mortgage industry professionals on designing a secure, digital tool to verify borrower income and reduce documentation-based . In late 2024 , the Fall Economic Statement indicated "the CRA aims to begin implementation of this measure in early 2025" in reference to "a new tool to combat mortgage fraud ". In July 2025 , the CRA released findings confirming strong industry support for a real-time, secure digital tool (either via portal or API), allowing income validation with borrower consent. Participants emphasized benefits like streamlined approvals and fraud reduction. , the Fall Economic Statement indicated "the CRA aims to begin implementation of this measure in early 2025" in reference to "a new tool to combat mortgage ". In , the CRA released findings confirming strong industry support for a real-time, secure digital tool (either via portal or API), allowing income validation with borrower consent. Participants emphasized benefits like streamlined approvals and reduction. To date, there has been no update on the progress of this tool and whether the federal government will continue to fulfill the commitment to combat housing fraud through CRA-enabled income verification. We call on the federal government to re-prioritize this initiative and move quickly to deliver a digital income verification tool, setting a clear timeline and pathway in Budget 2025 to build upon the important progress already made. To view the full Income Verification Report, visit StopHousingFraud.ca. About Mortgage Professionals Canada (MPC) We are Canada's mortgage industry association with over 15,000 members and more than 1,000 member firms. We are a non-profit association representing mortgage brokers and agents, as well as banks, lenders, insurers, and service providers, making up the largest network across the country. Forty-five percent of first-time home buyers in Canada choose brokers for their mortgage. We are proud to be the industry that provides Canadians with choice when making the most important financial decision of their lives and help people achieve the dream of home ownership. You can find one of our licensed members at findmeabroker.ca About The Mortgage and Title Insurance Industry Association of Canada (MTIIAC) The Mortgage and Title Insurance Industry Association of Canada (MTIIAC) is a not-for-profit industry association representing a group of private-sector mortgage default insurers and title insurers. Collectively, MTIIAC members are proud to have helped millions of Canadian families and individuals realize the dream and security of homeownership. Together, our members are dedicated to making homeownership possible for people who are ready to buy, and to making homeownership safe and secure for all homebuyers. SOURCE Mortgage Professionals Canada Media Contact: Jasmine Toor, Vice-President of Public Affairs, Mortgage Professionals Canada, [email protected] From the timeless cultural impact of "Both Sides, Now" to global chart-toppers like "Beautiful Things," Canada's most influential songwriters, composers and music publishers to be honoured on September 29th. TORONTO, Sept. 8, 2025 /CNW/ - On September 29, 2025, the 35th SOCAN Awards will mark SOCAN's 100th anniversary, spotlighting Canada's most accomplished songwriters, composers, and music publishers at Toronto's renowned REBEL. Hosted by Arisa Cox and Andrew Phung, the event promises an evening of unforgettable performances and a celebration of the music creators ushering in the next 100 years of Canadian music. This year's honourees represent the breadth of talent and global influence of Canadian music. Joni Mitchell, Boi-1da, Drake and more to be honoured as SOCAN celebrates 100 years at the 35th SOCAN Awards (CNW Group/SOCAN) 2025 SOCAN Special Achievement Winners: Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides, Now" has left an indelible mark on music and culture, inspiring generations with its timeless beauty and profound artistry. For the enduring influence of this iconic work, Joni Mitchell is receiving the SOCAN Cultural Impact Award . has left an indelible mark on music and culture, inspiring generations with its timeless beauty and profound artistry. For the enduring influence of this iconic work, is receiving the . Lowell, bulow and Nathan Ferraro took the world by storm and captured international audiences with the chart-topping hit " TEXAS HOLD 'EM." For their outstanding success on the global stage, they are receiving the SOCAN International Achievement Award. took the world by storm and captured international audiences with the chart-topping hit For their outstanding success on the global stage, they are receiving the Boi-1da has collaborated with the who's who of rap and R&B artists over the past 15 years, helping define the sound of international music and elevating Canadian talent to the world stage. For his lyrical genius and groundbreaking production work, Boi-1da is receiving the SOCAN Global Impact Award . has collaborated with the who's who of rap and R&B artists over the past 15 years, helping define the sound of international music and elevating Canadian talent to the world stage. For his lyrical genius and groundbreaking production work, is receiving the . Drake's unmatched talent for creating songs that connect with audiences around the world has cemented his status as one of music's most defining voices. In recognition of his extraordinary impact, he is receiving his fourth SOCAN Songwriter of the Year Performer Award. unmatched talent for creating songs that connect with audiences around the world has cemented his status as one of music's most defining voices. In recognition of his extraordinary impact, he is receiving his fourth Jordan Gagne has crafted some of the most unforgettable soundscapes today. His powerful scores have brought stories to life on screens around the world. For his outstanding work scoring some of today's most popular shows like "The Rookie" and " The Recruit, " he is receiving the SOCAN Screen Composer of the Year Award. has crafted some of the most unforgettable soundscapes today. His powerful scores have brought stories to life on screens around the world. For his outstanding work scoring some of today's most popular shows like "The Rookie" and The Recruit, he is receiving the Evan Blair's songwriting shines through the voices of today's top artists, crafting hits that connect with audiences around the world like "toxic till the end" by ROSE and "Beautiful Things" and "Pretty Slowly" by Benson Boone . For his outstanding artistry behind the scenes, he is receiving the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year Non-Performer Award . songwriting shines through the voices of today's top artists, crafting hits that connect with audiences around the world like "toxic till the end" by ROSE and "Beautiful Things" and "Pretty Slowly" by . For his outstanding artistry behind the scenes, he is receiving the . Ozan "OZ" Yildirim has fast become one of the most in-demand producers in rap and pop music today. With tracks like "I KNOW?" by Travis Scott , "First Person Shooter" by Drake and J. Cole, and "Lovin On Me" by Jack Harlow , his innovative production and creative vision power the success of any song he touches. In recognition of his extraordinary impact behind the boards, he is receiving the SOCAN Producer of the Year Award. has fast become one of the most in-demand producers in rap and pop music today. With tracks like "I KNOW?" by , "First Person Shooter" by Drake and J. Cole, and "Lovin On Me" by , his innovative production and creative vision power the success of any song he touches. In recognition of his extraordinary impact behind the boards, he is receiving the Erica Procunier is redefining what it means to be a modern screen composer. With a gift for weaving emotion and energy into every note, she is earning recognition for her originality across genres in film and TV. In celebration of her creative impact and rising influence, she is receiving the SOCAN Breakout Composer Award . is redefining what it means to be a modern screen composer. With a gift for weaving emotion and energy into every note, she is earning recognition for her originality across genres in film and TV. In celebration of her creative impact and rising influence, she is receiving the . SHUBH has quickly emerged as one of Canada's most exciting new voices in music. His distinctive sound and lyrical talent have captivated audiences worldwide, amassing billions of streams and a rapidly growing global fanbase. For his remarkable rise and impact on the music scene, he is receiving the SOCAN Breakout Songwriter Award. "This year's honourees showcase just how influential Canadian music is, from cultural icons to global hitmakers and powerful new voices," said Jennifer Brown, SOCAN CEO. "At a time when creators are navigating big changes in the music industry, it's important to celebrate their achievements, and to remind them that they're part of a strong community working with them and for them." SOCAN Achievement Award winners receive "The SOCAN" the world's first and only music industry trophy that is also a musical instrument, incorporating five custom bronze crotales, tuned this year with notes from "Both Sides, Now" by Joni Mitchell. The full list of this year's SOCAN Award winners will be released on the evening of September 29, 2025. SOCAN proudly acknowledges its legal counsel of 75 years, Gowling WLG as the official sponsor of the 2025 SOCAN Awards, with the SOCAN Foundation and the Unison Benevolent Fund serving as official charity partners. The SOCAN Awards and the Gala de la SOCAN have been held in Toronto and Montreal since 1990, honouring excellence in Canadian songwriting, composing and music publishing. About SOCAN For 100 years, SOCAN has been Canada's largest member-owned music rights organization, resolutely upholding the fundamental truth that music has value. SOCAN collects license fees for the public performance and reproduction of music, matches them to rights holders, and distributes them as royalties to music creators and publishers in Canada and around the world. With a century of expertise and innovation, SOCAN continues to advocate fair compensation for the work of its nearly 200,000 songwriter, composer, and music publisher members. Learn more at www.socan.com. SOURCE SOCAN Media contacts: Red Umbrella PR: [email protected], SOCAN: [email protected] AFU General Staff: 77 combat clashes take place on front, almost half of them in Pokrovsk axis Along the entire front line, 77 combat clashes have been recorded since the beginning of the day and as of 16:00 Monday, the enemy's most active actions remain in Pokrovsk direction, where 31 battles took place, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. "In Pokrovsk direction, since the beginning of the day, Russian occupiers have made 31 attempts to push our soldiers from their positions ... The defense forces are holding back the onslaught and have already repelled 25 attacks," the General Staff said in a report on its Telegram channel. In Novo-Pavlivsk axis, Ukrainian defenders stopped 11 assault actions by enemy troops, and six more clashes are still ongoing. In Lyman axis today the invading army carried out five attacks on Ukrainian positions, four combat clashes are still ongoing. In Toretsk axis, the enemy made five attempts to penetrate the defense of the Ukrainian troops. In Kramatorsk axis, the enemy carried out offensive actions three times. In Siversk-Slobozhansk and Kursk axes, Ukrainian soldiers repelled two enemy attacks today, two more clashes are ongoing. According to information, Ukrainian units in these directions carried out active actions and had success in certain areas. In Siversk axis, Russian units twice attempted to advance on the positions of our troops. In Prydniprovsk axis, Ukrainian units repelled two attacks by the invaders towards the Antonivsky Bridge. In Pivdenno-Slobozhansk and Kupyansk directions, isolated combat actions were recorded. The enemy did not conduct offensive actions in Huliai-Pole and Orikhove directions, the General Staff report says. Photo: https://www.facebook.com On the eve of Military Intelligence Day, which is celebrated on September 7, Head of the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov visited one of the treatment facilities where wounded intelligence officers are being treated. The head of the Main Intelligence Agency presented the soldiers with state and departmental awards, as well as valuable gifts. "However, according to the fighters themselves, the most important thing for them was sincere human communication with the intelligence chief. Budanov personally talked to each defender, asking about their health and needs," the health facility said on its website. "Our greatest dream is a quick victory," the soldiers replied, and then asked to take a joint photo. Budanov also expressed gratitude to the hospital's medical staff for their selfless work. The hospital director, for his part, thanked the Intelligence Agency for its constant support and assistance. Our politics has become so partisan and so nasty, using guns to settle our national political differences may soon end up being the only solution. It's bad enough no one agrees with what the other side is saying anymore. But now when one side says something spectacularly horrible or subtly wishes harm on their opponent and I'm thinking specifically about the prancing governor of Minnesota no one on their side has the common decency to criticize them for it. Tim Walz made a goofy loser of himself last fall as Kamala Harris VP pick. And on Labor Day he showed why he's still the reigning buffoon of the Democratic Party. Speaking in front of a partisan and apparently masochistic crowd in Duluth, Walz made a creepy joke based on the viral social media rumor that Trump had died because he had not been seen in public for four days. Making weird faces, smiling, Walz said such a day would come. "The last few days, you woke up thinking there might be news," he said, with a nod-nod, wink-wink look on his contorted face. "Just saying, just saying there will be news, sometime. Just so you know, there will be news." Everyone knew what Walz was doing. He was playing to the sick and barely suppressed hopes of his audience and Democrats everywhere that President Trump was really dead. It's no secret. The deranged liberals want Trump to die like yesterday. Like last summer. Twice. That's what they and 90 percent of the major media silently pray for every day or would if they knew how to pray. Democrats know they can't defeat Trump on the political playing field not with their starting team of certified losers like Walz, failed governors like my states Gavin Newsom and a bench of minor league nobodies from Illinois and Pennsylvania named Pritzker and Shapiro. They cant outsmart Trump. All they can do is mock his health and not-so-secretly wish he would die. The only decent Democrat I saw who criticized Walz for his lame and tasteless stand up was Harold Ford Jr. apparently the party's last moderate on the Fox News show The Five. Republican politicians like Tom Emmer, the majority whip in the House who's from Minnesota, blasted Walz, who has made himself an easy target since the day he was picked as Harris' VP. Emmer tweeted that "mocking President Trump's health is a new low, even for you. Wishing ill on others doesn't make you a leaderit makes you small. Minnesotans deserve better. CNN contributor and podcast host Scott Jennings called Walz "a massive piece of ." on the air and other Republicans piled on, justifiably. The liberal medias battery of biased pundits was AWOL, per usual. Even if Trump had not already survived a pair of assassination attempts, what Walz did was as unfunny as it was reprehensible. Threatening out loud to kill the president will earn an ordinary citizen a visit from the FBI and possibly a stretch in prison. Wishing out loud that the president would die is politically childish and disgusting, but it's legal. Walz lost his mind over Trump long ago along with the rest of his shrinking party of losers. As someone whose father was shot and almost died, I don't think there's anything funny about a president getting shot or wishing and hoping a president is dead. If Walz had made that creepy joke about my father back in the day, I wouldn't have gone on TV to criticize him. I would have flown to Minneapolis, gone straight to his governor's office and kicked the out of him with a feather. (COMMENT, BELOW) Michael Reagan is the son of President Ronald Reagan, a political consultant, and the author of "The New Reagan Revolution" (St. Martin's Press). He is the founder of the email service reagan.com and president of The Reagan Legacy Foundation. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Headquarters, dedicated to the protection of critical infrastructure and energy. "Today, I held a meeting of the Headquarters, primarily technological issues. The availability of air defense systems and missiles for them, the production schedule, the delivery schedule. The protection of our Ukrainian critical infrastructure and, above all, the energy sector. The Russians are now concentrating strikes against our energy sector again. Of course, our answers to this are and will be, but the main thing is the stability of the system," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Monday. In addition, the meeting included reports on the production of drones, in particular, the quality of drones, quantitative indicators. "There were also reports from the military today. The front, the provision of our forces. The most attention is paid to Donetsk region, Kharkiv region, Zaporizhia. Constant Russian strikes on Kherson. Fierce active actions continue in the border region of Sumy region," the president said. According to him, there were also reports at the Headquarters on the communications infrastructure in Ukraine. "In principle, all our communities should have normal access to communications, and the relevant structures still need to work on this," he said. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official The day before, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal on the provision of the autumn-winter of this year, as well as on priorities for 2026. "The minister will be at the Ramstein meeting these days we have determined the key goals. Strengthening air defense is the number one goal for this Ramstein and our contacts in Europe and the United States in general. We also set priorities for 2026 with the minister," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Monday. According to him, this concerns the fixed assets and funds that the Defense Forces need. "There is a lot of work ahead with our partners, in this work we must all be equally effective all state institutions, everyone who contacts our friends in the world, everyone who works for defense," the president said. A man died in after a mobile home exploded and caught fire Monday afternoon in Bergen County, investigators said. The fire happened on West 6th Street in Moonachie around 4:45 p.m., Bergen County Prosecutors Deputy Chief of Detectives Jeff Angermeyer told NJ Advance Media. The man, who was not identified, was discovered inside the burning structure while officers from the Moonachie Police Department and firefighters from the Moonachie Fire Department were trying to extinguish the blaze, Angermeyer said. He was pronounced dead at the scene, he said. The fire was ruled accidental on Tuesday by authorities. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. A Philadelphia woman committed voter fraud after she voted in New Jersey and her home state of Pennsylvania, federal prosecutors said. Miya Pack, 39, was charged with one count of voter fraud, according to a statement released Monday from the U.S. Attorneys Office Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Pack had been registered to vote in Bergen County since 2004 and in Philadelphia County since 2016, the office said. On or about Oct. 26, 2024, she voted in person at an early voting location in Teaneck for president in the 2024 general election, investigators said. On Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, Pack went to a polling place in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and cast another ballot for president, federal prosecutors said. She faces a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison and a fine of between $10,000 and $250,000, the office said. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. The 140th Annual New Jersey State Firemens Convention returns for the 50th year to the Wildwoods. Events kick off on Thursday, Sept. 11. Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority The 140th Annual New Jersey State Firemens Convention returns to the Wildwoods this weekend for its 50th year, bringing thousands of firefighters and their families from across the state. The event will feature expanded programming on Thursday, Sept. 11 and Sunday, Sept. 14, in addition to the main events Friday and Saturday. All programming is open to the public. The weekend begins Thursday with three 9/11 remembrance ceremonies across the island at North Wildwoods 15th Street Fire Station at 8:40 a.m., Wildwoods Byrne Plaza at 1 p.m., and Wildwood Crests Alameno Park at 5:30 p.m. The convention features the NJ Fire Expo, described as the largest exposition of its kind east of the Mississippi. Fire equipment vendors from the East Coast will showcase the latest apparatus in the Wildwoods Convention Center parking lots, while additional fire-related product vendors will set up in Fox Park. The expo runs Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Wildwood Crest Firefighters Weekend Craft Show at Sunrise Park operates Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays highlight is the N.J. Firefighters Memorial Parade at 2 p.m., featuring a procession of firetrucks and equipment along New Jersey Avenue from Cresse Avenue in Wildwood Crest to 21st Avenue in North Wildwood. On Sunday, Sept. 14, the Wildwood Fire Company Annual Fire Muster will display antique fire engines dating from the early 1900s to present day in front of the Convention Center. That morning also features a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at 9 a.m., where participants will climb 110 stories to honor those who died on 9/11. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff. Tawana Williams (above center, in red) poses with participants in her "Civics for the Emerging Activist" workshop at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York. Tawana Williams Tawana Williams comes from a legacy steeped in journalism, activism, and public service. Growing up in that environment gave her an early grasp of how power works, who holds it, and how it affects everyday lives. Her father, Earl Morgan, was a legendary political investigative reporter and columnist for The Jersey Journal, a man so deeply respected in Jersey City that a local library now bears his name. Williams said politics wasnt just a topic at the family dinner table; it was the main course. We watched PBS during dinner, she recalls. I thought it was normal for everyone to know who the Speaker of the House was, or to be able to name the majority whip and minority whip at any given time. She has channeled her upbringing and created a curriculum called Civics for the Emerging Activist to help people and communities understand the governing framework that shapes their lives. Civics is essential because it empowers people, she said. It teaches them their rights, how power is structured, and how to hold elected officials accountable. Without that knowledge, were flying blind. Williams, 55, is a lifelong Jersey City resident and former social worker who has been married for 33 years. She sees her mission as a civics educator as an urgent one in todays political climate. She is especially concerned amid discussions of federal troops or the National Guard being deployed to urban areas, including potentially New Jersey. Weve already seen them sent into Los Angeles and D.C., she said. And when that happens, it puts more people at risk especially folks with mental health conditions or who are unhoused. These are people who might not be able to comply with curfews or commands. And those situations can turn deadly, fast. Williams has seen this firsthand. One of her childhood friends, Andrew Jerome Washington, was killed by the police in his home while experiencing a mental health crisis. Toni Ervin, Washingtons aunt, said Tawana is a lifelong friend who helped her understand the bigger picture around social injustice and policing. She explained our constitutional rights, after the shooting, she said. It made me realize how important it is to look beyond local policies and understand our rights under the Constitution. Williams journey into teaching civics began not in a classroom, but in a moment of personal frustration. Her cousin, Ryan Strothers then a manager at a local Extra Supermarket gave her the push she needed to get started. I used to complain a lot about the lack of civics education, she said. My cousin finally got tired of hearing it and challenged me to stop talking and start teaching. He gave me office space and told me to make a flyer. To her surprise, three local activists showed up to that first class, which covered the Bill of Rights. What started as an experiment quickly became a movement. They told me they didnt even understand terms like Speaker of the House or committee person, she said. Thats when I realized we needed a class just on the roles and responsibilities of elected officials. When teaching children, she looks for ways to make abstract concepts relatable. Ill say things like, The First Amendment means you have the right to complain. I keep it funny and real. That way, it sticks. Kids understand a lot more than we give them credit for. One of her most powerful teaching moments came in a fourth-grade class in Montclair. I was teaching about cruel and unusual punishment, she said. A little boy raised his hand and asked, Miss Williams, if thats unconstitutional, how can we have the death penalty? I had no answer. He was right. That moment stuck with me because that child understood something most adults havent even questioned. For Williams, everything comes back to one principle: Civics is power. Despite its origins in a time of slavery and exclusion, Williams believes the Constitution remains relevant today. Those founders even though they were slaveholders had lived through religious, class, and political persecution. Thats what led to the Bill of Rights, she said. If people really knew their constitutional rights, theyd be outraged right now. Ande Richards may be reached at arichards@njadvancemedia.com. Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom. A mysterious boom heard in northern New Jersey on Sunday night was the second in less than a week that has left authorities confounded. Pequannock police chief Daniel Comune said the department received several calls about something that sounded like an explosion but were unable to locate a source for it. My understanding is that it was heard by the entire town and all of the surrounding towns up to, as far as West Milford, the chief said. So with that said, it very well may have been in another town. Police in neighboring Pompton Lakes also said they had no information about the very loud sound, which was heard shortly before 9:20 p.m. Officials at the Picatinny Arsenal, which spans Jefferson and Rockaway townships, said Monday morning they do not conduct operations at night. Last week, people in and around Hopatcong saw a flash of light and heard an explosion shortly before 2 a.m. Tuesday. Police in the Sussex County town received several calls, complaints and videos reporting the noise and they went out to investigate. An investigation found no damage or issues related to whatever the boom was. There have been no reports of meteors seen in New Jersey at the time of the Hopatcong or Pequannock booms, according to the American Meteor Society. There were four reports of a fireball seen over New Jersey, Connecticut and New York on Wednesday, Sept. 3. A meteorologist at WeatherWorks in Hackettstown said that whatever the noise hears on Sunday was, it had nothing do with the weather. It could be a multitude of things, but nothing weather related, said Michael Priante. Priante confirmed there were no reported lightning strikes or storms anywhere remotely close to Morris or Passaic counties. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Sonora Dinamita, which means Dynamite Sound, is scheduled to headline the annual Rumba Latina festival in Newark's South Ward on Sept. 27, timed to coincide with September as Hispanic Heritage Month. Sonora Dinamita Amid the growth of its Spanish-speaking population, Newarks South Ward will host its annual Rumba Latina festival on Saturday, Sept. 27. The festival runs from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Clinton Avenue Soundstage, 450 Clinton Ave. Its timed to coincide with Septembers official designation as National Hispanic Heritage Month. The federal celebration of the people and culture of the Spanish-speaking world was officially created in 1988 under legislation signed by Republican President Ronald Reagan, who expanded a weeklong observance inked in 1968 by Democratic President Lyndon Johnson. While Newarks Spanish-speaking community has traditionally been concentrated in the citys northern reaches, officials say theres a growing Latino population in the South Ward, which borders the largely Spanish-speaking City of Elizabeth. Being able to acknowledge all cultures, especially rumba, which was originally from Cuba, helps us to celebrate the diversity of our entire city and more importantly, our wards, said South Ward Councilman Patrick Council. Council will act as host of the event and is sponsoring it in conjunction with Mayor Ras J. Baraka. He said his wards influx of Spanish speakers included people with roots in Ecuador and Cuba. Citywide, Latinos made up 37% of Newarks 307,000 residents as of 2023, according to DataUSA. Thats nearly twice the proportion of Latinos statewide, at 21.9%, or just over 2 million of New Jerseys 9.5 million residents. Rumba is a term used to refer to a party or a polyrhythmic musical style that originated in Cuba and has evolved to overlap with other Caribbean genres. The festivals headliner, La Sonora Dinamita, is a Mexican group associated with cumbia, a style whose boundaries have likewise stretched over time. The 10-piece bands hits include Mi Cucu." Additional performers will include the salsa band Los Hermanos Moreno from Hoboken, and Dominican reggaeton artist Shino Aguakate. DJ Commandante as opposed to DJ Komandante with a K and one m will also provide music. Standard for a Newark street festival, Rumba Latina will also foster community engagement, with representatives from local health organizations, educational institutions, and others providing free screenings, information, and other resources. For more information or to participate in the festival, call Councils office at (973) 733-3753. Hoboken's Los Hermanos Moreno will perform at the annual Rumba Latina festival in Newark's South Ward on Sept. 27. Shino Aguakate and DJ Commandante are also on the bill. Los Hermanos Moreno 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 Vice President JD Vance speaks to reporters at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport after paying his respects to victims of the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting in Minneapolis, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (Alex Wroblewski/Pool via AP) AP Vice President JD Vance clashed with a top Republican over the weekend after defending the decision to target the Tren de Aragua gang in a deadly strike last week. President Donald Trump announced last week that the U.S. military had carried out a strike against a drug-carrying vessel that was operated by the Tren de Aragua gang. He said that 11 people were killed in the rare military operation in the southern Caribbean. Trump faced immediate backlash over the strike from both sides of the aisle, with many critics questioning the legality of the decision. Vance defended the Trump administrations decision in a post on social media platform on Saturday, which ignited even more controversy over the strike. Killing cartel members who poison our fellow citizens is the highest and best use of our military, he wrote on X. Progressive activist Brian Krassenstein responded to Vances post, writing that it was a war crime to kill the citizens of another nation who are civilians without any due process. Vance fired back with a shocking response. I dont give a s--- what you call it, he wrote. Vances blunt response triggered criticism from U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who criticized the administration over the military strike on the vessel. JD I dont give a s--- Vance says killing people he accuses of a crime is the highest and best use of the military, Paul wrote. Did he ever read To Kill a Mockingbird? Did he ever wonder what might happen if the accused were immediately executed without trial or representation?? What a despicable and thoughtless sentiment it is to glorify killing someone without a trial, he added. JD I dont give a shit Vance says killing people he accuses of a crime is the highest and best use of the military. Did he ever read To Kill a Mockingbird? Did he ever wonder what might happen if the accused were immediately executed without trial or representation?? https://t.co/VdnJbZkGfS Rand Paul (@RandPaul) September 7, 2025 The Trump administration designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization in February. However, its unclear how military officials determined members of the gang were aboard the alleged drug vessel. Tren de Aragua originated more than a decade ago at an infamously lawless prison with hardened criminals in Venezuelas central state of Aragua. The gang has expanded in recent years as more than 7.7 million Venezuelans fled economic turmoil and migrated to other Latin American countries or the U.S. Trump and administration officials have repeatedly blamed the gang for being at the root of the violence and illicit drug dealing that plague some cities. And the president on Tuesday repeated his claim contradicted by a declassified U.S. intelligence assessment that Tren de Aragua is operating under Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros control. The White House did not immediately explain how the military determined that those aboard the vessel were Tren de Aragua members. The size of the gang is unclear, as is the extent to which its actions are coordinated across state lines and national borders. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and Minister of Social Policy Denys Uliutin on the fulfillment of social obligations, as well as preparation for the next year within the budget possibilities. "It is important that the state fulfills its obligations, provides all necessary payments. And this is how it will be in the future," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Monday. The president said this is one of the proofs of Ukraine's resilience even during a full-scale war, since the state preserves its social system and makes payments. Actor Tom Hanks was set to be honored later this month. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes) President Donald Trump is celebrating bad news for a beloved actor. The Washington Post first reported over the weekend that the alumni association at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point had canceled an award ceremony honoring actor Tom Hanks. Retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, the president and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, pinned the decision on the Army academys desire to fully focus on preparing future officers, according to an email circulated to faculty and reviewed by the outlet. In June, Hanks, who is a staunch veterans advocate, was selected as the recipient of the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award, which recognizes an outstanding citizen who did not attend West Point, but has a distinguished record of service and represents the academys Duty, Honor, Country values. The ceremony was set for Sept. 25. Trump took to his Truth Social platform to cheer on the cancellation of the ceremony and delivered a pointed jab at the actor. Our great West Point (getting greater all the time!) has smartly cancelled the Award Ceremony for actor Tom Hanks. Important move! We dont need destructive, WOKE recipients getting our cherished American Awards!!! Trump wrote on Monday. Hopefully the Academy Awards, and other Fake Award Shows, will review their Standards and Practices in the name of Fairness and Justice. Watch their DEAD RATINGS SURGE! he continued. Critics of the president immediately slammed his gleeful post on social media. Proving yet again what a small, petty, whiny, pathetic loser he is, Ron Filipkowski, the editor-in-chief of MeidasTouch, posted on X. The Republicans against Trump account wrote, To the people who voted for Trump to fight cancel culture, arent you embarrassed? Political commentator Brian Krassenstein also chimed in: Dont worry guys! As the economy crumbles, we commit extrajudicial murders, and our trade partners ally with our enemies, Trumps out here defending America from checks notes Tom Hanks." Put aside the stupidity of dissing Tom Hanks Trump is saying that anyone who holds views different from those of him and his supporters are not Americans worthy of being honored," MSNBC columnist Michael A. Cohen added. Hanks, who has criticized Trump in the past, expressed his support for former President Joe Biden, speaking at a campaign fundraiser in 2020, before he went on to defeat the president months later. In 2016, former President Barack Obama also awarded Hanks with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In its announcement, the group initially pointed to Hanks portrayals of U.S. service members in several movies, including Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan and Greyhound. It also cited his work in producing the World War II-themed miniseries Band of Brothers and The Pacific. Tom Hanks has done more for the positive portrayal of the American service member, more for the caring of the American veteran, their caregivers and their family, and more for the American space program and all branches of government than many other Americans, Hon. Robert A. McDonald, the board chair, said in a statement at the time, according to The Washington Post. It was not immediately made clear if Hanks would no longer receive the award. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump speaks at a hearing of the Religious Liberty Commission at the Museum of the Bible, Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP President Donald Trumps new comments have critics scratching their heads. While delivering remarks at the Museum of the Bible, Trump on Monday touted his federal takeover of Washington, D.C. claiming that crime is down more than 87%, or virtually nothing, before pivoting. And much lesser things... Things that take place in the home they call crime. You know, theyd do anything they can to find something, Trump said. If a man has a little fight with the wife, they say, This was a crime, see. So now I cant claim 100%, he continued. Trump: "Things that take place in the home they call crime....If a man has a little fight with the wife, they say this is a crime." pic.twitter.com/KxCFnZqqRd The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) September 8, 2025 A number of social media users questioned Trumps remarks with many accusing him of downplaying domestic violence. Its not even noon on Monday and the president of the United States has endorsed domestic violence, Democratic strategist Adam Parkhomenko claimed on X. One user wrote, Domestic violence isnt a crime. Got it. Just a casual dismissal of domestic violence as a crime, Sarah Longwell, a former GOP strategist, added. Just a casual dismissal of domestic violence as a crime. https://t.co/C4xUlemAgV Sarah Longwell (@SarahLongwell25) September 8, 2025 Matthew Gertz, a senior fellow at Media Matters for America, said: Cant even smack your wife around without the cops getting involved anymore because of woke. Coming spin: Look, he was on the Old Testament section of the speech, Jonathan Martin, a POLITICO senior political columnist, said. Trump went on to call the nations capital a safe city, adding that residents and visitors could now walk to restaurants, the White House and the Capitol. And even the Democrats say, I cant believe it. But they dont want to admit it, but I cant believe it, Trump said. And we could do the same thing in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, we did it. We saved Los Angeles. According to preliminary data released by the Metropolitan Police Department, crime has plummeted across all categories as of early Monday, with total violent crime down 27% compared to last year. Before Trump announced his takeover last month, the rate decreased by 26%. In recent weeks, Trump has since taken particular aim at Chicago, writing on his Truth Social platform hours earlier that I want to help the people of Chicago, not hurt them. Governor [JB] Pritzker just stated that he doesnt want Federal Government HELP! WHY??? What is wrong with this guy, and the 5% in Polls Mayor, Trump added. He advocated for increased deportations in Chicago in another post from over the weekend, which critics argued threatened the city with the use of the U.S. military. Chicago is about to find out why its called the Department of WAR, Trump wrote, referencing his recent executive order that rebrands the name of the Department of Defense. During his remarks to his administrations Religious Liberty Commission, Trump also announced that the Education Department will issue guidance to protect the right to pray in public schools a move that was met with applause from the audience. He also said he personally donated his Bible, used at both of his inaugurations, to be on display at the museum. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump waves as he arrives at the US Open tennis men's singles final Sunday. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) President Donald Trump is facing intense scrutiny again after congressional Democrats released a birthday letter sent to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that included Trumps name and apparent signature. The Wall Street Journal reported in July that Trump sent Epstein a letter with a sexually suggestive outline of a naked woman for the disgraced financiers 50th birthday in 2003. Trump has denied writing the letter, which he has said is fake. On Monday, Democrats received the alleged birthday letter after their members on the House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the Epstein estate for documents, including the birthday book of letters, last month. The released letter, first reported on Monday by the Wall Street Journal, includes an outline of a naked woman, and includes Trumps name and alleged signature. We got Trumps birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein that the President said doesnt exist. Trump talks about a wonderful secret the two of them shared. What is he hiding? Release the files! the Democrats on the Oversight House Committee wrote on social media platform X. The ranking member of the committee, U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), suggested there was a White House cover-up after the letter was released. We got the Epstein note Trump says doesnt exist. Time to end this White House cover-up, Garcia wrote on X. Many social media users suggested Trump was lying after he claimed he did not write the letter or draw the picture. The Republicans Against Trump account on X wrote: Trump lies about EVERYTHING. Release the files! One social media user wrote on X: Really? They received the book that Trump said didnt exist? Did Trump LIE, again? We have a really stupid president. Does he really think all he has to say is it doesnt exist and POOF, IT WILL SOMEHOW JUST DISAPPEAR? Some social media users also criticized Vice President JD Vance for claiming in July that the Wall Street Journals report about the letter was complete and utter bulls---. Many politicians lie. Many politicians are condescendingly smug. Few politicians are as condescendingly smug about their lies as @JDVance. Its actually quite impressive!, Jon Favreau, co-host of Pod Save America, wrote on X. Never forget: The vice president is smug, detestable, clown who sold his soul to forever be linked to the best friend of the worlds most notorious pedophile, MeidasTouch wrote on X. Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal in July over its reporting of the birthday letter. After the letter was released on Monday, Deputy White House Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich posted photos on X of the presidents signature and suggested that Trump did not sign the letter. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also denied that Trump wrote the letter in a scathing statement on X while also criticizing the Wall Street Journals reporter. The latest piece published by the Wall Street Journal PROVES this entire Birthday Card story is false. As I have said all along, its very clear President Trump did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it. President Trumps legal team will continue to aggressively pursue litigation, she said, adding that the letter is FAKE NEWS to perpetuate the Democrat Epstein Hoax! The letters disclosure comes amid a bipartisan push in Congress for the release of the so-called Epstein files amid years of speculation and conspiracy theories. Calls for the release of the records came from Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance before he was sworn into the countrys No. 2 position. Epstein, a wealthy and well-connected financier, 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. Trumps ties to Epstein have been well-documented, though he said they had a falling-out two decades ago. He has said he kicked the financier out of his private club in Florida after Epstein betrayed him more than once by hiring people who had worked for him. The president has not been accused of misconduct in connection with their social relationship. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. 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! Yes, the crow situation seems better Seems about the same to me There still seem to be a lot of crows and crow messes Vote View Results Photo: https://t.me/ermaka2022 Head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak has held a telephone conversation with Secretary of State and Acting National Security Advisor to the President of the United States Marco Rubio. "We have also discussed security guarantees, defense support, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and coordinating actions with partners," Yermak wrote on his Telegram channel following the conversation. He noted that Vladimir Putin understands only force and does not want to stop the war, so it is necessary to continue pressure on Russia. Yermak thanked US President Donald Trump for his leadership in the desire to end Russia's war against Ukraine and the entire American people for their support and assistance. North Devon Hospice has been shortlisted as Charity of the Year at the prestigious national Third Sector Awards, the Oscars of the charity world. The hospice, which supported more than 2,000 people across North Devon in the past year alone, was praised as a centre of excellence in end of life care by judges. The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at the London Hilton in Park Lane this Friday (September 12). Above: North Devon Hospice is a finalist in the Third Sector Awards. Credit: North Devon Hospice The judging panel remarked on the compassionate support provide at home and at the hospice itself, praising the dedicated sta and volunteers, who ensure that patients and families are always at the heart of everything North Devon Hospice does. In their citation, judges praised the charity for leading with courage, compassion, and creativity, setting the standard for hospice care nationally - and changing lives every single day. READ NEXT: Community invited to celebrate 10 years of care at The Longhouse The nomination puts North Devons local hospice in the company of charity heavyweights such as Great Ormond Street Hospital and Royal British Legion Industries. It highlights a year where the charity used innovative approaches to take on the challenges it faces. Above: North Devon Hospice cares for people in their own homes, such as Betty, benefitting from Hospice to Home care. Credit: North Devon Hospice This included building the rst ever hospice-specic stang tool, to ensure safe levels of care for patients at all times. The team co-designed a new patient pathway with the local ambulance service, to help patients access hospice care more quickly in a crisis. A new programme was delivered in schools, helping children better understand death and dying. In addition, nearly 500 local healthcare professionals were trained by the hospice, meaning people in North Devon can expect quality end of life care no matter where it is delivered. The hospice also came up with novel ways to raise money, in an incredibly tough fundraising environment. This was best demonstrated by the charity turning an unused adjacent eld into the wildly successful Waggy Tails Meadow, a secure dog-walking eld which is set to raise more than 50,000 in its rst year. Stephen Roberts, chief executive for the hospice, said: We are honoured to be recognised among the very best charities in the UK. This nomination is testament to the incredible work of our sta and volunteers and is thanks to the phenomenal supporters we have across North Devon. Its no secret that its incredibly tough to be a charity right now, especially a local hospice. More and more people need our care, but its getting ever more dicult to raise the funds needed to provide this care. Im very proud that North Devon Hospice has shown how innovative we can be in nding ways to improve patient care, as well as raise more funds. This means we can stay true to our mission of supporting people through the most dicult of times. Above: The hospice does whatever it can to bring joy and comfort for people face life-limiting illnesses, including the occasional special visitor! Credit: North Devon Hospice Director of care, Jo Dedes, added: Every day, our teams go above and beyond to care for patients and their loved ones, whether thats in peoples own homes, or here at the hospice. Being nominated for Charity of the Year is recognition of their commitment, to make sure no one faces the end of life alone. Im humbled to see their dedication honoured in this way. READ NEXT: Niamhs big swim raises 2,000 and counting for North Devon Hospice Five blunders that perverted the course of history will be dissected with a rapier wit as a new show comes to Barnstaple this weekend and its author is looking forward to staying in his first-ever Devon hotel too! How might the world be different if a misplaced letter or dodgy love affair had not been a catalysts for subsequent events? Acclaimed comedian and historian Paul Coulter is appearing with his smash hit sell-out Fringe show 5 Mistakes That Changed History at the Queens Theatre this Sunday (September 14) to tell you more. Blending sharp comedy with fascinating storytelling, 5 Mistakes That Changed History explores the pivotal moments where human error altered the course of the world. Above: How did mundane events make a muckery of the course of history? Paul Coulter explains all... Credit: North Sullivan Whether its a misplaced letter, a disastrous miscalculation, or an ill-advised love affair, Paul delves into the missteps of the past with wit, charm and a historians eye for detail. READ NEXT: Coronation Street actress Wendi Peters to star in Glorious! at the Queen's Theatre in North Devon The North Devon Gazette caught up with him before his Devon shows at the Exeter Northcott on Saturday (September 13) and then Barnstaple on the Sunday. With a horror of camping holidays after being traumatised by his parents optimistic trips to Devon from neighbouring Dorset during his childhood, Paul admitted he was looking forward to staying within solid walls and a roof in Devon for the first time in his life. He said: Half the holidays were spent being chased by angry (bovine) residents, the rest were repairing failing tents. I don't think I've ever slept in a hard-sided residence in Devon so it'll be great to be staying in an actual hotel and performing in the delights of Exeter Northcott and Barnstaples Queens theatres. Of course as a history buff, he plans to have a couple of days off afterwards to visit Exeter Cathedral and Buckfast Abbey, perhaps with a hiking trip but no tents! The show will have some Devon content too. Paul said: One of my favourite mistakes to tell on stage is the story of the Titanic with a twist the audience might not be expecting. Devon, of course, has a great connection to the Titanic as the survivors were returned to Plymouth. They were met by huge crowds and a media scrum. It's been a 70 show tour and it's the first time I've ever done anything like this. We started in the sweltering 44 degree heat of Adelaide in Australia to Bondi Beach to Hever Castle to a completely sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe. It's been so great meeting history fans from around the world and launching my first book. My favourite thing is chatting to the audience afterward and hearing the local history or learning stories I've never heard before. Quite a few titbits end up in the show! 5 Mistakes That Changed History is at the Queens Theatre this Sunday at 7.30pm. For tickets and information, visit https://queenstheatre-barnstaple.com or call 01271 316523. Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak and national security advisers of Great Britain, Germany, Italy and France discussed further strengthening of Ukraine's positions in confronting Russian aggression, in particular amid increased missile and drone attacks by Russia. "I held a video call with national security advisers of Great Britain, Germany, Italy and France. The conversation was held to continue the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, which took place in Paris on September 4, 2025. We are coordinating a clear system of security guarantees for Ukraine. The developments have already been prepared in both the political and military parts," he said in Telegram on Monday evening. According to him, against the backdrop of increasing missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, "further strengthening of Ukraine's positions in confronting Russian aggression is necessary." In this context, Yermak emphasized that recently "the first strike on the government building with an Iskander missile during the war took place." "First of all, this is additional support for Ukraine, in particular our air defense, and strengthening of sanctions against Russia. We discussed with partners the next practical steps and measures in these areas. We continue our work," Yermak said. Unlocking Ukraines Hidden Gem: United by Ukrainian Critical Minerals On September 24, 2025, the first annual international forum, United by Mining, will be held in Kyiv. This event will bring together representatives of government, business, international organizations, and investors to discuss the future of Ukraine's resource economy. The event is hosted by the National Extractive Industries Association of Ukraine, in partnership with the Commercial Department of the Embassy of the United States in Ukraine. It is also proudly supported by the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry a long-standing and trusted advocate for Ukrainian business on the global stage. BGV Group Management is the Forums Strategic Partner, and NEQSOL Holding B.V. Representative Office is the Official Partner. Against the backdrop of the agreements signed between Ukraine, the USA, and the EU in the field of strategic raw materials and the joint development of deposits, the forum will become a key event for launching new projects, presenting investment opportunities, and forming long-term partnerships in the extractive, energy, construction, and metallurgical industries. United by Mining is more than an industry forum. It is a platform for shaping a new model of resource cooperation, where Ukraine is not merely a supplier of raw materials, but a partner with the potential to shape the rules of the global market. The mission of the forum is to create a modern partnership model between Ukraine and the world in the field of natural resources, founded on trust, sustainability, and a shared responsibility for the future. The key objective of the forum is: To create an open platform for dialogue among government, business, investors, and international partners with the aim of: Reimagining approaches to the development of Ukraine's resource potential; Modernizing the extractive industry with a focus on innovation and sustainability; Attracting strategic investors and long-term capital; Improving the regulatory environment to enable an industrial breakthrough. The forum will serve as an entry point for global capital into critical sectors, including: lithium, titanium, gold, cobalt, graphite, tungsten, manganese, rare earth minerals, steel, cement, natural gas, oil, and more. The forum's program encompasses four key themes: Ukraine's Strategic Potential: The launch of the Recovery Fund and the nation's role in the global supply chain. The launch of the Recovery Fund and the nation's role in the global supply chain. Synergy of the Extractive and Processing Industries to ensure Ukraine's defense capabilities. to ensure Ukraine's defense capabilities. International Partnership: Mechanisms and successful case studies of Ukraine in the critical minerals sector. Mechanisms and successful case studies of Ukraine in the critical minerals sector. Defense hub. Synergy of the Extractive and Processing Industries to ensure Ukraines defense capabilities. High-level political leadership from Ukraine and partner countries, along with executives from leading Ukrainian and international companies, have been invited to the forum: Oleg Bondarenko - Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management Oleg Gotsynets - Head of the State Geological Survey of Ukraine Egor Perelygin - Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine Anthony Pollack - Investment Advisor, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Andrii Brodskyi - General Director and Co-owner, Velta LLC Sergiy Pylypenko - CEO of Kovalska Group Emre Karaahmetoglu - ONUR GROUP in Ukraine Serhii Voitsekhovskyi - Member of the Board of Directors, BGV Group Management Oleksandr Syomak - CEO, Holovynskyi Quarry LLC Oleksandr Vodoviz - Head of the CEO's Office, Metinvest Group Denys Alioshyn - Director for Strategic Development, UkrLithiumMining LLC Rishad Aliyev - Head of Investor Relations at NEQSOL Holding, and First Deputy CEO of UMCC Titanium Yuriy Khymych - General Director, Bilanivskyi Mining (Ferrexpo Group) Pavlo Komarytskyi - General Director, Black Iron in Ukraine Serhii Ustenko - CEO and Owner, Karpatska Dzherelna Anatoly Amelin - o-founder of the analytical center "Ukrainian Institute of the Future". Vitalii Bunechko - Chief of Zhytomyr regional military administration Stanislav Zinchenko - CEO, GMK Center Mauro Longobardo - CEO, ArcelorMittal + 20 more speakers (The list of speakers is being updated) Register and join us for the opportunity to engage with industry leaders in person, get answers to your questions, and forge new connections that can grow into lucrative contracts. Additionally, exclusive excursions to mining enterprises will be scheduled (by prior arrangement only). Conditions of Participation: The forum will be held exclusively in an in-person format, in full compliance with international safety standards for public events. The venue location will be communicated personally to registered participants 48 hours prior to the event. Prior registration is mandatory, as space is limited. All inquiries regarding participation, tickets, media accreditation, and partnership opportunities should be submitted by completing the preliminary application form at the following link. Participation fee per representative - 20,000 UAH. Join us. Ukraine is opening its subsoil-not just geologically, but strategically. Join our Telegram channel to stay updated and receive exclusive materials: https://t.me/pronadra Don't forget your business cards-the first impressions and new connections made at the event can be the beginning of strategic partnerships. If you are considering joining the United by Mining forum as a strategic partner or presenting your own initiative to a high-level audience, we welcome a personal discussion. For inquiries regarding participation, partnership, or speaking opportunities, please contact: [email protected] Contact Person: Olena Trytynichenko, +38 (067) 219 35 90 Tanks Were Just Tanks, Until Drones Made Them Change Theyve been a mainstay in battle since the early 20th century. But in just three years of war in Ukraine, tanks have evolved. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the two sides tank divisions looked much as they did during the Cold War. Now, Russias and Ukraines Soviet-era tanks rumble across the battlefield covered in anti-drone nets and spikes, dangling chains and unwieldy cages. The exterior transformations of these hulking vehicles are a testament to how quickly drones have changed the war in Ukraine in just over three years. Lethal drones have pushed traditional missiles and artillery to the sidelines. Russian vehicles Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via EPA-EFE and AP (first three photos); @milinfolive via VKontakte Ukrainian vehicles Roman Pilipey/Agence France-Presse Getty Images (first three photos); Florent Vergnes/Agence France-Presse Getty Images The armor changes began early in the war after Ukrainian forces used U.S.-supplied anti-tank missiles to strike Russian tanks directly from above, piercing weaker points in vehicles armor. To counter the explosive projectiles, Russian tank crews began mounting homemade cages above their turrets to cushion the tanks from blasts. Other Russian units already had cages on their tanks, anticipating strikes from above. Since then, the battlefield has completely changed. It is now driven by small, cheap first-person-view (F.P.V.) drones that can be used like homing missiles. In response, both Ukrainian and Russian tanks have undergone transformations to address their vulnerabilities. Heres how it happened: 1 Earlier in the war, anti-tank missiles and drones that dropped grenades primarily threatened tanks from above. DRONE GRENADE 2 To protect the tanks from above, mechanics built structures on the tops. Then, soldiers began using F.P.V. drones to maneuver like homing projectiles into other vulnerable areas of the vehicles. REINFORCED CAGE F.P.V. DRONE BOMB RUBBER 3 In response, tank crews learned to build their own defenses on the fly, like anti-drone netting, to protect themselves from other angles. ANTI-DRONE NET ENTANGLED DRONE 4 When signal jammers began disabling wireless drones, a new type of drone emerged, guided by fiber-optic cable. Soldiers then added spikes to tanks to catch the cables. DRONE FIBER-OPTIC CABLE SPIKES TO CATCH FIBER-OPTIC CABLE Source: Photos from correspondents in Ukraine; videos and images posted by military bloggers on Telegram and X. The New York Times Earlier in the war, anti-tank missiles and drones that dropped grenades primarily threatened tanks from above To protect the tanks from above, mechanics built structures on the tops. Then, soldiers began using F.P.V. drones to maneuver like homing projectiles into other vulnerable areas of the vehicles 1 2 DRONE GRENADE REINFORCED CAGE F.P.V. DRONE BOMB RUBBER When signal jammers began disabling wireless drones, a new type of drone emerged, guided by fiber-optic cable. Soldiers then added spikes to tanks to catch the cables In response, tank crews learned to build their own defenses on the fly, like anti-drone netting, to protect themselves from other angles 4 3 DRONE ANTI-DRONE NET ENTANGLED DRONE SPIKES TO CATCH FIBER-OPTIC CABLE FIBER-OPTIC CABLE Earlier in the war, anti-tank missiles and drones that dropped grenades primarily threatened tanks from above To protect the tanks from above, mechanics built structures on the tops. Then, soldiers began using F.P.V. drones to maneuver like homing projectiles into other vulnerable areas of the vehicles 1 2 DRONE GRENADE REINFORCED CAGE F.P.V. DRONE BOMB RUBBER When signal jammers began disabling wireless drones, a new type of drone emerged, guided by fiber-optic cable. Soldiers then added spikes to tanks to catch the cables In response, tank crews learned to build their own defenses on the fly, like anti-drone netting, to protect themselves from other angles 4 3 DRONE ANTI-DRONE NET ENTANGLED DRONE SPIKES TO CATCH FIBER-OPTIC CABLE FIBER-OPTIC CABLE To protect the tanks from above, mechanics built structures on the tops. Then, soldiers began using F.P.V. drones to maneuver like homing projectiles into other vulnerable areas of the vehicles Earlier in the war, anti-tank missiles and drones that dropped grenades primarily threatened tanks from above 2 1 DRONE GRENADE REINFORCED CAGE F.P.V. DRONE BOMB RUBBER When signal jammers began disabling wireless drones, a new type of drone emerged, guided by fiber-optic cable. Soldiers then added spikes to tanks to catch the cables In response, tank crews learned to build their own defenses on the fly, like anti-drone netting, to protect themselves from other angles 4 3 DRONE ANTI-DRONE NET ENTANGLED DRONE SPIKES TO CATCH FIBER-OPTIC CABLE FIBER-OPTIC CABLE The New York Times Since tanks were first widely introduced to cross the shell raked battlefield in World War I, their hulls and armor have stayed largely the same: Most protection was mounted on the front of the vehicle, where the crews believed the threat would materialize. With the small, guided drones on the battlefield in Ukraine, the threat can come from any direction with a level of accuracy capable of hitting weak spots in the armor. Configurations are rarely uniform, and it is difficult to pinpoint when these armor changes became widespread. But the outgrowth of these new types of protection has aligned with the proliferation of different types of drones, especially in 2023, when the F.P.V. drones became widespread on the battlefield. Now, tanks are used in battle far less than in 2022. To maintain tanks relevance, Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have covered them in different configurations of armor as ad hoc solutions to rapidly shifting tactics. This Russian turtle tank was equipped with metal grids against drone attacks and a mine roller in front to clear the way. @milinfolive via Telegram Some of the first tank modifications came early in the war, when the main threats to military vehicles were Ukraines anti-tank missiles, supplied by the United States, and drones that dropped grenades. Videos from early in the war show Russian troops modifying the T-72, one of Russias most widely used tanks in the Donbas in eastern Ukraine. This is what they added: T-72 tank Metal frame Guns removed Wood logs Rubber layers Metal panels Armored transport vehicle Five illustrations showing the process to transform a T-72 tank into a troop-transport vehicle An illustration of a Russian T-72 tank First, soldiers removed the guns from the tank and welded a metal frame onto the vehicle. An illustration of the tank with no guns and a new metal frame weld on top They then added logs to the frame and rubber layers to protect the treads. An illustration of the modified tank with rubber mats to prevent drone attacks and wooden logs sandwiched into the new metal frame Metal panels then covered the entire structure, giving the tanks another shroud of protection in drone-heavy areas. An illustration of the modified tank fully enclosed by a metal cage on top Wide-open sections of the tanks were often covered with chains to prevent drones from entering. An illustration of the modified tank enclosed by a metal cage on top and chains in the front to prevent drone attacks The Ukrainians also upgraded their tank armor as Russian drone numbers surged to match Ukraines homegrown fleet of lethal drones. Much of the development, whether in bomb-dropping drones or F.P.V.s, came from Ukraine as Kyiv met Moscows much larger military by improvising with cheaper but equally deadly weapons. The United States sent M1 Abrams battle tanks, long seen as the top of their class, to Ukraine in the fall of 2023. But the tanks were thrust into battle lacking the appropriate armor to defend against drones. Once the Ukrainian troops realized that the American tank was susceptible to the same threats as their older Soviet models, they began to adapt the Abrams for the modern battlefield. These are some of the modifications the Ukrainians have used: M1 Abrams tank Reactive armor M1 Abrams tank Rubber M1 Abrams tank Chains M1 Abrams tank Anti-drone net M1 Abrams tank M1 Abrams tank Five illustrations showing the protective additions to the Abrams tanks in response to drone attacks The first M1 Abrams tanks were sent to Ukraine in 2023 equipped with standard armor. Many were lost, primarily because of drone attacks. An illustration of an Ukrainian Abrams tank as provided by the U.S. To turn the tide, M1 Abrams are being equipped with reactive armor that can explode and destroy drones on impact, minimizing the damage to the tank. An illustration of an Ukrainian Abrams tank with additional reactive armor layers Moving parts like treads and wheels are covered with rubber panels to prevent F.P.V. drones from hitting them. An illustration of an Ukrainian Abrams tank with additional reactive armor layers and rubber mats Drones can sneak into narrow sections and disable a tank even from underneath, so chains and cables sometimes are used to entangle them and prevent direct impacts. An illustration of an Ukrainian Abrams tank with additional reactive armor layers, rubber mats and chains Foldable nets are also added to the turrets to protect the access to the hatch or gunners exposed at the top. An illustration of an Ukrainian Abrams tank with additional reactive armor layers, rubber mats, chains and an anti-drone net on top. An illustration of the fully modified Abrams tank The added protection can come with a cost: Cages, coverings and more armor mean it can be even harder for crews to see from their small hatches and windows. So Ukrainian and Russian mechanics keep tinkering with their contraptions to keep the tanks in the fight. A view beneath a Russian tanks anti-drone net. Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, via EPA-EFE/Shutterstock As it stands, Ukraines 750-mile front line looks much different from three years ago. Fiber-optic cables line abandoned fields, and drones hunt individual soldiers at all hours of the day. It is extremely dangerous to move large vehicles, especially tanks. A drone that cost several hundred dollars can quickly take out a multimillion-dollar tank. At greater threat than three years ago, tanks are used far less in battle now, facing a combination of the proliferation of drones and legacy threats, such as landmines. But they remain important, especially for trying to take and hold territory. With their heavy firepower, they will continue to have a role in attacking, defending and supporting the foot soldiers of the infantry. Roger Nyhus Roger Nyhus is returning to the strategic communications arena via the launch of AMBO Strategy with offices in Seattle and DC. He had run Nyhus Communications in Seattle until merging it with Spokane-based DH in 2022. Joe Biden named Nyhus US ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean in 2023, a post he held until this year. In US diplomatic speak, AMBO is short for ambassador or chief of mission. The firm will specialize in crisis/reputation, leadership transitions, complex deals and geopolitics. It will take only a select number of clients to ensure focus, deep connections and trusted relationships. Nyhus will personally oversee and engage each client. He also is forging the AMBO Network of US, Canadian, UK and European ambassadors to advise CEOs on strategies at the intersection of business and diplomacy. AMBO will mobilize our worldwide network of business and policy leadersincluding former ambassadors and CEOsharnessing their deep experience and powerful connections to deliver unmatched value for our CEOs and their organizations, said Nyhus. During his career, Nyhus served as the communications director for Washington Governor Gary Locke, senior advocacy officer for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and communications director for Seattle Mayor Paul Schell. TULAMORE Lions Club, this week, recycled over 4,000 pairs of unwanted spectacles to the Third World, helping people with poor eyesight who cannot afford to purchase spectacles. This follows over 3,000 pairs donated in 2024 Tullamore Lions Club member and Project lead, Brian Cloonan explained that the unwanted spectacles project, part of the Lions International Recycle for Sight Project is very successful locally with many people coming forward with numbers of unwanted spectacles. There has been a huge response which has now been expanded with schools, businesses and retail outlets in the town and environs organising collection points and displaying our clearly marked receptables, explained Brian. The response has been remarkable. People are so please to donate something they have at home to such a good use, he added. READ NEXT: People asked to share memories ahead of Tullamore Bridge Centre's 30th anniversary To date all opticians and most pharmacies in the town are hosting the unwanted glasses receptables. When collected by Tullamore Lions Club, the spectacles are then dispatched via DPD couriers to -Medico Lions Clubs de France in La Harve the international humanitarian are of the Lions Clubs in France. In La Harve the spectacles that are in perfect condition, are cleaned, calibrated, identified and bagged so that missionary doctors can meet the needs of patients when examined, explained Brian. The imperfect glasses are repaired and follow the same procedure. Worldwide the International Lions Project has accepted over 3 million pairs of unwanted glasses, For children, clear vision means a better education, healthier development and a better quality of life. For adults it means greater employment opportunities. Anybody wishing to donate unwanted spectacles can do so by dropping them into any optician or Cloonans Hardware, William Street. Any business, school, or retail outlet that like to host a receptable on their premises may contact 057 9321468. (daytime) or any member of Tullamore Lions club. READ NEXT: Popular Offaly woman completes 50th parkrun at Mountlucas venue Irish customers will soon have more choices in banking for instant payment services as Bank of Ireland, AIB, and PTSB have announced joint plans to launch a person-to-person mobile payment service called Zippay. Zippay will be an in-app service and it will be available through the bank's existing mobile banking apps. With Zippay, customers will be able to send, request, and split payments instantly by using the mobile number of their contacts who are also using the service. Zippay is expected to offer a rival service to fintech banks such as Revolut and N26 for Irish customers. The service is due to be rolled out early on next year for more than five million customers across the country. Eligible customers will be automatically included in the roll-out, unless people choose to opt-out. READ NEXT: Met Eireann warns of washout week ahead in horrendous weather update Irish customers will be able to send up to 1,000 per day and request up to 500 per transaction. Unlike current bank transfers, there will be no need to set up a new payee nor will there be requirements for IBAN, BIC, or account numbers. Zippay will simply use mobile phone numbers saved in customer's contact list to see who else uses the service. Bank of Ireland, AIB, and PTSB have said that customers will receive more information on the new service in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, a new website for Zippay has been launched with information for customers. Presenting Unique creations highlighting the manufactures metiers and inspired artistic partnerships LEpee 1839 draws inspiration from worlds as diverse as contemporary design, and various art forms. Today our manufacture unveils a new series of unique creations, highlighting its craftsmanship and daring creativity. Iconic pieces from its Creative Art line are reimagined through an artistic lens, each transformed into a one-of-a-kind work of art. Every Unique piece showcases either the manufactures full in-house expertise or its collaborations with talented artists. The result is a collection of kinetic sculptures that transcend artistic boundaries, blending craft and creativity into singular masterpieces each with its own distinct personality, and feel, celebrating artistry and individuality. Behind every creation is a team of designers, engineers, mechanics, and master watchmakers whose passion drive the manufacture forward. From development to the final assembly, each clock passes through the hands of these artisans, who combine centuries-old know-how with bold innovation. Their expertise ensures that every detail from the beating heart of the movement to the gleaming surface finish reflects the soul of true craftsmanship. The manufacture has been a place of creative partnerships, embracing collaborations and exploring new territories, where in-house expertise and external artistry come together to enrich each creative piece. Driven by this spirit of co-creation and innovation, LEpee 1839 continues to push the boundaries of horology, offering collectors pieces that are timeless, daring, and fused with artistic expression. Renowned for its technical mastery, extra-long power reserves, impeccable finishing, playfulness and unexpected touches of humor, LEpee 1839 has earned a reputation for turning clocks into extraordinary kinetic mechanical sculptures. For more than 185 years, LEpee 1839 has cultivated the art of high-end mechanical clockmaking. Today, it remains the only Swiss manufacture fully dedicated to mechanical clocks, preserving traditional savoir-faire while embracing innovation under one roof. Creative project One: Flying Tourbillon by LEpee 1839 x Vincent Calabrese In a bold celebration of horologys most revered complication, The tourbillon, LEpee 1839 unveils two special unique piecestranscendent masterpieces born from the visionary collaboration with master watchmaker Vincent Calabrese and talented artists. The Creative piece is presented in two hand-painted housings: Phoenix Eternis Ignis by artist Morena Fetoshi and The Icon Beaux Arts by artist Severine Bugna. These exceptional creations unite technical mastery with artistic expression, embodying the daring spirit of the manufacture. Resident artists: Morena Fetoshi Inspired by the mythical phoenixan emblem of rebirth and eternal renewalThe Phoenix Eternis Ignis reflects the cyclical dance of time itself. Like the legendary bird rising anew from its ashes, this timepiece embodies eternal beauty, harmony and time's regenerative nature. The phrase eternal fire captures the myths essence: a continuous cycle of death and rebirth, perfectly echoing the ongoing movement of the timepieces mechanism. More than a clock, The Phoenix Eternis Ignis is a poetic fusion of myth and mechanicalwhere legend and craftsmanship ignite in a celebration of eternal time. On a deep black background, the Phoenix emerges in vibrant shades of orange, hand-painted in fine detail as it ascends in a blaze of light. A universal symbol of rebirth and resilience, the phoenix evokes the endless cycle of timean allegory of renewal, energy, and transformation captured within the heart of the tourbillon. About Artist Morena Fetoshi From an early age, Morena Fetoshi found in drawing an escape from everyday life a world where imagination and creativity could take flight. What began as a childhood passion became a lifelong pursuit, leading her to specialize in watercolor and acrylic painting. Her work often focuses on animated sketches and expressive portraits, capturing both the vitality of movement and the depth of human emotion. Through her art, Morena continues to transform personal expression into vivid, timeless creations. Creative project One: Flying Tourbillon by LEpee 1839 x Vincent Calabrese LEpee 1839 Unique piece 2: The Icon Beaux Arts Resident artist : Severine Bugna A celebration of life with bold vibrant colors and voluptuous forms Round shapes sing the joy of movement, Every curve is a smile, and every pattern a heartbeat. Lines dance, contours vibrate, art becomes a celebration, a joyful tribute to life in all its explosive softness. The Icon - Beaux Arts celebrates form and color through fluid, hand-painted shapes that echo the roundness of the clock itself. Its harmonious composition transforms the housing into a living canvas, where curves and hues dance in perfect balance. A joyful expression of creativity, it reflects the fusion of fine art and horological mastery. About Severine Bugna From an early age, Severine Bugna has lived and breathed art. After earning numerous prizes and awards, like the Drouot cotation in 2012, she transformed her passion into a vocation, presenting her work at prestigious venues such as the Grand Palais for the Salon des Artistes Francais in 2010. Guided by the belief that art is a wellspring of joy, she also lends her talent to charitable causes. Her creativity extends beyond canvas to objects themselves, where she reimagines everyday forms as works of artan approach that made her the perfect partner to hand-paint this extraordinary creation. About the movement At the heart of the clock lies a flying double tourbillon, mounted directly on the minute hand. The entire movement rotates around a central axis, while the escapement itself makes a full 60-second revolution. By cancelling the effects of gravity, the tourbillon stands as a pure tribute to Abraham-Louis Breguets original invention. With a 40-day power reserve, the result is a mechanical sculpture where time literally takes flight. The dial features a contemporary guilloche pattern, all-black plating, and turbine-inspired curves that reveal the architecture of the movement. Three layered main plates shaped in waves create a sense of infinite depth, while sun-satin numerals accentuate the vortex-like motion of the dial. The flying tourbillon, designed to turn counterclockwise against the natural clockwise motion of the dial, enhances both visibility and fascination. It is a technical feat and a visual spectacle a poetic encounter between gravity, time, and mechanical mastery. Creative project Two : LEpee 1839 Time Fast Collection x The Dial Artist Resident artist : Chris Alexander (Aka The Dial Artist) Following our very first collaboration on the Grenade timepiece, celebrating street Art, Art Bombing and Graffiti, LEpee 1839 and Chris Alexander (aka The Dial Artist), join forces again on a collection of special hand-painted car-inspired Timepieces. This collaboration consists of a series of one-of-a-kind creations, uniting the design and in-house movement of LEpee 1839s Time Fast collection with the expressive paintwork of The Dial Artist. Guided by his strokes and colors, each kinetic sculpture emerges with its own distinct character a celebration of individuality and authenticity. Time Fast D8 Raced, Time Fast II Urban Racer and Time Fast D8 by TDA take the opportunity to visualize the artistic meaning of the Art-Bomb a form of art that challenges the norm and public perception. Additionally, the graffiti culture refers to bombing as a process of painting walls or objects with tags and throw-ups. The Time Fast collection Inspired by the golden age of racing, the Time Fast collection reimagines the legendary Formula 1 cars of the 1930s to 1960s as kinetic works of art, blending authentic design with horological mastery. Built on an aluminum H-chassis like the racing cars of the era, each model integrates an in-house movement designed to follow the aerodynamic curves of the bodywork. Authentic details abound: a three-spoke steering wheel to set the time, finely crafted spoked stainless-steel wheels, the escapement placed beneath the drivers helmet, and soft rubber tires filled with foam to replicate the feel of real racers. The Time Fast cars come alive when the rear wheels are pushed back, echoing the nostalgic joy of childhood pull-back toy cars. The Time Fast D8, the very first model of the collection, quickly became a best seller and an icon of the brand. Admired for its sleek, timeless lines and understated elegance, it embodies the spirit of vintage racing in a pure, sculptural form with the time displayed like a racing number. Building on this success, Time Fast II pushes the concept further with greater technical depth and playful mechanics. Equipped with two independent movements one for timekeeping and another for a miniature V8 engine animation it offers an even more immersive experience. A functional gear stick lets the owner switch between modes, while turning the dashboard key sets the pistons in motion in a captivating mechanical display. Time Fast D8 Raced Race weathered The inspiration struck during a holidayoften the perfect moment to reflect and reimagine. In a casual yet creatively charged phone call with the LEpee 1839 team, the idea took shape, rooted in shared memories of miniature modelling and painting. Chris, with his background in luxury miniature car modeling, had developed a unique set of techniques and processes over the years. As the conversation turned to the beauty of times impact on objects, the concept emerged naturally: to craft a 'raced' patina effect on one of our iconic racecar timepieces. Doing a Raced patina effect would look epic! - Imagine a Time Fast that looks like its lived a thousand lapsweathered by speed, marked by history, Chris proposed. The vision was clear: to reinterpret the Time Fast D8 with the visual poetry of a machine shaped by performance and endurance, offering a bold, new perspective on a contemporary classic. Time Fast D8 by The Dial Artist Graffiti Art Bombing Time Fast II by the Dial Artist Urban Racer Chris Alexander and LEpee 1839 delve into the fusion of street art and automotive customization, transforming vehicles into moving canvases through the bold language of graffitionce confined to walls, trains, and urban landscapes. This striking form of expression speaks to both artistry and rebellion, echoing themes of identity, freedom, and cultural narrative. Here the Dial Artist used our two iconic racecar models, Time Fast D8 and Time Fast II into a new platform of expression. Just like Ken Block's drift cars often having wild custom paint jobs influenced by graffiti, Art cars at Burning Man Graffiti Art cars sit at the crossroads of cultures and art movements. LEpee 1839 and Chris Alexander sought to authentically engage with the essence of street culturea powerful intersection of fashion, music, dance, language, and lifestyle, deeply embedded in creativity, self-expression, and cultural identity. About artist Chris Alexander Chris Alexander, known as The Dial Artist, is a British artist based in Scotland. Drawing inspiration from his childhood in South Africa, as well as Street Art, Pop Culture, Astrology, and Abstract Expressionism, he uses his platform to merge creativity with his love for horology. A graduate of Grays School of Art with a Masters in Design, Chris founded The Dial Artist in 2017 after more than 20 years in the creative industries. Through years of experimentation with paints, lacquers, and techniques, he developed his distinctive style abstract dials bursting with color that blur the lines between contemporary art and horology. Today, his works are celebrated worldwide, transforming each dial into a moving canvas. Chris sees every piece as a collaboration between client, artist, and watch, resulting in unique creations that reflect both personal passions and his unmistakable artistic identity. Time Fast D8 by The Dial Artist Graffiti Art Bombing LEpee 1839 Creative project Three: The Diamond Requiem by Kostas Metaxas Resident designer : Kostas Metaxas Requiem is no ordinary table clock it is a bold horological sculpture designed in partnership with Kostas Metaxas. LEpee 1839 unveils a dazzling new edition of Requiem, distinguished by its teeth set with brilliant-cut diamonds. This bold detail transforms the skull into an audacious jewel-clock. More than an ornament, the diamond-set teeth magnify the symbolism of Memento Mori a reminder of lifes fragility and the fleeting nature of time, expressed here through eternal stones. With this extraordinary edition, LEpee 1839 pushes the boundaries of mechanical art once again, blending technical mastery with a audacious artistic statement. Shaped like a human skull, it transforms the age-old artistic theme of Memento Mori into a striking fusion of art and mechanics. Memento Mori, Remember that you are going to die, is both a reminder of humility and a confrontation with time itself. At the heart of the skull lies the new in-house, an 8-day movement that serves as the brain, encapsulated yet master of its destiny. Time is revealed in the most haunting way: hours and minutes displayed on transparent discs embedded in the eye sockets. To read the time, one must face the skull directly to stare into its eyes and confront mortality. Every detail reinforces the symbolism. The protective skull allows only fleeting reflections of light to escape through its openings. Two crossed swords emblem of LEpee 1839 pierce the temples, revealing glimpses of the oscillating escapement, like a portal into another temporal dimension. Both graphic and technical, Requiem is a kinetic reminder of the intimate bond between life and time a work of mechanical art that dares you to look death in the eye to discover the hour. About Kostas Metaxas : The clock is a fascinating object because you can play with what you hide and what you unveil. Kostas Metaxas is a magazine editor, film producer, and art-technology enthusiast whose eclectic path has shaped a bold, unconventional design vision. An Australian of Greek heritage, he draws inspiration from his travels and his passion for music, channeling them into creations that merge art, design, and innovation. Self-taught and experimental, Metaxas explores new materials and collaborates with LEpee 1839s R&D team to push the limits of contemporary horology. For him, the sobriety of form mirrors the fascination of watch complicationsan allegory of lifes fleeting and intricate nature. With Requiem, his sculpted skull encapsulates the fragile balance between time and happiness, birth and death. Light striking the movement reveals fleeting glints of gold and silver within its shadowsa powerful reminder to carpe diem. Creative project Three: The Diamond Requiem by Kostas Metaxas LEpee 1839 Creative project IV: LEpee 1839 TF35 Rust in Time edition Resident artist: Jeremy Brun In a bold and visionary collaboration, artist and in-house artisan Jeremy Brun reimagined the bodywork of the TF35 racing car, infusing it with an exquisite aged patina through masterful airbrush artistry. This exceptional project extends LEpee 1839s celebrated savoir-faire beyond the field of horology, translating the brands meticulous craftsmanship into an extraordinary and unexpected canvascelebrating innovation, artistry, and timeless beauty in captivating new dimensions. About TF35 Inspired by the legendary race cars of the 1920s and 1930s, the TF35 pays tribute to an icon of speed and engineering excellence. More than a kinetic sculpture, it is the ultimate gentlemans accessory: a clock that discreetly displays the hours and minutes on its chassis while concealing a cigar torch within its V8-inspired engine, revealed by activating the handbrake. Every detail recalls the golden age of racingfrom the three-spoke steering wheel with its 12 rivets, used to set the time, to the cockpit beneath a glass dome showcasing the escapement. Powered by an in-house 8-day movement, the TF35 merges horological precision with the curves of its aluminum bodywork. Like the toy cars of our childhood, it is wound by turning the rear wheelsa playful nod to nostalgia and innovation in equal measure. About artist Jeremy Brun Jeremy has always been driven by a passion for automobiles and art, which he transformed into a career. Trained in decoration and painting, he spent over a decade working independently in the automotive industry, specializing in bespoke car designs and racing helmets, where he mastered the art of airbrush and custom decoration. He later brought his talent to horology, applying his expertise to the intricate painting of watch dials. Today, as part of the painting and decoration department at LEpee 1839, Jeremys precision and creativity enrich every project, making him a valued artistic partner within the manufacture. Creative project IV: LEpee 1839 TF35 Rust in Time edition LEpee 1839 Creative project V : The Fluorescent editions : Regatta and Time Fast II Resident artist Floriano Castaldi Using a unique painting technique, LEpee 1839 partnered with skilled automotive painter Floriano Castaldi, to create a striking finish that blends the brilliance of chrome with vibrant colors. The result is a unique surface treatment that reflects both technical mastery and artistic daring, transforming the timepiece into a true work of kinetic art. About artist Floriano Castaldi Artist Floriano Castaldi unveils his chrome technique, a new pictorial approach exploring metallic reflections and the illusion of material. Working across various mediums, he plays with light, depth, and texture to create works with a striking chrome-like appearance. This series questions our relationship with image, surface, and perception, at the crossroads of contemporary art and technical experimentation. Creative project V : The Fluorescent editions : Regatta and Time Fast II LEpee 1839 Creative project VI : The Time Flies Messenger Resident Artists : Jeremy Brun painter Juliette Lefevre designer For this exceptional edition, Time Flies is reimagined through the refined artistry of Jeremy Brun, cloaked in a striking, patchwork-inspired palette. Inspired by the fragmented silhouettes of vintage postal cards, each hue is carefully composedcut and reassembled with painterly precisionacross the contours of this kinetic time sculpture. It is a vibrant homage to the golden era of correspondence and exploration, when handwritten letters crossed borders and oceans, forging connections and sparking imagination. The warm, nostalgic tones evoke a sense of movement, travel, and timeless curiosity, echoing the pioneering spirit of aviation and adventure that defines Time Flies. More than a timepiece, this singular creation becomes a poetic emissary of timewhere mechanical excellence meets artistic expression, and every glance invites reverie, recalling voyages past and awakening dreams of journeys yet to come. About Time Flies : Time Flies pays tribute to the conquest of the skies and one of the most brilliant inventions ever made: the airplane. Aviation made its mark on the last century, motivating adventurers to go ever higher and ever further, and it changed traveling forever. The plane captured the collective imagination, and there have been many stories of heroic aircraft journeys. Who never had a childhood dream of adventure as a pilot. Some things fire up imagination and fantasy more than others. Some adventures only the elite, can enjoy, but the boundless expanse of the imaginary world is accessible to everyone. TIME FLIES is an 8-day clock in the form of a stylized 1930s plane, offering just enough structure to provide form, and just enough empty space to inspire our imaginations. Hours and minutes are displayed on large diameter stainless steel disks with black PVD coating on a circular-brushed satin finish and stamped numerals. A quick glance is enough to read the time thanks to the excellent legibility of its display, but the spectacular, skeletonized movement is worthy of deeper contemplation. The movement, built specifically for this TIME FLIES, allows the escapement, which regulates precision, to be displayed in the cockpit. Accuracy is in the pilots seat! The architecture of the 8-day movement, developed in-house by LEpee 1839, follows the form of a real airplane. As in a plane, power comes from the front where the engine is located, and is generated by a fully openworked crown reminiscent of engine cooling radiators just behind the propeller. When fully wound Time Flies can soar for a full eight days before refueling. An airplanes control and instrumentation systems are located within the cockpit; and the same is true for Time Flies, which has a horizontal precision regulator in its cockpit, just above the wings. The constantly oscillating balance-wheel of the regulator draws the eye, and is protected from both cosmic radiation and curious fingers by a series of small panels forming the cockpits cage. In another nod to childhood toys and fantasies, the propeller spins freely at a simple push of the finger. Despite of its airy skeleton, Time Flies weighs a substantial three kilograms, its three-wheel landing train providing excellent stability. For a truly sensational display, LEpee 1839 has developed a mounting stand on which TIME FLIES can be admired taking-off. An innovative latch beneath the movement clips it securely in place. On its stand Time Flies is as elegant placed on your desk as on its pedestal in a library. About artist Jeremy Brun Jeremy has always been driven by a passion for automobiles and art, which he transformed into a career. Trained in decoration and painting, he spent over a decade working independently in the automotive industry, specializing in bespoke car designs and racing helmets, where he mastered the art of airbrush and custom decoration. He later brought his talent to horology, applying his expertise to the intricate painting of watch dials. Today, as part of the painting and decoration department at LEpee 1839, Jeremys precision and creativity enrich every project, making him a valued artistic partner within the manufacture. About designer Juliette Lefevre Born in France, Juliette Lefevre is a passionate and eclectic designer drawing inspiration for her creations from travel and discovery. After obtaining her science Baccalaureat, Juliette Lefevre retained her love of the sciences and the magic of mathematics, revealing her Cartesian side in her artistic projects. Her artistic research led her to Penninghen and the Ecole Superieure des Arts Graphiques in Paris (formerly the Academie Julian, where the Nabis movement emerged 1888, including such great names as Jean Dubuffet, Marcel Duchamp, Jacques Villon, Edouard Vuillardet, and Henri Matisse). She spent five years completing a Masters degree in artistic direction. Juliette Lefevre career encompassed the creative studio of Chanel, bringing color, travel, and artistic direction input to the pop-up stores in Tokyo, Singapore, and Madrid. She then resumed her studies, completing a Master of Advanced Studies in Design for Luxury and Craftsmanship at the ECAL (Ecole cantonale dart de Lausanne). This proved to be a valuable year of new contacts, new subjects, and the discovery of a new artistic avenue. The collaboration with lEpee 1839 was her first design project, which proved to be a project full of complexity and a highly stimulating challenge. Today, Juliette Lefevre continues to apply her talent to the world of luxury and the artistic crafts to exalt expertise. Creative project VI : The Time Flies Messenger LEpee 1839 La Regatta Ebene edition Resident Artists : Adeco craftsmen workshop Juliette Lefevre designer For this special edition, LEpee 1839 dresses La Regatta in finely crafted wooden shells, created by the artisans of the Adeco workshopa refined tribute to the noble art of boatbuilding. Like the sleek rowing shells designed to glide effortlessly across the water, these natural contours embody tradition, balance, and the timeless elegance of sculling. About Regatta LEpee harnesses and pays homage to the grace of sculling with La Regatta, a sleek vertical clock invoking the shape of the long thin scull, with both the power (8-day power reserve) and precision of the most elegant of watch sports. Our modern lives are often busy and, at times, even chaotic, La Regatta invokes a sense of peace and calm. The long blade-like hands of La Regatta echo the sleek shapes of the elongated triangle shells and make for effortless reading of the time. At 9:15, the hands are positioned like the blades of a scull, which do not pull through the water but anchor in the water to propel the craft. The visible isochronous oscillating balance wheel governs the beat, just like the coxswain of a quad scull. Its gracefully elegant, tall and narrow 520 mm (20 inches) height, is supported by a substantial base, ensuring a low centre of gravity and maximum stability. Sculling requires perfect balance, both in the symmetry of position and delivery of power. La Regatta mirrors that symmetry with its mainspring balance in line and in harmony with its escapement, ensuring power is delivered smoothly and precisely. The full gear train of La Regattas movement is arranged in a single line, evoking both the backbone of the rowers that transmits power from their arms to the craft and the single line of multiple scullers in a quadruple boat. And La Regattas balanced aesthetics are not simply one-dimensional, the mainspring barrel is on the opposite side of the movement of the escapement, distributing weight and power evenly throughout its form just as sculling does. The powerful 8-day movement of La Regatta is wound on the back of the movement by a key, which also sets the time. About craftsmen workshop Adeco : With over a century of know-how, Adeco has built a reputation for excellence in both the creation and restoration of fine woodwork, including projects for Historic Monuments. Its team of passionate craftsmen combines ancestral techniques with modern innovations, ensuring precision, respect for materials, and lasting quality. From design to production, Adeco passes down a culture of high standards and attention to detail, keeping alive the heritage of past masters while shaping contemporary carpentry. This expertise has been recognized with numerous awards, including the national qualification in advanced carpentry. About Milagros Rodriguez: La Regatta was designed in partnership with Milagros Rodriguez, a talented Peruvian artist based in Switzerland. Milagros first trained as an architect until a passion for Latin American arts and crafts led her to a career in design. It was while studying for her Masters Degree and at the prestigious Ecole Cantonale d'Art de Lausanne that she met LEpee CEO Arnaud Nicolas who was considering developing a new clock based on a nautical theme. La Regatta is the fruit of their collaboration. Despite heavy rain showers at the outset, more than 50 people gathered in Tullamore Town Park on Wednesday evening (September 3) for a special Bat Walk hosted by Offaly County Council in collaboration with Offaly Bat Group and Tullamore Tidy Towns as part of National Hedgerow Week. The evening began with an engaging talk from bat expert Anna Collins, who dispelled myths and shared insights into bat ecology and conservation, as well as displaying preserved specimens to help the audience appreciate the fascinating diversity of these nocturnal creatures. As the skies cleared, participants were treated to a wonderful display of bat activity both in the park and along the Tullamore River, where several species were observed feeding at dusk. Speaking after the event, Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council, said: ''We were delighted to see such a strong turnout despite the weather. Events like this highlight not only the importance of bats as part of our local biodiversity, but also the vital role hedgerows, riverbanks and green spaces play in supporting wildlife.'' READ NEXT: Congratulations - Offaly family come together to mark milestone birthday The Heritage Council, celebrates the ecological and cultural importance of hedgerows across Ireland, and encourages communities to engage with the nature on their doorstep. Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator A multifaceted global boycott campaign, spanning consumer goods, agricultural exports, arms sales, and academic cooperation, is inflicting substantial and sustained economic damage on Israel. Driven by international outcry over the war in Gaza, this movement has evolved from grassroots consumer activism to formal governmental sanctions, leading to closed businesses, plummeting exports, and unprecedented diplomatic isolation for the Israeli economy. The Rise of BDS and Consumer Power The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, formally launched in 2005 by over 170 Palestinian organizations, has matured into a potent economic force. Initially a symbolic tool against colonial policies, its strength now lies in the tangible financial losses it inflicts on global corporations and, by extension, the Israeli economy. Major international companies are no longer ignoring this pressure; for the first time, giants like Coca-Cola and Starbucks have explicitly cited "boycott" as a material risk in their annual financial reports, acknowledging the direct impact on their bottom lines. The corporate fallout is widespread: Starbucks closed 400 branches in the U.S. due to weak sales linked to the boycott. Carrefour exited the Jordanian market, closing three branches in Amman. Inditex (Zara) shuttered 188 stores globally amid declining sales. Coca-Cola reported a significant 10% drop in sales across the Middle East in Q4 of 2023. This consumer-led pressure has created a chilling effect, with retailers worldwide quietly instructing suppliers to avoid Israeli goods for fear of public backlash. Agricultural Exports: A Core Sector Under Siege Nowhere is the impact more acute than in Israel's agricultural export sector, which is facing a silent but effective boycott across Europe - its largest market. Reports from Yedioth Ahronoth and Israeli exporters detail a dramatic shift: Germany, historically a staunch ally and Israel's largest market for potatoes, has seen a sharp reversal in sentiment. Retail titan Aldi has unofficially ceased purchasing Israeli goods for over six weeks, with packagers citing difficulty selling products labeled "Made in Israel" due to headlines about "genocide". Co-op chains in Italy and the UK have publicly declared a halt to sales of Israeli products. In a symbolic move, Co-op Italy began selling "Gaza Cola" with proceeds directed toward rebuilding a hospital in Gaza. Belgium, Sweden, Norway, and Ireland have effectively closed their markets. Norway did not import a single kilogram of Israeli goods last year, and Belgium's strict enforcement of EU origin-labeling laws has led consumers to consciously reject Israeli produce. Japan is reporting growing sensitivity, with customers becoming cautious about receiving Israeli shipments. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Lebanon finds itself at a pivotal moment as internal debates intensify over the future of Hezbollah's weapons, amid escalating threats from Israel and American diplomatic pressure. Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri, recently expressed openness to discussing disarming Hezbollah within the framework of the Lebanese constitution, emphasizing the need for calm, consensual dialogue. His remarks came in response to the controversial visit of Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi to southern Lebanon, which Berri condemned as a provocation. Israel is currently occupying parts of Southern Lebanon since invading on October 1, 2024, marking the sixth Israeli invasion of Lebanon since 1978. Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, Israel has refused to comply with the terms of the agreement, which called for the Israelis to withdraw. After the Lebanese government complained to Tom Barrack, the Trump-appointed special envoy to Lebanon, he said the U.S. was in no position to demand Israeli compliance. This intransience feeds into the Arab narrative that Tel Aviv writes the U.S. foreign policy in Lebanon. Berri underscored that Hezbollah's weapons represent honor and pride, warning against the spread of hate speech and divisive rhetoric. He criticized attempts to shift responsibility onto the Lebanese army, asserting that malicious minds are more dangerous to Lebanon than the resistance weapons that liberated our land. He also accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement, while Lebanon has remained committed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Berri claimed, is pursuing a Greater Israel vision that includes all of Lebanon. In response to Palestinian attacks from Lebanon, Israel invaded the country in 1978 and again in 1982. Hezbollah was formed as a Lebanese resistance organization in 1982. Israel brutally occupied Southern Lebanon from 1982 to 2000. It was only the acts of resistance from Hezbollah and others that were responsible for the Israeli withdrawal. Hezbollah taught the world that armed resistance to occupation can work, and is guaranteed by the Geneva Convention. Generally, the population of Southern Lebanon is Shiite and Christian. Hezbollah is a Shiite organization, supported by Iran. Both the U.S. and Israel view Iran as the enemy. According to statistics at the U.S. Department of State, Lebanon's population is divided into three almost equal segments among Shiites, Sunnis and Christians. If Hezbollah was supported strictly by Shiites, we could see statistically they would be in a weak position. But, that is not the case. There are Sunni and Christian supporters of Hezbollah, as they have viewed the resistance as the strongest armed defense of the nation. The Lebanese army has been historically a very weak military organization. Recently, the army is being supported by the U.S. and other actors. According to GlobalFirepower.com, Lebanon's armed forces are ranked 118th out of the 145 countries considered for the annual review in 2024 in terms of strength. Lebanon suffered through a bloody civil war along sectarian lines from 1975 to 1990. Many have warned the abrupt disarming of Hezbollah by force from the Lebanese army could reignite the civil war. Israel attacked Lebanon in the summer of 2006 and carried out nationwide airstrikes and a limited ground invasion in the south. Israel bombed the Khaim prison in which thousands of Lebanese men, women and children were detained, tortured and killed during the previous occupation. They destroyed the prison in order to erase their crimes against humanity. In June, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack presented a proposal to the Lebanese government calling for Hezbollah's disarmament in exchange for Israeli withdrawal from five occupied border points and the release of reconstruction funds. On August 5, the Lebanese Cabinet approved a plan to centralize all weapons under state control, tasking the army with implementation by the end of 2025. Hezbollah rejected the move, warning it could lead to civil war. Two days later, the government endorsed the U.S. proposals' objectives, including a timeline for disarmament and deployment of the Lebanese army in the south. Israel responded with airstrikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near Beaufort Castle in Nabatieh, causing significant damage to residential areas. The Institute for National Security Studies in Israel proposed a three-phase plan: 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. A Potentially World-Ending President (Though Who Even Notices?) By Tom Engelhardt Imagine for a moment a nuclear weapon exploding over well, you name it: Pakistan, India or, for that matter, Ukraine, Russia, or the United States. I guarantee you one thing: the news headlines would be (and I use the word advisedly) explosive for days (weeks, months?) on end, assuming of course that any media was left to cover it. And yet, heres the strange thing: at this very moment, the slow-motion equivalent of a vast nuclear explosion is occurring over this planet of ours and, remind me, where are the stunning headlines? Where is the shock? Why is it so eternally passing news (or no news at all)? Why doesnt climate change make the headlines, except in the rarest of cases (or itself a rare case in the Guardian, which has an actual climate crisis section highlighted atop its daily online edition)? Yes, in the mainstream media, you can certainly read about the melting glaciers and surging glacial lake near Juneau, Alaska, or the floods and growing rainy season in northern China, or the stunning heat and fires this summer in Europe, or the Trump administrations assault on wind power, or the recent unbelievable nights of record temperatures in the Middle East and, if you want, you can add it all up yourself. But dont wait for our media to do the same, not in the sort of continuous headline-busting fashion that might suit the unfolding disaster we increasingly face on this planet of ours, even if in the weather equivalent of slow motion. And when climate change is indeed in the news, its rare indeed unlike, say, the Covid epidemic once upon a time for it to be covered on a global basis. When was the last time, for instance, that you saw all the fierce or even record fires on this planet put together in a single article? Yes, I know, on occasion there are indeed overview stories about climate change, but compared to the daily screaming headlines about whatever passing thing Donald Trump did or said days (or even hours) ago, they barely exist. In news terms, in fact, his second presidency might be considered the news equivalent of an atomic explosion. Think of him, if you want, as President Headline, hour after hour, day after day, week after week, month after month, without cease and in a way no other American president has ever truly been treated. In fact, in news terms, his presidency has been distinctly atomic, both figuratively and, in some sense, literally. After all, hes been determined to ensure that fossil fuels in America (and the world) remain the energy source of choice and, when it comes to his career as president, an explosive financial resource of the never-ending moment. (In that context, no one should be shocked that the fossil-fuel industry invested an estimated $445 million in supporting and influencing his last election campaign and those of his followers in Congress.) No surprise, then, that the second time around, hes made quite an effort to expand oil, gas, and coal production in this country, including signing four executive orders in April to help revive the beleaguered and polluting coal industry. Meanwhile, hes been doing his damnedest to set back green energy in any way imaginable, including by putting in place new Treasury Department restrictions on tax subsidies for wind and solar projects. And that is just to start down a long list. The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that his handouts to the fossil-fuel industry will cost Americans $80 billlion over the next decade and, of course, theyll cost the planet we live on so much more. All too sadly, thanks to both Donald Trump and the media, most of the time all too many of us barely sense that, as I write this and you read it, the slow-motion equivalent of atomic weapons is going off on this planet of ours. Meanwhile, the president remains everybodys screaming headline (both literally and figuratively) every day of the week. And yes, he does indeed matter. But does he truly matter as much as the almost literal, if slow-motion, end of the world, at least as weve known it all these endless centuries, that hes taking such a distinctive (if generally under-reported) hand in bringing about? I dont think so. Unfortunately, judging by the past election (and so much else), I seem to be in the distinct minority in this country when it comes to such subjects. However, I doubt that if, between his two presidencies, the media had dealt with the catastrophic development of climate change as it should have, a man who wildly favors the production of oil, natural gas, and coal the ultimate sources of most of the greenhouse gas emissions now blanketing the planet would ever have been elected president a second time. Generally, though, unlike Donald Trump or, say, the war in Ukraine, climate change gets only the equivalent of a second thought or a passing mention in the stream of daily news. Who cares if, with such a distinctive helping hand from our president, were in the process of essentially devastating this planet as a livable place for humanity and so much else? Heading for a Global Nuclear Winter? I dont, however, want to focus on Donald Trump alone, which would mean taking credit away from the rest of us. As a start and give us full credit here its no small thing that, in our time, we humans have come up with two distinct and painfully distinctive ways of doing in planet Earth. Consider it something of a genuine miracle (though all too seldom written about) that the atomic way hasnt been used again since the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were obliterated on August 6 and 9, 1945, to end World War II. Its almost less than human of us to have let 80 years go by without taking another shot at obliterating something atomically. Mind you, that hasnt stopped eight more countries from developing devastating, potentially world-ending nuclear arsenals (with, undoubtedly, more to come). As of now, there are an estimated 12,000 or so nuclear weapons of various kinds on this planet enough, that is, to do in an almost unimaginable number of planets. Worse yet, two of the countries that possess them, India and Pakistan, only recently came close to launching a full-scale war with each other, even exchanging rounds of conventionally armed missiles, before agreeing to a ceasefire. And keep in mind that, if those countries were to use nuclear weaponry against each other in what would still pass for a limited nuclear war, it would most likely result not just in almost unimaginable local destruction but planetary devastation. Massive clouds of dust from those nuclear explosions could potentially block the sun, leaving us in what has come to be known as a global nuclear winter in which more than two billion people on this planet might indeed die. And although hes seldom thought of that way, Donald Trump isnt just a distinctly dystopian president but a potentially end-of-the-world one, too. No, Im not even thinking about that recent moment when he announced that he was moving two U.S. nuclear submarines armed with nuclear missiles closer to oops, I almost wrote the Soviet Union (and that shows you how desperately old I am slightly older, in fact, than the first use of nuclear weapons on this planet). Yes, the correct word is, of course, Russia or, as he put it, closer to the appropriate regions in response to what he termed highly provocative comments by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. And consider that not just a threatening but a potentially world-ending gesture. (No matter that he himself has long been disturbed by atomic weaponry, warning repeatedly of the possibility of World War III.) And dont forget that, only recently, this country also decided to once again station some of its nuclear weaponry in Great Britain (already a nuclear power). Of course, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to those submarine comments by insisting that his country no longer considers itself bound by a self-imposed moratorium on the deployment of nuclear-capable intermediate range missiles. And mind you, at this moment, China has the third largest and fastest growing arsenal of all. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Giorgio Armani began by placing mannequins in the windows of a Milanese gallery, unaware that one day he would dress Hollywoods biggest stars. Amid the fabrics, lights, and display windows of the historic La Rinascente department store, he began to forge a career based on the idea of understated, timeless elegance that would take him to the throne of world fashion. Milan was his eternal muse and international springboard, the city that helped him forge his unique style, his personality, build his fashion empire, and where he experienced key moments in his career. Armani, who died last Thursday at the age of 91, was born in Piacenza in 1934 to a humble family and moved to Milan in 1949, in the midst of the post-World War II era, when the city was still far from becoming the metropolis it is today. He enrolled in medical school but soon dropped out, and after completing his compulsory military service at a military hospital in Verona, he began working as a window dresser at La Rinascente, a luxury department store located on Milans legendary Via Vittorio Emanuele. This was his great window to the world. From that window in the heart of the city, he began to build the esthetic that would transform fashion. General view of Giorgio Armani's funeral chapel in Milan, September 6, 2025. Claudia Greco (REUTERS) I didnt know how to draw, except for the patterns Id learned in school. I didnt take any special courses to become a designer. I did have taste, though. And the window display at La Rinascente was an extraordinary school, Armani himself acknowledged. At the same galleries, he began to rise to photography assistant, in charge of selecting merchandise, and then moved on to the sales department until, in the early 1960s, he landed a job as a designer with stylist Nino Cerruti. Shortly after, he met Sergio Galeotti, who became his partner in life and work and convinced him to start working on his own, first as a consultant for fashion brands and then to open his own studio in Milan, in 1973. A year later, at the age of 40, he presented his first collection in Florence at a time when the city hosted big fashion shows which dazzled the public and critics. The following year, with Galeotti, he opened his first showroom and presented his first menswear collection on the historic Corso Venezia, one of Milans most elegant streets. Sergio Galeotti and I sold our car to cover the costs. He encouraged me to take a risk, Armani acknowledged. At that moment, he and Milan, in perfect symbiosis, launched themselves into the world of fashion. Since then, Ive never thought about leaving this city. I understood that my future, and that of Milan as the capital of style, would be decided here, the designer said. In 1976, the Barneys chain in New York acquired his famous unstructured jackets. International success came in 1980 with the film American Gigolo and the wardrobe he designed for Richard Gere. His revolutionary power suits would also go on to dress some of the most iconic male characters in cinema, from Kevin Costner in The Untouchables and The Bodyguard, to Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street, and Brad Pitt in Inglourious Basterds, among others. His style captivated Hollywood, and his brand became synonymous with elegance, luxury, and sophistication. The designer opened his first stores for his various fashion lines, starting in 1980 in Milans Fashion Quadrilateral, bordered by Via Montenapoleone, Via Alessandro Manzoni, Corso Venezia and Via della Spiga, which did not yet exist as we know it today; the epicenter of fashion in Milan, full of the boutiques of the worlds most important brands. Queues outside the Armani Theatre to access Giorgio Armani's funeral chapel in Milan, September 6, 2025. Claudia Greco (REUTERS) Armanis historic Via SantAndrea store, originally opened in 1983 and now remodeled, remained the epitome of glamour even as other fashion houses began to open luxurious establishments in the surrounding area. Milan is home to the first of the more than 600 stores the Armani empire has around the world. Until the end of his career, it was common for photographs of the designer in his boutiques to be published, in which he appeared personally adjusting the press studs in the window displays, meticulously attentive to detail. At another of his iconic shops, on Via Manzoni, now a three-story giant expanded to incorporate the Armani Cafe and the Armani Hotel, visitors left red and white flowers and notes of farewell and gratitude for the late designer. Well probably close on Monday; its a day of mourning in the city, we cant say more, said a store employee dressed in the classic gray uniform. While hundreds of citizens bade farewell to the designer on the second day of the memorial at the Armani Theatre, life in central Milan continued as normal, with a swarm of tourists moving around, browsing shop windows, asking for a T-shirt model inside stores, or taking photos with bags adorned with the logos of well-known fashion brands. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Learning Bengali, a language spoken by more than 230 million people worldwide, is now easier than ever with the release of Easily Learn Bengali by Critics left scathing online comments about this Powell's Books T-shirt, which features a ferocious wolf standing on a stack of misshapen book, and was on display at the West Burnside store on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (Photo by Aimee Green, The Oregonian/OregonLive) A keen-eyed Powells Books customer who noticed a wonky graphic on one of the stores T-shirts for sale then posted the image to the social media platform Reddit last week ignited an uproar among the Portland booksellers devoted fan base over the companys suspected reliance on artificial intelligence. The post drew hundreds of social media comments and prompted scorn from the booksellers employees union, which said the company has been unmoved by employee concerns about its use of AI in merchandise. In a statement Saturday, Powells acknowledged the public relations mess and said it had hired a local artist who was assisted by AI software to create the designs on our merch. The T-shirt that sparked the inferno of criticism features what at first glance appears to be a hand-drawn sketch of a sharp-clawed, snarling wolf standing atop a stack of books. Powells Books, it says. Fiercely Independent Since 1971. A closer look at the stack of books shows problems with the spines of some of the books, as well as strange shreds that appear to be paper under one book, on this Powell's Books apparel. (Photo by Aimee Green, The Oregonian/OregonLive) But a closer look reveals problems flagged by the Reddit user, including something wrong with the bindings of the books. At least two books appear to have bindings that stretch only partway down the spine, then show the books exposed pages. Another book appears to morph into the spine of a different book. Once I got home I noticed the wonky book bindings, and something seemed off about the wolf, wrote the Reddit user Front_Refrigerator99. Im definitely returning it and letting them know that its ridiculous to push slop when they have people throwing themselves at them for this kind of work! In a post on Saturday, Powells Books said the local artist that it hired to create the image used Adobe tools, which now include some AI-assisted features. We value the work of human artists and designers, and we remain committed to keeping Powells designs rooted in creativity and imagination, the post read. It also said the company is already working on new apparel for the holidays and spring, and we would love to invite local artists who are interested in helping us create new designs. Sunday, a day after Powells public explanation, stacks of the neatly folded T-shirts and hoodie sweatshirts bearing the wolf graphic hung from a clothing rack at the companys flagship store on West Burnside Street, selling for $32 and $58 respectively. Others showed an ornery-looking cat with its claw gripping the top of a book. A woman who bought a wolf T-shirt Sunday said she hadnt heard of the controversy. A sweatshirt depicting a graphic of a cat with a book is on display near the front entrance of Powell's Books on West Burnside on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, as shoppers peruse the shelves nearby. (Photo by Aimee Green, The Oregonian/OregonLive) But some of the social media users whove posted more than 650 comments on Reddit or Facebook expressed outrage at the internationally beloved bookstore for allowing the use of AI while at the same time housing hundreds of thousands of books, which are pieces of intellectual property created by human minds. AI is theft, posted one Facebook user. Chimed in Reddit user nutt3rbutt3r, AI unfortunately allows for a new kind of artist aka con artist. But not everyone condemned Powells. A Facebook user offered supportive words: Who cares? AI is the future, like it or not. Its like resisting electricity. There is just no way to stop it. So if there are AI assisted designs, okay. (The) world has more pressing issues. Powell's Books flagship store seen here on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 is at 10th and West Burnside Street in Portland. It takes up a full city block. (Photo by Aimee Green, The Oregonian/OregonLive) In a Sunday Facebook post, the union for Powells workers, ILWU Local 5, urged the booksellers leadership to take a decisive and public position on generative AI. A company whose entire business model is dependent on human creativity should be safeguarding against any technology that exploits, devalues, or displaces it, the post said. The union said it appreciated that Powells was responding to the controversy but lamented the fact that it took public outcry for them to do so. This fraught and embarrassing situation, the union said, could have been easily avoided, as Powells workers have been raising concerns about the apparent use of AI in the companys branded merch for months, to no avail. Powells Saturday statement did not respond to the unions allegation that workers had been complaining for months. The dust-up over AI comes after Powells acknowledged last week that its struggling to financially recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and laid off 18 employees this summer. On its Facebook page, Powell's Books offered this statement about its use of AI in creating store merchandise. (Screenshot from the Facebook page of Powell's Books) Reporter Aimee Green covers politics, personal finance and issues that matter to consumers. She can be reached at 503-294-5119, agreen@oregonian.com or on Bluesky. Blair, right, and Taylor Edwards, middle, were convicted Monday of a felony charge, criminal mistreatment, for failing to call for help when their newborn stopped eating and struggled to breathe. The boy died two days after birth. The two was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of probation. KATU pool photo An Oregon City couple who did not call 911 as their newborn stopped eating, struggled to breathe and then died were sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail as part of an agreement that requires them to seek routine medical care for their surviving children. Blair and Taylor Edwards are members of the Followers of Christ Church, an insular sect that follows a literal translation of the Scriptures, which state that the sick shall be anointed by elders and that faith will heal all. Followers adhere to the idea that death, if it comes, is Gods will. Child deaths have plagued Followers of Christ members for decades. Blair, 37, and Taylor, 32, Edwards each pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal mistreatment, a felony. In a statement read in court, they urged church members to get medical treatment for their families if warranted. They are the fourth set of parents in the church to face prosecution since 2011 when the Oregon Legislature removed spiritual treatment as a defense for all homicide charges. Hayden Edwards, their fourth child, was born at home on June 24, 2023, and stopped eating two days later. Hayden Edwards' grave at the Followers of Christ Church cemetery in Carus. The boy, Blair and Taylor Edwards' fourth child, was born at home on June 24, 2023, and stopped eating two days later. He died hours later. His parents were convicted of a felony charge, criminal mistreatment, for failing to get help when the infant stopped eating and struggled to breathe. Noelle Crombie The infant began to struggle to breathe and turned blue, Senior Deputy District Attorney Rusty Amos told Clackamas County Circuit Judge Michael Wetzel during Mondays hearing. His parents did not call for help, Amos said. Other church members arrived, anointing him with oil and prayers, he said. According to Clackamas County Sheriffs Office reports, Taylor Edwards told investigators that she gave birth at home without complication or medical intervention and that the boy had not been vaccinated. She said her son seemed healthy until June 24 when his breath was jagged for several hours, the reports say. Detective Matt Messina noticed an open bottle of olive oil on Taylor Edwards night stand. Messina noted in his reports that church members use olive oil to anoint the sick or dying. He said Blair Edwards told him he put some of the oil on his sons chest to anoint him. Messina later pressed Blair Edwards on his decision to use oil on his son. Blair Edwards told him only that oil is used by church members for a lot of reasons, according to the sheriffs reports. I used it and thats all Im gonna say, he told the detective. Messina wrote that he asked the family if there would ever be a time they would think a time to call for medical services. Blair Edwards declined to respond, according to the detectives reports. Messina said he found it strange that Blair and Taylor Edwards and their family members denied knowing about a previous high-profile child death tied to the church. Church members Sarah and Travis Mitchell were sentenced to prison after the 2017 death of their infant, Ginnifer. Ginnifer died from complications of premature birth. She suffered from acute respiratory distress syndrome, the state medical examiner found. The couple acknowledged that they failed to provide medical care for their daughter. Yet, the Messina wrote that when he was talking to Blair and Taylor Edwards in their home, no one in the room seemed to know what I was talking about. At one point in the investigation, Messina wrote he worried church members were engaged in a concerted effort to be deceitful to investigators. Betsie Cunningham, a church member who lives in Beavercreek and served as a midwife at the birth, told another sheriffs detective, Chelsea Piper, that Haydens birth was normal and that she had helped deliver Taylor Edwards other children. She told Piper that she kept no medical logs or notes from her role as a midwife. Betsie kept answering our questions in a fairly vague way, without specifics given, Piper wrote. A second church member, Gayle Beagley of Oregon City, also attended the birth in a midwife role, according to the investigative reports. Detectives noted that Blair and Taylor Edwards said they didnt have her phone number. I found this hard to believe given that the couple would have needed the phone number when it was time to give birth to Hayden, sheriffs Detective Matt Lysaght wrote. When Messina followed up with Beagley, she said that there was nothing unusual about Haydens birth. Theres really nothing to tell, she told Messina. The prosecutor said the medical examiner ruled Hayden died from hyperbilirubinemia, an excessive amount of bilirubin in the blood, which leads to jaundice. Amos said the medical examiner also said that she could not say with medical and scientific certainty that medical intervention would have saved the boy. Untreated jaundice can lead to a potentially fatal condition known as kernicterus, a form of brain damage. The condition is rare in the U.S., Amos said. He told the judge that even though the statistics suggest strongly that there was a very, very high probability that by taking Hayden to the doctor, he could have survived, prosecutors worried they could not prove the couples failure to call for medical help led to their sons death. The child, he said, was surrounded in a bedroom by people who loved him very much, but its those same people who sat there for over five hours and refused to do anything to help that young child, that helped that young baby. That is why theyre here. They did nothing to save that child. Amos showed a photograph of Hayden on the overhead screen in the courtroom as he spoke. In the photo, the boys eyes were closed and his arms were raised above his head, his fists closed. He wore a white onesie. His parents, seated behind their attorneys, looked away. Amos directed his remarks toward the broader congregation, whose members filled half the public gallery, warning that prosecutions will continue as kids continue to be harmed. He mentioned his boss, District Attorney John Wentworth, saying Wentworth wants everybody in this courtroom, everybody within this community, to understand that Oregon law is extremely clear that parents are required to protect their children, period. We will continue to prosecute members of this church or any other person who fails to seek necessary medical treatment for a child, Amos said. Under the terms of their agreement with prosecutors, Blair and Taylor Edwards prepared a statement that Blair Edwards read aloud in court. He said he and his wife should have reached out for medical care when Hayden went into distress. He acknowledged the value of medical care. We do understand that medical intervention can be necessary to preserve and enhance life, he said, reading from the statement. We accept the need to have our children have the necessary medical care for their well-being and health. He said the couple cannot mandate that their fellow church members seek medical care, but he said he and his wife ask the members of our church to take our loss as motivation and ask you to reach out for medical intervention and care for the physical wellbeing of your children. The couple have four children, including one who was born since they were initially charged. Blair Edwards works as a pipefitter; Taylor Edwards does not work outside the home. Upon their release from jail, the two face five years of probation. The terms include tight controls around their parenting when it comes to ensuring their children receive medical care for both routine and serious concerns. As the hearing came to a close, Taylor Edwards sought alternative sentencing, which could include home detention. Her husband asked if he could turn himself in later Monday instead of at the end of the hearing. The judge denied both requests. With their family and fellow church members looking on in silence, the couple stood and placed their hands behind their backs as a Clackamas County sheriffs deputy placed them in handcuffs and led them through a heavy metal door and out of the building to the county jail. Love you guys, one of the church members called out. Noelle Crombie is an enterprise reporter with a focus on criminal justice. Reach her at 503-276-7184 or ncrombie@oregonian.com. Antone Wayne Bayard was sentenced for stealing more than 20 guns from The Armory on Jan. 24, 2024, after smashing a stolen white pickup truck through the front doors. Grants Pass Police Department A man who rammed a stolen truck into the front of a Grants Pass gun store and stole more than 20 guns during a January burglary last year was sentenced Monday to five years in federal prison. Antone Wayne Bayard, now 29, struck The Armory retail store on Redwood Highway just after 6 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2024, and fled with 15 handguns, four rifles, a short-barreled rifle, one silencer and ammunition, according to Grants Pass police. Store surveillance video showed a white pickup smashing through the front glass doors and a lone man taking guns. A Grants Pass police officer reported recognizing the suspect as a man he had seen earlier in the day at a local grocery store, according to Grants Pass police. Investigators from Grants Pass and Medford police, working with state police, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. marshals, located Bayard at a VRBO rental home. He ran from the residence on Jan. 26, 2024, but was arrested a short time later. Investigators recovered most of the guns stolen, as well as ammunition and the clothing that Bayard was seen wearing in the stores surveillance footage, according to police and prosecutors. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Brassell urged a sentence of seven years and eight months, saying Bayards actions demonstrated a profound disregard for both the law and public safety and jeopardized community safety. He also highlighted Bayards extensive criminal history, which included 11 felony convictions. He was on parole at the time for vehicular manslaughter from a 2020 hit-and-run crash in Riverside County, California, that killed a 63-year-old woman. Defense lawyer Brian Butler urged a sentence of a year and a half, arguing that Bayard has done well in custody taking advantage of multiple programs in jail and had a traumatic childhood. Bayard apologized for the burglary, calling it the stupidest thing ever, and said it was influenced by his abuse of drugs and alcohol. He said he now is desperate for change and has found support in the Christian community. U.S. District Judge Michael J. McShane lowered the sentence to five years, citing Bayards age, efforts in custody to improve and family support. Two of his sisters and his father connected to the federal court hearing in Medford via video. Youre not the first person to live through a very traumatic life who behaves recklessly and impulsively without a lot of thinking about consequences, the judge told Bayard. While McShane called Bayards criminal history a train wreck, he said he believes Bayard is capable of change and has a good heart. He also noted that hes aware that the frontal lobes of young mens brains dont fully develop until their late 20s. McShane said he was going to give Bayard the benefit of the doubt and then see if things are changing truly for you, or if theyre not. No one from The Armory attended the sentencing hearing in Medford but the owners may seek restitution at a later date for the damage to the store. -- 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. Tear gas inside the downtown Multnomah County Detention Center got much worse once federal officers showed up in Portland on July 1, 2020, the evidence indicated, U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman wrote in a 180-page decision. A class-action suit can proceed against Multnomah County, ex-Sheriff Mike Reese and two former corrections supervisors alleging they failed to protect prisoners from tear gas that seeped into the countys downtown Portland jail during 2020 protests, a federal judge ruled. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman rejected the countys motions to throw out the case and ruled that the county, Reese and the chief corrections deputy and jail commander at the time are not entitled to qualified immunity from potential liability. Her 180-page opinion cites evidence that entire modules of prisoners were screaming, choking, yelling, coughing and begging for help, pounding on and kicking their doors as a thick fog of tear gas permeated the Multnomah County Detention Center night after night. Beckermans preliminary findings now go to U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut, who will either adopt them or alter them. Beckerman recommended that a trial go forward on allegations that Reese and the others disregarded complaints from prisoners who said they were unable to breathe and suffered from painful tear gas exposure for more than a month. Prisoners also said they were denied access to more frequent showers, clean clothes or linens when their jail scrubs or blankets were drenched in tear gas and that the sheriff failed to evacuate the jail, Beckerman wrote in the ruling Friday. A jury could find that the MCSO leaderships teams decision to allow AICs (adults in custody) to remain housed at MCDC and exposed repeatedly to tear gas was akin to reckless disregard, Beckerman wrote. Beckerman cited a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in 2002 in Clement v. Gomez that found officers were not eligible for qualified immunity after California prisoners said they were denied decontamination showers for four hours for exposure to pepper spray used to quell a fight. The prisoners alleged the prison officials were deliberately indifferent to their medical needs. If the four-hour delay in addressing pepper spray exposure in Clement was a constitutional violation, the same must be true for failing to address near-daily tear gas exposure here, Beckerman wrote. Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine that protects government officials, including law enforcement officials, from civil lawsuits for actions taken while performing their duties, unless their conduct violates clearly established statutory or constitutional rights. Beckermans ruling followed a hearing in July and lawyers for both sides submitted dozens of pages of sworn testimony and reports from hired experts. Attorneys Joe Piucci and Nadia Dahab, who are representing the Detention Center prisoners, applauded Beckermans ruling. No person in America should be involuntarily gassed night after night, but it happened here, Piucci said by email. We are deeply gratified that the court vindicated our clients basic rights. Multnomah County counsel Christopher Gilmore, representing the county, the sheriffs office and former sheriff and jail commanders, did not immediately comment. He had argued that the ongoing racial justice protests, safety considerations and the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant and unusual barriers that prevented an evacuation. He also argued that the county took reasonable steps to minimize any harm, that the tear gas use outside the jail was intermittent and the gas dissipated once sprayed on the ground. According to the ruling, the county and sheriffs office dont dispute that the leaders knew tear gas had infiltrated the jail on the upper floors of the Justice Center when police deployed tear gas around or inside the buildings lobby on May 29, 2020. Demonstrators that night had broken into an office of the Justice Center and set a fire. About 250 people were housed in the jail that night on the fourth through eighth floors. The fire was quickly extinguished and caused no injuries, but the protest devolved into a riot declared by police, who used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Chaos continued downtown, with looting and vandalism to businesses. Tear gas and smoke seeped into jail cells that night, causing inmates to cough and gag, the prisoners lawsuit said. When Reese arrived, the lobby was heavily contaminated with tear gas. A county nurse and many prisoners confirmed that they were exposed to smoke or tear gas that night and into the next morning, Beckermans opinion noted. A jail nurse reported that she did not have time to record all her medical notes because she received so many complaints from prisoners who complained they could not breathe,, Beckerman wrote. Nurses were evacuated from the fourth floor but prisoners were not even though the entire jail smelled of smoke, her ruling said. The next morning, the countys HVAC department received the first of many requests from county employee to adjust the HVAC systems outside air dampers to try to prevent the tear gas from entering the building. Significantly, however, the Justice Centers outside air dampers do not seal airtight as they were never designed to be used as a barrier against [tear] gas, the opinion said, based on the evidence in the court record. The tear gas inside the jail got much worse once federal officers showed up in Portland on July 1, 2020, the evidence indicated, Beckerman wrote. According to the court record, tear gas was pouring in through cell vents for hours, in particular on July 19 through July 25, 2020, Beckerman wrote. An inmate woke up vomiting and others developed rashes and suffered from impaired breathing and sleep, worsened asthma, blurry vision, nightmares, anxiety, excessive coughing, chest pains, dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches and migraines, as well as burning of the eyes, face, nose, skin and throat, she wrote. The long exposure may have exacerbated preexisting mental health conditions and caused fear, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to both the plaintiffs expert, Dr. Samuel Freedman, and defense expert Dr. Christian Sloan. Freedman is an emergency medicine doctor with 36 years of practice, including as the longtime emergency medical services director for Washington County from 1995 through 2015 . Sloan is a clinical emergency medicine professor for the University of California, San Diego and a physician the universitys medical center. Brian Parks, then a sheriffs lieutenant at the downtown jail and a former military infantryman with more than 20 years of law enforcement, recalled that he had never seen anything like the level of tear gas that federal officers deployed, describing massive clouds obscuring any view from the Justice Center of Chapman and Lownsdale squares across the street, according to the opinion. Beckerman noted that a sheriffs corrections captain, Nicholas Jarmer, had emailed a draft evacuation plan to the county corrections division chief deputy on June 25, 2020, a day before federal officers began surging to Portland. His email advised that the countys Inverness Jail had dorms available to accommodate all the prisoners from the downtown jail, though the Inverness dorms were closed at the time and not staffed. The court records showed Jarmer never received any response, according to Beckerman. On July 21, 2020, jail officials started opening and closing the Justice Centers outside air dampers as part of an official procedure intended to prevent tear gas from entering the building. Within a week, however, the sheriffs office realized what seemed to be obvious all along: Apparently we cannot stop the gas from entering, the ruling said. But Reese, according to sworn depositions, testified that he believed that opening and closing the air dampers effectively combatted tear gas infiltration throughout the Justice Center, including on jail housing floors. He said the sheriffs leadership team chose not to evacuate prisoners based on the threat to the facility because people were continuing to try to break into it, take it over and destroy it. Reese said he was more concerned about the potential for a violent mob to take over the building, according to the ruling. Beckerman quoted Reese saying that he was present at the Justice Center for most of the events and never felt personally that the threat of infiltration of tear gas was such a high risk that (the MCSO) needed to evacuate the building. Gilmore, the countys lawyer, said in court filings that Reese rejected an evacuation given the serious risks of COVID-19, the mixing of violent offenders in an open dorm elsewhere, the need for medical and mental health care available in the downtown jail and logistical difficulties due to ongoing riots. One prisoner at the time, Melvin Street, suffered an asthma attack on July 1, 2020, after reporting he felt very light-headed and ill, when his cell filled with tear gas. He fell down and cracked his head, prompting his floormates to bang on their doors and push their emergency call buttons for what seemed like over half an hour, he wrote in a sworn declaration to the court. The county and Reese pointed to findings from Elliott Gall, an associate professor in Portland State Universitys mechanical materials engineering department who did an indoor air quality modeling that evaluated exposures to tear gas inside a typical cell at the Multnomah County Detention Center. He concluded that the tear gas in the jail never reached unsafe levels. Gall found that the concentration of tear gas inside the Justice Center was sufficient to cause a perceptible response but not high enough to cause any serious health risks. But in a competing report, the prisoners offered the findings of industrial hygienist expert Martin Rose who described a chimney effect phenomenon that showed how tear gas entering through the street level or the Justice Centers parking garage could travel up to the cells on floors four through eight. The record suggests that each of the Individual Defendants could have ordered complete (or partial) evacuations of MCDCs housing floors and knew that tear gas continued to infiltrate the building, Beckerman wrote. Yet, the Individual Defendants failed to act or deviate from or revisit their initial consideration of such matters or account for the AICs basic needs and deteriorating living conditions. -- 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. A man who drew a pistol and fired a paintball gun into a restive crowd of protesters in downtown Portland will remain in state prison, the Oregon Court of Appeals ruled, rejecting most of his appeal. Alan J. Swinney is serving a 10-year sentence in the Oregon State Penitentiary after he was convicted of second-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon for his actions during several flag wave protests held on the steps of the Multnomah County Justice Center in August 2020. Swinney, 55, had traveled from Texas to the protest as a self-proclaimed member of the Proud Boys, a far-right group that frequently clashed with black-clad counterprotesters in prior years. On appeal, Swinney argued that prosecutors had wrongfully applied the concept of transferred intent essentially, that Swinney had intended to hit one person with a paint round, but instead struck another man standing nearby. Deputy Public Defender Kyle Krohn wrote that transferred intent had only previously been applied to murder cases, not second-degree assault, and wasnt mentioned in the statutes. Krohn also argued that former senior prosecutor Nathan Vasquez had crossed a line in his closing argument by hinting that he wanted the jury to send a message rather than just apply the law to the facts in the case. Vasquez is now Multnomah Countys elected district attorney. Swinney had testified during the October 2021 trial that he fired the paintball gun at a man who was yelling too loudly, but the round struck another man beside him In a rhetorical flourish, Vasquez imagined the yelling man was in the courtroom as he summed up the case to a jury. You scream until they hear you in the mountaintops. You let it ring to the valleys, Vasquez said, according to a transcript. You let it ring to every town in this state and you tell him, Mr. Alan Swinney, you are not welcome and your violence is not welcome in this community. The appeals court knocked down Krohns contentions in an Aug. 27 order, finding that transferred intent was applicable in assault cases and ruling that Swinneys attorney hadnt properly objected to Vasquez statements in court, noting that there was no obvious legal error. Court of Appeals Presiding Judge Darleen Ortega found two minor faults in the trial presided over by Circuit Judge Heidi Moawad, but they did not affect the term of imprisonment. Instead, Swinney will return for resentencing only on his term of post prison supervision. Krohn, his public defender, declined to comment. Swinneys earliest release date is November 2029. Zane Sparling covers breaking news and courts for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083, zsparling@oregonian.com or @pdxzane. Neighbors say police told them three people died by gun violence in this home in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood of Southeast Portland on Saturday Sept. 6, 2025. (Photo by Aimee Green, The Oregonian/OregonLive) Portland police on Monday said a 22-year-old man killed his 46-year-old mother and 10-year-old sister before dying by suicide in their Southeast Portland home over the weekend. Police havent publicly identified the man or his family members and said they would do so after autopsies are completed. Police said earlier that the three appeared to have died from gunshot wounds. Police were called to the home in the 7300 block of Southeast 64th Avenue, in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood, shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday morning, shocked neighbors hugged each other and brushed away tears as they stood outside and shared information about what happened, as well as reminisced about the family. Several said they socialized with the family, describing the mother as loving and wanting a good life for her children and the 22-year-old as hard-working and kind. One neighbor described the 10-year-old girl as so bright that they had imagined she could one day become president of the United States. Neighbors said it was difficult to comprehend what happened Saturday. The girl attended Southeast Portlands Woodmere Elementary School, about a mile from her home. Principal Katherine Polizos sent a letter to families, sharing the news with tremendous sadness. She said trauma counselors will be available during the school day. Staff will be centering care, compassion, and empathy as we move through the coming days and I know that many students will be deeply impacted, Polizos wrote. Police are asking anyone who hasnt yet spoken to police but has information about this case to email Detective William Winters at William.Winters@police.portlandoregon.gov or Detective J.D. McGuire at Jeff.McGuire@police.portlandoregon.gov. Reference case number 25-245107. Reporter Aimee Green covers politics, personal finance and issues that matter to consumers. She can be reached at 503-294-5119, agreen@oregonian.com or on Bluesky. Reporter Julia Silverman contributed to this story. The Fernwood campus of Beverly Cleary K-8 School in Northeast Portland is projected to be one of the riskiest public schools in Portland in an earthquake. Lizzy Acker For many Portland Public Schools parents, the first weeks of school are a jumble of excitement and anxiety. But for some, that anxiety goes beyond the standard, Will the teacher like my child? to Will the building my kid is entering every day withstand an earthquake? David Turnbull is the parent of two students at Beverly Cleary K-8. The idea that an earthquake could knock down the building where his children go every day is such a devastating thought to have in your head when you send your kids to school. The knowledge that many of Portlands aging schools could become lethal in a seismic event, and that much of Oregon could be devastated by a megathrust earthquake at any time, is not new. The Pacific Northwest is due for a Cascadia subduction zone earthquake and since the turn of the 21st century, in some cases even before, the state and school districts have been working to address the risks posed by unreinforced masonry buildings built before building codes took earthquakes into account. Portland Public Schools, the states biggest district, has worked on the problem for years, but still many students attend classes in buildings that engineers say will be unsafe in an earthquake. Earlier this year, Portland voters passed a school bond. In the run-up to the bond vote, Willamette Week published an excerpt of Tilt, by Emma Pattee, a novel about a pregnant woman experiencing a Cascadia subduction zone earthquake in Portland. Alongside the excerpt, the news site presented an article by Pattee that used a report Portland Public Schools commissioned in 2024 from the Holmes structural engineering firm to explain the potential earthquake-induced dangers in many of Portlands schools, even those that had been seismically upgraded. Parents who had advocated for years for more all-encompassing upgrades, especially to unreinforced masonry buildings like Beverly Cleary, created the advocacy group Safe Structures PPS and used the new reporting to galvanize support for more commitments to seismic safety in the bond before it was passed. An earthquake, you dont have warning for, Turnbull, who works with Safe Structures PPS, said. You may have a few seconds, but you dont have real warning. And so it just feels like such an urgent task to do something about it so that we know that every day when we send both of our kids to school, that theyre in a safer place than they are today, he said. The school board bought the argument and the district committed at least $90 million of the $1.83 billion bond to seismic upgrades. The districts first step in carrying out that commitment was to ask the structural engineers who created the 2024 report to evaluate which schools are likely at the highest risk of collapse during an earthquake. Portland Public Schools publicly shared that report late last week. Each Building Part was assessed individually and assigned its own risk score ranging from 1 to 10, where a high score indicates that a building type is expected to perform poorly in an earthquake and a low score indicates that a building type is expected to perform well in an earthquake, the Holmes firm wrote. Holmes suggested two ways that Portland Public Schools could go about seismic retrofits either campus-by-campus or building-by-building. Many Portland schools are made up of multiple buildings built in different years. On Tuesday, the school board is scheduled to discuss this report. According to a memo prepared for the meeting, The final and critical step for PPS will be to review the engineers recommendations and apply its own priorities and criteria to determine which projects should move forward. PPS will need to consider additional factors outside the engineers scope. These include anticipated impacts of potential school consolidation, the feasibility and consequences of multi-summer construction schedules, and potential disruptions to ongoing programs such as summer school. Here are the school buildings that the Holmes firm rated as a risk of 9.6 or higher. Buckman Elementary School: Building A, rated 9.6 Building layout of Buckman Elementary School in the Holmes report. Portland Public Schools The estimated cost, according to Holmes, to fully retrofit the entire Buckman campus would be $21,350,000. A retrofit that only deals with the unreinforced masonry portion of the buildings would cost $19,750,000. Rieke Elementary School: Building A, rated 9.6 Building layout of Rieke Elementary School in the Holmes report. Portland Public Schools The estimated cost, according to the Holmes firm, to fully retrofit the entire Rieke campus would be $6,040,000. A retrofit that only deals with the unreinforced masonry portion of the buildings would cost $4,160,000. Jason Lee K-8 School: Building A1, rated 9.7 Building layout of Lee K-8 in the Holmes report. Portland Public Schools According to the report, the building rated 9.7 houses Jason Lees gym. The estimated cost, according to the Holmes firm, to fully retrofit the entire Lee campus would be $6,880,000. A retrofit that only deals with the unreinforced masonry portion of the buildings would cost $1,905,000. Jackson Middle School: Building B, rated 9.8 Building layout of Jackson Middle School in the Holmes report. Portland Public Schools The estimated cost, according to Holmes, to fully retrofit the entire Jackson campus would be $30,170,000. This campus does not have unreinforced masonry. Rose City Park Elementary School: Building A1, rated 9.8 Building layout of Rose City Park Elementary School in the Holmes report. Portland Public Schools The estimated cost, according to Holmes, to fully retrofit the entire Rose City Park campus would be $21,100,000. A retrofit that only deals with the unreinforced masonry portion of the buildings would cost $20,910,000. Beverly Cleary K-8 School, Fernwood campus: Building A2, rated 9.7, and building A1, rated 9.9 Building layout of Fernwood campus of Beverly Cleary K-8 in the Holmes report. Portland Public Schools The estimated cost, according to Holmes, to fully retrofit the entire Fernwood campus would be $18,700,000. A retrofit that only deals with the unreinforced masonry portion of the buildings would cost $14,400,000. Here are the 42 school buildings rated 9.0-9.5: 9.5: Kelly Elementary School, building A3 9.4: Capitol Hill Elementary School, building F Jackson Middle School, building A 9.3: Roseway Heights Middle School, building A5 9.2: Ainsworth Elementary School, building B Beach Elementary School, building A Glencoe Elementary School, building B Kelly Elementary School, building A4 Rigler Elementary School, building A Rose City Park Elementary School, building A2 9.1: Abernathy Elementary School, building A1 Ainsworth Elementary School, building A Boise-Elliot K-8, building A Chapman Elementary School, building A Chavez K-8, building A1 Grout Elementary School, building A1 Holladay Center, building A Marshall High School, building A2 Marshall High School, building A3 MLC, building A Ockley Green Middle School, building A1 Richmond Elementary School, building B 9.0: Capitol Hill Elementary School, building E Clarendon, building A1 Creston Elementary School, building D Duniway Elementary School, building A Duniway Elementary School, building D East Sylvan K-8, building A4 East Sylvan K-8, building A5 Glencoe Elementary School, building A1 Hosford Middle School, building A Irvington K-8, building A King Elementary School, building A Lane Middle School, building A Lane Middle School, building D Lee Elementary School, building A3 Sellwood Middle School, building A1 Sunnyside K-8, building A Vernon K-8, building A2 Vestal Elementary School, building A Winterhaven K-8, building A Woodlawn Elementary School, building A1 Read the full report here. Lizzy Acker covers life and culture and writes the advice column Why Tho? Reach her at 503-221-8052 or lacker@oregonian.com. The Big Obsidian Flow and East Lake are seen from the trail on Paulina Peak at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The area around the volcano would be opened up to road construction and logging if the Trump administration rescinds the roadless rule. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Many beloved recreation areas across Oregon would be opened up to road construction and logging if the Trump administration rescinds a two-decade-old rule that protects wild areas in national forests across the country. Its not clear what would happen to Oregons nearly 2 million acres of undeveloped forestland now guarded under the so-called roadless rule environmentalists and timber industry representatives disagree on what the loss of the protections would bring. But what is clear is that many of Oregons iconic forests and recreation destinations are surrounded by protected roadless areas that now will be open to logging. The Oregonian/OregonLive mapped the forestland that could open throughout the state. The land includes areas of Larch Mountain and Eagle Creek in the Columbia River Gorge, Lost Lake and Mirror Lake in the Mount Hood area and the Newberry Volcano, the largest volcano in the Cascade range, just south of Bend. Nationwide, about 44 million acres would be affected. The breakdown in Oregon is about 1.8 million acres. Thats 1,965,050 acres currently protected under the roadless rule minus 167,000 acres that lie in specially designated places such as wild and scenic river areas that would remain off-limits. Oregon's Niagara Falls is found in the Siuslaw National Forest, in the Coast Range. Jamie Hale/Staff U.S. Department of Agriculture officials have promised to roll back the roadless rule to spur economic growth and improve wildfire response on public lands. The proposal for a new rule is in the middle of a 21-day public comment period, which closes on Sept. 19. The new rule would revert decision-making about development and logging back to local U.S. Forest Service land managers who would decide the fate of roadless areas based on forest-level plans a system critics say has led to political and economic pressure from the timber industry and local communities that stand to benefit from increased logging. The move comes on the heels of President Trumps two executive orders earlier this year to expand logging on federal lands to avoid importing wood products and to reduce wildfire threats. It also follows Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, passed by Congress in July, that requires the Forest Service to increase U.S. timber sales. The original rule, adopted in 2001 by the Clinton administration, was meant to protect drinking water in watersheds and provide undisturbed habitat for threatened and endangered species. Timber industry groups have supported Trumps timber expansion directives and the rollback of the roadless rule. Officials with the American Forest Resource Council, a trade group representing timber companies in Oregon and other Western states, said rescinding the roadless rule would not trigger unrestrained logging. That is simply not the case, the group said in a statement. All projects on federal lands, including those in former roadless areas, remain subject to strict environmental laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and forest-specific management plans. The Trump administration has already moved to weaken these same environmental laws. Sami Godlove, the Central Oregon field coordinator for Oregon Wild, a nonprofit conservation organization, said timber companies in the past have sought to log the edges of wilderness areas and could very well go after our iconic places. Without protections, timber companies will go further and will make our wild places smaller, he said. A number of logging projects in Oregon already go up to the boundary of the roadless areas, he said, including the Grasshopper Project on Mount Hood and the South Warner project in the Fremont-Winema National Forest. He also noted that the roadless rule has protected several areas that were once slated for logging, including the forest surrounding Hardesty Mountain and Mount June near Eugene, Lookout Mountain in the Ochocos and Moose Creek and Gordon Lakes in the South Santiam forest southeast of Corvallis. Federal agriculture officials plan to release the draft of a new rule - without the roadless protections by March 2026. Heres a list of the most important areas slated to lose roadless designations: COLUMBIA GORGE Fallen logs cross the Larch Mountain Trail above Multnomah Falls, seen in March, 2019. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Eagle Creek Larch Mountain Pacific Crest Trail (at Cascade Locks) MOUNT HOOD AREA: A viewpoint looks over Lost Lake toward Mount Hood, on a cloudy summer day. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Lost Lake Mirror Lake Tamanawas Falls Portion of the Salmon River Trail (near the west trailhead) Cross country ski trails above Government Camp THE CASCADES: A screengrab from a trail camera video captured at Opal Creek after the 2020 Beachie Creek fire shows animals are returning as the forest recovers from the fire's devastation. Courtesy of Ralph Bloemers/@GreenOregon on YouTube Opal Creek Cross country ski trails around Mount Bachelor Cultus Lake Waldo Lake Mount Bailey (Diamond Lake and Odell Lake) Newberry Volcano Yamsay Mountain Pacific Crest Trail (south of Mt. McLoughlin) Cascade lake shorelines (Cultus, Waldo, Diamond, Odell) SOUTHERN OREGON: A view of the Siskiyou Mountains from the Cliff Nature Trail at the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve in southern Oregon. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Wagner Butte (former lookout site) Little Grayback Mountain (lookout) Portion of Oregon Caves National Monument at Mount Elijah Illinois River (south of Oak Flat trailhead) Crane Mountain THE OREGON COAST: A gray mist hangs over the Oregon Dunes on the central coast, where hikers can access the sandy expanse via the John Dellenback Dunes Trailhead. The area is part of the Siuslaw National Forest. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian The entire Oregon Dunes Niagara Falls Mount Hebo EASTERN OREGON: Giant boulders and juniper trees fill the quiet landscape alongside the Tam-a-Lau Trail at The Cove Palisades State Park in central Oregon's high desert. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Alder Springs Lookout Mountain (Ochocho) Elkhorn Mountains (Elkhorn Peak) Rough Fork Trail Grande Ronde River Wild and Scenic River (segment B) Imnaha Canyon Wallowa Mountains on the edges of the Eagle Cap Wilderness Oregonian reporters Mark Friesen and Jamie Hale contributed to this story. Gosia Wozniacka covers environmental justice, climate change, the clean energy transition and other environmental issues. Reach her at gwozniacka@oregonian.com or 971-421-3154. President Donald Trump speaks to the White House Religious Liberty Commission during an event at the Museum of the Bible, Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Evan Vucci Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released on Monday a sexually suggestive letter to Jeffrey Epstein purportedly signed by President Donald Trump, which he has denied. Trump has said he did not write the letter or create the drawing of a curvaceous woman that surrounds the letter. He filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal for a report on the alleged letter. The letter was included as part of a 2003 album compiled for alleged sex trafficker Epsteins birthday. The president has denied having anything to do with it. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee received a copy of the birthday album on Monday as part of a batch of documents from Epsteins estate. The White House did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee on Monday released this sexually suggestive letter to Jeffrey Epstein purportedly signed by President Donald Trump. Trump has denied writing and signing the letter. House Oversight Committee Democrats After the letter was released, White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich posted pictures on X of Trumps signature and tagged The Wall Street Journals parent corporation, News Corp., writing: Time for @newscorp to open that checkbook, its not his signature. DEFAMATION! Trump has denied writing the letter and creating the drawing, calling a report on it false, malicious, and defamatory. These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I dont draw pictures, Trump said. The letter released by the committee looks exactly as described by the The Wall Street Journal in its report. The letter bearing Trumps name and signature includes text framed by a hand-drawn outline of what appears to be a curvaceous woman. A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday and may every day be another wonderful secret, the letter says. The letters disclosure comes amid a bipartisan push in Congress for the release of the so-called Epstein files amid years of speculation and conspiracy theories. Calls for the release of the records came from Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance before he was sworn into the countrys No. 2 position. Epstein, a wealthy and well-connected financier, 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. Trumps ties to Epstein have been well-documented, though he said they had a falling-out two decades ago. He has said he kicked the financier out of his private club in Florida after Epstein betrayed him more than once by hiring people who had worked for him. The president has not been accused of misconduct in connection with their social relationship. The Justice Department in August began turning over records from the Epstein sex trafficking investigation to the House Oversight Committee. The committee subpoenaed the Epstein estate for documents last month. In addition to the birthday book, lawmakers requested Epsteins last will and testament, agreements he signed with prosecutors, his contact books, and his financial transactions and holdings. -- Michelle L. Price, The Associated Press Were always worried about what others think, but this professor has a remedy: forget these pressures and pay attention to what goes unnoticed Academic and writer Marina van Zuylen, who holds a PhD in Comparative Literature from Harvard, left Columbia to become a professor at Bard College because she also wanted to devote herself to an unusual project hosted there: the Clemente Course in the Humanities, which offers free humanities courses that can later be converted into college credits. She taught there voluntarily for 25 years, until a philanthropist decided to fund the initiative and turn her commitment into a professorship. This is a clear example that Van Zuylens priority is not personal recognition. In her research, she explores concepts such as fatigue, boredom, distraction, difference, and the golden mean as legitimate forms of knowledge and resistance to the logic of productivity. A refreshing line of thought reflected in her two most recent books: In Favor of Distraction (Elba, 2019) and Elogio de las virtudes minusculas (In Praise of Minor Virtues, not yet translated into English). The conversation unfolds over five hours at her home in the heart of the Upper West Side, one of New Yorks most intellectual and iconic residential neighborhoods. Van Zuylen touches on philosophical topics and curiosities from her life (despite living in France until age 19, she holds only U.S. citizenship) as well as subjects connected to her latest book. Throughout, she exudes a boundless warmth, which her son refers to as aggressive hospitality and which aligns with the reviews of many of her students, who describe her as the best teacher they have ever had. Question. A recurring theme in your books is the culture of self-demand. Answer. I decided to write Elogio de las virtudes minusculas because many of my colleagues, professors at the most important universities in the U.S., remained dissatisfied despite having achieved great things in their careers. Its a topic that worries me. With that mentality, you never feel like youre enough, and you live in a constant state of alert. Q. In the book, you recount how, due to a botched MRI, your neurologist thought you were missing part of your brain. And how that relieved you. A. I thought Id achieved a lot without that part of my brain, which made me proud of myself, while at the same time, its absence served to justify my failures. Although another doctor later explained to me that my brain was perfectly normal and the problem had been a poorly done MRI. The experience made me reflect on the expectations we place on ourselves and the tyranny of merit, which can ruin many peoples lives. We spend our lives performing for others. Q. And yet, according to you, virtue lies in not needing external validation. A. Its always nice to be recognized for what we do, but I think whats valuable is doing something without seeking any credit. My purest interaction with a human being was with a neighbor who suffered from Alzheimers. All our conversations were immediately forgotten, but for a moment, while he was talking to me, he would abandon this void in which he didnt exist. And its the perfect example of doing something meaningful without feeling virtuous, because it was merely down to the two of us and the moment in which it happened; then I would disappear. And the philosopher Simone Weil was referring to that disappearing when she went to work at the factory and wanted to exist, without existing. There are moments that have nothing to do with prestige or prejudice. It shouldnt even be called altruism. Q. You speak of the importance of listening to the silences, of noticing what usually goes unnoticed. A. I write about the importance of noticing something. I remember being a little girl, alone in a park, and hearing a mother tell her daughter, Go play with that little girl whos all alone. About the importance of kindness. My reference is Chekhov because almost all of his characters are secondary. One of my favorites is Astrov [the alcoholic doctor in Uncle Vanya], who plants little trees without anyone seeing him for the future, because at some point theyll help Russias forests. And for me, hes a great example of virtue because trees are an investment in a better future, but no one will know who planted them. My book tries to make visible those virtuous people who have felt invisible their entire lives. For example, I mention the maid in Octavio Pazs The Labyrinth of Solitude, when she knocks on the door and says, Its nobody, sir, its me. Q. You also mention an Emily Dickinson poem, which has the line: Im nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody too? A. Thats a fantastic poem! I also really like a French philosopher who changed my life: Edouard Glissant, who talks about the right to opacity, that theres no need to reveal oneself to anyone. You can keep things to yourself, even success, because if you feel the need to share it with everyone, deep down youre showing that youve intensely desired it for a long time. Q. Your way of achieving success can be considered atypical. A. Ive never competed, I never thought Id get a good job. Its true that Ive managed to achieve success in a transversal way. My doctoral thesis, Difficulty as an Aesthetic Principle, focused on 19th-century novels that didnt aspire to be commercial successes. Ive written about Melville, Flaubert... writers who didnt aspire to please the public. I also wrote about monomania, jealousy, hypochondria, and other aspects that have destroyed part of my life and definitely my first marriage. Many people were interested in me talking about my failures instead of boasting about successes, and they invited me to teach at Harvard, Columbia University, and Princeton. Q. You direct the Clemente Course in the Humanities. Have you been affected by the sociopolitical situation in the U.S.? A. The political situation has certainly impacted the course, because its aimed at students who are in more vulnerable situations, and many are afraid of being arrested and deported. We started the year with 22 enrolled students, and now we only have eight. When I die, Ill be more proud of having helped them than I was of Obama giving me a hug when he awarded me the National Humanities Medal in 2014. Q. Besides the threat of political interference in academia, the arrival of new technology is also proving disruptive. How are you addressing this? A. All teachers who care about our students lives try to ensure that assessments are conducted in class and are more interactive. I dont accept the use of any type of technology; cell phones are prohibited. I assess students through exams and essays that I have them write by hand in class. Before, there was a final project they completed at home, but now Im suspicious. Q. Do you have faith in the future of education? A. Today I read that in France people read five books a year, but in America only one. Its very sad. Students are increasingly focused on the goal, not the process. Many take Adderall [an amphetamine used to treat ADHD] to concentrate, but they are no longer able to read poetry. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition In the debate over the use of National Guard troops in American cities, the cause of violent crime is rarely discussed, Send in the troops: Trump threatens military deployment in another major city, Aug 24). It is a complex issue and one that cant be solved by inserting troops for 30 to 60 days. Instead, we should be asking ourselves some questions. How are children being socialized? What resources are available for those suffering mental health crises? What is the impact of poverty and housing insecurity? What needs to be done about the ease of purchasing weapons? Crime will never be totally eliminated, but deploying troops to our cities is a temporary fix at best. Jean Fuchs, Portland To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. An Intel worker in a bunnysuit, above, inside one of its Oregon factories. Many companies abandoned inclusive language this year but Intel is a special case because the federal government is now its largest shareholder and the Trump administration is an ardent opponent of DEI. It was just last year that Intel declared the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion were the companys core values, essential for innovation and strong business growth. This year, Intel has almost nothing to say about DEI at all in its annual Corporate Responsibility Report. Intels report last year included a 16-page section on making the company Inclusive. The chipmaker boasted about making its offices welcoming for LGBT+ employees, boosting opportunities for African Americans, and linking executive pay to hitting diversity targets. Thats all gone from the new corporate report, issued earlier this summer. The words diversity, equity or inclusion were used commonly in last years report but scarcely appear in Intels newest edition. I think they were trying to please the government with what kinds of language they were going to use, said Zhou Fang, founder of the Intersectional Group, a Portland human resources consulting firm. Intels changing language around DEI: Cant see the graph? Click here. Shifts like Intels were commonplace among Americas largest companies this year, particularly but not limited to those that work closely with the federal government. The Trump administration has warned companies of possible legal or regulatory scrutiny of DEI programs. Intel, though, had much to lose from falling into disfavor in the Trump administration. Even before the federal government took a 10% stake in the company last month a deal negotiated after Intel released its yearly report it was banking on the administration releasing billions of dollars in subsidies to help pay for new U.S. factories. In a statement this week, Intel said it remains deeply committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging where every employee is respected, valued, and empowered to thrive. While laws and regulations are evolving, the company said, we maintain a strong focus on cultivating an inclusive, innovative workplace grounded in our core values. Indeed, Intels latest corporate report still includes data on the share of women, Hispanic and Latinx employees, African Americans and other groups in the companys workforce. The latest report says Intel encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work. That language is far less prominent and less frequent in the new report, though. And with the Trump administrations new stake in the company, which makes the government the companys largest shareholder, outside observers expect Intel will further ratchet back on inclusivity goals that have been central to the way the company has portrayed itself for more than a decade. With (a) 10% federal stake, Intel will likely follow the federal directives, predicted Portland State University finance Professor Qin Lian. Under the Trump administration, Intel will downplay DEI and focus on cost control and operational discipline. Corporate shift A new report from the Conference Board, a widely cited economic research institute, finds that half of the companies in the S&P 100 index made significant changes to their DEI messaging in annual reports this past year. About a third of companies stopped using the word equity, while a fifth removed DEI metrics and targets. Weve definitely heard that equity was always the most ambiguous part of DEI and could be quite contested, said Andrew Jones, one of the authors of the Conference Boards report. That pillar, he said, could raise questions in the eyes of some observers around, what does that actually mean in practice? Diversity advocates promoted equity, Jones said, based on the concept that some groups dont have equal opportunities professionally because of historical disadvantages, and so creating equal outcomes requires more than just treating everyone the same. Equity requires sort of those special measures, to offset historical disadvantages, Jones said. It can be difficult to know just what those special measures are, Jones said, and the concept itself became a lightning rod. The political environment has shifted and the landscape shifted, he said, and so have policies at companies like Intel. Early adopter An inclusive workplace had been among Intels top corporate goals for at least the past quarter century, according to its past citizenship and social responsibility reports. The company was a pioneer in disclosing workforce demographic data and became increasingly active in diversity efforts beginning in 2015, when former CEO Brian Krzanich pledged that Intel would spend $300 million to diversify the tech industry. Intels diversity push continued even though the company fired Krzanich in 2018 for violating company policy by having a consensual relationship with an employee. And amid the #MeToo sexual misconduct accountability movement, and then after the police killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers, Intel joined a chorus of large corporations decrying racism and pledging to fight it. Black lives matter. Period, former CEO Bob Swan told employees in June 2020, pledging $1 million in support of efforts to address social injustice and anti-racism across various nonprofits and community organizations. Intels annual corporate responsibility reports describe a growing number of initiatives to attract and retain a diverse workforce over the next few years. The 2024 report, for example, prioritized pay equity among workers of different genders and racial groups, social equity for African American employees, and reported that Intel had created new sleeves for its employee badges that enabled them to identify their gender pronouns. Using correct pronouns helps create an inclusive environment, and the badge plays a crucial role in fostering a safe space by promoting the normalization of gender identity and preventing unintentional misgendering, the report said. Years of work toward diversity produced only modest changes to Intels demographics, though. Intels reports show that in 2024 just 27.9% of its employees were women, up from 23.5% in 2014. Fewer than 1 in 20 employees were African American in 2024, a small increase from a decade earlier. The company said more work was needed and it pledged to keep expanding opportunities. And in March, the company hired its first nonwhite CEO, Lip-Bu Tan. Intel retreats This years report is a marked change, pulling back sharply on language around diversity. Intel used the terms diversity, equity or inclusion 255 times in its 2024 report and just 17 times in its newest report. The word equity went from 58 mentions in 2024 to just 1 mention this past year. Have they just changed the language or have they done something more fundamental? I think that remains the sort of a key question of debate, said Jones, from the Conference Board. Corporate approaches to diversity are evolving rapidly and vary considerably among companies, he said. The fact that Intel continues to report demographic information, and proclaim a commitment to inclusion, could suggest that the framework to promote diversity remains. Intel is very different than all other American companies, though, because of last months deal to sell a 10% stake in the business to the federal government. That deal came after Intel published its latest corporate responsibility report. And the agreement between the company and the Trump administration requires the government to cast its shareholder votes in line with recommendations from Intels board, giving it no direct role in the companys operations. And yet the deal did make the government Intels largest shareholder. Academics, human resource professionals and other outside experts anticipate Intel will be even more conservative on diversity with President Donald Trump looking over its shoulder. Clearly when you have the Federal Government owning 10% of the company, I mean thats, theres no way that doesnt influence your, your decisions and your strategy and your communications, Jones said. That, in turn, could affect employees in the workplace, according to Fang, from the Intersectional Group. She said Intels sudden change in how it talks about diversity is bound to confuse employees and could make them question whether the company was ever truly committed to making diverse employees feel welcome. Those questions are amplified by Intels business struggles, according to Fang falling revenue, the companys depressed share price and mass layoffs that eliminated 15,000 jobs across the company this summer. When we say we treat our employees well, what does that actually mean? Fang asked. Does that mean you treat us well when its convenient for you? A retreat, for now Corporate diversity efforts were experiencing a reckoning even before last falls presidential election, according to Hanif Fazal, co-founder of the Center Consultancy, a Portland firm that works with organizations to build an inclusive culture. I think theres a lot of ways in which DEI became callout culture, Fazal said. People were really worried about getting the wrong acronym, or saying the wrong thing. But the Trump administrations opposition to diversity work puts leaders in a bind as they seek a more inclusive movement, according to Fazal. Speaking publicly about inclusivity can make an organization a target, but keeping quiet makes it hard to discern whether organizations are genuine about inclusion. Is it real? Is it not real? You cant really tell, because theyre not saying it in an overt way, Fazal said. You have a whole group of people that are deeply committed to that. Its just hard to distinguish who is that, and who isnt. While DEI is enduring a backlash right now, Fazal said he expects the pendulum will eventually swing back. He said younger workers dont want to give up on an equitable, inclusive workplace and successful businesses will continue working to provide that. You have a diverse, growing workforce, Fazal said. And I think forward-thinking organizations understand that. -- Mike Rogoway covers Oregon technology and the state economy. Reach him at mrogoway@oregonian.com. Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe U.S. DOC Initiates Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Investigations of High Purity Dissolving Pulp from Brazil and Norway Sept. 8, 2025 - The International Trade Administration (ITA) posted a notice on its website that on September 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced the initiation of antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of high purity dissolving pulp from Brazil and Norway. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is currently scheduled to issue its preliminary determination on September 26, 2025. If the ITC issues an affirmative preliminary determination, Commerce is scheduled to announce its preliminary determination on November 7, 2025, for the CVD investigation, and on January 21, 2026, for the AD investigation. These deadlines may be extended in accordance with the statute. The petitioners are Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc. (Jacksonville, Florida) and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL-CIO (Washington, DC). The International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, manages this global trade site to provide access to ITA information on promoting trade and investment, strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industry, and ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements. SOURCE: International Trade Administration VDMA Says EU Deforestation Regulation is Bureaucratic Madness "The high level of administrative burden generated by the regulation, both for companies in Europe and in third countries, as well as for the authorities, is bureaucracy at its worst." Bertram Kawlath, President, VDMA. "The high level of administrative burden generated by the regulation, both for companies in Europe and in third countries, as well as for the authorities, is bureaucracy at its worst." Bertram Kawlath, President, VDMA. Sept. 8, 2025 - In a letter to the European Commission and German Federal Minister of Agriculture, the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau) (VDMA) warns urgently of the consequences of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The regulation, which is to apply to large companies from the end of 2025 and to smaller companies from mid-2026, requires the complete traceability of products such as wood, rubber, and leather back to their plot of origin. In the VDMA's view, the EUDR must be revised urgently, and its start has to be postponed by at least two years. "It is poorly crafted, as demonstrated not least by the extensive and constantly growing amount of questions and answers published by the Commission. The high level of administrative burden generated by the regulation, both for companies in Europe and in third countries, as well as for the authorities, is bureaucracy at its worst," said VDMA President Bertram Kawlath. According to the VDMA, this massive paperwork could be significantly reduced with a few key changes without limiting the effectiveness of the regulation. "It makes little sense that, in addition to the distributors of relevant raw materials and products, all downstream European value chain participants must also comply with full EUDR declaration and due diligence obligations," Kawlath said. "In its current form, the EUDR is not practical, could lead to supply chain disruptions and serious delivery problems, and thus poses a major threat to the competitiveness of European companies," states the VDMA letter. Although the mechanical engineering industry is not a direct producer of the raw materials concerned, it relies on components manufactured from these raw materials (e.g., seals, tires, or conveyor belts), some of which are also marketed as spare parts. "It makes little sense that, in addition to the distributors of relevant raw materials and products, all downstream European value chain participants must also comply with full EUDR declaration and due diligence obligations," Kawlath emphasized. "The bureaucratic burdens of the regulation are enormous and disproportionate to the intended purpose." In its response to the EU consultation, the VDMA calls, for instance, for a restriction of due diligence obligations to the first distributor, the introduction of de minimis rules for very small quantities, minor deliveries, and negligible raw material content in products, as well as exemptions for test products, operating instructions, and returned goods. The association is convinced that the Deforestation Regulation needs to be fundamentally revised and its application postponed by at least two years. "In its current form, the Deforestation Regulation is a bureaucratic monster. To prevent it from jeopardizing the competitiveness of European companies, it must not be implemented in this form under any circumstances," Kawlath concluded. VDMA is calling on the EU authorities and the German federal government to work towards an economically viable and bureaucracy-free implementation. With 3,600 members, the VDMA is the largest network organization and an important voice for the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry in Germany and Europe. The association represents the common economic, technical and scientific interests of this unique and diverse industry. To learn more, visit: www.vdma.eu. SOURCE: German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) A recent data theft at PayPal caused a huge stir when a hacker was found wanting to sell access data to around 15.8 million accounts onlineincluding user passwords in plain text. This type of data breach can be a nightmare for affected users. This is because criminals can not only steal funds via a compromised PayPal account, but can also gain direct access to bank accounts or credit cards. A few days later, things got even worse for PayPal customers when certain banks stopped payments via the service totaling billions, particularly in Germany. But dont panic: If you react quickly, you can limit the damage. We show you what you should do immediately and how you can best secure your PayPal account in the future. Immediate measures: What you need to do now The first step is to change your PayPal password. Sam Singleton If you suspect that your PayPal account has been hacked, or if you are already seeing unauthorized transactions, then every minute counts. Go through these steps immediately: Change your password Log in to PayPal immediately and assign a new, strong password. To do this, on the top right of the homepage click on the cogwheel icon -> Security -> Password -> Update. Important: If youve also used the same password for your e-mail account or other services, change it there immediately too. Its always best to use a good password manager. Activate two-factor authentication Set up 2FA in the Paypal security settings. The most secure way to log in is via an Authenticator app, not just via SMS. This prevents attackers from gaining access to your account with your password alone. You can also find Two-step verification under the Security options menu as well. Check payments Go through your most recent transactions with PayPal and on the linked bank account or your credit card carefully. The earlier you discover irregularities, the faster you can react. You can find your payment history under Activities. Report unauthorized payments Use Paypals dispute resolution to complain about suspicious debits. PayPal will check the case and refund the money in many cases. Deregister unauthorized devices If you suspect that someone has accessed your PayPal account without authorization, you should end all unauthorized sessions immediately. To do this, go to the security settings of your account: Under Security -> Manage logins you will see a list of all active logins. Check the devices listed and log out anything you dont recognize. Click on Remove to immediately cut off hackers access. Report the incident to PayPal and contact support If you discover unauthorized activity on your PayPal account, you should report the incident immediately. To do this, go to the Activities menu, select the suspicious transaction and then click on Report problem. Follow the steps shownPayPal will check the incident and can refund unauthorized payments. At the same time, its worth contacting PayPal support directly: they can also secure your account or temporarily block it in an emergency. The quicker you react, the better your account is protected and possible losses can be avoided. Inform your bank and credit card provider If money has already been withdrawn, also inform your bank or credit card provider. If necessary, have cards blocked or new access data issued. How do I protect my PayPal account properly? A hacked account is the worst-case scenario, but with a few precautions, you can make it extremely difficult for fraudsters to get their hands on your money. These protective measures are essential for all PayPal users: Create a strong password: Your password is the key to your money. Use a long combination of letters, numbers, and special charactersand use the password exclusively for PayPal. Password managers are a great way to help you to keep track of those complicated passwords. Switch on two-factor authentication: With 2FA, you put a second lock on your account. Its best to use an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator or Authy. The SMS code is better than nothing, but less secure. Recognize phishing: The greatest danger often comes via email or SMS. Remember: PayPal never asks for your password or asks you to log in via a link. Tip: If in doubt, enter the PayPal address into the browser window yourself instead of clicking on links. Only log in on secure devices: Public WLAN or other peoples computers are a gateway for hackers. Only log in on your own devices and always keep them up to date with updates. Activate notifications: Switch on email or push notifications for payments. This will let you know immediately if someone who is not authorized tries to use your account. General tips for Paypal More secure than the browser: With the Paypal app (Android | iOS), users are better protected against phishing. Dall-E/Petter Ahrnstedt In addition to the pure security settings, it is also worth paying attention to a few things during daily use. This not only protects you better from hackers, but also from typical online fraud traps. Use buyer protection: Paypal offers buyer protectionyou should use it. Also, only pay merchants who officially accept PayPal. If something goes wrong (e.g. goods do not arrive or are completely different to what was described), you can get your money back via the dispute resolution center. Only transfer money to trustworthy recipients: Sending money to friends sounds practical, but offers no protection. Only use this option with people you know personallynever with online sellers or strangers. Keep your email address up to date: Security warnings or confirmation links are sent to the address stored with PayPal. Check regularly whether this is still up to dateand also protect your email account with a strong password and 2FA. Use an app instead of a browser: The official PayPal app is often more secure than logging in with a browser. It supports modern security mechanisms, sends push notifications, and makes phishing attacks less likely. Keep an eye on account transactions: A quick look at the app or your online account in between can save you a lot of trouble. You can recognize suspicious activity before it gets expensive. Conclusion A hacked Papal account can feel like having your home broken into. But with the right steps, you can quickly lock the door againand upgrade your digital lock to keep burglars out in the future. Our final tip: Stay vigilant and act immediately if something is wrong. This way, you not only keep your money, but also the safe feeling of having your account under control at all times. By the way: Security on your devices not only protects your data, but also your PayPal account. An up-to-date antivirus program and regular updates make hacker attacks much more difficultfind out more in our guide to the best antivirus software. For over two decades now, at the end of each summer, the Navarrese locations residents go to great pains to faithfully recreate old traditions and trades For more than two decades, at the end of summer, the village of Ochagavia in Spains northern region of Navarre has been turning the calendar back to the early 1900s. Traffic signs, ATMs and storefront signs are hidden under heavy fabrics. The 21st century is only noticeable through the payment terminals at some of the craft stalls, and on the cell phones of the nearly 3,000 people who visit this municipality in the Salazar Valley each year to enjoy Orhipean (in the Basque language, it means beneath Ori, the mountain that guards the village). This festival recreates the forgotten trades and traditions of more than a century ago. Just before the start of September, the approximately 500 local residents plus some of those who moved away but returned in time for this event take part in the festivities. For a weekend, they dress up in the outfits of the era and pretend to turn into washerwomen, spinners, bakers and even a barber-dentist who stands in front of a price list: 10 cents for trimming a mustache and 20 cents for a beard. And if the problem is a badly-rooted tooth, the fussy ones who need anesthesia to pull it out will have to pay one peseta (the Spanish currency before Spain adopted the euro). The brave ones get the service for free. The local resident acting as a barber and dentist at the Orhipean fair. Javier Hernandez The idea of going back in time arose more than two decades ago, when organizers of Orhipean saw the need to turn the festival around. There used to be concerts, but they were too expensive, recalls Jone Villanueva, 68, a local researcher and one of the festival organizers. It wouldnt have been possible to turn the festival into what it is today, she acknowledges, without the villages older residents. The older people understood perfectly what we wanted to do, and they got the town fully involved. They participated as extras and taught the younger ones. No, no, you have to spin like this, and to wash in the river, like this, Villanueva recalls. The young people have grown up and continue to participate in the festival. This is the case of Amaia, 30. At first, I played a role at the school, then at the seamstress, and now at the bakery. The beauty of the festival is that residents of all ages participate in it, Villanueva points out: Even if you dont see everyone people dressed up, many have let us use their homes, their shop spaces, or items that theyd stored away. For example, the doctors office is located in the vestibule of a private house in the village, and the shoemaker displays shoes that once walked the stony sidewalks of Ochagavia several decades ago. Young and old on a bridge in Ochagavia during the Orhipean festival. Javier Hernandez For the occasion, an old barn has even been recreated, where people gathered their livestock in the summer, and many houses in the village leave their main doors open, so visitors can appreciate the typical cobblestone paving that decorate their entrances. Near the town hall, Casa Koleto formerly called Casa Mancho is also open. Its a typical Pyrenees mansion that was rebuilt in the 18th century, after the French burned the village down during the War of the Convention. The town council acquired it in 2021, explains Villanueva, and only the bare minimum was restored. Nothing more was needed because its contents are, he says, spectacular. Its the only one that still preserves troughs made from a single piece of wood, and it is furthermore noteworthy because none other than the Vaticans envoy Ildebrando Antoniutti stayed there once in 1957. In one of its spaces, the old school has been recreated, with separate schedules for boys and girls. On the door hangs a job advertisement for a teacher, with very specific conditions: Do not marry, do not be in the company of men, do not dye your hair, and wear at least two petticoats. The scenery is carefully designed, as are the extras clothing. However, what truly adds realism to the scene is the spontaneity of the people, says Villanueva. The washerwomen kneel in the river to wash the sheets, the bailiff walks through the town sharing the latest announcements, and the thread spinners, especially the older ones, are people who continue spinning because they learned it from their parents. Livestock is also present. At the town hall entrance, a shepherd grabs one of the sheep waiting patiently in a small wooden corral and begins to shear it. He does it as people used to do, with scissors and without tying the sheep. The wool is then piled up in the other corner of the square for the axotado. Almost always, the one who does things best is the one who has really held the trade, says Villanueva, so its the shepherds who shear the animals and simulate the crossing of the cattle along the towns main street. There are also farmers walking their donkeys and feeding the cows and goats that wait patiently in small pens near the river. There is a special event: the mata-txerri, the pig slaughter. An animal is slaughtered in the street, and several neighbors grind the meat, stuff the casings to make chorizo, and cook the different parts. Residents of Ochagavia use long wooden sticks to beat the wool. Javier Hernandez Not all the extras are professionals. Jose Luis pretends to be the local dentist/barber, but, he admits with a smile, hes actually an electrician. Hes been participating in this event since the beginning and assures its worth it, despite the hard work involved. All the equipment comes from different houses in the village, from the hairdresser who was there before, from a dentist who was there before, and its a lot of setup work. Just then, the priest shows up, and the fake barber laughingly promises that he hasnt sliced anyones throat yet. What remains unclear is whether this is the real priest or the actor posing as one: the two have been seen walking separately through the towns streets. The reenactment also extends to the church. There, a local woman prays. She does so wearing a mantilla, a traditional shawl, and in front of her, theres a display of old wax candles that the families of the deceased had to bring to Mass in the old days. There is also space for the angelicas, a now-lost tradition, says Villanueva. They were the first communion girls who, during the month of May, offered flowers to the Virgin Mary. They did this in Ochagavia and at the nearby Muskilda shrine, one Sunday in each place. The years pass, but the celebration continues. The newspaper, which is updated each year, shows 1925, and thanks to it, we know that 29 children were born that year, with names like Jacoba and Primitivo, and that 16 residents died. We also know that three-fifths of those who were born that year were considered fugitives for not having enlisted for military service, but that six others, including Gumersindo and Felipe, were deemed fit. Weddings were also held, of course. Some took place early: Aquilino and Ignacia said I do on February 18, 1925, at 6 a.m. in the Parish of San Juan Evangelista in Ochagavia. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Grok thats just scratching the tip of the iceberg. There are now so many AI chatbot services out there, most of them run by American tech giants, and most of them are monitoring our conversations, collecting our inputs, and possibly even sharing that data with others. Is there an alternative for the small remnant of society that still cares about privacy and personal data? Yes! That alternative is called Proton Lumo, which we first learned about back in July. Proton is a Swiss company thats best known for Proton Mail, the encrypted email service that started back in 2014. Since then, Proton has expanded its portfolio with all kinds of other privacy-focused alternatives to mainstream apps, including Proton VPN, Proton Drive, Proton Calendar, and Proton Wallet. Proton Lumo is the latest addition to the companys arsenal, an AI that runs on servers in Europe and incorporates models from companies such as Mistral and Nvidia. Joel Lee / Foundry Like its competitors, Lumo can answer questions, summarize documents, and generate text. But the difference is that everything you do is private and no one else can access your history. The drawback to Lumo is that its more limited than its competitors, which comes with the no-tracking and privacy-centric territory. It also cant create images or videos. You can try Lumo for free without registering, but you can unlock additional features by logging in. You can also lift the usage limits with a Lumo Plus subscription for $12.99/month. Story by Catherine Muccigrosso and Josh Bergeron, The Charlotte Observer (TNS) The fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee at a South End light rail station in Charlotte is becoming politicized and has drawn national attention including from Republicans after the release of a graphic video. Multiple national news outlets, as well as local TV station WBTV, shared the video or images from the video on Friday that show the moments before and after another light rail passenger stabbed Iryna Zarutska, 23, who was killed last month. The Charlotte Observer chose not to publish the video of Zarutskas killing due to its graphic nature. On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy called out Charlotte city officials, including Mayor Vi Lyles, for bearing responsibility. This monster had a track record longer than a CVS receipt, including prison time for robbery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering, and larceny, Duffy said on X. By failing to properly punish him, Charlotte failed Iryna Zarutska and North Carolinians. Elon Musk, former leader of the Department of Government Efficiency, formed under President Donald Trump, on Saturday reposted three tweets on his social media platform X about the Charlotte killing. Some tweets called out national news outlets that have not covered the Charlotte killing, while other tweets blamed judges and district attorneys for allowing criminals to roam free. American right-wing political commentator Matt Walsh, self-described as a theocratic fascist, shared a photo from WBTVs video on Saturday and said: Our society is held hostage by a tiny minority of violent, anti-social degenerates. Locally, Mecklenburg County Republican Party said it will hold a news conference Wednesday about the incident. Charlottes safety is at stake, the party announced Saturday on Facebook. This could have happened to any one of us, the Mecklenburg County Republican Party said Saturday on Facebook, sharing WBTVs video of the killing. Crime in Charlotte is spiraling out of control, and our current leadership is doing nothing to stop it. The local GOP party has become increasingly focused on the citys homicide and crime rates on social media, just as Trump threatens to deploy the National Guard in Democrat-run cities like New Orleans, New York and San Francisco to fight crime. Last month, Trump took federal control over Washington, D.C. On Saturday, he threatened war with Chicago. Mecklenburg County Republican Party officials did not immediately respond Sunday to requests for comment about Wednesdays press conference. On Saturday, Mayor Vi Lyles said on X, The video of the heartbreaking attack that took Iryna Zarutskas life is now public. I want to thank our media partners and community members who have chosen not to repost or share the footage out of respect for Irynas family. On Sunday, N.C. Rep. Brenden Jones called out Lyles and Charlottes crime rate. Thanking the media for staying quiet about a tragic death shows exactly how Democrats in big cities try to cover up their crime problem, Jones said. Through the first half of the year, overall crime in Charlotte has decreased 8% compared to this same time last year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reported in July. Charlotte experienced a 25% reduction in violent crime, which includes homicides, rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults and shootings. About the fatal stabbing in Charlotte Just before 10 p.m. on Aug. 22, a light rail passenger stabbed Zarutska several times. Officials said she was stabbed in the throat at least one time. Zarutska was found dead on the Lynx Blue Line light rail in Charlotte at 1821 Camden Road, according to police. Decarlos Brown Jr., 34, is charged with first-degree murder of Zarutska, a refugee who came to Charlotte from Ukraine. Brown remains in Mecklenburg County jail after being denied bond Aug. 29. Browns lawyer has filed a motion for an evaluation of his competency to stand trial because of his long history of mental health issues. Brown and Zarutska did not interact in the moments leading up to the fatal attack, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police. Brown has been arrested multiple times since 2011, according to court records. Charges have included felony larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and communicating threats. Almost all charges were dropped, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. Brown has a pending charge from January of misuse of the 911 system, the Observer previously reported. Police conducted a welfare check on Brown, who told them he believed a person gave him a man-made material that controlled when he did things, such as eat, walk and talk. Brown became upset with officers, called 911 to speak with police, and was arrested after hanging up. What does Charlotte train stabbing video show? The statements came after Charlotte TV stations released video footage of the stabbing provided by the Charlotte Area Transit System. A number of state and federal leaders shared an image and video published by WBTV of a man alleged to be Decarlos Brown rearing back with a knife in hand before striking Iryna Zarutska in the neck. The footage released to a number of media outlets, including The Observer, shows raw video of several people sitting in the back of a train for several minutes before Zarutska sits down one row in front of the man alleged to be Brown. The man fidgets, shifts around in his seat and fixates on Zarutska before pulling out a small knife and striking her multiple times around her neck. Zarutska turns to look at Brown before falling onto the floor of the seat in front of her. Brown removes his hooded sweatshirt and walks to another end of the train car as blood drips onto the floor behind him. He leaves the train when it reaches a stop. Then, a crowd of people gather around a motionless Zarutska. 2025 The Charlotte Observer. Visit at charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. West Shore police officers who shot a 23-year-old woman carrying a BB gun last month have been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing, the Cumberland County district attorney announced Monday. Two officers fired seven times at the woman after she pointed the BB gun at them, hitting her in the hip and grazing her in the head, District Attorney Sean McCormack said. She survived her injuries. The incident started with an anonymous 911 call about a woman going crazy and in distress about 6:40 p.m. on Aug. 25 under the Interstate 83 bridge in Lemoyne. McCormack provided new details about the shooting at an 11:30 a.m. news conference Monday: Police found New Cumberland resident Romaine E. Marszalek sitting at the bottom of a concrete embankment under the bridge. As officers approached, she took a couple of steps toward them. They asked her what was going on. She hesitated, then said Yeah when officers told her about the 911 call they received. She bent over and said This is tough, before standing up again. Police say she reached into her waistband, pulled out a gun and said I have a gun. She pointed it toward one officer. They pulled their own guns and ordered her to drop the weapon, McCormack said. As she waved her gun toward second officer, they both fired. She immediately went down. This all happened within 40 seconds, McCormack said. This was a very quick-developing situation that these officers were dealing with, he said. Officers found she had written Do not resuscitate on her chest. When officers read it aloud, she told them, Yeah, this didnt work out how I thought it would. Police later determined she was the one who called 911, McCormack said. The gas-powered BB gun she was holding looked like a real gun, the DA said. It was designed to look like a Colt 1911 handgun. Cumberland County District Attorney Sean McCormack addressed reporters Monday Sept. 8 on his review of a police shooting. Jenna Wise Marzsalek created this situation to lead officers to believe they were in danger of death or serious bodily injury, McCormack said. Thankfully for her sake and for the sake of the officers, she survived. The decision to use deadly force was justified in this incident. The district attorney said this is the fourth police shooting he has reviewed since 2022 involving a suicidal person. I believe we have a crisis here, he said. A mental health crisis that we are dealing with not only in Cumberland County but here in this state. How many more times do we have to have these types of situations where you have someone who is obviously having some mental health issues going on? McCormack called on legislators and law enforcement to work together to find solutions to avoid potentially deadly shootings like this one. He said he doesnt think prison is the best way to deal with these problems. State police handled the investigation because of West Shore Regionals use of force. The district attorneys review looks solely at whether the shooting violated any criminal laws. Now that the DA has closed his case, the police department plans to conduct an internal review to see if the officers actions were within its policies and training. The officers involved have been on administrative leave and getting mental health care, police officials said. They will undergo training to be in the right state of mind when they come back to work. State police charged Marszalek with two counts of aggravated assault. Online court records show she was unable to post $100,000 bail and remains at the Cumberland County Prison, where she has been since the day after the shooting. A preliminary hearing originally scheduled for Sept. 4 has been rescheduled for Sept. 30, before Magisterial District Judge Elizabeth Beckley. FILE - Rick Davies plays the keyboards while singing during the British band Supertramp's concert in Budapest, on Friday evening, June 28, 2002. Davies died on Saturday at 81 after a lengthy battle with cancer. (Noemi Bruzak/MTI via AP)/MTI via AP) AP Rick Davies, one of the co-founders and chief songwriters of the rock band Supertramp, has died. He was 81. Davies died on Saturday after battling multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, for over a decade, the band said in a statement posted to social media. Beyond the stage, Rick was known for his warmth, resilience, and devotion to his wife Sue, with whom he shared over five decades. After facing serious health challenges, which kept him unable to continue touring as Supertramp, he enjoyed performing with his hometown buds as Ricky and the Rockets, the statement read. Ricks music and legacy continue to inspire many and bears testament to the fact that great songs never die, they live on. Born in England in 1944, Davies formed Supertramp in 1969, along with guitarist Richard Palmer, drummer Robert Millar, and vocalist-bassist Roger Hodgson. Although they started as a prog rock band, by the mid-1970s, they became a hit-making machine, with Davies penning such catchy, popular tunes as Goodbye Stranger, Bloody Well Right, and Dreamer. The bands sixth album, Breakfast in America, went quadruple-platinum in 1979 and won two Grammy Awards. Davies continued running the band after Hodgson, who wrote such hit songs as The Logical Song, Take the Long Way Home and Give a Little Bit, split from the group in 1983. The group disbanded in 1987 but reformed in 1997. It had planned a tour in 2015 but was forced to cancel due to Davies cancer diagnosis, Rolling Stone reported. My intention was to play every six months or so, but with my health each concert is a very important effort for me, he said in a 2018 interview. And thats why more than two years have passed between the previous one and this one. Yellowstone alum James Jordan turned to social media to make an exciting announcement. The actor, who has appeared in multiple Taylor Sheridan projects, including the newest show, Landman, recently revealed he and makeup artist Debra Schrey are officially engaged. The Instagram post featured a snapshot of Schrey dazzling fans with her gorgeous ring, while Jordan took the time to thank all the venues that helped curate the moment in the posts caption. She said yes! Were up in Santa Ynez celebrating. Thanks to the folks at Matties Inn in Los Olivos for helping make it a surprise, and the crew @barlecote for making a great dinner. Were so happy! #herestous #weloveyouall #goofball Fans and friends flocked to the comments section. Also offering their well-wishes were Yellowstone co-stars Ian Bohen and Rob Kirkland, as well as other co-stars from Landman and Lioness. The couple were often seen out around Hollywood, as Schrey would accompany Jordan to events. Though its unclear how long the two have been an item, Jordan often posted about the relationship online, making it clear how lucky he was to be her other half. Music superstars Eric Church and Morgan Wallen fishing in Field & Stream apparel. The country music singers are part of a team that has acquired the Field & Stream brand from Dick's Sporting Goods and the media platform from Recurrent. Field & Stream There seems to be a sizeable cross over market between country music fans and folks who appreciate hunting and fishing in the great outdoors, and a pair of country music stars are taking advantage of that. Morgan Wallen and Eric Church came together last year to buy one of the most iconic brands Field and Stream in the outdoors space. (Field and Stream) Born in 1871. Reborn in 2024, Wallen captioned an Instagram video featuring he and Church fishing last year. Theres nothin I love more than being with friends around a campfire, on a boat or in a deer stand and Field & Stream represents all of those to me. Being part of its future is incredible and we want to keep bringing people together outdoors, makin memories, for generations to come MW. Church also shared a fishing video at the time, and wrote, I can remember my grandfather kept a few of his favorite Field & Stream magazines on the dash of his truck. That truck took us on hundreds of outdoor adventures and I all but memorized every story and picture on every page. They were my Bible. It is the honor of my life to make sure that legacy carries on. It is both this responsibility to an American Icon and also to a young boy in his papaws truck that will be the compass that guides our steps. Wallen and Church brought the magazine, which had moved to an all-digital format, back into print, and they have also launched a new brand of clothing that is making headlines because it is available exclusively on Amazon. It features new fishing wear, hats, shirts, shorts and pants, according to a recent Yahoo profile. And, of course with Wallen and Church involved, there is a music element, too. The Field & Steam music festival is slated to take place Oct. 3-5 in Winnsboro, South Carolina. Wallen is not currently featured among the acts, but Church is listed as the headliner for the final night. Now that fall is (unofficially) here, some people might want to know when to turn their mechanical clocks back. (Getty Images) Getty Images September is here (and so, too, is the new school year). Its getting darker outside earlier. And as the temperatures seem to cool (for now, at least), people seem to have fall and winter on the mind. You know what that means PennLives annual reminder of when daylight saving time ends this year. According to TimeAndDate.com, daylight saving time 2025 will draw to a close on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 a.m. Clocks will fall back during this time, meaning people will get an hours more shuteye. The Old Farmers Almanac explains that daylight saving time was first pioneered by an Englishman named William Willet, who believed it could make the best productive use of the suns light while saving on electricity costs. The idea eventually caught steam in World War I, and here we are. Everyone appreciates the long, light evenings, wrote Willet in his manifesto The Waste of Daylight (1907). Everyone laments their shrinkage as the days grow shorter, and nearly everyone has given utterance to a regret that the nearly clear, bright light of an early morning during Spring and Summer months is so seldom seen or used That so many as 210 hours of daylight are, to all intents and purposes, wasted every year is a defect in our civilization. Let England recognize and remedy it. However, theres been a continual push to get rid of the biannual practice due to the possible health effects and dangers it wraughts: USA Today reports how in 2022 what was known as the Sunshine Protection Act a measure that would make daylight saving time permanent was unanimously approved by the Senate only to die in the House. A new iteration of the bill was introduced to the Senate in January. As for Pennsylvania specifically, the PA Senate Republicans website explains how the state Senate approved to end daylight saving time in March. Further action on the bill remains pending as of the publishing of this report. There have always been disagreements about whether we should follow daylight saving time or standard time permanently, said the bills sponsor Sen. Scott Martin (R-13). That has prevented movement on this issue at the federal level. For me, the most important thing is ending the practice of changing the clocks twice a year and all the negative consequences that come with it. For now, clocks will still be falling back on Nov. 2. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will have up to $394 million for daily operations after the transportation secretary on Monday approved diverting capital assistance funds to the agency. TNS The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will have up to $394 million for daily operations after the transportation secretary on Monday approved diverting capital assistance funds to the agency. After a letter from SEPTAs general manager on Friday requesting flexibility to use capital funds for daily operations, Gov. Josh Shapiro directed PennDOT to approve this request which will help cover two years of operating expenses. The move comes amid a two-month budget impasse and weeks of protests and clashes among lawmakers, highlighting a compromise from the states Democrats. Mass transit funding an evergreen budget hot-topic returned to the spotlight this summer when House and Senate lawmakers failed to agree on multiple transit bills. Senate Republicans pointed to a little-known transit trust fund, noting its cash balance has consistently grown to more than $2.4 billion over the past decade. SEPTA and PennDOT have maintained that all money in the Public Transportation Trust Fund was already committed to future projects. While debates dragged on, SEPTA was forced to make massive service cuts, including express trains to a Philadelphia Eagles home opener last Thursday (FanDuel sponsored 10 additional express trains, which helped transport tens of thousands of fans that night). But a Philadelphia judge last week ordered SEPTA to halt all scheduled service cuts after a lawsuit alleged the agency was using the safety and economic well-being of an entire region SEPTAs riders as pawns to obtain funding. Late last month, Shapiro told reporters he would be open to using PTTF money as part of a broader package. Mondays move, however, indicates that the trust fund will remain untouched. In a letter authorizing the funding, Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll called SEPTAs request both predictable and rueful, citing the Senates unwillingness to advance legislative proposals during the past two years to provide additional recurring revenue for transit agencies despite dire warnings from transit agencies, families, and businesses all across the Commonwealth. Senate Appropriations Chair, Scott Martin, R-Lancaster County, said on Friday he acknowledged that more work remains. We still have an urgent need to address safety and accountability to improve the system, he said. SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer on Friday called the diversion of funds a Band-Aid solution. SEPTA recognizes that transferring capital funds to operating -- with no commitment to replace them -- is not a sustainable long-term solution to SEPTAs current budget crisis, he said. SEPTA services will be restored Sept. 14, which will help the agency operate through 2026. The 21.5% fare increase will still take effect for all riders. FILE - Tom Hanks arrives at the 15th Governors Awards Nov. 17, 2024, at The Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP By MICHELLE L. PRICE, The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump celebrated news on Monday that an alumni group from West Point canceled an award ceremony set to honor Tom Hanks, with the president calling the famous actor destructive and WOKE. Hanks was scheduled to receive the 2025 Sylvanus Thayer Award on Sept. 25, but the U.S. Military Academys alumni association canceled the ceremony last week, according to news reports. Important move! Trump said in a post on his social media network Monday. We dont need destructive, WOKE recipients getting our cherished American Awards!!! Hopefully the Academy Awards, and other Fake Award Shows, will review their Standards and Practices in the name of Fairness and Justice. West Point, its alumni association and a representative for Hanks did not immediately respond to messages and calls seeking comment Monday. It comes as Trump has moved to direct the ideology and leadership of higher education institutes and the military in his second term, seeking to assert control with a mix of executive orders and threats of legal action and withholding funds. This summer, the Army secretary directed West Point to review its hiring practices, bar outside groups from choosing employees and remove a newly announced hire who led the nations cybersecurity agency under then-President Joe Biden. Earlier this year, West Point disbanded a dozen cadet clubs centered on ethnicity, gender, race and sexuality in response to the Trump administrations push to eliminate diversity programs throughout government. The school also rehung a painting of Gen. Robert E. Lee dressed in his Confederate uniform in the library as the Trump administration has pushed to restore Confederate names and monuments that have been removed in recent years. The Sylvanus Thayer Award is named for an early superintendent of the military academy who is known as the Father of West Point. It has been given out every year since 1958 to an outstanding citizen of the United States whose service and accomplishments in the national interest exemplify personal devotion to the ideals expressed in West Points motto: Duty, Honor, Country, according to the West Point Association of Graduates. Tom Hanks has done more for the positive portrayal of the American service member, more for the caring of the American veteran, their caregivers and their family, and more for the American space program and all branches of government than many other Americans, association board chairman Robert McDonald said in a June press release about the award. Retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, president and chief executive officer of the association, wrote in an email Friday that the decision to call off the award ceremony allows the Academy to continue its focus on its core mission of preparing cadets to lead, fight, and win as officers in the worlds most lethal force, the United States Army, according to The Washington Post, which was first to report on the cancellation. Last years recipient was former President Barack Obama. Hanks starred in the 1998 war drama Saving Private Ryan and co-produced with Steven Spielberg the World War II HBO miniseries Band of Brothers. Hanks is among Hollywoods most politically active celebrities, donating to support a slew of Democratic politicians and progressive causes. He vocally endorsed Obama, Hillary Clinton and Biden in their presidential bids and signed an open letter endorsing Kamala Harris last year. Hes also gone to work for the Democrats. In 2012, he narrated a short documentary, The Road Weve Traveled, for Obamas reelection campaign. To fete Bidens inauguration in 2021, Hanks hosted a 90-minute prime-time television special, Celebrating America. President Donald Trump speaks at a hearing of the Religious Liberty Commission at the Museum of the Bible, Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP A year later, he narrated a two-minute ad spot from the Biden Inaugural Committee touting the accomplishments of the presidents first term. He also served as a celebrity co-chair for When We All Vote, a nonpartisan civic engagement organization founded by former first lady Michelle Obama to boost voter outreach. And for the better part of the past decade, Hanks has made no secret of his disapproval of Trump and the presidents policies. He called the then-Republican candidate a self-involved gasbag during an on-stage interview in 2016. After Trump took office, Hanks said during an American Civil Liberties Union fundraiser that actions like the attempted travel ban for Muslim-majority countries represented a brand of tragedy. During Bidens inauguration, he spoke of deep divisions and a troubling rancor in our land and warned against attempts to twist the truth by those entrusted with public service during a 2023 Harvard commencement speech. Just this past year, he stoked the ire of Trump supporters after depicting a caricature of one during the 50th anniversary special of Saturday Night Live. Associated Press writers Konstantin Toropin in Washington and Jocelyn Noveck and Mallika Sen in New York contributed to this report. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Amber and Victoria have doubts and Monica has second thoughts on the next episode of Match Me Abroad. Match Me Abroad, season two, episode 13, airs at 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, on TLC. LIVE STREAM: Fans can watch TLC without cable on Fans can watch TLC without cable on Philo , which offers a seven-day free trial; DirecTV, which has a five-day free trial: and SlingTV, which has new, flexible one-day, week and weekend passes. The episode is called Crash and Burn. The synopsis is, After a romantic double date, Amber and Victoria come to doubt their relationships; Sarah wants answers from EJ; Monica has second thoughts. On Match Me Abroad, six single Americans will take a bold step to find love across international boarders. With guidance from expert international matchmakers, they explore new romantic possibilities in Brazil, Ireland, and Singapore, TLC said. The singles are: Harold from New Mexico in Singapore Monica from California in Brazil Victoria from New York in Ireland Sarah from Texas in Singapore Amber from Texas in Ireland Tony from Florida in Brazil The matchmakers are: Katarina in Ireland Dolly in Singapore Luiza in Brazil What is Philo? Philo is a streaming service that offers more than 70 live channels and more than 70,000 titles on demand for $28 a month. Philo has a SEVEN-DAY FREE TRIAL. Channels include AMC, AMC+, A&E, MTV, BET, Discovery, VH1, Food Network, History, Nickelodeon, OWN, TLC, Lifetime, Hallmark, Paramount and TV One. Add-on packages include EPIX, STARZ and Movies and More. Philo offers an unlimited 1-year DRV. What is DirecTV? DirecTV provides access to more than 100 channels, hundreds of on-demand titles, the ability to stream through three devices at once, and unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Channels include ABC, HGTV, Hallmark, Bravo, BET, Discovery, Food Network, AMC, Animal Planet, CMT, Comedy Central, FX, ID, Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and PBS Kids. Subscription package prices start at $86.99 a month. The streaming service offers a FIVE-DAY FREE TRIAL. What is SlingTV? Sling streaming service is $45.99 a month for the Orange (35 channels) or Blue (43 channels) Levels. Orange plus Blue is $60.99 a month. Premium subscribers also can get a month of Showtime, STARZ and EPIX for free. Channels include CMT, Bravo, BET, Comedy Central, A&E, AMC, Animal Planet, Discovery+, Hallmark, History, National Geographic, Lifetime, TLC and USA. SlingTV is offering new day passes (24 hour access) for $4.99; weekend pass (Friday-Sunday) for $9.99 and a week pass (seven days) for $14.99. The News in Brief Tuesday, September 9, 2025 The trial of activist Nino Datashvili has been delayed after prison doctors confirmed her health had deteriorated to the point that she could not attend court.Her lawyer, Tamar Gabodze, said the defense had formally requested a postponement, stressing that Datashvili should be present while her case is being reviewed. "What we warned about from the beginning has now been confirmed," Gabodze told reporters. "Detention has aggravated Nino's health, and the prosecution was obligated to consider this risk before requesting custody. Today it was proven in court that her condition has worsened."According to Gabodze, the presiding judge read a letter signed by the penitentiary's chief doctor stating that Datashvili was unable to take part in the hearing due to her condition. She added that the session was also expected to address whether an expert opinion should be admitted as evidence, but that decision was postponed as well. The defense maintains the opinion was obtained unlawfully.Datashvili was arrested on June 20 following an incident earlier that month and has been charged under Part 3 of Article 353 of Georgia's Criminal Code, which covers assault on a public servant while on duty. The charge carries a penalty ranging from a fine to a prison sentence of four to seven years.Former police officer Irakli Mukhadgverdeli admitted guilt in court on Monday and is now negotiating a plea bargain, according to statements made during the hearing.Mukhadgverdeli has been linked to the case of activist Anastasia Zinovkina, who was arrested on drug charges during protests earlier this year. Zinovkina has accused him of being involved in drug trafficking and of threatening her with sexual violence."He threatened to rape me, grabbed my pants zipper," Zinovkina testified at an August 14 trial session, where she again described the circumstances of her detention and the harassment she says she endured.According to investigators, Mukhadgverdeli fired several shots from a moving vehicle in Tbilisi on May 24, discharging his weapon into the oncoming lane. He was arrested the following day and charged with hooliganism under Part 3 of Article 239 of the Criminal Code. The statute covers violent or firearm-related acts that show contempt for public order and carries a prison term of four to seven years.Although the court initially ordered his detention, he was released on bail on June 30 after the defense petitioned to change the preventive measure. At today's hearing, it was also revealed that Mukhadgverdeli is seeking a non-custodial sentence as part of his plea arrangement.After his case became public on August 18, the Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that Mukhadgverdeli no longer works for the agency and was dismissed following the incident. Kehinde asks, in a low, cautious voice, if he can shake hands. He has just left cell 403, in block 13 of the prison where he is being held, somewhere in Kyiv province that will remain anonymous for security reasons. The light is dim in the corridor, but it gains intensity along the labyrinth that leads to the room where he is being held. The smell is strong. A soldier, stripped of his weapon, safely stored at the entrance to the facility, tells him yes, he can shake hands. He smiles. His full name is Oluwagbemileke Kehinde, and he was born 29 years ago in the Nigerian town of Ewekoro. Educated and with professional experience, he was captured last July in southern Ukraine, heading toward Zaporizhzhia, by a unit of Russian soldiers rebelling against Vladimir Putins government. His life had taken a near-fatal turn in just over four years. Im lucky to be alive, he admits. But now I dont know what to expect. Kehinde isnt the only foreigner in the prison. Door by door, the guards open the small windows which serve as peepholes into the cell. On the other side of the bars, a room with two rows of bunk beds is located. Some inmates lie down, others sit or loiter by the gate. Its easy to see, from their features, that some are foreigners, many of them members of the thousands of war mercenaries Ukrainian intelligence services dont provide figures on how many they have captured that Moscow has hired to bolster its major offensive in Ukraine. The payment: a Russian passport and a salary of around 2,000 ($2,350) a month. As Kehinde, of medium height and wiry build, prepares to leave his cell, an inmate of Egyptian origin in another cell peers out the window. He doesnt want to talk. In the next cell down the same corridor, Hassan, also Egyptian, has fewer qualms but prefers to keep his last name private. He acknowledges the greeting in Arabic, although the conversation continues in Russian. He bends and tilts his neck to be seen through the bars. He is 28 years old and has six siblings. He traveled to Russia to earn money. I had experience with weapons, I had worked as a guard, Hassan says. So he signed a contract with the Russian army a year ago in exchange for a passport. With this document, he could be part of a prisoner exchange and return to Russia. I dont want to go back to Egypt, Hassan says, I could get 10 years in prison there. As a habit of incarceration, he asks for cigarettes, but has little luck. Chinese and North Korean fighters captured by the Ukrainian army in recent months are temporarily held in this same prison. The Freedom of Russia Legion Russian opposition fighters fighting in defense of Ukraine and the unit who captured Kehinde lists other nationalities among the imprisoned mercenaries: Cubans, Tajiks, Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, Belarusians, and one Italian. According to Ukrainian intelligence services, in addition to Nigeria, the African platoon on Moscows payroll includes soldiers from Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal, Togo, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, and Zimbabwe. For most of these foreigners in prison, the best option is to participate in one of the prisoner exchanges the Russian and Ukrainian authorities have exchanged more than 10,000 soldiers from each side since February 2022. Since they have Russian passports in their pockets, their countries of origin arent very interested in their future. Kehinde is terrified of speaking. He refuses an on-camera interview with local reporters; he will only speak with this newspaper. His fear isnt about the treatment in prison, which he admits is fair, but that he might say something inappropriate that could hinder a possible exchange. He believes someone from his embassy might visit him and make inquiries, something that hasnt happened yet. He has scars all over his body above his lip, next to the nape of his neck, on his right arm that look like burns. Shrapnel from the Russian bombings that nearly ended his life the day he was captured. He repeats over and over that he doesnt know what to expect now that hes a prisoner of war. Im not in my best mental condition, he admits. But in the heat of the conversation, he calms down and opens some doors to his story. I graduated in my hometown and worked for a while, Kehinde says. He tweaks his shaved hair and nervously rocks back and forth in his chair. He struggles to get into his personal life, but if you follow his digital trail, its there, online, public. Seeing a photo of his mother on a cell phone, he laughs and changes his expression. It was she who asked what the hell he was going to do in Russia when he decided to leave four years ago. I wanted a better life, he replied. He talks about her because shes the one he had the closest relationship with. My plan was to finish my studies in Russia and either leave or stay, Kehinde continues. He traveled and began a masters degree at the Moscow Higher School of Economics in the same subject he had experience in: urban planning. Nigerian mercenary Oluwagbemileke Kehinde receives medical assistance after being captured by Ukrainian forces in the Zaporizhzhia region of southern Ukraine in early July. This young Nigerians journey is not unique. The pattern is repeated often: young and not-so-young foreigners who travel to Russia to study or work and faced with financial difficulties or when their papers are expiring are tempted to join the army. Many of these recruits, especially men of African nationality, make the leap to the trenches from prison. That is the case with Kehinde. He doesnt want to go into details, but according to information from the Freedom of Russia Legion, he was arrested for a drug-related problem. I spent two and a half years in prison, he says, and it was there that I learned Russian by watching television, reading the newspapers, and talking to other inmates. His course was in English. Although Kehindes journey to war sounds dramatic and unfortunate, he maintains a disbelieving and, at times, cynical narrative. He is very intelligent, using English terms frequently used by war analysts, such as war of attrition, to refer to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine following the Russian invasion. He is reluctant to please the uniformed officers who have him behind bars and are present during the interview; he is critical of Ukraine and the West. Everything could stop if they would sit at the table, he says. I wanted to be free, and I agreed to join the army, Kehinde continues in his account. He was offered freedom in exchange for fighting. At first, he worked as an interpreter for other foreigners, as English is one of his native languages and he was fluent in Russian. When I heard there were North Koreans, I knew I was onto something bigger than I thought, he adds. The explanation for how he ended up wielding a rifle, heading into combat, like so many others among the mercenaries, is simple: Its war and its an army, he recounts, and if the commander tells you to pick up a weapon, you do it or youll probably end up shot. At this point in the conversation, caution has eased. Kehinde is somewhat more critical of those for whom he fought; he lets himself be carried away by the story he tells, recounting how the day he was ambushed by Ukrainian troops, communications failed. If my colleagues had done their job, they wouldnt have caught me and we would have completed the mission. However, he doesnt deny the country that brought him to the front lines. Russia has been a good country for me, he asserts with conviction, and if they hadnt put me in prison, I wouldnt have ended up in the war. He would like to return there. Next to the cells, an officer places a cart carrying two large tin buckets filled with stew and rice, along with a pot of vegetables and sliced bread. Its lunchtime. Kehinde walks back slowly to his cell, hands behind his back, freely and uncuffed, as if he were taking a stroll. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Online Poker Legend Explains How He Dealt with $800K Downswing Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S. Copy link Rayan "Beriuzy" Chamas, one of the top online poker grinders ever, returned out of nowhere to the poker content streets with an update two years in the making following an $800,000 downswing. The Lebanese crusher left his YouTube audience with a temporary goodbye in November 2023. He ended the video explaining to his followers that he resigned from his role as a GGPoker ambassador and would be taking a step away from creating poker content, including Twitch streaming, to focus on other things, mostly exploring the world. Beriuzy didn't give any sort of timeline for his return to content. But he finally ended his hiatus last week in a big way. Where Has Online Poker Star Been? Rayan \"Beriuzy\" Chamas Chamas began the hour-long return video by rehashing the largest downswing of his 17-year poker career $800,000 within a year. He referred to the bad run as "dark times," and said his team spent 150 hours over the past two years putting together his most recent YouTube video. "I paid a lot to make this happen and I really have nothing to gain. I just hope it helps someone out there. I did this because I'm really passionate about giving back to the poker community because it has benefited me so much in my life by playing this game," Chamas said of his recent video. Chamas went on to tell his poker story, which began with playing online poker while he worked at Subway. He then addressed the downswing, admitting he was struggling to "see the light" at the end of the tunnel. "Mentally completely destroyed, because it seems that everything is going to go against me no matter what it is," Beriuzy admits. The downswing wasn't just affecting his poker game. It was carrying over to other facets of his life. He began to focus on the solution to his problem, which involved traveling with his wife to get away from poker and see the world. Beriuzy returned to the felt in November 2023 amid a high seven-figure downswing. But he would instead play some live poker in Florida. More specifically, the $3,500 buy-in World Poker Tour (WPT) Seminole Rock N' Roll Poker Open. The resident of Canada found great success in the U.S. by reaching the final table in the 1,447-player tournament. Chamas would agree to a heads-up chop with the eventual champ Istvan Briski, and take home $600,000. He had sold 50% of his action to frends. But the $300,000 profit eliminated nearly 40% of the downswing. He'd go on to reach another WPT final table in May 2024 at Playground in Montreal, where he lives. The run ended in fourth place out of 882 players for $113,770, lowering his deficit at the time to around $300,000. Beriuzy, by early 2025, had won it all back. The lengthy journey across the world did wonders for his mental health. He offers some advice to those who are on a downswing or struggling to succeed as a poker player. "I would really advise trying to focus on everything else in your life outside of poker when you have the time for it," Chamas advises. "If you don't have the time for it, you make the time for it." You can watch the full video below and find out more about Beriuzy's journey out of a downswing. Share this article [Removed:546] limped in from the button and Punnat Punsri checked his option to the A74 flop on which Punsri checked, [Removed:547] bet 3,000,000 and Punsri called. The 5 followed on the turn and Punsri checked once more. [Removed:547] now bet 10,500,000 and the Thai pushed all-in for 43,200,000. [Removed:547] asked for a count and called after brief consideration. Punnat Punsri: J6 [Removed:546]: 87 Both players were on their feet, Punsri right at the table while [Removed:547] walked back to his German rail. The river was the Q and [Removed:547] was embraced by his rail before he shook hands with Punsri. According to the deal prior to the start of the heads-up duel, Punsri earned the larger cash prize of $1,205,775 while [Removed:547] became the first-ever Triton ONE Main Event champion with a payday of $975,225. A recap of today's action is to follow. Nine out of 10 Nicaraguans questioned by the organization Hagamos Democracia say that they feel watched by the Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo regime, through a network of police, paramilitaries and political structures that act in coordination with Army Intelligence and the Ministry of the Interior. The survey reveals the magnitude of social control that is already part of daily life in Nicaragua. Or, in the words of the Sandinista co-president himself, 92.25% of the population lives under revolutionary surveillance. Carried out independently by the organization that operates in exile, the study was published a month and a half after Ortega issued an order to redouble revolutionary surveillance to capture and prosecute the traitors, during the 46th anniversary of the Sandinista revolution. We have always to continue with our tasks: study, preparation, work in different activities without neglecting revolutionary surveillance... leaving no room for terrorists, conspirators, traitors, because they will know that as soon as they are discovered, they will be captured and prosecuted, Ortega said, claiming that the surveillance was in defense of peace. The main operators behind the surveillance are the Sandinista Leadership Committees (CLS), identified by more than half of those consulted (52.56%). Next are the National Police (30.19%) and paramilitary groups (16.98%). To a lesser extent, workers from public institutions, the Volunteer Police (i.e., paramilitaries), political secretaries, and even co-workers get a mention. In the neighborhoods, the Sandinista Front has people in charge of passing information about what is happening in each house, says Jesus Tefel, president of Hagamos Democracia whose nationality was annulled by the regime. The National Police and the CLS work hand in hand: the CLS collects the information, transfers it to the Police and the Police are the ones who exercise repression who ultimately take people away, imprison them, interrogate them, put them under house arrest... all measures to maintain this social control. They even plant patrol cars in front of houses simply as a means of intimidation. The Hagamos Democracia survey was carried out July 18 to 23, 2025, at which time the regime had launched a witch hunt in various regions. Thirty three people were arrested. Two of those detained have been handed over dead to their families in less than seven days. The study reveals that Nicaraguans believe the apparatus of state control is sustained not only by the armed forces and police, but also by their neighbors and co-workers, generating constant surveillance and repression. Even officials and supporters of the government itself are terrified of the purge that co-president Rosario Murillo is carrying out against renowned Sandinistas, such as Commander Bayardo Arce, who are critical of her. The survey states that this climate of permanent surveillance not only erodes the privacy and freedom of citizens but also contributes to the deterioration of public security. The distrust between neighbors, the normalization of turning people in as a tool of control and the constant presence of parapolice in local neighborhoods have generated a climate of fear that facilitates impunity and violence. Instead of protecting the population, the state apparatus has less capacity to address the real problems of common criminality. A finely-tuned approach During the first quarter of 2025, the Ortega-Murillo regime swore in a legion of 76,800 hooded paramilitaries, increasing neighborhood surveillance. Since the 2018 protests, the Sandinista administration has been perfecting its method of political surveillance, in coordination with the police, Army Intelligence and the Ministry of the Interior, managed by Luis Canas. Since August 2023, the Ortega and Murillo regime began to deploy a new model of surveillance in the neighborhoods, masquerading as citizen and human security meetings organized by the police. The dynamic turned what seemed like a community meeting into a mechanism of social control, reinforced by the massive presence of police officers. The aim of these meetings was not to listen to the concerns of the neighborhood, but to establish a permanent point of contact between the police and the regimes party structures. That means that people feel under constant pressure, Tefel tells EL PAIS. This contributes to the feeling of insecurity and the lack of freedom. There are already many rights that are not guaranteed in Nicaragua and not being able to complain or talk, not being able to express opinions openly for fear of being betrayed, exacerbates the feeling of repression in people. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Growth & Development Reporter Caleb Bozard covers business, growth and development for The Post and Courier Columbia. He has previously written for The State and the Times and Democrat. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023. After Bethune official is suspended on child sexual abuse charges, what happens to his council seat? Regional Editor Brandon Roberts is the managing editor of Summerville Communications Inc., which prints The Summerville Journal Scene and The Berkeley Independent. Deirdre Weaver-Currin covers Florence and the Pee Dee for The Post and Courier Pee Dee. She previously worked at The Sumter Item. Brown eyes, black hair, standing at 62. Nicolas Maduros face appears in the foreground beneath eight large red numbers. This is the sum of money U.S. authorities are willing to pay for information leading to his arrest: $50 million (almost 43 million). However, the reward poster, published in early August, does not mention a single line about Maduros political career. He is not described as a dictator or as the architect of fraud in last years Venezuelan presidential elections, two recurring claims in Washingtons repertoire. Instead, Maduro is wanted for allegedy beingaccording to the White House the leader of the Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns), a narco-terrorism network that presumably reaches all the way to the very top of the Chavista regime and connects it with the most powerful criminal forces in Mexico and Colombia. If youre looking for a mobster, look elsewhere, the Venezuelan leader responded in an explosive press conference last Monday. At the same time, he said he was ready to declare his country in armed struggle if it suffered any aggression. A day later, the Donald Trump administration announced a lethal attack against an alleged drug boat from Venezuela in Caribbean waters. Eleven people died in the operation. The Maduro government asserted the video was very likely created using artificial intelligence. All in all, this is the most serious incident in the recent escalation of tension between both countries. The pursuit of the so-called Cartel of the Suns has been at the heart of the latest clash between the two countries, but its not a new phenomenon. The name dates back to 1993, when the links of two Venezuelan National Guard generals to drug trafficking came to light. The suns are a reference to the insignia worn by military personnel on their uniforms. Three decades later, that term has expanded to encompass Chavismos alleged ties to organized crime. Washington has recently been using it almost interchangeably with the Tren de Aragua, despite being a distinct organization. The Cartel of the Suns is a Venezuelan drug trafficking organization comprised of the highest-ranking military and officials, reads one of the legal cases opened by the White House. It was initially led by Chavez, claim U.S. authorities, adding that after his death in 2013, Maduro assumed the presidency and headed the organizations massive cocaine trafficking operations. Just below him, the U.S. alleges, are other notable Venezuelan officials: Diosdado Cabello, the regimes second-in-command; Vladimir Padrino, Minister of Defense; former Vice President Tareck El Aissami; and Maikel Moreno, Supreme Court Justice. A chart created by U.S. authorities naming 14 high-ranking Venezuelan officials accused in 2020 of belonging to the Cartel of the Suns. Departamento de Justicia de EE UU Its an atypical cartel: a criminal structure within the Venezuelan state, an informal corruption network that doesnt answer to a single leader, says Mercedes de Freitas, executive director of the NGO Transparency International for Venezuela. This diffuse nature, contrary to the rigid hierarchy attributed to the more well-known cartels, has been the subject of debate among experts and politicians. Phil Gunson, Crisis Groups senior analyst in Venezuela, doubts that it is truly a cartel as such: There has never been clear evidence that such an organization exists. He is not the only skeptic: The Cartel of the Suns does not exist; it is the far-rights fictitious excuse to overthrow governments that do not obey them, declared Colombian President Gustavo Petro last week. What there is, however, is abundant evidence of the links between several Armed Forces commanders and drug trafficking; they are two different things, Gunson clarifies. Much of the criminal universe that exists in Venezuela is a result of the countrys peculiarities, such as the U.S.-imposed blockade, crises due to economic mismanagement, and a surge in corrupt pacts to buy loyalties, experts point out. There are human trafficking syndicates that capitalize on the mass exodus of Venezuelans or the smuggling of gasoline, oil, precious metals, and other minerals. These alliances with drug gangs and militias are widely documented, especially in the border area with Colombia. The operation of criminal groups in Venezuela is not alien to the state, Freitas asserts. The distribution of these clandestine profits, he maintains, is key to the regimes political survival. Maduro is part of the nodes that run these networks, he earns a lot of money, and compensates for his lack of legitimacy by maintaining this structure, he adds. Gunson emphasizes that the role of the government, often seen as a regulator of criminal dynamics, has evolved: Since Chavez came to power [in 1999], corruption has been used as a control mechanism: you know that this general or minister is involved in drug trafficking or the looting of public resources, and you have control over him. Cocaine trafficking routes attributed to the Cartel of the Suns by the White House. Departamento de Justicia de EE UU The U.S. went a step further. In 2020, at the end of Trumps first term, the White House filed a case against Maduro and 14 other Chavista leaders for narcoterrorism, corruption, and drug trafficking. It had gathered evidence for 20 years. Washington accuses the Venezuelan leadership of trafficking arms for the Colombia guerrila group FARC and its dissidents, orchestrating massive drug shipments with Mexicos Sinaloa cartel, collecting million-dollar bribes from criminals, selling previously seized stashes to its allies, and ordering the kidnappings and murders of rival bosses and informants. During their meeting at the headquarters of the Military Intelligence Directorate (DIM), after the witness had been tortured and beaten for more than 20 days, the accused approached him and said: Youre going to die here, youre screwed, now go tell the gringos to get you out of here, reads the file against Hugo "El Pollo" Carvajal , former head of the DIM, last apprehended in Madrid in 2021 and extradited to the U.S. in 2023. The documents describe the use of the presidential hangar at Maiquetia Airport (the most important in the country, in Caracas) to prepare cocaine shipments, deliver documentation and official uniforms to the bosses, or negotiate prices for weapons and drugs under the command of General Carvajal, for whom the U.S. offered $10 million. The trial of El Pollo, the highest-profile member of the Cartel of the Suns in U.S. custody, was scheduled to take place this year. But three weeks after prosecutors revealed that around a dozen witnesses and collaborators former officials, former military personnel, guerrillas, and drug traffickers were willing to take the stand in exchange for reduced sentences, Carvajal pleaded guilty to avoid the dock. In 2024, Cliver Alcala, another general accused of belonging to the cartel, received a sentence of nearly 22 years in prison after signing a plea agreement and admitting to supplying bazookas and grenades to FARC dissident groups. The list of high-ranking officials and members of the Chavista secret circle who have paraded through the halls of the U.S. justice system over the last decade, either as detainees or as witnesses, is endless. And it has influenced the construction of the cases opened against the Maduro government. In 2014, for example, Leamsy Salazar, Chavezs former security chief, fled to the U.S. under the protection of the DEA and declared that Cabello was one of the leaders of the Soles, long before Trump even entered politics. Its a legal strategy similar to the one used in the U.S. against Mexican cartels: seeking the collaboration of lower-ranking bosses to catch bigger fish. It doesnt mean that what these witnesses are saying is false, but often they are people seeking the approval of the authorities to reduce their own sentences, Gunson points out. Its also a way to tighten the siege on the Venezuelan regime and encourage whistleblowing. Images of the attack on a ship from Venezuela, released by the Trump administration last Tuesday. Trumps return marked a renewed push for tougher measures against Maduro. Gunson, however, believes the naval deployment in the Caribbean and the campaign against the Cartel of the Suns have served to strengthen the Venezuelan leader internally and claim that he faces an unprecedented threat in order to counter his lack of popularity. A quarter of the worlds cocaine But former Democratic president Joe Bidens negotiating approach failed to resolve the crisis: Chavismo has perpetuated its hold on power and maintains control of the country. It also controls the underground economies. Transparency International estimates that, under the protection of that countrys government, drug trafficking generated profits of $8.2 billion in 2024, and that almost a quarter of the worlds cocaine passes through Venezuela. The Maduro regime, on the other hand, maintains that drugs are neither produced nor trafficked in the country. The backdrop is the so-called war on drugs, but the confrontation has marked political overtones. From underground, the opposition led by Maria Corinna Machado has tried to capitalize on the tensions, and Chavismo has already threatened to retaliate. If they pressure us, well pressure them, Cabello said on Wednesday. The clash has also triggered a chain reaction across the continent. In the last month, at least four countries with conservative governments have declared the Cartel of the Suns a terrorist organization, in a nod to the Trump administration: Ecuador, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, and Javier Mileis Argentina, one of its main partners in Latin America. In Spain, the ultra-conservative Vox party filed proposals in Congress and the Senate to include the cartel on the EUs list of terrorist groups. Weve seen right-wing politicians stir up the specter of Venezuela many times to gain traction, Gunson says. But Petro has also fallen into Trumps trap by aligning himself with Maduro: I dont think its a very smart way to score points. Recent tensions, he says, also highlight the failure of multilateral bodies and the lack of unity in proposing solutions to the regions hotbeds of conflict. Aside from the political game, the risk of escalation is not entirely ruled out. In Venezuela, this overheated rhetoric is the order of the day, but we must recognize that the situation is extremely tense, Gunson concludes from Caracas. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-08 06:25:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1021 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / Amazfit , a leading global smart wearable brand byZepp Health(NYSE: ZEPP), announced the global launch of Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro, which is designed for trail runners, endurance athletes, and outdoor adventurers. The newest member of the T-Rex 3 family, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro builds on its predecessor with upgraded materials, enhanced mapping, flashlight, built-in speaker and mic, a sapphire glass screen and more.First showcased under embargo during the UTMB race week in Chamonix in August, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro proved instrumental for elite ultra runners and Amazfit ambassadors Rod Farvard, Ruth Croft and Rosa Lara Feliu, helping them optimise race day performance, track recovery, and receive real-time course feedback.Amazfit T-Rex 3 ProKEY FEATURESAmazfit T-Rex 3 Pro is designed for the extremes, featuring a scratch-resistant sapphire glass screen and a bezel and buttons made from Grade 5 titanium alloy - a material harder than stainless steel and more durable than standard titanium. Available in two case sizes: 48 mm and 44 mm, both are engineered for durability in any environment. The watch can operate in temperatures as low as -30C, making it reliable even in the harshest cold-weather conditions. Equipped with a dual-colour LED flashlight, the watch provides visibility in low-light conditions - including a boost mode for added brightness, red light for low-interference visibility, SOS flash, and safety alerts.Ammar SalehanAmmar Salehan, Adventure Content Creator / Certified Mountain Guide said, "The flashlight is amazing. Very suitable and useful for tracking at night. There are 4 modes, the brightest one can be an emergency light if there is no other light. The red-light mode is perfect for use when in a tent. Looking for small items, great! The offline GPS maps are faster and more accurate. Different from other Amazfit watches, the GPS is really fast and accurate. No need to wait long to open offline maps." Adventure-Ready Display & CommunicationThe vibrant AMOLED display comes in two sizes - 1.5 (48 mm case) and 1.32 (44 mm case) - and delivers up to 3000 nits of peak brightness for optimal visibility even in harsh sunlight. A built-in speaker and microphone enable Bluetooth calling and hands-free communication via Zepp Flow, for connection without pulling out a phone.Navigate with ConfidenceDual-band GPS and support for six satellite systems ensure precise location tracking even in challenging terrain. Offline maps feature turn-by-turn directions, smart rerouting, route creation, and points of interest search. Ski maps provide resort data, slope colour codes, and lift locations.Afendi OthmanAfendi Othman, Tech Digital Content Creator / Runner said, "What I like about the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro is the rugged watch design with a sapphire screen, perfect for trail running and challenging activities. The flashlight function is also very practical, especially when faced with emergencies during trail running events. Offline maps are now more detailed, complete with route info and POIs, which is very helpful when exploring. In addition, the Zepp application now adds a route planning function that is very useful for me as a trail runner." Afendi further added, "Although specially built for rugged and multi-sport activities, this watch is a smart watch with features such as a microphone and speaker. It can be used to receive calls without having to take the phone out of the bag while active. In conclusion, I can say that this watch is quite good for a trail runner and outdoor enthusiast." Train, Compete, and Recover SmarterOver 180 sport modes include trail running, recreational scuba diving, strength training with auto rep detection, and official HYROX training and race modes. The exclusive BioCharge energy monitoring system provides a dynamic score based on workouts, recovery, and stress - helping users optimise performance day after day. With up to 25 days of battery life on the 48 mm model and 17 days on the 44 mm, the T-Rex 3 Pro is built to go the distance.Part of the Amazfit EcosystemAmazfit T-Rex 3 Pro integrates seamlessly with performance tools like Helio Strap and Helio Ring, connecting to the Zepp App where users can view all their health, fitness, and sleep data in one place - subscription-free and compatible with both Android and iOS with new 3rd party integrations coming soon."With the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro, we've taken our most capable outdoor watch and pushed it even further," said Wayne Huang, CEO of Zepp Health. "Moreover, users also gain entry into the broader Amazfit ecosystem, where advanced training tools - such as the Amazfit Helio Strap with industry-leading PPG accuracy - complement the watch to create a complete system that helps athletes train, recover, and evolve." Pricing and AvailabilityThe Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro will be available starting with pre-orders on 8 September 2025, for RM1,799.00 on official website and retail partners likeShopeeandLazada . As a launch special, it will be offered at RM1,749.00 and come with a complimentary free gift. Prices and availability vary by region.For more information, please visit www.amazfit.com.my and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Passionate runners are invited to join Team Amazfit Malaysia, an ambassador programme that offers exclusive opportunities and sponsorship, including Amazfit smartwatches. Sign up now at https://amazfit.com.my/join-us-now/ ###About AmazfitAmazfit, a leading global smart wearable brand focused on health and fitness, is part of Zepp Health (NYSE: ZEPP), a health technology company with its principal office based in Gorinchem, the Netherlands. Zepp Health operates as a distributed organisation, with team members and offices across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and other global markets.Offering a wide selection of smartwatches and bands, Amazfit's brand tagline, "Discover Amazing," encourages individuals to break barriers, exceed expectations, and find joy in every moment. Amazfit is powered by Zepp Health's proprietary health management platform, which delivers cloud-based, 24/7 actionable insights and guidance to help users achieve their wellness goals.Known for outstanding craftsmanship, Amazfit smartwatches have won numerous design awards, including the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award. Launched in 2015, Amazfit is embraced by millions of users, with products available in over 90 countries across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. For more information, visit www.amazfit.com For media information, kindly contact:Trive PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-08 09:01:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1015 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 /Apex Critical Metals Corp. (CSE:APXC)(OTCQX:APXCF)(FWB:KL9)("Apex" or the "Company"), a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the identification and development of critical and strategic metals, is pleased to announce the establishment of its Technical Advisory Board (TAB) and welcomes the appointment of its inaugural member Alex Knox, P.Geo.The technical advisory board will provide strategic guidance and technical expertise to support the advancement of the Company's growing portfolio of high-potential projects.Alex Knox, P.Geo., is a Calgary, Alberta-based geologist with over five decades of experience in mineral exploration. He brings unparalleled expertise regarding rare earth elements (REE), niobium, and other critical metals. His distinguished career includes key roles at major organizations such as Unocal Canada Ltd. and Molycorp, where he contributed to significant discoveries and developments in industrial minerals, uranium, and base metals. As an independent consultant through AWK Geological Consulting Ltd., Mr. Knox has been instrumental in advancing REE projects across Canada, the United States, and South America, with a particular focus on carbonatite-hosted systems known for their potential in hosting economically viable REE and niobium deposits."Alex's appointment marks an important milestone for Apex as we build a world-class advisory team to drive our exploration and development efforts, "says Sean Charland, CEO of Apex. "His knowledge of REE exploration, combined with his proven track record in evaluating complex geological settings, will be invaluable as we assess our growing portfolio of carbonatite-hosted REE and niobium projects in North America." Given Mr. Knox's specialized background in REE exploration encompassing field programs, mineralogical assessments, and resource evaluation, he will play a pivotal role in the technical evaluation and strategic planning for Apex's carbonatite-hosted projects.Stock Option GrantApex is also pleased to announce that it has granted (the "Grant") an aggregate of 1,760,000 incentive stock options (each, an "Option") to purchase up to 1,760,000 common shares of the Company (each, a "Share") to certain directors, officers and consultants under its Equity Incentive Plan. The Options are exercisable for a period of 5 years from the date of Grant, expiring on September 8, 2030, at a price of $1.97 per Share. The Options will vest as to 33% on the date that is four (4) months from the Grant, 33% on the date that is eight (8) months from the date of the Grant and the final 34% on the date that is twelve (12) months from the date of the Grant. All Options and the Shares underlying such Options are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance.Additionally, the Company announces that is has granted an aggregate of 1,660,000 restricted share units (each, a "RSU") which will vest on the date that is four (4) months from the date of grant, provided that the holder may, upon written notice to the Company on or before the vesting date, elect to defer vesting of certain of the RSUs such that the RSUs shall vest as to one quarter (1/4) every four (4) months with the initial vesting date being the date that is four (4) months from the date of grant. Each RSU represents the right to receive, once vested, one common share in the capital of the Company.About Apex Critical Metals Corp. (CSE: APXC) (OTCQX: APXCF) (FWB: KL9)Apex Critical Metals Corp. is a Canadian exploration company specializing in the acquisition and development of properties prospective for carbonatites and alkaline rocks with potential to host economic concentrations of rare earth elements (REE's), niobium, gold and copper mineralization. Apex's Cap Property located 85 kilometres northeast of Prince George, B.C., spans 25 square kilometres and hosts a recently identified promising 1.8-kilometre niobium in soil trend. The Company's Bianco carbonatite Project encompasses 3,735 hectares covering a large carbonatite complex within an area known for significant niobium mineralization in northwestern Ontario. The Lac Le Moyne Project covers approximately 4,025 ha and is situated several kilometers to the northwest of Commerce Resources Corp.'s Eldor Carbonatite Complex located in Quebec, Canada.Carbonatites are extremely rare rock types, with around 600 known worldwide. They are host to rare earth element ("REE") minerals, niobium, tantalum and phosphate, as well as copper and gold. Carbonatites are host to the world's largest and most productive niobium deposits, including Araxa and Catalao in Brazil, and Niobec in Quebec. In addition, they are the primary source of REEs, including Mountain Pass in California, Mount Weld in Australia, and Bayan Obo in China. They are also important sources of phosphate (apatite), including Cargill, Ontario, while the Palabora mine in South Africa has produced copper, nickel, gold, magnetite, and vermiculite. Other carbonatites are known to have produced gold, iron, zirconium, fluorite, and other industrial minerals.By acquiring a multitude of carbonatite projects, Apex intends to investigate potential high-value opportunities to meet the growing global demand of specialty metals across various industries. Apex is publicly listed in Canada on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the symbol APXC and quoted on the OTCQX market in the United States under the symbol APXCF, and in Germany on the Borse Frankfurt under the symbol KL9 and/or WKN: A40CCQ. Find out more at www.apexcriticalmetals.com and to sign up for free news alerts please go to https://apexcriticalmetals.com/news/news-alerts/ , or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook or LinkedIn.On Behalf of the Board of DirectorsAPEX CRITICAL METALS CORP.,Sean CharlandChief Executive OfficerTel: 604.681.1568Email: info@ apexcriticalmetals.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:This news release may contain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the vesting of the Options and RSUs and the Company's intention to further investigate high-value oppo PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-08 14:30:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 953 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / On September 5, 2025, Pineapple Financial Inc. (NYSE:PAPL) (the "Company" or "Pineapple"), a leading fintech platform, announced the closing of a private placement for the purchase and sale of an aggregate of 24,642,700 subscription receipts, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $100,000,000. Pineapple intends to deploy the net proceeds to launch the first digital asset treasury strategy anchored in INJ, the native asset of Injective. With this closing, Pineapple becomes the first and only publicly traded INJ holder worldwide and an early mover in the convergence of fintech and blockchain based finance. Pursuant to the terms of the securities purchase agreement, the Company issued 7,815,777 subscription receipts at a purchase price of $3.80 per subscription receipt and 16,826,923 subscription receipts at a purchase price of $4.16 per subscription receipt, pursuant to different terms agreed with certain purchasers. The combined issuance represents a weighted average purchase price of approximately $4.04 per subscription receipt.The offer and sale of the foregoing securities was made in a private placement in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder, and applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the securities offered in the private placement may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws. Concurrently with the execution of the securities purchase agreements, the Company and the investors entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which the Company has agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") registering the subscription receipts and the underlying shares. Any offering of the Company's securities under the resale registration statement will only be made by means of a prospectus.This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.About Pineapple Financial Inc.Pineapple Financial Inc. ("Pineapple", or the "Company") is an award-winning fintech and leading Canadian mortgage brokerage network, focusing on both the long-term success of agents and brokers as well as the overall experience of homeowners. With hundreds of brokers within the network, Pineapple creates cutting-edge cloud-based tools and AI-driven systems to enable its brokers to help Canadians realize their dream of owning a home. Pineapple is active within the community and is proud to sponsor charities across Canada to improve the lives of fellow Canadians.About InjectiveINJ is the native asset of Injective, a blockchain built for finance. Powering over 60 billion dollars in transactions, Injective offers faster transaction speeds and cost efficiencies compared to many networks, with a focus on institutional readiness. Network usage has increased more than 1,000 percent year to date. INJ provides a liquidity layer intended to support speed, efficiency, and transparency, which may help address structural challenges in mortgage finance.About D. Boral CapitalD. Boral Capital LLC is a premier, relationship-driven global investment bank headquartered in New York. The firm is dedicated to delivering exceptional strategic advisory and tailored financial solutions to middle-market and emerging growth companies. With a proven track record, D. Boral Capital provides expert guidance to clients across diverse sectors worldwide, leveraging access to capital from key markets, including the United States, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.A recognized leader on Wall Street, D. Boral Capital has successfully aggregated approximately $35 billion in capital since its inception in 2020, executing ~350 transactions across a broad range of investment banking products.Safe Harbor Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. They are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and economic needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions; the Company's financial condition, and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the registration statements, and periodic reports filed with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required by applicable law. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov For more information, please contact:D. Boral Capital LLC Email: info@ dboralcapital.com Telephone: +1 (212) 970-5150Pineapple Financial Inc. Email: shubha@ gopineapple.com SOURCE: D. Boral Capital PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-08 15:00:21 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 468 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Former private-equity strategist John Wiley launches Exit Factor of Scottsdale Metro to help owners plan premium-value exits.SCOTTSDALE, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / Exit Factor, a business consulting franchise that specializes in exit planning for small to mid-sized companies, announced today the opening of its newest location in Scottsdale, Arizona Owner, John Wiley, a former private equity strategist and longtime business owner, brings decades of real-world experience helping companies grow, scale, and prepare for full-value exits. will be the owner and operator of Exit Factor of Scottsdale Metro.The Exit Factor program is a proven process with tailored exit plans that safeguard the long-term value of a business now and in the future, no matter the size. Designed to help owners take control of their business by maximizing profit, efficiency, and value from day one, even if a sale isn't uppermost on the owner's mind."This is not just a business transaction - this is changing lives," said John Wiley, franchise owner of Exit Factor of Scottsdale Metro. "When a business is ready, owners protect their retirement, their team, and their legacy. That's what we're here to do." The company was founded by best-selling author, speaker, and small-business advocate Jessica Fialkovich. Her passion for helping business owners maximize their company's value, grew from her experience as a business broker and owner of a Transworld Business Advisors franchise. For businesses that were not quite ready to sell, or had potential to increase their value prior to listing, Fialkovich developed a program, teaching strategies on ways to build value, profitability, and salability."We're very proud of the success Exit Factor has had in helping businesses plan for profitability to ensure business owners maximize their company's value when it's time to sell," Jessica Fialkovich said. "We look forward to bringing Exit Factor of Scottsdale Metro on board to help even more business owners." Participants in Exit Factor's program earn back an average of $2,700 in exit value for every hour they spend in the program. Within the first year, clients have seen a 25% increase in profit and a 56.7% increase in business value. For those who have decided to sell, the program has helped them achieve successful exits.About Exit FactorExit Factor offers a proven method that helps small to mid-size business owners maximize their company's value. It's among the United Franchise Group (UFG) family of affiliated brands and consultants, representing the very best in their industries. Through one-on-one consulting services and online programs, the trusted advisors at Exit Factor teach entrepreneurs how to successfully improve their company's efficiency, value and ultimately ability to exit. For more information, visitwww.ExitFactor.comand for more information on owning a Exit Factor franchise, visitwww.exitfactorfranchise.com Contact InformationJohn WileyOwnerscottsdalenorth.az@exitfactor.com 602-805-7580SOURCE: Exit Factor PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-08 14:45:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 492 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Independent Black Book Findings on Compliance, Consent, and Patient Engagement from WHX Dubai AttendeesDUBAI, AE / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / Black Book Research has released results from a flash survey of 50 attendees at WHX Tech Dubai, capturing how digital health startups are reshaping care delivery in the Middle East. The survey reveals strong momentum for telehealth platforms and patient engagement solutions, with respondents stressing that compliance, consent, and privacy are the deciding factors for adoption.WHX Tech 2025, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, welcomed more than 5,000 global healthcare leaders from 30+ countries. Over 300 exhibitors and 200 speakers convened to showcase how AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and digital health innovations are transforming care. The event also featured the region's largest digital health start-up competition, awarding US$50,000 and offering curated investor matchmaking underscoring the scale of opportunity for new regional ventures.Notable Survey Findings: Telehealth and Patient Engagement in Focus81% of respondents ranked mobile-first telehealth apps and patient portals among their top three digital priorities for 2026.67% said data residency and regulatory approval are prerequisites for selecting a vendor, reflecting tightening compliance mandates across the Gulf.88% noted that startups often provide more flexible, user-centric engagement platforms than legacy IT vendors.54% highlighted scalability as the biggest challenge facing regional startups as they expand from pilots to system-wide adoption.Regional Startups Identified by AttendeesSurvey participants cited several Middle East startups exhibiting at WHX as examples of standout vendors with three aligning patient engagement with compliance:Okadoc (UAE) - expanding from digital booking into telehealth across Saudi Arabia, with regionally hosted platforms designed for GCC data sovereignty.Altibbi (Jordan/UAE) - offering Arabic-language teleconsultations and health content, praised for integrating secure consent management.Vezeeta (Egypt/UAE) - scaling e-pharmacy, teleconsultation, and digital booking across MENA, though attendees noted privacy compliance remains a cross-border challenge."Attendee respondents agreed that startups are no longer side players; they are becoming the digital front doors of care in the Middle East , "said Doug Brown, Founder of Black Book. "Their ability to combine patient-friendly design with rigorous compliance standards is setting the pace for healthcare modernization in the region." Short term (2025-2026): Wider rollout of telehealth and mobile engagement apps by hospitals and insurers. (n=46 of 50)Mid-term (2026-2028): Consolidation of startups, with those demonstrating compliance readiness winning national contracts. (n=42 of 47)Long term (to 2030): Engagement platforms mature into integrated digital ecosystems, linking payers, providers, and patients through trusted, compliant technology. (n=33 of 45)About Black Book ResearchBlack Book Research is the leading independent, vendor-agnostic source for global healthcare IT performance data. Through flash surveys and large-scale polling, Black Book captures real-time adoption trends and satisfaction ratings from providers, payers, and regulators including more than two decades of experience in the Middle East. Findings are based solely on verified user feedback, ensuring unbiased insights that guide technology and investment decisions worldwide. Stakeholders can download gratis industry reports at www.blackbookmarketresearch.com Contact InformationPress Office research@ blackbookmarketresearch.com 8008637590SOURCE: Black Book Research PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-08 15:01:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 506 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BIRMINGHAM, AL / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 / Leitbox Storage Partners today announced the appointment of American Alternative Capital (AAC) as its new Managing Broker-Dealer (MBD), alongside the engagement of CM Pacific Capital as its third-party Retail Distribution and National Accounts Manager. These partnerships mark a significant milestone in Leitbox's ongoing efforts to expand advisor access and strengthen its fundraising platform for high-net- worth investors nationwide.Led by Jason Kavanaugh at AAC and Mike Crimmins at CM Pacific, both widely recognized industry leaders, these new partnerships bring deep experience, established credibility, and extensive networks across the wealth management community. Together, they enhance Leitbox's ability to broaden its reach, deepen advisor relationships, and provide best-in-class service across broker- dealer, RIA, and national platform channels.AAC will provide oversight of due diligence, compliance, distribution management, and compensation processing for Leitbox's investment offerings. Acting as the "general contractor" of the fundraising process, the MBD ensures investment offerings are structured, supervised, and distributed with the highest standards of compliance and efficiency.CM Pacific Capital will focus on retail distribution and national accounts, providing dedicated engagement with broker-dealers, RIAs, and national platforms. This expanded coverage enables advisors to access Leitbox's self-storage investment platform with greater support and responsiveness."These partnerships position Leitbox to deliver on our mission of expanding access to institutional- quality self-storage investments," said Bill Leitner, Founder and Principal of Leitbox Storage Partners. "Jason and Mike are proven leaders in our industry, and we are proud to align with their teams to scale our distribution efforts with confidence." For more information about Leitbox Storage Partners and investment opportunities, visit www.leitbox.com About American Alternative CapitalAmerican Alternative Capital is a distribution platform specializing in alternative investments for financial professionals. AAC partners with sponsors to deliver institutional-quality offerings, including 1031 DSTs, and other private placements. AAC's mission is to support financial professionals in accessing innovative solutions for their clients' portfolio needs.About CM Pacific CapitalCM Pacific Capital is a multi-sponsor distribution platform founded by Mike Crimmins. The firm focuses on distributing Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) and real estate private placements across the independent broker-dealer and RIA channels.Important DisclosureThis is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any interest. Any such offer or solicitation shall only be made pursuant to the final confidential private placement memorandum. This information does not constitute individual investment advice and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. All opinions expressed herein constitute the author's judgement as of the date of this article and are subject to change without notice, including statements regarding trends, market conditions, and the experience or expertise of Leitbox, which are based on current expectations, estimates, opinions and/or beliefs of Leitbox. Past events and trends do not predict or guarantee or indicate future events or results. Past performance is no indication of future results.Contact InformationShantelle Dedicke Frances Roy Agencyshantelle@ francesroy.com 3076317644SOURCE: Leitbox Storage Partners PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-08 14:30:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 500 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BOCA RATON, FL / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 /Newsmax Inc. (NYSE:NMAX) ("Newsmax" or the "Company") today announced a strategic realignment of its weekday evening schedule, boosting the Company's late daytime lineup ahead of a pivotal moment in the day.Starting Monday, September 8, 2025, Carl Higbie will move into the 6:00pm ET slot to hostCarl Higbie FRONTLINE , anchoring viewers' transition from day to night with incisive news analysis, fearless reporting and provocative opinion.Veteran journalist Greta Van Susteren will pivot from the 6:00pm ET hour to a newly powerful 4:00pm ET timeslot, positioning her at the heart of momentous breaking stories as the market closes, court hearings end and Congress adjourns.With decades of experience in delivering sharp, fact-based analysis and piercing interviews, Van Susteren's move underscores Newsmax's commitment to timely and authoritative journalism.Simultaneously,The Chris Salcedo Showwill shift into the 5:00pm ET hour, continuing his unapologetically conservative commentary in the critical early evening timeframe.Carl Higbie Takes Evening LeadFormer U.S. Navy SEAL and seasoned political commentator Carl Higbie has been a dynamic presence at Newsmax since launchingCarl Higbie FRONTLINEin April 2023.Now airing at 6:00pm ET, the program adopts a sharper night-time edge, characterized by Higbie's trademark "fearless exposure of government overreach and sharp critique of the mainstream media" - designed to kick off evening viewing powerfully.Higbie made headlines in August whenCarl Higbie FRONTLINEbroadcast from Israel for a full week. Reporting from Jerusalem and other key locations, he provided coverage of Israel's security concerns, touring defense industries and speaking directly with officials such as Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Christopher Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax, praised the lineup innovation: "This reshuffle is designed to meet our viewers when the news truly matters," Ruddy said. "Carl is a bold, unafraid journalist; Greta brings unmatched credibility at a critical juncture; and Chris brings strong voice and insight - together they form a powerful trifecta. We believe this revamped lineup will strengthen our connection with a news-hungry audience as we lead into primetime." New Late Day Lineup (Effective September 8, 2025)4:00pm ET: The Record with Greta Van Susteren5:00pm ET: The Chris Salcedo Show6:00pm ET: Carl Higbie FRONTLINE7:00pm ET: Rob Schmitt Tonight8:00pm ET: Finnerty9:00pm ET: Greg Kelly Reports10:00pm ET: The Right SquadAbout Newsmax Newsmax Inc. is listed on the NYSE (NMAX) and operates, through Newsmax Broadcasting LLC, one of the nation's leading news outlets, the Newsmax channel. The fourth highest-rated network is carried on all major pay TV providers. Newsmax's media properties reach more than 40 million Americans regularly through Newsmax TV, the Newsmax App, its popular website Newsmax.com , and publications such as Newsmax Magazine. Through its social media accounts, Newsmax reaches 20 million combined followers. Reuters Institute says Newsmax is one of the top U.S. news brands and Forbes has called Newsmax "a news powerhouse." For more information, please visit Investor Relations | Newsmax Inc.Investor Contacts Newsmax Investor Relations ir@ newsmax.com SOURCE: Newsmax Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2025-09-08 08:00:29 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 974 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Pantheon Resources plcDubhe-1 Update5,200 ft Lateral Exceeds Pre-Drill Targeted LengthCITY OF LONDON, GB / ACCESS Newswire / September 8, 2025 /Pantheon Resources plc (AIM:PANR)(OTCQX:PTHRF) ("Pantheon" or the "Company"), the oil and gas company developing the Kodiak and Ahpun oil fields near pipeline and transportation infrastructure on Alaska's North Slope, today announces the successful drilling of the Dubhe-1 appraisal well lateral. The lateral was successfully landed in the topset horizon (SMD-B), the primary target confirmed in the Dubhe-1 pilot hole.Key PointsThe Dubhe-1 horizontal lateral was successfully drilled and logged to a total measured depth ("MD") of 15,800 ft,of which c.5,200 ft was entirely within the SMD-B target reservoir. This exceeded pre-drill targeted length of 3000-4000 ftAnalysis of the quality of the logged pay throughout the horizontal lateral in the primary target SMD-B confirmed the reservoir remained consistent with the pilot hole resultsAgreements are in place with all key suppliers for the hydraulic stimulation of the lateral ahead of flow tests to gather detailed production data for development planning and refining the production well type curveThe updated Company best estimate resources for the Ahpun area, based on Dubhe-1 appraisal well results to date is 589 million barrels of marketable liquids - representing an increase of 228 million barrels (c.63%) from previously certified resource estimatesDubhe-1 Well: Horizontal Lateral OutcomeThe second phase of the Dubhe-1 well programme consisted of plugging back the pilot hole and drilling the lateral sidetrack into the primary SMD-B zone, entering the target horizon approximately 550 ft northeast of the pilot hole. The well achieved a total measured depth of 15,800 ft with c.5,200 ft within the SMD-B reservoir, exceeding pre-drill expectations. The production test lateral was planned for 3,000 - 4,000 ft and optimisation of the trajectory based on the pilot hole results, combined with good drilling performance, achieved this upside outcome.The additional shallow hydrocarbon bearing zones were encountered again in the sidetrack. All intervals were logged with a full suite of Logging While Drilling ("LWD") tools and Volatiles Analysis Service ("VAS") of both sealed and unsealed cuttings samples.Company Resource UpdateBuilding upon the previously released Independent Expert Reports from Cawley, Gillespie & Associates ("CG&A") and Lee Keeling & Associates ("LKA"), the Company has updated estimated resources across the Ahpun area which now totals 589 million barrels of marketable liquids with the inclusion of Topset SMD-B infill targets (where the reservoir thickness exceeds 450 ft), SMD-C and the Slope Fan System. A detailed breakdown is provided below.Source(Support)SPE PRMS ClassificationBest EstimateOilBest EstimateNatural Gas Liquids (NGL)Total Marketable Liquids(ANS Crude)(million barrels)(million barrels)(million barrels)Ahpun - Topset (SMB-B)(CG&A - June 24)2C152130282Ahpun - Topset (SMD-B) infill opportunities*2C221840Ahpun - Slope Fan System*2C8442126Ahpun - SMD-C (1)2C412162Ahpun - Alkaid(LKA - April 24)2C433679Total Discovered Resources2C342247589*Company estimates(1) Following analysis of well logs and other data collected in the Dubhe-1 well, the interpreted gross thickness of the SMD-C horizon has been increased from 60ft to 172ft.Forward PlansThe Company is analysing data from both the pilot and the lateral to optimise the design and operation of hydraulic stimulation for the lateral and subsequent flowback. This will be based on a modern completion design and practices currently utilised in the Permian Basin. The Company competitively tendered several service providers for each of these operations and now has contracts and Master Service Agreements in place for all key services, including new suppliers to the North Slope of Alaska bringing expertise from more mature unconventional basins, expected to offer much higher efficiency at lower cost. Preparations are presently underway to initiate operations and more detailed guidance and associated timing will be announced when available. Whilst results to date are extremely encouraging, the outcome of flow testing will determine any path to commerciality.Erich Krumanocker,Chief Development Officer, said:"We are delighted to announce the Dubhe-1 horizontal lateral as a success, landing the well in the target reservoir and exceeding our expectations for the length. We are looking forward to progressing with the completion and subsequent flow testing of this well." Reminder of upcoming Webinar - Tuesday 9 September, 2025 at 5.30pm British Summer TimeMax Easley (CEO), David Hobbs (Chairman), Tralisa Maraj (CFO) and Erich Krumanocker (Chief Development Officer) will host a live investor update presentation via Investor Meet Company on 09 Sept 2025, 17:30 BST.The presentation will provide an update on the Dubhe-1 well, forward plans for completion and flow testing, as well as discussing the implications of a successful test on development planning of the Ahpun field.The presentation is open to all existing and potential shareholders. Questions can be submitted pre-event via your Investor Meet Company dashboard up until 08 Sept 2025, 09:00 BST, or at any time during the live presentation. Investors can sign up to Investor Meet Company for free and add to meet PANTHEON RESOURCES PLC via:Investors who already follow PANTHEON RESOURCES PLC on the Investor Meet Company platform will automatically be invited.For further information, please contact:Corporate ContactPantheon Resources plc Justin Hondris contact@ pantheonresources.com Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker Canaccord Genuity LimitedHenry Fitzgerald-O'Connor, James Asensio, Charlie Hammond+44 20 7523 8000Oak Securities - Joint broker Jerry Keen, Nick Pryce+44 20 39733678Public Relations Contact BlytheRayTim Blythe, Megan Ray, Matthew Bowld+44 20 7138 3204Investor Relations Contact - USA MZ GroupLucas Zimmerman, Ian Scargill+1 949 259 4987 PTHRF@ mzgroup.us In accordance with the AIM Rules - Note for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies - June 2009, the information contained in this announcement has been reviewed and signed off by David Hobbs, a qualified Petroleum Engineer and a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, who has 40 years' relevant experience within the sector.Management has prepared this announcement in accordance with definitions and guidelines set forth in the 2018 Petroleum Resource The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved a $300 duty-free limit for imports, a new policy that takes effect on 8 September. The spokesperson for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abdullahi Maiwada, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said the decision was reached at the boards recent 63rd regular meeting. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun. Mr Maiwada said the initiative, also known as De Minimis threshold, aims to stimulate cross-border e-commerce, minimise clearance delays and further consolidate Nigerias position as a regional leader in trade facilitation. He said the move aligned with the best global practices, aimed at simplifying clearance processes for low-value consignments, enhancing trade facilitation and providing clarity for e-commerce stakeholders and travelers. The Customs spokesperson explained that the De Minimis threshold is the value below which imported goods are exempted from payment of customs duties and related taxes established by the national legislation. He said that non-compliance to the directive would include forfeiture, arrest and other sanctions stipulated in the NCS Act, 2023. After a comprehensive review of similar practices across continents, the board approved $300 as Nigerias official De Minimis threshold. This exemption will apply to low-value imports, e-commerce consignments, and passenger baggage. The threshold, which is restricted to four importations per annum, aligns with Section 5(c) and (d), Section 158 subsections (5) and (6), other relevant provisions of the NCS Act, 2023 as well as international instruments. This includes the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement and the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Revised Kyoto Convention, he said. He noted that under the new regulation, goods valued at $300 or less would be exempted from import duties and taxes, provided they are not prohibited or restricted items. He, however, added that passenger merchandise in baggage not exceeding the same value would also be exempted. According to him, the framework further ensures immediate release and clearance of eligible consignments without post-release documentation. Mr Maiwada said it also mandates strict enforcement measures against stakeholders who attempt to manipulate invoices or evade duty obligations. He explained that NCS had established multi-channel help desk platforms to facilitate the smooth implementation of the De Minimis regulation. These dedicated channels are designed to serve as direct points of engagement for stakeholders, providing timely guidance on compliance requirements, addressing inquiries, and resolving complaints that may arise during implementation, he said. He assured the public that the service remained committed to accountability, discipline and integrity in discharging its statutory mandate. The spokesperson said that NCS would continue to strengthen public trust and ensure that its personnel reflect the values of service, fairness, and national responsibility. This, he said, is through its impactful reforms, transparent processes and strict enforcement of ethical standards. Mr Maiwada noted that the board also deliberated on disciplinary cases presented during the session, following viral videos circulated recently on social media, showing acts of misconduct by some officers. In line with that, he said that the board approved the demotion of two officers to the next lower rank, while also granting reinstatement to two officers whose cases were favourably reconsidered. He said the sanctioned officers must undergo a mandatory medical re-evaluation by a medical board to determine their fitness to remain in the service and serve as a deterrent to other officers. Mr Maiwada said that the board further issued a stern warning to all officers against the abuse of banned substances and other forms of unethical behaviour. He stressed that such conduct would not be tolerated under any circumstances. (NAN) The Federal High Court in Lagos has evicted popular comedian Atunyota Akpobome, widely known as Ali Baba, and his company, XQZMOI TV, from a N220 million property on Victoria Island, according to the Tribute Newspaper. The judge, Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, delivered the judgment on 31 July, dismissing a suit filed by the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). Mr Lewis-Allagoa ordered that the property at 324A Akin Ogunlewe Street be returned to the family of its late owner and their firm, Harold Expansion Industries Nigeria Limited. Following the courts order, the Bailiffs acted on a writ of possession issued by the court on 15 August and enforced execution on 28 August. According to a report, the property overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, had served as the studios of Ali Babas XQZMOI TV. How it started The crisis started in 2008 when AMCON claimed Harold Expansion owed N617 million in loans originally taken from the defunct Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank). AMCON said it acquired the debt and sold the property to Ali Baba in 2021 to recover N220 million. But Harold Expansion, represented by its lawyer, Benjamin Sadibo, denied owing the debt. The company argued the N129 million facility had been consolidated and restructured in 2009, with repayments deducted directly from its account. It counterclaimed for a declaration of no indebtedness, reversal of the sale, possession of the property, and N500 million in damages. Judgement In his judgment, Mr Lewis-Allagoa held that AMCON failed to prove its case. The judge noted that the corporation did not tender critical evidence such as the companys statement of account. The court ruled that the burden of proof rested on the agency. On the counterclaim, the judge stressed that AMCON had filed no defence and therefore granted reliefs to Harold Expansion, including repossession of the property. Where a defendant counterclaims against a claimant, the latter is duty-bound to file a defence to the counterclaim; otherwise, the court is obliged to assume that the claimant has no defence, he ruled. With the latest enforcement, the property has been formally restored to the family after more than a decade-long legal battle. About AMCON AMCON was set up in 2010 under an Act of the National Assembly as a stabilisation tool for the countrys financial system. The companys core mandate is to buy up non-performing loans from banks, help recapitalise the sector, and recover outstanding debts owed to financial institutions. Over the years, AMCON has taken over several distressed companies and pursued recovery of trillions of naira in unpaid loans. The corporation says its work is essential to freeing banks from toxic assets and restoring economic confidence. AMCONs activities have, however, often drawn controversy, with critics questioning some of its debt recovery tactics and asset sales such as in the Ali Baba property case. Dona Rosita fled Colombia more than 50 years ago due to poverty and violence. She arrived in 1970s Caracas, a cosmopolitan city with far more luxuries than in her hometown. It was like landing on another planet. In the Venezuelan capital, luxury cars cruised the highways, and the upper-middle class spent weekends in Miami. At that time, petrodollars, brought in by the countrys massive crude oil exports, were pouring in. In 1992, rumors began to circulate that a coup was being planned against president Carlos Andres Perez. She went to the supermarket to stock up on rice, lentils, and canned food. Her neighbors told her she was overreacting and that nothing would happen. But it did. Commander Hugo Chavez attempted to overthrow Perez, though he did not succeed. Still, it was a time of fear and anxiety. Not for her she could have survived for months without leaving the house. Now Venezuela is facing a similar situation. She turns on the television and sees President Nicolas Maduro dressed in military uniform. She sees missiles, ships, men with rifles. She goes outside, heart pounding, and people tell her theres nothing to worry about. What war, Dona Rosita? All show, they joke. She doesnt trust them, so she has stocked up on supplies again. The end of the world wont take Dona Rosita by surprise. Over the past week, the United States and Venezuela have traded increasingly hostile actions. U.S. President Donald Trump has deployed ships, guided-missile destroyers, and even a nuclear submarine in international waters near Venezuelan territory. He says its to fight drug trafficking, but Maduro whom Washington labels the leader of a narco-terrorist cartel believes it is a precursor to an invasion of his country. Such a military intervention would, if it occurred, be the first large-scale U.S. operation in a Latin American country since the invasion of Panama in 1989. The Chavez government has mobilized millions of militia members and new recruits to join the hundreds of thousands of soldiers it already commands, according to its leaders. These figures are impossible to verify, and analysts consider them unrealistic. The U.S. fleet deployed south of the Caribbean has already opened fire. Earlier last week, it targeted a boat that had left Venezuelan waters and was allegedly carrying drugs. A Venezuelan minister claimed that the video showing the missile striking the vessel, which carried 11 people none of whom survived had been created with artificial intelligence, and that the attack was therefore fake. However, behind closed doors, Caracas has treated it as an act of hostility and has not remained idle. On Thursday, the Pentagon reported that two Venezuelan Air Force F-16 fighter jets flew over one of its ships, the USS Jason Dunham. Trump has authorized his military commanders to shoot them down next time if deemed necessary. The moment a U.S. missile hits a boat allegedly loaded with drugs from Venezuela. At the Miraflores Palace, the seat of the Venezuelan government and occasional presidential residence, confusion reigns, according to one of the Chavista leaders closest to Maduro. They want to destroy this country with missiles, he complains. The Maduro government has been resisting for more than a decade. It has not stepped aside, despite the fact that Venezuelas GDP has suffered a severe decline during this period a drop of 80%, comparable to nations at war. Nor did it give up power this year, when it became clear to the international community that Maduro lost the 2024 presidential elections to the opposition. Despite this, he still declared himself president. Maduro and his inner circle are unwilling to step down or carry out a democratic transition, even when urged by theoretical allies such as Colombian President Gustavo Petro or Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. At Miraflores, they have navigated U.S. and European economic sanctions as best they could. We are capable of withstanding anything. This is a free and dignified people is Maduros message. The Trump administrations State Department has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduros arrest, $15 million for Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez a four-star general who says he is willing to die for the cause and $25 million for Diosdado Cabello, the regimes number two, the most radical of them all, and the other name Chavez considered as his successor before choosing Maduro in 2013. Politically, the power brokers are siblings Delcy and Jorge Rodriguez. She is a lawyer who studied labor law in Paris; he is a psychiatrist and former mayor of Caracas. Both are sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department. Calls for calm continue. Carolina Jimenez Sandoval, president of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), a human rights organization, wonders what would happen if the United States overthrew the Maduro regime. Im convinced theres no large-scale plan to achieve that. Partly because if you broke it, you own it, she explains by phone. The question remains whether these are nations ready for armed confrontation or just two dogs barking at each other over a fence. We would all like to see a peaceful transition to democracy, she adds. Venezuelans have already voted against Maduro; there is a democratic fabric in the country. This military threat can also be interpreted as a form of pressure, to induce defections, and an internal breakdown. Sandoval believes the situation is driven largely by an infodemic, an overload of information that spreads confusion, and also by psychological pressure a tactic Chavismo has used successfully in the past, but which is now working against them. And what if U.S. ships are suddenly no longer stationed near Venezuela? It will stop generating media exposure, but it will have a political cost for Washington. People will wonder what all this was for, the expert says. Venezuelan analyst Andrei Servin adds: I dont think Washington is seeking a democratic transition. They dont reject Maduro because of his status as a dictator or tyrant, but rather because of his ties to illicit activities. They want to create instability within the regime. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been the most insistent that the Venezuelan president is, in fact, a criminal leading a cartel the Cartel of the Suns, a criminal organization allegedly involved in drug trafficking and led by members of the Bolivarian Armed Forces (so far, there is no conclusive evidence that Maduro is personally involved). Nicolas Maduro, during a press conference last Monday in Caracas. Ronald Pena R (EFE) In recent years, Venezuela has experienced peaks of extreme tension, with a constant sense that something imminent was about to happen just like now. But these peaks have always been followed by periods of calm, after which everything returned to normal: that is, to Chavismos supremacy. On January 10 of this year, Maduro declared himself president. That day, Maria Corina Machado, the undisputed leader of the opposition, insisted that it would be Edmundo Gonzalez her chosen presidential candidate, who had achieved a strong result who would don the presidential sash in Caracas. Gonzalez was living in exile, so many wondered how he would do it: would he cross the border by car? Arrive on a plane escorted by U.S. fighter jets? Would the CIA manage to infiltrate him so he could interrupt Maduros swearing-in? Chavismo, just in case, deployed troops and missile defense systems across the country. However, when the clock struck 11:00, Maduro swore in before the Constitution without any issues. Many Venezuelans are now convinced that these tensions are just political theater. Chavista leaders know their task is to endure, resist, and entrench themselves in power. They are sometimes caricatured as banana-republic-style politicians in tracksuits party-goers, unpunctual, and lacking reflection. Yet, in the midst of crises, they display restraint and remarkable strategic thinking. They can call someone a murderer and an imperialist monster one day, and sit down with them for coffee the next. For instance, Maduro said on Friday that he respects Trump and is willing to negotiate the Chavistas accuse Rubio of poisoning Trumps mind with ideas to push him toward starting a war. I hope he reconsiders, Maduro said. An example is what happened in 2023, when, amid a period of maximum instability, Jorge Rodriguez met in Qatar with a member of the Joe Biden administration, in a meeting revealed by EL PAIS. Between the United States and Venezuela, no scenario is definitive; everything is subject to negotiation. Dona Rosita, just in case, is keeping her pantry stocked. The future remains unpredictable. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Nigerian government says it has disbursed more than N192 billion to strengthen primary healthcare facilities across Nigeria since the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) began disbursements in 2019. Muyi Aina, executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday. Mr Aina spoke against the backdrop of the recent National Health Financing Policy Dialogue. The dialogue, with the theme, Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria was organised by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and partners. It sought to reimagine financing models that make healthcare more equitable, sustainable, and accessible for all Nigerians. Mr Aina said that currency fluctuations and rising service costs continued to strain Nigerias health system, even as budget allocations are increasing at both federal and state levels. He said that out-of-pocket expenditure still accounted for a disproportionate share of healthcare spending, with the public sectors contribution at just 14 per cent. According to him, the government has mobilised N3.5 billion, 60 per cent of which is pooled from mechanisms such as the BHCPF, Global Fund, Gavi, and PEPFAR. He said the fund was mobilised through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. Mr Aina said that 8,309 facilities nationwide now receive quarterly funds under the BHCPF. Allocations were recently scaled up from an average of N300,000 to between N600,000 and N800,000 per quarter, depending on facility size and patient volume, he said. The reform, dubbed BHCPF 2.0, is designed to address real operational costs at the facility level, supporting human resources, essential commodities and infrastructure. Even though budget allocations are growing, the cost of healthcare delivery, vaccines, TB medicines, malaria commodities, and operational programmes is rising even faster, he said. He expressed governments commitment to closing existing financing gaps through stronger co-financing at the federal, state and local government levels, coupled with performance-based accountability measures. He said the federal government is set to roll out a direct funding mechanism across the country to improve accountability in healthcare spending. The model, already piloted in four to five states, allows payments for commodities and health worker salaries to be made directly into designated accounts, making the process transparent and traceable. These are the sorts of things we are trying to do to ensure that funds reach their targets without leakages, he said. Vaccine usage The NPHCDA boss also said that governments analysis showed that between 15 per cent and 25 per cent of non-campaign vaccines in Nigeria cannot be accounted for. He said the losses could stem from wastage, inaccurate population estimates, procurement inefficiencies or weaknesses in vaccine management systems. He said that further state-level analysis is underway to close the accountability gap. Mr Aina also noted that the federal government is investigating discrepancies in vaccine utilisation across several sub-national units, with some reportedly consuming up to four times more vaccines than their recorded coverage rates. He said that while border states may vaccinate non-Nigerian citizens, the scale of discrepancies points to deeper issues of accountability, wastage or faulty forecasting. We are now telling states to go down to the local government level, identify where the problems are and fix them, he said. He said that through efficiency measures, the government had reduced projected vaccine procurement costs for the next five years from $1.5 billion to $1 billion, ensuring smarter spending of limited resources. (NAN) The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT) has embarked on a seven-day warning strike. The development was announced on Monday, in a communique signed by the President, George Ebong, alongside other members of the executive. The strike, which commenced on 8 September, is expected to run until Sunday, 15 September. The doctors had, in January, embarked on a three-day warning strike to drive home their demands. The communique read: Arising from this meeting, after rigorous deliberation, and taking into consideration the fact that management is unwilling to acknowledge the emergency in the FCT health sector, Congress unanimously resolved as follows: To embark on a one-week warning strike starting from 8:00 am, Monday, 8 September to 8:00 am, Monday, 15 September 2025. It indicates that at the end of this warning strike, Congress shall reconvene to reassess the commitments and progress made by FCTA. Grievances Mr Ebong said the latest action followed resolutions at an emergency meeting held on Friday. He explained that despite several rounds of dialogue, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has failed to address long-standing concerns affecting doctors in its employ. Among the issues highlighted were a lack of manpower, poor welfare, unpaid salaries, unexplained deductions, and the psychological toll of long working hours. He noted that no new employment had taken place in FCT hospitals since 2011, forcing resident doctors to cover multiple departments. The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has been notified severally of the issues affecting doctors but has allegedly turned a blind eye, he said. He added that the pressure of excessive workload had already led to fatalities, recalling the recent death of a doctor in Port Harcourt. The association also pointed to unsafe conditions in hospitals, citing the case of a nurse who died from a snake bite at Abaji General Hospital. Call for action Mr Ebong urged the administration to declare a state of emergency across the 14 district and general hospitals in the territory. The strike will be uninterrupted. If after seven days the issues raised are not resolved, the doctors will embark on an indefinite strike, he warned. He stressed that decision-making must include frontline health professionals. Wider concerns The warning strike comes at a time of growing discontent within Nigerias health sector. The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had also issued a nationwide ultimatum over similar demands. Speaking on Channels Televisions Sunrise Daily, the Minister of State for Health, Isaq Salako, expressed optimism that ongoing talks with NARD could prevent a wider strike. The National Association of Resident Doctors has issued an ultimatum, but I believe with the level of conversation ongoing, we are making progress, he said. West African leaders and health experts have called for stronger regional co-operation and African-led solutions to tackle Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases. They made the call at the opening of the 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference (ELFIC2025) in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, on Monday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is: Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases. It seeks to reaffirm regional commitment, mobilise political will, and drive collective action against Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases. The President of Cote d Ivoire, Alassane Quattara, expressed the countrys commitment to supporting regional health security. Mr Ouattara, who was represented by Robert Mambe, prime minister of Cote dIvoire, highlighted the heavy social and economic toll of recurring epidemics, including Lassa fever, Ebola, monkeypox, and cholera. In April 2025 alone, over 65 epidemics were recorded in Africa, with cholera causing more than 6,000 deaths, while Lassa fever in West Africa is responsible for nearly 300,000 infections and 5,000 deaths annually, Mr Quattara said. He emphasised that no country could face these threats in isolation, calling for regional solidarity and coordinated action to prevent outbreaks from spreading across borders. The president praised the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) and partners for their technical support, urging actionable measures focusing on prevention, hygiene, and disease control. From a national perspective, Nigerias Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, called for solutions to Lassa fever to be African-led rather than reliant on external sources, stressing that the disease is local to West Africa. Mr Pate highlighted Nigerias ongoing efforts, including expanding laboratory networks, training frontline health workers, strengthening case detection and management, and reinforcing community engagement. This disease is local to us. The solution is not going to primarily come from the global [North], he said. He urged governments, scientists, and civil society to collaborate on diagnostic studies, vaccines, and research. He also emphasised that regional data sharing and preparedness must complement national efforts to ensure long-term resilience. Speaking virtually, Amma Amoah, AU commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development in Addis Ababa, described Lassa fever as a complex socio-ecological threat requiring multisectoral action. According to Amoah, Nigeria bears the heaviest burden, with recent data showing 1,171 suspected cases, 209 confirmed cases, and 53 deaths between 1226 January, 2025, representing a case fatality rate of 18.3 per cent. She praised Africa CDC and the African Medicines Agency (AMA) for their efforts in improving surveillance, strengthening laboratories, and accelerating vaccine and treatment development. She stressed that stronger regional co-operation and pooled resources are critical to detect early outbreaks, contain them, and strengthen health systems across West Africa. NAN recalls that the conference, attended by ministers, health officials, researchers, and technical partners from across ECOWAS, aims to develop actionable recommendations on prevention, rapid response, and regional co-operation, while fostering innovation in diagnostics and vaccines. The combined messages from Cote dIvoire, Nigeria, and the African Union signaled a united regional approach to tackling Lassa fever, with an emphasis on African leadership, research, and solidarity to protect populations and strengthen health security across West Africa. (NAN) Late last year, the world was alerted to the disturbing news that Russia was recruiting hundreds of young African women, aged 1822, to go and manufacture drones in a military-industrial compound a thousand km east of Moscow called Alabuga. The reports also stated that the recruitsfrom at least 15 African countrieswere promised good salaries and skills training but, once there, were often trapped, facing tax deductions, dangerous working conditions, strict surveillance, and difficulties in returning home. In the past six months, a ZAM team in seven African countries, including PREMIUM TIMES in Nigeria, investigated the Russian recruitment exerciseand why so many young Africans take the opportunity, sometimes even after being warned. This Great Lakes chapter shows that not only women but also young men are recruited to Alabuga, where they face pressure to join the army and fight at the front. It also shows that their own governments offer little help and that returnees experience shame and trauma. When 19-year-old Silas* left his family home in Sampeke, rural Burundi, in early 2023, he believed he was embarking on the opportunity of a lifetime. Russian recruiters had promised him vocational training, steady employment, and a chance to send money home through the prestigious Alabuga Start programme. He had seen videos of modern factories, comfortable dormitories, and smiling African workers. What they didnt show us were the uniforms waiting for us, he says, telling how, 18 months later, he was dodging Ukrainian artillery fire in a frozen trench outside Bakhmut. Mr Silass journey from the Alabuga drone factory to the battlefield illustrates how the programme connects to the military, especially for men. After six months assembling drone components, he and several other East Africans were transferred to a military training facility in Rostov-on-Don. They said it was the next phase of our vocational training, security work, Mr Silas recalls. By then, we understood what was really happening, but the contracts were clear: desertion meant prison or worse. The training was brief and brutal. Within weeks, Mr Silas found himself in eastern Ukraine, part of a unit that included men from Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco, and other African nations. Many of these recruits did not volunteer at all, he says; they were sent to the front lines through deceit and coercion. The mortality rate was horrific, Mr Silas continues. They used us in human wave attacks, treating men as cannon fodder. So many of the people I trained with in Rostov-on-Don were lying dead on the ground in Donetsk. His escape came during a chaotic retreat when Ukrainian forces overran their position. Rather than regrouping with Russian forces, Silas surrendered to Ukrainian authorities, who classified him as a prisoner of war. He was subsequently included in a prisoner exchange at the Belarus border, a common location for such swaps. From Belarus, he made his way to the Polish border, where he applied for asylum and was granted temporary protection status as a conflict refugee. He later travelled within the Schengen zone to another EU country, where he is now awaiting formal asylum and refugee status. Sophisticated recruitment In Africas Great Lakes region, Russia is systematically exploiting economic desperation and educational aspirations to fuel its war in Ukraine. Searching social media and network contacts, ZAM found young people from Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania recruited into roles ranging from drone assembly to frontline combat. They had enlisted by responding to the Academic Mobility Consortium through a website called RAFU, the Russian-African Network University, which offers thousands of Russian-sponsored scholarships, or through the site of a group of Russian state universities, RACUS, which specifically lists Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi as priority recruitment countries. The recruitment websites look legitimate, featuring official Russian government endorsements. Recruitment also occurred at events at Russian cultural centres and embassies in Dar es Salaam and other major cities in the region, which regularly host education fairs promoting study opportunities. Additionally, so-called Russia Houses have been established in several regional capitals, ostensibly to promote language learning and cultural exchange. On social media, TikTok videos featuring young African women at modern Russian facilities garner hundreds of thousands of views across East Africa. Facebook groups with names like Study in Russia Great Lakes and African Success in Russia share success stories and application information. In Kenya, social media influencers target university students and recent graduates frustrated with limited employment opportunities, offering STEM graduates advanced training in engineering or technology. The recruitment networks extend into the Democratic Republic of Congo, where ongoing conflict has created large populations of displaced youth, and the Central African Republic, where Russian Wagner mercenaries have established a significant presence. In Uganda, a security source confided that he has seen many young men go to Alabuga or the Russian front after having been promised jobs as guards, security trainers, or military advisors. They work with local recruiting companies here, and most of the people go without knowing exactly what they are getting involved in. For young men with limited prospects, earning ten times their local salary seems worth any risk. Modernity and opportunity Analysis of social media activity shows coordinated efforts across platforms, with content specifically tailored to different regional audiences. The content is professionally produced and psychologically sophisticated, explains Burundian medical doctor Rodrigue Ndabashinze, who has worked with communities affected by displacement and labour export, including individuals like Mr Peter, who have returned from Russia. (The promoters) understand exactly what appeals to young East Africansmodernity, opportunity, escape from limited prospects. But the returnees Mr Ndabashinze has seen have been disappointed and damaged, he says. The psychological impact may be even worse than the physical. These young people, who left home with dreams and hope, return traumatised, ashamed, and often unable to discuss their experiences with their families. He adds that their silence is sometimes because they were forced to sign non-disclosure agreements as a condition of their release. Others fear retaliation against family members if they speak publicly. The Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan has become ground zero for Russias most sophisticated recruitment operation in Africa. An estimated 800 women aged 1822, but also young men like Mr Silas, have been recruited under the pretences of a work-study programme, with participants earning a starting salary of $860 a month while, as the brochures say, gaining valuable experience in fields described as the services industry, IT, and logistics. Also, like Mr Silas, recruit Peter* (23, from Burundi) discovered a different reality upon arrival. First, they immediately confiscated our phones and passports. The drone factory itself offered mainly very labour-intensive manual work, particularly in the manufacture of the airframe. Peter worked at the facility for six months before managing to return home. He describes the 12-hour shifts assembling components for Shahed drones as agonising: The worst part wasnt the work, it was realising that the things we were building were going to kill peopleUkrainian civilians, maybe children. But for that period, leaving wasnt an option. I was trapped. Reluctant to provide details of how he did it, Peter eventually made his way back home. ZAM was able to verify both his and Mr Silass accounts of events with families and acquaintances in Burundi, as well as through photos on their phones. Stuck in Belarus ZAM also established contact with a 22-year-old Rwandan who is currently stranded in Belarus after joining and completing the Alabuga programme. Speaking anonymously, he says he has made four attempts to cross into Poland, only to be arrested and returned each time. His family in Belgium has tried everythinglawyers, diplomatic contacts, even hiring smugglers, says a family friend, speaking from Brussels. The Belarusian authorities wont let him leave; they dont care much about migrants. Belarus has weaponised migrants presence in border zones by trapping people on its territory and pushing them toward the Polish border, creating pressure and instability for neighbouring countries. But the Polish border guards wont let him in either, the relative continues. Hes trapped in the midpoint, and were running out of options. Belarus is not a good place to be. He was once arrested, and we had to bribe the Belarusians for him to be released. The case highlights a broader pattern of abandonment by Russia after recruits decide they dont want to continue on the path (often military) presented to them. Several sources confirmed that once recruits complete their training or labour assignments, many find themselves effectively stateless, unable or too ashamed to return home, and unwelcome in Russia without continued service. Their own governments are not offering help, they say. A mother from Kanyosha, Bujumbura, in Burundi, whose 21-year-old son vanished four months after his arrival in Russia for purported engineering studies, expressed her frustration with official inaction: Weve approached everyone we think can help. Everyone expresses sympathy, but no one takes action. Its like our children dont matter. Her son had travelled to Russia accompanied by a close friend, who disappeared at the same time, according to the mother. We just hear unconfirmed reports that they might have been killed by a drone strike in Ukraine. There is no official confirmation or any information from Russian authorities, nor from officials here in Burundi, she stated. A troubling lack of care Indifference, or the implicit cooperation of East African governments with the Russian agenda, permeates all the experiences. African governments have generally shown a troubling lack of care for their citizens, with some official documents even promoting the programme. In East Africa, Ugandan ambassador Moses Kizige publicly announced in 2022 that this year Alabuga Polytechnic offered Uganda five scholarships and is open to enrolling more; he was later seen visiting the compound. Kenyan ambassador Peter Mathuki has publicly promoted the programme, saying he was impressed with Alabuga (1). No public statements warning of the military-adjacent nature of the Alabuga programme have been issued by any African government to date. Rwanda and Burundi have remained entirely silent on the issue, offering no official responses despite requests from media outlets for comment. In Rwanda, Batamurizi* (24) almost fell for the Alabuga programmes promises of hospitality and tourism training for young women. The videos they show feature African women in modern kitchens, serving food to Russian customers. But its a fantasy designed to exploit dreams of escape from poverty here. She had wanted to go herself but aborted her flight to Russia after an alert from her cousin, who shared a screenshot of a message he had received from a friend in Poland. In Russia, new job offers specifically for young girls (is) slavery, it said, explaining that recruits were paid 700 US$ per month and most of the money goes to the company to pay for bed and food. Labour all day and night. They produce the drones and other weapons to attack Ukraine. And now way to go out!! (sic). The message stopped her in her tracks. However, three of her friends, with whom she had studied, went to Alabuga nevertheless. I have lost contact with each of them, Ms Batamurizi says. Family formation Among the perils facing female Alabuga recruits is pregnancy. Media reports, including from Alabugas own PR, show that the programme promotes romantic possibilities, and materials include sections on intercultural marriage and family formation. Several girls became pregnant during our time there, Mr Silas says. The Russian authorities encouraged this, offering additional payments and benefits. But the girls who got pregnant couldnt leave, even when they wanted to. They became completely dependent on the system. Vulnerability Understanding why young East Africans are vulnerable to these recruitment schemes, including what appear to be broader demographic goals on the part of Russia, requires examining the regions economic realities. Youth unemployment across the Great Lakes region averages over 60 per cent, with limited opportunities for advancement even for university graduates. Russias recruitment drive explicitly targets this desperation. Application materials reviewed by ZAM ask detailed questions about family financial situations, employment history, and future goals. Recruiters appear to prioritise applicants from rural areas with limited educational opportunities and strong financial motivations. Mr Peter confirms that, in his experience, Russia is not randomly selecting people. They choose people who are desperate enough to take risks but smart enough to be useful. People with families to support, people facing limited futures at home. He fully understands why people like himself might flock to Russia, even when they know or suspect they may end up in the military. When your family is struggling to eat, and someone offers you $800 a month plus free housing, you dont ask many questions. He believes that many of those who go there know what may await them, but choose to lie to their friends and parents, saying theyre going to school. The money is too good to pass up, even if it means risking your life, considering the life we live here in Burundi. Orders from above Among the few African state functionaries who have expressed concern about the fate of her countrys youth in the Russian war machine is Uwimana*, a senior education official in Kigali, the capital of authoritarian-ruled Rwanda. Speaking on condition of anonymity, Uwimana told ZAM, Weve seen a significant increase in young people expressing interest in Russian educational opportunities. But we are concerned about the vague nature of many of these programmes and the fact that some students who left have simply vanished from communication. When asked how the department can allow this to continue, she added: Baker, you know how things work here; even I cant dare ask anyone or hold anyone accountable This also applies to the whole ministry, because sometimes the decisions or discussions with these programmes are beyond our capacity to handlethe orders to work with these people are always coming from above. Ms Uwimana says she can only wish for truth and transparency, and for governments [to] publicly acknowledge whats happening, warn citizens about deceptive recruitment practices, and establish systems to monitor and assist their nationals abroad. Besides emphasising the need for better governance of African leaders, Ms Uwimana also believes that international pressure on Russia to end deceptive recruitment practices is essential. This is a form of human trafficking that violates international law. The international community has tools to address this, but it requires political will and coordinated action. A doctor, Rodrigue Ndabashinze, in Burundi, concurs: Educational institutions and civil society organisations have roles to play in raising awareness and providing alternatives to vulnerable youth. We also need to address the underlying economic desperation that makes these schemes attractive. The Rwanda Investigation Bureau, the main body responsible for criminal investigations in the country, including human trafficking, did not respond to repeated requests regarding Russian recruitment activities. Friendly Africa While the Alabuga programme focuses on drone production, it represents just one element of a broader military recruitment effort. The total number of African recruits in Russias army is thought to exceed 35,000. According to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, 3,344 foreign nationals who went to fight in Ukraine have received Russian citizenship since the start of 2024. The military recruitment fits within the broader context of Moscows expanding influence across the continent. The Wagner Groups activities in the Central African Republic, Mali, and other West African nations have established Russian military and political footholds, which now exist throughout Africa. The recruitment programmes also serve domestic Russian needs. With military losses mounting in Ukraine and domestic resistance to mobilisation growing, foreign recruits from what Russia terms friendly countries provide a politically acceptable source of manpower. Meanwhile, hundreds of young people remain trapped in various stages of the Russian recruitment pipeline. Some assemble weapons in Alabuga factories, others undergo military training in Rostov-on-Don, and still others dodge artillery fire in Ukrainian trenches. Mr Silas and others ZAM spoke to all want the international community to act. Every day we delay action, more families lose their children to this system, warns Mr Silas. I was lucky to escape, but so many others wont be. Letters asking the embassies of Burundi and Rwanda if they were in touch with their nationals at Alabuga, or whether they were monitoring their safety and well-being, were left unanswered. A request for comment to the Ugandan ambassador to Russia, Thomas Kizige, and a letter to the Kenyan embassy in Moscow were not responded to. *Names in asterisks have been changed to protect the sources. This article was first published by ZAM Magazine, a PREMIUM TIMES partners. PREMIUM TIMES took part in this transnational investigation, and the Nigerian report will be published soon. Late last year, the world was alerted to the disturbing news that Russia was recruiting hundreds of young African women, aged 1822, to manufacture drones in a military-industrial compound 1,000 km east of Moscow called Alabuga. The reports also said that the recruitsfrom at least 15 African countrieswere promised good salaries and skills training, but that, once there, they were often trapped, facing tax deductions, dangerous working conditions, strict surveillance, and difficulties in returning home. In the past six months, a ZAM team in seven African countries, including PREMIUM TIMES in Nigeria, investigated the Russian recruitment exerciseand why so many young Africans grab the chance to go, sometimes even after being warned. The Cameroon chapter of this transnational investigation portrays a recruiter who says his efforts are in line with a United Nations drive for the financial empowerment of girls. Please, where can I register? I want to fight for both Ukraine and Russia, says a Facebook post by Gertrude Njong from April this year. A post from the same period, ostensibly by a young man named Tamnjong Desmond Platini, agrees: How do they do it? I want to join the list. Better I should waste in a foreign land fighting than die of hunger in Cameroon. A third account, called Cameroon legit info line, says, Better to die in Russia or Ukraine than to die (here) and perish, and gets 31 likes, several of which are laughing emojis. This is Facebook, of course. In real life, many Cameroonians may think twice before actually joining a war in a cold, foreign country. According to Africa Report, however, several thousand have in fact taken precisely this step. Many individuals from this group have left for Russia to take up jobs and fellowships in military-adjacent fields, such as security, logistics, IT, or the Alabuga programme. The primary motive for this trek to Russia, as itperhaps unsurprisinglyemerges from my interviews, is the desperation among our youth about the future in Cameroon itself. Here, a now 92-year-old autocrat, President Paul Biya, rules over a regime that ranks 140th on Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions list, even lower than Mali, Liberia, and Gabon. Mr Biya has recently nominated himself again for the elections in October this year, and Cameroons Constitutional Council has excluded the principal opposition leader from even participating in these elections. This being the case, many among the countrys young have come to believe that oppression, poverty, and a glaring absence of ways to develop a meaningful existence for oneself may be eternal, and that protesting is futile. So, they get out, whether on boats or with an easy (very easy to get, especially when compared to a visa for anywhere else) Russian visa. Opportunity of a lifetime Audrey (20) and Ebane (18), acquaintances of mine, are considering the opportunity offered to them by the military-linked Alabuga Start Programme. It sounds appealing, they say, because it is not actually about fighting in the war, it is for girls, and you get money to send home. Ms Audrey tells me she found this opportunity of a lifetime through an Alabuga Start advert on Facebook and has been calling the number of the representative listed on the platform to learn more about enlisting. My family struggles to make ends meet. My mom works part-time, but our income barely covers our expenses, she says. I dont see much hope here. This programme feels like my best chance at a better future. Her friend, 18-year-old Ms Ebane, is excited by the all-expenses-paid promises. This is a great opportunity to go abroad and start a new life. Things are difficult here. When I tell them about the investigation that I am part of, and the international reports that have shown some of the promises may be too good to be true, they are disappointed. I leave them immersed in doubt. In the following days and weeks, I tried to find Cameroonian girls in Alabuga. One particular online profile, of a beautiful young lady called Oceanne Stecy, had attracted my attention. Maybe I could find her? She seemed accomplished and self-assured in the YouTube video I, along with many other Cameroonians, had seen, walking along what seemed like well-kept lawns and white buildings in a place that, judging by the clothing, seemed cold. Alabuga? Was she really there? An editor flashed questions on the screen: What is your name? How did you hear about Alabuga? How do you like it here? She confidently answered, smiling throughout, repeating that she was happy and well cared for, and inviting fellow young women from Cameroon to also join the moving train to this Special Economic Zone in Russia. Trying to contact Ms Oceanne, however, had been unsuccessful. Name searches on the internet had only turned up girls with the same unusual name appearing on job listings as au pairs in Abidjan, Germany, and elsewhere in Russia. Did Oceanne even exist? Together with a friend of mine who works for a telemarketing company, we phone the number of the Alabuga representative in Cameroon: Michel Ateba, who, according to photos on his LinkedIn profile, is a tall, good-looking man in classy but modest dress. My friend pretends that she wants to register, but tells him she is concerned about the negative reports we have read. He assures us warmly that all of that is not true and is merely Western propaganda. He repeats that well receive good salaries, free housing, and skills training, and wont have to worry about anything. His company, Enangue Holdings, even offers passport fee assistance for 40 young girls from poor backgrounds. The passport fee in Cameroon is about $200. Partnering with Russian taxis Enangue Holdings can certainly afford some assistance with our travel perils, it seems, based on research into its background. Mr Ateba is a director of many companies and holds government contracts for several. In one photo, he is dressed in a shirt made from the ruling partys typical fabric and design. Mr Ateba has been actively promoting Russian-Cameroon business and trade relations for about nine years and has also entered a partnership with and obtained an operations license for the Russian taxi company Yango in the lucrative taxi business in Cameroon. He has recently been named a member of the Cameroon Business Council, overseeing all of Cameroons trade with Russia. I dont want to talk anymore with these journalists who just put the Western lies to me, he explains when I phone him directly, identifying myself as a journalist. Then he agrees to talk to me, since he says I might really want to listen. Emphasising that his Alabuga recruitment efforts are backed by the Cameroonian Ministry of Women Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF), he wants me to understand that this is all about the financial empowerment of the girl child, which is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He then adds that he is also actively engaged with Cameroons Ministry of External Relations (MINREX) to promote Alabuga. He has personally been to the compound, he says, and assures me that the girls in Alabuga are safe and doing well. There are 13 (from Cameroon) there now, but we are expected to send a hundred more this year. Photos on Enangue Holdings Facebook page show Mr Ateba himself at Alabuga, smiling and surrounded by girls. Vehement denial I ask why Alabuga is only for young women, with an age limit of 22, but I dont get a straight answer. They may consider males in the future, but for now its just girls, he says. When I then raise some of the issues reported by international media, such as exploitation and maltreatment, Mr Ateba once again vehemently denies them. Who told you that? This is just propaganda fueled by the West against Russia. Alabuga is not about the war in Ukraine. There are many factories there, and over a thousand girls from various nations, including Asians. Why is there a focus on Africa in the international reports? The case is simply that Western countries have outlived their opportunities for Africans, and they dont want Russia to take the lead. Sternly: Its all a smear campaign. We are following up on that. How, I ask. We are assembling a record of all these websites. And well take some journalists and government officials to Alabuga so they can see for themselves. Maybe later this year or next year. The partners (in Russia) are working on that. He adds that in the meantime, you either believe that what we are telling you is true, or you believe what people are saying on the internet. These girls are fine there. I ask if I can speak with one of them, just to make sure that they are indeed fine, and mention Oceanne Stecy. Maybe I can talk to her? But Mr Ateba says he cannot facilitate contact with her, or any other girls in Alabuga, or their families in Cameroon at the time. My Russian partners have not given me approval to connect any girls for an interview for the moment, he adds. If the partners approve such an interview, I will let you know. He hasnt come back to me, several weeks later. Unanswered calls Having failed in my search for Ms Oceanne, I ask a contact at MINREX if they really are partnering with Michel Ateba and Enangue Holdings in promoting Alabuga recruitment. Speaking anonymously, my source says he has not heard of that and has been told that Cameroon is working towards discouraging such ventures, because in some cases Cameroonians had to be repatriated from countries where they were subjected to poor working conditions. However, when I ask more questions about Alabuga, my source becomes frightened and tells me to get approval from the Ministry of Communication and follow the regulated procedures to interview government sources, an avenue that, as every journalist in Cameroon knows, will be difficult. Sadly, I have no contacts at MINPROFF; the website for the department does not even load, which is not an exceptional occurrence in Cameroon. Phone calls to officials whose numbers I managed to get later at both ministries are left unanswered. This is, again, not surprising. Citizens in this country are accustomed to their government not responding to individual or civil society concerns, and media queries are regularly left unansweredunless the reporter is friendly with a politician, who then often uses the reporter as a public relations agent for him or herself. The silence is agony for many families, especially those whose children left for Russias military service. Cameroonian channel Equinox TV recently featured the family of Eric Donald Demlabing, a former student at the University of Dschangs Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences in the West region, who travelled to Russia in October 2024. It was Mr Demlabings second time, as he had previously returned after completing his first stint of military service. According to his father, interviewed by Equinox, his sons decision to go back was motivated by an offer of 2 million CFA francs (just over 3,500). The father also told Equinox that the last time he heard from his son was in February 2025, when Demlabing sent videos to friends from the frontlines describing going two weeks without water there was only tea for drinking and developing rashes. The family had no contact with him since. In one of the videos from the Ukraine front that they came across later, the father said, a voice was saying: It wasnt easy, bro many people died between February and now, its not easy here, bro we dont have a choice. Service secret de la resistance In desperate attempts to find out what is happening amid silence from the authorities, Cameroonians are flocking to social media in search of information about those who have left for Russia. A Facebook whistleblower account run by a diaspora-based individual called Nzui Manto, which has 638,000 followers, has become the go-to portal for families missing a loved one. Mr Manto, whose email address is servicesecretdelaresistance and who is rumoured to be a revolutionary, appears to have strong sources, particularly regarding the Russian front in Ukraine; even Africa Defence Magazine quotes him on his estimate that 65 Cameroonian soldiers have died there so far. Often, when families report that they havent seen their fathers, children, nephews, or nieces for a while, Nzui Manto promises to investigate and report back. In this way, he has informed scores of Cameroonian families that their loved ones have died, giving the places, dates, and circumstances that led to their demise. Responses like Oh no, this was my uncle or I worked with him when I was teaching indicate that the families in question lend credibility to Mantos reports. Memorial services have been organised following the Facebook portals feedback, with no peep from either Cameroonian or Russian authorities. The last death report on Nzui Mantos Facebook page is dated 24 August. Career prospects But not all who go die; it is an unfortunate truth that career prospects, even for soldiers, may in some cases still be better in Russia than in Cameroon, where soldiers are dying in wars with Boko Haram in the north and armed separatists in the English-speaking regions. When I come across a Cameroonian contact who is now an officer in Russias military intelligence, he says that many simply travel on a tourist visa, then see application forms to join the army, all posted at major places like the tram station. Then, if they want to, they go there and enlist themselves. He does not want to talk about himself or how he ended up collecting intelligence on enemy Ukraine, but continues: This is how it happens generally: the recruiters (then) leave you a text messagein French if you dont understand Russian. This message contains directions on how you get to your training camp. Once you get there, they train you for two to three months, and after that, you are dispatched to fight against Ukraine. Though cautious throughout our conversation, my contact doesnt seem too eager to return to Cameroon. Mixed messages In March this year, the Cameroonian Ministry of Defence announced a crackdown on soldiers deserting the army to fight in Russia. In the press release, Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Assomo, urged all heads of the countrys defence and security forces to please urgently take all appropriate measures to tighten control over personnel within your ranks in this regard. Two months later, however, on 26 Mayat a celebration of Africa Day at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in MoscowCameroonian ambassador to Russia Mahamat Sale still celebrated how Russia contributes to the training of African personnel and that Cameroon owed a great deal to Russia in the sphere of security and the military. In a report for the Russian site afrinz.ru, which says it is a Russian news agency about events on the African continent with the goal to mutually expand the knowledge of Russians and Africans about each other, he was further quoted as saying that Russia was now Cameroons main partner outside the continent and that even in the most remote villages in Africa, you can see children waving the flags of the Russian Federation. According to the report, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during his speech at the same reception that Russia would continue to assist African countries in strengthening their defence capabilities and countering terrorism. A letter sent by ZAM, asking Ambassador Mahamat Salewho is, at 74, among the younger generation of Cameroons state representativesfor comment on Cameroonian deaths and disappearances in Russia, was not answered. This article was first published by ZAM Magazine, a PREMIUM TIMES partner. Late last year, the world was alerted to the disturbing news that Russia was recruiting hundreds of young African women, aged 1822, to manufacture drones in a military-industrial compound called Alabuga, 1,000 kilometres east of Moscow. The reports also said that the recruitsfrom at least 15 African countrieswere promised good salaries and skills training, but that once there, they were often trapped, facing tax deductions, dangerous working conditions, strict surveillance, and difficulties in returning home. In the past six months, a ZAM team in seven African countries, including PREMIUM TIMES in Nigeria, investigated the Russian recruitment exerciseand why so many young Africans grab the chance to go, sometimes even after having been warned. This Zambia chapter confirms that, once there, it is almost impossible for Alabuga recruits to freely contact home, or even to speak out publicly at all. When we finally get to speak to a young African woman in Alabuga, the contrast with the cheerful PR shown to the Zambian public could not be greater. Brochures circulated through various media, events hosted by Russian-linked associations in the capital, and even talk shows on private TV have so far featured only smiling girls in school-like uniforms, accompanied by testimonials praising the wonderful opportunities the programme has given them. But speaking with Tabitha* casts a very different light on what the recruits are experiencing there. It has taken us more than seven months of trying to finally make contact with an Alabuga girl. Getting through to a dormitory (advertised as cosy in the supposedly loving Alabuga environment), we find one, among seven young women of different nationalities, willing to speak to us about her experiences. From the way she speaks, she is clearly from southern Africa. But happiness is not the impression we at MakanDay, the Lusaka-based journalism centre I work for, get from Ms Tabitha. Even though she is apparently interested in informing us, she has repeatedly postponed our call and has nearly withdrawn altogether, answering us in the end only to voice her second thoughts. She then relents. Advanced materials Among the first things she says is that, even after close to a year, she still does not fully understand the Alabuga programme or what happens inside the compound. Among the industrial operations she says she has observed are the manufacture of automotive, construction, and what she calls advanced materials. I cant understand this company (the Alabuga Start Programme in the Special Economic Zone) and why so many people from around the world are here. Maybe they want to attract investors or something, she says. Asked about the military drones that are reportedly produced at her workplace, she says that she cant know everything that goes on here. Because this is not just one place, it is a massive piece of land with many industries. She adds that even her identification card restricts her movements within the zone, and then asks for details of the work that she does to be withheld for fear of being identified. Tax deductions She has been there for the work opportunity and to save money for her family and her own future. The salary is definitely good compared to the salaries back home, she continues. Of course, they didnt mention in their adverts that during the first six months of the programme, we would face a 30 per cent tax deduction from our salaries. She says she only discovered the deduction after arriving in Russia, and she still does not know what the tax is for. There have also been other disappointments. Some of us here are unable to cope with the workload and the strict workplace culture, she says, refusing to be drawn into expanding on what that means, but adding that many young people have left the programme. You find people just go back. A lot have gone back. Not convinced by much-distributed Alabuga material, inter alia in the form of videos and comic strips exhorting young women to learn Russian, embrace the culture, find friends, love and perhaps even a new home in Russia, Ms Tabitha is adamant that she herself will return home after the programme next year. She dreams of living in her home country again and investing her savings there. However, she has become aware that it may be difficult to transfer the saved funds out of Russia. Because of sanctions, she says, though this is likely only part of the problem: Russia has itself also introduced certain bans on foreigners trying to send money home. When asked to introduce us to the other girls on the programme, or even her family at home, she agrees but cautions that many are unwilling to talk because of the negative reports that have been written about Alabuga in the international press. She explains that two girls in her dormitory at Alabuga are actively assisting in Russias recruitment drive, giving online talks to encourage more girls to sign up. We wait for Ms Tabitha to communicate again, to give us more contacts, but she never does. The recruitment drive MakanDay started its quest to discover what really goes on in Alabuga after international reports were published in October last year, showing that young African women looking for opportunities abroad were offered fellowships in the programme, only to end up in a manufacturing facility producing Iranian Shahed drones for use in the war against Ukraine. Small fingers Why Alabuga wants only very young womenapplications are reserved for those between 18 and 22 years of agehas been explained with theories ranging from typically female precision and small fingers to they are easier to dominate. But some reports and clips openly advertised love and finding a wealthy husband at Alabuga, such as here, indicating a broader demographic goal. The Great Lakes chapter in this transnational investigation quotes a male Alabuga participant saying that several girls got pregnant during his stay there. Satellite photos Among our first efforts had been to try and picture what the Alabuga facility comprised. Contrary to the PR material that showed girls in school uniforms and talked of study, satellite photos did not appear to include an actual college or university. This looks like a factory, not a college, said a Zambian professional who has studied in Russia, when MakanDay showed her pictures of the compound. I have never seen a college in Russia that looks like this, and I have been to four cities there. They pride themselves in education, and a structure like this as a college would be shut down. Another former student in Russia questioned the salary figures after being shown an advert promising a 70,000 Rubles ($860) salary. The average Russian salary is 30,000 Rubles per month. This just sounds too good to be true. Government silence We asked the Zambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Immigration Department for comment, but despite repeated requests, neither institution responded. Among other questions, MakanDay sought to know what the government understood about the programme and whether any investigation had been conducted into the purpose for which Zambians were being recruited. Instead, the government remained silent, even as recruitment drives spread widely across social media. Other southern African governments have kept similarly quiet. According to Ms Tabitha, the only time she had become alerted that there might be something concerning about Alabuga was when immigration officials at her departure initially delayed clearing her papers, questioning both the programme and her young age, since she was only in her early twenties at the time. Eventually, however, she was allowed to travel. Agricultural drones After the official Zambian requests for comment failed, MakanDay sought a response from the Russian embassy in Lusaka but received no reply there either. Immediately afterwards, however, the embassy began inviting other mediaperhaps considered more friendlyto visit the Alabuga Start facility. Those who participated in these all-expenses-paid PR trips would acknowledge later that their role was largely limited to interviewing selected recruits within the compound and being shown only a few aspects of the operations. One, when asked whether they had toured any facility producing military drones, responded: The only drone manufacturing plant we visited was one that (according to his guides) produces agricultural drones for irrigation. Asking the ZambiaRussia Graduates Cultural Association (ZAMRUS) for information also proved futile. While director Patricia Kalinga has actively promoted the programme publicly, published its material on ZAMRUS social media, and accompanied journalists on PR trips to Russia, she never responded to our questions. The Russia House in Lusaka, which has also engaged in promotional activities for Alabuga, only informed us that MakanDays query to the Russian embassy had been passed on to it. An official at the House promised in that message to respond to our questions, but never did. Anti-human-trafficking A last development before our deadline was a confirmation from a source within the Department of Anti-Human Trafficking that the unit had been asked to look into the Alabuga programme at the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Immigration Department. Talking to the source, it became clear that the request had come to the department shortly after MakanDay had approached the Ministry for comment. The source added that the department intends to interview someone from ZAMRUS, but that had not yet happened because of a busy schedule. While high unemployment and lack of prospects in Zambia are known to cause many of its young people to seek opportunities abroad, it remains a mystery why the Zambian authorities are not taking a more proactive role in guarding the safety and prospects of its youth at Alabuga, and more generally in Russia. This is all the more concerning because a Zambian has already died on Russias frontlines. 23-year-old Zambian student Lemekhani Nyirenda, together with 37-year-old Tanzanian Nemes Tarimom, had both been imprisoned in Russia on dubious drug charges, but were offered freedom in exchange for joining the Kremlin-funded Wagner Group. The deal resulted in their deaths on the Ukrainian battlefield. A letter asking the Zambian embassy in Moscow whether it was ensuring the safety of Zambian girls at Alabuga was acknowledged but ultimately unanswered. *Names with asterisks have been changed to protect the sources. This article was first published by ZAM Magazine, a PREMIUM TIMES partner. A politician and activist in Zamfara State has said banditry can be wiped out within two months if the military works hand-in-hand with state governments. Sani Shinkafi, a former national secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), accused federal security agencies of neglecting intelligence provided by Zamfara authorities, despite heavy investment in security by the state. The problem is not capacity but political will, Mr Shinkafi said. If the military collaborates fully with Governor Dauda Lawals administration, these criminal elements can be flushed out in weeks. In a statement issued on Sunday, Mr Shinkafi, who leads the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, said the governor had equipped security efforts with 150 operational vehicles, advanced tracking technology, and the recruitment of 2,000 Civilian Joint Task Force members and hunters. Community Protection Guards were also strengthened with weapons and logistics to support conventional forces. Despite these measures, he said, troops frequently fail to act on intelligence reports of planned attacks, often insisting they were waiting for orders from Abuja even as citizens were killed, abducted or displaced. Mr Shinkafi also criticised what he called the politicisation of insecurity, pointing to heavy federal deployments during a recent bye-election in Kaura Namoda, while nearby villages were left at the mercy of bandits. He recalled the recent killing of 35 villagers in Banga and the imposition of 56 million levies on farmers in Danisa. He said the situation mirrored insecurity in neighbouring Katsina, where Governor Dikko Radda said security agencies ignored warnings of an attack that left dozens dead. Calling on President Bola Tinubu and the military high command to intervene, Mr Shinkafi stressed that ending insecurity required unity and cooperation rather than political rivalry. Security is everybodys business. Life has no duplicate, he said. We must set aside partisan politics and secure our communities. Late last year, the world was alerted to the disturbing news that Russia was recruiting hundreds of young African women, aged 1822, to manufacture drones in a military-industrial compound 1,000 km east of Moscow, called the Alabuga Special Economic Zone. The reports also stated that the recruitsfrom at least fifteen African countrieswere promised good salaries and skills training, but once there, they were often trapped, facing tax deductions, dangerous working conditions, strict surveillance, and difficulties returning home. In the past six months, a team from ZAM and NAIRE in seven African countries investigated the Russian recruitment exercise, asking why so many young Africans take the chance to go, sometimes even after being warned. A hundred more this year Among the shocking findings of this transnational investigation, launched today, is the involvement of high-ranking government officials in six of the seven countriesand the tacit approval in all sevenin sending their countries young women abroad. In Cameroon, a ruling party VIP and member of the Cameroon-Russia Business Council has actively taken 13 recruits to Alabuga and reportedly plans to supply Russia with a hundred more this year. A Kenyan and a Nigerian ambassador have been promoting the initiative on-site in Moscow and at Alabuga itself. In Rwanda, orders from above have allowed female students to travel to Russia for vague purposes. The Ugandan embassy and a parliamentarian have actively accompanied a contingent of recruits, making them among the first to arrive at Alabuga. The Nigerian Ministry of Education advertises the scholarship opportunity on its official website. Meanwhile, the Malawi Foreign and Labour Ministries, while stressing that there is no formal labour export agreement with Russia, allow recruitment through unofficial means, and Zambia, despite repeated inquiries, maintains a staunch silence regarding the fate of its youth. A set of interviews with parents of recruits, additionally done for ZAM in Zimbabwe in cooperation with Deutsche Welle, confirmed that government officials there had also pushed recruitment for Alabuga. The news site Bloomberg reported similar recruitment by politically connected individuals in South Africa (see box). Pictures on the website of Alabuga itself furthermore showed recruitment actions, including visits to Alabuga, by the Minister of Social Affairs in the DRC, as well as by ambassadors of Somalia, Angola, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, and Mali. Prickly yoghurt On 10 October 2024, the Associated Press rocked the public sphere in many African and Western countries by publishing a report that said young African women were working in a drone plant within the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, east of Moscow. It added that these recruits were assembling Iranian Shahed-136 attack drones to be used in Russias war in Ukraine and that they used chemicals to paint the drones. According to the report, one worker told AP they were coating the drones with a caustic substance with the consistency of yoghurt, and that the chemicals made her face feel like it was being pricked with tiny needles, with small holes appearing on her cheeks, which itched. My God, I could scratch myself! I could never get tired of scratching myself, AP quoted her as saying. A video shared with AP showed another woman wearing an Alabuga uniform with her face similarly affected. The company is all about making drones. I regret and curse the day I started making all those things, the interviewed woman was quoted as saying. AP added that, according to experts, about 90 per cent of the foreign women recruited via the Alabuga Start programme work on making drones, particularly the parts that dont require much skill. Tightly controlled The experts quoted by AP are connected to the Washington, US-based Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS). In a separate report, ISIS revealed that in some leaked (Alabuga) documents from 2023, [some workers] were called mulattoes () and that the modules where they worked were labelled with an additional M, or MM, for mulatto module, which were the most technologically simple portions of airframe production. They also said the same Alabuga documents showed that the participants of this program had fewer opportunities to advance from their assigned module. In line with ZAM findings, both AP and ISIS found that women at the compound were monitored and that entry to facilities was strictly controlled. More recently, ISIS has reported that high-resolution satellite imagery of the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in mid-July 2025 reveals a vast expansion comprising hundreds of new residential buildings and a dozen new production facilities, including workshops, warehouses, and office buildings. () The hundreds of new residential buildings, when finished, could hold roughly 41,000 workers. Slick PR A major tool for recruitment is a barrage of slick propaganda on Telegram, Facebook, and other social media channels, ranging from purported testimonials by enthusiastic participants, sometimes in school uniforms (there are no accounts of girls actually attending school in Alabuga), to orchestrated talks and interviews on YouTube. Positive testimonials have also been distributed through widely read news media in African countries, some of which have published them uncritically. A warning posted by a prospective recruit, who had shared international reports about drone manufacturing at Alabuga on the dedicated registration Telegram channel in Nigeria, was immediately removed. Sergeant Maya Perusing the Alabuga account on X, @sezalabuga, the ZAM team came across a tutorialin the often-used form of a comic stripwhich portrayed an unhappy African-looking girl who kept to herself and was only interested, as the thought bubble above her head said, in sending money home. Further in the story, she was admonished by a Sergeant Maya, who was in uniform and also black. Sergeant Maya gently coaxed the stubborn girl to embrace her new home, new family, and new friends. We saved the Tweet, since Sergeant Maya was evidence that, despite Russias denials, Alabuga was a military-style environment. Secondly, the content pointed to a broader demographic goal we had also seen elsewhere: Russia appeared to be interested in attracting young women generally, and for more than just a two-year work arrangement. We discussed the findings at a team meeting. And then the tweet disappeared. Under the URL, there was now only a message from X saying that the page does not exist. The Alabuga X account, instead, showed an altered comic strip, with the same girl as in the previous version, but this time she was only moody, no longer thinking about sending money home. In the new story, Sergeant Maya had been replaced by HR (human resources) Maya, who was white and in civilian dress. The ending was the same: the girl shaped up and became great friends with her new Russian-based family. Remarkably, the features that changed in the comic were the exact points previously highlighted by our editorial team in internal discussions. Chillingly, the African governments in this story project generally appeared to actively support what has been called the farming out of their youth to jobs abroad, no matter how dodgy, and not only to Russia. The ZAM team notes that in Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda (and elsewhere in Africa), job agencies, often with government approval or with the active involvement of officials, have recruited young women into abusive domestic worker jobs in Gulf States, or youth generally into agricultural labour and security jobs in Israel. Illustrating the attitude, Malawi Finance Minister Simplex Banda reported in February last year that the labour export to Israel from his country had already generated $735,000. Less than a year later, his colleague, then Labour Minister, Vitumbiko Mumba, would admonish Malawian workers in Israelwho had complained about harsh conditions and abusefor not fulfilling their job requirements, saying, inter alia, that they had abandoned posts, engaged in unauthorised vending and seeking asylum as gays, and that this was causing Malawi to be less marketable to the Israeli government. Save for Botswana, where the Interpol office was recently reported as stating it was looking into Alabuga recruitment in the country, and South Africa, which promised to look into the matter, none of the governments in this investigation have publicly expressed concern about young citizens now living at a drone manufacturing site; not even after the compound was targeted by Ukrainian drone attacks on 2 April 2024 and again in April and May 2025. None of the governments in the seven countries responded to letters asking to facilitate contact with the recruits or whether they were concerned for their safety. Trafficking station While driving away their own youth, some of the governments in this investigation have also engaged in deals with the West to accommodate unwanted migrants from elsewhere, even Palestinians chased from Gaza. Ugandan sources told the team that the country is turning into a trafficking station, sending its own young adults abroad while offering itself to the US as a dumping ground for unwanted humans from there. South Africa Late in August, a Bloomberg investigation in South Africa revealed that the BRICS Womens Business Alliance in that countrywhich says it operates under the mandate of the national Womens Ministryhad signed an agreement to supply Russia with 5,600 workers next year, including to Alabuga. In a comment, the Womens Ministry denied being formally linked to the recruiting organisation but said it was aware of it. The BRICS Student Alliance in the same country has also advertised Alabuga jobs, together with some high-profile influencers. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation said it was investigating but added that the South African government is yet to find credible evidence that job offers in Russia are inconsistent with their stated purpose. The 947 radio channel reported that it had phoned office numbers in Alabuga for clarity, but not one of several calls was answered. Boys go for US$1000 The team also found that there wasat least for young male Alabuga recruits, three of whom were interviewedan overlap between the Alabuga project and the frontlines of the war in Ukraine. Two young men from Burundi, who had initially been put to work in the drone factory, found themselves coerced and obliged to go to war. A Ugandan politician who acted as a recruiter said that boys, wherever they were in Russia, were at great risk of being recruited into the war because the posters are everywhere, and that was why Uganda preferred that they take the girls. African students in other parts of Russia reported having received offers to find compatriots to enlist in the Russian army, with one sending a screenshot showing US$1000 per Malawian. Military recruits from a wide range of African countries have been identified in online reports and photographs wearing Russian uniforms. Women were encouraged to establish relationships Regarding the young women which perhaps explains the mysterious age limit of 22the team was able to confirm reports, including from Alabuga PR itself, that girls were encouraged to establish love relationships with fellow workers at Alabuga and in Russia generally. One Alabuga recruit from Burundi told the team that several girls got pregnant during his time working there. Savings under sanctions The ZAM team interviewed one recruit who is presently residing in a dorm room at Alabuga. She said that the site was very large, with many industries and that her colleagues worked there in various jobs, not only on drones. However, she also said that the workers were subject to heavy security, were not allowed to wander freely, and had ID cards that restricted them to limited areas. There was a very strict workplace culture that many were unable to cope with. A lot of them have gone back, she said, adding that she herself wanted to return after fulfilling her two-year term but was concerned she might not be able to bring back her savings because of sanctions. In a series of seven stories, ZAM and the ZAIRE team portray the Alabuga schemes manifestations in the Great Lakes region (focusing on Burundi and Rwanda), Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Malawi, and Cameroon. (This article was first published by ZAM Magazine, a PREMIUM TIMES partner). The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives on Monday announced the recovery of over N200 billion in lost revenue for the federal government in the last year. Chairman of the committee, Bamidele Salam, disclosed this at the opening of the 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC), which Nigeria is hosting for the first time since the body was established in 2009. The five-day programme, holding from 8 to 12 September at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, is themed Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight of Public Debt: The Role of Finance and Public Accounts Committees. Mr Salam described the recovery as evidence of what legislative oversight can achieve when supported by institutional reforms and proactive engagement. He noted that the recovered sum, estimated at $150 million, resulted from a series of pragmatic measures adopted by the committee to strengthen fiscal compliance, improve transparency, and enhance efficiency in public financial management. The recovery marks one of the committees most significant achievements since the countrys return to democracy in 1999. Mr Salam explained that the committee had also completed several reports that were duly considered and adopted by the House. He pointed out that in a rare occurrence, one of its reports was rejected by the lower chamber, the first of such a case since the restoration of democratic governance in the country. According to him, this was not a setback but rather an affirmation of democracy in action, showing that parliamentary committees are not merely ceremonial but subject to scrutiny and debate. Another milestone, Mr Salam said, was the passage of the long-awaited Audit Bill by the House. According to him, the legislation, if passed by the Senate and assented to by President Bola Tinubu, will finally establish a legal framework for Nigerias Supreme Audit Institution, which has operated for decades without one. We are looking forward very earnestly to the passage of the Audit Bill by the Senate, so that this important bill can be transmitted to the president for assent and remove Nigeria from the list of countries without a legal framework for its supreme audit institution, he said. The committee, he added, has also taken steps to improve transparency and public engagement, including launching the WAAPAC Magazine, which offers citizens and development partners insights into committee activities, findings, and recommendations. He mentioned that in July, the PAC convened Nigerias first national conference on public engagement in oversight, bringing together parliamentarians, civil society groups, professional bodies, and technocrats to reimagine the framework for legislative scrutiny and build institutional capacity for fiscal discipline. Mr Salam said the theme of the conference could not have come at a better time, given the mounting debt crisis across Africa. Beyond domestic achievements, the chairman said Nigerias PAC has strengthened cross-border cooperation with sister parliaments in Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda, while also hosting delegations from Uganda and Zimbabwe. These exchanges, he explained, promote peer learning and help entrench best practices across the continent. He argued that such regional collaboration, together with platforms like WAAPAC, is essential for building sustainable public finance systems in West Africa. Entrenching a culture of accountability, transparency, probity, and fiscal discipline in the management of public finances is not just a national imperative but a regional and international necessity, he said. Public debt at critical point Speaker Tajudeen Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, represented by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, reinforced the importance of oversight, describing it as both a democratic duty and a moral responsibility. Mr Tajudeen warned that Africas debt trajectory has reached a critical point, with governments spending more on debt servicing than on healthcare and essential services. He noted that by 2022, the continents public debt had risen to $1.8 trillion, with external debt alone surpassing $1 trillion in 2023. Our parliament must ensure that every borrowing decision reflects prudence, transparency, and the collective interests of our citizens, Mr Tajudeen said. The speaker announced that Nigeria is prepared to champion the establishment of a West African Parliamentary Debt Oversight Framework under WAAPAC. The framework, he said, will harmonise debt reporting across countries, create regional standards for transparency, and empower parliaments with timely data for scrutinising borrowing practices. Institutionalising accountability Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West), stressed that Nigerias 1999 Constitution already provides a strong foundation for parliamentary scrutiny of public finances. Citing sections 80, 85, and 88, he said the constitution empowers the Public Accounts Committee to examine audit reports, investigate financial irregularities, and hold ministries, departments, and agencies accountable for how they spend public funds. These committees embody the principle that public money must be publicly accounted for. Without them, debt management could easily drift, Mr Akpabio said. He added that parliamentary oversight ensures that borrowing and spending align with development priorities and sustainable goals, rather than being lost to corruption or short-term consumption. What WAAPAC represents The West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC) was established in 2009 as a regional platform that brings together Public Accounts Committees from national parliaments across West Africa. Its mission is to promote peer learning, strengthen financial oversight, and advance accountability in the management of public resources. WAAPAC provides opportunities for legislators to share experiences, review each others practices, and develop regional standards for parliamentary scrutiny of public expenditure. Over the years, it has evolved into a vital framework for building trust among member states, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that fiscal governance across West Africa meets global standards of transparency and probity. The Abuja conference marks the first time since WAAPACs founding that Nigeria is hosting its annual conference and General Assembly. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, has warned West African countries against depending on external assistance to finance their development. Speaking at the 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC) in Abuja on Monday, Mr Edun said dwindling global support, rising debt costs, and shrinking fiscal space leave Africa with only one option: to rely on internal reforms, domestic revenue growth, and private sector-led investment. The minister described the moment as defining, noting that Africa faces the convergence of elevated debt servicing obligations, constrained revenues, and growing social demands. Placing Nigerias fiscal reforms within a global context, the minister warned that Africas vulnerabilities are being worsened by trends in world trade and development finance. He pointed out that trade wars and protective tariffs have eroded $2 trillion worth of world trade, while developed countries increasingly channel resources into domestic subsidies rather than global cooperation. He said, This conference comes at a defining moment. Currently, the world is beset by global uncertainty. There is a reduction in world trade. World trade is what helps countries participate in the growth of the world economy. About $2 trillion worth of world trade has disappeared and gone into subsidies. And this reduces the ability of countries to participate in growth and development as a result of being included in world trade. In fact, developing countries are even putting back more than they are getting in terms of concessional financing, and what that means is that we have to look as a country, as a region, and as a continent, we have to be more self-reliant. We have to reform our economies. We have to increase our tax-to-GDP ratio. We have to apply technology, automation, digitisation, and even AI to our revenue and efforts, and finally, we need to crowd in the private sector. Mr Edun, however, praised President Bola Tinubus administration for confronting long-standing economic distortions head-on, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of multiple exchange rates. According to him, those difficult decisions laid the foundation for Nigerias fiscal recovery strategy, which rests on two pillars: restoring macroeconomic stability and investing strategically in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and technology. If we look at the vision behind the presidents actions, it is to build a strong, resilient, and inclusive economy, inclusive in the sense that it provides good quality jobs for men, for women, for young people in particular, he said. Mr Edun outlined Nigerias four fiscal priorities as debt transparency, growth-enhancing borrowing, domestic revenue mobilisation, and coordinated debt treatment. He reported that reforms are already producing results and investor confidence is improving, fuel import costs are falling, and by next year, Nigeria expects to achieve 1.2 million barrels per day in domestic refining capacity, ending its reliance on exporting crude and importing refined products. That is how jobs are created and the economy grows, he said. Despite mounting concerns over Nigerias debt levels, Mr Edun insisted that the countrys debt-to-GDP ratio remains at a comfortable 38.8 per cent. However, he stressed that discipline is critical, explaining that borrowing must be project-based and yield measurable returns. One key reform, he noted, is the newly passed comprehensive tax law, which lowers burdens on the most vulnerable while simplifying compliance and expanding the tax base. Mr Edun insisted that Nigeria is not at a crossroads but at a turning point towards recovery. He said rising revenues, stronger foreign exchange inflows, and a more stable naira are laying the foundation for inclusive growth. In particular, he pointed to opportunities in manufacturing, which he said has become more competitive due to exchange rate adjustments. Products made in Nigeria, whether by small, medium, or large manufacturers, are now competitive. That is an opportunity to grow industries, create jobs, and build resilience, he said. Mr Edun urged lawmakers across Africa to ensure rigorous debt oversight, fiscal discipline, and long-term planning. If we maintain discipline and strengthen oversight, we can build resilient economies across our region and secure prosperity for future generations, he said. The WAAPAC conference The five-day WAAPAC conference, hosted by Nigerias House of Representatives from 8 to 12 September, is themed Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight of Public Debt: The Role of Finance and Public Accounts Committees. It brings together lawmakers, auditors, civil society leaders, and technocrats from across West Africa to deliberate on strategies for tackling debt accumulation, ensuring fiscal transparency, and safeguarding democratic accountability. Since its founding in 2009, WAAPAC has provided a platform for regional cooperation, peer learning, and oversight. This is the first time Nigeria is hosting the conference since its creation, a development Mr Edun described as a significant privilege and an opportunity to reinforce shared commitment to the region. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has taken a legal and rhetorical leap in response to the attacks on Gaza ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. For the first time, Sanchez openly used the word genocide to describe the military offensive against the people of Gaza something the Spanish government had avoided for many months, generating an internal debate within the governing coalition made up of Sanchezs Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE), which resisted using the term, and the smaller left-wing party Sumar, which advocated it openly. Defense Minister Margarita Robles had used the word in 2024 and was subsequently reprimanded for it. Sanchez has announced even more forceful measures, including a decree which will be approved by the Spanish Cabinet on Tuesday and must be ratified by Congress that legally enforces what was already happening in practice. According to Sanchez, this entails a total embargo on the purchase and sale of arms to Israel, as well as eight additional measures designed to prevent ships or aircraft that might carry fuel or support to the Israeli military from docking or landing in Spain. Sanchez began his address with a measured acknowledgment of the historical suffering of the Jewish people, seeking to preempt accusations of antisemitism, including from the Spanish political right. The Jewish people have suffered countless persecutions, deserve to have their own state, and to feel secure. That is why the Spanish government has condemned Hamas attacks from day one, he began, immediately following with the accusation of genocide: There is a difference between defending your country and bombing hospitals or starving innocent children. This is an unjustifiable attack on the civilian population, which the U.N. rapporteur has described as genocide. Sixty thousand dead, two million displaced, half of them children. This is not self-defense, it is not even an attack it is the extermination of a defenseless people and a violation of every international law. Sanchez made it clear that Spain is going further than most countries, especially European nations. Spain was the first to recognize Palestine, something some other countries are doing months later, and now Sanchez wants to lead again. The prime minister criticized his allies hesitation: The great powers end up stuck between indifference and complicity, he said. Sumar had also called for Spain to break relations with Israel or at least recalling the ambassador, but PSOE rejected this idea. Consequently, Sanchez has announced nothing regarding a diplomatic break. Sources from the Foreign Ministry explain that such a move, also advocated by the party Podemos, would be counterproductive and harmful for Palestine. Spain, they emphasize, supports a two-state solution and therefore seeks to contribute to resolving the conflict. Breaking ties would exclude Spain from that process. Indeed, no Arab country especially those critical of Israel has severed relations, nor has the Palestinian Authority. Not even Russia has cut ties, because dialogue is always necessary to seek solutions and assist Palestinians. Sanchez also acknowledged that the impact of these Spanish measures is limited, as Spain is not a decisive actor in this conflict, unlike the United States. Yet he insisted that Spain can at least do what is within its power to show a path forward. Spain does not have nuclear bombs. We cannot stop the Israeli offensive alone, but we will not stop trying, said Sanchez. We have promoted U.N. resolutions, sent humanitarian aid to Gaza, halted arms sales to Israel, and advanced recognition of Palestine. We have fought against indifference to offer a horizon of hope to the Palestinian people. Among the measures, in addition to the decree and ban on ships and aircraft carrying military material or fuel for the Israeli army, there will be a ban on entry into Spain for all those participating in the genocide including Israeli government officials and military personnel. Spain will also increase its presence at the Rafah border and provide more support to the Palestinian Authority, adding 10 million ($11.7 million) more to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which sustains Palestinians, and another 150 million ($175 million) in humanitarian aid. Furthermore, Spain will prohibit the import of products from illegal settlements in Gaza and the West Bank, with the aim of combating these occupations. We hope these measures will add pressure and help alleviate some of the suffering. In one of the most infamous episodes of the 21st century, at least citizens should know that Spain was on the right side of history, Sanchez concluded. The government believes these actions place Spain at the vanguard of pressure on Israel to halt what Sanchez now openly calls genocide. Israels reaction was immediate. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused the Spanish government of being antisemitic and corrupt, recalling that Spain expelled the Jews in 1492. Sanchez had, in fact, opened his speech by acknowledging the historic persecutions of the Jewish people, explicitly citing the Holocaust, to close off that line of attack. Israel has also barred entry to Vice President and Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz and Minister of Youth and Childhood Sira Rego. Meanwhile, Diaz has called on Sanchez to go further and recall Spains ambassador in Tel Aviv. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition President Bola Tinubu has commended Vice President Kashim Shettima, G24 director Iyabo Masha, and 12 others who were conferred with the Distinguished Fellow Award by the Nigerian Economic Society (NES). The president described the honours as recognising outstanding contributions of the awardees to economic policy, research, and development of the country. The NES earlier announced its decision to confer its Distinguished Fellow Award on Mrs Masha and others at its 66th annual conference at the NAF Conference Center, Kado, Abuja. In a statement released on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga, Mr Tinubu commended the awardees, stating that the conferment is a testament to their exemplary service, intellectual depth, and commitment to advancing Nigerias socio-economic transformation. He commended Mr Shettima for his visionary leadership, deep insights, and relentless dedication to implementing the administrations Renewed Hope Agenda. He added that the vice president was instrumental in driving inclusive growth, job creation, and sustainable development in the country. Additionally, Mr Tinubu applauded the director of the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four on International Monetary Affairs and Development (G-24) on the honour. According to him, the recognitions were well-deserved and an inspiration to upcoming economists, researchers, and policy experts across the country. As a nation, we are proud of your achievements and the example you set for current and future generations. Your passion, innovation, and service to the nations economic progress embody the spirit of excellence that our administration celebrates and upholds, Mr Tinubu said. The president urged the new fellows to continue leveraging their expertise to support Nigerias economic recovery, foster inclusive prosperity, and strengthen its global competitiveness. Mr Tinubu assured the awardees of his administrations determination to collaborate with experts and institutions to deliver enduring growth and shared opportunities for all Nigerians. The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (NAU) in Anambra State says its security personnel have arrested two people for allegedly stealing the university property under the guise of scavenging. NAU, popularly known as UNIZIK, is a federal university in Anambra State. The university, in a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Sunday, identified the arrested suspects as Shehu Ibrahim and Sadiq Haruna. The suspects were arrested on Wednesday, 4 September 2025, following an investigation into the theft of an air conditioning unit from the universitys printing press, the statement reads in part. The statement quoted the universitys security department as saying that the suspects had been moving around campus, claiming to be scavengers, while in reality, they were targeting and stealing valuable institutions equipment. The suspects were handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for prosecution in accordance with the law, it added. The universitys security department, according to the statement, reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property within the campus. The department urged members of the university community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly for action. Scavenging in Nigerian cities The number of young Nigerians who are into scrap scavenging has increased due to growing economic hardship in the country. But Nigerian authorities across states and cities have banned scavenging after criminals began to use it as a cover to commit crimes. The then-governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, was among the first to rise to what has now become a nationwide challenge, when, in January 2022, he banned cart-pushers from operating in Port Harcourt, the state capital. Within the same period, his then-counterpart in Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel, equally banned scavenging in Akwa Ibom State, following the alleged killing of a resident of Uyo by two scrap scavengers. Following widespread removal of manholes in Abuja by suspected scavengers, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, earlier this year, banned scavengers from operating in the capital city. A Federal High Court in Abuja later validated the ban. A human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has advised the newly appointed Force spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, to define his own career path rather than imitating his predecessor. Mr Effiong, who is based in Lagos State, gave the advice in a post on his Facebook page on Friday. Appointment Mr Hundeyin, a chief superintendent of police, was recently appointed the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force. The new Force spokesperson, who was serving as the police spokesperson in Lagos State before his recent appointment, assumed duties at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Friday. He takes over from Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who has been redeployed to the police command in Delta State, Nigerias South-south. Youre a fine police officer In the Facebook post, Mr Effiong said he worked with Mr Hundeyin closely on some cases during his time as the spokesperson of the police in Lagos State. I can publicly attest to the fact that you are a fine police officer who would like to see the image of the Force improve. My advice to you is that you should define your own career path. Do not try to mimic your predecessor. The eyes of the country are upon you, he said. Your elevation to the position of Force PRO gives me mixed feelings. On one hand, I am excited for you. On the other hand, Im very concerned about what lies ahead of you. The lawyer told Mr Hundeyin that he and others who know him (Hundeyin) during his time in Lagos State would be disappointed if he fails to perform well in office. A lot of people are waiting to see how youll navigate your new role. May you have the courage to discharge your responsibilities creditably, and the wisdom to handle public issues properly, he said while wishing the new spokesperson a fruitful tenure in his new role. Hundeyin at a glance Mr Hundeyin is a graduate of English Language from Lagos State University and holds a Masters Degree in Legal Criminology and Security Psychology from the University of Ibadan. He also has a certificate in civilmilitary coordination from the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Training Centre, Jaji, Kaduna State. The new Force spokesperson has a strong background in public relations, and has served as spokesperson for Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Lagos. He also served as an administration officer at the Force Public Relations Department in Abuja. Mr Hundeyin was also part of Nigerias contingent to the United NationsAfrican Union Mission in Darfur, Sudan, in 2020. He is a member of several professional bodies including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, International Public Relations Association and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria. The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has assured that members of the 10th Assembly will continue to stand firmly behind the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, in defence of his mandate. He said the speaker has distinguished himself as a unifying figure whose inclusive leadership style has given every lawmaker a sense of belonging and respect. Mr Agbese stated this while speaking with journalists on Monday. Background There were media reports of discontent among some members of the House recently. According to the report, the grievances centred on two main issues: delayed payments to contractors handling constituency projects, a development that has put lawmakers under pressure from their constituents; and allegations that several members were excluded from the recruitment of 785 new staff into the National Assembly without their knowledge. These concerns, which reportedly featured in private chats among lawmakers, had been interpreted by a section of the media as signs of a possible plot to move against the Speaker. However, the House leadership swiftly dismissed such claims. The Spokesperson of the House, Akin Rotimi, described the reports of a looming showdown as misleading and sensational, stressing that casual WhatsApp discussions among members do not equate to official caucus resolutions. He clarified that the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), not the Speaker or the House leadership, conducted the recruitment exercise. To address the concerns, Mr Rotimi noted, the leadership had already set up a committee to review the matter. The controversy over delayed payments was further fuelled by a staged protest last week by indigenous contractors at the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance in Abuja. The contractors demanded the settlement of outstanding obligations for capital projects executed in 2024, which they estimated at 4 trillion. In response, the House of Representatives swiftly intervened. Acting under the directive of Mr Tajudeen, the leadership engaged relevant government agencies and promised to fast-track the process of verification and settlement. According to the House, payments to contractors were expected to begin on Monday. Leader for all Mr Agbese described Mr Tajudeen as a leader for all, stressing that since assuming office, the speaker has carried along all lawmakers in decision-making and legislative engagements. The speaker is not a sectional leader. He is not someone who wants to run the House as a clique. From the very first day, he made it clear that he is here to serve all members and Nigerians. This is why you see overwhelming support across party lines for him, Mr Agbese stated. According to him, Mr Tajudeens leadership in the last two years has fostered harmony and reduced friction within the chamber, as lawmakers feel respected and valued. He noted that, unlike in some past assemblies where divisions, exclusions, and distrust created cracks within the legislature, the 10th House of Representatives under Mr Abbas has remained largely united. He attributed this stability to the speakers deliberate efforts to include everyone, regardless of their political affiliation, rank, or caucus. One thing, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, has done differently is to treat everyone with respect, whether you are a first-time member or a ranking lawmaker, from the majority or minority caucus. He engages with us, he listens, and he acts. That is the kind of leadership that builds trust, he noted. The lawmaker maintained that this inclusive approach has strengthened unity in the House and inspired members to rally behind the speaker against any attempt to undermine his leadership. We have witnessed in past assemblies how exclusion and divisions weakened the legislature. Today, the House stands united behind the speaker because we know he is sincere, transparent, and committed to the collective good of the 10th Assembly and the Nigerian people, Mr Agbese said. He explained that the sense of inclusiveness fostered by the speaker has not only built harmony among members but has also enhanced the quality of the legislatures output. According to him, the House is now more focused, coordinated, and productive, as reflected in the robust debates, diverse perspectives, and the increasing number of motions and bills being processed. What the speaker is doing is giving every member a voice. That is why we now have robust debates, diverse perspectives, and a stronger legislature. We will continue to defend his mandate because it is not just about him, but about protecting the institution and serving the Nigerian people, he concluded. Mr Tajudeen, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), assumed office as speaker on 13 June 2023. He represents the Zaria federal constituency of Kaduna State, North-west Nigeria. He was a lecturer before his election to the House in 2011. Since he emerged as speaker, the 360-member lower chamber has been stable. The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has warned the opposition against politicising insecurity, insisting that bandits cannot simply be carpet-bombed out of existence or to submission. The governor gave the counsel at the public presentation of Where I Stand, a book written by the late Abubakar Gumi and translated into Arabic by Ibrahim Jalingo. The event, organised by Jamaatu Izalatul Bidah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), was held on Saturday, where Mr Sani represented President Bola Tinubu as Special Guest of Honour and also served as Chief Host. He stressed that insecurity in the North-west differs from Boko Harams insurgency in the North-east, which is ideologically driven, noting that poverty, unemployment, and neglect of rural communities drive banditry. Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, while speaking on a Channels TV programme last week, accused the Kaduna State Government and the Federal Government of romancing with bandits by giving them money instead of deploying military force to crush them. He insisted that non-kinetic measures cannot resolve the menace. Mr Sani said, Insecurity cant be resolved solely through the use of firearms. Whoever makes such a claim is only playing politics. We must fear God, and stop deceiving the people because that approach will not work. The governor insisted that Nigerias security manpower has shrunk despite the countrys rapid population growth. In 1970 after the civil war, Nigeria had about 300,000 soldiers, but today they are less than 250,000 while our population has increased by over 100 million. How then can anyone say that guns alone will solve the problem? It is impossible, he stressed. The governor lamented the absence of security personnel in many parts of the North-west. If you travel to Zamfara, Birnin Gwari, or the forests of Katsina, you can go for about 50 kilometres without meeting a single policeman, not to mention a soldier. We have vast areas in this country without any security personnel, he said. Explaining the Kaduna Peace Model, he said the initiative relies on non-kinetic strategies and is community-driven, involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders. He cited Birnin Gwari as an example, where the Emir championed the return of peace. We spent six months trying to understand the root causes of insecurity. We discovered that poverty, unemployment, lack of schools, hospitals, and commerce in rural areas pushed people into crime, he explained. The governor rejected attempts to heap blame on the federal government. We should not deceive our people by saying President Tinubu or National Security Adviser Ribadu is responsible. We should not expect them to go to Giwa, Birnin Gwari, or the Dansadau forest to solve the problem for us, he declared. Reaffirming his personal commitment, he added: We were elected by the people, and it is our duty to do everything possible to protect our people. I decided to embark on the non-kinetic approach to address insecurity in Kaduna State because its me that God will hold responsible in the hereafter. Experts at the 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference (ELFIC2025) have called for stronger multi-sectoral coordination to sustain health security gains in West Africa. Speaking at the opening of the conference in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, on Monday, Benjamin Uzochukwu of the Department of Public Health, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), said it is important to strengthen regional collaboration and ensure that countries work together in implementing the International Health Regulations (IHR). Mr Uzochukwu made a presentation on Operationalising Multisector Coordination Mechanisms (MCM) for Greater Coordination of International Health Regulation (IHR) Implementation in West Africa. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some progress has been made since the 2019 Abuja conference on Lassa fever. More diagnostic laboratories have been established across Nigeria, surveillance systems have been strengthened, and international research collaborations, including vaccine trials supported by CEPI and WHO, are expanding. Mr Uzochukwu reviewed the achievements of a regional health security project supported by the Gates Foundation, which integrated human, animal, and environmental health under the One Health framework. He said that the project enhanced disease surveillance, strengthened laboratories, and promoted community-led reporting of human and animal health threats in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. Similarly, Chinyere Okeke, a lecturer at the Institute of Public Health, UNN, noted that funding gaps, procurement delays and the inability to retain personnel continue to threaten the sustainability of health security initiatives. Ms Okeke said that community participation is essential in order to mobilise residents for surveillance, risk communication and transparency in data sharing. She said that strong institutions and flexible funding remain the backbone of health security, adding that domestic investment and coordination are also key to sustaining the momentum. Monstapha Grorigui, coordinator of the Regional Disease Surveillance Systems Enhancement (REDISSE) Project in Guinea, said the country successfully implemented the project, which began in January 2017, shortly after the 20142016 Ebola outbreak. Mr Grorigui noted that the project established five major laboratories for testing epidemic-prone diseases and performing genomic sequencing. He said it also enhanced human and animal health capacities through the Field Epidemiology Training Programmes at different levels. He added that the project deployed a robust frontline surveillance platform, decentralised to community levels and integrated into multiple ministries, including Fisheries, Scientific Research and Vocational Education. Further achievements, he said, include the formation of thematic working groups for surveillance, logistics and communication, as well as sustained support from the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) to ensure results were linked to the wider regional health security framework. He added that Guinea mounted a rapid response to COVID-19, mobilising $13.2 million, and later supported vaccine procurement during the 2021 yellow fever outbreak. He, however, acknowledged ongoing challenges such as the need for greater engagement of the Ministry of Environment, stronger participation of women in advanced training, and the sustainability of surveillance platforms across all sectors. Ali Sani, director of Planning and Health Information at WAHO, said that sustained multisectoral collaboration among the ministries of Health, Agriculture and Environment is essential to strengthen disease surveillance and early warning systems. Mr Sani noted that while progress has been made in improving early warning systems through national action plans and evaluation exercises, several gaps remain, and continuous efforts are needed. He further stressed the importance of strengthening veterinary services, with technical support from WHO, to ensure their full contribution to One Health initiatives. He urged countries to mobilise national resources alongside donor support and highlighted the role of structured dialogue, negotiation and ministerial meetings in fostering collaboration. According to him, although the REDISSE project (20162023) laid the groundwork for One Health implementation, continuous effort is required to institutionalise these systems. Franck Berthe, senior livestock specialist at the World Bank, described the anchoring of health security initiatives within ECOWAS and member states as a key achievement. Mr Berthe said the establishment of One Health platforms at regional and national levels had fostered coordination across sectors, while Field Epidemiology Training Programmes created a network of trained cohorts capable of working together across borders. He also pointed to the institutional strengthening of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), adding that this served as a model of a National Public Health Institute, and highlighted the adoption of harmonised laboratory and biosecurity standards in 2017 and 2018. He added that during COVID-19, the region demonstrated its readiness to respond, with the Pasteur Institute becoming one of the first WHO-accredited testing centres. He acknowledged, however, that many efforts remain donor-driven, that roles within One Health coordination have sometimes been unclear, and that the environmental sector remains largely absent, with veterinary services still under-resourced. He recommended embedding project units within health ministries to promote ownership, linking prevention, preparedness and response rather than treating them separately, and aligning with continental strategies such as the Africa Health Strategy 20162030, the Africa CDC Strategy 2026 and the Africa Unions New Public Health Order. Mr Berthe also underlined the importance of viewing health security as an investment rather than a cost, stating that every dollar invested in health security yields an estimated return of 1.7 dollars in economic growth. Meanwhile, Olusegun Adeoye, a pharmacist and allied health expert, who moderated the session, said the One Health approach, though complex, is vital to balancing human, animal and environmental health priorities. Mr Adeoye stressed that institutionalising this approach is critical to preparing West Africa for future epidemics. NAN recalls that in spite of these gains, many of the challenges identified in 2019 persist. A licensed vaccine is still unavailable, diagnostic access remains uneven, and stigma and delayed presentation continue to hinder care. Funding is still largely donor-driven rather than government-owned, while cross-border coordination and large-scale community-led interventions remain weak. (NAN) The United Nations has condemned the killing of scores of civilians in an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Darajamal village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. In a statement on Sunday, the UNs Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, described the incident as deeply appalling and saddening, stressing that civilians should never be targets in conflict. PREMIUM TIMES reported that more than 50 people were killed when the insurgents stormed the community on Friday evening. An unknown number of residents were also abducted, while others sustained injuries and fled the area. At least 28 houses were reportedly set ablaze during the raid. I call on security authorities to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous attack and swiftly bring them to justice. I also call for the immediate release of all those abducted, Mr Fall said, while extending condolences to the victims families, the people of Borno State and the Nigerian government. The incident was one of the deadly attacks by Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP). Both groups have orchestrated many attacks this year, targeting civilians, security forces and public infrastructure. The insurgency in the North-east has lingered for nearly two decades, with millions displaced and others killed, especially in areas that experts describe as BAY (Borno, Adamawa and Yobe) states. Mr Fall reiterated the UNs call on parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian and human rights law, protect civilians, and safeguard their property. He further affirmed the UNs commitment to supporting people affected by the conflict and complementing government response efforts. The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Ghebreyesus, has warned that the public health excellence of the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must be protected. In a post on X on Sunday, Mr Ghebreyesus described the CDC as a global centre of excellence whose practices have inspired the establishment of similar public health bodies around the world. When I was Ethiopias Health Minister, I sent a team to Atlanta to learn from the US CDC, and a significant part of what the Ethiopian Public Health Agency does is based on these best practices, he said. The establishment of the Africa CDC, which I proposed at the African Union summit in Abuja in 2013 when I was Foreign Minister, was also inspired by the US CDC. Through global cooperation, many countries have not only learned from the US CDC, but they have also chosen to use the name CDC for their national institutes. Crisis at US CDC WHOs comments come as the CDC grapples with leadership instability, mass resignations, and threats of funding cuts. On 28 August, the BBC reported that CDC Director Susan Monarez was forced out of office just a month after her Senate confirmation, amid clashes with the US Health Secretary, Robert Kennedy Jr, over vaccine policy. The White House said she was removed because she was not aligned with the presidents agenda. She has since been replaced by Jim ONeill, a former Silicon Valley investor and deputy to Mr Kennedy. Ms Monarezs lawyers, however, described the dismissal as illegal, alleging she was targeted for refusing to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives. At least three senior leaders reportedly resigned in protest, including the agencys Deputy Director, Debra Houry; Lead on Emerging Infectious Diseases, Daniel Jernigan; and Vaccine Head, Demetre Daskalakis. NBC News also reported the departure of Jennifer Layden, who led public health data and technology. Experts concern The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH), in a statement on 4 September, expressed deep concern over the leadership crisis, recent layoffs, and a US House of Representatives proposal to slash CDC funding by 20 per cent. Leadership instability and the departure of experienced public health professionals threaten to undermine the agencys mission at a time when strong, evidence-based guidance is needed more than ever, ASTMH warned. Public health must remain rooted in science. The politicisation of scientific guidance whether implicit or explicit erodes public trust, weakens the ability to respond effectively to emerging threats, and ultimately puts lives at risk. Mr Ghebreyesus also noted in his post that the WHO has enjoyed a close and longstanding partnership with the CDC, giving the US access to global health data and outbreak alerts, while enabling other countries to benefit from American science. No institution is perfect, and continued improvements are always needed to make sure the latest science and evidence are applied to emerging challenges in real time. But the work of the US CDC has been invaluable and must be protected, he added. More concerns The disruption at the CDC has raised fears about USs readiness to handle infectious disease outbreaks. ABC News reported on 28 August that the sudden departures have left the whole chain of command disrupted, quoting Georges Benjamin of the American Public Health Association. Former CDC Principal Deputy Director, Anne Schuchat, told the Associated Press that the crisis could affect essential services, from outbreak surveillance to water and food safety. If people are doing well and healthy, its probably partly because of the CDC, Ms Schuchat said. The turmoil also comes against the backdrop of US President Donald Trumps January executive order withdrawing the country from the WHO. Justifying the withdrawal from the WHO, Mr Trump cited what he called the inappropriate political influence of member states on the global body that is about 20 per cent funded by the US. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fired back at a former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, accusing him and other leading opposition figures of undermining Nigerias democratic space with baseless allegations and a lack of leadership. In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party dismissed Mr Tambuwals recent claims during a televised interview that President Bola Tinubu and the APC were orchestrating moves to destabilise opposition parties. Tambuwals claims about APC and the 2027 election In a televised appearance on Channels Television programme, Politics Today aired on Friday, Mr Tambuwal accused Mr Tinubu and the APC of actively orchestrating efforts to undermine opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party. He claimed that the signs of destabilisation are very clear, insisting he was not merely speculating. I am not accusing them. I am saying they are involved in efforts aimed at destabilisation of opposition parties, he declared Mr Tambuwal, a serving senator and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, also portrayed the plan to unseat Mr Tinubu not as a regional or fringe movement, but as a national consensus refuting claims that it was driven by northern interests. He affirmed his commitment to the coalition, stating, I am fully involved in a process democratically and lawfully that will end, by the grace of God, in sending this government out of office. With the help of God and Nigeria, we will send these people out of office, adding that it is not cast in stone that Mr Tinubu cannot be defeated in 2027. Further elaborating on the strategy for the 2027 election, he stressed that opposition unity is key to defeating Mr Tinubu. He warned that if heavyweight candidates such as former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso contest the 2027 presidential election separately, it would undermine the oppositions strength and almost assure victory for Mr Tinubu. APC fires back Mr Morka, in the statement, described Mr Tambuwals allegation that the APC was destabilising the opposition as unsubstantiated, stating that the former governor and his allies were the true architects of the oppositions dwindling fortunes. According to the statement, Mr Tambuwal and other key opposition leaders, including Atiku, ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, had all failed to provide purposeful leadership to their parties. It is perplexing that these opposition leaders, who have occupied some of the highest political offices in our country, have failed horridly and disgracefully to provide leadership, purpose, direction and vitality to their parties. Without effective leadership, opposition parties cannot perform their ascribed role of promoting accountability of governance or its role to provide credible policy alternatives or extending cooperation to the ruling party in pursuit of progress, and achieving the common good, Mr Morka said. EFCC case and political blackmail The statement also touched on Mr Tambuwals ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged cash withdrawals totalling 189 billion, reportedly in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022. Mr Morka rejected Mr Tambuwals suggestion that his arrest and probe were politically motivated, saying the former governor was attempting to use emotional blackmail to evade accountability. Tambuwal must believe that his status as an opposition politician confers some kind of immunity from investigation or prosecution by anti-corruption agencies. No member of the political opposition is above the law, just like no citizen is above the law. Resorting to emotional blackmail against the government as a device to shield himself or anyone from lawful scrutiny, investigation or prosecution for suspected heinous economic crimes will not and should not cut it as opposition sacred cows, he said. Internal cracks within the opposition Mr Morka also mocked the oppositions attempts to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, describing it as a fragile alliance weakened by internal strife and competing egos. The oppositions attempt at building a coalition remains a figment that is not coalescing due to the hostile takeover of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that is now unravelling in crippling dimensions, and the competing selfishness, desperation and arrogance of its leaders, he said. Mr Morka added that opposition parties were rudderless at sea as members continue to defect in large numbers, weakening their chances of mounting a credible challenge in future polls. 2027 elections and APCs position Looking ahead, the ruling party expressed confidence that Nigerians would once again reject the opposition at the ballot box. With nothing of value to offer Nigerians, these opposition elements have now turned political prophets, trumpeting their base wishes and 2027 predictions that only truly portend the devastating defeat that awaits them, the statement read. The APC stressed that Mr Tinubu remained focused on governance, noting his administrations ongoing reforms to strengthen Nigerias economic foundations. As a party, we will continue to strengthen our internal democratic systems to stand stronger and serve Nigerians better, while as a government, President Tinubu remains resolute and focused on rebuilding generationally neglected foundations of our economic life and repositioning the country for sustainable progress, Mr Morka concluded. A long-running political rivalry The latest confrontation between Mr Tambuwal and the ruling party did not emerge in isolation. It comes on the back of a long-running political rivalry. In 2018, Mr Tambuwal dramatically defected from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), denouncing the ruling party as a sanctuary for the corrupt. His exit, coming at a time of rising tensions within the APC, was seen as a major blow. Mr Tinubu himself dismissed the defection as an act driven by Mr Tambuwals personal ambition to secure the presidency. READ ALSO: WHO calls for protection of US CDC amid leadership crisis Since then, Mr Tambuwal has remained one of the APCs most persistent critics. Earlier this year, in February, he declared that no politician with a conscience would join the APC, arguing that its recent wave of defections was powered only by stomach infrastructure and personal survival, not patriotism. Those comments provoked an immediate backlash from APC figures, including former Voice of Nigeria DG, Osita Okechukwu, who accused Mr Tambuwal of hypocrisy and of undermining national political stability. It is against this backdrop of entrenched political animosity that Mr Tambuwals latest allegations of APC interference in opposition affairs appear to have triggered the partys sharp response. Nigerian stocks depreciated by 0.9 per cent last week on account of sell-offs in industrial goods and bank stocks, leaving the year-to-date return of the bourse at 35 per cent. Analysts have projected that the market is likely to be fairly bearish in the absence of key drivers until third-quarter corporate results start rolling in. The half-year audited reports of big lenders like UBA, GTCO, Access Holdings and Zenith are currently being awaited. We anticipate mixed trading sentiment as the market provides opportunity for medium to long-term investors in stocks that have recently declined, and activities in tier-1 banks are likely to remain a key focus for investors, analysts at Meristem Securities said going into the week. Expected corporate announcements, particularly H1:2025 earnings releases from Tier-1 banks, are likely to provide support for market activity, they added. PREMIUM TIMES has assembled some stocks with sound fundamentals, adopting rigorous approaches to save you the risk of picking equities at random for investment. The pick, a product of an analytical market watch, offers a guide to entering the market and taking strategic positions in hopes that selected stocks will record reasonable price appreciation with the passage of time. This is not a buy, sell or hold recommendation but a stock investment guide. You may need to involve your financial advisor before taking investment decisions. Zenith Bank Zenith tops this weeks list for trading well below its intrinsic value and for its chances of paying a good dividend for the half-year (HY) 2025 period. The net profit ratio (NPR) of the lender is 26.2 per cent, while the price-to-earnings (PE) ratio is 2x. Its relative strength index (RSI) is 33.3. AIICO Insurance AIICO makes the selection for its fairly strong fundamentals. The insurers NPR is 6 per cent, while its PE ratio is 9.4x. The RSI is 51.1. Fidson Healthcare Fidson appears on the pick for trading below its underlying value. The NPR of the company is 9 per cent, while the PE ratio is 9.6x. Its RSI is 47.9. Vitafoam Nigeria Vitafoam makes the cut for trading fairly below its intrinsic value. The companys NPR is 13.5 per cent, while the PE ratio is 7.8x. Its RSI is 23.8. Presco Presco makes the cut for its currently sound fundamentals. The companys NPR is 51 per cent, while the PE ratio is 11.8x. Its RSI is 61.2. The US president has triggered an avalanche of court rulings against his attempts to expand his own power A federal appeals court ruling on Friday overturning the cancellation of protected status for millions of Venezuelans capped 10 days of legal setbacks for the Donald Trump administration and its accumulation of power in the United States. Court after court has blocked key measures of his agenda, from global tariffs to immigration policy, including the freeze on funds for Harvard University. Given the administrations appeals, either already filed or promised, the conservative Supreme Court will hold the key to whether the Republican presidents agenda is legally valid and Trump can continue accumulating power. Its decisions will have consequences for decades to come. Over the past week, the president has suffered setback after setback in the court system. And the judges have not spared critical comments in their decisions. Invoking the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act, designed for wartime, to summarily deport illegal immigrants is illegal. Withholding $2.2 billion (almost 1.9 billion) in federal funds from Harvard University as a means of pressuring the nations oldest educational institution to comply with government demands on faculty hirings and student admissions was motivated by the presidents power and political views. Trumps June order to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles to counter protests against immigration raids was unlawful and seemed aimed at creating a national police force with the President as its chief. Demonstration this Saturday in Washington against the deployment of the National Guard. Jose Luis Magana (AP) By the time this latest decision was delivered, Trump had already sent troops to DC under the pretext of eliminating crime. And he is threatening to imminently deploy those troops to other Democratic-run cities. The president has specifically cited Baltimore, Chicago, and, most recently, New Orleans. This past Friday, a federal judge in California concluded that Homeland Security Secretary Kristy Noem assumed powers she didnt have when she rescinded the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) granted by former Democratic president Joe Biden to hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Venezuelans. The Secretarys action in revoking TPS was not only unprecedented in the manner and speed in which it was taken but also violates the law, wrote San Francisco Judge Edward Chen. Tariffs, the biggest blow The string of judicial setbacks had begun a week earlier with perhaps the most serious blow to Trumps plans: a federal appeals court, by a majority of seven to four, declared unlawful most of the tariffs he has imposed on the rest of the world since his return to the White House in January. If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America, claimed Trump after the ruling. His administration is counting on the revenue from these import duties to cover its tax cuts and reduce the ballooning national debt, already exceeding $37 trillion, more than 120% of GDP. In its ruling, the appeals court allowed the tariffs to remain in place until October 14 to give the administration time to react. The government has already rushed to file, in almost record time, an appeal to the Supreme Court, as Trump had announced he would do. It is asking for an urgent ruling, using rhetoric very typical of the Republican: If these Tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the Country. The tariffs, the state lawyers maintain, promote peace and economic prosperity and their mission is to pull the U.S. back from the brink of a major economic and national security catastrophe. Immigration, education and security Another avalanche of appeals could arrive in the coming days against rulings regarding deportation policy, funding for Harvard, or the use of the National Guard. There are other cases yet to be resolved by the courts that are central to the presidents power grab: from the attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, a decision that could affect the central banks future as an independent entity, to the use of an obscure mechanism to freeze funds earmarked for foreign aid totaling $4.5 billion that had already been approved by Congress. The courts are the only institution that has so far stood up to the U.S. president: Congress, under Republican control in both chambers, has avoided upsetting a leader who is extremely popular with his base voters and who threatens to deprive Republican makers who contradict him of their seats. The Supreme Court of the United States J. Scott Applewhite (AP) Trump has been defiant in the face of the courts attempts to block him. His argument is that the judges who have ruled against him are radical left-wing activists. This includes the so-called Fifth Circuit, whose judges are responsible for the ruling against the use of the Alien Enemies Act and which is considered the most conservative of all the federal high courts. The president thus entrusts the future of his agenda to the Supreme Court. Six out of nine Until now, the highest court in the land has tended to side with the president, even at the cost of a certain legal contortionism in some cases. The Supreme Court, which will return from its long summer recess on the first Monday in October, has a large conservative majority: six of the nine justices. Three of them were appointed by Trump himself. The court has already ruled in favor of Trump in key cases, on several occasions through emergency orders, typically unsigned and with very concise arguments. Even before Trumps return to the White House, they determined that as president, he enjoys immunity for acts he takes in the exercise of his power. They have also agreed, among other things, that the president has the power to remove officials from independent federal agencies, with the possible exception of the Federal Reserve. In international economic policy, judges have also tended to side with the administration, recognizing that this is an area where their experience and knowledge are more limited. after quietly granting Trump his way on so many matters, often without signing their names to orders, the justices will have no choice but to decide in the light of day: Stand up for the Constitution or lie down for Trump, observes Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center for Justice, in an analysis published this week. At stake are the limits of presidential power, which Trump is seeking to expand in every possible direction. At the expense, among others, of a Congress that, dominated by Republicans in both chambers, seems content to cede its powers to the White House resident. And, with them, the future of the American system itself, based on the separation and balance of the three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The stakes go to the heart of American law. Can a president unilaterally set tariff rates, a power no chief executive has ever claimed before? Can a president unilaterally detain and deport migrants simply by asserting, without evidence, that they are gang members invading the United States on behalf of a foreign government? Brennan continued. The presidents strategy is to continue issuing executive orders first and then see how far he is allowed to go. And then to challenge in court all the measures taken against him. He figures that even if he doesnt win every case, the judges will side with him in some. And that will expand his power. The Supreme Court has already drastically curtailed the ability of lower courts to issue orders temporarily blocking government measures they find dubious nationwide while the merits of the cases are resolved in court. The courts arent going to strike down all that theyre doing, and, at the end of the day, theyll end up accomplishing more by flooding the zone with executive orders, a lawyer who is close to the presidential office told NBC in May. Trumps entourage rejects this claim: The Supreme Court consistently bolstered the Trump administrations agenda [...] And the victories will continue, a White House spokeswoman said in a statement. The battles will begin in a month, with the return of the Supreme Court justices. The world is watching them. At stake, among other things, is global trade. The judges decisions in these cases will either trigger or limit the presidents attempts to establish a new model for the U.S. economy and the world as a whole, and will have consequences far beyond this term, argues Josh Lipsky of the Atlantic Council think tank. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU) located at Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, is to offer tuition-free agricultural science programmes for selected students. The universitys Vice Chancellor, Ibiyinka Fuwape, a professor, said in a statement on Monday that the aim was to boost practical agriculture. According to him, the programme has a work-study structure. This ensures students gain hands-on, practical experience alongside theoretical learning. Through this approach, students will actively participate in fieldwork, agricultural projects and internships that expose them to modern farming techniques and innovative agricultural practices, Mr Fuwape said. The vice-chancellor quoted the MCIU Pro-chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Anthony Kila,a professor, as saying that the initiative would give hope to the needy and the talented. This is an example of how universities can be a solution in a country that abounds with needs and talents. The MCIU scholarship for agricultural science programme is an opportunity. I call on the private and public sectors to support the programme in any way they can, Mr Fuwape quoted Kila as saying. (NAN) Africa is responsible for less than four per cent of global emissions but among the most heavily impacted by climate change, says the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). According to IOM, rising droughts, floods and environmental degradation are driving displacement across the continent, leaving millions vulnerable. In a statement, on Monday, the organisation urged a shift in perspective, positioning human mobility as a catalyst for adaptation and sustainability. According to IOM, the approach aligns with its Continental Strategy for Africa 20252029, which prioritises African-led, evidence-based solutions for building community resilience. It issued the statement as the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) takes place in Addis Ababa from Sept. 8 to Sept. 10. As Africa confronts some of the worlds most pressing climate challenges, IOM is urging a strategic approach to climate-driven migration that supports adaptation and resilience. This call will be highlighted at the ACS2, where more than 25,000 delegates, including African leaders and experts, are convening to address the continents urgent climate priorities, it said. It quoted its chief of staff, Mohammed Abdiker, to have said that climate-induced mobility presented not only challenges but also opportunities to shape Africas future. IOMs research shows that when migration is integrated into climate action, cities can become spaces of innovation and inclusion, offering people safer livelihoods and stronger social cohesion, it quoted MR Abdiker as saying. It also quoted Mr Abdiker as saying that harnessing the opportunities would be key for Africa to lead with solutions that would reflect its realities and ambitions. IOM also quoted its Director of Climate Action Rania Sharshr as saying that climate, mobility and security should not be seen as separate issues. Together with the African Union and partners, IOM is showing that when managed inclusively, human mobility can be more than a coping mechanism. It can be a driver of peace and climate-resilient development, it quoted Sharshr as saying. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that topics at the summit will be on climate policy, regional cooperation and urban adaptation. Some sessions will focus on migrations role in peace building, strengthening displacement preparedness, and ensuring meaningful youth engagement in policy processes. Also, climate, peace and security are high on the ACS2 agenda, with IOM, African Union, and Intergovernmental Authority on Development jointly convening several high-level discussions. Climate change acts as a risk multiplier for conflict and displacement in regions such as the Sahel, Horn of Africa and Lake Chad Basin. IOM called for resources and inclusive decision-making to match ambition. It also emphasised the leadership of women and youth in resilience-building efforts and championing mobility as a driver of Africas innovation and sustainable development in the face of growing climate challenges. (NAN) The Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), NIM, on Monday declared open its 2025 Annual National Management Conference, with a call on government, business leaders, and professionals to leverage emerging technologies to drive national development. The three-day gathering is themed Leveraging Emerging Technologies to Drive Innovation, Creativity and Productivity. It has drawn government officials, business leaders, academics, and policy experts to interrogate how Nigeria can tap into artificial intelligence and other disruptive technologies to tackle economic and social challenges. In his opening address, President and Chairman of the Council of NIM, Abimbola Ayuba, said the institute deliberately chose the theme to reflect the urgency for Nigeria to embrace artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and other technologies in building a competitive economy. Technology is everything, and every forward-looking nation that wants to go the distance must leverage emerging technologies, Mr Ayuba said. He said the annual management conference, described as the institutes flagship programme, is designed to provide practical recommendations to government and decision-makers on pressing national issues. Mr Ayuba urged professionals and managers across sectors to embody values of discipline, transparency, accountability and efficiency in their work, warning that corruption and self-interest would continue to undermine Nigerias progress unless deliberately curbed. In a goodwill message on behalf of the federal government, Michael Yenge, a representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said the conference theme was both timely and critical. In todays rapidly evolving world, technology is no longer a distant enabler; it is the very foundation of national competitiveness and institutional relevance, he said. He stressed that Nigeria, with its youthful population and growing digital economy, has a unique opportunity to adopt new technologies to drive productivity in governance, agriculture, industry, education, health and services. Mr Yenge highlighted President Bola Tinubus commitment to technology as a catalyst for national transformation, citing initiatives such as the Nigeria Startup Act, the creation of a Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and targeted investments in broadband expansion, digital skills, and tech-enabled entrepreneurship. By prioritising policies that support artificial intelligence, digital finance, renewable energy technologies, and youth-focused innovation hubs, the administration is ensuring that Nigeria not only keeps pace with global technological trends but also leverages them to unlock creativity, drive industrial competitiveness, and create sustainable jobs, he said. He assured participants that the government remains committed to providing an enabling environment for innovation to thrive, through investment in infrastructure, capacity building, research and development, and private sector partnerships. Nigerians excelling globally in tech Earlier in his keynote address, the Country Director of Chemonics GHSE-PSM Project Nigeria, Mike Egboh, said Nigerians were already proving their capacity in global innovation hubs, particularly in robotics and advanced engineering. The best robotic engineers in the US today are Nigerians. Many of them are in Silicon Valley, in top innovation labs, contributing significantly to global technology, Mr Egboh said. He called for a national digital innovation framework, anchored on four pillars: sector-specific policies for AI and blockchain; investment in broadband, cloud infrastructure, and data centres; support for startups through funding and training; and expansion of internet access to rural communities. He further stressed the need for inclusive policies to bring women, persons with disabilities, and underserved groups into the digital economy, alongside robust data governance, cybersecurity protections, and intellectual property rights. The cost of inaction is high. But if Nigeria embraces a technology-driven revolution, develops local capacity, and builds global competitiveness, we can transform our economy and society, he warned. The theme paper was presented by Mohammed Santuraki, pro-chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, who emphasised the importance of embedding technology into education and governance systems. Panellists included former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Olubunmi Adelugba; NECO Registrar Dantani Wushishi; Simeon Umukoro of the UK Department for Business and Trade; and Nnamdi Nwaodu, an ageing expert and founder of the African Elder Ageing and Wellness Initiative. Discussions also spotlighted youth leadership development, particularly in the context of migration-driven leadership gaps, and the challenge of ageing and post-retirement care for senior managers. In his speech, Mr Ayuba noted that sustainable development could only take place in a peaceful and secure environment. He urged professionals to be change agents in their various fields by modelling integrity and efficiency. We must all resolve to bring discipline, effectiveness, probity, and transparency to our individual lives, the workplace, and our nation. Only when we give our best can we drive the aggregates of national development, he said. He added that Nigeria must break from the past and create a conducive operating environment if it hopes to harness technology for economic transformation. Since its establishment in 1961, NIM has used its annual national conference as a platform for dialogue on critical development challenges. Mr Ayuba commended the committee for working tirelessly to put together a world-class event and expressed optimism that the conference would produce actionable recommendations for government and the private sector. With over 200,000 members nationwide, NIM describes itself as Nigerias oldest and largest management professional body. The institute has played advisory roles on economic policy, human resource management, and leadership development over the years. As the 2025 conference continues with its sessions, organisers expect participants to draft strategies and recommendations on how Nigeria can leapfrog into the knowledge economy by applying emerging technologies across sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and public administration. Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has submitted a petition to the Police Service Commission (PSC) against alleged unprofessional conduct, abuse of office and serial violations of the Police Act by some officers of the Kaduna State Police Command. Mr El-Rufai, in an 11-page document, detailed his complaint against alleged Unprofessional conduct, Abuse of Office and Serial Violation of the Police Act 2020 and regulations by the commissioner and some officers of the Kaduna state command of the Nigeria Police. He requested an immediate, impartial, and exhaustive investigation of his allegations. Mr El-Rufai informed the PSC that he had earlier addressed a petition to the Inspector-General of Police on alleged unlawful acts executed by some officers and men of the Nigerian Police since the resumption in Kaduna of the current commissioner on 30, December 2024. Mr El-Rufai had earlier condemned the disruption of a meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna, blaming the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led state government for the incident. He argued that the failure of the police to stop the assault on the ADC gathering reflected a breakdown of policing under the current administration. I am writing as a citizen of Nigeria and former Governor of Kaduna State to formally lodge this complaint and demand an immediate, impartial, and exhaustive investigation into the unlawful and unconstitutional conduct of the commissioner of police (the commissioner) and some officers of the Kaduna state police command. This will assist the police service commission (the commission) in discharging its function under the constitution and section 6 (1)(a) to (e) of the commissions enabling Act of 2011. I submit this petition with a profound sense of responsibility as a citizen of Nigeria and a public servant who has served our nation at national and Subnational levels, including dedicating eight years to improving Kaduna state for all its residents. I am motivated by concern for the Nigerian Police, which, despite challenges, remains the primary law enforcement institution in the country. It is the duty of all citizens not only to support it but also to ensure that the commission can exercise its regulatory powers to enforce discipline and promote ethical conduct among all police officers. This objective can only be achieved if the commissions attention is consistently drawn to egregious conduct by officers who served interests contrary to those outlined in section 4 of the police Act 2020. Such actions tarnish the image of the police force and erode public confidence in its leadership, Mr El-Rufai said in the petition. Efforts made by this reporter to confirm the receipt of the petition were unsuccessful as the spokesperson of the Police Service Commission could not be reached on the phone. The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday postponed hearing in the suit filed by the Osun State Government to challenge alleged moves to release local government allocations to sacked local government officials in the state. Trial judge Emeka Nwite adjourned the case until 22 September for hearing, to enable parties to exchange necessary filings. Before the adjournment, the defence accused the plaintiff, the Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Wole Jimi-Bada, of deliberately stalling the case to prevent a resolution before the end of the disputed tenure of the sacked local government officials in October. The Osun State Government, through its attorney-general, commenced the suit at the Osogbo Division of Federal High Court in May. It sued the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamsedeen Ogunjimi, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi. The case was recently transferred to Abuja, based on the AGFs prompting, for an expedited hearing by a vacation judge. The suit centres on the lingering local government crisis set off by Governor Ademola Adelekes sacking of local government officials elected to office in the twilight of the tenure of his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, the incumbent Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. While Mr Adeleke is of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Oyetola and the embattled sacked local government officials are of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The suit aims to stop alleged moves by the federal authorities to release local government allocations to the sacked local government officials. Hearing At Mondays hearing, the plaintiffs lawyer, Musibau Adetunbi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), expressed displeasure over the transfer of the case from Osogbo to Abuja. He informed the judge of a motion he filed to challenge the transfer of the case to Abuja during vacation, which, he said, raised the questions of jurisdiction and alleged bias. Alongside the application, he said, the plaintiff filed a motion to discontinue the case against the third defendant (the AGF). He said the motion had been served on the AGF office. But the defence lawyers, all SANs Muritala Abdulrasheed for the CBN, Tajudeen Oladoja for the Accountant General of the Federation, and Akin Olujinmi for the AGF, called for an expedited hearing, citing the need for the determination of the suit before the end of tenure of the sacked local government officials in October. They said the transfer of the case to Abuja was informed by the need for its prompt determination, as it could become a mere academic exercise if not determined promptly. CBNs lawyer, Mr Abdulrasheed, recalled that the suit, first heard on 15 May, was adjourned until 4 June when an order was issued directing all parties to maintain the status quo. Mr Abdulrasheed said the plaintiff proceeded to the Supreme Court to file a suit like the one pending at the Federal High Court to stall the resolution of the case until after the tenure of the sacked officials. He urged the judge to jettison the preliminary objections by both sides and focus on the substantive matter. The AGFs lawyer, Akin Olujinmi, also a SAN, denied knowledge of the application by the plaintiff to discontinue the suit against his client. He urged the court to hear the substantive suit and not to waste time on technicalities. However, plaintiffs lawyer, Mr Adetunbi, countered that the case has been delayed for political reasons. He insisted there was no urgency in the case and asked for at least seven days to respond to all processes served on his client. Background In October 2022, during the twilight of the tenure of then-outgoing Governor Oyetola of the APC, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission conducted local government elections across the 30 local government areas of the state. The PDP boycotted the local government elections. At the time, the party had already won the governorship election and its candidate, Mr Adeleke, was set to take office as governor. The electoral commission announced APC as the winner of the elections. The PDP challenged the process leading to the election in court. In November 2022, the Federal High Court in Osogbo nullified the elections for violating the Electoral Act. Relying on the judgement, Governor Adeleke, sworn in three days earlier, dissolved the chairpersons and councillors of the local governments. He replaced them with caretaker committees. The APC rejected the decision and appealed against it. In February this year, the Court of Appeal in Akure struck out the PDPs suit for lack of jurisdiction. The APC then claimed its officials had been reinstated by the ruling. The sacked local government officials subsequently attempted to forcibly take over the local government secretariats, leading to fracas and violence in different parts of the states. The Osun State Government later accused the CBN and the Accountant-General of the Federation of making moves to release local government allocations to the sacked local government officials. Earlier, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, had argued that the Court of Appeal judgement reinstated the sacked local government officials till October 2025. In May, the Attorney-General of the state filed the suit against the CBN, the Accountant-General of the Federation and AGF Fagbemi to seek an order stopping the sacked local government officials from opening or operating bank accounts on behalf of the states local governments. Trial judge Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi granted an interim order directing all parties to maintain the status quo, pending the determination of the suit. Recently, the AGF office, wrote to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, requesting that the case be heard in Abuja during the courts vacation, and the request was granted. The Nigerian government has yet to respond to a damning United Nations report, accusing multinational oil companies operating in the country of treating the Niger Delta as an experiment for divestment without clean-up. Over 20 civil society groups, including Amnesty International and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, say the federal governments silence amounts to a betrayal of millions of Niger Deltans enduring decades of environmental devastation. Backstory This newspaper last month reported that some experts at the United Nations say the recent sale of oil assets by International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria lacked transparency, raising concerns about human rights impacts and hindering efforts to clean up pollution and compensate communities. The repeated oil spills in the Niger Delta over a span of decades severely affected the right to life, the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, the right to safe drinking water, the right to health, food, housing, cultural rights, and access to remedy, the UN experts wrote. The Polluter Pays Project, a not-for-profit organisation that works to ensure that oil and gas companies clean up their mess, stated that the UN experts made their position known in letters addressed to Shell, Eni, ExxonMobil, and TotalEnergies. The experts also extended the letters to host governments of the multinationals the UK, USA, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, as well as the Nigerian government. In a statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday, 25 civic society organisations in Nigeria said that while Shell and Eni, as well as the governments of the UK, Italy, and the Netherlands, have issued responses, Nigeria has yet to. The group says Nigerias continued silence shows its complicity in the suffering of the people. Nigeria has not. Not a single word of reassurance. Not a single commitment to justice. Not a single step toward accountability, the civil societies said. This silence is not just disappointingit is dangerous. It signals either a profound disregard for the rights of Nigerian citizens or complicity in their continued suffering. The responses from the companies and their host governments offer little more than recycled promisespaper commitments that have repeatedly failed to materialise on the ground. Nigerians deserve more than platitudes. They deserve justice. Remediation cannot wait. The Niger Delta must be cleaned up to international standards, with independent monitoring and the full participation of affected communities. Anything less would be a betrayal of the people, the group said. Demands The 25 civic organisations in the statement are demanding that the Nigerian government publicly disclose the terms and conditions of all oil company divestments, reveal the funding allocated for environmental remediation and compare it to independent estimates of actual clean-up costs, and establish and enforce clear standards for environmental restoration. They further called on the federal government to ensure full compensation and meaningful participation of affected communities in the remediation process and immediately halt the reopening or licensing of any oil wells in the Niger Delta until comprehensive clean-up and restitution have been completed. Nigeria has a proud record of signing human rights treaties. But paper commitments must be honoured in practice. The ball is now in the governments court. The government must now demonstrate that it stands with its peoplenot with polluters. Failure to act will bring dishonour to Nigeria and deepen the suffering of its people. We urge President Tinubu to break the silence. To lead with courage. To act with urgency. The world is watching. The people are waiting. The time to act is now, the CSOs said. Other members of the group include Human and Environmental Development Agenda, Spaces For Change, Mothers and Marginalised Advocacy Centre, Women in Media Communication Initiative, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Policy Alert, BudgIT Foundation, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre, Global Rights, and Partners West Africa Nigeria. The presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, did not respond to calls and a text message seeking his comment. PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately get a reaction from Nigerias Ministry of Petroleum Resources, as calls to Amaka Okafor, the spokesperson to the minister in charge of oil, were not connected. Divestment In recent years, IOCs operating in Africa have been selling off some of their assets to relocate to countries they consider more profitable and friendlier for their operation. While some considered moving from one jurisdiction to another within a country and indeed the continent, others contemplated a complete exit from the country and Africa. Last October, the Nigerian government approved four major oil divestments, including the sale of ExxonMobils onshore assets to Seplat Energy, over two years after the deal was first secured. The transactions, according to the regulator, are Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) to Seplat Energy Offshore Limited; Equinor Nigeria Energy Company Limited to Project Odinmin Investments Limited; Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited to Oando Petroleum; and Natural Gas Company Limited and TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited to Telema Energies Nigeria Limited. The Polluter Pays Project had said the four oil companies have been active in Nigeria since the 1950s, making billions of dollars in profit and causing toxic oil spills that have significantly harmed local communities and the environment. Repairing the damage is estimated to cost at least $12bn in just one of the nine Niger Delta states where the oil companies have been active, it said. With oil reserves shrinking, the international oil companies have sold their assets to local buyers, in an apparent attempt to pass on clean-up costs. Shells Nigerian subsidiary was sold to the Renaissance group a consortium of African-based companies run by former Shell staff despite Nigerias regulator initially blocking the sale after civil society groups raised concerns that the new company did not have the required resources to clean up the damage. Under the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), it argued that companies have duties to respect human rights, offer a remedy to people affected by their operations, and use leverage to prevent human rights abuses in dealings with third parties. States also have obligations under international human rights law to ensure that companies comply with their duties to respect human rights, known as the duty to regulate. Pollution In many parts of Nigerias Delta region, especially in Ogoniland, fossil fuel pollution has been recorded in communities over the past three decades, forcing the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to initiate a $1 billion cleanup and restoration programme in 2018. The cleanup programme followed a comprehensive study conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2011. Although remediation and restoration efforts are being carried out by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), an agency of the government domiciled at the Federal Ministry of Environment, the impact of the cleanup initiative remains largely negligible, as major oil pipelines traversing these communities frequently leak, resulting in spills that continue to harm the environment. A PREMIUM TIMES report recently captured the plight of farmers and fishers in the communities. Polluter Pays Project said, The people of the Niger Delta have been slowly poisoned by the effects of oil extraction, and many have had their livelihoods destroyed. This UN intervention strengthens the hands of Nigerians who are taking the oil companies to court, like the Billie, Ogale, and Bodo communities, as it makes it clear the firms have legal obligations to rectify the human rights abuses theyve caused. The sales should not have been allowed to go ahead without comprehensive clean-up plans in place. But now that they have, the governments where the oil companies are headquartered and the Nigerian government should urgently intervene with each company to ensure due diligence was followed, and that sufficient funds have been provided to Nigerian authorities in respect of historic liability. States have a legal duty to regulate to protect human rights, and must not let the oil companies off the hook. Residents of Oworonshoki on Monday blocked a section of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos to protest the demolition of buildings in their community. The protesters were occupants of structures along the Iyana Oworonshoki coastal line, which were pulled down on Saturday by a Lagos State Government enforcement team. The government said the structures were unapproved. The affected residents had been reportedly served a one-month notice to quit but refused to vacate before the demolition exercise. Early Monday morning, hundreds of demonstrators, including women and children, blocked outbound lanes of the bridge demanding compensation, resettlement, and a halt to further demolitions. The protest caused traffic disruption on the busy bridge. It left many motorists stranded and forced many other commuters to seek alternative routes into Lagos Mainland. According to Leadership Newspaper, eyewitnesses described the protest as peaceful but emotionally charged, with commuters abandoning vehicles and venting frustration on social media. The logjam lasted for several hours, with placard-carrying protesters demanding accountability and immediate intervention They accused the government of carrying out the demolition exercise without proper notice or compensation. They said many families had been left displaced and homeless. They accused the government of arriving at night with bulldozers and security operatives, leaving many families homeless without alternatives. Community leaders also argued that some of the affected buildings had existed for decades without prior challenge. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) update on X said the traffic logjam on the Third Mainland Bridge was gradually receding as of 4.40 p.m. Traffic inwards Adekunle Yaba is also on the high side due to motorists making use of this route, the post stated. The Lagos State Police Command later said on Monday that calm had been restored on the Third Mainland Bridge. Calm has been fully restored on 3rd Mainland Bridge after the swift intervention of CP Olohundare Jimoh. The Lagos Police Commissioner personally visited the scene, ensured safety and order, and reopened the road. Traffic is now flowing smoothly, the commands deputy spokesperson, Babaseyi Oluseyi, wrote accompanied by pictures on X at 5.48 p.m. on Monday. Background The enforcement exercise began on Saturday across Lekki and Iyana Oworonshoki coastal lines. Officials maintained that the demolitions were part of efforts to clear flood-prone areas, tackle illegal sand dredging, and remove suspected criminal hideouts. It followed repeated warnings from the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development that unchecked dredgingestimated at over 10,000 cubic metres of sand dailyposed serious risks to the states lagoon and waterfront communities. In Ojulari Community, Oworonshoki, residents said they were woken around midnight when officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), backed by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), stormed the area with bulldozers. Tear gas was reportedly used, sparking tension before residents were briefly allowed to salvage belongings. Hundreds were displaced, though officials later suspended the operation for two weeks to give occupants more time to move. In Lekki, shanties said to harbour miscreants and flout environmental laws were also cleared. Many displaced residents are now seeking refuge in churches, abandoned buildings, and makeshift shelters. Waterfront concerns The demolitions come ahead of the maiden Lagos State Waterfront Summit, scheduled for 11 September in Victoria Island. Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Alebiosu, said the three-day event, themed Pressure on the Lagoon: The Lagos Experience, will focus on illegal dredging, coastal erosion, and other threats to waterfront settlements. He revealed that communities such as Idotun Village in Ibeju-Lekki have already been swept away by erosion, displacing families and destroying livelihoods. Mr Alebiosu added that Lagos is partnering with the Netherlands to design long-term coastal management solutions. According to him, if properly managed, the lagoon could drive transportation, fisheries, tourism, and trade. More than 500 experts are expected at the summit to recommend strategies for protecting and sustainably managing the states waterfronts. The federal government has begun distributing free Maternal and Neonatal Health (MNH) commodities worth N2.9 billion nationwide, aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Abuja on Monday, Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said the interventions target preventable deaths. Mr Aina stressed that the initiative forms part of governments commitment to improving access to quality healthcare for women and children, and reducing maternal mortality nationwide. He explained that the commodities are designed to deliver high-impact interventions across Primary Health Care facilities in selected states, starting with 10 states facing the highest mortality burden. The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda of safeguarding the lives of women and children, he said. He said the intervention aims to bridge critical healthcare gaps, adding that states are encouraged to sustain and expand the initiative in their operational frameworks. Mr Aina explained that the programme initially targets 80 Local Government Areas with the highest maternal health risks, while commodities will be provided to mothers and children free of charge. According to him, distribution is zonal, with 60 per cent allocated to the Northwest, 34 per cent to the North-east, while North Central and South-east share the remainder. He added that the intervention includes strengthening PHC facilities, upgrading infrastructure, and training health workers alongside commodity distribution. The National Coordinator of the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII), Dayo Adeyanju, said the intervention would bolster PHC service delivery and reduce preventable deaths. Mr Adeyanju emphasised that the campaign highlights the importance of MNH, fostering collaboration between national, state, and local health authorities, alongside support from development partners. He applauded the FGs interventions in maternal and child health, urging state governments to commit resources and integrate MNH programmes into their annual operational plans for sustainability. Too many women die needlessly from preventable causes. Even one avoidable death is too many, Mr Adeyanju said. He said the distribution officially marks governments renewed commitment to drastically cut maternal and neonatal mortality across Nigeria. READ ALSO: Plateau endorses innovation to tackle maternal deaths The World Health Organisation (WHO) representative, Mary Brantwo, reaffirmed the agencys support for Nigerias healthcare delivery, stressing that maternal health data will now be tracked annually to measure progress. Representatives of UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Gates Foundation also pledged continued support, commending governments efforts towards improving maternal health nationwide. The distributed items include delivery packs, antenatal drugs, supplements, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, family planning materials, and essential medicines for maternal and neonatal care. (NAN) A decomposing body of a man, whose identity has yet to be confirmed, was discovered in a car parked outside the annexe gate of the National Assembly complex. Multiple sources said the deceased was one of the labourers working at a construction site within the annexe. The body was found in a red Peugeot 406 with registration number BWR-577 BF at about 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. It was first evacuated to the National Assembly Clinic before being taken to Asokoro General Hospital, where doctors confirmed him dead. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command confirmed the incident, saying an investigation had commenced into the incident. In a statement on Monday, the commands spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said the remains had been deposited at the Asokoro General Hospital while efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death were underway. She explained that the command received a distress call about the incident and immediately mobilised officers to the scene. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), National Assembly Division, immediately responded to the call and, upon arrival, discovered the deceased inside a red Peugeot 406 motor vehicle with registration number BWR-577 BF. The body was promptly evacuated to Asokoro General Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed that it was already in an advanced state of decomposition, she said. Mrs Adeh noted that the commissioner of police had ordered a discreet investigation into the incident and directed that efforts be intensified to establish the deceaseds identity. The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, has ordered a discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. He directed that efforts be intensified to establish the identity of the deceased. Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses, she said. Recurring security breaches Security lapses at the National Assembly have long been a contentious issue. Despite being the heart of Nigerias democracy and one of the most guarded facilities in the country, the complex has witnessed repeated breaches. PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported how thieves carted away manhole covers within the complex, a situation showing its security vulnerabilities. READ ALSO: Nigerian lawmakers announce recovery of N200bn lost revenue The National Assembly is manned by multiple security outfits, including the Nigeria Police Force, the State Security Service (SSS), and the Sergeant-at-Arms, a parliamentary security unit. Officers of these agencies are stationed at strategic points around the premises, yet criminals have continued to exploit lapses. Beyond stolen manhole covers, there have been cases of vehicle theft, missing valuables from offices such as television sets, air conditioners, electrical cables, and wires. Despite reviewing CCTV footage, security operatives have yet to apprehend the culprits. A 30-year-old man has allegedly murdered his 25-year-old apprentice in Anambra State, Nigerias South-east. The suspect, simply identified as Leberechi, subsequently dumped the body of the yet-to-be-identified apprentice inside a refrigerator. The incident, PREMIUM TIMES learnt, happened on Tuesday in Okpoko, an urban community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State. The suspect is a vehicle spare parts dealer at the Mgbuka Spare Parts Market which is located along the Onitsha-Owerri Road in the state. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the suspect had gone home with the apprentice after the close of business on Saturday 30 August 2025 but failed to return to the market on 2 September. A shop owner in the market told this newspaper that many suspected foul play when the victim did not show up in the market on Tuesday given that businesses do not hold in the market on Monday due to the infamous sit-at-home enforced by a faction of an outlawed separatist group, IPOB The man (Leberechi) did not give a clear explanation when we asked him for his boy and then some people moved for a search in his house where the boys mutilated body was found in a fridge, he said They later dragged him back to the market and started beating him before someone came with policemen. Police speak The police in Anambra State have confirmed the incident. In a statement on Wednesday, the police spokesperson in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect was rescued by police operatives while was on the verge of being lynched. He (suspect) was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention and is currently under armed guards to prevent escape. The operatives visited the scene of the murder and discovered the decomposed body parts of the victim hidden inside a refrigerator, said Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police. The remains were subsequently evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy. The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has directed an immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for investigation. Prohibited in Nigeria Murder is outlawed in Section 315 (6) of Nigeria Criminal Code Act. Offenders, on conviction, face death sentence, section 319 (1) said. Several persons have been convicted for murder. A high court in Lokoja, Kogi State, in January 2022, sentenced a man, Muritala Dare to death by hanging for stabbing his colleague to death with a broken bottle. The US presidents lawyers argued that he enjoyed immunity when he called the journalist mentally ill while denying raping her A federal appeals court on Monday upheld the $83.3 million fine imposed by a lower court on President Donald Trump for defaming writer and journalist E. Jean Carroll in 2019. Carroll had months earlier accused Trump of raping her in a Manhattan department store fitting room in the 1990s, an attack for which the U.S. president was found guilty of sexual assault. The decision to uphold the award means the court has rejected the reasoning of Trumps lawyers, who argued that the Supreme Courts ruling in the summer of 2024 that extended presidential immunity in the exercise of official duties also applied in Carrolls case: the first defamations for which Trump was convicted occurred during his first administration. The attacks, during which he even called Carroll mentally ill, continued after Trump left office in early 2021. The Republican continued them on social media, in press appearances, and even during the trial, held in New York between late 2023 and early 2024, as Trump emerged as the Republican nominee for last Novembers presidential election. The three judges of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Manhattan, unanimously issued the decision, which was made public this Monday. The ruling, however, remains unsigned. Carroll, 81, sued Trump, 78, in November 2019 for having denied raping her five months earlier. The court ruled in her favor in January 2024. Trump had previously been convicted in May 2023 of sexually assaulting Carroll. The jury then awarded her $5 million, $3 million for defamation. During the trial, the verdict of which has now been confirmed, the prosecution had sought $10 million, a figure later raised to $12 million by a lawyer specializing in damage claims. The jurys decision was surprising due to the high amount of damages awarded, which were broken down into several sections. Trump was to pay Carroll $18.3 million in damages: $11 million to fund a reputational rehabilitation effort and $7.3 million for emotional distress caused by statements the former president made in 2019, shortly after Carroll brought the incident to light, which Trump claimed was to better publicize the sale of a memoir. Mondays decision comes after a separate court, also comprised of three judges from the Second Circuit in Manhattan, unanimously upheld a separate civil verdict that sided with Carroll against Trump in 2023 and ordered him to pay $5 million. The events date back to the mid-1990s, when the U.S. president allegedly assaulted the writer in a fitting room at the Bergdorf Goodman clothing store in New York. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition At least 19 people were killed, and over a 100 injured in Nepals capital on Monday after the state police opened fire on thousands of young citizens protesting a government ban on social media. Officials of the Nepali security agency disclosed the death toll, according to Al Jazeera. The citizens of the South Asian country took to the streets of Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal to protest against corruption and the ban on social media after the government blocked 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. The ban took effect on 4 September, a day after the deadline the Nepali government had given social media companies to register locally with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The Nepali government had instructed the platforms to appoint a local contact, a grievance handler, and a person responsible for self-regulation to avoid being shut down in the country. The policy caused major disruptions for Nepali citizens, as 7.5 per cent of the population lives abroad and many rely on social media to stay in touch with family and friends working overseas as migrant workers. The protest was also triggered by the growing dissatisfaction among the youth with the countrys corruption. Citizens complained about the lack of prosecutions or proper resolution of corruption cases involving public officials. The demonstrators were mostly teenagers and young adults, many of whom embraced the label Gen Z protest. At the countrys capital, the demonstrators surrounded the parliament building. Al Jazeera reported that as the protest progressed, protesters pushed through the barricade into the building, forcing the state police to retreat at first. However, the situation grew tense and chaotic very quickly. The police opened fire on the protesters and tear gas shells and rubber bullets were seen flying in the air. The demonstrators also hit back with tree branches and water bottles. READ ALSO: Iran executes man linked to 2022 mass protests The Kathmandu District Administration Office issued a curfew around the parliament, the government secretariat, the presidential house, and key parts of the city. Multiple media outlets reported that dozens of protesters injured in the firing are now being treated at several hospitals in the city. Smaller protests, however, continued into late Monday evening. For too long, our continent has been cast primarily as a recipient. That narrative must change. Africa must reposition itself as a co-creator, an investor, and a solutions-provider. We should not only ask for support; we must also offer value, which we have in abundance. That value lies in our trade, especially of value-added products, in our innovation, and above all, in our human capital. A Morning in Tokyo On my third morning in Tokyo, I sat down to a quiet breakfast overlooking the bustling streets below. As I unfolded a copy of The Japan Times, a headline caught my attention: Japanese citizens were voicing concerns about their prefectures being assigned African countries under the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) exchange framework. The programme was meant to deepen people-to-people ties, pairing African states with Japanese prefectures for cultural, educational, and economic exchanges. But misinformation had spread. Some believed Africans would soon be resettled in their hometowns. A misstep in Nigerian communication (suggesting special visas might be forthcoming) only added fuel to the fire. Reading those headlines, I wasnt angry. I was reflective. Because what I saw in that moment wasnt hostility from the Japanese, but something deeper; a reflection of our times. A world where borders are closing, societies are anxious about job security, and diversity has lost some of its sheen as countries recalibrate around fear and scarcity. As I sipped my tea, I thought: this is not just Japan. This is the world. The Drama of the Empty Booth Inside the TICAD9 venue in Yokohama, another moment lingered with me. The Nigerian booth, our official showcase, was empty for the entire first day. Quiet. Unprepared. In contrast to the dynamism of other African stands. It was not a disaster, but it was a symbol. Nigeria, Africas largest economy and cultural powerhouse, has so much to offer the world; yet too often, we show up underprepared, underselling our own potential. And when we under-communicate our value, the world fills in the blanks for us. That booth became, for me, a metaphor for Africa at large. Brimming with talent, endowed with natural wealth, rich with cultural vitality but in danger of missing the moment unless we tell our story boldly, and prepare intentionally. A Shifting Global Tide What happened in Yokohama is not isolated. Across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, you can feel the tide turning. Aid budgets are shrinking as governments grapple with domestic crises. Immigration is a flashpoint; borders are hardening, walls, literal and political, are going up. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are being quietly scaled back as political backlash grows. Citizens everywhere are anxious about job losses, automation, and economic stagnation. The world is becoming more inward-looking, less generous, less open. And heres the uncomfortable truth: this trend will not reverse overnight. It may in fact deepen in the coming decades as global power competition intensifies and economies tighten. Which means Africa cannot afford to wait for the world to save it. We must, as a continent, learn to look inward. To depend less on aid and more on our own ingenuity. To build markets that serve our people first. To tell our own story before others misrepresent it. Lessons from TICAD9 From the empty booth to the newspaper headlines, TICAD9 offered three clear lessons for Nigeria and Africa at large: Preparation is Power. If we want to be taken seriously, we must show up seriously. Whether in global summits or trade negotiations, Africa cannot afford half-measures. Representation must reflect our strength. Communication Shapes Perception. A single misstatement about visas created confusion across Japan. In todays information age, clarity and professionalism in communication are not luxuries; they are survival tools. Partnerships Require Trust. The pushback in Japan was not rejection, but caution born of misunderstanding. Trust is built with transparency, respect, and patience. Africa must nurture its partnerships carefully, knowing that perception is as powerful as policy. My Japan Journey Beyond the official sessions, my ten days in Japan were unforgettable. In Tokyo, I marvelled at the seamless flow of the city; how order and efficiency coexist with creativity and charm. In Yokohama, the waterfront offered a glimpse into how a city can marry modernity with tranquility. Kyotos temples reminded me of the power of heritage; how nations that honor their traditions build confidence for the future. And Osakas vibrancy, its warmth, felt like a mirror of African dynamism. Everywhere I went, I encountered politeness, precision, and a culture deeply attuned to respect. It was a reminder that development is not just about GDP or skyscrapers; its about values, systems, and culture. Japan showed me that ease and civility are themselves forms of infrastructure, shaping how societies grow and thrive. The Global Anti-Aid Era Let us be frank: the age of expansive foreign aid is drawing to a close. Not because Africa has no needs, but because donor societies no longer have the political space. From Washington to Brussels to Tokyo, leaders are constrained by electorates who question why resources should go abroad while their own citizens struggle. This is not hostility. It is political reality. And it is Africas wake-up call. For too long, our continent has been cast primarily as a recipient. That narrative must change. Africa must reposition itself as a co-creator, an investor, and a solutions-provider. We should not only ask for support; we must also offer value, which we have in abundance. That value lies in our trade, especially of value-added products, in our innovation, and above all, in our human capital. The Inward Turn Africa Must Make So, where do we go from here? Africas task is not to retreat from the world, but to engage it from a position of strength. That strength will only come if we first look inward; building resilient foundations at home that give us credibility abroad. Strengthening Intra-African Trade. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) cannot remain just a treaty on paper. It must become a lived reality. With 1.3 billion people, Africas first and most dynamic market should be ourselves. Investing in Human Capital. Education, healthcare, and digital skills are not luxuries; they are the engines of economic transformation. An Africa that invests in its people will not be ignored; it will be unstoppable. Harnessing Agriculture and Energy. To feed ourselves, we must modernise agriculture; mechanising farms, boosting yields, and adding value, instead of exporting raw crops. The same applies to energy. Our lithium, oil, and gas must first power African homes, industries, and innovation before we think of export. We cannot afford to send resources out raw, only to import them back at a premium. This was the thesis of the fourth edition of The Osasu Show Symposium themed Rethinking Africa. Telling Our Own Story. Nollywood and Afrobeats show the global power of African culture. But our storytelling cannot stop at music and film. It must extend to diplomacy, trade, and policy. If we do not tell our own story, others will define us on their terms. Policy Recommendations for the Future Reflection must lead to action. To anchor Africas inward turn, I propose a five-point agenda: Establish a Continental Partnership Council Africa needs a structured mechanism to coordinate how nations engage with external partners. Such a body would ensure consistency, professionalism, and preparation at global forums like TICAD, FOCAC, and COP. For example, the African Unions Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) during COVID-19 showed how collective negotiation gave Africa leverage it would never have achieved country by country. Invest in Diplomatic Storytelling. Narratives matter. Africa must create a pan-African communications fund to equip diplomats, civil servants, and journalists with the tools of 21st-century strategic communication. Rwandas successful branding as a hub for innovation and conferencing demonstrates how deliberate storytelling can reshape perception and attract investment. Accelerate AfCFTA Implementation. The African Continental Free Trade Area must move from ambition to execution. This requires dismantling non-tariff barriers, harmonising standards, and investing in trade corridors and logistics infrastructure that make intra-African trade seamless. Kenyas and Ethiopias investments in modern rail and road corridors show what is possible when infrastructure is aligned with trade ambitions. Create an African Human Capital Compact. Governments must commit, formally and collectively, to allocate fixed percentages of GDP to education, healthcare, and digital skills. Ghanas free secondary education initiative and Nigerias growing tech talent ecosystem show how investment in people directly translates into economic opportunity. Develop Sovereign Innovation Funds. Africa must pool resources at a continental level to finance African-led research and development, particularly in agriculture, renewable energy, and digital technology. Moroccos advances in solar power through the Noor Ouarzazate project and Nigerias fintech boom are proof that local innovation, when supported, can scale globally. A Personal Closing Reflection As I sit on board my bullet train from Osaka to Tokyo, I reflect on all I have seen; the quiet dignity of Japanese culture, the polite but firm resistance of its citizens to misunderstandings, the vibrant conversations inside TICADs halls, and yes, the stillness of Nigerias empty booth. All of it told a story. A story of a world in transition. A story of Africa at a crossroads. A story of opportunity, if we are bold enough to seize it. Africa must not wait for the world to decide our future. We must decide it ourselves. And when we do, we will not only take our rightful place at conferences like TICAD; we will redefine what partnership means in the 21st century. Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche is the Group CEO of TOS Group of Companies and lead advocate for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill Campaign Coalition. Ironic? Yes. But Nigerias long-term heritage from the boom days of its export of crude oil are the structural weaknesses that hold its economy back today. Now and again, this malaise blisters, especially when the global oil price falls below the economys funding needs. Then, as is the case today, local talking heads frame governments main assignment in terms of macroeconomic stability and fiscal reforms. Unify the exchange rate and move price discovery for the nairas exchange rate to the markets. Broaden the tax base, by including more domestic economic activity in the formal sector and diversifying governments receipts away from its traditional dependence on revenue from the export of crude oil. Rationalise subsidies in those sectors where they still obtain, while making sure to provide sops to vulnerable groups. And then wait for crude oil fortunes to improve. Again. It is a tested copy book. And the Tinubu government has borrowed copiously from its tattered pages. Except that this time around, the path described in these yellowed pages cannot be travelled half as easily as was the case three decades ago. The uncertainties that the Trump administration have introduced into global economics not to talk of politics guarantee that the world economy will punch below its weight for a long time to come. Where global demand to collapse on the back of this development, as most commentators expect, the price of our primary exports will come under immense pressure. This is before you add improved global oil production numbers to the equation. Even if the Trump administrations assault on renewable energy is borne out, the balance of evidence suggests that the world has either reached peak oil or is as near to it as it has ever been. We cannot hope, therefore, for rising oil prices to float the Nigerian economy as was our wont in the past. Even then, it was never wise strategy. In todays much-changed circumstances, it is plain impracticable. More reforms have always been on the cards for policymakers minded to boost the economys trend growth rate on a sustainable basis. Much of what needs to be done has not changed since we decided, in the mid-1980s, on the correctness of policies aimed at diversifying the economy away from its dependence on oil earnings, and on the transition of governments role from that of a goods and services provider to that of a regulator of markets. The reform base case has always been about promoting investment domestic, first, and the foreign variety not too long after. If the macroeconomic reforms already put in place by the Tinubu government were primarily aimed at domestic economic stability, then they also hoped to grow domestic savings. In the absence of reforms that make it easy to do business in this country (simpler and faster business registration processes, permits issuance, and customs procedures), easier contract enforcement procedures (strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms to reassure investors), and more transparent procurement and resource allocation processes (including in the markets for financial instruments), whatever savings the country manages will simply slip out the backdoor. Regrettably, the corridor that leads to economys rear entrance is a well-trod one. Both the Nigerian economys failure to attract foreign direct investment, and corporate Nigerias perennial gripe over the quality of local labour falter at the point where our planners have consistently failed to focus reforms in the education sector on skills that meet the contemporary economys needs (the digital economy in todays example), vocational training, and STEM. To keep the bulk of our youth in education, employment, and training that is eventually to the economys long-term advantage would require considerable investment in healthcare. The expansion of universal health insurance would also be necessary if we are to keep national productivity losses from ill health at a minimum. Educated and healthy, the local labour force is productive relative to the tools, machinery, technology, and other inputs used in the production process. Denied the requisite energy and infrastructure systems, then, not even the most salubrious environment for investment is worth much. Without any question, then, our policy wonks need to address the liquidity issues that our electricity distribution companies currently face. Significant parts of the solution to this will include enforcing cost-reflective tariffs. While this invites creative solutions to the problem of how to get electricity to our poor and huddled masses, we cannot hope to attract private investment in electricity generation and renewable energy if we do not address it. Roads, rail, ports, and digital infrastructure are often discussed in terms of the extent to which they could boost the countrys external competitiveness, especially by their ability to encourage links to West African markets that will make Nigeria a hub for sub-regional activity. Yet, by far the biggest boost to the economy is the extent to which these trade arteries strengthen our internal market. There is in this sense, a crying need for the abolition of laws and policies that restrain intra-national commerce. Governments fraught finances raise the spectre of how all these may be financed. Public-private financing partnerships could work. But at the heart of the reform efforts is the engendering of a thriving domestic market, with effective demand, an abundance of investment opportunities, and few lets to how investors may apply their gains. Uddin Ifeanyi, journalist manque and retired civil servant, can be reached @IfeanyiUddin. Indeed, Andy Odeh is a seasoned communications expert and trailblazer. This new appointment marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career and testament to his exceptional leadership abilities and commitment to excellence. When Andy Odeh was announced recently as the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), it was like a bolt out of the blue. Personally, I didnt see it coming. After spending 26 glorious years at the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), rising to the position of General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, one is tempted to ask: What is Andy looking for at NNPCL? I am sure you will agree with me that Andys job is well cut out for him, and he deserves his flowers for his remarkable career success. But what would he do differently as the chief spokesperson of the national oil company? In a widely circulated article last year, I strongly criticised NNPCL for its opaqueness, wastefulness, and lack of transparency and accountability. So, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated a new management with excellent credentials under the leadership of Bayo Ojulari as group managing director/CEO, replacing Mele Kyari, it was like a breath of fresh air and Tinubu was praised for his decision, signaling an opportunity for bold reforms. Since then, Ojulari has been committed to providing strategic leadership that is critical for the development of new policies, responsible financial oversight and corporate governance, stakeholder management and effective communication, amongst other important goals on his agenda to transform NNPCL, despite the threats from vested interests. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited was incorporated into a limited liability company in 2021, following the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). NNPCLs mandate is to ensure Nigerias national energy security, support sustainable economic growth, and serve as a global commercial entity in the petroleum exploration and production industry. After transitioning into a limited liability company, what future lies ahead under the new leadership? The future I have in mind is similar to the business models at NLNG, Saudi ARAMCO and Petrobras of Brazil. NNPC can learn a thing or two from these organisations to become a more profitable and efficient oil company. For example, in terms of operational efficiency, NNPCL can focus on improving its production capacity, reducing costs, and minimising oil theft and pipeline vandalism. Unfortunately, the Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of our refineries have been wasteful, gulping billions of naira without positive outcomes. Those refineries should have been sold a long time ago. NNPCL also needs a level of commercial independence and to make decisions based on business considerations without government interference or control. To attract investors and improve its reputation, NNPCL should prioritise transparency and accountability by implementing robust corporate governance practices, regular auditing and open communication with stakeholders, which include the Federal Government (sole shareholder, but this has to change going forward), international oil companies (IOCs), and other private sector partners. Others are the media, host communities, labour unions such as NUPENG, downstream petroleum marketers including IPMAN, government agencies like the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the general public who are consumers of petroleum products and beneficiaries of energy security. A strategic direction that will also position NNPCL strongly for success and enhance its competitiveness is in investing in technology to improve its operations and diversify beyond oil production, in addition to investing in petrochemicals and renewable energy solutions. As spokesperson of the company, Andy is occupying a senior management role and he is bringing his wealth of experience on board. The policy initiatives highlighted above will help to build a favourable reputation for NNPCL and give Andy a strong footing to discharge his responsibilities and reposition the companys unenviable current public image. I expect him to conduct a SWOT analysis and develop a what if scenario two strategic and analytical management tools for success. To revamp NNPCLs public image, a multi-faceted PR strategy is essential. Let me repeat myself again: transparency and accountability must be prioritised. The company should establish an online transparency dashboard providing real-time updates on revenue, expenditure, and contracts. This openness will help rebuild trust with the public. NNPCL should also focus on showcasing its contributions to Nigerias economy in a deliberate rebranding and repositioning programme, highlighting success stories, and demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. In addition, stakeholder engagement is vital. NNPCL should foster stronger relationships with the media, civil society and local communities. Regular press briefings, open houses, and community outreach programmes can help address concerns and demonstrate the companys willingness to listen and adapt. Andy would do well to also include a comprehensive crisis management plan and the significant role digital communications can play in shaping public perception in his toolkit. NNPCLs new spokesperson is coming from NLNG a leader in the global LNG industry which has a track record of exceptional performance in operational excellence, financial strength, environmental stewardship, and cooperate social responsibility. In a glowing testimonial, Yemi Adeyemi, NLNGs Community Relations & Sustainable Development Manager, who describes himself as Andys mentee, said: Im thrilled to share the outstanding news that my boss, longtime friend, and mentor, Andy Odeh, has been appointed Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPC Limited. He steps into this role with the full weight of his remarkable experience and visionary leadership. Andy has many sides, and he is one of the few people who could be a boss, friend, mentor, and brother all at the same time. He will carve an entirely new path at NNPCL, drawing from all sides of his vast experience. This new role undoubtedly aligns with his talents and multi-faceted strengths. My mentor is gifted with creating new spaces, and as he takes on this new role, I am confident he will shape it will his creativity, integrity, and boundless energy. He should know that he is has the backing and full support of his former colleagues, and our unwavering commitment for him to succeed is total. I have no doubt Andy will bring new depths of strategic engagement and thinking, and meaningful story-telling to NNPCL. My colleagues and I celebrate him and look forward to the success stories of impact that he would share during his tenure at the company. Warmest congratulations and best wishes on this remarkable transition. Indeed, Andy Odeh is a seasoned communications expert and trailblazer. This new appointment marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career and testament to his exceptional leadership abilities and commitment to excellence. During his tenure at NLNG, he played a pivotal role in shaping the companys reputation, fostering stakeholder engagement, and promoting sustainability practices. Under his guidance, NLNG earned numerous accolades for its corporate social responsibility initiatives, solidifying its position as a responsible and environmentally conscious business leader. Andys appointment by NNPCL is therefore a strategic move by the company to enhance its corporate communications and reputation management. With his proven track record, Andy is poised to make a significant impact, elevating NNPCLs brand and fostering stronger stakeholder relationships. His achievements serve as a shining example of what can be accomplished through hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. His contributions to NLNG and the broader Nigerian energy sector have been invaluable, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of professionals. Andy is reliable and dependable, and he is result-oriented. Our paths crossed about 30 years ago when we worked together for an FMCG client marking the 50th anniversary of its flagship brand at the time. It was a joint effort and partnership that required a mix of public relations, experiential marketing and advertising. While Andy was associate director, client service at DDB Casers, an advertising agency, I was head consultant of PR Dimensions, a subsidiary company of Whitewood Group. Our office premises were opposite each other in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. Subsequently, he landed the NLNG job in 1998, starting off as Head, Public Relations, rising through the ranks and assuming new roles and responsibilities, and retiring from NLNG as a General Manager. I wish Andy continued success, wisdom, and fulfilment as he takes on this exciting new challenge. Ehi Braimah is a public relations specialist, marketing strategist and media entrepreneur. He is the publisher/editor-in-chief of Naija Times and Lagos Post, and can be reached via [email protected]. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is delighted to announce that Prof Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and former chairman of NCDMBs Governing Council, will serve as the Role Model and Guest Speaker at the NCDMB Business Mentorship Lecture Series (BMLS) for Q3 2025. This edition of the BMLS will be held on Monday, 8 September, 2025, from 10am via Zoom Webinar and NCDMBs YouTube channel. The session will be moderated by Richmond Osuji, a leading event compere in the oil and gas industry. Launched in 2019 under Section 67 of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act of 2010, the Business Mentorship Lecture Series promote the Acts implementation for operators, contractors, and stakeholders. This one-day capacity-building initiative engages seasoned leaders to foster growth among service and operating companies in Nigerias oil and gas industry. This event is aimed at empowering oil and gas companies across Nigeria through targeted training, motivation, and business advisory support, and is in line with the Boards mandate developing the capacities of oil and gas companies, and enhancing the capabilities of Nigerians to play key roles in the sector. Prof Kachikwu, a trailblazer in Nigerias oil and gas sector brings an unparalleled wealth of experience and brilliance to the series. His illustrious career spans over three decades in the energy sector, including roles as Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and Chairman of its Board, and one-time Executive Vice Chairman and General Counsel at ExxonMobil Nigeria. As Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, he spearheaded transformative policies such as the National Gas Policy (2017) and National Petroleum Policy (2017), which were instrumental in reshaping Nigerias energy landscape and advancing the Petroleum Industry Bill. An author of twelve books on the Nigerian oil and gas industry launched in 2021, and a first-class law graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Kachikwu excelled as the top student at the Nigerian Law School, securing multiple prestigious awards including the Chief T.O. Elias Prize for Overall Best Student. He further distinguished himself with a Master of Laws (LLM) from Harvard Law School, graduating as the best in his class with exceptional grades. Internationally, Prof. Kachikwu has held leadership positions as President of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). His accolades include the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Lifetime Achievement Award (2022) and numerous honors for leadership and public service excellence. His insights are expected to inspire participants and offer practical strategies for navigating industry challenges. Hosting this edition of the NCDMB Business Mentorship Lecture Series underscores the Boards commitment under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, who is also overseeing key capacity-building programmes, including the Centre for Marine and Offshore Technology Development (CMOTD) training and the graduate-trainee initiatives with PFL Engineering, among others. These programmes are designed to equip indigenous firms with the skills, operational efficiency, and strategic advantage needed to achieve sustained growth in Nigerias oil and gas industry. We are honoured to have a visionary like Prof. Kachikwu share his expertise in our Business Mentoring Series, said Mr Ogbe His remarkable journey and contributions will undoubtedly motivate emerging companies, driving sustainable development in the oil and gas value chain. Previous BMLS editions have featured eminent figures such as Mr Atedo NA Peterside, Founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc; Tony Attah, former Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited; Mr Mutiu Sunmonu, former Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited; Mr Mike Sangster, Managing Director/Chief Executive of Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria; and Mrs Elohor Aiboni, former Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited. These sessions have empowered over 2,500 service companies to date. Oil and gas companies interested in participating are urged to visit the Boards website and social media channels for registration and updates. The Emir of Daura, Faruq Umar Faruq, has turbaned the first lady of Katsina State, Zulaihat Dikko Radda, as the first Jagaban Matan Hausa. The colourful ceremony took place at the Emirs palace shortly after the Hawan Magajiya, popularly known as Sallar Gani. Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda attended the historic event alongside the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Sani Aliyu Daura, and several female traditional title holders who thronged the palace in solidarity with the new title holder. While presenting the letter of appointment and decorating the governors wife with traditional attire, the Emir said the title was bestowed on Mrs Zulaihat Radda in recognition of her commitment to supporting women, particularly in empowerment initiatives. Mr Faruq Umar described the title as the first of its kind given to a governors wife, noting her dedication to supporting not only women but men as well. The Jagaban Matan Hausa title represents an unprecedented honour for the first lady, acknowledging her contributions to community development and gender empowerment in the state. The ceremony attracted dignitaries and traditional title holders who came to witness the historic occasion and show support for the newly turbaned Jagaban Matan Hausa. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, on Sunday afternoon paid a solemn visit to the graveside of former President, Muhammadu Buhari, at his residence in Daura. During the visit, Governor Radda, accompanied by members of his entourage, offered prayers for the repose of the late Presidents soul. He prayed to Allah (SWT) to forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. The governor also joined the Muslim faithful in praying for continued peace, unity, and divine blessings for Katsina State and Nigeria as a whole. Governor Raddas visit came as part of his trip to Daura Emirate to participate in the annual Hawan Magajiya sallar Gani celebration, an important cultural and spiritual event organised by the Emirate Council to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Governors gesture underscores his deep respect for the legacy of the late President Buhari and his administrations commitment to promoting faith, unity, and cultural heritage across Katsina State and Nigeria. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has told the international community that Ogun State is actively breaking trade barriers through bold initiatives designed to attract investment and deepen trade. Governor Dapo Abiodun stated this while participating in a high-level panel session titled Investment Showcase: Unveiling Opportunities from Select African & Caribbean Sub-Sovereigns at the ongoing IATF25 in Algiers, Algeria. Ogun State Highlights Investment Prospects at AfCFTA Panel Reaffirming Ogun States position as Nigerias leading investment destination, Governor Abiodun highlighted the pivotal role of subnationals in driving the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He noted that despite Africas enormous potential, intra-continental trade still accounts for only about 15 percent of total trade, largely due to weak infrastructure, cumbersome regulations, and fragmented value chains. According to him, Ogun States blueprint for economic transformation includes multi-modal infrastructure development: the Gateway International Cargo Airport, Ijebu-Ode and Kajola Dry Ports, over 1,200 kilometres of upgraded roads, and expanded gas reticulation networks. The blueprint, he said, also includes economic development clusters and free trade zones, including the Remo Economic Development Cluster, anchored by the newly licensed Gateway International Airport; the Ijebu Economic Development Cluster with proximity to the Dangote Refinery and Agro-Allied Industries; the Agbara Industrial Cluster; the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone; and several other hubs designed to support co-location, shared utilities, and value-chain optimisation. In addition, Ogun State, Mr Abiodun said, has simplified processes for investors through the One-Stop Investment Centre (OgunInvest) and a GIS-enabled Land Bank covering 300,000 hectares of pre-verified land, enabling faster permits, titles, and approvals. The governor also listed the chief attractions to Ogun State to include policy certainty, with frameworks under the 2019 PPP Law, risk-sharing partnerships with AfDB and IFAD, and structured government-industry dialogue as well as Ogun States strategic location, with seamless access to Lagos ports, ECOWAS markets, and the Benin Republic border for regional distribution. He stated that with these interventions, Ogun State is positioning itself as Nigerias foremost AfCFTA hubwhere scale, speed, and certainty converge to unlock shared prosperity for Africa. People in the Zamfara North Senatorial District have urged the Nigerian Telecommunications Commission (NCC) to restore telecommunications networks that have been shut down in the area for over three months. The spokesperson for the Kaura Namoda Focus Forum (KNFF), Abdulrazak Bello, expressed the peoples concerns in a statement he made available to PREMIUM TIMES. Mr Bello said the digital blackout affects the Birnin Magaji, Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, and Zurmi local government areas, which have a combined population of over 1.78 million people. He said MTN, Airtel, and Glo are cutting off services without giving any official explanation to subscribers. Mr Bello said the shutdown of telecom networks was crippling commercial and academic activities in the area. Zamfara North is blessed with talented and innovative youths who thrive on digital businesses and modern entrepreneurship. It also hosts the Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, several educational institutions, and strategic commercial hubs like Shinkafi and Kasuwar Daji international markets, attracting investors and traders from within and outside Nigeria. Cutting off internet services in such an environment has paralysed businesses, disrupted education, and forced many young people into joblessness and migration, thereby creating fertile ground for insecurity and social unrest, Mr Bello observed. Other residents who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES confirmed the development and urged the NCC to invoke the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 to address the prolonged silence and inaction of the telecom operators. They accused the service providers of a breach of trust, disregard for subscribers rights, and violation of the NCCs service quality obligations. Subscribers deserve not only reliable services but also timely information on any deliberate service disruption as a mark of respect for their rights and dignity, the residents appealed. A businessman, Umar Kaura, said the telecoms network problem was lowering the living standards of the residents. We have been suffering a digital divide for several months. Its a difficult situation that we never anticipated. We can not browse the Internet and understand what is happening around us through any social media platforms. Service when available is so poor that we can make only voice calls, depriving us of our rights to information and others. Marketers in the communities can no longer order delivery of goods and services either from Kano or Lagos, as they used to when the Internet was okay. The unfortunate thing is that nobody is talking about the issue, and the poor network services are affecting our daily routine and complicating our existing problems, Mr Kaura lamented. READ ALSO: Man climbs electricity mast in attempted suicide Another resident, Sanusi Bashiru, from Kaura Namoda town said the unavailability of the telecoms networks has made things difficult for the residents. Even when you buy data, you cannot use it in the area unless you travel, and the validity of the data expires without using it. We have resorted to writing messages to people far away using pen and paper. Residents are losing a lot due to the shutdown of the telecoms networks because people can no longer do any form of transactions without Internet services, Mr Bashiru appealed. The NCCs spokesperson, Nnena Ukoha, did not respond to phone calls and text messages to comment on the shutdown of telecoms services in the area. ABU DHABI, UAE, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ADGM, the international financial centre (IFC) of Abu Dhabi, reinforced its position as the region's largest and fastest-growing financial hub during the first half of 2025, with more than 11,000 active licences and a 42% jump in assets under management. ADGM also emerged as the region's largest IFC by the market capitalisation of its registered entities listed on a stock exchange, underscoring the centre's efforts to reinforce the financial sector's contribution to Abu Dhabi's non-oil economy, which grew to 9.1% in Q1 2025. H1 was also defined by transformative deals and partnerships between some of Abu Dhabi's most influential institutions and ADGM-based entities, highlighting the centre's role in enabling global businesses to invest and build strategic local and regional partnerships. Commenting on the centre's ongoing strong performance, H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said, "As we approach a decade of operations, ADGM's sustained commitment to excellence is strongly reflected not just in its growth numbers, but also in the rising global confidence in Abu Dhabi's role as a financial powerhouse and the "Capital of Capital". Record numbers can only be achieved through the depth of our global, regional, and local strategic partnerships and the clarity of our vision." The total number of operational entities within ADGM, which represents financial and non-financial firms, grew to 2,972 during H1, marking a 42% year-on-year growth. These include 308 financial firms and 2,664 non-financial. ADGM registered 1,869 new licences, the highest number of licences issued during a six-month period since ADGM's establishment. This represents a 47% growth in new licences compared to a year earlier and brings the total number of active licences in ADGM to 11,128. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority issued a total of 52 In-Principle Approvals (IPAs) for financial services firms, up 27% year-on-year, while 45 new Financial Services Permissions (FSPs) were granted, a 45% increase. Strong global and regional presence of top global firms includes Kimmeridge, Fortress, Circle, Oryx Global Partners, GMB Limited, Partners Group, Carta, Bitcoin Suisse, Tradition, Bitgrit, Harrison Street, Stacks Asia DLT Foundation, Hidden Roads, Polen Capital, Arcapita, Seviora, Aquila Group, Skadden, PATRIZIA, NewVest, Investindustrial and Digital Climate Middle East (DCME). At the end of June 2025, the number of registered fund and asset managers based out of ADGM reached 154, while the total number of funds increased to 209. Fortress Investment Group established an office in ADGM and entered into a USD 1 billion global credit and real estate co-investment partnership with Mubadala. US-based asset manager Kimmeridge inaugurated its ADGM and signed a MoU with Mubadala Energy to co-develop natural gas and LNG ventures, establishing a transatlantic energy corridor through ADGM. IHC, BlackRock, and ADGM-based Lunate launched a USD 1 billion+ AI-native reinsurance platform from within ADGM. With ambitions to manage more than USD 10 billion in liabilities, the venture positions ADGM as a nucleus for AI-driven global financial solutions. Mubadala and Alpha Dhabi scaled their ADGM-based private credit joint venture to USD 2.5 billion. ADGM is now the region's largest international financial centre by the market capitalisation of its registered entities. The total value of ADGM-based firms listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) has surpassed AED 500 billion by the end of H1 2025 ADGM representatives participated in the CityWeek 2025 conference in London, where they engaged with global financial leaders on regulatory collaboration, sustainable finance, ongoing initiatives within AI, as well as capital markets innovation. Additionally, ADGM participated in a wider Abu Dhabi delegation on a series of roadshows to China and Japan to highlight the benefits of setting up in Abu Dhabi and to engage with leading institutions across private banking, wealth management, and family offices. The increasing number of work permits issued by ADGM, brought its workforce on Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island to 35,964 professionals at the end of H1 2025. The Financial Services Authority concluded four new MoUs with regulatory counterparts in Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Hong Kong and Sweden, and issued new guidance on sanctions compliance, cybercrime prevention and cybersecurity. Additionally, key legislative enhancements were introduced in H1 2025 to align ADGM's frameworks with international best practices in cyber risk, Basel Core Principles and fund regime reporting. ADGM's Registration Authority (RA) introduced several key enhancements, such as the launch of AccessRP, a digital tool designed to streamline property interest verification, and the introduction of Commercial Permits Regulations, offering greater operational flexibility for non-financial businesses. In line with ADGM's ease-of-doing-business agenda, the RA also rolled out updated and reduced Fees Rules, further simplifying and lowering the cost of market entry. The RA signed a strategic MoU with the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) to promote collaboration and mutual recognition of Operating Digital Platforms (ODPs). Supervisory activity significantly increased, with the RA conducting 223% more supervision assessments compared to H1 2024, underscoring its commitment to maintaining high governance standards. The International Bar Association (IBA) announced that ADGM Courts will host its flagship IBA Arbitration Day in Abu Dhabi in January 2026, choosing ADGM as the venue to gather renowned arbitration, legal and relevant industry experts from around the world. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2550581/5010772/ADGM_Logo.jpg SOURCE ADGM The US government has revived the idea of deporting the Salvadoran back to his country, where he previously suffered torture Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia has been held in a detention center in Virginia since August 25, and is facing a second deportation. The government has proposed two possible destinations for the Maryland resident Uganda or, as revealed last week, El Salvador both of which are far from ideal. The latter was thought to be off the table, since it was the Central American country to which he was mistakenly sent last March. Court documents released Friday reveal that the Trump administration could repeat the operation. The 30-year-old Salvadorans future will be decided by several legal cases. Media outlets, politicians, civil rights organizations, and much of the public are closely watching, as Abrego Garcia has become a symbol of resistance against Donald Trumps deportation policies. His lawyers filed a lawsuit to guarantee his right to due process while his deportation case continues. Judge Paula Xinis of Maryland, who is overseeing the case, temporarily blocked a possible expulsion by ordering that Abrego remain in the United States until she rules on the petition, which is expected around mid-October. The judge also ordered that Abrego remain in ICE custody within 200 miles of the court in Greenbelt, Maryland. Xinis is scheduled to hold a hearing, expected to include witness testimony, on October 6. Human trafficking case In parallel, Abrego Garcia faces a criminal case in Tennessee for human trafficking, with a trial scheduled to begin in January. According to his attorneys, this case is a clear example of vindictive and selective persecution by the Trump administration. For months, the Republican administration has been engaged in a legal battle against the Maryland resident, one of its most criticized actions. Abrego Garcias case drew attention both inside and outside the United States after a federal official admitted that he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador on March 15, along with more than 250 migrants, mostly Venezuelans, accused of belonging to criminal gangs such as the Tren de Aragua. Last week, a federal judge declared the application of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which the government used to deport them, illegal. Abrego Garcia had been granted judicial protection in 2019, which protected him from deportation to El Salvador. Since then, although the Trump administration acknowledged the error, it has worked to criminalize the Salvadoran to justify his detention, accusing him of belonging to the Salvadoran gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). Abrego Garcia and his lawyers have consistently denied any connection to the violent group, and the government has not provided evidence to support its claim. Trump himself, along with Secretary of Security Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and other high-ranking officials, described Abrego Garcia as a monster who should remain outside the United States. The administration has defied court rulings, including from the Supreme Court, that ordered his return. In June, the government yielded to pressure and brought Abrego Garcia back to the United States not before preparing a case to arrest him as soon as he landed on U.S. soil. The Salvadoran was taken into custody as he stepped off the plane and brought to a Tennessee prison, charged with human trafficking. The criminal case is based on a 2022 traffic stop video in Tennessee recovered by the government. Abrego Garcia was driving a vehicle carrying nine other people. Agents suspected it might involve smuggling undocumented migrants, since the passengers claimed to be traveling for work in Maryland but had no luggage. However, they were allowed to continue their journey. Government lawyers claim it was one of many trips Abrego Garcia allegedly made since 2016 as part of an illegal human transport network. He denies the accusation. Using this charge, the administration kept him detained until August 22, when he was released on parole. His release allowed him to return to Maryland to reunite with his wife, Jennifer Vasquez, and their three children (one his own, two from his wifes previous relationship), from whom he had been separated for 160 days. Abrego Garcia with his wife, at the ICE office in Baltimore on August 25. Elizabeth Frantz (REUTERS) His freedom lasted only three days. Abrego Garcia received a notice to appear for an immigration check, where, as his lawyers had anticipated, he was arrested again and taken to a detention center in Virginia, where he remains in custody. The government entered negotiations with his lawyers to agree on a potential country of deportation. The possibility of Uganda a country criticized for human rights abuses is seen by his attorneys as a punishment for speaking out against U.S. anti-immigration policies. Prosecutors and defense attorneys began confidential discussions about a potential plea deal in mid-July, according to court documents. Abrego Garcia was only interested in an agreement that would allow him to be deported to a third Spanish-speaking country in North or Central America, such as Mexico, where he could live freely and safely after serving his sentence in the United States. Working with the State Department, U.S. prosecutors secured Costa Ricas promise that Abrego Garcia would be welcomed there as a legal immigrant and not detained or sent back to El Salvador. According to his lawyers, the U.S. government demanded that he plead guilty to the human trafficking charges in order to be sent to Costa Rica, which Abrego Garcia refused. As a result, the administration has expressed its intention to deport him to Uganda. Recently revealed court documents show that the administration is now also considering sending him to El Salvador, where Abrego Garcia previously endured torture while imprisoned at the Terrorist Confinement Center (Cecot), the maximum-security facility notorious for its deplorable conditions. The possibility of being sent back to his home country, reported by The New York Times, has emerged in response to a new asylum application filed by his lawyers, another case currently pending in the courts. A double-edged asylum request The defense filed the request with the Baltimore immigration court in hopes of being granted asylum or having Abrego Garcias deportation to Uganda suspended if an immigration judge determines that his life would be in credible danger in the African country. According to the prosecution, because the application stems from Abrego Garcias new entry into the United States, it could end the judicial protection he had since 2019 that prevented his transfer to El Salvador, which was ignored during his first deportation. Should the Immigration Court grant the respondents motion to reopen, the Department of Homeland Security will pursue the respondents removal to El Salvador, the Trump administration argued in its filing. It added that the previous ruling will no longer be valid if the asylum case moves forward. An immigration judge granted Abrego Garcia protection in response to his first asylum request. At that time, the judge rejected the petition because it was filed after the one-year legal window following his entry, but still provided protection, ruling that he could face retaliation if returned to El Salvador. Abrego Garcia fled his country at age 16 due to pressure from the Barrio 18 criminal gang on his family. His mother, who ran a small homemade pupusa business, faced ongoing extortion, and gang members pressured him, as a teenager, to join. The repeated threats led his parents to send him to the United States, where his older brother had already fled. Abrego Garcia lived in Maryland with his wife and three children and worked as a metalworker. On the day of his detention, March 12, he was returning from picking up his child, who has special needs, when he was intercepted by immigration agents. Since then, except for three days, he has been in custody. President Trump is not going to allow this illegal alien, who is an MS-13 gang member, human trafficker, serial domestic abuser and child predator to terrorize American citizens any longer, Noem said in a statement. The courts now have the final word. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Pioneering the Next Era of Live Synthetic RealityEmpowering Global, All-Sensor AI Training Across All Conditions for Human Readiness and Autonomous Systems SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aechelon Technology, a global defense leader in geospatial simulation technology and human/machine AI training systems today announced 'Project Orbion' together with its partners. Project Orbion is a groundbreaking new initiative that will integrate best-of-class technology solutions to create a live Digital Twin of the Earth. All of this is complete with accurate physics, real-time weather and more in full Synthetic Reality (SR). Aechelon's Project Orbion is a living synthesis of real-time satellite imagery, radar intelligence, video photogrammetry and AI all combined with the most accurate rendition of the Earth, reconstructing and distributing our world in dynamic 3D. From monitoring wildfires to floods, from wartime troop movements to shipping routes in peacetime, from urban rescues to remote disasters - Project Orbion helps situational awareness, understanding and safe human decision making. Synthetic Reality data supplied from Project Orbion is designed to train leading-edge defense and corporate AI models with real-world data - not just human-generated data, but actual ground truth conditions data. It's where cutting-edge AI is fused into a digital twin of the planet. Project Orbion is capable of penetrating darkness, clouds and smoke to enable users to react to natural disasters and defense-oriented use cases - all with the most up-to-date 3D representation of the world. This is the Earth's true Digital Twin - perceived by AI and protected by Human natural perception. Project Orbion partners include Niantic Spatial (San Francisco) for its Large Geospatial Model reconstruction and visualization service; ICEYE (Helsinki) for space-based imaging Radar; BlackSky (Herndon, Va.) for very high resolution, high-cadence Earth observation imagery and Distance Technologies (Helsinki) for their Light Field 3D Displays. A goal of the collaboration is to explore integrating forthcoming versions of Niantic Spatial's Visual Positioning System (VPS) with Aechelon's simulation systems. In GPS-denied environments where satellite signals are unavailable or compromised, VPS will allow ground teams to achieve centimeter-level localization and navigation. This capability is critical for complex and time-sensitive search-and-rescue operations. All of these cutting-edge technologies are being integrated to utilize Aechelon's military-grade Synthetic Reality visualization, AI training and simulation systems. "Aechelon has spent decades creating the most realistic synthetic environments for mission-critical defense training," said Nacho Sanz-Pastor, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CEO), Aechelon Technology. "The challenge has always been keeping pace with changes in the physical world and training humans and autonomous systems with realistic worldwide information. Our Skybeam product combines several innovative geospatial platforms with our own AI-driven, worldwide multi-sensor baseline to become a powerful new solution. The partnership with Niantic Spatial, ICEYE, BlackSky and Distance will enable Project Orbion (over the next months and years) to address dual-use, mission-critical applications that until now were just in the realm of science fiction." "By combining our platform to scan, visualize and understand the world with Aechelon's simulation technology, we can provide emergency and first responders the most accurate understanding of the environments in which they operate," said Brian McClendon, Niantic Spatial's Chief Technology Officer (CTO). "Geospatial understanding unlocks a new level of situational awareness that allows teams to plan and execute missions with greater confidence and safety." "At ICEYE, we design, build and operate the world's largest group of imaging radar satellites - that allows us to react to anything that happens on the ground, regardless of the conditions and very quickly," said Pekka Laurila, ICEYE Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). "Aechelon began evaluating ICEYE SAR radar imagery from orbit by fusing the data 1:1 using its Skybeam platform to update their global geospatial database. The goal was to penetrate clouds, adverse weather and smoke to ensure timely collection on the Earth for testing critical defense applications, which now can be expanded for dual use-cases on training corporate AI systems." "BlackSky's AI-first approach carries immense value in informing a new world of AI-enabled real-time applications digital twins, virtual and augmented reality that increasingly moves at machine speed," said Brian O'Toole, BlackSky CEO. "BlackSky's unique ability to deliver reliable, high-cadence imagery and analytics in real time is enabled by our dedication to proprietary end-to-end AI-enabled automation across our entire architecture. Transformative opportunities like Project Orbion are changing the way humanity will experience and explore the world." around us and can reshape how we respond to vital national security, economic or natural disaster events for the better." "Distance and Aechelon have integrated next-generation 3D lightfield AR HUDs to advance aerospace simulation and defense applications. These cutting-edge systems support real-time battlefield intelligence, target analysis, and invite AR training - all powered by Aechelon's Synthetic Reality ecosystem. This collaboration has the potential to become the operating system for human AI interaction, enabling intuitive decision making and making autonomous AI systems safer - under control," said Urho Konttori, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DISTANCE Technology. About Aechelon Technology: Aechelon is a global leader in simulation and training systems, specializing in geo-specific flight simulators and physics-based sensor AI training. Its cutting-edge Synthetic Reality platform replicates real-world environments with unmatched precision, enabling both humans and machines to operate in scenarios of extraordinary detail. This technology allows pilots and emergency responders to train for complex, high-stakes situations in immersive, ultra-realistic virtual settings. Created for the most demanding use-cases in training, simulation and analysis applications, Aechelon synthetic reality has been the tactical simulation choice of militaries throughout the free world for decades and now leverages this same trusted architecture for civilian use. Aechelon Technology is a Sagewind Capital platform company - please visit www.aechelon.ai for more information. Aechelon and Skybeam are trademarks of Aechelon Technology, Inc. All others trademarks and registered trademarks previously cited are the property of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2766851/ProjectOrbionLogo.jpg DENVER, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Beatty & Wozniak, P.C., a nationally recognized oil and gas, energy, and natural resources law firm, is proud to announce that Francis Barron has joined the firm as its first General Counsel in Residence. Francis Barron, General Counsel in Residence With more than 35 years of experience, Barron is a respected corporate and securities attorney who has served as General Counsel and executive committee member for three NYSE-listed oil and gas companies: Bill Barrett Corporation, Cimarex Energy, and Coterra Energy. In these roles, he counseled boards of directors, managed legal and regulatory risks, and guided companies through IPOs, major mergers, and periods of significant growth. As General Counsel in Residence, Barron will provide strategic counsel to Beatty & Wozniak attorneys, strengthening client service and business judgment across practice groups. He will also serve as a mentor to attorneys throughout the firm, advising leadership on opportunities for strategic growth and cross-marketing, drawing on his extensive industry network. "After working with the exceptional attorneys and other professionals at Beatty & Wozniak for over 20 years as a client, I am excited to work with them as General Counsel in Residence," said Barron. "Helping mentor the firm's talented attorneys and working with the firm's clients allows me the opportunity to continue to bring strategic business leadership and growth to the oil and gas industry." Firm leadership emphasized the uniqueness of this new role. "Francis brings an unmatched in-house perspective and proven industry leadership," said Bret Sumner, a member of Beatty & Wozniak's Executive Committee. "He has counseled companies of all sizes, from startups to multibillion-dollar public corporations, and understands the challenges of scaling and growing in today's energy sector. His insights will help us deliver counsel that is legally sound, commercially strategic, and deeply valuable to our clients." Beatty & Wozniak is the first energy law firm in the nation to introduce a General Counsel in Residence role; a model pioneered only recently by two major international firms. Barron's addition reflects the firm's commitment to innovation and client-focused service in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. About Francis Barron Barron began his career at Bearman Talesnick & Clowdus Professional Corp., and then as a partner at Patton Boggs LLP, where he co-founded the firm's corporate securities department in Denver. He later joined Bill Barrett Corporation as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, guiding the company through its IPO and dramatic growth from less than 50 employees to more than 300 employees and annual revenue of $700 million. He went on to serve as General Counsel at Cimarex Energy, helping secure investment-grade financing and leading the company through its $17 billion merger with Cabot Oil & Gas to form Coterra Energy. Most recently, he advised companies as an independent business consultant. About Beatty & Wozniak, P.C. Beatty & Wozniak is a leading law firm serving the oil and gas, energy, and natural resources industries with a full spectrum of legal services including regulatory, transactional, litigation, and compliance matters. With offices in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming, and attorneys licensed in 18 jurisdictions across the United States, the firm combines industry expertise with innovative legal strategies to help clients succeed in complex and rapidly evolving business landscapes. SOURCE Beatty & Wozniak The beauty industry's premiere agency for social media and social shopping now offers search strategies for the future of discovery NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In an era defined by Chat GPT, TikTok, Reddit and next-gen search behavior, the way consumers discover beauty products is undergoing its biggest disruption since the dawn of Google and brands better be prepared. Futureproof your business for AI discovery with Emily Rose Campbell, beautys top search guru. Today, Iced Media, the beauty industry's powerhouse in content, creators and media, with clients like CoverGirl, Moroccanoil, Anastasia Beverly Hills and Topicals, announces the launch of its new Search & Discovery Practice designed to keep beauty and wellness brands visible, shoppable and winning where the next generation of shoppers begin their journey. Leading the charge is Emily Rose Campbell, a search marketing superstar who has propelled brands like Dior, CeraVe and YSL Beauty to the top of the rankings. Her appointment signals a new era: one where beauty's biggest names must master AI-driven discovery or risk irrelevance. "We're launching this practice because we believe the beauty industry is standing at the edge of the most profound shift in consumer discovery since the launch of Google," says Leslie Ann Hall, Founder and CEO of Iced Media. "If your brand isn't showing up where consumers are searching, you're invisible and risk getting left behind," adds Ashley Banks, Partner and Chief Client Officer at the agency. Iced Media's new practice fuses proven Google search strategies with proprietary and innovative tactics for AI and social search. The results? Faster conversions, higher relevance scores and dominance in the spaces where beauty buying decisions are now made. "This new practice will give our clients a competitive edge in a world where discovery, for many consumers, no longer starts with Google," says Campbell, the newly appointed Head of Performance at Iced Media. "That means testing early, moving fast and delivering the tech-enabled, data-informed strategies this industry deserves." For beauty brands, the stakes are simple: adapt now or risk becoming irrelevant. Iced Media will officially launch its new Search practice on September 9, and is currently working with existing clients to incorporate this service into their 360 digital strategy mix. For brands interested in learning more, visit www.icedmedia.com/searchanddiscovery. For any inquiries, please contact: [email protected] https://www.icedmedia.com/contact SOURCE Iced Media The 5th edition of the annual index from BritishAmerican Business and Bain & Company reveals confidence in the US-UK transatlantic business corridor dropped to its lowest level since the Index began. UK companies' confidence in the US business environment dropped significantly for the first time. UK investors worry about the US's position on trade, approach to economic policy, and political stability. US investors have concerns about the UK's growth agenda and its policies on tax and regulation. LONDON, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 Transatlantic Confidence Index from BritishAmerican Business (BAB) and Bain & Company, which surveyed 75 leading transatlantic companies, revealed a drop in confidence in the transatlantic economy, with businesses wanting decisive action from both governments on regulation, trade, tax, and industrial strategy. The Index, which has remained stable at 7.0 - 7.2 out of 10 since 2021, decreased significantly to 6.6 this year. This decline reflects several concerns; US firms are cautious about some of the UK's domestic policies, particularly around tax, while UK investors are uncertain about the US trade position and regulatory predictability. US companies report slightly lower confidence in the UK US companies' confidence in doing business in the UK has slipped from 6.6 in 2024 to 6.3 this year - a slight decrease in the score and the lowest since 2021. Despite the UK government's pledge to implement a pro-growth agenda, concerns around high taxes, rising energy costs, and the perception of onerous regulation may underpin this decline in sentiment. US businesses are calling for changes that foster a more competitive business environment. Among their top priorities are a flexible, predictable, and business friendly environment, and the full implementation of the new industrial strategy. There's a more positive perception of the UK's political stability. US companies appear reassured by the Labour government's large majority, and nearly half of US respondents still plan to increase their investment in the UK, while fewer than 20% plan a decrease. US confidence in the UK-EU relationship reached its highest level since Brexit, increasing for the fourth consecutive year (now 6.6 out of 10). While strengthening relations remained a top priority for approximately one-third of the businesses surveyed, this is the lowest it has ever ranked, suggesting that the improvement in the relationship has been felt by US investors. UK companies' confidence in the US dropped significantly The survey concluded that UK companies' confidence in doing business in the US has decreased from 8.4 out of 10 in 2024 to 7.5 in 2025 whilst this remains a very high level of confidence, it is the lowest recorded since the inception of the survey. BAB and Bain & Company asked UK companies to rate their confidence in the US's approach to domestic and global economic policy. The average response was 5.4 out of 10, with nearly 75% of respondents giving a score of 6 or lower. The net attractiveness of the US's capital markets and workforce remained high with each earning +21. However, when it came to views on the rule of law, the net attractiveness dropped from +7 in 2024 to -3 in 2025, and from -1 in 2022 to -21 in 2025 for perceptions of the US's political stability. UK companies would like the US government to prioritise working with allies on trade. Nearly three quarters of respondents ranked this as a top-three priority. Beyond trade, UK companies would like a predictable and business friendly regulatory environment. UK companies also expressed the importance of the US maintaining strong economic ties with allies such as the EU, Mexico, and Canada. Despite the drop in business confidence, more than half of UK respondents still plan to increase their investments in the US. Duncan Edwards OBE, CEO of BritishAmerican Business said: "Confidence in the transatlantic corridor has clearly slipped this year, particularly among UK firms, who have been unsettled by tariffs and the direction of US trade policy. Frankly, we would have been surprised if this had not been the case and, in absolute terms, confidence remains high. "The Economic Prosperity Deal agreed earlier this year provides a foundation for cautious optimism. With commitments to deepen trade and investment, this deal has the potential to restore confidence, back to its previous levels, if implemented effectively. "Despite these challenges, the survey shows that UK firms continue to view the US as a highly attractive market and are prepared to increase their levels of investment. The fundamentals of the US economy, its scale, innovation, and strong capital markets remain compelling, and that is why business leaders still see long-term opportunity." Jonathan Frick, partner from Bain & Company's London office commented: "While confidence in the transatlantic business corridor has dipped, we're still seeing a clear signal that business leaders remain committed to growth across borders. The fundamentalsstrong capital markets, deep talent pools, and resilient trade relationshipsare still very much intact. What's needed now is regulatory clarity. With continued momentum behind cross-border initiatives, there's a real opportunity to re-establish a stable, high-performing investment environment on both sides of the Atlantic." Media contacts For any questions or to arrange an interview, please contact: BritishAmerican Business: Mazar Ahmed (London) Tel: +44 20 7290 9883 Email: [email protected] Bain & Company: Gary Duncan (London) Email: [email protected] Notes to Editors This is the fifth edition of the Transatlantic Confidence Index issued by BritishAmerican Business and Bain & Company. The Index survey measured the confidence of US companies that are active in the UK and of UK companies that operate in the US. When appropriate, data from prior Index surveys is referenced for comparison. (UK investors' confidence in the US was not measured in the inaugural report, so statistics on UK confidence are available only from 2022 onwards). A total of 75 companies doing transatlantic business responded to the 2025 survey, including 49 UK companies and 26 UK companies. Combined, they employ nearly 300,000 people and represent a range of sectors, including financial services, technology, healthcare, media, telecommunications, and manufacturing. While many factors influence confidence, our survey focused on overall confidence for investing and trading, short-term investment prospects, and the health of the US-UK relationship overall. About BritishAmerican Business BritishAmerican Business is the leading transatlantic trade association incorporating the British-American Chamber of Commerce in the US and the American Chamber of Commerce in the UK. We are committed to strengthening the economic corridor between the United States and the United Kingdom by supporting policies and action that protect and enhance the environment for transatlantic trade and investment. We convene and serve a growing network of companies and business leaders through networking opportunities, bespoke programming and marketing platforms. About Bain & Company Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world's most ambitious change makers define the future. Across 65 cities in 40 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition to achieve extraordinary results, outperform the competition, and redefine industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster, and more enduring outcomes. Our 10-year commitment to invest more than $1 billion in pro bono services brings our talent, expertise, and insight to organizations tackling today's urgent challenges in education, racial equity, social justice, economic development, and the environment. We earned a gold rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, social, and ethical performance ratings for global supply chains, putting us in the top 2% of all companies. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients, and we proudly maintain the highest level of client advocacy in the industry. SOURCE Bain & Company Leon He, President of SERES AUTO said: "AITO is committed to becoming a glocal brand. Today, at IAA MOBILITY 2025, AITO is unveiling our truly globalized product lineup and setting a new strategic milestone in our globalization journey. This journey to define 'new luxury' in the intelligent era is backed by our cutting-edge technology, and remarkable success in China." From the AITO brand's establishment in December 2021 to the end of August this year, the cumulative sales of its four models in China have exceeded 770,000 units. Among them, the all-scenario intelligent flagship SUV AITO 9 which launched at the end of 2023, has sold more than 230,000 units, and has been the sales champion of the 500,000-level luxury car segment in China for 17 consecutive months. The global AITO models will be first available in the Middle East market in a diverse range of vehicle variants designed to meet the varied mobility needs of discerning local customers with region-specific product features. The Middle East variants will feature a smart cockpit with trilingual interaction (Chinese, English, Arabic) and integration into the local digital ecosystem. Their fully enhanced hardware performance is tailored to the unique natural environment in the Middle East. These models have undergone rigorous testing in extreme conditions like deserts to ensure full compliance and alignment with local driving conditions. All three new models have obtained UAE market entry certification and are set to hit the market soon. Meanwhile, AITO is completing validation tests of its overseas intelligent driving assistance features to bring an excellent and secure intelligent mobility experience for Middle East users. AITO's intelligent driving assistance technology has gained widespread recognition in the Chinese market. By the end of August 2025, AITO users' total intelligent assisted driving distance exceeded 3.45 billion km, serving 621,000 users in China. As part of its global strategic blueprint, AITO will establish a UAE subsidiary to gradually launch its full model lineup. This will be supported by a tailored local service ecosystem for closer customer engagement. Leveraging its Dubai-based central warehouse, AITO will also develop a localized supply chain that will enable impressive weekly-order delivery speeds and instant after-sales parts support, ensuring a seamless user experience. Through in-depth regional customization, AITO will truly become a glocal company. AITO is showcasing many of its core technologies alongside its global models at IAA MOBILITY 2025. Among them, the SERES 5th-Gen Super Range-Extender System is making its overseas debut. Based on the 'Saiyi C2E Range-Extender Integration Design' and 'RoboREX Intelligent Control Technology', this system delivers high power and high efficiency in a small, lightweight design with quiet operation. The AITO MF Platform is the first and currently the only platform in the industry compatible with three new energy power modes: super range-extended electric, battery electric, and ultra hybrid. Explore AITO's vision of 'new luxury' in intelligent mobility at Stand D40 in Hall B3 at the Munich Exhibition Center from 8 to 12 September 2025. SOURCE SERES 21 % more press release views with Request a Demo New diagnostic service helps dentists uncover where their practice is invisible across AI platforms and fix it before patients search elsewhere. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Most dental practices are invisible to ChatGPT and Google's AI Overviews and they don't even know it. Today, Digital Floss announced the launch of its AI Visibility Assessment, a diagnostic designed to show dental practices exactly how AI tools interpret their digital presence and where it falls short. The launch follows recent findings from Digital Floss' internal audit of over 100 practices, which revealed that 93% failed to appear in AI recommendations, even when they matched patient criteria for location, insurance, and language. "We've had hundreds of healthcare practices reach out after we published those findings," said Dr. Anissa Broussard, DMD, co-founder of Digital Floss. "They want to know: are we showing up when someone asks ChatGPT to recommend a provider? For most, the answer is no and that's a problem." The new Digital Floss assessment addresses a gap in current digital marketing analytics, which typically focus on traditional search engine metrics rather than AI platform discoverability. AI Search Is Already Replacing Google Search behavior is changing fast. According to Semrush, traffic from large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT is expected to surpass traditional search by 2027, and most dental practices are completely unprepared.These tools don't just crawl websites; instead, they analyze content from across a provider's entire digital footprint. "Traditional SEO doesn't guarantee visibility anymore," said Dr. Broussard. "AI platforms pull from bios, videos, reviews, and social content. You can't just rely on one channelyou need to be clear and consistent everywhere AI is listening." Even more important, ChatGPT and other LLMs freeze their core knowledge at a set point, which means that content added after that cutoff takes longer to appear in AI-powered tools. This means that dental practices that establish a strong, authoritative online presence before major AI model updates are significantly more likely to be featured in conversational search answers and recommendations for months and years to come. Dental practices that wait will find themselves at a major disadvantage and may even be invisible until the next training cycle. What AI Actually Sees The AI Visibility Assessment evaluates five key areas that influence how AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini recommend providers: Website structure and content clarity for AI parsing Social media profile completeness and consistency across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn Google Business Profile optimization and local directory presence Video content metadata and educational value on YouTube, TikTok Review platform integration and response patterns Practices receive a detailed scorecard showing where they're visible (and where they're not), plus a clear roadmap of what to fix first. Most audits are completed within 1 business day. Multi-LLM Visibility Scope Beyond ChatGPT, the assessment checks visibility across multiple major language models and AI assistants popular in the U.S., including: Google Gemini Anthropic Claude Perplexity AI Meta's LlaMA xAI's Grok Microsoft Copilot Immediate Market Response Since announcing the research findings, Digital Floss has received assessment requests from practices across 15 states. "AI doesn't reward paid placementit rewards clarity, consistency, and authentic expertise," said Dr. Broussard. "This assessment gives dentists the visibility roadmap they didn't know they needed." The company plans to expand the service to additional healthcare specialties based on early demand. Company Background Digital Floss specializes in healthcare practice marketing with emphasis on multi-platform digital strategies. The company was founded by Dr. Anissa Broussard, who combines clinical healthcare experience with digital marketing expertise developed over two decades of practice ownership and industry consulting. Dr. Broussard has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Women in Dentistry by Dental Products Report and has presented on healthcare digital marketing trends at industry conferences including AACD and Social Media Marketing World. Availability and Implementation The AI Visibility Assessment is available immediately for healthcare practices nationwide. Digital Floss plans to expand the service to include additional healthcare specialties and geographic markets based on initial response. SOURCE Digital Floss The newly added VARTA AGM and EFB battery types for cars and heavy commercial vehicles extend coverage across a broader range of vehicle applications in the aftermarket, offering enhanced energy efficiency and lifespan. The VARTA portfolio already covers 99% of the market and continues to expand to further strengthen its stable market coverage. HANOVER, Germany, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With its new automotive product portfolio, VARTA demonstrates its ability to shape the future by adding several new types to the portfolio: The H3/L0 VARTA AGM and H9/L6 VARTA EFB for passenger cars. For heavy commercial vehicles, Clarios added a case A in the EFB technology to the VARTA Promotive Portfolio. Size B in AGM technology will follow towards the end of the year. The expanded VARTA portfolio ensures comprehensive low-voltage battery coverage for modern vehicles. Designed to meet the demands of all powertrain types, these solutions deliver enhanced energy efficiency, reliability and sustainability. The automotive market is currently at a crossroads: Sales of fully electric vehicles are falling short of projections, while vehicles equipped with combustion engines as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrids models continue to maintain their market share. Regardless of the powertrain, VARTA AGM batteries reliably support the evolving powertrains with robust low-voltage performance including improved energy efficiency and extended lifespan. Clarios, the global leader in low-voltage battery solutions and owner of the brand VARTA in the automotive sector, is the number one original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supplier for all major brands. Approximately 60% of all new vehicles (including xEVs) in Europe are equipped with a Clarios battery. The VARTA portfolio, developed in collaboration with significant OEM partners, covers 99% of the market. Continuous advancements to expand the range ensure that stable market coverage is further enhanced. New EFB H9 and AGM H3 will better support start-stop, hybrid and EVs as these types deliver superior performance in demanding conditions, to help ensure new vehicles operate efficiently and reliably. The truck segment is still dominated by the internal combustion engine although the electric truck is on the rise. VARTA AGM batteries continue to be the preferred choice for both powertrains. With AGM technology, these batteries are revolutionizing the trucking industry by reducing idling times, thereby lowering costs, fuel consumption, and CO 2 emissions. TUV Nord recently demonstrated significant efficiency gains of AGM batteries compared to SHD batteries. AGM batteries allow reducing idling time by 73%, resulting in substantial fuel savings. Over the course of 50 weekends, these savings amount to: 133 fewer hours of idling 400 liters less fuel consumed 721 saved on fuel costs 1,041 kg less CO 2 emitted. In fully electric commercial vehicles, AGM batteries play a critical role in supporting the low-voltage onboard electrical architecture. The 24-volt onboard system remains an essential component that seamlessly integrates into the new wave of electric vehicles. Low-voltage batteries power the vehicle's electrical system, ensuring that functions such as lighting, braking, steering, and cabin systems operate properly even in the event of a high-voltage system failure. Charged AGM batteries are a prerequisite for starting the electric powertrain. With the newly introduced batteries, VARTA adds to its series of product launches this year. In the spring, the company unveiled new EFB H9 and AGM H3 batteries for the passenger car segment. At the same time, it expanded its ProMotive range in the commercial vehicle sector with the EFB A-Type, specifically designed to support modern low-voltage systems in trucks and commercial vehicles. The new AGM B-Type follows the same design approach and will further optimize performance and reliability. About Clarios Clarios is the global leader in advanced, low-voltage battery technologies for mobility and owner of the VARTA brand in the automotive sector. Our batteries and smart solutions power nearly every type of vehicle and are found in 1 of 3 cars on the road today. With around 18,000 employees in over 100 countries, we bring deep expertise to our Aftermarket and OEM partners, and reliability, safety and comfort to everyday lives. We answer to the planet with a rigorous sustainability focus advancing best-in-class sustainability practices and advocating for them across our industry. We work to ensure 100% of our products sold are recyclable, and we recycle 8,000 batteries an hour in our network. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2765683/Clarios_VARTA_Portfolio_Expansion.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2573556/Clarios_Logo.jpg Internationally renowned surgeon Dr. Fabrizio Michelassi to join Grand Marshal Joe Moglia leading this year's Columbus Day Parade up 5th Avenue on October 13th NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbus Citizens Foundation is proud to announce that Dr. Fabrizio Michelassi is an Honoree of this year's Columbus Celebration and will join Grand Marshal Joe Moglia to help lead this year's Parade. Dr. Fabrizio Nichelassi, 2025 Columbus Day Parade Honoree Fabrizio Michelassi is the Lewis Atterbury Stimson Professor and Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine and Surgeon-in-Chief at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. An internationally renowned, board-certified gastrointestinal surgeon with a strong expertise in the surgical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancers, Dr. Michelassi has contributed new insight in the surgical treatment of pancreatic and colorectal cancers, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease through research and participation to multiple clinical trials. He has pioneered the development of important new techniques that ensure better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients with rectal cancer and ulcerative colitis. Author of more than 340 papers, book chapters and abstracts, he is also known for developing a procedure, now known as the Michelassi strictureplasty, designed to avoid sacrificing large amounts of bowel during surgery for Crohn's disease. Dr. Michelassi was born in Pisa and received his MD from the University of Pisa, School of Medicine. He did his residency at NYU and then joined the University of Chicago where he stayed for twenty years during which time he became the Thomas D. Jones Professor of Surgery, Chief of the Section of General Surgery and vice-chair of the Department of Surgery. In 2004, Michelassi was recruited by NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City to become the Lewis Atterbury Stimson Professor, Chairman of the Department of Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center In addition to many prestigious awards in the U.S., including the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Award, the American Cancer Society Cancer Development Award and the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Dr. Michelassi has been widely recognized by his country of birth. In 2009, in recognition of his many lifetime achievements, Dr. Michelassi was honored as an Official of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy with the rank of Commendatore, the most prestigious and important distinction awarded by the President of the Republic of Italy to Italian citizens of particular merit. He was also inducted as a member of the American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit (ASILM), the Italian-American Society comprised of those 600 individuals who have been so decorated by the Republic of Italy. Dr. Michelassi received the prestigious 2010 Golden Lion Award from the Order of the Sons of Italy in America and the "Campano d'Oro" medal from the University of Pisa, the highest honor that can be accorded to a University of Pisa alumnus. In 2012, he received the "Grand Award of Merit," the most prestigious award of the American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit, in recognition of his accomplishments, dedication and leadership that have improved the lives of numerous Americans, Italians and Italian Americans. "We are happy to recognize Dr. Michelassi and his outstanding achievements in medicine. Dr. Michelassi is widely recognized in Italy and the United States as both a leading surgeon and a professor in the field of gastrointestinal surgery. We are privileged to have him among this year's honorees," stated Columbus Citizens Foundation President Christopher Loiacono. Commented Dr. Michelassi, "I am deeply humbled and grateful to be selected as a 2025 honoree by the Columbus Citizen Foundation. The Foundation's dedication to preserving Italian American heritage and supporting future generations is an inspiration. This honor serves as a powerful motivation to continue uphold the values the Columbus Citizen Foundation embodies." The annual Columbus Day Parade, the largest celebration of Italian American heritage and culture in the United States will take place on Monday, October 13, 2025, beginning at 11:30 a.m. and will include marching bands, floats, and over 100 marching groups up the Fifth Avenue parade route, from 44th Street to 72nd Street. Groups, institutions, and partners from across the United States and Italy will take part in this year's celebration. The parade will be broadcast on ABC-7 from 12 p.m. 3 p.m. ABOUT COLUMBUS CITIZENS FOUNDATION: Columbus Citizens Foundation is a New York City non-profit organization committed to fostering an appreciation of Italian American heritage and achievement. The Foundation, through a broad range of philanthropic and cultural activities, provides opportunities for advancement to deserving Italian-American students through various scholarship and grant programs. The Foundation organizes New York City's annual Columbus Celebration and Columbus Day Parade, which has celebrated Italian-American Heritage on New York's Fifth Avenue since 1929. For more information contact [email protected]. SOURCE Columbus Citizens Foundation SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Sept. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. ("Innovent") (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, autoimmune, cardiovascular and metabolic, ophthalmology and other major disease areas, announced that the results of the Phase 2 clinical study of the xanthine oxidase inhibitor (XOI) tigulixostat (R&D code: IBI128) in Chinese gout participants were presented at the 2025 Asia-Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) Congress. Tigulixostat demonstrated significantly greater urate-lowering efficacy and favorable safety profiles compared to febuxostat across all dose groups. Based on these positive data, Innovent plans to initiate the Phase 3 clinical study of tigulixostat in China in the second half of 2025. The published results are based on a randomized, open-label, multicenter, parallel-group, active-controlled Phase 2 clinical study (NCT06501534) evaluating the efficacy and safety of different doses of tigulixostat in Chinese gout participants. A total of 84 participants (mean age: 37 years; mean baseline serum uric acid [sUA]: 575 mol/L [9.6 mg/dL]; mean baseline weight: 80.7 kg) were enrolled and randomized to receive tigulixostat 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg or febuxostat 40 mg for 16 weeks (or 18 weeks for the tigulixostat 200 mg group). The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants achieving sUA <360 mol/L (6 mg/dL) at Week 16. Tigulixostat demonstrated significantly greater urate-lowering efficacy compared to febuxostat across all dose groups, with a dose-dependent effect. At week 16, 55.0% of participants in the tigulixostat 50 mg group, 81.0% in the tigulixostat 100 mg group, and 85.7% in the tigulixostat 200 mg group, achieved sUA <360 mol/L (6 mg/dL), respectively, compared with 18.2% in the febuxostat 40 mg group, the treatment difference versus febuxostat was 36.8% (95%CI: 9.7, 63.9, P<0.01), 62.8% (39.5, 86.0, P<0.001), and 67.5% (45.5, 89.5, P<0.001) for the tigulixostat 50 mg group, 100 mg group, and 200 mg group, respectively; At week 16, 30.0% of participants in the tigulixostat 50 mg group, 61.9% in the tigulixostat 100 mg group, and 81.0% in the tigulixostat 200 mg group, achieved sUA <300 mol/L (5 mg/dL), respectively, compared with 9.1% in the febuxostat 40 mg group, the treatment difference versus febuxostat was 20.9% (95%CI: 2.5, 44.3, P<0.05), 52.8% (28.8, 76.8, P<0.001), and 71.9% (51.2, 92.5, P<0.001) for the tigulixostat 50 mg group, 100 mg group, and 200 mg group, respectively. At week 16, the percent change in sUA from baseline were -38.66% in the tigulixostat 50 mg group, -48.61% in the tigulixostat 100 mg group-57.11% in the tigulixostat 200 mg group, and -24.11%in the febuxostat 40 mg group. Tigulixostat demonstrated a favorable safety profile, no increased risk of renal impairment. The incidence of adverse events was similar across groups. All reported AEs were mild to moderate in severity. No serious adverse events or adverse events of special interest were observed in any tigulixostat -treated groups. No adverse events led to temporary or permanent discontinuation of the study drug was observed. Without any gout flare prophylaxis during the study, the incidences of gout flare were comparable between the tigulixostat total group and the febuxostat 40 mg group. Most gout flare occurred during the initial 4 weeks of treatment, with the incidence gradually decreasing and reaching a plateau subsequently. It has been reported that higher and more sustained serum uric acid target achievement can significantly reduce the risk of gout flare[1]. The Principal Investigator of the Study, Professor Hejian Zou from Huashan Hospital affiliated with Fudan University, stated: "Gout and hyperuricemia are increasingly becoming the 'fourth major' chronic disease following hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. The overall prevalence of hyperuricemia in China is 13.3%, and hyperuricemia is a prerequisite for gout. Among hyperuricemia patients, approximately 15.5 million suffer from gout. Gout patients face an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney diseases, and it is also closely associated with comorbidities such as diabetes and stroke, often leading to significantly elevated mortality risks. Currently, commonly used clinical drugs for gout in China face safety concerns, including potential cardiovascular risks and hepatorenal toxicity, highlighting the urgent need for safer and more effective treatment options. Tigulixostat is a novel non-selective XO inhibitor, and the Phase 2 clinical study results in Chinese gout participants have fully demonstrated its significantly urate-lowering efficacy with a good safety profile. I am delighted to see these results presented at an international academic conference and look forward to that tigulixostat entering registered clinical development soon, in hopes that this development can lead to new treatment options for gout patients in China." Dr. Lei Qian, Chief R&D Officer of General Biomedicine from Innovent Biologics, stated, "We are delighted to present the Phase 2 clinical study results of tigulixostat at the international academic congress. The study demonstrated tigulixostat's superior urate-lowering efficacy compared to febuxostat, while maintaining a favorable safety profile across multiple dose levels in Chinese gout participants. Building on these findings and through ongoing communication with regulatory authorities, we will accelerate the Phase 3 clinical development of tigulixostat to bring this promising treatment option to Chinese gout patients as soon as possible. As part of our commitment, Innovent Biologics will continue to advance our next-generation pipeline in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, targeting the broad population affected by hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperuricemia. We remain dedicated to fulfilling patients' aspirations for healthier lives and expanding access to innovative therapies." About Gout Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by the gradual elevation of uric acid levels in the blood, exceeding its solubility threshold[2], leading to the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in joints. Persistent hyperuricemia can result in the accumulation of urate crystals (tophi) in joints, tendons, and other tissues, which, under triggering factors (e.g., trauma, cold exposure, inflammatory stimuli), may provoke acute inflammatory episodes known as acute gout attacks. Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder syndrome resulting from purine metabolism dysfunction. It is defined as serum uric acid levels exceeding 420 mol/L on two separate occasions, regardless of gender. Hyperuricemia and gout represent a continuous, chronic pathophysiological spectrum and constitute a systemic disease affecting multiple organ systems. The prevalence of hyperuricemia varies across ethnicities, ranging from 2.6% to 36%, while gout prevalence ranges from 0.03% to 15.3% globally[3]. The most widely prescribed urate-lowering drugs in China are xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors: allopurinol and febuxostat. However, allopurinol carries a significant risk of hypersensitivity syndrome in Han Chinese populations, with associated mortality reaching approximately 30%. This safety concern has substantially restricted its clinical utility. Meanwhile, long-term febuxostat use demonstrates associations with elevated risks of hepatic dysfunction and cardiovascular adverse events[4-7]. These limitations underscore the urgent need for novel therapeutic agents with improved safety profiles and enhanced efficacy in hyperuricemia management. About Tigulixostat (IBI128) Tigulixostat (IBI128) is a next-generation, non-purine selective xanthine oxidase inhibitor (XOI). It exerts its therapeutic effect by inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity, thereby blocking the conversion of hypoxanthine and xanthine to uric acid. This mechanism reduces uric acid production and subsequently lowers serum uric acid levels, making it an effective treatment for hyperuricemia in gout patients. Currently, tigulixostat has completed a Phase 2 clinical study in the United States, an international multicenter Phase 3 clinical study, and Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical studies in China. The collective data demonstrate that tigulixostat significantly reduces serum uric acid levels and improves urate-lowering target achievement rates in a dose-dependent manner, with superior efficacy compared to febuxostat. Tigulixostat exhibited favorable tolerability across all dose groups, with no observed dose-dependent adverse events. In December 2022, Innovent Biologics entered a strategic collaboration with LG Chem, securing exclusive development and commercialization rights for tigulixostat in China. About Innovent Innovent is a leading biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 with the mission to empower patients worldwide with affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative medicines that target some of the most intractable diseases. Its pioneering therapies treat cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune and eye diseases. Innovent has launched 16 products in the market. It has 2 new drug applications under regulatory review, 4 assets in Phase 3 or pivotal clinical trials and 15 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Incyte, LG Chem and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Guided by the motto, "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent maintains the highest standard of industry practices and works collaboratively to advance the biopharmaceutical industry so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible. For more information, visit www.innoventbio.com, or follow Innovent on Facebook and LinkedIn. Statement: Innovent does not recommend the use of any unapproved drug (s)/indication (s). Forward-looking statement This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent Biologics ("Innovent"), are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly. These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of the Company with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, the Company's competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company, the Directors and the employees of the Company assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialise or turn out to be incorrect. Reference: [1] Lisa K Stamp et al., (2021). Association between serum urate and flares in peoplewith gout and evidence for surrogate status: a secondary analysis of tworandomised controlled trials. The Lancet Rheumatology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2665-9913(21)00319-2 Martillo MA, Nazzal L, Crittenden DB. (2014). The crystallization of monosodium urate. Current Rheumatol Rep.16(2):400. [2] Chinese Society of Endocrinology, Chinese Medical Association. 2019 Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Hyperuricemia and Gout. Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2020, 36(01): 1-13. [3] . 2019. , 2020,36(01) : 1-13. [4] Hyndman D, Liu S, Miner JN. (2016). Urate handling in the human body. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 18(6):34. [5] Sattui SE, Gaffo AL. (2016). Treatment of hyperuricemia in gout: current therapeutic options, latest developments and clinical implications. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 8(4):145-159. [6] White WB, Saag KG, Becker MA, et al. (2018). Cardiovascular safety of febuxostat or allopurinol in patients with gout. N Engl J Med 378:1200-1210. [7] Prescribing Information ULORIC (febuxostat) tablet for oral use https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/021856s013lbl.pdf Accessed 2 Jun 2019. SOURCE Innovent Biologics NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Novo Nordisk A/S ("Novo Nordisk" or the "Company") (NYSE: NVO). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. The class action concerns whether Novo Nordisk and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. You have until September 30, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Novo Nordisk securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On July 29, 2025, Novo Nordisk significantly lowered its sales outlook for 2025. The Company attributed the reduction to "lowered growth expectations for the second half of 2025" for both Wegovy and Ozempic due to "the persistent use of compounded GLP-1s, slower-than-expected market expansion and competition." On this news, Novo Nordisk's American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") price fell $15.06 per ADR, or 21.83%, to close at $53.94 per ADR on July 29, 2025. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 646-581-9980 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP MELBOURNE, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos has commenced the Australian build of Sea Archer, a next-generation small uncrewed surface vessel (USV). This marks a major step forward in bringing Leidos' proven autonomous technology and maritime systems portfolio to the Indo-Pacific region while supporting AUKUS objectives and the Australian Defence Force's mission needs. The move into local manufacturing of autonomous vessels fast-tracks proven U.S. capability to Australia, harnessing Leidos' 50-year heritage with the U.S. Navy and its record of more than 120,000 fully autonomous nautical miles at sea. At the heart of Sea Archer is Leidos' advanced autonomy platform, LAVA, which enables high-speed, long-range, and smart mission execution across diverse maritime environments. Seamlessly integrated with Leidos' broader battle management technologies including ADEPT and AlphaMosaic, which harness AI to support distributed, autonomous fleet operations Sea Archer embodies the future of naval capability: intelligent, adaptable and affordable. Built for speed, endurance and multi-mission payloads, Sea Archer can reach sprint speeds up to 40 knots and has a range of 1,500 nautical miles. With a flexible payload bay capacity of more than 900kg, Sea Archer can support a wide range of mission options, including strike, logistics resupply, ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), and electromagnetic deception operations. The Australian production of Sea Archer will use local capability across the supply chain from build to payload integration, autonomy software design and ship maintenance supporting a robust sovereign ecosystem, rapid production and sustainment. NSW Central Coast-based Oceans Rivers Lakes has been appointed to build the first aluminium vessel and construction is already underway. Leidos Australia's technical team will lead the integration of its autonomy software platform, which has already been successfully deployed across 12 different USV platforms. Leidos Australia Chief Executive, Paul Chase said, "Given Australia's vast northern approaches, platforms with coverage, endurance and agility are critical. The capability to monitor large areas, detect security threats, navigate hazardous environments and provide continuous uncrewed support enhances our nation's security posture, especially in today's geostrategic environment." "We're aiming to deliver a rapid production capability, and because of its easy-to-build aluminium hull, can have Sea Archer built at multiple shipyards across Australia. This approach will allow us to quickly deliver flexible, adaptable and affordable maritime solutions, using our fleet or customer vessels, to support mission needs," he added. Along with Sea Archer, Leidos' Sea Systems portfolio includes operationally proven medium USVsSea Hunter, Sea Hawk, Ranger and Marineras well as a range of undersea systems including Sea Castle, Sea Spector and Sea Dart, a high-performance, low-cost, flexible and adaptable uncrewed undersea vessel. Sea Archer is currently undergoing sea trials in the U.S. and is expected to be mission-ready by 2026. Learn more about Leidos' autonomous maritime systems here. About AUKUS AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It focuses on promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region through defence cooperation, including the sharing of advanced military technologies. AUKUS has two main pillars: Pillar 1 involves Australia acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, while Pillar 2 focuses on collaborating on advanced technologies like 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 Australia is a trusted partner to the Australian Government, leveraging global experience and a network of partners to deliver solutions that support intelligence, defence, aviation, border protection, and health markets while protecting and improving the Australian way of life. 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 Stephen Browning [email protected] SOURCE Leidos Australia Increasing number of hospitals adopting AI-driven Quippe to improve clinical documentation and clinical decision support HERNDON, Va., Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicomp Systems, a leading provider of evidence-based clinical AI-powered solutions, continues to expand into Southeast Asia, adding to the number of hospitals, providers and patients who experience the benefits of its data-centric, AI-driven Quippe clinical documentation and clinical decision support solutions. Quippe now facilitates clinical workflows in 11 hospitals in Malaysia, Thailand, and other countries in the region. This milestone would not be possible without the close partnership of APUK, Co., Ltd., Medicomp's global implementation partner based in Bangkok, Thailand. The APUK team provides Medicomp with invaluable feedback on optimizing and updating Quippe to meet and exceed the needs of providers in the region. Medicomp will be showcasing Quippe's robust clinical data capabilities at Hospital Management Asia 2025 September 10-11 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. "Quippe's growing population of users is largely due to its ability to streamline processes, accelerate clinical workflows, and support organizational standards, while enabling clinicians to design and adapt workflows that meet the specific needs of their institutionsregardless of the EMR they are using or where in the world they are," said Piyanun Yenjit, founder and managing director of APUK. "With Quippe, hospitals are driving improvements in multidisciplinary care planning and documentation, as well as improving the quality of clinical data for decision support." The implementation of Quippe, with its robust structured data, terminology mappings, and clinical intelligence engine, is also benefiting organizations seeking to achieve advanced HIMSS EMRAM and Joint Commission certifications. For example, the 433-bed Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) adopted Quippe last year, decreasing physical chart use from 100% to just 6% of encounters and achieving 95% electronic clinical documentation adoption within 90 days. IJN is now the first Malaysian hospital to have achieved Stage 6 EMRAM certification and is on track to receive Stage 7 review soon. "We are thrilled with the enthusiasm of Quippe users across the region, as evidenced at our well-attended Medicomp U event earlier this year in Bangkok. We are also pleased by the growing interest from HIS vendors seeking to optimize their systems to meet the needs of their hospital clients," said David Lareau, CEO of Medicomp Systems. "APUK is doing a tremendous job to understand the needs of these organizations, as well as providing implementation and support services that give them the tools they need to achieve their documentation, clinical decision support, and regulatory goals." Medicomp anticipates further expansion of its global footprint in Asia and the Middle East by the end of 2025. About Quippe Medicomp's Quippe provides a flexible, scalable information framework that activates clinical data for the modern digital healthcare ecosystem. Through dynamic clinical workflows Quippe delivers an interactive user experience that merges content from any source, prompts on relevant findings, and captures the discrete data necessary to satisfy regulatory compliance and promote interoperability across a variety use cases and care settings. Quippe's approach makes accurate, computable data available to improve usability, enable bi-directional interoperability, and enhance functionality for clinicians and patients. To learn more, visit https://medicomp.com/quippe. About Medicomp Systems Medicomp Systems is a leading provider of evidence-based clinical AI-powered solutions that make data usable for connected care, enhanced decision-making, and better outcomes. For over 45 years, Medicomp has worked with physicians to deliver trusted, diagnostically relevant, actionable information to clinicians at the point of care. The Quippe Clinical Intelligence Engine works seamlessly with any EHR or health tech, driving intelligent clinical workflows that support - rather than disrupt - the way clinicians think and work. Powered by the Quippe Clinical Knowledge Graph, Medicomp's patented engine presents relevant clinical concepts in less than a second for any of tens of thousands of diagnoses or patient presentations. It can be used to filter data from disparate sources and organize structured and unstructured data into relevant and usable information. Quippe delivers proven clinical and financial ROI, improved productivity and outcomes, reduced risk, and accurate reimbursement. To learn more, visit https://medicomp.com/. Media Contact: Medicomp Grace Vinton, Amendola Communications [email protected] SOURCE Medicomp Systems MILAN, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Newronika, a pioneer in adaptive deep brain stimulation technology (AlphaDBS) is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Keith Carlton as its new Executive Chairman, effective immediately. Mr. Carlton brings extensive executive leadership experience in the medical device and neuromodulation sectors. Throughout his career, he has driven innovation, strategic growth, and operational excellence at the highest levels of industry - making him an ideal leader as Newronika embarks on its next phase of global expansion. "We are honored to welcome Keith as our Executive Chairman," said Lorenzo Rossi, PhD, Co-Founder and CEO of Newronika. "His strategic vision, coupled with a distinguished record of scaling innovative medical technology companies, will be pivotal as we advance the clinical validation and to the commercialization of AlphaDBS, our proprietary adaptive deep brain stimulation system. This innovative platform is designed to deliver precision therapy that enhances symptom relief and minimizes side effects for patients with Parkinson's disease, while strengthening Newronika's presence and impact worldwide." Carlo Sanfilippo, Senior Investment Manager at Indaco Venture Partners and member of Newronika Board, added, "We give Keith a warm welcome and are confident he has the required leadership and depth of experience in guiding the company through its next stage of growth." "It's a privilege to join Newronika at such a transformative point in its journey," added Mr. Carlton. "The company's pioneering adaptive DBS technology holds the potential to redefine the standard of care for Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders. I look forward to collaborating with the Board and our talented team to accelerate innovation, broaden patient access, and deliver meaningful impact on a global scale with an initial key priority to support the successful launch of the Phase III U.S. Pivotal trial." Mr. Carlton's appointment strengthens Newronika's leadership foundation as the company continues to build upon recent milestones - including the CE Mark approval for AlphaDBS, U.S. FDA IDE clearance and the successful closing of a 13.6 million Series B financing round - further reinforcing its commitment to driving a paradigm shift in neuromodulation therapy globally. About Newronika SpA Newronika, a spin-off of Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico and the University of Milan, is transforming deep brain stimulation through adaptive technology that uses real-time neurophysiological feedback to optimize therapy. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Newronika is dedicated to advancing adaptive DBS, with regulatory approvals and clinical initiatives underway in Europe, the U.S., and beyond. Media Contact: Lorenzo Rossi, PhD, Co-founder & CEO Mail: Lorenzo Rossi [email protected] Newronika SpA Website: www.newronika.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2612569/5150136/Newronika_Logo.jpg Ramsey Theory Group's CEO Dan Herbatschek says as businesses enter September 2025, the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, with novel threats emerging alongside enduring risks. NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ramsey Theory Group , a leading provider of cybersecurity, software development, quantitative analysis, information technology, digital marketing, and product development, today released its September 2025 analysis of the most pressing cybersecurity threats facing businesses. The company warns that artificial intelligence-enabled cyberattacks, hyper-volumetric DDoS campaigns, and hybrid-work vulnerabilities are the top three risks companies must address this fall. Ramsey Theory Group CEO Dan Herbatschek Outlines the Three Top Cybersecurity Threats for Businesses in September 2025 "What we're seeing this month is a convergence of three powerful threat vectors: weaponized AI, massive DDoS events, and hybrid-work vulnerabilities," said Dan Herbatschek , CEO of Ramsey Theory Group. "Our firm is committed to staying ahead of these threats with solutions that help organizations not just react, but anticipate and neutralize cyber risks before they cause real damage." Recent intelligence highlights three primary threats that business leaders must urgently address: AI-Enabled Cyberattacks The rise of artificial intelligence has bolstered business operations, but also amplified cyber threats. Generative AI models are now being leveraged to craft hyper-realistic phishing messages, custom ransomware, and sophisticated malware - even by attackers without deep technical backgrounds. Experts warn that AI-generated malware, polymorphic attacks, and deceptive phishing campaigns have dramatically enhanced the sophistication of cyber threats. A noteworthy example: Anthropic confirmed that its Claude model was weaponized by attackers - used to automate ransomware creation, conduct extortion campaigns, and delay detection - marking a serious shift in the threat landscape. Takeaway: Businesses must bolster AI-aware defenses, embed security into development pipelines, and closely monitor adversarial tactics empowered by AI. Hyper-Volumetric DDoS and Evasive Malware Attacks of unprecedented scale and stealth are on the rise: Cloudflare recently mitigated a record-breaking DDoS attack exceeding 11.5 Tbps in just 35 seconds - demonstrating how attackers deploy massive, automated assaults that overwhelm infrastructure. Simultaneously, a new strain, derived from Mirai botnet, has stealthily infected devices globally (routers, XMRig miners), incorporating advanced evasion techniques like auto-renaming and hibernation before launching DDoS attacks. Takeaway: Businesses must prepare for unprecedented volumetric threats and advanced malware designed to evade legacy defenses. Hybrid-Work Vulnerabilities and Insider Risks Cyber risks are shifting from traditional IT perimeters into hybrid, remote, and device-heavy environments: Cyberthreats targeting audio/video communications - for example, unsecured video calls, headsets, and webcams - pose growing risks in hybrid workflows. Sensitive audiovisual and biometric data may be silently compromised. Human error and remote-network vulnerabilities remain major contributors, with reportedly 95% of breaches involving human lapses. Additionally, internal threats - from negligent or malicious insiders to compromised IoT endpoints - continue to represent high-risk vectors, especially when access controls and monitoring are fragmented. Takeaway: Robust encryption, zero-trust models, and enhanced behavioral analytics are essential, as the boundary between corporate and personal devices blurs. Ramsey Theory Group encourages business leaders, CISOs, and IT teams to evaluate their cybersecurity posture today. To learn more about Ramsey Theory Group's solutions and to request a consultation, visit https://www.ramseytheory.com/ About Ramsey Theory Group Founded by entrepreneur and technology innovator, Dan Herbatschek , Ramsey Theory Group leverages its expertise in software development, quantitative analysis, information technology, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and product development to better help organizations optimize their workflow. Working alongside entrepreneurs, the firm bridges the gap between business and software engineering matters - translating the vision of organizations into technologically executable problems. Based in New York, the Ramsey Theory Group specializes in Data-Intensive Application Design, Data Engineering, Business Intelligence, Custom Optimization, Mathematical & Statistical Modelling, Software Development, Data Visualization, Blockchain Development, Blockchain Consultancy, and Web and Mobile Application Development. SOURCE Ramsey Theory Group Active ETF Seeking to Deliver Cash Flow and Total Return Through Dividends and Option Premiums DENVER, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shelton Capital Management, a multi-strategy asset manager with over $6 billion in AUM, is pleased to announce the launch of its newest exchange-traded fund (ETF), the Shelton Equity Premium Income ETF (Ticker: SEPI), listed on NYSE and available on all major RIA custodians. "We believe SEPI stands apart by selling calls on individual stocks rather than relying on synthetic notes or index option overlays," said Shelton Capital, CEO, Steve Rogers. "The fund draws from the same research and management principles that underpin Shelton's established Overall Morningstar 5-star Flagship Mutual Fund, EQTIX1, and Equity Income Separately Managed Account (SMA)." Shelton Capital Management Launches Equity Premium Income ETF (SEPI) Post this The ETF will leverage Shelton's nearly two decades of expertise in covered call strategies, bringing a powerful investment to the marketplace for income-oriented investors seeking an actively managed solution in an efficient ETF wrapper. SEPI aims to deliver cash flow based on Shelton Capital Management's experience with similar strategies, 2 combining dividends with option premiums generated from writing call options on individual large-cap stocks. Product-Focused Features: Cash Flow Generation: Seeks to deliver capital appreciation and an enhanced cash flow through writing covered calls and/or selling cash secured puts on portfolio positions, thereby enhancing the distribution rates to shareholders. Seeks to deliver capital appreciation and an enhanced cash flow through writing covered calls and/or selling cash secured puts on portfolio positions, thereby enhancing the distribution rates to shareholders. Active ETF Management: Risk-aware equity selection with upside opportunity. Covered calls on individual stocks, not indexes or synthetic notes, offer sector diversification & strong risk/reward profiles. Risk-aware equity selection with upside opportunity. Covered calls on individual stocks, not indexes or synthetic notes, offer sector diversification & strong risk/reward profiles. Professional Options Management: Leverage Shelton's nearly two decades of expertise in covered call strategies in an actively managed solution in an efficient ETF wrapper. More than 100 derivative-based ETFs have entered the market in recent yearspushing assets in Morningstar's Derivative Income category from $1 billion in 2018 to over $100 billion.3 "As we continue to pursue innovative vehicle solutions to meet our clients' needs, we have designed SEPI for investors who want more than a static income fund," said SEPI's Senior Portfolio Manager, Barry Martin, CFA. "By actively managing covered calls on individual equities, we can target meaningful cash flow while maintaining the ability to dynamically adjust to evolving market conditions. This allows us to offer clients a differentiated, outcome-oriented strategy with the ease of an ETFoffering intraday trading, low minimums, and real-time pricing." 1 EQTIX received an Overall Morningstar Rating of 5 stars among 74 Derivative Income funds, based on risk-adjusted returns, as of 6/30/2025. The fund's Morningstar three-,five-, ten-year ratings respectively, 4 stars, 4 stars, 5 stars among 74, 65, 33 funds. The ETF is not a mutual fund and may not achieve the same results. About Shelton Capital Management Shelton Capital Management (SCM) is a boutique investment firm that helps investors meet financial goals through tailored investment solutions and human-centric customer service. Founded in 1985, the company provides mutual funds, ETFs, and separately managed accounts to the clients of wealth managers, retirement plans, and individual investors. As of 8/31/25, the firm manages over $6 billion across fixed income portfolios, U.S. equity and international equity strategies, ESG solutions, and equity income products leveraging our expertise in options. Over the decades, we've collected awards from established sources such as Morningstar, Lipper, Forbes Advisor, and Pension & Investments. The company continues to add key employee talent and expand their institutional expertise. Shelton is headquartered in Denver, Colorado with additional offices in San Francisco. For more information, visit www.sheltoncap.com. Important Information SCM Trust has filed and declared effective a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the Shelton Equity Premium Income ETF, which is now listed and trading on the NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol SEPI. A prospectus for the Shelton Equity Premium Income ETF may be obtained by contacting: Shelton Funds 1125 17th Street, Ste. 2550, Denver, Colorado 80202 Tel: 800-955-9988 Email: [email protected] Website: sheltoncap.com The Shelton Equity Premium Income ETF is distributed by Paralel Distributors LLC, Member Firm. Shelton Capital Management is not affiliated with Paralel Distributors LLC, Member FINRA. SEPI Fund Disclosures An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus containing this and other information, please call (800) 955-9988 or visit www.sheltoncap.com/sepi. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. Exchange Traded Funds ("ETFs") are subject to the possible loss of principal. The value of the ETFs will fluctuate with the value of the underlying securities. ETF Shares may trade at prices above or below NAV. Liquidity isn't guaranteed, and trading may be halted due to market-wide or security-specific events, delisting, or exchange actions. The Fund is new with a limited operating history. The value of the Fund's equity holdings may decline, sometimes unpredictably, due to broader economic, political, or market conditions not specific to individual companies. Because the Fund is primarily invested in U.S. stocks, its value will fluctuate with overall market movements and may decline during market downturns, potentially resulting in losses. The Fund's use of call and put options can limit upside potential and increase costs, particularly if market movements render the options ineffective or result in expired contracts without value. Investments in derivatives may be riskier than other types of investments. They may be more sensitive to changes in economic or market conditions than other types of investments. Many derivatives create leverage, which could lead to greater volatility and losses that significantly exceed the original investment. Positions in equity options can reduce equity market risk, but can limit the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of stocks in exchange for upfront cash as the time of selling the call option. Unusual market conditions or the lack of a ready market for any particular option at a specific time may reduce the effectiveness of option strategies and could result in losses. 2025 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved. The information contained herein relating to Morningstar: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete, or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Morningstar Rating for funds, or "star rating", is calculated for managed products (including mutual funds, variable annuity and variable life subaccounts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, and separate accounts) with at least a three-year history. Exchange-traded funds and open-ended mutual funds are considered a single population for comparative purposes. It is calculated based on a Morningstar Risk-Adjusted Return measure that accounts for variation in a managed product's monthly excess performance, placing more emphasis on downward variations and rewarding consistent performance. The Morningstar Rating does not include any adjustment for sales loads. The top 10% of products in each product category receive 5 stars, the next 22.5% receive 4 stars, the next 35% receive 3 stars, the next 22.5% receive 2 stars, and the bottom 10% receive 1 star. The Overall Morningstar Rating for a managed product is derived from a weighted average of the performance figures associated with its three-, five-, and 10-year (if applicable) Morningstar Rating metrics. The weights are: 100% three-year rating for 36-59 months of total returns, 60% five-year rating/40% three-year rating for 60-119 months of total returns, and 50% 10-year rating/30% five-year rating/20% three-year rating for 120 or more months of total returns. While the 10-year overall star rating formula seems to give the most weight to the 10-year period, the most recent three-year period actually has the greatest impact because it is included in all three rating periods. 2Cash flow is the money generated or available to distribute to shareholders. Distributions may include option premium, ordinary dividends, interest income, capital gains, or return of capital. Distributions may coincide with a decline in NAV. Distribution levels may vary and no minimum distribution amount can be guaranteed. 3VettFi: The Hunt for Yield: Enhanced Income ETFs Thrive in a Low-Upside Market INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED OR BANK GUARANTEED AND MAY LOSE VALUE. Media Contact: Christina Robben (720)-871-7229 [email protected] SOURCE Shelton Capital Management 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 On September 6, 2025, the 15th plenary session of the China-Russia Friendship Committee for Peace and Development was held in Vladivostok, Russia. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the plenary session. Xi Jinping emphasized that the China-Russia Friendship Committee for Peace and Development, over the past 28 years since its establishment, has stayed true to its founding mission of promoting friendship and cooperation, fully served the overall interests of China-Russia relations, and consolidated the social and popular support for bilateral relations. He expressed the hope that the committee will take this meeting as an opportunity to actively play the role of the main channel for people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and write a friendly chapter of mutual understanding and solidarity between the two peoples in the new era. On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory message to the plenary session. China's Minister of Justice He Rong attends a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on promoting socialist rule of law and judicial administration and serving high-quality development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Xin) BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- China's public legal services sector has provided more than 170 million legal consultations during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the Ministry of Justice announced on Monday. Minister of Justice He Rong shared the figures at a press conference highlighting China's judicial work over the past five years. She noted that the country has also stepped up efforts to enhance the balance and accessibility of public legal services across regions, while proactively addressing the legal needs of groups including migrant workers, people with disabilities, the elderly, juveniles, and military personnel and their families. Additionally, the minister said China currently has 830,000 lawyers, 67,000 arbitrators, 15,000 notaries, 40,000 judicial appraisers and 12,000 legal aid workers. Together, they handle over 40 million cases annually. ISLAMABAD, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least seven members of a family were killed when a speeding truck collided with a car in Pakistan's southern Sindh province, police said on Monday. The accident occurred on the National Highway in Naushehro Feroze district, where a trailer rammed into a car carrying the family, police told media. According to the police, the mishap occurred as the car suddenly braked for a vehicle ahead, after which a trailing truck smashed into it on a damaged section of the highway under repair. Authorities said both directions of traffic were using a single lane on the national highway due to ongoing construction. Road accidents in Pakistan have become an alarming issue, with a significant increase in both frequency and severity over the years. SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- About 300 South Korean workers detained in the United States were expected to return home in a chartered flight later this week, Yonhap news agency said Monday, citing a South Korean diplomat. Cho Ki-joong, consul general at the South Korean embassy in Washington, was quoted as saying that the date of return would be on Wednesday, when the chartered plane would head to Jacksonville International Airport in Florida, about a 50-minute car ride from the Folkston detention center in Georgia. The U.S. immigration authorities detained 475 people, including about 300 South Koreans, following a raid on Sept. 4 at an electric vehicle battery plant construction site operated by a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution. Kang Hoon-sik, presidential chief of staff, said Sunday that negotiations had been concluded for the release of the detained South Koreans, noting that once administrative procedures are completed, the chartered plane will depart to bring the South Koreans home. A female judge takes oath during a ceremony held at the State Council in Giza, Egypt, on Sept. 7, 2025. Egypt has appointed 48 female judges to its State Council for the first time through an entry-level pathway, a move that underscores the country's efforts to advance women's empowerment and judicial reform. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) CAIRO, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Egypt has appointed 48 female judges to its State Council for the first time through an entry-level pathway, a move that underscores the country's efforts to advance women's empowerment and judicial reform. The move supports the comprehensive development of Egypt's judicial system amid digital transformation and ongoing institutional modernization, according to a statement released by the State Council on Sunday. "Today's historic step mirrors the country's commitment to empower women and promote their participation in the judicial authority", the statement quoted Osama Shalaby, chairman of the Egyptian State Council, as saying. Their appointment marks another key step to promote women's empowerment in the judicial sector after March 2022, when 98 women were sworn in as State Council judges for the first time in Egypt's history through transfers from other judicial bodies. Samar Alaa, a newly appointed judge who graduated from Alexandria University, said: "It is an honor and a great responsibility to administer justice fairly and serve as a female role model in the judiciary." Founded in 1946, the State Council was reaffirmed by Egypt's 2014 constitution as an independent judicial body with jurisdiction over administrative disputes, disciplinary cases, appeals, and challenges to its own decisions. It also has the authority to issue legal opinions, review and draft legislation and resolutions, and examine draft contracts involving the state or public entities. Female judges are seen at the State Council in Giza, Egypt, on Sept. 7, 2025. Egypt has appointed 48 female judges to its State Council for the first time through an entry-level pathway, a move that underscores the country's efforts to advance women's empowerment and judicial reform. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Female judges pose for a group photo at the State Council in Giza, Egypt, on Sept. 7, 2025. Egypt has appointed 48 female judges to its State Council for the first time through an entry-level pathway, a move that underscores the country's efforts to advance women's empowerment and judicial reform. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) NANNING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- This summer, Bangkok's vibrant flavors, tropical fruits and rhythmic dances are sweeping across Chinese cities, as Thailand tries to secure travel bookings through immersive showcases from durian festivals to Muay Thai performances. At a sprawling "Thai Market" in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, visitors wandered among stalls brimming with Thai delicacies, tropical fruits and handcrafted treasures, while chefs cooked regional specialties live. The excitement reached its peak when a lucky attendee won round-trip tickets from Nanning to Bangkok during the Thai SELECT food fair. "Guangxi's geographical and cultural proximity to ASEAN makes it a natural hub," Benjamas Tanvetyanont, Thai consul-general in Nanning, said. Thai-style buildings and eateries already dot Nanning's streets, reflecting locals' warm embrace of Thai culture. The current summer blitz, the consul-general noted, aims to deepen cultural appreciation and practical cooperation. Thailand is set to present an even more vibrant showcase at September's China-ASEAN Expo, featuring expanded product displays and immersive cultural exhibits. Behind all these efforts is a carefully crafted national strategy. Thailand's Ministry of Commerce rolled out an upgraded "Thai SELECT" logo in May to boost its culinary brand globally. In Nanning, Thai SELECT fairs now set dining trends, said Niti Pratoomvongsa, director of the commercial office of the Royal Thai Consulate General in Nanning. These efforts forge lasting connections through authentic flavors rather than one-off promotions. As Southeast Asia's tourism race intensifies, Thailand's focus on experiential cultural immersion offers an edge, said Jiang Chenxian, a researcher at Guangxi Minzu University. "Building familiarity through culture and daily consumption helps stabilize appeal amid market shifts," Jiang added. Travel agencies note a shift toward more thoughtful travel, with Chinese tourists increasingly prioritizing safety, convenience and immersive experiences over merely ticking off iconic landmarks. Beyond simply chasing tourist numbers, Thailand is strategically fostering long-term cultural affinity, Jiang said, noting that sustained appeal depends on safety, well-developed infrastructure, and rich, layered experiences -- elements Thailand is steadily weaving into its national tourism strategy. "Its deep fusion of cultural outreach with tourism may help it stay competitive amid regional fragmentation," she added. Residents rest by the riverside in Xiongjiang Town of Minqing County, southeast China's Fujian Province, Spet. 6, 2025. In recent years, Xiongjiang Town has been encouraging locals to renovate rural houses and utilize idle spaces to develop an ecological tourism industry by integrating characteristic agriculture, homestays, and rural sightseeing. This initiative has attracted a number of young entrepreneurs to start business. Currently, Xiongjiang Town receives an average of more than 1,700 trips daily, with the peak of over 18,700 trips in a single day during weekend and holiday period. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi) An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 6, 2025 shows a view of a park in Xiongjiang Town of Minqing County, southeast China's Fujian Province. In recent years, Xiongjiang Town has been encouraging locals to renovate rural houses and utilize idle spaces to develop an ecological tourism industry by integrating characteristic agriculture, homestays, and rural sightseeing. This initiative has attracted a number of young entrepreneurs to start business. Currently, Xiongjiang Town receives an average of more than 1,700 trips daily, with the peak of over 18,700 trips in a single day during weekend and holiday period. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi) An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 6, 2025 shows a view of a park in Xiongjiang Town of Minqing County, southeast China's Fujian Province. In recent years, Xiongjiang Town has been encouraging locals to renovate rural houses and utilize idle spaces to develop an ecological tourism industry by integrating characteristic agriculture, homestays, and rural sightseeing. This initiative has attracted a number of young entrepreneurs to start business. Currently, Xiongjiang Town receives an average of more than 1,700 trips daily, with the peak of over 18,700 trips in a single day during weekend and holiday period. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi) Visitors have fun at a park in Xiongjiang Town of Minqing County, southeast China's Fujian Province, Spet. 6, 2025. In recent years, Xiongjiang Town has been encouraging locals to renovate rural houses and utilize idle spaces to develop an ecological tourism industry by integrating characteristic agriculture, homestays, and rural sightseeing. This initiative has attracted a number of young entrepreneurs to start business. Currently, Xiongjiang Town receives an average of more than 1,700 trips daily, with the peak of over 18,700 trips in a single day during weekend and holiday period. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi) An aerial photo taken on Sept. 6, 2025 shows a view of Shuikou Hydropower Station in Xiongjiang Town of Minqing County, southeast China's Fujian Province. In recent years, Xiongjiang Town has been encouraging locals to renovate rural houses and utilize idle spaces to develop an ecological tourism industry by integrating characteristic agriculture, homestays, and rural sightseeing. This initiative has attracted a number of young entrepreneurs to start business. Currently, Xiongjiang Town receives an average of more than 1,700 trips daily, with the peak of over 18,700 trips in a single day during weekend and holiday period. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi) Visitors take photos at a park in Xiongjiang Town of Minqing County, southeast China's Fujian Province, Spet. 6, 2025. In recent years, Xiongjiang Town has been encouraging locals to renovate rural houses and utilize idle spaces to develop an ecological tourism industry by integrating characteristic agriculture, homestays, and rural sightseeing. This initiative has attracted a number of young entrepreneurs to start business. Currently, Xiongjiang Town receives an average of more than 1,700 trips daily, with the peak of over 18,700 trips in a single day during weekend and holiday period. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi) September welcomes a new season and plenty of new titles to add to the bookshelf, including a picture book jaunt set in Italy, a middle grade novel about a haunted hotel, a body-switch graphic novel, and more. Picture Books and Early Readers The 13th Day of Christmas Adam Rex. Holiday House/Porter, $18.99 (48p) ISBN 978-0-8234-5653-6. Ages 58. Side-splitting silliness ensues as Rex riffs on The Twelve Days of Christmas in this rollicking holiday read. The book received a starred review from PW. The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah Laurel Snyder, illus. by Leanne Hatch. Clarion, $19.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-0632-7814-1. Ages 48. A luminous collection of brief free verse poems follows a pale-skinned family of five through their Hanukkah celebration. The book received a starred review from PW. Bud Finds Her Gift Robin Wall Kimmerer, illus. by Naoko Stoop. Allida, $19.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-06332-442-8. Ages 48. Noticing that everyone always had something important going on, young Bud tells that she too wants to do something important and is surprised when shes taken outside to appreciate nature, in this picture book debut from the author of Braiding Sweetgrass. The book received a starred review from PW. Cat Nap Brian Lies. Greenwillow, $19.99 (48p) ISBN 978-0-0626-7128-8. Ages 48. Caldecott Honoree Lies turns a cat-and-mouse tale into a handcrafted visual tour through art history in this immersive picture book. The book received a starred review from PW. Dear Acorn (Love, Oak): Letter Poems to Friends Joyce Sidman, illus. by Melissa Sweet. Clarion, $19.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-3583-3476-7. Ages 48. In 16 letter poems, Newbery Honoree Sidman imagines both sides of typewritten correspondences between unlikely pen-pal pairs, including a school and one of its bricks, a coat and a button, and a child and their toes. The book received a starred review from PW. Family Feast! Carole Boston Weatherford, illus. by Frank Morrison. Crown, $18.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-593-89829-1. Ages 48. Boston Weatherford and Morrison reteam for this joyful celebration of food, family, and tradition. The book received a starred review from PW. The Family Tree Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick, illus. by Fiona Lee. Beach Lane, $19.99 (48p) ISBN 978-1-66594-837-1. Ages 48. Previous collaborators Garton Scanlon and Vernick highlight the importance of mindfully slowing down in this grounding account of a tree that sprouts up in the middle of a familys residence and refocuses their priorities. The book received a starred review from PW. Hansel and Gretel Stephen King, illus. by Maurice Sendak. HarperCollins, $26.99 (48p) ISBN 978-0-06-264469-5. Ages 6 and up. This splendidly chilling variation of the Brothers Grimm story is built around costume and set designs that late Caldecott Medalist Sendak produced for a Humperdinck opera. The book received a starred review from PW. I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive Leslie Barnard Booth, illus. by Alexandra Finkelday. Chronicle, $18.99 (44p) ISBN 978-1-79722-615-6. Ages 58. Assonant, rhythmic prose from Barnard Booth and gothic paintings by Finkelday work hand-in-hand to create a hypnotic group portrait of crows. The book received a starred review from PW. Little Rebels Yuyi Morales. Holiday House/Porter, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-8234-4754-1. Ages 48. Emphasizing that there is more than one/ way of doing anything, Caldecott Honoree Morales describes tenets of living in the world with love, curiosity, intuition, and tenderness in this values-based picture book. The book received a starred review from PW. Make New Friends Joshua David Stein, illus. by Mariachiara Di Giorgio. Abrams, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-9494-8055-9. Ages 48. Tomasso, the new kid at school, feels the weight of his fathers expectation to make new friends, and tells a lie that spirals out of control. The book received a starred review from PW. The Monster in the Lake Leo Timmers, trans. from the Dutch by Bill Nagelkerke. Gecko, $18.99 (36p) ISBN 979-8-7656-7050-7. Ages 46. Eric, a cautious mallard, resists joining three duck friends for a lake paddle, afraid of a large bona fide monster with horns, yellow stalk eyes, and a heap of big white teeth lurking beneath the surface. The book received a starred review from PW and was selected as a noteworthy indie book for fall. Outside In and the Inside Out: A Story About Arnold Lobel Emmy Kastner. Viking, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-5936-9250-9. Ages 48. This tender look at the life of beloved childrens book creator Arnold Lobel (19331987) launches with a defining moment: a serious childhood illness that kept Lobel home for an entire year, and his later sense that he was a bit of an outsider, which was often hard on the inside. Piccolo Dan Yaccarino. Little, Brown/Ottaviano, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-3165-7456-3. Ages 37. Piccolo, a very helpful shrew sporting a jaunty scarf and cap, plans to visit his favorite spots across his Italian city. The book received a starred review from PW. Snow Kid Jessie Sima. Simon & Schuster, $19.99 (56p) ISBN 978-1-6659-6608-5. Ages 48. The protagonist of this identity-focused picture book, a snow kid created and named Twig by a bunch of human children, begins their frozen and silent life sporting a jaunty top hat. The book received a starred review from PW. A Spell for Disaster (The Witches of Anderson House #1) Jennie Poh with Dave Lowe, illus. by Jennie Poh. DK, $18.99 hardcover (144p) ISBN 978-0-593-97147-5; $6.99 paper ISBN 978-0-593-96545-0. Ages 57. Out of practice, elderly former broomstick-flying champion Myrtle Stormwhisper struggles when shes asked to help a child, but is encouraged by her fellow retirees to try again. The book received a starred review from PW. Troubling Tonsils! (Jasper Rabbits Creepy Tales!) Aaron Reynolds, illus. by Peter Brown. Simon & Schuster, $13.99 (88p) ISBN 978-1-6659-6108-0. Ages 69. Collaborators Reynolds and Brown deliver a just-as-creepy new adventure in this satirical chapter book spin-off of the Creepy Carrots series. See our In Conversation with the creators. The book received a starred review from PW. The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue Elizabeth Brown, illus. by Melissa Castrillon. Chronicle, $19.99 (68p) ISBN 978-1-4521-7098-5. Ages 58. This picture book biography relates how Portuguese diplomat Aristides de Sousa Mendes (18851954) performed an extraordinary feat of moral courage during WWII, signing thousands of visas to help residents cross the border into Portugal. The book received a starred review from PW. Middle Grade The Adventures of Cipollino Gianni Rodari, trans. from the Italian by Antony Shugaar, illus. by Dasha Tolstikova. Enchanted Lion, $29.95 (248p) ISBN 978-1-59270-416-3. Ages 914. Wry text by Rodari presents the satirical adventures of young Cipollino (or Little Onion), one of seven brothers living in a whimsical world populated by anthropomorphic fruits, vegetables, insects, and animals. See Tolstikovas conversation with fellow artist Roman Muradov about illustrating Rodari. Dear Jackie Jessixa Bagley, illus. by Aaron Bagley. Simon & Schuster, $24.99 hardcover (288p) ISBN 978-1-5344-9658-3; $14.99 paper ISBN 978-1-5344-9657-6. Ages 812. Childhood best friends Jackie and Milo struggle to acclimate to their new middle school when Jackie is bullied for her appearance. The book received a starred review from PW. Defanged H.E. Edgmon. Macmillan/Feiwel and Friends, $17.99 (240p) ISBN 978-1-250-87400-9. Ages 812. On his 12th birthday, vampire Lux Priddy abandons his Defanging procedure, a program that turns young vampires into humans, and seeks the safety of Nox Urbus, a secret city of rogue vampires somewhere under Brooklyn. The book received a starred review from PW. How the Ghost Army Hoodwinked Hitler: The Story of American Artistry and Deception in World War II Rebecca Siegel. Peachtree, $19.99 (176p) ISBN 978-1-68263-758-6 Ages 10 and up. In this gripping historical exploration, Siegel recounts the seemingly implausible story of how American soldiers used theatrical subterfuge to outsmart Nazis during WWII. The book received a starred review from PW. The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze Derrick Barnes. Viking, $17.99 (272p) ISBN 978-1-984836-75-5. Ages 10 and up. Barnes weaves together stories of spirituality, injustice, unrealistic expectations, and police brutality into a powerful tale. The book received a starred review from PW. The Last Resort Erin Entrada Kelly, illus. by Naomi Franquiz. Scholastic Press, $17.99 (240p) ISBN 978-1-5461-3243-1. Ages 812. In this series-starter featuring interactive digital elements, 11-year-old Lila Clement moves into the Ohio inn owned by her recently deceased grandfather, where she encounters ghostsincluding the spirit of Grandpa Clem himself, who says he was murdered. Lets Get Together Brandy Colbert. Clarion, $19.99 (304p) ISBN 978-0-063092-48-8. Ages 812. In this twist on The Parent Trap, sixth graders Liberty Perry and Kenya Norwood have a disastrous first meeting, and the pairs uncanny resemblance becomes the talk of the school. The book received a starred review from PW. A Little Too Haunted Justine Pucella Winans. Bloomsbury, $17.99 (272p) ISBN 978-1-5476-1634-3. Ages 812. Thirteen-year-old aspiring ghost hunter Luna Catalano moves into a new home with her family, only to discover that the resident specter is decidedly unfriendly. The book received a starred review from PW. The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli Karina Yan Glaser. Allida, $19.99 (432p) ISBN 978-0-0632-8443-2. Ages 812. Two tweens living in different timelines embark on parallel journeys to save their families in this absorbing magical adventure. See Yan Glasers conversation with her editor Anne Hoppe about their collaboration and their shared love of Chinese art. The book received a starred review from PW. The Picasso Curse Dan Gutman. Holiday House, $18.99 (192p) ISBN 978-0-8234-5385-6. Ages 812. Twevle-year-old Edwin Hodge faces the surprise of a lifetime when he discovers a lost work by Pablo Picasso in this cinematic novel by Gutman The book received a starred review from PW. Pocket Bear Katherine Applegate, illus. by Charles Santoso. Macmillan/Feiwel and Friends, $17.99 (272p) ISBN 978-1-250-90436-2. Ages 812. Haughty former street cat Zephyrina finds abandoned, down-on-their-luck toys and takes them to the apartment where she lives. At night, the familys toy collection awakens, roaming free under Zephyrinas watchful eye and the guidance of her best friend, stuffed teddy Pocket Bear. The book received a starred review from PW. The Winter of the Dollhouse Laura Amy Schlitz. Candlewick, $18.99 (400p) ISBN 978-1-5362-3608-8. Ages 912. Newbery Medalist Schlitz braids parallel story lines into a cozy fantasy that lauds the power of connection to uplift and inspire. Read about the childhood dollhouse that inspired Schlitzs story, and her project to restore it. The book received a starred review from PW. Wolf Club James Bird. Macmillan/Feiwel and Friends, $17.99 (272p) ISBN 978-1-25036-240-7. Ages 912. Ojibwe author Bird infuses fantasy elements into an engrossing adventure novel about three middle schoolers becoming unlikely allies in a quest to protect an elusive white wolf. The book received a starred review from PW. A World Without Summer: A Volcano Erupts, a Creature Awakens, and the Sun Goes Out Nicholas Day, illus. by Yas Imamura. Random House Studio, $19.99 (304p) ISBN 978-0-593-64387-7. Ages 1014. Day and Imamura chronicle the story of Mount Tamboras 1815 volcanic eruption in this intense accounting. References to cultural historical markerssuch as the 1818 publication of Frankensteindemonstrate major scientific and political by-products of the traumatic events. See our q&a with Day. The book received a starred review from PW. Young Adult The Dead of Summer Ryan La Sala. Push, $19.99 (400p) ISBN 978-1-546-12587-7. Ages 14 and up. Queer, musically inclined teen Ollie Veltman is welcomed to his new home at the island of Anchors Mercy, but the island goes into lockdown when its overrun by Weepers, twisted, infected beings whose origins may be tied to a decades-old chemical spill. The book received a starred review from PW. Firebird (The War Birds Cycle #1) Elizabeth Wein. Union Square, $9.99 paper (144p) ISBN 978-1-4549-6272-4. Ages 13 and up. At the onset of WWII, Russian teen Nastia is drafted into the first all-woman aviation unit, led by renowned female pilot Marina Raskova. The book received a starred review from PW. Fireblooms Alexandra Villasante. Penguin/Paulsen, $19.99 (304p) ISBN 978-0-5255-1405-3. Ages 12 and up. Seventeen-year-old Sebas moves to New Gault, a city run by a privately owned technological corporation that also funds the local high school. Sebas learns from student ambassador Lu that the only way to succeed academically is to opt into TECHs network, which grants societal privileges in exchange for constant surveillance and monitoring, which Sebas refuses. The book received a starred review from PW. Flip Ngozi Ukazu. First Second, $25.99 hardcover (320p) ISBN 978-1-250-17951-7; $18.99 paper ISBN 978-1-250-17952-4. Ages 14 and up. A Black teen and her white crush swap bodies in this nuanced Freaky Friday riff by Ukazu. The book received a starred review from PW. Hollow Taylor Grothe. Peachtree, $19.99 (352p) ISBN 978-1-68263-777-7. Ages 14 and up. Cassie Davis hopes to rekindle her friendship with old friends and agrees to go on a camping trip together. But when the trip starts to fall apart, local teen Caleb comes to the rescue bringing Cassie to The Roost, where things arent quite what they seem. The book received a starred review from PW. How to Survive a Horror Movie Scarlett Dunmore. Union Square, $19.99 hardcover (352p) ISBN 978-1-4549-6333-2; $14.99 paper ISBN 978-1-4549-6334-9. Ages 14 and up. Transfer student and horror move fanatic Charley finds a peers dead body, and the discovery becomes the first in a series of deaths that the school claims are accidents, though Charley believes them to have supernatural causes. The book received a starred review from PW. Make Me a Monster Kalynn Bayron. Bloomsbury, $19.99 (320p) ISBN 978-1-547615-86-5. Ages 13 and up. Bayron explores grief, family ties, and rebirth in this tenderhearted riff on Frankenstein. The book received a starred review from PW. Reasons to Hate Me Susan Metallo. Candlewick, $18.99 (400p) ISBN 978-1-5362-4035-1. Ages 14 and up. Metallo presents an intimate character study, told via blog posts, that follows an autistic theater kids attempts to navigate the aftermath of a friendship-ending error. See Metallos recent In Conversation with Jodi Meadows on girlhood and bullying. The book received a starred review from PW. Rules for Fake Girlfriends Raegan Revord. Wednesday, $20 (304p) ISBN 978-1-2503-5634-5. Ages 13 and up. New York City high school senior Avery Blackwell strikes a deal with a local British girl named Charlie: theyll fake-date to make Charlies ex-girlfriend jealous, and Charlie will help Avery solve a scavenger hunt left for her by her mother. See our q&a with actor-turned-author Revord. Silenced Voices: Reclaiming Memories from the Guatemalan Genocide Pablo Leon. HarperAlley, $26.99 hardcover (240p) ISBN 978-0-06-322356-1. Ages 14 and up. In a solo debut, Leon delivers a potent graphic novel examination of the effects of the Guatemalan civil war on its people. The book received a starred review from PW. Sisters in the Wind Angeline Boulley. Holt, $19.99 (384p) ISBN 978-1-2503-2853-3. Ages 14 and up. The author of Firekeepers Daughter delivers a propulsive mystery thriller anchored by an unforgettable protagonist and urgent commentary on both the foster care system and Indigenous child welfare. See our q&a with Boulley. The book received a starred review from PW. Split the Sky Marie Arnold. Little, Brown, $19.99 (304p) ISBN 978-0-316-58287-2. Ages 12 and up. Arnold wields a fantastical premise to examine the effects of systemic racism in this speculative social justice narrative. The book received a starred review from PW. Thorn Season Kiera Azar. Storytide, $19.99 (464p) ISBN 978-0-06-342779-2. Ages 14 and up. When 18-year-old Lady Alissa Paine learns that her familys magic compass is missing, she accepts the kings invitation to participate in the Rose Season at the royal palace, hoping the theatrics surrounding the annual tradition will conceal her investigation into the compasss whereabouts. Click here for our coverage of Azars debut. The book received a starred review from PW. Truth Is Hannah V. Sawyerr. Amulet, $21.99 (480p) ISBN 978-1-4197-7683-0. Ages 14 and up. Seventeen-year-old Truths decision to have an abortion strains her relationships, but she finds solace in writing and performing poems that speak her personal truthuntil her secrets become public knowledge in a viral video clip. The book received a starred review from PW. Try Your Worst Chatham Greenfield. Bloomsbury, $20.99 (320p) ISBN 978-1-5476-1393-9. Ages 13 and up. High school seniors and rivals Sadie Katz and Cleo Chapman must overcome years of antagonism and misunderstandings to discover whos implicating them in a vandalism prank. The book received a starred review from PW. When We Were Monsters Jennifer Niven. Knopf, $20.99 (400p) ISBN 978-1-524713-02-7. Ages 14 and up. In this satisfying psychological thriller by the author of All the Bright Places, a group of promising young writers are plagued by death, mystery, and shocking personal revelations. Apple is the latest tech company to be hit with a proposed class action lawsuit over unauthorized training of AI models using published books. On Friday, authors Grady Hendrix and Jennifer Roberson filed a lawsuit in Northern California targeting Apple's "OpenELM" large language models, alleging the company "copied protected works without consent and without credit or compensation." The suit accuses Apple of using the Books3 dataset of pirated books and employing its own proprietary Applebot to scrap the web and, potentially, other online "shadow libraries." Hendrix is a horror writer based in New York whose latest book is Witchcraft for Wayward Girls (Berkley), and Roberson, based in Arizona, is a fantasy author with multiple series spanning more than 120 books. The legal action comes amid a wave of similar cases targeting major technology companies over their AI training practices. The news of the new lawsuit came on the same day AI company Anthropic disclosed it had agreed to pay $1.5 billion to settle a similar class action lawsuit with authors and their representatives. Lawyers for the plaintiffs called the Anthropic settlement "the largest publicly reported copyright recovery in history," though the company did not admit liability. The expanding litigation highlights the publishing industry's struggle to protect intellectual property rights as tech companies increasingly rely on vast datasets of published, and in many cases copyrighted, content to develop AI systems. The cases raise fundamental questions about fair use, compensation and consent in the digital age, as authors and publishers seek to establish legal precedents for how their works can be used in AI development. SANAA, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthis group said Sunday it carried out eight drone attacks on Israel, including a strike on Ramon Airport in southern Israel that wounded several people earlier in the day. In a statement broadcast by the Houthis-run al-Masirah TV, the group's military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the Houthis launched "eight drones targeting the Negev, Eilat, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Tel Aviv." He said a drone hit Ramon Airport and forced it to shut down and suspend air traffic, while the other drones targeted sensitive military targets in other cities. "We confirm the escalation of our military operations and will not back down from our position in support of Gaza," he said, warning airlines to avoid Israeli airspace and airports. A spokesperson for the Israel Airports Authority confirmed earlier in the day that a Houthi drone struck the arrivals hall at Ramon Airport, a relatively small facility about 18 km north of Eilat. Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service said at least two people were lightly injured and evacuated to a hospital in the nearby resort city of Eilat. Some Israeli media put the number of injuries at eight. The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have targeted Israel since November 2023 to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has responded with regular retaliatory strikes, including an airstrike last month in Sanaa that killed 12 Houthi leaders. Anthropic has agreed to pay $1.5 billion to settle charges that it illegally downloaded hundreds of thousands of books from pirate databases Library Genesis (LibGen) and Pirate Library Mirror (PiLiMi) as part of its effort to train its large language models. The AI company has also committed to destroying all the pirated copies of books which it had stored in the training process. The agreement brings a swift resolution to a case that only took root this July, when U.S. District Judge William Alsup ruled that a lawsuit brought by three authorsAndrea Bartz, Charles Graeber, and Kirk Wallace Johnsonchallenging the legality of Anthropics use of books from pirate websites could move forward as a class action. At the same time, the judge also ruled that Anthropics overall training of its Claude LLMs on authors works was protected by fair use. Attorneys for the authors called the agreement the largest publicly reported payout in the history of U.S. copyright litigation. This landmark settlement far surpasses any other known copyright recovery, said Justin Nelson of Susman Godfrey and co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs in a statement. It is the first of its kind in the AI era, and sets a precedent requiring AI companies to pay copyright owners. Representatives from the Authors Guild and the Association of American Publishers also hope that the agreement will prompt AI companies to follow copyright law in training their LLMs. The proposed settlement provides enormous value in sending the message that artificial intelligence companies cannot unlawfully acquire content from shadow libraries or other pirate sources as the building blocks for their models, said Maria Pallante, president and CEO of the AAP, in a written statement. Authors Guild CEO Mary Rasenberger echoed Pallantes sentiment, saying the agreement is an excellent result for authors, publishers, and rightsholders generally, sending a strong message to the AI industry that there are serious consequences when they pirate authors works to train their AI, robbing those least able to afford it. As the agreement now stands, some 500,000 works are covered by the settlement, with each work eligible to receive about $3,000. (A licensing deal reached by HarperCollins last November with an unnamed tech widely believed to be Microsoft provides that the author and publisher would split a $5,000 per book fee). Although the lawsuit charged that Anthropic had copied as many as seven million titles, the settlement pertains only to works that meet certain criteria established by the court. According to the agreement, to be part of the settlement, the work must have either an ISBN or ASIN and must have been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office within three months of publication, or within five years of publication and before LibGen and PiLiMi began downloading titles, in June 2021 and July 2022, respectively. The discrepancy between the works covered by the settlement and the number of books believed to be pirated is due in part to the fact many files were either not books or duplicates, as well as because a large number of titles were not registered with the Copyright Office. A hearing is set for September 8 for the agreement to receive preliminary approval from Judge Alsup. If, as expected, Judge Alsup approves the agreement, final approval is expected to take place sometime next year. Until that last approval, there are still many issues to be resolved. For starters, the parties are working on creating a final list of the works included in the agreement, which is due to the court by October 10. From that list, a searchable database will be created where authors and publishers can search for their works. If the final number of works exceed 500,000, Anthropic will add $3,000 for each additional title. (Authors who think their work may have been included in the pirated databases used by Anthropic can learn more about how to file a claim for compensation at AnthropicCopyrightLawsuit.com.) If the settlement wins preliminary approval today, an administrator is expected to send notices out this fall, which will instruct class members how to file a claim and provide other information about their choices. Authors will have the option to opt out of the agreement and could file their own lawsuit, though that would be an expensive undertaking. The settlement only covers "past claims and does not cover any claims of conduct against Anthropic that postdates August 25, 2025, the date of the binding agreement. The Authors Guild and AAP were not part of the lawsuit, but did provide advice. Since both publishers and authors are eligible to receive a payout from the fund, attorneys representing the class have proposed establishing an Author-Publisher Working Group (APWG), which will work to determine the fair distribution of funds to class members. Under the proposal, Rasenberger and Pallante will provide any recommendations to the court by Sept. 30. The final approval hearing will be held after any comments or objections are received after which the court will determine whether to grant the settlement final approval. According to the court order, once the settlement is approved, the settlement administrator will start sending the initial tranche of the settlement fund payments within a month. Police work at the site of a shooting attack in Jerusalem on Sept. 8, 2025. At least five people were killed on Monday when two gunmen opened fire on a bus near a busy junction, Israeli authorities said. Police said security personnel and a civilian returned fire shortly after the shooting began, killing the attackers. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing) JERUSALEM, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed on Monday when two gunmen opened fire on a bus near a busy junction, Israeli authorities said. Police said security personnel and a civilian returned fire shortly after the shooting began, killing the attackers. Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service said the fatalities included a woman and four men. Hospitals in Jerusalem, where the injured were taken, reported that at least seven people were seriously injured, two moderately injured, and three sustained minor injuries. The attack took place at Ramot Junction, near Ramot, a settlement neighborhood in East Jerusalem. Israel's state-owned Kan TV News reported that the assailants, armed with a handgun and an improvised submachine gun, opened fire after boarding a bus. Citing Israeli security officials, the broadcaster said the attackers were Palestinians from the villages of Qatanna and Al-Qubeiba in the Ramallah Governorate of the occupied West Bank. Footage from the scene showed two buses with shattered windows and bullet holes. Dozens were seen fleeing a crowded bus stop during the morning rush hour. First responders described a chaotic scene strewn with broken glass. No group has immediately claimed responsibility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he was holding "a situation assessment with senior security officials following the attack in Jerusalem." Israeli troops have been deployed to the area and are "searching for suspects in cooperation with the Israel Police," the military said, adding that forces were surrounding several areas on the outskirts of Ramallah. The attack comes amid a nearly two-year Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip, which has coincided with an escalation of violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, as well as a rise in Palestinian attacks against Israelis. Police work at the site of a shooting attack in Jerusalem on Sept. 8, 2025. At least five people were killed on Monday when two gunmen opened fire on a bus near a busy junction, Israeli authorities said. Police said security personnel and a civilian returned fire shortly after the shooting began, killing the attackers. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing) Police work at the site of a shooting attack in Jerusalem on Sept. 8, 2025. At least five people were killed on Monday when two gunmen opened fire on a bus near a busy junction, Israeli authorities said. Police said security personnel and a civilian returned fire shortly after the shooting began, killing the attackers. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing) The injured is transferred at the site of a shooting attack in Jerusalem on Sept. 8, 2025. At least five people were killed on Monday when two gunmen opened fire on a bus near a busy junction, Israeli authorities said. Police said security personnel and a civilian returned fire shortly after the shooting began, killing the attackers. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) This photo taken on Sept. 8, 2025 shows the site of a shooting attack in Jerusalem. At least five people were killed on Monday when two gunmen opened fire on a bus near a busy junction, Israeli authorities said. Police said security personnel and a civilian returned fire shortly after the shooting began, killing the attackers. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing) Photography by Straight 8 & Kenda Lenseigne Editors Note: In this column, we look back at iconic guns that have either stood the test of time or vanished without trace. About a decade ago, the folks at TrackingPoint seemed to have a whole pot of tech startup capital to throw around on R&D and put guns in the hands of influencers, then poof! They disappeared. A lot of uncritical articles appeared in both mainstream techy journals and the gun press, but as far as we know, were the only ones to put them up against a decent shooter with a familiar platform. Whereupon, they got outshot. Until someone markets the fabled phased plasma rifle in the 40-watt range, todays firearms are about as refined as theyre going to get. While this may seem like heresy coming from a gun rag, since Borchardt developed an effective self-loading mechanism in the 1890s, weve not really seen much in the way of paradigm-shifting technology since then. Sure, there have been advances in materials technology, but nothing has really fundamentally changed the way we either look at, or employ, guns. Line up the sights, press the trigger, rinse and repeat. The adaptation of consumer electronics to the gun industry has been painfully slow. Almost everything else we use on a daily basis has a user interface our cars, our TVs, hell, even our washing machines talk to us but guns seem to be stuck in the 1950s. Thats now changing. So, we decided to take a look at a couple of innovations that might just gain consumer acceptance and, in doing so, shape the way we view our guns. PFLUGERVILLES FINEST TrackingPoint (TP) has certainly led the way when it comes to making precision shooting a trending topic in social media. Because of the unusual intersection of technology and guns, the company has waged a marketing campaign that targets both special-interest audiences, with dog and pony shows tailored to each one. Its been wildly successful, with TPs YouTube channel being the most viewed among firearms manufacturer and features on its targeting system aired on CNN, Colbert, Bloomberg, Businessweek, and so on. That isnt a frontsight. Using technology cribbed from an M1 Abrams, the TrackingPoint scope uses a permanently attached barrel reference device to ensure it never loses zero. Ammo is custom loaded by Barnes to tight tolerances. In the firearms media, writers have been courted with the usual chaperoned hunts and range trips. One other magazine, which will remain nameless, went so far as to print a puff piece written by TrackingPoints marketing director and passed it off as editorial, right next to a full-page ad bought by the company. At no time in any of the reports, however, has a representative of the media made any sort of assessment of the TP system when pitted against a regular old firearm. Consequently, no one has ever answered or even asked whether the juice is worth the squeeze. With TrackingPoint debuting its new line of semi-auto rifles, we reckoned it was about time. At the heart of all TrackingPoint Precision Guided Firearms (PGF) is a ballistics computer, mated to either a bolt or semi-auto rifle. The guns themselves are all top-shelf and were no doubt chosen to maximize the mechanical accuracy of the system, but all real innovation has gone into the electro-optical package. With 150 years since the adoption of the centerfire cartridge, theres not a whole lot more that can be wrung out of that technology Instead of looking through a conventional sight, the shooter on a PGF observes the target on a display at the rear of the Networked Tracking Scope, which houses a camera and laser rangefinder. Its on-board computer receives input from a suite of sensors and will calculate a ballistic solution based on range, inclination, temperature, elevation, barometric pressure, spin drift, cant, barrel wear, and Coriolis effect. Ammunition is matched to the gun and loaded specifically for it by Barnes to tight tolerances, again in order to maximize mechanical accuracy. The sight units lower lenses are the emitter and receiver for the the laser rangerfinder. Upper glass is cameras objective the lens. To engage a target in the systems Advanced Mode, (i.e., the one that has gotten all the attention) the shooter first ranges it by placing the displays crosshairs either on or close to its location and pressing a button mounted on the trigger guard. From here on in, the computer takes over and calculates a firing solution which results in the crosshairs changing color and leaving the target, coming to rest somewhere lower down in the screen. Once a range has been established, the shooter will then tag the target by repositioning the crosshairs and pressing the button a second time, designating the point he wants to hit. This tagging process is as important as actually making the shot in a conventional firearm, as the PGF will then lock onto the designated position, using pixel recognition software to keep the tag in place, even if the target moves at speeds of up to 15 mph. To send lead downrange, the shooter pins the trigger to the rear and moves the rifle in order to place the crosshairs back onto the tag location, which is marked with a red dot. When the sight recognizes that the reticle is over the tag spot, a solenoid releases the striker or hammer and the shot is fired. Because the shooters physical input is minimized when the primer is struck, jerking the trigger, poor breathing technique, or an imperfect hold is not a barrier to making the shot. TrackingPoint has studiously avoided making any claim in its marketing materials that its impossible to miss a shot, but from all the breathless hyperbole in the mainstream media, you might get the impression that the system suddenly enables a neophyte to outperform the saltiest of SEAL snipers. It doesnt. Like any weapons system, it has its own set of limitations and weaknesses and requires some effort on the part of the user to master. The ballistic computer does, however, allow a user to be confident that the gun will shoot where its pointed under ideal conditions. If youve expended hundreds of rounds to fill your DOPE (data of previous engagement) book and know exactly how much your rifles point of impact shifts when you move from sea level to 8,000 feet, or if the temperature drops from 90 to 40 degrees, or if the barometric pressure changes from 1,008 to 1,033 millibars, then you probably wont see too much improvement in your performance from the TrackingPoint system. Note zoom (silver) and tag (red) buttons on trigger guard. Mode switch is mounted on top of the sight, along with a secondary zoom control. Alternatively, if you think that all you have to do to connect at 1,000 yards is to aim a little bit higher, then you either need to spend a lot more time at the range, or pony up for something that will provide that data for you. TrackingPoint provides a complete, off-the-shelf solution to making hits at extended ranges at a price. HEAD TO HEAD One shortcoming was made apparent when we tested the TrackingPoint 750 series rifles in Colorado. We set up on a shooting bench, with multiple steel targets set out at 450, 750, and 800 yards. We gave a 750 series PGF .308 bolt gun to three shooters of varying levels of experience, ranging from complete novice to expert. Because the targets were set out on the side of a mountain, the shooters were forced into a compromised position, floating the buttstock in order to gain enough elevation to engage despite their bipod legs being fully extended. As a control, we used a shooter equipped with a Colt LE901, Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10x40mm scope, Bushnell 1 Mile laser rangefinder, and Winchester 168-grain match ammo low tech and fairly low budget in comparison to the $12,500 price tag of the TrackingPoint gun. The shooters were then told to engage their targets as quickly as possible. While the gas gun had an advantage when it came to jacking rounds into the chamber, this was offset by the PGFs greater accuracy. The RIANOV Eagles computer attached beneath the scope is dwarfed by its control box, which houses the CR123 battery. This combo of carbine, optics, and computer is nowhere near as feature-rich or smoothly integrated as the TrackingPoint, but is more versatile. The device on the handguard is the RAPTAR rangefinder. Plus, as any designated marksman will attest, bolt guns are just plain easier to hit with, as theyre more forgiving of poor shooting form and compromised positions, such as we faced here. We didnt expect the results we got, with the shooter using the steam-powered equipment beating all three of the guys equipped with the TrackingPoint system. On reviewing video shot of the session, we noticed a number of factors in play. Firstly, due to the sub-optimal shooting position, many of the TP shooters shots missed high, as the rifle recoiled and shifted position fractionally while the bullet was still traveling down the barrel. The Colt shooter also missed high initially, but was able to quickly compensate on his next shot by holding below the target. He was able to do this as he could see his bullet impacts through the scope and adjust accordingly. This brings up the biggest problem currently faced by the TP system namely, the difficulty the shooter has in spotting his own shots. Under recoil, the display image shakes so much that seeing bullet strikes is almost impossible. So if you miss with the first round, youd better have a spotter to make your corrections. The RAPTAR rangefinder shown here costs more than the carbine, scope, and computer combined. Think theres a gap in the market for a less expensive version? Remember that with the TP, youre looking at a display screen, like a video camera youre not looking through glass at the target as with a traditional optic. The systems ability to stream the scopes image via Bluetooth to the spotters mobile device is a huge advantage when it comes to target identification, but in order to call corrections, the spotter needs to use conventional glass, otherwise he faces the same problem as the shooter. Interestingly, in later testing we found that the AR variant least affected by this condition was also the most powerful. As noted in RECOIL Issue 14, the NEMO .300 Win Mag features a very effective brake and buffer system, which results in a straight-back push, allowing the shooter to see his strikes at least 50 percent of the time. As ranges increase, the greatest factor in connecting with a target is wind. Until DARPA delivers its much-anticipated wind-monitoring system, were all stuck with having to make corrections for wind speed and direction the same way our ancestors did. Learning to read wind is one of the most difficult aspects of long-range marksmanship, and there are no shortcuts. In order to correct for wind drift on the PGF, the shooter must use a rocker switch located on top of the sight to input a mph value, which is displayed on the screen. If theres say, a 10 mph, half value wind (i.e., one thats blowing from 45 degrees, rather than 90 degrees from the bullets path) then the shooter must input a value of 5 mph. Simple enough, but being able to accurately estimate the winds value across the bullets entire arc is one of those skills that only comes from putting rounds downrange. Eagle display gives a firing solution for both windage and elevation, based on environmental sensor suite, twist rate, BC, and velocity. We used it on this Colt 901 to ring steel at up to 1,200 yards. Its perhaps instructive that in all of the videos out there of the system being demonstrated on a range, wind value is always input by, or under the direction of, a TrackingPoint representative. Despite any claim to the contrary, complete newbies just arent going to be able to make wind calls that will allow them to hit consistently at 1,000 yards right off the bat. Will a PGF enable an average shooter to hit more targets at greater range? Absolutely, no question about it. But any claim that a novice can pick up a PGF and immediately become the modern-day incarnation of Simo Haya is unadulterated horsesh*t. CUT-PRICE CONTENDER TrackingPoints greatest selling point that it offers a complete, off-the-shelf system is also a potential weakness to the customer who wants increased hit probability across multiple weapons platforms. If youve got, say, an AR-10, a couple of precision bolt guns, and a SCAR 17, then you might find utility in a system that could be transferred between guns. Youll be pleased to know then that such a system exists to use a careworn and hackneyed phrase, the Eagle has landed. The RIANOV Eagle costs $750, weighs 1.7 ounces, attaches to any scope or rail, and provides a firing solution in any condition based on its full complement of environmental sensors. This firing solution is output to a tiny display showing both windage and elevation corrections, which the user then either dials into a conventional scope, or in the case of a Horus reticle, simply holds on the target. In use, the shooter first determines the range to target. This can be done either by means of a weapon-mounted rangefinder which outputs to the computer, or the shooter can input data manually from other sources, such as a handheld laser rangefinder (LRF), range markers, or previous engagements. To do this, a remote controller attached to the computer via a cable is used, and the shooter toggles through modes and values using basic commands such as up, down, left, and right. The control box also houses a CR123 battery, powering the unit for up to a year. With our very first shot using the system, we were able to make a hit on a torso-sized steel target, using a .308 Win Remington 700 at 1,300 yards well beyond the transonic range of the round. The military version of the Eagle accepts input from either an L3 STORM or Wilcox RAPTAR rangefinder, and it will calculate a firing solution out to the maximum ballistic range of any weapon system, be it a .17 HMR varmint gun or a 120mm cannon, should you have one lurking in your gun safe. To maximize the ability to use the Eagle on multiple weapon systems, the user first inputs basic data such as caliber, ballistic coefficient (BC), muzzle velocity, rate of twist, height over bore, and zero distance. Up to 16 different data sets can be stored, and once set up, the unit can be swapped at will between firearms. We used it on both our LE901 test mule and the aforementioned Rem 700, and found it takes longer to zero the rangefinder than change over the computer. One hugely valuable feature is the ability to true the ballistic solution to the weapon. In most commercially available ballistic computers, if you discover that your rounds arent hitting where the program says they should, you might wind up tweaking an input slightly (usually the bullets BC), in order to get a result that mirrors reality. This is a Band-Aid solution that only works accurately at one particular distance. The Eagle instead allows the user to bend the ballistic curve to match real-world results, giving a much better model, particularly at extended ranges. Compared to the TrackingPoint, the Eagle is much more basic in terms of its user interface, and engagement times are a little slower due to the need to manually input data. The control box is a bit clunky and flops around at the end of its cable, unless Velcroed to the stock. It can, however, accommodate any kind of projectile weapon, any caliber, and any load. Presently, the available rangefinding options are extremely expensive due to their military origins and additional functionality a RAPTAR costs around $6,000 and offers a visible laser, IR target designator, and floodlight. If a rangefinder company were to introduce a simple, rugged rail-mounted LRF that could output to the Eagle via either cable or Bluetooth, this combination would be virtually unbeatable. Bushnell, are you listening? Ballistic computers of all types are starting to make inroads to the long range scene, and our overview here is by no means comprehensive, with several other small companies providing their own take on the problem of hitting targets way out there. As the technology matures and trickles into other products, we predict that in a few years it will be commonplace to see chips integrated into conventional optics. We know of a few major companies who are well down the road when it comes to placing computers into their glass, and well bring you updates as we get them. THE TRACKINGPOINT ARs In October, TrackingPoint introduced three models of semi-auto rifles, based on the AR platform. The entry-level gun is a Daniel Defense-based AR-15 with a price tag of $6,000. Despite an MSRP of less than half its brethrens, the optics and electronics suite is exactly the same. Jumping up the ladder, the 7.62mm NATO version is based on the well-respected LMT product, which in TrackingPoint guise retails for 15 grand. The bigger caliber provides the shooter with a greater maximum range software limits each PGF to stay within the capabilities of the laser rangefinder which, given restrictions placed on its output by the FDA, is capped in this case at 750 yards. The mack daddy of the group starts out life as a NEMO .300 Win Mag, which then gets the TrackingPoint treatment to emerge as an 800-yard capable precision rig. You may well think that 800 yards is barely stretching the legs of the round, and youd be right. Hopefully, improvements in rangefinder technology will bump this up to at least the transonic range of each cartridge. But for now were stuck at the distance at which an accurate range measurement can be made on a non-reflective target. In comparison to previous models, the AR lineups scopes are significantly more compact and streamlined. Another significant change is that a second zoom control has been placed on the trigger guard. As a result, engagement times are further reduced as the shooter no longer has to come out of the scope to first find the target and then zoom in to pick a tag spot. Rechargeable, replaceable batteries are housed in the buttstock, which outwardly resembles Vltors products, but is non-adjustable. In keeping with the ethos of a complete, ready-to-go system, each gun arrives pre-zeroed from the factory, with no user-serviceable components (apart from normal weapon cleaning duties theres no getting away from that). In order to maintain zero throughout the weapons service life, a barrel reference device similar to that employed on an M1 Abrams main gun takes the place of a front sight. Wearable technology is the latest big thing to emerge from tech titans such as Apple and Samsung, so it should come as no surprise that TP is getting in on the act with a heads-up display mounted in a pair of sunglasses. With this rig, multiple people can stand around a PGF and see exactly whats going on in the scope, without the need to carry an iPad or tablet. It also permits a shooter to engage from cover, without exposing himself to the target. Apps are another area of development, two of which are launching to coincide with the arrival of the AR models. One, a prey finder app, allows the shooter to pinpoint the location of downed game based on data used to make the shot. Each PGF is equipped with a GPS unit, so by extrapolating from the shooters location, distance to target, and direction of the shot fired, the impact point can be calculated in a process no doubt familiar to anyone whos ever called in a fire mission. We tested several pre-production versions of the guns and found that they did indeed perform as advertised when it came to banging steel in the Arizona desert but being advanced prototypes also suffered from a couple of glitches. Although were confident the problems will be addressed before launch, its worth mentioning that when shooting in 102-degree heat and bright sunlight, the black finish applied to the sight unit caused some overheating. As a result, the electronics package became buggy and failed to range a 700-yard target, as well as locking up the image on a wearable heads-up display. Apart from minor software glitches, the guns themselves proved to be accurate, providing dependable fire solutions out to the maximum advertised range. 'If Washington has to balance Chinese power, she will have to turn to the third biggest power in the world which is India.' 'The United States and India will have to work together in order to keep Chinese ambitions in check.' IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tianjin, China, September 1, 2025. Photograph: Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Pool via/Reuters "The pictures coming out of Tianjin where Modi, Putin and Xi are seen smiling and even holding hands does not signal any strategic shift by New Delhi. This is not an embrace -- it is merely an attempt to get the train back on track," asserts Ambassador Gautam Bambawale, who served four tenures in China in his nearly 35 years in the Indian Foreign Service. When Rediff last spoke to Ambassador Bambawale in January 2024, he had predicted that "China will have to untie the knot if the relationship has to improve", a diplomatic prophesy that hit the mark with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to New Delhi on August 19 and Chinese President Xi Jinping's calibrated warmth when Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first visit to China in seven years last week. In that three-part January 2024 interview, Ambassador Bambawale -- who is only one of three Indians this century to have served as India's ambassador to both China and Pakistan; Ambassador Vijay Nambiar and Ambassador Shiv Shankar Menon being the others -- also indicated the difficulties of dealing with the Chinese communists when he revealed that "My understanding is that by the time President Xi Jinping came for the Chennai summit [2019], he had already instructed his army to undertake the action in Galwan in the summer of 2020." A week after the Modi-Xi encounters on the rim of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, Ambassador Bambawale outlines to Nikhil Lakshman/Rediff the likely route map for the India-China relationship in the months ahead. Many Indians were shocked by our going all out to embrace a new relationship with China after what happened in Ladakh these last 5 years and China's perfidious assistance to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. What, in your assessment, was the impetus for India's Beijing overture? Did trade concerns overwhelm strategic issues? First of all, I think you have got it wrong. There is no all-out embrace of China by New Delhi. This is a tactical move to show Washington that India does have options in international politics. If the United States is going to be so mercurial as well as near sighted, then India too has other avenues it can pursue. The pictures coming out of Tianjin where Modi, Putin and Xi are seen smiling and even holding hands does not signal any strategic shift by New Delhi. However, if Washington is not going to be a dependable partner then India will look to others. Commercial concerns may have driven the Indian narrative, but what was China's motivations for normalising the relationship? Did Beijing see in the breakdown of the India-US relationship an opportunity to drive a wedge and make the India-US security relationship more difficult and its institutions like the Quad wobbly? Beijing has always been uncomfortable with the India-US partnership and sees the current discomfiture in New Delhi as an opportunity to draw India into a closer embrace. Over the past year, the Eastern Ladakh sector of the India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC) has quietened somewhat and that provided the space for PM Modi to meet Xi Jinping in Kazan last year and to attend the Tianjin Summit of the SCO just now. This has also enabled some of the older exchanges uptil 2019 to be resumed. However, this is not an embrace -- it is merely an attempt to get the train back on track. You must see this clearly. India had made the satisfactory outcome of the military standoff in Ladakh the cause on which it would resume the normalisation process. Was that 'satisfactory' outcome arrived at in October last year? Military observers believe we at best struck a compromise -- rather a return to a status quo ante, we agreed to a status quo and buffer zones that don't ensure our troops return to positions pre-April 2020. How do you see the situation in Ladakh from a diplomat's perspective? Was such a compromise necessary since the commanders' conferences were going nowhere? How would such a compromise endanger our position on the LAC in this theatre, and the border talks in the long term? As you rightly say, there is a long way to go even in Eastern Ladakh and the next step is to de-escalate troops so that they return to their normal peace time locations. What has happened so far in Eastern Ladakh is that troops from both countries who were almost eyeball-to-eyeball or in close confrontation situations have now moved back slightly. In other words there has been disengagement of troops. De-escalation of troops has not yet taken place. To put it differently, large numbers of troops of both sides continue to be present at those lofty heights in the Himalayas, they have not relocated to their peacetime stations. India wants de-escalation to happen. Both governments have committed to work towards that. Let us see how it progresses. As a result of talks between India and China at various levels, new arrangements for border management have come into existence. I shall give you just one example. On the north bank of Pangong Tso, it has been agreed that Indian troops will stay behind Finger 4 while Chinese troops will stay behind Finger 8. Therefore, troops do not come face-to-face as happened earlier since both sides claim the area between Finger 4 and Finger 8. So, close proximity situations will be avoided. Moreover, this arrangement does not compromise either side's position on where the boundary lies. This is not a bad arrangement for now. Do we really want to go back to the status quo, where troops would confront each other and result in pushing, pulling and shoving by soldiers of each side? IMAGE: Indian Army formations including T-90 and T-72 tanks and BMP infantry combat vehicles carry out drills in eastern Ladakh, July 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Do you think the Chinese learnt a lesson from the robust Indian military response after Galwan that any aggression would be paid back in unacceptable-to-the- PLA terms? Would you say that the Indian military response after Galwan reset the military narrative with China, made the PLA generals realise that the Indian Defence forces were no pushover? Is that why they have veered to a two front strategy to militarily engage India, boosting its cat's paw in Rawalpindi with weapons and intelligence? Definitely. After initially being taken by surprise, Indian armed forces reacted magnificently to the Chinese attempt to change the status quo on the LAC in eastern Ladakh. Indian armed forces showed their mettle and prevented China's PLA from achieving their military objectives. This has been a major reason for China to now push for a recalibration of India-China relations after a 5-year freeze in ties. What is our best insurance against China? What can India do to ensure that China does not harm Indian interests in any way, like switching off, for instance, the flow of raw earth magnets? How can we be resilient against future Chinese provocations of any kind? Just as the Indian armed forces reacted and responded magnificently to the China military challenge in Eastern Ladakh, Indian industry must react and respond quickly and decisively to the Chinese industrial challenge. We must make more critical elements of the supply chain within India or locate it elsewhere. We cannot be dependent on China for rare earth magnets or tunnel boring machines. Either we get them from other suppliers or else we make them in India. It will take time but we have to move immediately. I do not see our Indian industry being serious about this weaponisation of critical parts of the supply chain and the necessity of making these items in India. A year before Galwan occurred you had outlined some of the actions that find mention in the Wang Yi-S Jaishankar communique like greater people to people exchanges, enhancing tourism etc. How will such actions enable a better India-China relationship? We don't see more Chinese tourists in say the US or the UK or Thailand improve Beijing's relationship with those countries. As a diplomat, please do explain how such actions will improve the relationship. The relationship between two nations cannot be one only between the governments. Businesses and ordinary people must also be involved to make it self-sufficient and self-generating. So the current efforts to resume direct flights between India and China, make visas easier to obtain, encourage students to go to the other country are all efforts to get the India-China relationship back on track. These measures assist and aid the exchanges between governments. Does the decision to establish an 'expert group' to explore an 'early harvest' on boundary delimitation signal a shift from India's earlier stance favouring a comprehensive resolution, or can this staged approach be seen as a pragmatic step toward building momentum for resolving broader, more complex issues? The 'early harvest' proposal refers to the Sikkim Sector boundary which was delimited by an 1890 convention between British India and the Qing dynasty in China. Both independent India and communist China have broadly adhered to the line in Sikkim as depicted by the old convention. The Chinese proposal is to lock that understanding in, while proceeding to negotiate on the Eastern Sector of the LAC (McMahon Line) and also in the Western Sector in Ladakh. The difficult part of the Sikkim boundary will be the trijunctions between India-China-Nepal and India-China-Bhutan as they involve a third country. The Expert Group set up for this purpose should be allowed to do its job. IMAGE: Prime Minister Modi and and Xi Jinping sip coconut water against the backdrop of 7th century rock-cut chariots of the Pancha Ratha in Mahabalipuram, October 11, 2023. Photograph: Rediff Archives In his remarks at the meeting with Prime Minister Modi, Xi Jinping stressed that India and China should not let the border issue overwhelm the relationship. But what we have seen after Mr Modi became prime minister is Xi's constant encouragement to needle India on the border issue, be it Dokalam or Ladakh or in Arunachal. So despite these typical Chinese clever-isms, how can we ever trust the Chinese? What would be the defining signs from Beijing for India to trust Chinese intentions? Or would we be foolish to ever trust China? This is a very important point on which India and China have diametrically opposite views. India has always argued that if there is no peace on the borders then the rest of the India-China bilateral relationship will be adversely affected. We saw this happen after Galwan. On the contrary, Beijing argues that we should not permit hiccups on the border to upset the rest of the relationship. In other words, China wants the trade, commerce, people-to-people relationship to continue unimpeded by any actions of the PLA on the border. Beijing and New Delhi have a fundamental difference of opinion here. President Trump appears to have lost interest in the American pivot in the Indo Pacific; it is unlikely he will attend the Quad Summit in New Delhi in November, possibly sending someone like Secretary of State Rubio that would also indicate the Quad's downsizing in America's strategic calculus. America reached out to India 20 years ago in the expectation that we would be a counterpoint to China's ambitions; the India-US security relationship hinged largely on that. How do all the current convulsions impact the China elements of the India-US strategic relationship? Do you see the US altering its view of India in the China prism? International politics today is characterised by competition between the two major powers -- the US and China. This competition is likely to increase in intensity over the coming years. In fact, geopolitics over the next few decades will feature enhancing competition between the two countries. This is the reality. If the United States cuts any kind of deal with China, it will imply that Washington acknowledges China as a peer competitor. This outcome is very, very unlikely. If Washington has to balance Chinese power, she will have to turn to the third biggest power in the world which is India. The United States and India will have to work together in order to keep Chinese ambitions in check. What one president or prime minister decides will not change these objective facts of global politics. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said it was important to move ahead from a 'political and strategic direction' in this regard. As someone who has served as our ambassador in China and been an astute observer of India-China relations, what did the foreign secretary mean? Does it mean that India focus on commerce and trade with China and keep complicated issues like the border on the back burner, knowing that it is unlikely to be resolved in our lifetime? It means that both Beijing and New Delhi must keep the big picture in mind when evaluating India-China relations and deciding on future directions of ties. The fact of the matter is that India has to focus inward over the next decade or two, strengthening itself both in terms of industry and manufacturing as well as in the realm of defence. While exhibiting strategic patience, India must grow its economy as fast as it can maybe even at 8 or 9 per cent per annum over the next fifteen years. Finally, what would be the signs that India-China relations are moving into a new phase, and how long will that take? What are the warning signs that we always need to watch out for when we deal with China? That will happen as India strengthens herself domestically and internally, and when China shows respect and sensitivity towards New Delhi. Leaders of several opposition parties on Monday held a meeting in Parliament complex in a show of unity on the eve of the vice presidential election. IMAGE: Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party president Akhilash Yadav, party MP Ram Gopal Yadav, NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar and other Opposition MPs attend a mock poll session for the vice presidential election at the Central Hall of Parliament, New Delhi, September 8, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Top leaders of the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Trinamool Congress, Rashtriya Janata dal, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Shiv Sena -UBT, Nationalist Congress Party-SP, CPI and CPI-M met in the central hall of Samvidhan Sadan (Old Parliament Building) and were briefed about the election process on Tuesday in which members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are eligible to vote. While SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav welcomed all those present, Congress leader and chief whip of the Congress in Rajya Sabha Jairam Ramesh informed the MPs about the procedure for voting. The vice-presidential poll has been described by the opposition as an ideological battle, even as the numbers are stacked in favour of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Sources said the Opposition MPs were told to ensure their vote is not wasted, as some votes were declared invalid last time. The MPs also participated in a mock poll for Tuesday's election to enable MPs to experience the voting process. Members of Parliament are not bound by party whips to vote in the vice presidential election, which takes place under a secret ballot system. The MPs will be handed out ballot papers containing the names of the two contesting candidates and will have to mark their preference by writing the figure '1' opposite the name of the candidate of their choice. Among the leaders who attended the meeting in Samvidhan Sadan were Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party leader Sonia Gandhi, NCP-SP leader Sharad Pawar and DMK leader T R Baalu. Meanwhile, the NDA also held a meeting of their MPs to brief them on the election process. The members also participated in a mock poll. Odisha's principal opposition party, Biju Janata Dal, announced that its MPs will abstain from voting in the vice presidential elections. The party, headed by former chief minister Naveen Patnaik, said it took the decision as part of its policy of "maintaining an equal distance" from both the BJP-led NDA and Congress-led INDIA bloc at the national level. On Sunday, the AIMIM decided to support the opposition candidate in the election. Ruling NDA nominee C P Radhakrishnan and joint opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy are pitted against each other in a direct contest for the vice-presidential election. The BJP-led alliance has a clear edge in the poll necessitated by the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21. Members of both Houses of Parliament will cast their votes in the Parliament House between 10 am and 5 pm on Tuesday. Counting of votes will begin at 6 pm, and the results will be announced late in the evening. The electoral college for the vice presidential election comprises a total of 788 members -- 245 from the Rajya Sabha and 543 from the Lok Sabha. The 12 nominated members of the Rajya Sabha are also eligible to vote in the election. The present strength of the electoral college is 781 as six seats are vacant in the Rajya Sabha and one in the Lok Sabha. This puts the majority mark at 391. The NDA has 425 MPs, while the opposition camp has the backing of 324. Among the political parties that are not part of the ruling or the opposition camps, the YSRCP, with 11 members in Parliament, has decided to support the NDA nominee, while the BRS and the BJD have decided to abstain from voting in the election. While the NDA candidate and veteran BJP leader is from Tamil Nadu and is the governor of Maharashtra, Reddy is a former Supreme Court judge who hails from Telangana. Jammu and Kashmir Aaam Aadmi Party chief and MLA Mehraj Malik was on Monday detained under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) for allegedly disturbing public order in Doda district, officials said. IMAGE: Former Delhi CM and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal addresses a public rally after the victory of party candidate Mehraj Malik (left) from Doda seat in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, in Doda, October 13, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo This is for the first time that a sitting MLA has been taken into custody under the PSA, an administrative law that allows detention without charge or trial for up to two years in some cases. Earlier during the day, the 37-year-old AAP MLA was detained by police at Dak Bungalow while he was planning to visit flood-hit areas of his constituency, the officials said. He was later shifted to Bhaderwah district jail under the PSA on the orders of the Deputy Commissioner of Doda, Harvinder Singh, after police prepared a dossier against him, they said. The action against Malik, who has often courted controversies with his statements, comes amid a massive protest by government employees who came out in support of the deputy commissioner after Malik used a social media platform to launch a disparaging campaign against him. The protesting employees accused the MLA of "habitually" hurling abuses at senior government officers, including doctors, and provoking youths against the official machinery. In a statement, the protesting employees lauded the deputy commissioner for his "exceptional service, integrity and dedication to public welfare", and said his compassionate approach has made him a beacon of hope" for the residents of Doda in general and the flood-affected population in particular. They condemned the use of abusive language and baseless allegations against the officer as unfortunate, deplorable and unacceptable and slammed the uncivilised and irresponsible behaviour of the legislator. The officials said dozens of cases and complaints are registered against Malik for his uncultured behaviour and fights with government officials in the hill district over the past one year. Several other close associates of the AAP leader are also being detained under PSA, while additional deployment has been made in the sensitive areas to maintain law and order, they said. The opposition PDP and Peoples Conference condemned Malik's detention under PSA, calling it an attempt to crush dissent and an assault on democracy. During his detention at Dak Bungalow, Malik posted a video on his social media account in which he claimed that he was being stopped from meeting people of his constituency who have "suffered immensely" due to the recent flash floods and torrential rains. The MLA accused the deputy commissioner of arranging protests by employees against him. There are many areas in my constituency which are without road connectivity, ration and without shelter after their homes were damaged but I am being detained Jammu, Malik said. "I have no right to speak or protest for my people, some people are trying to give communal colour to my objections against the deputy commissioner." "He has booked six of my colleagues in a fake case and is oppressing the poor. I am not against anyone who is working for the betterment of the people," Malik claimed in his video. In April, Malik entered into a scuffle with some BJP and PDP members inside the J-K Assembly complex after the saffron party leaders objected to his alleged remarks that Hindus get drunk during festivals, while PDP legislators took strong exception to his statement on PDP founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. However, Malik later claimed that his statement on Hindus was taken out of context. In the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir elections, Malik defeated his nearest rival from the BJP in Doda constituency by a margin of over 4,538 votes and registered the first win for his party in the Union territory. He won the District Development Council elections from Kahara constituency of Doda on December 24, 2020. He resigned from the post after winning the assembly elections in October last year. "Strongly condemn the use of PSA against MLA Mehraj Malik. Such draconian laws are weaponised to silence political voices & crush dissent. Such authoritarian measures are no way to resolve differences in a democracy," PDP MLA from Pulwama Waheed Para said in a post on X. People's Conference leader Sajad Gani Lone, in a statement, described it as yet another assault on the democratic fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. "We strongly condemn the use of the PSA against MLA Mehraj Malik. This is a soulless democracy," Lone said, stressing that such actions reduce the democratic process to a mere facade. Lone said the people's mandate continues to remain powerless despite the conduct of elections. "The will of the people of J&K continues to be subservient. What is the purpose of holding elections if an elected representative is denied the right to express his sentiments?" he asked. Lone warned that such measures only deepen the crisis of credibility facing the democratic institutions in the region. "It is a very sad day for an already endangered democracy," he said. Punjab cabinet minister Aman Arora on Monday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce a relief package of at least Rs 20,000 crore for the flood-ravaged state during his visit. IMAGE: Soldiers carry out the rescue operation and provide relief materials in the flood-affected area, in Fazilka, Punjab, September 6, 2025. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Modi will visit Punjab on September 9 to take stock of the flood situation. "Even though the PM has not uttered a word yet for the flood-hit Punjab, he is our PM and I welcome him with folded hands for his visit.I also expect that he should be seen standing by Punjab during his visit," Arora told reporters in Chandigarh. Referring to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's recent letter to the PM demanding Rs 60,000 crore of the state's funds, Arora said it is Punjab's right and it should be released. A few days ago, Mann had written to Modi to release Rs 60,000 crore of the state's funds, which he claimed were "stuck" with the government of India while highlighting that Punjab was grappling with one of the worst flood disasters in decades. Noting that the prevailing flood situation was even worse than the 1988 deluge, Arora said, "the Centre should announce a relief package of at least Rs 20,000 crore for Punjab." He stated that over 4.50 lakh acres of crops have been damaged in the floods, besides loss of livestock and damage to houses. There is going to be a challenge for farmers for growing the next crop as the silt is deposited in the flood-hit fields, Arora, who is also the president of the AAP's Punjab unit, said. "We welcome your (PM) arrival but you should also announce release of state's Rs 60,000 crore and a relief package of Rs 20,000 crore in the hour of crisis," he said. Punjab is currently facing one of its worst flood disasters in decades. The floods are a result of swollen Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers along with seasonal rivulets caused by heavy rainfall in their catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Besides, heavy rains in recent days in Punjab also intensified the flooding situation, aggravating the challenges faced by residents. Odisha's and Telangana's principal opposition parties, the Biju Janata Dal and the Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi, on Monday announced that their MPs will abstain from voting in the vice presidential elections. IMAGE: President Droupadi Murmu with BJD chief Naveen Patnaik as Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi looks on during the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, Puri, July 8, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The BJD, headed by former chief minister Naveen Patnaik, said it took the decision as part of its policy of "maintaining an equal distance" from both the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance and Congress-led INDIA bloc at the national level. "BJD president Naveen Patnaik has decided that the party's MPs will abstain from voting in the vice presidential elections. He took the decision after consulting senior party leaders, members of the political affairs committee (PAC) and lawmakers," BJD MP Sasmit Patra told reporters in Bhubaneswar. Patra said that the BJD maintains an equal distance from both the NDA and the INDIA bloc. "Our entire focus is on the development of the state and its 4.5 crore people," Patra said. Bharatiya Rashtra Samiti working president K T Rama Rao on Monday said his party would abstain from the vice presidential election on September 9 as an expression of "anguish" of Telangana's farmers over the shortage of urea in the state. Both the Congress and BJP have "failed" to address the shortage issue, he alleged. The shortage is such that scuffles are taking place among farmers while waiting in queues for urea, the BRS leader said. "We are abstaining. We are not going to participate," he told reporters. The BRS could have exercised the option of NOTA had it been available in the vice presidential election, he said. The vice presidential polls will be held on Tuesday. Reacting to the development, both Congress and the BJP said that the decision will indirectly help the NDA candidate for the vice president's post. Welcoming the decision, senior BJP leader and Union minister Jual Oram said, "By deciding that BJD MPs will abstain from voting, Naveen Babu has indirectly supported the NDA candidate." The saffron party's Bargarh MP, Pradeep Purohit, echoed Oram in saying that the BJD's decision will benefit the NDA candidate. "They have not opposed our candidate," he said. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das said, "Abstaining from voting means supporting the BJP... this was an opportunity for the BJD to prove that it is opposed to the saffron camp." China firmly opposes the Trump administration's 50 percent tariffs on India as it is "unfair and unreasonable" and New Delhi and Beijing should scale up economic ties to jointly counter the challenge, Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong said on Monday. IMAGE: Chinese envoy Xu Feihong. Photograph: ANI Photo Xu also said that both India and China are victims of terrorism and Beijing stands ready to work with the international community, including New Delhi to combat the challenge. The Chinese envoy to India was responding to questions after delivering his speech at an event organised to mark the 80th anniversary of China's victory against Japan. Xu also said that important consensus was reached between India and China on the boundary issues and that bilateral relationship between the two sides has not been impacted by a third party, in an apparent reference to Pakistan. In his remarks, Xu was severely critical of the US tariff policy. The US is using the tariffs as a kind of "weapon" to extract "exorbitant" costs from various countries and India and China, the two very important emerging economies, must cooperate with each other to navigate the situation, he said. "The trade war (was) started by the US. International trade should complement each other and lead to mutually beneficial win-win cooperation. The US has long benefited from free trade. But now it is using the tariff as a kind of weapon or a tool," he said. "The US is imposing tariffs of up to 50 percent on India. It is unfair, unreasonable, China firmly opposes it," he said, adding India and China should jointly explore how to counter this "threat". The ambassador said the two countries should scale up cooperation in the economic and trade domain. "We have 2.8 billion people, we have mega-size economies, mega-size markets and we have hard working people. Our economies are complementary," he said. Xu also recalled Chinese President Xi Jinping's remarks during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 31 on the margins of the SCO summit. "Xi said China and India are at a very special stage of development and as the two biggest and very important emerging economies, China and India should focus on development and promotion of mutual support, mutual complementarity and mutual success," the envoy said. "PM Modi said that India-China cooperation will make the 21st century a genuine Asian century. Both of them stressed the importance of economic cooperation between our two sides," he said. To a question, the Chinese envoy also said that both China and India are "victims of terrorism". "We share common interests in the field of counter-terrorism. China and India have maintained communications on counter-terrorism through multilateral mechanisms such as the SCO, BRICS, and the Tianjin Declaration in which the (SCO) member states condemned terrorism in all its forms," he said. "China is always firmly opposed to all forms of terrorism and stands ready to work together with the international community, including India, to advance the implementation of the global security initiative," he said. Xu said efforts are underway to address the threats of terrorism and safeguard regional as well as global peace and stability. The ambassador said China and India are at a critical stage of national development and both sides should devote their valuable resources to national development. Both sides should provide mutual support, promote mutual growth, and help each other to succeed, he said. "China stands ready to strengthen the synergy of development strategies and share experience in modernization with India," Xu said. "We welcome more Indian companies to promote their products and invest in China, and we also hope that India could provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises," he said. "The foundation of the people-to-people friendship between the two countries is solid. Since the beginning of this year, Chinese diplomatic missions in India have issued over 240,000 visas to Indian citizens," he said. Lawyers of Delhi District courts on Monday withdrew their strike after Delhi police issued a circular directing all police personnel for deposition or evidence physically before the court. IMAGE: Visuals of lawyers protesting against the arbitrary notification issued by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo Lawyers were on strike against the LG's notification for the deposition of police personnel through video conferencing from police stations. The Coordination Committee of the All Delhi Bar Association withdrew the strike after Delhi Police issued the circular. During a press conference, advocate Surya Prakash Khatri, Chairman of the Bar Council of Delhi, said that the issue has been resolved as assured by Home Minister Amit Shah; "We are withdrawing the strike". Advocate Nagendra Kumar, Convenor of the Coordination Committee, said that "our demand has been met. We have decided to withdraw the strike. We will be back to our practice from tomorrow. We trust the word of our home minister ". Advocate Neeraj, President of the Rouse Avenue Court Bar Association, said that there were many rounds of discussion with different leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. After the discussion, the issue has been resolved. New Delhi Bar Association Secretary Tarun Rana issued a statement and said that a direction has been passed for the physical deposition of police personnel. "Therefore, we have decided to withdraw the strike," the statement added. On Saturday morning, a letter was issued by the BCI chairman to recall the upcoming strike/agitation. On Saturday evening, the lawyer's body rejected the request made by the Bar Council of India (BCI) to recall the strike. "However, we would like to make it crystal clear that the Coordination Committee has raised the agitation to protect the interest of the public at large and will continue with the agitation till our genuine demand is not met with," the coordination committee had said. The committee had said that its genuine demand that "all the police officials have to appear physically before the court for deposition/ evidence is not acceded to, we shall continue with our call for indefinite abstention from work from September 08, 2025 and the same shall be in a more intensified manner". The Coordination Committee, on September 4, declared a strike from Monday onwards after a circular issued by the Delhi Police. This decision was taken after the issuance of a circular by the Delhi police for deposition of formal police witnesses from police stations. Lawyers said that the circular was not in line with the final outcome of the meeting and the assurance given by the Union Home Minister on September 2. The Delhi police, on September 4, issued a circular stating that only formal police witnesses may be permitted to be examined through video conferencing from the designated place for deposition. "The examination of material police witnesses may continue to be conducted in physical mode, pending further consultations among various stakeholders," the Delhi police circular said. Delhi police circular stated that 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 had 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. On August 28, the district court lawyers had suspended their strike against LG's 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 operation of the LG's notification would only be carried out after hearing all stakeholders. The Mumbai civic body has collected 508 tonnes of 'nirmalya' (floral offerings) from natural water bodies and more than 290 artificial ponds following the immersion of idols of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Gauri, officials said. IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's wife Amruta Fadnavis, and BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and actor Akshay Kumar participate in a beach cleanup drive, a day after immersion of the idols of Lord Ganesha during Ganesh Chaturthi festival, at Juhu Beach in Mumbai on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Photo Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' wife Amruta Fadnavis, and civic chief Bhushan Gagrani joined the special cleanliness drive at the famous Juhu beach here on Sunday after the conclusion of the 11-day Ganpati festival. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in a release on Sunday said it had promoted the use of artificial ponds for idol immersions, and city residents responded positively to the awareness campaigns, opting in greater numbers for eco-friendly immersion. The BMC launched the large-scale cleaning operation across beaches and other sites after the festival concluded with Anant Chaturdashi on Saturday. As part of the post-Ganpati festival drive, the civic body collected 508 metric tonnes of 'nirmalya' from natural water bodies and more than 290 artificial ponds set up across the city, the release said. According to the BMC, 1,97,114 Ganesh idols were immersed during the 11-day festival, including 1,81,375 household idols, 10,148 public mandal idols, and 5,591 idols of Goddess Gauri and Hartalika. Of them, the maximum 60,434 idols were immersed after one-and-a-half days of the festival, 40,230 on the fifth day, 59,704 on the seventh day, and 36,746 on the last day of the festival. Out of the idols immersed on the last day, 5,937 were of public mandals, 30,490 of households, and 319 were of Goddess Gauri, the BMC said. The immersion process was carried out smoothly owing to detailed planning, coordination with the Mumbai Police and other government agencies, and cooperation from Ganesh devotees and citizens, the release said. KABUL, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- A recent earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan's Kunar province has left more than 157,000 students unable to attend school, with dozens of educational facilities destroyed or damaged, local media outlet TOLOnews reported late Sunday. A total of 157,074 students across the province are currently out of school in the disaster's aftermath, TOLOnews quoted Mohibullah Haidari, the provincial education director, as saying. The official reported that the quake killed 391 students and three teachers, while injuring 760 students and 20 teachers. Kunar's education department stated that 53 schools were destroyed and 253 were partially damaged, severely hindering the launch of the new academic year. A total of 2,205 people were killed and 3,640 others injured in the earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Aug. 31. US President Donald Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro on Monday termed India's purchases of Russian oil as "blood money" and said Delhi didn't buy oil from Moscow in large quantities before the Ukraine conflict. IMAGE: Peter Navarro, senior counselor for trade and manufacturing in the Donald Trump administration. Photograph: Kent Nishimura/Reuters Using an expletive in his post on X, Navarro said, "Fact: India didn't buy Russian oil in large quantities before Russia invaded Ukraine. It's blood money and people are dying." Last week, Navarro, White House's Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing, had said in a post that India highest tariffs costs US jobs. India buys Russian oil purely to profit/revenues feed Russia war machine. Ukrainians/Russians die. US taxpayers shell out more. India can't handle truth/spins. When a community note was added to Navarro's post by X, he slammed Elon Musk, saying the X billionaire owner is letting propaganda into people's posts. That crap note below is just that. Crap. India buys Russia oil solely to profiteer. It didn't buy any before Russia invaded Ukraine. Indian govt spin machine moving high tilt. Stop killing Ukrainians. Stop taking American jobs. X said that Community Notes on X is a crowd-sourced program where X users can add context, fact-checks to potentially misleading posts. Contributors write notes, which are then rated by other contributors with diverse viewpoints. The community note included links to news reports on Russian President Vladimir Putin's comments, made during his joint press conference with Trump in Alaska last month, that trade between Washington and Moscow grew since the Republican leader's second term in the White House. In a rant, Navarro said, Should X put up posts like one below where foreign interests masquerade as objective observers and interfere with domestic U.S. economics and politics? On earlier post, you can see Indian special interests trying to interfere with domestic dialogue with lies about India buying Russian oil. Should X present this crap as comments from "diverse viewpoints? One of the community notes on Navarro's post said that his remark that Brahmins are profiteering is not only baseless but also a hypocritical attempt to meddle in India's internal affairs and spread divisive narratives. Navarro had said that Brahmins are profiteering at the expense of the Indian people and it needs to stop. The relations between New Delhi and Washington are on a downturn after Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 per cent, including a 25 percent additional duty for India's purchase of Russian crude oil. India described the US action as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable" and even wondered why it had been singled out for the punitive action. Surprisingly, the US has not imposed any punitive measures on China, the largest importer of Russian crude oil. Defending its purchase of Russian crude oil, India has been maintaining that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics. India turned to purchasing Russian oil sold at a discount after Western countries imposed sanctions on Moscow and shunned its supplies over its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. As many as 2,493 graves were identified as belonging to foreign terrorists who were killed in counter-insurgency operations. These individuals often lacked identification to conceal their networks and maintain Pakistan's plausible deniability. Kindly note the image have only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Arbiansyah Sulud/Pexels A new field study has challenged the long-standing 'mass grave' narrative in north Kashmir, concluding that more than 90 per cent of the 4,056 unmarked graves investigated belong to foreign and local terrorists. The report, titled Unravelling the Truth: A Critical Study of Unmarked and Unidentified Graves in Kashmir Valley, is based on the study conducted by the Kashmir-based NGO Save Youth Save Future Foundation (SYSFF). Researchers led by Wajahat Farooq Bhat, Zahid Sultan, Irshad Ahmed Bhat, Anika Nazir, Muddasir Ahmed Dar and Shabir Ahmed physically inspected and documented 373 graveyards across the border districts of Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora in north Kashmir and Ganderbal in central Kashmir. 'The organisation, which is funded by people, started this project in 2018 and completed the groundwork in 2024. After that, we were preparing the report for submitting to various government offices. The report can stand testimony to counter any narrative that is being dictated from across the border to spread panic in the Kashmir valley,' Wajahat Farooq Bhat said. Using a rigorous methodology that included GPS tagging, photographic documentation, oral testimonies and an analysis of official records, the study aimed to provide evidence rather than relying on unverified accounts. The research team documented a total of 4,056 graves, with the data revealing a reality that differs significantly from previous claims made by groups having vested interests, according to the researchers. As many as 2,493 graves (approximately 61.5 per cent) were identified as belonging to foreign terrorists who were killed in counter-insurgency operations, the report stated. It noted that these individuals often lacked identification to conceal their networks and maintain Pakistan's plausible deniability. Around 1,208 graves (approximately 29.8 per cent) belonged to local militants from Kashmir who were killed in encounters with security forces. Many of these graves were identified through community testimonies and family acknowledgements. The researchers found only nine confirmed civilian graves, a mere 0.2 per cent of the total. This finding, according to the SYSFF, directly contradicts the claims of civilian mass graves and suggests that allegations of systematic extrajudicial killings have been 'significantly overstated'. The study also identified 70 graves of tribal invaders who died during the 1947 Kashmir War, highlighting the historical depth of conflict-related burials in the region. Bhat emphasised the need for a comprehensive forensic investigation of the 276 genuinely unmarked graves using modern DNA testing to address humanitarian concerns. It said the field investigation community engagement formed a crucial component of the research methodology, involving semi-structured interviews with a diverse cross-section of stakeholders. These include local clerics and members of Auqaf mosque committees, gravediggers with decades of experience, families of local militants and disappeared persons, long-term residents with knowledge of local burial practices and former militants who had surrendered or were released. This report debunks the claims of certain advocacy groups and international organisations that have portrayed these burial sites as evidence of state-sponsored atrocities. The SYSFF report argues that its findings reveal such characterisations are largely unsupported by ground evidence. Bhat called on the international community to demand systematic verification of such claims before making policy decisions. The study attributes the surge in burials between 1990 and 2000 to the influx of foreign militants following the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, a period that fundamentally altered the nature of the Kashmir conflict. The group, which mainly comprises scholars studying in various universities, said that following the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence and military establishment redirected their resources and expertise towards Kashmir, viewing it as the next front in their strategic competition with India. 'This shift introduced foreign militants, sophisticated weapons, radical ideologies and external funding that fundamentally altered the character of the Kashmir conflict. Groups like Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad gained prominence during this period, bringing with them agendas that extended far beyond traditional Kashmiri political aspirations,' the researchers said. It said the influx of foreign militants created unprecedented security challenges for the security forces, who found themselves confronting well-trained, heavily armed infiltrators operating without local identification or family connections. 'The comprehensive field investigation led to the documentation of a total of 4,056 graves across four districts. The data revealed a complex reality that differs substantially from earlier claims and popular narratives surrounding these burial sites,' they said. Bhat said he and his colleagues grew up in an environment where mass graves were being projected as a reality. 'For once, we decided to find it by ourselves what the truth is and the findings directly contradict claims of widespread civilian mass graves and suggest that allegations of systematic extrajudicial killings resulting in mass anonymous burials lack empirical foundation,' the group said. The study also highlights Pakistan's moral and humanitarian responsibility to acknowledge its citizens among the foreign militants buried in Kashmir and to facilitate family visits to these graves in accordance with international humanitarian norms. 'The systematic denial and abandonment of these individuals by the Pakistani state represents a significant humanitarian failure that has prolonged the suffering of both Kashmiri communities who have borne the burden of caring for these graves and Pakistani families who may never know the fate of their relatives,' the report said. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff Violent protests by youths against a government ban on social media sites rocked Nepal on Monday, with police's use of force leaving at least 19 people dead and over 300 others injured, and home minister Ramesh Lekhak resigning over the situation. IMAGE: Protestors vandalise the Parliament gate in Kathmandu. Photograph: ANI on X The Nepali Army was deployed in the capital after the situation deteriorated. The army personnel have taken control of the roads surrounding the parliament complex in New Baneshwor. Earlier, thousands of youths, including school students, under the banner of Gen Z, staged a massive protest in front of the Parliament in the heart of Kathmandu and shouted anti-government slogans demanding immediate revocation of the ban. The demonstration turned violent when some protesters entered the Parliament complex, prompting police to use water cannons, tear gas, and live rounds to disperse crowds, eyewitnesses said. Nepal Police spokesperson Binod Ghimire said 17 people were killed in clashes in various parts of Kathmandu during the rally, and two protesters died in Sunsari district of eastern Nepal in police firing. The protests spread to Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Bharatpur, Itahari and Damak. Home minister Ramesh Lekhak, who represented the Nepali Congress party in the coalition government led by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, resigned on moral grounds following the deadly clashes, the Nepali Congress sources said. He submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Oli at a cabinet meeting held at the PM's residence, Baluwatar, in the evening, according to a minister who attended the meeting. Citing hospital officials, The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported that eight people died at the National Trauma Centre, three at Everest Hospital, three at Civil Hospital, two at Kathmandu Medical College, and one at Tribhuvan Teaching Hospital. Citing the Ministry of Health, the paper said that hospitals across the country are treating at least 347 injured protesters - Civil Hospital 100, Trauma Centre 59, Everest 102, KMC 37, Bir Hospital six, Patan Hospital four, Tribhuvan Teaching 18, Norvic three, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences two, Gandaki Medical College one, Birat Medical College four, and Damak Hospital seven. The Himalayan Times newspaper said that hospitals, including Civil Hospital and Trauma Centre, are struggling to accommodate patients and have begun referring them to other facilities. Following the violence, the local administration imposed a curfew in several parts of the capital. Besides Kathmandu, curfew orders were issued in Lalitpur district, Pokhara, Butwal and Itahari of Sunsarai district. No movement of people, demonstration, meeting, gathering or sit-in will be allowed in the restricted zone, chief district officer Chhabi Lal Rijal said in a notice. The local administration later extended the restrictive order to various areas surrounding Rastrapati Bhawan, the Vice-President's residence and the Prime Minister's Office. The government on Thursday banned 26 social media sites, including Facebook, WhatsApp, X, Instagram and YouTube, for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology within the given deadline. Although the government has clarified its stance that the social media sites were banned to bring them under regulation. But the general perception among the masses is that this will lead to an attack on free speech, and it may lead to censorship. Prime Minister Oli on Sunday said that his government would always oppose anomalies and arrogance, and would never accept any act that undermines the nation. The prime minister said the party is not against social media, but what cannot be accepted is those doing business in Nepal, making money, and yet not complying with the law. Referring to the criticism over the move, he called protesters and agitating voices puppets who only oppose for the sake of opposing. Dozens of journalists demonstrated at Maitighar Mandala in the heart of Kathmandu on Sunday, protesting the government's decision to ban 26 social media platforms. Separately, the Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) in a statement said that shutting down important platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube all at once can have a serious impact on education, business, communication, and the daily lives of ordinary citizens. This move of the government also poses the risk of Nepal falling behind the world digitally, CAN president Sunaina Ghimire said, adding that sufficient discussions should be held with stakeholders to bring practical solutions. Another group of youngsters, who launched a campaign called Nepo Kid on various social media platforms, also joined the protests. Nepo Kid, a social media trend, has become viral in recent days, with youngsters accusing the children of politicians and influential people of enjoying privileges with money earned from corruption Absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi, if extradited from Belgium, will be housed in Barrack Number 12 at the Arthur Road jail in Mumbai. With this arrangement, there would be no chance of overcrowding or solitary confinement, as at least one more economic offender is expected to be housed in his cell. IMAGE: File image of diamantaire Mehul Choksi. Photograph: ANI Photo The Union Home Ministry informed the Belgian authorities through a September 4 communique that the personal living space for each inmate in Barack number 12 of the prison is in line with and fully meets the minimum space requirement of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) of Europe. Choksi was arrested in Belgium in April based on an extradition request from the CBI. He is wanted in the Rs 13,000 crore bank fraud case in Punjab National Bank, which he allegedly orchestrated along with his nephew Nirav Modi. Choksi (66) had fled to Antigua and Barbuda, where he had taken citizenship months before the scam became public. After he was stopped in Belgium, the CBI, the External Affairs Ministry, and the Home Ministry swung into action to get him extradited to India to face the law. The home ministry's letter to the Belgian authorities is based on details received from the Maharashtra Prison Department about the arrangements to house Choksi in the event of his extradition, and aims to convince them that the prison arrangements meet European standards. It has sent these details to the authorities in Antwerp, where arguments for his extradition are likely to start in court soon. Such assurances are standard while seeking extradition from abroad. In the letter, MHA Joint Secretary Rakesh Kumar Pandey stated that the argument of overcrowding cannot be made in relation to the Arthur Road jail's barrack number 12. There are no prisoners in cells one and two of the barrack presently, and the minimum requirement of three square meters per person is "adequately provided", it said. "Mehul Choksi will not be held in conditions that amount to solitary confinement. Choksi would be held in his cell inside Barrack number 12 of Arthur Road prison with at least one more prisoner (accused of economic offences or white collar crime with whom he would share a common language)," it said. The cell in which Choksi will be detained is approximately 20 feet by 15 feet and has a separate toilet and washroom, the MHA letter said. It detailed that the ceiling is approximately 15 feet in height, with three windows, five upper ventilators, and a grilled main door, which provides sufficient air circulation. The MHA letter to Belgian authorities said there is a "high level of security" provided at the entrance of the barrack with several CCTVs, a prison officer and a prison guard on duty round the clock. "Barrack No. 12 is separate from the general prison complex and hence there is no question of overcrowding, violence and extortion in Barrack No. 12. Inmates in the Arthur Road prison complex are segregated according to age, type of crime, and their special needs, if any, such as physical disability, medical requirements, etc," it said. Violent and habitual prisoners are kept in separate high-security cells. The letter assured the Belgian authorities that Choksi would be provided a clean, thick cotton mat, pillow, bed sheet, and blanket in the cell, which would be swept and mopped daily, and rubbish would be cleared twice daily. There would be no air conditioning or heating, as there is no such requirement in Mumbai's tropical climate. "The cells in Barrack number 12 have three grilled windows and one grilled door facing the passage, which is directly in front of the living areas of the cell. "This passage receives natural light throughout the day...There are three ceiling fans in each of the living space areas and three ceiling fans in the hallway/passage area directly in front of the living space area," the letter said. Listing out other facilities like flush toilets attached in the cell, daily supply of fresh drinking water, outdoor exercises, rest areas, board games such as chess, carrom, and badminton, the prison department said Art of Living Yoga Sessions are also provided to the inmates of the Barrack, which also has a 15-feet-by-40-feet "open to sky" yard. It stated that, apart from daily newspapers in English and local languages, terrestrial TV channels, video conferencing facilities, and telemedicine services are also available in the barracks. Meeting with blood relatives is permitted once a week, and lawyer meetings are allowed daily, the letter stated. The prison authorities stated that round-the-clock medical facilities are available, and they include a separate prison hospital, six medical officers, regular visits by external medical consultants, and an in-house ambulance. Choksi would be sent for regular specialist consultations at the government hospital if such a need arises. In the event of an emergency, he will be transferred to the JJ Group of Hospitals, and regular visits from specialist consultant doctors will be scheduled on a weekly basis, the MHA letter stated. "If any medical reports of Mehul Choksi are shared with the Government of India before or at the time of his extradition, they will be considered by the medical and prison authorities in India. His travel to India will be arranged with his medical condition in mind," it said. The letter also said that the government has given an assurance that Choksi will also have the choice of receiving treatment from a private doctor or mental health expert of his choice in prison or over video link, as and when required and paid for by him. "If, on medical advice, he requires treatment in hospital, he can be moved to JJ Hospital, or if so advised by JJ Hospital, to any other medical facility, if required. "Appropriate arrangements would be made for his security. He would be allowed to use his funds available with him or the funds of his family or friends for this purpose", the MHA letter said. The stage is set for a direct contest between ruling National Democratic Alliance nominee CP Radhakrishnan and joint Opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy for Tuesday's vice-presidential election, with the Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance having a clear edge in the poll necessitated due to the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. IMAGE: Opposition MPs attend a mock poll session regarding the voting process for the Vice Presidential election at the Central Hall of Parliament, in New Delhi, September 8, 2025. Photograph: AICC/ANI Photo Members of both Houses of Parliament will cast their votes in the Parliament House between 10 am and 5 am on Tuesday. Counting votes will begin at 6 pm, and the results will be announced late evening. Members of Parliament are not bound by party whips to vote in the vice presidential election, which takes place under a secret ballot system. The BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led Opposition grouping held separate meetings with their respective MPs on poll eve to sensitise them about the election process and also held mock polls. The MPs will be handed out ballot papers containing the names of the two contesting candidates and will have to mark their preference by writing the figure '1' opposite the name of the candidate of their choice. "The figures may be marked in the international form of Indian numerals or in the Roman form or in the form used in any Indian language but shall not be indicated in words," the rules of the vice presidential election state. The electoral college for the vice presidential election comprises a total of 788 members - 245 from the Rajya Sabha and 543 from the Lok Sabha. The 12 nominated members of the Rajya Sabha are also eligible to vote in the election. The present strength of the electoral college is 781 as six seats are vacant in the Rajya Sabha and one in the Lok Sabha. This puts the majority mark at 391. The NDA has 425 MPs, while the opposition camp has the backing of 324. Among the political parties that are not part of the ruling or the opposition camps, the YSRCP, with 11 members in Parliament, has decided to support the NDA nominee, while the BRS and the BJD have decided to abstain from voting in the election. While Radhakrishnan is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran from Tamil Nadu and the Governor of Maharashtra, Reddy is a former Supreme Court judge who hails from Telangana and is known for key judgements, including the one declaring Salwa Judum, a group of trained tribal youth deployed as special police officers to take on Naxalites, as illegal and unconstitutional. The issue of Reddy's Salwa Judum judgement spiced up the otherwise staid campaign for the vice presidential election with Home Minister Amit Shah claiming that the 2011 verdict was a setback to the efforts to fight Maoism in Chhattisgarh. The vice-presidential poll has been described by the opposition as an ideological battle, even as the numbers are stacked in favour of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The NDA is projecting Radhakrishnan as an untainted leader with rich political and administrative experience for the vice president's office and maintaining that these qualities would also prove to be useful as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Radhakrishnan (67) served as a two-term member of the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and later went on to lead the saffron party in Tamil Nadu. Reddy (79), who retired from the apex court in July 2011, is a veteran jurist known for several landmark judgments criticising the then Union government for showing slackness in probing black-money cases. As an apex court judge, Reddy ordered the formation of a special investigation team to take all steps for bringing back unaccounted monies unlawfully kept in bank accounts abroad. Retrieving black money deposited in foreign banks was a key electoral plank of the BJP ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha election. In a fervent appeal to MPs ahead of the vice presidential polls, Reddy on Sunday exhorted them not to let party loyalty guide their choice and asserted that by voting for him, they would be ensuring that the Rajya Sabha stands as a true temple of democracy. In a video message, Reddy told the MPs that this is not just a vote to elect their Vice-President but is a vote for the spirit of India itself. Since the filing of nomination papers on August 20, Radhakrishnan has met MPs from all the states in groups and sought their support in the election, while Reddy has toured different states and met leaders of opposition parties. Reddy's meeting with RJD founder Lalu Prasad came under attack from the BJP which questioned the opposition candidate for meeting a person convicted in a scam. The Congress-led INDIA bloc is projecting Reddy as a consistent and courageous champion of social, economic and political justice. Reddy has had a long and eminent legal career, including as a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, the chief justice of the Gauhati High Court and a judge of the Supreme Court. He also led the committee that undertook the caste survey in Telangana. Sankarshan Thakur, editor of The Telegraph whose prowess with words added that extra edge to his analyses and ground reports, died at a Gurgaon hospital on Monday after prolonged illness. He was 63. Photograph: @SankarshanT/X Born in Patna in 1962, Thakur was the son of senior journalist Janardhan Thakur. He received his early education at St Xavier's in Patna and later in Delhi, before earning a degree in political science from Hindu College, Delhi University. Thakur, who began his journalism career in 1984 with SUNDAY magazine, is survived by his wife Sona, daughter Jahan and son Ayushman. He worked in several places, including The Indian Express, Tehelka and The Telegraph in two stints. Known for his sharp political commentary and empathetic pen, Thakur was a keen chronicler of India's politics, particularly Bihar. His home state was the focus of not just his journalism but also his credentials as an author. Thakur authored the widely cited and bestselling biographies of the state's prominent political figures. His books include Subaltern Saheb, a political biography of former chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Single Man: The Life and Times of Nitish Kumar of Bihar, and "The Brothers Bihari", a highly acclaimed political diptych on Yadav and Kumar. His untimely death led to an outpouring of grief on social media and elsewhere. Several politicians, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and Rashtriya Janata Dal's Manoj Kumar Jha remembered the journalist for his incisive writings. Abdullah said Thakur was one of the few journalists who 'made an effort to travel extensively around J&K and, while travelling, actually listened without judgment'. 'Very sorry to hear about the tragic death of @SankarshanT. He was an excellent journalist, objective & well informed... He put up a brave fight but ultimately the illness prevailed. May his soul rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family,' Abdullah posted on X. Ramesh described Thakur as a 'delightfully brilliant writer'. 'He was a very incisive analyst of Indian politics and his numerous articles on Bihar as well as J&K established his reputation. Over the many years that he sparkled as a journalist, he was consistently informed and educated. He belonged to a breed that is already endangered,' the Rajya Sabha MP said in his post. One might agree or disagree with his views on Bihar and Jammu and Kashmir but he shall always be remembered for his insight into the ground, said Jha in a lengthy post while pointing out that Thakur loved 'swimming against the current'. His colleagues and many readers agreed. "Thakur was deeply objective in his writings, never allowing his personal likes or dislikes to influence his reportage. In fact, I had a word with him 10-15 days ago and as usual, he was full of life - telling stories, laughing. He was not someone who would make his illness a big deal," senior journalist and author Rasheed Kidwai told PTI. Struggling to speak about his long-time associate who had drafted him into The Telegraph in 1995-96, Kidwai remembered him as a 'lively figure' and a journalist with impeccable integrity. 'He was eagerly looking forward to covering the upcoming Bihar elections. But his knowledge wasn't confined to Bihar alone -- it was encyclopaedic. He wrote on a wide range of issues. Kashmir, in particular, was very close to his heart; it was his idea of happiness,' he added. In addition to his in-depth reporting on Bihar, Thakur published monographs on a range of critical issues, including the Kargil War, Pakistan and caste-based honour killings in Uttar Pradesh. The Editors Guild of India condoled the passing of the "gifted writer," noting that Thakur enjoyed a formidable reputation as both a journalist and an author. 'A fearless ground reporter, he brought to life some of India's most defining events - from the Kargil war front, Bhopal tragedy, 1984 anti-Sikh riots and Indira Gandhi's assassination, to the complexities of Kashmir, the Sri Lankan civil war, and socio-political currents in Bihar and Pakistan,' the Guild said in a statement. Thakur's distinguished contributions earned him the Prem Bhatia Award for excellence in political journalism (2001) and the Appan Menon Fellowship (2003). Readers, fellow journalists and friends wrote in with their tributes and personal memories of the journalist, flooding social media platforms. Senior journalist A J Philip, in his tribute titled Sankarshan Thakur: A Reporter Who Wrote with a Poet's Pen, recalled Thakur's 'nuanced and riveting' dispatches from the 1999 Kargil War. 'He was holidaying in Goa when he heard about the 'war' in Kargil. Without hesitation, he rushed there. His reports from the conflict zone were nuanced and riveting. Television reporters like Barkha Dutt became household names with their ground-zero coverage, but Sankarshan's words captured the complexity of the war with a depth that only print could provide,' Philip wrote. Author Nilanjana Roy termed him the 'lighthouse of an editor'. 'A great and saddening loss. Sankarshan Thakur held on to courage and his conscience when so many sold theirs. He was a gifted writer, the sharpest of political analysts, and kept faith with the people , the country, and the Constitution. Such a lighthouse of an editor,' she said on X. In January this year, Thakur wrote a condolence message for a friend on X and bemoaned the 'brutal uncertainties of life'. 'Irredeemably sad to learn that Tarun Bhartiya @LudditeNed is no more. What a fine mind, what a multifaceted person. What a loss. Such are the brutal uncertainties of life,' he said. It was among his last posts on X. Security has been stepped up in several districts of Uttar Pradesh that share their borders with Nepal following violent youth-led protests in the Himalayan nation over the ban on social media platforms, officials said on Monday. IMAGE: Police use tear gas to disperse people protesting against the governments decision to block several social media platforms outside the parliament building, in Kathmandu, September 8, 2025. Photograph: ANI Video Grab At least 19 people were killed and over 250 injured after security forces opened fire on demonstrators who stormed Parliament in Kathmandu on Monday, intensifying anger over the ban on 26 social media sites. The Nepalese government has imposed curfew in several regions, including parts of the Terai, and deployed the army to contain the unrest. In Balrampur, Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar said security has been tightened along the border and intelligence agencies have been instructed to maintain strict surveillance. "Drone monitoring is being carried out and additional forces deployed at all police stations adjoining the border," he said. In Bahraich, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has stepped up patrolling and increased checks along highways as well as village tracks and forest routes connecting India and Nepal. "While only sporadic protests were reported near Nepalgunj, we have strengthened vigilance on our side. Patrolling has been intensified and monitoring devices like face-recognition systems and automatic number plate readers are being closely used," said Ganga Singh Udawat, Commandant of SSB's 42nd battalion. In Maharajganj, security has been tightened at the Sonauli border with joint vigil by police and SSB. Special checks are being carried out at bus stands and on passengers returning from Nepal, while dog squads have inspected public places. "Full vigilance is being maintained on the border. Instructions have been issued to all station house officers to monitor every activity, and security forces are ready to deal with any situation," Superintendent of Police Somendra Meena said. He added that the Nepali administration had closed the Belhiya and Maheshpur Bhansar offices in the Butwal and Bhairahwa region, halting vehicle movement and enforcing a four-kilometre-radius restriction on gatherings and processions. In Lakhimpur Kheri, authorities reported a tense but calm situation at the Gaurifanta border that connects Pallia tehsil to Nepal's Dhangarhi. "Security agencies, including police and the SSB, are on high alert in view of the tense situation in Nepal," said Yadavendra Yadav, deputy superintendent of police, Pallia. He added that while no restrictions had been imposed, people on their own avoided movement across the border, resulting in a noticeable slowdown. "The main transit route at Gaurifanta remained calm, and people avoided taking long routes into Nepal," he said. In Pilibhit, District Magistrate Gyanendra Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav said SSB personnel had been put on alert along the international border following reports of escalating protests in Nepal's Mahendranagar and Dhangadhi areas. The officials confirmed that no curfew or restrictions had been imposed on the Indian side so far, but added that constant monitoring was underway. "There are deep trade and family ties between Pilibhit and Nepal. Many families here have residences and businesses across the border. As of now, no restrictions on movement have been imposed, but we are keeping a close watch on developments," the DM said. SSP Abhishek Yadav added that joint patrolling by SSB and police was being conducted along border police stations such as Hazara, Madhotanda and Neuria. "So far, no untoward reaction has been observed on either side of the border," he said. Local residents along the border said the restrictions in Nepal have created panic. "India and Nepal share the 'roti-beti' relationship, but calling across the border is very expensive. A one-minute call costs more than Rs 7. That's why people rely on social media to connect with friends and relatives. Now, with the ban, many are distressed, especially families with daughters married across the border," said Akash Pandey, a resident of Sonouli in Maharajganj. Tourism has also taken a hit. "Many Indian tourists who had crossed over are now stranded due to the curfew. We hope the government will arrange for their safe return," said Srichan Gupta, a resident of Bharwan in Nepal. Civil society groups, journalists and the tech industry in Nepal have criticised the government's move to shut down platforms vital for education, business and communication, warning that it risks pushing the country backwards digitally. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) was 'essential', as electoral rolls were not perfect. IMAGE: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo He added that the best approach for the Election Commission of India (ECI) would be to address such matters in an open and transparent manner. "Everyone who has participated in elections has known that the electoral rolls are not perfect. There are duplicates, dead voters, and living voters who are not registered. Additionally, there are people who have moved to a new address and have two or three addresses in two or three different booths. All of these things have existed, but if it has happened on a very big scale, then they need to be addressed. I think the election commission's best approach should be to confront these matters very openly," Tharoor told ANI. He further stated that with advancements in digital technologies, the process of cleaning and updating electoral rolls could now be made more efficient and reliable, emphasising the importance of conducting an SIR annually to remove any doubts. "Fortunately, nowadays our digital technologies have improved so much that you can develop an algorithm to go through all the voter registrations, flag every duplicate thing, raise certain questions, do I think a revision every few years is essential, maybe every year even. But let's use modern computer technology and do it efficiently and make sure that no one has any doubt," he added. Tharoor stressed that maintaining the credibility of the Election Commission was crucial and that any legitimate concerns raised by the opposition should be addressed fairly. "It's in the interest of the election commission's own credibility that no voter should have any doubt in their minds and hearts about the fairness of the election...Challenges there are, and no one is going to achieve perfection. But we can certainly respond, I hope in a fair manner, to the legitimate concerns and the legitimate questions asked by the opposition," he further added. Extending his support to the Centre's recent reforms to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, Tharoor said the Congress had long advocated for reducing the number of tax slabs, and the current system was a move towards fairness. "Now I think it's a much fairer system and we hope it'll be much better for everyone." "We in the Congress party have been asking for this for many years. I think our leaders have been flagging the need to go from four rates to at least just two, or ideally one, one day, because this is actually unfair to people. When you had four rates, it was confusing, it was difficult. People were not happy about this. So now I think it's a much fairer system and we hope it'll be much better for everyone..." Tharoor said. On the recent controversy involving a post by the Kerala Congress unit comparing 'Bidi' and 'Bihar', Tharoor said the matter had been settled and there was no need to revisit it. "That is over now. I don't want to berate the point; it's been taken down. I think whatever has to be said about that has been said already," he said. The White House trade adviser, Peter Navarro, on Sunday (local time) again added to his previous meltdown, after being corrected over spreading misinformation pertaining to India's purchase of Russian oil, by dismissing the community notes on X and accusing it of serving 'foreign interests' that meddle in domestic US economics and politics. IMAGE: Peter Navarro, senior counselor for trade and manufacturing in the Donald Trump administration. Photograph: Kent Nishimura/Reuters In a series of posts on X, Navarro, who is the Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing for US President Donald Trump, again called the community notes 'crap', which fact-checked his post on Friday (local time), where he accused India of profiteering from Russian oil, alongside alleging that New Delhi's tariffs cost 'Americans' jobs'. He challenged X's content moderation policies and launched a poll to gauge user opinions, escalating his feud with the social media platform after being corrected on his earlier post. 'Should X put up posts like one below where foreign interests masquerade as objective observers and interfere with domestic US economics and politics? See SCREEN SHOT! Take poll on next post,' the trade adviser wrote. 'On earlier post, you can see Indian special interests trying to interfere with domestic dialogue with lies about India buying Russian oil. Should X present this crap as comments from 'diverse viewpoints'?' he stated in another post. At the time of writing, the poll showed that 60.3 per cent of the users have voted 'Yes', 19.3 per cent voted 'No', and 20.3 per cent voted 'Hell no. It's obscene', which once again puts him on the back foot on the matter. Earlier, Navarro had a meltdown after being corrected over spreading misinformation pertaining to India's purchase of Russian oil on Saturday (local time). Calling the community note on X 'crap', Navarro alleged that Elon Musk is allowing 'propaganda' and reiterated his accusations of India purchasing Russian oil only to make profits. 'Wow. @elonmusk is letting propaganda into people's posts. That crap note below is just that. Crap. India buys Russia oil solely to profiteer. It didn't buy any before Russia invaded Ukraine. Indian govt spin machine moving high tilt. Stop killing Ukrainians. Stop taking American job,' Navarro wrote on X. His response came to an earlier post where he had accused India of profiteering from Russian oil in his latest slew of remarks, alongside alleging that India's tariffs cost 'Americans' jobs'. In a post on X on Friday (US local time), Navarro made the remarks in response to an article by the Washington Post, which described the conflicting efforts in Trump's administration over mending the relationship with India. The news piece by The Washington Post claimed that the inflammatory language used by Washington towards New Delhi is deepening the crisis in the relationship. Navarro criticised the report and said, 'FACTS: India highest tariffs costs U.S. jobs. India buys Russian oil purely to profit/Revenues feed Russia war machine. Ukrainians/Russians die. U.S. taxpayers shell out more. India can't handle truth/spins @washpo Leftist American fake news.' As Russia continues to escalate its strikes on Ukraine, United States President Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) said that he has plans to speak with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in the coming days, as several European leaders are expected to visit the United States for what he described as 'very interesting discussions' aimed at resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump shakes hand with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as they meet to negotiate for an end to the war in Ukraine, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska on August 15, 2025. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters "Over the next couple of days, we're going to get it done--the Russia-Ukraine situation," Trump said. "We're going to get it done. Have confidence. We will get it done." Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland after returning from the US Open finals, Trump expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs related to the conflict but reiterated his belief that peace is within reach. "We'll see. We have very interesting discussions. European leaders are coming over to our country on Monday or Tuesday, individually, and I think we're going to get that settled. I think we're going to get it done. We have to," he added. Trump, who has long touted his personal rapport with Putin, was asked whether the Russian leader's recent actions, including a major weekend assault on Ukraine, had changed his views. In response, Trump emphasised that while he had been 'tougher on Russia than anyone', he was deeply troubled by the war. "Nobody was tougher on Russia than I was," Trump said. "But I'm not happy. I'm not happy about the whole situation. It's interesting--it doesn't affect us. It's not our soldiers. It's a horrible waste of humanity." At least three people, including a child, were killed and dozens were injured after a series of overnight Russian missile and drone strikes pounded multiple Ukrainian cities, damaging residential areas and igniting a fire in Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers building. The US President further lamented the high human cost of the conflict, noting that it was a 'horrible waste of humanity'. Earlier, Trump announced that he is ready to impose additional sanctions on Russia in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. When asked if he is ready to move to the second phase of sanctions against Russia and punish Putin, Trump said, "Yes, I am..." On Friday, Trump admitted to not being able to fulfil one of his campaign promises, which helped him to win a second term in the White House, acknowledging his failure to stop the ongoing conflict, describing it as 'probably the most difficult' conflict he faced during his administration. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, reads out a congratulatory letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping and delivers an address at the opening ceremony of the 25th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 8, 2025. The 25th CIFIT opened here on Monday. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) XIAMEN, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the 25th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) on Monday in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province. He, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the CIFIT is an important platform for the promotion of two-way investment in China and has become a bridge connecting China with the world, enabling the world to share in the development opportunities arising from Chinese modernization. He stated that China will steadfastly advance its high-standard opening-up, deepen international cooperation on industrial and supply chains, and promote the high-quality development of the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. He expressed the hope that global investors will continue deepening their engagement in the Chinese market, work together to uphold the international economic and trade order, and write a new chapter of win-win cooperation. Ahead of the opening ceremony, the vice premier met with foreign leaders attending the event. On Sunday afternoon, he presided over a symposium of multinational corporations and met with members of the China Investment Corporation's international advisory committee. EVMs can't be used in presidential, vice-presidential, or Rajya Sabha polls because they only count simple votes, not the preference-based system needed for these elections. Photograph: ANI Photo Electronic voting machines (EVMs), which have so far been used in five Lok Sabha and over 130 assembly polls, cannot be used in presidential, vice presidential, Rajya Sabha and state legislative council elections. Why? Because the machines, in use since 2004, are designed to work as vote aggregators in direct elections such as the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Voters press the button against the name of the candidate of their choice and the one who bags the maximum number of votes is declared elected. But the presidential and vice presidential elections are held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote. Under the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote, every elector can mark as many preferences as there are candidates contesting the election. These preferences for the candidates are to be marked by the elector, by placing the figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and so on, against the names of the candidates in order of preference in the space provided in column 2 of the ballot paper. National Democratic Alliance candidate C P Radhakrishnan and Opposition nominee Justice P Sudershan Reddy are in the fray for the September 9 vice presidential election, necessitated by Jagdeep Dhankhar's surprise resignation on July 21. Like the Rajya Sabha elections, voting and counting are held on the same day in the election to the office of the vice president. The EVMs, officials explained, are not designed to register this system of voting. The EVM is an aggregator of votes and under the system of proportional representation, the machine will have to compute votes based on preference and it requires an altogether different technology. In other words, a different type of EVM would be needed. According to the Election Commission website, the EVM was first conceived in 1977 in the poll body and the Electronics Corporation of India Ltd, Hyderabad, was tasked with designing and developing it. In 1979, a prototype was developed, which was demonstrated by the Election Commission before representatives of political parties on August 6, 1980. Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bengaluru, another public-sector undertaking, was co-opted along with ECIL to manufacture EVMs once a broad consensus was reached on their introduction. The machines were first used in the Kerala assembly elections in May 1982. However, the absence of a specific law prescribing its use led to the Supreme Court striking down that election. Subsequently, in 1989, Parliament amended the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to create a provision for the use of EVMs in elections. A general consensus on the introduction of EVMs could be reached only in 1998 and they were used in 25 assembly constituencies spread across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi. In the assembly elections held in May 2001 in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry and West Bengal, the EVMs were used in all the assembly constituencies. Since then, the Election Commission has used the EVMs for every state election. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff Chirag Paswan has warned the BJP-led NDA that it will settle for nothing less than 40-plus seats in the 2025 Bihar polls, even threatening to contest all 243 constituencies independently if sidelined. IMAGE: Lok Janshakti Party-Ramvilas leader Chirag Paswan. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo Union Minister Chirag Paswan, who heads the Lok Janshakti Party-Ramvilas, an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, is adamant about contesting more than 40 of the 243 assembly seats in the Bihar assembly election due in November. Ahead of the finalisation of the NDA's seat-sharing for the Bihar election, LJP-R leader Arun Bharti, the party's Lo Sabha MP from Jamui and Chirag Paswan's brother-in-law, on Sunday warned the NDA leadership that the LJP-R is capable of contesting all 243 seats on its own. Bharti reminded the NDA leadership of his party's performance in the 2020 Bihar assembly election which it contested solo. IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with Chirag Paswan in Patna. Photograph: ANI Photo Bharti stated in a post on X that while the LJP-R won only one seat, the party contested from 137 assembly seats and its vote share was 6%. 'If we, the LJP-R, had contested from all 243 seats, our vote share could have easily reached over 10%. This is a reflection of the public support and faith our party enjoys. In the last Bihar assembly election, LJP-R made it clear that it was the only party that had the capacity to contest alone on its own,' Bharti wrote. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United blamed the LJP-R's decision to walk away from the NDA and contest the 2020 polls alone for damaging the JD-U's strike rate in that election. The JD-U won only 43 seats despite contesting 115. The party's tally came down drastically, while its ally, the BJP, won 73 seats and emerged as the largest party in the ruling NDA. Due to its poor performance, the JD-U was reduced to third position after the Rashtriya Janata Dal and BJP in the state assembly. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has backed the imposition of tariffs on countries maintaining economic ties with Russia, saying it is the 'right idea' in the face of continued aggression by Moscow. IMAGE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photograph: Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters During an interview with ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz on Friday (local time), Zelenskyy suggested that such punitive economic measures remain an effective strategy when asked if the plans to put sanctions on such countries backfired, as Russia continues with its strikes. "No. I think the idea to put tariffs on the countries who continue [to] make deals with Russia, I think this is [a] right idea," Zelenskyy said. The Ukrainian President's remarks come after Raddatz referred to the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council summit in Tianjin, China, noting the bonhomie between the three economic giants despite the US's tariffs due to the purchase of oil from Moscow. Zelenskyy, during the interview, also declined Putin's invitation for talks in Moscow for a dialogue amid the Russia-Ukraine war, stating that he cannot visit the capital of a country that continues to launch daily missile attacks on Ukraine. The Ukrainian President also suggested that his Russian counterpart should come to Kyiv if he genuinely wishes to hold discussions. "He can come to Kyiv. If a person doesn't want to meet during the war, of course, he can propose something which is acceptable to me or the other. It's understandable; I can't go to Moscow when my country's under missiles, under attack, each day. I can't go to the capital of this terrorist," Zelenskyy said. Further, the Ukrainian leader accused Putin of using the invitation as a political manoeuvre to delay dialogue, stating that the latter was 'playing games' with the United States. "And he understands it... He is doing it to postpone the meeting. He is playing games, and he is playing games with the United States," he said. Earlier, the Russian President expressed his openness to meeting Zelenskyy, suggesting that such a meeting could take place in Moscow, provided it is well-prepared and aimed at producing a constructive outcome. During a press briefing following his four-day visit to China, Putin emphasised the possibility of dialogue amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reiterating that he has 'never ruled out' such a meeting, but stressed it must be in line with Ukraine's constitutional framework. "I've already said that I've never ruled out such a meeting, but whether this can be meaningful in accordance with the Ukrainian constitution... It is possible; I never rule this out. If the meeting is well-prepared and leads to a positive potential outcome, it is possible. And by the way, Donald (Trump) asked me if it's possible to have such a meeting, and I said that it is. After all, if Zelenskyy is ready, he can come to Moscow. This is quite possible," he stated. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy on Monday called for sanctions against Russia after it launched its largest aerial assault of the Ukraine war Saturday night. In a series of posts on X, Zelenskyy said that the statements by state leaders and institutions must be backed by strong actions such as 'sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia', which he suggested through tariffs and trade restrictions with Russia. IMAGE: The Ucchi Pillayar Lord Ganesha temple. Photograph: Kind courtesy Vinayaraj/Wikimedia Commons Amritsar flood rescue: Army deploys ATOR N1200 beast. The Top Videos of the Week, listed by Shailajanand Mishra. Also see: Sachin Tendulkar offers prayers at Lalbaugcha Raja. Mahima's beautiful daughter. Videos chosen by you through your likes on iShare. A Bridge Taller Than the Qutb Minar Location: Mizoram With the kilometre Bairabi-Sairang line nearing completion, Mizoram's capital Aizawl will soon be on India's railway map for the very first time. Here are some more fascinating facts: 1. The 51.38-kilometre project has been built through one of the toughest terrains in the northeast 2. Its 48 tunnels span over 12 kilometres. 3. It has 142 bridges of varying sizes. 4. Among them, Bridge No 196 stands 104 metres tall -- higher than Delhi's Qutub Minar -- making it the tallest bridge in this section and the second-highest pier bridge in India. All Videos: ANI Mahima's Beautiful Daughter Location: Mumbai Meet Aryana. Watch: Sachin Visits Lalbaugcha Raja Location: Mumbai Sachin Tendulkar, an ardent Lord Ganesha devotee, was accompanied by his wife, Dr Anjali Tendulkar, and children Sara and Arjun. Amritsar Flood Rescue: Army Deploys ATOR N1200 Location: Amritsar The Indian Army launched rescue operations in the flood-affected Ramdas village as the Ravi overflowed. Stunning! The Ucchi Pillayar Lord Ganesha temple Location: Trichy This 7th-century-CE temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is located atop the Rock Fort in Trichy. Sonu Sood's Eco-Friendly Farewell To Lord Ganesha Location: Mumbai The actor sought Lord Ganesha's blessings before bidding Him goodbye. Banner: Dominic Xavier/ Rediff Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff David Moulton, a member of the Act 250 District 2 Commission, looks at a proposed spot to access the Connecticut River at the new location for the Putney Boathouse during a site visit on Thursday, June 15, 2023. On September 5, 2025, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the World Smart Industry Expo 2025. Xi Jinping noted that currently, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is rapidly evolving, profoundly transforming human production and lifestyles, and reshaping the global industrial landscape. China attaches great importance to the development and governance of AI and actively promotes the deep integration of AI technological innovation with industrial innovation to empower high-quality economic and social development and help improve people's lives. Xi Jinping stressed that AI should be an international public good that benefits humanity. China is ready to engage in extensive international cooperation with countries around the world in the field of AI, strengthen synergy and coordination in development strategies, governance rules, technical standards and other aspects, promote the sound and vigorous development of the intelligent industry, and ensure that the achievements of intelligent industry better benefit people in all countries. The World Smart Industry Expo 2025 opened in Chongqing on September 5, with the themes of "AI+" and "Intelligent Connected New Energy Vehicles". The expo is co-hosted by the Chongqing Municipal People's Government and the Tianjin Municipal People's Government. BEIRUT, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's cabinet on Friday approved an army plan to disarm Hezbollah and place all weapons under state control. Five Hezbollah and Amal ministers walked out in protest, and Hezbollah supporters called for mass demonstrations. Why is Lebanon moving to disarm Hezbollah? How are divergent sides reacting? What could happen next? WHY DISARM HEZBOLLAH? A Shiite political and military group in Lebanon, Hezbollah emerged in the aftermath of the Israeli invasion of the country in 1982. After the outbreak of the latest round of conflict between Israel and Palestine in October 2023, Hezbollah engaged in hostilities with Israel in support of Hamas. A ceasefire deal was reached in November 2024, but Israel maintained troops at five positions in southern Lebanon and continued airstrikes against what it claimed were Hezbollah targets. Since early this year, Washington has intensified pressure on Beirut to dismantle Hezbollah's armed wing within a timetable, warning Lebanon that failure to comply would mean continued Israeli military operations, the risk of escalation, and the loss of much-needed foreign aid. In June, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack visited Lebanon, delivering a U.S. proposal over the full disarmament of Hezbollah. In return, Washington would press Israel to halt its strikes and withdraw troops in a phased manner, while eventually mobilizing foreign funds for Lebanon's reconstruction. Adnan Bourji, director of the Lebanese National Center for Studies, said the United States and Israel share the same goal of weakening Hezbollah, which they see as an ally of Iran and a key player in the anti-U.S. and anti-Israel axis in the region. HOW ARE DIFFERENT SIDES REACTING? The Lebanese government has agreed to seize Hezbollah's weapons, but stressed that Israel must first stop its violations of Lebanese sovereignty and withdraw its troops. On July 31, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced that the government would require Hezbollah and other armed groups to hand over weapons to state control. On Aug. 5, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that the army had been tasked to prepare a plan by the end of August to ensure all weapons would come under state authority by year-end. Hezbollah has firmly rejected disarmament, insisting its weapons remain essential to Lebanon's sovereignty and defense. Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem called it "an illegitimate decision made under American and Israeli dictates." "The resistance will not surrender its weapons while aggression continues and occupation persists, and it will fight if necessary to confront this American-Israeli project, no matter the cost," Qassem warned. Israel has hailed Lebanon's move. In a statement on Aug. 25, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said it will consider "reciprocal measures," including a phased reduction of its military presence in the south, coordinated with a U.S.-led security mechanism, if the Lebanese army enforces disarmament. A senior Hezbollah official warned that the group would mobilize supporters if the government moves to solidify the disarmament plan. WHAT'S NEXT? After a cabinet meeting on Friday, Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos said that ministers approved the army's proposal but decided to keep details confidential. Morcos added the army would begin implementing the plan within its available logistical, financial and human resources, and would submit monthly progress reports to the cabinet. Analysts doubt the disarmament will proceed smoothly. Lebanese political analyst Youssef Diab said Hezbollah sees disarmament as stripping the group of its political power, hence a matter of survival. U.S. pressure could push the Lebanese government into a confrontation with Hezbollah, warned analysts, noting that a hardline approach could deepen political divisions and provoke anger among the Shiite community, while the Lebanese army lacks the capacity to forcibly disarm the group. The National, a United Arab Emirates English-language daily, quoted a Lebanese political source as saying that senior army officers appear reluctant to set a timetable for disarmament, given Lebanon's internal divisions over the issue and the lack of a clear Israeli commitment to withdraw troops and halt violations. Some analysts said that many in southern Lebanon do not see the United States as an honest broker or one that could work in Lebanon's interests as they have witnessed the U.S. support for Israel in its war in the Gaza Strip, and the occupation of Lebanese territories. Town officials in Brattleboro are hopeful that an order for contempt of court will spur some more action for the owner of 6 Reynolds Drive. State Rep. Larry Satcowitz, D, serves the Orange-Washington-Addison District (Braintree, Brookfield, Granville, Randolph, Roxbury). He is a ranking member of the House Environment Committee and a member of the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules. The opinions expressed by columnists and op-ed writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. The European Commission (EC) on Friday hit Google with a 2.95 billion (NZ$5.87 billion) antitrust fine for abusive practices in its adtech business. But observers said that IT leaders should look at the decision as a warning about a potential wave of global regulatory decisions on tech issues. For example, Friday also saw a major genAI player settling a case involving piracy of AI model training data. Anthropic on Friday told federal court officials that it had settled its genAI copyright lawsuit for US$1.5 billion, a settlement possible because a federal judge last month dismissed other copyright claims. This is hardly Googles first compliance challenge in Europe, or in other parts of the planet. And the EC statement described the Google fine as limited to one case against the company, keeping the door open to potential future actions. The European Commission has fined Google 2.95 billion for breaching EU antitrust rules by distorting competition in the advertising technology industry. It did so by favoring its own online display advertising technology services to the detriment of competing providers of advertising technology services, advertisers and online publishers, the EC statement said. The Commission has ordered Google to bring these self-preferencing practices to an end and to implement measures to cease its inherent conflicts of interest along the adtech supply chain. Other tech issues to come into play Observers saw the enterprise IT impact as potentially substantial, given the large number of technology issues before regulators in Europe in addition to many other geographies. This fine is bigger than Google and ads. Its Europe signaling that technology monopolies, whether in ad-tech, AI, quantum, or open source, will face scrutiny, said Stephen Klein, CEO of Curiouser.AI and a senior lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley. For enterprise IT leaders, that means regulation is now part of the roadmap. Just as we architect for security and scalability, well need to architect for compliance and fairness. Klein added, however, that this fine is unlikely to change Googles behavior. Google has no incentive to stop. For Google, EU fines are simply the cost of doing business. Since 2017, Brussels has fined the company over 11 billion [NZ$21.9 billion], yet in that same period Googles ad business has generated more than a trillion dollars in revenue, Klein said. The economics are obvious. The profits from bending the rules vastly outweigh the penalties. Until regulators restructure the business, this cycle of rule-breaking and fines will continue. BISHKEK, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War serves as a reminder to all mankind of the value of peace and human lives, said Sheradil Baktygulov, director of the Institute of World Politics of Kyrgyzstan. Baktygulov emphasized the significance of the commemorative events held in Beijing on Sept. 3 to mark the historic victory, noting that it came at a time when the world is again facing growing tensions, mistrust and conflicts in many corners of the planet. Unilateral sanctions, tariff threats and confrontation between some countries have once again surfaced, while the "healthy forces of human civilization" are uniting to prevent a repeat of the tragedies of a world war, Baktygulov told Xinhua. "The Chinese people know what war is and highly value peace and peaceful development," the expert said. Baktygulov also recognized the significant role of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in ensuring the complete victory of the Chinese people against Japanese aggression. Facing a full-scale invasion by militarist Japan, the CPC advocated establishing a national united front against Japanese aggression, the expert said, adding that the wise initiative rallied the entire Chinese people to fight against foreign invaders with one accord. "Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression is an important part of the World Anti-Fascist War," Baktygulov said, stressing that the Chinese people made a colossal sacrifice -- 35 million military and civilian casualties -- to save humanity from destruction by the fascists and militarists. Regarding the grand military parade on Sept. 3, Baktygulov noted that it served as a reminder that "the military is needed to protect the peaceful development of the country." The expert stressed that China never threatens other countries with unilateral sanctions or armed invasion, but strives for the peaceful resolution of all disputes and consistently defends the principles of peaceful coexistence among countries. A teenager from Afghanistan's Kunar Province tells RFE/RL's Radio Azadi how he returned from work in the city of Jalalabad to find his parents, five sisters, and two brothers dead, and his home destroyed. A total of 34 people in his extended family perished in the earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on August 31. More than 2,200 people were killed. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou appears set to lose a vote of confidence in the National Assembly on September 8, an outcome that would increase instability in one of Europe's largest countries while limiting embattled French President Emmanuel Macron's room to maneuver. Bayrou, who kicked off the debate in parliament with a speech on September 8, is expected to be followed by leaders from all 10 political groups in the legislature. The outcome of the vote could come by around 7 p.m. Paris time. The French political scene has been severely fragmented since Macron called a snap election in 2024, while economic clouds have been building over Europe's second largest economy amid rising debt levels. At the same time, Europe faces uncertainty over the war in Ukraine, a possible trade war with the United States, the rise of China. If Bayrou loses the vote, dont expect Macron to call a snap election or even tender his own resignation -- as some in the opposition are hoping -- despite having lost a trio of premiers in the last 12 months. Instead, the French president is likely to try as soon as this week to nominate a new prime minister, most likely a more left-leaning one, and try to pass a budget with more moderate cuts. Look out for nationwide strikes later in the week that could block much of the country going forward. And to get away from all this, expect the president to focus even more on foreign policy in his two remaining years in office without changing course too much. This means that the Elysee will be vocal and active in both Ukraine and the Middle East but dont expect it to put up too much money to back up the verbal grandstanding. In many ways this French chaos has been entirely predictable ever since Macron decided to call parliamentary elections in the wake of a disastrous result of his centrist Ensemble pour la Republique (Together for the Republic) in the European Parliament elections in June last year. The gambit completely backfired and, instead of shoring up political support for his policies, he completely lost control of the assembly. Since then, little in terms of legislation has been passed as his diminished party together with a small coterie of center-right groupings have formed minority governments at the mercy of either Marine Le Pens far-right National Rally or a wide-ranging coalition of leftist parties. Bayrou fell after he attempted to cut some 0.8 percent of gross domestic product from Frances ballooning deficit, which has almost reached a full 6 percent -- double the Eurozone limit. Markets will be jittery for some time to come but expect Macron to nominate someone from his own camp who is more left leaning, less economically austere, and hence capable of working better with the 66 moderate socialist deputies that allowed last years budget to pass. Alternatively, he could also nominate one of those socialists as prime minister even though the right leaning fractions in his brittle coalition might balk at this. The party to look out for is National Rally, the biggest group in the chamber. Before Le Pen was keen to avoid a political crisis, but now it appears that she is gunning for early elections in order to trigger a faster ruling from Frances constitutional watchdog, the Conseil Constitutionnel, on the legality of her election ban. She is currently barred from holding elected office after being convicted of misusing EU funds, a decision her party argues is politically motivated and which she is appealing. A ruling in Le Pens favor by the watchdog would allow her to reenter the race to become president in 2027 - the ultimate prize for her movement. As if this wasnt enough, a popular social media movement, endorsed at various times by both far-left and far-right elements, will attempt to block the country by means of violent street protests. It might just fizzle out - or it can drag on for weeks, plunging the country into a proper economic crisis. If Macron survives this and manages to get some sort of budget for 2026, he will return to the international stage, as he has done so often in recent times. This will be his safe space for months to come. Although he might not have too much cash to splash, he will continue to push for a European (preferably French) seat at the table in any future negotiations over Ukraine, shaping Middle East policy by making sure that Paris recognizes Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, and working with the E3 (France, Germany, and the UK) on a snapback mechanism that could quickly reimpose UN sanctions on Iran later this month. France will hardly be the most powerful player in any of these arenas but expect the always energetic Macron to be turbocharged on international diplomacy for the reminder of what is expected to be a turbulent presidency. Thousands of protesters led by students marched in Belgrade on September 8 demanding Serbian authorities punish police officers for acts of violence against demonstrators during recent anti-government protests. The protesters chanted slogans criticizing Serbian President Aleksandar Vucics refusal to call snap elections as they voiced anger over what they said was police brutality. While I was lying on the ground offering no resistance, a member of the police force hit me on the head from behind with a service baton, said Aleksandra Nikolic a student who addressed the rally. As a result, I suffered serious injuries to my head and mouth as well as minor injuries to my chin, hands, and knees." Another student, Nikolina Sindjelic, told the rally that said she and other protesters were beaten by police officers and accused state media of trying to justify violence with lies. Sindjelic said she was also sexually harassed after being detained last month during a protest. The entire state system has been directed against its own citizens, she said in a speech outside the headquarters of a special police unit. Protesters were hit with tear gas and rubber bullets, Sindjelic said, stating that police officers beat us because they are afraid of us. The crowd cheered her speech and chanted He is Finished, referring to Vucic. Protesters also splashed red paint outside the headquarters of the police unit. The pro-Russian Vucic has rejected the students' demand for a snap parliamentary election and has stepped up a crackdown on the protests, which have taken place regularly since the collapse of part of a roof at the Novi Sad train station that killed 16 people. Dozens of people were injured at a protest in Novi Sad on September 5 on the university campus. Police used tear gas and charged the protesters to push them away from the campus. Police have denied allegations of violence and said they acted lawfully and professionally in response to attacks by protesters who threw flares and other objects at them. A protester in Belgrade who identified herself as Andrea told RFE/RL that police behave this way even in normal times, so it wasnt a surprise. But the prosecutors office is the one that should react, she said. The judiciary is in my view the only institution left as the last line of defense. Jelena Stojic, a lawyer, asked why there have been no prosecutions. Where is the Ministry of Interiors Internal Control? she asked. And ultimately, as the most important institution, where is the public prosecutors office, and what is it doing? Russia over the weekend launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, while maintaining pressure on Kyiv's forces at the front line. The future of direct peace talks is uncertain, with hopes for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dissolving in discord between the two leaders. The discussion of security guarantees for Ukraine is clouded by questions about Washington's commitment and vocal opposition from the Kremlin to any Western forces in Ukraine. With peace seeming as distant as ever despite his efforts to end the biggest war in Europe since 1945, US President Donald Trump has hinted that new sanctions against Russia could come soon, and Washington is huddling with the EU about potential punishments for Moscow. Will the war grind on into 2026? Or is there a chance for a change? Here's what led to this moment -- and what to watch in the coming days and weeks. Problematic Peace Talks This spring and summer, Russia and Ukraine held their first direct negotiations on the war since the first few months of the full-scale invasion, with delegations meeting in Istanbul three times between May and July. Trump, meanwhile, met with Putin in Alaska on August 15 and with Zelenskyy and European leaders three days later. The Ukraine-Russia talks produced agreements on exchanges of prisoners and the remains of soldiers but brought no visible progress to toward peace or even a cease-fire. For many in Ukraine and the West, in fact, they hardened the impression that Putin, whose goal is the subjugation of Ukraine, does not want peace on anything short of his terms. No date has been set for a new round of negotiations, and Putin has fended off calls by Trump and Zelenskyy for a face-to-face meeting with the Ukrainian president by insisting that if it is held anytime soon, by which he seems to mean before a de facto Ukrainian surrender, then it must be held in Moscow -- an obvious nonstarter for Ukraine. Zelenskyy, who for months has proposed meeting in a third country, responded by saying Putin could come to Kyiv -- also a nonstarter, albeit for Moscow. "I can't go to Moscow when my country's under missiles, under attack, each day. I can't go to the capital of this terrorist," Zelenskyy told ABC News on September 5. Bombs And Battles About 48 hours later, Russia unleashed its biggest aerial attack on Ukraine yet, firing 810 drones and decoys in an assault that hit hardest in Kyiv, where the government headquarters was damaged and three people were killed, including a mother and her 3-month-old child, authorities said. After the exchange with Zelenskyy about a meeting venue, the choice of Kyiv as a target may have been no coincidence. In any case, the barrage looked like a way for Putin to repeat a statement he made days earlier on a visit to China: that Russia will achieve its goals through military force if diplomacy does not produce peace. One of Putin's goals is to control the entirety of Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson regions, which he baselessly claimed in September 2022 are part of Russia. Efforts to seize the remainder of even the Donetsk region have come at a huge cost in terms of casualties, but analysts say Putin believes Russia has the upper hand on the battlefield. Zelenskyy has said Russia has about 100,000 troops near the Donetsk region city of Pokrovsk and is gearing up for an autumn offensive. Security Guarantees While Russia presses ahead with its invasion, a major part of the diplomacy in the West -- and particularly among Kyiv's European backers -- has been discussions of security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a peace deal. French President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted a September 4 meeting of a group called the Coalition of the Willing, 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. But questions remain about a potential US role, and there are two other nagging issues. One is opposition from Russia. In China, Putin warned that foreign troops in Ukraine would be "legitimate targets" while fighting continues. He also said there would be no need for such forces if a peace deal is struck, stating Russia's compliance would be beyond doubt -- a claim widely dismissed in Ukraine and the West based on Moscow's conduct in Ukraine since it seized control of Crimea in 2014. The other problem: For a force to be deployed once the fighting is over, the fighting needs to be over. A at this point, peace seems no closer than it was when Trump took office in January following a campaign in which he repeatedly said he could end the war in a day or two. Are Tougher Sanctions On The Way? The biggest variable right now is the possibility of new Western sanctions against Russia. Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose tighter sanctions on Russia, but aside from raising tariffs on most Indian imports by 25 percent over New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, he has so far stayed his hand despite voicing frequent frustration with Putin's resistance to ending the invasion. Nothing is certain, but there are now signs he may be closer than ever to imposing new sanctions. Asked on September 7 whether ready to move to a "second phase" of sanctions, he answered, "Yeah, I am." Separately, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on NBC, "If the US and the [European Union] can come in, do more sanctions, secondary tariffs on the countries that buy Russian oil, the Russian economy will be in full collapse, and that will bring President Putin to the table." "We are prepared to increase pressure on Russia, but we need our partners in Europe to follow," Bessent said. The EU has sharply reduced Russian energy imports, but Washington is urging it to make further cuts and buy more from the United States. The EU said its sanctions envoy, David O'Sullivan, would lead a delegation to the United States on September 8 for two days of talks on coordinating sanctions against Russia. Trump has stopped short of hitting China, the biggest purchaser of Russian crude oil, with tariffs or sanctions over that trade. In addition to expanding the use of secondary tariffs, the United States has reportedly considered imposing sanctions on major Russian energy companies such as state giant Rosneft and Lukoil, as well as targeting Russia's "shadow fleet" of tankers that help it evade sanctions. "There is plenty more that the West can do," said Nigel Gould-Davies, senior fellow for Russia and Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. "Its use of secondary sanctions, the most potent weapon, remains limited. It can go much further in sanctioning shadow fleet oil tankers in particular. "Chinese entities have been risk-averse when faced with the prospect of sanctions," he told RFE/RL. "Escalating sanctions that will affect them can usefully signal the risks China faces in being what NATO now calls the 'decisive enabler' of Russia's war in Ukraine." The EU-US talks come as Brussels prepares to impose a new round of sanctions on Russia, its 19th package of penalties since the start of the full-scale invasion. Among other things, the EU is considering expanding its own "shadow fleet" sanctions, kicking more banks off the SWIFT financial transaction system, and hitting individual companies outside Russia with secondary sanctions for helping Moscow fund the war, according to French and German proposals shared with other EU members late last week and seen by RFE/RL. There is also discussion of limiting the numbers of Russian diplomats operating in the EU and Russia citizens traveling to Europe on tourist visas, the proposals and people familiar with EU deliberations said. Publicly, Russia has shrugged off Western sanctions, and it continued to do so as talk of new measures swirled. "No sanctions will be able to force the Russian Federation to change the consistent position that our president has repeatedly spoken about," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on September 8. US participation is crucial, Gould-Davies said. "America wields the strongest sanctions sticks by virtue of the key role of dollar clearing in the global economy. So whether or not America participates in new sanctions makes an enormous difference," he wrote in e-mailed comments. "This would also be fundamentally significant symbolically too: the first time President Trump has backed up stern words for Russia with deeds, rather than concessions." RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak contributed to this report. PHNOM PENH, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- A China-funded bridge across the Mekong River in northeast Cambodia's Kratie province was temporarily open to the public for 21 days to facilitate travel during the traditional Kan Ben and Pchum Ben festival, or Ancestor's Day, a spokesperson said on Monday. Phan Rim, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said the bridge was open to traffic from Sept. 8 to 28. "Pedestrians, motorists, family cars, and tourist vans with a maximum of 12 seats are allowed to cross the bridge during the above-mentioned period," he said in a news release. The 1,761-meter-by-13.5-meter bridge, along with a 31.69-km connecting road, is being constructed by the Shanghai Construction Group under a concessional loan from China. Work on the bridge started in January 2023. "To date, 98.13 percent of the bridge construction has been completed, as 87.13 percent of the connecting road has been achieved," Phan Rim said. Jammu And Kashmir News: One Terrorist Killed In Gudar Forest Area In Kulgam, Operation Underway As soon as a joint team of forces intensified the search towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists opened fire on the forces Jammu And Kashmir News: One Terrorist Killed In Gudar Forest Area In Kulgam Latest News: An unidentified terrorist was killed in an ongoing encounter between security forces and terrorists in the Gudar forest area of aasouth Kashmir's Kulgam district on Monday morning. A senior police officer told the media that a terrorist, whose identity is yet to be ascertained, was killed by security forces in the Gudar forest area. Advertisement As soon as a joint team of forces intensified the search towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists opened fire on the forces, which triggered an encounter. OP GUDDAR, Kulgam Based on specific intelligence input by JKP, joint search operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice & @crpf_srinagar in Guddar forest of #Kulgam. Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, pic.twitter.com/pV3oWW6gor Chinar CorpsY - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) September 8, 2025 An operation is underway in the area, during which a senior police officer confirmed to the reporter that a terrorist was killed in the ongoing encounter. Advertisement (For more news apart from Jammu And Kashmir News: One Terrorist Killed Gudar Forest Area In Kulgam, Operation Underway, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) India Assures Belgium: No Solitary Confinement for PNB Fraud Fugitive Mehul Choksi if Extradited He will also have proper toilet and washing arrangements and will be allowed to exercise and have time for recreation, daily. PNB Fraud Fugitive Mehul Choksi's Extradition to India from Belgium latest news: India has given assurances to the Belgian government that businessman Mehul Choksi would not be held in solitary confinement if extradited, India Today reported. According to the report, India assured Belgium that he would instead be kept in humane conditions in line with international standards. Advertisement Belgian authorities have shared details of where exactly the fugitive businessman would be kept. According to the details, he will be lodged in Barrack No. 12 of Arthur Road Jail Complex in Mumbai, which is not overcrowded, the India Today report said, citing officials. His cell will have 24/7 monitoring and will provide him at least three square metres of personal space, excluding furniture. Additionally, the cell will have adequate lighting, ventilation, and storage facilities. He will also be provided with basic amenities, including a cotton mattress, pillow, bed sheet, and blanket. The report added that a bed may be provided on medical grounds. He will have access to clean drinking water and medical facilities 24/7. Advertisement He will also have proper toilet and washing arrangements and will be allowed to exercise and have time for recreation, daily for over an hour. He will be served adequate food. According to the report, the fugitive in question was arrested by Belgian authorities in Antwerp this April at the request of India. He has since been lodged there. He applied for bail; however, it was rejected on the grounds that he posed a flight risk. The hearing for his extradition is scheduled for the second week of September. Advertisement He is wanted in India in connection with the multi-crore Punjab National Bank fraud case. Choksi, the report said, has been fighting extradition proceedings abroad since 2018. (For more news apart from India Assures Belgium: No Solitary Confinement for PNB Fraud Fugitive Mehul Choksi if Extradited, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Prime Minister to Visit Himachal Pradesh and Punjab Tomorrow, Will Conduct an Aerial Survey Also Meanwhile, on Sunday BJP has appealed for flood relief support from the neighbouring states. Prime Minister to Visit Himachal Pradesh and Punjab Tomorrow Latest News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Punjab and Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday to 'personally assess' the devastation caused by recent floods and landslides. According to reports, the visit includes an aerial survey and a high-level review meeting. First, the PM will fly from Delhi to Pathankot onboard an Indian Air Force (IAF) Boeing Business Jet at 11 am. From there, he will board an MI-17 helicopter to Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, at 1:20 pm. Advertisement The Prime Minister will take off at 2:30 pm to conduct an aerial survey of the flash flood and landslide-hit areas across the state. At 3:45 pm, he will land in Gurdaspur, Punjab, and then travel via road to lead an hour-long review meeting in Gurdaspur. After the review meeting, the Prime Minister is scheduled to depart from Gurdaspur at 5:10 pm, arriving back at Pathankot airport at 5:30 pm, and will fly back to Delhi at 5:45 pm. Advertisement Punjab BJP, in a post on X on Sunday, said, "The Prime Minister will share the sufferings of flood-affected brothers, sisters, and farmers by holding a direct meeting with them and will take every possible step for their help." Meanwhile, on Sunday BJP has appealed for flood relief support from the neighbouring states. The Rajya Sabha MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, in a post on X yesterday, said that he appealed to the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat for support in Punjabs flood relief efforts. Advertisement Appealed to chief ministers of UP, MP, Rajasthan & Gujarat for support in Punjabs flood relief efforts. In this crisis, unity & cooperation are our greatest strength. #FloodRelief #UnitedForPunjab #TogetherWeCan #DisasterManagement pic.twitter.com/Iem2KqzQmv Ravneet Singh Bittu (@RavneetBittu) September 7, 2025 I humbly request you to issue necessary directions to make every possible assistance from your state immediately available to Punjab, the MPs letter to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister read. The Minister of State for Railways and Minister of State for Food Processing Industries wrote similar letters to other Chief Ministers, in Hindi. Advertisement (For more news apart from Prime Minister to Visit Himachal Pradesh and Punjab Tomorrow, Will Conduct an Aerial Survey Also, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Punjab CM Mann: Makes Several Announcements for Flood Victims, Says Yes to "Jis Ka Khet, Us Ki Ret Permission has been granted for the extraction of sand from fields without approval until November 15 Punjab Cabinet Meeting Decisions Today latest news: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, after the cabinet meeting on Monday, made several announcements in favor of the flood-affected people in the state. CM Mann granted permission for the "Jis Ka Khet, Us Ki Ret policy under which the farmers are allowed to sell the sand accumulated on their fields. The cabinet announced Rs 20,000 for crop damage, while Rs 4 lakh compensation has been announced for the victim's family in case of death due to floods. Financial assistance will also be provided to the families whose houses collapsed in the flood-related incidents. The compensations will be provided to the victims following an in-depth survey. Advertisement The Chief Minister and his cabinet also extended the time period for repaying the debt of flood victims by six months, and no additional interest will be charged during this period. Meanwhile, the villagers will be compensated for the loss of livestock as well, while a vaccination drive will also be initiated to prevent diseases in animals due to the flood. Likewise, fogging machines will be provided to spray insecticide and disinfect areas. The cabinet also decided to set up camps in flood-affected villages, and senior doctors will be dispatched. Advertisement CM Mann also said the necessary medicines will reach all the villages and that a cleanliness drive will also be carried out in the state. "Jis Ka Khet, Us Ki Ret The Punjab Government has granted permission for the extraction of sand from fields without approval until November 15, thus, 'Jis Ka Khet, Us Ki Ret'. There are several places where sand has covered the farms, and therefore, the owners have been allowed to extract the sand and sell it. Punjab witnessed the worst flood in the history of over four decades. Rescue and relief operations are still ongoing across the state. The educational institutions have been allowed to open as usual from September 9, except for a few where the DCs have been allowed to decide on the opening of schools, considering the current situation in the locality. Advertisement PM Narendra Modi's Punjab Visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Gurdaspur tomorrow, September 9. Earlier, the central government sent Union Minister for Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with two central government teams comprising officials from different departments to assess the situation in the state. (For more news apart from Punjab CM Mann: Makes Several Announcements for Flood Victims, Says Yes to "Jis Ka Khet, Us Ki Ret, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) The sudden rise of Sutlej waters put embankments and homes at grave risk in Rukhnewala Kalan, Ferozepur, earlier last week, The sudden rise of Sutlej waters put embankments and homes at grave risk in Rukhnewala Kalan, Ferozepur, earlier last week, Punjab Floods, Indian Army, Operation Rahat, Relief and Rescue Operations in Punjab Latest News: Vajra Corps of the Indian Army under Operation Rahat is continuously engaged in relief and rescue operations for flood-affected people in various parts of Punjab, rescuing families, carrying elders, lifting children, and bringing food, water, and hope. Vajra Corps, in a post on X, said, Punjab floods - homes lost, lives uprooted. Amid the despair, the Indian Army stands with villagers: rescuing families, carrying elders, lifting children, bringing food, water & hope. Advertisement Each embrace reflects a bond of trust and hope, it added. Yesterday, the Vajra Corps handle on X said that it also carried out extensive help under the operation in Harike, Tarn Taran. It said, When the Sutlej surged at Harike, Tarn Taran, villagers & #VajraCorps stood as oneplugging the breach, fortifying the bund, and protecting lives. A quiet triumph of solidarity, grit & trust. Advertisement It is evacuating casualties, delivering supplies, and deploying troops with the help of helicopters amid flood fury in the state. Flood fury poor visibility, waterlogged fields, fierce winds nothing deters us. Evacuating casualties, delivering supplies, deploying troops, flying with hope our wings follow the mission, not limits, Vajra Corps of the Indian Army said in a post on X on September 6. On September 5, in flood-hit Rour, Ludhiana East, Vajra Warriors & villagers stood shoulder-to-shoulder, sealing a critical breach in the Sutlej embankment. Swift action averted disaster, protecting homes & hope. It added, In crisis, we stand together. Advertisement On the same day, Vajra Corps teams evacuated a 60-year-old snake-bite victim, gave first aid, and saved the person. The case was from flood-hit Gonewala, Amritsar District Panther Division. The sudden rise of Sutlej waters put embankments and homes at grave risk in Rukhnewala Kalan, Ferozepur, earlier last week, and the Vajra Corps soldiers, standing shoulder to shoulder with villagers, toiled day and night, reinforcing the banks and averting disaster. On September 3, GOC Panther Division and column commanders briefed the Governor of Punjab & Administrator, Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, about the ongoing relief efforts. The Governor was visiting Ajnala and Gurdaspur to review flood-affected areas. Advertisement Gulab Chand Kataria commended the courage & compassion of the Indian Army for providing food & medical aid, and serving the motherland with devotion. Punjab has been hit by the worst flood of the past nearly 40 years, inundating over 1,500 villages in various parts of the state as rivers flowing through Punjab swelled following incessant rainfall in the mountain states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Punjab itself also saw massive rainfall continuously for over two weeks. The devastating flood severely affected daily life, many villages were disconnected as they were inundated, roads were washed away, and the whole of Punjab stood together in this tough time. Celebrities from Pollywood, Bollywood, and various associations came forward to contribute to the relief and rescue of the affected people. There were significant livestock losses, and over 40 human lives were lost in the devastating flood. Last week, the Union Minister for Agriculture was sent by the Centre to take stock of the flood. Two teams comprising officials from various departments were also sent along with the Minister to assess the situation, and they are set to submit a report to the Centre once the tour is done. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the state tomorrow, on September 9. (For more news apart from Punjab Floods: Vajra Corps, Indian Army under Operation Rahat Carries Extensive Relief and Rescue Op, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) SYDNEY, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- An Australia-led study has found that "silent" malaria can disrupt immune function, challenging long-standing beliefs about asymptomatic malaria infections. The study focused on Plasmodium vivax, the most widespread malaria parasite and a major obstacle to global elimination efforts, according to a statement released Monday by Australia's Monash University. While people in malaria-endemic regions often carry the parasite without showing symptoms, these "silent" infections were traditionally seen as beneficial, thought to help maintain immunity and prevent future illness, the statement said. However, the new findings, detailed in the journal Molecular Systems Biology published by the European Molecular Biology Organization, suggest that these sub-clinical infections may actually impair the immune system. Researchers used a systems immunology approach to examine blood samples from individuals with both symptomatic and asymptomatic P. vivax infections, and found that both groups showed signs of immune dysfunction, particularly in monocytes, cells that play a key role in fighting infections. In symptomatic cases, monocyte-related genes were strongly suppressed, and critical immune cells were depleted. Even in asymptomatic individuals, gene activity linked to monocyte function and inflammation was disrupted, the study showed. The study found increased activity in anti-inflammatory pathways and immune checkpoint receptors, indicating that the immune system is actively suppressed during P. vivax infection. "Asymptomatic malaria is not as harmless as previously believed," as it can suppress key immune functions, potentially reducing the body's ability to eliminate the parasite, fight off other diseases, or respond effectively to vaccines, said Diana Hansen, co-head of Monash University's Infection Discovery Program. The research advances understanding of malaria's impact on the immune system and highlights the need to reconsider public health strategies in endemic regions, advocating for screening and treatment to curb transmission. Nepal Gen Z: 16 Deaths As Youth Protest Against Ban On Social Media Platforms, Including Youtube Nepal Gen Z Protest Against Ban On Social Media Platforms in Nepal Latest News Nepal Gen Z Protest Against Ban on Social Media Platforms in Nepal Latest News: 16 people have died so far in the protest against the government in Nepal after it banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. According to ANI, Nepal Police has confirmed the death toll. Over 100 youths have been injured in the protest. In what is dubbed as the Gen Z revolution, over 12,000 young protesters entered the Parliament House premises on Monday morning. This was the first intrusion into Nepals parliament in its history. Advertisement According to reports, the protesters occupied Gate No. 1 and 2 of the Parliament, following which the government imposed curfew near the Parliament, and around the residences of the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister. According to reports, the government has ordered shoot-at-sight against miscreants. Read more about how it originated and the social media platforms banned in the country here. Advertisement (For more news apart from Nepal Gen Z: 16 Deaths As Youth Protest Against Ban On Social Media Platforms, Including Youtube, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Nepal-Gen Z Marches to Streets Against Ban on 26 Social Media Platforms Incl FB, Instagram, WhatsApp The platforms include Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Alphabet (YouTube), X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and LinkedIn. Nepal Gen Z Protest Against Ban on Social Media Platforms in Nepal Latest News: Nepal's government said Thursday (September 4) that it is blocking most social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube, citing companies failure to comply with regulations that required them to register with the government. Gen Z on Monday in Nepal took to the streets in massive protests against corruption in the KP Sharma Oli government for its September 4 decision to restrict social media platforms. Advertisement According to an India Today report, the security forces opened fire at the demonstrators, leaving one dead and over 800 others injured. The protest, which has been dubbed the 'Gen Z Revolution,' breached restricted zones and broke through police barricades. As the clashes escalated, police opened fire at multiple locations, forcing the authorities to impose a curfew in the capital. Advertisement The curfew has been imposed covering the Parliament area and other key locations in the capital. The Nepal government on September 4 blocked 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and YouTube. The government claims the ban is a matter of regulatory compliance; however, protesters say that the ban is a direct act of censorship aimed at suppressing critical voices and organized dissent. Advertisement According to the India Today report, despite phone and internet blackouts imposed by the Nepal authorities, Gen Z activists used platforms such as TikTok and Reddit to mobilize. The march reportedly started from Maitighar Mandala and advanced towards the Parliament building. Protesters broke through the barricades. Security personnel used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Advertisement Many joined the protest in school and college uniforms. Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has defended the decision, stating that any attempt to undermine the nation can never be tolerated. Oli said in a statement that his party would always stand against anomalies and arrogance, and never accept any act that weakens the nation. The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of jobs of a handful of individuals. How can it be acceptable to defy the law, disregard the constitution, and disrespect national dignity, independence, and sovereignty? he said. According to the report, social media companies were given seven days from August 28 to register, and the deadline expired on Wednesday night with no major platforms submitting applications. The platforms include Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Alphabet (YouTube), X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and LinkedIn. (For more news apart from Nepal-Gen Z Marches to Streets Against Ban on 26 Social Media Platforms Incl FB, Instagram, WhatsApp, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Palestinian Militant Group Hamas Says They Are Ready To For The Negotiating Table Earlier that day, Trump said that Israel had accepted his terms and that it was now Hamas's turn to do so. Palestinian Militant Group Hamas Says They Are Ready To For The Negotiating Table Latest News: Palestinian militant group Hamas on Sunday said that the group was ready to immediately sit at the negotiating table after the US President Donald Trump issued last warning to them to accept his latest ceasefire and hostage release proposal, India Today reported. The militant group in a statement said that it was ready to discuss the release of all hostages in exchange for a clear declaration to end the war, a total withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and creation of a committee of independent Palestinians to run the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Hamas welcomes any move that helps the efforts to stop the aggression against our people, the group said, adding that it had received some ideas from the American side aimed at reaching a ceasefire. The statement also said Hamas was in constant contact with mediators to turn these ideas into a comprehensive agreement that meets our demands. Trump on Sunday evening told reporters that he believed a deal to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas could be reached soon. Earlier that day, Trump said that Israel had accepted his terms and that it was now Hamass turn to do so. Advertisement "Everyone wants the Hostages HOME. Everyone wants this War to end! The Israelis have accepted my Terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one! Thank you for your attention to this matter. DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,' trump said in a post on truth social. (For more news apart from India Assures Belgium: No Solitary Confinement for PNB Fraud Fugitive Mehul Choksi if Extradited, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Romanian prints for the Levant Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the Romanian Principalities supported Christians in the Levant through printed church books in Arabic History Show Steliu Lambru, 08.09.2025, 12:00 Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the Romanian Principalities were part of the Eastern cultural world dominated by the Ottoman Empire. Located on the periphery of Islams expansion, the Romanian Principalities supported Christians in the Levant through church books. Thus, the first Christian Orthodox texts in Arabic appeared in the Romanian space. Policarp Chitulescu is a specialist in rare old books, and it was from him that we learned about the importance of the prints from Wallachia and Moldova for Levantine Christians. Starting with Alexandria in Egypt and Jerusalem, going up to Beirut, there were Christian communities that couldnt print these books in their own language. Why couldnt they? Because the empire that ruled those territories subjected Christians to discriminatory economic and social conditions. For this reason, Christians were often forced to renounce their Christian faith because they could not pay their taxes, which were higher than those of others. On the other hand, they lost their churches because they could not pay the taxes imposed on them, and there was no question of printing books, that is, of cultivating the faith and maintaining it among Christian communities. For this reason, the patriarchs of Antioch, in particular, and Alexandria, but also those of Jerusalem and Constantinople, undertook very long and tiring journeys to countries ruled by Christian princes who were open to supporting and contributing to the survival of Christian communities in great difficulty. The history of printed texts in Romania for Christians in the Levant begins at the end of the 17th century. Policarp Chitulescu: During the time of Constantin Brancoveanu, the martyr prince, who had at his side a genius of typography, the Georgian Antim Ivireanul, also a martyr saint, two important figures in the history of Wallachia, it was possible to print Orthodox texts for Orthodox Christians in the Levant in Arabic for the first time in the world. The worlds first Orthodox book for them was printed in Snagov in 1701, it was the Holy Liturgies, with engravings, and one can see the care with which they were executed. Not only did the ruler of Wallachia finance these first books in Arabic, but he also financed the technology, as it was at the time. It seems that Patriarch Athanasius III Dabbas, a close friend of Brancoveanu and Antim Ivireanul, took not only the first two books printed with Arabic letters in Snagov and Bucharest in 1701 and 1702, but also printing equipment and craftsmen to teach him how to use them. And so, he installed a printing press in Aleppo, Syria, whose production includes a gospel printed in 1706 and a psalter also from 1706, featuring a superb Brancoveanu coat of arms. The coat of arms is, of course, proof not only of the funding received, but also of the gratitude of the Arab Orthodox community in Aleppo, Syria. Brancoveanu and Antim also turned their attention to the Black Sea. Another result of Constantin Brancoveanus patronage, this time for Georgian Christians, was a gospel printed in Tbilisi in 1709, signed by Antim Ivireanu himself. It is a dedication, a gift, to the financier of the faith in this area of the Caucasus, in present-day Georgia. As Policarp Chitulescu says, the Eastern spirit has always been more inclined towards contemplation. This was also evident in the printed works. The East, in general, was more interested in poetry and prayer, in mysticism, although it produced dogmatists of great value such as Saint John Damascene, from Damascus, Syria. The East avoided theological speculation and benefited more from catechesis through liturgy and prayer in church. That is why, for the first time in the world, the Arabic Orthodox press began with the liturgy and the breviary. Of course, the press continued with the Gospels with commentaries, the psalter, and the epistle on repentance, which appeared in Aleppo later, until 1711. There were also volumes of sermons and so on. Romanian prints were sources for Arabic prints, including from a graphic point of view, not only from the point of view of the liturgical text itself. The death of Constantin Brancoveanu in 1714 did not stop the support for Christians in the Near East. The Romanian Principalities did not abandon the project of supporting Christians in the Levant, and another leader of the Orthodox mission was Patriarch Silvestru of Antioch. In the mid-18th century, he often visited Wallachia and Moldavia, where the rulers Constantin and Ioan Mavrocordat, sons of the great ruler Nicolae Mavrocordat, also financed the printing of books that we had barely known of before discovering them. The number of publications in Arabic that appeared in Iasi and Bucharest increased in the mid-18th century. In fact, the Romanian contribution was much richer and more diverse. Patriarch Silvestru printed several books in Iasi and Bucharest, some of which were prayer books, while others expressed the Orthodox position in the face of the challenges that arose when part of the Antiochian Church united with Rome in 1724. Romanians contributed to supporting Christians in the East in the 17th and 18th centuries by printing books. These were rays of hope for many who sought peace in their faith. (MI) September 8, 2025 UPDATE (1) A roundup of local and world news September 8, 2025 UPDATE (1) Newsroom, 08.09.2025, 16:09 PROTEST A delegation of protesting teachers is discussing with the president of Romania, Nicusor Dan, while, in front of the Presidency, another 2,000 continue to voice their disgruntlement with the fiscal measures adopted in the field of education. Teachers are mainly upset about the increase in the number of teaching hours, the reduction of overtime pay, the increase in the number of groups in some classes and the merger of schools with too few students. EXERCISE Experts from the Ministries of Defense and the Interior and the Romanian Intelligence Service will take part in an exercise designed to manage the effects of a chemical accident at the Azomures plant in Targu Mures (center). According to a statement from the Defense General Staff, over the next two days, they will practice setting up mobile camps, organizing aid points, decontamination and transporting the wounded. The main objective of the exercise is to strengthen the response capacity in crisis situations and verify common intervention procedures. MOLDOVA The president of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, will address the European Parliament on Tuesday in a solemn session. The speech takes place ahead of the parliamentary election in Moldova, scheduled for September 28. The plenary session of the Community Legislature will also debate ways to strengthen the resilience of the Republic of Moldova against hybrid threats and Russian interference. (VP) A tense start to the school year The new school year in Romania begins amid discontent among education staff Foto; Taylor Flowe / unsplash.com Roxana Vasile, 08.09.2025, 14:00 The new school year began in Romania on September 8 amid discontent among education workers over the austerity measures imposed by the PSD-PNL-UDMR-USR coalition government. The major trade union federations repeatedly called for a boycott of the start of the school year, and in many schools the traditional opening ceremonies were not held. Even without the usual activities for the first day of school, however, the approximately 3 million preschoolers and pupils were welcomed into their classrooms. In Bucharest, a rally was announced in front of the executive headquarters and a protest march to the presidential palace. The main complaint is the increase in teaching hours, which, according to trade unionists, is equivalent to a hidden 10-20% cut in teachers incomes, as teachers are forced to teach more different subjects in order to accumulate the hours needed to complete their teaching quota. There is also discontent over the reduction in hourly pay, the increase in class sizes, and the merging of schools with fewer than 500 students. In short, the unions are denouncing an unprecedented crisis in Romanian education over the last 35 years. Education which, incidentally, has been subject throughout this period to rather unsuccessful reforms by the ministers who have managed the field over time. The current minister, university professor Daniel David, states in a press release that he understands the discontent, but believes that it should not be used to block the education system, but rather to develop measures and reforms to improve it. The changes are austerity measures, not aimed at reforming the field, say the discontented. Several student organizations have announced their support for the teachers protests and have also denounced the changes to the scholarship system, which significantly reduce the number of beneficiaries, in the name of the collective effort required of all ordinary Romanians to reduce the countrys huge deficit. According to a study by the NGO World Vision Romania, at the start of this school year, only 42% of Romanian pupils have all the necessary supplies, and 12% have almost nothing ready for school. In addition, only about 23% have been clearly and fully informed about the legislative changes and reorganizations being prepared in schools, around 48% have heard only briefly, and over 22% have not been informed at all. Nevertheless, 25% of pupils say they are very confident and 49% are fairly confident that school will prepare them for adult life. Many want more closeness between teachers and children, a teaching method based on clear examples and practical exercises, less homework, and a curriculum adapted to real needs. (MI) The Government survives censure motions The four censure motions against the Government in Bucharest have been rejected. PM Bolojan at the debate on the censure motions in Parliament / PHoto: gov.ro Leyla Cheamil, 08.09.2025, 14:05 The Parliament in Bucharest rejected, on Sunday, the four censure motions against the coalition Government made up by PSD, PNL, USR and UDMR, submitted by the populist opposition formed by AUR, POT and SOS Romania. The Parliament, where the ruling coalition holds almost three-quarters of the mandates, debated and voted on the motions against the reform packages undertaken by the Executive and which targeted health, taxation and the reorganization of state-owned companies. The four projects, as well as the one regarding the magistrates pensions the latter not being contested in Parliament are considered adopted. These measures, contested by the public sector employees and which have triggered strikes, allow the Government to adopt tax increases and cuts in spending, aimed at reducing the budget deficit. The Government must reduce the largest budget deficit in the European Union to avoid a credit rating downgrade and to unlock billions of euros in recovery funds offered by Brussels. Liberal Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan presented the Governments position, sending a firm message to the opposition. He said that the reforms proposed by the laws for which the Government took responsibility in Parliament bring more fairness for citizens, transparency and clear rules. We have decided to engage the Governments responsibility for the fiscal field because we are in an exceptional moment that requires consistency and responsibility. Romania cannot be put back on the path of development and cannot avoid budgetary complications if we do not make this effort for profound reforms, the Prime Minister added. Ilie Bolojan: I assure you that, if we make correct and firm decisions now, Romania will return to a growth trajectory from the middle of next year. Our objectives are simple, to reduce the budget deficit as close as possible to 6% in 2026, stabilizing the countrys finances, to access European funds and allocate resources for public investments, in order to ensure continued economic growth, and finally to re-establish the scale of values in Romania, on moral principles. Romania needs clear decisions and responsibility, not populism and blockages. The AUR leader George Simion said in turn that the opposition initiated the four censure motions because of the Governments inability to promote real reforms: At the rate the current coalition is taking us, we will soon be insolvent. And thats before the so-called reformist measures come into force. Youre just playing the reform game, raising taxes and reducing state revenues. Simion also said that the Government does not cut from the privileged, but from those who have less, from those who work, while protecting a certain category. (EE) Industrial production and foreign trade from Germany and investor confidence from the euro area are due on Monday. At 2.00 am ET, Destatis is scheduled to issue Germany's industrial output and foreign trade figures for July. Economists forecast industrial output to grow 1.1 percent month-on-month, in contrast to the 1.9 percent fall in June. Germany's foreign trade surplus is expected to rise to EUR 15.7 billion in July from EUR 14.9 billion in June. In the meantime, industrial production and foreign trade from Denmark and external trade figures from Slovakia are due. At 3.00 am ET, the Czech Statistical Office releases industrial output and trade data. At 4.30 am ET, Eurozone Sentix investor confidence survey data is due. The investor sentiment index is seen rising to -2.2 in September from -3.7 in August. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. China's exports grew at a slower pace in August, data from the customs office showed on Monday. Exports grew 4.4 percent in August from the previous year, which was slower than the 7.2 percent rise in July. This was also weaker than forecast of 5.0 percent. Imports advanced 1.3 percent on a yearly basis, slower than the 4.1 percent rise in July. Imports were expected to climb 3.0 percent. The trade surplus rose to $102.3 billion from $98.24 billion in July. The expected level was $99.4 billion. Exports to the US continued to decline in August, while shipments to Europe and Asean countries showed increases. Shipments to the US were down around 33 percent from a year ago. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News MANILA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank has been backing a five-year initiative of 70 million U.S. dollars to create a co-insurance pool that will cushion Philippine agriculture from escalating climate-related risks, the Philippines' Department of Agriculture said Monday. Set to roll out in 2026, the project aims to benefit 750,000 farmers and fisherfolk by the time it wraps up in 2030, the department said in a press release. Under the impending loan arrangement, the Philippines' Department of Finance will serve as the borrower, while the Department of Agriculture will implement the project. The program will utilize the co-insurance pool, where both public and private insurers share the risk of climate-triggered disasters such as droughts and floods. Telecom Egypt SAE (TEEG.L,TEGPY.PK), on Wednesday, said its Board of Directors, in a meeting held on September 3, granted preliminary approval for a binding offer from Helios Investments to acquire a 75% to 80% stake in a subsidiary that will own the Regional Data Hub. The new subsidiary, jointly owned by the two parties, will focus on data center development in Egypt after the restructuring of Regional Data Hub's assets. Following the transaction, Helios Investments will hold about 75% to 80% of the unit, while Telecom Egypt will retain a 20% to 25% stake. The binding offer from Helios Investments values 100% of Regional Data Hub on a debt-free, cash-free basis at $230 million, rising to as much as $260 million. Completion of the transaction remains subject to final definitive agreements, the restructuring of Regional Data Hub into a Telecom Egypt subsidiary, and the execution of ancillary transaction documentation. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News corrected third para Germany's industrial output expanded for the first time in four months in July, figures from Destatis showed on Monday. Industrial production rose 1.3 percent month-on-month in July, reversing June's revised decrease of 0.1 percent. The recovery in July was mainly driven by a 9.5 percent growth in the manufacture of machinery and equipment. An 8.4 percent expansion in the pharmaceutical industry also had a positive impact, while energy production contributed negatively as it fell 4.5 percent. Excluding energy and construction, production in industry was 2.2 percent higher in July compared to the previous month. On a yearly basis, industrial output rebounded 1.5 percent in July versus a 1.8 percent fall in June. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Oil prices rallied on Monday as OPEC+ agreed to further raise oil production from October and U.S. President Donald Trump signaled readiness for fresh sanctions on Russia, aligning with calls from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Benchmark Brent crude futures jumped 1.7 percent to $66.63 a barrel in European trade, while WTI crude futures were up 1.7 percent at $62.93. On Sunday, oil ministers in the V8 grouping, comprising Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman, have decided to increase production by a relatively modest 137,000 barrels a day (bpd) from next month as part of efforts to gain market share. The oil cartel has already brought back about 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in curtailed production this year. The prospect of additional Russian sanctions also buoyed prices. A day after Russia's biggest air attack against Ukraine since the start of the war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the international community to impose sanctions against Russia and individuals connected with Russia. He also supported the idea of trade tariffs and other restrictions that can affect the Russian . U.S. President Trump threatened Sunday to impose more sanctions on Russia after the Kremlin unleashed its biggest-ever aerial barrage at Ukraine. Earlier, Treasury Secretary Bessent publicly pressed for stricter penalties on nations still importing Russian crude and argued that only a near-collapse of Russia's economy could push President Vladimir Putin toward peace talks. EU Sanctions Envoy David O'Sullivan will lead a delegation to Washington today for talks aimed at tightening coordination with the United States on measures against Russia. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis President Donald Trump has justified U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's arrest of hundreds of South Koreans who were working illegally at a car battery plant construction site in Georgia, but suggested allowing foreign experts to stay in the country while they train Americans in advanced industries. The facility is being built by South Korean multinational conglomerate LG and South Korean automobile manufacturing giant Hyundai. ICE special agents, in collaboration with federal, state and local law enforcement officials, arrested 475 immigrant workers - most of them South Korean nationals - last week saying that they were executing a federal search warrant as part of "an active, ongoing criminal investigation". "This operation specifically focused on serious allegations of unlawful employment practices and other potential federal crimes," according to an ICE press release. The arrested workers were found to be working illegally, in violation of the terms of their visas and/or statuses, it added. "We welcome all companies who want to invest in the U.S., and if they need to bring workers in for building or other projects, that's fine but they need to do it the legal way," said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama Steven N. Schrank. Responding to a question by a reporter about the ICE operation on Sunday, Trump said, "If you don't have people in this country right now that know about batteries, maybe we should help them along". He added that industries like shipbuilding and computer manufacturing also need skilled trainers. "So, we're going to look at that whole situation. We have a lot of industries that we don't have any more, and we're going to have to train people." South Korean foreign minister Cho Hyun is reportedly heading to the United States Monday to help secure the release of the Korean workers and return them to their country. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (PNC) on Monday said it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire FirstBank Holding Company, including its banking subsidiary FirstBank, for about $4.1 billion. The deal is expected to close in early 2026. About 45.7% of FirstBank shareholders have already entered into voting agreements supporting the transaction. Under the terms, FirstBank shareholders may elect to receive the consideration in PNC stock or cash. The deal includes a fixed number of about 13.9 million PNC shares and $1.2 billion in cash. PNC said the acquisition aligns with its strategy of scaling its franchise in growth through both organic expansion and strategic deals. The company said FirstBank CEO Kevin Classen will become PNC's Colorado Regional President and Mountain Territory Executive, overseeing Colorado, Arizona, and Utah. PNC plans to retain all FirstBank branches and staff, with a full systems conversion following closing. In the pre-market trading, PNC is 0.12% lesser at $204.15 on the New York Stock Exchange. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Four people were killed and 44 others injured reportedly in Russia's large aerial assault on Ukraine since its full-scale invasion began in 2022. A baby was among those killed overnight into Sunday, Ukrainian authorities reported. More than 800 drones were launched in waves designed to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses, according to news reports, and a Government building was hit in the capital Kyiv for the first time. Air-raid sirens continued for 11 hours straight across the capital and although a majority were shot down more than 50 drones and nine missiles hit their targets. "Yet again, attacks impacted homes, a government building, a kindergarten and other civilian infrastructure in Kyiv and Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Kremenchuk, Kryvyi Rih, Odesa, Sumy region, Zaporizhzhia - leaving behind loss, destruction and grief," said UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, in a post on social media. The UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, said that the news of a baby being killed along with their young mother in an attack on an apartment building in Kyiv was "devastating". At least one other child was injured during the attacks on Sumy. "Ukraine endured another terrifying night of attacks that impacted multiple cities. More young lives brutally cut short," the agency tweeted. The attacks came following weeks of high profile diplomacy from Western allies of the Ukrainian Government to broker a lasting peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to board Marine One at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, Sept. 7, 2025. Trump said on Sunday that the White House is ready to move to the second phase of sanctions against Russia amid stalled peace talks to halt the Ukraine crisis. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the White House is ready to move to the second phase of sanctions against Russia amid stalled peace talks to halt the Ukraine crisis. Asked by a reporter if he's ready to move to "the second phase of sanctions against Russia" as he left the White House for New York, Trump answered, "Yeah, I am." He did not elaborate. Trump has grown increasingly pessimistic about the chance of brokering an end to the conflict anytime soon or seeing the Russian and Ukrainian presidents meet in person, reported NBC News last week, citing two senior administration officials. A key building in Kyiv's government district was attacked during Russia's drone and missile attack overnight into Sunday morning, according to U.S. media outlets. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said it was the first time since the start of the conflict that the main government building in Kyiv had been damaged. U.S. President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, Sept. 7, 2025. Trump said on Sunday that the White House is ready to move to the second phase of sanctions against Russia amid stalled peace talks to halt the Ukraine crisis. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The remains of 30 Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) martyrs who lost their lives during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea will be returned to the Chinese side from the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Friday, according to China's Ministry of Veterans Affairs. This will mark the 12th repatriation of CPV martyrs' remains since the signing of a handover agreement between the two countries. From 2014 to 2024, China and the ROK, in accordance with international laws and humanitarian principles, successfully completed 11 handovers involving the remains of 981 CPV martyrs in the ROK, along with related artifacts. Both sides have agreed to continue their cooperation in these efforts. Nearly 200,000 CPV soldiers were confirmed killed in the war lasting from 1950 to 1953. ABUJA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Nigeria has condemned an attack that killed more than 50 civilians in the country's northeastern state of Borno over the weekend, citing preliminary reports. In a statement issued on Sunday, Mohamed Fall, the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, said an unknown number of people were also allegedly abducted, with others fleeing with injuries during the attack on dozens of civilians in Darajamal village of the Bama Local Government Area of Borno late Friday. At least 28 houses were reportedly burned during the attack, Fall said, with the number of casualties expected to change. Condemning the "heinous attack," Fall called on local security authorities to apprehend the perpetrators and swiftly bring them to justice. "This recent killing of civilians is yet another grim reminder of the toll of rising violent attacks and insecurity in Borno State this year." According to the UN official, multiple attacks against civilians have been recorded, leading to the deaths of hundreds of people in Borno alone. He said the attacks, ranging from the invasion of communities to internally displaced people's camps, using improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings, and other tactics, had targeted civilians, including farmers, fishermen, travelers, and traders. Deadly attacks against civilians have also been recorded in neighboring Adamawa and Yobe states, with a rural health center, grain stores, and a market, among targeted areas, he noted. "I reiterate my call to parties to the conflict to protect civilians, as well as their property, and to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law," Fall said, adding that the UN reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting people affected by conflict to complement government efforts. NANNING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Relatives of the Flying Tigers and researchers focused on the group gathered on Sunday at an exhibition preserving the history of the U.S. volunteer pilots who fought alongside Chinese forces during World War II in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Clifford Ray Long Junior, the son of veteran Flying Tiger pilot Clifford Ray Long, told Xinhua that three generations of his family have left footprints in China, pointing to two photos on permanent display at the Liuzhou Military Museum. One shows his father during a 2004 return visit to China, and the other features Long Junior himself with his grandson at the Great Wall in Beijing in 2023. Clifford Ray Long joined the Flying Tigers at the age of 19 in 1941. Long Junior shared the story of one of his father's most perilous missions, during which his aircraft was attacked by 13 Japanese fighters. Despite sustaining severe damage, he managed to regain control of his plane and survived a crash landing. That was his 23rd sortie, Long Junior said, adding that his father flew 104 missions in total, the last of which took place on his 20th birthday. At the exhibition, Virginia Lynn Krippner, the niece of Flying Tiger Howard Lincoln Krippner, proudly recognized her uncle in a group photo of the U.S. pilots. She also donated a vase that had originally been gifted to her uncle by the Chinese people. She expressed her hope that more people would be able to learn about this friendship through objects like the vase. Ma Kuanchi, vice president of the Flying Tiger Historical Organization in the United States, remembers moving reunions that took place between American veterans and their Chinese wartime rescuers. They stood up, saluted and embraced one another with tears in their eyes -- and that's true friendship, Ma said. Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, emphasized the importance of cooperation embodied by this shared history, speaking at the gathering. He announced plans to bring more American students to Flying Tiger friendship schools in China next year to enhance their understanding of WWII history and people-to-people bonds. The exhibition opened on Sunday and features over 1,000 items, many of which were donated from China or the United States. Entrance will be free for the public long-term. BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday met with Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel in Beijing. Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of 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, expressed China's appreciation for Portugal sending representatives to engage in commemorative activities in China. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's visit to China is of great importance as this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Portugal, Wang said. Wang also noted that China is willing to work with Portugal to deepen their friendship, enhance cooperation and advance bilateral relations to a new level. Rangel thanked China for its active preparations for Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's visit, noting that Portugal values its relations with China greatly and hopes to use the visit as an opportunity to promote further bilateral cooperation. The vision embodied by the Global Governance Initiative has fundamental principles that must be upheld in addressing global challenges and international hotspot issues, Rangel said. Portugal is willing to strengthen communication with China, and to deepen cooperation within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, he added. Trellus Health reported interim results showing revenue growth and further cost reductions on Monday, but warned it would need to raise new funds to extend its cash runway beyond early November. For the six months ended 30 June, the AIM-traded healthcare group generated revenue of $379,000, up from $50,000 a year earlier, reflecting initial traction across its commercial verticals in pharmaceutical patient support, clinical trial services and US health plans. Its adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed slightly to $3.5m from $3.6m, while average monthly cash burn fell by around 10% to $440,000 since August. Cash resources stood at $1.6m at the end of June, down from $4.3m at the start of the year. The company said its current position provided funding into early November, and the board is now considering a fundraising to support its commercial strategy. Operationally, Trellus secured several milestones, including a deal with Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems in January, preferred vendor status with a leading global contract research organisation in June, and a renewed licensing agreement with Pfizer in May for digital patient support content for inflammatory bowel disease. We are very proud of what we have achieved year-to-date, further reducing our cost base, while successfully building a new clinical trial vertical and advancing our broader strategic evolution, said chief executive Dr Marla Dubinsky. By aligning closely with our partners' immediate needs and financial priorities, we have strengthened our position as a valuable partner. She added the company expects to announce at least one new collaboration by November and confirmed the board intends to explore a possible fundraise over the coming weeks to scale our commercial strategy. The firm said its directors were in talks with advisers over the structure and size of any equity or debt raise. While they remained optimistic additional funding could be secured, they cautioned there was no guarantee it will be available in the required timeframe. At 1258 BST, shares in Trellus Health were down 33.14% at 0.54p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. RBC Capital Markets has reiterated its outperform rating on Babcock International Group , on the back of a strong outlook for the engineer's marine business. In a note published on Monday, RBC said that Babcock's recent marine investor day had "showcased that guidance is well underpinned, with upside potential, strengthening the conviction in our recent initiation". "The event marked a narrative shift for shipbuilding to become a key earnings driver." Guidance is currently for the marine division to reach sales of around 2bn at a 9% margin by the 2030 full year, which RBC said seemed "undemanding". Babcock has a three-year shipbuilding pipeline of more than 16bn - significantly above RBCs initial 8bn estimate - which the broker noted was "further enhanced by a more than 1bn pipeline for advanced manufacturing". RBC concluded: "We leave our estimates unchanged but increase our 2028 full-year estimated adjusted earnings per share upside scenario from pipeline opportunities to 9-37% (previously 8-30%). Near-term potential catalysts include contract wins at this weeks DSEI conference, shipbuilding wins and the renewal of Future Maritime Support Programme." Analysts at Canaccord Genuity reiterated their 'buy' rating on Gaming Realms and raised its target price to 67p from 57p on Monday, citing a strong first-half performance and accelerating international momentum. Canaccord Genuity highlighted 18% revenue growth to 16m in H125, with adjusted underlying earnings up 30% to 7.5m and net cash rising 5.5m to 19.0m. Licensing revenue climbed 22% to 14.1m, driven by six new Slingo titles and 19 additional operator launches. Brand licensing surged to 2.6m from 0.3m, while social publishing dipped 7%. Despite UK content licensing falling 13% in H1 and 21% in Q2 due to April's staking limit regulations, Canaccord noted a sharp recovery in July and August as new game formats gained traction. Management expects UK revenues to normalise by year-end. Licensing revenue rose 2% in the first two months of H2, which the Canadian bank deemed satisfactory given FX headwinds and UK regulatory drag. Canaccord Genuity also said the current CY25E/26E enterprise value/EBITDA multiples of 8.4x/6.8x undervalue the group's growth profile and increasing North American exposure, and that its new target price was based on a rolled-forward CY26E PER of 10x. Goldman Sachs downgraded Ryanair on Monday to 'neutral' from 'buy' and cut its price target on the stock to 27.5 from 29.5 as it said its investment case on the budget airline going into 2025 was based on two main factors. Firstly, that the stock would see FY26 earnings per share upgrades largely driven by a larger negative OTA (Online Travel Agents) impact in FY25 than consensus had factored in. Secondly, that there was a high likelihood of the PE re-rating from low levels on the removal of ownership restrictions. "As these catalysts have largely played out we now have a less differentiated/slightly more cautious earnings view relative to (Bloomberg/Visible Alpha Consensus Data) consensuswhile the valuation has normalised from low levels," it said. GS also said that in terms of estimates, it now sees the outlook as more mixed relative to consensus. "Looking at FQ2 (upcoming report) we forecast 1.63bn net profit versus consensus of around 1.7bn, while for FY26 overall our forecast is broadly in line around 2.2bn," said Goldman Sachs. "This reflects on the one hand slightly softer fare data for summer than we had previously anticipated coupled with higher SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) costs than we had previously modelled; on the other hand consensus for the winter quarters FQ3+4 looks like a low bar to us, offsetting our slightly lower FQ2 forecast for FY26 overall." The pace of growth in Chinese exports slowed notably in August, official customs data showed on Monday, as trade tensions continued to weigh heavily. According to the General Administration of Customs, exports grew by 4.4% to $321.8bn, down on Julys better-than-expected 7.2% growth and the softest pace since February. It also missed consensus for a 5% uplift. Imports, meanwhile, grew by 1.3% to $219.4bn, missing consensus for a 3% rise and below Julys 4.1% increase. As a result, the balance of trade was $102.33bn. The Chinese economy has long been battling sluggish demand both globally and at home, and Donald Trumps erratic tariff regime has added to the uncertainty. China was hit especially hard on Liberation Day and quickly imposed its own stringent levies on US imports. The dispute continued to escalate until a temporary truce was agreed between Washington and Beijing in May. That was last extended for another 90 days on 11 August, but the two economies - the worlds largest - have yet to agree a long-term, permanent deal. China has long-relied heavily on exports to power domestic growth. Exports to the US tumbled 33.1% in August. In contrast, exports to south east Asia jumped 22.5% and to the European Union by 10.4%. Manufacturers are exploring other markets in light of Washington's tariff regime. But America remains one of Chinas biggest and most important markets. On the afternoon of August 26, 2025, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Zhao Leji held talks with President of the Council of States of Switzerland Andrea Caroni at the Great Hall of the People. Zhao Leji said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland 75 years ago, bilateral relations have developed steadily, vividly illustrating the cooperation spirit featuring equality, innovation and win-win results. China is ready to work with Switzerland to take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to implement the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries and promote the continuous development of the China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership. Zhao Leji stated that this year has witnessed close high-level exchanges between China and Switzerland. He expressed the hope that the two sides will maintain this sound momentum, make good use of exchange mechanisms in various fields, deepen the understanding of each other's national conditions and domestic and foreign policies, and further enhance strategic mutual trust. Noting that the Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, Zhao Leji expressed the hope that the Swiss side will abide by the one-China principle and support China's efforts to achieve national reunification. Since the China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement came into effect, it has played a significant role in promoting the growth of bilateral investment and trade. Zhao Leji expressed the hope that both sides will accelerate negotiations on upgrading the agreement, further expand the pie of bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and speed up the cultivation of growth drivers for cooperation in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and unmanned aerial vehicles. China is ready to work with Switzerland to jointly uphold the multilateral trading system, ensure the stability and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains, and maintain an open and cooperative international environment. The two countries should take the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations as an opportunity to enhance multilateral cooperation, maintain world peace and stability, and join hands to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Zhao Leji noted that China's NPC is ready to work with the Swiss Federal Parliament to enhance friendly exchanges between high-level legislative bodies, special committees, bilateral friendship groups, and between deputies to the NPC and parliamentarians. The two sides should leverage their respective characteristics and advantages to promote and deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields and contribute to the development of China-Switzerland relations. Zhao Leji introduced China's efforts in upholding the development philosophy of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared growth, and promoting sustainable development. He said that China and Switzerland share many similarities and commonalities in terms of development philosophy. He expressed the hope that both sides will strengthen exchanges and mutual learning to inject more stability and positive energy into a changing and turbulent world. Andrea Caroni said that China is an important participant in the world economy and global governance, and an important partner of Switzerland. The relationship between the two countries is of strategic significance. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and China 75 years ago, the two sides have always upheld mutual respect and carried out fruitful cooperation in a wide range of fields. Switzerland adheres to the one-China policy. The Council of States of Switzerland is willing to enhance friendly exchanges with China's NPC, promote cooperation between the two countries in various fields, including economy, science and technology, culture, education, tourism, and at the sub-national level, advance the negotiations on upgrading the free trade agreement, and strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries. Xiao Jie attended the talks. KUNMING, China, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- At the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum 2025 held in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, the Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, released a report that delves into the history and global impact of U.S. cognitive warfare. The report, titled "Colonization of the Mind -- The Means, Roots, and Global Perils of U.S. Cognitive Warfare," offers an in-depth analysis of the country's history of cognitive warfare, exposing the roots and extensive consequences of U.S. ideological colonization. It also conveys the shared aspiration of the Global South to seek spiritual independence and bolster cultural confidence. The timing and significance of the report are evident. Today, countries in the Global South are experiencing profound transformations, marked by a collective rise in influence and power. However, the enduring legacy of historical ideological colonization continues to hinder progress in many nations. As a result, an increasing number of countries are awakening to the realization that, to break free from the chains of Western-dominated ideologies, they must first recognize the dangers of cognitive colonization and liberate themselves from intellectual dependency. China's own development journey stands as a powerful example. It has pursued a foreign policy based on independence and peaceful cooperation, and found a development path that suits its unique national conditions, setting a model for the Global South. The pursuit of spiritual independence is closely tied to cultural confidence, a driving force behind the development of any country or civilization. Countries in the Global South need to reassess their own histories and cultures critically, rediscover the wisdom, vitality and contemporary relevance embedded within them. Only by doing so can they foster unwavering confidence in their own paths, ensuring the creation of distinctive and resilient paths toward modern civilization. For civilizations to thrive, mutual exchange and learning are indispensable. Promoting notions of "civilizational superiority" not only disrespects the richness of other cultures but also undermines the collective progress of humanity as a whole. Emphasizing cooperation over conflict and mutual enrichment over division is the only way forward to allow civilizations to co-exist in harmony and evolve toward a future of shared prosperity. Standing at a new historical juncture, the Global South has an opportunity to carve out a distinctive and influential role on the global stage. By staying true to its cultural roots, strengthening its commitment to independence, and building collaborative partnerships, it can undoubtedly make a meaningful impact, adding a vital new dimension to the broader development of global civilization. London stocks nudged higher in early trade on Monday, helped along by a strong showing from oil majors BP and Shell . At 0840 BST, the FTSE 100 was up 0.1% at 9,215.42. Investors will be turning their attention to France, where Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is expected to lose a confidence vote. Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, said: "This would mean that France will have four governments in a year, as politicians try to push through Budget cuts to get the public spending. "Last month, a French government minister said that the country may need an IMF bailout because its finances were so bad. She added: "Overall, there is a lot resting on this vote, and the markets will be taking notice of the outcome, as highly indebted nations cannot hide anymore." In equity markets, Marks & Spencer was the standout gainer on the FTSE 100 after Citi upgraded the stock to buy from neutral and lifted the price target to 440p from 380p as it said structural tailwinds are underappreciated. "With the shares 18% below pre-Cyber levels, we see an attractive entry point for a business with good underlying momentum," it said. Citi said that in Fashion, app and survey data suggest M&S is gaining share with younger customers. The bank said its proprietary model implies this can add around 1.5 percentage points to its like-for-like sales per year. In Food, meanwhile, Citi said its modelling suggests a larger mix of bigger baskets is driving share gains as M&S benefits from trade down from restaurants. BP and Shell gushed higher as oil prices rose after OPEC+ agreed on Sunday to gradually lift output next month. Construction firm Vistry advanced after saying it has formed a long-term investment joint venture with Homes England, Westminster's housing and regeneration agency, to accelerate the development of large-scale residential sites across England. On the downside, retirement savings and income business Phoenix Group was in the red despite saying it was "firmly on track" to hit its medium-term targets after a strong first half, during which profits surged by a quarter. The company also announced that it is to change its group name to Standard Life in March 2026, "helping with our objective to simplify our business". London stocks were set to gain at the open on Monday at the start of what will be a busy week. The FTSE 100 was called to open around 20 points higher. Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, said: "September has already thrown up some big surprises for financial markets. The non-farm payrolls report at the end of last week saw a 22k increase in payrolls for last month, well below expectations. This ignited fears about the outlook for the US economy. "It triggered a rally in government bonds, particularly at the short end of the curve, and US and European stocks sold off at the end of last week. Futures are pointing to a mildly higher open for stock markets later today, the gold price is lower and the yen is weak across the G10 FX space after the Japanese PM resigned." Investors will be turning their attention to France, where Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is expected to lose a confidence vote. "This would mean that France will have four governments in a year, as politicians try to push through Budget cuts to get the public spending," said Brooks. "Last month, a French government minister said that the country may need an IMF bailout because its finances were so bad." She added: "Overall, there is a lot resting on this vote, and the markets will be taking notice of the outcome, as highly indebted nations cannot hide anymore." In UK corporate news, retirement savings and income business Phoenix Group said it was "firmly on track" to hit its medium-term targets after a strong first half, during which profits surged by a quarter. The company also announced that it is to change its group name to Standard Life in March 2026, "helping with our objective to simplify our business". Construction firm Vistry said it has formed a long-term investment joint venture with Homes England, Westminster's housing and regeneration agency, to accelerate the development of large-scale residential sites across England. Vistry said the joint venture, named Hestia, was backed by 150m of capital investment by Homes England and Vistry and was designed to deliver "high-quality, mixed-tenure communities" at pace and scale. OPEC+ will boost production again starting from the following month. Eight of the cartel's members, including Saudi Arabia, which wants to regain market share, will increase output by a combined 137,000 barrels a day. The idea is to begin reversing a cumulative 1.65m barrel a day reduction more than one year early. Another reduction that had previously been carried out worth 2m barrels a day is expected to remain in place until the end of 2026. President Trump has been pressuring the group to hike output. - Sunday Times The Mail on Sunday has revealed that WH Smith depends heavily on the promotional income from suppliers to achieve its sales targets. That could mean that the issues around the company's books run deeper than previously thought. The revelation follows a profit warning during the previous month that sent the company's shares down by over 40%. Deloitte is looking into the error, which WH Smith has attributed to "accelerated recognition of supplier income" at its US unit. - Financial Mail on Sunday During his stay in Scotland last month, US vice-president JD Vance held a private meeting with the heads of several US nuclear outfits pursuing projects in the UK. Among those present were representatives from Westinghouse, GE Hitachi, X-energy, Holtec International and TerraPower. Vance is now lobbying for support for such companies to build nuclear power stations and data centres aimed at powering AI in the UK. - The Sunday Telegraph Output from Jaguar Land Rover and a host of its suppliers will be kept on hold for at least the next week due to a crippling cyber-hack. The impact on its operations is expected to be felt until October. The cyberattack was conducted a week ago. Thousands of workers have been told not to go to work until Tuesday. They will continue to be paid as usual, while banking their hours which they will recover later on. The company will provide an update on Monday. - Guardian Supreme Court hearing today on challenges to Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. ECI assures flexibility, allowing objections beyond the September 1 deadline until nomination day. Nationwide rollout considered: ECI to meet state CEOs on September 10 in Delhi. The Supreme Court will continue hearing petitions today challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls, a process introduced to clean up the voter list ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. According to the apex courts causelist, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi will take up the matter on September 8. Election Commission of India (ECI) for filing claims and objections to the draft rolls released after the first phase of SIR. However, the ECI assured the court that any objections filed between September 1 and the last date of nominations would still be considered. Earlier, the bench declined to extend the September 1 deadline set by the(ECI) for filing claims and objections to the draft rolls released after the first phase of SIR. However, the ECI assured the court that any objections filed between September 1 and the last date of nominations would still be considered. Also Read- Minister G Kishan Reddy Calls Coal Tax Cut A Game Changing Industry Reform The pleas, filed by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other political parties, sought additional time for voters to submit claims and corrections. In its September 1 order, the court emphasized that the process of considering claims would remain open until the nomination deadline and directed the Bihar State Legal Services Authority to deploy para-legal volunteers (PLVs) to help voters and parties file online objections or corrections. Meanwhile, sources revealed that the ECI is weighing the possibility of conducting SIR nationwide. A meeting with all state Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) has been scheduled for September 10 in Delhi, to be attended by CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commissioners, and other senior officials. In a momentous event at Semicon India 2025 in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, unveiled 'Made in India' semiconductor chips. This historical launch of first 25 Made In India Semiconductor Chips also included indigenously designed Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) IC chip developed by Vivekanand Education Society's Institute of Technology (VESIT), an Autonomous Institute Affiliated to University of Mumbai, highlighting how the Indian Government's Chips to Startup (C2S) Programme is empowering academic institutions to drive indigenous semiconductor innovation. The PGA IC chip, fabricated at SCL,Mohali, on a 180 nm CMOS technology node, demonstrates VESIT's impressive indigenous design capabilities. This Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) chip is useful for a wide range of signal processing and computer-based systems for use in high-tech instrumentations, medical equipments, and defense applications. The industry partner Panache Digilife, will use this chip to manufacture advanced electronic instruments, directly contributing to India's burgeoning electronics manufacturing sector. This achievement is a landmark for VESIT, making it the first private engineering institute from Maharashtra to be featured in this prestigious national initiative under Category-I of C2S program, solidifying its place as a key contributor to the India's Semiconductor Mission. "We are incredibly proud to see our faculty's hard work recognized on such a prestigious national platform. This milestone is a testament to our institution's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and hands-on research. By actively participating in the Chip to Startup programme and more such initiatives, we are not only contributing to the 'Make in India' mission but also shaping the next generation of engineers and innovators who will lead our nation's technological future", said Shri. B. L. Boolani, Managing Trustee, VESIT. VESIT remains committed to advancing India's semiconductor ecosystem. VESIT has already designed two more chips under C2S that are currently under development, further demonstrating its sustained dedication to technological self-reliance. This significant achievement by VESIT is a powerful example of how Industry Academia collaboration is fueling the vision of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and strengthening the nation's position on the global technology Map. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. For the first time in decades, a new District 75 school for special education students has opened on Staten Island, and Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos recently toured the new facility. Staten Island Rise Academy, also known as PS 89, is a District 75 school that opened in Travis, co-located with PS/I.S. 26 at the original PS 26 building and the brand-new constructed building located just 1,000 feet away. District 75 provides highly specialized instructional support for students with significant challenges, such as autism, significant cognitive delays, emotional disabilities, sensory impairments, and multiple disabilities. I think there hasnt been a new District 75 school on Staten Island in over 30 years, said Staten Island Rise Academy Principal Dr. Denise DAnna. It did come from parents in this area Im ecstatic to be here. While Staten Island Rise Academy is a newly created District 75 school, the city has created hundreds of school seats, including District 75 seats, across the borough over the years, such as PS 70 in Stapleton, and a new building for The Richard H. Hungerford School in Sunnyside both opening in 2022. 37 1 / 37 NYC Chancellor visits brand new Staten Island Rise Academy in Travis After passing a balloon arch outside the new school building, Aviles-Ramos was greeted by school staff and students, as well as DAnna, PS/I.S. 26 Principal Stephanie Bassett, District 31 Superintendent Dr. Roderick Palton, and other education officials. We have to prioritize special education, said the chancellor. When we think about the rise in numbers, we need to make sure that we are giving high-quality options to families, whether that is inclusive programs, if its [District] 75 slots. Aviles-Ramos looked around the facility, noting that teachers have the space and resources to support kids in the best way possible. Its a welcoming environment where families can be partners with educators, she added. As we talk about wanting to support special education, we actually need to do the work from the operational to the logistical to the instructional to make sure that were providing those opportunities to families and children. So Im immensely proud of this, especially here on Staten Island. This was a much-needed request from the community. Staten Island Rise Academys mission is to empower every student to reach their full potential by providing personalized instruction and tailored support in a nurturing, inclusive environment. Its core values represent RISE resilience, independence, self-advocacy, and empowerment. This is achieved by recognizing and celebrating each students unique strengths and fostering independence, self-advocacy, and social-emotional growth. In terms of the individualized instruction, youll see small classes What is remarkable about the individualized instruction and the small group instruction is that our students are benefiting from New York City Reads in District 75 just as our students in their district schools are, said Christina Foti, deputy chancellor of the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning for the city Department of Education. While there is tailored and individualized instruction, were holding the standards by using the evidence-based curricula in our District 75 programs that that theyre using in the district schools. During the visit, which took place Friday, the chancellor visited two classrooms to meet with students, teachers, paraprofessionals, and support providers. She watched as students worked on an activity related to the school mascot. Fidget toys were scattered on desks to provide an outlet for students to focus their energy, reduce anxiety and stress, and regulate movements. It was great to walk in and to see happy children, to see educators have what they need to support them. Its wonderful to see administrators facilitating learning with their teachers. These are the reasons why we do the work that we do, said Aviles-Ramos, who stopped to greet students walking by in the hallways. This is why we do what we do and so walking into the classroom and knowing all the work that went into making sure we could have this program in this building, and seeing it all come to fruition is really satisfying, not only for me, but definitely for the entire team. Education leaders noted that the new District 75 school has been a long-time coming in the area. 10314 is our largest zip code in Staten Island, and with the growing population there, but also the growing rates that were seeing in autism, both in New York City and across the country, theres been an increased demand for autism programming, said Foti. So in keeping up with that demand, we are really, really delighted to be opening up this building. More than 350,000 New York City public school students will receive new internet-enabled devices at no cost this academic year. (MLive.com/Jacob Hamilton) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. More than 350,000 public school students in New York City will receive new internet-enabled devices for free this school year to help provide access and programming to students. Mayor Eric Adams, Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, T-Mobile, Dell Technologies, and New York Yankees player Jazz Chisholm Jr. announced that the new devices will be distributed to students in kindergarten through 12th grade, as the city works to bridge the digital divide and invest in a more affordable city for working-class New Yorkers. Students will be able to use these cellular-connected devices to get online for free, wherever they live. Access to reliable technology and high-speed internet is a modern-day necessity, and, right now, too many New York City students dont have it, said Adams. That doesnt just prevent progress inside the classroom, it limits opportunities outside of it but our administration is changing that and providing our young people with free devices to stay connected in the 21st century. These students will receive LTE- or 5G-connected Chromebooks with internet access and optimized educational programming. This rollout closes device access gaps and replaces outdated equipment that no longer meet current instructional and security standards while ensuring students have keyboard-enabled devices vital for writing, researching, and completing class assignments. They will be rolled out in the coming months, and will prepare students with 21st-century skills, including typing, online research, and responsible internet use. The Chromebooks will support Google Workspace, city Department of Education applications, and state assessment platforms. Devices will allow seamless learning between school and home, regardless of a students location. The devices will be configured and enrolled using Google Management Console, which applies DOE enterprise settings to ensure secure, standardized access across all devices. Key applications pre-loaded on each device will include: Google Workspace for Education : Features widely used programs across DOE for instruction, assignments, collaboration, and communication. TeachHub : DOEs secure, single sign-on portal for students, teachers, and staff providing centralized access to digital learning applications, instructional resources, announcements, and integrated tools like Google Classroom, Clever, and iLearnNYC. iLearnNYC: Provides access to digital curriculum materials, personalized learning platforms, and DOE-approved content aligned to standards. The 350,000 devices being distributed to students will come equipped with T-Mobile LTE or 5G access, thanks to an agreement between the city and T-Mobile. Royal Caribbean International has announced that its ships will not return to Labadee, the cruise lines private destination in northern Haiti, until at least May 2026, citing ongoing violence in the country. According to a report, the company informed travel agents and passengers in an email this week that the decision was made in an abundance of caution. The letter stated: We have been monitoring the evolving situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and out of an abundance of caution, were cancelling our visits to Labadee through April 2026. Royal Caribbean had already suspended visits to Labadee earlier this year through October 2025. The latest update extends that pause another seven months. The line last visited Labadee in early 2025. Guests who purchased shore excursions for Labadee will automatically receive refunds credited to their SeaPass accounts. The change affects multiple ships, including Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas. Depending on the sailing, itineraries will be modified to include extended sea days or stops in alternate ports such as Nassau, Bahamas; Falmouth, Jamaica; Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; Cozumel, Mexico; and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas comes into the Port of Miami, Monday, Feb. 5, 2018, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) AP SAFETY CONCERN IN HAITI Haiti has been under a state of emergency since March 2024 as gang violence escalated across the country. The U.S. State Department currently has a Level 4 Do not travel advisory in place. Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti, the advisory reads. They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. Do not travel to Haiti for any reason. No other major cruise lines currently sail to Haiti. LABADEES SIGNIFICANCE Labadee is a walled-off resort area on a peninsula about 130 miles north of Port-au-Prince. Though operated by Royal Caribbean and guarded by a private security force, the area has not been immune to the broader instability facing Haiti since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021. Since then, gangs have seized control of roughly 90% of the capital and expanded operations into rural areas. Efforts to stabilize the country have faltered, including a Kenyan-led multinational security force that has struggled with funding and troop shortages. The Advance/SILive.com visited IHOP on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Victoria Priola/ For the Staten Island Advance/ SILive.com STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The Advance/SILive.com is visiting businesses around the borough that are new, under new ownership, or have new offerings, like serving alcohol for the first time. This stop: IHOP. About the business What type of restaurant or business is it? IHOP is a sit-down restaurant serving American cuisine like burgers, omelettes, sandwiches, and as the name implies, buttery and sweetly flavored pancakes. When did it open? IHOP had a grand reopening in 2019 following extensive renovations, but has a history that spans more than two-decades on Staten Island. The Advance/SILive.com visited IHOP on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Victoria Priola/ For the Staten Where is it located? IHOP stands at 935 Richmond Ave. in Graniteville. What are the hours of operation? IHOP is open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Saturdays, the restaurant is open for a full 24 hours, and on Sundays, IHOP is open 12 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Advance/SILive.com visited IHOP on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Victoria Priola/ For the Staten Island Advance/ SILive.com When did it receive its liquor license? According to IHOP manager Kimberly Garay, the restaurant received its liquor license in June. The chain eatery has served alcohol in the past but has recently brought it back to its menu. Does it sell or serve beer, wine, mixed drinks and/or hard liquor? Beer, canned hard seltzer, and Barefoot Bubbly champagne are the extent of alcohol served at the all-day eatery. IHOP advertises its $7.99 mimosas in a variety of flavors, including watermelon, mango and strawberry, at every table in its Graniteville establishment. The Advance/SILive.com visited IHOP on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Victoria Priola/ For the Staten Island Advance/ SILive.com What are the most popular appetizers, entrees and desserts? IHOP is historically known for its pancakes, but Garay said the mimosas have been the star of the menu since its debut. Were trying different things out to see what works for the customers and what brings them in, Garay said. Its been going over very well. What are some items people should try? Garay encourages customers to utilize the late-night eats IHOP serves, and pair it with a flavored mimosa. The restaurant offers special limited-time deals that pair food with different drinks. When the Advance/SILive.com visited during the height of Sunday breakfast traffic, the restaurant was promoting a limited-time deal that included a $10.99 burger with a purchase of an alcoholic drink. Were really trying to get the night business up, Garay said, also explaining that IHOP will soon have televisions throughout the dining area. People know us, they know the menu but were always looking to switch it up. Does the restaurant have an outdoor area people can eat food/snacks? IHOP offers customers two indoor dining areas, and utilizes its outdoor surroundings as a waiting area for incoming customers. The Advance/SILive.com visited IHOP on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Victoria Priola/ For the Staten Island Advance/ SILive.com Does the restaurant take catering orders, if so how can a customer place the order? IHOP does cater, and all orders must be placed online for pick-up and delivery. Garay says orders can be placed and confirmed over the phone, but online is their preferred method of intake. What makes this business stand out? The dedicated staff and the familial feeling of the work crew is the crux of IHOPs history on Staten Island, and what makes them successful to this day. Sure, its delicious reputation alone will pack out the parking lot on any given weekend, but its the service that keeps people coming back. Everyone here is family and everyone works so hard, Garay said. Were lucky to have a great crew, and I think the customers feel that. We really help each other out here. The Advance/SILive.com visited IHOP on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Victoria Priola/ For the Staten Island Advance/ SILive.com How to get in touch with the business IHOP can be reached at 718-494-4467 and catering orders can be received via Restaurants.IHOP.com. There were several food, product and car recalls for the week of Sept. 1-7 that you might have missed, including recalls for frozen vegetables and brown eggs. Canva You might want to check your fridge, garage and home this week. The reason you should do this is because of recalls issued across the U.S., affecting everything from food staples to vehicles and household consumer products. These recalls, triggered by health risks to safety hazards, could impact millions of consumers just like you. Heres what you need to know about four recalls on food, products and vehicles that could affect you. 4 food and product recalls Item Detail Start Date Week of Sept. 1-7 Whos affected? People who bought brown eggs, frozen vegetables and baby loungers as well as people who own certain Ford and Lincoln models. Whats changing? See each specific food, car or product recall for more information. What will happen? People will have to stop consuming or using the products, return them to their place of purchase, and/or throw the products out. Frozen vegetables sold nationwide recalled: return to place of purchase ASAP New York-based Endico Potatoes is recalling frozen vegetables sold in several states due to listeria contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The recall was initiated after testing at a site in Pennsylvania found listeria contamination. No illnesses have been reported to date. Endico and the FDA are investigating the cause of the contamination and distribution has been halted. The following products are subject to recall: Peas and carrots Lot number- 110625 Production date- June 11, 2025 Sell by date- June 10, 2027 Mixed vegetables Lot number- 170625 Production date- June 17, 2025 Sell by date- June 16, 2027 The products were sold at certain retailers including H Mart between July 18-Aug. 4, 2025, in these seven states and territories: Connecticut Florida New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Maryland Washington, D.C. Those with the frozen vegetables in their freezers should return them to their place of purchase. Ford recalls 213K vehicles due to faulty trailer lights Ford is recalling more than 213,000 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Navigator models due to a defect in these vehicles trailer lights, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The malfunctioning trailer lights are caused by the vehicles defective Body Control Module (BCM) caused by bad soldering on the Body Control Module circuit boards. This could also cause problems with the power windows, mirrors, HVAC system or even the USB charging ports. SUVs driven more than 6,000 miles may not be affected. However, Ford is urging owners to get their vehicles inspected and if necessary, get their Body Control Module replaced at no cost. Owners will be notified about the recall by Oct. 13, 2025, and replacement of the defective part will be available between March 31 and April 3, 2026. 23K URMYWO baby loungers recalled due to suffocation, fall hazard risk Pomona is recalling 23,000 URMYWO baby loungers due to a suffocation and fall hazard that can cause serious injuries or death to babies who use them, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The affected baby loungers are in the grey feather style and Model No: UMCZC01AE printed on labels attached to the sides of the loungers. No injuries have been reported to date. The loungers were sold on Amazon between January 2024 and April 2025 for about $30-$50. Consumers should stop using the loungers immediately and contact Pomona for a full refund. To get the refund, consumers should remove the sleeping pad, cut the sides of the baby loungers and the sleeping pad and email a photo of the destroyed lounger to urmyworecall@outlook.com. Brown eggs recalled after 95 sickened across 14 states The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA issued a warning after California-based Country Eggs, LLC, recalled its Large Brown Cage Free Sunshine Yolk eggs due to potential salmonella contamination. The recalled eggs were distributed to grocery stores in California and Nevada, packaged in individual cartons with the following brand names and sell-by dates: Nagatoshi Produce, Sell by dates: July 1, 2025, through Sept. 18, 2025 Misuho, Sell by dates: July 1, 2025, through Sept. 18, 2025 Nijiya Markets, Sell by dates: July 1, 2025, through Sept. 18, 2025 Country Eggs Large Brown Sunshine Yolks, Sell by dates: July 1, 2025, through Sept. 18, 2025 To date, 95 people have reported illnesses in connection with the recall in 14 different states. Of those 95 people, 18 have been hospitalized. If you have these eggs in your fridge, the CDC is urging you to throw them away or return them to their place of purchase. It is also recommended that you sanitize the surfaces the contaminated eggs have touched. PRAGUE, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- About 30 people were injured after a bus carrying students overturned in the Moravian-Silesian region of northeastern Czech Republic on Monday, police and rescuers said. The accident happened in the morning in Stare Hamry. Regional fire rescue officials said all 32 students on the bus were injured. Citing rescuers, Czech Television reported that two adults were also hurt. It said most of the injuries were minor to moderate and no lives were at risk. Four of the injured have been transported to hospital. Police said the bus, bound for a ski resort, veered off the road, struck an electric pole and overturned on its side. A technical malfunction is being considered as a possible cause, and the accident is now under investigation as a general endangerment due to negligence. Local media reported that the high school students were from the regional capital, Ostrava. Costco has announced a recall of a popular chocolate snack due to an undeclared allergen. Costco was informed that supplier Rolling Pin Baking Company is recalling Dubai Style Chocolate sold at warehouses from May 1, 2025, through Aug. 25, 2025. The allergen statement inadvertently listed gluten as the allergen, rather than wheat. The health risk has been assessed as minimal, as gluten is listed on the allergen statement and gluten is found in wheat. Additionally, kunefa (which is known to contain wheat) is also listed in the ingredient statement. The affected products are sold in green, resealable bags featuring an image of the dubai chocolate treat. The Costco notice stated the item number is 1932972. The product could pose a health risk to consumers with a wheat allergy. If you purchased these items and have wheat allergies in your household, it should be returned to your local Costco for a full refund. Consumers with questions or concerns can call Rolling Pin at 833-331-2993. Sylvia Valacios was working at the Cato protein bar plant during the ICE Raid. She was detained at the plant initially, but then released. She saidICE officers kicked open the bathroom door and yelled at her to come with them, terrifying her. Marnie Eisenstadt The 70 workers who were rounded up and detained during an immigration raid at a protein bar plant in northern Cayuga County have been sent out of state, according to family members and advocates for the workers. In less than 48 hours, the workers went from the jobs and lives where theyd spent decades to a detention center at the Texas border, awaiting potential deportation. Elizabeth Ramirez-Abrams said her husband, 46-year-old Hediberto Ramirez-Perez, called her around 11 a.m. Saturday to tell her he was in Texas. She said he and the others were flown there from Buffalo. No one is sure what detention center they are in, and an online system simply says they are in the custody of Customs and Border Patrol. Ramirez-Abrams and her sisters had been searching for Ramirez-Perez, known to everyone as Big Eddie, since she last saw him being taken away Thursday. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raided the Nutrition Bar Confectioners plant they both work at in Cato, with assistance from Oswego and Cayuga County sheriffs deputies. Ramirez-Abrams said her husband told her he only had a few seconds to talk. He told her what seemed like the most important thing: Call the lawyer, tell him where I am. Ramirez-Perez has a pending appeal in U.S. Immigration Court. Because of that, he should not have been detained, his lawyer, Jose Perez, said Friday. He said he has other clients, too, who had valid paperwork but were detained anyway at the raid. Erin Fiorini, a volunteer advocate with the Syracuse Immigrant and Refugee Defense Network, said many of the people she knows who were taken have valid paperwork that agents disregarded. Fiorini asked people to call lawmakers and urge them to help the workers. Call Schumer, call Gillibrand, call Barclay, call Chris Ryan, she said. Tell them to get parents back home to their kids. At least a dozen children left for the first day of school Thursday morning to come to one or both of their parents gone. David Beidel sits in New Hope Community Church on Alaska Street in West Brighton on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Life is full of struggles, but for one man, maintaining hope in vulnerable Staten Island communities isnt just a goal its a life mission. Pastor David Beidel, 61, is the president and founder of Urban Hope NYC, a local non-profit organization that aims to connect all members of the public with a local church community and provides a number of programs for at-risk youth. A Staten Island upbringing Beidel, a West Brighton resident and father of four, came to Staten Island when he was just 7 years old. His family first came to New York from Sitka, Alaska. As a child, Beidel grew up in Great Kills, attended PS 8, Barnes Intermediate School (I.S. 24) and graduated from Tottenville High School. Beidel went away to college for two years, but unfortunately, his father became deathly ill and he returned home, ultimately dropping out of college for the time being. Around this time, Beidel resorted to running a tree service, a job he would hold for 10 years and which ultimately served to delay the founding of his church. Those detours, you feel like theyre a waste, but I feel like God did so much in my soul to prepare me for this, Beidel explained. You know it was tough work, you know, a lot of challenges. Id rather have gone through the challenges and the emotional character building while doing that while doing tree work than when starting a church. Becoming a pastor Eventually, Beidel finished his college education at the College of Staten Island in the late 80s and attended Alliance Theological Seminary, a Christian and Missionary Alliance seminary, in Nyack, New York. The Alliance traces its roots back to Pastor A.B. Simpson, who worked with Italian immigrant workers in the 1800s who at the time were considered the dust children of New York City, according to Beidel. Simpson made it his mission to serve the poorest among the people and brought together an alliance of different Christian groups who served the city. This origin story proved to be inspirational for Beidel. For Beidel, the calling to serve came around the age of 16. Youre raised in the church and its easy to get numb to it, he said. Even though I believed, you just kind of go through the motions. But at a certain point, at 16 years old, I was really awestruck at the creator of the universe dying for me and loving me and paying for all my sins personally, it just grabbed me, he recounted. David Beidel stands outside the West Brighton public pool in West Brighton on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) As explained by the pastor, the greatest crisis in our world is the haunting absence of love in peoples lives. It was the love of Christ that just really changed me and then the intimacy of His concern that I couldnt escape because my mother would share her story all the time, he said. That He hears, like, the desperate cries of the most powerless, the most broken, the most disdained and marginalized of any society that just still blows my mind to this day. The dust child Beidel told the Advance/SILive.com the story of his polio-stricken mother who was abandoned by her family during the Korean War. According to Beidel, his mother attempted to escape the North Korean army and found her way to a bridge, which had been destroyed by the South Korean forces. In retelling his mothers story, Beidel shared how his mom had nearly given up and simply prayed for a merciful death. However, she asked that God preserve her life should He have use for a throwaway like her. She would go on to hobble across the frozen river and was eventually rescued by American forces stationed in Korea. When I really knew God was calling me to start a church and to launch a ministry, the question for me was who are the abandoned, you know, the forsaken? In Asia they would call kids like my mom a dust child not worth the dust under your feet, Beidel said. So I was like, who are the dust children of my city? This question eventually led Beidel to West Brighton, which he noted had an alarmingly high murder rate in the late 90s and early 2000s due to gang wars and drugs. We knew thats where Jesus would want to put a church so we started a church here, he said. It began in a living room New Hope Community Church traces its roots back to Beidels living room. In 1992, in his former home, Beidel and his wife began holding bible studies and worship. Sweet times, pot luck dinners and we all began to just love the neighborhood, love our own neighborhood, Beidel noted. The church eventually began to rent out spaces before settling upon the facility at 77 Alaska St. in 1999. David Beidel stands outside New Hope Community Church on Alaska Street in West Brighton on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) In reflecting on those more difficult times, Beidel recounted how there was a drive-by shooting outside a nearby school. On another occasion, a student involved in the churchs youth group was unable to attend as a dead body outside their building prevented them from leaving. Instances like these and frequent exposure to violence such as this takes a toll on the neighborhood and traumatizes residents in the community, Beidel said. The founding of Urban Hope Many years passed with Beidel serving as a pastor at New Hope Community Church. While youth clubs and other partnership programs served the community, Beidel came to the realization that the needs of our community are too great for the church to handle alone. It was this realization that sparked the idea for Urban Hope in 2009. Urban Hope consists of a network of churches that seek to connect residents with their houses of worship and, through a variety of programs, aims to restore hope in struggling communities. David Beidel holds books inside of New Hope Community Church on Alaska Street in West Brighton on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) Together, were all just trying to do the best to shepherd the North Shore of Staten Island, Beidel explained. Part of Urban Hopes mission is adopting neighborhoods, which is fulfilled through another of Beidels ministries called Jesus Week. In building networks of churches throughout the Northeast and beyond, Beidel has been able to provide millions of dollars in outreach books to churches that join the network. Our dream scene is that we would work together - all of us - and build a city where there are no sheep without a shepherd, he said. Beidel looks to push his network of churches to get out into the community and directly visit the homes of residents, as he feels churches today just rely on others to visit their church rather than make an effort to get out and heal neighborhoods. If we go back to a parish mindset where churches are loving on their community and knowing their community, weve seen that it brings, like, extraordinary healing and again, it ends hopelessness in a neighborhood, said Beidel. As detailed by Beidel, Urban Hope has two major arms: Jesus Week and Cities of Joy. Cities of Joy is the deep dive into healing, really healing, in places of multigenerational devastation like public housing communities, he explained. As part of Cities of Joy, churches partner with local officials and non-profits to target and heal the issues within NYCHA complexes. As part of Cities of Joy, this summer, Urban Hope partnered with the NYPD to bring programming and festivals to select streets along the North Shore. Urban Hope previously partnered with the NYPD for festivals over the summer, including this pictured Community Corners event. This group photo shows attendees of the Community Corners event outside PS 78 in Stapleton on Thursday, July 24, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley) During the school year, Urban Hope dives deeper into literacy programming in about nine schools. Other programs include the Hope clubs, which are faith-based afterschool clubs in five elementary schools, as well as the Ambassadors of Peace program in middle and high schools, which focus on mental health and leadership development. In all, Urban Hope connects with 300 to 500 children on a weekly basis through their programs. In Beidels eyes, the impact of historical discriminatory housing policies continues to devastate North Shore communities to this day. If we dont do something to bring hope to people who have experienced such extraordinary injustice, then who are we? Beidel questioned. A hopeful future While Beidel expressed that he will carry through with his mission utilizing whatever resources possible and the healing provided through Jesus Christ, he did note that volunteers and supportive funding are a great help. Although he no longer preaches at New Hope Community Church, Beidel continues to put his time and effort into building up Urban Hope. In the near future he is looking to scale out and expand programming into Brooklyn high schools and beyond. Those interested in learning more about Urban Hope and the mission of Beidel, visit urbanhopenyc.org and jesusweekmovement.org. In addition to volunteers and donations, Beidel is in need of a small warehouse to store donations for times of crisis. If you are willing to donate such a space, please contact Beidel at David.Beidel@urbanhopenyc.org In this file photo, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks at a news conference on Feb. 20, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File) AP STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton joined Gov. Kathy Hochul in celebrating the passage of bills seeking to protect and create union jobs in New York. Hochul passed five different bills on union labor, ranging from pay protections to apprenticeships which was Scarcella-Spantons legislation. Our union laborers are the lifeblood of New York, working tirelessly to continue to build and uplift this great state, Hochul said in a written statement. While the Trump Administration has failed to prioritize a strong National Labor Relations Board and is dismantling unions left and right, here in New York we are taking strong action to protect worker rights and sending a clear message that we will always have the backs of New Yorks workers. The bills include the following provisions, as listed in the statement: Legislation S.8034A/A8590A: authorizes the New York State Public Employment Relations Board to assert jurisdiction over disputes between employers and recognized employee organizations if the National Labor Relations Board is unable to successfully assert jurisdiction. Legislation S.5254/A.6612: protects public unions from a wage reduction due to their involvement in the investigation of a violation of a workplace violence protection program. Legislation S.12/A.779: amends the Civil Service Law to strengthen protections for public unions during times of suspensions and workforce layoffs. Legislation S.2457B/A3999B: establishes the Mechanical Insulation Energy Savings Program to provide grants for qualified mechanical insulation expenditures to school districts. Legislation A.2730A: requires contractors and subcontractors performing construction work for covered renewable energy systems to have apprenticeship agreements. This legislation also requires thermal energy networks to require contractors and subcontractors to have pre-apprenticeship direct entry providers registered with the New York State Department of Labor. Scarcella-Spanton, who represents Staten Islands North Shore and southern parts of Brooklyn, applauded the governor for making her bill into law. Thank you to Governor Hochul for signing my bill that requires contractors and subcontractors performing construction work for renewable energy systems to use apprenticeship agreements. Apprenticeship requirements will ensure workers are adequately trained in a skilled, safe, timely and efficient way. These programs provide New Yorkers with opportunities to gain access to career-track jobs, supporting families and local economies, Scarcella-Spanton said. The White House is celebrating a new milestone for President Donald Trump. The Trump administration announced on Friday that the presidents approval rating has just reached an all-time high, according to a new poll from the Daily Mail/J.L. Partners. Per the poll, Trump secured a 55% approval rating, while 45% said they disapproved of his job performance. It is the highest approval figure we have ever shown for Trump, the co-founder of JL Partners, James Johnson, told the Daily Mail, which released its results on Thursday. The White House said the poll which surveyed 867 registered voters from Aug. 21 to Sept. 1 is confirmation of President Trumps ability to deliver results, pointing to his federal takeover of Washington, D.C., the border and other priorities. The poll has a plus or minus 3.3 percent margin of error. But meanwhile, other polls released last week find Trumps approval rating hovering in the 40s. The Silver Bulletin, created by polling guru Nate Silver, found on Friday that 44.1% of Americans approve of Trumps performance, with 51.7% saying they disapprove. Meanwhile, The New York Times, which aggregates presidential approval polling daily, revealed that Trump has won over the support of 43% of Americans, with 52% disapproving. Real Clear Politics data compilation found Trump with a 45.4% approval rate, and 50.9% disapproving. Data Journalist G. Elliott Morris reported a more intense gap. According to his Strength In Numbers, Trumps average approval rating, as of Friday, is closer to 41.9% with all adults. He scored a 53.7% disapproval rating making him the most unpopular president ever at this point in a term. The Economist reported a similar figure, with 41% backing Trump, and 55% disagreeing with his job as president. Before the Daily Mail/J.L. Partners poll, Trump tied his highest-ever approval rating as commander-in-chief, recording 47% of support, NBC News analyzed. Gallup, however, reported in February 2020, during the presidents first term, that he had hit a personal best of 49%. The Daily Mail had also previously found Trump at a 49% approval rating in July. CHONGQING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Jiang Songning, 22, thought he would never play the piano again after he had his right forearm amputated five years ago. However, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) technology, his ten fingers can dance across the keys again. At the 2025 World Smart Industry Expo that was recently held in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Jiang played the piano in front of an audience, wearing a bionic hand developed by the technology firm BrainCo. He noted that the bionic hand is almost as flexible as his left hand -- with each finger able to move freely. "The bionic hand integrates brain-computer interface technology and AI algorithms," said Jiang, adding that the hand can recognize the wearer's movement intention by detecting the wearer's neural and muscular electrical signals, and convert such intention into action. "While conventional prosthetics can only perform certain specific motions, and some even merely serve as decoration -- this bionic hand can move as the user wants. It can perform 80 percent of the functions of a normal hand," said Pan Siyu, public relations manager of BrainCo, adding that it takes only about a week for a new user to get used to the bionic hand. Notably, Pan said BrainCo aims to make its products accessible to more people with disabilities. The price of the bionic hand is only one-fifth that of similar products from abroad. The 2025 World Smart Industry Expo focused on how AI empowers industries and daily lives. The warmth of such technology is palpable. Many enterprises are exploring the use of advanced technologies to improve the well-being of people with disabilities A man from central China's Henan Province, who asked not to be named, suffers from muscle atrophy and was not able to walk. He went to the expo in Chongqing as he had heard there were some types of smart equipment there that could possibly help him to walk again. He found an exoskeleton product developed by Guangzhou Shipeng Technology Co., Ltd -- and after just about half an hour of training, he was able to walk slowly. "Whenever I want to walk, a force kicks in to help me with the motion," the man revealed. "The exoskeleton is powered by intelligent algorithms. It has multiple built-in sensors that accurately read users' movement intentions and provide appropriate leg-lifting assistance," said Xu Guo, a sales consultant with Shipeng. He explained that the product, equipped with the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System and IoT system, allows for trajectory tracking and emergency calls -- thereby keeping family members of users informed about their whereabouts and conditions. This exoskeleton not only helps people with disabilities, but is also suitable for scenarios such as long-distance walking and mountain climbing. It is currently widely used in fields including emergency rescue, forest firefighting, industrial logistics and so forth. It can significantly enhance the wearer's load-bearing capacity and endurance, effectively reducing muscle fatigue during long-distance walking. Chongqing Wujie-Qihang Technology Co., Ltd, meanwhile, introduced a Braille dot display at the expo. It is able to use an AI algorithm to translate text, images and complex graphics into touchable Braille. "During our survey, we found that visually impaired people had very limited reading resources. Traditional Braille displays rely on users downloading fixed-format internet resources themselves. But with our algorithm, users can upload content they want to read to the server, which is then converted into Braille -- expanding reading resources for visually impaired people," said Li Cheng, founder of the company. "Previously, apart from a monthly magazine for visually impaired people, I had almost nothing else to read. This device can convert Chinese into tactile Braille, greatly enriching my reading resources," said Wei Xuchuan, a visually impaired man from Chongqing. He also said that while Braille books are usually very thick, heavy and inconvenient to carry, this Braille display weighs less than 500 grams. At the expo, over 600 companies introduced more than 3,000 smart products, reflecting how deeply smart technologies are intertwined with all aspects of daily life. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China's AI industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years -- with the number of AI enterprises exceeding 5,000. Ulbricht has leant on powerful allies in the crypto industry to help fund his new life, accepting digital currency donations worth about $US31 million. He has visited the Grand Canyon and chronicled a camping trip and spa session on the Instagram account he shares with his wife, Caroline Ulbricht. The comeback tour has appalled many of the people who put Ulbricht in prison, according to seven of those officials who spoke with The New York Times but declined to be identified for fear of upsetting his supporters. They called his release and subsequent ascent a perversion of justice. Silk Road was linked to the drug-related deaths of at least six people. Credit: AP Exactly what Ulbricht aims to achieve is unclear. (He declined to be interviewed.) On social media, he said he gave the speeches to thank all of you who supported me at my lowest. But friends and associates said his speaking gigs were also motivated by a desire to reframe the narrative around Silk Road, which was linked to the drug-related deaths of at least six people. Ulbricht has been working on a memoir, according to emails and audio recordings obtained by the Times, and hired a lawyer to try to prevent the release of a documentary featuring detailed interviews he conducted while he was in prison. Rodney Bridge, a resident of Perth, Australia, whose 16-year-old son took a hallucinogen bought from Silk Road and then jumped off a hotel balcony in 2013, called Ulbrichts comeback tour a disgrace. Loading Hes got $US31 million someones given to him, and the guys wealthy as can be, Bridge said. Well, Ive lost my son, and other people have lost their children and parents over this. Ulbricht had a strikingly ordinary life until 2013. He lived with roommates in picturesque neighbourhoods in the Bay Area and spent most of his days hunched over his computer, like any other Silicon Valley professional. Then in October that year, federal agents arrested him at a public library. They had finally put a face to the mysterious online figure known as the Dread Pirate Roberts, creator of Silk Road. For more than two years, the Dread Pirate Roberts had befuddled the government with his expansive marketplace, which could be accessed only through a special anonymising online software. Silk Road became the worlds best-known dark web purveyor of illicit drugs, where anyone could use bitcoin to order narcotics and rate them like any other product. At a federal trial in New York City in 2015, prosecutors accused Ulbricht of making it easier for drug dealers to get users hooked. He maintained his innocence. While he created Silk Road, his lawyers argued, he didnt run it day to day. A day after Trumps inauguration in January, Ulbricht received a full pardon. Credit: AP As his case made international headlines, Ulbricht became a cause celebre for libertarians and crypto enthusiasts, groups already inclined to distrust authority. They considered Silk Road a digital utopia, where bitcoin was the basis of a liberated online economy. In February 2015, Ulbricht was convicted on charges including money laundering and distributing narcotics online. Judge Katherine Forrest called his actions terribly destructive to our social fabric and gave him two life sentences, a punishment that surprised even the prosecutors. Almost immediately, Ulbrichts supporters began campaigning for his release. Lyn Ulbricht, who raised her son in Austin, Texas, spoke at libertarian gatherings, casting the case as a miscarriage of justice. Loading She eventually exhausted the appeals process, leaving a presidential pardon as his only way out. Ross is condemned to die in prison, not for selling drugs himself but for creating a website where others did, his mother wrote in a 2018 petition to Trump. Trumps first term ended without a pardon, crushing Lyn Ulbricht, whose personal life was falling apart as she dedicated herself to the cause. She divorced her husband and moved to Tucson near where Ross Ulbricht was imprisoned. Her sons life was changing too. Shortly after Ulbricht was sentenced, he received a letter from a French tech worker in Los Angeles, Caroline Debrion. She told him that she had followed the trial and thought he could use support. They exchanged letters almost every day. Debrion posted from her own Twitter account, and began working with Ulbrichts mother to secure his release. Eventually, her relationship with the inmate turned romantic. They married last year. Against the wishes of Lyn Ulbricht, who had shielded her son from the media, Debrion helped persuade Ulbricht to participate in a Silk Road documentary, a last-ditch effort to sway public opinion. (Both women declined to be interviewed for this article.) As his case made international headlines, Ulbricht became a cause celebre for libertarians and crypto enthusiasts, groups already inclined to distrust authority. Credit: Getty Images Over the next four years, filmmaker Blake Harris recorded more than 80 hours of prison phone calls with Ulbricht. Seemingly resigned to a life behind bars, Ulbricht spoke openly about running Silk Road, according to Harris, countering a core legal defence that he had stopped operating the site before it exploded in popularity. A week-and-a-half after Trumps inauguration, Ulbricht emailed Harris from a new account. Im free :), read the subject line. But the real purpose of his note was business. Ulbricht informed Harris that he was interested in buying the documentary. Through a lawyer, Ulbricht offered $US1.77 million for the documentary. Harris said he knew any sale to his subject would be ethically suspect. Harris made his subject a counteroffer of about $US10 million, two people familiar with the discussions said. Ulbricht walked away from the negotiations. Ulbricht has revelled in post-prison life. He has travelled across the United States, while remaining wary about crossing international borders because he could be arrested in another country, a person close to him said. Ulbricht has also been embraced by the newly ascendant crypto industry. Industry executives have shown support. The day after Ulbricht was pardoned, the crypto exchange Kraken, one of the largest in the country, donated $US111,111 in bitcoin to a digital wallet that Ulbricht controls. Loading In June, the same wallet received an anonymous donation of 300 bitcoin, or about $US31.4 million at the time. Its unclear where the money came from. But online sleuths have pointed to evidence that the donor was someone involved in AlphaBay, a now-defunct drug marketplace that had emerged as one of Silk Roads successors. The same month, those funds moved to an account on Kraken, suggesting that Ulbricht may have cashed them out, according to analysts at the data firms Arkham and Nansen. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Its the night of the Business Council of Australias annual dinner the corporate grand final according to social media (or at least one account which may or may not be managed by the business lobby groups director of media). But if thats the case, what is the contest? Business versus politics? Happily, the atmosphere was more stadium corporate box than competitive arena at Sydneys five-star Four Seasons. As always at such events, attendees look to the table placement to discern the business communitys hierarchy, and no detail is too small to be loaded with significance. BCA president Geoff Culbert, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Bran Black, CEO of BCA, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney on Monday night. Credit: Max Mason-Hubers Luckily, BCA chief executive Bran Black, the former lawyer who served as chief of staff to former NSW premiers Gladys Berejiklian and Dominic Perrottet, has had two years in the job now to skilfully Anna Wintour the heck out of the seating arrangements. Advertisement Eating outJust open This industrial area is home to Sydneys most exciting new bakery Follow the queue past the smash repair shop to order cinnamon scrolls, fancy carrot cake and mushroom focaccia at Foli in Campsie. Bianca Hrovat September 8, 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 Foli Bakery, Campsie. Dylan Coker One of Sydneys most exciting new bakeries is hidden between a smash repair shop and an empty warehouse in the Campsie industrial precinct. Despite the unconventional location, there are more than 10 people queuing outside Foli Bakery Production Studio at 10am on Sunday morning. Foli is the latest venture from the team behind Darlinghurst wine bar Theeca, and led by Korean head baker Yewon Yenny Yung. Its part French, part Japanese, and a little Korean, serving precision-baked goods that are just as beautiful as they are delicious. Carrot cake at Foli, Campsie. Dylan Coker I wait about 15 minutes, surrounded by families with small children and fluffy dogs, before reaching the small glass pastry cabinet on the front counter. There are little rectangular slices of carrot cake with house-made carrot jam and carefully piped frosting; towers of cookies filled with pistachio nuts and raspberries; and golden loaves of pumpkin ciabatta bread. Advertisement But Im here for the cinnamon and cardamom scrolls ($9.50), still warm from the oven and brushed with a cream cheese frosting. I order one with a slice of truffle mushroom focaccia ($11.50) and a house-made soda flavoured with bergamot and ruby grapefruit ($9.50). Theres also specialty coffee, using beans from Melbourne roastery St. Ali, and high-grade matcha, but Id already reached the limit of my daily caffeine intake. Yewon Yung, head baker at Foli. Dylan Coker Yung knows what shes doing: she studied at the Institut National de la Boulangerie Patisserie in France before working at world-renowned bakeries Tartine and Garuharu in Korea. But at Foli, Yung has greater creative freedom. Eunseok Lee, who co-owns the bakery with Taeho Kang and Junsoo Park, says its more of a research and development facility somewhere to trial new ideas and recipes before opening a bakery-restaurant in a heritage building in Darlinghurst later this year. Advertisement That site will have about 80 seats, functioning as a cafe and bakery by day and a casual Japanese restaurant with soba noodles and sake at night. The group hopes it will open before Christmas. Shio pan (otherwise known as salt bread) at Foli. Dylan Coker For now, Lee recommends trying the traditional Japanese shio pan, otherwise known as salt bread, to understand what Foli is about. The amber-coloured puffs of buttery white bread are rolled into the shape of a croissant warm, simple and lightly seasoned and made with single origin flour from Provenance Flour and Malt in New England. We like to compare it with a croissant because croissants symbolise a maximalist approach to baking its a very complex process of lamination, with perfect layers and structure, Lee says. In contrast, shio pan is structurally minimalist, so you can really sense the depth of flavour and taste all the ingredients. The more you chew, the more the flavours of butter and wheat rise to the surface. Its beautiful. Advertisement Head baker Yewon Yung. Dylan Coker Folis commitment to minimalism echoes throughout the cafe, with white walls, wood bench seating and a rice paper lamp hanging from the ceiling. There are Japanese ceramics for sale, and in the morning, the entire space is bathed in sunlight. Despite the surroundings, the space feels calm. So, is Foli worth the wait? Yes. In a city where a new boutique bakery opens almost every week, Foli does things differently taking popular products such as carrot cake and cinnamon scrolls, and reimagining them through the lens of a Japanese-French bakery. Foli Bakery Production Studio 32A Harp Street, Campsie, instagram.com/folibakery Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Mounjaro is a popular weight-loss medication, along with Ozempic. Credit: Bloomberg While the only human study to date found no association between GLP-1 exposure and congenital malformations, Grzeskowiak noted that it did not examine other potential adverse outcomes. The key is making sure that everything is well managed and ensuring that theres appropriate time between stopping these medications and decisions around pregnancy, to reduce any potential harms, he said. Grzeskowiak is concerned about the low take-up of hormonal contraceptives among women aged 18 to 49 using the medication. Just 21 per cent were prescribed contraception, according to the study, which analysed data from more than 1.6 million women aged 18 to 49 who attended general practices between 2011 and 2022. Were seeing widespread use of these medications among women of childbearing age, but very little evidence that contraception is being considered as part of routine care, he said. The Therapeutic Goods Administration recently reviewed whether using GLP-1s reduced the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Loading The assessment concluded that reduced effectiveness of oral contraception during initiation or dose escalations with tirzepatide could not be ruled out, a federal Department of Health spokesman said. Tirzepatide is the generic name for popular weight loss and type 2 diabetes drug Mounjaro. The spokesman said the TGA would publish any regulatory actions from its review as soon as they were available. He said the TGA had been informed of six reported cases of exposure to semaglutide while pregnant. In June, UK health authorities advised women using Mounjaro to also use barrier contraceptives such as condoms amid concerns it may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Its believed that slowing down the emptying of the stomach, a known effect of GLP-1 drugs, may reduce the absorption of contraceptive pills. The new Australian study also revealed that in 2022, more than 1 in 100 women began treatment on GLP-1s and more than 90 per cent of this group did not have a diabetes diagnosis. Nisha Khot, president-elect of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said losing a significant amount of weight a common effect of the drugs also improved womens fertility. When you lose weight, you are more likely to ovulate, because your hormones are better synchronised, she explained. I dont think women are being told that there is a higher chance of pregnancy when using these agents. Khot is treating a growing number of women who have become pregnant while using the medication. She said many were anxious about the potential effect of their treatment on their babies, despite the available research showing no clear risk. Rodney Whyte, a therapeutic medicines specialist at Monash Health and Monash University, advises women to immediately stop using GLP-1s if they have inadvertently fallen pregnant, but also reassures them. He said many of these women had been incorrectly advised to terminate their pregnancies or read information suggesting they should which had caused them deep concern. We would strongly advise against that, he said. He points to a study in the British Medical Journal that looked at exposure during early pregnancy and found that the drugs were not associated with a risk of major birth defects when compared with diabetes or being overweight or obese. Loading Theres a lot of fear and trepidation relating to medicines in pregnancy thats often overplayed. The medical conditions that were treating often have far more significant impacts on outcomes than the medications themselves. He said women exposed to these medications during pregnancy might benefit from counselling and additional ultrasounds to monitor their babys growth. Many of these women have been infertile and theyre finding that within a short time frame theyre inadvertently able to conceive, he said. They are really wanted babies in many of these cases. Women using GLP-1s to treat type 2 diabetes are urged to speak to their doctor about switching to other medications to manage the disease during pregnancy. The international construction giant building Victorias North East Link and the Sydney Metro train terminals at Australias newest international airport is accused of covering up a worker exploitation scandal and concealing evidence of unlawful conduct on its projects. Webuild faces union accusations that it knew illegal employees were working at the Western Sydney Airport and forced out its own industrial relations manager after he repeatedly raised concerns about inaction against a key subcontractors suspected unlawful behaviour. The subcontractor, Future Form, is a booming formwork company and sponsors the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL, and was on the weekend exposed by this masthead and 60 Minutes over suspected involvement in violent standover activity and alleged systemic underpayment to workers. Future Form has categorically denied all wrongdoing and vowed to clear our name as federal government ministers said on Monday they had asked the workplace regulator and the airport projects delivery authority to investigate. The alleged head of Sydneys notorious Alameddine crime family will remain on bail despite concerns he cannot be sufficiently tracked by police because of new legislation banning the use of privatised electronic monitoring in NSW. Prosecutors on Monday sought to have Ali Elmoubayeds strict bail revoked ahead of Fridays deadline for all private electronic monitoring in the state to be discontinued, arguing no alternative conditions were strict enough to mitigate the risks presented by the 32-year-old. Alleged Alameddine crime family boss Ali Elmoubayed arrives alongside his lawyer, Jessica Tohi, at the Supreme Court on Monday. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong Elmoubayed is the most senior of several underworld figures facing serious charges, including murder and large-scale drug trafficking offences, who are now on bail without being monitored after a flurry of hearings in recent months. The legislation, which passed NSW parliament in May, did not affect monitoring for alleged perpetrators of serious domestic violence or offenders released on parole. Justice Peter Hamill, who granted Elmoubayed strict bail in March after a hotly disputed release application, said while the lack of monitoring makes it more difficult to ensure that Mr Elmoubayed is staying where hes supposed to be staying and not going where hes not supposed to be going, there was no evidence that he had breached his bail since being released almost six months ago. For shop owners in a well-known arcade in central Sydney, it has been a case of the $8.55 million that wasnt. After initially rebuffing Sydney Metros offer of $8.55 million in late 2022, they learnt just over six months later that they would receive nothing after a decision by the states valuer-general. The money that Sydney Metro offered was to be compensation for the agency acquiring an easement a legal right to use anothers property for access to Wynyard station via the Hunter Connection. Hunter Connection shop owner Dezmond Schwartz says foot traffic has halved since the walkway was closed two years ago. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong Sydney Metro, which is charged with delivering the citys mega-rail projects, compulsorily acquired the easement in February 2023, and closed the walkway a month later to allow for construction of a train station beneath Hunter Street and a tower up to 51 storeys above. More than half of the replacement decking on the city-side footpath of the Story Bridge has been installed, with council saying work is tracking ahead of schedule. Loading The footpaths used by about 4000 walkers, bike and scooter riders daily were suddenly closed on March 5, with reports later revealing several parts of the bridge posed an extreme risk to the public. The progress means the city-side footpath is on track to reopen even sooner than anticipated, Brisbane City Council says. It previously said that footpath would reopen by the end of the year, and the eastern path would be finished in 2026. Anticipated dates for reopening have not been provided. Residents in Melbournes northern and western suburbs will be asked to share the pain of increased aircraft noise and manage the impact of Melbourne Airports $3 billion new runway. The airport will start public consultation on Tuesday on different operating modes for its three runways to gauge how communities want the different flight paths used and how best to ease the effects of noise pollution. Melbourne Airport is forecasting passenger numbers to double over the next two decades. Credit: Aaron Francis Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King approved the contentious new runway in September last year, on the condition the airport develops a plan to distribute aircraft noise pollution more equally across the suburbs. The 24-hour-a-day airports operators want to have its new runway operating by 2031 and say it is needed to deal with growing passenger numbers, which it forecasts will double to 83 million a year by 2046. It is a fools errand to imagine that you might recognise on sight a mass murderer, as if the twisted soul should manifest upon the face, a curled lip or in cruel eyes. Still, it seemed impossible to reconcile this small, unremarkable figure someone youd pass on the street without a glance with the woman who has wrought such destruction and tumult on her family and community that she has gained worldwide infamy as the mushroom murderer. Erin Patterson in a prison van in May during her trial. Credit: Agence France-Presse Erin Patterson showed no trace of emotion as she was damned by a judge as a serial liar, as a person with no apparent remorse and as the architect of the premeditated murder of three people and the attempted murder of a fourth. She sat immobile, as if asleep, as the judge declared her intention to kill continued even after she had dispensed her infamous mushroom-poisoned beef Wellington lunch. As her victims suffered their final tortured hours, she deliberately engaged in a cover-up, denying medical authorities the knowledge that death-cap mushrooms had been administered. VILNIUS, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda met with visiting Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Monday, with talks centering on bilateral agenda and regional security, the Presidential Office said. "The Polish leader's decision to come to Vilnius as one of his first visits after assuming office demonstrates the special bond between our countries," the Lithuanian president said, adding that Poland is a strategic partner for Lithuania in the region. Support for Ukraine was also discussed. Sergeant Lisa Thompson has vivid memories of the last weekend she spent with partner Neal Thompson, before he was gunned down with colleague Vadim de Waart-Hottart on a remote property in Porepunkah almost two weeks ago. The couple spent that day tending to their hobby farm outside Wangaratta, when the man known as Thomo called her his farmers wife, and she told him he was the best husband she never had. Sergeant Lisa Thompson during Mondays funeral service for her partner, Neal Thompson. Credit: AAP Together for almost a decade after they met at Wangaratta police station, Lisa Thompson said the couple spent their final Saturday evening together cooking, drinking wine, gazing at the stars and leaving nothing unsaid. On Monday, she told a congregation of more than 3000 mourners at the Victoria Police Academy in Glen Waverley that Thompson had shown her and his step-children how brilliant life is, if you have the courage to try. A second workplace death in the space of six years at a Bassendean engineering firm is clearly a concern, according to the states work safety watchdog. A 45-year-old mature-age apprentice was critically injured when a steel object fell on him at Hofmann Engineering about 2.50pm on Monday. Three ambulances rushed to the scene under priority one, but were unable to save the man. It is the second death in six years at the Alice Street company, which was fined more than $500,000 last year over a similar accident in 2019. If you want to know how China and Australia are competing for influence in the Pacific Islands, heres a microcosm of the contest. Constantly seeking opportunities to establish itself as the dominant power in the Pacific, Beijing decided to offer a fleet of 27 brand-new vehicles as a gift to Solomon Islands in time for its hosting this week of the annual summit of the regions paramount political gathering, the Pacific Islands Forum. The 18-member forum includes Australia and New Zealand. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be there. Illustration by Dionne Gain The purported function of the vehicles? The 27 SUVs were to ferry the various leaders and ministers around during the summit. It might not sound like a big deal, but for a tiny nation with a per-capita income in the same range as that of Haiti and the Congo, the prime minister himself, Jeremiah Manele, turned out for the handover. The Australian response? To announce that it would give the Solomons a fleet of 60 brand-new vehicles. Australia continues to be the Pacifics largest development partner, and security partner of choice, Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said in jointly announcing the gift, together with Pacific Island Affairs Minister Pat Conroy. Jacinta Nampijinpa Prices attempt to blame the media for her comments about Indian migrants voting Labor is the latest and most laughable attempt by the Northern Territory senator to blame someone else for her own mistakes. Its the third time this year that Price, who rails at the media for being obsessed with US President Donald Trump, has used Trumpian tactics to avoid taking responsibility. Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price wears the Australian flag in the Senate on Wednesday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen This is a massive headache for Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who was still in damage control mode on Sunday when obliged to say that Prices comments were wrong, they were not correct, they should not have taken place, and corrections have been made. Ley stopped short of sorry but visited members of the Indian community in Sydney on Sunday. Alienating migrant communities already put offside by Scott Morrison, Peter Dutton and Jane Humes Chinese spies gaffe is the last thing she needs. The NSW government has strong procurement policies, processes and codes of conduct to address the risk of unethical and unlawful behaviour in the building industry, Minns said. Loading The NSW Police Force and the NSW Crime Commission are constantly monitoring and tackling organised crime. NSW Police directly engage with their federal counterparts in addressing outlaw motorcycle gangs in the construction industry. King will write to the Western Sydney Airport Corporation to seek assurance the taxpayer-funded project was being appropriately managed, after CFMEU NSW executive officer Michael Crosby released a statement saying he was confident that Future Form are guilty of engaging a significant number of sham contractors on the Western Sydney Airport site. Its really important that we have those assurances, particularly when were dealing with such large-scale taxpayer dollars as is projects like Western Sydney Airport, King said. Rishworth said she had spoken with the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission general manager about any potential breaches. I also intend to write to the AFP, referring any criminal allegations to them for investigation, and requesting that they work closely with the Fair Work Ombudsman, she said. Rishworth did not respond to a question from this masthead on the establishment of a national inquiry into criminality in the building industry, again backing in the unions administration as the governments strongest possible action. The CFMEU NSW on Monday said it would carry out enhanced checks across the construction industry as it seeks to stamp out sham contracting and the underpayment of workers. Crosby said major reform was needed from within its own ranks and across the broader industry to clean up the troubled sector. Too often, the former administration of the union turned a blind eye to non-compliance. As a result, for too many employers, adherence to the enterprise bargaining agreement became purely optional, Crosby said. The use of bikie gang members as enforcers has been one of the reasons for the unions inaction. Crosby said the whole industry had to lift its game so that good employers dont suffer from unfair competition from the industrys bad actors. The Master Builders Association of NSW said in a statement that the only solution to clean up the industry was through the return of a national specialist construction industry regulator with the necessary powers. Prior to its abolition, the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) had been successful in tackling the culture of toxic industrial practices used by bad actors to drive criminality in the industry, Matthew Pollock, incoming executive director, said. Every time the construction industry regulator is scrapped, the bikies, the violence and intimidation come back, as do the industrial practices, which mean that taxpayers pay more for schools, hospitals and infrastructure. Opposition industrial relations spokesperson Tim Wilson blamed the government for the out-of-control conduct, saying the ABCCs abolition after the 2022 election meant the limited leash stopping corruption in the construction industry has been loosened. There is no place for criminal, violent or intimidatory behaviour whether it is by unions, bikie gangs or corporates, when workplaces should be safe and harmonious, he said. Wilson said the Queensland CFMEU commission of inquiry launched by Premier David Crisafulli was a courageous step in the right direction, but stopped short of backing a national inquiry. Suggesting the federal government would not want to be exposed by a national inquiry, Wilson added: [Prime Minister] Anthony Albanese and [Industrial Relations Minister] Amanda Rishworth will run interference and be dragged kicking and screaming to do the same lest the dark underbelly of the union, corporate and Labor cartel see the light of day. Crisafulli said: The last thing I want to see is the seedy underbelly of the underworld coming into Queensland building sites and creating underperformance at a time when we need to build so much infrastructure. Loading As well as the fact that youve got women and children who feel unsafe, youve got a culture of bullying of misogyny, of intimidation, and its got to be called out, and the last thing we need is bikies running the show on building sites in Queensland. Theres no place in a modern Queensland for the CFMEU. ACTU secretary Sally McManus said it was appalling and intolerable that union officials were targeted in attacks for doing their jobs standing up for workers. It still had the outdoor dunny, some dodgy stumps, and a floorplan frozen in the 80s but that didnt stop a crowd of bidders and a crew of nostalgic ex-tenants turning a Toowong auction into a street-side reunion and a $1.325 million payday. The largely unrenovated three-bedroom home, at 28 Saint Osyth Street, last changed hands in 1983. It went under the hammer on Saturday, drawing locals, builders, tourists and a group of ex-housemates who once rented it together as uni students. Featuring three bedrooms and one bathroom on a 405-square-metre block, the home is one of the last fixer-uppers left on the street and was originally bought by the vendors as an investment property. Bidding opened at $1 million and climbed in $50,000 jumps as five buyers competed. The keys went to a local couple who had spent two years walking past the home, dreaming of buying it. Advertisement Reviews & adviceTravel tips Opinion The 19 mistakes I keep making on flights Lee Tulloch Travel columnist September 9, 2025 5:00am September 9, 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 70 View all comments Whenever I make a flight booking, I play chicken with my seats. Thats what I call it, anyway. If Im unhappy with the seat selection, or unable to choose without paying a fee, I hover over the seat map in the days leading up to departure, in the hope that a better one will magically appear. Drinking too much water is as bad as not drinking enough when it comes to flying. iStock It isnt magic other people change their seats, get upgraded or cancel. Airlines release premium seats in the day before departure. Advertisement Most times, Im successful moving myself forward, to a quieter part of the plane, even grabbing a bulkhead or extra legroom seat that hasnt been sold in the hours before the flight. But occasionally, I outsmart myself. That bulkhead seat comes with someone elses baby beside me. Or Im seated in front of a toddler who kicks the back of my seat all the way. Sometimes Ive chosen a forward seat in a part of the cabin where I think its going to be quieter, only to find Im surrounded by a junior rugby team off to an international competition. On these occasions, I regret trying to micromanage my seating arrangements. Advertisement Regrets, Ive had a few. Especially when flying. And maybe you have, too. Such as being over-eager to get to the gate before a flight, only to find youre confined to a holding pen with no water and no toilets for far longer than humanly tolerable. Related Article Opinion Tripologist Transit traps: The connecting flight issues that could ruin your holiday Michael Gebicki The Tripologist Or line-dancing regret: Swapping queues at check-in, immigration or security screening, thinking the line beside you will be quicker, but then discovering that the person in front of you has 25 secret pockets that need to be emptied and a mystery item that keeps setting off the alarm, holding everyone up, and causing you to look on wistfully as your original line speeds past. Then theres carry-on regret: Feeling smug that youve snuck a couple of extra kilos into your bag, only to tear a rotator cuff when hoisting it into the overhead locker. Advertisement Pillow regret: The blow-up ones deflate, the bead-filled ones are too squidgy and the Velcro doesnt hold together on this new one, meaning you sleep with your chin on your chest and your neck makes an alarming sound when you straighten it. Cool-air regret: The air-conditioning is arctic, the blankets thin as rice paper, and youre dressed for your destination, Thailand. One-for-the-road regret: You had a glass or three of sparkling wine to relax and celebrate taking off. Now the bubbles are trapped in your gut, and youre squirming in your seat. Hydration regret: You didnt drink enough water. Toilet regret: You drank too much water. Advertisement Toilet regret (No. 2): You forgot to bring your slippers and now the floor is so sticky you have to walk on your heels. Tight-shoe regret: Your feet have swollen, and you cant put them on again. Related Article Opinion Air travel Five things Ive learnt from 34 years of travelling long-haul economy Missed-meal regret: You boarded the plane so late at night, you didnt feel like eating. But now the flight stretches on for half a day and theres nothing else served, except the rubber omelette you might get before the plane lands. Why-didnt-I-bring-a-snack regret: You didnt, and now youd kill for a Snickers bar. Advertisement Technological regret: You didnt juice up your devices. Now batteries and cords are tucked away in your carry-on, jammed in the back of the overhead locker, under other peoples bags and coats, which involves a complete reordering of the compartment as the plane bumps its way through some storm clouds. Upgrade-regret: (Rare) You pay for an upgrade to premium economy and then find out youve been assigned a middle seat. Related Article Opinion Tripologist Want an upgrade on your flight? Heres what works (and what doesnt) Michael Gebicki The Tripologist Chatty Cathy regret: You start talking to the nice-seeming person next to you before take-off but several hours in, they consider themselves your new best friend and are still telling you about their divorce when you arrive at the destination. Sleeping-pill regret: Taking too low a dose and waking up after two hours, or overdoing it and having no idea where you are or why you have your head on that nice strangers shoulder when the plane lands. Advertisement Gadget regret: Impetuously buying some new-fangled travel aid, like a foot sling, which you read about on Facebook, and finding it not only useless but theres nowhere to stash it in your seat. Coffee regret: Foolishly, you said yes when the flight attendants offered you one. Its terrible. Flying is a minefield of things youd wish youd never done. Strangely, getting on the plane in the first place is rarely one of them. Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. Singapore: Japan will soon have its third leader within little more than a year, an event triggered by the early exit of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Tokyos revolving door of leaders is hardly an aberration in its post-World War II history there were six prime ministers between 2006 and 2012 before Shinzo Abe governed for an unprecedented stretch of nearly nine years until 2020. Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo on Friday. Ishiba resigned on Sunday. Credit: AP Australia, too, is no stranger to tumultuous government, having cycled through six prime ministers between 2010 and 2018. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is the first leader to win back-to-back elections in two decades. But Japans leadership vacuum adds to a picture of chaotic governance in the pillar of East Asian democracy at a time when the international system is being roiled by an unpredictable White House and Chinas bid to assert its authority as a global superpower. Jerusalem: Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop on the outskirts of Jerusalem, killing six people in what police described as a terrorist attack, one of the deadliest in the city in the past few years. Footage from a dashboard camera at the scene in Ramot Junction showed people fleeing from around a bus at the side of a road as shots rang out. Israel Police said the attackers were shot dead at the scene by a soldier and an armed civilian. Israeli police and rescue teams respond to the scene of the shooting in Jerusalem. Credit: AP Suddenly I hear the shots starting ... I felt like I was running for an eternity, Ester Lugasi, who was injured in the attack, told Israeli TV from hospital. I thought I was going to die. A woman told Israels Channel 12 she was on a packed bus at the stop when the gunmen opened fire. Washington: US President Donald Trump trivialised domestic violence and implied it should not be considered a crime while lauding his deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, DC, in a speech about religious freedom. It came as an appeals court in New York upheld a 2024 jury verdict compelling Trump to pay $US83.3 million ($126.5 million) in damages for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll after denying her claim that he raped her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s. US President Donald Trump speaks to the White House Religious Liberty Commission on Monday. Credit: AP Speaking to the White House Religious Liberty Commission at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, Trump repeated his false claims that crime in the capital was now non-existent after he launched a federal takeover in August and deployed National Guard troops. He also insinuated domestic violence incidents were being wrongly included in crime statistics to make his crackdown on street violence look less successful. SYDNEY, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Australian scientists have successfully made the first-ever release of captively reared mountain frogs into the wild to save the critically endangered species from extinction. The Red and Yellow Mountain Frogs were successfully reared as part of the Project GRASP (Gondwana Rainforest Amphibian Survival Program) of Australia's Southern Cross University, according to a university statement released Sunday. The mountain frogs have been returned to a secret location in a remote area of Gondwana Rainforest near the border of the states of New South Wales and Queensland, and released into a predator-free field enclosure in the Tooloom National Park, the statement said. Researchers collected eggs and adults from the field and have been raising the mountain frogs in captivity since December 2021, which marks the first time the species has been successfully bred and raised in captivity. The mountain frogs have a very specialized breeding biology, laying a small number of eggs in a burrow where the tadpoles develop from fertilized eggs without a free-swimming tadpole stage, said Project GRASP lead, Associate Professor David Newell. "The tadpoles feed entirely from the yolk of the egg sack and then metamorphose into baby frogs about 2-3 mm in length. They are incredibly vulnerable. These ones took about four years to reach maturity," Newell said. The small mountain frog inhabits restricted high-altitude rainforests. Its survival is threatened by climate change, bushfires and the spread of feral pigs, researchers said. "The ability to establish new populations and supplement existing populations from individuals bred in captivity is a significant milestone for the Mountain Frog," said Australia's Threatened Species Commissioner Fiona Fraser. The milestone coincided with Australia's National Threatened Species Day on Sunday, which commemorates the 1936 death of the last known Tasmanian tiger, the statement said. Washington: The US Congress has obtained a batch of documents from convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epsteins estate, including a cryptic note and illustration purportedly signed by Donald Trump for Epsteins 50th birthday which the now-president has for the past two months denied writing. A new page allegedly from the same birthday book, also released by the Democrats, shows Epstein posing with a large cheque signed by DJ TRUMP. A handwritten caption below the photo says: Jeffrey showing early talents with money + women! Sells fully depreciated [redacted] to Donald Trump for $22,500. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released a sexually suggestive letter to Jeffrey Epstein purportedly signed by US President Donald Trump. The first document, the cryptic illustrated note, takes the form of an imagined conversation between Trump and Epstein, set inside the outline of a womans body. It was included in a book reportedly organised by Epsteins girlfriend turned close associate Ghislaine Maxwell for the disgraced financiers birthday in 2003. It begins with a voiceover stating: There must be more to life than having everything. SIMPSON BAY:--- The runway at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) was closed on the evening of Sunday, September 7, 2025, following an incident involving a WestJet aircraft. Airport authorities have confirmed the closure will remain in effect until at least noon on Monday, September 8th, 2025, as response teams manage the situation. The incident, which occurred earlier Sunday, involving a WestJet Boeing 737-800 arriving from Toronto, has prompted a complete operational shutdown of the airport's single runway. While specific details about the nature of the incident have not yet been fully disclosed, airport officials have stated that teams are actively working with the airline and relevant authorities. The priority is to ensure the safe and careful removal of the aircraft and to conduct a thorough assessment of the runway. The closure has caused significant disruptions for travelers, with numerous flights being delayed, diverted, or canceled. In an official statement, Princess Juliana International Airport advised all passengers to contact their respective airlines directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their flight status and rebooking options. "We understand this disruption is inconvenient for your travel plans, and we are making every effort to resume normal operations as quickly and safely as possible," an airport spokesperson said in a public notice. The airport has committed to keeping the public informed and has announced that the next official update will be provided tomorrow morning. Travelers and local residents are awaiting further details on both the incident itself and the timeline for the resumption of normal airport operations. Airport authorities expressed their gratitude for the public's patience and understanding as they work to resolve the issue. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of all operations before reopening the vital air link for Sint Maarten PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has confirmed that the WestJet aircraft involved in Sundays incident at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) will be moved at 2:30 a.m. on Monday, September 8, 2025. The Minister, who spent the entire day at the airport assisting with logistics and engaging directly with passengers, emphasized that safety remained the top priority for all crews and agencies involved. I was on the tarmac throughout the day, monitoring the careful stabilization of the aircraft, Minister Heyliger-Marten said. At one point, all luggage remained on board because removing it prematurely could have caused the aircraft to tilt further. Once the crane was in position, the aircraft was carefully taxied to a safe area where the bags could be offloaded. Safety guided every decision. The Minister also described her visit to the departure hall, where passengers from WestJet flight 2277 were gathered. We had to organize passengers into groups: those with passports and digital immigration declarations, and those without any form of ID. Babies needed food and diapers, and others required urgent medication. I immediately reached out to the Ministry of Justice to assist with the 14 passengers who had no identification, and to the Ministry of VSA to ensure doctors and pharmacies were on standby. Hotels were contacted to host passengers who had no credit cards or cash. It was about making sure no one was left unattended, she explained. By evening, most passengers had left the airport with vouchers for hotel, transportation, and food provided. Passengers who arrived on the WestJet flight were able to leave with their luggage and personal belongings. The airport even assisted with hotel costs for passengers of other airlines, while conversations will take place with WestJet for reimbursement, the Minister added. The Minister noted that American Airlines and KLM flights were grounded while the runway was blocked and confirmed that PJIA will remain closed until 12:00 p.m. on Monday. WestJet representatives are expected to arrive on the island on Monday to provide further assistance. Reflecting on the days events, Minister Heyliger-Marten acknowledged the challenges of handling an incident of this scale and stressed the importance of refining protocols: It was clear that more work needs to be done regarding protocols for situations like this. For most, this was the first real-world incident of this magnitude, not a drill. A full debriefing meeting with all stakeholders will take place so lessons are learned and improvements are made. According to international protocol, the WestJet flight crew has been required to undergo mandatory toxicology testing. Minister Heyliger-Marten expressed her heartfelt gratitude: I want to sincerely thank the PJIAE staff and management, the PJIA Holding Company, Windward Roads, Airport Firefighters, taxi operators, hotel partners, and all who responded swiftly and with dedication today. Your training showed, and your teamwork made the difference in keeping passengers safe and supported. On behalf of the Government of St. Maarten, I thank you. The Minister will continue to update the public as new developments unfold. PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on September 8, 2025. The Public meeting will convene on Monday at 10.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The agenda points are: Incoming documents Closing by the Chairperson of Parliament of Parliamentary Year 2024-2025 Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules. The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx PHILIPSBURG:---The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on September 8, 2025. The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday at 9.30 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The agenda points are: Approval of composition delegation and provisions for the President of Parliament to participate in the 3rd International Conference on Gender Equality (ICGE-25) from November 20-22, 2025, in Accra, Ghana (IS/1368/2024-2025 dated August 26, 2025) Approval of composition delegation and provisions for the President of Parliament to participate in the Commemoration of the Science-Based Solutions Pact for Sustainable Development on September 23, 2025, at the UN Headquarters, New York (IS/1396/2024-2025 dated September 1, 2025) Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules. The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament Press Release from Business Wire: AIR (AFP) Sep 08, 2025 DUBAI, Sept 8, 2025 (BSW) - Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR), the world's leading social inhalation business, will be showcasing its most comprehensive portfolio to date at this year's InterTabac, the world's leading trade fair for tobacco products and smoking accessories, taking place from 18 - 20 September 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. From the heritage of Al Fakher, the world's #1 shisha brand, to OOKA, AIR's revolutionary charcoal-free shisha device, visitors to InterTabac will gain a first-hand look at how AIR is shaping the future of shisha. Visitors will be able to sample flavors, explore breakthrough technologies, and discover how our multi-category portfolio creates new opportunities for lounges, retailers, and distributors alike. The shisha market is not only growing - it's evolving rapidly. AIR's research shows that nine in ten (90%) businesses expect to see demand for shisha increase over the next two years, with strong optimism across the major markets of the UAE, US, Spain and Germany. Findings from AIR's survey of 400 hospitality businesses across Spain, Germany, the US, and the UAE show that consumer expectations are shifting rapidly, with greater focus on health, sustainability, and premium experiences: -- 87% now view sustainability and cleanliness as critical when selecting shisha solutions -- 32% believe charcoal-free shisha improves air quality and customer comfort -- 29% say adopting charcoal-free shisha solutions strengthens their reputation with eco-conscious guests -- 27% believe it will help attract more health-conscious customers In response, AIR has built a portfolio that directly reflects these shifting consumer demands. At InterTabac 2025, the company will unveil its most comprehensive range to date, including: -- Al Fakher - The World's #1 Shisha BrandSignature Collection: Globally loved classics, proven performers in every marketMixes: Single-flavor blends designed for endless customizationCrafted Mixes: Layered, expertly blended profiles by Al Fakher's shisha mastersAn exciting collaboration with an international icon and celebrity, featuring bold blends made to stand out -- Al Fakher Nicotine PouchesTobacco-free, discreet, and infused with signature shisha flavors. Available in 6mg, 10mg, and 15mg strengths. Intertabac visitors will enjoy a first look at this range -- Crown Switch by Al FakherA rechargeable pod system with switchable disposable pods, powered by Quantum Vape Technology? for flavor-packed sessions -- OOKA ProRevolutionary charcoal-free shisha devices for venues, with up to eight sessions on a single charge and a wide range of flavors Stuart Brazier, CEOof AIR, commented:"InterTabac is the perfect stage to show how far AIR has come in the last two years. Across our portfolio, we're redefining what shisha is today. While our approach remains deeply rooted in the social traditions at the heart of shisha, our focus on innovation is ensuring that we also give consumers and businesses what they increasingly expect around health, comfort, ease of use and sustainability. "As the global appetite for shisha continues to grow, we're proud to be leading the way in redefining what the experience looks like for the next generation. We are committed to helping our partners create cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable solutions that unlock real growth." A leading force in the industry, AIR is transforming the future of shisha. With advanced research, design and development capabilities in Dubai and production facilities in the UAE and Poland, AIR is scaling across categories to serve the evolving needs of lounges, retailers, and distributors worldwide. Visitors to AIR's stand at InterTabac (G10 and G06, Hall 8) will be able to experience the full multi-category portfolio first-hand, sample Al Fakher and OOKA flavors, and access exclusive trade offers. Note to editors: InterTabac is the world's leading trade fair for tobacco products and smoking accessories. 14,500 visitors attended in 2024 and the 2025 event takes place from September 18-20 in Dortmund. More information is here: https://www.intertabac.de/en/. About the research -- 400 Business Owners (aged 18+) at hospitality businesses that sell shisha across Spain, Germany, US, and UAE between 19.02.2025 - 24.02.2025 by Censuswide. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council. About AIR AIR is the market leader in the $19 billion global shisha market, with an aim to provide superior physical, emotional, and mental benefits through inhalation. Launched in 1999 and headquartered in Dubai, the business has a multinational presence in over 100 countries across the UAE, Europe, North America, India, and Africa. AIR holds 47% of the shisha category market share in the markets it is present in and is the leading business in a market set to grow to $22 billion in 2026. Its portfolio of companies includes Al Fakher, the world's leading shisha brand; Hookah-Shisha.com, the world's number one e-commerce platform for hookahs and shisha; OOKA, the world's first charcoal-free shisha device, among others. AIR's science program, conducted in partnership with independent accredited laboratories, enables the development of innovative products that combine centuries of tradition with cutting edge innovation to minimize harm and maximize enjoyment for millions around the world. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250907187544/en/ Contact Media [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. Zhao Leji, chairman of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee, presides over the first plenary meeting of the committee's 17th session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature on Monday started a regular session to review a raft of bills including law drafts and reports. Zhao Leji, chairman of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee, presided over the first plenary meeting of the committee's 17th session. Lawmakers reviewed a slew of draft laws, including a draft atomic energy law, a draft law on public health emergency response, a draft law on national parks and drafts of the environmental code. They deliberated draft revisions to the Arbitration Law, the Prison Law and the Enterprise Bankruptcy Law, as well as draft amendments to the Cybersecurity Law and the Environmental Protection Tax Law, among others. Lawmakers reviewed bills on the ratification of an extradition treaty and a judicial assistance treaty with the Republic of Serbia. They also reviewed a deputy qualification report and personnel-related bills. Press Release from Business Wire: GXP-Storage (AFP) Sep 08, 2025 MIDDLESEX, Sept 8, 2025 (BSW) - GXP-Storage(R), the premier provider of regulated life sciences material storage solutions, today announced its strategic expansion into the U.K.'s Golden Triangle Region. This new site directly addresses the growing demand from multinational clients seeking seamless, compliant storage solutions and access to industry-leading technology across continents. The company now serves over 150 life science and healthcare clients in North America and Europe at its fully operational sites. The new U.K. site leverages GXP-Storage's cutting-edge GXP-Guardian(R) platform to ensure standardized operations and seamless material visibility across continents. This expansion directly responds to increasing client demand for scalable storage solutions while maintaining local expertise and consistent responsive service delivery, making GXP-Storage the trusted long-term partner for life sciences and healthcare organizations. "This expansion delivers three critical benefits to our clients: consolidated compliance oversight, real-time material visibility, and cost optimization through consolidation," said Jeff Johnson, CEO of GXP-Storage. "By expanding our service delivery footprint in the U.K.'s Golden Triangle Region, we're ensuring our clients maintain the same regulatory-compliant material storage solutions and access to technology in the transatlantic ecosystem that serves as international consolidation points for life science and healthcare organizations." Strategic Site Supports Growth in the EMEA Region The U.K.'s Golden Triangle Region, encompassing London, Oxford, and Cambridge, represents one of the world's most concentrated life sciences and healthcare ecosystems. In 2024, life sciences businesses drove nearly 60% of office and lab leasing activity in Oxfordshire and 70% in Cambridge, according to Carter Jonas's Spring 2025 Life Sciences Research Report. The momentum continued into 2025, with U.K. life science companies securing a record pound1.25 billion in venture capital funding during Q1 alone, the highest quarterly total on record. With 4.0 million square feet of additional lab space under construction for delivery by 2027, the region contributes over pound13 billion annually to the U.K. economy. This strategic location provides direct access to leading pharmaceutical companies, innovative biotechs, world-class universities, and healthcare service providers throughout Europe. Clients can ship materials to and from these sites to most global life sciences and healthcare locations within 24 hours. Addressing Critical Global Operational Challenges Multinational life sciences and healthcare companies struggle with materials scattered across fragmented locations worldwide, resulting in growing costs, limited visibility, and compliance gaps. Our U.K. storage site directly addresses these challenges by providing secure, environmentally controlled storage capacity and related logistics expertise. This unified approach delivers measurable financial benefits, strengthened compliance oversight, enhanced visibility, and simplified management, all through one strategic partner and one technology platform. Ensuring Seamless Global Operations via AI-Enabled Technology Platform GXP-Guardian, the industry's leading material management technology platform providing complete visibility across multiple sites, anchors this global expansion. This regulatory-compliant, validated system enables organizations to monitor materials across the transatlantic ecosystem through one secure interface, maintaining a comprehensive electronic chain of custody and audit trail, facilitating audit-ready compliance with supporting documentation regardless of geographic location. "Global operations demand more than consolidated storage; they require operational efficiency and consistent quality standards," Johnson continued. "Our investment in standardized operations powered by GXP-Guardian means our clients' effort is reduced to manage the lifecycle of their regulated material cost-effectively with consistent quality." Supporting Innovation Across Multiple Continents GXP-Storage sites provide scalable storage capacity in controlled ambient to cryogenic environments monitored 24/7 with redundant systems and emergency response teams to ensure secure pre-clinical and clinical research, healthcare research, and manufacturing material preservation. All sites support a consistent quality management system, site-specific certifications, and responsive customer service that define the GXP-Storage standard. Client onboarding leverages GXP-Storage's proven implementation methodology, ensuring smooth transitions for organizations expanding into U.K. operations or consolidating fragmented material and related data. The unified GXP-Guardian platform provides our growing list of clients with real-time access, visibility, and control. With both sites now operational, GXP-Storage offers a global standard. About GXP-Storage GXP-Storage(R) is the strategic partner in regulated material management for life sciences and healthcare organizations navigating complex compliance requirements. With advanced facilities, deep regulatory expertise, and the proprietary GXP-Guardian(R) platform, GXP-Storage provides real-time visibility and control across all storage environments, helping life sciences and healthcare organizations focus on advancing discovery through quality of care. The company's integrated lifecycle management approach eliminates the complexity of coordinating multiple vendors while ensuring materials remain secure, compliant, and accessible from research through commercialization. To learn more, visit gxp-storage.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250908027553/en/ Contact Media ContactFGS [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: Zero Networks (AFP) Sep 08, 2025 ORLANDO, Sept 8, 2025 (BSW) - Zero Networks, a leader in zero trust security, is the ideal solution to support organizations seeking to follow CISA's new zero trust microsegmentation guidance. While microsegmentation has long been considered complex and niche, a new survey from Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) signals a turning point in attitudes around microsegmentation: 96% of respondents consider microsegmentation to be extremely or very important for cyber defense. The EMA survey results, detailed below, arrived just weeks prior to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issuing official guidance on microsegmentation to advance zero trust architecture. CISA's directive reinforces the urgency for enterprises and government organizations to adopt microsegmentation as a cornerstone of modern cyber defense to block lateral movement and contain threats like ransomware. Similarly, EMA's research uncovers industry sentiment around the greatest benefits of microsegmentation and key capabilities that will continue to differentiate leading solutions from legacy approaches. The Maturing Microsegmentation Market - June 2025 EMA Research Report EMA surveyed 145 IT professionals, information security practitioners, and technology business leaders across all verticals to gain insight into their perspectives around microsegmentation solutions. Key findings include: -- Crucially, 33.1% of respondents cite the ability to instantly quarantine and contain threats as the most valuable benefit - a sign that organizations are shifting focus toward rapid incident response and limiting the blast radius of attacks.Halting lateral movement and thwarting ransomware (20.7%), meeting compliance and cyber insurance requirements (14.5%), and ensuring operational continuity (11.7%) were also recognized. -- Beyond containment, the research shows what enterprises expect next:82.8% rate automated policy creation and lifecycle management as extremely or very important within the next 1-2 years.47.6% view fast, automated asset discovery and tagging as critical to future differentiation.50.3% consider integration with multi-factor authentication (MFA) for securing privileged access extremely important. "When we conducted this research, we wanted to know if microsegmentation had crossed the threshold from niche technology to critical enterprise strategy," said Chris Steffen, Vice President of Research at EMA. "The data is unequivocal: microsegmentation is now foundational. Organizations value its ability to instantly contain threats, and they are demanding automation and integration with identity and access management to future-proof their defenses." Unlike legacy approaches that require agents, manual rule-writing, and multi-year projects, Zero Networks delivers microsegmentation that aligns directly with CISA's call for broad adoption: automated, agentless, and implemented in days. The company's deterministic automation engine eliminates the complexity that has historically kept microsegmentation out of reach, creating and managing policies without error-prone guesswork. With built-in dynamic asset discovery, identity segmentation, and network-layer MFA, Zero Networks makes it possible for organizations of any size to prevent lateral movement and contain ransomware - without adding operational burden. "Enterprises aren't just thinking about detection anymore - they are prioritizing prevention with immediate containment and resilience. With Zero Networks in place, networks defend themselves by design; nothing has to be found, mitigated or confined because if someone enters your network they simply cannot go any further or do any damage," said Benny Lakunishok, CEO of Zero Networks. "We greatly value the voice of CISA in this conversation, and we hope that combined with the EMA survey findings, organizations will start to gain confidence that microsegmentation is attainable not only by the most mature organizations." Discover how microsegmentation can be simple, automated, and aligned with CISA's latest guidance in Zero Networks' Containment Island webinar series kicking off this September. Hear from leading cybersecurity experts - and enter to win a fully paid trip to the Four Seasons Bahamas. Save your (beach) seat here. About Zero Networks Zero Networks is revolutionizing network security with its effortless microsegmentation solution that stops ransomware and implements in days, not years. By automating asset tagging and policy creation, Zero Networks saves enterprises an average of 86% on total cost of ownership compared to legacy microsegmentation solutions that rely on time-intensive manual processes. Combined with advanced Identity Segmentation and Zero Trust Network Access solutions, and fortified by network-layer MFA, Zero Networks' platform accelerates zero trust initiatives at companies of any size. This comprehensive approach enables organizations to stop lateral movement attacks, exceed compliance requirements, achieve top-tier audit scores, and pass every penetration test. For more information, visit zeronetworks.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250908218240/en/ Contact Media ContactTaylor HadleyLaunchTech [email protected] 978-877-2113 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: TRU Simulation + Training Inc. (AFP) Sep 08, 2025 TAMPA, Sept 8, 2025 (BSW) - TRU Simulation + Training Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, and an affiliate of Bell Textron Inc., announced today its cutting-edge Veris Virtual Reality Flight Simulator received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) qualification. Now qualified as a Level 7 Flight Training Device (FTD), the Veris is also designed to meet European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) FTD Level 3 standards, with EASA qualification expected later this year. This milestone further solidifies TRU Simulation's position as an industry leader in developing advanced, high-fidelity Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and FTDs. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250908239310/en/ TRU Simulation's Veris Virtual Reality Flight Simulator achieves FAA qualification, ushering in a new era of immersive pilot training (Photo Credit: TRU Simulation) First unveiled at VERTICON 2024, the Veris is a clean-sheet design focused on efficiency, combining industry-leading features of an FFS with immersive virtual reality technology to empower pilots to navigate the skies confidently. The Veris provides helicopter and fixed-wing model customers with a more cost-effective and innovative solution for pilot training. "At TRU Simulation, our mission is to empower pilots and training providers with the most advanced and accessible tools available," said Jerry Messaris, vice president and general manager, TRU Simulation. "The Veris delivers cutting-edge, cost-effective flight training through a compact VR platform - revolutionizing how pilots train across business aviation, rotorcraft and military markets." Bell Training Academy (BTA) has been named the launch customer and will be the first to use the Veris for training on the Bell 505 helicopter. BTA is a state-of-the-art facility that occupies 100,000 square feet of classroom, lab and hangar space. "Being the launch customer for the Veris for the Bell 505 is an honor for the Bell Training Academy," said Chad Sparks, general manager, Bell Training Academy. "We are dedicated to providing the most advanced and comprehensive training solutions, and the Veris will greatly enhance the realism and effectiveness of our programs. We celebrate this milestone with TRU Simulation and look forward to continuing our collaboration to keep our customers on their missions." The Bell 505 is one of the most technologically advanced platforms in its class and continues to draw attendance around the globe for training many generations of military and civilian helicopter pilots. The Veris includes a fully electric six degrees-of-freedom motion base to produce accurate flight cues and vibrations. It also leverages the same flight data, software baselines and advanced technologies such as TRU's REALFeel control loading system found in its Level FFSs, providing realistic flight control sensations and experience in a virtual world. Tactile cockpit panels allow the pilot to interact with the aircraft switches and avionics in a similar manner as they would in the aircraft. Finally, a VR headset replaces the traditional visual system, immersing the pilot into the flight environment. The Veris offers state-of-the-art simulator components, including: -- TRU's new Image Generator, powered by Unreal Engine -- Electric six degrees-of-freedom motion base -- Custom modeled airports -- Varjo VR/MR headset -- Digital electric control loading system -- Newly designed Instructor Operating System -- Qualification test guide generation -- Remote instructor control unit -- Lesson plan and debrief systems (optional) The fidelity and accessibility of the Veris is further demonstrated through its unique dual-use design. Using real avionics and aircraft components, some training can be conducted without a VR headset. This enables avionics training, procedural training and more to be performed without the headset while reserving the immersive virtual world experience to the flight portion of training. This capability captures the ideal balance of real-world and virtual training not found in other training devices. About TRU Simulation TRU Simulation + Training Inc., an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., is a leading provider of high-fidelity training devices and full-motion simulators for the aviation industry. With a strong commitment to excellence and innovation, TRU Simulation has been at the forefront of flight simulation technology for over a decade. Our customized simulator solutions empower pilots to navigate the skies confidently, while our state-of-the-art technology ensures safe and realistic training experiences. For more information, visit www.TRUSimulation.com. About Bell Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 90 years, we've been reimagining the experience of flight - and where it can take us. We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA's first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we're defining the future of advanced air mobility. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas - as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., - we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly 20% of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours. Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront. About Textron Inc. Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com. Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250908239310/en/ Contact Media Contact:Lauren [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. Ex-WhatsApp executive sues Meta over alleged security failures San Francisco, United States, Sept 8 (AFP) Sep 08, 2025 The former top security executive at WhatsApp filed Monday a US federal lawsuit alleging that parent company Meta systematically violated cybersecurity regulations and retaliated against him for reporting the failures. Attaullah Baig, who served as head of security for WhatsApp from 2021 to 2025, claims that approximately 1,500 engineers had unrestricted access to user data without proper oversight, potentially violating a US government order that imposed a $5 billion penalty on the company in 2020. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in San Francisco, alleges Facebook-owner Meta failed to implement basic cybersecurity measures including adequate data handling and breach detection capabilities. According to the 115-page complaint, Baig discovered through internal security testing that WhatsApp engineers could "move or steal user data" including contact information, IP addresses, and profile photos "without detection or audit trail." The filing claims Baig repeatedly raised concerns with senior executives including WhatsApp head Will Cathcart and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Meta representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Baig alleges he faced escalating retaliation after his initial reports in 2021, including negative performance reviews, verbal warnings, and ultimately termination in February 2025 for apparent "poor performance." The lawsuit also claims Meta blocked implementation of security features intended to address account takeovers affecting an estimated 100,000 WhatsApp users daily, choosing instead to prioritize user growth. Prior to joining Meta, Baig worked in cybersecurity roles at PayPal, Capital One, and other major financial institutions. He filed complaints with federal regulators including the Securities and Exchange Commission before pursuing the current litigation. The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of Meta's data protection practices across its platforms, which include Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, serving billions of users globally. Meta agreed to the 2020 government settlement following the Cambridge Analytica scandal, which involved improper harvesting of data from 50 million Facebook users. The consent order remains in effect until 2040. In his whistleblower complaint, Baig is requesting reinstatement, back pay, and compensatory damages, along with potential regulatory enforcement action against the company. In a separate case targeting Meta first reported in the Washington Post on Monday, current and former employees allege the company suppressed research on child safety risks in its virtual reality products. Meta denies these claims, stating it prioritizes youth safety and complies with privacy laws. 72 Colombian soldiers detained in guerrilla-controlled zone Bogota, Sept 8 (AFP) Sep 08, 2025 At least 72 soldiers were detained Sunday in the guerrilla-controlled Cauca department of southwestern Colombia, an epicenter of world coca production, military officials said. The detention took place "in the afternoon," a military source told AFP, without giving further details. Colombian soldiers and police officers are commonly detained in areas controlled by armed groups. In late August, 33 soldiers were held captive for three days in a southeastern Amazonian community home to leftist guerrillas. Colombia media said the latest hostage-taking took place during military operations in Micay canyon, a coca-growing hotspot in southwest Colombia controlled by a renegade faction of the defunct FARC guerrilla army known as the Central General Staff. According to the government, such detentions are often carried out by local people acting on the orders of armed groups in areas where there is little state presence. Colombia has been enduring rising violence from dissident groups who rejected a 2016 peace agreement with FARC after a six-decade insurgency. Colombia rescues 27 soldiers, dozens remain captive Bogota, Sept 8 (AFP) Sep 08, 2025 Colombian authorities rescued 27 of 72 soldiers held captive Sunday in the country's southwest, an area controlled by guerrillas and plagued by drug cultivation, military officials said. Colombian soldiers and police officers are often detained in areas controlled by armed groups. The 72 soldiers had been detained in guerrilla-controlled Cauca region "in the afternoon," a military source told AFP, without giving further details. The army later reported the "extraction" of 27 soldiers but said 45 "remain deprived of their liberty under the guerrilla regime." "The National Army maintains a presence in the area, taking steps to restore order and ensure the return of the kidnapped personnel," it said in a statement. The soldiers had been participating in a military operation when around 600 people "obstructed the deployment of troops" in San Juan de Micay, the army said, adding that the move was "intended to facilitate control of routes used for drug trafficking and illegal mining." The Micay area is a coca-growing hotspot in southwest Colombia controlled by a renegade faction of the defunct FARC guerrilla army known as the Central General Staff. Leftist President Gustavo Petro launched an offensive in 2024 to regain control of the area but has encountered strong local resistance. "Let the soldiers go free, they can be your children. The children of Colombia must embrace and outlive their parents," Petro said on X Sunday, adding that a dialogue commission was ready to negotiate. "The peasantry of Micay knows it's time to begin the peaceful substitution of (illicit) crops. This is the opportunity," Petro said. According to the government, such detentions are often carried out by locals acting on the orders of armed groups in areas where there is little state presence. In June, 57 soldiers were detained in the same region before being released days later following military intervention. In late August, 33 soldiers were held captive for three days in a southeastern Amazonian community home to leftist guerrillas. Colombia has been enduring rising violence from dissident groups who rejected a 2016 peace agreement with FARC after a six-decade insurgency. Press Release from Business Wire: Deep Fission, Inc. (AFP) Sep 08, 2025 BERKELEY, Sept 8, 2025 (BSW) - Deep Fission, Inc. ("Deep Fission" or the "Company"), a pioneering advanced nuclear energy company placing small modular pressurized water reactors in boreholes one mile underground, announced today it raised $30M in a heavily oversubscribed private placement offering at $3.00 per share as well as completed a go-public reverse merger transaction with Surfside Acquisition Inc., which has been renamed Deep Fission, Inc. The Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced that Deep Fission was selected to participate in President Trump's Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program. The initiative provides an opportunity to streamline a pilot reactor, targeting criticality by July 4, 2026, with expected rapid commercialization to follow. "This is a unique moment for the nuclear industry," said Liz Muller, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Deep Fission. "Deep Fission has the right technology, at the right time, and in the right place. With this funding, we can begin building our pilot reactor, with the goal of completion in 2026. We believe we can scale our technology rapidly and profitably to address the massive energy demand from AI data centers and other customers around the world." Deep Fission's proprietary design combines proven methods from the nuclear, oil and gas, and geothermal industries, while utilizing off-the-shelf parts and readily available, low-enriched uranium (LEU) to simplify supply chains. By siting the reactor one mile underground, the surrounding geology offers natural shielding and protection with billions of tons of bedrock providing passive safety and containment. The approach reduces the surface footprint, strengthens security, and is designed to enable a faster, more affordable path to deployment. The Company is targeting a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of 5-7 cents per kWh from its first-of-a-kind commercial implementation. Backed by a robust intellectual property portfolio, the Company currently has 24 pending patent applications with 1 US application allowed and over 40 unique innovations. As a result of the reverse merger, the Company is now subject to the public reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company intends to file a resale registration statement on Form S-1 with the SEC to register its outstanding shares and will apply to have its shares approved for quotation on the OTCQB (The Venture Market). The Benchmark Company, LLC, Seaport Global Securities LLC, Network 1 Financial Securities, Inc., Phoenix Financial Services, and Dinosaur Financial Group, LLC served as placement agents. Montrose Capital Partners sponsored the go-public transaction, and investors in Deep Fission include 8VC, Deep Future, Wave Function, Ed Eisler of EE Holdings, and Mark Tompkins of Montrose Capital Partners. About Deep Fission Deep Fission is revolutionizing the energy landscape with innovative technology that places a small modular pressurized water reactor in a borehole one mile underground. Founded and led by a team of seasoned scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, the Company is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable low-carbon power at scale. Deep Fission was recently selected for the Department of Energy's new Reactor Pilot Program and is targeting criticality by July 2026. Deep Fission was founded in 2023 by father-daughter team Elizabeth and Richard Muller. Learn more at deepfission.com. For media inquiries, please contact:[email protected] Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements relate to, among others, our plans, objectives and expectations for our business, future growth, awards, backlog, operations and financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements can include terminology such as "may," "should," "expect," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "will," "could," "project," "target," "potential," "continue" and similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters or actual results. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding the company's: intent to file a resale registration statement on Form S-1 and apply for quotation on the OTCQB; target of an LCOE of 5-7 cents per kWh; plans to streamline a pilot reactor by July 4, 2026 in connection with the DOE's Reactor Pilot Program and projections of initial reactor build costs. Forward-looking statements are based on management's belief and assumptions, including current expectations and projections about future events and trends, and on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements in this or any other release are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results to be materially different from those forecasted assumed. Such risks, uncertainties, and assumptions are subject to a number of factors, including, among others: that the Company's initial pilot facility and commercial applications may progress more slowly than projected or encounter delays and engineering changes that increase the expense and capital requirements for execution; that the market for our Deep Fission Reactor technology is not yet established and may not achieve the growth potential we expect or may grow more slowly than expected; that the necessary approvals and licenses relating to various aspects of our business may not be granted on a timely basis, if at all; that the cost of electricity generated from our Deep Fission Reactors may not be cost competitive with future electricity generation sources in some markets; that we may not succeed in entering into any binding contract with any customer to deliver our Deep Fission Reactors; that we may not be successful in entering into partnerships with strategic partners and government entities that would be important to our business; that we have limited experience commercializing our products at a large scale; that our SDA applications may not be approved, and any rework necessary to address NRC concerns could significantly delay the commercialization of our products; potentially having to defend ourselves against intellectual property infringement claims; the possibility that the benefits to customers of our products could be supplanted by other technologies or solutions or competitors' products; that our auditor has issued a "going concern" opinion; that our business plans require a significant amount of capital but that there can be no assurance that such capital will be available to us on a timely basis, if at all. The foregoing is not an exhaustive list of all the factors that may cause any forward-looking statements to prove inaccurate or our actual results may differ materially from our expectations and forecasts. Moreover, we operate in a highly regulated environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, the future events and trends discussed in this Release may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. We cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this Release or to conform these statements to actual results or revised expectations, except as required by law. Additional information concerning the factors above and other factors will be found in the Company's public filings with the SEC, including the sections titled "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K that will be filed with the SEC on or about September 11, 2025 and in subsequent filings with the SEC. The referenced SEC filings will be available either publicly when filed or upon request. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250908384960/en/ Contact [email protected] 707-400-0778 For media inquiries, please contact:[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. Trump hails cancelation of award ceremony for Tom Hanks Washington, Sept 8 (AFP) Sep 08, 2025 US President Donald Trump cheered Monday after a West Point military academy ceremony honoring "Saving Private Ryan" star and outspoken critic Tom Hanks was canceled. The multiple Oscar-winning actor -- who was also an executive producer for several acclaimed miniseries about World War II -- was meant to be hosted by the academy's alumni association later this month. However news emerged over the weekend that this had been abruptly scrapped. Trump, who has overseen a purge of perceived opponents across civil society and the government -- including inside the US military -- said he was pleased. "Our great West Point (getting greater all the time!) has smartly cancelled the Award Ceremony for actor Tom Hanks. Important move!" Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. "We don't need destructive, WOKE recipients getting our cherished American Awards!!!" the president wrote, in an apparent reference to Hanks' Democratic political leanings. Hanks was due to receive the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award from the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) on September 25. According to The Washington Post, an email from the alumni association announcing the change did not specify whether Hanks would still receive the award without the ceremony. - Supporting veterans and military - The Thayer award is given to "an outstanding citizen of the United States whose service and accomplishments in the national interest exemplify personal devotion to the ideals expressed in West Point's motto: 'Duty, Honor, Country,'" the WPAOG said when announcing Hanks as the 2025 recipient. "Much of Hanks' five-decade career reflects his support of veterans, the military, and America's space program," it said in a statement. Hanks starred as an Army captain who landed at D-Day in "Saving Private Ryan," and portrayed a destroyer commander crossing the Atlantic as U-boats hunted for American ships in "Greyhound." He also executive produced three miniseries about World War II: "Band of Brothers" about paratroopers in Europe, "The Pacific" about Marines fighting against Japanese forces, and "Masters of the Air" about the crews of US bombers. Hanks -- who also served as a national spokesperson for the World War II memorial campaign and was chair of the D-Day museum capital campaign -- had expressed excitement about visiting West Point. "To have my first ever visit to the Academy be to accept such an honor as the Thayer Award is simply astounding," the WPAOG statement quoted him as saying. The alumni association did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the cancelation of the ceremony, which comes after Trump's administration took aim at both library books and personnel at West Point earlier in the year. In May, the Pentagon ordered a hunt for and sequestration of materials in US military academy and war college libraries that contain information on subjects including diversity, anti-racism and transgender people. Two months later, the secretary of the army directed West Point to rescind an offer for a former cybersecurity agency chief to hold a prestigious position at the military academy after she drew the ire of a far-right conspiracy theorist. Estonia slams new Russian airspace violation Tallinn, Sept 8 (AFP) Sep 08, 2025 Estonia's foreign ministry on Monday said it had summoned the Russian embassy's charge d'affaires to lodge a protest after a Russian helicopter violated its airspace. The Russian MI-8 aircraft entered the Baltic country's airspace on Sunday near the island of Vaindloo, in the Gulf of Finland. Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called the event "another serious and regrettable incident". "This is the third such incident this year" in Estonia, a NATO and EU member bordering Russia, which is a strong ally of Ukraine, the minister added on X. According to the Estonian defence forces, the helicopter entered the country's airspace for about four minutes without making contact with air traffic control. It also did not have a flight plan, its transponder was turned off and it did not communicate with Estonian air traffic control. Similar incidents occurred on May 13 and June 22. Smoke raises from the "Vision" tower following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Sept. 8, 2025. Israeli forces intensified airstrikes on Gaza City on Monday, including the demolition of the "Vision" tower, a 14-story office building, in the western part of the city. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) JERUSALEM/GAZA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces intensified airstrikes on Gaza City on Monday, including the demolition of a multi-story office building in the western part of the city, after warning residents to evacuate. According to video footage and eyewitnesses, the 14-story "Vision" tower was struck twice before collapsing. Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for the Civil Defense in Gaza, told Xinhua that the repeated targeting of residential buildings is forcing civilians to flee their homes under military pressure. "There is no safe place, and everyone is a target," he said. Israel's Haaretz newspaper reported that the building housed media outlets, including the Qatar-based TV channel Al-Araby. Nearby were tent camps for displaced Palestinians, many uprooted multiple times, as well as offices for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, government facilities and educational institutions. The Israeli military said in a statement that the building was targeted because Hamas had planted "intelligence-gathering means, explosive devices, and positioned observation posts" there. Less than two hours before the strike, the military called on residents to evacuate the area. The demolition followed a warning by Defense Minister Israel Katz that Israel would step up the strikes on Gaza City. "A mighty hurricane will hit the skies of Gaza City today, and the roofs of the terror towers will shake," he wrote on social media platform X. He said the attacks were "a final warning" to Hamas to release hostages and lay down their weapons, or "Gaza will be destroyed, and you will be annihilated." The strikes also came as Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar confirmed Israel had accepted a Gaza ceasefire proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump. "We are ready to accept a full deal that would end the war based on the cabinet's decision. Two things must happen: One, the return of our hostages ... Second, Hamas must lay down its arms," Sa'ar said at a news conference in Budapest alongside his Hungarian counterpart. Over the past days, Israel destroyed several high-rise buildings in Gaza City, where hundreds of displaced families have taken shelter. Israeli officials said the strikes were part of an offensive to destroy what they described as Hamas's last remaining stronghold in Gaza. The military has urged hundreds of thousands of Gaza City residents to move south. Gaza health authorities said Israeli strikes over the past day killed 67 people and wounded 320. The latest casualties brought Gaza's death toll since Oct. 7, 2023, to 64,522, with 163,096 injured. Palestinians run to escape the smoke raised from the "Vision" tower following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Sept. 8, 2025. Israeli forces intensified airstrikes on Gaza City on Monday, including the demolition of the "Vision" tower, a 14-story office building, in the western part of the city. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians inspect the debris of the "Vision" tower following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Sept. 8, 2025. Israeli forces intensified airstrikes on Gaza City on Monday, including the demolition of the "Vision" tower, a 14-story office building, in the western part of the city. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Smoke raises from the "Vision" tower following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Sept. 8, 2025. Israeli forces intensified airstrikes on Gaza City on Monday, including the demolition of the "Vision" tower, a 14-story office building, in the western part of the city. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians inspect the debris of the "Vision" tower following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Sept. 8, 2025. Israeli forces intensified airstrikes on Gaza City on Monday, including the demolition of the "Vision" tower, a 14-story office building, in the western part of the city. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians inspect the debris of the "Vision" tower following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Sept. 8, 2025. Israeli forces intensified airstrikes on Gaza City on Monday, including the demolition of the "Vision" tower, a 14-story office building, in the western part of the city. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Smoke raises from the "Vision" tower following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Sept. 8, 2025. Israeli forces intensified airstrikes on Gaza City on Monday, including the demolition of the "Vision" tower, a 14-story office building, in the western part of the city. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Smoke raises from the "Vision" tower following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Sept. 8, 2025. Israeli forces intensified airstrikes on Gaza City on Monday, including the demolition of the "Vision" tower, a 14-story office building, in the western part of the city. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians inspect the debris of the "Vision" tower following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Sept. 8, 2025. Israeli forces intensified airstrikes on Gaza City on Monday, including the demolition of the "Vision" tower, a 14-story office building, in the western part of the city. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians inspect the debris of the "Vision" tower following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Sept. 8, 2025. Israeli forces intensified airstrikes on Gaza City on Monday, including the demolition of the "Vision" tower, a 14-story office building, in the western part of the city. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinians run to escape the smoke raised from the "Vision" tower following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Sept. 8, 2025. Israeli forces intensified airstrikes on Gaza City on Monday, including the demolition of the "Vision" tower, a 14-story office building, in the western part of the city. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Pentagon chief makes surprise visit to Puerto Rico Washington, Sept 8 (AFP) Sep 08, 2025 Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth made a surprise visit to Puerto Rico Monday, officials said, as the United States uses military forces it has deployed in the region to target drug cartels. Hegseth was accompanied by the top US military officer, General Dan Caine, and the two of them were welcomed by Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, the territory's governor, who announced the visit in a post on X. She also thanked President Donald Trump "and his Administration for recognizing the strategic value Puerto Rico has to the national security of the United States and the fight against drug cartels in our hemisphere, perpetuated by narco-dictator Nicolas Maduro." The United States alleges that leftist Venezuelan leader Maduro heads a cocaine trafficking cartel and recently doubled its bounty to $50 million in exchange for his capture to face drug charges. A Pentagon official confirmed Hegseth had traveled to Puerto Rico, but provided no further details. The visit comes around a week after the United States carried out a strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat coming from Venezuela, an action that Trump said left 11 purported members of the Tren de Aragua gang dead. Tensions between Washington and Caracas subsequently soared after the Pentagon accused Venezuela of buzzing its ships in the Caribbean following the deadly strike, while Maduro has also denounced the buildup of US military assets in the region. There are eight US Navy ships involved in counter-narcotics efforts in Latin America -- seven in the Caribbean and one in the Pacific -- while Washington is also dispatching 10 high-tech F-35 jets to Puerto Rico. Trump vowed Friday to shoot down Venezuelan military jets if they pose a danger to US forces, but Maduro subsequently called for dialogue with Washington. Drug-smuggling vessels are usually interdicted and their crews arrested once they are identified, making the US strike on the alleged traffickers an extremely rare event. Trump's administration designated Tren de Aragua as a terror organization earlier this year, and the use of deadly force against the group's alleged members without due process echoes US actions against purported militants during its years-long "War on Terror." US officials, including Hegseth, have said that strikes targeting drug cartels will continue. Last Colombian soldiers freed from guerrilla-controlled zone Bogota, Sept 8 (AFP) Sep 08, 2025 The remaining 45 soldiers from a group detained in guerrilla-controlled southwestern Colombia were freed on Monday, a Defense Ministry spokesman told AFP. The troops had been seized Sunday while on an operation in the Cauca region, a drug-producing hotspot and bastion of a renegade faction of the defunct FARC guerrilla army. An initial batch of 27 were freed Sunday. Colombian soldiers and police officers are often detained in areas controlled by armed groups. According to the government, such detentions are often carried out by locals acting on the orders of armed groups in areas where there is little state presence. In June, 57 soldiers were detained in the same region before being released days later following military intervention. In late August, 33 soldiers were held captive for three days in a southeastern rural community, home to leftist guerrillas. Colombia has been enduring rising violence from dissident groups who rejected a 2016 peace agreement with FARC after a six-decade insurgency. Pentagon chief makes surprise visit to Puerto Rico Washington, Sept 8 (AFP) Sep 08, 2025 Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth made surprise visits to Puerto Rico and a US Navy ship Monday as the United States employs military assets in the Caribbean to target drug cartels. Hegseth was accompanied by the top US military officer, General Dan Caine, and the two of them were welcomed by Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, the territory's governor, who announced the visit in a post on X. She also thanked President Donald Trump "and his Administration for recognizing the strategic value Puerto Rico has to the national security of the United States and the fight against drug cartels in our hemisphere, perpetuated by narco-dictator Nicolas Maduro." The United States alleges that leftist Venezuelan leader Maduro heads a cocaine trafficking cartel and recently doubled its bounty to $50 million in exchange for his capture to face drug charges. A Pentagon official confirmed Hegseth had traveled to Puerto Rico, but provided no details. Hegseth also visited the USS Iwo Jima -- one of eight US Navy ships that are involved in counter-narcotics efforts in Latin America -- on Monday, according to a post on X from a Pentagon account. The post included a video of Hegseth addressing military personnel on the ship, telling them they were working to "end the poisoning of the American people" with drugs. - US-Venezuela tensions - Hegseth's visits to Puerto Rico and the Navy ship came around a week after the United States carried out a strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat coming from Venezuela, an action that Trump said left 11 purported members of the Tren de Aragua gang dead. Tensions between Washington and Caracas have soared, as the Pentagon accused Venezuela of buzzing one of its ships in the Caribbean, while Maduro has denounced the buildup of US military assets in the region. In addition to the eight US warships in the region -- seven in the Caribbean and one in the Pacific -- Washington is also dispatching 10 high-tech F-35 jets to Puerto Rico. Trump vowed Friday to shoot down Venezuelan military jets if they pose a danger to US forces, while Maduro on Sunday announced the deployment of 25,000 troops to the country's borders to ensure "the defense of national sovereignty, the security of the country and the fight for peace." Drug-smuggling vessels are usually seized and their crews arrested once they are identified, making the US strike on the alleged traffickers an extremely rare event. Trump's administration designated Tren de Aragua as a terror organization earlier this year, and the use of deadly force against the group's alleged members without due process echoes US actions against purported militants during its years-long "War on Terror." US officials, including Hegseth, have said that strikes targeting drug cartels will continue. Israeli strike hits near Syrian city of Homs: state media Damascus, Sept 8 (AFP) Sep 08, 2025 Israeli air strikes hit areas of the central and western Syrian cities of Homs and Latakia late Monday, state news agency SANA reported. Britain-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that "the Israeli strike near Homs targeted a military unit south of the city." Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in December, despite initiating an unprecedented dialogue with the new authorities. In late August, the Israeli army launched an aerial operation south of Damascus, according to a Syrian state media outlet. Israel has not confirmed the attack but Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that forces operate "day and night" wherever necessary for the country's security. SANA reported earlier this month that Israeli soldiers detained seven people in the southern province of Quneitra, whom the Israeli army told AFP at the time were "suspected of terrorist activity". After Assad's fall, the Israeli army entered the demilitarised buffer zone of the Golan Heights, bordering the part of the Syrian plateau occupied by Israel, and its forces regularly conduct incursions into southern Syria. Its troops hold positions in southern Syria. Syria and Israel have been officially at war since 1948 but are engaged in negotiations under US mediation to reduce tensions. ULAN BATOR, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia's Ministry of Health on Monday confirmed a case of bubonic plague resulting in the death of a 24-year-old man in Tsagaan-Uul soum, Khuvsgul Province. According to the ministry, the man died after consuming marmot meat, with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test confirming bubonic plague as the cause. Authorities have warned citizens against eating marmot meat. Although hunting marmots is illegal in Mongolia, the rodent is considered a delicacy by some, and the ban is often ignored. The bubonic plague is a bacterial disease spread by fleas living on wild rodents such as marmots, which can kill an adult in less than 24 hours if not treated in time, according to the World Health Organization. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (R) shakes hands with visiting Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Sept. 8, 2025. Cambodia and the Philippines on Monday signed three documents, promoting bilateral cooperation in air connectivity, higher education, and combating cross-border crime. (Agence Kampuchea Press/Handout via Xinhua) PHNOM PENH, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and the Philippines on Monday signed three documents, promoting bilateral cooperation in air connectivity, higher education, and combating cross-border crime. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and visiting Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos witnessed the signing ceremony of the documents after their bilateral meeting at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh. Both sides also pledged to further enhance cooperation across multiple sectors covering trade and investment, economic operation and people-to-people connectivity, Hun Manet said after the event. "Cambodia stands ready to be a reliable partner in contributing to the Philippine food security," Hun Manet added. Marcos arrived in Phnom Penh on Sunday for a three-day visit. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (R, back) and visiting Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos witness a signing ceremony of the documents after their bilateral meeting at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Sept. 8, 2025. Cambodia and the Philippines on Monday signed three documents, promoting bilateral cooperation in air connectivity, higher education, and combating cross-border crime. (Agence Kampuchea Press/Handout via Xinhua) Is there a chance, do you think, that the new Home Secretary, the rather impressive Shabana Mahmood, might use her first days in the job to reverse one of the most egregious errors of her predecessor? I refer to Yvette Coopers idiotic proscription of Palestine Action. That genius idea of treating an activist political organisation as a terrorist outfit has had the entirely predictable effect this weekend of causing the police to make nearly 900 arrests at a march organised by its supporters. Thats an awful lot of police time paid overtime and police cells and taxpayer money gone to give activists a useful opportunity for grandstanding. Dont the police have better things to do? Actually lets forget the rhetorical question; the police do have better things to do. The group said that standing for equality, justice, and freedom for all people is a profound moral duty that none of us can ignore and added that they must speak out now against the harm done to the Palestinian people. And second, that I was completely hooked on it all. This night has been a highlight of my year ever since and its all because of you guys - these children, this cause, and our Wellchild community, he said. Sitting in the Farringdon office of Big Deal Films which he co-founded with his friend and former agent, Dhanny Joshi surrounded by awards and posters of their shows, Thomas, now 40, reflected: The first thing that stood out was how non-judgmental it was. There were young people from all sorts of backgrounds and it didnt matter if you didnt have all the answers. I remember thinking, No one here is going to talk to me about elocution. Theres a huge opportunity here and what the Governments saying is we want to seize it with both hands and we want to work not just with the Scottish Government, but with local councils and business groups to make sure that were squeezing every single pound of value out of that increased defence spending. Harry, who levelled accusations at the King, Queen, William and Kate in his Oprah interview, Netflix documentary and memoir Spare, told the BBC in May that Charles will not speak to him because of his court battle over his security, and he does not know how much longer my father has. The union said its members had no choice but to walk out following the universitys refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies as part of its savings bid, with as many as 1,800 jobs understood to be at risk. Police were alerted to a robbery at the store in a small rural town in the region of Waikato around 2.30am local time on Sunday (3.30pm BST) and laid spikes on the road to stop the suspects - Phillips and one of his children - were expected to take. by Ye Pingfan JAKARTA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The sun scorches during the dry season in Indonesia. Villagers of Purwosono in eastern Java Island are relaxing and enjoying the cool breeze by the "Cooling Creek." Their lush green farmland is neatly arranged between houses, with swaying coconut palms in front of and behind their homes. Along the banks, there are walkways, stone tables and benches, and pavilions for leisure. Several villagers have opened small shops there, and a children's swimming pool and restaurant are also nearby. It might be hard to imagine that just a few years ago, this place was a garbage-strewn ditch that everyone avoided. Village chief Hendrik Dwi Martono recalled that villagers habitually used the riverbank as an open-air garbage dump. Hendrik mobilized villagers to thoroughly clean the stream, transforming it into a recreational area for the villagers and giving it the appealing name "Cooling Creek." His decision stemmed from a 2023 study trip to China with the Indonesian Rural Cadre Training Program, or village chief program. During that trip to China, Hendrik visited Beijing, Zhejiang, Anhui, and other places in China. He was particularly impressed by the water system management and water resource protection efforts of Dongziguan Village in Hangzhou in China's southeast Zhejiang Province. "The entire village, surrounded by water, is breathtakingly beautiful. The water and streets are spotless, and garbage is sorted and disposed of properly. Inspired by this, I immediately took action upon returning," he told Xinhua, "Our Chinese friends are doing a great job, and we in Indonesia must follow suit. Through the collective efforts of our villagers, we've seen fewer mosquitoes, a better environment, and better health, which benifit us all." The village chief program officially launched in 2019, hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia and in partnership with the Indonesian Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions Villages. Each year, 20 to 30 Indonesian village chiefs are selected to visit and study in China. By 2024, the program had held four sessions, with over 100 Indonesian village chiefs visiting China to experience and understand rural development. From Dongziguan Village in China to Purwosono Village in Indonesia, rural environmental governance has become an international relay. Hendrik hopes that the successful "Cool Creek" project can be replicated to benefit more rural Indonesians. Hendrik said that after returning from China, he "gained a new understanding of the function and significance of the village office." He renovated the office and redesigned its functions: handling grassroots civil affairs, providing a public meeting space, undertaking education and knowledge dissemination, and promoting the village's image. He also plans to set up an exhibition hall within the village office to introduce Purwosono and promote its unique products. "China's development is advancing rapidly, its rural governance is excellent, and the use of high technology is becoming increasingly common. Although our national conditions differ, we may not be able to learn everything, but by starting where we can, we can make progress," he said. What impressed him most during his visit was the Chinese people's unremitting spirit of striving for a cause they believe in. "We must not only be inspired ourselves, but also inspire others to participate in the cause of building our homeland. I think this is the greatest gain from my trip to China," Hendrik said. As part of his routine, Hendrik receives update of the latest market prices for ducklings on his phone, as there are 70 specialized duck farmers in the village. This year, he used government funds to build over 300 meters of cement road in the village. Not long ago, a girl in his village married a young Chinese man, and he even went out of his way to help them obtain an Indonesian marriage certificate. It is observed that everyone recognized Hendrik as a village chief who worked for the people. He was greeted warmly wherever he went. When he met elders or acquaintances, he would chat about the latest agricultural market trends. "If we do nothing, the results will be mediocre; but if we do something unusual with extraordinary passion, the results may be completely different. I am grateful for the cooperation between China and Indonesia and for giving us the opportunity to study in China. I sincerely hope that the program will continue to flourish. If the opportunity arises, I would like to visit and study in China again," Hendrik said. University of Texas System Chairman Kevin Eltife, left, shakes hand with Lt. Gov Dan Patrick at a news conference in May announcing a $100 million investment in UT's School of Civic Leadership. Patrick has long been a vocal critic of faculty senates, accusing the bodies of having undue influence over universities. On Aug. 20, Eltife announced that UT System institutions will no longer have the bodies. Jay Janner/American-Statesman To Kristie Loescher, an expert in employee management from the University of Texas' McCombs School of Business, a workplace is like a canoe. Of 10 rowers in the canoe, two or three are rowing their hearts out. A couple in the back are rowing the other way. Four are just sitting there. At UT, she said, the Faculty Council was how the employer could turn them into rowers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Through the council, employees engage in collaborative decision making with peers from across the campus. Employees work harder and stay longer with this engagement, generating more profit for UT, said Loescher, who once served on the council. The canoe moves faster. Kristie Loescher Brian Birzer Its a win-win, she said. Not having one is leaving money on the table. But after a state law passed that places the fate of those bodies in regents hands and limits their oversight in hopes of curbing faculty control in decisions, the UT System's Board of Regents decided to abolish the councils including UT Austins body five days before the semester began. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The vote, for now, leaves the 3,700 faculty employees at UT without elected representation or a direct line to the universitys top leadership for the first time since 1928. Faculty members who spoke to the American-Statesman said they were surprised and saddened by the decision, and fear how their input and work will be redistributed. The message is unmistakable, said UT faculty representative and astronomy professor Paul Shapiro. Faculty are now just employees, educational workers, without a seat at the table." UT System officials said institutions can create advisory groups to take up the essential work, but did not give public guidance on what those advisory groups should be beyond saying they cant be the same makeup as faculty senates. Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, who authored the law to regulate faculty senate's influence on campus, praised their action in a post on X as a "bold, decisive" step. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "This will return our campuses to learning environments where decisions are based on merit, where innovation is the focus, and world-class research prepares the next generation to keep Texas competitive," Creighton said. "These are strong first steps, as my colleagues and I continue to closely monitor implementation of this law." UT Provost William Inboden on Wednesday emailed faculty saying he and President Jim Davis are grateful for their service to the college and expect to share more details on a new model soon. We are actively working with University leadership and legal counsel, and in consultation with the University of Texas System leadership, to develop a new framework to ensure that our faculty can provide guidance, advice, and expert input to the University leadership as we forge our path ahead, Inbodens email said. Regardless, accessing expertise, soliciting feedback and achieving buy-in from employees across an institution as large as UT is difficult to replicate, Loescher said: Without the body, people may distrust, disengage and even leave UT. The canoe is unstable. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When a dog growls, and you punish them for growling, what you get is a dog who bites without warning, Loescher said. When you shut down dissent, dissent doesn't go away, it just festers and comes out in bad ways. 'Dangerous environment for academic freedom' Senate Bill 37, drafted by Creighton, who championed a bill banning DEI offices at public universities in 2023, restricts faculty senates' size and power while delegating the review of hiring, degrees and curriculum to the politically appointed regents, who also approve or deny faculty senates existence. The priority legislation followed years of tension between faculty and conservative lawmakers, who accused the senate bodies of having unregulated, political influence over campus decisions. University leaders, Creighton said at a Senate hearing in November, must make "decisions that meet the expectation not of a faculty senate, but the Texas Senate." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lawmakers supportive of SB 37 aimed to defang faculty senates, which some saw as unruly and liberal, but did not ban them outright. Shapiro, the astronomy professor, worries transparency and free speech between leaders and faculty members will crumble without the structure, even with an advisory group. Though SB 37 regulates faculty senates that stand, the law doesnt govern advisory groups formed in their place. Theres no guarantee such a group's meetings would be public, involve elected representation or engage all parts of the colleges. UT and UT System officials did not respond to questions about what UTs advisory group will look like. With 70 elected Faculty Senate members, more than two dozen committees and a monthly public forum with the president and other UT stakeholders, faculty from across the college had direct input into decisions through the faculty council and leaders heard front-line concerns and expertise, said Loescher, who served on the admissions committee and as a representative. The monthly meetings were the only times representatives from all parts of the college convened including administrators, staff, undergraduate and graduate students and had the opportunity to ask the institution presidents questions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It was one of the very few, if not one of the only, forums to really speak directly to the administration, said David Spicer, president of the Graduate Student Assembly, speaking to the Statesman as an individual. As the body representing the faculty, opposing university or political decisions is a rare function of the council, but does happen, to the chagrin of lawmakers. In 2022, Lt. Gov Dan Patrick publicly condemned UTs faculty council for stating faculty members' right to teach about race despite the Legislature's will, and set out to ban tenure the next session to stop faculty from "indoctrinating" students, he said at the time. In May 2024, UTs council passed a resolution asking leadership to extend amnesty to pro-Palestinian protesters and another condemning UTs termination of former DEI employees, signaling their discontent, but falling short of a formal vote of no confidence. Creighton accused the council of supporting a protest he said hurt Jewish students while also pushing back against a faculty senate's ability to call a vote of no confidence at all and questioning the politics of members. Ending the the University of Texas' Faculty Senate leaves 3,700 faculty without elected representation or a direct line to top leadership for the first time in decades. American-Statesman file photo But the feedback from shared governance is often crucial, and unaccusatory, faculty said. Shapiro said sometimes the feedback will be about a university calendar change, or a degree program proposal that duplicates an existing field. With no guarantee of committees returning or regular public meetings, he said, the university community loses its ability to question authority decisions and to give input based on their expertise. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the spring, Spicer said he told administrators how graduate international students were impacted by visa revocations by the Trump administration, an issue the university was responding to. I think we're seeing an intentional effort to curate certain voices at the university and dilute others, said Spicer, who is also a PhD student in higher education leadership and policy. It creates a really dangerous environment for academic freedom, shifting so much of these decisions away from content-area experts. What will UT lose? Without this forum, faculty members also fear they could lose their voice in curriculum, policy, hiring and university changes at the expense of UT's excellence due to the intricate work the council does. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I do think that it's important that public institutions are accountable to the public. I just don't think this, by any means, is the way to do that, said David DeMatthews, a professor in the College of Education. This really just undermines universities ability to do really hard work. Beyond curriculum and academic policy, the faculty council had 25 committees that oversaw university calendars, libraries, grievance processes and transportation regulations, provided free expertise on topics from budgets to technology, and advocated for needs across UT. University officials declined to confirm if the committees will remain in some form under the new structure. Replacing that work is a behemoth of a task, faculty say. I think they somewhat underestimate all that faculty do, Spicer said about lawmakers. Faculty committees centered on three categories: faculty affairs, student services and activities, and institutional policy and governance. The committees ranged in focus from policy, parking ticket appeals, welfare of graduate students and welfare of staff and a committee on financial aid for students. Some committees conducted research for the university at administrators' direction and made recommendations on how they could best address needs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad DeMatthews committee worked with student athletes to identify how faculty and administrators could better meet their needs. Loeschers committee worked to identify opportunities for accelerated masters or 4+1 programs a sought-after option for students hoping to get a masters degree in one less year, saving thousands of dollars in tuition. Shapiro first served in 1981 on a computer committee. As an assistant professor, he felt honored to be consulted as the technology UT invested in would affect his research and he felt empowered to give input despite not yet having tenure. The knowledge and labor volunteered by the faculty council was free and high quality, Shapiro said. Its absence will leave a giant hole that must be filled. What happens next? Faculty members told the Statesman that serving on a committee or as a representative made them feel helpful, heard and valued. It also felt purposeful, as they have a front-line view of the universitys functions that administrators, who arent in the classroom, dont have, they said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For Loescher, its a part of her UT legacy. "I felt it as a great responsibility to my fellow faculty members," Loescher said. "I was proud to serve, and it made me prouder to be part of UT." UT System Chairman Kevin Eltife said at the August board meeting he takes his responsibility over faculty senates "very seriously." Though the UT System will consider proposals on reinstating them, he said he is not in a rush to approve any other body. Creighton said the bill adds accountability for faculty input and will lead the way for changes to come. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "The legislation demands real accountability from our institutions," Creighton said in a statement at the time of the bill's passage. "Texas isn't just leading the conversation, we're setting the national standard for restoring academic integrity and accountability on college campuses." Lena Mose-Vargas, vice president for the graduate student assembly and a PhD student in Mexican American studies, wonders what not having the council's oversight on curriculum will mean for her program as regents begin reviewing degrees and curriculum per their new responsibilities under SB 37. The unknowns of how faculty will be consulted is leading to unease, they said. One of the most frustrating parts about all of these changes is that you're really figuring it out as you go, Mose-Vargas said, speaking as an individual. People who are part of faculty council, who have oversight over coursework and what not, now, they're having to find a way trying to see if there's a way they're able to have still find that input." Advertisement Article continues below this ad No matter the makeup of the new advisory group at UT, the removal of the faculty council disrupts the trust of UT, Loescher said. It also doesn't target the unengaged faculty members, who may be more likely to leave without that connection to the university. The Corpus Christi city council voted down a controversial seawater desalination plant that has been in the works for years and is a priority for the governor. Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle Gov. Greg Abbotts office is standing by its apparent warning last week that Corpus Christi could be cut off from future financial aid after the city council voted down a controversial seawater desalination plant that has been in the works for years and is a priority for the governor. Abbotts office said by reneging on the deal, the city was proving itself to be an untrustworthy partner and putting the state in a difficult position when considering future projects. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The governor has long prioritized water development projects, and wants to ensure the Corpus Christi area has the water resources it needs to maintain its strong economic footprint, a spokesman for the governor said in a statement. City Council Member Carolyn Vaughn announced last week that the governors chief of staff, Robert Black, had called her ahead of the vote and urged that she be a leader and back the $1.2 billion project, which was intended to provide water to nearby petrochemical plants. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Then he said if I didnt, Corpus Christi would receive no future state funding, Vaughn said before voting to terminate a contract with a design firm working on the project. Thats wrong. I consider that a threat to the people of Corpus Christi. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The exact details of the conversation between the two are unclear. Black did not respond to a request for comment. Vaughn responded to requests for additional details with a lengthy statement on her broader position on the project. She reiterated that the costs had gotten out of hand and said the state could do more to help pay for it. If this project were so important for the state, what we really needed was leadership and financial participation that would have benefited Coastal Bend families and the state for generations, Vaughn said. The city council had long been in support of the project before voting to terminate the design contract, which casts doubt on the future of what would be the states first seawater desalination plant. The massive project has drawn pushback from some locals and environmental groups that say it should be located farther offshore so the salt that is discarded in the desalination process doesnt damage the shoreline ecosystem. Vaughn said the project had gotten too expensive, especially for a plant intended to help an already wealthy industry. She said the annual cost to the city to operate the plant was estimated to be as high as $32 million. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Abbott and other Republican state leaders spent months this year pushing ahead on an initial plan to shore up the states struggling water supply. Texas is set to spend $1 billion a year on water under that plan, which goes to voters in November, including on water supply projects like desalination plants and pipelines. While the Corpus Christi project predated the newly approved plan, the governors office said the state has already sunk $235 million in direct funding on the project, with the understanding that the city was onboard. The Texas Water Development Board, whose members Abbott appoints, has also approved more than $700 million in low-interest loans for the project through the State Water Implementation Fund. A spokesman for the city said officials there have not received any communication from the governors office about withholding state funding. He provided copies of two letters from the water development board that he said constitute the extent of communication between the city and state on the matter. Those letters were sent in response to questions from city officials, including Vaughn, asking whether the funding already approved for the desalination plant project, known as Inner Harbor, could be repurposed for other water projects. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The board said they could not be repurposed. Failure by the City to complete the Inner Harbor project in a manner that conforms substantially to the initial design introduces high uncertainty into our existing SWIFT funding process which could lead to an unacceptable level of risk in the future, an Aug. 29 letter said. This lack of certainty and commitment will be included in any assessment by the Executive Administrator for future state funding for projects in Corpus Christi. Rolando Barrera, a council member who supported the desalination project, said in an interview that while he was not involved in conversations with Abbotts office, he understood the governors position on the matter. When the state engages in either subsidizing or funding a project, they want to ensure they have a good partner, Barrera said. When the state decides theyre going to use state funds to reinvest in a community, they want to ensure were good stewards of it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Barrera said he believed the plant was crucial for both the city and state economy. Corpus Christi is a major oil and gas hub, and 50% of its water goes to industry, he said. But that industry provides jet fuel and other products across the state, reducing dependency on foreign oil, he argued. And while the desalination plant would likely not have provided water to other parts of the state, it would have lessened pressure on reservoirs and other sources that provide Corpus water now, including the Colorado River, he said. This will have a drastic effect on the Texas economy, Barrera warned. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Vaughn said in her statement that she believes there are other options, including building smaller desalination plants, buying the rights to more ground water and reusing wastewater. 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/Associated Press The claim: When U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the Senate Finance Committee on Sept. 4, several senators criticized him for restricting the COVID-19 vaccine after promising in November he wouldnt "take away anybodys vaccines." "Did you hold up a big sign saying that you were lying when you said that?" Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., asked Kennedy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Aug. 27, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated its COVID-19 vaccine guidance, limiting the groups of people approved to get the updated shot to anyone age 65 and older and any person 6 months and older who has at least one underlying health condition that increases their risk of severe COVID-19 infection. Kennedy pushed back, "Anybody can get the booster," he said, later adding that "its not recommended for healthy people." Warren said, "If you don't recommend, then the consequence of that in many states is that you can't walk into a pharmacy and get one. It means insurance companies don't have to cover the $200 or so cost." Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Warren and Kennedy continued to speak over each other debating the vaccines availability. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "It depends on the states," Kennedy said. "But they can still get it. Everybody can get it. Everybody can get it, senator." PolitiFact ruling: Mostly False. The FDA limited the groups of people who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, which has already diminished the shots drugstore availability in some states. People who are not in those groups arent banned from getting the shot, but are likely to face additional barriers. For example, people may need a doctor to prescribe the vaccine "off-label," making the process more challenging and potentially more costly. Kennedys blanket statement also is premature. A CDC vaccine panel has not issued recommendations for the vaccine. The groups guidance might affect insurance coverage and over-the-counter access. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Discussion Asked for evidence, the Health and Human Services Department pointed us to an Aug. 27 X post from Kennedy that said, "These vaccines are available for all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors." Kennedys blanket statement to senators is misleading and premature. Under current guidance, healthy people under 65 years old might need a doctors prescription to get the shot. If they successfully get a prescription, they may need to pay out of pocket. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Further, whether the vaccine is available at pharmacies and covered by insurance is largely dependent on a vaccine panel that has so far issued no recommendations. What was the status quo for years that the majority of Americans, regardless of age, could easily make an appointment at their local pharmacy for the vaccine at little to no out-of-pocket cost is no longer guaranteed in the 2025-26 season. The FDAs approval is not the only step in the process of making vaccines available to the public. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a panel of independent experts that guides vaccine policy, has not voted on or issued current guidance. Typically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccines based on the panels guidance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And that guidance affects insurance coverage and vaccine access. Federal law requires that most health insurance plans fully cover vaccines recommended by the CDC. Some states also require these recommendations before they allow vaccines to be offered over-the-counter at pharmacies. On June 9, Kennedy fired all 17 members of the CDCs immunization advisory committee and replaced some with new members, many of whom have expressed antivaccine views. CDC Director Susan Monarez was fired Aug. 27 over what Monarez described as a dispute about vaccine policy. According to the CDCs website, the advisory panel is scheduled to meet Sept. 18 to 19. People in the FDA-approved groups should be able to schedule vaccinations as soon as authorized health care providers receive it, likely in the next few weeks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Even if you are in these approved groups, where you can get the COVID-19 vaccine varies by state. By law, pharmacies in certain states wont be able to offer the vaccine or will only administer it with a doctors prescription until the CDCs vaccine advisory panel issues its recommendations. That means even though the FDA has issued its approval for some groups, in 18 states and Washington D.C., "pharmacists cannot administer it because it isnt on the CDC immunization schedule yet," Brigid Groves, American Pharmacists Association vice president of professional affairs, previously told PolitiFact. As of Sept. 4, the scheduling apps for Walgreens and CVS notified patients in some locations that they could not schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment because of state restrictions, inventory or the need for a prescription. People who are not in the FDAs approved group are not banned from getting the COVID-19 vaccine, per se. But accessing the vaccine will likely require navigating some barriers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Doctors can legally prescribe a COVID-19 vaccine for people who fall outside the FDA categories. Thats true for adults and children and the practice of prescribing medications and vaccines for "off-label" use is fairly common in pediatrics, Dr. William Schaffner, Vanderbilt University Medical Center professor of infectious diseases, previously told PolitiFact. That requires making and paying for a doctors appointment, and finding a doctor willing to prescribe it off-label. Depending on ACIPs guidance, pharmacists might be able to vaccinate people not in an FDA-approved group through a process called "shared clinical decision making." Advertisement Article continues below this ad That means, for example, "If you were 52 years old and otherwise healthy, but you nonetheless wanted to get the vaccine, you could discuss that with your doctor shared clinical decision making and you could receive the vaccine," Schaffner said. Pharmacists are considered clinicians who can conduct that shared decision making, Groves said. But again, without CDC recommendations, "We don't know if that provision is still there," Schaffner said. Insurance coverage for the vaccine is still up in the air, too, and will largely depend on what the CDC recommends. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Insurance coverage is more probable for people in an FDA-approved category. But, if the CDC recommendations include giving vaccines to healthy people through the shared clinical decision making process, insurance companies will generally honor that, Schaffner said. COVID-19 vaccines cost about $142, according to the CDCs price lists. Its unclear whether that would be the out-of-pocket cost for patients receiving a COVID-19 vaccine not covered by insurance. PolitiFact Staff Writer Madison Czopek contributed to this report. On August 31, 2025, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wang Huning met in Beijing with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who is in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025. Wang Huning said that China-Cambodia relations have withstood the test of international vicissitudes and grown stronger as time goes by. On the previous day, President Xi Jinping met with Mr. Prime Minister Hun Manet, which charted the course for deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and Cambodia. Guided by the strategic consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, both sides should uphold their original aspiration of friendship, remain firm in their belief in solidarity, and deepen strategic cooperation to make positive contributions to regional peace, stability, prosperity and development. The CPPCC National Committee is ready to deepen exchanges and mutual learning with the Cambodian side and play an active role in advancing the building of an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. Hun Manet said that the friendship between Cambodia and China has a long history. He expressed gratitude for China's long-standing support and assistance to Cambodia. President Xi Jinping's visit to Cambodia in April this year marked a new milestone in bilateral relations. Cambodia is willing to implement the outcomes of the visit, further deepen the ironclad friendship between the two countries, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. Shen Yueyue and Wang Dongfeng, among others, attended the meeting. COLOMBO, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives has welcomed over 1.5 million tourists so far this year, a 9.7 percent increase from the same period in 2024, according to the country's Ministry of Tourism and Environment. The country received 1,520,699 tourists so far this year, the data showed. The growth kept the island nation on track to achieve its target of 2.3 million visitors in 2025, surpassing last year's record of 2 million, PSM News, the Maldives' state media, reported on Monday. The upcoming opening of a new passenger terminal at Velana International Airport, with an annual capacity of 7.5 million passengers, is expected to boost arrivals, PSM said. TOKYO, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Toshimitsu Motegi, a former foreign minister of Japan, intends to run in the ruling party's presidential election following Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's decision to resign, Kyodo News reported Monday. Ishiba announced his decision to step down as the head of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Sunday, amid growing calls for him to take responsibility for the party's election setback. In a landmark political setback in July, Japan's ruling coalition lost its majority in the House of Councillors, signaling deep public dissatisfaction with the government. The defeat follows a similar outcome in the 2024 House of Representatives election, leaving the ruling bloc a minority in both chambers of the parliament, a historic first since the LDP's founding in 1955. The research, published in Nature Sustainability, examined the sustainability reports of 75 of the biggest firms across eight key ocean industries, including oil and gas, offshore wind, shipping, ports, seafood and cruise tourism. While nearly all of them reported on greenhouse gas emissions and waste, fewer than one in four measured or set targets for ocean-specific impacts such as habitat destruction, overfishing, underwater noise, or the spread of invasive species. The blue economy is booming, but transparency about its environmental footprint is not keeping up, says lead author Jean-Baptiste Jouffray, researcher at the Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, and affiliated with Stockholm Resilience Centre. Companies are quick to talk about their carbon emissions, but much less about what their activities mean for marine ecosystems. The study found companies use 443 different indicators to describe their ocean impacts a patchwork so varied it makes comparison nearly impossible. This lack of standardisation leaves regulators, investors and the public struggling to assess whether ocean industries are improving or merely greenwashing. A shapshot of conditions today The timing is critical. The ocean is under mounting pressure from climate change, industrial expansion and biodiversity loss. Governments from Europe to the Pacific are promoting blue growth as a new economic frontier, from offshore energy to deep-sea mining. But without clear accountability, the push risks repeating on water the same mistakes made on land exploiting ecosystems faster than they can recover. Experts note that improving corporate disclosure is not just about environmental stewardship, but about risk management. Invasive species carried by ballast water, collapsing fish stocks, or damaged coral reefs can all have cascading impacts on supply chains, food security and even coastal infrastructure. This study sets an important baseline, a snapshot of conditions today, says Robert Blasiak, Centre researcher and co-author of the study. Its a clear path forward for companies who want to distinguish themselves as leaders, but entire industries will need to take these steps eventually. Transparency needed for accountability The EU has already begun mandating broader sustainability disclosures under its new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, including explicit requirements for marine resources and biodiversity. Similar frameworks are being developed globally, such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures. But researchers argue that ocean-specific reporting lags far behind. The authors call for governments to tighten regulations, for industries to agree on common biodiversity indicators, and for companies to make data on their ocean footprint publicly available. New tools from satellite monitoring to environmental DNA sampling are making this cheaper and more feasible than ever. Policymakers, they say, should see this as an opportunity. Clearer reporting could allow investors to steer capital towards companies genuinely reducing their impact at sea, while giving regulators and communities the information needed to hold laggards accountable. The ocean economy brings huge opportunities, but its legitimacy depends on transparency as a necessary condition for accountability, Jouffray says. Otherwise, blue growth risks becoming just another wave of unsustainable exploitation. Norsk Unveils Enhanced Developer Support and AI-Powered Workflows at IBC 2025 Company introduces Kickstart and Onboarding Packages while demonstrating next-generation live streaming capabilities including AI integration, master control room in the cloud, and support for CMSD Beaver Dam, WI( ) Norsk will showcase advances in live streaming technology at IBC 2025, focusing on making professional broadcast workflows more accessible and efficient through enhanced developer support and AI-powered automation. The company's exhibit at Stand 5.A53 will demonstrate how broadcasters can leverage cutting-edge technologies to streamline operations while reducing costs and complexity. In particular, the company will highlight workflows showing integration with Google Gemini, a full master control room in the cloud, and support for Media Quality Assessment and Common Media Server Data for enhanced real-time analytics. New Developer Support Programs Transform Norsk Implementation Central to Norsk's IBC presentation are two new comprehensive support packages designed to accelerate customer success. The Norsk Studio Kickstart Package and Norsk SDK Developer Onboarding Package. Both include dedicated time from Norsk's core engineering team to help users design, build, and launch their live streaming applications. These offerings address the industry's need for specialized expertise while enabling today's lean engineering and production teams to design, build, and launch their live streaming services more quickly than ever before. "Norsk has always provided a middle path between building from scratch and buying off the shelf," says CEO and co-founder Adrian Roe. "The new Kickstart and Onboarding Packages make that easier than ever, enabling teams to unblock the path to the transformative technologies within Norsk." AI Integration Advances Workflow Creation Norsk will demonstrate how its platform makes it simple and practical to leverage AI platforms in live workflows, including significant advances in how workflows are created. Built from day one to be AI-friendly, Norsk enables large language models to build workflows using intelligent composition rather than trial and error. The platform can now generate professional-grade live video workflows from natural language prompts in minutesthe same complex workflows that traditionally require months of specialized engineering. This AI-powered approach represents a fundamental shift in how broadcast professionals can approach live streaming production, substantially reducing the time and expertise traditionally required for complex implementations. The Norsk team will be demonstrating sample workflows built with Google Gemini. Norsk Manager Achieves General Availability The company will highlight the general availability of Norsk Manager, a comprehensive infrastructure management solution that makes it easy to manage deployments on-premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid environments. Norsk Manager minimizes infrastructure costs while maximizing availability, giving users total control over how and where their workflows are deployed. A key feature of Norsk Manager is its intelligent failover capabilities. If a server or cloud instance fails, the system automatically moves workflows to alternate locations, ensuring that live events continue running seamlessly without interruption. Advanced Format Support and Quality Assessment Norsk's expanded technical capabilities will be on full display, including newly added support for SMPTE 2110, joining the platform's already extensive list of supported formats and protocols. This addition gives broadcasters even more reasons to benefit from Norsk's ability to "Make Live Easy." The company will also demonstrate its support for Media Quality Assessment (MQA) data via Common Media Server Data (CMSD)technologies that represent significant industry developments. CMSD allows arbitrary data to accompany media as it travels from origin to consumer devices, while MQA provides standardized quality scores for media content. When combined, these technologies enable any component in a delivery workflow to make decisions based on quality assessment. This means packagers can automatically select the "best" of multiple sources, players can choose optimal CDNs for superior quality of experience, and live streams can be monitored more effectively without expensive probes or troublesome DRM keys. Cloud-First Approach Meets Industry Transformation Norsk will participate in the IBC Accelerator Programme's Master Control Cloud (MCC) project, contributing to ingest, audio mixing, and talkback components. This involvement demonstrates the industry's undeniable tipping point toward embracing cloud-based critical processesan approach Norsk has championed since 2011. The company's cloud-first architecture has proven its value through real-world implementations. Norsk customer Notified conducts tens of thousands of live events annually using Norsk's cloud-based production capabilities, with operators able to handle ten times as many concurrent events as previously possible through advanced automation. In addition to the MCC project, the company will be showing a master control room in the cloud built entirely with Norsk. Addressing Industry Efficiency Imperatives All of Norsk's showcased technologies address the industry's pressing need for operational efficiencies and service differentiation. As media companies face continued pressure to achieve profitability, every technology, production, and content decision is being scrutinized through the monetization lens. Norsk's approach enables automation that helps monetize content previously considered too expensive to deliver. The platform's modular, flexible, and customizable approach to building workflows allows content owners to deliver better-quality video to their customers while reducing costs and potential failure points. Mission-Driven Innovation "We believe that Norsk's modular, flexible, and customizable approach to building workflows can radically transform the way the media industry operates," says Roe. "We continue on our mission to give people permission to believebelieve that they can create precisely the experiences their viewers want, believe that they can be more ambitious than they thought possible, and believe that they can do it all without breaking the bank." Visitors to IBC can experience these innovations firsthand at Norsk's Stand 5.A53, or view the complete end-to-end demonstration at the Accelerator in Hall 14. An 18-year-old basic training soldier from California was killed during rifle training at Fort Leonard Wood on Friday morning, officials at the Missouri Army training installation said Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. (Fort Leonard Wood/Facebook) An 18-year-old basic training soldier from California was killed during rifle training at Fort Leonard Wood on Friday morning, officials at the Missouri Army training installation said Monday. Pvt. Andrey Okunev was fatally injured in the incident that occurred while training on a rifle range about 10:30 a.m., local time, according to a Fort Leonard Wood statement. He was pronounced dead shortly after the incident. It was not immediately clear if Okunev was shot. A Fort Leonard Wood spokesperson declined to provide additional details about the incident on Monday. Okunevs death is under investigation by Fort Leonard Wood law enforcement and the Army Criminal Investigation Division, the statement said. No other soldiers were injured in the incident, officials said. Okunev enlisted in the Army National Guard and was just more than halfway through the services 10-week Basic Combat Training course designed to turn civilians into soldiers. Okunev was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment which was scheduled to graduate basic training Oct. 2, according to Fort Leonard Woods website. In a statement, Army Maj. Gen. Chris Beck, the top general at Fort Leonard Wood and the head of its Maneuver Support Center of Excellence said the post was making chaplains, grief counselors and medical professionals available to those affected by Okunevs death. We are deeply saddened and truly heartbroken by the loss of Pvt. Okunev, and our deepest condolences and sincerest sympathies are with his family, friends and unit, Beck said in the statement. HANOI, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has instructed the State Bank of Vietnam to strengthen inspections and strictly deal with market manipulation and hoarding aimed at pushing up prices and illegal trading activities that destabilize the gold market, local media VnExpress reported Monday. The central bank has been tasked with closely monitoring global and domestic gold price movements and promptly deploying necessary measures to stabilize the market. The directive came as gold prices in Vietnam have been rising for over two weeks. Since the beginning of this year, domestic gold prices have surged over 40 percent, reaching a record high of more than 135 million Vietnamese dong (about 5,113 U.S. dollars) per tael last week, while remaining about 20 million dong (about 757 U.S. dollars) higher than global prices, according to VnExpress. Maj. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, right, commander of the 11th Airborne Division, marches on Constitution Avenue during the U.S. Armys 250th birthday parade in Washington, D.C., June 14, 2025. (Rene Rosas/U.S. Army) CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea The former commander of the Alaska-based 11th Airborne Division has been nominated by President Donald Trump to lead U.S. ground operations in South Korea. Maj. Gen. Joseph Hilbert was nominated Friday to promotion to lieutenant general and assignment as commander of the Eighth Army, according to a Pentagon news release Friday. The post requires Senate confirmation. Hilbert now serves as the special assistant to the commander of U.S. Army Pacific out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Eighth Army, based about 40 miles south of Seoul at Camp Humphreys, includes the 2nd Infantry Division and regularly conducts large-scale exercises with South Korean forces. The most recent, Ulchi Freedom Shield, was held across the peninsula Aug. 18-28. The command has had two acting leaders since April, when Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve stepped down to become senior military assistant to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. LaNeves deputy, Brig. Gen. Sean Crockett, temporarily filled the role until his selection as deputy commander of the Armys ROTC program. Maj. Gen. William Taylor, formerly U.S. Forces Koreas operations director and 2nd IDs commander, has served in an acting capacity since then. Hilbert led the 11th Airborne from June 27, 2024, to Aug. 7, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. He was the second commander of the division, reactivated in June 2022 as part of the Armys effort to sharpen its focus on Arctic warfare. His previous assignments include commander of 7th Army Training Command in Grafenwoehr, Germany, and director of Force Development at the Armys Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff in Washington, D.C. He was commissioned as a field artillery officer in 1993. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle speaks with a sailor aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in Norfolk, Va., Aug. 28, 2025. (Elliott Fabrizio/U.S. Navy) The Navys new top officer pledged to bring free barracks Wi-Fi, off-ship housing for every sailor and a payroll review as part of a broad effort to improve quality of life across the fleet. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle outlined the initiatives in his second fleetwide message since assuming the role Aug. 25. I am committed to the well-being of our Sailors and their families providing them with state-of-the-art platforms, world-class facilities and dependable support through our Total Sailor and Family Action Plan, he wrote Wednesday in an administrative message. The message was the first of Caudles C-Notes, administrative updates intended to maintain transparency, provide guidance and unify efforts across the service. His initiatives include reviews and reforms of payroll policies, food services, uniforms, communications, and housing. Today, I have directed your Navy leadership to take the steps necessary to ensure that No Sailor Will Live Afloat, Caudle wrote. He said the Navy plans to optimize basic allowance for housing and invest in both unaccompanied and family housing to ensure every sailor resides in clean, safe and comfortable accommodations. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea, who is set to retire Friday, told Congress last year that the inability of junior sailors to live off-ship after monthslong deployments was a major concern. He said about 800 sailors per aircraft carrier, or roughly 8,800 across the fleet, do not have access to barracks other than the vessels on which they serve. We cant find a bed for them, we dont have barrack space, and we are not allowed by law to pay them house allowance for them to go find themselves an apartment in town, so they live on board the ship, Honea said during a Jan. 31, 2024, House Armed Services Committee hearing on military quality-of-life issues. Caudle also pledged to modernize galley facilities to provide healthier, more flexible food options. He said Navy Secretary John Phelan ordered a review of uniforms and seabags to ensure service clothing is affordable, durable and available. Other planned improvements include better cellphone coverage on bases, free Wi-Fi in barracks, a revamp of Navy administrative messaging, and a review of payroll policies to ensure sailors are paid correctly and on time. You are my priority and I need you focused on the fight, Caudle wrote. This is the first of many efforts to improve your Quality of Life so, stand by for whats coming next. A spokesperson for the Navy Chief of Information did not respond to a request for additional information after hours on Sunday. The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz conducts flight operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility on Aug. 23, 2025. U.S. Africa Command in coordination with Somalia concluded a two-week operation Aug. 23 that included airstrikes targeting al-Shabab militants in the Puntland region. (Hannah Kantner/U.S. Navy) STUTTGART, Germany U.S. Africa Command has now launched more annual airstrikes in Somalia this year than at any time in the organizations nearly 20-year history. As of Monday, AFRICOMs airstrike total stood at 72, with a flurry of attacks coming during a recent two-week offensive against al-Shabab militants, the command confirmed Monday. This years offensive against al-Shabab and an Islamic State group affiliate in the country pushed the number of strikes in Somalia past the previous high of 63 in 2019. The blitz shows no signs of ebbing. In a statement Friday, AFRICOM said it had conducted airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia from Aug. 31, through Sept. 2, hitting targets in the northerly Golis Mountains region, which has emerged as a hub for the insurgent group. Meanwhile, AFRICOMs most recent reported strike against al-Shabab happened on Aug. 30 some 25 miles outside the southern city of Kismayo. That region of Somalia has been a frequent target for AFRICOM. On Thursday, U.S. troops and their Somali counterparts operating in the vicinity of Kismayo came under indirect fire, AFRICOM said in a separate statement Friday. There were no U.S. or partner force injuries or casualties as a result of the attack and no damage to the base or coalition property has been reported, AFRICOM said, offering few details about the encounter. Still, the incident underscores how U.S. troops in Somalia at times find themselves in the line of fire. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael Woods, command senior enlisted leader for U.S. Africa Command, speaks with service members at Cooperative Security Location Kismayo, Somalia, during a visit Sept. 4, 2025. U.S. and African partner forces were targeted by indirect fire in the vicinity of Kismayo on that day, AFRICOM said. (Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa) Besides airstrikes, AFRICOMs ongoing missions in Somalia involve training and advising local ground forces. The uptick in airstrikes also coincides with a January directive by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that granted more decision-making authority on airstrikes to AFRICOM commanders. Last week, Gen. Dagvin Anderson, the new leader of the Stuttgart-based command, made his first visit to Somalia as head of American military operations on the continent. In Mogadishu, Anderson met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and other officials on threats emanating from the country. ISIS affiliates are spreading in Somalia and other parts of Africa, while al-Shabab is coordinating with the Iran-backed Houthi militants based in Yemen, he said. Al-Shabab, which the U.S. considers the largest terrorist group in Africa, has an estimated 7,000 to 12,000 fighters. For decades, it has been in armed rebellion against Somalias shaky central government, whose forces are trained by American personnel. Anderson highlighted operations against ISIS Somalia as an example of U.S. coordination with local partners on the ground to gain intelligence and select targets for strikes. (Alongside this) we enabled the partner, who had the will to go up into those mountains, go after the terrorists, and hold territory so they couldnt come back, Anderson said in a statement. As of May, ISIS Somalia had grown from about 500 fighters to 1,500 over an 18-month period, with about 60% of the members coming from outside Somalia, according to AFRICOM. President Trump has ordered the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, here on an exercise in July 2024, to the southern Caribbean, off the coast of Venezuela. (John Bellino/U.S. Navy/ZUMA Press Wire via TNS) (Tribune News Service) The Nicolas Maduro regime announced Sunday a large-scale military mobilization near Venezuelas border and coastal regions, citing the need to combat drug trafficking even as U.S. officials accuse Maduro and his top brass of leading the countrys drug trade themselves. From a military bunker, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said that 25,000 troops have been deployed to the western states of Tachira and Zulia, which border Colombia. Venezuelan forces are now conducting operations in the Sierra de Perija region to detect illegal coca cultivation and patrolling rivers in Apure state to disrupt smuggling routes. According to Padrino, the military is equipped with river patrol units, naval assets, drones, and other tactical resources. The announcement comes as Washington and several Latin American nations intensify accusations that the Maduro government has turned Venezuela into a narco-state. The Trump administration, in turn, has escalated its military posture, dispatching a naval task force to the Caribbean in what it says is a crackdown on narcotics trafficking. The U.S. deployment includes eight modern warshipssome with amphibious assault capabilityF-35 fighter jets, and a force of 4,500 personnel. The scale and sophistication of the operation has raised eyebrows throughout the region, with experts likening it to bringing a howitzer to a knife fight. It is the largest show of U.S. military force in the Caribbean in decades. Tensions between Washington and Caracas have flared in recent days. Last week, President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces had intercepted and destroyed a drug-laden fast boat that originated from Venezuela. Soon after, the Pentagon reported that Venezuelan fighter jets flew alarmingly close to a U.S. Navy destroyer operating in international waters. On Friday, Trump issued a stark warning: Venezuelan aircraft that threaten U.S. forces will be shot down. The Trump administration has increasingly linked its anti-narcotics campaign as a top priority of the nations defense policy. The U.S. Justice Department has indicted Maduro and several senior officials on drug conspiracy charges and has offered a $50 million reward for his capture. American prosecutors accuse them of running the so-called Cartel of the Suns, a drug trafficking network allegedly embedded in the Venezuelan military. Maduro has rejected the allegations as a cover for regime change. Calling them fabricated, he has placed Venezuelas military on alert and vowed to mobilize civilian militias to defend the countrys sovereignty. While announcing the recent troop deployments, Padrino emphasized that the operations were strictly targeting drug traffickers. He avoided making any reference to potential confrontation with U.S. forces, a notable shift in tone following weeks of fiery rhetoric. Still, Padrino himself is among those indicted in the U.S. on drug trafficking charges. He said troop reinforcements are also being sent to several strategic coastal locations, including Venezuelas Guajira region, the Paraguana Peninsula in Falcon state, Margarita Island, the Gulf of Paria in Sucre, and Delta Amacuro in the east. Some of these areas, he noted, are linked to Operation Gideon, a failed 2020 maritime incursion by Venezuelan dissidents and American contractors that Caracas claims was funded by narcotics proceeds. Our Navy continues to patrol the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts, while the Air Force protects our skies, Padrino said. Defending our sovereignty is a task no one else will do for us. 2025 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Seventy bears were reported in Tokyos metropolitan area between April and July 2025, according to Japan's Ministry of Environment. (Madeline Herzog/U.S. Air Force) TOKYO A map of bear sightings in Japan shows people are increasingly encountering the animals just west of a U.S. airlift hub in western Tokyo. The map, which has been updating on the Tokyo Metropolitan Governments website since February 2024, documents dozens of bear encounters, including locations, dates and times. In the past month, there have been eight reported encounters near Hinode town and Ome city, roughly five miles from Yokota Air Base. A bear attacked a man fishing in Okutama, a town 18 miles west of the base, on Aug. 23, according to national broadcaster NHK. The animal clawed the mans face, the report said. The online map shows a bear encounter in Okutama that day. Japan is home to two bear species: the Japanese black bear and the larger Ussuri brown bear. Black bears typically reach about 5 feet in height and weigh just over 200 pounds, though adult males can weigh twice as much. Brown bears, which live only on Japans northern island of Hokkaido, can weigh up to 880 pounds. The countrys bear population was about 11,700 in 2020, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Bear numbers have more than doubled over the past 30 years. It appears there are more bear encounters this year than last, an official from Ome citys agricultural policy section said by phone on Sept. 2. Some Japanese government officials can speak to the press only on condition of anonymity. Ome reported 35 bear encounters in the fiscal year ending March 31. Since then, another 28 reports have been filed. On Aug. 28, a bear cub was spotted attempting to climb a lamppost near the Jindai bridge in Hinatawada, the official said. Between April and July, 70 bears were reported in Tokyos metro area, according to the Ministry of Environment. In fiscal 2024, 181 bears were spotted. Most encounters happened in western Tokyo, including Okutama, Hinohara village, Akiruno city, Ome city, Hachioji city and Hinode town. It is unclear why sightings are increasing, but encounters tend to spike during summer and fall, the Ome city official said. Bears often approach towns in search of food, he added. People who encounter a bear should remain still, according to the official. They respond to moving objects, he said. Some say that you should slowly walk backwards, but the best thing to do is not move. If the object doesnt move, the bear will not show interest and will go away. The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota moors at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, Australia, Feb. 25, 2025. (James Caliva/U.S. Navy) Infrastructure work to support rotations of U.S. and British nuclear-powered submarines began last month at a naval base in Western Australia, according to that nations defense department. HMAS Stirling, an Australian navy base near Perth, will host Submarine Rotational Force-West as early as 2027. Plans call for one British submarine and up to four U.S. vessels to be stationed there temporarily. Upgrades at HMAS Stirling are valued at $5.2 billion and will meet requirements for conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines for both visiting forces and Australias own fleet in the future, the Australian Submarine Agency said in an emailed statement Thursday. The agency oversees the countrys nuclear-powered submarine program. The rotational force is part of the 2021 AUKUS security pact among Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Pentagon is reviewing the agreement amid concerns about whether U.S. industry can supply Australia with submarines beginning in the early 2030s while meeting Navy needs. Main construction work at HMAS Stirling began in August following environmental approvals, according to the Australian Department of Defence website. The community near the base could see an influx of 3,000 to 9,000 Americans, said Andrew Hastie, a member of Parliament and the opposition spokesman for home affairs. Speaking at the Australian American Leadership Dialogue in Adelaide last month, Hastie told The Australian newspaper that delays in providing Virginia-class submarines could stiffen local resistance to accommodating U.S. personnel. At the moment, theres not enough homes for Australians, he told the newspaper for its Aug. 20 report. Roads are congested. Our essential services are overrun. So when you add up to 3000-9000 people, as the Americans have said, thats going to potentially cause social license issues. Hasties office did not respond to a request for comment the day the article appeared. The U.S. Pacific Fleet said there is no set outcome for the AUKUS review. The review will assess current commitments in both Pillars I and II for strategic alignment and benefit to the United States. Any changes to the Administrations approach for AUKUS will be communicated through official channels, when appropriate, the fleet said in a statement provided in an Aug. 23 email from spokeswoman Lt. Cmdr. Christina Hough. AUKUS Pillar I covers nuclear-powered submarines, while Pillar II involves cooperation on other advanced military technologies. Western Australia will be central to the countrys submarine program, the submarine agency said. Submarines in Western Australia through SRF-West will be rotated through HMAS Stirling, an Australian-owned and operated base in Western Australia, the agency said. The rotational force will not be a U.S. Navy base, the agency added. Australia has a longstanding bipartisan policy of not hosting foreign bases on Australian soil, the statement said. Activities under SRF-West are consistent with this policy. The arrangement will help Australia develop the operational skills needed to own, operate, maintain and regulate a nuclear-powered submarine fleet by early 2030, the agency said. Satellite imagery shows the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, about 135 miles southeast of Tehran. (Maxar Technologies) Iranian nuclear sites face a higher probability of renewed military attack unless international inspectors are allowed to resume their work, the head of the United Nations atomic watchdog said, while suggesting a preliminary agreement could be getting closer. The International Atomic Energy Agency convened Monday in Vienna to discuss the ongoing crisis over how to monitor Irans atomic activities. Inspectors have lost track of the Islamic Republics inventory of near-bomb grade uranium in the wake of Junes Israeli and U.S. attacks, which destroyed much of the countrys surface-level nuclear infrastructure. If we are able to resume in earnest our work with Iran and inspections in full start to take place, the possibility of further military action will be diminished, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said at a press briefing. Striking a more positive note, Grossi said hes hoping for an initial agreement within the next few days or hours that would include an Iranian declaration about the state and location of its uranium stockpile. After that, officials would still need to negotiate IAEA physical access to damaged sites. Irans ban on international nuclear inspections has led to a critical loss of knowledge about the countrys atomic work, the IAEA wrote last week. While satellite images show the Israel/U.S. airstrikes curtailed much of Irans above-ground nuclear activity, they rolled back decades of access by UN inspectors to Tehrans vast atomic complex. Its the first time since Iran began enriching uranium in 2006 that the IAEA hasnt been able to account for gram-level changes to its stockpile. Monitors were last able to confirm the state and location of Irans near-bomb-grade uranium a few days before the June 13 attacks began. The difficulties lie in the fact that we need to perform a number of inspections - we have to go to places that were destroyed partially or totally where conditions for physical access could be challenging, Grossi said. Its not a straightforward discussion. Irans Foreign Ministry said earlier on Monday that talks with IAEA officials were moving in the right direction. We havent yet reached a conclusion in the talks with IAEA, but the course of the discussions has been positive, spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told reporters. We are waiting for final talks to take place and for the final text of the agreement between Iran and the IAEA regarding interaction under the new circumstances to be finalized. SYDNEY, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- An Australian woman who fatally poisoned three members of her family with mushrooms will spend at least 33 years in prison after being handed a life sentence on Monday. Justice Christopher Beale in the Supreme Court of the state of Victoria on Monday sentenced 50-year-old Erin Patterson to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 33 years for the 2023 murders of three people, and attempted murder of a fourth. A jury in July found that Patterson had deliberately served a lunch containing toxic death cap mushrooms to the four guests at her home in the town of Leongatha, 115 km southeast of Melbourne, on July 29, 2023. The 70-year-old parents of her estranged husband, Don and Gail Patterson, and his aunt, 66-year-old Heather Wilkinson, died from amanita mushroom poisoning in hospital in early August 2023. Heather Wilkinson's husband, Ian, recovered and was discharged from hospital. Erin's husband, Simon Patterson, was also invited to the lunch but did not attend. Under the law, Patterson faced a maximum penalty of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The sentence means she will be eligible to be released from prison in the year 2056. Handing down his decision, Beale called the crime an "enormous betrayal" and said it involved substantial premeditation. He said that Patterson had invited Simon, his parents and his aunt and uncle to lunch with the intention of killing them all. "Not only did you cut short three lives and cause lasting damage to Ian Wilkinson's health, thereby devastating extended Patterson and Wilkinson families, you inflicted untold suffering on your own children, whom you robbed of their beloved grandparents." Prosecutors had called on Beale to sentence Patterson to life in prison without parole, describing the crimes as the worst category of offending. Tom Hanks, President Joe Biden and singer Rita Wilson attend a reception at the White House in 2023. (Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post) President Donald Trump praised the alumni association at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Monday for smartly canceling an awards ceremony for Tom Hanks, an actor and advocate for veterans. Important move! Trump wrote on social media. We dont need destructive, WOKE recipients getting our cherished American Awards!!! Trump posted two days after The Washington Post reported that the ceremony was nixed. The West Point Association of Graduates had been set to honor Hanks on Sept. 25 with the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award, which recognizes an outstanding citizen who did not attend West Point and embodies the academys ideals of duty, honor, country. In an email to faculty Friday, retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, president and chief executive of the alumni group, announced the cancellation of the ceremony and said it allows the Academy to continue its focus on its core mission of preparing cadets to lead, fight, and win. Trump appeared to conflate the academy itself and the alumni group on social media, attributing the decision to cancel the ceremony to our great West Point (getting greater all the time!) A representative for Hanks could not be immediately reached for comment. Hanks has long been a champion of U.S. service members and veterans, portraying them in blockbuster movies - including Saving Private Ryan and Forrest Gump - and supporting the creation of memorials and museums across the country. He also has been a longtime backer of Democrats, including President Joe Biden, who ousted Trump from the White House in 2020. Since returning to office, Trump and his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, have sought to root out what they have derided as politics and wokeness in the armed forces. Trump in January signed an executive order aimed at phasing out diversity, equity and inclusion programs inside the military. Trump appeared to allude to the alumni groups decision while giving a speech Monday in Washington, calling the cancellation of the ceremony appropriate. He suggested it was part of his administrations efforts to root out the woke agenda, likening it to a weed that keeps reemerging. Trump suggested Monday that other awards shows, beyond the military, should take note of the decision by the West Point alumni group. Hopefully the Academy Awards, and other Fake Award Shows, will review their Standards and Practices in the name of Fairness and Justice, Trump said. Watch their DEAD RATINGS SURGE! Dan Lamothe contributed to this report. Army veteran Jay Carey, 54, of North Carolina stands outside Union Station in Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. Carey ignited an American flag in Lafayette Park, across from the White House, andis charged with lighting a fire in an undesignated area and lighting a fire in a manner that causes damage to real property or park resources. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON A 20-year Army combat veteran hopes to legally challenge President Donald Trumps recent executive order that directs prosecutors to criminally charge individuals who burn the American flag. Jay Carey, a former sergeant first class who served in Iraq, Bosnia and Afghanistan, said he intentionally set a flag ablaze Aug. 25, hours after Trump signed the order directing his administration to prosecute American flag burnings to the fullest extent possible. This was a direct protest about an illegal law President Trump tried to put in place, said Carey, 54, who burned the flag on a sidewalk at Lafayette Park in view of the White House. Carey was detained by uniformed Secret Service officers and turned over to federal park police for arrest and processing, according to the complaint and a video of the incident. Carey said he was held for several hours before being released. Carey will be arraigned in federal court Sept. 17 on two criminal misdemeanor charges. Army combat veteran Jay Carey was arrested by uniformed Secret Service police after he burned a flag in Lafayette Park across from the White House. Carey of western North Carolina said he and a small group of veterans traveled to the nations capital to protest the presence of the Army National Guard that President Donald Trump ordered to address crime. (Jay Carey) Carey is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, overseen by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. Neither charge specifically addresses flag burning. One count is for lighting a fire in an undesignated area, and the other is for creating a public safety hazard by actions that threatened, caused damage to and resulted in the burning of property, according to court documents. Flag burning was protected as symbolic speech by a Supreme Court ruling in 1989, after Gregory Lee Johnson set a flag on fire outside the Republican National Convention in Texas to protest the policies of then-President Ronald Reagan. A Texas court had convicted Johnson of desecrating the flag. The action I took is protected. No one was in danger, and there was no damage done to federal property. The presidents executive order is an attempt to violate my First Amendment right to free speech, Carey said. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Army veteran Jay Carey, 54, of North Carolina stands outside Union Station in Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) Mara Verheyden-Hilliard, one of the attorneys representing Carey, said the veterans legal team is prepared to respond to any action from the White House. If the administration seeks to charge Mr. Carey based on the unconstitutional exhortations of the executive order, then it will be challenged, said Verheyden-Hilliard, executive director of the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund and its project, the Center for Protest Law & Litigation. We stand with [veterans] in defending against this authoritarian crackdown and effort to impose government restrictions on what the American people may say and think. Both charges are misdemeanors that can carry a maximum sentence of 6 months in prison but may be resolved with a fine, according to attorneys. Trumps executive order states: My Administration will act to restore respect and sanctity to the American Flag and prosecute those who incite violence or otherwise violate our laws while desecrating this symbol of our country, to the fullest extent permissible under any available authority. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., introduced a resolution in June to protect the flag from physical desecration though a constitutional amendment. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., has a companion resolution in the Senate. Veterans groups have different stances on protecting the U.S. flag. The American Legion, which has more than 2 million members, endorsed the resolution for a constitutional amendment. But Veterans for Peace which has a mission to inform the public on the costs of war opposes efforts to ban flag burning. After the president signed the executive order, the organization posted a statement to social media supporting veterans who burn the flag as an act of free speech. Carey said he and several other veterans originally agreed to meet in Washington to peacefully protest the deployment of the Army National Guard in the nations capital. Trump has sent hundreds of armed troops in an effort to address crime in the district. The District of Columbia filed a lawsuit in federal court on Sept. 4 challenging the deployment of National Guard troops in the capital as a military occupation. Our goal is to ensure that our population does not get normalized to the military patrolling the streets of our nation, Carey said. The U.S. military has bigger things to worry about than standing outside capital monuments. Carey is a bronze medal recipient whose Army service extended from 1989 to 2012, according to Army records. He deployed to Kuwait in 1997, Bosnia in 1999, Iraq in 2007 and Afghanistan in 2010. Army veteran Jay Carey, 54, of North Carolina stands in Lafayette Park in Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) Carey said he and four other veterans obtained a permit in August to erect their small black tent on a plaza next to Union Station, where they and other protesters gathered. We just felt like something needed to be done to protect our civil liberties, Carey said. Weve talked with hundreds of veterans. They continue to meet there daily and will maintain a presence until the troops leave, Carey said. Pennants with logos of military branches are on display at the tent. One veteran brought his dog, which sleeps in a corner on a leash. Matt Gordon, a Marine Corps sergeant medically retired after nine years of service, is an organizer. He said he first met Carey on social media in 2021. We are hearing from lots of veterans who stop at our tent, said Gordon, seated behind a table last week at the tent. He pointed to a banner stating, Remember Your Oath, a reference to the pledge every service member makes at enlistment. We took an oath to the Constitution and not to a man or king, said Gordon, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Carey said the group of five veterans agreed to hold the flag burning immediately after learning of Trumps executive order on Aug. 25. We question the legality of the National Guard deployment, said Russell Jolly Ellis, an Army veteran who helped Carey with the flag burning. We feel that Donald Trump is breaking the law, said Ellis, a former sergeant who served from 2001 to 2014. The veterans filmed the incident, including Careys arrest, posting it to TikTok and other social media. They shared the video with national media outlets that contacted Carey after his arrest. We burn this flag in protest to the president who feels that its his right to do whatever he wants, make whatever law he wants, regardless if its legal or illegal, Carey said using a bullhorn, after he ignited a 3-by-5-foot flag. I served for over 20 years in the United States Army. I fought for every one of your rights to express yourself however you want to express yourself, he said as several bystanders watched. Several law firms contacted Carey after his publicized arrest. Verheyden-Hilliard and other attorneys at the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund and its Center for Protest Law & Litigation previously sued the Metropolitan Police Department in federal court over its actions against protesters in D.C., according to the law firms website. Carey, who is married and has four sons, said he has not previously had problems with the law except for one other instance. I was cited for violating an open-container law, but that was many years ago, said Carey, who was ticketed in Austin, Texas, for drinking a Lone Star beer in public. I welcome the opportunity to fight this illegal executive order in court, Carey said. People are acquiescing to this administration. They are giving away their power. ISTANBUL, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Two police officers were killed and at least three others, including a civilian, were injured on Monday in an attack on a police station in Turkiye's western port city of Izmir, local authorities reported. Izmir Mayor Cemil Tugay said on X that the "treacherous attack" happened at the Salih Isgoren police station in the Balcova district. The assailant, reportedly a 16-year-old teenager, has been taken into custody, said Izmir Public Prosecutor Ali Yeldan in a live broadcast from the scene. According to Turkish broadcaster NTV, the attack was carried out by a masked gunman wielding a pump-action shotgun, who was apprehended after being wounded. Extensive security measures have been implemented in the area. PRAGUE, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- About 30 people were injured after a bus carrying students overturned in the Moravian-Silesian region of northeastern Czech Republic on Monday, police and rescuers said. The accident happened in the morning in Stare Hamry. The bus, heading to a ski resort, veered off the road, hit an electric power pole and overturned on its side. Police said a technical malfunction may have been a possible cause. Regional fire rescue officials said all 32 students on the bus were injured. A spokesman for the regional medical rescue service told Czech News Agency that the injuries were minor to moderate and no lives were at risk. Four of the injured have been transported to hospital so far. ISTANBUL, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Two police officers were killed and another one was wounded Monday in an attack on a police station in Turkiye's western port city Izmir, local authorities reported. Eugenio Cabezas Velez-Malaga Monday, 8 September 2025, 13:48 Share A 41-year-old Dominican man was arrested in Velez-Malaga on the eastern Costa del Sol on suspicion of being involved in the theft of a high-end car from Belgium on Thursday 4 September. Three hand guns and 960 euros were also found in the car. Police are still looking for a second person who managed to escape arrest. The metallic grey Audi RS3 Sportback had been parked for several hours on Calle Verdiales in Velez-Malaga and local residents became suspicious of the two men who they had seen getting in and out of it. A Local Police patrol car arrived at the scene as one of the men managed to flee on foot. The other occupant of the car, a 41-year-old Dominican man, was arrested at the scene without resistance. The arrested man, with the initials L. A. R. S. and a resident in Madrid, told the officers that he did not know the driver who had fled and that he had only brought him from Manilva to Velez-Malaga "because a mutual friend had asked him to". He did not provide any details to the police about the mutual friend. The vehicle seized had been reported as stolen in Belgium according to information obtained by SUR. The arrested man was handed over to Velez-Malaga's National Police for legal proceedings to start. Sources consulted have indicated that there may have been two hitmen involved, although the investigation is still in its early stages. The man who fled the scene ran in the direction of Calle Villa de Madrid in Velez-Malaga and police are still looking for him. He is described as 1.85 metres tall, slim, with dark skin and was wearing a cap at the time of his escape. The state of the vehicle after the crash in Velez-Malaga at the weekend. Eugenio Cabezas Velez-Malaga Monday, 8 September 2025, 11:32 Share A 35-year-old man was taken to hospital with multiple injuries after crashing his car into a roundabout in Velez-Malaga on the eastern Costa del Sol in the early hours of Saturday 6 September. The driver, who was able to get himself out of the vehicle, was showing clear signs of intoxication, according to sources. He had allegedly been driving at high speed in an area with a 50-kilometre per hour speed limit. He apparently overtook on the right, swerved and crashed into a roundabout on Avenida Juan Carlos I, near the new Aldi and Lidl supermarkets and McDonald's. The BMW he was driving was completely written off after the brutal impact. The man, about whom no further details have been released, was the only occupant of the car. Witnesses alerted the local police and said they had had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit while crossing a pedestrian crossing. Local Police officers and firefighters from Malaga's provincial fire brigade (CPB) as well as an 061 ambulance, went to the scene. The driver was outside the vehicle having been able to get himself out. However, he was suffering from concussion with various injuries and bruises. A test was subsequently carried out at a health centre, but no further details about the result have been released, nor have further details about his condition. Firefighters cleared the wreckage from the road and the Local Police directed the traffic while a tow truck removed the damaged car. The speed limit on Avenida Rey Juan Carlos I is 50 kilometres per hour, but drivers often allegedly exceed this limit, leading to constant complaints from local residents. The town hall is considering installing speed cameras in the area. Tony Bryant Benalmadena Monday, 8 September 2025, 15:20 Share The Mayor of Benalmadena, Juan Antonio Lara, has announced that the town hall has one of the healthiest public accounts in the province of Malaga, having managed to reduce its debt to zero. This was achieved five years ahead of schedule, as the original repayment deadline was 2030, which the mayor said was a milestone that had not been reached in over 30 years. The debt that has been repaid amounted to more than 1.25 million euros, all while increasing major investments across the municipality and lowering taxes. The payment that this town hall used to make reached 24,400 euros per month. We are rapidly recovering the time lost in previous administrations, Lara said. He thanked all councillors for making this possible, ensuring that what was budgeted for each department in each financial year was executed correctly. This town hall no longer owes anything to the banks; it is solvent for the first time in over 30 years, a clear example of sound public finance management. Meanwhile, finance councillor Jose Miguel Muriel said that reaching zero debt demonstrates a tremendous political and technical effort over two intense years of the legislature. We knew how to adjust spending where necessary, sought savings on interest, and were mindful of every penny of the citizens money, while at the same time investing in projects crucial for residents to fulfil our commitments to the public, Muriel added. The councillor also pointed out that most importantly, taxes have been reduced: We have the lowest vehicle tax on the Costa del Sol, and we have reduced property tax (IBI) by up to 50 per cent for large families. Regarding payments times to suppliers, he said the council has reduced them to under 15 days - less than half the period required by law. Isabel Mendez Malaga Monday, 8 September 2025, 14:42 | Updated 14:58h. Share A young Malaga woman suffered some serious injuries after her motorbike was in collision with a large wild boar in Calle Olmos, in the Cerrado de Calderon neighbourhood of the city. The accident happened at one o'clock in the morning after the animal allegedly came out of the darkness, making it impossible for the young woman to avoid the accident, according to the family, who filed a complaint with the Local Police. In view of these facts, the mother of 27-year-old Cristina L. B. has asked Malaga city hall to take measures against the continued presence of wild boar in the capital of the Costa del Sol, especially in the areas of Cerrado and El Limonar, where the residents "are getting used to seeing them every day. The accident, according to the police report, happened on 28 August and as a result of the collision the victim suffered road rash burns, injuries and bruises. Her shoulder was also dislocated, so she has her arm in a sling and is now on sick leave. According to the young woman's mother, the front of the motorbike is "destroyed" and she said that the mechanic considers that it is not worth repairing it as it is practically a total loss, despite the fact that it was only purchased in March this year. The day after the incident, the young woman went to the accident and emergency department at the regional university hospital in Malaga (she had been treated at another health centre the night before) "very dazed by the pain", according to her relatives. The woman underwent various tests at the hospital to rule out further damage to her head and hip. Subsequently, the family went to the Local Police in El Palo, where they presented a report of the incident. According to the complainants, the police officers simply said that the "city hall has no responsibility as it was a random occurrence and you can't put gates on the field". They also told them that "they receive around 20 calls a year for incidents related to wild boar", but that "this is not considered a relevant figure to take action". However, the family of the young woman affected is asking the council to take action before a greater misfortune occurs, as it is becoming increasingly common to see wild boar strolling around the city of Malaga. "This is starting to be a big problem", the girls mother said, adding, "If you are on a motorbike and you come across one of these animals you are in danger, because they are very big: it is as if you were hitting a wall." The mother also said that since the accident the young woman has been "very upset" by what she has experienced. "This time my daughters life was spared, but not her motorbike, she said. Juan Soto Malaga Monday, 8 September 2025, 15:13 Share Portugal's famous 'pasteis de nata' (custard tarts) have arrived in Malaga. Natas D'ouro, a business founded in Porto, has just opened its doors in the city's Soho district, in what is the company's first opening in the south of Spain. Natas D'ouro defines itself as a place specialising in flavoured custards, coffee and port wine. "The best products from Portugal now in Malaga," the company has announced about the shop which is located at number 11 Calle Tomas Heredia. The new cafe officially opened on Wednesday 3 September at 3pm and to celebrate its opening it handed out free cakes to its first customers. The Portuguese company started in 2017 after the partnership with the centenary Borges wine cellar, one of the leading national wine companies recognised inside and outside the country. Together they make a cake "that manages to transport you to the banks of the Douro in just one bite". The company's expansion began in 2022 and they already have five locations in Spain. In addition to the recent opening in Malaga, they are also present in Madrid, Vigo, Pontevedra and Palma and the next planned opening will be in Santiago de Compostela. The company offers different flavoured custard tarts and in addition to the traditional one and the one with port wine, they also use chocolate, lemon, orange and caipirinha. They complete their offer with Portuguese coffee and port wine delights (traditional sweets with a biscuit base with chocolate, filled with salted caramel with honey, port wine and decorated with slices of crunchy almond cheesecake and grapes macerated in port wine). In Malaga they also sell savoury specialities made with chicken, meat and sardines. Nuria Triguero Malaga Monday, 8 September 2025, 10:53 Share A large column of smoke could be seen early this Monday morning on the skyline of Malaga city: the unmistakable sign of a fire that kept the residents of the Victoria neighbourhood on tenterhooks. As a result, six houses have been rendered uninhabitable in a block of flats in Calle Garcia de Haro, near Plaza de los Monos: the one that was the focus of the fire and five others in the same building. According to city hall sources, seven people had to be treated by 061 emergency health staff: six of them at the scene of the incident and one had to be taken to hospital. Efectivos de Bomberos han extinguido esta madrugada un incendio en una vivienda en la calle Garcia de Haro del distrito Centro. En el lugar han sido atendidas 7 personas por el 061, y una de ellas ha sido trasladada a un centro hospitalario. pic.twitter.com/AcSY4c7wfT Area de Seguridad Malaga (@seguridad_mlg) September 8, 2025 The fire broke out just before midnight, according to locals who witnessed it. The flames quickly engulfed the entire property and were so fierce that they also affected neighbouring flats. According to witnesses, several residents had to escape from the building by climbing down the facade. Fire crews from the city's Martiricos, Mayorazgo and Teatinos fire stations were quickly on the scene, with various resources and the extinguishing work lasted several hours. Jose Carlos Garcia Marbella Monday, 8 September 2025, 14:58 Share The Costa del Sol is the epicentre of branded residences in southern Europe, which is the result of luxury brands entering the real estate market. Although it is not a new concept, it is expanding and Malaga is the Spanish province with the most branded residences completed, developed and planned until 2029. In fact 1,260 of the 2,041 branded residencies in Spain have a market value of 3,460 million euros, according to data from Branded Residences Monitor, an organisation created in June with the aim of gathering information on the sector. Luxury firms include interior design from names such as Fendi Casa and Minotti; fashion from Dolce & Gabbana, Karl Lagerfeld, Versace and Ellie Saab and automotive brands like Lamborghini and Bentley who have all become property developers. But although branded residences are "unique real estate assets", they are governed "by the same rules as any other type of property" and "do not only attract high-spending clients", says Jesus Rodriguez Meseda, president of Branded Residences Monitor. He has detected that on the Costa del Sol there are also buyers with a lower purchasing power, who "are attracted by the brand, the lifestyle and the services offered by these assets". "It's not all high-weath clients; the Costa del Sol has buyers of all levels who are attracted by the brand, lifestyle and amenities of these assets" Marbella developer Sierra Blanca Estates has been "a pioneer in bringing the concept of branded residences to Europe" and leads this sector in the Costa del Sol province. For example, it has signed three iconic projects in its hometown: Epic Marbella by Fendi Casa, Karl Lagerfeld Villas Marbella, and Design Hills Marbella, in collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana, currently under construction. The Marbella developer is working on two new projects in collaboration with Rafa Nadal and Abel Matutes in Marbella and Estepona, which will total more than 80 homes. The first mixed residential and hotel project on the Costa del Sol, which will be developed next to the Real de Zaragoza beach in Marbella, has just been announced together with Platinum Estates. Diseno Aerial view of Epic Marbella by Fendi Casa. SUR In development Rooftop of the Design Hills Marbella project, currently being built by Sierra Blanca Estates in collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana. SUR Details Kitchen at Design Hills Marbella. SUR Comfortable Lounge area at Karl Lagerfeld Villas Marbella. SUR Quality Bathroom at Karl Lagerfeld Villas Marbella. SUR 1 / With these developments in the pipeline, Sierra Blanca Estates says that the branded residences market in Marbella "is in full expansion" thanks to the fact that "there is a real, solvent and global demand" for this type of product. "In just a few years we have become the European benchmark for this type of real estate product; today, Marbella and the Costa del Sol are concentrating more and more projects, which demonstrates the high level of interest of the major brands and international buyers in this market," the developer explains. "The branded residences segment is in full expansion, with a very rapid consolidation and will continue to grow and diversify in terms of value and experiences" Sierra Blanca Estates says that the sector says "it will continue to grow and diversify in terms of values and experiences" and add, "Today's client wants a life experience that is coherent with their style, with their values and that offers them confidence, quality and differentiation". Europa Press Malaga Monday, 8 September 2025, 14:16 Share A Malaga court has sentenced a man to eleven months in prison for attempted fraud, as he tried to pocket almost 700,000 euros from a buyer of a flat in Mijas by impersonating the lawyer who was handling the transaction. As stated in the ruling, which Europa Press has had access to, the victim was in the process of purchasing an apartment in Mijas and was being assisted by a lawyer from Marbella, who sent them an email indicating the bank account to which the agreed payments should be made. But a few days later, the accused sent an email to the buyer "impersonating the lawyer from an email account that was practically the same as the one of the law firm, as he had created a similar email account by changing a letter", the court pointed out. In this email, the defendant instructed him to make the agreed transfers to another bank account "with the intention of unjust enrichment", since, the court said, it was an account held by a company of which he was the sole administrator. Then, the buyer, "trusting that this second email came from the lawyer", transferred from his account in Switzerland first the amount of 62,000 euros and then another 632,321 euros. When the lawyer did not receive the funds, he contacted the buyer, who informed him that the funds had been transferred and sent him the supporting documents. At that moment, according to the court, they were "aware of what had happened, so they informed their bank, which blocked the transfers and returned the funds transferred to the defendant's account to the injured party". According to the court, it was "'an act of misappropriation of assets motivated by the deception carried out by the defendant, which led the victim of the crime to mistakenly believe that he was sending certain sums of money to their lawyers account for the purchase of an apartment, when in fact the money was sent to the account specified by the perpetrator of the crime". According to the court, he used an email address "practically the same as that of the lawyer with the intention of obtaining illicit profit, without actually pocketing the money for reasons beyond his control", as the transfer of the funds was blocked. Furthermore, following police investigations, it was discovered that the accused was the sole administrator of the company that held the bank account "and therefore the one who was going to benefit illicitly from these amounts, and so he set up his deceitful manoeuvre that led to the displacement of assets". It was "the deceit preceding the main element that governed his fraudulent conduct, which leads to the conclusion that we are dealing with an aggravated attempted fraud offence", the court stated, for which he is sentenced to eleven months' imprisonment and a fine of 1,500 euros. Almudena Nogues Malaga Monday, 8 September 2025, 16:38 Share The approach of a deep trough threatens to bring an episode of torrential rain and storms to Spain's Mediterranean area. For the moment, the state meteorological agency (Aemet) has activated a red weather warning in Tarragona, although this phenomenon will also affect the Valencia region, Huesca and Teruel (Aragon). In the rest of the country, a weather front will leave cloudy skies over most of the Spanish mainland this Monday, with medium and high clouds and low cloudiness on the northern coast of the Alboran Sea area. Malaga province the Costa del Sol does not escape this adverse weather dominated by instability. For now, the state body has activated a warning for coastal phenomena along the entire coastline of the province, from Manilva in the west to the Axarquia coast in the east. The yellow warning will be in force from 12 noon on Tuesday for wind from the west and southwest with gusts of 50 to 60 km/h (force 7) and waves of 2 to 3 metres. In addition to the strong gusts, local Malaga meteorology expert Jose Luis Escudero points to the arrival tomorrow, Tuesday, of the 'terral' wind. "However, the good news is that this time it will not be accompanied by high temperatures," he said. Aemet forecasts highs of 30C and lows of 23 in Malaga city, the capital of the Costa del Sol. From Monday until Wednesday, unstable weather is expected in the east of the Spanish mainland, the Pyrenees and the Balearic Islands, with locally very heavy thundershowers accompanied by hail and very strong gusts of wind, according to the forecast by Aemet spokesman Ruben del Campo, who predicts that from Thursday onwards temperatures will rise throughout the country. MOSCOW, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- No sanctions can force Russia to change its stance on Ukraine, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the media on Monday. The remarks came as the European Union and Washington discussed additional sanctions against Russia. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the White House is ready to launch the second phase of sanctions against Russia amid stalled peace talks in its conflict with Ukraine. Peskov noted that previous Western sanctions had proven "useless" in pressuring Russia. "The unprecedented number of sanctions imposed on our country over the past ... nearly four years has no effect," said the spokesman, adding that Ukraine and Europe were actively pushing the United States to impose new restrictions. The Kremlin emphasized that Russia intended to continue aligning with the U.S. peace efforts. "We welcome these efforts and hope they will continue to be pursued in a constructive direction," Peskov said. He added that Moscow would keep a close eye on Washington's statements regarding plans to impose new sanctions on Russia. Peskov also noted that Russia would continue its special military operation until a diplomatic outcome guarantees the country's security. Raquel Merino Malaga Monday, 8 September 2025, 11:20 Share "An impressive fireball". This is how Jose Maria Madiedo, a researcher at the Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia (IAA-CSIC) and director of the Smart research project, described the meteoroid that flew over the Malaga province in the early hours of Saturday morning. According to the expert, a rock from an asteroid entered the atmosphere at an estimated 79,000 km/h causing the astronomical phenomenon. It happened at 5.32am and due to its great luminosity it could be seen from many different parts of the Spanish mainland. The fireball, recorded by the Smart detectors, started at an altitude of 81 kilometres above Los Corrales in Seville in Andalucia, streaked over the north of the province of Malaga and ended at an altitude of 34 kilometres above Priego de Cordoba. Antonio Contreras Malaga Monday, 8 September 2025, 11:45 Share The Global Sumud Flotilla travelling to Gaza has sailed from Barcelona, southern Italy and Tunisia, but the crews are made up of activists from all over the world. Joining the flotilla is one crew created with the aim of taking humanitarian aid to Gaza among whom languages from five continents are spoken. A Thai man shares a cabin with a Venezuelan, an American checks the ship side by side with a Czech, and a Spaniard checks the supplies with a French man. In this 21st century Tower of Babel are Manolo Garcia, 72 and Rafael Borrego, 30, two Malaguenos who have decided to take action in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Borrego's story Borrego, 30, has a strong presence on social media (@rafaborregop), is a lawyer, political scientist and staunch defender of refugee rights. As soon as he saw the opportunity to take part in the latest and largest of the missions carried out by this international initiative he decided, "given the inaction of governments", to join the crew to take action on the issue. Borrego, who grew up in Fuengirola and Mijas, has spent many years defending and promoting the rights of refugees and working with NGOs. In 2019 he spent a few months studying in "Palestine or Israel, depending on who you ask," he says. This experience gave him first-hand knowledge of the reality on the ground and he knew that the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 would unleash a wave of highly destructive violence. "Already on the second day I knew that a huge massacre was coming, because I already knew the brutality of the Israelis, which was a bit more alien to the world at that time," he said. Since then, Borrego has used social media (he has nearly 50,000 followers) to raise awareness of the situation in Gaza. "We could already see that a genocide was coming. It's just that it's taken the world a year and a half to realise it". He has faith in social media to act as a tool to generate movement. "If we had had TikTok or Instagram at the time of the Iraq war, surely many more people would have joined together against what the United States was doing". The flotilla The fleet, made up of dozens of boats (it is estimated that, with the boats that will join from Italy and Tunisia, the flotilla will number around sixty boats and some five hundred volunteers), is mostly made up of second-hand boats and private donations, according to Borrego. The start of this new humanitarian mission has been somewhat turbulent, with the withdrawal of part of the fleet back to Barcelona (the initial point of departure and in which the ex-mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau and the popular activist Greta Thunberg are travelling) due to bad weather. The flotilla has now landed in the waters of Menorca, waiting for those who had to return to Barcelona and for more favourable weather conditions. At the time of this interview, Borrego was hoping to resume the journey that same afternoon. Shortly afterwards, they were on their way to Tunis. The Malaga native is travelling in a ten-metre long boat with six other crew members, packed with all the food and medical equipment they are able to carry: "It's not the most comfortable. Probably because it's not built for such a long journey". Although there are much larger vessels in the flotilla with crews of more than 20 people. This is the largest-scale mission the flotilla has sent to date, so the contingencies include the possibility of sabotage. In fact, one of the activists, Yasemin Acar, claims that there are drones chasing the ships. To finance this mission, the Global Sumud Flotilla has covered all the expenses through donations from individuals and the delegations of different countries. "The Malaysian delegation, it seems, is one of the ones that has been able to contribute the most. This is not a European issue. This is a matter for the whole planet," says Borrego. Garcia's story Manolo Garcia has been involved in activism since he was young, during the Franco era. He currently chairs the Spanish-Cuban Friendship association of Malaga and is a member of the board of Unadikum, an association focused on solidarity with Palestine. For more than a decade now, the defence of this people has been one of his priorities. In fact, this is the third time he has been on board a flotilla, although it is the first time he has left port. The Malaga activist was also part of the flotilla that tried to leave Athens in 2011 and the one in Istanbul last year, both of which were unsuccessful due to political pressure. "I am very happy. This third time, at last, we are sailing," he says. In addition to the attempted incursions aboard the flotillas, Garcia participated in the Cairo march on 15 June (which also ended up cancelled due to heavy government pressure, with numerous arrests and deportations) and in 2012, Garcia was in Gaza, taking advantage of the fall of Mubarak in 2011 and the arrival of the Muslim Brotherhood (Mohamed Morsi), which brought some help to the Palestinian people with the reopening of the Rafah crossing: "It was not a total opening, but they did allow what was not allowed before: a daily transfer of people between Egyptian and Palestinian Rafah, which my association took advantage of to send solidarity teams to Gaza and collect aid." Garcia is travelling on the Sirius, a much larger boat than the one Borrego is on. It is a 107-year-old brigantine sailing ship with two longer masts, although it has also been adapted to run on fuel, "which is how we are going, on diesel". The age and condition of the boats is, together with the storm, the first problem the flotilla has had to face. "It's like an old car: you fix one thing, you start it up, and another one comes out". However, these problems are only the beginning of a mission that has four possible scenarios: the mission is successful and they manage to deliver humanitarian aid, they are stopped at some point by bureaucracy, the crew members are detained and, finally, they are attacked. Neither Garcia nor Borrego, nor the crew in general are afraid or discouraged. "I think most of humanity, if they could, would get on one of these ships. According to Garcia, more than 30,000 people signed up to take part. "Above all, being here is a privilege." C. P. S. Madrid Monday, 8 September 2025, 16:11 Share From this Monday until Wednesday, unstable weather is expected in the east of the Spanish mainland, the Pyrenees and the Balearic Islands, with locally very heavy thundershowers accompanied by hail and very strong gusts of wind, according to the forecast of the spokesperson for the state meteorological agency (Aemet) Ruben del Campo, who points out that from Thursday onwards there will be a rise in temperatures throughout the country. This Monday there will be unstable weather in the eastern third of the country, as a result of the passage of a trough, a 'tongue' of cold air circulating in the upper layers of the troposphere. In the area around the troughs, a wind pattern is generated which favours the formation of storm clouds. In addition, these clouds will be fed by the arrival of humid wind from the Mediterranean, which is about 2C warmer than normal in some areas of the coast. As a result, Del Campo confirmed that from this afternoon there will be "very heavy" downpours in the Pyrenees, southern Catalonia, Teruel, Tarragona, Castellon, southern Valencia and northern Alicante, with accumulated rainfall in an hour that could exceed 30 or 40mm and could cause some flooding or flash flooding of watercourses. In some cases the rain will be persistent and could accumulate more than 60 or 80mm in 12 hours in these areas. The showers may also be accompanied by hail and very strong gusts of wind. It will also rain in the Cantabrian areas, although "not so heavily". Zoom The weather alerts activated in Spain this Monday, 8 September 2025. Aemet As for temperatures, they will drop in the north and east of the Spanish mainland and remain unchanged in the rest. In addition, a cool atmosphere is expected in the Cantabrian Sea, where temperatures will barely reach 18-20C, while in parts of the Andalucia region, such as Cordoba and Malaga, they will exceed 35C, according to Del Campo. Looking ahead to Tuesday, very adverse conditions are forecast for the Balearic Islands, where the downpours could reach torrential intensity of more than 60mm in an hour and be persistent with accumulated rainfall of more than 140mm in 12 hours. As a result, the Aemet spokesperson warned that "great caution" should be taken in the archipelago, as wadis and ravines are expected to experience "strong increases" in flow and "very suddenly". In addition, these downpours in the Balearic Islands may be accompanied by hail and very strong gusts of wind. In the eastern third of the Spanish mainland, today's showers will continue in the early hours of the morning, and in the afternoon storms may be reactivated and locally very strong, as well as being accompanied by hail and intense wind. Likewise, there will be "lighter" rain in the Cantabrian Sea and temperatures will drop, except in parts of the Cantabrian Sea. Temperatures will only reach 30C in the Guadalquivir valley, Costa del Sol and in parts of eastern Andalucia. As for Wednesday, the Aemet expert predicts that the weather instability will continue in the Balearic Islands, with "very strong" storms that will also affect Catalonia and other parts of the northeast of the mainland, especially in the first half of the day. The storms will subside as the day progresses, although in the afternoon some thunderstorms may form again, which will be locally intense in Catalonia. On the other hand, a front will arrive in Galicia and will leave abundant rainfall in the west of the region, which will spread to the rest of the Cantabrian areas, without ruling out downpours in the northern plateau. In addition, temperatures will rise in the Cantabrian and Mediterranean regions, with a cool early morning in the interior of the northern half of the region. Some cities such as Vitoria, Soria, Teruel or Burgos will have minimum temperatures of 7-9C. In the afternoon, however, temperatures may reach 34-35C in Seville. From Thursday onwards, the anticyclone will return, so that rainfall will be restricted to the extreme north of the Spanish and temperatures will rise. Then, the northern third of the country will be affected by the passage of fronts with cloudy skies and rain in Galicia and the Cantabrian regions. Likewise, temperatures will rise throughout the country and the trend towards a warmer atmosphere will continue in the following days, so that on Friday and towards the weekend, temperatures may exceed 32-34C in central and southern areas and even 36C in the Guadalquivir Valley. Finally, this Monday in the Canary Islands, Sahara desert sand dust in suspension is expected to give rise to a "calima", with significant reductions in visibility and worsening air quality. In addition, it will be hot and temperatures will exceed 32C in the south of the islands. From Tuesday onwards, the calima will withdraw and temperatures will drop, remaining at "normal" values and with the trade winds blowing with intensity in exposed areas. This will continue over the following days, although temperatures could rise again towards the end of the week, according to the Aemet spokesperson. Europa Press Malaga Monday, 8 September 2025, 13:11 Share Imserso, the programme of reduced-price holidays for pensioners in Spain, which forms part of the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and Agenda 2030, is expected to unveil its new travel programme for the 2025/2026 season this Monday 8 September. The programme will offer 879,213 places, along with several new features, such as the flat rate of 50 euros for those on smaller pensions and allow people to take their pets with them. According to Europa Press, Imserso will also announce the day on which it will start sending letters to users to confirm their accreditation information which they must use to book their trips. One of the new features for this season is the 7,447 places at a cost of 50 euros each for people with lower pensions, regardless of the destination, distributed among all the lots and types of trips, which "will be aimed at people with economic resources equal to or less than the amount of non-contributory pensions for retirement or disability". Lots are divided into trips within the Spanish mainland, the islands (Canaries, Balearics) and Europe. Travelling with pets Also for the first time the Imserso programme will allow users to travel with pets on trips within Spain. Companies must reserve two per cent of the total number of places for passengers travelling with a pet on national holidays. For these purposes, a pet means a domestic animal weighing no more than 10 kilograms, including the carrier. Two months after the registration process for the trips, the company awarded the contract will check the reservations made by users with pets. If these do not cover two per cent of the total number of places they may be offered to other users not travelling with a pet. Measures against deseasonalisation In pursuit of the economic objective of improving seasonality within the tourism sector, the new programme includes a commitment by the awarding companies to avoid the concentration of these trips on a few dates, distributing 36 per cent of the places in each lot proportionally during each month of the campaign. Trips during the high season will cost 100 euros more than the same trip in the low season (October, May and June in mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, and December, January and February in the Canary Islands). On the other hand, the hotels offered in the programme must have a minimum of three stars and will be obliged to offer leisure and free time activities to meet the demands of the users. The new tender also means an increase in the amount of money that the companies awarded the contract will receive in order to contribute to the sustainability of the sector and to the improvement of the quality of the services they offer. Finally, the awarded companies will have to prduce and distribute informative leaflets to users on subjects related to active and healthy ageing, prevention of abuse of older people, gender violence in older women and sexuality among older people. Syracuse, N.Y. In June, Syracuse police checked out a 911 call on the South Side. The tip: Nicole Azzotos boyfriend was threatening her with a gun. The police didnt charge anyone, but the threat was real. Three weeks later, Azzoto was shot to death by her boyfriend, Anthony Price, during a domestic violence attack July 17, police say. Neighbors, friends, and family members told investigators that Azzoto confided in them about Prices abuse and that she showed them bruises and marks, according to a source familiar with the investigation. Friends, family and neighbors of Azzoto talked with syracuse.com | The Post Standard about Azzoto, her life and the police call to 103 Glass Terrace three weeks before she was killed. They described Azzoto, 40, as a big presence in many ways: nearly 6-feet-tall and an outsized personality that was fun, loud and caring. She also struggled for many years with drug addiction, which isolated her and put her in constant peril, they said. Her father worried about her new boyfriend. The best kind of laughter Azzoto, a graduate of C.W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, worked in Syracuse-area salons styling hair. Her talent was immeasurable, and her personality was so bright, Jennifer Antonacci, a long-time friend of Azzoto. She had the biggest smile. She was always laughing, always having fun. Antonacci said Azzoto made people laugh to the point of tears. It was the best kind of laughter you can have in life, Antonacci said. She could produce that. Antonacci remembered fondly how Azzoto ended up giving her the nickname Horsey. A group of work friends rented a limo in New York City, all cramming into the car. Azzoto took one look at Antonaccis awkwardly bent legs and quipped that if she didnt have her horse legs, wed all be more comfortable. The joke snowballed through the night, ending with Azzoto teasing that Antonaccis horse eyes were weeping as the group laughed until they cried. From that night, Antonacci said, the nickname Horsey stuck. The two worked together at two salons over more than 10 years, Antonacci said. They met at Utopia Salon in Clay. When Antonacci and her mother opened Emerald City Salon, Azzoto joined them. By then, Azzoto had become a mother of two children, a boy and a girl, Antonacci said. Azzoto also watched Antonaccis children when she went on to nursing school. She would come over and watch my kids while I studied. Shed play with them. She was just such a supportive friend, she said. Wed do each others hair out by the pool, laugh, cry. I could talk to her about anything. She was always there for me. Katie Blackwelder, a friend of Azzoto, remembers her as striking and vibrant. The two met in 2009 while working at Utopia. She was very tall I think she was almost six foot blonde hair, great personality, eyes that sparkled for days, Blackwelder said. She was just an absolutely gorgeous woman. And she was quirky and funny and different. She wasnt like other people. She would be loud and obnoxious, if you will, and just make everybody laugh. She could literally light up a room. Nicole Azzoto, 40, worked for Shear Motion in Fayetteville as a hairdresser. This photo was taken in Oct. 2022. Jennifer Antonacci We were always fearful Then, Azzotos mother got sick and died soon after in 2018, Antonacci said. Azzoto fell into addiction, her friend said. She began to fear for Azzotos fate. I was expecting a different type of phone call, Antonacci said. I really was expecting Nicole to overdose, I hate to say it. And we were always fearful that we would get that call. Azzotos father, John Azzoto, confirmed his daughter struggled for years with addiction. Blackwelder, who last talked to Azzoto in October, said Azzoto tried many times to go into rehab. She was doing well and had a two-year stretch where she was clean, she said. Blackwelder said Azzotos children were in their fathers custody after Azzoto fell into addiction. Blackwelder said she always tried to encourage Azzoto to get clean. Azzoto called Blackwelder one night in tears, struggling with the urge to get high again. Blackwelder said they spoke honestly about her addiction. I just told her, Enough is enough, Nicole, Blackwelder said. And she kind of snapped out of it for a hot second and started saying, What am I doing? Why am I doing this? How am I leaving my babies? Police called to home A neighbor on Glass Terrace said Azzoto lived there for about eight months with Price. John Azzoto said his daughter mentioned a new man she was seeing. She described the man as a good guy, but he worried about the people she surrounded herself with. He said she began to isolate herself from her core group of family and friends. The neighbor said she often saw Price be aggressive verbally and physically to Azzoto. The neighbor asked to not have her name published because she feared for her safety. Price, 56, served state prison time for aggravated DWI and drug offenses, according to state records. He was sentenced in 2018 in Chautauqua County for aggravated DWI with two prior convictions and was released on parole in January 2020. In an earlier case, he went to prison in 1997 for attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in Onondaga County and was released in 1999. Prices defense attorney, Sue Carey, declined to comment for this article. The neighbor told Syracuse.com that on June 17 Azzoto came over looking for someone to talk to. The neighbor said Azzoto showed what she said Price had done: a large knot on her forehead and marks on her neck from being choked. The neighbor said she told Azzoto that domestic violence either ends with someone in jail or dead. She encouraged her to leave Price. The neighbor said when Price returned home, she heard him yelling for Azzoto, calling her a bitch. The neighbor said she intervened, asking him not to speak to Azzoto that way, especially with her young son within earshot. The neighbor said Azzoto and Price began to argue and Price pulled out a gun. He threatened the neighbor and Azzoto, the neighbor said. The neighbor said she called 911. Police spokesperson Thomas Blake confirmed that police came to the house that day to check on a possible menacing. Blake confirmed the neighbor told police about the gun. Police questioned Azzoto, who denied Price had a gun, Blake said. The call was cleared as unfounded, Blake said. Three weeks later, Azzoto was shot dead. She didnt have to die, Blackwelder said. Im so sad to hear of such a wonderful person being taken from us. Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at dstevenson@syracuse.com To get help If you or anyone you know is struggling with abuse, help is available. For immediate assistance, call 911. You can also contact Vera Houses 24-hour support hotline: 315-468-326, 315-484-7263 (TTY for Deaf community available during business hours). Cato, N.Y. Federal prosecutors plan to hold a news conference Tuesday to discuss the raid of a food processing plant in Cayuga County last week. The announcement of the news conference to be held in Albany Tuesday morning said the raid was part of a worksite enforcement action. The news release also said federal officials plan to warn employers across the Northern District of New York that they risk criminal investigation if they are employing non-citizens who are not authorized to work in the United States. The owners of the business raided, Nutrition Bar Confectioners in Cato, have not been charged as of Monday. Around 70 workers were detained Thursday by officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other agencies. In less than 72 hours as many as a dozen of those workers were deported. More than 50 officers, many of them masked, swarmed the business, witnesses said. The owners told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard all their workers had proper documentation to work. The owners - brothers Jeff, Lenny, and Mark Schmidt Jr. - said their hiring practices and standards comply with federal law. Some of the workers had documentation to show they were in the country legally in their cars but were not allowed to collect them before being taken away, the brothers said. Some detained employees were released and returned to work the next day, the owners said. The sheriffs offices in Oswego and Cayuga counties aided with the raid and said it was part of a criminal investigation. Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck said the raid was a U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigation into felony level crimes, but has refused to say what crimes. An ICE spokesperson would not answer questions submitted by Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard, including what crimes were being investigated. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone is expected to speak at the news conference. Attention all CNY high school seniors! Syracuse.com |The Post-Standard is seeking applicants for the Best & Brightest Awards, presented by Upstate Honda Dealers. Youve worked hard throughout your high school years, and you deserve to be recognized for your achievements. Do you excel in academics, sports, theater or art? Are you a community or environmental activist? Have you done something to make Central New York a better place? Have you started a business or supported a nonprofit? We want to hear from you. Best & Brightest recognizes the accomplishments of area high school seniors. While you may be off to college or work soon, you left your mark on our community and Central New York is undoubtedly better because of you! Last years winners: Meet the 23 winners of Syracuse.coms 2024 Best and Brightest Awards Students nominate themselves with an application, short personal narrative, letters of recommendation and details about their academic successes, extracurricular activity and service to their school and community. Eligible students include seniors with at least a B or 3.0 grade point average attending school in Section III (Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oswego, Oneida, and Otsego counties). Every year, my fellow judges and I are consistently blown away by the intelligence, talent, and passion of our areas high school students, said Lindsay Marlenga, senior marketing director at Advance Media NY. These arent just great students academically, they are also courageous leaders, dedicated humanitarians, and compassionate change-makers who are positively impacting their schools and communities every day. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 14. Winners will be announced during an award ceremony in Syracuse and featured in The Post-Standard and on syracuse.com. This event is sponsored by Upstate Honda Dealers. Students can apply here. by Xinhua Writers Jiang Biao, Li Mengxin KINGSTON, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- In a classroom in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, Natasha Russell, principal of the Earnest Institute for the Gifted, Hyperactive and Talented, is writing Chinese characters related to colors on the blackboard. The children sit attentively in their chairs, softly reading after her. Sometimes the room echoes with neat, rhythmic recitation, and at other times, with the cheerful melody of Chinese songs. In 2020, in order to address the learning difficulties faced by children with special needs, Russell founded this school out of her own pocket, and soon after conceived the idea of introducing Chinese language courses. "I first visited China in 2012. In just a few days, I could feel the rapid economic development of the country," said Russell. She hopes that children can start learning Chinese and its culture from an early age so that they can better adapt to the future world. The children began with numbers and simple greetings. For these neurodivergent students with autism, gifted ADHD and dyslexia, songs became an important learning aid, helping them learn while singing and making the classes lively and engaging. At first, Russell almost ran the Chinese lessons single-handedly. Worried that her pronunciation was not accurate enough, she sought help from the Chinese Embassy in Jamaica. Through coordination, starting in September 2022, teachers from the Confucius Institute at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in Jamaica, began giving regular free lessons at the school. "When we finally had Chinese native speakers as teachers, we no longer had to rely on video-based teaching," said Russell, noting the participation of these teachers was essential as her own pronunciation was far from ideal. Apart from offering language classes, the Chinese Embassy and the Confucius Institute also invite students to various activities to experience the Chinese culture. During Spring Festival celebrations, the children write couplets, taste Chinese food, and learn to use chopsticks. "I spoke Chinese with another kid, tried delicious dumplings and even wrapped a few dumplings myself," said a student when recalling his first participation at a Spring Festival event. Russell noted that these activities not only broaden the children's horizons but also help them develop cognitively and emotionally, teaching them to understand and adapt to different cultures. This year, Russell named the school's activity hall as "Lianxin Hall" in Chinese, symbolizing the bond between the hearts of the Jamaican and Chinese people and their lasting friendship. In July, the school held its very first graduation ceremony in this hall, for two graduates. Russell said her school is among the first batch in Jamaica to introduce Chinese language courses from kindergarten to the elementary level. Other local schools have since approached the Confucius Institute for assistance in offering Chinese classes as well. "Chinese has already become a major feature of our school. If we establish a high school division in the future, Chinese will also be included in the curriculum," said Russell. An Upstate New York man is accused of attacking his roommate with a chainsaw, according to New York State Police. James Mastenbrook, 61, allegedly hit his roommate with an electric chainsaw twice during a fight at their mobile home in the Schoharie County town of Fulton, police said. The roommate, who is also 61, sustained some cuts and bruising from the power tool, which was on at the time, according to police. The Times Union reports the incident occurred Aug. 28 after a verbal dispute at their trailer along state Route 30. The argument escalated after Mastenbrook allegedly revved the chainsaw near his roommates dog, who was not injured. The roommate, who was not named, allegedly swung at Mastenbrook with a knife. Mastenbrook told NYS Troopers that the blade was sheathed, though he allegedly stabbed the side of the trailer after the alleged chainsaw attack. Both men were arrested. Mastenbrook has been charged with second-degree assault, a felony. The roommate has been charged with second-degree menacing, a misdemeanor. Both are also charged with fourth-degree criminal weapons possession. Its unclear what events initially led to the incident. The Times Union reports the roommate was released with an appearance ticket. Police recommended Mastenbrook be held in Schoharie County Jail, but he was not listed there as of Friday; he has been placed under a temporary extreme protection order. The Town of Fulton in Schoharie County is located about 40 miles west of Albany. Former President Joe Biden has chosen a location for his presidential library and it wont be in Syracuse. Biden, a 1968 graduate of Syracuse Universitys College of Law, previously said that SU was among several places competing for a place to preserve his legacy. He returned to Syracuse many times over the years, including as president and vice president, and his late son, Beau, also went to SUs law school. But last week, the Joe and Jill Biden Foundation approved a 13-person governance board that will build his presidential library in Delaware. Joe Biden represented Delaware as a U.S. Senator from 1973 until January 2009, when he became President Barack Obamas VP. The Associated Press reports prolific Democratic fundraiser Rufus Gifford will lead the project, which will include a museum and archive in Bidens name. Former aides, friends and political allies, including former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, will help Gifford raise money and choose a site. Gifford told the AP that the cost will likely end up somewhere in the middle between the $1.6 billion fundraising target for the Obama Presidential Center, set to open in Chicago next year, and the $43 million cost for the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum that opened in 1997 in College Station, Texas. Construction and support for programming for the libraries are paid for with private funds donated to nonprofit organizations established by the former president. That being said ... were not going to create a budget, were not going to set a goal for ourselves that we dont believe we can hit, said Gifford, who was named chairman of the library board. According to the AP, the Biden library will aim to detail his four years in the White House as well as provide space for leadership, service and civic engagement, educational events and policy gatherings. Biden was Americas 46th president from January 2021 to January 2025; he dropped out of a bid for a second term and his vice president, Kamala Harris, became the Democratic presidential nominee in the 2024 election, which President Donald Trump won. A timeline for the librarys completion has not been announced. Biden revealed in an October 2023 interview with special counsel Robert Hur, who was investigating whether the president mishandled classified documents, that he had spoken to his wife, then-First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, about potential sites for his library. I dont think Im supposed to while Im president think about the library, Biden said he told his wife, according to a transcript released in March 2024 when Hur testified before Congress about his conclusion that Biden should not face criminal charges. My recollection is theres people competing. Syracuse University would like it, University of Delaware would like it. They want to do it down here in Washington. Biden was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and moved to Delaware with his family when he was 10 years old. Biden went on to attend the University of Delaware, where he graduated in 1965, before getting his law degree from Syracuse University in 1968. Biden married his first wife Neilia Hunter, an Auburn, N.Y., native and a SU homecoming queen, in 1966. The couple lived on Stinard Avenue in Syracuse while Biden attended Cuse law school and she taught at the old Bellevue Heights School in the city. Biden maintained close ties to the area after Neilias death in 1972, speaking at Syracuse University commencements at least five times and visiting Central New York twice as president, including to celebrate Micron Technologys plans to build a $100 billion megafab plant in Clay. Gifford told the Associated Press that the Bidens felt that Delaware was where the library should be because the state had propelled his entire political career. To Delaware, he will always be our favorite son, Gov. Matt Meyer said Saturday. The new presidential library here in Delaware will give future generations the chance to see his story of resilience, family, and never forgetting your roots. Ahead of iPhone 17's "Awe Dropping" event, a leaker from X, who chose to stay anonymous, has shared new details about upcoming Apple Watch models. Aside from the three Apple smartwatches, the Cupertino giant is said to be releasing the latest iPad Pro configurations. What New Apple Watch Models to Expect According to MacRumors, the private X tipster said that Apple will introduce three new Apple Watch models at its "Awe Dropping" event on Tuesday, Sept. 9. According to the leak, the new lineup will include the Apple Watch Series 11. The new version should have a chip based on the same architecture as the chips used in the S9 and S10 versions in earlier models. The Series 11 should bring performance enhancements to the table while keeping the same design aspects that have contributed to the Apple Watch's popularity. Another notable wearable to expect is the Apple Watch Ultra 3. This Apple Watch Ultra model is said to share the same chip design as the Series 11. This model is said to be more advanced to cater to sporty individuals and adventurers. The last Apple Watch model that will allegedly appear in the "Awe Dropping" event is the Apple Watch SE 3. The affordable SE line will also be updated with the same chip design as the Series 11 and Ultra 3. This unit is designed to offer basic smartwatch functions at a lower cost. Meet the iPad Pro M5 In addition to the Apple Watch refresh, the leak refers to iPad Pro models featuring the latest M5 chip, which is to be announced later, possibly next month. The M5 chip promises to deliver enormous advances in processing power and graphics, pushing the iPad Pro to a whole new level of performance. The Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 will probably be announced on the date of the Sept. 9 event, whereas the iPad Pro models featuring the M5 chip will probably be a part of an October release. If you want to watch the iPhone 17 "Awe Dropping" event, visit the official website of Apple by clicking here. For YouTube viewers, you can enjoy the whole showcase by going through this link. In other news, another tipster revealed that Apple is also preparing to launch the new iPhone 17 crossbody strap. This year, 2025, the KDE Community held its yearly conference in Berlin, Germany. On the way I reinstalled FreeBSD on my Frame.work 13 laptop in another attempt to get KDE Plasma 6 Wayland working. Short story: yes, KDE Plasma 6 Wayland on FreeBSD works. This time I followed the instructions from thesaigoneer on Codeberg. It did not feel different from any previous attempt of mine. However, it did work instead of hang, so thats an important difference. Here is my summary of those instructions: Install FreeBSD 14.3 from the ISO Change the package repositories to the latest branch Install pkg install pkg and then update the base system with freebsd-update and then update the base system with Install the graphics drivers, pkg install drm-kmod Adjust startup ( loader.conf , rc.conf ) configuration (with future settings): sysrc kld_list+=amdgpu sysrc dbus_enable="YES" sysrc seatd_enable="YES" sysctl net.local.stream.recvspace=65536 sysctl net.local.stream.sendspace=65536 Edit loader.conf , ) configuration (with future settings): Install KDE Plasma 6 in a minimal way: pkg install seatd plasma6-plasma konsole Ensure that your graphical users are members of video group Reboot and login Create a script for running KDE Plasma 6, with this content and make it mode 0755: #! /bin/sh /usr/local/bin/ck-launch-session \ /usr/local/lib/libexec/plasma-dbus-run-session-if-needed \ /usr/local/bin/startplasma-wayland After logging in in text mode, run the script and enjoy a modern KDE Plasma desktop with your favorite desktop operating system (thats FreeBSD, you know) underneath. Press Release from Business Wire: AEM (AFP) Sep 08, 2025 GERMANTOWN, Sept 8, 2025 (BSW) - AEM (aem.eco), the essential source for environmental insights, today announced the acquisition of Van Essen Instruments, a renowned provider of precision groundwater and surface water monitoring systems. Through this acquisition, AEM integrates Van Essen's rugged sensor hardware, telemetry solutions, and robust data management tools into the AEM Elements(R) environmental resiliency platform, delivering a unified solution for monitoring water, weather, and other environmental risks. For more than 80 years, Van Essen Instruments has pioneered water-level and water-quality monitoring solutions, with over 250,000 Diver(R) sensors deployed across the globe. From groundwater and surface water to mining, remediation, and coastal monitoring, the company's rugged, reliable instruments have become an essential tool for scientists, engineers, and environmental managers. By integrating Van Essen's proven hardware and data applications with AEM's expansive monitoring ecosystem, customers will benefit from: -- Comprehensive Water Intelligence - Van Essen's Diver sensors expand AEM's capabilities within precision groundwater and surface water data, further enabling a single source for integrated weather, water, and environmental monitoring. -- Faster, Smarter Decisions - By combining Diver-HUB cloud tools with AEM's insights, users gain real-time visibility into aquifer recharge, contamination plumes, and other critical water events. -- Improved Project Efficiency - Automated data collection, barometric compensation, and streamlined reporting reduce time in the field and simplify regulatory compliance for engineers, utilities, and government agencies. -- Proven Performance in Harsh Environments - From mining sites to coastal zones, Van Essen's rugged loggers are built for reliability, ensuring continuous, high-quality data even under extreme conditions. -- Global Network with Local Support - AEM's global footprint, combined with Van Essen's established distributor base, ensures customers have access to both cutting-edge tools and on-the-ground expertise wherever they operate. "Water-level monitoring is a foundational element of environmental resilience," said Rodney Smith, CEO of AEM. "By acquiring Van Essen Instruments, we're integrating highly specialized hydrological sensing into our broader environmental intelligence ecosystem, so organizations can monitor and respond across surface, subsurface, and atmospheric domains." "Our acquisition of Van Essen Instruments is about more than expanding our product line," said Mark D. Miller, Chief Commercial Officer of AEM. "By uniting their world-class water monitoring technology with the AEM Elements resiliency platform, we're enabling customers to solve complex environmental challenges with greater speed and confidence. This integration strengthens our ability to deliver practical, data-driven insights that help industries, governments, and communities safeguard critical resources and build resilience for the future." About AEM AEM is combining global technology leaders to empower communities and organizations to survive and thrive in the face of escalating environmental risks. By deploying intelligent sensing networks, operating a secure and scalable data management infrastructure, and delivering high-value analytics through a suite of end-user applications, AEM serves as the essential source for environmental insights. These technologies enable positive outcomes, helping reduce environmental impact and creating a safer world. For more information, visit https://aem.eco. About Van Essen Instruments Van Essen Instruments was founded in 1938 and has continuously operated in Delft, the Netherlands since that time. Van Essen's line of water monitoring dataloggers, known as Divers, are globally recognized for their high quality, dependability in extreme environments, and ease of use. Since deploying the first Diver groundwater datalogger in 1995, Van Essen Instruments has sold over 250,000 Divers worldwide. Van Essen Instruments' suite of Diver products and services is used worldwide and supported by a global distributor network of more than 60 partners in over 100 locations. For more information, visit https://vanessen.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250908540318/en/ Contact Media Contact:Neal SteinTechnology PR SolutionsOffice: (321) [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. Spain to hold state funeral for 2024 flood victims Madrid, Sept 8 (AFP) Sep 08, 2025 Spain will pay tribute to the victims of last year's floods with a state funeral marking the anniversary of its deadliest such disaster in decades, government sources said Monday. The ceremony will take place on October 29 in Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences complex, a year to the day after muddy torrents killed 236 people and wrecked infrastructure. The extent of the damage in the eastern Valencia region prompted widespread outrage at the authorities' management of the disaster and a blame game between the politically opposed central and regional governments. Scientists say human-driven climate change is intensifying extreme weather events such as the torrential rain behind last year's floods. The catastrophic situation was further fuelled by a rapidly warming Mediterranean Sea. Oceans have absorbed 90 percent of the excess heat produced by human activity since the dawn of the industrial age, according to scientists. After a summer of ferocious wildfires that burned a record amount of territory in Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has proposed a national pact against climate change. "Having wildfires of this magnitude, having (storms) like the ones we experience in autumn and winter, shows that the climate emergency affecting the world is accelerating and worsening, especially on the Iberian Peninsula," Sanchez said when announcing the pact. On August 31, 2025, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee Cai Qi met in Tianjin with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025. Cai Qi said that President Xi Jinping just held a productive meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which they reached new and important common understandings on the development of China-India relations, charting the course for advancing cooperation featuring good-neighborliness and friendship between the two countries. China is ready to work with India to follow through on the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, carry forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, enhance friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation, properly manage and handle differences, and promote the further improvement and development of China-India relations. Narendra Modi said that he had just reached new and important common understandings with President Xi Jinping on the long-term development of India-China relations, which provides a solid foundation for deepening bilateral cooperation. The Indian side welcomes the resumption of the inter-party exchange and cooperation mechanism. Noting that the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China represents another milestone in the development of bilateral relations, Narendra Modi said that India is willing to make joint efforts with China to contribute to the advancement of bilateral relations as well as world peace and development. Key Points Regulators will decide whether to approve Solana ETFs soon. If they give the green light, it will be a significant unlock for the coin. This kind of positive catalyst only occurs once. 10 stocks we like better than Solana It's often a good idea to position yourself in an asset before a major catalyst that could send its price skyward. Oct. 16 could be one of those dates for Solana, (CRYPTO: SOL) because on that day, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to issue a final decision on whether to list several Solana exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The setup here is familiar; spot Bitcoin and Ethereum snapped into the distribution pipes of brokerages, advisors, and retirement accounts shortly after their listing was approved, drawing sizable inflows and significantly bolstering their legitimacy as assets. So, let's examine three reasons that investors may want to buy Solana before the SEC weighs in. Image source: Getty Images. 1. An approval would open retirement channels instantly One of the most powerful engines in American investing is retirement savings. Many retirement plans include the ability to invest in ETFs. That means the moment a spot Solana ETF is approved and listed, a broad universe of retirement dollars can reach it without any special paperwork or direct cryptocurrency custody. And without those barriers, it's simply a lot easier to attract capital. When the Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs were approved, registered investment advisors and platforms could add the funds to their offerings and ticket them for clients, including in tax-advantaged accounts. The result was a steady drumbeat of new capital flowing in. For Solana, approval would be less about a single day's price pump and more about unlocking a distribution channel that did not exist the day before. If you believe the long-run investment thesis for blockchains that provide fast settlement and vibrant developer ecosystems, opening the retirement money spigot matters. Just be aware that the biggest benefit of this tailwind will accrue over the long term, not the first day the ETFs are available, assuming they get approved. 2. Even one approval can pull index flows into Solana Indexing is an often-unnoticed force in every asset class, and it only benefits a few of the largest cryptocurrencies so far. Solana already sits in major crypto benchmarks that asset managers use, so, if it were easily purchaseable, like via an ETF, it would become a component of any funds based on tracking those same indexes. Once a U.S. spot ETF exists, index-tracking vehicles issued by asset managers or investment companies can offer exposure with simple, auditable positions that fit compliance checklists. The odds are high that they will choose to create those vehicles if sentiment about the future of the crypto sector remains sufficiently positive -- and it probably will. Allica Bank has announced a 0.35% rate reduction on asset finance for hard assets, marking its most competitive offer in three years. The limited-time rate applies to loans between 150,000 and 2.5 million, with applications open until 31st October 2025. The move comes amid a strong year for Allicas leasing proposition, which has seen the launch of a long-term sub-hire product, allowing equipment leasing for up to 36 months, and expanded refinance options to support asset purchases, management buyouts, and working capital needs. Brandon Hall Brandon Hall, Head of Sales, Asset Finance, said the offer reflects Allicas commitment to supporting brokers and their SME clients. Established businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, he noted, adding that the rate cut gives them another highly competitive product to help them invest with confidence. With over 850 million lent in asset finance to date, Allica continues to position itself as a key player in the UK leasing market. Hall described the rate as exactly what the market needs right now to keep deals moving, as brokers and funders navigate a high-cost environment and shifting investment priorities. The offer is expected to drive activity across sectors reliant on hard assets, from construction and manufacturing to logistics and agriculture, where leasing remains a critical tool for capital deployment and operational flexibility. "Allica cuts asset finance rates in bid to boost leasing activity" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. Late last year, a whos who of Manhattans literary elite attended an event for the kink-positive sex and dating app Feeld and there in the corner of a room, between the canapes and the erotica, was none other than Woody Allen. The society pages of the New York Post offered little more on this surreal public appearance than the fact that it had happened, that Allen had been invited by his friend, the writer Daphne Merkin, and that he didnt stay for long. Still, does it matter? Woody Allen shocks by showing up at sex app party is the sort of scoop that warrants applause, a slap on the back, and a free drink at the bar. Today, Allen is 89, not really working, and not really cancelled. The #MeToo moment in 2017 did lead to the resurfacing of sexual abuse allegations made in 1992 by his daughter Dylan Farrow (which hes repeatedly denied, while several investigations into the claim have brought no charges), but its tricky to spot any long-term effects, despite critics of the #MeToo movement often describing Allen as one of its victims. If anything, the filmmaker has become a bit of a cultural jump-scare. Hes never particularly asked after, but still has a tendency to pop up in places where youd least expect him podcasts, festivals, cinema listings if youre travelling on the continent. Ironically, considering Allen spoke last week about once having worked with Donald Trump on a film, its similar to the effect of seeing the man who would later become US president in Home Alone 2, or walking by in an episode of Sex and the City. How on earth did that happen, you find yourself asking. Allen has emerged from semi-exodus twice in the last few weeks, first as a guest of honour at a Moscow film festival (yikes), where he was Zoomed in from New York to answer questions, and then as a guest on a podcast hosted by the increasingly anti-woke US media personality Bill Maher (again, yikes). But while on paper these two venues hint at a turn to the political right, Allen himself seems unmoved there is no bitterness on display, no resentment, no capitulating to the dominant powers in American public life right now. Instead he leads with a signature ambivalence, and its quite fascinating to witness. I do not recommend sitting through the entirety of the Maher appearance, mainly because it consists of the host insisting to Allens face how Allen himself should feel, for 91 minutes. But it is curious to see Allen choose repeatedly not to take the bait. Whenever Maher declares (over and over) that Allen was the victim of a leftist witch hunt in 2017, Allen shrugs. He actually found it very interesting and amusing, he replies. I had done so many movies and had accumulated enough personal financial resources so that I wasnt hurt by it. It raises an interesting point about cancel culture. Whatever the Mahers of the world proclaim, if the person who has supposedly been cancelled doesnt loudly state that theyve been cancelled on every platform that could ever host them has the cancellation even taken place? I dont think about it, Allen said in 2023, ahead of the Venice Film Festival premiere of his most recent movie, a dismal black comedy called Coup de Chance. I dont know what it means to be cancelled. I know that, over the years, everything has been the same for me. I make my movies. Unusually, the only real difference between the Allen of today and the Allen of 20 years ago is the volume of his output. Where once the filmmaker was known for firing out at least one film a year, he has recently slowed: Coup de Chance and the baffling film-industry satire Rifkins Festival are his only two movies this decade so far. He is otherwise just as detached from the industry as hes always been, keeping Hollywood at arms length regardless of its own historic eagerness to worship at his feet. Despite being nominated for 24 Oscars over the course of his career (and winning four), Allen has famously only attended an Academy Awards ceremony once, in 2002, to urge filmmakers to continue filming in his typical geographical and creative base of New York after 9/11. His work, too, is just as crude and tedious as its been for most of his late career. Even before the allegations resurfaced, Allen seemed to attract financing out of a kind of cultural loyalty, buoyed by the eagerness of major movie stars to get a Woody Allen credit on their filmography whatever the quality of the material itself. Its how Kate Winslet ended up in the laborious Coney Island drama Wonder Wheel (2017), or how Timothee Chalamet and Selena Gomez led his icky teen romcom A Rainy Day in New York (2019), currently his last film paid for solely by American money. Remember that strange period between 2014 and 2015 in which Emma Stone, presumably searching for a consistent collaborator and not yet introduced to Yorgos Lanthimos, made back-to-back movies with him? I imagine Stone is hoping you dont. Allen during his appearance on Bill Mahers Club Random podcast last week ( Studio71 ) At a push, you can say that Allen has made three good movies this century, each one enlivened more by its performances than by the filmmaking the Cate Blanchett showcase Blue Jasmine (2013), the sophisticated love-quadrangle dramedy Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), and the bustling, time-travel souffle Midnight in Paris (2011). The other 18 hes made have been various shades of dire, from the initially praised but in hindsight drab noir pastiche Match Point (2005), to the ones barely released the psychic trifle You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (2010), the Woody-gone-blind farce Hollywood Ending (2002), the magician mystery Scoop (2006), and the list goes on. All are minor ghost images of his greatest hits, made with almost startling carelessness. I am still spooked by a scene left intact in You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger in which the Slumdog Millionaire actor Frieda Pinto seems to stumble over her lines, leaving her frozen in dead air. It is true that the culture surrounding Allen has shifted in the last decade how else to explain why Dylan Farrows allegations did the most significant reputational damage amid #MeToo, rather than the more tabloidy and ultimately vaporous media storm they sparked in the early Nineties? But even the idea of Allen as a disgraced persona non grata feels slightly archaic now. His films are still financed, his 2020 memoir Apropos of Nothing was speedily picked up by a new publisher after being dropped by its original publishers at Hachette, and his first novel, Whats with Baum?, is out this month. And while there have always been actors whove stood by him notably Scarlett Johansson and Javier Bardem others have had second thoughts after distancing themselves from him at the height of #MeToo. Rebecca Hall, who donated her salary for A Rainy Day in New York in 2018, has since taken back her regrets about working with him. I dont think its the responsibility of his actors to speak to that situation, she told The Observer last year. And then theres Allen himself, who has coasted over all of this without really saying a word a right-wing symbol of the censorious woke left, who stubbornly refuses to be symbolised. Itd almost be impressive, if the whole thing wasnt quite so grubby. In his Maher episode, Allen joked (sort of) that he planned on dying soon, and Im convinced that, with every additional day he lives, the murkiness that has long shadowed him will get less foggy actors will come back around to him, obituaries will focus less on his later years, and the revolt against the hopes and dreams of #MeToo will get louder. And between the sex app parties and the demonstrative indifference he displays in every public appearance, Allen will become less a cinematic boogeyman than a bit of kooky New York wallpaper. Who saw that one coming? 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 Teen Titans voice actor Greg Cipes has accused Warner Bros of axing him immediately after he went public with his Parkinsons diagnosis, which a source close to the production denies. Cipes, 45, has voiced Beast Boy in Cartoon Networks popular sci-fi franchise for 24 years, beginning with its original five-season series Teen Titans, which ran from 2003 to 2006. He has since reprised the green superhero, along with several other characters, in subsequent movies and spin-offs, including the ongoing Teen Titans Go! According to internet journalist and DC brand influencer Emmanuel Newsome, Cipes was removed from the role earlier this year. In an Instagram post shared Sunday, Newsome recalled his recent interview with Cipes, in which the actor shared lots of upsetting details and information about how he was wrongfully terminated. Greg told me he has been discriminated against because of his Parkinsons and they are trying to steal his voice and replace him with a mimic for the new Teen Titans Go! season. Greg Cipes voiced several 'Teen Titans' characters, including Beast Boy, in the original cartoon series and numerous spinoffs ( Getty Images/Cartoon Network ) Newsome called on Teen Titans fans to sign a petition to save Beast Boy, saying: Greg needs your help! In the posts comment section, Cipes further alleged that Warner Brothers literally fired me on Valentines Day right after I publicly shared my Parkinsons diagnosis. Its like a death to me that only the fans can bring back to life, he added. However, a source close to production told The Independent that while the actors longtime character of Beast Boy is indeed being recast, the move was made not because of his medical condition but due to creative decisions. They also said that the studio offered Cipes another role in the series as well as a development deal, both of which the actor accepted. The insider said the studio is surprised that Cipes failed to include these additional details and that he came out with these bombshell allegations. The Independent has contacted Cipes for comment. Cipes originated Beast Boy in Cartoon Networks early aughts Teen Titans series. Hes gone on to play the character in numerous TV movies, such as 2006s Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo, 2018s Teen Titans Go! to the Movies, and 2021s Teen Titans Go! Space Jam, as well as a series of shorts, titled New Teen Titans, which premiered in 2011. In 2013, he joined the long-running Teen Titans Go! series, which has been renewed for a 10th season. He not only starred as Beast Boy across nine seasons, but additionally voiced the characters of Snowman, Starro, The Calf, Al, and many more. Cipes is also known for his voice acting in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Legend of Korra, and Gravity Falls. He has also appeared in several episodes of the sitcom The Middle. 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 Debby Ryan is about to become a mom. The Disney Channel alum, 32, announced she was pregnant with her and her husband Josh Duns first child on Sunday. Dun&dun +one, she wrote in the caption of her and the Twenty One Pilots drummers shared Instagram post. The first photo featured a snapshot of Dun hugging Ryan from behind and cradling her baby bump, while he held a pair of black and white baby sneakers in his hand. The actor also shared a cartoon of her and Dun celebrating the pregnancy, as well as a snap of their babys ultrasound. Debby Ryan and Josh Dun are having their first baby together ( Getty ) Ryan and Dun started dating in 2013 before breaking up two years later. They rekindled their relationship in 2016 and got engaged in December 2018, before officially tying the knot a year later. Their wedding came together in just 28 days, following the death of a close friend. After meeting with vendors and selecting a church in Austin, Texas, on December 2, 2019, the couple tied the knot there on December 31, 2019. The time just felt right. He was excited that Joshua and I were getting married, and I never doubted that Id know him through every coming phase of our lives, she told Vogue in May 2020 about her friend. When he passed, it really rocked me and put a lot of things in perspective. It didnt feel important to wait anymore, to stop being busy, or for things to line up perfectlyintending to do things is not nearly as powerful as doing, as we arent promised tomorrow, she added. Dun opened up about married life two years later, saying it was different from what hed expected when he was younger. I always tried to envision what marriage would look like from when I was a kid, and it never really looked quite like this, he told Kenny Sipes in 2022. When I was young I felt like my parents were just so grown up. Debby and I are just kids. "We live in an adult house and decorate it like kids and do kid stuff in it, he added. We couldnt sleep the other night so we just hung out in the kitchen and jumped around and ate snacks. I bet my parents did that stuff too probably, but I never saw it and never knew this is what marriage could be like. 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 retired university professor was murdered while walking her dog in an Alabama park and now police say they have arrested the man suspected of her killing. Harold Rashad Dabney III was charged Sunday with two counts of capital murder related to the death of 59-year-old Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, Action News 5 reported. Gard Schnuelles body was found in a wooded area of Kiesel Park, a dog park in Auburn, Alabma, around 2 p.m. Saturday. She sustained injuries that indicated an assault caused her death, authorities said. She is listed on the Auburn Universitys website as having retired from her position as a professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. A day after Gard Schnuelles death, police responded to a report of a suspicious person spotted about four miles from the park. Officers found Dabney and made observations that they believed connected him to Gard Schnuelles death, Auburn police said. open image in gallery Harold Rashad Dabney III was arrested after a retired Auburn University professor Juli Gard Schnuelle was killed in broad daylight in an Alabama dog park. ( Auburn Police Department ) open image in gallery Auburn sends our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Dr. Gard Schnuelle during this unimaginably difficult time, the university said in a statement. ( Auburn University ) Gard Schnuelles red Ford F-150 was reported missing after her death, and authorities believe it was stolen by Dabney after the alleged homicide and found after his arrest. It was not immediately clear whether he was found with the vehicle. Dabney was taken to the Lee County Jail, where he is being held without bond. A motive for the killing has not been released and its unclear if the suspect knew the victim before the alleged attack. In a statement, Auburn University said Gard Schnuelle was a beloved former member of the staff. Julie Gard Schnuelle, DVM, Ph. D., was a beloved member of the Auburn Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine and the Auburn Family, the university said. She served as a faculty member in the Department of Clinical Sciences in the Large Animal/Food Animal section from 2003 to 2021, when she retired as a professor emerita. The Auburn Police Department is leading the investigation, and all questions should be referred to them, the statement continued. Auburn sends our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Dr. Gard Schnuelle during this unimaginably difficult time. Gard Schnuelle had also studied veterinary medicine at Auburn, as well as biology at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She later received her Ph.D. in Biomedical sciences at Auburn. Authorities told WRBL that Gard Schnuelles dog was found unharmed. 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 For decades, she was known as Jane Allenstown Doe 2000, a nameless child discovered inside a rusted 55-gallon barrel near Bear Brook State Park in New Hampshire. One of four victims found in the barrels, investigators called her the middle child, and she was the only one who had not been identified a little girl with no name, no family, and no answers. Until now. On Sunday, the New Hampshire Attorney Generals Office and State Police announced that the final unidentified victim in the infamous Bear Brook murders has been identified through advanced DNA and genealogical research as Rea Rasmussen. This case has weighed on New Hampshire and the nation for decades, Attorney General John Formella said in a statement announcing the news on Sunday. With Rea Rasmussens identification, all four victims now have their names back. Rea, who was between two and four years old when she was murdered, likely between 1978 and 1981, was born in 1976 in Orange County, California, to Pepper Reed and Terry Rasmussen the serial killer later revealed to be the man responsible for the Bear Brook murders. open image in gallery A rendering of Rea Rasmussen, who was identified as the fourth victim in New Hampshires Bear Brook murders nearly 40 year later ( New Hampshire DOJ ) But while one mystery has been solved, another remains. Reas mother Pepper Reed vanished in the late 1970s and has has never been found. This development is the result of extraordinary perseverance by law enforcement, forensic experts, and our Cold Case Unit, Formella said about Reas case. Our commitment to uncovering the truth, no matter how long it takes, remains unwavering. We continue to seek answers about the disappearance of Pepper Reed. We never forgot Rea. We never stopped looking, said Detective Sergeant Christopher N. Elphick of the New Hampshire State Police added. This case has passed through the hands of many investigators, all of whom felt the weight of speaking for those who no longer could. Naming her [Rea] brings a sense of justice but also reminds us of the unanswered questions that remain. A mystery spanning generations The Bear Brook case first gripped New Hampshire in 1985, when hunters discovered a barrel in the woods containing the remains of an adult woman and a child. Fifteen years later, a state trooper found another barrel nearby, holding the remains of two more girls. For years, their identities remained a mystery. In 2017, investigators connected the killings to Rasmussen, known as the Chameleon Killer for the many aliases he used while evading detection. open image in gallery Terry Rasmussen was known as the Chameleon Killer and is believed to have killed at least six people. He died in prison in 2010 ( Maricopa County Sheriff's Office ) Rasmussen died in prison in 2010 while serving a 15-year prison sentence for murdering his girlfriend. By 2019, three victims were identified as Marlyse Honeychurch and her daughters, Marie Vaughn and Sarah McWaters. According to previous reporting by the Boston Globe, Honeychurch and Vaughn died of blunt force trauma to the head and appeared to have been partially dismembered to fit into the steel drum their bodies were found in. The cause of death for Rea and Sarah McWaters could not be determined. Cracking the final piece The breakthrough in Reas case came after the New Hampshire State Police Cold Case Unit partnered with the nonprofit DNA Doe Project in 2024. Through extensive DNA analysis and genealogical research, officials traced the child to Reed, who had been pregnant when last seen by family in Texas in 1975. Records later confirmed the birth of a baby girl in California in 1976 Rea Rasmussen. open image in gallery Marlyse Honeychurch and her daughters, Marie and Sarah, were all killed by Terry Rasmussen and stuffed in barrels ( New Hampshire Department of Justice ) Her identity was officially confirmed on September 5 through DNA testing and documentation. For 25 years, Reas story has been defined by tragedy, rather than her name, said Carol Schweitzer of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This moment reflects years of persistence, innovation and collaboration across agencies who never gave up hope. Today, we can finally speak Reas name and provide long-awaited answers to her family and the community who has loved her. The questions that remain While investigators have now identified all four victims of the Bear Brook murders, they continue to search for what happened to Reas mother, Pepper Reed. Officials believe she may have also been a victim of Rasmussen, who is suspected of killing additional women and children across the country. open image in gallery Pepper Reed vanished in the late 1970s and hasnt been seen or heard of since ( New Hampshire DOJ ) R. Christopher Knowles, chief of the Cold Case Unit, said the identification underscores the growing power of forensic genealogy. We hope this final identification provides a measure of closure, Knowles said, even as the investigation into Rasmussens full scope of crimes continues. Anyone with information about Pepper Reed or Terry Rasmussens movements in the 1970s and 1980s is urged to contact the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit. By Leigh Thomas and Yoruk Bahceli PARIS/LONDON (Reuters) - The collapse of France's latest government leaves the euro zone's second-biggest economy lurching deeper into a morass of feeble growth, high borrowing costs and a debt burden becoming one of Europe's heftiest. Lawmakers' rejection of Prime Minister Francois Bayrou's government in a no-confidence vote on Monday crushed any hope of making serious headway next year on France's budget deficit - the biggest in the euro zone. Opposition parties toppled the veteran centrist over his plans for a 44 billion euro ($52 billion) budget squeeze that will now inevitably be heavily watered down by whomever President Emmanuel Macron taps as his successor. "There is no upside scenario, there is no way out, there is no credible scenario where you end up with the same amount of fiscal consolidation," said Frederik Ducrozet, head of macroeconomic research at Pictet Wealth Management. Finance Minister Eric Lombard has acknowledged the next government, which must draft a 2026 budget by October 7, would be less ambitious than Bayrou, a longtime debt hawk. Bayrou's successor is also likely to rely more heavily on taxes than spending cuts to reduce the budget deficit with the Socialists - from whose ranks the next prime minister could come - calling for a 15 billion euro tax hike on the ultra-wealthy. But financial markets may frown on tax increases, especially broader measures, fearful they may choke off growth - already a worry in Britain. "What we're increasingly seeing is a reluctance of market participants to buy the taxation route as a viable way to reduce big fiscal deficits," said Russel Matthews, portfolio manager at RBC BlueBay Asset Management, which is betting against French bonds. "It's just becoming less credible," he said. French government bonds and stocks responded modestly on Tuesday to the government's collapse, which had been widely expected. DEBT TRAP Macron is not currently signalling plans to call a snap legislative election, and polls indicate doing so would not necessarily give a majority to any one party and break the deadlock. With France's politics in chaos and its public finances adrift, households and businesses are already hesitant to spend or invest. "Retail customers are like companies. The more visibility you have, the more you are able to invest and spend money for the future," automaker Renault's Chief Growth Officer Fabrice Cambolive told Reuters. Slow growth is particularly problematic for a high-debt country like France, because it cannot simply count on growing its way out from under its debt burden, which reached 3.3 trillion euros in June or 114% of GDP. 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 New Orleans mother of a 12-year-old autistic boy whose body was discovered after he wandered away from home and was attacked by an alligator has been arrested. Hilda Vasquez, 34, was taken into custody Wednesday on charges of negligent homicide and second-degree cruelty to juveniles in connection with the death of her son, Bryan Vasquez, according to New Orleans police. There has been a pattern of both negligence and abuse over Bryans 12 years, and so we believe we can prove that pattern of negligence and abuse lead to a severe injury, undue pain and suffering on his part, NOPD Deputy Supt. Nicholas Gernon said during a press conference Sunday. Bryan, who was nonverbal, slipped out of a bedroom window on August 14 and disappeared. Doorbell camera footage captured the boy, wearing only a nappy, walking alone down the street at around 5:20 a.m. Nearly two weeks later, on August 26, the childs body was discovered by a drone in a canal, and an autopsy determined he died from blunt force trauma due to an alligator and drowning. open image in gallery Bryans body was found two weeks later ( New Orleans Police Department ) Police said Vasquez gave conflicting statements in the days after Bryans disappearance. Vasquez allegedly told detectives that on the night of August 13, she gave her son a sleep aid. She later woke around 3 a.m. to tend to her newborn and found Bryan in the kitchen looking for food. Vasquez claimed she walked him back to bed in his sisters room, but when she left the house later that morning to take another child to school, leaving Bryan and another child at the house alone, she admitted she did not check on Bryan. It wasnt until around 10 a.m. that Vasquez noticed her son was gone. She called out for her daughter, who told her Bryan had slipped out of the house again. That discovery launched a days-long search that drew in police, wildlife agents, volunteers and airboats. open image in gallery Neighbors and friends of the Vasquez family searched Village De L'East in New Orleans on August 17 A coroner's autopsy determined that Bryan drowned after he sustained trauma from an alligator, Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said. The boy was found about 200 yards from where the search had started. Kirkpatrick said it is possible his body resurfaced after he died, which is common in drowning deaths. As a result of Vasquezs failure to protect and check on Bryan, he sustained serious bodily harm after he left the residence and entered the water, police said. Investigators said Vasquez later revealed that Bryan had run away twice in the weeks before his disappearance. On August 1, police found him naked and drinking from a drainage ditch. Three days later, a neighbor brought him home after finding him outside again, but that incident was never reported. Police said Bryan was previously removed from the home as an infant after sustaining injuries, including a skull fracture, broken legs, and a collapsed lung, but was later returned by the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS). open image in gallery Investigators said Hilda Vasquez later revealed that Bryan had run away twice in the weeks before his disappearance ( New Orleans Police Department ) When he was three months old, she committed a skull fracture, broken legs, and a collapsed lung, Gernon said. At that point he was removed from the home, and at some point subsequent to that, DCFS returned him back to the home. The boys death also raised questions about the New Orleans Police Departments handling of the case. Relatives said there was a nearly five-hour delay between Vasquezs 911 call and the arrival of officers at the familys home. Kirkpatrick has acknowledged the gap and confirmed an internal investigation is underway. She also said she asked the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to remove nuisance alligators from the area, which is home to the largest alligator population in the nation, the Associated Press reported. Vasquez is currently held at Orleans Parish Jail Central Lockup. 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 Residents of an Oregon condominium complex made the horrifying discovery that a strange man had been living inside a crawlspace for an extended period of time decking out the space with TVs, electronics and a stash of meth, authorities said. Beniamin Bucur, 40, was arrested and charged with first-degree burglary and unlawful possession of meth after he was found hiding out in a condominium complex near Happy Valley, a suburb of Portland, the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said. The alarming discovery was made late Wednesday as sheriffs deputies were called to the condo around 11 p.m. by a resident who reported seeing a strange man park his car and walk to the back of one of the buildings. The caller said they didnt believe the man lived in the condominiums and told authorities they noticed a mysterious light from the crawlspace of one of the residences. The witness also noticed the door to the crawl space was open and light was coming from inside, the sheriffs office said. The door then closed. open image in gallery Residents of an Oregon condominium complex made the horrifying discovery of a man living inside a condos crawl space for an extended period of time, authorities said. ( Clackamas County Sheriff's Office ) open image in gallery Police were called after the strange man was spotted near the condominiums, authorities said. ( Clackamas County Sheriff's Office ) Inside the condo, deputies discovered the door to the crawl space had been damaged and locked. The owner of the home said that there shouldnt have been any lights on inside. The owner also admitted to police that they had heard strange noises coming from the crawlspace before, but never looked into it, the sheriffs office said. The resident gave authorities keys for the crawl space, which did not work, prompting deputies to break the door. Once inside, they discovered Bucur, who had taken significant steps to improve the conditions of the crawl space and was obviously living inside, the sheriffs office said. Deputies observed a bed, lights, chargers, TVs, and other electronics plugged into the power of the house, authorities said. open image in gallery Inside the crawl space, authorities said they found a makeshift home, including a bed, TVs and electronics. ( Clackamas County Sheriff's Office ) Photos showed string lights strung above tarps and a makeshift gaming station. Deputies believe Bucur had been living in the crawl space for an extended period of time. The sheriffs office did not specify how long they believed he had been living in the space. Authorities said they also found a pipe with white residue that tested positive for methamphetamine at the scene, the sheriffs office said. Bucur was booked into the Clackamas County Jail Thursday, where a judge set his bail to $75,000 during a preliminary hearing, according to the sheriffs office. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice What started as a late-night dispute over a bar tab at an Orlando dive bar ended in bloodshed, police say, after a bartender allegedly stabbed a patron 10 times in the face and back of the head. The suspect, identified by police as 30-year-old Jason Rosario, has been arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder, according to the jail website. Investigators say Rosario had been working the bar at Grumpys Underground when an argument broke out over a tab. The fight spilled into an alley, where the men exchanged punches before Rosario allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim 10 times. The injured patron then stumbled back into the bar, while Rosario is said to have fled the scene. Officers were alerted around 5:36 a.m. on August 31, when a woman with blood on her hands flagged them down and told them she had just witnessed a fight behind the bar, according to an Orange County arrest affidavit obtained by FOX35. open image in gallery The suspect, identified by police as 30-year-old Jason Rosario, has been arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder ( Orange County Jail ) The woman said she heard two men fighting by a dumpster but did not see the brawl directly. When one of the men brushed past her and told her someone was stabbed, she realized the blood on her hands had come from one of them. While she was speaking with officers, the bars owner, Amanda Fields, walked up and said, Saucy stabbed someone, and its not OK. In an interview with FOX35, Fields later explained the argument was over a bar tab and that it escalated into physical violence. The guy with the tab left, she said. He left the building, he went home, but his best friend stayed behind and just argued with the two, kept arguing. I kicked everybody out. I thought everybody had left for the night and about an hour went by, maybe a half an hour to an hour and the next thing I know somebody came in injured. Fields clarified that Rosario was not an official employee but had trained with them in the past and because it was busy that night, jumped in to help. open image in gallery Investigators said Rosario had been helping out behind the bar at Grumpys Underground when the argument broke out over a tab ( Google Maps ) He worked in maybe six months, like twice, but he was never hired on because he wasnt a good fit to begin with, she said. But he never did anything violent or anything. He just, not a big smile or anything. I cooperated fully, and I wanted him put in jail, because its just not OK. The victim who was stabbed is expected to recover from his injuries, police said. His identity was not released. Rosario was later taken into police custody and is being held at the Orange County jail without 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 Francis Wolke moved across the country to Silicon Valley with a dream to join the ranks of the wealthy elite. But instead the 30-year-old computer programmer went down a dark path and his name would become synonymous with one of the most gruesome murders in Bay Area memory. On December 12, 2018, police found Wolke inside the Menlo Park home of 62-year-old Kathleen Kathy Hughes Anderson. The longtime arborist for the town of Atherton lay nearly decapitated in the basement with a ballpoint pen lodged in her eye. Wolke, covered in blood, admitted to killing her. He later told investigators he believed he had to commit the murder and consume human flesh in order to join the 1% and stay young forever. open image in gallery Francis Wolke stabbed Kathleen Hughes Anderson to death at her Menlo Park home on Dec. 12, 2018 ( San Mateo County Jail ) That chilling claim, and the twisted journey that led Wolke from Cincinnati to California, is at the center of the first episode of The Tech Bro Murders, a new Investigation Discovery docuseries premiering Tuesday, September 9 at 10 p.m. ET /9 p.m. CT, with weekly episodes streaming on HBO Max. A brutal crime with bizarre motives The first episode of The Tech Bro Murders brings viewers directly into the crime scene through the eyes of Daniel Baggett, Andersons friend whom she dated after her husbands death in 2007. On the night of her murder, Baggett said he felt something pulling him to her house. When Anderson didnt respond to his calls, Baggett decided to check on her. What he found has haunted him ever since Wolke in Andersons house, covered in her blood. According to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office, Wolke tried to strangle Anderson and when that didnt work, he jabbed a pen into her eye and used a handsaw on her that nearly decapitated her. He was interrupted by Baggett, who held him at knifepoint until police arrived. When police arrived, they found both men inside and placed them both under arrest. open image in gallery Kathy Anderson, 62, a former arborist was found nearly decapitated with a pen lodged in her eye ( Kathy Hughes Anderson Memorial Tree Fund ) Retired Palo Alto PD detective Sandra Brown, who appears on the docuseries to unpack the twisted cases, explains that finding two men holding knives at each other meant they were left asking: who was the killer? One man had a previous relationship with her, but there was no known relationship or prior contact between Wolke and Anderson. Wolke was quickly charged with the murder, and police believe Baggetts presence at the home that night may have prevented Wolke from fleeing. He was the one who stopped Franis Wolke from getting away, Brown said. If Francis Wolke had gotten away, its possible we wouldve never found him. I was never treated like a hero, Baggett said with a shrug. I just wish she was still here. I was just glad that I was able to do what I believe Kathy wanted me to do and that was to make sure he didnt get away. I believe what was pulling me to that house that night was her, he added through tears. open image in gallery Retired Palo Alto PD detective Sandra Brown appears on the docuseries Tech Bro Murders to unpack the twisted cases ( Investigation Discovery ) Wolke pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and the dark motivations behind the murder began to come to light. Wolke first moved from Cincinnati to Silicon Valley in 2014, with dreams of being the next Mark Zuckerberg. He had told his family that he had connections to important people in California. He met Daniel Girshovich at a cryptocurrency convention and was invited to stay at his apartment. Girshovich later testified that Wolke was working on an operating system that would give users more control over their computers and spent all his time on it, rarely sleeping or eating. He described Wolke as eccentric, arrogant, stubborn, an extreme outlier, due to his hostile behavior and his views on modern society, The Almanac reported. Tensions escalated in the shared apartment and Wolke was asked to move out after about six months. Wolke was homeless for months before his parents sent him a bus ticket and he returned home for a short time. But just two days before the murder, he returned to California. According to court testimony, on the night of the murder, Wolke was plagued by auditory hallucinations and delusions that the worlds wealthiest 1% secretly maintained their power through ritual murder and cannibalism. He told psychiatrists he wanted to become a protein harvester, believing he could join the elite by killing and consuming another human. Wolkes defense attorney Connie OBrien told the court that Wolke had auditory hallucinations several times on the bus ride from Cincinnati back to the Bay Area. He argued that Wolke was suffering from psychosis at the time of the murder and that he was unable to understand his behavior as morally wrong. open image in gallery Anderson, a fixture in her community, devoted the majority of her working years caring for trees ( Kathy Hughes Anderson Memorial Tree Fund ) Dr. David Berke, a forensic psychologist who testified at the trial, said that Wolke believed there exists a 1% of the population that kills people and eats their stem cells which gives them almost eternal youth, and that what he did would be approved of by the 1%. Berke also testified that Wolke stayed in Anderons home for hours after the murder and even took a nap which meant that he did not fully understand the gravity of his actions, he said. After a jury found Wolke guilty of murder, San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Stephanie Garratt sentenced him to 26 years to life term with more than 1,600 days credit for time served, saying that the murder Wolke committed is every womans worst nightmare. Investigation Discoverys The Tech Bro Murders premieres Tuesday, September 9 at 10/9c, with new episodes airing weekly. Episodes will be available to stream on HBO Max. 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 New surveillance footage captures the final moments of a Ukrainian refugees life before she was stabbed to death on a light rail train in North Carolina. Iryna Zarutska, 23, had only recently arrived in the U.S. seeking safety and new beginnings after fleeing her war-torn home, according to a GoFundMe campaign set up to support her family. The Charlotte Area Transit System has released footage that showed Zarutska boarding the Lynx Blue Line just after 9:45 p.m. on August 22 at the East/West Boulevard light rail station in South End. Wearing her pizzeria job uniform, Zarutska was seen scrolling on her phone as she sat in front of a man in a red hoodie who was making strange faces. The train travels for approximately four-and-[a]-half minutes before the suspect pulls [a] knife from his pocket, unfolds the knife, pauses, then stands up, and strikes at the victim three times, according to a police detective in an affidavit seen by CNN. open image in gallery Surveillance footage shows the suspect sitting behind Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail train ( Charlotte Area Transit System ) The video shows the suspect moving through the railcar after the stabbing, passing passengers who appear unaware of what has just happened, before pausing by the door to exit. When fellow passengers realize the young woman has been attacked, bystanders rush to her aid. The victim was later pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect got off at the next stop, and police said a folding knife was later recovered near the platform. Decarlos Brown Jr, a 34-year-old homeless person, was arrested on August 28 and charged with first-degree murder, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said. open image in gallery Ukrainian refugee Zarutska had come to the U.S. for a new life ( GoFundMe ) He was being held without bond and recently ordered to complete a competency evaluation for the trial, WBTV reported. After the surveillance video was published, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles condemned the senseless and tragic attack. The video of the heartbreaking attack that took Iryna Zarutskas life is now public, she said. This was a senseless and tragic loss. My prayers remain with her loved ones as they continue to grieve through an unimaginable time. In the GoFundMe campaign, which had raised almost $75,000 by Monday morning, a family friend said: Ira had recently arrived in the United States, seeking safety from the war and hoping for a new beginning. Tragically, her life was cut short far too soon. This is an irreparable loss for her family. open image in gallery Brown Jr is facing a first-degree murder charge ( Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office ) The suspect, who, according to Axios has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, has an extensive criminal history that includes robbery and larceny convictions dating back to 2011. GoFundMe was forced to pull down a handful of appeals seeking to raise funds for the accused killer after online uproar over screengrabs posted to social media during the weekend. While what happened on the Blue Line was a tragedy, what we mustnt lose sight of is the fact that Decarlos Brown Jr. was failed categorically by the judicial system and the mental health services of North Carolina, and as such is not entirely to blame for what happened, one page had claimed, according to the New York Post. GoFundMes Terms of Service explicitly prohibit fundraisers that raise money for the legal defense of anyone formally charged with an alleged violent crime, a spokesperson told Newsweek. Consistent with this longstanding policy, the fundraisers have been removed from the platform, and the donors who contributed have been fully refunded. Brown has 14 previous court cases in Mecklenburg County. He previously spent six years in a North Carolina prison after convictions for robbery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering, and larceny, WCNC reported. Following his release in September 2020, he was arrested again in September 2022 for assault on a female in Mecklenburg County. Brown was arrested again in January 2025 for misusing the 911 system after he allegedly reported police officers for not taking a medical issue seriously. He was arrested and was in court this past July for the case, which will require a forensic evaluator to be appointed to examine his condition. (Reuters) -Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Sunday he had decided to resign, ushering in a potentially lengthy period of policy paralysis at a shaky moment for the world's fourth-largest economy. Ishiba, 68, instructed his Liberal Democratic Party - which has governed Japan for almost all of the post-war era - to hold an emergency leadership race, adding he would continue his duties until a successor was elected. Here are comments from market analysts. MARCHEL ALEXANDROVICH, ECONOMIST, SALTMARSH ECONOMICS, LONDON: "The focus for the markets will be on what happens to bond yields. But its exactly what we are seeing in other parts of the world - uncertainty over fiscal policy and high levels of government debt are a toxic combination. As we continue to see in France, of course." MICHAEL BROWN, SENIOR RESEARCH STRATEGIST, PEPPERSTONE, LONDON: "I don't think we can say that the resignation is a complete surprise as it's been mooted for some time, but the timing of the announcement is certainly unexpected. As for the market reaction, this obviously introduces significant downside risks for the (yen) and for long-end (Japanese government bonds) when trade gets underway... "That selling pressure is likely to come first from the market now needing to price a greater degree of political risk, not only in terms of the LDP leadership contest but also the potential for a general election to be held if the new leader seeks a mandate of their own. "There's also the fiscal angle to consider, with candidates for the leadership all likely to propose looser fiscal stances than Ishiba, hence further pressuring the long end of the curve, where demand for JGBs had already been waning quite significantly. "For the (Bank of Japan), all this political uncertainty is likely to be a further delay to the tightening cycle. Policymakers had already been taking an incredibly cautious approach to rate hikes, an approach which they're now even more likely to maintain as political uncertainty ramps up." RONG REN GOH, PORTFOLIO MANAGER, EASTSPRING INVESTMENTS, SINGAPORE: "Ishiba's resignation was preceded by resignations of other senior members of his party, so it's not wholly unexpected in a way. "In terms of impact on JGBs and the yen, market participants appear more concerned about BOJ falling behind the curve, so are likely to focus on the coming two policy meetings in September and October to set the tone for JGBs and the yen. In my mind, the fiscal uncertainty is a secondary concern." Artificial intelligence startup Anthropic has agreed to pay a record-setting $1.5 billion to a group of book authors and publishers in order to settle a class action lawsuit. The payout is thought to be the largest in the history of U.S. copyright suits and could influence other cases where an AI company has been sued for copyright violations. Most Read from Fast Company This settlement sends a powerful message to AI companies and creators alike that taking copyrighted works from these pirate websites is wrong, Justin Nelson, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said in a statement. The suit, filed last year, was brought by authors Andrea Bartz, Charles Graeber, and Kirk Wallace Johnson over copyright infringement. They alleged that Anthropic used the authors copyrighted books to train its chatbot, Claude. Is AI training fair use? In June, a judge ruled that while Anthropic was allowed to train its AI model using books that it had acquired the copyright for under fair use rules, the startup had illegally acquired books via online libraries that contained bootleg copies of books. The judge concluded that the authors had cause for the case to proceed to a trial. That was slated to start in December. Now, according to a court filing on Friday, the startup has agreed to pay authors $3,000 for each of around 500,000 books it used to train its AI, plus interest. The company also agreed to destroy the datasets containing the allegedly pirated material. As best as we can tell, its the largest copyright recovery ever, Nelsons said, according to the Associated Press It is the first of its kind in the AI era, he added. Todays settlement, if approved, will resolve the plaintiffs remaining legacy claims. We remain committed to developing safe AI systems that help people and organizations extend their capabilities, advance scientific discovery, and solve complex problems, Anthropics deputy general counsel Aparna Sridhar said in a statement. What does this mean for other AI companies? The settlement may give other AI companies facing similar challenges to their use of copyrighted material to train their models pause. Back in June, the judge in this case affirmed that using books to train a large language model represented a transformative use of the workcrucial for fair usebut made a clear distinction if the books had been sourced illegally. The company has shut the well in for a period of soaking to improve hydrocarbon production via increased permeability and to maximise the potential for the fractures to remain open due to sand particles in the retained water acting as a proppant. It plans to follow up the soaking period with a 30-day production test to check the flow rate levels. Beetaloo Energy anticipates it will be able to release the high-stakes IP30 flow test results in October. The recent fracturing program was designed to maximise production rates and gas recovery levels. Water and sand were pumped underground at more than 100 barrels a minute, cracking up to five stages open a day. In total, a mammoth 11,000 tonnes of sand was rammed into the shale - about 337,000 pounds per stage - to keep the fractures wedged wide open. The 3.31km horizontal well sits at an average depth of 1580 metres below ground within a 70m-thick B shale reservoir. Beetaloo Energy managing director Alex Underwood said: The Beetaloo Energy team is pleased that the stimulation of Carpentaria-5H has generated an extensive network of fractures within the Middle Velkerri B shale from which we have flowed back both water as planned and significant associated gas during the clean-up phase. Underwood said the company applied a conservative flowback strategy, based on knowledge it gained from previous wells. He said management was pleased with the wells strong performance during the clean-up. Beetaloo Energy says horizontal drilling and hydraulic stimulation revolutionised the United States energy system, driving down energy prices and emissions intensity while stimulating economic activity. It believes Australia has the same opportunity through developing the Beetaloo Basin. Following successful hydraulic stimulation and production flow testing, the company plans to construct the Carpentaria pilot project. The project will determine a long-term production curve to support future development planning. Assuming a successful flow test, the well will then be tied into the Carpentaria gas plant for production. Beetaloo Energy will then seek the regulatory green light for gas sales under the NTs beneficial use of test gas rules. Adding anticipation to the moment of truth, the Northern Territory Government recently signed a long-term offtake agreement with the company, leaning on the emerging producer to deliver a minimum of 25 terajoules of gas a day with an option to lift that to 35TJ if production fires as planned to help stave off a looming supply crunch. Management has big plans to eventually draw sufficient gas from the basin to supply the NT government with as much as 100TJ of gas per day. Beetaloo Energy holds a commanding 117,000 square kilometres of prospective exploration tenements in the NTs McArthur Basin and Beetaloo sub-basins. Both basins offer enormous hydrocarbon potential. Management has every reason to feel good about life, after its neighbour Tamboran Resources revealed an eye-opening result from its Shenandoah South 2H sidetrack well. Tamborans 1671m horizontal well was drilled into the same Velkerri B shale and pumped out an impressive initial rate of 6.8 million cubic feet of gas a day over its first 60 days, easing only slightly to 6.4MMcf/d. Notably, production ticked up to 6.5MMcf/d between days 60 and 90 even as wellhead pressure eased and without a single downhole tweak. Beetaloo Energy is flush with cash. It has more than $27 million on hand and recently grabbed a $65 million funding package to maintain its growth momentum. The funding will enable further exploration, appraisal and development drilling and cover the build-out of vital project infrastructure. The prospect of success at Beetaloos 5H well has already seen the companys share price run from a May low of 15.5 cents a share to today sit at a 52-week high of 32c/share. If the upcoming flow test exceeds market expectations and proves up massive commercial rates of gas, market punters eyes might just pop like the proverbial cartoon wolf. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au The Murdochs have reached a deal cementing Lachlan Murdoch as the successor to the family empire, bringing an end to the decades-long battle against his siblings to control the media dynastys assets including Fox News, the Wall Street Journal and The Australian. But while Rupert Murdoch has secured the fate of his businesses the fallout from Project Harmony has killed any possibility of peace between the members of the family, one longtime Murdoch lieutenant told this masthead in the aftermath, speaking on condition of anonymity. Rupert Murdoch has ensured his media empires conservative editorial will continue after his death. Credit: Marija Ercegovac Statements from both News Corp and Fox Corp on Tuesday morning said the mutual resolution on the legal proceedings rumbling on relating to the Murdoch Family Trust resulted in the termination of all litigation, and a severing of ties with three of Murdochs children. Lachlan and Rupert Murdoch are very pleased with the deal, which was finalised in New York, a source with direct knowledge of the negotiations said, but not authorised to speak publicly. Baz Luhrmanns new Elvis Presley film EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert has premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to a standing ovation, closing the loop on a journey that began for the filmmaker when he was developing his critically acclaimed 2022 biopic Elvis. The new film, a blend of documentary, concert film and narrated autobiography, was assembled from unearthed fragments of archival material believed lost from Elvis: Thats the Way It Is, the film of Presleys 1970 Las Vegas summer residency, and another road concert film, 1972s Elvis on Tour. Baz Luhrmann in Toronto for the premiere of EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert. Credit: Leon Bennett/Getty Images Its not a documentary, its not a concert film, Luhrmann said, speaking after the premiere screening in Toronto at the weekend. Instead of people telling you about Elvis, it [is a film in which] Elvis sings and, for someone who wasnt that verbal, [he] tells his story like never before. The storyteller is Elvis himself. Presley, the Mississippi-born, Tennessee-raised musician, was one of the most influential music artists of all time, rising to prominence in the 1950s, parlaying his success on the concert stage into a film career and selling more than 500 million records worldwide during his career. Presley died in 1977. Australias bid to block China from gaining a security foothold in the Pacific through ports, airports and other sensitive critical infrastructure assets has been dealt a blow, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was forced to scrap plans to sign a sweeping $500 million treaty-level agreement with Vanuatu. Albanese hoped to kickstart a major fortnight of diplomacy in the Pacific by finalising a long-awaited deal with his Vanuatu counterpart during a visit to the capital of Port Vila today, but political jostling in Vanuatu meant the 10-year agreement was put back on ice at the last minute. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu counterpart Jotham Napat in Port Vila on Tuesday. Credit: Michael Read Vanuatuan Prime Minister Jotham Napat said the key sticking point was that the pact, known as the Nakamal Agreement, could overly restrict Vanuatus ability to receive funding from other nations for critical infrastructure projects. Some of my ministers and my MPs feel it requires more discussion, particularly on some of the specific wordings in the agreement, Napat said during a joint press conference. Beijing last year funded a new presidential palace for Vanuatu and welcomed the Melanesian nations active participation in its Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, raising concerns in Canberra about deepening ties with China. The setback is a blow for the Albanese government following its success at negotiating treaty-level agreements with Tuvalu and Nauru, which grant Australia defacto veto rights over any security and military agreements with countries including China. Albanese said he and Napat made good progress during their meeting and would keep working towards striking an agreement. Both sides will go through our processes, but were very confident that the agreement can be reached, and Im reassured by the discussion Ive had with the prime minister, Albanese said. Bruce Lehrmann has launched a legal challenge against the national corruption watchdog in the Federal Court. The former federal Liberal staffer filed documents initiating the proceedings in the Federal Courts NSW registry last week. Bruce Lehrmann in June last year. Credit: Dan Peled The respondents to the proceedings are the Commonwealth Special Minister of State Don Farrell and Paul Brereton, the head of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, but it is not a claim for compensation. The proceedings invoke section 39B of the Commonwealth Judiciary Act, the Federal Courts online records show, but the court has yet to release any documents. As my name indicates, I am of Indian heritage. Now 83 years old, I arrived in Australia more than five decades ago. Whenever I meet newly arrived Indians, they often ask me about racism in Australia when I arrived. My answer has always been, I never experienced any racism 55 or so years ago, but in recent years I have had my share of unfortunate encounters at a personal level. Surendra Verma with friends of more than 50 years. When I arrived here, institutional racism was in full force: the White Australia policy did not end until 1975. In those happy days, you could walk into the Australian embassy in New Delhi and enquire about your application. I noticed that my file was clearly marked non-European. But still, I was here, a non-European, as they were the dying days of this abominable policy. Yet no neo-Nazis were shouting to keep Australia white. There were no crowds of anti-migration Australians marching in the streets. Erin Patterson stood for the judge as the sentence was read out: life in prison, with a non-parole period of 33 years. This makes her one of Victorias longest-serving female inmates. She will have just turned 82 before she is granted the opportunity for freedom. With no reaction or emotion, Patterson was led from courtroom four at Victorias Supreme Court, tapping twice on the media bench as she walked past. Erin Pattersons mushroom lunch guests: Don Patterson, Gail Patterson, Heather Wilkinson and Ian Wilkinson. During Justice Christopher Beales sentencing remarks, Patterson largely kept her eyes closed, except for one moment. When the judge spoke of the intense media scrutiny Patterson has been made to endure and how that will make her jail time harder she opened her eyes to glare at the reporters taking notes in the Supreme Court. It was a pointed look, after more than 10 minutes of listening to Justice Beale with her eyes closed. With time already served since her arrest in November 2023, she will be eligible for release in October 2056. Beale noted Patterson also invited her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, saying she had some important medical news to tell at the lunch. He later declined, saying he felt uncomfortable attending. I am satisfied that by the 16th of July, 2023 when you unusually invited Simon, his parents and his aunt and uncle to a lunch without the children to discuss your non-existent medical issues, you did so with the intention of killing them, Beale said. 2. Killer had no pity for her victims Beale said when Patterson learned from her former partner that some or all of her lunch guests had fallen seriously ill, she showed no pity for her victims. Instead of informing those treating the Pattersons and Wilkinsons that you had used foraged mushrooms, which you could have done without having to admit that you had deliberately poisoned their meals, you repeatedly denied foraging, insisting that the mushrooms in the beef Wellingtons were sourced solely from Woolworths and an Asian grocery, Beale said. I should infer from your pitiless behaviour that your intention to kill was ongoing and that this constitutes an additional aggravating circumstance. Loading Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson died on August 4, six days after eating the beef Wellingtons. Don Patterson died the following day, August 5. 3. The victims suffering was protracted Beale said the tragedy had impacted four generations of the Patterson and Wilkinson families, who were traumatised by Pattersons crimes. Dons mother, Martha Patterson, who is aged 100, made a victim impact statement. In it, she prays for Gods healing for her family. Gail and Heathers father, now deceased, also reached his 100th birthday in 2024 but tragically, only one of his three daughters ... was alive to mark that milestone with him. Beale said the victim impact statements from both families made many references to the trauma they had experienced, while the Patterson family spoke of the stress of watching their parents suffer in hospital. There is, of course, great anger at the callousness of your actions, he told Patterson. To take just one example, Ian Wilkinsons sister, Dorothy Dicker, questions how anyone could sit there and watch those four kind and caring people eat that meal. Don and Gail Patterson. Your failure to exhibit any remorse pours salt into all the victims wounds. Beale said it was implausible that Patterson had selected death cap mushrooms without realising the long, painful death her lunch guests would endure. Ian Wilkinson after the sentencing. Credit: Getty Images He also noted that while Ian Wilkinson had survived, he continued to suffer ongoing medical issues as a result of his brush with death. 4. A devastating betrayal of trust Beale concluded his analysis of the victim impact statements with words from the Pattersons son, Matthew. Erin was embraced as part of the Patterson family. She was welcome and treated with genuine love and respect in a way she did not appear to experience from her own family, Beale read. Her actions represent a profound and devastating betrayal of the trust and love extended to her. Beale then said: Having regard to the abating circumstances of your offending and the victim impact statements, I have no hesitation in finding that your offending falls into the worst category for the offences of murder and attempted murder. 5. Pattersons custody in conditions Beale said the main mitigating factor for Patterson was the conditions she is enduring during her incarceration at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre a maximum security womens prison in Melbournes west. He said Patterson was not permitted to mix with other women in the unit where she is housed and spends at least 22 hours a day in her cell. Loading You have effectively been held in continuous solitary confinement for the last 15 months, Beale said. And at the very least, there is a substantial chance that, for your protection, you will continue to be held in solitary confinement for years to come. Beale said the unprecedented interest in the case meant Patterson was likely to remain a notorious prisoner for many years to come, and as such, remain at significant risk from other prisoners. The harsh prison conditions that you have experienced already, the likely prospect of solitary confinement for the foreseeable future, are important and weighty considerations which would count for something in a sentencing exercise. 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 Convicted triple murderer Erin Patterson showed no pity for her victims, no remorse over their deaths and continued to pour salt in the wounds of their families with her lies. One of Australias most notorious killers sat with her eyes closed as Justice Christopher Beale delivered the damning assessment of her crimes which he said remain without explanation more than two years after the deaths of Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson. Erin Pattersons sentencing at the Supreme Court. Credit: The Age Patterson opened her eyes only a handful of times as she was sentenced to life in jail with a non-parole period of 33 years. This included when the judge mentioned surviving lunch guest Ian Wilkinsons offer of forgiveness, and a scowl towards the media when Beale said her case was so infamous she was likely to remain in restricted conditions in custody. I have no hesitation in finding your offending falls into the worst category. The gravity of your offending warrants the maximum penalties for your crimes, Beale said. The word used again and again in the [victim impact] statements to describe your crimes is senseless. Advertisement Your failure to exhibit any remorse pours salt into all the victims wounds. Watching on from the courtroom as Beale delivered his remarks was Ian Wilkinson, about a dozen members of both families and more than 80 members of the public packed into an upstairs gallery where people were seen peering over a wooden balustrade and glass screen down to where Patterson was seated below. There, Beale held nothing back as he described how Patterson had formed an intention to kill her guests 13 days before the fateful beef Wellington lunch when, after a Sunday church service, she invited them to her Leongatha home on July 29, 2023. The court heard the invite came after Patterson had a falling out with estranged husband Simon over child support and had been scathing of her in-laws role in the dispute. Don Patterson, Gail Patterson, Heather Wilkinson and Ian Wilkinson. When Simon Patterson cancelled on the eve of the lunch, it went ahead anyway and Erin Patterson watched her lunch guests eat their poisoned meal from different coloured plates to her own. Advertisement Patterson lied to the group about having cancer and, at Ian Wilkinsons suggestion, they prayed for her health. After the meal, when the four became gravely ill, Beale said the killer went to elaborate lengths to cover up her crime and had an ongoing intention to kill them. Credit: Matt Golding Patterson claimed the mushrooms used in the beef Wellington had come from Woolworths and an Asian grocer. She dumped a food dehydrator at the local tip and handed police a dummy phone instead of her own. She maintained the poisonings were all a terrible accident and that she too had consumed the meal, albeit falling only mildly ill. Beale found the jury rejected her elaborate explanation. I am satisfied that your vague story about the Asian grocery was a lie. When you realised that the lie would not work ... you changed tack: you concocted the story you told the jury about foraged mushrooms ending up in the container with the Asian grocery mushrooms and then, accidentally, ending up in the beef Wellingtons. Advertisement As the Wilkinsons daughter, Ruth Dubois, remarked in her victim impact statement, you followed through on your lethal plan. In handing down his sentence, Beale also made a number of other findings. These included that Patterson dumped the grey plates used to feed her guests, faked her cancer diagnosis as part of a plan to get the victims to attend, and falsely made out she fed her children leftovers of the same meal, all while having the gall to tell police she had been very, very helpful. Beale also addressed the lack of apparent motive in killing her lunch guests, saying some murders occur for no apparent reason and that only Patterson knows why she committed them. It was when he mentioned her children were deliberately not present at the lunch, though, that Patterson could be seen slightly shaking her head. Beale found the lunch guests also suffered greatly before they died. Their suffering, he said, was protracted. Advertisement Ian Wilkinson outside court. Credit: Getty Images Ian and Heathers son, David, remembers his mother being desperate for water which she was not allowed by medical staff and saying her insides were burning. David also mentions his fathers tortured appearance black lips, gaunt face, pained and serious expression, he said. Loading It is implausible that you would have selected death cap mushrooms without ascertaining how they would work upon your victims. Your crimes have impacted a great many people. Not only did you cut short three lives and cause lasting damage to Ian Wilkinsons health ... you inflicted untold suffering on your own children whom you robbed of their beloved grandparents. [Ian Wilkinson] offered you forgiveness for what you did to him. That offer of forgiveness presents you with an opportunity. You would do well to embrace it in the manner he suggests. Beale concluded his summary of her crimes with lines spoken by Don and Gails son, Matthew, about her betrayal of trust. Advertisement DUBAI (Reuters) -BlackRock will open an office in Kuwait and has appointed Ali AlQadhi to lead operations in the country, Kuwaiti state news agency KUNA reported on Monday, as the world's largest asset manager pursues a Gulf expansion. AlQadhi already heads BlackRock's client business for Kuwait and Qatar, a role he will continue, the agency reported. Kuwait's Capital Markets Authority said last week in a statement it had granted an investment adviser licence to BlackRock Advisors (UK) Ltd, a unit of the U.S. asset manager. Its Kuwait office will include teams in customer service, financial advisory and its Aladdin technology platform, according to the report. BlackRock, which oversees $12.5 trillion in assets, has markedly expanded its footprint across the Gulf, in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Doha, cementing partnerships that span fund management, infrastructure, and advisory. (Reporting by Federico Maccioni; Editing by Jan Harvey) Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has challenged Opposition Leader Sussan Ley to order frontbench colleague Alex Hawke to apologise to her, escalating the infighting that has engulfed the Liberal Party over the firebrand senators claims about Indian immigration. Prices demand came after Hawke spent Monday calling on the senator to say sorry for claiming to the ABC last week that the federal government was bringing in migrants from particular countries over others to win votes, naming the Indian community as an example. Loggerheads: Alex Hawke and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen While Price quickly clarified her remarks, the senators refusal to apologise is infuriating colleagues and putting pressure on Leys leadership. Prices fresh demand will set another test for the opposition leader, who must rein in the senator or risk losing authority over her party room. Hawkes public calls for Prices apology came after the senator on Sunday issued a statement on social media accusing him of berating her staff and inappropriate and cowardly behaviour when he first asked her to say sorry. Doctors remove 28 kg plastic, 41 metal nails from pregnant cows stomach UNA : DOCTORS at a Government-run veterinary hospital here have removed 28 kg of plastic and 41 metal nails, among other things, from the stomach of a pregnant cow. The complex surgery was performed at Zonal Veterinary Hospital, Barnoh by a team of doctors led by hospital in-charge Dr Nishant Ranaut on Saturday. Dr Ranaut said that after the surgery, the cow will be monitored by veterinarians for seven days to ensure improvement in its health. The pregnant cow was brought to the hospital by Vipin Kumar, a resident of Kalruhi, and other locals. The cow had stopped eating and drinking water for the last four to five days. During the initial examination, the doctors suspected the presence of unnatural objects in her stomach. Various tests were conducted and it was decided to conduct a surgery, Dr Ranaut said. He said 28 kg of plastic, clothes, ropes and various metal pieces, including 41 nails, were removed from the cows stomach. So far, 53 complex surgeries like large diaphragmatic hernia have been successfully performed at the Zonal Veterinary Hospital. Modern facilities like every type of animal surgery, blood test and ultrasound are available here, due to which this hospital has emerged as a major centre in the region for the treatment of large animals, he added. Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry Department, Una, Dr Virendra Patial congratulated the team of doctors for this successful operation and appealed to people to not dump plastic waste, metal nails and other materials in open areas. People should dispose of garbage properly so that the protection of both animals and the environment can be ensured, he said. In a rare gesture, PM sits in last row during BJP workshop NEW DELHI : PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday attended the BJP workshops at the GMC Balayogi Auditorium in the Parliament complex, choosing to sit in the last row among fellow MPs, as the session unanimously passed a resolution endorsing the Centres sweeping Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms. In a rare gesture, PM Modi joined all BJP parliamentarians as an ordinary member, seated beside other MPs in the last row of the auditorium. The workshop passed the recent approval of major GST reforms by the GST Council on September 3, marking one of the most significant overhauls of Indias indirect tax regime. The Councils decision reduced the number of tax slabs and slashed rates across a wide range of essential goods and services. These reforms were in line with the promise made by the Prime Minister in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, where he had assured the middle class of relief under the GST framework. As per the new structure, only two main slabs -- 5 per cent and 18 per cent -- will remain, while a higher 40 per cent rate will be applied to sin goods. Officials stated that the revised structure is aimed at increasing disposable income for ordinary citizens, which in turn is expected to stimulate consumption and boost economic growth. Several essential items, including groceries, footwear, textiles, fertilisers and renewable energy products, will now become cheaper under the revised slabs. Goods that were earlier taxed at 12 per cent and 28 per cent have largely been shifted into the two primary categories, thereby easing the financial strain on households. The Government has projected that these reforms will not only provide relief to the middle class but also give fresh momentum to the economy. European luxury carmakers are rolling out new electric SUVs just as Tesla faces falling sales and shrinking market share. BMW and Mercedes-Benz unveiled new models in Munich in recent days, positioning themselves in the fast-growing category led by Teslas Model Y. BMW presented the iX3 while Mercedes launched an electric version of its GLC model. Both feature long driving ranges and AI assistants. Testing showed the iX3 can travel up to 497 miles on a charge while the GLC reaches 457 miles. Teslas updated Model Y long-range version, meanwhile, only hits 387 miles. BMW Chief Executive Oliver Zipse presented the new car on Friday, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime moment for his team. When else do you get to reimagine a brand like BMW from the ground up? he asked. The launches come as Tesla is losing ground in its core U.S. market. The market share of its EV sales fell to 38% in August, the lowest level since 2017, according to research firm Cox Automotive. The companys share dropped from nearly 49% in June to 42% in July, the sharpest decline in more than two years. Tesla once commanded more than 80% of the U.S. EV market. Sales of electric cars in the U.S. grew more than 24% in July as buyers rushed to benefit from federal tax credits and discounts. Teslas sales increased by 7% in that period, but competitors grew faster. In Europe, Tesla deliveries have declined by about one-third this year. "I know they're positioning themselves as a robotics, AI company. But when you're a car company, when you don't have new products, your share will start to decline," said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, Coxs director of industry insights, per Reuters. "These legacy manufacturers are all benefiting from this sense of urgency, and they're able to have attractive offerings for their vehicles - and it's working," Valdez Streaty added. Chinese manufacturers are also expanding in Europe with lower-priced SUVs that emphasize digital features. XPeng recently began selling its G6 model in Germany for about $55,800. Meanwhile, industry giant BYD has overtaken Teslas sales in Europe this year, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. In July, Teslas sales in the region fell 40% year-over-year to 8,837 vehicles, while BYDs rose 225% to 13,503. The German automakers are also working with U.S. tech firms to upgrade digital capabilities. BMW is working with Qualcomm, while Mercedes has partnered with Nvidia, and Google and OpenAI are supplying the AI for Mercedes virtual assistant. Kolkata woman gangraped during her birthday party in Kolkata KOLKATA : A YOUNG woman in Kolkata has filed a complaint of gang-rape during her birthday party against two of her acquaintances, said police on Sunday. The Kolkata Police said they have received a complaint of gangrape from the Haridevpur area in the southern outskirts of the State capital city. According to the police, the complaint was lodged late Saturday night at Haridevpur Police Station. Based on the complaint, the police have registered an FIR under relevant sections and started a search for the accused persons. The alleged incident took place on Friday. However, a complaint was lodged on Saturday night. The police said the 20-year-old woman is a resident of the Haridevpur police station area. As per the complaint, several months ago, she was introduced to a man named Chandan Mallick. The man introduced himself as the head of a large Durga Puja committee. Through him, the young woman was introduced to another young man named Deep. The two of them promised to get the young woman involved in the puja committee. According to police sources, one of the accused called the young woman to celebrate her birthday and took her to the house of the other accused. There, she was gangraped. After returning home, the young woman told her family members about the incident, following which she filed a complaint against the two at the police station. A senior officer of Kolkata Police said, The womans birthday was on Friday, September 5. On that occasion, the accused Chandan and Deep took the victim to a flat in the Regents Park area in south Kolkata. There, they had a meal. It is alleged that when the girl wanted to return home, the accused stopped her. Then, it is alleged that they locked the door and gang-raped her. After the torture, the woman somehow managed to leave the flat and return home. A complaint was lodged, and an FIR has been registered accordingly. We have started a search for the accused, the police officer said. Monsoon losses cross Rs 4,000 cr in Himachal Pradesh SHIMLA : HIMACHAL Pradesh has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 4,079 crore following cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains from June 20 till September 7, officials said on Sunday. So far 366 people have died in rain-related incidents and road accidents in the State. Out of the 366 people, 203 died in rain-related incidents, including 42 deaths in landslides, 17 in cloudbursts and nine in flash floods, while 41 are still missing while accidents claimed 163 deaths, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). A total of 6,025 houses and 455 shops/factories have been fully or partially damaged. The frequency of landslides is increasing with each passing day and 135 major landslides, 95 flash floods and 45 cloudbursts have ravaged parts of the State since the onset of monsoons on June 20. A total of 869 roads, including three national highways -- NH -3 (Mandi-Dharampur road), NH-5 (Old Hindustan-Tibet road) and NH-305 (Aut-Sainj road) -- are blocked for traffic and 1,572 power transformers and 389 water supply schemes were disrupted. Maximum numbers of 227 roads were closed in Kullu region, followed by 191 in Mandi, 154 in Shimla region and 116 in Chamba region. The Shimla-Theog road in the heart of the apple belt in Shimla district is closed near Chaila since Saturday due to continuous landslides in the area and a large number of vehicles, including apple-laden trucks and tempos are stranded en route. We have been stranded here since Saturday evening. Weather is bad and we are transporting apples to the markets but closure of roads are adding to the misery of growers, Bhur Sen from Rohru said. Meanwhile, the search and rescue operations in Bharmaur-Manimahesh in Chamba district has been called off on Saturday and the Deputy Commissioner Chamba Mukesh Repaswal had appealed to the general public to inform and share details on district helpline number -98166-98166 in case their family members are still missing. Jammu floods: HEAVY downpour again hampered the efforts of the National Highway Authority of India to restore traffic on the landslide-hit Jammu-Srinagar national highway which remained closed for the sixth consecutive day on Sunday, officials said. The pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills also remained suspended for the 13th straight day, while Border Roads Organisation (BRO) restored traffic on Basohli-Bani road in Kathua district after bypassing the damaged stretch, the officials said. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is still closed for vehicular movement. Restoration work is going on, a traffic department official said, advising people not to undertake their journey on the arterial road till the restoration work is completed. National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) Project Manager, Ramban sector, Shubam said heavy rains again caused disruption in the restoration efforts this morning to clear the 250-metre stretch, which remains buried under a hill, at Thard in Udhampur district. Explosives were used to blast giant boulders as part of efforts to ensure early restoration of the highway. Despite the rain, our men and machines are on the job but the work is going on at a slow pace, he said. Punjab floods: A SENIOR Border Security Force (BSF) officer on Sunday visited flood-affected frontier villages and posts in Punjabs Ferozepur district to take stock of the situation and the ongoing relief measures. Inspector General, Punjab Frontier, Atul Fulzele visited Pritam Singh Wala, Pachharian, Palla Megha, Jakhrawan, Basti Ramlal, Kamlewala Dulchike and Kilche villages, the statement issued by the BSF said. He also interacted with the villagers and assured them of the BSFs prompt and continued support, it said. While visiting medical camps organised by the BSF, Fulzele urged the locals to fully avail the free medical and veterinary facilities through such camps, which are planned daily for the next few days across the flood-hit villages along the Punjab border. Nagpur IMA creates history Over 2,000 cast votes for State polls Staff Reporter : Nagpur region is facing elections for the post of State IMA President for the first time The Nagpur branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has created history, as its whopping over 2,000 members exercised their franchise for the election of President of State IMA. For the first time, the Nagpur region of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) is going to polls to elect its President who will head the State body. This time, IMA claimed that it nominated noted ENT specialist Dr Prashant Nikhade, senior member of IMA, Past President of Nagpur IMA while well-known paediatrician Dr Manjusha Giri, Immediate Past President of Nagpur IMA filed a nomination leading to elections. As far as voting is concerned, IMA Nagpur had witnessed over 1,500 members casting their rights on two occasions in the past during local body polls when Dr Y S Deshpande and Dr Kishor Taori (late) were challenged by Dr Rajesh Ballal on two different occasions. This time the voting reached 2,009, though 50 members could not cast their vote as their names were missing from the voting list. Various branches were allotted different days, and Sunday (September 7) was the last day when Nagpur, Virar, Mulund and some other branches held voting. Most major branches, like Mumbai and Pune, witnessed a poor voting. In several branches in Mumbai and Pune, only 1,40, 150 etc members turned up for the voting. Usually the region concerned of IMA nominates its candidate unanimously, ensuring his or her election. The opposition to that system is now rising. Two years ago, the Vidarbha region too had gone to polls when IMA had claimed that it nominated Dr Dinesh Thakre of Amravati. But another group insisted on Dr Mangesh Gulwade of Chandrapur and an election was held. Same sentiments echoed for Nagpur region too as many felt that the nomination should not be decided by one particular group. There are nine regions of Maharashtra: IMA-Nagpur, Vidarbha, three regions of Konkan-Mumbai, Pune, North Maharashtra, Western Maharashtra, and Marathwada. Each region is given a chance to elect their President and it comes by rotation. Nine years ago Dr Y S Deshpande was elected unopposed. The ballot boxes are to be sent to Mumbai at IMA State Headquarters. They will be opened on September 14, 2025, and the result is likely to be out either by the same day evening or on September 15, 2025. NMCs 419 immersion tanks ensure eco-friendly Ganesh idols immersion in city Staff Reporter : Over 1.6 lakh idols immersed across city during 11 days, including 1.38 lakh on Anant Chaturdashi. 419 immersion tanks were created at 216 locations. 201.41 tonnes of nirmalya collected over the 11 days. From the crackle of dhol-tasha echoing through citys lanes to devotees clutching their Ganesh idols with mixed joy and sadness, every corner of the city reflected the spirit of Ganeshotsavs grand culmination on Saturday. Families and mandals danced their way to the immersion sites, chanting Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya, carrying a collective promise for the deitys return. The 11th day of the festival witnessed immersion of thousands of idols across the city. The immersion process, which began in the morning, stretched late into the night, yet unfolded in a largely disciplined and devotional atmosphere. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) had laid out arrangements to ensure a smooth immersion. A total of 419 immersion tanks were created at 216 locations across all ten zones of the city. Larger tanks were set up at Gorewada, Police Line Takli, and Kachhi Visa Ground, Lakadganj to accommodate bigger idols, where cranes were deployed to assist the process. To prevent crowding, immersion tanks were strategically spread across localities. At no single site overcrowding or long queues were observed. A report from the NMC mentioned that over the 11 days of the festival, a total of 1,52,069 clay idols and 9,456 idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) were immersed. The majority of these, 1,30,667 clay idols and 7,402 PoP idols, were immersed on Saturday alone. In addition, 201.41 tonnes of nirmalya (floral offerings) were collected separately over the 11 days, aided by the placement of urns at immersion sites to discourage offerings being thrown directly into the water. Supervised by NMC Commissioner and Administrator Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari, and monitored by Commissioner of Police Dr Ravinder Singal, the civic and police officials worked round the clock. Disaster management teams equipped with boats were stationed at larger sites, while police control rooms were set up at several immersion centres. Senior officials including Additional Commissioners Vasumana Pant and Vaishnavi B, Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management Rajesh Bhagat, and Chief Sanitation Officer Dr Gajendra Mahalle were also present to oversee the arrangements. Public response to NMCs appeal for an eco-friendly celebration was encouraging. While a few instances were observed of flowers being immersed along with idols, many devotees were mindful of removing nirmalya themselves, without needing intervention from sanitation staff or volunteers. Support from voluntary organisations and students also strengthened the citys effort. At multiple sites, members of Green Vigil Foundation and student volunteers from Shri Ramdeobaba College of Engineering and Management assisted devotees in the immersion process. For the convenience of senior citizens and families unable to travel, NMC had also arranged mobile immersion tanks on a call-based facility. Meanwhile, at Chitnis Park, fifteen immersion tanks were set up, named after rivers such as Godavari, Krishna, Narmada, Wainganga, and Wardha, giving the space both a symbolic and cultural resonance. Sasikala paid Rs 450 cr in old notes to buy sugar factory in TN during demonetisation: CBI NEW DELHI : V K SASIKALA, a close aide of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, had allegedly paid Rs 450 crore in old high-denomination currency notes to buy a sugar factory during demonetisation in 2016, according to an FIR lodged by the CBI. The CBI had registered the case on the Madras High Courts directions against Padmaadevi Sugars Limited (PSL) for allegedly causing a loss of Rs 120 crore to the Indian Overseas Bank (IOB). The account was declared fraud in 2020. Sasikala is not named as an accused in the FIR. The sugar factory of PSL (formerly known as SV Sugar Mills) that the bank had taken as collateral was attached by the income-tax department under the Benami Properties Transactions Act, according to the FIR. It is alleged that the I-T departments searches in connection with a case against Sasikala in 2017 resulted in a seizure of documents and loose sheets. The documents show that during the period of demonetisation, an amount of Rs 450 crore was paid for the purchase of a sugar mill belonging to the Patel Group, the bank has alleged in its complaint to the CBI. The complaint is now part of the FIR. Jayalalithaa passed away on December 5, 2016 at a private hospital in Chennai. The IOB complaint has alleged that Hitesh Shivgan Patel, who was managing the financial affairs of PSL and was also the in-charge of Prabhat Group, had stated on oath that he had received a total of Rs 450 crore in old high-denomination notes towards the sale of the sugar factory at Kancheepuram. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding the sale of the factory was entered into by Hitesh Shivgan Patel, his father Shivgan Patel and brother Dinesh Patel, the complaint has alleged. The MoU and original share certificates of SV Sugar Mills Limited, which were held by the Patels and entities of the Patel Group, were seized by the I-T department during searches on November 18, 2017. The tax department termed it benami property as the Patel Group was holding it even after the payment of Rs 450 crore towards the sale of PSL, along with shares and assets, for the alleged benefit of Sasikala, who paid the amount for the purchase. The complaint alleges that Sasikala is the beneficial owner and the property in the instant case -- the sugar factory of the PSL in Kancheepuram, along with the land, all the machinery, installations etc. -- is benami. After taking over the investigation in July, the CBI conducted searches at six locations in Tamil Nadu on August 12 in connection with the case, officials said. The allegations in the FIR include fraudulent availing of various credit facilities from the Indian Overseas Bank, misappropriation of property, diversion of bank funds to sister concerns and unrelated entities, siphoning of funds to related parties and interest-free advances to private firms, a CBI spokesperson had said. The charges also include cash deposits of suspicious origin during the period of demonetisation in 2016, the spokesperson of the agency had said in a statement. The company and its associate entities are also suspected of transferring funds to shell or benami concerns to conceal the end use of the borrowed amounts, she had said. Spanned across six locations in Tamil Nadu, including Tenkasi, Chennai and Tiruchirapalli, the search operation was conducted at residential premises of the companys directors and officers as well as at Appu Hotels Limited and Otium Wood Industries, which allegedly had suspicious transactions with PSL. u-turn ! ! ! SO, UNITED States President Mr. Donald Trump has finally and officially begun his great U-turn by hailing Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi as his friend and a great Prime Minister. Taking a cautious approach, Mr. Modi, too, has responded in the most formal manner --leaving aside the old warmth that he often displayed -- calling the American leader President Trump. The world will never miss the difference in the tones of the two world leaders. While Mr. Trump is trying to make up and win what he called lost case, Mr. Modi responded for the first time in weeks by refusing to cross the rubicon of formality. The difference, we must assert, is spiritual. The US President is trying to make amends, but the Indian Prime Minister is just being formal -- to the extent that he just wants to indicate that he was never averse to gentlemanly connect. In other words, Mr. Narendra Modi communicated to Mr. Trump and to the world that he has not appreciated the undignified manner in which the US President has treated India in the past few weeks -- though India never gave in to the temptation of a tit-for-tat response. Though to many this turn of events -- the U-turn and grieving for a lost friend in India etc etc -- may sound a slow return to normalcy of relations between US and India, there is no need to draw such hasty conclusions. For, Mr. Trump has caused much damage to the warmth that the two countries and leaders enjoyed until late and India, too, would take good time to recover from the uncouth American approach. True, India would try to be formal and calm and dignified which it has always been. But as the US leader made things go from bad to worse over the past some weeks, India felt the need to redefine its foreign policy nuances to make it much broader than ever. In that new calculus, every factor assumed an altogether different value and proportion in the changing consideration. This got reflected correctly in Mr. Modis formal response to Mr. Trumps so-called reminder of old friendship. f Mr. Trump got himself entrenched in a super-power mode to browbeat India, Mr. Modi made quick alterations in his stance and approach in which the US was only one of the impediments to Indias effort to spread its trade-arena globally. So, in the past some time, what India did was to move around the US obstacle to create newer opportunities for itself in trade as well as strategic matrices. Hence Mr. Modis formal response to Mr. Trump hyped warmth that looked so terribly out of place in the given situation. Of course, Indias overall approach and conduct always showed that it would never act spoilsport in diplomacy -- a game which Mr. Trump was playing much to his own peril. So, when Mr. Trump was indulging in senseless diatribes, Mr. Modi chose to ever utter the word Trump in any of his public utterances, nor chose to pick up as many as four phone calls from the US President (as reported by international media). This gentlemanly dignity has often characterised Mr. Modis diplomacy. That will continue even now. And if Indias relations with the US improve in the next some time, Mr. Modis ultimate sense of dignity would be the most critical factor in the restoration. Though there is no need to build castles in the air that the US may withdraw its tough tariff regime etc etc, it must be asserted that India has established a definitive edge over the American high-handedness by its calm and formal handling of the challenge. Bybit has resumed full access to its trading app for users in India, with website access expected to be fully restored in the coming days. The move follows the companys registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) and its compliance with Indias anti-money laundering regulations. Bybit Reopens App in India After $1M Fine; Full Website Access to Follow Bybit, the worlds second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, announced today, September 8, that its app is once again available on both the App Store and Google Play in India. Meanwhile, website access is being reintroduced gradually and is expected to return completely within three to four days. Bybits services were suspended after the Indian government fined the exchange 9.27 crore rupees ($1.06 million) on Jan. 31 for violating the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The regulator cited unregistered operations that triggered regulatory penalties and a website block under the Information Technology Act. With crypto services now restored, the exchange called this a major milestone in its long-term strategy for the Indian market. Bybit emphasized that the effort reflects its focus on trust, transparency, and security as it expands services for Indian users. Notably, Bybit registered with FIU-IND as a reporting entity in January, ensuring its operations comply with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This was a key step in meeting Indias financial reporting and anti-money laundering requirements. As a result, Bybit initially reactivated operations on Feb. 25, 2025, when authorized users regained access to trading features. However, complete functionality of apps and websites wasnt completed. The complete restoration of services required ongoing engagement with regulators and was achieved only after several months of dialogue. Bybit has now resumed offering a wide range of services to Indian customers. These include spot trading, derivatives, options, and copy trading. The company has also introduced stronger Know Your Customer (KYC) checks and enhanced security protocols to safeguard users. Bybits return comes as global competitors eye Indias fast-growing market. Coinbase, which launched locally in April 2022, faced swift regulatory headwinds. Just days after its debut, the company suspended Unified Payments Interface (UPI) support under informal pressure from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). By June that year, Coinbase stopped new user sign-ups, and by September 2023, it officially restricted Indian accounts that failed to meet revised standards. Similarly, Coinbase is also eyeing a re-entry into the India market. Riverwater Partners, an investment management company, released its Micro Opportunities Strategy Q2 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The strategy underperformed the benchmark in the second quarter due to the portfolios defensive positioning and the markets preference for low-quality companies. In addition, you can check the funds top 5 holdings to determine its best picks for 2025. In its second-quarter 2025 investor letter, Riverwater Micro Opportunities Strategy highlighted stocks such as Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:LEU). Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:LEU) is a nuclear fuel supplying company. The one-month return of Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:LEU) was -6.26%, and its shares gained 472.91% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On September 05, 2025, Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:LEU) stock closed at $205.39 per share, with a market capitalization of $3.74 billion. Riverwater Micro Opportunities Strategy stated the following regarding Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:LEU) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter: Cerity Partners, a US-based independent wealth manager, has revealed plans to merge with Graypoint, a financial advisory firm located in Albany, New York. Graypoint oversees assets worth more than $4.5bn for its clients. The firm's clientele includes high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and institutions. The expertise of Graypoint in advising corporate executives is anticipated to enhance Cerity Partners' Workplace Solutions offerings. Presently, Graypoint serves 60 nonprofits in and beyond New York's Capital Region. Post-merger, Graypoint will be rebranded to operate under the Cerity Partners name. Daniel Nolan, currently the president and CEO of Graypoint, is slated to become partner and vice chairman of Cerity Partners. Republic Capital Group is providing advisory services to Graypoint for the merger, with Alston & Bird acting as legal counsel. Cerity Partners has appointed Lowenstein Sandler for legal advice. Nolan said: This partnership is an extension of the same core values upon which Graypoint was founded. By joining forces with Cerity Partners, we are doubling down on our commitment to help clients preserve, steward and grow the wealth theyve createdand to help them define where their wealth meets purpose. Cerity Partners president and CEO Kurt Miscinski stated: Were truly excited to welcome our new partners and colleagues from Graypoint to our firm. Their breadth and depth of expertise are a wonderful complement to our firm. We look forward to building a world class firm with them. In April, Cerity Partners merged with Cook Wealth, a wealth management firm from Raleigh, North Carolina. Cook Wealth offers financial advising, tax advising, and investment management services tailored for professionals, business owners, and retirees. "Cerity to merge with New York financial advisory firm Graypoint " was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. On September 1, 2025, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wang Huning met in Beijing with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025. Wang Huning stated that General Secretary and President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Viet Nam this year, charting a new grand blueprint for deepening the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. China is ready to work with Viet Nam to speed up the implementation of the outcomes of the visit, comprehensively advance practical cooperation in various fields, and bring greater benefits to the people of both countries. The CPPCC National Committee is willing to work with the Vietnamese side to jointly contribute to advancing the building of a China-Viet Nam community with a shared future. Pham Minh Chinh said that developing relations with China is a strategic choice and top priority for Viet Nam. Viet Nam highly admires China for driving global economic growth through its own high-quality development, and looks forward to learning from and drawing on the theoretical and practical innovation outcomes of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Viet Nam is willing to work with China to implement the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two parties and two countries, and to elevate Viet Nam-China relations to a new level. Wang Yong and Wang Dongfeng, among others, attended the meeting. Chainlink CEO Sergey Nazarov met with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins, who Nazarov said was keenly interested in how best to bring on-chain assets into compliance with securities laws. The chief executive of Chainlink, a network specializing in authenticating real-world data for smart contracts, said he was impressed with how much the agency has shifted away from whether the U.S. should permit blockchain tokenization innovations into the financial system and instead is looking at how this can be conducted with maximum efficiency and market safety. "While cryptocurrencies define the majority of our industry's value today, I personally feel very strongly that the real-world asset trend and digital-asset tokenization in the institutional world will grow to be the majority of the market cap in our industry," Nazarov told CoinDesk in an interview after his Friday meeting. He said Atkins "has very clear ideas and goals with getting the traditional financial system operating correctly on-chain." Nazarov, who also met with the White House's new crypto liaison, Patrick Witt, on Friday, said he's very hopeful "based on the urgency and speed" the SEC and the White House are demonstrating. He said he thinks blockchain infrastructure will manage to find a place within broker-dealer and transfer agent rules, allowing full-in tokenization "maybe by the middle of next year." The Chainlink co-founder said one central task is getting blockchains to fully meet the standards for a "legally binding transfer" of assets. "That's a class of problems that's now getting worked through with us," he said, adding that Atkins understands it well and noted the chairman's recent address in which he announced his "Project Crypto" initiative. An SEC spokesman declined to comment on the meeting, though the agency has been building momentum with crypto-friendly statements, remarks and policy maneuvers. Just last week, the securities regulator issued a joint statement with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to tell registered platforms that they're OK to pursue spot trading of certain crypto assets, issued a near-term agenda that is crowded with crypto initiatives and got together with the CFTC on Friday to tell reporters that the two markets regulators will now be working in lockstep to pave the way for crypto. Under Atkins' predecessor, Gary Gensler, the agency had resisted embarking on tailored digital assets regulation. Atkins says the existing securities laws and agency powers offer ample authority to start work on friendly policies to clarify how the government approaches crypto. By Kritika Lamba and Krystal Hu (Reuters) - Data analytics firm Databricks said on Monday it was on track to hit $4 billion in annualized revenue on the back of booming demand for its artificial intelligence products, as it closed a $1 billion funding round. The Series K funding valued the company at $100 billion, making it one of the most valuable private companies in the world. The round was co-led by existing investors Andreessen Horowitz, Insight Partners, MGX, Thrive Capital and WCM Investment Management. The company plans to use the proceeds to accelerate its AI strategy, including expanding products, launching a new operational database category, and future AI acquisitions and research. In the second quarter, the company served around 15,000 customers, including energy major Shell and electric-vehicle maker Rivian, surpassing a $4 billion revenue run rate, with AI products reaching $1 billion. Databricks is targeting a net revenue retention above 140%, more than 650 customers with more than $1 million in annual spending and positive free cash flow over the past 12 months, the company said. CEO Ali Ghodsi said the company intends to remain cash-flow positive, which could keep the door open for an initial public listing, without committing to any specific timeline. The raise could help the company invest more in AI products such as Agent Bricks, a platform that helps people build AI autonomous systems, as well as its data warehouse product Lakebase, which has already generated tens of millions in annualized revenue since its launch in June. It has been actively making acquisitions, including the recent buy of machine learning startup Tecton. The San Francisco-based company has long been seen as a leading candidate to go public. The firm has received numerous investor inquiries since the successful $1.22 billion initial public offering of design software firm Figma, another venture capital-backed startup, in July, according to Ghodsi. Databricks, founded in 2013, offers a platform designed to help users ingest, analyze and build AI applications. (Reporting by Kritika Lamba in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore and Chris Reese) We all make mistakes when it comes to personal finance and leading financial expert and best-selling author Dave Ramsey highlights several of them in a YouTube video. While the name of the video may be a little off-putting, its important to note that Ramsey frequently talks about his own dumb money mistakes from his younger years, including declaring bankruptcy. For that reason, he has dedicated his career to helping as many people as possible overcome debt and achieve financial wealth. Here are Ramseys top money mistakes mentioned in this video. Read Next: Dave Ramsey Says This Is the Best Way To Pay Off Debt Check Out: These Cars May Seem Expensive, but They Rarely Need Repairs Buying a Home Before Marriage Ramsey explained that, in his experience, its a significant financial risk for people to purchase a house with someone they are not married to. He explained that it becomes very complicated and costly if couples break up and own such a significant asset together. Ramsey said that he has had collars in this exact situation and the outcome is typically expensive and stressful. Instead, he recommended purchasing a house with a spouse after the wedding. For You: I Made $10,000 Using One of Dave Ramseys Best Passive Income Ideas Upgrading a Car After Its Totaled Ramsey said another mistake many people make is upgrading their car after an accident, especially when they cant afford it. Ramsey explained that if someone were driving a $6,000 car, for example, then that means a $6,000 car works for them. If they are involved in an accident and receive a check for the cars value, many people end up upgrading their car, which can lead to financial stress. Instead, he recommended that people try to find a car with a price close to the one they were recently driving and save up cash if they want to upgrade their car in the future. Taking on Student Debt in Low-Paying Careers Lastly, Ramsey advises being mindful of the career paths associated with a chosen degree. He said too many students borrow a significant amount of student loans for careers that dont enable them to earn enough to live and pay them back simultaneously. He strongly suggested that students consider their earning potential before borrowing money for college. Currently, there is $1.8 trillion in outstanding student loan debt in the United States, according to the Education Data Initiative. Remember, there are many ways to make college tuition more affordable, including attending a community college first or finding a workplace that offers tuition reimbursements. Invite or summon to Raj Bhavan Scripting confusion | Anticipated visit of a VVIP. Suddenly anticipated is the term which has gained currency and not without reason, for here is a case of a person deemed to go one or two steps up from the understanding of a VIP, and this has come about after Manipur went up in flames more than two years ago on May 3, 2023. The anticipated visit also comes close on the heels of two very significant developments in Manipur, the extension of the Suspension of Operations pact with the Kuki-Zo militants as well as the announcement that the National Highways have been re-opened and the debates and arguments that have followed following the announcements. And it is amid the debates and arguments that Raj Bhavan called all the BJP MLAs for a meeting on September 6. A sort of throwing open the gate of the Raj Bhavan to the Who is Who in the House of 60 for the invite was not even extended to the MLAs supping with the BJP led Government at Imphal, such as MLAs from the Naga Peoples Front. Making it all the more interesting is also the fact that none of the late comers into the BJP fold, the MLAs who switched side to the BJP from the JD (U), were invited to the elite do at the Raj Bhavan. A meeting held strictly with those who are genuine saffron and ahead of the anticipated visit of the VVIP. Even as the focus of the people is on the proposed visit, the Zomi Council, Kuki-Zo Council and the armed groups under the KNO and UPF have come out with their own interpretations of what re-opening the National Highways is all about. To these groups of people or organisations, the National Highways have always been left opened and the safety and security of anyone travelling on the highway is the concern of the security personnel and capped this off with the observation that the buffer zones should be respected. Opening the highways is not endorsement of unrestricted movement between Meitei and Kuki-Zo areas, is the stand of the groups under the SoO pact, a point which was earlier spelt out by the Kuki-Zo Council as well as the Zomi Council. Not surprising that these CSOs and the armed groups should talk in the same language, a language which basically goes against what Delhi had said. Interesting developments in the run up to the visit of the VVIP and the extension of the SoO pact seems to have given enough ammos to some to train their guns on the BJP MLAs, for remember it was under the BJP led Government at Imphal that a resolution was taken in the Assembly to urge the Centre to abrogate the SoO pact in 2024. This came about after the then Cabinet of the BJP led Government had decided to withdraw from the SoO pact with some outfits. It is amid this that preparations are underway to roll out the red carpet when the VVIP comes visiting and ideally the question that should be doing the round now is, what Manipur can expect from the visit. Moreover what case is Manipur ready to present to the VVIP. Or should Manipur merely listen to what the VVIP says ? Or will it be a case of Manipur not given the opportunity to present her case ? This is about the anticipated visit of the VVIP and Manipur must roll her sleeves up to present herself in the way it befits the high profile visit. And in the process it is also important for Manipur to take note of the manner in which the seeds of confusion have been sown following the announcement of Delhi. National Highway was always opened but yet at the same time, the buffer zone should be respected. In other words reopening the highways must not be taken as an endorsement or unrestricted movement between Meitei and Kuki-Zo areas, is the line maintained by the SoO groups under the UPF and KNO. Not surprisingly this gives one the distinct and uncomfortable thoughts about how the free movement from March 8 call of Union Home Minister was so unceremoniously tossed aside by the Kuki-Chin-Zo militants. To many keen observers it is only Delhi which seems to have come out tops from the rounds and rounds of talks with people from either side of the clash diivide to take Manipur to the path of normalcy, for here is a case of a perfect report card to show that it has done something remarkable, that is extend the SoO pact and get the highways opened. But the fact is, Manipur is in a state of uncertainty. The reality is, as long as the SoO groups continue to enjoy a sense of impunity and pampering, they will continue to decide who plies on the highway and mark territories as ours and theirs. LNKK decries | CHANDEL, Sep 7 : Condemning the error in calling traditional Lamkang Naga women's attire as Kuki traditional wear during Handloom Expo 2025 held in Agartala, the apex bodies of Lamkang Naga tribe have demanded an explanation from the organisers by September 15. Denouncing the expo held from August 7 to 11, the Lamkang Naga Kver Kunpun (LNKK) and the Lamkang Naga Students' Union of Chandel, Manipur said that a Kuki woman dressed in traditional Lamkang Naga women's clothing was mistakenly reported as a traditional Kuki display at the expo, according to a press release issued by LNKK. In this regard, the apex bodies have demanded- an unconditional apology from the "main culprit" to the Lamkang Naga people through electronic media, a clarification from the organisers to explain how the traditional show was executed without any verification of the attires and permanent deletion of the controversial part of the show from video files and social media such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram etc. According to the civil society organisations of the Lamkang Naga tribe, the organizers should have properly screened the attire before proceeding with the show and the blunder reveals ignorance on their part about the procedure to be followed for such a show. LNKK cautioned that the Lamkang Naga tribe will take up actions as per its customary law if the authority concerned fails to respond to their demands. The expo was organised by the Directorate of Handloom, Handicrafts & Sericulture, Government of Tripura. Accounting giant Deloitte has appointed Garry Tetley as the new head of tax for its operations in Scotland. Tetley, who has been with the company since 1997, will manage a team of 130 tax professionals in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. He succeeds Douglas Farish, who has led the Scottish tax team for the past five years. As a partner since 2011, Tetley has been responsible for Deloittes private markets practice in Scotland, which caters to privately owned businesses across various sectors including technology, financial services, energy and industrials. Tetleys work has centred on assisting businesses with international growth, corporate restructuring, management incentives and transactions. He has provided guidance to several rapidly expanding companies including those involved in transactions valued at more than $1bn (738.12m). Tetley said: I am very proud to take on this role at a time of such opportunity for our team. Changes to tax policy, both in the UK and abroad, bring complex challenges for businesses and their owners, but they also open the door to new opportunities. Our team is well placed to help clients across Scotland navigate this evolving landscape. In his new position, Tetley will focus on fostering an environment that supports the professional development of team members within Deloittes Scottish tax practice. The company currently has eight tax partners based in Scotland, six of whom began their careers at Deloitte as graduates, and aims to expand the number of tax partners in the near future. In June, as part of a recent promotion cycle in Scotland, VAT expert Jen Donnachie and tax valuations expert Lyndsay MacGregor were promoted to partner. Part of my role will be creating an environment across our Scottish offices where these graduates and all our tax professionals can grow and develop their expertise," Tetley added. "As such, my priority will be building strong, capable teams to serve both the local market and the wider national practice." "Deloitte appoints new tax head in Scotland" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. Diageos run of disposals continues, with the spirits giant today (8 September) announcing the sale of coffee-cream liqueur brand Sheridans. Casa Redondo has snapped up Sheridans, the second time in just over 12 months the Portugal-based group has bought a Diageo brand. In July last year, Casa Redondo acquired Diageos fruit-flavoured liqueur brand Safari. Like the Safari deal, the financial terms of the sale to Sheridans were not disclosed. In a statement, Dayalan Nayager, the president of Diageos business in Europe and the groups chief commercial officer, described the disposal as another example of our sharp focus on effective portfolio management and maximising shareholder value. As well as Safari, Diageo has offloaded rum brands Cacique and Pampero in the last 14 months. Nayager added: We continue to focus on our core areas of strength to accelerate towards our ambition; to create one of the best-performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world. In a statement, Daniel Redondo, the CEO of Casa Redondo, called Sheridans a unique brand with strong consumer recognition and an enduring identity. He added: Bringing it into our portfolio represents a pivotal moment for Casa Redondo. This acquisition strengthens our international presence and reflects our ambition to build an increasingly global business. In the statement announcing the deal, Diageo said Sheridans was a global brand available in over 50 countries and is widely distributed across Europe. In May, then Diageo CFO Nik Jhangiani said the Guinness owner could make substantial changes to its product portfolio in the form of asset disposals. Jhangiani was speaking after Diageo announced plans to save around $500m in costs over the next three years. Since then, Jhangiani has been installed as interim CEO after the departure of Debra Crew in July. Last month, Diageo upped its cost-savings target to $625m. Jhangiani said the efforts were not just about cutting costs but would also see the company driving better growth, prioritising where we invest and building stronger capabilities. In the year to the end of June, the group's reported net sales fell 0.1% to $20.25bn but rose 1.7% organically. Diageos reported operating profit declined 27.8%, reaching $4.34bn, amid impairment charges, restructuring costs and unfavourable exchange rates. Operating profit before exceptional items dipped 0.7% to $5.71bn. Reported net profit slid 39.1% to $2.54bn. Three weeks ago, the company announced the sale of two Australian ready-to-drink brands to local drinks group Vok Beverages. Designer Brands Inc. (NYSE:DBI) will release earnings results for the second quarter before the opening bell on Tuesday, Sept. 9. With the recent buzz around the Columbus, Ohio-based company, some investors may be eyeing potential dividend gains. Designer Brands offers an annual dividend yield of 4.23% 5 cents per share quarterly and 20 cents yearly. To earn $500 monthly from Designer Brands, start with the yearly target of $6,000 ($500 x 12 months). Next, take this amount and divide it by Designer Brands' $0.20 dividend: $6,000 / $0.20 = 30,000 shares. So, an investor would need to own approximately $141,900 worth of Designer Brands, or 30,000 shares to generate a monthly dividend income of $500. Assuming a more conservative goal of $100 monthly ($1,200 annually), we do the same calculation: $1,200 / $0.20 = 6,000 shares, or $28,380 to generate a monthly dividend income of $100. Note that dividend yield can change on a rolling basis, as the dividend payment and the stock price both fluctuate over time. The dividend yield is calculated by dividing the annual dividend payment by the current stock price. As the stock price changes, the dividend yield will also change. View more earnings on DBI For example, if a stock pays an annual dividend of $2 and its current price is $50, its dividend yield would be 4%. However, if the stock price increases to $60, the dividend yield would decrease to 3.33% ($2/$60). Conversely, if the stock price decreases to $40, the dividend yield would increase to 5% ($2/$40). Further, the dividend payment itself can also change over time, which can also impact the dividend yield. If a company increases its dividend payment, the dividend yield will increase even if the stock price remains the same. Similarly, if a company decreases its dividend payment, the dividend yield will decrease. DBI Price Action: Shares of Designer Brands rose by 7.3% to close at $4.73 on Friday. Analysts expect Designer Brands to report quarterly earnings at 22 cents per share. Thats down from 29 cents per share in the year-ago period. Designer Brands projects to report quarterly revenue at $737.85 million. It earned $771.9 million last year, according to data from Benzinga Pro. On June 10, Designer Brands reported worse-than-expected first-quarter financial results and withdrew its FY25 guidance due to macroeconomic uncertainty. Read More: Image: Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. By David Shepardson and Joey Roulette WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Elon Musk's SpaceX (SPAX.PVT) said Monday it will buy wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar (SATS) for its Starlink satellite network for about $17 billion, a major deal crucial to expanding Starlink's nascent 5G connectivity business. The companies also agreed to a deal that will enable EchoStar's Boost Mobile subscribers to access Starlink direct-to-cell service to extend satellite service to areas without service. The spectrum purchase allows SpaceX to start building and deploying upgraded, laser-connected satellites that the company said will expand the cell network's capacity by "more than 100 times." Gwynne Shotwell, president and COO, SpaceX, said the deal will help the company "end mobile dead zones around the world... With exclusive spectrum, SpaceX will develop next-generation Starlink Direct to Cell satellites, which will have a step change in performance and enable us to enhance coverage for customers wherever they are in the world." The news sent shares of EchoStar surging 19% in early trading. Shares of U.S. wireless carriers AT&T and T-Mobile were down more than 3% and Verizon was down more than 2%. The push comes amid fast-rising wireless usage. In 2024, Americans used a record 132 trillion megabytes of mobile data, up 35% over the prior all-time record, industry group CTIA said Monday. SpaceX has launched more than 8,000 Starlink satellites since 2020, building a distributed network in low-Earth orbit which has seen demand from militaries, transportation firms and consumers in rural areas. Roughly 600 of those satellites - which SpaceX calls "cell towers in space" - have been launched since January 2024 for the company's direct-to-cell network, orbiting closer to Earth than the rest of the constellation. Crucial to those larger satellites' deployment is Starship, SpaceX's giant next-generation rocket that has been under development for roughly a decade. Increasingly complex test launches have drawn the rocket closer to its first operational Starlink missions, expected early next year. The deal comes months after the Federal Communications Commission questioned EchoStar's use of mobile-satellite service spectrum and raised concerns about whether it was meeting its obligations to deploy 5G in the country. EchoStar said it anticipates that the transaction with SpaceX and the AT&T deal will resolve the FCC's inquiries. An FCC spokesperson said the "deals that EchoStar reached with AT&T and Starlink hold the potential to supercharge competition, extend innovative new services to millions of Americans, and boost U.S. leadership in next-gen connectivity." Banking communications have experienced an evolution over recent decades, moving from paper-based statements and mailed notifications to the immediacy and personalisation of digital messaging. Today, as the demand for secure and real-time account alerts grows, financial institutions are critically evaluating the efficacy of their notification channels, especially when it comes to authentication methods like one-time passwords (OTPs). SMS: Old and ubiquitous SMS-based OTPs have long served as a widely accessible second layer of authentication. Their main appeal has been their universality: virtually anyone with a mobile phone, regardless of smartphone ownership or internet connectivity, can receive an SMS OTP. However, modern research and a series of high-profile security incidents have exposed the substantial limitations of SMS notifications. SMS messages are vulnerable because they are transmitted in an unencrypted form and rely entirely on the security of mobile networks. Hackers increasingly exploit these weaknesses through various methods by which elements of the telephone network exchange information. As cybercrime escalates, so do delivery failures and manipulation, often leaving customers at risk of account compromise or fraud. According to a security study by PCI (Payments Council of India), over 900,000 phishing and fraud cases related to OTP and SMS occurred in India between 2020 and 2022, leading to significant financial losses. The security concerns around SMS OTPs have grown rapidly with the advancement of cybercrime tactics. The proliferation of such attack methods has made it clear that SMS OTPs are no longer sufficient to safeguard sensitive banking transactions. Fraudsters are increasingly leveraging these vulnerabilities, leading to a notable uptick in incidents where customers accounts are compromised and funds are stolen. Techniques like OTP bypass, SIM-swapping, and phishing now routinely exploit SMS vulnerabilities, posing significant risks to financial security. Strengthening defences through the implementation of multi-factor authentication, cryptographic token hardening, and behavioural monitoring is essential to effectively mitigate these risks. Furthermore, as more customers transition to smartphones and digital channels, the static, one-way nature of SMS alerts becomes a drawback. Central banks worldwide, including the Reserve Bank of India, are phasing out SMS OTP authentication due to its security shortcomings. Studies indicate that about 10-15 per cent of SMS OTPs never reach users because of network congestion, carrier filtering, and device issues, which increases user frustration and operational costs for banks. The inability of SMS-based systems to provide context-embedded or actionable notifications further reduces their effectiveness in a modern digital banking landscape. App-based OTPs: The safer alternative App-based OTP systems, integrated directly into banks own applications or through recognised authenticator apps, offer security and control that SMS simply cannot match. These codes are typically generated and verified within the app environment itself, meaning they do not travel across telecommunication networks vulnerable to interception or redirection. Because authentication apps are tied to the device and often protected by local biometrics or PINs, stealing the OTP requires not just remote access but physical possession of the device as well. App-based OTPs enhance user experience by enabling banks to send interactive, real-time notifications that support instant responses and in-app verification. Integrated with adaptive features like risk-based authentication for unusual activity, they meet the growing demand for both security and convenience in financial services. To strengthen protection further, multifactor authentication (MFA) incorporating app-based OTPs, biometrics, and behavioural analytics could become standard for sensitive operations. Adapting regulations for a secure digital era As the frequency and sophistication of cyber threats continue to rise, the shift to app-based OTPs has become a necessary evolution for banking security. To ensure that these security benefits are accessible to every segment of the population, regulatory frameworks must adapt to the changing landscape. This begins with mandating multi-factor authentication, requiring banks to implement security systems that prioritise app-based OTPs, particularly for sensitive transactions. For instance, Singapores Monetary Authority (MAS) employs a hybrid notification system that integrates SMS with app-based alerts during its transition toward secure digital payments. This approach ensures service continuity and inclusivity for all customers, addressing the needs of users with varying levels of technology access. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank (ECB) strongly mandates app-based multi-factor authentication to protect sensitive transactions. It mandates Strong Customer Authentication (SCA), requiring consumers to verify their identity using multiple factors. This framework significantly reduces fraud risks associated with SMS OTP vulnerabilities by adding multiple layers of security during customer authentication and payment transactions. Similarly, the United Kingdoms Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) enforces continuous security enhancements for financial institutions. These include routine vulnerability assessments, mandatory security testing, and public transparency reporting. Such requirements foster a consistent culture of cyber resilience in digital banking communications. Revised regulatory approach is the need of the hour India must act decisively to adopt these proven regulatory frameworks without delay. By adopting the proven strategies of global leaders, India could secure its digital banking landscape and protect financial transactions against evolving threats. Embracing app-based multi-factor authentication, while maintaining hybrid notification systems for inclusivity, is essential to protect millions of users from the increasing cyber threats. Regulatory mandates for continuous security testing and transparency will ensure resilient defences against fraud. Ram Rastogi The time to modernise is now, as delaying will put users and institutions at unnecessary risk. The author is a digital payments strategist and the Chairman of the Governance Council, Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK. In April, musical maestro Ilaiyaraaja had issued a legal notice to 'Good Bad Ugly' producers Mythri Movie Makers for using his songs without permission and sought Rs 5 crore compensation in addition to an apology for placing three classic songs "Oththa Roova" from 'Nattupura Pattu' (1996), "Ilamai Idho Idho" from 'Sakalakala Vallavan' (1982), and "En Jodi Manja Kuruvi" from 'Vikram' (1986) in the Ajith Kumar-starrer directed by Adhik Ravichandran. Now, according to a report in The Hindu, the Madras High Court has ordered Mythri Movie Makers to refrain from "exhibiting, screening, selling, distributing, publishing or broadcasting" the film on any platform, including OTT, along with the aforementioned songs. Justice N. Senthilkumar issued the order in favour of the plaintiff because the response from the production house was reportedly unsatisfactory and lacked clarity. ALSO READ | 'Good Bad Ugly' review: Adhik Ravichandran's boisterous, comicbook-style tribute to Ajith works to a large extent In their reply to the composer's legal notice, the production house reportedly claimed that they obtained the necessary authorisation. However, they weren't specific as to who the individuals/firms pertaining to the authorisation were, aside from the nature of the authorisation. In the past, Ilaiyaraaja had sent legal notices to the makers of 'Manjummel Boys' for using a song from the Tamil film 'Gunaa' (1991) and, most recently, the makers of the upcoming Rajnikanth-starrer 'Coolie', directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, for using one of his songs, citing a violation of the Copyright Act (1957). 'Good Bad Ugly', released on April 10, starred Ajith, Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, Prasanna, Prabhu, Priya Prakash Varrier, and Jackie Shroff. For years, doctors, healthcare practitioners, and researchers have used the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a ratio based on one's weight and height, to determine whether one is overweight and to look at health outcomes. However, a new study has now found that a waist circumference to height ratio is a better measurement for the diagnosis of health outcomes, particularly liver disease. "Recent clinical consensus statements have emphasised a shift from diagnosing obesity with body mass index (BMI) requiring confirmation with surrogate markers such as waist circumference-to-height ratio (WHtR)," it says. They claim that this ratio of waist to height is a better "public health practice for obesity screening, diagnosis, and management." "In a large multiracial US population with diverse age groups, the newly developed waist-to-height ratio cut points predicted the risk of liver steatosis and fibrosis in a dose-response manner," it said. What is obesity and how is it measured? Obesity, a chronic metabolic disease, is commonly diagnosed using BMI, a calculation based on weight and height. This BMI is commonly used to predict health outcomes. For instance, the US Center for Disease Control says that "BMI is a valuable population health measure used worldwide." According to the WHO, "in 2021, higher-than-optimal BMI caused an estimated 3.7 million deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, neurological disorders, chronic respiratory diseases, and digestive disorders." Nevertheless, BMI has well-known drawbacks, including its inability to differentiate between muscle and fat mass, its failure to take into consideration the distribution of fat, and its accuracy varying with age, sex, and ethnicity. These flaws make it difficult to accurately predict associated health risks like liver disease and can result in both an overdiagnosis and an underdiagnosis of obesity. In fact, many experts have called out BMI as being an outdated measure and technique. Dr. Anshita Aggarwal, assistant professor of endocrinology at Ram Manohar Lal Hospital and Medical College, New Delhi, had earlier pointed out that BMI does not offer a more holistic view of one's health. It looks at how much you weigh relative to your height, but not every 5-foot person with the same weight is obese versus healthy. BMI fails to distinguish between muscle and fat, does not account for fat distribution, and ignores critical factors like metabolic health," she had said. Dr Anjana Bhan, an endocrinologist with over 30 years of experience at Max Healthcare, New Delhi, had said that these concerns were particularly pronounced in India and among South Asians worldwide. South Asians are prone to what we call lean fat they may have a normal BMI but carry excess visceral fat, particularly around the abdomen, which increases their risk for diabetes and heart disease, she had said, while adding that this was very common among Indians. What does the new study show? The new study appears to echo these concerns and claims that "the simple and universally accessible WHtR (waist circumference to height ratio) cut points may be useful in clinical and public health practice for obesity screening, diagnosis, and management." The study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society says that waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) measurement is a more effective tool than the often used body mass index (BMI) for predicting liver steatosis and fibrosis in children and adults. The research, led by Dr. Andrew O. Agbaje, examined information from over 6,400 respondents to the 20212023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States. The participants were divided into three groups by the researchers based on their waist circumference to height ratio: excess fat mass (0.53), high fat mass (0.5 to <0.53), and normal fat mass (0.40 to <0.50). Transient elastography, a non-invasive imaging method that gauges liver stiffness (fibrosis) and fat accumulation (steatosis), was then used to evaluate liver health. They found that participants who fell in the category with the highest waist circumference to height ratio, or the excess fat mass category, "had nearly 3-fold higher odds of liver steatosis compared to those in high fat mass waist-to-height ratio categories." "The findings were consistent across the races and age groups studied, suggesting that waist-to-height ratio cut points can be useful clinically and for public health screening, prevention, diagnosis, and management of obesity and its sequelae," it said. In fact, they found that it was a better predictor than BMI for health outcomes. "The positive associations of BMI obesity categories with liver steatosis and fibrosis were significantly diminished or completely reversed when waist-to-height ratio was controlled for," it said. "The odds of waist-to-height ratio excess fat in predicting liver steatosis are 6-fold higher than BMI-obesity," it found. Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of close to 30 studies, they concluded that this waist-to-height ratio had an "82% predictive accuracy" when it came to detecting Metabolically Associated Steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which was earlier known as the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). "A recent study among 4444 participants diagnosed with MASLD from the NHANES third cycle survey conducted from 1988 to 1994 reported that waist-to-height ratio as a continuous variable was a stronger predictor of mortality than BMI," it added. While the study is groundbreaking in its own right, it also highlights that further study may be needed on Asian populations to ascertain the cut-offs for people of this ethnicity. "A recent adult study suggests that Asians may have different waist-to-height ratio cutoffs, compared to Whites," it says. It also said that future studies would also be needed to "validate the new waist-to-height ratio cut points against the risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality since these variables were not available in the current analysis." This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS. In a medical feat that blends advanced science with human resilience, doctors at Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children have successfully treated a premature baby diagnosed with congenital tuberculosisan extremely rare condition passed from mother to child during pregnancy. The infant, born weighing just 1.2 kg, had been struggling to breathe since the day of birth. Doctors later discovered he was battling not just prematurity, but also a life-threatening TB infection. After weeks of intensive care, he is now thriving, weighing 3.3 kg, and ready to go home free from oxygen support. For the parents, residents of Ghatkopar, the baby was the answer to 13 years of prayers and infertility struggles. Conceived through IVF, their joy quickly turned to despair when the newborns health deteriorated within hours of birth. Despite ventilator support at another city hospital, the babys condition worsened. With little hope left, the family shifted him to Wadia Hospitals neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). On arrival in July, the baby was critical and required non-invasive ventilation, explained Dr Parmarth Chandane, Paediatric Pulmonologist. Given the mothers history of infertility due to genital TB and the babys abnormal chest imaging, we suspected congenital TB. Bronchoscopy confirmed our fears. Congenital TB is an uncommon diagnosisIndia records fewer than 15 cases annually. Dr Ira Shah, Infectious Disease Specialist, noted that congenital TB is a serious condition, transmitted via the placenta during pregnancy or at birth. Symptoms like respiratory distress, fever, poor feeding or failure to gain weight can easily be mistaken for other neonatal issues. Early detection is critical. The baby was shifted to the Paediatric TB isolation ward, placed on anti-TB medication, and closely monitored. Over the next 40 days, he gradually improved and began to gain weight. We had almost lost hope after so many struggles, said the father, Nishant, visibly emotional at the discharge. For the medical team, too, the case was both demanding and rewarding. Managing this case was medically and emotionally challenging, said Dr Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO of Wadia Hospital. But seeing this fragile newborn recover and go home healthy has been one of the most fulfilling moments for our team. While India bears the worlds highest burden of tuberculosis, congenital TB remains a rare phenomenon. Experts stress the importance of awareness. Infertility caused by genital TB in women can be a hidden risk factor. If newborns from such pregnancies show unexplained respiratory distress, congenital TB should be considered. Congenital TB is passed from mother to baby during pregnancy (through the placenta) or at birth. Symptoms in newborns include breathing difficulty, persistent fever, poor feeding, irritability, and failure to gain weight. The little boys recovery is more than just a medical achievementit is a symbol of resilience for families struggling with infertility and rare pediatric illnesses. For his parents, it marks the beginning of a long-awaited chapter of parenthood. The Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress-led Mahagathbandhan is joined by three more partiesVikassheel Insaan Party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and LJP led by Pashupati Parasthis time, compared to the 2020 assembly elections, when the bloc had three constituents: RJD, Congress and the Left parties. The new entrants have turned the seat-sharing process more complex and delicate for Bihar's 243 assembly seats. With these additions, Mahagathbandhan has become a group of eight parties, including the three Left parties: CPI, CPI(M) and CPI(ML). We have involved all like-minded people who stand with us in the fight against vote theft and in safeguarding democracy and the Constitution," Congress Bihar spokesperson Gyan Ranjhan says. "The INDIA alliance has already finalized the seat-sharing formula, which will soon be shared in the public domain. We are in a very comfortable position, and the people of Bihar will definitely shower their blessings on the INDIA alliance to form the government in the state," he added. According to sources, the Opposition bloc has already outlined the seat-sharing formula, where the Congress has been offered 66 seats. Moreover, the grand old party is now supposed to accommodate Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and LJP led by Pashupati Paras. And the third one, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), led by Mukesh Sahni, will now directly deal with the RJD. "The Congress party will now talk to JMM and Paras and decide how many seats they should get. Probably they will get two each," a Congress party insider said, "and the VIP will get its share of seats from the RJD quota." The three additional parties carry strategic significance in Bihar, as they appeal to voters of the same caste groups in a state where deep-rooted caste-based voting is the norm. Mukesh Sahni carries influence among Nishad voters, who make up around 10 per cent of Bihars population. The JMM has some appeal among tribals, who account for a little over 1 per cent, while through Pashupati Paras, the grand alliance hopes to split the Paswan vote. Notably, Paswan voters have traditionally shown strong support for Chirag Paswan. In the 2020 assembly elections, Chirag secured around 5.77 per cent of the votes while contesting independently on about 140 seats. In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, the RJD contested 144 seats, Congress 70, and the three Left parties together held 29 seats. However, Congress was seen as the weakest link, recording a strike rate of less than 30 per cent. The RJD emerged as the leading party among all parties in the state, winning 75 seats, followed closely by the BJP with 74 seats. During the recent Voter Adhikar Yatra, all leaders of the Mahagathbandhan were brought together by Rahul Gandhi, giving greater limelight to the alliances face, with some analysts suggesting that the bloc has already won the first phase of elections. "The narrative Rahul Gandhi had created did find resonance among people. It has done one important thing, and that is it has consolidated the opposition voters," a political observer said. With the Opposition's push to strike a right balance in seat distribution amongst its constituents, there are significant challenges on the other side as well. Though seat-sharing talks within the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance are yet to be finalized, the JD(U) and BJP have broadly agreed to contest an equal number of seats. Tensions, however, have surfaced after JD(U) leaders demanded one extra seat, arguing that the BJP fought 17 and the JD(U) 16 in the recent Lok Sabha polls under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. With the assembly elections to be contested under Nitish Kumar as the alliances chief minister face, the JD(U) insists it should now be accorded the elder brother status. Moreover, leaders like Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Upendra Kushwaha are all seeking a considerable share of seats, putting the alliance in a tight spot. JDU spokesperson Abhishek Jha, however, stated that there is no friction within the alliance, and all other details will be announced officially. The Congress on Monday slammed the Election Commission and said it should be named and shamed after the Supreme Court directed it to accept Aadhaar as identity proof for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The Opposition charged the poll body with brazen non-compliance with the Supreme Court's directions. "The Election Commission must be named and shamed for its brazen non-compliance with the Supreme Court's directive to accept Aadhar as a proof of identity. Today, once again for the THIRD TIME, the Supreme Court reiterated the point that Aadhar must be accepted as a valid ID to register voters," Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X. The Election Commission must be named and shamed for its brazen non-compliance with the Supreme Court's directive to accept Aadhar as a proof of identity. Today, once again for the THIRD TIME, the Supreme Court reiterated the point that Aadhar must be accepted as a valid ID to Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 8, 2025 Ramesh accused the Commission of deliberately causing inconvenience to legitimate voters while registering in the voters' list. "It has refused to recognise BLAs appointed by political parties, declined to accept Aadhar, and even sent notices to officials to only accept the documents it has prescribed. Keep in mind that this is a mess of the Election Commission's own making," Ramesh charged. The Congress leader alleged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah ordered the Bihar SIR this close to the assembly polls in the state. He said the Supreme Court itself had to intervene to ensure basic checks and balances. "This CEC and the institution he heads shall not be forgiven by history," he added. The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Election Commission to accept Aadhaar as 12th identity proof for Bihar SIR. However, the top court made it clear that Aadhaar was not a proof of citizenship. (Reuters) -ElevenLabs is letting employees sell shares at a valuation of $6.6 billion - double the voice cloning artificial intelligence startup's previous value, Bloomberg News reported on Monday. ElevenLabs had raised $180 million in its last funding round in January which gave it a valuation of $3.3 billion at the time. AI startups engaged in a fierce competition for talent have been increasingly letting employees sell stock as they race to retain and attract top researchers and engineers. The tender offer will allow staff to sell as much as $100 million in stock, according to the report, and will let employees who have worked at the company for at least a year to cash in on shares. This would also allow more investors to boost their stake in the company, the report said. Existing investors Sequoia Capital and Iconiq Growth are leading the deal, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz and others, the Bloomberg News report said. ChatGPT maker OpenAI is also in early-stage discussions about a stock sale that would allow employees to cash out and could value the company at about $500 billion, Reuters has reported. Bloomberg News cited ElevenLabs CEO Mati Staniszewski as saying that the company now has 331 employees, up from 77 a year ago. Staniszewski also said that in late October 2024 ElevenLabs was bringing in $100 million in annualized recurring revenue and ten months later, it reached $200 million in recurring revenue, according to the report. The company hopes to reach $300 million in recurring revenue by the end of the year, Bloomberg News reported. ElevenLabs was co-founded by Piotr Dabkowski and Mati Staniszewski, who have previously worked at Google and Palantir Technologies, respectively. (Reporting by Arsheeya Bajwa in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel) A terrorist was killed while an Army officer was injured in an encounter between militants and security forces in the Guddar area of south Kashmirs Kulgam district on Monday. During the operation one terrorist has been eliminated and a junior commissioned officer suffered injuries. Operation is in progress," the Army said in a post on X. The joint search operation was launched after the army received specific interlligence from the Jammu and Kashmir Police. A police spokesman confirmed that an encounter has started in Kulgam. In a post on X, the spokesman said: Based on specific intelligence, #encounter has started in Guddar forest of #Kulgam. SOG of J&K Police, Army and CRPF on job. Further details to follow. The Army added that the soldiers had challenged the terrorists after noting suspicious activity. The terrorists opened fire leading to an encounter. Based on specific intelligence, #encounter has started in Guddar forest of #Kulgam. SOG of J&K Police, Army and CRPF on job. Further details to follow.@JmuKmrPolice Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) September 8, 2025 Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Indian Army posted posted on X saying, Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and, upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist was eliminated and a junior commissioned officer sustained injuries. OP GUDDAR, Kulgam Based on specific intelligence input by JKP, joint search operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice & @crpf_srinagar in Guddar forest of #Kulgam. Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity and upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, pic.twitter.com/pV3oWW6gor Chinar Corps - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) September 8, 2025 Security officials said that two to three more terrorists may still be in hiding in the area and additional forces were deployed. The NIA is conducting searches in Thoothukudi as part of an ongoing probe into extremist activities in India. As a part of simultaneous raids at 22 locations across the country, the National Investigation Agency is conducting searches at one location in Thoothukudi, following specific inputs on connections between certain individuals and terror operatives. ALSO READ | Mumbai on high alert: Police receive threat of human bombs and RDX The probe is part of a broader investigation into a terrorist network involved in youth radicalisation and planning insurgent activities, and their mode of communication. Key Wanted Terror Accused in Amritsar Temple Grenade Attack Case Arrested by NIA from Bihar pic.twitter.com/gotdxJGiF3 NIA India (@NIA_India) September 5, 2025 Sources say the raids stem from the arrest of a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative by the Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Tamil Nadu. In April 2025, the ATS had arrested Akhlatur Muhammed, a 22-year-old painter hailing from Bihar's Katihar district. He was picked up from Chengalpattu. ALSO READ | Jammu and Kashmir: Army kills at least 1 terrorist in Kulgam as 'fierce gunfight' continues The investigation into the arrest of Muhammed was handed over to the NIA and the probe began on August 19, 2025. Sources say that Muhammad was plotting to kill Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and had been in contact with LeT recruiters and handlers across the border through WhatsApp and other social media platforms. He was arrested by the agencies immediately after the Pahalgam attack. Muhammed had been earning Rs 20,000 per month as salary through his job as a painter at a construction site. He allegedly saved half of it to buy weapons for the terror plot. According to NIA sources, Akhlatur Muhammed had saved close to 40 per cent of his earnings to buy arms and ammunition. As he did not get any proper job in Bihar after completing his ITI training, Muhammed travelled to Tamil Nadu to find a job only to make money for his terror plot and purchase arms. He had also attempted to travel to PoK for arms training: a plan that fell through. ALSO READ | Who is terrorist Bagu Khan, the Human GPS behind 100 infiltrations in J&K? Muhammed had saved close to Rs 60,000 in the past few months for buying arms and weapons. Sources say that the present searches are linked to the information revealed by Muhammed during the interrogation. Muhammed had been in NIA custody since August. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday ordered the identification and cancellation of ineligible BPL cards at the panchayat level, with stricter enforcement of the criteria. Siddaramaiah, who along with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, reviewed the progress of Karnatakas five flagship guarantee schemes at CMs home office Krishna, focused on plugging leakages and removing ineligible beneficiaries of the poll guarantees, even as the Congress party is pitching them nationally as a model of welfare governance. As per the data presented during the meeting, the state has already spent Rs 97,813 crore under the guarantee schemes: Rs 50,005 crore to 1.24 crore women under Gruha Lakshmi (Rs 2,000 monthly financial assistance to woman heads of every BPL household); Rs 18,139 crore to 1.64 crore households under Gruha Jyothi (free power up to 200 units to every household); Rs 623 crore to 2.55 lakh youth under Yuva Nidhi (unemployment benefit up to Rs 3,000 to fresh graduates and diploma holders); Rs 13,903 crore under Shakti (free bus travel for women) for 544 crore passenger rides and Rs 11,821.17 crore for 72.02 crore beneficiaries under Anna Bhagya (10 kilo free rice for each member of BPL households). Acknowledging the massive scale of benefits, Siddaramaiah also directed the officials to update the list of deceased beneficiaries at the gram panchayat level every month and ensure their names are removed from the rolls and intimated to the banks. He also asked the Panchayats to add or delete names of beneficiaries to keep the rolls clean. The chief minister also sought to end confusion over whether GST return filers could claim Gruha Lakshmi benefits by instructing the departments to issue clear guidelines. Amid complaints of diversion or resale of Anna Bhagya rice, the meeting resolved to take stringent action against the resale of subsidised rice in the open market. The meeting also discussed the need to provide other food grains in place of rice depending on the regional preferences. Siddaramaiah stressed that the guarantee schemes must reach only genuine beneficiaries and should be implemented in a mission mode to ensure both scale and integrity. It may be recalled that the latest Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report tabled in the monsoon session of the Karnataka legislature had flagged issues over the mounting financial stress caused by the five guarantees. It stated that the state government had spent 15 per cent of the Rs 63,000 crore- the total borrowings in 2023-24, on the guarantee schemes. The CAG also noted that Karnatakas fiscal deficit increased from Rs 46,623 crore to Rs 65,522 crore and the overall debt rose by Rs 37,000 crore. While the receipts grew by 1.86 per cent, the expenditure had increased by 12.54 per cent due to the guarantee schemes, leading to a revenue deficit of Rs 9,271 crore. There had been a 68 per cent rise in incomplete projects and dip in capital expenditure by Rs 5,229 crore. Interestingly, when the issue was raised in the Assembly, the Chief Minister defended the guarantee schemes as development schemes that had helped boost the per capita income of the State. The per capita income has increased from Rs 1.01 lakh in 2018 to Rs 2.04 lakh in 2025 due to the guarantees. Also, the Shakti scheme has led to additional employment of 23 per cent in Bengaluru and 21 per cent in Hubballi-Dharwad for women. In fact, the previous BJP governments financial indiscipline and reduction in central allocations are the reasons behind the financial stress, Siddaramaiah had told the House. The CM had claimed that the previous BJP government had cleared tenders worth Rs 2.7 lakh crore without allocating necessary funds and also floated the CMs Discretionary Fund worth Rs 1.66 crore without setting aside any fund. And there had been a reduction of Rs 80,000 crore in the Central allocation of the states share. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra had mocked the Congress government for diverting Rs 11,896.84 crore allocated for the welfare of Scheduled Castes in the 202526 budget to fund the guarantee schemes. Congress has betrayed Dalits and also undermined social justice, the BJP leader alleged. The Karnataka government has deployed additional police forces in Maddur town, which witnessed violent communal clashes during a Ganesha immersion procession on Sunday. Prohibitory orders have been imposed in the area, even as Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that the situation is under control. According to police, stones were pelted at the procession around 500 kilometres from a mosque in Ram Rahim Nagar, leading to retaliation from the members of the procession. Police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the clashing groups. Later, Hindu activists staged a protest in the area, chanting Jai Shri Ram and waving saffron flags. #WATCH | Mandya, Karnataka | Pro-Hindu organisations hold a protest against the reported incident of stone pelting during the Ganesh Idol immersion in Maddur town, Mandya, yesterday. As per Karnataka Home Minister G. Parmeshwara, Section 144 has been imposed in the area and some pic.twitter.com/IdU8LIfG68 ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025 Mandya Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi stated that 21 people have been taken into custody, and further arrests are expected to follow. Parameshwara, too, confirmed that all the accused in connection with the violence have been arrested. Regarding the situation in Maddur, all the accused have been arrested. There's no problem now. The immersion of Ganesha happened afterwards, he told reporters in Bengaluru. The minister urged people from both communities to maintain peace and asserted that the police had taken adequate steps. #WATCH | Mandya, Karnataka | Police use lathi charge to disperse the people protesting against the reported incident of stone pelting during the Ganesh Idol immersion in Maddur town, Mandya, yesterday. https://t.co/IYWSoKfGJh pic.twitter.com/VYlnPONCuc ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025 Lakhs of Ganapati idols were immersed across the state. Nowhere such commotion took place. When we were thinking that everything passed off peacefully, Maddur incident occurred. We will take action as per law, he said. Politics rages in The opposition BJP attacked the state government over the law and order situation and alleged that the violence in Maddur was the result of appeasement politics. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra claimed that Hindu festivals and processions were no longer safe in the state. During the Ganesh immersion processions, fanatical miscreants are forming gangs and pelting stones. Such incidents have been reported from many parts of the state, including Mandya, Dharwad, Bagalkote, and Hubballi. Yesterday in Maddur, miscreants created a tense atmosphere by continuously hurling stones. In this stone-pelting, women and police personnel were seriously injured, which is extremely alarming, and BJP strongly condemns this, Vijayendra said. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday attacked the oppositions vice president candidate B. Sudeshan Reddy for meeting RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadava convict in the fodder scam. What kind of a Retired Judge of the Supreme Court are you that you are meeting someone who is convicted of a scam?, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad asked. LIVE: Senior BJP Leader Shri @rsprasad addresses press conference at BJP headquarters, New Delhi. https://t.co/P3Qqu5qWIX BJP (@BJP4India) September 8, 2025 The ruling partys tirade against Reddy came a day before the vice president elections where the former judge has been pitted by the INDIA bloc against NDA nominee C.P. Radhakrishnan. Radhakrishnans win is a foregone conclusion as the NDA enjoys a comfortable majority in the electoral college which comprises member of both houses of parliament. Prasad noted that Lalu Prasad is not even a voter, as he is not a member of parliament. He further alleged that the former Bihar CM has not only been convicted in the fodder scam but has also been chargesheeted in the land for job scam. Condemning the meeting, Prasad urged Reddy not to speak about saving the soul of the nation. "It is hypocrisy in extreme, and we condemn it outright. It is worthy of condemnation," he said. B. Sudarshan Reddy, former Supreme Court judge and INDI Alliances joint candidate, recently met fodder scam convict Lalu Prasad, who isnt even a Member of Parliament and has no vote in the VP electoral college. This isnt just terrible optics, its a shocking statement on pic.twitter.com/IC2CMmhtoN Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) September 8, 2025 Earlier, BJP leader Amit Malviya termed Reddys meeting with Lalu Prasad as "a shocking statement on probity in public life by someone aspiring for a high constitutional office". "What's even more telling is the silence of the 'usual suspects' -- retired judges and self-proclaimed custodians of constitutional morality. Their hypocrisy stands exposed," Malviya said. Election to the second-highest constitutional post was necessitated by the sudden resignation of former vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar, who put in his paper on the first day of the monsoon session of parliament on July 21. Hazratbal Shrine, Kashmirs most revered religious site, has once again become the centre of political and religious tensions. The fresh trigger is the installation of a plaque bearing the Ashoka emblem inside the shrine complex on September 5 by Jammu and Kashmir Wakf Board. For many in the Valley, the incident instantly recalls the traumatic memory of 1963, when the holy relic, believed to be a strand of hair of Prophet Muhammad, went missing from Hazratbal, triggering massive protests, forcing the then prime minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru to address the nation, appealing for calm and ordering an investigation into the disappearance of the relic. The relic was brought to Kashmir in the 17th century by Syed Abdullah Madai, a descendant of the Prophet. Eventually, the relic came into the possession of Inayat Begum, daughter of Khwaja Nur-ud-Din Eshai, who safeguarded it at Hazratbal. Enraged worshippers accused Waqk Board of hurting their religious sentiments, and even damaged the plaque. "Deeply anguished by the vandalism of the Ashoka Emblem on the renovation plaque at Hazratbal Shrine. Ashoka Emblem is the symbol of our sovereignty & national pride. Such acts hurt our national sentiments & will not be tolerated. Strong action will be taken against miscreants." pic.twitter.com/Mn1qXxT6Dc Office of the Lt. Governor, Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) September 6, 2025 For many Kashmiris, the shrine embodies both their spiritual devotion and their collective memory of resistance. Unless addressed with sensitivity, it risks disturbing the fragile peace restored in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the installation of the emblem "deeply insensitive." The national emblem is meant for government buildings and functions, not for shrines or mosques, Abdullah said. "By placing it at Hazratbal, the board has hurt the sentiments of thousands of worshippers. At the very least, they should have apologised instead of threatening the people. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said the Waqk Boards act amounts to blasphemy and demanded legal action. Instead of threatening the worshippers, an FIR under Section 295-A should be filed against those responsible for installing the emblem, she said. Waqf Board chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi said the inauguration plaque was not a religious symbol inside the shrine. Those who defaced it have broken the law and must face action, she said. The Public Safety Act is an appropriate deterrent against such acts of vandalism. ANI | On the viral video of a mob tarnishing the national emblem on the foundation stone of the Hazratbal Shrine, BJP leader and Chairperson of J&K Waqf Board, Dr Darakshan Andrabi says, "This incident is very unfortunate. Tarnishing the national emblem is a terrorist attack, and pic.twitter.com/ET2qBDN9iX Dr Darakhshan Andrabi (@drdarakhshan) September 5, 2025 The police have detained 25 people for questioning, but are acting cautiously to avoid sparking any wider demonstrations. The security at the shrine has been strengthened. Because of the holy relic, Hazratbal has been at the heart of Kashmirs religious and political awakening. When the relic went missing in December 1963, large-scale protests rocked Kashmir. Tensions spread to West Bengal and East Pakistan( now Bangladesh). Sensing the gravity of the situation, Nehru addressed the nation and ordered the CBI to investigate the disappearance of the relic. The relic was recovered in January 1964 and placed back in the shrine after its authenticity was confirmed by top clerics. The episode is remembered as the Holy Relic Movement, which altered Kashmiri politics and deepened the emotional bond between people and Hazratbal. Decades later, in 1993, a stand-off between security forces and militants who took refuge inside sparked protests, bringing Kashmir on edge. The situation became tense as some civilians were also trapped with militants inside the shrine. Tensions escalated after 40 protesters were killed outside in security forces firing in two incidents, including 37 at Bijbehara in Anantnag. The militants were eventually provided a safe passage after long negotiations with the authorities. Three years later, militants again moved into the shrine as cover. After the negotiations, they left the shrine and moved to a nearby building. Within days, security forces launched an assault and killed 22 militants. Two buildings near the shrine were destroyed. US President Donald Trump has issued what he described as his last warning to Hamas, urging the Palestinian group to accept a deal for the release of hostages in Gaza. He wrote on his Truth Social platform yesterday that Israel had agreed to his terms and warned that there would be no further offer. He expressed optimism that an agreement could emerge very soon and insisted that all captives, dead or alive, would eventually be returned. The ultimatum comes at a time of heavy fighting and deadlocked ceasefire talks. Trumps plan requires Hamas to release all 48 remaining hostages on the first day of a truce. In exchange, Israel would free thousands of Palestinian prisoners and halt its major offensive in Gaza City. Negotiations to end the war would then begin under Trumps supervision, with the ceasefire maintained as long as talks continued. Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff had earlier said that Washington wanted the hostages home by the end of August. A previous arrangement could have secured the release of 10 of the roughly 20 believed to be alive, but it failed to move forward. The fate of the hostages remains one of the most painful aspects of the conflict for Israel. Around 50 are thought to still be held, though Israeli estimates suggest only 20 are alive. Trump admitted concern that some of those assumed to be alive may have died in recent weeks, though he expressed hope this was not the case. He also said at least 30 of those abducted are known to have been killed, and efforts are being made to recover their remains. Families of the hostages have staged protests, and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum has welcomed Trumps involvement. Hamas has confirmed it has received proposals from the United States through mediators. It welcomed ideas that could stop what it called aggression against our people and said it was prepared to negotiate for the release of all prisoners. Its stated demands include an end to the war, the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the creation of a Palestinian committee to govern the territory. In the past, Hamas has said it is ready to release all captives in return for a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal. From Israels side, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was seriously considering Trumps plan. The comment was taken as a sign of close coordination between Washington and Jerusalem, though Israel has not formally responded to the offer. Netanyahu has previously insisted that only a full ceasefire which ensures the return of all hostages and ends the war on Israels terms would be acceptable. Israel, meanwhile, is pressing ahead with military operations in Gaza under Operation Gideons Chariots II. Evacuation orders have been issued for residents of parts of Gaza City as ground assaults expand. The Israeli military says it now controls around 40 per cent of the city. Civilians have been urged to move to the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, designated as a humanitarian zone. Yet aid groups warn the plan leaves much of northern Gaza without food or medical access. Maps accompanying the evacuation notices reportedly show no aid facilities north of the Netzarim Corridor. Hamas has advised residents not to head south, describing it as the path to death and recalling past attacks on supposed safe areas. The International Committee of the Red Cross called the evacuation demands unfeasible and incomprehensible given the devastation and shortages of basic supplies. The campaign in Gaza has already resulted in more than 64,000 Palestinian casualties, according to local authorities, while infrastructure across the enclave has been severely damaged. Aid groups warn of famine caused by the destruction of farmland and the blocking of supplies. Previous attempts at brokering a truce have collapsed. In July, US and Israeli negotiators walked out of talks in Qatar, accusing Hamas of lacking commitment to a deal. Hamas had earlier accepted a Qatari and Egyptian proposal for a 60-day pause in fighting, under which 10 living hostages would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israel did not respond, with Netanyahu reported to have shifted his demands from a partial deal to a comprehensive one. Trump has indicated that some of Hamass requests are acceptable but has stressed the importance of remembering the October 7 attack. Following a devastating gun attack on civilians inside a bus at northern Jerusalem's Ramot Street on Monday morning, Israeli authorities have said that the two attackers behind the shooting were from an area in the occupied West Bank. Witness and police statements add that the two were working in tandem, with one of the gunmen impersonating a ticket inspector, as per an Al Jazeera report. ALSO READ | Jerusalem shooting: At least 4 dead, 15 injured after attackers open fire inside bus The shooting began as soon as they entered the bus. At least 5 people died and about a dozen others were injured. The attackers were shot dead soon after. This is the evil Israel faces. Two terrorists opened fire on a bus in Jerusalem targeting passengers, bystanders, anyone in reach. 5 murdered. Over a dozen wounded. The war Israel fights is for all who stand against terror. pic.twitter.com/bjz1zdkii7 Israel (@Israel) September 8, 2025 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuwho was scheduled for his criminal case hearing this morning that was cancelled due to the attackarrived at the scene of the crime to take stock of the victims. He was joined by Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Knesset member Zvi Sukkot. | https://t.co/6V2H6BQrye pic.twitter.com/k9QiCImY18 - N12 (@N12News) September 8, 2025 "(Police are) currently trying to understand how they [the terrorists] got here, who brought them, and I believe that within a short time we will reach everyone who is involved, Zion Region Assistant Commissioner Shlomi Bachar told local media. The two attackers reportedly were from towns located southeast of RamallahQatanna and Al-Qubeibah. The shooting likely originated from the West Bank, explained Israeli political analyst Ori Goldberg, adding that he "seriously" doubted it had been ordered by Hamas. Hundreds of Israeli security forces are combing the area for additional attackers or possible explosives. The Israeli military has also said that it is surrounding Palestinian villages on the outskirts of the nearby West Bank city of Ramallah, in response to the bus attack. Although Hamas called the attack "a natural response to the occupations crimes against our people", they did not claim responsibility for it. Violent clashes erupted outside the Federal Parliament in Nepal as police fired rubber bullets and aerial shots to control the protests by Gen Z demonstrators over the banning of several social media apps. The total death toll from the protests has reached six after protesters succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment. Two protesters receiving treatment for injuries at Civil Hospital died earlier. Four more were announced dead later at the national Trauma Centre after sustaining bullet injuries. Dozens were rushed to hospitals and health facilities due to bullet wounds to the chest and head. #WATCH | Nepal: Thousands of people protest in Kathmandu against the ban on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media sites, leading to clashes between police and protesters. pic.twitter.com/klrP1HRJQd ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025 The demonstration was organised to oppose government corruption and the recent bans on 26 major social media and communication platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, WhatsApp, X (Twitter) and LinkedIn. The protesters had refused to back down even as police fired repeated rounds of tear gas and water cannons at them. Police then resorted to aerial firing to clear the crowd. Later, they also cleared out those who entered the parliament building, the Himalayan Times reported. #Nepal: Lakhs of youth hold massive protests against the ban on social media in the country. The Social Media ban came into effect on 4th September, 2025, targeting platforms that had not registered with the Nepalese government. This includes major sites like Facebook, Instagram, pic.twitter.com/Xk2Hk08uP5 All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) September 8, 2025 The Kathmandu District Administration has imposed a curfew in New Baneshwor and the surrounding areas where the protests took place, from 12:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Thousands of youth protesters had taken to the streets to oppose corruption and the bans on social media apps. The protests were initially announced as peaceful, but turned violent after they pushed through and damaged the barricades set up by the police. Some protesters had even entered the parliament building premises in New Baneshwar. #WATCH | Nepal | Protest turned violent in Kathmandu as people staged a massive protest against the ban on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media sites, leading to clashes between police and protesters. pic.twitter.com/YWNj3R0wUG ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025 Nepals Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli had commented earlier on the planned protests, saying, "I hear of a planned 'Gen Z rebellion'. We are not against platforms or social networks; we are against lawlessness, arrogance, and belittling our country. For a year, we told social networks: register under Nepals law, pay taxes, and be accountable. They replied, 'We dont know your constitution.' Then intellectuals complain: four jobs lost. But are four jobs bigger than national self-respect? For self-respect, maybe four jobs go for four days, but new ones will come. They cannot be operators, managers, and consumers all at once" Gen Z protesters had also gathered outside Kathmandu at areas like Biratnagar, Butwal, Chitwan, Pokhara, and other cities. The Nepal government had banned all major social media sites on Thursday for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology within the given deadline. The social media sites were given a deadline of seven days from August 28 to register. Nepal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on Monday as protests over social media ban in the country have led to 19 deaths. The protests by youths have spread across the country, and curfew has been imposed in various cities, including Kathmandu. According to reports, Lekhak took moral responsibility for the deaths in the clashes and offered to resign during a meeting of Nepali Congress office bearers. The resignation comes amid growing demand from protesters and opposition, holding him responsible for the deaths. Violent clashes erupted between protesters and police as the latter fired rubber bullets and aerial shots to control young protesters gathered outside the Federal Parliament in Nepal. Youngsters in Nepal took to the streets on Monday, demanding the withdrawal of the recent ban on over 20 social media platforms in the country. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet to discuss the violent clashes. The protesters carried flags and placards with slogans such as "Shut down corruption and not social media." According to Kathmandu Post, close to 350 people are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Nepal, and at least a dozen are in critical condition. Thousands of youth protesters took to the streets to oppose corruption and the bans on social media apps. The protests, initially announced as peaceful, turned violent after they pushed through and damaged the barricades set up by the police. Some protesters even managed to enter the parliament building premises in New Baneshwar. The Nepal government recently banned close to 26 social media platforms in the country, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and YouTube, citing their lack of compliance with regional regulations. By Nick Carey, Christoph Steitz and Christina Amann MUNICH (Reuters) -Major automakers will showcase their latest models at Munich's car show on Monday as Europe's automotive sector faces crises ranging from U.S. tariff hikes to costly electrification and the expansion of Chinese automakers on their home turf. Aside from a product blitz to counter Chinese models being pushed to European consumers, including by BYD, Changan and GAC, domestic firms will focus on lobbying to persuade the European Union to reconsider its 2035 ban on combustion-engine cars. Attention will also be on U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on European-made cars. Even if a U.S.-EU trade deal agreed in July goes ahead, European automakers would face a 15% tariff that could force them not to sell less profitable models in the U.S. European automakers at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, running from September 9-12, also face sinking sales in China, the biggest single market for Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Meanwhile, auto executives and lobby groups are pushing hard for the EU's fossil-fuel car ban, which is up for review by the end of 2025, to be scrapped or changed. BMW CEO Oliver Zipse called the ban a "big mistake" on Friday, seeking emissions regulations instead, that capture a vehicle's entire supply chain. Danijel Visevic, managing partner at climate tech-focused venture capital firm World Fund, said such lobbying by European automakers was "stupid" and that "they should put their energy into building the best, cheapest cars to out-compete the Chinese." China remains the biggest challenge for Europe's auto industry. According to consultancy AlixPartners, as recently as 2020, global automakers had a 62% market share in China, which shrank to 46% in 2023 and could drop to 28% by 2030. Porsche has felt that pain acutely after seeing its Chinese sales fall 28% in the first half, and will suffer the ignominy of dropping out of Germany's benchmark blue-chip index on September 22 - almost three years to the day since its landmark initial public offering. That will further raise pressure on Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche parent Volkswagen, to drop his unpopular dual role as Porsche's CEO. Chinese automakers also pose a problem for the likes of Volkswagen in Europe. According to JATO Dynamics, Chinese brands almost doubled their European market share to 4.8% through July this year versus the same period in 2024. And consultants McKinsey estimate that within a decade, Chinese automakers could command a share equal to what Japanese and Korean automakers enjoy now, of 14% and 9%, respectively. Thousands of Nepali youth marched the streets of Kathmandu to protest against government corruption and the recent decision to ban 26 popular social media platforms. The demonstrations had resulted in an angry clash with Nepalese police, which has now resulted in over 9 protesters dead and dozens more injured. Protesters carried the national flag and placards with slogans such as "Shut down corruption and not social media", "Unban social media", and "Youths against corruption", as they marched through Kathmandu. #WATCH | Nepal | Protest turned violent in Kathmandu as people staged a massive protest outside Kathmandu Parliament against the ban on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media sites, leading to clashes between police and protesters. pic.twitter.com/61D5wK3ZTB ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2025 The protests were organised by Gen Z to show the frustration with the corruption in the government. For the past few days, hashtags like Nepokids and Nepo babies were trending online, which took off after the government decided to ban the platforms, The Kathmandu Post reported. Social Media ban On August 25, the Nepal Cabinet had decided that all social media operators must register within seven days under the Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2023, and the deadline expired on September 3. On September 4, the Nepal government blocked all unregistered social media platforms after they did not contact the ministry by the deadline. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority shared the names of 26 platforms that would be shut down, including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, X, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Mastodon, Rumble, VK, Line, IMO, Zalo, Soul, and Hamro Patro. Many social media platforms have not been accessible in the country since Friday and affects millions of users who rely on these platforms to run businesses, read news, and stay connected with friends and family, the AFP reported. About 90 percent of Nepali citizens use the internet, Reuters reported. What essentially started as a protest against the bans has changed into an anti-corruption protest. We were triggered by the social media ban, but that is not the only reason we are gathered here. We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalised in Nepal, Yujan Rajbhandari, a 24-year-old student, told the news agency. Ikshama Tumrok, 20, said she was protesting against the authoritarian attitude of the government.We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation, she said. Actor Hari Bansha Acharya voiced his support for the protests on Facebook, saying, Todays youth, however, do more than just think; they ask questions. Why did it collapse? How? Who is accountable? This is just one example of the issues this generation raises. The voice we hear today is not against the system itself, but against the actions of leaders and officials responsible for it. Even as India has been advocating dialogue, diplomacy, and a swift, peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced support for the whopping 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods imposed by US President Donald Trump, calling it "the right idea" "I think the idea to put tariffs on the country...continuing to make deals with Russia is the right idea," the Ukrainian President said during an interview with ABC News. Zelensky said this when asked about the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. "We have to stop (buying) any kind of energy from Russia, and by the way, anything, any deals with Russia. We can't have any deals if we want to stop them, he was quoted as saying. It is to be noted that Zelenskyy dialled Modi on Saturday, two days before Modi's meeting with the Russian president. After the phone conversation with the PM, 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 conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. The remarks come even President Trump appeared conciliatory recently, describing India-US relationship, which saw a major downturn after the US doubled tariffs on Indian goods, as "special" and that he will always be "friends" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hailing Modi a great prime minister, Trump had said he just does not like what the former is doing at this particular moment. He, howver, added that there is nothing to worry about the India- US relationship. Reacting to the remarks of Trump, Modi had said he deeply appreciates and fully reciprocate President Trump's sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. Forget Borgen, the brilliant Danish TV political drama which put even The West Wing into the shade. If you want a real-life Scandi thriller, tune into Norway's general election, which takes place today. It is shaping up to be the most gripping cliffhanger of a vote since the Second World War, with the Labour government close to being trounced. As one top pollster excitedly told the Dagsavisen newspaper: 'Not even Alfred Hitchcock could have written anything as thrilling as this.' Central to the drama is the furore over Norway's punitive wealth tax, which has driven hundreds of the country's richest business leaders to flee overseas. It is also why the Norwegian Labour party's fate is being so closely watched by politicians across Europe including our own leaders who are clamouring for new wealth taxes to shore up their finances. They should resist. Rather than raise taxes, the new levy in Norway has seen a collapse in start-ups and fresh investment. Flag day: If you want a real-life Scandi thriller, tune into Norway's general election Talk about a double-whammy flight of humans and capital. Norwegians may be among the most egalitarian people on earth but a growing number agree the tax is unfair to domestic owners who have to pay a levy while foreigners who own businesses in Norway do not. Understandably, this has undermined support for the prime minister, Jonas Gahr Store. His Labour party knows it has a problem. Finance minister Jens Stoltenberg, the popular former PM and Nato chief for a decade, who was brought in earlier this year to sprinkle a little stardust over the government, has promised to review all taxes if Labour is re-elected. Labour is still the biggest single party in Norway with about 26 per cent of the vote in most polls. But it would need backing from the country's smaller parties on the Left to form a new government. Pollsters reckon the swing could be enough to allow the Progress Party (think Reform-lite), now the second-biggest with 21 per cent, and the Conservatives, to form a centre-Right coalition. Both parties have campaigned on removing the tax over time, with Progress leader Sylvi Listhaug running on the slogan: 'Your money, your freedom.' High immigration is another heated election issue Listhaug has called for net zero immigration. Norway's usually apolitical $2 trillion sovereign wealth oil fund has also been dragged into the election fever. This follows public outrage after news earlier this summer that the fund had increased its stake in an Israeli jet parts maker. The outcry was such that the government ordered a review of the fund's 65 investments in Israel and any company with links to Israeli activities in the West Bank or Gaza. The fund has since divested its shares in Israeli banks and companies with interests related to Israel, on the grounds of 'unacceptable risk', drawing accusations of political interference from the opposition. And fury from across the Atlantic. The Trump administration is considering retaliatory action against Norway after the fund sold $1billion worth of shares in Caterpillar, the US construction machinery giant, last week, claiming its machinery is used to destroy buildings in Gaza. Expect more fireworks. Later this autumn the Nobel Peace Prize committee in Oslo will decide on this year's winner. And we know who wants it the most. The scriptwriters are on standby. Fresh out of Sweden comes the Polestar 5 - a four-door performance Grand Tourer aiming to deliver slick, Scandi electric driving to high-end spenders. The emergence of the 5 brings the EV brand's total line-up of models to four - just a year on from the Polestar 3 and 4 taking Polestar from a one trick pony to a multi-vehicle brand. Revealed today in Munich, it measures in at five-meter long and showcases bold looks. And to prove that not all EVs are soulless, its potent electric drivetrain can churn out a whopping 884hp and sprint from 0-to-60mph in just 3.1 seconds. Combining the Swedish brand's design language, cutting-edge tech and recycled materials, Polestar's CEO Michael Lohscheller calls the 5 a 'guiding star for the industry and the perfect Polestar flagship'. But with a range-top model comes a hefty price tag; the Polestar 5 starts from just under 90,000, and those wanting the first Performance Launch Edition will need to splash more than six figures. This means Polestar is going after customers who too are considering a Porsche Taycan. So, can the Swedish brand really compete? Polestar has revealed its new Grand Tourer EV that's now on sale: The Polestar 5 is the flagship car from the Swedish brand and produces up to 884hp Polestar says that aviation was the primary inspiration for the 5, with aerodynamics taking precedent, with a taut surface stretching over 'an aerodynamic wing-like profile with Kamm-style tail', a low nose and a close relationship between wheel and bonnet, and Gloss black or Shade cladding that runs along the lower section of the doors reduced the visual height of the car. The rear of the EV has a specially designed aero-efficient lightbar with a rear vent detail and integrated rear diffuser to improve airflow which, when combined with the flush frameless glass and retractable door handles, results in a drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.24 for the 5 Dual Motor. Underpinning the Polestar 5 is a brand new, lightweight, rigid, bespoke, aluminum platform that forms the basis of the Polestar Performance Architecture (PPA). Polestar says that the 5 has a torsional rigidity higher than that of a two-seat supercar. One key design feature to flag up is that, like its Polestar 4 sister model, the 5 doesn't have a rear view mirror. Instead it has the same digital rear view mirror and a virtual rear window. This could prove to be a marmite feature for buyers. The interior has been designed to make sure that rear space isn't lost, with the rear header structure moved backwards behind the rear seat occupants' heads. The 5 has the largest panoramic glass roof on any Polestar so far, so back passengers enjoy a light-filled and spacious journey. Polestar says that the 4+1 seat GT has 'equal focus for driver and passengers' and is predominantly designed as a four-seater, even though you can raise the armrest to create a fifth seat. Because of a cut-out in the battery, which Polestar dub the 'foot garage', there's extra floor space for rear passengers. Front seats have a low hip-point and supportive bolstering, rear seats share a low central armrest and even come with heating, massage functions and ventilation. You can individually recline them for maximum comfort as well. Polestar says that aviation was the primary inspiration for the 5, with aerodynamics taking precedent, with a taut surface stretching over 'an aerodynamic wing-like profile with Kamm-style tail' Polestar has used a huge range of sustainable materials including flax seeds, recycled PET, and fishing nets If needed the rear armrest can be pulled up to create a fifth seat, and Polestar says that rear room hasn't been compromised thanks to the virtual rear view mirror and window The rear seats not only recline but are ventilated, heated and have massage function. You can control the four-way climate from the central armrest With its admiral sustainable ethos, Polestar has created a car with an interior made from natural fibres and recycled materials: the seatbacks are made from BComp (natural fibre composite), there's ampliTex bio-based carbon-fibre alternatives (also flax) and a different kind of BComp composite used in the doors, and a lightweight PET in the luggage compartments. Weight saving, and good for the planet, these materials are used in conjunction with recycled fishing nets and waste materials such as carpets, and more recycled PET to ensure the interior is a highly-sustainable space. The driver gets a nine-inch display mounted directly to the electrically adjustable steering column so that the display is always positioned in line of sight, there's a 9.5-inch head-up display and a central 14.5-inch portrait centre display screen for all to use. As with all Polestars, the 5 comes with Google built-in, and there are four dynamic customisable tiles and up to six user functions that can be placed directly on the home screen for dedicated user shortcuts. Bowers & Wilkins 10-speaker or 21-speaker audio systems are available, and combined with Active Road Noise Cancellation for world-class audio. The SmartZone (which houses sensors, radar and forward-facing parking camera) works with Pilot Assist to deliver a huge range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to keep you safe. The Dual motor Launch Edition produces 748hp while the Performance Launch Edition produces 884hp. This will see the cars cover the 0-62mph sprint in just 3.9 and 3.2 seconds respectively, and reach a top speed off 150mph How fast is this GT? There are big expectations on the Swedish EV brand to deliver impressive stats when they launch new cars - and buyers won't be disappointed by the Polestar 5's performance. The Dual motor Launch Edition produces 748hp while the Performance Launch Edition produces 884hp. This will see the cars cover the 0-to-62mph sprint in just 3.9 and 3.2 seconds respectively, and reach a top speed of 150mph. Despite this range is still impressive with the Dual motor managing 416 miles on a single charge and the Performance version managing 351 miles. The 800V lithium-ion battery - the first of its kind on a Polestar vehicle - can ultra-rapid charge up to 350kW on a suitable charger. That allows you to top up from 10 to 80 per cent charge in 22 minutes. And the the C-pillar has a handy external charging indicator. The Polestar 5 Dual motor Launch Edition costs 89,500 while the Performance Launch edition costs from 104,900, making it very much a luxury EV Pricing - how much does the Polestar 5 cost? The Polestar 5 Dual motor Launch Edition costs 89,500 while the Performance Launch edition costs from 104,900. You can pick from six colour choices, including two matte paint options - Storm (dark grey) and Magnesium (silver). Head of exterior design, Nahum Escobedo, says: 'It was a dream to design Polestar Precept, and even more satisfying to see it realised as a production reality with Polestar 5. 'I cant wait to see customers have as much fun with this car as we had creating it.' Demand for electric vehicles is being hit by a lack of charging points for drivers who cannot plug in at home, industry experts have warned. Just 1,234 public chargers were installed in the UK last month close to 40 a day and well below the 130 a day required to reach the goal of having 300,000 points by 2030. And worryingly for ministers in their green drive to net zero, figures from industry group Zapmap suggest the rollout is slowing rather than accelerating. Just 11,464 charging points have been installed so far this year or 47 a day below the 54 a day seen last year. Experts told the Daily Mail this is a particular problem for drivers who cannot charge their cars at home often because of a lack of off-street parking. Ministers this summer announced 63m of fresh investment in rolling out 'at-home charging for households without driveways'. Slowdown: Just 1,234 public chargers were installed in the UK last month close to 40 a day and well below the 130 a day required to reach the goal of having 300,000 points by 2030 But it is feared many such drivers remain reluctant to make the switch due to so-called 'range anxiety' over where they can plug in to top up their batteries. A spokesman for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said: 'Concern about the ability to charge affordably whenever needed is one of the main barriers to greater EV adoption, especially for those reliant on public charging. 'The Government's 63m investment to support at-home charging for households without driveways aims to address this and further action to accelerate rollout of infrastructure across the UK would make EV ownership an attractive option for everyone, no matter where they live.' There are 85,163 public charging points across the country. But these are often more expensive than charging at home, penalising those without their own charging points. Tom Pakenham, commercial director at EV charging point firm Hive, said: 'The UK's shift towards electric vehicle ownership is proceeding at pace, but the shortage of reliable and affordable public charging points in some places remains a real challenge, particularly for people in cities without access to off-street parking.' A survey by Direct Line last month found drivers have to queue for an average of 22 minutes to use a public charging point. However, some have sat in queues for up to two hours at locations where demand is highest such as motorway service stations during busy holiday periods. The insurer said the results of the poll highlight the 'significant challenges with public charging infrastructure'. A Department for Transport spokesman said: 'We're investing over 4billion to accelerate the switch to electric vehicles.' At-home beauty retailer Beauty Tech Group is planning an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange. The Cheshire-based firm, which operates the ZIIP Beauty, CurrentBody Skin and Tria Laser brands, develops, manufactures and sells at-home beauty devices which make use of 'aesthetic technologies' it says have been used in professional clinics for decades. The devices incorporate tech such as light emitting diodes or LEDs, 'radio frequency' and laser-based therapies. Beauty Tech says it operates in a 'rapidly' growing market currently worth 9billion to 12billlion globally within the 464billion beauty and personal care industry. Figures from OC&C Strategy Consultants cited by the firm suggest sales in Beauty Tech's largest markets of the US and UK grew by 13 to 14 per cent between 2019 and 2024. The IPO would be a boost to London's public markets, which saw nine new listings in the first half of the year, raising just 182.8million. The ZIIP Beauty, CurrentBody Skin and Tria Laser brands develop, manufacture and sell at-home beauty devices using 'aesthetic technologies' IPO activity has been muted for a number of years, with eight in the first of last year generating 526.7million and nine in the second half raising 258million, according to analysis by law firm White & Case. Founded as CurrentBody.com in 2009 by current boss Laurence Newman and tech chief Andrew Showma, Beauty Tech sells own-brand products across the world. It operates sales channels, and manufacturing and distribution facilities 'across multiple international locations', the group said, including the US, UK, EU and Asia. Newman said: 'Since launching our own-brand at-home beauty technology products in 2019, the group has delivered sustained and profitable growth and established itself as a global leader in the fast growing at-home beauty market.' Beauty Tech achieved revenues of 101.1million in the 2024 financial year, with earnings before nasties of 22.9million. Analysts said this suggests an IPO float value of around 350million. Wile the group plans to target 'certain institutional investors' in the UK and US, retail investors will be able to participate in the IPO via RetailBook and its network of investment platforms, brokers and wealth managers. Newman added: 'There are significant opportunities ahead for The Beauty Tech Group and an IPO on the London Stock Exchange will provide us with access to capital, and enable us to raise awareness and incentivise staff to take the business to the next level.' Despite worries about electric vehicle adoption, EVs are still all the rage at one of the world's biggest auto shows, IAA Munich, which started on Monday. Volkswagen (VWAGY), the world's second-largest automaker and now Europe's largest EV seller, announced plans to push deeper into EVs with cheaper models. The company, for instance, unveiled the ID.CROSS concept, a compact crossover EV that will be available in Europe early next year. The ID.CROSS is the third EV unveiled by VW at the show, following the ID.Polo (formerly the ID.2) and the sportier ID.Polo GTI. All three will be coming to the cheaper side of the EV market, with the CROSS coming in as the most affordable, around 25,000 euros ($29,300). Cheaper: The Volkswagen ID.CROSS Concept is on stage during a press conference before the start of the International Motor Show. (Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images) picture alliance via Getty Images "We will be competitive, and right now, in Europe, for example, we are a market leader by far in electromobility with 28% market share. This family is another push to making this market share even bigger," VW CEO Oliver Blume said in an interview with CNBC. On the premium or luxury side of the market, BMW (BMW.DE) and Mercedes (MBGAF) announced new offerings in their drive to take on the midsize market, where Tesla once had a dominant grip but has now seen sales in Europe slide 33.6% through July of this year. BMW, on its quest to launch 40 new EVs from its upcoming Neue Klass platform, unveiled the first production model to arrive the iX3. The gas-powered X3 midsize SUV is a huge seller for BMW, and the Munich-based automaker feels the all-electric version will be big in Europe too. BMW said the iX3 will target a nearly 500-mile range and charge 30% faster than current BMW EVs. The model will arrive in Europe first in 2026 and follow in the US and Canada in the summer. BMW rival Mercedes showed off its next-generation GLC midsize SUV, in this case with EQ technology, meaning it's fully electric. The current gas-powered GLC is Mercedes' top seller globally and hasn't had an EV version since last year. "It's a massively important car," Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius said at the GLC's debut in Munich, per Automotive News. Read more: 6 steps to find cheap car insurance in 2025 The Mercedes-Benz GLC is on stage at the world premiere before the start of the International Motor Show. (Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images) picture alliance via Getty Images Mercedes is hedging its bets, however, claiming the new GLC will also be offered in gas and hybrid forms at a later date but that the new GLC will be "electric first." The all-electric GLC will have a target range of nearly 450 miles and is expected to cost slightly more than the $50,000 price tag of the current gas-powered GLC. Across the halls of IAA, EV-brand Polestar (PSNY) announced an all-new four-door performance EV sedan, dubbed the Polestar 5. Porsche (P911.DE) electrified its world-beating 911 Turbo range with hybrid power in the all-new 911 Turbo S. Tanaiste Simon Harris has said he is not convinced the size of the Budget package needs to be changed. Meanwhile, Mr Harris said he was not ruling out tax breaks for developers, but added that such a decision would have to be it when it came to final measures aimed at the industry. The Summer Economic Statement in July outlined an overall package of 9.4 billion euro, consistent with expenditure growth of 7.3%. The package is composed of additional public spending of 7.9 billion euro and taxation measures of 1.5 billion euro. It had been floated that the figures may be adjusted in response to the changing EU-US tariff landscape. On Monday, Mr Harris acknowledged that there was more certainty around tariffs but said: Im not convinced we need to adjust the numbers up or down. Speaking to reporters in Mullingar for the annual Fine Gael think-in, he added: Ill obviously be guided by the best advice and analysis from our two finance ministers. On the delivery of homes, Mr Harris said builders need predictability in policy, timelines and planning to make investment decisions. Asked if tax breaks for developers is under serious consideration, the Tanaiste said the Government has to look at every possible lever that can be pulled, including the cost base for building homes. He said Government had made a number of big, bold moves to address viability of housing, including rent pressure zones and changes to apartment planning regulations. If we make another decision in the weeks ahead, then that has to be it then that has to be it. And those who are in the business of building homes and apartments, need to get on with it at the on with it at that stage. They need to know that that is it. So these things will be teased through in the Budget but I dont rule anything out. Mr Harris also addressed the economic outlook during his leaders address to the think-in. He said that economic growth and stability as well as full employment can never be taken for granted. Mr Harris said the Budget on October 7 should build resilience in the economy and work to protect every job. He said it should also build homes and deliver key infrastructure across Ireland. Mr Harris added the Budget should deliver permanent, sustainable relief for working families in terms of their costs and support the most vulnerable. He said: We are moving away from an era of one-off cost of living measures. But that is not the same thing as saying we do not intend to help families with the bills that they experience in their own lives. However, he warned that Programme for Government commitments will take a number of budgets to deliver. A preview of upcoming Sunflower State austerity that we can't just blame on Brownback anymore. Check-it: "Lawmakers are already talking about doing another cut next year. "The budget passed by the Republican-led Legislature mandated a 1.5% cut in state funding, affecting state agencies that weren't exempted by lawmakers. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly didn't line-item veto the provision for fiscal year 2026, which started July 1, though she did veto a similar lapse for 2027." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . On September 1, 2025, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee Cai Qi met in Tianjin with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025. Cai Qi stated that President Xi Jinping held a fruitful meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the previous day, reaching important common understandings and providing new strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations. China is ready to work with Turkiye to fully implement the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state, enhance political mutual trust, support each other in safeguarding core interests, seek greater synergy between development strategies, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen communication and cooperation in international and regional affairs, and take the strategic cooperative relationship between China and Turkiye to new heights. Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkiye attaches great importance to developing relations with China, and is willing to work with China to make good use of the intergovernmental cooperation committee mechanism, advance the synergy of the Middle Corridor Initiative with the high-quality Belt and Road Initiative, expand cooperation across various sectors, strengthen inter-party exchanges, enhance multilateral coordination, and promote greater development of bilateral relations. FedEx Corp. and DHL Express have relocated to larger, dedicated air transit facilities at major airports in Turkey and Finland, respectively, to more efficiently handle international package volumes. FedEx (NYSE: FDX) last week inaugurated a new cargo terminal at Istanbul International Airport, a major crossroads for international trade between Asia and the West because of its proximity to Europe. The express carriers cargo airline previously transferred cargo at a shared third-party facility. The new 272,300-square foot air hub is four times the size of the previous operation and brings operations under one roof, ensuring greater reliability for customer shipments, spokesman Jonathan Lyons said in an email response. It includes two parking spots for FedEx aircraft, a 70% increase in parking for truck trailers and high-tech sorting technology capable of processing up to 7,000 pieces per hour, he said. Three automated high-speed x-ray machines equipped with image-reading software and artificial intelligence enable fast security screening of shipments. FedEx operates 30 flights per week between Turkey and markets in the United States, Europe and the Middle East. The company also distributes cargo to and from the airport through its regional road network. The company did not disclose the size of its investment in the new facility. CEO Raj Subramaniam attended a grand opening ceremony at the Istanbul facility, along with Richard Smith, chief operating officer of FedEx International and head of airline operations, and Wouter Roels, president of FedEx Europe. This new facility in Istanbul is a strategic move for FedEx, further integrating our global air and ground networks and delivering the scale and flexibility our customers need in a dynamic trade environment. said Smith in a news release. It is also a key step in unleashing the power of our combined networks to create long-term value and capture growth in the global air freight market. DHL upgrades Finland gateway On Europes northern rim, DHL Express (DAX: DHL) has moved into a new air gateway that is triple the size of its previous terminal at Helsinki Airport. The first customer deliveries from the facility are scheduled to begin in October. The parcel delivery giant said it invested 100 million euros (equivalent to to $117 million) in the 172,200-square foot facility. The building has twice the space for moving and storing shipments and its automated sorting system can handle up to 6,500 packages per hour, up from 1,500 packages per hour beforehand. It also has direct aircraft access to Helsinki airports apron, enabling faster aircraft loading and offloading, and 90 vehicle bays for direct package loading, all equipped with electric vehicle charging points. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, Trend reports. ''Dear Emomali Sharifovich, On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and, through you, to your entire people, together with my best wishes, on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Tajikistan Independence Day. Under your wise leadership, the social and economic achievements of brotherly Tajikistan, as well as the growing international prestige of your country, bring us great joy. The current high level of relations between Azerbaijan and Tajikistan stems from the deep respect and trust our peoples have for each other. It is gratifying that our interstate relations, based on this mutual commitment, have developed steadily and reached the level of strategic partnership. The existence of mutual understanding at the highest level creates a favorable foundation for expanding our relations across various fields. I fondly recall your participation in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization held in Khankendi this July and our meeting. I am confident that through our joint efforts and by leveraging existing opportunities, we will further advance the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Tajikistan and deepen our mutual cooperation. Dear Emomali Sharifovich, on this momentous occasion, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace, well-being, and prosperity to the brotherly people of Tajikistan,'' the letter reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Trend reports. "Dear Madame President, On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and, through you, to your entire nation on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of North Macedonia Independence Day. The current dynamics in the development of AzerbaijanNorth Macedonia relations are a source of satisfaction. Our ties, built on solid foundations, and our effective joint activities serve the interests of our countries and the well-being of our peoples. Your official visit to Azerbaijan in March gave new impetus to the friendly and cooperative relations between our nations. Today, there are excellent opportunities to further deepen and enrich our interstate cooperation across various fields. The high level of our political relations and active dialogue create a strong basis for this. I am confident that the relations of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and North Macedonia will continue to develop and strengthen successfully through our joint efforts, both bilaterally and within the framework of international organizations. On this joyous occasion, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace and prosperity to your friendly people," the letter reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has received representatives of the US Certified Trade Mission on the Middle Corridor, who are visiting Azerbaijan, the nation's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Trend. The assembly acknowledged the pivotal implications of the dialogues convened in Washington on August 8 of the current year, featuring the engagement of the heads of state from Azerbaijan and the United States alongside the Armenian prime minister. The ratified documents were recognized for their potential to enhance regional stability and advancement while also illuminating the expansive opportunities for the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the US. In this context, the significance of the initiative aimed at facilitating seamless transit between the western territories of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan was underscored. The initiatives undertaken by Azerbaijan to enhance and operationalize the Middle Corridor in recent decades were analyzed, highlighting that these initiatives were executed through targeted projects, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the Baku International Sea Trade Port, and the Alat Free Economic Zone. The meeting highly appreciated that Azerbaijan also has strategic relations with the partner states in the eastern part of the Caspian Sea, the friendly and brotherly countries of Central Asia, along the Middle Corridor. Besides, the meeting pointed out that Azerbaijan has played an important role in Europe's energy security for many years and that the number of countries supplied with our country's natural gas has now reached 14. The significance of particular projects, such as the construction of the Black Sea Energy submarine cable, was highlighted during the discussion as part of Azerbaijan's continuing large-scale activities with partner countries to develop and transport significant renewable energy resources to Europe. Additionally, during the meeting, views were exchanged on other issues of mutual interest. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Armenia's constitutional steps are necessary for further progress in the deal with Azerbaijan, Elchin Amirbayov, the Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Special Assignments, said in an interview with the i24NEWS TV channel, Trend reports. According to him, the agreement signed on August 8 between Azerbaijan and Armenia is an important step in normalizing relations between the two countries. "This agreement is a very important step in normalizing relations between our countries," Amirbayov highlighted. At the same time, he stressed that the document is preliminary in nature and is not a final signing. "Before moving forward, Armenia will have to take concrete steps, including amending the Constitution to eliminate territorial claims against Azerbaijan," the diplomat added. Amirbayov also praised the personal involvement of US President Donald Trump, emphasizing that his diplomatic influence played a decisive role in achieving this result. He expressed hope that this process will usher in a new milestone in the Caucasus based on cooperation, stability, and economic prosperity. Meanwhile, on August 8, 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 BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Chairman of the State Committee on Religious Associations of Azerbaijan, Ramin Mammadov, met on September 8 with Ronen Krausz, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to Azerbaijan, the committee told Trend. The meeting highlighted the importance of the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Israel, with discussions focusing in particular on prospects for expanding cooperation in interfaith and intercultural dialogue. Mammadov congratulated the ambassador on his new diplomatic mission and wished him success. He stressed that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan pursues a policy based on multicultural values and religious tolerance, where communities of different faiths coexist in peace and mutual respect. Ambassador Ronen Krausz expressed satisfaction with the attention and care shown to the traditions of the Jewish community in Azerbaijan. He praised the countrys atmosphere of religious tolerance and underlined the importance of sharing experiences in this field. The meeting also included an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest and explored new opportunities for cooperation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. An open court hearing continued on September 8 at the Baku Military Court with the examination of documents. It was stated that the documents to be announced will be reviewed episode by episode. One of the documents read out highlighted the shelling of a car with the license plate "GAZ-21" belonging to Azerbaijanis on February 22, 1988. At that moment, L.F. Mamedov, A.M. Abdullayev, A.M. Khudiyev, Sh.B. Salmanova, and her underage child were in the car. The case materials also contained documents on the acquisition and storage of firearms and explosive devices by Sargsyan Armen Grigorievich, as well as on the acquisition and storage of explosives by Artur Ashotovich Sayan, and the facts of mass riots in the cities of Shusha and Khankendi. Abbasova Zenfira Babur gizi, interrogated as a victim, indicated in her testimony that she lived in the city of Khankendi with her two sons. In 1988, they were daily menaced by Armenians who shouted slogans such as "Down with Azerbaijan, long live the Armenian people" and threatened to set their house ablaze, forcing them to leave. She stated that Slavik Hayrapetyan and his cohabitants repeatedly insulted and threatened them, demanding they vacate their home. On September 18, 1988, the house where they lived was devastated. The following documents announced concerned the facts of mass riots in Shusha, Khankendi, and Khojaly on September 18-19, 1988. Additional documents included reports of Azerbaijani homes and apartments set on fire in Khankendi; the looting and burning of houses in the city between September 21 and October 21, 1988; injuries to residents of the Sharur region on November 22, 1988; injuries sustained by three individuals as a result of an armed attack in the Sadarak region; the burning of the Sharur Water Junction Operation Department; a criminal case against Danelyan Norayla Eduardovich, a third-year student of the Khankendi Pedagogical Institute; the murder of Gurbanov Alakbar Pasha oglu on January 10, 1989; the eviction of Khankendi resident Asadova Ofeliya Yusif gizi from her apartment; the detention of a car convoy in the Aghdere area and the injury of Azerbaijanis; the destruction of vehicles amid gross violations of public order in Khankendi; the shelling of Barkhudarl village in the Gazakh region; the attack on villages in Shahbuz district on August 10, 1989; and the planting of an explosive device on a dirt road in Gunnut village of Sharur region, among other facts. 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 8. President Ilham Aliyev's visit to China has given a powerful impetus to bilateral and multilateral cooperation in various fields between China and Azerbaijan, as well as enriched the content of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Azerbaijan, Lu Mei, said at a briefing in Baku, Trend reports. She recalled that President Ilham Aliyev has visited China eight times and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping more than ten times in various formats. "President Xi Jinping called President Ilham Aliyev his old friend. It is under the strategic leadership of the two heads of state that Chinese-Azerbaijani relations are consistently reaching a new level and have already reached the highest point in history," Lu Mei stressed. According to her, the Chinese side is ready to work with Azerbaijan to maintain the positive momentum of bilateral cooperation and open new horizons for mutual benefit and shared prosperity. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on the establishment of an Organizing Committee for the holding of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group in Baku, Trend reports. In accordance with the decree, an Organizing Committee has been established with the following composition for the holding of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group in Baku on June 16-19, 2026: Chairman of the Organizing Committee Samir Sharifov - Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Deputy Chairman of the Organizing Committee Mikayil Jabbarov - Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Members of the Organizing Committee: Jeyhun Bayramov - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Sahil Babayev - Minister of Finance of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli - Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Kamaladdin Heydarov - Minister of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan Vilayat Eyvazov - Minister of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan Rashad Nabiyev - Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan Teymur Musayev - Minister of Health of Azerbaijan Shahin Baghirov - Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan Elchin Guliyev - Head of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan Vusal Huseynov - Head of the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan Fuad Naghiyev - Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan Taleh Kazimov - Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan Samir Rzayev - "Azerbaijan Airlines" President of the Closed Joint Stock Company Eldar Azizov - Head of the Baku City Executive Power. The Organizing Committee established by part one of this decree must ensure the preparation and implementation of the Action Plan for the organization and holding of the Annual Meetings in accordance with the "Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Azerbaijan, represented by the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, and the Islamic Development Bank Group on the Provisions for the Annual Meetings of the IsDB Group to be Held by the Government of Azerbaijan (Host Country) in 2026"; must resolve other necessary issues related to the holding of the Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group in 2026. The Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan will coordinate with the Islamic Development Bank Group in connection with the holding of the Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group in 2026 and will perform the functions of the Secretariat of the Organizing Committee. The Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan shall ensure that appropriate funds are provided for in the draft state budget for 2026 to finance the expenses related to the holding of the Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group for 2026 and shall take measures to resolve other necessary issues. The Board of Directors of the Islamic Development Bank Group adopted a decision on May 22, 2025, to hold the Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group for 2026 in Baku, and in this regard, a "Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Azerbaijan, represented by the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, and the Islamic Development Bank Group on the Guarantees for the Annual Meetings of the IsDB Group to be held in 2026 by the Government of Azerbaijan (host country)" was signed. The organization of the Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group in Baku, in addition to being an indicator of Azerbaijan's international prestige, will make a positive contribution to strengthening our country's regional and international partnerships, expanding cooperation with Islamic financial institutions, and promoting the economic and investment potential of Azerbaijan. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has officially renamed the Sumgayit Chemical Industry Park, issuing a decree that also amends several related presidential orders,Trend reports. Under the new designation, the facility will be called Sumgayit Industrial Park. The decree mandates the nation's Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Economy to execute requisite administrative and regulatory protocols in response to the alteration. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Investors are looking beyond US equities for the first time in a decade amid a weakening US dollar and likely easing of US monetary policy, moving capital into Asia as they chase the artificial intelligence boom in the region, according to the head of global research at Bank of America (BofA). Ahead of the three-day BofA Securities Asia Pacific Conference starting on Monday, Candace Browning said that US equities had been exceptional from the first half of 2020 to the end of 2024, attracting US$1.2 trillion from global investors, compared with US$200 billion for the rest of the world during the same period. However, the investments have slowed down this year. "We see clients are diversifying away from the US into Asia," Browing said in a written interview with the Post. "The stimulus potential is big, not to mention very real competition in the tech space. We see pockets of opportunity in Asia, and valuations offer a buffer compared to expensive US stocks." 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. This year, investors have allocated evenly between US equity funds and international markets, with US$50 of every US$100 of inflows going to US stocks and the remainder to other global markets, she added. The global AI market is expected to quadruple from US$300 billion in 2025 to nearly US$1.2 trillion by 2030, according to BofA Securities. Photo: Shutterstock alt=The global AI market is expected to quadruple from US$300 billion in 2025 to nearly US$1.2 trillion by 2030, according to BofA Securities. Photo: Shutterstock> "The falling US dollar and expectations of easier [Federal Reserve] policy in 2025-2026 have spurred sensible inflows to Asia equities, and more importantly [into] Asia debt funds," Browning said. With the AI boom in Asia, particularly in mainland China, the global AI market is expected to quadruple from US$300 billion in 2025 to nearly US$1.2 trillion by 2030, of which about US$1 trillion will potentially be deployed in Asia-Pacific, according to BofA. "Asia is the backbone of the global AI supply chain," she said. "The region underpins nearly every layer of the AI stack and can drive both hardware production and software innovation." Mainland China, one of the world's largest consumer markets, brings energy resources and a complete AI ecosystem, according to BofA. Taiwan contributes cutting-edge foundries and hardware, South Korea provides high-bandwidth memory, Japan has sensors and precision robotics, while India delivers engineering talent. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. On September 8, 2025, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Djibouti, Mohammed Ali Hassan, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, the parties discussed the prospects for bilateral cooperation and partnership in multilateral formats. They emphasized the wide-ranging potential for collaboration in economic, trade, humanitarian, and educational areas The importance of continued mutual support and solidarity within regional and international organizations, including the United Nations (UN), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement, was highlighted. The upcoming OIC Summit in Azerbaijan in 2026 and the countrys chairmanship over the next two years were noted as providing additional opportunities for cooperation. The paramount importance of the recent convening in Washington, alongside the strategic accords established therein, was duly underscored. The Azerbaijani contingent reiterated its position as a pivotal enabler in the Azerbaijan-Armenia reconciliation framework and emphasized its commitment to perpetuating initiatives aimed at propelling the peace agenda forward. Additional topics of reciprocal significance were also deliberated upon during the assembly. On the same day, political consultations were held between the foreign ministries of Azerbaijan and Djibouti. The sessions were led by Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev for Azerbaijan and Secretary General Mohammed Ali Hassan for Djibouti. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, received the newly appointed military attache of the Republic of Turkiye in Azerbaijan, Major General Ersin Dincer, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense said in a statement, Trend reports. The Minister of Defense extended a warm welcome to the Turkish guest and congratulated him on the commencement of his official duties in Azerbaijan. Colonel General Zakir Hasanov emphasized that Azerbaijani-Turkish ties are founded on the principles of friendship, brotherhood, and strategic alliance. He noted that bilateral cooperation continues to strengthen across various fields, including the military sphere, and expressed his best wishes to the newly appointed military attache for success in further advancing this cooperation. Major General E.Dincer, in his turn, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality shown and expressed his pride in starting his activities as a military attache in Azerbaijan. He affirmed his commitment to working diligently towards the further development of military cooperation between the two countries. The meeting was also attended by Major General Gaffar Goren, who completed his tenure as a military attache in Azerbaijan. During the discussions, the sides engaged in a comprehensive exchange of views on new prospects for cooperation in the military, military-technical, and military-educational spheres, as well as on a range of other issues of common interest. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. The New Shusha Mosque is on the rise, poised to become a shining beacon of the city with its jaw-dropping architecture, Trend reports. The mosques foundation was laid in 2021 by President Ilham Aliyev. Its design integrates emblematic components: the primary edifice embodies the numeral eight, honoring Shushas emancipation on Victory Day, whereas its dual minarets signify the 11th month, representing the duration of the citys occupation. The vertical extensions of the minarets are projected to attain an elevation of 72 meters. Shusha is celebrated for its rich tapestry of historic mosques and architectural heritage, with the New Shusha Mosque set to integrate into this esteemed lineage. The initiative is underpinned by the strategic backing of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Pasha Holding. BARDA, Azerbaijan, September 8. Under the directive of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the Great Return initiative continues to facilitate the resettlement of families in territories liberated from occupation, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports. In the most recent iteration of the initiative, a cohort of households comprising 46 individuals from the Aghdam district, specifically the Dortyol locality, underwent a strategic relocation to the Khanyurdu village situated within the Khojaly district. The households relocating to Khanyurdu had formerly been provisionally accommodated in dormitory facilities, health resorts, and bureaucratic edifices across Goranboy, Sumgayit, Barda, Absheron, and Baku, having been uprooted as a consequence of preceding surges of domestic migration. Following the recent logistical maneuver, a cumulative cohort of 69 familial units, comprising an aggregate of 237 individuals, has been successfully reallocated to the Khanyurdu village enclave. To recall, during the night of February 25-26, 1992, the Armenian Armed Forces, alongside the 366th Motorized Rifle Regiment of Russia, seized control of the city of Khojaly, resulting in a genocide against the local Azerbaijani Turkish population. The Khojaly genocide resulted in the deaths of 613 citizens, comprising 63 children, 106 women, and 70 elderly individuals. 1,275 individuals were captured. The status of 150 individuals captured, comprising 68 women and 26 children, remains unknown to this day. The city was liberated following local anti-terrorist operations executed on September 19-20, 2023, by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, September 8. Another group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) comprising 29 families (105 persons) has set off to Vangli village in Azerbaijan's Aghdara district as a part of the ongoing Great Return to the liberated territories in accordance with the instructions of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports. The former IDPs include families temporarily settled in various parts, mainly in dormitories, sanatoriums and administrative buildings, in Kurdamir, Baku, Aghdam, Yevlakh, Imishli, Aghsu, Shamakhi, Goranboy, Gakh, Barda, and Mingachevir cities and other districts of the country. They were sent away from the Dord Yol area in the Aghdam district. Taking into account this stage, a total of 51 families and 188 people were relocated to Vangli village. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, one of the AZCON Holding companies, Rovshan Rustamov, has met with a US business delegation visiting Azerbaijan, ADY said in a statement, Trend reports. During the meeting, the guests were informed about ADY's activities, especially the work done to scale up cargo transportation volumes on the Middle Corridor. The meeting noted that ADY successfully continues its activities to diversify routes on the East-West and North-South transport corridors. Besides, the meeting pointed out that as a result of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line upgrade, the annual cargo capacity was increased from one million tons to five million tons, and an agreement was reached between ADY and the China Railways State Corporation in July to increase the potential of the mentioned line. The appointment of an ADY representative in Xi'an Port and the opening of a container yard with an annual handling capacity of 20,000 TEU, and last month, China Railway Container Transport Corp. Ltd. (CRCT) joining the joint venture "Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd." were appreciated as significant achievements for the development of the Middle Corridor and East-West-East transportation. The meeting additionally emphasized that the Zangezur corridor ("Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity - TRIPP"), which will be implemented in accordance with the agreement reached in Washington in August, will ensure the continuity of cargo flows along the Middle Corridor and will give impetus to economic development and regional integration. The ADY Chairman said that the work done, including the integration of the Baku Port, which the US business delegation visited the other day, into the ADY, thereby transforming ADY into a large-scale transport and logistics group combining railway, port, terminal, and forwarding services, has already yielded positive results. During the eight months of 2025, Azerbaijan received 265 block trains from China via the Middle Corridor, while the number of trains received in the same period last year was 168. Over the same period, about 70,000 TEU containers were transshipped at the Baku Port. This is a 47 percent increase compared to the same period last year (47,157 TEU). The meeting further noted that ADY's priorities are decarbonization for emission reduction and the use of clean technologies, digitalization for the use of smart systems for safer, faster, more efficient operations, and sustainability that supports long-term development and environmental responsibility. The US business delegation thanked ADY for the detailed information on the company's large-scale activities and expressed their interest in cooperation, especially in freight transportation along international corridors. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. A training session held with the participation of a group of reservists in the Combined Arms Army ended, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense told Trend. As part of the training session, combined-arms and specialized training were held, practical shooting using small arms and grenade launchers was carried out, and activities were held according to the daily routine. The reservists also received training on the rules for using surveillance drones and fulfilled various tasks. In the end, the reservists who distinguished themselves during the training session were awarded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. The next trial session regarding the criminal case of Martin Ryan and Azad Mammadli, charged with spying for France, initiated by the State Security Service of Azerbaijan, has been conducted, Trend reports. In the trial held at the Baku Grave Crimes Court, chaired by Judge Elmin Rustamov, defendant Martin Ryan asked to speak to Azad Mammadli to express his opinion on the statement he gave in the previous trial. The court allowed him to do so. The defendant, Martin Ryan, addressed his connections with employees of the French embassy. "My meetings were not hidden. They were conducted openly, and the locations were public. If they were secret, the locations would not have been visible," he said. The court also reviewed excerpts from Azad Mammadlis initial testimony. According to his statement, Mammadli studied in Russia for his bachelors degree and in France for his masters. After returning from Turkey, where he could not find employment, he worked briefly in Moscow as a trainee lawyer and later in France at an IT company as a contracts specialist. Upon returning to Azerbaijan, he worked in a banks Legal Department and subsequently took assignments abroad. Mammadli explained that to improve his French, he attended a course near the "28 May" metro station of Baku, where he befriended instructor Z.M., who later introduced him to Martin Ryan. They met in a cafe to discuss employment opportunities in Azerbaijan and France. Subsequently, Ryan invited Mammadli to a private gathering at his residence, where he met Frederick Devos. Devos expressed interest in Mammadlis Russian education and political analysis skills, requesting analyses on Russia, which Mammadli declined. Later, Devos discussed Azerbaijan-Iran and Azerbaijan-Armenia relations, spy networks, and the "Husseinists" group. Mammadli also detailed encounters with Laurent Grand at events organized by the French embassy. "After meeting him, he requested that I attend all the events he organized. Some time later, I met with him again. During the meeting, he asked me to take a pen from the table and send a message to the email address written on it. I refused to take the pen and made it clear that I would not provide any written information. He then asked me to download the Signal application, which I did, and we communicated through it for a while. We later arranged another meeting, during which Laurent gave me a book as a gift. Between the pages of the book was an envelope containing an email address. He asked me to send a message to that address if I changed my mind, but I firmly refused," the defendant added. The defendant, Mammadli, stated that he met Leron Lody at an event organized by the French Embassy. "Although we spoke at the event, he did not disclose his place of work," he noted. The court will continue the proceedings on October 1 with the remainder of Mammadlis initial testimony. The accused persons were arrested on December 4, 2023. Ryan, CEO of Mercorama LLC, was charged with espionage (276th clause of Azerbaijan's Criminal Code). According to the indictment, Ryan was used as a spy agent by employees of the French DGSE (General Directorate of External Security), who involved him in secret cooperation and were subsequently expelled from Baku as a "persona non grata." Along with Ryan, Mammadli, a citizen of Azerbaijan, will stand trial in this criminal case on charges of "high treason" (274th clause of Azerbaijan's Criminal Code). Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Nar, maintaining its position as the most affordable mobile operator in the country, continues to support long-term social initiatives. For the 20242025 academic year, Nar awarded the ten students who achieved the highest scores in university entrance exams with special prizes. Within the framework of this project, organized with the support of Modern.az Information Agency, the awardees received golden numbers, smartphones, and a balance of 700 AZN. The award ceremony was attended by prominent state officials, public figures, and media representatives, who extended their congratulations to the most successful students of the year. Members of the Umid Var Inclusive Creativity Union and the Children of Azerbaijan Public Union also performed music and dance pieces, which, along with Nars special emphasis on inclusivity across its social projects, were warmly welcomed by the audience. Nars CEO, Gunnar Pahnke, congratulated the students during his speech and wished them success in their future endeavors: This achievement opens not only the doors of universities but also new opportunities and horizons of thought. At Nar, we believe that supporting education is the most valuable investment in the future of our country. For nearly a decade, this annual initiative has demonstrated Nars strong commitment to education. More information about Nars education-focused social projects can be found here. Nar currently provides high-quality communication services to 2.2 million subscribers. Nar has been the leading mobile operator in the country according to the Net Promoter Score for the last 6 years. The mobile operator adheres to a customer-centric strategy and provides excellent service at an affordable price. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. The Chief of the Serbian Armed Forces General Staff, General Milan Mojsilovic, visited some of the Serbian Armed Forces units as they continue intensive preparations for the major military parade set to take place in Belgrade on September 20 under the slogan The Power of Unity, Trend reports. The parade is being held in celebration of the Day of Serbian Unity, Freedom, and the National Flag. During the current phase of preparations, military units are carrying out joint drills at the air bases in Batajnica and Kovin, as well as at the Military Academy barracks in Banjica. Spectators will have the opportunity to see up close the parade featuring units of the Serbian Armed Forces and Military Academy cadets, along with a display of modern combat vehicles and river vessels on the Danube. The event will also include aircraft flyovers, a ceremonial rifle drill performed by the Guard, and a demonstration of the Serbian Armed Forces capabilities. The parade will be commanded by General Milan Mojsilovic. Expressing his satisfaction with the progress of preparations, as well as with the dedication and motivation of members of the Serbian Armed Forces for presenting their units and the military as a whole in the best possible light, General Mojsilovic emphasized that the upcoming military parade will demonstrate to both domestic and international audiences the strength of the Serbian Armed Forces and our readiness to defend and protect the safety of our citizens and the freedom of our homeland. As part of the preparations for the parade, Serbian Armed Forces aircraft will conduct flyovers in the Belgrade area tomorrow, giving aviation enthusiasts an opportunity to see nearly all types of planes and helicopters currently in service with the Air Force and Air Defence. The military parade Power of Unity stands as a symbol of patriotism, unity, and determination. In addition to showcasing newly acquired and modernized assets recently introduced into the Serbian Armed Forces, the parade will also feature assets currently under development by the domestic defence industry. Global meat prices have reached another high, primarily driven by increased import demand for beef and lamb from the US and China. The data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations shows that Food Price Index, which monitors five food commodities, showed little overall change in August. Rising prices for meat, sugar, and vegetable oils counterbalanced declines in cereal and dairy prices. The overall index averaged 130.1 points in August, a slight uptick from Julys revised figure of 130 points, marking a 6.9% increase compared to the same period last year and the highest since February 2023 at 130.7. Meanwhile, the FAO Meat Price Index climbed by 0.6% in August, reaching a historical high of 128 in at least 25 years, surpassing the previous record of 127.2 set in July. The FAO attributed the surge in the sub-index to the rising international bovine meat prices, underpinned by strong demand in the United States of America and robust import demand from China, which respectively boosted Australian and Brazilian export quotations. Ovine prices also rose, while pork prices remained broadly stable and poultry meat quotations declined amid ample exportable supplies from Brazil, the agency added. The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index rose by 1.4% from July, hitting a three-year peak of 169.1. The uptick was influenced by rising palm, sunflower, and rapeseed oil prices, partially due to Indonesia's intention to further raise its biodiesel blending mandate next year. Conversely, global soy oil prices saw a slight decline, with expectations of abundant soybean supplies in the coming marketing year. The FAO Sugar Price Index experienced a minor increase of 0.2% to 103.6, following five months of consecutive decreases. Concerns over sugarcane production and yields in Brazil, as well as stronger global import demand drove the demand, the FAO said. However, the potential for larger harvests in India and Thailand mitigated the price escalation. Offsetting these increases were declines in cereal and dairy prices. The FAO Dairy Price Index fell by 1.3% to 152.6, with reduced quotations for butter, cheese, and whole milk powder due to lower import demand from significant Asian markets. Additionally, the FAO Cereal Price Index decreased by 0.8% to 105.6. International wheat prices dropped, backed by larger harvests in the European Union and the Russian Federation. Meanwhile, global maize prices rose, influenced by heightened demand for feed and ethanol production in the US. "Global meat prices reach new peak, FAO finds" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov met with NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Sekerinska, who is visiting Bulgaria for the opening of the largest multinational emergency management exercise to date, BULGARIA-2025, Trend reports. The exercise is jointly organized by NATOs Emergency Planning Centre (EADRCC) and the Ministry of Interior, with participation from Bulgarian Armed Forces units. During the meeting, they discussed issues related to NATOs deterrence and defense capabilities, security developments in the Black Sea and Western Balkans regions, challenges stemming from the war in Ukraine, and other current topics on the Alliances agenda. Minister Zapryanov briefed the NATO Deputy Secretary General on Bulgarias defense policy priorities and the ongoing modernization process in the Armed Forces. He reaffirmed Bulgarias commitments to the Alliances collective defense, emphasizing the importance of fair burden-sharing, defense investments, strengthening the defense industrys capabilities, and using new technologies and innovations to build defense capacities. Deputy Secretary General Sekerinska highlighted that Bulgaria is a valuable and reliable NATO ally. She praised the countrys potential for developing its defense industry and its consistent efforts to modernize the Bulgarian Army. Deputy Secretary General Sekerinska and Minister Zapryanov also visited the NATO Multinational Battle Group in Bulgaria. The Battle Group is a key element of the Alliances deterrence and defense posture on the Eastern flank and serves as an example of allied solidarity. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Secretary of State for Political Affairs of Croatia Frano Matusic held political consultations with Josip Brkic, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Trend reports. The interlocutors discussed the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a particular focus on the future of European integration. Secretary of State Matusic confirmed that the Republic of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina successfully cooperate at all levels, reiterating that Croatia supports the sovereignty, political stability, rule of law, and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina based on the Dayton-Paris Peace Agreement. The importance of aligning Bosnia and Herzegovinas foreign policy with the goals and values of the European Unions Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) was emphasized, particularly in the context of visa regimes and migration. Secretary of State Matusic stressed that European integration has a positive transformative effect on countries even during the accession process, which also contributes to strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as energy, transport, and trade. Croatias continued political and expert support for Bosnia and Herzegovina throughout the entire EU accession process was confirmed, with a special note that the reform of the Election Law in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains a fundamental prerequisite for the equal political participation of members of the Croatian people at all levels of government, as well as for exercising the right to legitimate representation in institutions. The interlocutors also exchanged views on current foreign policy issues, including the situation in Southeast Europe and potential cooperation within the framework of international organizations. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Baiba Braze, welcomed the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia, Gordan Grlic Radman, on a visit to Latvia, Trend reports. The Ministers discussed cooperation at the bilateral and regional level, and in international organisations NATO, EU, UN further support to Ukraine and constraining Russia, including the need to strengthen sanctions. The officials also discussed the experience of, and progress made by the two countries in enhancing their energy independence, as well as current topics on the EU agenda, including the next Multiannual Financial Framework and strengthening the EUs external borders. Foreign Minister Baiba Braze: Latvia and Croatia have very good relations and bilateral dialogue. I would like to thank Croatia for its support to Ukraine, as well as its contribution to the security and defence of the Baltic region the presence of the Croatian contingent in the German-led NATO Multinational Battle Group in Lithuania. Close Allied and transatlantic unity is critical to achieving a sustainable and lasting peace in Ukraine and constraining Russia. We are of the same mind in order to promote the peace process, pressure must be maintained, including sanctions against Russia, and a comprehensive support to Ukraine must continue. At the meeting, Minister Grlic Radman confirmed that Croatia is planning to join the Drone Coalition, co-led by Latvia together with the United Kingdom. The Ministers discussed the ways to expand economic cooperation, in particular, in ICT and the field of hi-tech and drone technologies. Trade between Latvia and Croatia has increased in recent years. According to data from the Central Statistics Bureau, last years total foreign trade turnover with Croatia was 75.4 million euros, an increase by 42 percent compared to 2023. The Ministers also exchanged views on opportunities for cooperation in knowledge-intensive areas, such as pharmaceuticals, medical technologies and artificial intelligence, as well as in tourism. In the summer season, regular air traffic is already operational between Latvia and Croatia: direct flights by airBaltic connect Riga to the Croatian cities of Split and Dubrovnik. The Three Seas Initiative (3SI) has a major role to play in promoting regional connectivity; in light of that, Baiba Braze wished Croatia success with hosting the Three Seas Summit in 2026. As part of his stay, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlic Radman met with the President of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics, the Director of the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, Janis Sarts, and members of the Saeima (the Latvian Parliament) Foreign Affairs Committee and the Group for Promoting Cooperation with the Parliament of Croatia. Gordan Grlic Radman delivered a lecture, Medium Sized EU Member States and the Future of European Security: A Croatian Perspective, at the University of Latvia. Iran plans to launch numerous SPPs with Bank Maskan's support Iran plans to commission about 100 new solar power plants with a total capacity of 4 megawatts by March 2026 in cooperation with Maskan Bank. Renewable energy production in the country has already surpassed 600 million kilowatt-hours this year, showing more than 70% growth compared to last year. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8. The Chairman of the Board of KazMunayGas, Askhat Khassenov, invited Chinese companies to participate in new geological exploration and petrochemical projects in Kazakhstan during the 8th meeting of the Kazakhstan-China Business Council, Trend reports via KazMunayGas. During the meeting, issues related to the development of the energy sector and the promotion of sustainable "green" growth, as well as the expansion of logistics and production chains, were discussed. At the panel session "Deepening Practical Cooperation in the Field of Energy and Promoting Green Development," Askhat Khassenov, Chairman of the Board of KazMunayGas (KMG), spoke. In particular, it was noted that KazMunayGas is currently the company with the highest market capitalization in Kazakhstan at $22.7 billion. KMG is actively exploring opportunities in international financial markets and plans to approve a program for issuing Dim Sum bonds. "Overall, KMG effectively cooperates with major Chinese companies in all areas. Just this year, in the field of geological exploration, KMG signed contracts with Sinopec for the Berezovsky field (West Kazakhstan), with CNOOC for the Zhylioi block (Atyrau region), and is also studying the Dostyk block (eastern edge of the Pre-Caspian basin) jointly with CNODC. Chinese partners show interest in other promising geological projects in our country, such as Bereke (Atyrau region) and Shu-Sarysu (Ulytau)," noted Khassenov. At the same time, there is still great potential for new investment, as production is currently only taking place in 5 of the 15 sedimentary basins. The head of KMG invited Chinese companies to explore new blocks in Kazakhstan. Regarding oil production, Chinese companies currently account for 5.5 million tons of oil production per year in joint projects with KMG. "In order to increase production at operational assets, we plan to implement new technologies," emphasized Khassenov. The KMG leader also spoke about cooperation with Chinese partners in oil refining and petrochemicals, with joint projects such as "Polyethylene" (1.25 million tons per year) and "Urea" (880 thousand tons per year) being implemented. One of the important and large joint projects with CNPC is the expansion of the Shymkent refinerys capacity from the current 6 million tons per year to 12 million tons of oil by 2030. Additionally, KazMunayGas is considering opportunities for cooperation with partners from China in the IT sector. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 8. For Uzbek entrepreneurs with their eyes on the prize of exporting to Turkiye and European Union countries, the Zangezur Corridor is a golden ticket that paves the way for expanding their foreign economic activity, a source at the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan told Trend. "Should a conducive transit framework be instituted within the jurisdictions of Azerbaijan and Armenia, this corridor has the potential to function as a robust and effective logistics conduit. It will optimize logistics expenditures, enhance throughput velocity, and, as a result, augment the market positioning of Uzbek commodities in international arenas," the source emphasized. The ministry representative further articulated that the Zangezur Corridor is poised for dual modality utilization, encompassing rail transport contingent upon the completion of requisite infrastructure, as well as road freight operations leveraging the extant route. In his assessment, this initiative is poised to engender conducive circumstances for the enhancement of bilateral commerce and markedly bolster the export and transit capabilities across the entire geographic area. 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. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 8. A working meeting was held in Cholpon-Ata with the participation of the ministers of energy and water resources of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports. The discussions centered on optimizing the operational stability of the hydric and energy infrastructures across the triad of nations throughout the autumn-winter cycle, alongside enhancing collaborative synergies in this domain. Subsequent to the convening, the stakeholders reached a consensus to institutionalize periodic assemblies of the enduring task force and executed the requisite documentation. Cholpon-Ata represents a premier leisure destination situated along the northern periphery of Lake Issyk-Kul in the Kyrgyz Republic, boasting a demographic count of 14,237 as per the 2021 census. The locus of governance for the Issyk-Kul District within the Issyk-Kul Region, this district encompasses the majority of the northern shoreline of the lake. Proceeding westward along the A363 thoroughfare, one encounters Tamchy, while the eastern trajectory leads to Bosteri. The inaugural triad of World Nomad Games transpired in Cholpon-Ata during the years 2014, 2016, and 2018. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 8. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Batyr Amanov met with Wang Hongzhi, head of the National Energy Administration of China (NEA), on September 2 in Beijing to discuss prospects for strengthening cooperation in the oil, gas, and related industries, Trend reports, citing the NEA. The Chinese delegation underscored the pivotal role of energy in the Turkmen-Chinese strategic alliance, as Amanov reiterated Turkmenistans dedication to enhancing bilateral agreements and leveraging the successful outcomes of collaborative initiatives. The discussions, involving high-ranking officials and diplomatic representatives from both nations, transpired during President Serdar Berdimuhamedovs diplomatic mission to China for the SCO summit and associated commemorative activities celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Victory in World War II. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Iran has expressed support for Turkmenistan joining the North-South International Transport Corridor, said Farzaneh Sadegh, Irans Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Trend reports. Speaking at a meeting on September 7 in Tehran with Turkmenistans Minister of Railway Transport, Mammet Akmammedov, Sadegh noted that Iran is actively working to facilitate Turkmenistans participation in the corridor. The Iranian minister also voiced support for restoring the Ashgabat Agreement, originally signed in 2016 to establish a transport and transit corridor connecting Central Asia with the Persian Gulf through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, India, Pakistan, and Oman. She emphasized that revitalizing this initiative falls under Turkmenistans authority. Sadegh added that activating the railway corridor between China, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran is crucial for the regions future. We additionally evaluate the revitalization of rail operations within the framework of the Economic Cooperation Organization, encompassing the initiation of train services linking Almaty, Tashkent, Tehran, and Istanbul, as significantly impactful. This can catalyze the establishment of synergistic frameworks among regional stakeholders, she articulated. During the convening, Akmammedov underscored the criticality of enhancing synergies in transport, transit, and railway collaboration between the two nations. He also indicated that Turkmenistan is evaluating the expansion of aerial connectivity with Iran and seeks to optimize cargo transit from Russia and Belarus via the augmentation of railway infrastructure at Incheburun. To note, the intergovernmental agreement signed between Russia, Iran, and India on September 12, 2000, laid the foundation for the North-South Transport Corridor. In general, several countries have ratified the said agreement. (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, India, Islamic Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Sultanate of Oman, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkiye, Ukraine). The purpose of establishing the corridor is to reduce the delivery time of cargo traveling from India to Russia, as well as to Northern and Western Europe (the delivery time along the existing route is more than six weeks; it is expected to be three weeks via North-South). The Gazvin-Rasht railway, extending over a distance of 175 kilometers, commenced operations on March 6, 2019, establishing a critical linkage between the rail infrastructure of Azerbaijan and the Iranian railway system within the designated corridor. The Rasht-Astara rail corridor is poised for development within the territorial confines of Iran. The North-South Corridor encompasses three distinct vectors within the Iranian geopolitical landscape. The eastern vector encompasses Turkmenistan and the Central Asian republics; the central axis aligns with Russia and adjacent territories across the Caspian Sea; while the western trajectory includes Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, and various Eastern European nations. Russia and Iran signed an agreement on May 17, 2023, to build the Rasht-Astara railroad in Gilan province in northern Iran. Nine stations will be built on the Rasht-Astara railroad line, which is about 163 kilometers long. With the completion of this railroad, the North-South international corridor will be improved, and Iran's railroad network will be integrated with the Caucasus countries, Russia, and Northern European countries. According to the agreement, the Russian side is expected to spend 1.6 billion euros for the construction of this railroad. This railroad will be built and completed within 48 months. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Riverwater Partners, an investment management company, released its Sustainable Value Strategy Q2 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The strategy underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2500 Value Index, in the second quarter. The underperformance was primarily driven by stock selection, while the allocation effect had a small positive impact. In addition, you can check the funds top 5 holdings to determine its best picks for 2025. In its second-quarter 2025 investor letter, Riverwater Sustainable Value Strategy highlighted stocks such as Griffon Corporation (NYSE:GFF). Headquartered in New York, New York, Griffon Corporation (NYSE:GFF) operates through consumer and professional, and home and building products segments. The one-month return of Griffon Corporation (NYSE:GFF) was 16.67%, and its shares gained 31.00% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On September 05, 2025, Griffon Corporation (NYSE:GFF) stock closed at $81.34 per share, with a market capitalization of $3.787 billion. Riverwater Sustainable Value Strategy stated the following regarding Griffon Corporation (NYSE:GFF) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter: "Griffon Corporation (NYSE:GFF): Griffon Corporation (GFF) Griffon operates through consumer/professional products (True Temper, AMES, ClosetMaid) and home/building products (Clopay garage doors). It's possible you may be a customer of Griffon without even knowing it. Riverwater has been a customer since 2017. We installed their Clopay garage doors for our conference room walls. We met with management recently in our office and they were surprisingly impressed with our design, which they had not seen before. Maybe well be able to take credit for a future growth opportunity! Is Griffon Corporation (GFF) The Stock With The Most Insider Sales In The Last Quarter? Griffon Corporation (NYSE:GFF) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 29 hedge fund portfolios held Griffon Corporation (NYSE:GFF) at the end of the second quarter, which was 28 in the previous quarter. Griffon Corporations (NYSE:GFF) fiscal third-quarter revenue was $614 million, a decrease of 5%, while adjusted EBITDA before unallocated amounts increased by 5% to $148 million, both compared to fiscal Q3 2024. While we acknowledge the potential of Griffon Corporation (NYSE:GFF) 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. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8. A law on banks will be adopted in Kazakhstan by the end of the year, said the president of Kazakhstan while speaking at a joint session of the Chambers of Parliament with his annual address to the nation, Trend reports. In his address, President Tokayev mandated the executive branch, in collaboration with the Financial Market Regulatory Agency, to engage in the development of this legislative proposal. As articulated by the president, the banking legislation must integrate the evolving technological paradigms and align with the exigencies of the national economic framework. The legislative framework must delineate mechanisms to bolster competitive dynamics and incentivize the entry of novel market players, alongside addressing the facilitation of fintech innovations and the deregulation of digital asset transactions, stressed Tokayev. Tokayev further drove home that the administration, in conjunction with the Agency for Regulation of the Financial Market, must meticulously advance this legislative proposal. The president implored the legislative body to ratify the measure by the fiscal year's conclusion. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8. Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for the creation of a new Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development as part of efforts to accelerate the countrys technological transformation, Trend reports. As he addressed the nation today, Tokayev spoke about the role of digitalization in economic modernization. He stressed the need for rapid adoption of a Digital Code, which will set out the main directions of digital policy, including artificial intelligence, platform economy, big data and related areas. "To become part of the new technological paradigm, it will be necessary to restructure the entire system of public administration, significantly increasing its transparency, efficiency, and people-centeredness," he said. The president said the new ministry should be formed on the basis of the existing sectoral body and headed by a specialist at the level of deputy prime minister. The government, he added, will be tasked with ensuring the widespread use of artificial intelligence to modernize all sectors of the economy. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 8. General Director of Uzbek Overseas Geology Company Khayitboy Omanov and Chief Geologist of the Institute of Uranium and Rare Metals Geology at Navoiyuran JSC Khusniddin Olovov held talks with representatives of Mongolias Mon-Atom and Adamas Mining, Trend reports. The dialogues centered around synergies in the geological sector, specifically the feasibility of collaborative uranium extraction at the Adamas Mining-operated deposits in Mongolia, in conjunction with executing geological surveys in these locales and adjacent regions. The stakeholders have reached a consensus to facilitate the reciprocal transfer of extant geological datasets and documentation, undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the materials, and formulate pertinent inferences. The discussions transpired within a synergistic framework and represented a pivotal advancement in fortifying symbiotic collaboration within the geological domain. Stakeholders articulated a robust assurance that collaborative initiatives would yield substantial advancements in the regional economic landscape and scientific innovation. Simultaneously, across the fiscal continuum from 2019 to 2024, the bilateral trade turnover experienced an exponential escalation, amplifying over tenfoldfrom $1.9 million to $20.4 million. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8. The president of Kazakhstan has thrown down the gauntlet, urging the government to roll up their sleeves and whip up an action plan for a complete overhaul of the investment attraction system, on his annual Address to the Nation of Kazakhstan, Trend reports. According to President Tokayev, even though the competition is heating up around the globe, it's crucial to reel in significant investments. We need to launch a new investment cycle. The current policy in this area cannot be considered effective. A significant portion of funds goes into extractive industries. Overall, thats not badwe need such investments. But now we face a different taskto direct investments into the manufacturing industry, he said. The president underscored the necessity for the administration to recalibrate its capital allocation strategy. Should the situation warrant, strategic incentives may be deployed to attract capital influx from stakeholders engaged in advanced technological domains. Concurrently, it is imperative that we provide balanced backing for both governmental capital allocations and substantial private sector ventures. It is imperative that we engage comprehensively across the spectrum of investor categories, encompassing institutional, retail, and micro-investors in our strategic initiatives. It is imperative to delineate the specific parameters regarding the locus, rationale, and quantum of financial resources required. The 'capital allocation' must be calibrated in alignment with the exigencies of the manufacturing domain, the president articulated. President Tokayev also highlighted that Kazakhstan presently operates within a convoluted and disjointed framework for engaging with investors. This invariably culminates in administrative overhead and redundancy of operational roles. In the current challenging landscape, securing capital infusion is paramount and necessitates innovative methodologies on our part, he stated. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has announced plans to develop Alatau as a major hub for business and innovation, positioning it as a model for Kazakhstans technological future, Trend reports. In many rapidly developing countries, so-called cities of accelerated development have become poles of attraction for investment and technology. Our new center of business activity and innovation is to be the city of Alatau, Tokayev said as he addressed the nation today. According to the president, the groundwork for the project has already been laid. A territory has been allocated, the initial planning has been completed, and key infrastructure networks have been connected, he noted. Tokayev highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the projects realization. During my recent visit to China, multibillion-dollar agreements were signed with world-class companies. One of these companies took part in building the global technopolis of Shenzhen and will be directly involved in the implementation of Alatau City, he said. The president called for swift institutional measures. Within ten days, a draft decree must be prepared to grant the city a special status with direct subordination to the government. Then, within no more than six months, a separate law should be adopted, setting out the citys governance regime, financial model, and other key aspects, Tokayev stated. He emphasized that the special legal framework is vital to the projects success. A special status is not a privilege, but a necessary measure or instrument, without which all our plans risk remaining only on paper, he said. Tokayev also outlined his vision for the citys future: Alatau City must become the first fully digital city in the region from 'smart city' technologies to the possibility of paying for goods and services with cryptocurrencies. The city will embody the image of Kazakhstans future, combining technological progress with the most comfortable living environment. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has underlined the strategic importance of nuclear energy for Kazakhstans future, calling for preparations to begin on additional nuclear power plants alongside the countrys first facility now under development, Trend reports. In the country, large-scale modernization of energy sources has begun, with major projects being implemented involving foreign investors. For example, in the next five years, 6.3 GW of green energy is scheduled to be commissioned, which will significantly increase its share in the energy balance, Tokayev said as he addressed the nation today. He emphasized that the energy transition must be pragmatic. For Kazakhstan, the energy transition is not an end in itself, but an instrument of sustainable development, based on the real capabilities of the energy system and the long-term interests of the state, the president said. According to Tokayev, nuclear power will play a central role in this strategy. A month ago, in the Almaty region, the implementation of the project for the first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan began in cooperation with Rosatom. However, for stable economic growth, this is not enough. We should already start planning the construction of a second and even a third nuclear power plant, he declared. The president also pointed to growing international cooperation. At a recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, an agreement was reached on a strategic partnership between our countries in the nuclear sector, Tokayev noted, adding that Kazakhstan remains open to collaboration. Kazakhstan is ready to cooperate with all global companies on a mutually beneficial basis, in line with the goal of ensuring our energy sovereignty. Tokayev further stressed the role of coal in the countrys energy mix. Given Kazakhstans vast reserves of high-quality coal, special attention should be paid to the development of coal energy using advanced technology to ensure its cleanliness. We must skillfully use our natural advantages for the benefit of the countrys development, he said. On October 6, 2024, Kazakhstan conducted a pivotal referendum regarding the establishment of nuclear power facilities. An overwhelming 71.12 percent of the electorate endorsed the initiative, accompanied by a voter engagement rate of 63.66 percent. On June 16 of this year, it was disclosed that Rosatom has been designated as the principal contractor for the development of the nations inaugural nuclear power facility, subsequent to the outcomes of a competitive bidding process. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8. The volume of cargo transported across Kazakhstan in 2024 exceeded 1 billion tons, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as he addressed the nation today, Trend reports. He has underlined the growing importance of transport and logistics in securing Kazakhstans role as a major Eurasian transit hub, stressing that the country must act ahead of rivals to strengthen its position. Tokayev pointed to the need to expand the countrys transit capacity through multiple corridors. The NorthSouth corridor opens direct access to the markets of the Persian Gulf and South Asia. The EastWest corridor and Chinas global Belt and Road Initiative enhance Kazakhstans role as the main land bridge of Eurasia, he said. He underlined that the Trans-Caspian transport route is also a priority. All these routes must function as a single system, bringing our country tangible income and new investment in infrastructure, as well as creating quality jobs, Tokayev said, adding that digital solutions and artificial intelligence will be essential for competitiveness. The president also highlighted concrete progress. This year, the construction of the second DostykMoyynty railway line, stretching 836 kilometers, will be completed. This project, implemented with our own resources in record time, is of particular importance. It will significantly increase the throughput capacity of the EastWest route, he said. He called for further efforts to expand the network. The government must ensure the timely implementation of such projects as BakhtyAyagoz and KyzylzharMoyynty. Their launch will complete the formation of the railway infrastructure framework, Tokayev stated. Kazakhstan has also been diversifying routes to new markets. Recently, we managed to send the first batch of grain to Vietnam through the Chinese port of Lianyungang. The construction of the TurgundiHerat railway in Afghanistan is planned, with the prospect of reaching the Pakistani market. But these opportunities to open new transport routes and markets are not limitedmuch work lies ahead, Tokayev said. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for a systemic approach to water management, instructing the government to develop a unified digital platform for water resources as part of the countrys national digital transformation, Trend reports. One of the main factors of social stability, sustainable economic development, and national security is solving problems in the water sector, Tokayev said. He noted that recent years have seen institutional progress: In the past two years, we have formed the institutional framework for this. In particular, the Water Code was adopted and a sectoral ministry was established. The ministry faces large-scale tasks that must be addressed not occasionally, but systematically, through comprehensive work. The president stressed the urgency of modernizing the sector. At present, the relevant authorities have no accurate data on the available volume of water resources. Losses in some canals reach 5060%. Accounting technologies are hopelessly outdated, and water intake points are not equipped with modern instruments, he said. Tokayev tasked the government with the creation of a new digital system. A unified digital platform for water resources should be created, which, based on artificial intelligence, will integrate data on surface and underground waters. The launch of the platform will make it possible to fully address the task of hydrogeological monitoring, he explained. The initiative will also include the development of a long-term water balance. This work should be accompanied by the formation of the National Water Balancean essential tool for long-term water policy planning. Without all this, it will be impossible to establish proper control in the sector or to attract the necessary investments, the president explained. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8. The key focus now must be placed on the development of agro-hubs and logistics centers, said President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during his annual Address to the Nation, Trend reports. In his speech, the president made it clear that we should put our eggs in the basket of developing agro-industrial hubs and logistics centers while also forging strong ties with foreign investors. However, in order to build productive investment cooperation, domestic entrepreneurs need to understand current business trends and apply the latest technologies in their work, including artificial intelligence. The Ministry must also develop a support plan for agribusiness in the livestock sector and launch effective financing mechanisms. The goal is not only to fully meet domestic demand for meat but also to strengthen export potential, Tokayev noted. In his assessment, the government's strategic imperative is to mitigate the national food market's reliance on imports to an absolute minimum. Undoubtedly, attaining absolute self-sufficiency is an impractical endeavorand likely superfluousbut the prevailing condition of our marketplace is lamentable. Moreover, it is imperative that conventional domestic commodities undergo strategic promotion within international marketplaces. Consequently, a robust agricultural export framework is imperative, integrating logistical considerations and veterinary and phytosanitary compliance alongside a strategic marketing paradigm. This encompasses not solely the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture but also implicates multiple governmental entities, necessitating synergistic action at the Cabinet echelon, Tokayev articulated. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Azerbaijan and Uruguay have discussed opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, green technologies, infrastructure, transportation, industry, and food security, Trend reports via the Ministry of Economy. The ministry noted that these discussions took place during a visit by Elnur Aliyev, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, to the Eastern Republic of Uruguay. As part of the visit, Aliyev met with Valeria Csukasi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Relations of Uruguay, to highlight Azerbaijans economic environment and ongoing efforts to improve investment conditions. It was noted that Azerbaijan and Uruguay have signed six agreements covering economic, customs, cultural, and other areas, providing a strong foundation for expanding bilateral trade and economic ties. During a meeting with Fernanda Cardona, Uruguays Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mining, it was underscored that Uruguayan enterprises possess substantial capacity for capital allocation in Azerbaijan, especially within the realms of renewable energy, sustainable technologies, infrastructural development, transportation logistics, and industrial domains. The Alat Free Economic Zone presents extensive avenues for international capital influx, particularly for stakeholders hailing from Uruguay. Furthermore, an engagement with Cecilia San Roman, the President of Uruguays National Administration of Fuels, Alcohol, and Ports (ANCAP), centered on synergistic collaboration with SOCAR in energy sector projects, co-initiatives, and the exchange of expertise. Both parties underscored the robust prospects for synergistic collaboration in sustainable energy solutions and cutting-edge technological implementations. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Fundstrats Chief Investment Officer Tom Lee has cautioned that institutional buyers could disrupt Bitcoins traditional four-year cycle, as sustained institutional capital inflows over the past two years have introduced counter-cyclical dynamics to the market. During a recent interview with Mario Nawfal, Lee, who serves as Chairman of Bitmine, explained that Bitcoins four-year cryptocurrency cycle originates from its halving mechanism. Lee emphasized that the market has moved beyond retail dominance, noting that 2024 has witnessed corporate buyers and ETF launches bringing consistent capital flows to Bitcoin, shifting away from the four-year cycles supply scarcity-driven rallies that previously powered the entire crypto market. Tom Lee: Equity Market Liquidity Has Ended Bitcoins Traditional Four-Year Cycle According to Lee, the crypto market confronts two critical tests, which are whether Bitcoin will maintain its traditional downward cycle trajectory next year, or whether it will decouple from equity markets with which it has maintained a strong correlation. Should both scenarios materialize, cycle-based discussions in the cryptocurrency market may gradually diminish. For more than a decade, Bitcoins market patterns appeared highly predictable. Every four years, the halving event, a programmed reduction in mining rewards, would initiate a cascading effect. Prices would surge to fresh peaks, then crash into devastating crypto winters, before restarting the cycle. Source: X/ QuintenFrancois This pattern became nearly sacred among crypto traders. However, some of the industrys most prominent analysts now suggest this era may be ending. Supporting Lees position, Pierre Rochard, CEO of The Bitcoin Bond Company, also contends the traditional cycle has lost relevance, as expressed in a recent social media post. His reasoning addresses a fundamental shift, with merely 5% of Bitcoin remaining to be mined, the halvings supply impact is significantly weaker than previously. During Bitcoins early years, cutting miner rewards created dramatic market flow disruptions. Currently, the primary market catalysts may be institutional inflows, regulated investment vehicles, and global macroeconomic factors. Jason Dussault, CEO of Intellistake.ai, similarly views the rise of institutional buyers as representing a structural transformation. The halving maintains relevance, but its no longer the primary driver, he explained to CryptoNews. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8. The state of the Caspian Sea concerns not just one country but the entire region, so the situation can only be corrected through joint efforts, said President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his annual Address to the people of Kazakhstan, Trend reports. As President Tokayev emphasized, the government should begin developing an interstate program for the preservation of the Caspian Seas water resources, coordinating it with partners. There is concern among citizens about the decline in the Caspian Seas water level. If appropriate measures are not taken, the situation may worsen, potentially leading to a large-scale environmental catastrophe. Therefore, at the recent expanded meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in China, I specifically focused on this issue and proposed the initiative to establish a Center for the Study of Water Issues within the SCO, he said. He also observed that the deployment of water conservation technologies is advancing at a suboptimal pace and yielding negligible outcomes. In his perspective, it is imperative that prominent multinational corporations engage in this initiative; specifically, the acquisition of cutting-edge Chinese technologies, which are recognized as the pinnacle of global advancement, is essential. Notwithstanding the antecedently delineated hazards, agronomic practices persist in the cultivation of hydrophilic crops within the local agroecosystem. Furthermore, there exist numerous occurrences of the appropriation of irrigation water occurring sans requisite permits or formal agreements, President Tokayev articulated. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 8. The American investment company Oppenheimer has expressed its intention to participate in financing three major projects in the Andijan region with a total value of $1.2 billion, Trend reports. A contingent spearheaded by Shukhrat Abdurakhmanov, the Governor of the Andijan region, engaged in strategic dialogues in Washington with John Tonelli, the Managing Director of Oppenheimer. During this high-level exchange, pivotal initiatives earmarked for execution within the region were deliberated. Among the strategic initiatives is the establishment of a $180 million textile industrial enclave, incorporating state-of-the-art enterprises dedicated to the manufacturing and processing of textile commodities. The delegation also introduced a $20 million artificial lake initiative, strategically designed to reposition Khanabad as a compelling tourist hub for both domestic stakeholders and global travelers. Furthermore, an extensive metropolitan enhancement initiative, dubbed New Andijan, encompassing a total capitalization of $1 billion, was deliberated upon. Subsequent to the negotiations, representatives from Oppenheimer affirmed their preparedness to engage in the capital infusion for these significant regional initiatives. In recent fiscal periods, bilateral trade metrics between the two nations have exhibited consistent upward trajectories. In the fiscal year 2024, the trade turnover exhibited a robust increment of 15 percent. The portfolio of synergistic collaborative initiatives encompasses domains including civil aviation, strategic mineral resources, electrical engineering, energy sector dynamics, agronomy, digital transformation technologies, financial services, innovation ecosystems, educational frameworks, and a multitude of additional sectors. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has instructed to prepare concrete proposals for reforming the public sector during his annual Address to the People of Kazakhstan, Trend reports. The President of Kazakhstan highlighted that the pervasive reliance on commercial modalities to address non-commercial objectives is exacerbating cost escalations nationwide, leading to a proliferation of corporate entities and a diminishing emphasis on tangible outcomes. "I mandate the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms, in conjunction with the Government, to formulate actionable proposals for the transformation of the public sector, and if deemed requisite, I stand prepared to promulgate the appropriate decree," Tokayev articulated. The President of Kazakhstan drove home the necessity for a legislative overhaul concerning state property, emphasizing the imperative to delineate the parameters of state engagement within the economic framework and establish the acceptable legal stipulations for governance. For many years, the task of reducing the role of the state in the economy has remained on the agenda. State organizations and companies continue to multiply without justification, hindering the full development of private enterprises. The country already has almost 25,000 organizations with state participation. The functions and structure of most of them cannot withstand any criticism and are even illogical, added Tokayev. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel UK sees significant increase in Uzbek visitors in early 2025 Photo: National Statistics Committee Travel from Uzbekistan to the United Kingdom has surged in early 2025, with tourism driving much of the growth. Between January and July, 3,800 Uzbek citizens visited the UKa 40% increase compared to the same period last yearhighlighting rising interest in leisure, education, and family visits abroad. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8. The government must implement a unified digital system for tracking migration flows both within the country and from abroad, said President of Kazakhstan Kasm-Jomart Tokayev in his annual Address to the people of Kazakhstan, Trend reports. According to Tokayev, the lack of a centralized accounting system significantly affects the quality of forecasting and the effectiveness of decisions in the regulation of the labor market and especially migration. Uncontrolled internal and external migration creates a colossal burden on the infrastructure of our largest cities, which are points of attraction for citizens. An illustrative case study is the urban center of Astana. In a mere triennium, the demographic landscape of the capital has surged by over 250,000 individuals, with an impressive influx of nearly 100,000 in the preceding fiscal year, articulated the President of Kazakhstan. Tokayev further underscored that the augmentation for this fiscal year may surpass this already elevated benchmark. The quotidian demand on the urban infrastructure is fundamentally derived from accommodating 1.9 million inhabitants, whereas the officially recorded populace stands at 1.5 million individuals. To put it differently, over 400,000 individualsequivalent to the demographic of a mid-sized urban centerare accommodated by the capital beyond the scope of any strategic frameworks. The viability of the urban thermal and hydric infrastructure frameworks is currently jeopardized, he emphasized. In light of Tokayev's assertions, it is imperative to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the underlying factors driving migratory trends from peripheral regions to the capital. Strategic decisions must be formulated to establish alternative hubs of socio-economic magnetism throughout the nation. The paradigm of capital aligns with constituents must be operationalized, and the allocation of fiscal responsibilities for regional social commitments should undergo a recalibration, asserted the President of Kazakhstan. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Azerbaijan is participating in the 25th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT 2025) in Xiamen, Fujian Province, marking its second appearance at the event, Trend reports. The country is represented through the unified "Invest in Azerbaijan" national stand, organized by the Azerbaijani Trade Representation in China and the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) with support from the Ministry of Economy. According to AZPROMO, the stand highlights Azerbaijans business and investment environment, showcasing incentives for investors in the Alat Free Economic Zone, the Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur economic regions, and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The display also emphasizes the countrys transport and transit potential, tourism prospects, and investment opportunities. Moreover, AZPROMO presents information on the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA), the Agency for the Development of Economic Zones (EZDA), the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), and the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ). A Made in Azerbaijan product corner, featuring items from Azerbaijani Trade Houses, is also part of the exhibit. The Azerbaijani delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev, visited the fair and explored the national stand. CIFIT 2025 runs through September 11, hosting over 50 national stands and representatives from more than 110 countries and regions. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. The 14th Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) High-Level Working Group on the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) Train Corridor opened today in Islamabad, hosted by the Government of Pakistan, Trend reports. In his opening remarks, the ECO Secretary General thanked Pakistan for its hospitality and highlighted the strategic importance of the ITI multimodal corridor. He noted its potential to serve as a backbone of regional trade, reduce reliance on road transport, and even compete with maritime routes. The Secretary General also referenced the Tehran Declaration of the 13th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Transport and the 17th ECO Summit, both emphasizing the role of regional transport corridors in boosting trade, integration, and sustainable development. The meeting addressed key issues including the operationalization, extension, and commercialization of the ITI Corridor. En-route countries discussed challenges, explored solutions, and considered measures to accelerate progress. The Secretary General assured participants that the ECO Secretariat is ready to coordinate efforts, promote cooperation, and mobilize resources. Special attention was given to infrastructure development and addressing missing links, with discussions on mobilizing funding and investment. The Secretary General also stressed the importance of digitalization in enhancing corridor efficiency, highlighting ongoing Secretariat-led projects. Delegates welcomed the inclusion of private sector engagement on the agenda, recognizing the role of businesses in bringing innovation, efficiency, and sustainability to the corridor. The ECO Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Member States in transforming the ITI Train Corridor into a fully operational, competitive, and sustainable transport artery, linking the ECO region to global markets and deepening regional integration. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8. The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, threw his hat in the ring by proposing to dissolve the Senate and turn the Parliament into a one-house show during his annual Address to the People of Kazakhstan, Trend reports. According to President Tokayev, the Senate, as the upper chamber of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, was established in 1995 under rather difficult and unstable political conditions in the country, which was just beginning the challenging path to building state foundations. "I myself had the opportunity to lead the Senate for ten years, and I always regarded this work as a great honor and responsibility. Therefore, it is not easy for me to speak about parliamentary reform from this podium. Nevertheless, today I will express a proposal to create a unicameral Parliament in our country in the foreseeable future. I would like to immediately warn that this is a very serious issue, and haste in making a decision is completely inappropriate," Tokayev noted. According to him, this reform should be the subject of thorough discussion within the civil sector, expert community, and, of course, the current Parliament. "I believe that the discussion, given the extraordinary nature of the reform, will take at least a year, after which a nationwide referendum could be held in 2027, followed by the necessary amendments to the Constitution. I have repeatedly stated that all issues of a fateful nature for the state will be resolved only with the consent of the people," Tokayev emphasized. Moreover, according to President Tokayev, this will correspond to the widely spread parliamentary tradition in the world. "Thus, the current composition of the Mazhilis will have the opportunity to calmly engage in the legislative process practically until the end of their term of office. The Senate will continue to function until the results of the nationwide referendum are summed up and new parliamentary elections are held," Tokayev added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Azerbaijan hands back millions in value-added tax to property buyers Azerbaijan has refunded over 20 million manat in value-added tax (VAT) to citizens for payments made on residential and non-residential properties in the first eight months of the year. The refunds, processed through authorized banks, reflect the continued success of the government program supporting property buyers. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8. The efficiency of satellite monitoring of agricultural lands using artificial intelligence needs to be improved, said the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during his annual Address to the People of Kazakhstan, Trend reports. As the President of Kazakhstan noted, the strategic resource that should serve the development of the country and the welfare of all citizens is, without a doubt, the land. I have initiated large-scale work on the withdrawal of unused and illegally acquired agricultural lands with their subsequent redistribution. Land should not remain ownerless; it should be given only to those who recognize its value, said Tokayev. Tokayev also highlighted that since the year 2022, an impressive total exceeding 13.5 million hectares of arable land has been reinstated within the territorial confines of Kazakhstan. Nevertheless, a mere 6 million hectares of the reverted territory have been allocated to novel land utilizers by the akimats (local governance bodies). It is evident that previously underutilized agrarian terrains ought to be transformed into hubs of productivity, capital infusion, and workforce engagement. Consequently, the objective for the akimats is to facilitate the reintegration of all reverted agricultural territories into a state of perpetual circulation by the midpoint of 2026. This initiative will additionally address the issue of forage deficiencies, stated Tokayev. The president asserts that to eradicate systemic abuses and bureaucratic inefficiencies in land relations, a paradigm shift in the operational framework for the allocation of agricultural land is imperative. Decisions on land distribution should be made digitally based on electronic tenders. The government must propose the corresponding legislative changes by the end of the year. It is especially important to use digital technologies more broadly in this area. Already, space monitoring and geoanalytics help identify unused lands and return them to circulation. We need to move further, he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The value investing principles popularized by American economist Benjamin Graham no longer apply in todays world, says ProCap BTC investment chief Jeff Park. "If you're still investing like Benjamin Graham in 2025, you're already losing," Park said Tuesday on X. "The Intelligent Investor is dead." Intelligent investing principles no longer apply because the foundations on which they rest have "eroded," Park said in a blog post expanding his views. Don't Miss: Would You Have Invested in eBay or Uber Early? The Same Backers Are Betting on This Vacation Home Platform Kevin O'Leary Loves Wonderful Recurring Cash Flows' These Small Industrial Assets Deliver Just That According to Park, the foundations for the principles of intelligent investing are the free market ideals of fiscal restraint, financial liberalization, stable exchange rates, deregulation and privatization outlined in the Washington Consensus. But the Washington Consensus is now giving way to the Beijing Consensus, he said. Park cited the launch of the Main Street Lending Program as one of the key moments highlighting the shift. The Federal Reserve launched the program to make credit available to small and mid-sized businesses during the COVID pandemic. He said the program went beyond the Fed's neutral mandate and into fiscal policy territory. Another key moment cited by Park was when a coalition of countries, including the U.S., seized Russias reserve assets in 2022 in response to the countrys invasion of Ukraine. Trending: From Chipotle to Red Bull, Top Brands Are Already Building With Modern Mill's Tree-Free Wood Alternative Here's How You Can Invest Too These developments indicate a clear shift, Park said. He said in this new paradigm, markets are shaped by political discretion and cross-border flows rather than traditional free-market principles. An Age Of The Ideological Investor' Park said that this is now "an age of the ideological Investor." In this era, value is not measured by risk-free rates, weighted average cost of capital, discounted cash flow and capital asset pricing, he said. According to Park, "the primary drivers of value" in this era are geopolitics, artificial intelligence and culture. He said artificial intelligence will determine how "societies are organized and power distributed," citing Karl Marxs views on how the means of production shape life. See Also: Scrolling To UBI' Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest today for just $0.30/share. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi addressed the Board of Governors today, providing an update on Irans nuclear program amid recent tensions, Trend reports. He noted the agencys continued focus following the June attacks and recent developments in Tehran, including Irans Parliament passing a law on 25 June suspending cooperation with the IAEA, which was approved by the President on 2 July. Grossi emphasized that despite Irans domestic law, the countrys NPT Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) remains in force, and IAEA safeguards continue to apply. While national law may create obligations domestically, it cannot do so for the IAEA, he said. The director general confirmed ongoing technical discussions in Tehran and Vienna aimed at agreeing on practical steps to restore cooperation. Progress has been made. It is my sincere hope that within the next few days, it will be possible to come to a successful conclusion of these discussions to facilitate the full resumption of our indispensable work with Iran, Grossi said. He stressed that the implementation of Irans NPT Safeguards Agreement is essential for broader diplomatic progress. There is still time, but not much. Always enough when there is good faith and a clear sense of responsibility, he added. Azerbaijans industrial sector sees decline in business loan portfolio As of August 1, 2025, Azerbaijani banks business loan portfolio in the industrial sector stood at 2.6 billion manat ($1.49 billion). The portfolio decreased by 72.6 million manat ($41.3 million), or 2.7 percent, compared to the previous month. It also fell by 77.6 million manat ($44.2 million), or 2.9 percent, compared to the same period last year. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register US and Kazakhstan joining forces to tap into Middle Corridor's hidden treasures Photo: Kazakh Invest The largest US trade mission in Central Asia visited Kazakhstans Mangystau region to explore its investment potential and the advantages of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). A roundtable with local businesses highlighted Kazakhstans strategic focus on developing the TITR as a key Eurasian trade corridor, with a 60 percent increase in transportation volume in 2024. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 8. Adiz Boboev met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Uzbekistan, Walid Fouca, at the Samarkand Regional Administration to discuss cooperation, explore new opportunities for partnership, and strengthen bilateral ties across economic, technological, and cultural sectors, Trend reports. The stakeholders underscored the advantageous trajectory in UzbekistanFrance bilateral relations subsequent to the landmark diplomatic engagement of the French head of state in Uzbekistan. They emphasized the criticality of operationalizing the established initiatives and infusing tangible substance into the strategic alliance. Throughout the discussions, the potential for amplifying synergies across multiple critical domains was scrutinized comprehensively. Conversations centered around the evolution of contemporary urban frameworks, encompassing tramway systems and various initiatives aimed at optimizing metropolitan habitation. Agricultural sectors were delineated as a notably advantageous domain for synergistic collaboration. The stakeholders engaged in a comprehensive analysis of the potential integration of cutting-edge French innovations within the regional agronomic landscape, alongside the strategic avenues for the exportation of Uzbek agrarian commodities to the European marketplace. The discussions encompassed the safeguarding and enhancement of distinctive architectural heritage within the region. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed confidence in the continued fruitful development of mutually beneficial cooperation between the region and France. Meanwhile, trade between Uzbekistan and France has grown rapidly in recent years, with joint projects involving leading French companies and organizations exceeding $10 billion, reflecting the strength and potential of the bilateral partnership. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. A delegation from Russias Ministry of Energy is expected to visit Tehran soon to finalize discussions on gas supplies from Russia to Iran. Irans ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali said, Trend reports. He made the announcement at the opening ceremony of the Iran Plast International Exhibition in Tehran. The official noted that the issue had already been raised during the meeting between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin in China. Jalali said that cooperation in the energy sector between Iran and Russia is developing. The Iranian ambassador added that businessmen operating in the economic sphere of Iran and Russia do not have sufficient information about each other's markets. This has resulted in the lack of close ties in the economic spheres. However, relations between the two countries are at a strategic level and, according to the signed strategic cooperation document, cooperation is moving towards development. "One of the opportunities that lies ahead between the two countries is a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union. Currently, the volume of trade turnover between Iran and Russia is not at a level commensurate with the potential of the two countries. However, the private sector can actively enter the market," he noted. The 19th Iran Plast exhibition has started in Tehran today. As many as 700 local and 67 foreign companies participated in the exhibition. On June 26, 2024, a document was signed between Majid Chegeni, Executive Director of the National Iranian Gas Company, and Alexei Miller, Executive Director of the Russian Gazprom Company, on the transportation of Russian gas to Iran. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. As many as 225 container block trains from China passed through the territory of Azerbaijan in the first seven months of 2025, almost twice as many as in the same period last year, the Ambassador of China to Azerbaijan Lu Mei said at a briefing in Baku, Trend reports. She observed that, in alignment with predictive analytics, their quantity is projected to surpass 400 by the conclusion of the fiscal year. Mei pointed out that since the dawn of this year, Trans-Caspian trains on the China-Europe route, making their way through Azerbaijan, have been hitting the road from Beijing and the Chinese provinces of Shanxi, Guangdong, and Zhejiang without a hitch. "Tomorrow I will attend the ceremony of receiving the China-Europe freight train, which will arrive in Baku from Zhejiang Province," the diplomat pointed out. She believes that the Chinese side is really pulling out all the stops to fast-track the integration of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, paving the way for fresh avenues to strengthen ties between Beijing and Baku. The envoy further emphasized that the bilateral trade and economic synergies between the two nations are exhibiting robust growth trajectories. "As per the latest empirical data, the trade volume between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Azerbaijan during the initial seven-month timeframe of the current fiscal year has escalated to $2.45 billion, reflecting a 26 percent uptick relative to the corresponding temporal segment of the preceding year." The yearly transactional throughput is projected to attain unprecedented metrics. As of the current assessment, China occupies the fourth position in the hierarchy of Azerbaijan's trading alliances and serves as the primary conduit for importation activities," Mei articulated. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Azerbaijans largest thermal power plant, the November 8 facility in Mingachevir, was commissioned in June 2025 with significant participation from Chinese companies, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Azerbaijan Lu Mei said at a briefing in Baku, Trend reports. During the opening ceremony, President Ilham Aliyev praised the contribution of Chinese companies to the project, calling it an excellent example of international cooperation, she emphasized. The ambassador also pointed to the successful construction of the Khizi-Absheron wind power plant, the countrys largest wind energy project, also involving Chinese firms. She added that the Gobustan solar power plant, Azerbaijans first auction-based renewable energy project with Chinese investment, with a planned capacity of 100 megawatts, is scheduled to officially start construction soon. Lu Mei stressed that these projects represent a broader strategy to diversify Azerbaijans energy mix and strengthen its renewable energy capabilities. Lu Mei further drove home that synergistic initiatives will imminently facilitate the manufacturing of electric buses within the Azerbaijani market. She referenced the statements of Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscoring the strategic partnership between China and Azerbaijan in the realms of development and revitalization initiatives. China is poised to leverage its competitive edge in cutting-edge productive forces, encompassing the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and state-of-the-art manufacturing, while collaborating on modernization initiatives to yield enhanced benefits for the citizenry of both nations, the ambassador articulated. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 8. ACWA Power, the worlds largest private water desalination company and a leading developer of green hydrogen projects, has announced its support for the presentation of the AlMusalla Prize-winning design at the Bukhara Biennial in Uzbekistan, Trend reports. The initiative is being held in collaboration with the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and Vision Invest. The AlMusalla Prize is an international architecture competition for the design of a musalla, a prayer and contemplation space common in Islamic cultures. The winning project, On Weaving by EAST Architecture with AKT II and artist Rayyane Tabet, is built almost entirely from palm tree waste. Its modular design allows it to be disassembled and reassembled, extending its usability. ACWA Power Chairman Mohammad Abunayyan said the companys role reflects its broader vision: We have always seen ourselves as more than an energy company our impact extends to creativity, heritage, and culture. We are proud to support the Bukhara Biennial, which fosters cultural exchange across Central Asia. He also highlighted Uzbekistans significance in ACWA Powers portfolio, noting the companys investment in training programs for Uzbek youth through Shirin College and its partnership with the government on energy transition projects. Uzbekistan is the companys largest market outside Saudi Arabia. The musalla was first unveiled at the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah and later shown at the Venice Biennale before arriving in Bukhara, a historic Silk Road city with deep cultural and religious ties to the wider Islamic world. As a sponsor of the Bukhara Biennial, ACWA Power is also supporting initiatives such as the Women of Central Asia panel, which highlights the creativity of women artists across the region. The inaugural Bukhara Biennale Recipes for Broken Hearts featured the panel discussion Women of Central Asia, organized with the support of ACWA Power Uzbekistan. The session brought together artists from across the region to explore how cultural heritage and contemporary realities influence their creative practices. It took place on 6 September 2025 at the House of Softness, located in the historic Gavkushon Madrasa. The Bukhara Biennale is a new initiative in contemporary art, staged across recently restored historic landmarks of Bukhara, a UNESCO Creative City. Its first edition runs from 5 September to 20 November 2025, with plans for further development in the future. The discussion served as an example of ACWA Powers commitment to advancing womens empowerment in Central Asia. In addition to partnering on the event, the company invited female students from Shirin Energy Technical College, representing different regions of the country, to attend the Biennale. This initiative is part of ACWA Powers broader strategy to foster female talent in the energy sector and builds on its educational programs at Shirin College. ACWA Power is proud to be a strategic partner in Uzbekistans energy transition, with US$15 billion invested in 15 transformational projects spanning wind, solar, battery storage and green hydrogen. Our mission is to be a trusted partner in delivering the countrys Vision 2030 by ensuring affordable and sustainable energy through innovation and global expertise. We place strong emphasis on developing local talent and supporting youth, so that our projects create lasting social and economic impact. Womens leadership is at the heart of our strategy, said Janona Akhmedova, Head of Communications, ACWA Power Uzbekistan. The session was moderated by Zoda Mirakova, who introduced panelists from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan: Jazgul Madazimova (Kyrgyzstan), socially engaged artist. (Kyrgyzstan), socially engaged artist. Nazira Karimi (Tajikistan/Kazakhstan), visual artist and scenographer whose video installations explore collective memory and womens destinies. (Tajikistan/Kazakhstan), visual artist and scenographer whose video installations explore collective memory and womens destinies. Madina Kasymbaeva (Uzbekistan), the only woman continuing the Tashkent embroidery tradition. (Uzbekistan), the only woman continuing the Tashkent embroidery tradition. Saule Suleimenova (Kazakhstan), artist known for bio-collages and paintings addressing post-colonial identity and ecology. (Kazakhstan), artist known for bio-collages and paintings addressing post-colonial identity and ecology. Zilola Saidova (Uzbekistan), documentary photographer who has documented Central Asian communities for over two decades. Uzbekistan is ACWA Powers largest market outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we are proud to play a key role in its economic and social development. Women are a driving force of progress, and through discussions like todays, we move forward together. We were also pleased to welcome students from Shirin Energy College in Syrdarya. Our goal is to show them that the role of women in society is invaluable, emphasized Lamiya Khudoyarova, Head of Legal, ACWA Power Uzbekistan. Each participant shared how the resilience of Central Asian women and their cultural heritage shape artistic practice: Saule Suleimenova reflected that the multilayered mosaic of traditions in the city feels like a tapestry woven from stories and people. reflected that the multilayered mosaic of traditions in the city feels like a tapestry woven from stories and people. Zilola Saidova stressed that participation in the Biennale offers a unique opportunity to connect traditional and contemporary art, presenting her project on the Mugat community aimed at preserving its rapidly changing culture. stressed that participation in the Biennale offers a unique opportunity to connect traditional and contemporary art, presenting her project on the Mugat community aimed at preserving its rapidly changing culture. Nazira Karimi explained that her artistic practice is rooted in family oral histories: in her film Haftar she combines fact and fiction, showing how imagination can be a powerful tool in reinterpreting history. explained that her artistic practice is rooted in family oral histories: in her film Haftar she combines fact and fiction, showing how imagination can be a powerful tool in reinterpreting history. Jazgul Madazimova presented her project A Thousand Prayers, created from womens headscarves. She noted that each piece of fabric carries memories of prayer, labor, and care, forming a special bond with Bukharas women and highlighting the importance of spiritual support in difficult times. In Uzbekistan we are implementing one of the largest energy portfolios in the region over 12 GW by 2031. These projects will reduce CO emissions by more than 10 million tonnes annually and cut natural gas consumption by 5.02 billion cubic meters each year. Within this transformation, womens empowerment has a central role. We believe womens leadership is a strategic resource and a competitive advantage. Development is not only about megawatts and infrastructure, but also about culture, inspiration, and new meaning, said Nigina Jumayeva, Head of Strategy, ACWA Power Uzbekistan. The Women of Central Asia panel highlighted the richness of artistic voices across the region and the power of cultural heritage to inspire contemporary practice. The Biennale demonstrated how women in Central Asia are shaping the future of art and storytelling. ACWA Powers support, along with the engagement of students from Shirin Energy College, underscored the importance of investing in womens education and leadership. The discussion concluded with a call to recognize diverse forms of womens resilience and preserve their stories within the cultural narrative of the region. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Iran inaugurated the eastern lane of the Tehran-North Highways 2nd section on September 8, covering a stretch of 15.5 km, Trend reports via the country's Ministry of Roads and Urban Development. The opening ceremony was attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Roads and Urban Development Minister Farzaneh Sadegh, and other officials. The recently activated corridor encompasses 16 subterranean conduits extending over 11.7 kilometers and 12 elevated structures totaling 1.35 kilometers, constituting approximately 75 percent of the corridor's overall expanse. The subterranean conduits are outfitted with a robust array of 6,800 projection apparatuses and an extensive network of 155 surveillance optics. With the initiation of this corridor, vehicular velocity on the thoroughfare is projected to escalate to 70 kilometers per hour, and anticipated fuel conservation is estimated to approximate 7.5 million liters on an annual basis. The Tehran-North Highway serves as a critical arterial route, facilitating connectivity between Tehran Province and the coastal city of Chalus, strategically located within the northern Mazandaran Province. The thoroughfare is segmented into four distinct sections, exhibiting linear dimensions of 32 kilometers, 22 kilometers, 47 kilometers, and 20 kilometers, respectively. The fourth segment was inaugurated in the year 2015. In light of the uptick in holiday travel to northern territories, the enhancement of the highway network has emerged as a pivotal element in Iran's strategic infrastructure blueprint. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ROME (Reuters) -Italy and the United States on Monday vowed to deepen energy ties including through increased exports to Italy of liquefied natural gas (LNG), as Europe continues to seek alternatives to Russian energy supplies following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Italian Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin and U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, after talks in Rome, pledged to foster a "steady and secure" flow of American LNG to Europe, without committing to exact figures or timeframes. They said they would aim to "encourage investments in LNG import and regasification infrastructure in Italy, as well as export infrastructure in the United States, to ensure efficient and resilient supply chains." The European Union took steps to phase out imports of Russian gas and LNG, and the U.S. is set to boost its supplies as the bloc moves to end a decades-long energy relationship with Moscow which crumbled after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. "U.S. LNG contributes to supply security thanks in part to the greater reliability of the route from the United States to Italy and Europe, compared with the geopolitical risks present on other routes," Pichetto Fratin said in a statement. A potential increase in Italian imports of American LNG was discussed in Washington in April during a meeting between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. President Donald Trump. (Reporting by Angelo Amante, editing by Alvise Armellini; Editing by Bernadette Baum) BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the European Union (EU) have signed their first joint financing package with Suez Canal Bank (SCB), worth $50 million (42.6 million euros), to strengthen trade and expand access to green finance in Egypt, Trend reports. The package includes a $25 million loan under the EBRDs Green Economy Financing Facility, with $3.75 million co-financed by the GCF. These funds will support on-lending to households and private micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises investing in climate adaptation and mitigation technologies. In addition, the agreement provides an uncommitted $25 million increase to SCBs Trade Facilitation Programme limit. This will be used for guarantees and cash advances, boosting SCBs trade finance operations, supporting import and export transactions, and expanding its range of correspondent banking services. The EU will complement the financing with a technical cooperation package and up to $2.9 million in incentive grants to encourage borrowers to adopt advanced technologies. SCB staff will also receive training in climate finance, trade finance structuring, compliance, and risk management. Suez Canal Bank, based in Cairo, operates 54 branches across Egypt and reported total assets of 3.4 billion euros in 2024. Since 2012, the EBRD has invested more than 13.5 billion euros in 206 projects in Egypt. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Saudi company ACWA Power will sign a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement with Azerbaijans State Water Resources Agency during Baku Water Week, Trend reports. In addition, ACWA Power and the Scientific Research Institute of Water Management and Irrigation plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at joint research and experience sharing. Baku Water Week, happening at the Baku Expo Center from September 10-12, will gather the cream of the crop from government bodies, international companies, and experts to shine a light on the latest technologies and cutting-edge solutions in the water sector. The first day of the event will feature presentations and discussions on key topics, including drought risk management, the state of the Caspian Sea, and sustainable wastewater management. On the second day (September 11), the 2nd International Water Management Conference will host more than 40 speakers from 10 countries, covering leadership in water resource management, digitalization, and cross-border cooperation. The third day (September 12) will feature the 6th Caspian Water Innovation Forum, focusing on the adoption of advanced water-use technologies and environmental protection. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Azerbaijan and China discussed ways to grease the wheels for mutual investments, get the ball rolling on local production, and forge new partnerships, Trend reports, citing the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO). The discussions took place in Xiamen, Fujian Province, during the 25th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT 2025). The event was jointly organized by AZPROMO and the Trade Representative Office of Azerbaijan in China and supported by the economic and trade ministries of both countries. Around 100 entrepreneurs from sectors including industry, energy, transport and logistics, agriculture, and information and communication technology (ICT) participated alongside officials from both sides. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev said that Azerbaijan-China relations have turned a new leaf, and the creation of a comprehensive strategic partnership between our countries has given a significant boost to trade and investment cooperation. He attributed this silver lining to the two countries hands-on involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative. Chinas Deputy Minister of Commerce Ling Ji highlighted the growing economic ties with Azerbaijan, noting that Chinese companies are actively collaborating in trade, logistics, industry, and green energy. He also spoke about the increasing indicators of bilateral trade and investment in recent years. Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev emphasized that China is one of Azerbaijans main trade partners, with investment cooperation advancing in practical terms. He noted that joint initiatives in industrial production, renewable energy, agriculture, and ICT are being successfully implemented and that upcoming projects will support production localization and technology transfer. Deputy Minister of Energy Elnur Soltanov stated that combining Azerbaijans solar and wind energy potential with Chinas advanced technologies creates favorable conditions for successful joint projects, and future collaboration in the energy transition will continue to expand. Speakers at the event also included AZPROMO Executive Director Yusif Abdullayev, Deputy Executive Director of the State Oil Fund Bahruz Bahramov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Alat Free Economic Zone Ismayil Manafov, Director-General of the Investment Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Commerce (CIPA) Liu Minqiang, and Director of the Direct Investment Department at the China Investment Corporation Zhang Xiaoqiang. They discussed the investment climate in both countries, opportunities for mutually beneficial projects, and ways to promote trade. During a panel session, representatives from the Azerbaijan Investment Holding, the Agency for the Development of Economic Zones, Chinas Khorgos Economic Development Zone, and companies from the industrial and ICT sectors shared ideas and proposals to strengthen bilateral business contacts. The event concluded with B2B meetings to foster direct cooperation. AZPROMO was founded in 2003 by the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan to facilitate foreign investment in the non-oil industry and promote exports of non-oil products. The agency's primary objective is to enhance the nation's economy by soliciting international investment and fostering exports in the non-oil sector. To date, the agency has conducted 33 export trips to international destinations under the "Made in Azerbaijan" initiative. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Azerbaijans budget dependency on oil fund transfers intensifies Azerbaijans state budget revenues for the first half of 2025 surpassed forecasts by 3.7%, driven by increased transfers from the State Oil Fund despite a decline in direct oil and gas tax revenues, highlighting a growing fiscal reliance on oil fund transfers. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 8. Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with the Special Representative of Finland to the OSCE, Teri Hakala, to discuss prospects for strengthening cooperation within the framework of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Trend reports via Turkmen MFA. Meredov expressed gratitude to Hakala for her contribution to building constructive dialogue and underlined Finlands important role in enhancing the effectiveness of the OSCE. The talks focused on Turkmenistans long-term engagement with the organization across political, economic, environmental, and humanitarian dimensions, with particular emphasis on ongoing projects and programs. The meeting noted growing interaction between Turkmenistan and OSCE institutions, including the Parliamentary Assembly, the Office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and the Representative on Freedom of the Media. Special attention was given to the significance of Finland chairing the OSCE in the year marking the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. Both sides agreed that the Finnish chairmanships priorities of dialogue and trust align with Turkmenistans policy of neutrality and its initiative to declare 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust. The parties also stressed the importance of joint efforts to ensure security, expand energy cooperation, improve transport connectivity, and continue the exchange of experience in human rights, democracy, and rule of law. Kazakhstani citizens to have hand in naming countrys first nuclear power plant Kazakhstani citizens will help name the countrys first nuclear power plant through a public contest, with voters becoming official co-authors of the chosen name. The shortlist of names will be finalized by September, and a competition commission will select the winner. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is considering a hybrid gasification project in North Macedonia, Murad Heydarov, Executive Director of SOCAR for the Balkans, said in an exclusive interview with Trend. "We have started gas supplies to North Macedonia and are exploring a hybrid gasification project for the country. One option is transporting compressed gas from Bulgaria to North Macedonia to provide gasification, primarily for certain social facilities. Overall, our efforts in the Balkans have a strong social focus. That is why we see potential to build on Bulgarias experience and deliver compressed gas by road from Bulgaria to North Macedonia to serve social clients such as medical institutions, educational institutions and other facilities," he said. The head of SOCAR Balkan noted that the company is studying how North Macedonia plans to address its energy security. "North Macedonia places great expectations on the Alexandroupolis terminal in Greece, from which the Greece-North Macedonia pipeline is planned. They are making efforts to diversify their gas sources. Azerbaijan is a very reliable partner for North Macedonia, as we demonstrated when we began supplying gas to the country. Overall, I expect that we will be able to implement the hybrid gasification project in North Macedonia while continuing to supply gas to its market," added Heydarov. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8. It is necessary to accelerate the formation of a full-fledged digital asset ecosystem, said the President of Kazakhstan in his annual address to the people of Kazakhstan, Trend reports. According to President Tokayev, the government, along with the National Bank, needs to come up with an investment program for high-tech sectors of the economy, aiming for a volume of up to $1 billion. To successfully launch a new investment cycle in financing the real sector, it is necessary to involve second-tier banks more actively. This issue has been under discussion for a long time. The time has come to make concrete decisions, he said. An important step in this direction will be the adoption of a banking law that takes into account technological changes and the needs of the economy. The law should include measures to enhance competition, attract new players to the market, and address the promotion of fintech and liberalization of digital asset circulation. The government, together with the Financial Market Regulation Agency, must thoroughly work out this draft law. The president called on members of Parliament to adopt it by the end of the year. The formation of a full-fledged digital asset ecosystem must be accelerated. The introduction of the digital tenge, which is already being used to finance projects from the National Fund, contributes to this. Now it is time to scale up the use of the digital tenge within the republican and local budgets, as well as the budgets of state holdings, the president added. He further articulated that, in light of prevailing dynamics, the emphasis should now pivot towards digital currencies. A State Digital Asset Fund ought to be established under the aegis of the Investment Corporation of the National Bank, which will aggregate a strategic crypto reserve comprising the most promising assets within the emergent digital financial ecosystem, the president articulated. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 8. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev confirmed that at the end of the year he will visit Russia and Uzbekistan, part of a series of high-level trips aimed at strengthening Kazakhstans bilateral and multilateral relations, Trend reports. My visits to Russia and Uzbekistan are scheduled for later this year, along with meetings and negotiations with the leaders of several Asian and European countries, Tokayev said as he addressed the nation today. The president highlighted the success of his recent visits to China, Turkiye, and Kyrgyzstan. Recently, I made an official visit to China, where productive talks were held across the full spectrum of bilateral relations, developing in the spirit of enduring strategic partnership. My visits to Turkiye and Kyrgyzstan were also successful, he noted. Tokayev underlined the development of strategic contacts with the United States and the European Union. The KazakhstanU.S. dialogue is actively developing. We are expanding multifaceted contacts with the European Union, he said. The president stressed that a balanced foreign policy is key to national development. I am confident that a balanced, constructive foreign policy, aligned with the strategic national interests of our state, will bring great benefits to Kazakhstans sustainable socio-economic development in the era of digitalization and artificial intelligence, Tokayev said. He also highlighted Kazakhstans growing international standing. The fact that many countries wish to develop friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation with Kazakhstan primarily reflects the authority and demand for our state on the international stage, he added. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 8. The final audit for removing Kyrgyzstan from the European Unions aviation blacklist is scheduled for December 2025, President Sadyr Zhaparov said during the official inauguration of Naryn and Kazarman airports in the city of Naryn, Trend reports via the administration of the president. He noted that Kyrgyzstan has crossed the finish line of the process, and on October 7, a delegation from the countrys Civil Aviation Agency will sit down for a crucial meeting with the European Commission in Brussels. We firmly believe that European skies will reopen for Kyrgyzstan, which has been restricted since 2006. This will make our country accessible to millions of European tourists and open up a large market that values pristine nature, ancient culture, and new travel destinations, he said. The president articulated that the reactivation of European airspace will substantially enhance tourism dynamics and generate avenues for Kyrgyzstan to integrate with a broader global marketplace. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The US is Switzerlands most important trading partner, receiving 18% of its exports. Following the implementation of Trumps 39% tariff last month, Swiss financial giant UBS cut its economic growth forecast for the country to 0.9% in 2026 from a previous estimate of 1.2%. If the levies remain in place and no deal is struck, the bank said up to 0.4% percentage point could be shaved from Swiss growth next year. Small, mountainous Switzerland a country that ranks 61st in the world by total area is one of the worlds biggest investors in the US. The countrys $350 billion foreign direct investment in America ranks sixth in the world, not in per capita terms, either, in real dollars. The US Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the roughly 4,000 subsidiaries of Swiss companies in the US employ 407,000 Americans. According to the Swiss government, those subsidiaries pay the highest average salary ($109,000) to US employees of the seven largest national investors in America. Thats what happens when youre the home of powerful multinationals like Novartis, Roche and Nestle. READ ALSO: What To Expect After The Fed Cuts Rates and Apple May Still Be a Hitmaker After All Hit by the Tariff Sledgehammer Trump argues that many countries benefit disproportionately from access to the US market without giving the US a fair return. In Switzerlands case, a $38 billion goods trade deficit last year, up 56% from 2023, raised the presidents concern. Thats a big deficit, Trump said last month. That, analysts at investment bank J. Safra Sarasin wrote, was Trumps justification for hitting Switzerland with the tariff sledgehammer, putting its rate well above the EUs 15% or the UKs 10%. Swiss officials have balked at some of the US administrations calculations: For one, the US had a services trade surplus of $29.7 billion with Switzerland last year, up 31% from a year earlier. That means the total goods and services deficit with Switzerland was $8.6 billion, much lower than the $38 billion figure the administration has focused on. Switzerland also faces uncertainty regarding the federal courts tariff ruling: The president didnt sign off on its tariffs until July 31, later than other levies and after the court challenge had already been launched. That means the executive order authorizing the Swiss tariffs wasnt addressed in the appellate case, nor is it mentioned in the 127-page ruling that deemed five other executive orders unlawful. The head of the Swiss-US Chamber of Commerce told NZZ am Sonntag his group assumes the outcome of the case will apply to Switzerland regardless. But theres no guarantee the Supreme Court rules against Trump. Even if it declines to take the case or upholds the appeals ruling, most experts expect the administration to pursue other means to enforce tariffs. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 8. Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek city administration and Korea District Heating Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate on the modernization of the capitals heating system, Trend reports via the mayors office. The MoU covers six areas, including the development of a strategic plan to upgrade the citys heating network with advanced technologies, measures to reduce carbon emissions, and the design of a tariff policy. The mayor of Bishkek engaged in a strategic dialogue with a delegation from the Korean corporation to explore synergies and collaborative ventures within the energy sector, with a particular focus on centralized heating solutions. Both parties articulated a shared optimism for enhanced synergies in the aftermath of the discussions. In the first half of 2025, national electricity consumption reached 10 billion kWh, including 6.616 billion kWh generated by hydropower plants, 1.132 billion kWh by thermal power plants, and 2.050 billion kWh imported from neighboring countries. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. From September 10 to 13, 2025, Tashkent and Samarkand in Uzbekistan will host the Second International Dialogue of Declarations Forum, organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan together with the American NGO Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC), with the support of the Committee on Religious Affairs, the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Samarkand Regional Hokimiyat. Trend correspondent spoke with Shafoat Nurullayeva, ISRS Deputy Director, about the significance of the upcoming Forum. Shafoat Fayzullayevna, could you please tell us about the background of this forum? In order to advance the principles of enlightenment and foster a culture of tolerance, while safeguarding religious liberties, the global community has convened multiple symposiums since 2016, notably in Marrakesh, Makkah, Jakarta, Potomac, and Punta del Este. Conceptual frameworksarticulations of the same nomenclaturewere instantiated as a consequence of these occurrences. Uzbekistan also responded to this call and made its contribution by organizing, in May 2022, the first High-Level Dialogue of Declarations Forum. The events within its framework were held in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara over five days, bringing together leading scholars of religion, theologians, and legal experts from several countries, including the USA, the UK, Austria, Pakistan, and Indonesia, as well as national specialists from relevant government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and representatives of the clergy. The composition of the first Forum also included several high-ranking representatives from the Muslim World League, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, the governments of the United Kingdom and Indonesia, as well as other prominent figures from religious and legal circles. I would like to recall that following the first Forum, the Bukhara Declaration was adopted, later recognized as an official document of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly. In addition, the chambers of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan also adopted a joint statement in support of the principles and calls of the Bukhara Declaration. This, in turn, highlights the importance of parliaments role in monitoring the protection of human rights and safeguarding citizens interests, as reflected in international documents and national legislation. At the same time, I would particularly emphasize that the adoption of the Bukhara Declaration confirms the importance and international recognition of Uzbekistans model for building a tolerant society, one that includes people of diverse nationalities, religions, and beliefs. The upcoming Second International Dialogue of Declarations Forum also confirms that Uzbekistan not only shares the principles, ideas, and values enshrined in the aforementioned international declarations but also consistently implements them in practice. In your opinion, what is the significance of the upcoming Forum for the international community? First, its regularity and the wide international composition of participants testify to the high recognition of our state policy in ensuring freedom of religion and interfaith harmony. Second, the current Forum is a confirmation of Uzbekistans firm commitment to the principles of openness, the development of an atmosphere of religious tolerance and generosity, and raising interfaith dialogue to a high moral level. Third, the event serves as a unique platform for exchanging best practices in ensuring the peaceful coexistence of people and followers of different faiths. What are the expectations for the second Forum? We expect the participation of about 50 leading scholars of religion, theologians, experts, and several high-ranking officials from 15 countries, including the USA, the UK, China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and the Central Asian states. Among the distinguished guests are the announced participation of Yousef Muhammad Al-Dobeay, Assistant Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for Political Affairs, Abdul Rahman Al-Zaid, Assistant Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Robert Rehak, Chair of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, and others. In addition, video addresses will be delivered by Mohammad Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the MWL, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Council for Fatwa. Over the course of four days, plenary sessions will be held to discuss pressing issues facing countries in the sphere of ensuring freedom of religion, as well as the role and contribution of civil society institutions in strengthening interfaith harmony. On the sidelines of the Forum, three certification seminars will take place, featuring the participation of religious figures and government officials from Uzbekistan, as well as a side event dedicated to women engaged in religious affairs. Presentations of best international practices in interfaith dialogue and the promotion of tolerance in society are also planned. Furthermore, a study trip will be organized for foreign participants to Samarkand, a city of special sacred and cultural significance for representatives of different faiths. What tasks are to be addressed by the participants? Within the framework of the Forum, it is planned to address several essential tasks. First, one of the primary tasks is to inform the international community about the large-scale reforms undertaken in Uzbekistan to strengthen interfaith tolerance and interethnic harmony. As is known, in recent years our country has undergone significant transformations in the nations religious life. In this context, I would like to emphasize two important aspects that have become the foundation for further ensuring freedom of religion. The first is the adoption in 2021 of the new edition of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations. In drafting it, the needs of our society, as well as international norms and standards, were carefully studied, which enabled us to improve legislation in line with modern requirements in the fields of human rights and freedom of religion. The law also incorporated recommendations from authoritative international organizations, such as the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. The second is the adoption of the renewed Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which explicitly enshrines the principle of freedom of conscience and prohibits the imposition of any religious views in the conditions of a legal and secular state. Based on this principle, in February 2025, the Concept for Ensuring Citizens Freedom of Conscience and State Policy in the Religious Sphere was developed and adopted at the legislative level. It defines the goals, objectives, principles, and priority directions of state policy in the religious sphere, as well as provides for the implementation of constitutional provisions to guarantee citizens right to freedom of conscience while maintaining the secular nature of state-society relations. Second, an equally important task of the Forum is to disseminate our countrys experience in ensuring interfaith and interethnic harmony, as well as strengthening tolerance in society. We consider it an important task to inform the international community about the ongoing efforts to ensure a stable political and legal environment in multi-ethnic and multi-confessional Uzbekistan, to foster mutual harmony in society, and to create opportunities for realizing the interests of all citizens. The efforts undertaken by the country in this direction are based on the countrys rich cultural and historical heritage and fully reflect the democratic principles of secularism, freedom, equality, social justice, and solidarity. In this context, it should be particularly emphasized that the positive historical experience of our country, with its centuries-old tradition of peaceful coexistence of representatives of various ethnic groups and religions, consistently attracts the interest of foreign researchers, scholars of religion, and political figures. It is also noteworthy that international experts are increasingly regarding the Uzbek model of religious tolerance in society as a demonstrative and practically valuable experience, worthy of study and application. Third, within the framework of the event, active discussions are also expected on international experience in ensuring religious freedoms and interfaith dialogue in multiethnic societies. Such discussions contribute to strengthening mutual understanding between countries and peoples, make it possible to identify effective practices and adapt them to national realities, and also form a platform for further cooperation in the humanitarian sphere. Shafot Fayzullayevna, you mentioned that following the first Forum, the Bukhara Declaration was adopted. What final document is expected to be adopted at the second event? We intend to adopt an Appeal of the Participants to the international community with calls to: protect the rights of religious minorities; eliminate discrimination based on religion; promote religious education as a means of countering violent extremism; affirm freedom of religion as a universal human right; encourage equality of all people regardless of their religious and cultural differences. Overall, we expect the outcomes of the Second International Dialogue of Declarations Forum to make a significant contribution to strengthening religious tolerance, generosity, mutual respect, and the peaceful coexistence of peoples in a diverse world. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. The flow of tourists from Azerbaijan to Iran has decreased by 1.8 million people, Anoushirvan Mohseni Bandpei, Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Iran, told reporters, Trend reports. He observed that the downturn was precipitated by an event involving an Azerbaijani national within the Iranian territory. Bandpey articulated that in the pre-pandemic epoch, spanning from March 20, 2019, to March 20, 2020, the influx of international tourists to Iran reached a substantial figure of 9.8 million individuals. The deputy minister articulated that these metrics elucidate how the deficiency in sustainable security paradigms and a detrimental perception tangibly influence the nations tourism sector dynamics. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will attend a meeting in New York dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN on September 23-30, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Esmail Baghaei said at a press conference held in Tehran today, Trend reports. According to him, just like in years gone by, the UN General Assembly summit will serve as a platform to lay Iran's cards on the table in the international arena. Baghaei further articulated that the specifics regarding the Iranian president's itinerary will be disseminated at a subsequent juncture, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has executed the requisite coordination efforts via its delegation to the UN. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Iran will formally present its stance to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its Board of Governors in the form of a diplomatic note, said the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, Trend reports. Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Baghaei stated that Iran had expected a fair report considering the recent attacks on its nuclear facilities, which the IAEA could have detailed to prevent similar incidents in the future. Baghaei emphasized that the IAEA understands it cannot apply the pre-attack monitoring format, and Irans position must be taken into account. The issue has been addressed in three rounds of discussions held in Tehran and Vienna, though no final resolution has yet been reached. According to Baghaei, the Iranian delegation is considering realities on the ground, the law adopted by the Iranian parliament, and the opinion of the Supreme National Security Council. A new cooperation format with the agency is currently being drafted. The spokesperson further indicated that in the initial phase of May, materials procured by the agency were relayed to Vienna in a maneuver that contravened established protocols, which the agency subsequently conceded was an inappropriate action. On the morning of June 13, Israel launched military air strikes against Iran. As a result of the coups, a large number of high-ranking military officials, generals, nuclear scientists, and other high-ranking officials were killed. On the same evening, Iran responded to Israel with Operation True Promise III: hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones were launched at several targets, including Tel Aviv, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread destruction. On June 22, the US launched military airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. It is reported that the airstrikes destroyed the Iranian nuclear facilities. In addition, on the evening of June 23, Iran launched airstrikes on a US military base in Qatar. On June 24, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced that the Israeli government had reached a ceasefire agreement with Iran through the mediation of US President Donald Trump. Iran's Supreme National Security Council also issued a statement announcing the cessation of attacks. On July 2, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA. According to the law passed by the Iranian parliament, inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are prohibited from entering the country to conduct inspections. Inspectors from the agency will only be allowed to enter the country after Iran's Supreme National Security Council confirms that the country's peaceful nuclear activities and the safety of its nuclear facilities are guaranteed. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Preventing the escalation of Iran's nuclear program and developing diplomacy were discussed in a telephone conversation between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Trend reports. During the phone call, it was stated that the member states of the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency are obliged to prevent the escalation of this situation. The telephone conversation included an exchange of views on Iran's nuclear program, respect for the rights of all states parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Meanwhile, Iran's cooperation with the IAEA has been reduced to a minimum following the air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June. On July 2, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA. According to the law adopted by the Iranian parliament, inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are prohibited from entering the country to conduct inspections. The agency's inspectors are only allowed to enter the country if Iran's Supreme National Security Council confirms that the country's peaceful nuclear activities and the safety of its nuclear facilities are guaranteed. Key Points Pfizer is one of the world's largest and oldest drug companies. Thanks to its Covid vaccine, shares rose dramatically during the pandemic. Now that the stock has sharply corrected, long-term investors might want to step in. 10 stocks we like better than Pfizer Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) is a fairly well-known drugmaker, with a name that even non-healthcare-oriented types would likely know. That's a testament to the company's longevity and its success as a business. But the stock has fallen roughly 60% from its 2022 peak. Could stepping in to buy the downtrodden shares of Pfizer help turn you into a millionaire? What does Pfizer do? Pfizer is a drug company. That's a very complex line of work, with the company searching for and developing new drugs. It then has to test the drugs and get them approved by regulators. There are huge costs along the way, which is why drugmakers like Pfizer are allowed to have a time-limited right to be the exclusive producer of the new drugs they develop. The patents that protect the new drug, however, eventually run out. Image source: Getty Images. When a patent runs out, other companies can make generic versions of the drug. This usually leads to a massive drop in revenue from the impacted drug because customers shift to the lower-priced generic offering. And this creates a patent cliff for drug developers. This means that companies like Pfizer are always spending heavily on research and development to find new drugs to offset the hit from older drugs that have lost, or are soon to lose, patent protections. Pfizer has a long history of managing this typical business cycle fairly well. And, if you think in decades and not days, it is probably a fairly decent healthcare stock to consider adding to your portfolio. Now, in fact, could be a very interesting time to buy it. PFE data by YCharts What went wrong in 2022? If you look at the chart above, you'll notice that Pfizer's stock price peaked in 2022 and then crumbled. It is now down nearly 60% from the 2022 high-water mark. That, however, has more to do with investor emotion than with the company's core business model. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, drugmakers like Pfizer rushed out vaccines. Wall Street extrapolated the COVID-19 vaccine story way too far into the future, pricing unrealistic expectations into Pfizer's stock price. To put a number on that, between 2020 and 2022, the stock's price-to-sales ratio went from a low of around 3 to a peak of 5.5 before crumbling all the way back down to just below 3 again. Revenue did rise, but the boost was temporary because it was driven by what was really a one-time event -- the pandemic. The revenue line of Pfizer's income statement has come back down to Earth, and, at the same time, it is facing patent cliffs on some key drugs. After being overly enthusiastic, investors are extra downbeat on the stock today. Global Sumud Flotilla: A Ray of Hope for Gaza The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail for Gaza on 1st September, from the port city of Barcelona, Spain, and reached Tunisia on 7th September, 2025 Monday September 8, 2025 7:42 PM , Khursheed Alam Daood Qasmi [Activists aboard Global Sumud Flotilla (Video screen grab)] The land of Palestine has, for decades, been a battlefield of oppression, occupation and bloodshed. In particular, the besieged people of Gaza have been enduring the harrowing conditions of hunger, thirst, lack of medicine and daily bombings for months. Millions of innocent lives have fallen victim to the apathy of global politics. At such a time, people from different parts of the world, of various races, colours, religions and beliefs, have come together as champions of humanity to deliver a message that the public has not yet abandoned its human responsibilities. This sentiment found practical expression in the form of the "Global Sumud Flotilla." Departure of the Global Sumud Flotilla The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail for Gaza on 1st September 2025, from the port city of Barcelona, Spain. This maritime convoy includes hundreds of activists from various countries. A second part of the flotilla is scheduled to depart from Sidi Bou Said, a port in Tunisia. However, unfavorable weather conditions have caused a delay. Now, this segment is expected to depart on 10th September 2025, and will join the other parts of the flotilla, which have already departed from Spain and Italy, in the Mediterranean Sea. Just as the convoys from Italy and Spain include activists from dozens of European countries, the Tunisian convoy will carry participants from numerous African and Arab nations, including Tunisia, South Africa, Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkey and others. In total, the flotilla comprises approximately 70 ships and boats. Around 44 countries are represented through the participation of doctors, actors, artists, parliamentarians, humanitarians, sailors and social workers. The flotilla is carrying food supplies, medicines, clean drinking water, medical equipment and other essential items. The primary objectives of this convoy are: to break the illegal Israeli blockade on Gaza, to establish a humanitarian corridor for aid delivery and to put an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. According to organizers, the flotilla is expected to reach Gaza by 15th September 2025. Organization of the Global Sumud Flotilla The Global Sumud Flotilla campaign is organized by four major groups, all of which have previously been involved in land and sea missions for Gaza. These four groups are: Global Movement to Gaza: a grassroots movement that has carried out international solidarity actions in support of Gaza and to break the blockade. a grassroots movement that has carried out international solidarity actions in support of Gaza and to break the blockade. Freedom Flotilla Coalition: a group with over fifteen years of experience in maritime missions. a group with over fifteen years of experience in maritime missions. Maghreb Sumud Flotilla: an initiative based in North Africa that carries out aid missions in support of and solidarity with the Palestinian community. an initiative based in North Africa that carries out aid missions in support of and solidarity with the Palestinian community. Sumud Nusantara: a convoy led by civil society from Malaysia and eight other countries, working to break the siege on Gaza and build solidarity among Global South nations. Threats and Dangers [Crowd in Sidi Bou Said, a coastal town near the capital Tunis greeting Sumud Flotilla on its arrival in Tunisia (Video screen grab)] The Global Sumud Flotilla is facing serious threats and dangers. Despite moving forward toward its destination through ocean storms and extreme weather conditions, an even greater threat has emerged from the occupying Israeli government. Israels Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has openly stated that the flotillas activists will be considered "terrorists" and "war criminals," and that, if necessary, the flotilla may be forcibly stopped. This threat is not only a real danger to the safety of the mission, but also a challenge to international human rights standards and international law. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have stated that stopping any peaceful humanitarian flotilla is a clear violation of international law and must receive an immediate response from global public opinion. For the flotilla's activists, this is not merely a sea voyage it is a courageous step for justice and human awareness, taken despite physical danger. Participation of Global Figures The significance of the Global Sumud Flotilla increased greatly when renowned and influential international figures joined the initiative. Their participation not only brought global attention to the flotilla but also delivered a powerful moral and humanitarian message: that silence in the face of oppression is unacceptable. Here are some of the prominent personalities on board: Greta Thunberg: the famous Swedish environmental activist, who was previously heading toward Gaza with aid aboard the Medelin ship, but was abducted by Israeli forces along with her companions. the famous Swedish environmental activist, who was previously heading toward Gaza with aid aboard the Medelin ship, but was abducted by Israeli forces along with her companions. Susan Sarandon: a renowned American actress and social activist, known for her consistent advocacy for human rights. a renowned American actress and social activist, known for her consistent advocacy for human rights. Liam Cunningham: an Irish actor and humanitarian, widely recognized for his global activism. Eduardo Fernandez: a Spanish Member of Parliament, actively involved in promoting human rights. an Irish actor and humanitarian, widely recognized for his global activism. Eduardo Fernandez: a Spanish Member of Parliament, actively involved in promoting human rights. Ada Colau: the former mayor of Barcelona, who has worked on both local and international levels for social justice. the former mayor of Barcelona, who has worked on both local and international levels for social justice. Mandla Mandela: Grandson of the legendary South African leader Nelson Mandela, who joined the flotilla from Tunisia. Their involvement has added immense moral weight to the mission, highlighting that this is not just a political or humanitarian effort, but a global stand for justice and human dignity. These prominent figures have declared that they will never accept the global silence over the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Their participation is not merely a symbolic protest, but it is a moral and humanitarian duty that sends a clear message to the world: it is every individuals responsibility to speak out against injustice. This action also proves that when globally recognized individuals stand with the oppressed, it not only brings the issue of Palestine into the international spotlight but also plays a vital role in awakening the human conscience and amplifying the voice for justice. Support from International Institutions and Popular Movements The Global Sumud Flotilla has become a focal point for many international and human rights organizations. It is not being viewed merely as a humanitarian aid convoy, but as a test of global justice and human rights. The United Nations Office for Human Rights has made a clear demand that the occupying Israeli authorities must provide the flotilla with safe passage and allow aid to reach the people of Gaza. Amnesty International has unequivocally stated that any attempt to stop the flotilla would be a blatant violation of international law and a serious breach of human rights. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has already called for the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors for Gaza, and this flotilla serves to further reinforce that legal stance. This broad international support demonstrates that the flotilla is not acting in isolation, it represents a growing global consensus that humanitarian access and the protection of civilians are non-negotiable principles of international law. Public Solidarity Alongside Institutional Support In addition to institutional backing, the public response to the Global Sumud Flotilla has been deeply significant. Across Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, numerous social and grassroots organizations have expressed solidarity with the flotilla through protest demonstrations, symbolic maritime rallies and human chains. These activities have made it clear that the issue of Palestine is no longer confined to the Middle East, it has become a global humanitarian cause. This widespread support reflects a powerful truth: while global politics often revolve around the balance of power, institutions and popular movements still play a crucial role in keeping the voices of the oppressed alive on the international agenda. It is a reminder that the will of the people can transcend borders and challenge injustice, even when political systems fail to do so. Voice of the Human Conscience Although it cannot be said with certainty whether the flotilla will reach its destination or not, its symbolic importance remains immensely significant. This convoy has succeeded in bringing the issue of Palestine back into global focus far beyond merely delivering aid to the besieged and oppressed people of Gaza. It has exposed the hypocrisy of global powers those who loudly proclaim human rights and democracy on one hand, yet remain silent spectators to the atrocities inflicted on innocent children, women and the elderly on the other. This flotilla is, in fact, the collective voice of humanitys conscience, sending a clear message that oppression and genocide cannot be ignored. Strong Message from European Dockworkers European dockworkers have sent a stern warning to Israel that if it even attempts to approach the Global Sumud Freedom Flotilla, the sea will be turned into an impassable barrier. This is a serious and organized declaration, one that has been demonstrated in the past: workers in Greece, Italy, Spain, and other countries have boycotted Zionist ships, forcing them to remain stranded helplessly along European coasts for days. Now, the situation is even more sensitive. The Freedom Flotilla is a convoy of life and human rights for the besieged people of Gaza. If Israel attacks it, European dockworkers are prepared to transform the entire Mediterranean into a fortress of resistance, severely impacting Tel Avivs commercial and military access. Israeli ships, whether commercial or military, will be denied access to any European port. This is particularly significant given that a large portion of Israels exports and imports rely on maritime routes. A New Tale of Resilience The Global Sumud Flotilla is a voice raised against war, genocide and global silence. It embodies all those who have stood up against oppression from around the world. This convoy reminds us that resistance is not only fought on the battlefield; it is also resistance when people leave their comfortable lives behind, brave the fierce waves of the sea, and risk their lives in support of the oppressed. This story teaches us that resilience knows no borders, no languages, and no colours. When an environmental activist, an actor, a politician and an ordinary citizen come together on the same boat to stand against tyranny, it declares that the struggle for justice and freedom is a shared human duty. It is this resilience that carries the cries rising from the rubble of Gaza all the way to New York, Barcelona, Johannesburg, Tunis and Jakarta. This convoy is a symbol that the journey of steadfastness will not stop. Palestine is a Cause of All Humanity The Global Sumud Flotilla declares the undeniable truth that Palestine is a cause for all humanity. This convoy reminds us that the power of the oppressor is never permanent, and the cries of the oppressed cannot be silenced for centuries. Even if todays ruling powers of the world have closed their eyes for their own interests, the collective conscience of the people is awakening. The waves rising from different parts of the world have the potential to unite into a global storm. This flotilla is a symbol that the world has not yet been completely swallowed by darkness. There are still voices that do not fear raising the banner of truth even in front of the oppressors cannons. Although it is possible that Israel may use force to prevent this convoy from reaching its destination, the reality is that its core message has already reached the people. It has exposed the double standards of the worlds major powers and connected the sacrifices of the Palestinian people with the global movements for justice, human rights and freedom. This flotilla is not just a sea voyage; it is a truth etched into the pages of history, telling future generations that when the global conscience was asleep, there were still people alive who stood with the oppressed and dared to challenge the oppressor. [The writer, Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi, works for Moon Rays Trust School, Zambia.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Nepal Gen Z protest leaves 14 dead, UN body calls for probe The UN High Commission for Human Rights has called for a transparent probe into the deaths in Nepal Monday September 08, 2025 following the protest dubbed as Gen Z Movement Tuesday September 9, 2025 0:16 AM , ummid.com News Network Kathmandu/Geneva: The UN High Commission for Human Rights has called for a transparent probe into the deaths in Nepal Monday September 08, 2025 following the protest dubbed as Gen Z Movement. In a strong reaction after the killings by the security forces in Nepal, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed deep concerns over, what it said, unnecessary or disproportionate use of force. We are shocked by the killings and injury of protesters in Nepal today and urge a prompt and transparent investigation, Ravina Shamdasani, Spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), said in a statement. We have received several deeply worrying allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by security forces during protests organized by youth groups demonstrating against corruption and the recent Government ban on social media platforms, she said. We call on the authorities to respect and ensure the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, she added. At least 19 people, including children, have been killed during the mass protests by youngsters in the Nepalese Capital Kathmandu and other cities. Video footage and images showed some protesters tried to storm into the Nepal Parliament. Nepal Crackdown on Social Media The protest in Nepal started Monday morning when hundreds of thousands people hit the streets in capital Kathmandu and other cities of Nepal against corruption and crackdown on social media. The KP Oli Sharma government had asked the social media companies active in the country to register and open their offices in Nepal. However, except TikTok and Viber, other companies including Facebook, WhastApp, Twitter, Instagram, refused to comply with the government guidelines. Their refusal resulted in the ban on as many as 26 social media companies active in Nepal. Violence against children unacceptable Infuriated by the ban and crackdown on social media companies, the Nepal Youth, including school children in uniform, started protested which turned violent and the security personnel using force. The UNICEF is deeply alarmed by reports of violence against children during todays protests in Nepal. The use of force against children is unacceptable and must stop immediately, the UN body which works for children said. As a State Party to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Nepal is obligated to respect childrens rights including freedom of association & peaceful assembly, the UNICEF said. UNICEF stands with the children of Nepal and urges all actors to prioritize their safety, dignity, and rights above all, the UN body said. Local daily, The Kathmandu Post, citing the Kathmandu District Administration Office said, Hami Nepal organised the rally, which had sought prior approval. Hami Nepal chairperson, Sudhan Gurung, said the protest was a response to government actions and corruption, and that similar demonstrations were being held across the country. Nepal Home Minister Quits Nepals Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has tendered his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, citing moral grounds. On the other hand, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is demanding Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis immediate resignation and calling for early elections. Meanwhile, the Rupandehi and Sunsari district administrations have enforced curfews in Butwal, Bhairahawa, and Itahari following intensified demonstrations. According to The Kathmandu Post, the curfew in Butwal and Bhairahawa is effective from 4 pm to 10 pm, banning gatherings, rallies, and protests within designated zones. In Butwal, restrictions cover areas from Dhago Karkhana Bridge to Belbas Chowk, while in Bhairahawa, it spans from Rohinikhola Bridge to Bethari Bridge. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic By Gianluca Lo Nostro (Reuters) - Paris prosecutors opened a criminal probe into Philips in June over its recall of sleep apnea devices, probing possible charges including aggravated fraud and failure to report safety incidents that could cause death, they said on Monday. The 2021 recall affected about 15 million machines worldwide, including 350,000 in France, after concerns emerged that degrading polyurethane foam could cause health problems ranging from headaches and respiratory irritation to potential cancer risks. The Paris Public Health division confirmed on Monday that it had received 104 individual complaints, prosecutors said in an emailed statement to Reuters. The judicial investigation was formally opened on June 12 after a preliminary inquiry by the Central Office for the Fight against Environmental and Public Health Damage (OCLAESP). In response, a Philips spokesperson said this is not a new investigation. "Ongoing proceedings launched in 2023 cover the alleged activities of Philips in the lead up to and during 2021 recall. The proceeding does not make allegations about the quality and safety of products currently marketed in France by Philips." The company will continue to engage constructively in the required court processes, the spokesperson told Reuters. The fraud charges in the Philips case carry severe criminal penalties under French law. For aggravated fraud involving endangering human health, individuals face up to seven years' imprisonment and fines of 750,000 euros, while corporations can be fined up to 3.75 million euros, prosecutors said. Last year, Philips agreed to pay $1.1 billion (937.5 million euros) to settle related litigation in the United States. Philips shares were down 1% by 1400 GMT after they fell nearly 5% following reports of a new French criminal probe. (Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro and Jakob van Calster; Editing by Matt Scuffham) BALTIMORE (Sept. 8, 2025) Johns Hopkins University has once again demonstrated its strength as a global education leader, with 14 students and recent graduates named recipients of Fulbright grants in the 202526 cycle. These awards will enable scholars to pursue research, graduate study, and English language teaching across approximately 75 countries. This year's Hopkins grant recipients include Carter Barnett, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of the History of Medicine, who will travel to Israel to study mission hospitals in Ottoman and Mandatory Palestine. Barnett plans to assist hospital administrators in sharing their institutions' historical narratives. Johns Hopkins continues a decades-long tradition of Fulbright success, having been named a top producer of Fulbright student grantees for the 15th consecutive year, with a near 47.4% acceptance rate in the 202425 cycle. The awards come against a backdrop of uncertainty: in early 2025, the U.S. State Department imposed a pause on fund disbursements for exchange programs like Fulbright, Gilman, and others. Though initially framed as a temporary 15-day suspension, the freeze dragged on, affecting more than 12,500 participants overseas and inviting congressional concern. Despite some payments being restoredan estimated 85% as of late Marchadvocates warn that instability remains, with scholars still anxious about future support. The Fulbright Program remains active and continues to operate, with applications currently open for initiatives such as the 20262027 U.S. Scholar competition. While a draft appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2026 includes funding for the program, advocates emphasize that ongoing support is critical to ensure its stability. Although some payments to grantees have been restored, many scholars and participants remain concerned about the long-term security of federal funding, leaving uncertainty about the program's future despite its present continuation. The University of Michigan secured $886 million in gifts and commitments during the 2025 fiscal year, marking the second-highest fundraising total in the school's history. The record underscores the university's continued ability to attract major philanthropic support from alumni, corporations, and foundations, despite a competitive higher education giving landscape. According to school officials, contributions came from more than 120,000 donors, with a significant portion directed toward student scholarships, faculty support, research initiatives, and campus infrastructure. "Philanthropy continues to transform the University of Michigan and expand opportunities for our students and faculty," said Tom Baird, vice president for development, in a statement. "These resources help us sustain world-class teaching, groundbreaking research, and public service." The university's all-time fundraising record was set in 2018, when it raised $914 million, bolstered by the final year of the Victors for Michigan campaign. That initiative ultimately generated more than $5 billion for the school. The latest fundraising total reflects strong donor confidence as Michigan moves forward with strategic priorities such as affordability, sustainability, and technological innovation. The university has not announced whether another major capital campaign is in the works, but officials said the continued support demonstrates the long-term commitment of the Michigan community. On September 2, 2025, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection Li Xi met in Beijing with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025 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. Li Xi noted that two days ago, President Xi Jinping held a fruitful meeting with President Mohamed Muizzu. China appreciates President Mohamed Muizzu's firm commitment to a friendly policy toward China, and stands ready to work with the Maldives to follow through on the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state, enhance strategic mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, and build a China-Maldives community with a shared future. Li Xi introduced China's efforts in advancing Chinese modernization and strengthening full and rigorous Party self-governance, and expressed China's readiness to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the Maldives in relevant fields. Mohamed Muizzu expressed his gratitude for President Xi Jinping's personal care and efforts in promoting the development of Maldives-China relations, stating that the Maldives and China have always respected and supported each other, and that the Maldives will continue to stand firmly with China. He looks forward to attending 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 tomorrow. NEW YORK (AP) PNC Financial said Monday that it plans to buy Colorado-based FirstBank for $4.1 billion, giving PNC a substantial presence in the Colorado banking market as well as Arizona. Based in Lakewood, Colorado., FirstBank, which is also branded as 1stBank, is a midsized bank that operates 120 retail branches with $26.7 billion in assets. The bank is privately held, but the banks disclosed that the stockholders of FirstBank who collectively own 45.7% of the shares have already voted in favor of the merger. Its deep retail deposit base, unrivaled branch network in Colorado, growing presence in Arizona, and trusted community relationships make it an ideal partner for PNC, said Bill Demchak, chairman and chief executive officer of PNC, in a statement. PNC has been on an acquisition streak in the last few years that has made the Pennsylvania bank one of the biggest players in retail banking in the country, as PNC executives like to say a coast-to-coast banking franchise." PNC bought the U.S. operations of Spanish bank BBVA shortly after the pandemic for $11.6 billion. The bank has also been opening new branches in multiple markets, but particularly in the Southwest. The FirstBank acquisition will make PNC the largest bank in the Denver market, and will give PNC more than 70 branches in Arizona. PNC will also grow to roughly $575 billion in assets. The FirstBank purchase will put PNC closer in size to Capital One and U.S. Bank, who are PNCs closest rivals. U.S. Bank, in particular, operates heavily in the Colorado and Arizona market. Alex Overstrom, head of retail for the bank, said PNC may consider additional acquisitions to build out its franchise. We are not slowing down our organic growth but may consider opportunities as they arise, Overstrom said, in an interview. PNC is typically referred to as a super regional bank, a group of large national banks that are significant in size, often hundreds of billions in assets and hundreds of branches, but are dwarfed in size by the banking giants Wells Fargo, Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase, who have size and scale that the super regionals cannot replicate. The super regionals have been growing considerably in recent years in order to better compete with the Wall Street titans in various businesses. For example, Capital One bought Discover Financial, which jointly created the nation's largest credit card company. Huntington Bancshares bought Detroit's TCF back in 2021. 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. Piotr Swat / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images Shares of QuantumScape jumped Monday. If you've been waiting for another lively day in trading of QuantumScape's stock, your wait is over. Shares of QuantumScape (QS), which is developing batteries for electric vehicles, were recently up 20% to around $9.50. They still have a way to go to reach summer highsin July they closed above $14but the move is welcome news to investors who were wondering what might be next after watching the stock's summer spike, which at the low end saw the shares back below $8. Today's move was powered by the news that the company, along with Volkswagen's battery company PowerCo, demonstrated its solid-state lithium-metal batteries in a Ducati motorcycle at an event in Germany. QuantumScape said it is now poised to "scale our transformative technology to gigawatt-hour production." Broadly speaking, solid-state batteries are seen as offering a longer-lasting, safer, and quicker-to-recharge alternative to current batteries. "We are now firmly in the commercialization phase of our company," executives said in July. The company's July update likely inspired some investors to take profits after a wild runup from closing prices below $4.50 in late June; it included a pullback in the high end of its estimated capital spending range for the year, perhaps contributing to some wariness on shareholders' parts, though it also turned more optimistic about the depth of full-year adjusted EBITDA losses. A big chunk of that wariness seems to have worn off today. Read the original article on Investopedia Opposition call on Meloni government to provide explanation. Controversy is growing in Italy over reports of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers taking holidays in popular Italian tourist destinations, sparking a political outcry. Several groups of Israeli soldiers, on a period of rest or "decompression" after serving in Gaza, visited the central Marche region of Italy between 2024 and early 2025, according to newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano. The off-duty soldiers were allegedly escorted around Le Marche by Italian police, reportedly relaxing at Lake Fiastra and hiking in the Conero regional park. Rome newspaper Il Messaggero reports that the visitors had special privacy requirements, citing specialised guides: "They are introduced to hoteliers under fictitious names and only at the last minute with their real names, during check-in". It is unknown what brought the groups - at least two, each containing about 10 people - to Le Marche: the local mayors of the towns involved were not informed, according to state broadcaster RAI News. Sardinia There are also reports of Israeli soldiers holidaying on the island of Sardinia where protesters met them on arrival at Olbia airport on 31 August. Il Fatto Quotidiano reports that "100 Israeli soldiers" have been staying at the Mangia's Resort Curio Collections at Santa Teresa di Gallura, a Hilton hotel, in Santa Reparata in the northern tip of Sardinia. The average cost is 400-500 per night, and the hotel has 200 beds, half of which are occupied by a single group of Israelis aged between 20 and 30. "They are Israeli soldiers, unfortunately" - a hotel source tells reporters from Il Fatto Quotidiano - "They are the ones the newspapers talk about. We have police constantly guarding the entrance. They protect them, but they also protect us. Some behave well, others become troublesome after they drink. They shout and insult, they are arrogant and show obvious signs of stress. They are not ordinary tourists." They go in groups as if they were a team, watching each other's backs the hotel source said Every evening they go to get bottles of drinks after the bar is closed. We let them do their thing a bit, trying to prevent the situation from escalating." The Italian Special Operations (DIGOS) claim the Israeli visitors are employees of telecommunications company Cellcom Israel. The visitors, who speak in English in public, are free to move around but are protected by police. Pro-Palestinian groups have voiced their opposition to the presence of the alleged soldiers, with some activists declaring, "We don't want war criminals on our island." The protesters have also raised concerns about the use of Italian police resources to provide security for the soldiers. Political issue The reports of Israeli soldiers relaxing at Italian tourist destinations has prompted the centre-left opposition to demand clarification from Italy's right-wing government. The Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S) and the Green-Left Alliance (AVS) have both called for premier Giorgia Meloni's government to provide immediate explanations. Alessandra Maiorino, a senator from the M5S, has questioned whether a formal agreement exists between Italy and Israel for these visits and highlighted what she called a "hypocritical" situation where Italy welcomes wounded Palestinian children in its hospitals while simultaneously hosting Israeli soldiers on its beaches. Angelo Bonelli (AVS) has submitted a formal question to the ministers of defence and interior, demanding to know if there is an official or informal agreement in place to host these soldiers. Bonelli described the situation as "shameful" and another example of what he sees as Italy's "political and moral complicity" with Israel. Amid growing public and political pressure, the government has so far yet to issue an official statement. Sensitive targets However, reports from "informed sources" to Italian news agency ANSA indicate that the IDF soldiers are being provided protection because they are considered "sensitive targets" in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and related pro-Palestinian protests. This response, while not an official confirmation, suggests the government is aware of the soldiers' presence and is involved in their security. While official diplomatic relations between Italy and Israel remain strong, a number of recent events reflect a divide in public and political opinion. Italy's defence minister Guido Crosetto stated recently that Israel has "lost its reason and humanity" in Gaza, while the Italian government has pledged to protect its citizens participating in a humanitarian flotilla making its way to the Gaza Strip. The news reports of Israeli soldiers holidaying in Italy now draws further attention to the Italian government's complex stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Photo credit: Jose HERNANDEZ Camera 51 / Shutterstock.com. Siemens Energy has begun the expansion of its transformer manufacturing facility in Nuremberg, Germany, in response to the rising global demand for large transformers essential for grid expansion. The company is investing approximately 220m ($256.2m) in the expansion, which is set to create 350 new jobs and enhance production capabilities at the Nuremberg factory. The current workforce at the Nuremberg factory, which has been operational since 1912, stands at nearly 1,000 employees. The expansion will increase the facility's footprint by about 16,000m and boost production capacity by roughly 50%. Despite ongoing operations, the construction for the expansion will proceed, with the expectation that the new production areas will be operational by 2028. The Bavarian government is contributing up to 20m in technology funding to support the expansion project. Bavarian Minister-President Markus Soder said: Nuremberg is becoming a hub for the energy transition: With an investment of 220m, Siemens Energy is creating 350 modern jobs in a place that has been successfully shaping energy history for over a century. We are investing up to 20m in research and development for this project alone. Thus, we are creating a climate for an economically friendly future, secure jobs, and environmentally friendly technologies. The company said transformers play a critical role in the power grid, connecting different voltage levels and facilitating the transmission of electricity over vast distances. The Nuremberg plant's transformers are seen as integral to major energy infrastructure projects across the globe, including connecting offshore wind farms, stabilising power grids, and supporting international electricity connections for cross-border energy exchange. This investment follows Siemens Energy's previous commitment of 90m for a new converter production facility at the same location. Over the past three years, Siemens Energy has invested around 1bn in Germany, leading to the creation of approximately 1,300 new jobs in 2024, with an additional 1,500 jobs anticipated by the end of 2026. "Siemens Energy invests $256m to boost transformer production in Nuremberg" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Tanaiste Simon Harris said he had to dig pretty deep to show up at the Fine Gael annual think-in, as he refused to speculate on his political future following several recent threats against his family. Mr Harris said he did not believe the Irish political system was taking matters of security and threats seriously enough. It came after he saw threats of appalling, unspeakable violence against members of his family. Speaking to reporters at the event at the Mullingar Park Hotel in Co Westmeath, he said: In the last number of days, we have seen what can only be described as sinister and subversive threats, theres no other way I would describe it. Threats towards my children, threats of appalling, unspeakable violence towards very close relatives, and yesterday, a series of co-ordinated, orchestrated threats conveyed to garda stations across the country. This isnt normal. This cant be normalised, nor can it be accepted. Mr Harris said he had identified a pattern of abusive, disgusting, toxic behaviour that was trying to intimidate him out of office. He said he hoped that his comments may drive action in terms of the safety and protection of people in public life. Simon Harris with Fine Gael party colleagues at Mullingar Park Hotel, Co Westmeath (Liam McBurney/PA) He warned that somebody will get seriously hurt if threats against politicians are not taken seriously. In a previous statement about the threats, the Fine Gael leader said he would be guided by his family on next steps. Asked if this meant he was reconsidering his future in politics, Mr Harris said: I think were at a moment of inflection here. We have to really think as a political system I want to talk to my Fine Gael colleagues, my government colleagues, my political opponents about how we address these issues, because I dont think we take them seriously enough in this country. He added: And of course, Ill talk to my family and be guided by my family because I have two jobs, the leader of Fine Gael and Tanaiste of the Government, and Im also a member of my family and I need to work through that. So look, leaderships about showing up. I had to dig pretty deep to show up today, but Im here, and Im getting on with the job. Asked if ambiguity about his political future might signal that threats could be successful at ousting him from office, Mr Harris said: Im not going to play this game of kind of yay or nay. Just think how anybody would feel that for the last week if somebody threatens to kidnap a child and carry out extreme violence against a close family relative and blow up your house. Thats all happened the last seven days. To me this time, to who else the next time? And Im not willing to just kind of gloss over that fact. I think that deserves reflection. Mr Harris added: Somebody will get seriously hurt in this country. Somebody will get seriously hurt. We have to start taking security of this country seriously and thats the point that Im making. My fundamental duty as is the fundamental duty of all of us is the protection and wellbeing of our family, of course it is. But Im here. Im doing my job. Properties need to be taxed "properly" to achieve fairer wealth distribution in Ireland, according to a leading economist. John FitzGerald said household wealth nationwide largely consists of peoples homes, accounting for almost 70 per cent of net wealth. This is higher than the euro zone average, which is just over 60 per cent. Mr FitzGerald said Ireland has become more unequal over the last decade as younger generations got locked out of the housing market, while the value of the homes owned by their parents and grandparents increased. The share of housing wealth owned by the bottom half of the population has dropped from about 25 per cent to 14 per cent, a fall of 10 percentage points. The Irish Times columnist told Newstalk radio that the only way to redistribute wealth more fairly is to raise property tax. "Wealth is very unevenly distributed in Ireland," Mr FitzGerald said. "It's more even than much of the rest of Europe, but it's uneven. "And the main form of wealth in Ireland it's not like the US, where people have stocks and shares it's housing. "The top 10 per cent of the population have one third of the housing wealth. And there are a lot of people who don't have houses. "And if you tax property, you tax the people who are lucky enough to own a house. And in particular, you'll be taxing the more wealthy." He said the current local property tax system, collected by Revenue and passed on to local authorities, is efficient in terms of collection cost, but governments and councils have shied away from enabling the yield to rise in line with soaring house prices. A man in his 30s has been given an eight-month suspended sentence for the sexual assault of a woman in a Waterford cinema. The man who cannot be named for legal reasons pleaded guilty to sexual assault contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990, at Waterford District Court. In passing sentence on Tuesday, Judge Kevin Staunton said that the defendant had behaved in an appalling way, drunk or not. But added that rehabilitation was more important than punishment and he hoped the victim understood. EVIDENCE Detective Garda Liam Harty told the court that on February 26, 2024, the injured party went to the Odeon cinema with two of her friends. As she entered the building, she noticed a man with his pants down intoxicated and acting erratically, following them. He continued to follow the group into the cinema screen where he extended his arm, blocking her from taking her seat. The woman and her friends tried to leave, and as they did, the defendant put his arm around the injured party and grabbed her backside twice. The gardai were called and the man was arrested. Acting for the defendant, solicitor Ken Cunningham said that his client has serious mental health issues that regularly require his admittance to the Department of Psychiatry at University Hospital Waterford. He said his client does not remember the incident and does not believe he would have groped the woman. That, he said, would be completely out of character. Under questioning by Mr Cunningham, Garda Harty confirmed that when he arrived, the defendants trousers were soaked and there was a broken bottle, which had cut his hand, in his pocket. He was taken to UHW and arrested on his discharge. In his statement to gardai, read allowed by his solicitor, the man said that he was off his medication at the time of the incident. He said he had been drinking and his mother was unwell, and asked gardai to pass along his apologies to the young woman. The defendant also wrote a letter of apology to his victim. In the letter, he told the young woman that he greatly regretted the incident that happened when he was not in a good place. But he has since gotten professional help, he hoped that relieved some of her distress. The court was told the man has 14 previous convictions for public order offences, drugs, speeding, theft, and drink driving. OTHER MATTERS The man was also before the court on a number of other charges, including theft, damage to a cell at the garda station, threatening and abusive behavior, and possession of cannabis. The court was told that on a date in 2023, at around 1pm, gardai responded to a call from the A&E department at UHW. When they arrived, security was dealing with the defendant, who was intoxicated. When gardai approached him, he became abusive, shaking his fists. He was arrested and taken to Waterford Garda Station, where he urinated all over the walls of his cell. The theft matters were minor and included a couple of food items. MITIGATION Mr Cunningham told the court that the injured party was entitled to socialize without the defendants unbecoming behaviour. He said his client had a significant mental health problem, including psychosis and polysubstance issues, and was hospitalised following this incident. The court was told that this was a pattern in most of his offences before the court. He said his client works for a local authority and has done so for more than a decade. But when he relapses and does not have treatment, he drinks. Since this incident, his mother has passed away. But he is now in treatment again and is unlikely to come before the court on an offence like this again. Mr Cunningham also pointed out that with a sexual assault conviction, he will be disadvantaged in employment in the future. The context of the offence will never be disclosed, only that he has a conviction under the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990. This, the solicitor, described the definition of sexual assault as unfortunate and the punishment as disproportionate. Mr Cunningham told the court that the incident weighs on his client and he had dealt with the case appropriately, having pleaded guilty. This meant his victim did not have to give evidence. SENTENCE Judge Kevin Staunton said the defendant behaved in an appalling way, drunk or not. He said it was clear that the defendant was out of his head and clearly has very serious psychiatric issues. However, he said this was a very serious offence and the defendant has a number of previous convictions which necessitated a severe way of dealing with. He imposed an eight-month prison sentence. However, the judge noted that the defendant had not come to garda attention since the incident and is in treatment. He suspended the sentence for two years on the condition that the defendant undertake a programme on the treatment of women. It is more important to me, and I hope [injured party] understands that we get him to amend his ways, said Judge Staunton. For the offence related to his behaviour at the hospital, the judge applied Section 1.2 of the Probation Act on the condition that the defendant attend a programme on alcohol abuse. He thanked the injured party for sticking with the process, which he acknowledged took some time. I hope after today you put this out of your mind as much as you can and that you can get on with your life, said Judge Staunton. All other offences were taken into consideration. The Pride of the Deise committee received honours from City Hall this week in recognition of their hard work and dedication in organising the annual Pride festival in Waterford. Since its inception in 2019, Pride of the Deise have brought the LGBTQIA+ community together through an event that has grown into a much-loved part of Waterfords festival calendar. This years' festival which took place in June, attracted thousands to its 13 days of community-driven events, performances, workshops, and gatherings. Speaking at City Hall during the reception, Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr Seamus Ryan, commended the committee. "Pride of the Deise is now firmly part of our cultural and community calendar. It reflects the very best of Waterford, a city of acceptance, creativity and of solidarity." Mayor Ryan said that supporting inclusivity is a cause he is deeply passionate about. "The day I was elected mayor, in my speech to the council I told them one of my driving principles was the promotion of inclusivity. It is what I have always believed in and this festival is a part of that. "As mayor, and of behalf of Waterford City and County Council, I want to reaffirm our commitment to supporting inclusive, community driven initiatives like this one. "Together, we are building a city where everyone belongs, where everyone can take pride in who they are, and where we celebrate the strength that comes from diversity." Chairperson of Pride of the Deise, Amy O'Riordan added that the community still face many challenges, and are overcoming them through perseverance and community. "I cant stand here today without acknowledging that our community is still under threat. Sometimes it comes as hateful comments online, sometimes as verbal or physical abuse on the street directed at those who are visibly queer "Pride has grown in strength in Waterford. Weve had growing support from not only the public, but from local business, venues and community organisations who have welcomed us and partnered with us. "I want to thank each and every volunteer, past and present, who have given their time, dedication, creativity and their heart to make Pride of the Deise what it is. "To our community in general, thank you for your resilience, your courage, and your joy." Over 200 people came out to march in solidarity with Palestine and to call for an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. On Saturday, September 6, the South East branch of the Irish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) began their march from The Green in Ballybricken, onto Lower Yellow Road, past Summerhill and through The Glen. The protestors chanted messages of solidarity for Palestine, like 'From the sea to the river/ Palestine will live for ever'. Councillors Mary Roche and Pat Fitzgerald were in attendance on the afternoon. People gathering before the march, Saturday, September 6. Ballybricken At The Green, Waterford News and Star spoke to several people about their reasons for coming out to protest. Liz Stapleton said that she was there to protest the 'slaughter of innocent men, women and children.' She said: "Where are they going to go? There's no place." All across the country, people have been protesting for the the Irish Government to enact the Occupied Territories Bill and to stop letting US-weapons destined to Israel to pass through Irish airways. Liz said: "The more pressure, the better. The people of Palestine have had enough. They're starving. You're having your dinner and you're thinking of innocent children, can't even get a bowl of rice." Former Waterford Mayor and Councillor Sean Reinhardt came out to show his solidarity for Palestine. He said: "It's unfortunate for things to happen so slowly. There's so much that can be done at a higher level, at a national level. "It's sad to see that people have to take to the streets to point out that there's an actual genocide happening when the whole world knows there's a genocide happening. There should be firmer action taken to prevent a genocide." Liz Stapleton, Stephen Store and John Cloono at Ballybricken Green, Saturday, September 6. Michell Byrne of the Waterford Council of Trade Unions (WCTU) told the crowd: "We need to escalate our actions and Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) and disrupt the economic activity that benefits the apartheid, genocidal state." She added: "We do need people to email, call and turn up to our complicit government politicians, offices like Waterford's Fiana Fail Mary Butler, who's a minister at the moment, and Fine Gael John Cummins, to demand that safe passage for the civilian Flotilla, and the opening and maintenance of a humanitarian corridor in line with international law to bring aid and food to Palestinians enduring the forced starvation of the genocide." Genocide Throughout the 22-month long campaign of violence, Israeli forces have targeted and killed humanitarian workers, doctors, nurses and journalists. Over 63,000 Palestinian men, women and children have been killed due to Israeli military action, bombardment and manufactured famine. The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) have stated that Israel's actions against the Palestinian people constitutes as genocide, under the United Nations convention of 1948. Over 200 people attended a march that took place in Waterford City at the weekend, in solidarity with Palestine and to call for an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. On Saturday, September 6, the South East branch of the Irish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) began their march from The Green in Ballybricken, onto Lower Yellow Road, past Summerhill and through The Glen. The organisers were delighted with the event and with the support it received from the general public. Watch a video below by Yuliia Sidorova shot at the start of the march. Read more about the event here. Schulman points to a few reasons why tech company workforces are getting older and locking Gen Z out of jobs. One is that big companieslike Salesforce , Meta , and Microsoft are becoming a lot more efficient thanks to the advent of AI. And despite their soaring trillion-dollar profits, theyre cutting employees at the bottom rungs in favor of automation . Entry-level jobs have also dwindled because of AI agents, and stalling promotions across many agencies looking to do more with less. Once technology companies weed out junior roles, occupied by Gen Zers, their workforces are bound to rise in age. And experts tell Fortune that spells a lot of trouble for innovation and long-term business stability. If youre 35 or 40 years old, youre pretty established in your career, you have skills that you know cannot yet be disrupted by AI, Matt Schulman, founder and CEO of Pave, tells Fortune. Theres still a lot of human judgment when youre operating at the more senior levelIf youre a 22-year-old that used to be an Excel junkie or something, then that can be disrupted. So its almost a tale of two cities. Millennials are currently ruling the tech industry and clinging to their roles as the economy is rocked by uncertainty due to tariffs, inflation increases living expenses, and AI swipes jobs . Meanwhile, entry-level Gen Zers are just hoping to get their careers off the ground. Meanwhile, the average age of a worker at a tech company has risen dramatically over those two and a half years. Between January 2023 and July 2025, the average age of all employees at large public technology businesses rose from 34.3 years to 39.4 yearsmore than a five year difference. On the private side, the change was less drastic, with the typical age only increasing from 35.1 to 36.6 years old. The percentage of young Gen Z employees between the ages of 21 and 25 has been cut in half at technology companies over the past two years, according to recent data from compensation management software business Pave with workforce data from more than 8,300 companies. These young workers accounted for 15% of the workforce at large public tech firms in January 2023. By August 2025, they only represented 6.8%. The situation isnt pretty at big private tech companies, eitherduring that same time period, the proportion of early-career Gen Z employees dwindled from 9.3% to 6.8%. Gen Z are digital natives raised in the era of YouTube , Tumblr, Instagram , and Facebook; and now, theyre some of the strongest AI users in their personal and professional lives. But Silicon Valley tech companies looking to make waves with AI arent holding onto the digitally savvy generationinstead, theyre actively boxing them out . Gen Z was once promised that getting a job at a huge technology company like Meta , Microsoft , or Salesforce guaranteed six-figure success . But thanks to AI automation, theyre actively being boxed out of the industry, with the proportion of workers aged 21 to 25 being slashed in half at these massive public businesses. Plus, the average age of an employee at a tech company is rising. Experts tell Fortune this change may stifle innovation in the long-termand there are still ways a Gen Z worker can get their foot in the door. Story Continues Why Silicon Valleys workforce is getting olderand what the long-term impacts are The rapid disappearance of Gen Z at large technology companies is a dog whistle to whats really going behind the scenesAI is automating roles, from entry-level upwards. But whats worrying about their presence disappearing faster at large public companies is the fact that early career pipelines are being completely disrupted. And theyre often the businesses with enough equity to invest in these Gen Z-targeted talent initiatives in the first place. Most public companies have fleshed out training programs that are squarely centered around new grad programs and university recruiting, the Pave CEO, with early-career experience at Facebook and Microsoft, explains. A company like Meta, their whole talent thesis was to go after universities, get the smart 21-year-olds, and then train them up. Its just not as relevant as a paradigm for private companies. Jeri Doris, chief people officer at software company Justworks, tells Fortune workforce reductions have created a difficult barrier for Gen Z. Businesses are striving to do more with less, cutting entry-level roles and striving for AI automation to save on headcount costs. Mass firings have wiped whole corporate departments across the U.S., as companies announced more than 806,000 job cuts from January through the end of July this year, according to a report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Its a 75% spike from the approximately 460,000 reductions announced through the first seven months of last year. Mass tech layoffs and a reduction in entry-level jobs means its harder for Gen Z to find open roles to apply for, Doris explains. On the flip side, Gen Z is prioritizing flexible working, job stability and work-life balancesomething the tech industry may not be able to offerso theyre applying to roles in different industries. As thousands of Gen Z are shut out making a name in the industryeven just getting a foot in the doorthere could be serious long-term impacts. In the near future, many CEOs may espouse the money-saving potential of automating entry-level jobs. But looking 10 or 20 years ahead, when technology companies current millennial workers progress towards senior roles, theres the question of who will take over their mid-level jobs. If Gen Z dont have the opportunity to learn from the bottom-up, there presents a major issue of stifled innovation and a lack of talent ready to step into those positions. Pave CEO Schulman uses sales roles as an example: Theres a very linear, structured path that exists across like almost every tech company. You start doing the junior-level outbound sourcing work, then you become a mid-market account executive, then you become an enterprise seller. Enterprise sellers, in my opinion, will not be disrupted by AI anytime soon. Enterprise sellers are still needed, but youre removing the roles beneath them on that career hierarchy. How are we going to train the future of enterprise sellers, if they arent going through the conventional steps to get there? How Gen Z tech industry hopefuls can make the best of the situation While the situation looks scary for Gen Zers looking to get a job at a tech firm, experts tell Fortune they should leverage the assets they have. Being new to the industry can even work to their advantage. [Companies] can hire a 21, 22-year-old that has not been brainwashed by years of corporate America. And instead, can just break the rules and leverage AI to a much greater degree without the hindrance of years of bias, Schulman says. I do think there is a new crop of these young ones that are just really leveraging AI maximally. To be a highly sought-after worker in this AI-automated era, that means being manically focused on all the new models that come out. Gen Z should study how to prompt chatbots extremely effectively, and even create bespoke models for their lines of work. Priya Rathod, workplace trends editor for Indeed, also tells Fortune that the young professionals shouldnt give up on the tech industry. Instead, they should rethink their path within itupskilling and taking on new career pathways can be a strong point of entry. Lucky for Gen Z, they dont have to go back to college to get an upper-hand in the talent market. Building skills through certifications, gig work, and online communities can open doors, Rathod recommends. Roles in UX, AI ethics, cybersecurity, and product operations are promising entry points. Instead of waiting for opportunities, they should create themthrough freelance projects, networking, and showcasing work online. Employers are increasingly rethinking traditional degree requirements. For Gen Z, the right certifications or micro credentials can outweigh a lack of years on the resume. This helps them stay competitive even when entry level opportunities shrink. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Advertisement BusinessConsumer affairsConsumer spending This was published 3 months ago Shoppers flock to suburban cafes as CBD spending drops Elias Visontay September 8, 2025 3:01am 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 Suburban cafes and restaurants are becoming increasingly popular as flexible work patterns normalise and CBD office buildings remain vacant, with new data showing customers on average spending more on food and drinks locally compared with city centres. In the first half of 2025, businesses in suburban Sydney and Melbourne recorded higher on average food and beverage spends per customer according to transaction data from payment terminal provider Square. In Sydney, the average spend per transaction at cafes, restaurants and bars was $14.52 at suburban businesses, but just $12.87 in the CBD. For Melbourne, the average spend on food and drink transactions was $15.15 in suburban cafes, higher than the $13.53 average in the city centre. Customers are spending more on food and drinks at suburban cafes than in city centres. Eddie Jim The same data also showed that in CBDs theres a reliance on a diverse range of ever-changing patrons, while in the suburbs, businesses are flourishing thanks to repeat customers. Advertisement In Sydney, businesses in suburbs such as Dee Why and Willoughby noted 22 per cent of customers had frequented and spent money at the shop three or more times in six months. In the citys main CBD, that figure was 11 per cent, with the inner urban pockets of Chippendale and Pyrmont recording repeat customer rates of 12 and 9 per cent, respectively. Meanwhile, in Melbourne, eateries and bars in suburbs such as Parkville and Keilor Downs saw 20 per cent of their clientele three or more times in the first half of 2025, much higher than the Melbourne CBD figure of 10 per cent or the Southbank rate of 11 per cent. The Square data included survey findings, conducted in August on just over 1000 respondents, indicating Australians were actively choosing to spend more locally. On average, respondents said they chose to spend 73 per cent of their monthly dining budget at local venues, with 27 per cent in the CBD. The survey also found that preferences for going out were gravitating towards suburban hubs, with two in five respondents saying they visited the CBD less than once a month, and almost one in five saying they avoided going into their city centre entirely. Advertisement The sellers building the strongest businesses today are those investing in long-term, local relationships. You become part of peoples weekly rhythm when you are their go-to barista, baker or neighbourhood favourite, said Colin Birney, Squares head of business development in Australia. The insights are broadly backed by movement data and business groups, which have said that rather than CBDs becoming ghost towns, the figures reflect the changing ways Australians are spending and engaging with their cities. We continue to see strong movement into the city, particularly in the evenings and across the weekends. Scott Veenker, Committee for Melbourne chief executive. Greater work from home flexibility has been identified as one key driver of consumer activity out of CBDs and towards suburban hubs. This week, Elliott Rusanow, chief executive of Westfield operator Scentre Group, told The Australian Financial Reviews property summit that working from home had been a boon for shopping centres. Advertisement When people say theyre working from home, theyre probably also doing other things because they might be productive for part of their time at home, the Financial Review reported him as saying. People dont want to stay at home all day long, and for some reason they dont want to go to the office. So if they dont want to go to the office, guess where theyre going? Its one of our places, and weve seen the benefit of that. Flexible work means more workers are visiting shopping centres during the day. Dominic Lorrimer The national CBD office vacancy rate increased slightly from 13.7 to 14.3 per cent in the six months to July, Property Council of Australia data shows, in part due to an increase in supply of premium modern office spaces, which are in demand from businesses looking to boost office attendance. Melbourne had the nations highest CBD office vacancy rate at 17.9 per cent, with Sydneys at 13.7 per cent. Advertisement Adding to this are the findings of an economic insights report from the City of Sydney, covering the 12 months to April, which found that while there was a small rise in average weekly spending in the council area, there was a considerable drop-off in how much young people especially those in the early stages of their careers were spending in urban areas. It found 25- to 34-year-olds, the largest contributors to the citys economy at 25 per cent, spent 2.2 per cent less on average each month in the year to April, down for the second straight year. Spending by 18- to 24-year-olds, and 35- to 44-year-olds, has also been declining over the past two years. This contrasted with those over 55 increasing their average spends within Sydney. Matt Levinson, head of corporate affairs and culture policy at the Committee for Sydney, backed up this theory, saying city-shaping changes such as the extension of the Metro network and higher density development outside the CBD had allowed suburbs to flourish. Weve always celebrated our local faves, and thats only increased since COVID, but whats interesting now is the way FOMOs inspiring us to check out different parts of the city, Levinson said. Instead of heading into the city, more of us are checking out local faves in other parts of Sydney, whether its Harris Parks curry houses or the brisket sandwiches in Crows Nest, he said. CBDs, however, are still attracting crowds, albeit in different ways. Advertisement While weekday public transport figures in Melbourne are yet to return to pre-COVID levels, foot traffic in the CBD at night was booming. Post-work retail spend in Melbournes CBD in the middle of last year was up 34 per cent on 2019 levels. We continue to see strong movement into the city, particularly in the evenings and across the weekends when people come in for sport, theatre, dining and cultural events, said Scott Veenker, chief executive of the Committee for Melbourne. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Australias bid to block China from gaining a security foothold in the Pacific through ports, airports and other sensitive critical infrastructure assets has been dealt a blow, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was forced to scrap plans to sign a sweeping $500 million treaty-level agreement with Vanuatu. Albanese hoped to kickstart a major fortnight of diplomacy in the Pacific by finalising a long-awaited deal with his Vanuatu counterpart during a visit to the capital of Port Vila today, but political jostling in Vanuatu meant the 10-year agreement was put back on ice at the last minute. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu counterpart Jotham Napat in Port Vila on Tuesday. Michael Read Vanuatuan Prime Minister Jotham Napat said the key sticking point was that the pact, known as the Nakamal Agreement, could overly restrict Vanuatus ability to receive funding from other nations for critical infrastructure projects. Some of my ministers and my MPs feel it requires more discussion, particularly on some of the specific wordings in the agreement, Napat said during a joint press conference. Beijing last year funded a new presidential palace for Vanuatu and welcomed the Melanesian nations active participation in its Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, raising concerns in Canberra about deepening ties with China. The setback is a blow for the Albanese government following its success at negotiating treaty-level agreements with Tuvalu and Nauru, which grant Australia defacto veto rights over any security and military agreements with countries including China. Albanese said he and Napat made good progress during their meeting and would keep working towards striking an agreement. Both sides will go through our processes, but were very confident that the agreement can be reached, and Im reassured by the discussion Ive had with the prime minister, Albanese said. This company is working on some of the countrys biggest public projects, its also alleged to have intimidated a senior union organiser, threatened his family and attacked his home. While working on some of the countrys most sensitive public projects, this company is also alleged to have intimidated a senior union organiser, threatened his family and attacked his home. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A leading contractor on major government infrastructure projects, including federal police facilities at Sydneys new international airport, allegedly orchestrated a terrifying campaign of mafia-style attacks to suppress a worker-exploitation scandal. An interim inquiry by the CFMEU administration outlines suspicions that Future Form, which is also a key sponsor of the Canterbury Bulldogs NRL club, may have been involved in firebombings and repeated threats aimed at the family of a veteran union official investigating the firm over systemic worker mistreatment at the federal and state-funded rail project servicing the new Badgerys Creek airport. Future Form has denied all allegations of wrongdoing, although confidential communications and source testimony obtained by this masthead raise serious concerns about the firms integrity. The Future Form allegations outlined in the provisional CFMEU report mark a major turning point in the Building Bad scandal because a major company, rather than the union, is implicated in serious, albeit strongly disputed allegations, of involvement in unlawful and violent activity many months after the Albanese governments intervention in the industry. Loading The claims come amid separate calls for far greater government intervention to fight organised crime in the construction industry, fresh revelations of an unrelated firebombing spree in Melbourne including a shocking attack on a company owners home and a pledge from Queensland Premier David Crisafulli that his states royal commission will target crooked companies as well as the CFMEU. Future Form said the union administrations claims about its links to standover activity and worker exploitation were entirely false and without foundation, saying a refusal to compromise our integrity had triggered baseless attacks. Advertisement We look forward to clearing our name and will fully co-operate with authorities to do so, the firms managing director, Nabil Hafza, said in a statement. Future Form managing director Nabil Hafza. Instagram Administration chief investigator Geoffrey Watson, SC, is yet to interview any Future Form personnel, a step which needs to occur before his provisional reports conclusions are finalised and tabled in parliament. The investigation was also unable to speak to other key people central to the allegations. CFMEU NSW executive officer Michael Crosby said he was personally convinced that Future Form was responsible for the attacks on our organiser, including a firebombing outside the mans home and demands with menace allegedly made through a de facto relative. Future Form logo on the Canterbury Bulldogs 2024 jumper. Instagram The interim report outlined suspicions the reason a veteran union organiser and his family were repeatedly and violently targeted over the past year was probably that he was probing allegedly corrupt conduct by Future Form and the firm was suspected of seeking to prevent that from coming to light. A well-liked CFMEU organiser and his family have been attacked, Watson wrote in his interim report. The risk is so great that the CFMEU is currently providing security for two of its organisers and their families. It is obvious that those behind these attacks are dangerous. Advertisement The suspicions outlined in Watsons interim report have not been tested to the standard required in a court, and this masthead is not suggesting they have been proven, only that they have been alleged by the union administration and several sources. The suspected corruption referred to by Watson involves concerns that Future Form engaged in systemic worker exploitation, denying employees lawful rates of pay, superannuation and income protection entitlements. One mechanism Future Form is suspected of using is sham contracting, an unlawful practice that involves treating employees as subcontractors. The firm is also accused by the union of major safety breaches at the airport site, exposing workers to possible harm. Future Form project at Western Sydney Airport. Instagram Documents seen by this masthead suggest that on one site at which Future Form was engaging dozens of workers, its workers insurance records suggested it had just 11 full time rather than the dozens working. Watson said the records indicated that these 11 workers were also apparently earning less than $65,000 per worker annually or less than half of what they should have been paid under the companys CFMEU agreement. Advertisement According to information provided to Watson and Crosby, the targeted CFMEU organiser began to suspect unlawful workplace behaviour by Future Form in October. Shortly after this, his suburban Sydney home was attacked late at night while he was away and his young children and wife slept inside. CCTV from October, obtained by this masthead and 60 Minutes, shows two masked and hooded men daub the property with profanity-filled graffiti denouncing the organiser as a paedophile and CFMEU dog. About an hour later, the men returned to cut the homes power supply, plunging it into darkness. Three months later, when the organiser forced a temporary halt to work after he uncovered further suspected serious safety and employment breaches involving Future Form on the Western Sydney Airport site, he was allegedly yelled at by a company delegate, who purportedly said: You hate us you are biased against us! On the same day, January 30, CEO Nabil Hafza also sent increasingly frustrated texts to the CFMEU organiser, including messages that said need this resolved right now and need this shit resolved. Advertisement CCTV obtained by this masthead and 60 Minutes reveals that after midnight on February 1, the union official was sleeping inside with his family when two masked men covered his car and boat in petrol before torching both. Crosby said the attacks sent a message to back off and had scared the living daylights out of the organisers family. It also led him to stall his Future Form investigation. But in late June, the organiser ordered an audit of Future Form by issuing right of entry notices on the terminal site. He got a call from workers on the site saying the place was a complete mess, it was really unsafe, And frankly, to his credit, he thought, OK, Ive gotta do something about that, Crosby said. Watsons interim report outlines allegations that a day after the audit notice was issued, the organiser was unexpectedly called by his de facto relative, also a construction worker, who said he had been jumped in a car park by several men who he said claimed to represent Future Form. According to Watsons report, the organiser was told: Theres a carload of them. They followed me from home. They know where your family is at they say they know they are at the dentist. They even know where I work on the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Infrastructure Minister Catherine King is demanding answers from the Western Sydney Airport Corporation about allegations of violence and intimidation on the site were raised by a key contractor, as Industrial Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth orders the Fair Work Commission to investigate. King insisted at a press conference in Melbourne on Monday that placing the CFMEU into administration last year was the strongest action we possibly could have taken after more revelations of organised crime in the construction industry were reported by this masthead and 60 Minutes. Western Sydney International Airport is involved in a construction sector scandal. As state and federal authorities scrambled to get answers about the scale of criminal activity on big builds across Australia, union officials pointed to the revelations as proof that criminality was not limited to unions, but also enabled by business interests. Asked why serious crimes plagued building sites more than a year after the federal government forced out the unions national and state officials, King said the industry had a problem with an endemic culture of lawlessness, but defended the current administration. Advertisement We are working really hard as a government, through the administration, to ensure that we get criminal activity out the industry also has a really significant role to play here, she said. This masthead and 60 Minutes on Sunday revealed construction firm Future Form allegedly orchestrated a series of attacks, including firebombings and repeated threats, aimed at the family of a veteran union official investigating the firm over systemic worker mistreatment. Federal Transport Minister Catherine King speaking to journalists at Melbourne Airport on Monday. Chris Hopkins Future Form is suspected to have been involved in serious safety and employment breaches on the Western Sydney Airport site. The firm has denied all allegations of wrongdoing. NSW Premier Chris Minns said there was zero tolerance for criminal or corrupt behaviour in the construction sector. Advertisement The NSW government has strong procurement policies, processes and codes of conduct to address the risk of unethical and unlawful behaviour in the building industry, Minns said. Related Article Exclusive Construction Fear and fire: Major government contractor, NRL sponsor accused of intimidation campaign The NSW Police Force and the NSW Crime Commission are constantly monitoring and tackling organised crime. NSW Police directly engage with their federal counterparts in addressing outlaw motorcycle gangs in the construction industry. King will write to the Western Sydney Airport Corporation to seek assurance the taxpayer-funded project was being appropriately managed, after CFMEU NSW executive officer Michael Crosby released a statement saying he was confident that Future Form are guilty of engaging a significant number of sham contractors on the Western Sydney Airport site. Its really important that we have those assurances, particularly when were dealing with such large-scale taxpayer dollars as is projects like Western Sydney Airport, King said. Advertisement Rishworth said she had spoken with the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission general manager about any potential breaches. I also intend to write to the AFP, referring any criminal allegations to them for investigation, and requesting that they work closely with the Fair Work Ombudsman, she said. Rishworth did not respond to a question from this masthead on the establishment of a national inquiry into criminality in the building industry, again backing in the unions administration as the governments strongest possible action. The CFMEU NSW on Monday said it would carry out enhanced checks across the construction industry as it seeks to stamp out sham contracting and the underpayment of workers. Crosby said major reform was needed from within its own ranks and across the broader industry to clean up the troubled sector. Advertisement Too often, the former administration of the union turned a blind eye to non-compliance. As a result, for too many employers, adherence to the enterprise bargaining agreement became purely optional, Crosby said. The use of bikie gang members as enforcers has been one of the reasons for the unions inaction. Crosby said the whole industry had to lift its game so that good employers dont suffer from unfair competition from the industrys bad actors. The Master Builders Association of NSW said in a statement that the only solution to clean up the industry was through the return of a national specialist construction industry regulator with the necessary powers. Prior to its abolition, the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) had been successful in tackling the culture of toxic industrial practices used by bad actors to drive criminality in the industry, Matthew Pollock, incoming executive director, said. Advertisement Every time the construction industry regulator is scrapped, the bikies, the violence and intimidation come back, as do the industrial practices, which mean that taxpayers pay more for schools, hospitals and infrastructure. Opposition industrial relations spokesperson Tim Wilson blamed the government for the out-of-control conduct, saying the ABCCs abolition after the 2022 election meant the limited leash stopping corruption in the construction industry has been loosened. There is no place for criminal, violent or intimidatory behaviour whether it is by unions, bikie gangs or corporates, when workplaces should be safe and harmonious, he said. Wilson said the Queensland CFMEU commission of inquiry launched by Premier David Crisafulli was a courageous step in the right direction, but stopped short of backing a national inquiry. Suggesting the federal government would not want to be exposed by a national inquiry, Wilson added: [Prime Minister] Anthony Albanese and [Industrial Relations Minister] Amanda Rishworth will run interference and be dragged kicking and screaming to do the same lest the dark underbelly of the union, corporate and Labor cartel see the light of day. Advertisement Crisafulli said: The last thing I want to see is the seedy underbelly of the underworld coming into Queensland building sites and creating underperformance at a time when we need to build so much infrastructure. Related Article Construction Crisafulli: No place in a modern Queensland for the CFMEU As well as the fact that youve got women and children who feel unsafe, youve got a culture of bullying of misogyny, of intimidation, and its got to be called out, and the last thing we need is bikies running the show on building sites in Queensland. Theres no place in a modern Queensland for the CFMEU. ACTU secretary Sally McManus said it was appalling and intolerable that union officials were targeted in attacks for doing their jobs standing up for workers. Advertisement It was always clear that a corruption-free union, which only affects a relatively small part of the construction industry, will not change the criminal and violent behaviours of some employers and organised crime who continue to operate in the industry, she said. Good employers and the authorities need to also step up and take on these people. This is not acceptable or reasonable that it is left to unions, or that unions are the focus when there is a lack of action in the rest of the industry. With James Hall Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalTax reform This was published 3 months ago Smaller slices of a smaller pie: Business chief warns PM against world-first tax idea Paul Sakkal and Elias Visontay September 8, 2025 5:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 80 View all comments Big business has warned Labor it will rally against a proposed world-first cashflow tax, throwing up a roadblock for Treasurer Jim Chalmers as his ally Craig Emerson spruiks the move to extract more revenue from super-profit earning banks, supermarkets and miners. Raising the prospect of a stand-off reminiscent of the Rudd-era mining tax, Business Council of Australia chief Bran Black will set red lines for the business community on tax reform as Labor weighs options, including the Productivity Commissions proposal of taxing business cashflow, to boost the low level of spending in the private sector. Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during question time. Alex Ellinghausen Black, speaking at the councils annual dinner in Sydney, which the prime minister attended, said the business lobby would fight the uncompetitive and ill-conceived cashflow tax idea on behalf of pharmacists to farmers, bankers to builders, coders to contractors, miners to manufacturers, and every hard-working businessperson in between. Because every time we lose investment, we lose jobs, tax revenue, dividends [and] superannuation contributions, Black said on Monday night, according to an advance copy of the speech. Advertisement We condemn ourselves, and our kids, to eating smaller slices of a smaller pie. The bold cashflow tax plan was put on the table by the Productivity Commission before the governments economic roundtable. It involves cutting the corporate tax rate of 30 per cent, high by international standards, and funding the reduction through a new 5 per cent cashflow tax on all firms. Only businesses with turnover of less than $1 billion would receive the corporate tax cut, however. Business Council of Australia boss Bran Black. Dominic Lorrimer That cashflow charge would be offset by allowing companies to immediately deduct the full cost of capital expenditure on equipment or technology. Currently, spending is deducted over 5 years. The Productivity Commission estimated the package would deliver a $15 billion boost to the economy. Asked last month about the cashflow idea, Chalmers did not give a definitive answer but added he was open to tax changes which incentivise investment if we can afford to do it. Advertisement The governments willingness to overhaul Australias flawed tax system, which slugs salary earners and firms at high rates, has been cast as a litmus test for its appetite for bold reform. Chalmers put tax reform on the agenda after last months economic roundtable, but he has been noncommittal when asked about specific proposals that might create noisy opposition or blow a hole in the budget. Related Article Productivity summit Big cut in company tax would boost economy but it comes with a sting Albanese, speaking at the same business council dinner on Monday, said Labor was looking at fair and affordable tax changes to incentivise greater business investment and capital deepening. Former Labor minister Craig Emerson, who represented the Brisbane seat of Rankin before Chalmers, has argued for the cashflow idea for decades and published research on the idea with influential economist Ross Garnaut. Emerson said the mechanism would pull more revenue from what are known as economic rents: large profits generated by firms that operate in sectors with limited competition, such as banks and supermarkets, or in hyper-profitable sectors such as mining. Advertisement And for members of business council, why wouldnt it be attractive to have instant asset writeoff enshrined on an ongoing basis, not just during an economic downturn? he told this masthead. The commissions idea would hit large corporate taxpayers including BHP, Rio Tinto, Glencore and Woolworths, but would capture companies that currently pay little or no tax including Transurban, News Corp and Amazon. What is a cashflow tax? Company tax is paid on the taxable income (after deductions) of a business. A key part of taxable income is that it allows a companys capital spending to be written off gradually over time. In a cashflow tax, however, business write-off capital spending in a single year - the year in which it makes the expenditure. Unlike company tax, under a cashflow tax a business cannot claim interest deductions to reduce their overall taxable income. Proponents argue the tax encourages businesses to invest more, reducing their taxable income, while ending the tax advantage of debt. The business council will use the dinner to emphasise its desire for Labor to speed up environmental approvals and land on a 2035 emissions reduction target that is not too ambitious. Australian Industry Group boss Innes Willox lauded the government for acknowledging the nations productivity problem, which successive governments have failed to address. Advertisement There is no quick solution to fixing this stagnation, but business is encouraged that the government is looking to remove regulatory barriers, examining tax settings and removing barriers to critical investments, Willox said. There is no time to waste. The business community, meanwhile, was eager to see how the Albanese government would deliver following its economic roundtable. Related Article Income tax Treasurer hints at possible changes to tax system AMP chairman Mike Hirst said Labor had performed relatively well in navigating US tariffs. He also praised their consultation with business leaders on productivity, but that policy delivery was key. They appear to have an open mind, theyre asking the right questions about productivity and other things, he told this masthead. Obviously, the proof is always in the pudding, but I think theyve at least so far identified areas we need to improve. Advertisement Hirst also flagged the need to rein in the regulatory burden that companies, especially in finance, were facing. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement WorldEuropeCatholic church This was published 3 months ago Gods influencer: How a Nike-wearing teenager became a saint Nicole Winfield September 8, 2025 12:07am 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 Pope Leo XIV declared a 15-year-old computer whiz the Catholic Churchs first millennial saint on Sunday, giving the next generation of Catholics a relatable role model who used technology to spread the faith and earn the nickname Gods influencer. Leo canonised Carlo Acutis, who died in 2006, during an open-air Mass in St Peters Square before an estimated 80,000 people, many of them millennials and couples with young children. During the first saint-making mass of his pontificate, Leo also canonised another popular Italian figure who died young, Pier Giorgio Frassati. Loading Leo said both men created masterpieces out of their lives by dedicating them to God. The greatest risk in life is to waste it outside of Gods plan, Leo said in his homily. The new saints are an invitation to all of us, especially young people, not to squander our lives, but to direct them upwards and make them masterpieces. Advertisement Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London to a wealthy but not particularly observant Catholic family. They moved back to Milan soon after he was born and he enjoyed a typical, happy childhood, albeit marked by increasingly intense religious devotion. Acutis was particularly interested in computer science and devoured college-level books on programming even as a youngster. He earned the nickname Gods Influencer, thanks to his main tech legacy: a multilingual website documenting so-called Eucharistic miracles recognised by the church, a project he completed at a time when the development of such sites was the domain of professionals. Pilgrims attending the canonisation mass of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati in St Peters Square. AP He was known to spend hours in prayer before the Eucharist each day. The Catholic hierarchy has been trying to promote the practice of Eucharistic adoration because, according to polls, most Catholics dont believe Christ is physically present in the Eucharistic hosts. But Acutis limited himself to an hour of video games a week, apparently deciding long before TikTok that human relationships were far more important than virtual ones. That discipline and restraint has proved appealing to the Catholic hierarchy, which has sounded the alarm about the dangers of todays tech-driven society. Advertisement In October 2006, at age 15, Acutis fell ill with what was quickly diagnosed as acute leukemia. Within days, he was dead. He was entombed in Assisi, which known for its association with another popular saint, St Francis. In the years since his death, young Catholics have flocked by the millions to Assisi, where they can see the young Acutis through a glass-sided tomb, dressed in jeans, Nike sneakers and a sweatshirt. He seems as if hes sleeping, and questions have swirled about how his body was so well preserved, especially since parts of his heart have even toured the world as relics. The family of Carlo Acutis attend the canonisation mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV, left. AP Both saint-making ceremonies had been scheduled for earlier this year, but were postponed following Pope Francis death in April. Francis had fervently pushed the Acutis sainthood case forward, convinced that the church needed someone like him to attract young Catholics to the faith while addressing the promises and perils of the digital age. Its like I can maybe not be as great as Carlo may be, but I can be looking after him and be like, What would Carlo do? said Leo Kowalsky, an 8th grader at a Chicago school attached to the Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish. Advertisement Kowalsky said he was particularly excited that his own namesake Pope Leo would be canonising the patron of his school. Much of Acutis popularity is thanks to a concerted campaign by the Vatican to give the next generation of faithful a saint next door who was ordinary but did extraordinary things in life. Thousands of faithful attended the canonisation of Carlo Acutis on Sunday. AP In Acutis, they found a relatable tech-savvy millennial the term used to describe a person born roughly between 1981 and 1996 who was the first generation to reach adulthood in the new millennium. An hour before the Mass, St Peters Square was already full with pilgrims, many of them young millennial Italians, many with toddlers in strollers. Advertisement I learned from different people what his professors, his teachers said about his joy and the light he carried around him, said Leopoldo Antimi, a 27-year-old Roman who got to the square early to secure a spot. So for me personally as an Italian, even on social networks that are used so much, it is important to have him as an influencer. Related Article Opinion Donald Trump King Charles and Pope Leo defend US Constitution from Trump George Brandis Former high commissioner to the UK and federal attorney-general Frassati, the other saint being canonized Sunday, lived from 1901-1925, when he died at age 24 of polio. He was born into a prominent Turin family but is known for his devotion to serving the poor and carrying out acts of charity while spreading his faith to his friends. 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. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Catholic church Pope Leo Advertisement Updated WorldOceaniaCrime This was published 3 months ago NZ children found in remote bush after fugitive father shot dead Updated September 8, 2025 2:54pm ,first published September 8, 2025 8:17am 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 Wellington: Two children have been found at a remote bush camp in New Zealand following an intense search of the area, after their fugitive father was shot dead by police south of Auckland. Tom Phillips was killed in a shootout in Waikato after nearly four years on the run with his three children, now aged nine, 10 and 12. One of the children was with Phillips when he died and helped police locate the siblings in what police described as rough and rugged surroundings. The children were found about 4.30pm local time (2.30pm AEST) after hours of searching, near the road where their father was killed in a shootout that also left a police officer seriously injured with multiple gunshot wounds, including to the head. An aerial image of the scene where Tom Phillips was shot dead in a shootout with police. Mark Taylor/Stuff.co.nz Theyve been found in a campsite not far from here, further up the Te Anga Road, New Zealand Police acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers said. Advertisement They are with police officers now, and being removed from that location. I can confirm that the children are well and uninjured, and they will be taken to a location this evening for medical checks. The childrens mother had been informed. Rogers said the child found this morning with Phillips had provided crucial information to police to narrow the search boundaries. Phillips disappeared into remote New Zealand bush with the children in late 2021 in a case that has made national headlines over his ability to evade arrest. Rogers said earlier on Monday that police had been alerted to an alleged robbery at a farm supply store in the small town of Piopio in the Waikato region about 2.30am, Auckland time (12.30am AEST). The location and description of the alleged burglars led police to believe it could be Phillips and back-up was called. Advertisement Officers laid spikes on the route they believed he would take, which halted his quad bike a short distance from Piopio. The first officer at the scene was confronted by gunfire at close range, Rogers said. Our officer has been struck in the head. Hes immediately fallen to the ground and taken cover, she said. His injuries were survivable, Rogers said, but he was shot multiple times with a high-powered rifle and further surgeries were expected. She said a second police officer then arrived and Phillips was shot. Despite efforts to save him, he died at the scene. Loading Advertisement Rogers added that, while Phillips had not been formally identified, police believed it was him. Images from the scene show a police car riddled with bullets in the middle of a rural road. A quad bike is pulled to the side of the road, loaded with what looks like buckets and supplies. What appears to be a large rifle lies in the grass nearby. The child who was with Phillips was taken into custody at that point, Rogers said, but there were serious concerns for the other two children left unaccompanied in the bush, prompting the police search. The three childrens mother, referred to as just Cat, said in a statement to state-owned Radio New Zealand before her children were found that the events had brought up a wave of complex emotions. Cat, with her three children a month before they were taken by their father, Tom Phillips. Advertisement We are deeply relieved that for our tamariki [children] this ordeal has come to an end. They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care, she said. At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved. Phillips first went bush with his children in September 2021. Police scoured the rugged coastline around the small farming community of Marokopa where he had lived, but he turned up two weeks later. They disappeared again in December 2021 and have been pursued by police ever since. He evaded authorities by apparently hiding out in dense bush and remote farmland in New Zealands central North Island. Tom Phillips. NZ Police Advertisement The case has fascinated New Zealanders and the authorities made regular, unsuccessful appeals for information. Sightings of Phillips were limited to surveillance footage that showed him allegedly committing crimes in the area. He was wanted for an armed bank robbery while on the run in May 2023. Piopio, where the robbery occurred on Monday, was about 90 minutes by road from Marokopa. A resident on Te Anga Road told Stuff they had noticed more traffic on the road and a few helicopters going over. A woman said she heard helicopters flying overhead about 3am or 4am. The road was cordoned off about 10 kilometres from Waitomo Caves on Monday morning, and a person at the cordon said a child was seen being taken out of the area in the back of a police car. Advertisement Related Article Updated Crime Notorious NZ fugitive and child caught on CCTV after four years on the run A significant police operation is under way, a spokesperson said, adding a road closure was most likely to be in place for a couple of days. Waitomo District Mayor John Robertson said Phillips death was the worst outcome the community could have envisaged. He said the injured policeman was a long-serving local officer and the news that he had been wounded was just tragic. The Independent Police Conduct Authority will carry out an investigation. Advertisement Stuff.co.nz, Reuters, 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. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Crime New Zealand By Andres Gonzalez LONDON (Reuters) -Spanish telecoms group Telefonica is looking to buy telecom assets and free up resources by selling its Spanish-speaking Latin American assets, as CEO Marc Murtra plots a broader vision for Europe's telco sector. The group is eyeing assets in Germany, the UK, Spain and Brazil, Murtra told Reuters as he prepares his first strategic plan for Telefonica after taking the helm in January. While wanting to chase scale, the Spanish group must maintain its investment grade credit rating, he said. Regulators have long pushed back against mergers between European operators, fearing a few dominant players would be able to increase prices and margins to the disadvantage of the consumer, but Murtra argues that Europe's market is too fragmented. In 2024, there were 41 companies in Europe that offered mobile services to more than 500,000 customers each, compared with five in the United States, four each in China and Japan and three in South Korea, according to Connect Europe. Murtra, who was president of Spanish defence and technology group Indra until early this year, says the market is changing with the development of new technologies including AI, and Europe needs to keep up or lose out. European telecom groups should be allowed to expand and in exchange invest in other, related sectors such as cybersecurity and infrastructure including data centers, as a "social contract" between authorities and companies, he said. "If Europe wants strategic autonomy and technology, we're going to have to have large or titanic European technology operators," Murtra, 52, told Reuters. "I don't want to be overly dramatic, but imagine a Europe where the satellite systems, the hyperscalers and artificial intelligence are in the hands of tech bros - and this could happen." Murtra, who is also Telefonica's executive chairman, has been speaking in recent months to regulators and leaders about his proposal, according to a person familiar with the talks. Reuters could not determine how those conversations were received. "This does not require a titanic shift," Murtra said of his plan. "All it needs is to lift the brake pedal a little bit and allow the market to operate and consolidate." POTENTIAL TARGETS The sector is showing some signs of M&A activity, including reports that Orange, Bouygues and Iliad are exploring a deal to carve out Patrick Drahi's French telecom operator SFR. Owner Altice said it had not received any offer. To give Telefonica financial headroom to do more dealmaking, the company has agreed to sell its units in Argentina and Uruguay, and is working with advisors on potential sales in Chile, Mexico and Ecuador, according to three sources with knowledge of the talks. Telefonica declined to comment. Butera first reached out to the board in October 2024 with a letter outlining his concerns and never got a response, which surprised him because at the time he owned several million dollars worth of Tesla stock, he said. Butera has since sold off about half the investment after holding onto it for 15 years because he was concerned about the impact of political activity on the company and thought Tesla was overrepresented in his investment portfolio. We cant afford to do anything at any level in the company that alienates customers, alienates government officials, or alienates regulators, whether its here or abroad, he said. But that same zeal, directed at politics, is jeopardizing the worlds transition to sustainable energy, Butera said, and Teslas investors. Elon Musk is a technical genius and I believe his enthusiasm and passion have enabled him to do things that no one else could do, so its not surprising that his interest in politics was larger than life, said Butera. Its that kind of passion and energy and enthusiasm that drove him to create Tesla and to make Tesla do what no other company has been able to docreate practical electric transportation. Buteras plight as a Tesla owner and supporter at odds with the impact of Musks high profile in politics has been raised repeatedly by the electric vehicle manufacturers legion of retail investors. His proposal is the first time the Tesla board has had to directly respond to the query and it comes as Tesla faces increasing pressure on sales and innovation amid a slowdown in consumer spending. Jay Butera, 67, of Pennsylvania, submitted a shareholder proposal to the board asking Tesla to adopt a policy of political neutrality that would prohibit executives and company leaders from making statements, endorsements, contributions and taking other visible actions in support or opposition to political parties or candidates. Butera, a retired entrepreneur, is deeply passionate about renewable energy and founded the bipartisan climate solutions caucus in 2016. Hes also been an investor in Tesla since the companys IPO in 2010. In his view, Teslas mission of widespread electric transportation and deployment of renewable energy sources is of paramount importance. Butera doesnt want to see the day-to-day politics of mankind get in the way of that. An individual investor and longtime climate-change advocate is asking the Tesla board to finally address the impact of politics on the $1 trillion electric vehicle and robotics manufacturerby just staying out of it. Story Continues It just stands to reason that if you make political statements in one direction or another, youre going to offend somebody, Butera told Fortune. For that reason, Im a big advocate of neutrality for people who are in the public eye. His proposal does not mention Teslas CEO by name, but Musk has hardly been neutral. He spent north of $250 million backing a super PAC he created to mobilize support for President Donald Trump and he was the face of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The latter was behind thousands of unpopular federal job cuts and slashed millions in federal funding. Tesla board pushes back Tesla board members, chaired by Robyn Denholm, are seeking to omit the proposal, which would mean it wont appear on the companys final proxy statement and Tesla shareholders wont get to vote on it at the annual meeting in November. The Tesla board wrote that the proposed neutrality policy would not only have a chilling effect on free speech, but could also be both impossible and unlawful for the board to implement and enforce. This would place the Board in an unworkable situation to constantly monitor and analyze an undefined category of statements made by the Companys directors and high-ranking officers in their personal capacities using non-Company platforms, board members said in an opposition statement. The Board neither has the ability to enforce nor should it be placed in a position to be constantly interpreting these sweeping, nebulous and rapidly shifting standards. The board recommended investors vote against the proposal, and its request to strike the proposal entirely to the Securities & Exchange Commission remains pending. Rising concerns from Tesla investors While Butera submitted the shareholder proposal in his capacity as an individual investor in the company, he is hardly alone. Retail investors holding thousands of Tesla shares have upvoted questions every quarter since 2024 asking about Musks involvement in politics and begging the board to rein him in. Elon the person has freedom of speech. The brand ambassador of Tesla does not, wrote one investor before the last earnings call in July. What is the board doing to distance Tesla from the private actions of its CEO? Boycotts, protests, vandalism, negative headlines, and a stock slide have been sparked by Elon Musks participation in changes to U.S. govt services & employment, wrote another investor in April. Is the Tesla board discussing whether their CEO should focus fully on Tesla and leave govt to elected politicians? Similar Musk-focused queries rolled into the platform Tesla uses to solicit questions from its army of retail investors in advance of quarterly earnings calls in January, October 2024, and July 2024. Consumers in blue states are cooling on Tesla In heavily Democratic-leaning California, which Musk has left in favor of Texas, the hit on Tesla sales has been deep. For the past seven straight quarters, new registrations for Teslas have declined in California, where the share of electric vehicles is overly represented relative to rest of the U.S., according to data from Experian. The states share of zero electric vehicle registrations is 28.6%, and the market share is 19.5%. In comparison, the U.S. market share of the vehicles is 7.8%. California registrations of Teslas dropped 18% during the first half of 2025, compared to the first half of 2024, according to quarterly figures published in July by the California New Car Dealers Association. Meanwhile, hybrid registrations increased 54% in California the first half of the year. Teslas Model Y and Model 3 remain the top 2 selling cars in California, despite the declines. As of August 2025, the share of registered voters in California was 45.3%, while the share of Republicans was 25.2%, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. A 2024 study authored by a University of Chicago Booth School of Business assistant professor of economics that analyzed 117 major corporate political stance events found that when companies take controversial positions perceived to be political, they get a response from consumers. Consuming Values, written by Jacob Conway and Levi Boxell, found that when a quarter of consumers are aware of a firms political position on an issue, those aligned with the position increased their consumption by 19% the following month. Consumers opposed to the stance decreased their spending by 11%, the study found. Making political statements is certainly very fraught in the sense that there is now good academic evidence that taking stances certainly affects customer demand for your product, said William Cassidy, an assistant professor of finance at Washington Universitys Olin Business School. The research also found that the consumption differences persisted even a year after a firm took a political stance on an issue. Butera said he has friends who wont buy Teslas because of Musks politics and has others who have sold their Teslas. As an investor and climate-change advocate, he finds that trend alarming. Before he submitted his proposal, he researched Teslas Code of Business Ethics, which asks employees to avoid conflicts of interest that interfere, or appear to interfere, with Teslas interests. His proposal asks the board to incorporate statements that deem political activities by leaders as conflicting with Teslas interests. He said the proposal isnt meant to criticize, penalize, or embarrass anyone at the company. Im just asking the board to acknowledge the risks of political activity, to learn from its mistakes, make necessary adjustments in governance, and to move forward toward Teslas stated goal of Accelerating the Transition to Sustainable Energy, said Butera. Teslas success in this mission is important to the worldmore important than the personal political opinions of any one person. I would hope that Teslas Board would have the same mindset. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Tokenization is the next big step in how financial assets are housed, and offers advantages over existing traditional structures, Wall Street firm Bank of America (BAC) said in a Friday report, noting that it also brings risks. At its core, tokenization is the process of converting ownership of real-world assets, from stocks and bonds to real estate, private equity, and even art, into digital tokens recorded on a blockchain. Tokenization follows a lineage that began with mutual funds and expanded through separately managed accounts, collective investment trusts, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and according to the bank's analysts, this model could reshape the way investors access and manage assets by offering a number of advantages over traditional structures. Among the most important benefits are enhanced liquidity, analysts led by Craig Siegenthaler wrote, adding that 24/7 trading could open up secondary markets for previously illiquid private assets, and faster, frictionless settlements that eliminate the multi-day delays common in todays financial markets. Tokenization also allows for fractional ownership, the analysts said, reducing investment minimums and broadening access to portfolios. Transparency is another advantage, as blockchain ledgers provide immutable and publicly accessible records of ownership and transactions. Lower fees are possible by cutting out intermediaries, and smart contracts can automate key processes such as dividend payments, coupon distributions, and voting rights, while also helping to navigate regulatory requirements and even the complexities of private equity capital calls, the report noted. According to data provider RWA.xyz the value of real-world assets represented on-chain exceeds $28 billion. Tokenization risks Still, Bank of America cautioned that tokenization faces significant hurdles before it can achieve widespread adoption. Regulatory uncertainty remains the biggest challenge. While U.S. policymakers have signaled support, future administrations could reverse course, and many jurisdictions are still in the process of writing rules. The bank said custody is another concern, as investors risk losing access to assets if private keys are misplaced, and institutional-grade custody solutions are still developing. On the technology side, vulnerabilities in smart contracts or blockchain platforms leave room for exploitation, and integration with legacy financial infrastructure presents additional obstacles, given the reliance of most institutions on traditional systems. And when it comes to publicly traded assets, existing U.S. markets already offer deep liquidity, low fees, and strong investor protections, making the case for tokenized versions less compelling, the report added. Read more: Ondo Finance Rolls Out Tokenized U.S. Stocks, ETFs as Equity Tokenization Ramps Up Birth of first African Blended Intensive Programme CIVIS network African associate Wits University hosts students studying maternal and neonatal immunisation. As part of the CIVIS Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Maternal and Neonatal Immunisation, students from Africa and Europe visited the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) in Johannesburg, South Africa and public health facilities, from 21-25 July 2025. CIVIS is a network of 11 European universities which, since 2022, has included six African associate universities. Wits University is the only South African institution in the CIVIS association. CIVIS BIPs are co-led by three or four academics from different universities. Student mobility is an important component of BIPs, to encourage international exposure and learning. BIPs comprise a 13-week course, a major assignment and assessment, and culminate in the students visiting the host university for a week. A first in Africa The physical mobility component of the BIP in Maternal and Neonatal Immunisation in Johannesburg, South Africa in July 2025, was the first in-person BIP outside Europe, and the first in Africa. This BIP has already been approved to take place again in 2026. The Wits CIVIS BIP representative Associate Professor Clare Cutland is the Scientific Coordinator at the Wits African Leadership in Vaccinology Expertise (Wits-ALIVE). She coordinates postgraduate vaccinology training at Wits University, including the Masters in Science (Medical) in Vaccinology and the African Advanced Vaccinology (Afro-ADVAC) short course. Cutland says, The BIP in Maternal and Neonatal Immunisation is a new programme and unique in the fact that the mobility component takes place outside of Europe. As such, this is the first time that the students participating in this CIVIS BIP have travelled to South Africa to do their physical mobility component at Wits University. Twenty students from Africa and seven from Europe, as well as four lecturers, participated in the physical mobility component of this BIP. African students hailed from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The European students came from Belgium, France, and Greece. Professor Arnaud Marchant leads the European side of this BIP. He is the Director of the European Plotkin Institute for Vaccinology at the Universite libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium. Marchant says, For us it was essential to have the in-person component happening in South Africa. The massive global burden of disease is happening in the south, so its very important that students from the north and from the south meet and talk about how to address these challenges. Professor Vana Papaevangelou, Associate Professor of Paediatrics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, accompanied four of her masters students to South Africa. She says, We are very excited to be here, getting a lot of experience and input from a completely different setting, a place where maternal vaccination is a success, whereas in Greece, we have a long way to go. Its a country with a very low percentage of maternal vaccination. Inside South African maternal immunisation The mobility component of this BIP included visits to Wits VIDA, which is based at Chris Hani Baragwanth Academic Hospital (Bara) - a Wits University teaching hospital - in Soweto, and to Wits RHI in Hillbrow as part of a five-day jam-packed programme. At Bara, the students toured the hospital, including the maternity and paediatrics wards. The students had the opportunity to spend time in Wits-VIDAs clinical trial facilities, where they observed participant screening, enrolment and sample collection, and reviewed vaccine storage, handling, dispensing and administration procedures. Ugandan James Tumusiime, a Wits alumnus and currently with the Uganda Virus Research Institute, says, I think one of the things that actually stands out is they arent doing it simply by themselves, as South Africans, but they are collaborating with various organisations and universities in Europe and in Africa as well, as a region. Sample processing and storage procedures were demonstrated in the Wits VIDA laboratory. Strategies for recruiting participants for vaccine trials and engaging communities were discussed, as were clinical trial data collection, management and data analysis. Also on the agenda were discussions on vaccine safety considerations for maternal and neonatal vaccine trials, including the eligibility and screening process, regulatory and ethical considerations, quality assurance and monitoring. Oussama Soulimani, from Brussels, completing a masters in biomedical science, says, In my country, everything is digitalised. Here I can see the involvement and the motivation from all the workers and even the community that allow it even with a lot of challenges to be efficient and cost-effective. Inner-city primary healthcare The visit to Wits RHI included an overview of maternal and neonatal immunisation activities at the Hillbrow precinct, including discussion and demonstration of the Ubomi Buhle pregnancy registry enrolment and ultrasound examination for gestational age assessment. Routine antenatal care activities were observed during a tour of the Shandukani Antenatal Clinic and Midwife Obstetric Unit, a primary healthcare clinic. Dr Dorothea Stathaki, from Greece, currently doing a masters in paediatric infectious diseases, didnt know what to expect when she arrived in South Africa, but says, I was impressed by the ongoing research. Theyre doing some impressive work on vaccination programmes and clinical trials, and Im impressed by the dedication, and how many programmes are going on. Even local South African Wits student, Nokhanya Sangweni, was struck by the differences between Wits VIDA in Soweto and Wits RHI in Hillbrow: I like that we alternated between the two, so we were able to compare the two research centres and see how different they are and also how they do actually work quite closely with one another, she says. For Ethiopian student, Dr Bersabeh Mekasha Kassaye, the most interesting and inspiring part was going to the clinics, visiting the clinical trial units, and seeing clinical trials executed in real time, despite challenges with patient caseloads and record-keeping. But having visited the clinical trial units and getting to see several projects that they have implemented at this site for the past 25 years has been really interesting to understand that it is possible to implement such studies under several constraints and challenges. Planning for the second CIVIS BIP in Maternal and Neonatal Immunisation, in 2026, is underway. Applications for this BIP for masters and PhD students open in October. For more information, visit https://civis.eu/en/learn/course-types/blended-intensive-programmes. Congratulations to the SoCEE Prize giving awardees! "..the prize giving ceremony is a celebration of the diligence and hard work of our students" On Wednesday evening, 20 August 2025, the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment held its annual Prize Giving Ceremony in The Great Hall. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research & Innovation, Professor Lynn Morris, gave the welcome and opening address. She mentioned that Professor Anne Fitchett, Retired Honorary Associate Professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Wits (SoCEE), was one of two winners in the Engineering Research Capacity Development category of the prestigious NSFT-South32 awards. The Dean of the Faculty, Professor Thokozani Majozi, in his address, mentioned that the ceremony is a celebration of the diligence and hard work of our students. The Master of Ceremonies, Ms Sandra Maape, engaged the audience, successfully kept the event running smoothly and ensured the programme was followed. She asked the audience to join her in the following war cry: Sandra : Witsies! Awardees response : " We are the best !"; Sandra : What do we do ? Awardees response : " We achieve !" The keynote speaker, Dr Thulani Dlamini, CEO of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), addressed the prize-winners, their families, staff members and sponsors. Dr Dlamini emphasised a phrase from the popular movie Dead Poets Society, "Carpe Diem" ("Seize the day"), to remind the awardees that they too can change the world. The awards for the SoCEE were presented by the Head of School, Professor Adesola IIemobade. Prize-winners also had the opportunity to take photos on stage with the sponsors in attendance, listed below: Sibusiso Hlatswayo (Chryso Siant-Gobain) Ms Mevashnee Naidoo (Knight-Piesold) Thabo Hlabela (Institute of Municipal Engineering of South Africa, IMESA) Dr Jean van Laar (Integrated Post Graduate Industry Partnership, IPGIP) Ms Mathapelo More and Mr. Kobus van der Merwe (The South African Institution of Civil Engineering, SAICE). The school expresses its gratitude to our generous sponsors. Monty Thovhakale - SoCEE winner with the most prizes Joseph Ellman Prize in Hydraulic Engineering for the final-year student with the highest mark in the Hydraulic Engineering course Patterson Trust Award for the final-year Civil Engineering student with the highest Weighted Average Mark JEB Jennings Prize in Geotechnical Engineering for the final-year student with the highest mark in the Geotechnical Engineering course Mathews / Integrated Post Graduate Industry Partnership (IPGIP) Award for the two most outstanding final-year students in the Civil Engineering Investigational Project course. Our Schools 2024 prize-winners are: Kagiso Moima Desmond Midgley-Knight Piesold Prize for Hydrology for the third-year student with the highest mark in the Hydrology course Kagiso Moima Chryso Prize in Construction Materials for the third-year student with the highest mark in the Construction Materials course Akhanani Mbiyake IMESA Prize in Infrastructure Engineering for the third- year student with the highest mark of in the Transport Engineering course Bettina Kostlin and Mathebe Bopape Chryso Prize - Investigation Project in Cement and Concrete Materials Engineering for the two final-year students in the Investigation Project in Cement and Concrete Materials Engineering course with the highest mark Bettina Kostlin, Mathebe Bopape, Siphumelele Qithi and Thabo Sibiya SAICE Structural Division Engineering Prize for the four most outstanding final-year Civil Engineering Design Project students, specializing in Structural Engineering Abubakar Amisi SAICE Integrated Resource Management Prize for the final-year Civil Engineering student with the highest mark in the Integrated Resource Management course Lizo Khuzwayo and Mathapelo Mabulana The Alan Kemp Prize for Innovation in Structural Engineering for the two final-year students with the highest mark in the Investigational Project in Structural Engineering course. Bandile Makha and Monty Thovhakale Mathews / Integrated Post Graduate Industry Partnership (IPGIP) Award for the two most outstanding final-year students in the Civil Engineering Investigational Project course. Tinashe Musada Jere Jennings Prize in Civil Engineering for the first-year Civil Engineering student with the highest Weighted Average Mark. Malwande Magwaza Jere Jennings Prize in Civil Engineering for the second-year Civil Engineering student with the highest Weighted Average Mark. Nyasha Chikomwe Jere Jennings Prize in Civil Engineering for the third-year Civil Engineering student with the highest Weighted Average Mark. Professor Majozi, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing his gratitude to everyone who made the event a success. Investment into Saudi Arabia by US and Chinese firms soared last year to the highest level on record as the worlds two biggest economies looked to cement trade and diplomatic ties with Riyadh. FDI inflows to Saudi hit $31.7 billion in 2024, up 24% from a year earlier, and are on track for another record this year, Minister of Investment Khalid Al Falih told Al Arabiya TV in an interview. A chart showing Saudi FDI inflow and outflow in riyals. The US and China accounted for more than a fifth of all FDI into Saudi Arabia in 2024. Over the past few years Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has looked to diversify allies as the countrys relationship with the US came under strain. That has since improved under US President Donald Trump, but the latest FDI figures show the success of the crown princes strategy of playing the two sides off against each to compete for influence at a time when he has needed to boost foreign inflows. Still, China has a long way to go to catch up with the scale of US investment in the Saudi economy. Matthew Martin Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys unveiling of a ruthless austerity drive that will animate the coming budget has laid bare the reactionary character of his big-business Liberal government. Standing before reporters last Wednesday, Carney boasted that Canada would have a budget of austerity and investment at the same time, insisting this could be achieved if were disciplined. Behind this technocratic formulation from a lifelong servant of the financial oligarchy lies a ruthless plan: deep austerity for the working class while Ottawa shovels tens of billions into building up the military, expanding resource extraction, and shoring up corporate profits. The framework laid out by Carney is not a balancing act, as he portrays it, but sets the basis for a frontal assault on public services, social supports and workers living standards. The attacks that lie in store for workers were illustrated by the governments aggressive intervention against last months Air Canada flight attendants strike. The low-paid workers, many of whom work up to 35 hours a month without pay, were ordered back to work under the draconian powers of the Canada Labour Code by Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu. When the workers resisted, they were stabbed in the back by the union bureaucracy, with the Canadian Union of Public Employees top brass announcing a sellout dealsubsequently rejected by 99 percent of the rank and fileand ordering workers to immediately return to work. In a July letter to cabinet ministers, Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne confirmed the initial details of the social spending cuts, outlining staged cuts of 7.5 percent of discretionary program spending beginning in fiscal year 2026-27, deepening to 10 percent the next year and then going up to 15 percent in the third year. This will affect department budgetsresulting in direct layoffs of civil service workers and contractorsas well as grants provided by the government to universities, cultural institutions and non-profits. Scientists and researchers have already sounded the alarm that the proposed 15 percent cuts to discretionary spending will devastate university research and basic science, undermining the capacity of society to meet the challenges of climate change, health crises, and technological development. The Liberals have previously stressed that transfers to the provinces and individuals would be shielded, but this is a sleight of hand. As many commentators have observed, the lions share of federal expenditures is tied up in these transfers which fund the countrys healthcare system, old age pension plan, employment insurance and other social programs; to carve out the savings demanded by Carney and the financial elite, far deeper cuts will have to be inflicted on social programs, public sector employment, and the very infrastructure of public life. While the population is told to tighten its belt, Carney has doubled down on Canadas commitments to NATOs rearmament drive. The government will not only reach the alliances 2 percent of GDP military spending target this fiscal year thanks to the 17 percent leap in defence spending the prime minister announced in June. Carney has signaled that his government is committed to NATOs new 5 percent target, declaring it plans to reach it by no later than 2035, although this will require quadrupling the military budget from the governments last spending estimates issued in 2024. This means hundreds of billions of dollars will be poured into fighter jets, warships, submarines, drones, and dual-use infrastructure in the far north Arctic, all justified in the name of confronting Russia and China. Carney has touted rearmament as a major economic boon, claiming massive military procurement and the development of dual-use critical minerals and transportation infrastructure will strengthen Canadas military-industrial base and lead to jobs and economic growth. Thus, the investment side of his formula is nothing but a euphemism for militarization and corporate enrichment, to be paid for by slashing what remains of social spending. Editorials in the corporate press have made clear that the ruling class expects the former central banker and Goldman Sachs executive to go much further. The Globe and Mail warned on August 22 that words and intentions are no longer enough. The Prime Minister will have a lot to answer for if his first budget, which he says will come this fall, proves to lack the ambition and scale, and somehow also the fiscal restraint, required of the moment, the paper declared. The C.D. Howe Institute, a right-wing think tank, is urging the government to increase the GST, a regressive tax that falls most heavily on the working population, and to make deep inroads into social transfers. The demands for discipline are not for symbolic gestures, but for sweeping structural changes that will radically redistribute wealth upward. The ideological inspiration for Carneys austerity program was underlined by the extraordinary spectacle that surrounded the second day of the Liberals Fall Cabinet Planning Forum, held in Toronto last Wednesday and Thursday. The government had invited Kevin Roberts, president of the far-right Heritage Foundation and the chief architect of the notorious Project 2025, which has served as a blueprint for US President Donald Trumps fascistic second term, to address ministers. Roberts was forced to withdraw at the last moment after news of the invitation provoked widespread outrage, but the Prime Ministers Office quickly reassured reporters that further engagement and discussions with Roberts and other leading US policy figures will continue. Roberts has repeatedly declared that the United States is in the midst of a second American Revolution that will remain bloodless only if the left allows it. His plans for authoritarian rule, dismantling of federal agencies, and destruction of social rights in the US has become a point of emulation for Carneys Liberals. The brief embarrassment over his withdrawal changes nothing about the affinity between Carneys Liberals and Trumps far-right administration when it comes to the assault on the working class. Jean Charest, the former Quebec premier who came a distant second to Pierre Poilievre in the Conservatives 2022 leadership race and now serves as a member of Carneys Council on Canada-US Relations, was perhaps the most explicit about what the ruling class sees as the utility of Trumps rampage against democratic rights south of the border and his threats to annex Canada as the 51st state while imposing punishing tariffs. Speaking in Quebec City this week, Charest declared, Im from the school of thought that well thank Donald Trump in 20 years for shaking us up in Canada and bringing us out of our lethargy. Its high time we rethink our economy. Here the mask is dropped: Canadas political elite is openly grateful to Trump for creating the conditions to impose the austerity and militarist agenda that they have long desired but hesitated to implement for fear of massive popular opposition. Threats from Washingtonwhether threats to annex the country or tariff blackmailare being seized upon as political cover to push through sweeping attacks on social spending and workers rights under the guise of defending Canadian sovereignty. The responsibility for Carneys right-wing program rests not only with the Liberals and Conservatives, but above all with the social-democratic New Democrats (NDP) and their sponsors in the trade union bureaucracy. The NDP provided Trudeaus minority governments with the votes necessary to survive through the 2022 confidence and supply agreement, justifying their pro-corporate and pro-war measures as the lesser evil to a Conservative government. The unions, from the Canadian Labour Congress and Unifor on down, played their part by smothering strikes and imposing concessionary contracts, enforcing a spate of back to work orders, and preaching partnership with management and government while workers faced wage cuts, speed-ups, and eroding conditions. Together, they ensured the survival of Liberal governments that seized on the COVID-19 pandemic to orchestrate massive hand outs to the rich, slashed key public health supports, expanded military budgets, and criminalized strikes. This record of betrayals was extended in the 2025 election, when the unions and NDP presented Carney as the only bulwark against the far-right Poilievres Conservatives. In doing so, they funneled workers hostile to years of Liberal austerity and strikebreaking back behind this right-wing party and even as it was being refashioned, with the selection of Carney as its new leader, to intensify the assault on the working class. Their claim that workers had to vote Liberal to stop the Conservatives was a political trap, ensuring that whichever party formed government the ruling classs agenda of austerity, militarism, and corporate handouts would go forward. Far from protecting workers, the NDP and union bureaucracy have functioned as political enforcers of the Liberals, lending progressive cover to a capitalist program that Carney is now implementing with a vengeance. As the World Socialist Web Site has consistently explained, Carneys government expresses the interests of Canadian imperialism, which is determined to preserve its decades-long military-security partnership with American imperialism to secure its position in the rapidly developing third world war for a redivision of the worlds raw materials, markets, and pools of labour. In May we explained that Carneys campaign promises to rein in spending while cutting taxes and boosting military budgets were always incompatible, and that the inevitable outcome would be austerity for the working class alongside enrichment of the ruling elite. We warned that his invocation of threats from Trump and American protectionism were being seized on as an opportunity for the Canadian bourgeoisie to accelerate its shift to the right. That perspective has been vindicated in the first months of his premiership. Carneys budget strategy exposes the fraud of his carefully cultivated image as a sober technocrat, a serious politician for serious times. His discipline is demanded not of the billionaires and corporations who plunder Canadian resources and dodge taxes, but of workers, students, and the poor. His investments are not in healthcare, education, or scientific research, but in tanks, missiles, and liquefied natural gas terminals. His vision of the future is one in which the population is told there is no money for hospitals or housing while hundreds of billions are made available for war and corporate subsidies. The working class must draw the necessary conclusions. Carneys austerity and investment budget is not a personal aberration or a miscalculation, but the distilled expression of the needs of Canadian and international capitalism. Across Europe, figures like Germanys Friedrich Merz declare the welfare state unaffordable while adding billions more in funding to their military budgets. In the United States, Trump is carrying out a coup against the Constitution to implement authoritarian rule and destroy social rights in the interests of finance capital. All sections of the ruling class are united on the essentials: social programs must be gutted, workers must be disciplined, and the state must be retooled for war abroad and repression at home. The defense of jobs, wages, and social rights cannot be entrusted to any faction of the capitalist political establishment. The Carney governments embrace of austerity and militarism is a declaration of war on the working class. It must be answered with the mobilization of the working class in Canada and internationally, independent of the pro-capitalist parties and unions, against both the austerity drive and the war preparations. Only through a socialist program that redirects societys resources away from militarism and corporate handouts and toward the needs of the vast majority can workers secure their rights and build a future free from poverty, exploitation, and war. Japanese automakers received a major boost on Friday last week after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order slashing import tariffs on Japanese cars from 27.5% to 15%. The move, part of a broader trade agreement first announced in July, is expected to ease pressure on Toyota, Honda, Nissan and their finance arms, which had warned of steep losses under the previous tariff regime. The agreement, first outlined in July, extends the 15% levy to nearly all Japanese exports to the US, including vehicles and pharmaceuticals. In return, Japan will invest $550 billion in US infrastructure and technology, and commit to $8 billion in annual purchases of American goods, including agricultural products and bioethanol. A notable concession includes a 75% increase in US rice imports, previously resisted by Tokyo to protect domestic producers. For motor finance providers, the tariff rollback reduces uncertainty around vehicle pricing, residual value forecasting, and leasing volumes. Toyota alone had projected a $10 billion hit under the previous tariff regime, underscoring the scale of risk facing captive finance operations. Shares in Japanese automakers and Tier 1 suppliers rallied in Tokyo following the announcement on Friday, signalling renewed confidence across the automotive value chain. With cars accounting for roughly 20% of Japans total exports, and the US as its largest market, the tariff cut is expected to stabilise cross-border flows and support financing activity tied to new vehicle imports. Mark McCarthy, CRO at Basware, a software developer based in Finland, noted that tariff uncertainty introduces volatility into the global economy, adding that enterprises with complex supply chains may now reassess strategic priorities and refocus IT investments to drive cost efficiency and mitigate operational risk. Compliance experts also flagged emerging risks. Michael Joseph of Napier AI, a UK-based software developer, warned that fluctuating tariffs have created unintended consequences, including new vulnerabilities for financial crime as supply chains reorganise. For motor finance firms, this means adapting risk frameworks to account for shifting trade patterns and jurisdictional exposure. "US-Japan tariff cut signals relief for OEMs and motor finance sector" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. The Labour governments clampdown on opposition to Israels genocide in Gaza escalated on Saturday with the Metropolitan Police arresting nearly 900 people in London in an unprecedented 12-hour operation involving over 2,500 policeincluding from other forces around Britain. The vast majority (857) were arrested for their opposition to the proscription under the Terrorism Act of the Palestine Action campaign group. They were singled out for displaying a placard containing seven words: I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action. They were apprehended under the Terrorism Act 2000, Section 13 (1), which carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison. At another demonstration Saturday in Edinburgh, to demand an end to UK arms sales to Israel, police arrested two men under the Terrorism Act. The protest in Parliament Square was organised by Defend Our Juries (DOJ), as the latest mass rally against the Gaza genocideattended by around 200,000 peoplemarched through central London. DOJ went ahead with the protest once 1,000 people committed to holding the sign. The organisation said around 1,500 joined on Saturday, meaning that near two thirds (57 percent) of them were arrested by police. With the mass arrests of 55 people in Parliament Square on July 19, more than 70 around Britain the week before, and 532 in the Square on August 9, Saturdays total took the number arrested for opposition to the proscription enacted on July 5 to at least 1,444. Police carry off a man during the mass arrests of 857 peaceful protesters in London. At least six police officers are involved in this arrest which took place at 6:50 p.m (almost six hours after the arrests operation began), September 6, 2025 A man in handcuffs is dragged away to a police van by five police officers, September 6, 2025 The number arrested in Britain since the genocide began in Gaza is around 1,800. At the more than 30 mass demonstrations in London, hundreds more arrests have been made. At the January 18 national rally, 77 people were arrested, mainly for breach of conditions on the protest imposed by police. These included Stop the War Coalition chief steward Chris Nineham and Palestine Solidarity Campaign leader Ben Jamal. Other leaders of the anti-war movement, including former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and his former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, were summoned to police stations for questioning. Nineham and Jamal are to be tried next year. Arrests have also been made of independent journalists and of students protesting the genocide on their campuses. In May 2024, at least 17 students were arrested at the University of Oxford following their occupation of a university administrative building. Five days ahead of the latest mass arrests, counter-terrorism officers arrested five key members of the Defend our Juries legal defence campaign. On Friday, the Met issued a statement that they were prepared for any number of arrests the next day, with all contingencies in place. A September 5 briefing by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan warned, I can be unequivocal, if you show support for Palestine Actionan offence under the Terrorism Actyou will be arrested As we have shown in recent weeks, those arrested will be investigated and are very likely to be prosecuted. We have the plans and resources in place to deal with any eventuality. Attempts to overwhelm policing and the wider criminal justice system will not be successful. The police issued a statement at 1 p.m. Saturday declaring that they were beginning to make arrests. By 5:12 p.m. they reported that 150 arrests had been made. By 7:48 p.m. this had doubled to 300; and by 9:48pm, with Parliament Square in darkness, a total of 425 arrests were reported. The following morning the Met reported that 890 had been arrested on Saturday and all those arrested were processed at a prisoner reception point in the Westminster area, but those who refused to provide their details as suggested by Defend Our Juries, or who were found to have been arrested while already on bail, were transported to one of a number of Met Police custody suites to be dealt with. It then stated, The number of people dealt with at a prisoner reception point was 341. The number transported to custody for TACT [Terrorism Act] offences was 519. Once again, many of those arrested were elderly and infirm. Mike Higgins, who is blind and has additional hearing and physical impairments, was arrested for a second time and taken away in his wheelchair. People attempted to stop the arrests, chanting shame on you to police. The Met denounced this as a coordinated effort to prevent officers from carrying out their duties which escalated to violence where officers were punched, kicked, spat on and had objects thrown at them. In fact, just 17 people were arrested after being accused of assaults on police officers. Video footage shows the brutal way many arrests were carried out, police drawing their batons, a police officer shoving an elderly man to the ground and another officer punching his way through the crowd to make an exit route for an underway arrest. It would be a grave mistake to believe, as is claimed by Defend Our Juries, that the forces of the capitalist state will be overwhelmed by protests like Saturdays, rendering them unable to uphold repressive laws. Mass arrests have in fact escalated both in numbers and in brutality, driven by the political imperative of silencing opposition to the Gaza genocide and demonstrating the readiness of the Starmer Labour government to do what is demanded of it in imposing the dictates of the ruling elite. The arrests are being followed up with charges that in some cases can lead to 14 years imprisonment upon conviction. Arrests prior to Saturday were carried out with the backing of the Blairite Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Last week, Coopers Home Office secured the right at the Court of Appeal to try to block a move by Palestine Action to have its ban under terror laws overturned. Fridays cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Keir Starmer saw Cooper become Foreign Secretary, replaced at the Home Office by fellow right-winger Shabana Mahmood. On Sunday, Defence Minister John Healey pledged that Mahmood would continue the repression of anti-war sentiment, warning, I expect Shabana Mahmood to be just as tough as Yvette Cooper and I expect her to defend the decision the Governments taken on Palestine Action, because of what some of its members are responsible for and were planning. The Socialist Equality Party has repeatedly insisted that the assault on democratic rights spearheaded by the proscription of Palestine Action can only be countered by the systematic mobilisation of the working class against the Starmer government. The offensive against democratic rights is necessitated by British imperialisms efforts to claim a share of the imperialist carve-up of the worlds resources and marketsa contest that drives the proxy war waged by NATO against Russia in Ukraine, the genocide in Gaza and the broader struggle to dominate the Middle East, and the escalation of hostilities towards China. Waging trade and military war abroad demands class war at home to crush political and social opposition and militarise economic life through the destruction of essential social provisions and the imposition of savage levels of exploitation. This cannot be opposed by individual acts of conscience, however bravely expressed. It means the mobilisation of the millions of workers, particularly the younger generation, who want to put an end to Starmers hated government of austerity, genocide and war. The potential for such a movement is presently being actively blocked. Jeremy Corbyn speaking at the Palestine Coalition rally on September 6, 2025 Since launching their Your Party project last month and declaring that a new party to the left of Labour will be founded in the autumn, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and MP Zarah Sultana have won the backing of three quarters of a million people. Yet nothing has been done to mobilise this mass force against the government. To break out of this political impasse, the defence of fundamental democratic rights, of living standards, and the fight against genocide and war must be conducted based on a new axis of strugglesocialist internationalismcentred on the systematic industrial and political mobilisation of the working class against the Starmer government, waged by rank-and-file organisations independent of the trade union bureaucracy. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he departs the White House, in Washington en route to New York City Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. [AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana] On Saturday morning, US President Donald Trump declared war on the third-largest city in the country, Chicago. His Truth Social account posted an elaborate graphic image showing Trump directing a wave of attack helicopters against the citys skyline, alongside the headline Chipocalypse Now. Both the image, the title and the accompanying phrase, I love the smell of deportations in the morning, refer to the 1979 Vietnam War film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Apocalypse Now. The graphic, apparently put together using AI at Trumps direction, puts Trump in the role of the crazed officer and war criminal portrayed by Robert Duvall, who loved the smell of napalm in the morning as American imperialism murdered the Vietnamese population. Towards the bottom of the image is written: Chicago about to find out why its called the Department of WAR. Trump was boasting about his executive order, signed Friday, to rename the Department of Defense, the largest military establishment on the planet, the Department of War. A more appropriate name would be the Department of Civil War, as the Trump administration is targeting the American population with the violence of the military-police apparatus. Trump and his aides have made clear that the deployments in D.C. and Chicago will be followed by dozens of other US cities. These actions are without precedent and have no legal or constitutional foundation. Trump declared he would be a dictator from day one, and he is now proving that this was not an exaggeration. He is reveling in violence and illegality. The question is not whether dictatorship is a dangerit is already being erected, step by step, in full view of the world. The assault on immigrants is a spearhead for a broader assault on the entire working class. Last week nearly 500 workers were seized in a single raid at Hyundais Georgia construction site, with over 300 from South Korea, the largest immigration raid in US history. This was followed by the rounding up of immigrants and US citizens working at a granola bar factory in Cato, New York on Sunday. Trumps border czar Tom Homan announced Sunday that Chicago and other sanctuary cities should expect mass raids backed by National Guard troops. Meanwhile, troops are being mobilized in Louisiana for deployment in New Orleans. Trump is acting on behalf of the billionaires and corporate bosses whose corruption, greed and hostility to democratic rights he personifies. The class character of this assault was underscored last week when Trump met in Washington with a group of tech billionaires and financiers, including Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg, Googles Sergey Brin, Microsofts Bill Gates, and OpenAIs Sam Altman. The oligarchy is openly aligning itself with Trumps dictatorship, recognizing that its wealth and power depend on crushing democratic rights and suppressing the resistance of the working class. Acting on behalf of this oligarchy, the Trump administration is engaged in a wholesale assault on the working class: eliminating public health measures and vaccinations to drive down life expectancy; implementing and planning a massive assault on Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security; and intensifying exploitation. Trump and the oligarchs are fully aware these policies will provoke explosive opposition. Already, thousands have taken to the streets in Washington and Chicago to oppose Trumps military occupation of the capital and his threatened deployment of troops to major cities. There is a staggering contradiction between the scale of Trumps assault on democratic rights and the response of the media, the Democratic Party and the trade union apparatus. The corporate media is doing its utmost to downplay the danger of dictatorship. The New York Times, the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal all reported Trumps posted threat against Chicago on their websites Saturday, but not in their print editions, and the subject was dismissed by several of the Sunday television interview programs. Meet the Press made no mention of it, while CNN allowed Homan, speaking for the president, to claim that Trumps wordsin a posting designed and paid for by the White Househad been taken out of context! In Illinois, Governor J.B. Pritzker and Senator Tammy Duckworth described Trumps actions as declaring war on an American city and not normal, while Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson warned that Trump wanted to occupy our city and break our Constitution. But none of them proposed any action beyond filing lawsuits that will drag on for years in courts dominated by Trumps appointees. The congressional Democratic leadership has said little and done nothing in response to Trumps escalating military-police repression. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, in the midst of his fighting oligarchy tour, is doing everything he can to pretend it is not happening. There are no calls for impeachment, no effort to mobilize mass demonstrations, no fight to stop Trumps coup. This is because the Democrats are terrified that a call for mass opposition to the Trump administration could spiral out of their control and pose a threat to the entire ruling class. The bureaucracy of the AFL-CIO, UAW, Teamsters, and the other trade unions are even more terrified of the consequences of a mass working class movement against Trump. It has said nothing about Trumps seizure of dictatorial powers, just as it has done nothing to defend the hundreds of immigrant workers rounded up in Georgia. The apparatus is an instrument of the corporations and the state, functioning as a labor police force to suppress opposition in the workplace. But the issues now confronting workers cannot be ignored. The Socialist Equality Party insists that only the working class, organized independently of the union bureaucracy and the Democrats, can stop the establishment of dictatorship. As the World Socialist Web Site wrote on August 20: In the absence of opposition from within the existing political structure, the center of resistance to Trump must move to the working class. The basic political questions that must be answered are: What must be done by the working class, with the support of students and all progressive forces within society, to stop the establishment of a dictatorship in the United States? What are the new forms of organized mass action, including a general strike, required to defend the democratic rights of the working class? What changes in the economic and social structure of the country are necessary to break the power of the financial-corporate oligarchy? These questions must become the subject of discussion in every workplace, neighborhood and school. Workers must organize to demand and fight for an end to dictatorship and repression, uniting native-born and immigrant workers alike against ICE raids and mass roundups. They must oppose the squandering of billions of dollars on imperialist war while social needs go unmet, resist the attacks on science and public health, and insist on safe workplaces where lives are valued above profit. The Socialist Equality Party calls for the working class to take the lead in organizing mass opposition to Trumps coup. This means building rank-and-file committees in every workplace, school and neighborhood to coordinate strikes, demonstrations and collective resistance. Such committees must prepare the ground for a general strike against dictatorship and war. If there is to be real opposition, it must come from the independent mobilization of workers themselves. Guided by a socialist perspective, this movement must aim to take political power out of the hands of the financial oligarchy and reorganize society on the basis of equality and human need, not private profit. Only in this way can inequality, repression and dictatorship be ended. Residents navigate through a flooded road following heavy rains, in Gujrat, Pakistan, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. [AP Photo/A. Rizvi] Pakistan has been severely affected in recent weeks by devastating monsoon floods, with over 800 lives lost and millions of people affected. While the floods have impacted all four of Pakistans provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab have been hit particularly hard, suffering high casualties. Punjab has experienced the most severe flooding, even as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has experienced the highest death toll. The floods are the worst since 2022, when 8 million people were forced from their homes and 2 million dwellings were destroyed. The current floods have also affected India, especially its Punjab state. More than 350,000 people across 1,400 Indian villages have been rendered homeless, with 46 deaths reported. As in 2022, the flood waters have caused significant damage to crops, livestock, schools, health facilities and critical infrastructure such as bridges, roads and power grids. The disaster has been compounded by Glacier Lake Outburst Floods, related to the rising temperatures and extreme weather events associated with climate change, in the remote Gilgit-Baltistan region. Health services in the flood-affected areas are overwhelmed by rising cases of diseases such as malaria, skin infections and fever. Many communities remain isolated due to blocked or damaged roads, making it difficult to deliver aid to vulnerable populations. With monsoon rains expected to persist, the situation threatens to grow still worse. Floodwaters are projected to pour into the Indus River, threatening large areas in Pakistans southern Sindh province. In Punjab, Pakistans most populous province, more than 3.3 million people across 33,000 villages have been directly affected by the flooding. Since the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab riverstributaries of the Indus Riveroverflowed their banks two weeks ago, flooding has affected 3,900 villages in Muzaffargarh District, one of Punjabs worst-hit areas. Last Thursday, as the flood threat mounted in Pakistans Punjab province, officials claimed more than half a million people had been relocated in the previous 24 hours. Thousands of rescuers using boats are taking part in the relief and rescue operations, while tens of thousands have sought refuge in relief camps. Conditions in the camps are described as dire. According to an Al Jazeera report published last Wednesday, a displaced homeowner named Malik Ramzan preferred to stay near his waterlogged home rather than enter a relief camp because they lack basic utilities. Food isnt delivered on time, and we are treated like beggars, said Ramzan. According to the report, the camps facilities are very poor, with no clean drinking water, no proper toilet facilities, plus the fact that its very hot and humid, contributing to dehydration. All of this adds to the threat of an epidemic of waterborne infections. Marriyum Aurangzeb, who holds multiple portfolios in Punjabs Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) government, including Planning & Development and Environment Protection and Climate Change, told a press conference August 31, This is the biggest flood in the history of the Punjab. Its the first time that the three riversSutlej, Chenab, and Ravihave carried such high levels of water. With a population of about 128 million, Punjab is Pakistans agricultural hub and its principal wheat producer. Muhammad Amjad, 45, a rice and potato farmer in Chiniot told Reuters on September 1, Thirteen of my 15 acres are gone, and our rice is completely destroyed. Women and children have evacuated. Men are left guarding what remains. Some have lost their only source of income. Amish Sultan, 50, said: I have 10 buffaloes. Theyre so weak theres no milk left for my children, let alone to sell. I used to earn 100,000 to 150,000 rupees a month. That stability is gone. Pakistani authorities have responded lethargically to the disaster, revealing yet again their indifference and disregard for the lives of workers and the rural poor. Although major floods are occurring ever more frequently, successive governments at the national and provincial level have done next to nothing to improve Indus Valley watershed control measures. The 2022 Pakistan floods were among the deadliest and most extensive in the countrys history, affecting around 33 million people and displacing over 8 million. The floods killed more than 1,700, caused economic losses exceeding $30 billion and contributed to an eight-percentage point rise between 2020 and 2024, from 17.1 percent to 25.3 percent in the proportion of Pakistanis living in poverty. In 2010, floods similarly devastated Pakistan, killing nearly 2,000 people, affecting about 20 million, and triggering a major humanitarian crisis. Showing the governments complete unpreparedness, Wasim Hamad Sindhu, the deputy commissioner in Multan, a major city along the eastern bank of the Chenab River in Punjab, said, The water is coming in large quantitieswe cannot fight it; we cannot stop it. While ignoring the flood preparations needed to save the lives and livelihoods of working people, the Pakistani government has prioritized military spending. It recently announced a 20 percent increase in the defense budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, raising it to 2.55 trillion rupees ($9 billion). Indian media has reported that in recent weeks, New Delhi has given Islamabad three flood warnings via diplomatic channels as a humanitarian gesture, despite it having suspended Indias participation in the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). The 65-year-old treaty was suspended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu supremacist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government as part of their bellicose response to an April 22 terrorist attack in Indian-held Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists. While Pakistan denied any involvement in the attack and called for an international investigation, India declared Islamabad responsible. On May 7, it launched missile strikes deep inside Pakistan, triggering a four-day cross-border war that brought the two nuclear-armed nations to the brink of all-out war. Pakistani officials are alleging that New Delhis failure to pass them information about water levels in the Indus Rivers tributaries quickly enough and in sufficient detail have crippled their flood control efforts. Pakistans Planning Minister, Ahsan Iqbal, told Reuters, We could have managed better if we had better information. The floodwaters breach of two barrage gates on the Ramjit River has also led to suggestions India may have deliberately exacerbated the crisis. New Delhi has emphatically denied this, saying surging water broke the barrages and that it is now trying to control water flow further upstream via the Ranjit Sagar Dam. Whatever New Delhi says, if the IWT were still in active operation, it would ensure close collaboration and continuous information exchange between India and Pakistan in the face of surging water levels that threaten lives and livelihoods in both countries. The now suspended Permanent Indus Commission, composed of commissioners from both countries, provided for the regular sharing of data and discussion of water management issues. This information exchange has in the past helped to manage the Indus water levelsfor flood prevention, irrigation and electrical-power generationeven under tense situations. Although India and Pakistan came to a shaky truce on May 10, India has continued its suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, and both Modi and his chief henchman, Home Minister Amit Shah, have repeatedly vowed that New Delhi will not return to it, withoutat the very leasta renegotiation to make it more favorable to India. Threats against Pakistan and boasts of Indias military prowess were key themes of Modis August 15 Independence Day address. From Delhis Red Fort, he declared India had achieved a great victory in Operation Sindoorits illegal, four-day aerial war in Pakistan; proclaimed that India will henceforth make no distinction between those who nurture and harbor terrorism, and those who empower terrorists; and vowed India will not be intimidated by nuclear blackmail. That is, it will aggressively pursue its interests, even at the risk of provoking all-out war. This was combined with the declaration that the Indus Water Treaty is effectively dead. Modi called the treaty unjust, and proclaimed Indias waters belong to India, and Indias farmers. Nobody can take away our waters. Further underlining Indias bellicose intentions, Modi declared, Blood and water cannot flow together. Acting on a complaint from Pakistan, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), found in a ruling issued August 8 that India cannot unilaterally suspend or hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance. It also reaffirmed, per the 1960 treaty, Pakistans right to the unrestricted use of waters from the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab riverscollectively known as the western rivers. Pakistan is highly reliant on these rivers, which originate in China but run through Indian-held Kashmir, for both irrigation and power generation. India, affirmed the PCA ruling, must allow these waters to flow as per the treatys terms and cannot pursue hydroelectric projects based on its own interpretation of ideal engineering practices. New Delhi has angrily rejected all of this, insisting that India is acting in its national security interests and has never agreed to the PCAs jurisdiction. Foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal asserted that New Delhi has never accepted the legality, legitimacy, or competence of the PCA in this mattermaking clear that the Modi government is adamant in pressing forward even in the face of bellicose warnings from Pakistans government and military that Indias attempt to use the headwaters of the Indus to throttle Pakistans economy will end in war. These developments underscore the completely reactionary nature of the 1947 communal partition of then British India into an avowedly Muslim Pakistan and a Hindu India. Any rational solution to the floods and to water distributionproblems that are becoming ever more acute due to rising temperatures, drought and other impacts of climate changerequire subcontinent-wide planning, which is rendered impossible by the geopolitical rivalry between India and Pakistans venal capitalist elites. Tensions between India and Pakistan remain on the boil as both countries extend bans on commercial flights in each others airspace until September 24, first imposed after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam. Meanwhile, the arms race is intensifying. On August 20, India successfully test-fired the Agni-V, an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of carrying over 1,000 kg of nuclear or conventional payloads across 5,000 km at hypersonic speeds near 30,000 km/h. This development came exactly one week after Pakistan announced the formation of a new Army Rocket Force Command to address strategic gaps, in particular its ability to strike the enemy from every direction, before resorting to tactical and strategic nuclear weapons. The two countries exchanged verbal attacks during last weeks meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Targeting Pakistan without mentioning it by name, Modi vowed that India would never rest until terrorism was eradicated, adding that the Pahalgam attack was not just an assault on Indias soul, but also a challenge to those who believe in humanity. Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking in the same session, said, We expect SCO member countries to follow all bilateral treaties, including uninterrupted access to due share of water as per existing treaties. Miguel Del Toral at Flint's EPA Open House, March 12, 2016. Miguel Del Toral, whose official EPA title was Region 5 (Midwest region) Ground Water Drinking Water Branch Regulations Manager, has been retired for six years. More than ten years ago, he played the primary role in blowing the whistle on the violations of federal water regulations in Flint, Michigans drinking water. For that he was publicly derided as a rogue employee by state officials and reportedly handled. A professor of civil engineering at Virginia Tech University, Dr. Marc Edwards, responded to the call from Flint mother LeeAnne Walters, who was referred by Del Toral, and organized an independent sampling of hundreds of Flint residents water. It proved that high levels of lead were in the citys drinking water and rapidly set in motion events that led to returning Flint to its original treated water source in October 2015. This followed 18 months of improperly treated water being drawn from the Flint River, damaging the infrastructure and incurring widespread health effects, as well as dozens of deaths due to an outbreak of Legionnaires Disease. Months later, despite the efforts of qualified water experts, including Del Toral, who closely monitored the state of Flints water, the recovery of the citys water system was disrupted by an influx of pseudo-scientists, significantly that of the team out of Wayne State University called Flint Area Community Health and Environmental Partnership (FACHEP) who promoted the message that Flints water was not improving, and that even years after returning to its original treated Lake Huron water source it was getting worse. In response to the recent WSWS article, A pseudo-left attack on science in Flint, Michigan, Del Toral suggested there be a follow-up to pay tribute to the selfless work of the many water experts who volunteered to work in Flint to help with the recovery. At the same time this discussion was taking place, a war was being waged by the Trump administration on public health and all science-based public service, particularly the EPA. The Office of Research and Development, which studies and adopts standards and protocols to monitor and remedy environmental issues, has been shut down. Thousands have been terminated from the agencys workforce, severely crippling its ability to conduct its work. A Letter of Dissent has been signed by thousands of EPA scientists, and the Trump administration has begun firing key staff members for signing this document, violating a legal precedent. A further report will be forthcoming on the World Socialist Web Site. James Brewer: Miguel, you have gone through a rough several years as a result of your efforts in the water recovery. The anti-science trend in Flint has had the upper hand for so long and I feel strongly that the time for you to tell your story is long overdue. Miguel Del Toral and Marc Edwards in 2024. [Photo by Marc Edwards] Miguel Del Toral: It was hard enough to deal with the reality of all the corruption. And then even sadder part to me is that we were all together in the beginning everybody fighting for the same cause. And then you have all these carpetbaggers and people with self-interests that just fractured that coalition into pieces. And that really hurt. You know, in your story [A pseudo-left attack on science in Flint, Michigan], the one thing after I read through everything the one thing that I would suggest is a Chapter Three. The people that were dedicated to public service. Because you did an excellent job of characterizing the villains. But the beautiful people that worked their asses off Its not really captured, and I think that thats equally important. Because we would get three or four hours of sleep a night for weeks at a time. Wed be in my hotel room at four in the morning going over plans for the next day, looking at stuff that we did the previous day, trying to schedule, you know, it was all these people. All these beautiful people. And I think that is equally important for the public to know. JB: Can you give a brief explanation of the EPA field work in Flint? MDT: Our field team had dedicated sub-teams. My focus was on ensuring we had solid, scientific proof on the water sampling for lead to protect the children. Other teams focused on the chlorine testing. We begged CDC to test for legionella in the water, but we never had any success. Beautiful people really stepped up. They installed automatic hydrant flushers in low water use neighborhoods and a lot more. Too much to put in a short comment. We had very strict protocols so they could stand up in court. None have ever been disputed. JB: What youre saying right now is very eloquent about the work that it takes to recover a water system thats been destroyed by the corrupt actions of those responsible for overseeing them. It doesnt just happen MDT: No, I guess my point is that when youre there. When youre in the trenches, so to speak and you have all these people I mean, one colleague, for example. I called her field general. She was ruthless in a good way. We would go out in the very early mornings up into the late hours. She would even try to drag people out at the last minute at night to go sampling. Somebody reschedules and she says Come on! We gotta go! Those kinds of things. And I remember at least once I said, Hey, everybodys exhausted. Well sample tomorrow. I said No! You cant have them. In other words, Dont drag them out. Its late. Theyre tired. They gotta rest. That was kind of the situation, but I love her I absolutely love her. She went into a home where they actually had crack paraphernalia on the table. I said Hey, get the fuck out of there! I said, Get out of there! She wouldnt. She stayed there with a couple of other folks and did the sample. When she got back, I yelled at her. I said, What!? Are you crazy?! She said, They deserve clean water, too. Thats what Im trying to portray. Another colleague from ORD [Office of Research and Development], when we went around checking the chlorine levels, installing the hydrant flushers and everything. It was, honestly, Id get to my room at night and I would cry. JB: Out of exhaustion? Or? MDT: Oh no, love. Out of love. People with their lives. So thats what Im saying. Thats the story, or a side of this horror story that I think is equally important is all the beautiful people that worked so hard to fix it. JB: I have a question in relation to the way Marc [Edwards] described being canceled because of the activities of FACHEP and the anti-science people. Did you feel the same way? How did it affect you and your work, that whole campaign? Professor Marc Edwards, December 15, 2016 [Photo: Jeff Riedel/WSWS] MDT: Well, most of that I think was geared toward Marc because he was challenging a lot of their non-factual, shall we say, science, and so he became the main target. Near the end, thats when I kind of started getting a bit of it too. When I challenged Scott Smith, whos the bogus Water Defense person When I challenged Jordan Chariton, you know, both of them were threatening me with lawsuits. JB: The activists, with FACHEPs support, insisted that the water was giving them rashes, etc., and the TYT [Young Turks] network, before they fired Chariton, had posted videos calling for testing showers and water heaters, etc. They said it just makes common sense that thats what you would do. How did that public campaign affect what you were doing? Professor Shawn McElmurry from FACHEP speaks at the Flint Water Town Hall, January 11, 2017. MDT: Honestly, it was just too many battles on too many fronts. And with respect to, for example, the water heaters, checking for lead and this and that In my head, Im saying, if youre going to check for anything in that water heater, you should be checking for legionella. Because when you get in the shower, if it becomes airborne, you can breathe it in. You can bathe in Legionnaire water and it wouldnt do anything. It doesnt go through the skin. Its an airborne infection. You inhale it. The mist. So, to me, I think one of the major failures, and one I screamed about a lot at EPA, was the failure to check for legionella. But that was the purview of the CDC and not the EPA. As far as were concerned, under the Safe Drinking Water Act, if you maintain a [disinfectant] residual and sometimes you dont even need that, and you test routinely for coliform bacteria and you get nothing, you should find no legionella. In other words, its a general test for bacteria. And typically, if youre doing good with that, you should be fine on legionella. You dont have any direct testing for legionella at EPA. Thats under the purview of the CDC. JB: Does the CDC have people who test residents water? MDT: No, but they could if it were big enough, but typically, the state would be in charge. The county, both departments, the local health departments. So, they would have to work with them. For the life of me, I do not understand because I brought it up so many times. Why are we not testing for legionella? We as the government. But it never happened. It just never happened. JB: Ive always sort of wondered about that and assumed that it was in places with large air-conditioning units, where the legionella, which is pretty much in the water to a certain extent as a rule, if the high levels of legionella are allowed to grow because of the problem with the combining with high levels of iron, I think, that combines with the chlorine and makes it ineffective. Anyway, that that would happen. MDT: The iron will deplete the chlorine. JB: Yeah. But that would happen historically. It happens in places with big air-conditioning units, which is why they gave it its name, because thats where it first was discoveredat the Legionnaires convention. MDT: There are places where you have, for example: Youve got a waterfall in a hotel lobby. Heres the problem with large structures. Take a hotel thats not really occupied all the time. So, you have stagnant water sitting in the plumbing to some rooms. From the main distribution pipe into that room. Bacteria grows. The water is not sterile. So you have bacteria. You have legionella, but not in quantities that are going to cause health problems. And if you maintain the chlorine, whatever is there is less effective at causing illness. So, even if its insufficient to kill it, that is, to kill all of it, it will be degraded and diminished to a level that it will not cause problems. But for example, in some places, they will fill up the water tower once. They would fill it, so that they dont have to do it again for, you know, whatever. So, it sits in this tank, and a lot of them are never cleaned. So, you have basically the potential for bacteria to grow, legionella, et cetera. And then it goes out into distribution system. The same is true about buildings. I will tell you, New York is a horror. I have a buddy there, in Region 8. He and I and another regulations manager in Washington D.C. tried so hard to include a provision for the periodic inspection and cleaning of water towers, water tanks. We could not get that through. They took it out. Too expensive. And that still needs to be done. JB: Okay, well, thats interesting. I mean, the whole basis that FACHEP was given their multi-million-dollar contract with the State of Michigan was to pursue Legionnaires. As far as I know, I think that was the pretext. Of course it was also to provide a public relations face for Governor Snyder, who was under the gun for responsibility for the Flint water crisis. Miguel Del Toral giving a report on Flint's water system restoration at the Flint Water Town Hall, January 11, 2017. MDT: The thing about the politicians. Because of the mistrust that everybody had, they brought everybody to the table. Even the fools who had absolutely no idea what they were talking about. See, you know, the shigellosis crap, right? Finding high trihalomethane, using a damn sponge. I mean, you know, how do those people get invited? Politics. Everybody has a seat at the table. Then, they stay in the limelight and in some cases, keep the money coming. JB: Mark Ruffalo made the following statement. And by the way, a lot of the information that I got in the article that I wrote came from Marc Edwards because he documented everything, and he took them up. He took the bad actors up on everything that they did. And so, when they took their videos down because they were too embarrassing, they still existed on his Flint Water Studies blog. So, I did refer to those in the article. But Mark Ruffalo said publicly, We arent scientists, but were just getting information, providing it, and thats always a good thing. Do you remember him saying that? MDT: Yes. Now, it depends on the information theyre providing. If youre providing garbage to people and scaring them, youre not doing a service. Because youre scaring people for no reason. And that was my main concern. I asked, why are these people being invited? They have absolutely no experience in the field. JB: You mentioned Scott Smith, and he played a very bad role, lets say, during his time with Water Defense, but he later apologized and recognized the criticisms that Marc made of him. So, my question was, did you have any interaction with him, and youd already answered that you had. But how did that work? MDT: Well, we had discussions about what he was doing. And I told him that its unscientific. Its invalid, and youre scaring people. And then I find out, not only is he working for Water Defense, hes working for himself. Hes selling water filters to the residents of Flint. At something like $10,000 a pop, if I recall. So, he was doing double duty. Misleading the public, scaring the shit out of them so he could get them to buy his filters. I remember this very clearly. There is a letter somewhere from Water Defense with Scott Smiths name and his phone number on it. There was a business card for the water filter company with Scott Smiths name, same phone number. He was doing both things at once. So, you create the problem, an artificial problem, and you fix it for them, right? And I told Marc, Youre a better man than me. I dont give a damn if he apologizes, the damage is done, and he didnt really apologize in my mind. That was not a sufficient apology. JB: You said when we talked last that you wanted to tell a story of those who worked so hard on the recovery of Flints water. I dont know if youre able to name people. Youre welcome to if youd like, but do you want to go into that? MDT: Well, we can. I mean, basically the narrative was EPA let these kids get poisoned. And obviously, the EPA did not do enough to prevent it. Even when confronted with what I reported about the violations. But I will tell you this. The rank-and-file volunteered to go to Flint. They volunteered to go help. And that story, to me, does not get enough attention. Beautiful people. We worked long hours. Very long hours. And there are a few, but I need, I would check with them first. I would very much like to them to be recognized. JB: Youre indicating that you dont have a lot of respect for the leadership of the EPA. In general, how do you feel about the EPA and its carrying out of its responsibility? MDT: Well, sad and sick. I mean, it is on a very steady slope down, and it has been for a long time. I dont know if I mentioned this before. I used to talk directly with congressmen, congressional liaisons, you know, their staff. I used to talk freely with the press. You just make a phone record, start the conversation. Put it in the file. You never had any issues, ever. And then all of a sudden, both sides started using, weaponizing issues. Using them to bash their opponents over the head. And so, they both put their guards up. You cant talk to each other directly anymore. Refer to public affairs. You cant talk to the congressmen. You know, you have to go through the state liaison in the original administrators office. Well, communication, all direct communication is gone. And it kept declining, so to speak. People on both sides were so risk averse. If I do that, he gets them ammunition, that kind of thing, that mentality. And it just became more and more difficult to do your job. My job is a technical one. Their jobs are political. And their political agenda does not gibe with my ethical agenda. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy in Flint on February 2, 2016 And thats part of the corruption of government, because I will tell you, inside of EPA, not publicly, but inside of EPA we worked hard to undermine all the lies. Our Office of Research and Development, those folks down there. God! The people in my office here in Chicago. Everybody working so determinedly, even doing things without management, knowing. And they would feed me information, and they would say, look at this, look at that. And thats kind of like, in a sense, being in a failed marriage, where the woman has no choice but to stay because she has no means to survive if she leaves. And so, you stay in that bad marriage, and you do the best you can to navigate, and I will tell you. I talk to them all the time. I tell them how much I love them and everything they do. But theyre still there. JB: Im reminded of Lianne Shekter Smiths comment about you being handled way back in 2015. What was this source of that? She must have talked to EPA about that. MDT: There were certainly discussions with Region 5 at the time, for sure. There were discussions, probably between Lianne and our division directors office. As far as being handled, that was said, openly, I think, to LeeAnne Walters at a public meeting. She did apologize. She apologized to me. She gave me a call. I mean, albeit at gunpoint, but she called and apologized. So did the PR guy from DEQ, Brad Wurfel, who called me a rogue employee. He also called and apologized. JB: Hes the one who said about Marc EdwardsHes known for pulling rabbits out of hats or something. Thats his thing MDT: Its like, thats what he does. He always finds problems wherever he goes. And its like, yeah, because hes looking for them. And the people that dont find them arent finding them because theyre not looking for them. JB: Now, I just recently found out that the CDC in 2021 lowered the lead reference level from five micrograms per deciliter. But they lowered it to 3.5 in 2021, which seems like a good thing to me. MDT: Okay, heres one thing about how the government regulates, and its an important point: Whatever you want to regulate you have to be able to accurately and reliably measure it at that level. So, for example, there are some contaminants that we do not have at the time, we did not have lab methods to detect the chemicals that low. Reliably. So, then you go into a different phase which is developing laboratory methodology. In a case of the CDC, this reference level, which is a good one, but it doesnt mean you cant be above it. If that makes any sense. Its just that. Its not a mandatory limit. Its a reference level. JB: So, blood-lead level measure isnt the same protocol as the lead level in water, right? In which case they call it an action level, as opposed to a reference. MDT: Right. So, the difference with lead in water, the reason we took the action-level approach is because the lead primarily comes from the distribution system and home. Leaving the treatment plant, it has no lead in it. You know, the vast majority of time. Its all external contribution. So, you cant basically set an MCL [Maximum Contaminant Level]. Where do you test for the MCL? One house has a lead pipe, another one doesnt. One has leaded soldered. Another one doesnt. One has leaded brass, another one doesnt. So, its very hard to take a sample at any one home and characterize the whole system by that value. So, it was impossible for us to set an MCL And so the concept of action level was that you take a certain, you sample a certain number of homes and if its above, if 10 percent of them are above the action level, that you must take these actions: Basically, reduce the water so it doesnt leach the lead out, all the way up to replacing any lead service lines. But even that has loopholes, big ones. JB: Okay. MDT: I dont know how familiar you are with how that works, but the rule on the water system, if 10 percent of my samples exceed the action level and I ultimately get kicked into lead service line replacement. JB: Right. Which is monitored by the EPA, or is that I mean, its done by the municipal? MDT: By the state. So, the thing is this. Number one, so many of these systems have absolutely no clue which homes have lead service lines. So how do you replace them? Number two, if you know where they were, and you tested the water in the home, and it came back below the action level, you could tell that line as having been replaced, and it counts toward your 7 percent removal requirement without even touching it. JB: Okay, thats your loophole. MDT: And then the other, insanity. Is because the American Waterworks Association is suing EPA, over the lead service line replacement requirements, we ended up with whats called partial lead service line replacement. And what that means is the utility only has to replace the portion that it owns. So, from the water main up to the curb stop, theyll replace that. The rest of the line going to your house is still lead. They just connect copper pipe to it. And that the combination of disturbing the ground and disturbing the pipe releases a lot of lead into the water. Theres no requirement to warn people. There was no requirement to flush the lines thoroughly. Nothing. I did a study here in Chicago with the city of Chicago water department. And, as I was looking at the results, I started asking questions. Because I had been studying about what the effects of disturbances would do to lead levels, and I started asking the residents. Had there been any street work here? And oh, yeah. They were doing this, they were doing that. And it turns out, the homes where there were disturbances were the worst ones. Yeah, I published. I worked on that. [2013. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es4003636] JB: Marc Edwards mentioned that in DC during their lead in water crisis, they actually did something similarpartial lead line replacementswhich increased the lead in the homes. MDT: Correct. JB: And as I recall, he said they stopped that because it was damaging to people, harmful. MDT: Well, I mean, this is something that both Marc and Yanna [Lambrinidou] worked on initially. In DC, in Providence. Im thinking in Providence, Yanna and the locals actually blocked the street to stop them from doing that. JB: Oh, Wow. MDT: Yeah, they just wouldnt move. To let the equipment through. JB: How do you feel, or are you aware of what the EPA is doing under Trump? MDT: I will tell you things are going off the cliff. I know so many people that said, you know what? Im supposed to you know, I could retire right now. I dont want to deal with this guy for four years. And they just left. And one of the biggest threats is they want to dismantle the office of research and development. Yeah, so, theyre dismantling in the office. Or they want to dismantle the office of research and development. They want to cut the budget by 45 percent. Move the remaining personnel out of the offices. And that will be absolutely destructive. Its we dont want any new science that we dont want to know about. Kaiser workers during previous strike in Oakland, California At Kaiser Permanente (KP) facilities in Northern California, over 600 certified nurse midwives (CNMs) and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are scheduled to hold a one-day strike on Monday, September 8. The walkout at 20 KP facilities is over unsafe staffing, burnout, and the risk to patient care, according to the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), which is limiting the work stoppage to one day. The San Francisco Chronicle has reported that over 1,300 workers will participate in the strike. This suggests that the number of core strikers of CNMs and CRNAs will be roughly equaled by physician assistants, acupuncturists and other sympathy strikers joining the picket lines. This points to a general mood of militancy among KP workers. Jeff Cathcart, a CRNA at KP in San Francisco, is quoted in the unions statement, Regionally, weve had operating rooms sit empty because there werent enough nurse anesthetists to cover cases. That directly impacts patient access to care. Sanne Jacobsen, a CRNA at KP in Oakland and Richmond, was quoted by KRCB News saying, It looks like having staff thats come in thats already worked 40 hours a week and thats coming in for another 12 hour shift. And doing that chronically to the point where people are tired, theyre not at their best. They might be coming in when theyre sick and theres no one to cover for them. The strike will take place under conditions of the sixth year of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed over 1.5 million lives in the United States and is currently in its 11th wave, declining life expectancy, and surging childhood mortality. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has launched an unprecedented war against science and public health, which most recently has involved steps toward the banning of vaccines. These conditions compound the general crisis of healthcare in America, which is characterized by inadequate staff levels, acute shortages of nurses, excessive emergency room wait times, and various extreme manifestations of staff burnout. These conditions existed before the pandemic began and have only gotten much worse since. Long before the strike will begin, affected workers have been divided organizationally by the union whose ostensible purpose is to unite them. While the involved workers are scattered across over 20 locations in Northern California, picketing is to take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at only two locations: Oakland and Roseville. UNAC/UHCP is part of the the Alliance of Health Care Unions (AHCU), which is currently holding negotiations with KP over a national contract for about 62,000 workers, which will expire on September 30. The contract includes those workers set to strike on September 8, as well as tens of thousands more, mostly in California, but in several other states as well, including Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington state and scattered locations on the East Coast. Of all these, the largest contingent is within UNAC/UHCP and located in California and Hawaii. Thus, Mondays strike will involve only about 1 percent of the workers who are subject to the same national contract, even though most of those are also in California, and, among those in California, most are members of the UNAC/UHCP. In 2021, 96 percent of the more than 32,000 KP workers, most of whom are in the UNAC/UHCP, voted to launch an indefinite strike in relation to the previous version of the same contract. The unions called off the strike just before it was scheduled to begin, announcing an agreement which quickly proved to be a major sellout. At the time, workers reported being blindsided by the announcement of a tentative agreement. UNAC/UHCP also has current, ongoing contract negotiations with Adventist Healthcare, AHMC Healthcare, Prime Healthcare, and Sharp HealthCare. While these workers are part of the same union, they are organizationally separated from workers at KP. There is a vast chasm between rank-and-file healthcare workers and the union apparatus, which is allied with the Democratic Party and the for-profit medical system. UNAC/UHCP President Charmaine Morales was paid $293,282 by the union in 2024. The same year, the union held no strikes and paid $0 in strike pay. UNAC/UHCP has not conducted an actual strike among KP workers since 1980. The union has dozens of bureaucrats on its payroll whom it pays six-figure salaries without naming them on its website. A Northern California KP worker (not in UNAC/UHCP) said the issues which led KP workers in her union to strike in 2021 have only gotten worse since then. Budget cuts, short staff, micromanaging. After the 2021 strike, everything was Budget! Budget! Budget! Remote jobs removed, overseas tech support, more AI technology being utilized, hence budget cuts and layoffs. KP has laid off hundreds of workers in recent yearsmostly admin and IT workers, and none of them unionized. However, in October this year, it plans to lay off 41 registered nurses and one art therapist at the San Rafael Medical Center in Northern California. The nurses are CNA members. On August 21, nurses held a protest outside the facility. Kristen Waterson, a nurse who is subject to the layoff in San Rafael, is quoted by SFGATE. The patients are ultimately the ones that are going to suffer. We as nurses, we want to take care of patients. Thats all we want. We will forgo a break. Well forgo our lunch breaks. We will stay late. KP, officially designated a nonprofit organization, earned $13 billion in profit last year. However, it will not take any meaningful steps to address issues related to the acute understaffing in response to a one-day strike of a group of workers. This is a necessary conclusion from the KP mental health workers strikethe longest mental health workers strike in United States history. The walkout ended in May this year with the defeat of the workers primary demand for better staffing after seven months of union-imposed isolation. Systematic understaffing is a deliberate policy of the capitalist ruling class in every sector of the economy, not only healthcare. AHCU unions, including UNAC/UHCP, entrust the resolution of staffing issues to a Labor-Management Partnership (LMP), a corporatist structure based on a fundamental denial of any conflict of interests between workers and the company which exploits them. They have repeatedly expressed their intent to expand such labor-management collusion in any new contract. To protect their jobs, ensure adequate staffing, and meet their own basic needs, as well as the basic needs of their patients, workers must break free from the union-imposed conditions of division and isolation, which sharply contrast with the basic meaning of the word union. This is particularly urgent under conditions of the general crisis of the for-profit healthcare industry, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the Trump administrations implementation of a plan to dismantle the Constitution and transform the United States into a fascist dictatorship which will crush all workers struggles by means of criminal violence. The way forward for workers in this struggle is to unite with other workers in a common struggle. This can be done through the development of rank-and-file committees, independent of the unions and the Democratic Party. KP workers have done so as recently as 2021. Fill out the form below for information about rank-and-file committees. President Donald Trump has launched an aggressive campaign against the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., accusing the worlds largest historical museum, education, and research complex of promoting anti-American ideology. On August 19, in a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump outlined his far-right vision of American history and signaled his intentions to subject the Smithsonian to the same ideological scrutiny already imposed on higher education and the arts. Trump wrote, The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future. I have instructed my attorneys to go through the Museums, and start the exact same process that has been done with Colleges and Universities where tremendous progress has been made. Trump followed these remarks with an executive order mandating the Smithsonian to revise its museum content to showcase a more positive portrayal of the nation, beginning with an internal review of eight major Smithsonian museums. The White House letter demanded museums provide documentation regarding exhibition texts and curatorial choices, allegedly aiming to remove narratives deemed divisive or partisan. In addition to demanding a more positive portrayal of slavery, the move targets depictions of the history of labor, immigration, science and human sexuality. Rigoberto A. Gonzalez, Refugees Crossing the Border Wall into South Texas, 2020 The Smithsonian, a globally renowned and free-entry institution comprising 21 museums and a zoo, spans American history, art, science and more, drawing visitors from around the world. Its budget is heavily reliant on the federal government, with about 62 percent sourced from Congress, and the remainder coming from corporate donors, memberships, and commercial revenue. Last year, the Smithsonian received $1.09 billion from Congress, a decrease from the prior year. Vice-President J.D. Vance sits on the museums board. Under Trumps directive, museums and cultural organizations must adhere to a ruling-class narrative of American greatness, patriotism and prestige or risk devastating funding cuts. In late March, Trump signed an Executive Order titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, demanding sweeping changes within 120 days and threatening to revoke federal funds from museums that refuse to comply. The result, if the funding spigot is turned off, would be massive layoffs and potential closure for many museums. Priceless public collections could be lost to private buyers. Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III responded to Trumps attacks by proclaiming the institutions independence and non-partisanship in a memo to staff, stating, As always, our work will be shaped by the best scholarship, free of partisanship, to help the American public better understand our nations history, challenges and triumphs. Bunch said that the Smithsonians mission is to bring history, science, education, research and the arts to all Americans, vowing that the museums will continue to showcase world-class exhibits, collections and objects, rooted in expertise and accuracy, despite growing political pressure from the White House to alter or censor content. Historians have condemned Trumps moves. Pulitzer Prize-winner Douglas Brinkley commented, Its the epitome of dumbness to criticize the Smithsonian for dealing with the reality of slavery in America. Its what led to our Civil War and is a defining aspect of our national history. Clarissa Myrick-Harris of Morehouse College stated, It appears we are moving towards a narrative that attempts to deny the existence of slavery or the reality of Jim Crow laws, segregation, and racial violence against Black communities. Sarah Weicksel, executive director of the American Historical Association, warned, Such political meddling risks imposing a singular and erroneous perspective of American history onto the Smithsonian, jeopardizing the authenticity and precision of historical interpretation, and further cautioned that these actions undermine our collective history and pose a threat to the publics confidence in shared institutions. And the American Alliance of Museums, representing 35,000 museum professionals, issued a statement opposing the increasing threats of censorship facing US museums, stating that these pressures can create a chilling effect throughout the entire museum landscape The most jarring aspect of Trumps social media broadside against the Smithsonian was its denunciation of the museum for emphasizing how bad Slavery was. The implication is that Trump sees slavery as having had its good or even benevolent sides, an argument pioneered by the old Southern slave oligarchy itself. Slavery in the United States and the British North American colonies remains an indelible crime of the emerging global capitalist system, lasting from the early 1600s until its destruction in 1865 by the Civil War. During this period, millions of people of African descent endured unpaid forced labor, brutal violence and the enforced separation of familieshusbands from wives, children from parents. They were bought and sold as the commodities they producedcotton, tobacco, and sugar. Furthermore, in obscuring that slavery was indeed horrific, Trumps attack on the Smithsonian must also obscure the meaning of the titanic struggle to destroy it. The position that slavery was not, after all, so bad makes history incomprehensible. Why was there an abolitionist movement? How is the career and political evolution of Abraham Lincoln to be explained? Why did some 400,000 Union soldiers fight and die in the Civil War? This is not a one-off. The Trump administration has aggressively reversed previous efforts to remove Confederate symbols and honors from US military installations. In June, President Trump announced that the Army would restore the original names of seven basesincluding Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, Fort Benning, Fort Gordon, Fort Polk, Fort Rucker and Fort A.P. Hillthat had been renamed during the Biden administration to dissociate them from Confederate leaders. While officials insisted some bases would technically now honor non-Confederate personnel with similar names, Trump made clear in a speech at Fort Bragg that the changes were a deliberate return to tradition: We won a lot of battles out of those forts. Its no time to change. And Im superstitious, you know? I like to keep it going, right? Kat Rodriguez, Farmworkers Papier-Mache Statue of Liberty, 2000 At West Point, a large portrait of General Robert E. Lee, depicting him in Confederate uniform with a slave leading his horse, was removed by prior order but has now been reinstated under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with White House approval. The Army has confirmed that the academy is also preparing to restore related monuments, stating, Under this administration, we honor our history and learn from itwe dont erase it. The flagrant, provocative rehabilitation of Confederate symbols whitewashes the memory of those who fought to preserve slavery and signals that the Army is prepared to cultivate racism in its ranks just as it readies neo-imperialist wars in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. It is notable as well that Trumps social media post motivating his executive order singled out the Smithsonian for its exhibitions that consider the history of the downtrodden in America. This points to his administrations broader aim to blot out any discussion of the exploitation of labor in American history. Works highlighting the history of the working class and the experiences of immigrantsa group Trump frequently scapegoats for broader economic and social issuesare targeted for censorship. Trumps campaign also appeals to anti-transgender and anti-science sentiments, mobilizing support from the bigoted religious right and far-right militias. Among the specific works in question is Rigoberto Gonzalezs 2020 painting Refugees Crossing the Border Wall into South Texas, which was a finalist for the National Portrait Gallery in 2022. In an NPR interview, Gonzalez defended the painting as a challenge to anti-immigrant sentiment: Im glad that it got a response from a presidency that is very clearly going anti-immigration. Another targeted work, Kat Rodriguezs papier-mache Statue of Liberty holding a tomato (not a torch), commemorates a march by immigrant farmworkers in Florida for better working conditions. It is currently on display at the National Museum of American History. The attack on science is evident in criticism of a National Portrait Gallery commission: Hugo Crosthwaites 2022 animated portrait series depicting Dr. Anthony Faucis roles in the HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 crises. Fauci, though he himself in fact oversaw the original demobilization of public health measures against COVID, remains a frequent target of Republican attacks, especially from anti-vaccine fanatics and figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the obscurantist Secretary of Health and Human Services. Hugo Crosthwaite, a drawing from A Portrait of Dr. Anthony Fauci, 2022 Trumps order is already resulting in de facto censorship. Fears of provoking the president reportedly shaped internal discussions at the Smithsonians National Portrait Gallery about whether to remove Amy Sheralds painting Trans Forming Liberty, which depicts a black transgender Statue of Liberty. As the museum considered either dropping the artwork or replacing it with contextual video material, Sherald withdrew her anticipated exhibition, citing the threat of censorship and the integrity of her work. The fierce debate over American historical memory has been shaped in recent years by the New York Times high-profile 1619 Project, launched in 2019. This wide-ranging multimedia effort, with educational materials disseminated to schools, argues that the United States true founding was marked not by the Declaration of Independence in 1776, but by the arrival of enslaved Africans in Virginia in 1619. The Project contends that both the American Revolution and Civil War must be primarily understood as struggles rooted in the defense of slavery and anti-black racism. The 1619 Project was itself a racialist myth. As the World Socialist Web Site warned, the fascistic right-wing would seize on the opportunity presented to it. Trump quickly launched his own far-right counterattack with the 1776 Report, released in January 2021. This shallow tract of patriotic myths and moral tales glorifies family, law and order, God, guns and unrestrained nationalism. Trump has since sought to bring institutions like the Smithsonian to heel, along the lines of Nazi efforts at cultural synchronization, threatening financial punishment or harsher measures if they do not conform to his reactionary rewriting of the past. In preparation for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Trump is orchestrating a counterrevolution against history. His assault on the Smithsonian is only the opening skirmish. Mirroring his interventions against the Kennedy Arts Center and Ivy League and other major universities, as well as his administrations attacks on science, Trump is determined to control speech and thought, including artistic expression and public history. The logic of these actions points toward a presidential dictatorship that crushes dissent and justifies policies favoring war, genocide, social inequality and attacks on democratic rights by rewriting history to fit a nationalist mythos, denying US imperialisms crimes and undermining constitutional protections. In the wake of a huge police crackdown and thousands of arrests, the protest movement that erupted in Indonesia late last month has largely subsided, but none of the basic issues that fuelled the widespread demonstrations have been resolved. The immediate trigger for the protests was the decision to pay a huge monthly accommodation allowance of 50 million rupiah ($US3,045) to the 580 parliamentarians of the House of Representatives (DPR)10 to 20 times the minimum wage paid to millions of workers struggling to survive. The lavish allowance was emblematic of far deeper concerns and opposition stemming from the immense social gulf between the countrys wealthy few and their political representatives and the vast majority of working people. Moreover, the social crisis facing broad layers of the population, particularly young people, is only worsening as economic growth slows and unemployment rises. The jobless rate for youth has hit 16 percent, forcing many into poorly paid, casual work. Protesters clash with the police during a protest against lavish allowances given to parliament members, in Jakarta, August 28, 2025. [AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana] The protests dramatically escalated after the callous killing of a young ride-share motorbike rider Affan Kurniawan on August 28. He was run over by an armoured police vehicle amid a mass mobilisation of police, including the notorious, heavily-armed BRIMOB. In the following days, angry protesters clashed with police, attacked government buildings and stormed the homes of prominent political figures including Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, the architect of the budget cuts that set off protests earlier in the year. Facing a deepening political crisis, President Prabowo Subianto delayed a planned trip to China. He appeared at a press conference on August 31, flanked by leaders of the main political parties, to appeal for calm, declaring he understood the genuine aspirations of the public. At the same time, however, he ordered the police and military to take the strongest possible action against purported looting and destruction. The protests involving thousands were not limited to the capital Jakarta but had spread to major cities throughout the country, including Surabaya, Surakarta, Bandung, Semarang and Yogakarta in Java; Banda Aceh, Padang and Medan in Sumatra; as well as Makassar and Kendari in Sulawesi, Palangka Raya in Kalimantan, and Manokwari in West Papua. At least 11 people died in the clashes with the police and military, hundreds were injured, and another 20 protesters are missing, according to the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence. More than 3,000 people have been arrested. Confronting a police crackdown, the protests subsided last week but the anger has not. Smaller protests continued. Last Wednesday, hundreds of women from the Indonesian Womens Alliance (IWA) marched to the parliament building in Jakarta wielding brooms to sweep away the dirt of the state, militarism and police repression. Last Thursday, a student demonstration led by the All-Indonesian Students Union (BEM SI) took place outside the parliament, where its central coordinator Muzammil Ihsan read out a list of demands, including the reduction of parliamentary allowances, complete reform of the national police and parliament, the release of all those arrested and the creation of 19 million jobs. On the same day, members of the Labor Movement with the People (GEBRAK) held a protest in a major road in Jakarta also demanding the complete reform of the police and parliament. On Thursday evening, a delegation of student leaders was invited to meet ministers at the Presidential Palace but reportedly walked out of the talks after being told they had to consider the nations development in making any demands. Last week, a grouping of activist organisations drew up a list of 17 short-term peoples demands to be implemented by Prabowo and the government by last Friday along with eight longer-term ones. The deadline, however, passed with few of the demands being met or partially met. In a bid to quell widespread anger, the parliament did announce the axing of the housing allowance that initially sparked the protests. The announcement was left to the parliamentary speaker Puan Maharani. She is the daughter of former president Megawati Sukarnoputri, chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P)the only parliamentary party that is not part of the Prabowo government. On the same day, Co-ordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto suggested that the government would carry out various stimulus measures to boost jobs and incomesincluding wage subsidies for those earning less than 10 million rupiah a month, a program of public works, tax exemptions and steps to prevent mass lay-offs. But under conditions of a slowing economy that will be further hit by Trumps tariffs, these proposals have the character of empty promises. No steps have been taken to rein in the police and military. The only action taken against the police has been against low-level officers involved in the widely publicised killing of ride-share worker Affan Kurniawan. The officer in charge of the vehicle that struck Kurniawan has been dishonourably dismissed, and another received a seven-year demotion. These measures are unlikely to assuage popular anger and resentment. Imran, a food delivery driver, told Al Jazeera that inequality was the root cause of the mass protests, including economic inequality, educational inequality, health inequality and unequal public services. Referring to the government and parliament, he said: They are not concerned about our fate. They should be present to resolve the problems facing the community, not fan the flames. These protests arose from the communitys poor economic conditions. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Rahmawati, a housewife, said that public anger had finally exploded because we feel like no one cares about us What we want is for them [politicians] to care about us and our needs. Every year, the price of basic foodstuffs rises and never goes back down again. Groceries are becoming more and more difficult to afford. Significantly, the protests in Indonesia reverberated more broadly throughout South East Asia as workers and young people confront very similar economic and social problems, exacerbated by slowing economies. Protests took place last week in support of those in Indonesia, including in Malaysia and Thailand. Thai students hung a banner on an overpass near Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok declaring Thailand stands with the people of Indonesia and called for justice for those protesters killed during police crackdowns. In Thailand, a social media poster called Yammi shared instructions on how to order meals for Jakarta-based ride-share and food delivery motorbike riders. Revealing sympathy not just with the protesters but the difficult and dangerous conditions facing poorly paid riders, the post went viral in the region and internationally. Donations came in from Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei, as well as Japan, Sweden and the United States. The protests have provided a glimpse of the explosive social tensions that have built up in Indonesia as well as the broader region and will only intensify amid growing global economic turmoil. Thousands of people across New Zealand (NZ) took part in protests on September 6 against the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza and the NZ governments complicity in it. Protesters against genocide gather in Porirua on September 6, 2025 According to Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa, 30 towns and cities held demonstrations, which were part of a global day of action. As has often been the case, the corporate media ignored the events. In Auckland, hundreds of people gathered on the waterfront and promoted a mass rally called for September 13, which will march across the Auckland Harbour Bridge. In recent weeks the National Party-led government has made hypocritical statements calling for a ceasefire and expressing concern about the people of Gaza. It is considering whether to join other countries in officially recognising Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly this weeka gesture that is intended to distract attention from the imperialist powers ongoing support for Israel. The government has refused to condemn the criminal plan developed by the Trump administration with Israel to ethnically cleanse and take over the Gaza Strip. New Zealand has also sent military personnel to the Middle East to assist in the US bombing of Yemen to keep supply lines open for the Israeli war machine. With the opposition Labour Partys full support, the government plans to double New Zealands military budget in order to integrate more closely with US-led plans for war, particularly against China. Labour is supporting a Green Party bill to impose sanctions against Israel, but the Labour-Greens government, in office from 2017-2023, strengthened ties with Washington, which is a full partner in the Gaza genocide. Labour supported Israels bombardment of Gaza until late November 2023, falsely calling it self-defence. The World Socialist Web Site spoke with several people at last Saturdays rally of about 150 people in Porirua, north of the capital, Wellington. Hibilo Hibilo, who fled war in Somalia during the 1990s and spent 10 years as a refugee before moving to New Zealand, said the situation facing people in Gaza was worse than what she had experienced. I know warthis is not a war. Israel is not fighting Hamas, they are killing children, bombing hospitals. Israel wants to take over the land. I dont understand how the prime minister of Israel can sleep at night. They dont care about human rights. Theres a reason Israel is killing journalists: they are the ones showing the reality, telling the whole world. I want the New Zealand government to stop business with Israel. She added that Israel is the child of America and could not do anything without US support. Hashem attended with his wife Sundus, both Palestinians born in Jordan, with family still living in the West Bank and in Israel. My grandparents were forced out of Palestine in 194748, Hashem explained. Hashem denounced Israel for deliberately targeting journalists, doctors, hospitals and aid trucks. Asked what he thought about the New Zealand governments statements, he said recognising Palestinian statehood was a little bit too late: at this stage theyre just going with the trend. He called for sanctions and divestment from Israel. They very easily do it to other countries, like Syria. Stop supporting companies that are supplying arms to Israel, stop investing in companies that are related to arms dealing. Sundus said there were products sold in New Zealand from Israel, and being sent to Israel from NZ. Is our economy really worth the lives of innocent Palestinians? Thats something we have to ask ourselves. Every country that has a colonial history that does not take a stand against whats happening in Gaza is complicit. She agreed that workers should take action to stop supplies going to Israel, and pointed out that Italian dock workers were threatening to shut down the ports if Israel doesnt let the aid flotillas into Gaza. Irene Irene, originally from the UK, said her late brother-in-law, who was born in 1930, was conscripted into the army and sent to Palestine in 1948, when Zionists were ethnically cleansing the territory to create the state of Israel. He told me everything about what the Zionists were doing, not only to the Palestinians but they had bombed the King David Hotel [where British people were housed in Jerusalem] and started hanging British soldiers from trees. A young friend of his, another British soldier, who was only 18, was killed by an Israeli tank. She added that Britain is entirely to blame for the ethnic cleansing of Palestine over the past 100 years or more. This continues today, with the British air force flying planes over Gaza to provide intelligence to Israel. [Prime Minister] Starmer is a war criminal, Irene said. She described the Trump administrations plans for forcing Palestinians out of Gaza as beyond horrific, beyond everything that human beings should stand for. But Joe Biden started it, he sent bombs too. The United Nations are letting them get away with everything: Trump vetoes everything, Biden vetoed everything. As far as Im concerned, Israel and the US should be kicked out of the United Nations. Irene also called for New Zealand to leave the US-led Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Jess Jess said she has been raising money for a mother living in Gaza, who she speaks with regularly on social media. Shes got two sons and its just hershe lost her husband. Theyre in a tent and theyre really scared for winter thats coming. Last year the water came into the tent, because theyre by the sea. And shes got COVID at the moment as well, and is really struggling. She said Israel was trying to get rid of people in Gaza. You see videos of people rescuing people whove been bombed, and then getting bombed themselves. Its not soldiers fighting soldiers, its Israel fighting civilians, children, and starving them. Jess did not think recognising the state of Palestine, in itself, would make any difference. [Prime Minister] Christopher Luxon recently talked about humanity and values and things like that, but hes not willing to make an actual stand. They dont have a spine. Its really disappointing to see the government not stepping up. They dont want to stand up and say something because they dont want to rock the boat with America. [Luxon] is just so worried about how he could look to the Americans. Tents housing homeless line a street in downtown Los Angeles. [AP Photo/Richard Vogel] California lawmakers are advancing legislation that not only fails to solve student homelessness, but enshrines it. Assembly Bill 90 (AB 90), authored by Democratic Assembly member Corey Jackson, Moreno Valley, requires the states 72 community college districts to develop plans enabling students to sleep in their cars overnight on campus, establishing safe-parking as an official institutional response to a catastrophic housing crisis. Presented as a compassionate measure, AB 90 in reality represents a reactionary adaptation to poverty. Rather than confronting the causes of the crisis, the bill normalizes mass deprivation while protecting the profits of landlords, developers and financial institutions. The scale of Californias student homelessness crisis exposes the devastation wrought by decades of bipartisan austerity. A 2024 survey found that 24 percent of community college students, 11 percent of California State University (CSU) students and 8 percent of University of California (UC) students experienced homelessness in the previous year. Among immigrant students, the percentages are even higher. California is home to 255 billionaires and the worlds fourth-largest economy. Yet this immense wealth is hoarded by a tiny elite while the state refuses to guarantee housing for students already burdened with skyrocketing tuition and historic debt levels. Defending AB 90, Jackson, a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), stated: This bill confronts a harsh reality to many of our students who are sleeping in their vehicles or other displaced settings as they are unable to find affordable housing, and thats jeopardizing their education. What I am proposing is practical, immediate reliefovernight parking programs that turn campus lots into safe, temporary havens while the state works on lasting solutions. There is, continues to be a growing need to help our students who are homeless to be stable in safe environments to be able to continue their education journey. This is meant to be a last resort. I represent two community college districts in my district, and yes, they also oppose this bill, but I represent the people that the community colleges are supposed to serve. I dont represent institutions. Jacksons portrayal of AB 90 as an act of compassion, a practical measure designed to confront the crisis of student homelessness, marks a political decision by the Democratic Party to institutionalize mass deprivation rather than eliminate it. By transforming campus parking lots into official policy, the state accepts homelessness as a permanent reality of life while leaving untouched its root causes: skyrocketing rents, the privatization of education, prohibitive tuition and decades of bipartisan austerity, carried out above all by Democrats in California. AB 90 does not secure immediate relief, it reflects the priorities of the ruling class. There is no guaranteed housing, no commitment to education as a social right. Instead, the state manages and normalizes poverty while developers, landlords and financial institutions continue to reap vast profits from the housing crisis. Jacksons assurance that lasting solutions are forthcoming is a lie: after decades of uninterrupted Democratic control over Californias budget, inequality has only deepened and homelessness has reached record levels. Jacksons invocation of safe environments further exposes the real character of the bill. Under AB 90, students supposed stability means sleeping in cars under the surveillance of campus police and administrators, a regime of management and control. The state treats homelessness not as a social problem to be solved but as an inevitable condition to be swept under the rug. That many community colleges themselves oppose the bill underscores its true character: it adapts higher education to the reality of mass poverty and resigns students to a future defined by austerity and debt. The Democrats, who control every lever of state government, have overseen decades of cuts to student housing programs and higher education budgets, including financial aid, while billions have been diverted into police militarization and tax subsidies for corporations. AB 90 is the logical product of this policy orientation: treating the right to housing as permanently unattainable and institutionalizing car-dwelling as the new normal. Jacksons bill reflects broader Democratic policy across California, where homelessness is not being solved but monetized. Nowhere is this clearer than Los Angeles, where homelessness agencies have been defunded while billions in public resources are handed to private developers and politically connected contractors. Earlier this year, the LA County Board of Supervisors cut over $300 millionmore than one-third of the entire budgetfrom the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), shifting control to a new county agency dominated by private partnerships. Simultaneously, LAHSAs budget for temporary housing voucherscritical lifelines for unhoused families and studentswas slashed by $46 million this year alone. Entire programs have been halted, leaving thousands stranded without assistance. Meanwhile, Measure A, a half-cent sales tax passed on the promise of solving homelessness, has become a cash cow for private developers. While marketed as affordable housing, the bulk of Measure A funds are funneled into public-private partnerships where developers secure guaranteed profits while producing units unaffordable to most of the working class. Governor Gavin Newsom has spearheaded homeless sweeps as encampments have been violently cleared, often under heavy police presence, funneling the unhoused into shelters or back onto the street. On August 29, Newsom announced the launch of the State Action for Facilitation on Encampments (SAFE) Task Force, a coordinated multi-agency operation aimed at clearing homeless encampments in Californias 10 largest cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Oakland and Fresno. AB 90 draws on the experience of Long Beach City Colleges pilot safe-parking program, which allows a handful of students to park overnight in a secure lot with access to Wi-Fi, restrooms and case-management services. While touted as a success, the program exposes the institutional acceptance of homelessness. The state of California, with an annual GDP exceeding $5 trillion, now offers working-class students a parking space, a public bathroom and a security guard instead of a bed. This solution reduces students housing needs to a policing problem while depriving them of basic dignity. By promoting such programs, the Democrats are shifting responsibility for social rights away from the state and onto students themselves, forcing them to navigate survival while burdened by debt and impossible tuition bills. AB 90 must be understood within the context of Trumps ongoing coup in Washington D.C., now expanding to Chicago, and the broader repressive trajectory of the state. The housing crisis and AB 90 cannot be separated from the escalating attacks on immigrants, many of whom are students in Californias colleges and universities. At the federal and local levels, mass deportations and militarized raids have intensified, deepening insecurity for immigrant youth. The California Democratic Party has no intention of addressing the causes of homelessness. Its role is to institutionalize social misery and defend the system that produces it. It is the oldest political instrument of US imperialism and will continue to impose policies that deepen inequality while protecting private wealth. The right to housing, education, healthcare and safety cannot be secured under capitalism. It requires the independent mobilization of the working classstudents, immigrants and workers alikeagainst both capitalist parties and for a socialist transformation of society. Last month, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) at the University of Newcastle (UoN), was prevented from holding an anti-war and anti-genocide speakout at the Callaghan campus by security, in collaboration with management and the University of Newcastle Students Association (UNSA). IYSSE stall at the University of Newcastle This was a blatant attack on the democratic right of students to conduct political activity on campus, particularly targeting widespread opposition to the Israeli genocide in Gaza and the Australian Labor governments complicity in it. The speeches that IYSSE members were going to deliver would have explained a socialist perspective to stop university job cuts, the Gaza genocide, unfolding global war and attacks on democratic rights. The justification used to block the planned speakout was that the event would constitute harassment of passing-by students, according to the Campus Access Policy (CAP). As such, security had to seek approval from higher up, i.e., management, and were reportedly told that the speakout could not proceed. For their part, UNSA, who were originally going to loan the public address system for the event, accepted securitys decision without opposition. UNSA was founded in 2020 as a management-controlled replacement of the existing student unions, as a means of suppressing student opposition. In the past, the IYSSE has held speakouts at UoN almost annually since 2010, without issue. On those occasions, consultation with security was not required and speakers were loaned by UNSA. The CAP was implemented on October 3, 2024, as part of a wave of university policies being created or tightened against student protests beginning around May of that year. The timing of this was not coincidence, but a response to mass opposition, particularly among students, to the Gaza genocide which began the previous year. The genocide has provoked the largest anti-war protests since the 2003 anti-Iraq war movement, including encampments on campuses internationally. This sentiment has continued to grow, demonstrated by the recent Sydney Harbour Bridge march on August 3, the nation-wide mass rallies of August 24, and the National Student Referendum on Palestine held between August 2028, which have collectively attracted hundreds of thousands of workers and youth. The immediate target of the policies rolled out on a series of campuses was the student encampments, with every policy prohibiting camping. Far more sweeping powers are granted to the university management however, to crack down on student opposition. At several universities, there are restrictions on putting any material such as banners, posters and chalk on university structures outside approved locations. Notices that do go up in places other than the approved notice boards require approval at the University of South Australia, and in the case of some universities, including the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Australian National University (ANU), they may only be made by students and staff, as detailed in their policies released in June 2024 and February 2025, respectively. At the University of Western Australia, a student was suspended in April this year for putting up unapproved posters, under the university by-laws revised in November 2023. Under most policies, protests must be held outdoors, with requirements that they cannot block the passage of anyone walking by or disrupt university activities. These restrictions are deliberately vague to enable the policies to easily be used against almost any protest. Notice must be given in advance of protests at UoN, UNSW, the University of Sydney (USYD), and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), while at the University of Queensland (UQ) any event on campus now requires approval. Only students and staff are allowed to organise events being held on campus at UoN, USYD and UTS, and limitations have been placed at those campuses, as well as UQ, on the use of megaphones and other amplifiers. At UoN, using such a device in close proximity to a person is listed as harassment and banned. The IYSSE was blocked from holding its speakout because security merely suspected this might occur. General members of the public are not allowed to attend protests at the University of Melbourne (UoM) as of May 2024, and in subsequent months similar policies were implemented at Adelaide University and the University of South Australia with the latter two institutions having put up signs around campus threatening police referral. This is a measure against students turning to and mobilising the working class, the type of struggle necessary to put an end to the genocide. In general, if the policies are violated then the police can be called in at the universitys discretion. This highlights the collaboration between the universities and the state in suppressing public opposition. Beyond these specific policies, several other attacks have been made on protesting students. Two were expelled from the UoM after they demonstrated in support for Palestine, while dozens more have been threatened with disciplinary proceedings and suspension. At WSU in October 2024, armed police violently arrested two students for participating in a peaceful sit-in against Israeli massacres of Palestinians. All of these attacks on students are part of the Labor governments broader offensive against the opposition to genocide and militarism more generally. Official statements and media coverage have endlessly slandered protestors as antisemitic. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labelled the peaceful encampments as divisive displays of hatred. The NSW Labor government attempted to shut down the Sydney Harbour Bridge march that took place on August 3 and has implemented anti-protest laws since the genocide began. This is in line with events globally. The same blatantly false accusation of antisemitism has been levelled against protestors and students internationally. The increasing militarisation of universities and consequent attacks on democratic rights are a product of a global turn by imperialist governments, including Australia, toward a more open pursuit of their predatory interests. Government policy on universities has particularly been aimed at militarisation under Labor, with the Universities Accord presented in February 2024 explicitly outlining a program of pro-business and pro-war restructuring of higher education throughout Australia. The arts and humanities are being systematically defunded because STEM students are required to develop military technology, especially the nuclear-powered submarines which the government seeks to purchase and develop under the AUKUS pact with the US and UK. The deepening assault on democratic rights is another refutation of the fraudulent line peddled by various pseudo-left groups that endless protests appealing to the powers-that-be will halt the genocide and the associated crackdown on civil liberties. To fight against the deepening authoritarianism and imperialist war, students must turn to the working class, the revolutionary force in society. The aim must be to build an international anti-war movement, based on a socialist perspective directed against the source of the deepening barbarism, the capitalist system itself. This is The Takeaway from today's Morning Brief, which you can sign up to receive in your inbox every morning along with: The chart of the day What we're watching What we're reading Economic data releases and earnings I talk to a ton of people each week in my role. Truthfully, the volume has gotten so large that by Friday, I usually 1) have forgotten my own name, 2) start talking like the people I've talked to, and 3) drive right by my own house on the way back from work. Not complaining at all, just keeping it real. The positive to the litany of conversations is that there's often one "comment of the week" that leaves an impression. This week, the comment belongs to C3.ai (AI) founder and executive chair Tom Siebel. Siebel is an OG in tech. I always enjoy chatting with him he's blunt and knows his stuff. Makes for great insights (and great interviews). His company's stock got slammed on Thursday morning after reporting a rough quarter and yanking its full-year outlook. Siebel stepped up to the mic on my Opening Bid morning show alongside his new CEO, Stephen Ehikian and dropped this golden nugget: "In this market out there, where you have companies trading at 100 times revenue, you have companies trading at half-trillion-dollar valuations that lose $10 billion a year, I mean, a lot of these valuations are crazy. Come on, C3.ai is a bargain stock," Siebel said. I have no clue if C3.ai is a screaming buy after a 55% year-to-date tanking I hung up my analyst game 10-plus years ago. I do think C3.ai needs to restore investor trust, and that will take the rest of 2025 to sort out. Ehikian, fresh out of working for the Trump administration, has a lot of work to do in a short period of time. But Siebel's valuation comment is of interest in light of the pressure we are seeing in AI stocks. It all began late last week with Nvidia (NVDA), as investors reassessed the company's quarter and outlook. Shares are down 6% in the past five trading sessions. The AI selling has persisted this week. Salesforce (CRM) and Figma (FIG) got drilled on Thursday after their quarterly numbers didn't wow. It's clear the hype on their earnings calls wasn't enough to paper over soft areas of the earnings reports. Growing concern on the Street centers around the pace of AI demand by corporations, given what looks to be a slowing US economy. The overarching concern is whether valuations have plateaued for a sizable chunk of AI stocks. I fancy they might have, given the sharp negative reactions. On September 2, 2025, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wang Huning met in Beijing with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025 and events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Wang Huning stated that China and Iran have a profound traditional friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 54 years ago, bilateral relations have maintained steady and sound development. This afternoon, President Xi Jinping held a fruitful meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian, reaching new and important common understandings on deepening China-Iran relations. China stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Iran, implement the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state, and work for new progress in China-Iran relations. The CPPCC National Committee is willing to play an active role in this regard. Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping is far-sighted, and that the Iranian side highly appreciates and supports the initiative. Iran is ready to continue to deepen practical cooperation with China, firmly support each other, jointly oppose hegemony and bullying, safeguard international fairness and justice, and promote the in-depth development of Iran-China relations. Wang Dongfeng and others attended the meeting. Over three decades in the making, 'Crime and Punishment' will be presented next week at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center. This tour will mark the companys 17th visit to Israel. As the saying goes, good things take time. Often, the best ideas can take the most time to develop. It is rumored that Leonardo Da Vinci spent nearly 16 years perfecting the Mona Lisa. James Joyce devoted 17 years to writing Finnegans Wake. In 2026, Barcelonas landmark basilica, La Sagrada Familia, will be completed after 144 years of construction. For choreographerBoris Eifman, the ballet Crime and Punishmentwas over three decades in the making. Known for turning literary classics into whirlwind ballets with his St. Petersburg-based company, Eifman admits to having approached Dostoevskys masterpiece with a mixture of enthusiasm and hesitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been approaching a production based on the novel Crime and Punishment for about 30 years, said Eifman in a recent interview with The Jerusalem Post. I started working on it several times and always stopped. Each time, I felt I wasnt yet ready to create this ballet. Apparently, years, perhaps even decades, had to pass. Only after our theater had gone through a significant journey of professional and artistic evolution did I decide: now or never. And in the end, I staged a production Im very proud of. The Eifman Ballet will return to Israel next week to present Crime and Punishment at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center. This tour will mark the companys 17th visit to Israel. Crime and Punishment premiered exactly one year ago in Russia. The production pushed Eifman and his collaborators to delve deeper into the genre of psychological ballet. Crime and Punishment is an inconvenient book to stage, completely "non-balletic, explained Eifman. CRIME AND PUNISHMENT, Eifman Ballet. (credit: EVGENY MATVEEV) A Dostoevsky masterpiece It has not even a hint of theatricality, no outwardly dynamic plot, no love lines in the familiar romantic sense. What is there for a director or choreographer to latch onto? And is it even possible to interpret on stage the endless clash of theories and ideas that Dostoevsky analyzes? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These questions arose time and again throughout the process. To answer them, Eifman drew on years of experience translating the essence of beloved literature onto the body. As in his previous works, such as Eugene Onegin, The Seagull, A Ballet Story, and Anna Karenina, here Eifman did not attempt to create a literal, narrative ballet but rather an emotional and mental portrayal of the moral dilemmas broached by Dostoevsky. Dostoevskys work raises questions that feel especially urgent and relevant today; for example, the duality of human nature, the eternal struggle within each of us between light and darkness, good and evil forces that tempt and ensnare people. Another major theme in both the novel and our ballet is the inevitability of punishment for violating the highest moral laws. Dostoevsky understood well that rejecting these laws would lead humanity to apocalypse, to bloody chaos. However, his characters, after committing crimes, endure terrible inner torment and strive toward spiritual redemption. Today, we see people rejecting all existing moral principles without even thinking about repentance. Sin is no longer followed by atonement. Dostoevsky saw in every person a universal mystery, an unfathomable metaphysical abyss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The challenge in mounting the production was not exclusive to Eifman; his dancers were also pushed outside of their comfort zones. The dancers faced an extremely difficult task: to penetrate deeply into the psychological and emotional worlds of their characters. Not just to convey some recognizable traits or visual details, not to mechanically act out their actions, but to truly understand the characters, their torment, their innermost experiences. I believe the soloists rose brilliantly to this serious artistic challenge. Although the production process was quite difficult, at times even agonizing, fortunately, that agony wasnt in vain. Our repertoire gained a unique 21st-century choreographic production that radically reshapes ideas about what ballet theater is capable of. Whereas in previous years, the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Centers season was full of international guests, this year, Eifman Ballet is one of two foreign companies scheduled to perform. For Eifman, the decision to come was easy. Our theater is nearly 50 years old now, he said. Of those, probably 40 have been devoted to presenting the achievements of modern Russian choreographic art to the world. That is our creative mission. The troupe has fulfilled it for many years and is genuinely proud to be considered one of the leaders of Russian cultural diplomacy. In Israel, where weve been regularly performing since 1996, the theater has a huge number of long-time friends and wonderful, devoted audiences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the end, what, if not ballet, the most beautiful and essential of the arts, can bring people together and give them energy, positive emotions, and a sense of life that is more needed now than ever before? The Eifman Ballet will perform Crime and Punishment at the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center from September 8 through September 13. For more information, visit www.israel-opera.co.il. Matthew McConaughey has opened up about his little-known past in Australia, revealing that his brief stint as an exchange student taught him life lessons that have stayed with him ever since. The Oscar winner, 55, spent a year Down Under in 1988, staying with a family in Warnervale, on the Central Coast of New South Wales. The Hollywood hunk admitted that his experience immediately jolted him to reality. Matthew McConaughey has opened up about his little-known past in Australia. Getty Images for Wild Turkey I learnt a lot about myself and who I wanted to be, he told Stellar magazine. Those are priceless memories and lessons I needed at that time in my life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During that year, the then-18-year-old threw himself into any work opportunities he could find, including jobs as a bank teller and legal assistant, in order to make ends meet. His reality was a far cry from the life he lives back home in Texas, where McConaughey had been a straight-A student and was voted most handsome at school. I wouldnt change anything because living there made me who I am today, all those years later, he added. The Oscar winner, 55, spent a year Down Under in 1988, staying with a family in Warnervale, on the Central Coast of New South Wales. @officiallymcconaughey/Instagram The actor revealed that his brief stint as an exchange student taught him life lessons that have stayed with him ever since. Matthew McConaughey It seems as though the actor has changed his tune about his experience of living in Australia, as in his 2021 memoir, Greenlights, McConaughey called his time there a livin hell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The actor even went as far as calling his experience torturous, adding, No one wanted to party and the chicks were not digging me. Still, McConaughey acknowledged that his host family was kind-hearted and generous, adding that the vital life lesson he learned was that we have to be thrown off balance to find our footing. These days, the Interstellar star resides on a ranch in his home state of Texas with his wife, Camila Alves, and their three children Levi, 17, Vida, 15, and Livingston, 12. McConaughey had previously acknowledged that his host family was kind-hearted and generous. Matthew McConaughey We practice gratitude every day, McConaughey told the outlet of his familys life in the Lone Star State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We make it a point to get comfortable being uncomfortable. In the end, staying grounded means caring for yourself, caring for those around you, and giving back whenever you can. Alves, for her part, told the outlet that the combination of fun and structure [McConaughey] brings keeps [the children] confident and grounded. These days, the Interstellar star resides on a ranch in his home state of Texas with his wife, Camila Alves, and their three children. FilmMagic Prior to moving to Texas, the couple who wed in 2012 were living in Malibu, Calif. At the time, the actor became a household name after starring in a series of successful rom-coms, including, How to Lose A Guy In 10 Days, The Wedding Planner, Failure to Launch, and Fools Gold. Key Points Wind River is a 2017 crime thriller written and directed by Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan and starring Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen. A sequel was announced in November 2022. The cast of Wind River: The Next Chapter includes Jason Clarke, Scott Eastwood, Kali Reis, and more. Warning: This article contains spoilers for Wind River. Wind River, a tense and atmospheric crime drama from Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, is drawing fresh attention on Netflix after its original 2017 release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Set in the remote and unforgiving terrain of Wyoming's Wind River Indian Reservation, the neo-Western follows U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agent Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner) and FBI special agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) as they work to solve the murder of a young Indigenous woman, Natalie (Kelsey Asbille). Sheridan has said he wrote the film, which was inspired by real events, to bring awareness to the overlooked epidemic of violence against Indigenous women. It even ends with a chilling message: "While missing person statistics are compiled for every other demographic, none exist for Native American women. No one knows how many are missing." Wind River ends on a satisfying note, but as Sheridan has proved with the Yellowstone franchise, there's always more story to tell. So, will there be a Wind River sequel? Here's what we know about the follow-up. Will there be a Wind River sequel? The Weinstein Company Jeremy Renner as Lambert in 'Wind River' Jeremy Renner as Lambert in 'Wind River' Yes, a sequel to Wind River is officially on the way. In Nov. 2022, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Canadian filmmaker Kari Skogland (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) had signed on to direct the next installment. Titled Wind River: The Next Chapter, it was written by Patrick Massett and John Zinman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The upcoming movie shifts the spotlight to Chip Hanson (Martin Sensmeier), a supporting character from Wind River. How does Wind River end? The Weinstein Company Kelsey Asbille as Natalie in 'Wind River' Kelsey Asbille as Natalie in 'Wind River' In Wind River, the investigation into Natalie's death is hindered by a troubling legal gap. Despite clear signs of foul play, the medical examiner does not classify it as a homicide. This pushes Banner and Lambert to pursue justice through their own means. Their search leads them to Natalie's boyfriend, Matt Rayburn (Jon Bernthal), a security guard at a nearby oil drilling site. But Matt, it turns out, is also dead, with the pair finding his naked, mutilated body in the snow. Not long after, they figure out Matt's coworkers at the site are responsible for all the bloodshed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A flashback reveals that a confrontation occurred when the intoxicated men found Matt and Natalie together. The situation turned vicious, resulting in Natalie being sexually assaulted by Pete (James Jordan) while the rest of the men beat Matt to death. Natalie managed to escape, running six miles through the snow with light clothing and no shoes. But she succumbed to the extreme cold and harsh conditions. The Weinstein Company Jon Bernthal as Matt and Kelsey Asbille as Natalie in 'Wind River' Jon Bernthal as Matt and Kelsey Asbille as Natalie in 'Wind River' Back in the present, Banner and a group of officers make a move to arrest those responsible, but the encounter turns violent. Banner is injured in a shootout, and several officers are killed before Lambert is able to intervene and take out the assailants with his rifle. Pete escapes into the snowy woods, but Lambert tracks him down and ties him up. After Pete admits to his involvement in Natalie and Matt's deaths, Lambert delivers his own form of justice: forcing him to run for his life through the snow, just as Natalie had. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pete doesn't get far before the cold overtakes him. What will the Wind River sequel be about? Fred Hayes/The Weinstein Company Tyler Laracca as Frank Walker and Martin Sensmeier as Chip Hanson in 'Wind River' Tyler Laracca as Frank Walker and Martin Sensmeier as Chip Hanson in 'Wind River' The sequel's synopsis reveals escalating terror on the Wind River reservation, where a string of "ritualistic murders remain unsolved." The FBI is back on the job. This time, they enlist the help of Chip Hanson, now a "newly minted tracker for the U.S. Fish & Game, who becomes embroiled in a desperate and dangerous fight between the authorities, a vigilante and the Reservation he calls home." Wind River ends with Natalie's father, Martin (Gil Birmingham), telling Lambert that Chip called him for the first time in over a year. He's at the local jail, and Martin needs to go pick him up. Before he can, Lambert advises him to be patient, saying, "Suffering's hard on young men. They don't got our practice." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This sets the stage for Chip's return, hinting at a turning point in his life and a growing desire to seek justice for others in the wake of his sisters death. Who's in the cast of the Wind River sequel? Paul Archuleta/Getty; Marc Piasecki/Getty; Amy Sussman/Getty (2) Martin Sensmeier; Jason Clarke; Scott Eastwood; Kali Reis Martin Sensmeier; Jason Clarke; Scott Eastwood; Kali Reis Sensmeier isn't the only returning cast member from Wind River, as Birmingham is also set to reprise his role as Chip and Natalie's father, Martin Hanson. The sequel will also introduce an impressive ensemble consisting of Jason Clarke (Oppenheimer), Scott Eastwood (Wrath of Man), Chaske Spencer (Twilight), Alan Ruck (Succession), Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country), and Tatanka Means (Killers of the Flower Moon). When does the Wind River sequel come out? The Weinstein Company Jeremy Renner as Lambert and Gil Birmingham as Martin in 'Wind River' Jeremy Renner as Lambert and Gil Birmingham as Martin in 'Wind River' Wind River: The Next Chapter reportedly finished filming in 2023, but as of writing, no official release date has been announced yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a January 2025 interview with ScreenRant, Reis revealed she's still waiting for news herself. "You know just as much as I do, unfortunately," she shared with the outlet. "I am really excited about Wind River 2, as well. So just keep your eye out for it, and I can't wait to share it with the world." Where can I watch Wind River? The Weinstein Company FBI agent Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) observes Natalie's (Kelsey Asbille) body in 'Wind River' Wind River is currently streaming on Netflix. Want more movie news? Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more. Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly NEED TO KNOW Fyre Fest The Musical is officially in development from a producing team that includes Taika Waititi and Rita Ora The new stage comedy will be directed by Bryan Buckley with music from Adeles Oscar- and Grammy-winning collaborator Paul Epworth The infamous 2017 Fyre Festival left fans stranded in the Bahamas, and founder Billy McFarland later went to prison for fraud It was the scandal that became a cultural punchline. And now, the infamous Fyre Festival is being reimagined for the stage. Producers announced on Monday, Sept. 8 that development is currently underway on Fyre Fest The Musical, a new comedy about Billy McFarland's disastrous 2017 luxury music event that stranded influencer attendees on a remote Bahamian island with little more than cheese sandwiches and FEMA tents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project will be directed by prolific filmmaker and Super Bowl commercial king Bryan Buckley, who also penned the musical's book. Music comes from Academy Award, Golden Globe and seven-time Grammy Award winner Paul Epworth, the songwriter/producer behind Adele's hits "Rolling in the Deep" and "Skyfall" (among others). I never saw myself doing a theatrical musical comedy. But then again, I never saw something completely mind-bendingly ridiculous and intriguing as what went down with Fyre Festival," said Buckley in a statement. "A spectacular failed endeavor, that will haunt a generation forever." "I cannot wait to get this show out to the world," he continued. "And yeah man, this time there will actually be music or your money back." Frazer Harrison/Getty Paul Epworth at the 2013 Oscars Paul Epworth at the 2013 Oscars Buckley is among the team of producers, too, alongside Rock of Ages producer Matthew Weaver, Hungry Man Productions and the husband-and-wife pair of Taika Waititi and Rita Ora. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Working in the theater is always fun," said Waititi, in a statement. "I mean I haven't done it for 15 years because it was no longer fun, but I've been told it will be fun this time. And I believe them." "When Bryan Buckley told me he wanted to make a musical about the Fyre Festival, I said, Who the hell is Bryan Buckley? I then remembered we've been friends and work mates for 15 years so it was kinda hard to say no," he added, with his signature reverence. " Honestly, I think the idea is exciting, weird, and potentially disastrous, which seems apt and is how I like to work. I can't wait to get started and snatch me some of that sweet American theatre money." Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Bryan Buckley in February 2020 Bryan Buckley in February 2020 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. No production dates for Fyre Fest The Musical were announced, nor was any casting. But set design will come from four-time Tony Award nominee David Korins (Hamilton). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The musical is described in a release as more than just a retelling of one mans scheme gone wrong. Its not just a Greek-sized tragedy of one mans con, reads the official release. Its a satirical indictment of an entire generation. Fyre Fest The Musical. Its about as wrong as a bad idea can go. Fyre Festival The Musical Fyre Fest The Musical Fyre Fest The Musical That bad idea was the real Fyre Festival. It was pitched as an ultra-exclusive music and lifestyle experience in the Bahamas, with glossy social media campaigns featuring models like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid. But festivalgoers, who paid thousands of dollars for luxury villas and gourmet meals, arrived to find the site incomplete and in chaos mattresses in disaster tents, luggage tossed from trucks and no major acts willing to perform. Images from the festival quickly went viral, cementing Fyre as the poster child for influencer excess and internet schadenfreude. Theo Wargo/Getty Billy McFarland on 'Jesse Watters Primetime' in 2023 Billy McFarland on 'Jesse Watters Primetime' in 2023 The fallout was swift. McFarland, who co-founded the event with rapper Ja Rule, was promptly sued by investors and attendees in a $100 million class-action lawsuit. In 2018, he pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud one involving defrauding Fyre investors and another related to a ticket-vendor scam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was sentenced to six years in federal prison and ordered to forfeit approximately $26 million. While out on bail before his sentence, McFarland was additionally implicated in a fraudulent ticket scheme known as NYC VIP Access. Upon his release in early 2022, he began pitching new ventures, including a tech initiative called PYRT. In 2023, McFarland made headlines again when he announced Fyre Festival II, claiming he had learned from the past and would deliver a successful event. Tickets were put on sale without a date, lineup or location. Within months, the festival was canceled before any details materialized. That mix of hubris, hype and failure now serves as inspiration for the stage. And the team behind the production is leaning into the spectacle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To mark the announcement, Hungry Man Productions plans to release a 100-foot barge from Staten Island into New York Harbor, anchoring it in Brooklyn for a launch event. Additional guerrilla art installations will pop up around the city throughout the week. Read the original article on People (WHTM) Several Midstate Targets will be hosting midnight releases of the upcoming new Taylor Swift album, The Life of a Showgirl. According to Targets website, four local Targets and several throughout Pennsylvania will release the pop megastars new album at midnight on October 3 on three Target-exclusive CDs. The four Midstate locations can be seen below: Hanover | 31 WILSON AVE, Hanover, PA 17331 Harrisburg North | 5125 Jonestown Rd Ste 331, Harrisburg, PA 17112 Lancaster Central | 1589 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 Mechanicsburg | 6416 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 York Galleria | 2610 Pleasant Valley Rd, York, PA 17402 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The site says albums are limited to four per customer. To see the full list of Targets in Pennsylvania, click here. Target plans to hold the midnight releases at stores in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Taylor Sheridans 2017 neo-western Wind River has landed in Netflixs Top 10 this month. The film stars Jeremy Renner as Cory Lambert, a wildlife service officer, and Elizabeth Olsen as Jane Banner, an FBI agent, trying to solve a murder. While the hit was released theatrically on Aug. 4, 2017, it has earned acclaim for its gripping mystery, powerful performances and unsettling atmosphere. Wind River has been praised not only for its impressive script and acting but also for the striking landscapes that are featured. These landscapes provide an unforgiving backdrop that becomes central to the films storytelling, so the production teams choice of filming locations was no accident. The vast, snow-covered scenery mirrors the isolation and hardships at the heart of the narrative, making geography a silent but powerful element in the storytelling. For fans wondering where to visit to get a feel for this landscape, heres what we know about the Wind River film location. Wind River Isnt Set In Utah, But Utilizes The States Natural Beauty (Jason Leung/Unsplash) Key Scenes: As The Cinemaholic reports, Utahs Summit County and the Wasatch Range were both significant parts of filming. Despite the movies setting in Wyoming, many of the movies scenes entailed snowy conditions and high elevations, which were captured in Utah. Specifically, Hidden Peak at Snowbird stood in for Wyomings Gannett Peak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Best Time to Visit: Filming for Wind River took place in March and April 2016, per The Cinemaholic. However, because this time period was near spring, the crew had to seek higher elevations to really capture the snowy ambiance. If travelers want to experience a borderline cinematic winter aesthetic, visiting between December and March is best. Transportation Options: Travelers have many options while exploring the area. For local and regional public transit, there is High Valley Transit, but within Park City, there is Park City Transit. Otherwise, opt for car rentals or ride-share services. The majority of Wind River was filmed in Utah. More specifically, Summit County, areas around Park City and the Wasatch Back region were utilized. Production used both Park City Studios and Utah Film Studios, but a lot of on-site filming was still done. For example, the Summit County Courthouse in Coalville was a stand-in for the Fremont County Sheriffs Office. This gave many of the investigative scenes an authentic Western feel. But filming relied heavily on the surrounding natural environment to create the films snowbound frontier. The Wasatch Range played a crucial role in portraying the rugged landscapes. Dramatic elevations added to the intensity while maintaining the mountainous wildernesss realism. Things to Do: Near Summit County, there are many things to do, but for a nature-filled adventure, travelers can check out the most popular attractions. The Utah Olympic Park and Park City Mountain are two places where visitors can take in the sights and enjoy the great outdoors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where to Eat: Some great Park City eateries include Billy Blancos and Five5eeds, which serve American cuisine. These places are both relatively affordable and are only around a 15-minute drive away from each other. Where to Stay: There are many different types of accommodation options around Park City, Utah. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Park City The Yarrow and Sweetwater Lift Lodge Resort both offer great views and cozy stays. The Real Wind River: Journey To The Iconic Wyoming Reservation (Todd Morris/Unsplash) Key Scenes: The films namesake, Wind River, is an actual Native American Reservation that spans many counties, per The Cinemaholic. Some scenes depicting the reservation, including road signs, were filmed at the Wyoming reservation. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Wind River Range is during a short window. Between mid-July and mid-August is ideal for hiking and climbing conditions. However, it is important to note that weather conditions there can be unpredictable, so travelers should be prepared for a variety of outcomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transportation Options: The Wind River region of Wyoming is not a big tourist area, so there are few transportation options. Because of that, many visitors get around via shuttle and taxi companies. But to get to and from particular towns or trailheads, it is likely best to rent a car. Although much of the filming took place in Utah, the story does maintain an authentic link to its setting, Wyoming. The Cinemaholic notes that some establishing shots were filmed in Fremont County. These shots included the Lander city limits sign and Wind River Indian Reservation entrance sign, which briefly appear on screen. They helped firmly ground the narrative in its intended location by lending cultural and geographical authenticity. Lander is known for its Western charm, ranches and access to Indigenous cultural heritage. However, the broader Wind River Country includes the scenic Wind River Canyon and some nearby mountain ranges. This makes it a rewarding destination for those drawn to rugged landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Things to Do: Since Wind River is a pretty rural place, travelers can gear up for some tranquil and nature-focused activities. For animal lovers, the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary or Wind River Canyon Whitewater & Fly Fishing are great options for a fun time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where to Eat: The area has few restaurant options, but the Wind River Brewing Company is a local place to grab an affordable bite. Where to Stay: To enjoy an affordable and rustic stay, travelers can check out the Wind River Hotel. But there are many ranches and RV parks around for visitors wanting to try something new and exciting. Frequently Asked Questions Is the movie Wind River based on a true story? No, Wind River is a fictional story written and directed by Taylor Sheridan. But despite this fictitious premise, it was created to draw attention to the very real and urgent issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Is there a Wind River 2? As Hollywood North Buzz reports, yes there will be a second movie. This sequel, Wind River: The Next Chapter, is in development and filming began in Calgary in March 2023. Despite this, the release status remains unclear. Plus, Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen do not seem to be attached to the project. The post Adventure Through Wind River Film Locations In Utah And Wyoming appeared first on Travel Noire. Gordon Ramsay has achieved widespread fame by operating several Michelin-starred restaurants and hosting television shows. Subsequently, he's become a public source for culinary advice, all delivered in his signature no-nonsense style. Perhaps you've heard his tips on how to test steak doneness or craft delicious dessert pizza, for example. Yet for an especially impassioned nugget of culinary wisdom, tune in when Ramsay instructs how not to do something. While chatting on an episode of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," the chef got especially fired up over how to cook a turkey. Ramsay revealed his dislike of when people fry the bird, noting an unpalatably dry consistency as a result. Instead, roasting is his go-to, especially if supplemented with an additional fat like butter or bacon. In fact, the chef offers a recipe on the Gordon Ramsay website showcasing such a technique -- he cooks the bird in an oven with an herb butter. After blending butter with aromatics like lemon, garlic, and parsley, this fatty ingredient is lathered both inside and outside the skin, thereby crisping and flavoring simultaneously. Then, for assured juiciness, Ramsay takes an extra step: He covers the turkey with bacon 15 minutes into the roasting process. Such a fatty combination of butter and bacon ensures a delectably moist, flavorful, and delicious result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Foods Anthony Bourdain Hated With A Passion Frying Turkey Comes With The Risk Of Explosion someone loads a full turkey into a fryer - Jason Kempin/Getty Images Chef Gordon Ramsay isn't alone in cautioning against frying whole birds. Come Thanksgiving, videos of the preparation style start circulating online -- and they are not typically instructional in nature. Instead, clips evince how frying turkey can lead to some truly dramatic cooking disasters involving large fireballs and even house fires. Indeed, more gravely than just dry meat, this cooking method comes with the risk of explosions. When there's abundant water contained in the bird, the heated oil can turn liquid into steam in only seconds, and this can violently force oil out of the fryer and cause a fire. The danger is amplified when the bird is frozen, although simple mistakes like adding too much oil to the vessel or turning the heat too high can also cause the same reaction. With proper technique, it is a viable preparation style; adjusting for proper temperature and space, you can deep fry a turkey for crispy skin. However, since a roasted turkey rewards with a better consistency anyway, this is yet another reason to forgo the preparation style Ramsay isn't fond of -- there's simply more dependable stability in the oven. Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. Read the original article on Food Republic. Single and child-free, Fiona Govan set out to celebrate her 50th birthday with an adventure. She wanted to travel to Greece, get into shape, and take on a challenge. She booked a swimming trip with two other childless friends, and together they found their tribe. We swam around a rugged stretch of coastline and beneath an arch sculpted by centuries of waves. On this unusually calm day, the sea was so clear it was easy to spot red starfish clinging to the rocks and black sea urchins just below the surface, their spikes ready to pierce any careless limb. We were three single women, ripe with middle age, setting out to prove the years hadn't dulled our sense of adventure. Without the responsibilities of motherhood, we wanted to see if the world still felt wide open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the plan when I persuaded my friends Samantha and Angela to join me on a holiday to celebrate our 50th year, organized by a travel company called Swimtrek. I imagined eight months of training would get me in the best shape of my life, maybe even the kind of person happy to be photographed in a bikini. But I'm a procrastinator and squeamish about public pools. When a floating Band-Aid stuck to my goggles, I lost my nerve and quit until spring warmth coaxed me back into the local lake. Fiona Govan celebrated her 50th birthday with two close friends, swimming around Greek islands. Provided by Amba Gardnir We were the youngest but the weakest It meant that when I arrived in Sivota, a quiet seaside village in Greece, I only had a few weeks of training under my belt and felt nervous about the challenge of swimming 4 kilometers a day around a picturesque coastline of pine-clad coves and deserted rocky islets. My confidence was further eroded when we met our fellow swimmers. All three men and eight women joining us were veteran swimmers. Although the majority were at least a decade older than us, they all looked to be in very good shape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One woman wasn't sure whether it was her fifth or sixth Swimtrek, while the oldest member of the group a 76-year-old from Sydney boasted that she had swum the English Channel, crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, and had just returned from braving a swim around the Komodo Island. Most told me that they swim almost daily, often in the sea, even in winter. Swimtrek gave the author a chance to discover an unspoiled Greece far from the crowds. Photo by Lauren Elder I was reassured by Thomas, one of two swim guides who kept a watchful eye on the group of 14 swimmers, bobbing alongside us in a boat as we made our way around the coast. "It's about enjoying not enduring," he insisted. "You are on holiday after all and if ever you feel tired, just climb aboard." I didn't have to worry about keeping up or holding back the better swimmers. Part of the beauty of the program is that we were divided into three groups according to ability. The three of us, celebrating our 50th birthdays, formed our own little pod as the slowest group. Even so, we gave ourselves a boost with the aid of flippers, and I managed to overcome the breathing issue with a snorkel as we hugged the coast around an uninhabited archipelago between the mainland and the island of Corfu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donning bright tangerine swim caps, we dubbed ourselves the Aperol Spritzers. For each morning and afternoon swim, we were given a head start and set off first, only to be caught up and overtaken by the faster groups as we arrived at our end point usually a deserted beach or a sheltered cove. There was no pressure, and I found my swimming improved quickly, not just by learning from the better swimmers but thanks to the tips on technique offered by others. The 14 swimmers explored the Ionian Sea and built new friendships. Photo by Thomas Oliver Acceptance and friendship When we weren't swimming, we swapped life stories. The conversations were far from the usual talk of teenagers or university fees that dominate dinners back home. Meals were spent in beachside tavernas over shared plates of dolmades and carafes of local white wine. Without much effort, we three had become members of the swimming tribe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the end of the trip, it felt like we'd all been friends for years. I left inspired to keep swimming. So inspired that the first thing I did back home was book another swimming adventure, this time with my two pals and five new friends from the trip. There was no reason to wait for the next milestone birthday. Do you have a story to share about moving abroad? Contact the editor at akarplus@businessinsider.com . Read the original article on Business Insider Every year in (most of) the U.S., we move our clocks ahead one hour in the spring and one hour back in the fall. That time in between is called daylight saving time. (Thats right, drop that s.) As the days are getting shorter and the nights get longer, the countdown is on until the end of daylight saving time, which is this weekend. In fact, it will come a day earlier than last year. On Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 a.m. local time, daylight saving time will come to an end. This means that most Americans will need to change their clocks, at least the ones that still require changing, to fall back one hour to standard time. This will provide more hours of daylight in the winter mornings but also means earlier sunsets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what else to know and why its considered controversial. Why do we have daylight saving time, anyway? In 1918, the U.S. passed a law called the Standard Time Act, implementing standard and daylight saving times. According to the Department of Defense, the measure was enacted during World War I as a way to save energy by extending the time of day when the sun set. It was reinstated during World War II but not standardized until 1966, when the Uniform Time Act established a system of uniform daylight saving time throughout the nation. Observing daylight saving time is up to individual states, and not all of them do it. Hawaii and most of Arizona (with the exception of the Navajo Nation) do not observe daylight saving time, nor do the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. A majority of Americans want to stop changing their clocks A recent AP-NORC poll found that about half of the American public, 47%, oppose the current daylight saving time system, compared to 40% who neither favor nor oppose the current practice, while 12% favor the current system, which involves most states switching their clocks twice a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of those polled, 56% would prefer to have daylight saving time year-round, meaning less light in the morning for a tradeoff of more light in the evening. While 42% of Americans said they would prefer to have standard time year-round, which means more light in the morning and less light in the evening. And 12% of Americans prefer switching between standard time and daylight saving time. Sleep doctors would prefer we switch to standard time permanently. The U.S. should eliminate seasonal time changes in favor of a national, fixed, year-round time, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine said in a statement published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine last year. Current evidence best supports the adoption of year-round standard time, which aligns best with human circadian biology and provides distinct benefits for public health and safety. Behind the push to make daylight saving time permanent There have been recent efforts at the state and federal levels to sunset the twice-a-year ritual of setting the clocks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sunshine Protection Act, a bipartisan bill that seeks to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide, has been repeatedly filed. In March 2022, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a version of it, but it didnt pass in the House; therefore, it never became a law. Versions of the bill, H.R. 139 and S. 29, were reintroduced in the 119th Congress back in January by Florida Republicans Rep. Vern Buchanan and Sen. Rick Scott, but they are still in committee and havent been enacted. Meanwhile, many states have taken it upon themselves and have passed laws or resolutions to lock the clocks on either permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time, but they would only take effect if Congress authorized it. Scott, who is leading the revival of the Sunshine Act in the Senate, said in a statement: Its an unnecessary, decades-old practice thats more of an annoyance to families than benefit to them. In 2018, as Governor of Florida, I signed legislation that would allow the state to opt out of the practice of changing the time and Ive been a leading effort in getting this done on the federal level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for now, daylight saving time will begin again on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Where does President Trump stand on the issue? The president has gone back and forth on the issue of daylight saving time. In December 2024, before taking office, then-President-elect Trump said he wanted to put an end to daylight saving time and observe standard time year-round. Then, after taking office, he seemed to be on the fence and called it a 50-50 issue back in March during remarks in the Oval Office. President Trump then shifted his stance in April, writing on social media that hes in favor of permanent daylight saving time. The House and Senate should push hard for more Daylight at the end of a day. Very popular and, most importantly, no more changing of the clocks, a big inconvenience and, for our government, A VERY COSTLY EVENT!!! DJT, the post read. Yahoos Dylan Stableford contributed reporting to this article. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) One person was arrested early Monday morning after a standoff with SWAT and local law enforcement in Dayton. According to the Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center, an initial call for response came in around 7:38 p.m. Sunday. Police were briefed on a drug complaint. Our 2 NEWS photographer spoke with Sergeant Zachary Banks, of the Dayton Police Department, who said that a warrant was obtained for an individual at a residence in the 300 block of Burkhardt Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The individual reportedly violated probation. SWAT was eventually called to the residence due to prior records obtained on the person inside and their refusal to exit. The person was later arrested and a firearm was recovered. No injuries were reported. This story is developing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 1 in custody after hours-long standoff in Dayton neighborhood One person is in custody after an hours-long standoff in a Dayton neighborhood Sunday night into Monday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 Daybreak, around 10 p.m. Sunday, Dayton police crews responded to reports of drug complaints in the 300 block of Burkhardt Ave. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dayton Police Sergeant Zachary Banks told News Center 7 crews on scene that drug complaints are an ongoing problem in the neighborhood. Officers saw a person they determined to be a man named Kevin Harney, a violent felon wanted for a probation violation. Banks said that due to Harneys violent past and previous encounters, and his refusal to come to the door to speak with police, officers contacted SWAT. Harney continued to refuse to come out, and officers secured a warrant. Police also used K9s, drones, and other tactics to get Harney to exit the house, but did not use tear gas. After several hours, Harney finally exited the house and was taken into custody. Several other people came out, but are not being charged, according to Banks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police found signs of drug abuse and a firearm inside the house, according to Banks. According to Banks, neighbors called about the house three to four times in the last few weeks. Banks said that if neighbors see a problem, they should call the police so that they can put an end to it. Harney is facing several charges, including obstruction of justice, inducing panic, probation violation, and additional weapons charges. News Center 7 will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] NEED TO KNOW At least 10 people have been killed and dozens injured after a train collided with a double-decker passenger bus in Mexico The incident occurred in an industrial zone in Atlacomulco on the morning of Monday, Sept. 8, according to the State of Mexico's Civil Protection Agency The victims have not yet been publicly identified At least 10 people have been killed and dozens injured after a train collided with a double-decker passenger bus in Mexico, officials said. The incident occurred in an industrial zone in Atlacomulco on the morning of Monday, Sept. 8, when a train crashed into a bus from the Herradura de Plata line, according to an English translation of a statement from the Mexico's State Civil Protection Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press reported that in addition to the 10 fatalities, more than 40 others were injured. The Red Cross, State Police, National Guard and other agencies responded to the incident, officials added. The victims have not yet been publicly identified. The AP reported that video footage from the crash shared across social media appeared to show the bus crawling forward across the train tracks before the train plowed into it at a high speed. A similar video seemed to show survivors moving about the upper tier of the damaged bus as the train slowed. Representatives from the bus company and the State of Mexico's Civil Protection Agency could not immediately be reached by PEOPLE to provide additional details about the crash or the status of the surviving victims. 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. There did not appear to be any guardrails to prevent vehicles from driving into the train's path as it moved through the busy area, the AP reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebeca Miranda told the outlet that her sister and her sisters daughter-in-law were both on the bus when it was hit; her sister was hospitalized, but her sister's daughter-in-law died. Its really unfortunate. Why? To beat the train. Those are lives," she said. Read the original article on People Eighty years after the end of the Second World War, the international museums sector, commercial galleries and collectors are still grappling with the legacy of Nazi looting. Only last month, a portrait by the Italian Baroque painter Giuseppe Ghislandi, looted in Amsterdam in 1940 and bought by Friedrich Kadgien (aide to Hermann Goring) reappeared on an Argentinian estate agents website, hanging above a sofa. Since the house for sale belonged to Kadgiens family, the trail to the lost Ghislandi suddenly went hot. The painting immediately vanished again though it has since reappeared in the hands of the family lawyer. (The Kadgiens insist they are the rightful owners.) Much of the Nazis plundering was opportunistic a brutal and universal fact of war but in the case of high-value items, they operated an industrial-scale theft machine. They expropriated entire collections from Jewish collectors such as the Rothschilds and the Lederers, with the connivance of non-Jewish dealers and experts. Racial laws debarred Jews from owning property, so those art-world figures were or so they persuaded themselves handling legally confiscated goods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a method to this sweeping up of European masterworks. Hitler planned to turn the Austrian city of Linz into the Reichs cultural capital, with a mega-museum containing 36km of gallery space. (Today, the worlds largest museum, the Louvre, has only 13.5km.) The Fuhrermuseums megalomaniac acquisitions policy can be summarised in one word: loot. A lost portrait by the Italian painter Giuseppe Ghislandi was recently rediscovered in Argentina - STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images For the Nazi leadership, fine art became part of the currency of power. Goring in particular had a lust for trophy works. If you wanted to make the Reichsmarschall smile, offer him an Old Master painting, no questions asked. He was enabled to cherry-pick his loot by an organisation known as the ERR (Einsatzstab Reichsleiter Rosenberg), based at the Jeu de Paume in Paris, which acted as a clearing house for Jewish-owned art. Artworks destined for the Fuhrermuseum, meanwhile, were stored in a salt mine at Altaussee in the Austrian Alps. As the Allies advanced in 1944, Hitler ordered their destruction, but the dynamite was never detonated. When the American Monuments Men members of the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives corps tasked with recovering looted art arrived and entered the caverns, they discovered some 9,000 paintings and sculptures, including Jan van Eycks Ghent Altarpiece (1432) and Michelangelos Madonna and Child (1504; previously snatched from Bruges by Napoleon), along with thousands of other treasures. This was just the start. Across Nazi-occupied nations, people had kept covert records of thefts. There were the seized files of the ERR and the work of the US Art Looting Investigation Unit, which led to the recruitment of the Monuments Men. In recent years, with the creation of online databases and real-time information sharing, the sleuthing has gathered pace. The German Lost Art Foundations database contains detailed records of some 200,000 artworks, while Interpols Stolen Works of Art database lists 57,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are 10 masterpieces from those lists, all but one of which are yet to come to light but the secret of whose whereabouts someone, somewhere may know. 1. Raphael, Portrait of a Young Man (c1513-14) Raphaels Portrait of a Young Man is the most important Nazi-looted painting still unaccounted for This is the most important Nazi-looted painting still unaccounted for. With Leonardo da Vincis Lady with an Ermine (c1491) and Rembrandts Landscape with Good Samaritan (1638), it was one of the Great Three in the collection of the Polish aristocratic Czartoryski family, which both Hitler and Goring coveted. Shipped to Berlin in 1939, the paintings were later returned to Poland probably to keep Goring at bay where Nazi governor Hans Frank wanted them for himself. The Leonardo and Rembrandt were both later retrieved, but not Portrait of a Young Man, which was too big for Frank to take with him when he fled. Its whereabouts are unknown. 2. Gustav Klimt, Portrait of Trude Steiner (c 1900) This portrait of Trude Steiner was auctioned in Vienna in April 1941, and has not been seen again - Shim Harno / Alamy Stock Photo The daughter of Jewish Viennese factory owners Wilhelm and Jenny Steiner, Trude died from meningitis in 1900. Her parents commissioned this posthumous portrait from Klimt, a close friend of Jennys sister, Serena Lederer. Following the Nazi annexation of Austria in 1938, the family escaped to Paris, eventually settling in America, but their business and art collection were seized. Portrait of Trude Steiner was auctioned in Vienna in April 1941, and has not been seen again. 3. Hans Memling, Portrait of a Young Man (c148090) The missing Memling portrait is thought to be similar to this slightly earlier painting by the artist - Sepia Times/Universal Images Group via Getty Images During the Allied bombing campaigns of 1942, paintings from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence were moved to a castle in the Tuscan village of Poppi. In August 1944, German troops broke in, on the pretext of hunting spies. They drove off with truckloads of artworks. When the Monuments Men reached Poppi, they found that 198 paintings had gone, noting the looters preference for northern European artists such as painter Memling. They had left behind The Birth of Venus (c1480s) by his contemporary Botticelli. 4. Albrecht Durer, Saint Christopher Carrying the Infant Christ (c14711493) A 1511 Durer woodcut depicting Saint Christopher carrying the Infant Christ - Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organised nature of Nazi looting and the high-profile campaigns for restitution can overshadow the incalculable losses that happened in the chaos and lawlessness of war. In 1942-3, the contents of Anhalt Picture Gallery in Dessau were dispersed to rural hiding places, with Durers Saint Christopher kept in a foresters lodge. Dessau was flattened by Allied bombing in March 1945; in the surrounding countryside, no one was in charge. This little painting, carefully prised from its frame, disappeared. 5. Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Head of a Young Girl (Gabrielle) (1895) In October 1938, the Jewish businessman Manfred Nachmann and his family, who had managed to obtain American visas, left Berlin for New York. They discovered on arrival that one crate of their possessions was missing. It contained this portrait by Renoir of his model and childrens nanny Gabrielle Renard, with other paintings. After the war, the German shipping agents claimed that their records had been destroyed. Though it has appeared on Interpols 12 Most Wanted list, Head of a Young Girl remains untraced. 6. Paolo Veronese, Maria with Child (Madonna with Child) (c1560) Seized from a warehouse in Paris in 1942 by the ERR, this painting was in the collection of German-Dutch banker Fritz Gutmann, who in 1939 had moved artworks from his house, near Amsterdam, to Paris. Fritz was murdered in Theresienstadt concentration camp in 1944. The search for the looted treasures of Gutmanns collection is recounted by his grandson, Simon Goodman, in the 2015 book The Orpheus Clock. 7. Edgar Degas, Portrait of Mlle Gabrielle Diot (1890) Edgar Degass Portrait of Mlle Gabriele Diot (1890) once belonged to art dealer Paul Rosenberg The art dealer Paul Rosenberg hung this pastel by Edgar Degas over his desk in Paris. With the Fall of France in 1940, he immediately became the focus of Nazi attention; he escaped, via Portugal, to America, but had to leave his collection behind. By December 1940, Portrait of Mlle Gabriele Diot was with the ERR, who sold it in 1942 to a Swiss buyer. We know that in 1974, a Hamburg dealer arranged its sale, again to a Swiss collector, but Rosenbergs heirs have been unable to trace it further. 8. Dosso Dossi, Christ the Redeemer (early 16th century) From September 1943 until the Allied spring offensive of 1945, Prince Felix of Luxembourgs home at Villa Borbone della Pianore, near Vicenza, was commandeered by the German military. Troops stripped out almost everything, from masterpieces to bathroom taps. Dozens of paintings were looted, including Christ the Redeemer by the Renaissance artist Dossi. As recently as 2014, some missing works from the villa have come to light, hanging in Italian homes but not Dossis Christ. 9. Vincent van Gogh, The Painter on the Way to Tarascon (1888) Van Goghs The Painter on the Way to Tarascon ended the war half a kilometre underground in the Neu-Stassfurt salt mine - Getty Images Officially, van Gogh was classified by the Nazis as a degenerate artist. Yet this work was left in place in the Kulturhistorisches Museum in Magdeburg; theyd even, highly unusually, had it photographed in colour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Painter on the Way to Tarascon ended the war half a kilometre underground in the Neu-Stassfurt salt mine. When American forces reached the mine in April 1945, the shafts had been ablaze. But art stored at Neu-Stassfurt has since been found intact, so van Goghs painting may still be out there. 10. Salomon van Ruysdael, River Landscape with Ferry (1649) Salomon van Ruysdaels River Landscape with Ferry (1649) is now in the National Gallery in Washington DC - Alamy The Jewish-Dutch art dealer Jacques Goudstikker was a towering figure on the 1930s Amsterdam art scene. He died in an accident on board the ship while fleeing by sea from the Nazis in 1940. This landscape was one of 1,200 paintings in his collection also including the recently recovered portrait by Ghislandi appropriated by Goring. It later found its way into the Rijksmuseum, to be reclaimed, after much research and litigation, by Goudstikkers heirs. A happy ending? Not entirely the high costs meant that the painting had to be sold to pay for its own recovery. It is now in the National Gallery 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. Orlando is marking the 100th day of the Epic Universe era. Universal Orlandos new theme park, which debuted May 22, burst onto the scene during a very hot summer with positive reviews for its detailed design and elaborate attractions. But international sociopolitical issues clouded the blue skies, and operational delays tempered the happy talk for some visitors, experts say. Theres stuff that you can control, and theres stuff that you cant control, said Len Testa, owner of Touring Plans, a vacation-planning site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think in the overall context of what were seeing in leisure travel around the United States, Epic did as good as it could possibly do, he said. Las Vegas would take Epics numbers right now. Those who go to Epic have upbeat responses, Testa said. Its restaurants are well regarded and, according to surveys, the rides are rated higher than the ones at sister park Universal Studios Florida, he said. We can tell from our app that people seem to be spending more time in Epic than the other Universal parks, Testa said. So, those are all good signs. It means that the stuff that they built is resonating with fans. The parks escapist nature appeals to Jake Cruz, a Universal annual passholder who lives in Orlando. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just walking around the park, you feel immersed. It feels like youre in an entirely different world, said Cruz, who has been to Epic four times and plans a fifth outing in the coming weeks. I kind of regret not going to opening day because I heard how amazing it was, he said. It feels like this historical moment. The waiting game Criticisms from early Epic adapters focus on weak ride reliability downtime that spurred extended wait times and the sun of the Sunshine State, which prompts calls for more shade and additional indoor attractions. The wait times have not been phenomenal, and the weather has not been phenomenal, said Carissa Baker, an assistant professor of theme-park and attraction management at the University of Central Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, a complicated simulator ride in Epics installment of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, has been on the down-and-delayed list multiple days. Visitors can wait hours to get on board. Cruz said he arrived at 5 a.m. one day and went to the Potter ride as the park opened, only to have it be down for the day. (He had better luck with Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment ride, which went down after he rode.) For a while, Universal used a virtual queue system for Battle at the Ministry, allowing guests to do Epic things besides wait. But it also created frustration for shut-out visitors. The virtual queue is gone now, and the attraction has been added to the Express Pass lineup along with Mine-Cart Madness, a roller coaster in Epics Super Nintendo World. Im really confident that their industrial engineers know whats going on and know how to solve a lot of these problems. Its just a matter now of doing the analysis like, you know, bringing Express Pass to Ministry, into Mine-Cart Madness, Testa said. Its not just flipping a switch. You have to do studies that say, yeah, if we turn this on, the standby wait time is going to go from here to here. And were going to get this much revenue for it, but the dissatisfaction is going to drop by this much, he said. Theres complex analysis that happens for a lot of these decisions. Crowd control Company officials have said they are proud of the performance of the new park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epic is already driving higher per-cap spending and attendance across the entirety of Universal Orlando Resort, with strong food and merchandise sales and minimal impact on attendance at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, Michael Cavanagh, president of parent company Comcast Corp., told market analysts after quarterly earnings were released in July. The period covered about six weeks of Epics operation. Our near-term focus is on expanding rides throughout to reduce early attendance constraints, Cavanagh said. Orlandos theme parks do not release attendance figures or capacity levels. I think theyve definitely been controlling capacity, but they have now released a lot more tickets, said Baker, who has been in the theme park eight times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One method for crowd maintenance: Epic Universe admission has not been included in Universal Orlando annual passholder plans, which cover Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios and, for some levels, Volcano Bay water park. Prices for a one-day ticket to Epic vary by date, ranging between $154 and $194. Annual passholder rates for a day at Epic are from $127 to $169. I do hope that they add it to the annual pass, and presumably itll come out with a pretty hefty raise in (pass) prices, Baker said. Epic Universe was announced in 2019 and constructed about 2 1/2 miles southeast of Universal Orlandos first two parks, on the opposite side of Interstate 4, crossing International Drive. Universal runs shuttle buses between the parks and its 11 hotels, including three new resorts adjacent to Epic. An extension of Kirkman Road from Carrier Drive to the Epic site, plus an elevated traffic circle with dedicated bus lanes, are meant to ease traffic woes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our traffic has increased, but it hasnt been insane or anything, said Baker, whose office is near Epic. Looking for the lift Foot traffic has not yet surged in the I-Drive area, said Thom Kerr, owner of Icebar Orlando, which has operated as a hot spot with ice carvings on International Drive since 2008. In general, we have not seen the lift on International Drive that I think most of us expected to see. And, you know, were all trying to figure out whats happening there, Kerr said. His business took advantage of its proximity to Epic, offering free or reduced entry to customers with an Epic ticket. It also rolled out a themed drink menu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We thought it would be a great match, Kerr said. If youve been out in a hot theme park all day, you know, ice bar cool concept. He said advance reservations are holding steady with 2024 levels, but foot traffic lags. The numbers havent been bad, just flat, he said. I-Drive, Orlando and many U.S. destinations are coping with attendance hurdles, including jitters about the economy and international travelers reacting to possible political developments with tariffs and immigration. The number of visitors traveling from Canada to the U.S. by airline dropped 22% in June, according to Travel and Tour World, a tourism website. That was the sixth consecutive month of decline. Hotel occupancy in the Orlando market was up 0.9% for June and 0.4% for July, according to STR. Revenue increased 6.6% and 6.1%, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Canadian market is still there. Its not as strong as it used to be, said Brian Wayne, general manager of WonderWorks Orlando, a longstanding I-Drive attraction. I-Drive feels a little slower. He said he has noticed discounted rooms at hotels and ticket deals at theme parks. The new norm? Central Floridas tourism industry continued fresh offerings this summer, including two new stage shows at Walt Disney World plus a nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom. SeaWorld Orlando introduced Expedition Odyssey, an Arctic-themed flying-theater attraction, and Sea Life Aquarium Florida opened at Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven. A not-so-slammed summer may be the new norm, Wayne said, as visitors explore Orlando throughout the year. The weather may be a factor, he said, as well as attractive draws in autumn, including the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and major Halloween-themed events at Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and beyond. And the market is experiencing a let-down after the post-pandemic surge, when visitors flocked to Florida, Wayne said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With international travel opening up so much now, I think that theres so many more options, he said. Kerr maintains belief in the Epic effect, and thinks the new park is a strong draw. Anytime theres a new attraction or draw, its competition, and new things are good for everybody, he said. Were one of the top destinations in the world. Its just were having a little hiccup of a year. A ripple effect is still expected by Baker, who notes the tourism industry often wades through economic slumps and crises such as 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. I still think were going to come out strong, and we always do, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Testa theorizes that Universal will work on Epics operations and expansion. They need more rides, especially when it rains or the weathers bad, and they need more ride reliability, he said. Those are growing pains that are kind of expected to happen. Its a pattern that experts saw with the arrivals of Disneys Hollywood Studios, Disneys Animal Kingdom and Universals Islands of Adventure decades ago. Even Magic Kingdom debuted without a completed Tomorrowland. Theres always something that comes, like, a year or two later that sort of fills out or rounds out the park, Testa said. __________ NEED TO KNOW Claudia Bacon, 12, was attending Georgia's Paulding Meadows Arts and Crafts Festival on Sept. 6, when a large tree branch fell, critically injuring her Relatives said that Bacon suffered skull fractures, a broken rib and a bruised lung In an update, Claudia's mother said that her daughter's breathing tube is now out A 12-year-old girl is facing a long recovery after she was injured by a falling large tree branch during a storm at a festival in Georgia over the weekend. The incident occurred on Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Paulding Meadows Arts and Crafts Festival in Paulding County, the countys sheriffs office said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after the rain passed through, a portion of one tree, along with tree limbs from another tree, fell and struck a 12-year-old young lady, critically injuring her, the Paulding County Sheriffs Office (PCSO) said. Within seconds, our Deputies, along with Paulding County Fire/Rescue firefighters, began assessing and treating the young lady, the statement continued. The injured child was identified by ABC affiliate WSB and a GoFundMe as Claudia Bacon. Reportedly, Claudia was attending the festival for a friends birthday when the incident occurred. She had skull fractures, two across the back, and one very close to her neck; she bruised her lung, she broke a rib, HJ Cohran, Claudias uncle, told WSB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GoFundMe, which was established to pay for the childs medical costs, earlier noted that Claudia lost a lot of blood and underwent a blood transfusion. The fundraiser description stated at the time that shes currently on a breathing tube and sedated until further notice to manage pain. She will have a long recovery, the GoFundMe also read. Cohran said that Claudia has shown signs of progress, telling WSB that his niece has squeezed her mommas hand at this point, and theyre hoping to unsedate her and take the breathing tube out and see how shes doing. In an update on the GoFundMe on Monday, Sept. 8, Claudias mom, Charlena Bacon, stated that her daughters breathing tube is out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She did so good, Charlena said. Sat up in the bed and tried to talk. Oh thank you God! Thank you Holy Spirit. God we give you praise! Thank you for all the prayers. Please keep praying. The Paulding Meadows Arts and Crafts Festival encouraged prayers for Claudia and her family in a Sunday, Sept. 7, Facebook post. The entire staff of Paulding Meadows is hoping for a full recovery! the post read. Very thankful for the swift action by our PCFD and PCSO to render aid. They are always on site during the festival and we cannot appreciate them enough. The online fundraiser described Claudia as a straight-A honor student and a chorus member. 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. She is so strong and she comes from a praying family that believes in the healing power of Jesus. We appreciate all of the ongoing prayers and support for Claudias recovery, the GoFundMe stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claudias relatives also expressed thanks to the first responders who helped the child at the scene, per WSB. PEOPLE reached out to the GoFundMe organizer and the Paulding Meadows Arts and Crafts Festival on Monday for comment. Read the original article on People More than 50 sex-ed and puberty books were quietly removed from kids' sections at 12 libraries across Maricopa County this summer after complaints from conservative Christian activists and residents. The change is similar to actions in other states that repeatedly were struck down as unconstitutional for violating the public's First Amendment right to access information without government suppression. Proponents of the relocation, however, believe it is protected by their First Amendment religious rights. The changes affect libraries operated by Maricopa County and not cities that operate their own libraries, such as Phoenix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The books, which deal with and include illustrations of puberty, sex, gender and romantic relationships, are now on the top shelves of adult nonfiction sections at the libraries. Signs in the kids' sections alert customers of the books' new locations. The county Board of Supervisors directed the changes in response to concerns that had long existed for a small faction of grassroots activists but took on new fervor after the 2024 election when voters installed three new Republican members of the board. The supervisors also decided to allow parents to place restrictions on certain titles their kids can check out. Their intent was clear. "To protect our youngest from their prying eyes and curiosity," Supervisor Mark Stewart said at a meeting June 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Relocate questionable books into areas of the library that are less, or not, accessible to children," Supervisor Kate Brophy McGee said the same day. "Make sure that sexually explicit library books are out of the reach of minors," Supervisor Debbie Lesko said May 21. Yet despite pushing for the changes, supervisors voted on none of them allowing the removal to occur without a formal public input process. County spokespeople told The Arizona Republic it was because the changes were "administrative in nature." The result is little public attention to the change and no legal challenges. When The Republic asked the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona about it, spokesperson Alex Gonzalez said the organization was still learning about the situation and called it "concerning." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lack of pushback leaves Maricopa County's decision in a legal gray area, creating an opening for residents to advocate further limits on books they oppose. Already, one board supervisor suggested a default restriction on certain books for kids unless their parents opt out. Arizona Women of Action, a Christian parental rights group, is advocating for the county to adopt a rating system, like with movies, so parents may restrict entire categories of books. First Amendment attorneys say the changes and suggestions raise questions about government imposing improper control over content. Federal judges in Arkansas and Texas have struck down policies they said "stigmatized" books, even when the books weren't banned or removed. Republican Supervisors Lesko, Stewart and Brophy McGee new members who backed the changes said the court rulings don't change how they think about the issue. Supervisor Thomas Galvin did not respond to a request for comment, but in public he has cautioned against government censorship while acknowledging a desire to protect children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What would happen if five other board members wanted to come in and regulate books that we like or appreciate or that we cherish? So obviously we have to be very careful," Galvin said at a meeting March 26. Supervisor Steve Gallardo, the lone Democrat, called the county's changes "book banning" and told The Republic it stemmed from a small faction of residents who opposed the LGBTQ+ community. "Call it whatever you want ... it's wrong, and we shouldn't be engaging in this," he said. Gallardo's comments were a noteworthy shift. At a public meeting in June, he stressed parents should be responsible for monitoring their kids in libraries, but he did not criticize any of the county's actions and said he "agreed with some of the changes." Gallardo said the issue was "complicated," acknowledging that a few books were graphic enough to make him question their place in the kids' section and he wanted parents to have more say, but worried about a "slippery slope." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strategy by activists to appeal directly to board supervisors is a marked difference from the traditional route to remove books, which went through librarians. Its success illustrates a shift by the new supervisors to push for changes on matters formerly left to county employees. The effort also reflects a new tactic by the Christian right in Arizona and nationwide to reassert parental rights by arguing for religious exercise freedoms under the First Amendment. Arizona Women of Action founder Kim Miller pointed to Arizona's law establishing the Parental bill of rights. "Pushing sexual and otherwise inappropriate content in front of children not only violates parental rights to direct the upbringing of their child, but also their First Amendment rights of faith and moral expression," Miller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And some activists want the books removed from libraries altogether. Gone: These sex-ed books were removed from kids' sections at metro Phoenix libraries Election changes bring action on book policies Conservative activist Merissa Hamilton had lobbied the board for years to remove books that discussed sex and gender. She described the books as "pornographic," and citing her own experience of abuse, said she believed they made kids "vulnerable" to sexual exploitation by predators. But when the board didn't make changes, Hamilton said she took her concerns to new candidates during election season: Stewart, Lesko and Brophy McGee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arizona Women of Action also got involved, urging Stewart and Lesko to take action. The group routinely calls for removing books at public schools and played a role in Scottsdale Unified School District's decision to pull 16 books from its library shelves in February. Within weeks, the county rolled out the "parental control" pilot program. The program launched in Queen Creek in May. Despite having no parents sign up after a few months, the county expanded the program to all 14 branch libraries. Library communications administrator Samantha Mears said it was "expanded at the direction of the Board of Supervisors." In June, County Manager Jen Pokorski said the county was considering a new rule that would prevent parents from leaving their kids younger than 12 at libraries alone. It's also exploring "software solutions" to allow parents to restrict their kids' access to entire categories of books, Pokorski said. Maricopa County relocated sex-ed and puberty books from the children's section to the adult non-fiction section at its county-operated libraries across metro Phoenix after criticism from conservative, Christian activists that the books were inappropriate. It's unclear how the technology would work. County spokespeople twice declined to provide further information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think the goal of the new software would be, the books that we've deemed or that have illustrative pornography, will be off limits to children under a certain age," Stewart told The Republic. "And then anything that a parent would want to opt their child into, they're welcome to sign up and do that." It's unclear how Stewart or other supervisors define pornography. At meetings and in interviews, they have criticized books in the sex-ed section as too graphic for minors, and activists have repeatedly referred to sex-ed books as pornographic. But Stewart also told The Republic, "I did not say that sex-ed books are illustrative pornography." Stewart said his concerns of graphic illustrations remained the same whether the depictions showed heterosexual couples or LGBTQ+ relationships. He, Lesko and Brophy McGee repeatedly called the county's changes a "common sense" way to protect kids, and said most parents agreed with them. Brophy McGee, who suggested in June that the county should place a default ban on certain books unless parented "opted-in," stressed that her intent was to give parents more control. Libraries received only 12 formal objections since 2021 Changes brought by the supervisors' stand in contrast to how library administrators historically have dealt with book objections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite fierce opposition to certain kids books by conservative activists, Maricopa County, which serves 144,000 library cardholders, received only 12 formal letters asking for reevaluation of library books and DVDs since 2021. Ten were rejected in formal response letters. Two were accepted pertaining to animated DVDs that librarians said were mistakenly placed in the kids' section. Concerns included graphic illustrations, discussion of drug or alcohol use and transgender acceptance. "It is teaching my child that it is OK to be transgender highly inappropriate material," one submitter wrote about the book, "Call Me Max." Another submitter pointed to a depiction of "adults in bed obviously having intercourse with a child peeking into their bedroom." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One complaint criticized depictions of male genitalia in a book called, "Tell Me: What Children Really Want to Know about Bodies, Sex and Emotions." Maricopa County relocated sex-ed and puberty books from the children's section to the adult non-fiction section at its county-operated libraries across metro Phoenix after criticism from conservative, Christian activists that the books were inappropriate. In a response letter, collection administrator Laura Jamison said in part, "It must be understood that a nonfiction book in the JUV HEALTH - SEX section will contain information about sex, including genitalia, though some of the drawings may be surprising to American readers." The library's response letters repeatedly noted that its customer base was diverse with different informational needs, and that not all material was suitable for every reader. "It's a good idea to supervise young children using the library, especially if as a parent or guardian there aretopics you don't want to give the child access to yet," Jamison told one submitter in 2021. "Books specifically written for children are categorized in the juvenile section, as opposed to books written from a parenting angle, which are in the Adult nonfiction section." Federal courts have repeatedly struck down efforts to limit book access Whether libraries can create policies that allow parents more control over what books their kids read depends on how they do it, courts have ruled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The primary question is the motivation of the government, First Amendment experts told The Republic. Problems arise when actions are driven by government officials' personal ideological preferences and desires to limit different views, attorneys at Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and Student Press Law Center said. The First Amendment protects not just public speech and expression against government retaliation but also the public's ability to access information without government censorship. The U.S. Supreme Court in 1982 said access to ideas was a "necessary predicate" to the "meaningful exercise" of one's speech, press and political freedom rights. "If there's going to be any government involvement, the least intrusive approach is probably one where library materials remain fully accessible by default and parents can request that their own kids not be able to check out specific titles," said Aaron Terr, an attorney at the free speech organization Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. "What raises more serious First Amendment concerns is when the government itself decides who can access what, or sets up a system that defaults to restrictions and forces parents to opt in for full access." Jonathan Gaston-Falk, an attorney at the Student Press Law Center, said a rating system akin to movies could be seen as suppression, particularly if the government is deciding the ratings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As soon as something gets into the R category it's going to significantly restrict that access," Gaston-Falk said. "If there is significant buy-in from the community about these decisions, maybe it would qualify some of those concerns about a heavy handedness about content control from the government." Federal courts nationwide have repeatedly favored open access to books. In 2000, residents in Texas had religious objections to two children's books about gay and lesbian parents. They failed to get the library to pull the books, so they pressured city councilmembers, who obliged them. The Wichita Falls City Council passed a rule allowing the moving of kids' books to the adults' section if at least 300 petitioners asked the library. The federal Northern District Court of Texas struck it down, saying it "unconstitutionally" gave 300 people a "heckler's veto," allowing them to suppress "lawful, fully-protected expression simply because of their adverse reaction to it." The opinion also said the First Amendment "indisputably protects the right to receive information" and that right is "vigorously enforced" in public libraries. In a 2003 federal court case, Counts v. Cedarville School District, an Arkansas school board was sued for making Harry Potter books available only to students with parental permission. The federal Western District of Arkansas Court said the action violated the First Amendment because it "stigmatized" books and thereby restricted access, without justification. Two key points in the case were that board members who personally opposed the books took the action against the input of an advisory committee, and that the board members' action was based on speculative, not actual, fears of disruption. The opposition to restricting book access has continued in recent court cases. In a 2023 federal court case, Virden v. Crawford County, an Arkansas county was sued for relocating all children's books involving LGBTQ+ themes to a newly created "social section." The plaintiffs argued the displacement was motivated by a desire to limit readers' access to books with viewpoints that are unpopular and controversial in the area. The county argued the action didn't violate First Amendment rights because the books were still available to all library users a point Lesko, Brophy McGee and Stewart stressed for Maricopa County's action. But the federal Western District of Arkansas Court said that "makes no difference for the purposes of the First Amendment." "This issue is whether public libraries have an obligation not to stigmatize disfavored viewpoints that are already in their collection. ... they do," the court said. Taylor Seely is a First Amendment Reporting Fellow at The Arizona Republic / azcentral.com. Do you have a story about the government infringing on your First Amendment rights? Reach her at tseely@arizonarepublic.com or by phone at 480-476-6116. Seely's role is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Maricopa County libraries move kids' sex-ed books to adult sections Jada Price | Photo/Middletown Division of Police DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A teen has been missing from Middletown since Sept. 3, 2025. Police are asking the public for help in locating her. The Middletown Police Department said Monday that Jada Price, 16, was last seen walking away from her home on Winona Drive. Price was seen wearing a gray hoodie with writing on the back and black pants. Anyone who sees her is asked to call 911, while any information can be sent in a direct message to the Middletown Division of Police, here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Alexey Sinitsyn, CEO of potash producer K-Potash Service, was found dead near Kaliningrad, becoming the 19th Russian executive to die under mysterious circumstances since the start of Russia's all-out war against Ukraine, the Moscow Times reported on Sept. 8. Since 2022, at least 19 top executives and businessmen, many linked to Russia's oil and gas giants, including Lukoil, Gazprom, and Transneft, have died under suspicious circumstances in Russia and abroad. Sinitsyn's body was found decapitated under a bridge. A tow rope was also attached to the body, Russian state-run media outlet RIA Novosti reported, citing its source in law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims. Previously, Dmitry Osipov, chairman of the board at Uralkali, one of Russia's largest potash producers, and Mikhail Kenin, founder and majority shareholder of leading real estate developer Samolet, both died last month. The causes of death have not been disclosed. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a series of deaths under unclear or unusual circumstances have been reported not only in the business community but also among law enforcement and government officials. Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) counterintelligence officer Vladimir Feshchenko was found dead in a Russian Defense Ministry building in Moscow in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feshchenko's death highlights mounting internal tensions within Russias security and military institutions amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Read also: Death of top Russian oil executive fuels fresh scrutiny of elites window falls Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. STRONGSVILLE, Ohio (WJW) A man accused of attempting to abduct a teenage girl on her way to school in Strongsville was issued a $1 million bond Monday. According to newly obtained court documents, investigators in Strongsville said a 15-year-old girl left her home just after 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 5 and was walking to the bus stop when 27-year-old Dominic Anthony Sacco, who the victim had seen walking in the area before, approached her from behind, forcefully grabbed her right arm and attempted to pull her away. Panic after shooting injures 5 in The Flats Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl was able to break free by dropping her backpack off her shoulders and kicking off her shoes. She ran home where her parents called police. Dominic Sacco appears in court after being accused of attempted abduction of Strongsville teenager According to investigators, police began canvassing the area looking for witnesses and security cameras when a neighbor directed officers to a home along Fair Road where the suspect may live. There, police spoke with Sacco, who matched the physical description of the suspect and who was positively identified by the victim. A distinct coat the victim had previously seen Sacco wearing was also discovered inside the home, the court documents stated. Amish woman accused in 4-year-old sons death to appear in court Monday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court Monday morning, a Strongsville detective said Sacco is also being looked at as a person of interest in similar incidents one in Strongsville and one in Berea. The nature of those incidents were not discussed in detail. Should he post bond, Sacco wont be allowed to return to the Fair Road home where he was residing, the judge ordered. He also would have to stay at least 1,000 feet away from the victim and be subject to GPS monitoring. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FRENCH CREEK, W.Va. (WBOY) Two people have been charged after a report of a missing child resulted in troopers locating three children living in a home with deplorable conditions in Upshur County. On July 21, troopers with the Upshur County detachment of the West Virginia State Police received a call of a reported missing child who had last been seen on a security camera walking on Alton Road in French Creek, according to a criminal complaint. Darrel Kittle Troopers then contacted Darrel Kittle, who stated that he could not find the child. He went into the house and watched the security video which showed the child walking to the end of the driveway, at which point a search began for the child, troopers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers then entered Darrels residence to conduct a search to determine if the child had returned to the home without anyone knowing, and troopers observed deplorable living conditions, according to the complaint. Rebecca Kittle Those conditions included animal feces on the floor, a severe infestation of cockroaches, decomposing trash throughout the residence, as well as multiple dogs and cats living inside the home, troopers said. Approximately two hours after the initial missing report, the child was found on a hill in a wooded area approximately 400 yards from the residence, and that child was then transported to St. Josephs Hospital for possible exposure and dehydration, according to the complaint. Man sentenced to 40 years in prison for Monongalia County murder Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At that same time, Rebecca Kittle was told about the child being taken to the hospital and learned that there were a total of three children living in the residence with deplorable conditions, troopers said. Troopers working with CPS then took photos of the child at the hospital, who was noted to be dirty with a significant number of minor lacerations and a deeper laceration to the underside of [the] right foot. Troopers also noted that the home had unclean bedding, an unflushed toilet with human feces in it, a high-powered rifle leaning in a corner, as well as other trash and feces within reach of all the children in the residence, according to the complaint. Darrel and Rebecca have each been charged with three counts of child neglect with risk of injury. They are being held in Tygart Valley Regional Jail on $100,000 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 WBOY.com. ST. LOUIS Two men accused in a St. Louis County kidnapping case have pleaded guilty to the crime in federal court. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Missouri said Kendal White and CamRon Henderson were searching for someone they believed had stolen firearms from them. On the evening of Aug. 10, 2023, White and Henderson went to the childs mothers apartment in St. Louis County. When the woman did not answer her door, White and Henderson kicked the door in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two men were armed and searched the apartment for their target. After seeing their quarry wasnt present, White and Henderson demanded the mother hand over her daughter. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News When the mother refused, White struck her with his gun multiple times and ripped the girl from her arms. Henderson and White fled, and the mother called the police. When White and Henderson saw that an Amber Alert had been issued for the missing child and identified their vehicle, the two men dropped off the girl with strangers and White paid three women to bring the toddler to her uncles home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child had been missing for approximately two hours. White, 20, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of kidnapping. Henderson, 20, pleaded guilty on Aug. 11 to the same charge. Both men face up to 20 years in federal prison. Henderson will be sentenced on Dec. 2 and White will be sentenced on Jan. 27, 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 2. MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) Authorities have apprehended two murder suspects after a stolen vehicle was found abandoned in a Mt. Juliet neighborhood Monday morning. According to the Mt. Juliet Police Department, officers were notified by Lebanon police about a active pursuit on I-40 West at approximately 10:20 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 8. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts The departments license plate recognition system reportedly triggered the pursuit of the vehicle, which was stolen during an armed carjacking in Louisville, Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mt. Juliet police said officers responded to the area to deploy spike strips, but as the vehicle approached the Golden Bear Gateway exit, Lebanon police stopped the chase. Shortly after, a license plate reader detected the stolen vehicle along Golden Bear Gateway and Beckwith Road. At the same time, a Wilson County Sheriffs deputy reportedly spotted the vehicle traveling down Beckwith Road, but was unable to catch up with it and lost sight of it near the intersection of Beckwith Road and South Rutland Road. However, since law enforcement believed the stolen vehicle was still in Mt. Juliet, officers began to search nearby neighborhoods. Moments later, a MJPD officer found the vehicle abandoned on Syler Drive in the Beckwith Crossing neighborhood, officials said. Authorities said the suspects later identified as 23-year-old Jeremiah James and 21-year-old Madison Greenwell of Shelbyville, Kentucky fled the area before officers arrived, adding that they had a large dog with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Due to witness accounts from nearby residents, officers were able to obtain a description of the suspects and enabled a MJAlert notification to the community. As several agencies responded to the area, including a Metro helicopter, a witness on Collier Road allegedly told authorities that one of the suspects was running behind their home. Just before 11 a.m., MJPD announced that James was apprehended in the 300 block of Collier Road. Minutes later, at 11:14 a.m., Greenwell was taken into custody. Courtesy: Colleen Rosendale Courtesy: Colleen Rosendale Courtesy: Colleen Rosendale Courtesy: Colleen Rosendale Courtesy: Colleen Rosendale Courtesy: Colleen Rosendale Both suspects are wanted for murder in Shelby County, Kentucky, for an incident that reportedly occurred in August. Officials added the vehicle they were traveling in was reported stolen during an armed carjacking on Sept. 5 in Louisville, Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are grateful for our officers strategic response, advanced technology, and support from partner agencies that led to their quick capture, wrote MJPD in a social media post about the incident. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Mt. Juliet police said the dog traveling with the suspects was safely secured by Mt. Juliet Animal Care and Control and will remain in their care until a family member is able to retrieve it. No additional information was immediately released. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. CHICAGO A 2-year-old boy has died following an accidental shooting Monday afternoon in Chatham. Officers responded to the 300 block of East 87th Street after 1 p.m. on the report of a shooting. Police believe a 2-year-old sustained an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the face. The Cook County Medical Examiner idenfitied the boy as Khaden Johnson. He was transported to Comer Childrens Hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police are speaking with a person of interest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two people were taken to an area hospital after a man demanding money allegedly stabbed them in Pittsburghs Downtown. Public safety officials say police were called to the intersection of Bigelow Square and Chatham Street just before 8 p.m. for reports of a stabbing. Two adults, a man and a woman, told police that a man approached them demanding money, and when they refused, he stabbed them. The man had wounds on his chin and leg, and the woman had a superficial wound on her arm. They were taken to an area hospital in stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A suspect was arrested at the scene. He was taken to a hospital in stable condition with wounds on his leg. Officials say charges are expected soon. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW NEED TO KNOW A plane flying from Pittsburgh to Houston diverted to Nashville after a "passenger disturbance" on Friday, according to the FAA A spokesperson for Mesa Airlines, which operated the United Airlines flight, told KHOU 11 two "verbally abusive" passengers were removed by law enforcement after landing in Tennessee A fellow passenger described the cryptic announcement made by flight attendants on board to the local outlet Two verbally abusive plane passengers were removed after forcing their flight to divert on Friday. According to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), United Airlines flight 6378, operated by Mesa Airlines, made an unplanned landing at Nashville International Airport around 1:50 p.m. local time on Sept. 5, after its crew reported "a passenger disturbance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency confirmed it will investigate the incident. The Houston-bound Embraer 175 departed Pittsburgh International Airport at 1:16 p.m. local time, according to FlightAware. Just over an hour into the flight, the aircraft diverted to Nashville. Robert Alexander/Getty United Airlines Express planes. United Airlines Express planes. A representative for Mesa Airlines told local outlet KHOU 11 the plane diverted to remove "two verbally abusive passengers and was met by local law enforcement upon arrival, Getty George Bush Intercontinental Airport George Bush Intercontinental Airport According to passengers on board the aircraft, flight attendants provided a cryptic warning to those on board amid the incident. The flight attendants actually did come on and say, hey, you know, just for the record its not a good idea to threaten anybody on a flight, passenger Juan Marroquin told the local outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another passenger alleged the two disruptive individuals were initially not complying with police who boarded the plane. I turned around and police officers are trying to escort these people off the plane and at first it didnt seem like they really wanted to move, flyer John Smith recounted. I guess they thought about the better process of the whole situation, and so they got off the plane. A representative for Nashville International Airport deferred to Mesa Airlines, who did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Last week, a plane passenger was forcibly removed from an aircraft after he allegedly refused to turn off his phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video footage captured on Monday, Sept. 1, shows an Enugu Air customer dragged by federal airport authorities off a passenger jet. The flight was scheduled to depart the state of Enugu for Lagos, Nigeria. Obiageli Orah, the director of public affairs and consumer protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, told Newsflare the passenger repeatedly failed to comply with safety instructions. So far, what we have gathered is that a passenger was meant to switch off his mobile phone, but he refused to abide by that instruction, Orah said. Other passengers also asked him to turn off his phone, and when he refused, security personnel on the ground were alerted. She added, The aircraft had to go back to deplane him. Orah did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. Read the original article on People WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A Maryland man died in the hospital after he was shot in D.C. in broad daylight on Sunday. Just after 3 p.m. on Sept. 7, D.C. police officers were called to the 2600 block of Birney Place in Southeast for a shooting. There, first responders located a 20-year-old man who had been shot, unconscious and not breathing. Court documents detail the last known moments of missing, murdered 19-year-old Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medics took the man to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was identified as Najii Mercer, of Oxon Hill, Md. As of Monday, no arrests have been made in connection with the deadly shooting. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the departments TEXT TIP LINE by sending a text message to 50411. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. An art exhibit coming to the New-York Historical Society this fall will showcase the creativity, innovation, and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ members during the Harlem Renaissance. The Gay Harlem Renaissance will be a 200-piece exhibit, running from October 10, 2025, through March 8, 2026. Per a press release shared by the Upper West Side-based American history museum, the forthcoming exhibit will explore and celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives during the transformative period, as well as everyday Black gay life in the early 20th century. A vibrant multitude of preserved artistic works and vintage relics will be on display, including books, paintings, photos, historical documents, and musical recordings by Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, and more. Among the highlights are Jacob Lawrences Harlem Diner painting, authentic rent party tickets from the era, and Richmond Barthe sculptures, to name a few. Another jewel of the collection is a recreation of the winning gown from the 1932 Hamilton Lodge Ball, a drag event, worn by Bonnie Clark. There will also be a vintage, 1939 issue of The Crisis, which was founded by W.E.B. Du Bois in 1910 and is the NAACPs (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) official publication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gay Harlem Renaissance provides a sweeping portrait of Harlem after the First World War, when a remarkable generation of Black artists, thinkers, and performers many of them members of the LGBTQ+ community shaped a new cultural vanguard, said the New-York Historical Societys President and CEO, Dr. Louise Mirrer. We hope that this show will invite visitors to consider how intimate friendships, chosen families, and radical ideas about identity helped define the Harlem Renaissance and continue to resonate today. What Else Is There To Know About The Gay Harlem Renaissance Exhibit? Curators Allison Robinson, Anne Lessy, and Rebecca Klassen are bringing The Gay Harlem Renaissance to life. Historian George Chauncey Columbia University professor and author of Gay New York also contributes to the exhibit. The Gay Harlem Renaissance shows that Black LGBTQ+ life was far more visible, accepted, and integrated into the daily life of 1920s Harlem than most people imagine, reflected Chauncey. The exhibition takes visitors to the basement speakeasies, rent parties, and drag balls where ordinary queer and straight people built lives together, as well as to the salons of the cultural elite. The New-York Historical Society was founded in 1804, and it is the oldest museum in New York City. Tickets to visit the site are $24 per adult, $13 for those with student identification, and $6 for children ages 5 to 13. Seniors, teachers, and active military members pay $19. Admission is free for members and children under 5. On Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m., admission is pay-as-you-wish. The post 200-Work Exhibit On The Gay Harlem Renaissance Opens In NYC Fall 2025 appeared first on Travel Noire. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) A 21-year-old man was shot to death near a gas station on Charles Street on Sunday night, and two people have been charged with his murder. Rockford Police said the crime took place around 11:10 p.m. near the Stop-N-Go at 2211 Charles Street. Investigators believe the Isaiah Locke of Rockford was shot while in his vehicle in the parking lot. However, officers were called to Charles Street and 11th, where they found the Locke. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gang detectives from the Rockford Police Department were able to identify 18-year-old Ladavion Crawford and 20-year-old Madison Shackleford as the suspects. On Monday, both were charged with First Degree Murder. I want to recognize the quick and diligent work of our team in response to last nights murder on Charles Street, says Chief Carla Redd. They demonstrated professionalism and acted without delay in their response, which allowed us to move the investigation forward immediately. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. 25 Investigates: U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan warns of permanent ICE surge in Massachusetts 25 Investigates is speaking directly with the White House about the latest surge of immigration enforcement dubbed Operation Patriot. According to the administration, the initiative targets sanctuary cities, including Boston, to increase enforcement operations and address public safety threats. Boston 25s Kerry Kavanaugh talked one-on-one with US Border Czar Tom Homan about why this is happening now, what we can expect to see, and how long this increased immigration enforcement could last. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BORDER CZAR TOM HOMAN: Its what I promised would happen, that were going to flood the zone of sanctuary cities to target and arrest public safety threats and national security threats. Homan later added They dont work with us, so theyre going release the public safety threats back into the community, and thats when we need to go find them. KAVANAUGH: How many people are you finding that have in fact been released? Did you have any data on that? BORDER CZAR TOM HOMAN: I have frequent meetings with ICE. Im aware of numerous criminal aliens released to the street. Homan later added That happens all the time in Massachusetts. Even though the governor wants to say shes not a sanctuary state, the data proves her wrong. Mayor of Boston says that, you know, she testified in front of Congress that Tom Homans the one lying. Well, I got the data to prove it, and I got their cases to prove. KAVANAUGH: The governor [Maura Healey] said in appearance over the weekend that this is not about public safety. This is about intimidation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BORDER CZAR TOM HOMAN: Well, shes wrong. This is about public safety. And if she cared about public safety, shed work with us. KAVANAUGH: But arent you working increasingly with more and more local Massachusetts departments? BORDER CZAR TOM HOMAN: Were trying. But bottom line is, theres still a problem in Massachusetts. And the data, ICE proves It. KAVANAUGH: You know the numbers are out there that the vast majority of people being detained dont have criminal records. BORDER CZAR TOM HOMAN: Wrong. Wrong. KAVANAUGH: So the majority of detained are criminals or accused criminals? BORDER CZAR TOM HOMAN: I look at the numbers every morning, and about 70% of everybody ICE arrests is a criminal. Homan added So lets talk about those non-criminals. A lot of them are national security threats, like the several thousand Iranian nationals we arrested. Most national security threats dont have a criminal history, because they lay low until they want to do something in their dirty deed, right? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KAVANAUGH: But what about the collateral? what about the folks that are here without papers, and that in and of itself is what youre holding them for? BORDER CZAR TOM HOMAN: We dont target them. We target national securities and public safety threats. Homan added If youre in the country illegally, thats not okay. Theyre in a country illegally in violation of law. They entered a country legally, which is a violation of criminal law. Its a crime that enters the country legally. KAVANAUGH: How long do you expect this second surge to last? BORDER CZAR TOM HOMAN: Permanently. KAVANAUGH: Permanently? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BORDER CZAR TOM HOMAN: Were going to increase resources in sanctuary cities. Weve already started. And as we bring this 10,000 more agents on, were going continue assigning to our most problem areas, which are sanctuary cities and sanctuary states. KAVANAUGH: So based on policy, not necessarily based on crime data? BORDER CZAR TOM HOMAN: No. See, youre wrong. Its based on crime data. Im telling you, were gonna send them to places where the data shows theyre sanctuary city. If theyre a sanctuary city and they cooperate with us and give us every criminal out of the jail, of course were going to reduce the number of officers there and send them into a place where criminals are being released. Homan would not say how many additional agents would be coming to Massachusetts. He said they are shifting assets from states like Florida and Texas, where he claims they dont have these issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch Kavanaughs entire interview with Border Czar Homan: Find more Boston 25 YouTube content here. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A man from Porcupine, South Dakota, has been sentenced to one year in prison after assaulting a man on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Elijah Battese. 25, was sentenced Aug. 18, According to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. 3 people injured in Brookings plane crash Battese assaulted a juvenile with a vacuum handle Sep. 27, 2024. The victim suffered a 1.5 laceration to their right ear which required 11 stitches from emergency services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Battese pleaded guilty to the assault on May 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 KELOLAND.com. Three people were hospitalized after a car crashed into an Ohio sushi restaraunt early Sunday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The crash occurred just before 4 a.m. Sunday near the intersection of W Sixth and Race Streets in downtown Cincinnati, our news partners WCPO-9 TV reported. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the crash is under investigation, but witnesses told WCPO-9 TV that the two vehicles involved were racing down the street before one lost control and crashed into the other. After the initial collision, one of the vehicles then crashed into Baru, a sushi and cocktail bar. Cincinnati Police officers said that one person had to be extricated, while bystanders helped another person out, and a third person was able to get out of the car on their own, WCPO-9 TV reported. I was in my room reading and I heard a loud boom, like the loudest Ive ever heard, and then I looked out my window, saw the crash, called 911 at 3:44 a.m. Then I just started describing everything from my balcony, Courtney Brown said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three people were taken to UC Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. People got out of the cars. Some started to run, some started to fight each other, and the smoke was really bad, Brown said. Like, I couldnt breathe, it was that bad. Witnesses told WCPO-9 TV that this is the second time a car has crashed into a restaraunt since 2024. The Cincinnati building department was called to the scene shortly after the crash, and both cars were towed away around 5 a.m. Later Sunday, Baru posted on social media addressing the crash. We are incredibly grateful to report that no guests or team members were harmed, the post reads. As a precaution and to ensure everyones safety, we will be temporarily closed while we assess the extent of the damages. The restaurant did not give a timeline on when it will reopen. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] South Carolina is one of 40 state that received a letter from the Trump administration threatening to pull funding if references to gender in sexual education materials weren't removed. COLUMBIA Classes on sexual health, leadership and financial literacy for teenagers are at risk if the federal government pulls a grant from the state, nonprofit leaders receiving the funding said. The state received about $1.6 million this year from a federal grant meant to prevent teen pregnancies and teach teenagers about sexually transmitted infections, as well as other life skills, according to the federal Department of Health and Human Services. That money went to five nonprofits across the state, according to the Department of Public Health, which is in charge of distributing the grant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the Trump administration sent a letter to 40 states, including South Carolina, telling them to remove references to gender identity and expression found in the sexual education materials the groups were using. Federal law on the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) includes no mention of gender ideology, which is both irrelevant to teaching abstinence and contraception and unrelated to any of the adult preparation subjects in the program, reads the letter. The federal Administration for Children and Families had previously approved the curriculum for organizations to use, which the letter said was an error. South Carolinas organizations reported using three teachers manuals to which the administration objected. One suggested instructors ask students to share their pronouns as a way of creating a safe space for transgender or gender nonconforming youth. All three explained differences between a persons gender identity, gender expression and sex assigned at birth, according to the letter. 08.26.25-Combined-PREP-Letters_removed Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Henry McMaster praised the move as a way of removing goofy stuff from the materials that have no business being in there. I think the Trump administration has done a big favor going through these materials and finding these things and calling it to everyones attention, McMaster told reporters last week. The information about gender flagged in the letter make up little to none of the actual content of the lessons, said leaders for three of the five groups receiving the funding. The curriculum is meant to teach teenagers about how to practice safe sex, as well as how to have healthy relationships, overcome obstacles in life and be responsible with money, the organizations leaders said. The letter gave organizations until Oct. 27 to stop using those materials or risk losing funding. The Department of Public Health is working with those nonprofits to make sure they meet that deadline, a spokesperson said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives for Columbia Housing Authority and Auxilium Community Development Corporation, two of the groups that receive grant funding, did not respond to requests for comment. Both advertise programs teaching youth life skills on their websites. Lowcountry Youth Services Lowcountry Youth Services, which runs several programs in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties, wasnt using the instructions on gender and sexuality at all, said executive director ReZsaun Lewis. At a school districts request, the nonprofit will come into the school for 10 weeks and teach groups of about 15 to 20 students life skills, such as how to respond to difficult situations in life, how to communicate effectively and how to advocate for themselves, Lewis said. There was nothing related to gender ideology or anything like that, Lewis said. It was all about making sure that the kids had a better framework for life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children, their parents and the school officials who sat in on the courses all enjoyed the program, which the nonprofit chose because it offered good exercises to teach students about leadership and communication, Lewis said. For example, programs for elementary schools taught children how to share and make others feel included during playtime, Lewis said. For older children, the lessons grew more complex, such as helping young men overcome the stigma around showing emotions and teaching them to communicate their feelings, he said. The nonprofit, which has run programs in more than a dozen schools across three Lowcountry school districts, is evaluating its options moving forward, Lewis said. Whatever curriculum leaders decide to use, Lewis top priority is keeping the program going to make sure students who might lack mentorship at home have access to trustworthy adults, he said. Were going to do the work, and if the work requires us getting a different curriculum, well get a different curriculum, Lewis said. Whatever curriculum the nonprofit decides to use, Lewis said he worries about federal or state officials finding another boogeyman, or another topic mentioned in the materials, that will force the group to change its programming again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont know how were able to do the work in a way that makes them happy, to be honest with you, Lewis said. Were doing the best we can, and well continue to do the best we can, because the kids need us. If were not doing the work and organizations like ours are taken out of the fight, then our kids really are left at an extreme disadvantage, he continued. Palmetto Place Children and Youth Services In Columbia, Palmetto Place Children and Youth Services is also focused on how to keep its afterschool programs on sexual health running, said executive director Damien Talley. No matter what directives come up, Palmetto Place will continue helping teenagers in whatever capacity possible, even if that means directing them to other resources, Talley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As long as theres a need for us and the services we provide, we will find a way to navigate any challenges with funding to support our youth, Talley said. The nonprofit chose its curriculum because leaders felt it was particularly instructive about both abstinence and contraception. The hundreds of teenagers who have gone through the program have found it helpful to avoid pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, as well as know what to do if they end up in one of those situations, Talley said. We wanted to give them as much information as they could have so they could make the best possible choices, he said. The group is continuing to use parts of the curriculum but have removed any reference to gender, Talley said. Based on the instructions the nonprofit received from the state, that should put the program in compliance with the letter, he said. Boys and Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Along with lessons about sexual health, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee use $60,000 in federal grant funding each year to teach preteens and teens about how to be good leaders and manage their finances, said program director Michael Woods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 120 youth participated in the program this year, Woods said. The programs take place outside of school, and anyone participating needs their parents permission to discuss sexual health, Woods said. The Florence-based nonprofit has stopped the courses using the curriculum flagged in the letter, Woods said. To do otherwise and risk losing grant funding would mean halting the programs altogether, taking away a vital resource for many children in the community, he said. The Boys & Girls Club is still figuring out how to move forward, he said. Its our responsibility to make sure theyre responsible and caring citizens, at the end of the day, Woods said. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Three schools in South Dakota have been selected as National Blue Ribbon Schools, a prestigious award for excellent academic performance or for closing achievement gaps. In a news release by the South Dakota Department of Education, the winning schools were Howard High School, Jones County Middle School and Warner Elementary. Howard High and Warner Elementary were honored for their high scores in math and English, along with their attendance and graduation rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Celebrating 10 years at the Toy Lending Library Jones County Middle School was honored for helping students with educational barriers find success with attendance, math and English. The work that is being done at Howard High School, Jones County Middle School and Warner Elementary School is a testament to dedicated educators, committed parents, and engaged students who put in the effort to thrive academically, and talented leadership, said Secretary of Education Joe Graves, in the news release. Historic marker project to honor first Vikings game All three schools will be individually congratulated for their outstanding performance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Police in California seeking proof Sean Patrick McNulty raped two Ventura County women four decades ago found it in a saved DNA sample from a 1993 Bloomington rape investigation. McNulty died in Michigan by suicide as investigators were closing in to arrest him in 1997 for the Bloomington rape. A Sept. 4 news release from the Ventura County District Attorney details how the serial rapist was tied to six sexual assaults committed when McNulty broke into homes and terrorized women. Multi-state connection After years of investigating, McNulty was connected in 2024 to two unsolved Venture County home invasion rapes, in 1982 and 1983, as well as three others committed in Michigan and Ohio in 1994, 1995 and 1997 . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Ventura Countys Sexual Assault Kit Initiative tested the evidence collected from 1980s victims. They found the three other DNA matches as well but had no identity to tie them to. An FBI crime analyst joined an investigative genealogist with the Columbus Police Department in Ohio to research the DNA profile. They identified McNulty as the suspect in all five rapes. They needed a sample of his DNA for comparison, but McNulty was long dead. They located his headstone in a Ventura cemetery, then learned there was no body in the grave to exhume. McNulty had been cremated and the whereabouts of his ashes was unknown. The Bloomington connection Undaunted, the FBI expert then discovered reports from a 1993 rape in Bloomington where McNulty was named as the suspect. Did any viable evidence remain? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It did. Bloomington detectives searching for evidence from the departments investigation more than 30 years ago found a biological sample taken from McNulty. It was sent to an Ohio forensics lab and determined to be an exact match to the 1997 rape in Columbus. After that, forensic scientists in Ventura County matched McNultys DNA to the 1980s rapes there. And his DNA matched that of the rapist in the 1994 and 1995 sexual assaults in Michigan. Other victims could be out there Police continue investigating, looking to possibly solve other sexual assaults the U.S. Navy veteran may have carried out. He lived or spent time in 14 states and the Philippines, so victims could be widespread. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ventura County rape investigators officials contacted McNultys victims to let them know he had been identified and that he died more than 25 years ago. The news release said the Bloomington victim was grateful, saying that after all these years you didnt give up. In 2022, Ventura County launched the sexual assault kit initiative with a goal to test all samples in an effort to identify suspects in unsolved cases. The results show the importance of testing every kit and pursuing every lead, no matter how old or how long it takes, Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff said. Contact H-T reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Decades-old Bloomington evidence solves rape cases GROVE, Okla. The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association recently recognized long-time Grove School District science instructor Donna Deason for her commitment to students and for positively impacting their lives inside and outside of the classroom. Deason teaches eighth-grade general science and eighth-grade Honors Science and has won the Oklahoma State Science and Engineering Fair grand champion title for an unprecedented 19 consecutive years. She always goes above and beyond the scope of her job to ensure our students succeed, said Grove Schools Superintendent Pat Dodson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School leaders point to Deasons drive to have her students succeed at the Oklahoma State Science and Engineering Fair as one of the shining moments. With 31 years in the classroom, she is one of the Grove School Districts foundational educational bricks, earning the Grove Education Foundation for Excellence Shining Star Award in 2002. I motivate my academic team by modeling, encouraging, and praising, Deason said. She said her teaching method, which involves letting the students perform scientific research independently, is one of the best gifts she can give a student. My students goal is usually to attend the Oklahoma State Science and Engineering Fair held in Stillwater, Deason said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said students can stay overnight, tour the college, and meet new students from all over the state. Students learn very quickly the enjoyment of walking across the stage and receiving awards, Deason said. In the classroom, Deason works diligently to research and implement new techniques and strategies for her students. After 30 years, I can still say I love my job! Donna Deason, Grove Middle School Science teacher The unprecedented Grand Champion legacy began in 2002. Several Grove students won many of the categories, Deason said. When they called our little schools name Grand Champion, we all went nuts with pride. It certainly makes you proud of the students and their hard work for being recognized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deason said Vic Clouse, the former principal who hired her, and Mindy Collins, the current principal, hold the keys to her longevity and success at Grove Schools. Vic Clouse is the person who has made the biggest impact on my teaching career, Deason said. Deason described Clouse, a former science teacher, as a down-to-earth principal who understood teachers diverse personalities and teaching styles. He supported teachers raising small children and told us always to put family first, Deason said. He taught me to be fair, consistent, and work hard. The current Grove Middle School Principal, Mindy Collins, worked alongside Deason for almost a quarter of a century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was fortunate to spend one year as her co-teacher in science and, for the past six years, to support her as her building principal, Collins said. In every role, I have remained in awe of Mrs. Deasons dedication and passion for education. She consistently puts in an extraordinary amount of time outside of school hours, staying current with the latest technology and instructional strategies to ensure her students are engaged and excited about learning, Collins said. Collins praised Deasons leadership, which has elevated our students scientific research projects to new levels, and year after year she seeks additional funding opportunities through grant writing and community partnerships to provide them with even greater learning experiences. Deason cites Collins as the most generous principal I have ever had, referring to equipment used in classroom labs and activities. She supports a learning environment for all students and will go out of her way to help teachers achieve this, Deason said. Deason knows teachers make a difference and often give a struggling student a smile, encouragement, and hope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One such student sat in Deasons science class about 10 years ago. He came in after school one day in tears because an extracurricular instructor had scolded him for missing class, Deason said. She said he wasnt cutting classhe was at the Senior Citizens building testing older adults for his science research project. Deason paved the road for a conversation with the principal to tell his side of the story. The student won first place at the Oklahoma State Science and Engineering Fair and first place in the extracurricular activity class competition. I followed him through college and watched him excel in every activity from leadership to band, Deason said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now immersed in his graduate program in Minnesota, the former student sent Deason a message one day about how he tried to model Deason in everything he accomplished in college. He always said to himself, What would Mrs. Deason do? Deason said. I think this was one of the nicest comments anyone ever gave me, Deason 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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. NASA's next big mission prepares for launch in Titusville. Meet IMAP spacecraft. NASA's next big science mission is being prepared in Titusville ahead of a late September launch. The goal: better understand our Sun and provide timely warning ahead of space weather events. Meet IMAP. Read the full story here. Future Voyagers Month: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers free child admission Know a child dreaming of the stars? For all of September, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering free admission to "future voyagers." The Visitor Complex's "Future Voyagers Month" offer includes three free child tickets per adult ticket purchased admission cost of $77 per person 12 years and over. The offer is available for children ages 3-11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the full story here. Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA, rocket launch schedule at Cape Canaveral By the end of August, a whopping 74 orbital rockets lifted off from Florida's Space Coast. For perspective, that total surpassed the former annual record of 72 launches in 2023 and 2024's freshly established annual record of 93 launches is also on pace to fall by the wayside. Will a new launch record materialize at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's neighboring Kennedy Space Center? Stay tuned. Read the full story here. Launch recap: SpaceX rocket launches from Cape Canaveral Wednesday morning Launch recap: Scroll down to read live updates from Starlink 10-22 mission, which launched 7:56 a.m. Sept. 3 from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the full story here. U.S. Space Command's move to Alabama, Houston's Artemis control and 3I/Atlas: Space Beat This week on SpaceBeat, host Rob Landers and space team reporter Eric Lagatta discuss President Trump's decision to move U.S. Space Command to Alabama. Other topics include the new Artemis control room at Johnson Space Center and NASA's objective to get a closer look at the interstellar object 3I/Atlas. Read the full story here. Launch recap: SpaceX rocket launches Friday morning from NASA's Kennedy Space Center Launch recap: Scroll down to read live FLORIDA TODAY updates from the Starlink 10-57 mission, which launched 8:32 a.m. Sept. 5 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A. Read the full story here. FAA: Starship launches, landings from KSC could delay Florida airline flights up to 2 hours Future Florida airline flights could face rerouting and delays lasting 40 minutes to two hours during SpaceX's Starship-Super Heavy mega-rocket missions at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the Federal Aviation Administration projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceX seeks FAA licensing to launch and land up to 44 Starships and Super Heavy boosters per year at pad 39A. These temporary airspace hazard closure zones could trigger ground stops at major international airports in Tampa, Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood. Read the full story here. SpaceX targeting Monday night to launch Indonesian satellite from Cape Canaveral, Florida Potential "jellyfish effect" launch alert: SpaceX may propel a Falcon 9 rocket into flight shortly after sunset Monday, Sept. 8, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Sunset will occur at 7:35 p.m. Monday at the Cape, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac. Soon afterward, SpaceX is targeting a 116-minute launch window that opens at 8:02 p.m. and ends at 9:58 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the full story here. For the latest news and launch schedule from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space. Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter. Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1 Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 321 Launch: Space news you may have missed over the past week (Sept. 8) NEED TO KNOW A 36-year-old woman from California got lost in Michigan's Pigeon River Forest while searching for water on Friday, Sept. 5 According to the Otsego County Sheriff's Office, she spent almost 18 hours in the "cold and rain" before being located by a police helicopter She had been participating in a YouTube outdoor survival contest at the time of her disappearance, according to local police A woman taking part in a YouTube outdoor survival contest was rescued after being lost in a Michigan forest for 18 hours. At around 5 p.m. local time on Friday, Sept. 5, the California native, 36, left the designated base camp set up in the Pigeon River Forest, Charlton Township, in search of water, the Otsego County Sheriff's Office said in a news release shared on Facebook. The contest's hosts launched a search for her when she failed to return, but were unsuccessful in their attempts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman was reported missing to authorities at around 5 a.m. the next day. A search effort was initiated, and MSP canine units entered the dense forest, which was still damaged from the ice storm, Michigan State Police said in a news release shared on X. At around 10:40 a.m., a police helicopter located the missing woman deep within a swampy area, according to the Otsego County Sheriff's Office. She had been in the cold and rain for almost 18 hours. Erin Kirkland/Bloomberg via Getty Pigeon River Country State Forest, Michigan Pigeon River Country State Forest, Michigan Multiple authorities had assisted in the search, including several fire departments, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan State Police Aviation Unit. Once the woman, who has not been publicly identified, was located in the forest by the helicopter crew, ground officers and canine units approached her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The female was able to walk out under her own power and was evaluated by EMS on scene, the Otsego County Sheriff's Office said. She was released with no serious injuries. 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. Otsego County Emergency Management- Homeland Security & 911 Facebook First responders at the forest in Michigan First responders at the forest in Michigan Footage from the rescue mission shared by Michigan State Police on X shows the woman frantically waving towards the helicopter above her while lost amongst the trees. A helicopter crew member can be heard directing law enforcement officers and firefighters on the ground towards her. They were able to walk her out of the woods safely, according to the police news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you to all the First Responders. MSP, MSP Helo, OCSD, DNR, Charlton Twp Fire, Otsego Lake Fire, Star Township Fire, OCEMS - Emergency Service, Otsego County Emergency Management- Homeland Security & 911 wrote on Facebook, alongside two photos taken at the scene of the rescue. PEOPLE contacted the Michigan State Police and YouTube for further information on Monday, Sept. 8. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW A 4-year-old boy was bitten by a copperhead snake while playing at New Beginnings Child Enrichment Center in North Carolina According to the day care center, the child was "quickly" taken to the hospital once their guardian arrived following the attack "My first thought was, why didnt they call 911? the boys aunt, Brook Cooper, told WSOCTV9 of her arrival at the day care center A 4-year-old boy is recovering from a venomous snake bite that the day care center he attends in North Carolina initially mistook for a splinter. The child had been playing near a sandbox at New Beginnings Child Enrichment Center in Stony Point when his hand began to swell on Thursday, Sept. 4, WSOCTV9 reported. Day care workers contacted his guardian, suspecting that he may have a splinter or could have broken his hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, once his guardian arrived at the day care center, the information they were told was allegedly changed, as it was revealed that the boy had been bitten by a copperhead snake. Emergency services confirmed to the outlet that they did not receive a 911 call in regards to the snake bite. The director got up and said he got snakebit. My first thought was, why didnt they call 911? the boys aunt, Brook Cooper, told WSOCTV9 of her arrival at the day care. My second thing was like, do the other parents even know? WSOCTV9/YouTube New Beginnings Child Enrichment Center New Beginnings Child Enrichment Center Alexander County 911 stated that they respond to snake bites every year in the county. Despite first responders not carrying anti-venom, they can help victims before they arrive at the hospital, per WSOCTV9. Family members had to rush the boy to the hospital following the attack at New Beginnings Child Enrichment Center, while a day care worker allegedly killed the snake before children returned to the playground the next day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tiffany Robinson, who is an owner and co-director at New Beginnings Child Enrichment Center, said in a statement shared on Facebook that the safety and well-being of every child is their priority at the center. During outdoor play on Thursday, the children were playing with the mulch on the playground when one child picked up a snake out of curiosity, Robinson said. The snake bit the child, but the child continued to play at first. Staff noticed the child shaking their hand and checked on the hand, believing it might have been a splinter from the mulch. Because our mulch is rubber, this seemed unusual, and out of caution, the guardian was called immediately. The conversation began with the belief it was a splinter, and the guardian was asked if she wanted the co-director to attempt to remove it, Robinson continued. She agreed. Upon further examination, however, it became clear that it was not a splinter but a snake bite. The guardian was called back right away, informed of the situation, and asked to come pick up her child immediately. Robinson's statement added that the playground was secured for the snakes removal and the child attacked received timely treatment at the hospital once taken there by their guardian. We want our families and community to know that this situation was handled quickly, responsibly, and with the childs care at the center of every decision, Robinson concluded. We are also taking added steps with local professionals to further ensure the safety of our outdoor spaces. We are grateful the child is recovering and deeply appreciate the trust families place in us every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A representative for New Beginnings Child Enrichment Center and Alexander County 9-1-1 & Emergency Management did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Monday, Sept. 8. 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 the Mayo Clinic, 911 or local emergency authorities should be contacted immediately after a venomous snake bite. It is important to calmly move far away from the serpent before removing any jewelry or tight-fitting clothes. Pain, swelling and a change in color at the site or all the way up the limb are among the common symptoms of a snake bite. Others may include nausea, difficulty breathing and muscle weakness. Victims of a snake bite are advised not to try to remove the venom themselves or to tie off the bite area. Read the original article on People MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) Authorities have identified the four Texas men who were charged in connection with a failed ATM theft that led to a deadly shooting in August. The Murfreesboro Police Department identified the suspects, all from the Dallas area, as DeAndre Hanks, Tyron Patton, Khamondre Phillips, and Meki Hill. They were transferred from Arkansas to Tennessee in August, and each was charged with two counts of property theft involving stolen vehicles and burglary. Deadly shooting amid ATM theft at Murfreesboro gas station Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to officials, five suspects were involved in the failed theft on Aug. 1. Around 5 a.m., three men reportedly backed a stolen pickup truck to the 7-Eleven Exxon on East Northfield Boulevard, broke a window with a sledgehammer and attempted to pull the ATM from its base with a guy wire. An armed customer inside the store reportedly opened fire, fatally shooting one of the suspects. Officials identified the man who died at the scene as 23-year-old Tyrese Walder. Authorities said they interviewed the customer who shot Walder, but no charges have been filed against him amid the open investigation. After the shooting, the suspects reportedly fled the scene, abandoned the stolen truck at a nearby apartment complex, and escaped in a separate vehicle. On Aug. 2, the men were apprehended in Arkansas. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Hanks is being held in the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on a $160,000 bond, and Phillips bond is set at $60,000. Both men are expected to appear in General Sessions Court on Sept. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patton is jailed on an $85,000 bond, and his court hearing is set for Sept. 15. Hill remains detained on a $110,000 bond with a court date set for Sept. 21. 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. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) While the winning $1.8 billion jackpot ticket was not sold in West Virginia, four people in the Mountain State still won big. According to a press release on the West Virginia Lottery website, a $1 million dollar ticket was sold in Hedgesville at 7-11. A $100,000 winning ticket was also sold with the drawing matching four numbers plus the Power Ball and the Power Play, doubling the original winning amount. Two $50,000 tickets were also sold, with one from the Cheat Lake Price Cutter in Morgantown on Venture Drive and another at the the Somerville Exxon on Highway 33 in Linn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of these tickets were hit during 42 consecutive drawings, the longest in game and lottery history according to the release. Where does money spent on the West Virginia Lottery go? What a run! Acting Director David Bradley said in the release. While we didnt hit the jackpot here in West Virginia, we had players with big wins and that is quite exciting. We want to encourage them to get in contact with our team and start that process, and we want to remind everyone how important it is to always play responsibly. The winners of the tickets can call the West Virginia Lottery office at 304-558-0500 for information on how to claim their prizes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday is also the last day for a $1 million ticket sold in Hurricane in a March Powerball drawing. Bradley is encouraging people to double check their tickets, as another unclaimed $1 million ticket remains from a drawing in May that will expire in November. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Several people were injured after a shooting in Ohio on Sunday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The shooting happened in The Flats in downtown Cleveland in the 1000 block of W 10th Street just after 6 p.m., according to CBS affiliate WOIO in Cleveland. Cleveland firefighters had been previously dispatched on reports of overcrowding at a bar, according to Cleveland Police. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medics transported five people to the hospital with gunshot wounds. Three people are in critical condition, while two others are in stable condition, medics told WOIO. One of the victims is believed to be the suspect, WOIO reports. Preliminary investigation indicates that an altercation inside the nearby bar escalated outside, leading to the shooting, said Cleveland Police. We will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Finding life beyond the Earth would be a major scientific discovery with significant implications for all areas of science and human thought. Yet, only one direct search for extraterrestrial life has ever been conducted. The Viking missions landed on the Martian surface using parachutes. This diagram shows each stage the spacecraft went through as they landed. NASA The NASA Viking spacecraft, which landed on Mars, conducted this search in the summer of 1976. Viking consisted of two twin orbiters and landers, with experimental chambers in the landers to conduct three biology experiments. Over the past half-century, the measurements made during the Viking biology experiments have been the subject of many discussions, analyses and speculation. Today, scientists are still discussing the results of these experiments in an attempt to answer the age-old question of whether there is life beyond the Earth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The year 2025 marks 50 years since the two spacecraft launched, three weeks apart. These landers achieved humankinds first two successful soft landings of operational and functioning spacecraft on the surface of another planet. Im an atmospheric scientist who worked on the Viking missions in the 1970s at the NASA Langley Research Center, the laboratory that developed and managed the highly successful Viking missions. The Viking missions scientific discoveries painted a new picture of Mars atmosphere, surface and planetary history. Launching and landing the Viking spacecraft The two Viking spacecraft both consisted of an orbiter and a lander. Viking 1 entered Mars orbit on June 19, 1976, and successfully landed on the surface on July 20, 1976, which was also the seventh anniversary of the first human Moon landing. Viking 2 followed, landing on Sept. 3, 1976, at a site farther to the northwest. Viking wasnt just looking for life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These crafts contained equipment to take pictures; map heat energy, wind and weather; study the chemical composition of the surface, dust and atmosphere; and collect and analyze soil samples. Measurements that Viking took of the atmosphere suggested that Mars used to have a much denser atmosphere but over time lost it. It also observed that the wind picks up tiny dust particles, blowing them into the atmosphere. This process colors the planets sky permanently pink. All the instruments found on the Viking landers. NASA The Viking landers also discovered that at any location on Mars, the atmospheres surface pressure varies seasonally. The planet has frozen north and south poles, like on Earth. At the Martian poles in summer, the frozen carbon dioxide sublimates transforming from a frozen solid to a gas and then at the winter pole condenses back into a frozen solid. That process, unique to Mars, affects the atmospheric pressure by changing how much carbon dioxide is in gas form instead of solid form over the planets surface. Biology experiments Each of the three Viking biology experiments brought a soil sample from the Martian surface into a sterilized test chamber and exposed the sample to a different nutrient under different atmospheric conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers wanted to find out whether the soil contained microorganisms, so they monitored how the atmosphere in the chamber changed. Metabolic processes like breathing from organisms consuming the nutrient would change the chemical composition of the chambers atmosphere. Depending on the experiment, the nutrient contained either carbon, carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide all of which were radioactive. With radioactive samples, researchers could track the level of radioactivity in the chamber to see if metabolic reactions in the soil samples were raising or lowering it. For all three experiments, the researchers could use radio commands to heat up the test chamber, which was still inside the Viking spacecraft on Mars. This would destroy any potential microorganisms in the soil and stop the production of any gases they were creating metabolically. In the first experiment, called the carbon assimilation experiment or the pyrolytic release experiment, the researchers simulated the Martian atmosphere in one of Vikings test chambers. They filled the chamber with gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide and made these gases radioactive to see how the atmosphere changed from interactions with the soil sample. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the second experiment, The labeled release experiment, researchers directly injected the soil sample with a nutrient containing radioactive carbon. They monitored the experimental chamber for radioactive carbon dioxide and measured the level of radioactive carbon dioxide after injecting the soil samples. In this experiment, the investigators saw results that could have come from a biological source. The three biology experiments involved putting soil samples in sealed chambers with nutrients and seeing what happened to the atmosphere in each chamber. NASA The third experiment, the gas exchange experiment, filled the chamber with helium, which doesnt react with anything. They exposed the soil to different types of nutrients. Some had been incubating in wet conditions, others in humid conditions and others still in dry conditions. Again they monitored the chamber for potential metabolically produced gases. When the soil samples touched the wet nutrient, the humidity immediately caused some changes in the chambers chemical environment. Most of these changes were just caused by the water evaporating. In one case, superoxides in the soil, which are O molecules that have taken on an extra electron, reacted with water. Other changes had to do with oxygen molecules in the soil breaking down. All of these changed the atmosphere in the chamber but likely wouldnt have been caused by microorganisms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The researchers repeated this experiment by resetting the chambers atmosphere and adding in fresh nutrients, but they didnt change the soil sample. This time, the soil released only carbon dioxide into the chamber, which likely came from the organic materials in the nutrient they added breaking down. The results from this third experiment led the researchers to conclude that there likely werent microorganisms in the soil. But together, the results from the three experiments werent exactly straightforward. Only the labeled release experiment results suggested a biological source for the observed results. The carbon assimilation experiment and the gas exchange experiment suggested that nonbiological or inorganic chemical reactions caused the observed results. Lead researchers on the project concluded that there was no unambiguous discovery of life by the Viking landers, but it cannot be completely ruled out. The Viking mission was a major scientific and engineering success. On July 21, 1976, the day after the successful Viking 1 landing on the surface of Mars, The New York Times published the first photograph of Mars taken by the Viking Lander on its front page, covering all eight columns of the newspaper. The New York Times The molecular analysis experiment Unlike the biology experiments, which experimented on soil samples, another Viking experiment, the molecular analysis experiment, directly searched the Martian surface for organic matter. Organic materials are carbon compounds bonded with hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen that come either directly or indirectly from living organisms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To everyones surprise, this experiment did not detect any organic compounds on the surface of Mars. Researchers had known for years that meteorites containing organic materials had hit Mars repeatedly throughout its history, so to find none at all seemed strange. Some scientists theorized that Martian soil might contain a compound that quickly converts any organic material on the surface to carbon dioxide. A compound like this would have evaporated any evidence before scientific instruments had the chance to find it. In 2008, decades after this finding, NASA found a compound that may be doing just that. Their Phoenix lander detected high concentrations of a compound called perchlorate in the soil. When perchlorate is heated as it was in the Viking molecular analysis experiment it can chemically destroy organic compounds, and scientists figured its the likely culprit behind the strange result from the molecular analysis experiment. The Viking 1 lander, pictured in a Mars simulation laboratory. AP Photo A new model for life on Mars Scientists are still using the findings from these experiments today. Recently, Steven A. Benner, the director of the Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, developed a new model for present-day life on Mars based on the three Viking biology experiments measurements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His model predicts that microorganisms could have used the radioactive carbon nutrient in the experiment chamber to create their own food, releasing radioactive carbon dioxide in the process. It also suggests that at night, microorganisms could be absorbing oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. That could explain the oxygen released from the Mars soil sample when moistened. The Benner model suggests that there could be living microorganisms on the surface of Mars, but future research and measurements will need to confirm this very intriguing possibility. 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: Joel S. Levine, William & Mary Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Joel S. Levine is a consultant and subject matter expert for the NASA Engineering and Safety Center in the areas of space and planetary environments. Dr. Levine worked for NASA from 1970 to 2011 and worked on the Viking Mission to Mars, the subject of this article. Dr. Levine was appointed Mars Scout Program Scientist in the Mars Exploration Program, NASA Headquarters and appointed co-chair of the NASA panel on the Human Exploration of Mars Science Analysis Group (HEM-SAG), planning for the first human mission to Mars. NEED TO KNOW Six people have died and two have been injured after a suspected DUI crash in Napa County, California, on Sunday, Sept. 7 A Toyota Sienna minivan with numerous occupants left the highway before hitting a tree, per ABC7 and SFGate While at the hospital, the driver was arrested in the hospital on suspicion of DUI causing injury/death Six people have died and two others have been injured after a suspected DUI crash in California. On Sunday, Sept. 7, a single vehicle crashed into a tree in Napa County, according to ABC7, KTVU and SFGate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities were first alerted before 6 p.m. at 6198 Pope Valley Road, northeast of Calistoga, per ABC7 and SFGate. Officials from the California Highway Patrol told the outlets that a Toyota Sienna minivan, which had many occupants, was found at around 5:50 p.m. The vehicle had been traveling southbound on Pope Valley Road before it left the highway for reasons unknown and hit the tree. While six people were pronounced deceased at the scene, the driver and another passenger were airlifted to the hospital, ABC7 has noted that they sustained "major" injuries and are receiving treatment, citing California Highway Patrol Sgt. Andrew Barclay. 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 driver was subsequently arrested in the hospital on suspicion of DUI causing injury/death. Egon Bomsch/imageBROKER/Shutterstock Stock image of Highway patrol vehicle Stock image of Highway patrol vehicle The passengers who died have not been identified by authorities, according to KTVU which notes that the driver is male. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash occurred in the unincorporated community of Pope Valley, about 12 miles north of St. Helena. The site of the accident is near to Pope Valley Union Elementary School and Calla Lily Estate and Winery, per NBC News. Pope Valley Road remains closed as an investigation takes place, the CHP notes, per multiple outlets. California Highway Patrol did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on the incident. Read the original article on People Up to 60% of FPV drones procured under state orders are either entirely unusable or require major reworking after delivery. Source: Serhii Sternenko, head of a major charitable foundation for UAVs, on social media Quote: "Once again, more than half of the 2 million FPVs from the state are unusable and sitting in warehouses. How much is that in money? Billions." Details: Serhii Sternenko underlined that there are two reasons for this situation: logistics delays of 1-6 months, and the demand generated by the General Staff, which directly submits to the Ministry of Defence the names of drones to be purchased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its either massive corruption or sheer stupidity. Or both at once, I dont know. But its us who have to fix it afterwards," he emphasised. Background: It was previously reported that the Defence Procurement Agency saved more than UAH 500 million (about US$12 million) thanks to a new procedure for procuring FPV drones. Meanwhile, some manufacturers have already made the first deliveries of drones to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The DPA announced its first tenders for the procurement of FPV drones in line with tactical and technical specifications in July 2025. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! SHAWNEE COUNTY (KSNT) Homeowners in Shawnee Heights may see a bump to their property taxes in the coming days as a $65,000,000 bond decision draws closer. Residents in USD 450 are on a path to make a major decision on a multi-million dollar bond issue meant to help improve the local school district this fall. Voter approval would result in a tax jump for local homeowners to help pay for improvements at several of USD 450s schools. Man celebrates big milestone serving Topeka at Dillons grocery store What is included in the bond resolution? The USD 450 $65,000,000 bond resolution will, if approved, result in an estimated tax impact of $1.44 per month, or $17.25 per year, for a $100,000 residential home, according to the school districts website. Bond money is set to be used for numerous improvements at schools within USD 450, including the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shawnee Heights High School. Replace north and south parking lots. Auxiliary gym. Stadium fieldhouse: concessions, restrooms and locker rooms. Kitchen addition and increase in serving area. Add air conditioning to North Gym and Art Room. Renovate FACS classrooms. Renovate counseling suite. Robotics renovation. Shawnee Heights Middle School. Addition for 6th Grade and electives. Auxiliary gym. Renovate/update existing classrooms. Replace classroom cabinets. Increase space in counseling suite. Update science classrooms. Renovate FACS. Renovate business. Robotics renovation. Add 2nd restrooms for 8th Graders. Add conference rooms in library. Improve courtyard. Add curtain to divide gym and drop down volleyball nets. Add additional parking to the east. Extend access road to 45th Street. Shawnee Heights Elementary School. Create secure entrance by moving main office. Improve drop-off and pick-up with new canopy, sidewalk, railing and extend sidewalk. Renovate special education offices. Gym floor replacement. Mechanical improvements. Berryton Elementary. Expand east parking lot and improve drop-off and pick-up. Renovate classrooms and offices. Renovate restrooms. Cafeteria expansion. Additional classroom space. Update electrical and fire alarm systems. Mechanical improvements. Tecumseh North Elementary School. Expand office for support services, meeting space and additional space. Gym floor and bleachers replacement. Basement renovation for orchestra, band, classrooms and offices. Panthers Den relocation and improvements. Restroom renovations. Flooring replacement in original classrooms. Mechanical improvements. Tecumseh South Elementary School. Separate parent and bus entry. Expand parking. Additional classrooms, support services and kitchen space. Restroom renovations. Add staff restrooms. Renovate school resource officer/IT office. Mechanical improvements. New coffee shop opens in central Topeka Why are these improvements necessary? 27 News got in touch with USD 450 for more information on the upcoming bond vote and to learn why the improvements are needed at the schools. Sheila Meggers, USD 450s superintendent, told 27 News the bond marks a major investment in the future of school district. This bond is about making sure our schools meet the needs of students today and in the future, Meggers said. It will provide additional classroom space to address overcrowding, support growing programs, and improve safety and accessibility for all students. Above all, this bond is an investment in the success of every student in Shawnee Heights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meggers said that, if approved, the tax increase will stick around for 25 years or until around 2050. She said the bond resolution will not only bring about improvements at the districts schools but also benefit all students within USD 450. Topekas Combat Air Museum hosts Girls in Aviation Day Where do things stand now? The Kansas Board of Education (KSDE) is set to meet on Sept. 9-10 to discuss bond elections for numerous school districts across the state. Two items are listed in the agenda documents for this meeting associated with USD 450: Act on request from USD 450 Shawnee Heights, Shawnee County, to hold a bond election. Act on request from USD 450 Shawnee Heights, Shawnee County, to receive Capital Improvement (Bond and Interest) State Aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 27 News reached out to the KSDE for more information on what will be discussed and voted on during the meeting. KSDE spokeswoman Denise Kahler said that approval of the above items will greenlight the upcoming bond vote for Shawnee Heights residents. If a school board plans to issue bonds so that the total bonded indebtedness exceeds 14% of the assessed valuation of the school district, they must have State Board approval before the bond question can be presented to voters, Kahler said. If the State Board approves the request, it just means the district can now ask their voters to authorize the district to borrow the additional funds (issue bonds). Following approval by the KSDE, Shawnee Heights residents will then vote on the bond issue on Nov. 4, 2025, during the General Election. The district is also set to hold three upcoming town hall meetings on the bond issue on the following dates: 6 p.m. on Sept. 29 in the Berryton Elementary cafeteria. 6 p.m. on Oct. 14 in the Shawnee Heights Middle School library. 6 p.m. on Oct. 27 in the Shawnee Heights Elementary cafeteria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Topeka company set to build new facility in Manhattan, create 25 new jobs For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. A 72-year-old woman died after a mobile home fire in Ohio last week. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Around 5:50 a.m. Friday, fire crews were dispatched to Shroyers Mobile Homes in the 2000 block of U.S. 23 in Delaware County, our news partners WBNS-10 TV reported. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Someone called about the fire after passing by it, according to Tri Township Fire Chief Tim Carr. Carr said the fire seemed to have started in a bedroom, WBNS-10 TV reported. Firefighters found a woman in the living room while battling the fire. The woman, whose identity has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene, WBNS-10 TV reported. Her cause of death is under investigation. It appeared that only one trailer was affected by the fire. Responding crews were able to extinguish the blaze, but the back of the mobile home sustained heavy damage, WBNS-10 TV reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The Warren County Sheriffs Office is continuing to investigate a homicide that happened Sunday. Around 3:17 p.m., deputies were dispatched to Deerfield Township Fire Station 57 on report of a person shot. Life-saving measures were attempted, but were unsuccessful. A person-of-interest was taken into custody: a 77-year-old male who was detained at the scene of the investigation after questioning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man is facing murder and felonious assault charges. The Warren County Sheriffs Office confirmed Tuesday that the person killed was Emilia Vinokur, 79. Vinokur reportedly lived with the alleged in Deerfield Township. There was no prior history between them and the sheriffs office. The cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound, which she sustained while inside of a vehicle. The alleged is being jailed on a $200,000 cash 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 WDTN.com. HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) 86 veterans from the Tri-State are about to fly to the nations capital with Honor Flight of Southern Indiana. Honor Flight, so far, has hosted the trips for veterans a total of 19 times. The organization plans the trips in the fall and again in the spring. With 1,200 people on the waiting list, the program is aimed toward older veterans to give them a chance to experience the trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, veterans who applied were called about going on the trip to Washington DC. Veterans also get to meet everyone thats going on the trip with them as well as their bus captains. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated his rejection of violence following a deadly attack in Jerusalem, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Monday. Abbas condemned "any targeting of Palestinian and Israeli civilians" as well as "all forms of violence and terrorism," according to the statement. At the same time, he said security and stability in the region could only be achieved through an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, a halt to what he called "acts of genocide" in the Gaza Strip, and an end to "terrorism" by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbas heads the Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the West Bank. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is the internationally recognized representative of the Palestinian people, though the Islamist group Hamas remains a domestic rival to Abbas' Fatah movement. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, meanwhile, accused the Palestinian Authority of encouraging terrorism and incitement against Israel after two Palestinians carried out the Jerusalem shooting attack at a bus stop, which left six Israelis dead. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump at the signing ceremony of the Abraham Accords at the White House in 2020. | Credit: Chen Mengtong / China News Service / Getty Images The United Arab Emirates has warned Israel that annexing the occupied West Bank would "severely undermine" the "vision and spirit" of the Abraham Accords. The agreement, brokered in 2020 by the US, saw the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco establish full diplomatic relations with Israel. But its standing has been called into question since the 7 October attacks and Israel's subsequent military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. What are the Abraham Accords? The Abraham Accords are a series of agreements between Israel, UAE and Bahrain, normalising Israel's relations with the Arab nations. The initial accords, which were mediated by the US, were signed on 15 September 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreements established diplomatic ties between Israel and Arab states for the first time since the 1994 Jordan-Israel agreement and the 1979 Egypt-Israel agreement. They led to the appointment of ambassadors and increased trade and cooperation between the countries. In December 2020, Sudan and Morocco joined the accords. Why are they controversial? The treaties "broke with long-standing foreign policy consensus treating peace with the Palestinians as a condition for Israel's more thorough integration with the Arab world", said The Washington Post. The decision to normalise relations with Israel without securing progress towards a Palestinian state was met with dismay by many citizens of the signatory nations, as well as across the Middle East more generally. Regional analysts said the signing of the accords "contributed to Palestinian alienation" that fuelled the 7 October attacks. Why are they under threat? After Bezalel Smotrich, Israels finance minister, unveiled a proposal for the annexation of approximately four-fifths of the West Bank, Emirati foreign ministry official Lana Nusseibeh said that the UAE had always viewed the accords "as a way to enable our continued support for the Palestinian people" and their aspiration for a state. "Annexation in the West Bank would constitute a red line for the UAE," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent weeks, Emirati officials have spoken to both the White House and the Israeli government to warn of the consequences of annexation, according to sources. Will Donald Trump intervene? Trump, who oversaw the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, wants to see the agreement expanded, rather than diminished; recruiting Saudi Arabia being "the ultimate prize", said the Media Line. Asked about the overall motivation of the US president, Hadas Lorber, head of the US-Israel project at the Institute for National Security Studies, said Trump "wants a Nobel Prize". Trump is "likely the only foreign player" who could stop Israel from annexing the West Bank, said Axios. The UAEs message is that failing to do so would mean a "key aspect of his foreign policy legacy could unravel". ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Access to major social media and messaging platforms in Turkey has been restored a day after widespread restrictions were imposed, Netblocks, a global internet monitor, said on Monday. Platforms including X, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and WhatsApp were restricted in Turkey on multiple networks from late Sunday. The blockage came as the main opposition Republican People's Party called for rallies after police set up barricades in areas around the party's headquarters in Istanbul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to data from Turkey's Freedom of Expression Association, throttling of bandwidth for the platforms ended after 21 hours and services will be resumed in the next couple of hours. (Reporting by Can Sezer and Ezgi Erkoyun; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Tom Hogue and Rosalba O'Brien) Mayor Adams has abandoned his effort to appear on two ballot lines EndAntiSemitism and Safe & Affordable in Novembers mayoral election, opting to run only on the latter. For months, the citys Board of Elections told Adams he couldnt as an independent candidate appear on more than one line on Novembers ballot. Adams campaign contended the board was wrong and that he could appear on both columns, even saying the mayor was exploring legal action to try to force the panel to let him lock in the two lines. However, in a previously undisclosed Aug. 22 letter to the board, Adams campaign attorney Vito Pitta wrote that the mayor who made combating antisemitism and support for Israel early focuses of his long-shot reelection bid is settling for the Safe & Affordable line to comply with the boards determination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please let this letter confirm that Mayor Adams has chosen to be identified as the nominee of the Safe & Affordable independent body on the Safe & Affordable ballot line and wishes to appear under a Safe & Affordable column, Pitta wrote in the missive, a copy of which was obtained by the Daily News. Pittas letter didnt mention anything about legal action. The letter did say Adams hopes the board can, to the extent practicable under the Election Law and board policies and procedures, allow the EndAntiSemitism moniker to be listed under his name in one spot on the ballot, as opposed to appearing as its own line. Vincent Ignizio, the boards deputy executive director, said that request is expected to be granted. Todd Shapiro, Adams campaign spokesman, confirmed Monday the mayors sticking with the Safe & Affordable line, saying it reflects the mayors unwavering commitment to protecting New Yorkers and keeping our city affordable for working families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ballot pick revelations come as sources say Adams is considering dropping out of the mayoral race to take a job in President Trumps administration, potentially a foreign ambassadorship. Adams hasnt denied conversations about a potential Trump job may be taking place, but insists hes staying in the mayoral race. Still reeling from his corruption indictment, which Trumps administration dismissed as part of a controversial deal, Adams is polling as third or fourth in the mayoral field, and the president is believed to want the embattled incumbent to drop out to increase ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomos chances of beating Democratic front-runner Zohran Mamdani in November. Cuomo himself has rejected that idea, saying Trump actually wants Mamdani to win to give Trump leverage in asserting federal authority in New York. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Dont give up, those were the inspirational words from a young northwest Iowa couple, who we first introduced you to earlier this year. They have been trying to adopt a baby for what they say feels like a lifetime. When we met Marcus and Courtney Johnson of Orange City, Iowa, they were handing out business cards to everyone and anyone, alerting them to the fact that they wanted to adopt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said so right on the card, along with a QR code that would take you to their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram detailing their adoption journey. I came up with the card idea because we wanted to be able to invite our friends and family into our adoption journey, so they were more than willing to help spread the word, but this gives them an easy way to do it, Courtney said. But since then, they say over the past six months, there have been a lot of hits and misses. Oh boy, how many opportunities did we receive? A lot, Id say, opportunities, probably 50 or over, weve been down to the final two families at least four times, Marcus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They began to question themselves. Theres a rollercoaster of emotions, theres different trials you go through, is this ever going to happen, why havent we been chosen yet, whats wrong with us, Marcus said. So they changed their profile book, adding more information, along with the same QR code as their business card,s with hopes that would help. And it didIts a girl. Come here, baby, Oh, yeah shes pretty sweet, Courtney said. Meet Selah Jolean born August 12th. God has answered our prayers for sure, Marcus said. The Johnsons were ecstatic when they got the phone call they have long been waiting for, telling them that an adoptive mother, six hours away, chose them over 34 other couples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was very excited, I was kind of speechless actually, because after so many nos, you never expect it, Courtney said. When they made the six-hour drive to meet their new baby for the first time, they knew they were going to name her Selah, which means pause and reflect. Ive wanted to name a baby Selah for like a decade, and now I finally get my chance, and its really fitting, because when you have a bab,y and especially when youve waited a really long time, you need to take time to pause and reflect on Gods goodness and what hes done, Courtney said. The Johnsons say it was supposed to happen this way; that God was telling them, Be patient, Ive got one for you and shes special. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that their adoption journey is complete, the Johnsons say parenthood is everything they thought it would be and more. We are more overwhelmed with how much friends and family we have, because we have to tell everybody and its like we got to tell 50 or 100 people and they all come over to the house, so we are not overwhelmed with baby stuff, we are overwhelmed with the love around us in a good way in a good way, Marcus and Courtney said. And they have this advice for others who are hoping to adopt. Its going to happen, youre just going to have to wait a little bit longer for Gods plan for you, dont give up, because its definitely worth the wait, Marcus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Johnsons say its an open adoption, so they say the birth mother can come visit anytime, or theyll meet her wherever. Plus, adopting a baby is expensive, so the Johnsons have set up a fund. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. He was shot during a chase after suspects riding an ATV in an open area in the village of Zalafa in the northern West Bank. Detective Advanced-Staff-Sergeant Major Niv Ben-Mordechai Peretz, 28, from Afula, was killed after being shot in the early hours of Monday morning during a chase after suspects riding an ATV in the village of Zalafa in the northern West Bank, Israel Police announced. He served at the Umm al-Fahm police station and was operating to locate illegally held weapons in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medical teams pronounced him dead at the scene. As part of the investigation, Israeli police, led by the Coastal District and special units, conducted overnight searches following the shooting. Fourteen suspects were arrested and taken for questioning in the Menashe area. The circumstances of the incident remain under investigation. Yamam and Shin Bet operatives, guided by Shin Bet intelligence, arrested two additional suspects near the Haifa Port who were involved in the shooting attack in which Peretz was killed. The two were transferred to the Shin Bet for further investigation. Adv.-St.-Sgt. Peretz is survived by his parents, a brother, and a sister. Israel Police commissioner Danny Levi speaks at the National Police Academy in Beit Shemesh, April 20, 2025 (credit: FLASH90/CHAIM GOLDBERG) "Peretz, of blessed memory, acted with determination and courage during a planned operation to thwart an arms deal and lost his life while engaging the suspects," Police Commissioner Inspector-General Danny Levi said, adding that police "paid a heavy and unbearable price last night." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will continue to do everything in our power in the all-out war against crime in the Arab sector in particular, and crime in general. Ben-Gvir eulogizes killed detective "Niv sacrificed his life for the security of Israels citizens, and his heroism will not be forgotten. The entire people of Israel mourn his loss and extend strength to his dear family in this difficult time," National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir eulogized. "To the criminals and offenders - know this: the blood of a police officer will not be spilled in vain. We will pursue you relentlessly, we will settle the score to the end, and the law will reach you wherever you try to hide, he concluded. This is a developing story. Yoav Itiel contributed to this report. Members of the League of Women Voters Maine attended a naturalization ceremony in Portland, Maine on June 27, 2025 to register new voters, answer their questions, and provide voter information in 10 languages. (Photo courtesy of League of Women Voters Maine) Maine leaders are pushing back on a federal policy change that will bar nonprofits and other nonpartisan organizations from helping new citizens register to vote immediately upon taking their oath. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is the federal agency responsible for conferring citizenship upon new Americans, updated its policies at the end of August so that only state and local election officials will be allowed to offer voter registration services at the end of naturalization ceremonies. Nongovernmental entities were immediately barred from providing these services as of Aug. 29, the date of the letter outlining the policy change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes volunteers from the League of Women Voters of Maine who have attended naturalization ceremonies for years to help new citizens register to vote. Before the change, League volunteers had attended every Friday naturalization ceremony in South Portland this year, as well as some in Bangor and Acadia National Park. The policy is unnecessary and only serves to decrease the ability of new citizens to participate in our democracy, the organization said in a news release Monday. Naturalization ceremonies are typically public events at which individuals who have been undergoing the process of becoming citizens take their oath of allegiance to officially become U.S. citizens. At that time, the new citizen is allowed to register to vote and participate in elections. In the last year, more than 800 new citizens approached the nonpartisan political organization at these ceremonies to either register to vote or learn more about the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Maine chapter joined the national League of Women Voters in asking the USCIS to revoke the policy, calling it an attempt to keep new citizens from exercising their full rights. We are not only disappointed in the new USCIS policy, we find it an unnecessary interruption of important volunteer work, said Jill Ward, president of the League of Women Voters of Maine board. Volunteers come to the League to do this work to honor and celebrate our shared values around citizen engagement and voter rights. This policy runs directly counter to those values. The USCIS said in the letter that the change is being implemented in part because of the administrative burden to ensure that the nongovernmental agencies that provide voter registration services are nonpartisan. It goes on to say that the change in no way impacts new citizens access to information and applications to register to vote because those materials will still be provided by local election officials or USCIS staff. The agency also said online voter registration reduces the need for nongovernmental organizations to help new citizens submit applications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maine offers online voter registration services for people who wish to register to vote in the state for the first time or need or update their information. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said her office is monitoring the decision to block community organizations from registering voters at these events and take on the work that nonprofits have historically done in this realm. Until groups like the League of Women Voters can resume their longstanding tradition of registering new citizens as voters, our office will step in to support the rights of all citizens in Maine, Bellows wrote in a statement she shared on social media last week. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The co-chief of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is optimistic that the anti-immigrant party will come out on top in the country's next general elections scheduled for 2029, according to remarks to supporters on Monday. "We will get this ship back into shape," Tino Chrupalla told some several hundred attendees at a political event in the Bavarian town of Abensberg. The AfD, which is Germany's biggest opposition party, won regional elections in the eastern state of Thuringia last year - marking the first time since the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II that a far-right party has won a statewide election in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion polls following February's parliamentary elections, which saw the AfD garner its best-ever result at national level, suggest that support for the party is continuing to grow. Chrupalla, who leads the AfD together with Alice Weidel, said the party has the answers and ideas that citizens want to hear, vowing to paint the country blue - in a reference to the party colours. He also took digs at Bavarian leader Markus Soder and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who lead the conservative bloc that came out on top in February's vote. Chrupalla described Soder as the "comic-in-chief," while saying Merz was a "true firebrand" who had broken every campaign promise ever made since taking office in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both the AfD chief and the party's leader in the Bavarian state parliament, Katrin Ebner-Steiner, called for large-scale deportations of criminal migrants and those without a right to stay. All those who are in Germany illegally, Ebner-Steiner said, "will be removed from the country by the hundreds of thousands." "We will deport, deport, deport until the runways in Munich are glowing." DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) A new ride-share option is up-and-running in one Central Illinois county, which means community members can now book their pickup through an app. Decatur Moves launched today. Officials said its reliable, affordable, and an accessible way for people in Macon County to get from place to place. PREVIOUSLY: Decatur approves multi-million micro transit agreement Officials also said its different from taking the bus. Buses only drive on fixed routes, and Decatur Moves takes riders from stop to stop. The ride-share picks you up and drops you off right at your curb and will take you anywhere in the county. People that work for Decatur Moves said that its like Uber or Lyft but cheaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The service is booking rides seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. City officials said that its been years in the making. As of 4 p.m. on Monday, Decatur Moves had already been called for 100 rides. The city said that those numbers are proving there is a great need for this service. So far, the greatest need comes from outside the city limits. This is exciting for those rural areas that are not served by some of the public transportation options that are only available in the city of Decatur. So, were looking forward to seeing those rural areas get some of these vans out there and bring them into, hopefully, our city where they can get to work, go shopping, enjoy a nice restaurant, or anything that they need. We have a lot of opportunities here in Decatur. So, getting people into Decatur or back out into the rural areas is also a big part of this as well, the City of Decaturs communication coordinator, Ryan Huffer, said. Decaturs Faries Parkway to close nightly for construction, beginning Monday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rides in Decatur, Mt. Zion, and Forsyth city limits are $2. Rural rides are $5. For those working second or third shifts, Decatur Moves said that they are hoping to expand the hours for pickups and drop-offs to run until 12:30 a.m. in 2026. You can learn more about how to download the app to book a ride with Decatur Moves 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 WCIA.com. [Source] The arrest of an Indian American Afghanistan war veteran on federal conspiracy charges for participating in an anti-ICE protest in Spokane, Washington state, has ignited fears of escalating attacks on First Amendment rights under the Trump administration. Catch up: FBI agents arrested Bajun Mavalwalla II, 35, at his Spokane home on July 15 after he had participated in a local protest against the agency on June 11. Reports say the demonstration erupted after former Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart urged people to block an ICE transport carrying detained asylum seekers. The indictment filed July 9 targets Mavalwalla and eight others with conspiracy to impede or injure officers, an offense that carries a maximum sentence of six years in prison, $250,000 in fines and three years of supervised release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attack on free speech: The charges have drawn sharp criticism from Democratic leaders who view them as government overreach. Sen. Patty Murray, for one, called the charges a gross abuse of federal resources and accused the Trump administration of abusing the force of the law to intimidate Americans exercising their First Amendment rights. Meanwhile, Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown condemned the arrests as a politically motivated action and a perversion of our justice system, arguing that the administrations actions are trampling on the U.S. Constitution and creating widespread fear across our community. The case has also prompted local officials to rally behind the defendants, with City Councilmember Paul Dillon calling the arrests another reminder of the pain, fear and chaos by the Trump Administration and vowing to advocate for dropped charges. Trending on NextShark: Trump admin to limit visa durations for students, journalists Broader implications: Former Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Luis Miranda described Mavalwalla as a test case of the administrations prosecutorial limits. At present, demonstrators are not only charged with direct crimes like assault, but also broader conspiracy allegations that require proving intent rather than specific actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mavalwalla has family connections to Mahatma Gandhis independence movement through his great-great grand-uncle Parsee Rustomjee. His father, a decorated army intelligence officer, also suspects racial profiling influenced his sons arrest. Mavalwallas trial is set for Sept. 22. Trending on NextShark: Afghanistan war vet arrested and charged for protesting ICE This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: ICE poised to deploy Israeli spyware amid immigration crackdown Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! The African Union has united with Caribbean nations to call for reparations from former colonial powers Africa has joined a campaign to claim reparations from Britain for historic crimes. The African Union called for meaningful reparations from former colonial powers for exploiting the people, land and resources of the continent. The bloc blamed systemic injustice ongoing in the continent on imperialism in the 19th century. At a summit of African and Caribbean leaders in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this week, the head of the African Union Commission demanded reparatory justice and true liberation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the Djiboutian politician in charge, declared that Africa and the Caribbean would work together to honour our ancestors, to uplift our descendants and reclaim our shared destiny in freedom, justice and unity. The African Union will produce its own reparation demands, with the Caribbean nations already calling for trillions in compensation for slavery. Britain, which controlled a quarter of the continent at the height of the Empire, could face demands for reparations not only relating to the slave trade in which African kingdoms participated but more broadly for colonialism and ongoing structural and systemic injustice. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf said Africa and the Caribbean would work together to reclaim our shared destiny in freedom, justice and unity African kingdoms themselves profited from the slave trade. They would provide already enslaved Africans to European slavers, who typically would not travel inland from secure coastal bases. King Ghezo of Dahomey (present day Benin) actively petitioned the British not to abolish the slave trade, so profitable was it for his kingdom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reparations could include reforms of global economic practices, the return of cultural artefacts and compensation for the effects of climate change. Any demands would be directed at the former colonial powers in Africa, which by the late 19th century were Britain, France, Portugal, Spain, Germany, and Belgium. The 15-member states of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have pushed for compensation for slavery for more than a decade, and have presented former colonial powers with a 10-point plan. This includes demands for not only financial compensation, but full formal apologies, debt relief and help with economic development and education. The Telegraph previously revealed that Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, worked with Caricom when these demands were first drafted in 2013 and advised on a potential legal case against Britain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The African Union is seeking to catch up with the Caribbean cause, and The Telegraph understands that a branch of the multi-national organisation has been tasked with developing policies for pursuing reparations. This work has been ongoing for around eight months, as part of what the African Union has declared the Year of Reparations, although work is understood to be progressing slowly and no firm policies are in place. This follows a series of talks between Caricom and the African Union dating back to 2023, when the idea of presenting a united front to former colonisers was first mooted. Various forms of injustice requiring reparations have been put forward, including the economic disparities between Africa and the Global North, which were said to be perpetuated through the exploitative practices of multinational corporations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has also been suggested that, in the context of climate change, the industrialised nations in the Global North bear historical responsibility for environmental degradation. Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, advised on a potential legal case against Britain in 2013 - Peter Nicholls/ Getty Images Experts working on policy for the African Union have also insisted that returning stolen artefacts to their rightful owners in African nations is a step toward cultural restoration and healing. Museums across the UK have already made moves to return temporarily or permanently artefacts including the Benin Bronzes, Ashanti gold, and objects sacred to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. While the African Union is seeking to emulate the Caribbean reparations infrastructure, which includes dedicated national and multinational committees, the Caricom approach has so far yielded no results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demands for reparations have been repeatedly rejected by successive Prime Ministers including Sir Keir Starmer, who pushed back against Commonwealth efforts to secure a commitment to reparative payments. There had been hopes Labour would be more open to paying, and insiders said David Lammy was set to host a Caricom forum which would hear submissions about reparations when he was foreign secretary. However, this was pushed back because of the conflict between Israel and Iran. France and other former slave-trading powers have rebuffed demands, and some Caribbean island nations have sought to change tactics and claim reparations from institutions rather than unresponsive governments. In June, leaders in Jamaica announced plans to call on King Charles, who as head of state acts as a conduit for legal petitions under the Jamaican constitution, to address the issue of reparations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grenada has officially asked the Bank of England to offer reparations for its direct involvement in the slave trade, including owning a plantation on the island. Laura Trevalyan, the former BBC journalist, has offered personal reparations to the island nation, where her ancestors had a stake in several slave plantations. Speaking to The Telegraph in Grenada in 2023, she urged others to do the same and revealed that more than 100 descendants of wealthy slave owners had signed up to her reparations group. 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. NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) In todays health headlines, how will artificial intelligence help at your next doctors visit? Health care workers say theyre using new software tools to make better and faster clinical decisions. But what are the risks? Dr. Lee Schwamm, associate dean for digital strategy and transformation at Yale School of Medicine, and senior vice president & chief digital health officer for Yale New Haven Health, joined Good Morning Connecticut at 9 a.m. to discuss. Watch the video above to learn more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW A man working at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport in Sydney, Australia died at the freight terminal after being struck by a vehicle on Sept. 7 His identity has not been confirmed, but he is believed to have been in his 40s and was declared dead on the scene Everyone at Sydney Airport is deeply saddened by the fatal incident involving an airfreight worker yesterday, a spokesperson from the airport told PEOPLE in a statement A man has died after being struck by a vehicle at an airport in Sydney, Australia. On Sunday, Sept. 7, the New South Wales Police Force confirmed in a press release that a freight handler, died at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, commonly referred to as Sydney Airport, earlier in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They reported that the incident occurred around 10:30 a.m., writing, "emergency services responded to reports that a freight handler at Sydney Airport had been struck by a vehicle at the freight handling terminal. They added, NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man believed to be aged in his 40s but he died at the scene. DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Sydney Airport Sydney Airport A crime scene was established, but authorities noted that the death was "not being treated as suspicious." Worksafe NSW have been notified, the release continued. A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner. The man's identity has not yet been confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sydney Airport expressed condolences in a statement to PEOPLE. James D. Morgan/Getty Sydney Airport Sydney Airport Everyone at Sydney Airport is deeply saddened by the fatal incident involving an airfreight worker yesterday, a spokesperson from the airport said. "Our thoughts are with the workers family, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time, they added. Sydney Airport has made its support services available to all staff across the airport precinct." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The spokesperson went on to say that they were working to support the airline and relevant authorities as they investigate the incident." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australias flagship carrier Qantas confirmed to news.com.au that the incident occurred at their international freight terminal, adding that they were working closely with the relevant authorities. Our thoughts are with the workers family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time, the statement concluded. Passenger operations were not affected, per the outlet. SafeWork NSW also confirmed to the outlet that they had been notified, stating, SafeWork inspectors are responding and making inquiries. PEOPLE has contacted Qantas Freight and SafeWork NSW for additional comment Read the original article on People U.S. President Donald Trump gave Russian President Vladimir Putin "what he wanted" by meeting him in Alaska last month, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with ABC News published on Sept. 7. "It's a pity that Ukraine was not there, because I think that President Trump gave... Putin what he wanted," Zelensky said about the high-level summit in Anchorage on Aug. 15. Ukraine was not invited to the meeting, which marked Putin's first visit to the U.S. during the full-scale war and was seen as a clear break from the diplomatic isolation imposed on the Russian leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin doesn't want to meet with me, but he wants very much to meet with the president of the United States, to show everybody video and images that he is there," Zelensky said in the interview on Sept. 5. Though Trump met Zelensky and European leaders in Washington a few days after the Alaska summit, Putin continues to avoid a meeting with the Ukrainian president, despite Trump's effort to arrange it. Zelensky has previously voiced readiness to meet Putin on neutral ground, including during Russian-Ukrainian peace talks in Istanbul earlier this year. The Kremlin has rejected a proposal and suggested a meeting in Moscow, which was, in turn, dismissed by Zelensky. "He can come to Kyiv," Zelensky told ABC News. "I can't go to Moscow when my country's under missiles, under attack, each day. I can't go to the capital of this terrorist." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite international efforts to negotiate an end to the war, Moscow has refused calls for a ceasefire and continued to push maximalist demands, namely, a ban on Ukraine joining NATO and control over the entire Donetsk Oblast, including areas not controlled by Russian forces. Simultaneously, Russia has ramped up deadly aerial attacks against Ukrainian cities, launching a record 810 drones and 13 missiles overnight on Sept. 7. Speaking to ABC News, Zelensky said that "Putin's goal is to occupy Ukraine," and "until he can do it, the victory is on our side." "So that's why for us to survive is a victory," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the latest Russian strike on Ukraine, Trump renewed his threats of economic repercussions against Moscow, saying he was ready to move into the "second phase" of sanctions on Russia. Trump added that "certain European leaders" would visit the White House in the next two days to discuss a peace settlement, though he did not provide names or details. While Trump has threatened to impose tough penalties on Russia on several occasions, his administration has not enacted any new sanctions against Moscow since Trump took office in January. The White House has also threatened to impose widespread secondary tariffs on Russian oil importers, but has only taken this step once. In August, Trump imposed steep secondary tariffs on India, one of the major buyers of Russian oil since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indian officials have said the U.S. tariffs will not stop the country's imports of Russian oil. Read also: Responsibility is inevitable Ukraines military intelligence honors anniversary by plastering Moscow with greeting cards Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Dnipro, Ukraines largest river, is an artery that flows through the heart of the country. The river unites people soldiers, rescuers, volunteers, children, artists, doctors, activists rather than becoming a geographical barrier. "Along the Dnipro" is a photography project in which Ukrainian photographer, Sergey Melnitchenko, tells the story of Ukrainians experiencing war on both banks of the Dnipro. "The Dnipro holds a special place in the hearts of Ukrainians as a symbol of beauty, strength, history, and the national spirit," Melnitchenko told the Kyiv Independent. A map highlights in red the 13 oblasts visited during the project, with some names carefully corrected from russified spellings to their proper Ukrainian versions. (Sergey Melnitchenko / The Kyiv Independent) Despite portraying a broader picture, the photo story feels deeply personal, as Melnitchenko starts with an intimate space, opening the door to the room he grew up in his hometown of Mykolaiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I place myself within the broader context of the project because it's impossible to stay detached or not identify with the stories of others living through the war. He then shows his grandmother, his great-grandmothers grave, and a residential building damaged in a Russian missile strike on Mykolaiv in 2022. His friend Ksenia and her mother, who lived on the fifth floor of this building, did not survive the attack. "By including these pictures, I place myself within the broader context of the project because it's impossible to stay detached or not identify with the stories of others living through the war," Melnitchenko said. Through his lens, Melnitchenko captures both everyday life and personal turning points, such as the loss of loved ones, values reevaluation, and the ongoing struggle to hold on to one's identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This project not only draws attention to significant aspects of Ukrainian daily life but also serves as a testament to a period of great trials and the resilience of the Ukrainian people," he said. A residential building in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, in March 2024. The building was destroyed by a Russian missile strike in September 2022, killing the photographers friend Ksenia and her mother, who lived on the fifth floor. (Sergey Melnitchenko / The Kyiv Independent) Serhii, a former prisoner of war, spent two years and three months in Russian captivity, enduring brutal conditions, including beatings and psychological pressure. During captivity, his weight dropped from 90 (198 pounds) to 60 kilograms (132 pounds). He was captured in early April 2022 at the Azovstal steel plant, Ukraine's final stronghold during the Russian siege of Mariupol. Melnitchenko photographed Serhii in November 2024, a few months after he returned from captivity. Serhii, photographed a few months after returning from over two years in Russian captivity, in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, in November 2024. He was captured at Azovstal steel plant in April 2022 during the siege of Mariupol and spent two years and three months in Russian captivity, enduring torture, starvation, and constant transfers across prisons in occupied Ukraine and Russia. He lost 30 kilograms and often fell unconscious from beatings. (Sergey Melnitchenko / The Kyiv Independent) Another striking story is that of Daria, who moved to Kyiv's countryside at the start of the full-scale war. She thought it would be safer there, but she and her family found themselves trapped under Russian occupation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family avoided contact with Russian soldiers, but they found them regardless. They accused Daria and her family of passing information about Russian positions to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. After threatening and questioning the family, they took Daria away from her family for further interrogation, which escalated into sexual violence against her. When Daris came back, she found her parents paralyzed by fear, but she simply told them everything was fine. Because of her horrific experience, Daria became a public advocate and joined an organization supporting victims of sexual violence in war. Daria, photographed in Kyiv, Ukraine, in November 2024. In March 2022, while fleeing to Kyiv, she was detained and sexually assaulted by a Russian soldier during the russian occupation of her familys village. Unable to speak about it at first, she now publicly advocates for survivors of wartime sexual violence and urges others to come forward. (Sergey Melnitchenko / The Kyiv Independent) Photographs created in collaboration with photographer Oleksandra Zborovska, photographed in Kyiv, Ukraine, in November 2024. The series tells the story of Daria, a survivor of wartime sexual violence who now advocates for justice and support for others like her. (Sergey Melnitchenko / The Kyiv Independent) "She works tirelessly to bring attention to the issue, fighting for the rights of survivors and urging women not to stay silent. She encourages survivors to report their cases to law enforcement so that these crimes can be documented and recognized," Melnitchenko said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melnitchenko planned trips in advance, but sometimes there were unexpected encounters and events. One of the things that deeply affected Melnitchenko was the Russian attack on Kyiv's Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital on July 8, 2024. The strike on the capital, which killed 33 people and injured 121 others, struck the country's largest pediatric medical center, where 627 children were receiving treatment at the time. Melnichenko was in Kyiv at that moment and documented the consequences of the attack. Civilians, military personnel, and rescuers clear debris at Okhmatdyt, Ukraines largest childrens hospital, after it was struck by a Russian X-101 missile during a mass attack on Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 8, 2024. (Sergey Melnitchenko / The Kyiv Independent) "We arrived in Kyiv to shoot a rescuer, a soldier, and a photographer waiting for her husband, who was in Russian captivity. But when the Okhmadyt attack happened, I also chose to document and include it in the project, because it depicts a spontaneous and intense scene, which differs from staged portraits," he said. A child is carried upstairs inside Okhmatdyt childrens hospital after a Russian missile strike during a mass attack on Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 8, 2024. (Sergey Melnitchenko / The Kyiv Independent) An injured doctor stands amid the aftermath of a Russian missile strike that hit multiple districts during a mass attack on Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 8, 2024. (Sergey Melnitchenko / The Kyiv Independent) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project visited 13 cities in Mykolaiv, Kherson, Odesa, Kyiv, Cherkasy, Poltava, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kharkiv, and Donetsk oblasts from the beginning of 2023 to the end of 2024. During their journey of approximately 10,000 kilometers (6,214 miles), Melnitchenko and his team documented the stories of over 50 individuals, took more than 5,000 photographs, and conducted in-depth video interviews. The video archive, which includes personal and family archive materials shared by participants, will be edited into a feature-length documentary film, set for release later this year. The team conducted over 50 photo shoots, gathering 5,000 images and more than 2,000 GB of video. Stories were collected in 13 cities and reflect experiences from around 20, as many participants were displaced by war or occupation. (Sergey Melnitchenko / The Kyiv Independent) Karen (L), Natalia (R), and their son Artem (C), photographed in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, in March 2024. Family relocated to a nearby village at the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, expecting a short stay, but as danger followed, they faced fear and uncertainty together, ultimately deepening their bond and rethinking their values. (Sergey Melnitchenko / The Kyiv Independent) A calendar on which time stopped, photographed in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, in March 2024. On March 29, 2022, a Russian missile struck the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration building, destroying its central section from the ninth to the first floor and killing 37 people. (Sergey Melnitchenko / The Kyiv Independent) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soldiers during the test of the fixed-wing UAV VITRUGAN, photographed in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, in June 2024. (Sergey Melnitchenko / The Kyiv Independent) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A military vehicle, photographed in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, in June 2024. (Sergey Melnitchenko / The Kyiv Independent) Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, in November 2024. An hour before this photo was taken, a Russian missile struck a civilian building nearby, killing 10 peoplecontrasting the citys apparent calm with the ongoing reality of war. (Sergey Melnitchenko / The Kyiv Independent) Read also: As Poland builds Europes largest army, Russias ongoing war reveals its gaps Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) The Altoona Curve closed out their 2025 home slate with a celebration of four standout players, honoring their performances before Sundays matchup against Richmond. First baseman Nick Cimillo earned Team MVP after powering his way into the record books with the franchises first 20-homer season since 2022. Cimillo, drafted out of Rutgers in 2022, hit .241 with 23 doubles, four triples and 66 RBIs entering Sundays game. His season was highlighted by a May grand slam against Portland, a July walk-off against Harrisburg, and a cycle against Harrisburg on Aug. 29, only the second in team history. Right-hander Alessandro Ercolani, a 21-year-old from San Marino, was named Pitcher of the Year. In his Double-A debut season, Ercolani posted a 4.04 ERA in 25 starts while holding opponents to a .220 average. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justin Meis, a Bethel Park native, took home Fireman of the Year honors for his work in the bullpen. The right-hander made 40 appearances, carrying a 2.87 ERA with 65 strikeouts and a dramatic improvement in his walk rate compared to last season. Utilityman Mitch Jebb was named Unsung Hero after proving to be one of the most consistent offensive threats. The 2023 second-round pick out of Michigan State ranked among Eastern League leaders in hits, walks, triples and stolen bases, becoming the first Curve player since 2019 to record at least 30 steals. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. The Curve wrap up their season with the recognition that these four players gave fans plenty of memorable moments throughout 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) An ambulance was involved in a crash that caused an ambulance employee to be airlifted to a hospital on Sunday. Florence Police told News 19 that the crash happened near Darby Drive and Cox Creek Parkway. According to authorities, an individual in the other vehicle involved was transported to a local hospital for their injuries. Both individuals were treated for non-life-threatening 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 WHNT.com. American Airlines is launching the only nonstop service to Bimini in the Bahamas from the United States, starting on Valentine's Day in 2026. And it'll be from Miami, according to a Sept, 8 release. American knows that travelers are looking for unique and varied experiences, and thats why weve added destinations like Bimini to our network, said Brian Znotins, Americans Senior Vice President of Network Planning. We recently announced new routes for travelers to explore unique architecture in Prague or Budapest or ski down exciting slopes in Sun Valley, and now were offering a new island option in the Bahamas. Starting Feb. 14, the roundtrip flight from Miami International Airport (MIA) will run Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays on Embraer 175 aircraft, the company said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline has 10 U.S. hubs, including Miami. American also recently announced a new flight between Miami and Milan starting in March, expanded service at Destin-Fort Walton Beach, a new Sarasota-Miami flight, and free high-speed Wi-Fi on most flights starting next year. What new flights are coming to Florida from American Airlines? Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) to Miami International Airport (MIA) Daily service Starts Nov. 3 Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) to Miami International Airport (MIA) Daily service Starts Dec. 19 Miami International Airport (MIA ) to South Bimini Airport (BIM) in South Bimini in the Bahamas Monday, Wednesday and Saturday Starts Feb. 14, 2026 Miami International Airport (MIA) to Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Milan, Italy Daily service Starts March 29, 2026 Air travel has rough year Like most other airlines, American is dealing with a downward trend in domestic and international travel and other problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Christmas Eve last year, American temporarily grounded all its flights due to a "technical issue." In January, an American Airlines flight which was co-piloted by Jonathan Jay Campos of Ormond Beach collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., killing 67 people. In July, passengers aboard an American Airlines flight from Denver to Miami were forced to evacuate using the emergency slides after their aircraft experienced a mechanical issue during takeoff. A former American Airlines flight attendant was sentenced to nearly two decades in prison for secretly recording young girls in airport bathrooms, and in August an American Airlines flight was diverted after a "customer's device" caught on fire. American Airlines attempted to merge with JetBlue Airways but courts ruled against it and in June the Supreme Court declined to hear the airline's appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traffic at Miami International Airport has also declined in 2025, down an average of 1.4% compared to the first half of 2024, the Miami Herald reported. American Airlines is MIA's largest carrier. What Florida airports does American Airlines service? American Airlines serves several Florida airports, according to its website, including: Daytona Beach (DAB) Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Fort Myers (RSW) Gainesville (GNV) Jacksonville (JAX, OAJ) Key West (EYW) Melbourne (MLB) Miami (MIA) Orlando (MCO) Panama City (ECP) Pensacola (PNS) Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ) Tallahassee (TLH) Tampa (TPA) West Palm Beach (PBI) This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: American Airlines new flight added from Florida to Bahamas in 2026 WASHINGTON (AP) For years, Republicans have disparaged their political rivals by describing them as socialists. But that may not be the insult it once was for rank-and-file Democrats, who have warmed to socialism and increasingly see capitalism as a barb. A new Gallup poll finds that while U.S. adults overall are more likely to have a positive view of capitalism than socialism, Democrats feel differently. According to the survey, only 42% of Democrats view capitalism favorably, while 66% have a positive view of socialism. Capitalism's image has slipped with U.S. adults overall since 2021, the survey finds, and the results show a gradual but persistent shift in Democrats support for the two ideologies over the past 15 years, with socialism rising as capitalism falls. The shifts underscore deep divisions within the party about whether open support for socialism will hurt Democrats ability to reach moderates or galvanize greater support from people who are concerned about issues like the cost of living. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those tensions were cast into sharp relief earlier this year when Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, won the Democratic primary in the race for New York City mayor, leading some centrist Democrats to worry about his impact on the party's national brand. Meanwhile, years after independent Sen. Bernie Sanders' insurgent presidential campaigns put a new face and brand on socialism, Sanders is attracting massive crowds with a fighting oligarchy tour pushing Democrats to embrace his ideas as they search for a path back to viability. The new poll, conducted in August among a sample of 1,094 U.S. adults, shows that both younger and older Democrats have both warmed slightly on socialism since 2010. But Democrats under 50 are much less likely to view capitalism favorably, while the opinions of Democrats ages 50 and older haven't shifted meaningfully, according to Gallup. Other polls suggest that capitalism's waning popularity reflects a growing sense of economic unfairness, rather than a broader rejection of an economic system. Views of free enterprise remain largely positive, according to the new Gallup poll, but perceptions of big business have soured since 2010. Capitalism declines in popularity Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just over half of U.S. adults, 54%, have a positive view of capitalism, according to the new survey, a slight decline from 61% in 2010. Democrats have driven some of the shift, but favorable opinions of capitalism have fallen among independents as well. Sanders' rise as a national political figure over the past decade also brought criticism of capitalism into the mainstream. He ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016 and 2020. He fell short both times but built a devoted movement around his concept of democratic socialism, drawing crowds and engaging voters disaffected with politics with a message of class struggle between workers and elites. Mamdani and other young progressive Democrats, like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have drawn on his work. Young adults generally but particularly younger Democrats are much less positive about capitalism than they were 15 years ago. Only 31% of Democrats under 50 have a positive view of capitalism, the new poll found, compared to 54% in 2010. Other polling has found fundamental differences between Republicans and Democrats about capitalisms fairness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2022 Pew Research Center survey found that only about 2 in 10 Democrats said gives all people an equal chance to be successful describes capitalism extremely or very well, and even fewer said that about makes sure everyones basic needs, such as food, health care, and housing, are met. Around half of Republicans said that capitalism gives all people an opportunity to be successful, but fewer said it meets peoples basic needs. More negative views of big business Big business is also increasingly unpopular, according to the new poll. Only 37% of U.S. adults have a positive image of big business, down from 49% in 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a wide partisan split in views of big business 17% of Democrats have a positive view, compared to 60% of Republicans but Republicans assessments of big business have become more negative in the past few years. The vast majority of U.S. adults continue to have a positive view of free enterprise, though, suggesting that many Americans continue to be happy with some elements of the countrys economic system. Socialism grows more polarizing While capitalism has gotten slightly less popular among Americans overall, views of socialism have remained stable. Thats because while Democrats have warmed somewhat to the idea, Republicans opinions of socialism which were already negative have curdled even more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the Gallup poll found that only 14% of Republicans have a positive view of socialism, compared to 66% of Democrats. Positive views of socialism have grown among older and younger Democrats, according to Gallup's polling. These changing views present a conundrum for Democratic politicians, who are routinely accused of being communists or socialists," but have historically tried to pivot away from those characterizations. Now, though, the label is increasingly appealing for their base, which could bolster efforts within the party to embrace the concept of socialism, rather than shying away from it. The shift was apparent as Sanders and Mamdani held a joint town hall in New York City on Saturday as part of Mamdani's bid to lead the Democratic stronghold. As Mamdani was delivering his opening remarks, a man with a shirt that read Cuba and a Cuban flag approached the stage, yelling that Mamdani was a Communist. He was removed by security. You know that something has changed when its not enough to call us democratic socialists anymore, Mamdani said. ___ Associated Press writer Jonathan J. Cooper reported from Phoenix. "Slop bowl" hubs like Chipotle, Sweetgreen, and Cava have recently struggled with slumping sales. I taste-tested meals at the three chains to see why the restaurants are losing ground. While the food was fresh and the flavors at each chain were tasty, their real problem is value. It appears the era of the "slop bowl" may be fading. Fast-casual restaurants like Chipotle, Sweetgreen, and Cava had been exceptions to the restaurant industry's slumping sales and diminished foot traffic as consumers curbed their spending over the better part of the last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those days seem to be over: $20 can now get you table service with your Triple Dipper at Chili's, and other casual and fast-food chains are ramping up their combo meal offerings. Doesn't that muck up the slop bowl's value proposition? Consumers seem to think so. Sweetgreen's same-store sales fell 7.6% in the second quarter, while Chipotle reported a 4% decline one of the brand's worst quarters since 2020. Cava, while expanding locations, also reported a slowdown in same-store sales: 2.1% growth in its most recent quarter, a significant deceleration from the 14.4% growth it enjoyed in the prior-year quarter. "If I'm going to spend an extra $4 or $5 to go to Chipotle or Cava versus McDonald's, that value still needs to be there it just needs to be a different type of value," Jean-Pierre Lacroix, president of the brand strategy firm SLD, told Business Insider. "They need to find that balance and provide value while creating something unique that is memorable and shareable." Four analysts and brand strategists who spoke to Business Insider said each restaurant is grappling with its value proposition. Gone are the days when consumers would frivolously swing for a larger-sized soda or an added side. Customers demand filling meals, healthy options, and affordable prices, with slop bowls no longer seen as the top dog in those categories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That raises the question: do the bowls themselves live up to the value promise that made each brand popular? I tried each chain to find out. Chipotle was the most filling and least expensive The Chipotle burrito bowl was the least expensive and most calorically-dense "slop bowl" I sampled. Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert At $19.01 for a burrito bowl, chips, and a drink, Chipotle was the most economical option and the most filling of the three chains I tried. I sampled the recently re-released carne asada bowl, now available for a limited time, and found it flavorful and fresh. The hearty portion size (with over 1,000 calories if you add guacamole) easily stretched to feed me for both lunch and dinner. Laurie Schalow, Chipotle's chief corporate affairs officer, told Business Insider that the brand's prices remain 20% to 30% less than meals at other fast-casual chains and often below comparable meals at many quick-service restaurants. "The health of the Chipotle brand remains very strong," Schalow said, citing customer perception surveys measuring satisfaction with the company's offerings. Cava's flavors and colors were exciting but pricey Cava's Mediterranean flavors were my favorite of the bunch and the prettiest to look at. Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert I hadn't eaten at Cava before. I spent $28.97 on a bowl, spicy pita chips, a drink, and a blondie bite an impulsive $2.95 purchase my sweet tooth made me indulge in at the register. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With around 600 calories for the bowl and a nearly $30 price point, I wouldn't spend that much on lunch on a regular basis. That said, Mediterranean flavors are some of my favorites, and this steak and harissa bowl didn't disappoint. Not only was it delicious, but the bowl was presented beautifully, with the colors of cabbage, cucumber, and tomato worthy of a second glance. Instead of focusing on a traditional value proposition like a combo deal, Cava's CEO Brad Schulman said during the brand's Q2 earnings call that its popular hot harissa meal which included a promotional stuffed pita chip toy was intended to "tap into the emotional connection of our guests." The brand's internal surveys of customers indicate they see the meals as a good value, Schulman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Cava declined to comment for this story. Sweetgreen was tasty but the weakest link Sweetgreen's salad, while tasty, felt like the worst value of the three meals. Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert With all due respect to Sweetgreen and its fan base, $29.01 for a salad, a slice of focaccia, and a drink was simply too rich for my blood. In fairness, I tried to keep each meal comparable by sampling the same protein offering at each chain, so my steak substitution added about $3 to the typical price point. But even if I'd opted for the chicken that comes standard with the harvest bowl, I'm not sure I'd have had a different takeaway. While it tasted fine, the Sweetgreen salad was largely comprised of kale. At 740 calories, it was more nutritionally dense than the Cava bowl, but it was somewhat less flavorful and satisfying than its competitors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On my first visit to Sweetgreen, I ate midday in an affluent Los Angeles suburb. Upon finding my seat, I texted my editor that the meal was "yuppie food" with trendy flavor profiles, Instagrammable decor, and a high price point that felt clearly geared toward the young urban professionals who filled the dining area. I love a good salad, but as a frugal spender, I didn't feel like the target consumer. Sweetgreen has recognized an issue with its value proposition. CEO Jonathan Neiman said during the company's August earnings call that it would increase its chicken and tofu portions by 25% to appeal to value-conscious customers. Since I got steak in mine, I'm not sure such an increase would have mattered much to me. The analysts who spoke to Business Insider said that leaning toward bigger portions is a risky move because customers could be irritated if Sweetgreen ever reverses the decision. Representatives for Sweetgreen did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. There's nothing wrong with the food, but slop bowls are a messy business Each of the meals I sampled was worth a second bite. The bowls were fresh, their offerings solid, and if someone else were picking up the tab I'd happily enjoy a meal at any of these locations again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Truly, there wasn't anything wrong with the food. Still, the analysts I spoke to had a point: there's a bigger issue at play here than a single chain's strategy. The meals deliver, but the math doesn't. "Those companies, none of them did anything wrong. Most of us would love to be that successful," Gregg Majewski, founder and CEO of the restaurant group Craveworthy Brands, told Business Insider. "It's that the economy's finally gotten to a point where even the big boys and the ones that are the market leaders are starting to feel the pressures that everybody else has been facing." For fast-casual chains like Cava, Chipotle, and Sweetgreen, it's clear the slop bowls still slap what's not obvious is whether that'll be enough to save the bottom line. Read the original article on Business Insider Amtrak is dismantling two coaling towers in southwest Michigan and Indiana, affecting the passenger line's Wolverine and Blue Water schedules in Michigan from Sept. 15-19. "Structures along routes used by Amtrak trains are scheduled to be dismantled near Michigan City, IN, and Augusta, MI," Amtrak said in a news release, which will affect routes between Chicago and Pontiac, Michigan, and Chicago and Port Huron, Michigan. Charter buses will provide alternative transportation for passengers, the transportation company says, resulting in longer wait times and limited capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know: Why are they tearing down the coaling towers? Coaling towers lifted coal high above the track into a storage bin. When a train stopped below the tower, coal could be sent into the locomotives storage bunker to fuel the train. After switching to diesel electric locomotives, coaling towers were no longer needed, according to the National Park Service. What trains are shutting down? Both the Amtrak Wolverine and Blue Water schedules are affected. The schedules are as follows: Train 352 , Eastbound, which operates between Chicago and Pontiac, is canceled from Sep. 15-19. Alternate transportation will be provided by Bus 3352 between Chicago and Pontiac. Train 354 , Eastbound, which operates between Chicago and Pontiac, is canceled from Sep. 15-19 with no alternate transportation provided. Train 364, Eastbound, which operates between Chicago and Port Huron, is canceled Sep. 15-19. Alternate transportation will be provided by Bus 5364 between Chicago and Port Huron. Train 350 , Eastbound, which operates between Chicago and Pontiac, is canceled on Sept. 19 with no alternate transportation provided. Train 351 , Westbound, which operates between Pontiac and Chicago, is canceled from Sept. 15-19. Alternate transportation will be provided by Bus 3351 between Pontiac and Chicago. Train 355 , Westbound, which operates between Pontiac and Chicago, is canceled Sept. 15-19 with no alternate transportation provided. Train 365 , Westbound, which operates between Port Huron and Chicago, is canceled Sept. 15-19. Alternate transportation will be provided by Bus 5365 between Port Huron and Chicago. Train 353, Westbound, which normally operates between Pontiac and Chicago, is canceled on Sept. 19. Alternate transportation will be provided by Bus 3353 between Pontiac and Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, until Oct, trains 350and 353 will continue to operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, due to track improvements. Amtrak service and ridership in Michigan Amtrak operates three permanent routes serving Michigan, a 2024 fiscal report says, including: The Wolverine departs from Chicago, westbound with stops in New Buffalo, Jackson and Ann Arbor, Michigan, before reaching metro Detroit. The Blue Water also departs from Chicago and travels westbound to Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and East Lansing, Michigan, with intermediate stops before reaching Port Huron. The Pere Marquette, which connects Chicago to Grand Rapids, Michigan, runs along Michigan's west coast. Stops include St. Joseph and Holland, Michigan. How many people in Michigan ride the Amtrak? 766,073 passengers boarded an Amtrak train in Michigan in 2024, a report shows. Ann Arbor was the most frequent starting and ending point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Amtrak trains from Michigan to Chicago to stop service for coal tower demolition. What to know ONAWA, Iowa (KCAU) The annual Harvest Festival ended on September 7, and visitors had the chance to enjoy a variety of activities, vendors, and even food trucks. Sioux City small business owner, Mary Turner, said she supplies a lot of different items for customers interests. Ive been doing this for full-time for about five years. The festival is something I really look forward to at this type of event. I always carry standard items, shirts, T-shirts, tumblers. Depends on what the theme is, [or] holiday, but I also do make custom orders every day, said Turner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The festival isnt just popular with the regular vendors but even making impacts for first time vendors. Kendra and Karyssa Mullicane are vendor organizers for a relatives small business, Daly Crystal Co. They said that even with their first time here, their clientele continues to grow not only in person but also online. Its actually been really good. Weve had some good success with the vendor shows, even the smaller ones. I think a lot more people are now reaching out to Poshmark, said Mullicane. Were going to get our Facebook set up, but weve had some people on for about new orders, people that will come to different shows that we have that maybe misses last time or wanted more stuff that we have, some stuff were getting a lot more clients. Committee member Kisa Deen says this was their biggest year yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is our biggest year yet. Weve had one of the biggest fireworks shows around this year compared to previous years. And vendors, we normally are playing in 60 or so, and we had 95, said Deen. Although this was a record number for the event, Deen is striving to make it bigger for the upcoming years. We would love to grow. Thats ultimately the next step in plan, and we can only do that with our community support, said Deen. Everybody has been fabulous with that and their donations. We appreciate all of our sponsors and anybody whos donated it to us. So, we plan to continue to grow it, to offer as much free as we can as well. The Harvest Festival was free to the public, although good will donations are always appreciated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN FRANCISCO Anthropic, the developer of ChatGPT rival Claude, is throwing its support behind a major bill on artificial intelligence in California that could have implications well beyond the state if it becomes law. The chatbot maker is the first big AI lab to get behind the measure, which could have resounding implications for everything from nationwide AI safety policy to California Gov. Gavin Newsoms widely expected run for president, if it gets past its final legislative hurdle this week to the governors desk. The bill from state Sen. Scott Wiener an ambitious San Francisco Democrat with his eye on Rep. Nancy Pelosis seat would require large AI companies and programs to disclose safety testing protocols. Wiener attempted to push a much broader measure through last year but faced major pushback from the tech industry as well as national Democrats like Pelosi. Newsom vetoed that bill, citing concerns about hampering innovation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anthropic expressed some support for Wieners vetoed AI bill last year but never gave it the full-throated backing it is offering his effort this year. It's saying you have to tell us what your plans are. You have to tell us the tests you run. You have to tell the truth about them, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei exclusively told POLITICO Pros California Decoded newsletter, regarding the key aspects of the bill that he was glad to see. Amodei said the bill isnt perfect but that it gets at core ideas of transparency and how AI companies test their models that his company has been promoting, and performing, for some time. Anthropic put out a blog post in July outlining a framework that would require larger companies and programs to disclose their internal safety procedures, and Amodei has evangelized the idea going back years. Wiener had appealed directly to major tech companies hoping to get them on board with his latest attempt, including Anthropic, Google, Meta and ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. He also based the bill on a report by experts on AI safety that Newsom commissioned last year after his veto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, the bill hasnt seen nearly the same level of public tech criticism as last years push. If Wiener succeeds in tempering industry criticism, and Newsom ultimately signs the measure, it could be portrayed as a consensus win on a key topic without alienating a deep-pocketed base of support. That could be a win for both Wiener and Newsom in their future political ambitions. After it was amended late last week following industry consultations and work with the governors office, the bill now covers only large AI programs, and companies with more than $500 million in revenue have greater obligations. Frontier AI programs trained by companies that fall below that revenue threshold would have to disclose more basic, higher-level safety details. Whistleblowers at any AI company are protected if they disclose potentially dangerous or risky program behavior. There were specific areas, like the size of models covered, that could have been tweaked to include more programs, Amodei said. He added Anthropic had been among the groups pushing for exemptions for smaller companies and programs so as not to hamstring innovation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, he added, you've got to start somewhere, saying that should the measure become law, there could be the opportunity to refine it further. Anthropic wrote to Wiener last month saying it could support the bill with some suggested changes, including clarifying definitions and creating more flexibility in how safety protocols are written and disclosed. Wiener praised Anthropic and Amodeis leadership in a statement, saying: It can be difficult to tell where many AI companies will come down on safety issues. Never Anthropic. Im grateful to have support from a homegrown San Francisco company thats shown the world its possible to lead on both responsible practices and product performance. The two arent mutually exclusive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a blog post Monday after POLITICOs initial report, Anthropic said Wieners second attempt offers a trust-but-verify approach through disclosure requirements rather than the prescriptive technical mandates that plagued last year's efforts. The debate over this years bill has also been a much less public spectacle than what Amodei called the food fight over Wiener's effort last year. We were more interested in kind of trying to do a dispassionate analysis of the issue than joining one side of the food fight, Amodei said. Amodei has spoken out in the past on the need to require transparency from AI companies, either through a state or federal framework. In an op-ed over the summer when Republicans in Congress unsuccessfully tried to freeze state AI laws, he argued such a policy would be too blunt and nationwide transparency rules would be better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if the Wiener bill should it pass could set the stage for a potential federal standard, Amodei said it might. I think in some ideal world, what would happen is something like this passes here and people realize, you know, the sky isn't falling. People can comply with this, he said. A version of this story first appeared in California Decoded, POLITICOs morning newsletter for Pros about how the Golden State is shaping tech policy within its borders and beyond. Like this content? POLITICO Pro subscribers receive it daily. Learn more at www.politicopro.com. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) Appalachia Service Project (ASP) will host its ninth annual Race to Build event on Sept. 11-13. The event takes place during the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway and will build three homes for Tri-Cities families. Four college teams, Iowa State University, Kent State University, Appalachian State University and the University of Nebraska, compete over the three days to build the fastest, safest and most efficient new homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hope After Helene brings together community nearly one year after flooding hit region This event builds more than just homes; it restores stability and hope for families who need it most, Melisa Winburn, President and CEO of ASP, said in a news release. Race to Build demonstrates the power of whats possible when communities, students, partners, and more come together in service. At the end of the event, ASP will present the homes to the Norton, Hawkins and Fitzmaurice families. Two of the people receiving a home, Ira Dewayne Norton and Delores Hawkins, are Hurricane Helene survivors. Norton, a retired mechanic from Elizabethton, lost his Airstream trailer and vehicle when trees fell during the storm, ASP said in the release. His new ASP home will restore the independence and security he has been striving to rebuild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson County resident Delores Hawkins lost her longtime home due to flooding from Roan Creek. The new, accessible home she receives from Race to Build will allow her to remain close to loved ones in a safer, more suitable space, ASP stated. David Fitzmaurice, a combat veteran and caregiver for his sister, will also receive a home. [Fitzmaurice] lost the home he had been building for his family to a fire earlier this year, ASP said. After months of temporary and inadequate housing, ASP is honored to provide his family with a permanent and stable home. The eighth annual Race to Build event will take place outside Bristol Motor Speedway. Construction will begin at 10 a.m. on Sept. 11 and end at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 with a closing ceremony at 4 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Washington A federal appeals court on Monday rejected a lawsuit filed by a group of states that challenged the mass firings of thousands of federal probationary workers. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit divided 2-1 in finding that the 19 states and the District of Columbia did not have legal standing to sue over the large-scale terminations. The appeals court sent the case back to the federal district court with directions to dismiss it. "We acknowledge that the abrupt and indiscriminate dismissal of the probationary employees here exacted all-too-human costs upon those affected," Judge Harvie Wilkinson wrote for the two-judge majority. "But this real impact on the employees, who are not parties here, cannot govern our review." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilkinson wrote that while federal probationary workers "suffered the brunt of the harm" as a result of their firings, "they are nowhere to be found in this case." Joining Wilkinson in the majority was Judge Allison Jones Rushing. Judge DeAndrea Gist Benjamin dissented. Probationary workers are those who generally have been in their jobs with the federal government for one or two years, depending on the nature of their jobs. Shortly after President Trump returned to the White House for a second term, his administration moved to lay off thousands of probationary workers as part of its goal of shrinking the size of the federal government. The terminations occurred in mid-February, when thousands of probationary workers began receiving notices from their agencies that they were laid off. Court filings indicate that at least 24,000 of these federal employees had been fired by early March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 19 states and the District of Columbia swiftly filed a lawsuit against a slew of agencies challenging the mass firings, arguing that the terminations were unlawful because the Trump administration did not comply with a legal requirement to provide states with 60 days notice before a large-scale layoff. The states that sued were Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin. In April, a federal district court in Maryland ordered the Trump administration to reinstate all affected probationary workers living or working in the states that sued. The district court also prohibited the government from conducting any future reductions-in-force unless they were in compliance with federal law. The 4th Circuit granted a Trump administration request to freeze the district court's decision, clearing the way for agencies to lay off probationary workers again. It heard arguments in the case in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his opinion, Wilkinson said that the interests at issue in the case are federal, so the states have no concrete injury that can be remedied by the courts. "The federal government is required in all kinds of ways to respect the basic sovereignty of the states. But the reverse is also true," he wrote. "It is hard to imagine a more traditionally federal function than the management of the federal workforce. The federal workforce performs federal functions. How it performs them is a matter of federal concern." He warned that if the court were to accept the states' theory of how they have been harmed, every change in federal funding levels would authorize states to sue the federal government. "A contrary result would upend our federalist system by ceding federal sovereignty to the states," Wilkinson wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Barrett on the Supreme Court's checks on Trump's power "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" turns 50: "Don't dream it, be it" Stand-up Nate Bargatze on operating in "the chaos" A federal appeals court in New York on Monday upheld the $83.3 million judgment imposed on President Donald Trump for defaming former magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll in 2019. "Trump has failed to identify any grounds that would warrant reconsidering our prior holding on presidential immunity. We also conclude that the district court did not err in any of the challenged rulings and that the jury's damages awards are fair and reasonable," the opinion said. Trump last year was ordered to pay $83.3 million in damages to Carroll, a former Elle magazine columnist, for defaming her in 2019 when he denied sexually abusing her in the dressing room of a Manhattan department store in the 1990s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Judges appear skeptical as Trump seeks new trial in E. Jean Carroll case The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday rejected Trump's argument that he was entitled to presidential immunity when he made the statements about Carroll. The appellate court also rejected Trump's argument the jury's damages were excessive. The three-judge panel decided "Trump acted with, at a minimum, reckless disregard for the truth" when he called Carroll a liar and said she's not his type. The panel said the $18.3 million the jury awarded Carroll in compensatory damages was fair. "After Trump released his statements, which were viewed by between 85.8 to 104 million people, Carroll was instantly and continuously attacked on Twitter and Facebook and in emails. She received thousands of such attacks, including hundreds of death threats," the opinion said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The panel also rejected Trump's argument the punitive damage award of $65 million was grossly excessive. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One, September 7, 2025 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. "There was ample evidence that Trump was recklessly indifferent to Carroll's health and safety," the opinion said. "Moreover, Trump's attacks against Carroll were not isolated; rather, they continued throughout the pendency of the nearly five-year litigation and became more extreme and frequent as the trial approached." Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan. said in a statement following the ruling that the appeal court affirmed that "E. Jean Carroll was telling the truth, and that President Donald Trump was not." "The Court also upheld the $83.3 million award of damages because, among other things ... she 'was subjected to a multitude of death threats and other threats of physical injury,'" the statement said. "We look forward to an end to the appellate process so that justice will finally be done." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, a jury in a separate trial found Trump liable for the attack and awarded Carroll $5 million in damages for battery and for defaming her in a 2022 social media post by calling them "a Hoax and a lie." The same court of appeals rejected his appeal of that judgment. A federal appeals court in Manhattan declined to throw out an $83 million defamation judgment against President Donald Trump on Monday. The 2024 judgment found that Trump defamed writer E. Jean Carroll while denying her allegations of rape. In 2019, the president said Carrolls claims were totally false and made to promote her book. In 2023, Trump was found to be liable for sexually assaulting Carroll in a department store decades earlier. Carroll has won two defamation judgments against Trump for his repeated denials of the allegations. The panel of judges for the Second Circuit Court of Appeals found that the 2024 ruling against Trump was fair and reasonable. The ruling went on to call out Trumps defamatory comments following the 2023 sexual assault case, saying that the degree of reprehensibility of Mr. Trumps conduct was remarkably high, perhaps unprecedented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carroll was subjected to ongoing and prolific harassment as a result of these statements, including a multitude of death threats and other threats of physical injury, the ruling read. For nearly five years, Trump never wavered or relented in his public attacks on Carroll. Roberta Kaplan, attorney for Carroll, said the ruling was proof that her client was telling the truth about Trumps sexual assault. Earlier today, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed, in a comprehensive 70-page ruling, that E. Jean Carroll was telling the truth, and that President Donald Trump was not, Kaplan said in a statement shared with Salon. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. We look forward to an end of the appellate process so that justice will finally be done, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for the president argued that he was exempt from liability due to a 2024 Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity. The decision by the Supreme Court said that Trump could not be prosecuted for some official acts during his first term. However, the Second District found that Trump has failed to identify any grounds that would warrant presidential immunity being a factor in the case. The post Appeals court upholds $83 million judgment in Trump defamation lawsuit appeared first on Salon.com. A federal appeals court panel on Monday upheld advice writer E. Jean Carrolls $83.3 million defamation award she secured from President Trump last year, rejecting Trumps claims of presidential immunity. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals previously affirmed Carrolls first trial win that found Trump liable for sexually abusing her in the mid-1990s and ordered him to pay $5 million. The president is preparing to take that ruling to the Supreme Court. Mondays ruling, meanwhile, upholds the jurys verdict in Carrolls second trial, which brought defamation claims against Trump for publicly denying the columnists story after she went public during the presidents first White House term. The jury ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On appeal, Trumps lawyers argued the award is excessive, Trump is entitled to presidential immunity and the trial judge improperly struck portions of Trumps brief testimony before the jurors. We hold that the district court did not err in any of the challenged rulings and that the jurys duly rendered damages awards were reasonable in light of the extraordinary and egregious facts of this case, the appeals panel wrote in its unsigned decision. The three-judge panel comprised Denny Chin, appointed by former President Obama; Sarah Merriam, appointed by former President Biden; and Maria Araujo Kahn, another Biden appointee. Upon review of the evidence, we agree with the district court that the jury was entitled to find that Trump would not stop defaming Carroll unless he was subjected to a substantial financial penalty, the court wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The panel handed Trump a loss in June by declining to allow his Justice Department to step in for him and try to toss the case. Trump can now appeal to the Supreme Court or first ask the full 2nd Circuit to reconsider Mondays decision. The American People are supporting President Trump in historic numbers, and they demand an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all of the Witch Hunts, including the Democrat-funded Carroll Hoaxes, the defense of which the Attorney General has determined is legally required to be taken over by the Department of Justice because Carroll based her false claims on the Presidents official acts, including statements from the White House, a spokesperson for Trumps legal team said in a statement. President Trump will keep winning against Liberal Lawfare, as he is focusing on his mission to Make America Great Again, the statement continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robbie Kaplan, Carrolls attorney, celebrated the ruling in a statement, saying the court affirmed that E. Jean Carroll was telling the truth, and that President Donald Trump was not. The Court also upheld the $83.3 million award of damages because, among other things, Donald Trump had been recklessly indifferent to E Jean Carrolls health and safety, given that she was subjected to a multitude of death threats and other threats of physical injury. We look forward to an end to the appellate process so that justice will finally be done, Kaplan said. Updated at 11:44 a.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A federal court in Manhattan declined to throw out a case that found President Donald Trump owes $83.3 million over comments he made disputing the veracity of sexual assault claims by writer E. Jean Carroll. The Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, which generally looks at technical issues in a case instead of the underlying merits, said in the decision issued on Sept. 8 that presidential immunity does not protect Trump, and a lower court did not err in how it handled the case. The decision is the latest in a yearslong legal battle after Carroll said in 2019 that Trump sexually assaulted her at a New York City department store in 1996, and Trump fired back with allegations that she was making up the story to sell her book. E. Jean Carroll leaves the courthouse on Sept. 6, 2024 in New York City. Both parties appear in court today as Trump's lawyers fight to overturn the jury's finding that he sexually abused E. Jean Carroll. E. Jean Carroll arrives at Manhattan federal court in New York as her defamation suit against Donald Trump continues on Jan. 26, 2024 in New York City. Lawyers for both parties are expected to make their final statements today before a jury decides on a financial penalty. Carroll successfully sued Trump for defaming her when he was president, he has denied sexually assaulting her in a New York department store dressing room in the mid 1990's. E. Jean Carroll reacts as the verdict is read in the civil rape accusation case against former President Donald Trump, in New York, May 9, 2023 in this courtroom sketch. A jury found former President Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990's. E. Jean Carroll testifies before Judge Lewis Kaplan as former U.S. President Donald Trump watches, during the second civil trial where Carroll accused Trump of raping her decades ago, at Manhattan Federal Court in New York City, Jan. 17, 2024 in this courtroom sketch. Donald Trump's lawyer Alina Habba cross examines E. Jean Carroll before Judge Lewis Kaplan during the second civil trial where Carroll accused Trump of raping her decades ago, at Manhattan Federal Court in New York City, Jan. 18, 2024 in this courtroom sketch. E. Jean Carroll enters Manhattan Federal Court, in the second civil trial after she accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of raping her decades ago, in New York City, Jan. 18, 2024. E. Jean Carroll steps out of the car as she arrives to Manhattan Federal Court, in the second civil trial after she accused former President Donald Trump of raping her decades ago, in New York City, Jan. 22, 2024. E. Jean Carroll (L) and her lawyer Roberta Kaplan (R) leave Manhattan Federal Court following the conclusion of the civil defamation trial against former President Donald Trump on Jan. 26, 2024 in New York City. A jury awarded Carroll a total of $83.3 million dollars in her week long civil defamation trial against former President Trump, including $18.3 million in compensatory damages and $65 million in punitive damages, finding that Trump acted maliciously for one of the two statements at issue. E. Jean Carroll listens as the verdict is read during the second civil trial where Carroll accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of raping her decades ago, at Manhattan Federal Court in New York City, Jan. 26, 2024, in this courtroom sketch. E. Jean Carroll attends the 2024 TIME100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 25, 2024 in New York City. E. Jean Carroll and Donald Trump look on as lawyer John Sauer argues for him before justices Denny Chin, Myrna Perez and Susan Carne, as he is asking a federal appeals court to overturn a $5 million jury verdict finding him liable for sexually assaulting and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of raping her nearly three decades ago, in Manhattan, New York, Sept. 6, 2024, in this court sketch. See key moments in E. Jean Carrolls legal battle with Donald Trump 1 of 11 E. Jean Carroll leaves the courthouse on Sept. 6, 2024 in New York City. Both parties appear in court today as Trump's lawyers fight to overturn the jury's finding that he sexually abused E. Jean Carroll. The ruling means Trump remains on the hook for nearly $90 million in damages against Carroll $83.3 million for damaging Carrolls reputation when he denied her claim, and $5 million for defamation and sexual abuse. His appeals of both sums of money failed this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for Carroll and Trump did not immediately provide comment for this story. In his appeal of the $83.3 million sum that the court shot down on Sept. 8, Trump argued that a 2024 Supreme Court decision granting presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution also applied in this case. The court said the argument did not apply because Trump failed to bring up the issue earlier in the court process. Trump also challenged procedural issues with the trial, but the appeals court was unpersuaded. Trump first denied Carrolls accusation in June 2019, during his first term as president, telling a reporter in a lengthy exchange on the White House lawn that Carroll was "not my type" and that she concocted the story to sell her memoir "What Do We Need Men For?" Carroll sued him months later, winning the $83.3 million judgment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump repeated the denial in a 2022 social media post, when he was not president and the first case was ongoing. Carroll then sued Trump again under a special window of time that New York granted to sexual abuse survivors, and in 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse against Carroll. This resulted in the $5 million verdict. Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump fails to overturn E. Jean Carroll's $83.3 million verdict The rhetoric is rising in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, just two weeks before dozens of nations are expected to back a Saudi-French plan to recognize a Palestinian state on Sept. 22. A senior Emirati official said last week that an Israeli plan to annex parts of the West Bank would betray the spirit of the Abraham Accords. The comment was followed by a series of UAE statements critical of Israels policies. On Sunday, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Jordans King Abdullah II met in Abu Dhabi and opposed any plans to annex the West Bank or other Palestinian territories, warning that settlement expansion would pose a threat to regional peace, security, and stability. Abu Dhabi also backed Cairos opposition to what it sees as an Israeli attempt to push Gazans into Egypt. US President Donald Trump, also on Sunday, warned Hamas to accept a deal to release Israeli hostages and end the war, saying he was working on a solution that may be very good. Meanwhile, Israels cabinet stepped back from discussing potential annexation of the West Bank. With the largely symbolic recognition of a Palestinian state approaching, the moment could open a window for a grand bargain or trigger a deeper breakdown in Israeli-Arab relations. (The Center Square) Amid conversation of deploying the Louisiana National Guard to Shreveport to help eradicate crime, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux released a statement showing his support for the concern but feels things are moving in the right direction in decreasing city crime. Recent comments by California Gov. Gavin Newsom directed toward U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., highlighted crime in Louisiana, raising debate about potential National Guard involvement in Shreveport. Arceneaux released a statement to address this possibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I respect Governor Landrys concern for public safety across Louisiana, and I appreciate his intention to support the provision of additional resources to fight crime in Shreveport, said Arceneaux. While we are committed to solving our challenges locally, and I have full confidence in the ability of our police department to do so, Shreveport remains prepared and focused on the safety and well-being of our residents. Gov. Jeff Landry won his seat in the 2023 election. According to Arceneaux, from efforts by the Shreveport Police Department, homicides are 43% lower than last year. That said, any city our size can always use additional resources in the battle against crime, said Arceneaux. "The question is how, when, and in what form to provide those resources." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FBI crime statistics showed that violent crime per 100,000 residents in 2024 was higher in Shreveport than in Washington, D.C. Johnson was asked during an interview with CNN News Central on Aug. 29 about whether the National Guard would be deployed to his area. Theres a lot of good work thats been done, Johnson said. There are a lot of reasons for that. But, we have a Democratic DA there who has not been prosecuting crime as some other more aggressive DAs have around the country. Soros funded that individual to be elected. But, Ill say that, you know, its an urban area that has a lot of problems that are happening around the country, and we have to address it. The reference to Soros is George Soros, a Hungarian-American investor and philanthropist with net worth north of $7 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the broadcast, residents flooded the comments urging the speaker to deploy the guard to address rising crime throughout all of Louisiana. I think the best way to determine how and what resources to provide to Shreveport should be the result of thoughtful discussions among our local, state, and federal officials to look for long-term solutions that include providing additional POST-certified officers, with arrest powers, to Shreveport and other similarly situated communities, as well as state and federal funds to increase police pay, said Arceneaux in his statement. "I look forward to those discussions." POST is an acronym for peace officer standards and training. Johnson also said that whether the National Guard deploys to Shreveport is ultimately not his call. He suggests the administration take one city at a time. The party of Argentinas libertarian president, Javier Milei, has suffered a crushing defeat in local elections in the capital, Buenos Aires, even before he completes two years in office, in the most significant act of frustration with his deep-cutting economic austerity policies. The results, announced on Sunday, put the candidate for Mileis recently formed La Libertad Avanza (LLA) party, or Liberty Advances, Diego Valenzuela, who captured 34 percent, far behind Gabriel Katopodis, the Peronist left-wing challenger who received 47.4 percent. LLA won just two of the eight electoral districts of the Buenos Aires province. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milei conceded that his right-wing partys crushing 13-point loss to his rivals represented a clear defeat. We suffered a setback, and we must accept it responsibly, he said after the results came in. If weve made political mistakes, were going to internalise them, were going to process them, were going to modify our actions, he added. In a post on X, Argentinas former Peronist president, Cristina Kirchner, said, Did you see Milei? Get out of your bubble, brother things are getting heavy. However, the 54-year-old economist pledged not to retreat 1 millimetre from his agenda to aggressively roll back the Argentinian state and cut public spending. We will deepen and accelerate it, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The election for the leadership of Argentinas wealthiest province is viewed as a litmus test for Mileis so-called chainsaw measures, as 40 percent of the countrys population lives in Buenos Aires, and it accounts for a third of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP). Argentina will go to the polls at the end of October for congressional midterms, which will be a crucial test of deep political support, with half of the seats in Argentinas lower house up for grabs and a third of its senate. Congress is already dominated by opposition parties, and the defeat in Buenos Aires will represent a blow to Mileis hopes of expanding his influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unemployment figures in Argentina are currently at their highest since 2021, during the COVID pandemic, and Mileis government has also been caught in a corruption scandal linked to his sister and close aides. Argentina also saw widespread protests after Milei vetoed a bill aimed at increasing pensions and disability spending. Congress later overturned his veto. The governor of the southern Chubut province, Nacho Torres, said the vote was a wake-up call from the citizenry, while the governor of the northeastern Santa Fe province said voters were giving a clear warning to Milei. People no longer want more shouting; they want facts. We Argentines want to grow and develop with security and in peace, he added. Tom Horne on Jan. 13, 2025, in the Arizona House of Representatives. Photo by Gage Skidmore | Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0 Less than a month after state auditors said the Arizona Department of Education was failing to properly oversee a safety program that pays to put police in schools, the state schools chief wants lawmakers to dramatically expand the program by more than $50 million. The School Safety Program, which provides grants to schools to pay for school safety officers, counselors and social workers has a budget of $128 million this year, including funds rolled over from previous years. Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, a Republican, this week announced his plan to ask the state legislature for a total of $180 million to fund the program next year. About $20 million of that total is set to replace another federal grant for officers in rural schools that will expire next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Horne said during the Sept. 4 announcement that his goal is to have a police officer in every school in Arizona, crediting a school safety officer who had only been on the job for two weeks for saving the lives of 20 Tucson students from a gunman in January. And Horne chastised school districts that turned down the option to put a police officer in their schools. Saying that youre a gun-free school is like saying, Im an easy victim, come get me, theres no one there to protect me, he said. So far, Horne said that the Department of Education has fulfilled every request its received to put an officer in a school, but is asking for more funding to fulfill hundreds of outstanding requests for counselors and social workers. When the Arizona Legislature voted in 2022 to provide the program with more funding, it came with the caveat that police officer positions would take priority over requests for counselors and social workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a report published Aug. 7, the Arizona Auditor General wrote that the Education Department, which Horne runs, did not do basic oversight of the program. Auditors found that 15 out of 16 schools that they reviewed failed to comply with all the requirements of the program, including conducting a school safety needs assessment to review throughout the year for improvement, developing an operational plan that addresses school-specific safety risks and ensuring officers and school administrators were properly trained. These schools were at risk of being unaware of and thus unable to prioritize and address their most pressing safety risks, auditors wrote. The Department of Education agreed with the findings in the auditors report and said that it had already implemented some processes for better oversight and was planning to implement more. The department partially blamed the lack of oversight highlighted in the report on the tiny staff of four that administers the School Safety Program. Two of those positions are currently open due to attrition, but spokesman Doug Nick told the Arizona Mirror that the department was working to fill them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nick previously told the Mirror that the department didnt have the budget to expand administrative staffing for the safety program. The Department of Education wrote in its response to the Auditor Generals report that the massive expansion in the safety program since 2018, without a proportionate increase in staffing, had made keeping up with the same level of monitoring activities impossible. But Jean Ajamie, who led the School Safety Program when Horne took office in January 2023, told the Mirror that a plan was in place to hire nine new employees for the program. Even though the money for those employees was included in the years budget, Ajamie said that Horne blocked her from making the new hires. She said they were needed in order to scale up administrative oversight as the program rapidly expanded when lawmakers boosted funding by $50 million in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supt. Horne has never ordered any kind of hiring freeze for the School Safety Program, Nick told the Mirror in an email. He did not directly answer repeated questions about any plans already in place to increase staffing for the safety program when Horne took control of the department after defeating Democratic incumbent Kathy Hoffman in the 2022 election. Nick told the Mirror that the 4% of the safety programs total budget that the Arizona State Board of Education gave the OK to use for administrative costs goes not only to staffing but to the significant training necessary for the program. In 2018, the program had a budget of $12 million and awarded grants to put police officers and juvenile probation officers in 128 schools. By 2025, the program had expanded to an $80 million annual allocation to fund 1,086 police officers, counselors and other safety personnel at 1,153 Arizona schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ajamie headed the Department of Educations School Safety Program from 2000 to 2015, returning to the post in 2020. She told the Mirror that, at the very least, the department should have hired five more employees dedicated solely to administration for a program of its size. She left the job nine months after Horne took office over what she said were disagreements with his administration. Ajamie has donated to and volunteered for Democratic campaigns. Ajamie provided the Mirror with internal documents detailing the staffing plan she created, but the Mirror is waiting for a response from the Arizona Department of Education to public records requests for corroborating documents and emails. She told the Mirror that Horne definitely did not let me fill the positions. In her experience, Ajame said that Hornes staff didnt have the background in grant administration to properly oversee the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alongside the request for additional funding for the program next year is a request to hire 10 new staffers, Nick said. Horne made the announcement about his desire to expand the School Safety Program two weeks after a student fatally stabbed another student in a classroom at Maryvale High School. Horne acknowledged on Thursday that there was an officer present at Maryvale when the student was stabbed, but that they didnt arrive at the classroom in time to stop the attack. All students must also pass through metal detectors on the way onto campus. The Republican-controlled Arizona Legislature will not begin working on the upcoming state budget until January at the earliest, and likely wont get the necessary consensus from the majority of lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs until months later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deadline to pass a budget and avoid a state government shutdown each year is June 30. This year, all the necessary parties finally came to an agreement on June 27. Due to major cuts to federal funding for various programs including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Arizona is looking at a major budget squeeze in the coming years as those cuts are implemented. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A small town in rural Arizona sinks almost 3 inches each year and the ground will likely only continue to collapse as locals and corporate mega-farms battle over access to clean water. Residents of Wenden, an unincorporated community of less than 1,000 people about 75 miles southeast of the Colorado River, have been forced to dig deep underground just to access water, NBC News reported. Wenden, like many communities, including Los Angeles, gets some of its water from the nearby Colorado River, though the rivers water level continues to drop due to the impacts of climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a train wreck waiting to happen, Gary Saiter, who leads Wendons water district, told NBC. In the last 15 years, Wendon itself has sunk into a subsidence bowl. We sink at another 2.2 inches per year, Saiter said. A small town in Arizona sinks almost 3 inches a year and will likely only worsen as access to clean water and the depleting Colorado River exacerbate climate change (Getty Images) With little water coming from the Colorado River, the town has come to rely entirely on groundwater but its draining its supply faster than it could ever be replenished. Its absolutely out of balance. Its not sustainable, Saiter said. Locals and megafarms are both vying for the precious resource. An Arizona State University study found that nearly 80 percent of the state has no regulations for groundwater, meaning corporations dont have to report exactly how much they take. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also impossible to know how much groundwater even remains, according to the report. Many locals find this lack of oversight to be troubling, especially those running businesses that need water to remain in operation. While farmers flush all their funds to keep digging deeper, theyre often beaten out by megafarms strapped with cash. That includes Rob McDermott, who owns an RV park in Wenden and says it feels impossible to compete because the corporations can dig deeper than small businesses. After nearby over-pumping dried out McDermotts well, he was forced to dig an 800-foot well, costing him $120,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its pretty tough to absorb that, McDermott said. Another study by Arizona State University found that the dramatic sinking is caused by the rapid use of groundwater in the Colorado River Basin. Just the way air keeps the tire pumped up, water keeps the land pumped up, Jay Famiglietti, the professor who led the study, told ABC 15. Clay minerals are flat, and so when the water thats between them disappears, gets pumped out, then the flat minerals stack up, kind of like dishes in a sink, and that has the impact of lowering the ground surface, he said. The Colorado Rivers supply has long been diminishing, meaning towns like Wenden have been forced to rely on groundwater (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The lack of regulations over the groundwater also means that companies can buy water and land usage rights in communities like Wenden and then pump that water and sell it to people living in different communities, Saiter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crisis has led Arizonas Attorney General Kris Mayes to file a lawsuit against one megafarm company, Fondomonte, for supposedly harming Wenden with its excessive digging. Fondomonte is owned by Almarai, Saudi Arabias biggest dairy company. The water has disappeared for them because the Saudis are sucking it out of the ground, Mayes told NBC News. I think this is the ultimate David vs. Goliath situation, Mayes said. Mayes office says it estimates that Fondomonte has used up over 80 percent of the groundwater in the area. In a statement to NBC News, Fondomonte said its water use is reasonable and that it makes a conscious effort to manage water use. Baxter County Prosecuting Attorney David Ethredge says says the Arkansas Department of Human Services has gone back on a promise to provide him results of an internal probe into how reports of child abuse going back 11 years failed to be investigated. (Photo by Chris Fulton/Mountain Home Observer) This article first appeared in the Mountain Home Observer and is reprinted by permission. The Arkansas Department of Human Services has reversed its promise to release findings from an internal investigation into how the agency failed to act on 29 child abuse complaints over 11 years, leaving prosecutors and the public without answers about systemic failures that allowed a teenager to allegedly endure years of severe abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case involves a 15-year-old boy who was discovered locked naked in a bathroom with a ratchet strap securing the door in November 2024. Court documents show he had allegedly been forced to sleep on a pallet in the bathroom, was only allowed out to attend school, and could only eat on school days. School records indicate he attended just 112 days since January 2024. According to charging documents filed against Daniel Wright, 41, and Jaclyn Barnett, 42, investigations revealed that 29 reports had been made to the states Child Abuse Hotline since 2013. Jaclyn Barnett, left, and Daniel Wright, right, face 112 counts each involving false imprisonment and severe abuse of a teenager. Court records show they were the subjects of 29 reports to the states Child Abuse Hotline since 2013. (Photos courtesy of the Baxter County Sheriffs Office) The complaints included allegations of maltreatment, inadequate supervision, failure to provide food and essential needs, extreme or repeated cruelty, and failure to protect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All reports were closed as unsubstantiated without full investigation, despite some coming from mandated reporters such as teachers, healthcare workers, and law enforcement officers who are legally required to report suspected abuse. Sources familiar with the case indicate the family would often move residences after complaints were made to the hotline, a pattern that may have helped them evade scrutiny. How did we allow a child to be harmed when there were reports made, some 29 reports that were made about an incident? asked Baxter County Prosecutor David Ethredge in a recorded interview. What are we doing so this never happens again? What are the safeguards we put in place to make sure that when we see repeated incidents concerning a child, that were going to make sure we see those triggers, that we step in and ask some additional questions? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the arrests in November, Ethredge met with then-DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam and the agencys chief counsel earlier this year. According to Ethredge, DHS leadership acknowledged serious failures and promised transparency. We discussed the issues, and it was very clear that they understood there was a problem, and they wanted to look at how we addressed the problem and what had happened to lead us to that point, Ethredge said. I felt very satisfied and confident that there was going to be a resolution, that there was going to be answers that I could share with the community. Arkansas Department of Human Services Secretary Kristi Putnam discusses the states waiver request for Medicaid work requirements on Jan. 28, 2025 as State Medicaid Director Janet Mann (left) and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders listen. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) Putnam, who had taken over DHS in 2023 after the abuse reports were filed, initiated an investigation into how the complaints were handled by her predecessors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency pledged to review each of the 29 reports and determine why decisions were made to close them as unsubstantiated. We have an obligation to children. If we find that the people who should be protecting them have not done their job, does it rise to the level of criminal culpability? I dont know. Without that information, its hard for me to say yes it does or no it doesnt. Baxter County Prosecuting Attorney David Ethredge Putnams departure in June 2024 came as a surprise to many in Arkansas child welfare community. She had arrived from Kentucky with strong credentials, including service on the board of the American Public Human Services Association, where she advocated for advancing child welfare systems nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her LinkedIn profile lists children, education and social services as her primary causes, with extensive experience in child welfare reform at both Kentucky and Arkansas human services departments. She now lists herself as self-employed on LinkedIn, having returned to Kentucky shortly after initiating the Mountain Home investigation. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that Putnam would be returning to Kentucky for family reasons. Janet Mann, who had served as deputy secretary overseeing child welfare and youth services during some of the period when complaints were filed, was promoted to lead the agency. Initially, a DHS spokesperson assured that Putnams departure would not delay the promised report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By late August, however, the agency had reversed course. We have completed our review of this case and have informed the prosecutor. However, we have also determined that details cannot be released publicly as initially intended due to the sensitive child maltreatment investigative information it concerned. Arkansas law requires this information to be confidential, DHS spokesperson Gavin Lesnick wrote in an email. The agency refused to provide even a redacted summary of its findings, stating only that issues were being handled internally. Ethredge strongly disputed the timing of DHSs communication, saying he only learned of the reversal after media inquiries prompted a call from the departments chief attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know that now, time has passed, and their position has changed, and I dont have those answers, and I would like to be able to give to the people of this community about what did transpire, Ethredge said. I dont know what the shift was, why they made the shift. The prosecutor expressed frustration that the agency invoked confidentiality laws that existed when the report was initially promised. A summary of the findings with no names listed would certainly have helped, Ethredge said. The Mountain Home case highlights broader systemic issues within Arkansass child welfare system. Data shows that only about 55 percent of reports made to the Child Abuse Hotline between January and March of this year were approved for actual investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 1991 class action lawsuit against the governor and DHS director documented systemwide problems, including failure to investigate abuse reports, inexperienced caseworkers with excessive caseloads and inadequate training. As recently as 2021, DHS itself characterized the Arkansas foster care system as being in crisis. Ethredge indicated he has not abandoned efforts to obtain answers about the systematic failures and is prepared to pursue criminal charges if warranted. We have an obligation to children, he said. If we find that the people who should be protecting them have not done their job, does it rise to the level of criminal culpability? I dont know. Without that information, its hard for me to say yes it does or no it doesnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutor emphasized he would pursue criminal charges against DHS workers if an investigation reveals they were criminally culpable in allowing the child to continue being abused. If they find something different, then we decide, Ethredge said, noting that while the standard for criminal cases differs from civil liability, I think the public deserves to know that. The prosecutor said that if necessary, we will bring DHS officials up here, question them on the issues related to this case and generate a report of our own. He had previously stated that if the DHS investigation revealed potential criminal negligence, he would ask the Arkansas State Police to investigate. ASPs Crimes Against Children Division operates the abuse hotline and investigates reports of abuse in conjunction with the human services department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ethredge confirmed he is moving forward with the case against Wright and Barnett regardless of whether DHS turns over its findings. Attempts to obtain documents through the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act have been unsuccessful. The Observer specifically requested information surrounding the 29 calls, which were available through the court system at one point and already in the possession of other news outlets. The Observer also requested internal emails between DHS employees over any reports surrounding the case. After initial denials, the Observer pushed back on the automatic rejections of its FOIA requests. DHS FOIA Officer Rebekah Brooks said she would check on the requests before closing the Observer FOIA request on the DHSs FOIA system without further comment. RE_-DHS-Report-mho Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only document DHS would release to the Mountain Home Observer was the agencys own email response to KTLO refusing to provide information. The Observer is considering legal action to compel release of the documents. Wright and Barnett each face 112 counts of first-degree false imprisonment, endangering the welfare of a minor and permitting child abuse. Both have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled for trial in November. They remain free on $50,000 bond each. The teen victim is no longer in the custody of Barnett, whom court records show is his paternal aunt and legal guardian. Illustration of black and white people representing racism. (Getty Images) In October 2023, a group calling itself Return to the Land established its first Whites only community in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. They followed that with a second enclave nearby in 2025. The group, which describes itself as a private membership association that helps groups form European heritage communities, plans to build four more sites, including another location in the Ozarks and two in Appalachia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Return to the Land believes that by calling themselves a private membership association they can create a white ethnostate a type of state in which residence is limited to white people and legally exclude people based on race, religion and sexual orientation. If you read the words of Eric Orwoll, the groups co-founder, its mission is clear: You want a white nation? Build a white town it can be done. Were doing it. As a scholar of right-wing extremism, I have examined several groups calling for a white homeland in America. The creation of a white ethnostate is often seen as an ultimate goal of such white nationalism, which argues that white people form part of a genetically and culturally superior race deserving of protection and preservation. While Return to the Land doesnt identify as white nationalists, their statements often align with the ideology. White ethnostates, big and small One of the best-known plans for a white ethnostate is the Northwest Imperative, popularized by white nationalists during the 1970s and 80s. The plan involved certain citizens taking 10% of the United States the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana and excluding all nonwhite people from living there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents of the plan argued that these states were already majority white and contained large tracts of undeveloped land, making the territory ideal for white-only settlement. High-profile extremists of the time such as Richard Butler, Robert Mathews and David Lane supported the plan. Still today, groups such as the Northwest Front, a white nationalist group founded in 2009 and located in the Pacific Northwest, continue to promote variations of this idea. While the Pacific Northwest has a long history with right-wing extremist organizing, the proponents of whites-only communities have also targeted areas of the Northeast as possible locations for a white ethnostate. In 2018, for example, Tom Kawczynski, town manager of Jackman, Maine, was fired when his views came to light, including views that have been characterized as pro-white. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More recently, in 2023, the Peoples Initiative of New England, a splinter group of the neo-Nazi organization National Socialist Club-131, introduced themselves on the online platform Substack. There, the group laid out its goal of establishing the six states of New England Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont as white-only. The goal of gaining control of multiple states is unrealistic, of course, at least peacefully. Therefore, a popular alternative, along the lines of Return to the Lands actions, is to establish smaller all-white communities. In 2013, media outlets reported that neo-Nazi Craig Cobb was buying land in the small town of Leith, North Dakota, to build a white nationalist community. The town rallied to oppose this attempt. Later that year, Cobb was charged with seven felonies related to confronting residents with a gun. He was sentenced to probation for four years and deeded the property back to the town in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in 2021, leaked Telegram chats revealed that Christopher Pohlhaus, a former U.S. Marine and founder of the neo-Nazi group Blood Tribe, wanted to establish a whites-only community in Springfield, Maine. Pohlhaus was developing a military training facility as part of these efforts when media coverage led him to sell the property and move out of state. The danger of a white ethnostate These various attempts to develop a white ethnostate are not simply individual, isolated cases. They form part of a larger movement toward achieving white nationalism. A major part of white nationalism today is focused on anti-immigrant hatred. That has spurred major acts of extreme violence such as the 2019 murders of 23 people in El Paso, Texas, the majority of whom were Hispanic. The great replacement theory, a conspiracy theory popular among white nationalists, argues that various policies are leading to the destruction of the white race. This theory inspired the 2022 mass killing of 10 Black Americans in a supermarket in Buffalo, New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooter selected the supermarket because of its location in a predominantly Black neighborhood and left behind a white supremacy manifesto. Communities across the U.S. have successfully resisted the establishment of white ethnostates. The residents of Leith, North Dakota, did this by creating a website informing people about what was happening in their community. Public outcry also met Pohlhaus in Maine. As for Return to the Land, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said in July 2025 that his office is reviewing the groups actions and whether they violate the law. Racism has no place in a free society, he said, but from a legal perspective, we have not seen anything that would indicate any state or federal laws have been broken. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE IZARD COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Grant Hardin, a former police chief known as the Devil in the Ozarks, is seeking to suppress statements he made to federal agents after his capture and later to officials at the Arkansas Department of Corrections, according to court documents. Hardin, 56, faces one count of second-degree escape from a law enforcement facility. He was charged on May 27, two days after he escaped from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock. Hardin has pleaded not guilty to that charge. The former police chiefs attorney, Bill James, filed several motions on Sept. 8, calling for anything Hardin said in June after his recapture to be kept out of court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Statements arising from custodial interrogation are presumed to be involuntary, James wrote. The burden is on the State to prove that a defendant knowingly and intelligently waived their privilege against self-incrimination and their right to an attorney, and that they voluntarily made the statement. Docs identify Arkansas DOC employees fired after Grant Hardins escape Officials with the Arkansas Department of Corrections said that Hardin crafted a fake badge out of a metal soup can lid, darkened his clothes with a marker, and used a kitchen apron to resemble a vest. He also built a makeshift ladder using wooden pallets from the back dock in his escape. Hardin was captured by the U.S. Border Patrol following a nearly two-week-long manhunt around a mile and a half from the prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His attorney also filed motions to suppress anything seized from him, along with details of any plea agreements reached with expected witnesses in the case. The motions did not specify what Hardin told federal agents or correction officials. Hardins trial is scheduled for Nov. 5, and his pretrial hearing is set for Oct. 21. He is being held at the Varner Supermax Unit in Gould. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Nazrin Abdul Azerbaijan and Uruguay are exploring opportunities for cooperation across several strategic sectors, including renewable energy, green technologies, infrastructure, transport, industry, and food security, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan. As part of his official visit to the Eastern Republic of Uruguay, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Elnur Aliyev held a series of high-level meetings aimed at deepening bilateral economic and trade relations. During the visit, Elnur Aliyev met with Valeria Csukasi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay. The meeting focused on Azerbaijans growing economy and the countrys ongoing efforts to improve its investment climate. It was noted that six bilateral agreements have already been signed between the two countries, covering areas such as economy, customs, and culture. Both sides emphasized the untapped potential for expanding trade and economic ties, stressing the importance of reciprocal visits and direct dialogue in enhancing cooperation. In a separate meeting with Fernanda Cardona, Uruguays Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mining, the Azerbaijani delegation highlighted the strong investment potential for Uruguayan companies in Azerbaijan, particularly in renewable energy, green technologies, infrastructure, and industrial development. Special attention was given to the Alat Free Economic Zone, which offers attractive conditions for foreign investors, including Uruguayan businesses seeking regional expansion. The Azerbaijani delegation also held talks with Cecilia San Roman, President of the National Administration of Fuels, Alcohol and Portland Cement (ANCAP) of Uruguay. Discussions centered on potential collaboration between ANCAP and SOCAR, Azerbaijans state oil company, with a focus on joint projects, knowledge exchange in the energy sector, and the development of green energy initiatives. Both sides recognized the mutual interest and high potential for cooperation in implementing modern energy technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and long-term investment partnerships. This visit marks a new chapter in AzerbaijanUruguay relations, laying the groundwork for deeper economic engagement and strategic cooperation in sectors key to sustainable development. BAXTER COUNTY, Ark. A woman has been charged in Arkansas following the death of a baby after an incident on Friday, August 29. Thompsons mugshot, photo courtesy of Baxter County Jail. According to court records, Terra Jonell Thompson has been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree domestic battery and second-degree domestic battery. Court records state that the baby was transported to the hospital, and staff noticed bruising on the right side of their face. The infant was later transported to the Childrens Hospital in Little Rock with a brain bleed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators were alerted that the baby was found with makeup on their face, around where the injuries were found. Law enforcement spoke to Thompson at her residence, and she said that she got upset and slammed the infant, which caused the baby to slam the back of their head in a playpen. She also stated that she struck the infant with an open hand. Thompson told officials that she waited around 10 to 15 minutes and attempted to put makeup on the babys face to cover up the injuries. The Pulaski County Coroners Office in Arkansas later confirmed to investigators that the infant died. Thompson is currently in the Baxter County Jail with a $100,000 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. BAMAKO, Mali (AP) A West African armed group affiliated to al-Qaida set fire to fuel tankers in Mali over the weekend, videos showed, as the militants sought to tighten their grip on the country's economy by banning fuel imports from neighboring countries. The trucks were coming from Ivory Coast and were attacked in Sikasso region in the south of the country, according to a security source in Sikasso who confirmed the videos to The Associated Press. Last week, the spokesperson for the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) announced the blockade on Mali in a video posted online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mali's transport ministry is meeting with representatives of transportation associations to discuss these threats and find solutions, a ministry spokesperson said. JNIM is one of several armed groups operating in the Sahel, a vast strip of semi-arid desert stretching from North Africa to West Africa, which has been a site for a rapidly growing insurgency that has made the region a hot spot for militant attacks. The group, which is considered the deadliest in the region, controls key cities in Mali and Burkina Faso. It has also carried out large-scale attacks in coastal countries along the Gulf of Guinea, including attacks on soldiers in Benin and Togo. Experts say the fuel blockade is a significant development for the landlocked Sahelian country, which depends entirely on imports, mostly from neighboring Senegal and Ivory Coast, for its fuel needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remadji Hoinathy, a security analyst at the Institute for Security Studies, told the AP the blockade will cause a shortage, which will exacerbate economic difficulties and deter fuel transporters in the region from delivering to Mali. The tactic could spread across the region as the deadly armed group is now focusing on regional economic infrastructure to put more pressure on governments, Honaithy warned. This is to bring more pressure on the military, the state, and their Russian partner, Honaithy said. It is a way of JNIM saying they are on the ground and have the capabilities of wreaking havoc. The West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, fractured over a sharp rise in Islamist attacks across the region. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger withdrew from the bloc following coups in the three countries. They formed a separate multilateral security alliance in 2023, ditching long-term Western partners such as France for Russia. But data shows attacks have only increased since then. The U.S. Army has identified the 18-year-old soldier who died Friday after an incident on a rifle range at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, as Pvt. Andrey Okunev. Okunev, a National Guard soldier from California, was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment at the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence at Fort Leonard Wood, according to a Monday release. He was pronounced deceased on site at 10:33 a.m. No other soldiers or training staff were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fort Leonard Wood law enforcement and the Army Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the incident. We are deeply saddened and truly heartbroken by the loss of Pvt. Okunev, and our deepest condolences and sincerest sympathies are with his family, friends and unit, said Maj. Gen. Chris Beck, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general. During this difficult time, our chaplains, grief counselors and other medical professionals are providing comfort, care and support to those affected by this tragedy. A judge on Friday ordered the arrest of a woman previously accused of drowning her dog at Orlando International Airport after she missed a court hearing in her animal cruelty case. Alison Agatha Lawrence, 57, of Clermont, is accused by Orlando police of killing Tywinn a 9-year-old white miniature Schnauzer in an airport bathroom Dec. 16 before her flight to Bogota, Colombia, because she couldnt take the dog on the flight, according to arrest records. Lawrence was arrested in March and later released on bond. She was charged with animal cruelty with intent to torture and evidence tampering, to which she pleaded not guilty. She had a court hearing scheduled for Friday morning to discuss her request to be declared indigent for court costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But records show she failed to appear, causing Orange Circuit Judge Diego Madrigal to order her arrest. However, a spokesperson for the Orange County Clerk of Court said Monday the arrest warrant for Lawrence isnt active and is still being processed. Lawrences attorney, Javier Chavez, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday. Court filings show Chavez filed a request to the court Friday to withdraw as Lawrences attorney. The filing said Lawrence had not maintained contact as required and that the two had irreconcilable differences. It also said Lawrence hadnt fulfilled her promised contractual obligations and that continued work on the case created a substantial financial burden on his law firm. According to Lawrences original arrest affidavit, her dog was discovered in the bathroom by an airport employee. The employee told police she saw a woman later identified as Lawrence in a bathroom stall cleaning up water and dog food from the floor. The employee returned to clean the bathroom about 20 minutes later and saw Lawrence leave the stall. When she went to remove the trash bag she noticed it was unusually heavy and found the dog. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Orlando Police Department responded to the scene along with Orange County Animal Services. The affidavit said police found other items in the bag with the dogs body, including a dog tag with Lawrences name and phone number on it. A necropsy ruled cause of death as drowning/submersion into water, according to court records. The affidavit said surveillance footage shows Lawrence walking with Tywinn to the bathroom and later exiting the bathroom without the dog. This article has been updated to include additional information. NEWBURGH Standing outside an emergency management trailer Sunday afternoon just a few hundred feet away from the site of a now-extinguished chemical file in Newburgh, local and federal officials asserted that thus far, an array of tests had detected no "hazardous materials" in the surrounding area. But that assessment belies the uncertainty rippling across Newburgh in the aftermath of the inferno at a PBTT Corp. manufacturing facility, which raged from Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning and prompted a succession of shelter-in-place orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Warrick County Health Department, preliminary tests showed white-gray ash deposited far and wide by the fire was potentially very caustic and could pose health risks to those who touch or breathe it in. Emergency response officials said they were working closely with the Warrick County Commission to explore issuing both a local disaster declaration and a local public health emergency. Sunday afternoon, Ohio Township Fire Chief Scott Forman disclosed that a fish kill at Vann Park Pond due to contaminated water runoff could be imminent. The Warrick County School Corp. said in a statement Sunday evening that classes would be held Monday but that all school-sanctioned outdoor activities, including recess, were cancelled. The precise impact of the fire, which engulfed what the Ohio Township Fire Department previously described as "combustable metals" and "numerous hazardous materials stored at the PBTT Corp. facility is still being determined, Foreman said during Sunday's news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously: EPA, IDEM 'analyzing materials' from massive Newburgh fire Foreman delivered remarks and took questions from reporters just after 3:30 p.m. alongside representatives from the Warrick County Emergency Management Agency, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Warrick County Health Department. The officials' consensus, based on the findings of a preliminary but still-ongoing investigation, is that extensive monitoring in the area surrounding PBTT Corp.'s Vann Road facility had so far detected no contamination of the air above background levels. "Combustable metals were the main hazardous materials involved in the fire," Foreman said. "Examples include magnesium, aluminum and zinc. An analysis of the area is still being conducted to determine if other hazardous materials were involved in the fire." Ohio Township Fire Chief Scott Foreman (right) delivers remarks to reporters Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, outside PBTT Corp. in Newburgh, the site of a chemical fire. The fire was declared extinguished at approximately 3:44 a.m. Sunday. Shelter-in-place orders were rescinded hours later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreman confirmed the PBTT Corp. facility, located at 5622 Vann Road, had been the sight of a previous fire in December involving a "small amount" of combustable metals. That fire was declared accidental, Foreman said. No PBTT Corp. representatives attended the news conference, and company officials did not respond to phone calls and emails from the Courier & Press seeking comment Sunday. Foreman said the company was cooperating with investigators. What we know about ash safety and cleanup Analyses of soil and water were still ongoing both at the site of the most recent fire and in nearby neighborhoods and across Newburgh, officials said. Near the PBTT Corp. facility, a Courier & Press reporter observed white-gray ash deposited in bushes, grass and in soil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the Warrick County Health Department said tests showed the ash exhibited PH levels as high as 14, meaning that contact with skin or inhalation could cause chemical burns. A department official said, "We don't know exactly what's in the ash." White ash dusts burned grass and reeds on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, near PBTT Corp.'s manufacturing facility in Newburgh, Indiana, the site of a chemical fire. The health department urged anyone who comes into contact with ash or soot to seek medical attention. Ethan Scott, a Newburgh resident who lives along Lincoln Avenue, expressed a widely held sentiment among locals when he told the Courier & Press after the news conference that in his view, officials contradicted themselves when they asserted hazardous materials had not left the confines of PBTT Corp. property but that ash could pose immediate health risks. Made no sense to me when they said that, Scott said. Because if tests found no hazardous materials, then how did ash deposits measure at very high PH levels? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a previous statement, the Ohio Township Fire Department asked anyone who located ash on their property to notify local officials so the materials can be analyzed by IDEM and the EPA. The Warrick County Central Dispatch non-emergency line can be reached at 812-897-1200. The EPA published a website Sunday to help coordinate the collection and testing of ash and debris from the PBTT Corp. fire. The site lists contact information for the EPA's on-site coordinators, Jason Sewell and Adam Vrabec. As of Sunday afternoon, the Warrick County Health Department, Emergency Management Agency and fire officials said they were working with state and federal partners to develop a plan to safely collect and dispose of the ash. EMA says error briefly disrupted safety alerts Warrick County EMA Director Matthew Gable told reporters an error in how the agency initially logged the radius of shelter-in-place orders led to some affected residents not receiving timely alerts Saturday through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, also known as IPAWS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gable said IT staff quickly addressed the error. He vowed to employ a layered approach to information sharing by distributing alerts across multiple platforms, including on social media. What did PBTT Corp.s Newburgh operations entail? According to PBTT Corp.'s website, its Newburgh facility housed "equipment allowing PBTT to heat treat, machine, blast, polish, buff, mass finish, anodize, coat and plate metal and polymer components." The fire burned in a rear area of PTTB Corp.'s Newburgh property and did not engulf its primary 40,000-square-foot warehouse, according to Foreman. In marketing materials, PBTT Corp. states that it specializes in machining, electrolytic plating and other industrial processes serving the aerospace, automotive, defense and energy industries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former employees told the Courier & Press that PBTT Corp. manufactured components for firearms. In August 2024, IDEM's Office of Air Quality alleged that PBTT Corp. operated "emission equipment prior to obtaining a registration" in violation of state rules regulating the construction of new "minor" sources of pollution, such as lead smelters, according to public records. The agency did not take legal action against PBTT Corp. as a result of the alleged violation, but Nicholas Carr, IDEM's director of the Southwest Regional Office of Air Quality, wrote in an Aug. 9, 2024, letter that future violations could result in formal sanctions. Houston may be contacted at houston.harwood@courierpress.com This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Newburgh PBTT Corp. chemical fire updates; disaster declaration By Charlotte Greenfield ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -The World Health Organization has asked Taliban authorities to lift restrictions on Afghan female aid workers, allowing them to travel without male guardians and help women struggling to access care after a powerful earthquake killed 2,200 people in eastern Afghanistan. "A very big issue now is the increasing paucity of female staff in these places," Dr Mukta Sharma, the deputy representative of WHO's Afghanistan office, told Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She estimated around 90% of medical staff in the area were male, and the remaining 10% were often midwives and nurses, rather than doctors, who could treat severe wounds. This was hampering care as women were uncomfortable or afraid to interact with male staff and travel alone to receive care. The September 1 magnitude 6 quake and its aftershocks injured more than 3,600 people and left thousands homeless in a country already dealing with severe aid cuts and a slew of humanitarian crises since the Taliban took over in 2021 as foreign forces left. The Afghan health ministry and a spokesperson for the Taliban administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Taliban says it respects women's rights in line with its interpretation of Islamic law and have previously said they would ensure women could receive aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its administration in 2022 ordered Afghan female NGO staff to stop working outside the home. Humanitarian officials say there have been exemptions, particularly in the health and education sectors, but many said these were patchwork and not sufficient to allow a surge of female staff, particularly in an emergency situation that required travel. That meant aid organisations and female staff faced uncertainty, Sharma said, and in some cases were not able to take the risk. "The restrictions are huge, the mahram (male guardian requirements) issue continues and no formal exemption has been provided by the de facto authorities," she said, adding her team had raised the issue with authorities last week. "That's why we felt we had to advocate with (authorities) to say, this is the time you really need to have more female health workers present, let us bring them in, and let us search from other places where they're available." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharma said she was extremely concerned about women in the future being able to access mental health care to deal with trauma as well as for those whose male family members had been killed, leaving them to navigate restrictions on women without a male guardian. Peer Gul from Somai district in Kunar province, which was severely hit by the quakes, said many women from his village had experienced trauma and high blood pressure after the earthquake and were struggling to reach medical care. "There is no female doctor for examinations; only one male doctor is available," he said. Sharma noted the growing shortage of Afghan female doctors as the Taliban have barred female students from high school and university, meaning a pipeline of women doctors was not being replenished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.N. estimates around 11,600 pregnant women were also impacted by the quakes in a country with some of the highest maternal mortality rates in Asia. Funding cuts, including by the U.S. administration this year, had already left the health system reeling. Around 80 health facilities had already closed in the affected areas this year due to U.S. aid cuts and another 16 health posts had to be shuttered due to damage from the earthquake, Sharma said. (Reporting by Charlotte Greenfield in Islamabad; Writing by Ariba Shahid; Editing by Saad Sayeed) SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Angelo State University is scheduled to host a guest presentation given by Dr. Benjamin Powell, director of the Texas Tech University Free Market Institute, on sweatshops in the global economy on Sept. 9. The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. in Room 100 of the ASU Mathematics-Computer Science Building, located at 2200 Dena Drive. It will be free and open to the public. ASU stated that the presentation, titled Out of Poverty: Sweatshops in the Global Economy, will see Powell provide a comprehensive defense of Third World sweatshops that does not put economic efficiency over people, but instead explores methods of improving the welfare of those in Third World countries. He also intends to explain how sweatshops provide the best opportunity for workers, as well as how they play an important role in development, leading to better wages and working conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paint the Town Blue: #10 Angelo State Football Gets Revenge Against Emporia in Home Opener Using economic theory, empirical evidence and historical investigation, Powell will argue that the anti-sweatshop movement would harm the very workers it intends to help by creating less-desirable alternatives and undermining development, ASU said. He will also explore how sweatshop wages have changed and how poverty alleviation has progressed in countries with sweatshops in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as well as how boycotting Uyghur forced labor in China differs from other sweatshop boycotts. Below is a brief biography of Powell provided by the university: Also a professor of economics in the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech, Powells research and teaching interests include the economics of immigration and the economics of sweatshop labor. He teaches courses in Global Business Economics and Policy and Austrian Economics, and his research contributes to scholarly literatures in Austrian economics, public choice and institutional economics. He is the author, editor or co-editor of several books, and he has authored more than 75 peer-reviewed scholarly articles and policy studies. His research findings have been reported in hundreds of popular press outlets, including The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, and his popular writing has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, New York Post, Dallas Morning News and many other outlets. He has appeared on numerous radio, podcast and television programs on various networks, including Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC and Showtime, and he was a regular guest commentator on Fox Business Networks Freedom Watch and Stossel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TTU Free Market Institute at ASU aims to advance research and teaching related to the free enterprise system and the institutional environment necessary for it to function well, and to support the missions of the ASU Norris-Vincent College of Business. The institute also develops and operates student and public programming that is supported by $1 million in anonymous gifts for the benefit of ASU students and the San Angelo community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. In one episode of Starzs glossy new docuseries, Magic City: An American Fantasy, a dancer called WifeyBaby describes the legendary strip club as a gateway for you to be great. A montage shows her dancing sensually, at one point fanning herself with a wad of cash. I honestly feel like Im closer and closer to my dreams, she said, turning underneath the clubs neon lights. Atlanta, long known for its vibrant and unique strip club culture, has more than 20 strip clubs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But advocates for victims of human trafficking say the citys many venues can be a gateway to a nightmare: sex trafficking. Remy, 22, was a teen runaway from Florida when she began working in a southwest Atlanta club at the direction of an older man. At the time, Remy, who asked not to use her real name because of ongoing legal cases, said she considered the man to be like a boyfriend or somebody that wanted to just protect me while I was working. In reality, he was a pimp and knew the owner of a strip club in the area. He got me in, I didnt have to have ID, and I started working in the strip club, Remy told Capital B Atlanta. I was 16. Remy, who grew up in the foster care system, said the pimp knew that I didnt have anybody, which made him want to control me even more, knowing nobody was going to come looking for me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, working at the strip club led to other things that I just didnt think would happen, she said. Advocates warn Remys story isnt that unusual in Atlanta. Glamorizing a dangerous business Starzs five-episode docuseries centers on the mystique around Magic City and its 40-year legacy as a tastemaker of Atlantas nightlife, and features interviews with Magic Citys founder, Michael Barney Sr. known as Mr. Magic his family, and employees including current and former dancers. It also features commentary from journalists and cultural scholars, who grapple with the tension between what some see as female empowerment and others see as the potential for exploitation. I think a place like Magic City is absolutely necessary, Lynae Vanee Bogues host of Revolts The Peoples Brief said in the series. I love that women can make bank. I love that Black women in particular can make bank off the fantasies they produce because the economys stolen from our bodies for so long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moya Bailey, the feminist scholar who helped lead a protest against rapper Nelly and his infamous Tip Drill music video while she was a student at Spelman College in 2004, said, Two things can be true at the same time. Its possible to feel empowered and get paid, but it doesnt mean that the representations dont still have ramifications, Bailey said in the docuseries. What would it look like if empowerment wasnt also predicated on mens desire for you? Because it definitely seems to depend on a society that says this is one of the only ways that women are allowed to feel empowered. If I were a trafficker, where the commodity that Im selling is a human being for sex why not go to where inhibitions are already low and coerce someone or convince them that they can make even more money? Shea M. Rhodes, co-founder and director of the Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation The Tip Drill controversy involved a dancer known by the moniker Whyte Chocolate, who recalls briefly attending Spelman College before she began working at Magic City to provide for her son. Though her quick rise to fame at the strip club led her to become one of the original music video vixens and enabled her to become financially independent, she said that dancers take risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We take risks with our health. We take risks with our safety. We take risks with our lives, she said. In the Starz docuseries, a dancer recalls the still-unsolved murders of two Magic City dancers Tarshia Brown Sugar McDowell and Tammie Obsession Lindley, who were found tortured and killed in an abandoned rental car in 1995. One of the womens mothers intentionally left her daughters casket open. She felt like that would scare us from being out there, Strawberry, a dancer from the clubs heyday, recalls in the docuseries. But it didnt affect me not for me to stop doing what I was doing. Officials have not released any evidence that there was a direct connection between their jobs and their deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shea M. Rhodes, co-founder and director of the Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation at Villanova University, said sex traffickers may go to a strip club for the same reason a heroin dealer might post up outside a methadone clinic. If I were a trafficker, where the commodity that Im selling is a human being for sex why not go to where inhibitions are already low and coerce someone or convince them that they can make even more money? Rhodes said. Its like shooting fish in a barrel, Rhodes added. Its a business model. You want to have people making money for you. Capital B Atlanta spoke to Magic Citys attorney Gary Freed and asked him about advocates concerns about trafficking in strip clubs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sex trafficking is not a problem at Magic City, said Freed, who has been the clubs main legal counsel for 25 years. Freed noted that ACE the Association of Club Executives, which operates at the national and state level has trained staff at Magic City and other reputable clubs on how to recognize signs of trafficking through its COAST (Club Operators Against Sex Trafficking) program. The managers know what to look for, he said. Beyond state and local regulations which include licenses for clubs and their dancers Freed said its in the best interest of the brand to keep would-be traffickers out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Magic City is the worlds premier adult hip-hop club. They have no interest in getting involved in any type of degradation of rights of women, Freed said. Theyre very careful [and] cautious. Their reputation is everything. Sex trafficking in Georgia Miriam McGee, clinical director at Beloved Atlanta a nonprofit that helps survivors of sex trafficking rebuild their lives said women working in strip clubs face physical assault, sexual assault, and verbal abuse from patrons and, in some cases, club management. (Getty Images) Sex trafficking is defined as commercial sex acts that involve minors or in the case of adult victims force, fraud, or coercion. Atlanta, like other major cities across the U.S., has been cited by the FBI and other national agencies as a major hub for exploitation, with its busy airport, active tourism and easy access to major interstate highways. Miriam McGee, clinical director at Beloved Atlanta a nonprofit that helps survivors of sex trafficking rebuild their lives said there are many myths and misconceptions around what constitutes sex trafficking. People are just picturing the movie Taken and picturing somebody getting kidnapped and put into a van. Those things do happen, McGee told Capital B Atlanta. But she cautioned, the reality is often more nuanced, with sex traffickers exploiting vulnerabilities including poverty, lack of support systems, and drug addiction in the victims they target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And when it comes to strip clubs, McGee said, a lot of people look at it as these are adult women who are making a choice because thats what they want to do and it pays really well. But anti-trafficking advocates say strip clubs can facilitate exploitation, with the inherent imbalance of power and lack of agency for dancers. We have to understand that strip clubs cater to sexual fantasies of men. Theyre [overwhelmingly] run by men, and theyre very gendered in that power dynamic women are objectified and treated as sex objects. Officials at the state and local level have worked to raise awareness of trafficking in Georgia in recent years. In 2019, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced the creation of a statewide Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, which is based in Atlanta but has since expanded to other areas of the state. At a January press conference on the states anti-trafficking efforts, the units chief, Hannah Palmquist, said it had recovered and assisted nearly 200 victims and yielded more than 50 criminal convictions. Published reports show defendants faced sentences ranging from a few years to life in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Human Trafficking Hotline reported receiving 876 alerts of human trafficking from Georgia last year, with 299 alerts from victims or survivors. Of the nearly 350 cases of trafficking the hotline identified last year, 190 were categorized as sex trafficking; 39 more involved both sex and labor trafficking. Advocates say its those inherent risks that can make strip clubs such a gray area when it comes to sexual abuse and exploitation. McGee said women working in some strip clubs can face physical assault, sexual assault, and verbal abuse from patrons and, in some cases, club management. A stripping job may not start as sex trafficking, but it could snowball into it. Traffickers are master manipulators. Part of the idea or the crime itself is that manipulation which takes people away from their comfort base or their family. Ryan Hilton, assistant special agent in charge of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Human Exploitation and Trafficking unit They get recruited for things OK, now go to a hotel, now go to clients homes they kind of send them out, McGee said. A lot of that also happens in the clubs in terms of private dances and VIP [rooms], but it also is another funnel for outside the clubs that women especially those that are more vulnerable experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While law enforcement and advocacy organizations maintain statistics around sex trafficking, experts said it can be tough to glean the full scope of the issue because so much of these crimes rely on secrecy and isolation. Traffickers are master manipulators, said Ryan Hilton, assistant special agent in charge of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Human Exploitation and Trafficking unit. Part of the idea or the crime itself is that manipulation, which takes people away from their comfort base or their family. Hilton said the GBI investigates human trafficking cases through a number of ways: through tips and phone calls from the public and advocacy organizations. The GBI also gets requests from agencies around the state from local police departments to the governors office to look into possible cases. Police departments in Cobb, Gwinnett and Fulton counties have their own dedicated human trafficking units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its more of a rare phenomenon that we get an outcry directly from a victim because they are under the control of somebody else who controls not only their movement but their communication, Hilton added. Or theyve been gaslit to the point where they dont believe theyre a victim. Finding a way out Kasey McClure, a former exotic dancer who founded the nonprofit 4Sarah to help women and girls leave the sex industry, said there can be a sense of safety at classy, well-established clubs, where security officers intervene with patrons that get too handsy or fail to pay but not all strip clubs are the same. Not all clubs protect their women, she said, noting that some clubs are just short-staffed. For dancers without support or resources, theyre going to seek opportunities to make fast money, and they can easily become prey. McClure added: It could just take one customer coming into that strip club to say, Hey, you can move in with me, and Ill take care of you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McClure, whose organization was named for her daughter, Sarah whose impending birth convinced her to permanently leave the sex industry in 2003 has collaborated with Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols on the Unholy Tour, a grim route of sex-trafficking hotspots, including some nightclubs. While Magic City isnt an official location on the tour, they do stop at the Greyhound bus depot across the street. A lot of the women that we come in contact with, they cant afford a $400 or $500 airplane ticket, so they will use Greyhound or the Mega Bus as a way to be transported from state to state because its a lot cheaper, McClure said. For runaways or homeless girls, the first thing they might see upon arrival in Atlanta is a strip club. Remy told Capital B Atlanta that the pimp who who got her the job at a strip club at 16 started forcing her to have sex for money inside the club. But a few months in, he told her there was more money outside the club and began forcing her to have sex at local hotels. Following an FBI sting at one of those hotels, Remy at first arrested alongside her pimp found out she was pregnant. At a safe house for teenage survivors of sex trafficking, Remy began to heal. It was McClure, she said, who basically nurtured me back to life, to be the person that I am today. Through her program, Remy was able to get into an apartment program and pursued legal action against the hotel that turned a blind eye to her daily torture allowing the teenager to pay for rooms with cash and not checking identification. After winning a significant settlement, Remy bought a house with help from McClure, now a Realtor. McClures program also helped Remy cover the tattoo bearing the name of her abuser. It was a shoddy and dangerous inking that took place in one of those hotels, leaving Remy scarred. She covered it with roses. Remy, now pregnant with her second child, said she is in a much better place and trying to follow in [McClures] footsteps. She said she hopes to start her own nonprofit one day to help other women get off the streets and share their stories. For other victims of sex trafficking, it gives them hope to see where Im at right now and to tell them that I was where they were at, or even worse, Remy said. It pushes them to really keep going and dont give up. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline immediately. Call (888) 373-7888, text HELP or INFO to 233733 (BeFree), or visit humantraffickinghotline.org. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. The post Atlantas Strip Clubs Make Millions. Advocates Warn They May Also Fuel Sex Trafficking. appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI) Police have canceled the search for a 16-year-old who reportedly fled from an Attleboro group home late last month, saying the teen has been found. In a post on social media, the Attleboro Police Department thanked all who shared their missing persons post, writing that the teenage boy has been located and will be returned home. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Attorney General Tim Griffin and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock have joined forces to launch an initiative aimed at combating opioid overdoses. Griffin said he joined UA-Little Rock Chancellor Christina Drale to kick off the One Pill Can Kill initiative, a campus-focused program about the dangers of fentanyl. Together Arkansas relaunches to encourage opioid recovery-friendly workplaces Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney general said it will provide hands-on training for student leaders to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, how to administer naloxone and learning how to test medications or beverages for fentanyl. The initiative was launched in October 2024 at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with plans to expand to more colleges. It is funded by opioid settlement funds managed by Griffins office. Arkansas set to receive $44.5 million in Purdue Pharma, Sackler family opioid settlement For more information on One Pill Can Kill, visit ArkansasAG.gov/OnePillCanKill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PLEASANT VALLEY, W.Va. (WBOY) One person had to be lifted from an embankment by a pulley system after an ATV accident in Marion County early Sunday morning. According to the Valley Volunteer Fire Department, emergency crews were alerted to a report of a Side by Side going over an embankment with an unresponsive patient at 12:55 a.m. First responders had trouble locating the patient due to the wooded area according to the Facebook post. When contact with the male patient was made, officials found him injured but conscious and alert. The Side by Side was found roughly 80-100 feet over the embankment, while the patient was found approximately 60-70 feet down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3 people transported after vehicle crash on I-68 Valley VFD ATV Rescue (Photo Valley Volunteer Fire Department Facebook) Valley VFD ATV Rescue (Photo Valley Volunteer Fire Department Facebook) Valley VFD ATV Rescue (Photo Valley Volunteer Fire Department Facebook) Valley VFD ATV Rescue (Photo Valley Volunteer Fire Department Facebook) Valley VFD ATV Rescue (Photo Valley Volunteer Fire Department Facebook) It was then determined that a rope rescue would be required to remove the patient from the area. After being looked at by medics, he was loaded into a rescue stokes basket and pulled up the embankment using a pulley system. He was then transported to a waiting ambulance and taken to a trauma center. The injuries did not appear life-threatening, according to the department. According to the Marion County 911 center, the Marion County Sheriffs Office, the Monongah Fire Department, and the Marion County Rescue Squad also responded to this 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 WBOY.com. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) An audit by the Louisiana Legislative Auditors Office (LLA) revealed a potential misuse of state funds within the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Pregnancy and Baby Care Initiative (PBCI). The initiative, launched in August 2024, was created to promote childbirth instead of abortion by funding centers to offer counseling services and support services such as referrals to social service programs, classes, or material items like car seats and cribs. The goal is to improve a pregnancy or parenting situation. According to LLA, the audit was to provide recommendations for implementing the new program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The audit found that the pregnancy centers provide more services than the ones eligible for payment as part of the program, including some healthcare services. However, pregnancy centers are not regulated as licensed healthcare providers. Auditors also flagged that current DCFS contracts allow payment for services not authorized under state law, raising concern that the funds may have been used inappropriately. Pregnancy centers are paid monthly by DCFS, using a fee-for-service model, as required by state law. The services eligible for state funding outlined in current PCBI contracts do not match what is allowed in state law. As a result, DCFS could have paid pregnancy centers for services ineligible for funding under state law. According to DCFS, it plans to implement a new payment policy requiring pregnancy centers to document which services, specifically those eligible under state law, are provided to each client. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the full report from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor. New Waste Management recycling carts, rates for Zachary residents 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. (Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash.com) Augusta Medical Group is closing an urgent care clinic and two primary care clinics in response to the massive reconciliation bill Congress passed this summer. The move will force Shenandoah Valley residents to travel further for their primary and emergency health care needs. Dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the federal legislation entails forthcoming changes to Medicaid thats projected to lead to enrollment drop offs and big tweaks to hospital funding mechanisms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First reported by WHSV3, and according to a press release from Augusta Medical Group, Augusta Medical Groups decision is part of the ongoing response to the OBBA and the resulting realities for healthcare delivery. Affected facilities are Buena Vista Primary Care, Churchville Primary Care and Weyers Cave Urgent Care. Buena Vista patients have already been contacted and reassigned to either Augusta Health Maury River Family Practice or Augusta Primary Care in Lexington, each about 10 miles away. Churchville patients are encouraged to go to Augusta Health Family Practice in Verona, also about 10 miles away. The release noted that it is open five days a week, while the Churchville facility had previously operated three days per week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weyers Cave patients will need to travel further to access other Augusta Health urgent care locations in Stuarts Draft, Staunton, Waynesboro, or Crozet. Meanwhile, the company plans to deploy its mobile clinic to Weyers Cave to meet people where they are, but its unclear how frequently that would happen as of the time of this publication. About 21% of 6th Congressional District residents are on Medicaid, according to the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services. The 6th District includes much of Shenandoah Valley and is represented in Congress by Republican Rep. Ben Cline, who voted in favor of the OBBA this summer. Most Republicans including all of Virginias Republican congressional delegation supported the President Donald Trump-backed bill, though some took issue with the health care portions of it. U.S. Reps. Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland, and Jen Kiggans, R-Virginia Beach, had urged Congress to reconsider those portions of the bill, before ultimately voting for it anyway. All of Virginias Democratic delegation opposed the bill. Last week, U.S. Sen Mark Warner urged health systems to be transparent about any struggles they encounter amid the fallout of the legislation, much like Augusta Health has done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Augusta Health serves about 200,000 people in Shenandoah Valley to include Augusta County, Staunton, Waynesboro and surrounding areas across hospitals and clinics including the ones that are closing. The company is the largest local private employer in the area. According to its website, it employs over 2,000 people and has over 200 physicians. Its unclear how many staff and medical professionals have been let go amid the closure of the three clinics. The Mercurys call to Augusta Health to ask about lay offs and the mobile clinic was directed to a line that wasnt answered and an inbox that was not accepting new voicemail. Kris Doan, president of Augusta Medical Group relayed in the press release that these decisions are never easy, but demonstrate Augusta Healths commitment to deploying innovative access strategies for addressing demand at the neighborhood level. He added that the choice was necessary to ensure the future of Augusta Healths footprint in the region as a health care provider. We remain focused on meeting the evolving needs of the Shenandoah Valley while keeping our patients at the center of everything we do, he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Australia's most famous tree-dwelling animals are getting a massive new home: The Great Koala National Park in New South Wales will protect around 12,000 koalas from deforestation and habitat loss. Located between Coffs Harbour and Kempsey on the east coast, the cuddly marsupials will now be able to climb safely and undisturbed from branch to branch in what promises to be a true paradise for this iconic but endangered species. The regional government, led by Premier Chris Minns, has announced plans to add 176,000 hectares of forest to existing protected areas, creating one of the largest national parks in the state, spanning an impressive 476,000 hectares. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Logging in the area will be immediately halted, and impacted forestry workers will be supported through a compensation programme. "Koalas are at risk of extinction in the wild in NSW thats unthinkable. The Great Koala National Park is about turning that around," Minns said. The WWF described the plan as offering koalas a real chance of survival. The park is not just a lifeline for koalas but also a significant economic opportunity. It is expected to generate an additional 163 million Australian dollars (107 million US dollars) in tourism revenue, making it a new attraction on Australia's east coast. "It will ensure koalas survive into the future so our grandchildren will still be able to see them in the wild," said Environment Minister Penny Sharpe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharpe also highlighted the importance of the region's ancient forests for other wildlife. "These amazing old-growth forests are among the worlds top biodiversity hotspots home to more than 100 threatened species including greater gliders, the powerful owl and yellow-bellied gliders." Koalas, or Phascolarctos cinereus, are endemic to Australia. They spend most of their day sleeping in trees and feed exclusively on eucalyptus leaves. According to the Australian Koala Foundation, there are likely no more than 60,000 koalas left in the wild a dramatic decline compared to the millions that roamed Australia at the start of the 20th century. The animals were once hunted extensively for their fur, bringing them to the brink of extinction in some areas. In New South Wales and Queensland, concerns about koala populations are particularly acute due to natural disasters, deforestation and road accidents. During the devastating "Black Summer" bushfires five years ago, the WWF estimates that more than 60,000 koalas were killed, injured, displaced or traumatised. Images of koalas with singed fur and burned paws captured global attention at the time. By Alasdair Pal SYDNEY (Reuters) - An Australian woman convicted of murdering three elderly relatives of her estranged husband with a meal containing poisonous mushrooms was sentenced to a minimum of 33 years in prison on Monday, in one of the longest jail terms ever given to a woman in the country. The presiding judge said Erin Patterson showed no pity for her in-laws after she served them individual portions of Beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patterson was found guilty in July of killing her mother-in-law, Gail Patterson, father-in-law, Donald Patterson and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, in a case that has been globally followed and dubbed the Leongatha mushroom murders. A jury also found the 50-year-old guilty of the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson, Heather's husband, who survived the 2023 meal at Patterson's home in Leongatha, a town of about 6,000 people, some 135 km (84 miles) southeast of Melbourne. Justice Christopher Beale said the substantial planning of the murders and Patterson's lack of remorse meant her sentence should be lengthy. "The devastating impact of your crimes is not limited to your direct victims. Your crimes have harmed a great many people," he said at the sentencing hearing at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Not only did you cut short three lives and cause lasting damage to Ian Wilkinson's health, thereby devastating the extended Patterson and Wilkinson families, you inflicted untold suffering on your own children, whom you robbed of their beloved grandparents." Ian Wilkinson thanked the police and prosecutors who brought Patterson to justice, as well as medical teams that treated him and the other victims. "We're thankful that when things go wrong, there are good people and services and systems available to help us recover," he said outside the court. SOLITARY CONFINEMENT Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a pre-sentencing hearing last month, Patterson's barrister Colin Mandy urged Beale to impose a non-parole period on the sentence, meaning she would have the possibility of eventual release, as her "notorious" reputation would make prison more onerous for her than the average offender. A corrections officer previously told the court Patterson was being kept in isolation for her own safety, and was permitted contact with only one other prisoner who is in jail for terrorism offences. In his sentencing remarks, Beale said he had taken Patterson's isolation into account. "You have effectively been held in continuous solitary confinement for the last 15 months, and at the very least there is a substantial chance that for your protection you will continue to be held in solitary confinement for years to come," Beale said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Including time already served, Patterson will have just turned 82 before she can be considered for release. The prosecution argued Patterson should never be released. Patterson, who maintained her innocence throughout the trial and said the poisonings were accidental, has 28 days to appeal her sentence. She has not indicated whether she will do so. Patterson's non-parole period of 33 years is the longest ever for a woman convicted of murder in Victoria. Only one woman in Australia has ever received a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Australia does not have the death penalty. MEDIA FRENZY Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deaths devastated the close-knit rural community of Korumburra, where all the victims lived. The court received a total of 28 victim impact statements, of which seven were read publicly at last month's hearings. Ian Wilkinson, a pastor at a local church and the sole surviving guest of the lunch, told last month's hearing that the death of his wife had left him bereft. "It's a truly horrible thought to live with that somebody could decide to take her life. I only feel half alive without her," he said, breaking down in tears as he delivered his victim impact statement. The extraordinary media interest in the case, which gripped Australia for much of the 10-week trial, had been traumatic for the family, Erin Patterson's estranged husband Simon Patterson - who was invited to the lunch but declined - said at the same hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Journalists and television crews from around the world descended on the town of Morwell when the trial began in April, with millions of Australians following proceedings live through one of several popular daily podcasts. For the first time in its history, the Supreme Court on Monday allowed a television camera into the court to broadcast Beale's sentencing remarks live due to overwhelming public interest. The trial has already inspired several books, documentaries, and a drama series, "Toxic", set to air on state broadcaster ABC. (Reporting by Alasdair Pal; Editing by Saad Sayeed and Stephen Coates) An Australian woman who murdered three elderly relatives with a poisoned beef Wellington has been sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 33 years. Erin Patterson, 50, was found guilty in July of murdering her husbands parents, Gail and Don Patterson, and aunt Heather Wilkinson, in 2023 by lacing their lunch with powdered death cap mushrooms. The mother of two was also found guilty of attempting to murder a fourth lunch guest, her husbands uncle Ian Wilkinson, who survived the toxic meal after undergoing a liver transplant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patterson, dressed in a brown cardigan, black trousers and sandals, remained silent and stony-faced throughout the hearing as Supreme Court of Victoria Judge Christopher Beale outlined his decision. She closed her eyes before Justice Beale ordered her to stand for the sentence 25 years for attempted murder, and life in prison for each count of murder. The prosecution submits, and your counsel concedes, that your offending falls into the worst category of offending for these offences and that you should receive the maximum penalties for your crimes I agree, Justice Beale said. Patterson was escorted out of the prison van and led into the courthouse - Getty Images Justice Beale said the prosecution, having regard to the horrendous nature of the crimes, had fought for Patterson to be refused parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her lawyers argued that she would endure harsher than usual prison conditions by the likelihood of being locked in a cell alone for 22 hours each day for the rest of her life. Justice Beale agreed, noting the adverse health impacts of isolation. Because of the nature of your crimes and your notoriety, you have been assessed as being at significant risk from other prisoners, he said. United Nations Guidelines known as the Bangkok Rules provide that a prisoner should not be in separation for more than 15 days at a time, but you have now been in separation continuously for 15 months. Accounting for time already served, Patterson will be 82 by the time she can apply for release. Sole survivor urges kindness Outside court, Mr Wilkinson, the sole survivor who became a critical witness in the trial, paid tribute to the doctors and nurses who treated his relatives, and thanked police and prosecutors for bringing the truth to light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our lives and the life of our community depends on the kindness of others, he said. Id like to encourage everybody to be kind to each other. He added: Finally I want to say thank you to the many people from across Australia and around the world who, through their prayers and messages of support, have encouraged us. Ian Wilkinson, the sole surviving guest of the fatal mushroom lunch, addressed the media outside court - Morgan Hancock/Getty Images The ruling on Monday draws to a close a criminal case that has gripped Australia and the world. Pattersons 10-week trial heard how in July 2023, she invited her estranged husband Simon and his relatives to lunch to discuss her health. Simon declined the invitation, but his parents, aunt and uncle went to her house on July 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patterson prepared individual parcels, even though the recipe from Australian author Nagi Maehashis cookbook RecipeTin Eats called for the dish to be prepared in the traditional way as one log of meat. The guests were served off grey plates, but Pattersons plate was an orange, tan colour. I find that you did this to ensure that you did not mistakenly consume a poisoned meal, Justice Beale said on Monday. Hours after the lunch, all four guests became violently ill and were admitted to hospital with acute liver damage. Ian and Heathers son, David, remembers his mother being desperate for water... and saying her insides were burning, Justice Beale said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David also mentions his fathers tortured appearance black lips, gaunt face, pained and serious expression. Gail, 70, and her younger sister Heather, 66, died on August 4 2023 less than a week after the lunch. Don, 70, underwent a last-minute liver transplant but died of multiple organ failure the day after the operation. Ian, a local pastor, received an organ transplant and spent seven weeks in hospital. Police raided Pattersons home on August 5 and seized computers and a phone that police would later find was a dummy that she had swapped to conceal evidence of her crime. They also found a food dehydrator at a local rubbish tip, leading Patterson to later admit under questioning that she had been experimenting with drying mushrooms and other foods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police charged her over the fatal lunch, and also accused her of trying to murder Simon by hiding rat bait and other poisons in curries, pasta and sandwiches she prepared for him after they separated. The prosecution dropped the charges relating to the attempted murder of Simon at the start of her murder trial after a magistrate questioned the strength of the evidence. No remorse from the killer In sentencing on Monday, Justice Beale noted that Pattersons crimes were premeditated and further aggravated by the elaborate cover-up which began when she refused to tell doctors that the meal she prepared had contained toxic fungi. He said the deception denied her victims the chance to receive Silibinin, a specific antidote for death cap mushroom poisoning, prolonging their suffering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After learning from Simon on Sunday 30 July 2023 that some or all of your lunch guests had been hospitalised, you showed no pity for your victims, Justice Beale said. Heather and Ian Wilkinson. Heather, died after eating the death cap mushrooms Instead of informing those treating the Pattersons and Wilkinsons that you had used foraged mushrooms which you could have done without having to admit that you had deliberately poisoned their meals you repeatedly denied foraging, insisting that the mushrooms for the beef Wellingtons were sourced solely from Woolworths [supermarket] and an Asian grocery. Pattersons pitiless behaviour suggested that the intention to kill was ongoing, which was another aggravating factor. Your failure to exhibit any remorse pours salt into the victims wounds, Justice Beale added. The beef Wellington that Patterson served her guests Finally, and most importantly, he said, the crimes were an enormous betrayal of trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your victims were all your relatives by marriage more than that, they had all been good to you and your children over many years, as you acknowledged in your testimony, Justice Beale said. Not only did you cut short three lives and cause lasting damage to Ian Wilkinsons health, thereby devastating the extended Patterson and Wilkinson families, you inflicted untold suffering on your own children whom you robbed of their beloved grandparents. Family may never know why she killed Patterson had always maintained her innocence and insisted that she unknowingly added the toxic ingredients to the family meal. The trial heard how Patterson had loved her in-laws, lent money to her husbands family to help them with their home loans, and remained on good terms with them even while she bickered with her estranged husband over child support payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Patterson had also been scathing of her in-laws in Facebook messenger chats with other members of a true crime fan forum. She derided her father-in-laws suggestion that she and Simon get together and pray for their children, and called her in-laws a lost cause. Justice Beale said on Monday that the motive for the senseless crimes remained unknown. Only you know why you committed them, he said to Patterson. Patterson avoided eye contact with the judge and her victims relatives as she was led from the dock after the 50-minute hearing. She made no sound, but before taking her final steps out of the courtroom she twice lightly tapped her hand and knuckles on a wooden desk while passing reporters in the packed press gallery. True crime fans and Leongatha locals attended court to watch the sentence be handed down - Shutterstock The case, dubbed Australias trial of the century, has already inspired several podcasts, television dramas, and even speculation it will be made into a Netflix series after a film crew for the streaming service was seen outside court during the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of people from Pattersons rural hometown of Leongatha travelled the 85 miles to Melbourne on Monday to watch the prison sentence handed down. Hairdresser Mykey OHalloran, 34, took time off work to attend court, in part to understand the psychology of perpetrators of violent crimes. The passive aggression of it has captivated me, the capability of humans lying, Mr OHalloran said. Kelly Phelan, one of the curious onlookers dubbed by local media as the mushketeers for their commitment to attending the court hearings, revealed that she had a small red mushroom tattooed on her arm. Phil Mayers, a 31-year-old true crime fan from Melbourne, was so drawn to the mysterious case that he waited in the dark to be the first person through the doors of the public gallery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strange character, the sumptuous, warm meal, the rural countryside it all reads like an Agatha Christie novel, Mr Mayers said. To the victims families, he added: You can never get your loved ones back, but I hope that there is some sort of semblance of closure. 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. Several redeeming qualities, from affordable prices to a cozy interior, have come together at Bostons newest restaurant. Mai, an intimate Japanese-French fusion restaurant, will officially open in the Seaport District on Wednesday, Sept. 10. With refined small plates, craft cocktails and a curated sake selection, Mai is the third Boston restaurant from NoToro Hospitality Group the same team behind Matsunori Handroll Bar in Fenway and Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House in Chinatown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In comparison to its other concepts, owner Kevin Liu told MassLive that Mai is the space where diners can level up. At the same time, the restaurant is aimed at keeping food prices low without sacrificing quality or coming off as being too sophisticated. We try to be the best value of food for all, Liu said. We never want to go into [the] fine dining area, thats not for us. We want to be very accessible to everybody. Everything on Mais menu is cheaper than $35. The menu consists of small and shared plates made with clean and premium ingredients, including Mais own Kaluga hybrid caviar for their caviar-topped, tempura-battered chicken nuggets. Other standouts include all-black Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Japanese Steak Frites and an Eel Foie Gras Handroll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liu, who lived in Tokyo for a year, also vouched on behalf of Mais authenticity as shown through certain items such as the three-ingredient cabbage salad which serves as a palate cleanser and the restaurants homemade soy sauce. We try to do a homemade touch for everything, Liu said. No added preservatives, no MSG, everything should be clean. Meanwhile, Mais cocktail menu highlights Japanese ingredients including yuzu, matcha and sake. Signature drinks include the Road Less Traveled, Clarified Melon Highball and the Sushi-Rice-Washed Strawberry Negroni. Mocktails and French wines are also on the menu. Similar to Matsunori, Mai boasts an intimate interior with tables within close proximity to each other. The goal of this roughly 30-person layout is to create a space that fosters genuine conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You might not necessarily know the person next to you, but just knowing that there [are] people around you, but you still have your own space, I think, is the best feeling, Liu said. Thats the kind of atmosphere Im trying to garner. Liu left his career in finance to join the restaurant industry in 2023 when Matsunori Handroll Bar officially opened. He was inspired to make the transition after seeing the rise in interest in Japanese food in Boston, where hes lived since 2012. Liu first saw this trend develop in New York, where he grew up. I think its on the rise, Liu said. New Yorks definitely a more saturated market, [but] I think Boston is finally getting a taste of what true Japanese food should be like, or true fusion. Mai will initially be open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. The restaurant plans to extend its hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays in the near future. Lunch service is also set to debut in the following weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mai is located at 31 North Ave., Boston, right next to The Grand. destinations Read the original article on MassLive. Ayo Edibiri is being applauded for her response after a journalist appeared to exclude her from a question about the MeToo movement and Black Lives Matter. Edibiri was at Venice Film Festival last week promoting her latest film, Luca Guadagninos After the Hunt, alongside co-star Andrew Garfield and Julia Roberts. In a video now widely circulating on social media, Italian journalist Federica Polidoro asks Garfield and Roberts what to expect in Hollywood after the MeToo movement and the Black Lives Matter are done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A confused-looking Roberts then asks the journalist to repeat the question and for her to remove her sunglasses, saying, I cant tell which of us youre talking to. In the clip posted by the Italian site ArtsLife TV, Polidoro repeats the question, for Julia and Andrew, further asking, if we lost something with the politically correct era, while Edibiri appears visibly baffled. Ayo Edibiri appeared visibly confused as to why the question about BLM and MeToo was only addressed to her co-stars (X/@denniskjr) Edebiri then interjects, I know that thats not for me, and I dont know if its purposeful if its not for me. I dont think its done, I dont think its done at all. Hashtags might not be used as much, but I do think that theres work being done by activists, by people every day thats beautiful, important work. Thats not finished, thats really, really active for a reason because this worlds really charged. And that work isnt finished at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She continued, Maybe if theres not mainstream coverage in the way that there might have been, daily headlines in the way that it might have been eight or so years ago, but I dont think it means that the work is done. Thats what I would say. The video has since gone viral on X, with viewers lambasting the interviewer for excluding Edibiri from the question about BLM and MeToo while focusing on her white co-stars. The beautiful fortitude it takes for Ayo Edibiri here to afford an undeserving interviewer grace while still delivering an unyielding response will be understood by countless black and brown women as the microaggressions they endure way too often, wrote one person. Another pointed out, One thing were not talking enough about: how Ayo Edebiri *had* to be gracious in dealing with this appalling behavior and question because she wouldve been criticized for being unprofessional or rude or every other dogwhistle in the bag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deep seething frustration im feeling from an interviewer intentionally talking about black lives matter and addressing the question to the non black people on the panel, another raged. In a lengthy statement shared on Instagram on Sunday, Polidoro addressed the backlash, saying she had been subjected to personal insults and attacks because of a question that, for some reason, was not well received by some members of the public. I find it striking that those who unjustly accuse me of racism and consider themselves custodians of justice find acceptable violent language, personal attacks, and cyberbullying, she continued. Polidoro refused to apologize for the interaction, saying, To date, I am not aware of any protocol that dictates the order in which questions must be asked in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Independent has contacted Edibiris representatives for comment. After the Hunt is out in theaters October 10. It follows college professor Alma Olsson (Roberts) who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroad when a star student (Edibiri) levels an accusation against one of her colleagues (Garfield), threatening to expose a dark secret from her own past. INDIANOLA, Miss. (WJTV) A new Mississippi Blues Trail marker honors the B.B. King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center. The event, held on September 5, featured a visual presentation highlighting the museums historical significance, its contributions to blues heritage, and its role in advancing cultural tourism and education throughout the state. Five Mississippi tickets win big prizes in Powerball drawing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center stands as a powerful tribute to the legacy of one of Mississippis greatest cultural icons. This museum not only preserves the life and music of B.B. King, but also serves as a beacon of education, inspiration, and community pride, said Visit Mississippi Director Rochelle Hicks. Todays unveiling of the Mississippi Blues Trail marker is a celebration of the soul of the Delta and the enduring impact of B.B. King on the world stage. A new Mississippi Blues Trail marker honors the B.B. King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center. (Courtesy: Visit Mississippi) B.B. King was born in Berclair, Mississippi, on September 16, 1925. He settled in Indianola at the age of 17 and began performing. His musical journey spanned more than six decades before his death in 2015. Since its opening in September of 2008, the B.B. King Museum has served as a dynamic cultural institution, drawing visitors from around the world. The facility includes interactive exhibits and original films that explore key chapters of Kings life. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Dallas police are seeking 28-year-old Victor Reyes-Valbuena Najera for the murder of 27-year-old Eiver Valecillos. The fatal shooting occurred around 1:10 a.m. on Sunday, September 7, in the 7500 block of Chaucer Place in South Dallas. An arrest warrant has been issued for Reyes-Valbuena. Officers responded to reports of gunfire at the residential location. They found Valecillos with gunshot wounds. Dallas Fire-Rescue personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. The preliminary investigation identified Reyes-Valbuena as the shooter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives have not released information about a possible motive. The relationship between the two individuals remains unclear. The case is documented under number 128848-2025. Detective J. Reed is leading the investigation. Anyone with information should contact Detective Reed at 469-597-9332. Tips can also be sent to jelisa.reed@dallaspolice.gov. In a separate incident that same day, a 31-year-old man died from a gunshot wound in Dallas, police reported. Eric Morgan was found unresponsive in the 1800 block of Mentor Avenue in South Dallas around 10:45 p.m. on Sunday, September 7. The fatal shooting marks another violent incident in Dallas as homicide detectives work to determine what led to Morgans death. No suspects have been identified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dallas police officers discovered Morgan suffering from an apparent gunshot wound when they responded to a shooting call. Dallas Fire-Rescue transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Detective Cody Fehrenbach is leading the investigation under case number 129310-2025. Police are asking anyone with information to contact Fehrenbach at 214-671-3671 or cody.fehrenbach@dallaspolice.gov. The Niobrara River abuts the Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. (Courtesy of Jackie Augustine/Audubon of Kansas) LINCOLN Supporters of the Niobrara River are contesting claims made by a local official about the status of federal funding and programs for managing the river and its environs as a congressionally designated scenic river. The Friends of the Niobrara a successor organization to one that stopped the Norden Dam project on the river said in a recent press release that Mike Murphy, general manager of the Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District, was spreading inaccurate information about that status of support and programs by the National Park Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murphy, when contacted by the Examiner, mostly contested the claims, saying that he had been taken out of context to some extent. The exchange comes as a state legislative committee prepares to hold an interim study hearing Sept. 19 on whether the State of Nebraska should replace the Park Service as the lead manager of the Niobrara. The federal government does allow such state management in rare instances, but 34 years ago, when Congress designated 76 miles of the river in north-central Nebraska as a federal national wild and scenic river, the National Park Service was put in charge of preserving its natural beauty. Interim study hearing The Sept. 19 interim study hearing at the State Capitol in Lincoln by the Legislatures Natural Resources Commission will involve invited testimony only, leading to concerns by the Friends of the Niobrara, and other river supporters, that their voices wont be heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, the committees chairman, said that there may be some confusion about the purpose of an interim study, which is to gather information and not necessarily to hear from a long line of public testifiers. The hearing will be limited to five testifiers, said State Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman, who introduced the study resolution to transfer management to the state. She said Thursday that she is hoping that a representative of the National Park Service will testify, but has been told that the federal agency is unable to comment on pending policy or legislation. That stretch of the Niobrara is one of Nebraskas most popular tourist destinations, drawing upwards of 75,000 visitors a year for float trips and sight-seeing. The Friends group feels that replacing the Park Service with local management would diminish the visitor experience, hurt tourism, and could lead to the delisting of the Niobrara as a federal scenic river. Ultimately were concerned that the state doesnt have the resources to handle the scenic river designation, said Kim Stuhr, president of the Friends of the Niobrara, citing the states current budget shortfalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murphy, a key supporter of shifting management locally, told the Examiner that one of the key purposes of the Sept. 19 interim study hearing by the Legislatures Natural Resources Committee is to discover what responsibilities the state and local entities would be taking on if it took over management of the river. He said its a subject worth pursuing, given the federal cuts in spending on Park Service activities. Murphy added that the current relationship between the Park Service and a local advisory council, the Niobrara Council (of which Murphy is a member), is not working. To me, this hearing is bringing out the good and bad and will shed light on what is going on, he said. The Park Service was designated to manage the Niobrara Scenic River when it was established in 1991. Utilizing an annual budget of $1.2 million, it operates a visitors center in Valentine, monitors water quantity and quality, provides law enforcement staff, and facilitates several educational and cultural programs. In addition, it helps landowners plan proper bank stabilization projects and paid for a recent canoe landing at Smith Falls State Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Park Service had also been providing $100,000 a year to the Niobrara Council for its activities, which included maintaining toilets along the river, trash removal, camps for youth and funding two employees at a Niobrara Council office in Valentine. But due to a freeze on funding by the Trump administration, the last funds given to the Council was $80,000 in May 2024. The Niobrara Council which is intended to be an outlet for local landowners and organizations to provide input to the Park Service responded by laying off one employee and having its executive director go part time. Recreational users enjoy a scenic section of the Niobrara River in north-central Nebraska. (Courtesy of National Park Service) The Council gets about $52,000 a year from the State of Nebraska to operate, and has continued to hold regular meetings to provide input. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, this summer, agreed to pick up the maintenance and trash pickup duties, but the loss of federal funding has been a major complaint of some on the Council. To be sure, theres been on-and-off tension between local landowners and the Park Service since the scenic river designation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Park Services mission is to keep the Niobrara as wild and scenic as possible, by discouraging cabin and campground development along the river that could spoil the view and character of the river, which two years ago became the first location in North America designated as an international quiet trail. Landowners and canoe outfitters, meanwhile, seek to build cabins and canoe launches for the visitors, development that can conflict with scenic river goals. The most recent clash involves a recent story in the Valentine Midland News, in which Murphy was quoted saying the Niobrara Council has been operating without any funding for the past two years and that the visitors center in Valentine is slated to close, and the Park Service superintendent eliminated, when a lease on the center ends at the end of 2026. Murphy, in the article, also questioned what federal money was spent on, besides salaries and vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some explanation of what their $1.5 million to $2 million budget pays for and goes for, besides personnel, vehicles, etc., would be beneficial, he was quoted as saying. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Friends, in a press release entitled Separating Fact from Fiction, said that Murphy, as a long-time member of the Niobrara Council, ought to know how the Park Service money is spent given that there are regular briefings at meetings about their activities, which range from youth education and natural resources protection to public access and safety. The press release also said the Valentine visitors center was not closing and that the federal government is seeking to renew the lease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement George Johnson, who leases the visitors center to the Park Service, said that the five-year lease on the building runs out in December 2026 but that hes been told by Park Service officials that the lease is expected to be extended. About 330 bison from The Nature Conservancys Niobrara Valley Preserve are being transferred to help build herds kept by Indian tribes and Native American ranchers. (Chris Helzer/The Nature Conservancy) The Friends also said a new cooperative agreement with the Niobrara Council will be negotiated as soon as a new federal budget is adopted, which would restore funding and lead to the hiring of a new superintendent. Current Superintendent Susan Cook is retiring in October. At a time when the region faces mounting political and environmental pressures, the National Park Service has provided steady leadership, local engagement, and meaningful investment, the Friends of the Niobrara said. The statement added that Nebraskans deserve claritynot confusion prior to the hearing. Murphy, asked about the press release, said he wasnt saying if I said that or not concerning the closing of the visitors center. But the bottom line is, he said, is we dont know what the future holds about future federal support for the scenic river. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is known, Murphy said, is that the Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE had earmarked the visitors center for closing earlier this year, until that decision was reversed, and that the current lease on the center runs out in a year. Thats the only thing we know, he said, adding that hed like to hear from Park Service officials at the September hearing. Murphy added that he recalls only one detailed briefing about Park Service spending since hes been on the Council, and that was several years ago. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) A federal grand jury in Fresno indicted a Bakersfield man on Thursday for allegedly owning drugs for distribution, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of California. Steven Paul Garcia, 53, was charged with possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, federal prosecutors said in the release. On Aug. 26, Garcia was pulled over by Fresno County Sheriffs deputies while driving north on Highway 99 in Fresno County, according to prosecutors. Deputies found about 22 pounds of methamphetamine packaged into 1-pound bags during the stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If convicted, Garcia faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison and a $10 million fine, according to officials. Individually packaged methamphetamine seized from Garcias car. / Photo: U.S. Department of Justice Garcias case is part of Operation Take Back America, which officials described as a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crimes. Two other men one from Modesto and the other from Fresno were charged as part of the same initiative that day, according to prosecutors. Manuel Rodriguez Diaz, 41, of Modesto was charged with possessing more than 5 kilograms of cocaine. Thomas Carter Beasley, 20, of Fresno was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, officials 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 KGET 17 News. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) speaks Friday at a press conference to promote her legislation that would extend enhanced tax breaks on the cost of insurance purchased through the Affordable Care Act. Business owners Kyle LaFond, left, and Evan Dannells also spoke in favor of extending the tax credits. (Photo by Erik Gunn/Wisconsin Examiner) Federal legislation that would hold down the cost of health insurance for millions of Americans and nearly a quarter-million Wisconsin residents has quiet support from Republicans in the Senate, according to Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin). So far, however, none of them have spoken out, Baldwin said at a news conference in Madison on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baldwin has introduced a bill that would extend tax credits that have cut the health insurance costs for people who buy coverage on the federal marketplace, HealthCare.gov. When the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted in 2010 and the HealthCare.gov marketplace was launched to make it easier and cheaper for people without health insurance to buy coverage, the law included tax credits to lower the cost of premiums for people with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty guideline. In 2021, the premium tax credits were supercharged to impart far greater savings to people buying insurance through the marketplace. The enhanced tax credits were extended in 2022 with a sunset at the end of this year. The extra tax breaks helped insurance coverage through the HealthCare.gov marketplace rise to record highs in the last few years, both in the U.S. and in Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This tax break, the enhanced premium tax credit, saves more than 230,000 Wisconsinites an average of $500 every single month on their insurance premiums, Baldwin said. Not extending these tax breaks and jacking up costs on the open marketplace will crush families but also small businesses that are the fabric of our communities. In January Baldwin and New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) introduced legislation to make the enhanced tax credits permanent, in place of the lower tax credits that will resume when the enhanced credits expire Dec. 31. A paper published Sept. 3 by the Georgetown University Law School Center on Poverty and Inequality reported that according to the Congressional Budget Office, without the enhanced credits 30 million more people will lack health insurance by 2034 an average of 3.8 million a year. For people with incomes between 100% and 150% of the federal poverty guideline, insurance premiums will go up by 7.9% between 2026 and 2034, the Georgetown researchers calculated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For people with incomes between 150% and 400% of the federal poverty guideline, premiums would rise between 29% and 160% in the same period, according to the report. The report also notes without the enhanced tax credits, people who lose Medicaid coverage due to cuts in the Republican megabill President Donald Trump signed on July 4 could be unable to afford insurance on HealthCare.gov. Encouraged by conversations There are, in the Senate, Republicans who have quietly indicated that they want to extend breaks to make [HealthCare.gov] marketplace insurance affordable, Baldwin said. I dont have a count yet to tell you that we have enough, but Im encouraged by the conversations Im having. In the U.S. House, a bipartisan bill has been introduced extending the enhanced credits for a year notably getting them past the midterm elections, Baldwin said. But thats not long enough for her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think this should be political, Baldwin said. I think this should be something that Democrats and Republicans should agree on, that people should be able to afford their health care coverage. Baldwins press conference was held at Access Community Health Center, which serves low-income Wisconsin residents. Joining Baldwin, Madison chef and restaurant owner Evan Dannells said that the passage of the ACA and the opening of the HealthCare.gov marketplace made health care newly available in his industry after years of the youngest group of workers going uninsured. Before the ACA, for people who entered hospitality jobs in their late teens or early 20s, it was essentially, fundamentally understood that you wouldnt have health care until you were in your 30s, Dannells said. The ACA required insurers to cover young people on their parents plans up to the age of 26, then made it possible for them to find more affordable coverage at HealthCare.gov after that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have a half dozen full time employees over the age of 26 at a restaurant, and so what theyre going to do is theyre going to leave for corporate jobs that have the buying power to get their premiums down, Dannells said something not possible for small employers. This is essentially the beginning of the dismantlement of the Affordable Care Act with no plan and process for the future, Dannells said. Kyle LaFond, owner of a Middleton manufacturing firm that makes custom cosmetic products for celebrity brands, said the ACA and the HealthCare.gov was a godsend for small employers such as his company. These subsidies are important because, of course, now more than ever, folks are living paycheck to paycheck, he said. Baldwin said she will campaign to attach her proposal to one of several must-pass bills coming up in the days and the weeks ahead. Avoiding the cliff While the enhancements increased the value of the tax credits for people with incomes up to 400% of the poverty guideline, they also made tax credits available for the first time to people with higher incomes up to more than 1000% of the guideline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baldwin told the Wisconsin Examiner that those higher income groups were added to avoid what we call a cliff. That occurs when a persons income rises even slightly above a benefits income ceiling suddenly cutting off the benefit and possibly demanding they make a repayment. Many safety-net programs have cliffs, she explained. In Wisconsin, most Medicaid programs have income limits, and many are only available to people with incomes up to the federal poverty guideline, she said. People who may work several part-time jobs and usually qualify for Medicaid can find themselves kicked off the program if they have a brief boost in their income, due to overtime work, for instance. Then you have to do all sorts of work to get back on, and then you have to be very mindful that you dont get an extra hour or a raise that could lead to being kicked off again, Baldwin said. So we were trying to avoid there being the sort of equivalent cliff in the Affordable Care Act marketplace tax credits, Baldwin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For that reason, her bill would continue the tax credits available to the higher income population, she said, and I would be committed to not reintroducing a cliff. Baldwin criticized GOP lawmakers for passing the Republican megabill that extended Trumps 2017 tax cuts without considering an extension of the enhanced ACA credits. You would think including tax breaks for tens of millions of families to afford health care would be a centerpiece of that legislation. Right? Wrong, Baldwin said. Instead, she charged, the bill made cuts to Medicaid and the federal nutrition program SNAP to pay for tax cuts in favor of the biggest corporations and the wealthiest Americans. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Crowds were stunned on Monday after Banksy revealed a new stencil on the Royal Courts of Justice in London. The courthouse reportedly covered it almost immediately. The work shows a judge striking a prone protester with a gavel as the protester clutches a white placard marked by a splash of red. The artist verified authorship in his usual way, posting two photos on Instagram with the caption: Royal Courts Of Justice. London. Within hours, staff draped the wall in black plastic, set two metal barriers in front and stationed guards, citing the sites protected status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson told the BBC that the Royal Courts of Justice was a listed building and that it was "obliged to maintain its original character." The Metropolitan Police, for its part, confirmed they were investigating a report of criminal damage. The mural comes two days after mass arrests at Parliament Square during a demonstration against the proscription of the activist group Palestine Action. According to the New York Times, upwards of 800 people were arrested. Defend Our Juries, which helped organize the weekend protest, called the piece a powerful indictment of the crackdown in a statement: "When the law is used as a tool to crush civil liberties, it does not extinguish dissent, it strengthens it," the group said, per ABC News. The group also referred to it as "incredible symbolism," writing in the comments section of Banksy's post: "The state is trying to deter us, but they can't beat our solidarity!" Fans articulate its meaning Within minutes of Banksy confirming his work on social media, fans were quick to discuss the symbolism and overall emotions the artist was trying to depict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Even with no clear demand, just a blank sign, the voice is struck down," one comment read on Banksy's post. "The judges hammer, meant for justice, turns into a weapon of oppression." "This shows a very strong political statement," one observer shared on X. "The establishment will crush native Nationalism at any cost. The end goal has always been a One World Communist Government, one of the reasons for mass uncontrolled immigration." Another added: "What I think Banksy is saying here is the judiciary is the last line of defence against extremists. The blood on the placard clearly represents the blood of the policeman attacked with a sledgehammer by PA activists." "A picture says a thousand words," one user wrote under Banksy's Instagram post, with another referring to it not just as "artwork, but an art statement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The gavel doesnt always strike for truthit sometimes silences it," one comment read. "How he pulled this off - with 24hrs security is beyond me," another said. "The man, the myth, the legend strikes again." What happens next Heritage rules make a permanent display on the High Court unlikely, though removal is reportedly under consideration, and the police inquiry remains active. For now, the murals message is traveling without it across social feeds, news sites, and the cordon on Carey Street. This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 8, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Banksy, the famously anonymous street artist, unveiled a new mural at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Monday. Shortly after, authorities said it would be removed. The mural is of a judge appearing to beat a protester lying on the ground with a gavel. The protester is holding a blank sign with splattered red paint, seemingly depicting blood. Banksy posted a photo of the work on Instagram, his usual method of claiming a work as authentic. It was captioned "Royal Courts Of Justice. London." Undated photo released by Banksy of the new artwork by the artist which portrays a judge beating a protester with a gavel at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. / Credit: Banksy / AP Security officials outside the courthouse covered the artwork Monday with sheets of black plastic and two metal barriers, and it was being guarded by two officers and a security camera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because the Victorian Gothic revival style building is 143 years old, the mural will be removed with consideration for its historical significance, according to HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS). "The Royal Courts of Justice is a listed building and HMCTS are obliged to maintain its original character," it said in a statement. Listed buildings are considered the country's most significant historic buildings and sites and are protected by law. While the artwork doesn't refer to a particular cause or incident, activists saw it as a reference to the U.K. government's ban on the group Palestine Action. On Saturday, almost 900 people were arrested at a London protest challenging the ban. Defend Our Juries, the group that organized the protest, said in a statement on social media that the mural "powerfully depicts the brutality unleashed" by the government ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When the law is used as a tool to crush civil liberties, it does not extinguish dissent, it strengthens it," the statement read. The courts have weighed in on the Palestine Action case, with judges initially rejecting the organization's request to appeal its ban. A High Court judge then allowed the appeal to go forward, though the government is now challenging that decision. Who is Banksy? Banksy began his career spray-painting buildings in Bristol, England, and has become one of the world's best-known artists. His paintings and installations sell for millions of dollars at auction and have drawn thieves and vandals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The artist's anonymity was about avoiding problems with the police, Steve Lazarides, an early associate of Banksy's in Bristol, told CBS News in 2023. But people have speculated about his identity for decades Bristol artist Robin Gunningham and Robert Del Naja, from the band Massive Attack, also from Bristol, have been raised as possibilities. Banksy also revealed his first name as Robbie in a lost BBC interview recorded in 2003, the broadcaster said in 2023. Banksy's political messages Banksy's work often comments on political issues, with many of his pieces criticizing government policy on migration and war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the Glastonbury Festival last year, an inflatable raft holding dummies of migrants in life jackets was unveiled during a band's headline set. Banksy appeared to claim the stunt, which was thought to symbolize small boat crossings of migrants in the English Channel, in a post on Instagram. The artist has also taken his message on migration to Europe. In 2019, "The Migrant Child," depicting a shipwrecked child holding a pink smoke bomb and wearing a life jacket, was unveiled in Venice, Italy. In 2018, a number of works, including one near a former center for migrants that depicted a child spray-painting wallpaper over a swastika, were discovered in Paris. Banksy has also created numerous artworks in the West Bank and Gaza Strip over the years, including one depicting a girl conducting a body search on an Israeli soldier, another showing a dove wearing a flak jacket, and a masked protester hurling a bouquet of flowers. He designed the "Walled Off Hotel" guesthouse in Bethlehem, which closed in October 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last summer, Banksy captured London's attention with an animal-themed collection, which concluded with a mural of a gorilla appearing to hold up the entrance gate to London Zoo. For nine days straight, Banksy-created creatures from a mountain goat perched on a building buttress to piranhas circling a police guard post to a rhinoceros mounting a car showed up in unlikely locations around the city. Justice Barrett on the Supreme Court's checks on Trump's power "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" turns 50: "Don't dream it, be it" Stand-up Nate Bargatze on operating in "the chaos" Anonymous street artist Banksy has unveiled a new mural on Londons High Court, depicting a judge striking a protester with a gavel, in what appears to be a commentary on the mass arrests of demonstrators backing the banned campaign group Palestine Action. The anonymous artist shared images of the work on Instagram on Monday. The stencilled piece shows a bewigged judge bringing down a gavel on a protester sprawled on the ground, clutching a blood-stained placard. The mural was painted days after nearly 900 people were detained during a protest in London opposing the governments proscription of Palestine Action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The artwork has since been fully covered up by British police, after attracting curious bystanders. In July, Britain designated the activist network a terrorist organisation after its members stormed a Royal Air Force base and damaged military aircraft. Supporting or belonging to the group now carries criminal penalties. Security guards stand beside a metal barrier covering up an artwork by street artist Banksy, depicting a judge using a gavel to beat a protester using a placard as protection, on an exterior wall of the Royal Courts of Justice in London, on September 8, 2025 [Carlos Jasso/AFP] But rights groups and campaigners have accused the British government of criminalising pro-Palestinian activism, saying the ban threatens the right to peaceful protest. Lawyers and civil liberties advocates argue that proscribing Palestine Action sets a dangerous precedent for restricting activism on foreign policy issues, with Amnesty International calling the decision by the Labour government a disturbing legal overreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campaigners have accused the Labour government led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer of allowing export of military items to Israel. Amid mounting pressure, Starmer last month announced to recognise the state of Palestine. Banksy has long used his work to highlight Palestinian struggles under Israeli occupation. His murals in the occupied West Bank include ones that depict a girl conducting a body search on an Israeli soldier, a dove wearing a flak jacket, and a masked protester hurling a bouquet. A man looks at British street artist Banksys mural The Bethlehem Wall during a preview of the exhibition The world of Banksy, the immersive experience at the Milano Centrale main railway station in Milan, Italy on December 2, 2021 [Miguel Medina/AFP] In 2017, he opened the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, designed to offer what he called the worst view in the world, a direct reference to Israels separation barrier known as the apartheid wall, which stands in front of the hotel. The wall that stretches for more than 700km (435 miles) on Palestinian land inside the occupied West Bank was termed illegal by the International Court of Justice in 2004. British artist Banksys Walled-Off Hotel facing Israels apartheid wall in the occupied West Bank town of Bethlehem [Ahmad Gharabli/AFP] One of his most famous West Bank works, a rat armed with a slingshot, was painted near Bethlehem in 2007. The artwork was later removed by Israeli art dealers and displayed in a Tel Aviv art gallery in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move was condemned by Jeries Qumsieh, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism, who told The Guardian at the time: This is theft of the property of the Palestinian people. These were paintings by an international artist for Bethlehem, for Palestine, and for visitors to Bethlehem and Palestine. So transferring them, manipulating them and stealing them is definitely an illegal act, Qumsieh had said. The latest London mural has already been cordoned off with protective barriers, underscoring both the value of Banksys art and the controversy it generates. While the artist rarely explains his creations, his consistent focus on Palestine ensures this new work will be seen as a sharp critique of Britains clampdown on pro-Palestine activism. For many of his supporters, the High Court mural is not just about Palestine Action but also a broader reflection on how state power and the judiciary are wielded against movements challenging Britains political establishment. Wearing grey trousers and a shirt and tie, as though dressed for a day at the office, an elderly, bespectacled man sat down on the grass at Parliament Square. He, like hundreds of others, had come to Westminster to show support for an organisation that is now at the centre of an increasingly toxic political and legal row. Before long, the silver-haired man, who appeared to be in his sixties, was under arrest, his arms and legs grabbed by four police officers who carried him away through the crowds to a police van. His alleged offence, like the others around him in the sunshine on Saturday afternoon, had been to hold out a sign saying I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action. The Metropolitan Police say that on Saturday 857 people were detained on suspicion of showing support for the group, which was proscribed (banned) in July by the Government under the Terrorism Act 2000. The latest arrests add to 804 which had been made by police across the UK before the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of them had taken place at a pro-Palestine Action rally at Westminster in August, when the average age of those arrested was 54, with 112 said to be at least 70 years old. The mass arrests have created a huge headache for the Met and the Crown Prosecution Service, though the force maintains that it will be able to cope. More than 120 people have been charged so far, including 86-year-old Judith Bruce, from Swansea, and Susan Parfitt, 83, a retired priest from Bristol, who insist that the truth is that Palestine Action is not a terrorist organisation. Retired priest Susan Parfitt, 83, is removed by police from a pro-Palestine Action protest - PA Wire There are growing fears that as more people are charged the cases will overwhelm the criminal justice system, clogging up courts which are already operating at near-full capacity in an attempt to reduce record backlogs. It has raised deeply uncomfortable questions for the Government: have they over-used their powers when alternative ways of dealing with Palestine Action were available to the police? Was proscription an attempt to satisfy supporters of Israel ahead of steps to recognise a Palestinian state? Ultimately, has the move backfired increasing awareness of and support for a group that is now a banned terrorist organisation? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It all seemed very different at the end of June, when Yvette Cooper, who was then home secretary, acted decisively after a break-in at one of Britains most secure military bases, RAF Brize Norton. Under cover of darkness, activists allegedly entered the Oxfordshire site and vandalised two Voyager planes, causing 7m of damage. Five people have been charged in connection with the incident, for which Palestine Action swiftly claimed responsibility. Within three days, Cooper announced that she would use powers under the Terrorism Act to proscribe the group, making it illegal to be a member of, or invite support for, it. In a Commons statement, she said that since it was founded in 2020, Palestine Action had orchestrated a nationwide campaign of direct criminal action, targeting key defence firms, businesses, charities, universities and government buildings. Its methods have become more aggressive, with its members demonstrating a willingness to use violence, Cooper added. Palestine Action members are alleged to have entered RAF Brize Norton to vandalise two Voyager planes - DefenceGeek/X The order banning Palestine Action was approved by Parliament with little dissent. Critics of Shabana Mahmood, the new Home Secretary, complain that she was among MPs who did not vote when the order came to a vote, prompting her colleague, Defence Secretary John Healey, to insist that she would be just as tough on the issue as Cooper. Meanwhile, a Home Office source says Mahmood was allowed to miss the vote because she was away on Government business. She supports proscription and will defend it in the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just hours after the order came into effect, on July 5, the first of a series of demonstrations in support of the group was held. Further protests followed in other cities, including Cardiff, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and Truro, before a third wave of demonstrations towards the end of July. On August 9, around 500 people displayed signs expressing support for Palestine Action in Parliament Square prompting police to make mass arrests. Then came the events of last weekend. My sense is it was probably a misjudgment to proscribe them, says a former senior police officer who led multiple counter-terrorism operations. Did they [the Government] table-top it and do a war-game exercise?, he asks. Some observers believe Palestine Actions supporters have managed to stay one step ahead of the Government, winning the PR war as pensioners are rounded up by police, in scenes which could provide cover for more nefarious activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestine Action knew, and had worked out, that proscription would provoke mass arrests and the Home Office should have worked through what would happen if there was a big demonstration and if protesters used the same tactics as Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion, says the retired Scotland Yard detective. The former director of public prosecutions (DPP) and crossbench peer, Lord Ken Macdonald KC, is also concerned that the Government has overstepped the mark. He said the proscription of Palestine Action had crossed a rubicon, because terrorism legislation had never been used before to outlaw an organisation which appears to be principally focused on causing criminal damage rather than attacking people. Its the first time weve ever targeted an organisation which is campaigning on an issue which is supported by literally tens of millions of people in the country, Lord Macdonald told the Double Jeopardy podcast. I think thats a real problem to be applying terrorism legislation in that context. The Metropolitan Police say that on Saturday 857 people were detained on suspicion of showing support for the group - AP Photo/Joanna Chan Lord Macdonald is among a number of legal experts whove contrasted the Governments approach to Palestine Action with the way law enforcement agencies dealt with animal rights activists from the 1970s to the early 2000s, as they waged a vicious campaign of vandalism, fire bombings and assaults directed at animal testing facilities, scientists and politicians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I both defended some of the more serious players and, when I was chief prosecutor, prosecuted those cases and we had ample legislation at our disposal to send some of those people to prison for a very long time and indeed to break the back of the Animal Liberation Front, which we did, says Lord Macdonald, who served as DPP from 2003 to 2008. The former counter-terrorism police chief agrees that similar tactics should have been applied to Palestine Action. Investigate and, if youve got the evidence, charge and let the individuals stand in court and defend what theyve done. My sense over the years is that the public generally reacts in a more supportive way to a recognised judicial process. As soon as we start to go into stuff thats novel control orders, proscription things get very tricky and difficult, he says. However, the Government has shown no signs of backing down. After the August arrests, Cooper said Palestine Action had been proscribed on the back of strong security advice. She said it included an assessment from the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, based in MI5, that the group prepares for terrorism. She also referred to concerning information referencing plans and ideas for further attacks that couldnt be revealed because of ongoing legal proceedings. In July, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, described offences allegedly committed by Palestine Action as a form of extremism, saying his force had laid out to Government the operational basis on which to consider proscribing the group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, proscription was ultimately a political decision taken by the home secretary rather than officials. The Conservatives, who have been openly critical more generally of Labours policies on policing, have backed the move, aware that ministers are privy to intelligence that they do not possess. A responsible opposition should support the Government where it is taking action to protect the public, particularly where the Government is acting on intelligence assessments, says Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary. We should remember that Palestine Action is a group seeking to impose its political will using violence. This includes smashing up property, vandalising RAF aircraft and attacking a police officer with a sledgehammer. In this country we settle issues by debate and election, not through political violence. But while the intelligence on which the decision to ban Palestine Action was based remains secret, ministers appear to be losing the public argument. And police, whove taken a zero tolerance approach to anyone holding a banner or wearing a T-shirt in support of the group, are bearing the brunt of the anger of the people taking to the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police on the ground are damned if they do and damned if they dont, says Scott Wilson, who was the polices national counter terrorism co-ordinator during a 31-year career in the Met. It looks very heavy handed, but I dont think the police have any choice. I cant understand why people would support an organisation that do what they do. Support the cause, fly your Palestine flag, but why support that organisation? A bus-stop advert opposing the proscription of Palestine Action on Westminster Bridge - AFP via Getty Scotland Yard has warned demonstrators that the consequences of a terrorism conviction are severe. They face up to six months in prison, will be required to disclose the details of their offence to employers, professional bodies and universities and could be barred from travelling to many other countries. But the warnings dont appear to have put them off. Indeed, images of hundreds of otherwise law-abiding British citizens being arrested by police, with the prospect of their cases adding to congestion in the court system, have exacerbated concerns held by some that the response to the threat posed by Palestine Action has been disproportionate. One former Government aide says concerns that proscription would have a knock-on effect on freedom of expression and free speech were probably never considered when the decision was being made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wonder how much proscription was about the optics and needing to play up the Prime Ministers identity as a senior prosecutor, questions the ex-Labour official. Mahmood has signalled her support for the polices actions after a visit to the Mets control room where officers were monitoring the demonstration. She posted a message on X, saying: Supporting Palestine and supporting a proscribed terrorist group are not the same thing. It all points to ministers believing they can weather the storm, says the former Government adviser, not least because they think the majority of the public will still be in favour of the decision to proscribe the group. I wouldnt be surprised if the Government think they can face it down and rely on the strong sense of British irritation about people who set out to cause disruption, says the adviser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyll get criticism for it but not the kind of criticism that will topple them. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The Louisiana Department of Public Safety responded to a vehicle in a ditch around 11 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4. The investigation led to the arrest of a Baton Rouge woman. Catrina Nelson, 42, was charged with fourth-offense driving under the influence of alcohol, careless operation, driving with a suspended license, and having an open container. The responding officer found the vehicle with the engine still running at the intersection of Chippewa Street and Jessamine Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drivers side door was open and the driver was not awake. The driver was later identified as Nelson. She exited the vehicle upon request and was found to have bloodshot, glassy eyes, a lack of balance, and slurred speech, according to the affidavit. It was determined that Nelson was driving with a suspended license. Law enforcement said she did not perform well when asked to complete standardized field sobriety tests. A search of her vehicle was conducted following her arrest. The officer found a cup with wine in it and an open wine bottle. A breath test showed a blood-alcohol content of 0.144, above the legal limit of 0.08. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1 taken to hospital after being hit by vehicle in Baton Rouge, officials say Nelson was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on Friday, Sept. 5. Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office was called to a crash that left a 7-year-old boy with serious injuries and damage to three vehicles. Deputies responded to the 11000 block of Industriplex Boulevard around 9:35 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5. After the investigation, Dellkeda Orange, 37, of Baton Rouge, was arrested and charged with reckless operation of a vehicle, first-offense driving while intoxicated, first-degree vehicular negligent injuring, child restraints, and no insurance. Dellkeda Orange, 37, of Baton Rouge was charged with reckless operation of a vehicle, operating while intoxicated; first offense, first degree vehicular negligent injuring, child restraints, and insurance required. (East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office) EBRSO found that Orange was driving a Ford Escape. Arrest documents reveal her son was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The 7-year-old was taken to a hospital with injuries, including lacerations to his liver, EBRSO said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A deputy found that a strong odor of an intoxicating beverage was coming from Oranges breath and person, according to the affidavit. Orange was detained and questioned by another deputy. The Baton Rouge woman gave a statement during which she said she drank too much Fireball Whiskey at home, EBRSO said. Baton Rouge woman charged with 4th DUI after vehicle crashes into ditch She went on to say that she thought she could make the brief drive to drop him off, according to EBRSO. Orange said everything was ok until she hit the curb and lost control of the vehicle, according to the affidavit. EBRSO said the deputy who was questioning the woman noticed that her speech was slurred, along with the strong odor of an intoxicating beverage coming from her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Baton Rouge woman was taken to the hospital. A blood sample was taken from Orange and submitted for analysis. Orange was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on Saturday, Sept. 6. 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. Bavarian leader Markus Soder on Monday issued a stern warning over the rising popularity of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), as opinion polls suggest that support for the far-right party continues to grow following February's federal election. "Let's not allow our country to be destroyed," said the Bavarian state premier at an event in Abensberg, to the north of Munich. "I am telling you clearly now: No to the AfD taking over Germany and Bavaria." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement German liberty was "more fragile than ever," Soder, whose conservative party is a partner in the national governing coalition, warned. Soder was speaking at the annual Gillamoos festival, which traditionally begins in the morning and sees high-profile figures of Germany's main political parties addressing supporters and other revellers while they enjoy a big pint of Bavarian beer. AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla also addressed the crowd at the festival, expressing confidence that the anti-immigrant and anti-establishment party, currently the biggest opposition force in parliament, would win the country's next election scheduled for 2029. Soder said the AfD's aim was "to divide, to weaken and to develop different form of democracy." AfD leader predicts 2029 election victory The AfD won regional elections in the eastern state of Thuringia last year - marking the first time since the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II that a far-right party has won a statewide election in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Domestic intelligence has classified the party as a suspected far-right extremist organization over what it considers to be xenophobic and anti-democratic tendencies. An upgrade of the assessment to confirmed extremist issued earlier this year has been suspended due to a legal challenged brought by the AfD. Regardless, opinion polls following February's parliamentary elections, which saw the AfD garner its best-ever result at national level at around 20%, suggest that support for the party remains high and is growing. Chrupalla, who leads the AfD together with Alice Weidel, said he was certain that the party will come out on top in the country's next general elections scheduled for 2029, in remarks to supporters at the festival on Monday. "We will get this ship back into shape," Chrupalla told some several hundred attendees at his address in Abensberg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The party has the answers and ideas that citizens want to hear, the AfD leader said, vowing to paint the country blue - in a reference to the AfD colours. Both the AfD chief and the party's leader in the Bavarian state parliament, Katrin Ebner-Steiner, called for large-scale deportations of criminal migrants and those without a right to stay. All those who are in Germany illegally, Ebner-Steiner said, "will be removed from the country by the hundreds of thousands." "We will deport, deport, deport until the runways in Munich are glowing." A few hours before French PM Francois Bayrou went down in flames in parliament, having failed to win a vote of confidence for his cutbacks programme to reduce Frances national debt, two ministers from his own government (Green Transition and Industry) announced yet another handout of state money. Buyers of electric cars fitted with European-built batteries would be entitled to an additional 1,000 besides an already-existing bonus reaching up to 4,200, with the aim to reshore electric vehicle components manufacturing, and create industrial jobs in Europe. Now 44 years later, the beliefs of the Fifth Republics first socialist president, Francois Mitterrand persuaded that the state knew better than private companies and launching a vast nationalisations programme while cutting down the work week, hiking the minimum wage, and lowering pension age from 65 to 60 still prevail among public opinion in France. Thats true not just on the Left: Marine Le Pens National Rally, whose MPs stood against Bayrou, favour more benefits and a lowering of pension age (15 years ago, Nicolas Sarkozy managed, with great difficulty, to hike it a meagre 2 years to age 62). The only difference between her platform and Jean-Luc Melenchons hard Lefts is that she wants benefits reserved for French citizens only. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan were reshaping the culture and the economies of the West, hacking through bureaucracies and freeing the markets, France watched on, deriding the American cowboy and the housewife with her handbag. Grandiose plans for a French video industry (complete with a special standard, V2000, which never took off), a French computer industry (which somehow never managed to jump from the nifty Minitel telecoms terminal of the 1970s to compete even with Lord Sinclair, let alone Steve Jobs). While Gerhard Schroeder, a socialist chancellor, negotiated with the German unions to cut down employment regulations and free the jobs market in the early 2000s, France added so much legislation that French employers are now hobbled by the highest payroll taxes in the world, as well as a 3,350-page Employment Code. French influence in Brussels has concentrated on increasing regulation even when it hobbles its businesses and farmers. The French housing crisis has been increased by Green regulation that has already pulled some 30 per cent of available rentals out of the market for energy inefficiency. French taxes are the first or second highest in the OECD (depending on year), while redistribution now exceeds Swedens. And yet, a majority of the French tell pollsters that the rich can pay and should be taxed more music to the ears of most politicians, Left and Right. On Wednesday, and again on September 18, two days of blockages have been announced. What started more or less spontaneously as a hard-Right concept, very close to the old Yellow Vests movement, has now horseshoed to the hard Left, with about one third of unions calling for stoppages of all kinds, from not buying anything those days to not going to work, not sending children to school. Activists vowed to lie down on train and tram tracks, or leaving unattended packages in public transport, to further disrupt normal service. Despite monitoring from French security services, nobody knows whether the movement will succeed: significantly, polls suggest 68 per cent of the population supports it. The French are an unhappy people worldwide studies, time and again, show more positive answers on personal happiness from the Philippines to Ethiopia than from depressed Gauls. Change is mostly seen as negative: losing something we were sure of (however we complained about it). Positivity itself is deeply suspect, even foreign: the worst insult citizens levied against Nicolas Sarkozy, a forceful one-term president who was dammed for suggesting that people could earn more by working more was lAmericain, worse than which is hard to conceive here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When many voted for Emmanuel Macron, it was despite his youth and brashness: his unsaid promise was to deliver more while not rocking the boat. He had the usual diplomas and pedigree of the French civil servant and technocrat: when a changing world showed that this was not enough, many of his voters felt swindled. They had hoped to see France transformed without pain, and while retaining old luxuries, from a competent technocracy to an efficient welfare net: blood, sweat and tears do not belong to the French vocabulary. Sweat and tears, if not blood, is what Francois Bayrou decided he could safely promise, aged 74 and with a long if not exceptional career behind him. So sure was he that nine months ago, when Michel Barnier, having lost another confidence vote, resigned, Bayrou rushed to the Elysee and hectored the president once nicknamed Jupiter for an hour and a half, until he got the job instead of the man Macron wanted, Defence Secretary Sebastien Lecornu, whose name is again in play today. Why Macron uncharacteristically gave in is a mystery: it bought him neither credit nor much time. Possibly he hoped Bayrou could sell the bitter pill the country needs. Its looking increasingly likely that no-one can. 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 beautiful trip: Weymouth Firefighter battling Stage 4 cancer gifted trip of a lifetime A Weymouth firefighter battling Stage 4 cancer will take a trip of a lifetime this week. Lt. John Higgins was chosen for this vacation by the Last Call Foundation, which works to help firefighters who have been exposed to harmful chemicals on the job. Its a job I look forward to going to, so to have that suddenly taken away, its pretty hard, so you know, get out there and get the scans and catch it before its too late, said Lt. Higgins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lt. Higgins has been a Weymouth firefighter for nearly 20 years. He only just learned he has cancer after getting a voluntary screening at his fire station this year. About two weeks after that test I got called by United Diagnostics and they said you need to call the doctor, and I was like what for? and they said you have a mass in your right lung that I didnt know about, said Higgins. Higgins was diagnosed with Stage 4 Bilateral Lung cancer in May, and it had already spread to his brain. Luckily, after his latest treatment, he learned the cancer is shrinking. Theres no cure for the cancer, they cant cure it, theres no way theyll be able to cure it, it just gives me more time, said Higgins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With that precious time, Higgins says hes excited for this next adventure. A Boston-based travel company has gifted him and his wife a bucket list trip to Montana this week. This is something I feel lucky to do all the time, how amazing if we could give somebody the opportunity whos going through a difficult time to just completely disconnect from the reality of their day-to-day life and go somewhere where nobody knows their struggle, said Eric Czerlonka, CEO and Founder of Curated by Czerlonka. Czerlonka says for the last decade his travel business, Czerlonka Event Design and Management, has focused on corporate trips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this trip for Higgins will be one of the first vacations completely donated to someone who deserves a break, as part of their new venture, Curated by Czerlonka. Higgins and his wife will be staying at Paws Up Montana, a luxury ranch. Theyre credited with creating the term glamping, you know, luxury camping in an amazing, beautiful setting in Montana on the creeks and on the cliffs, its just really special, said Czerlonka. A special way to give back to someone who has given so much to his community for decades. Were grateful, absolutely grateful, said Higgins. Sounds like a beautiful trip, its something Ive always wanted to do, I just have to do it sooner now, but thats okay. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW CROMWELL, Conn. (WTNH) The Better Business Bureau Serving Connecticut Monday warned consumers about a Coventry transportation service that has nearly a dozen complaints against them. Over the past month, officials with BBB Serving CT said they uncovered an alleged pattern of deception involving Eastern Transportation and Rentals, owned by Mitch Kloter. Better Business Bureau warns of scammer claiming to be Connecticut tractor business Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports to BBBs Scam Tracker painted similar stories accusing Kloter of taking money from travelers who booked rides to New England airports and then never showed up. The complaints said they found Kloters services being advertised in Connecticut and Massachusetts Facebook community forums and they prepaid for the service on peer-to-peer apps. The customers also alleged Kloter promised to pay them back, but didnt. News 8 Exclusive: Woodbury business owner, customers impacted by scam A Newington woman told the scam tracker she was scheduled to be picked up by Kloter but last minute he sent someone else, who she had to pay an additional $300 for. While Kloter told her he would reimburse her for $440, she claims she never received the funds, despite numerous messages sent to remind him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another woman claimed she was scammed out of $825 after being told her driver was running an hour late. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Fewer and fewer Americans have a favorable view of capitalism and big business. 54% view capitalism favorably still a majority, but significantly less than four years ago. And just 43% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 have a positive view of capitalism. Americans are increasingly souring on big business and capitalism but they're not turning to socialism quite yet. New polling from Gallup found that just 37% of Americans have a positive rating of big business, down from 46% in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's a stunning turnaround in less than a decade. As recently as 2019, 52% of Americans had a positive view of big business. The poll also found that 54% of Americans rate capitalism positively, a six percentage point decline from 2021. It's the lowest favorability rating recorded for capitalism since Gallup began polling this question in 2010. At the same time, Americans continue to view other aspects of capitalism in a positive light. Eighty-one percent have a positive view of free enterprise, while 95% have a positive view of small businesses. Negative views of capitalism are especially pronounced among younger adults from the ages of 18 to 34, with 43% having a positive view of capitalism and 54% having a negative view. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, 49% of young adults had a positive view of socialism, compared to 46% who had a negative view. That could help explain why Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist state assemblyman, won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor earlier this summer with the support of young people. And politicians who are critical of capitalism, such as Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, have grown more prominent in American politics since 2016. Nonetheless, socialism's popularity has remained relatively flat in the population at large 39% of Americans said they had a positive view this year, while 38% said the same in 2021. Meanwhile, 57% said they had a negative view of socialism this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's also a significant partisan difference in views of socialism and capitalism. Among Republicans, 74% have a positive rating of capitalism, while just 14% have a positive view of socialism. Forty-two percent of Democrats rate capitalism positively, while 66% have a positive view of socialism. The poll included 1,094 American adults and was conducted between August 1 and August 20. The margin of error was four percentage points. Read the original article on Business Insider After a hurricane passes, scientists routinely analyze the assorted computer models used to predict its path and power and crown a victor. This year, a surprising new contender has emerged a forecast model generated by artificial intelligence. How is it faring? Well, the single best-performing model for last months Hurricane Erin was Google DeepMind, a relative AI newcomer in the storm prediction field. Yes, its a small sample size. But although the technology can be over-hyped in some places, it already holds a great deal of promise in the notoriously fickle field of weather forecasting. Some experts say their weather and storm predictions could be and may already be faster, more accurate, cheaper and less energy intensive to produce than traditional models. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Hurricane Center has already begun to consult AI. This year, forecasters have begun tapping into the DeepMind model as well as using a new AI-powered tool developed at the University of Miami to construct their forecasts. Experts stress there are lots of cautions. For now, these models are simply the shiniest new tool in the toolbox. Theyre by no means a replacement for the traditional models, much less the humans that analyze them to make predictions. And like every computer prediction model, including the European and American models, they have their failings and drawbacks. No tool, no matter how great it is, is perfect, especially when it comes to weather. Im confident theyre going to help us, but were still in the early stages, said Wallace Hogsett, science operations officer at NHC, which is based at Florida International Universitys campus in West Miami-Dade. Our hope is that well be more effective carpenters, so to speak, by having all these tools. We might need to buy a bigger toolbox, he joked. Chat, is a hurricane coming my way? AI weather prediction doesnt mean forecasters are simply asking ChatGPT about what a storm might do next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like large language models that power popular AI chat apps like Copilot or Claude, these weather models use machine learning to pick up patterns. Except, instead of predicting what word is most likely to come next in a sentence replying to a users question, theyre predicting what global weather patterns might do next. Traditional weather models are run on massive supercomputers that run millions to billions of mathematical equations to simulate the physics that make up the atmosphere the results of which are predictions about how the worlds weather may shift on an hour-by-hour basis. These supercomputers spit out estimates for how various changes in weather patterns will affect others around the world, like how a cold front sweeping off the East Coast of the U.S. will push Hurricane Erin on a curving pattern out to sea instead of letting the storm beeline straight into the Caribbean. AI-based models work a little differently. For one, they dont understand physics the way the traditional models do. Instead, theyre doing what machine learning is best at: pattern matching. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These models are based on 40 years worth of detailed descriptions of weather around the world and trained to estimate what will happen to current weather features (like a tropical storm) in light of the decades of past observations it has digested. Theyre also less energy-intensive and faster to use; they can be run on laptops instead of hulking supercomputers. Traditional models use 10,000 to 100,000 times more time and energy, an expert told the University of California. The results from these new AI models are, perhaps shockingly, pretty accurate. Google DeepMind released its storm-specific AI model in June. Last month, it got its first big test with Hurricane Erin, which hit Category 5 over open water but largely avoided land-based impacts in the U.S. and Caribbean by executing a hard right turn when it approached the islands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the first three days of Erin forecast, DeepMind performed better than any other model, including the well-known European and American models. Throughout the five-day forecast period, it was among the best, data from former NHC Branch Chief James Franklin showed. To see that it did very favorably with that is encouraging. Its a big leap forward right there and instantly adds to the credibility, said Houston-based meteorologist Matt Lanza, co-founder of a popular blog that tracks tropical weather systems called the Eyewall. Lanza said hes been very impressed at the growing skill of AI models and recently added DeepMind to his rotation of five to seven models he checks daily for his own forecasts. However, he cautioned, just because DeepMind performed best overall for Erin doesnt necessarily mean forecasters should rely entirely on this model going forward. Thats the average over the life cycle of the storm. It doesnt mean it did great at every moment, just that it did great overall, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats how most models are for most storms, Lanza said. Different models perform better for different storms, and theres no one best model that gets it right every time, so forecasters consult several to see what might happen. Quite frankly, most of the other models did well, too, he said. What it tells you is that these AI models are able to create forecasts that are as good as anything else right now. DeepMinds success with Hurricane Erin, however, also points to another trend forecasters are noticing. These models are getting better at tracking the intensity of a storm, or how strong it is. Previously, they were doing a pretty good job at estimating the storms track but werent doing as well with intensity. Theyre also less prone to that windshield wiper effect, where the spaghetti models for a future storm will whip back and forth over an area as the storm closes in. Thats because the models are optimized to avoid errors and not take risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, that smoothing effect means AI models can miss the little wobbles storms make near landfall small but crucial jogs that can have the worst impacts 50 miles or more this way or that. And because theyre only trained on the last 40 years of data, newly published research has found theyre not great so far at predicting extreme events, the kinds that are set to become more common as climate change messes with the atmosphere. Hogsett, with the hurricane center, said unlike physics based models that are built on solved math equations, its hard to check the work of an AI model and see if the assumptions it made were based on sound logic. Because of how these models work, its hard to come to the conclusion of how they came to that conclusion, Hogsett said. Because theyre new, we still just need to test and learn. We really need a full season of data. Hogsett and other forecasters also caution that these new AI-powered tools are not useful without humans to review and analyze them, much less issue timely and accurate warnings ahead of future storms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our forecasters, Im confident, will always have a role to play because these models are not perfect, he said. When it comes to communicating risk and helping people stay safe in the face of hurricane hazards, there will always be a role for a human. Like most of the federal government, the National Weather Service had its staff slashed by the Trump administration earlier this year, although the agency has recently begun re-hiring for those empty positions, including some in Florida. Tracking tropical waves but better Beyond the world of AI models that show the weather for the entire globe, theres an industry of people using AI to create more specialized forecasts. A homegrown one from University of Miami researchers has also recently been adopted at NHC. It helps scientists spot tropical waves, the small, disorganized spinning clumps of rainclouds that sometimes grow into tropical depressions, storms and hurricanes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are important seedlings for hurricane formation, said Will Downs, a doctoral student at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science and lead author on the study published about his teams new wave-tracking tool. Downs and his team used the written descriptions hurricane center forecasters have compiled for every tropical wave theyve tracked for the last 20 years, fed it into a model and asked it to identify anything similar it spotted in the Atlantic or Pacific. The results, Downs said, are better than the algorithm the NHC was previously using to spot tropical waves. It does pretty darn well at detecting these systems, he said. Its particularly better in the Caribbean at detecting tropical waves, especially weaker ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats impressive, because the wind currents in the Caribbean can be pretty turbulent, and picking out a small whorl of could-be storm action from a broader landscape of chaotic spinning isnt an easy task. Downs said he thinks the reason this tool is performing better than previous physics-based models at spotting tropical waves is that programming a physics-based model with the lengthy explanations and multiple exceptions to the rule of what a tropical wave is can be complicated. Its I know it when I see it, but thats very hard to program explicitly, he said. For a machine learning model, its much easier to show it a bunch of examples of previous waves and ask it to look for something similar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the tool does have its flaws. For one, Downs said, its pretty good at spotting a young, undeveloped tropical wave. But when a wave develops and starts to look more like a tropical storm, the tool suddenly cant recognize it. Its not just hurricanes where AI modeling can be useful. Private companies have leapt to join the race across the country, too. Andrew Brady, a Georgia-based meteorologist and AI engineer, just launched a product on Thursday that allows users to better pinpoint tornadoes and lightning using machine-learning trained on years of past weather data, called StormNet. His company was snapped up by Open Snow, a firm that used machine learning models to best predict snowfall and help skiiers and snowboarders pick the perfect day to shred. His goal is to develop a product that can give as much advanced warning of an imminent tornado or lightning strike as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For tornadoes, for example, we dont fully understand a lot of elements of tornado genesis, but machine learning models are able to examine the entire atmosphere and pick up on patterns based on elements we dont even know about, he said. However, he acknowledged that, as exciting as recent developments in the AI weather space have been, theyre running into a few ceilings. For one, theres only 40 years worth of high-quality data to train on. Anything older than that isnt as useful to train AI weather models. We dont have higher resolution data going back that far, like we have the lower resolution data, he said. Its definitely a massive problem. But, Brady said, scientists are already working on the next wave of models a hybrid between the physics-based models and the machine-learning ones that are already showing a lot of promise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who knows, he said. Maybe in 20 to 30 years a 10-day storm forecast could be as accurate as the five day cone, or people could get as much as a days warning before a tornado strike. The possibilities really are kind of tantalizing, Lanza said. Tampa Bay Times hurricane coverage 2025 Heres a look at the 2025 hurricane season forecasts so far. What to know about river flooding in Tampa Bay this hurricane season. Here are the lessons you learned from Tampa Bays historic 2024 hurricane season. Checklists for building all kinds of storm kits JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. New legislation in Jefferson County aims to ban people from swimming at Rockford Beach Park along the Big River in House Springs. Bill No. 25-09245 would amend park regulations by adding Subsection U, prohibiting visitors from entry into the Big River for swimming and/or wading. The proposed legislation comes months after first responders issued a warning for visitors at the popular swimming location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It looks like a junkyardResidents say neighbors backyard is out of control According to the High Ridge Fire Protection District, officials has responded to 60 calls for services at the park since 2014, including seven drownings. This year, the district has responded to one drowning, two near drownings, and a single victim rescue at the park. In addition to banning swimming in the river, the county council will take up Bill No. R25-0980, requesting U.S. Senators and Missouri Representatives secure federal funding for projects in the river. The Jefferson County Council will meet Monday at 6:30 p.m. to take up this and other proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP Close relatives of the federal official who has accused a Federal Reserve governor of improperly claiming primary residence on two properties have declared the same status on two homes in two different states, public records show. Mark and Julie Pulte, the father and stepmother of Bill Pulte, President Donald Trumps appointee as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, since 2020 have claimed so-called homestead exemptions for residences in wealthy neighborhoods in both Michigan and Florida, according to the records. The exemption is meant to give a discount to homeowners on taxes for properties they use as their primary residence. Local tax officials in both states told Reuters that claiming more than one home as a primary residence isnt generally allowed in their jurisdictions and could be punishable by fines or back taxes. After Reuters contacted tax officials in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, to inquire about the dual claims, Darrin Kraatz, director of assessing, on Thursday said the township as of today would revoke the exemption on the Pultes residence there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to public real estate records, and a resident at the Michigan house on Thursday evening, the home was rented out by the Pultes this year, a move that also violates rules for the exemption. Revised tax bills will be issued to the Pultes, including all applicable penalty and interest, Kraatz said by email. He didnt respond to a follow-up question about the value of any payment now due and Reuters couldnt determine a precise figure for previous tax payments they have made. Officials in Florida, citing the claim for exemption in that state as older, said any conflict with the second exemption would need to be addressed in Michigan. Reuters was unable to reach Mark or Julie Pulte for comment. Representatives at Mark Pultes business and a Pulte family foundation didnt respond to phone calls or emails seeking comment for this story. Officials at the FHFA, the federal agency led by Bill Pulte, didnt respond to a request for comment. The news agency was unable to reach him otherwise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Lisa Cook sues Trump, says attempt to fire her threatens Fed's independence and US economy More: Trump says he's firing ex-Michigan State economist Lisa Cook from Fed board. But can he? The claim of more than one property as a primary residence has been the basis for Bill Pultes accusations against Lisa Cook, the Federal Reserve governor Trump fired as a result and who has since filed suit against the president to fight the dismissal. Pulte referred the matter to the attorney general, prompting a probe of Cook by the Justice Department. In addition to that formal action against Cook, Pulte in recent days has made multiple public statements against her, accusing her of defrauding mortgage lenders and the public. Financial fraud is a big deal, Pulte wrote last weekend on X, the social media site, to his three million followers. Dont do it! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also criticized Cook after learning she rented out one of the homes that she had declared as a primary residence. Lisa Cooks declared PRIMARY RESIDENCE is being RENTED out to tenants, he wrote in another X post. Cook has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. How Governor Cook described her properties, her attorney wrote in a statement on Thursday, is not fraud. In the garage of the Michigan house, on a quiet cul-de-sac with wood-shingled homes and manicured yards, a man told Reuters that he lives at the property as a tenant and doesnt know the name of the homeowner. He declined to be identified by name or say through whom or how long he has been renting the property. 'They got lucky' The Pulte family, which rose to prominence with a housing empire started in Michigan by Mark Pultes father, is active in conservative circles. Both Mark and his wife, electoral records show, have made multiple campaign contributions to Republican candidates and causes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to founding his own housing company in Florida, where he has specialized in building luxury properties, Mark Pulte is a senior official at a Pulte family foundation. His high-profile real estate activities have included the 2021 sale of a property for $122.7 million, a record for Palm Beach at the time. Years earlier, the property had been among Trumps Florida holdings. In his comments to Senate officials for his confirmation as director of the federal housing agency, Bill Pulte thanked his father and stepmother for their support. He said he grew up visiting construction sites of homes built by his father and grandfather. In past public statements he has said that Mark helped finance Pulte Capital Partners, the Florida-based private equity firm Bill founded. The homestead exemptions claimed by Mark and Julie Pulte, eight tax and real estate experts told Reuters, would typically be permissible only in a rare exception that can be made for a couple in which spouses are conducting entirely independent lives living separately at the two addresses, separating their finances and filing their taxes individually. Reuters couldnt determine whether the Pultes qualified for such an exemption or had used such grounds to justify their homestead claims. Its not something that either state generally lets you get away with, said Lisa Bender, a longtime real estate agent in both Michigan and Florida. Bender said she personally knows the ins-and-outs of the homestead exemptions because she also owns properties in both states. I wish I could claim both, she said. Somehow they got lucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No mortgage records exist for the Michigan and Florida properties, which suggests the Pultes likely paid for the homes in cash, real estate experts said. By paying lower taxes on both homes, they added, the couple is contributing less than they otherwise would to public coffers, including funding for area schools. On properties like those owned by the Pultes, the exemptions can add up to thousands of dollars in savings each year. On the Florida home, in Boca Raton, the exemption saved the Pultes an estimated $158,000 in taxes for 2025, according to officials with the tax assessors office in Palm Beach County, the property tax jurisdiction. The county granted an additional exemption on the property because the house a waterfront home with marble floors, in-ground pool, and a boat dock surpasses a certain value threshold, the records indicate. The Pultes bought the Boca Raton house in 2016 for $4.25 million and later transferred the title to a legal entity in which they are both listed as beneficiaries, the records show. Mark Pulte filed the exemption request. On the Michigan property, listed as a four-bedroom home with sauna and purchased for nearly $1 million in 2020, both spouses are named on a trust that owns the house. Julie Pulte claimed the exemption there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When contacted by Reuters about the dual exemptions, Nery Mejia, an exemptions manager for the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office, said the office would look into it. In a follow-up by email, she said the paperwork in Florida is valid and predates the Michigan claim. Based on this, she wrote, the matter should be handled by Michigan. It isnt clear how much the Pultes may have saved each year because of the Michigan claim, but on Friday property records already indicated the exemption there is now zero. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Bill Pulte's parents used same exemption as Fed's Lisa Cook Marvel fans are hoping that Avengers: Secret Wars will right the sinking ship of the MCU, both by delivering an Endgame-style extravaganza and by rebooting this aging cinematic universe. Unfortunately, one reliable Marvel scooper has revealed that the studio will be marketing their hit film in a way thats sure to annoy mainstream audiences. According to Alex Perez, both Spider-Man: Brand New Day and VisionQuest will set up Secret Wars, meaning that Marvel is once again forcing fans to complete homework rather than delivering a movie that is complete unto itself. It's not every day that you walk into your house to find a black bear in your hall. But that's exactly what happened to one man in upstate New York, who returned to his home in the Catskills town of Cairo, NY late last month to discover an aggressive bear inside. According to a report from New York Upstate, the 63-year-old walked into his entryway around 8 p.m. and came face-to-face with the bear. According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, the area of the home was used to store food and trash, likely attracting the bear. In its attempt to flee the scene, it either "bit or scratched" the man before evading authorities. Environmental Conservation Police Officers found the man at a neighbor's house, but weren't able to immediately track down the bear. However, it was later found and euthanized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DEC does not take such actions lightly, and humane euthanasia is always a last resort when an animal is suffering or presents an immediate threat to public health or safety, the agency said in a statement. The 63-year-old was transported to the hospital with "several deep lacerations on his neck and arms," according to The Albany Times Union. He was released the next day. Black Bear Attacks Are Incredibly Rare There has only been one recorded case of a fatal black bear attack in New York State history. In 2002, a black bear snatched a five-month-old baby girl out of her stroller in the Catskills town of Woodridge, mauling her to death. Between the years of 1900 and 2007, only three fatal black bear attacks were recorded anywhere in the United States, including the 2002 Woodridge incident, a DEC report states. The organization estimates that between 6,000 and 8,000 black bears live in New York state, with more than half in the vast and sparsely populated Adirondacks region in the north. This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Sep 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A former Nashville Cracker Barrel employee is suing the restaurant chain, claiming she was wrongfully fired instead of her coworkers after she endured blatant racism and assaults from them. According to The Independent, court documents filed by Roberta Mendezs legal team on August 21 revealed that she is suing the national enterprise for ignoring her human rights based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This section of the legislature specifically prohibits discrimination by employers and unions based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Additionally, this Title also sparked Congress to develop the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to support and enforce Title VII, per eeoc.gov. The lawsuit is focused on two parts of this portion of the act: race discrimination and retaliation. The former Cracker Barrel employee alleges that she was verbally and physically abused by her white coworkers at work Despite Mendezs last name, she embraces and recognizes herself as a Black woman. In the lawsuit, it stated that during her 15 year-tenure Cracker Barrel subjected her to pervasive harassment on the basis of her race, created a hostile work environment, and terminated her employment when she complained of racially disparaging comments and behavior from her coworkers and supervisors, per The Independent. It also mentioned that the defendants actions were intentional, willful, and taken in reckless disregard of Mendezs rights as protected by Title VII. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged victim accused her white peers of constantly calling her degrading terms such as nappy headed [N-word], burnt biscuit and monkey. She also says her former coworkers physically pushed and hit her, resulting in employees being segregated by their race. To add insult to injury, a shift leader allegedly told her, I dont like Black people in 2024. Mendez says its a slap in the face because she has been an asset to the location, continually going above and beyond in her role. All of these encounters made it clear why she was treated less favorably than her Caucasian counterparts who made derogatory comments to [her] based on her race, per her suits filing. Mendez reported workplace misconduct to her supervisors and the HR department, but says she was punished instead of the offenders, even being written up after flagging an incident in 2023. Despite filing a grievance with Cracker Barrel corporate in August 2024 about her and other Black employees treatment, she was fired the next month for allegedly breaking company policy, which she is unaware of, while white coworkers were not disciplined for similar and vile behavior. When Mendez escalated her concerns to Human Resources, she was only told not to sign the write-up, the complaint further alleges. The complaint argues that Mendezs termination was discriminatory and retaliatory, and she is seeking reinstatement with the salary and seniority that were rightfully hers, as well as back pay, benefits, compensatory damages for disciplinary actions and legal fees. The lawsuit comes after Crack Barrels attempt at rebranding itself One of Mendezs lawyers, Kyle Biesecker, shared that the legal process is just beginning and expressed confidence that her claims will be supported as the case progresses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next, Cracker Barrel will file their answer to the complaint and discovery will proceed from there, Biesecker told The Independent. We expect depositions to bear out many of the facts as alleged by Ms. Mendez. This isnt the first time theyve faced racist claims concerning Black employees or customers. As Blavity reported in 2022, a former Cracker Barrel hostess in Arizona went viral on TikTok after exposing that employees used Canadians as a code word for Black customers. She shared that she only caught on after noticing her coworkers groan whenever she seated Canadians in their section. In the comments, people chimed in with their own experiences, saying theyd heard phrases like NIMS, short for N-words in my section, and other coded ways of being blatantly racist on the job. As Blavity reported, all this comes following Cracker Barrels recent attempt to rebrand with the change of their logo, removing the older man that was once included. After facing backlash from loyal conservatives, they backed down and returned to the original logo. Cracker Barrel hasnt released a statement regarding this legal matter. The post Black Cracker Barrel Employee Says She Was Called Burned Biscuit In Lawsuit appeared first on Blavity. For 25 years, Robert Bonner was committed to working under McDonalds iconic Golden Arches. But by the time the native Floridian had severed ties with the franchise founded in Des Plaines by Ray Kroc in 1955, he burned everything that was related to the restaurant chain awards, shirts, valuable collectibles in his backyard. Bonner was the owner-operator of six McDonalds stores in Illinois and the St. Louis region. But he left the chain after enduring numerous alleged racist actions from McDonalds that he says impeded his opportunity for entrepreneurial growth and generational wealth. Those Golden Arches you have the belief that at some point this is going to go the way you were promised it would go, he said. The day you get the keys, it becomes an us and them mentality, corporate versus the people who run the store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bonner is among dozens of Black McDonalds store owners around the nation demanding a jury trial in a racial discrimination and breach of contract lawsuit against McDonalds Corp. and McDonalds USA, LLC. This June, Bonner was among more than 40 plaintiffs who called for a boycott of the franchise. The Chicago-based civil rights law firm of Loevy + Loevy filed the federal suit in 2023, stating Black owner and operators were forced out of the company over internal practices and policies that include, among others, forcing Black owners into low-profit stores in areas with high crime rates and denying Black franchisees the ability to buy stores in white communities. Bonner endured the alleged racist tactics from McDonalds after becoming an owner-operator in 1990 with an East St. Louis location. Despite recognition for his leadership in the local communities where he operated for over two decades including investing nearly $1 million into community programs Bonner severed ties with McDonalds in 2013. According to the lawsuit, McDonalds thwarted Bonners attempts to sell his stores at a worthy price and buy new locations on multiple occasions between 2005 and 2013. One such deal was approximately $800,000 for a store, but when the regional manager spoke to the potential buyer, he revealed he planned to buy Bonners store for much less, saying Ill be damned if I let a Black operator be much richer than me. Bonner said he had to sell the store for around 25% less than the deal he had lined up. Bonner even had plans to purchase McDonalds stores in other states, but the same regional manager got in the way of that potential deal and encouraged the seller not to sell to Bonner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They didnt want to see people of color pass them we heard that so many times, Bonner said. McDonalds did change my life, but they took so much in so many years. I wont even go into one of the stores now. The lawsuit details the history of racial discrimination against Black franchisees from its founding in 1955, when McDonalds installed its restaurants only in white neighborhoods and barred Black individuals from becoming franchisees, to McDonalds approving Black owner-operators to take over urban stores solely in scenarios where Black franchisees had to partner with a white owner-operator to purchase a location in the 1960s and 70s. From 1998 to 2020, the number of Black franchisees fell from 377 to 186, while the number of total McDonalds stores went from 15,086 to 38,999. Stores owned by Black franchisees earn about two-thirds of the average McDonalds store. The suit says equitable measures and initiatives to rectify the racial discrimination in the company were never followed through on, increasing the annual cash flow gap between Black and non-Black franchisees. Roughly half of Black franchisees were forced out of the McDonalds system by 2020, compared with 10% of white owner-operators in the same time frame. Then, in January 2025, McDonalds announced it was scaling back its commitment to diversity initiatives, which prompted the boycott by the Peoples Union USA. A statement from McDonalds Corp. denied the allegations in the lawsuit and defended its history with Black franchisees, saying plaintiffs allegations are false, a deliberate distortion of facts and a desperate publicity stunt by the lawyers that stand to benefit. The claims were previously dismissed, and make no sense given McDonalds record of investment in its franchisees success. We look forward to the day these plaintiffs set aside their falsehoods and acknowledge McDonalds steadfast commitment to the success of our Black franchisees and increasing access to opportunity for all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loevy + Loevy attorney Quinn Rallins said most of the effort to sue in response to McDonalds practices came about when two former Black vice presidents at McDonalds Vicki Guster-Hines and Domineca Neal blew the whistle. That is when nearly 77 clients in total, approximately 40 he represents, decided enough was enough, he said. The late Sherman Claypool invested in McDonalds in 1971 and would go on to own five locations in Milwaukee. He was one of the founding members of the National Black McDonalds Operators Association to advocate for Black franchisees his work with the association was recognized in a May 2022 resolution passed by the Illinois House of Representatives for laying the foundation for African American entrepreneurs in the United States today. Claypool died in October 2020 from stress-induced Parkinsons, according to his daughter Talyia. From downstate Grand Chain, Illinois, Claypool was a mechanic. He owned two service stations in Wisconsin before he segued to McDonalds ownership. His widow, Glenda, a native of Milwaukee, is part of the lawsuit on behalf of her late husband. I remember he came home one day, he sat outside in the car, and he was like, I cant do it no more. I cant do this anymore,' recalled Glenda Claypool. According to Talyia Claypool, before the family sold their properties in 2014, she and her sister, Mila, who had worked with her father in their stores since 2010, watched their dad suffer for a decade due to the alleged discrimination McDonalds posed on his business. They said he was sick for that time, and given the stress, his condition progressively got worse over the last three years he owned the franchise. Sherman Claypool had managed to hang on to the business for 45 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last announced visit that we had (from corporate), he had a medical episode that morning, and he never had that that was a routine thing for him, but it had gotten so bad at the end that he had to be seen by a medic before he went to work, Mila Claypool said. She felt so traumatized by the McDonalds experience that she left fast-food altogether. She said she wants this lawsuit to be taken seriously, in order to feel heard, seen and, to some extent, get the healing started. There were forcible price increases, and the neighborhoods that we were in were in low-income neighborhoods, and it wouldnt be affordable to the community or to our customers, Mila Claypool said. Talyia Claypool remembers McDonalds forcing her family down to one store, she said. A complete revamp of the computer system in their last store was the one thing the family couldnt come back from. Finances had gotten so bad that we were robbing Peter to pay Paul at one point, Talyia Claypool said. We own a store and our lights are cut off, not because we mismanaged money. Its that we cant make any because (they) are taking more than we could survive on. There were some good years, but there was a lot of bad. We felt that they tried to hurt us, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherman Claypool faced a series of security issues at his stores with employees frequently being robbed. According to the lawsuit, around 2014 a reckless driver drove into Claypools store, which suspended operations for weeks, and another incident prevented customers access to the store for about eight months. Claypool sought financial assistance from McDonalds for those incidents, but was denied. When Claypool was offering scholarships to the Black community in Milwaukee from the 1970s to the early 2000s, McDonalds allegedly forced them to stop the giving. The Claypools said a white McDonalds field consultant didnt want to go to that side of town anymore for such events because she was scared, so they think McDonalds did what they could to stop the scholarship program, despite the hundreds of scholarships Sherman Claypool funded. Our experience with McDonalds is what introduced us to hardcore racism not where we lived, not the schools we went to, she said. If you put us all in a room together, we all have similar stories, and a lot of us dont even know each other. I was crying going through the stories of the other Black owner-operators. McDonalds knew what they were doing. They figured out a way to get money off Black people, put some Black faces behind these McDonalds, and get their money, and at the same token, were going to make sure that these people dont get more than us, dont get what we have. Sep. 7After serving the community for 124 years, The American, Blackduck's legacy newspaper, will publish its final edition on Sept. 27. Subscribers of The American received letters this week informing them of the decision. "Thank you for being a loyal Blackduck American reader," the letters read. "For 124 years, it has been our mission to deliver trusted local news to you, our readers and advertisers, and to keep our community well informed. However, as you may know, producing and delivering a newspaper has become increasingly costly and print advertising revenue has continued to decline as subscribers switch to digital formats." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christine Olson, general manager of The American and the Bemidji Pioneer, sent the letters on behalf of Fargo-based Forum Communications Company, which has owned the newspapers since 1997. "The decision to close The Blackduck American was not made lightly," Olson said on Tuesday. "For more than a century, the Blackduck American has been a vital part of the community. But rising production costs and the continued shift of readers and advertisers to digital formats have made it increasingly difficult to sustain a weekly print-only newspaper." The Blackduck American was established in 1901 by Ernst L. Oberg. The first edition was printed on Dec. 11 of that year on a press owned by the American's competitor, The Blackduck Times, according to research done by Paula Bauman, former manager of The American. Times owner E.J. Taylor had brought the first printing press to Blackduck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oberg wrote in that first edition: "The American belongs to no one party although the editor has his own personal views. It will be independent and will endeavor to deal fairly with all ... The American comes to Blackduck to be one of you and asks the patronage of her citizens." W.L. "Lee" Oberg became part owner with his father, then purchased the remaining half of the business after Ernst died in 1927. The newspaper was purchased by the Bob Tuff family in 1965, according to Bauman's research. In the late 1960s, the paper was changed from a broadsheet format to tabloid size. The pages were put together in Blackduck and transported to the Bemidji Pioneer plant for printing. Bernie and Kathy Elhard bought the newspaper from the Tuffs in the 1980s and owned and operated it along with the Northome Record. The Elhards sold The American in the early 1990s to John Ainley of Bemidji. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ainley owned the paper a short time before it reverted back to the Elhards, who then sold it again this time to Park Newspapers based in New York. Park also owned the Bemidji Pioneer. During that time, the company also purchased The Blackduck Shopper from Scott Balsiger. The Shopper has since been discontinued. When Park dissolved its company, following the death of founder Roy Park, both publications were sold to Alabama Holding Company, which later that same year sold them to Media General from West Virginia. Forum Communications Company purchased The American along with the Bemidji Pioneer in 1997. "We are deeply grateful for the generations of readers who trusted us to tell their stories," Olson noted. "That legacy is important to us, and we will carry it forward through the Bemidji Pioneer and digital platforms." Sep. 7Blackhawk Hills Regional Council recently launched a housing design competition to promote suitable housing for adults ages 50 and older and families with young children. The competition's goal is to improve housing conditions and support rural regions' need for quality senior living and childcare. Applications are open to design professionals and students based in the United States. Applicants with a documented link to northwest Illinois are encouraged to participate. The competition will award up to six $5,000 prizes. A prize will be awarded by community vote and two prizes are reserved for northwest Illinois-connected applicants. The winning designs will be showcased regionally online and in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The council will award up to 10 $250 stipends to northwest Illinois-connected applicants meeting the minimum competition requirements. The Blackhawk Hills Regional Council also may enter a contractual agreement and business relationship to create plans and work with communities to implement the designs. Entries are due Friday, Oct. 17. Competition questions must be emailed to info@blackhawkhills.com by Friday, Oct. 10. The competition is partially funded by AARP. The AARP Community Challenge is a grant program created to make community improvements to begin long-term changes. The challenge is part of the organization's nationwide Livable Communities initiative. The Blackhawk Hills Regional Council is a northwest Illinois regional planning organization and economic development district seeking to improve life quality in Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, and Whiteside counties. CONNECTICUT (WTNH) Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) is demanding that the WNBA butt out as the state negotiates with the Connecticut Sun to keep the team from leaving the state. State considering plan to buy stake in Connecticut Sun The Mohegan Tribe, which owns the Sun, is considering offers to sell the team. Blumenthal says the WNBA is interfering to block proposals, which could be against the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The kinds of interference that we are seeing from the WNBA, its blocking and obstructing potentially the state of Connecticut in these well founded efforts to keep the franchise here could well be a violation of the anti trust laws, Blumenthal said. State leaders have submitted a competitive proposal to take a stake in the team, along with other investors. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Bond was set at $1 million Monday for a woman accused of an early morning shooting death in a West Side apartment. Devyonna Taylor, 22, was arraigned before Magistrate Meghan Brundege via video hookup from the Mahoning County jail on a charge of murder. She will have a preliminary hearing Sept. 15. She was arrested after the death of a woman at about 1:35 a.m. Saturday inside an apartment in the 2600 block of Tyrell Avenue. Lt. Mohammad Awad of the Detective Bureau said the victim was shot during an argument with Taylor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mahoning County Coroners Office has yet to identify the victim. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. California's top law enforcement official has weighed in on Monday's controversial U.S. Supreme Court ruling on immigration enforcement. Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta condemned the decision, which clears the way for immigration agents to stop and question people they suspect of being in the U.S. illegally based solely on information such as their perceived race or place of employment. Speaking at a news conference Monday in downtown L.A., Bonta said he agreed with claims the ACLU made in its lawsuit against the Trump administration. He called indiscriminate tactics used to make immigration arrests a violation of the 4th Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bonta said he thinks it is unconstitutional "for ICE agents, federal immigration officers, to use race, the inability to speak English, location or perceived occupation to ... stop and detain, search, seize Californians." He also decried what he described as the Supreme Court's increasing reliance on its emergency docket, which he said often obscures the justices' decision-making. "It's disappointing," he said. "And the emergency docket has been used more and more. You often don't know who has voted and how. There's no argument. There's no written opinion." Bonta called Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh's opinion "very disturbing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump-appointed justice argued that because many people who do day labor in fields such as construction or farming, engagement in such work could be useful in helping immigrant agents determine which people to stop. Bonta said the practice enables "the use of race to potentially discriminate," saying "it is disturbing and it is troubling." 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. GREENE COUNTY, Iowa The Iowa Department of Public Safety has released more information about a deadly officer-involved shooting that happened Saturday night in Greene County. According to IDPS, around 10:49 p.m. on September 6th, the Greene County Sheriffs Office assisted the Boone Police Department and the Boone County Sheriffs Office on a vehicle pursuit that began in Boone County and entered into Greene County. The Greene County Sheriffs Office said in a news release that the vehicle stopped just north of 220th Street on T Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How the Iowa DOT is redesigning roads to prevent fatal crashes When the vehicle stopped, IDPS said officers encountered 18-year-old Camryn Stonehocker of Boone, who exited his vehicle armed with a weapon. When Stonehocker advanced on officers, one officer fired his weapon. Stonehocker was hit by gunfire and died at the scene. The officers involved in the incident were not injured. Theyve been placed on critical incident leave per department policy. The officer who fired his weapon has not been named. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation will investigate the officer-involved 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. The western United States is facing another destructive wildfire season, with more acres burned in Colorado alone in 2025 than in the past four years combined. If global warming continues on its current trajectory, the amount of forest area burned each year could double or even triple by midcentury. In other words, more fire is coming, more often. As U.S. forests burn, Congress and federal agencies are asking an important question: What role should federal land management play in reducing fire risk? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About two-thirds of forest land in the western U.S. is publicly owned, with the majority of it managed by federal agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. These public lands are treasured for recreation, wildlife habitat, timber production and open space. They are also where many of todays largest fires burn. Historically, lightning- and human-ignited fires kept forests less dense and reduced forest litter and undergrowth that can easily burn. While some controlled burning continues today, the violent displacement of Native people, criminalization of Indigenous fire stewardship and more than a century of federal fire suppression have largely removed fire as a critical ecological process in fire-prone forests, leaving fuel to accumulate. When those forests burn today, the result is often hotter and more severe fires that elude any attempt at control. And rising global temperatures are raising the risk. Several of the current federal proposals for managing fire risk focus on increasing timber harvesting on federal lands as a solution. They also propose speeding up approvals for those projects by limiting environmental reviews and public oversight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As experts in fire science and policy, we see some useful ideas in the proposed solutions, but also reasons for concern. While cutting trees can help reduce the severity of future fires, it has to include thinning in the right places to make a difference. Without oversight and public involvement, increasing logging could skip areas with low-value trees that need thinning and miss opportunities for more effective fire risk-reduction work. Harvesting timber to reduce fire risk President Donald Trump cited wildfire risk in his March 2025 executive order calling for an immediate expansion of American timber production. And the U.S. Forest Service followed with a commitment to increase timber sales on federal land by 25% over the next four years. Trump, federal officials and members of Congress who are advancing legislation such as the Fix Our Forests Act have also called for speeding up approval of timber-harvesting projects by reducing public comment periods on proposals, limiting environmental analyses of the plans and curtailing the ability of groups to sue to block or change the projects in court. Stacks of logs from a forest-thinning project in the Coconino National Forest of northern Arizona in 2020 wait to be processed for firewood. AP Photo/Paul Davenport These proposals are often framed as pragmatic solutions to clear the way for action to reduce fire risk faster. The urgency is real, and this argument can seem intuitive. No one wants burdensome processes to stand in the way of reducing wildfire damage. But its important to take a hard look at the problem and real solutions. Environmental reviews arent the problem Research shows that environmental reviews are rarely the main barrier to forest projects aimed at reducing fire risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bigger obstacles are the shrinking of the federal forest workforce over the past two decades, the low commercial value of the small trees and brush that need to be removed, and the lack of contractors, processing facilities and markets for low-value wood. Data from the U.S. Forest Service supports these conclusions. Between 2005 and 2018, over 82% of the U.S. Forest Services land management projects were approved using categorical exclusions. Categorical exclusions allow agencies to skip environmental assessments and are the fastest and least burdensome form of National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, review, with limited analysis or opportunity for public involvement. Less than 1% of the projects were challenged in court, and most of those challenges targeted the largest and most complex projects, where public oversight and analysis are critical to getting it right on the ground, such as large mining operations or forest management projects that would cover hundreds of thousands of acres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An analysis of the bulk of U.S. Forest Service land management projects between 2009 and 2021 found that complying with NEPA took between 7% and 21% of the projects timelines, often shorter than the timelines for issuing contracts. Some degree of planning, intergovernmental coordination and public involvement must happen before starting a fuel-reduction project to know where the work is appropriate and necessary. Why reviews and public oversight matter What would be lost if environmental-analysis and public-involvement requirements were curtailed? Oversight helps ensure that projects happen where they are needed to reduce fire risk. Without that, political and economic pressures can lead to more forest thinning in locations where there are mills and valuable timber rather than in the areas where wildfire risk is higher but the trees arent as valuable. U.S. Forest Service crew members put branches into a wood chipper in the Tahoe National Forest near Downieville, Calif., in June 2023. Forest thinning can help reduce the risks of destructive fires. AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez Environmental review and public comment are among the few tools communities have to shape fire-mitigation projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These processes also ensure that the work doesnt stop at federal boundaries. And they help partners, such as community organizations, state agencies and local fire departments, plan and work together. Oversight doesnt just protect the environment it enables funding and partnerships, safeguards communities and builds shared ownership of adapting to fire. Solutions that work So, what can Congress and the federal government do to reduce fire risk to communities? The answer starts with investing in forest management and projects that can reduce fire risk. Joint projects involving communities and state, tribal and local agencies, like those under the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program, build partnerships to reduce fire risk across large landscapes and lower the risk of fire spreading to homes and federal wildlands. The Good Neighbor Authority, created in 2001, enables federal agencies to contract with states, counties and tribes to provide forest management work on federal lands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet federal funding for state, tribal and private forest management is on the chopping block. Wildfire risk and the capacity to address the challenge are going in opposite directions. Firefighters of the Inyo Hotshots team clear brush as the Garnet Fire burns on Aug. 26, 2025, in Fresno County, Calif. When brush and dead wood build up, fires have more fuel to burn hotter and be more destructive and harder to control. AP Photo/Ethan Swope The Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, a bipartisan group of fire professionals, scientists, tribes, land managers and local officials, recently released recommendations for improving fire management that call for greater funding and collaboration at all levels to reduce the fire risk. The report emphasizes the importance of proactive solutions driven by local communities, shared decision-making and better use of prescribed fire. Achieving these goals will require sustained collaboration across jurisdictions and sectors, with communities engaged as full partners in the process. Forest and fire management are complex jobs. It is reasonable to yearn for quick solutions to the wildfire crisis, but its important that any fixes lead to lasting progress. Deregulation and disinvestment may ultimately exacerbate wildfire risk. 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: Courtney Schultz, Colorado State University; Forrest Fleischman, University of Minnesota, and Tony Cheng, Colorado State University Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Courtney Schultz received funding from the US Forest Service, Joint Fire Science Program, and National Science Foundation for her research on US forest policy Forrest Fleischman received funding from the US National Science Foundation and the US Forest Service for his research on national forest policy. Tony Cheng receives funding appropriated through the Southwest Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention Act administered by the from the US Forest Service and the National Science Foundation for applied research on forest and wildfire resiliency. In addition to his university faculty appointment, he is a senior fellow with the Pinchot Institute for Conservation. Authorities in the U.S. and Canada seized more than $90 million worth of narcotics in a series of truck inspections last month, uncovering massive shipments of cocaine and methamphetamine concealed in commercial loads of roses, broccoli and aluminum burr. $32M in cocaine seized at Canadas Blue Water Bridge Officers with the Canada Border Services Agency stopped two cocaine shipments at the Blue Water Bridge, which connects Port Huron, Michigan, with Ontario. On Aug. 13, officers found 331 pounds of cocaine valued at $14 million in a tractor-trailer. A day later, another 219 pounds worth $18 million was discovered in a separate truck. Both drivers were arrested and turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, according to a news release. $37M meth seizure in Laredo, Texas In one of the largest busts, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the ColombiaSolidarity International Bridge in Laredo found 4,241 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a truckload of aluminum burr on Aug. 29. The drugs are valued at $37 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other Texas busts Pharr: Officers intercepted $13 million worth of meth hidden in a broccoli shipment, and $7.6 million in meth concealed in roses. Los Indios: Nearly $300,000 in cocaine was discovered in a tractor-trailer on Aug. 18. Eagle Pass: Officers found almost $489,000 in cocaine in a commercial truck at the Camino Real International Bridge. The post Border drug busts in US, Canada top $90M in August appeared first on FreightWaves. (The Center Square) Noncitizens in Massachusetts with prior arrests face escalating deportations under the Trump administrations Operation Patriot 2.0. Modeled after its first round of mass roundups earlier this summer particularly in sanctuary cities like Boston, New York and Los Angeles Border Czar Tom Homan doubled down on his efforts to reduce migrant populations in blue states. Homan said during an address for the State Freedom Caucus Foundation, that 70% of ICE arrests have been of migrants with violent criminal histories, while the rest are national security threats, and to a smaller degree, people who have broken immigration laws without any other crimes committed technically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where do we arrest most noncriminal nontargets? In sanctuary cities, Homan told the crowd. And why is that? Because they wont give us the bad guy in the jail. They release them back into the community, which means now we have to go the community and find that person. And when we find them, many times they are with others. Others in the country illegally but are not a criminal target, but guess what? Theyre coming too. Last month, Bostons liberal immigration policy landed it on the federal governments updated list of sanctuary jurisdictions. The designation means the state impedes enforcement of federal immigration laws. Its the only Massachusetts jurisdiction cited by the Department of Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, according to the Center for Immigration Studies, the Bay State is one of a dozen sanctuary states, alongside five of its Northeast neighbors: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont. The release says the executive order of second-term Republican President Donald Trump Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens requires the publishing of the list of state and local jurisdictions that obstruct enforcement of federal immigration law. The same day Boston made the list, ICE announced the arrest of Manuel Umana Solorzano, an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador, for possession of child pornography, indecent assault of a minor under 14, statutory rape of a child, among other charges. He was apprehended in Milford, about 40 miles southwest of Boston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homan over the weekend pointed to the broader trend, noting the "contradiction, he said. So sanctuary cities," he said, "you think they are hurting us? Sanctuary cities are cities for criminals, first of all. All we want is access to the jail, where you lock people up in a jail cell. You locked them up, apparently as a public safety threat, in a jail cell. Hes in the country illegally, let us have them when youre done with them. With voters heading to the polls in Boston on Tuesday for the first time since November 2024, officials are preparing to make sure this election goes much more smoothly than the last. In Boston, the most recent presidential election was plagued by issues, including multiple polling locations running out of ballots and election workers unable to contact the citys Election Department. Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin launched an investigation into the handling of the election immediately afterward and eventually put the department into receivership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the Sept. 9 preliminary municipal election, Galvin said all voting precincts should have enough ballots for everyone, plus extras. Were very confident all the ballots that will be necessary for the voters will be in place at the polling place, Galvin told WBUR. They will not have any risk of running out of ballots. This year, poll workers will use electronic devices known as Poll Pads to check in voters at all precincts, according to the city. Poll Pads have been used during early voting since 2016, but this is the first time they are being used on Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The devices will speed up the check-in process and make it easier for poll workers to communicate with the Election Department, the city said. Poll workers have been given extra training this year and will have access to additional manuals to address any issues that may arise on Election Day, WBUR reported. The Election Department will have plenty of staff on hand to field calls. Poll workers will have a separate, direct line to the elections office so they can get in touch quickly if needed. During the November 2024 election, ballot shortages led to long lines at affected precincts, with some voters unable to cast a ballot because of the wait time. Poll workers from some precincts got in touch with Galvins office when they couldnt get through to the citys Election Department and police had to rush additional ballots where they were needed. Though state law requires cities and towns to have a ballot on hand for every registered voter, and Galvins office gave the city a full supply, a February report from the office found that the city failed to comply with those requirements or effectively train poll workers to be ready for issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Galvin told WBUR that the Boston Election Department would remain in receivership until he was satisfied that all of the previous issues had been addressed. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. The preliminary election will narrow the field of candidates for municipal office to two for mayor, eight for city councilor at-large and two each for district councilor in Districts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7. More boston Read the original article on MassLive. NEED TO KNOW The Fort Worth Police Department said a suspected SUV driver struck and injured an 8-year-old boy and then fled the scene on Sept. 5 Liam Park did not suffer any life-threatening injuries, but says he was covered in road rashes I cant believe that somebody would look at a kid in the road and just leave them there," said Liam's mom, who started a GoFundMe on behalf of her son An 8-year-old Texas boy is speaking out after being struck and injured by a hit-and-run SVU driver. Liam Park was riding his bike with friends on the evening of Friday, Sept. 5, at the Mercantile Square apartments in Fort Worth, when he was struck, NBC affiliate KXAS, ABC affiliate WFAA and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Officers were dispatched to a hit and run call located at 3601 Vela Ln," the Fort Worth Police Department said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. "Officers located a juvenile who was hit by vehicle who fled the scene. The victim was transported to the hospital due to his injuries." The police also added that the suspected vehicle appears to be a black SUV. An investigation is ongoing. Speaking with WFAA, Liam, who was covered in road rashes after the collision, said the car was "blasting music while it was driving." In a GoFundMe established on behalf of her son, Liams mom, Baylea Christiansen, alleged that witnesses saw the SUV driver drive head-on and even get out of their car. They "looked at him lying there, and then sped away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im frustrated, Im infuriated, Im mad, Christiansen told KXAS. I cant believe that somebody would look at a kid in the road and just leave them there. PEOPLE reached out Christiansen for comment on Monday, Sept. 8. "There's no way you're not going to feel a bicycle under your vehicle," Liams dad, Kyle Park, told WFAA. "A speed bump, you feel a speed bump. You're going to feel a bicycle and a child under your vehicle." Fortunately, Liam did not suffer critical or life-threatening injuries, according to the GoFundMe. I just had skin injuries," Liam told CBS affiliate KTVT. "It's hard to sleep and it hurts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the incident has also affected his confidence, his mom wrote in the GoFundMe. At his age, hes starting to care about his appearance and he is devastated by his injuries, Christiansen wrote in the fundraiser. One ear now hangs lower than the other, something we didnt notice until later. We hope its just due to swelling in that area. When he realized it, he broke down. He worries about scarring, goes back and forth between emotional breakdowns and putting on a brave face, and is trying so hard to be okay. I would like to see something happen, and I dont know that anything will because we dont know who did this, Christiansen told KXAS. If you felt scared, I understand that, but think of the kid in the road that could be dying. Read the original article on People SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The power of the press is in full force in one southeastern Sioux Falls neighborhood and its all thanks to a fifth-grade boy. A group of neighborhood friends riding bikes on Saturday were on a special mission to deliver the news. I started out with giving 11 houses the paper and now Im up to like 30 or something, Ollie said. McCook Lake $1 million clean-up finishes by deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the center of the group of newsies is fifth-grader Ollie Ollerton. So I was at church and an old woman went up on the podium and said when she was a kid she would wake up really early in the morning and roll up newspapers and deliver them on a paper route and so I thought that would be fun, Ollie said. But its not just any news Ollie and his friends are delivering; its his very own paper called Master Chicken News. LS: So what do you write about? Just whats going on in the neighborhood and sometimes a riddle or like a joke or a picture or a poem or something. Or like something that happened that was interesting or like animal sightings too, Ollie said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saturday, they delivered the 20th edition of Master Chicken News, which Ollie has been creating for about two summers now with the help of his mom, sister and friends. And his neighbors have come to look forward to the deliveries. We love Master Chicken. We love that it brings all the neighborhood kids together. We love the editor, hes so creative, neighbor Tara Stombaugh said. I think its brought the community together. Ive gotten to know neighbors that I spent years not knowing what their names were or where they lived, Melody Ollerton, Ollies mom, said. Its a really cozy neighborhood, its really friendly and I think that this has just heightened the friendliness of everybody. Neighborhood stories that have become about much more than just words on a paper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just recently, one of my friends said that after I started giving out the newspaper, everybodys been more social in the neighborhood. So, that made me happy, Ollie said. If youre wondering how Ollie came up with the name for his paper Master Chicken News he says it stems from a vacation in Hawaii when he scared a rooster and it started following him. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro could soon be convicted as a failed coup plotter. Brazils Supreme Court is expected to deliver a verdict by Sept. 12 over charges that the former president and key aides plotted to overturn Bolsonaros 2022 election defeat to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Prosecutors allege that Bolsonaro and others discussed a scheme to assassinate Lula and incited a riot on Jan. 8, 2023, in hopes that Brazils military would intervene and return Bolsonaro to power. Bolsonaro maintains his innocence. But if found guilty, he could face a lengthy prison sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As political scientists who have documented the fate of hundreds of coup leaders in the book Historical Dictionary of Modern Coups Detat, we have collected a dataset of every coup attempt since the end of World War II. Bolsonaro could soon join the ranks of thousands of coup plotters who have been brought to justice. But not all coup plotters are held accountable for their actions. And even when they are it doesnt necessarily mark the end of their political ambitions. Supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro clash with police outside the Planalto Palace in Brasilia on Jan. 8, 2023. Evaristo Sa/AFP via Getty Images Coup and punishments Plotting a coup is risky business. Some of those who attempt to seize or usurp power unconstitutionally are killed during their takeover bid, particularly when security forces loyal to the incumbent leader foil the attack. Christian Malanga, an exiled former army captain who led a violent attempt to seize power in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is one such example. He was killed in the ensuing shootout in May 2024. But most leaders of failed coups survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And although they typically face punishment, the severity of consequences varies greatly; it often depends on whether the attempt is a self-coup, which is a power grab by an incumbent leader, or an attempt to oust a sitting government. The most common fate of failed self-coup leaders in democracies is impeachment and removal from office, as occurred to Indonesias Abdurrahman Wahid in July 2001, Ecuadors Lucio Gutierrez in April 2005, Perus Pedro Castillo in December 2022, and South Koreas Yoon Suk Yeol in April 2025. Some coup plotters and their co-conspirators are charged in a court and, if convicted, sent to prison. Malangas American co-conspirators were ultimately sentenced to life in prison in April 2025. A similar fate could befall Bolsonaro. A conviction in his case could mean 40 or more years in a Brazilian prison for the 70-year-old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, it could be worse failed coupists are often punished outside of independent courts, where the penalty is often more severe. Coup plotters have been summarily executed or sentenced to death by a military tribunal or a peoples court. The longtime Zairean dictator Mobutu Sese Seko executed over a dozen junior officers and civilians after his government uncovered an alleged coup plot in 1978. One recent estimate suggests 40% of coup conspirators suffer relatively light punishment. Many coup backers are simply demoted or purged from the government without facing trial or execution. An especially popular move is to send coup plotters into exile to discourage their supporters from mobilizing against the regime. Former Haitian president Dumarsais Estime was forced into exile after his self-coup attempt failed in May 1950; he died in the U.S. a few years later. Punishment doesnt always end threat The problem facing governments is that failed putschists pose a lingering political threat. Ousted leaders often plot counter-coups to return to power. For example, former president of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos, after being ousted in the 1986 People Power movement, masterminded coup plots from exile, though he never returned to power. Some succeed, such as David Dacko, who returned from exile to grab power in the Central African Republic in 1979, but only with the help of French forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even when convicted or exiled, coup plotters may be later freed. Some members of Brazils Congress have already introduced a bill that could grant Bolsonaro amnesty. A few former failed coup leaders manage to come to power later. Ghanas Jerry Rawlings led a failed coup in May 1979 but went on to seize power in subsequent coups in June 1979 and 1981; Hugo Chavez was convicted and jailed for leading a failed coup in 1992 but ended up being elected president in Venezuela in 1998. The risk of coupists going unpunished Only one failed self-coup leader, as designated in our dataset, has managed to retain office from where he worked, critics say, to successfully dismantle democracy: El Salvadors strongman, Nayib Bukele. In February 2020, amid a standoff with the political opposition, Bukele threatened to dissolve the legislature, bringing with him armed soldiers to occupy the legislative assembly. Though Bukele temporarily backed down, he faced no legal or political backlash. His party won a legislative supermajority in 2021, and he won reelection in 2024. Bukeles ruling party recently lifted presidential term limits, allowing him to potentially rule for life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good news about punishing unsuccessful coup plotters is that because theyve failed, they do not have to be coaxed out of power. Thus, holding them accountable for their actions should deter future plotters from attempting the same thing. In contrast, for a leader who has done unsavory things while still in office such as killing domestic dissidents or committing war crimes the threat of punishment once they leave power can backfire by giving them a reason to fight to stay in power. In the long term, failed coup leaders who escape punishment are more likely to make a political comeback. When defeated at the polls, both Donald Trump and Bolsonaro tried to overturn the official results. Both attempted to alter vote totals after they had lost and block an election winner from being inaugurated. But for Trump there was no censure or punishment, and he is now back in power, where he has weakened the checks and balances that we and other political scientists see as crucial for the preservation of liberty and growing economic prosperity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, a conviction for Bolsonaro would make it unlikely he could follow the same path to political resurrection. Even if hes eventually pardoned, a guilty verdict makes him ineligible to compete again for Brazils presidency. 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: John Joseph Chin, Carnegie Mellon University and Joe Wright, Penn State Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joe Wright received funding for research on coups from the National Science Foundation and the Minerva Research Initiative. John Joseph Chin 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. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has criticised the deployment of United States naval forces to the Caribbean, calling them a source of strain that could undermine peace in the region. The South American leader expressed concern on Monday over the concentration of US forces, seen by some as a possible prelude to an attack on Venezuela. The presence of the armed forces of the largest power in the Caribbean Sea is a factor of tension, Lula said during the opening of a virtual BRICS summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US has said its military forces are in the region to counter drug trafficking. But the deployment has been paired with US threats against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom US President Donald Trumps administration has accused of being closely linked with drug trafficking groups. The Trump administration has provided no evidence for those claims and has often used vague allegations of connections to drug trafficking or criminal groups to justify extraordinary measures both at home and abroad. Last week, the US carried out an unprecedented lethal attack on what the Trump administration said was a boat transporting drugs from Venezuela. Analysts have said the extrajudicial strike, which killed 11 people, was likely illegal, but US officials have promised to carry out more attacks in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maduro has said the deployment is part of an effort to depose his government and called on the military and civilians to make preparations for a possible attack. BRICS meeting As the Trump administration takes aggressive steps to advance its priorities on issues such as trade, immigration and drug trafficking, some countries are seeking to bolster ties with powers like China. Addressing the virtual BRICS conference via video call on Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for more cooperation in areas such as technology, finance and trade, according to the official Chinese news agency Xinhua. The closer the BRICS countries cooperate, the more confidence, options and effective results they will have in addressing external risks and challenges, he was quoted as saying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials from India a country, like Brazil and China, that has become a recent target of the Trump administrations severe tariff policies also called for greater collaboration. The world requires constructive and cooperative approaches to promote trade that is sustainable, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in comments published by Indias Ministry of External Affairs. Increasing barriers and complicating transactions will not help. Neither would the linking of trade measures to nontrade matters. The virtual conference came a week after leaders from China, Russia, India and other Eurasian nations gathered in Tianjin, China, where they presented a vision of a new international order at a moment of widening rifts between partner nations and the US. BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Monday that more trade and financial integration among the BRICS group of developing nations would help mitigate the effects of protectionism. "Tariff blackmail is being normalized as a tool for conquering markets and interfering in domestic issues," Lula said in the government's published remarks of a Monday virtual meeting of BRICS leaders, without directly citing the United States. BRICS countries have become "victims of unjustified and illegal trade practices," Lula said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BRICS members Brazil and India are among the countries hardest hit by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs, while new sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine are expected. "Increasing barriers and complicating transactions will not help. Neither would the linking of trade measures to non-trade matters," India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, according to a speech shared by India's Foreign Ministry. Lula told Reuters in an interview last month he would raise the issue of Trump's tariffs with BRICS. The 50% levies on most Brazilian exports are linked to what Trump has described as a "witch hunt" against his ally and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is on trial for allegedly plotting a coup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. tariffs on Indian goods were doubled last month to as high as 50% in response to India's continued imports of Russian oil. "Certain countries have launched trade wars and tariff wars, severely impacting the world economy and seriously undermining international trade rules," Chinese leader Xi Jinping said during the meeting, according to China's state-run news agency Xinhua. The virtual meeting, which lasted 1-1/2 hours, brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia, Brazil's government said in a separate statement. The group discussed the risks posed by the resurgence of unilateral measures, particularly in international trade, and explored ways to strengthen mechanisms for solidarity, coordination, and trade among BRICS nations, the statement said. (Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu; Additional reporting by Yukun Zhang and Sudipto Ganguly; Writing by Isabel Teles; Editing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez, Alistair Bell, Rod Nickel) NEED TO KNOW A New Zealand father who took his children without legal custody and lived in the woods for nearly four years was shot and killed during a shootout with police on Monday, Sept. 8 Tom Phillips, the father, had vanished with his three young children in December of 2021, leading the kids' mother to call police The manhunt ended as Phillips was confronted by police after breaking into a local store, something he had done multiple times while gathering resources for the remote woodland camp where he allegedly held his kids captive For nearly four years, Tom Phillips and his three children were seldom spotted after first disappearing in December 2021 and allegedly living off the grid in a heavily wooded area on the outskirts of their rural New Zealand settlement. But every once in a while, the fugitive father and his missing children would be seen by locals and sometimes even caught on camera as he popped back into town to raid local stores, appearing to gather supplies to bring back to the familys camp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phillips had been on the run with his three children, who he does not have legal custody over, since reportedly getting into a dispute with his wife four years ago, who has anxiously awaited updates from local police who have struggled to track down her children and their estranged father. That is until Monday, Sept. 8, when local authorities finally caught up with Phillips after receiving a call from a local farm supply business who called in a report that led police to crash his latest local robbery. New Zealand Police announced in a news release that Phillips was shot dead Monday afternoon amid a shootout with officers after they responded to the report of a break-in at the store. The deadly incident brought a dramatic end to the four-year manhunt for Phillips and his three young children, who local police said have now been taken into custody as officials monitor their physical and mental health. New Zealand Police Tom Phillips Tom Phillips Police said one of Phillips children was with him during the encounter with police, just as one of the kids joined him two weeks ago when The Guardian reported that CCTV security footage allegedly caught Phillips and one of his kids wearing masks, hoods, and gloves to hide their identities while robbing another local convenience store nearby. The robberies were part of a years-long pattern used by Phillips, who failed to show up for a court appearance in January 2022, weeks after he and his children were reported missing by their mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to The Guardian, Phillips committed an armed bank robbery in May 2023 while still in hiding with his children. Later in November of that year, Phillips reportedly tried to rob a small grocery store as well. The father and his three children were spotted on a number of other occasions throughout 2023, and once again in October 2024 when local pig hunters happened across them while out walking through Marokopa farmland along the western coast of New Zealands North Island. New Zealand Police (3) Jayda Jorga Jin Phillips; Maverick Rusty Callam Phillips; Ember Nirvana Essence Phillips Jayda Jorga Jin Phillips; Maverick Rusty Callam Phillips; Ember Nirvana Essence Phillips Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers spoke at the scene of the shootout Monday and told reporters that the three children Ember, Maverick and Jayda, believed to be ages 9, 10, and 12 were found unharmed, and are now safe. "This is an emotional development, Rogers said. To know the children are safe, and now receiving care after nearly four years, is an absolute relief. 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 childrens mother, Cat, told Radio New Zealand that she was deeply relieved that her children were found safe and that this ordeal has come to an end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [The children] have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, the kids mother said, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care. Read the original article on People Breeze Airways is following up recent new routes to airports in Daytona Beach and Vero Beach with two more routes coming to West Palm Beach, a new one and a returning one. Seasonal service from Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) to Richmond, Virginia (RIC), and resumed service to Akron-Canton (CAK) in Ohio started up Sept. 5, the Utah-based company said in an email. Each route runs twice weekly, the airline said, and introductory fares start at $59 one-way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These nonstops to Richmond and Akron-Canton mark our fifth and sixth nonstop destinations from West Palm Beach as we continue to connect travelers to beautiful south Florida, said David Neeleman, Breeze Airways founder and CEO in the email. These routes will make it more convenient and affordable for Guests to travel to and from these destinations and we look forward to welcoming them on a future flight," Neeleman said. Previously announced route between Pensacola and Bentonville-Fayetteville, Arkansas and Akron-Canton, Ohio and Jacksonville started earlier this week. New routes latest in Breeze push into Florida and West Palm Beach The ultra-low-cost airline has added nearly 20 new routes to the Sunshine state in 2025, including new service to Fort Lauderdale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breeze also announced a new high-priority boarding option, BreezeBy, which allows passengers to board immediately after pre-boarding has ended. Travelers can either buy the option for a fee, or get as an included perk with the airline's Nicest ticket bundle. What are Breeze Airways' new Florida flights? When do they start? The latest and upcoming routes are: Daytona Beach Akron-Canton, Ohio (CAK): Wednesday and Saturday, started Sept. 3. Fort Lauderdale Akron-Canton, Ohio (CAK): Wednesday and Saturday, BreezeThru (one stop/ no change of plane) service on Monday and Friday, starting Nov. 5 Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM): Monday and Friday, starting Nov. 7 Jacksonville Akron-Canton, Ohio (CAK): Thursday and Sunday, started Sept. 4 Key West Akron-Canton, Ohio (CAK): BreezeThru (one stop/no change of plane) service on Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, starting Oct. 2 Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU): Monday and Friday, starting Oct. 3 Orlando Norfolk, Virginia (ORF): Monday and Friday, Starting Oct. 3 Salisbury/Ocean City, Maryland (SBY): Monday and Friday, starting Oct. 1 Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM): Doubling to 4x weekly service on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday starting in September Pensacola Bentonville-Fayetteville, Arkansas (XNA): Thursday and Sunday, started Sept. 4 Memphis, Tennessee (MEM): Monday and Friday, started Sept. 5 Tampa Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM): Thursday and Sunday, starting Oct. 2 Lansing, Michigan (LAN): Wednesday and Saturday, starting Oct. 1 Rochester, New York (ROC): Nonstop on Wednesday and Saturday, BreezeThru (one stop/no change of plane) service on Thursday and Sunday, starting Oct. 1 West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW): Monday and Friday, starting Oct. 3 What are Breeze Airways' new West Palm Beach (PBI) flights? West Palm Beach Akron-Canton, Ohio (CAK): Nonstop on Monday and Friday, started Sept. 3 Richmond, Virginia (RIC): Monday and Friday, started Sept. 5 When are the new Florida flights from Breeze on sale? You can buy tickets for all the flights now at flybreeze.com. What is Breeze Airways? The low-cost, Utah-based airline kicked off in 2021 with a flight from Tampa to Charleston. It was founded by Neeleman, who also helped start four other airlines: JetBlue, Morris Air, WestJet and Azul Linhas Aereas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breeze bills itself as the "seriously nice" airline with super-cheap air fares if you just buy a ticket with no frills. Travelers wanting "extras" such as checked and carry-on bags, seat selection, more legroom, and changes or cancellations can pay fees to get them. The airline focuses on secondary airports and bypasses some hubs for "faster travel times," Breeze's site says. Other airports seeing big turnovers in Florida Meanwhile, Florida-based airline Spirit Airlines is struggling through a second bankruptcy inside of a year by cutting costs and eliminating routes to 11 cities (none in the Sunshine State) while competitor Frontier Airlines is capitalizing on the opening by announcing 42 new routes, including several at Spirit's Fort Lauderdale hub. Which Florida airports does Breeze service? Breezxe currently services 11 Florida airports: Daytona Beach International Airport, DAB Fort Lauderdale International Airport FLL Jacksonville International Airport, JAX Key West International Airport, EYW Orlando International Airport, MCO Palm Beach International Airport, PBI Pensacola International Airport, PNS Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, SRQ Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers), RSW Tampa International Airport, TPA Vero Beach Regional Airport, VRB (This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.) This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West Palm Beach: Breeze Airways adds nonstop PBI flights in Florida In Montana, former U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officer Nathan Snead was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to repay $13,923.77 after pleading guilty to theft of government money. Snead lied on his time and attendance record, claiming he worked hours he didn't actually work. Court documents showed he falsified records saying he worked both regular and overtime hours, even certifying they were "true and accurate," while GPS data from his government-issued patrol vehicle revealed it was parked at his house during those claimed hours. The post Brickbat: Out of the Woods appeared first on Reason.com. By Alistair Smout LONDON (Reuters) -Britain said on Monday it could cut the number of visas granted to countries that do not accept the return of migrants with no right to remain, after talks with allies including the United States on how to assert more control over borders. Britain's new interior minister Shabana Mahmood said counterparts from the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand - a decades-old intelligence-sharing partnership collectively known as Five Eyes - agreed to the principles at a meeting in London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed Mahmood to the role on Friday in a shake-up of his government as he faces mounting public criticism over immigration and the arrival of migrants via illegal small boat crossings. "This announcement sends a clear message to anyone seeking to undermine our border security. If you have no legal right to remain in the UK, we will deport you. If countries refuse to take their citizens back, we will take action," Mahmood said in a statement. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, who has been a leading figure in the Trump administration's crack-down on illegal immigration, said that the countries agreed to share background information on any criminal history of migrants, and work against cartels "utilising social media and technology companies to push their message". "We need to be just as aggressive in partnering together to push back on those kinds of new developments," she told reporters on the sidelines of the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem defended the detention of hundreds of mainly South Korean workers on a Hyundai Motor car battery facility under construction in Georgia last Thursday, saying the administration was following the law, and adding the tough U.S. measures might be an inspiration for other countries to do the same. Starmer is a former human rights lawyer who took office in July last year after his Labour Party won an election landslide. His new-look government is prioritising a harder line on immigration - an issue that leads opinion polling as the public's top concern and that has fuelled a poll lead for Nigel Farage's populist Reform UK. Mahmood said she would take a strong approach. "That does mean saying to countries who do not take their citizens back, that we're not simply going to allow our laws to remain unenforced, that they do have to play ball," she told broadcasters in an interview. "And if cutting visas is one of the ways to do that, then I'll do whatever it takes." (Reporting by Alistair SmoutAdditional reporting by William James and Sam TabahritiEditing by Frances Kerry) The British Horse Society (BHS) has advised its members in an inclusive language guide not to use the words mother and father, in the latest case of a body going woke. The equine charity, founded in 1947, said the word parent should be used instead in a wide-ranging glossary of socially inclusive terms it wants to be adopted. It also suggests foreigners should be referred to as people from overseas and that those sleeping rough could be called people experiencing homelessness. Nibling Rather than the gendered terms nephew and niece, the document recommends nibling a word invented in the 20th century that encompasses both the male and female children of ones sibling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inclusive terms list also includes global majority, a contentious phrase that refers to non-white people, as a replacement for ethnic minority or Bame. Last year, the National Trust adopted the term. Condemning its decision at the time, Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, said: Many organisations adopt phrases like global majority innocently without understanding the political implications. Often they feel compelled to use them by following guidance from bodies who claim to be anti-racist but are actually just anti-white. Caregivers In August, Labour-run Merton council, in south-west London, instructed staff to stop using the words mother and father, and use caregivers instead, while in 2022, the Local Government Association urged councils in a new inclusive language guide to use birthing parents instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BHS also suggests that when discussing mental health, members should say to people with mental health conditions and that, regarding age, they should refer to an effective and diverse team. Under the heading gender identity and sexual orientation the charity, which has over 120,000 members, provides a list of suitable words and phrases. These include chairperson, humankind, best person for the job and partner. Explanation In a document published last year, the BHS explained that their everyone welcome policy is intended to show that people of all backgrounds can be part of the equestrian community. In it, they also pledged to appoint a diversity, equity and inclusion champion to their board to raise awareness of the topic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BHS must also consider intersectional barriers to horse riding and refer to gender rather than sex, it adds. The document says: Gender is a social construct focused on the attributes that society deems to be masculine or feminine. Where Everyone Welcome references gender, it will refer to how people identify and present themselves; this will ensure we include the trans community in our terminology as well as those who identify as the sex they were born. The BHS is the latest in a series of British institutions to adopt guides discouraging the use of words or phrases that could be deemed derogatory or exclusive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, Transport for London encouraged staff to use gender-neutral language where possible, including saying staffed rather than manned, everyone instead of ladies and gentlemen, and they over he/she. The next year, Staffordshire Police discouraged the use of the word policeman and said that communities with high poverty rates should not be calleddisadvantaged but rather under-resourced. 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 baby girl in the Bronx on life support after her mothers boyfriend repeatedly punched her in the head has died one week after being rushed to the hospital, police said Monday. One-year-old Imani-Dior Monique Mitchell died Friday from injuries allegedly inflicted by Jerome Thomas, 19, on Aug. 28 while the babys mom was out getting groceries. When LeNesha Mitchell returned to her apartment on Union Ave. near E. 152nd St. in the South Bronx after 45 minutes, she found her little girl lying on the bed semiconscious and struggling to breathe with her face and head badly bruised, especially around her left eye, she told police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas, Mitchells boyfriend of four months, admitted to police that he struck the little girl twice on the side of the head with a heavy hand, making her cry, the criminal complaint against him alleges. She was the light, she changed me, Mitchell told the Daily News last week, bursting into tears. She made me feel more confident about myself as a first-time mother. I was learning from her. She was happy, smart, funny. Before I walked out that door to go to the supermarket, I picked her up. She reached her hands to me and gave me a kiss on my cheek. Then I came back to all of that. Medics rushed the girl to Harlem Hospital, where she was initially listed in critical but stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When she went into the ambulance, she was stable and still breathing on her own, but she was going into shock and having difficulty breathing, said LeNesha Mitchells sister, who asked not to be named. But her condition quickly deteriorated. The baby needed to be placed on a ventilator and life support and had extensive subdural hemorrhaging on the right side of her head, according to court papers. Doctors tried desperately to save her life, even removing a part of her skull in an attempt to relieve the pressure from her brain swelling, but ultimately she could not recover. Her death has been deemed a homicide, cops said. The day after Imani-Dior entered the hospital, police arrested Thomas and charged him with felony assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Thomas was arraigned in Bronx Criminal Court and ordered held without bail. Thomas is currently in custody at the Robert N. Davoren Center in the Bronx. His next court date is Friday, when he could face upgraded charges. THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) Shes a Latina powerhouse known as New York Citys Event Queen. Yudy Carrera has built a business organizing events with a Latin touch. Her business is called Events by Yudy. More Local News A Bronx mother of two, originally from the Dominican Republic, Carrera is now facing one of the toughest battles of her life, cancer. Carrera employs a team of 27 staff members, many of them immigrants and single mothers. Her company has grown from humble beginnings with the support of her family, her mother, Cresencia, and her younger sister Ana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Ponce Bank by her side, Carrera says her business is growing. More Monica Makes It Happen In May, Carrera discovered a lump on her arm and was soon diagnosed with cancer. Carrera continues to show up every day, leading her team and inspiring others. This month, Carrera has been named the Monica Makes It Happen PIX11 Plus Financial Community Champion, supported by Ponce Bank. The honor couldnt come at a better time. Congratulations! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. An opportunistic Brooklyn car thief who jumped behind the wheel of an idling Uber early Monday was killed minutes later when he crashed into a building, splitting the stolen car in two, police said. The black Honda Civics 42-year-old owner told cops he had left the car running near Flatbush Ave. and Regent Place in Flatbush when the crook jumped into the drivers seat at about 2 a.m. and drove off. The robber who sources say is believed to be in his 20s sped a dozen blocks down Flatbush Ave. before vaulting the curb and crashing into a salon with an apartment above it at Avenue J, cops said. He also struck a tree and was ejected from the car, which was torn in two in the blistering crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medics rushed the man to Kings County Hospital, where he died about 20 minutes later. Cops are working to determine his identity. It was not immediately clear if the cars owner was working for Uber at the time it was stolen. The man who reported the car stolen is not listed as a Taxi and Limousine Commission licensed driver and the car is registered with the TLC under somebody elses name. When Reinaldo Rodriguez retired from the NYPD his father was relieved his son made it through his career unharmed. But just months after turning in his badge, Rodriguez and his girlfriend were killed in a Brooklyn crash riding a new 2025 Harley-Davidson he bought as a retirement gift to himself. Every time a cop would get shot in the area I would always check the news to make sure that it wasnt my son, Rodriguezs heartbroken 65-year-old father, also named Reinaldo, told the Daily News. I always was afraid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recently retired officer and his girlfriend died after he crashed into the rear passenger side of a Mercedes-Benz SUV whose driver was making a left turn off Atlantic Ave. onto Elton St. in Cypress Hills, police said. The impact threw Rodriguez and Mirella Vega, both 42, from the bike about 8:10 p.m. Sept. 1. Rodriguez died at the scene. Vega was rushed to Brookdale University Hospital by medics but died a short time later. Only a mother and a father know what losing a son is, the elder Rodriguez said. He was full of life. Every time my friends call me, they all cry. Everybodys crying around me. Ive never seen anything like this, he added. I might be strong now but that goes in bursts. I hold and then I just let go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez joined the NYPD in 2004 and retired in March from Brooklyns 77th Precinct. He was just blocks away from his home in East New York when he crashed while Vega lived in Bedford-Stuyvesant. After his retirement, the younger Rodriguez got the Harley to replace a speedier Japanese model, his father said. I was always afraid of the bike, the father said. When youre on a motorcycle, youre just decreasing your chances of survival. His son loved to travel, especially to Japan. He got his pension. He went to school for electricity to become an electrician, the father said. That was for after retiring, thats what he was gonna do. Like me, Im a handyman. He picked it up. And his cousins an electrician. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 66-year-old SUV driver stayed at the scene. He was taken to Brookdale University Hospital, where he was in stable condition. No charges have been filed against him as cops continue to investigate the crash. The older Rodriguez had been celebrating the Labor Day holiday at a cookout in West New York, N.J., when his sister called with the crushing news. She didnt want to tell me because I was driving. She didnt want to give me the news, he added. She said, You got to go to the hospital. (But) there was no hospital, he added, after learning his son died at the scene. She was lying to me. She did not want to tell me until I got there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As they prepare for Rodriguezs funeral service this week, the dad cant bear driving past the corner where the horrific crash occurred. I dont want to go by there, he said. I dont even want to go up that street. I just make a right and dont look that way. A GoFundMe to support the Rodriguez family and cover funeral expenses has raised over $20,000. A GoFundMe for Vegas family has nearly matched that. The elder Rodriguez said his son was always a great kid. When I used to go to parent school night, the teacher would be waiting for me, to shake my hand, to say, What a great job you did with Reinaldo, the father said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And his son passed it on, becoming a devoted dad to a son who is now 10 He was a great father, the older Rodriguez said. That kid was his life. The victims mother, Diane Rodriguez, 68, agrees. He was looking forward to spending more time with his son, she said. Everything was for him. That was his world. And his sons girlfriend was an amazing mother, the father added. You know where they met? School, the father said of the couple. Years ago and they finally ended up together. High school. He didnt marry her, he married another girl, got divorced and then now they went and found each other. They were friends, thats why they connected so much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vega worked as a medical assistant and had three children, the oldest 22. Everybodys in shock, her eldest daughter, who wished not to be named, told The News. She was involved in everyones lives She was the most selfless person you will ever meet. She lit up a room when she came in. She took care of everyone around her. She put others before herself. Rodriguez was the second cop within a week to die in a motorcycle crash in the city. On Aug. 27, NYPD Officer Jay Pena, 30, was killed riding home from his job in the 84th Precinct in a hit-and-run crash with a box truck driver on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in Cobble Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cops arrested Carlos Almanzar Toribio the same day and he was charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, operating an unregistered vehicle and driving without a license plate. A Brooklyn judge ordered him held on $300,000 bond. Rodriguez mother said her 23 years working in school safety inspired her son, who she called by his nickname Rey, to become a police officer. My son was a humble servant, always willing to help people, she said. He was very outgoing, always there for whoever needed a hand. I call him my superhero. My son was a superhero. Rey was unstoppable. Days after his December 30, 2022, arrest for the Idaho murders, Bryan Kohberger was placed in a new pod with other men being held at the Latah County Sheriffs Office jail. Kohberger immediately sat down and watched the news about his arrest, watching multiple channels that were covering the story, one fellow inmate told authories, according to a police report viewed by National Enquirer, adding that he marveled, Wow, Im on every channel. But soon, another murderer was getting all the attention: Alex Murdaugh. The disgraced South Carolina attorneys trial for the brutal murders of his wife, Maggie, and 22-year-old son, Paul, began on January 25. Kohberber liked to watch CourtTV, according to an interview with another inmate contained in the police report, and was very interested in the Murdaugh trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 30-year-old killer was also reportedly a fan of Nancy Grace. Forensics expert Heather Barnhart who analyzed his cell phone for police as part of her work at Cellebrite, a digital forensics firm told Grace in August that she found a screenshot of the host on her YouTube show, Crime Stories, on his device. It seems he would watch your show and it was cached to his phone. Eventually, Kohberger, who always changed the channel when his family members were mentioned, stopped watching the news related to his case almost completely, the second inmate said, according to the police report. Murdaugh was found guilty on both counts of murder on both counts on March 2 and is currently serving two life sentences consecutively without the possibility of parole. (He has appealed the conviction, and the state Supreme Court is expected to hear oral arguments this fall, per Fox News.) Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20 and Madison Mogen, 21. He is now serving four consecutive life sentences at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Buffalo man was sentenced to three to nine years in prison on Friday after he committed various fraud schemes totaling over $70,000, the Erie County District Attorneys Office announced. From April 2019 to November 2020, 28-year-old Christian Johnson of Buffalo fraudulently obtained $52,340 in cash from different banks, officials said. He deposited forged checks into bank accounts he created for fake businesses and then withdrew the money before the checks were returned. Prosecutors said Johnson also obtained $20,000 from an insurance company after he was in a car accident in March 2020, the district attorneys office said. He claimed he was employed by one of his fake businesses and lost wages because of the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March 2023, Johnson pleaded guilty to the following: one count of third-degree insurance fraud one count of first-degree identity theft three counts of third-degree grand larceny four counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument one count of first-degree scheme to defraud Johnson agreed to pay a restitution of $72,340 as a condition of his plea. He has paid $43,000 to the insurance company and banking institutions so far. A judge ordered him to pay the remaining $29,340 at his sentencing. Latest Local News Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view 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. BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) A burglar is accused of choking and sexually assaulting a 71-year-old woman in her Brooklyn home before taking off with her pajama pants, police said Monday. The suspect allegedly entered the victims residence near Berriman Street and Liberty Avenue through the kitchen window and attacked her at around 2:15 a.m. on Aug. 30, according to the NYPD. More Local News The man allegedly choked the victim, touched her private area, and ran off with her pajama pants, police said. Nothing else was taken from the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman was taken to the hospital for treatment. The suspect was dressed in a dark-colored t-shirt, gray sweatpants, and black and white sneakers, and was last seen heading south on Atkins Avenue, cops said. Police are searching for a suspect in connection with a sexually motivated burglary in Brooklyn on Aug. 30, 2025. (Credit: NYPD) There have been no arrests. There have been more than 3,600 sex crimes reported citywide this year, a 2% decrease compared to 2024, according to NYPD data. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Authorities in Nueces County, Texas, say they've stopped a case of illegal dumping, but the larger problem is only growing, KIII 3 News reported. The Precinct Five Constable's Office arrested 28-year-old Daniel Lopez, owner of 'Dirty Dan's Dumpsters & More', after accusing him of dumping more than 1,000 pounds of commercial roofing materials. Lopez is now facing felony charges and is being held on a $10,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This arrest highlights a troubling trend: the rise of illegal dumping. Piles of debris, including tires, furniture, appliances, mattresses, and household trash, have increasingly been littered across landscapes. While this can ruin the look of an area, illegal dumping does more than create an eyesore. Many materials often contain hazardous chemicals that can leach into soil and waterways, posing a risk to the environment. This pollutes ecosystems and undermines community progress towards a safer, greener environment. Cleanup costs frequently fall on taxpayers, straining already limited county budgets. In Texas alone, counties spend millions of dollars annually addressing waste that was never properly disposed of, according to the Dallas Observer. This case and others like it should serve as a wake-up call. To combat illegal dumping, better waste management policies, stricter enforcement, and stronger community reporting systems are critical tools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the policy level, some cities, such as Milwaukee, now offer up to $1,000 rewards for community members who report illegal dumping that leads to citations, according to the Environmental Protection Agency a model that shows how incentives can empower residents to be part of the solution. Law enforcement officials everywhere are urging community members to help by reporting incidents of dumping to their local police. As Constable investigators noted, the more residents stay vigilant, the harder it will be for offenders to pollute without consequences. Illegal dumping may feel like a one-off crime that won't affect communities that much, but in reality, it can create long-term problems with pollution that is nearly impossible to remove fully. 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 Riverside County lawmaker accused of driving drunk after a car crash, but cleared by a blood test, took the first step Monday toward suing the Sacramento Police Department, saying officers had tarnished her reputation. After Sen. Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside) was broadsided by an SUV near the Capitol in May, Sacramento police interviewed the 37-year-old lawmaker for hours at a Kaiser Permanente hospital before citing her on suspicion of driving under the influence. Prosecutors declined to file charges after the toxicology results of a blood test revealed no "measurable amount of alcohol or drugs." In an 11-page filing Monday, Cervantes alleged that officers had retaliated against her over a bill that would sharply curtail how police can store data gathered by automated license plate readers, a proposal opposed by more than a dozen law enforcement agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The filing also alleges that the police treated Cervantes, who is gay and Latina, differently than the white woman who ran a stop sign and broadsided her car. "This is not only about what happened to me it's about accountability," Cervantes said in a prepared statement. "No Californian should be falsely arrested, defamed, or retaliated against because of who they are or what they stand for." Cervantes, a first-year state senator, has said since the crash that she did nothing wrong. She represents the 31st Senate District, which covers portions of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and chairs the Senate elections committee. Cervantes' lawyer, James Quadra, said the Sacramento police had tried to "destroy the reputation of an exemplary member of the state Senate," and that the department's "egregious misconduct" includes false arrest, intentional infliction of emotional distress and defamation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A representative for the Sacramento Police Department declined to comment, citing pending litigation. After news broke of the crash, the Sacramento Police Department told reporters that they had "observed objective signs of intoxication" after speaking to Cervantes at the hospital. She said in her filing that the police had asked her to conduct a test gauging her eyes' reaction to stimulus, a "less accurate and subjective test" than the blood test she requested. The toxicology screen had "completely exonerated" Cervantes, the filing said, but the police department had already "released false information to the press claiming that Senator Cervantes had driven while under the influence of drugs." The filing alleges that one police officer turned off his body camera for about five minutes while answering a call on his cellphone. The filing also said that the department failed to produce body camera footage from a sergeant who also came to the hospital. 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 57-year-old San Bernardino County woman has been arrested after authorities said the remains of her landlord were found on her property. Mindy Kum, 72, a resident of Phelan was reported missing on Sept. 2, with family members telling investigators that they had last seen her in Tustin, according to a news release from the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. Homicide detectives with the departments Specialized Investigations Division were notified of the missing persons investigation just two days later and learned that the 72-year-olds last known whereabouts were in Phelan. A 57-year-old woman is accused in the murder of her 72-year-old landlord in San Bernardino County in Sept. 2025. (Google Maps) Detectives zeroed in on a residence in the 6400 block of Smoke Tree Lane owned by Kum and rented to Margaret Minier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators conducted a search of the property during which time human remains were found, SBSD officials said. As a result of the investigation, Minier was placed under arrest for the murder of Mindy. Boy, 1, located after alleged armed kidnapping by father in California Authorities did not provide any details on the circumstances surrounding the alleged murder, nor did they say where the 72-year-olds remains were located on the property. It is also unclear if investigators know the motive behind the incident. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact SBSDs Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the WeTip Hotline at 800-78-CRIME or leave tips online at www.wetip.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. French directors guilds lARP and La SRF have issued a statement on the Canal+ Groups plan to acquire historic French film company and cinema chain UGC, saying they are paying close attention to the implications of a potential deal. Pay-TV giant the Canal+ Group announced last week that was it was in exclusive negotiations to acquire a 34% stake in UGC, with an option to buy the company outright in 2028. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement The guilds noted the operation came at a time when the American administration had declared war against Europe and its culture, and also in the wake of Lebanese-French logistics tycoon Rodolphe Saade taking a 20% in Pathe, another pillar of French cinema. For French filmmakers and producers, cinemas, as well as their catalogs and films, are strategic cultural assets and it is essential that they do not come under extra-European control. The guilds said they were not necessarily against Canal+s move to acquire UGC, suggesting it was a sign of its desire to strengthen its position as the leading partner of French creation. They noted, however, that it was the first time a major French TV operator had taken a significant stake in a theatrical distribution group. Even though UGC and Canal+ share a similar approach to diversity, this major change calls for vigilance regarding the verticality and concentration it entails, said the guilds. Creative independence is at the heart of the French cultural exception, with the movie theater being its pivot, read their statement. French filmmakers will ensure that this alliance between Canal+ and UGC, if it is confirmed, is positive for our industry and does not undermine this fundamental pillar that underpins the richness and success of our French model. If the deal goes through, it will merge two of Frances most powerful film and TV companies. UGC is a leading French cinema and audiovisual production group with one of Frances strongest cinema chains, content libraries, and networks of talent. The group operates one of the largest cinema chains in France, with 48 French theaters in total and another seven sites in Belgium. Between they generate and tens of millions of admissions each year. Its content library includes successful franchises such as Serial (bad) Weddings (Quest ce quon a fait au bon Dieu), iconic cinemas classic such as Amelie and TV series such as worldwide hits HPI High Potential and Soleil Noir under a Dark Sun. French pay-TV giant Canal+ currently has 27 million subscribers spread across 52 countries. Its in-house studio, Studiocanal, is one of Europes leading film and TV studios, with one of the largest catalogues, featuring IPs such as Paddington and Bridget Jones. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Americans' support for capitalism has sunk to 54%, the lowest percentage of polling by Gallup since residents were first asked the question 15 years ago. When told "just off the top of your head," a majority said they have a positive image of capitalism, the polling company said Monday. A total of 1,094 adults were surveyed by telephone from Aug. 1-20. The margin of error was 4 percentage points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2010, Americans had a 61% positive impression of capitalism. It dropped to 56% in 2018, went up to 60% in 2019 and 2021, the last time the question was asked. Broken down by party, fewer than half of Democrats for the first time see capitalism positively, at just 42% compared with 50% each in 2018 and in 2021. When the first survey was taken in 2010 after the Great Recession of 2008, 51% of Democrats had a positive view of capitalism. Among independents, support was at 51% in the latest poll after 59% in 2021, 53% in 2018, 60% in 2010. Republicans have been strongly in favor of capitalism, including 74% in the latest poll after 71% in 2010 and in 2018, 72% in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Socialism has much less support with 39% in the 2025 poll. But Democrats back it 66% with Independents at 38% and Republicans only 14%. In 2021, the results were similar: 65% of Democrats, 40% of independents, and 10% of Republicans. Respondents also were asked about free enterprise, big business and small business. Americans are strongly positive toward small business (95%) and free enterprise (81%), which is consistent with past polls. But there is a negative perception of big business, with 37% positive and 62% negative. In 2019, a small majority of 52% of Americans had positive views of big business with the high piints 58% in 2012. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, a slim majority of 52% of Americans still had positive views of big business. The high point was 58% in 2012. Sixty percent of Republicans, 36% of independents and 17% of Democrats see big business positively. Compared with four years ago, Democrats' rating declined the most, down 17 points, while independents' rating is 10 points lower and Republicans' is about the same. Republicans' positive rating has dropped from 78% in 2019. "While Americans retain generally positive views of the U.S. economic system, they are less positive toward it than toward free enterprise and small business, two specific aspects of capitalism," Jeffrey Joens with Gallup said. Capitalism and socialism are drastically different policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capitalism is an economic system in which prices, production and the distribution of goods exist in a free market with a goal of profit by private or corporate ownership. Socialism is collective ownership that can be administered through government, cooperatives or public enterprises with a goal to reduce or eliminate class-based inequalities and exploitation. Identifying themselves as Democratic socialists are Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who is favored to win the general elections. President Donald Trump has called Mamdani and Sanders communists. Communism advocates for a classless society in which the major means of production are communally owned and resources are distributed based on individual needs. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) A 90-minute program on South Dakotas three separate-but-equal branches of state government will be held later this month in the Capitol rotunda. State Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven Jensen and Justice Patricia DeVaney will represent the court system. Car crashed into building in Brookings Co. over weekend Governor Larry Rhoden and Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen will represent the executive branch, while four state lawmakers Republican Sen. Carl Perry, Democratic Sen. Jamie Smith, Republican Rep. Scott Odenbach and Democratic Rep. Erik Muckey will give perspective as members of the legislative branch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Dakota Public Television plans to broadcast the September 18 event, which starts at 8 p.m. CT. A limited number of tickets will be available to attend the town hall at the Capitol. Organizing the event are SDPB and South Dakota News Watch, with support from Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota and the League of Women Voters. FALLEN HERO CEREMONIES: Three bridges will be dedicated this month in honor of South Dakota armed forces veterans who lost their lives in service to the nation. A ceremony for U.S. Army Private Elmer A. Albertson is planned on Wednesday, September 17, starting at 2:30 p.m. MT, in the Harding County School gymnasium at 12474 Tipperary St. in Buffalo. He died in World War I. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. 85 bridge over Bull Creek, north of Buffalo, will be dedicated as the PVT Elmer A. Albertson Bridge. A ceremony for U.S. Marine Corps Private First-Class Peter R. Ommen is scheduled for Thursday, September 18, starting at 1 p.m. (MT), at the Pizza Lab in Central City. He died in the Vietnam War. The US 14A bridge over Deadwood Creek, in Central City, will be dedicated as the PFC Peter R. Ommen Bridge. A ceremony for U.S. Army Private Frank J. Holcombe is set for Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. (CT) at American Legion Post 43, at 921 Main St. in Centerville. He died in World War I. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SD 19A bridge over Vermillion River, about two miles south of Centerville, will be dedicated as the PVT Frank J. Holcombe Bridge. More information about the Fallen Heroes Bridge Program, including an application form, can be found here. INVESTING IN FUTURE: A record 630 students are receiving scholarships from the Build Dakota program this fall to attend the four public technical colleges in South Dakota. That tops the 592 awarded last year and the 540 from 2023. The program began in 2015. Scholarships have been funded through an initial $25 million contribution from banker T. Denny Sanford and an initial $25 million commitment by then-Gov. Dennis Daugaard of Future Fund revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding the latest group, Gov. Rhoden remarked, Build Dakota is more than a scholarship program; it is a long-term investment in the future of South Dakota. These awards represent a strategic commitment to equip learners with the skills to thrive in high-demand industries while supporting the growth and competitiveness of our states economy. BUFFALO HUNT: Changes will be coming to how licenses are allocated for the annual buffalo hunts held by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department. The state GFP Commission last week agreed to consider a petition from Kyle Couchey of Mina. He wants South Dakotans to have better opportunities to draw the limited number of tags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under current rules, 10 trophy tags are available for the annual hunts in Custer State Park. Two tags are reserved for South Dakota residents. The other eight are drawn from a pool of residents and non-residents. Likewise, 20 non-trophy tags are available. Seven are allocated for South Dakota residents. The other 13 are in a pool for resident and non-resident applicants. Couchey told the commission hed like to see 60% of the tags six trophy and 12 non-trophy be reserved for residents. As reasons, Couchey stated, Currently, more non-residents than residents have received bison trophy and non-trophy tags in the current draw allocation. The animals of the state are to be managed by the state for their residents. I do not want to exclude non-residents, but non-residents should not receive the majority of tags. This has occurred in all of the previous draws, according to the draw statistics data available. These tags are sold at the same price to residents and non-residents alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Dakota Parks and Recreation Division director Jeff VanMeeteren oversees the state-owned parks and rec areas, including Custer State Park. We feel its reasonable, what hes asking for, VanMeeteren told the commission. According to VanMeeteren, 452 residents and 890 non-residents applied for the 2024 draw. Almost double, he said about the non-residents. You can reach KELOLAND Capitol Bureau reporter Bob Mercer with tips, questions, complaints and story ideas by calling 605-280-7580. He also can be reached via digital messages at bmercer@keloland.com or @pierremercer on X, or through U.S. mail at 1810 Camden Court, Pierre, SD, 57501. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CARTHAGE, Mo. The 59th annual Maple Leaf Festival kicks off Friday, Oct. 10, with the theme A City of Pure Imagination. It runs through Sunday, Oct. 19. It launches with the rodeo, followed by daily events leading up to the festivals signature event, the Maple Leaf Parade, on Saturday, Oct. 18. "This years theme really captures the magic of Carthage during the Maple Leaf Festival," Julie Reams, president of the Carthage Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. "A City of Pure Imagination reminds us that this festival is more than just events its about showcasing the heart, creativity and community spirit that makes Carthage such a special place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Entry forms are now open for Maple Leaf pageants, barbecue cook-off (new this year), chili cook-off, Taco Tuesday cook-off, dog show and races, chicken pageant, lip sync competition, and Maple Leaf 5K. All entry forms can be found at www.carthagechamber.com. Parade registration is open now through Sept. 26. Floats are encouraged, and the best of the best will be presented with a trophy during the awards ceremony. Community members interested in volunteering on parade day are encouraged to sign up through the chamber office. Events are scheduled every day from the rodeo at the Saddle Club Arena in Municipal Park on Friday, Oct. 10, to the Maple Leaf Pipe Organ Worship Service and free medieval lunch at Faith Lutheran Church, 2134 Grand Ave., on Sunday, Oct. 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement of the latest additions to the Carthage Hall of Heroes will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Carthage Y. At 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, the Maple Leaf queen and her court will be named at different pageants at the Carthage R-9 Auditorium. Sunday, Oct. 12, will also see numerous events at Central Park, including the chili cook-off at noon, the chicken pageant at 1 p.m. and the dog show and dachshund races at 3 p.m. Events continue with the Maple Leaf Touch-a-Truck, from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, on the Carthage square; Taco Tuesday at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, in Central Park; Night of Praise worship singing at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, in Central Park; the Three Minutes of Fame Lip Sync competition at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, in the Carthage R-9 Auditorium. The Maple Leaf Parade starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. A schedule of events and more can be found at www.carthagechamber.com, in person at 402 S. Garrison Ave. during business hours, or by calling 417-358-2373. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Catherine L. Hanaway was sworn in Monday at 10 a.m. as Missouris 45th attorney general in a private ceremony at the Missouri Supreme Court Building. Hanaway took the oath of office on her son Johns Bible, administered by the Honorable Ginger K. Gooch, her former law partner and a judge on the Supreme Court of Missouri. Hawley calls for investigation into unsafe, unsanitary conditions at Blue Springs apartments Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is an honor and privilege to serve as Missouris 45th Attorney General, Hanaway said in a news release. I view this position as a job to fight crime, protect Missouri families, and defend the freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution. My commitment is to serve Missourians by enforcing the law as written and upholding the rule of law. There is much to do, and I am ready to begin. Hanaway, a trial lawyer and public servant, said she has built her career around one guiding principle: protecting Missouri families. As attorney general, Hanaway said shes committed to making the office a force for safety and accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her agenda focuses on fighting crime, protecting consumers, ensuring the vulnerable are safeguarded from fraud and abuse, and defending both the U.S. and Missouri Constitution, the Attorney Generals Office said in a news release. She has pledged to pursue justice for victims of violence, root out corruption, and stand against schemes that threaten Missourians livelihoods. For Attorney General Hanaway, the mission of the office is simple: uphold the laws as written and protect the people of Missouri. Attorney General Hanaway first entered public service as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, where she made history as the first and only woman elected Speaker of the House. Hanaway previously served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri. As the chief federal law enforcement officer for the region, she supervised more than 4,000 criminal and civil cases, along with a staff of more than 100 attorneys and investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri Before taking office, Attorney General Hanaway led Husch Blackwell LLP, a national law firm with more than 1,000 lawyers headquartered in Kansas City. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Creighton University and received a Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. Hanaway resides in St. Louis with her husband, Chris, and is a mother to two children, Lucy and John. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. After their attempt to create what would have been the nations first religious charter school was ended by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa have announced plans to open a Catholic virtual school in Oklahoma. St. Carlo Acutis Classical Academy will be a private school, not a charter school. It will open in August 2026, the archdiocese announced on Monday, Sept. 8. The new school will enroll students in kindergarten through eighth grades for the 2026-27 school year, with new grades added every year until the academy is K-12. The school will be named for the Catholic churchs first millennial saint, Carlo Acutis, who was born in London and raised in Milan, Italy. An Italian student, he created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles and Marian apparitions. Acutis was diagnosed with leukemia before dying in 2006 at age 15. Pope Leo XIV canonized him with the first such ceremony of his pontificate on September 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are thrilled to announce the opening of St. Carlo Acutis Classical Academy, said Misty Smith, head of school for the academy. Our mission is to bring the richness of the Catholic intellectual tradition into homes through an online format embracing classical curriculum resources that combine both synchronous and asynchronous learning. St. Carlo Acutis said `To be with God, that is my life project,' Smith said, and everything we at the academy do walks us closer to unity with Christ. US Supreme Court blocked Oklahoma religious charter school earlier this year Since 2023, the archdiocese and diocese had sought to open St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, and that October, a now-dissolved state board voted to enter into a contract with the archdiocese and diocese After the vote, Drummond sued, claiming such an agreement was unconstitutional. He personally argued the case during an Oklahoma Supreme Court hearing in April 2024. That court ruled in June 2024 the state boards contract with St. Isidore must be rescinded, saying it violated both state and federal law and was unconstitutional. Both St. Isidore and the Statewide Charter School Board appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which accepted, and combined, the cases into one. St. Isidores supporters had argued charter schools, which by law are public, instead should be viewed as a private entity and not as a state actor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 22, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the state Supreme Court ruling that blocked St. from receiving taxpayer money, via a 4-4 decision from which Amy Coney Barrett recused herself. Expanding an opportunity to access Catholic education into all reaches of the state spurred the decision to open a virtual school, Smith said. More than 200 children had been enrolled at St. Isidore before the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, many from rural areas of the state. There are five Catholic high schools in Oklahoma, all located in either Oklahoma City (Bishop McGuinness, Mount St. Mary and Cristo Rey) or Tulsa (Bishop Kelley and Cascia Hall). Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley said the archdiocese is excited about next year's opening of St. Carlo Acutis Classical Academy, a Roman Catholic online school. We recognized a need in our rural communities for Catholic education where brick-and-mortar schools are unavailable, Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley said the classes at the new school, which will formally be called "St. Carlo Acutis Classical Academy: an Oklahoma Virtual School will focus on the nurturing of the Christian development of each student and providing guidelines for academic excellence in the context of our Catholic faith through the Catholic intellectual tradition. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Catholic church in Oklahoma to open an online school: What we know In the footage, taken from a vehicle's dashboard camera, the driver can be seen escorting a passenger to safety as gunfire whistled overhead. A video circulating on social media from Monday's deadly terror shooting in Jerusalem shows the heroics of a taxi driver caught in the scene of the attack. In the footage, taken from a vehicle's dashboard camera, the driver can be seen rushing from his seat to the passenger seat, which was occupied by an elderly woman he had driven in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bullets fired by terrorists and security forces at the scene can be heard whistling over the driver and the woman as he was attempting to escort her away to safety. Two terrorists shoot at Israelis in Jerusalem bus The two terrorists responsible for the Monday Jerusalem attack, which killed six and wounded over 21, attempted to board the Line 62 bus. However, the bus driver, who identified the two as suspicious, refused to let them board, eyewitnesses said. The attackers then opened fire on the passengers. An armed soldier on the bus managed to kill one of them during the shooting. Police and rescue personnel at the scene of a terror attack at Ramot junction, near the entrance to Jerusalem, September 8, 2025 (credit: FLASH90/CHAIM GOLDBERG) The soldier was a haredi (ultra-Orthodox) member of the Hashmonaim Battalion, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the media at the scene of the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The moments of the terrorists killing were later captured on video. In the footage, a man in a white shirt is seen charging toward the bus as bystanders flee in panic from the sound of gunfire. The passerby, who happened to be at the scene by chance, ran toward the bus, confronted one of the terrorists, struggled with him for several minutes, and ultimately managed to neutralize him, preventing further casualties. Attackers believed to come from Palestinian village in West Bank Police confirmed that both terrorists were killed and said that access roads to the area were closed as security forces continued to operate at the scene. The attackers are believed to have been residents of the village of Katana in the Palestinian Authority-controlled areas of the West Bank, near Abu Ghosh. Tova Gittel Bat Miriam Shoshana, a woman in her eighth month of pregnancy, was among the wounded in Mondays deadly shooting attack at the Ramot Junction in Jerusalem, which left six people dead and over 21 others injured. The attack began at around 10:00 a.m., with the first report of gunfire coming from Yigal Yadin Street. According to eyewitnesses, the two terrorists attempted to board bus line 62, but the driver, who identified them as suspicious, refused to let them on. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) This year marks ten years for the Toy Lending Library of South Dakota, a non-profit that lets families borrow toy boxes for free. The organization celebrated the milestone at Sertoma Park in Sioux Falls Sunday. It was a day full of fun, toys and superheroes. Having this opportunity to celebrate our volunteers, our donors, our families with us, its amazing, Toy Lending Library executive director Anelis Coscioni said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wanted to come and enjoy the event with the kids, Janel Gladson said. Gladson has used the Toy Lending Library and appreciates its mission. 62nd Sidewalk Arts Festival hits downtown Sioux Falls Its not just a toy; its an actual learning set, and I think thats important for kids to learn, Gladson said. So one might call play a super power. Children, when they are playing, they are learning so much and all the skills they need before they start going to school. Anytime theyre having fun, they are learning, and that is so important, Coscioni said. One thing the Toy Lending Library has contributed to its success over the past ten years is the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant say enough about the volunteers, the people, my team, my board, that support in getting here, and I know they will continue with us even more, Coscioni said. Since its start, the Toy Lending Library has expanded to 21 locations, but the organization would like to see that progress continue. I hope we grow. I hope we can support children and learning through play all over our state, Coscioni said. All to help kids be kids. For a full list of the Toy Lending Librarys locations, 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 KELOLAND.com. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The Central Arkansas Development Council will give away free food around Pulaski County this month. The CADC will hold the giveaway at 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 at the following locations: Saint Mark Baptist Church, 5722 W. 12th Street in Little Rock St. Paul Baptist Church, 2603 S. Commerce in Little Rock St. Mark Baptist Church, 3725 Hwy 161 N. in North Little Rock Wrightsville City Hall, 13022 Hwy 365 South in Wrightsville First Baptist Church, 15320 Alexander Rd. in Alexander Mt. Nebo A.M.E., 4904 Frazier Pike in College Station First Baptist Church, 24100 Barton St. in Woodson Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food items may include grape juice, fruit mix, potato flakes, vegetable soup, tomato soup, spaghetti sauce, canned kidney beans, canned pinto beans, peanut butter, macaroni, pink salmon, canned pork and canned chicken. Arkansas children face food insecurity amid back-to-school season CADC officials said anyone receiving food must meet income guidelines and present identification, preferably a photo ID. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) Dry conditions across Central Illinois have prompted multiple fire departments and protection districts to issue burn bans in their jurisdictions. The Witt Volunteer Fire Department was the first to announce a burn ban, posting on Facebook Sunday night that a ban would begin at 10 a.m. on Monday. The ban includes all outdoor burning, including but not limited to brush piles, leaves, fields and recreational fires such as small fire pits. Weather forecasts show no relief in sight, with high temperatures and daytime humidity levels consistently dropping into the low 30% range. For reference, county-wide fires in recent years occurred when humidity was around 21%, Chief Don Keiser wrote in the departments Facebook post. While high winds are not currently forecast, any change could greatly increase fire danger. We ask all residents to respect this ban and avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve. The risk to property, farmland, and lives is too great under the current circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the Farm: worlds largest grain cart doubles as field firefighting vehicle The Nokomis Area Fire Protection District announced a ban Monday morning, listing the same reasons as Witt for the ban extreme dry conditions and little to no significant moisture in the near forecast. There is to be no burning of any type, Chief Michael Smalley said. He will reassess the situation in a week to determine if the ban needs to be extended. The Assumption Fire Department and the Taylorville Fire Department also implemented burn bans until further notice. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. African countries planning to follow South Africas lead in developing a nuclear power program face talent and investment challenges, executives and officials warned at the World Nuclear Symposium. South Africas decades-long failure to expand its nuclear efforts has led to developers, engineers, and operators leaving for better opportunities. Egypt is building four nuclear power units, while Ghana and Rwanda are leading the race to deploy the continents first small modular reactors. But, as countries without active nuclear programs, they must all build a base of workers from scratch. The difficulty in scaling nuclear energy in Africa is the perceived risk associated with investing in infrastructure projects, said attendees at last weeks event in London. African governments have long complained that ratings agencies unfairly downgrade them relative to non-African peers, pushing up borrowing costs. Lets do these projects, bearing in mind that the first ones will suffer that risk premium. But going forward, we need to be challenging systemically those sort of perceptions, said Loyiso Tyabashe, chief executive of the South Africa Nuclear Energy Corporation. Last month, MTN Nigerias chief executive made the case for more nuclear power in Africa to supply the continents new data centers in the pipeline. NEED TO KNOW In 1985 and then in 2000, the bodies of a woman and three children were found in drum barrels in the New Hampshire woods For years authorities tried to identify the victims This is one of the first cases that used genetic genealogy to identify unknown victims Her tiny body was found stuffed in a barrel in the New Hampshire woods, one of four victims of the so-called Chameleon Killer. No one knew who she was, where she was from or how she got there, until now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Sept. 7, authorities announced that the final unidentified victim in the cold case slayings known as the Bear Brook murders has been identified as Rea Rasmussen, who was born in 1976 in Orange County, Calif., and was two to four years old when she was killed. Known for years as Jane Allenstown Doe 2000, Rea was the daughter of Terry Peder Rasmussen, who became known as the Chameleon Killer for using many aliases including "Bob Evans," according to the New Hampshire Attorney Generals Office and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC.) He was later identified as the person responsible for the four murders and is suspected of at least one more. Convicted of the 2002 murder of his common-law wife, he died in prison in 2010. This case has weighed on New Hampshire and the nation for decades, Attorney General John M. Formella said in a press release. With Rea Rasmussens identification, all four victims now have their names back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chilling case came to light in 1985, when hunters came upon the unidentified remains of a woman and a young girl in a 55-gallon drum barrel in Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, N.H., according to NCMEC, which became involved in the case in 2008. Fifteen years later, on May 9, 2000, a New Hampshire state trooper found a second barrel containing the remains of two young girls close to where the first barrel was found, according to NCMEC. Authorities determined that the two children were killed in the late 1970s or early 1980s and were left inside the barrel in the park, according to the FBI. The case was one of the first to use genetic genealogy to identify unknown victims. In 2019, DNA testing revealed the identities of three of the victims found in the barrels: Marlyse Honeychurch and her daughters, Marie Vaughn and Sarah McWaters, who were last seen in California in 1978. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities, however, did not know how the fourth victim, who became known as the middle child, was connected to the other three. In 2024, New Hampshire State Police began working with the DNA Doe Project, which identified Pepper Reed as Reas mother, which led them to identify Rea. Born in 1952, Reed has not been seen since the late 1970s. Related: Her Baby Was Stolen 45 Years Ago. Heres What He Would Look Like Today Then came a big break this month, as DNA testing confirmed the identity of Jane Allenstown Doe 2000 as Rea Rasmussen. We never forgot Rea, New Hampshire State Police Detective Sergeant Christopher N. Elphick said in the AG's release. We never stopped looking. Who Was The Chameleon Killer? Wherever Terry Rasmussen went, people seemed to disappear, according to NCMEC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After years of investigating, authorities learned that Terry Rasmussen used many different aliases in New Hampshire and California, where he lived and preyed upon unwitting victims. His knack for being able to disappear and resurface with a whole new identity led authorities to dub him the Chameleon Killer. Our suspect started in 1984 as Curtis Kimball. Then we had Gordon Jenson. Then he was using Larry Vanner. And now, it turns out, in the early 1980s back in New Hampshire, he was using Bob Evans, San Bernardino County, Calif. Sheriffs Deputy Peter Headley said, ABC News reported. All the same guy. 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 ca Rasmussen is suspected in other missing persons cases and other murders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I fear that he continued the pattern of killing people, Elphick told NHPR. He's one of the only serial offenders that killed victims he actually knew and had relationships with, which is certainly unique. And he I do not mean this [in] any way, shape or form as a compliment but he was extremely skilled. He is glad that authorities were able to finally identify the little girl in the barrel. Naming her brings a sense of justice but also reminds us of the unanswered questions that remain, Elphick said in the release. We continue to seek answers about the disappearance of Pepper Reed. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW Brazilian bodybuilder Valter de Vargas Aita was fatally stabbed in his apartment His 43-year-old girlfriend was seriously injured and is in police custody Police intend to seek an arrest order for his girlfriend should she survive Police in Brazil say a professional bodybuilder was stabbed to death Sunday after a fight in his apartment and his girlfriend is in police custody after being seriously injured in the ordeal. According to a statement from the Civil Police of Chapeco, the confrontation began inside the unit of Valter de Vargas Aita, 41, on Rua 7 de Setembro. Photos of the aftermath released by police show blood spattered on corridor walls as he tried to escape and get help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police did not identify the 43-year-old woman also in the apartment as Aita's girlfriend, but she was identified as such by RIC, Terra and NSC Total. Aita suffered stab wounds to the abdomen, back, face and neck and collapsed in a stairwell; his girlfriend underwent surgery and is being held under guard at the hospital. Valter Aita/Instagram Police said the woman had an outstanding warrant from Rio Grande do Sul tied to a conviction for robbery resulting in death with a 15-year sentence, and they expect to seek a new temporary arrest order connected to Sundays killing if she survives. Detectives said they are still determining whether anyone else was involved and will release additional information as the investigation progresses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aita known locally as Valtinho worked as a personal trainer and was a competitive bodybuilder, per his posts on social media. He was a multi-time state champion and the World Fitness Federation's world runner-up in 2024, according to regional outlets RIC, Oeste SC Noticias and SBT News. Read the original article on People The news of King Charles illness has given immediacy to a lot of questions. The fact that he is the King and has cancer has, of course, made sure that plans for succession are firmly in place. The Kings eagerness to reconcile with his son, Harry, might even stem from this. And there is, of course, the matter of his funeral, which has to be planned while hes still alive. But as the Kings funeral is being planned, he will do something no other monarch has done in over 400 years. King Charles is set to attend a Catholic funeral in an official capacity. That hasnt happened since the Reformation. More from StyleCaster Advertisement Advertisement Related: Heres what each royal inherited from Queen Elizabeth The King will attend a Requiem Mass at Westminster Cathedral, the largest Catholic church in England and Wales, for the Duchess of Kent. Katherine Kent just recently died at age 92. She converted to Catholicism in 1994, becoming the first member of the royal family to do so since King Charles IIs deathbed conversion in 1685. He wont be the only one attending. Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and most members of the royal family will also attend the service, which is set to take place on September 16. This all comes after recent reports that King Charles cancer is incurable, but manageable. Writer and associate editor of the Daily Telegraph, Camilla Tominey explained, The talk now is that he may die with cancer, but not of cancer following a rigorous treatment program. Advertisement Advertisement But that doesnt mean hes doing well. RadarOnline reported that the Kings health has gotten worse recently. He is now shuffling around with a cane and hitting the bottle, and in particular whisky, to numb the pain and despair he feels. The outlet described it as a sad end for him, with sources saying his health has deteriorated significantly in recent months. Recent reports also indicate the King has his own funeral more or less planned. The Telegraph recently reported that the King has set up his funeral to make it so that his estranged son Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are the heart of his funeral plans. Bodes well for that upcoming reconciliation. The outlet reported that Harry is expected to walk side by side with his brother at the forefront of the processions through the streets of London. A reconciliation with his son would make all of that much easier, and it seems like its not just in the cards; it might happen soon. From a positive private family stance, some personal healing between father and son would be good, British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital. King Charles will always love his son, and, in light of the kings ongoing cancer treatment, it could help tidy up the messy, fractured relationship. Thats not all, King Charles could even end up helping his sons reconcile. King Charles is living with cancer, which makes his family situation very sad, Chard pointed out. Im sure he is thinking about his mortality and reevaluating his life. He would not want a family feud tarnishing his positive contributions and memory. Im sure he will also want to clear up unresolved issues or surprises that could lead to further resentment and conflict between his two sons. Advertisement Advertisement One funeral down, another one planned that a lot of people hope doesnt get to happen anytime soon. Best of StyleCaster Sign up for Stylecaster's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. JOLIET, IL More than five years after 19-year-old New Lenox resident Charlie Baird was shot in the back at the New Lenox Circle K gas pumps by a masked gunman dressed in all-black to conceal his identity, killer Kevin Johnson learned he was being sentenced to 45 years at the Illinois Department of Corrections from Will County Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak. In March, Judge Bertani found Johnson guilty in the slaying of Charlie Baird. Baird, 19, was shot in the back May 11, 2020, at the New Lenox Circle K gas station. He died days later. A resident from Harvey, Johnson, now 21, was 16 at the time of the shooting. He opted to have the judge decide his case rather than select a jury of Will County citizens to decide his fate. Johnson also chose not to take the witness stand and testify in his own defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Monday morning's sentencing, Charlie Baird's mother Jen Baird met with reporters to express her satisfaction with the judge's sentencing for her son's killer. She explained that Johnson will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years, but she doubts he will get paroled if he continues to behave as he did at the Will County Jail and the River Valley Juvenile Justice Center where he was involved in numerous fights and other disciplinary problems. "I'm happy she saw all the evidence that was presented. She saw, she heard and I'm happy with the number that she has given him," Jen Baird explained. In the courtroom, Johnson's lead public defender asked the judge to impose the minimum prison sentence for his client, 20 years. The Will County Public Defender's Office argued that Johnson was subjected to enormous peer pressure, and they blamed that, along with his lack of maturity, being only 16 years old, at the time, for the fatal shooting at the gas station pumps. Jen Baird disagreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No, not really, because the evidence was there at trial," she pointed out. "He's not a good boy. He goes and he terrorizes people, he's doing the same thing in jail. I'm happy with the verdict of guilty because he's definitely guilty, and I'm happy with the 45 years." The deadly shooting of 19-year-old Charlie Baird at the New Lenox Circle K gas station pumps happened around midnight on May 11, 2020. His mother Jen Baird spoke with reporters following Monday's sentencing at the Will County Courthouse. File image John Ferak/Joliet Patch Before Judge Bertani announced her sentencing, Johnson was allowed to approach the courtroom podium, wearing his banana yellow Will County Jail jumpsuit. He spoke for about five minutes, telling the judge and the courtroom that for the past five years, "I've heard negativity, all five years," suggesting that the perception of Johnson presented in court was only his "negative side." "I don't even know what to say right now," Johnson said at one point. "This is something that I can't help. I'm young. It's things that happened to me. I can't seem to comprehend. I had to go standup and give an explanation. " Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the judge asked Johnson to clarify one of his remarks, he explained, "I met a father figure in jail." Judge Bertani told Johnson, "I understand the fact that because of your age and immaturity, but I don't find any evidence you were subjected to outside peer pressure. We have video so we could see what happened. He tried to get away and got shot in the back for no reason," the judge said. "I don't know what was said, but obviously, Mr. Baird turned to flee, there was absolutely no justification. I don't find this was an isolated incident." Before imposing the 45-year prison term, the judge drew everyone's attention to a portion of Johnson's presentence investigation. Judge Bertani said that Johnson remarked during his May PSI interview that "I didn't fail society, society failed me. It's not my fault." "That's disturbing on all levels," Judge Bertani announced. She reminded Johnson that he had a long history of stealing vehicles and that his DNA was found in the stolen car he and his acquaintances drove to the New Lenox gas station where Johnson requested a gun from another person in his group. Johnson confronted Baird, the only customer at the gas pumps, and shot him as he was fleeing toward the gas station convenience store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I know 40 (of prison) years is a long time, but that was unnecessarily evil and criminal," the judge noted. Since Baird was shot during the height of the worldwide COVID pandemic, his family and friends were restricted on spending time with him at the hospital, the judge noted. He died a few days after being shot. "Alone and without his family," Judge Bertani remarked. Outside court, Joliet Patch interviewed Jen Baird, asking whether she understand anything Johnson was saying when he walked to the podium to speak. "It was kind of hard to understand," she agreed. "And the whole thing about that he doesn't know what to say to the mother, well, he shouldn't have shot my son. And he wouldn't be in this position right now and I wouldn't be in this position right now. He knew what he was doing. He was the one that chased him and shot him in the back so you can tell what character this person is, he's a monster and he belongs behind bars for a very, very long time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday's sentencing had been delayed several times the most recent delay happened because Johnson to call his sister to testify on his behalf at his sentencing hearing. Angel Johnson, 36, took the stand on Monday morning for about 10 minutes, informing everyone that their mother suffered paralysis from head to toe about 10 years ago and Johnson's grandmother, who attended last year's trial and helped him raise him, has since died. She said the family grew up in Hazel Crest. "It was a good neighborhood," she testified. As for their mother, "she can't talk or walk." As for Kevin Johnson, since he's been incarcerated for over five years, "I feel like he's improved. He's been a man. You can tell by the way a person talks. He's changed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related trial coverage: New Lenox murder defendant Kevin Johnson, who came from Harvey, chose not to testify in his own defense at his bench trial in front of Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak. (Mugshot via Will County Jail) Charlie Baird's New Lenox Murder: Mother Pleased With Circle K Killer's Sentence originally appeared on the New Lenox Patch Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said on Monday the citys transit system will re-deploy its security personnel for a stronger presence on the Blue Line, effective immediately. There will also be more safety measures in place, she said. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Deadly Charlotte light rail stabbing draws national attention; leaders call for change This comes on the heels of President Donald Trump weighing in on the deadly stabbing that happened on Aug. 22 on a Charlotte light rail train. This national attention has put crime in Charlotte in the spotlight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Charlotte Area Transit System released video of the unprovoked attack on Friday. It shows the suspect, Decarlos Brown, stab Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska three times. She died at the scene. Channel 9 independently decided not to show video of the victim or the attack, out of respect for the Zarutska family. Brown got off the train after the stabbing and was arrested at the East/West Boulevard Station in South End. #NEW: Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles puts out a statement, pointing the finger at the courts and magistrates - saying the city is ready to work toward reform there. She then talks about immediate actions being taken by CATS to increase security on light rail. https://t.co/loWIPmiXda Hunter Saenz (@Hunt_Saenz) September 8, 2025 Lyles pointed the finger at the judicial system, saying, Over the past several weeks as our community has worked to understand this, what we know is that this was a tragic failure by the courts and magistrates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our police officers arrest people only to have them quickly released, which undermines our ability to protect our community and ensure safety, she said. There must be a bipartisan solution, she said. In the meantime, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department will increase patrols in the transit system. Lyles, in her statement, said in the next few weeks, CATS will roll out bike units and urban terrain vehicles. CATS will also work on recruitment, which the addition of nearly 30 security personnel in the coming months. The transit system will also have an agreement with the city council at its Sept. 22 meeting, which will expand the authority of CATS for better security, she said. MORE PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Lyles full statement: As I reflect on the tragic murder of Iryna Zarutska my heart continues to go out to her family and our community as we try to make sense of this horrific and senseless loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past several weeks as our community has worked to understand this, what we know is that this was a tragic failure by the courts and magistrates. Our police officers arrest people only to have them quickly released, which undermines our ability to protect our community and ensure safety. We need a bipartisan solution to address repeat offenders who do not face consequences for their actions and those who cannot get treatment for their mental illness and are allowed to be on the streets. We have partnered before on legislation like North Carolinas pre-trial integrity act, and we stand ready to partner again at the local, state, and federal level. I want to assure the community that we are taking action, and we will continue to take action. Last week CATS leadership presented to Charlotte City Council and the Metropolitan Transit Commission about the ongoing work to address safety and security on our public transit system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past two years, we have doubled the number of CATS security personnel, tripled the safety and security budget from $5.8 million to nearly $18 million, and are shifting from a corporate security model towards a stronger transit policing model. Effective immediately, CATS security personnel will be re-deployed for a stronger presence on Blue Line platforms and to increase fare enforcement. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department will also be increasing patrols at key areas across the transit system. These changes will allow CATS to fully execute the transit system policing plan, including the Blue Line. Over the next two to three weeks CATS will be rolling out new safety operations including bike units and urban terrain vehicles. CATS is actively recruiting and will be adding nearly 30 additional security personnel over the next few months. CATS will also be bringing an agreement for council approval to Councils next business meeting on September 22 which will expand the authority of CATS to provide security around the transit system. Residents across our community and visitors to our region depend on public transit. We owe it to them to make sure our public transit system and our city are safe and secure China to carry out asteroid defense system test in near future: chief scientist 08:08, September 08, 2025 By Deng Xiaoci ( Global Times Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration program and newly elected president of the International Deep Space Exploration Association (IDSEA), delivers a keynote report at the third International Deep Space Exploration Conference held in Hefei, East China's Anhui Province on September 4, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of DSEL China has recently unveiled its plan to initiate an experimental verification project to demonstrate and test the effectiveness of its asteroid defense system, and Wu Weiren, one of the country's top space scientists, stressed the necessity of such project to the Global Times on Sunday, saying that from the perspective of safeguarding the Earth's safety and the continuation of humanity, building asteroid defense capabilities is a shared task for all humankind, while calling on further international collaborative efforts against the threats posed by asteroid impact. "As a responsible spacefaring nation, China has the responsibility, obligation, and capability to contribute Chinese wisdom, leverage Chinese strength, and systematically develop an asteroid detection and defense system, working together with the world to protect our planetary home," Wu said. Wu is the chief designer of China's lunar exploration program and director and chief scientist of the country's Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL). Wu outlined China's asteroid exploration and defense system in detail for the first time at the third International Deep Space Exploration Conference, and during the event held from Thursday to Friday in Hefei, East China's Anhui Province, Wu revealed that in the near future, China will conduct a kinetic impact demonstration and verification mission on an asteroid posing a potential threat to Earth. "We will launch an observer and an impactor. The observer will arrive first to perform close-range observations of the target asteroid, obtaining detailed characteristic parameters. Then, the impactor will carry out a high-speed collision with the asteroid. The entire impact process will be monitored through a combined space-ground approach, observing changes in the asteroid's orbit, morphology, and ejecta, to accurately assess the impact's effectiveness," Wu said. Asteroids are small celestial bodies that orbit the Sun, with smaller volume and mass than planets and dwarf planets, and they rarely release gas or dust. They are primarily composed of rock and metal. The solar system contains billions of asteroids, categorized by proximity to the Sun into groups such as near-Earth asteroids, main-belt asteroids, Trojans, Centaurs, Kuiper Belt asteroids, and more, the DSEL said in a statement to the Global Times on Sunday. Asteroids are considered "living fossils" of the solar system's formation and evolution. However, Near-Earth asteroids are among the most potentially damaging celestial bodies in the solar system. The scientific community widely believes that 66 million years ago, an asteroid approximately 10 km in diameter struck Earth, wiping out around 75 percent of species, including dinosaurs. High-impact events are extremely rare but carry immense destructive power, and the United Nations lists asteroid impacts as the top disaster threat to human survival, according to the lab. But our understanding of asteroids is still limited, the lab noted. As of March 2025, humanity has identified 38,171 near-Earth objects, including 38,048 near-Earth asteroids and 123 near-Earth comets. Because asteroid monitoring is difficult, many near-Earth asteroids remain uncatalogued, with estimates suggesting that only about 1 percent have been fully recorded. For instance, in early 2025, the asteroid 2024YR4 had a collision probability that rose to 3.1 percent, causing global concern. Pang Zhihao, a senior space expert, told the Global Times on Sunday that such an asteroid defense experiment is highly challenging, with the main difficulties lying in "precision" and "uncertainty." "It's like hitting a fly from tens of millions of kilometers away," he said, "with both the asteroid and Earth moving at high speeds." The experimental spacecraft must travel through space for months or even years, constantly adjusting its trajectory to precisely strike an asteroid only a few hundred meters in diameter, with an error margin of just a few dozen meters. This is far more challenging than long-range shooting on Earth, Pang elaborated. Also, we are not sure how hard the asteroid is, especially its internal structure. It could be solid rock or a loose rubble pile, Pang said, noting that the inability to definitively determine the asteroid's "hardness" before the experiment makes it difficult to accurately predict the orbit deflection effect. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) launched the "Near-Earth Object Exploration Program" in 2006. In 2021, it began a feasibility study on an asteroid defense project, and in the same year, the white paper on China's Space Program explicitly proposed studying and building a near-Earth object defense system, Wu said when asked to explain on China's progress and planning on the asteroid defense issue. On May 29, 2025, China successfully launched the Tianwen-2 probe, which aims to return samples from the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 and later conduct flyby observations of the main-belt comet 311P, Wu added. Wu said, in terms of ground-based monitoring and early warning, China has established routine sky-survey capabilities. The country has built the 1-meter dedicated telescope at Purple Mountain Observatory, a 2.5-meter large-field survey telescope at Lenghu, the 2.16-meter telescope at Xinglong, and the 2.4-meter and 1.8-meter telescopes at Lijiang. The "China Compound Eye" project plans to construct 25 radars with 30-meter apertures, which will allow detection and high-precision imaging of asteroids tens of millions of kilometers away once completed. China has preliminarily established a ground-based monitoring network with multi-caliber coordination, multifunctional integration, and efficient collaboration, the DSEL chief scientist said. He explained that when a near-Earth asteroid posing a potential threat to Earth is identified, in accordance with the requirements of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, if the warning level reaches a certain threshold, in-orbit mitigation measures must be carried out. At present, China is exploring kinetic impact mitigation solutions and researching long-term mitigation methods such as laser ablation and attachment-based deflection. Looking ahead, China plans to establish a comprehensive near-Earth asteroid detection and defense system. It will deploy observation spacecraft at optimally selected stable orbital positions, forming a multi-orbit, multi-method, integrated space-based monitoring network capable of efficient coordination with the ground-based monitoring network. For near-Earth asteroid impact risks of varying sizes and mitigation requirements, China will refine multiple mitigation methods, including instantaneous and long-term approaches, develop various mitigation spacecraft and in-orbit evaluation spacecraft, and establish a mission library for near-Earth asteroid defense. For asteroids of different sizes and impact risks, pre-formulated mitigation plans will ensure that "a plan is ready upon discovery, and risks can be addressed immediately." Near-Earth asteroid defense is a shared responsibility for all humanity, and the international community attaches great importance on it. Since 2009, the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space has convened the International Planetary Defense Conference on a regular basis. In 2014, the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG) were formally established under the UN framework. "We warmly welcome global partners to cooperate in areas such as joint ground-based monitoring, collaborative development and payload integration, and data and research sharing," Wu said. China also called on stronger international cooperation and coordination in joint ground-based monitoring, collaborative development and payload integration, facilitated through the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group and broader data and results sharing. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) ByAkbar Novruz The 25th China International Investment and Trade Fair (CIFIT 2025) has officially opened in Xiamen, Fujian Province, with Azerbaijan participating under the national stand Invest in Azerbaijan for the second consecutive year. According to AZPROMO, the participation is organized with the support of the Ministry of Economy, the Azerbaijani Trade Representative Office in China, and the Export and Investment Promotion Agency. The stand highlights Azerbaijans favorable business and investment climate, presenting opportunities across priority economic regions. Special focus is given to the privileges offered to investors in the Alat Free Economic Zone, the Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur economic regions, as well as the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Visitors are also introduced to Azerbaijans growing transport and transit potential, along with its tourism prospects. The stand features information, visual, and printed materials on the activities of AZPROMO, the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMEDA), the Economic Zones Development Agency (EZDA), the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4SIM), and the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ). In addition, a dedicated Azerbaijani Trading Houses corner displays Made in Azerbaijan products. During his visit to Xiamen, Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev toured CIFIT 2025 and reviewed Azerbaijans national stand. The exhibition, which runs until September 11, brings together delegations from more than 110 countries and regions, with over 50 national stands on display. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles took a strong stance Monday against the Mecklenburg County judicial system in the wake of the fatal light rail stabbing that occurred more than two weeks ago. In the stabbing that occurred the night of Aug. 22, 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska was randomly attacked on a Blue Line train by a homeless man, Decarlos Brown. On Friday, two weeks after it occurred, the security video was released to the public, and over the weekend, the story spread nationally, with federal officials like President Donald Trump commenting on it. MORE FROM QUEEN CITY NEWS Fatal Light Rail Stabbing Over the past several weeks, as our community has worked to understand this, what we know is that this was a tragic failure by the courts and magistrates, Lyles said in the statement. Our police officers arrest people, only to have them quickly released, which undermines our ability to protect our community and ensure safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Lyles called a special meeting of the Metropolitan Transit Commission on Wednesday morning, where leaders presented steps that had already begun to increase security on the buses on rails. CATS officials believe that Brown did not have a ticket, but also expressed that the crime wasnt one that couldve been avoided by security alone. Queen City News has also addressed the mental health aspect of the incident. We need a bipartisan solution to address repeat offenders who do not face consequences for their actions and those who cannot get treatment for their mental illnesses and are allowed to be on the streets, Lyles said. In addition to beefing up transit-specific security, Lyles also says Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police will be part of the changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Effective immediately, CATS security personnel will be redeployed for a stronger presence on Blue Line platforms and to increase fare enforcement. (CMPD) will also be increasing patrols at key areas across the transit system. These changes will allow CATS to fully execute the transit system policing plan, including the Blue Line, Lyles said. CATS will bring a proposal to the City Council on September 22 that would expand the authority of the agency to provide security across the system. Residents across our community and visitors to our region depend on public transit, Lyles said. We owe it to them to make sure our public transit system and our city are safe and secure. Brown is charged with first-degree murder and is being held 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 Queen City News. The smell of smoke grew stronger as you approached Ukraine's main government building. A day prior, Russian forces hit the Cabinet of Ministers with an Iskander missile, damaging the headquarters of the country's executive authority, engulfing its upper floors in flame. "The fire spread quickly," said Andrii Danyk, head of Ukraine's State Emergency Service, standing in front of the building's scorched walls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 5-meter-wide hole in what used to be the wall overlooked a roughly 3-meter-wide hole in what used to be a floor in a spacious cabinet home to one of the government departments. From the inside, a picturesque view of Kyiv's downtown sharply contrasted with the wreckage within the building. Over a day after the attack, efforts to clear the rubble inside the Cabinet of Ministers continued without pause. Overnight on Sept. 7, Russia attacked Ukraine with a record number of aerial weapons 810 drones and 13 missiles, targeting settlements all across Ukraine. The attack killed three people, including a woman and her two-month-old child, and injured 20 others in Kyiv. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko described the recent mass attack as "a new stage of this war." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is not the conduct of a country seeking peace," Svyrydenko said. "It is a direct mockery of every diplomatic effort made by the civilized world." A firefighter is seen inside the headquarters of Ukraine's government that was hit by a Russian Iskander cruise missile overnight on. Sept. 7 during in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sept. 8, 2025. (Danylo Antoniuk/Anadolu via Getty Images) Katarina Mathernova, EU ambassador to Ukraine, said that the entire building "was not reduced to rubble" only thanks to the missile failing to detonate. According to Defense Express, a Kyiv-based defense consulting agency, the fire was caused by fuel leakage from the missile's tanks. The building contained a lot of wooden structures, which complicated the extinguishing, Danyk said. The Cabinet of Ministers was also the seventh site hit by Russia that night in Kyiv, so emergency crews were thinly spread across all sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cabinet is located in the government quarter in central Kyiv, home to several key administrative buildings, including the Presidential Office, which lies some 500 meters (0.5 miles) away. This area of the capital is rarely targeted, but it has come under increased threat as Russia has intensified its drone attacks, with drones now reaching this district. "The evidence of this existential battle is right in front of us: (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is deliberately targeting the country's lifelines its government, its energy, its people," Mathernova said. A view at the headquarters of Ukraine's government that was hit by a Russian Iskander missile overnight on Sept. 7 in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sept. 8, 2025. (Danylo Antoniuk/Anadolu via Getty Images) The broader pattern Russia has targeted administrative buildings since the beginning of its full-scale invasion. As of November 2024, Russian aggression had damaged or destroyed 883 administrative buildings, causing an estimated $0.8 billion in direct losses, according to the Kyiv School of Economics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the deadliest such attacks stand out. On March 1, 2022, Russia launched two missiles on the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, killing 44 people. Later that same month, an attack on the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration killed over 30 people and injured more than 30 others. This June, Russia partially destroyed the regional administrative building in Kherson in a double airstrike. In recent months, Russia has also consistently targeted the Sumy Regional Military Administration. Zera Kozlyieva, the legal director of the Truth Hounds, a Ukrainian non-profit organization that documents and investigates war crimes, said that administrative buildings are considered civilian objects by default. Deliberate attacks on them are prohibited under international humanitarian law and may qualify as war crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Potentially, the attack on the government building on Sept. 7 could be classified as a war crime," Kozlyieva told the Kyiv Independent. A photograph shows debris in the Ukrainian government building damaged during a Russian mass attack overnight on Sept. 7, in Kyiv on Sept. 8, 2025. (Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images) According to Article 52 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, "civilian objects are all objects which are not military objectives." Under this Protocol, military targets are objects that, by their nature, location, purpose, or use, contribute to military action and whose destruction offers a clear military advantage. Even if an administrative building were used for military purposes like storing weapons or housing a command center it could become a lawful target only if its destruction provided a real military benefit at that time, Kozlyieva said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the principle of proportionality applies, she added. Attacks causing excessive civilian harm or damage to civilian objects compared to the expected military gain are prohibited and may qualify as war crimes. Note from the author: Hello there! This is Kateryna Denisova, the author of this piece. The Kyiv Independent doesn't have a wealthy owner or a paywall. Instead, we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism funded. If you liked this article, please consider joining our community today. Thank you. Read also: Russias gains speed up in Ukraine ahead of high-stakes autumn Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. An arrest in a federal Treasury check scam may bring investigators closer to cracking the unsolved murder of 12-year-old Kade Lewin in Brooklyn, a killing that shook the city. Reputed Crips member Jonah Luc has admitted to being in the Mercedes-Benz involved in the drive-by murder of Kade in 2022, according to a recent federal court filing. The revelation was detailed in an Aug. 22 letter asking Brooklyn Federal Magistrate Judge Vera Scanlon to hold Luc without bail which she did. It seems like yesterday for me, every day, Suzette Lewin, Kades mother, told the Daily News on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its 3 years and I would love something to get done about it, she said. Ever since the loss, my life has to be the same. Luc, 24, is affiliated with the Insane Crip Gangsters, and rolls with the national gangs Brooklyn chapter, the ICG Babiiez, according to federal prosecutors. His gang has engaged in a tit-for-tat war of retaliatory shootings with the 8 Trey Crips, and on March 31, 2022, he joined three of his fellow gang members to go on a shooting mission, the feds allege. But their group apparently targeted the wrong parked car, and pumped 11 bullets into a black Toyota Corolla where Kade, relative Kylie Thompson, 8, and cousin Jenna Ellis, 20, were sitting, eating dinner and watching a video. The barrage ended Kades life, and left Ellis wounded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kades killing shook the city at the time, leading then-NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell to promise to use every possible resource to catch the culprits. A few months later, the city renamed the stretch of Linden Blvd. where it happened after the seventh-grader. Luc was arrested in August, and indicted last week on theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft charges. He has not been charged in connection with the murder. A month earlier, a man expecting a $1,474.28 federal tax refund learned someone else had cashed the check in his name, and when a probation officer visited Lucs Brooklyn apartment and found the check in a dresser drawer, federal prosecutors said. Luc was on probation for a 2023 shoplifting and conspiracy conviction in New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At first, he lied and said the owner of the check was a friend who let him keep it, then changed his story again to say he found it on the ground, according to the criminal complaint against him. In the Aug. 22 letter, prosecutors describe the check theft as the kind of scam members of ICG Babiiez and other gangs often use to steal money. And prosecutors linked Luc to Kades killing, describing how video surveillance shows him getting into and out of the Mercedes used in the shooting. The defendant has admitted to law enforcement that he was present inside the Mercedes-Benz at the time of the above-described murder, prosecutors wrote. The court filing doesnt say who fired the fatal shots, only that the bullets were fired through the sunroof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defendants participation in the senseless killing of a 12-year-old boy in March 2022 is just one example of the violence ICG members and associates commit that endanger the lives of Brooklyn residents going about their everyday lives, prosecutors wrote. Luc also posted several pictures on social media asking for people to participate in a bank scamming scheme, as well as a photo of himself holding what looks like a gun with a blue laser sight, the feds allege. He also had two credit cards in someone elses name when his probation officer visited him last month, the feds said. Lucs lawyer declined to comment. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Cheektowaga man was sentenced to two to six years in prison for recklessly killing a 76-year-old driver in a crash last year in West Seneca, the Erie County District Attorneys Office said Monday. Alan Bulera, 49, was driving his SUV when he rear-ended a minivan on Aug. 11, 2024, at the intersection of Clinton Street and Borden Road. The driver of the minivan, 76-year-old Irene Mair of West Seneca, died at the hospital after being treated for injuries for a few weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Bulera pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter. As part of his sentencing, Bulera had his drivers license revoked. Latest Local News Aidan Joly was named News 4s Digital Executive Producer in 2025. He has been on staff since 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. NEED TO KNOW Alexee Trevizo, then 19, gave birth to a baby boy on Jan. 27, 2023 in a bathroom at a New Mexico hospital during an emergency room visit, and then put the baby in the trash An autopsy determined the baby was breathing outside the womb and Trevizo was charged with murder, though crucial evidence is now inadmissible under doctor-patient privilege Trevizo's lawyer filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the dead newborn's estate, arguing Trevizo was given drugs not recommended for pregnant women by the hospital The New Mexico hospital where a high school cheerleader secretly gave birth and then put her newborn in the trash is being sued for wrongful death. Alexee Trevizo gave birth in a bathroom at Artesia General Hospital on Jan. 27, 2023, approximately two hours after arriving to the emergency room and complaining of back pain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newborn's body was discovered in the trash a short time later, according to a copy of the arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, at which point Trevizo said she gave birth during the 17 minutes she was in the bathroom but that the baby was stillborn. Four months later, Trevizo was arrested and charged with first-degree murder after an autopsy determined that the child posthumously named Alex Ray Fierro had been breathing outside the womb. The lawyer representing Trevizo is not only defending his client against the charge, but has also filed a wrongful death complaint in civil court on behalf of the deceased baby's estate, seeking damages from the hospital, Trevizo's attending physician Dr. Heather Marshall Vaskas and emergency room staff members who attended to the teenager. Artesia Police Department Alexee Trevizo Alexee Trevizo Trevizo told staff that she was not pregnant and "on her period" upon arriving at the hospital, according to a copy of the civil complaint obtained by PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The doctor on duty then ordered medications that, the complaint alleges, "have warnings regarding use if the patient is pregnant." Meanwhile, a test run by hospital staff revealed Trevizo was pregnant, but, per the complaint, Trevizo had not yet learned this when she told a nurse she had to use the bathroom. A timeline of that bathroom trip is included in the arrest affidavit, which states that Trevizo first entered the bathroom at 1:39 a.m. and remained there for 18 minutes, leaving only when hospital staff threatened to open the door. As Trevizo returned to her hospital room to receive an ultrasound, a member of the cleaning crew was called to the bathroom, where they found a "large amount of blood," per the arrest affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the cleaner went to take out the trash, she thought it was much heavier than usual, and when she looked inside found a trash bag tied-up underneath other trash. The housekeeper then saw what she thought was a baby and immediately called in two nurses, according to the affidavit. 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. Per an amicus brief filed by the state of New Mexico, staff called police and Dr. Vaskas addressed the situation with Trevizo, saying: "We discovered a dead baby in the bathroom." Trevizo then allegedly said, "I'm sorry, it came out of me, I didn't know what to do." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nurse informed Trevizo and her mother that the baby appeared to be full term, per the amicus brief, prompting Trevizo to allegedly exclaim: "Nothing was crying." On questioning from her mother, per the amicus brief, Trevizo allegedly admitted that she placed the newborn in "the trash bag." Trevizo was allowed to go home and continue with her school year until the autopsy report came back stating that the child had air in his lungs and that there was evidence of a hemorrhage consistent with hypoxia. The high school senior was arrested on May 10, 2023 and charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. Trevizo entered a plea of not guilty to both charges and was released pretrial, attending her prom but not her high school graduation ceremony. The district's attorney's case relies on the alleged confession Trevizo made as well as surveillance video inside the hospital showing her enter and exit the bathroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico's Fifth Judicial District Court ruled, just before trial, that Trevizo's alleged confession and all video of her inside the hospital would not be admissible at trial because it was protected under doctor-patient privilege. Lawyers for the state challenged that ruling in an amicus brief filed with the New Mexico Supreme Court, who just heard arguments in the case last week. Trevizo's murder trial is on hold while lawyers for both sides await the Supreme Court's ruling, while the wrongful death suit is currently on track to head to trial sometime next year. Read the original article on People CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) Chesapeake Public Schools will be hosting a One Stop Job Fair Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the School Administration building from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The job fair, located at 1421 Kristina Way, is designed to address some of their vacancies at positions such as: bus drivers, custodians, school nutrition workers and substitute teachers. CPS offers medical, dental, pharmacy, and retirement benefits for full-time, contracted positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school system will hold another job fair Oct. 8. Interested candidates can apply for positions online at the link 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. CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) The Chesapeake Sheriffs Office is returning to the Dulles Day Plane Pull in September to win their 16th title, while raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics Virginia. This isnt just a competition. Its a commitment, Sheriff Dave Rosado said. Every practice, every pull and every dollar help Special Olympics Virginia empower athletes on and off the field. The Plane Pull is a charity event where teams move a full-sized aircraft the fastest. Proceeds raised during the event goes to health and inclusion programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBIA, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A man from Fort Lawn in Chester County has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Evidence obtained during the investigation revealed that in May 2023, the South Carolina Attorney Generals Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) executed a search warrant on the home of John Edward Prigmore, 40. The search came after officials received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. According to the cybertip, accounts associated with Prigmore contained child sexual abuse material, including several electronic devices that belonged to Prigmore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prigmore was previously convicted on state charges of criminal sexual conduct with a minor. U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Prigmore to 120 months imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. He was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. (NewsNation) President Donald Trump reiterated his plan to ramp up Immigrations and Customs Enforcement operations in the Windy City on Monday, telling an audience hed love forces to go into Chicago and straighten it out. Trump, at a White House Religious Liberty Commission hearing, touted his crackdown in Washington, D.C. and said he would love to do the same in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, among other cities. DHS launches Operation Midway Blitz As Trump wrapped up his speech, the Department of Homeland Security announced a new operation in honor of Katie Abraham who was killed in a drunk driving hit-and-run car wreck caused by criminal illegal alien Julio Cucul-Bol in Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abraham, 20, was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Urbana in January, NewsNation local affiliate WGN reported. DHS is launching Operation Midway Blitz in honor of Katie Abraham who was killed in a drunk driving hit-and-run car wreck caused by criminal illegal alien Julio Cucul-Bol in Illinois. This ICE operation will target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois pic.twitter.com/OjbgtTE1Au Homeland Security (@DHSgov) September 8, 2025 ICE operations absolutely on table for Chicago this week: Tom Homan Border czar Tom Homan said Chicago should absolutely expect a surge of immigration enforcement operations this week, adding that deploying National Guard troops to protect the operations is always on the table. That same day, NewsNation cameras captured an Immigration and Customs Enforcement van returning to an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, where at least six detainees were unloaded. Send in troops, ICE, some Chicagoans say At least one man was detained in the Archer Heights neighborhood by federal agents in unmarked cars. Community activists say the ICE arrests of at least three people were caught on surveillance camera, including one man well-known in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes been a flower vendor here for quite some time. You see him consistently, especially on the weekends. Very sweet gentleman, never causing problems with anyone. Very respectful, Chicago resident Celina Morin told NewsNation. Participants wave flags during the 2025 Pilsen Mexican Independence Day parade Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) People march by Chicago Theater during Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights Chicago Says No Trump No Troops protest Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) People march during Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights Chicago Says No Trump No Troops protest Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) People march during Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights Chicago Says No Trump No Troops protest Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Police walk along as people march during Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights Chicago Says No Trump No Troops protest Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Suburban Chicago ICE facility gains spotlight for federal operation The arrests coincide with Mexican Independence Day celebrations in the Windy City. About 21% of Chicagos population is Mexican, according to the Census Bureau. NewsNation has reached out to ICE for more details about the people detained in Chicago. Protests erupt in Chicago as Trump renews Guard threat The arrests came after several thousand protesters gathered in downtown Chicago, vocally opposing the White Houses efforts to expand ICE operations and bring in other federal forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Korea has finished talks with US to release Korean workers Protests also erupted outside the ICE processing center in the northern suburbs of Chicago, where undocumented immigrants can be temporarily detained. Trump posted on social media Saturday, saying the city was about to find out why its called the Department of War, adding he loves the smell of deportations in the morning. NewsNation partner The Hill 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. BROADVIEW, Ill. The ICE detention center in west suburban Broadview continues to be the center of large scale immigration raids expected across the Chicago area. President Donald Trumps appointed border czar, Tom Homan, saying Chicago should expect stepped up raids this week. That was backed up Monday afternoon by a post on the Department of Homeland Securitys website. Meanwhile, at the processing facility in Broadview, WGN News has seen a number of people coming on their own accord, saying that theyve been summoned by immigration officials. Others are being brought in by agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside the Broadview ICE detention facility, a uniformed private security guard is coming out to speak with those who were brought in. Faith over fear: After at least 5 people detained by ICE in Archer Heights, faith leaders gather downtown to protest The person does not seem to be part of any federal agency, instead a company named Parasys INC. which appears on the sleeve of their uniform. The private security firm is based outside of D.C., with an office in Chicago. At Daley Plaza Monday morning, faith leaders gathered against the White Houses immigration raids and threatened federal troop action in Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Participants called on the president stop what they called bogus deportations and bogus occupation, chanting, Faith over fear! Peace is unity! On Sunday, at least five people were caught up in a raid in Chicagos Archer Heights neighborhood, according to Ald. ld. Jeylu Gutierrez (14th Ward). One of them a well known street vendor who sold flowers. U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia of Illinois 4th District told WGN-TV it appeared the agents grabbed the vendor off the street and did not show a warrant. Hes been a vendor here for quite some time, Celena Morin said. You see him consistently, especially on the weekends. (Hes) a very sweet gentleman, never causing problems with anyone, very respectful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance video from a nearby restaurant shows the man being detained by multiple individuals wearing bulletproof vests labelled police and federal agent. ICE raids were expected in Chicago over the weekend, and Sundays detainments came just a day after thousands of protestors rallied against Trumps plans to send federal troops to Chicago for expanded immigration enforcement. So far, there have been no sightings of National Guard troops in Chicago. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. CHICAGO (AP) The Department of Homeland Security trumpeted the start of a new immigration operation Monday in Chicago, stirring up fresh confusion and anxiety as the city remained on alert for a federal intervention President Donald Trump has touted for days. Blasting so-called sanctuary laws in Chicago and Illinois, the latest effort targets people without legal permission to live in the U.S. who have criminal records. Like other Trump administration plans, it was stamped with a splashy name, Operation Midway Blitz, and circulated on social media with the mugshots of 11 foreign-born men it said should be deported. This ICE operation will target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor (JB) Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets, said a statement from DHS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker, who has been locked in a back-and-forth with Trump for days, criticized the move. He and Mayor Brandon Johnson have defended the state and city's extensive sanctuary laws which bar coordination between local police and immigration agents. Theyve accused the Trump administration of using scare tactics, particularly with Latino residents in the nations third-largest city. Once again, this isnt about fighting crime. That requires support and coordination yet weve experienced nothing like that over the past several weeks, Pritzker said in a statement. Instead of taking steps to work with us on public safety, the Trump administrations focused on scaring Illinoisians. Chicago has been bracing for an influx of immigration agents and possibly the National Guard for two weeks. Numerous protests have cropped up downtown, outside a suburban military base DHS plans to use and at an immigration processing center thats expected to be a hub of activity. Trump 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. For the federal intervention in Los Angeles, a judge deemed the National Guard deployment illegal, but the Trump administration got a victory related to immigration enforcement there when the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a restraining order barring agents there from stopping people solely based on their race, language, job or location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the Senate's No. 2 Democrat, rejected the latest operation announced in Chicago. These actions dont make us safer," he said in a statement. They are a waste of money, stoke fear, and represent another failed attempt at a distraction. It remained unclear what role Mondays announced program would play in a Chicago surge. Adding to the confusion was a handful of immigration arrests over the weekend in Chicago, which galvanized the citys vocal activist network and worries that it was the start of something bigger. This is about terrorizing our communities, said Chicago City Council member Jeylu Gutierrez said. But we will not be intimidated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She and immigrant rights activists said that five people arrested were beloved community members. Some were on their way to work when arrested Sunday. Another works as a flower vendor. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed four arrests but gave sparse information, noting criminal histories with previous arrests and one conviction for driving under the influence. ICE has always operated in Chicago, the agency said in a statement. We will continue our law enforcement and public safety mission, undeterred, as we surge ICE resources in the city in coordination with our federal partners. DHS said the operation announced Monday would be in honor of Katie Abraham, one of two Illinois women killed in a January fatal car crash. A grand jury indicted a 29-year-old man in the hit-and-run. The Guatemalan national also faces federal false identification crimes. ___ This story has been corrected to show that the person the operation will be in honor of is Katie Abraham, not Katie Abram. ___ Associated Press writer Christine Fernando contributed to this report. In the wake of President Donald Trump seeming to declare war on Chicago in a social media post evoking the movie Apocalypse Now, the city is fighting back with its own campaign advocating civic love, not war. On Thursday two days before Trumps Chipocalypse Now post showed helicopters flying past the citys skyline ablaze Choose Chicago fired off a preemptive social media strike as the presidents threatened military intervention and inflammatory rhetoric took aim at the city. The campaign, dubbed All for the Love of Chicago by the citys tourism arm, invites residents and visitors alike to post photos, videos and stories on Instagram and TikTok depicting Chicago in a more flattering light. The intent is to refute Trumps dystopian urban narrative that Chicago is a hellhole right now, which the president proclaimed last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only way to kind of counteract some of that negative narrative that always seems to hover over the brand of our city is to completely flood the feeds and the streams with the positive things going on, Kristen Reynolds, Choose Chicagos new president and CEO, said Monday. And we need the entire community to do it. Reynolds, who took the helm at Choose Chicago in May after previously serving in the same role at Discover Long Island, oversaw the launch of the citys broader marketing campaign, Never Done. Never Outdone, in June. Getting Chicagoans to promote their city on social media has been high on her inaugural to-do list as well. Trumps recent messaging may have accelerated the campaign, Reynolds said. The negative narrative that is in the national news certainly adds to the urgency to make sure that we are proactively controlling our story and being able to talk about who we are as a community, Reynolds said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chicago social media campaign has generated more than 280,000 impressions and nearly 20,000 interactions to date, according to Reynolds. Meanwhile, Trumps Chipocalypse Now message, originally posted on Truth Social, has more than 10 million views on X after it was reposted by the official White House account Saturday. Chicago has been in Trumps sights for weeks as he has threatened to deploy the National Guard and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to the city as a show of force to crack down on crime and illegal immigration. On Monday, the administration announced the surge of immigration enforcement in Chicago was beginning. Both Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson have denounced the federal intervention as unwarranted and unwanted. Pritzker has threatened to sue the administration if the National Guard is deployed, while Johnson has issued an order that Chicago police are not to cooperate with any unlawful or unconstitutional actions undertaken by federal law enforcement in the city. Once again, this isnt about fighting crime, Pritzker said in a social media post Monday. That requires support and coordination yet weve experienced nothing like that over the past several weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps social media post Saturday escalated the growing tension. In the post, Trump is outfitted like the fictional Lt. Col. Kilgore played by Robert Duvall in the 1979 Vietnam War movie, Apocalypse Now, who uttered the phrase, I love the smell of napalm in the morning. The Trump post changed the line to I love the smell of deportations in the morning, adding the message, Chicago about to find out why its called the Department of WAR. The reaction has been swift, with everyone from Pritzker to U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth and other Democratic leaders condemning Trumps social media post. Challenged by a reporter Sunday, Trump pushed back on the backlash saying, were not going to war, were going to clean up our cities. Chicago, meanwhile, is preparing for a surge in federal intervention and fallout from the presidents campaign to cast the city as a war zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governors office has received no formal communication or information from the Trump administration, Matt Hill, a Pritzker spokesperson, said in a statement Monday. Like the public and press, we are learning of their operations through their social media as they attempt to produce a reality television show. As Trump has said himself, this is not about seriously fighting crime or reforming immigration its about Trumps plan to go to war with Americas third-largest city. In a CNN interview Monday, former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel offered his own take on the social media blowup. The president of the United States once mused just a couple weeks ago about going to heaven, Emanuel said. When you declare war on your own residents, my unsolicited advice is bone up on Dantes Inferno and the nine stages there, because this is insane. It may nonetheless be challenging for the city to make a dent in the potentially damaging national storyline Trumps posts and unfolding initiative may have on Chicagos image and its tourism business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Presidential Trumps attack on Chicago certainly doesnt help the citys brand, said Tim Calkins, a marketing professor at Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School of Management. It is critical to respond to all the negative attacks. Influencer marketing can be particularly influential at a time like this. Reynolds is counting on Chicagoans and the 55 million people who visited the city last year to help set the record straight. There is more to come with this campaign, Reynolds said. Were going to be looking at many additional ways to flood the feeds and flood the streams so people can really understand what Chicago is all about, from people that know and love the city. rchannick@chicagotribune.com Police in Ocala said an elementary school student was found with a gun on a school bus Monday morning. Officers said the firearm was safely recovered, and the juvenile was taken into custody without incident. Police said the incident happened at SW 14th Street and SW 27th Avenue as the bus was en route to College Park Elementary. No injuries were reported, and all other students on the bus were unharmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident remains under active investigation as detectives work closely with school officials and the juvenile justice system to determine how the firearm was obtained and whether any threats were made or intended. The Ocala Police Department expressed gratitude for the swift actions of the bus driver who reported the situation and for the cooperation of school staff and transportation personnel. Police said due to the age of the individual involved, no identifying information will be released, but additional details may be shared as the investigation progresses. Marion County Public Schools released the following statement to Channel 9: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weapons are not acceptable on school property including school buses. As outlined in our Code of Student Conduct, consequences are serious and severe if students choose to ignore this. The messaging shared with College Park parents included this: Good morning, this is College Park Elementary School, letting you know one of our fourth-grade students brought a gun onto the bus in their backpack this morning. The student did not threaten anyone with the weapon; however, other students saw it and reported it to the bus driver, who immediately alerted authorities. Our Safe Schools department and Ocala Police responded to the bus stop, confiscated the weapon, and now has the student in custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, no one was injured during this incident. This student now faces serious discipline and legal consequences. Parents, please consider this an opportunity to discuss with your students the importance of making positive decisions that have good outcomes. Were grateful our students saw something and said something. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. President Donald Trump was so desperate to claim hes conquered crime in Washington, D.C., Monday, he dismissed claims of domestic violence. Speaking to the White House Religious Liberty Commission at the Museum of the Bible, Trump tried to tout some impressive crime reduction numbers in Washington, where he has federalized police and unleashed thousands of National Guard troops. To support his assertion that crime was down more than 87 percent, Trump callously claimed that people were attempting to undermine his success by crying wolf about much lesser things, things that take place in the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know, theyll do anything in the home to claim something. If a man has a little fight with the wife theyll say this was a crime, see? So now I cant claim 100 percent, Trump said. Trumps effort to downplay domestic violence is not only desperate but despicable. Every minute, 24 Americans experience rape, stalking, or physical violence by their partner, and domestic violence results in more than 1,500 deaths every year. Eighty-five percent of victims of intimate partner violence are women, meaning a woman is beaten every nine seconds. Despite all of Trumps talk about cracking down on crime, it seems his commitment only goes so far. Over the past few weeks, the president has been eager to claim victory over violent crime in the capital. Since Trump deployed the National Guard in Washington D.C., violent crime has decreased by just 22 percent. Property crime has decreased considerably though, with carjackings down 83 percent, car thefts down 21 percent, and robberies down 46 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has also been sending mixed messages on its use of National Guard troops. While Trump would like to imagine his crackdown is so complete that there are no more criminals to arrest, Attorney General Pam Bondi keeps touting a running tally of arrests. At the same time, National Guard troops with no actual work have been tasked with raking up leaves and laying out mulch. Last week, D.C. sued the Trump administration, alleging that the use of federal troops was illegal federal overreach. That lawsuit follows a California judge ruling that Trumps deployment of troops in Los Angeles in June had violated the Posse Comitatus Act. By Ethan Wang and Kantaro Komiya BEIJING/TOKYO (Reuters) - China said on Monday it was sanctioning Japanese lawmaker Seki Hei, a China-born Japanese citizen and outspoken critic of the Chinese Communist Party a decision Tokyo condemned as an unacceptable attempt to stifle free expression. A Chinese foreign ministry statement said that Seki, also known by his Chinese name Shi Ping, "has long spread fallacies on issues such as Taiwan, the Diaoyu Islands, history, Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Seki has "betrayed his roots, sold his conscience, colluded with anti-China forces" and "China's countermeasures serve as a strong punishment and a stern warning to people" like him. The ministry statement said the lawmaker had violated the China-Japan joint statement inked in 1972, "seriously interfered in China's internal affairs" and damaged China's "sovereignty and territorial integrity." Yoshimasa Hayashi, Tokyo's top government spokesperson, said Beijing's action "that appears to intimidate those with differing views" was "absolutely unacceptable". "Lawmakers' freedom of expression is fundamental to Japan's democracy," Hayashi told a regular briefing, adding Tokyo has requested Beijing swiftly withdraw the measures on Seki. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China will from Monday freeze any property of Seki's in the country and prohibit any Chinese organizations and individuals from conducting related transactions, cooperation and other activities with them, the statement said. Seki and his family will not be issued visas or be able to enter mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau, it said. Having authored dozens of books in Japanese about what he called China's threats, Seki won a seat in July in Japan's upper house election where he ran with the opposition Japan Innovation Party on a campaign focused on China policy, immigration and national sovereignty. "I am a Japanese lawmaker, so China's sanctions over my remarks go against our universal values and constitute interference in Japan's internal affairs," Seki told Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, in a post on social media website X, he wrote that he had "no assets in China or any intention of going there either" and China's sanctions were "nothing but a mere farce". (Reporting by Ethan Wang in Beijing and Kantaro Komiya in Tokyo; Writing by Farah Master in Hong Kong; Editing by Christian Schmollinger, William Maclean) BEIJING (AP) China's exports grew last month but at a slower pace than in recent months, the country's customs agency said Monday. Exports reached $321.8 billion in August, a 4.4% increase compared to the same month last year. That was down from a 7.2% jump in July. Meanwhile, imports totaled $219.5 billion, a 1.8% rise. China's large trade surplus has become a contentious issue with major trading partners including the U.S. and the European Union. Low-priced Chinese imports are a boon for consumers but can lead to job cuts in manufacturing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the first eight months of the year, China's exported $785.3 billion more in goods than it imported from other countries, the monthly customs data showed. President Donald Trump has imposed 30% in additional tariffs on imports from China since taking office early this year. He backed down from even higher tariffs after China retaliated with import taxes of its own. The two countries are in talks to try to reach a trade agreement. The tariffs from both sides and the possibility they could be raised again are having an impact on two-way trade. Chinese exports to the U.S. plunged 33% in August to $47.3 billion, while its imports from the U.S. dropped 16% to $13.4 billion. Exports to the EU rose 10.4% to $46.8 billion, while imports from the 27-member bloc edged down slightly to $22.8 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, China's exports grew at the slowest pace since the January-February period, when they rose just2.3%. The first two months of the year are reported together to smooth out distortions from the long Lunar New Year break. China's exports of rare earths rose on a monthly basis to $55 million in August, up from $41 million in July, but down 25.6% compared to the same month last year. Rare earth magnets, which can withstand high heat, are vital to many products including washing machines, cars and fighter jets. China dominates the global market for processing rare earths, and a clampdown on their export in April temporarily halted production at some factories in Europe and the U.S. and raised fears of shutdowns at others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue became a focal point of a round of U.S.-China trade talks in London in June. China agreed to approve more export permits for rare earths in return for the U.S. lifting curbs on the sale of chip design software and jet engines to China. ___ This story has been corrected to say China's January-August trade surplus of $785.3 billion was in goods only, not in goods and services. China's exports to Russia, measured in yuan, saw their steepest decline since February, while imports also dropped sharply, falling by double digits after posting gains in July, Reuters reported on Sept. 8, citing Chinese customs data. The news comes shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing, where he attended a military parade and a major regional security summit. During the visit, Putin also held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on deepening Chinese-Russian cooperation. China's exports to Russia fell 16.4% year-on-year in August, the sharpest drop in five months and adding to July's 8.6% decline, marking the fifth straight monthly contraction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Imports slumped 17.8%, reversing a 4.4% increase in July. The customs agency did not release a breakdown of goods traded with Russia on Monday. Over the first eight months of the year, exports to Russia dropped 8.8%, while imports were down 8.2%. Bilateral trade totaled 1.03 trillion yuan ($145 billion) during the period. China remains a crucial economic lifeline for Russia as it continues to purchase oil and provide dual-use technology despite claiming neutrality in the war against Ukraine. During Putin's visit to China, Russia's state-owned energy giant Gazprom and China's CNPC signed a binding agreement on Sept. 2 to advance the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, a project set to deliver gas from Russia's Yamal fields to China via Mongolia for the next 30 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow and Beijing also agreed to boost deliveries through the existing Power of Siberia line from 38 to 44 billion cubic meters per year. Read also: Russia and Chinas multipolar world raises nightmare scenario for Europe Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. After the rebranding of the Department of Defense as the Department of War, Donald Trump has once again used an AI-generated image of himself to seemingly threaten "war" on the city of Chicago. The image depicts him as Robert Duvalls character, Lieutenant Colonel William Kilgore, in Francis Ford Coppolas 1979 film Apocalypse Now. The backdrop depicts Chicagos skyline peppered with helicopters and fire, seemingly imitating an active war zone. Chicago about to find out why its called the Department of WAR, the image caption reads, with an altered version of one of the films most famous quotes to refer to Trumps plan to bring the National Guard to Chicago a move that follows his ongoing militarization of Washington D.C.: I love the smell of deportations in the morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original quote is: "I love the smell of napalm in the morning. Trump accompanied the AI image with a parody of the films title, transforming it to Chipocalypse Now. Trump's post on Truth Social - Truth Social The reaction to this troubling post from Trump was swift. The President of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city. This is not a joke. This is not normal, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker wrote on X. Donald Trump isn't a strongman, he's a scared man. Illinois wont be intimidated by a wannabe dictator. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wrote: The Presidents threats are beneath the honor of our nation, but the reality is that he wants to occupy our city and break our Constitution. We must defend our democracy from this authoritarianism by protecting each other and protecting Chicago from Donald Trump. As for California governor Gavin Newsom, who has recently used Trumps own branding tactics against him, he accused Trump of using US troops like political pawns, adding: DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO BECOME NUMB TO THIS." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not that this is the most pressing priority, considering Trumps threats, but the image once again shows a classic tactic from the president and his administration: the use of AI memes to engage in memetic warfare - a term employed by Kurt Sengul, a researcher at Macquarie University in Australia. Sengul recently spoke to Euronews Culture about Trump and his administrations use of memes and generative AI, which allows for the creation of an ecosystem where nothing appears to be serious. Trumps stance is that if you get upset, its because you are humourless and cant take a joke, according to Sengul. Additionally, this latest Apocalypse Now meme betrays quite how culturally illiterate Trump and his administration are when it comes to movie references. Nothing new here, as Trump has prior form. Trump and his misunderstanding of cinema - Orion Pictures - Truth Social - X He repeatedly used Thomas Harris / The Silence of the Lambs references during the campaign trail last year, routinely namechecking of one of cinemas greatest villains: Hannibal Lecter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Has anyone seen Silence of the Lambs? The late, great Hannibal Lecter. Hed love to have you for dinner. Thats insane asylums, theyre emptying out their insane asylums, he said, adding that Lecter was a wonderful man. This showed Trumps misunderstanding of the cultural reference, as Hannibal is: a) not a real person; b) hardly wonderful due to his lack of empathy for his fellow man; c) famously not dead, as the character survives at the end of the 1991 Oscar-winning film, and maintains his oxygen habit in the books and all other TV and film adaptations - thereby not being late. His scaremongering tactic was a way of injecting fear into the minds of the public through a well-known scary movie villain and demonising migrants - all through an unintentionally confused movie reference. Then came the Jedi image he posted on Star Wars Day 2025, a computer-generated picture of a muscled-to-the-point-of-overcompensation version of Trump clutching a red lightsaber in front of US flags and a pair of bald eagles. It was captioned: Happy May the 4th to all, including the Radical Left Lunatics who are fighting so hard to bring Sith Lords, Murderers, Drug Lords, Dangerous Prisoners, & well known MS-13 Gang Members, back into our Galaxy. Youre not the Rebellion - youre the Empire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As even the most casual of Star Wars fans can attest, red is the chosen colour of the villainous Sith Lords. Star Wars creator George Lucas once said regarding lightsaber colours: Good guys are green and blue, bad guys are red. Hardly rocket science, but it made Trumps image an almighty self-own, signaling that Trump is the Empire and the very evil he proclaims to seek to defeat. Then came the cringe-inducing image of Trump as Superman, posted by The White House with the caption: THE SYMBOL OF HOPE. TRUTH. JUSTICE. THE AMERICAN WAY. SUPERMAN TRUMP. Once more, Trump failed to get the cultural reference: Superman was technically an undocumented immigrant who grew up on an American farm. Considering this glaring irony, the image only showed that Trump, whose anti-immigration agenda has led to wide protests over the ICE raids this year, was using the wrong reference at the wrong time. Which brings us back to his latest AI-generated gaff: "Chipocalypse Now". Coppolas classic transposes Joseph Conrads 1899 book Heart of Darkness on to the Vietnam War, and his film serves a savage portrait of the absurdity of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The film depicts the darkest aspects of the human condition and how humanitys capacity for evil through waging war can only lead to madness. While it may not be an anti-war film in the mind of its director, who has said that Apocalypse Now shouldnt have sequences of violence that inspire a lust for violence and that his film has stirring scenes of helicopters attacking innocent people - thats not anti-war", the film certainly has no heroes. Just look at the character Trump has co-opted as his valiant avatar. Kilgore commands a helicopter attack against an innocent village, and orders a napalm strike something which leads to that famous napalm in the morning line. Kilgore is not a hero. The clues in his name. If Trump sought to portray himself as an absurd, empathy-devoid character capable of senseless violence, his AI-generated image is right on target. Should this not be the case, and he was seeking to peacock as a strongman, this is another massive self-own that shows all the president has in mind is the basic reference of helicopter squadrons playing Ride of the Valkyries. Scene from Apocalypse Now - United Artists No one is asking for die-hard cinephilia, but had he or anyone behind this image actually bothered to read Conrad or watch Apocalypse Now, theyd have stumbled upon Marlon Brandos rogue Colonel Walter Kurtz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kurtz observes about the American military machine and the lunacy of violence: We train young men to drop fire on people, but their commanders wont allow them to write fuck on their airplanes because its obscene. Trump and his administration could learn something here. Their latest image is double-barreled proof of artificial intelligence's nominative determinism and that the memetic warfare they are engaged in is now backfiring without the appropriate cultural ammo. In the words of Kurtz: The horror... the horror... Choo Hoey, the conductor who has died aged 90, made it his mission to bring the Western canon to Asian audiences. He founded the current incarnation of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in 1979; 12 years later he led the orchestras first British tour, conducting a 12-year-old Vanessa Mae in Tchaikovskys Violin Concerto. While Choos results could be mixed, none could fault his enthusiasm and determination. Starting with eight Singaporeans and 27 foreigners, he spent almost two decades building up a full-strength orchestra. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Choo had been living in Athens for almost a decade when, in 1978, he returned to his childhood homeland as music director of the proposed new Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO). It was not the first ensemble to bear that name but it had both political and financial backing from the government, including from the attorney general, Tan Boon Teik. The Singaporeans meant business and from his office in the former City Hall building Choo called his musical contacts, took out recruitment adverts in international newspapers and organised auditions. His early duties ranged from negotiating salaries and planning the orchestral season. The SSOs inaugural concert, at Singapore Conference Hall on January 24 1979, was brimming with energy, though Choos programme included Charles Ivess The Unanswered Question to symbolise his worries about whether the orchestra would last. It did, and by the early 1990s he was tackling such ambitious works as Mahlers Symphony No 9. Choo had a nose for talent, and in 1997 introduced audiences to the 15-year-old Lang Lang long before the rest of the world discovered the Chinese pianists talents. He was also a firm disciplinarian, rehearsing passages several times and demanding that players wear full evening dress even in humid conditions. I do what I know is right, he said, and the consequences be damned. Choo Hoey: brought a 12-year-old Vanessa Mae to Britain and discovered Lang Lang - South China Morning Post Choo Hoey was born into a Chinese family on October 20 1934 in Palembang, on the island of Sumatra in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). He recalled being woken in the early hours by his music-loving father to listen to the BBC Proms, telling The Straits Times: He would say, Come! Wonderful music. He never let me sleep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1946 the family fled to Singapore, where he took violin lessons. Later he studied the violin and the French horn at the Royal Academy of Music in London and received the Ernest Read and Manns Memorial prizes for conducting. He continued his studies in Brussels and in 1958 conducted the Belgian National Orchestra for five nights. Choo made his British debut in April 1960 conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra in Dvoraks New World Symphony at the Royal Festival Hall, though a Daily Telegraph critic was not convinced, saying that his sense of tempo was erratic and his beat seemed often hard to follow. Others were fascinated by his race, with the Evening Standard reporting: There is still something bizarre and improbable to us in the idea of a Chinese conducting a Western symphony orchestra. He continued to make guest appearances, including in 1961 with the London Symphony Orchestra and the renowned Chinese pianist Fou Tsong. After his marriage to Alexandra Avieropoulou, a Greek archaeologist, he settled in Athens in 1969, conducting several ensembles, including the Greek National Opera and the Athens State Orchestra, before returning to Singapore in 1978. Choo was succeeded in 1997 by Lan Shui, who transformed the SSOs sound and moved the orchestra into the much-improved acoustics of the Esplanade Concert Hall. They made their Proms debut in 2014 and five years later invited Choo out of retirement for a 40th-anniversary concert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is survived by his wife and two sons, refusing to steer them towards music, saying that he had squandered his childhood years playing the violin and instead wanted them to live. Choo Hoey, born October 20 1934, died August 11 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. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie unloaded onto Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a heated debate Sunday, suggesting the health secretarys tenure under President Donald Trump could be nearing an end. In an appearance on ABC News This Week, the Republican lawmaker and Trump foe said Thursdays Senate hearing, where Kennedy faced off against critics from both parties, just confirms what all of us around this table have known for decades: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a foolish man, full of foolish and vapid ideas. Bipartisan senators grilled Kennedy for three hours over his ousting of top leadership at the CDC and his department limiting access to the COVID vaccine during the hearing. A growing number of Democrats have called on him to resign. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was skewered over his anti-vax and conspiratorial health beliefs during Thursday's Senate hearing. / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images This Week host George Stephanopoulos noted that Trump, however, didnt seem rattled by GOP worries about the conspiracy theorist and vaccine skeptic he picked for the nations top health job (the president called Kennedy a very good person who had a different take, after the hearing). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christie suggested that Trump is unfazed because he knows he can just can him, adding, And thats what he will do if it gets much worse. He argued that Trump is smart enough to know RFK Jr. doesnt belong in that job, and that he had installed the greatest vaccine and public health denier of the last 20 years as a human middle finger ... to everyone who opposed him. When reached for comment, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement: Secretary Kennedy remains laser-focused on gold-standard science, radical transparency, and addressing the countrys chronic disease epidemic. Social media noise, coordinated attacks from special interest groups, and Sunday show punditry will not deter Secretary Kennedy from achieving President Trumps mandate to Make America Healthy Again. Trumps former chief of staff Reince Priebus came away with a different read on Kennedys Senate hearing than Christie did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I saw a decent, humble, caring guy, Priebus said. I think hes trying to do the right thing. He argued that Kennedy was simply trying to balance the benefits of the COVID shot. The roundtable soon descended into a shouting match as Priebus and Christie sparred over Kennedys handling of public health. Reince Priebus, the shortest-serving chief of staff in White House history, defended President Donald Trump's appointment of Kennedy. / Jim Watson/Getty Images Im very confused by you this morning, Christie told Priebus. I want to know: You think Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Is the best man to be leading public health? Answer the question! Its not my decision! Priebus shot back. Its the presidents decision! Chris Christie and RFK Jr. both ran for president in 2024, though Christie sought the Republican nomination, while Kennedy first ran as a Democrat. / Jim Watson/Getty Images Youre supporting the decision, Christie said. You just called him a humble, qualified man, so you think hes the best person to lead public health in this country? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think hes the best person, and I think he that the president of the United States has the mandate that you dont, Priebus shot back at Christie, who sought the GOP presidential nomination in 2016 and 2024. Christie replied, Hes a joke! Hes a foolish man and hes a joke! Welcome to The Dirt. Im Darrell Hofheinz of the Palm Beach Daily News, and Im filling for Kim Miller, who is away this week. Here's a look some of the latest developments in the market. Palm Beach County could see more affordable housing, thanks to a zoning change approved by the County Commission that will allow a developer to build on land owned by a church just west of West Palm Beach. Elsewhere in the county, Boca Raton has lost a seafood restaurant that was in business for nearly seven years at one of the city's most prominent retail destinations. Meanwhile in Wellington, plans are in the works to open a new cinema in a former movie theater that closed in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in Palm Beach, a commercial building near Worth Avenue recently sold in a deal that topped $8 million. Read on for details. Affordable housing project would include a new church under development deal Rendering of the Seventh at Haverhill affordable housing project that will include a church within the 101 apartments. In exchange for the West Palm Beach Baptist Seventh Day Church agreeing to lease its land to a development group for 99 years, developer Mario Procida plans to include space for a new place of worship within his planned affordable-housing complex. Dubbed "Seventh at Haverhill," the 101-unit project would rise on the west side of Haverhill Road, a half-mile south of Okeechobee Boulevard and west of West Palm Beach. The project would take advantage of the County Commission's recent approval of zoning changes designed to encourage area churches to work with developers to create housing on unused land, according to a report by The Palm Beach Post's Mike Diamond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is phenomenal," said County Commissioner Gregg Weiss about the effort. Seafood tavern shutters after nearly 7 years in Boca Raton's Mizner Park After seven years in Mizner Park, Loch Bar's last supper was served Aug. 30. Diners in South County craving Maryland crab cakes and a cold one will no longer have the option of visiting Loch Bar, an upscale "seafood tavern" in Boca Raton's Mizner Park. The restaurant closed Aug. 30 after nearly seven years. Loch Bar was part of of Atlas Restaurant Groups portfolio, which comprises 50 dining venues. The Post's Diana Biederman spoke to an employee on the property who wasn't authorized to speak on behalf of the business but said the amount of walk-in traffic couldn't support the venues 180 seats. Company plans to open Wellington movie theater next spring at site of closed cinema Flagship Cinemas has announced it will open an eight-screen movie theater with one-price tickets and new reclining seats at a site that once housed the old Movies at Wellington and the old Cinema 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Company president Paul Wenger said the theater would offer patrons "an elevated experience without breaking the bank" in the Wellington Marketplace plaza at Goldenrod Road and Greenview Shores Boulevard. The previous operator closed its theater in January. Longtime Palm Beach family sells commercial building near Worth Avenue for $8.4 million Palamad LLC has sold for a recorded $8.4 million this office building built in 2002 at 317 Peruvian Ave. in Palm Beach. Managed by Paul "Jay" Maddock Jr., the selling entity is a holding company for real estate assets controlled by the Maddock family. The Maddocks who count themselves among Palm Beach's pioneer families have parted with a commercial building at 317 Peruvian Ave., a block north of Worth Avenue. The sale recorded at $8.4 million on Aug. 25. Real estate investor Paul L. Jay Maddock Jr. developed the Mediterranean-style building more than two decades ago in Midtown. The Maddock family owned it through a holding company named Palamad LLC, which had an office there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Delray real estate investor was the buyer. The building is among a number of properties across the county that Palamad LLC has sold over the past year. "We are downsizing our real estate operations and will be deploying the funds into other investments," Jay Maddock told the Palm Beach Daily News. As Kim would say, live lightly. Darrell Hofheinz is a USA TODAY Network of Florida journalist who writes about Palm Beach real estate in his weekly Beyond the Hedges column. Email dhofheinz@pbdailynews.com, call 561-820-3831 or tweet @PBDN_Hofheinz. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Church, developer partner for affordable housing near West Palm EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The City of El Pasos Department of Public Health has confirmed the first case of Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus this year in the city. The City says a man in his 80s who lives in the Upper Valley is currently hospitalized with a severe form of the virus that has affected his nervous system. In 2024, El Paso reported two cases of Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus cases, one of which resulted in death, and the other person required hospitalization. West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes, which become carriers after feeding on infected birds. Symptoms of WNV include fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and swollen lymph nodes. City of El Paso Most people infected with the virus will not develop any symptoms. However, one in five people will develop West Nile fever, which is a mild illness consisting of fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, or rash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Severe cases may progress to West Nile Neuroinvasive disease, which causes brain inflammation, fever, and neurological symptoms. About one in 150 infections leads to severe illness, and about one in 10 severe cases are fatal, the City said. Another mosquito-borne illness thats been found in El Paso is St. Louis Encephalitis, which also causes brain inflammation. While most infections are asymptomatic, severe cases can involve fever, confusion, seizures, or death, particularly in older adults, the City said. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for the virus, making prevention essential. As of September, mosquitoes in ZIP codes 79932 and 79936 have tested positive for West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis. The City has also provided some ways to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses by doing the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DEET Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone when outdoors. Always follow label instructions for safe and effective use. DRESS Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when possible. Mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing, so apply repellent to clothes as well. DUSK and DAWN Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus are most active from dusk to dawn. Avoid outdoor activities during these hours when possible. DRAIN Eliminate standing water around your home, including in flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths. Refresh pet water bowls daily. Residents are encouraged to mosquito-proof their homes by installing or repairing window and door screens. Local pest control companies are also stressing prevention. Rocio with El Valle Pest Control said: We do recommend for homeowners to do a weekly check around their homes, make sure theres no standing water, and they dont need as much water as people may think. Even a little cup of water can breed them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Standing water or mosquito breeding sites can be reported by calling (915) 212-6000 or dialing 311. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) The city of Virginia Beach will hold an informational meeting Thursday about the HAWK signal crossing planned for Great Neck Road and Cape Henry Trail. The meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at John B. Dey Elementary School. Short for High-Intensity Activated CrossWalK, HAWK signals allow people to safely cross streets at the push of a button when traditional signals arent available. (Graphic city of Virginia Beach) Phase 1 of the project includes two locations, which are the first of their kind in Virginia Beach and chosen based on site-specific studies that include traffic and pedestrian counts. Another HAWK signal is planned for Atlantic Avenue near 42nd Street and the Cavalier Hotel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction is slated for May 2026, with the project slated to be finished in March 2027. The Virginia Department of Transportation installed a HAWK traffic signal in York County in 2024. Previously: VDOT installs new traffic signals in York County For more information, you can visit the citys webpage about HAWK signals 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. Jinx Trau, reporter Morgan Trau's cat, displays his claws. Ohio lawmakers are introducing a bipartisan bill to make it illegal to declaw a cat. (Photo by Morgan Trau, WEWS) Ohio lawmakers have their claws out introducing a bipartisan bill to make it illegal to declaw a cat. Al Cutrona just purrfected his family. I just recently adopted Archie, Cutrona said. Im happy, and its been exciting to have him in my life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His new cat has quickly become his best friend. As many cat companions know, they use their paws and their claws to play, to fight and to make biscuits. Veterinarian Dr. Aziza Glass explained that claws are part of a cats paws and are sharp. But not all cats have them. Declawing, the process of removing the claw or essentially the nail of the fingers, the digits, the toes, Glass said. Taking away claws can, but not always, cause chronic pain and health problems, behavioral issues and an inability to run, jump or climb. Its basically sadistic, Cutrona said. And so I thought, Why the heck do we even allow that in the state of Ohio?' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cutrona is also a Republican state senator. He and Sen. Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus) put forward bipartisan S.B. 252, which would ban the declawing of cats. Violations could lead to thousands of dollars in fines. There are carve-outs in the legislation if the cat needs their claws removed for their overall health. Declawing is already banned in New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia and Rhode Island, along with a plethora of cities in the U.S. Dozens of other areas across the world, like the United Kingdom, Canada and Spain have major restrictions or total bans. Some people want cats that are declawed because they are afraid of the damage to furniture or children, and veterinarian Dr. Sarah Wallace said cats might not get adopted or could get returned if they are not declawed. Cats, specifically that like to paw on their furniture or on the corner of couches, it can sometimes be so irritating that owners actually consider re-homing or giving up their cat, Wallace said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cutrona understood the concern, but said that furniture getting scratched isnt worth harming your pets or possibly losing them. There are a lot of things that people can do with it, whether its scratch pads, clipping their nails, he said. Cats are more likely to get out of the house, to be out and about, and youre essentially taking away the only form of defense. This bill will be heard in the coming weeks. 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 Sarah Kelleys own children can turn on any faucet in their Greenville home and pour a glass of clean water. The children she helps thousands of miles away cannot. Its been nine years since Kelley traveled to a village in Sierra Leone to watch her coworkers and a local crew drill a water well. As the crew set up, Kelley followed a woman from the village who walked past with a daughter by her side and a toddler strapped to her back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We came to the technical term is an open well but its a hole in the ground. The water has bugs and debris. Its gross, Kelley says. Sarah Kelley, CEO of Set Free Alliance based in Greenville, shows off Wellas. Girls in India use scrap fabric and learn to sew by making colorful, stuffed elephants. Set Free rescues children forced into slavery in India and drills water wells in Sierra Leone and India. A fundraising gala for the organization will take place Oct. 9. The womans daughter hooked a bucket onto a long stick with a notch. She lowers the bucket into this well and pulls it back up. The mother puts the bucket on her head, and they slowly start back up the path, she says. Watching, I understood how important this work is, says Kelley, who had been with Greenville-based Set Free Alliance for six months and is now CEO. My two kids were about the same age. The only thing that separates our two families is where they happened to be born. I had overwhelming gratitude. My kids can turn on a faucet and get clean water. But this family this water would probably make them sick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Set Free team will share stories about the many families and children theyve met through the organizations two-decade history during a gala Oct. 9 at the Greenville Convention Center Ballroom. The annual fundraising event is expected to draw hundreds of people from across the Upstate who celebrate lives changed and a vision for the work ahead. Local Roots, Wide Reach Set Frees work is funded solely by donations, says Andrew Hendricks, Program Director at Set Free. The Christian-based charity was founded by Upstate engineer Roland Bergeron, who led missions in the early 2000s to drill water wells in Honduras. But Bergeron recognized a greater need in West Africa and redirected his efforts to communities in Liberia that had no access to clean water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Partnering with Brookwood Church in Simpsonville, Bergeron raised funds to purchase a drilling rig. They actually practiced drilling on Brookwoods campus before shipping the rig overseas, Kelley says, smiling. In those early years, it was Roland flying back and forth with a small group from the United States, training local Liberian crews to drill and repair water wells. By 2010, Bergeron had turned over his home-building business to his son and committed full time to the mission work. His vision expanded into Sierra Leone and India, where Set Frees model took shape: partner with local pastors, teach local teams to drill and care for the wells, and establish churches. Something as small as a 50-cent seal can shut down a $5,000 well, Kelley explains. Thats why our model includes equipping crews to fix what they build. Rescuing Children, Restoring Lives As water wells were being drilled, a partner in India took Bergeron to a stone quarry where enslaved children as young as 6 years old were performing grueling work, Hendricks says. It was a mine full of kids. What he saw changed everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon, Set Free began organizing rescues. In the middle of the night, we go into mines and brick factories and take kids out, Hendricks says. Its a massive undertaking that takes months of planning. Most of the rescuers are pastors, putting their lives on the line. The risks are real. During an early operation, three pastors were captured and killed. Most rescues take place during festivals, when mine operators are distracted. Up to 100 rescuers may hike into remote areas and bring out as many as 2,500 children. About 1,200 children live at a campus built in 2018. Thousands more live with pastors and church families across India, and nearly three-quarters of the children are ultimately reunited with their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On campus and elsewhere, children go to school, play and worship. Theyre reminded every day that they are worthy, that theyre loved, that they belong, says Hendricks, an Upstate native. Andrew Hendricks, an Upstate native and Program Director of Set Free, helps feed children who are being cared for in India. Gala Theme Captures Mission The theme of this years Set Free Gala is Marked by Love. Changed by Freedom. Village by Village. Kelley says the organizations mission is to meet humanitarian needs and share Christianity. Our work is not conditional. Drilling a well isnt dependent on a village becoming Christian, she says. But when a need is met, hope flourishes, and we see the natural growth of the church. The gala is a celebration and a call to action, says Emily Scurry, Director of Operations and Events at Set Free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every year, Im reminded that what we do is real. Real children, real families, and real pastors. The gala is our chance to honor what God has done, and rally support to keep our mission alive, Scurry says. The staff and donors, along with pastors, children and villages helped by Set Frees mission, are marked by love and changed by freedom, she says. The gala is our chance to share that story and invite our community to be part of it. Art, Music, Vision The gala will feature Greenville artist Jared Emerson, known for his live speed paintings, and songwriter/musicians Garett and Kate Serban. Its important that the gala is not only informative but moving, Scurry says. Its not just about statistics, its about transformation. Its about what comes next children waiting to be rescued, villages in need of clean water, pastors risking everything to bring hope. The Work Continues As children are freed and wells are drilled, Set Free has expanded to provide medical clinics and teach skills to rescued children. Girls often learn to sew and practice by making a Wella, a handmade, stuffed elephant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre all different, and theyre beautiful, Scurry says. The girls send them to us, and we use them to share the story of Set Free. I have one, and every time I see it, I think about the girl who made it. At the gala on Oct. 9, Greenville will have the chance to celebrate that story, and to help write the next chapter." ** For information about Set Free Alliance and the Set Free Gala on Oct. 9, go to setfreealliance.org. This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Charity Based In Greenville Frees Children A World Away Forced into Slavery Someone defaced a sign at the 40 Steps at the Newport Cliff Walk with a sticker to register their unhappiness with the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council. (Photo by Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current) The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) has struggled for years to meet its six-person quorum requirement including waiting an hour for enough council members to show up before finally canceling its most recent meeting on Aug. 26. Ironically, the canceled meetings agenda included first steps in reducing the number of council members needed to constitute a quorum to four people, based on a new state law. The CRMC is scheduled to try again on Tuesday to begin the rulemaking process that cuts its quorum minimum and also the total number of council members from 10 to seven under a new state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislation approved by the Rhode Island General Assembly on its final day of the 2025 session and signed into law by Gov. Dan McKee on June 30 mandates the restructuring and new professional qualifications for council members by March 1, 2026. The reduction in quorum from six to four people follows that timeline. Three of the 10 council seats are unfilled, meaning that if more than one member does not attend a meeting, the council does not have a quorum. Acknowledging the challenges the CRMC has faced challenges finding members already, the new state law also gives some flexibility, letting existing council members continue to serve beyond the March 1 deadline if the new panel has not been appointed. Coastal watchdogs are keeping a close eye on the transition, worried that, if executed improperly, it could expose the agency to even more lawsuits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The concern is if they were to start conducting business meetings with only four members present, any party subject to a decision that didnt go their way would have a very easy case to make in court that the CRMC was operating outside of what they are allowed to do statutorily, Michael Woods, chair of the New England chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, said in an interview on Monday. They already get sued enough of the time. Laura Dwyer, a spokesperson for the CRMC, declined to comment. Woods also submitted a letter to the CRMC on Sept. 5 outlining his concerns. The controversial coastal regulatory panel has been plagued by lawsuits challenging its decisions, with aggrieved parties winning court-ordered do-overs because the council did not follow its own rules. Devil in the details If the agency tries to proceed with meetings with four members present before all seven are confirmed, the CRMC would be breaking its own rules, making them an easy target for legal challenges, advocates say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also of concern to Jed Thorp, advocacy director for Save the Bay, is the appointment of new members. While the law says all seven new members must be seated for the quorum change to take effect, Thorp fears that if at least four new members are confirmed, the council might forge ahead with meetings anyway again, violating their statutory mandates. In fairness, no one at the CRMC has stated that this is their plan or intent, Thorp acknowledged. Im not assuming ill intent on the part of the council, Thorp said. We just want to be clear and make sure everybodys on the same page about when this takes effect. He continued, Because we have this track record and history of seats not being appointed as they should be, I dont have a high level of confidence that the letter of the statute will be followed without prompting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McKees office, which is in charge of nominating council members to be confirmed by the Rhode Island Senate, did not immediately respond to inquiries for comment on Monday. Greg Pare, a spokesperson for Senate President Valarie Lawson, and Larry Berman, a spokesperson for House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, responded jointly in an email Monday. Agency rulemaking is a core executive function, they said. We leave it to CRMC to follow the detailed statutory process within the Administrative Procedures Act to develop rules in light of the statutory changes that were passed by both the House and Senate and signed by the Governor in June 2025. The coastal regulatory agency has faced mounting public scrutiny, including over its failure to bring sanctions against Quidnessett Country Club for a seawall built without permission along the property line. State regulators issued warnings to the North Kingstown country club more than two years ago, but the 600-foot-long rock wall remains, and fines or other penalties have yet to be imposed. Instead, the council has given multiple deadline extensions to the country club to come up with a plan for removing the wall and restoring the shoreline to its natural state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thorp and Woods both urged lawmakers to take more sweeping reform measures, backing legislation that, if passed, would have abolished the politically appointed council and reshaped the agency as an administrative body, akin to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The pair of bills failed to advance out of legislative committees for a third consecutive year amid cost concerns cited by legislative leaders. Lawmakers opted on more modest changes to council membership and reduced the quorum as a compromise that supporters said would bring more professionalism. The law requires the CRMC to begin the rule change process within 30 days, but does not set a deadline for when the new rules have to be finalized. Dwyer did not respond to questions regarding the schedule. The Tuesday hearing offers a chance for in-person public comment on the revised rules, with written comments accepted through Sept. 30. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX It's a given that if one party to a disagreement keeps breaking the rules in order to harm opponents, the other participants will eventually sink to the challenge and adoptor escalateout-of-bounds tactics themselves. That's bad enough in any conflict, but it can be disastrous for a free and open society if the rules being broken by all parties are fundamental free speech norms. For years, we've seen left-leaning students and faculty on college campuses shout down and sometimes assault speakers with whom they disagree. Now right-leaning students have joined the party, embracing the heckler's veto and even the use of violence to muzzle dissent. Shouting Down Opponents In March, an event including former Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni "descended into chaos when unruly activists broke out in antisemitic chants and hurled abuse at the politician," according to the New York Post. Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff denounced the interruption and 13 protesters were arrested for disorderly conduct with four others referred for disciplinary proceedings. That was a better official reaction than when Judge Kyle Duncan of the U.S. Court of Appeals was shouted down at Stanford Law School and an administrator asked to calm the situation instead joined the denunciations of the invited speaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worse was a 2017 incident when political writer Charles Murray's scheduled lecture at Middlebury College was drowned out by protesters who then escalated to shoving, pulling hair, and jumping on vehicles. "We were confronted by a mob that man-handled us that had it not been for the security guards at the very least, I would have been on the ground," Murray told Time. Middlebury Professor Allison Stanger, who accompanied Murray, was treated for a neck injury and concussion suffered in the attack. She blamed her colleagues for instigating violence. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) maintains a database of efforts to silence speakers, most of them far less dramatic in nature. The majority over the years have come from the left, but not exclusively so. FIRE now suggests that enthusiasm for the heckler's veto is growing on the right. Republicans Adopt the Left's Taste for Muzzling Dissent "Until recently, these vices primarily belonged to Democratic students, with a staggering 79% of students who identify as strong Democrats agreeing that shouting down a speaker is at least rarely acceptable," Chapin Lenthall-Cleary wrote last week for the organization. "Republicans have finally, perhaps belatedly, arrived at the party, with over half of strong Republicans now saying it's acceptable to shout down a speaker." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lenthall-Cleary works from the latest College Free Speech Rankings Survey. The survey asked respondents how acceptable they think it is for students to shout down a speaker, block other students from attending a speech, or use violence to prevent a campus speech. As of 2020, just over 80 percent of students who identified themselves as strong Democrats said these tactics are at least rarely acceptable. Fewer than 40 percent of strong Republican students agreed. But over the years since then, the number of Democratic students holding that opinion has inched down just a bit while Republican support has climbed close to 60 percent. Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression Chart showing "Student opinions on using violence to stop a speaker over time," showing that a similar percent of strong Democrats and strong Republicans now "say it's ever acceptable." Endorsement of Violence And those Republican students willing to muzzle the opposition are ready to embrace severe tactics. "In 2025, strong Republicans passed strong Democrats in support for using violence to shout down a speaker," according to Lenthall-Cleary. In neither case does a majority embrace violence, but somewhere around 30 percent of strong Democrat students are willing to consider it, compared to perhaps 35 percent of strong Republicans. As Lenthall-Cleary puts it, "Republican students are still overall less interested in disruption, but when they are interested, they're really interested." It's not hard to guess why opinions have shifted on this issue. If you've seen your events disrupted and your speakers drowned out and roughed up for years by people who insist that such tactics are perfectly acceptable, it's inevitable that you'll finally take them at their word. If shouting down anybody who disagrees with one side is fine and dandy, then it must be equally acceptable if other groups return the favor. And so, taking on an engagement at a college campus threatens to become an exercise in frustration if not a contact sport, no matter whose views are represented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That sets the stage for an interesting dynamic as we enter a new academic year with campus protests over Gaza, immigration, and national politics guaranteed. Students, faculty, administrators, and the federal government are all navigating what rules apply now that the old norms have broken down and nobody seems to know where the boundaries are in terms of expressing yourselfor allowing opponents to speak. We Could Return to Tolerance for Opposing Views A good place to start is a revival of the liberal truce that once allowed everybody to speak and to rebut each other with more speech. The Chicago Principles, developed at the University of Chicago and adopted elsewhere, are a time-tested alternative to the developing no-holds-barred free-for-all. "The University's fundamental commitment is to the principle that debate or deliberation may not be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some or even by most members of the University community to be offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong-headed," the principles state, in part. "As a corollary to the University's commitment to protect and promote free expression, members of the University community must also act in conformity with the principle of free expression. Although members of the University community are free to criticize and contest the views expressed on campus, and to criticize and contest speakers who are invited to express their views on campus, they may not obstruct or otherwise interfere with the freedom of others to express views they reject or even loathe." Universitiesand the rest of the countrycan't just passively point to these ideas either. The idea that you wait your turn to speak and then express your disagreement must be based on expectations of civility and enforcement of the same. If you can't stay quiet when it's somebody else's turn, or refrain from throwing punches over disagreement, that needs to carry consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or we could just see who can shout the loudest and hit the hardest. Those are always convincing argumentsif only to those who make them. The post College Students Across the Political Spectrum Support Shouting Down Opponents appeared first on Reason.com. Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Colombia, Latin America's leading coal producer, reported a sharp drop in exports after President Gustavo Petro's government banned sales to Israel, the main buyer of Colombian coal. In July, coal shipments fell by nearly half from the same month a year earlier. According to Colombia's National Administrative Department of Statistics, exports dropped 45.8% to $479.8 million, down from $885.8 million in July 2024. From January to July, coal exports totaled $2.85 billion, a 35.5% drop from the $4.42 billion reported in the same period of 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colombia's coal export sector has faced a steady decline in revenue because of lower international prices and domestic policies, with sales falling by nearly half compared with 2022, when the country earned $12.2 billion. While global prices have been pressured by increased coal production in Indonesia, export volumes began to drop in June 2024, when Petro ordered a halt to shipments to Israel to protest its war in Gaza. The decree excluded contracts approved before that date. Last month, a second decree renewed the 2024 measure, specifying that beginning Aug. 28, the ban would apply "without exceptions" and "under any circumstances," the presidency said in a statement. Another factor affecting the industry is that, as part of efforts to promote sustainability and renewable energy, the government has imposed higher taxes on coal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, Petro cut diplomatic ties with Israel, calling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "genocidal." He also halted purchases of Israeli weapons. Petro said that despite the ban, coal ships continued to arrive in Israel because his officials disobeyed him, so last month he ordered the Colombian navy to prevent those shipments from leaving port. "Colombia cannot be indifferent to the suffering of the Palestinian people. This is a concrete act to stop the escalation of war and a firm contribution from our country to world peace," Trade Minister Diana Marcela Morales Rojas said when announcing the measure. The ban is based on three principles: respect for international law, protection of civilians and Colombia's role as a member of the U.N. Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term. Colombian authorities have rescued 27 out of 72 soldiers who were held captive in the southwest of the country in an area controlled by rebel fighters and a key zone for cocaine production. In a statement on Sunday, the military noted 45 soldiers remain deprived of their liberty under the guerrilla regime. The National Army maintains a presence in the area, taking steps to restore order and ensure the return of the kidnapped personnel, it added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident took place in the Micay Canyon in the Cauca Department, in an area known for coca crops and a rebel faction of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), known as the Central General Staff, that has been attacking military positions. According to the army, the soldiers had been taking part in a military operation when about 600 people obstructed the deployment of troops in San Juan de Micay. The army added that the move was intended to facilitate control of routes used for drug trafficking and illegal mining. Colombia has struggled to maintain security in some rural areas, where drug gangs and rebel groups are fighting over territory abandoned by FARC after it made peace with the government in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, President Gustavo Petro launched an offensive to regain control of the area, but he has encountered strong local resistance. In a post on X, Petro said it was time to let the soldiers go free. They could be your children. The children of Colombia must embrace each other and outlive their parents. The dialogue commission is ready and it is the word of the president, he wrote. According to the government, detentions in the local community are often carried out on the orders of armed groups in the area where there is little state presence. But this is the second time in less than a month that members of a defunct FARC group have captured soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, 33 soldiers were taken by villagers under the orders of a rebel group in the southern Department of Guaviare after a gunfight that killed 10 members of the former FARC group. At the time, the army said the villagers holding the soldiers were demanding the return of the body of the killed rebels, which was transported to a morgue in the provincial capital. The soldiers were returned four days later. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, a Democrat, is pictured on Jan. 9, 2024, at the Colorado Bar Association office in Denver. (Lindsey Toomer/Colorado Newsline) Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser led a group of 20 Democratic state attorneys general in a letter blasting the undue influence that reportedly led to the U.S. Department of Justices approval of a $14 billion deal between IT giants Hewlett-Packard Enterprise and Juniper Networks. The DOJs Antitrust Division sued in January to block HPEs proposed acquisition of Juniper Networks, which would lead to just two companies HPE and Cisco Systems controlling roughly 75% of the networking equipment market. But the Trump administration shifted course in June, agreeing to approve the deal in a settlement that included minor concessions from the companies, and a month later it fired two top antitrust officials who had worked on the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citing news reports that senior DOJ officials were lobbied by individuals with close ties to the Presidents administration, the letter says that the federal judge hearing the case should subject the proposed settlement to further review under a 1974 law known as the Tunney Act. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The U.S. Department of Justices Antitrust Division must operate under the rule of law and decide antitrust cases based on principles applied equally to all companies regardless of their political ties, Weiser said in a press release Friday. The allegations made about this settlement, and the defects of this settlement on its face, call out for scrutiny. Thankfully, the Tunney Act was enacted for just this purpose and can achieve its goal of ensuring that sunlight provides the best of disinfectants. Weiser, a 2026 candidate for Colorado governor, wrote in the letter to Leslie Wulff, civil chief of the DOJ Antitrust Divisions San Francisco Office, that in light of the explosive and dangerous accusations of corruption in the deals approval, Colorado and other states are prepared to participate in further proceedings to block the merger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Court should hold an evidentiary hearing and require discovery into the Settlement and the allegedly corrupt process that led to it, the letter says. And if, upon exposing the settlement to sunlight, the evidence establishes that it was the product of undue influence, then the Court should reject it as against the public interest. In a separate letter on Sept. 4 to Republican and Democratic members of Congress, Weiser also called for congressional scrutiny of the deal. I strongly urge your committees to hold hearings to examine this case and to call attention to the importance of protecting impartial and fair merger review by the Antitrust Division, wrote Weiser. Your committees oversight obligations can provide necessary scrutiny to ensure that the Antitrust Division is truly acting according to its statutory duties and in the publics best interest and particularly to shed light on the troubling allegations surrounding this merger review. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The visitors parking lot of the Denver Reception and Diagnostic Center, a state prison within the Colorado Department of Corrections, taken on Feb. 6, 2020. (Moe Clark/Colorado Newsline) Criminal justice reform advocates are pressing Colorado corrections officials for more details on their efforts to reduce the states prison population after the requirements of a 2018 law were triggered for the first time. The vacancy rate in state prisons stood at 1.92% as of Aug. 16, marking the 30th consecutive day the department maintained a vacancy rate below 3%, according to a Colorado Department of Corrections letter reviewed by Newsline. House Bill 18-1410, a bipartisan law passed unanimously by the General Assembly in 2018, requires that once that threshold is reached, the department must begin to take steps to reduce the incarcerated population in coordination with the state parole board and the Office of Community Corrections, which oversees halfway houses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Office of Community Corrections is required to identify open beds that CDOC can use on a weekly basis until the vacancy rate rises above 4% for 30 consecutive days, according to CDOC spokesperson Alonda Gonzalez. The department must also provide a list of people who are incarcerated who meet a specific set of criteria that would make them eligible for parole to the state parole board. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Beyond these statutory requirements, CDOC actively monitors facilities, adjusts bed assignments and staffing, facilitates transfers, and ensures safe and orderly operations statewide, Gonzalez said in a statement. The parole board isnt required to release all of those people under the population management law only to hold a hearing to review each of their cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorados prison population has been steadily on the rise since it drastically decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, rising from a low of 15,434 in June 2021 to 17,945 at the end of July, according to CDOC data. Its been just over three weeks since CDOC reached the threshold requiring measures to reduce the prison population, but the department was unable to provide Newsline with updated information before publication. We are working closely with DOC to provide information weekly on potential available capacity in community corrections across the state, Matthew Lunn, director of the Division of Criminal Justice, said in a statement. The DOC has been able to utilize that information to work directly with community corrections programs to schedule and expedite movements of individuals into community corrections beds. The Office of Community Corrections is part of the state Division of Criminal Justice within the Department of Public Safety. Sheriffs seek urgent action Christie Donner, executive director of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, said the law outlines three groups of people CDOC must make lists of to send to the parole board to review eligibility, and she obtained two of those lists through an open records request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The list of those who are close to their mandatory release date included 13 people, and the list of people who are considered low risk due to non-violent convictions included 92 people. She did not receive information on conditional releases, which refers to someone who needs to complete a task, such as a victim notification or a drug and alcohol class, before they can be released. We never really intended for this bill to be big releases, Donner said of the 2018 law. It was just, can we be efficient? Can we fully utilize community corrections? Donner also hasnt been able to get confirmation of exactly how many community corrections beds are available from the state, but providers have told her there are hundreds available that could be better used by the department. Using those beds, to Donner, is the biggest opportunity to efficiently reduce the prison population. The Colorado Legislature considered a bill this year that considered additional options for housing people who make parole and to slow prison population growth, but it failed after the state House never took it up for a floor vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People sentenced to state prison have been held in county jails longer than normal as a result of CDOCs low bed capacity, which Donner said has been an intentional way the department has artificially inflated its vacancy rates to avoid hitting the 3% threshold. In July, 17 Colorado sheriffs wrote a letter to Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, seeking urgent action to address the backlog of people in county jail custody awaiting transfer to CDOC. The state reimburses sheriffs offices $77.16 per person per day awaiting transfer to prison, which the letter says leads to sheriffs absorbing a funding shortfall of more than $60 per day. County jails were never designed or funded to house state inmates for extended periods, the letter said. Yet were being forced to expand capacity and stretch already limited staff to accommodate inmates who should be in state custody. This isnt just unsustainable its unfair to local taxpayers. Donner emphasized that the 2018 law was bipartisan and passed the Colorado Legislature unanimously, so this is not a controversial concept in terms of managing the population through efficiency nobody is getting out early. She said if jail backlogs were addressed sooner, some of the measures in the law could have been implemented sooner and more beds could have been opened. Editors note: This story was updated at 12:15 p.m., Sept. 8, 2025, to include a statement from Matthew Lunn. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Notorious far right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer has transformed herself into one of the most powerful people around the White House. That was evident after Senator Mark Warner said he was blocked from a scheduled oversight meeting at a spy agency after interference from Loomer. It's no surprise, as Loomer has wielded unprecedented influence on the Trump administration, even though she has no official capacity. She's taken aim at anyone who attacks the Trump brand, even some of the most fire CHICOPEE An Air Force Reserve pilot who has more than 25 years of military experience and has flown combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan officially took command of Westover Air Reserve Base Sunday. Col. Christopher C. Holland, who most recently served as the commander of the 514th Air Mobility Wing located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, took over as head of the Chicopee Base in a relaxed and short ceremony in the base hanger. Brig Gen. Gregory Buchanan left his post as the commander of Westovers 439th Airlift Wing in June to become the director of Air Force Reserve plans, programs and requirements at the Pentagon, so Maj. Gen. Paul Fast, Fourth Air Force commander, presided over the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both men thanked and applauded the more than 2,900 personnel for their work at the base. Staff includes full-time and traditional part-time reservists as well as civilians. Whether you fly, fix, support, or underpin all three by keeping us medically fit, we will continue to be ready and look for new ways to be ready, to deter, and if necessary, help defeat any threat to our nation, Holland said. Holland, who said he calls North Carolina home, said he spent 15 years on active duty before transferring to the Air Force Reserve. He has already started working at Westover and said his first step will be to get to know the staff and make sure everything is functioning well. A total of eight C-5M Super Galaxy jets are assigned to the base. In the past year Westover mobilized nearly 9,000 airman, moved 44 tons of cargo and won multiple awards, Fast said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the base has also faced challenges with downsizing. A decade ago there were double the number of jets assigned to Westover. These things dont just happen. They occur because of your dedication, your professionalism and leadership and guidance, Fast told the reservists. He warned them he did not expect things to slow down in the near future. In 2027 we may be called to bring our full force to bear in the western Pacific. That fight could determine not just the fate of Taiwan but the economic security of the entire Indo-Pacific and potentially the entire world, Fast said. He told the 439th members to prepare for war, serve as mentors to younger reservists and take training seriously because they are running out of time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last three years has been a non-stop cycle of global hold my beer and watch this moments forcing surges, mobilizations and deployments. That strain affects not only our aircraft, our airmen, our installations, it affects our families too, he said. We must be ready for that fight tonight and every fight including the ones at home. Holland said Westovers job is to be ready to deploy when military commanders say its time to go and promised the wing will be prepared. We are facing a significant challenge in the Indo-Pacific region one that will require air mobility on a scale and a pace the world is not used to seeing, Holland said. If we can be ready to do our job in that we will be ready to answer any challenge around the world. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. Savannah, GA (WSAV) This weekend, Wilderness Southeast, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to sharing the beauty and magic of Georgias coast, is hosting its 4th Annual Family Fun Day & Paddle Battle. The initiative supports Fish Gotta Swim an immersive program for historically underserved youth in our community. Cathy Sakas is the president of WiSEs Board of Directors. Click the arrow in the video box above to watch her interview with WSAVs Kim Gusby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilderness Southeast hosts 4th Annual Family Fun Day & Paddle Battle Saturday, September 13 Sun Life Marina on Wilmington Island 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Register & buy tickets 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 WSAV-TV. HAMAKUA, Hawaii (KHON2) As of Sept. 7, the Hawaii Fire Department has contained 30 percent of a brush fire thats been burning in the Manowaiale`e Forest Reserve in Hamakua District. Brush fire burns 420 acres in Hamakua District The fire has burned approximately 420 acres so far, and members of the community are rallying together to show their support for the HFD as they continue to fight this fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starting today, Sept. 7, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided by the Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps to the 70 firefighters battling the brush fire. The Hilo Temple Corps team is working inside the reserve to serve up these meals as long as needed. It is an honor to serve those who are so bravely keeping our communities safe and these vital forested lands preserved, said Hilo Temple Corps Officer and Hawaii Island Coordinator, Captain Sam LeMar. Check out more news from around Hawaii The Salvation Armys Emergency Disaster Services is also planning to set up tents throughout the reserve that can provide further support to the service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. INDEPENDENCE, Mo. Hopes of revitalizing a celebrated old theater take a big step this week. Friends of the Englewood Theater plan to release the results of a community study at a Tuesday night meeting, which was paid for, in part, by the City of Independence. In short, the study says community members agree the theater itself has great potential. Community leaders have decided to use it as a combination live concert venue and movie theater. Documents show that would cost roughly $4 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The feasibility study also shows costs to rehabilitate the old Ben Franklin Five-and-Dime store, which is connected to the theater, would total $8.6 million. Thats seen as being too high for its intended purpose, according to Brent Schondelmeyer, president of the Friends of the Englewood Theater. To reopen the theater is going to take a substantial amount of money, Schondelmeyer told FOX4 Monday. Schondelmeyer shared documents with FOX4 News, which also feature recent photos of the theaters interior. Schondelmeyer said the buildings inside space is in surprisingly good shape, considering its been mostly empty since 2007. However, he adds that modernizing amenities like the roof, bathrooms and HVAC system could add costs. The buildings roots date back more than 75 years. For what its going to take to open this, it should be seen and viewed as a cultural resource for the region. It cant be a clubhouse for the neighborhood. It takes a larger demand. It takes a lot of activity, Schondelmeyer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schondelmeyers group continues to raise money for the project, and a new owner expects to close by mid-October. So far, he said $160,000 has been raised toward the $4 million goal. The study examined 30 other regional theaters and what makes them successful. The Englewood Theater is said to potentially become the only facility of its kind in eastern Jackson County. Schondelmeyer imagines it becoming a community centerpiece for the performing arts, much the way the Gem Theater and Folly Theater have in Kansas City, Missouri. It would bring people to our district. They could shop the shops. They could come over and eat. We have another cafe across the street as well, said Angelina Springs, who works across Winner Road at the Englewood Cafe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schondelmeyer said he understands if people are skeptical, since there have been other efforts to revitalize, and they didnt cross the finish line. He said he wants the theater listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which could deliver a million dollars in preservation tax credits. Schondelmeyer said that will be the primary matter at an October 10th meeting in Jefferson City. Tuesday nights meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Englewood Arts Center on E. Winner Road. Friends of Englewood Theater plans a fundraiser for the theater on Sunday, Nov. 30. Shining Star KC, an Earth, Wind and Fire tribute act, will perform at The Warehouse on Broadway in Kansas City from 5 to 7 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Dr Vishal Kundnanis journey into the intricate world of spine surgery is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence & innovation protocols that adhere to international standards. Moreover, Dr Vishal Kundnani is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology into spine surgery. His interest and training in navigation and robotic spine surgeries position him as a pioneer in adopting these technologies, which promise enhanced precision and safety in surgical outcomes.In his practice, Dr Vishal Kundnani encounters a range of spine conditions, from common back and neck pain to more severe issues like slipped discs, spinal TB, tumors, infections, and trauma-induced injuries. His approach to diagnosis and treatment is methodical, leveraging advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.Dr Vishal Kundnanis unique selling points include not only his extensive surgical experience but also his commitment to non-surgical treatments and personalized patient care. He runs a foundation, Swastya Siksha Foundation, which organizes mega health camps in rural and tribal areas, offering free spine care and surgeries to those in need. This initiative reflects his deep commitment to social responsibility and his efforts to make specialized spine care accessible to underserved populations.Furthermore, Dr Vishal Kundnani is also deeply invested in education and research. He heads a national spine fellowship program, training five postgraduates annually, and has trained over 40 spine specialists to date. Additionally, as an education officer for AO Spine and a committee member for the Asia Pacific Spine Society, he plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape for spine surgery. Research is another cornerstone of Dr Vishal Kundnanis work, with his team contributing significantly to clinical research in spine surgery. They have published over 100 academic journals, advancing the field with original research and innovative approaches.The field of spine surgery has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with increasing awareness among patients about spine health and advancements in technology improving surgical outcomes. Dr Vishal Kundnani notes that the integration of robotics and minimally invasive techniques has revolutionized the safety and precision of spine surgeries. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly the late presentation of patients with advanced spine conditions. He advocates for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications and improve outcomes.Looking ahead, Dr Vishal Kundnani sees a bright future for spine surgery, driven by technological advancements and growing awareness. He anticipates significant progress in non-surgical treatments, such as stem cell therapy and regenerative therapies, which could transform the management of spine conditions.The integration of artificial intelligence and telemedicine is expected to enhance diagnosis and treatment, making specialized care accessible even in remote areas.In conclusion, Dr Vishal Kundnanis journey is a remarkable example of dedication, innovation, and social responsibility. His contributions to spine surgery both in terms of clinical excellence and his philanthropic endeavours, have significantly impacted the field and countless patients lives. As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in spine care, Dr Vishal Kundnani remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for the medical community and beyond. (NewsNation) Obesity is a chronic condition affecting many across the U.S. each year, and more and more people are looking for the best treatment options to keep the weight off. For some people, doctors will recommend bariatric, or weight loss surgery, to help them reach a healthier weight. But with the rising popularity of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are meant to treat type 2 diabetes but have also been shown to help decrease weight, some are wondering if its a better avenue to lose weight. Both options are the most effective treatments to aid in weight loss, but which path to take is up to many factors, such as weight loss goals, age and health conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woman with no symptoms says simple medical test exposed deadly cardiac concern Here are the two options, how they work and who they may be best for. Weight loss surgery Doctors will usually recommend weight loss surgery for people who have a body mass index (BMI) that is greater than 35. Also referred to as bariatric surgery, it comes in two forms: gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, according to Temple Health. In a gastric sleeve procedure, surgeons will remove a large part of the stomach, which leaves a smaller sleeve that will help restrict food intake and decrease hunger. American Heart Association updates 2025 blood pressure guidelines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For gastric bypass procedures, surgeons create a smaller stomach pouch by dividing the top of the stomach from the rest and rerouting the digestive tract to bypass the larger, original stomach. Both procedures are minimally invasive and only require a one-night stay in the hospital afterwards. GLP-1 medications According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, most GLP-1 medications are injectable and have been on the market since 2005 to treat diabetes, and is given to people with a BMI of 30 or higher. It can be lower if you have a weight-related health condition like type 2 diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea. Is kombucha beneficial for people to drink? What to know Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A prescription is required for weight loss medications. Some of the medications on the market include Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro. The medications work by mimicking a hormone that helps to decrease appetite, slow digestion, and improve the bodys response to blood sugar. Affordability The cost of weight loss surgery depends on several factors, including what type of surgery you get and what insurance plan you have. Insurance companies have different requirements that patients must meet to qualify for reimbursement for the procedure. GLP-1s are usually not covered by insurance as a weight loss treatment. These medications can cost up to $1,000 or more per month, but generic brands can be cheaper in price. For treatment of type 2 diabetes, some GLP-1s are covered by insurance for the diagnosis. How do I know whats best for me? The first step to determine if surgery or GLP-1 medication is the best fit for you is to reach out to your primary care physician. To make a decision, you must also factor in your weight loss goals, your current health status and the time, recovery and cost commitments of each treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Star Central Studios Learning Center is hosting a 48-hour film contest this fall. The competition will be held Oct. 17-19 at Star Central Studios Learning Center, 1105 E. Yandell Dr. Registration is already open. Filmmakers of all levels from seasoned professionals to students are invited to compete by writing, shooting and editing an original short film in just two days. Participants will have the opportunity to win cash prizes and awards while gaining visibility in the regions growing film community, organizers said. This contest is more than a competition; its a platform for voices to be heard and stories to be shared, said Jennifer Cedillo, executive director for Star Central Studios Learning Center. The Star Central 48 is helping to grow El Pasos film culture and giving both emerging and established filmmakers the chance to shine. The contest features two categories: a general competition open to all filmmakers and a student competition open to middle school, high school and college-level creators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In additoin to prize packages, films will be screened at a film premier offering participants a chance to see their work on the big screen in front of audience, peers and community leaders. The film contest also serves as a fundraiser for Star Central Studios Learning Center, supporting film education and resources for El Paso youth. To learn more and to register, 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 KTSM 9 News. Sep. 8---- Judge Jennifer Kurud Fischer has agreed to retire from the bench, and the Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards thereby agreed to dismiss a misconduct complaint against her. The board in a Sept. 3 court filing requested the terminate proceedings before the hearing panel based on the agreed-upon disposition of the matter. The one-page notice of dismissal does not indicate a retirement date. Fischer could not be reached for further comment on Monday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fischer is chambered in Kandiyohi County and has served the 8th Judicial District since 2013. Her current term expires in January 2027. The Board on Judicial Standards announced July 23 that it had filed a formal complaint with the Minnesota Supreme Court alleging misconduct by Fischer. The formal complaint alleged she made improper requests to investigate her peers, acted inappropriately in court and was "overall refusing to do her job." A news release issued at the time stated that the board between May 2, 2024, and April 28 of this year received complaints and information alleging that Fischer engaged in misconduct and initiated an investigation that led to the formal complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since April of this year, Fischer has been assigned only administrative duties and has no court calendar, according to court documents. One day before the Board on Judicial Standards announced the filing of the formal complaint against her, Fischer filed a petition for "extraordinary writ" seeking immediate reinstatement of her calendar. In the July 22 petition to the Supreme Court, she said the leaders of the 8th Judicial District Chief Judge Stephanie Beckman and Assistant Chief Judge Rodney Hanson had abused their discretion by "completely removing" her from any duties of a district court judge and did so to create a hostile environment to force her to prematurely leave the bench. Fischer's separate answer to the formal complaint also alleged whistleblower and disability retaliation. Since returning to office, President Donald Trump and his administration have waged a war on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, including those of private businesses across the country. Trump fired the first shot on Jan. 21, 2025 his first full day back in office when he signed an executive order that denounced DEI as immoral and illegal discrimination. The order claimed that, under such policies, hardworking Americans were being shut out of opportunities because of their race or sex. A week later, Trump dismissed two Democratic commissioners of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the federal agency that helps enforce workplace antidiscrimination laws. Because these officials were forced out years before their terms expired, their firing was arguably illegal. But it allowed Trump to dramatically shift the commissions focus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrea Lucas, named by Trump to be the agencys acting chair, quickly announced a commitment to what she described as rooting out unlawful DEI-motivated race and sex discrimination. Since then, theres been a steady drumbeat of anti-DEI statements from the administration and its supporters. But these proclamations fail to explain what is illegal about so-called illegal DEI. As professors and workplace law experts, we recognize that companies may have trouble distinguishing political rhetoric from legal obligations. Thats why we recently co-founded The Legal DEI Project, a free resource providing clear information on DEI policies and practices and the law. Chilling effect The Trump administrations statements about DEI are generally broad in scope and short on details, leading to an overall chilling effect on private businesses. For example, one of Trumps executive orders suggests, without evidence, that corporations and other large employers have replaced a commitment to hard work with an unlawful, corrosive, and pernicious identity-based spoils system. It then instructs federal agencies to compile lists of the businesses and other institutions they believe are the most egregious and discriminatory DEI practitioners and pursue compliance investigations against them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some employers have responded to this threat by aggressively slashing their programs and personnel dedicated to ensuring fairness at work. That reaction is understandable. But it is also deeply mistaken, as many tried-and-true practices that effectively reduce workplace discrimination are getting caught in a dragnet of anti-DEI fever. Employers who act rashly by simply abandoning all efforts related to diversity and inclusion may actually increase rather than decrease their risk of being sued by workers who believe they have experienced discrimination the overwhelming majority of whom are members of racial minority groups rather than white workers. Employers could also miss out on the benefits that can flow from diverse workforces, such as higher profits, innovation and creativity. DEI isnt illegal, but discrimination is DEI is a generic, umbrella term used to describe organizational efforts to treat all people fairly. While such initiatives have been around for decades, the DEI label became common only in the past decade as the Black Lives Matter and #MeToo movements highlighted pervasive discrimination and inequality in U.S. society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The term, however, has no legal meaning. DEI is instead a collection of aspirational objectives used as corporate or institutional branding, which Trump has turned into a straw man by repeatedly condemning what he alleges is illegal DEI. Workplaces are governed by antidiscrimination laws. Those laws prohibit employers from making hiring or other personnel decisions based on workers protected characteristics such as race, sex or religion, just as they did before DEI programs became popular. This means that employers generally cannot implement preferences for, or limit opportunities to, employees based on these traits. If DEI programs include improper preferences, those preferences were illegal before Trump took office. They should be discontinued. Importantly, U.S. employment law requires employers to do more than just punish individual employees who make biased decisions or harass co-workers. Employers must also, at a minimum, take proactive steps to prevent harassment and reasonably accommodate workers with qualifying disabilities, pregnancy-related limitations and religious needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employers must also make sure that workplace policies, such as how duties are assigned and how pay is set, are fair and unbiased. President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act into law on July 2, 1964, while many people, including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., stand behind him and observe. LBJ Library photo by Cecil Stoughton Congress, not the president, creates laws Multiple laws enacted by Congress, from the 1964 Civil Rights Act to the 2022 Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and decades of court decisions interpreting those laws, have established the rules that govern the workplace today. The Trump administration has no authority to single-handedly change these laws or the regulations implementing them just by issuing executive orders. What those orders primarily do is set presidential agendas. Presidents use them to direct some actions of the federal government and its contractors, but executive orders do not directly apply to most private companies, nonprofits or other nongovernmental employers. Although the EEOC may follow Trumps directives, it cannot change or ignore federal laws. In fact, recent EEOC actions such as spontaneously demanding information from law firms about their diversity initiatives that arguably exceed its authority are being challenged in court. Employees, not the government, file most complaints When employers attempt to conform to the Trump administrations political goals by removing any guardrails theyve put in place to prevent discrimination, they put themselves at greater legal risk. That is because most discrimination lawsuits are brought by employees, not the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On average, individual employees file 60,000 to 90,000 EEOC charges annually and tens of thousands of lawsuits arising from those charges in federal and state court. By comparison, the EEOC has brought fewer than 150 cases annually in recent years. While the EEOCs attack on DEI programs may encourage more white workers to file discrimination claims, the data shows that most actionable discrimination continues to be experienced by women and members of racial minority groups, not by white people. And that problem is likely to be exacerbated by employers dismantling their DEI programs. Not a zero-sum game Just as employing a diverse workforce is perfectly legal, so too is taking action to value diverse perspectives and leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adopting inclusive recruitment strategies, structuring decision-making practices to be more objective, and assessing job descriptions to focus on tasks and qualifications can all help reduce the influence of racial, gender, religious or other biases in hiring and promotion. Offering training and mentoring, providing support to meet the needs of all workers, and creating environments that promote excellence and belonging can ensure equal access to opportunities for all employees. Adopting such human resource practices also makes good business sense. When properly executed, they reduce the risk of workplace discrimination lawsuits and liability by flagging any potential discrimination and allowing employers to proactively address it. Antidiscrimination law has always required employers to judge all workers fairly and on the basis of their merit. Making changes that aim to reduce bias against some employees is not an act of discrimination against white men or others who do not belong to a group that has historically experienced discrimination. Those changes instead help employers comply with antidiscrimination laws the same laws that have governed U.S. workplaces for over 60 years and continue to do so today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Deborah Widiss, Indiana University; Rachel Arnow-Richman, University of Florida; Stephanie Bornstein, Loyola Law School Los Angeles, and Tristin Green, Reverse discrimination? In spite of the MAGA bluster over DEI, data shows white Americans are still advantaged The backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion in business is in full force but myths obscure the real value of DEIWhat do a Black scientist, nonprofit executive and filmmaker have in common? They all face racism in the gray areas of workplace culture Deborah Widiss serves on advisory boards for the Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute. Rachel Arnow Richman receives funding from the University of Florida for academic research purposes. Stephanie Bornstein and Tristin Green do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. ATHENS, WV (WVNS) The 32nd annual Concord Business Challenge was announced by Concord University. According to a press release, starting at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, the Concord Business Challenge (CBC) will be hosted by the Concord University Department of Business. Top athletes from around the world compete at 2025 WV Spartan Trifecta World Championship Weekend The press release stated that the CBC will let high school juniors and seniors in the two Virginias show their business knowledge in a competition. For more than 30 years, weve had the privilege of hosting the Concord Business Challenge. As we prepare for our 32nd annual event this fall, were thrilled to welcome talented juniors and seniors from across West Virginia and Virginia to our campus. Were proud to continue the tradition of supporting the next generation of business leaders who will shape our economic future, and we look forward to seeing the innovative thinking, bright ideas, and skills these young minds will bring to our campus in October. Dr. Allison Bean | Chair of the Dr. Kendra S. Boggess Department of Business According to the press release, the CBC was made to let students participate in business competitions such as economics, accounting, computer applications, business math, communications, marketing, management, hospitality, and finance, as a way to challenge their real-world skills and business knowledge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Coalfield Elementary School offers a glimpse into the future of education The press release stated that for each challenge competition, there will be first, second, and third-place overall winners. According to the press release from Concord University, an awards ceremony will start at noon once the competition ends. At the awards ceremony, overall school winners will be announced, students will be acknowledged for performance in each challenge exam, and 12 scholarships will be awarded, which range from $1,000 to $4,000. The press release stated that the top two finishers will be eligible for up to $4,000 in scholarships that will be awarded over eight semesters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information about registration can be found by contacting Lucinda Gonderman, the Concord Business Challenge Coordinator, by calling 304-384-5244 or emailing at lgonderman@concord.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 WVNS. (The Center Square) A complaint against Solicitor General Noah Purcell with the Washington State Executive Ethics Board has been rejected for investigation despite allegations that the decision by Executive Director Kate Reynolds was made amid a conflict of interest. According to emails obtained by The Center Square, Reynolds has previously written that she reports to Purcell. Last month, Purcell wrote a response to the Washington State Bar Association on behalf of Attorney General Nick Brown related to an ethics complaint filed against him. The WSBA complaint concerned Browns involvement in an amicus brief filed in support of a lawsuit by Perkins Coie against President Donald Trumps executive orders cancelling the law firms contracts; at the time, the AGO had 10 active contracts with Perkins Coie that it failed to disclose in the amicus brief. The AGO attorneys were also possibly communicating with Perkins Coie attorneys without knowledge of Williams & Connolly, the firm hired to defend Perkins Coie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his complaint with the Washington State Executive Ethics Board, Police Strategies CEO Bob Scales argued that Purcell violated state ethics rules by using public resources to defend Brown in the WSBA inquiry. This is use of state resources for a private benefit, Scales complaint stated. The WSBA grievance concerns Mr. Brown as an individual licensee; it is not an AGO matter involving the State's legal interests. He added that Purcell is a material fact witness to the Perkins Coie amicus drafting at issue in the grievance. Participating as drafter/advocate in his superior's personal disciplinary matter is incompatible with impartial state service and creates a material personal-interest conflict. However, in an email Reynolds wrote to Scales that based on the information in your complaint, there is not enough to allege violations under the Ethics In Public Service Act. It is our understanding that in limited situations, Attorney General's Office resources may be expended to respond to bar complaints regarding actions taken in the course of official duties." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a follow-up email, she wrote to Scales that the "complaint which does not contain enough information to allege a violation of chapter 42.52 RCW or is outside the jurisdiction of the Board will not be accepted for filing. Based on these provisions, your complaint was not accepted for filing." The Executive Ethics Boards staff is funded and supported through the AGO. In an email to The Center Square, Scales wrote that Reynolds should have abstained from the complaint against her supervisor, claiming it violates a state code of ethics regarding conflicts of interest. He also cited the Ethics in Public Service manual from 2016 that states acting in a state matter or transaction involving a business or organization in which you own an interest, or an entity in which you serve as an officer, agent, employee, or member" constitutes a conflict of interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scales also filed a separate WSBA complaint against Purcell. A complaint has now been filed against Reynolds with the Executive Ethics Board and assigned to her supervisor, Chair Kelli Hooke. The Center Square reached out to Reynolds for comment on whether or not a conflict of interest existed, and also any policies the Executive Ethics Board has in place for complaints against AGO employees. The Center Square did not receive a response by time of publication. When The Center Square reached out to Purcell for comment, AGO Communications Director Mike Faulk wrote that "the solicitor general was unaware that an ethics complaint had been filed until he received your email. He received no notification, was not consulted by staff, and had no discussion with any staff of the board about the complaint before it was dismissed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faulk added that "the ethics board is housed in the AGO for administrative matters, but its work is not subject to review or approval by the solicitor general or anyone else here." Regarding Purcell's response to the WSBA on Brown's behalf, Faulk cited RCW 43.10.040, which states the AGO is allowed to represent the state and all officials ... before all administrative tribunals or bodies of any nature, in all legal or quasi legal matters, hearings, or proceedings. "Attorney General Brown is obviously a 'state official,'" Faulk wrote. "WSBA is obviously acting as an administrative tribunal or body in this matter. Dating back to previous administrations, the office often represented the attorney general in response to bar complaints." Scales has requested an advisory opinion on his complaint against Purcell from the State Ethics Board, which will take up the matter at its Nov. 14 meeting. It will be available to watch on Zoom or TVW. GOMA, Congo (AP) Unarmed protesters in eastern Congo who accused a military officer of supporting Rwanda-backed rebels became the targets of gunfire Monday that left at least three people dead, witnesses and the regional governor said. Witnesses belonging to a militia and a civil society group participating in the protest in the city of Uvira in South Kivu province said members of Congo's military opened fire on the protesters and killed at least four of them and injured seven. But South Kivu Gov. Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki said the regional government's death toll so far was three, with five people wounded. He said the victims were unarmed protesters," and gave his condolences to victims, but he declined to say who had opened fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protesters accused Gen. Olivier Gasita, a commander recently deployed to the city by the Congolese military, of supporting the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and demanded his removal. Gen. Gasita denied the allegation and urged the locals to remain united behind the institutions of the government. Marafiki Masimango said his civil society group in Uvira organized a march on Gasitas hotel with a document calling for the officers resignation. Members of the Walazendo militia group, which often fights alongside Congolese forces, joined the demonstration. We marched and the population responded positively to our call, Masimango said, adding that he was shocked to see that soldiers shot at people. He said at least four people were killed and seven injured. Walazendo spokesman Byaduniya Alexis told the AP that the victims were killed by the military officers bodyguards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His bodyguards were afraid of the march when they were delivering the memo, believing they would be attacked at the hotel. So they fired directly at the people, Alexis said. In comments to the AP, Gov. Sadiki appealed for calm and unity among Congolese citizens, and said that any reports that the army and Wazalendo were in conflict were false. I wanted to offer my sincere condolences to the families of the deceased, Sadiki said. I can say that, for the time being, we will do everything possible to ensure that this kind of thing cannot happen again. He added that any division between us in our towns not yet occupied by the enemy" would benefit the M23 and their backers in Rwanda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conflict in eastern Congo has been complicated by the presence of more than a hundred militant groups fighting in a complex web of interests and shifting allegiances. The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group is the strongest adversary of the Congolese government, and it has taken key cities since its lightning advance in January. Thousands of people have died since the conflict erupted again, according to several rights groups. Gasita has called anti-government protesters the result of Rwandan poison. On Saturday he said : We must focus on what matters, remain united behind the institutions of the republic. And then, the final victory will be Congolese. The Conjuring House in Burrillville, Rhode Island, is set to hit the auction block later this fall on Halloween, no less. The auction is whats known as a mortgagees foreclosure auction and comes after the homeowner, Jacqueline Nunez, defaulted on the terms of the mortgage, the auction house that listed the property confirmed. The roughly 3,000-square-foot home is located on about 8.5 acres of land in Burrillville. The antique farmhouse ... has become famous for historical paranormal sightings and activity, the auction listing reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The home is dubbed the Conjuring House in reference to the 2013 film The Conjuring, which is based on events that took place at the home in the 1970s. In the decade-plus since the first film, another seven movies in the franchise have been released, most recently on Friday. The property goes to auction on Oct. 31 at 11 a.m., with a $25,000 deposit due on the day of the auction and 10% of the purchase price due within two business days. Previous troubles at Conjuring House Even before the property went up for auction, Nunez ran into several issues while owning the home. Last November, town leaders in Burrillville opted not to renew the homes business license, citing in part Nunezs erratic behavior, The Providence Journal reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nunez, a Boston real estate developer, bought The Conjuring House also known as the Burrillville farmhouse in 2022. She purchased the home with the stipulation from the houses previous owner that whoever owns it cannot live in it year-round because the energy is so powerful, Nunez told The Boston Globe that year. On Oct. 28, Nunez was arrested in connection with a police pursuit and driving under the influence of alcohol, WJAR-TV reported. After the pursuit, police noticed an overwhelming odor of alcohol on her breath and saw her eyes were glassy and bloodshot. I had a couple drinks and I live in The Conjuring House, Nunez told police, according to WJAR-TV. She asked if people were normally handcuffed for drinking a few Manhattans and laughed during a sobriety test. Why are there multiple officers pulling up behind me because I had a couple of drinks? Nunez asked police, the news station wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was charged with driving under the influence of liquor and eluding law enforcement in a high-speed pursuit and was released on $2,000 personal recognizance, WPRI 12 reported. Months later, a judge issued a bench warrant for Nunez after she failed to show up for court, the station reported. She defended her conduct in an interview with the station, saying I havent done anything, she said. Ive just been running my business. Ghost Hunters star Jason Hawes has accused Nunez of sending him accusatory and threatening text messages, according to an incident report filed with the West Greenwich Police Department in Rhode Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawes told police that these texts were unprovoked, and told WPRI 12 that Nunez had backed off from those threats with me. Some of these text messages were just extremely vile, Hawes told the news station. She claimed I was there trying to do an assassination plot. Former employees also voiced issues with Nunez. She told two employees that they owed her money for a fire that burned a barn on the property in December 2023, WPRI 12 reported. Those two employees said they paid to renovate the barn and Nunez did not fulfill her promise to pay them back, first blaming the fire on spontaneously combusted materials before claiming they set it. Another employee told the news station that Nunez claimed the ghost of the houses original owner from the 1880s said the employee stole about $3,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said, John Arnold told me youve been stealing money out of the cash box for the past two months, former employee Brian Dansereau told the news station. I literally stopped and I had to correct her like, John Arnold, one of the original owners? Before the page shut down, Nunez used The Conjuring House Facebook page to post claims that she is the princess of Saudi Arabia and that Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Meta, has incited hate on his page towards Nunez, among other things. I know that many of you do not understand why I am making various posts, she wrote on Aug. 18. I am part of an International Team that is doing a special mission that triggered events, when I bought [The Conjuring house]. It will be a great thing, once completed. More News Read the original article on MassLive. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Hartford Healthcare and the Connecticut Blood Center hosted their annual blood drive for sickle cell disease and childhood cancer. It comes as organizers say donations are down. Staff say theyre hoping community members will step up to save lives. For donor Jonathan Freeman, donating blood is a gesture that comes straight from the heart. Urgent need for blood donations in Connecticut Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel that Im a healthy individual and I feel that Im very lucky to be able to do this, and if I can help somebody, Id be honored to do so, Freeman said. Freeman, like others giving blood, wont help just one person. Jonathan DeCasanova with the Connecticut Blood Center says one donation saves three lives. He says those living with sickle cell disease or battling cancer are among patients who are most dependent on blood transfusions. Many of those patients that are battling cancer are receiving blood as well, so the largest percentage of blood usage is actually cancer patients, DeCasanova said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, the need for donors is outpacing the supply, which is why blood drives like the one hosted Monday are a critical step towards filling the gap. The last couple of years have been challenging with supply and demand issues, DeCasanova said. Were also coming off the summer months, which are historically challenging. Were not in the colleges and high schools like we are in the fall and the spring. DeCasanova says the hope is that the organization can reach its target of between 30 to 40 donors. The blood drive runs until 5 p.m. at Hartford Hospital. If you plan on coming in to donate blood, remember to hydrate plenty and eat a good, hearty meal so that you dont faint or feel light-headed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An undated photo of a lesser prairie chicken, which lives in the grasslands of the Great Plains in New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Kansas. Conservation groups are looking to overturn an August decision to strip federal protections from the chicken in a federal appeals court. (Courtesy of Patricia Zenone/USFWS) Conservation groups want a Texas court to overturn the recent gutting of federal protections for the lesser prairie chicken, a near-flightless bird living in the grasslands of Eastern New Mexico and four other states. In 2022, the Biden Administration offered the bird protection under the Endangered Species Act. Federal officials, through a public process, designated the smaller southern population in New Mexico and the Texas panhandle as endangered, and the northern population across Kansas, Oklahoma, northern Texas and Eastern Colorado as threatened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, a Texas judge stripped federal protections for the chicken. Precipitating the August decision was the Trump Administrations seismic about-face in May, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said there was a fundamental error in the Biden Administrations listing of the bird in 2022. The memo requested the judge side with opponents suing against the protections, which included the states of Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma, along with representatives from the ranching and petroleum industries. The Arizona-based nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity filed the appeal in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Monday, asking a panel of judges to overturn the decision and allow conservation groups to enter the proceedings arguments denied by the lower courts. The Trump Administration had no legal or scientific basis for its reversal, Jason Rylander, the legal director for the groups Climate Law Institute, told Source NM. The chicken known for its quirky courtship dances involving inflated cheek pouches and stomping has been in and out of court for the past three decades as its numbers declined from the millions into about 26,000 (as of 2022) across the grasslands of New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rylen said arguments could be presented by this fall, but that the population lost all federal protections, including ones that prohibited hunting or killing the chickens. While more chickens survive in the Colorado, Oklahoma and Kansas portion of its range, the species faces habitat losses from industry and climate change, threatening its long-term survival especially in New Mexico. The southern population of the lesser prairie chicken is now at severe risk of blinking out entirely, he said. Rylander said the bigger picture is the upheaval of environmental protections by the federal government. The Trump administration has taken an anti-science, scorched-earth approach to environmental conservation and public land protections, stripping Clean Air Act protections, denying climate change, and declaring endangered species persona non grata, Rylander said. I think thats just a horrifying prospect for conservation in America. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) A construction boom is causing Abilene to see the biggest increase in hotel/motel revenues for the entire State of Texas for the second quarter this year. Texas Lodging Industry Performance Data shows Abilene experienced a staggering 60.3% increase in hotel/motel lodging revenue in Q2 for 2025, despite the state overall seeing a 3.8% drop. The study attributes this large increase to a construction boom. Taylor County estimated to see $18 million/year windfall from Lancium AI project Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abilene also had the largest increase in the State of Texas in the first quarter of 2025 with a 28.5% increase. This record-setting growth is a testament to the partnership and shared vision of the City of Abilene, our economic development partners, and the ACVB [Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau], ACVB Vice President Robert Lopez explained in a letter to city officials. This momentum is expected to continue. Abilene is currently the center of a large AI infrastructure project, which is bringing thousands of temporary workers into town for the next few years. Tenant challenges Lancium AI facility property value Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ACVB is excited to welcome even more growth, saying it is a, direct reflection of the visitors, partners, and community who believe in Abilene as a must-visit destination. A 2-night hotel stay in Abilene currently ranges from just under $100 to just under $300, depending on the hotel selected. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Among the many audiences Gov. Gavin Newsom has provoked lately, one cohort is particularly fired up: menopausal women. I know I felt a rush of adrenaline (or perhaps it was a hot flash?) when I saw actor Halle Berry take to Instagram this week to demand the governor make menopause a public policy priority. From Hollywood to Capitol Hill , menopause continues to be having a moment . But no entity has succeeded more than state lawmakers in transforming all the buzzy headlines into meaningful action. Earlier this summer, CNN and NPR declared a national movement for menopause legislative activity, reporting a record 15 states introducing upward of two dozen bills as of July . So rapid and robust was this agenda, the digital news outlet Axios dubbed menopause policy the new tampon tax another seemingly out-of-the-blue but wildly popular reform that swept through statehouses in recent years. ( California is one of 22 states that has repealed sales tax on menstrual products over the last decade.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The momentum was not so unexpected to me, though. Ive written over many years on menstruation and menopause . I have engaged firsthand with lawmakers of all political stripes committed to these issues for example, those who passed laws to ease the burden of the cost of period products. After the 2024 elections, I suspected there could be new political will to tackle menopause and embrace policies that could help ameliorate the challenges of finding adequate care and treatment for all its disruptive symptoms. This conviction led me to team up with leading medical experts to publish a Citizens Guide to Menopause Advocacy back in January, with a foreword by the journalist and former California first lady Maria Shriver. We set forth many of the reforms that states are now embracing things like better education for doctors and better information provided by public health departments, improved access to and insurance coverage of menopause treatments, and more robust workplace protections and accommodations. Today, seven states have menopause laws on the books; California is one of them, having codified support for limited continuing medical education opportunities for providers . The tally will surely grow as several more states tee up new proposals for 2026 like in Michigan , where a bipartisan pair of lawmakers recently filed several bills and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer kicked off a listening tour in communities around the state. Here and now, all eyes should be on Californias latest legislative move. A 2025 bill championed by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, AB 432 , now poised for passage, addresses two key needs affordability of care (requiring health insurance plans to cover menopause treatments) and quality of care (incentivizing clinicians to incorporate menopause-specific training as part of their professional licensing continuing education requirement). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AB 432 is a modified version of prior legislation that passed last year but was vetoed by Newsom, who argued at the time its provisions were too far-reaching. The current legislative language is responsive to his concerns, for example limiting coverage to FDA-approved menopause treatments. But theres no guarantee of a gubernatorial green light, given statewide infighting over a broader array of health insurance practices and policies. There is something much deeper than a single law at stake in California. The state is in a position to be a leader on menopause issues not so much in the specific provisions, but in the culture. California would not be the first state to pass the provisions that are in AB 432. As for insurance coverage, Louisiana holds that banner; its legislature became the first in the nation to require Medicaid and private health insurance plans to cover perimenopause and menopause treatments. Among other states at the fore, Illinois now has a dedicated Menopause Awareness Week , Maine passed funding for state health department educational resources , and Rhode Island is the first to establish workplace accommodation protections . But Newsoms own brand as a modern democracy avenger Californias role in driving the national redistricting crisis response, the states self-proclaimed status as a safe haven for abortion rights makes for a ripe opportunity to demonstrate and articulate that menopause belongs squarely in the pro-democracy discourse too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menopausal women are a contingent 75 million strong in the U.S. and entitled to accessible, competent healthcare and treatment. Our accumulated wisdom and experience contribute profoundly to the economy, to culture, to the body politic. We have every right to demand lawmakers and political leaders invest in our well-being, our dignity, our humanity. And we know that when we fight for ourselves, we also fight for our daughters and for the future. Halle Berrys campaign is cleverly called Turn Up the Heat. Who better than an army of menopausal women to do so? Our democracy will be stronger for it. Jennifer Weiss-Wolf is the executive director of the Birnbaum Womens Leadership Center at New York University School of Law. 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. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Against the request of the Kern County District Attorneys Office, parole was granted to an 84-year-old man who was convicted of murder in 2005 and sentenced to 40 years to life in prison. Medel Mendez was granted parole last week under the states Elder Parole Laws, which allow inmates at least 50 years old who have served 20 years continuously in prison to be considered for release, prosecutors said. While state Board of Parole Commissioners focused on Mendezs age, sobriety, lack of rule violations and mental health disorder in deciding he no longer posed an unreasonable risk, prosecutors asked he be denied release over concerns hell struggle to manage his mental health disorder once back in society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He should remain locked up, prosecutors said. Serving 21 years of a 40-years-to-life sentence does not adequately serve justice, Assistant District Attorney Joseph Kinzel said in a news release. The leniency of Elder Parole Laws prioritizes the perpetrator over the victim, compromising true accountability and diminishing public safety. On May 26, 2004, Mendez was talking with Rafael Gutierrez Melgoza by a tree near Main and Ninth streets in Delano when witnesses heard gunshots, according to the release. Mendez had fatally shot Melgoza with a .380-caliber handgun, prosecutors said, hitting him in the head, chest and abdomen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 third warden in one year is now in charge of Tennessee's largest and most scrutinized prison, inheriting a federal investigation and numerous challenges, from understaffing to violence. Brentwood-based private prison giant CoreCivic leadership announced Sept. 6 Allen Beard Jr. is the new warden at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, a private prison in Hartsville holding state inmates. The prison can hold more than 2,500 incarcerated people and, due to understaffing, drug use, violence and sexual abuse, is the subject of a U.S. Department of Justice investigation. According to a news release from CoreCivic, Beard was most recently director of the security threats and intelligence unit for the Tennessee Department of Correction. The private prison company said Beard has 30 years of "correctional leadership experience" at TDOC, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In my previous role ... my work centered on ensuring safety, and that remains my top priority here," Beard said in the news release. "At the same time, Im committed to developing the next generation of correctional professionals and expanding access to programs that help the individuals in our care prepare for successful reentry. Barbed wire fencing lines the walkways at Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility in Hartsville, Tenn., Monday, Aug. 14, 2023. The previous warden, Guy Bosch, is taking on a leadership position at CoreCivic headquarters, the company said. Bosch took over operations April 21 after warden Vince Vantell resigned under undisclosed circumstances. CoreCivic also announced two new assistant wardens at Trousdale Turner, Paul Gagliardi and Patti Landon, who have a combined 50 years of "correctional management" experience, the company said. Were confident that this seasoned leadership team will bring the stability, accountability and operational excellence expected by our partners and the community, CoreCivic CEO Damon Hininger said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CoreCivic in the same news release announced a "candidate processing center" in Hartsville to streamline hiring. CoreCivic said staffing levels at Trousdale Turner have improved since raising starting pay for correctional officers to $24.62 an hour in July. The company hired 55 new officers that month, the news release states. 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: CoreCivic names new warden at Trousdale Turner, 3rd in a year PROVIDENCE (WPRI) The cost of round-the-clock police coverage at Rhode Islands partly closed Washington Bridge has surpassed $5 million, with years remaining before a replacement span opens, a Target 12 investigation has found. State police have maintained a 24-hour emergency presence on I-195 since the westbound bridge abruptly closed in December 2023, forcing two-way traffic onto the eastbound side and eliminating breakdown lanes. On local roads, East Providence and Providence police have also assigned details, particularly during rush hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The total price tag for police details has reached nearly $5.4 million through August, according to records reviewed by Target 12 and confirmed by the R.I. Department of Transportation. The State Police has received $3.2 million in reimbursements, while East Providence has gotten nearly $1.6 million and Providence has received $555,000. The mounting costs come as the bridge crisis is now poised to extend until at least November 2028, when a new bridge is slated to open. Target 12 reported last month that the state had already spent $6.8 million on standby tow trucks at the bridge, putting the average monthly total for towing and police at the bridge at more than $600,000. TARGET 12: $6.8 million spent so far to keep tow trucks on Washington Bridge around the clock That has prompted calls from lawmakers to reassess the around-the-clock staffing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that we know that its going to take much longer, well into 2028, we need to revise those numbers, said Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz, R-North Smithfield. Do we really need to spend money on 24-hour detail on the highway, or can we spend the money when there are, you know, increased traffic patterns? The emergency reconfiguration of the eastbound bridge for two-way traffic has created a challenge for police. Without breakdown lanes, disabled vehicles and crashes can quickly create gridlock on the critical east-west corridor. State Police cruisers remain stationed along the highway 24 hours a day, tucked along the roadside or positioned on off-ramps, ready to respond to emergencies. A State Police official told Target 12 that troopers have also arrested drunk drivers and assisted other agencies with standard police work. East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva said his department maintains four officers during morning and afternoon rush hours, with additional coverage on secondary roads where traffic backs up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have an accident or breakdown or something else that impedes traffic, it becomes a nightmare, DaSilva said. One problem area in DaSilvas city is Broadway approaching I-195, where traffic backups have blocked emergency vehicles trying to leave the firehouse, according to the mayor. To address staffing shortages for the demanding bridge details, East Providence added a $20-per-hour premium to the standard detail rate. Officers working Washington Bridge details now earn $79 per hour, with higher-ranking personnel making nearly $88 per hour, according to a city spokesperson. It is a very demanding detail, DaSilva explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington Bridge crisis began when a critical support for the westbound span was discovered to have failed in December 2023, forcing its immediate closure. The state is now demolishing the westbound span and recently awarded a contract to build a new one, after the first bidding process for a replacement failed. The cost of the entire crisis from the emergency closure to demolition and rebuild is expected to cost at least $572 million, according to a monthly progress report by RIDOT. Those reports, mandated by state lawmakers in the months after the westbound bridge closed, show police detail costs have steadily increased since the bridge closure. The latest progress report shows police details have cost RIDOT $4.7 million through August, which is below the total provided to Target 12 by the individual agencies. But Charles St. Martin, a RIDOT spokesperson, said some police detail funding is being paid out of other parts of the bridge project budget, including demolition and the future rebuild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The $4.7 million figure was just under the $5 million allocated to cover police details as part of the budget for emergency costs related to the bridge crisis. All of the police details are for the purpose of maintaining the safety of the community and efficiency of traffic, St. Martin said in an email. Whether we are doing construction and need police to direct traffic safely, or responding to an incident, the police details are working and incidents are being cleared quicker, adding up to millions of hours a year that were saving people while making sure the safety support and any medical support is provided as quickly as possible. The agency confirmed it will continue reimbursing municipalities and State Police for bridge-related details going forward. de la Cruz argued the bridge crisis points to a large problem with how the state is run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our roads are poorly maintained, our bridges are poorly maintained, she said. Its a constant reminder when youre on that bridge that government is inept in this state, that they cannot get out of their own way. She called for a shift from emergency round-the-clock operations to more targeted coverage during peak traffic periods, particularly as the crisis extends years beyond initial projections. DaSilva said he was unaware the total cost of police details had surpassed $5 million, but said the police presence is critical in order to help keep traffic moving on, to remove accidents quicker than waiting for a car to be dispatched, to provide a sense of peace of mind when people are driving by. Tim White (twhite@wpri.com) is Target 12 managing editor and chief investigative reporter and host of Newsmakers for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ted Nesi contributed to this report. 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. Nothing says easy lunch quite like peanut butter and jelly. Whether youre packing it for a kindergartner or sneaking one for yourself, theres something about that simple combo that never gets old. Its also the ultimate no-fuss meal that you can toss a sandwich in your bag in the morning and know itll still be good hours later. For plenty of families, Costcos Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter has been the jar of choice. Those huge red-top containers are easy to spot, and fans love the simple ingredient list, creamy flavor, and price. But over the weekend, one shopper noticed something unsettling: they were missing from her local warehouse shelves. Take a look at the clip shared on September 7: Toni (@strengthhealing) explained that when she asked an employee if the product would return, she got a surprising answer. It had been deleted from the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is this for real? she asked, adding that the news left her devastated. For shoppers who rely on this pantry staple, the thought of it disappearing for good is tough to swallow. I also checked online, where its listed as Product Not Available! Related: Costcos Fan Favorite Grab-And-Go Dinner Pies Are Back, and Its Comfort Food at Its Best Reactions rolled in fast. Some Costco fans said losing this peanut butter would mean having to hunt down pricier options elsewhere. While others reminded everyone that this isnt the first time the jars have gone missing, and in the past, theyve made a comeback. Is Costcos Organic Peanut Butter Discontinued? So far, theres no official word. In 2021, this spread disappeared for several months before reappearing. And back in 2012, a nationwide peanut shortage was blamed for keeping it off shelves for a while. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Could this just be another temporary hiccup, or is Costco cutting ties with one of its most beloved staples? Right now, shoppers dont know. But with school lunches, meal prepping, and everyday snacking in full swing, the timing couldnt be worse. Peanut butter on bread.Photo by LauriPatterson via Getty Images Parents, PB&J fans, and Costco regulars are all hoping history repeats itself. Until then, the mystery remains, and the question lingers: will those red-top jars make their way back into carts, or are they gone for good? This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 8, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. UPPER WEST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) A couch caught on fire inside a Manhattan building hallway early Monday morning, injuring seven people, according to the FDNY. Fire officials said it happened on Amsterdam Avenue around 12:40 a.m. A couch was on fire on the 8th floor of the 13-story high-rise building, according to the FDNY. More Local News Fire officials said nearly 80 firefighters and EMS responded to the scene, with the flames put under control by 1:16 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least three people were taken to local hospitals, while four others who were injured refused medical attention, according to the FDNY. The cause of the fire is unclear. Fire marshals are investigating the cause. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. (NewsNation) Michelle Calarco, founder of M Co, weighs in on recent reports regarding the future of artificial intelligence in Americas workforce. Calarco told Morning in America she warns against companies becoming too reliant on AI: Replacing human expertise here can really backfire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Maintaining a nicely trimmed lawn may seem like a personal preference. But depending on where you live, it may be required. If youve ever wondered whether you can be fined for not mowing your lawn, the answer is yes. In many places you can. Most cities and counties in Illinois have ordinances that require property owners to maintain their grass and weeds to a certain height. Heres a break down of what you need to know. WHY LAWN CARE IS REGULATED Some common concerns are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lower property values in the neighborhood Harboring pests like rodents Serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes Reduce fire hazards HOW TALL IS TOO TALL? Most cities and counties have a maximum height limit for grass and weeds, which typically ranges from six to 12 inches in Illinois. In the City of Chicago, tall grass and weeds on your property must be contained to an average height of 10 inches or less. Anything over that can result in a citation. Each city and county sets its own set of limits so its important to check your local ordinance. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DONT MAINTAIN YOUR LAWN City inspectors will issue a warning or notice that typically will give you a certain number of days to correct the issue. If the violation has not been corrected within the provided timeframe, a fine or citation is issued the cost varying from city to city. In some municipals, the city may take action by performing the maintenance and charging you. HOW TO AVOID LAWN MAINTAINCE VIOLATIONS Check your city or countys official website to find out your local lawn maintenance laws. Make sure to keep your grass trimmed under your citys height limits. Respond quickly and be proactive to any violation notices received from your city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the City of Chicago, residents can report overgrown weeds and grass in their neighborhoods by calling 3-1-1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. SOMERSET, Pa. Somerset County officials are investigating a breach over the summer that enabled outside access to Children & Youth Services recipients' health information. It appears to involve information accessed June 26 through June 30 through "some" CYS emails, Somerset County Commissioners said in a media release. Among the information that may have been accessed through the breach includes Social Security numbers, insurance identification numbers, medical service dates, and details related to medical conditions and treatments for CYS clients, county officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a smaller number of cases, information related to paternity testing was potentially accessed. "At this time, we are not aware of any misuse of the information involved," county officials wrote in a notice to county residents. Somerset County President Commissioner Brian Fochtman said they are taking steps to address the issue, working with a cybersecurity and data forensics consultant through the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. The statewide commissioners association supports Pennsylvania's 67 counties and is familiar with the problems they face cybersecurity issues among them, Fochtman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They've been a great resource for us," he said. Fochtman said efforts are underway to review data to investigate who specifically was affected by the breach and where they reside to provide them direct notice about the incident. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was also notified, county officials said. County commissioners are also urging CYS service recipients to also take steps to protect themselves through "preventative measures" designed to mitigate the misuse of their personal information. That includes reviewing personal account statements and explanation of benefit forms and using free credit reports to monitor recent or "potentially suspicious" activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you notice any health care services listed in your (explanation of benefits) you did not receive, you should contact your health plan or doctor," they wrote. Any incidents of suspected identity theft should be reported to the state Office of Attorney General and major credit bureaus. "We're doing our due diligence to make sure the investigation is (conducted) as completely as possible and to notify anyone who might be affected," Fochtman said. A notice to the public is published on the county website at co.somerset.pa.us/files/news_files/HIPAAwebsiteNotice.pdf Fochtman said the county is also taking internal steps to protect its accounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes strengthening procedures and access requirements for email security, retraining employees about email-related cybersecurity and communicating with staff about "phishing" scams, the county wrote in its public notice. They have also changed passwords for email account passwords impacted by the breach to prevent future access to those accounts. [Source] COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising across California, with the statewide test positivity rate climbing to 11.6% early this month, up from around 5.7% in late July. Wastewater surveillance has detected high levels of the virus in regions including Los Angeles, the Bay Area and Sacramento. Stratus variant spreads: The increase in transmission is linked to the XFG subvariant of Omicron, labeled Stratus, which is now the most commonly detected strain in the state. Hospitals in San Diego, Orange and Alameda counties have reported a week-over-week increase in COVID-19 admissions, with most new patients either unvaccinated or over age 70 with underlying health conditions. Emergency department visits have also risen sharply among children and adolescents under 18, which public health officials associate with the reopening of schools. Officials urge precautions: Local health departments are monitoring the variant's spread through daily lab-confirmed case counts and wastewater analysis. Health officials have urged residents to resume masking in crowded indoor settings, isolate when symptomatic and consult health care providers about antiviral medications such as Paxlovid if at high risk for complications. Vaccination emphasizde: Dr. Matt Willis, Marin Countys public health officer, emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective protection against severe illness and death. High vaccination rates translate to lower mortality at the community level, and for an individual, its the same, he said. Willis also criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for promoting vaccine skepticism, saying such views at the highest levels of government undermine public confidence in science-based health measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: Trump admin to limit visa durations for students, journalists Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) There has been some uncertainty as to who may be eligible for a COVID vaccine. This comes after new guidance by the CDC on who should get the shot. But an executive order signed by Governor Hochul is clearing up some of the confusion. CVS has added New York to its list of 39 other states where state pharmacy laws allow the company to currently offer COVID-19 vaccines. According to CVS, Prescriptions are not needed. The change occurred after Governor Hochul signed an executive order on Friday allowing pharmacists to administer the COVID vaccines to New Yorkers ages three and older who want it. Steve Moore, a pharmacist at Condo Pharmacy in Plattsburgh, says the executive order helps provide more clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Moore says, She authorized pharmacists whether it be through a standing order with a physician or nurse practitioner, or even she authorized pharmacists to write orders patient specific orders on our own, to make sure that patients who are interested in the COVID vaccine are able to receive the COVID vaccine this year. Hochul on Friday also gave an update on COVID numbers in the state. Govenor Hochul says, The number of cases of COVID are on the rise in New York. We have about 600 new cases per day. According to her office, New York is working with other states in the Northeast on public health matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those wanting to receive a COVID shot, Moore encourages people to be patient and recommends scheduling appointments ahead of time. Steve Moore, Pharmacist at Condo Pharmacy shares, We are doing a lot of flu shots this time of year. So, to add the COVID Vaccine, we are happy to do that, but especially in cases where you do need to make some clinical decisions and talk with the patient, its just going to take more time. Reporting in Albany, Im Jamie DeLine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) A multi-vehicle crash has closed two lanes on Interstate 81 north in Bristol, Virginia Monday afternoon. According to the Virginia Department of Transportations (VDOT) traffic map, the crash took place on Monday on I-81 north near mile marker 4.9. VDOT reported that the north left lane and center lane were closed. News Channel 11 has reached out to the Virginia State Police (VSP) for more information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (FOX40.com) A water truck was hit by two vehicles, causing a significant backup on Interstate-80 near the Reed Avenue offramp in West Sacramento on Monday morning. Crews arrived at around 4:45 a.m. The California Highway Patrol said the water truck is a rental for Caltrans and was in the construction zone when two vehicles hit it. The number two lane reopened shortly after 7 a.m. CHP is investigating the crash as a hit-and-run and said a person got out of one of the vehicles involved, ran from the scene and left the vehicle behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The area is one of several portions of I-80 between Natomas and West Sacramento that were part of a 55-hour closure from 9 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday. However, work is ongoing in several areas through Sept. 18. On-ramp and connector closures include: NB I-5 to WB I-80 connector WB I-80 to WB I-80 and Hwy 50 connector West El Camino on-ramps to WB I-80 Reed Avenue on-ramp to WB I-80 CHP said there were minor injuries in the crash, and no one was transported to the hospital. The 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 FOX40 News. DENVER (KDVR) Rescue crews were searching for a missing paddleboarder at Satanka Cove on Sunday afternoon, according to a post on X from Poudre Fire Authority. Agencies searching for the missing paddleboarder included: Larimer County Parks Poudre Fire Authority Larimer County Sheriffs Office deputies and Emergency Services Colorado Parks and Wildlife Larimer County Dive Rescue Team Trade schools struggle to staff up as student demand grows Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Larimer County Sheriffs Office provided an update on Sunday evening that rescue efforts have turned to recovery efforts, the office said in a press release. Crews utilized drones, boats and sonar to find the missing person, but were unable to locate them. The sheriffs office said the paddleboarder was not wearing a life jacket. Stormy weather took place in the area. Wind can come through at any time, Colorado Parks and Wildlifes Kara Van Hoose said. Thats something that can be kind of hard to predict. So, its best to really plan for the worst-case scenario. And that involves wearing your life jacket at all times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also told FOX31 about the dangers of the weather and water when everything seems to be calm at the surface. The water could be a lot colder than youre expecting, and then that kind of shocks your system and your ability to swim, your ability to kind of raise yourself up in the water shuts down, it becomes much harder, Van Hoose said. If youre blown off of the paddleboard or kayak, that wind can take your paddleboard or kayak away from you while youre in the water, and then you have to swim in a current while youre tired and shocked. So, there are just so many factors that you cant plan for, even if you are a strong swimmer. And really, whats the harm of just wearing the lifejacket and having that extra level of safety when youre out recreating? Portions of Satanka Cove are closed while crews search for the body of the paddleboarder. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Center Square) If residents of Bogalusa were hoping to get a better understanding of the citys finances, they may have to wait longer. Critics are many against Robert Neilson, the citys court-appointed fiscal administrator and former auditor of two decades for the community. He appeared with Mayor Tyrin Truong on Monday at the Legislature before an audit advisory council. Most people who testified about the Louisiana city of about 10,000 made clear they wanted Neilson removed from the position, which includes complete control over the citys finances. Neilson was appointed at the request of the City Council, which owed more than $10 million in various debts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, what really has Bogalusa residents riled up is the "disrespect" and lack of transparency from Neilson, who took the reins in March. Since then, according to Debra McCloud, there's chaos at City Hall, there's no line of communication, there's no transparency. One issue of importance was the seemingly intentional isolation of the mayor from his citys finances. Truong said he is locked out of one of his two offices. The office which he does have access to is without internet and has no access to the citys server and is thus unable to access the citys finances and documents. Truong said that in order to secure records from his city, he has had to file public records requests, which he paid for himself. Neilson disputed this saying that the office without internet and access to city documents is the real mayors office. According to Neilson, the office Truong was working out of was the public works office. Neilson also took fire for his previous position as the citys auditor, which he held for 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cannot be an auditor for an organization for 20 years, ignore the decline, and then be tasked with turning it around. Truong said. If you were the auditor for the past 20 years did you not see these issues in those past 20 years? state Rep. Edmond Jordan, D-Baton Rouge, asked Neilson. He's been the auditor, by his admission for 20 years, and these issues, even though he can't actually fix them, you would think if you reported it enough over a 20-year period, you would either say, Hey, look, you need to fix this,' or maybe, "I don't need to be your auditor. Truong and Nielson eventually made their way to the table, where they sat side by side. Each accused the other of lying, incompetence and spent a great deal of their testimony refuting what the other said. The people in the audience were clearly unhappy with Neilson. Annoyed gasps and blurts were heard in the audience with much of what Nielsen said when he attempted to defend his findings and decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Beth Mizell, R-Bogalusa, expressed her shock at the uncooperative nature of the duo. I feel like I'm watching two parents fighting for custody of a child, Mizell said. And the child is at home, waiting for resolution, and a little bit of it is that those parents enjoy stirring up the neighbors more than they care about the child they've left at home. I'm tired of social media. I'm tired of being accused of things. I'm tired of people who love the city being mud slung continually. We just cant tolerate this level of dysfunction, Jordan said. The purpose of the meeting was to hear from Neilson about a coming audit, which will detail Bogalusas finances for 2022. The city never submitted the audit because the finances were in such bad shape, according to Mike Waguespack, Louisianas state auditor. In other words, the city is still reconciling funds from three years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were a lot of numbers thrown around today, Waguespack told The Center Square. "We dont have an audited number. We have an audited number for 2022, which shows a $1.7 million surplus." For last year, Neilson projects there was a $5.7 million deficit, but Truong said this was inaccurate. It's inaccurate because our ad valorem taxes totaled $4.6 million and came in January of 2025, which is why it doesn't show up in the system for 2024, so its not an actual deficit, Truong told The Center Square. Mayor Perrette also left us with about $2.2 million in past due bills which we paid out in 2023. A man faces a number of drug and firearm charges after he allegedly eluded troopers who tried to pull him over in Vernon last Friday, hours before state police found him in Manchester. Dylan M. Scott, 27, of Manchester faces charges of reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, possession with intent to sell a hallucinogen, possession of a controlled substance, carrying a pistol without a permit, possession of a large capacity magazine, stealing a firearm, interfering with police, fifth-degree larceny, criminal possession of a firearm, second-degree reckless endangerment, use of drug paraphernalia, operating a motor vehicle without a license and multiple other motor vehicle offenses, according to Connecticut State Police. The arrest came after troopers tried pulling over the driver of a dark gray Acura TL with Massachusetts plates just before 11 a.m. on Baker Road in the area of Reservoir Road, state police said. The driver refused to stop and was last seen on South Frontage Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just before 1:20 p.m., troopers found the vehicle they believe was involved in the earlier incident in a driveway on Moore Street in Manchester, state police said. Troopers made contact with Scott and allegedly that he was identified as the driver who refused to pull over, according to state police. Scott took off on foot and allegedly threw a firearm in a trashcan as he was being chased, state police said. Troopers were assisted by the Manchester Police Department in setting up a perimeter around the area. A K-9 Unit also began conducting a track, which led to authorities finding Scott under a deck of a residence on McKee Street, state police said. Scott was taken into custody and arrested. The firearm troopers believe he ditched was identified as a Taurus 9mm G3-C handgun, which was found to be reported stolen from North Carolina and equipped with a 12-round magazine, state police said. The criminal information summary supporting the arrest did not include any additional information about the drug charges Scott faces. He was released after posting a $500,000 bond and is expected to appear in Rockville Superior Court on Sept. 17. The changes were evident the moment Jennifer Iannuzzi saw her daughter weeks after she joined one of the few full-time residential programs for children with special needs in the state. Shes adapted to the routine, bonded with the staff, and is actively engaging with the other kids in the program, Iannuzzi said of her daughter, Sydney Iannuzzi. Sydney Iannuzzi, 19, has a rare genetic disorder known as Smith Magenis Syndrome, a non-familial chromosomal disorder that is the result of a missing piece of genetic material within the 17th chromosome. The disorder results in global development delays, and cognitive behavioral issues similar to severe autism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her daughter struggles with behavioral outbursts, emotional dysregulation and can have self-injurious behavior, her mother explained. She said her daughter has cognitive delays and requires 24/7 care. My daughter was someone that needed this type of round-the-clock support and service to develop and grow and thrive, she said. They cultivate a certain culture there that puts the students needs at the center. It is a tailored program for the specific needs of each child. Ianuzzi said that Sydney needs one-on-one support at all times and a small classroom environment. Since her enrollment in the Hubbard Day Residential Program in Stamford nearly two months ago, Ianuzzi said her daughter has grown even more independent, sharing opinions with her mother such as liking her cards face down on her desk instead of upright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The environment that has been built is really what has helped her, she said. She is starting to make real friends with other students in the residential program. The residential program follows Sydneys enrollment in the schools day program, which was founded by Ianuzzis former high school classmate, Jonathan Trichter, in 2020. He was inspired after he learned through Jennifers posts on Facebook that Sydneys school had closed during the pandemic, leaving her in a dire situation. The Facebook posts became a journal for Ianuzzi to share emotions, challenges and triumphs raising a child with special needs. Moving forward with residential placement was one of the hardest choices weve ever had to make, she wrote on a recent Facebook post. But as each day passes, its clearer that this is exactly what she needed. Shes been challenged. Shes growing. And shes doing it all in a place that feels safe and familiar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And she grappled with the decision to place her in the program. It takes a village, she wrote on Facebook in July. And not in a casual, cliche kind of way. I mean a real village. A full-time staff of support. People who each take a shift. People who dont just drop in, but show up everyday. The kind of team where the weight of care is shared across many hands. So its not that I dont have a shift anymore, she wrote. Its that, for the first time in almost 20 yearsI dont have all the shifts. I love my daughter with a depth thats hard to describe, and this kind of caregivingfueled by urgency, panic, trauma, and constant responsibilityis profoundly draining. It is full-body, full-time work that takes a toll over timeon your mind, your body, and your spirit. Hubbard Day residential program The Hubbard Day Residential Program provides 24/7 care for six children since its opening this summer and already has a waiting list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We started a small, residential program with six beds and may have additional space for 15 beds by January, said Trichter, who has opened eight schools for students with special needs across the country. He funded Hubbard Day School himself. Trichter said such residential programs are rare in the community because the work is challenging, including finding the right space, staff and landlords to support the facility. Students in the new program attend the regular school program during the day while receiving after-school care around the clock. Its 24-hour staffing along with on site nursing for behavior support and teaching adult daily living skills, increasing prosocial behaviors and increasing independence among other skills, according to information about the program. Trichter said the school allows students to learn in a small, contained environment that really allows these individuals to feel safe and therefore grow and develop and thrive, which is the ultimate goal. Touched by autism Spending a major part of his career in finance and on Wall Street where he was an investment banker, Trichter became personally touched by autism leading him to open his first school for students with special needs in New York City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020 he learned of Ianuzzis plight concerning her daughters school closure. She wrote grippingly and at times she tore her vein out and bled on the printed page, he said. It commanded attention. Ianuzzi told the Courant that watching her daughter 24/7 with no clear answers of where to put her in school was debilitating at times, describing staring at an abyss. The boat was filling with water so to speak, she said. I was the teacher. The physical therapist. One person to do all the things. It has a ripple effect for the whole family. Trichter hired all the staff from Sydneys previous school, Giant Steps, and opened Hubbard Day in 2020 in Greenwich. It became fully licensed in 2021 as an Approved Private Education Program in Stamford, providing special education services to 90 students with IEPs for severe autism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 202324 there were 86,942 students in the state with disabilities, which included autism and other conditions, according to the state education site. But fewer than 3,000 students with disabilities in grades K-12 attended APSEPs each year over the past 10 years, according to the education site. Due to the high need for residential program, some in the state draw clients and students from multiple states. Trichter said the job is rewarding, referring to the kids as beautiful. He said the school is able to help provide them more autonomy and builds independence. Helping introduce them to civic society and participate in the human experiment more fully is a gift I treasure every day, he said. He added: I treasure it in the mornings when they walk into school smiling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trichter explained in the same measure it can be heart wrenching to watch students with complex behaviors and needs as they struggle to express themselves and master tasks that are outside of their reach. Trichter said the job has added meaning to his life. CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) The Cumberland County District Attorney held a news conference on Monday to discuss the findings of the late August shooting involving a police officer. The Cumberland County District Attorneys Office announced that the West Shore Regional Police Department officer was justified in shooting Romaine Marszalek during an incident on August 25. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Morning Weather Forecast Pennsylvania State Police said officers from the West Shore Regional Police Department went to Lowther Street in Lemoyne for a welfare check for 23-year-old Romaine Marszalek of New Cumberland. According to a criminal complaint, Marszalek told troopers she had a gun. She then pulled out what appeared to be a firearm from her waistband and pointed it at officers, at which point Troopers said an officer shot her. Police said they later found that the firearm was a BB gun designed to look like a Colt 1911 handgun. Marszalek was transported to a local hospital for treatment before she was moved to Cumberland County Prison, where she was unable to post bail after being charged with two felonies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. NICOSIA (Reuters) -Cyprus has approached the United Arab Emirates for possible cooperation on an EU-financed subsea power cable linking Europe to the eastern Mediterranean region, it said on Monday, reaffirming its commitment to the project. European prosecutors said last Thursday that they had launched an investigation into possible criminal offences relating to the 1.9 billion euro ($2.2 billion) cable to link Greece with Cyprus and later to Israel, a project all three countries say they support despite a series of delays. "To cite just one example that proves this political commitment of ours, I myself and the foreign minister visited the United Arab Emirates," Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides told reporters after comments from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the weekend urging Cyprus to clarify its views on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I met with the president of the country precisely to discuss this issue and to consider the possibility of a joint partnership ... to invest in other areas related to this project." Christodoulides did not comment on the European investigation announced last week. The cable is being built by Greek transmission operator IPTO, which took over in late 2023 from a Cyprus-based operator that had been working on the project for about a decade. Project promoters say the link would be the world's longest high-voltage cable at 1,240 km (770.5 miles) and also the deepest, at 3,000 metres. Cyprus has repeatedly sought clarifications on the total cost of the project, its viability and any liabilities for unforeseen delays. ($1 = 0.8532 euros) (Reporting By Michele KambasEditing by David Goodman) A spy network being built in Europe by Belarus was broken up by intelligence services from the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania, the Czech counterintelligence agency said Monday. The Czech agency, also known as BIS, said in a statement that a team of European agents discovered spies in several European countries from Belarus KGB security agency. BIS said that a former deputy head of Moldovan intelligence service SIS who handed over classified information to the KGB was among them. The Czechs also expelled a Belarusian agent who was operating under the cover of a diplomat. That person was given 72 hours to leave the Czech Republic, the Czech Foreign Ministry said Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Czech agency said that Belarus managed to create the network because its diplomats are able to freely travel across European countries. To successfully counter these hostile activities in Europe, we need to restrict the movement of accredited diplomats from Russia and Belarus within the Schengen (borderless) area, BIS head Michal Koudelka said in a statement. The agency didnt immediately offer more details. Romanias anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT, said on Monday that it implemented an arrest warrant for a 47-year-old suspect on treason charges. The suspect had previously held management positions within Moldovas SIS. The suspect allegedly disclosed state secrets to Belarusian intelligence officers that would likely endanger national security, DIICOT stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Romanian agency added that, between 2024 and 2025, the Moldovan suspect who wasnt named met twice with Belarusian spies in Budapest, Hungary, and that there is reasonable suspicion that the meetings involved transmitting instructions and exchanging payments for services provided. The ongoing international investigation has been supervised by the European Unions judicial cooperation agency, Eurojust. Belarus is led by authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Lukashenko let Russia use Belarusian territory as a staging ground for Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and later allowed the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear missiles. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (Reuters) -The Czech Republic will expel a Belarusian diplomat it accuses of espionage, the Foreign Ministry said on Monday. The Czech counterintelligence service said that together with Romanian and Hungarian services it had "broken up a Belarusian intelligence network being built in Europe." Minsk's relations with many central European countries have become increasingly strained since its ally Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have declared a Belarusian diplomat working for the secret service persona non grata. We will not tolerate the abuse of diplomatic cover for secret service activities," the Foreign Ministry said in a post on X. In Romania, anti-organized crime prosecuting unit DIICOT said it was investigating a 47-year-old Moldovan former senior intelligence agency chief for treason. In contrast to Romania and the Czech Republic, Hungary has maintained warm diplomatic relations with Russia and Belarus. The Belarusian embassy in Prague did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. (Reporting by Alan Charlish, Jan Lopatka, Luiza Ilie; Editing by Sharon Singleton, Rod Nickel) NEED TO KNOW A recently retired New York Police Department officer and his girlfriend have died after they were involved in a motorcycle crash in Brooklyn on Labor Day The victims have been identified as 42-year-olds Reinaldo "Rey" Rodriguez and Mirella Vega Rodriguez spent 21 years with the NYPD before he retired this spring, and purchased the motorcycle involved in the crash as a gift to himself A recently retired police officer and his girlfriend have died after they were involved in a motorcycle crash in New York City on Labor Day. Police said Reinaldo Rodriguez and his girlfriend Mirella Vega, both 42, were fatally injured after the new 2025 Harley-Davidson they were on crashed into the rear passenger side of a Mercedes-Benz SUV in Brooklyn, according to the New York Daily News and Patch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SUV was reportedly making a left turn off Atlantic Avenue and onto Elton Street in the Cypress Hills neighborhood when the collision occurred around 8:10 p.m. local time on Monday, Sept. 1. Both Rodriguez and his girlfriend were ejected from the motorcycle, according to ABC affiliate WABC-TV and the Daily News. Rodriguez died at the scene, while Vega died at Brookdale University Hospital. Rodriguez, nicknamed Rey, was described as a ray of sunshine with a smile that would light up the entire room in a statement shared by his family via GoFundMe. He was loyal, so supportive, kind, honest, very caring, trustworthy, darn adventurous, extremely charming, compassionate, genuine, so damn funny, generous, and understanding, the family said. Nydia Rodriguez/GoFundMe Reinaldo "Rey" Rodriguez, who was killed in motorcycle crash on Labor Day alongside his girlfriend Reinaldo "Rey" Rodriguez, who was killed in motorcycle crash on Labor Day alongside his girlfriend Rodriguez spent 21 years of his life as a member of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) before retiring in the spring, according to family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former cop had recently purchased the motorcycle involved in the crash as a retirement gift to himself, the Daily News reported. Rodriguez leaves behind a 10-year-old son while Vega, a medical assistant, leaves behind three children of her own. The retired cops father, who is also named Reinaldo Rodriguez, said the couple met in high school and re-connected later in life after Rey divorced his first wife. Unfortunately, this beautiful soul's retirement plans were cut short, along with those of the woman whom he loved dearly, Mirella, Reys family said in their statement. We ask you to keep her family in your prayers also. This is difficult for them too. Vegas eldest daughter told the Daily News that her mom also lit up a room when she came in and put others before herself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybodys in shock, the daughter said. She was involved in everyones lives She was the most selfless person you will ever meet. Nydia Rodriguez/GoFundMe Reinaldo Rodriguez Reinaldo Rodriguez The fatal crash occurred just blocks away from Reys home in East New York, according to the Daily News. His funeral is expected to take place this week. The male driver of the SUV involved in the crash remained at the scene and was eventually transported to Brookdale University Hospital in stable condition, according to WABC-TV. 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. Meanwhile, more than $22,000 has been raised through the GoFundMe for Reys family as of Monday, Sept. 8. The funds will go toward funding his services, and anything left over afterward will be donated to his son Aiden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was looking forward to spending more time with his son, said Reys mother, 68-year-old Diane Rodriguez, according to the Daily News. Everything was for him. That was his world. The NYPD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. Read the original article on People Labour is in disarray since Angela Rayners resignation, even as the Prime Minister tries to seize back the narrative by reshuffling his Cabinet. Tim and Camilla are joined by Jacob Rees-Mogg to assess the refreshed front bench including new Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and who might run for deputy Labour leader, like Emily Thornberry or eye-wateringly Left-wing Ed Miliband. And just as his Government is in crisis, Keir Starmer is being held to ransom by the unions, with striking Tube drivers demanding fewer hours for the same pay. Rees-Mogg says: fire the lot of them. Meanwhile union leaders are threatening a rebellion if Rayners workers rights bill is watered down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plus, the BBCs director general Tim Davie and chair Samir Shah are set to be grilled by MPs on Tuesday over Gaza, Glastonbury and MasterChef. Tim and Camilla speak to culture committee chair Caroline Dinenage about anti-Israel bias and whether the leadership should resign. Watch episodes of The Daily T here. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Dallas County jail exceeded capacity over Labor Day weekend while holding a record number of immigrants for federal authorities, county officials reported last week. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has dramatically increased detention requests to North Texas jails, with Dallas County leading the state. The requests have exacerbated the overcrowding situation in the Dallas County Jail system, which has been plagued by inefficient software issues that have slowed the release of inmates who have completed their sentences, as previously reported in The Dallas Express. Between February and May 2025, ICE issued 1,706 detainer requests in Dallas County a 71% jump from 2024. No other Texas county received more requests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Criminal Justice Department Director Charlene Randolph told county commissioners the jail is in crisis mode. Find ways to get [detainees] out, she emphasized during the meeting, per the Dallas Observer. ICE detainers ask jails to hold undocumented immigrants for up to 48 hours until federal agents arrive. These requests increased 30% statewide in early 2025. North Texas counties saw the sharpest spikes. Denton Countys requests rose 115%, Tarrant Countys doubled at 107%, and Collin County experienced a 63% increase. Its just convenient for them, said Lena Graber, senior staff attorney at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, the Dallas Observer reported. It takes many more hours to identify someone who is living in the U.S. at large. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lew Sterrett Justice Center held 7,124 inmates on Monday evening. In 2015, officials reported that about 6.5% of detainees had active immigration detainers. If that estimate remains accurate, about 460 of the current jail population may have immigration detainers. Dallas County previously limited cooperation with ICE. In 2015, former Sheriff Lupe Valdez ignored detainer requests for low-level, non-violent offenders while holding those accused of serious crimes. That policy changes January 1. A new state law forces Texas sheriffs to partner with ICE through the 287(g) program, authorizing local immigration enforcement. The Dallas County Sheriffs Office maintained earlier this year that it lacked resources to assist federal immigration agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dallas County Sheriffs Offices role is to serve the citizens of Dallas County, the department stated. Immigration advocates warn that the crackdowns erode community trust in police. The timing compounds Dallas Countys space crisis as officials scramble for solutions. When even the influencers are sounding the alarm, you know that a destination has a dark side. Hot on the heels of uncovering the secrets of drug gangs on the party island of Ibiza, British influencer Zara McDermott is now out to expose the criminal underbelly of Thailand, in a three-part documentary currently streaming on BBC iPlayer. While the series is unlikely to put a major dent in Thailands appeal to British tourists, it isnt exactly helpful advertising either. Particularly when the south-east Asian country is already dealing with a slew of negative publicity following the outbreak of military skirmishes with neighbouring Cambodia earlier this year (a flare-up that caused the FCO to update its travel advice for Thailand). On this occasion, Ms McDermott will be focusing on Thailands complicated relationship with illegal narcotics, rather than its fractious geopolitical relationships. And goodness knows she will have plenty to work with on that front. Not least the fact that the country is currently wrestling with a wave of grey-economy marijuana sellers that have turned it into one of the biggest smuggling routes for bringing cannabis into Britain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was quite the surprise given that the south-east Asian country isnt known for having an easy-going attitude to narcotics. For decades, anyone heading to Bangkok or one of the many gorgeous Thai islands has been warned about the severe consequences of being caught breaking the drug laws: including the death penalty for those convicted of smuggling the most serious substances. That hasnt stopped British smugglers trying their luck. Earlier this year, a 24-year-old British woman, Cameron Bradford, was given a two-year suspended sentence after being caught in Germany with 20kg of cannabis that she had flown in from Thailand. She told the court she had been coerced into running the risky delivery errand by a man for whom she had been working as an escort. In truth, Ms Bradford should thank her lucky stars she wasnt caught in Bangkok Airport. Anyone who has seen one of those horrendous documentaries about Thai prisons will know the sort of fate that awaits unlucky Westerners. And while some readers may take the not unreasonable view that those who break the laws deserve what they get, this harsher side of Thai society stretches well beyond the penal system. Take Thailands unapologetic policing of certain political and religious taboos, which has seen a handful of tourists and expats come unstuck over the years. Indeed the country is regarded as having one of the strictest approaches to lese majeste (otherwise known as the crime of insulting the monarchy) and has repeatedly handed down long sentences to offenders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Needless to say, Westerners arent exempt from such treatment. In 2005, an Australian writer, Harry Nicolaides, was handed a three-year prison sentence after court deemed that one of his novels had besmirched the Thai royal family. After a month in a Bangkok jail, Mr Nicolaides was eventually pardoned by the Thai king before being deported and banned from the country. Harry Nicolaides was handed a three-year prison sentence in 2005 - AFP Any writings or behaviour deemed as insulting to Buddhism can expect similarly short shrift. While most civilised people wont lose sleep over the travails of the American tourists who had to flee Thailand after being seen flashing their buttocks at a Buddhist temple, you still may find yourself being admonished for minor taboos like turning your back on the wrong statue. A more obscure restriction on freedom of expression are the laws around promoting alcohol, which forbid anyone from displaying images of alcoholic beverages. Though it may sound like an extreme version of the kind of advertising bans touted by nanny-state governments in Scotland and elsewhere, the law makes it a criminal offence to post photos of yourself drinking alcohol on social media, with punishments of up to one year in prison. And what of the other perennial concern for tourists: safety? While Thailands police might be strict on certain speech violations, they arent always so alert when it comes to protecting you against other crimes. Everywhere you turn theres a scam, says my friend Chris, describing his time in Bangkok. You cant catch an Uber without someone trying to pretend to be your driver in order to fleece you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some scams have been running so long they almost seem quaint: like the tuk-tuk drivers who insist that certain attractions are actually closed, before taking you on a tour of over-priced gem stores. But there are plenty of lesser-known tricks to watch out for, including fake police shakedowns often targeting drunken tourists and beachfront vendors renting out faulty jet-skis that will break down right on schedule and leave you paying for the damage. Some Bangkok tuk-tuk drivers have been known to use dodgy tactics to extract cash from tourists - Getty Then there are the more general threats to your safety. Earlier this year a deadly fire broke out on a diving boat in Koh Tao. Then theres Thailands frankly appalling road safety record. The World Health Organisation says that the country ranks ninth from bottom, out of 175 countries, for road safety, noting that its per capita death rate (25.4 per 100,000 population in 2021) makes it an outlier amongst fellow Asian countries and amongst its economic peers. In the West, we may moan about excessive health and safety. But anyone who has ventured east of the Persian Gulf will know how quickly we tend to change our tune when confronted with those countries where risk assessments are basically non-existent. If youre unfamiliar with the scale of the problem, just look at the videos on social media of unlucky tourists who lose their footing on Bangkoks uneven and perilous streets and end up face first in the concrete. And what of organised crime? While Thailand may not have the mafia problems of neighbouring Myanmar, it isnt entirely free of criminal networks. In its advice page for Thailand, the Foreign Office warns travellers about the risk of methanol poisoning from alcoholic drinks, likely bootlegged by organised crime groups. Alcoholic drinks containing methanol have killed people and caused serious illness, it says. There is a risk of methanol poisoning from home brewed alcohol or counterfeit replicas of well-known alcohol brands. A diver in Koh Tao, which some have claimed is run by a local mafia - Getty Is there any truth in the persistent rumours that the Thai island of Koh Tao is run by a local mafia? The accusation was widespread ten years ago, when the island a popular backpacker destination hit headlines following the tragic murders of two British tourists, Hannah Witheridge and David Miller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the outcry at the killings, Thai authorities pledged to increase law enforcement on the island with one Bangkok newspaper reporting that the raids would focus on influential rackets and illegitimate businesses. Despite that, local police chiefs were insistent that there was 100 per cent no mafia in Koh Tao, with reports that Thai authorities would sue those who said otherwise. With mysteries like that, you can see why documentary-makers are drawn to the country. And Ms McDermott should deserve plenty of credit for bringing these kinds of stories to the attention of younger viewers, who might otherwise be jetting off to the likes of Phuket and Koh Samui without any awareness of the potential risks that might await them. Of course, it wont put them off visiting entirely, and neither should it. Who would honestly say no to a week away in one of the most beautiful and exciting destinations on earth right now? But lets not pretend that Thailand doesnt harbour more than its fair share of dark secrets. This story was first published in March 2025 and has been revised and updated. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Officials announced that Arkansans will have the opportunity to pay their respects to the late Sen. Gary Stubblefield. Secretary of State Cole Jester said Stubblefield will lie in state in the Capitol rotunda from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 11. Arkansas Senator Gary Stubblefield dead at 74 My office is praying for the family of Senator Gary Stubblefield as they mourn his passing, Jester said. Were thankful for his service to the state of Arkansas and ask for your prayers for his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We invite all Arkansans to come pay their respects to the man I was proud to know as a friend, Jester 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 KARK. The cost to haul milk in the Upper Midwest was up 1.5 cents when comparing May 2022 to May 2023. In its annual report on the costs of shipping milk, Areerat Kichkha, an economist with the Upper Midwest Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO), notes that nearly 60% of the milk is produced by 7.8% of the farms in the analysis, which includes 8,822 producers. The weighted average charges for the entire order were 42.02 cents in May 2023, compared to 41.53 cents per hundredweight (cwt.) in May 2022. Those averages are influenced by total pounds shipped per farm on a per cwt. basis. Farms shipping less than 49,999 pounds a month paid 83.88 cents per cwt. on a weighted average basis. Those charges dropped to 58.53 cents among those producing 50,000 to 99,999 pounds of milk. The additional eight milk weight categories ranged from 33.18 to 51.57 cents per cwt., with the 1.5 million to 2.5 million pound group paying the lowest freight, reported Kichkha. Looking at the state averages, Minnesota edges out Wisconsin for the lowest rate by a penny. These two states account for 78.6% of the milk on the market in May 2023. The states hauling charges per cwt. in the report were: Wisconsin, 39.15 cents Illinois, 79.75 cents Michigan, Upper Peninsula, 72.42 cents Minnesota, 38.01cents South Dakota, 42.39 cents Iowa, 53.07 cents North Dakota, 91.14 cents Those averages are, of course, influenced by average production per farm, giving a strong advantage to South Dakota with nearly 2.5 million pounds per month on average from the 152 farms in the report. View the full report here. (WHTM) Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas (D) has filed to run for Congress in the Pennsylvania 10th District. Douglas joins former television anchor Janelle Stelson in next springs Democratic primary. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Stelson won the 2024 Democratic primary and lost to incumbent Congressman Scott Perry (R) by 5,133 votes, his closest electoral victory since being elected to Congress in 2012. Stelson jumped into the race this summer with an endorsement from Governor Josh Shapiro, among several other state and local lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A former pastor, Douglas was elected as a County Commissioner in 2022 and rose to the position of Chairman earlier this year. He has focused much of his time as a county commissioner on fighting fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption, no matter where it hides or who it implicates. Douglas announced in July that he was forming an exploratory committee for a potential run. From day one as Commissioner, Ive made it my mission to fight fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption, no matter where it hides or who it implicates, Douglas said in July. That fight belongs in Washington too, where public trust has been eroded for far too long. Im exploring this campaign because our communities deserve leaders who answer to the people, not to special interests. Perry campaign spokesperson Matt Beynon issued a statement on Douglass filing to run, calling him part of the new socialist base of the Democratic Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Bernie Sanders to AOC and even Jesse Jackson, Commissioner Douglas has tied himself to the most radical fringe of the Democrat Party at every turn. In fact, one of Commissioner Douglas first votes was to support the largest tax increase in Dauphin County history, while Congressman Perry just voted to extend the largest middle-class tax cuts in history and eliminated taxes on tips and overtime for south-central Pennsylvanians. As in sync as Commissioner Douglas is with the new socialist base of the Democrat Party, hes woefully out of touch with the values of the 10th congressional district. Congressman Perry looks forward to watching the race to the Left between Commissioner Douglas and Janelle Stelson in the weeks and months to come. In 2024, Dauphin County commissioners approved a tax rate increase for the first time in 19 years, with a 21.8% increase. The $222 million budget included a $16 minimum wage for dozens of county employees and infrastructure improvements. The projections for the future look bright with this particular increase because were going to be able to invest in our future, and I think were going to be able to secure future years without tax increases, said Douglas at the time. Douglas added, I wouldnt have gone this long without a tax increase. I think it would have been much better for our constituents to feel small increases over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 10th District covers Dauphin County and parts of Cumberland and York counties. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. In 2003, the Nobel Prize winner David Baltimore, then president of Caltech, paused to reflect on his role as one of the worlds most decorated scientists. "People keep e-mailing me to ask, 'What is the meaning of life?'" Baltimore told an interviewer, with amusement. "And they want me to e-mail them back quickly with an answer!" Baltimore was then 65, an age when many people are retired from public life, yet he was still actively leading one of the worlds top research universities. Others, he said, found their meaning in friends, in dogs, in religion, in the self-reflectiveness of writing, etc. But Caltech people largely find it in the continual contest with nature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a contest that Baltimore waged right to the end of his life as a scientist, businessman and internationally respected conscience of the new world of biological engineering. He died Saturday at his home in Woods Hole, Mass., according to his wife, as reported by the New York Times. Baltimore was 87. His death concludes one of the most illustrious careers in 20th century science. The bearded scientist with the penetrating blue eyes played a role, usually a leading one, in virtually every important national debate over the use and potential misuse of the science of genetic engineering, whether it was gene-splicing and the search for an AIDS vaccine, or the dangers of tinkering with the human genome. But it was as a working scientist that he made his most enduring contributions, the role he was most proud of. "When you are a scientist, and you are trying to prove or disprove a notion, you work at the bench doing the dullest, most routine things over and over and over again," Baltimore once explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can't tell you how many ways things go wrong. All the time you are doing this because there is an idea behind it." In a statement, Caltech President Thomas Rosenbaum said Baltimore's "contributions as a virologist, discerning fundamental mechanisms and applying those insights to immunology, to cancer, to AIDS, have transformed biology and medicine." "David's profound influence as a mentor to generations of students and postdocs, his generosity as a colleague, his leadership of great scientific institutions, and his deep involvement in international efforts to define ethical boundaries for biological advances, fill out an extraordinary intellectual life," he added. David Baltimore was born March 7, 1938, in New York City, the son of a garment industry merchant, Richard Baltimore, and Gertrude Lipschitz-Baltimore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richards family was Orthodox Jewish, from Lithuania, and though the Baltimores in America were not overtly religious, the family communicated a moral code that influenced their sons concern for the underprivileged. This led him to take public stands on social issues, such as the AIDS epidemic and nuclear proliferation, that other scientists shunned. In 1970, while performing experiments that would win him the Nobel Prize, he shut down his lab for a week and joined demonstrators in Boston against the Vietnam War-era invasion of Cambodia. In high school, Baltimore enrolled in a summer program at the prestigious Jackson Laboratory at Bar Harbor, Maine, where he made a discovery that altered his life and set him on the path to science. "It was the process of research. I discovered that I could investigate the unknown as a high school student, that the frontier of knowledge was actually very close and very accessible," he said, many years later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After graduating from Swarthmore College, Baltimore earned his doctorate from the Rockefeller Institute (now University), before doing three years of research at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, where he met his future wife, Alice Shih Huang. His postdoctoral student, Huang collaborated in his research on animal viruses, later becoming a full professor at Harvard Medical School. At this time, Baltimore was particularly interested in the poliovirus, which attacks the RNA (ribonucleic acid) in cells. He was on the cutting edge of molecular biology, said science historian Daniel Kevles, his friend and colleague. There was no molecular biology to speak of and very little virology. It was a brave field of work. At the time, it was an ironclad rule in molecular biology that genetic information was a one-way street, flowing from the double-helix structure of DNA to the single-stranded RNA, which the cells machinery uses to make proteins. But some biologists were beginning to question that assumption, and Baltimore joined the hunt for evidence that genetic information might flow in both directions, which, if true, held enormous potential for understanding the spread of viruses. After leaving the Salk, Baltimore returned to Boston and became an associate professor of microbiology at MIT. As it became apparent that not all viruses behaved alike, Baltimore launched a new classification system, one that is still in use, grouping them by families according to their genomes and replication systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was during this work that he discovered an enzyme that enabled a virus made of RNA to be copied into DNA, a process known as reverse transcription. The discovery of reverse transcriptase was greeted with overheated predictions that science had at last found a cure for cancer. The thinking went, if one could use RNA to code DNA, scientists could seize control of the bodys defenses. Baltimore knew his work did not augur a cure for cancer, but the discovery of reverse transcriptase was nonetheless important because it led to an understanding of how genes can modify cells, turning normal cells into cancer cells. Reverse transcriptase is also used by a unique family of viruses, known as retroviruses, to replicate themselves. This finding would be critical to understanding the AIDS virus, HIV, which is a retrovirus, and devising anti-HIV treatments. Baltimores discovery was attended by great fanfare and led to his promotion to full professor at MIT. In 1973, he was awarded a lifetime research professorship by the American Cancer Society, and a year later was elected to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Finally, in 1975, with Howard Temin, a friend and colleague who had discovered reverse transcriptase around the same time, Baltimore was awarded the Nobel Prize for physiology or medicine. With the prize came fame; people began referring to Baltimore as the most influential biologist of his generation. To the general public, who did not necessarily understand what he had done, only that it was important, he became, at the age of 37, a full-fledged savant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The award had a profound effect on colleagues. "I don't see it as a burden, but you can't get away from it, Baltimore said. I know that when I talk to young scientists, they are looking at me and saying, 'God, I am talking to a Nobel Prize winner.' I try to break that down. It gets harder every year." His new celebrity status gave him a platform to address issues of broad cultural and scientific importance, a role Baltimore embraced. In the 1970s, when people became concerned that gene-splicing techniques could lead to the production of super viruses, Baltimore organized a conference at Asilomar near Monterey to design a self-regulating system to monitor those experiments. In the early 1980s, he led the fight against a crash program to map all human genes, fearing, once again, unknown consequences. In each case, when it was shown the dangers had been overestimated, he then led the effort to relax federal restrictions. He became an early champion of federal AIDS research and chaired a national commission that concluded the federal government's response to the epidemic was dangerously inadequate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As his reputation grew, he took leadership roles on political issues. When Pope John Paul II wanted to warn President Reagan of the danger of nuclear weapons, Baltimore was one of four scientists the pontiff appointed to carry his message. In 1984, Baltimore was chosen founding director of the new Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, molding it into one of the world's leading institutions of its kind. Following that success, he was appointed president of the Rockefeller University. Along the way, he became not only a respected link between the government and scientists but also a key player in the burgeoning biotechnology industry. His early involvement in the industry made him a relatively wealthy man, according to a 1997 Times magazine profile. The profile described a man in the fullness of middle age, harvesting the benefits he had earned, drinking the best wines and single-malt scotch, driving appropriately luxurious but not ostentatious vehicles. With his wife, Dr. Alice Huang, he shares a luxury duplex condominium on Union Wharf, which has a commanding view of Boston Harbor, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In person, Baltimore's practiced elegance frames a fierce pride and a sometimes brutal intellect, softened only by his insistence that professional criticism be leavened by personal respect. And then, the entire edifice crumbled as Baltimore became the focus and fall guy for one of the more infamous investigations of scientific misconduct in the last half of the 20th century. A colleague wrote a paper claiming sensational results. When others could not reproduce those results, allegations of fraud were aired, causing Congress to get involved. With the decline of the space program, biology had emerged as the preeminent science, and Congress was becoming skeptical about how millions of dollars in federal research grants were being spent. The whiff of scandal was attached to Baltimore himself, even though his work was never questioned. Still, his refusal to admit error, or to abandon his problematic colleague, came to symbolize for many the arrogance of the new mandarins of the biological sciences. The Baltimore case is reminiscent of the Watergate scandal," the New York Times wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four federal investigations and a grand jury probe later, Baltimores colleague, and Baltimore himself, were exonerated. The ordeal had consumed a decade of his life. Then, within months, everything changed. He was chosen to coordinate the federal effort to develop an AIDS vaccine and then appointed president of Caltech. It was a breathtaking reversal of fortune. "It is even more breathtaking," Baltimore said in 1997, shortly after taking the Caltech job, "to live through it." Kevles, a professor at Caltech at the time, recalled that when Baltimores name was announced to the assembled faculty, the room erupted in cheers. I had never seen the biologists look so ecstatic. It legitimized their field. In his eight years as president, Baltimore raised the universitys profile, both as a place where cutting-edge biology is done and as a respected voice on pressing national scientific debates. Under his leadership, Caltech raised more than $1.1 billion. He cited the gift of $600 million to the school by Intel Corp. co-founder Gordon Moore and his wife, Betty, as the "decisive moment" of his presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Caltech is a wonderful place, the best place to do science I have ever seen," Baltimore said in 2005, when he announced his resignation. "I will have done what I can do [as president], and it is time for somebody else to be thinking about it. As for what would come next, Baltimore said, I have a fairly extensive life in science and in business that I will pursue." If he thought his return to the laboratory would be a placid coda to his career, he was soon proved wrong, by yet another advance in genetic engineering, this one called CRISPR. I've seen revolution after revolution in biology," Baltimore said in 2016. "This one is a big deal." As one writer noted, if the gene-splicing technology of the 1970s spurred images of laboratory-hatched plagues from the Andromeda Strain novel and movie, CRISPR inspired comparisons to Brave New World. MITs Technology Review wrote of labs in which "man rebuilds creation to suit himself" and warned of "a path toward a dystopia of superpeople." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just as he did decades earlier, Baltimore took a leadership role in starting a public discussion about how to manage the powerful new tool. "At Asilomar, we had identified the genetic modification of humans as the biggest coming issue, Baltimore said. We just didn't know when it would come." A statement drafted by participants at a meeting in Napa in early 2015 spoke of the promise of curing genetic disease but also warned of unknown risks to human health and well-being. The statement listed 18 authors, with Baltimore at the top. Though he wrote an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal entitled, "Let's Hit 'Pause' Before Altering Humankind," Baltimore admitted later that genome-editing would in all probability take place sooner rather than later. After retiring as president of Caltech, he remained on staff in an emeritus capacity, and was appointed the Robert Andrews Millikan professor of biology. He finally shuttered his lab in 2019 but remained active in business. He helped found a number of companies, including Calimmune and Immune Design, which carried on the work he began in immunology and virology. Though he was most visible for his public advocacy of cancer and AIDS research, it was his work as a lab-based, working biologist that gave him the most pleasure, and for which he hoped to be remembered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides the Nobel Prize, he received the National Medal of Science in 1999, and the Warren Alpert Foundation Prize in 2000. He was the 1999 recipient of the National Medal of Science and published more than 700 peer-reviewed articles. He was also a member of numerous scientific advisory boards, including Amgen, the Broad Institute, Ragon Institute, and Regulus. Baltimore was past-president and chair of the American Assn. of the Advancement of Science. He is survived by his wife, Alice, and daughter, T.K. Baltimore. Johnson is a former Times staff writer. City News Service contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for the L.A. Times biggest news, features and recommendations in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Utah leaders announced earlier this year that for the first time, surviving children of deceased parents or caregivers will be notified of resources that provide grief support. One of those resources is the Grandview Grief Center, a project by the nonprofit Grandview for Good. A first for Davis County, the goal of the center is to provide support and resources for families who are experiencing grief and loss, said Amanda Grow, who serves as executive director at the nonprofit. The main funding priority is to support children who have lost parents or siblings, because the impact when you experience a loss like that in childhood is so far reaching across your whole lifespan, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grief center comes at a crucial time, according to the Utah Legislature, as 1 in 14 young people will experience a death of a parent or caregiver before reaching the age of 18. After the pandemic, efforts to create a system of support for bereaved children amplified, leading to the creation of the grief center. It initially received funding from a grant by the New York Life Foundation. While the center has a focus on children, the service extends to families and anyone experiencing grief. They have access to therapy specifically, Grow said. Our nonprofit provides therapy groups and access to funding for individual therapy for families who have lost a person. And we have some upcoming groups. Theyre all completely free. These groups are funded by a Davis County Social Services Block Grant, which is what allows them to be free for for families in our community. For adults who are dealing with grief and dont have children, they will not be turned away. Instead they will be seen on a case-by-case basis. At the center, someone would be assigned a case manager or Grandview advocate, and the advocate will then assess the situation and the resources the person would need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, where the newly crowned Mrs. Davis, Katie Wood, announced childhood grief awareness as her official platform for the upcoming Mrs. Utah pageant. Wood expressed her own experience with grief at 5 years old, her father lost his sister and father to a tragic drowning accident. The effects of that tragedy can still be felt 50 years later, Wood said. That is why today means so much. With this center, no family in our community will ever have to face that silence or isolation again. Here, children will have a place to ask questions and express their feelings in healthy ways. Parents and grandparents will find tools to help guide their families through loss. Teens who often grieve differently than adults will find understanding and connection, Wood said. The collaboration among community partners is a true strength of Davis County, said Teresa Smith, community outreach planner for the Davis County Health Department. The health department, along with other community partners, has come together to compassionately support those who are grieving. Providing books for the childrens library is a small way to encourage hope and healing for all ages. The services the center provides extends to Davis County residents only; however, according to Grow, the center has additional funding sources that would allow for the center to expand its services outside of Davis County. Sept. 8 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1565, the Spanish founded the first continuously inhabited European settlement in what is now the continental United States on the site of the present St. Augustine, Fla. In 1900, more than 6,000 people were killed when a hurricane and tidal wave struck Galveston, Texas. A Texas historical marker remembering the efforts of American Red Cross Founder Clara Barton after a hurricane hit Galveston, Texas, in 1900 stands on the beach as large waves mark the arrival of Hurricane Ike in September 2008. File Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/UPI In 1935, an assassin shot U.S. Sen. Huey P. Long at the Capitol in Baton Rouge, La. Long died two days later. His close friend, James O'Conner, Louisiana public service commission, recounted to United Press how the senator collapsed in his arms after the shooting. House Republican leader Gerald Ford (R) acknowledges applause after President Richard Nixon tapped him to be vice president of the United Stated on October 12, 1973. On September 8, 1974, then-President Ford granted former President Nixon, who had resigned a month earlier in the wake of the Watergate scandal, a full pardon for any offenses he may have committed during his years in office. UPI File Photo In 1941, the Siege of Leningrad -- the Russian city now known as St. Petersburg -- began. The Germany army held the blockade for more than two years during World War II, resulting in the deaths of about 1 million civilians and Soviet troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1943, U.S. Gen. Dwight Eisenhower announced that Italy surrendered to the Allied forces after the fall of fascist leader Benito Mussolini. Japanese forces surrender to U.S. troops in Seoul on September 9, 1945, one day after U.S. forces arrived in southern Korea. File Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy In 1945, U.S. troops arrived in southern Korea after Soviet troops occupied the north. The occupations, initially thought to be temporary, eventually resulted in the Korean War and separate states. In 1966, Star Trek premiered on NBC-TV. The recovered wreckage from USAir Flight 427, which crashed in Pittsburgh on September 8, 1994. File Photo courtesy of the Federal Aviation Administration Leonard Nimoy (R) and William Shatner greet thousands of fans at a Star Trek Convention in the Vancouver Trade and Convention Center on January 26, 1997. File Photo by H. Ruckemann/UPI In 1974, U.S. President Gerald Ford granted former President Richard Nixon, who had resigned a month earlier in the wake of the Watergate scandal, a full pardon for any offenses he may have committed during his years in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1994, a USAir Boeing 737 (Flight 427) suddenly rolled to the left, spiraled out of control and fell 6,000 feet in a crash near Pittsburgh that killed 132 people. A problem with the plane's rudder control system was eventually cited as the probable cause of the disaster. In 2018, Naomi Osaka became the first Japanese woman to win a Grand Slam in her 6-2, 6-4 defeat of American Serena Williams at the U.S. Open. In 2021, a 12-ton statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee was taken down and cut to pieces in Richmond, Va. In 2022, Queen Elizabeth III, the longest-serving monarch in British history, died at her Balmoral estate in Scotland at the age of 96. Her eldest son ascended the throne as King Charles III. In 2024, a fuel tanker collided with another truck in Nigeria, killing dozens of people. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. councilmembers are condemning more than a dozen bills introduced by Republican lawmakers that take aim at D.C. Home Rule. In a letter sent to GOP congressmembers James Comer and Robert Garcia, councilmembers said the bills would do direct and serious harm to the District of Columbia. In total, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will mark up 14 bills dealing with DC during a Wednesday meeting. The bills limit, repeal and reverse D.C. laws and autonomy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands rally in DC against Trump takeover Congressman Comer said the bills are intended to restore law and order in D.C., a major focus of President Trump. The House Oversight Committee stands ready to back the Presidents swift action by advancing comprehensive legislative reforms that empower District law enforcement and tackle the escalating juvenile crime crisis head-on, he said. Every resident and visitor deserves to feel safe in our capital, and together with President Trump, the Committee will fulfill its constitutional duty to oversee District affairs and make D.C. safe again. Of the bills, Republican House members are looking to increase mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes, lower the age a minor can be tried as an adult for certain crimes, allow officers in DC to chase a suspect fleeing in a vehicle, and give the Presidentnot DC votersthe power to pick the citys Attorney General. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their letter, councilmembers said, The breadth of these bills is remarkable, and if passed, would result in an erosion of accountability and public safety for the District of Columbia. DC Wards 7, 8 see drop in crime during federal law enforcement surge The group is asking the committee to reject these bills. We respectfully request that all members of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and all members of Congress, reject these harmful measures whether in committee mark up or before the full House of Representatives, they wrote. Monday, Mayor Muriel Bowser also disapproved of the measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of them would be an affront to Home Rule, she said. We believe our laws effecting the District should be made by the District. The committee meets at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The Drug Enforcement Administration is launching a major campaign to combat drug abuse on college campuses. Officials say its an effort to talk directly with students and raise awareness about the dangers of drugs. One pill can kill is the message the Drug Enforcement Administration is pushing in a state thats a victim of its own geography with the I-70/I-75 interchange. Ohio is kind of uniquely positioned. Its great for commerce, but just like its great for commerce is great for drug traffickers as well, says Brian McNeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian McNeal is the DEAs Public Information Officer for the Detroit Division, covering Michigan, Ohio, and Northern Kentucky. His visit to college campuses comes after a major bust in September where a large amount of drugs including fentanyl were seized after being brought into the region from China. Its a demonstration that what happens in other parts of the world can have an impact here in Ohio, states McNeal. McNeal says a lot of times, you dont know whats in a synthetic opioid. Sometimes its filler like aspirin or caffeine. But other times its methamphetamine or even a lethal dose of fentanyl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McNeal says a big trend theyre seeing now are counterfeit pills, and theyre easier than ever to get. Gone are the days where you have to meet somebody in a weird part of town. You can just sit on your phone and order these pills, states McNeal. He says half of the counterfeit pills theyre seizing contain two milligrams of fentanyl, which is a deadly dose. Thats why theyre bringing the campaign to campus to promote drug prevention and provide free resources, and in turn, decrease drug related deaths. A lot of times, college students whether theyre on campus or off campus, theres this misnomer that maybe if I pop a Percocet or an Adderall, itll help me study, says McNeal. The only pill that you should take is one prescribed by your doctor, obtained at a legitimate pharmacy, that has your name on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DEA says young adults ages 18 to 25 make up 11 percent of drug-related emergency room visits. For more information on drug abuse prevention and resources, 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. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced on Monday that a five-day operation across the U.S. and parts of the world targeting the Sinaloa Cartel led to more than 600 arrests, thousands of kilograms of drugs being seized, and millions in currency and assets being recovered. DEA officials revealed details of the operational surge that took place between Aug. 25 and Aug. 29. According to a news release, the operation was aimed at dismantling the Sinaloa Cartel. [The Sinaloa Cartel] is one of the worlds most violent and powerful drug cartels, responsible for flooding the United States with fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin, the news release reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sinaloa Cartel was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the Trump administration on Feb. 20, as were seven other groups, including other Mexico-based cartels such as the Gulf Cartel, Cartel de Jalisco Nuevo Generacion and La Nueva Familia Michoacana. Other groups labeled Foreign Terrorist Organizations on the same day are MS-13 and Tren de Aragua of El Salvador and Venezuela, respectively. Despite the massive crackdown on the illicit activity, the DEA still says that the Sinaloa Cartel remains one of the most significant threats to public safety, public health and our national security. The DEA is committed to breaking their command, control and distribution networks, officials said. During the five-day period between Aug. 25 and Aug. 29, DEA agents from 23 different U.S. field divisions and seven foreign regions carried out coordinated enforcement actions that resulted in the arrests of 617 people. A total of 420 firearms were seized as was $11,111,483 in currency and $1,697,313 in assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arguably, the most important part of the operation was preventing more than 10,000 kilograms of deadly drugs from getting onto American streets. Agents seized: 480 kilograms of fentanyl powder 2,209 kilograms of methamphetamine 7,469 kilograms of cocaine 16.5 kilograms of heroin 714,707 counterfeit pills Brian M. Clark, Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Division, referred to the Sinaloa Cartels reach as vast and unremitting, and the group does still have tens of thousands of members, associates and facilitators producing, manufacturing, distributing and trafficking drugs in at least 40 countries across the globe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This ruthless cartel is intent on cashing in, permeating our communities with their poison, with no regard to human suffering, Clark said. For that reason, the DEAs work remains critical and laser-focused. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Deadly Charlotte light rail stabbing draws national attention; leaders call for change A deadly stabbing on Charlottes light rail on Aug. 22 is drawing state and national attention as President Donald Trump, former Gov. Pat McCrory and Gov. Josh Stein and others weigh in on safety and security concerns. PAST COVERAGE: President Trump weighs in on deadly light rail stabbing President Donald Trump spoke about the attack Monday that claimed the life of Iryna Zarutska. Its so horrible ... just viciously stabbed, Trump said. Shes just sitting there. I just give my love and hope to the family of the young woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 9s crime reporter Hunter Saenz has been in touch with leaders from the Charlotte Area Transit System and the city since the attack. CATS released surveillance video on Friday from the night of the stabbing. Channel 9 independently decided not to show the victim or the attack out of respect for the Zarutska family. Video shows the suspect, Decarlos Brown, in a orange-red hoodie. Zarutska sat in an empty seat in front of him and 4.5 minutes later, Brown stood up and stabbed her three times. Shes just sitting there, so there are evil people, Trump said. We have to be able to handle that. If we dont handle that, we dont have a country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump made those remarks Monday morning as the city of Charlotte grapples with what to do next. Channel 9s Hunter Sanz spoke with former Republican governor and Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory on Monday. I take it personally. Its disturbing, McCrory said. He brought the light rail to Charlotte. And when we started this 30 years ago, we said the No. 1 priority has to be safety, and I think we lost touch of that, McCrory said. He believes the Metropolitan Transit Commission, the board that makes decisions about transit, should be smaller. He also would like to see fares for the train enforced. The minute something is free, it loses value, he said. And when something loses value, people mistreat it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCrory said the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department should be the agency securing the light rail, not a contracted security company. Gov. Josh Stein posted a statement Monday on X that read, in part, We need more cops on the beat to keep people safe, noting his proposed budget with would increase funding or more trained officers. McCrory believes more needs to be done immediately. Action should have been taken yesterday, McCrory said. Weve got to express action to ensure we reestablish the confidence that all of the customers must have in our light rail and transit line. MORE PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police revealed the suspects name the day after the attack and Channel 9 immediately started digging into Browns history. He spent more than five years in prison for robbery with a deadly weapon. The only charge pending before the murder was misusing the 911 system in January. Court records detailed concerns about his mental capacity. His mother said he lives with schizophrenia. A retired judge said that because there was only a minor crime pending, it would have been unlikely that a judge would have ordered him to get mental health treatment. CMPD encountered Brown three times in 2024. They referred him to mental health services but its unclear if he ever received them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CATS banned Brown for life from all transit after the attack. The week after the attack, Channel 9 questioned CATS leadership on how it could have happened. Was there a security failure that night? Channel 9s Saenz asked in an exclusive interview. No, no, no, said Lee Ratliff, assistant chief for Professional Security Services, the company that CATS contracts with to keep the transit system safe. On this night, I think that while the outcome is horrific, its terrible, the system, the processes, they all functioned as they should have on that night, said Brent Cagle, interim CEO for CATS. Now, I think, knowing what we know now, there may have been other opportunities for this, for this person to have got the help they needed, or to, you know, not been where they werent at night. But on this night, I believe that processes worked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CATS security company has 184 security officers working our transit system. They said they have the money to hire up to 219. Security leaders told Channel 9 that theyre open to adding even more but that would be a decision the city has to make and fund. VIDEO: President Trump weighs in on deadly light rail stabbing Recent statements from state leaders: Gov. Josh Stein: I am heartbroken for the family of Iryna Zarutska, who lost their loved one to this senseless act of violence, and I am appalled by the footage of her murder. We need more cops on the beat to keep people safe. Thats why my budget calls for more funding to hire more well-trained police officers. I call upon the legislature to pass my law enforcement recruitment and retention package to address vacancies in our state and local agencies so they can stop these horrific crimes and hold violent criminals accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson: This was an outrageously heinous and vicious act. Iryna was killed while sitting peacefully, an innocent life taken in a shocking and brutal way. We have told the district attorney, who is leading the prosecution, that our office will provide any and all support to deliver justice. We will remain steadfast until that justice is achieved. U.S. Attorney for Western District Russ Ferguson: The incident was a tragedy, and we are looking at every way the federal government can bring justice to Iryna Zarutska and her loved ones. This act of violence affects the confidence of all those who rely on public transportation to commute to work and go about their daily business, and restoring that confidence is our mission. AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) Two bouquets of flowers tied to the front gate of Kiesel Park speak to the grief and pain now stunning the Auburn community. They honor Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, 59, the Auburn University professor and veterinarian whose life was cut short in what investigators describe as a brutal attack while she walked her dog around the popular community green space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere will seek the death penalty against 28-year-old Harold Rashad Dabney III of Montgomery, who is charged with two counts of capital murder murder during a kidnapping and murder during a robbery. On Monday afternoon, Dabney appeared before Lee County District Judge Jeff Tickal for his 48/72-hour initial hearing. Wearing a black-and-white prison uniform, he told the judge he could not afford an attorney. Judge Tickal appointed Andrew Stanley and Arthur Vaughn to represent him. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man charged with capital murder in attack of AU professor at Auburns Kiesel Park No bond was granted. Dabneys preliminary hearing is set for October 8 at 10:30 a.m. in Judge Tickals courtroom, where the judge will decide whether the case moves forward to a grand jury. Cameras were not allowed inside Mondays hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators believe Dr. Schnuelle was walking her dog Saturday morning, September 6, when Dabney ambushed her along a park trail where he allegedly dragged her several hundred yards into the woods and stabbed her multiple times with a bladed object. After the attack, investigators allege Dabney took Schnuelles keys and her red Ford F-150, driving away from the park. The truck was later found abandoned in a creek bed off County Road 137, which extends into Wire Road less than five miles from Kiesel Park. On Sunday morning, a 911 call about a suspicious person came in from Beehive Road, only about two miles from where the truck was dumped. Officers responded and arrested Dabney around 8:30 a.m. Arrest warrants state Dabney inflicted the injuries that caused Dr. Schnuelles death with intent to do so, and that crime scene evidence tied him directly to the killing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents list a home address on Dunford Avenue in Auburn, and during Mondays hearing Dabney gave the Auburn address as his residence. However, investigators say his drivers license lists a Montgomery address. On Monday, Auburn Police executed a search at a home along Dunford Avenue. Witnesses reported a heavy police presence in the area as officers forced entry and conducted a detailed examination of the property. Investigators have not released details about what, if anything, was collected during the search. The only court cases WRBL News 3 could find were for a 2016 speeding ticket in Montgomery. We located a December 2023 arrest in Virginia Beach on a weapons charge involving a sawed-off shotgun. WRBL News 3 has reached out to Virginia Beach Police for more information on the weapons case. We also found a registration of a short-lived trucking business, Excellent Carriage LLC, in Montgomery in 2024. A June 10, 2021 Facebook post from the Montgomery Housing Authority announced the hiring of Harold Dabney as a full-time maintenance mechanic at Gibbs East. According to the post, Dabney had worked as a temp for one year before becoming a permanent employee. The President of the Montgomery Housing Authority confirms Dabneys employment ended in December 2022. There were not any documented disciplinary actions in his employment file and he left the agency in good standing. Dr. Julie Schnuelle was a wife, mother, daughter, friend, and professor remembered for her compassion and dedication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Auburn Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine, she specialized in large animal and food animal medicine and was board-certified in theriogenology (animal reproduction). She was respected nationwide in the bovine veterinary community and mentored countless future veterinarians. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. One Saturday morning during the late-summer days of 1925, Wyatt Tate Brady awoke early and walked down the grand staircase to the kitchen of his stately Tulsa home known as Arlington. Instead of making coffee or reaching for the morning newspaper, however, he laid down on the floor, propped his head on his arm and shot himself in the temple. Brady was 55 years old. While growing up, the circumstances surrounding my great-grandfathers death by suicide were rarely mentioned. Shame, perhaps coupled with a lack of understanding, likely contributed to an avoidance of the subject. Now later in my life, I find myself wondering what combination of factors led Tate Brady to end his life on Aug. 29, 1925, leaving behind a large family, a historic mansion and a vision unfulfilled. My great-grandfather was not alone: The Save-a-Life League in New York listed 12,948 suicides in the United States for the year 1925. According to the League, which called attention to the strikingly large number of socially prominent people among the suicide victims that year, the largest contributing factor to the high number of suicides was the rapid pace of modern life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is speculation that Tate Brady or Gramps, as he was fondly referred to by family members suffered from depression, an illness which was neither well understood nor adequately treated a century ago. The event which led him to end his life is widely considered to have been the accidental death of his son John Davis Brady, a promising 21-year-old law student at the University of Virginia, in the spring of 1925. Following this tragedy, Tulsans reported seeing the proprietor of the Brady Hotel dining alone with an absent look on his face, his meals left untouched. It has been said that Brady died of a broken heart. The obituary in the Tulsa Tribune quotes physicians as saying Brady had been suffering from melancholy since his sons death. Apparently his family and friends were unaware, however, of how unbearable life had become for him during the final months of his life. According to one newspaper obituary, Mr. Brady recently had not been feeling well and had planned to go to Hot Springs for a rest, but his family had not considered his condition serious. Perhaps he was reluctant to seek the help he needed or unable to reverse the downward spiral alone. The newspaper remarked that Bradys optimistic happy-go-lucky disposition makes his suicide all the more a surprise. Disheartened not only by some of the rapid changes taking place around him, he was also frustrated by the direction of Tulsas growth. A businessman at heart who loved T-Town with every fiber of his being, Tate Brady envisioned Tulsa moving north into the Cherokee Nation; the city, with a mind of its own, wandered south. This miscalculation not only resulted in heavy financial loss, but Tate Bradys vision and dreams the stuff of which keeps all of us moving forward now lay scattered on the ground of the neighborhood named after him, Brady Heights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history, took place just four years before Bradys death. He is reported to have volunteered for guard duty during the night of the riots, though it remains unclear as to exactly what role he played during the violence in Greenwood. I wonder sometimes if some of the darkness that descended upon my great-grandfather during those last months of his life might have also been connected to remorse felt for the activities leading up to and surrounding the Tulsa riots in 1921. Perhaps some of those memories intensified feelings of guilt or regret. Guesses, of course, only guesses, coupled with a bit of wishful thinking with regard to remorse.Suicidal behavior is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by several interacting factors, including environment and seasonality. Contrary to common belief, suicide rates often increase during the spring and summer months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the highest number of suicides in the U.S in 2021 occurred during the month of August. The warm weather and increased light are thought to contribute to the increased energy needed to act on suicidal thoughts for those who experience them. In addition, seeing others becoming more active and enjoying life outdoors during the warmer weather can exacerbate existing depression symptoms. Opinion: Great-grandson of Tulsa Race Massacre perpetrator talks remorse, reconciliation Could the time of year and weather during the summer of 1925 have intensified feelings of hopelessness? It is reported that the corn crop in Oklahoma had failed in July due to the summer drought. And Tulsans know how those hot, humid summer days in their city can take a toll on both body and spirit. In this context, the haunting words of the prophet Jeremiah come to mind: The harvest is past, the summer has ended, yet we are not saved (Jer. 8: 20). With the summer of life itself beginning to fade, Tate Brady may have felt that his best days lay behind him. To a weary, grief-stricken man, life may have seemed to consist of little more than an ever-mounting pile of bills to be paid and problems to be solved. As I look about me during this my thirty-fourth year in Tulsa, I see locks, once raven, sprinkled with snow, and lifes fires burning low in the eyes of pioneers once bright, Brady wrote at the beginning of 1924. This melancholic outlook corresponds with the fact that, generally speaking, highest suicide rates are among men in their 50s (with the exception of men over 75). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having worked at a Suicide Prevention Center in an area of California that once had one of the highest incidences of suicide in the nation, I became familiar with so-called forms of lethality. The method chosen to end ones life provides insight into the degree of intent. Employing a .44-caliber pistol is no longer a cry of desperation; it is an unmistakable means to end the pain. The theologian and novelist Frederick Buechner, whose own father died by suicide, once wrote: When pain, horror, and despair reach a certain point, suicide is perhaps less a voluntary act than a reflex action. If you're being burned alive with a loaded pistol in your hand, it's hard to see how anyone can seriously hold it against you for pulling the trigger. In so many ways, Tate Brady merchant, pioneer, politician and one of Tulsas founders was a child of his time, coming of age in a young city painfully divided along racial lines. Like his father and large numbers of other Southern men during the aftermath of the Civil War, he was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and, for a time, the Ku Klux Klan. He became increasingly disenchanted, however, with the direction in which the KKK was moving and later renounced the group, going on to support an anti-Klan gubernatorial candidate for election who "engaged in an out-and-out war with the Ku Klux Klan. Like all of us, Tate Brady stood on Gods earth with feet of clay. His untimely, tragic death will be redeemed, at least in part, if it serves to call forth a more compassionate response in us toward those in our own midst whose pain has become greater than their strength to endure, those to whom we might be a bridge to a brighter future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this regard, we would do well to try to recognize the hurt and despair of those with whom we travel briefly through this life. Often the best thing we can do sometimes the only thing is to draw near to those who have lost sight of hope and, as in the biblical story of Job, sit with them for a while in the dust, waiting together until joy returns in the morning. Jeffrey Myers Jeffrey Myers is a Presbyterian pastor (originally from Kansas City both parents are from Oklahoma) who lives and serves in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. How to get help If you or someone you know is in a crisis, dial 988 to reach the 988 Lifeline or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What prompted death of Tulsa pioneer Tate Bracy in 1925? | Opinion The California Department of Justice will sue Los Angeles County, Sheriff Robert Luna and his department for what Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta called a "humanitarian crisis" inside the county jails. Inmates lack basic access to clean water and edible food, and are housed in unsafe, dirty facilities infested with roaches and rats, Bonta said in a news conference Monday. "More alarming, people are dying," he said. There have been over 205 in-custody deaths in four years, Bonta said, with 40% caused by suicide, homicides and overdoses. Men's Central Jail is currently on track to see the highest number of in-custody deaths in at least two decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bonta called for comprehensive reform, and said the county forced his hand by refusing to comply with changes voluntarily. "Knowing that they need to make the changes, they want to spend taxpayer money on litigation, on fighting, on resisting, on foot-dragging," he said. Id prefer collaboration over litigation, but the county has left us with no choice, so litigation it is." The Sheriff's Department said it had put $309 million into improving facilities and rejected the idea it was fighting reform. "Despite ongoing challenges, including a rising inmate population and an aging Mens Central Jail, our staff have remained committed to providing constitutional, humane care to those in our custody," Luna said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bonta painted a dark portrait of L.A. County's jails, describing filthy conditions, vermin and insect infestations, a lack of clean water and moldy and spoiled food. He said prisoners face difficulty obtaining basic hygiene items and are not permitted to spend enough time outside of their cells. Bonta called for L.A. County and the Sheriff's Department to provide inmates with adequate medical, dental and mental health care, protect them from harm, provide safe and humane confinement conditions. He also called on jail officials to better accommodate the needs of disabled inmates and those with limited English proficiency. L.A. County, which houses the largest jail system in the country, has long been criticized for poor conditions. As it has expanded to hold around 13,000 people on any given day, decades perhaps a century of mistreatment and overcrowding have been documented. The system lost a federal lawsuit in 1978 after decades of dirty, mold-ridden and overcrowded jails prompted inmates to fight back through the courts, and it frequently faces suits alleging failures to provide proper food, water and shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state's lawsuit comes amid a years-long struggle to close and replace Men's Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles, from which inspectors regularly document poor conditions: mold, mildew, insufficient food and water and, more recently, a report last year that said jailers were too busy watching an "explicit video" to notice a noose hung inside a cell. "In June 2024, the Sybil Brand Commission reported that multiple dorms at Mens Central were overcrowded with broken toilets, some containing feces that could not be flushed; a urinal that caused 'effluence to emerge through the mid-floor drain' when flushed; and ceilings that had been painted over to cover mold," Bonta's office wrote in its complaint. Cursory safety checks by jail staff have led to violence and preventable death in multiple cases, the complaint alleged. The jails struggle to prevent drugs from entering and causing overdoses, which made up around 20% of deaths from 2018 to 2022. Bonta acknowledged that the Sheriff's Department has made some needed reforms in recent years, including by improving how it conducts street patrols. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A county spokesperson noted that earlier this month the county announced it had improved "conditions and reduce[d] wait times for housing for inmates passing through the Inmate Reception Center." In addition to Luna and the Sheriff's Department, the county Department of Health Services, Correctional Health Services and its director, Timothy Belavich, were also named as defendants. The lawsuit decried the "dilapidated physical condition of the facility and the numerous instances of violence and death within its walls." It went on to explain that the county Board of Supervisors voted to close the chronically overcrowded Men's Central Jail twice, including in 2020. The Sheriff's Department has said it would be difficult to close the jail because of the high volume of inmate admissions and a lack of viable alternatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in-custody deaths this year are on track for what Bonta's office described as at least a 20-year high with 36 reported so far, or about one a week, according to the county's website. Inmates have been known to set fires in rooms with no smoke alarms not to cause mischief, but to cook and supplement cold, sometimes inedible meals. Some inmates many of whom have been arrested recently and have not been convicted of crimes are left to sleep on urine-soaked floors with trash bags as blankets and no access to medications and working plumbing. A 2022 lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union called the conditions "medieval." The Sheriff's Department also struggles to get inmates to court on time, the lawsuit noted. Around a third of the county's inmates are missing court dates, a Times investigation found, due to a dwindling bus fleet caused by budget constraints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The LASD jails," the state attorney general's office wrote in the complaint, "have a longstanding history of deplorable conditions and constitutional violations." 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. Debunking common myths about suicide While social stigma about suicide means that open conversations about the topic are rare, the reality is that suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. In 2023, more than 49,000 people died by suicide. That amounts to about one death every 11 minutes. Despite its prevalence, suicide can still be difficult to talk about. So, in honor of National Suicide Prevention Month, Rula is debunking some common myths related to suicide. Learning the facts about suicide can help you spot the warning signs, challenge stigmas, and potentially save a life. Key takeaways: Knowing the facts about suicide can help you debunk harmful myths. For example, you dont have to have a mental health condition to experience suicidal ideation. Suicide is a sensitive topic that can be hard to talk about. But if youre worried about someone, dont hesitate to bring it up directly. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, support is available. Crisis resources,* therapists, and support groups can help you navigate this experience and stay safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement *The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support with trained crisis counselors. If you or a loved one is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988. If youre experiencing a life-threatening emergency or you need immediate help, please call 911. Infographic showing the six common myths about suicide. - Rula Myth 1: People who talk about suicide don't actually do it. Fact: Most people who die by suicide show warning signs or talk about their suicidal thoughts beforehand. In many cases, this can be a cry for help. If you hear someone make a comment about suicide, always take it seriously. Its better to be overly cautious than stay silent when someone could be struggling. Myth 2: Suicide only affects people with mental health conditions. Fact: Mental health conditions can increase a persons risk for suicide, especially if they arent getting support. But suicide doesnt only affect people with a diagnosis. In fact, studies show that about half of the people who die by suicide dont have a diagnosed mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts can happen when someone is going through a really hard time like a big loss, serious stress, or a major life change. These thoughts are often short-term and linked to whats going on in someones life. For people who do have mental health conditions, treatment can help reduce the risk by helping them manage symptoms and find support. Myth 3: Someone who is suicidal is determined to die. Fact: Typically, people dont die by suicide because they dont want to live. Rather, people die by suicide because they want to end their suffering. If you dont have firsthand experience with this type of pain, it might be tough to imagine being in a position where suicide feels like the only choice. But suicidal thoughts are often about seeking relief not about giving up on life. With the right support, many people who have felt this way go on to heal and find hope again. Myth 4: Most suicides happen suddenly without warning. Fact: There are usually verbal or behavioral indicators that someone is at risk for suicide. Thats why its so important to learn and understand the warning signs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont hesitate to reach out to support someone who starts: Giving away their belongings Talking about wanting to die Talking about not wanting to be a burden to others Seeming sad, anxious, irritated, or angry Withdrawing from friends and loved ones Engaging in risky behavior (like reckless driving or unhealthy substance use) Creating a plan to end their life Myth 5: If someone really wants to die by suicide, there's nothing you can do to stop them. Fact: Most suicidal crises are temporary. With the right support, people can get through a crisis. This is because, even in a persons darkest moments, they may still have mixed feelings. In other words, there might be part of them that wants to live, despite the difficulties theyre facing. Staying with that person, contacting crisis care, and encouraging them to seek ongoing support can help keep them safe. Myth 6: Asking directly about suicide is harmful or inappropriate. Fact: Many people worry that bringing up the subject of suicide might put ideas in someones head or increase the persons risk. But this isnt the case. Asking directly about suicidal thoughts in a caring way can provide relief and open pathways to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some examples of things you can say: Ive noticed you havent been leaving the house lately and are sleeping a lot. Ive also noticed youve been giving away some of your belongings. Have you had thoughts about suicide? It seems like your mood has been really up and down, and I know youve been taking some risks lately. Trust me, Ive been there, and I just want you to be safe. Are you thinking about suicide? If the person says yes, try to remain calm, validate their feelings, and ask if its OK to connect them with resources like the ones listed below. If theyre not ready to talk, try to keep the door open for another conversation. Ask them if its OK if you check in later, and be sure to follow up. Where to turn for help: Emergency services: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 right away. Emergency responders can provide urgent help to keep you safe. Crisis intervention: If you need immediate support, contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988 from any phone. The counselors there will provide confidential support and resources to help keep you or someone else safe. Therapy: A therapist can help a person identify whats causing their suicidal thoughts and learn healthy ways to cope with their challenges. They can also provide a safe, judgement-free space to process their experiences and connect them with other supports (as needed). Support groups: Talking to other people who understand what its like to experience mental health challenges can be very healing. To find a support group, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or contact your local mental health center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suicide is a common occurrence in the United States. However, its still widely misunderstood. For example, some people mistakenly believe that asking someone about suicide will increase their risk. But the truth is, talking about suicide and raising awareness can save a life. Knowing the facts about suicide can help you spot the signs, empower you to intervene, and allow you to connect someone with resources to keep them safe. This story was produced by Rula and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Do deer farms increase the risk that wild deer like this buck will contract a contagious and deadly neurological disease? Opinions differ. (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources) A disease outbreak on a Kentucky deer farm is renewing questions about whether stronger rules are needed for the more than 100 captive cervid facilities the state has permitted. State and federal agencies recently confirmed eight cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) at a deer farm in Breckinridge County where the illness had first been detected in a single deer in October 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chronic wasting disease is a fatal prion disorder similar to mad cow disease. Only 10 cases have been confirmed in Kentucky nine of them on the Breckinridge County farm out of 40,000 tests since 2002. But the diseases spread in other states has made preventing it a priority for wildlife managers nationwide because it causes population declines in deer and elk when prevalent. Much about the neurological condition dubbed zombie deer disease is unknown. In deer, it causes significant weight loss, listlessness and death. A deer can appear healthy and have CWD for months or years before symptoms appear. Research has produced conflicting conclusions on the risk of it spreading to humans. In Breckinridge County, more than 100 captive deer were killed in early July at Sinking Creek Whitetails, said co-owner Laura Voyles, whose family started the deer farm in 2020. A Kentucky Department of Agriculture statement said the depopulation was carried out at the request of the owner to protect animal health and prevent further spread. KDAs role was to collect the necessary samples and submit them to the lab for testing. Several state and federal agencies were involved, the state ag department said. Laura Voyles, left, with her family. (Provided) Voyles said the farms only other option would have been to quarantine the deer for years and hope no further cases appeared. She said the farm kept the deer alive and quarantined for months until the agencies got their ducks in a row enough to come massacre them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just devastating to know that what you have poured your life into, from just a blood, sweat and tears perspective, in addition to all of the finances that had been poured into it was just gone in a moment, Voyles said. Voyles said the initial chronic wasting disease case found last year came from a healthy-appearing female deer, purchased from outside her farm, that was harvested for meat and subsequently tested. She said she was skeptical of the positive test results because the Kentucky Department of Agriculture refused to allow for third-party testing. A Kentucky Department of Agriculture spokesperson said it had full confidence in the testing done at the nations premier facility for livestock disease testing, the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Iowa. After the first diseased deer was discovered at Voyles farm last fall, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources officials responded by putting Breckenridge County and adjoining Meade and Hardin counties into a surveillance zone in an effort to block spread of the disease. Hunters who take deer in those three counties are required to have the animals tested for chronic wasting disease, and only specific parts deboned meat, a clean skull with no brain tissue, cleaned teeth, hides, antlers and finished taxidermy mounts can be taken out of the surveillance zone. The only other confirmed chronic wasting disease in Kentucky was an isolated case discovered in 2023 in a wild deer in Ballard County. A bill stalls to add deer farm regulations Earlier this year, legislation was introduced in Frankfort aimed at containing the disease. The bill died after opposition from a vocal deer farming industry that views deer as a form of agriculture and an income source. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commissioner Rich Storm told lawmakers that the measure was critically important to protect not only the states deer population but also the elk herd that has rebounded in Eastern Kentucky. He said tourism generated by hunting brings in billions of dollars every year. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon, would have expanded the radius of a surveillance zone when chronic wasting disease is detected in a wild deer or on a deer farm. It also would have halted the transfer of captive deer within and from areas where a case is found on a deer farm. Deer farms could have been exempted from the restrictions by surrounding themselves with a second fence to prevent wild deer from interacting with captive deer. The bill advanced out of a committee but didnt receive a vote by the Kentucky House of Representatives. Deer inside a fenced enclosure on Laura Voyles deer farm. (Photo provided) One of the main ways deer farms make money is by selling deer with desirable genetics, such as large antlers, to private preserves for people to hunt and to other deer farms. A desirable buck may sell for thousands of dollars. Jason Becker, president of the Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association that represents deer farmers, disputes the need for new limits on deer farms. Most concerns over the spread of CWD relating to deer farms are completely unfounded, Becker told the Lantern, adding that requiring a second fence would be financially burdensome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Debates over how to control chronic wasting disease and the role of deer farms have been heated in other states. Wildlife biologists interviewed by the Lantern agree requiring a second fence on deer farms would protect the wild deer population, though these biologists also acknowledged more is still being learned about how the disease is spread. The unknowns of chronic wasting disease Rep. Bray, sponsor of this years deer farm bill, said he grew up a hunter and sees deer on his farm. The unknowns of what chronic wasting disease could mean not only for hunting, but even potentially for public health, worry him. The idea that I have to be scared of a natural resource like that causing damage to my familys health thats not acceptable, Bray said, referring to concerns about chronic wasting disease potentially infecting species other than cervids. Recent research has shown the prions that infect deer can change to become infectious in humans, the fear being it could cause CreutzfeldtJakob disease, a fatal prion disease, in people. Another study from 2024, though, found the likelihood of chronic wasting disease crossing over and infecting humans was low. Prions are abnormal proteins that can harm neurons and cause brain damage that has no cure. Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon. (LRC Public Information) Bray, who favors requiring a second fence for deer farms, points to the broad spread of chronic wasting disease in Wisconsin as something Kentucky should be trying to avoid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just think some really common sense, simple things can be done to provide additional protection. You know, weve got one shot at it. Once its in the wild population, its in there, Bray said. Matthew Springer, an associate extension professor of wildlife management at the University of Kentucky, told the Lantern he collaborated with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources in 2020 where the fence lines of several deer farms were studied to see interactions between wild deer and captive deer. We had noted several interactions of various levels, including direct contact between individuals through the fence, Springer said. He said requiring two fences around deer farms greatly reduces the risk of interaction but comes at an extreme cost for deer farms. He said the Kentucky chapter of the Wildlife Society, which represents wildlife biologists, sent a letter of support for Brays bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some sportspeople view deer farming and private hunting preserves as unethical, Springer said. But deer farms are not the sole cause of chronic wasting disease spread, he said. Theres a lot of very good deer farmers that are out there trying to abide by all the regulations and do the best they can to protect both their resource and the wild resource, Springer said. A national security threat Some states have taken stronger measures beyond requiring two fences on deer farms. Minnesota lawmakers placed a moratorium on new deer farms, and deer farmers sued arguing it violated their economic liberty. The moratorium was implemented following a 2022 report from Minnesota wildlife management officials that cited the transport of deer between deer farms as a reason chronic wasting disease cases were appearing hundreds of miles apart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Becker, the president of the Kentucky association representing deer farmers, argued the restrictions placed or proposed on deer farms ultimately dont stop the spread of chronic wasting disease given its spread in wild deer. He also said deer farms in Kentucky have to follow a number of regulations already. That includes a state ban on bringing whole deer carcasses or high-risk parts of a deer from other states, quarterly inspections of deer farms by state agriculture officials, required state permits and required testing of any deer that dies on a farm over one year old. No state has passed a law that has effectively limited the spread of CWD in their state, Becker said. Its not a farm deer problem. It is a deer problem. Becker instead pointed to efforts in Oklahoma to develop deer that are genetically resistant to chronic wasting disease. Wildlife biologists interviewed by the Lantern are skeptical of efforts to create resistant deer. Wildlife officials hope to stop the spread of chronic wasting disease among Kentuckys deer. (KDFWR) Peter Larsen, a co-director of the Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach at the University of Minnesota, said a genetic background of deer can make chronic wasting disease develop more slowly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But theres other research that shows that those animals are still shedding prions. It could be at a lower level, but theyre still positive and theyre still shedding it, Larsen said. There is not enough data available to justify that approach. Larsen considers chronic wasting disease a national security threat because of the potential accumulation of prions in the environment and the potential for species spillover. He said the prions can be absorbed by plants; data shows prions can combine with dust particles, be carried in the wind and accumulate in agricultural commodities. You have a lot of prions accumulating in the environment. And where does that go? Larsen said. We need to get aggressive on it. 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. Gubernatorial hopeful Rep. Mikie Sherrill wants to freeze electric rates a plan that faces some hurdles if Sherrill is elected governor in November. (Getty Images) A pitch by Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill to freeze energy rates for a year if she is elected governor in the fall could boost affordability for New Jersey residents amid a steep and continuing spike to wholesale electricity prices but designing such a freeze wont be simple. Sherrills path to rate caps would prove winding because the price-setting capacity auctions spurring recent rate spikes fall outside of state officials control, and offsetting those increases elsewhere could cost the state hundreds of millions in revenue, risk delaying new power generation, or leave ratepayers with larger bills down the line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Jersey and the 12 other states on the grid run by PJM Interconnection have seen electricity prices soar as artificial intelligence data centers mammoth energy needs push demand toward the edge of the grids peak power output, spurring concerns over affordability across the system. Sherrills pitch comes as New Jerseyans rising electric bills have become a key issue in this years race for governor. Sherrill in November faces Republican former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli. A lot of the costs in a customers bill are direct pass-throughs from PJM. Those costs cant really be frozen. Youre going to continue to see those costs show up on your electric bill, said Abe Silverman, a research scholar at Johns Hopkins University who studies energy regulation. But regulators still have opportunities to offset rising energy prices to keep the consumer rates steady by requiring regulators to temporarily bar investments in grid infrastructure, delay utilities ability to recoup the cost of prior investments, or lower utilities profit margins on those investments, Silverman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utilities profit margins on investments are typically fixed at about 9.6% in New Jersey, and the states four electric distribution companies regulated utilities like PSE&G and Jersey Central Power and Light that deliver bills and electricity to customers do not profit on the sale of electricity, which they pass through at cost. Each of Sherrills options comes at a cost. Delays to some infrastructure upgrades can lock out new generation and reduce grid reliability. Regulators have already delayed some transmission infrastructure related to offshore wind projects that are stalled amid a federal permitting and leasing freeze. Delaying utilities ability to recoup their investments could expose the states four electric distribution companies to financial harm, while lowering their ability to profit from infrastructure projects could disincentivize future grid upgrades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear how ready New Jerseys four regulated utilities are to withstand the economics of a rate freeze. A spokesperson for the New Jersey Utilities Association did not return a request for comment. A statement issued by the associations president, Rich Henning, in response to Sherrills proposal acknowledged growing price concerns but did not directly state a position on a rate freeze. We share New Jersey residents frustration with the significant bill increases from higher energy supply costs, Henning said in the statement. Its important to remember that New Jersey electric companies dont control or earn any profit from electric supply prices. We have been sounding the alarm on the power supply-demand imbalance and advocating for market reforms for years. Wholesale electricity prices are set by a three-year blend of annual auction prices. New Jerseys electric distribution companies play no role in that process, though polling has shown residents still place the largest share of blame for rising prices on their utility provider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other parts of ratepayers bills, like certain energy sales taxes or the states societal benefits charge a roughly 3% surcharge on all New Jersey electricity bills could be targeted to reduce rates, Silverman said. Changes there could also be unattractive for a new governor facing budgetary challenges. Reducing energy sales taxes would impact revenue at the state and local levels. The state is expected to collect more than $1.1 billion from sales taxes on energy in the current fiscal year, including through energy tax receipts that are meant to be passed on to municipalities but are mostly retained by the state. The societal benefits charge helps fund energy assistance and efficiency programs, and officials have tapped its funds to incent solar and battery storage projects, which come online far faster than other types of generation. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities can delay utility projects and recoupments under its own regulatory power. Legislation could force a freeze, as it did when lawmakers overhauled the states regulatory system for energy in 1999. Rep. Mikie Sherrill announces her plan to lower energy costs for New Jerseyans in Kenilworth on August 20, 2025. (Morgan Leason | New Jersey Monitor) Though much about Sherrills proposal remains unknown her campaign did not return answers to a list of detailed questions about a rate freeze she has said the freeze would remain in place for a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Day One as governor, I will declare a State of Emergency on Utility Costs and freeze rate hikes so families will not see bill increases as we massively expand cheaper energy generation to bring costs down, the congresswoman said in a statement. My priority is relief to New Jersey consumers, and I will bring everyone to the table to deliver it. Capacity prices are set to rise again next year as a result of a price-setting auction held in July. PJM has said those results are expected to raise ratepayer bills by between 1.5% and 5%, depending on a residents state, beginning June 1, 2026, or about six months into the new governors term. Board of Public Utilities officials expect further increases to flow from next Julys capacity auctions, which would affect energy prices beginning June 2027. Theres another, simpler avenue to freezing electricity rates: Officials could keep energy rates locked in place by directing utilities to defer seeking payment of the portions of bills that exceed price caps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill deferrals arent unprecedented in New Jersey, though prior efforts have delivered mixed results. In a bid to boost competition and reduce costs, New Jersey in 1999 decoupled electricity generators from the states regulated utilities. (PSE&G continues to operate nuclear plants in South Jersey.) The Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act mandated that electricity rates be reduced by 10% then locked in place for a period of years, and allowed electric distribution companies to recover their generation costs, even when those costs exceeded price caps. Effectively, ratepayers were billed for only a portion of their electricity use, while the remaining portions were deferred. A task force convened on the issue by then-Gov. Jim McGreevey estimated residential ratepayers deferred balances would reach an average of $299 by August 2003, before interest. That would be about $523 in real terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commercial and industrial customers deferred balances were far larger, averaging $2,362 and $34,827, respectively. At the time, utilities said they could need rate increases as large as 20% to cover the difference. Silverman, a former general counsel for the utilities board, warned deregulation may not be the best point of comparison, as that shift entailed broad changes to the states regulatory system and allowances for utilities to recover costs from generation-related investments they were now required to shed. The better example might be pandemic cost recovery issues because restructuring was sort of a one-time thing where all the parties got together and negotiated and talked about how you were going to handle the transition, who was going to be paying what, what costs were locked in for what period of time, he said. When COVID-19-related business closures led to skyrocketing unemployment rates, utilities were barred from shutting off service for nonpayment between March 2020 and March 2023. Pandemic arrearages across hundreds of thousands of accounts rose above $416 million at the end of March 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jersey Central Power and Light, Atlantic City Electric, and Rockland Electric Company reported nearly $109 million in arrearages in July and June. PSE&G said its customers owed nearly $262.8 million in February, the most recent month for which filings are available. Utilities have forgiven millions in pandemic-related customer debts. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX WASHINGTON When Republicans unveiled a new congressional map shrinking the number of Democratic districts in Texas, Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett was quick to announce he would run in the sole Austin-based district. Doggett, a formidable incumbent with three decades in Congress, was planting a flag with the hope that his Austin counterpart Rep. Greg Casar would stay in his current district despite its new boundaries favoring Republicans. But Doggetts move unexpectedly set off a powerful coalition that worked publicly and privately to support the younger congressman. Three weeks after Doggett dug in on the promise to run again, he changed his mind, opting to retire at the end of his term and support Casars candidacy a move that spared Democrats an expensive primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doggett, 78, still believes he would have beaten Casar in a head to head, and he stands by his position that his colleague should have run in the newly-drawn Congressional District 35, a majority-Hispanic district in San Antonio and outlying counties that bears the same number as Casars current district but has little overlap with his constituents. But he realized in August that a race between the two of them would have been damaging. It would be a very demanding race for everybody involved, Doggett said in an interview with The Texas Tribune about his decision, adding that even if he did win it would still leave a community scarred and split. And that is a community I really care about. And so, I'm satisfied. Doggetts decision to forgo the primary caused many Democrats across Texas to breathe a collective sigh of relief, while signaling Casars growing strength in Austin politics and in Congress. Casar, a second-term congressman, publicly stayed above the fray as Doggett suggested he run in the new San Antonio seat. But behind the scenes, he was making moves to consolidate support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Doggett announced his decision to step aside, Casar had lined up endorsements from a handful of members of Austins City Council, according to a source familiar with his campaign not authorized to speak publicly. In Washington, where Casar chairs and Doggett vice chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus, he was planning to announce support from Democratic members from an ideological cross-section of the party, the source said. A series of Democratic groups, including BOLD PAC, End Citizens United and Way to Win, were planning to raise money on Casars behalf. Jane Fonda had committed to host a fundraiser for Casar. And his campaign had brought on national Democratic pollsters and recruited Morris Katz, New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdanis lead media strategist, to produce Casars launch video. Tory Gavito, the president of the progressive donor network Way to Win, said she lamented having to choose but that her organization was ready to support Casar through independent expenditure efforts had a primary materialized. Folks were definitely lining up [for Casar], and it was really pulling on different types of the Democratic coalition, from those that are ready to back the next gen[eration], to those who are more working class-aligned, people of color constituency groups, Latinos, Gavito said, adding that some Democrats thought Doggetts suggestion that Casar run in the new San Antonio seat, which would have voted for President Donald Trump by a 10-point margin, was a misstep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, there were a few of us who were a little offended by this idea that Austin isnt a place for Latino kids too. We have to go to San Antonio, she said. The court of public opinion also took its toll. On the morning Doggett withdrew, a group of influential Austin Democrats including former state Sen. and gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis and former Texas state Rep. Glen Maxey published an op-ed in the Austin Chronicle that pointed out that Doggett would be 80 at the time of his next reelection and encouraged him to either run in a different district or retire. The op-ed noted that Doggett had been the first elected Democrat to call on then-President Joe Biden to bow out of the presidential race in the aftermath of his disastrous debate performance. Doggett said he disagreed with the op-ed and that local efforts to scare him out of running were weak at best but took to heart the way it was already pitting Democrats against each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thought the opinion piece made no sense at all, Doggett said of its suggestion he should run in Casars current district which had been redrawn. But it did stir a lot of debate online and otherwise and again, that made it apparent what kind of battle would lie ahead to win this. Doggetts decision to step aside also prevented others from publicly siding against him. Liberal New York Times columnist Michelle Goldberg had been working on an opinion piece calling on Doggett to retire before he ultimately announced he would do so, according to two Democrats with knowledge of the column. Goldberg had previously called on then-President Joe Biden to forgo running for reelection as early as July 2022. New York Times spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander said the paper does not comment on journalism that may or may not be underway. Doggett, for his part, said he fears ageism factored into the feedback he got. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just as we need to encourage new generation leaders, we need leaders of all generations and should evaluate each on performance, not claims that one is too young or too old, he said. Ageism, not unlike sexism and racism, denies us the full range of talent available to overcome Trumps march to tyranny and build a country with respect and greater opportunity for all. While the loggerheads between the two were ultimately resolved, some Texas Democrats were upset that Doggett had begun discussing a primary before the maps were passed. In the days before the map was unveiled, the Texas Democratic delegation in Congress had publicly and privately called for unity. Doggett himself said at a July press conference that he would not be asking Texas legislators to protect his seat, nor should any member of this delegation. But when he began giving interviews stating his intent to run in Congressional District 37, it rubbed some Democrats the wrong way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation between Doggett and Casar played out in direct contrast to a similar map-drawing casualty in North Texas. Republicans redrew Dallas-area seats to leave just two Democratic seats where there used to be three. Rep. Jasmine Crocketts downtown Dallas seat was shifted around the margins, while Fort Worth Rep. Marc Veasey and Farmers Branch Rep. Julie Johnson saw their districts completely dismantled and amalgamated, with pieces of Crocketts, into one deep blue seat in Dallas County. But neither Johnson nor Veasey has publicly committed to running for one seat or another, and Johnson has made clear she will not primary Veasey. Veasey said the nature of their conduct is intentional. Ive been trying to get the entire delegation to be like that [while] this plays out, he said. You dont want to feed into their game by responding to what they do. I understand also that no one wants to be the last person to plant a flag. I think its a delicate balance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview, Johnson said she was glad to see Casar and Doggett avoid a primary, and that she and Veasey are committed to the same. I have every expectation that we're going to get it all sorted out, Johnson said. Marc and I have great respect for each other. We're good friends, and I think we're pretty much there. Stepping aside means Doggett will largely have avoided a serious primary over the course of his 30 year congressional career. Throughout numerous redistricting efforts, Doggett had always managed to survive, despite the shape of his district changing to incorporate McAllen and San Antonio at various points, forcing him to hit the road and practice his formidable style of retail politics in places he had no connection to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2011, after a round of redistricting, Doggett found himself in an unofficial showdown with then-state Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, in a district redrawn to span from San Antonio neighborhoods to the southern part of Travis County. Like now, Doggett, who is white, faced the prospect of running against a younger Latino Democrat in a heavily Hispanic district where the turf was likely tilted toward Castro. Doggett was committed to fighting for his seat and was flush with cash, with nearly $3 million in his campaign account in the summer of 2011. But both men were bailed out by the retirement of U.S. Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, D-San Antonio, in the neighboring 20th District, where Castro chose to run instead. But this time around, with no other Central Texas Democrats close to retirement and a challenge coming from an Austinite rather than a San Antonian, it was Doggett, despite again having a financial advantage of $6.2 million to Casars approximately $450,000, who ended up bowing out to clear the way for a younger politician. I've always said that I didn't plan to stay here forever, Doggett said, adding that he only planned to serve one or two more terms. So it just didn't seem to me like a good use of my resources, and that I could spend my time, and those who would be on the other side could do the same, trying to elect a Democratic House and fight Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dean of the Texas delegation, Doggett has spent decades as one of the Texas delegations most progressive members, with a focus on cracking down on tax evasion and defending Social Security and the Affordable Care Act. Castro, for his part, appeared at Casars launch event to praise his colleague. But he lamented that Doggett had to make a decision at all. Lloyd Doggett has given 50 years of his life to incredible public service, to the people of Austin and many people in Texas, Castro said in an interview. And so I respected his decision to not run again. It cleared the way for Greg. But really, [he] never should have been put in that position. Shape the future of Texas at the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, happening Nov. 1315 in downtown Austin! We bring together Texas most inspiring thinkers, leaders and innovators to discuss the issues that matter to you. Get tickets now and join us this November. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. We know who Donald Trump wants to win the New York City mayoral election this fall. He is not backing Curtis Sliwa, the beret-wearing, cat-obsessed Republican nominee. Nor is he backing his hometowns sitting mayor, Eric Adams, despite the corrupt bargain they struck earlier this year. Instead, Trump and his allies are doing everything they can to push Sliwa and Adams outso that Andrew Cuomo, the states former governor (and Trumps Covid-era sparring partner), will have the best shot against Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old democratic socialist who handily defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary in June. We know this because Trump isnt hiding his desires. Asked about the state of the race on Thursday, he indicated that Mamdani would winunless something changes. I dont think you can win unless you have one on one, because somehow hes gotten a little bit of a lead, Trump said. I would like to see two people drop out and have it be one on one. I think thats a race that could be won. His administration, we know from contemporaneous reporting, is working to get Sliwa and Adams out. That effort appears to be failing. Sliwa has long insisted that he has no intention of leaving the race and seems content with finishing third; he maintains the backing of leading NYC Republicans and also just seems to like the attention he gets running for mayor. On Friday, Adams held an indignant press conference outside Gracie Mansion, in which he unequivocally stated he would not be dropping outand he blamed Cuomo, whom he called a snake and a liar for stirring up rumors that he was mulling a possible role in the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why does Trump want Cuomo to win so badly? Its not entirely clear. The two have spoken since Cuomo lost the primary, and it seems plausible that a quid pro quoin which Trump pushes Adams and Sliwa out in exchange for future cooperation on issues like crime and immigrationis on the table. He may simply be motivated by rank bigotryMamdani is Muslimor hatred of a young man he insists is a Communist. Or maybe Trump is scared of what he seesa young, genuinely exciting star in a decrepit party that has been a shambles for yearsand thus wants to arrest Mamdanis political rise before he becomes a national force to be reckoned with. The question is whether prominent Democrats are scared of Mamdani for that reason too. Because many of themincluding some from New York, like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumerhave thus far refused to endorse him. Its a worrying sign that these Democrats will not have Mamdanis back, nor defend other progressive politicians in power across the country, when Trump sends his gestapo into town. Many politicians have endorsed Mamdani. The people have spoken, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who has represented a Bronx district since 2017, said in endorsing Mamdani in July. Mamdani has subsequently been endorsed by a number of key labor unions and, as of late August, one-third of the City Council. And other Democrats are lining up behind Mamdani for the simple reason that he won the most votes in the Democratic primary and will likely be the citys next mayor. But why arent New Yorks most powerful Democrats backing him? Jeffries has offered tempered praise of Mamdanis campaign, particularly the candidates message of making the city more affordable. But, like Schumer, Jeffries has abstained from a full endorsement, citing Mamdanis criticism of Israel. Kathy Hochul, the states governor, has similarly offered praise for Mamdanis campaign but stopped short of fully endorsing. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the states other U.S. senator, found herself in hot water earlier this summer when she suggested that Mamdani had made references to global jihad, in a radio interview. She quickly apologizedMamdani had said no such thing, and her comments were clearly racistbut nonetheless has not endorsed him. Only a handful of sitting members of Congress have done sothough this is less surprising, given that its a local election, albeit in the nations most populous city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why the hesitation? Perhaps its because of the media-concocted controversy over the phrase globalize the intifada, which Mamdani has never said (contra some news reports) but also refused to condemn. He has provided a nuanced explanation of his stance, and eventually said he would discourage use of the term, but apparently thats not sufficient. Mamdani has been critical of Israel, and thus has been wrongly branded as antisemiticjust the excuse centrists like Schumer and Jeffries need to stay on the sidelines in the mayoral race. While its clear that Mamdanis criticism of Israel is driving much of the tepid response from national Democrats, its not the only thing going on. Republicans have blabbed to any reporter in earshot that theyre salivatinggiddy is the word Politico highlighted in a typically credulous pieceto paint the Democrats as the party of the young, Muslim, democratic socialist Mamdani. It would seem that Jeffries, Schumer, and others have accepted that narrative fully and are attempting to keep their distance in the hope that, when the time comes, they can say that they obviously never supported him. On the one hand, this is foolhardy. Republicans will accuse Democrats of being Communists, globalists, and closet jihadists whether or not they endorse Mamdani. We know this because they have been doing it for years. They just did it to Kamala Harris, and ran two elections against Barack Obama that heavily featured the narrative that the young, charismatic Democrat wasyou guessed ita closet Communist and Muslim. Whether they like it or not, that narrative is coming. But it is also dangerous. Trump has made it clear that he hopes to target New York City just as hes done to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.with deployed National Guard troops and ICE agents running rampant. By failing to back Mamdani now, Democrats are also suggesting that they will throw himand the city he representsto the wolves come 2026. And progressives running other cities around America would be right to worry too. But worst of all, Democrats like Schumer and Jeffries are shooting their party in the foot. Mamdani is a dynamic, charismatic candidate unlike any the party has seen for years. In June, he beat Cuomo, a former governor, by more than 10 points by activating middle-class voterswhat the writer Michael Lenge has termed the coalition of the in-between. Predominantly renters, Mamdanis voters were also disproportionately young, Asian, and Hispanicall groups that moved toward Trump in last years election, and that Democrats will need if they want to take back Congress and the White House. Democrats say they are determined to be a big-tent party. But somehow theres no room in it for the politicians who can actually help fill it? By Laman Ismayilova The Azerbaijani Embassy in the Netherlands has participated in the "Embassy Festival," an annual event organized by the Municipality of The Hague, which has become a tradition. The event was held in the historical "Lange Voorhout" square in the center of The Hague under the slogan "Around the World in One Day." The festival brought together the rich cultural heritage of various nations. Around 60 countries were represented by national pavilions at the festival, which was visited by thousands of people. The Azerbaijani pavilion, set up at this cultural platform, became one of the most visited sections of the event due to its diversity and vibrancy. Materials and exhibits related to Azerbaijan's history, culture, tourism potential, carpets, national costumes, as well as dishes such as pilaf, dolma, kebab, qutab, and traditional sweets attracted significant attention from visitors. The Mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen, visited the Azerbaijani pavilion. He expressed his satisfaction with Azerbaijans active participation in the festival and had a conversation with Azerbaijan's Ambassador to the Netherlands, Mammad Ahmadzade, and other compatriots. The Mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen also praised the rich cultural heritage and hospitality traditions of the Azerbaijani people. As part of the event, a music program featured the "Caucasus" dance ensemble, composed of compatriots living in Europe, who performed national Azerbaijani dances. The performances were met with applause. Many visitors participated in performing Azerbaijani national dances, including "Yall?." Beyond its role as a vibrant celebration of global diversity, the festival offered a compelling glimpse into the soul of a nation, its warmth, its traditions, and its creativity. Through music, dance, cuisine, and craftsmanship, the people's enduring spirit and cultural richness were brought to life on the international stage. South African telco Vodacom says it has become the first company in Africa to implement virtual wheeling, after signing a power purchase agreement (PPA) with independent power producer SOLA Group. Virtual wheeling is a method used in energy trading where electricity is transmitted over a grid without physical delivery, instead using billing and energy metering systems to offset a businesss grid energy usage with renewable energy credits from a remote site. Traditional wheeling arrangements typically involve a one-to-one relationship between an independent power producer and an off taker using the national grid to transport energy. The virtual wheeling solution, which Vodacom says is now ready for seamless adoption by other energy users, aggregates energy consumption across multiple consumption points through smart metering. According to Vodacom, the virtual wheeling agreement was achieved by leveraging an agnostic platform developed by Vodacom subsidiary Mezzanine and renewable energy from SOLA's solar power plant in Virginia, Free State province. The telco says virtual wheeling is key to Vodacom Group's ambition of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. Vodacom says its innovative virtual wheeling solution offers a replicable roadmap for other businesses to follow, delivering cost savings, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to grid stability, and creating jobs in the energy sector. "Executing this innovation is an immensely proud moment for Vodacom South Africa, and highly significant for the country's future where energy is concerned," said Sitho Mdlalose, Chief Executive Officer for Vodacom South Africa. "Virtual wheeling is a game changer for companies like ours with distributed operations, removing long-standing barriers to access renewable energy. "More importantly, this achievement demonstrates our purpose to connect for a better future one where we protect the planet, accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, and contribute to the stability of the national grid." According to SOLA, the additional renewable energy added to the grid contributes to the prevention of load shedding, allowing consumers to benefit from a more stable supply and mitigating the impact of climate change. "Virtual Wheeling marks a pivotal moment in South Africa's energy transition, and we are proud to be the independent power producer behind Vodacom's first agreement of this kind," said Simon Haw, Founder & Chairman SOLA Group. "By enabling large, distributed businesses to access our renewable energy at scale and at lower cost, this innovation not only decarbonises operations but also accelerates the shift to a cleaner, more resilient energy system. "Our partnership with Vodacom on this milestone underscores the power of collaboration in unlocking the full potential of renewable energy for South Africa's economy and its people." In August 2023, Vodacom initially partnered with South African state-owned electricity public utility Eskom to innovate and develop the virtual wheeling system. Subsequently, Mezzanine created the first platform that enabled virtual wheeling and assessed it through a successful pilot phase. VIDEO: X/@OversightDems House Oversight Committee Democrats on Monday swiftly released the image and message President Trump allegedly wrote as a birthday present to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003, revealing a drawing the White House has denied existed. The image was released by the panels Democrats just minutes after Epsteins estate turned over records subpoenaed by the committee, including a birthday book with the note from Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wall Street Journal reported in July that Trump had written the salacious letter to Epstein as a 50th birthday gift. Trump denied writing the letter and later sued the publication. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) accused Trump of engaging in a cover-up. This note, Donald Trump has said does not exist. Well, once again, he is lying to the American public and is leading a White House cover-up, Garcia said in a video message shortly after releasing the image. The image shows the outline of a womans figure with a message in the middle formatted in the form of a conversation between Trump and Epstein and referencing that the two have certain things in common. HERE IT IS: We got Trumps birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein that the President said doesnt exist. Trump talks about a wonderful secret the two of them shared. What is he hiding? Release the files! pic.twitter.com/k2Mq8Hu3LY Oversight Dems (@OversightDems) September 8, 2025 A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthdayand may every day be another wonderful secret, the message concludes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HERE IT IS: We got Trumps birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein that the President said doesnt exist. Trump talks about a wonderful secret the two of them shared. What is he hiding? Release the files! Democrats on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee wrote in sharing the image on the social platform X. The White House and its allies sought to cast doubt on the validity of the letter by suggesting the signature did not belong to the president. Time for @newscorp to open that checkbook, its not his signature. DEFAMATION! deputy White House chief of staff Taylor Budowich posted on X along with images of other Trump signatures. The committees Republicans also blasted Garcia for releasing the image. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its appalling Democrats on the Oversight Committee are cherry-picking documents and politicizing information received from the Epstein Estate today, Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) said in a statement, saying the purposed of the investigation was to bring transparency and accountability for survivors of Epsteins heinous crimes and the American people. President Trump is not accused of any wrongdoing and Democrats are ignoring the new information the Committee received today. The Committee will pursue additional Epstein bank records based on this new information. Democrats must decide if their priority is justice for the survivors or politics. Garcia cast Trumps denial of the image as part of a broader struggle by the White House to bury his relationship with an unsavory figure and to deny justice to victims abused by those in power circles. Mr. President, this is not a hoax. You are lying to the American public. You are involved in a cover-up. Now, the Oversight Committee is going to be reviewing the documents we received today, and we will not stop until we get justice for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and all those that were involved, Garcia said in the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do not care how powerful you are, how connected you are, how much money and wealth you have, or what political party that you are in. Well get justice for these survivors. We will get to the truth. Trump has been under intense pressure for months over the Epstein case, with calls from some of his prominent supporters in Congress to release more files connected to the late financier and convicted sex offender. While Trump has said the Justice Department should release credible evidence, he has frequently bristled at the relentless focus on the topic and suggested some Republicans are doing Democrats a favor by keeping the attention on Epstein. Epstein, accused in several cases of sex trafficking young girls, ran in high-powered circles with figures that included Trump, former President Clinton, Britains Prince Andrew and a number of other celebrities and ultrawealthy people. Epsteins associate, Ghislaine Maxwell who has been convicted of sex trafficking and is serving a 20-year prison sentence spoke with a top Justice Department official about the case in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maxwell, who is seeking clemency, told the Justice Department in that interview that she did not remember Trump submitting a letter, card or note for the birthday book. Updated at 7:08 p.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The House Oversight Committee has received its first batch of documents from the estate of late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including a note from a so-called birthday book of letters gifted to Epstein in 2003 that allegedly contains a provocative note bearing President Donald Trumps name. Democrats on the committee posted on X an image of the letter, which features typewritten text framed by what appears to be the outline of a naked woman and concludes with the phrase: Happy Birthday and may every day be another wonderful secret. Below the drawing was what appears to be Trumps squiggly signature. Trump has repeatedly denied writing the letter and sued the Wall Street Journal, which was first to report on the letter, for defamation. I never wrote a picture in my life. I dont draw pictures of women, he told the Journal at the time. Its not my language. Its not my words. The image released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee on Monday House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform / X Hours later, the Democrats posted on X an image of what they claimed to be another page from the book, with the caption: Epstein and a longtime Mar-a-Lago member joking about selling a fully depreciated woman to Donald Trump for $22,500. The image features a photograph of Epstein holding a large check worth $22,500 signed by what appeared to be DJTRUMP, accompanied by a handwritten note. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The handwritten note reads: JEFFREY SHOWING EARLY TALENTS WITH MONEY + WOMEN! SELLS 'FULLY DEPRECIATED [redacted] TO DONALD TRUMP FOR $22,500. SHOWED EARLY PEOPLE SKILLS TOO, EVEN THOUGH I HANDLED THE DEAL I DIDNT GET ANY OF THE MONEY OR THE GIRL! Democrats on the House Oversight Committee posted another page of the Epstein "birthday book." House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform / X The professionally bound volume was created for Epsteins 50th birthday in 2003 by his longtime associate, now convicted sex trafficker, Ghislaine Maxwell, and includes letters and drawings from dozens of Epsteins acquaintancessuch as former President Bill Clinton and billionaire Leon Black, the Journal reported. The committees subpoena to Epsteins estate had demanded a wide range of records, including the birthday book, Epsteins will, his 2008 nonprosecution agreement with federal prosecutors in Florida, and financial documents. The inquiry is the latest in a string of congressional efforts to address questions left unresolved by Epsteins 2019 arrest on federal sex-trafficking charges and his death by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell weeks later. The panel has already obtained roughly 33,000 pages of records from the Justice Department, though Democrats have complained those disclosures contained little new information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oversight Committee has secured the infamous Birthday Book that contains a note from President Trump that he has said does not exist, said Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the panel, in a statement. Its time for the President to tell us the truth about what he knew and release all the Epstein files. The American people are demanding answers. Taylor Budowich, the White House's deputy chief of staff for communications, responded Monday to the image, writing on X that its not his signature, while posting several more recent examples of Trumps signature. Epsteins connections to a broad swath of wealthy and powerful men have fueled years of speculation and conspiracy theories, particularly after Attorney General Pam Bondis Justice Department said in July that it had no client list of people who participated in Epsteins abuse. That announcement inflamed many of Trumps allies, who have accused the government of concealing names and details. Trump and Epstein were known to socialize in the 1990s in Palm Beach, Fla., when Epstein frequented Mar-a-Lago, Trumps private club. Flight logs show Trump flew at least once on Epsteins private jet. After Epsteins arrest in 2019, Trump said the two men had fallen out 15 years earlier because Epstein had hired away some of Trumps employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Amid Campaign, Trump Kept Epstein Issue at Arms Length. His Allies Did Not He has sought to cast efforts to release more Epstein files as a politically motivated attempt by Democrats to damage him, calling the broader investigation a hoax. Forgive my language but this story is complete and utter bullst. The WSJ should be ashamed for publishing it, Vice President J.D. Vance said in a social media post on July 17. Where is this letter? Would you be shocked to learn they never showed it to us before publishing it? Does anyone honestly believe this sounds like Donald Trump? The public release of the so-called birthday book comes as a bipartisan pair of lawmakers are moving to collect enough signatures to sidestep House leadership and compel a floor vote on a measure that would force the Justice Department to release all of its files in the Epstein investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: What to Know About the 'Epstein Files' Fight in Congress Reps. Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky, and Ro Khanna, Democrat of California, are spearheading that effort, and need just two more Republicans to reach the 218 signatures required to force a vote on the House floor. So far, only four RepublicansMassie, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Lauren Boebert of Colorado, and Nancy Mace of South Carolinahave joined the effort. Chad de Guzman contributed reporting. Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. WASHINGTON (AP) Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released on Monday a sexually suggestive letter to Jeffrey Epstein purportedly signed by President Donald Trump, which he has denied. The letter was included as part of a 50th birthday album compiled in 2003 for Epstein, a wealthy and well-connected financier who was once a friend of Trump's. The full House committee on Monday night released a copy of the entire album, which bore names of some other prominent figures such as former President Bill Clinton and attorney Alan Dershowitz in a friends section, and included other letters with sexually provocative language. Trump has said he did not write the letter or create the drawing of a curvaceous woman that surrounds the letter, and he filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal for earlier reporting on his link to the letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As I have said all along, its very clear President Trump did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement posted on X. President Trumps legal team will continue to aggressively pursue litigation. White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich posted various pictures on X of Trumps signature over the years and wrote, its not his signature. As House Republicans left the Capitol on Monday night, many waved off questions about the letter, echoing a similar theme. Its not his signature. Ive seen Donald Trump sign a million things, said Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Thomas Massie, who is leading a bipartisan push for a House vote to force the Justice Department to release its Epstein files, downplayed the letters relevance entirely. It doesnt prove anything. Having a birthday card from Trump doesnt help the survivors and the victims, Massie said. The release of the drawing comes as the president has for months faced increasing pressure to force more disclosure in the case of Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell. Epstein was accused of paying underage girls hundreds of dollars in cash for massages and then molesting them, while Maxwell was convicted of luring teenage girls to be sexually abused by him. It also once again puts a spotlight on Trumps former friendship with Epstein, which the president has said ended two decades ago after a falling-out. Trump said recently that he cut ties with Epstein because he stole young women including Virginia Giuffre, who was among Epsteins most well-known sex trafficking accusers who worked for the spa at his Mar-a-Lago resort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case against Epstein was brought more than a decade after he secretly cut a deal with federal prosecutors in Florida to dispose of nearly identical allegations. Trump had suggested during the presidential campaign that hed seek to open the governments files into Epstein, but much of what the government has released so far had already been out there. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee received a copy of the birthday album on Monday as part of a batch of documents from Epsteins estate. Trump has denied writing the letter and creating the drawing, calling The Wall Street Journal report on it false, malicious, and defamatory. These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I dont draw pictures, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter released by the committee looks exactly as described by The Wall Street Journal in its report. The letter bearing Trumps name and what appears to be his signature includes text framed by a hand-drawn outline of a curvaceous woman. A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday and may every day be another wonderful secret, the letter says. The letters disclosure comes amid a bipartisan push in Congress for the release of the so-called Epstein files amid years of speculation and conspiracy theories. Calls for the release of the records came from Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance, before he was sworn into the countrys No. 2 position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department in August began turning over records from the Epstein sex trafficking investigation to the House Oversight Committee. The committee subpoenaed the Epstein estate for documents last month. In addition to the birthday book, lawmakers requested Epsteins last will and testament, agreements he signed with prosecutors, his contact books, and his financial transactions and holdings. ___ Associated Press writers Joey Cappelletti and Meg Kinnard contributed. Congressional Democrats are reviewing billions of reasons for budget heartburn as they chew over their breakfast this morning and weigh how to handle the upcoming shutdown deadline. The latest report from Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., says that $410 billion is still being held up by the Trump administrations budget officials, further complicating an already tricky bipartisan funding deal. Any funding agreement must reflect Democratic priorities, and we must pass full-year spending bills that ensure lawmakers not Donald Trump and Russ Vought decide how taxpayer dollars get spent, the two say in a new statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some senior Democrats are already sounding pretty bearish about a bipartisan breakthrough: Im not giving away my vote for a budget thats going to hurt New Jerseyans or anybody in our nation, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., said on NBC. DENVER (KDVR) Denver emergency crews extricated an employee at the Frito-Lay plant on Monday after they allegedly fell around 40 feet into a corn silo, but only suffered minor injuries. The Denver Fire Department said on X just after noon that its crews and the departments technical rescue team were responding to a confined space incident after a person had fallen in the corn silo. Study: Colorado city named No. 6 nationwide for quality of life Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency reported the location as a Frito-Lay plant on 37th Avenue. In an update, the fire department said that an employee was not, in fact, stuck in the corn or had reported any injuries, but was on top of the corn and needed to be extricated by crews from above. The employee was able to put on a rope and harness, which was lowered by the departments team, and ultimately was lifted out of the silo. PepsiCo, which owns Frito-Lay, provided the following statement to FOX31. We are aware of an incident involving one of our employees earlier today at our Denver Frito-Lay facility. The employee received prompt medical attention for minor injuries and is expected to be okay. Safety is our top priority, and we are reviewing the incident in line with our standard protocols. The incident did not impact our operations or products. The Denver Frito-Lay plant opened in 1947, according to the Texas State Historical 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 FOX31 Denver. The maniac who was gunned down by New Yorks Finest after trying to bust into a Brooklyn precinct and slashing a hero cop in the face was a 36-year-old nut with a rap sheet. Justin Coleman, who was last busted on MacDougal Street in April 2024 and charged with assault, was pronounced dead on arrival at Brookdale Hospital following the shocking Sunday morning incident, law enforcement sources told The Post. Police said the suspect tried to get into the NYPDs 73rd Precinct stationhouse in Brownsville through a back door shortly before 5:30 a.m. and tried to slash a female cops throat when she confronted him. Sources said the nut who slashed a Brooklyn cop before he was gunned down was 36-year-old Justin Coleman. Diego Luzuriaga/FreedomNewsTV The unnamed officer was instead cut in the face, with her attacker running off with cops on his tail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police caught up with him outside a housing project about two blocks away, and opened fire when he refused to drop the 14-inch butcher knife and lunged at cops, officials said. The wounded officer, the daughter of two NYPD detectives one retired and one still on the job was slashed in the head and left ear, PBA president Patrick Hendry said Sunday. She couldve been killed, Hendry said. She knew that he was a danger to the people in this neighborhood, and she didnt care that she was injured at that point. Police said the suspect used a 14-inch butcher knife to slash a cop at the 73rd Precinct in Brooklyn early Sunday. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post The wounded officer joined the pursuit of the knife-wielding suspect, who was shot by police two blocks away. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post She wanted to stop the threat, and thats what she did, he said. She made chase along with the other police officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have not officially identified Coleman as the suspect, but law enforcement sources said he was the knife-wielding nut who cut the cop before he was chased and shot dead. Colemans neighbor, Anthony Patterson, 35, called the incident a very unfortunate situation on both sides. Thats hard, man. Were neighbors but we live like family The guy [Coleman] didnt bother anybody. He didnt make any trouble, he didnt make any fuss. He minded his own business, Patterson told The Post. And its just a very unfortunate situation on both sides. I saw him probably Saturday, going into the building, minding his business. Im hurt. There should not be a fatal incident where this is concerned. Mental health has a road to pave, so what are we as a people and the department doing for that? he added. I feel like Im the one who got hit. It could have happened to anybody. Nobodys perfect. You could be born with a certain IQ or you have issues, but that doesnt mean if you mess up or when you mess up, you deserve death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details of Colemans 2024 arrest were not available Sunday, and the Brooklyn District Attorneys Office did not immediately respond to a request for information on the case. Meanwhile, Hendry said seeing the injured officer in the hospital was traumatic for her parents. NYPD Chief of Patrol Philip P. Rivera speaks during a press conference at the 73rd Precinct on Sunday. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post This is a dangerous environment our police officers are under, the PBA chief said. This is what people feel, that they can just come into the stationhouse and attack a New York City police officer. That is not acceptable and now going forward, there needs to be a message sent that if you attack a police officer, weve been going to courthouses across the city, you know, those who attack a police officer need to face consequences, true consequences, Hendry added. Editors note: This story was originally published on Sept. 8, 2024. A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives. On Sept. 8, 1935, Louisiana Sen. Huey P. Long was doing what Huey P. Long did in his heyday running the state when a gunshot rang out, followed by a volley of shots. When the dust settled, the controversial Democratic power boss of the South known as the Kingfish, was mortally wounded, while the man who shot him was dead on the floor of the Louisiana State Capitol building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long was 42. He had been elected governor at age 35 and became popular for abolishing the states poll tax. He was a political rival of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He distributed free textbooks to students and pushed for a tax on petroleum products to help fund social programs. He made a lot of friends, and a lot of enemies. Long had introduced a bill, House Bill Number One in the Capitol to intentionally redraw Louisianas districts and gerrymander a political opponent from the bench. The judges son-in-law, a physician named Carl Weiss, was present in Baton Rouge that day to speak with Long. After the bill passed, Weiss approached Long to discuss the issue. Per reports, sounds of machine gun fire filled the Capitol. A few minutes later, Long was found stumbling down the stairs with a bullet through his right upper abdomen. Weiss was found dead in the Capitols main hall, with 61 bullet holes counted in his body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long was taken to the hospital in New Orleans. On Sept. 10, Long died before he could be operated on. Eyewitnesses said Weiss pulled his hand from under his coat and fired at Long. Others theorized that Weiss punched Long, and one of the senators bodyguards accidentally hit Long in the scramble. The front page of the Deseret News on Sept. 10, 1935. Was Weiss guilty and a murderer, or did a bullet fired by a bodyguard ricochet off the marble and accidentally kill Long? Newspapers covered the story for days. Here are some stories from Deseret News archives on the saga: Who killed Huey Long? Experts hope exhumation will help solve mystery Louisiana has Long history of scandal Investigator says doctor may not have killed Huey Long Biographer White tours Louisiana Huey Long country Fates of six assassins Tomb of Long assassin is opened Brisbane based cybersecurity company, vCISO.One, has launched a service focused on securing interconnected IoT and OT systems and claims to be sounding the alarm on a blind spot in the nations digital defences. It says: While digital transformation continues to blur the lines between IT and OT, many of the devices now online were never built with cybersecurity in mind. Common issues include legacy systems with no encryption or authentication, vendor-managed access without logging or MFA, and outdated firmware still in active use. According to Andrew Egoroff, Principal Consultant at vCISO.One. From smart street lighting to water treatment systems, were seeing critical assets connected to public networks with minimal oversight. The risks arent theoretical theyre real and in some cases, already active. This is hardly new. Five years ago a report Foresight review of cyber security for the Industrial IoT, from Lloyds Register Foundation, a not-for-profit created by Lloyds Register, painted a gloomy picture of the security of industrial IoT (IIoT), and the prospects for improvement. It said the current pace of change in operational security capabilities would not match the fast emergence of new security risks in IIoT environments. More recently, one specialist in the security of operational technology systems, Lesley Carhart, technical director of incident response at industrial cyber security company Dragos, told journalists at Influencings TechLeaders event. I've been working for almost 20 years in this space. It's really bad, and it's getting worse because there's coverage of the successes of groups in Russia, China, Iran, et cetera, in conducting these types of attacks. And also the barrier to entry conducting these types of attacks is getting lower. It's getting more accessible to things like terrorist organisations and criminals that are getting wealthier and wealthier off things like ransomware. Carhart said the problems were in part technical and in part human: operational technology and information technology people not communicating effectively. Its very, very old stuff: Windows NT, Windows 95. And increasingly this stuff is connected to the internet. More and more people want remote access, real time telemetry, cloud access for historical data, for understanding their process, for controlling many facilities and devices simultaneously. So more stuff is connected. It's still old, it's still vulnerable. And cybersecurity is really misunderstood in those spaces. There's a lot of bad relationships. There's a human element, and a lot of people just don't understand the problems and challenges in these environments. We have to deal with things very differently. vCISO.One says its new service includes comprehensive assessments of IoT and OT environments, covering asset discovery, architecture review, vulnerability identification, and protocol analysis [and] also maps systems to recognised standards such as IEC 62443, NIST SP 800-82, and the ACSC OT Security Principles, aiming to align engineering and operations with broader cybersecurity governance. 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. ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE) Were learning more about a man police say was dressed in body armor when he shot at and injured two law enforcement officers in Roswell. Police say 29-year-old Dakota Perkins should be behind bars, after they said he immediately fired at responding officers, sparking a shootout. Court documents reveal, he had been drinking and was suicidal. It started with a call to dispatchers on August 28 at 12:30 a.m. A woman said her boyfriend was threatening to shoot himself and had locked himself in a bedroom at a home near Orchard and 6th Street. Dispatchers were told he had been drinking and was armed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, when officers arrived, they reported hearing screaming coming from inside. Police said when they approached, Dakota Perkins, who had multiple guns and an automatic weapon, started shooting at them. Chaves County sheriffs deputy home following shootout An officer on the scene told investigators he heard around a hundred gunshots fired. During the shootout, a 9-year-old boy, a 7-year-old girl, and their mother safely escaped the home. According to radio traffic reports, a Roswell police officer was described as being hit in the neck at 12:35 a.m. At 12:43 a.m., a Chaves County Sheriffs deputy said, Im hit in the arm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deputy and officer are both expected to recover from their wounds and are back at home. According to court documents, during the shootout, a SWAT sniper hit Perkins. At 1:17 a.m., an officer said, The shooter is on the phone and wants to give up. Grants man arrested in connection to deadly shooting at mobile-home park in Roswell Investigators said Perkins had a flashbang device and wanted to throw it out before leaving the house. Police allowed him to do so since he Pulled the pin out of the device already. Perkins then left the house and was arrested. He was then taken to the hospital for an injury to his hand. Court documents said SWAT also found Tannerite, an explosive powder, inside the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, a judge decided Perkins needed to remain behind bars until trial. Perkins is facing eight charges, including two counts of attempt to commit first-degree murder. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched its latest immigration crackdown on Monday, targeting Chicago. DHS is launching Operation Midway Blitz in honor of Katie Abraham who was killed in a drunk driving hit-and-run car wreck caused by criminal illegal alien Julio Cucul-Bol in Illinois, DHS wrote on the social platform X. This ICE operation will target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets, DHS added, referring to Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) also called it an effort to stoke fear, including among immigrants he said Chicago embraces as family. As President Trump continues to wrongly hyper-fixate on deploying the military to Chicago, his Administration is now ramping up its campaign to arrest hardworking immigrants with no criminal convictions, he said in a statement. The move was blasted by Illinoiss largely left-leaning leaders. Once again, this isnt about fighting crime. That requires support and coordination yet weve experienced nothing like that over the past several weeks, Pritzker wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of taking steps to work with us on public safety, the Trump Administrations focused on scaring Illinoisians. Pritzker over the weekend shared a Know Your Rights pamphlet in multiple languages, including that ICE officers can be asked to present a warrant. He also encouraged those witnessing arrests to film them and share them with media organizations. As President Trump continues to wrongly hyper-fixate on deploying the military to Chicago, his Administration is now ramping up its campaign to arrest hardworking immigrants with no criminal convictions, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said in a statement. These actions dont make us safer. They are a waste of money, stoke fear, and represent another failed attempt at a distraction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents already have been deployed to Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and also rolled out operations in Boston over the weekend as part of President Trumps sweeping anti-illegal immigration agenda, prompting protests across the country this summer. The latest effort marks an anticipated ramp-up of the initiatives. Accompanying its announcement, DHS shared a list of 11 men it said were released into the city after it failed to coordinate with ICE officers. It also blasted Cucul-Bol, a Guatemalan man who killed an Urbana, Ill. woman in a January crash. Trump also previewed the move, sharing an AI photo of himself saying he loves the smell of deportations in the morning and saying Chicago was about to find out why its called the Department of WAR. He made those comments on social media shortly after ordering the Defense Department to return to its Department of War name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move was announced just hours after the Supreme Court allowed ICE agents in Los Angeles to make immigration stops based on someone speaking Spanish or on their profession. Critics said the practice amounted to racial profiling. A CATO Institute review of ICE data after they were blocked from using such measures found arrests plummeted 66 percent when agents were unable to use ethnicity, language or profession as the basis for an arrest. This story was updated at 4:02 p.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Department of Homeland Security is launching a crackdown in Chicago dubbed Operation Midway Blitz as state and local officials push back on the Trump administration. The operation will target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets, the agency said in a Monday afternoon statement on X. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker slammed the escalation in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once again, this isn't about fighting crime, Pritzker wrote. That requires support and coordination yet we've experienced nothing like that over the past several weeks. Instead of taking steps to work with us on public safety, the Trump Administration's focused on scaring Illinoisians. The operation is being carried out in honor of Katie Abraham, the DHS says. Abraham, 20, and her friend Chloe Polzin were killed in a hit-and-run car wreck in January, allegedly caused by Julio Cucul-Bol, a citizen of Guatemala, the Urbana Police Department said. Demonstrators gathered in Chicago on Saturday to protest against the Trump administration's immigration policies (Getty Images) Cucul-Bol was arrested in Texas on a bus heading to Matamoros, Mexico, Urbana police said. He has since been charged with driving under the influence, reckless homicide and leaving the scene of the crash. In May, he was also charged with possessing a false permanent resident card, possessing a false Social Security card, false use of a passport and making a false statement on a bank application, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Central District of Illinois. Police say Julio Cucul-Bol is responsible for a hit-and-run wreck that killed two women in Chicago (Champaign County Sheriff's Office) Abrahams parents described her as a smart, spirited young woman in a video shared by the DHS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katie is one of these unique kids. She had such a unique personality, her father, Joe Abraham, said. She was very spirited. She made everyone feel seen. She's very engaging. Her sense of humor was incredible. Her wit was so sharp. White House border czar Tom Homan warned on Sunday the city should expect a wave of immigration enforcement actions this week. The use of National Guard troops is also on the table, Homan noted. Some 300 federal agents are now using North Chicago's Naval Station Great Lakes as a logistical hub, ABC 7 reports. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were already making arrests over the weekend, according to local officials. Alderwoman Jeylu Gutierrez released a statement Sunday night saying "at least 5 individuals were detained on the Southwest Side, according to ABC 7. Its unclear how long the operation in Chicago will last. An ICE spokesperson said the agency has always operated in Chicago in a statement to CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will continue our law enforcement and public safety mission, undeterred, as we surge ICE resources in the city in coordination with our federal partners from across Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice, the spokesperson said. As the operation was announced on Monday afternoon, ICE posted a photo of an agency vehicle near the Willis Tower in downtown Chicago. State and local officials were quick to respond this weekend after President Donald Trump shared a Saturday morning post on Truth Social, writing that Chicago is about to find out why its called the Department of WAR. Attached to the post was an AI-generated image of Trump in a cowboy hat and aviator sunglasses with the Chicago skyline in the background, engulfed in flames. The image included the words Chipocalypse Now, in an apparent reference to the 1979 Vietnam War movie Apocalypse Now. Trump downplayed the post on Sunday when a reporter asked whether he was threatening war with Chicago. The president responded: Were not going to war. Were going to clean up our cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker said he will not pretend that any of this is normal in a Sunday statement. I refuse to concede that the abject cruelty that were seeing play out with the execution of Trump and Stephen Millers policies are OK or justified, the governor said. 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 has repeatedly criticized Trumps immigration policies and recent remarks about Chicago. He also slammed Trumps recent Truth Social post criticizing gun violence in Chicago on Monday morning. In his original post, Trump said: I want to help the people of Chicago, not hurt them. Only Criminals will be hurt!" I want to help people, not hurt them, says the guy who just threatened an American city with the Department of War, Pritzker wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Pritzker and Trump exchanged jabs, demonstrators flooded Chicagos streets to protest the Trump administrations immigration policies over the weekend. Demonstrators march through downtown Chicago on Saturday (Getty) Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also called sending in the National Guard the wrong solution to a real problem, in a guest essay for The New York Times published Monday. But lowering crime rates here does not require an occupation of our city by armed members of the National Guard, as the White House continues to threaten us with, Johnson wrote. Chicagoans, including survivors of violence, have spoken out against such an extreme measure. If President Trump had listened to the citys leaders, he would recognize that Chicago just experienced record-low homicide numbers, making this the safest summer since the 1960s, a result of effective collaboration between communities and law enforcement, he added. Sept. 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced it will implement "Operation Midway Blitz" to target "the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in Chicago." A press release by the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the operation is in honor of Katie Abraham, 19, who was killed in a hit-and-run car accident in Urbana, Ill., in January. Chloe Polzin, 20, also was killed in the crash. Julio Cucul Bol, 29, a citizen of Guatemala, is accused of being the drunken driver. He was arrested near Dallas. At the time, he allegedly had fake Mexican papers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This operation will target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in Chicago," said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement. "For years, Governor [JB] Pritzker and his fellow sanctuary politicians released Tren de Aragua gang members, rapists, kidnappers, and drug traffickers on Chicago's streets -- putting American lives at risk and making Chicago a magnet for criminals. President [Donald] Trump and Secretary [of Homeland Security Kristi] Noem have a clear message: no city 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." Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson reacted with outrage that the president announced the operation on X with a meme. The AI-generated image that said "Chipacolypse Now," said "I love the smell of deportations in the morning." It also said, "Chicago about to find out why we call it the Department of WAR." Pritzker reposted Trump's post on X, and said: "The President of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city." The President of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city. This is not a joke. This is not normal. Donald Trump isn't a strongman, he's a scared man. Illinois won't be intimidated by a wannabe dictator. pic.twitter.com/f87Zek7Cqb Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) September 6, 2025 Johnson said on X, "The President's threats are beneath the honor of our nation, but the reality is that he wants to occupy our city and break our Constitution. We must defend our democracy from this authoritarianism by protecting each other and protecting Chicago from Donald Trump." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Trump posted on Truth Social: "Governor Pritzker just stated that he doesn't want Federal Government HELP! WHY??? What is wrong with this guy, and the 5% in Polls Mayor. I want to help the people of Chicago, not hurt them. Only the Criminals will be hurt!" Pritzer fired back: "'I want to help people, not hurt them,' says the guy who just threatened an American city with the Department of War." Though Trump has been threatening to send National Guard units to Chicago to fight crime, this operation is separate from that. This operation is only to arrest undocumented "criminals," the press release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Trump sent National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, ostensibly to quell protests. And last month, he deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C., to deter crime. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled the Trump administration violated the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the use of the military for domestic law enforcement. Breyer stayed the ruling until Sept. 12 to allow the administration to appeal. CLEVELAND (WJW) The Cleveland Animal Protective League (APL) is getting ready for one of its biggest days of the year the 11th annual Dick Goddard APL Telethon. The event airs on Fox 8 Wednesday, Sept. 10th, and raises money to support the thousands of animals the Cleveland APL cares for each year. Popular Akron pizza shop planning 3 new locations The excitement is really high, said Sharon Harvey, president and CEO of the Cleveland APL. This is such a wonderful day sharing our mission with the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The APL is a state-of-the-art animal shelter on Wiley Avenue that prepares animals for adoption, finds them loving homes and also handles humane law enforcement across Cuyahoga County. Harvey said donations from the telethon will support life-saving programs and services, as well as the APLs commitment to never euthanize animals to make room for new arrivals. That means animals may have a longer length of stay with us, Harvey explained. Its a constant balancing act that shelters all around us are facing. Last years telethon raised nearly $185,000. Over the past decade, the event has brought in more than $1.7 million to help Northeast Ohios animals in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local elementary school temporarily closed for asbestos testing The fundraiser also honors the late Fox 8 legend Dick Goddard, whose name and advocacy remain central to the cause. We at the Cleveland APL miss Dick Goddard and his passionate advocacy for the four-footed, Harvey said. It is such an honor and privilege to have his name associated with this event. His unwavering dedication to protecting animals contributed so much to their welfare in this community and beyond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Reuters) - Social platform Discord said its service has been restored for after a major outage in the U.S. earlier on Monday. The company's status page said that all systems were operational after it was down for over a hundred thousand users. The outage eased to about 1,300 users reporting issues with the platform as of 7:50 p.m. ET, from its peak of about 102,277 incidents as of 6:20 p.m. ET, according to outage tracking website Downdetector.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Downdetector's numbers are based on user-submitted reports. The actual number of affected users may vary. (Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala and Harshita Meenaktshi in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona) Dismissal of earlier case against Shrewsbury shooting suspect tied to prosecution mistake The person accused of killing a Shrewsbury father could have been behind bars had evidence been presented during a previous trial. Boston25 has obtained court audio from that previous trial which indicates the case was dismissed because the prosecution didnt have the evidence they needed. Snehal Srivastava is accused of shooting and killed 57-year-old Kevin Doherty on Aug. 28. However, that incident isnt Srivastavas first run-in with police. In fact, they have a rich criminal history including an incident back in 2022 when Srivastava was accused of attacking someone with a machete in a movie theatre parking lot. The 2022 case didnt make it to trial until July 2025, when the case was dismissed due to failure to prosecute. An evil person: Machete attack victim believes accused Shrewsbury killer shouldve been imprisoned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the court audio, Westborough District Court Judge Jennifer Stark can be heard telling the prosecutor who according to the Worcester County DAs office was Joseph Reilly, You cant go forward? Reilly confirms the situation, and Stark can be heard saying The case is dismissed due to lack of prosecution. What led up to that decision was a mix-up of evidence by the state prosecutor who intended to use a 9-1-1 call to prove Srivastavas identity. Reilly tells the judge, The commonwealths proposal is to play for the court the 911 excited utterance. There was an identification of the license plate of the assailant and that was provided over the air via a bolo. It was received by Shrewsbury Police. Lt. Michael Vitols of that department is well familiar with the defendant. He went to his residence, the car with that plate was found running in the driveway of the defendants residence. The defendant was in the backyard; he meets the general description that the alleged victim would be able to provide of the assailant...Your honor, I do need to set up the player for the 911 thats not here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Stark put the court into a recess to allow Reilly to set up the recorder he needed to play the 911 call for the court. However, when he came back, there was no recording. The case, your honor, as you can see is almost three years old. There was discovery that was requested of the Westborough Police Department. I dont have that 9-1-1 call, Reilly told Judge Stark. But according to the Westborough Police Chief Todd Minardi, his department has no record of any discovery request for the 911 tape in the last two years. He wrote, If we received a request before that, we would have complied as we always do. The question remains, had there not been an evidence mix-up and Srivastavas trial was able to move forward, would the 26-year-old have been able to allegedly kill a Shrewsbury father? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boston25 reached out to the Worcester County District Attorneys office with that question, though they said theyre unable to comment as the defendant currently has a case before the court. Boston25 also reached out to Srivastavas attorney for the machete attack case, Michael Murray. He said the case was handled properly but raised questions about the states mental health system, a topic the judge covered with Srivastava that day in court. Judge Stark can be heard asking Srivastava, Have you ever been diagnosed with mental health illnesses? Srivastava replies, I havent been diagnosed. Judge Stark follows up with Do you have any mental health issues? to which Srivastava replies, I guess. Srivastava is due back in court on September. 12. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW DMACC is joining other Iowa universities and colleges across the U.S. with its membership to the FirstGen Forward Network. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Des Moines Area Community College is recommitting itself to supporting first-generation college students with its admittance to the FirstGen Forward Network, an organization built to aid universities in creating the infrastructure and resources needed to support students who are the first in their family to attend college. The community college announced in a news release it was one of 60 colleges and universities across the U.S. chosen to join the national network of nearly 500 institutions, including Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, Drake University and Luther College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Being selected as a FirstGen Forward Network Member is both an honor and a call to action, said Kevin Kruger, interim president and CEO of FirstGen Forward, in the release. DMACC joins a growing movement of institutions committed to advancing access, sharing best practices, and driving systemic change to ensure first-generation students succeed. According to the release, DMACCs membership to the network will allow the college access to national workshops, peer learning groups and other opportunities for collaboration and development that share a goal of first-generation student success. DMACC currently offers guidance and support in areas of financial aid, academic retention and career readiness, the release stated. More than half of colleges student body identified as first-generation in the 2024-2025 school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First-generation students make up 54% of college enrollees in the U.S., according to the FirstGen Forward Network, which reflects the DMACC student body exactly. This program allows DMACC to continue our student-centered focus on increasing the success of Iowans who are excited to enter their career fields and become engaged members of the workforce, said Wesley Harris, DMACC coordinator of student access and success, in the release. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Imagine an AI assistant for your entire business running on a private cloud right in your office or even on your desk finding files, drafting reports and devising brilliant new business plans, with your data completely under your control. In a world where cost-effectiveness cant be allowed to compromise compliance, Synology rolls out a bevy of new technologies from the home to the enterprise. This glimpse of the future isnt science fiction. Its just one of the thrilling innovations in a world of business opportunities that Australian organisations will soon experience up close for themselves. Synology Solution Day, a premier event to empower Australian technology partners and end users, will be held on 18 September at the five-star Hotel Chadstone Melbourne. It is a unique opportunity to see how Synology is redefining data solutions all the way from the home, to small and mid-market businesses and, increasingly, in the enterprise and public sector. Joanne Weng, Director of International Business, says Synology has evolved far beyond its origins as a Network Attached Storage (NAS) vendor. Today, it provides comprehensive, reliable data solutions for everyone, spanning data storage, backup and recovery, surveillance, collaboration and even AI. Everyone is talking about AI writing documents, summarising meetings or generating insight from oceans of data, says Weng. But the key question is: Where does the data go? Who really owns it? True Sovereign IT is not what you think: Panel for leaders seeking balance Business leaders concerned about safeguarding their corporate artificial intellectual property will benefit from the Sovereignty panel discussion that will probe experts for insights, best practices and proven solutions. This thought-provoking conversation chaired by former IT editor of The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, Nate Cochrane, will challenge business leaders to reconsider what True Sovereignty looks like. The expert panellists will be: Edwin Lampugnani Airhealth, founder, CEO and senior research fellow, led the creation of Australias most comprehensive and responsive air quality indexes to help respiratory illness sufferers live safe and healthy lives. Data collection and storage are the backbone of the Airhealth solution, and its protection is paramount to its success. Grant Crough Leap Strategies, co-founder and CISO, left IBM to start a managed service provider focused on cybersecurity from the customers perspective. Grant approaches cybersecurity through the CISOs eyes as his guides Australian businesses on their technology journeys. Neil Shan IT-Ecosystems, founder and MD, deploys his knowledge of development and system administration to help SMBs with their cloud and network infrastructures. Over the past 10 years as a Synology partner, Neil has educated customers on the importance of data sovereignty and the risks of storing data in public cloud. By applying their unique lenses to the topic of what makes a solution sovereign, delegates will hear how to achieve compliant, safe and lower-risk IT without compromise, Weng said. You can collaborate, share and even video call securely with AI as your assistant while your data stays completely under your control. That's the next chapter we're opening. And it's something attendees will get to experience firsthand at Synology Solution Day. In AI era, cost-effective cybersecurity & compliance core to Synology value The vendor is also pioneering Sovereign AI to empower Australian businesses to own and control their AI future. Synologys AI Console detects and masks sensitive information before its sent to public cloud AI providers, allowing businesses to leverage its benefits without exposing sensitive data. Weng says cybersecurity is a foundational commitment for Synology, with dedicated teams and programs such as its Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) to patch critical vulnerabilities in under 24 hours. Synology's sovereign risk solutions stack helps users fulfil governance, risk and compliance (GRC) mandates. Many Australian organisations prefer not to store sensitive data in the cloud for competitive, legal and regulatory compliance. This makes Synology's on-premises storage with integrated apps and a a predictable alternative that tamps down costs while enforcing strict policies for control and governance.This makes Synology's on-premises storage with integrated apps and a burgeoning constellation of third-party app store developers a predictable alternative that tamps down costs while enforcing strict policies for control and governance. Synology Solution Day is packed with insights and demonstrations, key sessions including: Revolutionising Enterprise Storage for a Data-Driven Future Secure Collaboration Built for Data Sovereignty Rethinking Cyber Resilience in the Age of Relentless Attacks From Recording to Response: Smarter Surveillance for Modern Security In markets like Australia where cost efficiency, regulatory compliance and data sovereignty are paramount, our approach ensures that data stays local, protected and easy to manage while giving enterprises the flexibility to grow with confidence. Don't miss your opportunity to learn how Synologys innovations help your business to thrive, connect with peers and experts, and understand how to protect, manage and maximise your IT with confidence. Register now for Synology Solution Day in Melbourne at this exciting peek at the future of your IT. And visit YouTube to watch the whole interview with Joanne Weng. NEED TO KNOW Frederic Pechier, a doctor in France, is on trial after being accused of poisoning patients undergoing surgery so that he could resuscitate them A years-long investigation tied him to 30 incidents, 12 of which resulted in patient deaths Pechier reportedly blamed "medical errors" by his colleagues for the majority of the poisonings, and he continues to deny wrongdoing A doctor in France has been accused of intentionally poisoning multiple patients to show off his resuscitation skills when they went into cardiac arrest, according to reports. On Monday, Sept. 8, Frederic Pechier's trial began at the Doubs Assize Court in the eastern city of Besancon, per French outlets RTL, Le Monde and France 24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pechier, 53, is accused of poisoning 30 child and adult patients, 12 of whom died, when he worked as an anaesthetist at Besancon clinics Saint-Vincent Clinic and the Franche-Comte Polyclinic between 2008 and 2017, France 24 reported. The patients allegedly poisoned were between the ages of 4 and 89, according to Le Monde. Pechier has claimed he isn't guilty of the crimes, the outlet noted. ARNAUD FINISTRE/AFP via Getty Frederic Pechier Frederic Pechier Pechier is suspected of triggering heart attacks in patients so he could show off his resuscitation skills and allegedly discredit co-workers, France 24 noted. The youngest victim, identified as Teddy, survived two cardiac arrests while undergoing a routine tonsil operation in 2016, the outlet stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pechier has been accused of tampering with his colleagues' paracetamol bags or anesthesia pouches so he could create operating room emergencies and show off his resuscitating capabilities, France 24 reported. ROMEO BOETZLE/AFP via Getty Frederic Pechier (left) with his lawyer Randall Schwerdorffer Frederic Pechier (left) with his lawyer Randall Schwerdorffer The investigation came after Sandra Simard, then 36, suffered a cardiac arrest, which she survived, while undergoing an operation in January 2017, Le Monde stated. A potentially lethal dose of potassium was then found in a bag of saline used for her anesthesia, the outlet noted. She was otherwise healthy, but her heart stopped beating while she was having surgery on her spine, the BBC reported. An intensive care physician failed to revive her, so Pechier stepped in and gave her an injection, the outlet stated. Jean-Claude Gandon, who was age 70 at the time, is believed to be the only one of the 30 victims who was directly anesthetized by Pechier, Le Monde reported. He was able to be resuscitated. SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Labeled boxes are pictured in the courtroom during Frederic Pechier's trial Labeled boxes are pictured in the courtroom during Frederic Pechier's trial Prosecutor Etienne Manteaux said of Pechier, "What he is accused of is poisoning healthy patients in order to harm colleagues with whom he was in conflict," per France 24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Frederic Pechier was the first responder when cardiac arrest occurred," he added, according to the outlet. "He always had a solution." Pechier reportedly blamed "medical errors" by his colleagues for the majority of the alleged poisonings, France 24 noted. Damien Iehlen, 53, was thought to be the first fatality in October 2008, according to the BBC. He'd gone to the Saint-Vincent Clinic for a routine kidney operation and died after going into cardiac arrest. Tests then confirmed he'd been given a potentially lethal dose of the drug lidocaine. SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty The Besancon courthouse where Frederic Pechier's trial is taking place The Besancon courthouse where Frederic Pechier's trial is taking place Pechier told RTL that he was "apprehensive" going into the trial, but insisted he had "strong arguments and I'm not going into it reluctantly." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's very easy to accuse people, it's harder to prove things," one of the suspect's lawyers, Randall Schwerdorffer, told reporters in court, per Le Monde. Pechier, who is a father of three, said when questioned about the suffering of the families set to attend the trial, "I understand it completely, but on the other hand, I am not responsible for their distress," France 24 stated. 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 suspect has not practiced medicine since 2017 and hasn't been imprisoned throughout the eight-year investigation, France 24 noted. He's instead been under judicial supervision, which is an alternative to pre-trial detention, per the outlet, which added that he was authorized to work in 2023 as long as he didn't come into contact with patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial is expected to last until December, per France 24. Pechier faces life imprisonment if convicted, the outlet noted. The private healthcare provider Elsan, Pechier's lawyer Randall Schwerdorffer and the Doubs Assize Court didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Read the original article on People According to sources who spoke to CNN and ABC News, the Trump administration is reportedly considering a firearms ban for trans people. Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images Per ABC News, "DOJ officials have debated whether having a diagnoses of gender dysphoria could disqualify someone under a federal law that restricts people who are 'adjudicated as mental defective' from owning guns, sources said." Related: These 11 Celebrities Came Out IRL After Playing Iconic Queer Roles We'll Never Forget The conversation follows the Minneapolis church shooting, where Robin Westman killed two children and injured 21 people before shooting themself. The shooter was reportedly a trans woman. Stephen Maturen / Getty Images The vast majority of mass shootings are carried out by cisgender men. Percentages change depending on the organization and how they're defining mass shootings, but data suggests that trans people commit between 0.11% to 2%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Bryant, founding executive director of the Gun Violence Archive, told CNN that of the more than 5,700 mass shootings in the US since January 2013, five of them were carried out by trans people. Related: 15 Celebrities Who Came Out As LGBTQ+ Wayyyy After Being Disney Channel Stars A GLAAD spokesperson said, "Instead of actual solutions, the administration is again choosing to scapegoat and target a small and vulnerable population ... Everyone deserves to be themselves, be safe, and be free from violence and discrimination." They also noted that trans people comprise under 2% of the population but are far more likely to become victims of a crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even the NRA spoke out seemingly in support of trans people. In a tweet, they wrote, "NRA does not, and will not, support any policy proposals that implement sweeping gun bans that arbitrarily strip law-abiding citizens of their Second Amendment rights without due process." Related: Most People Can't Name Even 2/14 Of These Queer Terms, So I'll Be Shocked If You Pass Online, many people pointed out the hypocrisy behind the reported ban consideration. This person wrote, "So a trans person shoots kids in school and GOP wants to take guns away from all trans people. An anti-vaxxer tries to shoot employees at CDC building and kills a police officer. By that logic shouldn't we take guns away from all anti-vaxxers? For starters." "Children arent dying because someone is trans. Theyre dying because guns are easy to get and red flags like abuse + mental health crises go unchecked. Blaming trans people is a distraction from real causes. Full stop!" "98% of mass shooters are men. Only .11% are trans. Preventing trans people from owning guns doesnt end mass shootings common sense gun safety laws do. The DOJ isnt trying to protect kids, theyre protecting bigotry." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to ABC News, a Justice Department spokesperson said, "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." This reported debate is just the most recent of the Trump administration's anti-trans efforts. Since resuming office, the president has announced there are only two genders, banned trans people from the military, prohibited the recognition of trans women in the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum, and more. Read it on BuzzFeed.com The Department of Justice (DOJ) has warned a North Carolina county to back off its years-long push to award reparations to descendants of slaves. Although you have not formally adopted the recommendations, public reporting suggests that you intend to do so, Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general to the DOJs Civil Rights Division, wrote in a letter to the Buncombe County board of commissioners last week. To the extent these recommendations are formally adopted, you are now on notice that my office stands ready to investigate and enforce violations of federal civils rights laws to the fullest extent possible. Buncombe County and the city of Asheville have been mulling a reparations plan for Black residents since 2020. The Community Reparations Commission final proposal is scheduled to be presented to the Asheville City Council on Tuesday, but Dhillons letter was addressed to the county board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Buncombe County board told The Hill that the board has not scheduled any upcoming action on the report and noted the DOJs letter didnt request a response. Our ongoing focus is on transparency and recovery from Tropical Storm Helene and its devastating effect on our community, the spokesperson said. Buncombe County has been and will always follow the letter of the law and will continue to comply with all federal anti-discrimination regulations. We want the community to know that Buncombe County Government understands the oversight and monitoring of these recommendations as we strive the meet the needs of everyone in our community, she added. Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer (D) didnt immediately respond to The Hills requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recommendations outlined in the report include plans for establishing a Black wealth-building fund, creating community land trusts, expanding access to culturally responsive healthcare, reimagining school curricula to reflect Black history and transforming public safety systems. The DOJ said in its letter that it had reviewed 38 recommendations in five focus areas criminal justice, economic development, education, health and wellness, and housing within the draft plan. After our initial review, we are deeply concerned that many of the recommendations, if implemented would violate federal civil rights laws, Dhillon wrote. Updated at 4:42 p.m. EDT Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. NEED TO KNOW Cara Northington said at an event on Sept. 6, that she forgave Bryan Kohberger, the man who murdered her 20-year-old daughter Xana Kernodle She said that she came to this place while serving a 10-month sentence for a probation violation after her daughter's murder, during which time she said that she rediscovered her faith Northington also shared fond memories of her daughter, calling her a 'beautiful soul' and saying: 'She was funny. She just had a way of making you feel special' The mother of one of the four University of Idaho students murdered by Bryan Kohberger delivered a powerful and emotional speech about forgiveness over the weekend. Cara Northington, the mother of Xana Kernodle, said that she forgave her daughter's killer and had no ill will towards him, reports the Coeur d'Alene Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont hate Bryan Kohberger, Northington said, according to the The Spokesman-Review. She went on to say that she arrived at a place of forgiveness after she spent 10 months in jail following her daughter's murder. Northington shared all this while participating in "Journey of Forgiveness, at the Altar Church in Coeur d'Alene on Sept. 6. She was part of a three-person panel who shared their stories about learning to forgive individuals who had committed unconscionable crimes against either them or members of their family. At the time of her daughter's death, Northington said she was in the midst of a 30-year-long battle with drug addiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northington said she got sober after being sent to jail for a probation violation shortly after her daughter's death. She said that she managed to get sober after rediscovering her faith. Kyle Green/AP The Lord just had me surrender it all. And I did, and I havent gone back," Northington said. Her newfound sobriety resulted in an "overwhelming joy that I couldnt explain, and put her on the path to forgiving the man who took her daughter's life. She said that Kohberger was no different than her in that he was "still made in God's image," while also saying she refused to allow him to control her emotional state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I do not fear you or let you have space in my head anymore," Northington said. A very emotional Northington also shared happy memories of her daughter, who she described as a "beautiful soul." Northington said: She was funny. She just had a way of making you feel special. And while she will always cherish the time and memories she had with her daughter, Northington said she is "washing her hands" of Kohberger, who is currently serving four life sentences at a maximum security prison. Kernodle, 20, her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20, and her roommates Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, both 21, were stabbed to death on Nov. 13, 2022, at their off-campus rental home in Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger's motive and any connection he had to the four roommates is still unknown, but prosecutors have suggested that Kernodle was not one of the convicted killer's intended victims that night. Latah County Prosecuting Attorney's Office Kernodle was unfortunately awake when Kohberger began his rampage though, and it is believed that she discovered the killer upstairs before he followed her to her room and stabbed her to death. Despite being much smaller and unarmed, Kernodle put up a fight, with the medical examiner noting that she sustained over 50 stab wounds which were largely defensive. She also managed to cause a likely panicked Kohberger to leave behind a knife sheath containing trace amounts of his DNA when he followed her downstairs after being discovered in Mogen's bedroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That DNA linked Kohberger to the crime scene after it was run through genetic genealogy databases and returned with a DNA profile for the killer's father. Police then matched that DNA profile to Kohberger's father using a discarded ear swab recovered from the family's trash. Read the original article on People President Donald Trump weighed in Monday on the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee in Charlotte. Iryna Zarutska, 23, died on Aug. 22, after being stabbed in the throat by a stranger who was riding behind her on the Lynx Blue Line in Charlotte. Police identified the suspect in her death as 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., who has since been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. News of Zarutskas death drew national reaction this weekend after the Charlotte Area Transit System released gruesome video of the unprovoked stabbing that was then aired by local and national media. The Charlotte Observer chose not to publish the footage due to its violent nature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are evil people and we have to confront that, Trump said during a meeting of a commission on religious liberty. I just give my love and hope to the family of the young woman who was stabbed (Aug. 22) in Charlotte by a madman, a lunatic, just got up and started to its right on tape, not really watchable because its so horrible. But just viciously stabbed, shes just sitting there. So theyre evil people. We have to be able to handle that. If we dont handle that we dont have a country. Later in the speech, after denouncing hate crimes against Christians, Jews and others, Trump again referenced the horrible killing in Charlotte and so many others. And we will were going to get to the end of it. And when you have horrible killings, you have to take horrible actions. And the actions that we take are nothing. He went on to denounce cashless bail and officials in cities like Chicago. Zarutska emigrated to the United States from Kyiv, Ukraine, to escape the violence from Russias invasion of her country, her family wrote on a GoFundMe account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video shows Zarutska sit in a seat in front of Brown, who fixates on her and after several minutes pulls out a knife and stabs her several times in the neck, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. He exited the train at the next stop, but witnesses pointed him out to police. Brown has a long history of being charged with crimes including felony larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon and communicating threats, but almost all of those charges were dropped, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. Hours after Trumps speech, the White House released a statement about Zarutskas death keying in on Browns criminal history. The Trump administration called the crime a shocking act of evil that didnt have to happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite that lengthy rap sheet, mental health issues, and forfeiting bonds on three occasions, a Democrat judge released him back on the streets following his most recent arrest in January free to slaughter an innocent woman just months later, the statement read. The White House linked to a social media post from WSOC-TV reporter Joe Bruno, who detailed the long mental health and criminal history of Brown, as told to Bruno by his mother. Browns mother believed the magistrate should not have released Brown, Bruno reported. Brown, who previously served more than five years in prison for a 2014 armed robbery he committed while on parole, has cycled through courts off and on over the last 10 years. During that time, magistrates have set both secured and unsecured bonds. In January, though, he was arrested and charged with misusing 911 when he told police a man-made material was controlling him. On the same day he was arrested, a magistrate judge (Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes) released him on a written promise to appear. That case was moving through Mecklenburg County Courthouse. A judge had ordered Brown be mentally evaluated to determine if he was able to proceed in the legal process one month before Zarutskas stabbing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White Houses statement also included a timeline of policies and funding it objects to in Charlotte. Many Republicans including House Speaker Mike Johnson used Zarutskas death to attack what they described as Democrats soft-on-crime policies. Rep. Mark Harris, a Republican from Charlotte, called violence in the city a microcosm of a national epidemic. He posted frequently on social media about it. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, Safety needs to be the top priority of elected officials. Citizens dont want federal dollars going to public transportation that local leaders refuse to keep safe! Charlotte Observer reporter Julia Coin contributed to this article. Hamas wont give up all the hostages right at the start - its simply unrealistic, an Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post. There is serious doubt thatHamas will agree to a proposal offered in recent days that includes the release of all 48 hostages on the first day of the deal, an Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post. According to the proposal by the US and Israel, Hamas would release all 48 living hostages, as well as the bodies of the deceased, on the first day of a ceasefire. In return, the US would provide a guarantee that as long as no agreement on ending the war is reached, Israel will not resume military operations in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas wont give up all the hostages right at the start; its simply unrealistic, an Israeli official told the Post. The only question were currently asking ourselves is whether this dialogue will lead to another round of talks. Behind the scenes, messages continue to be exchanged between Israel, Washington, the mediators, and Hamas. There is now an intense dialogue that didnt exist a few weeks ago, and that is an optimistic sign, a person familiar with the matter said. Another source said Hamas claims to trust US President Donald Trumps statements, but releasing all of the hostages based solely on a promise that the war will not be renewed is simply not going to happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Hamas is making it clear that any deal must include a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, a source said. Israeli officials have clarified that at least in the first phase, Israel is willing to cancel the planned operation to capture Gaza City and withdraw to where the IDF was before the initial phase of Operation Gideons Chariots II. Hamas leaders say it's 'not possible' to release hostages all at once Hamas sources told London-based newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat the ideas currently being presented regarding a ceasefire in Gaza contain many traps and pitfalls that need to be dismantled, so the agreement includes fair conditions that meet the demands of all sides especially ending the war, which is the central issue for Hamas and the Palestinian factions. Some aspects of the proposal, including handing over all the hostages on the first day, would be difficult, the sources said, adding that there must be clear guarantees of an Israeli withdrawal according to previously agreed-upon lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, Hamas leaders have informed the mediators that it is not possible to release both living and deceased hostages all at once on the first day of the ceasefire, one of the sources said. Some hostages were killed in specific locations where the Israeli military must cease fire in order to retrieve the bodies from beneath the rubble in areas where Israeli forces had entered, one of the sources said. On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had destroyed 50 terrorist towers over the previous two days. This is just the beginning of the intensified ground maneuver in Gaza City, he said. I say to the residents: Youve been warned. Leave now. BERWICK, Maine A Dover, New Hampshire, woman, Jessica Peloquin, 37, was killed in a single-vehicle accident Sept. 5 on Route 236 near the intersection with New Dam Road, according to authorities. Peloquin was the only occupant of the vehicle. The 2008 Acura strayed from the road and hit a utility pole, according to a press release issued by the Berwick Police Department. "Speed appears to be a contributing factor in the crash," police stated. Berwick and South Berwick police and fire departments, along with Stewart's Ambulance, responded to the crash about 8:36 p.m., according to police. The road was shut down until approximately 2 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation remained ongoing as of Sept. 8. Police ask anyone with information to contact Sgt. Jeffrey Pilkington at jpilkington@berwickmainepolice.gov or at 207-698-1136, option 1. This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Dover woman killed in Berwick, Maine crash on Route 236 DENVER (KDVR) A driver crashed into a building in Douglas County on Sunday, according to a post on X from the Douglas County Sheriffs Office. Deputies and the traffic unit responded to a report of a car crashed into a building on Sunday morning. The crash affected Espire Dental Highlands Ranch and Phenix Salon Suites. Both had some boarded-up windows but were open for business on Monday. Crews working to recover paddleboarders body from Satanka Cove Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just a hole in our lobby in the waiting room here, said Dr. Foujan Sayeh at Espire Dental. That hole opens up into Phenix Salon Suites. Sara Donahue is the manager and said she was very confused when she arrived and saw crime scene tape. I thought we had some Halloween decorations going on, Donahue said. She quickly realized what had happened and that significant repairs were needed. Crews spent the day cleaning the front salon suite and moving the workstation that was up front to another area. Im just glad nobody was hurt, that there was not anybody in here, no clients, no owners, nothing. That could have been bad, Donahue said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When they arrived, they discovered that a woman realized a drivers worst fear when she accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of her brakes and accelerated into the building in front of her. A portion of the building was left unusable, but fortunately, the business was able to remain open and function as it typically would. The woman and the people near the crash were uninjured. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A drone without explosives was discovered near the Polish-Belarusian border in the village of Polatycze, around 300 meters (984 feet) from the border crossing, the Lublin prosecutor's office said on Sept. 8, according to PolsatNews. "The drone is unarmed, and there are Cyrillic inscriptions on it," said Agnieszka Kepka, spokesperson for the prosecutor's office in Poland's eastern city of Lublin. Local police confirmed the wreckage was found near the Terespol border crossing late on Sept. 7 following a report from border guards, according to RMF FM. No injuries were reported, the police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident follows several recent airspace violations. A Russian drone crashed in eastern Poland on Aug. 20, and on Sept. 3, two drones entered Polish airspace overnight but were not shot down after being deemed non-threatening. Poland has repeatedly accused Moscow of probing its defenses with drone flights. The country, a NATO member on the alliance's eastern flank, has been among Kyiv's strongest supporters since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, sending tanks, heavy equipment, and ammunition. Lublin Province, where the drone was found, borders both Belarus and Ukraine. Poland's position on NATO's eastern frontier places it at the core of the alliance's deterrence strategy, as Western leaders continue to warn of the risk of a broader confrontation with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: This is Putins response to calls for peace European leaders condemn Russias latest mass attack on Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. L-R: Matrix Choong, General Manager, Advantech Corporation (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Sorathat Rattanawekhinrak, Managing Director, S I MEDIA Co., Ltd., Vikan Chirawatpongsa, CEO of Appomax, and Kunnasilan Karunanithee, Head of Business Development, Tapway Tapway Sdn. Bhd., Malaysias developer of Vision AI software, today announced the appointment of Advantech Co., Ltd., Appomax Co., Ltd., and S I Media Co., Ltd., as its official channel partners in Thailand. This announcement builds on Tapways recent expansion in Indonesia, highlighting the growing regional demand for Vision AI technology. With the addition of these Thai partners, Tapway now has a channel network spanning Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, reinforcing its position as an emerging Vision AI player in Southeast Asia. Lim Chee How, CEO of Tapway, said, Following our successful partnerships in Indonesia, we are now expanding into Thailand to meet the increasing need for intelligent automation. These partnerships mark another important step toward making Vision AI accessible, scalable, and locally relevant for businesses across Southeast Asia. Under these partnerships, the Thai companies will distribute Tapways SamurAI Vision AI licenses, provide localized technical expertise, and deliver implementation and support services to customers in key industries, including retail, manufacturing, logistics, and smart city infrastructure. Matrix Choong, General Manager, Advantech Corporation (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said, We are committed to developing a strong partnership with Tapway to drive growth together through the development of applications for smart cities and smart factories. Tapways powerful platform enables us to create Vision AI solutions for inspection, analytics, and advanced business intelligence (BI), enhancing our capability to deliver targeted, problem-solving services for our VIP customers. With Tapways technology and close support from their developer team, as stated in our MOU, we are confident in our ability to grow together, address critical customer challenges, and build a smarter future. Vikan Chirawatpongsa, CEO of Appomax, commented, Our collaboration with Tapway delivers AI Vision that is truly accessible quick to deploy, intuitive to operate, and flexible enough for customers to train additional models on their own. Combined with a reasonable price point, often far below comparable end-user platforms, it enables manufacturers to adopt advanced AI capabilities without high costs or complexity. Sorathat Rattanawekhinrak, Managing Director, S I MEDIA Co., Ltd., stated, AI has become more and more talked about in Thailand over the past years. Customers started asking how AI fits into any parts of their usual processes. Tapway brings a real experience to the table in significant ways. Helping various businesses to blend in technology with real-life use cases is creating enormous business opportunities for years to come. Launched in 2024, Tapways SamurAI platform enables enterprises to deploy AI-powered visual analytics with ready-to-use or customizable models, without the need for coding. The technology is already deployed in over 2,000 locations across Southeast Asia, and Tapway aims to double this footprint within the next two years. This latest move demonstrates Tapways channel-first strategy, empowering regional partners to help businesses improve safety, compliance, and operational efficiency through real-time computer vision. We are targeting the installation of 500 camera licenses in Thailand within the next 12 months, said Chee How. This marks an aggressive push to bring Vision AI to more businesses across the country. About Tapway Tapway is an emerging developer of Vision AI technology solutions for various industries, including retail, transportation, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and smart cities. Tapways SamurAI is a Vision AI platform launched in 2024, offered through subscription packages to medium- and large-sized enterprises requiring automation to streamline compliance and work processes. In addition to ready-to-use AI models, SamurAI lets users build and train their models to fit their specific needs and requirements, without any programming involved. Visit us at www.visionsamur.ai. Drought conditions could continue into winter, officials have warned. The Met Office and Environment Agency said the outlook for September, October and November showed a higher likelihood for wetter and windier conditions compared with the 30-year-average. But they warned this rain may still not be enough to reverse all the effects of this years record-breaking dry and hot weather, which led several regions to declare drought status and introduce hosepipe bans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also means areas of the UK could feasibly experience drought and flooding at the same time as the UK storm season begins and flood risks increase. The warning comes as the Governments flood resilience taskforce is set to meet at the Met Offices headquarters in Exeter on Monday to discuss preparation for possible flooding in the coming months and recent progress made on defences. The taskforce, which was set up last September to bolster the countrys response to increasingly extreme weather, has been working on measures such as warning systems, real-time data and strengthening flood defences. The Met Office said its autumn outlook will help the taskforce prepare for the forthcoming winter period and ensure communities are better protected from flooding impacts. Rainfall not enough to reverse drought effects Will Lang, the Met Offices chief meteorologist, said the overall signal for wetter weather is the UK average and rainfall will likely vary significantly across the regions, with flood risks depending on various factors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is an increased likelihood of westerly weather patterns, which typically bring more rainfall to western and northern parts of the UK, while eastern and southern areas may experience drier conditions than the national average suggests, he said. But Mr Lang also said the current outlook for rain over autumn is unlikely to be enough to reverse the effects of drought, especially in England. Were going to need more rain than that. While there is also a good likelihood the UK will see a warmer-than-average autumn, Mr Lang said: We tend to get that for most seasonal forecasts these days and thats really a reflection mainly of our warming climate, and how much things have changed just in the last 30 years. Heavy rain on hard soil can cause flooding but can also wash pollutants into waterways - Dave Higgens/PA Caroline Douglass, the executive director for flood and coastal risk management at the Environment Agency, said the first flushes of heavy rain on dry, hard soil can cause flooding but can also wash pollutants into waterways, resulting in fish kills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said: What we want is nice, steady, flowing rain that wets things up really nicely, not flood events, not a sudden rainfall everywhere. But we know it never works out like wed like... Certainly (it) isnt an end to a drought yet. Asked if areas could see drought status continue into winter, she said: Its entirely a possibility. If we dont get the rainfall in the locations that are already in drought or prolonged dry weather, then you could have drought status continuing in those particular locations. It really is going to be dependent on where the rain lands. The Environment Agency said more communities up and down the country will see increased flood protection as the taskforce continues to roll out measures to safeguard properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Douglass said the agency has also invested in better protection for around 27,500 properties in 145 schemes between March 2024 and March 2025, and is on track to meet the target of 52,000 by March 2026. The work is part of the Governments 2.65bn investment over two years to upgrade and build new flood defences across the country. She said: As we head into autumn, we need to think about flood risk even though drought is still being felt in some parts of the country. Working with our partners in the Floods Resilience Taskforce, we will continue to ensure the nations flood resilience is bolstered by delivering new flood and coastal defences in towns and cities across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she also said people should make preparations where they can, such as referring to resources like the National Flood Forum and local authorities, signing up to warnings, and not driving through floodwaters. We know we cannot prevent flooding in all scenarios, she added. We know that it can still happen, and we need to make sure that people are prepared. 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. NEW YORK (AP) A convicted New York drug dealer whose federal prison sentence was commuted by President Donald Trump has been found guilty of violating the terms of his release after being arrested and charged in connection with several recent crimes. Jonathan Braun now faces up to five years in prison when hes sentenced Oct. 9. The Long Island resident had been accused of menacing a hospital nurse and a fellow synagogue member on two separate incidents, as well as of groping his family's nanny and evading bridge tolls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge ruled Friday that prosecutors proved the violations had occurred "by a preponderance of the evidence" during a series of hearings in Brooklyn federal court. At the same time, Judge Kiyo Matsumoto acknowledged prosecutors had not met the legal burden for other charges related to a March 29 altercation at his home. Prosecutors had said Braun punched a guest in the face, shoved him to the ground, then pushed his 3-year-old son to the ground, leaving a red mark on the childs back. Braun, who pleaded not guilty, has been in federal custody since he was ordered detained in April. His lawyers didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, Braun was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug-related charges. He served roughly a year behind bars before Donald Trump commuted his sentence in the final days of his first term in January 2021. Braun had been a high-ranking member of an international group that smuggled more than 100,000 kilograms (220,460 pounds) of marijuana from Canada into the United States, federal prosecutors said at the time. In the most recent criminal cases, prosecutors said, Braun argued with a staffer at a hospital in January and swung an IV pole at her. In March, he threatened a man who asked him to be quiet during a synagogue service. Last summer, police said, Braun evaded bridge tolls at least 40 times, accruing $160 in unpaid fees. DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) A top Ohio civil liberties group says Dublin City Schools restricted a students free speech when she was prohibited from carrying out her project about transgender activism, raising serious First Amendment concerns. In an August letter to Dublin schools Superintendent John Marschhausen, the ACLU of Ohio argues Dublin Jerome High School administrators unlawfully constrained senior Corinne Embi last May when she was completing her final assignment for a womens studies class. The group cited Tinker v. Des Moines, a 1969 U.S. Supreme Court case that said students dont shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech at the school door. Public schools may not restrict student expression merely because they disagree with it or find the message controversial, said ACLU of Ohio senior staff attorney Amy Gilbert in a statement. It has been well established that school censorship of political speech and viewpoint discrimination are unconstitutional under the First Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summit Station, Ohios first lesbian bar, to be honored in documentary The ACLU is urging Marschhausen to review policies governing student expression, to ensure your school officials respect the constitutional rights of all students. In a statement, a Dublin schools spokesperson said the district is aware of the concerns raised by the ACLU regarding a recent situation involving a students right to free expression. Dublin City Schools is firmly committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all students, including their right to expression, the statement said. We take these concerns seriously and are reviewing our current practices and policies to ensure they align with the law and uphold the rights of every student in our district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students in the womens studies course were to create an action plan addressing a current social, political or economic issue facing women. The ACLU said Embis project on trans issues, which was approved by the class teacher, examined the rise of related legislation at the Ohio Statehouse, like a recent law banning certain medical treatment for youth. Ive been very much hurt by this anti-trans legislation, and Ive been hurt by the rampant transphobia thats been, like, growing, Embi said in a previous NBC4 interview. And like in young men, especially, its just made for a very uncomfortable high school experience for me. Rainbow crosswalk near Ohio State restored after vandalism incident Looking to take the project beyond the classroom, Embi organized a show of support for the trans community where students and faculty could come to school dressed in pink, white and blue the colors of the trans Pride flag. She also planned to hold a teach-in after the school day to talk about the legislation and action people could take in response, the ACLU said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senior received approval in late April to post flyers advertising the show of support and teach-in, both set to occur on May 9. However, on or around May 1, school officials took down the flyers and told Embi she could no longer host the teach-in on school grounds or organize the pink, white and blue day given the districts policy for limiting disruption through demonstration. Embi moved to distribute trans wristbands to other students, a request also denied because the bracelets werent related to current course of study. She was then told on or about May 9 that she could no longer present her trans issue project to the class a decision that impacted all students in the course, as the presentation component of the assignment was removed from the rubric. In a statement at the time, Dublin schools said concerns raised were not about the content of the [Embis] project, but rather the distribution of promotional materials throughout the school prior to completing the required approval process. The promotional flyers were distributed before the necessary steps were completed. LGBTQ+ student organizations across our district regularly promote events and activities without issue by following these same procedures, the May statement said. Regarding the project presentation, it is our understanding that the presentation component was removed from the rubric for all students in the class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out in Ohio: Columbus launches LGBTQ+ commission, Human Rights Campaign kicks off national tour The district noted Embi and other students were later permitted to wear shirts and bracelets as a form of peaceful expression, without restriction or interference from school administrators. Ultimately, Embi reserved a meeting room at a local library to present the project. The ACLU contends the school district exceeded its constitutional authority in prohibiting Embi from distributing the wristbands and presenting her project. The schools motive in doing so was clearly in response to an anticipation of potential discomfort or controversy over Corrines transgender activism project, Gilbert wrote in the letter. If the purpose of an officials act is to effect viewpoint discrimination, it is subject to strict scrutiny even if the act is facially neutral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. The British Royal Family gathered today for a funeral unlike any in modern royal history. Katharine, Duchess of Kent, who died peacefully at age 92 on September 4, 2025 at Kensington Palace, received a Catholic Requiem Mass today, which marked the first royal Catholic funeral in the United Kingdom in modern history. Katharine Worsley married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in 1961 at York Minster. Despite her royal status, she later chose to drop her HRH style, preferring to be known as Mrs. Kent, and spent 13 years teaching music at a primary school. Georges DE KEERLE - Getty Images The Duchess converted to Roman Catholicism in 1994, becoming the first senior member of the British Royal Family to embrace the faith in more than 300 years. Her final farewell honors that conversion in an unprecedented way for the monarchy. The Service Details Buckingham Palace had confirmed arrangements that broke from centuries of Anglican protocol. The Duchess's coffin rested in the private chapel at Kensington Palace before being transferred to Westminster Cathedral on the evening of September 15. This cathedral was the Duchess's personal choice for the funeral location. ADRIAN DENNIS - Getty Images The Rite of Reception and Vesperstraditional Catholic ceremonies where the coffin is blessed with holy water and evening prayers are offeredwere observed that evening, followed by an overnight vigil in the Lady Chapel. The formal Requiem Mass began at 2 p.m. London time on September 16. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, conducted the service, while Bishop James Curry oversaw the preliminary rites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King Charles III led royal attendance without Queen Camilla, who had to withdraw at the last minute due to acute sinusitises. Buckingham Palace announced the Queens absence, expressing her deep regrets for missing the ceremony while she recovers. The Prince and Princess of Wales joined the Duke of Kent and his three children for the service; other attendees included Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Earl of Snowdon. JORDAN PETTITT - Getty Images A special message from Pope Leo was delivered during the service, commending the Duchess for her lifelong devotion to all the organizations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people. This was the first time a papal message has been read at a British royal funeral. Unlike many royal funerals, this service was private rather than televised, attended primarily by family, close friends, and representatives from the Duchess's charitable organizations. The procession was led by a piper from the Royal Dragoon Guards, a regiment the Duchess had supported since 1992 as deputy Colonel in Chief, who played Sleep, Dearie, Sleepthe same lament played during Queen Elizabeth's funeral in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Duchess's coffin was decorated with a large wreath of British garden flowers, personally selected by her family and prominently featuring white roses symbolizing Yorkshire, her birthplace. Following the service, she was laid to rest at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor, where several extended members of the royal family are buried, including the former King Edward VIII and his wife Wallis Simpson. You Might Also Like Related video: Ill. Rep. Brad Schneider QUESTIONS Trumps THREATS Against Chicago, Immigration CRACKDOWN | SUNRISE Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) said Sunday the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) fled a Navy base near Chicago during a visit from Democrats. Trump border czar Tom Homan confirmed late last month that the Trump administration was discussing using Naval Station Great Lakes, which is near Chicago, to back up immigration detention efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duckworth said she, Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin (D) and Illinois Rep. Brad Schneider (D) had asked the DHS about what it was doing at the Naval Station Great Lakes. Initially, it told the lawmakers they could not visit the base, Duckworth said. Sen. Durbin, myself, Senator Congressman Schneider sent a request into DHS to ask them to explain what exactly are you going to be doing at Great Lakes, and can we come look at your facility so we have a better understanding of what your operations are? And they replied, No, you cant, and, in fact, gave their staff the day off on the day that we went to go look at the facilities, and locked the doors and left the base, Duckworth told CBSs Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation, referencing Naval Station Great Lakes. Basically, they fled the base, she added. Homan said Sunday that Chicago and other sanctuary cities should expect to experience immigration enforcement action in the following week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Absolutely, Homan in a CNNs State of the Union appearance in response to being directly questioned about enforcement action in Chicago this week. You can expect action in most sanctuary cities across the country, he continued. President Trumps prioritized sanctuary cities because sanctuary cities knowingly release illegal alien public safety threats to the streets every day. Thats where the problem is. We dont have that problem in Florida, where every sheriff and chief works for us, right, or Texas, so we got to send additional resources to the problem areas, which are sanctuary cities, he added. The Hill has reached out to the DHS for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) The City of San Angelo has submitted a permit application to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for permission to discharge highly treated wastewater from its treatment plant into the Concho River east of town, calling the move an environmental buffer, according to the Concho River Conservancy. What is going on? This process, which the city wants to use, is known as Indirect Potable Reuse. Indirect Potable Reuse theoretically improves the waters quality as it flows downstream, at which point the City would remove the same volume they introduced, treat it further, and then reintroduce it into the Citys main water supply, as reported by the Concho River Conservancy in a document called The Concho River Water Project (CRWP). Critics say the Concho River is too fragile to be subjected to unproven science experiments that may impact people, plants, and animals in unforeseen negative ways that could be permanent. Proponents say it is a vital source of future water and population growth, as well as a more responsible use of existing resources reported by the CRWP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This process has four stages. The first stage is getting approval from the City Council, which was granted. The second stage is getting a Discharge Permit from TCEQ, which was granted. The third stage is getting approval from TCEQ for Bed & Banks Permits, which will be approved by Sept. 9, 2025. The final stage is securing funding for the project. It is estimated to cost around $230 million, which the CRWP says will likely be a challenge to acquire. How can local impact this process? According to the CRWP, a petition signed by 25% of the number voting at the last regular municipal mayoral election may be presented to the City Council requesting repeal of the authorization to pursue State permits. A public meeting will be held by TCEQ if there is a significant degree of public interest in the application. However, a public meeting is intended for the taking of public comment and is not a contested case hearing, and thus has a low chance of impacting the process. A Contested Case Hearing might be held by TCEQ if an application is submitted that describes how you would be affected by the application in a way not common to the general public and shows the location and distance of your property relative to the proposed activity. Taken together, these imply that land ownership and direct impact must be demonstrated, reported the CRWP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CRWP states the submission deadline for either of these is Sept. 9, 2025. For a full breakdown of the information above and the Concho River Conservancys position on the subject, view the PDF below: Concho River Conservancy Concho River WaterDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Hysteresis, according to Victor Dominello, is Perhaps one of the most important concepts for the future of work. Delivering the 2025 Pearcey Oration in Melbourne on 3 September, Dominello, formerly Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service in the NSW Government, said: Hysteresis is when a temporary shock becomes a permanent scar. Workers who fall out of employment dont always return, and when they do, it is often into roles that underuse their skills. It is the Long COVID of the labour market. Without recognition and reskilling at speed, disruption does not heal - it hardens into lasting damage. Hysteresis is the scar tissue of the labour market - preventable if we act at speed. Dominello, who after leaving the NSW Parliament went to found the Future Government Institute of which is he now CEO, said: Economists usually talk about two types of unemployment: cyclical - in recessions, jobs disappear with confidence and return when confidence returns; structural - when industries vanish due to technology, like typists after PCs or factory workers after automation. Hysteresis, he said, was a third dynamic that I had never heard of before, which he had encountered when preparing his speech. Hysteresis, as used in an economics context and by Dominello, is defined thus: the situation where changes in one part of the economy take time to have an effect on other part. Pretty straightforward, but its not that simple. Hysteresis might be new to Dominello, and new in the context of unemployment, but it is a very well established scientific concept, albeit one with many meanings that not easy to grasp. If you look it up in Wikipedia, here is what you will get: Hysteresis is the dependence of the state of a system on its history. For example, a magnet may have more than one possible magnetic moment in a given magnetic field, depending on how the field changed in the past. Such a system is called hysteretic. Plots of a single component of the moment often form a loop or hysteresis curve, where there are different values of one variable depending on the direction of change of another variable. What has that got to do with unemployment? Good question. An answer of sorts can be found in this description of hysteresis. It explains that the term originated as a description of a phenomenon exhibited by magnetic materials but has since been incorporated into many fields of study engineering physics, geography, environmental sciences, economics, and even dentistry. The description then goes on to list several examples: A delay in the change of an observed effect in response to a change in the mechanism producing the effect Oxford Dictionary of Electronics and Electrical Engineering. A lagging effect from an expected value due to a resistance such as friction Oxford Dictionary of Chemical Engineering. A situation in which the equilibrium of a system depends upon the history of the system Oxford Dictionary of the Social Sciences. A phenomenon in which two physical quantities are related in a manner that depends on whether one is increasing or decreasing in relation to the other Oxford Dictionary of Physics. The author adds: Interestingly, the entry from the social sciences dictionary seems to me like the best starting point. It all looks very complicated, but it is quite simple really. All these definitions, in essence, say the same thing: the current state of any system is dependent on its past, and hysteresis defines that dependency. You cant change the past, but if you understand hysteresis you can change the present in ways that will improve the chance of create the future you want. That, of course not necessarily easy or even possible. The hysteretic effects of AI on employment are without precedent U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-NJ, on Friday called for states including New Jersey to step up their efforts at making e-bikes riding safer for everyone, especially the teenagers who are often the ones behind the handlebars. Gottheimer came to Hackensack High School on the first Friday of the school year to urge New Jersey municipalities to enforce a state law that requires e-bike riders under 17 to wear a helmet. Richard Cowen Stories by Richard Cowen Read the original article on NJ.com. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Chief Administrative Officer Charlie Davis will be transitioning into a new role focusing on streamlining local government, Mayor-President Sid Edwards announced Monday. As chief efficiency officer, Davis will be looking at how to make the parish more efficient. The mayors office said he will oversee the search for a permanent chief administrative officer. Charlie has done a remarkable job as Interim CAO, moving the needle in East Baton Rouge Parish in a positive and profound manner, Edwards said. But given the scale of the challenges before us, it has become clear that his talents are needed at a big-picture levelradically reshaping how government operates for the future of our parish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis said he is thrilled to shift his focus to making changes to the parish government system. Baton Rouge has unmatched potential as a growing city and parish. To capitalize on our potential, we must fundamentally change how we operate government, he said. Gov. Landry announces leadership changes for 2 Louisiana agencies 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. State Rep. Monty Fritts of Kingston announced on Sept. 5 he is running for the 2026 Republican gubernatorial nomination. (Photo: Fritts4tn.com) Taking a shot at the political establishment in Tennessees Capitol, state Rep. Monty Fritts announced he is entering the governors 2026 race to cut spending and end government overreach. Fritts is basing his candidacy on a move toward greater liberty and less government after recently criticizing the state attorney generals appeal of a court ruling that would overturn the states intent to go armed law and guns-in-parks prohibition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Nashville establishment, the celebrity political body, seeks to take more of your money and redistribute it as corporate welfare or in socialist-leaning programs, I think Tennesseans are better off keeping more of their money and making their own decisions, their own medical decisions, health-care decisions, parenting decisions, the Kingston Republican said in a video unveiling his candidacy. Fritts, an Army veteran who retired from the nuclear industry, enters the Republican primary race as an underdog to U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Franklin and U.S. Rep. John Rose of Cookeville, both of whom have more name recognition and financial pull. Fritts acknowledged in his video he doesnt have the $25 million it could take to win the governors race and said the prideful and arrogant class in Tennessees capital city will try to destroy his movement and push for more regulations and taxes to fund corporate welfare and social programs. We face an embedded political class, Nashville establishment, celebrity class that says people like me, people like us, my neighbors, we shouldnt run for offices like this because were not well connected enough in D.C., Hollywood or Nashville, he said in the video. Fritts said his plan is to curb the growth of Tennessees budget, which he said has increased 59% in the last six years, recalibrate state government to make sure commissioners and lawmakers work within bounds of the Constitution, not for special interest groups and powerful lobbies; and suspend power-grab schemes that enable bureaucrats to make decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to trimming the budget, Fritts said he would eliminate the states 4% sales tax on groceries. Fritts voted against the governors private-school voucher bill when it narrowly passed the House this year and said on his campaign website he would suspend the program that provides funds for private-school enrollment and end fiscally irresponsible, unconstitutional voucher programs. He also said the state should challenge Plyler v. Doe, a court ruling that requires schools to accept students even if they dont have permanent citizenship status. Fritts website says he would protect life beginning at conception. He voted against a measure this year that guarantees women the right to in vitro fertilization and contraception. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second-term lawmaker gained a bit of notoriety in 2024 when he passed legislation designed to stop the potential release of climate-controlling chemicals into Tennessees atmosphere. Fritts said at the time the measure dealt only with geoengineering, the release or injection of chemicals to affect the weather, purportedly to be done by the federal government and noted he wasnt concerned about a connection to chemtrail conspiracy theories. Fritts said last week he sent letters to Gov. Bill Lee and Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti that challenged their decision to appeal a Chancery Court ruling that found the states intent to go armed law and prohibitions on guns in parks were illegal. He gained support from several Republican lawmakers who signed the letters. Fritts reported a balance of $11,050 in his state House campaign account with a $15,000 self-endorsed loan. Having just announced his gubernatorial candidacy, he has filed with the Registry of Election Finance but hasnt turned in any financial reports. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) An East Texas man has been transported to the Nacogdoches County Jail after he was accused of killing his stepfather and threatening to kill his mother. According to the Nacogdoches County Sheriffs Office, 32-year-old Raymond John Rios II was extradited from California to Texas on Sept. 5 after he was accused of killing his stepfather during a physical altercation at their home in Nacogdoches on Aug.14, 2023. East Texas medical salesman among those to pay $1.4M settlement over healthcare fraud Mugshot of Raymond John Rios II, courtesy of the Nacogdoches County Sheriffs Office Following the alleged altercation, members of the sheriffs office arrived at the scene and allegedly found Rios stepfather dead near the edge of the familys swimming pool. Rios told officials that he acted in self-defense during the altercation, prompting the sheriffs office and Texas Rangers to launch an investigation into the victims death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the course of the investigation, Rios relocated to California and was subsequently arrested in March 2025 while in Los Angeles on a warrant issued in connection with the investigation. He was also arrested on a warrant for aggravated robbery after he reportedly threatened to kill his 63-year-old mother with a firearm if she did not give him her vehicle and money in February. With the help of the U.S. Marshals Office, Rios was transported to Texas. Hes currently being held in Nacogdoches County Jail after he was charged with murder and aggravated robbery. 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. DANBURY, Conn. (WTNH) An Ecuadorian national pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States on Monday, according to the department of justice. Stanlin Daniel Vasquez-Salinas, 25, also known as Stalin Vasquez-Salinas and Stalin Vasquez, was arrested at a suspected brothel on March 11 in Danbury. RELATED: Ecuadorian national involved in suspected Danbury brothel charged with illegally re-entering the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Danbury police charged him with conspiracy to commit commercial sexual abuse of a minor between the ages of 15 and 17 years old. On March 14, Vasquez-Salinas was released from state custody before being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Investigation revealed that Vasquez-Salinas illegally entered the U.S. in December, 2019 and was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol in Texas. He was then removed to Ecuador in May 2020. Vasquez-Salinass state charges are pending. He faces a maximum of two years in prison for the federal charges. The FBI and ICE aided in the investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. The killing of 24-year-old Emma Shafer two years ago came as a terrible shock to the Illinois capital city of Springfield. The suspect in her murder has been caught after he reportedly fled to his home country of Mexico, and the race is on to use Shafers death to advance a political agenda. Once again, the people of Illinois are bystanders in a face-off between a Trump administration eager to strike a blow against a Democrat-run state, and Democrats led by Gov. J.B. Pritzker who see an occasion ripe for posturing. Caught in the middle of this political struggle is the memory of a young woman killed in a horrific act. We sincerely hope that her family will get the justice they deserve, along with respect for their daughters formidable legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shafer was stabbed to death at her apartment on South 8th Street in Springfield, not far from Frank Lloyd Wrights historic Dana-Thomas House. A grand jury indicted her former boyfriend, Gabriel Calixto, on first-degree murder and aggravated domestic battery charges. Calixto was apprehended in Mexico on Aug. 28 and as of last week awaited extradition. Shafer left behind a record of activism that belied her years. In the months before her death, she had worked as an organizer with the Faith Coalition for the Common Good, reportedly setting up forums for local political candidates. She was an incoming board member of an immigrant advocacy group, membership chair for a local Sierra Club chapter and a volunteer at other community groups, according to her obituary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She interned for U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., worked in the New York City Mayors Office of Immigrant Affairs, and clerked at the Illinois House of Representatives. Her death prompted an outpouring of public grief and justifiable anger. Its sickening to think of such a promising young adult being cut down in a suspected act of domestic violence. Making matters worse for her family was Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who seized the moment to advance President Donald Trumps agenda. In May, Noem came to Springfield to bash Pritzker, citing cases in which immigrants in the U.S. without legal permission committed crimes, and saying Calixto should have been deported years ago. Her decision to stage a news conference near the house where the progressive-minded Shafer was killed touched off a firestorm. Shafers family denounced the cynical use of her death to advance what it described as the Trump administrations heartless anti-immigrant actions. Just as cynically, Noem claimed that Illinois policies barred state or local authorities from assisting the feds in capturing the accused. That was false: Illinois authorities worked with the U.S. Marshals Service to arrest and charge the suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After last months arrest, Noem doubled down, issuing a news release that misspelled Shafers name in the headline. Emphasizing the difference in their immigration status, it paired a color photo of a blonde, fresh-faced Shafer with a dark and menacing mugshot of the suspect, described by Noem without even a nod to legal due process as a vicious, illegal-alien murderer. Noems actions arent surprising, and yet its worth noting this tragic storys connections to other well-known, recent killings. In Athens, Georgia, Laken Riley was killed last year by an unauthorized immigrant, Jose Ibarra, who was sentenced to life without parole for her murder. Rileys father, who said he supports Trumps actions, added that Id rather her not be such a political, how you say it started a storm in our country. For Pritzker, who is eyeing a White House run, Noems charged narrative gave him an opportunity to present himself as an antidote to the Trump administrations excesses. Yet Pritzker, too, has gone way too far. His recent rhetoric personally insulting the president does not serve the states interests. And his comments about how Chicago and Illinois dont need federal help to fight crime were always ill-advised, as this page warned. Pritzkers comments ran into a hail of bullets over Labor Day, with nine killed and 52 wounded in the citys most violent weekend of the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contrary to Pritzkers wishful thinking, Chicago and Illinois most certainly do need robust cooperation between local, state and federal authorities to stop violent crime and bring dangerous criminals such as Shafers killer to justice. The fact that state and local authorities worked together with federal marshals to make progress in the Shafer case is an example of the good results that can happen when law enforcement professionals tune out hotheaded pols and do their jobs. Lets have more of that. The bullying, baiting and cynicism that weve seen on display over this past year will not repeat, not reduce crime. Instead, law enforcement at every level needs to pool resources and brainpower to save lives, preventing more parents from losing their children. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. This article was originally published in EdNC. Since the N.C. General Assembly increased funding for vouchers through the Opportunity Scholarship program in North Carolina, many have predicted an increase in the number of private schools across the state. So far, EdNC has reported that market share across traditional public, public charters, private schools, and homeschools is holding steady. This week, Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina (PEFNC) announced the launch of EduBuilder, an initiative designed to help what it calls edupreneurs start and expand private schools in North Carolina. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter The initiative aims to add thousands of private school seats across the state in the coming year, according to a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EduBuilder says it will provide resources, strategic guidance, and advocacy to school leaders. Currently, according to the most recent annual report, there are 930 private schools across the state, including 603 religious schools and 327 independent schools. That number is up from 881 private schools statewide in 2023-24, growth that is consistent with historical trends. This map shows by county how many students were enrolled in private schools in 2024-25. Eleven counties didnt have a private school in 2024-25, including Alleghany, Ashe, Camden, Caswell, Gates, Graham, Jones, Martin, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is how the number of private schools grew in North Carolina between 1994-95 and 2024-25. You can see the data along with the growth in the number of students here. Data analysis by EdNC In North Carolina, private schools are required to register with the N.C. Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE). Here is what is required to register: According to statute, here is a look at how the fiscal year appropriations for the Opportunity Scholarship Grant Fund Reserve have grown and will grow between 2017-18 and 2031-32, thus incenting the establishment of more private schools. Data analysis by EdNC According to the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA), Once a school is registered with DNPE, the school may apply through NCSEAA to receive Opportunity Scholarship and Education Student Accounts (ESA+) program funding. Registration with each agency is separate and registration with DNPE does not automatically guarantee registration with NCSEAA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Registration with NCSEAA includes submitting a new school sign up request, a background check, and the submission of documents. Once registered, the private school is listed as a direct payment school by NCSEAA. Here is the current list of those schools for 2025-26. New school registration will open in February 2026 for the 2026-27 school year. Schools must submit a new school signup request no later than June 15, and the final day for schools to submit their registration documents is June 30. This article first appeared on EdNC and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Tim Kaine needs to report to a remedial civics class as soon as possible. The Virginia senator and former vice-presidential candidate expressed outrage at a congressional hearing that a Trump nominee said our rights come from G od, not government. Kaine suspected incipient theocracy, warning that the Iranian regime persecutes religious minorities on exactly this basis. "They do it," he explained, "because they believe that they understand what natural rights are from their creator." In searching for an example more relevant to the American experience, Kaine might cast his mind back to a fellow Virginian a tall, sandy-haired, Charlottesville-area gentleman with an interest in architecture, a taste for fine wine and knack for writing. Ring any bells? Thomas Jefferson had three things inscribed on his tombstone: drafter of the Virginia statute for religious freedom, founder of the University of Virginia and author of the Declaration of Independence. Kaine could lodge all the same complaints he made about the offending nominee, Riley Barnes, against the Declaration of Independence that shockingly maintains that all persons are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights," and calls this proposition with arrogant certitude a "self-evident" truth. Luckily for the Sage of Monticello, he didn't have to get confirmed as ambassador to France by a Senate Foreign Relations Committee including Tim Kaine (as it happened, the US Senate didn't exist yet). Kaine might consider that, in taking his oath of office, he actually pledged to defend a constitutional system that is founded on the idea that our rights exist prior to government. As Jefferson noted later, the sentiments of the Declaration were commonplace in 18th-century America. Jefferson's nemesis, Alexander Hamilton, stated that "the sacred rights of mankind" are "written, as with a sun beam, in the whole volume of human nature, by the hand of the divinity itself; and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power." John Adams, James Wilson and John Dickinson, among other Founding figures, said exactly the same thing. Whereas Tim Kaine hears someone say our rights come from G od and thinks of the writings and thought of, say, the Aytollah Khomeini, the philosophical basis of the idea is found in the work of John Locke, one of the greatest Enlightenment thinkers. Locke grounded his liberalism in an understanding of mankind as possessing inherent G od-given rights and dignity. The power of this idea is that in a conflict between our rights and laws impinging on them, the laws must give way. Kaine's view that rights come from the government implies that the state gets to decide whether or not and to what extent we have rights. The American project, though, is based on the belief that it is duty of government to respect pre-existing rights, and if a government tramples on them, it has failed and is illegitimate. The abolitionists used this view to great effect in the 19th century. Even though the government had decided that it was permissible for one class of people to enslave another, the abolitionists believed that this was an offense against G od. Enslaved people had a natural right to liberty that couldn't be erased. So, Kaine must have a beef with the likes of William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. He presumably would have gone ballistic over Garrison's conviction that the "right to enjoy liberty is inalienable. To invade it is to usurp the prerogative of " the Lord. Rather than a warrant for theocracy, the Garrison view supported the extension of rights. As he put it, "wherever there is a human being, I see G od-given rights inherent in that being, whatever may be the sex or complexion." Kaine's outburst shows how progressives have an allergy to G od in any context other than a personal one, and how it isn't just schoolchildren who are ignorant about our history and system of government. Is it be too much to ask that a US senator know a little bit about our heritage? (COMMENT, BELOW) The New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources at New Mexico Tech has selected University of New Mexico professor emeritus Les McFadden for its 2025 Earth Science Achievement Award in Research and Education. McFadden, a geoscientist and mentor whose career in New Mexico spans nearly four decades, will be honored Sept. 18 during the New Mexico Geological Societys Fall Field Conference in Cuba. His work on soils, climate, hydrology and desert geomorphology has earned more than 90 peer-reviewed publications and recognition from the Geological Society of America, including the Farouk El-Baz Award for Desert Research and the Kirk Bryan Award. McFadden also helped establish UNMs Quaternary Studies Lab and mentored dozens of graduate students, many of whom now teach across New Mexico and the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Community College of Vermont has dedicated a gathering space in honor of its founding president and Santa Fe resident, Peter Smith. A celebration was held recently at CCVs Montpelier academic center, where the large meeting room was renamed the Peter Smith Gathering Place. Smith led the institution from its founding in 1970, when it was launched as an experiment in bringing higher education into Vermont communities. In a news release, college President Joyce Judy credited Smiths vision and leadership with establishing the colleges student-centered mission, which serves more than 10,000 students a year statewide, making it the second-largest higher education institution in Vermont and the states only community college. We did create something out of nothing, Smith said. Many people thought we wouldnt succeed. Is there a graduate, student or scholarship recipient you'd like to honor? Email any announcements and accompanying photos to asalkin@sfnewmexican.com for inclusion in an upcoming edition of "Education standouts." The Arkansas Department of Human Services building on Main Street in downtown Little Rock.(Photo by John Sykes for the Arkansas Advocate) A multimillion-dollar plan to revamp Arkansas child welfare information system ended in failure last year, but state officials say the current system still meets their needs. The Arkansas Department of Human Services terminated its contract with Chicago-based RedMane Technology last September after the contractor did not deliver the product the state wanted, according to documents obtained via the state Freedom of Information Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RedMane Technology inked a $44 million deal with Kansas in July for a similar project. Emails and reports obtained from DHS document RedManes lack of progress on the project and state officials subsequent frustration over the course of two years. DHS and RedMane mutually agreed to end the project in August 2024, agency spokesperson Gavin Lesnick said that month in response to media inquiries. The project ended because a viable product was not developed within the contractually agreed time, scope, and budget parameters, according to the projects final progress report issued last September. Since 1997, Arkansas has kept records of child maltreatment reports and cases using the Childrens Reporting and Information System (CHRIS). The Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline, which is part of the system, received 8,154 reports between Jan. 1 and March 31 of this year, DHS reported to lawmakers in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state sought to update CHRIS, a federally recognized Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System, because of financial incentives under a 2016 federal rule that gives states a more favorable cost allocation if they switch to a Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System. There is a continuing disconnect between the States expectations and RedManes system configurations. Maximus Human Services' March 2023 report on the ARfocus project DHS Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) tasked RedMane with creating this new system, called ARfocus, starting March 1, 2022, according to the original contract. The contract set a maximum cost of $10.9 million for the first year of what was expected to be a seven-year, $26.2 million project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The contract was amended four times, with the final one signed in November 2023. At that time, the agreement projected $14.3 million through February 2025 and $26.7 million through February 2029. The state paid $12.2 million to RedMane between April 2022 and January of this year, according to invoices the Advocate obtained via FOIA. CHRIS is fully capable of meeting all our needs at this time, but a new system built on modern cloud-based software that uses a mobile-friendly application would be more efficient, Lesnick told the Advocate. Its less about the current system not working and more about the need to support future upgrades and compatibility, he said. This just isnt acceptable RedMane was supposed to build the ARfocus database on a modern and mobile-friendly case management system [that] will allow users to work and collaborate in ways the previous system simply could not, according to an April 2022 news release from RedMane announcing the project. The news release noted that RedMane was opening a Little Rock office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AR DHS Significant Concerns Implementing this system will be transformative to how DCFS staff engage and support the children, families, and caregivers we serve, then-DCFS Director Mischa Martin said at the time. Nearly a year and a half later, Martin emailed RedMane with significant concerns about the functionality of ARfocus and RedManes capacity to fix things. The Arkansas State Polices Child Abuse Hotline staff had been consistently reporting about the system slowness since ARfocus launched on May 30, 2023, Martin told RedMane staff in her Sept. 11, 2023 email. Hotline administrator Dan Mack said in an August 2023 email to DHS staff that ARfocus was creeping along. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were getting killed every day at the same time and its taking us hours to recover, Mack said. This just isnt acceptable. RedMane staff attributed the slowness to an ASP infrastructure issue in an email to DCFS earlier that month. Other issues included failed mandated reporter portals and stalled servers that appear to have not been monitored, Martin wrote. RedMane had not resolved the issues despite the daily stand-up calls and deployment efforts, she added. Even if these issues are fixed and resolved, we are concerned about the product quality and the impact for the next major phase [of implementation], Martin wrote. This would be a project failure if we had rolled out the entire system to statewide field staff and stakeholders. Our organization values the partnership we have had with RedMane, but the ongoing problems have eroded our confidence in your ability to deliver reliable and high-quality code. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin left DHS in October 2023 and is now running for state Senate. She declined an interview for this article. RedMane did not respond to calls and emails requesting comment. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX More frustrations Virginia-based Maximus Human Services monitored and assessed RedManes performance on the development of ARfocus throughout the project. As of February 2025, DHS had paid Maximus more than $6 million over five years. Maximus monthly reports on ARfocus, starting in October 2022 and ending in August 2024, detailed the fraught working relationship between RedMane and DCFS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A seven-week delay of the first phase of the ARfocus rollout cost the state $158,000, Maximus reported in March 2023. And even with this extra time, there is a continuing disconnect between the States expectations and RedManes system configurations, the report states. By June 2024, ARfocus had by far exceeded the cost we anticipated and is now totalling about 400% of what we had projected, RedMane principal Colin Michaelis wrote in an email to DCFS staff. This has left RedMane in an untenable fiscal position. Michaelis suggested making several changes to the project, including for the state to share the fiscal burden for completing the implementation of ARFocus on a 50/50 basis for the work remaining. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tiffany Wright, Martins successor as DCFS director, said the suggestions needed to be more specific. FW_ Meeting follow-up-DCFS Response I have asked for this several times based upon the two months of conversations we have been having and also how it impacts the larger project, Wright wrote later in June 2024. By July, DHS officials expected the project to continue to move forward as currently agreed, said Jeff Dean, chief information officer in DHS Office of Information Technology. Well be happy to celebrate with you when the project actually starts hitting milestones, Dean wrote in an email to RedMane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, RedMane staff had been looking to hopefully reduce some of the complexity of the design of ARfocus, but as of July 2024, there still was no scheduled meeting to discuss such changes, nor have we been given a list of what areas this could be found in, DHS ARfocus project director, Miranda Raines, wrote in an email to RedMane. RedMane continued to bill the state during the projects unwinding from August 2024 to January 2025, according to invoices from the company. The state is still using CHRIS to keep records of child welfare cases, and the federal Administration for Children and Families considers the program transitional in anticipation of a future Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System, according to its website. Lesnick noted that despite the problems with the project, it resulted in the launch of the Arkansas Mandated Reporter Portal, a secure webpage for mandated reporters to submit reports of child maltreatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While we regret that the project with RedMane did not come to fruition, we remain focused on bettering our platform to ensure we are providing the best resources to staff so we can best serve families in need going forward, Lesnick said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A 63-year-old man from Florida has been arrested in connection with a years-long cyber fraud scheme that drained more than $1 million from an elderly Georgia couple. Charles Henry Williams, a resident of Trinity, Florida, was taken into custody on August 29 after a five-month investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Cyber Crime Center. He now faces multiple charges, including Theft by Deception and Exploitation of an Elder Person. Authorities say the alleged fraud spanned four years and centered around a timeshare resale scam that specifically targeted vulnerable seniors. Its primary victimsan elderly couple in Newnan, Georgiawere misled into believing they were engaged in legitimate financial transactions involving their property, but the payments kept piling up with no results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time the fraud was discovered, the couple had lost more than $1 million. As the investigation unfolded, officials found that this wasnt an isolated incident. According to the GBI, additional victims in multiple states were identified, suggesting a broader pattern of deceit. Law enforcement agencies from Tennessee and Florida also collaborated on the case, helping piece together the web of transactions and online activity that led back to Williams. The suspect is being transferred to Coweta County, Georgia, where hell face formal charges in court. However, the status of the ongoing investigation is unclear. How to Stay Safe In the meantime, law enforcement is urging the publicespecially seniors and their familiesto stay alert for similar schemes. Cyber fraud targeting the elderly is on the rise, often taking the form of phishing emails, phony investment opportunities, or fraudulent timeshare deals. While this case may feel distant to most, the warning is clear: scams like this canand dohappen anywhere. Authorities are encouraging people to talk openly with older relatives about online safety and never to send money without verifying the legitimacy of the request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous tips related to this case or other suspected cybercrimes can be submitted to local authorities or via national reporting hotlines and apps. Source: Hoodline Read the original article on GEEKSPIN. Affiliate links on GEEKSPIN may earn us and our partners a commission. Emergence Health Network celebrates 988 Day with a creative campaign EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) September 9th marks 9-8-8 Day, celebrated by Emergence Health Network as part of Suicide Prevention Month to raise awareness about the mental health support line 9-8-8. The 9-8-8 hotline is a nationwide resource designed to provide mental health support, operating 24/7 to assist individuals in emotional distress. Similar to the emergency number 911, 9-8-8 is easy to remember and offers confidential access to mental health care professionals. 911 obviously, emergency care, 988 is mental health support care, said Noreen Jaramillo of Emergence Health Network. Its three numbers to remember, 988, if you need help or know someone who is in emotional distress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergence Health Network encourages people to spread the word about 9-8-8 by posting on social media. This effort aims to increase awareness of the resource, which is available not just in El Paso, but nationwide. The organization plans to share more about the significance of 9-8-8 and explore creative methods to engage the community, including ways people might encounter reminders of 9-8-8 in their daily lives. By promoting 9-8-8 Day, Emergence Health Network hopes to enhance public awareness of the mental health support available, ensuring that more individuals can access the help they need when facing emotional distress. Ian Roth and Karla Draksler discuss 9-8-8 Day during Mondays episode of Coffee Talk. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. FULTON COUNTY, Ill. (WMBD) The Fulton County Sheriffs Office is asking the public for help locating an endangered man on Monday. Adam Smith, 38, was last seen on Sept. 4, leaving his residence in rural Fiatt, a Fulton County Sheriffs Office Facebook post said. He was driving a 2003 Dodge Minivan, Illinois plates N35 5383. He is about 53 and has a medical condition that places him in danger, according to the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information can reach out to the Fulton County Sheriffs Office at (309) 547-2277. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. A panel of teacher and parent advocates, elected officials and medical experts from Palm Beach County have lambasted Florida's plan to end vaccine requirements. "Stopping vaccinations is a critical thing that we all need to stand up and protest and prevent," Dr. Tommy Schechtman, a pediatrician who served as president of the Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians, said during a panel discussion held Sept. 8 at the Mandel Public Library in West Palm Beach. U.S. Rep. Lois Frank, a Democrat and former mayor of West Palm Beach who now represents the city in Congress, organized the discussion in response to a call a week earlier from Florida's surgeon general, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, to end vaccine mandates, including those for children who are about to enroll in school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida would be the first state in the country to end vaccine requirements, and Ladapo's call has drawn increasing scrutiny and questioning, including from President Donald Trump. "Look, you have some vaccines that are so amazing," Trump said at the White House on Friday. "The polio vaccine, I happen to think is amazing. A lot of people think that covid is amazing. You know, there are many people that believe strongly in that, but you have some vaccines that are so incredible. And I think you have to be very careful when you say that some people dont have to be vaccinated." Frankel, speaking during the panel discussion, was far more critical. "To me, this is a reckless and dangerous policy, putting everyone at risk, not only our children and seniors and people they come in contact with and people with compromised immune systems," she said. "It threatens the health of all of us, as well as our economy. We depend on being healthy, and we depend on tourists feeling safe." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ending the requirement that children get vaccinations before enrolling in schools will lead to the spread of more infectious diseases, more absenteeism from students and educators and will likely spur early teacher retirements, medical experts said. "I think you're going to see people who are close to retirement leave if that communicable disease risk rises," said Lynn Nelson, president of the National Association of School Nurses. "We saw that during COVID." School District's response to AG's call to end vaccine mandates The Palm Beach County School District has reacted cautiously to Ladapo's call to end vaccine mandates, which he called "immoral" and "wrong." "We are monitoring this development and are awaiting further direction from the state," a district spokesperson said. "The district has and will continue to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within days of Ladapo's statements Sept. 3, Karen Brill, the chair of the Palm Beach County School Board, and board member Erica Whitfield, who has worked in public health, said they were too busy to comment. School Board Member Edwin Ferguson participated in the Sept. 8 panel discussion and blasted the call to end vaccine mandates as more about attention-grabbing politics than public health. "We're throwing the baby out with the bathwater," Ferguson said. Some say vaccine mandates infringe on personal freedom In the 2025 school year, Palm Beach County's kindergarten vaccination rate was 89.8%, according to data collected from public and private schools in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That percentage, while higher than those in several other counties in Florida, is below the low- to mid-90s percentage infectious disease experts said would provide a more robust community immunity against illness. Dr. Hila Beckerman, a Delray Beach pediatrician, said ending vaccine mandates will drop vaccination rates and lead to more illness. "Mandates work, and we know that they work because, before we had mandates, we had outbreaks of mumps, of measles," Dr. Beckerman said. "We had pregnant women miscarrying. We know that mandates work because, as soon as we put them into effect, vaccine rates dramatically (increased). So, we know they work. We know when we lift mandates and make vaccines a little more optional and more exemptions occur, then we have outbreaks. The way to control outbreaks? There are only two ways either institute mandates or quarantine. So, you're back at mandates again." The state Department of Health could end some vaccination requirements on its own at Ladapo's urging, but the Legislature would have to act to remove those enshrined in law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ladapo and Gov. Ron DeSantis are among an increasingly vocal group of people who either question the safety of vaccines or view a requirement that they be taken as an infringement on personal freedom. Those views, often held by Republicans, took on more prominence during the coronavirus pandemic, when mask mandates and vaccine mandates were tied to various aspects of public life, including travel. Schools closed during the pandemic, and in the years since, absenteeism has remained a problem in the district. Progress the district has made in that area could eventually be threatened, medical experts said, as more unvaccinated students become ill. "They're going to miss school, and, in some cases, a lot of school," said Nelson, who added that current health guidelines for measles, one of the world's most infectious illnesses, already call for a lengthy period of quarantine for the person infected and for those who came in contact with them. End to vaccine requirements unlikely to be felt quickly Dr. G. Alexander Carden, an infectious disease expert who practices in West Palm Beach, said the impacts of an end to vaccine mandates in Florida won't be immediate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have now in Florida a fairly well-vaccinated population," Carden said. "I think we're going to see more infection down the road as the number of people who are not vaccinated increases." The district's vaccination requirements for students entering kindergarten or registering for school in the district for the first time can still be found on the district's website. They are as follows: Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP Series) Five doses. Hepatitis B (Hep B Series) Three doses. Polio (OPV or IPV) Four doses (the last one after age 4). Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) Two doses. Varicella Two doses or a provider verification of chickenpox disease history on Form DH680. Students entering the seventh grade must get a diptheria/tetanus/pertussis booster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents can opt out of having their children vaccinated on religious grounds, but the required opt out form is available only through the state Department of Health. Students who are homeless, transfers or entering juvenile justice can receive a 30-day exemption. That flexibility is not enough for Ladapo, who likened vaccine requirements to slavery. "Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery," Dr. Ladapo said during an event in Valrico. "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? Who am I to tell you what your child should put in (their) body? I dont have that right." The Florida Education Association, the state's largest association of education professionals, questioned whether the stance against vaccine mandates is more about politics than public health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When leaders talk about pulling back vaccines, theyre talking about disrupting student learning and making schools less safe," the group said in a statement. "State leaders say they care about reducing chronic absenteeism and keeping kids in school but reducing vaccinations does the opposite, putting our childrens health and education at risk." Silvia Hall, president of the Palm Beach County Council of PTA/PTSA, said her organization follows the National PTA guidance that "require certification of immunizations to prevent communicable disease, as a condition of entry into public and non-public schools, preschools and child care facilities. We recognize the need to make provisions for exemptions for medical or religious reasons." A measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico has killed at least two children and sickened nearly 1,400. In more than 90% of the cases, the children were unvaccinated. That outbreak worries Hall, particularly in light of the sharp budget cuts and organizational chaos at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The question here would be what happens if vaccination rates decline even more and diseases like measles and polio start re-emerging?" Hall asked. "Will the CDC be up to the task of doing what they were designed to do and do the work needed to prevent the outbreaks?" Dr. Jean Malecki, a former director of the Palm Beach County Health Department, said Florida already strikes the right balance of requiring vaccinations but allowing exemptions for students whose parents have a religious objective. "We don't need to upset the apple cart," Malecki said. "The apple cart is working." 'Nobody wants to go back to the days of iron lungs' Florida's Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo has announced efforts to end vaccine mandates. Ladapo's call to end vaccine mandates drew national attention and stern rebukes from many Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is ridiculous," said state Senate Minority Leader Lori Berman, D-Boca Raton. "Florida already (allows) broad medical and religious exemptions for childhood vaccines, so any family that has a sincere opposition to vaccination can opt out. Removing the mandate wholesale is dangerous, anti-science and anti-child. Nobody wants to go back to the days of iron lungs." Berman said Republicans "have gone from entertaining anti-science conspiracy theories to fully endorsing an anti-science health policy. As a member of the Senate Health Policy Committee, Ill be doing everything in my power to protect our kids from these reckless attempts to harm them." Dr. Larry Bush, an infectious disease expert and former president of the Palm Beach County Medical Society, said the recent measles outbreak that has sickened and killed children in Texas and New Mexico does not have to be repeated in Florida. "Even though you take away the mandate, you can still protect your child," Bush said. "My recommendation to parents is: Get your kids vaccinated." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wayne Washington is a journalist covering education for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at wwashington@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Ending vaccine mandates could lead to more sick Florida schoolchildren (Avalon Nuovo for the Marshall Project) In May, Missouri became one of the northernmost states to hear arguments for better heat mitigation in state prisons after the MacArthur Justice Center filed a class action lawsuit alleging that one prisons conditions constitute cruel and unusual punishment for those forced to endure dangerous temperatures with little to no relief. The facility, Algoa Correctional Center, is one of four Missouri prisons with no air conditioning in any of the housing units. In Jefferson City, where Algoa is located, the first 90-degree day of the year arrived in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following month, a blistering heat wave torched the Midwest, bringing temperatures in the mid-90s for a week straight. Similar bouts of extreme heat continued into July and August, following a pattern of record-breaking temperatures that has become increasingly common in recent years. This article was published in partnership with The Marshall Project St. Louis, a nonprofit news team covering Missouris criminal justice systems. Subscribe to their email list, and follow The Marshall Project on Instagram, Reddit and YouTube. In July, attorneys argued that Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh should require the Missouri Department of Corrections to immediately create a heat mitigation plan for Algoa. When a man housed at Algoa died on July 23, MacArthur Justice Center attorneys were concerned that his death could be heat-related. Missouri Department of Corrections Communications Director Karen Pojmann said on Aug. 22 that an autopsy has been ordered, and the cause of death is still unconfirmed. Pojmann added that, to date, there have been no heat-related deaths in Missouri prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple times throughout the summer, conditions were ripe for heat-related illness or death, said Shubra Ohri, one of the lawyers on the case. There were a few weeks where the heat index surpassed 100 degrees for days. The risk of heatstroke was scary and acute, and it happens every year. As of Sept. 2, Limbaugh has yet to issue a ruling on a mitigation plan. While litigation unfolds, people in prisons without air conditioning continue to endure the effects of extreme heat, which is often exacerbated by building materials that trap heat and humidity. The Marshall Project St. Louis asked Jeremy Hann, one of the people who gave sworn testimony in the lawsuit against Algoa, to log his days during the first heat wave of the summer. The heat wave began on June 20 and lasted for about a week, with outdoor air temperatures reaching 96 degrees Fahrenheit and a heat index of up to 105 degrees in eastern Missouri, according to the National Weather Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hann has since been relocated to Boonville Correctional Center, and is scheduled to be released later this year. Originally from Kansas City, he earned his high school equivalency while in prison and is currently enrolled in Missouris Central Methodist University, studying business. The log below is representative of entries from the week, drawing mostly from Sunday, June 22. Entries have been edited for length and clarity. 6 a.m. I wake up to the lights on breakfast! Its hot already, my pillow mat and sheets are soaked in sweat. For breakfast, its oatmeal and peanut butter. I eat, but it makes my stomach hurt its so hot! I lay back down and try my best to go back to bed. The worst part about this whole thing is my sink hardly works water just trickles from the hole it comes out of. The drain doesnt drain more than maybe a centimeter an hour. There is a film over the water thats in there, and rust around the edges of the sink so I have no fluids to drink other than ice in a cup they give us, or the drink we get with our meals. I can hear a fan in the hallway, but feel no air. I finally fall asleep by counting the water droplets as they drip into my sink. 11 a.m. I get woken up again for lunch time, but I cant eat its so hot and miserable. I have a sick feeling in my stomach. My face, arms, and upper body are sticky from sweating in my sleep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even as I lay here writing this, I have a cold rag on my chest and its almost dry already. I just dunked it in the nasty sink water it stinks, but its all we got to cool off with. 12 p.m. It is now ice pass (when correctional officers hand out a cup of ice to people on hot days) and I get super excited its like Christmas! I have my insulated cup with me, so the ice lasts about 2 hours unless I eat it really fast to cool off. Without the cup, it melts in a matter of minutes. With no airflow, though, I can still hardly eat lunch. I just lay on my bunk, which is still damp, and the humidity is up today so that doesnt help the sheets to dry. I flip my pillow over, and the pillow case has already got rust on it. 3 p.m. The new shift of correctional officers comes in and Im already really thirsty out of ice and no water to drink. Ive asked the officers to tell maintenance to come fix the sink. They havent, but still I ask every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive got my towel on my pillow and a T-shirt on my mat to keep the sweat off. Like this, its just tolerable. Again, the fan in the hallway is a teaser. I wonder: How can this be legal? Dinner is soon and Im not even close to being hungry because of the heat. 4 p.m. The correctional officers bring us the dinner trays, but the best thing is the sweet tea. I wait for ice to drink it. Its really muggy and the smell of food makes my stomach super nauseous, but I eat anyways because Im starving. I get done eating and wait for them to bring around the last ice we get till tomorrow morning. I lay here looking around the cell and think, How is this humane? Theres mold on the walls close to the ceiling. I feel like these conditions are worse than most pigs and cows get treated. 6 p.m. Its heating up in here, so I sit up on my bunk and try to focus on my book. I cant, so I watch the Pando app (a Christian app for incarcerated people) on my tablet ice finally comes and its like I won the lottery. But its short-lived because the ice melts super fast again, so I just lay down and close my eyes. Its hard to breathe so I just hope it cools down soon. 7:30 p.m. I dont want to lay down, so I pace the cell. I have run out of ice and its so humid its miserable. I wish they would transfer me so I could get out of this hole. 11 p.m. Its finally starting to cool down. I close my eyes and try to get comfortable. Finally the light goes out, but Im still uncomfortable. Its so sticky, I know its going to be dreadful sleeping tonight. The Department of Energy, led by oil-and-gas veteran Chris Wright, claimed renewables are worthless without sun or wind, drawing widespread criticism and a viral two-word clapback from Elon Musk that pointed out the existence of massive energy storage projects that can continue feeding electricity into the grid. President Donald Trumps Department of Energy sparked backlash last week after posting on X that wind and solar energy infrastructure is essentially worthless when it is dark outside, and the wind is not blowing. The message echoed recent remarks from Energy Secretary Chris Wright, a longtime oil and gas executive, who defended Trumps claim that renewable energy is driving up electricity costs, though he acknowledged the picture is more complicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also argued that wind and solar are intermittent and, without large-scale batteries, worthless when the sun isnt shining or the wind isnt blowing. Greater reliance on renewables, he added, effectively creates a whole separate grid that raises overall costs. Still, the DoEs X post drew millions of views and many mocking replies, including a community note reminding readers that batteries exist to store power when the sun isnt shining or the wind isnt blowing. Among the most prominent replies was from Elon Musk, who cut through the noise with just two words: Um hello? Alongside his reply, the Tesla CEO boosted his companys large-scale battery business, which had recently touted a 370-megawatt-hour storage project in Australia designed to stabilize the grid and expand renewable use. His post garnered a little over half a million views. Tesla also has a solar panel business for use in homes. The Department of Energy didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Several users also pointed out Musks extensive campaign support for the president last year despite Teslas focus on green energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk spent nearly $300 million on Republican candidates in the last election cycle, endorsing Trump after he survived an assassination attempt. After he was elected, Trump installed Musk to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE,) and the two men seemed inseparable, with Musk writing in February that he loves Trump as much as any straight man can love another man. But the two also had clear ideological differences from the start, particularly around renewables. Musk heads one of the worlds leading electric-vehicle companies, and has long supported all kinds of renewable energy, including solar and wind. The alliance unraveled in a very public break-up earlier this year over the One Big Beautiful Bill, which sparked Musks fierce opposition because it ended Biden-era tax credits for renewable energy and is expected to add to U.S. debt. In a now-deleted X post, Musk escalated the feud even further, accusing Trump of being named in the Epstein files and of blocking the release of more details. Since then, Musk has said that hell do a lot less political spending in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think Ive done enough, he said in a video interview with Bloomberg News at the Qatar Economic Forum. Meanwhile, Trumps administration has sought to cripple clean energy, blocking nearly $19 billion in renewable energy projects and announcing that it will not approve any wind or solar projects. The president himself has used various justifications for his anti-renewable stance, saying that wind mills kill birds and are ugly, while he wrote in a Truth Social post that solar panels are farmer destroying. The days of stupidity are over in the USA!!! Trump added. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Electricity bills can be broken down into a few main cost components. Much attention has been given to stranded costs, which is the smallest slice of the price breakdown. (Photo by Lauren McCauley/ Maine Morning Star) Concerns about the high cost of energy were frequently heard in legislative hearings, debates, and throughout the halls of the State House this past session. Its front of mind for many Mainers as prices have noticeably increased in recent years. Calls for lawmakers to do more were heard during multiple public hearings before the Legislatures Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee where people lined up to speak for hours, including businesses who feared their livelihood could be in jeopardy over high electricity bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is an issue that Republicans in particular have raised, arguing that state policies that encourage sustainable energy use are to blame. The reason Maine ranks so high in electricity rates is because of bad policies passed in our state, said House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham of Winter Harbor. However, the actual dollar amount ratepayers end up shelling out each month is influenced by a multitude of factors some of which lawmakers have more control over than others. While the global markets that dictate prices of natural gas and other energy sources are beyond the reach of state senators and representatives, there are some ways that energy costs can be addressed from Augusta. Misleading data In early August, new data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration garnered a lot of attention by seeming to indicate that Maine had the biggest increase in the country for residential electricity rates between May 2024 and 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican lawmakers latched onto that stat as evidence that the policies coming out of Augusta are driving up costs for ratepayers in Maine. Unlike other states, Maines leaders have pursued an agenda that prioritizes green mandates and out-of-state profits over affordability for ratepayers, said Peter Wood (R-Norway) in the Maine House Republican August 22 radio address highlighting that statistics. However, state energy officials have pushed back against those findings. Phil Bartlett, chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, said it is hard to understand what methodology was used for that research because that data isnt consistent with what the state is seeing for customers of the two privately owned utility companies, Central Maine Power and Versant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been increases over the last several years, but this year its actually a little bit less than it was two years ago, Bartlett said. Its been a bit of seesaw in the last few years, but weve seen increases in various components of the bills, but its more like 10%, not 36%. Public Advocate Heather Sanborn said she couldnt recreate the federal data that showed a 36% increase in average residential rates. She said that her offices data shows that from June 2024 to June 2025, there was a year-over-year bill increase for residential customers of: 20.7% in CMP territory, 11.9% in Versant Bangor Hydro territory and 15% in Versant Maine Public District. Sanborn added that smaller, consumer-owned utilities arent tracked in the same way, but they also account for less customers, so they wouldnt skew the data enough to bring it up to 36%. That data point also doesnt seem to account for states procuring their energy rates on different schedules. Maine uses a 12-month cycle, but other states could be updating their rates more frequently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite some data discrepancies, energy prices have been higher in recent years than they were 10 years ago. Though, they have been falling since a peak in 2023. And people are calling on lawmakers to do more to stem the cost of electricity at a time when it feels like everyday essentials just keep getting more expensive. So what can lawmakers do? (Image via Governors Energy Office) Electricity bills can be broken down into a few main cost components. While there is opportunity for the Legislature to address prices in each of these areas, some of that work is already underway but may take time for its impacts to be felt. Much attention has been given to stranded costs, which is the smallest slice of the price breakdown. Also called public policy costs, stranded costs is a catch-all category that can include the cost of storm recovery, solar incentives and a low-income assistance program. If Republicans were in charge, we would start by ending the solar tax known as net energy billing that subsidizes solar panels for the wealthy on the backs of Maine ratepayers, Faulkingham said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the last legislative session, there was a push to reform or even repeal the states solar incentive program, called net energy billing, which critics like Faulkingham said would reduce electricity bills for ratepayers. While there was broad consensus the program needed to be adjusted, some didnt agree with making it a scapegoat for the cost hike people experienced. The average customer was paying about one cent per kilowatt-hour for policy costs over the past couple years, Bartlett said, with the typical Maine residence using about 550 kilowatt-hours each month. That jumped to 1.7 cents in 2025, which is a real increase, but not whats driving the total people see on their bills, he added. The average CMP residential customer paid $154.64 in August, up from $139.62 this time last year. Customers in Versants Bangor Hydro District saw their bills go up just over $20 this past year, from $148.10 to $168.70, while the average Versant Maine Public District consumer saw their bill increase from $144.37 to $161.63. The suggestion that were seeing these wild increases because of those policy costs just the math doesnt work, Bartlett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Gov. Janet Mills signed legislation into law to reform net energy billing and rein in future costs it could impose on ratepayers. While the cost of the program is expected to exceed $234 million this year alone, the new law is projected to save Maine electricity customers more than $1.2 billion over the next 16 years, according to a news release from the Maine Public Advocates Office after its passage. Much more significant to ones energy bill than those stranded costs is the supply rate, which reflects the cost of what actually generates the power. New England has historically had higher electricity prices than the U.S. average, driven by the regions heavy reliance on natural gas to produce electricity, said Dan Burgess, director of the Governors Energy Office. Especially in recent years, this has driven up costs for consumers because the cost of natural gas itself is subject to national and global events like Russias invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Maine lawmakers cant control those global market fluctuations, some believe that pursuing more sources of in-state and in-region renewable energy could offer more stable prices. The suggestion that were seeing these wild increases because of those policy costs just the math doesnt work. Phil Bartlett, Public Utilities Commission Earlier this year, the governor signed legislation that will transition the current Governors Energy Office into the Department of Energy Resources. That new cabinet-level entity will have the authority to do clean energy procurements, which could help transition the state away from volatile natural gas and fossil fuel prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new study from Daymark Energy Advisors shows that electricity prices in New England could have been 11% lower last winter if contracted offshore wind projects had been operational. That would have translated to about $400 million in savings for ratepayers throughout New England, the study found. However, the Trump administration took action early on to pause the development of offshore wind projects, leaving plans to put turbines in the Gulf of Maine on pause. The remainder of an electric bill is the cost to deliver the electricity to the end user. That can be broken down into transmission costs, which are regulated federally, and distribution costs, which is the price of taking energy from the bulk transmission system to the poles and wires that reach peoples homes. Transmission prices have increased over the past decade to cover the cost of system upgrades that are passed onto ratepayers. Because New England states share a regional grid called ISO-New England, those jumps have been seen across the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Distribution costs are regulated by the Maine Public Utilities Commission and increases can reflect system upgrades like new poles or substations. Because of a law passed in 2022, utility companies are required to file a 10-year plan to determine what upgrades will be needed to improve grid reliability and resilience. The plans should also account for the states climate policy goals and cost-effectiveness for ratepayers. Greater attention has been paid to grid resilience after the state faced unprecedented winter storms in 2023 and 2024 that incurred significant costs to ratepayers. In the storms wake, Mills established the Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission to find ways to shore up the states energy systems against future severe storms. The commissions final report came out in May 2025, highlighting the need to improve the grid, especially as the state moves toward greater electrification of transportation and home heating and cooling systems. With more low-cost, local clean energy projects, nation-leading energy efficiency programs, and efforts to strengthen our electric grid against extreme storms, Maine continues to work to protect ratepayers and build a more affordable, resilient energy future, Burgess said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The State Fair of Texas is implementing sweeping security changes for 2025, with new clear bag rules, advanced weapon scanners, and stricter youth supervision policies. The move follows recent security incidents at the annual event. The measures represent one of the largest security overhauls in the fairs history. More than 2 million visitors are expected to experience the changes when gates open in just weeks. All attendees will now pass through OPENGATE detection systems. The devices scan both people and bags for weapons. The technology replaces older methods and will operate at every entrance to Fair Park. We are constantly evaluating our security plan with the Dallas Police Department (DPD) and the Fairs other security partners to adopt the most up-to-date recommended security practices for special events of our scope and size, and regularly implement additional measures to increase our effectiveness, fair officials stated. The new clear bag policy requires visitors to carry only transparent bags. Medical and parenting bags will still be permitted after inspection. Fair organizers are also redesigning pedestrian gates to help maintain smoother access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firearms remain prohibited for all attendees under current Fair rules, including those with concealed carry licenses. Only credentialed peace officers may bring weapons onto the grounds. Earlier this year, state lawmakers advanced Senate Bill 1065 to overturn the ban, but the bill stalled in the Texas House after passing the Senate. Meanwhile, a Dallas County judge dismissed Attorney General Ken Paxtons lawsuit challenging the Fairs firearms policy in June, leaving the ban in place for 2025. Every year, the State Fair of Texas has an ongoing safety and security assessment, adding and adjusting security measures to ensure a safe environment for all fairgoers, employees, and vendors. For us to continue offering a safe event for all, we feel this is an important measure to implement, officials explained. New rules also tighten supervision for minors. Starting at 5 p.m. daily, anyone 17 or younger must have a chaperone who is at least 21. Each adult supervisor may oversee no more than six minors. The enhancements include added surveillance technology and a more visible police presence throughout the fairgrounds. Officials connected the changes to recent security incidents but did not provide details about specific events. The 2025 State Fair of Texas joins a growing number of major public events nationwide with similar protocols. With more than 2 million expected visitors, the Fair will test whether the new security plan can balance safety with the smooth flow of crowds. Theres a new way to enjoy wine in LeClaire while supporting animals in need. The village is hosting its first LeClaire Wine Stampede, a wine walk event that combines Eastern Iowas top wineries with the charm of downtown LeClaire, on September 20 from 2 5 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free samples from Wide River Winery Tasting Room, Olathea Creek Vineyard & Winery, Tycoga Winery & Distillery, Lubben Vineyards & Wines, Fireside & Ackerman Wineries, 3 Sons Vineyard, and Bishop Vineyard & Winery. Click here for more information. LeClaire Wine Stampede (City of LeClaire) A portion of the events proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Scott County, supporting animals in need. Guests can meet adoptable kittens during their Wine Stampede experience at Skinderallas Wonderland Art Collective, 110 S. Cody Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here for tickets or buy them the day of the walk for a higher fee. Ticketholders can check in and pick up their Wine Stampede glasses at the LeClaire Civic Center, 127 S. Cody Road, starting at 1p.m. on Saturday, September 20th. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. VIDEO: X/@OversightDems The Jeffrey Epstein estate turned over a tranche of documents subpoenaed by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Monday, including at least one purporting to show a close relationship between the convicted sex offender and President Trump before he entered politics. The records include the 2003 birthday book, featuring a lewd entry allegedly written by Trump when he was a private citizen a note Trump has denied writing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Epsteins attorneys, however, the files include no client list, though it did turn over copies of his address book. Oversight Democrats just received the Epstein birthday book and additional documents from the Epstein estate. More soon, Rep. Robert Garcia (Calif.), the top Democrat on the panel, wrote on the social platform X. The panels Democrats immediately shared a copy of the letter Trump wrote to Epstein for his 50th birthday, showing the outline of a womans figure with a message in the middle referencing that the two have certain things in common. HERE IT IS: We got Trumps birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein that the President said doesnt exist. Trump talks about a wonderful secret the two of them shared. What is he hiding? Release the files! the Democrats wrote, sharing the image on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A White House official swiftly denied it was Trumps signature at the bottom of the drawing, but Garcia blasted the denial, accusing the president of engaging in a cover-up. This note, Donald Trump has said does not exist. But once again, he is lying to the American public and is leading a White House cover-up, Garcia said in a video message shortly after releasing the image. The transfer has the potential to shed new light on the many elite relationships maintained by Epstein and his longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20 year prison sente c for crimes related to sex trafficking. Behind Comer, the Oversight Committee had subpoenaed Epsteins estate last month seeking a number of documents by Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The subpoena asked for Epsteins will; any documents resembling a client list related to his sex trafficking charges; any black books containing his contacts; the flight logs from his plane and other rented aircraft; and an alleged book of letters from his friends commemorating his 50th birthday, among a host of other records. The assertion there is no client list among Epsteins documents aligns with earlier statements from the Justice Department, which said Epstein had no such list. However, the attorneys stated that they had attached his address/contact books. We are not aware of the existence of a list of clients involved in sex, sex acts, or sex trafficking facilitated by Mr. Jeffrey Epstein, the estates attorneys wrote in a response to the subpoena obtained by The Hill, saying they had only his book of contacts. The Estate does not possess the original Black Book, which may have been seized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation during the searches of Epsteins residences in 2019. We do not know the origin of the handwritten notes in the copy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The birthday book, which was reportedly compiled by Maxwell, Epsteins former girlfriend, includes a letter written by Trump when he was a private citizen in New York, as previously revealed in a bombshell Wall Street Journal report. A letter from the attorneys for Epsteins estate indicated they had already made some redactions to the materials, including the birthday book, with the unredacted materials to be made available to committee members for review. Included in this production are the three volumes comprising the leather-bound book compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell for Mr. Epsteins 50th birthday. Please note that, in an abundance of caution, we have redacted names and faces of women and minors who appear in the book (other than Ms. Maxwell, public figures, and family or class photos) to ensure that no potential victims are publicly identifiable, the attorneys wrote. We have also redacted photographs revealing any nudity from the book. As agreed with the Committee, the Co-Executors will make the original birthday book and unredacted versions of documents, records and other materials available to Committee members and their staff for their personal examination and review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The release comes as Trump, after previously endorsing the publication of the governments Epstein files, has more recently tried to shut down the release of any new documents. In recent days, he has blasted Congresss focus on the Epstein saga, characterizing it as a hoax promoted by Democrats to hurt him politically. On Friday, he took that criticism a step further, saying the Justice Department has done his job after delivering thousands of files to Comers committee. The now dying Epstein case was only brought back to life by the Radical Left Democrats because they are doing so poorly, with the lowest poll numbers in the history of the Party (16%), while the Republicans are doing so well, among the highest approval numbers the Party has ever had! Trump posted on his Truth Social network. Trump was known to have associated with Epstein in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when they ran in the same elite social circles in New York and South Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy, Trump told New York Magazine in 2002. Hes a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. Trump said the association soured and he cut off ties before Epsteins first arrest on sex charges in 2006. Comer requested the documents shortly before Labor Day. It is our understanding that the Estate of Jeffrey Epstein is in custody and control of documents that may further the Committees investigation and legislative goals, Comer wrote last month in a letter accompanying the subpoena. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further, it is our understanding the Estate is ready and willing to provide these documents to the Committee pursuant to a subpoena. The Oversight Committee last week released some Epstein documents, but many were already previously released. Those files included a court decision, videos from outside Epsteins jail cell and of his Florida home, and audio files of Maxwells interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche this year, all of which had already been made public. Updated at 7:14 p.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. [Source] Eric Trump, son of President Donald Trump, was hoisted and spun out of a sumo ring by a grand champion in Tokyo on Sept. 1, in a staged stunt that coincided with his trip for a shareholder meeting of Metaplanet, the Japanese cryptocurrency firm he advises. That same day, the company secured approval to issue 550 million new shares to raise about 130 billion yen ($850 million) for bitcoin purchases. Eric did not address the meeting publicly but posted videos of the sumo encounter on Instagram, captioning the post, Not every day you get invited to sumo the legend, Yokozuna! Almost had him! In the first match, Eric and the Yokozuna squared off before the wrestler effortlessly lifted and bearhugged him out of the circular sumo ring called dohyo. A second video showed the grand champion spinning Eric around like a helicopter rotor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clips went viral online, highlighting the spectacle of a wealthy American businessman turning a traditional Japanese sport into a photo opportunity. Erics Japan trip came weeks after he spoke at the Bitcoin Asia conference in Hong Kong, where he suggested he would never rule out a future White House bid. Im not saying no, but Im also not saying yes, he told Nikkei Asia in an interview published Sunday. His comments followed news that his wife, Lara Trump, would not pursue a Senate seat in North Carolina. Trending on NextShark: South Korea chooses Park Chan-wooks Venice sensation 'No Other Choice' for Oscars American Bitcoin, a bitcoin mining company Eric co-founded with his brother Donald Trump Jr. debuted on the stock market Wednesday and doubled in value on its first day of trading, valuing the brothers stake at well over $1.5 billion. The Trump family also controls roughly 60% of decentralized finance firm World Liberty Financial. Its native token, $WLFI, began trading publicly this week and immediately added about $5 billion in paper value to the familys holdings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ethics watchdogs have raised concerns over the familys growing influence in cryptocurrency while their father directs U.S. policy that could directly affect the industry. Trending on NextShark: Japans Suntory CEO steps down amid THC supplement investigation This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: Eric Trump gets tossed from sumo ring in Japan Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Erin Patterson, the Australian mother convicted last month of killing her estranged husband's parents and aunt by serving them a dish containing poisonous death cap mushrooms, was sentenced to three life sentences plus 25 years for attempted murder on Monday. The sentences are to be served concurrently with a non-parole period of 33 years, Justice Christopher Beale of the Victorian Supreme Court said during sentencing, which was broadcast live. "Fixing a non-parole period is not to undervalue the horrendous nature of your offending," he said. "Your total effective sentence will be life imprisonment and the period during which you will be ineligible for parole will be a very substantial one." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patterson, 50, was convicted by a jury in July for killing Gail and Don Patterson, the 70-year-old parents of her now ex-husband, Simon Patterson, and his 66-year-old aunt, Heather Wilkinson, and attempting to kill Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, on July 29, 2023. The method was poisonous death cap mushrooms that she cooked into a lunch and served them at her home in Leongatha, Victoria. "Your offending involved an enormous betrayal of trust," Beale told Patterson during sentencing. "Your victims were all your relatives by marriage. More than that, they had all been good to you and your children over many years, as you acknowledged in your testimony. "Not only did you cut short three lives and cause lasting damage to Ian Wilkinson's health, thereby devastating the extended Patterson and Wilkinson families, you inflicted untold suffering on your own children, whom you robbed of their beloved grandparents." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said her target was her estranged husband, who did not attend the lunch. During the nine-week trial, prosecutors built a case showing that Patterson had planned the murder, deliberately picking the mushrooms from locations she learned about online, dehydrating them and then turning them into a powder that she served to her guests in a beef Wellington. The jury heard she had enticed the family to her house by faking a cancer diagnosis and then feigned being sick along with the rest of her guests. Ian, who became sick after eating the meal, survived. During remarks to the press outside the courthouse, Ian thanked authorities for their work on the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They made a professional, efficient and effective investigation into what happened at the lunch," he said. "They brought to light the truth of what happened with the death of three good people. We're grateful for their skills that brought this truth to light." In handing down his sentence, he declined to enforce the harsher penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole, as the prosecution was seeking. In explaining his reasoning, Beale said Patterson had been held in continuous solitary confinement for the last 15 months and there was "a substantial chance" that, for her own protection, she would be held there for years to come. "The harsh prison conditions that you have experienced already and the likely prospect of solitary confinement for the foreseeable future are important and weighty considerations which should count for something in the sentencing exercise," he said. "In my view, the only scope for making them count is by fixing a non-parole period." ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL) The Erwin Board of Mayor and Aldermen met for a disciplinary hearing on Monday regarding recently fired police chief Regan Tilson. During the meeting, the board and Erwin Mayor Glenn White upheld the decision to terminate Tilson after hearing from the town attorney, Tilsons attorney and Tilson himself. Erwin releases investigation report on fired police chief News Channel 11 streamed the meeting live on WJHL.com. The full meeting can be viewed below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tilson was fired after failing an alcohol test on June 30. He was placed on leave before ultimately being terminated after an investigation that led the town recorder to determine his firing was warranted. Mr. Tilson failed an alcohol test on June 30, 2025, said White. A violation of the town of Erwins drug and alcohol testing policy for safety-sensitive positions. Mr. Baker found that the test was properly conducted and a valid test. Tilsons attorney, Todd Hull, told News Channel 11 that Tilson has appealed the decision and that he plans to run for Unicoi County Sheriff in 2026. On Friday, the Town of Erwin released the investigation findings into Tilsons alcohol test. More than a dozen witnesses were interviewed as part of the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Town officials also stated on Friday that Tilson had submitted records of a training in December 2024 that allegedly never occurred. Town leaders report the matter was referred to the district attorney generals office and then later to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. During Mondays meeting, White began by asking if anyone present wished to speak during the public comment period. No one chose to speak, and the board heard from Erwin Town Attorney Tom Seeley. Seeley reviewed the investigations findings for the board and asked that board members uphold the town recorders decision to fire Tilson. Tilsons attorney, Todd Hull, then took the podium and asked that Tilson be reinstated by whatever means the board determined. Hull informed the board that despite mentions of bloodwork, the only method of testing done for alcohol on Tilson was a breathalyzer, something Seeley later affirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hull argued that the results of the breathalyzer test were not conclusive, and the sudden change in Tilsons blood alcohol level over a span of 17 minutes was not indicative of him actually being impaired. Hull made repeated mentions of the energy drinks Tilson had reportedly consumed on the morning of the test, stating they can affect a breathalyzers results. Seeley argued that the second test was administered for that purpose after a waiting period. The important thing is that the day of the test, Chief [Reagan Tilson] volunteered to take that test, said Hull. There was 14 people that were interviewed, that stated there were no signs of impairment. No red eyes, no slurred speech, no obvious signs of impairment. This includes people that are trained in detection of alcohol impaired individuals. Hull also told the BMA that there had been no previous reports ever filed regarding Tilson and alcohol, and he called attention to Tilsons 17 years serving as chief and his actions during Hurricane Helene. He also reiterated the fact that Tilson was not even scheduled to be tested on June 30 but volunteered to do so. Hull also asked that the board not take into consideration the training issue, since the matter was still under investigation, and said it did not relate to the matter of Tilsons termination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were notified on Friday that there was a question about some training records and that the report had been turned to the DAs office who had turned it over to the TBI for investigation, Hull said. Weve not been contacted by the TBI, but we will be cooperating with their investigation. Tilson stood and made his own statement, denying that he had ever drunk on the job and claiming that he had not been drinking the morning of the test. The forensic toxicologist said that I had to have been drinking on duty for [my blood alcohol level] to be that high, which I did not, said Tilson. That test is not allowed in court. I think we shouldve followed up with a TBI test or a blood test, and I think that policy needs to change for other employees. Both Seeley and Hull discussed a potential return to work offer that had been made to Tilson with some restrictions regarding his ability to operate a vehicle or carry a firearm. However, the sides disagreed on what was required of Tilson and what he would have to admit to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seeley informed the BMA that the board would be tasked with voting on whether or not to uphold the decision to fire Tilson. White would then have the final decision after reviewing the investigation report, the statements made and the boards vote. After a 4-2 vote, the board recommended upholding the decision to terminate Tilson. White agreed and formally solidified Tilsons termination. Alderman Michael Baker voted against Tilsons termination due to what he called a lack of evidence. I still feel like the lack of a blood test or the lack that they did not sample the urine to make sure that there wasnt any alcohol, said Baker. I feel like without double-checking, and just only relying on a breathalyzer. Thats why I cant vote on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outbursts occurred during the meeting, with White warning one woman to be silent multiple times. Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers were present and escorted the BMA out of the meeting after it adjourned. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For Ukrainians and their supporters, the 82nd annual Venice Film Festival started off with a gut punch as they noticed the return of the Russian flag displayed alongside other countries flags at the main venue. I cant believe my eyes: the fascist tricolor of the Russian Federation is flying proudly above the main entrance and the red carpet, Venice-based Russian artist Katia Margolis wrote on her social media on Aug. 27, the day of the festivals opening. The very same flag under which Ukrainians are bombed, tortured, killed, and have their throats slit daily literally and figuratively. The Venice Film Festivals press office told the Kyiv Independent by phone that it could not comment on the issue and would forward the request to the festivals organizers by email. As of publication, no response has been received. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, many Western cultural institutions suspended cooperation with Russian artists as a show of solidarity with Ukraine. Ukrainian cultural figures have also repeatedly called for boycotts, sometimes refusing to appear publicly alongside Russian artists, including those who oppose the Kremlin. Ukrainian artists emphasize that their goal in calling for boycotts is not to cancel Russian culture but to compel the West to better scrutinize its imperialist narratives as it would with cultural output from any other empire. Our call for the suspension of cultural cooperation with Russia is not a punitive measure against individuals. It is a strategic necessity designed to dismantle a cultural framework that enables aggression. We invite our (Western) partners into a deeper conversation about their own long-held, and often unexamined, assumptions about Russian culture, Volodymyr Sheiko, director of the Ukrainian Institute, told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, nearly four years into the full-scale war after thousands of deaths and amid Russias escalating attacks on civilians Western cultural institutions have increasingly welcomed back Russian artists, sometimes even those who support the Kremlin. From 2022 to now After years of benefiting from Western audiences while supporting their countrys aggression, pro-Kremlin Russian artists seemed to finally lose access when Russia escalated its war in Ukraine into a full-scale invasion. This was clear in the opera world: soprano Anna Netrebko was dropped by the Metropolitan Opera in New York and several European venues in 2022 after initially staying silent about the full-scale war. I love my homeland of Russia and only seek peace and unity through my art, Netrebko claimed in one statement following backlash against her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before 2022, Netrebko openly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and was photographed with Russian officials at a 2014 event in St. Petersburg, where she donated to an opera house in Russian-occupied Donetsk. She later said her past actions and statements could be misinterpreted. Peter Gelb, the general manager of New Yorks Metropolitan Opera, said that he had urged Netrebko to denounce Putin at the start of the full-scale war. She reportedly declined, later stating publicly that it was wrong to pressure artists into making political statements. As a result, she was removed from the Metropolitan Operas scheduled productions. Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) applauds opera singer Anna Netrebko (R) after awarding her the title of National Artist of Russia in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Feb. 27, 2008. (Wikimedia / Vladimir Rodionov / Pool / EPA) People protest against the presence of soprano Anna Netrebko ahead of the season-opening gala at La Scala Opera House in Milan, Italy, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Piero Cruciatti/AFP via Getty Images) The Mets position since the start of the invasion had been to sever relations with all Russian artists who were publicly aligned with Putin. Today, our position remains the same, Gelb told the Kyiv Independent. But Netrebkos career has mostly weathered the backlash. Since 2022, she has performed at several venues worldwide and has more shows planned for fall 2025, including a return to the Royal Opera House in the U.K. In late July, a New York federal judge allowed her nationality-based discrimination lawsuit to proceed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, other Russian artists even more openly supportive of the Kremlin are slowly being reembraced by the West. Putins close ally, conductor Valery Gergiev, who was initially dismissed as chief conductor of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra in 2022 after refusing to publicly condemn Russias invasion of Ukraine, was also recently set to make his return to the European stage. Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) greets conductor Valery Gergiyev (R), after awarding him an order during a ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on May 30, 2024. (Contributor/Getty Images) People hold placards during a protest against the planned appearance of Russian conductor Valery Gergiev at an event at the Reggia di Caserta on July 27 in Milan, Italy, on July 19, 2025. (Piero Cruciatti/AFP via Getty Images) A scheduled concert at Italys Royal Palace of Caserta for late July was ultimately canceled after protests from more than 16,000 people, including Russian opposition leader Yulia Navalnaya. Organizers tried to claim that the logic of preclusiondoes not help peace. However, Gergievs continued roles as artistic director of both Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg and the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow is viewed by many as a result of his loyalty to Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was troubling to see Gergiev, who functions as Putins chief cultural propagandist, receive such an invitation, Gelb said. Read also: 10 books to better understand Ukraine on its Independence Day Why is this happening now? Many Ukrainians are struggling with a sense of abandonment as Russian artists are simultaneously being welcomed back while they fight to keep the worlds attention on the full-scale war. We see it being driven by a combination of fading international attention, deep-seated institutional habits and intellectual complacency, as well as business rationale and partners' diminishing resources, which naturally benefits better-funded state actors, Sheiko said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the wars outbreak, Western cultural institutions have tried on multiple occasions to bring Ukrainians together with exiled Russian dissidents, hoping to foster public alliances against Putins Russia through cultural diplomacy. But for many Ukrainian artists, the idea of such dialogue feels irrelevant or even insulting. At a time when simply surviving requires constant advocacy, sharing the stage with representatives of a culture that has long suppressed their own feels less like reconciliation and more like erasure. Ukrainian artists are more interested in being in dialogue with artists from other countries and cultures something Ukraine was deprived of throughout its long history of Russian occupation and the suppression of the Ukrainian language and culture, Ukrainian cultural manager Bohdana Neborak told the Kyiv Independent. A vast number of Ukraines cultural connections with other countries is simply ignored (by the West), while the idea of dialogue with Russians is elevated as if it were the most important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the West continues to romanticize Russian culture, even as news of daily war crimes pours in. Some argue that Russias cultural contributions should be separated from the atrocities in Ukraine. (L-R) Zakhar Navalny, Yulia Navalnaya, Maria Pevchikh, Odessa Rae, and Dasha Navalnaya attend the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California, on March 12, 2023, less than a month after the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. (Cindy Ord/VF23/Getty Images for Vanity Fair) Exiled Russian artists have also promoted this view novelist Mikhail Shishkin famously protested Dont Blame Dostoevsky for the war in The Atlantic in 2023, in which he lamented why Ukrainians were taking down Pushkin statues across Ukraine. Although it is natural to engage with and even admire the culture of imperial powers through a critical lens, Neborak warns that romanticizing Russian culture while the war shows no sign of ending is an escape from reality. Russia is waging a genocidal war against Ukraine, and this reality is so horrific and exhausting that for many it is easier to once again discuss Russian classics and accept the propagandist notion that Russian culture is deeply humanistic, rather than look for active ways to end the war and bring Russia to justice, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only Russias accountability for its crimes can serve as its pass to a democratic future. More than three years of Ukrainian calls for cultural boycotts have led some famous western Russophiles to rethink the imperial legacy in Russian culture American author Elif Batuman wrote a widely-shared article for The New Yorker in 2023 questioning the supposed universality of Russian literature in the shadow of the Ukraine war. However, many westerners still dont understand Ukrainians refusal to share cultural platforms with even anti-war Russian artists. There is an ongoing debate in Ukraines culture community about to what extent it is acceptable to engage with anti-war Russians if at all. One major problem has been the lack of differentiation between Russians who support the regime and those who actively oppose it. The blanket rejections of Russians, regardless of when they left the country or what views they hold, often alienate potential allies, Maria Genkin, who serves on the board of directors for the U.S.-based non-profit Razom for Ukraine, told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The difficulty in winning over Western support for broad boycotts is seen not only in the return of Russian cultural figures but also in the declining visibility of Ukrainians at some events, according to Genkin. Russian journalist Masha Gessen at the award ceremony for the Hannah Arendt Prize for Political Thinking in Bremen, Germany, on Dec. 16, 2023. (Morris MacMatzen/Getty Images) Ukrainian authors Artem Chapeye, Artem Chekh, and Iryna Tsilyk nearly withdrew from the 2023 PEN World Voices Festival after requesting in advance to be informed if Russian artists would participate but werent. The ensuing western media coverage largely overlooked their position: two of them were active service members seeking to honor their military oath. The festival wasnt held in 2024, but no Ukrainian authors took part in the 2025 festival, despite a number of Ukrainian books recently being translated into English. This kind of outcome does not serve Ukrainian interests, Genkin added. I fear it has contributed to fewer invitations for Ukrainian voices at American cultural forums. It marginalizes us in precisely the spaces where our voices are most needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the West continues to reembrace Russian artists despite the ongoing full-scale war, Ukrainians need to shift from a defensive stance to a more proactive one, according to Sheiko. By offering compelling cultural alternatives, building resilient long-term partnerships, and proving our value with professional cultural programming that captivates global audiences, we can secure our permanent place on the world stage not as a victim to sympathize with, but as an indispensable cultural partner, he said. Read also: We finally watched Russians at War its worse than we thought Whats the danger in it? Some works by Russian artists dont need to be overtly pro-Kremlin simply by muddying the reality of a war of total annihilation, they shape Western perceptions at a moment when clarity and strong support for Ukraine are more critical than ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Journalist Anastasia Trofimova made the documentary Russians at War to see through the fog of war. Yet much of the film dwells on nostalgia for brotherly nations a long-standing Kremlin narrative it uses to justify aggression and even features a Ukrainian fighting on Russias side. Despite immediate controversy when it premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2023, the documentary continued its global festival run and was later released on video on demand. Anastasia Trofimova, director of "Russians at War," is seen in a screengrab from the film, which she spent seven months making while living with Russian soldiers. (X) People protest against the documentary "Russians at War" during the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Canada, in September 2024. (Dmytro Basmat/The Kyiv Independent) Trofimova, who previously worked with Russian state media, claims she embedded with Russian forces in eastern Ukraine without official oversight a claim met with skepticism by many. Celebrating Russian artists who remain silent on Ukraine also risks undermining the urgency of the countrys struggle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yura Borisov, who became the first Russian actor in 50 years to be nominated for an Oscar in a performance category for his supporting role in Anora, is one such figure. With undeniable talent and a commanding screen presence, Borisov is hard to ignore. Yet for some, his silence off-screen about his countrys actions especially as his international profile rises is even harder to overlook. At the start of Russias full-scale war in 2022, Borisov reportedly signed an open anti-war letter with other Russian industry members. But after that, he stayed silent on Ukraine, even during the international press tour for Anora. Russian actor Yura Borisov in the 2020 film "AK-47," directed by Konstantin Buslov. (Social media) Before his Hollywood debut, Borisov starred in several Russian state-funded films most notably the 2020 biopic AK-47, which glorifies arms designer Mikhail Kalashnikov and was partially filmed in Russian-occupied Crimea. Borisovs Hollywood talent agency and publicists did not respond to the Kyiv Independents request for comment. Some in the Russian exile community question the point of a star like Borisov speaking out, noting that Ukrainians are unlikely to accept him even if he openly opposes the war, and that doing so could endanger his future in Russia. However, for Ukrainians many of whom have lost loved ones and lived under constant threat for over three years its impossible to sympathize with Russian artists who remain silent out of concern for their own safety. Ukrainian artists are calling on their Russian counterparts in exile to step up, arguing that simply being anti-Kremlin is not enough. Any form of interaction with Russian artists may be possible only if they actively support Ukraine for example, by helping promote Ukrainian culture or organizing rallies in foreign capitals demanding stronger sanctions on Russia and more arms supplies for Ukraine, Sheiko said. We expect them to aspire for Russias military defeat and accountability under international law, assume collective responsibility of the Russian society for this war, and embrace and pursue the long overdue decolonization of Russia and its culture. This is undoubtedly a big ask, but any dialogue between Ukrainians and Russians that is not based on such a common denominator is meaningless and futile. Note from the author: Kate Tsurkan herethank you for reading my latest article. The debates over boycotting Russian artists since the start of Russias full-scale war against Ukraine remain deeply charged and painful. My hope is that this piece helps clarify whats at stake and untangle some of the complexities in the conversation. If you like reading about this sort of thing, please consider supporting The Kyiv Independent. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, was sharply critical of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Monday, Sept. 8 that lifted a federal judges order prohibiting government agents from making indiscriminate immigration-related stops in Los Angeles. According to Reuters, the Supreme Court backed the Trump Administrations hard-line immigration policies and allowed immigration agents to proceed with Southern California raids targeting people for deportation based on their race or language. Escobar issued the following statement about the case called Kristi Noem v. Pedro Vazquez Perdomo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Courts conservative majority decided today to permit racial profiling, betraying the Constitution and the values its meant to uphold. The court has effectively legitimized discrimination under the guise of law and order, given government-sanctioned racism a green light, and, again, abandoned its duty to protect the rights of all people. This decision sends the full-throated message that Americans can be treated as suspects not because of their actions, but because of the color of their skin or the language they speak. As Justice Sotomayor said: We should not have to live in a country where the Government can seize anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish, and appears to work a low wage job. History will not remember this decision as a defense of liberty. It will be viewed as the grave failure of the highest court in the land that it is. Michael Aboud, chairman of the El Paso Republican Party, said the U.S. Supreme Court is upholding the Constitution of the United States and in their decision, they are acknowledging that the Trump Administration is following the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As usual the local congresswoman doesnt like it when the law is followed, which was on full display when the Biden Administration and the Democrats were in charge. They helped foreigners to enter our country illegally, they spent billions of our tax dollars on this endeavor, and totally disregarded the Constitution and the people in which they serve, Aboud 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 KTSM 9 News. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, is calling on the El Paso postmaster to addresss what she is calling deep concerns over postal services that have been brought to her attention by constituents and postal workers alike. Escobar said she sent a letter to El Paso Postmaster Cindi J. Tabbot to address these issues, which include low morale among employees and complaints about service from El Paso residents. Escobar said she sent the letter last week after a meeting with senior regional staff including the El Paso postmaster on Aug. 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among her concerns, Escobar said, constituents have reported that they have not received mail at their designated cluster box for months at a time. USPS is an agency that my constituents seem to consistently have problems navigating, and in turn, open casework with my office, Escobar wrote in her letter. There have been several types of USPS casework inquiries, with the most recent trend being El Pasoans not receiving mail at their designated cluster box for months on end. Escobar also said that postal workers told her that a vehicle crashed into the Northgate Postal Office over a year ago, creating significant damage, including a large hole in one of the walls. The damage has not been repaired, Escobar said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I brought up this incident and others during our meeting, there was no meaningful acknowledgment of the issue and certainly no sense of urgency or responsibility to fix it. In fact, there was deflection instead of concern. This is totally unacceptable and illustrates one of the likely reasons why morale among employees is so low, Escobar wrote in her letter. Escobar said she has been communicating regularly with the local National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 505 to learn about ongoing issues with staffing, vehicle maintenance, facility conditions, and overall morale, Escobar said. She also asked that the local postmaster general answer questions on staffing and hiring challenges, work conditions, leadership engagement, operations and maintenance and facility conditions. El Pasoans deserve high-quality USPS service, and I look forward to working together to do just that. Thank you for your full and fair consideration of this matter, consistent with applicable statute and agency guidelines. I respectfully request a response to the questions and concerns I have raised above, no later than October 1, 2025, Escobar wrote in her letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Postal Service sent us the following statement in response: The Postal Service will provide a written response directly to the Congresswoman, per our established process. Further, customers are reminded that if they need assistance with mailing, shipping, or service concerns, they have a variety of options for reaching us, including contacting a manager or supervisor at their local Post Office, calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777), or visiting our website at www.usps.com. Here is the the letter that Escobar sent to local El Paso Postmaster Cindi J. Tabbot: letter_to_local_usps_postmaster_cindi_j._tabbotDownload Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Estonia summoned the Russian charge daffaires at Moscow's embassy in Tallinn on Sept. 8 after a Russian MI-8 helicopter violated Estonian airspace over the Baltic Sea, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said on X. The incident, which Tsahkna said was the third of its kind in 2025, occurred near Vaindloo Island, located approximately 28 km north of Estonia's mainland in the Gulf of Finland. The airspace violation lasted about four minutes on Sept. 7, according to the press service of Estonia's Defence Forces. The helicopter had neither its transponder turned on nor a flight plan. Today, we summoned the charge daffaires of Russias Embassy to deliver a protest note after a Russian MI-8 helicopter violated Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island. This is the third such incident this year, a serious breach of international law. We also condemned Russias Margus Tsahkna (@Tsahkna) September 8, 2025 The incident adds to a series of aerial provocations reported by NATO allies since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 as Moscow is suspected of using the aircraft to spy on the alliance's positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian aircraft often fly without using transponders, failing to file flight plans, and do not establish contact with regional air traffic control a pattern that NATO officials have long described as high-risk behavior. European allies have repeatedly warned that Russia's ongoing aerial provocations could lead to a dangerous escalation if not firmly countered. In previous incidents, Russian aircraft have taken off from Kaliningrad, headed west toward international airspace near Poland, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark. In addition to the flights, Russian sabotage efforts have escalated drastically in the Baltic Sea region since the outbreak of full-scale war in 2022. Russia 'shadow fleet' vessels have been suspected of deliberately damaging undersea power cables as a means of disruption on the European continent. Read also: EU considers new sanctions on Russian banks, oil trade, Bloomberg reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. On Monday 8 September, the Estonian Foreign Ministry sent a note of protest to Russia over the violation of the country's airspace that occurred on 7 September. Source: European Pravda, citing a statement by the Estonian Foreign Ministry Details: As reported by ERR, on 7 September, a Russian helicopter violated Estonia's airspace. At that time, a Mi-8 helicopter entered Estonian airspace without permission in the vicinity of Vaindloo Island. The helicopter did not have a flight plan, and its transponder was turned off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The helicopter remained in Estonian airspace for about four minutes. In connection with this incident, the country's Foreign Ministry summoned the charge d'affaires of the Russian Embassy to express its protest and deliver an official note regarding the violation of Estonian airspace. According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, this was another serious and unfortunate incident, especially considering that it is already the third such violation this year. Background: In May, the Estonian Navy attempted to stop a Jaguar tanker, which was passing through international waters in the Gulf of Finland in the direction of the port of Primorsk. The ship belonged to the Russian Federation's shadow fleet. According to available information, the tanker's crew refused to comply with the instructions of the Estonian border guards, but the ship left Estonian economic waters. In response to the actions of the Estonian military, Russia sent a fighter jet, which, according to the Estonian army, violated the country's airspace. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said at the time that the incident indicated that Russia was ready to defend its shadow fleet. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Johannesburg Africa's largest hydroelectric dam, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), on the Blue Nile is scheduled to open Tuesday to major fanfare in Ethiopia. The $5 billion dam project has been a uniting force for Ethiopians both at home and abroad, who have helped to fund the project. Funding calls had gone out since the project was launched in 2011, with the government also issuing bonds to fund construction of the mile-long, 475-foot-high structure. The celebrations in Ethiopia, however, will not extend further down the mighty river into neighboring Sudan or Egypt, both of which have warned that the dam could bring grave consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After years of failed talks, there was still no agreement in place a day before the dam was due to commence operations on how the water will flow through the mammoth structure to ensure adequate supplies in Egypt and Sudan. A general view shows the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in Guba, Ethiopia, in a Feb. 19, 2022 file photo. / Credit: AMANUEL SILESHI/AFP/Getty Only 54% of Ethiopia's roughly 120 million inhabitants have access to reliable power, and Ethiopian officials have said the 5,150-megawatt capacity dam is expected to double national electricity generation capacity. Egypt and Sudan's opposition to the dam In a joint statement last week, Egypt and Sudan said the dam "breached international law and would cause grave consequences to the two downstream countries." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both nations have said they now consider water security a national security concern. The Blue Nile flows from Ethiopia to Khartoum, Sudan's capital, where it joins the White Nile before flowing into Egypt as the Nile. The Nile River and its tributaries in Ethiopia and Sudan are shown on a map. / Credit: Getty/iStockphoto The Blue Nile, soon to flow through the new dam, supplies more than 80% of the water for the combined river system. Egypt's government, noting that more than 90% of the country is desert, has said most of its population lives along the Nile, and it has raised concern for years that the dam will reduce water flow and cause shortages and officials have warned they will take measures in response if that happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Anyone who imagines that Egypt will turn a blind eye to an existential threat to its water security is mistaken," Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said in August, calling it a potential "existential" threat to his country. "We will continue to monitor the situation and take all measures provided for under international law to safeguard our people's existential resources," El-Sisi said. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been widely quoted as saying the dam will benefit everyone in the region, through power purchase agreements and flood control. Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed speaks during the first power generation ceremony at the site of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in Guba, Ethiopia, in a Feb. 20, 2022 file photo. / Credit: AMANUEL SILESHI/AFP via Getty "To our neighbours downstream Egypt and Sudan our message is clear: The Renaissance Dam is not a threat, but a shared opportunity. It is a symbol of regional cooperation and mutual benefit. The energy and development it will generate stand to uplift not just Ethiopia, but the entire region," he said in remarks on July 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a social media post on Sept. 2, Abiy called seeing the dam completed "a historic milestone in Ethiopia," adding that for him personally it was a "final prayer and it was my ultimate wish." Trump's criticism and the U.S. stance on GERD The U.S. government has long tried to balance the concerns and needs of the countries in the region when it comes to the dam project. During the Biden administration in 2024, then Assistant Secretary of State Molly Phee told reporters the U.S. had "underscored our recognition of" Egypt's water needs "and the importance of the Nile to Egypt," along with "Sudan's concerns about dam operations and safety, and Ethiopia's compelling development needs." She said the U.S. was "committed to helping all these parties discuss how agreements related to water management, use, and access can contribute to security and stability" in the region, and she said the administration remained "ready to engage diplomatically in support of such efforts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More recently, President Trump has criticized the dam, claiming several times without offering evidence or clarification, most recently in late July that the project was "stupidly" funded "with United States money, largely," and noting specifically Egypt's concerns over its Nile water supply. A satellite image shows the massive reservoir created in Ethiopia by the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which can be seen at center-left, on the Blue Nile River, Oct. 31, 2023. / Credit: Gallo Images/Orbital Horizon/Copernicus Sentinel Data The coordination body established by Ethiopia's government to drum up funding for the project has vehemently denied Mr. Trump's assertions, insisting the dam was built "without any foreign aid." Ethiopia will be hosting the Second Africa Climate Summit from Monday, and Abiy has voiced hope that African leaders attending the summit will also attend Tuesday's GERD grand opening celebrations. The dam is expected to bring in $1 billion in revenue annually, according to Abiy, who has pledged that the money will help finance other infrastructure projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Barrett on the Supreme Court's checks on Trump's power "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" turns 50: "Don't dream it, be it" Stand-up Nate Bargatze on operating in "the chaos" EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova, after visiting the Cabinet of Ministers building on Monday alongside other heads of diplomatic missions, has stated that it had been damaged by a Russian Iskander ballistic missile. Source: EU Ambassador Katarina Mathernova on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "I saw it with my own eyes: Putin knows exactly what he is doing. The Iskander ballistic missile that struck the Cabinet of Ministers was aimed right there at the heart of Ukraines government." Details: Mathernova described a morning visit to the site alongside other diplomatic mission heads, accompanied by Ukraines Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and the ministers of foreign and internal affairs. Quote: "We were shown sizeable remnants of the actual missile. And a multitude of shrapnel coming from the cluster munition embedded in the Iskander." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Only thanks to the missile failing to fully detonate, the entire building was not reduced to rubble. And thanks to the rapid action of Ukraines amazing rescue services true heroes the fire was contained to the three floors, before it would swallow the rest of the building." "This is the time for allies to step up, to massively increase pressure on Russia, and to give Ukraine what it needs to protect its skies." Background: The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russians fired cruise missiles on the capital from an Iskander-K system on the night of 7 September, while ballistic Iskander missiles struck other cities across Ukraine the same night. Ukraines Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko previously posted a video of the Cabinet building damaged in the Russian attack, appealing to Ukraines partners to take action to stop Russia. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! New data from the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has found that asylum applications to the 27-nation bloc fell 23 percent during the first six months of 2025 after a significant drop in Syrians seeking asylum in Europe since the fall of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad last December. Syrians, who had been the largest group of asylum seekers in the past decade, sharply dropped to fourth place in May, the EUAA found. Monthly Syrian asylum applications fell from roughly 16,000 in October 2024 to just 3,100 in May 2025, a steep fivefold decrease in just seven months, the agency said on Monday. This downturn, the like of which has not been seen since the initial wave of COVID-19 is likely not due to any asylum policy changes in the EU+, it added, referring to all 27 members of the bloc, as well as Switzerland and Norway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since al-Assads ouster, the interim Syrian authorities have pushed a platform of stability and reconstruction for the war-ravaged society. Though the fledgling government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa has contended with eruptions of violence in Suwayda in southern Syria and Israeli attacks, there is newfound hope, leading to an increasing number of Syrians making the journey to return to their country. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), as of mid-May, more than 500,000 Syrians are estimated to have crossed back into Syria since the fall of the Assad government. At the height of the ruinous civil war, an exodus of millions of Syrians fled to neighbouring countries and more than a million to Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Syrians no longer being the largest application group for the EU, Venezuelans have now emerged as the largest asylum seekers. According to the report, the rise of applications from Venezuela is driven by multiple factors, including a severe economic and political crisis and evolving United States immigration policies, which could change migration movements. In the first six months of the year, the second-highest applicant group was asylum seekers from Afghanistan. For applications to specific destinations, Germany, which had once been the leading destination for asylum seekers, has been receiving fewer applications than Spain, Italy and France. Overall, EU+ countries received 399,000 asylum applications in the first six months of this year. A spokesman for the European Commission urged an end to the hostilities after at least six people were killed in a shooting attack at a bus stop in Jerusalem on Monday. "We condemn this attack, as we condemn all loss of lives," the spokesperson told reporters in Brussels on Monday. "We call for the de-escalation, and this shows how necessary and critical a ceasefire is. Civilians on both sides, both Palestinians and Israelis, have suffered for far too long and far too much," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This must end now, and it is high time to break this cycle of violence." Two Palestinians opened fire at a bus stop in the north of Jerusalem, killing at least six Israelis. The perpetrators were shot dead at the scene. According to Palestinian sources, the perpetrators came from two nearby Palestinian villages located in the occupied West Bank just north of Jerusalem. The European Union is preparing a 19th package of sanctions targeting Russian banks and the energy sector, Bloomberg reported Sept. 8, citing its undisclosed sources. The news comes as Ukraine's allies ramp up diplomatic pressure on the Kremlin to end the war through further sanctions. The EU has dispatched a delegation to Washington to discuss potential new restrictions with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who, despite repeated threats, has yet to impose additional sanctions on Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The upcoming sanctions package, expected to be unveiled in September, is set to include restrictions on Russia's shadow fleet and a ban on reinsurance for Russian tankers. It will also target Russian oil traders operating in third countries and impose limitations on major oil companies such as Rosneft and Lukoil. Additional measures under consideration include a ban on exports of goods and chemicals used in Russia's military industry, trade restrictions on foreign suppliers, including Chinese companies, and visa restrictions on ports handling sanctioned shadow vessels. The package may also impose sanctions related to artificial intelligence with military applications. For the first time, the EU is reportedly considering sanctions against Kazakhstan to block the supply of certain materials used in Russian weapons production, according to Bloomberg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Brussels announced work on its 19th sanctions package on Aug. 19, Politico reported that the EU is running out of tools. The EU banned most Russian oil imports at the onset of the full-scale invasion and aims to phase out all energy purchases by the end of 2027. "The sooner we have that import ban in place, the better our energy security, independence, and price stability," Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, the European Commission spokesperson for climate, energy, transport, and taxation, told the Kyiv Independent. "Russia has for years been an unreliable energy supplier for the EU," the spokesperson said. "If we want to become energy independent in the EU, this is a necessary step we have to take, all together, as a Union." Read also: No more excuses: Its time to strike Russias war chest Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The European Union is considering imposing new sanctions against approximately six Russian banks and energy companies. This week, an EU delegation will visit Washington to discuss the possibility of joint action. Source: European Pravda, citing Bloomberg Details: The European Union is discussing a fresh sanctions package, which would be the 19th since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EU hopes to coordinate some of its measures with the United States, according to sources who spoke with Bloomberg on condition of anonymity. A delegation of EU officials will visit Washington this week to meet with their American counterparts and discuss the possibility of joint action. "We are prepared to increase pressure on Russia, but we need our partners in Europe to follow," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an interview with NBC on Sunday 7 September. The US and Europe are discussing new sanctions and secondary tariffs against Russia, hoping that the "collapse" of the Russian economy will force Putin to sit down at the peace table with Ukraine, Bessent added. US President Donald Trump has so far refrained from imposing direct sanctions on Russia. However, Trump has doubled tariffs on goods from India to 50% due to its continued purchases of Russian oil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alongside extra fees on buyers of Russian oil, the US is weighing sanctions on the shadow fleet of Russian tankers and on energy giants Rosneft and Lukoil, as previously reported by Bloomberg. The sources said the future EU sanctions package includes tougher sanctions on Russian shadow fleet vessels and oil traders in third countries and may ban reinsurance for tankers on the list. Background: On 7 September, Trump said he is ready to move to the second phase of sanctions against Russia. On the same day, he also said that some European leaders will visit the United States on Monday or Tuesday to discuss ways to resolve the Russo-Ukrainian war. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The European Capital of Culture programme turned 40 this summer, and while many residents of cities lucky enough to be given the designation appreciate the honour, the origins of the programme are not as widely celebrated. It all started with Greek actress Melina Mercouri, who became culture minister of her country, and Jack Lang, who headed the same ministry in France. "Both aimed to strengthen and deepen a shared European identity through culture," explained political scientist Jurgen Mittag in Cologne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many consider their idea the greatest success story of European cultural policy. Mercouri (19201994) rose to fame with the comedy "Never on Sunday" (1960), in which she played a prostitute in Piraeus who leads a women's uprising and triumphs. She also starred alongside Peter Ustinov in "Topkapi." During the Greek military dictatorship (19671974), Mercouri, who later became a socialist politician, lived in exile in France. For her opposition to the Greek junta, leading regime politician Stylianos Pattakos stripped her of her Greek citizenship. "I was born a Greek and will die a Greek, Mercouri responded. "Mr Pattakos was born a fascist. He will die a fascist." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She served as culture minister from 1981 to 1989 and again in 1993/94. How it all began 40 years ago It was June, 1985. In London, Charles and Diana attended the European premiere of the James Bond film "A View to a Kill" starring Roger Moore. On Friday, June 21, 1985, Greek President Christos Sartzetakis proclaimed Athens as the first "European Capital of Culture." According to dpa reports at the time, hammering and drilling continued until the last minute. That evening, Athens celebrated exuberantly among the 2,500-year-old structures of the Acropolis. The idea of celebrating a city each year was agreed upon at a summit in June 1983. From then on, a different metropolis was to be named the cultural capital of the European Community, as the European Union was then called. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Athens inaugural nod featured a modest summer festival. Today, the designation is often accompanied by urban development initiatives and numerous events. It provides an opportunity for previously overlooked cities and regions to gain attention across Europe - or even globally. Art and culture as a catalyst for urban renewal After Athens, the title went to Florence (1986), Amsterdam (1987), West Berlin (1988) and Paris (1989). The early years were "strongly characterized by high-cultural events," said Mittag, who published the book "The Idea of the European Capital of Culture." In the 1990s, the concept underwent a fundamental shift. "Industrial and port cities like Glasgow (1990) or Antwerp (1993) no longer used the title solely for prestigious art installations but also as a catalyst for urban transformation," Mittag explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The title was now used to revitalize neighbourhoods, promote tourism and strengthen local identity. "The Capital of Culture became a strategic tool for urban development," Mittag said, "with sometimes spectacular events, such as in 2010, when Essen led the Ruhr region in presenting itself as a vibrant cultural metropolis." The western German city has long been known as a major industrial location - particularly for the coal industry. Today, Mittag believes the challenge is to continually "balance cultural and European innovation, infrastructural and economic sustainability, and tourist appeal with the inclusion of the local population." A complex selection process Of course, Europe would not be Europe if the process had not become more complicated over time. In 2000, nine capitals were named, though since then the title is usually shared by two cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2020, cities from EU candidate countries or other European countries not in the EU, such as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, apply for the title every few years. As a result, there are occasionally three European Capitals of Culture. Last year, Bad Ischl in Austria, Tartu in Estonia and Bod in Norway were named. A German city was named as one of the cultural capitals for this year for only the fourth time - following West Berlin in 1988, Weimar in 1999 and Essen in 2010. Alongside the Slovenian-Italian twin cities of Nova Gorica and Gorizia, the Saxon city of Chemnitz, formerly known as Karl-Marx-Stadt, holds the honour in 2025. In 2026, the title will go to Oulu in Finland and Trencin in Slovakia. Greek actress and singer Melina Mercouri turned to politics and became Greece's culture minister after her stage career was over. She's considered a main driver of the European Capital of Culture programme. Heinrich Sanden/dpa The European Commission announced Friday that it had issued a 2.95 billion fine, equivalent to nearly $3.5 billion, to Big Tech giant Google, stating that the company had violated European Union antitrust law with its adtech business. The blocs antitrust watchdog said Google abused its dominant position in adtech by favoring its own online display advertising technology services, and thus distorting competition throughout the industry. The European Commission has previously handed down hefty fines to Google, but this is the second-largest fine the blocs antitrust arm has ever assigned. Google was also responsible for the highest-ever fine. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the fine, Google is expected to bring its practices and business into compliance with EU regulations. It has 60 days to propose how it might do so, and 30 additional days to implement its plans. Teresa Ribera, executive vice president for clean, just and competitive transition, said regulators decision shows that large companies arent above the law. Google must now come forward with a serious remedy to address its conflicts of interest, and if it fails to do so, we will not hesitate to impose strong remedies. Digital markets exist to serve people and must be grounded in trust and fairness. And when markets fail, public institutions must act to prevent dominant players from abusing their power, Ribera said in a statement. True freedom means a level playing field, where everyone competes on equal terms and citizens have a genuine right to choose. The European Publishers Council, which brought the complaint that ultimately resulted in the fine and necessary reform measures, said the fine could encourage poor behavior from Big Tech companies going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fine will not fix Googles abuse of its adtech. Strong and decisive action by Google to end illegal practices will be crucial, as Google will simply write off the fine as a cost of business, Angela Mills Wade, executive director of the EPC, said in a statement. For its part, Google has made it loud and clear that it plans to appeal. In an emailed statement, Lee-Anne Mulholland, vice president, global head of regulatory affairs at Google, called the Commissions decision wrong and unjustified. Theres nothing anticompetitive in providing services for ad buyers and sellers, and there are more alternatives to our services than ever before, Mulholland said in the statement. The Commission was originally expected to hand down the fine earlier in the week, but EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic asked antitrust regulators to hold their decision, fearing that Trump would take his frustration out on a pending automotive tariff deal between the bloc and the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has previously noted that he takes issue with the way the EU regulates technology and the digital realm. Reportedly, a final deal between the U.S. and the EU was held up over Trumps distaste for the stringency of the Digital Services Act, a regulation that aims to make the internet safer and more transparent for EU citizens and consumers. The president once again showed his contempt for the EUs enforcement of its antitrust regulations, taking to Truth Social to express his frustrations. He called the fine discriminatory and said that, in fining Google, the EU is effectively taking money that would otherwise go to American Investments and Jobs. Trump said he would consider launching a Section 301 investigation against the EU in retaliation for the fine against Google. We cannot let this happen to brilliant and unprecedented American Ingenuity and, if it does, I will be forced to start a Section 301 proceeding to nullify the unfair penalties being charged to these Taxpaying American Companies, Trump wrote on his Truth account Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Section 301 is also known as the Relief from Unfair Trade Practices clause of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974; it allows the president to implement retaliatory trade actions and tariffs, withdraw certain trade agreements or concessions and more. That would be a blow to EU regulators, who fought for the lowest-possible tariff on items imported into the U.S. from the EU. That the most recent fine against Google is but one in a string of fines from EU competition regulators didnt escape Trumps gaze. In a follow-on Truth Social post Friday, the president noted that Google has paid billions of dollars worth of fines to the EU in the past. How crazy is that? The European Union must stop this practice against American Companies, IMMEDIATELY! EU Sanctions Envoy David OSullivan is holding talks in Washington on Monday 8 September to coordinate restrictive measures against Russia with the United States. Source: Olof Gill, Deputy Chief Spokesperson of the European Commission, cited by European Pravda Details: Gill confirmed that OSullivan is in Washington, DC, accompanied by a team of EU experts, and will meet his US counterparts later in the day to discuss sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can confirm that our EU sanctions envoy David O'Sullivan is currently in Washington DC with a team of EU experts," Gill said. Gill added that the European team "will meet with their US counterparts later today to discuss sanctions". "We're not going to provide more details beyond that at this point," he said. "I can also say that there has been over the course of the weekend outreach from the Commission to our member states which is a normal part of the procedure as we prepare sanctions packages," Gill noted. Background: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas earlier outlined possible elements of the 19th sanctions package. It was said that secondary sanctions aimed at preventing third countries from helping Russia circumvent existing restrictions might be included in the new package. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he is ready to move into a "second phase" of sanctions against Russia. On 7 September, Trump added that some European leaders are expected to visit Washington on 8 or 9 September to discuss ways to address Russias war against Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! During the European Parliament session on 8-11 September in Strasbourg, MEPs will discuss preparations for security guarantees for Ukraine, adopt a resolution assessing Ukraine's reforms on its path towards the EU, and listen to the State of the Union address by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Source: European Parliament press service, as reported by European Pravda Details: On Tuesday 9 September, at 9:00 local time, debates on security guarantees for Ukraine will begin with Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afterwards, MEPs will discuss Ukraines reforms and progress towards EU membership. On the same day, from 13:30 to 14:30 Kyiv time, they will vote on the corresponding resolution. At 13:00, Moldovan President Maia Sandu will address the European Parliament, and around 19:00 MEPs will debate strengthening Moldovas resilience against hybrid attacks from Russia. On Wednesday 10 September, at 9:00 local time, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver her State of the Union address. "This is a milestone event for European democracy, during which the president of the European Commission presents the current state of affairs, achievements made in the mandate so far, and most importantly, and most interestingly for you all, announces new targets and policies for the coming years," said Olof Gill, deputy chief spokesperson for the European Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that after delivering her speech, von der Leyen will discuss issues of key importance to the European Union with MEPs. Background: The European Parliament has decided to sue the Council of the EU after being excluded from discussions on the SAFE loan defence programme worth 150 billion. It was also reported that Polands prosecutor general has submitted a request to the European Parliament to lift the immunity of controversial MEP Grzegorz Braun. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! (Reuters) -The EU's top sanctions official was in Washington with a team of experts on Monday to discuss what would be the first coordinated transatlantic measures against Russia since President Donald Trump returned to office. With Moscow continuing to pound Ukrainian cities more than three weeks after Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Alaska, European leaders hope the U.S. president is finally ready to follow through on repeated threats to act. On Sunday, after the war's biggest air attack so far set fire to government buildings in Kyiv, Trump said he was ready to move to a second phase of restrictions, the closest he has come yet to announcing new sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who took office in January promising a swift end to the war, has repeatedly set deadlines for Moscow to agree a ceasefire or face tougher sanctions, only to back off before new measures were imposed. The EU gave few details about the mission by its sanctions envoy David O'Sullivan to the United States. But should he succeed in coordinating a package with the Americans, it would be the first time that has happened since Trump returned to office. Sanctions were regularly coordinated between Europe and the United States under Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden. Antonio Costa, the president of the EU's council of national leaders, said new sanctions were being closely coordinated with the U.S. EU officials are hopeful of better cooperation after several disappointments early in the year as Trump pursued his own peace talks with Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States has yet to join the EU, Britain and Canada in seeking to lower a price cap on global sales of Russian crude oil to $47.60 a barrel, now that global prices have fallen to the point that an earlier price cap no longer has much impact. Trump has, however, announced steep tariffs on U.S. imports from India, citing its purchases of Russian crude. On Friday, Trump said he would get the war settled "or there'll be hell to pay". On Sunday, when asked by a reporter at the White House if he was ready to move to "the second phase" of sanctions against Russia, Trump responded: "Yeah, I am." He did not elaborate, but oil prices climbed more than $1 on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'EVEN MORE HARDSHIP' At least four people, including an infant, were killed on Sunday in Russia's biggest wave of long-range airstrikes of the war, which set a government building ablaze in Kyiv. New strikes on Monday targeted a power station near Kyiv and Ukraine's electricity grid, causing local blackouts. "The goal is obvious: to cause even more hardship to the peaceful population of Ukraine, to leave Ukrainian homes, hospitals, kindergartens and schools without light and heat," Ukraine's Energy Ministry wrote on the Telegram messaging app. Russia denies intentionally targeting civilians but says attacks on Ukraine's civil infrastructure are legitimate, to reduce Kyiv's ability to fight. Ukraine also launches long-range attacks on Russian territory, though on a far smaller scale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv says restricting Russia's profit from selling oil on global markets is the only way to curb Moscow's ability to fund its war effort. The Kremlin said on Monday that no sanctions would force it to change course in Ukraine. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbour in February 2022 and now occupies about a fifth of the country. Russia has killed thousands of Ukrainian civilians and Europe's worst fighting since World War Two is estimated to have killed or wounded hundreds of thousands of soldiers on both sides. Moscow says it will not end the war unless Kyiv accepts Russian control of conquered territory, cedes additional land, and is permanently disarmed and barred from forming military alliances. Ukraine says that would be tantamount to surrender and shows Russia has no interest in genuine peace talks. "No sanctions will be able to force the Russian Federation to change the consistent position that our president has repeatedly spoken about," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The German government's spokesperson said on Monday that Russia's "ongoing escalation of the war shows that Putin does not want to negotiate - he wants to continue to create facts." "And this can only be stopped by enabling Ukraine to maintain its defence and not allowing Putin to succeed," the spokesperson added. Some European officials have questioned whether sanctions can have the intended purpose of forcing Russia to change course, unless they are widened to extend to other countries. "We don't buy his gas, but the rest of the world is buying it," Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said in an interview with Il Tirreno newspaper, published on Monday. "What's the point of sanctions if Putin has alternatives?" (Writing by Peter GraffEditing by Ros Russell) Vice President JD Vance hit a new low while attempting to defend a deadly extrajudicial military strike on an alleged drug boat, and even Republicans are noticing. Vance, who is known for his emotional outburstsboth online and offhas once again demonstrated that he cant take any amount of criticism. Killing cartel members who poison our fellow citizens is the highest and best use of our military, Vance wrote on X Saturday morning, referring to the presidents strike on a boat in international waters last week. The government has claimed the strike killed 11 members of the Tren de Aragua gang who were bringing drugs to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Krassenstein, a political podcaster and social media influencer critical of Trump, stepped in to remind Vance that the government hadnt provided any actual evidence to support the claim that they were TdA members. (If it wasnt true, it wouldnt be the first time.) Killing the citizens of another nation who are civilians without any due process is called a war crime, he wrote. I dont give a shit what you call it, Vance replied. What Vance might have imagined as a defiant mic-drop moment betrayed his disturbing willingness to ignore federal and international law to commit executions. Republican Senator Rand Paul slammed Vances statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JD I dont give a shit Vance says killing people he accuses of a crime is the highest and best use of the military. Did he ever read To Kill a Mockingbird? Paul wrote in a post on X. Did he ever wonder what might happen if the accused were immediately executed without trial or representation?? What a despicable and thoughtless sentiment it is to glorify killing someone without a trial. Vances comment was particularly disturbing in light of remarks from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who imagines that he has absolute authority to commit acts of war against nations Congress has not declared war against. In reality, the Trump administration received no legal authorization for the use of force, and is still struggling to invent a legal basis for its own strike. It seems they even struggled to decide where to say the boat was headed. (The Center Square) The former director of a northwest Ohio transit authority will spend more than two years in jail after stealing nearly $30,000 in public resources more than five years ago. Shelia Haney, who ran the Allen County Regional Transit Authority in Lima, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for theft of about $27,000. She was also convicted of theft in office, four counts of tampering with records and one count of tampering with evidence. All the convictions are felonies. She was indicted in October 2024 and convicted by a jury in July. Along with prison time, Haney was ordered to pay $28,384 in restitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shelia Haney broke the law and then tried to hide her actions, State Auditor Keith Faber said. She is paying the price for those crimes, and, today, justice was served for the citizens of Allen County. Faber and attorneys from the Auditor of States Special Investigations Unit served as special prosecutors. Haney was executive director of the transit authority from September 2012 to February 2020, when she resigned. Investigators accused Haley of selling authority-owned salvage vehicles and illegally diverting the proceeds to a political action committee created to help a campaign to pass a new tax levy for the organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also received reimbursement for personal travel not related to authority business, investigators said. Auditors said the crimes took place between April 2018 and February 2020. Voters passed an increase in sales tax in May 2019 to provide about $100,000 in additional revenue a month for the authority to be used to match federal funds and another $30,000 a month for capital projects. (This Sept. 8 story has been corrected to add the missing words 'from the risks' to the FDA statement, in paragraph 7) By Patrick Wingrove and Emma Rumney (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to fast-track reviews of four tobacco firms' nicotine pouches in a pilot program launching on Monday, amid pressure from the Trump administration to speed up approvals, according to meeting transcripts seen by Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FDA aims to finish reviewing the pouches from Philip Morris International, Altria, Reynolds American - part of British American Tobacco - and Turning Point Brands by December, according to one transcript of an agency meeting held on Friday. Tobacco companies have previously had to wait years for their products to be cleared. The agency authorized its first group of pouches, 20 of PMI's pouch products under its successful label Zyn, in January, over five years after the company first submitted its application. Some of the products selected for the pilot, such as an updated version of PMI's pouches, Zyn Ultra, are not yet on the market as producers wait for the FDA's greenlight. Rivals have gained market share with more competitive products in the meantime. The pilot could provide a route to a far quicker legal launch for those selected to participate. For other products already on the market without permission, FDA authorization would remove questions over their legality and the threat of potential enforcement from the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An FDA official told staff last month that the agency had been pressured by leadership, including at the White House, to review nicotine pouches more efficiently, according to a transcript of a second meeting. Bret Koplow, acting director of the FDAs Center for Tobacco Products, said the agency was not facing any pressure to lower its scientific standard or compromise its commitment to protecting public health from the risks posed by tobacco products. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Tobacco companies have been lobbying President Donald Trump and other key officials this year for changes they favor, including a faster, clearer FDA authorization process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BAT's Reynolds American donated $10 million to Trump-aligned super PAC Make America Great Again Inc, Federal Election Commission filings show. Nicotine pouches, which users insert under the lip to get a kick, are the fastest-growing category of tobacco products in the United States, the world's largest market for smoking alternatives. Pouches are generally seen as among the lowest-risk smoking alternatives given they do not involve inhalation and do not contain tobacco. Campaigners say that nicotine pouches still pose risks, such as appealing to new users, especially youth. Yolonda Richardson, chief executive officer of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, said rigorous FDA review of new product applications is critical to protecting kids and public health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There should be no shortcuts when it comes to our kids health," Richardson said. Current evidence, however, does not show a significant uptake of these products among young people, an FDA official said during Friday's meeting. PMI leads the U.S. market with its pouch label Zyn, whose explosive growth has seen rivals BAT and Altria scramble to catch up. The brand has delivered U.S. shipment growth of between 40% and 80% every quarter since January 2023, and has rapidly become one of its most important products. PMI said a project to speed up the review process could be a step in the right direction, although the company was not aware of such an effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As well as PMI's Zyn Ultra, Altria's on! and on! Plus, Reynolds' Velo mini, and Turning Point Brands' Fre and Alp - co-owned by former Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson - are also included. Altria called the FDA's approach encouraging and a positive step for harm reduction. Turning Point Brands said the streamlined path shows the administration's continued commitment to efficiency, effectiveness and transparency. Reynolds declined to comment. The FDA said in Friday's meeting that the products will be subject to an application process featuring streamlined and reduced reviews, more frequent communication between FDA staff and applicants, and expedited clearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reviewers will focus only on information essential to start the scientific review of nicotine pouches, core product characterization, manufacturing consistency and stability, and abuse-liability data, according to the transcript. (Reporting by Patrick Wingrove in New York and Emma Rumney in London; Editing by Caroline Humer, Tom Hogue and Mark Porter) Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified the company where Mark Perlstein served as CEO. We apologize for the error. DENVER (KDVR) Two former Colorado executives were sentenced to several years in prison and a restitution of almost $2 million after being convicted on several counts of wire fraud. On Monday, the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado said the former vice president of Arrow Electronics, Michael Vergato, 52, was sentenced to 46 months, almost four years, in federal prison and fined $20,000 after he was convicted on six counts of wire fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox This sentencing follows co-defendant Mark Perlstein, 60, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and received 25 months, more than two years, in prison and a $15,000 fine. Perlstein served as CEO and president of Datavail Corporation, according to court documents. These convictions come after an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation found the pair defrauded the data management company of almost $2 million, according to the attorneys office. Former executives take nearly $2M from company According to Perlsteins plea agreement and evidence at Vergatos trial, the attorneys office said that between 2013 and 2020, the two billed Perlsteins data management company for performance tuning services from Oracle Performance Tuning and Optimization, LLC., which was created by Vergato using his stepdaughters identity to conceal his involvement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OPTO submitted 21 fraudulent contracts and invoices for services that were never performed, according to the attorneys office. Perlstein approved those invoices, ultimately paying OPTO $1,949,023 in company funds. The attorneys office said the pair concealed their involvement with fake identities and other accounts and divided the proceeds. Perlstein got more than $1 million, and Vergato got about $874,000 and used it on luxury vehicles, credit card payments, retirement accounts and rent. During the trial, the attorneys office stated that the data management companys current CEO said the company couldnt confirm any work done by OPTO or identify any related employees, but tax records confirmed OPTO paid no salaries or issued contractor forms. These defendants greed has earned each of them years in federal prison, and they have to pay back every dollar they took, said United States Attorney Peter McNeilly. Corporate fraud of this magnitude undermines confidence in our business community and harms employees, customers, and shareholders alike. These sentences send a clear message: executives who abuse their authority for personal gain will be held accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both are jointly liable for a court-ordered restitution of $1,949,023. The attorneys office said that after their prison terms, both men will 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 FOX31 Denver. BOSTON The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced Wednesday that 36 community service agencies have been selected across the state to provide home- and community-based services for children, including the Behavioral Health Network, who are MassHealth members with behavioral, emotional and mental health needs. There is nothing more important than supporting our children during key development years so that can grow into happy and healthy adults, and a critical part of that work involved includes supporting the behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs of all kids regardless of socioeconomic background, said state Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield) about the administrations announcement. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their dedicated work to establish new partnerships with skilled providers across the state, which will open new doors and possibilities for children and families who utilize MassHealth, added Velis, who is chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new network, which will be the first expansion of the provider network in over a decade, will offer more options for families, increase access to high-quality behavioral health services, and ensure geographic coverage across the entire state, including for families seeking specialized cultural and linguistic care. MassHealth provides health care coverage for nearly half of all Massachusetts children. As part of the Childrens Behavioral Health Initiative, the selected agencies will provide intensive care coordination, family engagement services, and new intensive team-based treatment services for families of children and youth with particularly complex needs. One of the agencies is the Behavioral Health Network, a regional provider of comprehensive behavioral health services for adults, children, and families starting as the Child Guidance Clinic established in 1938 and serves those with life challenges due to mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Kelly Pease (R-Westfield) said he welcomes the expansion. The mental health of our children and their families is vitally important to the success of the as productive adults and anything we can do expand the services they need it a benefit to our society, he said. BHN also welcomed the announcement. We are thrilled to be selected to continue to and expand these services, said Katherine Mague, BHNs Senior Vice President of Quality, Forensic Services, Development, Communications and Social Justice. We are grateful that the Commonwealth is able to continue its commitment to children, youth and families in this way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Childhood mental health conditions affect many children and families across the country. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in five children ages three to seventeen have, at some point, been diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition. This expansion will strengthen the behavioral health system of support for hundreds of thousands of children and their families here in Massachusetts, said Gov. Maura Healey. Through this important work, we are making sure that our young people get the care that they need. MassHealth is dedicated to offering integrated behavioral health services and a comprehensive, community-based system of care for our members, said Undersecretary for MassHealth Mike Levine. This expanded network will help us strengthen those efforts to reach more kids who need help. Community service agencies were selected through a rigorous review process led by the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership, with review teams comprised of community members and caregivers with relevant lived experience and representatives from state agencies and managed care entities. MBHP will conduct a rigorous readiness process with the selected agencies prior to contracting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are excited to announce the selection of new community service agencies, key partners in providing every child and family with access to coordinated care, said Sharon Hanson, Vice President of Client Partnerships and CEO, MBHP. With innovations like Family-based Intensive Treatment, we aim to transform behavioral health services and create lasting positive change in our communities. As part of Carelon Behavioral Health, MBHP manages comprehensive, high-quality behavioral health care for over 400,000 MassHealth members statewide, ensuring accessible and culturally sensitive services through strategic collaborations with state agencies, providers, and community stakeholders to promote rehabilitation, recovery, and whole health. Read the original article on MassLive. ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (New-Press NOW) Migraines can strike without warning and can ruin an entire day. According to the Mayo Clinic, migraine headaches produce throbbing pain and are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. They can last for hours or even days, and can affect all age groups, including children and teens. Hamilton, Missouri, physician, Dr. Greg Dean, said there are definite distinctions between what would be classified as a migraine headache and a normal tension headache. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have a headache and you become very light sensitive... and its accompanied by nausea, thats more likely to be a migraine, Dean said. But if you have muscle tension in the back of the head that seems to come forward and can be relieved by Tylenol or Ibuprofen, it is more likely to be a tension headache. Dead added that if you experience one migraine, they are likely to return. However, if you experience migraines as a child or teen, it is not uncommon to outgrow them as an adult. Migraines can be triggered by physical, environmental and psychological factors. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is common to combine medicines with other remedies that include therapy and even lifestyle changes to best manage them. Once a migraine occurs, regardless of how long it lasts, it is common to feel drained and even a bit despondent for a period of time afterward. Warning signs for a migraine may occur days before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Signs often include water retention, constipation, neck stiffness and mood swings. Once a migraine occurs, taking medications for symptoms or prescribed medications for migraines should be accompanied by avoidance of bright lights and noise until the migraine has passed. Also, because of after effects, doctors recommend gradually building back up to your normal daily functions. For more information about symptoms and other details, visit mayoclinic.org, and consult a physician to determine the best approach for long-term treatment. Concerned experts have issued warnings about snake behaviors changing while temperatures are still high. What's happening? According to CBS8, snakes have been most active in San Diego, California, at dawn and dusk this summer. They avoid being out in the middle of the day because they would overheat otherwise. Snakes may find their way into your backyard while looking for a cool place to hide out. They especially love sitting and swimming in water (though they usually opt for bushes, rocks, and woodpiles). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They're not out to hurt us or chase us and this is their natural environment," snake wrangler Bruce Ireland said to CBS8 about how snakes are misunderstood. Why are snakes important? Snakes are important to California because they fulfill the roles of predator and prey. They keep rodent populations in line, and at the California Wildlife Center, they're also a source of food for large raptors. When our ecosystems are balanced, that means our food supply chains are also stable. Antagonizing or trying to kill a snake, on the other hand, can cause harm to everyone involved. The CWC says that's how most snake bites happen. Allowing snakes to coexist with us in peace keeps everyone safe and healthy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you find snakes or rodents (who attract snakes) near your home, the CWC advises against using poison. At that point, it's best to call a professional to handle the situation. What can you do to help snakes? "They're more afraid of you, than you are of them. Always be vigilant, because these snakes as nature intended can blend in very well," said Dr. Anna Bosch, the medical supervisor at San Diego Humane Society's Project Wildlife, to CBS8. If you see a snake, Bosch recommends walking away slowly and giving the snake space. The heat can make them more aggressive. Leaving them alone is one of the best things you can do to help them out. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Kenya and other African nations are being overwhelmed by imported textile waste sent from industrialized nations like the United Kingdom, Canada, China, and the United States. What's happening? According to Mongabay, the Changing Markets Foundation completed an investigation that revealed that industrialized nations sent over 900 million pieces of used clothing to Kenya in 2021. Over half of these articles of clothing were waste, meaning they ended up in Kenyan landfills, and at least a third of this textile waste contained plastic-based fibers. As a result, landfills in Kenya are overflowing, sometimes right into the Nairobi River, which the local population utilizes for drinking water and agriculture. The same is true for landfills in other African nations, such as Ghana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The explosion of textile waste is all thanks to the fast- and ultra-fast-fashion industries, which churn out hundreds to thousands of new designs daily, with no end in sight. As Mongabay reported, University of Plymouth marine scientist Imogen Napper explained, "We have to address how we manage this waste [] when it's being exposed to the sunlight, that plastic, these fibers [degrade into microplastics] quicker. It could go in the river, then the ocean. It could go into the air, including the air that we're breathing." Why is fast fashion concerning? Fast fashion may provide a wide variety of styles on the cheap, but the effects of this industry are significant. Clothing made by the industry is inexpensive because these companies purposely design it to deteriorate rapidly. This rapid decline compels consumers to continually buy new clothing, resulting in increased spending over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clothing falling apart forces consumers to toss it out, resulting in approximately 92 million tons of textile waste landing in landfills each year. The situation in Africa is the result of this waste, which overcrowds landfills and increases the amount of microplastics, PFAS, and other chemicals leaching into the water, air, and soil. What's being done about fast fashion textile waste? In 2024, the French government introduced a bill aimed at reducing the impact of fast fashion textile waste. The bill passed in June. It aims to reduce textile waste by prohibiting ultra-fast fashion from advertising online, as well as educating the public by requiring the textile industry to apply an environmental impact rating to its garments. While a step forward, more must be done to decrease the amount of fast fashion purchased and thrown away each year. Individuals can help by donating used clothing to thrift stores instead of discarding it, and by opting for secondhand clothing over poorly made new items. 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. Experts warn parents about negative impacts of children skipping breakfast before school Its common for some kids to skip breakfast, but it may not be a good idea. According to the Cleveland Clinic, skipping breakfast before school may negatively impact childrens mood, energy, and academic performance. The Cleveland Clinic recommends that children consume a breakfast containing healthy fats, carbohydrates, protein, and fiber to support their focus and learning throughout the school day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre going to have trouble focusing, theyre going to have trouble staying awake, theyre going to have trouble absorbing the information that theyre supposed to be learning, said Jennifer Hyland from the Cleveland Clinic. The Cleveland Clinic advises parents to avoid giving their children sugary foods for breakfast. Instead, they recommend choosing whole-grain cereals as a healthier option. Parents can help improve their childrens concentration and school performance by ensuring they have a nutritious breakfast. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. An attack has been carried out on a Russian military unit involved in committing war crimes in Kyiv Oblast in 2022. Source: Ukrainska Pravda source in Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) Details: On 8 September, an explosion occurred near military unit No. 6912 outside the city of Khabarovsk in Russia. This unit had directly taken part in the aggression against Ukraine. The Ukrainska Pravda source said that two explosive devices went off in a car park close to the unit at around 09:00, as Russian troops were arriving for duty. The blasts resulted in fatalities and injuries among personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the explosions, Russian secret services cut off mobile internet in the area near the unit and altered public transport routes to prevent local residents from learning the truth about the incident, the source said. For reference: Military unit No. 6912 is home to the 748th Separate Battalion of Operational Purpose of the Russian National Guard in Khabarovsk, which took part in Russias full-scale aggression against Ukraine, according to documentary evidence and open sources. Reports confirm that the battalion sustained losses in battles near Kyiv (Bucha and Irpin) in early 2022. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Its easy to think that a few minutes less sleep wont make much difference. But research shows that, during adolescence, even a short change in bedtime can shape brain development and thinking skills. New findings from scientists in the UK and China reveal that teens who go to bed earlier and sleep longer tend to have stronger brain function and perform better on cognitive tests. These results come from a large U.S.-based project tracking the health and brain growth of children over time. The work adds weight to earlier studies linking healthy sleep habits to sharper focus, better memory, and stronger mental health. But it also highlights a troubling reality: even the best-sleeping teens in this study werent hitting the recommended amount of rest for their age group. The science of teenage sleep Sleep isnt just a time-out for the body. Its when the brain flushes out toxins, organizes memories, and trims away weak connections to make room for stronger ones. This process supports learning, problem-solving, and creativity. Deep rest also strengthens the immune system and helps stabilize mood. Graphical abstract. (CREDIT: Wei Cheng, et al.) During adolescence, however, the natural sleep pattern shifts. Bedtimes creep later, wake-up times get earlier, and total hours of rest shrink. This is a double hit for the teenage brain, which is still undergoing rapid changes in structure and connectivity. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, young people between the ages of 13 and 18 should be getting 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Professor Barbara Sahakian, from the University of Cambridges Department of Psychiatry, explains why this matters. Regularly getting a good nights sleep is important in helping us function properly, but while we know a lot about sleep in adulthood and later life, we know surprisingly little about sleep in adolescence, even though this is a crucial time in our development. Moving beyond self-reported sleep data Past research often relied on self-reported sleep diaries, but these can be unreliable. To address this, researchers from Fudan University in Shanghai and the University of Cambridge turned to hard data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, the largest long-term study of brain development in the U.S. Related Stories In this project, more than 3,200 adolescents aged 11 to 12 wore FitBits to track their sleep. The scientists compared this data to brain scans and results from cognitive tests that measured vocabulary, reading ability, problem-solving skills, and focus. They then confirmed their results using two additional groups of 13- to 14-year-olds, totaling about 1,190 participants. The findings were published in the journal Cell Reports00336-5?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2211124725003365%3Fshowall%3Dtrue). Three patterns of sleep The team found that adolescents fell into three main sleep groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Group One made up about 39% of the sample. They slept an average of 7 hours and 10 minutes, went to bed the latest, and woke up the earliest. Group Two accounted for 24% and slept an average of 7 hours and 21 minutes, falling in the middle for all sleep measures. Group Three represented 37% and slept an average of 7 hours and 25 minutes. They went to bed and fell asleep the earliest and had lower heart rates during sleep. On cognitive tests, Group Three scored the highest, followed by Group Two, with Group One in last place. Brain scans showed similar patterns: Group Three had the largest brain volume and strongest brain function, while Group One had the smallest brain volume and weakest performance. Patterns of brain volumes and functional network connectivities contribute to the linked sleep dimensions. (CREDIT: Wei Cheng, et al.) Even though the difference in average sleep time between the top and bottom groups was only about 15 minutes, the gap was enough to show clear changes in brain activity and test results. This drives home to us just how important it is to have a good nights sleep at this important time in life, said Sahakian. Cognitive gains from a small edge Dr. Qing Ma, the studys first author, noted that the findings align with earlier research showing how sleep improves memory consolidation. This process, where the brain strengthens and stabilizes newly learned information, is vital for school success and everyday problem-solving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The heart rate data offered another clue. Group Three had the lowest heart rates during sleep, which often signals better rest quality. Group One had the highest, a pattern linked to restless sleep, frequent awakenings, and more daytime fatigue. Because the ABCD Study is tracking participants over many years, the team could see that these differences in brain size, sleep patterns, and test performance tended to appear years before and after the snapshot they analyzed. That suggests these habits and brain traits may be long-lasting. Linked sleep-brain dimensions and sleep patterns contribute to the associated brain dimensions. (CREDIT: Wei Cheng, et al.) Why some teens sleep less The next question is why some adolescents consistently go to bed later and sleep less. Senior author Dr. Wei Cheng of Fudan University points to possible culprits: late-night screen time, gaming, and natural differences in body clocks. Is it because of playing videogames or smartphones, for example, or is it just that their body clocks do not tell them its time to sleep until later? he asked. Researchers stress that while the study cant prove cause and effect, the link between earlier bedtimes, longer sleep, and better brain health is strong enough to guide parents, educators, and teens toward healthier habits. Building better sleep habits Experts recommend creating a consistent bedtime, limiting screen exposure in the hour before bed, and making the bedroom a quiet, dark, and cool environment. Cutting back on caffeine and avoiding naps late in the day can also help. While these steps may seem small, this research suggests that even a short increase in sleep time could give the developing brain an edge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its clear that, during adolescence, sleep is more than just rest. Its a key ingredient for mental sharpness, emotional balance, and long-term health. And sometimes, the difference between an average brain and an exceptional one may be as little as an extra quarter-hour under the covers. Note: The article above provided above by The Brighter Side of News. Like these kind of feel good stories? Get The Brighter Side of News newsletter. The Federal Aviation Administration last week issued fines to three companies for alleged violations of hazardous material regulations after shipping lithium-ion batteries on FedEx and UPS cargo aircraft. In two of the incidents, a package of batteries caught on fire. Lithium-ion batteries pose chemical and electrical hazards during transport especially if they are damaged, improperly packaged, or short-circuited. Regulations from the U.S. Department of Transportation, International Air Transport Association (IATA), and major carriers like FedEx and UPSclassify lithium batteries as Class 9 dangerous goods and enforce strict packaging and labeling requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FAA slapped Mobile Sentrix, based in Manassas, Virginia, with a $170,000 civil penalty for tendering undeclared and improperly packaged shipments of mobile phone lithium-ion batteries to FedEx on four occasions last year, including one incident in which a small fire occurred and three batteries melted together. Ontario, California-based Mokwheel Bikes was fined $74,250 for offering an undeclared hazmat shipment containing lithium-ion batteries in late 2023 to UPS for air transport to Shenzhen, China. The FAA said the company also failed to provide proper hazardous material training for employees and include emergency response information in shipping papers. UPS personnel discovered the shipment at the companys sorting facility in Anchorage, en route to China, the agency said in a news release. The FAA also fined LG Energy Solution of Seoul, South Korea, $60,000 for not declaring and labeling a package with five lithium-ion batteries shipped to Los Angeles through FedEx. FedEx workers discovered the shipment when it emitted heat, smoke, ember and flames in its sorting facility in Irvine, California. One or more of the lithium-ion batteries was charred and melted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FAA alleges on Jan. 4, 2024, the company offered an undeclared and improperly packaged and labeled shipment of five lithium-ion batteries from Seoul to Los Angeles. FedEx personnel discovered the shipment when it emitted heat, smoke, ember, and flames in its sorting facility in Irvine, California. One or more of the lithium-ion batteries was charred and melted. None of the shipments from the companies were properly classified, described, marked, labeled, or packaged to prevent sparks or heat transfer, the FAA said. Lithium-ion batteries can be carried by air depending on their configuration and other specifications. The airline industry has warned for years about the need for better enforcement of hazmat rules as lithium-ion batteries become ubiquitous and uneducated or unscrupulous shippers increasingly send shipments that could pose a threat to aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shipments of lithium batteries must comply with well-established global safety standards for how they are manufactured, tested, packed, marked, labeled and documented. IATA has developed in-depth guidance on proper battery handling for shippers, freight forwarders, ground handlers, airlines and passengers. Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch. Write to Eric Kulisch at ekulisch@freightwaves.com. RELATED STORIES: Maersk Air Cargo expands freighter network to South America Amazon promises equal priority for third-party air cargo, own parcels The post FAA fines firms for unsafe lithium-ion battery shipments on cargo jets appeared first on FreightWaves. Claim: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson deployed salt trucks to keep U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents out of the city in early September 2025. Rating: Rating: False Context: A spokesperson for the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation said it deployed the salt trucks spotted in online videos between Sept. 5 and 7 to "support public safety efforts" at planned events. It was unclear at the time of this writing whether the city would use its salt trucks to deter federal agents or immigration enforcement actions in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early September 2025, a claim (archived) circulated online that Democratic Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson deployed salt trucks to keep U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents out of the city. The claim circulated as the Department of Homeland Security reportedly installed hundreds of federal agents near Chicago and the Trump administration warned of crackdowns (archived) in the city. One Threads user wrote, "Chicago's mayor ordered city salt trucks to create mobile roadblocks to obstruct ICE operations. Salt for ICE" The claim also circulated on Facebook (archived), Instagram (archived), X (archived), Bluesky (archived), TikTok (archived) and Reddit (archived). Snopes readers wrote in asking whether the claim was true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, we found no evidence that Johnson or the city had deployed salt trucks specifically to block federal agents or immigration enforcement actions in Chicago. The city's Department of Streets and Sanitation said in a statement that it "deployed salt trucks to support public safety efforts related to a planned protest and the Taste of Chicago." The claim appeared to have spread via miscaptioned videos of those salt trucks posted on social media, according to local reports. Therefore, we rate this claim false. According to the Coalition Against Trump, a group of organizations opposing federal troops in Chicago, 8,000 people gathered in downtown Chicago on Sept. 6, 2025, to protest (archived) the Trump administration's plan to deploy federal agents to the city. Taste of Chicago was a food festival hosted by the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events from Sept. 5 to 7, 2025. Social media users posted videos of salt trucks in Chicago on Sept. 5 (archived) and 6 (archived), both dates the streets department said it deployed trucks for events. A Sept. 5 video showed trucks on East Monroe Street near Grant Park, which hosted Taste of Chicago. That video circulated widely in a since-removed post by Distill Social and the 50501 Movement, according to a screenshot by Block Club Chicago, a nonprofit news organization in the city. The 50501 Movement was one of the groups that organized the No Kings anti-Trump demonstrations in June 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deleted post claimed Johnson had deployed the trucks to "I-294, the Edens, and I-94" to block roads into the city. We found no evidence supporting that claim. A spokesperson for the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation said in a statement that deploying trucks such as those seen on Sept. 5 and 6, 2025, in Chicago was "routine practice." One of the posts circulating alongside the claim that Johnson had deployed the trucks against ICE agents in September 2025 actually used footage of salt trucks used as a public safety measure in 2021. The 2021 footage supported the city department's statement. At the time of this writing, activists (archived) and news outlets in Chicago were anticipating the arrival of federal immigration agents in the city. It was unclear whether the city would act to oppose ICE or other federal agents and, if so, how. Sources: Devodare_Chicago. "Chicago Salt Trucks Block Vehicles From People At Events." YouTube, 14 Aug. 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy5QCVAJ-m0. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fernando, Christine, and Claudia Lauer. "Potential Federal Intervention Poses Challenges for Chicago Police on the Ground." ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/potential-federal-intervention-poses-challenges-chicago-police-ground-125354601. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025. Horng, Eric. "'Border Czar' Says to Expect ICE Enforcement Surge This Week, Use of National Guard 'on the Table.'" ABC7 Chicago, 8 Sep. 2025, https://abc7chicago.com/live-updates/chicago-federal-intervention-latest-president-trumps-immigration-enforcement-possible-national-guard-deployment-live-updates/17758521/entry/17767661. Indivisible And Partners Announce 'NO KINGS' Nationwide Day of Defiance on Flag Day, During Trump's Birthday Parade | Indivisible. 6 May 2025, https://indivisible.org/statements/indivisible-and-partners-announce-no-kings-nationwide-day-defiance-flag-day-during. Montoya-Galvez, Camilo . Navy Base to Serve as Hub for up to 250 Federal Agents for Chicago Immigration Crackdown, Memo Indicates - CBS News. 5 Sep. 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/navy-base-hub-federal-agents-chicago-immigration-crackdown/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taste of Chicago. https://www.chicago.gov/content/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/taste_of_chicago.html. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025. Thrush, Charles. "City Is Not Using Salt Trucks To Thwart ICE, Despite Viral Posts Claiming Otherwise." Block Club Chicago, 7 Sep. 2025, https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/09/07/viral-post-saying-salt-trucks-being-used-to-thwart-ice-are-false-city-says/. Washburn, Kaitlin. "No, Chicago Salt Trucks Are Not Being Used to Interfere with ICE." Chicago Sun-Times, 7 Sep. 2025, https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago/2025/09/07/chicago-salt-trucks-ice-protest. By Qabil Ashirov In a stark admission of the diplomatic fallout from the January 2023 attack on Azerbaijans embassy in Tehran, Irans Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Anoushirvan Mohseni, revealed that the country lost approximately 1.8 million Azerbaijani tourists as a direct consequence. Speaking at a press briefing, Mohseni stated, Due to the incident at the Azerbaijani embassy, we lost 1.8 million tourists from Azerbaijan. Mohseni Bandpey added that prior to the coronavirus pandemic, between March 20, 2019 and March 20, 2020, the number of foreign tourists visiting Iran amounted to 9.8 million. It is worth noting the attack, which occurred on January 27, 2023, at around 8:30 a.m. Baku time, involved an armed assailant wielding a Kalashnikov rifle who breached the embassys security post. The attacker fatally shot Chief of Security Orkhan Asgarov and wounded two other guards, Vasif Taghiyev and Mahir Imanov, who attempted to stop the assault. Following the incident, Azerbaijan suspended operations at its Tehran embassy and evacuated staff and their families to Baku on January 29. The State Security Service of Azerbaijan launched a criminal investigation under relevant articles of the nations penal code. Orkhan Asgarov was laid to rest at the Second Alley of Martyrs in Baku. On February 3, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev posthumously awarded him the For the Motherland medal. Taghiyev received the First Degree Valor Order, while Imanov was also honored with the For the Motherland medal. After prolonged diplomatic negotiations, the Azerbaijani embassy resumed operations at a new location in Tehran on July 15, 2024, with the ambassador and staff returning to Iran. The perpetrator, Yasin Huseynzadeh, was tried over a two-year period. Irans Ministry of Justice announced his death sentence, which was upheld by the Supreme Court. The sentence was carried out on the morning of May 21, 2025. Claim: Pope Leo XIV once said, "You cannot follow both Christ and the cruelty of kings. A leader who mocks the weak, exalts himself, and preys on the innocent is not sent by God. He is sent to test you. And many are failing." Rating: Rating: Incorrect Attribution Fake quotes and doctored videos attributed to Pope Leo XIV continued to spread online in late summer 2025, something the Vatican initially addressed in May 2025, writing: "It is worth recalling given the circulation on various social media of texts attributed to the new Pope without source indication that all of Pope Leo XIV's speeches, addresses, and texts can be consulted in full at vatican.va." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One such quote which some people interpreted to apply to U.S. President Donald Trump, "the current American administration" and "MAGA," according to social media comments read: You cannot follow both Christ and the cruelty of kings. A leader who mocks the weak, exalts himself, and preys on the innocent is not sent by God. He is sent to test you. And many are failing. The alleged quote spread on multiple sites, most widely on Facebook (archived) and Threads (archived). Collectively, these posts garnered tens of thousands of reactions, and dozens of Snopes readers also searched for verification of the quote. One such post (archived) from Sept. 2, 2025, received more than 244,000 reactions on Facebook, as of this writing. https://www.facebook.com/gailpmason/posts/pfbid02mrMWdSmrk5onwoDRKZD6kNXhPiJMjN5Ga2tRZW1BFzgtHB5J5X2jNgC6JrSQVJNKl The Threads post linked above appeared on the internet on May 14, 2025. It is unclear whether this was the original post, but we have not found an earlier one. (Threads user @feliciamlopes) We reached out to both the Instagram account @feliciamlopes and the official Holy See Press Office for verification or comment, and will update this story if we receive a response from either party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no evidence Pope Leo XIV publicly said the quote in question. A Google search of the words "Pope Leo 'you cannot follow both Christ and the cruelty of kings'" revealed only social media posts featuring the graphic above or attributing the quote to Pope Leo XIV without any evidence. (Google.com) The official Vatican news site also did not yield any results, and no reputable news outlet reported the alleged quote. In sum, there is no evidence social media users correctly attributed the quote to Pope Leo XIV; the exact origins of the quote are unknown. Because of this, the claim is incorrectly attributed. Sources: Search - Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/search.html. Accessed 16 May 2025. Threads. https://www.threads.com/@feliciamlopes/post/DJqhIHzPfwy/i-gotta-tell-you-im-really-loving-this-new-pope. Accessed 16 May 2025. DENVER (KDVR) On the final day of CrimeCon Denver, the last speakers of the weekend were the family of Gabby Petito, whos murder in 2021 became the subject of nationwide attention. Petitos parents and stepparents joined FOX31s Vicente Arenas on stage to wrap up the weekend and speak about their daughter and advocate for domestic violence awareness. Weve never given up: Sister of baby missing since 1986 still looking for answers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a large crowd in the Gaylord Rockies convention center ballroom, the kind Gabbys stepmom, Tara Petito, says initially caused nerves for her, but now is exactly what she likes. We want to get up there, we want to make sure people know that there is resources out there, Petito said. Gabbys mom, Nichole Schmidt, agrees. Having been a part of CrimeCon for three years now, she says its been good to see how its evolved. Maybe it started out the first year where it was more about true crime but now its more about awareness, Schmidt said. Awareness for things like their Gabby Petito Foundation, which provides resources for domestic violence victims. Schmidt says being in the spotlight has helped spread their message but uses events like this to keep themselves grounded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want people to know were just regular people and we are accessible and thats why we come to an event like CrimeCon so we can have conversations with people, Schmidt said. Mother and daughter Alyssa and Rebecca came from Nebraska as true crime fans and came away impressed. DA George Brauchler joins podcasters at CrimeCon, speaks on James Craig case A lot of great opportunities to have the advocacy side of this which was really cool and not something that we wouldve had to opportunity to experience before, Alyssa said. They say the Petitos panel specifically made an impact on them. How they can take something so tragic and turn it into this huge international reach for safety for all genders, but for women specifically in domestic violence situations, that was unbelievable to hear, Rebecca said. That was so uplifting for me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reactions like theirs are exactly what Schmidt and Petito say they are thankful to hear. We get a lot of people saying Gabby saved them and that means a lot to us, Schmidt said. If you missed CrimeCon this year in Denver, you dont have to travel far for next years which will be held in Las Vegas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PURVIS, Miss. (WHLT) A Pine Belt family is searching for answers eight years after their son, Tim Boshart, disappeared. Boshart was last seen on September 3, 2017, in Purvis. He was 33 at the time of his disappearance. According to his family, Boshart had recently checked into a treatment facility in Laurel after becoming addicted to prescription painkillers following a surgery. On the day he disappeared, Boshart attended church before being picked up and taken to a known drug dealers home on Zeb Circle in Purvis. He was then taken to another home on Lewallen Drive and hasnt been seen since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man killed in Jones County shooting; woman arrested Despite multiple search efforts, Boshart has not been found. His mother believes he is dead and said she wants to know where his body is. There is a way of thinking out there by people that, because a person has struggled with addiction, they may think theyre not as good a person as other people. That should not be the case for people to think that way. Everybody has people in their family, and if you dont, youd better be thanking the good Lord, who has struggled with addiction. And I never knew how many people there were out there until I went through it with my own son. You know, so there is a lot of people who struggle with addiction, said Robbie Fairley, Bosharts mother. The Lamar County Sheriffs Office is investigating Bosharts disappearance. If you have any information about what may have happened, youre asked to contact Investigator Lance Emfinger at 601-794-1005. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A week after a woman was shot and killed in South Nashville, her family has said that the pain still feels like an open wound one they cant close without help from the community. Detectives with the Metro Nashville Police Department charged 42-year-old Nerika N. Patton with the death of 50-year-old Shereca M. Waters. They said the two women got into a physical fight along Fain Street on Sept. 2 when Patton pulled out a gun and opened fire, hitting Shereca. ORIGINAL STORY | Woman dies after argument leads to shooting in Napier area, police say Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives said Patton, a convicted felon, should not have had a firearm. They believe she tried firing multiple times before fleeing and dropping the weapon into the Cumberland River. Waters was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she later died. For Sherecas aunt, Beverly Brown, the details are difficult to comprehend. Why would you shoot this girl twice? Brown said. And then the gun jams, and you try to kill again? That means you meant to kill her. Sherecas uncle, Howard Waters, told News 2 the family has struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss it follows the death of Sherecas mother, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its wrong when you kill somebody who loves somebody, Howard said. Loved ones said Waters was known for her kindness, and they insisted that she never started fights. Its been all kind of stories been said: she hit she dont put her hands on no one unless someone threatens to hit her, Sherecas cousin, Laquitta Waters, said. The family has been trying to raise money to cover funeral expenses to give Shereca a proper burial. Right now, shes not at rest, but shes at peace because they got the person who done that to her, Laquitta said. Relatives said they plan to attend Pattons scheduled first court appearance on Sept. 11 as part of their path toward closure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS | MNPD: Woman charged with criminal homicide in Napier area deadly shooting Despite their grief, they added they are praying for Patton and her family. Im praying for her and her family cause she do have children as well, Laquitta added. I know her from the community. To help support the Waters family, you can donate to their fundraiser meant to honor Shereca. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Darren Taber, owner and manager of Donley Farms, looks out at some of his farms dairy cows in Shoshone, Idaho. Despite requiring year-round work, Idahos dairy industry doesnt have access to a visa program. (Photo by Ryan Luetkemeyer/News21) This story was originally published by Carnegie-Knight News21 on Sept. 4, 2025. SHOSHONE, Idaho Just east of town, a road cuts through sagebrush and fields of cows toward Donley Farms, where Darren Taber manages the multigenerational operation. The Sawtooth Mountains rise in the distance, marking the northern edge of the Snake River Plain the backdrop for Tabers work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Magic Valley wakes up, the 900-cow dairy is already in motion. Taber has owned Donley Farms for more than 25 years. These days, he focuses on crop and management decisions planning pesticide spray schedules, overseeing planting and training the next generation of family farmers. Its demanding, unpredictable work but for Taber, the farm is also home. Its the best place in the world to raise a family, he said. Its a lot of late nights. Theres a lot of times that Im (working) 24-hour days. If a milker doesnt show up, guess what? You gotta go milk. Taber manages the operation with his son. But more and more, he has been pulled away from this work and into policy, traveling to Washington, D.C., to advocate for immigration reform that has been stalled for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have been there for the Goodlatte bill. I have been there for the Lofgren and Newhouse bill. I have been there for Sen. Crapos bill, Taber said, ticking off more than six years worth of legislation intended to address immigration reform for agricultural employers and workers. What I cannot stand is the fact that Congress cannot get anything across the finish line, he said. Maybe we cant solve it all in one big, beautiful bill. Who knows? Maybe we can. The Trump administrations crackdown on immigration has left farmers worried about their livelihoods and workers frightened for their lives. Its also renewed bipartisan calls to implement reforms for the people who help feed America. Yeah, get the criminals out, Taber said. But your farmworkers are not your criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump has indicated he might be amenable to a solution. In June after reports of raids at a New Mexico dairy, at a Nebraska meat production plant and in the fields of California Trump took to social media and promised that changes are coming for our great farmers who are losing very good, long time workers. The administration then ordered a pause on workplace raids in agriculture and hospitality, but reversed course days later. Trump then said in a July 3 speech that he was working to help farmers who depend on migrant labor indicating his administration was making progress on legislation to address the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a country to run, he said, and we wanna have them come in and we wanna have them help our farmers. Trump and other leaders have discussed a work program that would ensure farmers have the labor they need but would not provide amnesty for farmworkers who lack legal status. A worker cleans the dairy parlor before cows come in to be milked at Donley Farms. Without a consistent workforce to oversee milking operations, farmers say cows, and the entire operation, will suffer. (Photo by Ryan Luetkemeyer/News21) Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has said the goal is a 100% American workforce and that reforms could include a shift toward automation or looking to the 34 million able-bodied adults on Medicaid as a way to fill labor needs, adding that deportations must be carried out strategically so as not to compromise our food supply. Most farmworkers earn less than $40,000 annually. Nearly 70% of people working in agriculture were not born in the United States, according to federal data, and about 42% of that workforce lacks legal status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet protections for workers without legal status are limited. During the pandemic, it was actually the first Trump administration that designated farmworkers essential, said Antonio De Loera-Brust, a spokesman for United Farm Workers. Five years later, these same workers who we said were essential are now being treated as disposable. The H-2A visa is a temporary permit that allows farmers to hire foreign farmworkers if there arent enough domestic workers to fill labor needs a growing reality for employers. We have not deferred to migrant labor or H-2A programs because were trying to save money, said Andrew Mickelsen, partner of a large potato farm in Idaho Falls. Were doing it because that void is not filling up. Jenna Evans, of Evans Farmstead Cheese, sells dairy products to customers at a farmers market in Boise. Some 90% of Idahos dairy industry workforce is foreign-born. (Photo by Ryan Luetkemeyer/News21) In 2014, the U.S. issued around 90,000 H-2A visas. Last year, that number rose to 315,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet industries that require year-round labor, such as Idaho dairy, cannot legally hire workers using the temporary visa. Since 2019, some members of Congress have been attempting to address these issues through legislation that would provide temporary legal status to agricultural workers. The latest version of the bill, introduced in May, would allow a qualified individual with extended employment in farmwork to become a certified agricultural worker on the condition of continued employment. The bill would also provide at least 20,000 H-2A visas each year for the next decade for farmers with year-round labor needs. Half of those visas would be reserved for the dairy industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar legislation has twice passed the U.S. House with bipartisan support but then died in the U.S. Senate, noted Rep. Zoe Lofgren, a California Democrat who is co-sponsoring the bill. We are reaching out to our Senate friends on a bipartisan basis to encourage them to move this bill forward, Lofgren told News21. News21 also contacted Republican Reps. Mike Simpson of Idaho, David Valadao of California and Dan Newhouse of Washington all co-sponsors of the current bill. None responded to requests for comment. Zach Rutledge, an agricultural economics expert at Michigan State University, said the bills pathway to legal status may be whats holding it back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to get bipartisan support when youre talking about legalizing hundreds of thousands of unauthorized workers especially in our current political climate, Rutledge said. Other bills look to expand H-2A flexibility, create a temporary status for those whove been in the U.S. for years, and implement E-Verify nationwide, but labor advocates say reforms must also guarantee higher wages, better working conditions and union rights. Sergio Munguia, an H-2A visa holder, carries boxes to package strawberries at an organic farm in Royal Oaks, Calif. The berries he picks contribute to the states $3 billion strawberry industry. (Photo by Meghan OBrien/News21) Given that immigrants play an important role across many sectors of the countrys economy, tension between business interests and those who support mass deportations is growing. We understand the need for enforcement, said Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymens Association. But we also have to have a conversation around immigration reform so that we dont damage our economy. In Idaho, immigration enforcement tensions rise Stephanie Mickelsen was at her home in Idaho Falls when her sons started calling and texting. Immigration agents had arrived at one of her farms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was Jan. 24, three days after Ryan Spoon, vice chair of the Ada County Republican Committee, accused Mickelsen on social media of hiring illegal workers and said he had contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Her operation, Mickelsen Farms, is one of the largest potato producers in the region. Agents detained one immigrant employee that day, but Mickelsen, a sixth-generation farmer and Republican state representative, said the incident served as a warning for anyone speaking out against immigration enforcement. I became more fearful of actually standing up and just trying to have honest, earnest debate, she said. Last year, as the Idaho House considered legislation to allow local law enforcement to arrest immigrants in the state without authorization, Mickelsen noted that businesses all across Idaho likely employ such immigrants. Rigby Produce workers monitor potatoes in Rigby, Idaho. Owner Stephanie Mickelsen says legal immigration pathways need to exist for farms and processing facilities to be able to have enough workers. (Photo by Ryan Luetkemeyer/News21) If you guys think that you havent been touched by an illegal immigrants hands in some way, through either your traveling or your food, youre kidding yourselves, she said during floor debate. We have people here that provide great value to our communities and to our society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agriculture is the backbone of Idahos economy, contributing some $37 billion in sales in 2022, according to a University of Idaho report mainly from farms spread out across the 400-milelong Snake River Plain in the southern part of the state. Stephanie Mickelsen, CFO of Mickelsen Farms, stands in one of her potato processing plants. (Photo by Ryan Luetkemeyer/News21) Warm days, cool nights and abundant sunshine create ideal growing conditions for a wide range of crops, especially potatoes, of which Idaho leads the nation in production. From the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot to a potato-shaped mascot named Spuddy Buddy and even holding a potato drop on New Years Eve, Idaho has fully leaned into its spud reputation. While potatoes remain the icon, the dairy industry has quietly overtaken crops as the top agricultural sector by revenue, generating just under $11 billion in annual sales from over 300 dairy farms and around 700,000 cows, according to the Idaho Dairymens Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, Idaho ranks fourth in the nation for milk production, with dairy farms heavily concentrated in the Magic Valley home to Tabers farm. The industry has become a cultural staple in its own right, one thats celebrated each summer at Dairy Days. Idahos dairy industry relies on a labor force that comes primarily from Mexico, said Rick Naerebout, CEO of the dairymens association. When you (have) a workforce thats 90% foreign born, and you dont have access to a visa program, you can guess how dependent we are on an unauthorized workforce, he said. From both his office in Twin Falls and the halls of Congress, Naerebout has worked for decades with other dairy leaders in support of immigration reform. The goal is twofold: to secure legal status for existing workers, and to gain access to the H-2A visa program to meet labor demands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 20 years, Naerebout said, the needle has barely moved. If the issue isnt addressed, he added, the ripple effect will be felt across the supply chain, increasing the price of dairy products. We cant feed ourselves as a country if we dont find a solution to this problem, Naerebout said. For our dairy producers their business livelihood depends on it. The absence of immigration reform and a declining domestic workforce have contributed to a labor shortage across Idaho agriculture, according to Naerebout. Theres not an interest, and when there is an interest, theres not the grit to stay in the job and actually see it through, he said. Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymens Association, stands on the balcony of his office overlooking the Snake River Canyon on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Twin Falls, Idaho. Naerebout has advocated for immigration reform for two decades to no avail. (Photo by Ryan Luetkemeyer/News21) Naerebout pointed to data shared with him by an H-2A contractor. Last season, the contractor advertised for 6,000 positions. Just 35 domestic applications were submitted. Of the 35, 12 people were willing to be interviewed. Two were eventually hired, but neither made it to harvest. Mickelsen Farms needs around 125 temporary workers to harvest several thousand acres, but it typically receives just one or two domestic applications. Andrew Mickelsen, who runs the operation alongside his mother and other relatives, said the company used to get by without using H-2A workers. Now theyre reliant on them. If we did not have the H-2A program, there would be no way for us to get our harvest done, he said. Mickelsen Farms insists it does what is required of any employer across the country when hiring workers: Collect I-9 and W-4 forms, and trust that workers documents are valid. Recently, the Mickelsens have become even more vigilant in the hiring process, but they said theres a line farmers cant cross. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, an employer cannot reject valid documents, request additional ones or treat someone differently based on perceived immigration status or national origin. Doing so can open the employer up to legal penalties under federal law. Stephanie Mickelsen said theres a growing expectation that employers police workers legal status. She and other farmers disagree. Youre making bad guys out of employers who have followed the law, she said. Dont make us your enforcer. Do your job. Aside from that January morning at Mickelsen Farms, there have been few reports of immigration raids in the state, but Mickelsen believes enforcement actions are happening quietly. According to a New York Times analysis, ICE arrests in Idaho are up a whopping 924% from last year the highest percentage change in the nation. I think that there are raids going on; I think that everybody is trying to keep it really, really quiet, she said. I know people that are being served with I-9 audit requests. I know that theyve picked up people and removed people right and left, up and down this valley. But nobodys talking about it, she said, because theyre all afraid. In California, farmworkers continue to toil As the sun rises over the golden hills of Californias Salinas Valley, the regions 25,000 farmworkers are already hunched at the waist, planting and harvesting Americas produce. At one operation off a two-lane road dotted with farm stands, a worker gathers cauliflower, a pouch of rubber bands hooked to his belt. Bands snake up his arm, and when he reaches into the pouch to resupply his stack, some scatter on the soil beneath his feet. Most of his fellow farmworkers have their faces covered with wide-brimmed hats or bandannas to protect their skin from the sun. Within the first three hours of their shift, the temperature will climb by nearly 30 degrees. A farmworker harvests cauliflower in San Benito County. California farmers produce about 90% of the countrys cauliflower. (Photo by Meghan OBrien/News21) The worker, S.H., emigrated from Hidalgo, Mexico, about 15 years ago. He requested anonymity because he, like most of his co-workers, is in the U.S. without legal status, and the fear looms that ICE officers could appear at any time. You dont feel safe anywhere, he said. In the morning, you wake up and pray to God and say, Lets put ourselves in Gods hands, because he is the only one who decides. S.H. is one of about 10 employees at an organic operation nestled in the fertile soil of San Benito County, a part of the Salad Bowl of the World. Californias $58 billion agriculture industry supplies over a third of the nations vegetables and the majority of Americas fruits and nuts. The state has the largest number of immigrants lacking legal status in the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center, and is home to about half of the unauthorized agricultural worker population, statistics show. It is also a key target for carrying out Trumps mass deportation agenda. Since January, agents have raided farms in Santa Maria, Oxnard and Bakersfield, according to media outlets. ICE reports over 600 arrests in the state, though a New York Times analysis puts that number at about 5,800. In early June, Trump deployed several thousand troops to Los Angeles to counter anti-ICE protests. And in early July, a farmworker died from injuries sustained fleeing agents who raided two cannabis farms in Carpinteria and Camarillo. About 360 other workers were arrested. Tom Homan, who serves as Trumps border czar, has set daily arrest goals in the thousands. Farmers, workers and advocates worry that could cripple the states labor force. If youre arresting a farmworker at a gas station or at a church or dropping your kid off at school, thats still a farmworker whos being picked up, said De Loera-Brust, the United Farm Workers spokesman. Thats still a farmworker whos not going to be able to go to work the next day. Javier Zamora is a midsize organic farmer in the Salinas Valley who immigrated to the U.S. more than four decades ago. He grows blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes and other produce on about 100 acres of land. Javier Zamora, owner of JSM Organics, surveys the strawberries growing on his 100-acre farm. Zamora wonders why the Trump administration would want to deport the people who help stock grocery shelves. (Photos by Meghan OBrien/News21) Zamora wonders why the Trump administration would want to deport the people who help stock grocery shelves. America would not be as great as it is now if all my workforce were taken away, he said. Lawmakers, he said, need to wake up and they need to do something. And it needs to be done quickly before its too late. M.M., her shirt damp with sweat and dew from an early morning of harvesting cauliflower at another farm, works without legal permission so she can support her daughter and son. Shes been in the U.S. for 15 years. But now, she worries when she sends her children off to school that it will be the last time she sees them. Theyre getting therapy to cope with the fear that their mother may not come home. We dont know when they could detain us, M.M. said. Or they could come right here to work. Nearly every day, she hears about ICEs presence near her home or the farm where shes employed. She said she leaves the house only to go to work but knows other migrants have stopped working altogether. In the fields, they are running out of people, she said. There is a lot of fruit that is rotting. Each morning, shes up before dawn, preparing for another eight-hour day dedicated to weeding, planting and harvesting. Im still afraid due to the uncertainty of being deported, she said. But, oh well. We have to keep working and move forward. A farmworker stretches a rubber band around cauliflower leaves to prepare the plant for harvest. The Golden State produces more than a third of the nations vegetables, but farmers are worried about the impact of the Trump administrations crackdown on immigration. (Photo by Meghan OBrien/News21) News21 reporter Carlos Rene Castro contributed to this story. This report is part of Upheaval Across America, an examination of immigration enforcement under the second Trump administration produced by Carnegie-Knight News21. For more stories, visit https://upheaval.news21.com/. It's starting to feel like fall in Kentucky, and with colder weather, winter comes to mind. The Farmers' Almanac recently published its 2025-2026 winter weather forecast for the U.S., with "a season of dramatic swings and widespread wintry weather" expected in various regions. In Kentucky, a very snowy and cold winter is predicted following historic weather across the commonwealth in 2025. At the start of the year, Louisville was hit with more than 10 inches of snow over two days. A new one-day record was set for snowfall amounts at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, with 7 inches of snow recorded at the location on Sunday, Jan. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The severe winter weather was followed by a significant number of weather-related deaths across the commonwealth from floods and tornadoes, with Louisville seeing record flooding of the Ohio River in April. Here's what we know about the upcoming winter forecast. Snowy, cold winter expected in Kentucky following historic 2025 weather While winter doesn't officially begin until the winter solstice on Dec. 21, the Farmer's Almanac is already predicting a chilly, snowy season for much of the country, including Kentucky. The 209th edition of the almanac forecasts "Chill, Snow, Repeat" weather patterns for the upcoming winter season with chilly, breezy temperatures over the December holidays and significant cold snaps in mid-January and mid-February. Kentucky and nearby Midwest states could also see "winter wonderland" type snow. What type of winter is predicted for 2025-2026? What is the Farmers' Almanac saying for winter 2025? While Kentucky may face a cold and snowy winter, it is possible conditions will not reach as far south as last year. The Northern Plains to the New England region are likely in for a cold, snowy winter, "hopefully not as brutally cold as last," Farmers' Almanac Editor Sandi Duncan told USA TODAY. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Most of the country is on tap for a cold or very cold winter, kind of almost going back to an old-fashioned winter," Duncan said. "It's going to cool down, it's going to snow, then it might warm up a little, then it's going to repeat itself again." Wintery effects may begin in late fall as cold winter temperatures could "sneak in a little bit early in many of the northern sections," Duncan said. Conditions could also linger. "It looks like it's going to hang on for a little bit through March and even through April especially in New England, Great Lakes and the northern Plains," he said. Things to do: Here are 11 events, things to do to help you celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month in Kentucky How accurate is the Farmers' Almanac winter prediction? Did they get the winter weather prediction right last year? Farmers' Almanac said the 2024-25 winter weather predictions "for a mild winter in Texas and the Southern Plains hit the mark, and we correctly called the cold weather over the Northern Plains and Great Lakes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Almanac also notes, "We also accurately forewarned of a very cold spell at the end of January," perhaps referencing some of winter 2024-2025's milestones including the arctic air mass that contributed to cold weather advisories that month. "But La Nina threw a curveball, leaving us with fewer wet weather events than expected," the Almanac said. February also brought dangerously cold temperatures but overall, the contiguous U.S. had the third warmest winter on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with an average temperature of 34.1 degrees F, 1.9 degrees above average. The Farmers' Almanac creates its forecasts "using a proprietary formula that adapts to the mysteries of nature and the ever-changing world in which we live," the edition notes. "The basis of our prediction method was developed by our founding editor according to correlations between celestial events and various meteorological conditions." While scientists may question the accuracy of The Farmers' Almanac and the competing The Old Farmer's Almanac the guide, which includes planting tips and an astronomical calendar, remains an interesting read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winter weather 2025-2026: When will the leaves change color in Louisville? What to know as fall foliage season approaches USA TODAY reporter Mike Snider contributed. Midwest Connect reporter Hannah Hudnall contributed. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: See Farmers' Almanac 2025-2026 winter weather predictions for U.S., Kentucky A fugitive father who had been hiding with his three children in the dense New Zealand wilderness was shot dead in an armed confrontation with police on Monday, leading to his three children being placed in the state care, ending a near four-year search for the family. Thomas Phillips and his children Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10 and Ember, 9 had been evading police in a remote part of the countrys North Island since December 2021, triggering a manhunt that gripped the nation. Phillips time on the run ended in the early hours of Monday when police responded to a break-in at a farm shop in a tiny rural town and gave chase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A police officer was wounded in the confrontation after being shot in the head at close range with a high-powered rifle, police said. The eldest of the children was found with Phillips at the time, police confirmed. Following a massive and urgent search operation involving helicopters, the other children were located, later Monday, at a remote campsite in the dense bush near the tiny rural town of Marokopa, on the rugged west coast of New Zealands Waikato region. Photos released by police show the campsite where Tom Phillips and his children had be hiding in recent months - New Zealand Police They are with police officers now, and are being removed from that location, Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers told reporters Monday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can confirm that the children are well and uninjured, and they will be taken to a location this evening for medical checks, Rogers said. On Wednesday, police released photographs showing a makeshift shelter hidden in the bush. Farm bikes, a tent, sleeping bags, cooking equipment and various other supplies - including cans of lemonade - can be seen in the pictures. Police also found a gun there. (Its) not very nice its not a camping trip for a couple of nights, so its very dirty, you know, cramped conditions, said Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders on Wednesday. The campsite was hidden in dense bush in a remote location on the west coast of New Zealand - New Zealand Police Police said they had been staying at the campsite for months, but that it was just one of various placed the family might had been staying over the years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And police believe he may have had assistance from other people. It is apparent that he had outside help, Saunders said. Phillips first vanished with his children in September 2021, kicking off a huge search of land and sea. They reappeared at a nearby farm belonging to Phillips family weeks later. But after Phillips was charged with wasting police time, he and the children vanished again in December that year. Police believe they were living off-grid, with the father using his survival skills to feed, shelter and clothe his children, but despite several sightings, appeals for help, and a police search, the familys location had remained a mystery. Each new sighting made global headlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early Monday local time police were called to reports of a break-in at a farming goods store in the Piopio, a town of less than 500 people in the western Waikato region near where Phillips is believed to have been hiding out. A four-wheeled farm bike with two people on it was spotted leaving the town on a gravel road and police gave chase. Road spikes were set up near at an intersection about 30 kilometers down the road. The quad bike has run over the spikes. The two occupants have been on that bike, and it has come to a rest on this rural road. A short time later, the first attending police officer at that scene has come across that stopped quad bike and been confronted by gunfire at close range, Rogers said. The officer was getting out of his police car when he was struck in the head and subsequently took cover in the car. Another police officer arrived at the scene seconds later and shot at the man believed to be Phillips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While formal identification has yet to taken place, Rogers told reporters Monday: We believe him to be Tom Phillips. A police officer investigates at a site following a shootout that occurred near the town of Piopio, located in New Zealand's Waikato region on September 8, 2025. - DJ Mills/AFP/Getty Images His sister, Rozzi Phillips, confirmed to CNN affiliate and public broadcaster RNZ that he had been killed. Rogers confirmed one of the missing children, thought to be the other person on the farm bike, was located at the scene. Three firearms were located on and around the quad bike while the wounded officer has been airlifted to Waikato Hospital to undergo surgery. Rogers said the officer had significant injuries to his head and neck, but that police had been informed they were survivable. Jayda, Maverick and Ember Phillips have been missing with their father Thomas Phillips since December 2021. - New Zealand Police Frantic search for the children Police had repeatedly voiced their serious concerns for the children Jayda, Maverick and Ember whove had no contact with their mother since December 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now they have been found, they have been placed with Oranga Tamariki, the state agency that cares for children. The childrens mother, known as Cat, said she was deeply relieved that for our (children) this ordeal has come to an end, in a statement to CNN affiliate RNZ on Monday morning. They have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care, she said At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today. Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just two weeks ago, law enforcement released security camera footage of what they believed to be Phillips and one of the children involved in an early morning break-in at a convenience store in the same town as Mondays shooting. Last June police offered a reward of 80,000 New Zealand dollars ($52,000) for information leading to their location and safe return. Phillips series of alleged crimes includes the armed robbery of a bank in May 2023, when two people were seen on a security camera escaping on a motorbike with cash. Phillips already faced a range of charges including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm. CNNs Hilary Whiteman contributed reporting For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A Fayetteville man was sentenced Sept. 8 to 35 years in prison for killing a woman. Adrian Rodriguez, 33, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was given 35 years in prison along with a five-year suspended sentence without the possibility of parole. Rodriguez was arrested in Georgia for the first-degree murder of a Fayetteville woman in July 2023. On July 29, Fayetteville police responded to a home for a welfare check around 10:21 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say, family members of Brenda Madriles, 32, reported that she had not been seen or heard from since July 27. The home belonged to Rodriguez, an acquaintance of Madriles, according to police. According to a press release from Washington County Prosecutor Brandon Carters office, police found Madriles body in a bedroom covered by a blanket, pillows, clothing and other items. A knife with blood on it was found along with her body. An autopsy later showed that Madriles died from multiple stab wounds. The post says an investigation by Fayetteville detectives, Springdale police and Georgia law enforcement led to Bibb County, Georgia, where Rodriguez was found and arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is my hope that todays proceeding will bring a sense of closure to the family and loved ones of Brenda. I know they have been struggling with this since the murder occurred just over two years ago. The hearts of the entire staff of the prosecutors office goes out to them today. Carter said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. The Trump administration is vowing to FLOOD THE ZONE after the Supreme Court opened the door for federal law enforcement officers to roam the streets of Los Angeles to make immigration arrests based on racially profiling suspects. A 6-3 decision from the nations high court Monday overturned an injunction that blocked federal agents from carrying out sweeps in southern California after a judge determined they were indiscriminately targeting people based on race and whether they spoke Spanish, among other factors. The courts conservative majority did not provide a reason for the decision, which is typical for opinions on the courts emergency docket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a concurring opinion, Trump-appointed Justice Brett Kavanaugh said that apparent ethnicity alone cannot furnish reasonable suspicion but it can be a relevant factor for immigration enforcement. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the ruling a massive victory that allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to continue carrying out roving patrols in California without judicial micromanagement. The Department of Homeland Security said its officers will continue to FLOOD THE ZONE in Los Angeles following the courts order. The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a lower-court order that prevented ICE from carrying out indiscriminate arrests that targeted Latino communities. (REUTERS) This decision is a victory for the safety of Americans in California and for the rule of law, the agency said in a statement accusing Democrat Mayor Karen Bass of protecting immigrants who have committed crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal law enforcement will not be slowed down and will continue to arrest and remove the murderers, rapists, gang members and other criminal illegal aliens that Karen Bass continues to give safe harbor, according to Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin. The courts opinion drew a forceful rebuke from liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic justice on the bench, who accused the conservative justices of ignoring the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unlawful protects against unlawful searches and seizures We should not have to live in a country where the Government can seize anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish, and appears to work a low wage job, she wrote in a dissenting opinion. The Fourth Amendment protects every individuals constitutional right to be free from arbitrary interference by law officers, she added. After today, that may no longer be true for those who happen to look a certain way, speak a certain way, and appear to work a certain type of legitimate job that pays very little. The Trump administration has vowed to flood the zone after the Supreme Courts ruling on ICE raids in Los Angeles, where federalized troops joined local police this summer to quash protests against immigration raids. (Middle East Images/AFP via Getty) Immigration raids throughout the Los Angeles area in June sparked massive protests demanding the Trump administration withdraw ICE and federal agents from patrolling immigrant communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Trump federalized National Guard troops and sent in hundreds of Marines despite objections from Democratic city and state officials. The administration deployed roughly 5,000 National Guard soldiers and Marines to the Los Angeles area, assisting with more than 170 law enforcement operations carried out by federal agencies, according to the Department of Defense. The Pentagon has ended most of those operations, but hundreds of National Guard members remain active in southern California. California Governor Gavin Newsom sued the administration, alleging the president illegally deployed the troops in violation of a 140-year-old law that prohibits the military from performing domestic law enforcement operations. ACLU legal director Cecillia Wang, representing groups who sued to block indiscriminate raids in Los Angeles, said the Supreme Court order puts people at grave risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order allows federal agents to target individuals because of their race, how they speak, the jobs they work, or just being at a bus stop or the car wash when ICE agents decide to raid a place, she said. For anyone perceived as Latino by an ICE agent, this means living in a fearful papers please regime, with risks of violent ICE arrests and detention, Wang added. The administration deployed roughly 5,000 National Guard soldiers and Marines to the Los Angeles area, assisting with more than 170 law enforcement operations carried out by federal agencies (AFP via Getty Images) In his lengthy concurring opinion, Kavanaugh suggested that the demographics of southern California and the estimated 2 million people without legal permission living in the state support ICEs sweeping operations. He also argued that because Latino immigrants without legal status tend to gather in certain locations to seek daily work, work in construction, and may not speak English, officers have a reasonable suspicion to believe they are violating immigration law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sotomayor criticized Kavanaughs assessment that ICE was merely performing brief stops for questioning. Countless people in the Los Angeles area have been grabbed, thrown to the ground and handcuffed simply because of their looks, their accents and the fact they make a living by doing manual labor, she wrote. Today, the court needlessly subjects countless more to these exact same indignities. Because the court did not provide a reasoning behind the ruling, it is difficult to discern whether the justices intend for the order to have wider effect, giving Donald Trump a powerful tool to execute his commands for millions of arrests for his mass deportation agenda. Bass warned that the ruling could have sweeping consequences. I want the entire nation to hear me when I say this isnt just an attack on the people of Los Angeles, this is an attack on every person in every city in this country, she said in a statement. In late June, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced at the Western Governors Association in New Mexico that the USDA would be repealing the 2001 Roadless Rule. Its a policy that prohibits the building of roads on 44.7 million acres of public lands (which was initially 58.5 million, but several states have carved out exceptions for themselves) that was implemented to conserve and protect just 2% of remaining American ecosystems from development. That small percentage is a massive amount of land representing about 30% of the entire area managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rule was implemented after three years of analysis, with an exhaustive collaborative process that included over 400 public meetings, attended by more than 20,000 participants. During the public comment period, 1.6 million submissions were received, of which, about 95% supported roadless protections. In the last 24 years, however, quite a bit has changed. Not just in terms of the political temperament of the nation, but what is transpiring in the forests and how land managers believe they are best stewarded. This April 23, 2017, photo shows Herbert Glacier near Juneau, Alaska, in the Tongass National Forest. | Becky Bohrer There is this inherent narrative thats out there that somehow, if we want to protect something, we leave it alone. What I have seen in my tenure in managing forests which runs almost 30 years is leaving things alone does not mean that things will be managed," Tom Schultz, chief of the Forest Service, said in an interview with the Deseret News. This notion of, if I want to protect something, I leave it alone, thats a fallacy. Thats a false narrative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schultzs assertion is disputed by conservationists, ecologists and outdoor recreationists who question that logic and approach, but is still one that the Trump administration is moving quickly to adopt. For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has safeguarded Americas backcountry lands that are home to 70% of our native trout and salmon, that protect drinking water for millions, and that offer some of the finest hunting and fishing opportunity in the world, Chris Wood, president of Trout Unlimited, said in a statement. Wood, who was the senior policy and communication advisor to the Forest Service chief when the rule was implemented, called it one of the most significant and popular conservation achievements in U.S. history. We urge USDA to keep these protections in place, he said, and were committed to working with them to ensure these lands are managed wisely, for the benefit of everyone. Following the required procedures of the Administrative Procedure Act, Rollins announced last week that the USDA would begin taking public comment on a proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Setting a window of 21 days from Aug. 29 through Sept. 19 for the public to weigh in public comments can be made here a full environmental impact review will follow. While the initial review took 15 months following the comment period, the federal notice for the repeal set a March 2026 date for a final decision. Its us moving expeditiously through the process to make sure that we can consider what needs to be considered, get the public input, and make decisions as we move on, Schultz said. We are racing against time to make sure that were doing the right thing on the ground to protect communities and manage the resources that we have for rural prosperity, while at the same time protecting the environment. Why repeal the roadless rule? Hundreds of people protest efforts to privatize federal public land in Santa Fe, N.M., outside a meeting of governors from western states and top Trump-administration officials in Santa Fe, N.M., Monday, June 23, 2025. | Morgan Lee In public comments made since Rollins June announcement, the Trump administration has raised broader issues with regulation and moving decision-making from the federal government to local land managers. But in terms of the lands themselves, it mostly emphasized addressing the increased risks of wildfire, while only including increased timber logging in published plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once again, President Trump is removing absurd obstacles to common sense management of our natural resources by rescinding the overly restrictive roadless rule, Rollins said in a statement. It is abundantly clear that properly managing our forests preserves them from devastating fires and allows future generations of Americans to enjoy and reap the benefits of this great land. The references to the Trump administrations removal of obstacles alludes to several executive orders that the president signed earlier this year. Suggesting that the country was at risk due to reliance on foreign nations for energy and timber, Trump declared an intent to maximize the natural resource extraction from our public lands as they represent a potential engine of economic growth through several orders, one called "Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production." Another executive order is titled "Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation" and in it he set a clear tone regarding federal regulations. Rather than seeing them as helpful guardrails protecting America from itself, they are considered roadblocks to growth and needless hindrance of progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As you look at the regulatory burden across government thats a big one how do we reduce the regulatory burden?," Schultz said. Particularly with roadless ... Were talking, you know, 60 million acres nationally, and the inability to manage those lands, in many cases, they would need to be managed. He added that, Anytime we try to take things off the table and not allow for local conditions, local public input into that process, to my mind that is somewhat problematic. How would roads help fight wildfire? Firefighters battle the Gifford Fire burning on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, in Los Padres National Forest, Calif. | Noah Berger Since the mid-1980s, 13% of roadless Forest Service areas over 5 million acres experienced some form of intense wildfire. As the risks and scale of wildfires have increased across the country, theyve also increased in the roadless areas. Some parts of national forests such as in California have a 60% chance risk of wildfire, while others in the east have as low as 5%. While only some of those regions are roadless, there are still 10 million roadless acres that are near wildland-urban interfaces, or WUIs, where wildfire can be most destructive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If I have a community where we have the potential for loss of life, loss of property, am I not going to take every action possible to protect those communities? Schultz said. If we truly want to protect some areas, you have to get in there, you have to be proactive. You have to build fuel breaks. You have to have roads in there to provide access to firefighters. There are provisions in the Roadless Rule, however, that allow for such treatments to occur. Trout Unlimited, a conservation nonprofit supporting waterways, found that nearly 2 million acres of inventoried roadless areas have received fuel treatments since 2001. This includes 14% of all hazardous fuels treatments on national forest lands in 12 western states, one of its fact-sheet states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are exemptions in the roadless rule to say, where we need to reduce fuels and go in and take out timber to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire (we can), said Corey Fisher, public land policy director for Trout Unlimited. Rather than repealing the roadless rule, better using the flexibility and latitude thats already built in would be a more effective and durable approach. Fisher pointed out that the state of Utah, for example, has done a lot of fuel reduction work in roadless areas. Of all the hazardous fuel projects that have happened in Utah on national forest land, 38% of those acres have been in roadless areas 433,000 acres." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there are risks associated with wildfire, there is also the relevant fact that most forest ecosystems are fire adaptive and need to burn. Wildfire is a healthy and necessary part of a forests lifecycle particularly in the regions such as Alaska and the Intermountain West. Fire poses a significant threat, yes, but it also needs to occur for those habitats to stay healthy and continue to flourish. Another relevant fact is that the majority of wildfires that start in the United States, not only are caused by humans, but happen near roads. Studies have shown that far more fires start near roads, even though the ones in roadless areas do tend to burn larger. Wildfire starts are strongly correlated to roads, Fisher said. If were building more roads, its not unreasonable to assume then that were gonna be starting more wildfires in areas that otherwise wildfires wouldnt be starting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats one of the reasons why we do see larger fires in roadless areas, he said. Because those areas do need to burn. Concerns about the process In the years since the Roadless Rule was enacted, a consistency and certainty about how roadless lands managed has settled in, said Fisher. There is no longer any pending litigation and its been 13 years since the Supreme Court last declined to hear a case about it. If this repeal goes forward, it creates a lot of uncertainty for all users, whether its the timber industry or hunters and anglers about how these lands are going to be managed, he said. That uncertainty would not make the management of the land any easier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Rollins has repeated that the USDA is going to repeal the Roadless Rule, but is also following the Administrative Procedure Act, which requires public comment and a full environmental review. To Fisher, that makes the process seem performative. One of the concerns is that the process is pre-decisional and its, in some ways, perfunctory, Fisher said. At the same time, the Forest Service is saying, Hey, we want to hear from for stakeholders and user groups to help us identify a range of alternatives for evaluation. Fisher believes that the confusion between Rollins public statements and the limited window for public comment opens the door for litigation and, ultimately, just more confusion about what is and is not the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whereas if the agency took a slower, more deliberative, collaborative approach and built support for a roadmap for roadless management, then that would build certainty and durability behind what the agencys trying to do here, Fisher said. But instead, this process is creating new opportunities for various interest groups to find contention. The Roadless Rule has a long history of litigation and repealing it, Fisher said, just opens up a whole new era of litigation chaos. Frankly, (this) isnt going to help achieve the mutual goals that the Forest Service and conservationists have of improving forest health and restoring our national forest system, to make safer communities and improve fish and wildlife habitat, he said. Whats next Its premature, at this point, to say what exactly the action that the secretary might take. Shes clearly made her intentions known, but its no different than other things done, Schultz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were taking public comment. Were gonna read through it. Well analyze it and provide the feedback to the secretary and itll be her decision in terms of how we proceed. Once the public comment period is over, where 16,657 have already been submitted, then a full environmental review will begin. Its not going to be a free-for-all. Its going to be a thoughtful process, said Schultz. Therell be public input, and then those forest plans, at some point in the near term, would be updated after we get to the rulemaking process. I mean, this is really important information. In the notice, the environmental impact evaluation priorities are to assess multiple use access; maintain forest health management, which includes fire suppression; conserving ecosystems, protecting threatened and endangered species, preserving recreation opportunities and cultural, sacred sites; and the impacts on local and regional economies. The notice, too, clearly states that a repeal does not authorize any explicit timber harvesting, road construction or specific projects. Its purpose would be to pass off that analysis to local land managers. There are many outdoor enthusiasts, sportsmen and advocates for the preservation of some American land that see a chance through the public comment period to protect some of the last remaining wild spaces. From clean drinking water to collaborative fire mitigation to our unparalleled year-round recreation opportunities, we have shown that the Roadless Rule has been a resounding success for the Wasatch Mountains, wrote Jack Stauss of Save Our Canyons, a Utah nonprofit organization. Undoing decades of protection could revert the Wasatch to thoughtless degradation and economic exploitation. Please make your voice heard for the Wasatch. Its a sentiment that Fisher from Trout Unlimited stressed. These are public lands and the public needs to make their voice heard. And theres a short 21-day opportunity to do that. Not just hunters, anglers, but all public land users need to weigh in on this issue and share why these public lands are so important to our way of life. Immigration enforcement operations are ramping up in Chicago and Boston, marking the latest escalation between the Trump administration and Democratic-led cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The Department of Homeland Security on Monday announced Operation Midway Blitz aimed at targeting criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor (JB) Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained at least five people over the weekend, including a flower vendor and a person waiting for the bus, Chicago Alderperson Jeylu Gutierrez said Monday, asserting that proves the arrests are aimed at terrorizing our community rather than to go after criminals. ICE confirmed four arrests, but besides criminal history gave little information on those detained, The Associated Press reported. CNN has reached out to the agency for more information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The heightened rhetoric from President Donald Trump and his top officials aligns with how the White House plans to push forward its aggressive agenda aimed at undocumented immigrants. Ongoing arrests in Chicago are expected to expand as a federal presence builds up in a weeks-long, phased approach, according to officials familiar with the plans who stressed its still in flux. Operations in Boston and Chicago are modeled after the June immigration sweeps in Los Angeles that the Supreme Court ruled Monday can continue under certain circumstances. The Homeland Security official charged with immigration operations in Los Angeles, Gregory Bovino, was deployed to Chicago to do the same there, officials told CNN, with one describing Chicago as Los Angeles on the road. The escalating actions also follow a massive raid last week at a Hyundai plant in Georgia that, while not in a sanctuary city, previews forthcoming worksite operations, border czar Tom Homan told CNNs Jake Tapper on Sunday. You can expect action in most sanctuary cities across the country, Homan said, decrying as problem areas the next targets of the sweeping nationwide immigration enforcement agenda that helped propel Trump to a second term but Americans largely oppose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In tandem with those moves, more Democratic-led cities also are bracing for the Trump administration to decide over the next day or two, the president said Sunday where to further deploy National Guard troops to crack down on violent crime, a purported problem the White House sometimes has linked with immigration. This image from video provided by Immigration and Customs Enforcement shows a person being handcuffed Thursday at the Hyundai Motor Groups electric vehicle plant in Ellabell, Georgia. - Corey Bullard/AP The Department of Homeland Security on Sunday blamed Boston Mayor Michelle Wu for sanctuary polices that not only attract and harbor criminals but also place these public safety threats above the interests of law-abiding American citizens. Crossing the border or overstaying a visa and being undocumented in the United States generally is a civil infraction, not a criminal one. Calling up the National Guard is always on the table for Chicago, Homan told CNN, even after a federal judge last week ruled Trump broke federal law by using the US military to help with law enforcement activities in and around Los Angeles while use of the guard in Washington, DC, is unlike anywhere else. We used them in Los Angeles, and we use them in Washington, DC, Homan said. Theyre a force multiplier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Dick Durbin, the Senates No. 2 Democrat, said in a statement Monday that such enforcement wont make people feel safer. They are a waste of money, stoke fear, and represent another failed attempt at a distraction, he said. Cities push back against Trump threats In Washington, DC, where more than 2,200 armed National Guard troops have roamed for weeks, officials are suing the Trump administration, accusing the president of violating the Constitution and federal law by sending soldiers into the city without consent from local leaders. The lawsuit, filed Thursday by DCs attorney general, 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 argue the National Guard deployment is unnecessary and costly, with taxpayers footing an estimated $1 million a day, while troops take photos with tourists, pick up trash and lay mulch. Members of the National Guard patrol inside the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on August 28. - Win McNamee/Getty Images Trump has also repeatedly slammed nearby Baltimore for its crime, calling the city a hellhole and suggesting the National Guard could be deployed there next. We dont need an occupation, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott told CNNs Manu Raju on Sunday. Scott said hed explore all options when asked whether he would sign an order like Chicagos that tells local police not to cooperate with federal law enforcement should they be deployed. On Sunday evening, Trump told reporters Chicago is a very dangerous place, adding to anticipation of troops there. The president said he could solve Chicago very quickly, but stopped short of committing to deploy the guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next morning, he lashed out at Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, questioning the Democrats supposed aversion to federal intervention: WHY??? Only the Criminals will be hurt by any federal efforts, Trump wrote on his social media platform, adding crime is ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE!!! Pritzker denounced DHS operations in the state Monday, saying in a post on X that the operation isnt about fighting crime. That requires support and coordination yet weve experienced nothing like that over the past several weeks, he said, adding that the administration has chosen to focus on scaring Illinoisians. The governors office has still not recieved any formal communication or information from the Trump administration and that they are often learning of operations through social media, said Matt Hill, spokesperson for Pritzker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven people were killed in Chicago from Friday evening through Sunday, preliminary police figures show. At least six victims were men, ages 21 to 42. Still, fatal shootings in the city are down 34.2% this year through September 6 compared with the same period in 2024, with 237 killed in 2025, mayors office data shows. The Windy City has prepared for more than a week for looming National Guard deployments and Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, from the governor bracing for a court fight to parade planners postponing. DHS operation in honor of 20-year-old killed in drunken driving incident DHS said the agency is launching Operation Midway Blitz to honor Katie Abraham, who was killed in a drunken driving incident earlier this year in Illinois by a previously deported migrant who was using an alias, according to the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her father, Joe Abraham, told CNN Monday that he and his wife appreciate the recognition. I was just happy someone acknowledged Katie, unlike anyone here in Illinois other than Mary Miller, who is the congresswoman of the district that Katie was killed in, he said. The silence in this state, my state, the only state Ive ever lived in and known. Abraham described his daughter, a third-year student at Ohio University, as such a special person, very genuine, very authentic person. He said if the politicians in Illinois had tried to get to know her, they would feel so much shame, because such a beautiful soul isnt worth one criminal. Dont tell me the stuff that you cant do anything about it, he said. Set up a process. Vet people, adding that he just wants some type of rational process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guy who killed Katie would have been filtered out. So thats where Im at. Fears gripped Chicago over the weekend On the Lower West Side of Chicago, the start of Mexican Independence Day celebrations typically marks a raucous weekend of parties and parades drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees. While some crowds did gather Saturday waving green, white and red flags in the predominantly Latino Pilsen neighborhood, an undercurrent of caution persisted. As costumed performers and children with baskets of treats paraded through the community, bright orange whistles swung from their necks, each one ready to cut through the music should federal immigration agents appear. Keilina Zamora prepares to participate in the Mexican Independence Day parade in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood on Saturday. - Scott Olson/Getty Images People watch the Mexican Independence Day parade in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood on Saturday. - Scott Olson/Getty Images Elsewhere, celebrations were muted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Wauconda, a village northwest of Chicago, the annual Latino Heritage Festival was canceled due in part to immigration concerns in our area, the Wauconda Police Department said in a Friday social media post. One of the largest events of the Fiestas Patrias, the parade for the Mexican Independence Day in Waukegan, has been postponed for the first time in its 30-year history to November 1 from September 14. The festival is celebrated every year in the suburb along Lake Michigan just north of the Great Lakes naval base, the facility Gov. JB Pritzker said Trump is set to use as a command center for incoming immigration agents. Communities throughout the nations third-largest city are preparing for ICE presence by handing out flyers reminding families they have the right in the face of immigration enforcement to remain silent and dont have to consent to be searched or share their birthplace or citizenship status, among other rights. In Pilsen, neighbors gathered this weekend to celebrate Latino culture, choosing joy despite fear: I think now more than ever is when we need to demonstrate that we are united and we are a community, longtime resident Araceli Lucio said. CNNs Kit Maher, Alison Main, Samantha Waldenberg, Lily Hautau, Chris Boyette, and Gabe Cohen contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The exterior of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Johnston. Nongovernmental groups are no longer allowed to register new citizens as voters at the end of their naturalization ceremonies under a new policy enacted by the Trump administration. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) For the past two years, Rhode Island League of Women Voters volunteers have helped over 1,700 new American citizens register to vote at weekly naturalization ceremonies at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Johnston. Its a routine, Christine Stenning, president of the Newport League of Women Voters, said in an interview Monday. And it seems to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when volunteers arrived at the Johnston office the morning after Labor Day, they were told the Trump administration had ended their routine. A new policy quietly enacted the Friday before the holiday weekend prohibits all nongovernmental groups from registering voters at naturalization ceremonies. The new rule, issued Aug. 29 by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), leaves voter registration duties at naturalization ceremonies solely with state and local election officials. We didnt know about it, Stenning said. This happened over that weekend its almost as if this was intentional from the administration. In a two-page memo on the new policy, the USCIS wrote that the change was made as part of its aims to make administrative naturalization ceremonies positive and memorable moments in the lives of the participants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USCIS does not believe that aliens or nongovernmental organizations have any reliance interests related to representatives of nongovernmental organizations being present at naturalization ceremonies, the memo states. The agency claimed that use of nongovernmental organizations for voter registration at naturalization ceremonies was sporadic and varied based upon the location and that ensuring the groups are nonpartisan was an administrative burden. A USCIS spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what those burdens entail. The agencys memo also states the change in no way impacts new citizens access to information and applications to register to vote because those materials will still be provided by local election officials or USCIS staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state offers several ways for new residents to register including automatic registration at the Division of Motor Vehicles, online and mail-in applications, or in person at local boards of canvassers. But not all new citizens may be aware of those options, said John Marion, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island. Its unbelievable that theyve decided they should kick the League of Women voters of all groups out of doing that, he said in an interview. Marion said as far as he was aware, only league volunteers have set up voter registration assistance at the Johnston USCIS office. Stenning said keeping groups like hers out of naturalization ceremonies undermines democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a step toward stopping peoples voting rights, she said. This is not just going to hit Rhode Island, this is going to hit the entire United States. Secretary of State Gregg Amore too was disappointed by the Trump administrations decision, chief of staff LeeAnn Byrne said in an email. The Rhode Island League of Women Voters have been excellent partners in registering new voters, both at naturalization ceremonies and other events, Byrne wrote. Its unbelievable that theyve decided they should kick the League of Women voters of all groups out of doing that. John Marion, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island Naturalization ceremonies are typically held weekly at the USCISs Johnston office and monthly at the federal courthouse in downtown Providence. Theyve also happened at the Roger Williams National Memorial, half a mile up the road from the courthouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On average, 100 new citizens and their family members attend naturalization ceremonies at the Providence park, said Park Ranger Kevin Klyberg. So far, he said, park rangers have not received any guidance on who is allowed to attend. Its everyones park, he said. So anyone who wants to come by can come on by. Ceremonies themselves typically last an hour and are public events at which individuals who have undergone the process of becoming citizens take their oath of allegiance and typically could then apply for their U.S. passport and register to vote, Marcela Betancur, executive director of the Latino Policy Institute in Providence said in an interview. Betancur said she was very concerned that the new federal rule creates a barrier to the ballot for new Rhode Islanders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If as a country we want to ensure that individuals are here and American citizens, then why wouldnt we want them to be registered to vote? she said. The state offers several ways for new residents to register including automatic registration at the Division of Motor Vehicles, online and mail-in applications, or in person at local boards of canvassers. But not all new citizens may be aware of those options, Marion said. Byrne said the Secretary of States office is in communication with the Rhode Island Board of Elections and the Johnston Board of Canvassers to ensure new citizens know where to register to vote following their ceremony at the Atwood Avenue location. But, Secretary Amore hopes the Trump Administration will reverse its decision and allow trusted nonpartisan organizations to resume offering this service, Byrne added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stenning said she hoped to see solutions as soon as possible. One idea she floated was having the Secretary of States office deputize league volunteers as official election workers. Byrne said the office has not considered the idea as of Monday, adding doing so may be complicated as there are strict definitions for election workers, who generally are employed full time by the state or as poll workers. I dont know if we could say that off the top of our heads, but thats an interesting idea, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Federal authorities have sued four New Jersey cities in an attempt to strike policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration officials. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) The Trump administration is arguing to a federal judge that a recent increase in the flow of migrants into the United States requires courts to reconsider prior rulings that have upheld a New Jersey directive providing sanctuary to undocumented immigrants. Four New Jersey cities that have been sued by the administration over their local sanctuary policies have argued that the constitutionality of sanctuary orders was upheld in 2021 by the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals in a case brought by Ocean County. But the Trump administration said the judge overseeing the new dispute should instead consider two other immigration-related decisions that found in the federal governments favor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current crisis of illegal immigration, which was allowed to reach critical levels after Ocean County was decided, requires a re-examination of that ruling, the administration says in a letter filed with the court last week. The Trump administration has challenged policies in Hoboken, Jersey City, Newark, and Paterson that limit local officials ability to share information with federal immigration authorities, arguing those policies are preempted by federal law. Attorneys for the cities have argued that the administration has no standing to sue because the cities would have to follow the states sanctuary policy, called the Immigrant Trust Directive, if they had no local sanctuary policies. But the administration alleges that those local policies impose even greater restrictions than the states directive. The Newark policy, for example, precludes any contract, agreement, or arrangement to detain immigrants in deportation proceedings, including but not limited to Intergovernmental Service Agreements, the administrations letter reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The four cities have asked U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin to review this case speedily for public safety purposes. Gurbir Grewal, an attorney who represents Hoboken and Newark in this dispute, is a former New Jersey attorney general who crafted the Immigrant Trust Act, which restricts when state and local law enforcement can cooperate with federal immigration agents. A federal judge in 2021 ruled the directive was not preempted by federal law because it sought to regulate the behavior of state and local officials, not federal ones, and requires local officials not to aid federal immigration efforts, rather than attempt to frustrate those efforts. The United States already brought such a challenge and lost, Grewal wrote in a filing in the case last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 3rd Circuit decision from 2021 also found that the state directive is not preempted by federal law. Federal attorneys argued in the newest letter that the cities policies discriminate against the federal government because Patersons policy does not apply to local law enforcement officials placed on federal task forces and therefore treats U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection differently than other agencies. Four Republican who are candidates are virtually tied just over a week before early voting starts met Sept. 5 for a debate. From left, former Commissioner of General Services Matt Van Epps. Rep. Lee Reeves, Rep. Jody Barrett and Rep. Gino Bulso. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Rep. Jody Barrett opened Fridays U.S. Congressional debate with a provocative comment. Im the only candidate with two different agencies giving me a 100% conservative voting record, said Barrett, a state representative from Dickson. The difference between being 100% and somewhere less is where the fight is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 7, primary voters will vote in a special election for the Tennessee 7th U.S. Congressional District triggered by the resignation of Mark Green earlier this year. Nearly a dozen candidates entered the Republican primary, but the conservative think tank Americans for Prosperity Tennessee invited only four candidates to its Sept. 5 debate in West Nashville based on polling and fundraising numbers. Barrett, Brentwood state Rep. Gino Bulso, Franklin state Rep. Lee Reeves, and former Tennessee General Services Commissioner Matt Van Epps are also the four candidates in the race with state-level legislative or government experience. A pre-debate Americans for Prosperity poll of 500 voters showed the four men each getting between 15-20% support. The polls margin of error effectively means they are tied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Lee Reeves of Franklin. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Rep. Gino Bulso of Brentwood. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Matt Van Epps, former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Rep. Jody Barrett of Dickson. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) For two hours, moderators attempted to create some separation between the candidates, but the debate rules banned cross-talk between candidates, and they werent allowed to mention each others names. The moderators also tried to distinguish any policy differences between the four men and President Donald Trump. Only Barrett criticized any of Trumps actions, calling out his support for Operation Warp Speed to create the coronavirus vaccine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans for Prosperity was one of the few conservative groups that didnt endorse Trump in his 2024 presidential primary, backing former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley instead. All the candidates agreed they would have voted for the Big Beautiful Bill, wouldnt push legalization for marijuana and that the federal government needs to be smaller. The differences that emerged were more stylistic than substantial. Bulsos answers tended to linger as he attempted to show his legal knowledge. The state representative in his second term is a lawyer who often tries to argue political debates like they are written arguments before a court. Bulso cited clauses in the constitution at least five times during the debate. Reeves made it clear from the start that he wanted to be known as the America First candidate in the race, trying to tie himself to Trump. The first-term state representative hit all the key conservative points, calling for the elimination of the Department of Education, more immigration crackdowns, and the defunding of sanctuary cities. Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson visits with a voter before a Sept. 5 debate between Republican candidates running for Congress in Tennessees 7th Congressional District. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Van Epps has mentioned his military service and experience running a state department multiple times. He made it clear his priority in office will be working with Trump and on defense issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The congressional district borders the U.S. Armys Fort Campbell base, which straddles the Tennessee-Kentucky border. Many of the districts voters are current or former military, which helped Green as a former infantry officer when he first ran for the seat. The district encompasses the western half of Middle Tennessee before taking a claw-like shape out of Nashville and Williamson County. Since it was partisanly redrawn in 2022, Green consistently won about 60% of the districts vote. Democrats are also holding a competitive primary between Nashville state reps. Aftyn Behn, Vincent Dixie and Bo Mitchell, and Nashville businessman Darden Copeland. Despite it being a special election, political rating agencies still score the seat as solidly Republican. The general election is on December 2. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Progressive activist groups in New York City are calling on Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to fight like hell against any upcoming federal budget legislation backed by President Donald Trump that jeopardizes healthcare or fuels Trumps lawlessness. The statement from Indivisible, a coalition of left-of-center organizations, comes in the shadow of a looming government shutdown. Bedraggled Democrats and ascendant Republicans are gearing up to pass legislation to fund the government beyond September 30. Barring any action, the federal government will enter a shutdown next month. Indivisible said that Democratic state senators surrendered to Trump back in March during a similar funding fight. They asked that Gillibrand and Schumer hold the line after seeing the results of that capitulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rank-and-file Democrats across the country were furious and called for new leadership, Indivisible Executive Director Ezra Levin said. Headed into this second round, New York Democrats are clear that they want congressional Democratic leadership to do one simple thing: fight like hell. Klein said his fellow Democrats were looking for substantive leadership, not just performative gestures and wanted their elected representatives to block Trumps blank check legislation to enact further spending cuts. If they dont, they wont just further empower this authoritarian regime; they also risk fracturing the Democratic Party over their failed leadership, he said. Were urging our leaders to lead. In letters to Schumer and Gillibrand, Indivisible further warned the senators that Democrats should expect disappointing results in the 2026 midterms if they dont fight now. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. You must not repeat the mistakes that were made in March by granting Democratic votes for Republican legislation without getting anything in return, Indivisible wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statements come in the midst of a politically disastrous year for Democrats. With a record-low approval rating of 34%, Democrats have faced national accusations ranging from political helplessness to willful inaction. The post Fight like hell: Progressive groups demand Dem senators hold the line in funding fight appeared first on Salon.com. "Today, a mighty hurricane will strike the skies over Gaza City, and the roofs of the terror towers will tremble," Katz said. Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened Hamas in a social media post that if the terrorist organization does not release the hostages in Gaza and lay down its weapons, Gaza will be destroyed and the group will be eliminated. "This is a final warning," he iterated. "Today, a mighty hurricane will strike the skies over Gaza City, and the roofs of the terror towers will tremble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The IDF continues as planned and is preparing to expand the operation to bring about the decisive defeat of Gaza," he concluded. The Israeli Air Force is expected to strike numerous targets, including additional high-rise buildings in Gaza. Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli airstrike that destroyed a residential building earlier today, in Gaza City, September 6, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/DAWOUD ABU ALKAS) Trump's warning to Hamas The statement from Katz came after US President Donald Trump posted on social media, "It is time for Hamas to accept [a hostage deal] as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one! Thank you for your attention to this matter. DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," the post read. A new US-backed proposal has been delivered to Hamas over the past few days in an effort to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, sources told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday. The initiative, conveyed through Israeli negotiator Gershon Baskin and Dr. Bishara Bahbah, outlines a comprehensive framework aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas claimed that it is ready to "immediately sit at the negotiating table to discuss the release of all hostages in exchange for a clear declaration of an end to the war, a full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the formation of a committee to administer the Gaza Strip from independent Palestinians, which will assume its work immediately," in an official statement published by the terror group on Sunday night. Amichai Stein contributed to this report. Nearly two years have passed since the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. Nearly two years since families were butchered in their homes, since babies were taken hostage, since thousands of rockets rained down on Israeli cities. And nearly two years into this war, Israel has achieved much. And yet, the war is not over because Hamas is not yet destroyed. True, Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the massacre, is dead. So is Mohammed Deif, his chief engineer. So is Ismail Haniyeh, the suave terrorist politician. The tunnel systems in Khan Yunis and Rafah have been collapsed, although, as a recent attack shows, not completely. Much of southern Gaza is under IDF control. Hezbollah has been defeated. Iran is but a shadow of itself. Still, while Hamas senior leadership has been eliminated, its organizational structure, ideology, and terror capabilities still exist. And where are they now? Mostly in northern Gaza. The very territory we cleared at the beginning of the war, and then left, believing that Hamas was broken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt. Over the past eighteen months, Hamas has quietly reconstituted its fighting capacity in northern Gaza in Beit Hanoun, Jabalia, Shati, and parts of Gaza City. On the recent USIEA congressional tour we stood in the ruins of Kfar Aza where we could see high-rises in Gaza City and Jabalia, perfect locations for snipers and anti-tank crews. Fighters have returned. Weapons have been smuggled back in. Commanders who fled south early in the war have resurfaced. And, critically, this area is likely where many of the remaining hostages fewer than 20 still believed alive are being held. These facts force us to face a hard but unavoidable conclusion: Israel must return to northern Gaza, and this time, not with caution, but with overwhelming, unrelenting force. Not to degrade Hamas. Not to pressure them into releasing hostages. But to finish the job. Permanently. Because here is the truth: Hamas will not give us the hostages back. If they were planning to do so, they already would have. The hostages are not prisoners they are pawns, human shields, and psychological weapons. Hamas uses them with great success to fracture Israeli society, to buy time, and to manipulate international pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some still believe that maybe, just maybe, Hamas will trade the hostages for a ceasefire, or a prisoner exchange, or international guarantees. But that belief has already cost us time and it has cost lives. Each cease fire, Hamas regroups. They dig more tunnels and they implement lessons learned from the previous round of fighting. They booby-trap more buildings and lie in wait. The longer we wait, the fewer hostages there will be left to rescue. Yes, the Israeli public is tired. Many Israelis have already done three hundred days of reserve duty since October 7. The Israeli economy is strained. But what was the point of all this, if we stop now? What was the point of burying our dead, calling up our sons and daughters, standing against the worlds hypocrisy, if were going to leave Hamas breathing? Weve tried restraint. Weve tried precision. Weve tried humanitarian pauses. And in return, weve received condemnation, lies, and more rockets. What we havent received is our hostages and a sense of security. If we want this war to end, there is only one way: finish the fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means reinvading northern Gaza with full force. No more surgical operations. No more holding back for the cameras of Al Jazeera. No more worrying about optics while Israeli hostages waste away in underground cages. And no more UN humanitarian aid that goes directly to Hamas to fund its operations. The moral argument is not on the side of restraint, it is on the side of liberation. Liberation of the hostages and liberation of Israel from the shadow of the next massacre. We are told incessantly by the international community to be measured. But Hamas was not measured when it beheaded our citizens. It was not measured when it launched a war from hospitals. It is not measured when it puts children in front of machine guns. So why must we be the only ones measured in a fight for our survival? Where has being measured gotten us? The IDF has done extraordinary work. We have uprooted one of the most entrenched terror infrastructures the world has ever seen. But if we stop now Hamas will rise again, as it did everywhere in Gaza the IDF pulled out, and the next October 7th will come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And when it does, we will ask ourselves: why did we not finish them when we had the chance? That moment is now. Not when the UN approves. Not when Western journalists feel satisfied. Now. We owe it to the hostages still in captivity. We owe it to those murdered on October 7 and the soldiers who have fallen in the fight. And we owe it to the next generation of Israelis, who deserve to grow up in a country where Hamas is not a looming threat, but a historical footnote. Hamas must be destroyed, not weakened, not contained. Destroyed. And northern Gaza must be the next and final battlefield. Ari Sacher is a senior policy advisor at the U.S. Israel Education Association and has worked for over thirty years as a rocket scientist in Israel. A fire that damaged part of a public storage facility near the Jersey Shore on Monday, the second blaze at the property in the last seven months, is under investigation, police said. The fire damaged multiple units at Burleigh Mini Storage on Shunpike Road in Middle Township, police said. The blaze was contained to the propertys F building, township police said. Dispatchers alerted first responders to the fire around 10:08 a.m., police said. Heavy smoke was seen coming from multiple units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the fire remains under investigation as of Monday, police said. In February, a section of the facility was heavily damaged by a massive blaze that tore through several units, creating a plume of smoke seen as far away as Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. A South Jersey man was charged with third-degree arson after telling investigators he lit a fire in a container in his unit while trying to stay warm. Eric Conklin Stories by Eric Conklin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. Read the original article on NJ.com. A fire at an energy facility in Kyiv Oblast that was struck by Russia has been extinguished. Repair work is ongoing, but consumers are no longer facing power outages. Source: Ukraines Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk on Facebook Details: Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk has inspected the energy infrastructure site in Kyiv Oblast that was hit by the Russians. Hrynchuk said the fire has been put out and energy workers are assessing the impact, adding that repair work is ongoing and no consumers are without power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Hrynchuk: "The overnight Russian strikes on Ukraines energy system hit not only Kyiv Oblast, but also Chernihiv and Donetsk oblasts. Ukrainian energy crews are working at all affected sites to repair the damage caused by the attacks. Last nights attacks are further proof that the enemy has not abandoned its aim of terrorising the civilian population, leaving Ukrainian homes cold and dark this winter and paralysing everyday life. Civilian critical infrastructure remains Moscows main focus during the autumn and winter period, as it has been for three consecutive years." Details: Hrynchuk stressed that the government is in constant contact with Ukraines international partners to strengthen protection for Ukraines critical infrastructure in terms of engineering and air defence, stockpile reserve equipment, and ensure the energy system remains as flexible as possible. "We must be prepared for any scenario, but the enemys strategies are predictable and well known," she said. Background: In the early hours of 8 September, Russia launched a large-scale strike on a thermal power facility in Kyiv Oblast. Ukrainian Telegram channels reported that Russian drones had attacked the Trypillia Thermal Power Plant. The strike caused blackouts in parts of Kyiv Oblast and some districts in the city of Kyiv. Ukrainians have been advised to prepare for possible power disruptions this autumn, as there is little room for optimism after the latest Russian attacks. Yasno CEO Serhii Kovalenko has warned that autumn will be "a rather anxious time for energy workers". "No one knows what this autumn will bring, but given the recent strikes, there is little room for optimism," he said. On the morning of 8 September, Russia once again attacked a DTEK enrichment plant in Donetsk Oblast, damaging the building and technical equipment. Emergency works on gas networks in the Obukhiv district of Kyiv Oblast are ongoing following a Russian strike. As a result, eight settlements will have no gas supply on 8-9 September. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Two long-awaited reports about the disaster-relief charity FireAids distribution of funds have been released to government officials and the public. The 501(c)(3) organization, founded by Clippers executives, had been under scrutiny from Republican politicians (including President Trump, who called FireAid a total disaster) and some residents of fire-ravaged areas in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. They questioned the priorities and effectiveness of grants given out after FireAid raised an estimated $100 million through its flagship benefit concerts in January. In response, FireAid commissioned two reports one a long-planned six-month status update on the specifics of its fundraising, grant making and local impacts, and the other an independent review by law firm Latham & Watkins. Both documents, reviewed by The Times, have been sent to local and national officials and the Department of Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law firm conducted an independent review of the charity, and shared conclusive findings affirming that FireAid has acted in accordance with mission, has strong accountability measures and aid is reaching affected communities, the FireAid organization said in a statement about the review findings. Read more: FireAids concerts raised $100 million for recovery. Here's how it's being distributed Scrutiny of FireAid's handling of charitable funds was escalated in July when California Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) said, in a letter calling for an investigation, that tens of thousands of people in Southern California lost so much in the wildfires, including their homes and loved ones. Americans generously opened their wallets to help the people impacted by the wildfires. Every penny should go towards helping those people rebuild their lives. I am urging the Attorney General to open an investigation into the matter immediately so the people of Southern California can receive much-needed relief. In response to those concerns, FireAid commissioned an independent review from Latham & Watkins, which said in its report, Recently, media reports and public inquiries have raised concerns regarding the distribution of the charitable donations raised. ... Based on the investigation conducted to date, we have not identified evidence of any misrepresentations in the solicitation of charitable funds, improper selection of grantees, improper distribution of funds, improper use or misappropriation of funds, fraudulent intent, or deviation from FireAids stated mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather, our findings indicate that FireAid understood its purpose as a charity concert to raise money for fire victims, communicating consistently how charitable donations would be used across its website, public statements, and sponsorship materials, it continued. FireAid put in place a comprehensive, multi-level grantmaking and evaluation process to ensure the effective distribution of funds. The overarching goal was to swiftly allocate funds to organizations that were capable of providing services to the community as fast as possible. Consistent with the ideology of disaster philanthropy, FireAids approach aimed to balance the need for formal processes and controls with the urgency of disaster response." Read more: FireAid retains law firm to review grants, after Trump's misleading criticism The Pacific Palisades Community Council, a group whose early concerns about FireAid prompted wider calls for investigation, said in a letter published alongside the review findings: Like many in the community, we were seeking clarity at a time when communication was scattered, and emotions were running high. Since that time, we have received an official statement from FireAid, as well as dozens of testimonies and direct information from organizations on the ground. These updates have painted a much fuller and clearer picture of how FireAid resources are being put to work quickly, carefully, and with real local impact. After calling for scrutiny of fund disbursements and accountability, we realize that misinformation online has increased, particularly around the use of FireAid funds, the council's letter continued. It's understandable, as disaster leaves people in a state of loss, anger and uncertainty. As a community organization, PPCC believes it has a responsibility to counter false or incomplete narratives with emerging facts. That includes recognizing when the people who could help actually did. Olivia Rodrigo performs during the FireAid benefit concert Jan. 30 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood. (Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press) FireAids internal six-month progress report, a copy of which The Times received, noted 75,020 donors to FireAid, with $99,330,741 in cash raised and $8,390,463 in in-kind donations. Those funds were used toward two rounds of 127 and 70 grants to organizations totaling $74,675,000 (a third round of grant applications is underway and will be distributed later this year), the report indicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first round of grants delivered $7.6 million to disaster relief groups, $6.7 million to frontline workers and small businesses, $4.8 million to housing and health groups and $3.3 million to musician and artist organizations, among other sub-categories like food access, reservation of recreational spaces, benefits navigation and schools, according to the progress report. A second round spent $14.7 million on wildfire recovery efforts and $5.9 million for wildfire victim relief, among other efforts. Read more: L.A. has never experienced loss on this scale. Measuring progress six months after the fires is hard and painful The document also clarifies the exact sources of the funds raised during the benefit. Tickets and suites at the Forum and Intuit Dome the sites of the concerts raised just over $14 million, while $44.5 million came from corporate sponsors, $9.9 million from institutional and philanthropic donors, and $14 million from live-broadcast and individual donations. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie, provided $14 million in matching donations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FireAid also clarified that a stipulation of the FireAid funds communicated to each grantee that not a single dollar was allowed to be spent on administrative costs to ensure maximum benefit. Flea, left, and Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers perform at FireAid at the Forum. (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press) With all concert operational costs being privately funded, with additional pro bono and in-kind support,100% of the monies raised are being directed to frontline organizations helping survivors recover and rebuild, the report said. The Latham & Watkins report spoke directly to concerns over the strategy that, rather than making direct cash grants to affected residents, the funds went to a range of established local nonprofit groups. Read more: Everything that happened at the FireAid benefit: From Stevie Nicks' thank you to Lady Gaga's hopeful closer Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With respect to concerns that individuals did not receive funds directly, FireAids corporate formation documents and website explicitly state the purpose of the funds, it said. While FireAid itself is not making direct payments to victims, FireAid has disbursed grants to several nonprofit organizations that have provided direct relief across a broad spectrum of services to survivors of the fires and their communities. ... FireAids determination to distribute aid to the verified nonprofit organizations identified through its vetting process, rather than disbursing money directly to individuals, is an approach that FireAid consistently communicated to both the public and donors. Latham has not identified any evidence that funds were given to organizations that were not providing relevant aid nor that funds were being used improperly, it said. Though critics have expressed belief that certain organizations were inappropriate grantees, recipients of FireAid funds appear to have used those funds in ways that are consistent with their intended and communicated use. A final year-end report is scheduled for Dec. 31 and final audit for, accounting firm KPMG early next year. Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Cameron Hamilton will probably be an asterisk in the history of President Donald Trumps second term. But the former Navy SEAL, whom Trump hired and fired as head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is writing his own chapter by highlighting what he says was administrative dysfunction following Trump's assertion in January that FEMA should be abolished. In a podcast interview, Hamilton revealed that he had a very hostile relationship with the Department of Homeland Security as officials pushed to shutter FEMA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The relationship with DHS and myself really became adversarial in a way that was really unnecessary, Hamilton said Wednesday on the Disaster Tough Podcast in his first interview since being fired in May. Hamilton said he warned DHS officials that their comments about abolishing the agency was really divisive language and extremely unwise. Thats when the divide started to happen between myself and DHS leadership, [which was saying], 'No, we dont want it. We want it cut, shut down,' recalled Hamilton, a conservative supporter of Trump. My argument was, 'This is extremely irresponsible.' Neither DHS or the White House answered questions about Hamilton's comments. In a statement, DHS repeated its refrain that "FEMA has been transformed into a lean, deployable, disaster force that both prioritizes the American people and protects their hard-earned tax dollars." White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said, "President Trump is committed to right-sizing the Federal government while empowering State and local governments." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump assailed FEMA within days of entering office over its response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene last year in North Carolina. Since then, he has thrown the nations disaster agency and state leaders into turmoil by threatening to close the agency. He established a council comprised of Cabinet members to make recommendations about the future of FEMA. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who has echoed Trumps rhetoric, oversaw the elimination of 10 percent of the agencys workforce and of popular FEMA grant programs that allocated billions of dollars a year to communities for projects that could protect them against natural disasters. DHS oversees FEMA. In late August, a group of nearly 200 current and former FEMA employees warned in a public letter about the cascading effects of cuts to agency employees and programs. Hamilton did not name Noem during the hourlong interview, but he implicitly assailed her. Noem gave Hamilton a lie detector test in March to determine if he had leaked information about a private meeting between senior officials to POLITICOs E&E News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said in their statement my character, my judgment, my stability, my ethics were all in question, Hamilton said of the DHS press office. I wanted to choke some people, thats for sure. When my character started being attacked, and I was polygraphed it became a very hostile relationship, Hamilton said, adding that he passed the test and there was no apology. Hamilton was fired on May 8 after publicly contradicting Trump and Noem on their efforts to abolish FEMA. He told podcast host John Scardena, who worked for FEMA in the late 2010s, that he knew before he made the comments to a congressional committee that he would be fired. The day of my testimony, actually, they notified my security that my access was terminated, Hamilton said, laughing at the memory. Before my testimony, I knew it was coming. And I knew it was coming weeks in advance. I had somebody tip me off that this is sort of already in the works, just be prepared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt think they were going to let me testify, but they did, Hamilton recalled, adding that he had drafted a letter to the House committee that had called him as a witness to say he would not be able to testify. So, before I go to the testimony, I pack up my whole office. Hamilton told the House Appropriations Committee on May 7, I do not believe it is in the best interests of the American people to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He was fired the next day. 'White House was shocked' Hamiltons interview is the first public account of the machinations that led him to be one of the first Trump appointees fired in Trumps second term and of the dissonance inside the Trump administration over FEMA. What I identified early on, was that there is a disparity between the information Im hearing from the White House, from the presidents inner circle, to what Im hearing from the department, Hamilton said, referring to DHS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House was shocked, Hamilton said, to learn that FEMA programs have been shut down or theyve been frozen. Hamilton said after extensive conversations with White House officials about Trump's objections to FEMA, he came to understand that "the president doesnt like ... how lengthy and expensive these long recovery missions are." He recalled responding, "'Oh, 100 percent. Thats a bipartisan issue. We can do this. We can totally tackle that problem.'" After months of public silence following his firing, Hamilton is emerging as a vocal and potentially influential supporter of FEMA, which provides tens of billions of dollars a year in disaster aid. Hamilton posted a link to the podcast on his personal X account and publicly supported bipartisan legislation that would preserve FEMA while trying to streamline the agency. As a strong constitutional conservative and lifelong Republican, this is an excellent step in the right direction for the Administration and the American People, Hamilton wrote Friday on X, two days after a House committee overwhelmingly approved the 222-page measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 26, Hamilton wrote on X and his LinkedIn account that new forms of bureaucracy are delaying the deployment of disaster aid and that FEMA, in a recent statement about efficiency improvements, could be lying to the American public to prop up talking points. Hamilton's account confirms previous E&E News reporting about the lie detector test, his disillusionment with DHS and his firing. The Trump administration has not taken a public position on the bill to reform FEMA, named the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans Act, sponsored by House Transportation and Infrastructure Chair Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and the panel's top Democrat, Rep. Rick Larsen of Washington. But Hamilton recalled resistance to his suggestions that legislative changes could make us better, faster, more responsive, more capable by in part downsizing FEMA by shifting some functions to other departments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHS became very hostile to that narrative, Hamilton said on the podcast. I tried and appealed to them about how the dirty secret is, nobody wants FEMA to go away. You can talk to the reddest of the red states, it doesnt matter. No emergency managers across the country want FEMA to go away, Hamilton added. Trump in recent months has said he intends to weaken FEMA and shift disaster response to states starting in 2026. 'I was not hired to abolish FEMA' Hamilton was a Republican congressional candidate in 2024 who worked in the departments of Homeland Security and State from 2015 to 2023. His lack of emergency management experience drew instant opposition from some Democrats when Trump named him as FEMA's acting administrator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a lot of skepticism around my appointment, and I totally understood the concern. I did not come from a conventional emergency management [background], Hamilton said. His lack of disaster experience prevented Trump from naming Hamilton as the agency's permanent administrator, a role required by federal law to be held by someone with expertise in emergency management. When I was hired, there was zero discussion about abolishing FEMA, Hamilton said. I was not hired to abolish FEMA. That was never part of the conversation, and thats never something I would have agreed with. Hamilton said he wanted to cut wasteful spending, downsize FEMA and make the agency less bureaucratic goals for which other FEMA leaders have expressed support. I think most of those things could be done wisely, said Hamilton, who last month became a managing director at Longview International Technology Solutions of Virginia, which provides disaster consulting. We needed to give the states some time to see what that entails and respond accordingly, not just, 'Hey, the waters shut off, youre on your own.' Thats not wise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of most of the problems at FEMA is because we keep putting too much crap in FEMAs rucksack that never should have been there, Hamilton added. Asked by Scardena, the podcast host, about Trumps cuts to weather-forecasting operations, Hamilton replied, I didnt agree with all of them. NOAA and some of the other resources that are there, theyre really crucial. Yeah, we could be more efficient. Across the government, in every sector, there are ways to be more efficient, Hamilton said. Look at DOD, he added, referring to the Department of Defense, which Trump has proposed to rename the Department of War. Good lord. Talk about fraud, waste and abuse theres so much there you could go after. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Noem co-chair the FEMA Review Council created by Trump to recommend changes to the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamilton showered praise on his FEMA colleagues and former agency officials, particularly Peter Gaynor, who ran FEMA during Trumps first term and became a close adviser to Hamilton. Best job of my life. Some of the most amazing people Ive ever worked with. So it was absolutely an honor, Hamilton said at the end of the podcast. And if I had to go back and do it again and say the same thing again, I would because it was the right thing to say and the right thing to do. On Saturday, the Los Angeles Police Department ended its protection of former Vice President Kamala Harris. The city police department had stepped in to provide security services to Harris and help the California Highway Patrol do the same days after President Donald Trump revoked her Secret Service detail. As The New York Times reported, the department faced criticism from an already understaffed but critical unit focusing on crime suppression in the San Fernando Valley that was asked to lend police officers. The police unions didnt approve of this diversion of resources either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LA mayor, who initially criticized the move, also justified the LAPDs reasoning. Is there a need for additional security? Typically, former vice presidents receive six months of protection after leaving office. But, according to an NBC News affiliate, former President Joe Biden extended it to 18 months before leaving office. The directive was not made public until now, when Trump canceled the order, as the Deseret News reported. Former Vice President Mike Pence received a six-month protection detail. Harris six-month period ended on July 21. Harris husband Doug Emhoffs Secret Service protection was removed on July 21 in adherence with federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But considering the two assassination attempts against Trump during his run for president, Harris supporters felt more time was needed. Harris faced a number of threats both as vice president and presidential candidate, per NBC News. Harris security was revoked just as she is beginning her book tour for her new political memoir, 107 Days, set to be released on Sept. 23. The book follows her time on the campaign trail, first running for vice president and later seeking the presidency after Biden dropped out. It is the story of the 107 days she had to run her presidential campaign. She will travel to New York City, Los Angeles and Philadelphia to promote the book, per CNN. Police union, Karen Bass react The Los Angeles Protective League, the police union representing LA officers, celebrated the end of LAPDs services to Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every now and then common sense prevails and we are happy to report that the Metro officers assigned to protect the multimillionaire failed presidential candidate are back on the street fighting crime, the union said in a statement, per an LA NBC News affiliate. Maybe Ms. Harris can start a GoFundMe campaign instead of mooching off Los Angeles taxpayers. LA Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement on Saturday, The plan was always to provide temporary support and I thank LAPD for protecting former VP Harris and always prioritizing the safety of all Angelenos. But last Monday, when Trump revoked the Secret Service detail, Bass called the move another act of revenge. This puts the former vice president in danger and I look forward to working with the governor to make sure Vice President Harris is safe in Los Angeles, she said, according to Fox News Matthew Seedorff. The Biden administration independent contractor rule at the Department of Labor is, as expected, being targeted by the Trump administration for overhaul. The Department last week published its regulatory agenda. Listed was the departments plan to rescind the Biden administrations independent contractor (IC) rule and replace it with its own set of guidelines. The department, according to the page specifically devoted to the rule, is considering how it will proceed with respect to independent contractor classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the document says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new rule will mark the latest volley in a back-and-forth that has been going on among the Obama, Trump 1, Biden and Trump 2 administrations for several years. The Department of Labors IC rule helps govern decisions made by the departments Wage & Hour division in cases brought to it where a complaint is made that a worker or group of workers were incorrectly classified as ICs rather than employees. Ping-pong regulation The Obama administrations IC rule was pushed out by a rule in the first Trump administration that was not formally implemented until just days before Joe Biden took office in 2021. The Biden administration yanked the rule early in its term, but in 2022 a court knocked down that action, saying the administration had not followed the legal steps necessary to replace a rule. The Biden administrations rule was rolled out and implemented in early 2024. The Trump administration had signaled this year, in a case brought against the rule by the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, that it was likely to replace the rule. It asked for, and was granted, a delay in oral arguments in the case, as its opposition to the rule was in sync with the LMTAs arguments. With the original case being filed against the U.S. government, it was Trumps Department of Justice that assumed the role of defendant from the Biden administration from where it argued that the plaintiffs arguments were largely correct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides the action in the Louisiana case, a memo from Wage & Hour Divisions Acting Administrator Donald Harrison on May 1 instructed regional administrators to largely ignore the Biden rule. Consistent with the Departments position on the 2024 Rule expressed inlitigation, WHD will no longer apply the 2024 Rules analysis when determining employee versus independent contractor status in FLSA investigations, Harrison said in the memo. However, there was no announcement of the rule being withdrawn, as the Biden administration attempted to do before being stopped by a judge. Is it that important? While the Wage & Hour divisions IC rule gets a great deal of attention, its prominence has been criticized as overstated by at least one attorney in the IC field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richard Reibstein of the law firm of Troutman Pepper Locke writes a blog specifically devoted to IC issues. When the Biden administration IC rule was formally proposed at the start of 2024, Reibstein said of its impact: The legal impact of the final rule, however, will hardly ripple the waters. After all, it is the courts that create law on this subject, not regulatory agencies. Both the Obama and Biden rules were created to make it more likely for the Wage & Hour division to find a worker had been misclassified. The Trump rule is seen as the opposite. In its agenda posting, the Labor department described its efforts as being in the proposed rule stage. It also described the importance of its initiative as major. Both the Biden and Trump rules rely on a six-point test to help determine whether a worker is an employee or an IC. (The Biden rule has a seventh point for other unspecified factors.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Broadly, the tests deal with control and independence, such as the question whether the worker, through initiative and hard work, can more greatly profit from that effort than if they are an employee on a defined wage or salary. The Trump rule was seen as differing from the Biden rule primarily in that it elevated in importance two of the rules: the opportunity to profit, and the employers degree of control over the worker. The Biden administration rule has been referred to as taking a totality-of-the-circumstances approach toward determining worker status. More articles by John Kingston Louisiana scheme to obtain class A CDLs without passing tests snags six in sweeping indictment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trimbles Freight Marketplace snags its first shipper: Procter & Gamble PAMT wound up in violation of a debt covenant at the end of 2Q: SEC filing The post First step taken by Trump administration to supplant Bidens independent contractor rule at Labor department appeared first on FreightWaves. At least five people were killed in a shooting attack at a bus stop in Jerusalem on Monday, according to paramedics. The Israeli emergency medical service Magen David Adom reported that four victims were pronounced dead at the scene in north Jerusalem, while one died of her injuries later in hospital. Twelve other wounded people were taken to hospital, seven of them with serious injuries. Police said that "two terrorists arrived by vehicle at the Ramot Junction in Jerusalem and opened fire toward a bus stop." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A security officer and a civilian at the scene responded immediately, returned fire, and neutralized the attackers." The Zaka rescue service confirmed that the suspected Palestinian attackers had been killed. A security guard from a nearby bus station told Israeli TV channel Channel 13 that two armed men had entered a bus at an intersection and shots had been fired. He said the bus was "riddled with holes." One of the attackers was also carrying a knife, he said. According to eyewitnesses, military roadblocks stopping traffic were put in place between Jerusalem and Ramallah in the occupied West Bank after the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation in the Middle East has been extremely tense since the start of the Gaza War almost two years ago, and there have been repeated attacks by Palestinians on Israelis in that time. The war has left the Palestinian coastal territory largely in ruins, and tens of thousands of Gazans dead. The war was triggered by the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack by Palestinian militants on southern Israeli communities, which killed some 1,200 people. The Israeli military said on Monday it had carried out airstrikes on several Hezbollah targets in Lebanons Bekaa Valley, with Hezbollah confirming to dpa that five of its members were killed. Israel said the sites were used by Iran-backed Hezbollah for training, to prepare attacks against Israeli soldiers and store weapons in violation of agreements between Israel and Lebanon. The Lebanese Health Ministry first reported that the Israeli raids left at least five people dead and five others wounded, based on a preliminary toll. Lebanese security sources had said all the casualties were members of Hezbollah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, Hezbollah confirmed to dpa that the five killed were part of its militia. The Israeli army said it would continue to strike Hezbollah positions to prevent the group from re-establishing its military capabilities and to eliminate threats against Israel. The European Union has proscribed Hezbollah's military wing as a terrorist organization but not the wider political group. JOPLIN, Mo. A flag celebration, honoring those who fought for our nation. Its a respectful retirement for our nations symbol, said Bruce Redden, V.F.W. 534 Post Member. Veterans, those serving in the military, and their families attended a flag disposal ceremony at the VFW Post 534 in Joplin on Sunday. Its a way to honor those who were lost and those who served our nation. Service members, male and female, have gave their lives in service of this flag, said Redden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those in attendance sat in silence, as one by one, four flags were retired in the fire. The ceremony is way to show others how the flag represents the sacrifice of those lost Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each one of these people has lost something one way or another. Either their youth or a family member or just part of their lives for service for this flag, said Redden. Celebrating those who continue to serve or have served for our freedom. The flag is obviously the symbol of our country that those of us that served, went out to defend, said Ted Donaldson, 32 Year U.S. Air Force Veteran and Heartland Canines for Veterans Development Director. Post Member and Veteran, Bruce Redden and 32 Year U.S. Air Force Veteran, Ted Donaldson, shared their own stories of how important the American flag is to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an air crew member, Donaldson says there were missions into combat zones delivering supplies and equipment, but on the return flight, they brought back human remains of fellow service members. Those service members. Bodies were in containers draped with the US flag. And so the flag has a special meaning for me, said Donaldson. Following the flag retirement ceremony, members made their way to the Zora and Main Street bridge, holding up flags while drivers passing by could honk out of respect. I want everybody to show their pride and how proud they are to be Americans and that they love our flag, said Redden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can find more information on the Heartland Patriots Festival on their Facebook page, 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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Deputies in Flagler County said a 15-year-old student was arrested after bringing a gun to school and later threatening another student. Officials said the teen brought the gun to Flagler Palm Coast High School and pointed it at another student off-campus. The incident was reported on Friday, when a student informed school resource deputies about an aggravated assault with a firearm that occurred the previous day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim claimed that the teen pointed a gun at him in the bathroom of a McDonalds in Palm Coast Town Center after school. If you bring a gun to school or point it at someone else, you will be arrested, said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. It doesnt matter if you think you were just playing around; we will not tolerate this behavior. The victim reported that the teen had the firearm with him throughout the school day before the incident. Deputies removed him from class on Friday and searched him, but found no weapons at that time. When it comes to the safety of our students, its a top priority, said Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore. Thanks to the See Something, Say Something initiative taken by a student, others were safer as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teen initially denied possessing or brandishing a firearm, but a video of the incident was discovered on his Instagram account. Although the video was deleted, a student confirmed seeing it and stated it showed him pointing the gun, according to a report. Deputies said the teen later admitted to having the firearm and led deputies to his home, where they found a 9 mm CANiK pistol and ammunition in his bedroom closet. The teen was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, possession of a firearm on school property, and possession of a firearm by a minor. He was taken to the Flagler County jail and later transferred to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A 39-year-old Florence man is facing charges in connection with a deadly crash that happened in November 2024 in Darlington County, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Trey Demarcus Douglas was booked into the W. Glenn Campbell Detention Center on Saturday , online jail records show. He was arrested in Maryland and returned to Darlington County to face charges related to the crash, the highway patrol said. The circumstances of his arrest in Maryland were not immediately available. The two-vehicle crash happened at about 6 p.m. on Nov. 6 on Southborough Road near the border with Florence County. Trooper said A 2016 Jeep Compass and a 2010 Chevrolet Impala were both traveling east on Southborough Road when the Impala hit the Jeep and caused it to run off the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the Jeep died in the crash and a passenger was taken to the hospital, the highway patrol said. Douglas is in jail without bond on charges of reckless homicide resulting in a death, hit-and-run accident with a death, second-offense driving on a suspended license and giving false information to authorities. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is calling out State Attorney Monique Worrell for her prosecution of an Orlando woman. Tina Allgeo opened fire on a man who she says had previously displayed road rage behavior before approaching her car. Uthmeier released a video on social media saying in part that Worrell acted in error. Monique Worrell may not like Floridas Stand Your Ground laws, but those laws reflect our God-given right to self-defense. In the case of Tina Allgeo, State Attorney Worrell should reconsider her prosecution. pic.twitter.com/TBLh6UprRP Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) September 8, 2025 Uthmeier also sent a letter urging her to reconsider the prosecution, or else she could face serious consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worrells press office released a statement in response to Uthmeiers request, saying: Every day, the Attorney Generals inexperience with criminal prosecution becomes more abundantly clear; it risks the public safety and credibility of our criminal legal system for every Floridian. State Attorneys are constitutionally empowered to exercise discretion in determining when charges should be brought. That discretion requires prosecutors to evaluate whether sufficient evidence exists to establish probable cause, and whether the matter should properly be presented to a grand jury or court. In a homicide case, where one individuals life has been taken, the gravity of the circumstances demands thorough evaluation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floridas self-defense laws, including the Stand Your Ground statute, provide certain immunities when the use of force is justified; however, whether that justification applies in any given case is a matter for judicial determination, not partisan politics. Prosecutors do not serve as extensions of the Governor or the Attorney General; we serve the people of our circuit in accordance with Florida law. The Attorney Generals attempts to intimidate or override independent prosecutorial judgment erode public trust in the impartial administration of justice. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Monday once again set his sights on Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell, this time to demand she drop the case against a woman charged with killing a man in a road rage shooting or face possible further intervention from the state. Worrell, who has been under increasing state scrutiny since winning back the office Gov. Ron DeSantis had removed her from a year earlier, responded that the case is a matter for judicial determination, not partisan politics. At question is the case against Tina Allgeo, 48, who was indicted by a grand jury in February for murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in the Dec. 2 killing of 42-year-old Mihail Tsvetkov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allgeo encountered Tsvetkov as they drove along East Colonial Drive near Primrose Avenue, east of downtown Orlando, as the man followed closely behind her. According to reports by the Orlando Police Department, the two quarreled after Tsvetkov struck Allegos car and then struck her during an attempt to escape after she got out of her car to survey the damage to her rear bumper. It further escalated when Allgeo side-swiped his car accidentally, she told police in a written statement as she followed him to get a closer look at his license plate. Video surveillance then showed Tsvetkov exit his car, open her drivers side door and punch her repeatedly while trying to drag her out her vehicle before she shot him in the face. Allgeo was arrested and later released on bond. On Aug. 15, her lawyer, Mark OMara, filed a motion to dismiss the charges, arguing she followed Floridas Stand Your Ground law that allows people to defend themselves with deadly force without a duty to retreat. A hearing to decide whether to drop Allgeos case is scheduled for Oct. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now, Uthmeier has entered the fray. Were calling on State Attorney Worrell fix this, right this wrong. Here in the AGs office, we will stand strong for people who rightly engage in self-defense, Uthmeier said in a video posted to his X account. The demand was followed by a letter to her office, dated Monday, insisting she should be immune from criminal prosecution and noted that a conviction may very likely require my office to admit plain error on appeal. It also came with a stern warning: Your actions likely constitute a breach of your ethical obligations. And they may also constitute misfeasance, malfeasance, neglect of duty and incompetence. I strongly urge you to reconsider your prosecution of Allgeo. And my office will evaluate whether further intervention is warranted. Its not clear how Allgeos case was brought to Uthmeiers attention. OMara, famed for successfully representing George Zimmerman for the killing of Trayvon Martin, denied flagging the case to the attorney general but declined to comment further on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two hours after Uthmeiers remarks were posted online, Worrell issued a statement of her own saying she used her discretion as a prosecutor to bring the case to a grand jury, and that the decision as to whether Stand Your Ground applies to Allgeo is up to a judge. Prosecutors do not serve as extensions of the Governor or the Attorney General; we serve the people of our circuit in accordance with Florida law, Worrell states. The Attorney Generals attempts to intimidate or override independent prosecutorial judgment erode public trust in the impartial administration of justice. While the public spats between Uthmeier and Worrell have been a staple since Worrell was reelected as state attorney, Mondays exchange was the first to see the attorney general openly threaten her removal. His accusation that her decision to prosecute Allgeo is a breach of ethical obligations echoes the language used in 2023, when Gov. Ron DeSantis removed her following complaints by law enforcement leaders that she wasnt aggressively pursuing convictions for certain crimes including drug trafficking cases brought by the Osceola County Sheriffs Office, which a Sentinel analysis found to be dubious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That year, DeSantis replaced Worrell with Orange County Judge Andrew Bain, who returned the bench after losing to her in last years election. Concerns that the governor would remove her again, however, have haunted Worrells return to office beginning with a grand jury probe ahead of her inauguration, the circumstances surrounding which are now the subject of a lawsuit. This year, Uthmeier has mainly attacked Worrell over a policy addressing cases in which suspects were not immediately arrested before sending prosecutors to assist her office in clearing a massive backlog. Last week, DeSantis took aim at her record of prosecuting accused fentanyl traffickers, to which she responded by citing 100 drug trafficking convictions her office obtained since January, with 29 being defendants accused of trafficking the notorious opioid. Worrell has repeatedly brushed off fears of being removed from office again, telling reporters last week, I am concerned with doing my job, the job that I was elected to do and I do it every single day. In a quarterly update in April, Worrell said road rage shootings, like the one for which Allgeo faces a murder charge, were a great concern being tackled by her administration. The murder conviction against Nicholas Carrasquillo, sentenced to 50 years in prison for a 2024 shooting that took place a mile away from where Tsvetkov was killed the same year, was cited as an example of her offices dogged prosecution of such cases. When Allgeo was indicted, she said shootings stemming from senseless disputes will not be tolerated. An analysis by Everytown for Gun Safety, which advocates for stricter gun laws, showed road rages have increased nearly every year between 2018 and 2023, with a slight drop-off in the latter year. In 2024, Florida was second only to Texas in total road rage incidents around the country, with 36 such incidents resulting 12 people being killed, according to Gun Violence Archive data compiled and provided by the Gun Violence Data Hub. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier called Monday for an investigation into a Central Florida Democrats social media post reporting that immigration agents were at a bus station in Orlando, a request that drew swift condemnation from the American Civil Liberties Union and other free-speech advocates. Linda Stewart, a former state senator, wrote Aug. 15 on Facebook that Immigration and Customs Enforcement was at Lynx Central Station in downtown. Stewarts post only generated a few dozen comments and likes, but it caught the eye of right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who on Monday accused Stewart of doxxing ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A longtime ally of President Donald Trump and prolific social media poster, Loomer is seen as an influential voice in conservative politics, even though shes faced criticism for promoting conspiracy theories and making racist remarks. Though Trump has downplayed her influence, several Trump administration officials that drew her ire have been ousted in recent months. In response to Loomers concerns, Uthmeier took to social media, too, writing that Stewarts post could hinder ICEs operations and calling on Democratic Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell to investigate. But four First Amendment experts and the ACLU of Florida say reporting the presence of law enforcement in public places is constitutionally protected speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is ludicrous, said Ken Paulson, director of the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University. One of the primary purposes of the First Amendment is to keep an eye on people in power. The ACLU of Florida defended Stewart in a statement. The post in question is a statement of public concern about information in plain sight, said Keisha Mulfort, a spokeswoman for the ACLU of Florida. Members of the public, including former elected officials, have a clear constitutional right to share what they see in public, such as the presence of ICE at a bus station. In his post on X, Uthmeier, though, wrote that harassing law enforcement to prevent them from doing their jobs is unlawful in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stop playing politics with the lives and safety of law enforcement officers, the Republican attorney general added. Uthmeiers office did not provide a specific law that Stewarts post may have violated or any other supporting information. His spokesman, Jeremy Redfern, said in an email the post spoke for itself. Other conservative social media influencers joined in condemning Stewart, saying they think her post could endanger ICE agents and undermine their operations. Traditionally, it would be up to law enforcement not the state attorneys office to conduct an investigation, said Anika Hamilton, a spokeswoman for Worrell, the state attorney. To date, we have not received a criminal case package from law enforcement, she said. Should one be submitted, we will review it and handle the matter in the same way we handle all other criminal cases presented to us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longtime Florida First Amendment champion Barbara Petersen called Uthmeiers position absolutely crazy. I see nothing she has done that isnt protected speech, said Petersen, executive director of the Florida Center for Government Accountability. Two other First Amendment experts said the government has no basis to investigate a person who accurately reports the activities of law enforcement in public. Truthfully reporting the location of ICE officers carrying out their work in public is protected by the First Amendment, said Alex Abdo, litigation director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the other hand, using the power of the state to punish lawful speech is generally unconstitutional, he said in an email. Its deplorable that it has become routine for public officials to threaten to investigate or even prosecute political speech they dont like. Florida AG demands Worrell drop Orange murder case amid Stand Your Ground defense Uthmeiers post could make the public hesitant to exercise their First Amendment rights, said Clay Calvert, a First Amendment scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, a center-right think tank based in Washington, D.C. It is designed to send a message to citizens dont do this because otherwise we are going to investigate you and come after you, he said. That will lead to a chilling effect or self-censorship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stewart, who did not return a message seeking comment Monday, serves on the Florida Commission on Ethics, which is known as the guardian of the standards of conduct for public officials and employees in Florida. Before being appointed to the ethics commission, she served in the Florida Senate, Florida House and on the Orange County Commission. Florida could soon become the first state to eliminate all vaccine mandates, including requirements for school entry. State officials announced the proposed policy shift last week, a move that has raised concerns from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about potential health risks for children, families, and schools. For parents, that raises important questions: what does this change mean for kids in the classroom, and how can families stay protected if the policy moves forward? What Florida announced At a press conference, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said the state would move to end all vaccine mandates, including those for school entry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, currently, all 50 states require certain vaccines for K-12 school attendance, with exemptions that vary by state (all allow medical exemptions; many allow religious and some allow philosophical exemptions). Floridas current school-entry requirements include vaccines such as DTaP, polio (IPV), MMR, hepatitis B, and varicella. About 5.1% of Florida kindergartners had exemptions last school yearabove the national rate of ~3.6%and most Florida exemptions were nonmedical, according to CDC. Related: Calming your concerns: how on-time vaccinations protect your child Why pediatricians are concerned The AAP says school vaccine requirements are among the strongest safeguards against outbreaks. When everyone in a school is vaccinated, it is harder for diseases to spread and easier for everyone to continue learning and having fun, AAP President Susan J. Kressly, M.D., FAAP said in the AAP release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rolling back requirements could mean more illness-related absences for children and missed work for caregivers, with broader ripple effectsconcerns echoed by the AAP. Research supports the benefits: a 2024 CDC analysis estimated routine childhood vaccines (19942023 births) prevented ~508 million lifetime illnesses, 32 million hospitalizations, and 1.13 million deaths in the U.S. What this could mean for families If Florida removes school vaccine requirements, experts warn of more outbreaks of preventable illnesses (e.g., measles, pertussis, chickenpox), with risks for children too young to be fully vaccinated and those who are immunocompromised. Florida also has a large older-adult population (about 21.3% are 65+), and grandparents frequently help with caregivinganother reason outbreaks can ripple beyond classrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For parents, that could mean more missed school days and missed work, adding strain to already tight schedules. Related: Navigating Vaccination: Tips and Information for Moms What parents can do Regardless of policy shifts, keeping kids up to date on vaccinations remains one of the most effective ways to protect them. Beyond following the schedule, here are some practical steps families can take: Check your childs record regularly. Compare your childs vaccination history against the CDCs 2025 immunization schedule and ask your pediatrician to flag any gaps. Book well-child visits on time. Many vaccines are given at annual checkups. Sticking to these appointments makes it easier to stay on track and catch up if something was missed. Ask about combination shots. If your child is behind, combination vaccines can safely cover multiple protections in fewer visitsreducing stress for both kids and parents. Know your schools requirements. Even if state laws change, many schools and childcare centers may still require certain vaccines to keep classrooms safe. Confirm the latest policy before the school year starts. Lean on trusted resources. If youre unsure or nervous, bring questions to your childs pediatrician, a local health department, or the AAPs parent immunization site. Having personalized guidance can ease anxiety. Keeping children and families safe together Policy changes can feel overwhelming, but families are not powerless. Staying informed, consulting trusted pediatricians, and following recommended schedules are still the surest ways to keep kids safe, schools open, and communities healthy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because every parent deserves to know their child is safe at school. Sources: With a Florida House committee taking its first steps toward overhauling how much Floridians pay in property taxes, everything is on the table, the panels co-chair said. But what is not in play is what Gov. Ron DeSantis has touted. Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm City, said that when lawmakers gather at the Capitol later this month for the initial meetings of the House Select Committee on Property Taxes, there will be no discussion of a complete wipe-out of property taxes, nor of tax relief involving direct payments to homeowners from state funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, theres a whole host of items that were reviewing and looking at, Overdorf said. The 37-member bipartisan committee is set to hold its first hearings Sept. 22-23 at the Capitol. It was formed last spring when the Legislature ended the 2025 regular session without reaching agreement on how to approach property tax cuts, which DeSantis was pushing hard. A Florida House Select Committee on Property Taxes holds its first meetings later this month. A proposed constitutional amendment overhauling how property taxes are collected is seen as an eventual outcome of the panel's work. Legislative leaders were wary, especially House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, who clashed with the governor on a range of issues. Forming the property tax committee was seen as a concession to placate DeSantis for a while. The panel, though, is expected to work off-and-on through at least the end of the year to come up with a proposed constitutional amendment for the November 2026 ballot that could include changes to how property taxes are calculated, collected or spent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amendment would have to be approved by at least 60% of Florida voters to become law. DeSantis has called for such a ballot measure. But the governor also earlier pitched a quick-turn response of spending $5 billion in state money on $1,000 checks as a rebate to homeowners an idea lawmakers dismissed. Any talk of cutting property taxes, though, is touchy with local governments which rely on them. We are working to educate legislators and citizens on how counties function, what they do and where their revenues come from and where investments are made, said Cragin Mosteller, a spokeswoman for the Florida Association of Counties. Ballot measure is end goal Going into its first hearings before the 2026 session, set to begin in January, the House property tax committee appears intent on crafting a ballot measure that covers a lot of ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But lawmakers are looking for something reasonable, Overdorf said: Whatever policy we wind up doing has to keep in mind that Miami-Dade County is very different from Liberty County or Baker County. No state has eliminated property taxes and in Florida, they are the biggest source of dollars for 51 of 67 counties and almost half of the states 411 cities. More than $55 billion in property taxes flowed to counties, cities, school boards and Floridas special districts last year more than double what was collected in 2014. Its 46% higher than the amount taken in statewide just four years ago, state records show. Property tax part of Florida since 1839: Florida Gov. DeSantis targets bloated local budgets in property tax slash push Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOGE visits come with harsh words: DeSantis' new DOGE audits put cities, counties under state scrutiny Overdorf said key concepts his committee will be working on include increasing the states homestead tax exemption, now $50,000 for most homeowners on their primary residences, to a much higher level. Also, possibly boosting the portability amounts used in determining taxable value under the states Save Our Homes law is an idea that will be reviewed. Were hearing from a lot of constituents that people are feeling trapped in their homes again, because of taxes. They have an unwillingness to sell, he added. Break with DeSantis is downplayed The co-chair also downplayed any sharp division with DeSantis, even though the committee has no plans to pursue what the governor has promoted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We continue to have conservations back and forth with executive team members, Overdorf said. DeSantis has spent weeks deriding property taxes as basically defying the idea of actual home ownership. What the governor has said hed like to see as a constitutional amendment has ranged from total elimination of property taxes to erasing or at least deeply cutting the taxes on Floridians primary homes. Just like with his latest call for eliminating school vaccination requirements, DeSantis appears to reject the concept of supporting community well-being through mandates, including property taxes, which finance police, fire and other government services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You buy a home, you own it outright, free and clear, and yet you have to continue to pony up money to the government, just for the courtesy of using your own property, DeSantis said during an appearance earlier this year. DeSantis has a 'vision' In Orlando on Sept. 2, DeSantis laid out what he described as his vision. It began with, Your personal home, we really believe, should not be subject to tax, he said. He then likened home ownership to car ownership, suggesting it should be taxed at point of sale, but then, apparently, maybe never again. DeSantis also this summer dispatched state Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, his appointment to that Cabinet post in July. Ingoglias office has been conducting audits of a handful of mostly Democratic-leaning cities and counties to ferret out what the administration condemns as questionable spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ingoglia tends to arrive in these city halls and county buildings amid theatrics and flame-throwing rhetoric about local officials wasting taxpayers dollars. His auditors are expected to issue reports in coming months about their findings and any negatives revealed are certain to bolster the drive for cutting property taxes. The data collected as part of these reviews will be available to the House select committee. Other ideas in play Among other areas Overdorf said the committee will examine are how property appraisals are conducted from county-to-county, a bid to gauge any disparities across the state. Still another idea will likely center on providing tax relief for people who inherit a home or property from a deceased relative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others include expanding the property tax exemptions for disabled military veterans and to rein-in the tax increases local governments can impose on non-homesteaded properties, mostly rentals and commercial space. John Kennedy is a reporter in the USA TODAY Networks Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jkennedy2@gannett.com, or on X at @JKennedyReport. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis plan sidelined in House tax reform committee talks A Palm Beach County jury awarded $535 million to the heirs of a Turkish billionaire who accused their stepmother and half-brother of stealing their inheritance. Mehmet Tatlici, acting as a representative of his late father's estate, sued his stepmother, Nurten Tatlici, and half-brother, Ugur Tatlici, in 2009 for allegedly siphoning assets that belonged to him and his two brothers. Their father, Dr. Mehmet Salih Tatlici, died in February 2009 and left behind an estate worth more than $3 billion that included Istanbul's iconic Tat Towers, hundreds of properties across Turkey and valuable Florida real estate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Mehmet's attorneys, Turkish inheritance law guarantees biological children a protected share of their parent's estate that cannot be defeated either by wills or asset transfers. Under this system, children have an unbreakable claim to part of their parent's wealth from birth, regardless of attempts to transfer assets away from them. Son accused widow and half-brother of looting fathers fortune The elder Tatlici amassed his fortune in Turkey, where he opened a battery factory that became one of the largest in the country. He used those proceeds to transition into real estate development, acquiring more than 200 properties in Turkey and the U.S. by the time he died in 2009. According to his will, the elder Tatlici left 72% of his fortune to his second wife, Nurten, and her son, Ugur, and the remaining 28% for his three sons from his first marriage. Attorneys for Tatlicis estate said the three sons soon learned of substantial assets that were transferred out of his fathers name starting in about 1995. These assets included a waterfront mansion in Boca Raton, bank accounts with Wachovia, investment portfolios with Merrill Lynch and various business holdings. His attorneys argued that these transfers were made deliberately to avoid paying the sons' protected share. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkish law provides that when fraudulent transfers involve assets outside Turkey's jurisdiction, they should be resolved in the courts where the assets are located. This brought the dispute into Palm Beach County Circuit Court. Go deeper: Why was a West Palm commissioner blocked from meeting with police chief as budget vote nears? Nurten and Ugur Tatlici have denied wrongdoing since the lawsuit's inception. However, after violating several court orders, including instructions to appear for in-person mediation hearings, Circuit Judge Jaimie Goodman struck their pleadings and entered a default judgment against them. That ruling meant that the allegations in Mehmet Tatlicis complaint were admitted as true, leaving jurors to decide how much money the pair owed in damages. The defendants, represented by attorneys from Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton, said they plan to challenge their verdict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Unfortunately, this was not a typical trial in which both sides had an opportunity to be heard," said attorney Jorge Piedra. He called the proceedings "an entirely one-sided affair" in which their "hands were completely tied." Defendants didn't testify at trial Jeremy Friedman, an attorney who helped to represent the Mehmet estate, disagreed. "They could have called witnesses. They could have submitted evidence challenging the monetary amount we claimed was converted. They could have challenged the value of the properties in Florida, or the amount taken in Florida," he said. "They could have challenged all that. They didn't." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friedman said Piedra instead zeroed in on the fact that attorneys for Mehmet's estate had presented no bank records to substantiate the monetary amount they claimed was improperly taken. They could have shown the bank records, Friedman said, had the defendant's attorneys not convinced a judge to exclude them from the record ahead of the trial. "It appeared that one of their strategies was to stop the jury from hearing as much evidence as possible as opposed to putting on their own evidence," Friedman said. Neither Nurten nor Ugur Tatlici attended the trial or watched it virtually. Jurors deliberated for about three hours on Aug. 27 before awarding $525 million in damages against both defendants and an additional $10 million in damages against the stepmother, totaling $535 million. Attorneys Friedman, Craig Downs and David Durkee of The Downs Law Group the same firm that had represented the plaintiff since the case began in 2009 helped secure the verdict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Circuit Judge Bradley Harper, the latest of several judges assigned to the case in its 15-year history, entered a final judgment against the defendants on Sept. 3. 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: Florida jury awards $535 million in international inheritance dispute A judge has sentenced a South Florida criminal-defense attorney to a year in jail after a jury found him guilty of smuggling drugs into Palm Beach County's Belle Glade jail. A jury on Sept. 5 convicted David Casals, a Fort Lauderdale-based attorney who practices in Palm Beach and Broward counties, on one count of possession of cocaine and two counts of introduction of contraband into a county facility. Circuit Judge James Nutt immediately sentenced Casals to 364 days in the main county jail, to be followed by three years of probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge also ordered that Casals perform 300 hours of community service upon his release, and that he undergo an evaluation for substance abuse and complete any recommended treatment. Prosecutors sought to convict Casals of trafficking in cocaine, alleging he tried to smuggle cocaine-soaked papers disguised as legal documents into the West Detention Center. But after completing their deliberations, jurors opted to convict Casals on the lesser charge of cocaine possession. Inmates told PBSO about smuggling sheets of drug-laced paper Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office investigators said Casals raised suspicions on the evening of Oct. 24, 2021, when he arrived at the jail to visit three inmates. A corrections deputy observed stains on papers brought there by Casals and called for a lieutenant to inspect them. Court records show the lieutenant then told Casals he could not bring the papers into the facility. A further inspection using a field-test drug kit revealed that one of the sheets of paper sheets contained a mixture of cannabinoids, investigators said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In subsequent interviews, cooperating inmates told investigators that some attorneys were getting paid by inmates to smuggle contraband into the jail. They reported that single sheets of drug-laced paper were being sold for anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. Court documents show that Casals, 60, lives in West Palm Beach. He has his own firm in Fort Lauderdale, and has been practicing since 2000. He is a 1999 graduate of Nova Southeastern University's Shepard Broad School of Law, according to his Florida Bar profile. Casals' Florida Bar profile shows that he has faced no disciplinary actions in the past 10 years and, as of Sept. 5, he was still listed as a member in good standing. 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: Florida lawyer going to jail for smuggling drugs into Belle Glade jail Public school transparency leads to greater trust between parents and schools and greater accountability where needed. Thats why we support the recently launched Parent Plus Portal from the Florida Department of Education as an important step towards accountability through transparency. The Parent Plus Portal gives schools a standardized way to open their doorsdigitallyso parents can see what their children are learning. Parents can observe the textbooks their children use and access their content. They also can observe the library materials in their kids schools. The tool allows parents to filter the results by school, grade level, subject, and more.According to the portals website, it provides parents with a simple way to navigate and view instructional materials, library media, and educational resources used in their students classrooms. By placing this information directly in parents hands, the portal turns transparency into accountability. Parents see what is being taught, and schools know they are answerable to families. The portal enhances transparency, which builds trust. When schools operate in the light, they earn the confidence of parents, taxpayers and policymakers. When they dont, suspicion festers, tensions flare, and students ultimately suffer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the Institute for Governance and Civics at Florida State University polled over 1,200 likely Florida voters. Just 56% said they trust K-12 district schools in general. Whats more, only 42% said they trust K-12 schools to provide students with an education that is free of political bias. These answers came from parents on the left and the right of the political spectrum. But among the K-12 distrusters, 70% responded that giving parents more information about what is being taught in their kids classes would make them trust schools more. Transparency can lead parents to trust their schools more, and accountability ensures that trust is well placed. Transparency also leads to greater parental control. It is parents who have the final say in directing the upbringing of their children, and the portal can help with that. During online classes in the throes of COVID, Ryans sons ninth grade World History class spent days on how to be a good activist. Nowhere in the discussion was the propriety of activism itself addressed. Nor was there any real discussion of relevant history. Ryan and his wife pulled their son from the class and sought a different path that was right for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erikas journey into education reform came in a similar way, as a mom concerned about what her children were learning. In 2013, after repeated frustrations and disagreements with the public school, she and her husband decided to withdraw their son and enroll him in a private school. Her personal experience sparked her advocacy for greater parental involvement and choice and ultimately led to her election to the Collier County School Board, where she saw firsthand how limited transparency created unnecessary conflict and mistrust between schools and families. It should not have required a pandemic, online courses, and hours of frustration to make these changes. Parents should not have to file public records requests or worse, pay document fees just to find out what their children are learning. (Nor, for that matter, should teachers have to fear that transparency will diminish their professional expertise.) The opposite is true: openness strengthens the bond between schools and the communities they serve. Transparency isnt a left-right issue. Its a good governance issue. And governance depends on accountability, which can only exist when schools are transparent with families. Whether you are a parent worried about ideological influence in schools, a parent who wants to know if your child has access to age-appropriate, high-quality materials, or a parent who wants to read along and quiz your kids on their schoolwork, transparency helps parents raise their kids. Right now, the Parent Plus Portal contains information only from the Franklin County school district. Other districts should follow. The portal will succeed only if local school boards adopt it and ensure it is fully populated with accurate, accessible information. This means ensuring that curriculum materials, supplemental resources, and library holdings are searchable and up-to-date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida has given us a useful tool. Now, it is up to local leaders and engaged parents to ensure it is implemented. Erika Donalds is the founder and CEO of the Education Freedom Foundation. Ryan Owens is the director of the Institute for Governance and Civics at Florida State University and is a professor of political science. The Florida parents who spearheaded a movement for parental rights and limiting classroom instruction on gender and sexuality are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to affirm their rights in a dispute over their child wanting to use "they" and "them" pronouns in school. For about four years, January and Jeffrey Littlejohn's argument has failed in two federal courts. They say the Leon County school system violated their constitutional rights when its employees created a secret "gender-support plan" for their child, who was 13 at the time. The Littlejohns first filed their lawsuit in 2021. Since then, January Littlejohn's national profile has risen in the movement to affirm parental rights in schools. Multiple Republican states have followed Florida's example to limit LGBTQ+ discussions in schools, for example, and create mandatory reporting policies for students who seek to express different pronouns. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, center, spoke about the establishment of the Office of Parental Rights in the Attorney Generals Office at a press conference held at the Jacksonville Classical Academy Tuesday morning, April 29, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. Uthmeier said that the new office will protect parents rights. We want to make sure that parents are involved in (growing up, education, health care choices and curriculum for their children). It is not the role of the government to raise kids. That role is reserved, that is God given right to given to parents., Uthmeier said. Uthmeier was flanked by January Littlejohn, a mother and parents right activist, right. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] The Littlejohns on Sept. 3 requested that the U.S. Supreme Court review a decision from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in March, where a sharply divided panel upheld a district court's decision to dismiss the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The filing contends that lower courts were "confused" when making decisions in the past, and that the nation's highest court should review this case to answer one primary question: Whether the Leon County public schools violated the parent's "fundamental constitutional right" to make decisions for their child. "Though parental-exclusion policies present one of the most important constitutional controversies in the nation, the question presented affects even more than that," the parents' request reads. The petition to the nation's highest court was filed by attorneys for the Child & Parental Rights Campaign, a nonprofit law firm focused on advocating parental rights, and Consovoy McCarthy, a conservative law firm known for winning a landmark Supreme Court case in which it decided universities can no longer take race into consideration when granting admission. Parental rights advocate January Littlejohn (second from left) stands as she is recognized by President Donald Trump during an address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on March 4, 2025. President Donald Trump called January Littlejohn a "courageous advocate" for parental rights in his joint session to Congress in March. She was First Lady Melania Trump's special guest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case got national attention, especially from Gov. Ron DeSantis, who advocated for a law in 2022 affirming parental rights in education, dubbed "Don't Say Gay" by critics. It allows parents to sue school districts over objectionable curriculums and prohibits teachers from discussing gender identity and sexual orientation in classrooms. How parental rights became a national issue The argument raised by the Littlejohns became popular among conservative lawmakers and officials, although lower courts didn't buy it. But in Florida, the call for parental rights has had a profound effect. After DeSantis signed the "Parental Rights in Education Act," lawmakers continued to propose further enhancements to parental rights legislation. In 2023, the State Board of Education approved banning this instruction in all grades, not just kindergarten through 3rd grade. Moreover, DeSantis signed a bill into law (HB 1069) in 2023 that said a person's sex "is an immutable biological trait and that it is false to ascribe to a person a pronoun that does not correspond to such person's sex." This law also prohibited teachers from using their preferred pronouns in classrooms and barred books in school libraries with LGBTQ+ themes that "describe sexual conduct." Courtney Walker is shown with her pride-colored mask Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at the Duval County Public Schools building in Jacksonville. Hundreds came out to support, protest and speak during the Duval County School Board meeting about their support and disappointment with the State of Florida's Parental Rights in Education Bill who Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law and overhaul the school district's current LGBTQ+ Support Guide. These laws have been challenged in multiple lawsuits, either from teachers claiming the DeSantis administration was violating First Amendment rights by restricting their pronoun use, or that the law used to remove thousands of books in Florida was unconstitutionally restricting free speech and expression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationally, these issues rose in prominence as Florida became known as No. 1 in the nation for book bans, according to free speech group PEN America. Trump's third presidential campaign lauded parental rights and pointed to legislative themes that already existed in Florida, such as ending "indoctrination" in schools. The president signed an executive order called "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling" in January, ordering federal agencies to block funds for schools including curriculums with "gender ideology" and "critical race theory." Student wanted to express they, them pronouns Before the start of the school year in 2020, the Littlejohns' 13-year-old child asked to use a male name and go by they/them pronouns, according to court records. January Littlejohn told the child's teacher they didn't want their child, a girl at birth, to use a different name or pronouns, but that the child can use "J" as a "nickname" in school. Emails previously obtained by the Tallahassee Democrat, a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK, show that Littlejohn told the teacher that she "won't stop her" if the child wanted to go by an alternative name with teachers. The teacher asked to share the information with other teachers, and Littlejohn replied, "Whatever you think is best or (name redacted) can handle it herself." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another email that same day showed Littlejohn saying that the "gender situation has thrown us for a loop" and that she's "going to let (the child) take the lead on this." The child told a school counselor the changes they wanted in their name and pronouns, and the Littlejohns weren't notified because of a school system policy guide at the time, which led to the original lawsuit. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee dismissed the lawsuit in 2023, and a federal appeals court affirmed Walker's decision two years later. This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Stephany Matat is based in Tallahassee, Fla. She can be reached at SMatat@gannett.com. On X: @stephanymatat. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Parents seek U.S. Supreme Court review in Tallahassee pronoun case Annas Taqueria, the Boston areas beloved homegrown taqueria, is celebrating its 30th anniversary by offering throwback pricing on one of the brands signature items. Annas Taquerias super sized burritos will be available for the original 1995 price of $3.50 from open to close at all 10 locations in and around Boston on Wednesday, Sept. 10. The 12-inch customizable burritos come with customers choice of main filling, cheese, rice, beans, lettuce, pico, hot sauce and jalapenos, all wrapped in a hot flour tortilla. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the first 50 guests at each location will receive a commemorative 30th anniversary T-shirt with their purchase. Inspired by San Franciscos Mission District, the goal of Annas Taqueria is to bring the flavors of Mexican street food to Boston. The chain opened its first Boston-area location in Brookline in 1995 and has since grown to include nine more locations throughout Greater Boston. Annas Taqueria most recently welcomed its Natick location in May. Annas Taqueria has other locations in Brookline, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton and Woburn as well as four in Boston. Hours vary by location. The local chain will also open a new Boston location on Summer Street near Downtown Crossing sometime in September. Annas Taqueria also plans on adding locations at Legacy Place in Dedham, in South Boston and in Cranston, Rhode Island. More Food Read the original article on MassLive. Defend protected forests from road development Last week, the U.S. Forest Service took its first step in the process to undo the Roadless Rule, a 2001 provision that safeguards 59 million acres of forests from road construction, road reconstruction, and timber harvesting. The agency posted a notice seeking public comment on its plans to assess the environmental impacts of a reversal. So whats their argument? It centers on the need for access roads to combat wildfires. However, environmental advocates warn that the Forest Services position ignores nuance (fires, for instance, tend to be more likely to ignite near roadways) and masks the administration's hunger for timber. "The areas that were left roadless, were left roadless for a reason," former Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth told NPR. "Because they didn't have the timber in there and because it was expensive to do road construction." What you can do: Speak up. Theres an unusually small window of opportunity to voice opposition to the plan: The comment period ends on Sept. 19, which allows only half as much time as the public had when the rule was enacted in the early aughts. To raise your hand, Backpacking Light has punched up a great how-to guide, including a template, for submitting a public comment. A biodegradable plastic better than PET? In the menu of plastics, PET (aka polyethylene terephthalate) is the one you probably interact with most every day. Signified by the number 1 in ye olde chasing arrows stamp on products, its the material thats used to make water bottles and a range of food packaging. Its also the most-potent source of microplastic pollution in the worlds oceans. Now, a team of bioengineers at Kobe University in Japan have trained a strain of E. coli bacteria to digest glucose into a material called PDCA that matches and even surpasses PETs signature durabilityand its biodegradable. Now, its far too early to expect PDCA bottles anytime soon: The team still has hurdles to navigate in fine-tuning their process, but their method is able to produce seven times more of the material than prior attempts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What you can do: Take a moment and vibe out on the possibilities, but then continue to reduce the amount of single-use plastics in your everyday life. You can also follow our tips to avoid shedding microplastics into the environment. And, when you do encounter a scenario where plastic is the only option, educate yourself on which types of can safely go in the blue bin. The red meat you should eat You might have an emotional response to the idea of eating venison because of a little movie called Bambi. Here in the 3-D world, though, there are plenty of reasons why eating wild deer is beneficialeven essentialto ecosystems. Simply put, there are just too many deer, specifically whitetails. Humans have driven out natural predators like wolves and big cats, so theres little left to keep herds in check. Those hooved masses are also major environmental pests: When they find something they like to eat, they wont stop until the land is bare, which is bad news for both existing flora and attempts at reforestation. Deer are also ruminants like cows, which means they produce methane. Some estimates say they create more of the potent gas per-pound than bovines; some say the opposite. Either way, eating wild venison reduces methane. Full stop. What you can do: As hunting season gets started later this month, take a minute to open up your mind to the idea of wild game. This essay on the The Guardian is a great place to explore the relationship between conservation and hunting. And, if you have a hunter friend and can get your hands on a bit of venison, think about giving it a try. This bolognese is a perfect entree. AI-generated climate denial is ramping up News aggregators are publishing stories from websites that traffic in AI-generated climate misinformation, reports DeSmog. MSN, for example, posted an article from the site Climate Cosmos citing a report taking down alarmist climate narratives. The problem? It was all fabricatedan example of AI slop, a catch-all term for nonsensical media made by generative models. DeSmog also found that Climate Cosmoss footprint is expanding through citations from right-leaning orgs like the Heartland Institute and climate-denial outfits like CFACT. And, well, thats far from the only misinformation making the rounds: Podcaster Joe Rogan continues to misquote a 2024 study in the journal Science as proof the world is actually cooling down. While it is true that the Earth has been hotter than it is now, if you pay attention to the chart hes so fixated on, youll notice an incredibly steep spike in the present day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What you can do: Brush up a bit on your media literacy, particularly around how to spot climate reporting you can trust. That starts with being very wary of anything that flies against the scientific consensus around human-caused climate change. This story was originally featured on one5c. In late July, a judge sentenced former American Airlines flight attendant Estes Carter Thompson III regarding charges related to child sexual exploitation and possession of sexually explicit content involving a minor. The United States Attorneys Office of the District of Massachusetts announced the sentencing news. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick sentenced Thompson to 18.5 years in prison for his crimes. After serving his sentence, the 38-year-old will face five years of supervised release. During a September 2023 flight between Charlotte and Boston, a 14-year-old girl discovered a phone taped to the underside of an airplane lavatorys toilet seat. Evidence photos revealed the phones flash and camera exposed by the toilet hinge. Tape covered the rest of the phone and secured it to the underside of the toilet seat. Authorities believe Thompson set up the camera to record specifically before the young teen entered the bathroom. They allege Thompson then went and retrieved the device directly after the girl exited the restroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl told her parents who were also on the flight about the lavatory occurrence. Thompson allegedly locked himself in the planes bathroom and wiped all content from his phone after the girls father confronted him and other members of the flight crew. In Boston, officials discovered Thompsons luggage held 11 stickers identical to those used on the phone. Ted E. Docks, head of the FBIs Boston Division, condemned Thompson and praised the 14-year-old who exposed him. Estes Carter Thompson thought he had a no-fail plan to sexually exploit children for his own gratification, until a brave 14-year-old girl thwarted his plan, and worked with us to put an end to his deviant behavior, noted Docks. This flight attendants disgraceful actions robbed five young girls of their innocence and caused significant pain and trauma that will likely be felt by these victims and their families for years to come. No sentence can ever make up for that but know the FBI and our partners are committed to protecting our most vulnerable from predators like him. What Else Is There To Know About Estes Carter Thompson IIIs Case? The former American Airlines flight attendants iCloud account reportedly included disturbing evidence. The authorities say it contained recordings of other girls, as young as six, using the bathroom during flights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each of the videos appeared to be taken in a similar fashion, in which Thompson attached his iPhone to a spot above a toilet seat and at an angle that captured the minor victims genitalia as they used the lavatory. For two of the videos, Thompson was found to have taken and stored 272 screenshots and 98 screenshots, respectively, the attorneys office detailed. Also, there were allegedly over 50 photos of an unaccompanied minor, 9, while she slept on the plane, and of her rear while she deboarded. Authorities further claimed that Thompsons iCloud harbored hundreds of AI-generated images depicting child sexual abuse. Attorney Leah B. Foley claimed Thompson abused his role as a flight attendant to take advantage of and subsequently traumatize young girls. Mr. Thompson took advantage of his position of trust as a flight attendant to exploit innocent children directing them to an aircraft bathroom he had set up to record them and then revisiting those videos for his own sexual gratification. In so doing, he shattered five childrens sense of safety and trust in the world around them, leaving them instead with fear, mistrust, insecurity, and sadness, said Foley. It is our hope that this sentence provides at least some space for the victims and their families to heal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have identified all the minors Thompson victimized. Law enforcement has also reached out to their families. The post Former American Airlines Flight Attendant Sentenced After Recording Young Girls In Plane Bathrooms appeared first on Travel Noire. A former employee has been charged with murder in the stabbing death of a 69-year-old Brooklyn IHOP worker, police said Monday. Wilbert Salazar Rios, 44, followed his former co-worker Hector Reinoso Perez into a bathroom at the IHOP on Flatlands Ave. near Louisana Ave. in East New York, and stabbed him to death Friday night, authorities allege. The suspect, who lives in Hempstead, L.I., is charged with murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The night of the slaying, Salazar Rios showed up at the chain pancake joint where he used to work before being fired and started chatting with Reinoso Perez, another employee and a manager, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said in Brooklyn Criminal Court Monday. Although the conversation was not hostile at the outset, when (Reinoso Perez) went back to work cleaning a bathroom, defendant entered the bathroom with a knife and began arguing with (Reinoso Perez), the prosecutor said at Salazar Rios arraignment. A co-walker walked into the bathroom and saw Salazar Rios on top of the victim, holding him down on the floor, and tried to intervene, Rottenberg said. That worker tried to take the knife, grabbing the blade and cutting his hands in the process. Salazar Rios then ran off, leaving the knife behind, Rottenberg said. He later told police he was trying to push the victim away as they fought and didnt know where the knife came from but somehow it went into the victim, according to prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medics rushed Reinoso Perez to Brookdale University Hospital, where he died from being stabbed in the upper body. Salazar Rios has no criminal history, according to cops. His lawyer, Christina Paliogiannis of Legal Aid, argued he should be released with electronic monitoring, pointing out his sister, brother-and-law and other family members present in the courtroom and saying he wasnt a flight risk. Judge Jacob Zelmanovitz disagreed and ordered him held without bail. The suspect and victim had always been friendly, the victims family told the Daily News. Salazar Rios, who cut his hand as he attacked Reinoso Perez, was taken into custody when officers got there, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim, a hardworking immigrant grandfather, had what his granddaughter called a good friendship with the accused killer. They never had arguments, said the granddaughter, who did not give her name. They were good. They were all talking casually, Danelis Reinoso, 43, the victims daughter, told The News Saturday, speaking in Spanish as his granddaughter translated. (Reinoso Perez) went to the bathroom. He got up to go to the bathroom and the guy, he chased after him and he stabbed him. The killer stabbed him only once but the long blade tore through his kidneys, liver and other organs, Reinoso said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The doctors couldnt do anything, she said. He stabbed him so hard. He wanted him to die. The victim immigrated from the Dominican Republic about five years ago in search of a better life. He found a job here (at IHOP) and he actually really loved his job, the granddaughter said. Hes worked at that job ever since he came. Reinoso Perez worked in the front of the restaurant on Fridays and as a dishwasher other days. He was a very caring, sweet person and he never had any problems with anyone, his daughter said. He never got into any trouble. Former Fox 19 meteorologist Frank Marzullo will be back on the air in Cincinnati with a different station this fall. Marzullo will co-anchor WCPO 9's Good Morning Tri-State show starting in October, he announced in a post on Facebook. The 18-year veteran meteorologist will join Kristen Skovira, meteorologist Jennifer Ketchmark and traffic anchor KJ Jacobs for the morning show, the station said in an article. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ive always loved being part of this community and sharing stories that matter," Marzullo said. "Im especially proud to join a station with deep Cincinnati roots and a strong local culture." Frank Marzullo will co-anchor WCPO 9's Good Morning Tri-State show starting in October. In February, Marzullo suddenly left Fox 19 after nearly two decades to "pursue other opportunities." Marzullo then left Cincinnati to join ABC-affilated WEWS 5's weather-team part-time in early June, saying it was a temporary move while he looked for another job in Cincinnati. He told a WVXU reporter in August he had been under a non-compete agreement for six months after his exit from Fox 19, leaving him unable to work in Cincinnati or talk about the weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the broadcaster is stepping up to the anchor role with WCPO 9. "Frank is well-known, respected and connected in the Cincinnati community," said Jeff Brogan, vice president and general manager of the station. "His built-in trust fits in well with our Good Morning Tri-State team and will show up in his anchoring and reporting." Marzullo joins another one of his former Fox 19 colleagues at WCPO 9, Lauren Minor. Minor, the weekend morning anchor, will join Marzullo three mornings a week to report on the news of the day. A Cleveland native, Marzullo was the morning meteorologist on Fox 19's first alert weather team starting at 4:30 a.m. every weekday. He also hosted the morning news extra show for 14 years from 9 to 11 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marzullo first joined Fox 19 in August 2007 after having spent seven years working at WFMJ, an NBC station in Youngstown, Ohio, where he was the weekday morning and noon weather forecaster. He also spent a year forecasting for WTAP, the NBC station in Parkersburg, West Virginia. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Frank Marzullo returning to the air in Cincinnati on WCPO 9 as anchor A former Southern California postal worker will serve more than five years in federal prison for stealing more than $10 million in checks from the mail, the Department of Justice says. On Monday, the DOJ announced that Rashad Stolden, 34, of Huntington Beach, was sentenced to 66 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $1.6 million in restitution for the massive scheme. Stolden previous admitted in April to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud while working at the Bicentennial Post Office in Los Angeles Fairfax District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over a four-year period, Stolden, while working as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, stole piece of mail containing large value checks, Treasury notes and unemployment debit cards from the California Employment Development Department. A friend and coworker of Stolden, Charlie Green, 37, of East L.A., was also involved in the scheme, the DOJ said. Together, the two sold the stolen checks to multiple co-conspirators who would then use counterfeit documents and stolen personal information to turn the checks and debit cards into cash. In June 2022, Stolden stole a check from the U.S. Treasury worth $7.3 million; he then sold the check to a co-conspirator who took it to a bank in Tennessee and was able to withdraw more than $1 million from the deposit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of the fraudulent deposit, Stolden told his accomplice that he was trying to retire, and needed their help. In court documents, prosecutors lambasted Stolden for a lack of empathy for those who lost their disability and unemployment benefits through the scheme while he was planning his own expensive vacations. [He] seemed to think only of his own profits, trying to decide whether he should use his thefts to pay for a $13,000 hotel stay in Bora Bora, or if he should upgrade to a $20,000 stay in the Presidential Villa at the Conrad, prosecutors wrote. Multiple co-conspirators have been identified, charged and prosecuted in separate court cases, the DOJ said. Both Stolden and Green are currently free on $50,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Green is scheduled to be sentenced next week. The case was investigated by the USPS Office of Inspector General and the Postal Inspection Service, among other agencies. This is another high-profile instance of a Los Angeles-area USPS worker admitting to stealing checks and EDD cards from the mail in order to furnish a luxury lifestyle. In August, a postal worker at a Torrance facility admitted to stealing checks and debit cards from the mail and then flaunting her ill-gotten gains on social media. That postal worker, Mary Ann Magdamit, 31, of Carson, faces up to 30 years in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A former Catholic school teacher accused of exchanging sexually explicit material involving minors with a man in Colorado is expected to return to court on Tuesday. Ryan Segura, a former teacher who taught religion at St. Augustine High School, was taken into custody last month on allegations related to the distribution of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The 27-year-old had been working at the all-boys Catholic school in North Park for about four years when he was taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation into Segura began when a man living in Denver was arrested. Investigators learned the man had been swapping sexually explicit images involving minors with Segura. Text messages between the two men included Segura asking, Got vids? and the Denver man replying with Yeah hbu (how bout you?) In the messages, the two users can be seen discussing their mutual sexual interest in children, and exchanging visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, court documents said. Segura is scheduled to appear before a federal judge on Tuesday for his arraignment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A onetime top aide to former Ald. Carrie Austin is set to plead guilty next month in a corruption case that went public when the FBI raided Austins South Side ward offices more than six years ago. Chester Wilson, 59, was indicted along with Austin in 2021 on charges of bribery and theft of government funds. He had been scheduled to go to trial in November. However, at a brief status hearing Monday, the parties informed U.S. District Judge John Kness that a plea agreement was being finalized in the case. Kness canceled the trial date and set a change of plea hearing for Oct. 29, though its not clear which charges Wilson was planning to plead guilty to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The development comes two months after Kness ruled that Austin, now 76, was medically unfit to stand trial. She represented the 34th Ward in the City Council for more than 30 years before stepping down in 2023. Wilson served as her longtime chief of staff. According to the indictment, Austin and Wilson shepherded a new real estate development through City Hall bureaucracy beginning in 2016 and were given home improvement perks from a developer seeking to influence them. Between them, Austin and Wilson allegedly got new kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, bathroom tiling, sump pumps and an HVAC system for free or at a discount. The developer, Boris Nitchoff, has since died. His son, Alex, pleaded guilty to separate charges of bribing an employee of the Cook County assessors office and was sentenced to five years in prison. Wilson was also charged in the indictment with illegally obtaining SNAP state food subsidies by paying the intended recipient less than the face value. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) To help commemorate 75 years since the Incheon Landings during the Korean War, the MacArthur Memorial and the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) are teaming up to host a free event. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the MacArthur Memorial starting at 2:45 p.m. According to a release, the event will consist of an overview of the operation, which took place from Sept. 15-19 in 1950, followed by a moderated discussion on the strategies involved in the operation, led by three the former United Nations Command (UNC) Commanders General Curtis Scaparrotti, General Vincent Brooks and General Paul LaCamera. We are honored to partner with KDVA on this retrospective on the Incheon landings, Director of the MacArthur Memorial Amanda Williams said. General MacArthur famously said, there is no substitute for victory; we believe there is also no substitute for history. We look forward to engaging with attendees to explore this history and its continued relevance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The story of Incheon reminds us that freedom has never been free, Chairman and President of the KDVA General Robert Abe Abrams said. The spirit of sacrifice and determination that defined the Korean War continues today through the ROK-U.S. Alliance and the service of our Korea Defense Veterans. This historic event marks the first time former UNC Commanders have gathered at the Memorial of the first UNC Commander, General Douglas MacArthur. KDVA is proud to honor those who risked everything at Incheon and to ensure that their legacy is forever remembered. While the event is free to attend, registration is required to attend. Click here to register. For more information on the event, click here. Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Nikki Gronli, former state rural development director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture during the Biden administration, participates in a press conference at the downtown Sioux Falls library on April 7, 2025. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight) Former U.S. Department of Agriculture appointee Nikki Gronli announced her candidacy for South Dakotas lone U.S. House seat Monday morning, potentially setting up the first Democratic primary race for the seat in over a decade. The House seat will be up for grabs in next years election because Republican U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson is running for governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gronli filed her Federal Election Commission statement of candidacy Monday morning and will launch her campaign at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Holiday Inn City Centre in downtown Sioux Falls. Sioux Falls nonprofit executive Billy Mawhiney announced last month he is running for the Democratic nomination as well. Election 2026 News and commentary on statewide races and ballot questions. Read the latest> If both stay in the race until next Junes primary, itll be the partys first U.S. House primary race in South Dakota since 2012. The party did not have U.S. House candidates in the 2020 and 2022 elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for the seat. Republican state Sen. Casey Crabtree, of Madison, filed his statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission this summer. Gronli set out across South Dakota with other Democrats this spring to hold town hall meetings for South Dakotans concerned about federal policy changes under the Trump administration. As I traveled the state and listened to people, I realized there might be a place for me in this, Gronli said in an interview with South Dakota Searchlight. There might be an opportunity to continue to listen to them and bring forward their ideas and voices and be that voice in D.C. Gronli is the former vice chair of the South Dakota Democratic Party and former state director for USDA Rural Development under the Biden administration. She oversaw investments in rural housing, broadband, infrastructure and other rural community projects. She is president of Flatlander Strategies, a marketing company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerns about the economy, health care access and President Trumps tariff policies devastating South Dakota farmers drove Gronlis decision to enter the race. Im watching our current elected leaders not do whats best for South Dakota, Gronli said. Ive decided that I need to get in this race and give people another option. We need some folks who have the courage to stand up for South Dakota families. Besides Crabtree and Jackley, James Bialota, who describes himself as a small business owner and real estate investor, has said on Facebook that he plans to run as a Republican for the U.S. House. A Democrat named Scott Schlagel has also filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run for the seat. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX (Reuters) - Forty-five Colombian soldiers held in a drug trafficking area in the country's west were released, the Colombian army said on Monday, putting an end to latest in a string of such incidents the government blames on rebels who reject a 2016 peace deal. Colombia's air force retrieved the soldiers "without incident" and all were returned "safe and sound," the third division of Colombia's army said on X. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez had reported late on Sunday that the soldiers were being held by some 600 people in El Tambo, in Colombia's western mountainous Cauca department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seizures of soldiers, often by local communities who the government says are pressured by rebels, are not uncommon, and recent incidents have ended in soldiers being released unharmed. "The kidnapping of the troops constitutes a serious violation of human rights and international humanitarian law," the army division wrote on X. Sanchez on Sunday blamed rebels commanded by a dissident known as Ivan Mordisco and demanded the soldiers' immediate release. Colombia's six-decade-long internal armed conflict between the government, leftist guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries and drug traffickers has killed more than 450,000 people. (Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta in Bogota, Deisy Buitrago in Caracas and Stefanie Eschenbacher in Mexico City; Editing by William Maclean and Julia Symmes Cobb) At around 6 a.m., a cell comprising three terrorists arrived on the outskirts of Sheikh Radwan in northern Gaza, opened fire, and threw an explosive device into the tank. Four IDF soldiers from the Armored Corps were killed in northern Gaza, the military said on Monday. The soldiers were named Staff-Sergeant Uri Lamed, age 20, from Tel Mond, Sergeant Gadi Cotal, age 20, from Kibbutz Afikim, Sergeant Amit Arye Regev from Modi'in-Maccabim-Reut, and Lieutenant Matan Abramovitz, age 21, from Ganei Tikva. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly before the incident, at 5:00 a.m., the battalion's forces had returned to the post from nighttime operations in the area, and by 6:00 a.m., the soldiers were in "dawn alert," with commanders conducting a situational assessment. At around 6 a.m., a cell comprising three terrorists arrived on the outskirts of Sheikh Radwan, west of Jabalya in northern Gaza, close to where the Nahal Brigade's 50th Battalion was stationed. The tank was stationed in a defensive position near the IDF's post. An IDF tank operates in the Gaza Strip. May 10, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) The terrorists approached the tank and opened fire on the tank crew, and immediately following the fire, they threw an explosive device inside the tank within close range, with the explosion killing the four soldiers inside. Soldier from Nahal Brigade moderately wounded During subsequent exchanges of fire with the terrorists, a soldier from the Nahal Brigade was moderately wounded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the initial investigation, the crew inside the tank was not asleep during the incident, and was reported to be alert and conducting scans of the area. Two terrorists were hit during the exchange of fire with IDF soldiers. The deaths of the four soldiers raise the toll of soldiers' deaths to 904 since the start of the Swords of Iron War. This is a developing story. VESTAL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) 4 juveniles in a stolen car lead Vestal Police on a high speed chase down the Parkway and through Endicott before being apprehended in Lisle last night. Vestal Police was alerted shortly after 7 oclock that a Jeep was driving erratically westbound along Route 434 driving from Binghamton into Vestal. Police say that when they ran the license plate number, it came back as stolen out of Western New York. Police began a pursuit which went all the way west to 4 Corners, turned north onto North Main Street and across the river to Endicott. The fleeing juveniles then got onto Route 26 and traveled north out of Endicott. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses say the Jeep was driving at a high rate of speed with half a dozen Vestal police vehicles in pursuit. The juveniles eventually abandoned the Jeep in Lisle and were arrested while trying to flee on foot. Police say the kids were from Western New York and our area. The investigation is continuing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to "catch" all involved in a mass shooting that killed six people and injured more than a dozen others Monday in Jerusalem. The shooting happened at Ramot Junction on Yigal Yadin Street at 3:13 a.m. EDT. Among the dead were three men in their 30s, a woman in her 50s and a man in his 50s, the Magen David Adom ambulance service said, according to the BBC. Of the 12 people injured, seven were listed in serious condition and nine others were hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Among the injured was a pregnant woman, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said "the terrorists were neutralized." According to Israel Police, two gunmen who arrived at Ramot in a vehicle opened fire at a bus stop. "In response, a security forces member and a civilian present at the scene fired at the terrorists, and they were neutralized," it said in a statement on X. Netanyahu visited the scene of the attack later Monday and offered his condolences to the families involved. "We are fighting terrorism -- the terrorist regime of the Houthi, Iran, that backs everyone, in Gaza, Lebanon, Hezbollah, in all sectors," Netanyahu said, according to ABC News. "We are not letting up and we will not let up. We are nailing our actions, and we will achieve our goals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are now pursuing and surrounding the villages from which the murderers came. We will catch everyone who helped them, everyone who sent them." No one has claimed responsibility for the shooting. Hamas, which Israel is battling in Gaza, issued a statement commending Monday's attack. It said the shooting was a "natural response" to Israel's military action in Gaza. There have been a number of attacks at Ramot in recent years. In February 2023, three Israelis were killed and four others were injured when a suspect drove a car into pedestrians at a bus stop in the Ramot neighborhood. In November 2022, three people were injured when a bomb detonated at a bus stop at the junction. By Juliette Jabkhiro PARIS (Reuters) -A Paris court ruled on Monday that French far-right leader Marine Le Pen's appeal trial against an embezzlement conviction that barred her from running in the 2027 election will start on January 13, keeping her presidential hopes alive. The appeal trial is expected to last around five weeks and the verdict is due before the summer in a case that could have a huge impact on the election to succeed President Emmanuel Macron. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court ruling on the timing came even as Le Pen's National Rally (RN) and other opposition parties were set to defeat Prime Minister Francois Bayrou in a confidence vote on Monday that has presented Macron with a fresh political crisis. A Paris court convicted Le Pen and some two dozen National Rally (RN) party officials in March of embezzling EU funds, handing Le Pen an immediate five-year ban on running for office that effectively barred her from standing in the 2027 vote. Le Pen and her colleagues appealed the decision, and the appeals court pledged to expedite the case, given the major political ramifications of its decision. Few expect the appeals court to overturn Le Pen's initial conviction, for which she also received a four-year prison sentence of which two are suspended, and a 100,000-euro fine. Both of those are frozen pending appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the RN hopes the appeals court could scrap - or shorten - her political ban, allowing her to stand in 2027 in what would be her fourth attempt at the top office. The prosecutor argued that an early-2026 trial would allow the court to give a verdict before the summer and avoid interfering in March municipal elections, while RN lawyers sought a date after the municipal elections. The appeals court judge followed the prosecutor's proposal. (Reporting by Juliette JabkhiroWriting by Dominique VidalonEditing by Makini Brice, Charlotte Van Campenhout, Gabriel Stargardter) By Elizabeth Pineau, Ingrid Melander and Charlotte Van Campenhout PARIS (Reuters) - France's parliament brought down the government on Monday over its plans to tame the ballooning national debt, deepening a political crisis that is weakening the euro zone's second-largest economy. Lawmakers voted to oust Prime Minister Francois Bayrou and his minority government with 364 votes against the veteran centrist politician and 194 in his favour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Emmanuel Macron, who is facing calls from the opposition to dissolve parliament and resign, will instead hunt for his fifth prime minister in less than two years. His office said he would appoint one in the next few days. The next government's most pressing task will be to pass a budget, the same challenge Francois Bayrou faced when he took office nine months ago. Securing the backing of a very divided parliament will be equally hard. "You have the power to bring down the government, but you do not have the power to erase reality," Bayrou told lawmakers before losing the confidence vote. "Reality will remain relentless: expenses will continue to rise, and the burden of debt, already unbearable, will grow heavier and more costly," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bayrou will tender his resignation on Tuesday, his office said. He had called the confidence vote to try to win parliamentary support for his strategy to lower a deficit that stands at nearly double the European Union's 3% ceiling, and to start tackling a debt pile equivalent to 114% of GDP. But opposition parties were in little mood to rally behind his planned savings of 44 billion euros ($51.51 billion) in next year's budget, with an election for Macron's successor looming in 2027. "This moment marks the end of the agony of a phantom government," far-right leader Marine Le Pen said, pushing for a snap parliamentary election, which Macron has so far ruled out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Macron is now on the front line facing the people. He too must go," Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the hard-left France Unbowed, said on X. WHO'S NEXT? A lengthy period of political and fiscal uncertainty risks undermining Macron's influence in Europe at a time when the United States is talking tough on trade and security, and war is raging in Ukraine on Europe's eastern flank. The French president could now nominate a politician from his own centrist minority ruling group or from the ranks of conservatives as the next premier, but that would mean doubling down on a strategy that has failed to yield a stable alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also could tack to the left and nominate a moderate socialist, or choose a technocrat. No scenario would be likely to hand the next government a parliamentary majority. It was inevitable that the need to form a new government would result in a dilution of the deficit reduction plan, Finance Minister Eric Lombard said before the vote. Macron may eventually decide the only path out of the crisis lies in calling a snap election, but he has so far resisted calls from Le Pen's National Rally and from France Unbowed to dissolve parliament a second time. FISCAL MESS Financial markets had anticipated the confidence vote would fail and there was little immediate reaction on Monday. French markets face another test on Friday, when Fitch Ratings reviews its sovereign rating for France. Moody's and S&P Global follow with their own rating reviews in October and November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Over the near-term, I'm sure everyone in markets expects paralysis and downward pressure on ratings," said Chris Scicluna, head of economic research for Daiwa Capital Markets. As for now, "the outcome was as expected, so markets should react in a modest way." France's EU peers will be watching closely. France holds the highest deficit as a percentage of GDP in the euro zone - the bloc using the EU's single currency. It pays more to service its debt than Spain and spreads against benchmark German 10-year bonds are at their highest level in four months. A rating downgrade would hamper France's ability to raise money at low interest rates from investors, potentially deepening its debt problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Socialists have offered a counter-budget that would impose a tax of at least 2% on personal wealth greater than 100 million euros ($117.5 million) and generate savings of 22 billion euros - a proposal that would be tough to marry with the pro-business reform agenda of Macron's presidency. Discontent may also start brewing on the streets. A grassroots protest movement called "Bloquons Tout" ("Let's Block Everything") is calling for nationwide disruption on Wednesday. Trade unions are plotting walkouts the week after. Like many in France, Mohamed, 80, who sells produce at the Aligre market in Paris, doesn't think the politicians will find a way out. "Come back in 10 days and you'll see nothing will have changed. There won't be a majority, there will be no budget." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ($1 = 0.8511 euros) (Additional reporting by Dominique Vidalon, Benoit Van Overstraeten, Tassilo Hummel, Makini Brice and Lucien Libert; writing by Ingrid Melander and Richard Lough; Editing by Aidan Lewis, Hugh Lawson, Timothy Heritage and Bill Berkrot) France may get its fifth prime minister in two years if, as expected, the current one loses a vote of confidence Monday, plunging the country into further political turmoil. Francois Bayrous proposed budget which includes $54 billion in spending cuts and removing two public holidays is deeply unpopular. He called a confidence vote to boost his legitimacy, but his mad gamble hasnt paid off, Le Monde said: The hard left and hard right will vote to remove him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement France has Europes third-highest debt-to-GDP ratio, and economists warn that without cuts, it faces a Greece-style disaster. One French commentator said France is experiencing a crisis of government and a crisis of society. Credit: Reuters Emmanuel Macron will appoint a new prime minister in the next few days, the Elysee Palace has said, ruling out snap elections to solve Frances political crisis. The National Assembly voted to collapse the government on Monday, ousting Francois Bayrou as prime minister by 364 votes to 194 in a confidence motion. Mr Bayrou is expected to hand in his resignation on Tuesday, leaving Mr Macron scrambling to find the seventh prime minister of his presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the vote, Mr Macrons office said he takes note of the result and would appoint Mr Bayrous replacement in the next few days. The move suggests the French president will ignore growing calls to dissolve parliament and resign, and instead try to appoint a consensus figure to pass a budget in the deeply divided national assembly. However, there are doubts over whether any new figure will be able to pull together a working coalition. The Socialists, who only command 66 seats in parliament, have offered to run the government at the risk of losing the support of the conservative Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marine Le Pen, whose National Rally is the biggest single opposition party, urged Mr Macron to call fresh snap legislative elections to break the political deadlock on Monday evening, calling them not an option but an obligation. Marine Le Pen has called for the French president to dissolve parliament - Benoit Tessier/REUTERS But Ms Le Pen, who is facing a five-year ban on running for elected office, stopped short of calling Mr Macron to resign. The Left-wing France Unbowed party is preparing to submit an impeachment motion against the president on Tuesday, though this is unlikely to pass. To add to Mr Macrons political headache, mass protests threatening to block everything are planned across France on Wednesday, followed by a nationwide strike backed by eight unions on Sept 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Bayrou called the vote of confidence in an attempt to force MPs to adopt his austerity budget. During an impassioned speech to MPs ahead of the vote, he warned: You can get rid of the government, but you cant get rid of reality. Credit: Reuters He said Frances debt mountain risked enslaving the youth of the eurozones second-largest economy. France has not known a balanced budget for 51 years. Every year, debt accumulates, he said as French public debt stood at 114 per cent of GDP. It is a mess largely of the French presidents own making. He called snap national elections last year that left a hung parliament, after losing European elections to Ms Le Pens National Rally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement France is deadlocked over how to balance its books. Despite its spiralling debt crisis, the polarised and fragmented National Assembly cannot agree on cuts to the budget or pension reform. Some observers say Mr Bayrou called the confidence motion in an attempt to create a legacy that might enable him to run for the Elysee in the future. Mr Bayrou lost the confidence vote - BERTRAND GUAY/AFP Justifying the call for the vote, the 74-year-old centrist said that he had wanted this trial by truth over his plans to cut the 2026 budget by 38bn. Boris Vallaud, the Socialists parliamentary leader, told Mr Bayrou in reference to his 2027 presidential ambitions: You will not turn your defeat into a victory. This is not an act of courage, it is a flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mrs Le Pen tried to pin the blame for Frances woes on the various parties that have ruled France until now, and position National Rally as an alternative for the future. She said: It is in these moments of crisis... that the small and large acts of cowardice, the shameful opportunism, the hidden connivances are revealed in the shipwreck of discredited formations. 06:59 PM BST Thats all for today Thank you for following along with The Telegraphs coverage. Key moments: French prime minister Francois Bayrou lost a confidence vote by 364 votes to 194. The result leaves Emmanuel Macron scrambling to find the seventh prime minister of his premiership. Mr Bayrou will submit his resignation to the president on Tuesday morning. The Elysee Palace said Mr Macron will appoint a new prime minister in the next few days. Mr Macron is now facing calls to resign and the Left-wing France Unbowed party said they will submit an impeachment motion, although this is unlikely to pass. National Rallys Marine Le Pen demanded the dissolution of parliament and another snap election. In his final speech, Mr Bayrou launched a fierce defence of his austerity budget and blamed a historic haemorrhage of state funds. Mass protests are planned on Wednesday across France, adding to Mr Macrons political headache. 06:54 PM BST Analysis: Bayrou is dead and buried Politically, he was a dead man walking. Now, Francois Bayrou is dead and buried. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emmanuel Macrons sixth prime minister tried one final time today to warn France that the country is on economic life support. But at the end of the day, he and his minority government are the ones whose ventilator has been switched off. Roughly two-thirds of Frances National Assembly refused to back his confidence vote on an austerity budget. So its back to the drawing board for Emmanuel Macron. Will he take up the Socialists calls for him to appoint one of their number as PM? Or will he go for a more consensual figure? Some say he may provide an answer as early as Tuesday, even if the master of the clocks hates being rushed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bayrous departure will be music to Marine Le Pen, who hopes it will further improve her National Rallys power in parliament should snap elections be called. Jean-Luc Melenchon and his France Unbowed party wasted no time in calling for Macron to leave. As the knives are sharpened, France remains without a budget and, as so often, a powder keg of social discontent. Whether Bayrous fall will make any difference to rising anger in the country remains to be seen. 06:41 PM BST Macron faces impeachment calls The Left-wing France Unbowed party will submit a motion to impeach Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, its deputy has said. Mathilde Panot, deputy of the party led by Jean-Luc Melenchon, said: Bayrou wanted a moment of truth. I think he got it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are giving Macron two choices. Either he can be impeached or he can resign. No sitting president has ever been impeached under Frances Fifth Republic. The motion is highly unlikely to pass. 06:21 PM BST Bayrou makes quick exit from National Assembly Francois Bayrou left the National Assembly without making a statement after his ousting. The prime minister is expected to tender his resignation to Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday morning, according to Agence France-Presse. It remains to be seen whether Mr Macron will nominate another centrist to replace Mr Bayrou, or if he will change tack. It is possible the president will decide to call another snap election as the only way to navigate the crisis, but he has so far resisted these calls. 06:17 PM BST Macron faces calls to resign Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the Left-wing France Unbowed party, has called on Emmanuel Macron to resign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The socialist, who has run for president unsuccessfully three times, said on X: Bayrou has fallen. Victory and popular relief. Macron is now on the front line facing the people. He too must go. Boris Vallaud, president of the Sociality Party in the National Assembly, called for the Left to form the next government. Taking the floor in parliament, he said his camp was ready to govern, proposing another political path that is not that of Emmanuel Macron, who has led us into this impasse. 06:02 PM BST Government collapses Bayrou received 194 votes for and 364 against. There was a majority of 170. 05:37 PM BST MPs head off to vote Francois Bayrou has riposted to parliamentary leaders, thanking his government, berating the opposition for its insults and reiterating the fact that this vote will not erase the reality France finds itself in regarding its finances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MPs now have around 20 minutes to vote, so the outcome will be known very soon. 05:35 PM BST Macron is following closely behind, says party leader Mathilde Panot, head of the Leftist France Unbowed partys parliamentary group, called for Emmanuel Macrons resignation. The president does not wish to change his policies. So we will have to change presidents. Whether he likes it or not, this autumn, popular sovereignty is back in vogue. So is the desire to see him go. Leave today, Mr Bayrou, Emmanuel Macron is following closely behind you, she told MPs. Turning to Mr Bayrou, she said: We do not share your diagnosis, and even less so your remedies. Today, it is not only the government that we need to overthrow, but a world based on inhumanity, social brutality and a lack of solidarity. 05:20 PM BST If we dont act, itll be too late, warns Gabriel Attal Gabriel Attal, Mr Macrons former prime minister, said bringing the government down would solve nothing and only cause more instability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The centrist Ensemble politician asked his fellow National Assembly ministers to vote in the public interest. Its not up to the French to sort the problems of its parliament, but parliament to sort their own problems, said Mr Attal. He argued it was possible to reduce the governments debts and re-examine spending. But Mr Attal implored the National Assembly to honour the French peoples votes and have the courage to debate. Mr Attal suggested that in a rapidly moving world, France is standing still. Each month brings only uncertainty and indecision. He called for a new model of governance which can adapt to AI developments, climate change and global conflicts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we dont act it will perhaps be too late. 05:05 PM BST Le Pens diagnosis of Frances current crises Ms Le Pen mocked Mr Bayrous warning that France was facing a moment of truth by saying the country faced a moment when those in charge are forced to reveal the disastrous results of five decades of wasteful management. Giving her diagnosis of Frances current crisis, she said: First, the legislative branch is paralysed by a lack of majority. Second, the country is experiencing a social crisis, with tensions that could explode at any moment. And third, it is experiencing a financial crisis, all in an unstable international context and with a war on Europes doorstep. This state of affairs should be enough to dissolve the government. A great country like France cannot live with a paper government, especially in a troubled and dangerous world. If there is a dissolution, we will accept the verdict of the ballot box, she said. If the people honour us with a clear mandate, that is to say, an absolute majority, we will take up the prime ministerial office to implement, without waiting for the presidential election, a programme of national recovery, a change of expectations, she added. 04:52 PM BST Dissolving parliament is not an option but an obligation, says Le Pen Marine Le Pen urged Emmanuel Macron to dissolve parliament again, calling it not an option but an obligation. The RNs parliamentary leader said the French president must call new elections and let the country choose. Without dissolution, Emmanuel Macron is blocking the country, she said. Ms Le Pen warned that a new pro-Macron prime minister would spell institutional stagnation for the country and would probably not get through the budget debate. In other words, her party would vote against it in a no-confidence motion. 04:45 PM BST Marine Le Pen: Its the end of the road for a ghost government The emperor has no clothes, said Marine Le Pen, who is head of parliaments largest party, the National Rally. We are going through the collapse of a system that believes it can find a new virginity by belatedly denouncing the countrys parlous economic state, she added. Ms Le Pen said that her personal fate was not important and that Bayrou had thought she would not oppose his confidence vote because she risked losing her parliamentary seat. This is the end of the road for a ghost government of invisible or transparent ministers, she said. Ms Le Pen said she was not calling for the resignation of Emmanuel Macron but for the French president to dissolve parliament in the interests of the country. Marine Le Pen delivers a speech during a debate before a confidence vote 04:39 PM BST Bayrou seeking to blackmail MPs, says party leader Cyrielle Chatelain, the leader of the Greens group in the National Assembly, has berated Bayrou for seeking to blackmail MPs into rubber-stamping his austerity budget plans. No amount of blackmail or catastrophic rhetoric will help build political stability, she warned. In a majority-less assembly, no one can impose a policy without falling. She called for a left-leaning coalition to enter government to break with Emmanuel Macrons policy and boost public services. The New Popular Front, an alliance of the Left and Greens, were the largest political grouping after last years snap elections and were furious that Mr Macron didnt appoint a prime minister from their number. He is unlikely to accede to their demands this time, say observers. 04:25 PM BST Markets steady despite Bayrous imminent fall Interestingly, markets dont seem to be too jittery about Bayrous imminent fall. The yield on the benchmark French 10-year government bond is now at 3.40 per cent, its lowest for the day. Some are saying it is because at least he has managed to jolt the French into realising that debt is a central issue. That may make things easier for future governments to present cost-cutting solutions, say some analysts. 04:11 PM BST Analysis: Bayrous fate is sealed his speech was a swan song Francois Bayrous speech was not a plan, it was a swan song by a prime minister who knew he would be resigning tomorrow. True to form, he spent the entire 45-minute speech banging on about Frances huge debt and rising deficit that was life-threatening to the countrys future generations. To remove his government in a confidence vote would merely shoot the messenger, he warned. Common sense cuts and a few sacrifices could help stop the deficit from spiralling. Meanwhile, those who blame immigrants on the countrys parlous state finances or argue taxing the rich to the hilt will solve all its problems are sorely mistaken, he said. However, his alarming rhetoric will not sway opposition MPs into backing his confidence vote. His fate is sealed. Marine Le Pens National Rally, Jean-Luc Melenchons Leftist France Unbowed, the Greens and Socialists have all insisted they will vote against him. Even the Right-wing Republicans, who have several government ministers, are split: almost half of their 49 MPs are reportedly tempted to abstain or vote against. 04:01 PM BST Millionaires fleeing Britain for Italy Francois Bayrou was right when he said millionaires were fleeing Britain for Italy because of Labours tax rises. Italy has introduced a flat tax regime, a lump sum on foreign income, that can save the rich huge sums. In January, tax advisers in Britain reported that increasing numbers of UK-based billionaires were planning to leave the country for Italy or Dubai to avoid the tax rises in Rachel Reevess budget. Property prices in Milan have risen 49 per cent since the countrys flat-tax regime was introduced in 2017, even though Georgia Meloni last year increased the one off charge on foreign income to 173,500. Mr Bayrou is no fan of the Italian regime, which he has called fiscal dumping that fuels the nomadism of the wealthy from France as well as Britain. That doesnt bother the Italian Prime Minister one bit. She said: The completely unfounded remarks by the French prime minister are surprising. The Italian economy is attractive and is performing better than others thanks to the stability and credibility of our nation. 03:39 PM BST Deputies free to vote as they wish, says centre-Right Republicans leader Laurent Wauquiez of Frances centre-Right Republicans, said his groups deputies will be free to vote as they wish. Suggesting a divide amongst the party, he said: Some will vote for it without enthusiasm, and that will be my choice. Others, and their position is just as respectable, will not vote for it. He praised Francois Bayrous courage in telling the truth about the state of our finances but asked why he has had so much trouble convincing people. 03:06 PM BST The Socialists are ready to govern, says party leader Boris Vallaud, the leader of the Socialist group in the National Assembly, condemned Francois Bayrous moral failing as he confirmed that his party would vote to oust him. The Socialists take responsibility for affirming that they are ready, with the left and the ecologists, to govern, he added. In a fiery response to the prime ministers speech, he shouted: There is only one person responsible for the crisis, the debacle, the disorder in our country: the President of the Republic and with him his blind followers, of whom you, Mr. Prime Minister, are the first apostle, a defeated president whose policy, disqualified at the ballot box, has led us into the impasse in which we find ourselves. He attacked Mr Macron for Frances financial woes and accused him of sacrificing public services like schools and hospitals. Here we go again, said Laurent Wauquiez, the leader of the centre-Right Republicans, afterwards before bemoaning the political instability affecting France. Credit: Reuters 03:02 PM BST Bayrou ends 40-minute speech, party leaders now to speak The French prime minister has finished a length 40-minute speech, in which he warned that France is headed for political and economic disaster unless its ballooning debt is reined in. Now party leaders will have the chance to respond to his words. The confidence vote is expected this evening, probably around 6pm BST. 02:54 PM BST Watch: French PM defends calling a confidence vote Credit: Reuters 02:47 PM BST Pictured: National Rally MP laughs during speech Sebastien Chenu (centre), a National Rally MP, laughs during Francois Bayrous speech - BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images 02:42 PM BST Bayrou tells parties: You have the power to overthrow the government, not erase reality Shouting now, Francois Bayrou told lawmakers: A turmoil is brewing for France, and forgive me for reminding you of this at this time. The problem, the threat, the risk for France will remain intact. Because, ladies and gentlemen, you have the power to overthrow the government, but you do not have the power to erase reality. Reality will remain inexorable. Spending will continue to increase even more, and the burden of debt, already unbearable, will become heavier and heavier and more and more expensive. 02:39 PM BST What Telegraph readers are saying... 02:38 PM BST Pictured: A glum-looking Le Pen watches on Marine Le Pen, leader of National Rally, listen to Francois Bayrous speech - Nathan Laine/Bloomberg 02:34 PM BST France is in a life-threatening condition, warns Bayrou In his alarmist speech, Mr Bayrou insisted that France is in a life-threatening condition due to its mounting debt and deficit, describing the situation as being the caption of a ship that is sinking. When it comes to debt, our very survival is at stake, along with our state, our independence, our public services and our social model. The countrys youth, he argued, is heading for slavery unless the debt mountain is reduced. The French prime minister recently came under fire for accusing baby boomers of the post-war generation for the countrys ballooning 3.3tn (2.9tn) debt and being ignorant to young people inherited the countrys economic problems. 02:29 PM BST This is a historical issue, not a political issue What we are dealing with today is not a political issue: it is a historical issue, declared Francois Bayrou as rowdy politicians attempted to interject his lengthy speech. The French prime minister continued: Political issues are issues for the next election, but historical issues are issues for the next generation. In 2020, the annuities we had to pay (to lenders over the state debt) were around 30 billion, in 2024, 60bn, this year 67, next year, 75, the following year 85 bn and at end of the decade, 105 billion. It is an invisible and unbearable haemorrhage. 02:26 PM BST France has not known a balanced budget for 51 years, says Bayrou Francois Bayrou is currently launching a fierce defence of his austerity budget in front of the National Assembly. France has not known a balanced budget for 51 years. Every year, debt accumulates, he said, calling the situation unbearable. If we do not address debt, we will no longer be able to borrow at all. Bayrou arrives to deliver his general policy statement 02:23 PM BST Analysis: Macrons big blunder set to bring down his second minority government Emmanuel Macron effectively dared the French to risk the untested National Rally in government when he called the snap Assembly elections that led to the hung parliament set to claim its second minority government today. The president gambled that voters would not be willing to trust Marine Le Pens nationalists in power. A vote for Mr Macron was a vote for stability. Now with Mr Macron a lame duck and about to lose his third prime minister in little over a year, that seems laughable. France is deeply polarised and paralysed by deadlock over budget and pension reform, which will cost it a second minority government today. There is little prospect of the situation changing if Mr Macron simply picks another prime minister. The longer this instability continues, the more credible an alternative National Rally will appear to the status quo. 02:17 PM BST Bayrou: I chose this trial by truth Francois Bayrous has started speaking and already, he seems to be losing his voice. Justifying the call for this vote, he said that he had he wanted this trial by truth. I wanted this meeting, and some of you, probably the majority and the most sensible, thought it was unreasonable, that it was too big a risk. However, I believe exactly the opposite, said Mr Bayrou. The biggest risk was not to take it, to let things continue without anything changing, to carry on with politics as usual, to let things drag on (...) until the point of no return was reached. 02:12 PM BST Germany: Bayrous downfall wont threaten Eurozone stability Francois Bayrous likely defeat in a vote of confidence does not threaten the stability of the euro zone, a German government spokesperson said on Monday.. Eurozone stability depends on many states, on all market participants, the spokesperson said. There is no need to question this stability now. 02:05 PM BST Bayrou about to speak Francois Bayrou will now deliver whats known as a general policy statement, similar to a state of the union address, which prime ministers normally give at the start of their tenure to lay out the governments plans. In this case, Mr Bayrou has turned the declaration de politique generale, as it is known, effectively into a referendum for or against his plans for a cost-slashing 2026 budget. He wants to reduce it by 44bn (38bn) as part of a bid to bring the deficit down from a forecast 5.4 per cent of gross domestic product this year to 4.6 percent of GDP in 2026. One Right-wing aide in the government called it a foolish move because the vote has turned into a means to express general disapproval of Bayrou, making it well-nigh impossible for him to remain in office. 02:04 PM BST A breakdown of Frances National Assembly 01:44 PM BST French court sets date for start of Le Pen appeal Less than an hour before the French parliamentary session was due to open ahead of the confidence vote, a Paris court ruled that an appeal by National Rally leader Marine Le Pen and other party officials on a conviction of misappropriating European Union funds will start on January 13 and last a month. Ms Le Pen was found guilty of corruption in March and banned from running for elected office for five years, knocking her out of the presidential election in 2027 that polls suggest should could win. The appeal trial will give her party time either to reinstate Ms Le Pen if the ruling is overturned or to prepare party president Jordan Bardella to run instead. However, RN officials are unhappy with the dates because they will fall during a municipal election campaign in France. 01:33 PM BST Analysis: How Macron made France ungovernable Tanned after a short summer break in southern France, Emmanuel Macron has returned to Paris to face a political crisis largely of his own making. Today, the centrist French president will no doubt lose his sixth prime minister. Francois Bayrou appears to be for the chop in a confidence vote no one believes he can win. With yet another prime ministerial fuse blown, the question many in France are now asking is, how much longer can Mr Macron keep his job? Mr Macron is not one to abandon the battlefield, his own spin doctor told The Telegraph. But French politics has been limping pitifully since the French president called disastrous snap elections last year after losing European elections to Marine Le Pens National Rally (RN). As the latest government is about to fall, the 47-year-old former banker is rapidly running out of road with two years to go before his second and final consecutive five-year mandate draws to a close. Emmanuel Macrons minority government has limped along since he called snap elections last year - Anadolu 01:19 PM BST What you need to know: Francois Bayrou is expected to lose a confidence vote today, plunging the euro zones second largest economy deeper into political crisis. What is about to happen? The French National Assembly convenes at 2pm BST. Mr Bayrou will open with a speech. With almost no hope of winning, that speech will be for the record or his political future rather than to try to convince lawmakers. The 10 parliamentary groups will respond, which will then be followed by a vote. Lawmakers will each drop a paper ballot into urns in rooms next to the lower house of parliaments main chamber. The result is based on an absolute majority of votes cast not of total seats. If, as expected, the government loses, Mr Bayrou must then submit his resignation to Emmanuel Macron. The outcome of the vote could come at 6pm BST. What happens next? If Mr Bayrou does lose the vote, its all in Mr Macrons hands. The French leader has so far resisted the idea of renewed snap elections and would therefore be required to appoint a new prime minister. If Macron takes his time, Mr Bayrou could stay on in a caretaker capacity. The far-right National Rally and hard-Left France Unbowed parties are pushing for snap parliamentary elections and for Macron to resign. 01:10 PM BST Hello and welcome to our live coverage Were bringing you all the latest news as Francois Bayrou, the French prime minister, faces a confidence vote in parliament today after just nine months in the job. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The French government collapsed Monday as Prime Minister Francois Bayrou lost a confidence vote in parliament over proposed budget cuts. The outcome was expected, but nevertheless marked a major moment in French politics: President Emmanuel Macron, who is now set to appoint his fifth prime minister in less than two years, is facing ballooning pressure more than a year after he called snap elections that cost his centrist party its parliamentary majority. Bayrous ouster doesnt solve the countrys debt crisis or political gridlock, analysts said, and Macron has to pick up the pieces, a BBC editor wrote. You have the power to topple the government, but you dont have the power to erase reality, Bayrou told lawmakers. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is set to call a vote of confidence in his government on Monday which is widely expected to bring down his centre-right alliance amid widespread discord over planned austerity measures. The surprise move comes as Bayrou, in office for less than nine months, has been struggling to push through what he considers to be urgently needed reforms as France faces soaring government debt and levels of public spending that are among the highest in Europe. Bayrou, whose government does not command a majority in parliament, has said that before his proposed austerity budget could be discussed it was necessary to find general consensus regarding France's dire fiscal situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what may have initially been intended as a boost of confidence for his government before embarking on the rocky road of budget consultations, is now all but certain to bring down Bayrou's coalition, after the opposition announced they would not back him. Unlike with a vote of no-confidence, a simple majority would suffice to topple the government. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to accept Bayrou's resignation should the vote not go in his favour. Macron is also expected to ask the premier to remain in office until a successor is found. But any candidate would inherit Bayrou's challenges of leading amid a fractured landscape in the National Assembly, where no bloc - whether left, right or centre - holds a majority. France could become like Britain if MPs tax the rich to solve its debt crisis, the French prime minister said in a parting shot before being ousted by MPs. Francois Bayrou said economic meltdown and high taxes could force the wealthy to flee, as they had done in the UK. His comments came in a last-gasp bid to save his premiership as he pleaded with the French parliament not to vote him out of office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He lost the vote resoundingly, plunging France further into crisis and triggering calls for Emmanuel Macron to resign as president. In his speech to MPs, Mr Bayrou warned that taxing billionaires to shore up the economy would simply see them move away. They have a plethora of countries where they can find tax refuge in Europe itself, such as Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands, for businesses, he said. He then cited the UKs tax decisions as a cautionary tale: Our British neighbours decided to tax foreigners who were exempt from taxation. Those foreigners moved away, and the immediate consequence was an explosion in property prices in Milan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Bayrou, 74, was ousted after failing to push through an austerity budget that aimed to slash 44bn (38bn) from Frances deficit. His exit after nine months leaves France in yet more uncertainty and will raise pressure on Mr Macron to either call a snap election or step down early. It comes amid a slump in business confidence and rising social discontent nationwide. A Left-wing collective named Block Everything is calling for a day of action on Wednesday that security sources warn could be violent, while trade unions have urged workers to strike on Sept 18. In his 45-minute swan song, Mr Bayrou warned that France was in a life-threatening condition and drowning in a tide of debt that risked enslaving our youth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can overthrow the government, but you cant erase reality, he told MPs. France has not known a balanced budget for 51 years, he said, as French public debt stood at 114 per cent of GDP. But slapping punitive taxes on the wealthy, such as Bernard Arnault, the LVMH head who is Europes richest man, to shore up the economy would simply make them move away, he warned. The Elysee said Mr Macron would meet Mr Bayrou on Tuesday to accept the resignation of his government. The president will appoint a new prime minister in the next few days, it added. However, there are doubts over whether any new figure can muster a working coalition. The Socialists, who only command 66 seats in parliament, have offered to run the government at the risk of losing the support of the conservative Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Macron has ruled out dissolving parliament. But Marine Le Pen, whose National Rally is the biggest single opposition party, last night urged him to call a snap election to break the deadlock, calling them an obligation. Ms Le Pen, who is facing a five-year ban from running for elected office, stopped short of calling on Mr Macron to resign. However, Jean-Luc Melenchon, the Left-wing firebrand, predicted it would soon be Mr Macrons turn. Macron is now on the front line facing the people. He, too, must go, he said. His France Unbowed party, which also voted Mr Bayrou out, is even preparing to submit an impeachment motion against the president on Tuesday, though this is unlikely to pass. 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. Deputies with the Fresno County Sheriffs Office are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday night in Selma. Deputies were alerted to shots fired shortly before 10 p.m. in the area of Highway 43 and E. Nebraska Avenue in Selma. Selma police attempted to contact the occupants of a vehicle in the Walmart shopping center that they believe is related to the shots fired. Deputies said a person fled from the vehicle and an officer fired their weapon, striking the suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect was listed in fair condition. Detectives are investigating the initial shots fired near Highway 43 and Nebraska. Anyone with information is asked to contact detective Richard Antunez at 559-600-8221 or Valley Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org and can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Reference case #25-9262. NEED TO KNOW Tom Phillips, the fugitive New Zealand father who hid in the wilderness with his three children for nearly four years, died after a shootout with police on Sept. 8 Tom got into a fatal shootout with police during a burglary in a small Waikato town One of his children was taken into police custody, and the other two children remain missing Tom Phillips, the fugitive New Zealand father who hid in the wilderness with his three children for nearly four years, died after a shootout with police. According to CNN, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) and ABC News Australia, New Zealand Police said that officers were alerted to a possible break-in to a farm goods store at around 2:30 a.m. local time on Monday, Sept. 8, in Poipoi a small town with a population of about 450, located in the country's western Waikato district in the North Island, close to where Tom is believed to have been hiding out with his kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tom's sister, Rozzi Phillips, confirmed to RNZ that he had died, though police said a formal identification has yet to take place. One of the three children is now in police custody, officials said, while the other two remain missing. Tom disappeared with his three children Jayda, Maverick and Ember, now believed to be ages 9, 10 and 12 after an alleged dispute with their mother in 2021, per police. New Zealand Police (3) Ember, Maverick and Jayda Phillips. Ember, Maverick and Jayda Phillips. Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers told reporters on Sept. 8 that when officers learned that two people riding a four-wheeled bike were spotted near the scene of the burglary, they suspected they could be Tom and one of the children and set up spikes on a nearby street. "Knowing the information that we'd previously had that seen Tom Phillips also in this area, additional staff were called out and responded to that location," Rogers said, per RNZ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon after, the bike ran over the spikes, and the two people came to a stop, police said. "A short time later, the first attending police officer at that scene has come across that stopped quad bike and been confronted by gunfire at close range," Rogers said. The officer was struck in the head and took cover. Another police officer arrived at the scene and shot at Tom, and the injured officer was airlifted to a nearby hospital to undergo surgery. The child was not injured in the shooting. Rogers said that police were making "urgent inquiries" to locate Tom's other children, as they have "serious concerns for" their safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are actively seeking them as we speak," she said. "This has been a deeply traumatic incident this morning for those involved. It has been confronting and challenging in a small, rural, isolated location," Rogers said. Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders added: "It's not the outcome we wanted, but we've got one child out safely, and our focus now is really finding the other children, getting them out safely." New Zealand Police CCTV footage believed to show Tom Phillips. CCTV footage believed to show Tom Phillips. Authorities believe Tom and the children had been living off the grid, with Tom using survival skills to feed and clothe them. NBC News reported that Tom did not have legal custody rights for his children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite massive searches, reported sightings of Tom and the children, and even a reward of $80,000 New Zealand dollars ($52,000) for information about their whereabouts, the group was missing for nearly four years. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. During his time on the run, Tom is alleged to have committed a series of crimes, including a robbery in the Waikato region, according to New Zealand police. In October 2024, Tom was spotted with his children by pig hunters, who filmed the group on remote North Island, New Zealand Police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two weeks ago, authorities released CCTV footage from a break-in at a business in Piopio that was believed to show Tom and one of the children, per a police news release. Tom was facing "a range of charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding and unlawful possession of a firearm," officials said. At the heart of this are three children who have been away from their home for four years. Their well-being is our main focus," Detective Senior Sergeant Saunders said at the time, per the news release. Following the Sept. 8 developments, the children's mother, Cat, said she was "relieved this ordeal had come to an end" for her kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[The children] have been dearly missed every day for nearly four years, and we are looking forward to welcoming them home with love and care," she told Mata, per RNZ. HANDOUT/NEW ZEALAND POLICE/AFP via Getty CCTV footage, shot on Aug. 27, 2025, allegedly shows Tom Phillips and one of his children stealing grocery items from a store. CCTV footage, shot on Aug. 27, 2025, allegedly shows Tom Phillips and one of his children stealing grocery items from a store. "At the same time, we are saddened by how events unfolded today," she continued. "Our hope has always been that the children could be returned in a peaceful and safe way for everyone involved." "We also extend our aroha [a Maori word partly meaning love and compassion] to those in the community who have been affected, and our heartfelt gratitude to the many people who have supported us over these past four years," she said. "Your compassion has sustained us." Cat also spoke about her hopes for the other two children to be found and returned home safely, as well as the child who is now in police custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They have endured a long and difficult journey, and we ask for privacy as we help them adjust and reintegrate into a stable and loving environment," she said. Read the original article on People NEW ORLEANS (WJW) A man wanted by authorities in Ohio and Florida, and whos been on the run since 2013, was taken into custody Friday after he was located by U.S. Marshals in New Orleans. According to the Akron Police Department, a warrant was issued for 37-year-old Shawn Brooks from the Broward County Sheriffs Office in 2013. He was wanted for 15 counts of sexually related offenses involving minors. Panic after shooting injures 5 in The Flats Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooks was also wanted by the Summit County Sheriffs Office for similar crimes, with warrants issued for his arrest in 2015, Akron police said. According to police, Brooks had stolen multiple identities over the years making it difficult to track his whereabouts. U.S. Marshals on Friday discovered Brooks at a home in New Orleans where he was reportedly hiding with his girlfriend. Amish woman accused in 4-year-old sons death to appear in court Monday According to police, Brooks barricaded himself inside the home and crawled into a neighbors attic in an attempt to evade police. He was eventually arrested and booked into jail where he awaits extradition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or submit a web tip. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) Participants in Downtown Hollands first ever Taste of Downtown Holland fundraiser will meet at Warehouse 6 Events Friday for an evening of local dining. This is a brand-new event for us, Kara de Alvare, marketing coordinator for Downtown Holland, said. Its a really good opportunity to showcase what our dining establishments have to offer. Tulip Time unveils holiday season-themed Dutch Winterfest Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For $100, attendees will receive two drink tickets and the chance to sample food and desserts from nine Holland eateries. Cuisine will include charcuterie, seafood, cupcakes and more. Its a really fun mix of different flavors, de Alvare said. Taste of Downtown Holland will raise funds for the Downtown Holland business association and their regularly held community events. (Courtesy Downtown Holland) Taste of Downtown Holland will raise funds for the Downtown Holland business association and their regularly held community events. (Courtesy Downtown Holland) Downtown Holland on Dec. 4, 2024. Downtown Holland on Dec. 4, 2024. De Alvare and other Downtown Holland team members work through the Principal Shopping District group to assist in marketing, promotion and planning of various downtown events, including the upcoming Fall Fest on Oct. 3 and Oct. 4. By raising funds this way, we can ensure that all of these great events the community loves can continue to happen, de Alvare said. This year and well into the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration exhibit at Holland Museum will open in 2026 Along with a two-hour dining experience with some of Hollands most popular culinary minds, guests can also peruse a silent auction while enjoying live music. Its going to be fun, really great food, de Alvare said. We have over $6,000 in auction items to bid on, as well. For more information on the fundraiser, visit the Downtown Holland 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. With the drastic increase in life expectancy seen over the last century or so, it's natural to assume that eventually we'll all be regularly living to 100. But a new study suggests that surge is slowing down. The study comes from an international team of researchers who looked at population data across 23 high-income, low-mortality countries during the 20th century. Historical records were combined with six different forecasting models, primarily for people born between 1939 and 2000. Here's the takeaway: gains in life expectancy are already slowing down significantly, and that's going to continue for the foreseeable future. Life expectancy will still edge up, but only at a rate about half of what it's been previously. Related: Misery Is Spiking in One Age Group, Overshadowing The Mid-Life Crisis It looks like we'll have to adjust our collective and individual expectations accordingly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We forecast that those born in 1980 will not live to be 100 on average, and none of the cohorts in our study will reach this milestone," says demographer Jose Andrade, from the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Germany. "This decline is largely due to the fact that past surges in longevity were driven by remarkable improvements in survival at very young ages." The researchers used six different models to predict future lifespans. (Andrade et al., PNAS, 2025) That significant increase in infant mortality is key to the findings, the researchers say. We've been getting much better at keeping children alive at a younger age, through better medicine and public hygiene, for example, so in well-off countries there's not a massive amount of room for improvement any more. Looking at historical records, the team found that from 1900 to 1938, life expectancy was rising by about 5.5 months with each generation. For the 1939 to 2000 groups, the increase slowed to around 2.5 to 3.5 months per generation a noticeable difference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Life expectancy varies depending on where you are in the world and a whole host of other factors, but for developed nations, it's now hovering around the 80-year mark. That's unlikely to rise very quickly for quite some time. "In the absence of any major breakthroughs that significantly extend human life, life expectancy would still not match the rapid increases seen in the early 20th century even if adult survival improved twice as fast as we predict," says applied population economist Hector Pifarre i Arolas, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Being aware of life expectancy is useful in a whole host of ways, whether you're in charge of a nation's healthcare plans or wondering how much to put into your pension. We also know there are myriad ways that lifespan is influenced on the individual level, from the exercise you get to how close you live to the coast. What this study shows is those influences working out on a much bigger scale and perhaps pointing to areas where we need to prioritize further research or improve healthcare in order to keep us living longer, happier lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The unprecedented increase in life expectancy we achieved in the first half of the 20th century appears to be a phenomenon we are unlikely to achieve again in the foreseeable future," says Arolas. The research has been published in PNAS. Related News Despite a day of intense smoke and aggressive and "dynamic fire activity" in the Sierra National Forest, firefighters have continued to hold their primary lines against the Garnet fire, which has now burned 46,619 acres and is 14% contained. The fire scorched 10,000 more acres Sunday, according to the U.S. Forest Service, with much of that fire growth exploding dramatically on the northwestern front and fueling giant columns of smoke that could be seen for miles. Evacuation orders were issued to three more zones in Fresno County by Sunday afternoon, including the Dinkey Creek Campground area and communities along the western edge of the fire and north of Pine Flat Lake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Garnet fire threatens vulnerable grove of giant sequoias Fire officials, in a briefing Sunday, explained that the blaze had crossed Dinkey Creek and was driven rapidly uphill due to the steep topography and shifts in weather. Firefighters had anticipated that the blaze would eventually move in this direction and reiterated that the main body of the fire remained inside primary containment lines and that things were still going as planned. "It is going right toward the primary line that has been the plan for quite some time now. It's certainly going there at a faster pace than it has in past days, but even that is not unexpected, Forest Supervisor Dean Gould said in the briefing. "We do have a lot of positive trends going on with this incident, in spite of looking out the window and seeing that large column [of smoke] today," Gould added. Our primary line is looking very good it's getting stronger, literally by the hour, and we've got additional resources coming in from our partners to solidify it all the more." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews have also continued to work on northern containment lines along McKinley Grove Road, where the fire has come within three miles of a cherished grove of roughly 200 giant sequoias. Hundreds of firefighters have been battling the blaze there, with some laying down sprinkler lines to shoot water onto the ancient towering trees. Crews will be working overnight to reinforce lines and bolster fire breaks, authorities said, and a fresh rotation of firefighters will be coming in by morning to relieve those who have been on the front lines since the fire first broke out two weeks ago, on Aug. 24. Dan Patterson, a fire behavior analyst with the U.S. Forest Service, said there would be long days ahead but the weather was looking promising. "The forecast for the next five days is showing a fairly stable weather pattern actually kind of ticking cooler and wetter," he said, "which is favorable for the firefighters out there." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. It's no secret Donald Trump considers himself some kind of "peacemaker." Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images During his second presidential bid, he campaigned on no wars, saying, "Im not going to start wars, I'm going to stop wars." This, of course, is ironic considering he meddled in a LITERAL war after announcing US airstrikes on Iran in June. Related: RFK Jr.'s Shocking Claim About Black People And Vaccines Has Medical Experts Very Concerned And it doesn't stop there. Trump also used his January inaugural address to state his goal of leaving behind the legacy of a peacemaker and unifier... Clive Brunskill / Getty Images He has since claimed to have ended six or seven wars. (Which is HIGHLY debatable, considering most of these conflicts are either still ongoing or no official deal has been reached.) Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images Related: Gavin Newsom Has Been Roasting MAGA Left And Right, And WOW, Is It Entertaining And his administration (as well as Trump himself) has repeatedly insisted the 79-year-old is deserving of a Nobel Peace Prize. Charly Triballeau / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So he's all about peace, right? WRONG. This weekend, Trump signed an executive order changing the Department of Defense's name to the "Department of War." (Thereby earning the nickname "WAR TIME PRESIDENT.") Related: People Are Destroying This Fox News Host For His "Cringe" Rule About How Men Should Behave Online, people couldn't help but note how the shift in language from "peace" to "war" is deeply ironic, including the president's nemesis, California Governor Gavin Newsom, who highlighted Trump's previous "peacemaker" quote as one that "aged well." Which many couldn't help but agree with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Donald Trump Is SUPER Bothered By Protesters Wearing One Thing In Particular, And People Are Calling Out The Extreme Hypocrisy Of Law Enforcement Wearing It Alllllll The Time What are your thoughts on Trump's shift? Let us know in the comments. Want to know if Trump's economy is actually doing as well as he promised? Subscribe to the Economy Hate Watch newsletter and never miss our monthly update. BuzzFeed Also in In the News: Gavin Newsom Came Up With A Nickname For JD Vance, And This One Is Definitely Going To Stick Also in In the News: "None Of That Was True": Stephen Colbert Just Fact-Checked Trump's Lie About His Family Also in In the News: "Sounds Like Granny Needs To Stop Being A Welfare Queen": People Are Roasting This MAGA Supporter Who Suddenly Dislikes Trump's Proposed Policies Now That They'll Affect Her Personally Read it on BuzzFeed.com Vice President JD Vance brushed off potential Democratic 2028 presidential contenders during a softball Fox News interview with Lara Trump, the presidents daughter-in-law, and earned a withering clapback from one of the potential candidates in the process. I dont think much of the modern Democratic Party. Obviously Im biased but I just, I look at these guys and some of them are actually trying to mimic President Trump. You cant mimic his style; he just is who he is, Vance said. Politics: Gavin Newsom Torches Trump's 'Rose Garden Club' With A Vicious 2-Word Nickname Vance didnt name names. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But California Gov. Gavin Newsoms (D) press office which has been leaning into Trump-style trolling of the president and Republicans in recent weeks fired back on X, formerly Twitter. COUCH BOY, the account posted, referencing the debunked rumor that Vance once had sex with a couch. IM NOT MIMICKING DOZY DON, it continued. IM MOCKING HIM. ONLY SOMEONE WITH A LAW DEGREE FROM CHUCK E. CHEESE COULD BE AS DUMB AS YOU!!! COUCH BOY, IM NOT MIMICKING DOZY DON. IM MOCKING HIM. ONLY SOMEONE WITH A LAW DEGREE FROM CHUCK E. CHEESE COULD BE AS DUMB AS YOU!!! GCN https://t.co/NtS2TGcpjT Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) September 7, 2025 Its not the first time Newsom has had to explain his trolling of Trump to conservatives, many of whom have accused him of mimicking the president in a bid to win the White House himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The point is to make the point about what is going on in this country, he told MeidasTouch Networks Adam Mockler last month. You have the president of the United States thats acting like a child and youve got the chatbots on Fox that repeat 24/7 and are weaponizing his grievances, attacking vulnerable people, traumatizing communities. Related... Read the original on HuffPost For the past half century, California has been the driving force in American technology, culture and political development. After all, it was Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan who led the last great resurgence on the Right from the state, and Governor Jerry Moonbeam Brown who largely created the green-oriented, high-tech progressive underpinnings of the Clinton and Obama regimes, even if he never reached the presidency himself. Today, history may be repeating itself, but in a way that to paraphrase Mark Twain no longer rhymes. Under Nixon, Reagan and Brown, the California connection was a golden one; California was the epitome of American success, the dream cubed. Today, Gavin Newsom increasingly seen as the front-runner for the presidency in 2028 would find it difficult to make anything like such a claim, given the awful condition in which he is leaving the state. Yet Newsoms relentless self-promotion seems to be succeeding, at least among Democrats. He wont have to worry much about any serious scrutiny from big media, either inside the state or nationally. Even in the race to succeed him as Californias governor, it seems all but assured that his successor will continue his approach or move further to the Left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that the unfortunate Kamala Harris has bowed out of consideration for Californias governorship once Newsoms term ends, post position belongs to former Representative Katie Porter, an acolyte of Elizabeth Warren and firmly on the Left of the party. But the true front-runner, if he chooses, would be Senator Alex Padilla, who has generally acted as a pliant tool of the California establishment. If he runs, suggests Democratic consultant Paul Mitchell, it will be game over. The only reasonable hope for a course correction lies in the possible candidacy of LA real estate mogul Rick Caruso. Yet although he has the business skills desperately needed to engineer a state recovery, he was a disappointing candidate in his 2022 LA mayor race against Karen Bass, coming off more like a rich guy on an ego trip than a relatable candidate. The only Democrat looking to fill the middle lane, notes long-time Democratic consultant David Gershwin, might be former LA mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, but he would likely be crushed by the union- and green-dominated Democratic machine. How about the Republicans? As we would say in my native New York, fuggedaboutit. The state that gave birth to modern conservatism has become a no-go zone for the GOP. Even as the Democrats seek to limit the number of seats Republicans might win in the House, already a paltry nine out of 52, barely one-in-four California voters are registered Republican, while Democrats own close to half. Demographics explain much of this. How do you win elections when you keep losing your voters?, asks a pained Shawn Steel, the GOP national committeeman for California. Californias conservatism was rooted in the migration of voters from the Mid-West and South, who found in the Golden State an outlet for their material aspirations. But over the past two decades, over 2.6 million net domestic migrants have left equal to the population of San Francisco, Anaheim and San Diego combined and many, according to IRS estimates, are concentrated among the middle class family-age population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Left behind is a rapidly ageing population, as well as a large coterie of affluent professionals, state-dependent individuals and, most importantly, the public sector, whose unions are helping to fund Newsoms redistricting drive. Its almost impossible to imagine any of the Republican hopefuls for governor former David Cameron advisor Steve Hilton or Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco winning, and its possible that neither will even make it to the run-off election. A Republican has not won a state-wide race in California in almost two decades. Leading Democratic pollster Mitchell says that the Republicans recapturing the Governors mansion would be a one in every 200 years event, possible if too many Democrats run and the GOP stays united. But generally Republicans remain stuck with 42-45 per cent of the vote, not nearly enough to make a major challenge. But the Democrats stranglehold over California is both unjustified and damaging. Newsom can crow about the states giant economy largely due to the presence of a handful of the worlds seven companies with trillion dollar valuations, and the highest number of billionaires in the US. But the average Californian has not benefited much from his regime, as the Golden State suffers among the nations highest proportion of the population living in poverty, tepid job growth and the USs highest rates of unemployment, particularly elevated for teenagers and Generation Z. For those older than 30, buying a home the traditional route to the middle class has become a nightmare. Regulations aimed at stopping suburban development have helped push the median cost of a home to nearly 2.5 times higher than in the rest of country. Not surprisingly California has the second lowest homeownership rate in the nation, at 56 per cent (New Yorks is lowest at 54 per cent). High prices have been a boon to upper-middle professionals, increasingly the Democratic Partys base, but ownership rates for those under-35 are half the national average. This is precisely the group that is deserting the West Coast for cost of living reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even worse, the Newsom economy has been a disaster for workers. California is one of the worst states for creating jobs that pay above average. In the year to January 2025, the only net new jobs created in California were in areas substantially subsidised by government (like healthcare) and in government itself as well as some in the low wage service sector. Meanwhile, companies in key high wage sectors technology, aerospace and defence are heading increasingly to other states, notably to the Carolinas and Texas. Many will be tempted to follow the likes of Elon Musk, who is busily working to turn the Lone Star State into the epicentre of Americas 21st century space economy. Although they have little choice in the matter in an essentially one party state, most Californians, according to a UC Berkeley poll last year, think it is headed in the wrong direction. Only around 44 per cent of voters approve of Newsom; by two to one, voters believe he is more concerned with his political ambitions than delivering decent governance, a charge made recently by San Joses Democratic mayor, Matt Mahan. Even Californians no longer see their state as a model for the country. In a 2024 survey conducted for the Los Angeles Times, only 15 per cent of respondents felt that California is a model other states should copy; 39 per cent said the state was not a model and should not be emulated. Barely one in three state residents and only one in four younger voters now thinks the American dream is achievable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a far cry from the California that produced Nixon, Reagan and Jerry Brown. Its failures, which should make Newsom vulnerable, will be hidden as much as possible by a compliant media, and largely ignored in the gubernatorial campaign. But Americans, however distressed over Maga excesses, may still have second thoughts about adopting a Golden State political agenda that promises, on the national level, something potentially equally or even more catastrophic. Joel Kotkin is presidential fellow in urban futures at Chapman University and senior research fellow at the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. By Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Leo's recent forceful statements about the war in Gaza and his strong call for a ceasefire during a meeting last week with Israeli President Isaac Herzog showed the new leader of the Catholic Church developing a robust, if quiet, diplomatic style. Leo, who became the first U.S. pontiff when he was elected in May, takes an approach that is more muted than his predecessor Pope Francis, who often grabbed headlines with big public appeals or unexpected, off the cuff comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francis, for example, surprised even senior Vatican officials by suggesting to a journalist in late 2024 that Israel might be committing genocide with its military campaign in Gaza, remarks that drew a sharp backlash from Israeli leaders. Leo has tended to avoid surprises in public. He favours working behind the scenes, in coordination with the Vatican's sprawling foreign policy apparatus, and stresses in-person discussions with foreign leaders. "Pope Francis was much more inclined to leverage the attention that he got from the media directly," said Massimo Faggioli, an Italian academic at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland who follows the Vatican. "Leo wants to talk to the interlocutor directly ... and is inclined to use the traditional channels to convey messages, knowing that people who are in the business, they will take notice," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his weekly public audience in St. Peter's Square last Wednesday, Leo made no mention of the war in Gaza. A day later, he met privately with Herzog at the Vatican - the first time a pope had hosted an Israeli leader in seven years. The event, like all papal meetings with foreign dignitaries, was held behind closed doors, but the Vatican issued an unusually lengthy statement afterward saying Leo and top Vatican diplomatic officials had lamented the "tragic situation in Gaza" with Herzog. The Vatican said they had also called for a permanent ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave, as well as the release of Israeli hostages held by the militant group Hamas. One Vatican official, who asked not to be identified as he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said Leo stressed the Vatican's longstanding support for a two-state solution to the decades-long Israel-Palestinian conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's right-wing coalition government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects the recognition of a Palestinian state, in part asserting that it would reward Hamas for the October 2023 attack it carried out on Israel. "The concern has been the same but the language has been somewhat different," John Thavis, a retired longtime Vatican correspondent, said of the diplomatic styles of Francis and Leo. Pope Leo is more apt to defer to the Vatican's foreign policy experts, said Thavis. "(He) has worded his appeals in the more impartial style of traditional Vatican diplomacy." The world's cardinals, who elected Leo, will likely give him plenty of time to develop his diplomatic style. Aged 69, Leo can reasonably expect to have a papacy lasting 10 years or more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PHONE CALL WITH NETANYAHU The differences in diplomatic approaches by Leo and Francis were seen in July, after an Israeli strike on Gaza's sole Catholic church killed three people and injured several others. Francis had been close to the church. He was known since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023 to make nightly calls to the pastor, Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, to check on the community. Leo did not immediately make public comments after the July 17 strike. The Vatican instead issued a short, traditional telegram of condolences for the victims. The next day, the Vatican announced that Leo had received a phone call from Netanyahu, who had not spoken with Francis in years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leo appealed to Netanyahu "for a renewed push for negotiations, a ceasefire and an end to the war," the Vatican said. The Vatican has not said whether Leo has spoken personally with Romanelli. The pastor did not respond to a Reuters inquiry. NO SMILES FOR HERZOG Leo showed one similarity with Francis during last Thursday's meeting with Herzog. Francis, who was a gregarious figure in public audiences, sometimes did not smile in photographs with foreign leaders. One senior cardinal who was close to Francis said the late pope wanted to send signals with his facial expressions. During a 2017 meeting at the Vatican with U.S. President Donald Trump, who Francis had sharply criticized, the late pope showed a serious face standing next to Trump, who smiled broadly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leo, who also tends to smile when greeting people, did not smile in his photographs with Herzog. Church officials also showed a willingness last week to forego some of the Vatican's usually strict diplomatic protocols. While preparing for Herzog's arrival, they issued a statement to rebut the Israeli president's assertion that he was coming to the Vatican at Leo's request. The Vatican does not usually comment on papal meetings with foreign leaders until after they have taken place. "They're not letting anyone think that any government can use them as they wish," said Faggioli. (Reporting by Joshua McElweeAdditional reporting in Cairo by Nidal Al-MughrabiEditing by Frances Kerry) The U.S. Air Force has awarded a contract for the development and production of a new Next Generation Penetrator (NGP) bunker buster bomb. NGP is the planned successor to the 30,000-pound GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), which became a household name after its first-ever real-world use against deeply-buried nuclear facilities in Iran during Operation Midnight Hammer earlier this year. Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) recently announced that it had received the new NGP contract from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Centers (AFLCMC) Munitions Directorate at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. ARA will be working on the new bunker buster bomb in close cooperation with Boeing, the current prime contractor for MOP. The stealthy B-2 bomber is currently the only aircraft cleared to employ MOPs operationally, and can only carry two of them on a single sortie. The future B-21 Raider stealth bomber is smaller than the B-2 and is expected to be able to carry a single MOP. Both the B-2 and B-21 could be in line to carry NGPs depending on when that munition is fielded. You can read more about the history of MOP in this past TWZ feature. Under the 24-month deal, ARA will serve as the System Design Agent for the development of a prototype air-to-ground Next Generation Penetrator weapon system, according to a company press release. ARA will also produce and test sub-scale and full-scale prototype munitions. This effort will evaluate capabilities against hard and deeply buried targets that pose critical challenges to U.S. national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, leveraging decades of experience in guided and penetrating munitions, ARA will lead design maturation, while Boeing will drive tail kit development and support all-up-round integration. A specialized tail unit, designated the KMU-612/B, which contains the GPS-assisted inertial navigation system (INS) guidance package and other systems, is a key component of the current MOP. A BLU-127/B penetrating warhead is combined with the KMU-612/B, as well as other components, including advanced fuzes designed to help produce the maximum destructive effect after burrowing deep down to a target, to create a complete GBU-57/B bomb. A partially assembled live GBU-57/B. USAF Further details about the NGPs expected capabilities remain limited. A contracting notice that the Munitions Directorate at Eglin put out in February 2024 called for a bomb with a warhead weighing 22,000 pounds or less and that would be capable of blast / frag[mentation] / and penetration effects. However, the notice did not specify a desired gross weight or prospective dimensions for the entire munition. The notice also called for a terminal accuracy of CE90 w/in 2.2m both in GPS aided, degraded, and denied environments. In laymans terms, this means the munition needs to hit within 7.2 feet (2.2 meters) of a specified impact point at least 90 percent of the time, which is a very steep demand. GPS-assisted INS-guided Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) bombs, on average, can hit within 16.4 feet (five meters) of designated target coordinates under optimal conditions, but this can grow to nearly 100 feet (30 meters) if GPS connectivity is lost, according to the Air Force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USAF will consider novel, demonstrated, or fielded Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) technologies with viability for integration into a warhead guidance system design that can achieve repeatable, high accuracy performance in GPS aided, degraded, and/or denied environments, the February 2024 contracting notice added. It also mentioned the possible integration of embedded fuze technology, but did not elaborate. As TWZ regularly notes in reporting on the MOP, fuzing is a particularly important aspect of deep-penetrating munitions, especially if the exact location and/or layout of the target is not well-established ahead of a strike. Advanced fuzes with features like the ability to count floors to determine depth and sense the voids formed by underground mission spaces greatly increase the potential for maximum damage from a weapon like MOP or NGP. A MOP seen about to hit a target during a test. DOD Furthermore, the prototype penetrator warhead design effort should allow integration of technologies acquired and lessons learned under previous penetrator warhead developments to meet performance requirements for the HDBT [Hard and Deeply Buried Target] target set. As TWZ previously reported, the Air Force has had an interest in an NGP bunker buster bomb since at least the early 2010s, which is when the MOP began to enter operational service. The service has notably expressed interest in a powered standoff capability, as well as enhanced and potentially scalable terminal effects in the past. An add-on rocket motor could also aid with penetration. A 2010 briefing slide discussing plans for a Next Generation Penetrator, which could have a powered standoff capability, and other future bunker busters. USAF An NGP that can be employed from standoff ranges would offer extended reach, as well as help reduce the vulnerability of the launch platform. Unpowered MOPs have to be released close to the target, a key reason why the highly survivable B-2 is currently the only operational delivery method for those weapons. The Air Force has been separately warning about ever-growing air defense threats that will increasingly challenge even stealthy aircraft, especially in any future high-end fight, such as one against China in the Pacific. A 2011 briefing slide that includes a depiction of a Next Generation Penetrator (NGP) with standoff capability. USAF As noted, the forthcoming B-21 is smaller than the B-2, and is only expected to be able to carry a single MOP rather than two at a time. Broadly speaking, the much larger planned size of the total Raider fleet will help mitigate the smaller payload capacity of those aircraft. At the same time, this could create a new incentive to, if possible, devise an NGP that is smaller and/or lighter while at least retaining similar effectiveness to the existing MOP. The first pre-production B-21 Raider. USAF Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Operation Midnight Hammer, six B-2s dropped 12 MOPs on Irans nuclear facility at Fordow, six each on just two impact points, with the successive bombs burrowing deeper and deeper to the actual target. If the same operation had been conducted using MOP-armed B-21s, twice as many bombers wouldve been necessary. As it stands, the exact results of the strike on Fordow remain a point of significant debate. DOD Air Force officials have already, unsurprisingly, made clear that lessons learned from Operation Midnight Hammer have been factoring into work on upgrades for the GBU-57/B, as well as planning for a follow-on to MOP. That operation also underscored the value that a conventional munition like MOP offers against targets that might otherwise only be reachable using a nuclear weapon. We are constantly looking at, whether it be those [MOP replacement options], or an advanced technology, or advanced tactics, to be able to get ahead and make sure, as the threat moves to defend, we have the ability to put the kit together that we can continue to have events like last Saturday night happen if were called upon again, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin said at a hearing before members of the Senate Appropriations Committee back on June 26, referring to the strikes on Iran. It might be something different than the GBU-57, some advancement based on what the enemy might do. This is not a static environment, Allvin added at that time. Now that we know that it was successful, Im pretty sure that people who are potential adversaries might look at that and they may adapt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the hearing in June, Allvin also said the Air Force was working to bolster its stocks of MOPs, which could continue to be an important part of the services arsenal even after the future NGP begins entering service. Much still remains to be learned about the Air Forces NGP plans, but with the new contract awarded to ARA, the service is set to have its first full-scale prototypes within the next two years. Contact the author: joe@twz.com Trump Administration Department of the Interior The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), under the Trump administration, has announced a final rule expanding hunting and fishing access across more than 87,000 acres in the National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and National Fish Hatchery (NFH) Systems. This expansion creates 42 new opportunitiestripling previous figures and quintupling unitshighlighting conservation, outdoor recreation, and efforts to reduce regulatory burdens. Secretary Doug Burgum highlighted hunting and fishing's role in preserving lands, boosting the economy, and upholding American traditions. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is opening or expanding access at 16 NWR units and one NFH unit in states including Alabama, California, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington. Notable additions include inaugural hunting at Southern Maryland Woodlands NWR and sport fishing at North Attleboro NFH. Administrative Actions follow President Trump's executive orders on deregulation and public land access. USFWS Director Brian Nesvik praised the move for supporting wildlife management, stewardship, and local economies while protecting America's hunting heritage. Credit - Malte MuellerfStop/Getty Images By the time my great-grandfather returned to Ireland after two decades in the U.S., hed earned enough to buy a small business. My grandmother and her siblings were sent to private school. If America was ever a story of upward mobility, then he had made it part of ours. Stories like his still abound with the legend of the American Dream. But the arc of that story has grown harder to follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For young Americans today, the story sounds different: job prospects have deteriorated noticeably as AI replaces entry-level roles. Many of my Gen Z peers are still unemployedor stuck in jobs that require none of the degrees they went into debt for. The American Dreamthe promise of happiness and financial success through hard workhas, of course, never truly been attainable to all. When James Trunslow Adams coined the term in 1931, he described it as a vision open to "every citizenregardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position. But at any given moment in American history, this imaginary has remained just that. Still, belief in it persisted. As recently as 2024, a majority of Americans said they believe the dream was still attainable. Believe you'll be the exception, and the system doesn't need to change. American optimism has long separated the U.S. from its Western counterparts. But a look behind the data suggests that belief may finally be eroding. In 2017, 17% said that the American Dream was out of reach. By 2024, the number had crept to 30%. The reason the bottom 99% put up with it is that Americas superpowers are optimism, said business professor Scott Galloway on Trevor Noahs podcast. But what happens when that optimism fades? Declining dreams Cultural theorist Lauren Berlant began to answer this in 2011. In their book Cruel Optimism, Berlant described how the very thing you desire can become an obstacle to your flourishing. It offers us a useful lens to understand why people cling to the American Dream, even when the traditional goalpostsa stable job, homeownership, family and retirementhave become harder to reach. The harder we push towards these goalposts in the hope of reaching them, the more the pursuit settles into us as anxiety and eventually, a sense of failure. Our very optimismour very Dreamhas permitted half a century of declining upward mobility and gaping inequality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No generation feels this more than Gen Z. More than half say theyre worried about their financial future, up from 30% in 2019. Everyone has their take on why this is: some dismiss Gen Zs concerns as salary dysmorphia, others as laziness or a lack of resilience. But what Gen Z might actually be signaling to us is the unravelling of the social contract of the American Dream. The belief that life would be better, richer and happier by passing through the usual milestones has eroded. Where previous generations could secure a house, a family, and financial stability, Gen Z has had to prioritize what feels feasible. There is a general feeling of angst, Taran Talbott, 18, tells me. The typical outlookis that either youre lucky and have generational wealth or your material conditions are only as good as the salary you might one day earn. As a generation, Gen Z is hyper-aware of their economic conditions. And across the political divide, theres a sense that the broader system is broken, and no longer serves people like them. Gen Zs new goalposts America has never reckoned with a generation unwilling to blame themselves for the failure of its Dream. Gen Z might be the first to reject these goalposts, but they likely wont be the last. This fracture should be alarming for a nation whose identity rests on the idea that even if you dont make it, your children mightso long as you work hard enough. But even that expectation is shifting, as the financial anxiety of a less attainable American Dream is causing many to delay or forego having children. This isnt to say that this refusal is a good thing; many havent rejected these aspects of the American Dream by choice. This collective disillusionment carries profound implications for how America sees itself. Without a shared story about the future, we risk further fraying our social fabric. As the American Dream becomes less attainable, we find ourselves in a socially-imposed loneliness, a product of a zero-sum logic where Americans feel they can only look out for themselves. A range of experts, including the former Surgeon General, warn that a loneliness epidemic is devastating communities across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gen Z came of age in this environment, a generation with limited trust in institutionsand in each other. We need a new story about our futureone that targets the real reasons the American Dream is no longer attainable, without leaning on nostalgia. Young people today force us to rethink what the American Dream is about, and who it serves. For so long, our dreamsand the time spent reaching themhave caught us in cycles of false promise. But Gen Z is refusing to be a part of that transaction. And what becomes of a nation when its defining myth no longer holds? Contact us at letters@time.com. The United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the countrys founding document, in 2026. Twenty years later, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of President George Washingtons Farewell Address, which was published on Sept. 19, 1796. The two documents are the bookends of the American Revolution. That revolution began with the inspirational language of Thomas Jefferson, who wrote much of the Declaration of Independence; it ended with somber warnings from Washington, the nations first president. After chairing the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and serving eight years as president, Washington announced in a newspaper essay that he would not seek another term and would return to his home in Mount Vernon. The essay was later known as the Farewell Address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington began his essay by observing that choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene while patriotism does not forbid it. The new nation would be fine without his continued service. But Washingtons confidence in the general health of the union was tempered by his worries about dangers that lay ahead worries that seem startlingly contemporary and relevant 229 years later. CC BY George Washingtons Farewell Address printed in the Virginia Herald with this introduction: The importance of the following Address has induced us to lay it before our Readers; as early as possible, for their gratification. Courtesy of The Mount Vernon Ladies Association Focus on the domestic Washingtons Farewell Address is famous for the admonitions to steer clear of permanent alliances and to resist the temptation to entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition. Important as those warnings are, they are not the main topic of Washingtons message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the four decades that I have taught the Farewell Address in classes on American government, I have urged my students to set aside the familiar issues of foreign policy and isolationism and to read the address for what it says about the domestic challenges confronting America. Those challenges included partisanship, parochialism, excessive public debt, ambitious leaders who could come to power playing off our differences, and a poorly informed public who might sacrifice their own liberties to find relief from divisive politics. Washingtons address lacks Jeffersons idealism about equality and inalienable rights. Instead, it offers the realistic assessment that Americans are sometimes foolish and make costly political mistakes. Rule by ambitious, and unprincipled men Partisanship is the primary problem for the American republic, according to Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration, he wrote. Partisanship agitates the community with ill founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection and can open the door to foreign influence and corruption. Though political parties, Washington observes, may now and then answer popular ends, they can also become potent engines by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion. Washingtons fear that partisanship could lead to destruction of the Constitution and to the rule of ambitious, and unprincipled men was so important to him that he felt compelled to repeat the warning more than once in the Farewell Address. Portrait of George Washington standing on a pedestal holding his Farewell Address in his right hand, 1798. From the New York Public Library, photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images Politicians elevation on the ruins of public liberty The second time Washington takes it up, he says that the disorders and miseries of partisanship may gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sooner or later, he writes, the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation on the ruins of public liberty. So why not outlaw parties and rein in the dangers of partisanship? Washington observes that this is not possible. The spirit of party is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. Americans naturally collect themselves into groups, factions, interests and parties because thats what human beings do. Its easier to be connected to local communities, states or regions of the country than to a large and diverse nation; even though that large and diverse nation is, by Washingtons assessment, essential to the security and success of all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The central problem in American politics is not a matter of devious leaders, foreign intrigue or sectional rivalries things that will always exist. The problem, Washington warned, lies with the people. Excesses of partisanship By their nature, people divide themselves into groups and then, if not careful, find those divisions used and abused by individual leaders, foreign interests and artful and enterprising minorities. Political parties are dangerous, but cant be eliminated. According to some people, Washington observes, the competition between parties might serve as a check on the powers of government. Within certain limits, Washington acknowledges, this is probably true. But even if the battles between political parties sometimes have a useful purpose, Washington worried about the excesses of partisanship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Partisanship is like a fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest instead of warming it should consume. Where is America today? Warmed by the fires of partisanship or consumed by the bursting of flames? George Washington suggested that provocative question more than two centuries ago on Sept. 19, 1796. Its still worth asking. 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: Robert A. Strong, University of Virginia Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert A. Strong 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. A 72-year-old Virginia Beach murderer serving two life sentences for the beating, sexual assault and slaying of a female friend has been denied geriatric parole, according to a board spokeswoman. The Virginia Parole Board also informed James Richard King hell have to wait three years before he can get another shot at freedom, spokeswoman Colleen Maxwell said. Marie Jones, the sister of murder victim Lexie Walters, said she got the news Friday morning, less than 24 hours after she urged the panel to keep King behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was absolutely elated, Jones said. Words cannot express just how happy and relieved I was. The panel met with King on Sept. 2, then heard from Jones and her mother Thursday. They also received numerous messages from the public demanding King remain incarcerated, Maxwell said. While a decision can sometimes take weeks, the board voted immediately in Kings case, Maxwell said. They knew right away that this one was going to be a no, she said. And I think they wanted to let the family know as soon as possible so they could get some peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walters was 53 when she killed in September 2020. Her battered body was found in a Virginia Beach motel room after King drove to a police station and told officers he may have killed a woman. An autopsy later showed shed been strangled and smothered to death. King, 67 at the time, told investigators he and Walters had been drinking heavily together at a bar before heading to his motel room. When he woke up the next morning, he found the Walters dead, but said he had no memory of what had happened. King also told detectives hed done the same thing to another woman years before and that he flips out sometimes. The first slaying happened in 1986 in Lucas County, Ohio. Just as in Walters slaying, the victim in the 1986 case was savagely beaten, sexually assaulted and strangled. King also turned himself in to police in that case. He was convicted of murder in 1990, was sentenced to 15 years to life, and released after 20. He moved to Virginia Beach after his release. King spent more than four years in the Virginia Beach city jail waiting for his case to be tried last October, and was sentenced in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones said she was stunned when she got an email last month informing her that King would have a parole hearing in a few weeks. The message came just seven months after the Virginia Beach Circuit judge who issued Kings sentence told King it was his intention that you never see the light of freedom again until your life comes to an end. But Virginia law allows geriatric prisoners to as for conditional release once theyve met certain conditions. The law applies to inmates 65 and older who have been incarcerated for at least five years in their current case, or those who are at least 60 and have served at least 10 years. They can reapply every year unless the board orders a three-year deferment. King has been incarcerated in the Walters case since September 2020. Jones believes the law needs to be changed to prevent this kind from happening to another victims family. She recently drafted a proposal for Lexies Law, which she plans to ask the General Assembly to enact. Jones proposal suggests, among other things, that pretrial confinement not be counted when determining how much time the inmate has served for their offense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Convicted criminals that fall under this category continue NOT to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, Jones wrote in the proposal. Currently, victims, families, friends, and communities must fight, pleading with the Parole Board for continued justice of the convicted criminal to stay incarcerated. Maxwell said the board is supportive of Jones efforts. Were hoping to see a change made as a result of this case, she said. Jane Harper, jane.harper@pilotonline.com German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is looking to dispel doubts about Germany's seriousness regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, after Berlin failed to commit to deploying ground troops at a meeting with Western allies last week. "Of course, Germany will do its part to provide security guarantees for Ukraine," Wadephul is expected to tell an annual meeting of Germany's ambassadors in Berlin later on Monday, according to a transcript of his speech obtained by dpa. He is not going to provide further details on the exact nature of the German contribution, however. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last the week, the so-called Coalition of the Willing, a loose alliance of some 35 Western nations led by France and the United Kingdom, said that 26 countries were prepared to send troops to Ukraine to secure a ceasefire or peace deal to protect Kiev from renewed Russian aggression. The countries have agreed to deploy ground troops or forces in the air or at sea, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday. However, details on participants, troop numbers and roles were not disclosed. Following the announcement, a spokesman for Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Germany was not prepared to commit to participation at this stage. First, the focus must be on the financing, armament and training of the Ukrainian armed forces, he said. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is looking to dispel doubts about Germany's seriousness regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, after Berlin failed to commit to deploying ground troops at a meeting with Western allies last week. "Of course, Germany will do its part to provide security guarantees for Ukraine," Wadephul is expected to tell an annual meeting of Germany's ambassadors in Berlin later on Monday, according to a transcript of his speech obtained by dpa. He is not going to provide further details on the exact nature of the German contribution, however. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last the week, the so-called Coalition of the Willing, a loose alliance of some 35 Western nations led by France and the United Kingdom, said that 26 countries were prepared to send troops to Ukraine to secure a ceasefire or peace deal to protect Kiev from renewed Russian aggression. The countries have agreed to deploy ground troops or forces in the air or at sea, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday. However, details on participants, troop numbers and roles were not disclosed. Following the announcement, a spokesman for Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Germany was not prepared to commit to participation at this stage. First, the focus must be on the financing, armament and training of the Ukrainian armed forces, he said. Merz faces coalition tensions The issue threatens to cause a rift in Merz's coalition government, and Merz himself has not entirely ruled out sending German troops to Ukraine at some stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bavarian state premier Markus Soder, who leads the Christian Social Union - which is part of the coalition government - has rejected the idea. "I can hardly imagine NATO troops being stationed [in Ukraine]," Soder told the Rheinische Post newspaper on Saturday. "Russia would not accept under any circumstances" the deployment of troops from the Western military alliance, Soder said. "Because it would be the precursor to Ukraine joining NATO." German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has sharply condemned the deadly shooting in Jerusalem, which left at least six dead at a busy bus stop. "I am deeply shocked by the cowardly terrorist attack in Jerusalem," Wadephul wrote on X, extending his condolences to the relatives. Among those killed in Jerusalem in the Monday morning attack were five men and one woman, according to paramedics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom reported that four victims were pronounced dead at the scene in north Jerusalem, while one man and the woman died of their injuries later in hospital. Twelve more people were injured, some of them seriously. The two attackers were killed at the scene, according to the Zaka emergency service. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since visited the scene and held emergency consultations with security officials, according to his office. A parliamentary inquiry tasked with reviewing Germany's response to the coronavirus pandemic held its first session on Monday, more than two years after the global outbreak of the novel infectious disease was declared to be under control. Julia Klockner, the president of the lower house, said it marked an "opportunity to achieve social reconciliation once again" after the measures implemented to combat the virus had put a deep rift in the population between those welcoming the steps and those feeling their freedom was being curtailed. Klockner called on the panel to conduct a thorough, transparent and above all self-critical review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inquiry, established by a broad parliament majority in July, includes 14 lawmakers and 14 external experts who are tasked with delivering a report with recommendations on how to handle future health crises by mid-2027. While most of the work is set to take place behind closed doors, the panel may conduct public hearings, for example with experts, stakeholders and others directly affected by the pandemic. After the novel SARS-CoV-2, which causes the infectious respiratory disease Covid-19, was first discovered in China at the end of 2019, Germany responded by implementing a number of protective measures including a series of lockdowns. Protests against the measures were held since briefly after the World Health Organization officially declared the outbreak a pandemic in March 2020, an assessment that would only be lifted more than three years later in May 2023. Lessons to be learnt? Inquiry chair Franziska Hoppermann said the commission will aim for a thorough, honest and balanced review of Germany's crisis years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We want to understand, not to blame," the lawmaker told dpa ahead of the inaugural meeting on Monday. "We will critically examine decisions and processes that may have made sense at the time and identify mistakes. But we also want to highlight what worked well." Hoppermann stressed that the goal is to better prepare for future crises by learning from past decisions. She said international comparisons show that Germany fared well economically and in public health, but "assuming there are no lessons to be learned would be reckless and irresponsible." Hoppermann said the commission will carefully examine state actions and societal impacts during the pandemic. She highlighted the need for consensus rather than partisan disputes and said the involvement of experts as full members of the panel is essential to produce a comprehensive assessment. "Together, we will create a comprehensive, honest, and balanced picture of the period so that we can draw the right conclusions and move forward as a stronger society." In the previous parliamentary term, a major federal-level review of the measures and restrictions was not carried out. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said his country and Europe should forge new security alliances amid a rising threat emanating from Russia and China, as well as the rapidly changing relationship with the US under the Trump administration. "What we used to call the liberal world order is facing pressure from many sides, including from within the political West," Merz said at a meeting of German ambassadors in Berlin on Monday. He did not mention the United States directly, but ever since President Donald Trump took office for a second term in January, the country's European allies have been trying to come to terms with the fact that Washington's interest in the continent's security appears to have waned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz, who took office in May, spoke of a new systematic rift that had emerged between "liberal democracies and an axis of autocracies that supports itself and actively seeks open systemic competition with our democracy." Noting that war has returned to Europe, where Russia continues to attack Ukraine, Merz said he had observed the formation of new revisionist alliances, as crises and conflicts overlap. "We are thus faced with very fundamental, indeed historic tasks in creating a new security architecture which, if all goes well, should be sustainable for several decades," the German leader declared. He called for a pragmatic approach to security and foreign policy aligned with German and European interests. A wave of book bans have hit school libraries in the last few years. (Getty Images) As the school year gets its legs, some might remember seeing double when the Nebraska Legislature passed LB 71 during its 2024 session. The law, a parents rights bill, gave moms, dads and legal guardians a number of rights regarding the education of their children. Included is access to information on curriculum matters what Johnny and Jenny are learning, testing details and the option to excuse their children from instruction or activity without fear of repercussions, other than Johnny and Jenny missing whatever intrinsic educational value the lesson or activity held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What many knew was that parents already had the rights spelled out in LB 71, hence the double vision. The law codified what school districts practiced. The parents rights movement has been gaining steam in Nebraska and elsewhere, spurred often by requests for public school districts to ban books from their libraries and classrooms. This space has spent many column inches on the sorry and senseless phenomenon of book banning, including this one that appeared in the Nebraska Examiner more than three years ago. I refer to that commentary for a couple of reasons, not the least of which is that in it I suggest rather than banning a book The 1619 Project for example parents and children should read and discuss it together, perhaps finding in those conversations a deeper appreciation for the nations history. Which brings us back to LB 71. Lets recognize and champion parents rights. But lets remember students, too, have the right to a complete education, one that gives them the entire story from Captain Underpants to I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings to the Harry Potter series to true American history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patrons of public school districts, too, have a stake in students getting a full-bodied, robust education. Were building leaders, thinkers, artists stewards of our democratic way of life. Why shortchange them? Or us? To get there, public school districts should adopt policies, not simply to comply with LB 71s requirements, which are spelled out in the law, but also to raise the bar for anyone who wants to alter pedagogy, ban a book or change a schools curriculum. While the subjects of gender identity, sex, race and the history of slavery are the usual suspects, policies should up the ante for any challenge to books or lessons. Lets give challengers demerits, too, for dismissing current curriculum that works just because it fails to fit a particular political, religious or cultural view realizing, of course, that the country has no one identifiable culture but rather a wondrous mix of them. A starting point could be simple: Those challenging the inclusion of a book on a reading list or in a school library must first provide proof they have read the book, detailing exactly the offending themes and passages that demonstrate a grasp of the authors intent. Further, they must also take into account how an experienced and skilled teacher might handle the subject. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of which takes away the right of parents to exclude a title from their own children, but only those instances when they want to exclude the title from all students. As for history, use a policy with the same bone structure, requiring challenges to be underscored with some rationale and evidence, especially as they relate to a topics inclusion causing harm to students. Surely some would cry foul, insisting that they know best what their children should be taught and how it should complement what they are teaching them in their own homes. All good. No argument. But I would argue as I did in this space in 2022 that no scientific evidence exists that indicates reading books about LGBTQ kids rewires biology. And, as was said then, if knowing the facts about slavery makes students (or their parents) uncomfortable, good. Thats the perfect starting point for lessons that could trend toward empathy, compassion and discussions of how we can avoid repeating such horrid history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, beefing up the process of challenges to school subject matter, by its very nature, gives teachers, administrators, parents, students and even patrons the opportunity to work together to solidify, update, modify and do whatever is needed to add rigor and responsibility to curricula. What makes the news most often seems to be videos of school board meetings devolving into shouting matches when teachers, principals and superintendents sometimes face intimidation and threats. In a world where children learn by watching, those are the least effective lesson plans we could draw up, rights or no rights. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Police say surveillance video shows a man stealing tens of thousands of dollars in gifts during a wedding reception in Glendale. (Glendale police) After a video went viral last week showing a man crashing a wedding in Glendale and then taking off with a gift box containing about $60,000 in cash and checks, police were able to identify and arrest two men in connection to this brazen theft. Armean Shirehjini was arrested Thursday at his home in Sherman Oaks, along with Andranik Avetisyan, who resides in Los Angeles, according to Glendale police detectives. Shirehjini is suspected of stealing the gift box, and Avetisyan was identified as the alleged getaway driver on the night of the wedding. The theft took place just after midnight Aug. 31 at the Renaissance Banquet Hall in Glendale. Surveillance video from the venue shows a well-dressed man moving casually through the wedding reception while guests are on the dance floor. He appears at ease and even holds the door open for a few guests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspected thief, who was an uninvited guest, went largely unnoticed until a bridesmaid saw him grab the box from the banquet hall and dash out through a side door. "At that point, the music stopped, everyone was aware of the situation," Nadeen Farahat, the bride, told KTLA-TV. "Its such a memorable and happy day and youre having so much fun. You dont think about this stuff. Its the last thing that couldve been on anyones mind." George Farahat, the groom, told The Times that the man was clearly visible in surveillance recording, carrying the gift box to a black Mercedes-Benz SUV waiting in an alley outside the banquet hall. Other video had clear images of the man's face during the wedding reception, which helped police identify and track down the suspects within five days of the wedding. During the arrest last week, Shirehjini, the main suspect, was found to be in possession of a handgun, police said. Several firearms and various drugs were also seized, and "detectives are still processing a significant amount of evidence and will continue their work through the weekend," according to a Glendale police report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glendale Police Sgt. Jose Barajas told ABC-7 that detectives were also able to recover 26 checks and about $10,000 in cash. (About $60,000 in cash, gift cards and checks had been stolen in total, according to estimates from the newly married couple.) It remains unclear why the couple was targeted or whether the thieves had carried out a similar wedding-venue crime before. Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is urged to contact Glendale Police Department burglary detectives at (818) 548-3127. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. By Hanna Rantala and Cristiano Corvino RIVALTA, Italy (Reuters) - A small group of family members, colleagues and close friends attended a private funeral on Monday for Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian fashion designer who died last week at the age of 91. The service was held at the church of San Martino in Rivalta, a village about 100 km (60 miles) south-east of Milan and close to Piacenza, the city where he was born. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Italian media reports said Armani would later be cremated and his ashes laid to rest in a family chapel in Rivalta that houses the remains of his parents and older brother. There was no official confirmation of those arrangements. In a mark of respect, Armani stores closed on Monday afternoon. The city of Milan, Armani's base since his family moved there in the late 1940s, held a day of mourning for one of their favourite sons, as did Piacenza. "We will say goodbye to him as a family and then move forward as he would have wanted. Everything is ready to remember him with his fashion," his partner Pantaleo Dell'Orco was quoted as saying by Corriere della Sera daily. Armani died after a five-decade career in which he built a business empire spanning haute couture to home furnishing, with his name becoming synonymous with elegant simplicity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had no children but worked with a trusted group of family members and long-term confidants who are expected to carry on running the business over which he exercised tight control. Right up to his death, announced last Thursday, Armani was working on a retrospective exhibition and a fashion show to celebrate 50 years of being in business, during Milan Fashion Week in late September. His company has to date not announced any changes to the programme. Over the weekend, thousands came to pay their respects to the man known as "Re Giorgio" (King Giorgio) as his wooden casket, adorned with white roses, was put on display at Armani's headquarters in Milan. "I feel very saddened, because he was a man of great style who, of course, has left an indelible mark... We are definitely losing a great, truly great talent," Milan resident Alessandra Torchio said on Monday. (Additional reporting by Alvise Armellini in Rome, Elisa Anzolin and Claudia Greco in Milan; Writing by Alvise Armellini and Keith Weir; editing by Sharon Singleton, William Maclean) TOPEKA (KSNT) Local Girl Scouts headed to the Combat Air Museum south of Topeka to learn more about womens empowerment in aviation last weekend. Girl Scouts spent this years Girls in Aviation Day event at the museum on Saturday, Sept. 6 meeting with women pilots and looking inside several planes. Women in Aviation International got the ball rolling on this event back in 2016 and now it has become an annual tradition. Director of the Combat Air Museum, Kevin Drewelow, told 27 News that girls are just as qualified to take to the skies as boys are. He encourages girls to check out the aviation field to see if it is something theyd enjoy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just to know there is a place for women in aviation, Drewelow said. Girls can do anything boys can do with a flying machine. They should look into this to see if it is something they enjoy. Overnight work on I-70 starts Monday in Topeka Girl Scouts also went to the Museum of the Kansas National Guard as part of the event. You can find the Combat Air Museum at 7016 Southeast Forbes Avenue and can visit its website by clicking here. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. 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. (The Center Square) A U.S. lawmaker is once again demanding that Meta prevent minors from accessing its AI chatbots, citing the technology companys glaring failure to properly and transparently consider the risks to young users before releasing new features on its platforms. In a scathing Monday letter sent to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., called out the companys disregard of safety, privacy, and mental health concerns surrounding minors use of AI chatbots on Facebook, Instagram, and other Meta-owned sites. I first made this request in a letter to you in 2023, when I warned that your company was rushing out a product prematurely, without considering the consequences for young people online, Markey wrote. You disregarded that request, and two years later, Meta has unfortunately proven my warnings right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rapid adoption of AI by hundreds of high-profile companies in recent years used in marketing and advertising, as well as for search engine optimization, image generation, and chatbots has sparked growing concern. In particular, minors using AI to cheat on homework, replace therapy services, or generate nonconsensual intimate imagery of peers (also known as revenge porn) has risen to levels that U.S. lawmakers find concerning enough to address. Markey highlighted a recent investigation of Metas internal guidelines by Reuters, which revealed that Meta staff apparently greenlit allowing AI chatbots to engage a child in conversations that are romantic or sensual. The internal standards, which Meta has claimed were made in error, demonstrate the company fundamentally has no regard for child safety, Markey wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawmaker also condemned Zuckerbergs recent comments implying that AI companion chatbots can be used as a therapist, highlighting the risks to both data privacy and youth mental health. Individuals necessarily reveal sensitive personal information during a therapy session, with the expectation that it will remain private, Markey noted. Yet, Meta confirmed in 2023, following my inquiry, that it incorporates teenagers conversations and inputs into its AI training process. About 72% of teens have used AI companion chatbots, with more than half using one at least a few times per month, according to a recent Common Sense Media report. When Markey asked Meta in 2023 whether it had conducted any studies on the social and emotional impact of AI chatbot use on young people, he received no answer. The non-response leads me to two possible conclusions: Meta either is conducting that research but is hiding the results or it is not conducting that research at all, Markey wrote. Either way, it illustrates Metas glaring failure to properly and transparently consider the risks to young users before rolling out new features. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Markeys letter to Zuckerberg echoes a similar appeal signed by ten other senators last month, where the lawmakers argued that the wellbeing of children should not be sacrificed in the race for AI development. Meta did not respond to The Center Squares request for comment in time for publication. In June, the company expanded some teen and child safety features across its platforms, promising to work to protect young people from both direct and indirect harm. Luis Juarez (center) and supporters march to Legislative Building to ask GOP lawmakers to speak to President Trump on his behalf. (Photo: Greg Childress/ NC Newsline) Luis Juarez speaks during a press conference at the Legislative Building in Raleigh. (Photo: Greg Childress/NC Newsline) A GoFundMe account for Luis Juarez, the former Duke University bus driver who lost his protected immigration status and his job today, has nearly reached the $15,000 goal organizers set. As of midday Monday, contributions topped $11,200 from 375 donations. Late Friday, the fund had raised more than $7,400 from 279 donations. The money will help Juarez with at least two months of living expenses, the organizers said, and also help him retain a lawyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duke senior Michael Ramos announced the GoFundMe page Thursday during a press conference at the Legislative Building in Raleigh. Ramos and about 50 Duke students and other supporters traveled to Raleigh to ask U.S. Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) and state Republican leaders to use their influence with Trump to help Juarez retain his protected status. Were not giving up on supporting Luis [Juarez], Ramos said during the press conference. Everyday Luis helps hundreds of us get to where we need to go, so were going to make sure Luis has what he needs to get to the next stop in his journey. Juarez, a Honduran who came to the U.S. more than 30 years ago and has worked at Duke since 2006, is at risk of deportation due to a Trump administration order ending Temporary Protected Status for more than 50,000 Hondurans. The Trump administration contends that conditions in Honduras have improved enough that nationals living in the U.S. can now return home safely. Starting today, Hondurans with temporary protected status are no longer protected from deportation and no longer have employment authorization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Temporary Protected Status was designed to be just thattemporary, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement in July. It is clear that the Government of Honduras has taken all of the necessary steps to overcome the impacts of Hurricane Mitch, almost 27 years ago. Honduran citizens can safely return home, and DHS is here to help facilitate their voluntary return. Juarez told media and supporters last week that he is concerned about his safety if forced to return. Others who traveled to the country recently told him that criminal organizations operating there still pose a risk. U.S District Judge Edward Chen ruled last week that the Trump administrations efforts to strip temporary protected status from hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan and Haitian migrants is illegal. Chens ruling allows around 600,000 Venezuelans and 500,000 Haitians to continue living and working legally in the U.S. 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. 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. (FOX40.COM) After a routine boat inspection, inspectors for the Department of Water Resources found possible golden mussels on Thursday afternoon in Oroville. Video above: Stockton-area leaders take aim at invasive golden mussels According to DWR officials, the golden mussels were found on a pontoon boat that had previously moored at the Pittsburg Marina and had been power-washed before traveling to Oroville. Thanks to DWRs mussel inspection program, the boat was prevented from launching at DWRs Oroville facilities, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DWR crews said they contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for further inspection and decontamination at another facility. The boat was quarantined and cannot launch at DWR reservoir until CDFW confirms that it is free of mussels. California Powerball players win big, but jackpot goes to Texas and Missouri According to the DWR website, they launched their mandatory invasive mussel inspection program for the Oroville facilities in Lake Oroville, Thermalito Forebay and Thermalito Afterbay in May 2025, with services being free. Officials said golden mussels were first discovered in October 2024 in the port of Stockton and a few days later, they were found at the SWPs ONeil Forebay in Merced County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DWR authorities said adult golden mussels ranged from 1/2 inch to two inches in size and have a light to dark yellowish-brown to brown-colored shell. When they are discovered, it is difficult to control them due to their rapid growth and they quickly spread to new waterbodies. To learn more about DWRs mussel inspection program, visit the California Department of Water Resources 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 FOX40 News. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Goodwill of the Finger Lakes will host an open house on Monday, inviting the community to get a closer look at its operations and raise awareness for 988 Day. September 8 is recognized as 988 Day, promoting national suicide prevention initiatives during National Suicide Awareness/Prevention Month. The national 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline started its partnership with Goodwill of the Finger Lakes in 2022 and provides 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors for those who call in the midst of a mental health concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization reportedly provided 19,623 counseling sessions in the past year. This total includes sessions provided through call, text, and chat. Tours of the main campus in downtown Rochester featured manufacturing services and Goodwill Vision Enterprises located at the site. The Open House also includes additional resources and information about 988 services available to the community. In addition to 988, Goodwill also offers a 211 Lifeline, which provides free and confidential assistance to connect residents in need with local resources for food, clothing, or shelter. The event is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is located at 422 South Clinton Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information about Goodwill of the Finger Lakes and 988 resources, visit the organizations website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Frustrated Republicans are expected to begin as early as Monday a process to change Senate rules to allow them to quickly confirm a backlog of President Donald Trumps nominees, according to a source familiar with the planning. Democrats, angry at many of Trumps policies such as cutting foreign aid and accepting a luxury jet from Qatar have been slow-walking his nominees for months in protest. They oppose the rule change. Republicans will push it through using the nuclear option, which would allow them to change Senate rules on a majority vote, not the 67 typically required for such a change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer railed against the move to change Senate rules without Democratic buy-in to allow for quicker consideration of the presidents nominees, warning the GOP that they will come to regret this decision. What will stop Donald Trump from nominating even worse individuals than weve seen to date, knowing this chamber will rubber stamp anything he wishes? I say to my Republican colleagues, think carefully, before taking this step. If you go nuclear, its going to be a decision you will come to regret, he said. The move, which will allow votes on groups of nominees, en banc, instead of individually, will apply only to executive civilian nominees not the judiciary nor Cabinet members. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said that Senate Republicans will wrap the process of changing the chambers rules without Democratic support next week, as they start taking procedural steps to speed up confirmation of Trumps nominees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We gotta start the process this week, probably conclude it next week, he told CNN as he arrived at the Capitol on Monday. Thune made the case in an op-ed in Breitbart Monday for changing Senate rules without Democratic support this week, claiming that Democrats have engaged in historic obstruction of nominees and insisting its time to make changes. Its delay for delays sake, and its a pettiness that leaves desks sitting empty in agencies across the federal government and robs our duly elected president of a team to enact the agenda that the American people voted for in November, Thune wrote. While Republicans say Democratic obstruction is at an unprecedented level, they used similar tactics when they were in the minority and a Democratic president was in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are currently 149 nominees who have been voted out of committee and are waiting for votes on the floor, with another approximately 150 nominees working through the committee pipeline, the source said. Current rules provide that after a vote to break a filibuster of a nominee is successful, two hours of debate are allotted for Democrats to speak in opposition. Republicans argue Democrats rarely use that floor time, so it ends up just being wasted time and a long slow grind to get these lower-level nominees confirmed. Thune wrote he had convened a group of GOP senators from across his conferences ideological spectrum to discuss how to approach rules changes and said they will put their plan into action this week. When the Senate convenes this week, I will begin the necessary procedural steps to reform the Senates rules. No party should be able to weaponize the confirmation process the way that Senate Democrats are doing now, in a way that has never been done before, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This total obstruction simply cannot be the standard moving forward both in principle and in practicality. We must return to the Senates traditional confirmation process that existed before this unprecedented blockade. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) Indiana Governor Mike Braun is set to attend an event in Jasper Monday to discuss the expansion of broadband internet in Indiana. Governor Braun will take part in Spectrums Beyond the Build Broadband Forum. The event will highlight the importance of fast and reliable broadband internet for homes and businesses. It will also feature remarks from Governor Braun on the significance on partnerships to expand internet access to communities and in particular, the economic benefits it can bring to rural areas of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will also be a panel discussion featuring Spectrum and state officials. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). Ohio Governor Mike DeWine will join Cincinnati officials and other local leaders to talk about two new partnerships focused on preventing violent crime, according to a governor's office news release. DeWine will join Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Police Chief Teresa Theetge, along with other state and federal leaders, for an announcement at City Hall at 2 p.m. Sept. 9, the release said. In addition to DeWine, Pureval and Theetge, the following officials are expected to be in attendance: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Marshal Michael Black, Southern District of Ohio U.S. Attorney Dominick Gerace II, Southern District of Ohio Director Annette Chambers-Smith, Ohio Dept. of Rehabilitation & Correction Assistant Director Ben Suver, Ohio Department of Public Safety Lt. Col. Joshua Swindell, Ohio State Highway Patrol DeWine has previously said he offered Pureval help from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, including "a real data analysis" of where crime happens in Cincinnati and a helicopter for "criminal suspect searches, and vehicle pursuit mitigation." Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine will speak with state, local and federal officials in Cincinnati on Sept. 9, 2025. Concerns over crime in Cincinnati's urban core has been a focus for city leaders and residents alike this summer, particularly after a violent brawl Downtown sparked national attention. City leaders have put into place a number of initiatives this summer to combat an uptick in crime, including adding more patrols, enforcing the youth curfew and launching a drone unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most recently, the city announced it would tweak its restrictions on Red Bikes to allow only those with memberships to ride bikes during the late-night hours. The city also announced food trucks would be banned Downtown and Over-the-Rhine after 11 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Gov. DeWine, Cincinnati leaders partnering to prevent violent crime By Akbar Novruz The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has announced the detention of an Azerbaijani citizen in the Stavropol Territory. According to Russia's Izvestia, citing the statement from the FSB Public Relations Center, the individual allegedly joined a Ukrainian terrorist organization banned in Russia. Acting under the instructions of its leaders, he is accused of conducting detailed reconnaissance of several facilities intended for sabotage and terrorist acts, including administrative buildings and law enforcement vehicles in the cities of Yessentuki and Stavropol. The FSB also noted that the detainee had previously served in a special forces unit of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. An investigation into the case is ongoing. When just weeks into President Donald Trumps second term, the federal agency charged with safeguarding civil rights in the workplace withdrew from seven cases it had brought related to gender-identity discrimination, Chai Feldblum took note. For the last 60 years, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC, has investigated and brought cases on behalf of aggrieved workers at no cost to the workers, and with an eye-popping success rate that is often above 90 percent. The cases the EEOC withdrew from included those brought on behalf of an Alabama hospitality group worker who alleged their manager said they needed to be hidden on the night shift before firing them outright; a transgender woman at an Illinois hog farm who said her coworker exposed his genitals to her and touched her breasts; and a transgender hotel worker in New York who said their supervisor referred to them as transformer and it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EEOC was bringing the cases on their behalf, and then the EEOC said: Were done. So the only way those folks could get legal relief was if there were other lawyers who would step up and take their cases, said Feldblum, a lawyer and longtime activist for disability and LGBTQ+ rights who served as one of the EEOCs five commissioners during the Obama administration and into the beginning of Trumps first term. Feldblum knew that the rights of the Americans shed spent her career protecting were at heightened risk when the president kicked off his second term with executive orders titled: Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing and Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. Feldblum started tracking how the nascent Trump administration was moving to erode the civil rights of queer people. As Pride and other affinity groups began to disband across the federal government following Trumps first executive orders, Feldblum connected with a fellow EEOC alum and an impacted federal worker. The three of them started putting together Pride in Exile, a nonprofit organization committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals. Then, after Trump fired two Democratic EEOC commissioners and its general counsel, and the agency proceeded to drop the seven cases brought by transgender plaintiffs and their workplace allies, Feldblum started to think about what she and other former EEOC leaders could do to record what the agency was and wasnt doing to protect workers civil rights. Feldblum sent some emails and the enthusiastic response led to the first online meeting of what would become a second organization, which they now call EEO Leaders. They meet regularly, on their own time and at their own expense, and maintain an active, encrypted group chat in which they discuss and monitor the actions of the agency at which many of them once served. Jocelyn Samuels, an EEOC commissioner fired by Trump, in her home in Bethesda, Maryland on February 6, 2025. (Robb Hill/The Washington Post/Getty Images) The impetus for the first gathering of this group was to see if we knew lawyers that could help these individuals, Feldblum said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, at that first meeting, we realized that apart from what pulled us together in the first place, we could serve a role in monitoring what (then) Acting Chair [Andrea] Lucas was doing. We also realized that there was support in community and by gathering, we were supporting each other, Feldblum continued. Trumps second presidency has been marked by chaos throughout the federal agencies. His administration has fired more than a hundred thousand workers, either in alleged pursuit of greater government efficiency or to install leaders with more like-minded ideologies, and the cuts went beyond the senior-level political appointees who typically turn over at the start of a new administration. Many are contesting their firings in court. The early months of Trumps administration have also involved an unprecedented assault on the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans, specifically transgender people. In addition to his executive order declaring that the government would only recognize two unchangeable sexes, male and female, his administration has sought to bar transgender people from serving in the U.S. military, threatened to pull funding from public school systems that provide gender-neutral bathrooms, and sought to transfer trans women to mens prisons. CNN reported last week that Trumps Justice Department is weighing prohibitions on transgender Americans owning guns. All of these moves have or are likely to face legal challenges. At the same time, the Trump administration has removed content across the federal governments websites perceived to be related to diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, using broad keyword searches that resulted in datasets related to HIV/AIDS being scrubbed from Centers for Disease Control, and the Pentagon deleting photos and information about the World War Two aircraft the Enola Gay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alums of federal agencies have banded together to preserve the knowledge and history of their former employers. Workers ousted from the nearly dismantled U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, have an encrypted group chat. A bipartisan group of former Justice Department officials formed Justice Connection to protect the Departments workforce and the rule of law. But Pride in Exile, and to an even greater extent EEO Leaders, have taken the extra step of providing real-time responses to their former agencys actions as a form of private-sector oversight. EEO Leaders work is akin to the shadow cabinet system in the United Kingdom, wherein opposition party leaders scrutinize and respond to the elected partys policy actions and offer a counterpoint to the public. Former Rep. Wiley Nickel, a Democrat from North Carolina, urged his party to form a shadow cabinet shortly after Trumps reelection, writing in the Washington Post that it could be democracys insurance policy. Historian Timothy Snyder, who authored the Trump resistance Bibles, On Tyranny and On Freedom, wrote in January that a shadow cabinet would remind us of how much better things can be. To avoid any conflation with the deep state bogeyman of conservative politics, Snyder floated the idea of using a different term for the practice in the United States. EEO Leaders see three audiences for their work. The first is employers who, as Feldblum put it, would still like to do the right thing, who need to know what they are still permitted to do under the law. For example, the EEOCs application of Trumps order on gender identity seemingly counters the Supreme Courts 2020 ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, which established that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 the same law that created the agency itself prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. A second audience is people who themselves have experienced discrimination, or might experience discrimination in employment, to let them know what their rights are. And then the third audience is just general people in the public who need to know what is happening to civil rights protections in this country, Feldblum said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EEO Leaders sent a public letter to the EEOCs Lucas that they had grave concerns about the letters you recently sent to 20 major law firms about DEI-related discrimination, concluding: These letters appear to exceed your authority. They also weighed in on Lucas scrubbing of post-Bostock guidance and reminded the public that her unilateral changes are not official agency policy. We thought there would be real power in collective action and in speaking as a group about the ways in which we think that the anti-discrimination laws should be interpreted and the ways in which the EEOC should be operating as a federal enforcement agency, said Jocelyn Samuels, a group member and former EEOC commissioner and vice chair who was fired by Trump. Samuels noted that EEO Leaders also plan on filing friend-of-the-court briefs in litigation filed by private parties to enforce civil rights laws still on the books and potentially in cases in which the EEOC is involved if we believe that the current EEOC is misrepresenting the standards of the law, she said. Early actions by EEO Leaders focused on LGBTQ+ workers because they are the group of Americans whose civil rights the EEOC first signaled it will not fight to protect. But EEO Leaders have also weighed in on Trumps executive order aimed at limiting disparate-impact cases. These types of cases, which are about policies that are seemingly neutral but result in protected classes of workers being treated differently, are often associated with racial discrimination but can also be related to sex, gender and disability. They are particularly impactful because they can lead to systemic change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One example is a case that the EEOC brought in 2009 on behalf of a Muslim American woman who said Abercrombie & Fitch would not hire her because her headscarf violated the clothing retailers dress code. The dispute went all the way to the Supreme Court, which established in an 8-1 ruling that civil rights laws protect workers from religion-based discrimination, even if the worker or job applicant does not explicitly ask for an accommodation. EEO Leaders have also begun preserving EEOC documents they believe are at risk of disappearing from the agencys website to ensure they remain available to the public something that Pride in Exile is also doing on a larger scale in a section of restored information about LGBTQ+ Americans from across the federal government. They note that none of the documents are classified and were previously available to the public. They include everything from EEOC case summaries related to gender-identity discrimination to Labor Department guidance related to sex discrimination regulations at federal contractors to bathroom access rights of transgender workers. Pride in Exile has also hosted two know your rights trainings for LGBTQ+ workers the first for federal employees and the second, during Pride Month, for all U.S. workers. More are expected. Anupa Iyer, a disability-rights lawyer and former Labor Department official, said Pride in Exile began as a lunch check-in between herself and a government worker to see how they were handling the attack on LGBTQ+ folks in the federal government. That person had begun printing out materials from the EEOCs website related to LGBTQ+ rights fearing that at some point, it might disappear. Iyer, who considers herself an LGBTQ+ ally, started a text thread between herself, the worker, and Feldblum, whom she worked with earlier in her career at the EEOC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You gotta use your networks where you can and pay it forward, Iyer explained. This individual was sharing how the folks at EEOC Pride had been disbanded because of the disbanding of employee resource groups. That was where we initially started. Then, it was lets do something leveraging the commitment from former senior EEOC officials who really cared about this work and care about supporting civil rights. Pride in Exile was born. Then, the same sort of collaborative spirit prompted Feldblum to create the EEO Leaders group. That was really the genesis, it was: Lets find a way to create community and build solidarity in a moment where everything around us, that weve all worked so hard for, is falling apart, Iyer said. Charlotte Burrows, an EEO Leaders member who was EEOC chair until Trump fired her in January, said she does not believe that Americans want the Trump administration to dismantle or diminish the agency that has secured landmark civil rights settlements on behalf of workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EEOC cases resulted in Walmarts $20 million payout in 2020 over a pre-employment physical screening test that unfairly disadvantaged women applicants; the $240 million that now-defunct Henrys Turkey Service paid in 2013 over supervisors severely abusing men with intellectual disabilities; and the $192.5 million that Coca-Cola paid in 2000 to settle a case brought by Black salaried employees who accused them of discrimination. I feel very powerfully that its important to remind people that this agency, which has been around for 60 years, represents the best values of American people, that everybody deserves a fair shake, everybody deserves dignity and respect in the workplace, and I think that truly does reflect what most Americans believe, Burrows said. The post The government abandoned LGBTQ+ workers. Its former civil rights lawyers stepped up. appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. The latest data from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) are shocking. The body has this week reported that two GP surgeries are now closing every week, totalling 1,000 practices since 2018. Further, GP numbers are down by more than 600, despite the fact that registered patients are increasing. This is simply not conducive to good healthcare outcomes. Wes Streeting should be alarmed by these figures. A central component of the Health Secretarys 10-year NHS plan, published this summer, was that patient care should be GP-centric and based on a neighbourhood health service. Patient care, he has pledged, will be transferred from hospitals into the community and GPs will provide a six-day per week, 12 hours per day, local service. New clinics will be multidisciplinary, with thousands of new GPs, working together with pharmacists, physiotherapists, social workers, paramedics, and other healthcare workers. Yet the core requirement for this to work is a functioning and efficient general practice, which patently does not currently exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This magical solution, we are told, will reduce the 7.4 million patients waiting for hospital tests and treatment. Such is the anticipation that Rachel Reeves has funded the plan to the tune of 29 billion. Sadly, however, this 10-year plan is doomed to fail. Despite the heroic efforts of many conscientious GPs, general practice is gradually making itself redundant. It was, of course, once the cornerstone of the NHS. But I have long argued that reform of our beleaguered healthcare service should start with a radical overhaul of general practice. Despite paying for the service, why should patients find it nearly impossible to get a timely appointment with a GP, and especially with a GP of their choice? Why should they not be entitled to continuity of care rather than, as usual, seeing a different GP at each visit for the same illness? Why on earth should patients tolerate virtual rather than in-person consultations, especially for new complaints, when it is documented that delayed or missed diagnosis can happen? The RCGP argues that the problems in general practice are explained by an unmanageable workload, chronic underfunding and poor workforce planning, leading to burnout. These excuses are not tethered to reality, and demonstrate a lack of understanding of the genuine problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GPs have brought these problems on themselves. The workload argument is clearly spurious in the context of part-time working. A Health Select Committee, report published in 2022, found that 58.4 per cent of GPs worked three days per week or less. Some work many fewer sessions. Most work part-time because they can. They are contracted rather than employed by the NHS, and therefore, unlike hospital doctors, have no job description. This excessive, almost institutionalised, part-time working is not in the interest of patients. On the contrary, it is harmful to patients, and is never mentioned by the RCGP or challenged by the Department of Health and Social Care. Another fundamental challenge for general practice is that British graduates are reluctant to enter the speciality, having seen the problems during their GP training rotation. We know that about 55 per cent of GP trainees are International Medical Graduates who have qualified outside of Europe. Is this what we want? Where will the tens of thousands of new GPs promised for the 10-year plan come from? If general practice is going to survive and especially for this plan then training must change and be made more attractive and comprehensive to British graduates. This should be considered a priority. Currently, GP training takes three years compared to a minimum of six years for all hospital specialities. Two of these three years are spent in general practice and only one in the hospital environment where learning and experience is more intense and acute. GP training should be extended to five years with an additional two years in hospital practice, with trainees rotating through sub-specialities most relevant to general practice such as more general medicine and A&E. These changes are essential, if GPs are going to acquire the additional skills needed to service the needs of the neighbourhood health service, should that ever happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement General practice needs to survive but not in its present form. GPs themselves and especially their Royal College must stop blaming external factors for all their woes and never themselves. Nobody but GPs can be blamed for such extensive part-time working or for not providing continuity of care, the service patients most value. J Meirion Thomas is a former consultant oncologist and general surgeon 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. ST. LOUIS A Granite City, Illinois, man appeared in court Monday afternoon to face charges for road rage shooting over the summer. According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Departments probable cause statement, the shooting happened on July 21. The victim told police he was driving his Chevrolet Silverado when a red truck began tailgating him. The victim said he tried to turn onto Interstate 70 when the red truck passed him. As the red truck passed, the driver fired a shot at the victims vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the victim got home, he found his Silverado had been struck by a bullet. It looks like a junkyardResidents say neighbors backyard is out of control Police said the victims Silverado was equipped with a dashboard camera, which recorded the shooting. Investigators used license plate readers and business surveillance videos to identify the driver as Richard Lehmkuhl. Police eventually interviewed Lehmkuhl, who denied any involvement in the shooting. After being shown video of the shooting, police said Lehmkuhl confessed and showed officers the red truck he was driving and the firearm used in the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office charged Lehmkhul, 63, with first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Duck on the Menominee River | Laina G. Stebbins State agencies are warning Wisconsinites to limit the amount of ducks that they eat, or to avoid certain birds entirely, due to PFAS contamination. Waterfowl harvested around Green Bay were shown to have high levels of the man-made forever chemicals, which persist in the environment forever and have been linked to several chronic diseases including cancers. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Department of Health Services (DHS) are advising people not to eat mallards from around lower Green Bay from Longtail Point to Point au Sable, and south of the mouth of the Fox River. Additionally, mallards and wood ducks living around Green Bay from the city of Marinette across to Sturgeon Bay should not be consumed frequently no more more often than once per month for mallards and only one meal per week for wood ducks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in 2022 levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), another man-made chemical, in waterfowl led to similar advisories in lower Green Bay. Further assessments found concentrations of PFAS in breast muscle tissue, according to a DNR press release. In 2023 and 2024, more samples were taken from ducks, with all samples taken during July and August when the birds were most likely to represent local breeding populations. Those efforts revealed elevated levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which is a type of PFAS, in the breast muscles of the birds. The inquiry suggested that both adult and juvenile ducks in lower Green Bay have higher concentrations of PFOS than in the northern portion of the bay. PFAS chemicals were first developed as part of U.S. government nuclear and atomic weapons research during the Manhattan Project. After the project ended private companies, particularly DuPont, began researching the compounds for commercial use. Over the subsequent decades, PFAS was used in products including non-stick Teflon pans, fast food wrappers, and firefighting foam. The chemicals do not degrade in the environment, nor within the body, and have been linked to cancers and other chronic diseases. The DNR tracks PFAS consumption advisories spanning multiple species including deer, fish and waterfowl. On Sept. 4, deer and fish advisories for PFAS were issued for the Town of Stella and surrounding waterbodies in Oneida County. All fish in the Moen Lake Chain were included in a do not eat advisory due to PFAS contamination, and a similar warning was distributed against the consumption of deer liver near the Town of Stella. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) To further cement the legacy of Versailles Fire and EMS Chief Brian Pearson, the acting mayor of Greenville is ordering that flags be lowered. In a statement, Doug Schmidt said that all U.S. and state flags should be flown at half-staff on public grounds and buildings throughout the city of Greenville and throughout the village of Versailles until sunrise on Sept. 10. As a sign of respect and acknowledgement of of the sacrifices and dedication to service exhibited by Chief Pearson, I encourage other properties within the City of Greenville to do the same, Schmidt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pearson died at Wayne HealthCare on Aug. 31. He was 49-years-old. His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 10:30 a.m. at Oakland Church of the Brethren, in Bradford. For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York, there have been many organizations that have provided moral and financial support to families of loved ones lost on that tragic day. Twenty-four years later, one group, Answer the Call, also known as the New York Police and Fire Widows and Childrens Benefit Fund, continues to provide benefits to families of more than 400 first responders killed in the line of duty that day. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elise Guadalupe, who lost her firefighter husband, is a grateful recipient of the organizations support. They have supported me financially, emotionally and taken some of the burden of everyday life away so I could focus on healing, she said. Guadalupe was married for seven years when she lost her husband, Jose, whom she affectionately called Tony. He was 37 years old, assigned to Engine Company 54. Reflecting on that day, she remembered, His shift ended that morning. He was on the way back home and heard the first plane hit. He turned around and went back. More than two decades have passed since that infamous day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It feels like a very long time, but also just like yesterday. Its always present but doesnt stop me from living, she declared. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Answer the Call has helped life continue for the survivors of fallen heroes since it was founded 40 years ago. Joseph Gorman, an Operations Associate at Answer The Call, explained, Since the organizations inception, we have contributed over $180 million to over 1,000 families. Since 9/11, we have given $175 million. We still serve over 500 families, 270 from 9/11. At the outset, each family is gifted $50,000 and receives a stipend of $11,000 each following year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elise Guadalupe said she was never forgotten. For me personally, in those very uncertain times, they were there not only financially, but emotionally. Answer the Call is a nonprofit that relies on public donations for support. According to Joe Gorman, The funds come from individual donations, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic support. We have an annual gala to raise funds for our families. Each year, we host Family Day at Citi Field. We bring together our families for a day at the ball park and we host a summer block party in downtown Manhattan. Elise Guadalupe carries a remembrance of her husband with her every day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a replica of his badge and it means everything to me, she explained, as she held the gold pin around her neck. I keep it close to my heart. Its a way of keeping him close to me even after all these years. Guadalupe is pensive and reflective as she walks along the 9/11 memorial wall. She thinks of the son she adopted five years after 9/11. He bears the same name she called her husband: Tony. I always considered him a gift from heaven, She said and added, Its something we always planned to do but ran out of time. Warmth fills the air and her heart as Elise runs her hands over the etched-out name of her firefighter hero on the memorial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I run my fingers over his name, it takes me back to that very first time he looked at me and the butterflies spin all over the place. Gaudalupe said on 9/11 this year she will do what she does every year sit on her terrace and look out at what she still calls Freedom Tower, meditate over a cup of coffee, look up and have a little chat with Tony and give thanks that life goes 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 PIX11. Gov. Greg Abbott is now hinting that Texas may be headed back to Austin for another round in the ongoing fight over THC. After proponents failed to deliver a statewide ban on hemp-derived THC products, as previously covered by DX, Abbott told reporters last week to stay tuned when asked whether he would summon the Lone Star States lawmakers again to push the ban. The governors comments represent the latest development in a debate between Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and some Senate Republicans, who are advocating for a complete ban on hemp products, and House leaders, along with business owners, who support regulating these products instead of imposing a total ban on THC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott himself vetoed a total ban earlier this summer, but has also indicated he supports tougher restrictions on hemp products. The uncertainty has rattled the states $8 billion hemp market, which includes smoke shops, convenience stores, and gas stations, and smaller family-owned businesses that rely heavily on sales of gummies, drinks, and flower containing THC. Advocates previously warned that a ban would devastate more than 50,000 jobs statewide, while also taking away wellness products that veterans and chronic pain patients use daily. Some retailers breathed a sigh of relief recently when the second special session ended without any new restrictions on THC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, store managers say the damage has already begun. A ban on THC vape pens, which took effect September 1, has cut into revenues, with some shops reporting up to a 20% drop in sales, per The Texas Tribune. While Patrick continues to call for a ban, other lawmakers have floated various potential measures, such as banning sales to anyone under 21. Big hemp retailers, reportedly, have said they already enforce those limits voluntarily and would welcome an official age restriction. Abbott has also backed age limits as a possible middle ground or compromise to a total ban. Yet, the governor has left the door open to stronger action if lawmakers cannot agree, telling Fox News last week that something may be happening soon. For patients, small businesses, and hemp advocates, the stakes remain high. Prohibition could wipe out much of the hemp industry just as the state expands its strictly regulated medical marijuana program. As The Dallas Express previously reported, that expansion will add nine new medical dispensary licenses in December, with another round set for 2026. But under current law, medical cannabis access remains limited to Texans within a narrow list of conditions, such as epilepsy, autism, or terminal cancer. This article was originally published in The Conversation. Its been about six months since the U.S. Department of Education sent a Dear Colleague letter to all schools that receive federal funding, warning them that they could risk losing this money if they promote what the department calls pervasive and repugnant racial preferences. The letter, among other things, reversed previous presidents positions on how diversity, equity and inclusion influences schools disciplinary measures. It advised schools to, within two weeks, begin to eliminate all discipline protocols rooted in DEI, on the grounds that this work is discriminatory against white students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also issued an executive order, Reinstating Commonsense School Discipline Policy, in April 2025, doubling down on the letter. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Trumps letter and executive order exert an unusual level of influence over how schools can decide the best way to teach and, when necessary, discipline students. It also cuts against recognized research that Black, Latino and Native American students are disciplined more frequently and harshly than white and Asian students. I am an educational scholar who has spent the past 13 years analyzing school discipline policy. While previous administrations have issued Dear Colleague letters to schools, Trumps is the first that frames itself as though it were law setting a potential new precedent for the executive branch to issue educational mandates without the approval of the judicial or congressional branches of government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While all but two states have responded to Trumps letter, about half of them have said they are not going to comply with its terms despite the administrations threat of cutting funding if they do not follow the guidance. Understanding DEI in education Equity-oriented education, or diversity, equity and inclusion, refers to an ideology and programming that intend to ameliorate patterns of racial inequality. In the context of discipline in schools, DEI strategies could include teachers having conversations with children about their behavior, rather than immediately suspending them. Research shows that these techniques can help reduce racial discipline gaps in academic achievement and disciplinary outcomes. The Obama administration in 2014 recognized this research in its own Dear Colleague letter to schools. The administration advised schools to either reform their discipline practices toward nonpunitive alternatives to suspension or risk being investigated for discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first Trump administration rescinded this letter in 2018. Then, in 2023, the Biden administration released a document along the same lines as Obamas letter. Trumps February 2025 letter grouped all of these recommendations under the banner of DEI and argued that such practices are discriminatory, privileging students of color over white and Asian students. In his April executive order, Trump reiterated that if schools did not eliminate DEI, they would be out of compliance with Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public school districts regularly have to issue a certificate of compliance to the government showing that their work is in line with Title VI. While the Trump administration characterizes DEI as smuggling racial stereotypes and explicit race-consciousness into everyday training, programming, and discipline, it does not define exactly what constitutes DEI programming. This puts school districts at risk of losing funding if they maintain any initiatives related to racial equality. Legal concerns with Trumps directives The executive office and members of Congress typically issue Dear Colleague letters, which are not legally binding, to advise schools and others on policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet Trumps letter was written like a mandate and reinforced by an executive order, which is legally binding. Some scholars are calling the letter an overreach of legal authority. In the spring of 2025, I analyzed states responses to Trumps letter and executive order. Two states, Iowa and Tennessee, had not yet provided public responses. Twenty-three states complied with the administrations directive by signing the letter as of May 30. Some, like Oklahoma, not only certified the letter but also passed state laws banning DEI policies and programs. The remaining 25 states refused to certify the letter, asserting that they already complied with Title VI and that their policies are not discriminatory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, 19 of those 25 states sued the Trump administration over the letter in April, culminating in a court injunction later that month that temporarily released states from having to comply with its demands. I noticed that many states that refuted Trumps letter used the same exact words in their responses, signaling a concerted effort to resist Trumps directives. States that did not sign on to the letter but objected to its intent generally resisted on legal grounds, ethics or both. A legal argument Most states that rejected it grounded their refusal to sign Trumps letter in federal law. They cited the Civil Rights Act and the Paperwork Reduction Act, which protects states from having to file redundant paperwork. Because these states already certified compliance with Title VI, this argument goes, they should not have to do so again under Trumps directive. Education commissioners from a few states, including Illinois and Minnesota, also cited specific language used by Betsy DeVos, Trumps former education secretary in his first term, who supported DEI policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charlene Russell-Tucker, the education commissioner for Connecticut, also pointed out that in order for the federal government to cancel DEI programming, it would have to first legally change the definition of Title VI. States resisting on other grounds Some education officials also argued that their DEI work is ideologically necessary for providing supportive learning environments for all students. Patrick Tutwiler, Massachusetts interim education commissioner, wrote in an April 16 letter, for example, that Massachusetts will continue to promote diversity in our schools because we know it improves outcomes for all of our kids. Other officials displayed more subtle resistance. Randy Watson, Kansas education commissioner, for example, affirmed the states commitment to comply with all Federal statutes, including Title VI but did not explicitly address Trumps Dear Colleague letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, Kentucky informed the Department of Education of its compliance with federal law, while simultaneously encouraging local districts to continue diversity, equity and inclusion work. Mississippis state department of education pointed out that school districts operate independently, so the state cannot force policies on them. However, Mississippi signaled compliance by citing a new state law banning DEI and confirmed that each of its individual school districts have already certified compliance with federal laws. More legal pushback It is not yet clear what might follow the April court injunction, which largely prevented the Department of Education from cutting federal funding to schools that continued their DEI-related programs and policies. While the Trump administration has made major cuts to the Department of Education, it has not announced that states refusing to certify the letter will lose funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the first time an administration is issuing such a direct threat to withhold K-12 funding, placing schools in an unknown place, without a clear blueprint of how to move forward. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Menopause is a process that roughly half of the American population will experience at some point in their lives. Nonetheless, many health insurance plans do not cover essential treatments for menopausal women. Now, Oscar winner Halle Berry is the face of a public campaign to end this gap in healthcare coverage. Berry advocates for menopause health coverage: We exactly deserve it Berry has emerged as one of the most prominent voices advocating for menopause-related issues. She is currently pushing the California Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom to approve AB 432, the Menopause Care Equity Act. The proposed legislation would require California health insurance providers to cover menopause-related healthcare, including hormone replacement therapy. Newsom vetoed similar legislation last year, arguing that the mandated coverage would be too far-reaching and thus too expensive. Berry posted a video on social media urging the Democratic governor to support the current version of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just got word that Governor Newsoms office is pushing back on a part of our menopause bill that is crucial, Berry told her supporters. Its the part that says that insurance companies must pay for a womans HRT. I mean, that is the most important part! Thats a huge part of what this bill is all about because not every woman can afford it. Its not exactly cheap, but we exactly deserve it. Berry also pointed out the disparities in insurance coverage for older women versus older men, noting that men have that little blue pill covered by insurance and urging her followers to be in support of women also living their best lives in their second act. Berrys post included a link to sign a letter to Newsom urging his support for the bill in its entirety. I believe he wants to do the right thing, but he needs a little push, Berry said. Twitter Family. PLEASE SHARE. I know you guys show me soooo much love on here and I really need your help today. Sign Letter Here: https://t.co/TOJ9wVLIqf pic.twitter.com/2P2IVREX6K Halle Berry (@halleberry) September 5, 2025 Advocating for womens health at the federal and state levels Berry has also advocated for menopause-related care at the national level. Last year, she appeared at a fireside chat with then-first lady Jill Biden concerning womens healthcare; Berry shared her experience of learning that she was perimenopausal. At the time, President Joe Biden had signed an executive order to increase research into womens health issues. Berry is also the founder of Respin Health, a company that provides products and telemedicine services related to menopause and advocates for relevant legislation. Advocacy for menopause-related healthcare previously focused on federal legislation, with the Advancing Menopause and Mid-Life Womens Health Act proposed in Congress in 2023 to dedicate $275 million for research relating to menopause. While Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington plan to reintroduce the bill with Berrys support later this year, lack of support from the Trump administration has led womens health advocates to focus more attention on state-level legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will keep pushing, and we will keep going to Washington and doing what were doing, but we really feel like we can get real things done on a state level, Berry explained. A variety of states, including Illinois, Maine and Rhode Island, have passed menopause-related legislation in recent years, with Michigan and Pennsylvania among the states considering similar legislation. As movement on healthcare for menopause continues across the United States, Berry and others are seeking to push California to guarantee such health coverage across the countrys most populous state. The post Halle Berry Pushes California Gov. Gavin Newsom And Legislature To Approve Menopause Bill appeared first on Blavity. Qatar's prime minister pressed Hamas leaders to "respond positively" to the latest US-proposed plan during talks in Doha on Monday, an official briefed on the talks told Reuters. Hamas on Monday addressed the new US-backed hostage-ceasefire proposal conveyed through Israeli negotiator Gershon Baskin and Dr. Bishara Bahbah, saying that there are several roadblocks that need to be addressed to reach a deal, sources from the terror group told Asharq al Awsat on Monday. Qatari Prime Minister Muhammad bin Abdulrahman Al Thani reportedly pressed Hamas leaders to "respond positively" to the latest US-proposed plan during talks in Doha on Monday, an official briefed on the talks told Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas sources said that the proposal presented to them contains "many traps and pitfalls that need to be dismantled," adding that they are focused on a deal that would end the war. The terror group added that it would be difficult to release several hostages already on the first day of a deal, as some hostages were killed in locations where the IDF would need to halt fire in order to extract them from under the rubble in areas where they were killed, or from places where they were buried after Israeli forces entered, Asharq al Awsat reported. According to the Hamas sources, the current discussions do not mention an Israeli withdrawal from critical corridors, such as the Philadelphi Corridor, or reopening the Rafah crossing. The terrorist group told Asharq al Awsat that they are seeking guarantees to reach the war's end, backed by guarantor countries such as the US. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with the media in the Oval Office, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 5, 2025. (credit: REUTERS) The new US-backed proposal has been delivered to Hamas over the past few days in an effort to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, sources told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday. The initiative, conveyed through Baskin and Bahbah, outlines a comprehensive framework aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the plan, Hamas would release all 48 hostages, including those believed to be alive and the bodies of the dead, on the first day of the agreement. In exchange, US President Donald Trump would offer a personal assurance that hostilities will not resume until negotiations between Israel and Hamas yield a resolution. The proposal also calls for the release of between 2,000 and 3,000 Palestinian security prisoners, including those convicted of murder. It further stipulates the cancellation of Israels planned military operation in Gaza City, as well as the immediate start of talks to bring the war to a close. IDF would remain in Gaza over course of US-backed truce Despite the proposal, Israeli troops would remain in parts of the Gaza Strip, maintaining a limited presence in designated zones. Sources familiar with the negotiations said Hamas is unlikely to accept the terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas would essentially be giving up the hostages on day one in return for a presidential guarantee, one source told the Post. As important as that may be, what happens if the negotiations collapse? Hamas would have lost all of its leverage. A senior official close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is giving very serious consideration to the proposal, although he acknowledged the likelihood of Hamas continuing its refusal. Senior Hamas official states proposals do not guarantee ceasefire Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi told Al Jazeera on Monday that the ceasefire proposals "do not guarantee a ceasefire." The proposals "do not protect the Palestinian people, do not stop the destruction and killing, do not stipulate a clear withdrawal, and leave many issues vague: humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and a real prisoner exchange deal," Mardawi claimed. Mardawi also reaffirmed Hamas's claims that Netanyahu is "not interested in negotiations," and is personally acting as an obstacle. "[The attack] is a natural response to the crimes of the occupation and the war of extermination it is waging against our people," Hamas said. Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other Palestinian terror organizations celebrated the Jerusalem terror attack at the Ramot Junction on Monday, which killed over six people and wounded scores of others. "We bless the heroic, high-quality operation carried out by two Palestinian fighters at the Ramot settlement junction north of occupied Jerusalem," Hamas said. "It is a natural response to the crimes of the occupation and the war of extermination it is waging against our people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian Islamic Jihad also praised the attack, calling on Palestinians to escalate their "response to the crimes of the occupation army amid Arab and international silence and inaction." Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. January 30, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Ramadan Abed) "We call for intensifying resistance operations in the Palestinian West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, and for engaging the occupation soldiers and settlers at all points of confrontation with the enemy." 'A natural response' The military spokesman for the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, Abu Jamal, blessed the attack and honored the terrorists. He continued, "Anyone who thought that the pulse of the West Bank would calm is deluded. The operation is a renewed confirmation that the revolution and resistance continue, striking blows at the occupations security and military apparatus across our occupied lands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called the attack a natural response to the "genocide" and displacement in Gaza, along with the settlement expansion in the West Bank. "We call upon our people and our steadfast resistance fighters to intensify their painful strikes and escalate their fedayeen operations against the criminals of the entity, in support of our steadfast people in the Gaza Strip," he concluded. Six murdered in Jerusalem terror attack The two terrorists responsible for the Monday Jerusalem attack, which killed six and wounded over 22, attempted to board the Line 62 bus. However, the bus driver, who identified the two as suspicious, refused to let them board, eyewitnesses said. The attackers then opened fire on the passengers. An armed soldier on the bus managed to kill one of them during the shooting. Palestinian militant organization Hamas has said it is ready to start negotiations immediately following a "last warning" from US President Donald Trump in the search for an agreement on the release of Israeli hostages. Hamas said late on Sunday in a statement that it had received "some ideas from the American side aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement," adding that it "welcomes any move that helps efforts to stop the aggression against our people." The extremist organization said it was "ready to immediately sit at the negotiating table to discuss the release of all prisoners in exchange for a clear declaration to end the war, a total withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and creation of a committee of independent Palestinians to run the Gaza Strip." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement was released shortly after Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that "The Israelis have accepted my Terms," without giving details. "It is time for Hamas to accept as well." The US president added: "I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one!" "Everyone wants the Hostages HOME. Everyone wants this War to end!" Trump said. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt are mediating in the indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas to bring an end to the Gaza war, which was triggered by a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 in which around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 others abducted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Israeli sources, there are still 48 hostages in the Gaza Strip, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Since then, more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to the local health authority controlled by Hamas, in figures that the UN considers credible. A drip irrigation line stretches along a row of apple trees at Brookdale Fruit Farm in Hollis, where abnormally dry conditions have added strain to this year's growing season. (Photo by Molly Rains/New Hampshire Bulletin) Over the course of a summer as hot and dry as this one, without intervention, New Hampshires apple crop might drop right off their branches before eager apple pickers could reach them. But as summer turns to fall and drought conditions wear on across much of the state, New Hampshire farmers arent letting their crops wilt. Instead, in the face of increasingly extreme weather fluctuations, some farmers are turning to new technologies and data-driven approaches they hope will keep them productive and competitive despite New Hampshires changing climate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were definitely taking steps to minimize the impact of weather events, including drought. Were seeing all sorts of changes on farms, and proactive approaches to that, said Jeremy Delisle, fruit and vegetable production field specialist with UNH Extension in Merrimack County. The changing climate in New Hampshire, and the Northeast, is characterized by greater rainfall overall but that rain falls unevenly throughout the year, said New Hampshire State Climatologist Mary Stampone. That, coupled with increasingly warm summers, can quickly lead to drought conditions like those the state is experiencing this summer, she said. As of Sept. 5, more than 91% of New Hampshire was experiencing some degree of drought, with about 46% of the state under severe drought conditions, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincolns U.S. Drought Monitor. The droughts are happening. Theyre going to happen. They have for a long time, but its the intensity, its how dry we get that we can attribute to climate change, Stampone said. Water runs low at an irrigation pond at Brookdale Fruit Farm in Hollis. The farm had to shut off the irrigation pump to this pond for fear it would run dry, said Brookdale grower Zoe Hardy. (Photo by Molly Rains/New Hampshire Bulletin) The pendulum swing pattern from heavy rainfall in late winter and springtime to dry summers can be hard for farmers, said Zoe Hardy, an apple grower at Brookdale Fruit Farm in Hollis and a member of the New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems to be feast or famine were either flooded or dry, she said. To handle this shift, farmers are employing a suite of evolving practices to keep crops coming. And much of this, said Delisle and UNH Extension Soil Health State Specialist Renuka Mathur, comes down to soil management. In the field, Delisle and Mathur said they have increasingly observed farmers adopting soil management practices designed to make their crops more drought-resistant. The most ubiquitous among these is targeted, or drip, irrigation, which uses lines to deliver water directly to the cultivated crop. Irrigation is an insurance policy, Hardy said. If you didnt (irrigate), youd lose your crop. Apple grower Zoe Hardy and her son, Henry Hardy, inspect a pump and filtration system beside an irrigation pond at Brookdale Fruit Farm in Hollis. In recent years, dry summers have strained the farms water supply, Zoe Hardy said. (Photo by Molly Rains/New Hampshire Bulletin) Drip irrigation is more water-efficient and precise than other traditional forms of irrigation, like overhead sprinklers, that deliver water to places it isnt needed like the empty spaces between rows of crops, Delisle said. This efficiency boost, he said, may be whats driving the increasing use of drip irrigation on New Hampshire farms, which vary widely in their access to water, especially in times of drought. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every drop counts, he said. To take their efficiency even further, Delisle said, a growing number of farms have deployed soil moisture sensors electronic devices buried in fields that provide real-time information about soil moisture content. Some broadcast this information right to farmers phones, allowing growers to add just the right amount of water to their fields for plant health. And broader applications of real-time data help farmers, too, like an Extension computer model that can estimate how much water a particular field of apple trees is pulling from the soil on a given day. Fed on data from a network of weather stations across the state, the model is intended to help farmers focus their water use even further, Delisle said. It really is the age of information and data to help make those decisions, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some more analog farming techniques are also crucial for drought resilience, Mathur said. A foundational element of soil health is related to how much organic material it contains, a measure boosted by additives like compost, manure, or cover crops. In addition to adding nutrients to the soil, these materials also cling to water, helping keep soil damp and cool in times of limited rainfall, she said. Once organic materials are present in the soil, they can be retained for longer with methods like no-till farming or reduced-till farming, in which farmers refrain as much as possible from plowing their fields. Chewing up a field before planting a crop adds air to the soil, fueling the decomposition of the important organic matter within, Delisle said. While no-till and reduced-till farming isnt a good fit for every crop, he added, many New Hampshire farmers have had success using the method with the common local crops of corn and pumpkins. Preserving the organic matter in New Hampshires soil is important not only in times of drought but also, Delisle said, in times of heavy rain and flooding, when farm equipment can compress fields. This compacts the soil and makes it less hospitable to plants. Soils with higher organic matter in them have the capacity to spring back once theyre pressed down, and thats an important factor in the resiliency of that soil, Delisle said. A sap flow sensor embedded in the trunk of an apple tree at Brookdale Fruit Farm in Hollis, where farmers employ sensors and strategic irrigation to see their crops through times of drought. This meter tracks how much water the tree is pulling from the soil in real time, said grower Zoe Hardy, allowing the Brookdale team to fine-tune the amount of water they add to their orchard. (Photo by Molly Rains/New Hampshire Bulletin) Beyond soil management techniques, New Hampshire farmers adaptations to changing weather patterns are evident in shifting crop stocks, he added. In the specific case of fruit trees, this may involve swapping out rootstocks, the hardy lower portion of a tree onto which farmers graft fruit-producing branches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of common dwarf rootstocks, which keep trees small and compact, more New Hampshire farmers are opting for slightly larger varieties, said Delisle. These stocks grow deeper root networks that allow them to tap into water deep underground in times of drought. But they are also unwieldy, harder to prune and harvest than trees grown on dwarf rootstocks, and can take years longer to begin producing fruit. While a combination of these adaptations can allow farmers to successfully navigate the challenges of extreme weather, evolving does come at a cost. This summer, at Brookdale, drought conditions have required near-constant irrigation, including the efforts of three to four farm employees at a time who must drive around watching for leaks and checking valves, Hardy said. Weve been irrigating pretty much around the clock. It definitely is making it more challenging, but it shouldnt impact our harvest, she said. It just takes a lot more of our time. Its just one more thing that we need to really manage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the commitment, Hardy said, is essential. In a week without rain, Brookdales irrigation system draws from 11 irrigation ponds, two wells, and at one optimally placed field the Nashua River to deliver about 9,000 gallons of water to each acre of apple trees. Without this, Hardy said, the fruit might not reach its target size or, worse, the stems could dry up, causing the apples to fall off the trees before they can be harvested. This year, according to Hardy, it looks like Brookdale has just enough water available to scrape by with a successful harvest. Even so, as of Sept. 4, some of the farms irrigation ponds had run too low to use. The farming team decided to cut off irrigation to some other crops earlier than they would have liked to direct more to their apples, the farms biggest crop, Hardy said. You have to prioritize when its this dry, she said. Like anything with limited resources, you have to pick and choose. Despite their importance, some of the resilience methods described by Mathur and Delisle can also be costly to implement. This is particularly challenging for New Hampshires small farms; about 80% of farms in the state make less than $25,000 a year in sales, according to data from the UNH Extension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are some farms that are marginal or subsistence levels, you can say not everybodys very productive, Mathur said. Beginner farmers in the field for less than five years wont have that much capital to invest in these big structural modifications on their farms to overcome these climate problems. For some of these growers, a cost-sharing incentive program with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that provides sustainability support for farmers, has paved the way for broader adoption of resilience technologies, said Mathur and Delisle. But even with that help, the task of keeping farms productive in New Hampshires changing climate has not been easy. Those costs, growers have already laid out that money to implement all of this stuff so they can pull off these great crops for us, Delisle said. And so, as always, my message is, you know, now its our turn to get out there and support our local farms, because the crop is there and waiting for us. HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) The Hampton VA Healthcare System took the time to celebrate its volunteers for their devoted service and contributions during this years National Volunteer Week. The festivities included ceremonies to honor numerous volunteers who have assisted veterans and the state of Virginia. According to the release, the cumulative time contributed by some of the volunteers ranged from 47 to 25,193 hours. Volunteers are essential members of our organization, said VA Hampton Health care Interim Director Michael Harper we are grateful for their ongoing support of our Veterans. Pictured from Left to Right: Atalaya Horton, Chief of CDCE; Dr. Thea Shaw, Interim Assistant Director; Dottie Moore, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award; Darrell Raley, Acting Associate Director for Operations; and Nicholas Burr, Acting Associate Director of Clinical Business Operations. Photo Courtesy:John Rogers, Public Affairs Officer Every volunteer in attendance received a certificate of appreciation and a complimentary lunch as a small gesture of gratitude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NEXSTAR) Last month, a victim of domestic abuse was able to alert an onlooker to her plight at a convenience store in California all without raising the suspicions of her alleged abuser, who had accompanied her to the store. She was able to do this through the use of a hand signal, according to police. It was determined that a domestic violence incident had occurred, and the victim was asking for help using hand signals behind her back, the Alhambra Police Department later said of the Aug. 19 incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Domestic abuse victims hand signals picked up by alert bystander Police did not say which gestures the woman may have used. But organizations offering support to women and domestic violence victims have promoted the use of the Signal for Help, a hand gesture created by the Canadian Womens Foundation for victims who are being monitored or cannot speak freely. The organization originally created the gesture in the early months of the pandemic in response to an increased risk of gender-based violence between members of a quarantined household, a spokesperson for the foundation told Nexstar. (Data reviewed by a United Nations agency indicated such violence had intensified during that time, with studies showing that several factors including a lack of immediate support, financial issues, alcohol abuse, etc. were fueling upticks.) The signal, as it was designed, could be performed in silence from a distance, over video chat, or even through a window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a simple one-handed gesture someone can use, without leaving a digital trace, to communicate they need someone to safely check in and support them, the Canadian Womens Foundation writes. Making the signal is also intended to be easy but distinctly recognizable. This gesture is made by showing an open palm, then tucking your thumb inward and closing the rest of your fingers over the thumb to trap it. How to perform the Signal for Help. (Canadian Womens Foundation) But knowing how to perform the signal is onlookers dont know what to do once they see it. Thats why the Canadian Womens Foundation urges supporters to become responders by taking action and reaching out safely, which can mean contacting them at a private phone number or email address. The foundation offers a guide and a mini-course with more information. Eagle Scout, 78, lost in California wilderness rescued by Boy Scout troop Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizations including the Canadian Womens Foundation, the Womens Funding Network and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs have promoted the use of the Signal for Help, adding that onlookers should call the authorities if they believe a victim to be in immediate danger. Arguably, however, the gesture has reached a much wider audience on TikTok, where tutorials explaining the significance and uses for the signal have been viewed millions of times. And those viewers are indeed putting that knowledge to use, helping to rescue victims. In one such case from 2021, an abducted teen who learned about the Signal for Help on TikTok was able to alert a motorist to her predicament from the window of her abductors moving car. Speaking about the incident with The New York Times, Officer Gilbert Acciardo of the Laurel County Sheriffs Office in Kentucky later said he wasnt initially aware of the gesture, but quickly familiarized himself. This is probably the best thing Ive seen come along in the 48 years Ive been a patrol officer, Officer Acciardo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victims of domestic violence can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for additional support or resources by calling 1-800-799-SAFE or texting START to 88788. Online chat services are also 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 KTLA. BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Jay Hardaway, a former Abilene City Council member, has entered the race for Texas House District 71 State Representative. Hardaway, who worked with U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington and outgoing State Rep. Stan Lambert, says this campaign is the fulfillment of a lifelong calling. Its been something Ive been interested in since I was a child. Ive always loved following elections and following whats happening in DC and Austin, and locally. Ive been privileged in my career to either work for an elected official or advocate on behalf of policy issues, or even serve an elected office myself as a member of the city council, Hardaway explained. Crowded Field: Whats next for HD 71 after Rep. Stan Lambert? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardaway says his council experience helped prepare him for a legislative role. He pointed to work on the Cedar Ridge Reservoir as an example, noting the connection between local projects and state priorities, such as the billions recently approved for water infrastructure. Many of the things that we did on council had a state Nexus. Ordinances that we would pass often had to be updated to be in compliance with new laws passed by the legislature, and so being aware of what was happening in Austin was key, Hardaway explained. Theres also the campaigning piece and the public advocacy piece, where you are meeting constantly with constituents and with groups in Abilene and beyond, businesses things like that, and they have expectations, and they want certain things done, and they want things improved, whether its infrastructure, whether its responsiveness to stakeholders and taxpayers in the community, and youre seeing that same thing play out, not only in Austin, but in DC as well. In the last election, current HD 71 Representative Stan Lambert faced backlash from Austin officials over his previous stance against school vouchers. Hardaway says when disagreements arise in the Legislature, a representative must put the district first. First, your priority always is the best interest and the wishes of your district, and you then have to balance that out with other players in Austin, whether its the governor or other legislators or other elected officials But it doesnt always work that way. Not everything is a collaboration. Sometimes you have to be willing to go your own way because you believe its in the best interest of your district. To me, you do that, and you come home, and youre held accountable, Hardaway explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District 71s Stan Lambert announces retirement from Texas Legislature Professor of Political Science at McMurry University, Dr. Paul Fabrizio, recently said on Big Country Politics that there are no hot-topic issues in the race so far. Hardaway disagrees, pointing to recurring concerns such as water, the electricity grid, and the border. I think those issues will be really pressing. We hope that those issues get solved, but that is a long process, and thats something were going to always have to be vigilant about, I think, specific to this situation, to right now. Weve been in this kind of weird limbo of special sessions, Hardaway said. He added that redistricting, property taxes, and flood mitigation could also be on the table. One newer issue he highlighted is the role of data centers in West Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it caught a lot of people off guard locally when the President said Abilene on the air and talked about the Stargate Project. I think that was for a lot of people, the first time theyd really heard about it. I think being abreast on those issues and knowing the players, and being aware of the impact that those projects can have locally is going to be huge, because to the extent that theyre an economic boon for rural Texas, Hardaway shared. Heres whos in the race for District 71 Hardaway says his career experiences, both locally and beyond, have been building toward this role. I want to be an advocate for everyone in HD 71, whether youre in Abilene, whether youre in Nolan County, Callahan County, Jones County, if you live in South Taylor County, if you live in Merkel, any of those areas, I want to be your voice, and Im going to fight for you, Hardaway expressed. When Im not fighting for you, Im going to be here listening to you and living under the same laws that get passed that you are. Im in it for the long haul. Were raising our family here. Were involved in the community, and were not going anywhere. It would be an honor to get to represent the voters of HD 71, and Im excited for the opportunity. I look forward to being everywhere in this district. Im on an extended job interview, and itd be my honor to get to be your voice in Austin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Britain currently has a female Chancellor, a female Home Secretary, a female Education Secretary and, as of Friday, a female Foreign Secretary. In the last decade weve had two female Prime Ministers. Neither covered themselves in glory, but thats rather the point. Women have now succeeded and failed at the very top of politics. This is true equality: the right for men and women to be equally hopeless. For the great and good Baroness Harman, however, this is insufficient. Following Angela Rayners resignation after a breach of the ministerial code the Labour peer insists the Partys next deputy leader must definitely be a woman. Harman has, seemingly, long resented the fact that, after her 2007 victory, Gordon Brown refused to appoint her Deputy Prime Minister, the post now held by David Lammy. She was given the title Chair of the Labour Party as a consolation prize, yet presumably now wants the new deputy leader to hold the post she never did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which raises the question: should Sir Keir Starmer be unavailable, who should the Partys National Executive Committee appoint to have their finger on the nuclear button? There is no shortage of female contenders. Most voters (or journalists) would struggle to place Rosena Allin-Khan. Im told shes a doctor, which may make you wonder whether her expensive training would be put to better use in a GPs surgery than Westminsters madhouse. Emily Thornberry is better known, though mostly for her notorious Image from #Rochester tweet sneering at white van man. Readers may also recall her defending comprehensive education while sending her children to selective schools on the grounds she was doing the best for them. Of course. Pink-haired Louise Haigh, meanwhile, backed Jeremy Corbyn in 2015. She once described P&O Ferries as a rogue operator, a comment which made Starmer choke on his Weetabix and quickly disavow. She tabled legislation to nationalise Britains railways, a process which is proceeding almost as slowly as a train on the West Coast line. And, oh yes, there was the small matter of pleading guilty to a criminal offence in 2014, leading to her resignation last November as our Transport Secretary. Harman, a lifelong equality advocate, has form on this stuff, though her vision is rather selective. She once published a paper on great women in politics that conspicuously omitted Margaret Thatcher you may remember her, the woman who won three general elections and led the country for over a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those with even longer memories will recall Harmans links to the Paedophile Information Exchange, with whose affiliation to the National Council for Civil Liberties she acquiesced when she was legal officer there. This was an early example of her rule of no enemies to the Left even when alarm bells would ring loudly for most of us. Harmans enduring legacy is the Equality Act 2010, a sweeping piece of legislation that set out to protect individuals from unfair treatment but has instead fuelled the rise of the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) industry, where character and competence have been pushed aside in favour of optics and quotas. The irony is that this approach is bad for women, particularly those who rise on merit. It encourages a kind of inverted sexism, where women are considered incapable of succeeding without a leg up. Those who do climb to the top will then, always, be viewed as tokenistic. Germaine Greer said in 1971 that women should not be forced into being either menials or goddesses. They can be brilliant, or incompetent. They are capable of spiteful misjudgment (Bridget Phillipson), spinelessness (Yvette Cooper) and economic illiteracy (Rachel Reeves). Then theres the FTSE100, which has a long history of diversity hires for whom the job is not primarily about the bottom line but advancing a political ideology. Alison Rose oversaw the debanking of Nigel Farage, leaked inaccurate information to the BBC following that scandal, and was forced to resign. Paula Vennells presided over the Horizon scandal. Amanda Blanc, CEO of Aviva, once boasted that no senior non-diverse hire is made without her specific approval. And then, over at John Lewis, Dame Sharon White made herself wildly unpopular with the partners as she tried so very hard to trash the brand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Women now lead government departments, outpace men in education, fill boardrooms and courtrooms. Few would consider themselves victims of the patriarchy. Most of us want to live in a meritocracy, where the strongest candidate gets the job. But this isnt enough for the grievance grifters. If Emily Thornberry is, despite everything, a better candidate than any available male, so be it. But not because of her gender. 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. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) A Clarksburg man is set to spend several years behind bars after being convicted of staging multiple vehicle accidents and claiming the insurance money off of them. According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice, Jessie Levi Pumphrey, 31, of Clarksburg, was found guilty of working with others to stage multiple vehicle accidents in Preston County. Court documents said that after the accidents, Pumphrey and his associates then submitted false insurance claims for property damage and medical bills. 2 charged after report of missing child finds 3 children living in deplorable conditions Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pumphrey has been sentenced to 92 months (7.6 years) in federal prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case and the FBI and West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner Office of Inspector General investigated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Mrs. Potato Head statue is shown outside Hasbro Inc's headquarters on Newport Avenue in Pawtucket. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Pawtucket-based Hasbro Inc. will abandon its century-old Rhode Island roots with a move to the Boston Seaport by the end of 2026, the company announced Monday. The announcement cements the fate Rhode Island officials and business leaders have spent the last year trying to avoid by offering the iconic toymaker prime Providence real estate in the hopes of keeping its 1,000-person local workforce in Rhode Island. But the pull of Massachusetts, including state tax incentives, access to robust public transportation and partnerships with nearby academic institutions and businesses proved too strong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bostons thriving business community, deep academic partnerships and cultural vibrancy, together with our Seattle teams leadership in technology, creativity, and innovation, give Hasbro an unparalleled foundation for growth, Chris Cocks, Hasbro CEO, said in a statement. Together, these offices will fuel the next chapter of Hasbro. The toy and gaming empire said it plans to move to a 16-story laboratory building in the Boston Seaport, by the end of 2026. The lease for a 265,000 square feet spanning seven floors at 400 Summer St. in Boston will replace its present headquarters, a circa-1900 manufacturing building on Newport Avenue in Pawtucket. Cocks has already signaled his discontent with the Pawtucket space, saying it was showing its age in an internal email dating back to Sept. 16, first reported by the Boston Business Journal. Publicly released emails show Massachusetts state officials began courting Hasbro as early as April 2024, offering various tax incentives in the hopes of luring the company. Rhode Island leaders scrambled to put together a counteroffer, which included the opportunity for Hasbro to buy a prime piece of undeveloped land in the I-195 Redevelopment District for $1. But more sweeping tax incentives, similar to those pitched by Massachusetts officials, were never put on the table for the Rhode Island General Assembly to consider during its 2025 legislative session. Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien and city officials reportedly came up with their own proposal to keep Hasbro within the city, though details were never shared publicly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of Pawtucket did absolutely everything possible to keep Hasbro here, Grebien said in a statement Monday, expressing disappointment over the decision. We worked with highly respected architects and developers to put together a bold and comprehensive proposal to Hasbros leadership featuring a beautiful new headquarters on the banks of the Blackstone River, with direct pedestrian access to the new Tidewater entertainment district. Grebien pledged to work with city and state officials to develop a plan to revitalize the prime real estate in Pawtucket that will soon be vacated by Hasbro. Gov. Dan McKee sought to offer reassurance, touting the 36,000 new jobs and development created under his administration. Todays announcement does not impede Rhode Islands growth or economic success, McKee said in a statement Monday afternoon. Make no mistake: we are continuing to build on our progress and deliver good jobs for Rhode Islanders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, who met with Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey on Sept. 4, called Hasbros decision disappointing in a joint statement with Senate President Valarie Lawson. For decades, the Hassenfeld family created and ran a world-class global company, while giving back to the Rhode Island community through a strong commitment to philanthropy, they said. We will continue bringing people together and working hard to attract new businesses to invest in Rhode Island and maintain our ongoing dialogue with existing businesses in the state to expand and grow. House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale, a Foster Republican, offered a different take. We must stop chasing corporations with taxpayer-funded giveaways, focus on correcting what is driving this exodus, and improve our business climate for those that have invested in our state, Chippendale said. Good jobs for our residents and building a solid tax base depends on thoughtful action now. It requires leaders willing to change the status quo that will fight for reform, not just talk about it while clutching their pearls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the start of the year, Hasbros projected profit losses from President Donald Trumps tariffs appeared to keep a potential move at bay, with the company postponing its initial deadline for a decision. Second quarter earnings released on July 23 suggested the financial consequences of tariffs might not be as severe as initially feared, though Cocks did not address the potential relocation. Healey touted Hasbros decision in a win for Team Massachusetts in a statement on Monday. We are thrilled that Hasbro has chosen Massachusetts as the home of its new headquarters, and were ready to support the hundreds of jobs they will create here, Healey said. Were proud to welcome this iconic company to Team Massachusetts where we are number one for education, health care and innovation. Im grateful for the leadership of Chris Cocks and his team at Hasbro, and for the hard work of my economic development team that helped make this possible. Andrea Snyder, a spokesperson for Hasbro, declined to answer questions regarding details of the decision, including specific incentives Massachusetts has offered, and when the decision was made. Snyder instead referred back to the companys press release on the news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Boston Seaport office will house Hasbros corporate services, as well as its toy, board game and licensing arms. Its digital gaming business, which includes MAGIC: The Gathering, will remain at its present hub in Renton, Washington, which features 111,000 square feet and 500 employees. This story has been updated to include comments from Gov. Dan McKee, Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi,. Senate President Valarie Lawson and House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale. PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) Iconic Rhode Island toymaker Hasbro announced Monday the company will relocate its headquarters to Boston, a major blow to the states business community that state officials had feared for nearly a year. The company, which has been based in Pawtucket for the past century, said at least 700 full-time employees will be relocated from Rhode Island to Bostons Seaport district by the end of next year. The company has signed a lease to rent 265,000 square feet of space across seven floors of a building at 400 Summer St. Bostons thriving business community, deep academic partnerships and cultural vibrancy, together with our Seattle teams leadership in technology, creativity, and innovation, give Hasbro an unparalleled foundation for growth, Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hasbro spokesperson Andrea Snyder told 12 News the company will have no corporate footprint in Rhode Island once the relocation is complete. The Boston move is the next step in the companys play-driven, partner-focused Playing to Win strategy, Snyder said. We are thrilled that Hasbro has chosen Massachusetts as the home of its new headquarters, and were ready to support the hundreds of jobs they will create here, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement. Were proud to welcome this iconic company to Team Massachusetts where we are number one for education, health care and innovation. A video posted to Healeys social media accounts showed someone using one of Hasbros best-known products, Play-Doh, to spell out the words Welcome Hasbro. Gov. Dan McKees office responded a few hours after Hasbros announcement by releasing a statement that included 11 companies that have committed to add jobs in Rhode Island during his time in office. The largest were Fidelity Investments, listed as adding over 2,000 jobs, and Amazon, listed as adding about 1,500 after opening a distribution center in Johnston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with 12 News late Monday afternoon, McKee said he had received a call from Cocks office, though not Cocks himself, informing him about the decision. He characterized the loss of Hasbro as disappointing but not dire. Hasbro has been a very good partner for Rhode Island, so we respect that, McKee said. I believe that the decision was not correct. I think that Rhode Island is the place they should be. Yes, we would have preferred to have had Hasbro stay here, but the couple hundred jobs that may be leaving or transporting out of the state have certainly been offset by the thousands and thousands of jobs that weve added since Ive been governor, he added. In a joint statement, R.I. House Speaker Joe Shekarchi and Senate President Val Lawson called Hasbros decision very disappointing. Shekarchi and Lawson, like McKee, are Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, the Hassenfeld family created and ran a world-class global company, while giving back to the Rhode Island community through a strong commitment to philanthropy, the two legislative leaders said. They went on to say they would continue working to attract new businesses to Rhode Island and maintain our ongoing dialogue with existing ones. But House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale, one of the General Assemblys top Republicans, suggested the Hasbro decision is another sign that the economic strategy of the states dominant Democrats isnt working. Once again, Rhode Island is left watching a major legacy company leave our state despite costly efforts to lure and retain businesses with taxpayer-funded incentive packages, Chippendale said in a statement. This cycle repeats itself because our leaders fail to focus on improving our dismal, bottom-ranking business climate. Healey and other Massachusetts leaders have lobbied hard to lure Hasbro along with its hundreds of jobs and market cap of $11.2 billion north to the Boston area. The possibility of the companys departure for Greater Boston first came to light around this time last year, catching McKee and other Rhode Island leaders by surprise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State officials moved into high gear after that, eventually offering Hasbro prime land in downtown Providence as well as various other inducements. But people close to the situation appeared pessimistic about how seriously the company was considering the offer. On Friday, McKee told 12 News he hadnt talked to Cocks since around the July 9 death of Alan Hassenfeld, the former Hasbro CEO who was the final member of his family to play a role in running the company before he left its board last year. Weve done everything we can to keep them here, McKee said. If they decide to leave, you know, well wish them well. Hasbro is one of the largest commercial taxpayers in Pawtucket, which already lost its minor-league baseball team in 2019. In a statement, Mayor Don Grebien said he was deeply disappointed by Hasbros decision, saying that our hearts are broken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this decision was ultimately beyond our control, it is disheartening to see a company so deeply rooted in our community choose to turn its back on that history, Grebien said. This is a painful reality for the people of Pawtucket, who stood by Hasbro for over a century. We also empathize with the employees of Hasbro whose lives will be forever impacted by this decision. Grebien pointed to other positive developments happening in Pawtucket, such as the citys new soccer stadium and MBTA train station. As for Hasbros current campus on Newport Avenue, he said he would work with state leaders to create a plan to revitalize this prime real estate for exciting mixed-use development opportunities. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said that while he was disappointed to hear Hasbro was relocating to Boston rather than Provivdence, we remain proud of their deep Rhode Island roots. Hasbro is an iconic company that has achieved worldwide success and long contributed to our states economy and culture because of the talented Rhode Islanders who work there, Smiley said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Providence remains a thriving hub for business, innovation and creativity and my administration will continue to invest in making our city an attractive destination for companies looking to grow and succeed, he added. Hasbros leaders have been considering whether to leave Pawtucket for years. Prior to the pandemic, company officials had examined locations outside of the state while considering a change in headquarters under its previous CEO, Brian Goldner, who died in 2021. At the time, then-Gov. Gina Raimondo expressed confidence that the company would remain in Rhode Island, even if it didnt stay in Pawtucket specifically. Cocks, a Harvard graduate, succeeded Goldner in 2022 after serving as leader of the Hasbro division responsible for games like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons based in Seattle. He had little prior relationship with Rhode Island leaders, as officials struggled to get in touch with him after learning about the potential move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its statement announcing the relocation, Hasbro officials insisted their ties to Rhode Island remain strong. The company said it will continue providing financial support to Hasbro Childrens Hospital in Providence, owned by Brown Health. Hasbro is building a structure that strengthens speed, agility, and innovation, the company said. Boston and Seattle are two of the nations leading innovation and tech centers, serving as talent magnets that will help Hasbro harness the full power of the companys portfolio and unlock growth in both physical and digital play. R.I. Republican Party Chairman Joe Powers called the loss of Hasbro devastating. For more than a century, Hasbro has been a cornerstone of our economy and our identity, he said in a statement. To see them pack up and leave is a damning indictment of the state of affairs in Rhode Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ted Nesi (tnesi@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesis Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Bluesky and Facebook. 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. Eli Sherman (esherman@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and on Facebook. Tim White (twhite@wpri.com) is Target 12 managing editor and chief investigative reporter and host of Newsmakers for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and Facebook. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. 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. Hasbro moving headquarters to Boston from Rhode Island No, its not Santas workshop but one of the worlds most well-known makers of toys and games is moving to Boston. Hasbro will move its headquarters from Pawtucket, Rhode Island into a new seven-story, 265,000 square feet property on Summer Street in Bostons Seaport. Hasbro believes at least 700 full-time employees will move from Rhode Island to Massachusetts. We are thrilled that Hasbro has chosen Massachusetts as the home of its new headquarters, and were ready to support the hundreds of jobs they will create here, said Governor Healey. Were proud to welcome this iconic company to Team Massachusetts where we are number one for education, health care and innovation, and ranked the best state to live in, to raise a family, to be a woman and to be a working parent. Im grateful for the leadership of Chris Cocks and his team at Hasbro, and for the hard work of my economic development team that helped make this possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im delighted to welcome Hasbro to its new home in Boston, said Mayor Michelle Wu. The creativity and wonder at the heart of Hasbros work are also at the heart of our mission to make Boston a home for everyonethe safest major city in the country and the best place to raise a family, with opportunities for all to Connect(4) and Play(-Doh). We look forward to supporting Hasbros transition to Boston and partnership with the city. Not all were happy with the move, however. We are deeply disappointed that after more than 100 years of success here in Pawtucket, RI, Hasbro has decided to move its corporate headquarters to Boston, Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebian said. While this decision was ultimately beyond our control, it is disheartening to see a company so deeply rooted in our community choose to turn its back on that history. This is a painful reality for the people of Pawtucket, who stood by Hasbro for over a century. We also empathize with the employees of Hasbro whose lives will be forever impacted by this decision. Grebian says the city did everything possible to keep Hasbro there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee echoed similar sentiments. I believe that the decision was not correct, I think Rhode Island is a place they should be, he said. Hasbro says it intends to maintain a strong connection with the Ocean State by continually donating to Hasbro Childrens Hospital. Hasbro is the second major toy maker to announce plans to relocate to Boston in recent years. In 2023, LEGO announced they were shifting its headquarters from Enfield, Connecticut to Boston. The move is expected to be completed in 2026. Hasbros move to Boston is also expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Boston will anchor Hasbros East Coast operations while the companys Seattle location will continue to spearhead their digital gaming and technology operations, as well as popular card games like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bostons thriving business community, deep academic partnerships and cultural vibrancy, together with our Seattle teams leadership in technology, creativity, and innovation, give Hasbro an unparalleled foundation for growth, said Chris Cocks, CEO, Hasbro. Together, these offices will fuel the next chapter of Hasbro. 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 When Spc. Corey Del Rosario first joined the Hawaii Army National Guard, he did it largely because other members of his families had served in the military. I wasnt really doing anything at the time, he recalled. He enlisted for a three-year stint, serving as a mechanic for construction equipment. After three years in the guard he got out and figured that was it for him. Months went by, but then in August 2023 flames engulfed Maui and destroyed the town of Lahaina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guardsmen he had served with were called up to respond, searching the rubble in Lahaina to find the remains of those killed in the fire and other response efforts. Del Rosario said, I figured there was some way I could help. He initially reenlisted for one year. Since then, he has reenlisted for another six years and is working full time for the Hawaii National Guard as a mechanic at a motor pool maintaining vehicles, monthly training with his regular unit and has been trained for search-and-rescue operations. After a yearslong slump in efforts to recruit new guardsmen and retain old ones, the Hawaii Army National Guard is finally making its recruiting goals. Last month the Hawaii Army National Guard posted a video to its Facebook page that was sent to its recruiting team by the U.S. Army National Guards top enlisted man, Command Sgt. Maj. James B. Kendrick, in which he said, I understand that you have hit some numbers that Hawaii has not seen in several years, and right now, thats exactly what we need across the Army National Guard. You are doing your part to help us grow combat-ready soldiers and leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For fiscal year 2025, the Hawaii Army National Guard has as of press time exceeded its recruiting goal of 290 recruits with 305 enlistments and met its retention goal of getting at least 324 troops to renew contracts with 352 choosing to stay in the guard. Hawaii Army National Guard officials said that this year marks the first time in five years that it has made its fiscal year recruiting and retention goals. Its important so we can keep our force structure, said Lt. Col. Natalie Hayes, who leads the Hawaii Army National Guards recruiting and retention battalion. If we dont meet our retention and our recruiting numbers, units will go away, because were showing that we cant sustain them. The Hawaii Army National Guard is regularly called up for disaster response, including wildfires, floods and volcanic eruptions. It also played a central role in Hawaiis COVID-19 response, with an active task force until March 2022 that at its peak had more than 1, 300 guardsmen. The Hawaii Guard also plays an active role in national missions, with deployments across the globe and a small detachment currently on the southern U.S. border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody still has a reason of why they want to serve, said Sgt. Maj. Gary Cabacongan, who serves under Hayes and has done multiple stints as a recruiter throughout his time in the guard. It goes back to the basics. Its training, education, adventure, money, or service the country. So when you find that need behind the need, youll figure out where to go for that next route. Cabacongan said that when it comes to figuring out what will motivate a new recruit to join, you have to be a chameleon in this job. Pvt. Lily Latham, 18, is an Army brat who came to Hawaii with her parents and is following in their footsteps in the military. She just returned from training to be an intelligence analyst. She already has two associates degrees and is gearing up to attend the University of South Carolina, where she intends to double major in political science and German with a minor in historyand plans to go onto law school afterward. When asked about how shell balance the challenge of attending college in South Carolina while flying back to Hawaii for her monthly training, she said, I think that its exciting. I dont have a problem doing it. I think itll be fun to get a break from the mainland and get to come down here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said a love for the islands motivated her to pick the Hawaii National Guard, explaining Ive lived lots of places, and I felt like this is the most like, welcoming community of everywhere Ive lived. This is definitely my favorite place. Second Lt. Brianna Georgia, 30, joined the guard later in life. Shes a six-year veteran of the Honolulu Police Department who grew up in upstate New York and moved to the islands at age 19 in part to connect with her Native Hawaiian heritage. She had from the beginning hoped for a military career, but was turned down by each branch while she was in college on medical grounds because she had one kidney. But the Hawaii Guard granted her a waiver. Shes currently undergoing training as a logistics officer. A lot of the leaders that I looked up to when I was in college, in high school, were (veterans ). They said they had a (military ) career prior to their civilian career, Georgia said. So I want to gain leadership skills that you can only get in the Army in this high-stress environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023 the Hawaii Army National Guard fell short of its enlistment goal of 240, by 25, and its reenlistment goal of 403, by 77. In the 2024 fiscal year it fell short of a recruiting goal of 280, by 42, and its retention goal of 360, by 145. Recruiting numbers had been in a long slump nationally, and not just in Hawaii, as recruiters struggled to meet their numbers. The long, grinding post-9 /11 conflicts played a role. In August 2021 the bloody and chaotic evacuation that cost the lives of 13 U.S. troops and over 170 Afghan civilians shocked the nation. In Hawaii, the Red Hill water crisis the same year and its aftermathalong with other controversies around the military in the islandsalso have deepened public skepticism. A 2022 Gallup Poll found the publics trust in the military had dropped 8 % in just two years from 72 % in 2020 to 64 % in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But starting in late 2024, recruiting numbers began making their way back up. Hayes said that in Hawaii, the guard has been making an aggressive marketing blitz to get its name out on social media, and both sponsoring and hosting sporting events, as well as rolling out new benefits and incentives for new recruits. Cabacongan said that one major change has been that in the early days of the post-9 /11 years, recruits were often young men who sought combat roles and hoped to deploy to places like Iraq and Afghanistan. In more recent years, hes seen more recruits seeking technical training to support future careers. One draw in Hawaii is a newly minted college first package for recruits that creates a better chance for guardsmen to serve and train without getting their education disrupted. Hayes said in that package those that join the Guard, when they come back from basic training they will be stabilized so they wont mobilize. And that kind of helps people who are scared to join the military, or the parents who have anxiety. We just started that this year. Officials said the guard is trying to secure several other new benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were also working on our referral program for serv ice members and retirees, Hayes said. If they refer someone that joins the guard, they would get a $500 check from the state. When it comes to retention, the Hawaii Army Guard is also working to aggressively reach out to troops thinking about hanging up their boots to highlight potential retirement benefits for those who stay in longer. Hayes said we wanted to really show these to the service members, (their benefits ) that they might not know are available to them. In July the Hawaii Army Guard held a crossroads event, a massive fair with booths telling current guardsmen about their benefits as well as booths from employers helping them find civilian employment. Of the roughly 500 guardsmen who attended, 30 chose to extend their time in the service. This year the Hawaii Guard has been called up to assist with wildfires, and troops have gone overseas for training in the Philippines and Indonesia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the National Guard is also increasingly seeing itself drawn into controversy. During protests in Los Angeles against President Donald Trumps mass deportation push, he ordered that California National Guardsmen be federalized to support a crackdown against protestersagainst the wishes of California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Last week a federal judge ruled that Trumps mobilization of the National Guard in L.A. was illegal. Meanwhile Trump also has deployed National Guardsmen to D.C. and has vowed to send them to Chicago, as well as possibly to cities like Baltimore and Portland, Ore. In June, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green was one of 22 governors who issued a joint statement that called Trumps military deployment to L.A. an alarming abuse of power and asserted that Governors are the Commanders in Chief of their National Guard and the federal government activating them in their own borders without consulting or working with a states governor is ineffective and dangerous. In July, the governors office said that Green will require a briefing on the circumstances and the true need of any federal requests to activate the Hawaii National Guard before considering the deployment of soldiers, particularly law enforcement duties. Makana McClellan, Greens communications director, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in a statement that Green carefully considers all requests to activate the Hawaii National Guard, which can be made for specific crises. Though like other Governors, he feels the guard is most appropriately used for local state crises, guided by that states Governor. COURTESY HAWAII ISLAND POLICE Ludin Yorleny Pena Mirand COURTESY HAWAII ISLAND POLICE Ludin Yorleny Pena Mirand A 26-year-old Hawaii island woman was indicted Aug. 27 on nine counts of first-degree labor trafficking of children, the Department of the Attorney General announced last week. Ludin Yorleny Pena Miranda is accused of forcing minors to engage in labor or services. Hawaii County police arrested Miranda on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case is being prosecuted in Third Circuit Court. Labor trafficking in the first degree is a Class A felony punishable by 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $50, 000. Labor trafficking targets the most vulnerable people within our communities, including minors, Attorney General Anne Lopez said in a written statement. My office stands ready to work with our federal, state and county partners to investigate and prosecute human trafficking in any form. See more : 1 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 ? . KANSAS CITY, Mo. On Monday morning, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) requested that the Department of Housing and Urban Development launch an investigation into the unsafe living conditions reported by tenants at a Blue Springs apartment complex. In Hawleys letter to HUD Secretary Scott Turner, he stated the residents of the Villas of Autumn Bend have cited a number of unsanitary conditions, leading his staff to go to the property and investigate for themselves. FOX4 Problem Solvers spoke with one of residents who brought this to his attention, Crystal Martinez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I reached out to Missouri Housing. I reached out to HUD. I reached out to the attorney general. I reached out to many people, said Martinez. Hawley answered the call. [Tenants] cited sewage overflows, mold, and dirty ventilation systems, among other conditions, Hawley wrote. Upon invitation by tenants, my staff visited the Villas and confirmed that many units had visible mold infestations, unsanitary ventilation systems, broken plumbing, and sewage backups. Those health concerns persist for Martinez. Many of her belongings are still in boxes that should go in the basement. But since a sewage backup over Memorial Day weekend, Martinez avoids going down there because she believes it was never cleaned up properly by management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel frozen. I feel really gross dirty. I feel like I cant function, said Martinez. Martinez said she had an outside company confirm that more cleanup needs to be done. Her neighbor, Miranda Samuels, said she has unresolved leaks and mold. I felt really defeated, said Samuels. Its like everyone just cares how much money theyre bringing in, but weve lost sight of humanity. And thats really sad. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri After documenting the living conditions, Hawley insisted that HUD investigate the property, review its compliance status and take appropriate means of enforcement by Oct. 8, exactly one month from his letter, if violations are confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously, in 2020, Hawley introduced The Bad Landlord Database Act, which is a piece of legislation aimed at cracking down on landlords who fail to uphold basic living standards for their tenants. This act requires HUD to create a comprehensive database of terminations of contracts with landlords who violate Housing Assistance Payments contracts and ensures that local public housing authorities report bad landlords to HUD. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV He continued, The tenants of the Villas of Autumn Bend deserve to live in conditions that meet the basic standards guaranteed by federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To read Hawleys full letter, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. A Worcester City Councilors court hearing to dismiss charges against her has been rescheduled. District 5 Councilor Etel Haxhiaj was charged on June 4 with one misdemeanor count of assault and battery on a police officer and one common law violation for interfering with a police officer. The charges stem against Haxhiajs actions on May 8, where she confronted and protested Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Eureka Street in Worcester. The agents were arresting 40-year-old Rosane Ferreira-De Oliveira, a Brazilian mother of three. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A hearing for a motion to dismiss the charges was originally scheduled for Sept. 15 but has since been rescheduled to Sept. 25, according to court filings. Haxhiaj declined to comment about the case and the rescheduling on Monday. Her lawyer, Elizabeth K. Halloran of the Worcester-based law firm, Tansley|Halloran, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday. The councilor was one of many people who confronted and protested ICE agents during their arrest of Ferreira-De Oliveira on Eureka Street on May 8. Police body camera footage released by the city shows the councilor grabbing the 40-year-olds arm and pleading with the agents to not take her. Two of the ICE agents flung Haxhiaj off of Ferreira-De Oliveira. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage from Officer Shauna McGuirks body camera shows Haxhiaj and Ferreira-De Oliveiras daughter, Augusta Clara Moura, standing by a gold SUV. ICE agents had put Ferreira-De Oliveira inside of the vehicle during the arrest. McGuirks footage has audio of the agents and McGuirk telling both Haxhiaj and Clara Moura to move away from the SUV. McGuirk then grabbed Clara Mouras arm, telling her she needed to come on. Clara Moura looked down at her arm and said, No, no, no, no. The officer then let go of her arm and an agent warned Clara Moura and Haxhiaj that they both could be charged. Haxhiaj responded, I dont understand, and told McGuirk that she had the right to be there as a district councilor. Eureka Street is part of Worcesters District 5, which Haxhiaj represents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McGurik then pulled Haxhiaj away from the vehicle by her back, resulting in Haxhiajs hands pushing against her body. Do not touch me! Haxhiaj yelled as she was pulled away from the SUV. Just four days after the ICE operation, Worcester police filed a criminal complaint against Haxhiaj. Bossolt requested a show-cause hearing on three charges against Haxhiaj, according to the application. Bossolt asked that the councilor be charged with two counts of assault and battery on a police officer and one count of interfering with a police officer. Haxhiaj pushed P.O. McGuirk in the chest, the filing reads. Haxhiaj pulled P.O. McGuirks arm as she was making an arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 23, Haxhiaj appeared in court, entered a not guilty plea and was released on her own personal recognizance. Following her hearing, Haxhiaj spoke to supporters outside of the courthouse. I am resolute and unapologetic in maintaining my innocence, Haxhiaj told her supporters. The overwhelming number of Worcester residents and Americans across the country are opposed to armed masked men snatching our people off the streets and neighborhoods, terrifying mothers, children, fathers, families and whole communities. Ashley Spring, a former school committee candidate is also scheduled to have a motion to dismiss hearing on Sept. 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spring, who uses they/them pronouns, was one of the protesters at the Eureka Street arrest and sprayed water from a baby bottle onto a police officer as they were arresting Ferreria-De Oliveiras 17-year-old daughter. They were charged on May 9 with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon with police writing in their report that they sprayed an unknown liquid. In footage from body cameras worn by police officers at the scene, however, Officer Juan Vallejo stated that the liquid was, in fact, water. The charge was ultimately dropped by the Northwest District Attorneys office on July 23. Spring was also charged with assault and battery on a police officer, disorderly conduct and interfering with police officers. The motion to dismiss involves these charges. More Worcester Stories Read the original article on MassLive. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Puerto Rico on Monday as the U.S. steps up its military operations against drug cartels in the Caribbean. Their arrival in the U.S. territory comes more than a week after ships carrying hundreds of U.S. Marines deployed to Puerto Rico for a training exercise, a move that some on the island have criticized. Puerto Ricos Gov. Jenniffer Gonzalez said Hegseth and Caine visited on behalf of President Donald Trumps administration to support those participating in the training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navy amphib readiness dips as sailors, Marines deploy for Caribbean We thank President Trump and his administration for recognizing the strategic importance of Puerto Rico to U.S. national security and for their fight against drug cartels and the narco-dictator Nicolas Maduro, Gonzalez said. Hegseth and Caine met with officials at the 156th Wing Muniz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, a city just east of the capital of San Juan. Gonzalez said Hegseth spoke to nearly 300 soldiers at the base and thanked those he described as American warriors for their work. The visit comes as the U.S. prepares to deploy 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico for operations targeting drug cartels, a person familiar with the planning said Saturday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because information about the deployments has not been made public. Tensions escalating On Sept. 2, Trump announced that the U.S. carried out a strike in the southern Caribbean against a vessel that had left Venezuela and was suspected of carrying drugs. Eleven people were killed in the rare U.S. military operation in the Caribbean, with the president saying the vessel was operated by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago praised the strike and said the U.S. should kill all drug traffickers violently, reaction from other Caribbean leaders has been more subdued. Barbadian Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds recently told The Associated Press that members of Caricom, a regional trade bloc, sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking for an open line of communication on developments. He said they want to avoid being surprised by any U.S. moves against Venezuela. Rubio says US military strikes on drug smugglers will happen again Meanwhile, Venezuelas government on Monday insisted that the U.S. is falsely accusing it of playing a crucial role in the global drug trade. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez told reporters the U.S. government should redirect its recently deployed maritime force to the Pacific, where fast boats and container ships have long carried Colombian cocaine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those ships that are trying to intimidate Venezuela today should be there in the Pacific if they truly wanted to fight and prevent cocaine from reaching the United States of America, she said. They have a GPS location problem. Theyre where they shouldnt be. They need to calibrate their GPS. Rodriguez, citing reports from the United Nations and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, added that Venezuela has absolutely nothing to do with the deaths of (U.S.) citizens from drug overdoses as the country is not relevant in global drug production. She suggested the U.S. should focus on fighting consumption within its borders. Theres a lot of hypocrisy, a lot of double standards, a lot of political manipulation of this issue to attack, to intervene, to aim for regime change in countries that arent sympathetic, she said, referring to drug trafficking. No to War The ongoing training of the Marines in Puerto Rico and the upcoming deployment of fighter jets have rankled some in the U.S. territory, where the memories of the U.S. Navy using nearby islands as training ranges for decades remains fresh, with the cleanup still ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The April 1999 death of civilian security guard David Sanes Rodriguez sparked large protests at the time, eventually leading to the U.S. military leaving the island. Rodriguez was killed after two 500-pound bombs were dropped near him as part of a training mission in Vieques. On Sunday, dozens of people gathered at the National Guard base in Carolina to decry the heightened U.S. military presence on the island. They held signs that said, No to War and No to military bases in P.R. Organizers also warned against the use of Puerto Rico as a staging ground for potential U.S. military actions in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We denounce the existence of military bases in Puerto Rico, said Sonia Santiago Hernandez, founder of Mothers Against War. Gonzalez has dismissed those concerns, saying that Puerto Rico is playing an important role in Trumps ongoing fight against drug trafficking since it represents a U.S. border in the Caribbean. She also has noted that the ongoing training of Marines involves logistics exercises and no ammunition. Marines in Puerto Rico Siul Lopez, a spokesman for Puerto Ricos National Guard, told The AP that a group of Marines currently training on the island are not tied to the U.S. maritime force recently deployed to Caribbean waters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing has nothing to do with another, he said, adding that the training in Puerto Rico was pre-planned. Lopez said he did not know when exactly the training exercise in Puerto Rico was first planned but noted that such exercises are usually planned about a year in advance. He said the training began on Aug. 31 but that he does not know when it will end, nor how many Marines are involved. He said they are practicing amphibious maneuvers with a variety of vehicles. Meanwhile, Gonzalez said last week that she estimates more than 1,000 Marines were on the island. USS Iwo Jima leaves Norfolk again after returning to avoid storm Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Marine Corps issued a statement on Aug. 31 noting that Marines and sailors from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit would be conducting amphibious training and flight operations in southern Puerto Rico. The challenging terrain and tropical climate of Puerto Rico provides an ideal environment for the 22nd MEU to conduct realistic amphibious training and hone specialized skills such as patrolling, reconnaissance and survival techniques, ensuring a high level of readiness while forward deployed, the Marine Corps said in a statement. It wasnt immediately clear how long Hegseth and Caine planned to stay in Puerto Rico, or if they planned to visit other sites while on the island. Lopez, the National Guards spokesman, declined to comment on specifics of the visit. Associated Press reporter Will Weissert in Washington D.C., Regina Garcia Cano in Caracas and AP videographer Alejandro Granadillo in San Juan, Puerto Rico, contributed. Supporters of the DACA program rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court, circa 2023. (Photo by Robin Bravender / States Newsroom) New Mexico Democratic U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan joined more than 40 Senate Democrats in calling upon U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to make clear that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients have protection from deportation. DACA is a status conferred through a 2012 federal law that affords immigrants who were brought to the United States as children protection, also known as dreamers, from being deported for renewable two-year periods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a news release, the Sept. 3 letter to Noem stems from a statement made by DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, in which she said, Illegal aliens who claim to be recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are not automatically protected from deportation. The senators letter notes that, DACA was created to provide protections from immigration enforcement for certain noncitizens brought to the United States as children, also known as Dreamers, who undergo strict background checks and meet specific educational or work requirements. In contrast to Ms. McLaughlins puzzling statement, public DHS guidance makes clear that DACA holders are not considered to be unlawfully present in the United States and that [a]n individual who has received deferred action is authorized by DHS to be in the United States for the duration of the deferred action period. The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico recently sued Noem and other federal and local officials over the arrest and indefinite detention of a DACA recipient in a state immigrant detention facility. The letter urges Noem to correct McLaughlins statement to accurately reflect DACA and ensure that DHS recognizes and abides by the protections of DACA moving forward. Heinrich, Lujan and other Senate Democrats also sent a letter earlier this year to the Trump administration pushing for it to reopen applications for DACA status, following a court ruling that paved the way for them to resume. In July, Heinrich introduced legislation to protect DACA recipients private information. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Democrat Helena Foulkes is set to kick off her second campaign for governor on Tuesday, making another attempt to wrest the partys nomination from incumbent Dan McKee after a close race in 2022. The 61-year-old former CVS executive has been preparing for another gubernatorial bid nearly since her loss in 2022, when she came within about 3,000 votes of beating McKee after a late wave of momentum in the final stretch. The Foulkes campaign sent out a media advisory Monday, saying she would have a major announcement at noon Tuesday at the Roger Williams Park Casino in Providence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Helena Buonanno Foulkes will make a major announcement about the challenges and opportunities facing Rhode Island, Foulkes aides wrote. Her campaign also sent out a mass email to family and friends on Sunday inviting them to attend the event. Helena would be truly honored to have you join her for a special event, the email said. No public polling has been conducted in the Democratic primary yet. While most surveys have shown McKee struggling with low job approval ratings among the general electorate, his allies have pointed out his numbers among self-identified Democrats are stronger. Foulkes has been fundraising aggressively to build up a war chest for the 2026 race. She had $2.1 million on hand as of June 30, more than double the $879,000 that McKee had as of that date, according to their latest filings with the R.I. Board of Elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McKees campaign team has signaled they plan to hit back hard at Foulkes, particularly over a federal lawsuit filed against CVS over its handling of the opioid crisis during a period that included her time leading the Woonsocket-based health giants retail division. However, McKees political operation is also dealing with its own turbulence, following the unexpected departure of his campaign manager after fewer than three months on the job. In an interview Monday with 12 News, McKee shrugged off the challenge from Foulkes. When people hear about all the work that were doing, including the thousands of new jobs that have been added and the millions of square feet that have been added to the mix in Rhode Island, people will understand that were going to stay the course and thats what were working on, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One major question about Foulkes second campaign is what issues she will make the focus of her pitch. She has spoken out about planned cuts at the R.I. Public Transit Authority and recently spoke at a rally against the potential closing of the birthing center at Newport Hospital. (The hospital has since announced it will not close the center). Foulkes was a first-time candidate when she ran in 2022, but she was no stranger to politics. A member of the politically prominent Buonanno family in Providence, Foulkes is the niece of former Connecticut U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd. Her late mother, Martha Dodd Buonanno, was a college roommate and lifelong friend of Nancy Pelosi, who has headlined several political events for Foulkes over recent years. At the State House, Foulkes served on former Gov. Lincoln Chafees transition team and was his initial vice-chair of the R.I. Economic Development Corporation. She resigned in May 2012 amid a dispute with Chafee over how he handled the collapse of 38 Studios, Curt Schillings video-game company, having co-authored a critical memo to Chafee about his leadership two months earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has also faced criticism for making occasional political donations to Republicans, including a 2014 contribution to U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, which she has since said she regrets. It remains unclear if McKee and Foulkes will be the only candidates in the Democratic primary. House Speaker Joe Shekarchi who has nearly $4 million in his campaign account is considering a run but hopes union leaders will push McKee out of the race to clear the field. Attorney General Peter Neronha is also toying with the idea. Eli Sherman and Lauren Brill contributed to this report. Ted Nesi (tnesi@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesis Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Bluesky and Facebook. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. 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. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) Helping Hearts of Florida is hosting a free Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance event on Saturday, October 4, 2025. According to organizers, this memorial event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Pavilion at Papa Joes Bayside. This will be a gathering for parents, families, friends, and health care providers to connect and remember their babies in a visible and loving way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 1988, the month of October has been recognized nationally as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. The event will include a variety of activities: Presentation of baby names Moments of silence Donuts and coffee Childrens activities Community resource table Symbolic remembrance walk Any family that would like to attend can RSVP here or register their babys name on the form 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 mypanhandle.com. Henrico Commonwealths Attorney Shannon Taylor has entered the race for Virginias 1st Congressional District seat. The 2026 race has a crowded field, with nine other Democrats also seeking to unseat incumbent Republican Rob Wittman, who has held the position since 2007. The district includes parts of Henrico as well as James City County, York County and Williamsburg. Taylor ran for Virginia attorney general this year, but narrowly lost in the Democratic primary to former Del. Jay Jones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nothing has changed, Taylor said in an interview. It is still the same desire. There is still a need to protect the Virginians of the First Congressional District from acts like Rob Wittman voting for this disastrous budget bill. Wittman voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, though he initially signed on to a letter to House leadership expressing concerns about cuts to Medicaid. Democrats think that vote might make Wittmans seat more vulnerable. (Wittman) has come to represent everything thats wrong with DC politicians, and he has made himself uniquely vulnerable by rubberstamping a politically toxic agenda that is only making life harder for working families, said Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Eli Cousin. The district has historically leaned Republican, with Wittman besting Democratic challenger Leslie Mehta with 56% of the vote last year. President Donald Trump won the district by 4.8% in 2024, compared with 13.1% in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor said her time on the campaign trail for attorney general leading up to the June primary offered her name recognition and the opportunity to engage with voters, including in those in the 1st District. What were talking about is having a candidate like myself, who is a proven winner, a proven leader, who has strong name ID because of what I was just doing for the last six plus months, she said. Im a known entity, and so with that established relationship, and folks who know that when I say that Im going to do something I follow through on it, I think it is that level of comfort that voters can get behind a candidate. Taylor also has the backing of Democrats such as U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine. Since 2012, Shannon has worked to keep the residents of Henrico safe by prosecuting murders, drug dealers, and fraudsters, and standing up for victims and their families, Kaine said in a statement. As a friend of Shannons for more than 15 years, Im proud to endorse her as she runs to serve as an independent leader in Congress for her community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Republican Congressional Committee called Taylor a soft on crime radical who will struggle to distinguish herself in a crowded field of out of touch Democrats. Taylors record of endangering Virginians by advocating for pro-criminal policies like ending mandatory minimum sentences and cash bail is an absolute nonstarter, said NRCC spokesperson Reilly Richardson. Voters know Taylor is too radical for Virginia, which is why theyll once again choose Rob Wittman next November. Other Democrats already in in the race: Timothy Cywinski, Sean Sublette, Ericka Kopp, Ata-Ul-Salaam Bhatti, James Michael Shea, Andrew Lucchetti, Melvin Tull, Lisa Khanna and Amanda Pohl. Kate Seltzer, kate.seltzer@virginiamedia.com, (757)713-7881 Tawana Williams comes from a legacy steeped in journalism, activism, and public service. Growing up in that environment gave her an early grasp of how power works, who holds it, and how it affects everyday lives. Her father, Earl Morgan, was a legendary political investigative reporter and columnist for The Jersey Journal, a man so deeply respected in Jersey City that a local library now bears his name. Williams said politics wasnt just a topic at the family dinner table; it was the main course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We watched PBS during dinner, she recalls. I thought it was normal for everyone to know who the Speaker of the House was, or to be able to name the majority whip and minority whip at any given time. She has channeled her upbringing and created a curriculum called Civics for the Emerging Activist to help people and communities understand the governing framework that shapes their lives. Civics is essential because it empowers people, she said. It teaches them their rights, how power is structured, and how to hold elected officials accountable. Without that knowledge, were flying blind. Williams, 55, is a lifelong Jersey City resident and former social worker who has been married for 33 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She sees her mission as a civics educator as an urgent one in todays political climate. She is especially concerned amid discussions of federal troops or the National Guard being deployed to urban areas, including potentially New Jersey. Weve already seen them sent into Los Angeles and D.C., she said. And when that happens, it puts more people at risk especially folks with mental health conditions or who are unhoused. These are people who might not be able to comply with curfews or commands. And those situations can turn deadly, fast. Williams has seen this firsthand. One of her childhood friends, Andrew Jerome Washington, was killed by the police in his home while experiencing a mental health crisis. Toni Ervin, Washingtons aunt, said Tawana is a lifelong friend who helped her understand the bigger picture around social injustice and policing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She explained our constitutional rights, after the shooting, she said. It made me realize how important it is to look beyond local policies and understand our rights under the Constitution. Williams journey into teaching civics began not in a classroom, but in a moment of personal frustration. Her cousin, Ryan Strothers then a manager at a local Extra Supermarket gave her the push she needed to get started. I used to complain a lot about the lack of civics education, she said. My cousin finally got tired of hearing it and challenged me to stop talking and start teaching. He gave me office space and told me to make a flyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To her surprise, three local activists showed up to that first class, which covered the Bill of Rights. What started as an experiment quickly became a movement. They told me they didnt even understand terms like Speaker of the House or committee person, she said. Thats when I realized we needed a class just on the roles and responsibilities of elected officials. When teaching children, she looks for ways to make abstract concepts relatable. Ill say things like, The First Amendment means you have the right to complain. I keep it funny and real. That way, it sticks. Kids understand a lot more than we give them credit for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of her most powerful teaching moments came in a fourth-grade class in Montclair. I was teaching about cruel and unusual punishment, she said. A little boy raised his hand and asked, Miss Williams, if thats unconstitutional, how can we have the death penalty? I had no answer. He was right. That moment stuck with me because that child understood something most adults havent even questioned. For Williams, everything comes back to one principle: Civics is power. Despite its origins in a time of slavery and exclusion, Williams believes the Constitution remains relevant today. Those founders even though they were slaveholders had lived through religious, class, and political persecution. Thats what led to the Bill of Rights, she said. If people really knew their constitutional rights, theyd be outraged right now. Ande Richards Stories by Ande Richards Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ande Richards may be reached at arichards@njadvancemedia.com. Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom. Read the original article on NJ.com. I grew up in a house where nothing German was allowed. So reads the first line of Jonathan Freedlands magnificent The Traitors Circle. He goes on to explain that this was an edict from his mother, Sara, not just because of the Holocaust but also because her own mother had been killed by the last V2 rocket to fall on London in March 1945. According to Sara, the Germans were a guilty nation, every last one of them implicated in the wickedest crime of the 20th century. This book is perhaps Freedlands way of disproving the every last one of them aspect. It tells the story of the Solf Circle, an informally organised group of German intellectuals involved in the resistance against the Nazis, founded in 1936 by Hanna Solf after the death of her husband, Wilhelm, a former ambassador to Japan under the Weimar Republic. Their circle was not so much an active resistance organisation as a band of like-minded men and women who convened to discuss the iniquities of the Nazi regime: both membership and meetings seem to have been rather ad hoc. One meeting in particular, however, was fateful a tea party in September 1943, which one of the circles number, actually a secret informer, reported to the Gestapo, leading many of those present to be imprisoned in Ravensbruck concentration camp, or worse. Ravensbruck concentration camp, to which some of the Solf Circle were sent - Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images The books set-up clear location, colourful characters, clandestine villain is very much that of a thriller, and Freedland, who has penned nine adult novels (mainly under the pseudonym Sam Bourne), along with non-fiction works such as the Auschwitz breakout story The Escape Artist (under his own name), writes with verve and pace. Section headings The Guests, After The Party, Prisoners, The Trial, Punishment, After the War, The Traitor are punchy and no-nonsense. Most of the 74 chapters are short; many end on a cliffhanger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freedland captures the all-pervasive paranoia of the time wonderfully, outlining the rich pickings to be had among the curtain-twitching class, the gossips, busybodies and nosy parkers who voluntarily acted as the eyes and ears of the state out of a sense of duty. Of people seeing a neighbour or workmate taken away by the Gestapo, he describes a blend of relief that it was not them and fear that they would be next. This inculcates a survival instinct which is stronger in some than others: one of the protagonists skips the tea party in question after heeding her sixth sense that somethings wrong. And Freedland draws those protagonists with stylish, economic brushstrokes. We meet said tea partys host, Elisabeth von Thadden, the aristocratic head of a girls boarding school; Otto Kiep, a suave diplomat who had been posted to Washington and New York between 1927 and 1933; Maria von Maltzan, a staggeringly brave countess who uses her apartment to hide Jews (nicknamed U-Boats, as they had to remain silent and hidden to avoid detection); Paul Reckzeh, a handsome young doctor with links to exiled opposition groups in Switzerland; former tax minister Arthur Zarden and his daughter Irmgard; and the sophisticated and well-travelled Solfs themselves, Hanna and her daughter Lagi. These are men and women drawn from the elite, all well-connected and with plenty to lose. They could have kept their heads down and stayed safe, seeing out the war with their lives and their families intact, Freedland writes. Instead, they took action they did not need to take, helped people they could have brushed off, told truths they could so easily have ignored. For each of them, Nazism was an abomination: not just evil in itself, but a betrayal of the principles on which modern Germany had been founded. Its testament to Freedlands skill that if you go in blind you will be not only trying to work out who the mole is ahead of time, but also desperately hoping that it wont be one of those characters who youve admired and rooted for: especially since that mole is working for Herbert Lange, a man unconscionably brutal even by Nazi standards. Before becoming a criminal investigator in the Reich Main Security Office, Lange was commandant of Chelmno extermination camp, oversaw the murder of Jews in the Lodz Ghetto, and ordered the killings of thousands of mentally ill and disabled patients during the Aktion T4 involuntary euthanasia programme. Herbert Lange was an SS officer who oversaw Chelmno extermination camp during the Second World War - Muzeum Okregowe Konin The betrayal of the Solf Circle takes place less than halfway through the book, but this in no way diminishes the power of the subsequent narrative, which is dotted with resonant moments of bravery and defiance. Irmgard, held at Sachsenhausen concentration camp, refuses to go to the bomb shelter during Allied air raids because this petrifies her Gestapo guards; Lagi, when given the choice between incriminating her fellow conspirators or seeing her own mother be killed, is unflinching in her answer. In Ravensbruck, two of the circle keep their love alive through memories of Thornton Wilders The Bridge of San Luis Rey: There is a land of the living and a land of the dead and the bridge is love, the only survival, the only meaning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two characters are executed following trials in the Peoples Court, an institution whose motto, Justice is whatever serves the Fuhrer, Freedland describes in a desiccated understatement as a novel approach to jurisprudence. One of them accepts her fate with transcendent calm, something you might even call rapture as if slowly slipping the bonds of earth. The other is meticulous to the end: informed that he has half an hour to write a final letter, he spends the first 10 minutes making notes, before finishing the letter bang on the 30-minute deadline. Its sangfroid which calls to mind the Marquis de Favras, who upon reading his death warrant during the French Revolution supposedly remarked, I see that you have made three spelling mistakes. Nazi Germany remains a source of endless fascination to writers and readers alike: a dozen books about the subject have been reviewed this year in this newspaper alone. The grim appeal comes from a mix of Hitlers ruthless racial hatred, his mastery of propaganda, and the fact that all this happened in one of the worlds most advanced, cultured and influential nations: the country of Bach and Brecht, of Goethe and Gropius, of Schiller and Schopenhauer. But maybe the interest endures above all because we fear that something similar could one day happen again. The questions confronting the rebels, Freedland says, echo down the decades, [and] some of them reverberate especially loudly at this moment. The more we can understand what drove both Nazi ideology and the response of the German public, the better equipped well be to head off any recurrence. How thin is the line between existence and acquiescence? Why do some people collaborate while others resist? Anyone who has stared hard into the abyss of [that period], Freedland writes, has surely asked themselves one question above all: what would I have done? Most of us like to think that we would have been one of the rebels or refusers, that we would have been brave. But the statistics suggest that most of us would not. Almost all of us would have stayed silent. Jonathan Freedland believes the questions confronting the rebels, echo down the decades, [and] some of them reverberate especially loudly at this moment - Philippa Gedge Lagi, writing after the war had ended, was cynical about humanitys capacity to seek a better future. I do not want to think of the past, because it has lost its meaning. The world has learnt nothing from it: neither slaughterers, nor victims, nor onlookers. Our time is like a dance of death whose uncanny rhythm is understood by few. Everyone whirls confusedly without seeing the abyss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Freedland is more positive, and concludes this important and impressive book believing that the examples of the Solf Circle can act as a beacon shining through the decades. When their country was in the grip of a terrible darkness, these men and women risked everything to break ranks and say no. By their choice, they set an example that lives on down the generations. When the moment came, they dared to be traitors not to their country, but to tyranny. The Traitors Circle is published by John Murray at 25. To order your copy for 19.99, call 0330 173 5030 or visit Telegraph Books Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. At a Tel Aviv conference, President Isaac Herzog and others urged an urgent state inquiry into October 7, calling it essential for accountability and healing. President Isaac Herzog stated that a state commission of inquiry needs to be established into the October 7 massacre, arguing it is the "right path," which must be done "urgently." These comments came at a conference organized by the October Council, a forum of hostages' families and bereaved families, in Tel Aviv on Sunday, titled "Two Years Without Answers," which was attended by Herzog, hostage and bereaved families, wounded IDF soldiers, Gaza border community residents, former Israel Police commissioner Roni Alsheikh, former justice ministers Dan Meridor and Meir Sheetrit, as well as others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Participants at the conference discussed how to move forward in their push for a state commission of inquiry against political figures, who they claimed were attempting to block it. "The October 7 massacre is a national disaster in every sense of the word, first and foremost a brutal and barbaric attack by a vile terrorist organization," Herzog commented. One of the goals behind establishing a Jewish State of Israel was "so we could defend ourselves, prevent, warn, and repel every enemy," Herzog said, affirming his belief that this is the responsibility of the state. October Council founding member Rafi Ben Shitrit addresses the council's conference in Tel Aviv, September 7, 2025. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90) Herzog also addressed the bereaved families in attendance, saying that the massacre was "not inevitable" and that it "could and should have been prevented." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission is key to identifying the root causes of the failures on that day and addressing them so that they will not recur, Herzog said. In his view, Herzog told the conference participants that not establishing a state commission would be a grave mistake. "A commission of inquiry is not only a professional tool but also an opportunity for correction, healing, and the beginning of the recovery process that Israeli society and the families who lost their loved ones so desperately need," he added. Rafi Ben Shitrit, former Beit She'an mayor, founding member of the October Council, and father of St.-Sgt. Alroy Ben Shitrit, who fell defending the Nahal Oz outpost from Hamas terror infiltrators, also spoke at the conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He denounced his "brothers and sisters in Likud," asking how they can, in his opinion, continue "lending a hand to attempts to evade responsibility" and for continuing to "remain silent and back a policy of denial and concealment." "Certain figures are being smeared to clear others," Alsheikh told the crowd, referring to investigations against then-Shin Be (Israel Security Agency) chief Ronen Bar. Bar was "among the first to take responsibility and admit failure," Alsheikh noted, adding that "the damage to the security system is catastrophic across the board in the police, in the Shin Bet, and extending into the army." Meridor called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government the "most failed government in the history of Israel, which brought upon us the greatest disaster in Israel's history, and continues to sink into the mud." Inquiry is 'not an option; it is an obligation,' former justice minister Dan Meridor states Meridor also called for the establishment of a state inquiry, noting that it is "not an option; it is an obligation." As an example, he referred to the commission inquiry into the 1982 Sabra and Shatila massacre in Beirut during the First Lebanon War, noting that then-prime minister Menachem Begin resigned "because he felt the pain and responsibility." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Meridor's opinion, this highlights the "absence of leadership we see today." Sheetrit directly addressed Netanyahu in their speech, asking, "What are you afraid of?" "If everything is fine and you simply were not woken up in the morning," as Netanyahu has repeatedly claimed, "then tell that to the commission," Sheetrit demanded. "If you knew nothing about the Qatari money, say that," he added, referring to the ongoing "Qatargate" investigation into corruption in the Prime Minister's Office. "If you have nothing to fear, then establish a commission of inquiry. But apparently, you do have something to fear," Sheetrit alleged. Crimean Tatar political prisoner Yashar Shykhametov has lost 30 kg (about 66 lb) since being sentenced to imprisonment in a Russian penal colony, and his joints are so badly damaged that he is almost unable to walk. Source: Crimean Solidarity Human Rights Movement, citing the prisoners wife, Liliia Shykhametova Details: Shykhametov was previously held in a medical facility in Saratov, in Russias southwest, but in early summer he was transferred to prison before doctors could provide the treatment he needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is now serving his sentence in Penal Colony IK-37 in the village of Yaya, Kemerovo Oblast, Siberia. Liliia said her husband has been granted an additional two hours of daytime rest, a hard bed, and slippers [since he is unable to wear shoes for medical reasons ed.]. The political prisoner has been exempted from work and is scheduled to receive medical treatment and disability certification. Shykhametov said he suffers from worn intervertebral discs, the destruction of his hip and knee joints, heart problems, suspected diabetes, poor hearing and vision, high blood pressure and kidney stones. "I feel severe pain when walking or sitting. Thats why I can hardly walk," he said. "If I walk, I use crutches. It takes me two and a half hours to walk 50 metres. After walking I am in a lot of pain everywhere and I have to take painkillers. Because I have stomach ulcers, the medicine makes my stomach hurt." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shykhametov has appealed to the administration of Penal Colony IK-37 to be transferred to hospital for treatment and certified as disabled. He also said that if he were given a wheelchair, it would increase his mobility and reduce the pain he experiences because of walking. Russian security forces opened a criminal case against Yashar Shykhametov and five other Crimean Tatars in February 2021 following mass raids in several districts of the peninsula. Shykhametov was accused of involvement in the activities of the Hizb ut-Tahrir party, which is banned in Russia but legal in Ukraine and many other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian secret services claim that while working in a cafe, Shykhametov engaged in "ideological work" and "anti-constitutional activity" by attending gatherings and recruiting new supporters. The main evidence in the case came from "secret witnesses" who, according to Shykhametovs lawyer, may not even have known the political prisoner. Quote from lawyer Oleksii Ladin: "The answers to the prosecutions questions [during cross-examination] were standard ones, but when questioned by the defence, the witnesses replied: 'I dont remember.' It is obvious to us that the secret witnesses did not know Shykhametov for a number of objective reasons. They claim to have gone to his cafe for two years, but they couldnt remember what it was called, when the name is written in large letters above the entrance." Details: In September 2022, the Russians sentenced Shykhametov to 11 years imprisonment in a penal colony, with the first four years to be served under harsher conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For reference: Hizb ut-Tahrir is an international Islamic political party that Russia has declared a terrorist organisation. Many Crimean Tatar political prisoners are accused of involvement in this movement on the basis of fabricated evidence. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A car was pushed into a Portland home late Sunday night after a driver careened off the road, authorities said. Just after 11:30 p.m., Portland Fire & Rescue said they responded to a Southeast Portland home where a vehicle had gone into the kitchen, Fire officials said that it happened after a pickup truck, traveling at high speeds, veered off the road, became airborne, and crashed into a car parked in the driveway, pushing it into the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The car hit the kitchen and then came to a rest beneath the first floor, hanging into the basement, officials said. A car was pushed into a SE Portland home after a high-speed crash (PF&R) A car was pushed into a SE Portland home after a high-speed crash (PF&R) A car was pushed into a SE Portland home after a high-speed crash (PF&R) A car was pushed into a SE Portland home after a high-speed crash (PF&R) The driver of the truck got out of the truck safely and was taken to a hospital for treatment. According to Portland police, impairment was a factor in the crash. The occupants of the home are displaced due to the crash until repairs can be made, officials said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Americas fastest train has arrived. NextGen Acela made its public debut on August 27, delivering modern design, more seats and an enhanced passenger experience. Hailed as a leap forward for high-speed rail in America, it is, in truth, more of a half-step. The new trains siblings to Frances iconic TGVs can reach 160 miles per hour. But on American tracks thats rarely possible. For now, passengers will only experience a few short bursts at top speed, which is still far short of what is standard in Europe and Asia. Still, the new trains are expected to be a welcome improvement for travelers on the busy Northeast Corridor, even if the broader prospects for high-speed rail in the United States remain dim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decades of underinvestment have left the country with congested highways, crumbling bridges, crowded airports and a disjointed passenger rail network that is underfunded and unreliable. Meanwhile, the rest of the world continues apace with high-speed rail links like Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains. - Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images Globally, more than 40,000 miles of modern high-speed railway are now in operation, used to make three billion passenger journeys per year, according to the International Union of Railways. Another 12,400 miles of track is under construction, while China alone has opened 1,200 miles this year. The United States, by contrast, is pulling back. Hopes of a rail revolution that three years ago was poised to transform connectivity between major cities seem to have faltered. Only three truly high-speed rail projects are in development and two of these have recently had government funding withdrawn. Railway California The California High-Speed Rail project has already started construction in central California sites including Fresno County, seen here. - David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty Images Part of the problem is structural. The country has become a difficult place to build large-scale infrastructure. Land, materials and labor are costly. Experienced engineers are retiring faster than they can be replaced. Environmental reviews and permitting can stretch on for years. Land ownership is fiercely protected, making right-of-way acquisition expensive and contentious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps most consequentially, the nation remains deeply devoted to the car. Layered onto all of this is a political system in which priorities flip every few years, undermining the long-term planning and financing that such megaprojects demand. The most ambitious project, California High-Speed Rail, was meant to connect San Francisco and Los Angeles across up to 500 miles of track in under three hours, with possible future extensions north to Sacramento and south to San Diego. In July, that vision suffered a major setback when the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) pulled $4 billion in funding allocated by the Biden administration, saying the project had breached multiple commitments. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pointed to missed deadlines, including a pledge to have the first 170 miles in operation by 2033. Failing to meet self-imposed goals along the way means that wont happen, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After 16 years and roughly $15 billion spent, not one high-speed track has been laid, he said, commenting on a June government report on the project. This report exposes a cold, hard truth: California High Speed Rail Authority has no viable path to complete this project on time or on budget. The report said the project had lost control of contractors and finances, failed to procure trains on schedule, lacked funding for electrification and had no credible plan to close a $7-billion funding gap needed to finish the initial 170-mile Central Valley segment. Duffy has also instructed regulators to review other grants with the aim of clawing back additional federal funds. Just a day before Amtrak unveiled its new Acela trains, his department withdrew another $175 million earmarked for California rail projects. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said that California's High Speed Rail project is a waste of money. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images The waste ends here, Duffy said. As of today, the American people are done investing in Californias failed experiment. Instead, my Department will focus on making travel great again by investing in well-managed projects that can make projects like high-speed rail a reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State officials insist the project is far from over. The California High Speed Rail Authority has sued the Trump administration, calling the funding cuts petty, political retribution driven by the presidents personal animus towards California and the high-speed project, not by facts on the ground. Its chief executive, Ian Choudri, has accused the FRA of distorting data. Meanwhile, construction is progressing on the first 170-mile stretch between Merced and Bakersfield. The CHSRA says 70 miles of trackbed and more than 50 bridges and overpasses are complete, with tracklaying about to begin. Only last week, however, questions were raised over whether that initial stretch should divert from Merced to Gilroy, roughly 60 miles west, to save money. The California High Speed Rail project aims to connect San Francisco to Los Angeles, running through central California, including stations like Fresno (pictured). - Craig Kohlruss/Fresno Bee/Getty Images The obstacles remain daunting. Of the $36.3 billion needed for the Central Valley section, just $28.2 billion has been secured, with another $1 billion a year expected to come from state emissions taxes. Even when completed, the initial line will only connect secondary cities, limiting its appeal until it reaches San Francisco and Los Angeles. A later phase could extend tracks to reach Sacramento and San Diego taking the total system to 776 miles, although this is still in the early stages of planning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The entire project could cost up to $135 billion depending on its final extent and the route it takes. Phase one, of which the Merced-Bakersfield section forms the core, will connect six of Californias 10 largest cities San Francisco, San Jose, Fresno, Bakersfield, Los Angeles and Anaheim. Supporters argue the payoff would be substantial. A completed network would carry the equivalent capacity of 4,200 miles of new highway lanes, 91 additional airport gates and two new runways infrastructure that would likely cost far more. With Californias population expected to exceed 45 million by 2050, backers see high-speed rail as the most efficient solution to prevent the state from grinding to a halt. A recent poll found two-thirds of Californians still support the project, but each new legal skirmish and delay adds to the cost of what is already one of the most expensive railway projects in history. Texas hold ups Texas Central plans to build a 240-mile link between Dallas (pictured) and Houston. - Alex Potemkin/E+/Getty Images California isnt the only state to get its federal high-speed railway funding slashed. The Texas Central Railway, a privately funded plan to link Dallas and Houston in 90 minutes with Japanese-built Shinkansen trains, was greenlit by the first Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But land acquisition and political opposition have stalled progress. The federal government has now withdrawn $64 million in funding, with Secretary Duffy calling the project a waste of taxpayer funds. Backers say the project is ready to go, with station sites and a quarter of land needed along the route already acquired, but without billions in fresh investment, construction cannot begin. Its all politics The NextGen Acela fleet launched to great fanfare on August 27. - Danielle Parhizkaran/Boston Globe/Getty Images Transportation policy, like much else in Washington, has become sharply partisan. President Biden, nicknamed Amtrak Joe for his love of commuting by train, secured $170 billion for rail improvements in his 2021 infrastructure law. Much of that money is flowing into the Northeast Corridor to repair ageing tunnels and bridges, with some funds set aside to restore services to cities long abandoned by passenger rail. The Trump administration has taken a different approach, demanding that Amtrak focus on improving on-time performance before expanding. Only 72% of trains arrived on time in early 2025. One long-distance route between Virginia to Florida had just a 34% on-time arrival rate. Freight trains, which have priority on shared tracks, are a persistent obstacle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with the billions promised by Biden, the United States remains far behind other countries. China will have 31,000 miles of high-speed rail by the end of this year, all built since 2008, with plans for more than 43,000 miles by 2035. Bright out west Brightline West will be 218-mile high-speed railway between Rancho Cucamonga, east of Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. - Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images The lone bright spot for high-speed rail in the United States may be taking shape in the Mojave Desert. Brightline West, a privately owned 218-mile line linking Rancho Cucamonga, east of Los Angeles, with Las Vegas has begun early construction and is expected to ramp up in late 2025. The future sibling to Brightline the privately owned and operated Miami-Orlando railroad, which has operated successfully in Florida since its 2018 debut, although at a maximum 125mph it is not true high-speed rail Brightline West was first mooted in 2018. The $10.4 billion project secured a $3-billion federal grant in October 2024, making it the only high-speed rail venture in the country to retain its federal support. The line will run along the Interstate 15 corridor, slicing through the San Bernardino Mountains and across the desert. Once complete, it promises to cut journey times to just over an hour a vast improvement on the four-plus hours by car or bus. It will also mark the return of passenger trains to Las Vegas for the first time in three decades; Amtrak cancelled its Desert Wind route in 1997. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet timing remains uncertain. Originally scheduled to open in 2027, the line is now projected for 2028 or early 2029. Brightline hopes to capture around 12 million of the roughly 50 million annual one-way trips between Las Vegas and LA, 85% of which are made by road. The trains themselves 10 Siemens-built electric sets from the Velaro family, the same used by Eurostar and Germanys Deutsche Bahn are designed to reach 217 miles per hour, placing them firmly in the international high-speed category. If Brightline West succeeds, it could serve as a template for future privately financed high-speed rail projects elsewhere in the country. Together with Californias ambitions, should they come to fruition, the line could show that high-speed rail is not only feasible but transformative for American intercity travel. For now, though, such examples remain the exception. With few credible projects elsewhere, and with legal and political battles still hampering California, the outlook isnt good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which is why despite its relatively low average speeds and its reliance on ageing tracks even the modest debut of Amtraks new Acela is being greeted by rail advocates as a small but welcome victory. Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travels weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Criminals are flooding Britains high streets with illegal meat, leaving the country facing a food safety crisis, MPs have warned. A report by the environment, food and rural affairs (Efra) select committee found that an influx of potentially dangerous meat and dairy products were being smuggled into the UK from abroad, with gangs illegally importing through airports, sea ports and even personal baggage and passenger vehicles through the Channel tunnel. It comes amid rising worries over animal diseases which are escalating at home and abroad, MPs said. Earlier this year, British tourists were banned from bringing cured meats and cheeses back to the country from Europe because of a foot-and-mouth outbreak on the Continent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report said: Alarming amounts of meat and dairy products are now being illegally imported to Great Britain for both personal consumption and sale. Criminal smuggling operations are largely responsible for this and are bringing in products of some of the greatest risk. Meat is arriving in unsanitary conditions, often in the back of vans, stashed in plastic bags, suitcases and cardboard boxes. This meat is finding its way to our high streets, farms, markets, restaurants and kitchen tables, demand driven by the cost of living crisis as well as cultural preferences. Biggest food safety crisis since horse meat The volume of illegal meat confiscated at the border has been rising, hitting 235,000kg in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee visited the Port of Dover in March. Alistair Carmichael, a Liberal Democrat MP and the chairman of the committee, said he was greatly concerned to see the inadequate conditions [of] the Border Force facilities at the port with limited ability to decontaminate inspection areas and no dedicated handwashing facilities. Mr Carmichael said: It would not be an exaggeration to say that Britain is sleepwalking through its biggest food safety crisis since the horse meat scandal. A still bigger concern is the very real risk of a major animal disease outbreak. The single case of foot and mouth disease in Germany this year, most likely caused by illegally imported meat, cost its economy 1bn [870m]. Alistair Carmichael said he was deeply concerned by the inadequate conditions [of] the Border Force facilities - David Cheskin/PA The committee warned that illegal meat products are being sold online and by door-to-door sellers, as well as in shops, markets, takeaways and hospitality venues where consumers trust that the food they are buying is safe and meets high welfare standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It poses a challenge to the new environment secretary, Emma Reynolds, who took charge of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) last Friday following a Cabinet reshuffle by Sir Keir Starmer in the wake of Angela Rayners resignation. A Defra spokesman said: This Government has significantly increased seizures of illegal meat, restricted the import of dangerous animal products, and is investing over 200m in a new national biosecurity centre. We will consider the recommendations of the Efra committee as we continue to work closely with port operators, industry, trade partners and Border Force to protect our food security, farmers and economy. Tom Bradshaw, the president of the National Farmers Union (NFU), said: The Efra committee report highlights the concerns that we have been raising for the past few years that increasing illegal meat imports heightens the risk of animal diseases such as foot and mouth disease and African swine fever coming to our shores, threatening not only livestock farming businesses, our economy and national food security, but hugely impacting the UKs ability to trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need a coordinated strategy across government, local authorities and local port health authorities and sufficient investment to counter the biosecurity risks the UK faces from these illegal meat imports. 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 hiker on Reddit shared a post demonstrating just how much litter can end up outdoors. The post, shared on the subreddit r/MildlyInfuriating with a photo, was accompanied by the caption, "The trash that I picked up along the trail on my hike today." Photo Credit: iStock The photo features an array of littered items from a dog poop bag, to a food wrapper, to empty cans. But the main star of the picked-up trash is tons of plastic water bottles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plastic water bottles are a classic example of a single-use plastic. These kinds of plastics are non-biodegradable, meaning they will stick around in the environment far beyond the life of anyone who purchased them, likely in the form of microplastics even if they do begin to break down, without direct efforts to reuse or recycle. Plus, single-use plastic items have a high risk of leaching chemicals, which can be consumed by humans when using them to eat or drink. A recent study showed that ditching plastic water bottles in particular could help lower cardiovascular risk. Microplastic consumption in general has also been linked to other health issues, including cognitive decline. On top of the varied health risks, plastic pollution can be seen in nature across the globe. It poses a threat to wildlife and can pollute waterways. To do your part in limiting the plastic pollution problem, you can switch to a reusable water bottle. To go above and beyond, you can also look for alternatives to other common plastic items, like to-go boxes or single-use grocery bags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luckily, governments are taking the single-use plastic issue into legislative hands. Quezon City in the Philippines recently banned single-use plastics from all government buildings. Vermont also implemented a ban on plastic bags, which reportedly has had great success. Commenters on the hiking litter post shared their disgust with people leaving trash in the outdoors. "Folks wanna go hike to see beautiful nature then trash it. I pick it up when I go hiking too. I'll never understand it. So easy- pack it in, pack it out," one user said. Another added, "Just buy a reusable bottle people!!!" 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. Jennifer Henderson, director of planning and housing development for the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, speaks to lawmakers about homelessness during a committee hearing on Sept. 4, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) People experiencing homelessness in North Dakota are increasing as the states population continues to grow and affordable housing, shelters and resources struggle to keep up with demand. During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers funded a study as part of the Industrial Commission budget to look at possible solutions to the issue and held their first hearing on the matter last Thursday during a meeting of the interim Human Services Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jena Gullo, executive director for the Missouri Slope Areawide United Way in Bismarck, which operates an overnight shelter, said the organization served 531 homeless people last year, a 78% increase compared to data collected in 2020. She added the facility has 42 beds, but typically shelters about 100 people each night with a majority coming from outside of Bismarck-Mandan because of a lack of homeless shelters in the region. With the population increasing and the needs increasing, were seeing a dramatic increase, Gullo said. About 32% of those seeking shelter are Native American, she said, an overrepresentation of that demographic group which makes up about 5% of the population in North Dakota. Chandler Esslinger, executive director of the Fargo-Moorhead Coalition to End Homelessness, said shelters are being overwhelmed because people cannot find permanent housing. Its no secret that homelessness has been increasing in Fargo-Moorhead, especially with more people living unsheltered in the community, Esslinger said. We know that our system lacks sufficient housing and supportive services and that can keep people trapped in homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a Legislative Council memo, data showed 784 people were considered homeless, on one night in January 2023 during a point-in-time survey administered by North Dakota Continuum of Care. The number of people considered homeless in North Dakota increased to 865 in 2024 and stayed relatively flat at 861 in 2025 based on the annual one-day counts, according to data collected by North Dakota Continuum of Care. Legislative Council said identifying the accurate statistics for the number of people experiencing homelessness in North Dakota can be difficult because of differing definitions of homelessness, the mobility of the population, poor data from rural areas and the cyclical nature of homelessness. Jessica Thomasson, executive director for human services at the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, speaks to lawmakers about homelessness during a committee hearing on Sept. 4, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) Jessica Thomasson, executive director for human services at the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, said the department collected data on rental assistance and homelessness over the past three years. That data shows every county in North Dakota has had someone reach out to the department because they were at risk of losing their housing or they were experiencing homelessness. It really is not limited to large population centers, Thomasson said. It truly does happen wherever you have people living and working in your communities. Sometimes lifestorms throw you into a housing crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last three years, nearly 21,000 North Dakotans applied to ND Rent Help for emergency rental assistance or eviction prevention, according to department data. Those residents represent more than 13,000 households with about 31% of those representing families with children under age 18. The data also showed that at the time the assistance applications were submitted, about 48% of those households were staying with a friend or family member while 25% were staying in an emergency shelter or transitional housing unit. Nineteen percent of the households that applied for rent assistance were considered unsheltered when they submitted their applications. Thomasson told lawmakers that people tend to forget that the most affordable rental units are the most competitive. That means someone who misses out on an affordable unit may sometimes spend more than they can afford to secure housing. Jennifer Henderson, director of planning and housing development for the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, said federal guidelines recommend that people spend no more than 30% of their income on housing needs, which is becoming difficult due to increasing rents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said North Dakota has more than 106,000 households that are considered very low to extremely low income, earning less than $23 per hour. The number of households in those categories is expected to increase by 2027. When you see rents going to $1,100 plus, per month, there are going to be less and less people that are going to be able to afford those rents based on our projections of income, Henderson said. She added about 38% of the job openings in North Dakota pay an average starting wage of under $20 per hour. Henderson said about 39% of renter households in the state were spending more than 30% of their income on housing compared to 15% of North Dakota homeowners, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The data also showed that 56% of renter households over age 65 were paying more than 30% of their income on housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot there to unwind, said Sen. Kyle Davison, R-Fargo, chair of the interim Human Services Committee, at the end of the hearing. The data for homelessness is an area that I would like to see improve. Davison said the committee will begin to define possible homelessness solutions at future meetings over the interim. He also suggested that trying to be more proactive to prevent homelessness before it occurs could be a better use of taxpayer dollars than building shelters. 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 OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) For the first time, the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit will make a stop in Alabama, coming to Opelika September 1016. The traveling memorial, developed by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, honors the lives lost and the heroism displayed on September 11, 2001. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hosted by the East Alabama Regional Training Association, the exhibit will be housed at Southern Union State Community College, 301 Lake Condy Road in Opelika. The 83-foot tractor-trailer transforms into a 1,100-square-foot mobile museum featuring artifacts, interactive displays, and guided tours led by 9/11 first responders. The exhibit will arrive on Wednesday, September 10, escorted into Opelika by police and fire personnel. The public is encouraged to gather at Southern Union to witness the emotional entrance. On Thursday, September 11, a VIP ceremony will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Local and regional dignitaries, along with first responders, will deliver remarks before a solemn wreath-laying ceremony to honor the victims and heroes of 9/11. This is more than an exhibit its a national memorial on wheels, said Opelika Fire Chief Shane Boyd. We are honored to host this tribute and bring it to the people of Alabama, especially on such a meaningful date. Public Hours & Student Tours The exhibit will be open to the public on: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sept. 11, 13, 14 11 a.m. 7 p.m. Sept. 15 & 16 3 6 p.m. Student tours are scheduled for September 12, 15, and 16. Local Connection: The Merchants Story The week also brings a personal story of resilience and gratitude. Sunel Merchant, who was on the 49th floor of one of the Twin Towers when it was struck, and his wife Sonia, moved their family to Alabama after 9/11. The couple opened Philly Connection in Auburn, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. As an annual act of thanks, the Merchants provide free meals to public safety personnel every 9/11. This year, meals will be available from their food truck parked at Southern Union alongside the Never Forget Exhibit and at their South College Avenue storefront. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community members are encouraged to stop by and support the Merchants tribute while visiting the exhibit. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. Longstanding guidance says that catching cancer early means a higher chance of survival. For many types of cancer, its possible. But its notoriously difficult to diagnose ovarian cancer early, which means many women are receiving diagnoses much laterwhen its tougher to treat. Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic malignancy, but it is also the deadliest. The chance of an ovarian cancer diagnosis increases with age, and midlife women are at great risk of developing it. Factors, like inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, also can increase a womans risk. Studies show that ovarian cancer tumors grow quickly, so any extra time between diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving. But hope may be on the way. A number of promising new tests are in development that could help women and their doctors get answers earlier, which could, in turn, increase survival rates. More from Flow Space Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One such development is a new effort from biotech company AOA Dx to build an early detection test for women with symptomatic ovarian cancer. In a paper published in August in the Cancer Research Communications journal, researchers from the company, the University of Manchester and the University of Colorado examined blood samples from nearly 400 women with possible ovarian cancer symptoms by using a multi-omic blood test to read lipid and protein biomarkers in the blood. The test was 92% accurate at identifying those at any stage of ovarian cancer and 88% accurate at identifying people with stage one or stage two. That data we just published really shows our accuracy in being able to pick up the disease at stage one and stage two, which were really excited about, and we know this can have an instrumental impact on a womans journey as shes being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, says Oriana Papin-Zoghbi, chief executive and co-founder of AOA Dx. The goal is to create a blood test that can be used to cut down on time trying to find ovarian cancer so doctors can treat it faster. The hope is that once a woman presents with symptoms of possible ovarian cancer, the doctor can take a blood sample and send it to a lab equipped with AOA Dxs tech to analyze the biomarkers to produce a report that definitely says they have cancer or not. Once the result is positive, the clinician can act immediately and refer her to imagery and send her to oncology right away so she can have her surgery and move forward on that path, she explains. And if shes negative, they dont need to send her through these multiple loopholes to try to get a diagnosis that they dont need. Most efforts have focused on tumor DNA and RNA and examining different types of proteins and cell signaling to detect cancer. But Papin-Zoghbi says theres untapped potential in looking at how lipids and other biomarkers change as tumors grow. We know right now that lipids play a very important role in the metabolic processes of tumor cell growth, but weve had a really hard time quantifying this in a way that would allow us to use these lipid signatures as a clinical diagnostic, she notes. But she says recent advances in the software and instrumentation have made that possible. Whats changed is a new stream of instrumentation and software capabilities that have allowed us to harness lipids as potential biomarkers by allowing us to quantify their presence, to look at their relative abundance and to really map that to biological functions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres still more testing and trials to be done, but Papin-Zoghbi says AOA Dx hopes to receive FDA approval for its screening tool in 2027. Why Its So Difficult to Catch Early Stage Ovarian Cancer Much of why its difficult to treat ovarian cancer is simply because of anatomy and the fact that its asymptomatic in early stages. Compared to other body parts like the breasts, its difficult to notice new growths or changes in the pelvic cavity, making it unclear when somethings off. When something is awry or abnormal with the ovary, theres not a lot of local real estate for it to bump into in the beginning, whereas if you had a lump in your breast or under your arm, you would feel a lymph node pretty easily, Dr. Tara Berman, a medical oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, whose speciality is treating patients with gynecologic malignancies, tells Flow Space. You cant feel with your fingers a lesion on the ovary theres really no physiological signal in the beginning. Another reason is that early stage ovarian cancer is often asymptomatic. Plus, the symptoms that do develop in the more advanced stagesbloating, early satiety, abdominal discomfort and pain, peeing more often and bowel movement changescan also be seen across a number of other conditions. Why Current Screening Options for Ovarian Cancer Fall Short Right now, the best options for screening for ovarian cancer are transvaginal ultrasounds, an imaging procedure to get a detailed look at the organs in the pelvis, and testing blood for CA-125, or cancer antigen 125. Berman says that CA-125 levels rise in approximately 80% of women with advanced disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the experts say these methods dont tell the whole story. One study actually found that it wasnt helpful to screen the general population for CA-125 because the high number of false positives can cause distress and put people through unnecessary procedures. In fact, that same review found that testing CA-125 levels didnt improve survival outcomes for women with ovarian cancer; it actually caused distress and lower quality of life. Another major issue with relying on elevated CA-125 levels has to do with equity. Recent literature published in JAMA Network Open that included data from nearly 250,000 people diagnosed with ovarian cancer from the U.S. National Cancer Database shows that some cohorts of non-white patients, specifically Native American and Black women, had significantly lower odds of elevated CA-125 levels at the time of their ovarian cancer diagnosis than white patients. (Native American women have the highest rate of ovarian cancer, while Black women have the lowest survival rate.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It hasnt been good enough as a screening test on everybody, even though its a very useful marker for other things, says Daniel A. Heller, PhD, head of the Cancer Nanomedicine Laboratory at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Instead, its recommended to try to evaluate symptoms, which is difficult and leaves doctors with a number of less than ideal options. I feel remiss not being able to offer my patients who are at high risk for developing ovarian cancer at my clinic a sound or validated assay where we can screen and follow them over time, says Berman. The Challenges of Creating a Reliable Early Screening Test According to the experts, there are two main reasons why its so hard to create a reliable, universal screening test. The bar is very high for general screening tests and thats why theres not been one on the market yet, says Heller. An accurate screening test should have a near-zero rate of false positives and a high level of specificity. If even a small number of patients are put into the cancer category, rather than the non-cancer category, all the patients need follow-up care, which is invasive, explains Heller. This is the issue with using CA-125 to screen; while its a helpful tool, the low specificity can result in people who dont necessarily need care getting it anyway. Plus, they say screening tests should be able to detect cancer in asymptomatic patients. Sensitivity will ensure youre picking up all the cases and specificity will ensure that if you have a negative test it really is a negative test, adds Berman. (A spokesperson for AOA Dx says that while the company may develop a test for asymptomatic women in the future, right now, the company is focused on addressing the huge unmet need in symptomatic women.) New Screening Tests in Development A number of exciting innovations are in development to address this gap. One such initiative is the MiDE Study, a project thats developing a diagnostic screening test for people at high risk of developing ovarian cancer through analyzing microRNAs (miRNAs), a set of molecules in the blood; the researchers are also using AI to detect patterns in miRNAs that point to cancer. One particular study has found that miRNAs can detect the presence of ovarian cancer with up to 93% accuracy, says Berman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hellers own laboratory is developing a novel approach that he hopes can eventually become an inexpensive, diagnostic screening tool for ovarian cancer. We make these nanosensors, which are tiny rods of carbon that are about 100,000 times smaller than the diameter of human hair that give off light, explains Heller. When mixed with blood, these tiny sensors stick to proteins and other molecules; different types of sensors stick to different components in the blood and emit different signals based on what theyre sticking to. Theyre then put into an AI algorithm thats been trained on blood samples to recognize and interpret patterns the signals form to discern whether they point to cancer or not. This project is still several years away from leaving the lab, let alone being approved by the FDA. The hope is that many of these promising initiatives continue to work and get FDA approval in the coming years so doctors have more optionsand can save more lives. Any progress toward finding a safe, accurate and widely accessible screening method would represent a major step forward in changing outcomes for anyone facing ovarian cancer, says Lauren Ashley German, communications director at the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, a nonprofit support organization that educates and raises awareness of ovarian cancer. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) An Horry County woman is facing an attempted murder and weapons charge following a Sunday night attack outside of Conway, police said. Callie Samara Gordon, 20, is being held without bond at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center. Police responded to a Nottingham Lakes Road home just before midnight, where they found the victim and another person in the backyard. The victim had been stabbed in the chest and Gordon reportedly fled the scene on foot, according to an Horry County police report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The witness told authorities that the victim was installing a new lock on a shed when Gordon came out of a bedroom with a knife and attacked the person. After fanning out across the neighborhood, a homeowner told police that Gordon was across the street knocking on doors trying to get a ride. Police found the knife on a ramp leading to the shed where the stabbing happened. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Aspirus Health will eliminate labor and delivery services at its Ironwood Hospital starting Dec. 31 a decision its leaders say is driven mostly by an inability to draw adequate staffing to the region, which is in the rural, far western end of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, near the border with Wisconsin. "Despite years of aggressive recruiting, Aspirus has been unable to secure a full maternal care team in Ironwood," the health system said in a statement. "Since June 2024, the hospital has operated with just one full-time family practice/obstetrics physician, making 24/7/365 coverage unsustainable." It means that pregnant women will have to make the 45-mile drive to Tamarack Health Ashland Medical Center in Ashland, Wisconsin, which is the next closest hospital with a labor and delivery unit, or give birth in the Ironwood hospital's emergency department or at home. Aspirus Ironwood Hospital in Ironwood, Michigan, will close its labor and delivery unit on Dec. 31, 2025, hospital leaders announced in September. Nurses are outraged that Aspirus is cutting even more health care for the U.P. and we are extremely worried about women who will now have to drive another 45 minutes to Ashland or another Wisconsin hospital to have their baby or those who end up in an emergency, said obstetrics nurse Ashley Thompson in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our emergency department nurses are amazing but they do not have the specialized training to deal with a problematic childbirth, when both lives are at risk. Aspirus Ironwood Hospital was awarded $1.2 million in the 2025 state fiscal year budget for obstetric and gynecological care, but still is shuttering that line of service. State Sen. Ed McBroom, a Republican from Waucedah Township, crossed party lines to vote in favor of the budget bill. At the time, he lauded the funding boost for Aspirus Health as well as a $2 million allocation to Munising Memorial Hospital, saying in a statement: I am proud the U.P. team has been able to get support from my colleagues on several very critical hospital and infrastructure needs." It is unclear whether the hospital accepted the money, and if it did, how it was used. Aspirus Health spokesperson Jenn Jenich-Laplander did not respond to questions from the Detroit Free Press about the funding boost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McBroom and other U.P. lawmakers issued a news release Sept. 8, saying they are outraged by the decision. No one called or gave notice to any of us about this before it happened," McBroom said in a statement. "The U.P. bigger than at least six states is left with six places to have a baby other than your home or car. State Rep. Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock, called it a betrayal "by a company that has promised to provide services to them and received state dollars to do so. Jenich-Laplander told the Detroit Free Press that the change isn't expected to lead to job cuts. The Ironwood hospital, she said, will continue to provide prenatal and postnatal care after the labor and delivery unit closes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No one will lose their job as part of this transition," she said in a Sept. 5 email message. "We are providing personalized support to help any impacted employees transition into departments where their expertise and training are already recognized." A 'perfect storm' drives crisis of care The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts the shortage of obsetricians and gynecologists nationally will only deepen in the coming years, as the current workforce ages and the population of women in their childbearing years grows in a political climate that is driving burnout and fear of litigation among specialists who provide that care. Drawing obstetricians and gynecologists to rural areas is a particular challenge, said Laura Appell, senior vice president of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, because the volume of deliveries is lower, and those units must be staffed 24/7, even if there isn't a single child delivered on a given day. It is often among the first targets when administrators cut hospital budgets. "It is a pretty expensive service when you have a relatively small population, and the population could be shrinking, as it is in many rural areas," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When women have to drive farther to get obstetric care, it comes at a cost, Appell said: Every 15 more minutes people have to travel for care, the tougher it is to keep them as healthy as possible." But when labor and delivery units close, it often leads to an even bigger gap in access to care and it affects far more than just pregnant women. For doctors, "if you dont have a place for folks to deliver babies, its really hard for you to stay in business near that hospital," Appell said. "If the physician decides to relocate to another part of the state where they are doing labor and delivery ... that takes away the gynecology access for all women in that area. "Its not just pregnant people who are affected. Its everybody who is trying to get their annual or every-two-year screening pap smear and who need other reproductive health care. That gynecologist is gone because there is no place for them to admit patients." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2018, 12 hospitals in Michigan either closed or are expected to close obstetric services, according to data from the Michigan Health and Hospital Association. Among them is Aspirus Keewenaw Hospital, which shuttered its OB-Gyn services in December. MyMichigan Medical Center Tawas closed for deliveries over the summer. Aspirus Ironwood plans to shutter its birthing unit in December and Munson Grayling Hospital is expected to close its labor and delivery units in 2026. Other rural hospitals might not be equipped to take the overflow, so theres a horrible cascading effect where people cant get care in their own community," said Amy Zaagman, executive director of the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She called it the "perfect storm" in rural communities, driving a crisis in access to care. "They are getting paid on services provided," she said. "If the birth rate is declining, and there are fewer births to support labor and delivery services in hospitals, then the service costs hospitals more. ... Labor and delivery is always the area of a hospital where they dont make money." Piling onto the problem are looming cuts to Medicaid, which could deepen the financial crisis for hospitals especially those in rural areas where a larger percentage of the population relies on Medicaid coverage. In some Michigan counties, Medicaid covers more than half of all childbirths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medicaid is "the single largest payer for women giving birth in our state," Appell said. If youre cutting the legs out from over 50% of your reimbursement, thats a big hit. Aspirus Health continues to cut services in Michigan's UP The pending closure of the labor and delivery unit at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital is just one of the many reductions in service that the nonprofit Aspirus Health, which is based in Wausau, Wisconsin, has made in recent years to hospitals it operates in the Upper Peninsula. The health system closed the Ontonagon hospital in April 2024, giving the community just two months' notice though it had previously promised to build a new, $15.8 million hospital with inpatient beds and an emergency department in Ontonagon. Aspirus Ironwood Hospital in Ironwood, Michigan, will close its labor and delivery unit on Dec. 31, 2025, hospital leaders announced in September. More: U.P. county loses its only hospital in what residents call life or death situation Aprirus also cut labor and delivery services at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital at the end of 2024 and eliminated some nurse staffing at the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asprius also plans to eliminate most certified nurse aide positions at the Aspirus Iron River Hospital, the Michigan Nurses Association reported. The aides take patient vital signs, test blood sugar, remove IVs and catheters and help patients use the restroom. "If Medicaid cuts are pushed down and state legislators have to make choices, there are no good choices. So quickly youre going to come to elderly, disabled, pregnant women and children," Zaagman said. (This story has been updated with new information.) Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press. This story has been updated to add video. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Hospital in Michigan U.P. closes birthing unit, driving crisis of care Previously, I wrote about politicians regulating medical practice. I support regulations that protect individual or public health. However, when these laws are not evidence-based, misguided or frivolous, and potentially harmful, as occurred when 16 state legislatures permitted over-the-counter sale of ivermectin, they are unacceptable. There have been instances when pregnant women, who, because of circumstances, were unable to adhere to physician advice for increased bed rest to avoid premature labor, were charged with child abuse and court-ordered to be handcuffed to hospital beds until delivery under a state law on fetal welfare. This targeted primarily women in poverty, mostly of color, but did nothing to alleviate the circumstances that necessitated their inability to follow doctors advice. This was not ideal for the fetuses, as a lack of maternal mobility hindered their development. For centuries, physicians pledged themselves to the Hippocratic Oath as the ethical standard by which they practiced. Beginning in the mid-19th century, as science advanced and available treatments increased, its relevance began to decline. Although fragments of the oath are still quoted, mostly on TV medical dramas, its applicability to modern medicine is limited, as it would eliminate substantial portions of contemporary practice. Presently, there is no universal oath, and a physicians ethical responsibilities vary by culture and government. In Communist countries, their duty is to the state, not the patient. In nations with socialized medicine, physician ethics emphasize care for the individual patient while minimizing the use of resources. In the U.S., many medical schools have their own ethical pledges. Some emphasize social justice and barely mention the individual, while others acknowledge that treating the patient requires addressing harmful environmental and social factors. Nonetheless, there are commonly accepted elements. Physicians are placed in a difficult position when laws conflict with ethics, potentially placing an individuals health or life, and/or a communitys well-being at risk. Does the clinician follow the law, regardless of any threat to health it may impose, or medical ethics? Dr. Steven Woolf and others have written that physicians and medical scientists cannot remain silent when laws or edicts could result in harm or are not grounded in science. Under many laws, physicians face severe consequences for defiance, including losing their employment, medical licenses, incurring hefty fines, and facing lengthy imprisonment. These provide a strong inducement to comply. However, doing so implies acceptance and will encourage the passage of further restrictive and/or harmful legislation. For example, suppose Secretary Kennedys repeated statements on the ineffectiveness and dangers of vaccines are not forcefully countered, and an increasing number of state legislatures grant additional exemptions from them, while disallowing health departments to promote inoculations; resulting in increased infections, disfigurement, disability, and death. School absenteeism would increase, business productivity would decline, and health care costs would skyrocket. Given decreased demand, vaccine production would lessen. When parents subsequently decide to vaccinate their children, the current limited vaccine supplies would be rapidly depleted. With reduced production, the shortages could not be quickly resolved, resulting in additional cases, etc. Dennis Prager noted that courage is a rare quality possessed by few people as they lack the daring to assert themselves against the commission of wrongs. Former Justice Ruth Ginsburg similarly pointed out that When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty, and Dr. Woolf asserted that the present is not a time for silence, as this will hinder health care and scientific progress. However, no writer indicated how best to express resistance or opposition. Several high-ranking physician-scientists resigned from federal health agencies to protest Secretary Kennedys actions. This has had no positive effect. Some physicians and medical students have left states with onerous laws, while several doctors and researchers have relocated to Canada or European nations. The number to date is too small to have an impact. With other nations actively recruiting U.S. physicians and scientists, a recent poll found that 75 percent of responding scientists expressed interest in leaving the U.S. Given the continuing roadblocks to practice and research imposed by the administration, this exodus may not be far off, according to experts. Consider the effect if physicians, allied researchers, and health care workers, excluding hospitalists, emergency/trauma specialists, and minimal support staff, were to spontaneously walk out in protest of harmful legislative actions, cautioning that the strike may continue or be repeated if remedial action is not taken. Flash doctor strikes have proven effective in other countries, without penalties, as disciplining the protestors reinforces the care limitations of the walkout. Alternatively, and safer, professional associations could file lawsuits. They could create a test case in a single state by contesting a law or section of one that has harmful potential. The Florida law preventing surgery on cancerous breasts, for example, would require only exclusionary wording allowing removal for neoplasms and other illnesses of reproductive organs. If victory were achieved, other states might be encouraged to rectify inappropriate laws without further litigation. Even without legal action, but only political pressure, some states have acknowledged and are correcting faulty language in hastily passed abortion laws. Alternatively, professional organizations could provide legal defense for criminally charged physicians who adhere to an ethical standard rather than a state law. To quote John Stuart Mill: Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing. M. Bennet Broner is a medical ethicist. [Source] Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were caught on a hot mic discussing organ transplants and the possibility of living forever during a major military parade in Beijing on Wednesday. The private exchange took place as the two leaders walked with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to a viewing platform for a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Talking immortality The brief conversation began with a translator relaying Putins comment: Biotechnology is continuously developing. Human organs can be continuously transplanted. The longer you live, the younger you become, and (you can) even achieve immortality. Xi replied, Some predict that in this century humans may live to 150 years old. The remarks were broadcast live by Chinese state media, which Chinas regulator said drew more than 400 million television viewers and 1.9 billion online views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin later confirmed to reporters that the conversation had taken place. 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, he said. Trending on NextShark: South Korea chooses Park Chan-wooks Venice sensation 'No Other Choice' for Oscars Investments in longevity The authoritarian leaders, who are both 72, appear to reflect a shared interest in defying natural limits. Xi abolished presidential term limits in China in 2018, while Putin oversaw constitutional changes that could allow him to remain in power until 2036. China, which faces the demographic challenge of having the worlds largest elderly population, has funded and promoted research into biotechnology and anti-aging science. One such effort is the Major Program on Organ Aging and Degeneration, launched in 2016 to study the mechanisms of aging at a molecular level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Russia, Putin has backed projects like the New Technologies of Health Preservation research center, which focuses on organ regeneration, neurotechnology and anti-aging medicine. Officials have also outlined a goal to introduce medications aimed at rejuvenating aging cells between 2028 and 2030. Trending on NextShark: Japans Suntory CEO steps down amid THC supplement investigation This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: Eric Trump gets tossed from sumo ring in Japan Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! Meta CEO and alleged human being Mark Zuckerberg got caught by a hot mic kowtowing to president Donald Trump in the most flagrant manner imaginable. The gaffe occurred at a White House dinner on Thursday evening attended by some of the biggest leaders in tech, including Zuckerberg, OpenAI's Sam Altman, and Apple's Tim Cook. The CEOs and sundry were called upon by Trump to extoll their commitments to invest astronomical sums of money for building AI infrastructure in the US. Come Zuckerberg's turn, he was clearly was not prepared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "How much are you spending, would you say, over the next few years?" Trump asked. "Oh gosh," Zuckerberg said. "Um, I mean I think it's probably going to be something, like, I don't know, at least $600 billion through '28 in the US. Yeah." Moments later, when the formalities ended and Zuckerberg probably thought he was no longer being recorded, the centibillionaire was all apologies. "I'm sorry, I wasn't ready to do our... I wasn't sure what number you wanted to go with!" https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1964024260751761897 It's a striking moment that exemplifies two things: 1) the tech industry's proclivity for pulling numbers out of nowhere, especially in our breathless age of AI, and 2) its unashamed heel turn into becoming groveling courtiers for Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has long asserted that Facebook, owned by Zuckerberg's Meta, had conspired against him to sabotage his 2020 presidential campaign. In August last year, Trump said that he was watching Zuckerberg "closely," and that the Meta CEO "will spend the rest of his life in prison" if he conspires against him again. Since then, Zuckerberg (and other tech execs) have done their utmost to signal that they'd fall in line and it worked. Trump began to change his tone about Zuckerberg, speaking fondly about how he kept calling him over the phone to apologize about how Meta's AI reported information about an assassination attempt he faced. (Shortly before, Zuckerberg had described Trump's response to the failed attempt on his life as "one of the most badass things I've ever seen.") In November, Trump invited Zuckerberg to dine at his Mar-a-Lago resort. Then in January, Zuckerberg made one of his most overt overtures by loosening Meta's standards around hate speech, especially on topics like gender identity and immigration, two of Trump's favorite punching bags. Meta also replaced its third-party fact-checkers with a community notes function that's been broadly failing. The seeds were arguably planted as far back as 2022, when Zuckerberg promised to no longer make political donations, after his hundreds of millions in contributions during the 2020 election were perceived as helping "steal" the election from Trump by some of his supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, even without the hot mic moment, the dinner was a nauseatingly sycophantic affair. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, for example, praised Trump for "being such a pro-business, pro-innovation president." Per Axios: "It's a very refreshing change," Altman said. "I think it's going to set us up for a long period of leading the world, and that wouldn't be happening without your leadership." You get the idea. Apple CEO Tim Cook also profusely thanked Trump, as did everyone else. Google chief executive Sundar Pichai expressed his relief that his company wouldn't have to be broken up after winning a favorable ruling in a major anti-trust case. "Well you had a very good day yesterday," Trump said per CNBC, alluding to the recent ruling. "Im glad it's over," Pichai said. "Appreciate that your administration had a constructive dialogue, and we were able to get it to some resolution." More on Meta: The AI Researchers That Mark Zuckerberg Lured to Work for Him With Huge Payments Are Already Quitting for Mysterious Reasons By James Oliphant and Jonathan Stempel WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday made public a birthday letter Donald Trump allegedly wrote to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein more than 20 years ago, though the White House quickly denied its authenticity. The letter, the existence of which was reported by the Wall Street Journal in July, appears to have been signed by Trump, but he has denied doing so and has said it does not exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released the letter after Congress received the 2003 "birthday book" from Epstein's lawyers. The letter is dated three years before allegations of sex abuse by Epstein became public in 2006. Later on Monday, Republicans who control the Oversight Committee released hundreds of pages of documents turned over by Epstein's lawyers, including the full "birthday book," Epstein's will and his 2007 non-prosecution agreement with prosecutors in Florida. The birthday letter contains text of a purported dialogue between Trump and Epstein in which Trump calls him a "pal" and says, "May every day be another wonderful secret." The text sits within a crude sketch of the silhouette of a naked woman. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich denounced the release, saying the signature on the letter was not Trump's and alluded to Trump's lawsuit against the Journal's parent company, News Corp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Time for @newscorp to open that checkbook, its not his signature. DEFAMATION!" Budowich posted on X. The case of Epstein, who died by suicide in prison in 2019, has caused a political headache for Trump after many of his supporters embraced a slew of conspiracy theories surrounding the convicted sex offender. Republicans on the House Oversight panel last week released more than 33,000 pages of files related to Epstein in a bid to ward off a bipartisan vote that would have forced further disclosures. Epstein's victims and some members of Congress remain unsatisfied. Referring to Trump, House Democrats said on X on Monday, "What is he hiding? Release the files!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After long suggesting that the files contain damaging information, Trump reversed course after returning to the White House. He has repeatedly labeled the matter a Democrat-led "hoax." The book, given to Epstein as a 50th birthday present, is filled with photos of bad haircuts, women and men including Epstein in tight bathing suits and reminiscences from childhood friends, former girlfriends, and people who came to know Epstein after he became wealthy. It also includes messages to Epstein purported to be from famous people other than Trump, among them former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz and former Bear Stearns CEO Alan "Ace" Greenberg. The message allegedly from Clinton applauds Epstein for his "childlike curiosity" and his "drive to make a difference," while Greenberg supposedly wrote, "Working with Jeffrey has been a pleasure and watching his meteoric success has given me many vicarious thrills." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clinton could not immediately be reached for comment after business hours. Dershowitz and a lawyer who represented him in Epstein-related civil litigation also could not be immediately reached. Greenberg died in 2014. (Reporting by James Oliphant and Jonathan Stempel; Editing by Paul Thomasch, Scott Malone, Rod Nickel and Jamie Freed) HOUSTON At a Pentecostal church in a shopping center just north of the city, the pastor called the children toward the pulpit for a Mothers Day blessing. Brothers Isaac, 12, and Jeremiah Avila, 10, stepped forward holding cards they made for their mother, Margarita. Their smiles vanished as the mothers approached to hug and kiss their children no one came for them. Seeing their faces, the oldest sister, Lisbet Avila, swept in to escort the boys back to their seats. Next to them, their father, Jose Avila, 54, kneeled as if to pray, but instead cried into his hands. Isaac pulled his button-down shirt over his face, hiding his red, tear-stained eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeremiah crumpled his card, which bore a note written in Spanish in his childs scrawl: Mother, I love you, and thank you for having me. He leaned against his other sister, 27-year-old Ester Avila, who hugged him as she wiped her tears away. It was the first time any of them could remember Margarita missing a Mothers Day. She had been sitting in a cell in an immigrant detention center since March as the Trump administration was preparing to deport her to Belize, where she left two decades ago because of threats to her family. Its really hard to see everything my wife is going through, Jose said. It hurts not being able to be with my wife and seeing my kids sad because their mother is always around. Margarita with her sons Issac (left) and Jeremiah (right) in happier times. Photo courtesy of the Avila family Margarita Avila, 50, is among the tens of thousands of immigrants in the U.S. targeted for deportation in President Donald Trumps second term. Trump has said his administration is going after the worst of the worst in an attempt to deport 1 million immigrants annually. But six months into Trumps second administration, at least 70% of the more than 56,000 immigrants detained across the country didnt have a criminal record, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a nonprofit that collects and analyzes federal government data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Margarita requested asylum in the U.S. more than a decade ago and her case has been pending ever since. Meanwhile, she and Jose have grown their family in Texas, and like many other immigrants, they have put down deep roots. They bought a house in Houstons Independence Heights neighborhood, started a landscaping business that grew to hundreds of customers, and had five U.S.-born sons who are American citizens. But on March 12, their fortunes changed. According to a police report, Margarita was cutting weeds in a residential area in Spring, about 10 feet from a postal worker who was delivering to a community mailbox and asked Margarita to turn off the weed eater until she finished. Margarita couldnt hear her over the machine, the police report says, so the postal worker yelled to get her attention. The worker, who claimed Margarita hit her with the weed eater, called the police. When Margarita produced a Belize identification card, the deputy took her to jail on suspicion of assault a charge that was later dropped. But it was too late within a day, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plucked her from the Harris County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As her family celebrated Mothers Day without her, Margarita pondered whether to fight her deportation order and stay in the detention center cell for months, or sign her voluntary deportation papers and be sent thousands of miles away from her children and husband. Because of their various immigration statuses some undocumented, some pending asylum, some U.S. citizens Margaritas deportation would make it difficult and in some cases impossible to see her close-knit family. Her husband would have to decide whether to stay in the U.S. with their two youngest children or follow his wife to Belize so they can raise the boys together in a country Isaac and Jeremiah have never known. For the oldest children born in Belize, it could mean not seeing their mother for years because they dont have permanent legal status. I feel like Im in a lose-lose situation because if shes deported, I cant visit her because I wouldnt be able to come back, said Lisbet, 31, who has three children and cant easily travel outside of the U.S. because of her temporary protected status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. I have my own family here to think about. Lisbet Avila, the oldest of Margaritas nine children, buys breakfast at a local store in May. They are a mixed-status family in which everyone has different immigration statuses. Credit: Lexi Parra The Avila grandchildren build a Jenga version of the detention facility where their grandmother, Margarita, was being held in May. Credit: Lexi Parra Lisbet Avila holds her daughter, Aubrey, while playing at the pool in May. Credit: Lexi Parra At the same time, the conditions in the detention center were eroding Margaritas will. The watery, undercooked food sometimes smelled rotten, she said, and she was only given Advil for the pain that emerged in her belly. She later learned it was Hepatitis B, a viral infection affecting the liver that she suspects she contracted in the detention center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The medical treatment was so bad that there were two days when I couldnt even get out of bed, Margarita said, recounting one week when she had a fever and began vomiting. After three days the staff sent her to a hospital for treatment before returning her to a cell. Ryan Gustin, a spokesperson for CoreCivic, the company that runs the Houston Processing Center where ICE placed Margarita, said the company provides "nutritious meals" and holds itself to high standards while housing immigrants. "Our staff are trained and held to the highest ethical standards as part of our commitment to our Human Rights Policy. ICE also employs a Detention Standard Compliance Officer to ensure we adhere to their strict standards and policies," Gustin said in a statement. David Paz, Margaritas immigration lawyer, said that before Trump returned to office, a situation like Margaritas a minor criminal charge that was later dropped would typically lead to release from ICE custody, Paz said. But not anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its become harder to help people in her situation, Paz said from his downtown Houston office. An American dream Jose remembers when he first saw Margarita. He was 16, she was 13. She was very beautiful, Jose said. Not just was, but is still beautiful. He was drawn to her sincerity and how close she was with her family. She lived next door to his family in Belize. They dated for four years before marrying. He told her he wanted to have 12 children, and they soon had four: Lisbet, Abigail, Ester and Jose Jr. Jose supported them by working as a fisherman, maintaining an agricultural jet and importing snacks such as chips and cookies from Mexico, selling them to local businesses and street vendors. During his travels, he had left the Catholic Church for Pentecostalism, and he launched a church in their town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1998, the family went to a nearby lake for an outing, and one of Margaritas cousins began playing too roughly with the Avila daughters. When Jose stepped in to defend the girls, he said the argument turned into a physical fight that ended with Jose whacking the cousin across the head with a boat paddle. The cousin didnt forget the humiliation, and when he later joined a local gang, Jose and Margarita began receiving notes threatening to kill them. Later that year, the Avilas fled the country for their safety and applied for tourist visas in the U.S., settling in Houston. Jose began to work for a landscaping company and bought a house. When their visas expired, the Avilas stayed in Texas. The family kept growing. Eliseo was the first child born in the U.S. Then came Elias and David. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2012, Jose was in a car accident, and because he didnt have a drivers license, he was arrested and eventually deported. Margarita and the children except for Lisbet, who was 18 and taking care of her firstborn returned to Belize to reunite with Jose, who went back to Margaritas hometown. At first, everything seemed peaceful. But one day, someone delivered a note to their house demanding $10,000 and threatening to kidnap one of their daughters if they didnt pay. Six months after they had returned to Belize, Jose traveled through Central America and Mexico and crossed the Texas-Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley, where he surrendered and requested asylum. When Jose told a judge that hed be harmed or killed if he returned to Belize, the judge rejected his asylum request but granted him withholding of removal, which prevents the U.S. government from deporting someone to a home country where they could face persecution or torture. Jose couldnt get a green card or apply for U.S. citizenship, but the new status let him get a work permit as long as he checked with ICE agents once a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jose then sent for his wife and children, who made the same journey and turned themselves into U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley and requested asylum as well. Margarita received a deportation order for entering the country illegally, but the U.S. government granted her and the children humanitarian parole, allowing them to live in the U.S. until their asylum cases were settled. Jose was waiting for his family on the U.S. side. The first meal they got after being released was at a McDonalds, he said. I just remember my kids' faces being so happy to be back, Jose said. Planting roots After reuniting, Margarita and Jose lived in New York, where Isaac was born, but soon returned to Houston. There, they opened a landscaping business and returned to their home they had bought years earlier. Feeling safe and settled again, they had another child, Jeremiah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The oldest children worked with them, mowing lawns and helping them communicate with their English-speaking clients during summer breaks from school. It was hard work, said their daughter Ester. As children, we didnt want to work, but we knew we had to help out. The older children started their own families. Lisbet, Abigail and Ester also started their own landscaping businesses with their father's blessing and guidance. In their big mixed-status family, the threat of deportation was always there for the older members of the family: Lisbet applied and received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals also known as DACA an Obama administration program that provides some young undocumented immigrants, who came to the U.S. as children, work permits and temporary protection from deportation. Lisbet Avila visits clients homes to send updates to her landscaping team in May. After helping her parents with their landscaping business, Lisbet started her own with her fathers blessing. Credit: Lexi Parra for The Texas Tribune Jose hugs Lisbet, his eldest daughter, at her birthday celebration on May 24, 2025. Credit: Lexi Parra Lisbet Avila at a landscaping clients home in May. Credit: Lexi Parra for The Texas Tribune Abigail married Oscar, another DACA recipient who came to the U.S. from Mexico with his family when he was a year old. Ester married her high-school sweetheart, Isaias, an immigrant from Honduras, who came to Houston without papers to join his parents who had immigrated years earlier. The other older children all have kids who are U.S. citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eliseo, a U.S. citizen, sponsored his mother for a green card in January, but the application is still pending, and the government could take months or years to decide whether to grant it. But the threat of deportation seemed distant, and it didn't affect how they lived. Margarita kept checking in with ICE once a year, waiting for her asylum claim to be heard. Even when Trump was elected president in 2016 after whipping up anti-immigrant sentiments, nothing really changed until Trumps reelection last year. They soon began to see ICE agents arresting people during sweeps. The Avilas became more alert and tried to stay off the roads as much as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We thought that maybe wed be targets for, like, a racist incident, but not a target for deportation, Abigail said. Lisbet, Abigail and Ester Avila have talked to their partners about what they would do if one of them was arrested and deported. They game plan worst-case scenarios: closing their landscaping businesses, selling their homes and cars, deciding which of their native countries they would choose to start all over. Theres this feeling of helplessness because you cant do anything about it, Oscar said. It makes me angry. Missing moments From the detention center, Margarita called Lisbets phone to talk to her family on May 10. They went to a Japanese restaurant to celebrate the birthday of the second-oldest grandchild, 11-year-old Alex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Margarita had been in detention for two months. It was weighing on her and her family more each day. Jose is the strict parent. He believes showing sadness is a sign of weakness. He told his children not to cry in front of Margarita to spare her any emotional pain. Margarita is nurturing and affectionate, the one who soothed the kids when they felt their father was being too hard on them. Lisbet, Abigail and Ester sat at a table talking to their mother through a video call. They asked her what she ate. Margarita said she was served spaghetti, but it tasted like bleach. She didnt eat it. Still, Margarita, wearing an orange jumpsuit and a white undershirt, had a Duchenne smile as her daughters talked to her. Do you want to talk to dad? Lisbet asked. She passed the phone to Jose, who stepped out of the restaurant to speak to his jailed wife. Cars roared down Interstate 10 next to the restaurant. You look sad. Why are you sad? Jose asked. Im not, Margarita responded flatly. Its just hard to hear you. Okay, lets talk later, he said. Margarita was heartbroken to miss Alexs birthday, she later admitted. She just didnt want to tell her husband at that moment. I felt horrible, she said. I would cherish those moments with my family. The Avila family hangs outside after Jeremiahs graduation ceremony. Credit: Lexi Parra for The Texas Tribune David Avila, one of Margaritas sons, stands third in line as he walks towards the stage to receive his high school diploma at a June ceremony. Credit: Lexi Parra Sisters Ester, Abigail and Lisbet (left to right) talk as they cook at Abigails house in June. In the absence of Margarita, the sisters have looked out for their younger brothers. Credit: Lexi Parra Back inside the restaurant, the hibachi chef scooped up a shrimp on his spatula and flicked it toward Alex, who lunged with his mouth open but failed to catch it. The rest of the family laughed. It was a moment of relief for the family, but Margarita was still on their minds. Normally, she would be the first one to show up, Ester said, holding onto one of her daughters. So, it makes me sad shes not here, because were usually together. Im sad because shes in jail and I want to see her in person, Alex said, sitting between two of his uncles and sipping on his Coke. But they followed Joses instructions during their call with Margarita. We cant show her were unhappy, Lisbet said. If she sees that were not doing okay, shes going to get sad. They were all waiting for Margaritas appointment on June 10 with an ICE officer who would decide whether she would be released or remain in detention. Margarita said she was feeling sick and emotionally exhausted. Her daughters told her to hold on and keep fighting. Im sure its difficult being in there, but I want her to wait until we can get her out, Ester said. But Jose told his wife she should do whatever she needs to do to get out of the detention center even if it means voluntarily being deported. I know my daughters mean well, Jose said. But shes my wife. Shes the woman of my dreams. So the goal is to be together, no matter what. It didnt feel the same without her On June 9, a day before her hearing, Margarita called and asked if Jose and the two youngest boys had finished writing their character reference letters; her lawyer wanted to present them to the ICE officer to show that she is a law-abiding immigrant with a family that depends on her. The lawyer told her family that he believed there was hope for her to be released because of her lack of a criminal record. Love, you know I cant write well, Jose responded. Ill ask one of the boys. Jeremiah told his father that he had already written his letter, but he had to fish the draft out of the trash. The letter read: I had my birthday, and the only person missing was my mom. Everyone else was there, my family, my friends, but not her. It didnt feel the same without her. All I wanted for my birthday this year was to have my mom back home. She helps take care of me, shes always here for me, and I miss her so much. Please let her come home. She wouldnt even leave us, I just want to see her again and be a family. The Avila family celebrates Jeremiahs birthday with a waterslide in Joses backyard on June 6, 2025. All I wanted for my birthday this year was to have my mom back home, Jeremiah wrote in a letter about missing his mother. Credit: Lexi Parra Jeremiah grabbed a pen to rewrite his letter on a fresh, unwrinkled sheet of paper. The boys said they want to be with their mother, even if it means moving to Belize. Jose and his daughters have argued about what Margarita should do. He said he knows that if she signs her deportation papers, he may have to give up his life in the U.S. Hes not going to be separated from his wife. I guess you can say theres conflicting feelings among us, he said. But I have to find a way to keep my boys and wife together and safe one way or another. Margaritas decision The next day, the family gathered at Abigails house, waiting to hear news about Margaritas hearing. Abigail made a lunch of rice, ground beef and plantains. They werent raised to express their feelings openly, she said while sweeping the kitchen floor. But it was getting harder for everyone to keep their emotions to themselves, she said. Even her dad. I know its hard for my dad to see my mother like that, Abigail said. My dad is always trying to act tough around us. Earlier in the week, Abigail and her father had visited Margarita at the detention center. After the visit, Abigail said, they walked back to their own cars and headed to their respective homes. Jose called Abigail as he drove to remind her about some errands that needed to be done but he forgot to hang up his phone. Abigail heard her father scream, followed by loud cries. The collect call from Margarita came just before 1 p.m. She was crying. Between sobs, Margarita said the ICE officer canceled her interview to determine if she would be released. She was tired of being in the detention center. She told the officers she wants to sign her deportation papers. The family was silent, some staring at the floor with stoic faces. Lisbet took the phone and went into a bedroom to talk to her mother privately. I dont want to be here anymore, Margarita said. Okay, go ahead and sign, Lisbet told her mother. I dont think its the right decision, Ester told her husband. Did she ask for this, though? Isaias responded. Yes, she said. Well then, we have to respect her decision, Isaias said. Yeah, but I dont think shes thinking it through, Ester said. Jose Avila and his son Isaac attend a protest organized by FIEL, Immigrant Families and Students in the Fight, in front of the Core Civic Processing Center in Houston where Margarita Avila and others are detained, in June. Credit: Lexi Parra People chant and wave flags during the protest outside of the Core Civic Processing Center. Credit: Lexi Parra Margarita Avila cries on a video call as she sees her family and hundreds of protesters chant in solidarity with the detainees outside the detention center where she is being held. Credit: Lexi Parra Two days later, Margarita called Abigail to tell her ICE was waiting until they had enough migrants to fill up a plane and then she would be deported. I know my family was advocating and doing everything they could to help me get out, Margarita said later. But seeing them in pain, I told myself, Its better if I sign my deportation so they can continue with a normal life. With her fate sealed, anger overcame Jose. He stood in the living room, clenched a fist, and began to punch his palm. I cant believe it, he said, his voice cracking. Everything we worked so hard for is going down the drain. A family ripped apart Two weeks later, Margarita, wearing civilian clothes, boarded a plane along with dozens of immigrants from Guatemala and three others from Belize. Handcuffed to a seat, she sat for three hours, silently crying to herself. The plane stopped in Guatemala City to drop off most of its human cargo, then took off for Belize. This was such a nightmare for me, Margarita said. Id never imagine Id return to my country as a deportee. She sees her parents every day now, but she still feels lonely, she said. It doesnt feel like her country anymore after so many years in Houston, everything in Belize seems unfamiliar and surreal to her. Back in Houston, Margaritas deportation cast a pall over her family. Oscar, Abigails husband, said his anxiety has triggered urges to drink beer and smoke cigarettes, habits he left behind years ago. Financially, its been stressful too. His mother, who is undocumented, has considered quitting her job at a restaurant because shes so afraid of driving. He listens to science fiction audiobooks to escape reality, he said. I just feel like Im on edge, Oscar said. It's just scary even talking about this. Ester and her husband, Isaias, who also have two daughters, have come up with a contingency plan in case they are arrested and deported. At this point, were just waiting for one of us to get deported, Isaias said. Jose Avila packs up boxes to send belongings to his wife, Margarita, who has been sent to her home country of Belize after signing her deportation papers, in June. Credit: Lexi Parra for The Texas Tribune He says he has a recurring dream of suddenly waking up in Honduras and thinking, How am I supposed to work? Who do I ask for work? Where am I going to live? he said. Its a constant fear that hangs over us now. For Lisbets part, she said she feels heartbroken that she cant see her mother everyday. But at the same time, she said, there is a sense of relief that her mother is safe. The experience has angered her, but she has used that as fuel to advocate for immigrant rights. Since her mother was detained, she has volunteered organizing events and demonstrations with a local immigrant rights organization known as FIEL, a Spanish-language acronym that translates in English to Immigrant Families and Students in the Fight. I just feel like the media keeps showing immigrants as criminals, she said. I just want to show that were not and provide balance to that. Margarita thinks about her children and grandchildren every day. And she thinks about the man she met here nearly 40 years ago, before they left all this behind. For now, Jose plans to put the boys on a plane to Belize so they can spend part of the summer with their mother. It hurts me having to leave my children behind, she said. All the work my family has done to have a peaceful life, just so that it can be gone all in an instant. 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. Sept. 7 (UPI) -- A drone launched by Houthi rebels from Yemen struck the arrivals area of the Ramon Airport in southern Israel Sunday, the Israeli military and airport officials said. It is the latest in a series of ongoing attacks as the Iran-supported group began targeting Israel as what it is says is a sign of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The Houthi-controlled Yemeni Armed Forces issued a warning after the attack that "the airports inside occupied Palestine are not safe and will be continuously targeted," a statement from the group said. The Houthis said in the statement that the strike caused significant damage to the airport and took responsibility for the closure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a social media post, a spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, which is controlled by by the Houthis, said "the airports inside occupied Palestine are not safe and will be continuously targeted." The airport reopened after a 90 minute closure. "There is no indication of a technical malfunction in the existing detention systems," the military said in a statement on Sunday, adding that an "extensive investigation" is expected, CNN reported. Several other drones on Sunday were intercepted, the military said. Most of the Houthi-backed drones fired on Israel have been intercepted before striking the country. In this case, the drone was originally not deemed a threat which is why there was no alarm, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's emergency response service said it received a report at about 2:35 p.m. that a drone had landed in the Ramon Airport area. Two people received minor injuries, the emergency service, known as Magen David Adom said. Israel has a complex security system in place to warn of incoming projectiles, but in this case, no alarm was sounded, officials said. Houthi-backed groups have also targeted shipping traffic in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, among the world's most important waterways, in the ongoing battle. (NewsNation) Howard Stern will continue on SiriusXM airwaves for a few more years, the radio host confirmed Monday after pranking his audience and news outlets. Rumors of Sterns departure have swirled for months, with the buzz of a potential pay cut and a delayed return to The Howard Stern Show fueling the fire. On Monday mornings broadcast, Andy Cohen took over the mic instead of Stern delivering a faux announcement about Stern stepping away from his longtime gig. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tom Hanks award ceremony cancelled by West Point group: Report I know youre expecting a big announcement from Howard, and this is not how things were meant to go, Cohen said. This was supposed to be a cleaner hand off. Im kind of winging it. Stern then hopped on, thanked Cohen for his Andy 100 bit, and confirmed he wasnt going anywhere. Howard Sterns $500M SiriusXM contracts The self-proclaimed King of All Media, Stern began his career as a radio host in the 1980s, when The Howard Stern Show amassed around 20 million listeners in 60 markets nationwide at its peak, according to the U.S. Sun. 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) NEW YORK, NEW YORK JUNE 12: Howard Stern attends the 2025 North Shore Animal League America Celebration of Rescue at Tribeca 360 on June 12, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images) Howard Stern speaks at the 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies in Cleveland. (Photo by Michael Zorn/Invision/AP, File) He later joined SiriusXM, signing a massive $500 million contract with the subscription-based satellite radio company in 2004. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sterns SiriusXM contract was renewed for five years for $500 million in 2020, according to Hollywood Reporter. Howard Sterns potential pay cut According to The Hollywood Reporter, Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer and SiriusXM, spoke at a Bank of America conference on Sept 3. and said he wanted Stern to stay at Sirius but added the deal would have to make sense. Trick or treat? The Conjuring house listed for auction on Halloween 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 A source told NewsNations Paula Froelich that If Howard wants to stay, hes going to have to take a major pay cut. 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. NewsNations Teddy Grant 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A 21-year-old Howard University student was taken into custody following an incident in Washington, D.C. over the weekend. It all happened on Saturday, Sept. 6, around 1:30 a.m. near the U Street corridor. According to a police report obtained by DC News Now, Walter-Thomas Amondji of Upper Marlboro, Md., allegedly fled from officers during a traffic stop on W Street NW. Eventually, he stopped and was placed under arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a search, officers discovered .28 grams of a white powdery substance in Amondjis wallet, which was in his pocket, the police report detailed. D.C. police noted that a field test indicated that the substance had the presence of a cocaine base. College students return to a DC with ramped up law enforcement under Trump executive order The Howard University student was charged with fleeing from law enforcement in a motor vehicle and possession of a controlled substance (crack cocaine). Over the weekend, Amondjis arrest circled social media, bringing attention to Howard University students, parents and the D.C. community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howard University released a letter to the community on Saturday, Sept. 6, noting that since the arrest, they have been in contact with Mayor Muriel Bowsers office and the Metropolitan Police Department. Late last night, several Howard students were departing the U Street corridor when the vehicle they were traveling in was stopped by law enforcement, resulting in the arrest of a Howard University student. University officials have been in touch with the mayors office and the Metropolitan Police Department to gather additional information. The Office of Student Affairs is working to contact the students involved and has already been in touch with the family of the detained student. We realize that this situation, as well as the heightened federal law enforcement presence across Washington, D.C., has created both concern and anxiety among many students and their families. We want to reemphasize that the safety of our community is our top priority, both on and off campus, Howard University wrote in a statement. In the statement, the university added that when involved in any encounter with law enforcement, students should call the Howard University Department of Public Safety at 202-806-1100 as soon as it is safe to do so. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Brazilians have marked the countrys Independence Day with duelling rallies in support of and against former President Jair Bolsonaro, days before the conclusion of his trial on charges of plotting a coup following his election defeat in 2022. Tens of thousands of Bolsonaros supporters gathered in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and the capital, Brasilia, on Sunday, waving the flags of Brazil and the United States, in an apparent nod to President Donald Trump, an ally of the far-right former leader. Thousands more also rallied for Bolsonaros conviction in cities including Brasilia and Sao Paulo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 70-year-old former army captain, who has been under house arrest, risks up to 43 years in prison if he is convicted of orchestrating a coup to stay in power despite his election loss. Bolsonaro has denied the charges in the case, which has also sparked Trumps anger. The US president has called the legal proceedings against Bolsonaro a witch-hunt and imposed high tariffs on Brazilian products as well as sanctions on the justices presiding over his trial. The rally for Bolsonaro in Sao Paulo drew 40,000 supporters, according to a research group at the University of Sao Paulo, including the former leaders wife, Michelle Bolsonaro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He loves his nation and his people, but he is suffering. I tell him every day that he will win. I believe and I trust in Gods answer to our nation, Michelle Bolsonaro said in a tearful speech in the city. Brazils Supreme Court is expected to issue its ruling by Friday. People rallied against plans to offer Bolsonaro amnesty in Praca da Republica, Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Sunday [Isaac Fontana/EPA] Bolsonaro 2026 Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the former presidents eldest son, told supporters who gathered at Copacabana Beach, in Rio de Janeiro, that his father will face the situation head-on to demonstrate yet again that he will not give up on Brazil. The senator wore a shirt that read Bolsonaro 2026, though his father is barred from running. He also denounced Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, the rapporteur of the case, as a dictator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolsonaros supporters, meanwhile, insisted the former leader is innocent. If he had wanted to stay in power, he would have been successful. Brazilians need to wake up, said former military officer Suieton Souza, who had a sarong mingling the US and Brazilian flags wrapped around his shoulders, on Copacabana Beach. Fewer Bolsonaro supporters were seen at the traditional Independence Day military parade in Brasilia, which was attended by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Lula led the traditional parade, which this year had the motto Sovereign Brazil, following punitive 50 percent US tariffs imposed by Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday night, Lula delivered a national message in advance of Independence Day celebrations and said Brazil will not be anyones colony, in yet another reference to Trump. Years ago, we gained our sovereignty, Lula said. We are not and will never again become a colony of anyone. We can take care of our own land and people without the interference of any foreign government, he added. Some people at the military parade in Brasilia condemned those who support Trumps tariffs as traitors. The Trump government has attempted to invade Brazil, politically by influencing our adversaries and economically, with tariffs and sanctions, said Helio Barreto, a professor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We say get your big feet out so that hell respect Brazil! Al Jazeeras Lucia Newman, reporting from Brasilia, said Trump in a move that has further aggravated tensions has accused Brazil and members of the BRICS group that include China and Russia of trying to undermine the US dollar. Trump is threatening to place more tariffs on BRICS nations, but in keeping with his vow not to take orders from Washington, President Lula has called for an emergency meeting of BRICS leaders via teleconference on Monday to discuss a response to the tariffs, said Newman. Its a move that, along with Bolsonaros trial, has Brazilians bracing for yet new US sanctions as they commemorate their independence. Calls for amnesty Earlier on Sunday, trade unions and left-wing social movements rallied thousands of people in Sao Paulo to protest against a proposal to offer amnesty to Bolsonaro, and hundreds of his supporters who were convicted over the January 8, 2023 storming of the Supreme Court, the presidential palace and the Congress in Brasilia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The riots mimicked the attack on the US Capitol two years earlier. The amnesty project is being led by leaders of centrist and opposition parties. History has already shown that amnesty and forgiveness are the best remedies to pacify the country, said Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas, one of the supporters of the proposal, in a recent post on social media. The governors efforts to advance the amnesty project are widely viewed as a strategic move to secure the former leaders endorsement for a potential run as a right-wing candidate in the 2026 presidential election, a prospect Freitas has so far denied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lula has spoken against the governors efforts, warning that any amnesty of those who participated in the January 8 mayhem would carry significant risks. Its a battle that must also be fought by the people, the president said. Bolsonaro, who served as president from 2019 to 2022, is barred from running for office until 2030 for casting doubt on Brazils voting system without evidence. The former president, who says he is the victim of political persecution, was in the US on January 8, 2023, but is accused of inciting the rioters, who called for the military to depose Lula a week after his return to power. Although barred from running for office, Bolsonaro has consistently expressed his desire to run in the 2026 presidential election. Bust at an E.V. battery plant: "Immigration officials arrested nearly 500 workers, most of them South Korean citizens, at the construction site of an electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia on Thursday," reports The New York Times. The Hyundai plant raid was the largest single-site immigration bust in recent history. The people arrested were accused of belonging to one of three categories: They'd illegally crossed in the first place, or they'd received a visa waiver that prohibited working, or they'd overstayed a visa. Most of them were classified as subcontractors, and some of them were working to complete construction of the plant. "The unfinished battery plant represented the kind of strategic investment the United States has welcomed from South Korea in recent yearsone that promised to create manufacturing jobs and build up a growing industry," adds the Times. Georgia's governor, who has visited South Korea twice, has spent a lot of time courting investment, luring semiconductor material, solar panel, and battery manufacturers to his state. "Seoul-based Hyundai, whose U.S. sales have hit record monthly highs for nearly a year straight, has pledged $26 billion in fresh American investments since Trump took office earlier this yearincluding $5 billion after South Korea's leader visited the White House early last week," reports The Wall Street Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given Trump's purported manufacturing revitalization agenda, it will be interesting to see whether this plant gets completed, and on what timeline, following these busts. Killing of woman on light rail in Charlotte: The common refrain on the right goes something like this: The left-leaning mainstream media fails to sufficiently cover crimes in which the victim is sympathetic and the perpetrator has a mile-long rap sheet. The killing of Ukrainian woman Iryna Zarutska provides a perfect example. Zarutska, a 23-year-old blonde woman who fled her native Ukraine due to the war, was riding the light rail in Charlotte, North Carolina, minding her own business late last month. Decarlos Williams, a 35-year-old black man with many arrests under his belt and schizophrenia, unprompted and seemingly out of nowhere, stabbed her. Elon Musk has signal-boosted this: "This is a tragic situation that sheds light on problems with society safety nets related to mental healthcare and the systems that should be in place," said the city's mayor in a statement released after the killing. "As we come to understand what happened and why, we must look at the entire situation. While I do not know the specifics of the man's medical record, what I have come to understand is that he has long struggled with mental health and appears to have suffered a crisis." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The kicker: "I am not villainizing those who struggle with their mental health or those who are unhoused. Mental health disease is just that a disease like any other than needs to be treated with the same compassion, diligence and commitment as cancer or heart disease. Our community must work to address the underlying issue of access to mental healthcare. Also, those who are unhoused are more frequently the victim of crimes and not the perpetrators. Too many people who are on the street need a safe place to sleep and wrap around services to lift them up." Looked at one way, it's a local crime story, and not every local crime story rises to the news of mainstream media coverage. Looked at another, it's a pattern: Someone who is a repeat offender, who should probably have been locked up, is able to kill an innocent person, and the Democratic mayor gives an awful lot of airtime to the plight of the perpetrator. We've seen this one play out again and again in blue cities over the last few years. Now it's becoming a "Republicans pounce" storythus warranting coverage: The gruesome video of the fatal knife attack on Iryna Zarutska on a light-rail car in Charlotte is drawing attention from MAGA influencers seeking to elevate the issue of violent urban crime and accuse mainstream media of under-covering shocking cases. https://t.co/OIj3FYfDLE Axios (@axios) September 8, 2025 Scenes from New York: "Lawmakers made two pledges in advocating for a law to enforce the city's longstanding prohibition on short-term rentals, which finally went into effect in 2023," reports The Wall Street Journal. "The first was that a crackdown would remove noisy, disruptive tourists from residential buildings that had turned into de facto hotels. The second was that curtailing Airbnb and other short-term rental companies' operations would protect the city's tight housing supply." But that second one never came to fruition: "Apartment rents are at all-time highs, while the vacancy rate is next to nothing. The new legislation removed tens of thousands of short-term rentals from New York City apartment buildings, but it is unclear how many of those units are now occupied by year-round tenants." QUICK HITS French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has put forward an "austerity budget proposal, designed to confront a severe deficit and a worsening national debt, in part by freezing welfare payments at their current levels," per The New York Times. His reward? Most likely: a vote of no confidence that gives him the boot. "Partial results of the Buenos Aires legislative elections: Fuerza Patria with 46.93% of the votes, while La Libertad Avanza achieved 33.85%," reports La Nacion (translated from Spanish). For those keeping track: That's a victory for Peronism and a huge defeat for President Javier Milei's party (La Libertad). And if Milei can't get more supporters into the legislature, he's going to be severely hamstrung in what he can do. Resultados parciales de las elecciones legislativas bonaerenses: Fuerza Patria con 46,93% de los votos, mientras que La Libertad Avanza logro el 33,85%. pic.twitter.com/zsm0FtWMJ1 LA NACION (@LANACION) September 8, 2025 Florida's New College has been the target of an ideological takeover by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis (and henchmen like Chris Rufo). Now some disgruntled former administration insiders there are trying to privatize the school, which sounds like a win for the taxpayers of Florida. Niiiice: ProPublica looked into Trump's cabinet and found three members who claimed multiple properties as a primary residence, the same accusation made against Fed governor Lisa Cook. pic.twitter.com/I99lNuzvo1 Steve Inskeep (@NPRinskeep) September 4, 2025 The post Huge Immigration Bust appeared first on Reason.com. Heres what youll learn when you read this story: While bones can regrow themselves when they break, teeth arent so lucky, and that leads to millions of people worldwide suffering from some form of edentulism, a.k.a. toothlessness. Now, Japanese researchers are moving a promising, tooth-regrowing medicine into human trials. If the trial is successful, the researchers hope the drug will become available for all forms of toothlessness sometime around 2030. The average adult human body contains 206 bonesthe hardened mixtures of calcium, minerals, and collagen that provide the biological scaffolding that walks us through our day. While we may not think of them much, bones are incredibly resilient. But if they do break, they have this nifty trick of regrowing themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teeth, however, are not bones. Although theyre made of some of the same stuff and are the hardest material in the human body (thanks to its protective layer of enamel), they lack the crucial ability to heal and regrow themselves. But that may not always be the case. Japanese researchers are moving forward with an experimental drug that promises to regrow human teeth. Human trials began in September 2024. We want to do something to help those who are suffering from tooth loss or absence, Katsu Takahashi, the head of dentistry at the medical research institute at Kitano Hospital in Osaka, told The Mainichi. While there has been no treatment to date providing a permanent cure, we feel that peoples expectations for tooth growth are high. This development follows years of study around a particularly antibody named Uterine sensitizationassociated gene-1 (USAG-1), which has been shown to inhibit the growth of teeth in ferrets and mice. Back in 2021, scientists from the Kyoto Universitywho will also be involved in future human trialsdiscovered a monoclonal antibody (a technique usually used in fighting cancer) that disrupted the interaction between USAG-1 and molecules known as bone morphogenetic protein, or BMP. We knew that suppressing USAG-1 benefits tooth growth. What we did not know was whether it would be enough, Kyoto Universitys Katsu Takahashi, a co-author of the study, said in a press statement at the time. Ferrets are diphyodont animals with similar dental patterns to humans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, scientists will see just how similar, because humans are undergoing a similar trial. Lasting 11 months, this study focuses on 30 males between the ages of 30 and 64each missing at least one tooth. The drug will be administered intravenously to prove its effectiveness and safety, and luckily, no side effects have been reported in previous animal studies. If all goes well, Kitano Hospital will administer the treatment to patients between the ages of 2 to 7 who are missing at least four teeth, with the end goal of having a tooth-regrowing medicine available by the year 2030. While these treatments are currently focused on patients with congenital tooth deficiency, Takahashi hopes the treatment will be available for anyone whos lost a tooth. Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue You Might Also Like More than 1,300 artists, including some Hollywood A-listers, have promised not to work with Israeli film institutions complicit in abuses against Palestinians as Israel intensifies its war on Gaza. In a pledge released on Monday, the artists who include Olivia Colman, Ayo Edebiri, Mark Ruffalo, Riz Ahmed, Tilda Swinton and Javier Bardem decried the unrelenting horror in Gaza, where Israel has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians and flattened most of the territory. Inspired by Filmmakers United Against Apartheid who refused to screen their films in apartheid South Africa, we pledge not to screen films, appear at or otherwise work with Israeli film institutions including festivals, cinemas, broadcasters and production companies that are implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people, the statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Examples of being complicit in Israeli rights violations include whitewashing or justifying genocide and apartheid, and/or partnering with the government committing them, it added. The pledge cited International Court of Justice rulings that concluded a genocide charge against Israel is plausible and found the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is illegal. Over the 23 months of the Gaza war, leading academics, rights groups and United Nations experts have accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians. Genocide defined by the UN as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group is one of the gravest war crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinian rights advocates have long called for celebrities to use their reach and status to bring awareness to the plight of Palestinians. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Mike Lerner, one of the signatories to the statement, said the pledge was a non-violent tool to undermine the impunity that Israel enjoys for its conduct against Palestinians. It is the responsibility of every independently minded artist to use whatever powers of expression they possess to support the global resistance to overcome this horror, Lerner said in a statement. Hollywood has been historically pro-Israel, producing movies like the 1960 film Exodus, which valorised the founding of Israel, and regularly inserting positive references to the country in blockbusters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in recent years, many actors and directors have spoken out against Israels policies sometimes to the detriment of their own careers. For example, in 2023, actor Susan Sarandon, who signed Mondays pledge, was dropped by her talent agency after attending a Palestine solidarity rally. After the outbreak of the war in Gaza, Melissa Barrera, who also joined the boycott call, lost her role in the horror franchise Scream over social media posts critical of Israel. Olivia Colman is also among the artists who decry the unrelenting horror in Gaza [File: Chris J Ratcliffe/Reuters] Still, voices sympathetic to Palestinians continue to grow louder in the film industry. In March, No Other Land, an Israeli-Palestinian film focused on the ongoing destruction of the Palestinian community of Masafer Yatta in the occupied West Bank, won the Oscar for best documentary feature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More recently, The Voice of Hind Rajab, which tells the story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl who was trapped in a car with slain family members before Israeli soldiers also killed her, received a 23-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. The movie centres on Rajabs heart-wrenching calls to rescuers while under Israeli fire in Gaza City. Mondays pledge comes as Israel pushes to systematically destroy Gaza City, having already levelled most of the besieged enclave. As filmmakers, actors, film industry workers, and institutions, we recognise the power of cinema to shape perceptions, the statement said. In this urgent moment of crisis, where many of our governments are enabling the carnage in Gaza, we must do everything we can to address complicity in that unrelenting horror. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has said he will hold talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha in Budapest in the coming days. Source: Szijjarto on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Szijjarto reported that the meeting with Ukraines foreign minister will take place "this week" in Budapest, where the parties will discuss Hungarian-Ukrainian relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "We believe in dialogue and are always ready for talks. But the ball is on Ukraines side: real progress is only possible if rights taken from Hungarians in Transcarpathia are fully restored." Background: Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! MADISON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley and Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon welcomed the commander of U.S. Space Command on Monday. Huntsville city officials said this meeting between Whiting and Battle was an important step as the city and Redstone Arsenal begin the formal transition to hosting Space Commands permanent headquarters. Hartselle Police identify man involved in Saturday night chase ending in deadly crash, Priceville officer on leave Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are honored to welcome Gen. Whiting to Huntsville, Battle said. This is an exciting moment for our city, but more importantly, its about ensuring the security of our nation. We look forward to working closely with Gen. Whiting and the entire Space Command team as they relocate to Redstone Arsenal. (City of Huntsville) (City of Huntsville) The city said Whiting also expressed enthusiasm to become a part of the Huntsville community. North Alabama has been very welcoming, and were thrilled to be here on the ground, Whiting said. Our job right now is to figure out how expeditiously, in a professional and disciplined manner, we can start to make the move that the President has directed, all while continuing our vital national security missions, which is to defend American interests in space. During the meeting, the city said that Mayor Finley emphasized Madisons strengths as a community, particularly the excellence of Madison City Schools, which are considered key factor for families choosing to call Madison their home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finley also highlighted infrastructure projects that Madison, Huntsville, and Madison County leaders are working on collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition once the command comes to the region and support the growing workforce. This visit reflects the importance of strong partnerships between military leadership and local governments as we prepare to welcome U.S. Space Command and continue to build a thriving future for North Alabama, the city said. (City of Madison) (City of Madison) Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon also met with Whiting on Monday, and said they talked about the work ahead to help provide a seamless transition for the relocation of Space Command. The chairman said they also discussed schools, housing and quality of life issues that will affect employees and their families moving here. (Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon) Whiting said the current iteration of Space Command is six years old and focuses on evaluating and planning for how the U.S. can best use its space capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Hurricane Kiko weakened on Sept. 7 as the system is expected to pass north of Hawaii by midweek, bringing potentially life-threatening surf conditions and dangerous rip currents to the islands, forecasters said. As of 11 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time (HST), the National Hurricane Center said Kiko was about 635 miles east of Hilo on the Big Island. The hurricane was moving west-northwest near 13 mph, and was forecast to track north of the Hawaiian Islands on Sept. 9 and Sept. 10, according to the hurricane center. Kiko was maintaining maximum sustained winds of around 110 mph on Sept. 7, down from the 140 mph reported on Sept. 6, the hurricane center said. The agency noted that the hurricane is expected to become a tropical storm by late Sept. 8, decreasing the threat of high winds and heavy rain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Reports from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 110 mph ... with higher gusts," the hurricane center said in its 11 a.m. HST advisory. "Additional weakening is forecast during the next few days." 2025 Hurricane Season: An uneasy, uncertain hurricane forecast kicks off September The hurricane center warned that while the risk of "direct impacts on the islands" appeared to be decreasing, people were urged to monitor Kiko's progress. Swells from the hurricane were forecast to begin reaching the Big Island and Maui on Sept. 7. The swells will continue to build and increase along east-facing shorelines through the middle of the week, the hurricane center warned. The swells could produce life-threatening surf and rip currents, according to the National Weather Service. The Flooded House Museum is a one-of-a-kind life-sized diorama replicating what neighborhood homes looked like after Hurricane Katrina's floodwall failures, created by Levees.org in a gutted house next to the London Avenue Canal and completed in 2019, as New Orleans marks the 20th anniversary of Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Aug. 20, 2025. New Orleans natives and Katrina evacuees Lonnie St. Junior Sr., of New Orleans, and his son Lonnie St. Junior II, who now lives in Dallas, stand in front of the flooded House Museum, a one-of-a-kind life-sized diorama replicating what neighborhood homes looked like after Hurricane Katrina's floodwall failures, created in a gutted house next to the London Avenue Canal as the 20th anniversary of Katrina draws near in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Aug. 20, 2025. Frank and Venessa Parker recount their story of Hurricane Katrina at their home in the Lower Ninth Ward on Aug. 27, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The historic predominantly Black community of the Lower Ninth Ward held thousands of families and had a high rate of multi-generational homeownership. Multiple levee breaches inundated the entire Lower Ninth Ward during the storm, killing many and damaging or destroying thousands of homes. The Lower Ninth Ward currently holds about one-third of its pre-Katrina population. People pay their respects during the march and second line in commemoration of the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in the Lower Ninth Ward on Aug. 29, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region are marking the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which occurred on Aug. 29, 2005. In an aerial view, people pay their respects during the march and second line in commemoration of the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina at the Eternal Seeds Summer Session mural on the levee wall in the Lower Ninth Ward on Aug. 29, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The London Avenue Canal's floodwalls were built on top of levees which were breached on both sides during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Aug. 20, 2025. In an aerial view, Caesars Superdome is seen on Aug. 29, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Cesars Superdome once served as a refuge for approximately 25,000 people during Hurricane Katrina's widespread devastation. New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region are preparing to mark the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which occurred on Aug. 29, 2005. People pay their respects during the march and second line in commemoration of the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in the Lower Ninth Ward on August 29, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region are marking the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which occurred on August 29, 2005. (L-R) Sam Pollard, Alisa Payne, Geeta Gandbhir and Samantha Knowles attend the Katrina: Come Hell and High Water New Orleans Special Screening and Conversation at Tableau on Aug. 27, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Information on Hurricane Katrina is fixed on a column outside the Flooded House Museum, a one-of-a-kind life-sized diorama replicating what neighborhood homes looked like after Hurricane Katrina's floodwall failures, created in a gutted house next to the London Avenue Canal and completed in 2019, as New Orleans marks the 20th anniversary of Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Aug. 20, 2025. The Flooded House Museum is a one-of-a-kind life-sized diorama replicating what neighborhood homes looked like after Hurricane Katrina's floodwall failures, created by Levees.org in a gutted house next to the London Avenue Canal and completed in 2019, as New Orleans marks the 20th anniversary of Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Aug. 20, 2025. The Flooded House Museum is a one-of-a-kind life-sized diorama replicating what neighborhood homes looked like after Hurricane Katrina's floodwall failures, created by Levees.org in a gutted house next to the London Avenue Canal and completed in 2019, as New Orleans marks the 20th anniversary of Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Aug. 20, 2025. The Flooded House Museum is a one-of-a-kind life-sized diorama replicating what neighborhood homes looked like after Hurricane Katrina's floodwall failures, created by Levees.org in a gutted house next to the London Avenue Canal and completed in 2019, as New Orleans marks the 20th anniversary of Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Aug. 20, 2025. The London Avenue Canal's floodwalls were built on top of levees which were breached on both sides during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Aug. 20, 2025. People pay their respects during the march and second line in commemoration of the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in the Lower Ninth Ward on August 29, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region are marking the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which occurred on Aug. 29, 2005. New Orleans remembers Hurricane Katrina 20 years later 1 of 15 The Flooded House Museum is a one-of-a-kind life-sized diorama replicating what neighborhood homes looked like after Hurricane Katrina's floodwall failures, created by Levees.org in a gutted house next to the London Avenue Canal and completed in 2019, as New Orleans marks the 20th anniversary of Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Aug. 20, 2025. Hawaii issues emergency declaration In anticipation of Kiko, the state of Hawaii issued an emergency declaration on Sept. 5, an administrative action government agencies often take before tropical storms, hurricanes, and other impending weather disasters. Such declarations pave the way for emergency measures and resources that allow officials to respond quickly during emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weather service office in Honolulu warned that swells from Kiko will develop into the night of Sept. 8 before peaking on Sept. 9 "likely exceeding advisory levels and possible warning level surf" on east-facing shorelines. As Kiko approaches the islands, rain and wind remain a possibility. But the weather service said the cumulative percent probability of tropical storm-force winds will range from 5 to 10% for most areas across the state. No coastal watches or warnings were in effect as of Sept. 7, according to the hurricane center. Forecasters watching the central and eastern North Pacific, and the Atlantic also noted that there was no tropical cyclone formation expected for the next seven days. "Tropical cyclone formation is not expected in the Atlantic during the next 7 days," the hurricane center said in a post on X. "Yes, you read that correctly, even with the normal peak of the hurricane season just 3 days away! But that doesn't mean things can't change quickly. As always, monitor hurricanes.gov for the latest." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurricane Erin: How a distant hurricane likely killed 2 people Track active storms This forecast cone from the National Hurricane Center shows only the probable path of the center of a storm. It does not illustrate the full range of impacts possible from a storm, such as swells, rain, and winds. Contributing: Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricane Kiko could bring life-threatening waves to Hawaii COURTESY CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER The five-day forecast track for Hurricane Kiko as of 5 p.m. today. 1 /2 COURTESY CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER The five-day forecast track for Hurricane Kiko as of 5 p.m. today. COURTESY NOAA This color-enhanced satellite image shows Hurricane Kiko in the Central Pacific this morning, 2 /2 COURTESY NOAA This color-enhanced satellite image shows Hurricane Kiko in the Central Pacific this morning, COURTESY CENTRAL PACIFIC HURRICANE CENTER The five-day forecast track for Hurricane Kiko as of 5 p.m. today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement COURTESY NOAA This color-enhanced satellite image shows Hurricane Kiko in the Central Pacific this morning, UPDATE : 5 p.m. Kiko remains a Category 2 hurricane and is still predicted to weaken into a tropical storm, passing north of Hawaii early this week. As of 5 p.m., Kiko was located about 555 miles east of Hilo and about 750 miles east of Honolulu. The hurricane was moving at near 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. Kiko is expected to pass north of the main Hawaiian Islands Tuesday and Wednesday. Kiko is forecast to become a tropical storm late Monday or Monday night. While the risk of direct impacts on the islands appears to be decreasing, interests there should continue to monitor Kikos progress and the latest forecast, according to the forecast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 90 miles. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. 11 a.m. Hurricane Kiko continues to weaken and is expected to pass north of the Hawaiian Islands on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. As of 11 a.m. today, Kiko was located about 635 miles east of Hilo and 835 miles east-southeast of Honolulu. Kiko was packing maximum sustained winds of 110 mph and moving west-northwest at near 13 mph. Kiko is forecast to continue in this general motion with a slight increase in forward speed expected until Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 110 mph (175 km /h ) with higher gusts. Additional weakening is forecast during the next few days, and Kiko is expected to become a tropical storm by late Monday or Monday night, according to the forecast. Hurricane-forece winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles. Swells generated by Kiko are expected to hit Hawaii island and Maui today. Swells are predicted to peak along the east-facing shores of the Hawaiian Islands late Monday until midweek, possibly producing life-threatening surf and rip currents. EARLIER COVERAGE Kiko weakened slightly overnight but is still a major hurricane in the Central Pacific on a path that is expected to take it north of Hawaii this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 5 a.m. today, Kiko had maximum sustained winds of 115 mph and was centered 715 miles east of Hilo and 915 miles east-southeast of Honolulu, moving west-northwest at 13 mph, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Kiko is forecast to pass north of the Hawaiian islands on Tuesday and Wednesday, forecasters said. While the risk of direct impacts on the islands appears to be decreasing, interests there should continue to monitor Kikos progress and the latest forecast. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 35 miles from Kikos center and tropical storm-force winds extend up to 80 miles, CPHC said. Kiko, a Category 3 storm, is now moving over cooler waters and is expected to encounter wind shear in about 24 hours, both of which should hasten its weakening, forecasters said in the 5 a.m. update. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest five-day forecast track has Kiko as a Category 1 hurricane on Tuesday and a tropical storm on Wednesday as it passes north of Hawaii. The islands are no longer included in the tracks so-called cone of uncertainty. By Thursday, the storm is expected to be far northwest of Hawaii. Although there are no Kiko-related advisories covering land in the islands, offshore Hawaii waters beyond 40 nautical miles out to 240 nautical miles including the portion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument east of French Frigate Shoals are under a hurricane warning. The National Weather Service in Honolulu said 6-to-12-feet seas are expected Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as isolated thunderstorms. NWS forecasters said the islands, meanwhile, may see a brief enhancement in shower activity through Monday morning. Overall, the region will remain relatively dry and stable the next couple of days. Cloudier, warm and muggy island weather is forecast Tuesday and Wednesday under weakened trade flow, they said today. Hurricane Kiko is approaching Hawaii from the southeast. Kikos current forecast track remains north of the islands across the far northern offshore waters. While confidence is low concerning Kikos early to mid week impacts, there is a possibly of higher statewide rainfall and elevated east-facing shore surf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swells generated by Kiko are expected to reach Hawaii island and Maui today. These swells will gradually build and are forecast to peak along east-facing exposures of the Hawaiian islands late Monday through midweek, potentially producing life-threatening surf and rip currents, forecasters said. 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 ? . Police have arrested a 38-year-old man suspected of murdering his wife, whose death under suspicious circumstances was initially reported earlier in the week, according to a Honolulu Police Department social media post. Patrol officers responded to a call reporting the death of a 43-year-old woman at her Halawa residence around 11 a.m. Thursday. Police arrested her husband around 6 :35 p.m. Saturday on suspicion on second-degree murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Honolulu Medical Examiners Office has not released her name or cause of death. HPD did not release further details on the case, saying charges will be pursued through the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney. See more : 6 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 ? . COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) Last week, a South Korean magnet company announced plans to build a plant in Columbus. That announcement came two days before federal immigration agents raided a South Korean automotive construction site near Savannah. Our Chuck Williams checked with local economic development officials to see what, if any, impact that raid will have on the Columbus project. Chuck joins us now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missy Kendrick, the president and CEO of Choose Columbus, says she does not see any immediate impact. But that raid did cause concern in Columbus. Naturally, when it hit the news that it was a little concerning, for us, having just located a Korean project in Columbus, Kendrick said. But, I think that we look at it a little differently in that, we are we see it as an opportunity to make sure that that doesnt happen here. JS Link America is planning to invest more than $223 million and hire 524 people to make magnetic devices that are used in everything from cars to consumer electronic devices. Last weeks ICE raid of a Hyundai-LG battery plant construction site in Bryan County resulted in 450 detainees, most of them South Korean nationals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We asked Kendrick if Choose Columbus knew who was going to be building the JS Link plant. We have not had those conversations with JS Link yet. What we are able to do, though, is that we have a list of contractors and construction companies and different types of, firms, like engineering firms and general contractors and plumbing and electrical and that kind of thing that we are able to provide to any company that locates here upon request, because we want to, give them a list of local folks that are interested and willing to work with companies on construction projects. Choose Columbus has offered JS Link assistance in the visa process for its construction project. We will be helping them with their visa requests, or theyve asked for our help getting the visas that theyre going to be needing to bring the trainers over, Kendrick said. And so it will give us an opportunity to make sure they fully understand what is allowed and not allowed under the visas that they apply for. So hopefully well make sure that that doesnt happen here in Columbus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JS Link is expected to begin construction early next year on a 46-acre site in the Muscogee Technology Park. The company plans to be operational by the end of 2027. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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) Immigration activists spoke out Monday about the ICE raid at a Georgia Hyundai-LG plant, calling on elected leaders to hold employers accountable. Leaders of immigration organizations said its the workers who are paying the price for actions taken by large corporations. The Hyundai-LG plant required highly specialized subcontractors and technicians to move the project forward. Visas were needed, but they were not granted at the scale required, said Sarah Park, president of the Korean-American Colation. Everyone from the companies to government leaders understood this reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago, Boston should absolutely expect immigration operations: Homan Activists referred to the situation as a bait and switch scam where workers were brought over on incorrect visas by their employer. Nearly 500 workers were arrested in the raid, many of them from South Korea, and many of whom were working for subcontractors. Activists also called out Hyundai for relying on subcontractors, noting the company has a history of workplace violations and saying the use of subcontractors was meant to evade responsibility. Where the Epstein files fight in Congress goes next The groups are asking for accountability for Hyundai and its subcontractors, as well as due process for the individual workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America has the right to enforce its laws, but our Constitution also demands due process and human dignity for every person, Park 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. By Francois Murphy VIENNA (Reuters) - Time is running out in talks between the U.N. nuclear watchdog and Iran on how to fully resume inspections in the Islamic Republic, the watchdog's chief Rafael Grossi said on Monday, adding that he hoped the discussions would conclude within days. The International Atomic Energy Agency has not had access to Iran's key nuclear facilities since the United States and Israel bombed them in June. Iran passed a law after the attacks suspending cooperation with the IAEA and saying any inspections had to be approved by its Supreme National Security Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IAEA and Iran are now in talks on the "modalities" of a full resumption of inspections, though Grossi says that does not alter Iran's duty to allow verification measures such as inspections as a party to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. "There is still time, but not much. Always enough when there is good faith and a clear sense of responsibility," Grossi said in a statement to a quarterly meeting of the IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors. "Progress has been made. It is my sincere hope that within the next few days it will be possible to come to a successful conclusion of these discussions in order to facilitate the resumption, the full resumption, of our indispensable work with Iran," he added. Their talks are taking place against the backdrop of Europe's top three powers having initiated a 30-day process on Aug. 28 to re-impose sanctions on Iran. The curbs were lifted under a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major powers that unravelled after President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of it in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those three powers - France, Britain and Germany, known as the E3 - have said they will go ahead with re-imposing sanctions under the so-called "snapback" process unless IAEA inspections fully resume in Iran, and Tehran accounts for its large stock of near-weapons-grade uranium and resumes nuclear talks with the United States. "I am confident that with these practical steps (on inspections) in place, other important diplomatic consultations and processes will find a more promising ground upon which to advance towards positive outcomes," Grossi said, apparently referring to broader diplomacy such as Iran-E3 discussions. In Tehran, Iran's foreign ministry said the talks with the IAEA were "positive" but had not yet reached a conclusion and that no specific time frame was determined for the next round of talks. "On Saturday, the third round of negotiations ended and their results are currently being reviewed in Tehran by relevant authorities and we will announce the next steps when this review is finalised," ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told a weekly press conference on Monday. (Reporting by Francois Murphy and Dubai Newsroom,; Editing by Gareth Jones, William Maclean) IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi looks on during a doorstep with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, Austrian Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler and Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger at the Austrian Chancellery in Vienna, Austria, June 25, 2025. (photo credit: REUTERS/LISA LEUTNER) The International Atomic Energy Agency has not had access to Iran's key nuclear facilities since the United States and Israel bombed them in June. Time is running out in talks between theUN nuclear watchdog and Iran on how to fully resume inspections in the Islamic Republic, the watchdog's chief, Rafael Grossi, said on Monday, adding that he hoped the discussions would conclude within days. The International Atomic Energy Agency has not had access to Iran's key nuclear facilities since the United States and Israel bombed them in June. Iran passed a law after the attacks suspending cooperation with the IAEA and saying any inspections had to be approved by its Supreme National Security Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IAEA and Iran are now in talks on the "modalities" of a full resumption of inspections, though Grossi says that does not alter Iran's duty to allow verification measures such as inspections as a party to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. "There is still time, but not much. Always enough when there is good faith and a clear sense of responsibility," Grossi said in a statement to a quarterly meeting of the IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors. "Progress has been made. It is my sincere hope that within the next few days it will be possible to come to a successful conclusion of these discussions in order to facilitate the resumption, the full resumption, of our indispensable work with Iran," he added. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi attends an interview with the Reuters team in Vienna, Austria, September 3, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/LISA LEUTNER) Their talks are taking place against the backdrop of Europe's top three powers having initiated a 30-day process on Aug. 28 to re-impose sanctions on Iran. The curbs were lifted under a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major powers that unraveled after President Donald Trump pulled the US out of it in 2018. The E3 Those three powers - France, Britain and Germany, known as the E3 - have said they will go ahead with re-imposing sanctions under the so-called "snapback" process unless IAEA inspections fully resume in Iran, and Tehran accounts for its large stock of near-weapons-grade uranium and resumes nuclear talks with the United States. "I am confident that with these practical steps (on inspections) in place, other important diplomatic consultations and processes will find a more promising ground upon which to advance towards positive outcomes," Grossi said, apparently referring to broader diplomacy such as Iran-E3 discussions. THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) The International Criminal Court announced on Monday it was postponing a pretrial hearing for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte over concerns about his health. Lawyers for the 80-year-old filed a motion in August for the proceedings to be delayed indefinitely, saying their client is not fit to stand trial." Prosecutors at the ICC accuse Duterte of crimes against humanity for deadly anti-drugs crackdowns he oversaw while in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exact concerns over the former president's health are not specified and the filings in the case are heavily redacted. A pretrial panel of judges have allowed for a limited postponement to give the court time to determine whether Mr Duterte is fit to follow and participate in the proceedings. Rights groups and families of victims hailed Dutertes arrest in March, and the courts chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, called it a crucial step in our continuous work to ensure accountability for the victims of the most serious crimes under ICC jurisdiction. Supporters of Duterte criticized the administration of current Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Dutertes political rival, for arresting and surrendering the former leader to a court whose jurisdiction his supporters dispute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICC has been investigating mass killings in crackdowns overseen by Duterte when he served as mayor of the southern Philippine city of Davao and later as president. Estimates of the death toll of the crackdown during Dutertes presidential term vary, from the more than 6,000 that the national police have reported up to 30,000 claimed by human rights groups. The Duterte administration moved to suspend the global courts investigation in late 2021 by arguing that Philippine authorities were already looking into the same allegations, and the ICC a court of last resort therefore didnt have jurisdiction. Appeals judges at the ICC ruled in 2023 the investigation could resume and rejected the Duterte administrations objections. Based in The Hague, the Netherlands, the ICC can step in when countries are unwilling or unable to prosecute suspects in the most serious crimes, including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) International Criminal Court prosecutors will present evidence on Tuesday to back up charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity against notorious fugitive Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony at the global courts first-ever in absentia hearing. Kony faces dozens of counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, sexual enslavement and rape for allegedly leading the brutal Lords Resistance Army that terrorized northern Uganda. Moving forward without Kony is seen as a test case for other proceedings where the suspect is not in custody, for example Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hearing is not a trial, but allows prosecutors to outline their case in court. Kony will be represented in his absence by a defense lawyer. After weighing the evidence, judges can rule on whether or not to confirm the charges against Kony, but he cannot be tried in his absence. By 2005, facing pressure from Ugandas military, Kony's LRA had been weakened and its members forced to splinter and flee into neighboring countries, including Sudan and Congo, where they settled into wide expanses of ungoverned bush. Proceedings against Kony will be followed by many in Uganda, where survivors welcome his trial even as they regret the failure to catch him. He did many things bad, said Odong Kajumba, who escaped the LRA after he was captured and forced to carry a sack of sugar to Ugandas border with Sudan in 1996. If they can arrest Kony, he said, I am very happy. Here are some things to know about Kony: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A religious boy Raised in a Catholic family among the Acholi people of northern Uganda, Kony once served as an altar boy. His elders saw in him the occult gifts of the diviner and others began consulting him for advice on everything from curing infertility to lifting curses. Some said he would sit in his hut with a hand placed on a Bible, or peer into a cracked shard of mirror to foretell the future, the LRA biographer Matthew Green wrote in The Wizard of the Nile. Kony seized his moment as a local leader with the rise to power in 1986 of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, whose guerrilla army had toppled government forces substantially drawn from Konys tribe. In Greens account, Kony gathered people to tell them he had received a spirit that asked him to fight and overthrow Museveni: Acolytes wearing bamboo rosaries gathered at his homestead, awaiting orders. Kony left his village in April 1987 with 11 followers to begin his movement, whose stated goal was to rule the East African country according to the biblical 10 Commandments. A feared warlord Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Konys guerrilla campaign, with its reliance on ambushing government soldiers and others, terrorized local people even more. Attacks on villages, or fear of impending attacks, often forced many civilians to flee their remote homes in search of relative safety in nearby towns. The rebels were known to be highly mobile, hard to track. In the mid-1990s, Ugandan authorities forced hundreds of thousands of civilians into camps for the internally displaced in efforts to isolate the rebels. That decision was criticized by local leaders, rights activists and others who said it exacerbated the peoples suffering while doing little to eradicate the LRA, whose attacks continued. The rebels abducted boys and girls in sporadic attacks, and other alleged acts of cruelty included chopping off limbs. With every successful attack Konys reputation as a fearsome warlord grew. Ugandan officials say Kony had his deputy, Vincent Otti, killed when Otti appeared interested in a peace deal with the government. A fugitive hunted by the U.S. In 2011, the U.S. sent about 100 U.S. troops to help African Union forces find Kony, a number that later grew to about 250. The effort degraded the LRA, but Kony himself remained elusive. A year later, Kony shot to international notoriety after the advocacy group Invisible Children made a popular online video highlighting his crimes, especially those against children. The U.S. has offered up to $5 million in rewards for information leading to Konys capture. Ugandan officials have long said they believe Kony is alive and possibly hiding in the lawless border region between Central African Republic and Sudans South Darfur region. Most of the LRA's top commanders have either been killed or captured while Kony somehow survives, adding to the myth surrounding the warlord. Many in his home area believe Kony will never be caught. A procurement document issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement has inadvertently revealed how long agents could be deployed to Chicago in the next phase of Donald Trumps federal takeover in Democratic-led cities. The Office of Acquisition Management filing, dated Sept. 5, is a justification for a sole-source contract awarded to Stahla Services, a Nebraska-based provider of portable lavatory and laundry trailers. Issued for urgent use for operations in the Chicago area, the requisition order indicates the White House is planning for a stay of a month or more as part of ICEs imminent sweep of the Windy City. Demonstrators march through downtown Chicago during a protest against Donald Trump's immigration policies (Getty) In requesting more temporary toilets at the Naval Station Great Lakes where agents will be headquartered, the office lets slip that ICE does not currently have sufficient bathroom access to support its forces arriving at the base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The naval station facilities currently available cannot accommodate the influx of personnel required for enforcement removals operations, the document admits. More significantly, it also states, The period of performance is 28 days and does not include any optional periods, suggesting federal agents will be active in the area for four weeks. An ICE spokesperson declined to give a timeframe for its latest mission but told The Independent: ICE has always operated in Chicago, targeting enforcement around the dangerous criminal aliens that are drawn to this sanctuary city, which protects them over law-abiding citizens. Since January 20, ICE has arrested some of the worst of the worst illegal aliens in Chicago- gang members, murderers, child rapists, drug traffickers- that roam the community and wreak havoc on neighbors. We will continue our law enforcement and public safety mission, undeterred, as we surge ICE resources in the city in coordination with our federal partners from across Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having already clashed with the Democratic leadership of California and D.C. this summer by sending in the National Guard to support local law enforcement contrary to their wishes, President Trump has talked about staging further federal interventions in blue cities to tackle urban crime, which he insists is out of control. Trump faced fresh criticism from Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey over the weekend after ICEs agents returned to Boston for Operation Patriot 2.0. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker have both spoken out against the prospect of federal intervention in the Windy City (Getty) Healey dismissed the prospect of more raids in search of undocumented migrants as political theater, a political power grab and an attempt to intimidate, although the Department of Homeland Security has insisted the action is necessary after it made 1,500 arrests in May. ICEs operation in Chicago looks likely to be even less warmly received, with city mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker both speaking out angrily against the prospect in advance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Johnson said at a Labor Day rally last Monday: This is the city that will defend the country. Were going to defend our democracy were going to protect the humanity of every single person in the city of Chicago. A day later, Gov. Pritzker told a press conference: 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. Pritzker also accused ICE of terrorizing people and claimed: 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. President Donald Trump insists his federal interventions in Democrat-run cities are necessary to tackle urban crime (AP) Then, on Saturday, Trump himself poured gasoline on the tensions by posting an AI-generated meme of himself as Lt. Col. Kilgore (Robert Duvall) from Francis Ford Coppolas Vietnam War movie Apocalypse Now (1979) with the catchphrase: I love the smell of deportations in the morning Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was subsequently asked whether he intended to go to war with Chicago and answered: Were not going to war. Were going to clean up our cities. Were going to clear them up so they dont kill every five people every weekend. Thats not war. Thats common sense. When it was put to him by a reporter that he was targeting Democrat-run Boston and Chicago rather than Republican-run cities with higher crime rates like Memphis and St Louis, he replied: Do you know how many people were killed in Chicago last weekend? Eight. Do you know how many were killed in Chicago the week before? Seven. Do you know how many people were wounded? Seventy-four people were wounded. You think theres worse than that? I dont think so. Details on the Chicago sweep remain scarce but Trumps border czar Tom Homan told CNNs State of the Union on Sunday that will it will commence this week. Over the past week, federal immigration officials have launched two big missions: one in Georgia focused on illegal employment, and another in Massachusetts aimed at tracking down illegal aliens with criminal records. ICE officials now say the coordinated crackdowns are another push by the Trump administration to enforce immigration laws across the country, and to help protect American communities that have seen a surge in crime. In Savannah, Georgia, nearly 500 people were detained after ICE agents executed a search warrant at a company suspected of hiring unauthorized workers. The investigation ultimately uncovered widespread use of fraudulent visas and other workplace violations, according to a follow-up report from ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We welcome all companies who want to invest in the U.S., and if they need to bring workers in for building or other projects, thats fine but they need to do it the legal way, said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia Steven Schrank. This operation sends a clear message that those who exploit the system and undermine our workforce will be held accountable. One detainee, a Mexican national with a green card, was arrested after officials discovered that he had multiple convictions, including felony drug possession, theft, and an attempt to sell a stolen firearm, all crimes that made him deportable under federal law. ICE said additional arrests and charges may follow as the investigation continues in Savannah. In Massachusetts, ICE launched Patriot 2.0, a follow-up to an earlier immigration enforcement initiative aimed at apprehending violent offenders who are in the country illegally. According to Homeland Security, the operation focuses on the worst of the worst including sex offenders, gang members, and convicted felons released by local authorities under sanctuary city policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in a June social media post, the DHS reported numbers from the first mission, saying, Operation Patriot was one of the largest immigration enforcement operations EVER. Today, Massachusetts is safer with nearly 1,500 illegal aliens removed. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu pushed back, claiming that local police will not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, according to CBS. Wu has accused ICE of targeting parents near schools and vowed to pursue legal action against what she described as unconstitutional tactics. As ordered in the Boston Trust Act, no Boston police or local resources will be co-opted into federal immigration enforcement and their mass deportation agenda, Wu wrote in a statement. However, the Justice Department recently filed a lawsuit against Boston, Wu, and Police Commissioner Michael Cox, arguing the citys sanctuary policies themselves violate federal law. The deployment of Paragon's Graphite spyware was a major scandal in Italy. Earlier this year, the messaging app WhatsApp revealed that 90 journalists and civil society figures had been targeted by the military-grade surveillance tech, which gives "total access" to a victim's messages. The Italian government admitted to spying on refugee rights activists, and Paragon cancelled its contract with the government almost immediately after the story broke. Now the same software may be coming to Americaand again with an immigration focus. Last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security quietly lifted a stop-work order on a $2 million contract that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had with Paragon for a "fully configured proprietary solution including license, hardware, warranty, maintenance, and training." The deal was first signed by the Biden administration, and it was frozen in October 2024, less than a week after Wired broke the news of the contract. An administration official later insisted to Wired that, rather than reacting to bad publicity, they were reviewing the contract to comply with President Joe Biden's order to ensure that commercial spyware use by the U.S. government "does not undermine democracy, civil rights and civil liberties." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The details of that reviewor even the contract itselfwere never publicly disclosed. But the results are clear: ICE now has a green light to use whatever software Paragon was offering. (Neither Paragon nor ICE responded to requests for comment from The Guardian.) The Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto, dedicated to researching electronic surveillance, found that Graphite targeted users through a "zero-click exploit." By adding someone to a WhatsApp group in a certain way, Graphite can force their phones to read an infected PDF file without the user's input. In other words, a cyberattack can be disguised as a spam textand works even if victims ignore it. After discovering the vulnerability with the Citizen Lab's help, WhatsApp said in a statement that it was "constantly working to stay ahead of threats" and "build new layers of protection into WhatsApp." Paragon was co-founded by Ehud Barak, a former Israeli prime minister and general in charge of military intelligence, and Ehud Schneorson, a former head of Unit 8200, the Israeli equivalent of the National Security Agency. Last year, an American private equity firm bought Paragon for $500 million with the intention of merging it into RED Lattice, a firm connected to former U.S. intelligence officials. Paragon has positioned itself as a more ethical alternative to NSO Group, a spyware company similarly run by Unit 8200 veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, NSO Group suffered a series of scandals after it was revealed that its Pegasus spyware was sold to police states around the world and was possibly used to spy on journalists who were murdered. NSO Group accused the media of running a "vicious and slanderous campaign" and promised to "thoroughly investigate any credible proof of misuse." The Biden administration hit NSO Group with economic sanctions in response. Around the time that the Pegasus scandal was breaking, a Paragon executive boasted to Forbes that their company would only deal with customers who "abide by international norms and respect fundamental rights and freedoms." However, the reports of surveillance in Italy "undermine Paragon Solutions's public marketing of itself as a more ethical provider of surveillance malware," Cooper Quintin, the senior staff technologist at the civil libertarian Electronic Frontier Foundation, said in a statement. "Without strong legal guardrails, there is a risk that the malware will be misused in a similar manner by the U.S. Government." ICE is not the first U.S. government agency to use Paragon's software. The New York Times reported in 2022 that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) was using Graphite to spy on drug cartels. An official from the DEA told the Times that the targets were all on foreign soil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bringing the spyware into domestic immigration enforcement would be a step up from targeting cartel members abroad. ICE has been building up its ability to spy on Americans over the past few months. The agency has gained access to a massive database of medical and car insurance claims and the nationwide network of license plate readers. And it has contracted surveillance firm Palantir to build a "near real-time" tracking system known as ImmigrationOS, with a prototype scheduled to come out later this month. What kind of data will be fed into this system? Will ICE be in the business of hacking phones? How will Americans be protected from this mass surveillance? These vague public contract announcements leave a lot of questions unansweredand the feds, under either Biden or President Donald Trump, aren't eager to tell. The post What Is ICE Doing With This Israeli Spyware Firm? appeared first on Reason.com. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent waits in a vehicle during a multi-agency targeted enforcement operation in Chicago, Illinois, on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. Credit - Christopher DiltsBloomberg via Getty Images The Trump Administration has launched immigration enforcement operations in Massachusetts and Chicago as the White House border czar signals plans for a wider federal crackdown on sanctuary cities across the country this week. You can expect action in most sanctuary cities across the country, border czar Tom Homan said in an interview on CNN over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ramped up enforcement efforts mark the latest escalation in President Donald Trumps ongoing battle with sanctuary cities, where laws restrict local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities, as he seeks to carry out an aggressive mass deportation agenda. Trumps previous salvos against sanctuary cities across his two Administrations have faced setbacks, as courts have blocked the President from withholding federal funding from the cities and upheld the legality of their policies. The new crackdown, meanwhile, is already meeting with resistance from local leaders. Heres what to know. Chicago DHS announced on Monday that it was launching an immigration enforcement effort in Chicago targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records, which it is calling Operation Midway Blitz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This ICE operation will target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets, the agency said in a statement. This operation will target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in Chicago, ICE Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, in support of the operation. There had not been reports of mass arrests as of Monday morning, according to local officials. Trump has previously indicated plans to crack down on crime and immigration in Chicago, and over the weekend appeared to threaten the city with the newly renamed Department of War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love the smell of deportations in the morning , he wrote in a post on Truth Social. Chicago is about to find out why its called the Department of War. Trump has since walked back his comments amid backlash. Were not going to war, were going to clean up our cities, the President said when asked about the post on Monday. Were going to clean them up so they dont kill five people every weekend. Thats not war. Thats common sense. Chicago officials and residents have prepared to push back against a federal crackdown in recent days. The citys mayor, Brandon Johnson, last weekend signed an order directing Chicago law enforcement and officials not to cooperate with federal agents and established an initiative intended to protect residents rights. After the operation was announced on Monday, the city of Evanston, an urban suburb of Chicago, issued a statement warned its residents of impending raids by ICE agents and urged them to report sightings of law enforcement. Massachusetts The Department of Homeland Security over the weekend announced its plans for an operation called Patriot 2.0 in Massachusetts, intended to increase the number of deportations in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, nowhere is a safe haven for criminal illegal aliens. If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will hunt you down, arrest you, deport you, and you will never return, said a DHS spokesperson in a statement over the weekend. DHS went on to criticize Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, stating that sanctuary policies like those pushed by Mayor Wu not only attract and harbor criminals but also place these public safety threats above the interests of law-abiding American citizens. Few details were released about the scale of the new operation. The department says it follows the success of Operation Patriot in May, a previous enforcement campaign that led to roughly 1,500 arrests, according to the acting Director of ICE Todd Lyons. Wu, in response, has stood by her citys policies and vowed to challenge any enforcement efforts that cross legal lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As ordered in the Boston Trust Act, no Boston police or local resources will be co-opted into federal immigration enforcement and their mass deportation agenda, she said in a statement. For months, ICE has refused to provide any information about their activities in Boston and refuses to issue warrants, while we hear reports of ICE agents taking parents as they are dropping their kids off at school. That does not make our community safer. We expect that federal law enforcement will abide by the constitution and laws of this City, Commonwealth, and country, and we are prepared to take legal action at any evidence to the contrary. The Boston Trust Act, which was first adopted in 2014 and amended five years later, restricts local law enforcement from collaborating with ICE on civil immigration enforcement while allowing cooperation on matters of significant public safety, such as human trafficking, child exploitation, drug and weapons trafficking, and cybercrimes. Earlier this month, the Justice Department sued Boston over the policy, arguing that cities cannot obstruct the Federal Government from enforcing immigration laws. 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. If Boston wont protect its citizens from illegal alien crime, this Department of Justice will, said Attorney General Pam Bondi in a statement. Wu vowed when the lawsuit was filed that the city would defend its laws. We will not yield, she said. Contact us at letters@time.com. The two top Democrats on Beacon Hill on Monday raced to condemn new and aggressive immigration enforcement actions across Massachusetts, but offered no firm commitments on legislation that could counter it. I will say my communities are very concerned. It was one of my communities [where they] stopped a student, a high school student on his way to school, actually, for volleyball practice, was stopped, Senate President Karen E. Spilka, D-Middlesex/Norfolk, said, referring to the case of Marcelo Gomes Da Silva, a Milford teen who was detained by ICE earlier this year. That promotes fear in all of our communities, all of our immigrant communities, so that children are concerned about going to school, Spilka, of Ashland, said after a semi-regular leadership meeting with Gov. Maura Healey and House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano, D-3rd Norfolk. People are concerned about going to work. Theyre concerned about walking to go to their drugstores or their supermarkets. Theyre concerned about being picked up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the weekend, federal officials launched a promised enforcement blitz that theyve christened Operation Patriot 2.0" which particularly targets Boston. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said ICE was arresting sex offenders, pedophiles, murderers, drug dealers and gang members released by local authorities. The new enforcement action earned swift criticism from Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, who reiterated that criticism on Monday, calling it an act of political theater. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also slammed the stepped-up federal presence in the states largest city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mariano, of Quincy, said his rapidly changing city had yet to experience ICEs hardball tactics firsthand. But that didnt mean that people werent watching or paying attention to what was going on across the region and the state. The face covered SWAT teams that pop up out of nowhere and come in and hassle people for no apparent reason, you know, everyone reads those stories in the paper, Mariano said. Even though you may not have been witness to an incident yourself, you know they exist, he continued. And with that comes a heightened tension and anxiety about Is it going to happen to us? Is it going to happen to my family? Quincy is a changing demographic. We have 40% minorities in our city now. And they live under this fear. Both top Democrats stopped short, however, of suggesting they might take action on companion bills, now before the House and Senate, aimed at ensuring basic legal protections and barring local law enforcement from being deputized in such efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Safe Communities Act, as its known, is now before the Legislatures Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. In a statement, the bills sponsors said that while Massachusetts may not be able to stop deportations, but we can stop being complicit. Massachusetts law enforcement officers have, in many cases, voluntarily cooperated with federal immigration enforcement effortsat Massachusetts taxpayer expense," they continued. If immigrants fear that interacting with state officials could get them or family members deported, they will cease to report crimes or emergencies. When immigrants fear state officials, we are all less safe. On Monday, Mariano appeared less than convinced when he was asked whether the legislation was an appropriate remedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, I dont know if its a year for that. You know, the issue of enforcing immigration laws is a purview of the federal government, Mariano said. Its not a purview of the state government. We are here to enforce the state laws and we do that, and we do it very well. And so I think that there has to be a way for us to coexist without having to get into defining and limiting each others specific charges. Spilka, asked the same question about bringing the bill to the Senate floor, also was noncommittal. Massachusetts has been clear that we will help ... ICE if and when there are criminal issues, criminals being arrested, she said. " ... So we will have local law enforcement continue, when appropriate, when theres criminal activity. And thats what we will continue to do." More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is taking aim at Massachusetts as Trump administration officials have pledged to flood sanctuary cities with agents in the coming weeks. ICE launched Patriot 2.0 to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens living in the state of Massachusetts, following the success of Operation Patriot in May, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement. Politics: New DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Joins ICE Arrests In NYC (DHS has long said its focusing on the worst of the worst, though data about the immigrants whove been detained undermines this assertion: In July 2025, an Associated Press analysis found the majority of immigrants in detention at that time had no criminal convictions.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agencys recent push follows an ICE surge in Massachusetts in May dubbed Operation Patriot, which saw agents engaging in chaotic and violent arrests of local residents in places including Worcester, Nantucket and Boston. At the time, DHS said it had arrested roughly 1,500 undocumented people as part of that effort, which sparked major protests in numerous cities. The ICE escalation also comes as the Trump administration has clashed with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who has stressed that the citys policies restrict local law enforcements ability to collaborate with federal agents and emphasized the city wouldnt be backing down from these practices. Last week, the Trump administration sued Wu over these sanctuary policies, accusing the city of obstructing federal enforcement of immigration laws. News: Lachlan Murdoch Secures Control Of Family's Media Empire In Blockbuster Conclusion To Succession Fight For months, the Trump DOJ, DHS, and ICE have been spreading blatant lies and threatening to bring hell to cities like Boston who refuse to bow down to their authoritarian agenda, so this unconstitutional attack is not a surprise, Wu told NBC10 in a statement in response to ICEs plans to ramp up agents. We will not be bullied or intimidated into abandoning the efforts that make Boston a safe home for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boston is one of several major cities that ICE is expected to concentrate on this fall: White House border czar Tom Homan has also said the agency plans to launch a similar onslaught in Chicago, which could come as soon as this week. If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will hunt you down, arrest you, deport you, and you will never return, the DHS spokesperson said in a chilling statement about the agencys Massachusetts operation. The ICE sweeps have had devastating effects on communities across the country, including multiple fatalities as immigrants fled raids in California and a ballooning atmosphere of fear in the areas where theyve been conducted. News: Paramount Tasks Former Trump Nominee With Reviewing Bias At CBS News What we have seen from ICE and the administration isnt about public safety, its about political theater, about a political power grab and an attempt to intimidate, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey said in a Sunday interview on MSNBC. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Hasbro announced plans to move its headquarters from Rhode Island to Massachusetts on Monday. The toy company is currently based out of Pawtucket, but said in a press release that it intends to relocate its Rhode Island operations to 400 Summer St. in Bostons Seaport District close to the Thomas Menino Exhibition and Convention Center (formerly the Boston Exhibition and Convention Center). Hasbro plans to occupy seven floors and 265,000 square-feet of the newly developed building, according to the release. It intends to transition 700 full-time employees who currently work in Rhode Island to its new Boston building by the end of next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This new location will be the primary headquarters for Hasbros toys, board games, and licensing businesses, and a majority of its corporate services, the release reads. This strategic move positions the company to accelerate innovation, attract top talent, and drive long-term growth. How are Massachusetts leaders reacting? Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said in a Monday statement that she is proud to welcome this iconic company to Team Massachusetts. We are thrilled that Hasbro has chosen Massachusetts as the home of its new headquarters, and were ready to support the hundreds of jobs they will create here, the statement reads. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said in a Monday statement that she was delighted that Hasbro has decided to move to Boston, and that she looks forward to partnering with the toy company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The creativity and wonder at the heart of Hasbros work are also at the heart of our mission to make Boston a home for everyone the safest major city in the country and the best place to raise a family, with opportunities for all to Connect(4) and Play(-Doh)," the statement reads, referencing some of the toy companys most iconic brands. What about Rhode Island? Hasbro has been based in Rhode Island since its founding as a textiles company in Providence in 1923 by the three Hassenfeld brothers a family of Polish-Jewish immigrants. Originally called Hassenfeld Brothers, the company changed to producing school supplies over the next two decades, and finally to primarily making toys by the 1940s. The companys first big hit came in 1952 with the iconic Mr. Potato Head toy. By the end of the 1960s, it had changed its name to Hasbro, Inc. and moved its headquarters to Pawtucket, where it has remained until now. While Hasbro is establishing a new home in Boston, the companys ties to Rhode Island remain strong, the toy company wrote in the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hasbro plans to continue to support Hasbro Childrens Hospital in Providence with annual donations, it said in the release. It also intends to keep recruiting new employees from Rhode Islands colleges and universities, honoring the legacy of the Hassenfeld familys deep roots in the state. More News Read the original article on MassLive. According to the IDF, security forces are continuing to operate in the West Bank, specifically in the Ramallah area and encircling villages. The IDF launched a large-scale brigade operation to thwart West Bank terrorism in the Menashe Brigade, alongside searches for the suspects who carried out the attack at the Ramot Junction on Monday morning, the military said. On Sunday night, the IDF and Border Police operated deep inside the villages in the Marj Sanur Valley area, as well as the Fara'a refugee camp and Kabatiya in the West Bank, aimed at dismantling terrorist activity in the area, the IDF added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initial Palestinian reports indicated that one of the two terrorists who carried out the attack was Muthna Omar, 20, whose father was arrested in a recent IDF operation. Israeli media reported that the other terrorist was named as Muhammed Taha, who, along with Muthna Omar, was a resident of a Palestinian village in the Ramallah area. According to Walla, one of the terrorists involved was arrested and investigated by the police and subsequently released three months ago. IDF soldiers operate in the West Bank, September 8, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) Reservists from the elite Duvdevan Unit, following intelligence received from the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), arrested a terrorist on Sunday night who had planned terror plots. Security forces confiscate terror funds and weapons Security forces located and confiscated terror funds worth tens of thousands of shekels, along with weapons, the military said. According to the IDF, security forces are continuing to operate in the West Bank, specifically in the Ramallah area and encircling villages. This is a developing story. WASHINGTON, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is offering a $5,000 reward for information regarding a suspected arson at a residence located at 106 Mill Street in Washington. According to the IDHS, the fire happened in the early morning hours of August 24, 2025. The department said emergency crews were able to extinguish the fire, and during their investigation, determined the fire was intentionally set. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is urging anyone who may have information related to the incident to come forward, said the IDHS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana Department of Homeland Security gives tips for residents ahead of winter weather Image of the home located at 106 Mill Street, in Washington, where the IDHS said they are investigating a suspected arson. The IDHS said a reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for any information that leads to the conviction of whoever is responsible for the crime. Anyone with that information can contact the Indiana Arson Hotline at 1-800-382-4628. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HAWAII KAI, Oahu (KHON2) On Sun., Sept. 7, just after 10 a.m., the Honolulu Fire Department responded to a distressed hiker at the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. Lost hiker rescued near Wahiawa Cliff The incident occurred when a male in his 30s became ill by the tidepools and couldnt make it back up to the trail on his own. The first unit arrived at 10:22 a.m., where 7 units staffed with 19 personnel took on the trail on foot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 10:41 a.m., the unit arrived at the hike on foot and conducted medical assessments while providing basic life support. At 11:22 a.m., the hiker was safely airlifted by HFD and transferred to EMS. Check out more news from around Hawaii There were no reported injuries from HFD personnel. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 25-year-old man who was spotted parked illegally ended up being arrested on drug possession charges, Horizon City Police said. Shemar Daquan Lowery, 25, was arrested on Aug. 29 and charged with possession of a controlled substance. At about 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 29, Horizon City Police were conducting an active patrol in the area of the 14000 block of Kingston. Officers saw a passenger vehicle parked illegally with a single person inside, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, officers identified the driver as Lowery. In plain view, officers observed drug paraphernalia, police said. Further investigation led to the discovery of a crystalized substance consistent with methamphetamine. The substance was tested and confirmed to be methamphetamine with a weight of 2 grams, Horizon Police said. Lowery was taken into custody without incident and later booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility under a $2,500 personal-recognizance 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 KTSM 9 News. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) Illinois Senators Dick Durbin (D) and Tammy Duckworth (D), along with Congressman Eric Sorenson (D-17th), have sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanding more information on the security fence erected around the U.S. District Courthouse in Rockford. Late Friday, a temporary security fence was erected around the Stanley J. Roszkowski U.S. Courthouse, at 327 S Church Street, which houses the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The installation took Rockford city leaders by surprise, with the City of Rockford issuing a statement saying, We recognize that this development may raise concerns or uncertainty within our community. Please know that we are actively seeking more information. As soon as we learn more, we will share updates to keep the community informed and reassured. Your safety remains our top priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This fence went up without warning or explanation, and Rockford residents deserve to know why. We need to make sure federal actions in our community are transparent, lawful, and respectful of the people who live here. said Sorensen. The letter asks Noem to explain why the fence was installed, what DHS expects to happen there, how much the fence cost, what efforts were made to brief state or local officials, and how long DHS expects the fence to remain in place. Over the weekend, security fencing was also placed around the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, at 219 South Dearborn Street in Chicago, In a statement to Eyewitness News, a spokesperson for the U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois said that fencing is intended to help those who need to access the courthouse to do so safely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Courthouse remains open and accessible. The District Court Clerks Office will be open during normal business hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and in-person proceedings will continue as scheduled by the assigned judge. In Rockford, the designated Freedom of Speech and Expression area is the public space located at the corner of South Church and Cedar Streets. The General Services Administration maintains this area and may require special permitting. Chief Judge Virginia Kendall said in the statement that The United States Marshals Service is responsible for safety at the Roszkowski Courthouse and will work to ensure the safety and security of those who seek assistance from the Court. Maintaining access to the courthouse for anyone who seeks redress remains a top priority of the court. It is a core principle to promote our rule of law. On Monday, DHS announced Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would be launching Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago, to target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets. According to ICE, undocumented immigrants arrested as part of the nationwide effort had criminal histories, including sexual assault, robbery, drug and weapons charges, and domestic violence, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson said those arrested and subject to deportation proceedings will not be brought before a judge in the Northern District of Illinois. In a press release on Monday, DHS listed ten undocumented individuals with criminal records who were apprehended in Illinois but released when local jails even after ICE had sent detainer requests to those institutions. The TRUST Act, signed by former Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) in 2017, prevents state law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara spoke at a protest rally on Sunday, calling the installation of the fence performative by Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Hundreds of layoffs reported Layoffs are coming for more Illinois workers. According to the Notices of Layoffs and Closures (WARN) Report for August, most of the 751 employees losing their jobs are in the Chicago area. Diverse Facility Solutions in Alsip will be laying off 276 workers Sept. 30. Capital One Financial will be laying off 215 workers in Riverwoods, starting Oct. 17. Man charged with converted handgun Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Chicago man has been indicted on a federal firearm charge for alleged possession of a loaded machine gun in a city park. Prosecutors say Eddie Arguelles, 20, had a Glock handgun with a conversion device when police responded to a report of shots fired. Arguelles is detained without bond, and the U.S. Attorneys Office promised to seek his continued pre-trial detention. Congresswoman joins lawsuit Illinois U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, says she has joined an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold states bans on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth. Budzinski said in an X post Monday that being LGBTQ+ isnt a disease or something to fix. The Congressional Equality Caucus announced the filing last month. Trump to decided on Guard deployment President Donald Trump says he will make a decision in the next day or two about where he would deploy the National Guard next to fight crime. The president said Sunday that Washington, D.C. is much safer since he deployed troops there last month. Trump also said that Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker does not care about crime. Alleged cartel boss indicted A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted an alleged co-leader of a violent faction of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico on narcoterrorism, drug and firearm charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say Oscar Manuel Gastelum Iribe, 50, also known as El Musico, oversaw the importation of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and other drugs, at times in individual shipments of hundreds or thousands or kilograms, into the United States on behalf of the Beltran Leyva faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. Gastelum Iribe is not in custody and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Johnson names alderman's son to fill seat Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has named vice mayor and former alderman Walter Burnetts son to replace him on the city council. Walter Redmond Burnett spent five years at Goldman Sachs as an investment banker and Acquisition Associate. His father was alderman from 1995 until his retirement last month. The Mexican national at the center of the prosecution of Judge Hannah Dugan wants to face a jury in his battery case before he leaves the United States. Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, 32, appeared in Milwaukee County Circuit Court on Sept. 8 for his final hearing ahead of his Oct. 13 trial, where he faces three counts of misdemeanor battery. Prosecutors say in a criminal complaint he hit his roommate more than two dozen times in the head and choked him for several seconds. Two women who tried to intervene were also struck by Flores-Ruiz, the document says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense attorney Imran Kurter, of Milwaukee, told Judge David Feiss, a retired circuit court judge and former prosecutor who was appointed to take on Dugan's case load, that the case against Flores-Ruiz remained in a "trial posture." Last week, on Sept. 4, Flores-Ruiz pleaded guilty in another case against him to reentering the United States after previously being deported. As part of the plea, Flores-Ruiz agreed to be deported at the end of any prison term he receives for reentering the country, according to federal court papers. His sentencing in federal court was set for Oct. 29 before U.S. District Judge Pamela Pepper, two weeks after his battery trial. Dugan was arrested by FBI agents on April 25 at the courthouse and charged with obstructing federal officers for allegedly helping Flores-Ruiz elude them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside the courtroom, Kurter told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he has had contact with federal authorities, but was unaware how his client's decision to proceed to trial in state court rather than self-deport would affect the federal case against Dugan, or vice versa. Eduardo Flores-Ruiz (left) talks with his attorney, Imran Kurter, in a Milwaukee County court in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Sept. 8, 2025. Ruiz, at the center of the case against Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, was making his final pre trial appearance on battery charges which brought him to court in April when ICE and other federals arrested him. Flores-Ruiz's connection to Judge Dugan Flores-Ruiz's case was the catalyst for a series of events this spring that resulted in federal authorities mounting a case against Dugan. In that matter, Flores-Ruiz was set to appear in Dugan's courtroom in April for a hearing on the battery charges. Six federal officers were in the hallway, waiting to arrest him on an immigration warrant. Surveillance video footage appears to show Dugan directing the officers to the chief judge's office a few yards from her courtroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Dugan has been under under suspension since her April 25 arrest. Her case is set to go to trial Dec. 15. Flores-Ruiz has been in ICE custody since late April at Dodge Detention Facility in Juneau. Arrangements were made to have him transported to Milwaukee for the brief Sept. 8 hearing. Chris Ramirez covers courts for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at caramirez@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Immigrant at center of Hannah Dugan case requests trial in state case TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Indiana State Universitys Center for Bat Research, Outreach, and Conservation is hosting its Indiana Bat Festival for the 20th year. The event continues a long tradition of education on bats and family-friendly activities to bring the local community together. Daytime highlights include live fruit bat demonstrations at 10:30 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., as well as exhibitors sharing the importance of our natural resources. There will also be bat-themed activities from various departments of the College of Arts and Sciences. Some of those activities include an art exhibition in the Turman Gallery, costumes provided by the Department of Theater, readings of bat-related stories by the Creative Writing Society from the Department of English at 11:30 a.m., and Halloween-themed music performed by students from the School of Music at 1 p.m. Evening programs at Dobbs Park will feature a guided nature hike, bat activity course, kids crafts, and activities on how to detect bats out in the wild. ISU Family Weekend is coming up Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bats are a vital part of our local ecosystem that we enjoy celebrating every year, said Dr. Rusty Gonser, Chair of Indiana State Universitys Department of Biology. Were excited to mark 20 years of engaging people about these fascinating animals and the conservation challenges they face. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Science Building adjacent to Dede Plaza fountain on ISUs campus and will continue from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Dobbs Park on September 27. The event is free to attend, and the College of Arts and Sciences Preview Day will fall on the same day and is also free to attend. To learn more about the Indiana Bat Festival, you can click 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. This story was originally published on Utility Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Utility Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Indianas governor last week pressed for lower utility rates from investor-owned companies with utilities in the state: AES, American Electric Power, CenterPoint Energy, Duke Energy and NiSource. We cant take it anymore, Gov. Mike Braun, R, said in a Sept. 3 press release. Braun directed Abby Gray, the states new ratepayer advocate, to evaluate utility profits and look for cost-saving measures that would ease utility rates. I would also like to see the utilities' investors bear more of the cost of doing business, Braun said. Analysts with Jefferies and Capstone say they doubt Brauns comments will derail a proposal to create NIPSCO Generation, a company affiliated with NiSources Northern Indiana Public Service Co. that would build and own power plants to serve data centers and other megaload customers. Dive Insight: The action in Indiana highlights the nationwide affordability pressures that are colliding with the potential need to build power plants and power lines to serve planned data centers, manufacturing plants and other loads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Indiana, average residential electric bills surged about 17.5% over the 12-month period ending July 1 the most in 20 years, according to analysis from Citizens Action Coalition, a ratepayer-focused advocacy group based in Indianapolis. Average residential bills increased 9.3% during that period in 2023-2024, the group said. NIPSCOs average residential bills saw the highest increase in the state, jumping 26.7% this year and 17.8% in 2024, followed by CenterPoint at 24.9% and 7.1% in the same periods, Duke at 19.8% and 1%, AES at 12% and 11.9%, and AEPs Indiana Michigan Power at 3.9% and 8.8%, CAC said. AES Indiana is seeking a two-part rate increase that could total about 13.5%, or $21 a month, for a typical residential customer by 2027, on top of a 6% increase set to take effect next year. In other Indiana utility news, two members of the five-member Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission on Sept. 3 said without explanation that they are leaving the agency next month, before their terms expire. IURC commissioners Sarah Freeman and Wesley Bennett plan to step down on Oct. 10 and Oct. 17, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freeman has been an IURC commissioner since September 2016; Bennett has served at the agency since May 2023. Freemans term expires on Jan. 1, 2026, and Bennetts term ends April 1, 2026. Both commissioners were heavily involved in industry stakeholder engagement, including at [the] National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, and known favorably by investors, Jefferies equity analysts said Thursday. The action is a clear negative development for NiSource, but also for the other IOUs in the state, the analysts said. Brauns comments on utility rates were likely driven by voter pressure, according to research firm Capstone. However, we do not believe his messaging will result in meaningful rate impacts for utilities or an unfavorable IURC composition, given his alignment with Trump interests and a desire to maintain a favorable business environment in Indiana, analysts said in a client note on Friday. Capstone analysts said they expect the IURC will likely approve NIPSCO Generations data center power proposal before Bennett and Freeman leave the agency. If they leave before the decision is made, the IURC will still have a quorum to make a decision, they noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also believe Braun to be supportive of NIPSCO and other utilities efforts to increase generation capacity for meeting growing data center demand, largely in line with the Trump administrations priorities, the analysts said. NIPSCO, NIPSCO Generation and the NIPSCO Industrial Group reached a settlement agreement on the plan in mid-July. Creating a separate generation company would allow NIPSCO to serve megaload customers by meeting their unique demands so that Northwest Indiana does not lose out on economic development opportunities due to regulatory obstacles, NIPSCO Generation said in an Aug. 15 filing at the IURC. The plan protects existing customers by isolating risks to the generation company while maintaining NIPSCOs financial integrity, the company said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plans opponents contend, in part, that it may increase risks for NIPSCOs customers. Opponents include CAC; Clean Grid Alliance, a group representing clean energy developers; Takanock Beckham, a data center developer; and the Board of Commissioners of LaPorte County. Recommended Reading Secretary of Public Safety Jennifer-Ruth Green following a presentation with the Senate Appropriations Committee on March 13, 2025. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Jennifer-Ruth Green has stepped down as Indianas Secretary of Public Safety, Gov. Mike Braun announced Saturday, marking the first major shakeup in his cabinet since taking office. Braun said Indiana State Police Superintendent Anthony Scott will take on an expanded role as the new secretary of public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am pleased to announce that Anthony Scott, Superintendent of the Indiana State Police, has accepted the role of Secretary of Public Safety, Braun said in a statement posted on X. He will continue his strong and effective leadership of the Indiana State Police as Superintendent. Hoosiers will be safe with Anthony and the State Police setting the tone for all state government public safety agencies. The move came less than a year after Green joined Brauns cabinet and opened the door for a second congressional bid. She was a part of a transformative time in Indianas history and we wish her the best of luck on her next endeavor, he said. The governor added that he would announce additional personnel updates and efficiencies in the Office of Public Safety at the beginning of the week. On Sunday, Green posted her own statement on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many thanks to Governor Braun for the honor of serving as Indianas inaugural Secretary of Public Safety. Im honored to have worked alongside so many great leaders around the state, she said. Secretary Scott will do an amazing job in this position, and I look forward to watching his successes. Im off to military duty always a privilege to wear the uniform, and Im excited for the future. The military service Green referenced is not a deployment but routine National Guard duty, expected to last only a week or two. Indiana State Police Superintendent Anthony Scott tours an ISP garage alongside Gov. Mike Braun on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Neither Green nor the governors office provided further details about her future plans, however. Even so, Green has been a rising figure in state Republican politics since her 2022 run for U.S. Congress in Indianas 1st District, where she mounted a competitive challenge to Democratic Rep. Frank Mrvan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite losing that race, Green came within 5 percentage points in a traditionally Democratic stronghold. Tim Edson, who served as Greens consultant on her 2022 congressional race, told the Indiana Capital Chronicle that Green is seriously weighing another run for Congress in northwest Indiana and Republican leaders in Indiana and nationally are encouraging her to enter the race. Republicans are currently weighing mid-cycle redistricting, aiming to grow the number of GOP-held seats in Congress. The 1st District, along with Marion Countys 7th District, are both held by Democrats. Green, a combat veteran and cybersecurity expert, had been appointed to the post in December as part of Brauns incoming administration. At the time, Braun said her military and cybersecurity background made her uniquely qualified to lead Indianas public safety agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Green previously commanded the 122nd Cyber Operations Flight in Fort Wayne and deployed to Baghdad with the Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq. A U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, she is an FAA-certified pilot and a former Air Force Special Agent. She also served as Deputy Commander of the 11th Operations Group at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C. Upon being named secretary, Green pledged to bring a strategic, comprehensive approach to public safety that protects Hoosier families and supports our first responders. Scott, who has led the Indiana State Police since earlier this year, will now oversee the states entire public safety apparatus while remaining in charge of the department. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for federal authorities to double down on immigration raids in L.A. This could mean a return to numerous arrests at workplaces such as home improvement stores, car washes, manufacturing businesses and other locations. So what are your rights in the wake of the high court decision? Read more: Your guide for ICE in L.A.: Resources, explainers, legal rights and more Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court ruling in itself does not change basic due process for those arrested by immigration officials. At issue is a July decision by a federal judge in L.A. U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, an appointee of President Biden, said she found a sufficient amount of evidence that agents were using race, language, a persons vocation or the location they were at, such as a car wash, Home Depot, swap meet or row of street vendors, to form reasonable suspicion the legal standard needed to detain someone. Frimpong said the reliance on those factors, either alone or in combination, does not meet the requirements of the 4th Amendment. The American Civil Liberties Union, Public Counsel, other groups and private attorneys filed a lawsuit on behalf of several immigrant rights groups, three immigrants picked up at a bus stop and two U.S. citizens, one of whom was held despite showing agents his identification. The plaintiffs argued in their complaint that immigration agents cornered brown-skinned people in Home Depot parking lots, at carwashes and at bus stops across Southern California in a show of force without establishing reasonable suspicion that they had violated immigration laws. They allege agents didnt identify themselves, as required under federal law, and made unlawful, warrantless arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 6-3 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday granted an emergency appeal and lifted the judges order that barred roving patrols from snatching people off Southern California streets based on how they look, what language they speak, what work they do or where they happen to be. It's unclear what happens next. Immigration raids slowed in L.A. after the ruling but did not stop completely. The basics If youre home alone or with family members and you hear a knock at the door, check the window, security camera or peephole so you can identify whether ICE agents are outside. When you find yourself in this situation, the first step is to keep your door closed and locked, advised advocacy groups and legal experts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You must open your door and allow agents inside your home if they present a valid search warrant. Advocates say agents must identify themselves and show you the warrant by putting it against the window or slipping it under your door. You have the right to remain silent. For example, if youre asked about your immigration status, where you were born or how you entered the United States, you may refuse to answer or remain silent, according to the National Immigration Justice Center. Read more: Agents, some in unmarked cars and street clothes, are arresting L.A. immigrants. Who are they? You can simply say, I want to remain silent or I am exercising my right to remain silent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts advise that you are not required to sign documents or provide personal information. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to reach out to an attorney and receive a phone call from an attorney. You can prove you have a lawyer by giving the officer your signed Form G-28, a federal document that details your lawyers information and your consent to their legal representation. Full guide: Here are your rights if ICE comes to see you. Getting help The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for immigrant rights in Los Angeles County and throughout the nation. It holds in-person and virtual weekly workshops. For more information, visit the organizations website or call (213) 353-1333. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long Beach Forward is a local nonprofit organization that offers community outreach sessions and educational workshops. You can learn about the next session by checking the organizations calendar , calling (562) 436-4800 or following its Instagram account . RepresentLA is a public-private partnership that provides legal representation to immigrants in custody or in the community, as well as those who face deportation or are seeking relief. The organization hosts an immigrant workshop on the last Wednesday of every month from noon to 2 p.m. at the South Whittier Community Resource Center, 10750 Laurel Ave. The workshop covers topics such as avoiding scams, understanding your rights in immigration court and determining eligibility for family-based immigration and citizenship. The L.A. County Office of Immigrant Affairs has an online calendar of know your rights and legal assistance workshops. The offices website also serves as a hub of information and immigration resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Catholic Charities of Los Angeles conducts regular workshops as well as informational sessions on citizenship and applications related to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program. The organization has an online calendar that lists its monthly events. Los Angeles City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandezs office is collaborating with Mijente, CHIRLA, the Central American Resource Center and other advocacy groups to facilitate regular training as well as provide free red resource cards at local field offices. The office has partnered with Mijente and deployed a community defense organizer to train local leaders and build rapid response networks specifically in Council District 1. You can reach the council members City Hall office at (213) 473-7001, the Glassell Park field office at (323) 709-1800, or the Westlake district office at (213) 314-6290. Childrens Institute has an in-person Keeping Our Communities Safe workshop in English and Spanish every Thursday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. During the sessions, the staff reviews constitutional rights, how to identify different law enforcement agencies and how to respond safely during different types of encounters with these agencies. The institute is at 2121 W. Temple St., Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Africa Institute offers Know Your Rights webinars that are tailored to support college students who are undocumented, refugees, immigrants or international students, and their families. The webinars are held on the fourth Thursday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. when school is in session. Registration links are shared throughout the school year via social media platforms such as Instagram, X and Facebook. For more information email info@theafricainstitute.org. Read our full guide: Getting help when ICE comes calling Legal representation There are several organizations and law offices who are offering their services, in some case at a low-cost, to those affected by immigration enforcement operations. Your options for legal help include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can also search for an immigration lawyer through the American Immigration Lawyers Association online locator tool. What if I am detained? If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to reach out to an attorney and receive a phone call from an attorney. You can prove you have a lawyer by giving the officer your signed Form G-28, a federal document that details your lawyers information and your consent to their legal representation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont have a lawyer? You can ask the ICE official for a list of pro-bono lawyers. You can also ask to contact the consulate which may be able to assist you in locating a lawyer. Get familiar with the rules of the detention center youve been placed in. You can do so by asking for a copy of the Detainee Handbook to understand the detention centers rules, your rights and how you can communicate with loved ones. The book is available in 19 languages, including English, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, French, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Kiche (Quiche)/Kxlantzij, Mam, Portuguese, Pulaar, Punjabi, Qeqchi (Kekchi), Romanian, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Turkish, Vietnamese and Wolof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Full guide: What to do if detained by ICE? What if a loved one is detained? If your loved one was detained by immigration enforcement agents, reach out to immigrant advocacy groups that can provide referrals, information, resources (such as food and financial assistance) and, in some cases, direct support. A network of local rapid response hotlines has been established to document immigration enforcement activity and help connect those affected to legal services and other types of support, according to the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice. After or before youve made the call for help, gather these important documents that pertain to the detained family member: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Birth certificate Medical records Past visa applications Receipt and approval notices for any immigration applications the person has previously submitted Youll also need to gather the following personal information that will be used either by you or your legal representation to locate your detained loved one: A-Number, also known as alien registration number, which is assigned by the Department of Homeland Security to noncitizens who apply to live and work in the U.S. The seven- to nine-digit number can be found on a green card, work permit or other immigration document. Country of birth Personal information including full name and birthday Full guide: What to do if a loved one is detained? Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. By Qabil Ashirov The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has extended its congratulations to the Principality of Andorra on the occasion of its National Day. As reported by Azernews, the message was shared via the Ministrys official account on platform X. The post reads: Congratulations to Andorra, its Government and People on the occasion of the NationalDay! This diplomatic gesture underscores Azerbaijans commitment to fostering goodwill and international friendship through respectful recognition of national celebrations. [Source] Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto confronts mounting challenges as protests over lawmakers perks and economic hardship continue into their second week, with student groups meeting senior ministers Thursday night but failing to secure concrete concessions. Catch up: The protests erupted on Aug. 25 over controversial housing allowances of 50 million rupiah ($3,000) monthly for lawmakers, which is more than 10 times the minimum wage in Indonesia. They also reflect deeper economic frustrations under Prabowos presidency, which began in October 2024 with promises of 8% annual growth but has delivered weakly as foreign direct investment fell 7% in the second quarter, its biggest drop in five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notable incidents: Violence escalated on Aug. 28 when an armored police vehicle fatally struck 21-year-old rideshare driver Affan Kurniawan during protests in Jakarta, triggering widespread outrage as its footage circulated on social media. The protests have resulted in at least 10 deaths and over 1,000 injuries, with rights groups reporting 20 people missing as of Monday. Wednesday saw hundreds of women in pink wielding broomsticks march to parliament, symbolizing their desire to sweep away the dirt of the state, militarism and police repression. The violence reached its peak when protesters burned government offices in Makassar and Mataram, killing three government employees in Makassar. What authorities are doing: Prabowo, who attended Chinas military parade this week, announced Sunday that political parties reached consensus to reduce lawmakers benefits, though he also ordered military and police to take stern action against rioters and suggested that some violence resembled acts of terrorism and treason. So far, authorities have detained more than 3,000 people nationwide, according to Human Rights Watch. Trending on NextShark: Trump admin to limit visa durations for students, journalists On Wednesday, a police commission fired officer Cosmas K Gae who was inside the vehicle that struck Kurniawan for acting unprofessionally. Senior minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra previously indicated that officers involved could face criminal proceedings following ethics hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats next: Whether protests persist will most likely depend on how the government addresses the underlying issues. Economic analysts say substantive reforms are necessary to tackle the countrys financial challenges, which include a 16.7% decline in tax revenue and 6.2% annual rice price increases through August. Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Office has demanded investigations into claims of abuses. We call for prompt, thorough and transparent investigations into all alleged violations of international human rights law, including with respect to use of force. It is also important that the media is permitted to report on events freely and independently, it said. Trending on NextShark: Afghanistan war vet arrested and charged for protesting ICE This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: ICE poised to deploy Israeli spyware amid immigration crackdown Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! By Stefanno Sulaiman and Gayatri Suroyo JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia's president on Monday replaced well-regarded finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati with an economist who has promised accelerated growth, amid fears of an economic slowdown in Southeast Asia's largest economy. The exit of longtime minister Sri Mulyani, known for her cautious handling of the economy through various crises, comes less than a year since President Prabowo Subianto took power, and at a time of uncertainty over the fiscal management of the new government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sri Mulyani's departure was announced shortly before Prabowo swore in Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa as her replacement. Purbaya told reporters the president's target of 8% economic growth was "not impossible" and that he would find ways to quickly boost the economy and push for more involvement by both the private sector and the government. He stressed that there was no need for new taxes. Asked about Sri Mulyani, State secretariat minister Prasetyo Hadi said she "neither resigned nor was she removed". "The president, as head of state and government... has a prerogative. And after some evaluation, he decided on a formation change," Hadi said, without elaborating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sri Mulyani's exit also comes as Prabowo seeks to fend off the biggest challenge of his presidency so far, with widespread protests and unrest that have raged for two weeks and have included calls for a fairer taxation system. Purbaya was head of the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation since 2020 and served previously in various roles at several ministries, including deputy minister at the maritime and investment ministry. In an August 20 speech, Purbaya highlighted the importance of equitable development for social justice and recalled the economic thinking of Prabowo's father, Soemitro Djojohadikoesoemo, who was an economist and minister under Indonesia's late authoritarian ruler Suharto. "One of the keys to creating economic stability is having a sustainable programme that directly reaches the community," Purbaya said, adding that Prabowo had started to implement this strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prabowo's flagship spending programme has been the ambitious - and expensive - free meals programme that seeks to provide meals to over 80 million Indonesians. The programme has struggled in its first year. Aside from finding the fiscal space for the programme in Indonesia's already tight budget, logistics has also been a problem. STEADY HAND Sri Mulyani was one of Indonesia's longest-serving finance ministers and had worked under three presidents, first taking the job in 2005. She left the post in 2010, before being reappointed in 2016. She won plaudits for reforming the taxation system and for her role in steering the G20 economy through multiple challenges, including the pandemic and the global financial crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main stock index fell on the news, erasing earlier gains to trade 1.3% down. The rupiah was little changed after the announcement, having been up around 0.7% against the dollar during the day. Indonesia's international bonds fell, with the 2045 bond trading down 0.33 cents to bid at 97.58 cents on the dollar - more than wiping out earlier gains of the same magnitude, Tradeweb data showed. The protests in Indonesia, initially triggered by fury over big allowances for legislators, have aired a wide range of grievances including over the government's budget allocations and spending. As the face of the administration's finances, Sri Mulyani was among prominent officials singled out and, in late August, looters broke into her home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Purbaya, who has master's and doctoral degrees in economics from Purdue University and also served as chief executive of state-owned brokerage Danareksa Securities, downplayed the impact of the protests. "I will create economic growth of 6% to 7% - that will (make protesters) disappear automatically," he said, adding, "they will be busy looking for work and eating well, rather than protesting." Fadhil Hasan, economist at the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance think tank, argued that Purbaya is a good economist but did not have the experience to directly manage fiscal policy and the economy at large, making him "not the best choice". (Reporting by Stefanno Sulaiman, Gayatri Suroyo and Stanley Widianto; Writing by Gibran Peshimam; Editing by John Mair, Martin Petty and Aidan Lewis) Influencer Lola Doll is in critical condition after suffering multiple gunshot wounds outside of her home. The Guyana Police Force is investigating an alleged incident of discharging a loaded firearm committed on 33-year-old Lolita Callender, also known as Lola Doll, of Texas Square, East Ruimveldt, the Guyana Police Force said in a Facebook statement on Saturday, September 6. The incident occurred at about 23:35 hrs in front of her residence at Texas Square. The message noted that the influencer is receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she remains in critical condition, having sustained gunshot wounds to her neck, face, hands, and right leg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preliminary information indicates that the victim was seated in her motor car when she was shot by a male on a motorcycle, the statement read. Police ranks are actively pursuing the suspect, and CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed as part of the investigation. Influencer Yarely Ashley Hermosillo Dead at Age 27 After Being Hit by a Stray Bullet The message continued, The Guyana Police Force is urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to come forward. Persons can also share information anonymously by calling 911 or the nearest police station. The statement concluded that investigations are ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lola Doll, who has amassed more than 51,000 followers online, is known for her provocative social media posts and music videos. The influencers latest Instagram photo was shared on Saturday, with several users taking to the comments section to share their support for Lola Doll. Praying for you babes , one user wrote, while another added, Stay strong Lola!!! Praying for a speedy recovery! A third wrote, Get well soon. Influencer Valeria Marquez Didnt Have a Personal Relationship With Murderer: New Details Lola Dolls brother allegedly addressed the incident while speaking to Guyanese newspaper Stabroek News on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was inside at home when I hear gunshots and run out to see was what, only to see me sister lying in [her] car and blood, if you see blood, pouring out, he told the outlet. We rushed her here I cant tell you where all she was shot but she was shot in like her face, her side, I dont know where else blood, so much blood everywhere. She lost a lot of blood but she is a fighter. Her brother allegedly began crying while recalling the incident, explaining that he did not see anyone and didnt have time to check their surroundings as his main priority was helping their sister get to a hospital. NEED TO KNOW Influencer Lola Dolls brother is speaking out after she was shot multiple times outside of her home in Georgetown, Guyana I was inside at home when I hear gunshots and run out to see was what, only to see me sister lying in she car and blood, if you see blood, pouring out, Dolls brother recalled of the incident in an interview with Guyana newspaper Stabroek News Police said that preliminary information indicated that Doll was shot by a man on a motorcycle while she was seated in her vehicle The brother of influencer Lola Doll is speaking out after she was shot multiple times outside of her home in Georgetown, Guyana. According to a statement by the Guyana Police Force, Doll whose real name is Lolita Callender was allegedly shot outside of her home on Saturday, Sept. 6, at about 11:35 p.m. local time. Per the statement, she had received treatment at Georgetown Public Hospital after she sustained gunshot wounds to her neck, face, hands, and right leg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to Guyana newspaper Stabroek News at the hospital, Dolls brother recalled the shooting. Amanda callender/Instagram Lola Doll Lola Doll I was inside at home when I hear gunshots and run out to see was what, only to see me sister lying in she car and blood, if you see blood, pouring out, Dolls brother described. We rushed her here I cant tell you where all she was shot, but she was shot in like her face, her side, I dont know where else Blood, so much blood everywhere. She lost a lot of blood but she is a fighter. Dolls brother added that he could not spot the alleged shooter because he was focused on getting his sister to the hospital. Several other family members and friends gathered at the hospital the night Doll was admitted, the outlet also reported. 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. Amanda callender/Instagram Lola Doll Lola Doll Police said that preliminary information indicated that Doll was shot by a man on a motorcycle while she was seated in her vehicle, though authorities were continuing to review CCTV footage as a part of an ongoing investigation. In a later statement, the Guyana Police Force said suspect Paul Daby Jr. was wanted for attempted murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stabroek News also reported that police had arrested one person in connection with the shooting who was cooperating with authorities though they have not released the name of the person detained. Read the original article on People The News Brendan McCarthy, the editor of the Boston Globes legendary Spotlight investigative team, is exactly the guy youd expect to play Brendan McCarthy in the movie: Hes credentialed, occasionally abrasive, and his official headshot makes him look more like Michael Clayton than Michael Keaton. Back when he was a TV reporter in New Orleans, he played himself on the HBO show . At the Globe, he led a team that delivered the 2021 Pulitzer for a series about dangerous drivers. McCarthy, a 2004 graduate of Bostons Emerson College, is a familiar newsroom character: A big personality, a star and, recently, a bit of a management challenge. But what, exactly, does that mean in 2025? When complaints about his management style reached the human resources department late last year and earlier this year, it forced the Globe to consider questions about culture, management, and the boundaries of acceptability that have been at the center of the internal turmoil in American newsrooms in a decade. At least two Globe journalists had complained in writing to the companys head of HR, Rohini Murthy, about what they described as verbal harassment earlier in 2025, according to eight current and former Globe journalists. McCarthy, according to the complaints, separately berated two Globe journalists over perceived editorial differences, they said, cursing at his team and at staff working on Spotlight-related projects. Four other people told Semafor that they had also been told about the alleged incidents. One employee claimed McCarthy punished employees who complained about his management by reducing their roles in journalistic projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The source of McCarthys frustration was in the mundane but high-stakes flow of investigative journalism: He told colleagues he felt reporters and producers were not receptive to his feedback on important details of stories. The Globes management, through its HR department, opened an investigation. In internal conversations following the complaints, McCarthy acknowledged being blunt, but systematically rejected any claim that he had crossed the lines of acceptable workplace conduct. Earlier this spring, the Globe concluded its investigation. McCarthy, the organization found, had not broken the rules, and would not be disciplined in any way. The leadership of the paper, and others within Spotlight interviewed during the investigation, felt that McCarthy had behaved appropriately, and was in fact focused on guaranteeing the accuracy of sensitive, high-stakes projects. The paper said in a statement that while its policy is not to discuss individual incidents, it had investigated the allegations against McCarthy and determined no further action was warranted. (The Globe, and McCarthy, didnt respond to questions about specific alleged incidents.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our award-winning Spotlight team undertakes important and impactful work that is a large part of our commitment to providing readers with trusted news and information, a spokesperson for the paper said. We recognize the dedication and leadership that Spotlight Editor Brendan McCarthy contributes to this effort, and his track record as a respected colleague in the newsroom and industry speaks for itself. In a statement to Semafor, Globe top editor Nancy Barnes said that she is incredibly proud of the important and difficult work that Spotlight is tackling under Brendans leadership. I am fortunate to have him on my team. Know More Its impossible to understand the Globes decision without a glance through the dizzying shifts in newsrooms over the last decade. The social media movements of the 2010s, beginning with #MeToo, were driven in large part by journalism. After the first wave of grotesque journalistic revelations about sex and power Weinstein, Epstein, Cosby a new genre of investigative journalism began to expose high-profile bosses who verbally crossed the line, humiliated their employees, or behaved unprofessionally at work. (The Australian journalist Lachlan Cartwright referred to this as the Mean Too Movement.) Companies responded by jettisoning a few mean executives, changing their internal communications strategies, and retraining bosses to be nicer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This played out within newsrooms through painful public reckonings both over illegal conduct, like sexual harassment, and the gray areas of workplace power dynamics. Newsrooms like many other companies, amid a tight labor market and booming economy responded with intense sympathy for junior employees who felt mistreated by managers and bullied by untouchable stars. But the post-COVID cultural shift to the right defined by President Donald Trumps second victory, the emergence of the manosphere, Elon Musks takeover of Twitter, and a broad reaction against the progressive social movements seemed to sap popular interest (or at least the shock value) in these stories about bad bosses, particularly in the newsrooms that have mostly stopped covering them. The victory of the objectively ruder candidate, partially aided by the modern-day shock jocks and comedians, seemed to send a message to the news media, in its journalism and internal culture alike: A lot of people arent as offended as you think. Maxs view Ive spoken to more than a dozen people in the Globe newsroom and some who have left in the last year, partially because nearly every person I spoke with insisted that I speak with multiple other people who would corroborate their side of the story. (One person gave me a list of 28.) The camps were more or less divided between people who think McCarthy crossed a line with staff in several instances, and others who see him as a top-tier editor with a passion for journalistic results and less patience for staff who fall short. (Theres some overlap in these categories.) The Globes decision to stand by McCarthy is the latest in a series of indications that newsroom culture is shifting radically to match this backlash moment. Last year, the new executive editor of The New York Times, Joseph Kahn, told Semafor that his newsroom would not be a safe space and that reporters who didnt want to cover people they found distasteful should work somewhere else. Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos has stood by the papers CEO, despite outcry and leaks from staff over a decades-old ongoing investigation in the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a particularly colorful recent reflection of this pattern, the New York Times business editor recently survived a flap in which she told a reporter that she would kill him, his editor, and herself (presumably in that order) if his story came in over 2,000 words. The reporter complained to HR, to no avail. The Globe lacks the Times global stature, but it remains one of Americas great regional papers, and one of its most commercially successful, under the stewardship of owner and publisher John Henry. And the Spotlight swagger an appetite for conflict that brought it into a legendary battle with the Catholic Church is at the core of an unusually successful and growing brand. Its hard not to see in the decision to stand by McCarthy a conclusion that journalisms rough, confrontational edges may simply require big, difficult personalities, in a cultural moment dominated by them. One staffer noted to me that if the McCarthy incident had happened at Harvard, wed be investigating it but when it happens at the Globe, no one here cares. But the shift may be broader, as newsrooms both describe a cultural shift and, at least in some cases, embody it. Room for Disagreement The pendulum hasnt swung back everywhere. The Columbia Journalism Review abruptly ousted its editor over insults, threats to ruin their reputations, and an atmosphere of fear and hostility, the Times reported. The editor responded by calling the incidents normal workplace interactions. Notable (INSIDE CALIFORNIA POLITICS) Former California GOP chair Jessica Millan Patterson joined Inside California Politics this week as she ramps up efforts to combat Governor Gavin Newsoms redistricting ballot initiative, also known as Proposition 50. Patterson is teaming up with former House Speaker and Bakersfield Congressman Kevin McCarthy to raise funds for one of several No on Prop 50 campaigns ahead of the November 4 special election. Patterson discussed the broad-based coalition of Prop 50 opponents, which includes former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Republican Party donor Charles Munger Jr. Political strategists Rob Stutzman (R) and Andrew Acosta (D) also joined the show to break down the messaging from both sides of the prop 50 fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Battle lines are emerging on Capitol Hill in the fight to avert a government shutdown in three weeks and its not just Republicans vs. Democrats. On one side, fiscal hawks are joining with the White House to keep federal agencies running on static funding levels, ideally into January or longer. On the other, Democrats and some top Republicans want to punt no further than November to buy congressional negotiators more time to cut a cross-party compromise on fresh funding totals for federal programs. In the end, the standoff could hinge on Speaker Mike Johnsons appetite for trying to pass a funding package backed by President Donald Trump but not Democrats, as he did in the spring and whether Senate Democrats once again capitulate rather than see government operations grind to a halt Oct. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They jammed us last time, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a top appropriator, said in an interview. And I am encouraging my Republican friends who want to do appropriations to understand that that won't work this time. Even more irate after Trumps latest move to unilaterally cancel almost $5 billion in foreign aid through a so-called pocket rescission, Democrats are warning there will be a funding lapse if Republicans dont negotiate with them. And while theyre being cautious not to box themselves in with ultimatums on funding totals or specific policy demands, theyre starting to flex their muscles by floating concessions Republicans could make in exchange for support across the aisle. That includes making a deal by the end of the year to head off the expiration of enhanced health insurance subsidies that would result in premium hikes come January for millions of Americans. There are glimmers of bipartisan talks happening behind the scenes: Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently discussed passing a short-term spending patch until November or December, though no decisions were made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And top House and Senate appropriators are gelling behind a hybrid approach: attempting a bill with a full year of updated funding levels for the USDA, the Department of Veterans Affairs and congressional operations, tied to a short-term extension for other agencies, to allow for more negotiations. But there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical about a bipartisan funding deal coming together, with Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a senior appropriator, putting the odds of a shutdown at 50-50, perhaps higher. As of late last week, the top Senate leaders Republican John Thune and Democrat Chuck Schumer havent yet spoken about the upcoming funding deadline, in a further sign that cross-party talks are still nascent. Meanwhile, House hard-liners, backed by some of their conservative Senate counterparts, appear to be digging in to demand a lengthy stopgap bill, rather than a short-term patch meant to facilitate a more comprehensive bipartisan funding measure down the road. One Republican, granted anonymity to share the conservative strategy, said fiscal hawks want a funding patch to 2026 or for the entirety of the coming fiscal year if we can get it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Continually running the government on stopgaps is part of White House budget director Russ Voughts strategy to shrink federal spending as he roots for the government funding process to be less bipartisan. Those kick-the-can funding bills give the White House more leeway to shift cash while depriving Democrats of any increases in non-defense funding and GOP defense hawks the military budget increases they seek. Then, using party-line measures like the domestic-policy megabill and the $9 billion clawbacks package Congress cleared this summer, Republicans can add or subtract funding without needing to rely on the votes of Senate Democrats. The White House predicts that Trumps more recent, unilateral cancellation of $4.9 billion will only help build support among GOP fiscal hawks for a clean continuing resolution, or CR, that simply drags out current funding levels for weeks or months more. In this scenario, Democrats will have to fall in line, a White House official told reporters late last month after Trump nixed the foreign aid funding. It's very hard for me to believe that they're going to oppose a clean CR that would cause them to be responsible for a government shutdown, said the official, granted anonymity to speak candidly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senates top Democratic appropriator, Patty Murray of Washington, warned it wont work for Republicans to blame Democrats: If the GOP goes it alone, she said last week, well, then, that is a Republican shutdown. Democrats are also still grappling with how the pocket rescission will factor into their government funding demands. Schatz called it a point of friction but added, I'm not prepared to articulate any red lines to you. Notwithstanding the administrations latest attempt to revoke funding, setting static spending levels through next September would be a nonstarter for many members of both parties. For Democrats, going into next year with a stopgap bill would force them to give up their biggest point of leverage another end-of-the-year government funding deadline to try to get a deal on extending the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits that will expire Dec. 31. On the GOP side, some conservatives view a full-year stopgap bill as locking in spending levels set under former President Joe Biden, while defense hawks warn that it undermines the military. Those GOP divisions would make it harder, if not impossible, for Johnson and the White House to try to repeat their go-it-alone playbook from the spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said he didnt think a full-year, flat-funded spending bill would come to fruition: We can talk about it all we want, we always do. Same plot, different actors. Passage of a lengthy funding patch would especially sting for Republicans appropriators, who are quietly trying to retain relevance amid Trumps escalating assault on Congress power through tactics to shift, freeze and cancel funding that lawmakers previously approved. House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole, who consistently refrains from criticizing the president, told his underlings last week that the best way for lawmakers to protect Congress power of the purse is to negotiate a bipartisan funding agreement now, rather than fall back on a continuing resolution. The way to be successful is, get a deal done. Thats what we need to do, the Oklahoma Republican told fellow appropriators during a recent markup. But please dont have any illusions that were cavalierly surrendering our power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Cole hasnt received the blessing of his leadership to begin cross-party negotiations. We are in discussions now with the administration, with the Senate, about how to proceed, he said. We don't have any final goal or deadline. But I would prefer to get this done sooner rather than later, and I don't want another CR. Meredith Lee Hill contributed to this report. PRAGUE (AP) A spy network being built in Europe by Belarus was broken up by intelligence services from the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania, the Czech counterintelligence agency said Monday. The Czech agency, also known as BIS, said in a statement that a team of European agents discovered spies in several European countries from Belarus' KGB security agency. BIS said that a former deputy head of Moldovan intelligence service SIS who handed over classified information to the KGB was among them. The Czechs also expelled a Belarusian agent who was operating under the cover of a diplomat. That person was given 72 hours to leave the Czech Republic, the Czech Foreign Ministry said Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Czech agency said that Belarus managed to create the network because its diplomats are able to freely travel across European countries. To successfully counter these hostile activities in Europe, we need to restrict the movement of accredited diplomats from Russia and Belarus within the Schengen (borderless) area, BIS head Michal Koudelka said in a statement. The agency didnt immediately offer more details. Romanias anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT, said on Monday that it implemented an arrest warrant for a 47-year-old suspect on treason charges. The suspect had previously held management positions within Moldova's SIS. The suspect allegedly disclosed state secrets to Belarusian intelligence officers that would likely endanger national security, DIICOT stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Romanian agency added that, between 2024 and 2025, the Moldovan suspect who wasn't named met twice with Belarusian spies in Budapest, Hungary, and that there is reasonable suspicion that the meetings involved transmitting instructions and exchanging payments for services provided. The ongoing international investigation has been supervised by the European Unions judicial cooperation agency, Eurojust. Belarus is led by authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Lukashenko let Russia use Belarusian territory as a staging ground for Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and later allowed the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear missiles. New evacuation orders have been issued in low-lying areas of Pakistans Punjab province amid a heavy flood warning, with the region experiencing its worst flooding on record. The Pakistan Meteorological Department posted on X on Monday that rains were persisting across the country as another intense monsoon system is expected to bring exceptional downpours in southern parts during the next two days. It added that widespread heavy to very heavy rain thundershowers accompanied by windstorms were expected to hit areas on Monday. With an evacuation order issued to communities near the swollen Chenab, Sutlej, and Ravi rivers, Al Jazeeras Kamal Hyder, reporting from Multan in Punjab, explained that the situation was not under control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have reports from early this morning that Jalalpur Pirwala, which is 90km [56 miles] from Multan that half a million people are stuck after the water inundated their villages; some of them are seeking protection under rooftops, he said. There arent sufficient boats to evacuate these people. Helicopter operations have been called in, but the weather is also not good, he added. With the rain continuing, Hyder stressed that the situation was a huge calamity with villages and houses destroyed, but also the country now having to reel from losing crops due to the destruction of farmland. In Multan, located between the Sutlej and Chenab rivers, floodwaters have breached at least three embankments, inundating dozens of villages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jalalpur Pirwala has been among the worst-hit places, with floodwaters submerging homes, farmland, and standing crops. At least five people were killed on Saturday when a rescue boat carrying 30 people capsized near Multan. Meanwhile, India alerted Pakistan of high floods on the Sutlej River on Sunday, warning that the monsoon rain would affect downstream districts. New Delhi has been relaying such warnings through diplomatic channels rather than through the Indus Waters Treaty, which governed water sharing between the neighbouring countries, after India left the agreement in April following an attack on Indian-administered Kashmir that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists, which India blames on Pakistan. India has also been affected, but less so, by the flooding in its own Punjab region. Experts say global warming has worsened the scale of monsoon rains, and both nations are now suffering. VIDEO: 2019 Greek Food Festival in Little Rock LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Officials announced the return of the International Greek Food Festival to Little Rock this fall after a brief hiatus. The two-day event will take place Friday, October 3, and Saturday, October 4, featuring authentic Greek food, pastries, family-friendly activities and cultural traditions, officials said. According to a spokesperson, proceeds from the festival will benefit the Annunciation Scholarship Foundation, Annunciation Ministries, and three local organizations supporting children, families, and communities: Community Connections, Youth Home, and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For so many families in Central Arkansas, the Greek Food Festival is more than just an event, its a tradition, said Jason Alley, festival chairperson. Were thrilled to welcome everyone back to enjoy everything that makes this festival so special. Admission is free, and the festival runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both days at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, officials said. Little Rock Downtown Food Truck Festival moving to new location Since its founding in 1984, the festival has donated more than $1.5 million to over 30 local charities, making it Arkansass largest ethnic festival, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information, visit GreekFoodFest.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 KARK. *Previous video attached in video player above ASHLAND, Ohio (WJW) The Mapleton Local School District shared an update about the investigation into what made more than 40 kids, most of them in the middle school, report feeling ill. Students first began reporting their symptoms at about 10 a.m. on August 29, according to officials. Some said they felt shaky and dizzy. They were then taken to seven different hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just married: Browns fans tie the knot in Muni Lot during season opener According to an update on the situation from the school district on Sunday, school operations resumed on Tuesday, September 2 and concluded without incident. By Thursday, Sept. 4, attendance rates at all three Mapleton school buildings returned to normal levels. Thirty-three representatives from organizations and departments in the area came together at the Mapleton campus on Friday to share information and debrief the emergency response, the update states. According to investigations done by the Ashland County Sheriffs Office and the Ashland County Health Department, nothing abnormal was found in connection to food service, water quality, chemicals and cleaning products, classroom activities, deliveries and general operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the districts update, the Ashland County Sheriffs Office found that there was no criminal activity responsible for the illnesses. The Ashland County Health Department also has not identified one single cause of the illnesses at this time, but ACHDs epidemiologist will continue to monitor any new medical information that becomes available, the district said. According to the district, Columbia Gas, Mapleton maintenance personnel and the fire departments inspected the buildings on Aug. 29 and Sept. 1, and no gas leaks were found. Local elementary school temporarily closed for asbestos testing The Mapleton Local School District will continue working closely with the Ashland County Sheriffs Office, the Ashland County Emergency Management Agency, and the Nankin/Orange Township Fire Department to review and strengthen our Emergency Operations Plan, the district said. In light of this incident, particular attention will be given to procedures and protocols related to building evacuation, relocation with student and staff attendance, and parent reunification. Additionally, communication among district staff, students, parents, law enforcement, and first responders will be carefully evaluated, with improvements expected in procedures, protocols, technologies, and support services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although there were extensive investigations, the district said no single cause for student illnesses has been identified. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For about half a century, a chemical giant lied that one of its products was biodegradable, causing untold human health risks and damage to the environment. What's happening? "The multibillion-dollar chemicals company 3M told customers its firefighting foams were harmless and biodegradable when it knew they contained toxic substances so persistent they are now known as 'forever chemicals,'" The Guardian reported. An analysis by the outlet and Watershed Investigations uncovered documents that showed it used PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, that were known to be non-biodegradable as early as 1949. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Until the 1990s, 3M continued to produce information and brochures for customers stating that natural processes would break down the foams," the newspaper stated. This led, in part, to the recommendation that the foam be discharged into sewers for cleanup. A PFAS expert, Ian Cousins of Stockholm University, called the practice "disastrous," as the toxins remained in effluent and sludge from wastewater treatment plants that made their way to waterways and farmland. The Australian government, for example, used agricultural fields to dispose of firefighting foams, issuing a recommendation to do so in 1987. This supposedly "effective and inexpensive method" cost it hundreds of millions of dollars down the line. Why is this important? The paper said PFAS pollution was "one of the greatest threats" to humankind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As a result of 3M providing misleading information to customers," it stated, "untold volumes of the foams may have been misused across the world, contaminating soils, water, and people's blood with PFAS." Blood tests of residents of Jersey, a Channel Island, showed elevated levels of PFAS. They were exposed to the chemical compounds over decades via firefighting foam used at the airport, and 3M was the source. The foam contaminated drinking water and local produce as well, The Guardian reported. What's being done about 3M's disinformation campaign? The Guardian detailed evidence from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s that proved 3M was aware its firefighting foams were not biodegradable and could cause significant dangers because of their toxicity. In 1988, a fire equipment company told 3M in a fax: "In all literature and documentation that is published by the major manufacturers of AFFFs [and verbal presentations made by manufacturer's reps] it is claimed that these products are biodegradable. Imagine the surprise and total shock embarrassment and credibility loss [at being told by others that the foams were not after all biodegradable]." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3M began phasing out aqueous film-forming foams with certain PFAS in 2000, and then it stopped making AFFF altogether, according to The Guardian. The company said it was treating water and remediating sites where it manufactured PFAS products, and it announced in 2022 that it would stop using PFAS in its products by the end of 2025. "3M in 2023 agreed to pay settlements amounting to more than $10bn over contamination of various public drinking water systems, though it did not admit liability in these cases," The Guardian reported. In 2018, the company settled a lawsuit for $850 million with the state of Minnesota. PFAS have been banned and pulled from use in places all over the world but not until recently. 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. DES MOINES, Iowa The Iowa Department of Transportation is taking steps to lower fatal car crashes in the state by making changes to roadways, and recent data is showing improvements. State Safety Planner, Larry Grant, listed four key initiatives officials are taking to curb severe crashes. Rumble Strips The first is adding center line and edge line rumble strips to every two-lane rural highway. These alert drivers if they veer away from their lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grant said the DOT started adding shoulder and center line rumble strips on resurfacing projects for the past 15 years, but a special focus started in 2024. 1,900 miles of center line rumble strips were constructed through five special projects since then. Now, roughly 90 percent of the DOT rural two-lane highway miles have rumble strips, compared to about 56 percent in summer 2024. Studies have proven that using rumble strips in rural highways reduced all crashes by up to 20 percent. Surf Ballroom adds $5 million Music Experience Center to tell Buddy Holly story Widening Pavement Markings The DOT is also widening paint strips on roads from four inches to six inches. This makes the lines more visible for drivers and adds more space between lanes. It also helps cars with new technology detect lane separations more easily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grant said this project started on the interstate in November 2019 and should be completed by 2026. Widening pavement markings on all primary roads beyond the interstate started in 2022. Grant said wider edge line markings on rural roadways can reduce crashes by around 10 percent, and some sources indicate it can reduce fatal and injury crashes by almost 40 percent. Installing Roundabouts Roundabouts lower vehicle speed, thus making crashes less likely to be severe. Grant said there are 170 roundabouts statewide with roughly 10 to 15 added per year. There are currently 21 roundabouts on the DOTs primary highway system, and 16 more are in construction or design. Cable Median Barriers Cable median barrier installations started in 2002, but were emphasized in 2010. Grant said there are now over 330 miles of it on divided roadways with high volumes of traffic and narrow grass medians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grant referenced a study from Iowa State University that found interstate cable median barriers save eight lives per year in Iowa. The last factor is the driver, said Grant. And if the driver is not willing to pay attention to what theyre doing driving that 3,000-pound vehicle or more, that is a recipe for disaster. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, there have been 186 fatal car crashes statewide in 2025 as of September 5th. This statistic is lower than this time in previous years. Since 2020, there has been a steady decline in fatal accidents. 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. The renovated and remodeled Iowa Park Field Office of the Wichita County Tax Assessor-Collector's Office will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday, according to a press release. The office was closed shortly after the first of the year for the work. "We appreciate the patience of the citizens of Iowa Park during the span of this project that included the entire footprint of the building being renovated as well as a new parking lot. I can assure you that the citizens of Iowa Park are going to be very happy with their new Iowa Park Field Office," Tax Assessor-Collector Tommy Smyth said in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowa Park residents were routed to other locations while the work was being done, the press release said. More: Power company seeks tax incentives to build big solar farm in Wichita County More: CASA of Red River hosts first annual toy drive/bike show This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Iowa Park tax office reopens Buskila noted that while Israel had dealt significant blows to Tehrans nuclear program, the threat remains unresolved. Iran will try to harm Israel in various ways as Israel launches its Gaza City offensive, Lieutenant Colonel (res.) Yaron Buskila, CEO of The Israel Defense and Security Forum, said in a Sunday interview, while discussing the possibility of another Israeli strike in Iran. Ideologically, they have no intention of staying uninvolved in this event; it is the very purpose of their existence, he said. Therefore, ideologically, they will have an interest in targeting us abroad, at Jewish sites, and of course in continuing to use Yemen and the Houthis to act against Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buskila noted that while Israel had dealt significant blows to Tehrans nuclear program, the threat remains unresolved. I dont know if Israel is planning another attack in Iran, of course, Im not privy to the plans. But in my personal opinion, the Iranian story is far from over, he said. It may be that we significantly damaged the nuclear program, but we did not sufficiently damage the Iranians ability to launch ballistic missiles, and certainly not their ability to operate their proxies in Yemen and Iraq, Buskila explained. As long as missiles are still being launched, like the missile with a split warhead from Yemen - which is without a doubt Iranian knowledge and guidance - then certainly the story with Iran has not ended. We need to return and strike it again, its missile program and beyond. Protesters, mainly Houthi supporters, demonstrate to show support to Palestinians in Gaza at Sabeen Square in Sanaa, Yemen August 29, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/STRINGER) Addressing Yemen directly, Buskila argued that Tehran remains the core driver behind attacks against Israel. Tehran is the root of Houthi attacks against Israel He said that missile fire from the Houthis should not be seen as an independent threat, but as an attack directed by Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Especially after striking them hard, with the significant governmental and economic damage caused to Iran, we must continue to target the Iranian leadership. I believe that every launch from Yemen must be met with a response - both in Yemen and in Iran - in addition to completing the strikes on their missile launch capabilities. Looking ahead, Buskila emphasized the importance of careful timing in directly confronting Iran. Israel needs to think about when the right time will be in order to stay focused and not divide attention between Gaza and Iran, because it may be that at a certain stage in the war we will have to do so - perhaps after the main offensive in Gaza. Sooner or later, action in Iran is necessary, important for removing the long-term threat, he concluded. A study published in the Israel Antiquities Authority's latest volume found that olive oil production was a key economic engine for the ancient Kingdom of Israel. A fortified Iron Age royal olive oil production center unearthed in Beit Aryeh proved that olive oil was an economic powerhouse for the ancient kingdom of Israel. An August volume published by the Israel Antiquities Authority, dedicated to ancient industry, production, and crafts, delved into the economic engines of the southern Levant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researcher David Eitam compared an olive oil processing facility found in modern-day Beit Aryeh to nearby similar facilities in Qla, Khirbat Deir Daqla, and Kurnet Bir et-Tell. He found that the four sites were controlled by the ancient Kingdom of Israel and contributed significantly to economic activity in the region in the eighth century BCE. Based on survey results from 1980, reassessments from the sites excavation report, and recent aerial photographs, Eitam found that the four olive oil production sites were part of a significant project by the Kingdom of Israel for erecting settlements in southern Samaria, in the West Bank. Olive oil presses points to royal settlements Eitam discovered the site in 1979-1980; it was later excavated. He believes that four sites were likely built in the ninth century BCE to strengthen the kingdoms economy by exporting olive oil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there is no direct evidence that the sites were under royal control, the fact that they were heavily fortified and well planned points to control by a central authority. Most rural homes and businesses in ancient Samaria were not as well planned out or fortified, the study pointed out. Additionally, the sites planning resembles that of ancient Israelite cities. The press in modern-day Beit Aryeh, then called Khirbat Khudash, generated as much as 11,340 liters of olive oil a year, Eitam estimated, based on the three or four storerooms excavated. The researcher estimated that the Khirbat Khudash site was likely abandoned during the Assyrian invasion in 721 BCE. Based on the fortifications and the storerooms, Eitam believes that the site points to the economic significance of olive oil in the Kingdom of Israel. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) Israel struck and destroyed another high-rise building in Gaza City on Monday after warning residents to evacuate, part of an offensive aimed at taking over the largest Palestinian city. The military said it was targeting Hamas observation posts and bombs placed around the 12-story office building. Over several days, Israel has destroyed multiple high-rise buildings in Gaza City, accusing Hamas of putting surveillance infrastructure in them. It has ordered people to flee ahead of its ground offensive into the city of some 1 million residents, which experts say is experiencing famine. U.S. President Donald Trump said he was giving his last warning to Hamas regarding a possible ceasefire, as Arab officials described a new U.S. proposal for the immediate release of all the remaining hostages in exchange for 3,000 Palestinian prisoners and a temporary ceasefire. A senior Hamas official called it a humiliating surrender document, but the militant group said it would keep negotiating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Jerusalem, two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus station, killing six people and wounding 12 in the worst such attack on Israelis in nearly a year. Tensions have soared across Israel and the occupied West Bank in the two years since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack out of Gaza ignited the war. Gaza's Health Ministry said hospitals received the bodies of 65 people killed by Israeli fire over the past 24 hours, with another 320 people wounded. Four soldiers killed in Gaza City attack The Israeli military said four soldiers were killed in Gaza City on Monday when a group of militants threw an explosive device into a tank. Another soldier was wounded in an ensuing gunbattle, according to the military, which said two of the militants were shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's offensive has killed most of Hamas' top leadership and vastly diminished its military capabilities. But the group still carries out sporadic guerrilla-style attacks. More than 450 Israeli troops have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began in 2023. The loss of more soldiers could further undermine support for the war in Israel, where mass protests have been held in recent weeks demanding a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that would return the hostages. Last warning proposal The last warning proposal, presented by Trump's Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, calls for a negotiated end of the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza once the hostages are released and a ceasefire is established, according to officials familiar with the talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prisoner exchange would include hundreds of Palestinians serving life sentences, added the officials from Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Egypt, who all spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss closed-door talks. Details of the proposal were first reported by Axios. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, speaking to reporters in Hungary, confirmed that Israel had accepted the latest U.S. proposal and expressed hope it would succeed. Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, said the proposal seemed designed to be rejected because it calls for the release of all hostages on the first day, and for Hamas to disarm, and it conditions the withdrawal of Israeli forces on the establishment of a government in Gaza acceptable to Israel. He said Hamas and allied groups seek an agreement that will end the war, halt the genocide, and open the horizon for a political solution that achieves our legitimate national goals, but not by signing a humiliating surrender document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Egyptian official said the new proposal, which Arab mediators received from the U.S., was broader than previous ones and would require negotiations over ending the war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and Israels demand that Hamas disarm. Dispute over war's end has stymied ceasefire efforts Hamas-led militants abducted 251 people in the Oct. 7 attack and killed some 1,200, mostly civilians. Forty-eight hostages are still inside Gaza, around 20 of them believed to be alive. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 64,522 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not say how many were civilians or combatants. It says around half of those killed were women and children. Large parts of major cities have been completely destroyed, and around 90% of the population of some 2 million Palestinians have been displaced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas has said it will only return the remaining hostages its only bargaining chip in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. It says it is willing to hand over power to politically independent Palestinians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected those terms, saying the war will continue until all the hostages are returned and Hamas has been disarmed. He says Israel will maintain open-ended security control over Gaza and facilitate what he describes as the voluntary emigration of much of its population, which the Palestinians and many others see as a plan for forcible expulsion. Mediators had previously focused on brokering a temporary ceasefire and the release of some hostages, with the two sides then holding talks on a more permanent truce. Witkoff walked away from those talks in July, after which Hamas accepted a proposal that the mediators said was almost identical to an earlier one that Israel had approved. ___ Lidman reported from Jerusalem and Magdy from Cairo. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Israels Supreme Court has ruled that the government has failed to provide sufficient food to Palestinian prisoners and ordered the authorities to improve their nutrition. The three-judge panel on Sunday said the Israeli government had a legal duty to provide detainees with enough food to ensure a basic level of existence. The decision is a rare case in which the countrys top court has ruled against the governments conduct in the almost two-year war. The Israel Prison Service dresses Palestinian prisoners, who are set for release, in shirts featuring its logo Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank have been detained by the Israeli army on suspicion of militant ties, particularly in the wake of Hamass Oct 7 2023 attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thousands have been released without charge after months of detention, and have spoken of brutal conditions, including overcrowding, meagre food supplies and poor medical attention. The unexpected ruling comes as Israel continues its aerial assault on Gaza City ahead of a full-scale invasion, including the targeting of high-rise buildings in what is considered Hamass last stronghold. Israels defence minister on Monday warned Hamas to lay down its arms or be annihilated, hours after Donald Trump issued his last warning to the Palestinian terror group to accept a deal to release hostages from Gaza. Human rights groups have long criticised the conditions in Israels prisons and last year brought a petition accusing the state of carrying out a systemic policy of depriving Palestinian prisoners of food, alleging they were suffering malnutrition and starvation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinian authorities have recorded the deaths of at least 61 Palestinians in Israeli custody since October 2023. In March, a 17-year-old Palestinian in an Israeli prison died of what doctors said was probably starvation. We are not speaking here of comfortable living or luxury, but of the basic conditions of survival as required by law, the ruling said. Let us not share in the ways of our worst enemies. Itamar Ben-Gvir said last year that he degraded the conditions to the bare minimum required by Israeli law - ATEF SAFADI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels hard-Right national security minister who oversees the prison system, boasted last year that he had degraded the conditions to the bare minimum required by Israeli law. Lashing out at the ruling on Sunday, he accused the Supreme Court of defending Hamas to our disgrace and vowed to continue the policy of providing prisoners with the most minimal conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) called on the Israeli authorities to implement the verdict immediately. In a statement, the rights group said Israels prison service has turned Israeli prisons into torture camps. A state must not starve people, it said on X. People must not starve people no matter what they have done. In Gaza, health officials in the Hamas-run Strip reported at least 87 people had been killed over the last 24 hours in Israeli strikes as Benjamin Netanyahus government faces mounting international condemnation of its decision to launch a fresh offensive against Gaza City. Last month, Hamas agreed to a 60-day ceasefire that would see the release of 10 living and 18 dead hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel is yet to formally respond to the partial ceasefire proposal and has demanded the return of all hostages in any agreement. Despite the stalling ceasefire talks, Mr Trump suggested on Sunday that there would be a deal on Gaza very soon and that he believed all the hostages would be returned, dead or alive. Of the 48 hostages remaining in Gaza, 20 are believed to still be alive. Hamas said Sunday it was ready to immediately sit at the negotiating table following what it described as some ideas from the American side aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement. 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. Israels Supreme Court has said in a rare ruling that the Israeli government is intentionally depriving thousands of Palestinian prisoners of even a minimum amount of food for daily subsistence amid the genocidal war on Gaza. The three-judge panel, which has so far mostly refrained from taking any action against the government or military during 23 months of war on besieged and relentlessly bombarded Gaza, deliberated on the issue based on a request from two Israeli rights groups. It ruled unanimously on Sunday that the Israeli government had a legal duty to provide Palestinian prisoners with three meals a day to ensure a basic level of existence and ordered authorities to fulfil that obligation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a two-to-one decision, the court furthermore accepted the petition filed last year by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) and Gisha, siding with their allegations that the governments deliberate restriction of prisoners food in Israeli detention facilities has caused Palestinians to suffer malnutrition and starvation. Palestinians in Gaza are meanwhile suffering an Israeli-induced famine, with daily deaths from malnutrition. We are not speaking here of comfortable living or luxury, but of the basic conditions of survival as required by law, the ruling said. Let us not share in the ways of our worst enemies. The Israeli army has taken thousands of Palestinians from Gaza and the occupied West Bank since the start of the nearly two-year war, significantly ramping up its arbitrary detention of people based on suspicions of terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Countless prisoners who have been released have described brutal conditions in Israeli military detention, including torture and abuse, starvation, lack of medical attention, overcrowding, and diseases. ACRI, one of the two organisations that brought the case forward, said its staff were subjected to a barrage of harassment, verbal abuse and intimidation from senior members of the Israeli government and far-right Knesset members during the Supreme Court hearings. The outbursts began to seem less like a show of power and intimidation and more like lashing out in desperation, it said in a statement in late July, when the hearings began. A main figure fighting their case was Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right national security minister of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who leads a small religion-based party and heads the police and other armed forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben-Gvir attacked the Supreme Court judges following the ruling, saying they are not favouring their country. Our hostages in Gaza have no Supreme Court to protect them, he wrote in a post on X, suggesting that Palestinians now have a Supreme Court that protects them, which they do not. We will continue to provide the imprisoned terrorists in jails with the minimum conditions required by law, he continued. Last month, Ben-Gvir visited the jail cell of long-imprisoned Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti and was filmed taunting him in an effort to further dishearten thousands held in Israeli prisons, drawing condemnation from Palestinians and rights groups. Speaking alongside Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir appeared to blame a High Court ruling for the deadly attack, drawing condemnations from opposition leader Lapid. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the scene of the terror shooting in Jerusalem, stating that Israel is currently in an "intense war on several fronts," while speaking alongside National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, shortly after the attack took place on Monday morning. At least six people were murdered and dozens were wounded afterterrorists opened fire on civilians at the Ramot Junction in Jerusalem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are in an intense war against terror on several fronts. I want to send condolences to the families of the dead and to the wounded," Netanyahu said at the scene of the attack. "A pursuit and encirclement of the villages from which the terrorists came is underway. One of the people who killed the terrorist was an ultra-Orthodox soldier from the Hashmonaim Brigade," Netanyahu added. He then stated that Israel will "take even harsher measures" on those who assisted and dispatched the terrorists. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the scene of a terror shooting attack in Jerusalem, Septermber 8, 2025. (credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90) "These murders, these attacks, on all fronts, they do not weaken us. They only increase our determination to complete the missions we have taken upon ourselves, in Gaza, in Judea and Samaria, everywhere," Netanyahu stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu's criminal trial hearings at the Tel Aviv District Court, scheduled for Monday, were canceled after the terror shooting occurred. Ben-Gvir speaks on High Court ruling at scene of terror attack Ben-Gvir, speaking alongside Netanyahu, appeared to place the blame for the attack on a Sunday High Court ruling, which stated that the Israel Prison Service (IPS) has failed to provide adequate and nourishing food to security prisoners. "When the High Court does something like this, it sends a message to the terrorists. I say to the High Court judges, dont do this. Prison conditions add to deterrence," he continued. Opposition leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) slammed the statements that Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir made at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir will never change. While the victims still lie before us, the government is already blaming the judicial system, which, of course, did nothing to prevent this, instead of taking responsibility," Lapid stated. "The opposition refrained from blaming the government for the terrible attack. We decided not to act as they did when we led the country in much safer days. Perhaps this is a political mistake, but in the face of the victims and the pain, we will not be like them," Lapid wrote in an X/Twitter post. Israeli officials respond to the terror attack Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed that the terror attack would have "severe and far-reaching consequences. We will pursue terror everywhere." "Whoever gives shelter to terror and directs terror will pay the full price," Katz stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Isaac Herzog said it was "a painful and difficult morning. Innocent civilians, women, men, and children were brutally murdered and wounded in cold blood on a bus in Jerusalem by vile and evil terrorists." "In the face of this barbarity, we saw extraordinary acts of heroism which prevented even further loss of innocent lives," he continued. "This shocking attack reminds us once again that we are fighting absolute evil. The world must understand what we are up against, and that terror will never defeat us," Herzog wrote in a post. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar responded to the terror attack during a press conference with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in Budapest. Sa'ar said the terror attack underscored the importance of rejecting current attempts "to force Israel to accept a Palestinian terror state in the heart of our tiny land." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The terrorists this morning came from the Palestinian Authority territories," Sa'ar added. "We are at war against radical Islamic terror. Europe, and every country in the world, must now make a clear and fateful choice: are they on the side of Israel, or on the side of the jihadists? We know that Hungary is on our side," Sa'ar said. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (Religious Zionist Party) stated that "the Palestinian Authority must disappear from the map, and the villages from which the terrorists came should look like Rafah and Beit Hanun [in the Gaza Strip]." He made the statement while in India, leading an Israeli economic delegation. "Israel cannot accept a Palestinian Authority that raises and educates its children to murder Jews," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MK Zvi Sukkot (Religious Zionist Party) went to the scene of the terror attack later on, stating that "Every village from which todays terrorist came out should look like Rafah looks. The fate of Ramallah should be like that of Jabaliya." Yisrael Beytenu head MK Avigdor Liberman responded by expressing his condolences and added that the haredi soldier from the Hashmonaim Brigade who killed one of the terrorists "prevented an even heavier massacre and saved lives." Blue and White head MK Benny Gantz wrote in a post that "we must strike this murderous terror with strength and determination, in Judea and Samaria, in Gaza, and everywhere." This is a developing story. By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Steven Scheer CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel on Monday told residents of Gaza City to leave immediately after warning that it would step up airstrikes and ground operations in the Gaza Strip in a "mighty hurricane" if Hamas does not free the last hostages it is holding and surrender. In what it called a final warning, Israel's military told the Palestinian militant group that Gaza would be destroyed if it did not disarm and release 48 hostages seized in the 2023 attacks on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents said Israeli forces had bombed Gaza City from the air and blown up old armoured vehicles in its streets. Hamas was meanwhile studying the latest U.S. ceasefire proposal, delivered on Sunday with a warning from President Donald Trump that it was the militant group's "last chance". "I say to the residents of Gaza (City): you have been warned - get out of there!" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, adding that Israel had in recent days knocked down 50 "terror towers" in a prelude to an upcoming "ground operation" in Gaza City. "A mighty hurricane will hit the skies of Gaza City today, and the roofs of the terror towers will shake," Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz wrote on X. "This is a final warning to the murderers and rapists of Hamas in Gaza and in the luxury hotels abroad: Release the hostages and lay down your weapons - or Gaza will be destroyed, and you will be annihilated." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katz's post appeared before reports of a shooting at a bus stop in Jerusalem that killed six people including one Spanish citizen. Hamas praised the attackers. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bombed a 12-floor block in the middle of Gaza City where dozens of displaced families had been housed, three hours after urging those inside and in hundreds of tents in the surrounding area to leave. In a statement, the IDF said Hamas militants who had "planted intelligence gathering means" and explosive devices had been operating near the building and "have used it throughout the war to plan and advance terror attacks against IDF forces". According to a senior Israeli official, the latest U.S. proposal calls for Hamas to return all 48 remaining living and dead hostages on the first day of a ceasefire, during which negotiations would be held to end the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas has long said it intends to hold onto at least some hostages until negotiations are complete. It said in a statement it was committed to releasing them all with a "clear announcement of an end to the war" and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani pressed Hamas political leaders to "respond positively" to the latest U.S.-proposed Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal during talks in Doha on Monday, an official briefed on the talks told Reuters. "The Qatari prime minister pressed Hamas to respond positively to the latest American proposal, conveyed through mediators, and aimed at securing a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza," the official said. Hamas senior official Bassem Naim said on Monday that the U.S.'s Gaza ceasefire proposal amounted to "preliminary" ideas. "It is clear that the primary goal is to reach the refusal of the offer and not reach an agreement that leads to the end of the war," he said in a post on his Telegram channel, without presenting the group's official stance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OFFENSIVE IN GAZA CITY Israel launched a major assault last month on Gaza City, where hundreds of thousands of residents are living in the ruins having returned after the city experienced the most intense fighting of the war's early weeks nearly two years ago. The Israeli military said that four soldiers had been killed in northern Gaza on Monday. Among at least 25 Palestinians reported killed in Gaza on Monday was Osama Balousha, a journalist for Palestinian media, medics said. Fifteen other people were killed in separate Israeli strikes and gunfire across the enclave, medics said, taking Monday's death toll to at least 40. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 250 journalists have been killed in Gaza during the war, according to Palestinian authorities, making it by far the world's deadliest war for news media in living memory. Israel bars all foreign reporters from Gaza, so all journalists killed there have been Palestinians. Palestinian officials say Israel has deliberately targeted some journalists, which Israel denies. On Sunday, Trump suggested a deal could come soon to secure the release of all the hostages held by Hamas. An Israeli official said Israel was "seriously considering" Trump's proposal but did not elaborate. The war began with an assault by Hamas-led fighters on southern Israel in 2023. Israel says the attackers killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages to Gaza. Most of the hostages were released in ceasefires in November 2023 and January-March 2025, but the group has kept others as a bargaining chip. Israel's assault has reduced much of the enclave to rubble and caused a humanitarian catastrophe. More than 64,000 Palestinians have been confirmed killed, according to health officials in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six more Palestinians, including two children, died of malnutrition and starvation in the space of 24 hours, the territory's health ministry said on Monday, raising deaths from such causes to at least 393 people, most in the past two months. Israel, which controls all supplies into Gaza, says the extent of hunger there has been exaggerated and the reported deaths are due to other causes. Throughout the conflict, efforts to negotiate an end to the war have faltered over Israel's insistence that Hamas free all hostages and surrender. Hamas says it will not lay down its arms until Palestinians have an independent state. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo and Steven Scheer in Jerusalem.; Editing by Peter Graff, Kevin Liffey and Alistair Bell) Israeli authorities vowed retaliation after two gunmen from the occupied West Bank killed six people at a bus stop in Jerusalem on Monday. The shooting one of the deadliest attacks in Israel since Oct. 7, 2023 prompted Israeli leaders to vow to step up raids in the West Bank, as Israel plans to expand settlement construction in the territory and recently weighed annexation plans. We are at a fierce war on several fronts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the shooting, as he expands military operations in Gaza: He told Gaza City residents to leave immediately Monday, with the defense minister threatening to unleash a ground and aerial assault he described as a mighty hurricane if Hamas doesnt surrender. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has once again issued a stern warning to the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas ahead of an offensive in the city of Gaza. "Today, a massive hurricane will break over the skies of the city of Gaza, and the roofs of the terror high-rises will tremble," Katz wrote in a post on the platform X on Monday. "This is the final warning to the murderers and rapists of Hamas in Gaza and in the luxury hotels abroad: Release the hostages and lay down your arms or Gaza will be destroyed, and you will be annihilated," Katz continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military is continuing to prepare for an expansion of the operation. Shortly before, US President Donald Trump issued a "last warning" to Hamas to force a diplomatic solution just before Israel's impending major offensive in Gaza City. He wrote on his platform Truth Social that Israel had accepted his conditions, and it was time for Hamas to accept them as well. In response, Hamas said it was "ready to immediately sit at the negotiating table." Hamas "welcomes any move that helps efforts to stop the aggression against [its] people." According to information from the Israeli broadcaster Channel 12, the proposal envisages the handover of all 48 hostages - both the living and the dead - on the first day of a ceasefire coming into effect. In return, Israel's military will halt its offensive in Gaza City. Furthermore, Israel is expected to release thousands of Palestinian prisoners from its jails, including hundreds who have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the killing of Israelis. The NIS 10 million deal between Israel and Moldova fell apart as 60,000 hasidim were preparing for an annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage. An agreement made between Moldova and Israel to bring around 50 charter flights to Chisinau ahead of religious trips to Uman has collapsed just weeks before the holiday of Rosh Hashanah. According to Ynet, last week Israel had decided to spend NIS 10 million on constructing a temporary hangar to serve as a terminal in Chisinau in order 60,000 Breslov hasidim to safely travel to the grave of Rabbi Nachman in Uman, Ukraine, amid the ongoing war with Russia. Chisinau is the closest destination to Uman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Shas Chairman Arye Deri, were involved in the discussions as "budget pooling" was required from five government ministries to implement the demands, Ynet added. A source involved in the negotiations between the two countries told Ynet that the collapse comes as a result of "excessive payment to Moldova, which is causing extortion and crises with other countries." Moldova reportedly demanded full reimbursement of security and security expenses. Chairman of the Breslov Union in Uman, Rabbi Natan Ben Nun, said Moldova's requests were legitimate, but the sums were excessive: Moldova saw the arrival of the Hasidim to Uman through their territory as a business opportunity. There is logistics on their part and a need for manpower. Their requests for payment are legitimate, but the amounts are definitely high. Haredi men are seen protesting the effort to draft ultra-Orthodox Israelis into the IDF. (credit: FLASH90) Israel is now allegedly working overtime to transfer the charter flights to other countries in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the source, 10,000 Israelis are still expected to travel to Moldova on regular, non-charter flights, and another 10,000 will pass through Moldova on an overland route from Romania to Ukraine. Other charter flights will be divided between neighboring countries: 25 to Iasi, 24 to Tulcea, 18 to Bucharest, 17 to Rzeszow, five to Sosova, three to Bakau, and six to Constanta. The Secretary of State in the Romanian Ministry of Transport, Ionut-Cristian Savoiu, told Free Europe Moldova that it would be possible for pilgrims to pass through airports in eastern Romania, but that the number of travelers would depend on the airports concerned, and would not be up to the ministry. Kol Chai (the Haredi outlet) corroborated reports of the collapse of Israel-Moldova discussions, and said that only 100 charter flights will fly to Uman this year, compared to 140 or more in previous years. The matter of Uman has received significant public attention in Israel in recent weeks after Deputy Attorney-General Gil Limon argued that young ultra-Orthodox (haredi) men of enlistment age must not be allowed to go to Uman or other pilgrimage sites outside the country for Rosh Hashanah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been concerns within the Breslov community that young Hasidim will be jailed and subsequently conscripted should they make the trip. We regret that the attorney-general found the time to prevent Breslov hasidim from fulfilling their religious obligation to come to Uman for Rosh Hashanah, Ben-Nun said, haredi media outlet JDN reported. He later stated, "I dont think anyone wants this kind of confrontation. And of course, no one wants to endanger young men spending the holidays in jail cells. But through the power of our holy Rebbe, in the end, there will be a good solution for all of us. Memorandum of understanding This comes amid a significant and historical step in Israeli-Moldovan bilateral relations. On September 3, Israel signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a small Eastern European country, which establishes joint wheat cultivation to safeguard Israels food security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the MoU, Israel will contribute advanced seeds and agricultural expertise, while Moldova provides land, water, and labor. The diversification of Israels wheat sources is welcome in normal times and essential in emergencies, said Israel's Agriculture Minister, Avi Dichter. This preparation ensures the functional continuity of our economy. The full shelves principle guides all our planningstocks that are ready in both ordinary and extreme situations. Israeli police say they have detained a resident of the Arab-dominated eastern part of Jerusalem, following a deadly shooting in the north of the city. Police are investigating him on suspicion that he was involved in the preparation of the attack. Two Palestinians opened fire at a bus stop in the north of Jerusalem, killing at least six Israelis. The perpetrators were shot dead at the scene. According to Palestinian sources, the perpetrators came from two nearby Palestinian villages located in the occupied West Bank just north of Jerusalem. Eyewitnesses said that Israeli troops had entered both villages in armoured vehicles. At least five people have been killed and five others wounded after Israeli warplanes struck eastern Lebanon in the latest violation of the ceasefire agreement signed last November, according to Lebanons Health Ministry. The attacks on Monday hit the Bekaa and Hermel districts, with state media saying at least eight air raids were carried out. According to Lebanons National News Agency, seven bombs fell on the outskirts of Hermel, while another strike targeted the nearby town of Labweh. Israels military claimed the raids hit weapons depots and military facilities used by Hezbollah, though the claims could not be independently confirmed. Hezbollah has not yet commented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has continued launching near-daily assaults on Lebanese territory, particularly in the south, while maintaining an occupation at five border outposts despite the truce requiring a full withdrawal earlier this year. The conflict erupted on October 8, 2023, when Israel opened a military offensive in Lebanon. By the time the ceasefire was reached in November the following year, more than 4,000 people had been killed and almost 17,000 wounded. The fragile truce is under further strain as Lebanon grapples with a contentious plan pushed by the United States and Israel to disarm Hezbollah. Earlier this month, Lebanons army presented a proposal to the cabinet outlining steps to begin dismantling the groups arsenal. Information Minister Paul Morcos said the government welcomed the move, but stopped short of confirming cabinet approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan prompted a walkout by five Shia ministers, including representatives of Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement, who insist the group will not disarm while Israel continues air strikes and occupation in the south. The US and Hezbollahs political rivals in Lebanon have increased pressure on the group to surrender its weapons. Hezbollah has resisted, warning that even raising the issue while Israeli attacks persist would be a serious misstep. Last week, Israeli strikes killed four people in Lebanon, underlining the escalating tension despite the ceasefire. Israel was also slammed for dropping grenades close to peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) last week. KINGSTON (Reuters) -Jamaica's governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) will command a smaller majority in parliament, according to final results from the September 3 election published late on Sunday evening, after the opposition People's National Party (PNP) doubled its seats in parliament. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT The results deliver Prime Minister Andrew Holness a rare third consecutive term but suggest some voter fatigue after nearly a decade of Labour rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BY THE NUMBERS The JLP won 35 constituencies, while the opposition PNP earned majority support in 28 constituencies, the Electoral Commission of Jamaica said in a statement. The JLP lost ground compared to the 49 seats it garnered in the 2020 election, while the PNP doubled its number of seats from the 14 won five years ago. CONTEXT Holness campaigned on his government's success in bringing down poverty, unemployment and violent crime. The incumbent also promised to bring down the income tax rate to 15% from 25% and to double the weekly minimum wage to 32,000 Jamaican dollars ($201.12) from 16,000 Jamaican dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PNP, led by Mark Golding, made inroads with voters by promising to raise the income tax threshold and eliminate taxes on tips and overtime. He also accused Holness' government of wasteful spending and corruption. ($1 = 159.1100 Jamaican dollars) (Reporting by Zahra Burton in Kingston, Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Bill Berkrot) By Kaori Kaneko and Rocky Swift TOKYO (Reuters) - Ruling party lawmakers in Japan prepared their bids to replace outgoing premier Shigeru Ishiba on Monday, as financial markets recoiled on the political uncertainty and the possibility of his successors ramping up government spending. Ishiba called time on his brief tenure on Sunday, saying he was taking responsibility for bruising elections that saw his ruling coalition lose its majority in both houses of parliament amid voter anger over rising living costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He instructed his Liberal Democratic Party - which has governed Japan for most of its post-war history - to hold an emergency leadership election. The party plans to hold the vote on October 4, an LDP official close to the matter told Reuters. Japan's yen sank and super long-term bond yields scaled record highs after Ishiba's resignation stoked speculation that policies favoured by potential successors - such as fiscal dove Sanae Takaichi - may strain the world's most indebted advanced economy. "The LDP is facing its worst crisis since its founding," former foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi, 69, told reporters on Monday as he announced his plan to stand for the leadership. "We must unite quickly to tackle our serious challenges at home and abroad and move the country forward." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi also intends to run in the election, a source close to the government's top spokesperson told Reuters. The frontrunners, however, are LDP veteran Takaichi and Shinjiro Koizumi, son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who gained prominence as Ishiba's farm minister tasked with trying to rein in soaring rice prices. A victory for either would mark milestones for Japan: Takaichi, 64, becoming its first female leader and Koizumi, 44, its youngest in the modern era. Neither has formally announced their candidacy but they finished second and third respectively in the last leadership contest in September 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All indications are that it will come down to them facing off against each other," said Jeffrey Hall, a lecturer in Japanese studies at Kanda University of International Studies. CONSERVATIVE CONTENDER Of most consequence for investors and Japan's diplomatic relations would be Takaichi, who has held a number of posts including as economic security and internal affairs ministers. She stands out for her opposition to the Bank of Japan's interest rate hikes and her calls to ramp up spending to boost the fragile economy. Investors are betting the political hiatus alone will delay the BOJ's monetary policy tightening plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Money markets are now pricing in a roughly 20% chance of the BOJ hiking rates by the end of October, down from 46% a week ago. The expected leadership bid of the nationalistic Takaichi will also be closely watched by Japan's powerful neighbour China. Known for conservative positions such as revising the pacifist constitution, Takaichi is a regular visitor to the Yasukuni shrine to honour Japan's war dead, viewed by Beijing and others as a symbol of past militarism. Takaichi earlier this year also visited Taiwan, the democratic island claimed by China, where she suggested Taiwan, Japan and other partners could form a "quasi-security alliance". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "China might take a more hostile stance towards Japan, because she depicts herself as very much a hawk regarding China," said Hall of Kanda University. (Reporting by Kaori Kaneko, Rocky Swift, Kantaro Komiya, Yoshifumi Takemoto and Tom Bateman; Writing by John Geddie; Editing by Chang-Ran Kim, Stephen Coates and Ros Russell) MANASSAS, Va. (DC News Now) A man from New Jersey is being held behind bars without bond in Virginia after he was accused of sexually assaulting an 89-year-old woman at a senior living facility. According to the Prince William County Police Department, officers were called to the Paramount Senior Living located on Barrett Drive in Manassas around 8:44 p.m. on Sept. 5 to investigate an assault. A preliminary investigation reveled that staff members had found a man in the 89-year-old womans room. Police noted that the man did not know victim, but was allegedly at the facility visiting family members at the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waldorf man faces animal cruelty, gun charges; detectives investigate possible dogfighting Detectives then determined that the man, later identified as Harold Edwards II, of Wall Township, NJ., had sexually assaulted the elderly woman before he was discovered by staff. He then left the facility but was detained by nearby officers. The 89-year-old woman was taken to the hospital for treatment. Edwards was arrested on Sept. 6 and charged with aggravated sexually battery and object sexual penetration. DC News Now has reached out the Paramount Senior Living for a statement, but has not yet head back as of Monday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check DCNewsNow.com for updates. To keep up with the latest news and weather updates, download our Mobile App on iPhone or Android. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. The number of people seeking work has jumped at its fastest pace in five years as company bosses brace for Rachel Reeves to impose more tax rises at the next Budget. In August, the supply of jobseekers rose by the largest amount since November 2020 as businesses laid people off and nervous managers cut back on hiring. Recruiters blamed weak confidence around the economic outlook and concerns over costs, according to the survey by KPMG and the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The figures are a fresh blow to Ms Reeves, the Chancellor, as the Government scrambles for ways to boost economic growth and cut the benefits bill for unemployed people. But the Chancellor is widely expected to increase a range of taxes in her Budget this November, to fill a black hole in the public finances, piling further pressure on struggling companies. It comes after she already presided over a record 40bn tax raid in her first major fiscal statement last year, including a rise in employer National Insurance contributions that critics branded a jobs tax. In the forthcoming Budget, Ms Reeves is said to be expanding her National Insurance raid in a move that could impact 190,000 workers, with family doctors, lawyers and solicitors, accountants and financial advisers hit the hardest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jon Holt, of KPMG, said the subdued economic outlook meant executives continued to pause their future spending plans, including hiring. He added: Given the speculation around upcoming Budget measures, its unlikely well see a significant shift in recruitment patterns in the near term. Neil Carberry, of the REC, added: Employers need a shot of confidence along with their seasonal flu jabs this autumn. There is certainly potential out there but with fewer vacancies and more candidates looking for work, the overall picture is still subdued. All eyes are now on the autumn Budget, in the hope that the Chancellor wont do any further damage to the labour market with costs on hiring. For the economy to thrive, the Budget must recognise the need for investment in people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The KPMG and REC survey, based on responses from 400 recruitment consultancies, found that demand for staff continued to fall in August. There was a bigger decline in permanent vacancies than in temporary job opportunities, the data showed. Meanwhile, pay grew at only muted levels. The increase to starting salaries was the weakest for four and a half years and only marginal, it found, while wages for temporary workers remained much slower than the historical trend. This was partly because of the rising number of job seekers, KPMG said, which meant more candidates were available for each post, putting employers under less pressure to offer more competitive pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The steepest drop in job vacancies was in the South East by far, the survey also found, with construction the only industry to record an increase in demand for workers. Retail and hospitality, meanwhile, registered drops in permanent vacancies. Separately on Monday, MPs warned that the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) needs to rebuild trust with employers as it seeks to get more people back into work. A new report by the Work and Pensions Committee welcomed efforts by the Government to refocus Jobcentres on employment, rather than monitoring benefits, but called for more engagement with local employers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also argued that unemployment benefit claimants should be given three months to find work, rather than four weeks, before facing sanctions, preventing an any job approach that often led to poor levels of retention. Debbie Abrahams, a Labour MP and the committees chair, said: Providing the right support to get people back into the workplace assists not only individual claimants, but businesses and wider society too. We need to help end the cycle of claiming benefits, being pushed into any job, and losing it when it is unsuitable or insecure. This undermines the service the Jobcentre is meant to be providing for people and businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Sir Keir Starmers ministerial reshuffle last week, the DWP is set to become a retooled growth ministry under Pat McFadden. He will be tasked with boosting Britains lacklustre economic growth and tackling a worklessness crisis that is being partly driven by a surge in unemployed graduates. According to official data, the number of 16 to 24-year-olds classed as not in education, employment nor training (Neet) has surged from 793,000 to 923,000 in the past five years. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Never one to properly interpret anything scientific, uber-popular podcaster Joe Rogan has become entranced by a study that affirms his climate skepticism. Now, as The Guardian reports, one of the study's authors is setting the record straight and pointing out that Rogan is not only drawing the exact opposite conclusion from the study, but that he's spewing misinformation to a vast audience using his incorrect takeaways. Over two years, scientists from the University of Arizona, Tucson and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History painstakingly compiled more than 150,000 data points including climate models and fossil records as they created what the Washington Post lauded last year as "the most rigorous reconstruction of Earths past temperatures ever produced." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Published nearly a year ago in the journal Science, the paper that has so fixated the 58-year-old shock jock found, upon the painstaking global surface temperature tracking for the past 485 million years on this planet, that Earth has at times been much warmer than previously believed. The researchers behind this massive undertaking found that those previous spikes in temperatures like when an asteroid crashed-landed on Earth and killed all the dinosaurs about 66 million years ago, or the 250-million-year-old extinction event known as the "Great Dying" that eradicated most life on this planet provide more evidence than ever that rapidly rising global heat is accompanied by planet-wide mass death. To Rogan's drug-addled mind, however, the millennia-spanning temperature spikes and plummets show that climate change is a hoax and he has a graph, which was produced by the Washington Post in an article about the study, that he thinks proves it. That graph shows the ups and downs of surface temperatures over millions of years. Somehow, Rogan completely misread the chart's time scale and insists that the "drop at the end" shows that Earth's temperature is "plummeting," as he told scandal-plagued "Braveheart" star Mel Gibson in January when the actor appeared as a guest on his show in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Theres a lot of horsesh*t thats involved in climate change," Rogan told Gibson. "Ive studied that." Rogan also insisted on citing the same chart during an interview with Bernie Sanders this past June, as well as last fall when interviewing archeology denialist Jimmy Corsetti and now-vice president JD Vance when he appeared on the podcast just ahead of the presidential election last year. (As the Guardian noted, Gibson's Los Angeles mansion burned to the ground during the city's devastating Palisades fires while he was in the midst of recording with Rogan in Austin a disaster that scientists say was worsened by climate change, making it one of the most destructive blazes in the history of the city of angels.) Jessica Tierney, a University of Arizona paleoclimatologist who co-authored the study Rogan keeps referencing, told the Guardian that every time the podcaster mentions the research, she's felt bemused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ive watched his clips and gone: 'Oh jeez.' I can only laugh sometimes," Tierney said. "But it is a bummer that these podcasts with large audiences are spewing this old-school denier nonsense. Its not helpful." As Tierney suggests, Rogan's wanton misunderstanding of the study seems to stem from his inability or refusal to correctly read the data he's citing correctly. "The temperature reconstruction is over millions of years. Its not on a human timescale," she told the Guardian. "Its all about the speed, and weve never seen carbon dioxide and temperature rise as fast as now even in big extinction events it was slower than this." "We evolved in a cooler climate," she added, "and now we are rapidly warming it up and putting life on this planet in danger. Its scary." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, when Sanders came onto "The Joe Rogan Experience" in June, the podcaster used that misreading to push back against the Vermont senator's insistence that climate change "aint a hoax" and that the last decade has been "the warmest on record." "Did you see the Washington Post piece that they wrote where they did this long-term view?" Rogan asked the two-time presidential hopeful, misattributing the Science journal research to the newspaper. "Essentially they found that we're in a cooling period... this was like a very inconvenient discovery, but they had to report the data. And kudos to them for doing that." That level of willfully ignorant spin was, as climate YouTuber Rollie Williams suggested to the Guardian, "almost impressive" to witness. "Its also an incredible example of how climate misinformation sneaks into extremely popular media and then gets absorbed into the brains of millions of Americans," Williams added. To set the record straight, Tierney is now challenging Rogan to invite her onto the show instead of an actor or a senator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its dumb the way hes interpreting this graph," she told the Guardian, "and if he wants to talk about it he should invite me onto the show instead of talking about it to Mel Gibson or Bernie Sanders." "I think its safe to say Mel Gibson doesnt know a whole lot about paleoclimate," the scientist added. More on climate change: The Climate Is Officially Getting So Bad That It's Unrecoverable John Oliver torched the Republican partys supposed years-long war on higher education, speaking specifically to how President Donald Trump is trying to reshape colleges and universities to be less woke and to remove curriculums and studies that he disapproves of. He also brought up that several Trump cabinet members including JD Vance and Stephen Miller share these beliefs. Trump has long held a grudge against higher education, and now that hes in power, hes acting on it, Oliver said, adding that there are key areas of conservative criticism, including claims that taxpayer money is wasted on scientific research and that universities are havens of liberal indoctrination. More from TheWrap Olivers words come as Trump continues to move forward with his crackdown on higher education. Since taking office in January, Trump has signed an executive order to close the Department of Education, targeted schools with DEI initiatives and has announced policies that include proposals that would cut funding for universities that allow illegal protests following pro-Palestine demostrations on campuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The more you listen to Republicans complain about what goes on on campuses, the clearer it becomes, Oliver said. They dont want diversity of thought; they want one specific type of thought. In sharing an example of the current administrations shared disdain for higher learning, Oliver called out Vance over comments stating his strategy is to take away any power the left has. We need a debathification program, Vance said in an old interview in a clip played by Oliver. Like a dewokation program. Basically, my strategy is deinstitutionalize the left, reinstitutionalize the right. It is very hard. It will require men and women of incredible courage. JD Vance has repeatedly made that clear over the years with complaints like we are giving our children over to our enemies when we send them to college, Oliver said. He advocated for doing what Viktor Orban has done in Hungary to schools, which was, for the record, to consolidate power over what gets taught in universities. And that wasnt all that Vance said. We should seize the institutions of the left and turn them against the left.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oliver pulled out another past interview as an example of GOP leaders push against higher education, this time one that featured White House Chief of Staff Miller, who was a student at Duke University when he appeared on Fox News. At the time, he was telling the news platform about several school refused to run an ad that directed people to an anti-Muslim website. A lot of kids on college campuses, theyre only getting one of half of the story, Miller said at the time. And when were in a situation where you have nuclear threats and biological threats, and were in a really dangerous time in history, you want everyone in America to have a key understanding of what it is that were facing. During Millers interview, one of the Fox News hosts asked Miller if he was a college student, to which he replied yes. After the clip ended, Oliver threw a jokey jab at Miller before going back into his points. Im guessing are you a college kid is a question Stephen Miller got a lot back then, Oliver said. Though that was probably less to do with his smarts and more to do with the fact that people just assumed he was a 45-year-old undercover narc trying to do an unsanctioned 21 Jump Street on them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued: Its worth noting that for all his talk about censorship in college newspapers, as a Duke undergraduate, Miller had a newspaper column where he routinely aired conservative grievances The very fact that Miller had a regular column does suggest that as hard as it is may be to believe, there was representation at Duke University for Republican points of view. As he closed out, he said: The point is, conservatives have long sought to orient universities sharply to the right. You can watch the full Last Week Tonight monologue in the video above. The post John Oliver Torches GOPs War on Higher Ed, Revisits Old Interviews With JD Vance, Stephen Miller | Video appeared first on TheWrap. Chief Justice John Roberts is allowing President Donald Trump to put a Joe Biden-appointed member of the Federal Trade Commission out of her post while the Supreme Court considers a longer-term resolution of the legal battle over her firing. Roberts issued a one-page administrative stay Monday that temporarily set aside a federal appeals courts ruling last week reinstating FTC member Rebecca Slaughter to her position. The chief justices order contained no explanation of his decision, but it is the sort of order individual justices sometimes issue to freeze action in a case until all the justices have a chance to weigh in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, the White House notified Slaughter that Trump had fired her. The e-mail dismissing her mentioned only the priorities of the new administration and did not cite any of the grounds Congress has established for firing an FTC member, namely, inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. Slaughter sued, claiming the firing was illegal. U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan, a Biden appointee based in Washington, sided with Slaughter in July. The Trump administration appealed AliKhans order and a panel of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last Tuesday that Trump lacked the power to remove Slaughter without citing any of the causes specified in the FTCs century-old statute. The D.C. Circuit ordered Slaughter reinstated to her job, prompting the administration to file an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court. That appeal remains pending while Roberts administrative stay is in effect. The Slaughter case is just one of numerous legal challenges over Trumps ousters of Democrat-appointed leaders of executive branch agencies that Congress has sought to shield from political pressure. Most notably, a lawsuit over Trumps attempt to fire Fed board member Lisa Cook is pending before a federal district judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, the Supreme Court allowed Trump to fire Biden-appointed members of two labor boards. Panels of the D.C. Circuit have also permitted Trump to fire several other Biden appointees who contended they are protected by law from being dismissed without cause. But in the D.C. Circuits ruling reinstating Slaughter to her job, the majority on the three-judge panel said she had a stronger argument to remain in office than some of the other officials because a 90-year-old Supreme Court precedent known as Humphreys Executor specifically upheld Congress ability to limit presidents ability to fire members of the FTC. The Supreme Courts conservative majority has cut back on the application of Humphreys in recent years, holding that the presidents power under the Constitution to control the executive branch can in many circumstances eclipse congressional attempts to preserve agencies independence. However, the high court has never formally overruled Humphreys. The Justice Department argued in its emergency appeal to the court last week that the duties and powers of the FTC have grown to such an extent over the past century that it is functionally no longer the same agency as the one addressed in Humphreys. Was Donald Trump informing the FBI about Jeffrey Epstein's sex abuses? The president has not made such a claim public, but House Speaker Mike Johnson dropped that bombshell onto the public square on Sept. 5. Johnson did not elaborate, cite evidence in the case or explain how he knew that information. On Sept. 8, Johnson backed off his assertions saying he did not use the "right terminology." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House speaker, who represents a Louisiana congressional district, made the explosive claim on the heels of yet another social media posting by Trump deriding calls for the government to make public all documents and records related to the Epstein investigations. Trump's 264-word post again sought to paint the bipartisan clamor for full transparency as a Democratic political gambit. More: Why Trump remains the elephant in debate over releasing Epstein files. 7 things to know. "This is merely another Democrat HOAX, just like Russia, Russia, Russia, and all of the others, in order to deflect and distract from the great success of a Republican President, and the record setting failure of the previous Administration, and the Democrat Party," Trump wrote in the missive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public opinion surveys show people engaged in the matter overwhelmingly support release of the government files. Hundreds gather along PGA Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens on Sept. 1, 2025, for one of the 'Workers vs. Billionaires' protests nationwide. Among the issues that came up in the protest of Trump administration policies was the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Interestingly, despite Johnson's assertions, Trump did not mention any discussions with federal investigators in his Sept. 5 social media post or during the weekend. The president was in public, attending the U.S. Open men's final on Sept. 7 and then speaking to reporters on his return to Washington. Hours before that, however, U.S. Reps. Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, and Ro Khanna, D-California, appeared on a network news program where they stated they have enough votes to approve a House measure forcing a vote in that chamber on the files' release. 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: Was Trump an FBI informant? Trump again calls Epstein Democratic hoax STOKESDALE, N.C. (WGHP) We focus quite a bit on the larger cities across the Piedmont, but many of the smaller communities are growing because people enjoy living there. One of those is a town with quite a bit of history thats turned into a place where you can find lots of activity, along with some quiet times, too. On this My Town Monday, were heading to Stokesdale. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Congolese military court has accused former president Joseph Kabila of treason, corruption, war crimes and supporting the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group. During court proceedings that began in July 2025, arguments were made for utilising the death penalty against Kabila, who was in power from 2001 to 2019. The trial is going on in Kabilas absence as the threat of arrest led him into exile. The former president had fought against the M23s first iteration in 2012-2013, as well as its predecessor, the National Congress for the Defence of the People, which fought the DRC government between 2006 and 2009. Jonathan R. Beloff, who has studied the regional and internal political dynamics in the DRC for over a decade, examines the implications of the case. What is Joseph Kabilas political history? Joseph Kabila took over as president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on 26 January 2001 after the assassination of his father, Laurent-Desire. He was 29. Before this, during the First Congo War (1996-1997), he served in the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo, which aimed to overthrow the Zairean dictator Joseph Mobutu. This war has been labelled Africas World War by historians like Gerard Prunier because of the large number of foreign actors it involved. These include Angola, Burundi, Uganda and Rwanda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A significant number of soldiers and commanders in the alliance were Rwandan. Much of the war was conducted by Rwandan General James Kabarebe, who became a de facto father figure for Kabila, training him in military strategy, tactics and politics. A breakdown in Rwandas relationship with the DRC in 1998 led to the bloody Second Congo War (1998-2003). It was between Uganda, Rwanda and to a lesser extent Burundi, who fought against the DRC and its allies like Angola and Zimbabwe. The war was mostly fought by rebels from these nations who had varying interests. During this period, Kabila became the deputy chief of staff for the Congolese military. After he became president, he successfully applied pressure on Rwanda and Uganda to negotiate peace agreements in 2002. Overall, his presidential term was marred by the persecution of political rivals, corruption and multiple active rebel forces in the volatile eastern region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further, despite the DRCs constitution forbidding it, Kabila extended his presidency from two five-year terms, only stepping down in 2019. A political deal was struck that saw him relinquish power and hand over to Felix Tshisekedi. What has happened to Kabila since then? Kabila and his successor have not seen eye to eye. Since departing from power, the former president has faced increased accusations of corruption during his presidency. Further, by 2021, many of Kabilas supporters within the government and military had been removed. The relationship between the two further soured in 2023 when Kabila spoke out against Tshisekedis handling of the M23s violent campaign in eastern DRC. Kabila has also criticised Tshisekedis use of uncontrolled militias, Wazalendo, who have been unsuccessful in combating the M23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kabila went into self-exile, reportedly in South Africa and other African nations, that year. He returned to eastern DRCs regional hub Goma in May 2025, when he met with M23 leaders. The Congolese government used Kabilas visit to M23-controlled Goma to justify the charges brought against him. Further, the government suspended Kabilas political party, Parti du Peuple pour la Reconstruction et la Democratie. The party represented Kabilas interest in Congos legislative branch. Soon after the partys suspension, the senate stripped Kabila of his immunity, allowing charges to be filed against the former president. Why is the case against Kabila before a military court? While Kabila doesnt hold any political or military post he last served as president and major-general in January 2019 his past experience in the army led to a military rather than civilian process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the case is before a military court as Kabila is accused of committing treason by meeting with an opposing military force, the M23. The government seized his assets after he met and engaged with leaders of the rebel group. While its not the most significant charge, Kabila also faces accusations of massive corruption during his 18-year presidency. Further, hes being held accountable for past military decisions that led to war crimes, murder and rape during and after the Second Congo War (1998-2003). What are the implications of the court case for DRCs peace process? In June 2025, Rwanda and the DRC signed a peace agreement following negotiations led by Qatar and the United States. On the surface, the agreement could lead to regional stability and growth. However, for Tshisekedi, it is a landmine of political risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the M23s resurgence in November 2021, Tshisekedi has blamed Rwanda, as well as the Banyarwanda and Banyamulenge, who are historically Rwandan populations resident in eastern DRC, for the return of the rebel group. The new peace deal significantly complicates Tshisekedis relationship with his key political allies and ministers. If they begin to believe he is caving in to Rwanda, Tshisekedi could lose the presidency ahead of next years election. Thus, in my view, based on my research on Congolese instability, Tshisekedi needed to find a political distraction that his supporters could rally behind. Kabilas return to Goma and relationship with the M23 provided that opportunity. The court case allows Tshisekedi to highlight his fight against the rebel group and its allies. The Congolese military has been unable to significantly halt the M23s advances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case also allows the president to demonstrate his tough stance on opposition figures. However, Tshisekedi will need to be careful of the potential implications of the case for himself. Kabilas remaining loyalists could become even more daring in standing up against Tshisekedi. While a majority were removed, there are still some left. 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: Jonathan Beloff, King's College London Read more: Jonathan Beloff does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. A judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court well known for making controversial remarks while behind the bench, even threatening to have people shot in the courtroom, has been publicly admonished by the state agency tasked with investigating reports of judicial misconduct. Judge Enrique Monguia, a former L.A. County public defender appointed to the bench in 2014 by then Gov. Jerry Brown, chose not to contest the Commission on Judicial Performances public admonishment, a report generally issued in cases of egregious conduct. The commissions report, dated Aug. 28, found that Monguia, while presiding over criminal matters at downtown L.A.s Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, not only threatened gun violence against two attorneys and a retired judge, but also made numerous remarks considered discourteous and gave the appearance of bias to a crime victim, prospective jurors, defendants, attorneys and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one Sept. 2023 instance, the judge told two attorneys in his courtroom that he believed were discussing a case too loudly, that he would authorize his bailiff to use physical force, not for the bailiff to shoot counsel, but so Judge Monguia could shoot counsel himself, if they did not lower their voices. A month after that, retired L.A. County Superior Court Judge Stephen Marcus, who was working in a different courtroom, entered Monguias courtroom without his judicial robe and was denied access to a private entrance reserved for court staff. Judge Monguia told Judge Marcus that he was lucky the bailiff was not there, otherwise he would have ordered her to shoot Judge Marcus or words to that effect. The commission found that Judge Monguias remarks about shooting people, or having people shot in the courtroom, constituted an abuse of authority, fostered an atmosphere of intimidation in the courtroom and, even if made in jest, were undignified and discourteous, the report stated. Los Angeles Superior Court at the United States Courthouse; James K. Hahn City Hall East; Hall of Justice; Los Angeles City Hall (tall) and Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. (Getty Images) According to the panel, it was not just attorneys and judges who were the focus of comments made by Monguia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man, 20, considered armed and dangerous, allegedly kidnaps son, 1, in California In other instances, he told a prosecutor that a pregnant woman who had prior drug charges was going to have a meth baby that would be supported by [his] taxes, and told an overweight defendant who was having issues affording fines that he didnt look like he was going hungry. During jury selection in a Sept. 2022 case, he called a potential juror whose son had a criminal history a hot mess. In a written statement obtained by the Los Angeles Times, a spokesperson for the L.A. County Superior Court stated that disciplinary issues are confidential but added: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court leadership reaffirms its conviction that judicial officers must uphold the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary by administering justice fairly and exemplifying the highest standards of conduct both on and off the bench. The commission said that Judge Monguia generally acknowledged that his conduct was improper. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sep. 8Winona Fletcher, the youngest female convicted of murder in Alaska, is going to be released from prison. A judge reduced Fletcher's sentence on Monday, meaning that with good behavior time she may be released as soon as this week. Fletcher has served 40 years in prison for her role in the notorious murders of three elderly people in a 1985 home invasion robbery. Anchorage Superior Court Judge Jack McKenna reduced Fletcher's 135-year sentence to 60 years. Alaska's mandatory parole statute reduces criminal sentences by a third for good behavior, so Fletcher will be eligible to walk free immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fletcher dabbed tears as the new sentence was handed down in court Monday. She was led away in handcuffs back to Hiland Mountain Correctional Center, where corrections officials will complete paperwork before her release. "The Lord answered my prayers," said Fletcher's mom, Susan Schubert, who sat in the second row. The second look at Fletcher's sentence stemmed from a 2023 Alaska Court of Appeals ruling that found juvenile sentences must consider age, vulnerability, and prospects for rehabilitation. The ruling was part of a broader move toward rethinking harsh youth sentences of the 1980s and 1990s given new understandings of brain development and trauma. In an all-day hearing Friday, the judge heard arguments about whether Fletcher should be released early from her prison sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors argued that while Fletcher had behaved well in prison, she still wasn't fully rehabilitated. The state asked that her sentence be reduced to 90 years, and that she be given a chance to go before the parole board for discretionary parole. Her attorneys asked that she be given mandatory parole immediately. McKenna agreed, saying the only constitutional sentence he could provide was to reduce the sentence to 60 years. "It is the only outcome that complies with the law and the facts shown here in court to be very clear," McKenna said. The courtroom was packed with family members of the victims, Ann and Tom Faccio and Emilia Elliott. After the sentence, some of the family members could be seen in conversation with Fletcher's mother. This is developing story check back for details. A Manhattan judge has struck down an effort by Mayor Adams administration to let federal immigration authorities operate on Rikers Island, ruling the action was ethically impermissible because it came on the heels of President Trumps Department of Justice securing a highly controversial dismissal of the mayors corruption indictment. The effort dates back to April 8, when Randy Mastro, Adams first deputy mayor, issued an executive order that sought to let ICE agents reopen an office on Rikers in order to conduct criminal immigration enforcement at the city jail complex. The order infuriated City Council Democrats, who filed a lawsuit alleging it amounted to an illegal favor Adams team did for Trump in exchange for the presidents DOJ having just days earlier quashed his criminal case. In dropping his case, Trump appointees at DOJ wrote Adams prosecution on bribery and campaign finance fraud charges needed to be tossed because it was preventing the mayor from helping advance Trumps mass deportation agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a seven-page ruling released Monday, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Mary Rosado sided with the Council Democrats argument, writing Mastros order is null and void because it flew in the face of city law barring public officials from taking actions on matters in which they may have a personal conflict. In reaching that conclusion, Rosado noted that on the same day Trumps DOJ first moved to kill his indictment, Adams appeared with Tom Homan, Trumps border czar, on Fox News. In that live appearance, Homan told the mayor that unless he figured out a way to get ICE on Rikers, he will be in his office, up his butt saying, Where the hell is the agreement we came to?' The timeline of public statements and the ongoing criminal prosecution so clearly demonstrate an impermissible appearance of a conflict of interest, the judge wrote in the new ruling. The appearance of this conflict and Mayor Adams failure to recuse himself fully tainted the entire process. In a statement hours after Rosados ruling, Mastro vowed to file an appeal and noted the judge did not dispute the substance of our executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is also no actual conflict of interest here, and the mayor responded to the appearance of a conflict by delegating this issue to me as his first deputy mayor whom the judge herself described as an accomplished and highly educated attorney and I acted entirely independently of the mayor, Mastro continued in his statement. The first deputy mayor, who used to serve in ex-Mayor Rudy Giulianis administration, also appeared to accuse the judge of playing politics. It is a shame that we cant put politics aside and allow the executive branch to do its job of making New York City as safe as possible for the 8.5 million New Yorkers who call this city home, he added. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who led the charge on the lawsuit, called Rosados ruling a major win. Were pleased that the court recognized Mayor Adams and Randy Mastros attempt to do Trumps bidding and betray their obligation to New Yorkers as unlawful, the speaker said in a statement issued jointly with Deputy Council Speaker Diana Ayala, Council Criminal Justice Committee Chairwoman Sandy Nurse and Council Immigration Committee Chairwoman Alexa Aviles. This decision protects the civil rights of all New Yorkers from being violated and makes our city safer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even before Mondays ruling, Rosado had put a temporary injunction in place barring Adams administration from letting ICE into the citys jails. The mayors decision to have Mastro issue the executive order appeared aimed at creating some distance between himself and the action. Related Articles However, Rosado ruled that move was immaterial because the mayor had prior to the issuance of the order let it be known that he wanted to figure out a way to get ICE working at Rikers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The argument that the conflict was cleansed by delegating to First Deputy Mayor Mastro is farcical, she wrote in her decision. First Deputy Mayor Mastro is not independent of Mayor Adams. Under the de Blasio administration, the city barred ICE from operating on Rikers out of concern that the feds would use a presence on the island to target undocumented immigrants charged, not convicted, of crimes, including minor offenses. Mastros order was tailored to only let ICE conduct criminal immigration enforcement as opposed to civil. However, Council Democrats were skeptical ICE would abide by those rules, noting the Trump administration has shown a willingness to circumvent laws and judicial orders as part of its hard-line crackdown on undocumented immigration. The undoing of Mastros executive order comes as Adams faces a fresh Trump-related controversy, with sources saying he is considering suspending his longshot independent bid for reelection in exchange for a job in the presidents administration. Trump is reportedly undertaking the effort to get Adams out of the race in order to maximize ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomos chances of beating Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic front-runner in Novembers mayoral election. The ruling blames mismanagement and low taxes, but not the state's funding formula, for the massive budget shortfalls at Lakewood schools. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) A New Jersey appeals court rejected a constitutional challenge to the states school funding formula on Monday, finding that other problems in the district prevent Lakewood public school students from receiving the thorough and efficient education guaranteed by the states constitution. The three-judge panel found financial mismanagement, a failure to raise taxes, and heavy spending on transportation and special education for more than 50,000 private school students who are not included in the funding formulas calculations are clearer causes for the districts faltering public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Petitioners, in effect, ask us to declare the [funding formula] unconstitutional because it doesnt yield enough state aid to cover the shortfalls caused by Lakewoods budget and spending choices, particularly in the areas of transportation and special education, the judges wrote. These choices, the record shows, have drained resources away from Lakewoods public school students. The decision is the latest in an 11-year legal saga over the sufficiency of public school education in Lakewood, a fast-growing Ocean County township with a large Orthodox Jewish community where children are nearly all enrolled in private religious schools. Arthur Lang, an attorney who represented district parents and a former Lakewood public schools teacher, called the panels decision wrong and said his clients would ask the New Jersey Supreme Court to hear the case. You cant provide mandated services such as transportation and special education for 50,000 kids on a budget designed for 5,000 kids, Lang said. There is no way in the world that mismanagement can be the reason for the hundreds of millions of dollars of debt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul Tractenberg, another attorney for the plaintiffs, criticized the ruling as one that seems to accept uncritically the states defense and improperly shifts responsibility for funding shortcomings from the state to Lakewoods district. Lakewood, New Jerseys fifth-most populous municipality, had a tax base of just over $11.2 billion in 2024, the 11th largest in the state, but 445 school districts levied school taxes at greater rates than Lakewood, according to Department of Community Affairs property tax data. The townships 1.032% school property tax rate fell below the state average of 1.376% in 2024, the most recent year for which property tax data is available. The districts proposed budget for the 2025-26 school year includes a loan of just over $100 million from the state government, which would follow a $144.2 million loan in the prior year and a $50 million loan in the year before that. The district expects to spend about $413.4 million this school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October 2024, the district had fewer than 5,000 enrolled public school students, including 1,072 full-time students with special needs. The district earlier this year said more than 50,000 students were enrolled in Lakewood private schools, including more than 10,000 who lived in outlying municipalities. State law requires districts to provide busing to students who live at least 2 miles away from their school, or 2.5 miles for high school students. Under federal law, school districts are required to provide for special education services to public and nonpublic school students. The Lakewood school district expected to receive $17.9 million in state transportation aid for the 2025-2026 school year, but forecasted it would spend just over $48 million on student transportation. In some years, more than half of the Lakewood schools total budget went to transportation and special education expenses that typically account for a much smaller share of a districts total spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lang rejected the argument that raising local taxes would fix the problem. Even if they taxed to the maximum based on the wealth, its still not enough money, Lang said. The case began in 2014 when parents of public school students lodged an administrative appeal over Lakewoods school aid award, arguing New Jerseys school funding formula prevented a thorough and efficient education, to which courts have said New Jerseys students are constitutionally entitled. An administrative law judge in 2021 found that students were being deprived of a thorough and efficient education, but said the funding formula did not play a significant role in that deficiency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A final decision issued by then-Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan in 2024 found that low local taxes, fiscal mismanagement, and staggering special education and transportation expenses were a clearer cause of the districts distress. The causes are well-documented, and quite frankly, hard to miss, the judges wrote in Mondays ruling. The consistent pattern of neglect and misfeasance by various elected and appointed Lakewood school leaders with respect to critical governance, finance, curriculum, transportation, and special education recommendations made by respondents over the years lends an aura of deliberate indifference to these proceedings. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NEED TO KNOW The jury foreperson in the Donna Adelson trial took to TikTok to reveal how the jury came to find the 75-year-old family matriarch guilty of murder Donna Adelson was convicted of murder, conspiracy and solicitation in the 2014 death of her former son-in-law, Daniel Markel, 41 Adelson was angry that Markel refused to allow her daughter to move 400 miles away to be closer to her and her family, prosecutors said during the trial Jurors only needed three hours to convict Donna Adelson the matriarch of a wealthy Florida family of murder in the death of her former son-in-law, who was gunned down by hired hitmen in 2014, the jury foreperson has revealed. Within the first hour, hour and a half, everyone was agreeing that she was guilty, a woman who identified herself as the jury foreperson said on her TikTok page @laceywithaj. It was unanimous within the first hour, hour and a half." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Sept. 4, when Florida Second Judicial Circuit Judge Stephen Everett announced that the jury had found Donna, 75, guilty of first-degree murder in the for-hire killing of Florida State University law professor Daniel Markel, she yelled out, Oh my God! and began sobbing and shaking in her seat, according to video from the Tallahassee Democrat. Mrs. Adelson, control yourself, Judge Everett admonished her. When he announced that she had also been found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and solicitation, she continued sobbing, prompting him to ask the bailiff to escort the jurors out of the courtroom. Donna is the fifth person convicted of conspiring to murder Markel, 41, who was embroiled in a bitter custody dispute over his two sons with Donnas daughter, Wendi Adelson. Following their 2013 divorce, Markel refused to allow Wendi to move with their two sons from Tallahassee, where he taught, to South Florida, where Donna and other family members lived, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that the trial is over, @laceywithaj took to TikTok to share how she and the other jurors reached the verdict they did. Commenters asked her lots of questions about the case, including what evidence convinced her of Donnas guilt. "Honestly there was sooo much, she replied in the comments, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. She is a smart woman, which is why she [avoided] being convicted for 11 [years]," she wrote. Ill answer vaguely, but I may need to do a separate video talking about this if enough people are interested. Noting that Donnas son Rob Adelsons testimony was pretty telling, she added that all of her emails, texts, calls indicate how power hungry she was she meant it when she said that Daniel Markel wasnt going to beat the Adelson family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foreperson pointed out that the jury was very careful in how it reached its conclusions. An hour or an hour and a half into deliberations, she said she polled everyone to find out where they stood. While all 12 jurors said they thought Donna was guilty of murder, two people were kind of confused about one point in count two, she said. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Considering that the jury was "not unanimous" at that point, she said they proceeded to go over everything "point by point," using a whiteboard to organize their thoughts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We went over everything several times because this is a big decision and this is serious and we all took our duty very seriously, like this isn't just fun and games, she said in the video. Although it is a very cool experience to talk about now and its exciting, it is someone's life, and it is the law and we all took it very serious. She had the jury vote several times, several different ways, to confirm that they were unanimous, including having everyone raise their hands if they thought Donna was guilty, which they all did, she said. To fully ensure the jurys decision, she passed out 12 pieces of paper asking everyone to anonymously write down the verdict. Then I emptied one of the little containers we had for our snacks and had everyone put it in there," she said, adding that she wanted people to write down what they honestly felt based on the evidence and the law provided and without feeling pressured to go along with what everyone else is saying." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All 12 pieces of paper said guilty, she said. After that, she said everyone gave her verbal confirmation that they found Donna guilty on all three counts. When the verdict was ready to be read, she said they were led into the courtroom only to be escorted out because there was that outburst that we all saw, she said. Calling the trial a very intense two weeks, she said being a juror for the first time was a cool experience. PEOPLE has reached out to @laceywithaj for comment but has not yet heard back. Read the original article on People LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) The mother of a transgender teenage girl is speaking out against a bill that would require students to use the bathroom that matches their birth certificate. Earlier this month, the Michigan House of Representatives passed the House Bill 4024, also known as the Restroom Privacy Act, which would require students to use the bathroom that matches their biological sex, as defined on their birth certificate issued at or near the time of the individuals birth. Steph Jones. (WLNS) Supporters of the bill say its to protect children from violence in private spaces such as bathrooms, but opponents say otherwise, including one Lansing mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steph Jones, mother of Anya, a transgender teenage girl, says her daughter was only 3 when she began to express a change in her identity. But once she turned 10 and started really saying it, thats when we stepped things up, and we were like, said Jones. OK, time for therapy. Time for a doctor. Time for all of this to get moving for her. Jones says the recent passing of the bill is an attack on transgender children, who she says are already under so much scrutiny. Who are they expecting to be these violent perpetrators? Trans kids or children? They just want to exist and have an authentic childhood, said Jones. So, theyre already automatically labeling trans kids as problems, as trouble, as violent, which I have a huge issue with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, the University of Michigan Medical Center announced it will no longer offer gender-affirming care, such as hormone therapy and puberty blockers, for patients under the age of 19. This action impacts Joness daughter, who is currently on puberty blockers. This does affect us. We had been working with the clinic there for a couple of years, had really great support, working with their social workers and their endocrinology team, said Jones. Jones says she feels confident the bill wont pass the Democrat-controlled state Senate, but the concern is still apparent. The bill now heads to the Senate, where Democrats have a one-seat majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) The U.S. Department of Justice plans to announce criminal charges on Tuesday as a result of the immigration raid last week at a Cayuga County food processing plant, the office of Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone said late Monday. In its announcement, the Justice Department said it will warn employers across the Northern District of New York that they risk criminal investigation if they are employing non-citizens who are not authorized to work in the United States. More than 40 workers were detained after officers stormed into Nutrition Bar Confectioners in Cato. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were just rounding up everyone that looked Hispanic, said immigration attorney Jose Perez. Perez has six clients that he said were detained, he said, despite having valid working papers and social security numbers. He added: One of them has a U.S.-citizen spouse, has a case pending, three U.S.-citizen children, and he is, today, in Guatemala. Deported in 48 hours. 12 students of the Fulton City School District have lost touch with either one or both parents, the superintendent told NewsChannel 9 on Monday. The district was contacted Thursday morning, its first day of classes, by one of the women getting detained to make sure her child was taken care of. The district made sure each of the 12 students had someone waiting for them upon dismissal from school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was our number one concern: that thered be no one home for these students at the end of the school day, said Superintendent Douglas Lawrence. While many of the students havent returned to school, the district is checking in on their well-being in partnership with the Oswego County Department of Social Services. Witnesses said crowbars were used to break through doors, and a woman was arrested while in the bathroom. On Monday, protestors set up a camp outside the U.S. Border Patrol station in Oswego. A convoy of federal police vehicles activated lights and sirens to deploy from the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both the Cayuga County and Oswego County Sheriffs Offices said they supported federal authorities during the raid, but said their roles were routine and limited in scope. The federal government has not responded to NewsChannel 9s repeated requests 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 WSYR. A high-ranking member of the brutal Los Zetas cartel has been sentenced to 31 years in prison. Eleazar Medina-Rojas, 53, was a Los Zetas boss known as El Chelelo, according to a press release from the Department of Justice. He oversaw several drug routes along the Texas-Mexico border, and imported 90,000 kg of marijuana and 450 kg of cocaine enough to kill 375,000 people. The cartel leader was sentenced to prison on September 8 and ordered to pay $26.5 million in forfeited assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medina-Rojas used extreme violence to rise through the ranks of Los Zetas, and, as a plaza boss, ensured that the cartel maintained control over key drug trafficking routes used to direct cocaine and marijuana into the United States, said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti in the release. Los Zetas was a dangerous cartel, composed of former Mexican military officers that began as a wing of the Gulf Cartel. It was active across the country, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as The Dallas Express previously reported. The group formed an alliance with the Gulf Cartel and called it The Company, according to the release. Medina-Rojas was responsible for enforcement and protecting drug trafficking routes, using violence, threats, and weapons to that end. Medina-Rojas participated in acts of violence against rival drug trafficking groups during conflicts for control over drug plazas and trafficking routes, the release reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He rose through the ranks of The Company, holding important leadership roles facilitating cocaine and marijuana trafficking into America. Medina-Rojas was a regional leader, or plaza boss, in Monterrey, Mexico, from 2006 to 2007 commanding dozens of members in drug trafficking and violence. The boss controlled several drug routes, smuggling more than 3,000 tons of narcotics across the Mexico-Texas border, according to DEA-Houston Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen. Medina-Rojas controlled the routes leading to Brownsville, Laredo, and McAllen, eliminating anyone who stood in the way of his profit, Pullen said. DEA Houston agents relentless work disrupted his drug trafficking routes, which eventually led to his capture, weakening the ruthless Los Zetas drug trafficking organization. Mexican and American police arrested prominent leaders of Los Zetas from 2012 to 2015, and remaining members splintered off in the Cartel del Noreste, according to a press release. The State Department labeled CDN a foreign terrorist group in February 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJs Office of International Affairs worked with Mexican police to arrest Medina-Rojas and to extradite him in July 2023, according to the release. DEA-Houston investigated the case, and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section of the DOJs Criminal Division prosecuted in court. This case was part of Operation Take Back America. As part of this mission, federal agents busted 78 criminal illegal aliens in the Rio Grande Valley in late August, The Dallas Express previously reported. Also in late August, the co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel El Mayo pleaded guilty and faces a life sentence. HONOLULU (KHON2) Its one of the most intricate scams out there. The FBI is warning people to be wary of the phantom hacker, which they say is significantly impacting senior citizens. Two-thirds of the $542 million lost to the phantom hacker scam in 2023 were senior citizens. PREVIOUSLY ON KUPUNA LIFE Dance instructor in her 90s looks forward to more years of dance The FBI said its an evolution of more general tech support scams, layering fake tech support, financial institution and government personas to enhance the trust victims place in the scammers and identify the most lucrative accounts to target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very difficult to keep on top of and keep ahead of all the newest trends. The good news is that everything kind of funnels out, if you will, all of these scams. Theyre built on the same building blocks, the same cornerstones weve seen for decades, said Cameron Nakashima, Better Business Bureau (BBB). Heres how it works: Scammer poses as tech support of a real company and contacts the victim. Scammer has them download a software program to allow the scammer computer access Scammer asks the victim to open their financial accounts to see if there are unauthorized charges Scammer tells victim theyll be contacted by the financial institutions fraud department Imposter poses as the fraud department, contacting the victim to say their account has been hacked and that they must move their money to a third-party account for safekeeping Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scammers even pose as the Federal Reserve or another US government agency with official-looking email letterheads to assure the victim of their legitimacy. All of a sudden, youve got two to three different parties all involved here, all of them are impostors, and theyre telling you, Oh no, go along with what this other guys telling you. So it can be really hard to discern whos telling you the truth when youre stuck in that situation, Nakashima said. So what can you do? Remember to slow things down. Its really important to know the generic red flags to look out for put a little twinge in your gut, says somethings up, somethings not right, and thats your indicator. I need to pause, I need to break away, and I need to go do a little bit of research and not just rely on the incoming data, but I need to go search out something on my own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out more news from around Hawaii The BBB recommends you talk to kupuna about these types of scams when you get a chance. For more tips, visit the Better Business Bureaus 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. Kaiser Permanente releases statement on healthcare workers strike (FOX40.COM) Kaiser Permanente officials have released a statement regarding the healthcare workers strike taking place on Monday. The one-day strike, called by the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals, includes 1,300 out of 90,000 health care professionals across more than 20 Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Northern California, the company said. UNAC/UHCP said its aim is to gain better care for patients, along with dignity and respect for the care they provide, as part of their first union contract for Kaiser midwives and nurse anesthetists. Meanwhile, Kaiser said negotiations with the Alliance of Health Care Unions, which includes talks with UNAC/UHCP, have been underway since May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are fully committed to continuing our efforts in the bargaining process to reach a new labor agreement. It is disappointing that leadership of a partner union would ask our dedicated and committed employees to walk away from the patients who need them, and disrupt needed health care for our members, while we are actively working to settle a contract, a Kaiser official said. Were confident that well address key issues and reach an agreement that supports the needs of our employees and affordability for our members, and reinforces Kaiser Permanente as a best place to work and receive care. Officials with Kaiser stated that they take disruptions to patient care seriously and will keep their medical offices open. However, it is possible that appointments and surgeries may need to be rescheduled. Officials went on to state that Kaiser Permanente staffing levels meet and exceed state standards. In 2024, we added more than 6,332 people to our workforce including 4,695 in care delivery and 1,684 in Alliance-represented roles, a Kaiser official said. We are proud that about 92% of our employees in Alliance-represented roles choose to stay with Kaiser Permanente, significantly higher than the national health care average. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strikes are taking place until 7 p.m. on Monday at the Kaiser Permanente on 1660 Eureka Road in Roseville and 3600/3701 Broadway in Oakland. Kaiser said those on strike will be returning to work on Tuesday at 7 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 FOX40 News. KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) Kalamazoo begins a $60 million water system overhaul Monday, a yearslong project that includes a new treatment plant and replacement of aging mains. The Eastside Water Treatment and Water Main Project calls for a $50 million, 15,000-square-foot facility on Michigan Avenue to filter PFAS, iron and manganese from groundwater. Another $10 million will go toward new mains connecting two major pumping stations, streamlining how water is treated and distributed. Station 5 is rock solid, performs great. Its a very reliable station. We use it every single day, said City Engineer and Public Services Director James Baker, referring to the station built in 1914. That being said, 111 years is a long time, and its time for us to think about the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project will reroute water from Station 14 at Spring Valley Park to the new facility at Station 5, where upgrades will also include new wells, electrical systems and fiber optic monitoring. Baker added the changes will reduce complexity and improve consistency. The water quality is not the same or consistent in every one of those stations, so there is a little bit of a difference in what that overall blend of water quality is, he said. If we can consolidate stations reduce the number of stations in the system we can have some better accuracy, precision and control over that water quality. Baker said the project will also expand iron removal. Right now, those 13 treatment plants only two of them provide iron removal, so thats going to be a big advantage from a water quality perspective, he explained. We talked about brighter whites: iron can be frustrating for citizens that have to put up with that in their water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction begins with lane shifts on East Michigan Avenue today. Wallace Avenue will close Sept. 17, followed by closures on Michigan and Elder streets later in the fall. Business owners near the site say they are not concerned. I believe its a good project and it should go smoothly, said Chuck Finney, owner of Save-A-Lot Auto body shop, which sits by the work zone. Talking with all the engineers and everybody on the project, I believe its going to quick and easily. Finney, who has been in the business since 1978, said customer access wont be a problem. I have existing customers and drive-by traffic is not an issue, he added. They make it to where its accessible without problems. A detour map released by the city of Kalamazoo. Wallace Avenue is expected to close Sept. 17, 2025. A detour map released by the city of Kalamazoo. East Michigan Avenue is expected to close Sept. 29, 2025. The work will continue in phases until 2028, backed by state financing that includes $17 million in loan forgiveness. The city says the project will help meet new federal PFAS standards taking effect in 2029. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 arrangements to provide security to Kamala Harris have undergone numerous changes in the past few weeks, with politics seeming to have been injected into the efforts to keep the former vice president safe. In the latest twist, the Los Angeles Police Department will no longer be dedicating officers to protect Harris after objections came from within the police force. LAPD stops providing Harris protection after complaints over resources The LAPD has reversed a decision to help provide protection to Harris, only days after the department had started to assist in providing her security. As Blavity previously reported, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass scrambled to organize a protection arrangement for Harris after President Donald Trump abruptly canceled her extended Secret Service detail. In the new arrangement, the California Highway Patrol has stepped up to provide protection for Harris. The LAPD had been supplementing that protection, but the department has decided to no longer assign Los Angeles police officers to protect Harris. The reversal comes as complaints arose from within the LAPD that officers were being taken away from crime suppression activities in the San Fernando Valley and that police resources were generally stretched thin, according to anonymous sources, per The New York Times. Officers from the LAPD had been seen outside Harris residence last week, but as of Saturday morning no LAPD officers were being used to protect her. The plan was always to provide temporary support and I thank LAPD for protecting former VP Harris and always prioritizing the safety of all Angelenos, Bass said in a statement Saturday. It is unclear how the withdrawal of LAPD forces will impact CHPs continuing efforts to protect Harris. The former vice president is expected to start using private security in the near future, but the exact timing of that transition has not been made publicly available. Politicized decisions over security arrangements for Harris The turmoil comes in the aftermath of Trump issuing an order that ended Secret Service protection for Harris, which President Joe Biden had ordered to be extended to last an extra year beyond the customary six months after vice presidents leave office. Trumps move has widely been seen as an act of retaliation against Harris, who ran against him in the 2024 presidential election. Although the removal of LAPD officers has been framed as a matter of resources, just as the withdrawal of Secret Service protection by the White House was described, there are indications that politics has played a role in these decisions. The union representing Los Angeles police officers, the Los Angeles Police Protective League, released a statement praising the decision to cancel LAPD protection for Harris. We are happy to report that the Metro officers assigned to protect the multimillionaire failed presidential candidate are back on the street fighting crime, read part of the statement, The New York Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The turmoil over security for Harris comes at a pivotal time in her political career and public life. The former vice president is preparing to begin a multicity book tour for her new memoir 107 Days, which will recount her whirlwind 2024 presidential campaign. Harris recently announced that she will not run to replace Gavin Newsom as governor of California. She has not yet announced whether or not she will seek the Democratic presidential nomination for 2028, which could pit her against Newsom, a likely candidate. The response to Harris new book and her return to the public spotlight may help determine her decision about running again. While Harris sorts out her political future, she appears to be in a position where she will also have to sort out her security situation. Having been suddenly stripped of her Secret Service detail, it appears she will no longer be relying on the LAPD for protection either, creating one more complication for Harris as she determines her long-term plans. The post Kamala Harriss LAPD Protection Ends After Alleged Objections Within The Force appeared first on Blavity. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Thousands of people filled the streets of Westport this weekend for the 45th annual Art Westport Festival the citys largest and longest-running showcase for local artists. For Kansas City entrepreneur Lisa Hadley, the event was extra special. NYC firefighter buried alive in 9/11 attacks shares story at 15th KC Memorial Stair Climb Hadley started Friends of Hadley a decade ago, creating stuffed animals for friends babies before turning her passion into a business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year marked her first time selling dolls and prints at the festival. Its kids, its adults, its kind of all walks of life and to see them have a genuine reaction to something youve made and put your heart and soul into. Theres really nothing better and I think that thats why we do this, Hadley said. Her friend Kellie Bloxson, owner of Kellie Bloxson Designs, encouraged her to take part. Bloxson specializes in mixed media collage and says the best part of art fairs is the face-to-face connection. That is the most rewarding part about doing art fairs. You get the face-to-face interaction, and I have to say Kansas City is the most supportive local community of local artists and so seeing people smile with your artworktheres really not a better feeling, Bloxson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers say more than 100 local artists showcased their work this year, with something for everyone from paintings and jewelry to wood, metal, ceramics, and mixed media. Special Events Manager Tia Simpson calls it an inclusive community celebration. Painters, weve got jewelers, weve got metal, wood, ceramics, mixed media, all the things, so something for everyone. The festival continues to grow each year, drawing families from across the metro to celebrate creativity and support Kansas Citys vibrant art scene. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Police are asking the public for help identifying a suspect accused of an aggravated assault that happened in August in Kansas City. According to the Kansas City Police Department, just before 11:40 p.m. on Aug. 4, an aggravated assault was reported in the area of East 23rd Street and Indiana Avenue. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri KCPD provided pictures of the suspect below: Photos of a suspect who is accused of aggravated assault in August 2025. If you or anyone you know has information regarding the assault or the suspects identity, police ask that you contact the Assault Squad at 816-234-5227 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-8477. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Update: Kobe Sims has been located and is safe. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Kansas City Police Department is asking for the publics help in finding a missing 12-year-old boy. Kobe Sims was last seen on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 11:45 a.m. He was seen near the area of 30th Street and Benton Blvd. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri He was wearing blue shorts and a white T-shirt. Sims is Black, 5 feet 2 inches tall and 115 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If he is found, you are asked to call 911 or the KCPD Missing Persons Unit at 816-234-5136. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Kansas Press Association executive director Emily Bradbury, pictured here on July 18, 2024, alerted members in late August to a policy change in Kansas prisons that could have ramifications for local newspaper publishers and people serving time. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA Rob Morgan, owner and publisher of the Neodesha Derrick News in southeast Kansas, knew something wasnt right when four subscriptions in a row were canceled. All four, he noticed, were being delivered to correctional facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four subscribers thats a big hit, Morgan said. I hate to say that. The Kansas Department of Corrections, which oversees all youth and adult detention facilities, changed without notice its department-wide newspaper subscription policy on Aug. 27, blindsiding newspaper publishers across Kansas. Previously, families of incarcerated people could take out a newspaper subscription in a persons name and have it delivered to a state facility. The agency says it made the change, forbidding newspaper subscriptions paid for by outside parties, for safety. But for those serving time, a subscription can act as a tether to reality while inside a Kansas prisons walls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility had a subscription to the Neodesha paper through his parents, Morgan said. He looks forward to that because his children get in the paper from time to time, he said. Morgan is a self-described little guy and a one-man operation. The weekly paper stays away from politics and reports on community happenings for about 300 print subscribers and roughly 150 online subscribers in and around Wilson County. Another man serving time had a subscription to the Neodesha Derrick News that was purchased by his mother and paid for through 2027. She has since died, and Morgan doesnt quite know what to do. Two of the four canceled subscriptions have been rerouted to the families of people in prison, but Morgan said he has not received any requests from inside the Kansas prison system to restore access to the Neodesha Derrick News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily Bradbury, executive director of the Kansas Press Association, alerted association members to the canceled newspaper subscriptions the day after the policy went into effect. Following the change, this years subscriptions will not be honored, and incarcerated individuals must jump through hoops to regain access to credible local information, Bradbury said. Creating barriers to real information is not beneficial to the newspaper or to the inmate, Bradbury said in an interview. If the whole goal is to re-assimilate these inmates back into society when theyve done their time, how are they going to know whats going on? The new policy requires people serving time in state facilities to request a subscription on their own, undergo an approval process and pay for the subscription out of their commissary accounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Thompson, a spokesman for the state corrections department, said it takes the safety and well-being of its residents seriously. The policy was updated primarily to enhance KDOCs ability to protect residents and employees from dangerous contraband. This policy change applies to physical subscriptions only digital access to newspapers remains unchanged, Thompson said. The policy change singled out newspapers. Other materials, including books and periodicals, are required to be ordered directly from a publisher. Max Kautsch, the media hotline attorney for press association members, said the corrections department must show why the policy change and canceling existing subscriptions were necessary to protect residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The real smoking gun here is that the publishers of the newspapers were never notified of the possibility that their subscribers would not be able to consume their publication, he said. The case law is very clear that publishers do have a due process right to know if that is going to happen. How community newspapers pose a threat to prison operations is unclear. However, Thompson said Monday that the new process has gone smoothly. Multiple newspaper subscriptions have been approved, and more are in the process. The only rejections thus far were related to payment issues or a publications inability to meet certain verification requirements, such as direct receipts, packing slips or labels allowing a newspaper issue to be tracked, Thompson said. Resident access to information is important to KDOC, and this policy is not designed to reject publications, he said. Rather, it aims to streamline ordering through approved vendors while maintaining safety standards. The suddenness of the decision bothered Bradbury, who has led the press association for eight years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She wondered: What could we have done to solve this instead of creating this burdensome, bureaucratic process for someone to go about getting a product that would educate them about whats happening in their communities? Bradbury also said the press association was exploring all of its options in how to respond to the policy change. Surrounding states have similar restrictions, but their policies dont single out newspapers. In Nebraska, printed materials, including magazines, newspapers and other periodicals, must be delivered directly from a publisher. Incarcerated individuals can submit orders for subscription materials in any month and arent subject to the typical four-order limit, according to Nebraska Department of Corrections policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Oklahoma, the state cannot implement a prohibition on any materials that inmates may receive by subscription, such as a magazine, newspaper, or other similar type of periodical, according to Oklahoma Department of Corrections policy. Each issue delivered to an Oklahoma facility has to be reviewed to ensure it doesnt violate the agencys correspondence restrictions, which include materials containing instructions about drug or arms manufacturing, survival guide information, advocacy for overthrowing a government, sexually explicit materials, or encouraging criminal activity. Thompson said the department is fully engaged with residents to handle any issues that may arise. Bradbury, who didnt receive an explanation from the state for why the policy changed, said she would like to see a return to the old policy. Kautsch said any fix must involve a content-neutral policy that serves a legitimate penological interest. This story has been updated. Gov. Kathy Hochul is refusing to disclose the costs of using a fuzzy Frankie Focus mascot unveiled last week to promote the bell to bell school cellphone ban, a Sesame Street-type character that even supporters flunked as completely tone-deaf. The mascot is more appropriate to connect with 4- and-5-year-olds than the phone-obsessed teenagers the bell to bell prohibition is intended to help, educators said. Its completely tone-deaf, said Queens high school teacher Moshe Spern. Gov. Kathy Hochul speaking at MS 582 in Brooklyn with the mascot Frankie Focus on Sept. 4, 2025. Paul Martinka We all agree that the cellphone ban would be great for students and learning. But having a silly cartoon character be the focus of the promotion loses the target audience: middle school and high school students, the veteran teacher said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, Having a cartoon character thrown in their face is not going to make them happy. It insults their intelligence. The use of a mascot doesnt appeal to parents and certainly not high school students. It doesnt appeal to me, said high school parent Yiatin Chu. Im not sure the mascot helps her cause. She said the ban, which she supports, is a serious issue. Theres a lot of debate in high schools about students not having access to their laptops or phones that could be helpful during free study periods. The governors office has declined to say how much was spent creating the mascot for the states cellphone ban in public schools. Paul Martinka The law is more successful than the mascot, said another proponent, who requested anonymity. I dont know any 13- to 18-year-old who could be convinced with a mascot like that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hochul showcased Frankie Focus at a Brooklyn middle school last week. Sources who back the ban said former New York Sen. and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her camp were in discussions with Hochul on implementing the cellphone ban. Hochuls office on Sunday would not explicitly say how much its spending on Frankie Focus, other than the character is part of a state public service campaign to promote the benefits of distraction-free learning and that it has spent $13.5 million to help schools comply, including $4 million to the New York City Department of Education. Frankie Focus posing with school children in Brooklyn. Paul Martinka Its being funded by public, not private funds, said the spokesman, Sam Spokony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Hochul defended Frankie Focus, who has his own social media accounts, as a valuable promoter of the ban. Frankie just kind of showed up at our office last week and did this perfect double backflip, which was pretty wild, the Hochul spokesperson quipped. But after that, he made two things clear: Hes not affiliated with any companies or brands, and he really, really doesnt like smartphone distractions at school. The Hochul rep said the furry mascot could help spread the word about how distraction-free learning helps students. As the Governors always said, our kids succeed when theyre learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling and thats why well keep working to ensure distraction-free learning delivers the best results for New York schools, the governors spokesperson said. The deputy chief of staff for policy at the White House is not usually a high profile role. Even hardcore political junkies couldnt tell you who handled the job during the administrations of Joe Biden or Barack Obama or even in Donald Trumps first term. But Stephen Miller, who is currently serving in this role , is downright famous. There are many reasons for this, including suspicions that he is the true power behind the throne, and that his hatred of immigrants is driving Trumps efforts to turn Immigration and Customs Enforcement into an American Gestapo. But lets be honest: The main reason Miller is memorable is because he is petulant. Miller started off as Trumps infamously terrible speechwriter, but he mostly made a name for himself by being such a creep that he stood out even by MAGA standards. He loves going on cable news shows and throwing comically over-the-top tantrums. Whether he is spilling racist lies or insisting his boss has unlimited power, Miller always adopts the same posture of maximum outrage. He clearly thinks hes a terrifying villain in the Darth Vader tradition, but he actually reads more like Veruca Salt screaming I want a golden goose at Willy Wonka. Its all very exhausting, as Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., noted on X, begging Miller to stop yelling because its very shrill. So it was surprising that Millers wife, Katie Miller, started hosting a YouTube show, the purpose of which appears to be lulling viewers to sleep. Its technically called The Katie Miller Podcast, but a better title would be The Banality of Evil. The premise of every interview seems to be that just because the guests are far-right authoritarians, it doesnt mean theyre interesting. Each episode is roughly an hour of scintillating content like which sorority Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., pledged in college, or how former ESPN host Sage Steele feels about wedding planning. Even her much-discussed premiere episode, which featured a 45-minute interview with Vice President JD Vance, was a big nothingburger. The biggest news that came out of it was that Stephen Miller eats a lot of mayonnaise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The show was so bad that when I got to the fourth interview in which we learn that Airbnb cofounder Joe Gebbia taught himself to code by designing his own websites I was begging for the sweet release of death. But I was also puzzled. All Katie Millers faux-pleasant, tedious small talk is just so different from her husbands persona of relentless top-volume aggrievement. He could never be on her show. His screeching bigotry would feel out of place in her pastel-colored dreamland, where nothing interesting ever happens. Dont get me wrong. Both their personal styles are horrible, just in very different ways. He comes across like hes murdering you with a hammer, while she will drive you into an early grave with whispery chit-chat about nothing. Its hard to believe theyre married. Thats probably the point: To create the illusion that Stephen Miller is a normal person. The unsubtle goal is The Katie Miller Podcast is to humanize its subjects with theyre just like you! interviews. The underlying message is that fascists cant be so bad, if they also tell dad jokes or feel bad about eating too much chocolate. All that, in turn, serves the larger message of the show, which is that the Millers arent sick monsters who hate America, because gosh that Mrs. Stephen Miller just acts so darn normal. Or at least boring, which is what passes for normal in the twisted far-right mind. Another alternate title for the show: The Opiate of MAGA. Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Sign up for her free newsletter, Standing Room Only, now also on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Why it has to be Katie Miller, however, is a mystery. There are other dull MAGA wives who could also have hosted a talk show where guests discuss what they ate for breakfast. Stephen Miller has spent over a decade establishing himself as a proud villain in the public eye, so its odd that he and his wife would suddenly want to show his softer side through her brain-killing small talk routine. He seemed like he was having a good time being Americas Top Creep, so why mess with that branding? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, I can only think of one reason why the Millers have decided its time to try to humanize the most shudder-inducing member of the Trump White House: Stephen Miller thinks he has a good shot at being president soon. I know, I know. You are scoffing and wanting to shut your computer off, but hear me out. The entire internet is on Trump Death Watch these days, because the 79-year-old president has swollen ankles and weirdly bruised hands. Stephen Miller is closer to Trump than anyone, including Melania Trump. He probably has an even better idea of how weak his boss is, and how the odds rise daily that there will soon be a power struggle to be the next king of MAGA. By getting out there and doing soft-focus interviews, Katie Miller might just be trying to cast an image of herself as first lady material. Shes presenting herself as a sweet, affable wife whose ability to make small talk with important people offers a useful moderating force on her snarling bully of a husband. For those who worry that the veins popping out on Stephen Millers pencil neck would undermine the diplomatic role of a president, she is presenting herself as calming presence who will make everything okay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her ruse is certainly not persuasive to anyone outside of the GOP voting base. But for people within it, especiallly those who might be choosing between figures like Stephen Miller or JD Vance, being able to tell themselves that Stephen Millers nice wife will rein him in might be just enough to win their support. That, or its a ham-fisted effort to shut down the rumors about Katie Miller running off, however temporarily, with Elon Musk. But quashing that speculation would likely require content more scintillating than this drivel. No, this all reads very much as what fascist freaks think looks human to the normies. The anesthetizing effect, in that case, feels quite deliberate, coming from people who very much want Americans to sleepwalk into an authoritarian state. The post Katie Miller isnt fooling anyone appeared first on Salon.com. SOMERSET, Pa. A retired Cambria County judge has scheduled a post-trial hearing Oct. 9 over motions raised by a prison inmate seeking a new trial over Sgt. Mark Baserman's 2018 death. Senior Judge Patrick Kiniry has scheduled the hearing to listen to arguments over motions raised by Paul J. Kendrick's defense. Kendrick's legal team has cited conversations by one or more jurors outside court, alleging jury misconduct or "contamination" concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The filing is part of a list of motions that separately includes claims of new post-trial evidence that, defense attorneys say, should grant inmate Paul Jawon Kendrick a new death penalty phase of his trial. Kendrick, 30, was sentenced to death in August following a lengthy trial in April over the beating death of Baserman, a corrections officer who was on duty that day. Prosecutors said Kendrick sucker-punched Baserman and then struck him in the head repeatedly, ending the attack with a sprinting kick to the corrections officer's head. A jury of Somerset County residents found Kendrick guilty of first-degree murder and issued a verdict that included the death sentence. Kendrick is currently being housed at State Corrections Institution-Phoenix. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s sister and nephew have urged the Health and Human Services secretary to resign, denouncing his anti-vaxxer views and the decimation of key public health institutions. Kerry Kennedy, 65, and Joe Kennedy III, 44, issued separate statements after RFK Jr sparred with the Senate Finance Committee over his vaccine policies and ousted the top official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Medical decisions belong in the hands of trained and licensed professionals, not incompetent and misguided leadership, Kerry Kennedy, an attorney and one of U.S. Attorney General Robert F Kennedys 11 children, wrote on Friday. The decimation of critical institutions, like the [National Institutes of Health] and the CDC, will lead to the loss of innocent lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kerry Kennedy, who said last year that her brother set fire to my fathers memory when he defected to the Republican Party, argued that Americans are at risk now, like never before. From left, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Ethel Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, and Mariah Kennedy Cuomo ((Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)) Enough is enough. Secretary Kennedy must resign. Now, she concluded. About an hour earlier, former Democratic Congressman Joe Kennedy III released a statement calling his uncle a threat to the health and wellbeing of every American. He accused the DHS secretary of choosing to dismiss science and sow confusion during his congressional testimony. The challenge before usfrom disease outbreaks to mental health crisesdemand moral clarity, scientific expertise, and leadership rooted in fact, he wrote. Those values are not present in the Secretarys office. He must resign. Former Representative Joseph Kennedy III also called for his uncle, RFK Jr., to resign from his post (AP) RFK Jr. has had a fraught relationship with his family, with several prominent members sharply criticizing his decision in August 2024 to abandon his independent presidential campaign and endorse President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During RFK Jr.s Senate hearing on Thursday, Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, called his cousin a LOSER and claimed he was choking so badly LIVE. A day later, Schlossberg shared Joe Kennedy IIIs statement on X, writing that he couldnt agree more. RFK LOSER IS A THREAT TO PUBLIC HEALTH and AMERICAN SCIENTIFIC LEADERSHIP, he continued. WHO PLEASURES HIMSELF by lying to Congress. Donald Trump with Robert F Kennedy Jr after the latter endorsed the president at a rally in August, 2024 (Getty Images) Even Trump himself appeared to break from RFK Jr. on Friday and said he is supportive of vaccines. I think you have to be very careful when you say that some people don't have to be vaccinated, the president said of his DHS Secretarys vaccine mandate for children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They're just, pure and simple they work, he added. They're not controversial at all. And I think those vaccines should be used. The president reaffirmed his support for RFK Jr. while keeping him at arms length over his anti-vaxxer claims. After labeling the DHS secretarys tough stance on vaccines, Trump added: You have some vaccines that are so incredible, and I think that you have to be very careful when you say that some people dont have to be vaccinated. LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) September is Food Action Month, and Gods Pantry Food Bank is continuing to fight hunger in dozens of counties in Kentucky. Operations are in full swing as the fall begins a busier season for the food bank, as officials are packaging orders and stocking shelves. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Central and Eastern Kentucky, there are 280,000 people today who are experiencing food insecurity. Thats 18.2%. Its one of the highest food insecurity rates in the nation. In 19 of the 50 counties that we serve, food insecurity is 1 in 4, CEO Michael Halligan said. Snap cuts also began in September, putting officials on alert about an increase in the need for services. Halligan said while they are expecting impacts to operations, they do not yet know how things will change. The two things that were worried about for households with school-aged kids, 14 to 18, theyre now responsible for requirements. And for older adults aged 55 to 64, theyre now also responsible for work requirements. We anticipate that will cause an increase in food access for Gods people, for the bank and the 500-food pantry and meal programs that we support, he explained. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Halligan said they will be hosting a series of events throughout the month, adding they are always looking for volunteers to help smooth operations at their website and food banks across the state. You can find more information on 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 FOX 56 News. WHITESBURG, Ky. (FOX 56) A Thornton man was killed in a crash involving an off-road dirt bike in the early hours of Sunday morning. Kentucky State Police (KSP) announced that around 1:15 a.m. on Sept. 7, troopers with Post 13 in Hazard got a 911 call that there had been a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on KY-1148 in Whitesburg. At the scene of the crash, troopers and emergency personnel found a dead man near a dirt bike, state police said. The crash victim was identified as 30-year-old Jonathan Stewart. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An initial investigation showed that Stewart had been driving the dirt bike on the highway when he allegedly lost control due to slippery conditions, causing the motorcycle to hit a guardrail. Stewart was pronounced dead at the scene by the Letcher County Coroners Office. State police wrote that he hadnt been wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and toxicology results are pending. The deadly crash remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. King Charles III has big plans for President Trumps state visit to the United Kingdom later this month, according to British Ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson. The King is going to roll out the red carpet for President Trump, Mandelson told Breitbart News in a recent interview. I think the entire thing is going to be very ceremonial, with lots of color, lots of pageantry. I think it just shows how much our country respects the President, and I think it shows the closeness of our two countries, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buckingham Palace announced last month that Trump had accepted the kings invitation to visit Windsor Castle from Sept. 17-19. That shows, I think, the Kings tremendous regard for the President, Mandelson told Breitbart. But its going to be special, too, for another reason: Its not going to be in London. Its going to be in Windsor, at Windsor Castle, and the King and the Royal Family love that castle. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hand-delivered the kings invitation to Trump at the White House earlier this year, while noting that it was rare for a head of state to receive a second state visit from the Palace. Trumps first U.K. state visit took place in 2019 during his prior administration and was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II. This is a very special letter, Starmer told Trump during their Oval Office meeting in February. I think the last state visit was a tremendous success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump immediately agreed verbally at the time, and the plan was finalized in August. Mandelson has been the face of the U.K.s charm offensive toward Trump, which paid off earlier this year when Britain struck the first bilateral trade deal amid Trumps tariff war The U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed to The Hill on Monday Mandelsons comments but offered no other details. Updated at 3:24 p.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Kingsland Police: Couple accused of charging customers for false pet remains arrested in Louisiana The Kingsland Police Department has announced the arrest of Nader and Amanda Rayan in connection with an investigation into Compassionate Care Crematory Services. Action News Jax told you last week when the Rayans were first arrested, then released on bond. We told you that the Rayans are accused of charging customers for false pet remains. There was an active scene of Kingsland Police officers digging into the land behind the business on Thursday, and the Kingsland Police confirmed that an investigation was ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rayans were taken into custody on Saturday, after their vehicle was located and stopped by the Kenner Police Department in Kenner, Louisiana. KPD said the Rayans face multiple charges related to their alleged mistreatment of animals and exploitation of grieving families. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] This case is among the most disturbing I have encountered in my law enforcement career, KPD Chief of Police Rick M. Evans said in a news release. To mistreat animals and exploit grieving families during their time of sorrow is unconscionable. Following the issuance of a BOLO containing personal identifiers and vehicle descriptions of the suspects, the Rayans were apprehended without incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation into Compassionate Care Crematory Services remains ongoing, with the Rayans awaiting extradition to Camden County, Georgia. [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. Authorities recovered the 14-inch knife a suspect used to slash a New York Police Department officer in the face on Sunday. Photo courtesy of NYPD News/X Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Police in New York City fatally shot a knife-wielding man who slashed an officer in the face after entering a police precinct early Sunday, authorities said. The suspect, who was not identified, was shot multiple times by several officers in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn and pronounced dead at a local hospital, authorities said. Chief of Patrol Phillip Rivera of the New York Police Department told reporters during a press conference that the suspect entered the front of the 73rd Precinct station house at about 5:24 a.m. EDT Sunday, but left shortly after attempting to enter a locked door without interacting with any police officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect then went to the back of the building, which is restricted to NYPD personnel, and entered via an unlocked door, he said. There, he was confronted by an officer who told the suspect that if he needed assistance, he needed to use the front door. "Then he took out a large butcher knife and began attacking the officer," Rivera said. The officer sustained a slash wound to the face, Rivera said, adding that she was able to fight off her assailant, who then ran out of the precinct. Rivera said an officer shot the suspect with a Taser, but to little effect, leading the police on a foot chase to Park Place and Saratoga Avenue, where he lunged at a pursuing officer with the 14-inch knife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Several officers discharged their firearms and the male was struck numerous times," he said. The police-involved shooting is under investigation. The injured officer sustained superficial wounds to the face and was expected to be discharged from the hospital soon, he said. "This incident certainly could have turned out very differently," he said. "An individual walked into a known NYPD building with a large knife and attacked one of our officers. Every day our officers put on these uniforms they encounter dangerous situations out in the street, but it's another kind of danger when someone comes directly into the precinct armed with a knife and attacks our officers." When hundreds of federal, state and local officers descended on a Georgia Hyundai manufacturing plant last week, they came armed with a judicial search warrant naming four people. Ultimately, over 450 people were taken into custody, officials say, suspected of living and working illegally in the United States. The high-stakes raid followed a monthslong investigation and marked the largest sweep yet in the Trump administrations immigration crackdown at US worksites. Its repercussions reached high into the halls of diplomacy, prompting South Koreas foreign minister to offer to personally travel to Washington, DC, to engage directly with US officials to resolve this matter. A majority of those arrested over 300 are South Korean, according to the countrys foreign affairs minister, and are now slated to return to South Korea on a chartered flight in what immigration attorneys are calling a unique agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do not know of another instance where a government has responded with chartering a flight, Sarah Owings, an immigration attorney representing several of the South Koreans detained on Thursday, told CNN. An empty Korean Air plane is set to leave for Atlanta as early as Wednesday morning to help repatriate the workers detained in Georgia, a spokesperson for the airline told CNN. The plane, a Boeing 747 capable of carrying 368 people, is expected to embark on the roughly 15-hour return flight late Wednesday afternoon, the spokesperson said. Those detained by US immigration authorities are expected to return home soon, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday, expressing his heartfelt consolation to all those impacted. The South Korean leader decried the detentions as unjust infringements on the activities of our people and businesses and said he hopes such practices will not happen again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Korean government has been actively working to secure the workers release, along with its representatives at the Korean Embassy in Washington, DC, and the Consulate General in Atlanta. Foreign Affairs Minister Cho Hyun left Seoul Monday evening local time for Washington, DC, as Seoul works to bring back the nationals as soon as possible by voluntary departure, the ministry spokespersons office said. The government will ensure that all necessary measures are effectively implemented to achieve both the swift release of our detained citizens and the stable implementation of the investment projects, South Korean Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik said Sunday. Heres what we know about the workers detained, their anticipated return to South Korea and the sprawling HyundaiLG battery plant where they worked. Not business as usual, attorneys say The Korean governments actions are not the normal course of business, according to Jorge Gavilanes, an Atlanta-based immigration attorney who works for a law firm contacted by a few detainees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From what weve seen with immigration over the years and different administrations, (the charter) seems to make sense based on what their immigration status might be, Gavilanes told CNN. Its unclear what kind of visas the Korean nationals working at the plant had. Some of the 475 detained entered the US illegally, according to Steven Schrank, a Homeland Security Investigations special agent in charge, while others had overstayed their visas. Others were in here under the US Visa Waiver Program which allows workers to travel for tourism or business for up to 90 days, and had subsequently been prohibited from working, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun arrives to depart for the United States at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, South Korea, on Monday. - Hong Hae-in/Yonhap/AP When you enter under the Visa Waiver Program, then youre not going to have an opportunity to see a judge to be removed, youre just automatically issued an order by ICE to leave the country, Gavilanes said. Typically, these individuals would be removed from the US at the governments expense, but in this case, he said, the South Korean government is footing the bill. It seems like its within South Koreas best interest to try to get their people back as quickly as possible, Gavilanes said. Questions over detainees legal status Lawyers for some of the detained workers insist their clients were legally working on the Georgia site, which is a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution, two powerhouses of South Korean industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration attorney Charles Kuck told CNN that two detained workers hes representing were authorized to work under a visa waiver. One arrived in the US near the end of August, and the other arrived several weeks ago, Kuck said, noting both are engineers who came to the US to advise briefly on the work being done at the site. Kuck said his clients had a specific time they were going to be here and leave, for a specific task that they were assigned to do here as part of their companys contract with Hyundai. While none of the Korean nationals worked directly for Hyundai, about 50 of them worked for LG Energy Solutions. Another 250 mostly Korean national employees worked for HL-GA Battery Company LLC, which operates under Hyundai and LG. In a statement to CNN, a spokesperson for LG Energy Solution said the company was cooperating with the process: We will commit our best efforts to ensure the safe and prompt return of our employees and those of our partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked Monday about the visa status of the detained workers, the company told CNN, The visa status of the detained individuals is under investigation, so we dont know yet. CNN has reached out to the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Hyundai for comment. Support for detainees Earlier, LG Energy Solution told CNN its head of Human Resources was traveling to Georgia and that the companys top priority was the prompt release of the detained workers. The company also said it was suspending most of its business trips to the US. Currently traveling employees are advised to immediately return home or remain at their accommodations, considering their current work status, a statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside the facility Saturday, protesters gathered with bold banners and chanted in Spanish and Korean, demanding justice for the hundreds of workers detained. These people have families and loved ones and they have no contact with them, one protester, who gave his name only as Kim, told CNN, calling the raid disgusting. What happened in Ellabell The workers detained Thursday worked at the Hyundai Metaplant in Ellabell, Georgia about 25 miles west of Savannah. The 2,900-acre complex has two parts: a Hyundai electric vehicle manufacturing site, and an EV battery plant still under construction that is a joint venture between Hyundai and LG. The plant was projected to employ up to 8,500 people when complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The raid halted construction of the EV battery plant, The Associated Press reported. In 2022, Hyundai announced an agreement with the state of Georgia to build Hyundais first dedicated fully electrified vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in the United States in Bryan County, the company said. The Hyundai Metaplant electric vehicle manufacturing facility is seen in Ellabell, Georgia, on June 11. - Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg/Getty Images A search warrant filed Tuesday in the Southern District of Georgia identified four people specifically to be searched, but authorities arrived with substantial personnel and equipment, suggesting an intention to conduct a broader sweep. This was not an immigration operation where agents went into the premises, rounded up folks and put them on buses, Schrank said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has been a multi-month criminal investigation where we have developed evidence, conducted interviews, gathered documents and presented that evidence to the court in order to obtain judicial search warrants. While Schrank said the majority of detainees were Korean, he did not provide a breakdown of the workers nationalities. Three were Japanese citizens, Japans chief cabinet secretary said Tuesday. Nearly two dozen were Mexican, Mexicos consulate in Atlanta said over the weekend. During the operation, masked and armed agents gave orders to construction workers wearing hard hats and safety vests as they lined up while officers raided the facility, video footage obtained by CNN showed. ICE and Homeland Security Investigations were accompanied by the Georgia State Patrol, the FBI, DEA, ATF and other agencies in executing a search warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement. CNNs Chris Boyette and Alaa Elassar contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Next month, Delaware will have a new teacher of the year for 2026. Twenty teachers across the state have been nominated by their districts or the Delaware Charter School Network over the past year because of their "exemplary demonstration of professional traits and strong sense of dedication and devotion to teaching," according to the state Department of Education. As always, these nominees submitted detailed applications on their teaching philosophy, while also opening their classrooms to observation. And soon, after multilayer review from judges along the way, the state must name the 2026 Delaware Teacher of the Year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The winner will land a $5,000 grant to "use for the educational benefit of his or her students," per DDOE, as well as a personal grant of $3,000. Each nominee already won $2,000. That honor and overall celebration of teaching expertise will come on the evening of Oct. 14, with a dinner and event at Modern Maturity Center in Dover. The winner announcement will be livestreamed after the dinner portion, which begins around 6 p.m. Last fall Shelby Borst, a social studies teacher within William Penn High School, landed the honor in Colonial School District. Shelby Borst, a social studies instructor from William Penn High School, speaks after being named Delaware Teacher of the Year, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. Borst received the honor at a gathering recognizing the 20 district teachers of the year from throughout the state. And, the possible 2026 Teachers of the Year are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Appoquinimink: Alison Suiter of Bunker Hill Elementary (fourth grade) Brandywine: Jenna DiEleuterio of Talley Middle (reading specialist) Charter Network: Katie Miro of Newark Charter (First grade) Caesar Rodney: Taylor Morris of W.B. Simpson Elementary (third grade inclusion) Cape Henlopen: Christopher Burkhart of Cape Henlopen High (director of bands) Capital: Heather Crowe of North Dover Elementary (fourth grade inclusion) Christina: Danna Phanos of Shue-Medill Middle (special education/mathematics) Colonial: Amanda Kane of Colonial Early Education Program (special education preschool) Delmar: Casey Bellamy of Delmar Middle (social studies) Indian River: Amanda Howard of Long Neck Elementary (kindergarten) Lake Forest: Joseph C. Holland of Lake Forest High (special education) Laurel: Stacy Puerto of North Laurel Early Learning Academy (multilingual learner) Milford: Courtney Lee of Ross Elementary (fourth grade) New Castle County Vo-Tech: Jennifer Janssen of St. Georges Technical High (social studies) POLYTECH: Nora Frank of POLYTECH High (English) Red Clay Consolidated: Mary Adam of First State School (general/special education) Seaford: Karen Zubrowski of Frederick Douglass Elementary (fifth grade) Smyrna: Jacalyn Jenkins of Smyrna Middle (mathematics) Sussex Technical: Shaila Collins of Sussex Technical High (Spanish) Woodbridge: Danielle Jones of Woodbridge High (performing arts) Flashback: Delaware named this Colonial School District educator the 2025 Teacher of the Year Photos of all 20 district and charter winners are available on the department website. Got a story? Please contact Kelly Powers at kepowers@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: These 20 teachers could be the next Delaware Teacher of the Year The Red River Quilters are celebrating creativity and craftsmanship at their 2025 Quilt Show with this years theme, The Art of the Quilt. The two-day event will showcase more than 200 vibrant and innovative quilts, including exhibits titled Quilts That Shout and Quilts with Curves. The show takes place Friday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Agriculture Building of the Louisiana State Fair Grounds, 3721 Hudson Ave., Shreveport. Featured Quilter: Bobbie Deeter This years Featured Quilter is Bobbie Deeter, a Shreveport artist with more than 75 years of quilting experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is skilled at hand quilting; she has completed 40 quilts and 150 machine-quilted quilts, said Mary Beth Beene, publicity official for the guild. Deeter began sewing at age 12, making her own clothes. Hand quilting remains her passion. Bobbie Deeter from Shreveport, LA is the featured quilter for the Red River Quilters Annual Show at the Louisiana State Fair Grounds Agricultural Building September 12 & 13, 2025. Quilt challenges: bold colors and curves Among the exhibit highlights are two special challenges presented to guild members: Quilts That Shout challenged quilters to use bold colors and daring patterns. If you can appreciate vibrant color, this is a show you don't want to miss, said Beene. Celebrating Quilts with Curves invited members to incorporate both traditional and modern curved designs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our members sharpened their quilting skills by creating real curves or the illusion of curves, Beene added. Quilts shown here from the 2024 Quilt Show are similar to beautiful quilts visitors can expect to see at the 2025 show. Judging and special awards More than 200 entries will be judged by Marilyn Hardy of Tyler, Texas, a certified Masterpiece Quilt Judge. She will award first, second, and third place ribbons in each category. Additional awards include favorite quilt selections by: The mayors of Shreveport and Bossier City A media representative Red River Quilters Guild members Judge Hardy Event highlights Silent Auction: Bid on quilt tops and sewing-related items. Guild Booth: Shop handmade items created by Red River Quilters. Vendors Market: Explore quilting supplies and products from Ark-La-Tex vendors. Door Prizes: Prizes will be drawn throughout both days. Raffle: Win Southwestern Sunrise Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attendees can purchase $5 raffle tickets for a chance to win Southwestern Sunrise, a 100 x 100 quilt pieced by Lynda Britton and quilted by Terry Blackman. The prize includes two matching queen-size shams. Ticket holders do not have to be present to win. The drawing will be held Saturday, Sept. 13. Admission Children under age 5: Free Ages 510: $5 Ages 11 and up: $10 For more information contact redriverquiltshow@gmail.com or visit: www.redriverquilters.com This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: How much are tickets and what is at the quilt show in shreveport? The large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at the Hyundai manufacturing plant in Georgia on Thursday has been touted by members of the Trump administration as the most ambitious enforcement action yet of President Trumps tenure. But the raid which saw hundreds of mostly South Korean citizens detained has placed a strain on the presidents relationship with a close American ally and has forced him to navigate competing priorities of his administration. Heres what to know about the workplace raid and the diplomatic fallout: Largest single site enforcement operation in DHS history Steven Schrank, the lead Georgia agent of Homeland Security Investigations, said the operation in Georgia was the largest single site enforcement operation in the two-decade history of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schrank said the raid resulted from a months-long investigation into alleged illegal hirings at the worksite. Nearly 500 people were detained at the site, including more than 300 South Korean citizens, according to South Koreas foreign minister, Cho Hyun. The immigration statuses of all the detained workers were not immediately clear. Schrank said some detained workers entered the U.S. illegally, others arrived legally but stayed on expired visas and others were permitted to be in the U.S. but were prohibited from working. An attorney for a couple of the detainees pushed back, saying his clients were on a visa allowing them to travel for business for up to 90 days which the attorney said they were well within. High-profile manufacturing site The raid targeted Hyundai Motor Groups manufacturing site that Georgia officials have long lauded as its largest economic development site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operation especially targeted a plant still under construction that is slated to operate with LG Energy Solution to produce batteries to power electric vehicles. The overall site employs approximately 1,200 people about 25 miles from Savannah, Ga. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) and other GOP state officials issued statements after the raid saying all employers were expected to follow the law. They had previously celebrated the plants opening. South Koreas response The South Korean government initially expressed concern and regret after the operation, which targeted hundreds of its citizens. Korean officials were sent to the site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The business activities of our investors and the rights of our nationals must not be unjustly infringed in the process of U.S. law enforcement, a spokesperson for South Koreas foreign ministry said in a televised statement. South Korean presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said Sunday that its government has finalized a deal with the U.S. to release the Korean workers detained during the raid. Kang said there were still administrative procedures remaining to finalize the deal, but that a chartered plane would soon be sent to retrieve the Koreans in custody. The South Korean foreign minister departed from Seoul local time on Monday to travel to Washington to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other U.S. officials to discuss the details of the deal, according to local reports, which cited the foreign ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on private diplomatic communications and said they have nothing to share at this time regarding a meeting between the countries top diplomats. Trumps response President Trump on Sunday told reporters that he would be speaking to South Korean officials, and he insisted relations with that ally were strong despite the anger the arrests provoked in South Korea. Trump suggested foreign companies needed to train U.S. people at factories they were building in the U.S. And you know, when theyre building batteries, if you dont have people in this country right now that know about batteries, maybe we should help them along and let some people come in and train our people to do, you know, complex things, whether its battery manufacturing or computer manufacturing or building ships, he said. So were going to look at that whole situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump called the whole situation interesting and defended ICE agents for conducting the raid, saying they were right to carry out the enforcement operation because the South Korean workers had been in the U.S. illegally. But we do have to work something out where we bring in experts so that our people can be trained so that they can do it themselves. Does that make sense? He then insisted his administration had a great relationship with South Korea and that Im going to look at it because I understand exactly what theyre saying. Later, Trump sought to thread the needle between encouraging foreign companies to continue investing in the United States, while insisting immigration laws be respected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your Investments are welcome, and we encourage you to LEGALLY bring your very smart people, with great technical talent, to build World Class products, and we will make it quickly and legally possible for you to do so, Trump wrote on Truth Social. What we ask in return is that you hire and train American Workers. Together, we will all work hard to make our Nation not only productive, but closer in unity than ever before. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held their first meeting in Washington late last month. The meeting came after South Korea agreed in July to purchase $100 billion in U.S. energy and invest $350 billion in the U.S. in return for the U.S lowering tariff rates. The Associated Press contributed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LONDON (AP) U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Monday she doesnt think the detention of hundreds of South Koreans in an immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia will deter investment in the United States because such tough actions mean there is no uncertainty about the Trump administrations policies. The detention of 475 workers, more than 300 of them South Korean, in the Sept. 4 raid has caused confusion, shock and a sense of betrayal among many in the U.S.-allied nation. This is a great opportunity for us to make sure that all companies are reassured that when you come to the United States, youll know what the rules of the game are, Noem said at a meeting in London of ministers from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing partnership focused on border security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were encouraging all companies who want to come to the United States and help our economy and employ people, that we encourage them to employ U.S. citizens and to bring people to our country that want to follow our laws and work here the right way, she told reporters. The detained Koreans would be deported after most were detained for ignoring removal orders, while a few had engaged in other criminal activity and will face the consequences," Noem said. Newly appointed U.K. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood welcomed Noem and ministers from Canada, Australia and New Zealand to the 18th-century headquarters of the Honourable Artillery Company for talks on countering unauthorized migration, child sexual abuse and the spread of opioids. Mahmood, who was given the interior minister job in a shakeup of Prime Minister Keir Starmers Cabinet on Friday, said the ministers would agree new measures to protect our borders with our Five Eyes partners, hitting people-smugglers hard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The far-flung countries are close allies with some common problems but also widely differ in their approaches to migration. The Trump administrations program of street raids, mass detentions and large-scale deportations of unauthorized migrants has drawn domestic and international criticism and a host of legal challenges. Noem says tough measures are an inspiration to others Noem said there had not been disagreements among the ministers in talks focused on sharing information on criminal gangs, using technology to disrupt their networks and speeding extradition arrangements. I dont think that the discussion today has covered politics at all, she said. It is what resources do we have that we can share so we can each protect our countries better? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem said that when we put tough measures in place, the more that we can talk about that and share that is an inspiration to other countries to do the same. She denied a plan to expand immigration raids and deploy the National Guard in Chicago, which has met with opposition from local and state authorities, was on hold. Nothings on hold. Everything is full speed ahead, Noem told reporters, saying we can run as many operations every single day as we need to, to keep America safe. Also attending Monday's talks were Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Australias Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Judith Collins, the attorney general and defense minister of New Zealand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UK grapples with migrant crossings Britains center-left Labour government is struggling to bring down the number of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats, some 30,000 so far this year. It faces calls from opposition parties to leave the European Convention on Human Rights in order to take tougher action. The government says it wont do that, but may tweak the interpretation of the rights convention in British law. It has struck a deal with France to return some migrants who cross the channel and is working on similar agreements with other countries. Mahmood said Monday that the U.K. could suspend issuing visas to people from countries that do not agree to take back their citizens with no right to remain in Britain, though she did not name any potential countries. We do expect countries to play ball, play by the rules, and if one of your citizens has no right to be in our country, you do need to take them back, she said. When thieves armed with hammers stormed a Sherman Oaks jewelry store in September, they expected an easy score. Instead, they rant into a pane in the glass. A group of suspects stormed Kristofs Jewelers at the Westfield Fashion Square mall armed with large hammers. They smashed at his glass displays again and again, but the reinforced panels wouldnt budge. The crew fled empty-handed. Must Read Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smash-and-grab thefts arent something new, but some businesses are finally fighting back. Ray Tissan, owner of RT Unbreakable Glass in Southern California [1], says he was thrilled to learn his product helped prevent a robbery. He never designed his glass with jewelers in mind. Instead, he launched the business after experiencing multiple burglaries at his own shops. There were a lot of break-ins back then, at liquor stores and small shops, especially, he told KTLAs Rick Chambers. Could this product be the beginning of the end for smash-and-grabs across America? One material could make a difference Tissan says what sets his glass apart is the way he customizes each sheet to fit a clients needs, whether thats a jewelry case, a storefront window or something entirely different. The material can be adapted for use across a wide range of industries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And it may have arrived at the right moment. Jewelry store robberies are on the rise nationwide. In San Jose, more than a dozen thieves recently stormed a shop, smashing display cases and stealing jewelry before violently assaulting the 88-year-old owner. "He is OK, (but the) business is not OK. Everyone knows that situation right now. Every business is in danger," a family friend told ABC 7 News [2]. Locals estimate the losses at $50,000 to $100,000, excluding the owners medical bills. Theft has become one of the costliest challenges facing U.S. businesses. According to Capital One Shopping [3], retailers lost $45 billion to theft in 2024. Those figures include not only stolen merchandise but also property damage and lost revenue. That can devastate small and mid-sized businesses that dont have the same buffers as national chains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California has been hit hardest, with $8.72 billion in losses last year alone. In Chicago [4], six men were charged in connection with a daytime smash-and-grab at a Rolex boutique. Armed with hammers, three of the suspects shattered large holes in the stores windows before grabbing five watches valued at $170,000. Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching stocks here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Safeguarding your storefront The unbreakable glass is starting to pop up everywhere in Southern California, not just in display cases, but on storefront doors, windows, even walls and ceilings. Store owners say the investment feels worth it as retail thefts continue to rise across the region. For Tissan, watching his invention keep businesses safe has been deeply rewarding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It makes me feel so good, Tissan said. For small businesses, a single smash-and-grab can wipe out months of revenue. While Tissans glass is one option, some others can help you with a layered defense, including Strengthening the storefront by installing reinforced glass, roll-down gates and visible cameras. That makes it harder for thieves to get in and easier for law enforcement to identify them. Checking your coverage: A strong insurance policy that accounts for both inventory loss and property damage can make the difference between reopening quickly or closing for good. Tapping into the community: Many cities have merchant watch groups that share information and coordinate with local police. Joining forces can deter thieves from targeting the same areas again. While no solution is foolproof, layering protections can reduce the risk of devastating losses and keep your doors open. What to read next Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now. Article sources At Moneywise, we consider it our responsibility to produce accurate and trustworthy content that people can rely on to inform their financial decisions. We rely on vetted sources such as government data, financial records and expert interviews and highlight credible third-party reporting when appropriate. We are committed to transparency and accountability, correcting errors openly and adhering to the best practices of the journalism industry. For more details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. [1]. KTLA 5. Southern California mans unbreakable glass foils smash-and-grab robbers targeting jewelry store Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [2]. ABC 7. Caught On Video: 88-year-old store owner assaulted during brazen smash-and-grab heist in San Jose [3]. Captial One. Retail Theft (Shoplifting) Statistics [4]. Fox 32 Chicago. 6 men charged after $170K Rolex store smash-and-grab in downtown Chicago This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Community members gathered at Covell Lake Sunday afternoon for a Labor Day picnic that honored the 90th anniversary of an important piece of Sioux Falls history. Local vets react to Department of War Hosted by the South Dakota Regional Labor Federation, the event included a free barbeque, and speakers opened up discussion about unions and the working class. Speakers informed the public on how unions function and how to join or organize one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unions are the functional, legal basis in which workers can organize and hold grievances that can be respected in a court of law. Its leverage; its power; and we need them now more than ever, Sioux Falls AFL-CIO Labor Board member and AFSCME representative Jordan Deffenbaugh said at the event. Speakers also commemorated the Sioux Falls union workers who stood up for workers rights in the Bloody Friday strike of 1935 that happened at the John Morrell & Co. meat-packing plant, where Smithfield Foods stands today. They sacrificed so much, for years. In the modern day, we couldnt conceive of the level of discomfort that these people put themselves in to get those extra couple cents an hour, Deffenbaugh said. The Great Depression of the 1930s took its toll on the labor force, and almost one-third of the American working class were unemployed. At Morells, things werent much better. According to the SD State Historical Society, there was no job security, work time was slashed and wages were as low as 32 cents per hour by 1933. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement vol-18-no-1-and-no-2-labors-house-dividedDownload The tone began to shift when Congress passed the National Industrial Recovery Act in 1933, which would allow workers to form unions without employer intervention. In an attempt to stop unions from growing, the company forbade laborers to have conversations during working hours. Mass layoffs began. In the first two months of 1935, 107 men and women were out of a job, often being fired without notice. In March of 1935, up to 800 employees took part in a sit-down strike, becoming one of the first sit-down strikes in American history. The strike stretched on for much longer than the union workers had expected, and despite the fact that no property damage had been done, Governor Tom Berry ordered National Guard units to the plant. He was the first South Dakota governor to mobilize troops during a labor dispute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3 people injured in Brookings plane crash When John Morell fired 29 union leaders, it prompted another strike, with picket lines at the front and back entrance of the plant. As a result, around 200 non-union employees known as the Company Association gathered at the Cataract Hotel and made a plan to break the picket lines. They marched from the hotel across the Eighth Street bridge and received oak clubs made from stairway banister rungs at the intersection of Sixth Street and Weber Avenue. According to an eyewitness at the time, union leader Sam Twedell left the picket line to confront the group, when he was seized and struck on the head. With blood streaming down his face, Twedell reported That started the fight. The groups erupted into a clash that concluded with 54 men hospitalized, 13 of those being union members and 41 being non-union members. Two men even tried to break through the picket line by driving a car through it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bloody Friday, including additional strikes and boycotts lasting from 1935-1937, made labor a viable force in Sioux Falls, and gave workers the right to speak up without fear. Labor unions became a permanent and significant factor in the economic life of the city and the nation. Weve got an incredible city, okay, weve got incredible people in this city and its the people that make this city who it is. Lets work together though, rather than trying to divide ourselves, in order to keep it going in the right direction, Democratic Sen. Jamie Smith, a candidate for Sioux Falls Mayor, said in a speech at the event. Speakers at the picnic emphasized talking to each other and finding community, regardless of party lines. How do we find solidarity across the key issues that are affecting the working class, and not along political divides, Deffenbaugh 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 KELOLAND.com. Rachel Reeves must overrule the rigid orthodoxy of Britains spending watchdog to unleash the countrys full potential, a leading candidate to replace Angela Rayner has warned. In an attack on the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), Louise Haigh who could take on Ms Rayners former role as Labours deputy leader said excessive deference to the watchdog was derailing the Governments agenda. She called on Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, to rewrite the rules if we are to renew the country, a move which would lead to the full transformation of the UK economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such a move would mark another extraordinary about-turn for Ms Reeves, who went into last years election promising to beef up the OBR. The Chancellor has sought to stress the differences between the Labour Government and the short-lived Tory administration of Liz Truss, who did not commission forecasts from the organisation alongside her ill-fated mini-Budget. But Ms Haigh said the OBR is now so powerful that opaque watchdogs outrank democratic choice, as small changes in its economic and financial forecasts force the Government to change policy to match the numbers. Economic circumstances and excessive deference to independent institutions are frustrating the democratic demand for change, Ms Haigh wrote in an article in the New Statesman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the debt legacy left by the Conservatives to the rigid orthodoxy of the OBR, we are being forced to govern with one hand tied behind our back. OBR should not stop Labour She called on the Government to change the OBRs remit so that it delivers one set of forecasts per year instead of two, and publishes more long-term projections instead of its main five-year forecasts. Ms Haigh, who served as transport secretary in Sir Keir Starmers first cabinet until she resigned over the revelation of a past conviction, blamed the OBR for forcing the Chancellor to rush welfare reforms. These backfired amid a backbench rebellion. She also blamed the spending agency for spooking markets with forecasts which indicate Ms Reeves has worryingly little financial headroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Labour Government with a landslide majority in Parliament cannot and should not be stopped from delivering the change we clearly set out in our manifesto simply because of assumptions made by the OBR, she said. If we let unelected institutions dictate the limits of change, we betray the people and communities who put their trust in us. Her warning comes as the Chancellor prepares for her November Budget amid forecasts from economists that she faces a fresh black hole of as much as 50bn, following last years record-breaking tax rises of 40bn. Ms Haigh also called for the Bank of England to limit the interest paid to commercial banks on reserves held at Threadneedle Street. She also wants a slower, more strategic unwind of quantitative easing, rather than the loss-making sales of bonds currently made by the Bank under its quantitative tightening programme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both of these moves could save the Treasury billions of pounds per year, and Ms Haigh said it is beyond comprehension that action has not already been taken. Her comments add to the growing frustration in Westminster with institutions which are core to economic policymaking in the UK. Ms Truss routinely argues against the influence held by the OBR and the Bank of England, while Reform UK has also proposed major reforms to the way the Bank operates. 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. Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves may have returned from summer recess with the bit between their teeth, but there is a nightmare looming on the horizon. Depending on who wins, the new deputy leader of the Labour Party has the obvious potential to be a significant political problem for Sir Keir and Reeves over the next few years. A new deputy who is prepared to publicly attack the Government will slowly erode the PMs authority. This will look to the public like a rerun of the infighting and bickering of the last Conservative governments and ultimately be a gift to Nigel Farage and Reform. But as consequential as a critical deputy leader would be in the long term, this is at least all to play for as far as the PM is concerned, as we wait to see who actually wins. The very fact that the contest is happening in the run up to the autumn Budget, however, is a complete and utter political nightmare for Reeves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the next few weeks, we can expect to have plenty of ideas on economic policy from the various candidates. It is an obvious thing to say, but not one of them will involve cutting spending or reducing borrowing. Instead, the Labour Party will be told their electoral problems will be solved if only the Government introduces a wealth tax, lifts the two-child benefit cap, and raises taxes on banks, businesses, entrepreneurs, property owners, or anyone else the Left dont like. The Treasury will be asked to comment on every madcap revenue-raising idea and, in time-honoured fashion, will refrain from doing so for fear of giving the actual Budget game away. The silly season of Budget speculation is therefore going to get a new lease of life from this contest. Proposing tax rises is one thing. As the Chancellor is going to have to raise revenue in the autumn, she is likely to end up using some of these suggestions. Batting them away will be annoying for her and her political team, who would rather be focused on putting together the Budget itself. But it wont be that different from the run up to most fiscal events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The existential danger to the Chancellor wont therefore come from yet another call to raise taxes. It will come from the strength of support shown to candidates, taking issue with the entire basis of her economic strategy. As if to prove this point, the timetable for the contest hadnt even been published before one possible candidate, Louise Haigh, took to the press to slam every aspect of the Governments economic approach. Calling on the Government to govern with real fiscal freedom, she argued that we need a decisive break with the fiscal rules and institutional constraints that hold back renewal. Haigh attempted to blame the Conservative government for this apparent fiscal straightjacket. She knows as well as her target audience knows, though, that Reeves adopted new fiscal rules when taking office and added to the institutional constraints by giving the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) more power through her Budget Responsibility Act. If a straightjacket exists, its one created by Rachel Reeves. Louise Haigh, who is widely tipped to run for deputy PM, has criticised the OBR for damaging the Governments agenda - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Getty This is therefore nothing more than a direct and personal challenge to the Chancellor. A call to scrap the non-negotiable fiscal rules and a demand that the Government borrows even more than it is already doing is simply not something Rachel Reeves can or will do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worryingly for those of us who value sanity in our economic policy-making, this is just an opening bid in terms of suggestions. Others seeking to become the soft Left candidate will have to push this position still further. This Chancellor isnt going to adopt this sort of approach. And whoever ultimately wins this race isnt going to have an immediate impact on the upcoming Budget itself, as the process will be too far advanced. But the very first stage of the contest is going to show us how many Labour MPs would tear up Rachel Reevess overall blueprint. The MP nominations stage closes this Thursday, at which point successful candidates need to have secured the backing of 80 or more MPs. If just one candidate proposing new fiscal rules, higher borrowing, and higher spending gets through, then that will show there are enough MPs opposed to the Chancellors approach to hasten her departure from No 11. A Chancellor can survive parts of their party disagreeing with them on specific tax changes or spending priorities, providing they agree on the overall direction and terms of debate. But it isnt sustainable for large parts of the Parliamentary Labour Party to disagree so profoundly with the Chancellors overall fiscal framework and spending envelope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Thursday evening, the PM will be hoping the least confrontational candidate possible eventually succeeds Angela Rayner. But the Labour parliamentary party will already have passed judgment on his current Chancellors economic strategy. And from the way the contest has started, this judgment is likely to be terminal. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Currently hiring: deputy leader of the Labour Party. Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play a pivotal role in the UKs governing party. This is a platform to advance progressive change and to influence policy. Experience: You will be a paid-up member of the Labour Party. You must be able to talk about social justice, equality, internationalism and democracy at all times. You will have demonstrated leadership experience, preferably in politics or trade unions. Skills: You need to be able to make Sir Keir Starmer look less robotic so you must be as front-facing as possible. We would prefer someone with no past convictions for fraud and whose tax affairs are in order. Top communication skills are a must. Ability to crack jokes is a bonus. You must be able to unite the warring factions of the party; in other words, you need to be a living saint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eligibility and Requirements: You must be a woman. Though the Labour Party has had some issues on defining womanhood over the last few years and many members believe a woman is anyone who says they are, for this role we require a recognisable adult human female. While the party could never bring itself to elect a woman leader, symbolically we need a woman in the deputy role. We are also looking for someone from up North. Wherever that is. A strong regional accent is a plus. We seek to represent all our members, and we cannot have both a leader and deputy who live in inner-London townhouses. Also, it helps if you have had real-world experience eg. a job beyond the law or politics. We will never fully replace Big Ange but a backstory that hints at deprivation is welcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perks: Given all eyes will be on the Deputy Prime Minister, most people will have no idea what your job entails! You will be representing Labour values at all times. Perhaps you can tell us what they are. Of course, there is no actual advert for the other job Angela Rayner was forced to resign from last week (on top of her Cabinet posts of deputy prime minister and housing secretary) just a scrabble for those who want it to try to scrape together the support of 80 MP nominations to go forward on the ballot this week. Angela Rayner quit as deputy prime minister after a Telegraph investigation revealed she had not paid the proper amount of stamp duty on her new flat - Jane Barlow/PA The party machinery wants this all done quickly closing time is 5pm on Thursday. The reshuffle turned the Government towards the Right this is a chance for the Labour membership to nominate someone more Left-wing if they organise themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet this democratic process is already being hobbled by grandees such as Harriet Harman (a former deputy leader herself) telling us who the person should be. I think that, in terms of extending the breadth of the leadership, it probably needs to be somebody from outside London, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme, and it definitely needs to be a woman. "The role of the deputy leader is not to provide an alternative, oppositional voice." Ex-Labour deputy leader Baroness Harman says the new deputy leader needs to be a woman from outside London. #R4Today BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) September 8, 2025 Is this about the democratic will of the party or is it a diversity hire? Is it not somewhat patronising to tell the party that they must have a woman? And a northern woman at that, if outside of London is code for north of Watford? Yes, Rayner, as a northern woman, was a counterpoint to the Prime Minister. But love her or loathe her, she rose to the top organically. To have someone on high merely demand another one feels contrived. Is the northern woman some kind of flight attendant to smooth the edges off the technocratic guys in the Labour cockpit? Is it the job of Labour women to humanise Labour men? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem is that the centre-Left does not really know what it is doing right now. It is tacking to the Right to try to stave off Reform, leaving its Left flank deeply unimpressed in the process. Meanwhile, hard-Left parties are forming around it: the Greens, with their populist leader Zack Polanski, who once claimed women could increase their breast size with their minds; and the Sultana/Corbyn effort, which has yet to materialise beyond a fling. Names are being thrown in and out of the ring. Shabana Mahmood will be too busy in the Home Office. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham cant do it as he is not an MP, but he is certainly trying to make his presence felt: he is pushing for Manchester-born Lucy Powell, who has just been sacked as leader of the House of Commons and had to apologise for dismissing concerns about grooming gangs by calling it a dog whistle issue. Burnham also backs Sheffield-born Louise Haigh, who quit as transport secretary last year after it was revealed that she had committed insurance fraud in 2014. Andy Burnham, right, pictured in November with former transport secretary Louise Haigh, left, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves - Danny Lawson/PA Haigh, though, has set out essentially a job application (via her latest article in the New Statesman), which shows she is not prepared to be simply window dressing for Starmer. She is arguing for radical new economic policies that would bypass the Office for Budget Responsibility and the Bank of England. Interesting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So how much sway does Burnham, the King of the North, have in this process? We shall see. The members may prefer the charismatic Tooting MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan for her pro-Palestinian stance though shed presumably get the thumbs down from Harman simply because of geography. The poor old public, though, will be unimpressed by the internal machinations of the Labour Party. The mood is grim. Reshuffles and internal elections do not address the nihilism that is out there: that everything is broken and no one cares. The point is that you cannot fake can-do energy, even if it is as naive as it is from Reform and the Greens. Labour feels bogged down, heavy and slow, unable to be nimble or articulate a message that doesnt feel brainstormed or focus-grouped. It will take more than a token northern woman whoever she is for the party to connect. Even talking of such tokenism makes it seem suddenly of another era. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And its one that does few of us any favours. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Editors note: This story has been corrected to reflect that the suspect is from Crowley, not Lafayette, as reported by the Attorney Generals office. We regret the error. LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) A Crowley man has been arrested after allegedly faking injury to collect over $70,000 in workers compensation, authorities said. Harold Breaux, 54, of Crowley, is charged with misrepresentations concerning benefit payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation said it received a criminal referral of allegations of workers compensation fraud from a Lafayette area law firm. Investigators said Breaux worked as a truck driver and crane operator who was involved in a workplace accident in 2014. Breaux allegedly claimed that his condition prevented him from working, and told medical examiners that he could not lift anything heavier than a 44-ounce Dr. Pepper and a sixteen-pack of water. From February 2021 to June 2023, Breaux continued to claim he was unable to work due to his condition. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Investigators said video footage shows Breaux doing construction work, operating lawn mowers and tractors and climbing under houses while he collected benefit payments in the amount of $72,932.22. Following the issuance of an arrest warrant on Sept. 3, Breaux surrendered himself at the Lafayette Parish jail, where he was booked on $25,000 bond, officials said. Harold Breaux If convicted, Breaux faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. The investigation is ongoing, authorities said. 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. The Connecticut tenants want action and they are asking the town for help. Tenants at the troubled Avon Place apartment complex in the affluent Farmington Valley suburb of Avon are calling on the town to set up a fair rent commission and fine their landlord for what they describe as dangerous conditions and long-overdue repairs. But local officials say the owner, Avon Place LLC, already owes more than $1.7 million to the town. The business earlier this year filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and its parent business Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Empire Realty LLC its parent company has indicated that it is trying to arrange a sale of the roughly 180-unit complex to a different management company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amy Arlin, vice president of the tenants union at Avon Place, said that the people who live there need Avon to move faster and more forcefully. Shes asking the council to expedite its work. They said theyre looking into a regional fair rent commission, but we need something before this sale goes through. The new buyer thats coming is also a slumlord, its a predatory landlord that aggressively pursues eviction actions and non-renewals, she told The Courant. More than a dozen Avon Place tenants last month announced a new union after complaing that theyd spent months trying to get Empire owner Ahron Rudich to negotiate a timetable for fixing potholes, getting rid of mold inside apartments, cleaning the green water of the outdoor pool, and ensuring reliable, long-term repairs to the elevator. None of that has happened, and tenants say theyve waited long enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If hed tell us what hell fix and when, wed be good with that. But when we talked with his regional representative on Aug. 28, we were told Ahron Rudich would meet with us but he hasnt, Arlin said. Tenants are dealing with widespread mold and fungus issues, severe potholes, water leak issues resulting in ceiling collapse, recurrent sewage leaks, chronic problems with heating and hot water, illegal refusal to return security deposits, and a laundry list of other problems, according to Luke Melonakos, vice president of the Connecticut Tenants Union. Avon Town Manager Brandon Robertson said Friday that levying fines for overdue maintenance at Avon Place could be problematic. We are in the process of coordinating inspections to identify outstanding issues. The fines would be somewhat complicated because of the pending bankruptcy, he said. And of course the property owner already owes the town about $1.7 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robertson said he understands that Avon Place is under contract for sale. The tenants union said thats not necessarily a good thing. Mendel Posner of Up Realty another NYC-based landlord company notorious across the state for practices of mass eviction, rent hikes, and negligent property management attended the same (Aug. 28) bargaining session, clearly indicating that Up Realty may soon purchase the apartment complex, according to Melonakos. Rudich disputed that his company owes Avon anything near $1.7 million. Thats not true. We did have a fire and a problem with insurance, but weve only been late on one tax payment, he said. As for everything else, its not true. We try to be good landlords. There are people in the tenants union who dont even live in the building, theyre just trying to make trouble. Its completely political. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rudich confirmed that a sale could be imminent. Were in the process and that would clear everything up, he said. Arlin said tenants are looking to Avon officials to levy fine and create a fair rent commission partly to ward off retaliation. She said a building manager called police to complain that a tenant had circled the numerous huge potholes in the driveway with red spray paint. They called police and said it was vandalism. They sent someone to scrub it, she said. Then they dug holes in the dirt alongside and put it in the potholes. Cars have driven ruts into it, and the parking lot was a mess after the rain. UPDATE: Atlas Torres has been found and is safe. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Las Cruces Police Department is asking for the publics help in finding a missing 8-year-old boy who may be in danger. Police say Atlas Torres was last seen at around 7 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at the 700 block of Augustine Avenue in Las Cruces. Torres is 3-feet tall and weighs around 70 pounds, and has red hair. Torres was last seen wearing a blue Los Angeles Dodgers shirt and blue shorts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Torres is asked to call police immediately 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. A group of 45 Colombian soldiers have been retrieved from a village controlled by rebel fighters in the countrys rural southwest, where authorities say they were blocked from leaving by a group of about 600 civilians. The Colombian military said on Monday that the last remaining soldiers had been retrieved without incident and returned safe and sound from El Tambo, located in a region known for coca production and other illicit activity. All military personnel in the hands of civilians have been released, President Gustavo Petro said in a social media post. The population in regions of coca leaf and illicit gold [mining] must stop obeying orders from the mafias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government has blamed such incidents, five of which have occurred this year, on splinter groups that spurned a 2016 peace deal between the government and the FARC, a left-wing rebel group. Colombian authorities allege that such armed groups pressure civilian populations in coca-producing regions into blocking patrols of soldiers in place. Such incidents are not uncommon and mostly result in soldiers being released unharmed, sometimes following mediation by human rights groups. After the 2016 peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), various splinter groups, drug trafficking, and criminal organisations rushed in to take control of areas previously controlled by the left-wing group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A six-decade civil conflict that resulted in the death of 450,000 people may also contribute to hostility towards the army in some parts of the country. A 2022 truth commission report stated that the government, along with right-wing paramilitaries, were responsible for the majority of civilians killed in the conflict, although all forces involved participated in abuses such as kidnapping and disappearances. While the Petro government has sought to reach agreements with remaining armed groups, authorities have struggled to address continued violence and instability that have disrupted life for civilians in regions where they remain active. Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a social media post that those responsible for the sequestration of the soldiers, who were patrolling the Micay Canyon area on an anti-narcotics mission, will face prosecution. The Department of Homeland Security announced the start of a new immigration operation Monday in Chicago called Operation Midway Blitz, stirring up fresh confusion and anxiety over a possible federal intervention in the nations third-largest city. President Donald Trump said Monday that he intends to send the National Guard and an influx of immigration agents to Chicago, but its unclear what role the new operation will play in his plans. Details on the expected intervention have been sparse, though Trumps border czar Tom Homan said Sunday on CNNs State of the Union that federal law enforcement action will come to Chicago this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps repeated threats to add Chicago to the list of other Democratic-led cities hes targeted for expanded federal enforcement, including Los Angeles and Washington, mark the latest flashpoint in a broader national struggle over how far the federal government can push local authorities to cooperate with its immigration agenda. Here's the latest: Republicans dismiss Epstein letter seemingly signed by Donald Trump: Not his signature As House Republicans left the Capitol on Monday night, many waved off questions about a sexually suggestive letter to Jeffrey Epstein seemingly signed by Trump by insisting the signature was not authentic. Trump has denied writing or signing the note. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not his signature, said Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida. Ive seen Donald Trump sign a million things. Rep. Tim Burchett echoed the skepticism, saying he believed the signature was forged. Ive never known Trump to be much of an artist either, he added. Rep. Thomas Massie, who is leading a bipartisan push for a House vote to force the Department of Justice to release its Epstein files, downplayed the letters relevance entirely. It doesnt prove anything, Massie said. Having a birthday card from Trump doesnt help the survivors and the victims. Correction: This post has been updated to reflect that the final quote in this post was said by Rep. Thomas Massie, not Rep. Tim Burchett. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Republicans release entire Jeffrey Epstein birthday book House Republicans have released the entirety of a book that Epsteins friends compiled in honor of the disgraced financiers 50th birthday in 2003. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee earlier Monday released a sexually suggestive letter to Epstein purportedly signed by Trump, which he has denied. Republicans countered by releasing the full book, which bore names of some other prominent figures and also included letters with sexually provocative language. DC Council asks House Committee to oppose bills weakening home rule The Washington, D.C., Council has sent a letter to the House Committee on Government Oversight and Government Reform asking that the members of the committee and all the members of the House oppose 13 of the 14 D.C.-related bills that have been introduced in the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All these bills represent an unprecedented attack on the autonomy and home rule of our local government and the more than 700,000 Americans that call it home, the letter signed by all 13 members of the council said. The letter said that if passed, the measures would erode accountability and public safety in the district. The measures include eliminating and replacing the districts elected attorney general with a presidential selectee. The 14th bill, introduced by D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, would allow the city to transmit local legislation to Congress electronically. Republicans online seek to discredit Trump letter to Epstein Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several prominent Republicans are echoing Trumps spokespeople in calling the signed letter from the president to Epstein a fake. Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz and others posted Monday on X comparing Trumps signature on the drawing to others from Trump over the years, highlighting differences to call the Epstein letter a forgery. Is this really the best they could do? posted right-wing podcaster Benny Johnson. Trump has the most famous signature in the world. Meanwhile, left-wing social media users pointed to other examples of Trump signatures that closely resembled the one on the letter, which used only Trumps first name, Donald. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHS new immigration operation in Chicago is prompting confusion Trump has promised to step up deportations and deploy the National Guard in the nations third-largest city. But its unclear what role the new Department of Homeland Security operation called Operation Midway Blitz will play in it. Adding to the confusion is a handful of immigration arrests over the weekend. U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement says it arrested four people with previous criminal arrests, but immigrant rights activists say five beloved community members were arrested by ICE. Trump blames Democrats for a Ukrainian refugees killing in North Carolina Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump on Monday blamed Democrats who refuse to put bad people in jail for the fatal stabbing last month of a Ukrainian woman who had come to the U.S. to escape from Russias invasion of her home country. The Republican president wrote in a social media post that, LAW AND ORDER, is needed in every state and only Republicans will deliver it! Authorities say the man charged in the killing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina, has a history of mental illness, arrests and erratic behavior. Trump singled out Democrat Roy Cooper, the states former governor and U.S. Senate candidate, and urged North Carolinians to vote for Coopers Republican opponent, Michael Whatley, in next years midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supreme Court ruling will leave millions living in fear, rights group head predicts The Supreme Court decision to allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement to resume roving enforcement actions threatens millions of people by emboldening agents to apprehend people solely based on their appearance, the head of a civil-rights group said Monday. Voto Latino President and co-founder Maria Teresa Kumar called the decision a direct attack on Latino and other communities of color with nearly 130 million of nonwhite Americans now potentially being subject to the Trump Administrations racially motivated policing. Latino families across the country have been living in fear, facing harassment and intimidation simply for who they are-regardless of status, Kumar said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth and Caine visit Puerto Rico U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Puerto Rico on Monday as the U.S. steps up its military operations against drug cartels in the Caribbean. The arrival comes more than a week after ships carrying hundreds of U.S. Marines deployed to Puerto Rico for a training exercise. It also comes nearly a week after the Trump administration said U.S. forces carried out a strike in the Caribbean, sinking a boat it claimed was from the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua smuggling drugs to the U.S. The strike killed 11 people, and the American account has been questioned by Caracas. Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer Gonzalez said Hegseth and Caine visited the U.S. territory to support those participating in the training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We thank President Trump and his administration for recognizing the strategic importance of Puerto Rico to U.S. national security and for their fight against drug cartels and the narco-dictator Nicolas Maduro, Gonzalez said, referring to Venezuelas president. Hegseth and Caine met with officials at the 156th Wing Muniz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, a city just east of the capital, San Juan. Jeffries puts fiery Democrats on the Houses new Jan. 6 committee House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has tapped Reps. Eric Swalwell, Jasmine Crockett and Jared Moskowitz to serve on a new Republican-led committee investigating the events surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three lawmakers are known for their outspoken style, which could prove useful on a panel that Jeffries said aims to whitewash the events of that day. House Republicans are once again trying to rewrite history and corrupt our electoral system, Jeffries said. House Democrats will continue to forcefully and aggressively push back. Its the second look-back attempt from Republicans, who also set up a committee in the last Congress that worked to reexamine the events of Jan 6. House speaker says he misspoke about Trump being an FBI informant in the Epstein case House Speaker Mike Johnson said Monday that he didnt mean to suggest in a recent interview that Trump had or had not been an FBI informant in the case against disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know if I used the right word, Johnson told reporters at the Capitol. I said FBI informant. Im not sure I wasnt there. This isnt my lane. Im just repeating what is common knowledge and has been out in the public for a long time: President Trump was never a hindrance to the Epstein investigation. He was trying to assist in that. Johnson, a Republican, said the House Oversight Committee chaired by GOP Rep. James Comer, of Kentucky, will visit the Epstein estate to review visitor logs and other information as part of its probe. House Oversight Committee receives Epstein birthday book The House Oversight Committee has obtained the infamous Birthday Book that contains a note from President Trump that he has said does not exist, the committees top Democrat said Monday. Its time for the President to tell us the truth about what he knew and release all the Epstein files. The American people are demanding answers, Rep. Robert Garcia, of California, said in a statement. Democrats on the committee posted a picture on social media of an alleged birthday message Trump left for Epstein in the birthday book. Trump has strenuously denied the existence of such a page and filed a lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and its owner, the billionaire Rupert Murdoch, over a report that described such a page in detail. Oversight Democrats are now carefully reviewing the contents of the book and additional documents to determine the full extent of the implications, and we expect to release our findings to the public. No matter who you are, how powerful, wealthy, or well-connected you may be, if you are involved in the abuse of young women and girls, or are implicated in any of the files we receive, you will be held accountable, Garcia wrote. Religious leaders urge the Chicago public not to fear Trumps promised federal intervention Religious leaders urged Chicago residents on Monday not to fear an expected federal intervention in the nations third-largest city, saying they should resist, record any interactions and rely on their faith instead. Clergy members from several faiths spoke out Monday in downtown Chicago. Among them was Imam Gregory Abdullah Mitchell, who said people of all faiths should be united in fighting back. The Trump administration has said it will send immigration agents and the National Guard to Chicago to crack down on immigration enforcement and crime. Details about the operation have been limited. Trump says new guidance on school prayer is expected soon The president made the announcement Monday during remarks at a meeting of the White House Religious Liberty Commission. He said the Education Department will issue new guidance protecting the right to prayer in our public schools. Public schools have been barred from leading students in classroom prayer since 1962, when the Supreme Court said it violated the First Amendment. But the Education Department has long promoted guidance saying students can pray together during lunch and other free times. Trump issued revised guidance on the topic in 2020 that largely mirrored what was already on the books. Former President Joe Bidens administration made minor changes in 2023, saying schools can take reasonable steps to ensure students arent pressured to participate in prayer. During his campaign in 2023, Trump said he would support bringing back prayer to our schools. Democrats changing attitudes toward capitalism and socialism A new Gallup poll finds that while U.S. adults overall are more likely to have a positive view of capitalism than socialism, Democrats feel differently. Only 42% of Democrats view capitalism favorably, while 66% have a positive view of socialism. The results show a gradual but persistent shift in Democrats support for the two ideologies over the past 15 years, with socialism rising as capitalism falls. The shifts underscore deep divisions within the party about whether open support for socialism will hurt Democrats ability to reach moderates or galvanize greater support from people who are concerned about issues like the cost of living. Supreme Court lifts restrictions on LA immigration stops set after agents swept up US citizens The Supreme Court cleared the way Monday for federal agents to conduct sweeping immigration operations in Los Angeles, the latest victory for Trumps administration at the high court. The justices lifted a restraining order from a judge who found roving patrols were conducting indiscriminate arrests in LA. The order had barred agents from stopping people solely based on their race, language, job or location. Trumps Republican administration argued the order wrongly restricted agents carrying out its widespread crackdown on illegal immigration. U.S. District Judge Maame E. Frimpong in Los Angeles had found a mountain of evidence that enforcement tactics were violating the Constitution. The plaintiffs included U.S. citizens swept up in immigration stops. An appeals court had left Frimpongs ruling in place. Read more about immigration stops in Los Angeles Trump administration announces America Prays initiative During the presidents speech, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner detailed plans to infuse prayer with celebrations of the United States 250th anniversary next year. He said the America Prays initiative would try to get 1 million people a week to pray for the country. This about the miracles that would take place over the next year, Turner said. When Turner finished, Trump finished his speech and said we will never apologize for our faith. Thune says Senate will change the rules to push through Trumps blocked nominees Senate Majority Leader John Thune says hes ready to change the chambers rules to allow quick confirmations of dozens of Trumps executive branch nominees, moving this week to speed up votes after months of Democratic delays. Thune says hell start the process of changing the rules when the Senate goes into session Monday afternoon, with a final vote likely coming later this week. We must return to the Senates traditional confirmation process that existed before this unprecedented blockade, Thune said in an op-ed published on Breitbart.com Monday morning. Republicans have been talking about options for changing the rules since early August, when the Senate left for a monthlong recess after a breakdown in bipartisan negotiations over the confirmation process. Democrats have blocked nearly every single one of Trumps nominees, forcing majority Republicans to spend valuable floor time on procedural votes and leaving many positions in the executive branch unfilled. Read more about nominations in the Senate US sanctions online scam center operators in Southeast Asia The U.S. Treasury Department and the State Department on Monday imposed financial and diplomatic sanctions on a network of people and firms across Myanmar and Cambodia allegedly involved in a scam center hub in Myanmar operating under the protection of the already sanctioned Karen National Army. The network is accused of using forced labor and violence. In Cambodia, workers are forced to carry out virtual currency investment scams against victims in the U.S., Europe and China, according to the State Department. These sanctions protect Americans from the pervasive threat of online scam operations by disrupting the ability of criminal networks to perpetuate industrial-scale fraud, forced labor, physical and sexual abuse, and theft of Americans hard-earned savings, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. Trump praises Mayor Bowser on DC cooperation The president, in a meandering speech at the Museum of the Bible, praised D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for working with the federal government on the crime crackdown in her city. Trump noted that Bowser has been good to work with although thats not her ideology and now I think it maybe is her ideology. Shes taking a lot of heat, too, from the radical left, he said. You know, they dont like that shes allowing it. But look, shes going to either allow it or well just do it. Trump cheers West Point alumni group canceling award ceremony to honor Tom Hanks The president called the famous actor destructive and WOKE. Hanks was scheduled to receive the 2025 Sylvanus Thayer Award on Sept. 25, but the U.S. Military Academys alumni association canceled the ceremony last week, according to news reports. Important move! Trump said in a post on his social media network Monday. We dont need destructive, WOKE recipients getting our cherished American Awards!!! Hopefully the Academy Awards, and other Fake Award Shows, will review their Standards and Practices in the name of Fairness and Justice. West Point, its alumni association and a representative for Hanks did not immediately respond to messages and calls seeking comment Monday. Chief Justice John Roberts let Trump remove a member of Federal Trade Commission Its the latest in string of high-profile firings allowed for now at the Supreme Court. Trump moved to fire Rebecca Slaughter in the spring, but lower courts ordered her reinstated after she sued because the law only allows commissioners to be removed for problems like misconduct or neglect of duty. The Justice Department has argued that the FTC and other executive branch agencies are under Trumps control and the Republican president is free to remove commissioners without cause. Read more about Trump and the Federal Trade Commission Trump gives family Bible to museum The president says he has personally delivered his family Bible to the Museum of the Bible to be displayed. The Bible was given to him by his mother and used to swear him in at both of his inaugurations, Trump said. It will now be displayed right in the heart of our nations capital, right here, Trump said during his remarks at the museum Monday morning. And thats an honor. Trump criticizes the Smithsonian Speaking at the Museum of the Bible, Trump turned his attention to Washingtons most famous network of museums. He said he had a little problem with the Smithsonian because he wanted a little more positivity about the country. What about the good things weve done? Trump said. Hes previously complained on social media that Smithsonian museums focused too much on how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was. Big changes are being made at the Smithsonian, he said. Appeals court upholds E. Jean Carrolls $83.3 million defamation judgment against Trump The federal appeals court upheld a civil jurys finding that Trump must pay $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll for his repeated social media attacks against the longtime advice columnist after she accused him of sexual assault. In a ruling issued Monday, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Trumps appeal of the defamation award, finding the jurys damages awards are fair and reasonable. The $83.3 million defamation judgment was awarded by a civil jury over Trumps repeated attacks on Carroll, who accused him of sexually assaulting her in a department store in the 1990s. A separate jury also awarded Carroll in $5 million in a 2023 sexual assault and defamation verdict. Trumps lawyers had asked for a new trial. Read more about the defamation suit against Trump Noem says roundup of Koreans at Hyundai plant in Georgia wont deter investment in the US Thats because such tough actions mean theres no uncertainty about the Trump administrations policies, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Monday. The detention of 475 workers, more than 300 of them South Korean, in the Sept. 4 raid has caused confusion, shock and a sense of betrayal among many in the U.S.-allied nation. This is a great opportunity for us to make sure that all companies are reassured that when you come to the United States, youll know what the rules of the game are, Noem said at a meeting in London of ministers from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing partnership focused on border security. Were encouraging all companies who want to come to the United States and help our economy and employ people, that we encourage them to employ U.S. citizens and to bring people to our country that want to follow our laws and work here the right way, she told reporters. Read more about the security meeting in Britain Trump asks Supreme Court for emergency order to keep billions of dollars in foreign aid frozen The Republican administration filed its appeal Monday. The crux of the legal fight is over nearly $5 billion in congressionally approved aid Trump last month said he wouldnt spend, invoking disputed authority last used by a president roughly 50 years ago. Justice Department lawyers told a federal judge last month that another $6.5 billion in aid would be spent before the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30. Last week, U.S. District Judge Amir Ali ruled the administrations decision to withhold the funding was likely illegal. Read more about the administration and foreign aid money Potential federal intervention poses challenges for Chicago police on the ground For the Chicago Police Department, the challenge is acute. The force must preserve public safety in a city already under strain while avoiding the appearance of working hand-in-hand with federal immigration authorities, a stance that could erode community trust and ignite new protests. The same balancing act has confronted other big-city departments in recent months. Local police in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., were drawn into fraught arrangements with federal agencies that experts say left residents wary and, at times, undermined public confidence in their police. Now, Chicago finds itself on the same path, with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker objecting to any National Guard deployment and city officials bracing for how the added federal presence could reshape the dynamic on the ground. The outcome, policing experts warn, may determine whether Chicago police can maintain credibility in immigrant communities likely to be targeted by a president determined to show force. Read more about how federal intervention could affect Chicago police Jury selection begins in the trial of the man accused of trying to assassinate Trump in Florida The court has blocked off four weeks for the trial of Ryan Routh, but attorneys are expecting theyll need less time. Jury selection is expected to take three days, with attorneys questioning three sets of 60 prospective jurors. Theyre trying to find 12 jurors and four alternates. Opening statements are scheduled to begin Thursday, and prosecutors will begin their case immediately after that. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon signed off in July on Rouths request to represent himself but said court-appointed attorneys need to remain as standby counsel. Cannon confirmed during a hearing last week that Routh would be dressed in professional business attire for the trial. She also explained to Routh that he would be allowed to use a podium while speaking to the jury or questioning witnesses, but he would not have free rein of the courtroom. Read more about Ryan Rouths trial Chicago churches urge calm resistance ahead of expected federal intervention The Rev. Marshall Hatch urged congregants of a prominent Black church on Chicagos West Side to carry identification, stay connected to family and protest as the city readied for an expected federal intervention. You need to start telling people about your whereabouts, so you dont disappear, Hatch said during Sunday services at New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. Were not going to despair. Were not going to feel threatened. Were not going to give up and give in to fascism and authoritarianism. As Chicago braced for an immigration enforcement crackdown and a possible National Guard deployment, churches across the city turned up their response from the pulpit. Some worked to quell fears about detention and deportation while others addressed the looming possibility of more law enforcement on the streets of the nations third-largest city. Read more about Chicagos response the Trumps comments Republicans in Congress are eager for Trump to expand his use of the military on US soil National Guard troops patrolling the streets of U.S. cities. Weapons of war deployed against international gangs suspected of drug trafficking. Military bases and resources redirected to mass immigration enforcement operations. Trump is swiftly implementing his vision of the military as an all-powerful tool for his policy goals. Its ground presidents have hardly ever crossed outside times of war, and experts say its remaking the role of the most powerful military in the world and its relationship with the American public. Yet as Trump has dramatically stepped up his use of military force, fellow Republicans in Congress where authorization for such actions is supposed to originate have done little but cheer him on. Thats giving the president significant leeway as he raises plans to send troops next to Chicago, Baltimore and New Orleans. Read more about Republicans and Trumps use of the military LAUREL, Miss. (WHLT) The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks (MDWFP) awarded the City of Laurel a $200,000 grant through the Department of Interiors Land and Water Conservation Fund. According to Laurel officials, the funds will be used to rebuild and renovate the playground and parking area in Mason Park. The proposed playground will feature age-specific play areas for children from pre-school and up including a focus on accessibility with multiple zero-entry points and ADA-compliant play equipment. 7 Brew opens in Hattiesburg September 15 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city will provide a 50 percent match of $200,000 to the grant funding for a total project cost of $400,000. Officials said the next steps will include finalizing design plans and advertising for construction bids. This grant allows us to restore a beloved community space. Mason Park has long been a place of joy and connection, where people go to enjoy the outdoors and make fond memories. Were proud to ensure it remains so for generations to come, said Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee. The grant is administered through the MDWFP and the National Park Service. 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. Despite ongoing tensions with the West over the war in Ukraine, Russia's top diplomat has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told students at Moscow's elite MGIMO university on Monday: "We do not want to build walls." He said Russia's vision of a multipolar world includes the West and cautioned against attempts to isolate Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It would be in the Western style to erect 'Berlin Walls' between themselves and our vast Eurasian space, which was the Soviet Union and is now the post-Soviet region," Lavrov said. Lavrov emphasized that Moscow seeks a dialogue on equal terms and is not looking for revenge. "Anger is a poor adviser," he said, but he warned that any attempts by the West to subdue Russia are doomed to fail. Relations between Russia and Western countries have plunged to a new low since Moscows invasion of Ukraine more than three and a half years ago. Moscow has faced unprecedented sanctions, while Kiev has received extensive financial and military support from the West. New law allows Oklahoma PAs to practice individually, expands prescription authority OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A new law is changing the way physician assistants can practice in Oklahoma. HB 2584, which removes the requirement for a PA-physician practice agreement for PAs with more than 6,240 hours, was vetoed by Oklahoma Governor Stitt earlier this year. However, the Oklahoma Legislature overrode the governors veto with bipartisan support and the bill recently went into effect, expanding health care access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We graduate over 200 PAs every year and more than 30 percent move out of state because of the legislative laws that are restricting what they can do, said Donald Guthrie, PA and president, Oklahoma Academy of Physician Associates. Guthrie says this new law could change those staggering statistics and help with the shortage of physician assistants, especially in rural Oklahoma. We know in rural health that there are just absolute deserts and physicians that are there now are getting up in years and theyre trying to retire, but they look around and theres nobody to take your place, so now physician assistants can take on that role now that theyre able to do it independently, said Guthrie. Guthrie shared a real-world scenario on how this could help patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youve ever been in a rural town and you have an accident, lets say youre at Lake Eufaula and you have a boat accident and you break your leg. Well, you go to the emergency room and theres a PA there and he cant write anything other than real mild narcotics, said Guthrie. Under the updated law, a PA may prescribe Schedule 3 through 5 prescriptions and also expands authority to prescribe Schedule 2 medications. Previously, PAs in Oklahoma could only prescribe Schedule 2 drugs for immediate or ongoing administration in a clinical setting and only under supervision. Under the new law, PAs practicing under a practice agreement with a physician will now be able to prescribe Schedule 2 medications more broadly. The take home message to this is that, number one, its a great time to be a PA in Oklahoma and number two, the beneficiary of this is going to be an improved health care system, said Guthrie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guthrie says getting this legislation passed took about five 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Australian officials raised concerns to a bipartisan group of lawmakers about the Pentagons review of the trilateral pact with the US and UK known as AUKUS, a senator present told Semafor. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., who was part of a delegation visiting the country, said Australian officials hope that the AUKUS review will come to an end soon and that well reaffirm this deep and strategic partnership. He also described the Australians as puzzled by the universal 10% tariff Trump imposed earlier this year, given that the US has an existing free trade agreement with Canberra. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration revealed earlier this year that it would review AUKUS, a Biden-era security pact worth billions that will deliver US nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. The Pentagon plans to complete the review in the fall, Reuters reported earlier this year. It will be an empirical and clear-eyed assessment of the initiatives alignment with President Trumps America First approach. The purpose of the review will be to provide the President and his senior leadership team with a fact-based, rigorous assessment of the initiative, a Pentagon official told Semafor. The official noted that the administration would continue regular engagements on this important matter with Australian and UK officials, Congress, and other key stakeholders during the review period. The Australian embassy in Washington declined to comment. Malaysian lawmakers are raising concerns over vape products contaminated with illicit drugs, as reported by Business Today. During a debate session for the 12th Malaysia Plan, Dr. Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen of Kuching City put pressure on the government to protect its citizens as neighboring countries have done. "It's no longer if we ban, but when we ban," the country's Health Ministry declared. It also expressed an interest in prohibiting vaping as an "open system" unregulated because products have been vulnerable to contamination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As if the scientifically accepted detrimental health effects of vaping are not enough to deter individuals from taking it up, Yii Lee Wuen raised the issue of contamination with drugs such as etomidate. According to the BBC, etomidate is an anesthetic that has risen in popularity as a vape product in nearby Singapore, where strict punishments have now been enacted for use of the drug. Malaysia has already introduced Act 852, the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. It was enacted to protect the public from exposure to tobacco and vape products through strict controls on sales, advertising, and public displays of products, as well as prohibiting online and vending machine sales and requiring graphic health warnings. In addition to being a health threat to humans, vaping is no friend to the environment. Single-use vape cartridges are often discarded improperly, which is contributing to a growing e-waste problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plastic parts of vapes can take hundreds of years to decompose, and the lithium-ion batteries become a potential fire hazard when they are discarded on the streets or not properly recycled. Vape litter can also be the source of soil contamination, posing risks to wildlife and humans. Responsible disposal of vapes could help mitigate the environmental impacts, and increased awareness and consideration about the health conditions associated with smoking and vaping could help deter people from taking up the habit. 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. The Malaysian ban on vaping could be a positive step toward human health and environmental responsibility. Government officials are framing it as an essential matter for public health and national interest that transcends politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Health Ministry wants to be sure to cover all the bases, stating, "We are responsible if we suddenly ban, while we have developed Act 852, then we will have to be prepared to face legal action against us." 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. KNOX COUNTY, Neb. (KCAU) A northeast Nebraska county and the countys Board of Supervisors are facing multiple lawsuits. The lawsuit accused the county and county board of breaches of privacy at the Knox County Courthouse, which resulted in two people being fired and one person being suspended without pay for a year. Former Chief Deputy Sheriff Dan Henery and former 911 Coordinator Heather Kienow each filed a lawsuit against the Knox County Board of Supervisors. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, both Henery and Kienow alleged that the Board violated Nebraskas Open Meetings Act by taking formal action on August 27 to fire both of them and suspend County Attorney Hanna Knox Jensen. Henery and Kienow are asking the Court to issue an injunction banning the Board of Supervisors from holding closed sessions in the future. Court documents indicate that former Deputy County Attorney John Thomas filed an Open Meetings Complaint against Knox County. He had his position eliminated after helping the County Attorney in a double homicide case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas accuses the Board of using the August 27 closed session to get revenge on people who gave them advice they didnt like. Henery, Kienow, and Thomas are all asking the Court to have the Knox County Board of Supervisors formal actions on August 27 be void. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sept. 8 (UPI) -- A freight train crashed into a double-decker bus in Mexico on Monday morning, killing at least 10 people and injuring at least 41, the nation's Civil Protection agency said. The train slammed into the bus on the Atlacomulco-Maravatio federal highway in Atlacomulco, about 75 miles northwest of Mexico City, the agency said. Initially, the death toll was reported as eight and 45 hurt. "This accident occurred after a passenger bus attempted to overtake a train," Canadian Pacific Kansas City of Mexico, the operator of the train, said in a news release in Spanish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "CPKC of Mexico calls on the public, drivers, and conductors to respect the posted signs and comply with the stop order at railroad crossings to avoid these unfortunate situations." Security video, obtained by CNN and Milenio, shows the train crashing into the bus that was beginning to cross the tracks amid slow-moving traffic. The roof of the was torn off and pushed by the train. Traffic was closed in both directions. The bus was traveling from Mexico City with workers, Odilon Lopez Nava told the newspaper El Financiero. Some of those hurt were listed in serious condition at various hospitals, Mexico News Daily reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver was taken into custody, Civil Protection General Coordinator Adrian Hernandez told Milenio. CPKC of Mexico was transporting cars to northern Mexico. The company was created on April 14, 2023, with the merger of Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern. The new company allows for single-line routes between Canada and Mexico. Tracks cover 20,000 miles. At least 10 people have been killed after a freight train hit a double-decker bus in Mexico, according to authorities. The crash occurred in an industrial zone on the highway between Atlacomulco, a town about 115km (71 miles) northwest of Mexico City, and Maravatio in the Michoacan state on Monday. Images from the crash showed portions of the top deck of the bus smashed in and its metal frame badly dented. First responders were on the scene and cordoned off the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said at least 61 others were injured in the incident. Authorities work at the scene where a passenger bus was struck by a train in Atlacomulco, Mexico [File: Jorge Alvarado/Reuters] The State of Mexicos attorney generals office said that seven of those killed were women and three were men. The circumstances surrounding the crash were not immediately clear, although a video circulating online showed the bus inching across the train tracks as it waited in traffic. Another video, from after the collision, showed the bus at rest to the side of the tracks, with the roof missing. People could be seen moving on the top level as the train slowed to a stop. Help me, help me, a woman could be heard crying. The train operator, Canadian Pacific Kansas City of Mexico, confirmed the accident and sent its condolences to the families of the victims. Emergency vehicles are parked at the scene where a passenger bus was struck by a train in Atlacomulco, Mexico [Jorge Alvarado/Reuters] The Calgary-based company said its personnel were on site and cooperating with authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebeca Miranda told The Associated Press news agency her sister and her sisters daughter-in-law were on the bus when it was hit at about 6:30am (12:30 GMT). She said her sister was taken to hospital and was able to speak, but the other woman died in the accident. She said both were domestic workers. Its really unfortunate, she told the news agency. Why? To beat the train. Those are lives. At least 19 people have been killed and dozens injured during violent protests against the governments social media ban and alleged corruption in Nepal, according to authorities and local media, as police fired live rounds at young protesters and used tear gas and rubber bullets on them. On Monday, some protesters forced their way into the Parliament complex in the capital, Kathmandu, by breaking through a barricade, a local official said. One protester told the ANI news agency that the police had been firing indiscriminately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [They] fired bullets which missed me but hit a friend who was standing behind me. He was hit in the hand, the protester said. Seven people died at the National Trauma Centre, chief medical superintendent Dr Badri Rijal told The Associated Press news agency. Many of them are in serious condition and appear to have been shot in the head and chest, Rijal said. Families waited anxiously outside for news of their relatives while people gathered to donate blood. Police officer Shekhar Khanal told Reuters that more than 100 people, including 28 police personnel, were receiving medical treatment for their injuries. Two people were killed when protests in the eastern city of Itahari turned violent, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Nations has called for accountability following the bloodshed. We are shocked by the killings and injury of protesters in Nepal today and urge a prompt and transparent investigation, UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement. Anurag Acharya, director at the Kathmandu-based think tank Policy Entrepreneurs Inc, says the trigger for the protests may have been the social media ban, but the underlying reasons go much deeper. This is the generation that grew up with the optimism and dream of an inclusive new Nepal, a dream that remains elusive a decade after the new constitution was promulgated, he said. The reality for todays Gen Z is that there are few livelihood prospects at home, which forces thousands to migrate abroad for studies and jobs. So, the frustration with unstable governments and rampant corruption had reached a tipping point, Acharya told Al Jazeera, referring to the frequent change in governments since the monarchy was abolished in 2008, after 10 years of the Maoist rebellion. Demonstrators help a man injured during a protest outside Parliament, in Kathmandu, September 8, 2025 [AFP] Youths against corruption Thousands of young people, including students in their school and college uniforms, joined the protest, holding signs that read Shut down corruption and not social media, Unban social media, and Youths against corruption, as they marched through Kathmandu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ikshama Tumrok, a 20-year-old student, told the AFP news agency that she was protesting against the authoritarian attitude of the government. We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation, she said. Last week, the government decided to block access to several social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube and X, fuelling anger among young Nepalis. According to officials, the decision was taken because platforms had failed to register with authorities in a crackdown on misuse, including fake social media accounts used to spread hate speech and fake news and commit fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organisers of the protests, which have been dubbed demonstrations by Gen Z, have said their civil disobedience reflects how the youth feel about the government decision. One protester told ANI that this was the protest by the new generation in Nepal. Muktiram Rijal, a spokesperson for the Kathmandu District Administration Office, told the Reuters news agency that the police had orders to use water cannon, batons and rubber bullets to control the crowd and that the army had been deployed. According to Rijal, the curfew, which will remain in place until 10pm (16:15 GMT), has been extended to Kathmandus Singha Durbar area, which includes the prime ministers office and other government buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting in the wake of deadly protests. On Sunday, the government said in a statement that it respected freedom of thought and expression and was committed to creating an environment for their protection and unfettered use. Acharya, who is based in Kathmandu, slammed the governments reaction to the protests. It treated unarmed school and college-going kids like a criminal mob and ordered police to fire indiscriminately at them. The poorly equipped and outnumbered police used live bullets rather than non-lethal riot control measures, he said. The Home Minister failed to act with maturity and show leadership, but more worryingly, it is the government that failed its citizens, especially the young ones who should have felt safest within the perimeter and periphery of the Parliament building where the protests first escalated. Police in Nepal's capital city of Kathmandu opened fire Monday on protesters demonstrating against a government ban on social media platforms, killing at least 17 and wounding dozens more, according to state TV. At least six people died at the Bir Hospital in Kathmandu, the Kantipur newspaper said, quoting doctors. Two died at the Civil Hospital and two more at the KMC hospital, according to doctors there who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment. The updated death toll was announced by police official Shekhar Khanal. He said 28 officers were among the wounded, as smaller protests continued into late Monday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 145 people were hurt, officials said. They were being treated at half a dozen hospitals in Kathmandu. Nepal's Armed Police Force (APF) personnel stand guard during a protest outside the Parliament in Kathmandu, Sept. 8, 2025, against social media prohibitions and suspected government corruption. / Credit: PRABIN RANABHAT/AFP/Getty Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Nepal's capital Monday to vent their anger against a decision by authorities to block most social media platforms, including Facebook, X and YouTube. Authorities have accused the platforms of failing to register and submit to government oversight. Neither Google, which owns YouTube, nor Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, responded to requests for comment from The Associated Press. Elon Musk's X platform did not respond either. Protesters pushed through barbed wire and forced riot police to retreat as they surrounded the Nepalese Parliament building. Police fired tear gas and water cannon but were outnumbered and sought safety inside the parliament complex. Police eventually opened fire at the protesters. Nepal's government communications minister Prithvi Subba told CBS News' partner network BBC News that police were compelled to use force. "Tear gas and water cannons were used after the protesters breached into the restricted area," police spokesperson Shekhar Khanal told the AFP news agency. The situation remained tense and the government announced a curfew for Monday around the parliament, along with the government secretariat, presidential house and other key parts of the city. "Stop the ban on social media, stop corruption not social media," the crowds chanted, waving the red and blue national flag. Monday's rally was dubbed a protest by "Gen Z," generally referring to people born between 1995 and 2010. About two dozen social network platforms that are widely used in Nepal were repeatedly given notices to register their companies officially in the country, the government said. Those that failed to do so have been blocked since last week. TikTok, Viber and three other platforms have registered and continued to operate without interruption. The move by the authorities came as the government sent a bill for a debate in parliament that seeks to ensure that social platforms are "properly managed, responsible and accountable." It includes asking the companies to appoint a liaison office or point person in the country. The bill has been widely criticized as a tool for censorship and punishing government opponents who voice their opposition online. Rights groups have called it an attempt by the government to curb freedom of expression and violate fundamental rights. Nepal in 2023 banned the Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok, accusing it of disrupting "social harmony, goodwill and diffusing indecent materials." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That ban was lifted last year after TikTok's executives pledged to comply with local laws, which includes a ban on pornographic sites that was passed in 2018. Justice Barrett on the Supreme Court's checks on Trump's power "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" turns 50: "Don't dream it, be it" Extended interview: Justice Amy Coney Barrett CHICAGO (WGN) Several arrests on the citys Southwest Side by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials on Sunday are being met by protests and claims of discrimination. Community activists said Sunday afternoon that at least three people were detained in the Archer Heights neighborhood. By Sunday night, Ald. Jeylu Gutierrez (14th Ward) confirmed at least five people had been detained. State leaders denounce potential ICE raids as Chicago braces for immigration enforcement operations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faith leaders gathered downtown in Daley Plaza later Monday morning to denounce federal troops coming to the city and the immigration crackdown by President Donald Trump and his administration. Participants called on the president stop what they called bogus deportations and bogus occupation, chanting, Faith over fear! Peace is unity! Flower vendor detained According to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), a man who residents say is a local flower vendor was taken into custody Sunday near the intersection of 50th Street and Pulaski Avenue in Archer Heights. Surveillance video from a nearby restaurant shows the man being detained by multiple individuals wearing bulletproof vests labelled police and federal agent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia of Illinois 4th District told WGN-TV it appeared the agents grabbed the vendor off the street and did not show a warrant. Hes been a vendor here for quite some time, Celena Morin said. You see him consistently, especially on the weekends. (Hes) a very sweet gentleman, never causing problems with anyone, very respectful. Activists say at least two other detentions occurred in the area, including one at 47th Street and Archer Avenue. Video shows a man being marched to a vehicle by armed officers, and activists reported ICE activity as far south as 79th Street and Pulaski Road. We helped build this city through our labor and work, Corina Pedraza with ICIRR said. People may be afraid, but also theyre determined to say, This is our home, this is where we belong. We wont tolerate our people getting kidnapped.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago churches urge calm resistance ahead of expected federal intervention Garcia condemned the ICE detainments. This is the type of racial, ethnic profiling that is going on, and they are pursuing people who are humble, who may not speak English and arent a threat to anyone, he said. They didnt have a court order to pick up someone who sells flowers on a street corner and has been doing it for years. Additionally, a NewsNation crew spotted activity at a facility in west suburban Broadview, which ICE is using as its primary processing center. Detainees in shackles were seen placed in vans early Monday morning and then taken away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That facility is where an hours-long protest took place Friday. Demonstrators say down, blocking the entrance and exit to the facility. Raids expected ICE raids were expected in Chicago over the weekend, and Sundays detainments came just a day after thousands of protestors rallied against Trumps plans to send federal troops to Chicago for expanded immigration enforcement. Protestors fill downtown Chicago streets to oppose Trump administrations immigration crackdown This is not going after the worst of the worst, as Trump or Secretary (of Homeland Security Kristi) Noem have tried to justify, Garcia said. This is racial profiling, its discriminatory, its wrong, and is a potential threat to the civil rights of everyone in this country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sundays detainments also came a day after the Mexican Independence Day Parade in Pilsen, during which a network of volunteers lined the parade route on the lookout for ICE. Parade attendance was down because of those concerns. Garcia told WGN-TV he expects ICE to ramp up its operations this week. Up to 300 officers are expected to working out of Great Lakes Naval Station in North Chicago. So far, there have been no sightings of National Guard troops in Chicago. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) Michigans workplace safety watchdog has launched an investigation into a Saturday chemical spill at the LG Energy Solution plant in Holland. LG Energy said the spill at the plant on 146th Avenue east of 54th Street involved a solvent. Firefighters told News 8 it was between 50 and 100 gallons. Emergency responders were able to quickly contain the spill. LG told News 8 in a Monday email that it took corrective actions and has not found any environmental impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (O)ut of an abundance of caution, the employees present have been sent to a local hospital for evaluation and all were found to be good health, LG said. All of the workers taken to the hospital after the spill have since been released, News 8 learned from the three health care systems that took them. Four people were sent to Holland Hospital, and all four were discharged that day. Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital treated four people in its emergency room, all of whom were considered to be in good condition and none of whom had to be admitted. University of Michigan Health-West in Wyoming says it treated a total of eight patients in its ER Saturday, all of whom were then discharged. Several sent to hospital after chemical spill at LG Energy Solution plant in Holland The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration told News 8 Monday that it is investigating the spill. It also opened a separate investigation Sept. 4 following a complaint though the details of that complaint are unknown. An investigation into a July 27 death at the plant is ongoing. The agency said it does not provide information on open investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joel Tooke said he noticed a number of problems during the 14 months he worked in material management at the LG plant. I would say once every one or two months there would be something where I would say, Hey, surely something can be done about this,' he told News 8 Monday. He said he left to pursue a better work-life balance and safer conditions. I worked third shift and was lucky to get a day off every three weeks, he said. I also did not feel like it was that safe. According to public incident reports from MIOSHA, the state issued at least 20 citations to the plant between April 2021 and July 2024. Of those, 13 were categorized as serious, which means they could have resulted in death; and two were flagged as willful, which means the facility intentionally or knowingly disregarded a recognized hazard or showed disregard to OSHA standards. There were also two repeat violations and a failure to abate citation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LG Energy Solution faces $175,000 in fines over safety violations Tooke couldnt speak to specific infractions that happened while he was there, but recalled a number of times when he felt safety was compromised, particularly regarding equipment. We always felt like we were trying to justify why we needed the things we needed. I had to drive a hi-lo that didnt have a working horn. We had one hi-lo that had a broken front windshield, he said. One guy backed into a pole and it was caught on camera. He was written up, but he never took a drug test. We had trouble getting safety gloves that we wanted and needed. News 8 could not independently verify those claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MIOSHA records show that among the standards cited in the infractions dating back to April 2021 were hazard communication, training, selection use of work practices and control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout). Tooke recalled the lockout/tagout procedures, which ensure a machine is completely powered down before it is worked on, were a cause for concern during his time there. The documented OSHA violations come with fines. In each instance, a fine is levied and then there is negotiation sometimes official contesting of the dollar amount and a settlement is reached. News 8 found Monday that OSHAs original fines would have totaled just under $300,000, but LG ultimately paid about $90,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Four young women have been found dead after a fire in a detached house in Norway, the NTB news agency reported on Monday, citing police in the town of Hamar. The victims were aged between 18 and 19 years old. Initially, only three of the women were found, but emergency services also discovered the fourth victim in the early afternoon. The police stated that the four were friends. They were gathered at one of the friends' homes when the fire broke out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the police, the fire was under control on Monday morning, but the fire brigade was still active at the scene. The police currently do not suspect a crime. The cause of the blaze was still unclear. The police received the first emergency call shortly after 5 am (0300 GMT), NTB reported. Images from the town of Hamar, which is located around 120 kilometres north of Oslo, showed tall columns of smoke. The university campus in Hamar remained closed on Monday due to the massive amount of smoke, the university said in a statement posted on its website. Sep. 7Efforts to bolster recruitment and hiring are paying off, as new data shows a growing share of Millennial and Gen Z employees working for the Commonwealth and fewer vacancies overall across state government. Since Gov. Josh Shapiro took office, there has been a 17.5% increase in the number of Millennial employees and a 180% increase in the number of Gen Z employees working in state agencies. Together, they now account for nearly half of the Commonwealth workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overall vacancy rate is down by 3% from its peak during the pandemic, with new hires outpacing retirements in 2024. "A large portion of our workforce will have the option to retire in the next few years, and that is why we are taking action now to ensure that state government can continue to deliver critical benefits and services to a changing population," said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. "By opening the doors of opportunity for more Pennsylvanians to pursue careers in public service and making the hiring process more efficient, the Shapiro Administration is meeting the moment and positioning the Commonwealth's workforce for future success." By the year 2030, all members of the Baby Boomer generation born from 1946 to 1964 will be at least 65 years old, the minimum age to qualify for Medicare a demographic trend often referred to as the "silver tsunami." Approximately 29% of state employees under the governor's jurisdiction will reach at least 25 years of service over the next four years, making them eligible for health benefits in retirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Shapiro Administration is working to boldly address the potential impending large-scale reductions in the Commonwealth's workforce as more state employees become eligible to retire. The current vacancy rate of just 7% indicates that the Commonwealth is finding success in filling positions and bringing in new talent to replace the outgoing retirees. In June 2025, the Commonwealth employed approximately 28,000 Millennials an increase of 4,000 since the start of the Shapiro Administration. Millennials now make up 38% of the total workforce. The number of Gen Z employees has nearly tripled from 2,000 before Gov. Shapiro took office to 5,600 in June 2025. Gen Z now makes up nearly 8% of the total Commonwealth workforce. The Office of Administration has also updated Commonwealth employee benefits to keep pace with the private sector and meet the evolving needs of employees and their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PSP report 747 crashes, 535 DUI arrests As part of its ongoing mission to protect the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) this week released the results of its Labor Day weekend enforcement initiative. From Aug. 29, to Sept. 1, the PSP investigated 747 crashes that resulted in 129 injuries and six deaths. Impaired driving was a factor in 64 of those crashes, two of which were fatal. Troopers arrested 535 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and issued 24,182 citations. These statistics cover only those incidents investigated by the state police and do not include incidents to which other law enforcement agencies responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov. Bill to require report on defense industry mergers House Armed Services Committee member U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pittsburgh, this week introduced a new bill to help lawmakers and the public better understand the impact of mergers and acquisitions on competition in the defense industrial base. His new bill the Defense Contractor Competition Act requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess and report back on how consolidation in the defense industry impacts competition and the effectiveness of the government's tracking of consolidation and anti-competitive practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We need free and fair competition in every part of our economy, especially when it comes to our defense," Deluzio said. "Our troops and our national security depend on it. I'm introducing the Defense Contractor Competition Act to better understand how consolidation in the defense industry impacts competition and how the Defense Department responds." The committee-passed FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act includes the language of the Defense Contractor Competition Act. It now awaits a vote by the full House of Representatives. Specifically, the Defense Contractor Competition Act would require a GAO report that would: Conduct an assessment and submit to Congress a report on how mergers and acquisitions in the defense industry impact competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Include an assessment of the Department of Defense's (DOD) processes to identify and measure the effects of consolidation on competition. Investigate the effectiveness of information sharing between the Attorney General, FTC, and SECDEF in the merger review process. Analyze the DOD's measurement of the effects of vertical integration of defense contractors on competition. Provide an update on the DOD's current implementation of previous recommendations from the GAO, Secretary of Defense, and the Defense Science Board on how to enhance competition in the defense industrial base. Public hearing to focus on higher education Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Strategies to strengthen partnerships between educators and workforce development organizations were examined this week during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee hosted by Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Williamsport, and Sen. Dave Argall, R-Pottsville, at Lycoming College. Legislators, educators, employers, leaders of labor and career development organizations, and students came together to discuss how fostering partnerships can benefit students looking to pursue in-demand careers and grow Pennsylvania's economy. "Today's hearing highlighted how local institutions like Lycoming College and Penn College are leading the way in connecting higher education with workforce development," Sen. Yaw said. "A strong, skilled workforce is the foundation of our future, and our students are gaining the skills employers need to keep Pennsylvania competitive." "We're facing shortages in many key fields: doctors, nurses, dentists, teachers and especially skilled trade laborers," Sen. Argall said. "Today's discussion was valuable as we seek to identify key problems and bridge any gaps that exist between our educators and these important industries." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Educators Charles W. Edmonds, Ed.D., president of Lycoming College, shared his perspective on how colleges and universities need to adapt to new technologies like artificial intelligence, noting that teaching critical thinking and problem-solving skills are more important than ever. John Yudichak, president of Luzerne County Community College, discussed new programs which aim to directly address regional workforce needs, including the new Technology and Trades Workforce Consortium in northeast Pennsylvania. "Pennsylvania faces a projected 218,000-worker shortage by 2032 due to credential gaps, including more than 12,000 workers needed in the trades and maintenance alone," Yudichak said. "Without immediate and sustained investment in workforce development, these gaps will only grow wider." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas P. Foley, J.D., president of the Association of Independent College and Universities of Pennsylvania, discussed the importance of lifelong education in today's economy. "In the world students and future workers inherit, where change is constant not the exception work and learning, and core values of our institutions will be indispensable to each other," Foley said. "Learning how to learn, even as graduates begin to earn an income (with which to stay in school or to build a family), will be the primary prerequisite for the new economic world into which they will graduate." Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. LAST WEEK, THE U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY at West Point canceled plans for a ceremony to honor actor Tom Hanks, recipient of this years Sylvanus Thayer Award. The rationale behind the cancellation was not well explained, though an email to West Point graduates (reported in the Washington Post) from Army Colonel (retired) Mark Bieger, president of the West Point Association of Graduates, implied that the award ceremony may be seen as a distraction from the Academys core mission of preparing cadets to lead, fight, and win as officers in the worlds most lethal force. Although any link to Donald Trump is unmentioned by Col. Bieger, the widespread speculation is that Hanks is being denied the honor because he is a longstanding critic of the president. As a graduate of West Point, I know what the Sylvanus Thayer Award representsand why its important to the Corps of Cadets and the graduates of the Academy. Created in 1958 and named for the Father of the Military Academy, the Thayer Award is presented annually by the West Point Association of Graduates to one U.S. citizen, not a graduate, whose life of service reflects the ideals embodied in West Points timeless motto: Duty, Honor, Country. The award is not given lightly. Thats because the West Point Association of Graduates is unlike other college alumni associations. It was founded in the late 1800s by Academy graduates who had fought on both sides of the Civil War and had come together to quell the divisiveness that remained. Their goal was to again bind their fellow graduates through loyalty to the Academy and to the nation. From its inception, the AOG has stood not just for nostalgia or fundraising but as the steward of West Points traditions and values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For that reason, the recipients of the Thayer Award are chosen because their character, accomplishments, and devotion to national service make them exemplars for the Corps of Cadets. Each year, this fall ceremony reminds cadetsand graduates like methat leadership of character comes in many forms and in many professions, and that our oath as soldiers to protect and defend the Constitution is geared toward the security of our fellow citizens. The Thayer Award is not decided by the institution. Rather, it is an honor determined by the graduates, through a process that reflects the breadth of the Long Gray Line, the continuum of cadets past, present, and future. Nominations are submitted by classes, societies, and individuals and require secondary endorsement. The AOG Board makes the final decision. I know this firsthand: In the 1990s, while serving on the board, I was among those who recommended Walter Cronkitean example of how journalists who tell the nations story with integrity can also embody Duty, Honor, Country. Support our independent political journalism by signing up for a free or paid subscription: This years honoree, Tom Hanks, was named a few months ago, and he is a natural and perfect choice. Beyond his celebrated acting career, Hanks has spent decades honoring Americas service members. He produced Band of Brothers and The Pacific, narrated World War II documentaries, supported veterans causes, and lent his stature to efforts of historical commemoration and preservation, like the National World War II Museum in New Orleans and the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. He played the iconic role of Captain John Miller in Saving Private Ryanwhat many consider the greatest war film ever madebringing to life the courage, fear, and humanity of the American soldier on D-Day and beyond. That performance etched into the national memory the kind of sacrifice cadets are preparing themselves to make. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hanks joins a distinguished line of recipients. From Francis Cardinal Spellman, the wartime vicar for the Armed Forces; to Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, who shaped Americas role on the global stage; to Neil Armstrong, whose first steps on the moon symbolized American courage and vision; to Father Theodore Hesburgh of Notre Dame, who stood for moral leadership in education and civil rights; to Lt. Col. James Doolittle, whose daring raid in World War II inspired a nation; to Chief Justice Warren Burger, who embodied fidelity to the rule of law; and to Ronald Reagan, whose presidency helped shape the final years of the Cold Warthe Thayer Award has honored Americans from every walk of life whose achievements embodied service above self. Tom Hanks belongs in that company. The Thayer Award ceremony itself consists of two things the Corps of Cadets already does on a routine basis: a parade and a dinner in the Cadet Mess. Cadets march in parades several times a week; the Thayer Parade is the one they most look forward to, because they see and salute an American they admire. The dinner, too, is not an extravagance, but the same communal meal they take every dayonly this time with an honoree delivering a speech from the iconic poop deck. To suggest that such a ceremony detracts from the mission of the Academy, as Col. Biegers email suggested, is absurd. In fact, it reinforces the mission. West Points mission is not simply to produce warfighters. Its official statement makes this clear: To build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army Values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and Nation. Yes, cadets must be prepared for combat. But their education is about far more than lethality. It is about becoming a leader of charactermen and women who will embody loyalty, duty, respect, selflessness, service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Honoring Tom Hanks, who has devoted his life to lifting the stories of Americas soldiers and strengthening the nations civic fabric, is not a distraction from that mission. It is a fulfillment of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Join now That is why the Trump administrations decisionissued under the newly rebranded Department of Warto cancel the ceremony is such a betrayal. It politicizes a tradition that has always been nonpartisan, and it tells cadets that values like service, humility, and sacrifice matter less than the whims of politicians. The cadets who attend West Point today will lead Americas Army tomorrow. They deserve to encounter a variety of role models. They deserve to see what service to country looks like in uniform and out. They deserve to be reminded that their oath is not to a president or a party, but to the Constitution. The Thayer Award is not just about honoring one individual. It is about reaffirming the bond between the Army and the nation it serves. Tom Hankss selection reflects the best of that bond. The effort to deny him that honor by only allowing him the award without the honor of the reception at the Academy reflects the worst of what happens when politics corrodes tradition. West Point exists to form leaders of character for a nation of character. A final personal note. I have watched cadets over the years light up when meeting Thayer honorees. I know I did, when I was a cadet and when I served at the Academy for a few years as an instructor. In those moments, cadets see not just a famous name, but a living example of character and service. The conversations about the awardee, the inspiration drawn from the parade, the reminder that the oath links them to Americans of stature and sacrificeall these leave lasting impressions. To deny cadets the chance to meet Tom Hanks, or any future awardee, is to deny them a moment of inspiration they would carry with them into their service, and into their leadership of Americas soldiers. Share Lt Gov. Micah Beckwith mingles after an event to celebrate Gov. Mike Braun's first 100 days in office on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith on Friday landed himself in hot water with supporters over social media posts about Haitian asylum-seekers. Beckwith, a pastor at Life Churchs Noblesville campus, met with Haitian pastors on Thursday to talk about faith and family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their people have endured earthquakes and violence, and now more than 40,000 are seeking asylum here in Indiana, he wrote on X. We spoke about barriers of language and culture while also discussing the power of faith and family. What I saw was not a community asking for a handout, but people determined to work hard, raise their children to become contributors to the great Hoosier state, and assimilate to the American way of life, he added. His office told the Capital Chronicle that immigration was a small part of the discussion, and that Beckwith supports the end of temporary protected status for Haiti. In comments on X, he also said he directed the pastors to encourage self-deportation for any congregants in Indiana illegally. But backlash from fellow conservatives was swift. Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith posted Friday about meeting with Haitian pastors in Indianapolis. (Screenshot from official X account) X users swarmed to the comment section, accusing Beckwith of trying to bring 40,000 Haitian nationals to Indiana. Some called for his deportation to Haiti. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservative news figures from across the country amplified the post. Beckwith backtracked, at first. Ultimately, advocating for firmness does not mean abandoning love, he wrote in one reply. I was letting these pastors know that they have a responsibility to care for their own community. It is their job to do that it is not our job to fund them. And he got direct. I am not advocating for us to have Haitians come to America or Indiana, Beckwith wrote in another reply. I am saying that if Haitians come to our state, they must do it legally, learn English, and assimilate to our culture. Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith followed up on his comments about a meeting with Haitian pastors in Indianapolis. (Screenshot from official X account) Then, he turned off the comments to his official X account and deleted his original post and replies. Another wave of commenters seethed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe the post was widely misconstrued, Beckwith told the Capital Chronicle via a spokesperson. The original post wasnt clear, and words were getting misconstrued, therefore, we deleted the post. Critics flooded comments to his personal X account instead. Angry commenters turned to Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwiths campaign account instead, filling his replies. (Screenshot from personal X account) This guy asked to come on my show for well over a year, conservative talk show host Steve Deace wrote. We finally booked him as a positive example of Christian conservative leadership to our audience. Had I known he advocated this, I wouldve never done so. Im not calling for them to come to the US Im saying that are already here because of the idiotic policies of the previous administration which I condemn! Beckwith replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been the most supportive statewide elected official of the Trump immigration policies in the entire state of Indiana and that has not changed, he concluded. Senior Reporter Casey Smith contributed. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX United States President Donald Trump affirmed on Sunday that he is ready to proceed to the second stage of adding more sanctions against Russia after its latest attacks on Ukraine. Speaking to the press while leaving the White House to attend the US Open men's singles final in New York City, Trump touched upon the crisis in the Middle East, urging a solution to the conflict in Gaza. He also said that his administration will deal with the issue of Hezbollah refusing to surrender its weapons as agreed in a ceasefire deal with Israel. Earlier in the day, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Washington and its partners in Europe are discussing new sets of sanctions and secondary tariffs on Russia over its continued military operation in Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stopped by a Detroit charter school as she zipped through Michigan on Monday, promising a hands-off approach to education from her administration in a roundtable filled mostly with Republican lawmakers and charter school officials. McMahon's visit to Pembroke Academy on the west side of the city comes during an anxious moment for Michigan's public schools. The state budget that school leaders expected to be set by the beginning of July is still up in the air and it's unclear whether lawmakers will agree on a budget deal before Oct. 1, the start of the new fiscal year. School leaders still don't know whether they'll have the money to keep certain programs, such as universal breakfast or lunch. Kindergarten teacher Brittany Bosas, 30, of Wayne, goes over classwork with Wysdom Green, 6, of Detroit, while, Congressman John Moolenaar, Michigan Speaker of the House Matt Hall, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Executive Prinicipal Salwa Kinsey tour a kindergarten classroom at Pembroke Academy, during Secretary McMahons Michigan on her Returning Education to the States Tour stop at the National Heritage Academies charter school in Detroit, Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. Secretary McMahon also participated in a school choice roundtable with community leaders. Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall joined McMahon during a roundtable event that included several leaders of charter schools around the state and Republican politicians. Reporters were allowed to be present at the roundtable for 20 minutes then ushered out as it continued privately for another 20 minutes. Hall said in remarks after the roundtable that state lawmakers are "working through that budget process," but did not say anything more specific. Pamela Pugh, president of the Michigan State Board of Education, blasted House Republicans for joining McMahon while the budget remains up in the air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan still needs a transparent, student-centered budget that keeps kids fed, counselors and social workers on staff, and teachers in classrooms," Pugh wrote in a news release. "Do the job. Pass the budget. More: Heres what to watch as the new school year begins in Detroit More: Bill Pulte accused Lisa Cook of fraud. His relatives filed housing claims similar to hers McMahon's visit is a part of an effort to visit all 50 states. In the morning, she made remarks at Hillsdale College, a conservative Christian school that's been front-and-center in espousing its values on a national stage. While most of McMahon's stops reflected the administration's push for school choice and conservative values, McMahon was also due to stop at Renaissance High School, a part of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, in the afternoon. The stop at Renaissance was not open to the press. In the evening, she was scheduled to speak at a Midland County Republican Party barbecue at the Midland County Fairgrounds, according to the Huron Daily Tribune. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visits charter school Pembroke Academy in Detroit on her Returning Education to the States Tour, Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. Secretary McMahon participated in a school choice roundtable alongside Michigan Speaker of the House Matt Hall (right). At Pembroke, McMahon continued to pledge to leaders to leave education policymaking to states and local leaders. She also said educators should have more flexibility to discipline students, adding the manner of discipline should make sense for the student, parents and school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Returning to the states really means giving the responsibility for education back to the states. ... It's not handled well through a bureaucracy in Washington, D.C.," she said. Most education policy is already decided at a state or local level: State lawmakers set the education budget and pass laws around education. Local school boards choose their own curricula. Federal funding makes up about 10% of state K-12 education funding, according to the Michigan League for Public Policy. But the U.S. Department of Education, under McMahon's leadership, has waded into some policy and funding matters. For instance, the department in July notified the University of Michigan that it would investigate foreign donations at the school. In July, the department also froze and later unfroze $6 billion in education funding meant to go to school programs for vulnerable students. Michigan's share of those funds was $160 million. Contact Lily Altavena: laltavena@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Linda McMahon tours Detroit charter school amid state budget standoff SHENANDOAH Reading a poem in the Lithuanian Heritage Museum brought tears to the eyes of Mary Gwasdytos, whose grandparents emigrated to the coal region in the late 1800s. It is amazing, said Gwasdytos, 78, a retired Shenandoah secretary. I feel close to my family here and in Lithuania. At the museums grand opening Sunday, visitors were reunited with their ethnic heritage. Walking through what amounts to a cultural history of Lithuanians in Schuylkill County, visitors were amazed at the size of a collection that filled the entire first floor and part of the basement of a former funeral home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a grand addition to Shenandoah, said Mary Ellen Matunis. Its wonderful that were acknowledging and recognizing our Lithuanian heritage. Matunis, who taught business at Pottsville High School for 35 years, is the daughter of former Schuylkill County Commissioner Albert Matunis. She is also president of the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library. Among other items, she found a photograph of her father with the St. George Catholic Church choir that performed at the New York Worlds Fair in 1939. Built in 1872, St. George was the first Lithuanian Catholic church in America. Citing safety reasons, the Allentown Catholic Diocese had the church torn down in 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family photos on exhibit at the Lithuanian Heritage Museum in Shenandoah. RON DEVLIN/STAFF PHOTO Mary Anne Leskusky and her twin sister Barbara Leskusky Hajcak of Mount Carmel attended Holy Cross Catholic Churchs Lithuanian parochial school. Raised in a Lithuanian family, they still make cold red beet borscht, or saltibarsciai, and keep Holy Supper, known as Kucios, on Christmas Eve. Were here to honor the memory of our grandmother, Mary Leskauskas Pieri, who was active in the Knights of Lithuania, the sisters said. Saga of renewal A project of the Knights of Lithuania Anthracite Council No. 144, the collection had been displayed in a rectory at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Frackville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For safety concerns, it was removed and stored at the Frackville Library. Peter and Anne Chaikowsky Skirmantas White Knights, as Paul Domalakes put it offered to relocate the collection to a portion of their home in Shenandoah. Over about three years, the collection was moved to its new location, the former Chaikowsky Funeral Home at 318 E. Centre Street. Annes parents ran the funeral home there for many years. Anne, an author and educator who has lived in Lithuania, is curator of the museum. Peter oversees its extensive library of books in English and Lithuanian, which are available for research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anne led tours of the museum, which is organized in 20-year groupings beginning in the 1800s. Anne Chaikowsky Skirmantas, curator, with Rev. Kirill Zawatski at Lithuanian Heritage Museum on Sept. 7, 2025. RON DEVLIN/STAFF PHOTO A nonprofit, the museum was underwritten by $10,000 in grants from the Lithuanian Foundation in Chicago. State Sen. David G. Argall, State Rep. Tim Twardzik and Schuylkill County Commissioners Larry Padora and Gary J. Hess were guests at the grand opening. Lithuanian toast Domalakes, a Frackville attorney and Knights of Lithuania treasurer, led about 40 visitors in a traditional champagne toast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The occasion was important enough, though, to warrant a second toast. We really need to christen this place with the official Lithuanian-American drink, Domalakes said, raising a glass of his homemade Boilo. Shouts of Sveikas, roughly translated to your health, echoed through the museum. LIVE Video: White House briefs press amid immigration raids, Epstein birthday book release President Trump on Monday won at the Supreme Court in a challenge to the White Houses immigration raids in Los Angeles, and within hours the Department of Homeland Security announced the launch of Midway Blitz enforcement in Chicago. Chief Justice John Roberts also backed Trump in the case of a fired commission chief. But the president lost in appeals court, where a panel upheld advice writer E. Jean Carrolls $83.3 million defamation award she secured from Trump last year, rejecting Trumps claims of presidential immunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To start the day, Trump addressed the Religious Liberty Commission, which he established earlier this year. And, in a post on Truth Social, he praised the decision of a West Point alumni group to reverse course on awarding actor Tom Hanks with a civilian honor. On Capitol Hill, the House has 11 legislative days scheduled before the government funding deadline on Sept. 30. Amid the grind to finding a deal, leaders on both sides of the aisle are indicating they would back a short-term continuing resolution, so long as it includes no substantial funding cuts. In the House, Monday is the deadline set by the Oversight and Government Reform Committee for the estate of Jeffrey Epstein to turn over files. Read here for more on where the fight over the Epstein documents heads next. Also in the news: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow along all day 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 The Hill. For one Tacoma doctor, the recent news of federal funding cuts and changes to pediatric brain cancer research felt like the epitome of getting kicked when youre down. We already have so few options for these kids, so few, and now we have less, said Dr. Jacob Henderson, pediatric neuro-oncologist at MultiCares Mary Bridge Childrens Hospital. Henderson spoke in a recent interview with The News Tribune following news of changes announced last month on the National Cancer Institutes Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trials Networks web page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That page, updated Aug. 21, said that the program in place for phase 1 and 2 clinical evaluations of treatments for primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors, run by the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, would be moved into the Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trials Network (PEP-CTN) infrastructure. The brain tumor consortium is composed of different academic centers and childrens hospitals across the United States and Canada which are competitively selected based on their scientific excellence and clinical expertise in pediatric brain tumors, according to the website. For those in trials, uncertainty looms. Because of the reorganization, the PBTC will not be able to apply for another 5-year funding award to continue its funding beyond March 2026, the website stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, NCI is committed to ensuring that ongoing PBTC trials are completed wherever feasible and appropriate, either through direct close-out support to the PBTC after its current funding ends or by transferring studies to the network for completion. A concern among medical specialists in this field is that the larger network doesnt have the same focus and with the change comes a loss of expertise. Dr. Douglas Hawkins is a pediatric oncologist at Seattle Childrens Hospital and chair of the Childrens Oncology Group. He told The New York Times in an article published Aug. 28 that The risk is in the end we dont do as many impactful clinical trials for pediatric brain tumors. Back at Mary Bridge, Henderson said while the numbers of those affected arent huge (less than 10 patients currently in active trials along with dozens benefiting from previous PBTC research) There are kids that are going to have fewer options for lifesaving treatments ... starting now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report published in 2016 noted that brain cancer had surpassed leukemia in claiming the lives of patients under the age of 20 by 2014. The report also noted that Major therapeutic advances in treating some forms of cancer, particularly leukemia, may have resulted in increased survivorship. Henderson noted the struggle for breakthrough progress and advances. Ostensibly, (the move is) about sort of efficiency and wanting ... one larger program to be able to do both the early and the late phase clinical trials, Henderson said. I havent seen any evidence or data that the PBTC was in any way inefficient at doing its job, that it was in any way not accomplishing its goals. Its one of the leanest, most efficient research groups thats out there, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The News Tribune on Thursday has reached out via the National Institute of Healths media contact page for answers regarding what patients currently in or seeking to be in pediatric medical trials can expect moving forward, and when the new process for trials in the federal network would begin. No response was received as of Friday. Lost trials The PBTC was created in 1999 by the National Cancer Institute and currently has six active trials. Potential enrollees are now in a bind amid the current uncertainty as childrens hospitals and cancer centers nationwide halt enrollment in the consortiums trials. One trial Henderson knows well is CAR-T therapy, an immunotherapy. We take the patients own immune cells, and we genetically engineer them to recognize and eliminate the cancer cells, Henderson explained. We do that in the setting of relapsed disease, with specific trials for brain tumors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those trials are no longer available, he said. Another one involves ONC201 oral medication, specifically for a type of a brain tumor that is not survivable, he said. ONC201 has been the most successful thing that Ive seen in my 20-year career of prolonging life. There are kids now that are living 3, 4, 5, 6 years on ONC201. Ive had several patients on that, and now theyre using ONC201 in combination with other things to hopefully have the first ever cure of some of these cancers. Those trials are gone now, he added. Certain centers around the country specialize in certain treatments, Henderson said. I would send, for instance, my relapsed ependymoma patients to Texas or to St. Jude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those are cases where a primary brain or spinal cord tumor has regrown after initial treatment. Now, Those resources are no longer going to be available, he said. Thats essentially effective immediately. We cant put this toothpaste back into the tube, he added. Weve lost these opportunities, and its an ongoing loss, going beyond patients enrolled or seeking to enroll now. Unfortunately, bad news for them, in the next month, I might have five more that I cant offer that treatment to. Big Blue Pantry on August 25, 2025. (University of Kentucky photo by Mark Cornelison ) At a time when food insecurity has increased in the commonwealth, the University of Kentuckys Big Blue Pantry is expanding services to meet students emergency food needs. Students can already go to the Big Blue Pantry, located in Frazee Halls Room 016, and get a bag of food items. But its open during work hours not on weekends or holidays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, students can access emergency supplies after-hours with the installment of nine stocked food lockers in the basement of the William T. Young Library. Andrew Perkins, the program coordinator for the Big Blue Pantry. (Photo provided) Andrew Perkins, the program coordinator for the Big Blue Pantry, said these new lockers are a way for us to expand our reach, to help a student who is in a crisis situation or an emergency situation, to provide that bag of food outside of our regular open hours. A student in need of food can apply online and will receive a unique code to one of the lockers, where they can go get a bag of food that should last two or three days. The bag has staple, nonperishable items like ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese, oatmeal, granola bars and canned goods. Its not clear how many University of Kentucky students live with food insecurity. Across the state, nearly 17% of Kentuckians have a shortage of food, data shows. In the last academic year, the Big Blue Pantry served around 900 people over 2,5003,000 visits to the pantry, Perkins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think people can know anecdotally from their own experience at college that sometimes going without, or having to skip a meal every once in a while has been part of it, and its sometimes been considered a rite of passage, Perkins said. Well, we think differently about that today. We know that if a student is worrying about where their next meal is coming from, or if theyre going to have the opportunity to eat today, then theyre not going to be as focused on their studies or their or their success in life in the bigger picture. Our mission is to remove that barrier, to remove the barrier of food insecurity, so a student can reach their ultimate potential. The semester that just started is the first time the pantry is using the lockers, Perkins said, so staff need to study the needs and best ways to meet them. As of Sept. 5, two students had used the lockers. A low number is fantastic Im glad we have them; I hope they never get used, Perkins said. I hope that a student is never in that kind of situation, but if they are now, we have the ability to mitigate that situation. According to Feeding America, hunger can worsen a persons mental health, make it difficult to focus and lead to chronic health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Making sure students have enough food, Perkins said, is key to helping them be academically successful. It is okay to need help, he said, and to ask for help as well. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX An extended spell of hot weather is finally coming to an end this week in Southern California at least for a few days. An area of low pressure is currently working its way into the northern part of the state, KTLAs Kirk Hawkins said Monday morning. That will eventually make its way to Southern California, creating some cooler temperatures, some onshore flow, and changing up our forecast just a little bit for the bulk of the next five days, Kirk said. Downtown Los Angeles 7-Day forecast created Sept. 8, 2025. (KTLA) The cooling trend is expected to arrive on Tuesday, with the more fall-like conditions continuing through Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, marine layer clouds will expand across coastal areas and well inland over the valleys, the National Weather Service (NWS) stated. Afternoon highs for downtown Los Angeles are forecast to drop from 86 degrees on Monday to 76 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday. Highs in the San Fernando Valley are also expected to fall from the 90s to the mid-80s by the middle of the week. The cooler conditions wont last long, though. The NWS is calling for a small warming trend to return on Friday and into the weekend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The coronavirus has muscled its way back into headlines in recent weeks amid a summer wave of the illness and growing difficulties in getting the vaccine, as well as efforts by the Trump administration that could make getting inoculated harder for some people. The summer increase is decidedly smaller than what California and the U.S. saw during the pandemic years. Still, it has sidelined many who came down with COVID-19 and has some health officials concerned. Here are five things to know: 1) We are not out of the woods yet. According to data released Friday, there are now 14 states with very high levels of coronavirus detected in their wastewater California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Indiana, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Connecticut, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Hawaii and Alaska, as well as the District of Columbia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rate at which COVID-19 lab tests are confirming infection also continues to rise statewide and in the Los Angeles area. For the week that ended Aug. 30, Californias COVID test positivity rate was 12.83%, up from 7.05% for the week that ended Aug. 2. In L.A. County, the positive test rate was 14.83%, up from 9.33%. Coronavirus levels in the sewage of Northern California's most populous county, Santa Clara, were still considered "high" as of Friday. Read more: Vaccine chaos: Even some vulnerable seniors can't get COVID shots amid spiking cases 2) But there may be signs we're reaching the peak. In Orange County, the COVID-19 positive test rate was 13.1%. Thats below the prior weeks rate of 18% but still higher than the rate for the week that ended Aug. 2, which was 10.8%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In San Francisco, the test positivity rate was 8.1% for the week that ended Aug. 30. Thats down from the prior weeks figure of 8.7% but higher than the 5.8% reported for the week that ended Aug. 2. In addition, wastewater data in L.A. County show that coronavirus levels declined slightly from the prior week. Read more: People can't get COVID vaccines as cases surge. Anger is building against Trump 3) Overall, the summer spike has been generally mild. Despite a new variant, there hasn't been much severe disease from COVID-19 this summer. COVID hospital admissions in California have been increasing with the latest rate of 3.93 admissions per 100,000 residents for the week ending Aug. 30, up from 2.38, from the week ending Aug. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But they remain relatively low statewide and in L.A. County. The number of L.A. County residents seeking care for COVID-related illness, or who have been hospitalized, is quite a bit lower than during summer surges in 2023 and 2024, the countys Department of Public Health said. Overall, this summer hasnt seen COVID activity to the extent of a year ago, when the state experienced its worst summer wave since 2022. Read more: COVID wave washes over California. Some officials urge residents to mask up 4) But the fall and winter are an open question. A mild summer wave could create conditions for problems later in the year. In July, the state Department of Public Health said that scientists anticipated California would see either a stronger summer COVID wave or a more significant winter wave. 5) There is still massive confusion over the future of COVID vaccines. Under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. a vaccine skeptic federal agencies have in effect made it more difficult to get vaccinated against COVID-19 this year. The Food and Drug Administration has approved COVID-19 vaccines only for those 65 and older, as well as younger people with underlying health conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means, across the country, people younger than 65 interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine must now either consult with a healthcare provider or attest to a pharmacy that they have an underlying health condition. Its a potential hurdle that can make getting the vaccine more difficult and, some health experts worry, prompt even more Americans to eschew getting vaccinated. On Thursday, Hawaii joined California, Washington and Oregon in launching the West Coast Health Alliance: an interstate compact meant to provide science-based immunization guidance as an alternative to the CDC. It was not immediately clear, however, whether the formation of the West Coast Health Alliance would make it easier for people to get COVID-19 vaccines at the nations largest pharmacy retailers, where many people get their shots. Mainstream medical groups, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, are offering their own recommendations to advise individuals and families on what vaccines they should get. 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. Donald Trumps administration has dismantled what is believed to be the U.S.s longest-standing peace vigil across the street from the White House as part of its beautification program for Washington, D.C. The vigil in Lafayette Park a simple stand housing anti-war placards, which is shielded from the rain by a large umbrella was first erected by activist William Thomas in 1981 to demand unilateral nuclear disarmament and has been manned by friends of the originator since his passing in 2009. But the demonstration has now been taken down as part of the clearance of homeless encampments from the capital city that has been taking place over the course of the last month. Trump ordered a 30-day federal takeover of the districts policing and sent in the National Guard and other federal agents to help tackle urban crime and litter. Philipos Melaku-Bello flashes the V sign during a peace vigil in Lafayette Park across from the White House in Washington, D.C., Sunday September 7 2025 (AP) The presidents attention was drawn to the stand last week by Real Americas Voice journalist Brian Glenn, who described it as an eyesore and told Trump: Just out front of the White House is a blue tent that originally was put there to be an anti-nuclear tent for nuclear arms. Its kind of morphed into more of an anti-American, sometimes anti-Trump at many times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glenn also suggested its presence amounted to a national security risk and that it was rat-infested. The commander-in-chief responded: Take it down. Take it down today, right now. Park Police duly did so on Sunday. Activist Philipos Melaku-Bello, the current occupier of the vigil, said local authorities had misclassified it as a homeless encampment as the justification for its actions. The difference between an encampment and a vigil is that an encampment is where homeless people live, he told the Associated Press. Melaku-Bello has rejected the classification of his stand as a homeless encampment and denied that it represents a national security risk (AP) As you can see, I dont have a bed. I have signs and it is covered by the First Amendment right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre choosing to call a place that is not an encampment an encampment just to fit what is in Trumps agenda of removing the encampments. Melaku-Bello also refuted Glenns claims that his site represented any kind of a threat: No weapons were found. He said that it was rat-infested. Not a single rat came out as they took down the cinder blocks. The administration insisted in a statement that the vigil was a hazard to those visiting the White House and the surrounding areas. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) Heres a first look at meetings of South Dakota state governments boards and commissions, as well as committees of the Legislature, that are open to the public during the new week starting Monday, September 8, 2025. Click on the name (highlighted in blue) for meeting details. Please note that any could be postponed because of adverse weather or other reasons. Monday, September 8 No public meeting is scheduled. Tuesday, September 9 Housing Development Authority, 9 a.m. CT, teleconference and 200 E. 10th Street, Sioux Falls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislature, Community Support Providers, State and Federal Efficiencies Interim Committee, 9 a.m. CT, Kesslers Champions Club Northern State University, 15th Avenue SE, Aberdeen. South Dakota Retirement System Trustees, 9 a.m. CT, 222 E. Capitol Avenue, Pierre. Public Utilities Commission, 9:30 a.m. CT, room 413, Capitol. Legislature, Rules Review Committee, 10 a.m. CT, teleconference and room 414, Capitol. Operator Certification Board, 2 p.m. CT, 523 E. Capitol Avenue, Pierre. Health Department, 3 p.m. CT, public hearing on proposed changes to administrative rules, Hayes Building, 600 E. Capitol Avenue (located next to Capitol), Pierre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Educational Enhancement Funding Corporation, 3 p.m. CT, Jewett Regional Science Center, 12th Avenue SE and S. State Street, Aberdeen. Building Authority, 3:30 p.m. CT, Jewett Regional Science Center, 12th Avenue SE and S. State Street, Aberdeen. Emergency Response Commission, 5:15 p.m. CT, 100 W. Eighth Street, Sioux Falls. Wednesday, September 10 Pardons and Paroles Board, 9 a.m. CT, teleconference and 1600 North Drive, Sioux Falls. Economic Development Finance Authority, 9:30 a.m. CT, public hearings on proposed changes to Beginning Farmer loan program, and to repeal rules for value-added agribusiness loan program and for APEX loan program, along with repeal of related agribusiness lending rules; teleconference and 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social Services Department, 10 a.m. CT, public hearing on proposed changes to assistance rules, teleconference and 1501 S. Highline Avenue, Sioux Falls. Economic Development Board, 10:15 a.m. CT, business meeting and public hearing on proposed changes to REDI program rules, followed at 11:30 a.m. CT, by a public hearing on proposed ethanol refund rules, teleconference and 711 E. Wells Avenue. Social Services Department, 11 a.m. CT, public hearing on proposed changes to medical services rules, teleconference and 1501 S. Highline Avenue, Sioux Falls. Nursing Facility Administrators, 1 p.m. CT, teleconference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weed and Pest Control Commission, 1 p.m. CT, Davison County Fairgrounds Complex, 3200 W. Havens Avenue, Mitchell. Thursday, September 11 Weed and Pest Control Commission, 7:45 a.m. CT, tour of local sites, meet at Davison County Fairgrounds Complex, 3200 W. Havens Avenue, Mitchell. Medical and Osteopathic Examiners Board, 9 a.m. CT, public hearing on proposed changes to nonresident physician licensing and physician assistant rules, 101 N. Main Avenue, Sioux Falls. Transportation Commission, 9 a.m. CT, teleconference. Children With Disabilities Panel, 4 p.m. CT, 800 Governors Drive, Pierre. Education Standards Board, Teacher of the Year banquet, 6 p.m. CT, 325 Hustan Avenue, Fort Pierre. Friday, September 12 Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired Board, 9 a.m. CT, teleconference and 1501 S. Highline Avenue, Sioux Falls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Historical Society Trustees, 9 a.m. CT, 200 N. Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls. Social Work Examiners Board, 11 a.m. MT / noon CT, teleconference. Monday, September 15 Parenting Time Guidelines Commission, 6 p.m. MT / 7 pm CT, teleconference and 2111 N. Lacrosse Street, Rapid City. KELOLAND Capitol Bureau Reporter Bob Mercer in Pierre finished assembling this information on Sunday, September 7, 2025. State law requires state government boards and commissions to post public meeting notices 72 hours in advance, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and official state holidays. The Legislature isnt subject to that public notice law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement *Please check boardsandcommissions.sd.gov and sdlegislature.gov for any meetings of state boards and commissions and legislative meetings that were posted after this weekly listing was assembled. Livecasts of some meetings are available at sd.net. Many meetings are available by teleconference. Check agendas and sd.net for audio availability. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Lynsey Addario has witnessed atrocities, lost colleagues and was even kidnapped in Libya in her 20 years as a war photographer. Now the new documentary Love + War shows how the Pulitzer winner balanced her harrowing career with her family life in Britain. Addario joined the films co-director Chai Vasarhelyi, who alongside her filmmaking partner Jimmy Chin won an Oscar with their 2018 doc Free Solo, at TheWraps TIFF 2025 studio to talk about her work, including a mortar strike captured in the doc that nearly took her life. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the attack, I was trying to convince myself, Oh, it wasnt really that close,' Addario told TheWraps CEO Sharon Waxman. It was like, not a big deal. And then when I got to the hotel, Clarissa Ward, whos with CNN, asked if I was OK. And I was like, What do you mean? Am I OK? And shes like, That was a really close call. When Addario asked how Ward knew about the mortar strike, she showed a Facebook video posted by Andriy Dubchak, who was with Addario shooting footage for Love + War. It was a moment where I thought, Thank God for the documentary. Because of it people could see what a close call it was, and moreover that we were there. It wasnt like we showed up after the fact and had to piece together what had happened. We watched that attack. Vasarhelyi felt compelled to make Love + War to show that women like Addario are out there risking their lives for the truth at a time when journalism is attacked more than ever, and where the calls for diversity in the 2010s have been met with a right-wing backlash emboldened by Donald Trumps re-election today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My daughters life has fewer prospects than mine did at her age. And its something Im thinking about a lot, and Im really kind of committed to telling stories that call attention to great work by women, she said. The documentary reflects on the constant danger Addario has faced in her career, especially in the spring of 2011, when she was kidnapped while taking photos of the civil war against Muammar Gaddafi. She was held with her colleagues for a week and assaulted by soldiers loyal to Gaddafi. On the front line of any war, all bets are off, because anything can happen. They can rape you and execute you. No one will ever know, and they can just say she was killed in crossfire, Addario said. Love + War juxtaposes this with the family Addario has built with her husband, former Reuters reporter Paul de Bendern, and their son, Lukas. Vasarhelyi said it was important to frame Addarios story in a way that shows how Addario was able to build a loving life at home while remaining honest about the risks of her job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You guys have worked really hard at it, and you are also not lying to yourself about it, Vasarhelyi told Addario. Its really difficult to watch the film. I dont know if I could put my own life under that scrutiny. Love + War will be released by National Geographic at a later date. The post Love+War: Photojournalist Lynsey Addario on the Mortar Strike in Ukraine That Nearly Killed Her appeared first on TheWrap. DENVER (KDVR) The Loveland Police Department recapped its previous long week and busy weekend, highlighting an unexpected well-known vehicle brand that allegedly clocked nearly 100 miles per hour. In a post on X on Monday, the police department said they had seen it all, listing some incidents in the community, including alleged fleeing suspects, burglaries, a juvenile arrested with a firearm and more. Free on Your TV New FOX31+ App for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the agency noted that one driver allegedly clocked nearly 100 mph, which came as a shock to the department, not just because of the speed but because of the vehicle the driver was in. And yesbelieve it or nota Subaru driver clocked nearly 100 mph. (Were just as shocked as you that a Subaru could actually do that.), said the Loveland agency. This comes after the city of Loveland and the police department have made changes to enhance road safety within the past year. In February, the department started issuing citations through mobile radar equipment to help slow down traffic in certain areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox In March, the agency announced an additional traffic safety measure, a red light enforcement camera at the intersection of West 1st Street and South Taft Avenue. In July, the city, in conjunction with the Colorado Department of Transportation, changed the speed limit on U.S. 34 within the area from 55 mph to 50 mph. On the citys website, it said the decision was from a study conducted in March, which recommended lowering the speed limit between Denver Avenue and Rocky Mountain Avenue to improve safety and better reflect current roadway conditions. The department said its community is filled with the best residents anywhere, however, noting that criminal activity never fully takes a break. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we enter a new week, we stand ready to serve and protect, said the 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 FOX31 Denver. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Louisiana State University in Shreveport will host its annual bullying and suicide prevention conference. Dog Heros: K-9s locate fleeing man in woods, police say he caused a crash and took off The event will provide professionals with insights and practical strategies to combat the two mental health crises. According to the press release, attendees will benefit from in-depth keynotes, local resources, networking, and meaningful dialogue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite anti-bullying laws in all 50 states, families and communities continue to suffer unimaginable losses as we lose exceptional young lives to this relentless crisis, said Dr. Allen Grant, Dean of LSU Shreveports College of Education and Human Development. Universities have a profound responsibility to lead the way by uniting community partners, schools, and mental health professionals. The event will be held on Friday, September 12, on the LSUS campus. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. John Luckadoo survived some of the most dangerous missions in World War II. As a member of the 100th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force, he flew 25 bombing missions over Axis territory during the war. The bomb group saw so many casualties it was nicknamed the Bloody Hundredth. Luckadoo was one of those who was able to fly a full 25 missions, enough to earn a trip home. He died this month at the age of 103, the last original member of the Bloody Hundredth. Maj. John Lucky Luckadoo died on Sept. 1 in his home in Dallas after some time in hospice, according to his family. The Major left formation the evening of September 1, 2025, and completed his final mission to bluer skies, a message posted to his website said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man eventually known as Lucky was born March 16, 1922 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He would recount an early interest in flying. When Luckadoo finished high school he tried to join the Canadian Royal Air Force to fight in World War II, but he was underage and needed parental consent, something he said his dad would not give. He went to college and was studying when the attack on Pearl Harbor happened. He volunteered and went through aviation training. He deployed to Thorpe Abbotts airfield in England in June 1943 as part of the original group that made up the 100th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force. He was a pilot assigned to a B-17 Flying Fortress. Even with the many guns on their bombers, the members of the 8th Air Force would have to brave waves of German fighters, unyielding flak and missions deep into enemy territory. We were going overseas to die, he would later recount eight decades later. At the end of June the 100th Bomb Group was flying in combat. John Lucky Luckadoo (left) with other World War II veterans at the premiere of Masters of the Air. Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Apple TV+ Luckadoo took part in some of the most dangerous missions the 100th Bomb Group carried out. He was in the skies for the period known as Black Week, a stretch of October 1943 where the Army Air Force lost 1,500 service members and dozens of planes. During a bombing run over Bremen that month, one of his last missions, 12 of the 18 bombers in his group were shot down by the time they dropped their bombs. In a 2015 interview, Luckadoo recounted suddenly being the only flight leader in the formation as enemy fighters and flak tore through the American planes. He regrouped the remaining planes and managed to escape danger, linking up with another squadron. He said it was the nearest that I came to getting shot down. By the time the war in Europe was over, the 8th Air Force had lost 26,000 men. Luckadoo was, as his nickname went, one of the lucky few from the original 100th Bomb Group to survive. For Luckadoo, combat flights ended on Feb. 13, 1944. He went back to the states, for additional training with other pilots on instruments. He was struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, later describing himself as at loose ends. But he would meet Barbara, his future wife. They eventually moved to the Dallas area in 1960, where they remained for the rest of their lives (Barbara died in 2017). Top Stories This Week News 101st Airborne Division soldiers deploy to southern border By Jeff Schogol News Space Force announces timeline for ordering new service dress uniform By Jeff Schogol News Legendary Marine Raider finally promoted to sergeant at 100 By Jeff Schogol Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades Luckadoo was quiet about his wartime experiences. Eventually his wife convinced him to talk about what he went through. His daughter Lainy Abbott recounted her mom telling him he had a duty as one of the few left. He began sharing his stories. He attended veterans gatherings and spoke to Air Force service members and cadets about the 100th Bomb Group and 8th Air Force. In 2014, while visiting Europe with other World War II veterans, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor, Frances highest commendation. He also served as a representative and historian for the 100th Bomb Group after the war. Even after turning 100, he kept telling the units stories. Luckadoos experiences led him to serve as a technical advisor on the Apple TV+ miniseries Masters of the Air. Luckadoo was not portrayed in the show by an actor, but he helped the show get specifics of the missions and crews correct and appeared in a companion documentary to the miniseries about the real-life figures. Lynn man charged with killing his own half-sister in grisly weekend murder 31-year-old Joshua Smith, arraigned Monday at Lynn District Court, charged with kidnapping and murder for the death of his half-sister, Michelle Knox. Early Sunday morning, Lynn Police found Knoxs body inside the Newhall Street apartment that Smith shared with his father. As family members filled the front row of the crowded courtroom, a prosecutor told the judge Smiths own words implicated him to responding officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon their arrival, they found the defendant, Joshua Smith, outside of the residence making numerous and inculpatory statements about killing his sister who was identified as Michelle Knox, Prosecutor Stefanie Stanbro told the court. The prosecutor did not reveal how Michelle was killed. But neighbors described a chaotic scene. It was like horrific screams like somebody got stabbed or something, one neighbor told Boston 25 News. At the time of his arrest, Joshua Smith was on probation after pleading guilty in July to two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. At the courthouse, the family of both Joshua Smith and victim Michelle Knox declined to speak with us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smiths lawyer said this is a tough time for everyone. Every one of these cases is a difficult situation. No matter if someone is guilty or not guilty. Its still, we have an individual whos passed away and its very, very sad for not just someone is gone, it also impacts their family. Its a hardship on everyone, Defense Attorney Michael Phelan said. Joshua Smith was ordered held without bail until his next court appearance on October 14th at Lynn District Court. 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 Im going to do yall like I did Cierra; Man tied to Cierra Chapman arrested for Sunoco shootout The man accused of getting into a shootout at a Dayton Sunoco gas station is now facing a federal charge. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Walter Rodgers, 35, has been charged with illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony crime, according to the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohios office. He was previously convicted of aggravated burglary and abduction. Rodgers, Walter William (07/02/1990) - Held in custody of Montgomery County Jail with booking number 25-011277 on 09/06/2025 at 6:50 PM. Unknown - Federal (Pending); Third Degree Felony - Having Weapons While Under Dis (Released 48 Hour Rule); As previously reported, Dayton Police responded to a shooting at the Sunoco gas station on E. Third Street on the afternoon of September 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodgers allegedly ran inside the gas station after being shot at, retrieved a firearm from his bag and exited the Sunoco to return fire, a release from the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohios office stated. TRENDING STORIES: Rodgers was shot during the shootout and taken from the scene to Miami Valley Hospital. He was arrested at the hospital and booked in the Montgomery County Jail on September 6, according to online jail records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A gun Rodgers reportedly possessed was found at the scene, covered in blood. During the shootout, Rodgers allegedly stated, Im going to do yall like I did Cierra, according to court documents. A spokesperson for the Southern District of Ohios office said this was a potential reference to Rodgers former girlfriend, Cierra Chapman. As News Center 7 has previously reported, Chapman was reported missing in December 2022 and hasnt been found. Cierra Chapman has been missing since December 25, 2022 from Dayton, Ohio. She was last seen wearing a short-sleeved Tommy Hilfiger shirt, blue jeans, and black boots. She also has a tattoo on her neck that says Rodgers faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of this new charge. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told senior housing finance official Bill Pulte that he would punch him in his fucking face at a lavish private dinner party in D.C. last Wednesday, according to Politico. The party was for the grand opening of the Executive Branch, a new exclusive club in Georgetown marketed to the highest-profile members of the MAGAverse. It also served as the birthday venue for popular right-wing podcaster and donor Chamath Palihapitiya. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Small Business Administration head Kelly Loeffler, and Medicare and Medicaid chief Mehmet Oz were all in attendance. While it was unclear who started the altercation, Bessent certainly appeared to escalate it, pressing Pulte on rumors that he had been bad-mouthing Bessent to President Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why the fuck are you talking to the president about me? Fuck you, Bessent said to Pulte. Im gonna punch you in your fucking face. Witnesses told Politico that Pulte looked stunned as club co-owner Omeed Malik tried to separate the two men. But Bessent wasnt going quietly. Its either me or him, Bessent told Malik. You tell me whos getting the fuck out of here. Or we could go outside. To do what? Pulte replied. To talk? No, Bessent said. Im going to fucking beat your ass. No one went outside. Bessent and Pulte were put at opposite ends of the 30-person long table, and the event continued without them coming to blows. But the beef likely isnt going anywhere. Bessent has reportedly complained about Pulte overstepping boundaries and taking work away from him for some time, according to Politico sources. Additionally, Pulte is very close with Lutnick, with whom Bessent has formed a sort of finance-guy rivalry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than anything, this event is yet another example of the raised levels of tension and testosterone in this administration. And this isnt the first time Bessent has gotten in someones face. Recall that in May, Bessent brawled with Elon Musk when the billionaire tried to force through his pick for IRS headGary Shapleybehind Bessents back. Fuck you! Fuck you! Fuck you! Bessent reportedly shouted at Musk then, as the two men nearly came to blows as they screamed at one another while walking through the halls of the White House. (Musk eventually lost this battle, as Shapley lasted less than three days before Bessent chose Michael Faulkender to replace him.) Musk is gone (for now), but Bessent is still here, and hes on edge, this time due to communication lapses and lack of trust, which likely wont dissipate anytime soon. Bessent, Pulte, the Executive Branch Club, and the White House have all declined to comment. Machesney Park has been awarded a $400,000 grant to help low-income homeowners make critical repairs. The Home Repair and Accessibility grant, provided by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, will fund repairs such as roof replacements, window upgrades and furnace or air conditioner installations, according to a community announcement. The village is accepting pre-applications for the program until 4 p.m. Sept. 24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lottery to select recipients will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 25 in the board room at Village Hall, 300 Roosevelt Road. This project has improved lives and property values here in Machesney Park, Mayor Steve Johnson said in the announcement. People can stay in their homes longer after these repairs and accessibility features are complete, and that changes lives. That is what this program is all about. Not all properties qualify for the program. Mobile homes, condos and homes in floodplains may face additional restrictions. Income and property value limits are set by the Illinois Housing Development Authority. More information about the program is available on the villages website at machesneypark.org/homerehab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story was created by reporter Abreanna Blose, ablose@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Grant helps Machesney Park homeowners fix critical issues Emmanuel Macron has returned from his summer holiday to face arguably the gravest political crisis of his presidency. On Monday, he lost his sixth prime minister when Francois Bayrou was dumped from office by MPs in a no confidence vote. Now, with debt spreads widening, unions threatening mass strikes, and a viral protest movement vowing to shut down France, the Mr Macron appears cornered. Can he survive? Here is everything you need to know. What happened? Mr Bayrou enraged opposition and voters with plans for a 44bn (38bn) austerity budget, including the abolition of two public holidays and a tax squeeze on pensioners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When MPs refused to back it, he detonated a political bombshell by calling a confidence vote. The move was supposed to shore up his governments authority but instead united the fractious French opposition to bring him down. Marine Le Pens National Rally, Jean-Luc Melenchons France Unbowed, and the Socialists all voted against him, making defeat all but inevitable. Bayrou insisted his plan was essential to avert catastrophe and prevent an IMF intervention, but critics dismissed his rhetoric as political suicide. The vote will almost certainly trigger his resignation, just nine months into the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the short term, his ministers are likely to limp on in caretaker roles, able to manage only routine affairs. It marks the collapse of Macrons sixth government in seven years, deepening the sense of drift. How did we get here? Bayrous undoing lies in his austerity programme, a package of cuts and tax rises pitched as the only way to save France from a Liz Truss-style market crisis. He claimed there would be a 3.3tn (2.9tn) debt and likened rejection of his plan to playing Russian roulette with Frances finances. The French public considers debt far below other priorities such as health and education, leaving him politically isolated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opposition parties scented blood, with Olivier Faure of the Socialists declaring Bayrous fate sealed and Melenchon calling for Macron himself to quit. Unions have mobilised with a new grass-roots movement, Bloquons Tout, vowing to paralyse the country just two days after the vote. A leaked police memo warned of violent actions, sabotage and operations against strategic sectors, raising fears of a repeat of the yellow-vest unrest. Against that backdrop, Bayrous refusal to dilute his plan only accelerated his fall. What next? Now Bayrou has fallen, Macron faces three bleak options: attempt to reinstate him, appoint a new prime minister capable of surviving a censure vote, or dissolve parliament for fresh elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most observers dismiss reinstatement as fantasy, while potential successors from Sebastien Lecornu to Catherine Vautrin will see the job as inheriting a poisoned chalice. A Socialist prime minister might unlock Left-wing votes but cost him Republican allies; a Right-winger would deepen the stalemate with the Left. If no new premier can secure confidence, Macron may be forced into another snap election, despite polls predicting a further surge for Le Pens National Rally. Edouard Philippe and Nicolas Sarkozy, respectively the former prime minister and president, have already suggested dissolution within weeks is inevitable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the interim, Bayrous team would govern in caretaker mode, keeping the lights on but unable to deliver a budget. Without resolution, France risks entering 2026 without a spending plan for the second year in a row. Will Macron resign? Speculation over Macrons future has intensified, with 67 per cent of voters in one poll saying they want him to step down. Jean-Luc Melenchon and senior Republicans have openly urged him to call early presidential elections, arguing that his mandate has collapsed. Yet insiders dismiss this. Sibeth Ndiaye, his former communications chief, told The Telegraph: Given the psychology of the man, I dont think he will ever envisage this option. He will try all other solutions that will allow him to avoid this. He is not one to desert the battlefield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, Macrons strategy is to survive by shuffling prime ministers while refusing to contemplate resignation. His gamble risks leaving him as a lame-duck leader presiding over a string of caretaker governments. What does it mean for Europe? Europe is watching with alarm as one of its central powers teeters on the edge of paralysis. Macron, once the blocs most forceful advocate for fiscal reform and defence integration, is bogged down by domestic strife. Failure to pass a budget by Oct 15 would breach EU rules and further test the eurozones credibility, already strained by Italys fragile finances. Bond spreads are climbing, threatening to drag France closer to Europes economic laggards. The prospect of an IMF intervention, once unthinkable for Paris, now hangs in the air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a moment when Brussels seeks unity over Ukraine, energy security and migration, Macrons diminished authority leaves a vacuum. European leaders see a France consumed by internal strife, unable to lead abroad. What does it mean for Britain? Franco-British co-operation on policing the Channel will continue for now under caretaker arrangements. The one in, one out migrant returns deal remains in place, but negotiations on strengthening it may stall amid French paralysis. If Macron dissolves parliament, a stronger National Rally presence could tilt French politics in a more nationalist direction, complicating bilateral cooperation. London also has an interest in a stable French role in Nato and European defence, both strained by Macrons waning clout. Prolonged turmoil in Paris risks weakening Europes capacity to respond to security challenges, from Russia to the Indo-Pacific. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Keir Starmer, an unstable France is both a short-term headache on migration and a long-term strategic concern. Britain will be watching closely with growing unease that Paris may no longer be able to deliver. 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 some fringe circles, there are still some who believe that Donald Trump is secretly a hero in the case against Jeffrey Epstein. As these conspiracy theorists see it, the president worked quietly with law enforcement behind the scenes to bring his former friend to justice but the Republican is simply too modest to brag about it. These foolish claims have never made any sense, which made it rather surprising when House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters on Capitol Hill last week out loud, on the record and on camera that Trump was an FBI informant in the case against Epstein. The comment raised more questions than answers. If Trump was an informant for federal law enforcement, what precipitated such an arrangement? If the president worked with the FBI to help, in Johnsons words, take down a sex trafficking ring, why has this been kept secret? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, two days after the Louisiana congressman made the comment, Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky appeared on ABC News This Week and asked, If [the Epstein scandal is] a hoax, why was Donald Trump an informant to a hoax? A few hours later, The Washington Post reported: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) on Sunday backed off his claim that President Donald Trump was an FBI informant in the case of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. ... On Sunday, his office released a statement modifying that claim. The Speaker is reiterating what the victims attorney said, which is that Donald Trump who kicked Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago was the only one more than a decade ago willing to help prosecutors expose Epstein for being a disgusting child predator, the statement from Johnsons office read. Of course, theres a big difference between working as an FBI informant and being willing to assist with an investigation, although the clarification might need additional clarifying, since it remains an open question how, when and whether the president actually tried to help prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the bigger picture, a bill called the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would compel the administration to disclose more documents related to the Epstein case, is still pending on Capitol Hill. Johnson has refused to bring the bill to the floor, but a discharge petition, championed by Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, is still seeking signatories. As of last week, the measure was still a handful of GOP members short of its goal. Watch this space. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com > < 23:57 Rajasthan: 5-year-old boy accidentally shoots self to death; father booked A five-year-old boy died after he accidentally shot himself with a country-made pistol while playing at his home in Rajasthan's Kotputli-Behror district, police said. The incident took place in Chhitoli village on Sunday evening. According to police, a country-made pistol was kept in a... Read more > 23:34 Action sought against Lalbaugcha Raja mandal A fishermen's organisation on Monday urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to initiate criminal proceedings against office-bearers of Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal for alleged mismanagement during the idol immersion and ill treatment of devotees. In a letter sent... Read more > 23:16 Strongly condemn heinous terrorist attack: Modi on deadly shooting in Jerusalem Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condemned the terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Jerusalem and said India stands firm in its policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. Palestinian attackers opened fire at a bus stop at a busy intersection in north Jerusalem on Monday, killing... Read more > 23:13 Thunderstorm, rain likely in Delhi on Tuesday The national capital on Monday recorded a maximum temperature of 35.6 degrees Celsius, 2.1 degrees above the season's average, according to the India Meteorological Department.The minimum temperature settled at 23.9 degrees Celsius, 1.7 degrees below the season's average, the IMD said.The IMD has... Read more > 22:05 5 killed, 12 hurt as terrorists open fire at Jerusalem bus Police at the site of the terror attack in Jerusalem/ANI Photo/Reuters Terrorists opened fire on passengers after boarding a bus in Jerusalem on Sunday, killing five people and injuring 12 others, Times of Israel reported. Seven of the injured were in serious condition, while five sustained light injuries.The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said PM Benjamin... Read more > 21:35 SC junks plea challenging Naima Khatoon's appointment as AMU VC Professor Naima Khatoon The Supreme Court on Monday refused to interfere with the appointment of Professor Naima Khatoon as the Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).A bench comprising Justices J K Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi rejected the appeal filed by Professors Muzaffar Uruj Rabbani and Faizan Mustafa... Read more > 21:14 Nepal home minister Ramesh Lekhak quits amid violence Nepal's Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak Nepal's Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Monday resigned following violent protests in Kathmandu and other parts of the country over the government's ban on social media sites, the Nepali Congress sources said. He resigned on moral grounds after 19 people were killed and hundreds injured in... Read more > 21:08 Modi asks NDA MPs to organise Swadeshi Mela Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asked the ruling NDA MPs to organise 'Swadeshi Mela' to promote made-in-India products and hold meetings with traders over the GST rate cuts.'Swadeshi' was the main theme of his speech to the MPs at the meeting held on the eve of the vice presidential... Read more > 20:55 Smell of liquor no proof of drunk driving: HC The Uttarakhand high court has held a driver cannot be presumed to be under the influence of alcohol merely on the basis of smell of liquor without scientific proof. Justice Alok Mahra said unless a blood or breath test establishes that the driver's alcohol level exceeded the legally... Read more > 20:28 AIIMS Awantipora will be fully operational by next 2026 end: Omar Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the All India Institute of Medical Sciences coming up at Awantipora in Pulwama district is likely to be fully functional by the end of next year. Abdullah, who visited the AIIMS site along with health and education minister Sakina... Read more > 20:22 RSS leader Hosabale admitted to AIIMS Jodhpur, diagnosed with high BP RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale was admitted to AIIMS Jodhpur on Monday after he suddenly fell ill due to high blood pressure, doctors in the hospital said. A team of doctors is attending to Hosabale, the sarkaryawah of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His condition is... Read more > 19:53 Chinese envoy to India Xu Feihong highlights urges peaceful India-China cooperation Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong on Monday addressed a seminar commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, emphasizing historical ties and shared sacrifices between China and... Read more > 19:30 'Blood Money': Trump aide Navarro slams India's Russian oil buys US President Donald Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro/ Image courtesy @RealPNavarro/X US President Donald Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro on Monday termed India's purchases of Russian oil as blood money and said Delhi didn't buy oil from Moscow in large quantities before the Ukraine conflict. Using an expletive in his post on X, Navarro said, Fact: India didn't buy... Read more > 19:02 BSF seizes gold worth Rs 5 crore in Bengal's Nadia, one held The BSF has seized gold biscuits worth over Rs 5 crore and arrested an alleged smuggler near the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal's Nadia district, officials said on Monday.Acting on specific intelligence inputs, troops of the BSF's South Bengal Frontier intercepted the man near the Sunder... Read more > 18:41 Nitish announces Rs 10 lakh each for India hockey players Each member of the Indian men's hockey squad that won the Asia Cup 2025 will be awarded Rs 10 lakh by the Bihar government, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced on Monday. India bagged the Men's Hockey Asia Cup with a 4-1 win over South Korea in the final in Rajgir on Sunday. The... Read more > 18:21 3 of family, their pet killed as AC compressor explodes; 1 injured A couple along with their daughter and pet died after an air conditioner (AC) compressor exploded in their house in Faridabad on Monday morning, while the son survived by jumping from the balcony, the police said. According to the police, Aryan Kapoor (24) sustained fractures to his legs and... Read more > 18:08 Stationary electric scooter catches fire, nobody hurt Fire officials on Monday said a Bajaj Chetak electric scooter caught fire while it was parked on the roadside at Ichalkaranji in Kolhapur district of western Maharashtra. Nobody was injured in the incident, which happened on Friday, an official said. Akshay Kale, a Bajaj Chetak dealer... Read more > 17:50 India-Nepal border on alert as protests erupt in Nepal Protestors vandalise the Parliament gate in Kathmandu/ANI on X Authorities have issued an alert along the India-Nepal border in view of ongoing protests in Nepal, top sources said. India's border guarding force, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), has intensified vigilance and is closely monitoring the situation to prevent any spillover of unrest into Indian... Read more > 17:37 BSE Sensex top gainers today Benchmark stock indices Sensex and Nifty closed with gains in a volatile session on Monday, powered by buying in auto and consumer discretionary shares and a firm trend in global markets. The 30-share BSE Sensex edged higher by 76.54 points or 0.09 percent to settle at 80,787.30 despite... Read more > 17:19 Mumbai: Ganpati Mandals booked for breaching norms Functionaries of several Ganpati mandals in Nerul in Navi Mumbai were booked for allegedly violating noise pollution norms and obstructing movement of public during the 10-day festival which ended on September 6, a police official said on Monday. These violations were observed between 9pm on... Read more > 17:13 Army special forces, Navy marine commandos conduct training in Sikkim File image The Indian Army's para special forces and Navy's marine commandos Marcos conducted a week-long joint scuba and combat diving exercise in chilling conditions at an altitude of 17,000 feet in Sikkim, a Defence official said on Monday. He maintained that exercises of this nature also enhance... Read more > 16:39 Son kills dad over property, spends night next to body Illustration: Dominic Xavier A 19-year-old youth was arrested for allegedly killing his father with a brick following a property dispute and slept next to the body throughout the night, police said on Monday. According to the police, the incident took place in Sarfabad village on Saturday night when the victim,... Read more > 16:25 Yamuna recedes, but families stuck with muddy homes A relief camp at Loha Pul For thousands living in tents after the recent Yamuna floods, the biggest hurdle to returning home is not water anymore, but the layers of silt that must be cleared, and then waiting for the home to dry before life can resume. Vinod (47), a daily wage labourer from Ghat number 28, has been... Read more > 16:05 Nine dead, curfew imposed in Nepal over social media ban Protestors in Kathmandu At least nine people were confirmed dead on Monday in massive youth protests in Kathmandu and other cities of Nepal, which turned violent with bloody clashes with police. Police used lethal force against the demonstrators who attempted to break barricades and enter the Parliament building, days... Read more > 15:48 SpiceJet expects to restart ops of 10 grounded planes by Apr 2026 SpiceJet, which flew into the red in the June quarter, expects to restart operations of 10 grounded aircraft by April 2026 as more than half of its fleet remains on the ground due to various issues. At the end of the June quarter, the no-frills airline had just 21 operational planes out of the... Read more > 15:45 SC directs EC to include Aadhaar as 12th document for SIR Update: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Election Commission to include Aadhaar as a 12th prescribed document for establishing the identity of a voter in special intensive revision (SIR) exercise of electoral roll in poll-bound Bihar.At the moment for Bihar SIR, there are 11 prescribed... Read more > 15:16 Is this the picture of the century? The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025 witnessed a moment of unexpected excitement as Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman shared a selfie with actor Tom Felton, popularly known for his role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series. Felton is making his Indian entertainment... Read more > 15:11 Indian shot dead in US for stopping man urinating outside store Illustration: Dominic Xavier A 26-year-old man from a village in Haryana's Jind district was shot dead in California in the US allegedly by a local when he tried to stop him from urinating on the road outside the store where he worked, according to his family. The head of Barah Kalan village in Jind, Suresh Kumar... Read more > 15:06 Behind the scenes: What Sitharaman did for GST 2.0 To ensure a glitch-free rollout of the next-generation GST with reduced rates and lesser slabs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired three separate meetings to assess GSTN's preparedness and the time it would take to implement technological changes required in the software systems. In... Read more > 14:44 Massive protests in Kathmandu, several injured Massive protests led by Generation Z demonstrators erupted in Kathmandu on Monday against corruption allegations against the government and the recent ban on several major social media platforms, The Kathmandu Post reported. The protestors are vandalizing the parliament gate and police has... Read more > 14:41 SC asks EC to consider Aadhaar as ID proof for Bihar polls The Supreme Court asks the EC to consider Aadhaar as document for identity of voter in Bihar SIR and clarifies its not proof of citizenship. SC asks EC to consider issuing necessary directions for acceptance of Aadhaar in Bihar SIR. Only genuine citizens will be allowed to vote, those claiming to... Read more > 14:20 The US President who won three Emmys! Former US President Barack Obama became a three-time Emmy winner after securing a win at the 76th Creative Arts Emmy Awards held on September 7, as reported by People. Obama earned the award for his narration in Netflix's Our Oceans. 'Our Oceans' is a five-part documentary series that... Read more > 14:10 India to be among top three economies by... Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Monday said that India will become one of the world's top three economies in the coming two to two-and-a-half years, highlighting the country's rapid economic progress in recent years. Speaking at the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of... Read more > 14:01 Going to get it done...: Trump to speak to Putin on Ukraine As Russia continues to escalate its strikes on Ukraine, US President Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) said that he has plans to speak with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in the coming days, as several European leaders are expected to visit the United States for what he described as... Read more > 13:49 Reflects mindset, violent culture of TMC: BJP on acid threat BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan has strongly condemned TMC MLA Abdur Rahim Bakshi's reported remarks threatening to pour acid into BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh's mouth saying that such violent and abrasive statements have no place in a civilised democracy.He further said that such statements... Read more > 13:38 Shooting attack in Jerusalem leaves 15 injured Image only for representation Jerusalem was rocked by a shooting attack on Monday morning that left at least 15 people injured, six of them seriously, reported the Associated Press, citing Israel's emergency services.According to the report, two gunmen opened fire at a busy intersection at the northern entrance to the city,... Read more > 13:31 Ex-member of Rahul Gandhi's legal team commits suicide Representational image A lawyer from Surat, who had been part of the Congress's legal team that represented MP Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case, allegedly committed suicide by jumping into a river in Surat, the police said on Monday. Lawyer Firoz Pathan, who was suffering from depression, allegedly took the... Read more > 12:59 Health infra worth Rs 780 cr damaged in Punjab floods Floods in Punjab have damaged health infrastructure worth Rs 780 crore according to initial estimates, state Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said on Monday while asking the Central government to announce a relief package. The floods, he added, caused extensive damage to crops, houses and other... Read more > 12:41 Punjab known for generosity, now homeless: Salman on floods Bollywood actor Salman Khan expressed his solidarity and concern for the people in North India as torrential monsoon rains and severe floods have impacted several regions of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. In the latest episode of Bigg Boss 19, Salman informed... Read more > 12:17 Hamas ready to negotiate ceasefire after Trump warning Gaza has been almost entirely destroyed Hamas has said it is ready to immediately sit at the negotiating table following what it described as some ideas from the American side aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement, Al Jazeera reported. Its statement came soon after US President Donald Trump said he had issued his last warning to... Read more > 12:01 Insulted Bengalis...: TMC leader on acid threat to BJP MLA Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abdur Rahim Bakshi has issued a clarification after sparking a controversy with his reported remarks threatening to pour acid into BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh's mouth. Bakshi said his comments were in response to Ghosh's alleged statement in the Assembly that all... Read more > 11:34 Give Kunbi certificates to Marathas before Sep 17: Jarange Quota activist Manoj Jarange on Monday demanded that the Maharashtra government implement a GR issued last week for issuing Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas before September 17, or else he will take a tough decision again. Jarange ended his five-day-old fast for quota in Mumbai on... Read more > 11:15 Gold retreats from record highs on profit booking Gold prices retreated from record highs by declining Rs 606 to Rs 1,07,122 per 10 grams in the domestic futures market on Monday, as investors booked profits in tandem with a weak trend in the international markets. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for October delivery... Read more > 11:05 Duped of millions in 'digital arrest', woman seeks answers from banks Anjali's nightmare began with a phone call that would cost her 58.5m rupees ($663,390).The caller claimed to be from a courier company, alleging that Mumbai customs had seized a drug parcel she was sending to Beijing.Anjali, a resident of Gurugram, a suburb of Indian capital Delhi, fell prey to... Read more > 11:03 'Mushroom murderer' Erin Patterson gets sentenced to life in prison Pic: Reuters A woman in Australia convicted of triple murder has been sentenced to 33 years in prison without parole for killing three of her estranged husband's relatives with toxic mushrooms. Erin Patterson was convicted of murdering three relatives by serving them lunch laced with death cap mushrooms in... Read more > 10:50 One terrorist killed in Kulgam encounter Representational image One terrorist has been eliminated in an encounter that began in the Guddar forest of Kulgam in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army said on Monday. During the fierce encounter, a junior commissioned officer suffered injuried, the Army said.The encounter was based on a... Read more > 10:35 Telegraph editor Sankarshan Thakur passes away Sankarshan Thakur, one of India's finest political journalists and the editor of Kolkata's The Telegraph newspaper, passed away on Monday. He was 63. Sankarshan was the author of three insightful books on Laloo Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar: Making of Laloo Yadav, The Unmaking of... Read more > 10:18 33 MoUs@Rs 15,516 cr signed in Europe: Stalin Stalin pays homage at the Thiruvalluvar statue in London Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin returned to Chennai on Monday after completing his one-week visit to England and Germany.He defined his visit as a successful tour, as 33 MoUs were signed, worth over Rs 15,516 crore in investment. He also said that ten new industries have come forward to... Read more > 10:08 Entirely Normal: CEO On Air India's Recent Snags Air India's recent run of operational incidents is 'entirely normal in the context of our scale and size', the airline's CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson told employees on Sunday, even as the carrier has faced a string of technical snags over the past three months.Over the past few... Read more > 10:06 Hyundai Set To Cut Prices By Up To Rs 2.4 Lakh After Maruti Suzuki India and Mahindra & Mahindra announced full transfer of benefits of the GST rejig to buyers on Friday, Hyundai Motor India also jumped on the bandwagon.On Sunday, the Creta maker announced its customers can take complete advantage of the rate cut on passenger vehicles... Read more > 10:02 Audi India announces price cut after GST reform German luxury car maker Audi on Monday announced a price cut ranging from Rs 2.6 lakh to over Rs 7.8 lakh in its vehicles in India across models to pass on the benefits of the GST rate cut on automobiles. Audi India has revised prices across its product portfolio following the... Read more > 09:38 JK: Encounter underway in Guddar forest in Kulgam Representational image An encounter broke out in the Guddar forest of Kulgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir, Army and CRPF are on the site, Kashmir zonal police informed. In a tweet on X, Kashmir zonal police said the encounter started based on a specific intelligence. Jammu... Read more > 09:28 'PM's 3-hour Manipur visit an insult to people' Congress General Secretary in-Charge Communications Jairam Ramesh on Sunday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to Manipur on September 13, calling it an insult to the people of the state. In a post on X, the Congress MP shared a newspaper clipping about preparations for... Read more > 09:18 Everyone wants hostages HOME!: Trump's last warning to Hamas US President Donald Trump on Saturday issued a final ultimatum to Hamas as 48 hostages continue to remain in captivity. In a sharply worded post on Truth Social, the US President said that Israel has accepted his terms and it is about time Hamas accepts it as well. Trump said that he has... Read more > 08:59 Ganesh festival: 508 tonnes of floral offerings collected in post-immersion drive The Mumbai civic body has collected 508 tonnes of 'nirmalya' (floral offerings) from natural water bodies and more than 290 artificial ponds following the immersion of idols of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Gauri, officials said. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra... Read more > 08:55 Phulera? AAP flags Delhi CM's husband attending meetings Aam Aadmi Party Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj has termed as completely unconstitutional the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's husband at official government meetings. In a post shared on X, Bharadwaj said the situation is similar to that potrayed in the popular web series... Read more > 08:50 Pak intruder arrested along IB in Jammu Representational image A Pakistani intruder was arrested along the International Border (IB) in R S Pura sector here, officials said on Monday. The intruder, Siraj Khan from Sargodha in Punjab province of Pakistan, was noticed by Border Security Force (BSF) troops manning the Octroi outpost at 9.20 pm on Sunday, the... Read more > Todays edition of quick hits. * Another 6-3 split: The Supreme Courts Republican-appointed majority has granted the Trump administrations emergency request to lift an order that temporarily restrained the governments roving patrols in Los Angeles. A California judge had ruled that plaintiffs who sued the government, including U.S. citizens, would likely succeed in their claim that officials are conducting such patrols without reasonable suspicion. * Speaking of SCOTUS: Chief Justice John Roberts halted the reinstatement of the lone Democratic commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission, whom President Donald Trump sought to fire without cause. Roberts move Monday, known as an administrative stay, is technically temporary while the full Supreme Court considers whether to halt Rebecca Slaughters reinstatement pending further litigation on appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Also in the courts: While his administration attempts to reshape the country through the courts, Donald Trump just suffered his latest legal loss on his personal docket, when an appellate panel rejected his attempt to overturn the $83.3 million in defamation damages won by writer E. Jean Carroll at one of her civil trials against Trump. * In Ukraine: Russia launched its largest air attack of the war on Ukraine overnight, setting the main government building on fire in central Kyiv and killing at least four people, including an infant, Ukrainian officials said on Sunday. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the drone and missile barrage killed four people and caused damage across the north, south and east of the country, including the cities of Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih and Odesa, as well as in the Sumy and Chernihiv regions. * Speaking of Russia: Since returning to the White House in January, President Trump has dismantled the American governments efforts to combat foreign disinformation. The problem is that Russia has not stopped spreading it. How much that matters can now be seen in Moldova, a small but strategic European nation that has since the end of the Cold War looked to Europe and the United States to extract itself from Moscows shadow. * Things have been better at West Point: President Donald Trump is publicly cheering the reported cancellation of a ceremony honoring actor Tom Hanks at the prestigious U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Hanks was to receive the 2025 Sylvanus Thayer Award later this month by the West Point Association of Graduates, according to a June statement from the alumni group. The award was set to recognize Hanks work throughout his film career that supported veterans, the military, and Americas space program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * An unfortunate list grows longer: Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced Friday that hes sending 316 members of the states National Guard to Washington, D.C., later this month in the latest indication that President Donald Trumps law enforcement operation in the nations capital will drag on. The Republican Kemp said he will mobilize the roughly 300 troops in mid-September to take part in Trumps D.C. operation to relieve soldiers from elsewhere who deployed earlier. * Keep an eye on this one: Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) is standing in the way of a bipartisan push to tighten sanctions on the country of Georgia, which lawmakers and advocates say is the best way to stand up for pro-democracy forces and counter Russian, Chinese and Iranian influence in the country. See you tomorrow. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Two weeks ago, as the Trump administration intensified its campaign against Fed governor Lisa Cook, a reporter asked the president whether his team was weaponizing government by digging into mortgage records. The Republican rejected the premise. Insisting that mortgage records are public, Donald Trump told the reporter who posed the question, I mean, you can find out those records. You can go check out the records yourself, and you should be doing that job, actually. ... If you did your job properly, we wouldnt have problems like Lisa Cook. The problem, according to the White House, is that Cook allegedly has more than one primary residence on her mortgage loan paperwork, which Bill Pulte, the Trump-appointed director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, has seized on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the presidents challenge perhaps reporters should go check out the records themselves has proven to be interesting advice. ProPublica reported last week, for example: Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer entered into two primary-residence mortgages in quick succession, including for a second home near a country club in Arizona, where shes known to vacation. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has primary-residence mortgages in New Jersey and Washington, D.C. Lee Zeldin, the Environmental Protection Agency administrator, has one primary-residence mortgage in Long Island and another in Washington, D.C., according to loan records. A day later, Reuters advanced the broader story in an even more provocative way: Close relatives of the federal official who has accused a Federal Reserve governor of improperly claiming primary residence on two properties have declared the same status on two homes in two different states, public records show. Mark and Julie Pulte, the father and stepmother of Bill Pulte, President Donald Trumps appointee as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, since 2020 have claimed so-called homestead exemptions for residences in wealthy neighborhoods in both Michigan and Florida, according to the records. None of the relevant players responded to Reuters request for comment, and the reporting hasnt been independently verified by MSNBC or NBC News. That said, immediately after Pulte filed a criminal complaint against Cook with the Justice Department, quite a few observers made the case that the underlying issue is quite common and rarely prosecuted, which necessarily raised questions about selective enforcement and why the administration is going after the presidents perceived foes and not his allies who appear to have done the same thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For his part, Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California, another one of Pultes targets, responded to the ProPublica reporting last week by saying the hypocrisy of the Trump administration is nothing short of staggering. The senator added, Donald Trump has made mortgage fraud accusations his weapon of choice to attack people standing in his way and people standing up to him, like me. ... Should we expect Trump and his enablers at [the Justice Department] to make sensational accusations against and investigate his own Cabinet? If recent history is any guide, I think we know the answer to that question. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Its been challenging to keep up with just how many times Donald Trump has threatened Vladimir Putin with consequences, giving the Russian dictator new deadlines and ultimatums, only to back down in every instance but the list is not short. Indeed, Kaja Kallas, the European Unions foreign policy chief, recently told Politico that Putin is just laughing as the White House meanders from one failure to the next. In late May, amid countless headlines about how angry Trump was with Putin, the Republican president signaled he was prepared to change course in two weeks. When Trump decided not to change course in two weeks, Putins military offensive in Ukraine only intensified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then the American president appeared on a conservative radio show on Aug. 21 and said, in reference to the war in Ukraine, I would say within two weeks were going to know one way or the other. One day later, at a White House event, Trump said in reference to Russias war in Ukraine, Ill know in two weeks what Im going to do. At the same White House event, a reporter asked about a possible deadline for Putin. Trump responded that hed give his counterpart in Moscow a couple of weeks. In the days that followed, Russias military offensive has grown increasingly deadly and destructive all of this, of course, follows Trumps claim that there would be severe consequences if Putin didnt agree to a ceasefire leading up to late last week, when the Republicans latest two-week deadline arrived. On Friday, however, there was no White House announcement about a new policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, what happens now? The New York Times reported on Sunday afternoon: President Trump told reporters that he was prepared to move to the second phase of sanctioning Russia and punishing its president, Vladimir Putin, for failing to reach a cease-fire deal with Ukraine. Trump has repeatedly lashed out at Putin, including this week as he appeared with other authoritarian leaders in China, but has not taken action even as Russia escalated its attacks of Ukraine, which was hit Sunday with its largest drone assault of the war. During a brief Q&A on the White House South Lawn, a reporter specifically asked, Are you ready to enter the second phase of sanctions against Russia? He replied, Yeah, I am, though he did not elaborate. And maybe that is true. Maybe were just moments away from the American president announcing sweeping new penalties designed to cripple Russias economy. Maybe Trump, in a rare break from his usual pattern, meant what he said about punishing Putin. But in the wake of the Republicans latest two weeks deadline, if he actually follows through with something, it would come as a rather dramatic surprise. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com To hear Donald Trump and his team tell it, the Department of Defenses name has officially been changed to the Department of War. Thats not altogether true. As the presidents own written directive on this makes clear, hes rebranding the department with secondary names and titles, but most of this is about symbolism and political theater. The actual name of the department remains unchanged at least until Congress passes a bill saying otherwise. Department of War appears slated to become one of those phrases that only Republicans use, joining Democrat Party, Gulf of America, job creators and death tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But just as notably, many of those who actually work at the Pentagon havent exactly embraced the rhetorical shift with enthusiasm. Politico reported: Pentagon officials grappled Friday with the Herculean task of fulfilling President Donald Trumps executive order to remold the enormous, global agency into the Department of War. Many expressed frustration, anger and downright confusion at the effort, which could cost billions of dollars for a cosmetic change that would do little to tackle the militarys most pressing challenges such as countering a more aggressive alliance of authoritarian nations. The Politico report, which was based on interviews with half a dozen current and former defense officials, and which has not been independently verified by MSNBC or NBC News, added that DOD officials may need to change Defense Department seals on more than 700,000 facilities in 40 countries and all 50 states as a result of Trumps order. This includes everything from letterhead for six military branches and dozens more agencies down to embossed napkins in chow halls, embroidered jackets for Senate-confirmed officials and the keychains and tchotchkes in the Pentagon store, the article noted. I see there being a million small headaches and annoyances if this actually happens, one defense official said. Itll eat up time and effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the price tag, theres been no official accounting to date, but The Hill reported, The estimate to change the names of hundreds of Pentagon agencies and all their stationary, emblems and signage both at home in the U.S. and at bases overseas has been placed at upwards of billions of dollars. Around the same time, Democratic Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee, told NBC News on Friday, Its hard to adequately plumb the depths of the stupidity of everything that goes into this. Taken together, at issue is an unnecessary and costly rebranding campaign, which sends all of the wrong messages to the world about the United States and its intentions, which was sought by no one and is doing little more than annoying many Pentagon insiders. This is purely for domestic political audiences, a former defense official told Politico, adding, [I]t will have absolutely zero impact on Chinese or Russian calculations. Worse, it will be used by our enemies to portray the United States as warmongering and a threat to international stability. If the president and his team have thoughts as to how or why this makes Americans any safer, theyve kept those ideas to themselves. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett distanced herself from President Donald Trump in a rare interview with USA Today. Barrett, appointed by Trump ahead of the 2020 election, was initially seen as a MAGA-friendly judge for supercharging the conservative majority in the Supreme Court. However, she has split from her conservative colleagues at times and has often drawn the ire of Trumps MAGA base. In the interview, she touted her own independence on the bench. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im nobodys justice, she told USA Today. When asked what she would do if Trump called her over her decisions, she said: I might wonder if he had the wrong number. Barrett has been on a media blitz to promote her upcoming book, Listening to the Law, that will be released on Sept. 9. According to the book description, Barrett reflects on her role with the court and her daily life, as well as how she deals with media scrutiny. While at times Barrett has ruled against the Trump administration, she disagreed with her colleague Justice Ketanji Brown Jacksons assertion that this Administration always wins, USA Today reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think its true, she said, adding that the decisions are not just about Trump. Its about the presidency, she said, according to USA Today. And so the decisions that we make about executive power today are the same ones that will still be precedent three or four presidents from now. Barrett was the last of Trumps three appointees to join the court, cementing a conservative supermajority that has moved quickly to undo the constitutional right to abortion, end affirmative action in education, expand gun rights and make it harder to sustain government regulations. In a series of emergency orders this year, Barrett has mainly been in the majority to allow Trump to move ahead with plans to remake the federal government, even after lower-court judges have found some of his actions likely illegal. The decision to overturn Roe hinged on Barretts vote. At the time, she was the junior justice and the last to vote when the court met in a private conference following arguments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press contributed to this report. Stories by Lauren Sforza Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Read the original article on NJ.com. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Monday marked a long-standing tradition in Mahoning County as the courthouse held its Opening of Courts ceremony. The ceremony has a dual purpose: welcoming new members into the Mahoning County Bar Association and signaling the official return to court after summer. Historically, courts would pause proceedings during the warmer summer months, resuming in the fall when courtroom conditions were more comfortable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Bar Association members were recognized, and several local judges and attorneys were on hand for the annual event. Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro says the ceremony is a good way for members of the Bar Association to meet with attorneys in the community. Its a nice way for members of the Bar Association to come in and see who the new attorneys are in our community, or those who have been in our community who have decided to join the bar association, Maro said. I think its really important because, from my perspective, the practice of law is not designed to be practiced as an individual but as a group. The event serves as both a welcome and a reminder of the collaborative nature of the legal profession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Southwest Airlines has moved forward with several high-profile changes in recent months, ending its "bags fly free" policy and shifting toward an assigned seating model. Now, the airline is making a significant change at a major airport. Last month, Southwest Airlines cut several direct flights out of St. Louis Lambert International Airport as part of what appears to be a significant strategy shift for the airline. The decision quickly sparked outrage and disappointment amongst customers, Lambert officials, and St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer. Now, the Lambert chief has addressed the move more directly. Southwest Ends Six Direct Routes in St. Louis Southwest confirmed last month that it would be cutting its direct flights from St. Louis Lambert International Airport to Little Rock, Tulsa, Charlotte, Des Moines, Oklahoma City, and Wichita. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the statement, Southwest said that it was redesigning east-west connectivity in our network that has traditionally gone through St. Louis to other SWA points of strength (ICT, DSM, TUL to MDW, LIT to BNA, OKC to DAL). While the airline is ending six direct flights, perhaps underscoring a strategy shift as it moves away from a rigid point-to-point model, the airline reaffirmed its commitment to providing unmatched point-to-point service. Through our March 2026 schedule that was released today, well offer up to 110 departures at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, providing unmatched point-to-point service for local Customers and strong north-south connectivity to the vast Southwest network. We are fully committed to the Gateway City and look forward to serving our loyal Customers there for years to come, Southwest said in its statement. Lambert Chief Reacts to 'Frustrating' Decision During a recent meeting of the airport commission that helps govern the city-owned airport, St. Louis Lambert International Airport Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge called the decision "frustrating" and opened up a little bit on why those flights were scrapped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamm-Niebruegge explained that airlines typically desire a mix of 50% local and 50% connecting traffic for a flight. On the six flights that were cut, she said that only 20% of the traffic was local. "Even though those flights were full... the only way to fill them was with 80%" connecting traffic, Hamm-Niebruegge said via St. Louis Business Journal. "Other markets that have either a higher local (metropolitan statistical area) like Chicago or like Denver, or a higher destination base, like Nashville, can fill those planes with more local customers." Hamm-Niebruegge also explained that the move comes as Southwest looks to become more of a hub-and-spoke airline, where it previously served as a pure point-to-point airline. This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Sep 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Update PROVO, Utah (ABC4) New details regarding Monday afternoons crash in Provo Canyon have been released. At around 2:40 p.m. on Sept. 8, a Toyota Corolla was heading northbound on US-189 near milepost 18 when a concrete form stake came over the concrete barrier, struck the hood of the Toyota, and went through the windshield. The concrete stake impaled the front passenger, an 18-year-old woman, in the chest. It is unknown whether the stake was lost from a vehicle immediately preceding the impact, or if it was previous road debris that was struck and kicked up, a press release from the Dept. of Public Safety states. Remnants of the Provo Canyon crash, in which a woman, 18, was impaled by concrete form rebar. (Courtesy of Utah Dept. of Public Safety) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Life flight responded and landed on SR-189, but ultimately, the woman was transported by ground in serious condition. Utah Highway Patrol is looking for any information regarding the origin of the debris. If you were traveling in the area and have information that can assist Troopers in this investigation, please contact the non-emergency Summit County Dispatch line at 435-615-3600, the release states. No further information is available at this time. Update PROVO, Utah (ABC4) Both eastbound and westbound lanes are now open, according to UDOT. Eastbound travelers can expect residual delays as the congestion clears past the dam, UDOT posted on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Lt. Cameron Roden, Utah Highway Patrol, the accident occurred near mile post 18 when a piece of rebar came through the front windshield of a northbound vehicle. It struck an 18-year-old female in the front passenger seat and impaled her in the chest, pinning her to the seat. Airmed responded to the scene, but the female was transported by ground to Utah Valley Hospital. She is reportedly in serious to critical condition, according to Roden. The investigation remains ongoing and UHP has not determined where the rebar pipe came from at this time. Original Story PROVO, Utah (ABC4) A crash near Deer Creek Reservoir has caused authorities to close Provo Canyon Monday afternoon, according to the Utah Dept. of Transportation (UDOT). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both eastbound and westbound lanes of US-189/Provo Canyon are now closed at milepost 18, just west of Deer Creek Dam. The crash reportedly occurred at this location. Drivers should plan on an alternate route or expect stopped traffic with heavy delays, UDOT posted on X. Estimated clearance time is 4:30 p.m., according to UDOT. ABC4 has reached out to law enforcement for more information. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A community of nearly 9,000 homes in rural Malawi last month became the countrys first village to receive 100 percent universal access to solar power a move that it is hoped could inspire change far beyond the region. Kasakula received universal access to solar power through an award-winning energy model from SolarAid, a small international charity, which chose the remote, low-income village to pilot its Energy-as-a-Service model. It means that, since the last week of August, it has become 100 percent powered by solar energy, and almost all of its 8 to 9 000 households have access to this solar powered electricity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Malawis government is now keen to roll out access across the country, setting a precedent for Africa. Kasakula residents used to live off-grid, relying on candles and a few lamps, says Brave Mhonie, SolarAid Malawi general manager and president of Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi. "We are kind of living the dream, a global dream of universal energy access," Mhonie told RFI. "We're achieving our SDG 7 [Sustainable Development Goal 7] by 2030. [But] as a sector, we are behind our global goals for various reasons, one being poverty. The majority of customers who are being left behind is because they are very poor." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sustainable Development Goal 7 is one of 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. It aims to "ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all". "What we wanted was to develop a model that enables universal energy access while being sustainable," Mhonie said. "And realising that dream that we have actually connected the entire community, which will act as a blueprint to others to also learn and understand how it can actually be done. So for us, it's not just a celebration belonging to SolarAid." The programme has been pushing the grid to go into the remotest areas, but this grid has got limitation as to how many people can be connected to it and how far it can go for proper maintenance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SolarAid's model started by integrating into what the government is already doing, then by extending power coverage, to connect people and make sure that everyone in the area is actually powered with electricity, according to Mhonie. "We are talking of about 32,000 individuals," Mohnie said. They also got involved in this business model. "We put the community itself at the centre stage of the implementation and delivery of the business activities," he added. Changing lives These changes impact directly the life of people in the village; they improved the way people work, and security at night, and the way they communicate with each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In general, we can see quite a big shift in terms of impact, on opening business opportunities, for instance," Mhonie said. "We have some people like tailors using the light to continue working at night, which they never used to do before. We have got some people who own small shops. Again, they are connected and they are extending their working hours." SolarAid also connected 12 schools in the area, ten primary schools and two secondary schools. "Learners are now coming to the school at night to have extra lessons from their teachers as well as are studying, especially during the exam time. One of the greatest stories that Mhonie has observed so far is its impact on the girls. "Previously the area, the performance of girls was very low. When we did a survey, we realised that, when the school organises these extra lessons or night studies at school, before we brought in the electricity, it was very difficult for the girls because they couldn't go to school at night, for obvious reasons, they are so vulnerable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, they were forced to stay at home, while boys were going to school at night to have extra lessons and to study. "Now that we have connected more or less every, household, the girls are having access to electricity in their respective homes don't have to go anywhere. And that also has created them to have opportunity to read at night and putting them at the same level as the boys in terms of opportunities." There is also one health facility in the area, which is connected to grid, but it is not reliable. "So at night nurses and midwives were finding it difficult to deliver women at night, when the facility had no electricity. They approached us to connect them to an alternative electricity and a backup to the grid. Now the solar is having more impact on women's health at night." National expansion Kasakula's governance structure involves traditional chiefs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the team behind the project is working very closely with the traditional authorities, the chiefs, on consumer education about clean renewable energy and how it actually works, and to teach them about their responsibility in looking after the products. "We work very closely with the local chiefs to to educate the consumers." Spotlight on Africa podcast: Malawis first solar-powered village The community is at the centre stage of delivering this work. "All the success that we are celebrating today is because of a very strong, cohesive, ah, collaboration with the community members themselves." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And other villages could learn from that experience, in Malawi and beyond. "Our intention is to do something that actually inspires others to also stand up and take action. We know that people want to see solutions coming out, but probably no one has spearheaded with a bold move to take that level of action. So, what we are expecting is that other communities will be inspired by it, and will also take action." The charity and its partners are now working with the government to make sure that it has a good knowledge of what is happening, so they can take this model and incorporate it into its rural electrification further into the country. "We have already received requests from other chiefs wanting us to go into their villages as well to do it, from other organisations that are also interested in rural electrification, coming to seek support on how we can work with them to help." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The enterprise SunnyMoney and the Swedish NGO Postcode Foundation are also helping in one of the districts down south in Malawi, where a similar project has also been set up at a smaller scale. Another community group in the eastern part of the country is also working on making solar power happen, as well as a local Catholic church and church members, willing to receive electricity in their homes. "So it's something that indeed can be replicated in other areas quite easily," Mhoni concluded. Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai concluded his Beijing visit on Saturday with a tour of Zhongguancun Science Park (Z-Park), known as Chinas Silicon Valley, to strengthen cooperation in the high-tech sector and explore advances in next-generation information technology, the Government Information Bureau (GCS) announced. Accompanied by Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai, chief of the Chief Executives Office Chan Kak, and director of the Policy Research and Regional Development Bureau Cheong Chok Man, Sams delegation received a guided tour that covered the parks history, future growth plans, and its leading role in advanced computer technologies. The delegation also toured three high-tech companies based in the park, specializing in software production, technical services, and the manufacture of supercomputers and servers. During the visit, the CE underscored Macaus commitment to building its own high-tech industry, emphasizing the importance of stronger coordination with Beijing in science, human resources, and industrial linkages. According to the statement, the CE also highlighted opportunities in industrial interconnection, joint ventures, scientific research, and smart city projects. Such experience could provide valuable insights for Macau, particularly regarding the planning of the proposed Macau technology research industrial park, said the CE. Earlier in 2025, Sam visited key tech hubs in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta region as part of efforts to gain further insights for Macaus own technological development. The visit to Z-Park followed the delegations participation in Wednesdays symposium commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It also followed Sams meeting on Thursday with Chinas Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Li Lecheng, where they discussed Macaus industrialization and efforts to promote economic diversification through scientific and technological innovation. Like this: Like Loading... A male bystander saved a woman from a violent sexual assault at a Target in Atlanta last week. Last Wednesday (Sept. 3), a man was caught on camera attempting to take advantage of a woman, per 11 Alive. The victim claims she walked to a nearby Target in Buckhead around 8 a.m. only to discover that it was not open yet. As she walked away, she noticed a man, identified as 30-year-old Torrin Mott, who reportedly made grunting noises before aggressively approaching her and tackling her to the ground. From there, he dragged her down a stairwell, pulled down her pants, and attempted to forcefully engage in oral sex with her. She claimed that she screamed and attempted to fight him back, but he silenced her by putting his fingers in her mouth and telling her to stop. Fortunately, another man walked up the staircase and began to fight the man, saving the woman in the process. She ran into the Target location and asked for help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The male bystander achieved more than he may have realized, as Mott had reportedly similarly attacked multiple other victims, even another woman that same day at the MARTA station in Lenox. Mott reportedly chased the victim with a belt, causing her to fall off her bicycle and hit her head. He was booked into jail on Thursday morning (Sept. 4) and faces charges of criminal attempt to commit a felony, simple assault, kidnapping, aggravated sodomy, and battery. Atlanta Police are searching for the bystander who intervened, even sharing a screenshot of the Target surveillance footage that showed him wearing a Black hooded sweatshirt, a Black hat, and Nike sneakers. They deemed him a Good Samaritan and want to ensure that his heroic actions do not go unrecognized. More from VIBE.com Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BAMAKO/DAKAR (Reuters) -Mali's military said it had carried out airstrikes in the gold-rich western region of Kayes after al Qaeda-linked militants took steps to impose a blockade on fuel imports to the landlocked West African country's capital, Bamako. The operations are the latest attempt by Mali's military rulers, who took power after coups in 2020 and 2021, to ease growing pressure from militant groups who analysts say are trying to encircle cities and towns in the Sahel region. A spokesperson for Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) on Thursday announced the blockade and said it would also restrict the movements of residents of the western towns of Kayes and Nioro, near the border with Senegal and Mauritania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the announcement, militants have stopped and emptied fuel trucks in the area, a Nioro resident told Reuters. "JNIM is applying increased pressure in this region to weaken the government in Bamako but also to asphyxiate the capital," said Djenabou Cisse, research fellow at the think tank Foundation for Strategic Research. In a statement on Monday, the army said it had conducted operations in the towns of Diema and Nioro. Speaking on state television late on Sunday, a colonel posted in Nioro specified that the operations included airstrikes and that soldiers had also managed to free people taken hostage by the militants. Some transport companies have suspended operations along the route from Bamako to Senegal's capital Dakar, a Malian truckers' union official told Reuters during the weekend, adding that the road between Bamako and the southern city of Segou had also been blocked. The official asked not to be named for safety reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ESCALATING ATTACKS On Friday, six truck drivers from neighbouring Senegal were kidnapped by "a jihadist group" in Mali, according to a Senegalese truckers' union. They were released the following day, said Daouda Lo, spokesperson for the union. Jihadists have since May attacked Malian and foreign-owned businesses in Kayes, including cement factories, sugar factories, and mines. Multinational miners, including Barrick Mining and B2Gold, operate in the region. A Malian security analyst in Bamako said JNIM's ability to swiftly take steps to implement the blockade showed its growing strength. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The objective ... is to push the civilian population into the streets, to demonstrate their discontent with the transitional authorities, and to weaken, or at least discredit, the transitional authorities," the analyst said, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. (Reporting by Mali newsroom and Portia Crowe in Dakar; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet, Rod Nickel) CHICAGO A 21-year-old man was shot in the head and killed at a gas station on the citys Near West Side. The shooting happened just after 11 p.m. Sunday at a Shell gas station located at Western Avenue and Warren Boulevard. According to police, officers responded to a call of a person shot and found the man unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was pronounced dead on the scene. 6 charged in $170K Rolex smash-and-grab on Mag Mile Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A witness told officers that two unidentified offenders exited a black sedan and shot at the man before returning to the vehicle and fleeing the scene. No one is in custody. Area Three Detectives 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 WGN-TV. An elderly man was killed in an incident involving two rottweilers in Norwalk over the weekend, authorities said. Deputies were dispatched to the area of 166th Street and Gladstone Avenue around 6:45 a.m. Saturday on a vicious dog call, according to the the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Arriving deputies found one victim, an elderly man, suffering from several dog bites on his arm. He was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead 24 hours after the incident, LASD said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The owner of the two dogs who attacked the 86-year-old is said to be cooperating with authorities in the investigation and was not charged or cited, officials confirmed. The dogs, however, were taken into custody by local animal control officers; their fate is not known. According to law enforcement information, the owner relayed to deputies that their dogs got loose before the fatal incident. The man who died, who has not been named publicly, is said to have lived in the area where the attack occurred. His official cause of death has yet to be determined by the medical examiner. No further information on the incident was immediately available. Nancy Fontan 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 KTLA. MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) A man was arrested for allegedly biting a worker on the cheek and sexually assaulting her in a Manhattan nail salon on Labor Day, police said Monday. Joseph Wichard, 35, was apprehended Saturday and charged with attempted rape and sex abuse in connection with the Sept. 1 incident, according to the NYPD. The suspect walked into the salon near West 36th Street and Broadway near Herald Square just after 6 p.m. and allegedly pinned the woman into a corner and tried to kiss her, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Local News The man then allegedly took her pants and underwear off before groping her private areas, according to the criminal complaint. The woman was bitten on the cheek and almost raped before fighting off the suspect, cops said. Prosecutors said the victim briefly got away before Wichard caught up with her, and she hit him with a vacuum cleaner before he ran off. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment. The woman and the suspect were strangers, prosecutors said. Wichard, a Manhattan resident, pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court on Sunday, according to court records. He is being held without bail and is due back in court on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the suspect has no prior criminal history. His attorney could not be reached immediately on Monday. Rapes and other sex crimes have increased this year, according to NYPD crime data. Rapes have jumped 23.4%, while sex crimes have risen by 2%. 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. Man accused of killing sister inside North Shore apartment ordered held without bail A man accused of murdering his sister inside an apartment on the North Shore of Massachusetts over the weekend has been ordered held without bail. Joshua Smith, 30, was arraigned Monday in Lynn District Court on charges including one count of murder and one count of kidnapping in connection with the death of 38-year-old Michelle Knox. A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf. Officers responding to an apartment on Newhall Street shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday found Smith outside of the residence making numerous inculpatory statements about killing his sister," Assistant Essex District Attorney Stefanie Stanbro told the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The body of Smiths sister, later identified as Knox, was found inside an apartment he had been staying at with his father. The court also said that Smith was on probation at the time of the alleged killing. Joshua Smith Details surrounding the nature of Knoxs death werent immediately available because prosecutors filed a motion to impound the police report and criminal complaint in this case due to the recency of the investigation. The judge presiding over the hearing allowed the motion. Emilio Gonzales, who lives on Newhall Street, saw the scene unfold early Sunday morning, capturing pictures and videos of the emergency response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was like horrific screams, he told Boston 25. Like somebody got stabbed or something... Were still processing the whole part. We werent expecting something like that to happen. State troopers assigned to Tuckers office and the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are assisting Lynn police with an investigation. Smith is due back in court on Oct. 14 for a probable cause hearing. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW NEED TO KNOW A North Carolina man is facing two felony bigamy charges after police said he married three women at the same time Harry Irvine Burdick Jr., who is in his 60s, was arrested on Aug. 22, following a five-month-long investigation into his marriage records The Davidson County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) said the investigation is still ongoing, as officials believe there may be other victims A North Carolina man is facing two felony bigamy charges after police said he married three women at the same time and authorities believe he may have had even more wives. According to a press release from the Davidson County Sheriff's Office (DCSO), Harry Irvine Burdick Jr. was arrested on Aug. 22, following a five-month-long investigation from the office's Criminal Investigation Division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burdick, who is in his 60s, per The New York Times, was allegedly found to have three marriage licenses with three different women in three different North Carolina counties: Lincoln, Davidson and Guilford. The investigation was launched in April, the sheriff's office said, and detectives said they were unable to locate divorce proceedings before Burdick had already allegedly married two other women. "Financial motivation and personal gain were the motives" for the three marriages, the sheriff's office stated in the press release. Davidson County Sheriff's Office/Facebool Harry Irvine Burdick Jr. Harry Irvine Burdick Jr. According to the sheriff's office, Burdick was released the same day he was arrested on a written promise to appear in court at the Davidson County Courthouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Carolina classifies bigamy as a Class I felony, and the charge can result in imprisonment for anyone who knowingly marries while still legally married to another person. 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 law has several exceptions, including situations where a spouse has been absent or not heard from for seven years, and is not known to be alive during that time, or if a person's last marriage was legally ended through divorce or declared void by a court order. Anyone entering a marriage without being legally divorced or otherwise could face criminal bigamy charges, though the prison sentence varies by case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff's office said the investigation is still ongoing, and that there may be other victims. "We believe there could additional victims for this investigation," the office added. "If you or someone you know has been legally married without a divorce to Mr. Burdick, please contact Detective Foushee at the Davidson County Sheriffs Office (336) 236-3365." Burdick is set to appear in court on Monday, Sept. 22. Read the original article on People UNIONDALE, N.Y. (PIX11) An argument escalated to physical violence against a woman and multiple police officers on Sunday, according to the Nassau County Police Department. Everton Brooks, 28, allegedly threw a cellphone at the womans head and punched her in the face multiple times during a dispute in a Campus Street residence in Uniondale at around 9:45 p.m., detectives said. More Local News The 22-year-old woman left the residence and called 911 after being beaten, police said. Once police located and attempted to arrest Brooks, of Uniondale, he was allegedly violent and combative, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said three officers were injured during the attempted arrest, eventually putting Brooks into custody. He was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation. The injured officers and the woman were all taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, according to police. Brooks was charged with multiple counts of assault, as well as harassment, criminal possession of a weapon, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest, officials said. Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Nearly 29,000 Macau residents now live or work in Hengqin, according to figures released by the Executive Committee on the fourth anniversary of the Guangdong-Macau In-Depth Cooperation Zone. An increasing number of Macau youth are seeking employment, starting businesses, and undertaking internships in major cities across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, stated the Executive Committee of the cooperation zone on its official WeChat account, citing data showing 23,749 Macau residents living in the zone and 5,762 employed there, reflecting year-on-year increases of 30.1% and 14.1%, respectively. It noted that over the past four years, the cooperation zone has continually improved its public service system and infrastructure, establishing policies and safeguards to promote youth employment and entrepreneurship. This provides Macau residents with broader opportunities to live, work, and pursue ventures within the zone, further supporting their development in the Greater Bay Area. An increasing number of Macau residents and enterprises are choosing Hengqin, with the integrated development framework between Hengqin and Macau beginning to take shape. Its role in supporting Macaus economic diversification is becoming increasingly evident. As the integration of Macau + Hengqin deepens, the proportion of Macau-related enterprises in Hengqin continues to rise, the authorities stated. Official data showed that nearly 60,000 businesses had established operations in Hengqin by the end of July, including more than 7,300 Macau-funded enterprises, a growth of over 57% since the zones establishment. The Executive Committee also highlighted the recently implemented shared electronic tag system for single-plate vehicles between Hengqin and Macau. It noted that Macau vehicle owners can now drive directly through the Hengqin checkpoint after completing registration, with the application process significantly streamlined. Since late August, designated hospitals in Hengqin and Macau have adopted a seamless cross-border patient transfer model, allowing patients to remain in their vehicles throughout the process. Dedicated shuttle buses for cross-border students now operate under a new on-board inspection, no-disembarkation clearance system. Authorities said these measures exemplify the deepening alignment of rules between Hengqin and Macau. According to statistics from the Hengqin Border Inspection Station, between September 5, 2021, and September 4 this year, the station processed 69.85 million passenger crossings and 8.12 million vehicle entries and exits. Of these, more than 16.75 million were Macau residents and over 5.38 million were Macau single-plate vehicles, accounting for 24% and 66% of the totals, respectively. Authorities added that preliminary studies for a new Hengqin-Macau passageway have begun, with Macau single-plate vehicles expected to travel north via Hengqin to further expand pathways for Macau residents to integrate into the Greater Bay Area. Another plan was also announced to introduce specialized policy measures, including the creation of an investment fund focused on economic and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, aimed at providing enterprises with diversified one-stop services. Like this: Like Loading... Man to be arraigned on murder charge in death of woman found in North Shore apartment complex A man charged in the death of a woman who was found dead in an apartment complex on the North Shore of Massachusetts over the weekend is expected to face a judge on Monday. The suspect, a 30-year-old man whose name has not yet been released, is slated to be arraigned in Lynn District Court on a charge of murder, according to the Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker. Officers responding to an address on Newhall Street shortly after 1 a.m. found a 38-year-old woman dead in an apartment, Tuckers office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have not yet identified the victim. Emilio Gonzales, who lives on Newhall Street, saw the scene unfold early Sunday morning, capturing pictures and videos of the emergency response. Gonzales said screams could be heard across the neighborhood. It was like horrific screams, he told Boston 25. Like somebody got stabbed or something... Were still processing the whole part. We werent expecting something like that to happen. State troopers assigned to Tuckers office and the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are assisting Lynn police with an investigation. Additional details are expected to be released when the suspect appears in court. 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 MEMPHIS, Tenn. A Millington man was arrested for shooting and killing a dog owned by a 78-year-old cancer patient, according to Memphis Police. Gavin Palpallatoc, 31, made his first court appearance Monday, September 8. He is charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, aggravated cruelty to animals, and aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult following the incident on Aug. 8 at a mobile home park off Highway 51. According to police, Palpallatoc is accused of dragging a dog from the womans home and killing the animal by shooting it several times. Officers found 13 shell casings on the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 78-year-old cancer patients dog shot to death in front of her The owner of the dog that was killed didnt want to be identified by name but said there was a small dog fight in her backyard earlier that day. She told police Jane Reynolds, 52, called her after the dog fight and stated, Im gonna call my friend to come put that dog down. The dogs owner said Palpallatoc barged into her home and took her dog Cash. Gavin Palpallatoc (SCSO) We were sitting on the couch just watching TV, and this guy comes in and pulls him from my couch to the floor, to the porch, said the dog owner. The dogs owner, who is battling terminal cancer, said she adopted Cash five years ago after losing a dog. She said the pit bull mix was a stray that wandered into the mobile home park, and he turned out to be a perfect companion. Painting of Cash Jane Reynolds, who also lives in the Frayser mobile home park, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals. She was released from jail on a $35,000 bond and appeared in court Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her next court appearance is scheduled for September 22. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. TOOELE, Utah (ABC4) A man was arrested on Saturday night after a fatal auto-pedestrian crash in Tooele, according to Tooele Police. Bryce Tanner Fivas, 36, was arrested in Tooele County on charges of negligently operating a vehicle causing seriously bodily injury (third-degree felony) and automobile homicide (second-degree felony). On Sept. 6, a Tooele police officer responded to 2400 North Main St. regarding an auto-pedestrian accident. Upon arrival, the officer found Fivas at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fivas told police that he thought he may have hit someone while driving northbound on Main St. The victim was reportedly in the road deceased, while Fivas vehicle was on fire in the opposite lane. Additionally, a second victim was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries, police said. While speaking with Fivas, the officer noticed the smell of alcohol on Fivas breath. The officer also said he had glossy red eyes and exhibited slurred, delayed speech. The officer conducted a field sobriety test, which Fivas reportedly failed. Police then arrested Fivas at the scene. Fivas was booked into Tooele County Jail on the aforementioned charges. No further information is available at this time. 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. (KRON) A 43-year-old man succumbed to his injuries after being found shot at a homeless encampment in Hayward on Aug. 22. Authorities announced on Friday that the suspected gunman has been arrested. The Hayward Police Department responded on Aug. 22 at 8:08 p.m. to a homeless encampment near the 30000 block of San Antonio Street for a reported medical emergency. Arriving officers located the victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The 43-year-old man, who was not identified by police, was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. On Friday, police identified the suspect in the fatal shooting as Rosario Raul Rodriguez Cazares, 49, of Hayward. Cazares was arrested and booked into the Santa Rita Jail for the suspicion of murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hayward PD said it delayed the public release of information in the case to protect the integrity of the investigation, to preserve the unconventional crime scene, and to prevent the suspects flight from justice. The death marked Haywards sixth homicide of 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. TYLER, Texas (KETK) One man has been arrested after the Tyler Police Department said he was involved in a crash that injured two pedestrians on Friday night. East Texas medical salesman among those to pay $1.4M settlement over healthcare fraud Photo of Howard Jessie, courtesy of Smith County Jail records. According to Tyler PD, officers responded to a crash reported near Bruck Avenue and W. Front Street at around 9:25 p.m. on Friday. Two pedestrians at the scene were injured by a vehicle and had to be transported to local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tyler PD officers on the scene saw the suspected vehicle leaving the scene and the driver was later pulled over on Chandler Highway. Tyler PD identified the driver as Howard Jessie, 49, of Smith County. Jessie was arrested for a collision involving injury and booked into the Smith County Jail on Friday. He was released on Saturday after posting bond. 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The man accused of running a red light while under the influence, causing a multi-vehicle crash that left a child hospitalized with life-threatening injuries and caused a woman to lose her pregnancy, had a prior DUI conviction in 2021, prosecutors said in court Sunday. Maximiliano Chavez, 27, was arrested Saturday on one count of DUI resulting in death, two counts of DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm, and three counts of reckless driving resulting in death or substantial bodily harm. Chavez appeared in court Sunday afternoon, where state prosecutors said Chavez had a prior misdemeanor DUI conviction in 2021. Maximiliano Chavez, 27, was arrested Saturday on one count of DUI resulting in death, two counts of DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm, and three counts of reckless driving resulting in death or substantial bodily harm. (KLAS) Chavez admitted to consuming three alcoholic drinks at a swap meet before the crash, with the last drink consumed around 12 p.m. He also admitted to ingesting marijuana by smoking a THC pen, according to the state prosecutor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday around 2:20 p.m., Metro police responded to the intersection of Blue Diamond Road and Las Vegas Boulevard after several reports of a crash involving three mid-sized SUVs and a minivan. Unborn baby dies, child fighting for life in suspected DUI multi-vehicle crash in south Las Vegas valley Police said the crash happened when a Jeep Cherokee ran a red light as a Subaru Forester was turning left on a green light. The impact pushed the Subaru into a Toyota Sienna, while the Jeep hit a BMW. The driver of the Jeep, identified as Chavez, failed field sobriety tests, according to LVMPD Lt. Cody Fulwiler. Chavez was taken to a local hospital and was later booked into the Clark County Detention Center on several DUI-related charges, including DUI resulting in death. Around 2:20 p.m., Metro police responded to the intersection of Windmill Lane and Las Vegas Boulevard after a report of a crash involving three mid-sized SUVs and a minivan. (KLAS) Around 2:20 p.m., Metro police responded to the intersection of Windmill Lane and Las Vegas Boulevard after a report of a crash involving three mid-sized SUVs and a minivan. (KLAS) Around 2:20 p.m., Metro police responded to the intersection of Windmill Lane and Las Vegas Boulevard after a report of a crash involving three mid-sized SUVs and a minivan. (KLAS) Around 2:20 p.m., Metro police responded to the intersection of Windmill Lane and Las Vegas Boulevard after a report of a crash involving three mid-sized SUVs and a minivan. (KLAS) Around 2:20 p.m., Metro police responded to the intersection of Windmill Lane and Las Vegas Boulevard after a report of a crash involving three mid-sized SUVs and a minivan. (KLAS) Several people were taken to local hospitals, including a pregnant woman and a child. Medical personnel provided life-saving measures to save the unborn child. The child was successfully delivered, however, the child passed away, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 9-year-old child and the mother were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Chavezs bail was set at $250,000, and he was ordered to stay out of trouble, not to drive, not to possess or consume alcohol, as well as have high-level electronic monitoring, court records showed. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 41-year-old man was arrested after having an outstanding warrant and trying to cross into the U.S. through the Ysleta Port of Entry last Wednesday, Sept. 3, according to the Horizon Police Department. Police say they responded to the border crossing just after 2 p.m. after being notified that a man who was later identified as Daniel Lucero, 41, was trying to cross into the U.S. Daniel Lucero, 41. Photo: HCPD. Upon arrival, officers met with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and a records check revealed that Lucero had an active outstanding warrant for indecent assault out of Horizon City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lucero was taken into custody and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility under a $5,000 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 KTSM 9 News. The man believed to have called police on himself after a deadly weekend shooting in the drive-thru of a McDonalds in East Hollywood has been booked for manslaughter, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson said Monday morning. The shooting, which also wounded a second person, began with an altercation at the fast food spot on the corner of Western Avenue and Romaine Street around 3:30 a.m. Saturday. Preliminary information from witnesses indicated that an argument started in the drive-thru lane when one car hit another. As the fight broke out, one of the people involved pulled out a gun and opened fire, striking a man in the chest and a woman in the leg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A GoFundMe to help the family with funeral expenses identified the victim killed in the shooting as 36-year-old Feliciano Felix Curiel. Tony Molina, the brother of the woman who was shot, said that she and Felix were planning to get married soon. We did a lot of cool family trips together, and now its like, everything was taken in a flash, Molina said. LAPD Officer Drake Madison identified the suspect on Monday as 21-year-old Humberto Delgado. Madison told KTLAs Erin Myers that Delgado was booked for felony voluntary manslaughter. Two people were shot one fatally after an altercation broke out in the drive-thru of a McDonalds in East Hollywood overnight. (KNN) Two people were shot one fatally after an altercation broke out in the drive-thru of a McDonalds in East Hollywood overnight. (KNN) Two people were shot one fatally after an altercation broke out in the drive-thru of a McDonalds in East Hollywood overnight. (KNN) Video footage obtained by KTLA showed Delgado being detained by officers in the parking lot after Saturday nights shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses on the night of the shooting said that Delgado told officers he was acting in self-defence, but investigators did not confirm that. Delgado is being held on $100,000 bail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. ROY, Utah (ABC4) A Clinton man has been arrested and charged for attempting to sexually abuse a 16-year-old he met at a gym. The teens mother reported the incident to police, who began posing at the 16-year-old to arrest the suspect. Nicholas E Jackson, 35, has been charged with two counts of attempted forcible sodomy, one count of attempted forcible sexual abuse, three counts of enticing a minor, and five counts of distributing material harmful to a minor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, on Sept. 5, 2025, an officer from the Roy Police Department responded to a report from a concerned mother. She told police that her 16-year-old son had received a note while at the gym that had a phone number and promised to spoil him. The 16-year-old allegedly sent a message to the phone number, asking who the owner was, and received several replies. The responses stated that they would spoil the victim if he would take care of them. At this point, the victim told his mother about the messages, and they reported it to the police. An officer who previously worked with the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force took over the phone and began messaging the suspect. Using a reverse look-up tool, police identified that the phone number belonged to Nicholas Jackson, who lived in Davis County. READ NEXT: Utah man arrested for alleged sexual abuse of stepdaughter and friend Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the 16-year-old, the suspect was male and drove a black SUV with rims. An officer drove past Jacksons house and located a vehicle matching the victims description. Jackson allegedly continued to send texts to the 16-year-old, asking the teen for sexual favors, sending sexual photos, and asking to meet in person. In messages between the officer, posing as the 16-year-old, and Jackson, the officer clarified that he was 16, to which Jackson replied that they should delete that message and stated that the victim was 18 instead. During one conversation, Jackson arranged to meet with the 16-year-old by sending an Uber to his house. The undercover officer, acting as the teen, refused to get into the Uber. Jackson then arranged to meet with the teen at the gym where he had given him the note. Officers responded to the parking lot of the gym, where they reportedly located Jackson waiting in his car. He was arrested and brought in for an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the police interview, Jackson allegedly stated that the victim told him he was 16, but he didnt believe it based on their interactions. Jackson admitted that he had sent sexual photos even after learning the victim was underage, and reiterated that he didnt believe it. According to documents, police confronted Jackson about why he was switching to spoofed phone numbers and asking to move the conversation to a social media platform if he believed the victim was 18. Jackson allegedly stated that the possibility that the victim was underage started getting into his head. Jackson was arrested and booked into the Weber County Jail, where he is currently being held without bail. The arresting officer believed he posed a significant risk to the community for allegedly attempting to entice a minor at a gym, whom he had been watching for months. 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. Chief Executive (CE) Sam Hou Fai reportedly wrote to all civil servants regarding the Legislative Assembly elections, with the Legislative Assembly Electoral Affairs Commission (CAEAL) commenting that voting is both a right and an obligation for civil servants. Media reports indicate that the Chief Executive recently sent a letter urging all civil servants to actively participate in voting during the Legislative Assembly elections. In the letter, Sam stated that the Eighth Legislative Assembly Election of the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR), scheduled for September 14, is the first election held following last years amendments to the Electoral Law for the Legislative Assembly and the further implementation of the principle of patriots administering Macau. He pointed out that, as stipulated by the electoral law, voting is not only a right but also a civic duty. All Macau residents should actively participate in the election by casting their votes to elect their representatives. As members of the SARs governing team, civil servants should actively respond to the call of the Legislative Assembly Electoral Affairs Commission, fulfill their voting obligations, and encourage friends and family to vote, the letter reportedly stated. Under the newly amended Public Personnel Administration, civil servants at all levels must uphold the Basic Law and pledge allegiance to the Macau Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China. Exercising their voting rights to elect representatives to the Legislative Assembly is a crucial way for civil servants to uphold the Basic Law and demonstrate their allegiance to the Macau SAR. In response to media inquiries about this letter, the CAEAL stated on Saturday that voting is both a right and an obligation for civil servants. The government will require all public entities to make convenient arrangements for civil servants on duty during voting day, September 14. However, the CAEAL emphasized that if any civil servant is unable to vote due to unavoidable circumstances, no disciplinary liability will arise under relevant legal provisions. Legislative election is a crucial civic education initiative The Legislative Assembly election will be held on September 14. Mock polling stations at Tap Seac Multi-sport Pavilion and Macau Forum opened on Saturday for a seven-day period. The Legislative Assembly Election is a crucial civic education initiative, stated Kong Chi Meng, director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ). The bureau organized youth and students to experience voting at the mock polling stations, which he described as a vivid, three-dimensional civic education lesson. He added that as of Saturday, over 2,600 tertiary and secondary students, along with other youth, had registered to participate in the mock polling. Kong noted that the bureau held meetings with universities and K12 schools before the academic year began to promote civic education. This included using moral and civic education classes, creating graphic packages, and developing teaching materials to help students understand the Legislative Assembly elections. Like this: Like Loading... KANSAS CITY, Mo. A man has been charged following the stabbing death of a man in Kansas City, Kansas, last week. The Wyandotte County district attorney on Friday charged Troy Ford, 29, with second-degree murder. Kansas City police looking for suspect accused of aggravated assault in August According to the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD), officers responded to a stabbing call just after 7 p.m. on Sept. 4 near South 65th Street and Kansas Avenue, just south of Kaw Drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived, they found a man who had been stabbed. He was pronounced dead at the scene. He was later identified as 23-year-old Christopher Cook. KCKPD said those involved were detained and are cooperating with investigators. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Ford made his first court appearance Monday morning. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. A retired professor at Auburn University was stabbed to death over the weekend in a park near the Alabama college campus, according to Auburn Police and the university. A man has been arrested and charged in her murder. Julie Gard Schnuelle, 59, was attacked Saturday morning in Auburn's Kiesel Park, which the city says is a large green space with a walking trail that stretches for just over two miles. She had gone to the park to walk her dog, which was later found unharmed, CBS News affiliate WRBL reported. "College of Veterinary Medicine Professor Emerita Julie Gard Schnuelle, DVM, Ph.D., was killed Saturday, Sept. 6, in Kiesel Park in Auburn, Alabama. The Auburn University community extends its sincere condolences to Dr. Gard Schnuelle's family and loved ones for their tragic loss," Auburn University said in a statement. "She was a cherished educator, mentor and colleague whose dedication to students and passion for theriogenology and veterinary medicine left a lasting impact on Auburn." Julie Gard Schnuelle / Credit: Auburn University Officers responded to a call at around 2 p.m. Saturday reporting a deceased person in a wooded section of the park, according to Auburn Police. At around 3:30 p.m., the police department shared a social media post instructing people to avoid Kiesel Park because of "a heavy first responder presence" in the area. It remained closed through the weekend as police launched an investigation into the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schnuelle had suffered injuries that indicated "the death was caused by an assault," Auburn Police said, and the county coroner told WRBL that evidence was consistent with trauma sustained from a sharp object, potentially a knife, according to the station. The coroner said the body would undergo a full autopsy exam, WRBL reported. Auburn Police arrested Montgomery resident Harold Rashad Dabney, 28, in connection with the fatal stabbing on Sunday, the department said. He was charged with two counts of capital murder, including one for kidnapping and another for robbery, as he allegedly stole Schnuelle's Ford F-150 truck, which was parked in the area, to leave the scene after the attack, according to police. Before her retirement in 2021, Schnuelle was a professor in the clinical sciences department of the university's College of Veterinary Medicine. Her biography on the school's website features some of her research into preventing and managing diseases in cattle and their calves. The university said in its statement that Schnuelle joined the faculty of its veterinary college in 2003, after graduating from the college herself in 1996. She had recently worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the area veterinarian in charge for Alabama and Mississippi, according to the university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS News has reached out to Auburn Police for more information. Justice Barrett on the Supreme Court's checks on Trump's power "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" turns 50: "Don't dream it, be it" Stand-up Nate Bargatze on operating in "the chaos" NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A 31-year-old man is charged with felony sexual battery after a teen girl was assaulted at a movie theater in Bellevue. Officers were called to AMC Bellevue 12 on Sawyer Brown Road around 4:30 p.m. They were met by the 15-year-old victim and several witnesses who claimed a man had grabbed the teens rear end as she entered the movie theater. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One witness reported the suspect had grabbed the girls shorts and attempted to pull them down in an attempt to expose her, according to court documents. A chaperon who was with the teen at the time told officials they had confronted the suspect, Jackson Challinor, after the assault, and he allegedly stated, Yeah and it was good wasnt it? Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Challinor was pointed out by theater employees and detained by officers. He admitted to touching the teen and, without officers asking, stated, It is not illegal to touch someones butt, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Challinor was booked into Metro Jail and charged with felony sexual battery without consent and indecent exposure. His bond was set at $10,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. A man is dead after crashing his car into a church in Hamilton County early Monday morning, according to our media partners WCPO-9 TV. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The crash occurred at the Overflow Ministries Covenant Church on Hamilton Avenue in Springfield Township around 3 a.m. Police initially responded to the building for an activated fire alarm, WCPO-9 reported. Upon arrival, authorities found a pickup truck that had driven through the front of the building. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherwood Sills, 53, of Blacklick, was identified as the driver. He was pronounced dead on scene, WCPO-9 reported. It is unclear what led up to this crash; however, police believe no other vehicles were involved. Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact the police at 513-729-1300. This crash remains under investigation. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A New York man died Friday after shooting himself in the head at an indoor gun range in Hudson County, authorities said Monday. The shooting occurred about 4:30 p.m. at Long Shot Pistol and Rifle in the 300 block of County Avenue in Secaucus, according to police. The victim was a 29-year-old man from Yonkers, New York, who was visiting the range with another person, according to police. The victim was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center in Bergen County, where he was pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller said an investigation determined the manner of death was suicide. This was a planned act, in our opinion, the chief said. Miller said the victim had come to the range in the company of a person who was not a family member. The chief said the ranges owners have security measures in place to prevent suicides from occurring, but referred specific questions about safety to business management. A representative of the business was not immediately available to comment Monday morning. According to the Long Shot website, beginners are permitted to shoot at the range if they are in the company of a shooting buddy, and display a government-issued photo ID. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well get first-time shooters going in 60 minutes, the business promises on its site. Nine years ago, two Bergen County men fatally shot themselves in separate incidents two months apart at a gun range in Woodland Park, Passaic County. On May 28, 2016, a 30-year-old Garfield man who had come to Gun For Hire on McBride Avenue with another person fatally shot himself in the head. On July 12, 2016, an Elmwood Park man in his 20s who came to Gun For Hire with his brother fatally shot himself in the chest with a weapon he rented from the range. According to the Gun For Hire website, shooters who come alone must have their own firearm and ammunition. Renters must be accompanied by another person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Editors note: NJ Advance Media typically limits reporting on suicides to those that occur in crowded public places, involve public figures or, in special circumstances, where there is a larger public impact. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be reduced with the proper mental health support and treatment. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Stories by Anthony G. Attrino Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Read the original article on NJ.com. (WJET/WFXP) One man is dead after police said he led them on a motorcycle chase in Ashtabula County, Ohio, that lasted more than 20 minutes and ended in gunfire. According to the Ashtabula County Sheriffs Department, the chase started with a traffic stop for an unregistered motorcycle around 2:41 pm Monday near the intersection of Dwight Street and East 48th Street in the City of Ashtabula. Police said the motorcycle driver led them on a chase lasting about 23 minutes that involved deputies and an Ohio Highway Patrol unit before the driver crashed at the intersection of Stanhope-Kelloggsville Road and Anderson Road in Pierpoint Township, causing the motorcycle to catch on fire while they took off on foot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allegedly, the driver was brandishing a gun when running away, and deputies opened fire, fatally injuring the motorcycle driver, who was declared dead at the scene by Ashtabula County Coroner Catherine Bishop. No names have been released at this time as police continue to investigate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A man was fatally shot Sunday while driving in St. Petersburg with a child in the car, police said. Officers and paramedics responded about 2 p.m. to the Robco transmission and auto repair shop, 3101 Emerson Ave. S., after a man driving a Ford Focus crashed into a parked car there, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department. First responders discovered that the driver, 21-year-old Tyrone Howard, had been shot. An 18-month-old girl in the car with Howard appeared to be uninjured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howard was taken to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg, where he died. The child was taken to Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital to be evaluated. Police did not release information about whether Howard and the child are related. A police spokesperson said Monday that no other details were available for release. Police have launched a homicide investigation and asked anyone with information on the shooting to call 727-893-7780 or text SPPD and your tip to TIP411. To his friends and co-workers in Maine, Declan Perry will remain more than a name in the news known for being the potential victim of a murder in a case now playing out in a Massachusetts court. Back home, the 27-year-old Perry was head chef at The Grill Room & Bar in Portland. In a Sept. 6 Facebook post on The Grill Rooms page, owners, management and staff shared their memories of Chef Declan, as he was most often called, and said his warmth, humor and drive made the head chef the heart of the kitchen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perry began at the restaurant as a teenager in an entry-level job before moving into the kitchen, the post said. With time, he became a sous chef and later rose to lead the line. Chef Declan Perry, who worked as head chef at The Grill Room & Bar in Portland, Maine, is remembered by colleagues as the creative heart of the kitchen. The restaurant shared this photo in a Sept. 5 Facebook post reflecting on his life and sudden death, which is being investigated as a murder. "With hard work, curiosity and an undeniable talent learning, leading and inspiring at each step," the post said. He was remembered as a living example of dedication and growth. The September post followed Perrys death, which was discovered Aug. 23 when his body was found in the back seat of his car, wrapped in blankets and duct tape, outside South Shore Hospital in Weymouth. A medical examiner said he had fentanyl and cocaine in his system and had suffered a host of physical injuries. Police subsequently arrested Christopher Caron, 42, of Scituate, who told police after turning himself in on Aug. 30 that Perry had overdosed. But the extent of Perrys injuries including signs of blunt-force trauma and possible strangulation led authorities to charge Caron with murder. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody until his next court appearance Sept. 29. Christopher Caron, of Scituate, faces a judge Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 in Hingham District Court on a murder charge in the death of Declan Perry of Portland, Maine. As the case unfolds, The Grill Room says it will honor his legacy through every dish and every guest. Chef Declan believed food was a way to bring people together, tell stories, and create lasting memories," the post said. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: The Grill Room & Bar in Portland shares memories of 'Chef Declan' PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) A man is dead and a suspect is in custody after a Sunday shooting in Bowie, the Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) detailed. Police say officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 4300 block of Rockport Lane at around 6:30 p.m. There, a man was found outside suffering from a gunshot wound. The man was transported to the hospital, where he later died. In an update Monday, police identified him as Benjamin Francis, 59, of Lanham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montgomery County detectives link double shooting to August homicide Officers arrested 58-year-old Herbert Keith Mason Jr., of Bowie, at the shooting scene. An initial investigation revealed that Mason shot Francis during an argument and that the two knew each other, according to PGPD. Authorities charged Mason, who is in custody at the Department of Corrections, with second-degree murder. As the investigation continues, police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Solvers online. Those looking to speak to a homicide detective can call 301-516-2512. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JAMAICA, Queens (PIX11) A man was killed in the back of a Queens park on Sunday night, according to police. The shooting occurred at Rochdale Park in Jamaica just after 8 p.m. on Sunday, according to police. More Local News A 29-year-old man was found with gunshot wounds to his neck and shoulder. He was later declared dead at a local hospital, police said. There are no suspects or arrests as of Sunday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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). Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ST. LOUIS A man illegally residing in the United States admitted in federal court Monday to sexually abusing and engaging in inappropriate conversations with a minor. Court records say Giovanni Falcon, 41, pleaded guilty to transferring obscene material to a minor, as well as coercion and enticement of a minor. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Missouri said Falcon sending explicit messages to a 15-year-old girl via Instagram between Jan. 1, 2024 and Aug. 12, 2024. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Falcon and the victim also engaged in sexual activity on multiple occasions, prosecutors said. The victims father eventually discovered the disturbing Instagram messages, prompting him to contact police. Falcon was arrested by St. Ann Police and confessed to sexually abusing the minor. Prosecutors are recommending 216 months in prison for Falcon, who will be sentenced on Jan. 27, 2026. Falcon is a Mexican national. Because he is not in the country legally, officials say they plan to deport Falcon when he is released from prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Sentencing will be Oct. 1 for a man who pleaded guilty last week to wounding a man during a shooting New Years Day 2024 at an East Side bar. Allen Torres, 30, entered guilty pleas Sept. 2 in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court before Judge Anthony DApolito to charges of felonious assault, a second-degree felony and two third-degree felonies of being a felon in possession of a firearm and illegal possession of a firearm in a liquor permit premises. Prosecutors are recommending a sentence of 17-21 years to run concurrent with a 46-month sentence he received earlier this year in federal court on a gun charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Torres is accused of shooting a man at a bar in the 2100 block of Hubbard Road. Police have not given a motive for the shooting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. A Maryland man has admitted to orchestrating a sweeping fraud scheme that relied on the stolen identities of medical doctors to churn out thousands of illegal prescriptions, some of which were filled at pharmacies in the Los Angeles area, federal prosecutors announced. Benjamin Jamal Washington, 25, of Hyattsville, Maryland, pleaded guilty Friday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California. He remains in federal custody. The case against Washington stretches back nearly three years. Between September 2020 and May 2023, prosecutors said, Washington and his co-conspirators obtained personal information from dozens of licensed physicians. The stolen details included names, birthdates, addresses, phone numbers, National Provider Identification numbers and Drug Enforcement Administration registration numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armed with that data, the group manufactured fake drivers licenses and turned to corrupt telephone company employees to carry out illegal SIM swaps. By hijacking the doctors phone numbers, they were able to open fraudulent e-prescribing accounts under the physicians names, investigators said. To refine the ruse, at least one member of the group contacted a pharmacy technician, asking questions to better understand how legitimate doctors typically submitted prescriptions. That inside knowledge, prosecutors noted, allowed the conspirators to avoid detection. By the time the operation was uncovered, Washington and his accomplices had issued more than 5,600 fraudulent prescriptions for controlled substances, including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine. Pharmacies across the United States filled the prescriptions, and the drugs were later sold for profit, according to investigators. Washington is now awaiting sentencing. U.S. District Judge Wesley L. Hsu has set the hearing for January 13, 2026. The 25-year-old faces a statutory maximum sentence of 42 years in prison, including a mandatory two-year consecutive term for aggravated identity theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Another individual has been sentenced for his participation in a series of attacks at Greenville County homeless camps in 2022. 21-year-old Seth Tyler Norris was sentenced to 12 years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections on Thursday, September 4, after pleading guilty to assault & battery of a high and aggravated nature and accessory after the fact to murder. The plea agreement is in connection with the charges related to the events surrounding the murder of Joshua Garrett, who was shot and killed in front of a home on A Street in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation into Garretts murder, cell phone records and witness statements led officers to identify several suspects, including Norris, his brother Joshua Norris, Tristan Ramey and Sunny Sorgee, who is the mother of Seth and Josh Norris. Videos found on seized cell phones showed Norris and others brutally attacking several homeless individuals. Officials said several suspects cooperated with law enforcement and provided full confessions during the investigation. Tristan Ramey, 27, pled guilty to murder and attempted murder on June 3 and received a thirty-year sentence. David Norris, 44, pled guilty to two counts of assault & battery, first degree, on May 19, and was sentenced to ten years. Joshua Norris and Sunny Sorgee are still awaiting sentencing for their roles in the events surrounding Garretts murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) Police are searching for multiple suspects wanted in connection with a robbery in Carnegie Hill. According to police, two men walked up to a 22-year-old man outside of 219 E 97th St. at around 7 p.m. last Sunday. One of the individuals pulled out a knife while the other took the mans phone, officials said. More Local News The two then fled on foot in an unknown direction. Police said no one was injured in the robbery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both men are believed to be between the ages of 18 and 25. One was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, gray sweatpants and white sneakers. The other was seen in a black and beige bonnet, a multi-colored sweatshirt, multi-colored pajama pants and black sneakers. 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). Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) A Maryland man who turned himself in to police after a fatal 2024 shooting in Morgantown has been sentenced. According to a press release from the Monongalia County Sheriffs Office, 20-year-old Arnold Johnson III of Montgomery Village, Maryland, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murder of 21-year-old Rashad Alton. Arnold Johnson III in 2024 2 men charged after allegedly attacking victim in Morgantown parking garage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting occurred on July 11, 2024 just before 1:45 a.m. on Mountain Valley Drive. Alton was found by deputies suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital where he later died. Were proud of dedication and work our detectives did to ensure a positive outcome on the senseless murder of Rashad Alton, the release said. Johnson was initially thought to have fled West Virginia before turning himself in to the Monongalia County Sheriffs Office in August of 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. A South Carolina man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material. ALSO READ: Hickory man faces charges for exploitation of a minor The sentencing follows an investigation by the South Carolina Attorney Generals Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which executed a search warrant on the residence of John Edward Prigmore, 40, in May 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation was initiated after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provided a cyber-tip indicating that accounts associated with Prigmore contained child sexual abuse material. During the search of Prigmores residence, several electronic devices were seized and found to contain child sexual abuse material. He had a prior conviction on state charges of criminal sexual conduct with a minor. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Prigmore to 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision. Prigmore was also ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution. VIDEO: Man pleads guilty to murder of woman and their unborn child A man will spend decades in prison after burglarizing his ex-girlfriends Smyrna home in 2022. Glenmaine Scott was convicted of first-degree burglary after a bench trial presided over by Cobb County Superior Court Judge Angela Z. Brown. Cobb District Attorney Sonya F. Allen announced the conviction and sentencing on Monday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to the District Attorneys Office, the incident happened Jan. 6, 2022, when Scotts ex-girlfriend came home from an out-of-state trip to find her apartment ransacked and her belongings removed or damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors reported seeing Scott removing items from the victims apartment and discarding them in a dumpster. TRENDING STORIES: Teens at Waffle House jump over counter, attack employee, Cobb County police say STORY 2 STORY 3 The victims neighbors described the items as new and in good condition, and noted that Scott claimed they were moving, which they found odd since the victim lived alone. The neighbors refrained from questioning Scott further due to his angry demeanor at the time, the DAs office said. They identified him as someone who had visited the victim in a silver Chevy sedan. The Smyrna Police Department responded to the initial call from the victim and found that all remaining items in her closet had been doused with bleach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The behavior in this case is disturbing, Allen said in a statement. Im incredibly proud of Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Hager for bringing this case to trial and for standing up for our victim. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man was stabbed to death at a Walmart in Horn Lake, Mississippi, after a fight with an employee Sunday night, according to the Horn Lake Police Department. Officers say they were called to Walmart on 4150 Goodman Road regarding a complaint of someone being cut inside the store. When they arrived, they saw a 27-year-old man who was found suffering from a cut to his stomach on one of the main aisles inside the business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was then taken to Baptist DeSoto Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead due to his injuries. Police have identified him as Ledarius Clayton. 4 kids shot in Hickory Hill house; police seek suspects During the investigation, officers say surveillance video showed Clayton entering Walmart, walking directly down one of the main aisles until he saw a certain Walmart employee, and immediately started a physical altercation with him. While they were fighting, Clayton was cut in the stomach and fell, police say. That is when the employee distanced himself. Officers say the employee was later detained on the scene, but no charges have been filed against him at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say this is an isolated incident and no other Walmart employees were believed to be in any danger. Residents in Horn Lake have mixed reactions to the tragedy. This is something that Im not aware of, that happens in this area, said Edward Mitchell, resident. It happens all the time. Its every day. Youve just got to watch your back, said another resident. I very seldom go to Walmart, so I dont think it would affect me, said Mitchell. This is still an ongoing investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Channel 11 was there after a Washington County man turned himself in to police in connection with a deadly weekend shooting. Police say Kristopher Moorehouse, 20, shot and killed Brady Paul, 25, at a home on Giffin Street just after 11:30 p.m. Saturday. RELATED COVERAGE >>> Man shot, killed at friends home in Canonsburg Walking into court, Moorehouse said this wasnt a homicide; it was self-defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was self-defense, I did not mean to kill Brady Paul, Moorehouse told our cameras. He was attacking me. The District Attorney in Washington County, Jason Walsh, says otherwise. Canonsburgs Police Chief says this started as a party Saturday night at a home on Giffin Avenue before multiple shots were fired and several people took off. We went from a who done it to having an arrest warrant later that day, Chief Alexander Coghill told Channel 11. Police say Paul was found dead on the front porch of the home. A gun was found lying inside the foyer, and another was on the floor of the living room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court paperwork, Moorehouse was in a bedroom with a woman when Paul sent a Facebook message asking to join them intimately. Police say Moorehouse told him no and shot Brady Paul as he was sitting in a chair. They werent strangers; they knew each other, something occurred and Mr. Moorehouse shot the victim and killed him, Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh said. Court paperwork says Moorehouse went to a local creek to wash off the blood, then went to his mothers house, where he asked the woman he was with to drive him to Parkersburg, West Virginia. That woman told police, on the way there, Moorehouse confessed to shooting Paul. When asked if more people could be charged in connection with this homicide, Walsh said the investigation is ongoing. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Investigators with the Baton Rouge Police Department are searching for a man wanted on multiple charges, including attempted second-degree murder. The suspect was identified as 24-year-old Tyzerrian Castle. View a photo of Castle here. Police said Castle is also wanted for illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities and aggravated criminal damage to property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on Castles whereabouts is asked to contact Capital Region Crime Stoppers at 344-7867. Baton Rouge woman charged with DUI after son suffers serious injuries in crash 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. As Burmese pythons threaten Florida habitats, a local program incentivizes residents to assist with capturing and killing them. Aaron Mann won the top prize of $1,000 after wrangling 87 of the snakes in one month, reported the New York Post. The Python Elimination Program, set in place by the South Florida Water Management District, is a new trial program in 2025. It pays the person with the highest number of captures per month $1,000. Participants can also get bonuses for catching pythons longer than four feet and for locating active python nests. While incentivizing capture-and-kill may seem extreme, Florida has good reason for doing so when it comes to the Burmese python. The exotic pet trade introduced the species to the state, and it has become an invasive species. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the pythons prey on Florida-native species, including endangered species, like the Key Largo wood rat. Their large size also means they don't have many predators to keep their populations in check. For these reasons, the Burmese python was added to the state's list of prohibited species in 2021. Because they threaten native animal populations, Burmese pythons can impact entire ecosystems. By preying on raccoons, rabbits, and even alligators, pythons disrupt local food chains, limiting resources for native predators. The Everglades is one area especially hit hard by growing python populations. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Everglades' raccoon population declined by 99.3% from 1997 to 2012, with opossums close behind at 98.9% decline. People also feel the impacts of these ecosystem disruptions. Hunting, fishing, and wildlife tourism in Florida rely on healthy native populations to succeed. Florida's wetlands also become less effective at filtering water and protecting against storms when their ecosystems are damaged, according to the National Wildlife Federation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Python Elimination Program hopes to encourage local Floridians to get involved with controlling the Burmese python population and, in turn, protecting the state's ecosystems. "Every single python that's removed is positive for the environment," said Mike Kirkland, python program manager at the South Florida Water Management District, per the Guardian. If you're not a python hunter, there's still room for you to help native species. Rewild your yard with native plants for local pollinators to make their home. This ultimately benefits you, too, as pollinators protect the food supply. Plus, a native plant lawn can save you time and money on maintenance while offering a beautiful outdoor space for you and native wildlife to enjoy. 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. ETOWAH COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) An investigation is underway after two people were found dead in Etowah Countys Coats Bend community, according to the Etowah County Sheriffs Office. Deputies with the Etowah County Sheriffs Office responded to the 6000 block of Old Highway 411, where they located an adult male and an adult female deceased at the scene. Investigators with the Sheriffs Office, the Jacksonville State University Center for Applied Forensics and the Etowah County District Attorneys Office responded to assist in the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Etowah County Sheriffs Office, the investigation is ongoing. No further details are available 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 CBS 42. MIAMI Manatee could become the second county in Florida to ban kratom and other designer drugs. Sarasota County approved a ban in 2014. While kratom was already restricted to adults over 21, an emergency statewide order last month banned one of the chemical compounds found in kratom. Last Tuesday, Manatee Commissioner Amanda Ballard proposed that county staff research a similar ordinance to Sarasota Countys and return with more information, including a draft ordinance. The motion passed 4-3 with commissioners George Kruse, Bob McCann and Jason Bearden dissenting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ballard suggested the county pursue an ordinance completely banning kratom and other designer drugs, like synthetic cannabis. Including designer drugs creates a broader ban on these types of substances and different types of kratom. Deadly Dose: A Tampa Bay Times investigation What is kratom? Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, and its leaves are used to create products that some say help treat pain, anxiety, depression and help with opioid withdrawal. Products containing kratom are commonly found in smoke or vape shops. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, kratom can be a stimulant when used in low doses, increasing alertness and physical energy. At higher doses, kratom can be used as a sedative and potentially cause psychosis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While some claim that kratom products have medical benefits, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved prescription or over-the-counter drugs containing kratom or its main chemical compound, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). The FDA also warns the public against the use of kratom for medical purposes and states that kratom poses risks like liver toxicity, seizures and substance use disorder. According to a 2023 report by the Tampa Bay Times, there have been 533 multi-substance overdoses involving kratom and 46 kratom-only overdoses in Florida over the past decade. What would a county-level ordinance change? In August, Attorney General James Uthmeier filed an emergency rule to remove 7-OH from stores and classified it as a controlled substance in Florida. 7-OH is a natural chemical compound found in the kratom plant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Classifying 7-OH as a Schedule 1 substance puts it in the same category as heroin, LSD and fentanyl. This means they are substances with a high potential for abuse without accepted medical uses. Sarasota Countys ordinance regulates the sale and use of designer drugs and misbranded consumer commodities. Designer drugs include kratom and synthetic cannabis, also known as K2 or Spice. It also includes any iterations of kratom, some of which could be made without 7-OH. If adopted in Manatee County, the ordinance will align with Sarasota Countys ordinance by banning designer drugs and derivatives of kratom. While the states recent order bans 7-OH from shelves, other derivatives of kratom could be made without 7-OH. By simply changing the formula for the drug ever so slightly, the manufacturers of these drugs are able to evade prosecution by state and federal authorities, County Attorney Pamela DAgostino said. Local law enforcement shows support Ballard said she realized how unregulated kratom was in Manatee County after discussions with Judge Lon Arend from Manatee Countys drug court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effects that were seeing, according to drug court, are really significant withdrawal symptoms, really significant issues with major physical addiction to this stuff, Ballard said. Hundreds died using kratom in Florida. It was touted as safe. This led her to talk to representatives from the state attorneys office, judges and law enforcement about adopting an ordinance in Manatee County. Anyone who violates the ordinance can receive misdemeanors with fines or jail time. Its battle-tested. Its done very, very well, Ballard said about Sarasota Countys ordinance. Attached to the agenda for Tuesdays meeting were letters of support from Sheriff Rick Wells of the Manatee County Sheriffs Office and the City of Bradenton Police Chief Josh Cramer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wells said he strongly supports an ordinance that would be aligned with Sarasota Countys to create a streamlined enforcement across county lines. These substances are often marked as legal alternatives to controlled drugs, yet they carry serious risks including addiction, unpredictable psychoactive effects and dangerous interactions with other substances, Wells said in the letter. As a law enforcement professional, I have witnessed firsthand the impact these substances have on individuals, families and our community. Cramer also showed support for the ordinance and the possibility of enforcement throughout Manatee County, not just in the unincorporated areas. Not restricting the ordinance to only the unincorporated parts of Manatee County will allow my officers to ensure that these Kratom products are not being distributed within the City of Bradenton, Cramer said. I stand in full support of the implementation of an ordinance for the regulation of Kratom. Others argue against a kratom ban Two residents sent public comments ahead of Tuesdays meeting, both describing how kratom positively impacted their lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the residents, Misty Brown, said she was addicted to painkillers, then turned to cocaine after she was refused chronic pain management. Then, in 2019, she tried kratom and it changed her life by helping her get off drugs. I am a functioning member of society again. I am a thriving mother again. I pay taxes again. I am no longer a burden to my kids. I am now a first-time grandma. I will forever be grateful and thankful that I accidentally found lab-tested, whole-leaf powder Kratom, Brown said in her comment. Another resident shared how she also was on chronic pain medication until finding kratom, which gave her a second chance in life. Commissioners briefly discussed Ballards motion, which was to direct staff to conduct further research on an ordinance. Commissioner Tal Siddique said he felt it was worth pursuing more research as a first step, but Kruse and Bearden spoke in opposition of the ordinance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that this is more of a bias-type of decision whether or not someone should have this particular drug or not, Bearden said. I think that maybe this is kind of premature. I think we need to do a little bit more analysis and maybe we need to find somebody who has some sort of study that we can go by. Kruse argued that since its already age-restricted by the state, he did not see the need to further regulate the substances. Its legal. Its already restricted to people over the age of 21, Kruse said. Im not going to run around banning 21-year-old adults from having their own personal liberties to make their own choices. Im not saying theres not validity to it but thats just my personal belief. Despite the arguments against a ban, the motion passed 4-3 directing county staff to conduct more research on a possible ordinance. 2025 Miami Herald. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC. MANHATTAN (KSNT) The Little Apple community came together in Manhattan last weekend for the third annual Shoes For Hope event. The Flint Hills Volunteer Center hosted the event which honors 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. First responders set up their vehicles for kids to interact with and helped kids try on shoes. Event organizers told 27 News what this event means for the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its honoring those lives lost, and what the families of those who lost their lives wanted, said Lori Bishop, executive director of Flint Hills Center. They wanted to bring a community together love the smiles on these kids faces. Juveniles found screaming, critically burned in Kansas fuel explosion Volunteers at the event gave out more than 400 pairs of shoes for the kids to help them be ready for the school year. 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. Montana State Auditor Troy Downing, the Republican nominee for Montana's 2nd Congressional District, speaks at a rally in Bozeman on Aug. 9, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan) Mark your calendars, everyone in Eastern Montana, for 5 p.m., Sept. 9 Rep. Troy Downing will bestow on his constituency his fourth telephone town hall since he took office in January. If you dont follow his Facebook page doesnt everyone? you may have missed it. But then, again, he sends out a recorded telephone blast just before it starts. But, best to sign up in advance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Downing is in full re-election mode after recently receiving Donald Trumps complete and total endorsement in no small part because he has been a complete and total acolyte for the presidents direct orders to the House GOP. Its unknown if he has any opposing or varying views of the administrations unlimited power grab to re-create American government and life in so many ways. While decrying federal spending, Downing belittles concern for the projected increase of $3.4 trillion to the federal budget deficit as a result of the presidentially renamed Working Families Tax Cut, nee One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The Congressional Budget Office projects an increase over the next decade (2025-2034), with total national debt rising by $4.1 trillion when accounting for interest costs, according to a July analysis. Right now, Downing is crowing on national conservative cable channels about his sponsorship of H.J.R. 104, a Congressional Review Act, leading to overturning a Biden-era limit on Powder River Basin coal extraction. The resolution, passed on a four-vote margin, does not have the effect of law; it is only a sentiment of the House GOP majority but sets the tone. It has moved to the Senate for consideration into the eager hands of Montanas two U.S. senators. Without mentioning U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke of the western district as co-sponsor, Downing rests his laurels on a claim Thursday that his legislative moxie protects approximately $46 million in annual state revenue which is used to fund public K-12 education. But is that true? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The portion of the Coal Severance Tax Trust Fund he may have in mind is a school facilities fund that may be used only for school facility projects authorized by the Legislature, according to the Legislative Fiscal Division. This fund is the only one of seven sub-fund trusts, the others not related to public education. Perhaps we can get clarification Tuesday evening? He brags that 13,000 people were registered to be on the line for the first two calls. Adding another 6,500 from the third telephone call, we can estimate that 19,500 persons attended the three calls. With perhaps 12 people having opportunity to ask a question, that leaves 19,464 constituents who couldnt and are still waiting. He could have had unexpected opportunity to have an actual in-person town hall during the last week in August when the House GOP got orders to march out of Washington early so as not to deal with the growing fracas over release of the full Epstein files. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But instead he and three other Republicans fled the country to visit Mexico, Paraguay and Peru. In early August he squeezed in a trip to Israel with a congressional delegation hosted by a pro-Israel American group to visit Jerusalem and Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee where he and his wife, Heather, renewed their baptismal vows in the Sea of Galilee. Incredibly moving, Downing reported. He made no mention of prospects for peace in Gaza or concern for Palestine noncombatants. Lots of questions to ask so little time. For the second time in two years, Marilyn Monroe's Brentwood home has been saved from destruction. Last summer, the Spanish Colonial-style hacienda was saved by the L.A. City Council , which voted unanimously to designate the house as a historic cultural monument, halting its impending demolition. This time around, it was rescued by an L.A. Superior Court judge, who rejected a legal challenge from the homeowners claiming the city's landmark designation violated their right to raze the residence. Judge James C. Chalfant upheld the City Council's decision and the home's monument status in a brief filed Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could be the final chapter to a years-long saga with plenty of Hollywood twists and turns. On one side are the homeowners, Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank, who are fighting for the right to tear the property down. On the other are legions of historians, Angelenos and Monroe fans, who claim the 1920s haunt, where the actor died in 1962, is an indelible piece of celebrity history. The feud stirred up a larger conversation on what exactly is worth protecting in Southern California, a region loaded with architectural marvels and Old Hollywood haunts swirling with celebrity legend and gossip. Fans claim the house, located on 5th Helena Drive, is too iconic to be torn down. Monroe bought it for $75,000 in 1962 and died there six months later, the only home she ever owned by herself. The phrase Cursum Perficio Latin for The journey ends here was adorned in tile on the front porch, adding to the property's lore. An aerial view of the house where Marilyn Monroe died in Brentwood. (Mel Bouzad / Getty Images) The homeowners claim it has been remodeled so many times over the years, with 14 different owners and over a dozen renovation permits issued over the last 60 years, that it bears no resemblance to its former self. Some Brentwood locals consider it a nuisance, since fans and tour buses flock to the address for pictures, even though the only thing visible from the street is the privacy wall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is not a single piece of the house that includes any physical evidence that Ms. Monroe ever spent a day at the house, not a piece of furniture, not a paint chip, not a carpet, nothing, Milstein and Bank claimed in their lawsuit. Milstein, a wealthy real estate heiress, and Bank, a reality TV producer with credits including "The Apprentice" and "Survivor," bought the home for $8.35 million in 2023 with plans to tear it down. They own the property next door and hoped to expand their estate. The pair obtained demolition permits from the Department of Building and Safety, but once their plans became public, an outcry erupted. Councilmember Traci Park, who represents L.A.'s 11th council district where the home is located, said she received hundreds of calls and emails urging her to protect it. In September 2023, she held a press conference dressed as Monroe bright red lipstick, bobbing blond hair urging the City Council to declare it a landmark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission started the landmark application process in January 2024, barring the owners from destroying the house in the meantime. A few weeks later, Milstein pleaded her case to the commission. We have watched it go unmaintained and unkept. We purchased the property because it is within feet of ours. And it is not a historic cultural monument, she said at the time. The couple sued the city a few months later, accusing them of unconstitutional actions and "backdoor machinations in trying to preserve a house that doesnt qualify as a historic cultural monument. Judge Chalfant denied the claim, calling it an "ill-disguised motion to win so they can demolish the home." Milstein and Bank, who have previously offered to move the home so they can expand their own estate without destroying Monroe's, could appeal the judge's decision. 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. Charlie may not be able to surf, but the U.S. military can. In fact, the American armed forces have a strong connection with surf culture. Troops stationed in Hawaii cant help but pick up a board, even if they have to drive their Tacoma from Schofield Barracks to Haleiwa. In California, Marines in Oceanside and sailors in San Diego and Ventura are naturally immersed in the surf scene; never mind the private military beaches at North Island and Coronado. A lesser-known connection, however, lies on the East Coast, where the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop was founded by a United States Marine. Its founder, Ron DiMenna, is a bit of an enigma, living most of his life out of the spotlight. The New Jersey native enlisted in the Marine Corps in the 1950s and returned home after his service. Thats when he founded the surf and beach apparel and supply store, which began in the trunk of his car and would eventually expand to both coasts, the Gulf of America, and even the Great Lakes. DiMenna died on Sept. 6, 2025, at the age of 88. No cause of death has been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1959, while working in his fathers grocery store in Manahawkin, New Jersey, DiMenna was invited to surf with a friend. He was hooked. Before long, hed bought three surfboards from California. That same year, he founded Ron Jon Surf Shop. Following his fathers business advice, he sold two of the boards, and the third was basically his for free. The Original. (Ron Jon Surf Shop) Wanting to spread his love of the waves, DiMenna opened The Original Ron Jon Surf Shop on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, in 1961. With its powerful shore break, the site was a perfect surf destination for travelers from New York and Philadelphia. Two years later, the younger DiMenna left his father in charge of the Long Island Beach shop and set out south in a camper van. When he arrived in Cocoa Beach, Florida, it was far from the tourist destination that it is today. Mimicking the small-but-efficient business model of his fathers grocery store, DiMenna set up a new Ron Jon Surf Shop to bring surf culture to Floridas Atlantic coast. The culture of the 1960s embraced surfing in a big way, and Ron Jon Surf Shop experienced explosive growth. Because of DiMenna, other surf companies did too. Ron Jons original Cocoa Beach location on Canaveral Pier. (Ron Jon Surf Shop) If you could get in [Rons] shop, you could be successful, Duke Boyd, co-founder of Hang Ten surfing apparel, told ESPN in 2011. We got into Ron Jons shop and we exploded because of him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The One of a Kind Cocoa Beach location evolved to become the brands flagship store and claims the title of Worlds Largest Surf Shop. Up in New Jersey, The Original shop on Long Beach Island also expanded to 12,000 square feet and features one of the worlds longest surfboards, measuring over 24 feet. Throughout Florida, Ron Jon Surf Shops have opened in Lake Buena Vista, Fort Myers, Key West, Panama City Beach, Clearwater Beach, and Pensacola Beach. The iconic shops can also be found in Ocean City, Maryland, Orange Beach, Alabama, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In addition to Ron Jon Surf Shop, DiMenna and his wife, Lynne, founded Surfings Evolution & Preservation Foundation. The 501(c)(3) charity supports the preservation of Floridas beaches by addressing coastal pollution and beach ecology. The Florida Endless Summer license plates, featuring a surfer at sunset and often seen on Jeep Wranglers and Ford Broncos, support the foundation financially. (East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame) In 1998, DiMenna was inducted into the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame. Following his passing on September 6, 2025, DiMenna leaves behind a solid legacy of establishing and growing surf culture on the East Coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The entire Ron Jon family mourns this loss. On behalf of our Board of Directors, management team, and employees, we extend our deepest sympathy to Rons wife, Lynne DiMenna, Ron Jon Surf Shop President Michele Goodwin said in a company statement. Rons vision and legacy will live on for generations through Ron Jon Surf Shop and Surfings Evolution & Preservation Foundation. sandwich assault sean dunn getty Military News Sandwich assailant and Air Force veteran avoids felony assault charges By Randall Stevens best generals napoleon Wars The 10 best generals of all time, determined by statistical analysis By Blake Stilwell mcpherson americas last world war II fighter ace World War II Donald McPherson, Americas last World War II fighter ace, dies at 103 By Miguel Ortiz chuck wepner ali rocky getty Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sports The real-life Rocky Balboa was a United States Marine By Matt Ward disobey orders Mighty Heroes 9 troops who became heroes after they disobeyed orders By Blake Stilwell MARSHFIELD, Mo. Residents in Marshfield are remembering the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, during an event titled Marshfield Remembers. According to a City of Marshfield press release, the city is hosting its 5th annual memorial event at 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, at Patriot Park. The park will display 2,977 flags and projects from students of the Marshfield R-1 School District from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Sept. 9 to Sept. 11 to remember the lives lost on 9/11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This memorial and tribute is designed to let those who experienced 9/11 come together and reflect on the events of that day, honor the lives lost and the families left behind and educate future generations so that we truly Never Forget, Mayor Natalie McNish said in the release. We hope people from all across southwest Missouri will join Marshfield to remember not only the tragedy, but also the coming together of Americans as neighbors in the days and months following the horrific events of that day. A tribute will be held at 8 p.m. on Sept. 11 with two towers of light in the night sky, with various first responders honoring the sacrifice made on that day. The event will also include the Marshfield High School Concert Choir performing when the lights on display rise and Bryant Robinson playing the song Taps before the twin towers of light. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BALTIMORE Maryland elections officials have spent years batting down false claims of voter fraud and bolstering the states mail-in voting process. Now, as President Donald Trump once again tries to intervene in how states run elections, theyre pushing back saying his latest efforts will undermine confidence in the process, while Maryland Republicans say the moves will help assure voters. Since mid-July, the Maryland State Board of Elections has turned down multiple attempts from the Department of Justice to obtain voter registration and other personal information. Trumps more recent comments about wanting to eliminate mail-in voting have also raised alarms introducing more anxiety, some say, in a method that nearly a third of Maryland voters used last year. We had over 880,000 Marylanders use mail-in voting in 2024, said Jared DeMarinis, Marylands top elections administrator. It is a very popular method in the state of Maryland and it is a safe and secure method. People feel confident in using it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps disdain for mail-in voting has carried on for years. He said last month he would try to ban it nationwide, one of several election-focused efforts that include imposing a requirement for voters to show identification and proof of citizenship at the polls. Democrats and independent elections experts say Trump doesnt have the authority to make those changes, and Democrats in control in Maryland are unlikely to voluntarily follow his lead. Some Maryland Republicans, however, say they should. If there is mail-in voting, speaking from the Republican side, we need to utilize it as much as we can. But should we have it or not is a different question, said Neil Parrott, a Republican who is considering a fourth consecutive run for Congress after losing the last three in the district covering Western Maryland. Parrott, from Frederick County, won about 19,000 more votes than now-U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney did through in-person early voting and on Election Day last fall. But McClain Delaneys roughly 40,000 more mail-in votes than Parrott helped her secure the win overall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Maryland Republican Party supports ending universal mail-in voting, Chair Nicole Beus Harris said in a statement, alleging the process is clearly subject to potential fraud. State Sen. Cheryl Kagan, a Montgomery County Democrat and the most active legislator on elections issues, said mail-in voting has proven to be safe and convenient. There is no reason to sow doubt in vote-by-mail, Kagan said, calling it one of the best developments in our elections process in decades. A renewed fight Trumps comments have come after a tumultuous five years for elections across the country and ahead of a 2026 midterm election that will determine how much power the president has for the second half of his term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Maryland, the pandemic-inspired spike in mail-in voting led to drawn-out battles, including whether ballots that arrive after Election Day can be counted and how much time elections staff have to handle and tabulate those votes. Multiple lawsuits have also involved the states database of 4.3 million registered voters as Trump and his supporters raised concerns about fraud across the country. The Justice Departments July 14 request in Maryland was the latest foray in that area. Similar to requests in dozens of other states, the Justice Department said it was seeking the Maryland voter list as well as the names of election officials responsible for maintaining it. A variety of other questions involved alleged inconsistencies with different forms of voter data and an audit released in 2023 that found the Maryland agency was not as comprehensive as necessary in identifying deceased individuals who were still registered to vote. The audit did not find evidence of widespread fraud or any material impacts on election results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeMarinis responded in a lengthy letter two weeks later and then again in mid-August when the Justice Department formally submitted its request through the process that allows anyone to purchase the full voter database for $125. The list may only be used for purposes related to the electoral process, DeMarinis wrote, inquiring about the reason for the request and whether it involved enforcing immigration laws or in ways that would intimidate voters. Maryland voters have the right to know what the Department intends to do with the states voter registration list, he wrote. After the Justice Department replied asking for even more information, including voters drivers license numbers and the last four digits of their Social Security numbers, DeMarinis asked again for the reason and noted that those personal details are not typically subject to disclosure. The Justice Department did not respond to specific questions from The Baltimore Sun about its request in Maryland. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said in a statement that the Department has a statutory mandate to enforce our federal voting rights laws, and ensuring the publics confidence in the integrity of our elections is a top priority of this administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeMarinis said in an interview that the State Board of Elections is willing to coordinate on investigating specific cases of potentially illegal activities. But the requests for personal information was worrisome and definitely requires follow-up, he said. Michael Hanmer, a professor and director of the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement at the University of Maryland, said theres a serious threat to what this does to undermine peoples confidence in our system. Theres very little reason to worry about fraud based on all of the evidence thats been gathered to try to assess it, Hanmer said. I understand people being concerned with potential for fraud, but the existence of fraud is exceedingly rare. Parrott and other Maryland Republicans said cooperating with the Trump administration would help build confidence in the system, not diminish it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland should be working with the federal government in every opportunity, said Del. Steven Arentz, a Queen Annes County Republican. If this were not Donald Trump doing this, then it wouldnt be as big of a deal. Arentz has previously sponsored state legislation that would allow individual voters to opt out of the ability for the state to provide their voter registration data to anyone who asks for it. He said he was inspired to introduce the idea because some of his constituents were concerned that their party affiliation was publicly accessible. They felt it was violating their personal business and people were judging them that way, Arentz said. Delegate Bob Long, a Baltimore County Republican who has sponsored multiple voter ID bills, said Maryland officials should provide the list to Trump. He also said they should work with him to restrict mail-in voting pointing, in part, to an issue in Baltimore in 2022 when a dozen flash drives containing precinct vote totals were temporarily missing (which was not an issue related to mail-in ballots). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Long said he prefers the previous system when absentee ballots were permitted mainly for service members stationed outside the state and others who gave a reason they couldnt vote in person. It has been proven that some of the ballots have been lost, they have went to the wrong addresses and people fill them out. It just sets up a scenario where fraud could be widespread, Long said. DeMarinis and others said there is always going to be room for improvement, but concerns raised by Trump and his supporters are unfounded. We have been through every nook and cranny of our election laws, and if theres new technology that causes us to take another look and tweak something, thats what we do, Kagan said. But fundamentally, we have an excellent election system. _____ Democrats on the U.S. Senates Banking Committee are calling on President Donald Trumps top economic adviser to resign his White House post if he wins a spot on the Federal Reserves Board of Governors. Right now, Dr. Stephen Miran, the chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, says hell only take a leave of absence if he wins a spot at the nations central bank, but wont give up his post. Mirans admission came under questioning from U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., during a confirmation hearing last week. Miran told lawmakers hed only spend four months in the job, making an unpaid leave the appropriation option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late last week, Democrats on the Banking Committee, including U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., sent Miran a letter, arguing it wouldnt be in the best interest of the American people for him to stay in his White House position. It is ludicrous to contend that you could exercise independent judgment regarding monetary policy and financial regulation. In a Tweet from 2023, you stated that no person on the planet can go from highly political operative to politically neutral just because he or she gets a promotion. Thats just not how human beings work, they wrote. By your own standard, any action you take as a Fed Governor would be questioned as a self-serving ploy to satisfy the demands of the President and retain your position in the White House, they continued. The lawmakers asked Miran to provide them with the legal analysis that he used to justify this dangerous arrangement and how it would preserve the independence of the Federal Reserve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House did not immediately return MassLives request for comment. In addition to Warren and Reed, the letter was signed by U.S. Sens. Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Tina Smith of Minnesota, Catherine Corte Masto of Nevada, and Andy Kim of New Jersey. More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. UVALDE, TEXAS - MAY 25: A child crosses under caution tape at Robb Elementary School on May 25, 2022 in Uvalde, Texas. According to reports, during the mass shooting, 19 students and 2 adults were killed, with the gunman fatally shot by law enforcement. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) As a former county reporter in northwest Wisconsin, I always tried to find a local angle to a national or regional story. Ive been thinking the two former papers I used to work for Spooner Advocate and Sawyer County Record were probably looking for readers who have friends or relatives with some connection to the recent mass shooting Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Annunciation Catholic Church in South Minneapolis that left two youngsters dead and 21 others injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I Googled the churchs location and realized that I had been just six blocks from it early this spring when I visited the Russian Art Museum. The church is also 10 or 15 minutes north of where my sister, Charlotte, lives. Later, Charlotte called me and said she and my other sister, Alma, had attended the church for Christmas Eve or New Years Eve mass. Charlotte mentioned that a neighbor had a daughter who attended the same pre-K-8 Catholic school as the students who were fired upon. Without knowing any victims, just the proximity of the church to my previous visit and my sisters and the neighbors experience, there is some connection I have with that tragedy, be it ever so thin. A couple of years ago, when I worked for the Sawyer County Record, I did a story on a woman who works in Hayward whose son had been attending Michigan State University when a man went on a short shooting rampage in February 2023 on campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was after doing that story of the local boy to the Michigan State University shooting, that it hit me that more and more of us are having some connection to a gun shooting, especially school shootings. We may not have witnessed the shooting, and we hopefully didnt have any loved one injured or traumatized, but still we might be one or two or three or four persons removed from the tragedy, like the woman whose son was in proximity to the Michigan State shooter. Its just logical with more and more of these mass shootings more of us would have these connections. There are those directly impacted by mass shootings, the victims and their families, but there are scores more that are indirectly connected, and because of those connections the tragedy has more importance. The event becomes less abstract as you hear about a friends daughter or niece or cousin who had to hide under her desk to avoid rounds of gunfire echoing through the halls of education. It becomes less abstract as the mother of the Michigan State University student describes her fear when she heard about the gunman and knew her son might be shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a mass shooting happens, we hear people argue that its not the guns causing the deaths but the shooters, and then others advocate for legislation that would keep guns out of the hands of people likely to commit such atrocities. After a mass shooting, weve become too familiar with how this debate over guns unfolds, and many of us are frustrated that very little ever changes. However, I believe we will have sensible gun legislation so those with mental illnesses dont have access to a gun, and red flag laws will help law enforcement identify those who are more likely to go on a shooting spree and secure weapons before a tragedy occurs. I think it is inevitable because attitudes are going to change as more and more of us have these direct and indirect connections to mass shootings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And a connection to a tragedy changes attitudes. When drug overdose deaths were a thing that appeared to mostly happen in far-away cities, there wasnt that much support in rural Wisconsin for attacking the problem. But when overdose deaths began to occur in the suburbs and rural communities, the reality of the drug epidemic hit home, and widespread support for addressing it grew. We are slowly, incrementally, each finding some point of connection to a mass shooting just because there have been so many of them: 503 mass shootings in 2024 alone. The question in my mind is not if the legislation will happen, but how many people will have to die before enough of us, regardless of political affiliation, demand sensible gun legislation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Maura Healey has branded the Operation Patriot 2.0 ICE raids being carried out by Donald Trumps administration in her state a power grab and political theater. The new enforcement mission began on Sunday after Mays original Operation Patriot raids in the Bay State yielded the arrest of 1,500 undocumented migrants, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Look, Ill say this, Healey said on MSNBCs The Weekend on Sunday. Im a former prosecutor. Im a former attorney general. Ive said many, many times, including to the Trump administration, that I support, as attorney general and now as governor, everything we can do on public safety. Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Maura Healey addresses President Donald Trump's illegal immigration crackdown in Boston (The Weekend/MSNBC) But what we have seen from ICE and from the administration really isnt about public safety, its about political theater. Its about a political power grab and an attempt to intimidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A DHS spokesperson rejected her claims, saying in a statement: ICE launched Patriot 2.0 to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens living in the state of Massachusetts, following the success of Operation Patriot in May. Trumps Justice Department sued Boston and its Democratic mayor Michelle Wu on Thursday over the citys sanctuary protections, arguing its laws were being exploited by dangerous criminals who should be deported. Sanctuary policies like those pushed by Mayor Wu not only attract and harbor criminals but also place these public safety threats above the interests of law-abiding American citizens, the DHS spokesperson said. ICE is arresting sex offenders, pedophiles, murderers, drug dealers, and gang members released by local authorities. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu speaks out against Trump administration pressure for her city to give up its 'sanctuary' protections at a public press conference on August 19 2025 (Reuters) Like Healey, Wu has been a vocal critic of Trumps illegal immigration crackdown, telling Boston public radio in June that ICEs tactics are the opposite of what makes communities safer, and no ones buying that line, that were just here to help make everyone safer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know what safety looks like in the city of Boston. She has since responded to the administrations lawsuit, similar to those it has launched against other blue states and cities like New York, New Jersey and Los Angeles, by saying in a statement: 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. Trumps aggressive push to round-up undocumented migrants this year has already brought him into conflict with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and, most recently, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, all of whom are Democrats. Over the weekend, the president risked inflaming tensions with Chicago by posting an AI-generated meme of himself as Lt. Col. Kilgore (Robert Duvall) from Francis Ford Coppolas Vietnam War movie Apocalypse Now (1979) with the catchphrase: I love the smell of deportations in the morning Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was subsequently asked whether he intended to go to war with the Windy City and answered: Were not going to war. Were going to clean up our cities. Were going to clear them up so they dont kill every five people every weekend. Thats not war. Thats common sense. When it was put to him by a reporter that he was targeting Democrat-run Chicago and Boston rather than Republican-run cities with higher crime rates like Memphis and St Louis, he replied: Do you know how many people were killed in Chicago last weekend? Eight. Do you know how many were killed in Chicago the week before? Seven. Do you know how many people were wounded? Seventy-four people were wounded. You think theres worse than that? I dont think so. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed last month that the U.S. now has 1.6 million fewer undocumented migrants on its soil than when Trump took office in January, a figure that has been disputed. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) on Sunday called the Trump administrations Patriot 2.0 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) action in her state political theater and a power grab. Look, Ill say this: Im a former prosecutor. Im a former attorney general. Ive said many, many times, including to the Trump administration, that I support as attorney general and now as governor everything we can do on public safety, Healey said on MSNBCs The Weekend. But what we have seen from ICE and from the administration really isnt about public safety, its about political theater. Its about a political power grab and an attempt to intimidate, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to The Hill, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson said ICE launched Patriot 2.0 to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens living in the state of Massachusetts, following the success of Operation Patriot in May. Sanctuary policies like those pushed by Mayor Wu not only attract and harbor criminals but also place these public safety threats above the interests of law-abiding American citizens, the spokesperson added, referencing Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (D). ICE is arresting sex offenders, pedophiles, murderers, drug dealers, and gang members released by local authorities, the spokesperson said. In the first few months of President Trumps second term, the president and his administration have cracked down heavily on immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem last month said the U.S. had 1.6 million fewer immigrants in the country illegally since the beginning of the Trump administration, a claim that came from information from a restrictionist immigration group that said its estimate may be overstated. The Justice Department sued Boston and Wu on Thursday over the citys sanctuary law, stating it is illegal and releases dangerous criminals who should be deported. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has accused neighbouring Finland of pursuing a course of war against Russia - and has renewed claims for reparations for World War II. "After joining NATO, Helsinki is pursuing a course of confrontation in preparation for war with Russia under the pretext of defence measures and is apparently preparing a bridgehead for an attack on us," Medvedev, who is still influential as deputy head of the National Security Council, wrote in a column for the state news agency TASS. Medvedev complained that staff structures for army units were being created in Lapland "in the immediate vicinity of the Russian border." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was clear who these structures were directed against, as NATO had declared Russia an enemy, he wrote. The column itself is entitled: "Finland's new doctrine: Stupidity, lies, ingratitude." The Finns' security endeavours following the Russian invasion of Ukraine are perceived as ungrateful in Moscow. Finland, which was neutral for decades after World War II, joined NATO together with Sweden as a reaction to the start of the Ukraine war. Medvedev now sees this as an opportunity to renew old demands for reparations, claiming that the new Finnish policy tramples on old agreements. Moscow is therefore no longer bound by the peace treaty of 1947, which limited Soviet reparation claims to $300 million: Medvedev argued the damage actually caused by Finland during World War II amounted to 20 trillion roubles ($244 billion), he claimed. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has accused neighbouring Finland of pursuing a course of war against Russia - and has renewed claims for reparations for World War II. "After joining NATO, Helsinki is pursuing a course of confrontation in preparation for war with Russia under the pretext of defence measures and is apparently preparing a bridgehead for an attack on us," Medvedev, who is still influential as deputy head of the National Security Council, wrote in a column for the state news agency TASS. Medvedev complained that staff structures for army units were being created in Lapland "in the immediate vicinity of the Russian border." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was clear who these structures were directed against, as NATO had declared Russia an enemy, he wrote. The column itself is entitled: "Finland's new doctrine: Stupidity, lies, ingratitude." The Finns' security endeavours following the Russian invasion of Ukraine are perceived as ungrateful in Moscow. Finland, which was neutral for decades after World War II, joined NATO together with Sweden as a reaction to the start of the Ukraine war. Medvedev now sees this as an opportunity to renew old demands for reparations, claiming that the new Finnish policy tramples on old agreements. Moscow is therefore no longer bound by the peace treaty of 1947, which limited Soviet reparation claims to $300 million: Medvedev argued the damage actually caused by Finland during World War II amounted to 20 trillion roubles ($244 billion), he claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finland took part in the war against the Soviet Union alongside Hitler's Germany in 1941. The Finns saw this as a continuation of the Winter War launched by the Soviet Union in 1939, in which Moscow annexed large areas of Finland. To this day, the 1939 Winter War following the Hitler-Stalin Pact is just as rarely discussed in Russian historiography as the annexation of the Baltic States carried out by Moscow at the time. In this context, Medvedev wrote that Finland was just as responsible for World War II as Germany. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Melissa Jubane is being remembered by friends and family at one of her favorite parks in Hillsboro, one year after her murder and disappearance. Man hit, killed on I-5N after fleeing traffic stop: PPB This was a woman with hobbies and interests and people that she loved. And her loss is deeply felt by us all, said Ines, chairperson of the grassroots organization Gabriella Portland, who put on the memorial. We held this vigil so that the community could come together and hear these stories together, to find out that we are not alone in our grief or our pain and our fear, and we can use this community to inspire action and change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On September 4, 2024, Jubane vanished. After she didnt show up for her nursing job at Providence St. Vincent in Southwest Portland, a search commenced involving people from her social circle and even strangers. A memorial was held for Melissa Jubane at Amberglen Park in HIllsboro one year after she was murdered then went missing. September 7, 2025 (KOIN). A memorial was held for Melissa Jubane at Amberglen Park in HIllsboro one year after she was murdered then went missing. September 7, 2025 (KOIN). A memorial was held for Melissa Jubane at Amberglen Park in HIllsboro one year after she was murdered then went missing. September 7, 2025 (KOIN). A memorial was held for Melissa Jubane at Amberglen Park in HIllsboro one year after she was murdered then went missing. September 7, 2025 (KOIN). A memorial was held for Melissa Jubane at Amberglen Park in HIllsboro one year after she was murdered then went missing. September 7, 2025 (KOIN). Melissa Marie Jubane, 32, was reported missing after she did not show up for work as a nurse at the Providence St. Vincent Medical Center on Wednesday, Sept. 4. (Beaverton Police Department) Melissa Jubane in an undated photo provided September 7, 2024 (Courtesy) Melissa Jubane with her husband. (Courtesy Llantero ohana) An undated photo of Melissa Jubane, whose remains were found days after she was reported missing. (Photo courtesy: Beaverton Police Department) Melissa Jubane and her husband Byan Llantero in Hawaii, August 2024 (Llantero Ohana via KHON) A large picture of Melissa Jubane was in place about an hour before a vigil for the slain nurse was held at Ridgewood View Park in Southwest Portland, September 9, 2024 (KOIN) Law enforcement officials eventually found her remains on September 7, 2024. Beaverton police arrested her neighbor, Bryce Johnathan Schubert, alleging that he committed the murder. He now faces charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping and abuse of a corpse. Though most details surrounding the case have remained sealed from the public, a court document filed by prosecutors claims Schubert had been deliberately cruel in his final moents of Jubanes life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schubert is in jail and a trial is set for March 2026. There will be a hearing in the case on Friday. What we are hoping to see, is to see the community come together, at this next court hearing on September 12th, Friday at 2:30 p.m. at the Washington County Courthouse, Ines said. WA 13-year-old arrested after threats of school shooting The last time Jubane was seen alive was at her Beaverton apartment, days after marrying her boyfriend of 10 years in Hawaii. The pair loved visiting Amberglen Park in Hillsboro, where the memorial was held Sunday. Leanna Walczak has also put together a GoFundMe in hopes of raising enough money for a memorial bench at the park as part of a grassroots community effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Continuous glacier melt has caused an old ski lift to resurface in the Dachstein Glacier, Austria. This rapid glacial retreat is a visible warning of how a warming Earth is reshaping the Alps. What's happening? According to Snow Brains, glaciers in the European Alps are retreating at record speed because of rising global temperatures, with some losing up to four inches of ice per day during summer heat waves. At Dachstein, the changes have been dramatic with a summer heat wave uncovering the Hunerkogel, a ski lift built in 1969 and buried under ice in the late 1970s. Because it is melting faster than new snowfall can replace it, the Dachstein Glacier continues to shrink. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, the Hallstatter Glacier, part of the Dachstein system, lost nearly six meters of ice between 2021 and 2024, according to data from the World Glacier Monitoring Service. Why is this concerning? Beyond a historic curiosity, the resurfaced ski lift shows how fast glaciers are disappearing. In a Copernicus report, 2024 was noted to have been the warmest year in the history of Europe. Due to the heat, glaciers in all European regions lost ice. The effects of high glacier mass loss go beyond the Alps. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration points to melting glaciers and ice sheets as the biggest cause of rising sea levels worldwide. And when sea levels rise, the whole world is affected. Storm surges and floods become more destructive, freshwater supplies wane, and ecosystems are disrupted. Extreme weather events have always existed, but scientists agree that human-driven warming is intensifying them, making floods, storms, and heat waves more destructive for communities. What's being done about the glacial retreat? All sectors are working together to find solutions. Scientists continue to monitor glaciers worldwide, while governments are supporting initiatives that help reduce pollution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Communities and policymakers are also exploring approaches like encouraging public transport, reducing plastic use, and expanding the adoption of solar power and electric vehicles. Although glaciers like Dachstein may never return to their former size, these solutions can collectively reduce reliance on gas, coal, and oil and slow down further loss. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. WASHINGTON (AP) Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett says violence or threats of violence against judges shouldn't be the cost of public service. But in an interview at the court with The Associated Press about her new book, Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and Constitution, Barrett was not willing to join other judges who have called on President Donald Trump to tone down rhetoric demonizing judges. She said there has been a lot of clear polarization that has spilled over into a bad place, spilled into a bad place when it comes to these acts of political violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with other justices she said she has received death threats following the court's decision in 2022 that overturned Roe v. Wade's right to an abortion. At 53, Barrett is the youngest member of the court. She said she wrote the book, for which she received a reported $2 million advance, to make the nations highest court accessible to non-lawyers. Few mentions of Trump Barrett joined the court in 2020, just over a month after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died and Trump chose Barrett to replace her. In her book, the Republican president gets just a few mentions, mainly in connection with her nomination and confirmation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She dealt with the court's 2024 decision that spared Trump from prosecution for his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss without even using his name or explaining the decision. For example, when a former president was indicted a historical first the court took the case to decide whether he could be prosecuted for his official acts, Barrett wrote. She joined most of Chief Justice John Roberts majority opinion. Even as Barrett writes about political polarization across the country, she does not address what role Trump may have played in it. The book does not deal with events of his second term, which began in January, about when Barrett said she was wrapping up the writing. The court's consideration of the president and executive power "necessarily has to be detached from the current occupant of the office because ... the court has to think about things in the context of the broad sweep of history, of the presidents who have come before and the presidents who will come later. And so the court in deciding cases about executive power, it really is focused on the presidency rather than the president, Barrett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the interview and in subsequent public appearances, Barrett downplayed the idea that the nation is facing a constitutional crisis or dealing with unprecedented events. Its hard to say when you look over all of history that there havent been times in which that disagreement has been even more acute, she said, listing the Civil War, Vietnam war protests and the Great Depression. The book is being published Tuesday by Sentinel, a conservative imprint of Penguin Random House. Some disagreement with the president Barrett wrote clearly on two topics that suggest some disagreement with the president. Trump signed an executive order last month requiring the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute people for burning the American flag, despite a 1989 high court decision protecting the act as political speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barrett wrote admiringly of the free-speech votes of Justices Anthony Kennedy and Antonin Scalia, for whom she once worked, despite their personal distaste for burning the flag. Without reference to Trump and his musings about seeking a third presidential term, Barrett also noted the clarity of the two-term limit added to the Constitution in 1951. That clear imperative now memorialized in our binding law leaves no room for second-guessing," she wrote. The court's conservative supermajority Barrett was the last of Trump's three appointees to join the court, cementing a conservative supermajority that has moved quickly to undo the constitutional right to abortion, end affirmative action in education, expand gun rights and make it harder to sustain government regulations. In a series of emergency orders this year, Barrett has mainly been in the majority to allow Trump to move ahead with plans to remake the federal government, even after lower-court judges have found some of his actions likely illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to overturn Roe hinged on Barrett's vote. At the time, she was the junior justice and the last to vote when the court met in a private conference following arguments. In all likelihood, when it came her turn to speak, the court would have been split 4 to 4 on the central question of overturning nearly 50 years of high court precedent. Asked about the moment in the interview, Barrett said only, What happens in conference stays in conference. A mother of seven and the only woman in the majority, Barrett joined Justice Samuel Alito's opinion, but she did not contribute a separate opinion as several of her colleagues did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I write when I feel like theres something that I can contribute because theres something that was left unsaid that I think is important to say methodologically, she said. Undoing Roe v. Wade The court does not often undo its past decisions, and Barrett said the current court does so less frequently than its predecessors. Its not surprising the court has always overturned cases," she said. "So its not surprising that the court, you know, its a human institution institution and humans make mistakes. So Roe was a mistake, she was asked. Alito's opinion describes where ... Roe went wrong in interpreting the due process clause. So you dont overrule precedent without concluding that that precedent was mistaken about the law in some respect, Barrett said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the book, Barrett offered a defense of the decision. If the Constitution places a matter beyond the reach of democratic majorities, the Court must vigilantly and fearlessly enforce that choice. Otherwise, the Court must leave the matter to the democratic process, which requires citizens to persuade one another rather than a handful of Supreme Court justices, she wrote. These points animate the Court's reasoning in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which holds that the Constitution leaves the regulation of abortion to the democratic process. Barrett's personal life As she approaches the five-year anniversary of her confirmation, Barrett said the biggest changes in her life deal with ever-present security and that you can never feel completely free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Barrett said she passed on dancing at a wedding until the very end, when Aretha Franklin's Respect began to play. I just started kind of twirling around my niece a little bit, and all of a sudden I see my sister take off across the floor, and somebody had a phone out and they were recording me, Barrett said. She went up, and she said, I want you to delete that. ___ Follow the AP's coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Advocates for Immigrant Rights, a nonprofit law firm based in Memphis, is working with religious leaders to set up an immigration court watch program. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) As federal prosecutors push harder for swift deportations and accounts of immigration officers arresting people at court hearings circulate, a Memphis-based legal nonprofit and clergy members are working together to ensure these events dont go unwitnessed. Advocates for Immigrant Rights (AIR) is in the early stages of building what the law firm hopes will become a robust immigration court watch program run with clergy volunteers, Executive Director Casey Bryant said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firm provides affordable legal help and support services to immigrants, serving people in Tennessee, North Mississippi, Arkansas and sometimes Kentucky all areas handled by the Memphis immigration court. There are 126,623 pending immigration cases in the Memphis court as of July 31, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a Syracuse University organization that gathers federal data. This spring, immigration attorneys began to take note of a new legal tactic across the country. When immigrants who have been released at the border show up for their assigned court dates, prosecutors are pushing for their cases to be dismissed, leaving them without the protection of the court process. When they leave, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are waiting to arrest them and sometimes quickly deport them in a process called expedited removal, Bryant said. A Department of Homeland Security notice issued in January walked back Biden-era limits on expedited removal in an effort to apply expedited removal to the fullest extent authorized by Congress. In July, advocates filed a class-action lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of 12 immigrants from several countries who were arrested after their first court hearing and face expedited removal orders. Secretary (Kristi) Noem is reversing Bidens catch-and-release policy that allowed millions of unvetted illegal aliens to be let loose on American streets, the Department of Homeland Security wrote in a May statement to CBS News regarding the administrations shift in policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryant said the tactic blindsided court advocates. Most immigrants do not have legal representation, meaning a ton of people were just getting whisked away from immigration courts with no witness except for the staff of the court, Bryant said. Thats where Catholic priest Juan Antonio Tony Romo comes in. Members of his majority-Hispanic congregation at his Memphis church have been arrested and deported, and the church community is afraid, he said. Romo saw a news story about a bishop in San Diego who attended immigration court hearings and felt compelled to act. Romo and Monsignor Valentine Handwerker a retired Memphis priest who spent nearly 50 years in ministry and remains concerned with social justice issues reached out to ask Bryant to attend hearings with them and explain what they were seeing. Inside immigration court Romo recalled an immigration immersion trip he made with other clergy members and nuns in southern Arizona a few years ago. They traced immigrants paths through the desert and attended a court hearing. Romo said immigrants were led in wearing jail uniforms and chains, with no representation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge would just say, boom you are deported, boom, you are deported, he said. It was a pretty disgusting experience of the way the people were mistreated. Romo said he cares about social issues issues faced by the people of God beyond the spiritual. Im a missionary, he said. I dont call myself an immigrant, but in some ways, I am. I came to the U.S., not in the way of making a better life, but in a way to minister, to serve the people of God. But to the (Trump) administration and for most people, Im an immigrant. Romo was born in Mexico and moved to the United States after completing two years of law school to join the Society of the Divine Word, a Catholic clerical congregation. He completed his undergraduate and masters degrees in Iowa and Illinois, and spent two years training as a missionary in Portugal. Romo has lived in California, Florida and Washington, D.C., according to the Saint Joseph Catholic Church, where he has served as pastor since 2012. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Memphis immigration court, Romos experience was different. None of the immigrants he saw had legal representation, he said, but translators were available and Romo described one judge as calm and caring. As we engaged in conversation with (the judge), he told us about people who are already frightened when they come to court, Romo said. And he said, Why make it worse? Romo did not see any arrests or ICE presence during his first two visits. Everyone got another day in court, he said. Their judges asked them for more documents and to edit their application for asylum. When Romo first walked into the building, he saw three people there to appear in court. He introduced himself and Handwerker as priests who decided to just come and be present for people and asked if they would like the priests to attend their hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The smiles on their faces it was like, yes, Father, please, he said. Later, they thanked the priests as they left. That told us how people feel when they see their priest is standing up with them, Romo said. Just being there. Even if you cannot do anything, even if you cannot say anything, just being there means a lot to them. Bryant envisions a program where there is always someone in each courtroom bearing witness to the court proceedings and decisions made. Its also about people seeing friendly faces in a process that is so dehumanizing, Bryant said. Next steps The next steps to build a formal court watch program include recruiting more court watchers and obtaining buy-in from the courts administration, Bryant said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AIR partners with multiple organizations, including Catholic Charities of East and West Tennessee, and Bryant said the nonprofit is also working with the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope, a group that has connections with clergy from different denominations. Ultimately, AIR will develop training for volunteers to familiarize them with court decorum and protocol. Getting the court to recognize the program is the next key step, Bryant said. While immigration court hearings are generally open to the public for observation, Bryant said the courts formal blessing would ensure volunteer observers could get into the courts without hassle. It could also help with scheduling volunteers if the program gets advance notice on which judges have hearings on which days. Bryant said the Memphis court directed AIR to contact court administration on the national level. Bryant is awaiting their response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of Justices Executive Office for Immigration Review, which administers the immigration court system, doesnt have a formal pathway to set up a court watch system, but it does offer a Model Hearing Program that explains the courts procedures and offers opportunities to observe live model hearings with a review of relevant law. Religious and advocacy groups have successfully set up immigration court watch programs in other cities, including Chicago Courtwatch and the Human Rights Defender Project in Minnesota. Depending on the program, volunteers are sometimes asked to collect data and observations on court proceedings. Court watch programs also reach beyond immigration court across the United States. The programs ensure scrutiny and evaluation, according to the American Bar Association (ABA). They serve to highlight the realities of our legal system by recording data, uncovering stories, identifying trends, and highlighting problems that can potentially drive reform, ABA states. In the meantime, Romo has told his parishioners that he will do his best to attend immigration hearings for anyone who wants him to be there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryant said court watching is also an opportunity for people to see the system in action, and perhaps challenge misconceptions. I really think that bringing people to court, even if its just one time, will open their eyes to the way that people are being treated in this country, and it will change their mind, Bryant said. If they think one way, I think theyre going to see its something totally different. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) A boil water notice that went into effect for Menard over the weekend may be coming to an end soon. Heres why the notice was issued and when it could be over. The Menard County emergency management coordinator announced on Saturday, Sept. 6, that a boil water notice had been issued for the Menard public water system out of an abundance of caution in response to a positive result on a bacteriological test. The coordinator advised citizens to boil water used for drinking, cooking and ice-making before use to ensure destruction of any harmful bacteria and other microbes. City of Menard Administrator Don Kerns told Concho Valley Homepage that the boil water notice was formally issued at 2:22 p.m. on Sept. 6 after a water sample tested positive for total coliforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Angelo August health inspections: 108 places checked, scores out The United States Environmental Protection Agency states that total coliforms are a group of related bacteria that are (with few exceptions) not harmful to humans. The agency said the bacteria group are used to determine the adequacy of water treatment and the integrity of the distribution system. Chlorine levels were elevated and the towns water tank was flushed in an effort to purge any potential bacteria from the public water system, as per Kerns. He assured that the notice was put into effect out of an abundance of caution. It came back positive for that, but these tests are so fragile that even dust in the cap of the sample bottle could create a false positive, Kerns said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kerns stated that a new water sample has already been taken and is being transported to San Angelo for testing as of the time of publication. He said a negative reading is anticipated. Should the analysis produce a negative reading, Kerns said the boil water notice could be lifted during the afternoon of Tuesday, Sept. 9. In the meantime, he encourages residents to continue adhering to instructions outlined in the boil water notice. We apologize for any discomfort it has caused anybody, Kerns said. We will go through this as best as we can. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For more than four decades, Daphne Taylor served as a journalist, a mentor and the voice of a community. Taylor, a Riviera Beach native and a longtime South Florida journalist, died Sept. 1 from a sudden illness, Donique Lorick, her sister, said in an interview Sept. 5. Taylor was 63. In the wake of her death, family, friends and colleagues are remembering Taylor for her journalistic talents and for her commitment to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Daphne was amazing," said Sandy Collier, owner of a local public relations firm. "She was a true journalist in every sense of the word. She told the story beyond the story. It wasn't just about breaking news for her. It was always about her community." Daphne Taylor's broadcast journalism program mentored girls in Palm Beach County Taylor spent more than four decades in journalism, working in television, radio and print media, most recently working as a freelance journalist. Her work has appeared in various media outlets, including the South Florida Times. "Working in the field of journalism and media for Daphne was a work of heart," Lorick said. "She didn't make a lot as a freelance reporter, but she didn't give it any less. She put her all into her career." In addition to her work as a journalist, Taylor was the founder of WGRL, a mentorship program that she created in the late 1990s to teach broadcast journalism to at-risk girls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ms. Daphne L. Taylor was a great mentor," one woman wrote in a post on Facebook. "WGRL was one of the greatest opportunities a young girl could have. We loved her and all she stood for. She literally made me speak up!" Taylor graduated from Suncoast High School and earned a journalism degree from Florida State University. Her career included stints as an intern for NBC in Washington, D.C., and as a national correspondent for American Urban Radio Networks, according to an online profile. Collier said Taylor loved using her platform to help others. "She was entrenched in her community and wanted the best to come out of her community," Collier said. "She said sometimes, if she didn't tell a story out of her community, people would never know. She loved helping people. That was so important to her." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Daphne Taylor, longtime South Florida journalist, dies at 63 Roberto Lopez, an alleged lieutenant in the Sinaloa and Beltran-Leyva Cartels, has been detained in Atlanta after being extradited from Mexico to face federal charges. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Lopez, AKA Shrek, AKA La Barbie, AKA NWA, is charged with cocaine importation, distribution, and money laundering, and was arraigned in federal court on Friday. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Lopez, who had been hiding in Mexico for over a decade, is accused of smuggling hundreds of machine guns and assault weapons and managing a vast cocaine smuggling network for high-level cartel leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lopez allegedly moved tons of cocaine and millions of dollars through Atlanta and other cities while supplying machine guns and other tools of war to fuel cartel bloodshed in Mexico, said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. This violent cartel member is part of a ruthless criminal network that profits from drugs, guns, and bloodshed, said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lopez is alleged to have been the chief armorer and transportation head for Sinaloa enforcer Edgar Valdez-Villareal, known as La Barbie, and Carlos Montemayor, officials said. In the early 2000s, Valdez was an infamous enforcer for the Sinaloa and Beltran-Leyva Cartels, partnering with U.S.-based trucking businessman Montemayor to operate a cocaine distribution network. The network allegedly moved up to 300 kilograms of cocaine per week to cities like Atlanta and Memphis, while smuggling cash back to Mexico. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Lopez is accused of handling logistics, including payments to truck drivers and stash house operators, and repackaging and transporting money over the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He allegedly supplied weapons and equipment to the cartels, smuggling over 1,000 rifles and other gear into Mexico from the United States. Lopez is also alleged to have played a role in distributing a video of the assassination of one of Valdezs rivals. U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda T. Walker detained Lopez after he pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring to import and distribute cocaine and money laundering. Lopez faces a statutory maximum of life imprisonment for each drug count and up to 20 years for the money laundering count. Los Alamos National Lab Team Leader for Radioactive Air Emissions Management Dave Fuehne in front of an air monitoring system during a media wildfire preparedness tour on May 28, 2025. Lab officials will be allowed to release a radioactive gas into the air as soon as this fall, following approval from state environment officials on Sept. 8, 2025. (Courtesy of Los Alamos National Laboratory) New Mexico environment officials on Monday gave permission for Los Alamos National Laboratory to vent a radioactive gas within the next six months. The decision came on the heels of federal officials urging the state in a recent letter to make a decision, and pushback from anti-nuclear and Indigenous groups about the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, LANL aims to vent four waste containers filled with tritium and hazardous waste that it packed in 2007 and left at the labs disposal site, called Area G. In 2016, LANL officials discovered the drums were building pressure and could potentially explode. In a worst-case scenario modeled for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency which the lab said was unlikely a rupture of all four containers could expose people to a dosage of 20 millirem, double the airborne radiation limit that LANL is allowed to release for all operations for a whole year. Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, can be naturally occurring or a byproduct from nuclear research. The EPA characterizes the gas as a lower threat, emitting radiation that often cannot penetrate the skin, and is only considered hazardous in large quantities from inhalation, skin absorption or consumed in tritiated water a replacement of one of the hydrogen molecules with tritium. Rick Shean, Resource Protection Division director for the New Mexico Environment Department, told Source NM that state officials and U.S. Environmental and Protection Agency officials will be onsite during the planned venting across 12 to 16 days during weekends. We will be there, us and the EPA, [so] if something does go wrong, theres a discussion with [U.S. Department of Energy] that we can observe, Shean said. Well step in and stop it if we have to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among several provisions in a Sept. 8 letter from the environment department to the National Nuclear Security Administration and the labs contractor, environment officials will require LANL to keep the release below 6 millirems as a hard stop limit, which is lower than the 8 millirems LANL proposed. Shean noted that a typical release of tritium throughout the year from the lab is between zero to 1.5 milirems. Indigenous groups including Tewa Women United, Honor our Pueblo Existence and anti-nuclear groups have raised concerns that federal limits for tritium exposure levels of a of 10 millirem were based on men, not pregnant women or young children. Shean said the departments mandate takes the concern raised by the groups into consideration. We do understand the concern around thresholds being put out there, the standards being based on typically male adults, he said. That was one of the reasons guiding our decision to lower the threshold to this event to six milirems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the concerns about exposure levels, anti-nuclear activists and Indigenous groups also recently raised objections about what they described as restrictions on public participation and transparency at a recent meeting on the proposal. The state environment department previously set four conditions for NNSA and Triad to meet for approval, including a public meeting and tribal consultations. The Sept. 8 letter concludes with an admonishment from state officials, saying the operation is necessary because of LANLs failure to properly manage hazardous waste at the time of generation followed by almost a 20-year disregard of compliance obligations under state laws and rules, the letter said. In a statement Monday, National Nuclear Security Administration Public Affairs Specialist Toni Chiri said laboratory officials will be in contact with Congressional, state, local and tribal governments to release the dates for the tritium venting expected this fall and will ensure the venting does not overlap with Pueblo Feast days or other events. This operation will be conducted with the utmost considerations for safety to LANL employees, the surrounding communities, and the environment, Chiri said. LANL engineers have done careful analysis of the controlled depressurization process and will monitor it in real-time to ensure safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emails requesting comment from the nearby Pueblos of San Ildefonso and Santa Clara went unreturned as of publication. Joni Ahrends, executive director at Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety, called the release a pattern of practice, saying that LANL has been contaminating air, land and water in the more than 80 years since the Manhattan Project. Whos going to pay the price? The people of Northern New Mexico, she said. And theres never an answer to the question: when is it going to stop? SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department announced what it is calling an historic milestone on Monday, Sept. 8 that New Mexico will become the first state in the country to guarantee no-cost universal child care. The extension of service begins on Nov. 1, according to the Governors OFFICE. This new initiative will make child care available to all New Mexicans, regardless of income, by removing income eligibility requirements from the states child care assistance program and continuing the waiver of family copayments, the Governors Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Child care is essential to family stability, workforce participation, and New Mexicos future prosperity, Lujan Grisham said. By investing in universal child care, we are giving families financial relief, supporting our economy, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive. This announcement fulfills the promise made by the governor and the New Mexico Legislature when they created the Early Childhood Education and Care Department in 2019. Since then, New Mexico has expanded access to no-cost child care to families with incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, reducing financial strain on tens of thousands of families, the Governors Office said. With Mondays announcement universal child care will be extended to every family in the state, regardless of income. This amounts to an average annual family savings of $12,000 per child, the Governors Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico is creating the conditions for better outcomes in health, learning, and well-being, said Neal Halfon, professor of pediatrics, public health and public policy at the University of California, Los Angeles, and director of the Center for Healthier Children, Families, and Communities. Its approach is rooted in data, driven by communities, and becoming a model for the nation. Families who receive child care assistance report greater financial stability, more time to focus on their children, and the ability to choose higher-quality care settings, the Governors Office said. New Mexico is also taking decisive action to build the supply of infant and toddler care statewide, according to the Governors office by: Establishing a $12.7 million low-interest loan fund to construct, expand, and renovate child care facilities, with an additional $20 million requested in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Targeting growth to focus on care for infants, toddlers, low-income families, and children with special needs. Partnering with employers and school districts to expand child care options for working families Launching a statewide campaign to recruit licensed and registered home providers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To support providers, reimbursement rates will rise to reflect the true cost of care, the Governors Office said. Programs that commit to paying entry-level staff a minimum of $18 per hour and offer 10 hours of care per day, five days a week, will receive an incentive rate. New Mexico estimates an additional 5,000 early childhood professionals are needed to fully achieve a universal system. Early childhood care and education is a public good, said ECECD Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky. By providing universal access and improving pay for our early childhood workforce, we are easing financial pressure on families, strengthening our economy, and helping every child learn in safe, nurturing environments. This is the kind of investment that builds equity today and prosperity for the future. The Republican Party of New Mexico issued the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RPNM absolutely supports families in need of childcare assistance so that parents can work and or go to school. But this latest move by the Governor misses the mark by pushing New Mexico into government dependency at a cost of millions of dollars to the taxpayers. Programs like childcare assistance should serve as a hand up for the neediest of families so it serves as a tool that can empower parents to advance their careers and improve their livesbut the Governors idea of universal childcare would also be a permanent hand out for the wealthy to pay for their in-home nannies. Thankfully, the Governors universal childcare is temporary and requires legislation to be passed before becoming permanent law. Republicans stand for policies that give families real opportunities and create a better life for all. For too long, New Mexico has been at the bottom of national rankingsand while the Governor may be tired of hearing it, our citizens are tired of living it. Its time for something different. Its time to listen to those who want to invest in progress and prosperity, not dependency, especially at a cost to taxpayers. For more information about how families and providers can access universal child care benefits, you can 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 KTSM 9 News. Lawmakers convene in a joint session in the Florida House of Representatives chamber to hear Gov. Ron DeSantis deliver the State of the State address on March 4, 2025. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) Two Florida House budget subcommittees have new chairs, Speaker Daniel Perez announced Monday. Rep. Fiona McFarland, representing part of Sarasota county, is the new chair of the Information Technology Budget and Policy Subcommittee, the only subcommittee touching policy and budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. John Snyder, representing parts of Martin and Palm Beach counties, previously served as chair of that subcommittee. Rep. Kevin Steele remains vice chair. I appreciate the Speakers trust in me and am thankful for the critical groundwork that Chair Snyder laid last session. I hope to carry the conversations he started forward Floridians expect and deserve to have cutting-edge technology powering our state, McFarland told the Phoenix. The Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee will now be led by Snyder. Previously, it was led by Rep. Tiffany Esposito. Since Republicans control the chamber, all of the new chairs belong to that party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Non-budget committee switch-ups include Rep. Berny Jacques, representing part of Pinellas County, who previously chaired the Careers and Workforce Subcommittee; now he will chair the Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee. Esposito picked up the Careers and Workforce Subcommittee chair vacated by Jacques. With Rep. Alex Rizo handing the Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee gavel to Jacques, he will now chair the Student Academic Success Subcommittee. McFarland has been chair of that panel. Two of the higher-profile panels, the Budget Committee and Health Care Budget Subcommittee, will keep the same leadership. The Health Care Budget Subcommittee chaired by Rep. Alex Andrade was the venue for the probe into Hope Florida. Rep. Lawrence McClure will remain Budget Committee chair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee chair will remain Rep. Kaylee Tuck, but the new vice chair is Rep. Robbie Brackett. Vice chair was previously Rep. John Temple. The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee chair will still be Rep. Demi Busatta. She will have a new vice chair in Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman. Former Rep. Mike Caruso was the vice chair, but he left the House after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him as Palm Beach County court clerk. Rep. Chip LaMarca was chair of Joint Legislative Auditing committee. Now, Rep. Randy Maggard will help chair that joint House-Senate committee. Senior Reporter Christine Sexton contributed to this story. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Middle managers could face job cuts as AI takes over sophisticated tasks Middle managers have been the backbone of corporate America for years, but many companies are thinning the ranks thanks to artificial intelligence. It hasnt been that long since robots began filling orders in warehouses, and now, AI has shown rapid development and is quickly making its way into the office. ALSO READ >> Governor Josh Stein signs order creating AI oversight team in NC Peter Cohan teaches management practice at Babson College. He says AI can now do more sophisticated work, like the kind done by middle managers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The job of middle managers is to, sort of, translate the grand strategic visions of the executives into specific tasks that people in the organization will actually execute, Cohan said. Analysts call the loss of middle managers The Great Flattening as layers disappear between line workers and executives. Yet, one study suggests middle managers actually do more work now, with the average number of direct reports doubling from three to six. Boston Universitys Greg Stoller says AI cant replace human interaction. I get the fact that companies want to be more efficient, but I think its important to remember that you cant have AI do a performance review, Stoller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stoller says all workers at all levels should be proactive to keep their jobs. He says to AI-proof your job, go to your supervisor and ask for feedback and how you can improve. Then, Stoller says to learn new skills and dont be afraid to do additional work. The high tech layoffs have been getting a lot of attention, Microsoft, Amazon, are tens of thousands of layoffs overall, and why are they doing this? Cohan said. I think one of the big reasons theyre doing this is because theyre spending so much to invest in AI. Another group feeling the impact of AI is new college graduates. Cohan says their unemployment rate has doubled in recent years because AI can do many tasks traditionally assigned to younger workers. VIDEO: The cost of AI: Who pays to power the future? MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A Midland woman is facing a charge of child endangerment after medical testing revealed her newborn had been exposed to methamphetamines and amphetamines in utero, according to an affidavit filed by the Midland Police Department. The suspect, identified as Saint-Martha Crystal Hernandez, 32, was the subject of an investigation initiated by Child Protective Services (CPS); that investigation was subsequently assigned to a detective with the Midland Police Departments Crimes Against Persons Unit. According to the affidavit, the investigation began on Monday, June 16, 2025, and centered around allegations that Hernandez, who had recently given birth, may have used controlled substances during her pregnancy. At the time, Hernandez was reportedly living at the Red Roof Inn located at 920 Interstate 20 in Midland. Investigators noted that two other women staying at the same location had also given birth to premature infants who tested positive for narcotics. Initially, investigators wondered if Hernandez and the other women living at the hotel were involved in sex trafficking, but Hernandez denied those allegations and that aspect of the investigation remains unconfirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medical records obtained by investigators confirmed that a toxicology screening of the infants umbilical cord blood tested positive for both methamphetamines and amphetamines, strong indicators of prenatal drug exposure. Such exposure, the affidavit stated, places the child at significant risk for both physical and mental impairment. Detectives made multiple attempts to contact Hernandez by phone on July 28 and August 5 but received no response. One number was reportedly invalid, and a voicemail left on another has gone unanswered. Based on the toxicology results and other investigative findings, investigators said they had probable cause to believe Hernandez endangered the welfare of her child by using controlled substances while pregnant. The case remains under investigation. No additional details about the condition of the infant have been released. Hernandez was taken into custody and remained in the Midland County Detention Center as of Monday afternoon on a $10,000 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 Yourbasin. Longmont Public Safety officers made an arrest for a disturbance at midnight Saturday night in the 1500 block of Mountain View Avenue. Police also made an arrest for driving under the influence, took two fraud reports and two hit-and-run crash reports, and assisted in a burglary response on Sunday. On Thursday, police took three reports of hit-and-run crashes. Among Sundays other calls: 1:57 a.m., police made an arrest for a DUI in the area of Third Avenue and Collyer Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 10:21 a.m., police took a report of a fraud in the 2000 block of Sunset Way. At 3:58 p.m., police took a report of a fraud in the 1700 block of Juniper Street. At 5:22 p.m., police offered assistance with a burglary in the 2400 block of Eagleview Circle. At 5:30 p.m., police took a report of a hit-and-run crash in the area of Collyer Street and 17th Avenue. At 5:39 p.m., police took a report of a hit-and-run crash in the area of East Ken Pratt Boulevard and Harvest Moon Drive. Most mornings, Longmont police report the previous days calls, reports, warnings and arrests. For details from police logs from this past week and beyond, visit the Times-Call police notes page at timescall.com/tag/police-blotter. On Friday, House Speaker Mike Johnson told the world that President Donald Trump was actually an FBI informant collecting intelligence on Epstein, absolving him of any criminality. On Sunday, he admitted that he lied. [Trump] has never said or suggested or impliedIve talked to him about this many times, many times. He is horrified. Its been misrepresented. Hes not saying that what Epstein did is a hoax. Its a terrible, unspeakable evil. He believes that himself, Johnson told reporters Friday. When he first heard the rumor, he kicked him out of Mar-a-Lago. He was an FBI informant to try to take this stuff down. Johnsons comment, made very casually, lit up the airwaves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No officer i am an fbi informant tasked with smoking this weed, one user posted ironically. On Sunday, Johnson changed his story. The Speaker is reiterating what the victims attorney said, which is that Donald Trumpwho kicked Epstein out of Mar-a-Lagowas the only one more than a decade ago willing to help prosecutors expose Epstein for being a disgusting child predator, Johnsons office wrote in a statement to The Washington Post. Theres a big difference between being willing to help prosecutors and being an actual FBI informant, which is exactly what Johnson said while surrounded by cameras and reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The speaker shouldnt be let off the hook so easily for such an absurd comment. The sitting president is only implicated in the case of a serial sexual abuser because he was acting as an informant for the FBI? Did Johnson expect us to think Trump was wearing a wire while he was hanging out with Epstein in the 1990s? And for him to introduce and walk back such a massive lie so offhandedly speaks to the ridiculous amount of deceit that is commonplace in this administration. The Trump administration has handled the Epstein case with lies from the jump, back when Attorney General Pam Bondi said she had the Epstein files on her desk. Now we have the House speaker defending a president who thinks this is all a hoax, by promoting him to the level of secret agent. It was a fantastical story for about a day, said GOP Representative Thomas Massie, who is leading the bipartisan discharge petition to force the release of the Epstein files in full. What compelled (former career attorney) Mike Johnson to claim the President was an FBI informant? WASHINGTON Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, again criticized a recent ruling in Utah requiring the state Legislature to redraw its congressional map, accusing Democrats of utilizing leftist allies in the Utah courts to gain political leverage. In an interview with conservative podcast host Charlie Kirk posted over the weekend, Lee said Utahs electoral system is under attack by state Democrats in an attempt to threaten Republicans overwhelming control in the Beehive State. Lees comments come as the Legislature must produce a new map before the end of the month that adheres to anti-gerrymandering laws previously passed by the state. This is great for Utahs Democrats who havent controlled the Utah Legislature in many, many decades, Lee said. (Which is) not because Utah voters are ignorant, but because they dont like what the Democratic Party is selling, and havent for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee disagreed with 3rd District Judge Dianna Gibsons ruling last month that the Utah Legislature illegally gerrymandered the current congressional boundaries and ignored the will of voters to use an independent commission to draw the states map. The independent commission was approved in a citizen-led ballot initiative in 2018, but was later amended by the state Legislature to be used only as an advisory board. The state then drew its own map in 2022 that split Salt Lake City, often considered a blue dot in an otherwise red state, evenly between the four congressional districts diluting Democratic voters, voting groups alleged. Gibson sided with the groups, ordering new boundaries be drawn before next years midterm elections. Lee rejected that ruling, arguing the judge invalidated the Legislatures amendments to the ballot initiative even though nothing in the Utah Constitution compels or even allows that result. The Utah Legislature subsequently amended that law, which it has the power to do under the Utah Constitution, Lee said. The Legislature can subsequently amend or even repeal a law that was previously made under our state constitution through a ballot initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee also reiterated previous claims that independent commissions are typically used as political weapons to usurp the will of the state Legislature and whichever party holds majority control. The Utah senator said that while those who are elected to the independent commission may be well educated and well intentioned, they should not be the final say for the states political decisions because they are not elected. Under Gibsons ruling, the state Legislature has until Oct. 6 to submit a new map that adheres to anti-gerrymandering rules passed under Proposition 4, the ballot initiative that established the independent commission. Altering the lines could put a larger portion of Salt Lake City into one district, which Democrats argue could put the seat up for grabs and give them an opportunity to flip a key district as they battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee claimed the ruling was being praised by Democrats because of that reason and that it scores the party, currently in the minority in Congress, cheap points. Itll also result in maps that are far more generous to Democrats, Lee said. And I think thats the whole point is that they hope to pick up at least one seat, maybe two, for Democrats in Utah as a result of this. So its kind of a judicial takeover of the political process. The map fight in Utah comes amid a larger national redistricting fight between Texas and California, with other states preparing to enter the fold. Democrats only need to net three seats in the 2026 midterm elections to wrest control of the House. The party also has historical precedence on its side as trends show that the party of the sitting president typically loses control of the House during midterm elections. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced on Monday it welcomed a new baby bonobo last month. The yet-to-be-named baby boy was born on Aug. 11 to first-time mom Kibbi, the zoo announced on social media. The newborn is the 18th bonobo welcomed into the zoos bonobo habitat, a milestone moment for our zoo and for bonobo conservation, the post said. Columbus Zoos baby elephant has a name Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Kibibi and her baby are healthy and doing well. While it took Kibibi a little time to adjust to motherhood, shes showing wonderful care and attentiveness to her son, the zoo said. In bonobo society, male offspring often remain with their mothers for life, forming strong lifelong bonds. The yet-to-be-named baby boy was born on Aug. 11 to first-time mom Kibbi. (Courtesy Photo/Columbus Zoo and Aquarium) The yet-to-be-named baby boy was born on Aug. 11 to first-time mom Kibbi. (Courtesy Photo/Columbus Zoo and Aquarium) Kibbi is the daughter of another bonobo named Kimia who was born at the Columbus Zoo in 1997. Kimia is the granddaughter of Susie and Jimmy, two other bonobos who still live at the zoo, the social media post said. That makes the new baby bonobo the great-grandson of Susie and Jimmy. The zoo said it wont know the baby boys father until paternity testing is completed in the coming months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Report reveals the most popular dog breed in Ohio and each state across U.S. Every bonobo birth is a vital step toward protecting and preserving this incredible endangered species, the post said. These births not only support global conservation efforts but also help maintain a strong assurance population for bonobos in their native ranges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. Coast Guard detects and detains scores of drug-running vessels in the Caribbean every year in its role as the world's drug police on the high seas. Now, that anti-narcotics mission may look vastly different after a U.S. military strike on a vessel off Venezuela. Trump administration officials asserted last week that gang members were smuggling drugs bound for America. The Trump administration has indicated more military strikes on drug targets could be coming, saying it is seeking to wage war on Latin American cartels it accuses of flooding the U.S. with cocaine, fentanyl and other drugs. It is facing mounting questions, however, about the legality of the strike and any such escalation, which upends decades of procedures for interdicting suspected drug vessels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This really throws a wrench in the huge investment the U.S. has been making for decades building up a robust legal infrastructure to arrest and prosecute suspected drug smugglers, said Kendra McSweeney, an Ohio State University geographer who has spent years investigating the legal infrastructure of U.S. drug interdictions at sea. Citing self-defense and an 'immediate threat' Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted while visiting Latin America last week that drug cartels pose an immediate threat to the United States and that President Donald Trump has a right, under exigent circumstances, to eliminate imminent threats to the United States. A U.S. official familiar with the reasoning also cited self-defense as legal justification for the strike that the administration says killed 11 members of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang, which has been dubbed a foreign terrorist organization. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid retaliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration used a similar argument months prior to justify an intense bombing camping against Houthi rebels in Yemen. However, behind the scenes, the justification for strikes against the cartels appears to be far more complex. The New York Times reported last month that Trump signed a directive to the Pentagon to start using military force against certain Latin American drug cartels. That reporting was related to the Venezuela strike, according to a U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss operational details. Touting the strike, but no details on how it happened Vice President JD Vance celebrated the strike over the weekend, suggesting that the use of force is necessary to protect American families from deadly drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Killing cartel members who poison our fellow citizens is the highest and best use of our military, Vance said on X. Several Democrats and even some fellow Republicans criticized Vances comments. Congressional leaders also have pressed for more information on why the administration took the military action. The Pentagon has been silent about any details on the strike. Military officials have not divulged what service carried it out, what weapons were used or how it was determined that the vessel was operated by Tren de Aragua or carrying drugs. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week that foreign terrorist organizations have been designated, we have those authorities, and its about keeping the American people safe. Theres no reason for me to give the public or adversaries any more information than that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pentagon officials did not respond to direct questions about the legal justification for the strike and whether the military considered itself at war with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government. Hegseth traveled Monday to Puerto Rico, where troops deployed for a training exercise and where the U.S. is sending 10 F-35 fighter jets for operations against drug cartels. Theres no authority for this whatsoever Claire Finkelstein, a professor of national security law at the University of Pennsylvania, said extrajudicial killing would be a better term to describe the strike. She sees it as an outgrowth of the two-decade blurring of the lines between law enforcement and armed conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the U.S. started designating members of foreign terrorist organizations, such as al-Qaida and the Taliban, as unlawful combatants, making them vulnerable to U.S. attacks even when not directly engaged in warfare. Trump has designated several Latin American cartels, including Venezuela's Tren de Aragua, as foreign terrorist organizations. But that in itself does not make a U.S. strike against suspected members of the group legal, Finkelstein said. Congress has not authorized the use of force against Venezuela nor are there any U.N. resolutions that would justify the U.S. actions. Theres no authority for this whatsoever under international law, she said. It was not an act of self-defense. It was not in the middle of a war. There was no imminent threat to the United States. A pair of armed Venezuelan planes flew by a U.S. warship in the Caribbean days after the strike, and Trump warned Friday that any future flights would be met with gunfire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strike quite arguably is an act of war against Venezuela and they would potentially be justified in responding with the use of force, Finkelstein said. Could you imagine what would happen if their navy was 12 miles off the coast of the U.S.? Turning to the seas during the drug war The search and seizures by sea are a routine feature of America's first forever war the drug war, which President Richard Nixon declared in 1971. In 1986, at the height of Pablo Escobars Medellin drug cartel, Congress passed the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act, which defines drug smuggling in international waters as a crime against the United States and gives the U.S. unique arrest powers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Usually, authorities stop and board boats, arrest the crew and seize any contraband. The efforts are led by the U.S. Coast Guard with support from the Pentagon, State Department, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI as well as allies from the U.K., France, Netherlands and across Latin America. Now, warning operations like the strike will happen again, Rubio said Trump wants to wage war on these groups because theyve been waging war on us for 30 years and no one has responded. Under the maritime drug enforcement law, 127 new prosecutions were brought in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, according to Syracuse Universitys Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, which collects Justice Department data. That compares to 131 for all of 2024. Since each case involves multiple defendants, the actual number of foreigners detained at sea is likely much higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Coast Guard announced last month what it called its largest drug haul on record from multiple interdictions over two months. Some of those seizures were carried out by a Coast Guard law enforcement detachment aboard a Dutch naval vessel in the Caribbean. While no one is sympathetic to the plight of drug dealers, the reason we do this through a judicial process, in partnership with other nations, is so we can collect evidence that allows us to build bigger cases and go after the cartel bosses, said James Story, who served as ambassador to Venezuela during the first Trump administration. Story, who ran the State Departments anti-narcotics bureau in Colombia and Latin America earlier in his career, said 20 nations have liaisons at a multiagency task force based in the Naval Air Station in Key West, Florida, where high seas boardings are coordinated. Anything that could potentially jeopardize those relationships would make us less effective in the long run, he said. ___ Goodman reported from Miami. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A military trial for a Las Vegas-based U.S. Air Force staff officer accused of grooming and then repeatedly raping a child began Monday, according to military records. Lt. Col. Kevin DiFalco faces at least seven charges, records show. Officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested DiFalco in September 2022. Two months later, records showed the matter was turned over to the military court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DiFalcos case was later removed from the Air Force trial docket while the allegations were to be addressed through a military administrative process. The Office of Special Trial Counsel then referred the case against DiFalco to trial by general court-martial, a Nellis Air Force Base spokesperson told the 8 News Now Investigators. DiFalco initially faced seven counts of lewdness with a child under 18 and one count of child abuse or neglect in the Las Vegas Justice Court. DiFalcos current allegations in military court include sexual assault, sexual abuse of a child, indecent exposure, giving false testimony, conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, possessing, receiving, or viewing child pornography, and indecent conduct. DiFalco kept his military job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DiFalco is accused of grooming and then sexually assaulting the child multiple times, a report stated. The report was extremely graphic, and much of its contents cannot be reported to protect the childs identity. The report also claimed DiFalco told the child not to say anything, adding the commander and the person talked regularly on Snapchat, a messaging application where photos and messages disappear. The allegations became known after an individual came forward to Las Vegas Metro police, the report stated. The person reporting the allegations said they had attempted to tell an out-of-state police agency last year, but that the case was closed. The person reporting the allegations also noted a distinct tattoo in DiFalcos groin area, which investigators corroborated in the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DiFalco was the commander of the 57th Operations Support Squadron and an F-16 pilot assigned to Nellis Air Force Base. He was relieved from command, but he remained on active duty in a leadership role at Nellis AFB, a spokesperson said. DiFalco served in the Thunderbirds program until June 2021. DiFalco was commissioned in the Air Force on January 15, 2005, according to Nellis Air Force Base. DiFalco is currently assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, where he serves as a Staff Officer in the 57th Operations Group, according to a Nellis AFB spokesperson. Col. Matthew P. Stoffel is listed as the military judge. The estimated trial end date is Sept. 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy, email vmurphy@8newsnow.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 KLAS. Ministers are scrambling to silence drugmakers criticism of NHS pricing ahead of Donald Trumps state visit amid fears it could trigger a standoff with Sir Keir Starmer. The Government has been attempting to quell anger from pharmaceutical bosses over concerns they have been urging the US president to intervene on a row over rebates when he visits the UK next week. It comes after Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, walked away from talks with global drug companies last month after failing to strike a deal, and vowed not to let pharmaceutical companies rip off taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Industry sources claimed ministers are attempting to muffle complaints to see off the threat that Mr Trump could use a press conference to demand Britain deliver on its pledge to boost spending on American drugs. Sources said Downing Street was desperate to keep pharmaceuticals off the agenda for Mr Trumps state visit on September 17. One insider said officials were concerned that the Prime Minister would look silly if Trump hits him with it mid-press conference. The Government has promised to review the health services drug pricing to take into account the concerns of the president under the UK-US trade agreement struck in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump has demanded an end to overseas countries freeloading on American innovation, saying they need to pay more for its medicines. He has singled out the UK in particular, complaining that a friend had received the fat drug in London for a fraction of its US price despite being the same box made in the same plant by the same company. White House sources said they expected the NHS to spend more on American medicines as a result. Britain currently spends significantly less on new innovative medicines than other G7 nations, with the UK spending just 0.28pc of its GDP, roughly a third of Americas proportionate spending of 0.78pc of its GDP. Trade documents revealed the Government also agreed with the US that it would endeavour to improve the overall environment for pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But since the Prime Minister and Mr Trump struck the deal, the Government and drug companies have hit a deadlock over NHS medicine prices. The dispute centres around a voluntary pricing scheme agreed between the Government and industry, which enables the state to claw back some of the cost of medicines used by the NHS if the bill rises too quickly. The scheme is designed to keep the NHS drugs bill down. Under the current rebate scheme, pharmaceutical companies are required to return at least 23pc of their revenue from sales of branded medicines back to the NHS, a mechanism which helped cut the health services drugs bill by 3bn last year. But pharmaceutical bosses have grown unhappy with the scheme after rebates ballooned in the wake of the pandemic and companies have warned it is preventing the launch of cutting-edge medicines in the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the US trade talks, ministers kicked off discussions with drug companies in an attempt to boost medicine spending within the NHS. After talks with bosses broke down last month, Mr Streeting accused drug companies of being short-sighted in not accepting the Governments unprecedented offer. Officials have since attempted to dampen the row, which is understood to have been put on the White Houses radar by drug companies. While pharma bosses have been privately told talks over the size of the scheme will resume after Mr Trumps visit, there is no official plan to reopen a review. Mr Trumps warnings over unfair drug pricing have already prompted some companies to raise costs for British patients. From the start of this month, Eli Lilly increased the price paid by private patients for its obesity jab Mounjaro in the UK by as much as 170pc. At the time, it said it needed to address pricing inconsistencies compared to other developed countries, including in Europe, although it later offered discounts to pharmacies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A government spokesman said: This Government is open to working collaboratively with the pharmaceutical industry which is why we put forward a generous and unprecedented offer to accelerate growth in the sector. It would have reduced payment rates for pharmaceutical companies year-on-year, freeing approximately 1bn over three years for new, life-changing medicines. 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. Two Minnesota residents orchestrated kidnappings, bombings and killings in their native country of Cameroon, according to a recent indictment. Benedict Nwana Kuah, 51, and Pascal Kikishy Wongbi, 52, were indicted by a federal grand jury on Friday. Both defendants are naturalized U.S. citizens and were living in Minnesota at the time. Kuah and Wongbi were both charged with conspiracy to kill, kidnap, maim, and injure persons abroad, conspiracy to provide material support or resources, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kuah was also charged with three counts of providing material support or resources, conspiracy to commit hostage taking and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction outside the U.S. Benedict Nwana Kuah (left) and Pascal Kikishy Wongbi (right)Sherburne County Jail According to the indictment, the two were leaders of the Ambazonia Defense Forces, which seeks to create a new country called Ambazonia in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. Beginning in 2017, both defendants were involved in planning, financing and directing kidnappings, bombings and killings in their roles with the Ambazonia Defense Forces. These attacks targeted civilians, government officials and members of the Cameroonian security forces, according to the indictment. In April of 2022, fighters funded by money from Kuah and Wongbi kidnapped a civilian government official from Cameroons Northwest Region. The official was forced to read a statement denouncing Cameroon and appear in a propaganda video. The official was eventually freed by the Cameroonian military after a month in captivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January of 2023, Kuah helped organize an attack on a civilian governor, having allegedly instructed fighters on the construction and placement of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Kuah used money from his personal bank account to fund an attack on an annual footrace held in the Southwest Region of the country in February of 2023, leading to 19 people being injured. Kuah and Wongbi instructed members of the force to kill two civilians believed to be cooperating with the Government of Cameroon in October of 2023. Following the killings, Wongbi appeared in a propaganda video threatening others who also cooperated with the government. In February of 2024, Kuah helped plan and fund an IED attack at a Youth Day celebration in Nkambe, leading to dozens of injuries and the death of a 15-year-old girl, according to the indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota is not a launchpad for overseas violence, Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said in a statement. Operating from the comfort of their living rooms in Minnesota, these defendants caused violence and suffering half a world away. They ordered kidnappings, bombings, and murders. Their crimes are an affront to both American law and basic human decency. Cameroon is a safer place because of this prosecution. Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Sep 7, 2025, where it first appeared in the MN News section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. ORLANDO, F.L. (WIVT/WBGH) Here she comes. The new Miss America represents the Empire State. Miss New York Cassie Donegan was crowned Miss America last night at the pageant in Orlando. Donegan called the victory a dream come true, having gotten involved in the Miss America Little Sisters program when she was 9 years-old. She was also a teen delegate at the age of 14. Donegan was one of 3 winners in the talent preliminary, singing Darker Shade of Blue from the musical Some Like It Hot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was crowned Miss New York on July 12th representing the five boroughs. Donegan, who is originally from Virginia, is the COO of Southern Sitter, a childcare booking company. She is also a professional performer and Actors Equity member. She received a BFA in musical theater from Belmont University, before attending Ames Christian University. Donegan says she won just by being herself. Miss America Cassie Donegan says, Im really proud of myself. I feel like I couldnt have done anything different. And I feel like I showed who I am 100% tonight and this whole week. So, Im just really thankful that they appreciated who that Cassie was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement onegan was a special guest of News 34 at our tent at Spiedie Fest last month, greeting fans and posing for pictures. She also works to promote arts education in schools and is an advocate for heart health working with the American Heart Association. In winning, Donegan receives a 50 thousand dollar college scholarship for a combined total of 70 thousand in scholarships. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW A fugitive father from New Zealand who has been on the run with his three children for nearly four years died in a police shoot-out on Monday, Sept. 8 While one of his children was with him and was subsequently taken into police custody, two of the siblings remained missing, but they have now been located and are "safe" This is an emotional development. To know the children are safe, and now receiving care after nearly four years is an absolute relief, said Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers The remaining missing children of Tom Phillips, the fugitive New Zealand father who hid in the wilderness with them for nearly four years before being shot dead by the police, have been found safe, authorities have confirmed. At around 4:30 p.m. local time on Monday, Sept. 8, the two children were located approximately 2 km (1.24 miles) from where their father died in a shootout in the wilderness near Waitomo in the North Island, the New Zealand police said in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specialist Police officers conducting a search within bush near Waitomo located the outstanding children of Tom Phillips. Im pleased to say they are unharmed and are now safe, Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers said. ...While they are safe, this is the start of a long journey of recovery and their welfare remains our top priority. For that reason, we will not be going into details about where they are now or their mental state. New Zealand Police (4) Tom Phillips went on the run with his three children for almost four years Tom Phillips went on the run with his three children for almost four years In a press conference on Monday, Rogers shared that the children were found alone and uninjured at a remote campsite and were transported to another location for medical checks," per the New Zealand outlet Stuff. In 2021, Phillips disappeared with his three children Jayda, Maverick and Ember, now believed to be ages 9, 10 and 12 after an alleged dispute with their mother, per police. He had been living off-grid with them ever since, with NBC News reporting that he did not have legal custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite massive police searches and several reported sightings of Phillips and his children, they remained missing for years. New Zealand Police Tom Phillips Tom Phillips Phillips died in a police shootout on Monday, after officers were alerted to a possible break-in at a farm goods store in Poipoi in the western Waikato district, near to where he was believed to have been hiding out with his kids, CNN, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) and ABC News Australia reported. One of the three siblings had been with their dad at the time of the incident and was placed in police custody following the shootout, officials said at the time. Rogers said at the press conference on Monday that the same sibling provided information [to police] that has been crucial in narrowing our search. New Zealand Police (3) Jayda Jorga Jin Phillips; Maverick Rusty Callam Phillips; Ember Nirvana Essence Phillips Jayda Jorga Jin Phillips; Maverick Rusty Callam Phillips; Ember Nirvana Essence Phillips Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Tom allegedly committed several crimes while on the run, including a robbery in Waikato, according to police. Two weeks before the shootout, authorities released CCTV footage they believed showed Tom breaking in at a business in Piopio with one of his children, per a police report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scene where the two children were found has been locked down for a forensic examination, the police note in their release. This is an emotional development. To know the children are safe, and now receiving care after nearly four years, is an absolute relief, said Rogers. Read the original article on People TOPEKA (KSNT) A local sheriffs office said a man who went missing near the start of September has been found in Oklahoma. The Jefferson County Sheriffs Office said in a press release on Sept. 8 that Patrick Crim has been found by the Kay County Sheriffs Office in Oklahoma. He was reported missing on Sept. 1 after the Abate Bike Rally in Jefferson County on Aug. 30. Jefferson County Sheriffs Office appreciates the volunteers who participated in the search for Patrick Crim along with the various agencies who dedicated their time and effort to assist with this matter. Jefferson County Sheriffs Office is happy this matter has been resolved in a positive manner and the family of Patrick Crim can relax knowing their family member is alive and safe. Jefferson County Sheriffs Office press release excerpt Several law enforcement agencies, volunteers and family of Crim spent days searching for him near the area of the Abate Bike Rally in early September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $65,000,000 bond vote looms over USD 450 homeowners For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. NEED TO KNOW Authorities said Tameika Watley, 37, a mother of six, last spoke with her relatives in June 2024 Human remains found this past June in the 5400 block of Highway 90 West in Vinton, La. were later confirmed to be that of Watley Her sister Miranda Watley has set up a GoFundMe to pay for memorial expenses Authorities in Louisiana said that human remains found nearly three months ago have been identified as belonging to a 37-year-old missing mother who last spoke with her family on the phone in June 2024. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office (CPSO) announced on Friday, Sept. 5, that deputies were sent to the 5400 block of Highway 90 West in Vinton on June 16 "in reference to human remains being located in a wooded area off the roadway." It added that forensic investigators sent the remains off for identification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the sheriffs office said it received notification from the LSU Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services (FACES) Lab that the "remains were identified as those of Tameika S. Watley, Lake Charles. Watley was previously reported missing to CPSO in July 2024." Miranda Waltey, Tameikas sister, earlier told NBCs Dateline that Tameika had missed a number of birthdays and family gatherings in the weeks prior to her disappearance, prompting worry. Despite Mirandas efforts to find her sister from contacting those who might have seen Tameika to knocking on people's doors no answers were found to the missing womans whereabouts. Its just like some type of feeling came over my body, Miranda told Dateline. Gofundme Tameika Watley Tameika Watley Tameika was a mother of six children, NBC News reported. As the one-year anniversary of Tameikas disappearance approached this past June, the family alleged in an interview with NBC affiliate KPLC that somebody knows something but is not speaking with authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It makes it even worse because we dont know, but somebody knows, Tayvia Thierry, Tameikas daughter, claimed to KPLC. In its press release from August 2024, the CPSO said that Tameika did not have a permanent address or working cell phone during the time she vanished, but she was known to frequent several areas in Lake Charles including See Street, Railroad Avenue, 12th Street and North Booker Street. Miranda Watley confirmed the death of her sister in a GoFundMe. It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic passing of our beloved sister, Tameika, Miranda wrote. Her remains were identified Friday, September 5, 2025, and our family is deeply heartbroken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are starting this fundraiser to help give Tameika the proper memorial she deserves," Miranda continued. "During this heartbreaking time, we want to ease the financial burden so the family can focus on grieving and healing. 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 CPSO said the investigation into Tameikas death is ongoing, and asked that anyone with information call the department at 337-491-3605. PEOPLE contacted Miranda Watley for comment on Monday, Sept. 8. Read the original article on People JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) According to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), suicide is the third leading cause of death in Mississippi among those ages 10 to 24. The agency will raise awareness throughout September, which is Suicide Prevention Month, and on September 8, 988 Day, by highlighting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which can offer support by connecting you with a trained crisis counselor. Mississippi teens death sparks legislation to fight online sextortion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mississippi Department of Mental Healths Shatter the Silence campaign encourages young people to talk about their feelings with friends and trusted adults, and to support those struggling. Warning Signs Talking, thinking or writing about suicide Talking about feeling worthless or hopeless Losing interest in activities Using or increasing use of drugs or alcohol Any changes from typical behavior If your friend tells you they are having thoughts of suicide: What to Do Take them seriously Be direct and express your concern Listen without judgement Offer to take them to get help What Not to Do Ignore the plea for help Keep it a secret Think nothing can be done Think you can fix it all by yourself Where to Go for Help Call or text 988 to talk to a trained crisis counselor Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room Call the Department of Mental Health at (877) 210-8513 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Observers say the backlog of public records requests would be unacceptable for any government agency but is especially problematic for the attorney general's office, which is in charge of enforcing Missouris Sunshine Law (Getty Images). There will be more than 120 public records requests sitting on Catherine Hanaways desk when she takes the oath of office Monday morning to become Missouris next attorney general. Some of the requests are months old, but all but one were submitted this year, said Stephanie Whitaker, spokeswoman for the attorney generals office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while higher than most state agencies, the 126 requests is an improvement on the 224 Hanaways predecessor, Andrew Bailey, inherited when he took office in 2023. That number ballooned at one point during Baileys short stint as attorney general to more than 400, with Missourians stuck in limbo for months and in some cases, years waiting for public records to be turned over. The backlog of public records requests has bedeviled Bailey since he was appointed to take over the office after Eric Schmitt resigned to join the U.S. Senate. Its a situation observers say would be unacceptable for any government agency but is especially problematic for the office in charge of enforcing Missouris Sunshine Law designed to ensure the public has access to government records and meetings. Bailey assigned five staffers to deal with Missouri Sunshine Law backlog, Whitaker said four attorneys, one intern and a custodian of records. Its why only 126 requests remain unfinished, she said, despite the office receiving more than 400 between January and July. There is definitely not a massive backlog that Catherine will be inheriting, Whitaker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bailey is resigning from office early to become co-deputy director of the FBI. Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed Hanaway, a former U.S. attorney and speaker of the Missouri House, as his replacement. She will be sworn into office in a private ceremony Monday morning. Testifying to a Missouri Senate committee in February, Bailey said the office had received 1,465 requests under the Sunshine Law since January 2023 and managed to complete work on 1,390. Only 75 pending requests remained, he said at the time, a tally some lawmakers still felt was too high. The only request left over from 2024, Whitaker said, produced more than 40,000 records and will take some time to complete. But, she said that is not slowing down work on others. Whitaker signaled a change in the offices policy that has focused on working through requests on a first come, first serve basis. That meant newer inquiries that were small and easily dispensed with sat on hold as staff worked on older and more expansive requests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics argued the policy exacerbated the problem, letting requests pile up and ensuring the backlog took even longer to work through. Whitaker said thats no longer the case. It has changed a little, she said. Were not putting you or anyone else on hold to satisfy this one request from 2024. So it would not be accurate to say inquiries are fulfilled in the order theyve been received. But that doesnt mean the public doesnt still face delays. In May, The Independent submitted a request for Baileys public calendar. Most state agencies turn around that type of request in a matter of days. The attorney generals office turned the records over last week. While slow, its still an improvement over previous attempts by The Independent to access Baileys calendar that took more than 10 months. Missouri House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins, R-Bowling Green, stands at the House dais Monday afternoon (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). The Missouri House gave initial approval Monday to legislation that would increase the threshold to pass constitutional amendments proposed through initiative petition. The bill passed largely along partisan lines, with five Republicans voting in opposition. It needs to be approved by the House one more time before heading to the Senate. If it passes that chamber, it goes on the ballot for voter approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the proposal, constitutional amendments put on the ballot by voters would need a simple majority statewide and a majority in all eight congressional districts to pass. This means that a small percentage of the states voters could defeat any ballot measure. During last years general election, 311,915 votes were cast in the 1st District out of the states 2,960,266 votes. So 156,000 voters or about 5.3% of the statewide vote could prevent a measure from passing. Constitutional amendments placed on the ballot by state lawmakers would not have the same standard. Only citizen-led initiative petitions would be affected. The bill initially also targeted changes to state law placed on the ballot through the initiative petition process. But the proposals sponsor Republican state Rep. Ed Lewis of Moberly said during Mondays debate that he wanted to decouple changes to state statute from constitutional amendments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If were to change the constitution, there should be broad support, he said, support in each congressional district. State lawmakers, in concert with changes to the initiative petition process, are considering a new congressional map under a request from President Donald Trump. The amendment also bans ballot measure campaigns from accepting contributions from foreign nationals, aligning the resolution with Gov. Mike Kehoes request. Earlier this year, the legislature passed a law barring foreign spending on state ballot measures. State Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Democrat from Columbia, asked why Lewis had this piece in the legislation since the spending is already illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lewis said it would add the restrictions to the Missouri Constitution, whereas they are currently only enacted in state law. Smith labeled the provision ballot candy aimed at tricking voters into supporting changing the initiative petition process. It is extremely sloppy when it talks about foreign adversaries, he said. But the reason it was left in here is for ballot candy. The proposed summary that would appear on the ballot next year leads with a ban on foreign nationals providing funding to influence ballot measure elections. Through recent ballot measures, Missourians have legalized abortion and recreational use of marijuana and voted to increase the minimum wage and mandate paid-sick leave. In November, the abortion-rights amendment passed with just shy of 52% of the vote with large support from the states urban, more-populated areas. Voters in all but eight of Missouris 115 counties opposed the amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Initiative petitions in recent years, Lewis said, have been controversial and partisan, specifically calling out the marijuana and abortion amendments. Lewis has been sponsoring legislation to raise the threshold to pass initiative petitions since 2021, when he proposed raising the minimum amount of signatures required to certify petitions. Earlier this year, Missouri Republicans championed a resolution that would have required a majority of votes in five out of eight congressional districts. Kehoe, in his request for a special legislation session, asked for a majority in all districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone knows it is too strict, Smith told Lewis during the floor debate. Even your own party knows it is too strict. House Republicans filed amendments, which were not presented Monday, with less rigorous standards than Lewis. State Rep. John Simmons, a Republican from Washington, filed an amendment that would have required three-fourths of districts. State Rep. Rudy Veit, a Republican from Wardsville, proposed raising the minimum for approval from a simple majority to 55% of voters statewide. His proposed amendment did not include requirements for a majority in constitutional districts. Veit was one of six Republicans who voted against the bill on Monday. The others were House Speaker Jon Patterson of Lees Summit, along with state Reps. Bill Hardwick of Dixon, Mazzie Christensen of Bethany, Chris Brown of Kansas City and Dave Griffith of Jefferson City. This story was updated at 6:30 a.m. to clarify that six Republicans opposed the initiative petition legislation. While Missouri Democrats stage protests and push Republican leadership to engage with them, it appears that Republicans in the Missouri state House will ultimately be able to pass redrawn congressional district maps this week, bowing to pressure from the Trump administration. Two weeks ago, Missouris Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe unveiled the new congressional map which he called a Missouri First map, in MAGA fashion and called for a special session for the map to be approved. If approved, the proposed map would drastically change the congressional district that currently sits in the Kansas City-area of Missouri, which has been represented by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver who was also the first Black mayor of Kansas City for years. The map would, essentially, split up part of the city and add rural territory to that district, changing the contours of it so that seven of the eight U.S. House districts in Missouri would favor Republicans. Its all part of President Trumps effort to force red state legislatures where Republicans have supermajorities to redraw their maps mid-cycle so that Republicans have a better chance of keeping the U.S. House in the 2026 midterms. Typically, state lawmakers or independent redistricting commissions redraw state congressional maps after each U.S. Census, rather than engaging in the mid-decade, highly partisan gerrymandering of the sort that Trump is encouraging in order to keep his hold on the federal government (and to avoid giving Democrats investigative and oversight power in the House). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Republican state House members maintain that the map was drawn by staffers in the governors office, Democrats have argued that the map was likely drawn by the White House. They vocalized those beliefs when the map was voted out of state House committees last week. I think that everyone watching actually understands that the people who drew these maps are sitting in D.C., Democratic state Rep. Ashley Aune, the minority leader in the state House, said on Thursday. Its ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. Regardless of where the map was drawn, it is clear that the White Houses pressure campaign had considerable impact in Missouri. In 2022 there was some interest in trying to redraw the lines of Cleavers district, but Republicans in the state House and Senate rejected the measure, saying it could backfire. There is still, reportedly, some concern among the Republicans who support the redrawn map of the same problem this time around. Per St. Louis NPR station STLPR: The decision to advance Deatons bill is a reversal from 2022, when many Republicans in the House and Senate rejected a map that targeted Cleaver. Some GOP lawmakers said that such a plan could backfire and make Alford and Graves districts more competitive. And even Republicans who back the plan now concede that the new version of Cleavers district, which connects Kansas City to a number of rural counties, could be winnable forDemocrats in a bad election year for the GOP. After the map was moved out of committee last week, a handful of Democratic state House members spent the weekend conducting a sit-in in the House chamber of the state Capitol both in protest of the measure and to try to force Republican leadership to listen to their concerns about the redrawn map, which the state House spent Monday afternoon debating. It is expected to vote on and pass the measure early this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican lawmakers, at the urging of Donald Trump, are pushing through a mid-cycle gerrymander that slices up Kansas City and silences the voices of thousands of Missourians, Democratic state Rep. Ray Reed told TPM Friday before spending the weekend in the state House. They refused to acknowledge us on the floor, broke rules meant to safeguard debate, and then left for the weekend while we stayed put. We chose to hold the floor because the people of Missouri deserve better than a map designed to entrench power at the expense of their voice. Our sit-in is not an act of defiance for defiances sake. It is an act of faith. Faith in the idea that democracy belongs to all of us. Faith in the idea that when people see whats being done in their name, they will not stay silent. Faith in the long arc of history, which bends toward justice only when we help bend it, he continued. Local Chicago Officials Not Seeing the Kind of Crackdown Trump Has Been Bragging About Yet After the president posted a beefy fake cartoon-like photo of himself declaring war on Chicago and its immigrant population over the weekend, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement Monday announcing Operation Midway Blitz as the name of its effort to arrest a bunch of undocumented immigrants in the city in coming days and weeks. This ICE operation will target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets, the DHS statement released Monday said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are some reports that the Trump administration plans to stage the operation from a naval base outside of Chicago. As of Monday, local officials told the New York Times theyve only seen a few arrests so far. Per the Times: Local officials and advocates for immigrants said that residents seemed to be bracing for arrests, but that few had been witnessed as of Monday morning. At least three people were arrested on the Southwest Side of Chicago on Sunday, according to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, which closely tracks immigration enforcement activity. And it appears that those who have been arrested dont exactly have the kind of raging criminal record that the Trump administration described in its plans. Theyre targeting hardworking people in the community. At this point, everybody is a target, Chicago city council member Jeylu B. Gutierrez told the Times. Meanwhile in Los Angeles The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration today in granting an emergency appeal that lifts a U.S. district judges restraining order that blocked ICE agents in LA from stopping and detaining people on the streets based solely on what they look like, what language they speak and where they work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 6-3 vote with all liberal justices dissenting, the high court has allowed immigration agents to continue conducting roving patrols in LA, meaning they can stop and detain anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally. Per the LA Times: Although Mondays order is not a final ruling, it strongly signals the Supreme Court will not uphold strict limits on the authority of immigration agents to stop people for questioning. The courts conservatives issued a brief, unsigned order that freezes the district judges restraining order indefinitely and frees immigration agents from it. As a practical matter, it gives immigration agents broad authority to stop people who they think may be here illegally. Headline of the Day WSJ: Epstein Birthday Letter With Trumps Signature Revealed In Case You Missed It On Shutdowns, Get the Wording Right and Other Thoughts Treasury Secretary Comes Unglued: Im Gonna Punch You in Your Fing Face The Untold Saga of What Happened When DOGE Stormed Social Security Eric Adams Is Making His Last Stand Yesterdays Most Read Story Is This The Hidden Part of the Trump-Epstein Drama? What We Are Reading I Am An AI Hater Project 2026: Trumps Plan to Rig the Next Election Chief justice allows Trump to fire a Democratic FTC commissioner for now (KODE & KSN) As a big part of the Missouri population shifts to the older generation, the state is looking for the best strategy to support them. A preliminary report called the Master Plan on Aging looks at everything from health care and transportation to care givers and aging at home. Its a ten-year plan to best allocate state resources. Joplin senior citizen Donna McCabe says its a crucial discussion to have to best serve an aging population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Creeps up on you so slowly and before you know it, youre a senior, and you face a lot of obstacles, not only health wise, financially, theres a lot of things you have to deal with, said Donna McCabe. CLICK HERE for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milwaukee) speaks at a press conference in January 2025. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner) Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez of Milwaukee is leaving the Assembly Democratic caucus a decision that comes after leadership alleged that she made comments about shooting three of her colleagues. Ortiz-Velez has been at the center of several disagreements over the last several weeks with her colleagues, including a public dispute with the newly-formed Hispanic Legislative Caucus over resolutions to highlight Hispanic Heritage Month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ortiz-Velez said she was excluded from being an author on the resolution, though the leader of the caucus Rep. Priscilla Prado (D-Milwaukee) has said the caucus agreed to limit authors to members. Ortiz-Velez had earlier declined to be a part of the caucus. She decided to write her own resolution honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, and her resolution, which has Republican and Democratic cosponsors, is now being set up to be voted on this week. Last week her access to the Wisconsin State Capitol was revoked due to an alleged threat, though Assembly Speaker Robin Vos office said the revocation was done in error, the threat was found to be not credible and her access restored. Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) initially confirmed that Ortiz-Velez had left the caucus but declined to speak on the issue. On Friday, however, eight Democratic leaders, including Neubauer, said in a statement to the Journal Sentinel that Ortiz-Velez made a comment about shooting three members of our caucus who she has had personal disagreements with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is unacceptable behavior, especially given the heightened political environment and the murder of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband earlier this year, the lawmakers said. We are not in a position to ignore comments like these and referred it to Human Resources. After conversations with the Speakers office, we spoke with Capitol Police as well. We appreciated them looking into the matter and handling it from there. Former Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were the victims of a politically-motivated assassination in June. Ortiz-Velez told the Journal Sentinel that she did not make a threat, but rather used a poorly worded hyperbole. What I was trying to express is that I want peace with people, but others seem to keep attacking me, and if they attack me, I have a right to defend myself. And if someone perceived it differently, Im very sorry, and I will be certain to refrain from that kind of language in the future, Ortiz-Velez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ortiz-Velez has previously split from her caucus on other votes. She was the only Democrat to vote for the new legislative maps that were drawn by Gov. Tony Evers and that Republican lawmakers decided to adopt, she was one of a handful of Democrats to vote for the recent state budget in July and also recently was the only Democrat on a bill, vetoed by Evers, that would have declared gig workers to be independent contractors. According to WisPolitics, Ortiz-Velez also alleges that her colleagues were trying to keep her from testifying on AB 306, a Republican bill that would restrict an executive emergency powers, because she plans to accuse Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who plans to run for governor, of abusing his power during the COVID-19 pandemic. I left the caucus because theyve been terrible to me, Ortiz-Velez told WisPolitics. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NEED TO KNOW A woman accused of killing her two children in 2018 in New Zealand has reportedly pleaded not guilty The bodies of Manu and Yuna were found in suitcases inside a storage locker in Auckland in 2022 after a family member bought the items in an online auction, according to reporting from RNZ Lee has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and is representing herself, according to multiple reports A woman accused of killing her two children in 2018 in New Zealand has reportedly pleaded not guilty. On Monday, Sept. 8, Hakyung Lee, 44, appeared in court in Auckland after being accused of killing her children Minu Jo, 6, and Yuna Jo, 8, in 2018, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This came after Lees husband died from cancer, per The South China Morning Post. The bodies of Manu and Yuna were found in suitcases inside a storage locker in Auckland in 2022 after a family member bought the items in an online auction, RNZ reported. The relative is not connected to the killings, according to The Sydney Morning Herald and the bodies are believed to have been located in the storage for years, per the BBC. After the murders in 2018, Lee moved to South Korea and changed her name, per U.K. newspaper Independent. Lee, who was born in South Korea with the birth name of Ji Eun Lee, was extradited to New Zealand in November 2022, per RNZ and Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PEOPLE has contacted the New Zealand Police and the Auckland High Court for comment, but they did not immediately respond. 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. Lee has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and is representing herself, according to the outlets. During her court appearance, Lee lowered her head before shaking it when asked if she pleaded guilty or not guilty, per The Sydney Morning Herald. "I'll give you directions ... on the law and you'll have to apply those directions, but ultimately it's for you to decide on the facts, in light of those directions, whether Ms Lee is guilty or not guilty of the charges she faces," Justice Geoffrey Venning told jurors, per RNZ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In this case it's likely you'll also need to determine whether, at the time the children were killed, Ms Lee was insane, as that is defined in our Crimes Act, he continued. Lawrence Smith/Stuff Pool Photo via AP Hakyung Lee at the High Court in Auckland, New Zealand, Monday, Sept. 8, 2025 Hakyung Lee at the High Court in Auckland, New Zealand, Monday, Sept. 8, 2025 Court documents report that the murder was related to Lees sleeping medication, which she was prescribed when her husbands health declined, RNZ reported. Before her husband's death in 2017, Lee reportedly threatened to kill herself and her children if her husband died. The exact method of the murder is currently unknown. "After murdering the deceased, the defendant wrapped each of their bodies in plastic bags and plastic wrap," official documents read, per the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The defendant placed each body into a separate suitcase and put them into black plastic bags to conceal them, the official statement continued. The deaths are believed to have occurred between June 23 and July 27, 2018, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. Lee previously rented a storage unit in Papatoetoe, where she allegedly stored the suitcases with other household items, per RNZ. The storage was then reportedly auctioned off after Lee struggled to continue payments. The trial is expected to last up to four weeks. Lee has also been allowed to watch proceedings from another room in court, per The Sydney Morning Herald. Read the original article on People DES MOINES, Iowa On Friday, September 5, Des Moines police officers were dispatched to the 300 block of E County Line Road on reports of a 12-year-old girl who was struck by a vehicle. Luckily, the 12-year-old ended up surviving, spending a night in the hospital. But the family is in disbelief after their daughter followed the crosswalk guidelines and was still hit by an oncoming vehicle. Disbelief that she could be hit in a crosswalk. You know, we always think that our children are safe, and just disbelief and shock. I was fortunate to have some friends drive me to get there safely, said Maria Scaggs, the mother of the 12-year-old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scaggs got the call that no parent ever wants to hear from a former teacher of her daughter who was at the scene. Not only was her daughter hit, but Scaggs 10-year-old son and her daughters friends witnessed the accident. It was an emotional weekend for us as a family. And she did go to the hospital but it could have been a lot worse so were just grateful that she only spent a night in the hospital and shes able to recover at home with her family, said Scaggs. Its the worst phone call a parent can get is that their child got hit by a car in something thats supposed to be safe. Boone 18-year-old identified as person killed in officer-involved shooting in Greene County The accident last Friday is something Anna Campos is all too familiar with. Her daughter, 14-year-old Ema Cardenas, was hit and killed in a school zone in April 2022. Campos has since been elected to the Des Moines Public School Board, representing district three. She shared her reaction to the accident with WHO 13 News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was at home just getting off of work myself and I turned on the news and I saw that first thing, said Campos. I went to social media to make sure that the young girl was, you know, fine and okay. And it seemed like it was just minor injuries. But my heart literally sank. Flashbacks come back to what happened almost four years ago with Ema just walking home from school. After the death of her daughter, Campos started advocating for safer streets. The district and the City of Des Moines worked to expand safety equipment and expand the 25 mile an hour limit in school zones. Those zones are extended from what they were in the past, along with the city pushing for wider streets in the zones, Campos said the city helped a lot with that. Along with adding HAWK lights to these crosswalks. Unfortunately, it was in one of these HAWK crosswalk zones where the recent accident occurred. Weve done a lot of changes in the community and theyve been working. We havent heard of anything major happening. But now its like okay what else, said Campos. What else are we doing wrong? And I feel like its more of the driver. Drivers need to be aware of what the situation is. The Des Moines Police Department told WHO 13 News that the driver was a 72-year-old female. The female was charged with Failure to Yield to pedestrian right of way and Failure to Obey traffic control device. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Des Moines Public Schools sent a statement to WHO 13 News: Crosswalks, including those in school zones, are managed and controlled by the City of Des Moines. However, every indication we have is that the crosswalk is clearly marked and the signal lights were working correctly. In this case, the student did everything as they should have to cross the street. This is a sad but important reminder that drivers must pay attention and use extra caution in a school zone. We are thankful the students injuries were not more serious, and thankful for the quick response by our school and public safety staff as well as the Citys police and fire departments. Phil Roeder, Director of Communications & Public Affairs, DMPS Campos said that along with drivers being aware, laws need to be passed and the community needs to hone in on the issue of distracted driving as it can impact any family. Scaggs was frustrated with the lack of a crossing guard in the HAWK crosswalk zone. Elementary schools have crossing guards when school is out, middle schools should have these HAWK crosswalks with no crossing guards. The 12-year-old was crossing at Studebaker Elementary School, leaving from her school day at McComb Middle School. It was an hour after dismissal for the elementary school, so that is why there was no crossing guard present at the time, although there was faculty around who notified Scaggs. 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. CLEVELAND (WJW) Thousands of monarch butterflies are expected to flutter and fly through Northeast Ohio as part of their annual southern migration tour this month. Fall foliage prediction: When will Northeast Ohio peak? According to Cleveland Metroparks, the best time to observe the mass of migrating monarchs is typically the first three weeks of September, though their migration is heavily affected by weather conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Monday Facebook post from Cleveland Metroparks said the butterflies will be stopping in many places throughout the park district to roost in the cottonwood trees for shelter. A post Wednesday indicated the butterflies are on the move, and while weather conditions have caused migration roosts to decrease this season, there is still a chance to see them as they journey south. Shoreway to close this week for urgent repairs Some of the best areas to spot the monarchs, according to Cleveland Metroparks, include: Euclid Beach Wolf Picnic Area Wendy Park Gordon Park Bluebird Point Meadow Edgewater Park Acacia Reservation Rogers Meadow Jackson Field Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monarchs migrate in August and September, flying from their breeding grounds in the northeastern United States and Canada to overwintering sites in Mexico and California. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Money revoked by DOGE leaves $80 million hole in Georgia higher ed As the new school year begins, Georgia researchers are still reeling after the Department of Government Efficiency made deep cuts to federal university research funding earlier this year. Many universities have canceled research that was already underway and reduced work opportunities for students and early career scientists while they navigate the fallout. We are going to lose a generation of scientists, engineers and medical professionals, Emory University professor Eri Saikawa told Channel 2s Michael Doudna. The U.S. had the capability to lead, and now I just worry that thats not going to happen. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As an environmental scientist, Saikawas research reaches far beyond the classroom. From sampling for lead in Atlantas Westside neighborhood to working with Atlanta COPD patients to study their exposure to chemicals to collaborating with farmers in north Georgia to find new methods for weed control, her work is deeply integrated in Georgia communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Channel 2 spoke to Saikawa in July, her office in Emorys Mathematics and Science Center was doing double duty as a storage unit for boxes of research equipment that she says should be in farmers fields. Id like to be a part of being a good steward of the land, Laura Bramblett said. Her and her family operate a 600-acre farm in North Georgia in Hart County. We didnt spray any herbicides, no pesticides. We wanted to produce a clean product, one without chemicals, she said. I value that, and I think that as a society were moving more towards that. In addition to their beef business, the Brambletts farm is now growing vegetables like squash and tomatoes for the first time ever thanks to funding from a grant given to Saikawas lab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were learning what works, what doesnt work, Bramblett said. Under the program, Bramblett would get support for supplies and equipment to study the effects of using a new weed management method experimenting with using a plastic mulch layer near the plants roots to potentially fight weeds and capture greenhouse gases in the field. That project was well underway when the grant was cut. It left us in limbo unfortunately, Bramblett said. I had planned to use that money towards labor. Things are out of pocket. Bramblett had expected a payment in spring that never came, and she said that the uncertainty after not anticipating those costs has been difficult. Her farm eventually did receive the plants and put them in the ground, but the financial support beyond that has stopped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the equipment for the project is in storage scattered across the state: in Saikawas office, in Emory hallways and in farmers sheds. In all, $2 million worth of tools are now collecting dust instead of data. In the past, federal funding made it possible for Saikawa to offer students part time work in her lab, where they would assist with research and train to be scientists. Without the grant money, Saikawa says her lab cant pay people to use the equipment to keep the study moving. The research scientist Alex Avramov, he built everything from scratch, Saikawa said. For that to be just taken away and sitting then, like here some of them in my office, its just such a waste of money and time and resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the federal government revoked funding they had promised to support projects that Saikawas lab works on, she had to rethink how to offer students opportunities in her lab over the summer and into the new school year. I think what Im most worried about is the students and the young trainees and the early career scientists, because they are the ones that were going to form the future, she said. Federal research funding can support university projects in multiple ways. While Georgia universities lost over $80 million in direct grant cuts, they also lost additional funding from collaborative projects when universities were sharing funds with other grant recipients like state agencies and nonprofit groups. Because this money is often distributed through a second grant process led by the initial grant winner, this funding is called sub-award funding, and it isnt tracked by DOGEs savings dashboard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This downstream money is much harder to track in general despite how much researchers rely on this money to fund their projects. I think that the Trump administration has taken a global look at federal spending across the board and has made smart decisions about where you need to make these targeted cuts, Georgia GOP chair Josh McKoon said. Theyve looked at every aspect of government to be fair, whether its healthcare, whether its education these are huge slices of the federal governments spending. You cant simply say theyre going to be off limits if youre actually going to make any progress in fiscal discipline. Conservatives have long pushed to reduce the scope of federal spending and to only allow funding for projects that are explicitly authorized by Congress. Under the second Trump administration, universities have seen funding pulled in sweeping actions targeting specific administration priorities. Many grants were targeted for including language about issues like gender identity, diversity all key political issues that drove President Donald Trumps 2024 campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some instances, projects that even mentioned these words in their research proposals ended up having to pull the plug. After the cuts began earlier this year, the American Civil Liberties Union sued the NIH, representing a slew of plaintiffs including the American Public Health Association and the United Auto Workers union. The lawsuit challenged a wave of cuts that came following Health and Human Services directives. According to one of the directives issued February 10, 2025, former acting HHS head Dorothy Fink instructed staff to begin avoiding the expenditure of federal funds on programs, or with contractors or vendors, that take part in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The ACLU lawsuit, along with another brought by 16 state attorneys general, came to a head in late August when the Supreme Court overturned a district court ruling that would have blocked the National Institutes of Health from making broad cuts to that research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to analysis from the Association of American Medical Colleges, its members had already lost an estimated $3.8 billion in cuts by June 10, largely due to the NIH cuts challenged by the ACLU. In all, Georgia universities saw $80 million in direct cuts according to Channel 2 Investigates analysis of publicly available savings data on doge.gov at the end of June. Emory University received almost half of those direct cuts at $38.4 million, with the Georgia State Research Foundation losing $22.7 million. Of the grants cut at Emory, most were for projects funded by agencies under HHS, which governs both the NIH and the Atlanta based CDC. Savings data shows that they cut nearly $35 million worth of HHS money promised to Emory that will now be halted or returned to the federal government. That accounted for more than 90% of all direct cuts at Emory University at the time. More recently in August, Emory was included in a wave of HHS cuts as part of the federal governments wind down of mRNA vaccine development, adding to the list of at least 30 other direct grants Channel 2 investigates identified in the DOGE savings data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The full effect of these cuts wont be felt this calendar year. Many grants are promised to the university over a several year period to complete various projects that the federal agencies deem important enough to provide financial assistance toward. Saikawas lab had projects get cut even though they were already under way. To access those funds, universities and researchers in the past would apply to open calls for projects from a federal agency. Those open calls have slowed dramatically under the Trump administration which has used executive action to block this spending despite Congress allocating budgets to fund projects that the agencies deem important. I think weve got to be smart about how we invest these resources, McKoon said. Its not that the federal government is totally abandoning grantmaking for higher education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But outside the halls of government and in the fields of north Georgia, abandonment is the least of Brambletts concerns. Itll be time to get other things in the ground before long, no matter what route we take, Bramblett said. We thought, if we can do things better, if we could try something new, then lets do it. We want to make good decisions that are better for everybody. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] With a potentially unreliable partner, no independent access to space and lagging innovation: 50 years after its founding, the European Space Agency (ESA) faces tough questions about its role in space exploration. As early as 2027, the United States plans to send humans to the Moon for the first time in decades. China is aiming for a manned Moon landing by 2030, and India has set its sights on 2040. Europe also hopes to send an astronaut to the Moon by 2030. However, the endeavour has a significant drawback: Europeans do not have control over the mission. Their astronauts are expected to participate as part of the US-led Artemis programme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Artemis could be scrapped before a European astronaut gets the chance to join. US President Donald Trump had shown more interest in Mars - though Trump may have been influenced by his previous advisor, multi-billionaire Elon Musk, who owns SpaceX. The two have since had a public falling out. Europe also still lacks autonomous access to space, at least for manned missions. While there is a European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, and the continent has its own launch vehicles, such as the Vega C and Ariane 6 rockets, Europe currently relies on the US space agency NASA to send humans into space. A key partner causes concern Europe collaborates extensively with the US in space exploration. However, with Trump having cast doubt on the reliability of agreements and interest in joint ventures, the urgency for Europe to become more independent and deepen other partnerships has grown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "ESA and Europe will be ready to adapt, find their own priorities, which will certainly involve improving our strength, autonomy, and capabilities in space, and being a very good international partner," ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher emphasized earlier this year. ESA already works closely with Japan's space agency, JAXA. Relationships with India and South Korea have recently been intensified, according to the agency, and it also collaborates with numerous other space agencies worldwide. From the perspective of Ludwig Moeller, head of the space policy think tank ESPI, ESA and Europe are globally recognized and trusted partners. "This is a highly valuable asset in today's world, which we should continue to develop and utilize together," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding Europe's security and its future role in space, Moeller believes space exploration should be used as a tool for enhanced international cooperation and to achieve diplomatic goals for a more peaceful world. Commercialization leaves ESA looking outdated The rapid commercialization and privatization of space exploration have significantly transformed the field in recent years, with Musk's SpaceX becoming a central player. Since 2015, it has been operating with reusable rockets, a capability Europe can only dream of. Even Europe's pride, the new Ariane 6 launch vehicle, is not up to date, according to space expert Martin Tajmar from the Technical University of Dresden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it is crucial for to be able to independently launch satellites into space, significant contracts beyond ESA missions have only come from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who prefers not to work with his rival Musk's SpaceX. It is clear, however, that ESA, with its numerous member states, lengthy decision-making processes, and limited finances, cannot operate like a private company. The agency is now striving to become more agile and is increasingly fostering technological innovation in the private sector. For example, ESA recently launched a competition among European companies for a new cargo vehicle and a new launch vehicle. ESA is also looking to the private sector for solutions in space. With the International Space Station (ISS) set to be decommissioned by 2030, ESA has signed letters of intent with several companies to potentially use their planned space stations. Success with Copernicus and Galileo ESA has seen significant success in measurement programmes and scientific projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moeller highlights examples such as Galileo for navigation, Copernicus for Earth observation, and the James Webb Space Telescope, built in collaboration with the US and Canada. The telescope delivers spectacular images from space and provides experts with new insights. "These are all world-leading innovations," Moeller said. "Fifty years of ESA also stand for 50 years of innovation and collaboration across borders." ESA in the beginning In 1975, representatives from 10 countries, including Germany, met in Paris with the goal of strengthening cooperation in space exploration. On May 30, they signed the ESA Convention, establishing the space agency. Today, ESA has 23 member states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The European Launcher Development Organization (ELDO) and the European Space Research Organization (ESRO), which began in 1964, preceded ESA, which views the 1964 start date as the beginning of European cooperation in space exploration. (The Center Square) Eliminating Georgia's income tax is one of the top priorities of the Freedom Caucus, state Sen. Colton Moore told The Center Square at the State Freedom Caucus Foundation held in Dallas. "It is the government acting like the mafia and saying, 'Hey you know you made some money. We want to take our fair share of it or go to jail,'" Moore, R-Trenton, said of the income tax. "We don't like mafia rule, and ultimately, we want to grow our economy." Moore called Georgia the "empire state of the South." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've got one of the largest ports on the East Coast," Moore said. "We've got the world's busiest airport. We've got all these great resources but the government stands in the way of a lot of ultimate vitality for our citizens." A Senate committee is studying ways to eliminate the state's income tax. Georgia's southern and northern neighbors, Florida and Tennessee, already do not have a state income tax, along with seven other states. North Carolina and South Carolina lawmakers are working toward zero, Grover Norquist, president and cofounder of Americans for Tax Reform, told the committee at a meeting on Aug. 19. Sen. Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, who chairs the committee, said the "die has been cast" when it comes to taking the income tax to zero. "We will be going to zero or there will be other people in these seats taking the state income tax to zero," he said. By Lizbeth Diaz MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Ten people were killed and at least 61 were injured in central Mexico when a freight train smashed into a double-decker passenger bus, which the train operator said had been attempting to pass in front of the moving train. Canadian Pacific Kansas City de Mexico, the railway, expressed its condolences to the victims' families and called on drivers to respect road signs and stop orders at railroad crossings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bus operator Herradura de Plata did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Images from the scene showed the front part of the top deck of the bus smashed in and its metal frame badly dented, as first responders cordoned off the area. The collision happened in an industrial zone on the highway between Atlacomulco, a town some 115 km (71 miles) northwest of the capital Mexico City, and Maravatio, in nearby Michoacan state, local authorities said. The State of Mexico's attorney general's office said seven women and three men were killed. Some of those injured were in severe condition, while others were quickly released from the hospital, it added, without giving numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deadly bus crashes are frequent in Latin America. The Mexican government's latest report of collisions on federal highways showed a total of 12,099 crashes in 2023, resulting in over $100 million in damage, 6,400 injuries, and nearly 1,900 deaths. In February, more than 40 people were killed in southern Mexico when a bus traveling to Tabasco from the tourist city of Cancun hit a trailer truck and caught fire. Buses are a major mode of transport in Mexico, where, although freight trains are common, passenger rail routes remain limited. The government of President Claudia Sheinbaum is looking to dramatically expand the nation's passenger rail network to connect many parts of northern and central Mexico. (Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz and Sarah Morland; Additional reporting by Stephen Eisenhammer; Editing by Brendan O'Boyle, Rod Nickel) NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Free parking options are becoming increasingly rare in Nashville, and Music Row may be about to lose some of the prime real estate. The Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure has proposed adding more paid parking strips on several roads in the Music Row neighborhood. The Metro Traffic and Parking Commission discussed seven different segments of road to receive paid parking through NDOT at its Monday, Sept. 8, meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More Some of the road sections proposed increased already established paid parking options in the area, but several are currently free parking along the road in front of businesses and apartment complexes. Per the Metro Traffic and Parking Commission meeting agenda, the proposed sections encompass around 200 parking spaces. The roads proposed for new paid parking are: Chet Atkins Place from Music Square E to 19th Avenue S (approx. 37 spaces) 18th Avenue S from Chet Atkins Place to Grand Avenue (approx. 15 spaces) Music Square W from Chet Akins Place to Grand Avenue (approx. 14 spaces) Music Circle N from Music Square E to Music Circle E (approx. 30 spaces) Music Circle S from Music Square E to Music Circle E (approx. 20 spaces) Music Circle E from Music Circle S to Division Street (approx. 37 spaces) Roy Acuff Place from Music Square E to 18th Avenue S (approx. 56 spaces) Proposed paid parking locations in Music Row (Courtesy: Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure) According to commission documents, the existing land use is primarily a mixture of commercial, retail, and multifamily residential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WeGo adds free Bellevue, low-cost Sumner County game day routes The measure was not without opposition, however, as Dave Pomeroy, who spoke on behalf of the American Federation of Musicians, said he spoke with members of the musician community who disagree with Music Circle N portion. Pomeroy said some of the big music labels in Music Row, including Warner Brothers, were opposed to implementing the paid parking on more Music Row roads. He further stated AMF and other entities in Music Row werent even notified of the proposal, expressing concern over the lack of communication with those already in the neighborhood. Additionally, Pomeroy said studio musicians who park in the area could be parked for several hours or as quickly as a few minutes, so implementing paid parking would put an undue burden on them in the normal course of their work day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think 30 paid parking spaces are worth all of the trouble this is going to cause, Pomeroy told the commission, speaking specifically on the Music Circle North proposal. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Another member of the music community, the SAE Institute of Technology Nashville, a small audio engineering college, also spoke out against the paid parking proposal. The college has only a small parking lot, a representative from the school said, and its students frequently take advantage of the free street parking during their classes. Commissioner Lisa Haller, who lives in the Music Row neighborhood, echoed the public comment on the lack of communication, stating she received no indication from NDOT about the issue and felt giving the larger community more opportunity to give feedback would be appropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, the Commission agreed to defer the issue until its Oct. 20 meeting; NDOT said it would solicit community feedback from those who live and work in the neighborhood in the meantime. Do you have news happening in your neighborhood? Let us know by sending an email to neighborhoodnews@wkrn.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Sample ballots were placed out for voters to view for the 2024 primary election at the polling located located at Valley United Methodist Church in West Des Moines June 4, 2024. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Two more Republican candidates, Joe Mitchell and Christian Schlaefer, have declared their campaigns for congressional seats in Iowa. The GOP primary race for Iowas 2nd Congressional District opened up last week when incumbent U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson entered the 2026 U.S. Senate race after U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst announced she would not seek reelection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Hinsons announcement, several Republicans expressed interest in running for the now open seat, including former U.S. Rep. Rod Blum and Iowa Rep. Shannon Lundgren, R-Peosta. State Sen. Charlie McClintock, R-Alburnett, officially announced his campaign for the position Sep. 4, writing in a social media post, as one of Iowas first endorsers of President Trump and supporters for his reelection campaign, I understand the Republican platform and the importance of an America First agenda. On Monday, Joe Mitchell joined the primary field. Mitchell, a former state lawmaker and the founder of Run Gen Z, a young conservative organization, most recently worked for the Trump administration as a regional administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He also previously served as chief of staff at the Federal Housing Finance Agency. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In a statement on his campaign website, Mitchell said he is running for Iowas 2nd Congressional District because too many Iowans have been left behind by a broken political system that works for insiders and lobbyists, not for us. He said he would work to lower government spending and support President Donald Trump if elected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For too long, politicians in Washington have wasted our tax dollars and cut backroom deals while working families pay the price, Mitchell said. Ill work with President Trump to end reckless spending, secure our borders, protect our farmers, and build an economy where hard work pays again. Its time to take power back from the insiders and return it to the people of Iowa where it belongs. But Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Katie Smith said Mitchell himself was a Des Moines insider and career politician. Hes just the latest in whats going to be a long line of out-of-touch Republicans running in Iowas 2nd district and fighting over who will best cater to Washington special interests and billionaires, Smith said in a statement. Were going to flip this seat because Iowans are ready for someone who takes on business-as-usual to lower families costs and put their communities first. There are currently three Democrats running for the seat state Rep. Lindsay James, D-Dubuque, Matthew 25 Founder Clint Twedt-Ball and Kathy Dolter, the former dean of nursing at Kirkwood Community College. Christian Schlaefer enters 4th District GOP primary, calls for debate In Iowas 4th Congressional District, a new Republican entered the race. Christian Schlaefer, a 29-year-old software consultant from Lakota, launched his campaign for the GOP nomination Saturday at the Clay County Fair. He and his wife have a homestead farm, and he also serves as a firefighter and guest preacher in his community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schlaefer said in a news release that he is running for the seat in 2026 to preserve American values through conservative policies. Im not a career politician. I am just a farmer and workingman with passion for Iowa and the American People, Schlaefer said in a statement. Its time we restore small-town America built by Main Street and the Church and fight for what it truly means to be an American. He is joining a crowded GOP primary field for the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who has an exploratory committee for Iowa governor. Among the Republican candidates running to succeed Feenstra are former Iowa House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce President Chris McGowan, farmer and land appraiser Kyle Larsen and Iowa Tea Party Founder Ryan Rhodes. Schlaefer called for a GOP primary debate to narrow the field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are five candidates in this race, Schlaefer said. Thats too many. Rather than wasting time and money of everyday Iowans, I ask that they join me in debate so the People, not political consultants, decide who can best carry their voice to Washington. Two Democrats Ashley Wolf Tornabane and Stephanie Steiner have also announced their campaigns for the 4th Congressional District, which is considered a longtime conservative stronghold. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) With the cost of tuition rapidly rising, State Treasurer David McRae (R-Miss.) announced the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (MPACT) program is now open through May 31, 2026. According to a report by College Tuition Compare, universities in Mississippi have risen drastically in five years. Some notable rises include Jackson State University (JSU) with a 26.68% increase, Mississippi College with a 21.71% increase and Rust College with a 33.99% increase. Five Mississippi tickets win big prizes in Powerball drawing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With college costs climbing every year, MPACT gives Mississippi families the chance to plan ahead, lock in todays tuition rates, and shield themselves from decades of rising prices, said McRae. This is about financial responsibility, helping parents invest wisely now so their children can pursue higher education without being buried in debt. With Mississippis economy growing and more jobs requiring education beyond high school, MPACTs 2025-26 enrollment season gives families a smart, fiscally conservative way to prepare for the future. MPACT plans are available for four-year degree programs, as well as community college programs. Rates vary depending on a childs age and a familys down payment. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. The Small Business Development Center at Missouri Southern State University has a number of business seminars and programs for the fall semester that focus on government contracting. The first of those is Wednesday. To learn more, go to www.mssutraining.com or call 417-625-3128. Basics in Government Contracting When: 10-11 a.m. Wednesday. Where: Robert W. Plaster School of Business, 3950 Newman Road, Joplin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: This online training is presented by Allen Waldo, who has worked with the Missouri APEX/PTAC since 2014. He offers counseling in government contracting for mainly small businesses. Topics for the course include an understanding of the types of products/services that the government buys, an understanding of the basic registration requirements to sell to the federal government and state governments, and a discussion of the various socio-economic certifications that the government recognizes. Socio-Economic Certifications When: 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21. Where: Robert W. Plaster School of Business, 3950 Newman Road, Joplin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: This online training is also presented by Allen Waldo. The federal government has to meet goals on a yearly basis to buy from small businesses, woman-owned businesses, businesses owned by service-disabled veterans, and small socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. In addition, based upon location, certain urban areas or in a rural county, the federal government must meet certain geographic goals. In this course, the attendee will learn about the main socio-economic certifications recognized by the federal government and how the federal government may also set aside solicitations so only those companies that meet one or more of these goals can bid on and be awarded a contract. In addition, the course will discuss Missouris woman business enterprise, minority business enterprise and service-disabled veteran enterprise certifications and what advantages they may offer a contractor. And finally, MoDOT, various airports and other agencies recognize both disadvantaged business enterprises and airport concessionaire DBEs. Government Marketing and Solicitations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When: 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18. Where: Robert W. Plaster School of Business, 3950 Newman Road, Joplin. Details: This online training also is presented by Allen Waldo. He can assist small businesses in registering to do business with the federal government and the state of Missouri. The session will cover sites to both search for procurement opportunities and past performance by other sellers, and best practices for marketing a company to government buyers. All classes are free. Middle Tennessee State University associate biology professor Liz Barnes is trying to improve communication to the public about the field of science through a new grant and initiatives. People tend to trust scientists, which is great, said Barnes, an instructor of undergraduate science classes. They see scientists as wanting to contribute positively to society. But people also say that scientists are not the best communicators. They can come off as cold and use inaccessible language that alienates people. We want to change this, to bridge this divide by teaching undergraduate science students the next generation of science communicators to be more relatable and collaborative with the public. We need a scientific workforce that builds a positive relationship between science and society to collaboratively solve the issues that face us today. Academics from across the country pose for a photo at the Science Communication Education Research Network, or SCERN, conference in July 2025 at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minn., where they shared their ideas on how to empower the next generation of science communicators to bridge divides in society. A research team from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., helped organize the conference led by Liz Barnes, associate professor and researcher. Barnes earned a $75,000 National Science Foundation grant for developing the Science Communication Education Research Network, or SCERN, with colleagues from the University of Minnesota, Colorado State University and Northern Illinois University to gather more than 30 other researchers in the field from across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grant funded the team to craft a years worth of network activities to build this network of promising researchers who want to contribute to a more cohesive field and body of research going forward to figure out how to effectively teach science communication to undergraduate science students, Barnes said. The initiative led to virtual meetings, academic journal discussion and book clubs, a lecture series featuring field experts, a major in-person conference, and an essay to be submitted to the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, or PNAS, academic journal with an urgent call-to-action for advancing this field to improve current and future science communication. An MTSU research team accompanied Barnes to the networks inaugural, in-person meeting this summer at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota, comprised of postdoctoral researchers Erin Rowland-Schaefer and Mary Foley, doctoral students Kate Coscia and Rahmi Aini, undergraduate student Jadyn J. Hayes and associate communication professor Natalie Hoskins, who was recently appointed as the assistant director of MTSUs general education curriculum True Blue Core. Hayes, a rising senior studying biology, was already working with Barnes in her Social Perceptions of Science Lab as a mentee when she joined the SCERN project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I attended the virtual journal and lecture series, said Hayes, originally from Jackson. I helped set up for the Minnesota conference, participated in group discussions and presentations during which I was so inspired and made several memorable connections, and presented and received feedback on my own research. Roy Sexton Retired Navy, Secret Service agent to speak at 9/11 Remembrance U.S. Navy veteran and retired Secret Service agent Roy Sexton will be the guest speaker for the 11th annual 9/11 Remembrance at Middle Tennessee State University. The public and MTSU community are invited to attend the ceremony, which is free and will be held at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, in the second-floor atrium in Miller Education Center, 503 E. Bell St., in Murfreesboro. It will be livestreamed on www.mtsu.edu/live. Parking will be available adjacent to Miller Education Center and in a nearby lot at Bell Street and North Highland Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A retired Secret Service Agent in charge of missions, Sexton served on the Presidential Protective Division for former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Sexton, who is now vice president of corporate security at Alabama Power, led the Secret Service advance team on Bushs visit to a Sarasota, Florida, elementary school on Sept. 11, 2001. It was there they learned of the planes crashing into the World Trade Center. Amid the daylong chaos, Sexton, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, and his team carried out the responsibilities and mission of eventually returning Bush to Washington, D.C. The ceremony will include remarks from Huber, the singing of the national anthem by Recording Industry adjunct professor Jamie Teachenor, the reading of the 9/11 Memorial timeline and taps performed by Michael Swaenpoel. This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: MTSU Mondays: Science communication grant; 9/11 ceremony set on campus State-run Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) and Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) have agreed to implement a new web-based payment option for settling claims of closed bank creditors. Under the collaboration signed on July 21, 2025, the Landbank Bulk Credit System (LBCS) will serve as an additional settlement channel for creditors of closed banks under PDIC receivership. - Advertisement - The facility can process high-volume electronic fund transfers in a single transaction and is linked to national payment systems like PESONet and InstaPay, allowing same-day or real-time crediting. PDIC said the system eliminates the need for paper checks and cash handling while ensuring accuracy and transparency. The LBCS is the fourth claims settlement facility that Landbank has provided for PDIC, following earlier initiatives such as the issuance of managers checks in 2012 and the Visa Debit Card facility in 2024, among others. PDIC president and chief executive Roberto Tan said memorandum of agreement signing reflects the strong, synergistic and continuing bond between the organizations. With LandBanks support, PDIC can earn the continuing trust of the public, including closed bank creditors, he said. The City of Mullens and the Wyoming County Board of Education have expressed concerns with the expected cost of connecting the electricity to a new county school expected to open in 2026. A complaint was filed with the Public Service Commission of West Virginia on Wednesday, Sept. 3 by Mullens City Manager Krystal Wallace on behalf of the city and the Wyoming County BOE. The complaint says that the $80,000 fee Black Diamond Power Company the Mullens provider will charge to connect the power to the new K-8 school in Mullens is excessive. The complaint asked the PSC to investigate and possibly enter an order to Black Diamond to cease and desist from the wrongful conduct aforesaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint also alleges that Black Diamond Power Co. has engaged in price gouging involving Mullens citizens and businesses in the past. According to the complaint, the City of Mullens, its residents and business owners and the Wyoming BOE ask that AEP take over as a provider. On Wednesday, the PSC issued an order that Black Diamond Power satisfy the complaint or enter an answer within 10 days of receiving the order through the mail. The PSC would then investigate the formal complaint. A mediation request wont be entertained if an answer hasnt been filed. The order also said the matter would be forwarded to the Division of Administrative Law Judges for a decision to occur by April 1, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PSC executive secretary Karen Buckley this week sent correspondence to Black Diamond Power Co. and Mullens representatives acknowledging the complaint and describing the upcoming process, possible mediation and other aspects. A Black Diamond Power Co. representative said Friday the company has no comment on the situation. Calls to Mullens and Wyoming County Board of Education representatives werent returned. ST. LOUIS At least four adults were shot Sunday evening in south St. Louis. According to a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson, the shooting happened around 8 p.m. near the intersection of Cherokee Street and Nebraska Avenue. The four known victims arrived at the hospital by private transportation. Three victims were listed in stable condition, while the fourth was critical. This is a developing story. FOX 2 News will have more information as it becomes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Carbondale is looking more vibrant with half a dozen new murals decorating its downtown. The city unveiled six murals during a ceremony Thursday night, with five new art pieces adorning downtown buildings and one old mural restored by its original artist. Each mural has a unique theme derived from hundreds of surveys and interviews people, history, nature, small-town feel, family-friendly environment, and local business and community events. The surveys and interviews were conducted as part of Carbondales Community Heart & Soul program. The murals arent just paintings on a wall, Mayor Michele Bannon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They tie us to our identity, she said. Bannon praised the creativity of the artists as they each incorporated one of the themes into their murals. I love how they keep focus on our six priorities that we have for our Heart & Soul program, she said. I love every bit of that. The unveiling wrapped up the art project this summer, which was a collaboration involving Carbondale, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania and Valley in Motion. Work on the first murals began in early June. The murals, which were painted by local artists, are: Breach by Eric Bussart at 54 N. Main St. * The newly painted Breach mural by Eric Bussart at 54 N. Main St., Carbondale, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY / STAFF PHOTO) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * The newly painted Breach mural by Eric Bussart at 54 N. Main St., Carbondale, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY / STAFF PHOTO) Show Caption 1 of 2 The newly painted Breach mural by Eric Bussart at 54 N. Main St., Carbondale, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY / STAFF PHOTO) Expand The Carbondale Encounter by Zach Yahn at Fire House 51, 8 Sixth Ave. * The Carbondale Encounter by Zach Yahn at Fire House 51, 8 Sixth Ave., Carbondale, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY / STAFF PHOTO) * The Carbondale Encounter by Zach Yahn at Fire House 51, 8 Sixth Ave., Carbondale, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY / STAFF PHOTO) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Show Caption 1 of 2 The Carbondale Encounter by Zach Yahn at Fire House 51, 8 Sixth Ave., Carbondale, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY / STAFF PHOTO) Expand Pioneer City by Zach Yahn at 5 Salem Ave. * The new Pioneer City mural by Zach Yahn at 5 Salem Ave., Carbondale, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY / STAFF PHOTO) * The new Pioneer City mural by Zach Yahn at 5 Salem Ave., Carbondale, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY / STAFF PHOTO) Show Caption 1 of 2 The new Pioneer City mural by Zach Yahn at 5 Salem Ave., Carbondale, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY / STAFF PHOTO) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expand Woolworth by Bill Masters the original artist who revitalized his Woolworth mural at 30 N. Main St. The restored Woolworth mural by original artist Bill Masters at 30 N. Main St., Carbondale, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY / STAFF PHOTO) Carbondale Jam by Ryan Hnat and Zach Yahn at 30 N. Main St. * The restored Woolworth mural by Bill Masters and the new Carbondale Jam mural by Ryan Hnat and Zach Yahn at 30 N. Main St., Carbondale, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY / STAFF PHOTO) * The new Carbondale Jam mural by Ryan Hnat and Zach Yahn at 30 N. Main St., Carbondale, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY / STAFF PHOTO) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Show Caption 1 of 2 The restored Woolworth mural by Bill Masters and the new Carbondale Jam mural by Ryan Hnat and Zach Yahn at 30 N. Main St., Carbondale, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY / STAFF PHOTO) Expand Carbondale Express by Matt Catanzaro on the Church Street side of the Greater Carbondale YMCA, 82 N. Main St. * The Carbondale Express by Matt Catanzaro on the Church Street side of the Greater Carbondale YMCA, 82 N. Main St., Carbondale, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY / STAFF PHOTO) * The Carbondale Express by Matt Catanzaro on the Church Street side of the Greater Carbondale YMCA, 82 N. Main St., Carbondale, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY / STAFF PHOTO) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Show Caption 1 of 2 The Carbondale Express by Matt Catanzaro on the Church Street side of the Greater Carbondale YMCA, 82 N. Main St., Carbondale, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY / STAFF PHOTO) Expand The murals are part of Carbondales participation in the Blueprint Community program. Carbondale was one of 10 communities across Pennsylvania to become Blueprint Communities in April 2024 when it embarked on a free, year-and-a-half-long process to create a strategic plan to revitalize its downtown. The entire project cost between $30,000 and $35,000 and used grant funding through the Blueprint Community program as well as a Creative Communities Initiative grant, said Emily Arcaro, the community revitalization specialist for Carbondale at NeighborWorks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Planning for the mural project began in October, and everything was completed on schedule this summer, with the last mural wrapping up by the first week of August, Arcaro said. She credited a committee made up of Carbondale residents, partner organizations and representatives from the city with turning around six murals in under a year, including hiking through the city in snow and ice in January to scout the locations. She also lauded the artists for working during the hottest summer months to quickly paint their murals. Our project went through the coldest and the hottest months, Arcaro said with a laugh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only hurdle came when Bussart began work on his mural at 54 N. Main St. and the stucco started to fall off the wall, Arcaro said. Organizers feared it could delay the mural by two or three months, but the property owner quickly fixed the wall in about a week and a half, she said. Like Bannon, Arcaro said the murals represent what residents love about their city, derived from a two-year community engagement project. She hopes the murals translate into more visitors to Carbondale, and they are working on brochures for self-guided tours of the murals. Once complete, the brochures will be available at City Hall, the Carbondale Public Library, the Greater Carbondale YMCA and a few other spots, including some restaurants, Arcaro said. Both Bannon and Arcaro hope to have more murals painted in Carbondale, though Arcaro said she doesnt think theyll ever again paint six murals in less than a year. Property owners have already reached out asking, Wheres my mural? Arcaro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bannon said the colors enhance downtown Carbondale and create a pretty atmosphere. I always say, If you nurture something and you love it, it shows, the mayor said. The murals show that we love our downtown, and that we love our businesses. Monday Update THEN: Artists began work on six murals in downtown Carbondale in early June. NOW: The city unveiled the six completed murals during a ceremony Thursday, with officials looking to paint more murals in the future. Erin Patterson, who murdered three relatives with poisonous mushrooms, has been given a life prison sentence by the supreme court in Australia. Patterson will likely spend the rest of her life in prison, with the sentence stipulating that she wont be eligible for parole for at least 33 years, at which point she will be 83. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement According to BBC News, the judge said Pattersons crimes were the worst category for offending and involved an elaborate cover-up. Patterson attempted to kill four relatives with death cap mushrooms in a beef wellington she served them in 2023. Pattersons mother and father in-law plus mother in-laws sister died. A local pastor, who was married to Pattersons mother in-laws sister, is the only person to have survived. He recovered after weeks of treatment in hospital and spoke to the press outside the courthouse for the first time today, as he thanked the many people who have have helped throughout the lengthy legal process. The judge said Patterson will be at significant risk from other prisoners due to the notoriety of the case, according to BBC News. She is currently in a maximum security prison, where she spends 22 hours a day in her cell with no contact with others. Patterson maintains her innocence, saying that she accidentally added the mushrooms to the dish and never intended to harm relatives. Earlier in her lengthy trial, her husband accused her of repeatedly trying to poison him during their relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Pattersons case has generated headlines around the world. Australias ABC is forging a TV drama about the case, Toxic, which is being created by Elise McCredie (Jack Irish) and Tony Ayres (The Survivors) and produced by Ayres Universal International Studios-backed indie. Described as an intricate series that explores the events and characters of this true-life story without judgement, the show will involve multiple timelines and numerous perspectives. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. NEED TO KNOW Erin Patterson has been handed three life sentences for the murders of her former in-laws and another family member, according to reports The 50-year-old Australian, who was found guilty of poisoning her relatives with death cap mushrooms during a lunch in July 2023, was convicted of the murders of her ex-husband Simon Patterson's parents, Don and Gail, as well as Gail's sister Heather, in July Erin was also found guilty of attempting to murder Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, and will serve her life sentences concurrently with a 25-year sentence for that crime The Australian woman who was found guilty of killing her former in-laws and another family member by poisoning them with death cap mushrooms has been handed three life sentences, according to reports. On Monday, Sept. 8, Erin Patterson, 50, was sentenced to three life sentences with no parole for 33 years, per CNN, the BBC and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PEOPLE previously reported in July that Erin had been convicted over the deaths of her estranged husband Simon Patterson's parents, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, as well as Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66. She was also found guilty of attempting to murder Heather's husband, pastor Ian Wilkinson, 68, who remained hospitalized for weeks, 9 News reported at the time. The life sentences will be served concurrently with a 25-year sentence for the attempted murder of Wilkinson, CNN reported. Don, Gail and Heather were taken to the hospital and died within days after consuming the Beef Wellington served by Erin, which had been laced with the deadly mushrooms at her Leongatha house in July 2023, PEOPLE previously reported. PEOPLE has contacted the Supreme Court of Victoria for further comment. Jason Edwards - Pool/ Getty Erin Patterson in August 2025 Erin Patterson in August 2025 In pre-trial evidence released last month, Erin's ex-husband Simon also accused Erin of attempting to fatally poison him on multiple occasions, per the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simon was invited to the fatal lunch in July 2023 but chose not to attend. Prosecutors previously told the court that Erin lied to her guests that she had cancer, arguing that she used the cancer story to ensure her children would not be at the lunch, CNN previously reported. The defense did not dispute the cancer lie, according to the outlet. I am satisfied by July 16, 2023, when you unusually invited Simon, his parents, and aunt and uncle to a lunch without the children to discuss your non-existent medical issue, you did so with the intention of killing them all, Justice Christopher Beale told Erin during the hearing on Monday, according to CNN. Beale added that Erin had inflicted untold suffering on her own children, who lost their grandparents. MARTA PASCUAL JUANOLA/The Age via Getty Erin Patterson Erin Patterson 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 devastating impact of your crimes is not limited to your direct victims, your crimes have harmed a great many people, Beale said, per the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is great anger at the callousness of your actions," he added, the BBC reported. "Your failure to exhibit any remorse poured salt in all the victims wounds," Beale continued, adding that Patterson had "showed no pity for your victims. "Only you know why you committed [the murders]", Beale said as he stated he would "not be speculating about that matter, per the BBC. MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Ian Wilkinson Ian Wilkinson Survivor Ian Wilkinson, who has served as the longtime pastor of Korumburra Baptist Church, thanked authorities for their professional, efficient and effective investigation, according to CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called for everybody to be kind to each other" and added that he is "no longer Erin Pattersons victim, and she has become the victim of my kindness." Patterson can appeal her sentence or conviction until 12 a.m. on Oct. 6, according to the outlet. Read the original article on People Despite some Muslim students and caregivers feeling an overall sense of belonging at Tennessee schools, many of those students also experience Islamophobia in classrooms. The American Muslim Advisory Council, a Nashville-based Muslim advocacy group, administered its first-ever large-scale survey of students experiences at schools. The study found more than a third of students experience bullying and feel that adults at school make comments that cause them discomfort. The survey received 201 responses from families across Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga. AMAC, who consulted Vanderbilt University researchers to conduct the study, submitted questions through electronic and physical means and utilized networks connected with local Islamic centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The survey not only found that students encounter Islamophobia, but that adults at school did little to combat the overall culture to prevent future issues. "As the number of school-related incidents began to escalate, AMAC conducted this school safety survey to gain a comprehensive understanding of student and family experiences from kindergarten to twelfth grade across Tennessee, AMAC said in a Sept. 3 report. These findings paint a picture of a diverse community, unified by beliefs and practices, that feels isolated and unsupported as they navigate education across Tennessee. Men pray during the holy month of Ramadan at the Salahadeen Center in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, April 14, 2021. There's a disconnection between those feelings of isolation and discomfort and Muslim families sense of belonging. For example, 100% of elementary students said they felt like they belonged at school and more than half of caregivers felt involved with their students schools through parent-teacher conferences or by chaperoning field trips. But in response to other questions, students and caregivers describe a different reality. For example, 47% of elementary students and 13% of middle and high school students said they changed their appearance, behavior or other qualities to hide that they are Muslim. Meanwhile, only 26% of caregivers said they knew that their children had been bullied or harassed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That bullying most frequently happens on the playground or in the classroom. Elementary students reported Islamophobic bullying at higher rates than middle and high school students, including events that involved hitting or pushing. More than half of elementary students said that when they told adults, the situation improved. But 28% of respondents said nothing changed when they told an adult at elementary schools and 16% said the situation worsened. To reverse these trends, AMAC recommended in the report that school boards and policymakers examine how incidents of bullying and harassment are documented and addressed in schools for all cases related to race, ethnicity, and faith. These findings must be used to adjust policies and training to ensure safer school environments for all. AMAC also asked school boards to require training on bias, and specifically on Islamophobia, and ensure students dont face penalties for school-sanctioned religious accommodations. Schools are treating religious accommodations as a privilege, rather than a constitutional right granted by the First Amendment, AMAC said in the report. School boards and policymakers must establish guidance that guarantees students fundamental rights are protected and respected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Belmont Muslim students denounce Islamophobic event, university apologizes 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: Muslim students face bullying in Tennessee schools, AMAC survey finds NADI, FijiOver 300 delegates from 33 countries across Asia and the Pacific convened in Nadi, Fiji, from August 26 to 29 2025 for the Sixth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific, marking the first time the regional event is hosted in the Pacific subregion. Jointly organized by the government of Fiji and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the forum serves as the regions premier platform for advancing sustainable solutions and strengthening environmental resilience. - Advertisement - Environmental stewardship is no longer just an ethical responsibilityit is a legal one. And it is one the Asia-Pacific must now lead with confidence, clarity and credibility, said Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, and Small and Medium Enterprises. Member States endorsed the chairs summary that identified priority environmental issues in the region to ensure that the voice of Asia Pacific is heard at the seventh session of the upcoming United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), to be held in Nairobi from December 8 to 12 2025, under the theme Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet. Both the United Nations Environment Assembly and this Regional Forum are vital examples of environmental multilateralism and leadership. Our collective response must be solution-oriented, tangible and firmly grounded in science, said Elizabeth Mrema, UNEP Deputy Executive Director. In preparation for UNEA-7, five draft resolutions were introduced by member states. These included proposals on accelerating circular economy strategies (Republic of Korea), promoting coral reef resilience (Fiji), enhancing youth participation in climate action (Sri Lanka), strengthening synergies in MEA implementation (Japan), and managing wildfires (India). Tuvalu announced its intention to submit resolutions on climate displacement and sea level rise. UNEP News Ahead of the forum, the Asia-Pacific Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum convened, where Lenora Qereqeretabua, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji, delivered a powerful message: Let us be clear: we are not convened for ceremony, but for courage We will no longer accept delay disguised as diplomacy or promises without pathways. Youth voices also featured prominently. Eparama Qerewaqa, Representative of the Children and Youth Major Group (CYMG) to UNEP, called for the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment to be enshrined in domestic law. He also stressed the importance of intergenerational leadership. UNEP News More than three-quarters of New Jersey voters are concerned about damage from extreme weather events and would support increased state funding to address the growing threat, according to a new poll released Monday. The Fairleigh Dickinson University Poll found that 77% of voters express concern about extreme weather damage, with 37% saying they are very concerned and 40% somewhat concerned. Preparation and mitigation are partisan issues in the abstract, but politics doesnt matter as much when people are seeing the damage with their own eyes, said Dan Cassino, executive director of the FDU Poll and professor of government and politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll, which was conducted in partnership with Rebuild by Design and the Environmental Defense Fund, shows broad support across party lines. Sixty-six percent of voters say the state government should do more to mitigate weather-related damage. While Democrats show stronger support at 78%, more than half of Republicans at 53% also favor increased state action. More than three-quarters of those polled would support a proposed $3 billion bond issue to fund infrastructure protection and damage mitigation projects. The measure has backing from 86% of Democrats, 75% of independents, and 64% of Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Age differences emerged in the findings, with 82% of younger voters supporting the bond compared to 66% of those 65 and older. In the past decade alone, flooding in New Jersey has led to the loss of dozens of lives, homes, and businesses, Kate Boicourt, NY-NJ director of climate resilient coasts and watersheds at the Environmental Defense Fund said in a statement. The FDU Poll surveyed 806 likely voters between July 17-23, with a margin of error of 3.4%. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff. Read the original article on NJ.com. Smyrnas planning commission has denied In-N-Out Burgers preliminary site plan for a new restaurant at 999 Industrial Boulevard. The Sept. 4 vote came after discussion and concerns that the proposed In-N-Out Burger did not meet Smyrnas building design standards. The design proposed by In-N-Out was for about 40% brick and glass while Smyrna requires 75% brick, stone, and glass. Planning commissioners said approving the site plan while waiving building requirements could be unfair to other businesses that have and will be required to meet architectural standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traffic concerns were also discussed and would likely need to be addressed if In-N-Out brings back a new site plan. In an emailed statement Sept. 8, In-N-Out said, "we dont have any information to share on our proposed future location in Smyrna at this time." In-N-Out Burgers is the listed owner of the property at 999 Industrial Boulevard, according to the Rutherford County Register of Deeds office. The company bought the property for $5 million in August 2024, according to the Special Warranty Deed. The site is currently home to Hickory Falls Wood-Fired Bar & Grill restaurant. The In-N-Out site plan indicates the business would be demolished to make way for the new restaurant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In-N-Out can either submit a revised site plan or appeal the denial to the Smyrna's Town Council, city spokesperson Heather Kent said. If In-N-Out chooses to appeal, the paperwork must be filed within 60 days of the denial, according to the city. "We'd love to have them as a new neighbor in Smyrna, but there are still a couple of things that must be addressed first," Smyrna Vice Mayor Marc Adkins said. In-N-Out, headquartered in Southern California, is expanding in Middle Tennessee with new restaurants in support of a new eastern territory operations center that will be based in Franklin. Franklin, Lebanon, Antioch, Madison, Hendersonville and Murfreesboro are cities In-N-Out has moved forward on with plans to build new restaurants. The locations in Lebanon, Antioch and Murfreesboro are under construction and designated as opening soon, on In-N-Outs website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. The Tennessean will provide additional information as details become available. Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why In-N-Out Burger site plan was denied by Smyrna planning Sept. 8 (UPI) -- New York's Attorney General Letitia James intervened on Monday in a Texas-filed lawsuit against a county clerk likely to be the first constitutional litmus test on abortion laws related to telemedicine. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the acting clerk of New York's Ulster County, Taylor Bruck, in July over Bruck's apparent refusal on multiple occasions to file a court summons and summary judgment for a doctor in the Empire State who allegedly sent abortion medication last year to a female patient in Texas. "I am stepping in to defend the integrity of our courts against this blatant overreach," James said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bruck twice refused to enforce Paxton's lawsuit, citing New York's telemedicine abortion shield law, after Paxton sued New York doctor Margaret Carpenter and a Texas judge ordered her to pay $113,000 in legal penalties. "Texas has no authority in New York, and no power to impose its cruel abortion ban here," James added. On Monday, New York Attorney General Letitia James (pictured Feb. 2024 in New York City) filed a notice to an Ulster County judge advising she was invoking a "statutory right" to intervene in the Texas case. According to James's, her office will submit written arguments by September 19 in addition to supplemental filings. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI On Monday, James filed a notice to Ulster County Supreme Court Judge David Gandin advising Gandin that she was invoking a "statutory right" to intervene in the Texas case. According to James's state notice, her office will submit written arguments by September 19 in addition to supplemental filings later in the month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bruck, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to James in a statement on Monday for "stepping in to help in this case." "There's not much I can say given the ongoing litigation, but I will say that I'm proud to live in a state like New York that had the foresight to pass the Shield Law," Bruck told The Hill. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Trail riders and runners visiting the Twin Buttes region are being advised to practice caution after nails that may have been intentionally placed were discovered at multiple trail entrances. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Region I Maj. Jason Huebner stated that he received a report from a San Angelo resident that nails were found to be scattered near three entrances to trails located north of Twin Buttes Marina Park Road, found in the Twin Buttes region. The trails are predominantly used by motocross riders, mountain bikers and runners, according to Huebner. Huebner said the nails were picked up by the individuals who submitted the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jed Whiteker, vice president of the Concho Off-Road Association, shared with Concho Valley Homepage that his group located the nails while trail-riding. He has provided photos of the nails, shown below: DYK: San Angelo plans to discharge treated wastewater into Concho River Nails were discovered scattered at three trail entrances in the Twin Buttes region in early September 2025. Nails were discovered scattered at three trail entrances in the Twin Buttes region in early September 2025. Huebner said that, although the reported nails have been removed, other nails may have gone unaccounted for. He also stated that the placement of the nails appears like it could have been intentional. Huebner stated that no suspects have been identified yet, with identification being made difficult due to the large number of people who pass through the area. He said that TPWD intends to address the situation by keeping an extra vigilant eye out, though it may pursue other investigative measures should more nails be discovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huebner advised those using the trails to be aware of the potential dangers by watching their steps and scouting ahead before driving further down a trail. Anyone who discovers more nails or sees a possible suspect is encouraged to contact the Texas Game Wardens. The suspect or suspects could face charges of littering and criminal mischief, as per Huebner. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Republican congresswoman Nancy Mace has expanded on why she was forced to walk out of a meeting with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's empire of sexual abuse last week. In a video posted on X on Sunday, the South Carolina representative who is also running for governor there described how one of the women's testimony triggered a trauma reaction stemming from Mace's own history of being raped. "I was not prepared for what I was walking into. I thought I was, but really I wasn't," Mace said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She talked about her fear coming to the Capitol, and when she got into the elevator, she asked herself 'am I safe?' "And I have to tell you, it hit close to home, because I have a stupid fear so stupid... of being in elevators with people I don't know... "When you're going through this thing, you feel like you're alone. And I think it really struck me that I'm not alone, and there are lots of us out there that have been fighting for years, and we don't have justice." GOP Representative Nancy Mace leaves the Epstein survivors hearing last Tuesday after suffering a full-blown panic attack (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst) Mace's video, set to a dramatic movie-score-style soundtrack, offered no apology or contrition for her continuing endorsement of President Donald Trump who allegedly had previous close ties to Epstein, was found liable for sexually assaulting E. Jean Carroll, and has been accused of sex crimes by numerous women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump is the one who banned Jeffrey Epstein from Mar-a-Lago, she told The Independent after last Tuesday's hearing. He was an FBI informant, and he talked to the feds to get this guy turned over. So Donald Trump is a hero in this. Trump has repeatedly called allegations of ties between he and Epstein a Democrat hoax and claimed that a reported letter to the late sex offender is merely a fake. Trump vehemently denied he had authored the note or that it even existed. Mace said last week that she had suffered a "full-blown panic attack". involving "sweating", "hyperventilating", and "shaking", due to hearing the survivors' testimony. In her video, Mace also criticized the House Oversight Committee for redacting names in the more than 30,000 Epstein documents it released last week, most of which were already public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You can't tell me there are over 1000 victims and there's only one accomplice," she said. "I'm frustrated because of the redacted documents... come on." Epstein accuser Haley Robson urges lawmakers to force Trumps government to release all remaining Epstein files (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst) Mace has been open about her history of sexual abuse, alleging that she was raped at the age of 16 and also within the last few years by her ex-fiance Patrick Bryant. Bryant categorically denied her allegations, and a company he owns has hit back in court, accusing her of weaponizing her Congressional immunity from defamation laws. In a court deposition, one of Mace's previous campaign consultants alleged that she personally set up numerous bot accounts on social media to dogpile people who criticized her. On Monday, NASA (Florida's Kennedy Space Center seen in April) said its annual public Lunabotic challenge is one of several student challenges related to Artemis, and that next year's seeks mechanical robots with an ability to construct berms out of lunar regolith on the Moons surface. File Photo by Joe Marino/UPI Sept. 8 (UPI) -- NASA on Monday announced its 2026 Lunabotics challenge that seeks a team or person to create a robot able to move about and build things on the moon's surface. The challenge comes as the space agency gears up for future lunar activity as part of its Artemis program. NASA officials said its annual challenge -- held since 2010 -- is one of several student challenges associated with Artemis, and that next year's event seeks mechanical robots with an ability to construct berms out of lunar regolith by using loose, fragmental material found on the moon's surface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are excited to continue the Lunabotics competition for universities as NASA develops new moon-to-Mars technologies for the Artemis program," Robert Mueller, senior technologist at NASA, said in a statement. Officials at America's space agency said berms will be critical during lunar missions as blast protection during landings and launches. They added that, among other uses, berms also will play a role in shading for cryogenic propellant tank farms and radiation shielding around nuclear power plants. "Excavating and moving regolith is a fundamental need to build infrastructure on the moon and Mars, and this competition creates 21st century skills in the future workforce," said Mueller, also co-founder and chief judge of the Lunabotics competition. NASA said the competition will provide hands-on experiences in computer coding, engineering, manufacturing, fabricating and other crucial tech skills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials will notify selected teams to begin the challenge, the top 10 teams will be invited to bring their robot creations to the final competition in Florida in May at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's Artemis Arena. The team scoring the most points will receive the Lunabotics Grand Prize and participate in an exhibition-style event at NASA Kennedy. An in-person qualifying event will be held May 12-17 at the University of Central Florida's Space Institute's Lab in Orlando. The NASA challenge launched Monday comes after last week's announcement that a separate NASA competition is seeking a special space wheel in a design by an American inventor or team. Meanwhile, interested participants can submit applications via NASA's portal starting Monday and find other information in the challenge guidebook. When the Israeli political philosopher Yoram Hazony appeared on The Ezra Klein Show in August, he worked hard to distance himself and his National Conservatism Conferences from the din of racist and antisemitic voices on parts of the American right. "MAGA is a very broad alliance. I would say, roughly, it's the alliance of different groups that came together to make it possible for [President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance] to win. But those are not all national or nationalist conservatives," he insisted. As for his movement, "from the very beginning, we distinguished ourselves in two directionsfrom the libertarianswho were basically to our left, and from racialist and anti-democratic movements that are to our right." The implication was that people like the Holocaust-denying Gen Z influencer Nick Fuentes and his army of online followers ("Groypers") were not welcome in the natcon tent. "I think that the border is clear," Hazony said. "Blood and soil is literally a Nazi term.We are not interested in a nationalism of blood." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet on the first day of this year's National Conservatism Conference ("NatCon 5") in Washington, D.C., Hazony gave a speech that didn't just fail to clarify which elements of the extreme right should not be counted as natcons in good standing; it seemed explicitly to carve out space within the movement for those with antisemitic views. "Nobody ever said that to be a good natcon you have to love Jews," Hazony, who is Jewish, said. "Go take a look at our statement of principles. It's not a requirement." The comment was in keeping with the larger theme of his speech, which was on the importance of holding MAGA together at all costs. "You can't win elections without a coalition, and thank God Trump and Vance are great at coalition building," he said. "But what I've discovered in these last few months is that there are some people who justthey're not into this. They don't want the coalition. What they want is to be pure." Hazony repeatedly chastised right-wing podcast hosts and influencers who have criticized the current administration. "Do you really believe that you're going to be able to build a better coalition than the one Trump built?" he asked. "Well, I don't believe you. You can't do better than this. This is the best it's going to be." Hazony left the content of their complaints largely unstated, but the administration's decision to bomb Iran despite campaigning on a restraint-oriented foreign policy, its refusal to release the "Epstein files," and even its allegedly slow pace of deportations have been major sources of right-wing discontent over the last few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "How is J.D. Vance going to win the next election if what we're doing for four years is tearing each other apart, accusing one another of the most horrible things, smashing one another in public?" Hazony asked. "You can't win doing this. You can only lose.We're going to start seeing the real possibility that the left is going to be in power again in four years. And you yourselves are doing it if you keep up these savage attacks on Trump, on his administration, and on the other people in our coalition." * * * Hazony is far from the first person to be confronted with the tension between a desire for "purity" and a need to bring disparate factions together in order to grow a movement's ranks and accomplish its goals. In the middle half of the 20th century, the conservatives at National Review faced a similar conundrum. One of the most popular right-of-center groups at the time was the John Birch Society, run by a paranoid, autocratic conspiracy theorist named Robert Welch Jr. Many Birchers were also subscribers to National Review. This placed William F. Buckley Jr., the magazine's founding editor, in an awkward position. He and Welch had started out on friendly terms, but over time, the latter's unhinged commentsclaiming, for example, that President Dwight D. Eisenhower was a "dedicated, conscious agent of the Communist conspiracy"became a source of embarrassment to "responsible" conservative institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buckley initially attempted to thread the needle by penning a series of articles that called out Welch's crackpottery while trying not to alienate the John Birch rank and file ahead of the 1964 election. "I believe the best thing Mr. Welch could do to serve the cause of anti-Communism in the United States would be to resign" as head of the society, Sen. Barry Goldwater (RAriz.), then contemplating a presidential run, added in a letter to the editor. Welch didn't listen; Goldwater ran and lost; and in 1965 Buckley went further, essentially using his syndicated column to excommunicate the Birchers from polite company. The decision was not without its downside risks. Several of his senior editors tried to dissuade Buckley from speaking out against the group. Anytime the magazine publicly disagreed with Welchwhen it declined to endorse a Bircher campaign to impeach the chief justice of the Supreme Court, for exampleit would receive angry letters. A donor once called Buckley and threatened to withhold support unless he made a "common front" with Welch; Buckley, to his credit, replied that National Review was "not for sale." (This is especially noteworthy given that the magazine was barely financially viable at the time.) Buckley faced the same sorts of pressures that Hazony must grapple with today, and it's fair to say his purge of the Birchers was done reluctantly, almost as a last resort. He knew it would cost him, literally and figuratively. But in the end, he decided that he would rather be a leader of a smaller, saner conservative movement than a larger (and presumably more influential) right-wing coalition in which he would have to bite his tongue and implicitly affirm the ideas of kooks and cranks. As National Review lore has it, Buckley sacrificed short-term influence but preserved the integrity of the conservative movement in the long run. Hazony, who did not respond to multiple interview requests, seems to be making the opposite calculation. He wants the power and prestige that come with being a leader of a "united front" coalition but without a willingness to accept the moral and reputational costs that such alliances entail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * During his podcast appearance, Hazony reacted with indignation to Ezra Klein's suggestion that national conservatism is "congenial" to Fuentes and others like him. "No, I think that because I run nationalist conferences, and have been doing it for most of a decadeI'm sorry, but I do think I have a little bit more information than some other people do" about whether racism and antisemitism have a place in the movement, Hazony replied. But during his speech at NatCon, Hazony acknowledged that he's "been pretty amazed by the depth of the slander of Jews as a people that there's been online" in recent years. He was referring not to legitimate disagreements over American foreign policy toward Israel but to something darker. "The left has long gone into a rabbit hole of hating Jews," he said. "I didn't think it would happen on the right. I was mistaken." On some level, then, Hazony knows that bigotry is a problem on the rightbut instead of tackling the problem head-on, his speech attempted to placate both sides so as to keep the coalition together. With Klein, Hazony tried to separate the larger MAGA movement, with its attendant bigotry, from his more pure and principled nationalism. But at NatCon, he used his opening remarks to implore the various factions on the right to view themselves as one big happy family, united by support for "the greatest administration we've ever seen," thus collapsing the distinction between MAGA and NatCon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hazony also tried to take credit with Klein for turning away true white nationalists from the National Conservatism Conferences. And indeed, at the first NatCon in 2019, he did refuse a registration attempt by VDARE founder Peter Brimelow on the grounds that national conservatism doesn't truck with "racialist" ideas such as those found on Brimelow's website. In this, he was following in Buckley's footsteps as a gatekeeper of "respectable" conservatism. At the same time, other members of the NatCon leadership have tried to take credit with right-wing audiences for being open to all perspectives. In her opening remarks at NatCon 5, Anna Wellisz (the president of the nonprofit that hosts the conferences) proudly described NatCon as "a forum where things that could hardly be whispered were being said out loud. Where we stood shoulder to shoulder when any of us was attacked. It didn't matter if we agreed or not. One thing we agreed on was that on this stage, anybody can articulate ideas and be taken seriously and listened to in good faith." So which is it? Is national conservatism a movement of people who categorically reject antisemitism and white supremacy? Or is it a space where any idea can be aired openly, however transgressive? Either choice could be defended by someone willing to accept the tradeoffs that come with it. But Hazony evidently wants to have it both ways, saying one thing to The New York Times but doing little to confront the ethnonationalist currents at his events. On the podcast, Hazony bristled self-righteously when Klein suggested that national conservatism is a "magnet" for Groyper types, whether intentionally or not, because it defines what it means to be an American in a way that in Klein's words is "very suspicious of immigrants and outsiders" and "fits their sense that America should be more about blood ties" and how long someone's family has been here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the NatCon 5 program was replete with speakers making just that sort of argument. Perhaps the most vivid example came from Sen. Eric Schmitt (RMo.), who hit the same note Vance did in a speech delivered at last year's NatCon, less than a week before he was named Trump's running mate. In addition to insisting that Republicans should oppose legal as well as illegal immigration, Schmitt took issue with the Reaganite idea that the United States is a "propositional" nation where anyone who embraces the American creed is welcome: For decades, the mainstream consensus on the left and the right alike seemed to be thatthe entire meaning of America boiled down to a few lines in a poem on the Statue of Liberty and five words about equality in the Declaration of Independence. Any other aspect of American identity was deemed to be illegitimate and immoral, poisoned by the evils of our ancestors. That's what set Donald Trump apart from the old conservatism and the old liberalism alike: He knows that America is not just an abstract "proposition," but a nation and a people, with its own distinct history and heritage and interests. His movement is the revolt of the real American nation. It's a pitchfork revolution, driven by the millions of Americans who felt that they were turning into strangers in their own country. The writer John Ganz observed that Schmitt's speech was suspiciously similar to an article by the late racist writer Samuel T. Francis. The speech was reportedly penned by a staffer named Nate Hochman, who previously made headlines when he was fired by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over a campaign video featuring Nazi imagery; who prior to that had been recorded saying nice things to none other than Nick Fuentes; and who showed his familiarity with Francis' thought in a lengthy New York Times essay in 2022. * * * Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The programs at the various National Conservatism Conferences suggest at the very least that Hazony has an expansive definition of respectability. They are a place where mainstream conservatives such as First Things editor R.R. Reno and American Compass founder Oren Cass rub shoulders with "neoreactionaries" such as Curtis Yarvin and Jonathan Keeperman. Previous speaker lineups have featured people like Darren Beattie, Jason Richwine, and Hochman himself before his downfall. Speeches have favorably cited the nativist novel The Camp of the Saints and urged conservatives to use state power to "reward our friends and punish our enemies." One panelist at this year's event suggested that the Chinese Communist Party has "quite a bit of ideological overlap with national conservatism." Anotheran Anglican Catholic priestbecame something of a right-wing celebrity after he imitated Elon Musk in performing what looked like a Nazi salute earlier this year. Hazony himself introduced Steve Bannon as "a hero of our movement." The hallway outside, meanwhile, featured a giant banner advertising the Bull Moose Project, a group that pushes "national populism," run by young activists with a history of making statements such as "white lives matter." And on the final night, Sebastian Gorkaa guy who wore a Nazi-linked medal to one of Trump's inaugural ballsheadlined the VIP dinner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a plenary speaker at NatCon in 2024, the right-wing provocateur Jack Posobiec proceeded to deem his political opponents "unhumans." Earlier this year, after Trump declared "He who saves his Country does not violate any Law," Posobiec shared the post to his 3 million followers with the comment, "America will be saved. What must be done will be done." Hazony didn't have to invite Posobiec back to NatCon in 2025 or give him another main-stage speaking slot. He chose to do so, and Posobiec used the opportunity to deny that immigrants from foreign cultures can truly become Americans, saying of Muslims like the New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, "These people are not American.They are not interested in assimilation. And I saythey can go home." That is a pretty good summary of the view Klein was pushing back against in his conversation with Hazony. "My father is a Brazilian immigrant," Klein said. "My mother is a couple generations back from Eastern European Jews on both sides. I don't think I am less American than people who can trace themselves back to the Mayflower. The implication of a lot of these arguments is that I, or people like me, should be viewed with more suspicion. And I think [nationalists] don't always like to defend that, but if they're not going to defend that, I actually don't know what they're saying." While it was clear that Hazony did not want to defend such a view to The New York Times, it is equally clear that he has created an institutional and intellectual space in which exactly those kinds of sentiments are not just tolerated but elevated, celebrated, and welcomed back year after year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many people at NatCon have perfectly reasonable perspectives. I don't want to be misunderstood as tarring everyone who has ever been associated with these events. But Hazony is not a powerless participant. He is the main organizational force behind the National Conservatism Conferences as well as their public face. When he takes the stage and declares that one need not "love Jews" to be "a good natcon," it's impossible not to interpret it in light of the toxic stew of bigotry and authoritarianism bubbling within the larger cauldron of the nationalist rightand to wonder what he could be thinking. The post National Conservatism Has a Bigotry Problem, Whether Yoram Hazony Wants To Admit It or Not appeared first on Reason.com. Editors note: The attached video is from a summer event hosted at the site. DIAMOND, Mo. Step into living history with this event hosted by a part of the National Park Service. On Saturday, September 13, the George Washington Carver National Monument will be hosting a free Prairie Day event. NPS describes the event as exploring life on the Missouri prairie when George Washington Carver was a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Event participants will learn about archaeology, basket weaving, candle making, and Civil War history. Also on site? The opportunity to experience interactive exhibits about natural resources in the area. The event starts at 10:00 a.m. and is estimated to last five hours. This is a family-friendly event and a great way to spend the day outdoors. Kids can even earn a special Prairie Day Junior Ranger badge. A day in nature might get you parched, but no worries, a concession stand will be on-site. No registration is required for the Prairie Day, and you can view more info by clicking here. The park is located at 5646 Carver Road, Diamond, MO 64840. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. VIDEO: Little Rock woman living with rare genetic disease earns UAMS white coat, hopes to inspire others with disabilities. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Officials with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences announced Monday the start of a national search for the institutions next chancellor. The university released a leadership profile and began accepting inquiries for the post that oversees Arkansass only academic medical center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A search advisory committee formed in July and chaired by William J. Steinbach, M.D., is helping UA System President Jay B. Silveria identifies candidates, officials said. UAMS gets $1.3 million grant to expand telehealth services According to a spokesperson, the UAMS Chancellor Leadership Profile highlights leadership, financial skills, strategic growth experience and communication ability as priorities, and will be used by WittKieffer, the executive search firm retained to recruit candidates. It goes without saying how critical this position is for the UA System and the state, as we seek a leader who can build on the excellent foundation laid by our faculty, staff, students and senior leaders, Silveria said. We are looking for someone who can take UAMS to the next level in each of its core mission areas of education, patient care and research, and who can help build a high-quality health care system for Arkansans in every corner of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UAMS is at a critical inflection point where we have the unique opportunity to identify candidates who can help shape a new trajectory for both this institution and for health care across our entire state, Steinbach said. I believe there will be great interest in this role because of the opportunity it provides to truly make a broad impact on peoples lives through providing care, educating health professionals and conducting critical research to improve patient outcomes. UAMS studies show importance of nutrition programs to improve infant and maternal health Former Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., stepped down in June, and Silveria appointed Lowry Barnes, M.D., interim chancellor effective July 11, officials said. For more information, visit UAMS.edu/Chancellor-Search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) September is National Suicide Prevention Month and organizations in Connecticut are raising awareness, promoting hope and offering help to those who need it. Dr. Javeed Sukhera, chair of psychiatry at the Institute of Living at Hartford Hospital, spoke with News 8 about suicide warning signs, encouraging open conversations and accessing help. Watch the full interview in the player above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you or anyone you know might be struggling, you can call or text 988, the suicide and crisis hotline. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday evening vowed to strengthen protections for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and deepen the Philippines ties with Cambodia during a meeting with the Filipino community ahead of his state visit. Speaking before hundreds of Filipinos at a gathering in Phnom Penh, President Marcos announced that the Department of Migrant Workers will soon open a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in the Cambodian capital to provide direct assistance to overseas workers. - Advertisement - This will be done at the soonest possible time to complement the work of our embassy in promoting your welfare and defending your rights, he said. President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. delivers his remarks during his meeting with the Filipino community in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on September 7, 2025. (Courtesy: Presidential Communications Office) The President, accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and members of his Cabinet, underscored the role of Filipinos abroad in shaping the countrys image. He praised overseas workers for their integrity, generosity, and contributions to both the Philippines and their host nations. The world has a very good view of the Philippines because of you, who bring honor to being Filipino, President Marcos told the audience. Filipinos wave Philippine flags and cheer for President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. during his engagement with them on September 7, 2025 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (Courtesy: Presidential Communications Office) The president is in Cambodia for a state visit at the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni, following Prime Minister Hun Manets official trip to Manila in February. The visit is expected to yield new agreements on education, air connectivity, and combating transnational crime, adding to earlier deals on finance, trade, agriculture, cultural property, tourism, and information technology. He also stressed that strengthening cooperation with Cambodia will help expand economic opportunities for both countries and encourage Cambodian businesses to invest in the Philippines. Expect that we will always strive to uplift the lives of every Filipino so that a stable, prosperous, and peaceful New Philippines will greet you upon your return, Mr. Marcos said. [Source] Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander people have the highest rate of ischemic stroke in the U.S., according to a study published in Neurology on Aug. 27. Researchers found their risk exceeded that of all other racial and ethnic groups, with stroke incidence more than three times higher than that of white people. Study across four states The study, led by Dr. Fadar O. Otite of the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, analyzed hospital databases in Florida, Georgia, Maryland and New York with look-back periods of up to six years in Florida and New York and three years in Georgia and Maryland, using data from 2005 to 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After adjusting for age and sex, the ischemic stroke incidence was 591 cases per 100,000 among Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander people, compared to 292 among Black people, 180 among white people, 145 among Hispanic people and 108 among Asian people. Even when adjusted for years of hospitalization, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander people remained 3.3 times more likely than white people, nearly four times more likely than Hispanic people and more than five times more likely than Asian people to suffer an ischemic stroke. Trending on NextShark: Trump admin to limit visa durations for students, journalists Regional variations observed In Florida, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander people had a lower stroke rate than Black people, while in Georgia, Maryland and New York their rates were higher. Dr. Otite said, More research is needed into the reasons for this disparity so that it can be tackled appropriately. He also underscored the need for better health data collection, adding, These findings also lend support to the need for parsing out information on race and ethnicity in health care databases, where Asian people and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander people are usually combined into one large group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services show this disparity is not new. In 2014, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander adults were nearly four times more likely than non-Hispanic white adults to experience a stroke and 30% more likely to die from one. The study noted that because only hospitalized cases were captured, the true burden of stroke among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations may be even higher. Trending on NextShark: Afghanistan war vet arrested and charged for protesting ICE This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: ICE poised to deploy Israeli spyware amid immigration crackdown Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) As President Trump called the deadly Charlotte light rail stabbing horrible this weekend, North Carolina leaders are now adding their voices and pushing for action. Both Governor Josh Stein and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis said the attack that took the life of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska should never have happened, and theyre pointing to staffing shortages, accountability failures, and the need for stronger public safety measures across the state. Gov. Stein: We need more cops on the beat. I am heartbroken for the family of Iryna Zarutska, who lost their loved one to this senseless act of violence, and I am appalled by the footage of her murder, Stein said Monday, following Trumps weekend comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes now calling on the North Carolina General Assembly to take action by passing his law enforcement recruitment and retention package, a plan designed to help struggling police and sheriffs departments fill vacancies across the state. We need more cops on the beat to keep people safe. Thats why my budget calls for more funding to hire more well-trained police officers, Stein shared. I call upon the legislature to pass my law enforcement recruitment and retention package to address vacancies in our state and local agencies so they can stop these horrific crimes and hold violent criminals accountable. Sen. Tillis: Tragic consequences when weak-on-crime. Senator Thom Tillis also responded to the case with strong words, linking the tragedy to what he calls failures in the criminal justice system, especially around repeat offenders. In Charlotte and other cities across the country, communities have seen the tragic consequences when weak-on-crime judges and prosecutors fail to hold violent, repeat offenders accountable, Tillis said. The horrific murder of Iryna Zarutska should have never happened, and I send my deepest condolences to her family. AG Jeff Jackson: Heinous and vicious act. North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson released a statement on Monday following the release of the light rail stabbing video late last week, stating that they would provide any and all support to deliver justice in this case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was an outrageously heinous and vicious act. Iryna was killed while sitting peacefully, an innocent life taken in a shocking and brutal way. We have told the district attorney, who is leading the prosecution, that our office will provide any and all support to deliver justice. We will remain steadfast until that justice is achieved, Jackson announced on Monday. President Trump: It was horrible. During a stop in Maryland on Sunday, Trump was asked by a reporter whether he had seen the surveillance footage of Zarutskas killing, which has spread widely and sparked outrage. It was horrible, Trump said. Ill know all about it by tomorrow. On Monday, Trump addressed the stabbing again at the Religious Liberty Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just give my hope and love to the family of the young woman who was stabbed this morning or last night in Charlotte by a madman, a lunatic, just got up and startedits right on the tape. Not really watchable because its so horrible. Just viciously stabbed, shes just sitting there. So there are evil people; we have to be able to handle that. If we dont handle that, we dont have a country, Trump said. A random, deadly attack Zarutska was stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack aboard the LYNX Blue Line on August 22. Transit security video shows the suspect, Decarlos Brown, calmly stabbing her in the neck three times before walking away. The two did not know each other. Charlotte leaders, including Mayor Vi Lyles, have expressed grief and called for a reexamination of transit safety. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Area Transit System confirmed it is short 35 officers and does not have security present on every train or platform. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM Continuing Coverage Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ANSON COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) North Carolina Supreme Court Justices are set to hear arguments about whether the smell of marijuana qualifies as a reason for probable cause with police. Three cases argue that, because hemp is legal in North Carolina, the sight or smell of alleged marijuana does not give police probable cause anymore. They cite a State Bureau of Investigation memo to lawmakers, which warns the two plants look and smell the same. We spoke with an Anson County Certified USDA Hemp Grower who agrees. He said there is only one way to tell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This grower asked us to hide his identity and location so no one would be tempted to steal from him. He said smell is not enough to know the difference between legal hemp and illegal marijuana. You have to get it tested, the Anson County grower said. Its really the only way. He said hemp is a cannabinoid thats not THCAthe only way to know is through a USDA test. If it comes back hot, which has THCA, then you have to destroy it, he said. The grower said his plants are tested 30 days before theyre harvested. Then, when that happens, theyre hung up to dry for about a week, and then the flowers are picked off to send away to be sold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I deliver it or anything, its the product inside a bag, sealed, the grower said. And then the lab test is inside that bag and sealed. That way you know it hadnt been tampered with or anything. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Members of the North Carolina Board of Elections are sworn into office on May 7, 2025. (Photo: Lynn Bonner/NC Newsline) Voters whose names or birth dates dont match ID numbers in the state registration file wont automatically have to use provisional ballots after all, under revised instructions the state Board of Elections approved Monday. The latest revisions to efforts to collect and validate government IDs come after Democrats on the state Board objected at its last meeting to the requirement that voters whose names or birth dates did not match identifiers in government databases would need to continually use provisional ballots until the mismatches were resolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state Board of Elections is trying to collect drivers license numbers or partial Social Security numbers from voters who dont have either of those identifiers connected to their names in the state voter registration database. In some cases, voters may not have supplied the numbers. In other cases, misspelled names, transposed numbers in dates of birth, or changed names created data mismatches. For example, if a woman registers before shes married and again after shes married with a different last name, her Social Security number wont match to the new registration. Letters have gone out to voters who apparently did not supply one of the required numbers, asking them for the information. If they havent supplied it by the next time they vote, theyll be asked to fill out a provisional ballot. The provisional voting application asks for one of those numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who supplied numbers that couldnt be validated will vote regular ballots if they show an acceptable ID. Under the plan, county election boards will review records for data errors. Beginning in January, letters will go out twice a year to voters whose ID numbers wont validate, asking them for help figuring out why. The U.S. Department of Justice sued the state Board over the missing numbers. The state and the DOJ reached a settlement that District Judge Richard Myers II signed Monday. As the Board unanimously approved the new instructions, members engaged in a wide-ranging discussion about whether enough was being done to cull noncitizen voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board member Robert Rucho, a former Republican state senator, questioned whether someone should be allowed to vote using a utility bill. The federal Help America Vote Act lists utility bills among the documents voters or new registrants can use to establish identity and residency. North Carolina law requires voters show a photo ID or fill out a form explaining why they dont have one. I just dont think that were doing what our responsibility requires us to do, Rucho said. NC State Board of Elections member Bob Rucho (Photo: Lynn Bonner/NC Newsline) A Canadian citizen was charged late last month with illegally registering to vote in North Carolina and voting in federal elections in 2022 and 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Board member Jeff Carmon, a Democrat, said he hasnt seen a widespread problem with noncitizen voting in his six years on the board, and told Rucho he shouldnt have said staff wasnt making a maximum effort. . What were doing is according to the law, Carmon said. Maybe the law is insane, Board Chairman Francis De Luca interjected. Board member Stacy Four Eggers IV, a Republican, said theres still interest in using the federal SAVE database to verify voters citizenship. Elections officials are working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on a memo that would lay out the parameters of any potential data exchange with regard to the last four of Social Security, said state Elections Director Sam Hayes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials want to work with the state DMV to obtain full Social Security numbers, Hayes said. A bill proposed by House Republicans would require voters to supply their full Social Security numbers when registering. Voting and privacy experts told NC Newsline that provision would violate federal privacy law. The DVM, however, collects full Social Security numbers. Hayes said lawmakers are working on legislation that would compel that data sharing, and were certainly supportive of that as well. UPDATED: Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on Sept. 9 after days of violent, youth-led protests left at least 19 people dead and more than 100 injured, plunging the Himalayan nation into its worst political crisis in years. PREVIOUSLY: Thousands of young Nepalis have poured onto the streets of Kathmandu after the government imposed a sweeping ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, X and WhatsApp. What began as an outcry over digital restrictions has escalated into the largest youth-led uprising the country has seen in years, fueled by broader frustrations over corruption and political dysfunction. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Protesters, many in their teens and 20s, rallied outside Parliament chanting slogans such as Shut down corruption, not social media. Demonstrators attempted to storm barricades near Singha Durbar, the government headquarters, prompting police to respond with tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons. Authorities later imposed a curfew across parts of the capital. Casualty figures remain disputed. Local media have reported between two and eight deaths, while hospitals confirmed more than 80 people injured in clashes, including journalists caught in the crossfire. The protests were triggered last week when Nepals Ministry of Communication and Information Technology ordered platforms to suspend operations unless they formally registered under new regulations. Officials argued the ban was necessary to curb disinformation and protect national security. Critics, however, say the move is a thinly veiled attempt to stifle dissent and control online spaces heavily used by Gen Z. Opposition parties have voiced support for the demonstrators, warning the government that the ban risks deepening instability. International human rights groups have also raised concerns about freedom of expression and access to information. Advertisement Advertisement Whether the restrictions will hold remains unclear. Many Nepalis have already turned to VPNs to bypass the blocks, while organizers vow to continue street protests until the ban is lifted. For now, Kathmandu remains under tight security, with riot police stationed around major intersections and the city bracing for further unrest. Like in other parts of South Asia, censorship is not new in Nepal. Earlier this year, Nepali auteur Deepak Rauniyars Venice-bowing Pooja, Sir: Rajagunj released in the country after a contentious battle with government censors that left the film with significant alterations. The scenes in Nepal echo mass youth protests in neighboring Bangladesh last year, where students and young professionals mobilized against corruption, unemployment and government crackdowns. That movement, which paralyzed Dhaka for weeks, ultimately forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign after more than 15 years in power, reshaping the countrys political landscape and underscoring the rising influence of South Asias younger generations. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. At least 19 people were killed and hundreds injured in Nepals capital Monday during youth-led protests against corruption and social media restrictions. Dubbed the Gen Z protest, the demonstrations and authorities forceful response intensified calls for Nepals prime minister to resign: The Himalayan nations government has been the target of outrage over high-profile corruption cases, and unrest grew after last weeks ban on social media platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp. The youth of Nepal is angry, The Kathmandu Post wrote. The government would be foolish to take them lightly. Similar youth-led anti-government demonstrations have engulfed Indonesia, and student protesters toppled Bangladeshs prime minister last year. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Gaza City residents on Monday to "get out of there" ahead of a planned Israeli attack on the city. On a day in which six Israelis were killed in a Palestinian shooting at a bus stop in Jerusalem, Netanyahu vowed to intensify the war on terrorism, noting that the Israeli military has "eliminated the nests of terrorism" in the West Bank and has "taken down 50 terrorist high-rises" in Gaza in the last two days. Those demolitions are only the beginning of a major ground campaign in Gaza City, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Therefore, I am taking this opportunity to say to the residents of Gaza, listen to me carefully: You have been warned; Get out of there!" He made his comments at an air force command center, the prime minister's office said. According to recent estimates, around 1 million people were still in the city until recently. Netanyahu stated on Sunday that so far, around 100,000 Palestinians have left the area. Aid organizations are warning of a further worsening of the already catastrophic situation for the civilian population. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened Palestinians in Gaza City to leave now, as the United Nations human rights chief condemned Israel for what he described as the mass killing of civilians and deliberate obstruction of lifesaving aid. Volker Turk, the United Nations high commissioner for human rights, accused Israel on Monday of committing war crime upon war crime and said the scale of devastation in Gaza was shocking the conscience of the world. He added that Israel has a case to answer before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), pointing to the courts ruling in January that obliged Tel Aviv to prevent acts of genocide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turks appeal to end the carnage in Gaza came as Israeli forces continued their destruction of Gaza City, the largest urban centre in the enclave, ahead of their plans for a ground invasion of the city. The Palestinian Civil Defence said that Israeli strikes have levelled more than 50 buildings across Gaza since Sunday morning, while another 100 have been partially damaged. Spokesman Mahmoud Basal accused Israel of deliberately hitting residential blocks next to encampments of displaced families, destroying more than 200 tents in the last 24 hours. He said that rescue teams are continuing to pull people from the rubble in Gaza Citys Tuffah neighbourhood after Israeli bombs flattened buildings in the az-Zarqa district. Mosques and sport grounds were also targeted, he added. Al Jazeeras Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, said it was heartbreaking to watch these high-rise towers in Gaza City falling one after another due to the systematic tactics of the Israeli military. Its not just a building thats been destroyed its the services that come with it, services that are crucial for people trying to live their lives after nearly two years of war. Dozens killed, famine deepens Local hospitals told Al Jazeera that at least 52 Palestinians were killed on Monday alone, with 32 of them in Gaza City. The Ministry of Health reported six more deaths, including two children, from starvation and severe malnutrition in the besieged enclave, where Israel routinely blocks or bombs aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those killed in Israels bombardment on Monday was Osama Balousha, a Palestinian journalist, medics said. Palestinian officials say that nearly 250 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war began all of them Palestinian, as Israel bars foreign reporters from entering. It is the deadliest conflict for media workers in modern history. The Israeli military said that four of its soldiers were also killed when a roadside bomb detonated under a tank in northern Gaza. Palestinians inspect the site of a collapsed residential building, shortly after it was hit in an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City, September 8, 2025 [Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters] Humanitarian areas under fire Israel issued new evacuation threats on Monday, releasing maps warning Palestinians to leave a highlighted building and nearby tents on Jamal Abdel Nasser Street in Gaza City or face death. It told residents to move to the so-called humanitarian area in al-Mawasi, a barren stretch of coast in southern Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But al-Mawasi itself has been repeatedly bombed, despite Israel insisting it is a safe zone. At the start of the year, about 115,000 people lived there. Today, aid agencies estimate that more than 800,000 nearly a third of Gazas population are crammed into overcrowded makeshift camps. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanches echoed the UNs condemnation of Israel and announced new measures against the country. He said Spain would block ships and aircraft carrying weapons to Israel from using its ports or airspace, expand humanitarian aid to Palestinians, and ban imports of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements. We hope that they will serve to add pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government to alleviate some of the suffering that the Palestinian population is enduring, Sanchez said in a televised address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that anyone directly involved in what he said was a genocide would be banned from entering Spain. Hamas open to ceasefire as violence spreads to West Bank Meanwhile, Hamas said it was ready to immediately sit at the negotiating table after receiving proposals from the United States for a ceasefire and release of captives. US President Donald Trump declared he had issued his last warning to Hamas to accept a deal. Axios, citing an unnamed source, reported that the US plan includes a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, subject to the new government in Gazas ability to impose security. Hamas dismissed this as a trap, saying that the condition effectively grants Israel veto power over how and when the withdrawal happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war also spilled into the occupied West Bank on Monday, after Palestinian gunmen killed six people and wounded dozens more near an illegal settlement. The attackers were shot dead by an Israeli soldier and a civilian. In response, Israeli forces sealed off checkpoints between occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, while troops raided nearby Palestinian villages, including Qatana, Biddu, Beit Inan and Beit Duqu. Al Jazeeras Hamdah Salhut, reporting from Amman, Jordan, said such raids were part of Israels collective punishment policy. It is the collective punishment that takes place every time. The villages are raided, the roads are blocked, the checkpoints are completely shut down, family members are arrested and, ultimately, the family home is demolished, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Jenin, two 14-year-old boys Mohammad Sari Omar Masqala and Islam Abdel Aziz Noah Majarmah were confirmed killed during the Israeli raids. Wissam Bakr, the director of Jenin Government Hospital, said that Masqala died from his wounds hours after the Jerusalem attack. Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti said that Israel uses such attacks as pretexts for escalation. Attacks on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank are a pattern that exists without any attacks, he said. Its just that they [Israel] use such a moment to justify and escalate collective punishment acts against Palestinians. He warned that Israels ultimate goal remains unchanged: the annexation of the West Bank and the displacement and ethnic cleansing of its population. Netanyahu's attorneys updated that, time and circumstances permitting, he may be able to arrive to testify between 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and that an update on the matter will be issued at 2 p.m. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arriving for his public testimony in his criminal trial hearings at the Tel Aviv District Court on Monday, his attorneys informed the court. The announcement came as a terror attack unfolded in the Ramot neighborhood in Jerusalem, with five killed and several others seriously wounded, after two Palestinian terrorists walked onto a bus and shot unwittingly at the passengers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu's attorneys updated that, time and circumstances permitting, he may be able to arrive to testify between 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and that an update on the matter will be issued at 2 p.m. After the announcement, the Prime Minister's Office announced that Netanyahu is conducting a situational assessment following the attack. Earlier, the Administration of the Courts announced that the hearing, which was scheduled to begin at 12 p.m., would start behind closed doors. On Sunday, the prosecution had estimated that this closed-door testimony would take about four hours. Police and rescue personnel at the scene of a terror attack at Ramot junction, entrance to Jerusalem, September 8, 2025 (credit: FLASH90/CHAIM GOLDBERG) Where did the trial leave off The last hearing took place on July 16, with the questioning focused on Case 1000, in which Netanyahu is on trial for a conflict of interest relating to billionaire Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan, who was his close friend and confidant while he served as communications minister, from 2013 to 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allegedly, the prime minister received thousands of dollars worth of champagne and cigars from Milchan and from Australian billionaire James Packer, who was a friend to both. Netanyahu, allegedly, pushed for legislative and regulatory changes that wouldve been beneficial to Milchan during this time. The prime minister is charged with fraud and breach of trust. In the last hearing before the recess, the subject matter of the questioning concerned pushes by Netanyahu to secure a US visa for Milchan after his had been canceled. Due to security concerns with information surrounding this issue going on the public record, a representative from the Defense Ministry asked that the hearing be switched to a closed-door setting. This was never confirmed publicly by Israel, but allegedly, Milchan helped secure technology and materials for its rumored nuclear program. The prime minister is on trial in three separate cases 1000, 2000, and 4000. He was indicted in 2020 and has pleaded not guilty to all three. The cross-examination section of the questioning began in June, before the courts broke for summer recess between July 21 and September 5. As revolutionary events rock Indonesia, we wish to bring to the attention of our readers a masterpiece of documentary filmmaking, the 2012 film The Act of Killing. This documentary is truly a unique and harrowing watch. It is also invaluable as an insight into the nature of the regime that the youth of Indonesia are rising against today. In 2011, director Joshua Oppenheimer travelled to Indonesia and managed to convince perpetrators of the 1965 massacre of 3 million communists and their supporters, not only to brag about their crimes, but to reproduce those crimes before a film crew in the most surreal manner. In 1998, Indonesia experienced a revolution that overthrew the dictator Suharto who oversaw those crimes. But the revolution didnt go all the way. That is why the butchers of 1965 who Oppenheimer interviews and works with can laugh and joke about their crimes. They enjoy complete impunity, and continue to be celebrated as national heroes, because the New Order regime is still essentially in power, the butchers are still in place. In 1998, the regime merely gave itself a superficial lick of democratic paint in the so-called process of Reformasi. All that is brought to the fore in this marvellous documentary, in which we see the democratic Indonesian state in all its glory: intertwined with gangsterism, with corruption, and basing itself on a thick atmosphere of fear and oppression. The documentary can be viewed on Youtube, and we re-publish a full review from 2013 below. In terms of the numbers killed, the anti-PKI massacres in Indonesia rank as one of the worst mass murders of the twentieth century". (CIA study in 1968) In 1965-66 the right-wing military regime that seized power in Indonesia slaughtered up to one million people, mainly Communist party activists and supporters, in the most brutal manner. The democratic West not only did not protest, but in some cases, such as the US government via the CIA, actually handed over to the butchers lists of activists deemed dangerous. Joshua Oppenheimer has produced an amazing documentary/film in which the perpetrators if the butchery speak and re-enact what they did in the 1960s. Listen, if we succeed in making this film, It will disprove all the propaganda about the communists being cruel, And show that we were cruel, We are the cruel ones, ha ha ha. () It is not about fear. Its 40 years ago, so our criminal case has expired. Its not about fear. Its about image. The whole society will say: We always suspected it. They lied about the communists being cruel. (One of the killers) Dont expect to see a conventional historical documentary. Dont expect a long story of testimonies of the families of the victims of the 1965-1966 massacre of communists in Indonesia. With The Act of Killing you are not on familiar ground. Expect something more powerful, more compelling, more disturbing, more horrifying, and more fascinating even. Expect a documentary-fiction which will contribute more than any other attempt until now to demolishing the official propaganda about the genocide of one million communists. Expect something which will help to root out the lies and the fear about communism inculcated by systematic violence and terror over different generations. As an activist once told me, this fear of communism was transmitted almost with the mothers milk. Be prepared to view a story where not the victims but the perpetrators take literally the centre of the stage. In the most astonishing way this film recreates the violence, the torture and the killings of the death squads in Indonesia from October 1965 on. Joshua Oppenheimer, the director of The Act of Killing, has succeeded in something exceptional: winning the confidence of some of the killers and torturers of 1965 and convincing them to enact step by step and in detail, their activities at the original sites, describe their nightmares and to comment on it. The director makes them elaborate a script based on their experience and memories. This becomes then a film within the film. They do this with surprising candour in front of the cameras while dancing, singing and laughing. Instead of killers who deny their acts or who attempt to portray their victims as being guilty for their fate, here they claim openly responsibility for what they did. Worse even, they boast about it. In that sense this documentary does more to incriminate the perpetrators of the 1965-1966 bloodbath than any other documentary has succeeded in doing before. The central figure is Anwar Congo, a young gangster in the 1960s, heading the traffic of illegal cinema (bioskop) tickets in the city of Medan in North Sumatra. He and his criminal colleagues were fans of the Hollywood productions, dressed like James Dean and even organised a fan club of the actor. When the Communist Party called for a boycott of American movies the income of his lucrative business dropped rapidly. This fuelled his resentment and that of other criminals against the communists. When the military planned the physical annihilation of the PKI, they resorted to the help of those criminals and of the many lumpen elements in the cities. They are also the local leaders of the paramilitary political gang, called Pemuda Pancasila (Pancasila Youth). They become part of what the Indonesian history books describe as the Patriotic campaign. It opened the gates to the most base feelings possible in a human being. Using their sick imagination, they explain how they continually invented new ways of torture and assassination. As they had so many people to kill and not enough time to kill them with their own hands they invented quicker ways to death. They also act out in rotation the part of their victims. This leads to astonishing conversations and reflections (see this extract). It needs a special effort of imagination to understand the impact this mass massacre had on the consciousness of different generations of Indonesians. This impact was deliberately fed by the Suharto dictatorship and his generals through propaganda and continued repression. National Trauma We asked one of leaders of the 1998 uprising which led to the fall of Suharto how his family and he himself felt about the 1965 massacre: I do not have direct experience with the mass murder of 1965, since I was born one decade later. But I feel it as a collective trauma. My mom's brother, leader of the Communist Party at village level, was killed in front of my family. Everybody told me the way he was killed when I was a child. It is horror. My father was almost killed as well, but he survived. There was one night a debate amongst the murderers to discuss whether my father would be killed or not, while he saw with his eyes many people who had already been killed. At the end, he was not killed. But his mental state has remained fragile to this day. He became mentally ill in 1998 when the military was hunted for me. I think, to put it briefly, that the 1965 mass killing became a collective trauma for almost everyone, not only those who had direct experience but also those who know the story. But that fear is crumbling. As new generation has grow up and awoken politically, and interest in communism and the history of the PKI is on the increase. New layers of workers and youth who have not been fed with anti-communist propaganda or lived in an environment where communist taboos were present in all aspects of their life, are now looking for new historical explanations. A special attention is given in the documentary to Pemuda Pancasila, a paramilitary youth movement / Image: Steijlen, Wikimedia Commons A special attention is given in the documentary to Pemuda Pancasila, a paramilitary youth movement and its relation to the state. Pemuda Pancasila (PP) is a million strong (3 to 5 million) militia composed of gangsters (preman), petty criminals and youth of the informal sector and organised crime (extortion of Chinese traders). Pemuda was an attempt to create a mass organised base for reaction against the youth of the PKI, Pemuda Rakyat (Peoples Youth) in the 1960s. They were particularly active in North Sumatra (Medan and Aceh) in slaughtering communists. It is linked to the party of the dictatorship, Golkar. This movement still exists today as you will be able to see from the documentary. What is their role then today? Jusuf Kalla, the vice president of Indonesia, gives a straightforward answer in a speech shown in the documentary. In front of a meeting of cadres and political supporters of PP he explains: The spirit of Pancasila Youth, that some people accuse of being gangsters. Gangsters are people who work outside of the system, not for the government. The word gangster (preman in Bahasa Indonesia) comes from free men. This nation needs free men. If everyone worked for the government, wed be a nation of bureaucrats. Wed get nothing done. We need gangsters to get things done. Free, private men, who get things done. We need gangsters, who are willing to take risks in business. Use your muscles! Muscles arent for beating up people. Although beating people up is sometimes needed. [laughter and applause in the hall]. On another occasion, at a mass gathering of PP, the chairman of PP, Yapto Soerjosoemarno, delivered a speech in front of thousands of PP members and government officials, and once again highlighted the basis of the PPs existence: All members of Pancasila Youth are heroes, from exterminating the communists, to fighting neo-communists and left-wing extremists, and those wishing to break apart the nation. It would be a mistake to think that PP is a militia made of lumpen elements from top to bottom. The leaders of PP are mostly highly educated people, with political and business ties. Yapto is a lawyer who finished his education in the Netherlands. He also owns a number of companies. His father, a retired Major General, is a member of the Javanese nobility. Here we see how gangsterism, militarism, capitalism, and feudalism in Indonesia form a complex interdependent network. PP is a state and private business sponsored private militia of thugs taking over sometimes security issues in cities where the police is ineffective, a network for organised crime and a political militia used to intimidate opponents or left-wing people in general. They complement the other organs of state repression. Indonesia is rife with militias of all kind. Also active in 1965-66 were Islamic fundamentalist groups killing the godless atheists. Although dangerous and a clear threat to the workers and peasant movement and the left in general, they are less impressive once the masses come out on the streets. November 1998 witnessed the second upsurge of the students and the urban masses after the fall of Suharto. His political clone Habibie was put in power to give the impression of change while trying to guarantee the preservation of the system. The rallying cry in the capital Jakarta was then down with Habibie, the clone of Suharto. At the highpoint of the mobilisations one million people filled the streets of the city. The army deployed 30,000 soldiers, 16 warships arrived in the harbour including one submarine and one missile launcher. Moreover the regime had deployed 125,000 thugs from all over the island in the city to act as a battering ram against the demonstrators. They failed, as the poor people and the workers from the popular neighbourhoods rose up against them, with machetes, sticks and knives. So after a few days the military (the real masters of the thugs) withdrew them so as not to provoke a greater revolt in the city. This is a good indication of the limits of the engagement of such militias in the class struggle. Nevertheless loosely organised masses on the streets are not enough to confront the right-wing Islamist militias. The steps taken by the metal workers union to establish their own Garda Metal (Metal Guard) to protect their demonstrations is a good step. It needs to be generalised to other unions and used to protect all left-wing meetings from physical aggression. Impunity A question that haunts the documentary is: how was Joshua Oppenheimer able to convince the 1965 killers to speak so freely in front of the camera? Partially it is a question of having won their confidence over a period of seven years. Then there is the feeling of impunity. But this is not necessarily related to the expiration of their criminal cases. More importantly, this feeling of being untouchable is due to their powerful protectors in the state apparatus (governors, newspaper editors, military officers, politicians including at the highest level of the system even today) and their status of national heroes in official history. As you can expect this movie is not being shown at local cinemas in Jakarta, Medan or Surabaya. The democratic government does not authorize its circulation. Nevertheless, in the past months, youth across Indonesia have been actively organizing viewings many of them underground viewings of the documentary. The enthusiasm with which these youth watched and responded to this documentary is a clear symptom of the changes in the minds of the youth, both students and workers. They are less burdened by the New Order propaganda and more sympathetic to communism. The anti-communist fear and taboos are breaking down rapidly. The Act of Killing did an immense service towards restoring the historical truth and helping to reconquer the memory of the massacred communists. As another activist told me: I was really impressed by the scope of the conspiracy behind the massacre of the PKI. The PKI and its cadres were politically disarmed in the face of the brutal attack of the state and the gangs at their service / Image: public domain Nevertheless, the documentary leaves out something very important if we want to really understand what happened in 1965-1966. How was it possible that the biggest Communist party outside the Stalinist world was annihilated in this way without significant resistance? The PKI had three million members and 15 to 20 million supporters in its different mass organisations. It was very powerful. The answer does not lie in the detailed preparation of the systematic, almost industrial, scale killings, or in the fact that they were more cruel than us (which is always the case), or in the logistic support given by British and US imperialists. Nor was it true that the state was too strong (the PKI commanded a lot of support inside the army not only from ordinary soldiers but also from NCOs and higher officers, up to 40% of the army was PKI minded). The explanation is not the lack of arms in the hands of the communist members or the absence of organised worker and peasant self-defence groups. The PKI had arms. The answer is political. The PKI and its cadres were politically disarmed in the face of the brutal attack of the state and the gangs at their service. The explanation is to be found in the policies of the PKI leadership itself (for a more thorough analysis of the political reasons read Alan Woods article here). The PKI was a Stalinist party whose political strategy was inspired by the two stage theory. This theory claimed that the working class in countries like Indonesia is not ready for socialism. Its first priority consisted in consolidating capitalism and establishing an alliance with the so-called nationalist bourgeoisie, i.e. the president Sukarno. This alliance, which confused and paralysed the PKI at the moment of truth, was to prove fatal. During the first days and weeks of the beginning of the massacre, the PKI leaders tried to reassure the masses that supported them with the hope that Bung Karno (Brother Sukarno) was going to protect them. No protection would be forthcoming. In wars, as in class struggle, numbers are not the only determining factor. The initiative for the offensive, the dedication with which the objectives are fought for are factors which weigh more than numbers. The determination was on the side of the ruthless class enemy. Political vacillation and hesitation was on the side of the leadership of the PKI. It has seldom happened that a party as large as the PKI has held a class fraction, the national bourgeoisie, in such high esteem, placed so many hopes upon it and accommodated itself to it, while knowing so little about it, writes Rex Mortimer in Indonesian Communism under Sukarno - Ideology and Politics 1959-65. We know what the consequences of this submission of the PKI to the so-called national bourgeois were to be. Those lessons have to be learned through the systematic study of genuine Marxism (not its Stalinist caricature) and with the development of real solid cadres rooted in the movement. The Indonesian class struggle will give different opportunities in the future for the working class to take power and overthrow capitalism. The success of the struggle for a socialist Indonesia will be the best homage and revenge for the communists who died almost 50 years ago. (The Center Square) - The Nevada State Board of Pharmacy issued guidance saying pharmacists can administer COVID-19 vaccines. Walgreens and CVS stopped providing the vaccine due to fears it would exceed federal recommendations cited by state law. However, Amy Thibault, a CVS spokesperson, told the Nevada Independent that the drugstore chain will make these vaccines available as soon as possible" in the state. In the state pharmacy boards guidance last week, it said it received several inquiries about whether a pharmacist could administer these vaccines under Nevada law, which says pharmacists need to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board said any pharmacist in Nevada can provide any Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccine, including the updated COVID one, as long as it follows the proper protocol. Last week, the FDA approved updated COVID vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax for adults 65 and older. The federal agency now only recommends giving the updated COVID vaccine to all people 65 and older and younger people with serious health conditions, PBS reported. The age range for the eligible younger people begins at age 5 for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and age 12 for the Novavax shot. Patients as young as 6 months old, again only with serious health conditions, can get the Moderna vaccine. In May, the CDC also changed its recommendations for the COVID vaccine, saying pregnant women and healthy kids dont need it. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will be meeting Sept. 18 to discuss vaccine recommendations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nevada pharmacy board said any pharmacist who administers a vaccine must do it in compliance with the CDC committee. The state pharmacy board said compliance is necessary so that a pharmacist is competent to administer any given vaccine and knowledgeable about the risks that a certain vaccine poses to certain individuals or groups of people. Despite the CDC committee not recommending the updated COVID vaccine, it says pharmacists can still administer it because the panel has already given general recommendations regarding COVID vaccines. However, once the ACIP administers specific guidelines for the updated COVID vaccine, Nevada pharmacists will be required to follow those guidelines. Two states bordering Nevada, California and Oregon, are taking public health into their own hands. Last week, California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii createdthe West Coast Health Alliance, which will issue public health recommendations. The states said they made this new alliance because of what they called the Trump administration's destruction of the CDCs credibility. A federal judge has dismissed a civil rights lawsuit filed by the estate of Carl Dorsey III, a 39-year-old man fatally shot by a Newark police detective just after midnight on New Years Day in 2021. U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton ruled Thursday that the City of Newark cannot be held liable for Dorseys death under federal law, rejecting claims that the city had a longstanding custom of tolerating excessive force and failed to properly train its officers. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for New Jersey by Tamara Fong, the administrator of Dorseys estate and guardian to his three minor children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the complaint, Fong alleged that Detective Rod Simpkins shot Dorsey without justification while patrolling a high-crime area in plain clothes. According to court documents, Simpkins exited an unmarked police SUV with his gun drawn and bumped into Dorsey, then turned and shot him in the chest. Fong claimed Dorsey was unarmed and attempting to cross the street when he was shot and killed. Video footage captured the shooting, which occurred around 12:05 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2021. Dorsey lay bleeding on the sidewalk while officers searched him and the surrounding area but did not provide medical aid, the complaint said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was later pronounced dead at University Hospital. Fongs lawsuit claimed the city had a pattern of excessive force and inadequate oversight, citing past incidents, statistics, and findings from a federal monitor overseeing police reforms in Newark. However, Wigenton said those claims werent strong enough to hold the city legally responsible under the rules set by the U.S. Supreme Court in Monell v. Department of Social Services. The Monell decision sets a high bar for suing cities under federal civil rights law. The judge noted that Newark has been under a federal consent decree since 2016, which required the city to overhaul its policing practices, including use-of-force policies, officer training, and internal accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The consent decree was entered after a U.S. Department of Justice investigation found widespread civil rights violations by the Newark Police Department. Wigenton said the city had made progress in reforming its police department, including improved training and discipline. She added that Fong failed to show how any alleged policy or lack of training directly caused Dorseys death. The judge also dismissed the estates request for punitive damages, which are not allowed against municipalities unless specifically authorized by law. Punitive damages are meant to punish especially reckless or malicious behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under U.S. Supreme Court precedent, cities and other government entities cannot be punished financially in this way unless a law explicitly allows it. Since no such law applies here, the judge ruled that Newark could not be hit with punitive damageseven if the shooting were wrongful. This was the third and final time the court reviewed the complaint. Wigenton had previously allowed Fong to amend her claims but said no further revisions would be permitted. The City of Newark, the Newark Police Department, and Detective Simpkins were represented by attorneys with Schenck, Price, Smith & King in Florham Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fong was represented by attorneys with Altz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky in Voorhees and Philadelphia. Neither side immediately responded to requests for comment. Stories by Colleen Murphy Colleen Murphy may be reached at cmurphy@njadvancemedia.com. Read the original article on NJ.com. Amid the growth of its Spanish-speaking population, Newarks South Ward will host its annual Rumba Latina festival on Saturday, Sept. 27. The festival runs from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Clinton Avenue Soundstage, 450 Clinton Ave. Its timed to coincide with Septembers official designation as National Hispanic Heritage Month. The federal celebration of the people and culture of the Spanish-speaking world was officially created in 1988 under legislation signed by Republican President Ronald Reagan, who expanded a weeklong observance inked in 1968 by Democratic President Lyndon Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Newarks Spanish-speaking community has traditionally been concentrated in the citys northern reaches, officials say theres a growing Latino population in the South Ward, which borders the largely Spanish-speaking City of Elizabeth. Being able to acknowledge all cultures, especially rumba, which was originally from Cuba, helps us to celebrate the diversity of our entire city and more importantly, our wards, said South Ward Councilman Patrick Council. Council will act as host of the event and is sponsoring it in conjunction with Mayor Ras J. Baraka. He said his wards influx of Spanish speakers included people with roots in Ecuador and Cuba. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citywide, Latinos made up 37% of Newarks 307,000 residents as of 2023, according to DataUSA. Thats nearly twice the proportion of Latinos statewide, at 21.9%, or just over 2 million of New Jerseys 9.5 million residents. Rumba is a term used to refer to a party or a polyrhythmic musical style that originated in Cuba and has evolved to overlap with other Caribbean genres. The festivals headliner, La Sonora Dinamita, is a Mexican group associated with cumbia, a style whose boundaries have likewise stretched over time. The 10-piece bands hits include Mi Cucu." Additional performers will include the salsa band Los Hermanos Moreno from Hoboken, and Dominican reggaeton artist Shino Aguakate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DJ Commandante as opposed to DJ Komandante with a K and one m will also provide music. Standard for a Newark street festival, Rumba Latina will also foster community engagement, with representatives from local health organizations, educational institutions, and others providing free screenings, information, and other resources. For more information or to participate in the festival, call Councils office at (973) 733-3753. Los Hermanos Moreno 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. HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) Newburgh Tumbling will remain closed until further word from the EPA following a weekend chemical fire. The business says on social media just before 7:45 p.m. Sunday that the EPA was unable to confirm it is 100% safe to reopen. As a result, no classes will be held on Monday. Newburgh Tumbling also says the EPA is currently using its property as part of EPAs ongoing investigation and the business will remain closed will allow the EPA to continue access to the parking areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). California Governor Gavin Newsom has once again trolled President Donald Trump online, this time over rising food prices in the U.S. Newsom, a Democrat, shared a clip of Trump speaking to reporters outside of Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday evening. In response to a question about the rising cost of beef, Trump vowed that the price of the meat will go down once our policies kick in. Just like the price of eggs went down, and the price of a lot of other grocery items went downItll all go down, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Newsom shared another clip of Trump speaking at an August 2024 campaign event in Bedminster, New Jersey. Trump, surrounded by everyday grocery items and charts demonstrating rising prices, vowed to immediately bring prices down if elected. Newsom captioned the clip: This aged well. Newsom similarly hit out at rising grocery prices under Trump in an earlier post Sunday, sharing a clip of the president claiming he would bring costs way down. President Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday that record-high beef prices will come down once his 'policies kick in' (Getty Images) Those groceries Trump says he won on: - eggs: UP - chicken: UP - orange juice: UP - bacon: UP - bread: UP - coffee: UP, Newsom wrote. Great work, @realDonaldTrump. The Independent has contacted the White House for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump vowed to immediately lower grocery prices in his second term, some staples have hit record-highs this year. In June, ground beef averaged $6.12 per pound, a nearly 12 percent increase from last year, according to federal data. The average price jumped even higher in July, hitting $6.25 a pound, a nearly 14 percent increase from July 2024. Ground beef prices are now the highest ever since nationwide data first became available in the 1980s, according to a statement from Democrats on the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee. A USDA spokesperson told The Independent that beef prices have remained elevated due to the perfect storm of sustained increase in consumer demand for beef coupled with a prolonged decrease in the supply of live cattle. In May, the USDA announced it would provide $1 billion in aid to livestock producers who were impacted by drought and wildfires over the last two years. Under President Trumps leadership, USDA has the backs of ranchers, and thats why we are delivering much-needed emergency relief ahead of schedule, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement. California Governor Gavin Newsom trolled Trump online over his vow to immediately lower grocery prices once elected (Copyright 2025. The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) In March, the cost of eggs also hit an all-time high, with the average price of one dozen Grade A eggs reaching $6.23. While prices have come down in recent months, the USDA warned last month that they are still expected to increase by a total of 24.4 percent this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if retail egg prices continue to decrease over the coming months, higher prices realized earlier in the year will continue to factor into the forecast, the agency said. While poultry prices declined by .1 percent from June to July, prices in July were still 3.1 percent higher compared to the same month last year, according to the USDA. Meanwhile, pork increased in price between June and July, and July 2025 prices were 1.1 percent higher compares to July 2024. Some nonalcoholic beverages also cost more, including coffee which is up due to higher global prices and orange juice, which is more expensive because of lower domestic citrus production related to citrus greening and hurricane damage, the agency said. Overall food prices are expected to grow 2.9 percent throughout this year, which is in line with the historical average rate of growth, the USDA said. As some staples remain high, an AP-NORC poll in July found that 53 percent of U.S. adults say grocery prices are a major source of stress more than other common expenses, including credit card debt, child care and student loans. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is taking steps to address crime even as he emerges as a vocal critic of President Trumps law-and-order crackdown, demonstrating how pressing the issue is for his party heading into 2028. Newsom criticized Trumps decision to send the National Guard into Los Angeles earlier this year amid protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, and has risen as a top potential contender for his party in the next presidential election. But he has also enacted policies like sending crime-fighting forces into major California cities and breaking up homeless encampments. His actions lay out a potential pathway for how Democrats can navigate the crime issue as the GOP goes on offense with charges that their policies are soft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It recognizes and acknowledges that we still we have to fight crime, of course, said California Democratic strategist Maggie Muir. We have to do both. We have to stand up to Trump and acknowledge that we still have to fight crime but also acknowledge and be very clear that Trumps efforts are not there to be helpful. Polling has regularly showed that the public perceives crime to be a significant problem, and Republicans are in the lead among voters who consider it to be one of their top issues. The GOP regularly accuses Democrats of being soft on crime, most recently concerning the stabbing of a woman in Charlotte, N.C., on public transportation on Friday. That has become the norm in Democrat-run cities, where Radical Left policies like no cash bail and defund the police put depraved career criminals back on the streets free to continue raping, pillaging, and killing their way through our nation, the White House said in a release Monday. As Trump has sent the National Guard into L.A. and Washington, D.C., taken control of the D.C. police and threatened to send the Guard into other Democratic-led cities, hes sought to put Democrats on defense, trying to force them into one of two non-ideal options accepting Trumps move or fighting back and facing stronger accusations of not being tough enough against crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many have taken the latter, but Newsom appears to be trying a different path by leading the opposition against Trump but also taking steps to address crime and related issues. A year after issuing an executive order to direct officials to dismantle homeless encampments, Newsom formed a statewide task force last month to prioritize removing encampments and provide homeless individuals with the services and shelter they need. Newsom also rolled out a plan to deploy California Highway Patrol crime suppression teams to work with local law enforcement in various cities and regions throughout the state. While the Trump Administration undermines cities, California is partnering with them and delivering real results, he said in a statement announcing the plan. With these new deployments, were doubling down on these partnerships to build on progress and keep driving crime down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hill has reached out to the governors office for comment. Democratic strategists said Newsoms approach to the issue could be a model for Democrats to avoid getting bogged down in Trumps framing of the debate. Muir said Newsoms approach isnt new, but its taking into account how people feel despite statistics about crime. In many cases, crime has been on the decline in major American cities since the COVID-19 pandemic saw a spike, but polls have indicated many voters still view crime as a major problem, even if they dont support Trump sending the Guard in. I think the governor has been very clear, and local mayors and others have been very clear that, if people dont feel safe, then that is what matters. Stats dont matter, she said in terms of how to address the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic strategist Len Foxwell pointed to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) as taking a similar approach to Newsom. Moore has engaged in a back-and-forth with Trump as the president discusses sending the Guard into Baltimore, but the governor has also responded through policy enactments. He announced $60 million last month in funding for programs to support victims of crime and last week reinstated state resources to support law enforcement in Baltimore and coordinate public safety efforts. Foxwell said this helps Moore and Democrats to take that issue off the table and make it more difficult for Trump and his MAGA echo chamber to say that Democrats are ignoring the issue. But he added that Democrats are taking varied approaches, such as with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser not opposing Trumps actions as much with greater federal oversight of the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On this issue, as on virtually every issue, there is no single unified Democratic approach, and I see different party leaders handling the situation differently, Foxwell said. The effectiveness of Newsoms approach, particularly if he eventually launches a presidential bid in 2028 as is widely speculated, remains uncertain. California Democratic strategist Steven Maviglio pointed to Newsoms opposition to the states Proposition 36 last year as raising questions about Newsoms sincerity on the issue. The ballot measure, which passed with overwhelming support, increased penalties and allowed felony charges to be filed for certain property and drug-related offenses. It overturned parts of a decade-old ballot measure that lowered those penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes not known for his tough-on-crime stances because he hasnt had any, but he reads polls better than almost any other politician in the country, and he sees that people are concerned about it, Maviglio said. He said if a politician is late to an issue, voters may feel theyre disingenuous, but Democrats with a record of taking action can build credibility on it. Foxwell said Democrats should strive at least to strike this balance on crime so they can go back to attacking Trump on his own vulnerability, the economy. We have to pivot as soon as humanly possible, off of the crime debate and back on to our point of firmest footing and his greatest vulnerability, which is his absolutely atrocious handling of the economy, 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 The Hill. Did you miss the "blood moon" Sunday? That's OK, you couldn't see it in Florida anyway. The total lunar eclipse wasn't visible anywhere in the United States. If you want to catch the next one in March 2026, you'll need to plan a trip to the west coast of the U.S., not Florida. Later this month there will be a partial solar eclipse. Unfortunately, it, too, will not be visible in Florida or the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about what's happening in the sky, including some you will be able to see above Florida. When was the September blood moon? On Sept. 7, there was a total lunar eclipse, also known as a blood moon. It was not visible in Florida or the U.S. The lunar eclipse was visible in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, according to NASA. When is the next blood moon? You'll have to wait until March 2, 2026, to see a blood moon in the U.S., according to Space.com. The best view of the 2026 blood moon will be along the West Coast, from Alaska to California. Residents there will be able to see all stages of the eclipse. Why is a total lunar eclipse called a blood moon? As the Earth's shadow falls across the surface of the moon, the moon turns a rusty red color. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The more dust or clouds in Earths atmosphere during the eclipse, the redder the moon appears, NASA said. What is a lunar eclipse? There are three types of lunar eclipses: Total lunar eclipse : As the moon moves into the inner part of Earths shadow, or the umbra, it "appears orangish or reddish during a lunar eclipse," according to NASA. The more dust or clouds in Earths atmosphere during the eclipse, the redder the moon appears. Partial lunar eclipse: An imperfect alignment of the sun, Earth and moon means the Earth's shadow doesn't entirely cover the moon. Penumbral eclipse: "If you dont know this one is happening, you might miss it. The moon travels through Earths penumbra, or the faint outer part of its shadow. The moon dims so slightly that it can be difficult to notice," NASA said. Partial solar eclipse coming Sept. 21, 2025 On Sept. 21, there will be a partial solar eclipse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, it also will not be visible in the U.S. Areas where it will be visible include Australia, Antarctica, Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, according to NASA. The solar eclipse occurs one day before the fall equinox on Sept. 22, which marks the first day of astronomical fall. Meteorological fall began Sept. 1. When September's full moon? September's full moon, known as the corn moon, happened at 2:09 p.m. ET Sept. 7, according to astronomy.com. If you missed the exact moment, that's OK. To our eyes, the moon seems full for about three days, according to astronomy.com. Why do we call September's full moon the 'corn moon'? "This time of year late summer into early fall corresponds with the time of harvesting corn in much of the northern United States," according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For this reason, a number of Native American peoples traditionally used some variation of the name corn moon to refer to the moon of either August or September." More space news in September 2025: Planets, conjunction, equinox This article originally appeared on Florida Today: When is next blood moon, October full moon? Saturn, conjunction (Reuters) -The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Monday it had opened a probe into about 287,000 Stellantis' Chrysler minivans over concerns related to their electric power steering. The probe covers Chrysler Pacifica from model years 2017 to 2018. The auto safety regulator said it had received reports that the steering system could feel sticky during gradual turns when the wheel was in certain positions, followed by a sudden return of power steering assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sudden reactivation of electric power steering assistance could result in an oversteer situation, potentially increasing the risk of a crash, the NHTSA added. (Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel) Nightly construction will begin Monday to expand Pioneer Crossing and add a flex lane system, the Utah Department of Transportation announced. The Pioneer Crossing expansion is part of several major projects planned for northwestern Utah County aimed at reducing congestion. The Pioneer Crossing improvements will help drivers regain approximately six minutes of travel time during rush hour and save more than 900 hours of congestion a day, UDOT said. The flex lane system along Pioneer Crossing will stretch from I-15 to Redwood Road in Saratoga Springs, allowing for up to four lanes of eastbound travel in the morning and up to four lanes of westbound travel in the evening. Outside of commuting hours, the road will have three lanes each direction plus a shared turning lane in the middle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flex lanes are a smart way to get more out of the road we already have, said Andrew Jordan, UDOTs project director. Being able to adjust the number of lanes available in one direction to match the real-time demand will make a big difference. That means less congestion and more reliable commutes for drivers in Utah County. Construction will begin on Monday, Sept. 8. Evening lane closures, shoulder closures and lane shifts should be expected during the first phase of construction. All lanes on Pioneer Crossing will remain open during the day, UDOT said. If no changes were made, peak travel times along Pioneer Crossing would continue to increase by more than five minutes in the next decade, UDOT said. The corridor was built to carry about 35,000 vehicles but currently averages more than 55,000 each day. Once Pioneer Crossing is upgraded into flex lanes, it will accommodate an additional 50% increase in traffic, bringing much-needed efficiency. The new flex lanes will give UDOT the ability to adjust traffic flow based on demand, creating more capacity during the heaviest commute times without widening the road, a statement from UDOT said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The improvements will give travelers more breathing room on this vital Utah County route, and will help reduce delays on side streets that connect to Pioneer Crossing, UDOT said. Construction is anticipated to last through late 2026. After this project is complete, UDOT will finish transforming 2100 North into an east-west freeway that connects I-15 to Mountain View Corridor, which is also being converted into a freeway that will connect out to Eagle Mountain. HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) Friedman Park has announced that due to a weekend chemical fire, there will be no fishing at Vann Road Park Lake. Ohio Township Fire Chief Scott Forman said there is a high possibility of fish dying. Officials state the prohibition will be in place until the water can be tested by the proper authorities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). I dont have anywhere to go. I dont have anywhere to go. Rose Marie Michel paced frantically in the middle of a once-bustling street in Port-au-Princes Delmas 30 neighborhood, overcome with disbelief as she tried to grasp the scale of devastation. In just a few short months, under the occupation of Haitis ruthless gangs, her entire community had been reduced to rubble. My house was there at the top. I used to live there, said Michel, 73, pointing to the flattened remnants of the four-room, concrete home where she once eked out a living. There is nothing. Rose Marie Michel, 73, finds that gangs have flattened her home in Delmas 30 after she visits to see if she can return. She has lived in the Port-au-Prince neighborhood since 1974. Schools, churches, small shops that survived the devastating 2010 earthquake that killed over 300,000 are now a pile of rubble, part of the apocalyptic landscape left behind by the retreating forces that control almost all of Haitis capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 27, Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier, a former police officer who is now the face of Haitis most powerful gang coalition, Viv Ansanm, announced that his armed men would withdraw from Delmas 30, Solino, Christ Roi and Nazon so that everyone in these areas can return to their home. Since then, Haitians have been embarking on a painful pilgrimage across this ravaged capital to return to neighborhoods marked by torched vehicles, hollowed-out buildings and vandalized homes. The target of repeated attacks that began escalating in November, Delmas 30 came under full gang control in February when Viv Ansanm members stormed the neighborhood, killing residents and setting homes ablaze. Michel, who has lived in the central Port-au-Prince community since 1974, was driven out along with hundreds of her neighbors with little more than the clothes on their backs. She returned to see if she and her six children, who lived nearby, still had homes to return to. They did not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All have been burned down. We dont have anything, she cried in anguish, her outstretched arms flailing in the stifling heat. There is no life left for me. I am stuck. I am desperate to return Haitis police have warned people not to go back to to neighborhoods still controlled by the very gangs that forced them to flee. Their warning comes as Haitians in Port-au-Prince weigh returning and as the Trump administration, claiming conditions have improved in Haiti, prepares to send more than a half million Haitians back in February with the pending end of Temporary Protected Status. In the meantime, their families, friends and former neighbors find themselves facing an impossible choice in a series of no good options: stay in soiled, decrepit camps or live under the ruthless terror of armed gangs who kill, kidnap, extort and rape. Some have chosen to return, a reflection of their lack of options amid the power struggle between Viv Ansanm and Haitis beleaguered transitional government. One of many buildings and private homes that have been destroyed in the center of Port-au-Prince by members of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition. On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier announced in a video posted on social media that displaced residents of Delmas 30, Solino, Christ Roi and Nazon can return home. I want to return, and I am desperate to return, said a longtime Delmas 30 resident who gave a reporter only his first name, Sergio. But where am I going to sleep? There, at the gate? Under the sun? In the open air? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wrought-iron bars that once protected his windows, the zinc sheeting that provided shelter from the elements and even the concrete walls all gone. They took everything that was inside, he said of his now-gutted home. After that, they set it on fire. Even to people who have endured terrible trauma, the devastation has been unimaginable. When the earth shook on Jan. 12, 2010, creating billions of dollars in infrastructure damage, nothing happened to my house, Sergio recalled. But here, in the man-made disaster wrought by Viv Ansanms members, nothing was spared; only the gutted husks of banks, churches and schools remain. Like his home, they are now hollowed out reminders, and far worse than the quake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: U.S. Haiti moves spark confusion. Backing for anti-gang force but big cuts to UN aid The father of three wondered whether he can reclaim his life. He spoke of the indignity of being forced to live with others. There was sadness in his voice, and anger, especially when he thought of Haitis transitional leadership. Nineteen months after Viv Ansanm coalesced in a bid to take down the government, they still hold a yoke around the populations necks. I rather take my tarp and come set up at my own home. The president of the country told everyone to return home, he said. The president? Who are you referring to? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Cherizier, Sergio said. Hes the president. Hes the one that when he speaks, thats it. No discussion. The guys called for peace. They asked for everyone to return to their homes because they see that all these presidents that we have are nothing but bluffers, Sergio said about the nine-member beleaguered Transitional Presidential Council. Theyve only been interested in getting richer. Human shied or extortion racket? Some here see Cheriziers offering as part of a Machiavellian plot to use the returnees as human shields. He is a wanted man: U.S. authorities recently placed a $5 million bounty on his head after a federal grand jury indicted him on conspiracy charges. A task force run out of the prime ministers office is also preparing alongside the Haiti National Police to escalate drone strikes against him and other gang leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These guys feel that they could soon have issues. They want to use us as cover, says Paul Liry, another resident of the area. They need to understand that whats taking place here isnt good for anyone because in Haiti, we dont have any money, we are not working, we have no means. There could be other ulterior motives. The current transitional government is supposed to be working toward the countrys first general elections since 2016. While few believe presidential polls are possible today, the return of residents is a potential gateway to controlling a large group of voters. A return of commercial activity would also potentially build the gangs coffers by allowing them to extort protection money and profits from businesses and entrepreneurs. Cherizier, 48, whos been actively meeting with former rivals, may be trying to duplicate the conditions in Carrefour, a sprawling suburb south of the capital where gangs now settle disputes, enact rules and profit from residents commercial activities. Residents in Delmas 30 in Haitis capital, carrying furniture after Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier, a leader of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, announced in a video on social media that displaced residents can return home. In a statement on X, the local police union dismissed Cheriziers call as theater and demagoguery, while warning Haitians not to fall for the ploy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The areas they occupied have not been rebuilt, the gangs have not been dismantled, and the insecurity has not yet been resolved, warned the union, known as SPNH-17. The main victims of this programmed insecurity cannot return home without justice being rendered, without reparations being obtained, without security being restored. The spokesman for the Haitian national police went even further, warning returnees that they could become accomplices of the gangs as they seek to continue to fight authorities. Its Gaza In their warnings, Haitian authorities have inadvertently admitted that they cannot guarantee the safety of returnees. Our position is clear, we cannot encourage the displaced, the people who are in the camps ... to return home, Jacques Amboise, the spokesman for the Transitional Presidential Council, said during an interview on Radio Tele Metropole. It is the very group who are calling for people to come back, he explained, who forced them out in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amboise referenced images pouring in from Solino, where a large police presence among its residents allowed the neighborhood to resist a gang takeover until this year. Like Delmas 30, its now a rubble-strewn wasteland of burnt cars, bullet-riddled buildings and scorched, even bombed-out buildings. Everything is destroyed, Everything is burned. They have not left anything for the people who have been displaced, Amboise said. When you look at Solino, its Gaza a place where bombs are dropping practically every single day. Still, for some residents, the conditions inside the camps are more than they can continue to bear. More than 11% 1.3 million of Haitis population is currently displaced, according to the United Nations. And of those who have been forced to flee their homes some multiple times one in eight are children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That reality, along with life in a soiled, inhumane camp with no tarp, no access to drinking water, has made it difficult for some to turn their backs on the offer. The way we are living in the camps, its not good, said Gertrand Gerson, as he visited Delmas 30. This is why, today, we want to return to our homes. Gerson believes the gangs have retreated. Ive yet to see anyone with a gun, anywhere Ive passed, he said, while acknowledging gunshots can still be heard from a group nearby. Right now, were in an evaluation phase. Were looking at everything. We are asking that the State takes its responsibility, to come into these areas and come assess the destruction, Gerson said. We are asking national and international organizations to come and show solidarity with us. GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) -Thirteen local nonprofits will receive a total of $159,500 from the Womens Fund of Greater Green Bay to support programs that empower women and girls across Northeast Wisconsin. From a release, the funding, awarded through the Womens Funds summer 2025 grant cycle, will support services ranging from youth mentorship and childcare access to survivor advocacy and leadership development. Community fundholders contributed more than $75,000 to the effort, boosting the total amount awarded. This grant cycle highlights the incredible work being done to create opportunities, strengthen families, and uplift women and girls in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsin submits final broadband plan to Feds, eyes 174,000 new connections This years recipients include organizations that provide mentorship for girls, offer support to sexual assault survivors, empower women aging out of foster care, and strengthening service for women and children experiencing homelessness. Others focus on leadership development for Indigenous women, cultural and educational programs for Black and Brown girls, and health initiatives for women of color. The Womens Fund, part of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, awards grants twice a year through a competitive application process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More information on grant recipients and program impact is available at womensfundgb.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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. North Carolina voter registration case concludes, ensuring 80,000 votes count The legal battle over incomplete voter registrations in North Carolina, which delayed the finalization of a state Supreme Court race, has concluded with a settlement. No one really is claiming any of these voters did the wrong thing. So are they still being in some ways, punished? I dont know, said Chris Cooper, a political scientist at Western Carolina University. On the other hand, every compromise Ive ever known in my entire life has been one where both sides are a little uncomfortable. So maybe this is a sign of a good compromise. ALSO READ: Over 2,400 people show up to polls on Tuesday after slow start in Charlotte Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Justice sued the North Carolina State Elections Board to address the issue of missing voter information. The settlement reached requires the board to contact affected voters to update their information. If voters cannot be reached, they will still be allowed to cast a provisional ballot in the next election. The missing information affects about 6,500 voters in Mecklenburg County, 800 in Cabarrus County, 550 in Iredell County, and 1,000 in Union County. Although 80,000 voters may seem small in a state with 11 million people, North Carolina is a highly competitive state politically, and the Supreme Court race was decided by just 734 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the case was ongoing, Republicans took control of the state elections board after passing a law that reduced the incoming Democratic governors power. The new boards settlement with the DOJ aims to resolve the voter registration issues. The North Carolina State Board of Elections has classified voters with missing information as inactive, but they can still vote if they provide the missing details by the time counties canvass after the next election. This resolution is seen as a compromise to ensure voter participation while addressing registration discrepancies. VIDEO: Charlotte primary turnout abysmal as early voting locations expand to 9 NORTH HAMPTON Police are urging the public to secure personal information and check bank statements after a suspect allegedly withdrew a large amount of money from an account at a local bank using a fake passport. According to North Hampton Police Chief Kevin Walsh, at 4:27 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27, a male suspect, using a fake passport for an ID, fraudulently withdrew about $2,000 at the Lafayette Road branch of St. Marys Bank. North Hampton police are seeking help identifying this suspect, seen on surveillance footage during a fraudulent bank withdrawal. Walsh said this is one of a number of similar fraudulent thefts from bank customer accounts. All were perpetrated by the same individual, Walsh said, using phony passports bearing his picture with the correct personal information of different bank customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont know how he got the personal information hes using about these people, but he had the dates of birth and the last four numbers of their social security numbers, Walsh said. The big lesson here is dont ever leave your wallets and identification information in your vehicle. I cant stress that strongly enough. Even if the doors are locked, theyll break the windows to steal them. Walsh said North Hampton officers are working with St. Marys fraud department, which discovered and reported the illicit transaction. Walsh said bank employees are speaking with other customers whove fallen victim to this fraud, hoping to detect commonalities that may lead them to the person or persons responsible. North Hampton police are seeking help identifying this suspect, seen on surveillance footage during a fraudulent bank withdrawal. According to Walsh, the suspect appears to use his picture and the personal information of others to apply for and get U.S. passports. The suspect then uses the phony passport as identification when he withdraws funds from a bank. More: Stratham contractor pleads guilty to stealing millions from NH homeowners Police urge vigilance after fraud targeting bank customers Walsh said aside from closely guarding personal identity information, some precautions can help diminish the chances of these types of thefts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For starters, instead of relying on a passport, Walsh recommends using a New Hampshire REAL Drivers License or Non-Driver Identification to verify one's own identity or that of others, like business customers. New Hampshire REAL IDs require certain documentation to acquire, plus they have enhancements in them to lessen the ability for thieves to duplicate them, he said. For companies that need to verify identities before handing over money or accepting payment, Walsh said, a REAL ID also holds the signature of the bearer, in addition to the picture. The key here is always to look at and compare the signatures, Walsh said. Walsh recommends everyone carefully check the items listed on bank and credit card statements and account for each withdrawal, check and charge that appears. If suspicious items are listed, quick action should be taken by contacting the institutions involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The North Hampton Police Department is seeking the publics help in identifying the suspect from the bank's surveillance cameras. Those with information can contact North Hampton PD at 603-964-8621, or Crimeline for the Hamptons at 603-929-1222. More: Woman sues after Hampton Beach fall: Whos responsible for the sidewalk? This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: North Hampton police: Suspect using phony passports to steal bank funds MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas (KETK) Northeast Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant recently announced that their nursing program has been awarded over $1 million in grant funding. Northeast Texas Community College has announced the sole finalist for their new President. The colleges nursing program has received $1,037,871.79 in funding from four statewide programs to support their training of the next generation of nurses. The following programs have each awarded funds to the NTCC nursing program this year: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2024-2028 Nursing Shortage Reduction Program gave $244,867.95 to fund the entire accreditation process for NTCCs Vocational Nursing and RN Programs. The Nursing Innovation Grant Program gave $416,604.96 to integrate Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) and Patient Care Technician (PCT) certifications into NTCCs nursing curriculum. The 2025-2027 Nursing Shortage Reduction Program gave $226,398.89 to provide free NCLEX Prep Hurst Reviews for RN students, tuition assistance for NTCC faculty pursuing new degrees and more. The Texas Workforce Commissions Building Capacity in Healthcare Fields Grant gave $149,999.99 for new classroom supplies and hands-on learning equipment. Photo courtesy of Northeast Texas Community College. Our nursing program has done an outstanding job pursuing and securing these highly competitive grants, NTCC executive vice president for advancement Dr. Jon McCullough said. Grant funding is critical to NTCCs ability to innovate and expand opportunities for students. These awards ensure that we can provide world-class training and continue producing graduates who are ready to make a difference in the healthcare field. To learn more about degrees the nursing program offers, visit NTCC online. 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. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) In a cozy room at the Center for Nonprofits in Fayetteville, a group of women gather midweek around a table covered in fabric scraps and thread. What starts as a hobby quickly becomes a lifeline. Everybody has a get lost in sewing story, Michele Fisher said. Theyre not just sewing, theyre making connections. A thread of compassion runs through the local nonprofit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a hobby that I had started with my mother, Pat Huson added. I love what Ive found here, Chelsey Nielsen said. It gives me a feeling of belonging, Gail Hayes said. We have a habit maybe its an addiction of collecting fabrics, said La Dawnya Faulkner, founder of Lost Ozark Dawn Community Heritage. NWACC selected for national AI mentorship program For many, sewing is more than a pastime its a path to healing. The nonprofit Lost Ozark Dawn Community Heritage is stitching together stories of recovery, resilience and inclusion. Together, they create quilts meant for comfort but for them, the comfort comes from the creation. Its a tight-knit group, leaning on and learning from one another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were stitching, you know, one community together at a time, Fisher said. I feel like Im at home here, Nielsen said. Honestly, this is my family, Huson said. It makes it really nice that I have all of these sisters, Hayes said. It is very therapeutic for people to be here and know that theyre not alone, Faulkner said. Faulkner is the heart behind the nonprofit. In November 2019, she checked herself into rehab, spending 45 days focused on recovery. She regained her sobriety but lost nearly everything else her job, home, credit, pet and spouse. Shes been sewing since she was 8. And Ive been sewing, well, as long as I can remember, Faulkner said, referring to her mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sewing became her anchor a way to stay focused, creative and connected. She started helping her moms friends, which eventually led to a room at the Center for Nonprofits. My mission is to preserve the art of sewing while promoting personal growth from trauma, loss and addiction. Our community is to embrace everyone because it takes a lot of love and patience to get through lifes struggles, Faulkner said. Shes helping others cut through confusion and cost making sewing feel accessible, empowering and healing. My mental health was really bad, and I needed to get out, Fisher said. A recovering alcoholic on disability, she found an outlet and someone to talk to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been messy, but in the messy spots is where its sacred. When you have broken pieces, you can make it colorful when you patch it together. And you can make something bigger and brighter. Nielsen, who is deaf, found a space to raise awareness and advocate for inclusion. Feels like such a connection to my community also. And thats something that I hadnt ever had before, she said through an interpreter. Hayes, a former special education teacher in Bentonville, said medical issues forced her to stop teaching leaving a huge hole. Now, I teach kids to sew for free giving them machines to keep them going, she said. Sewing with somebody in mind has really helped me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greer Lingle Middle School receives $20k grant to repair library Huson doesnt drive much anymore, but said all her needs are met. Anybody in this group will help anybody at any time. If somebody says, I need a yard of black, Oh, Ive got it. Ill bring it to you tomorrow. No problem, right? A scrap to someone else is an opportunity here. They accept fabric donations from families, from loss, from excess. Keep the fabric alive, keep the notions alive, Faulkner said. They offer low-cost classes and create items for NICU babies, veterans, the unhoused and foster kids. It dont just stop right here. It continues all over, Huson said. Its just a good feeling to have somebody say, Oh, Ive got something thats mine.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Somebody says, We need this, and we do it, Hayes said. Even knowing that somebody cared enough to think about them to give them something as simple as a blanket, Faulkner said. One quilt, stitched with love, was made for Faulkners mother, Hazel, who recently returned home from the hospital. The room fills with laughter, humming, and chatter. Thats the sound of healing and it all started with a single stitch. For more information on Lost Ozark Dawn Community Heritage, upcoming events, or how to get involved, 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 KNWA FOX24. Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Norway is holding elections Monday as the government controlled by the center-left Labor party with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store faces a potential upset by the right-wing Progress Party led by Silvi Listhaug. Store has been prime minister since 2021, and the finance minister is the popular Jens Stoltenberg. But this election cycle has been contentious with voters concerned about the cost of living, wealth taxes and investment in Israel. Norway has 4 million voters and is a founding member of NATO but isn't a member of the European Union. It shares a small 122-mile land border with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Store, 65, is campaigning for a second term in office. He took over after eight years of conservative rule ended in 2021. But he is challenged by a bloc of two conservative parties: Listhaug's Progress Party and the Hoyre Party of former Prime Minister Erna Solberg. Norway's Labor Party leader Jonas Gahr Store votes in the 2025 parliamentary election at Uranienborg School in Oslo Monday. Photo by Javad Parsa/EPA A big issue in the campaign is the 1% wealth tax, which is what Norwegians pay if their assets are more than $175,000, though there are discounts relating to the value of the home. Hundreds of wealthy Norwegians have recently moved to Switzerland to avoid the high taxes. Listhaug, 47, wants to remove the wealth tax and cut other taxes. Solberg, 67, and her Hoyre Party want to remove the tax on "working capital," like shares. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Labor wants neither, but it has promised to review taxation. Stoltenberg, who is a former NATO chief, has warned against creating a tax system that will create even more wealth inequality. "It's truly been a whirlwind of an election with loads of unexpected twists and turns," Shazia Majid, a journalist and commentator for the Norwegian newspaper VG, told The Guardian. "Norwegians are waiting for the results with bated breath." The class and gender divide has become a "mobilizing factor on both ends of the political spectrum," she said. "For left-wing parties, the Gaza war has been an important theme, especially towards immigrant background Norwegians and young voters." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gaza issue is around Norway's sovereign wealth fund. Many left-wing voters want the fund to divest in many Israeli companies because of alleged human rights violations. The fund has $1.9 trillion and has mostly blossomed because of the country's oil and gas resources. It's managed by the country's central bank, but it must follow ethics rules. OSLO, Norway (AP) Norways Labor Party of Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre has claimed victory in Mondays general election with most votes now counted and with a narrow but clear win by the center-left block over the right-wing parties. Rapturous cheering erupted in Oslo on Monday night as Labor supporters gathered to celebrate a closely fought campaign in which the future of a wealth tax that dates to the late 19th century has been a central issue. Addressing the crowd, Prime Minister Gahr Stre thanked his supporters and said the victory showed it's possible for Social Democratic parties to win elections even with right-wing forces on the rise in Europe, according to broadcaster VG. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A short while earlier, Conservative leader Erna Solberg apologized for the dismal performance of her party, which fell to third place in parliament behind the right-wing populist Progress Party that saw its best result ever in a national election. Addressing supporters, Progress Party leader Sylvi Listhaug was pleased with her partys result but lamented what she called four tough years ahead for people and businesses. About 4.3 million people in the Scandinavian nation were eligible to vote for the new 169-member parliament, or Storting. With almost all votes now counted, center-left parties have won just over the 85 seats needed to form a majority. Final results are expected Tuesday, and they are likely to be followed by weeks of negotiations to build a coalition and agree on Cabinet positions before King Harald can swear in a new government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday's result was never expected to have major implications for Norways foreign policy. The country is a stalwart member of NATO and a strong supporter of Ukraines defense against Russia, with which it has a border in the Arctic north. It isn't a member of the European Union but has close economic ties with the 27-nation bloc. Norway is one of the richest countries in the world. It has a generous welfare state, sits on billions of barrels of oil and gas, and has one of the worlds largest sovereign wealth funds, worth around 20 trillion kroner ($2 trillion). Gross domestic product per person is the sixth-highest in the world, one place above the U.S., according to the International Monetary Fund. It is also one of the worlds most egalitarian countries, sharing its wealth much more evenly than many others. Labor campaigned to keep the wealth tax that has been a mainstay of Norwegian policy since 1892 a levy of up to 1.1% on assets and shares worth more than 1.76 million kroner (around $176,000), though there are various reductions and discounts. Labor said that scrapping it would cost 34 billion kroner ($3.3 billion) per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of rivals on the right, the Conservatives want the tax reduced and the Progress Party of Sylvi Listhaug, which calls for lower taxes and more immigration controls, wants it scrapped. The Progress Party has been bolstered by an energetic social media campaign, driven by youthful influencers who have inspired younger voters against the wealth tax. I think it is fair that the most wealthy among us pay their contribution, Gahr Stre said after he voted on Monday. Its been the parties of the right who wanted to take that entirely away, benefiting 1% of the population." "I think that goes against the deep sense of fairness and solidarity from Norwegians, he said. World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus has sounded the alarm on September 7 over Sudans escalating humanitarian disaster, warning that famine has already been confirmed in parts of the country. He revealed that more than 770,000 children are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition this year, with WHO supporting 142 Centres that have treated over 20,000 children to date. Alongside hunger, Sudan is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak that has spread across all 18 states, infecting more than 105,000 people and claiming 2,600 lives. The situation is particularly dire in North Darfur, where the city of El-Fasher has endured a siege lasting more than 500 days amid relentless fighting between Sudans army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Local doctors reported that recent RSF artillery strikes killed 18 civilians and injured more than 100 others. The UN has described Sudan as the worlds largest hunger crisis, with aid operations crippled by insecurity and access restrictions. Since the war erupted in April 2023, over 20,000 people have been officially killed and 14 million displaced, though independent research suggests the true death toll may exceed 130,000. The new Ambassador of Norway to Ukraine, Lars Hansen, has begun his work in Kyiv. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Details: Ukraines Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko received a copy of the credentials of newly appointed Ambassador of Norway Lars Hansen on 8 September. Quote from the ministry: "The deputy minister expressed gratitude for Norways steadfast support of Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for Oslos significant contribution to strengthening the defence capabilities of our state. The diplomats also focused on further coordination of international efforts to hold Russia accountable for crimes against Ukraine and stressed the importance of increasing sanctions pressure on the aggressor state." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: They also discussed prospects for cooperation in restoring critical infrastructure and implementing joint humanitarian and cultural projects. Prior to Hansen, Helene Sand Andresen had served as Norways ambassador to Ukraine since 2023. Background: Ukraine had no ambassador in Norway for more than two years until Oleksii Havrysh was appointed to the post in spring 2025. Earlier this summer, Ukraine also appointed a new ambassador to Finland. Former UK ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons has become the UK ambassador to Poland. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The streets of Boise exploded in a burst of color and music on Sunday as the Boise Pride Parade swept down River Street. Those involved in the parade rolled by in a colorful blur on roller skates, performed flag dances and wielded bubble makers. Boise Mayor Lauren McLean made an appearance, decked out in rainbow sunglasses and face paint. Large corporations, as well as local businesses, also had a significant presence on Sunday. Michael Dale, president of the Boise Pride Board of Directors, said public celebrations for those in the LGBTQ community were essential this year, which is why Our Pride, Our Power was this years chosen theme. Since President Donald Trump took office, 2025 has seen a number of anti-LGBTQ executive orders and legislation brought forward. Dale said that Boise Pride attendees were not only from the Boise area, but from across Idaho, as well as eastern Washington and Oregon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the change in our administration at the national level, our community is facing attacks that we thought all went away, Dale told the Idaho Statesman. So having this moment, one weekend out of the year, is really important. It allows people to come and be themselves. Natalie Walker, a Meridian librarian, said the parade made her feel less alone. Sometimes it doesnt feel like we have a lot of say in Idaho, especially with the way things have been going lately, Walker said. So its really nice to come out and see everyone coming together and know that there are people in the state who are still welcoming and were not alone. 2025 brings changes big and small to Boise Pride The most noticeable difference between this years Pride parade and those of the past was the location. Boise Pride moved the route from the heart of downtown to River Street, between South 13th and 9th streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dale said they moved the route so it could end at Ann Morrison Park instead of Cecil Andrus Park, as in recent years. It wasnt the first time, however, that Boise Pride was held at Ann Morrison. Pride was celebrated there prior to 2015. Ann Morrison used to be our festival back in the day, so its a homecoming of sorts, Dae said. So people say, Oh gosh, I remember when it was here years ago. The trees now are bigger and more mature. People carry a large rainbow flag as they participate in the Boise Pride parade along River Street. Logistics and growth both played a role in the move to Ann Morrison, but the biggest reason was the organizations desire to take advantage of a new city ordinance that allowed the sale of liquor at certain parks during special events, according to Dale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another change parade attendees may have noticed was the smaller scale. Boise Pride said 65 groups entered the parade, including 25 floats and vehicles. The number was noticeably smaller compared to last year, when 102 groups entered the parade. Dale attributed the drop to a change in pricing. He said larger groups were required to pay more this year to enter the parade. In the past, it was a flat entry, Dale said. So we changed it more based on organization size. If youre a small nonprofit in Boise, youre going to pay the nonprofit price. But if youre like Alaska Airlines, and youve got revenues of millions of dollars, your employee base is over 100,000, youre going to pay a little bit more. Boise Mayor Lauren McLean interacts with the crowd at the Boise Pride parade. A drop in funding also proved to be a challenge this year. Boise Pride received $250,000 in corporate sponsorships, compared to last years $440,000, the Idaho Capital Sun reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its horrible that they cannot support this based on the state that our nation is in right now, Erin Detisch, of Boise, said after the parade. They feel pressure, and lean so much into what that means, more so than what this support can mean. The support should mean so much more. Ill definitely be putting a lot more of my focus on the companies that did not drop and are still here. Dale noted that the number of booths and vendors at the park was higher this year, with 180 compared to last years 122. People march for LGBTQ+ inclusion in libraries. People participate in the Boise Pride parade. Grocery store Fred Meyer sponsors a float in the Boise Pride parade. People walk in the Boise Pride parade. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats from the House Committee on Oversight released a sexually suggestive drawing and note meant for the late sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein. The note was shared with the committee by Epsteins estate and appears to bear the signature of President Donald Trump. The note imagines a conversation between Trump and Epstein. The dialogue is surrounded by a doodle of the outline of a woman. A signature very similar to Trumps appears below the womans waist. The existence of the note, from a collection of similar celebrations of Epstein put together for his 50th birthday, was first reported by the Wall Street Journal in July. HERE IT IS: We got Trumps birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein that the President said doesnt exist. Trump talks about a wonderful secret the two of them shared. What is he hiding? Release the files! pic.twitter.com/k2Mq8Hu3LY Oversight Dems (@OversightDems) September 8, 2025 Speaking to the Journal in July, Trump denied the notes existence, calling it a fake thing. Following that storys publication, Trump sued the outlet and owner Rupert Murdoch for defamation, seeking $10 billion in damages. Vice President JD Vance took a similar tack at the time, calling the scoop complete and utter buls**t. California Gov. Gavin Newsom resurfaced Vances response on Monday. This aged nicely, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oversight member Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., accused Trump of lying and leading a White House cover-up after the letter was shared. The oversight committee will be reviewing the documents we received today, and we will not stop until we get justice for the victims and all those that were involved, Garcia said in a video posted to X. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. The White House continues to claim the letter is a fabrication. Deputy White House Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich questioned the letters legitimacy in a post on X. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the allegations surrounding the note false. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As I have said all along, its very clear President Trump did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it, Leavitt said in a social media post. This is FAKE NEWS to perpetuate the Democrat Epstein Hoax! The post This is not a hoax: Epstein birthday book note allegedly from Trump shared by House Dems appeared first on Salon.com. Amid a federal immigration crackdown in Boston, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey decried the ramped-up enforcement as political theater with no benefit to public safety. During an appearance on MSNBC Sunday, Healey said President Donald Trumps administration had not contacted her about what Immigration and Customs Enforcement has dubbed Operation Patriot 2.0. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said ICE was arresting sex offenders, pedophiles, murderers, drug dealers and gang members released by local authorities. But Healey, who noted her experience as a prosecutor and the states attorney general, said the surge of immigration enforcement was not actually aimed at making Massachusetts safer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we have seen from ICE and from the administration really isnt about public safety, its about political theater, Healey said. Its about a political power grab and an attempt to intimidate. ICE operations in Massachusetts have led to the arrest and detainment of civilians, not just criminals, Healey said. Weve seen construction workers, nannies, landscapers, health care aids, these are the people who are being taken in these huge numbers, taken away from their families, she said. When I have high school students being ripped off the streets in Massachusetts on their way to volleyball practice by ICE agents, somethings wrong. The first Operation Patriot led to the arrest of nearly 1,500 people across Massachusetts in May. But many of those arrested did not have a criminal record, according to The Boston Globe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days before the start of the reported start of the surge of immigration enforcement, the Department of Justice filed suit against Boston in federal court, claiming its sanctuary city law was unconstitutional. The city has not responded in federal court, but Boston Mayor Michelle Wu vowed to fight back. The law in question, the Boston Trust Act, prohibits local law enforcement in the city from aiding ICE in civil immigration efforts. These are just terms the Trump administration makes up, Healey said, of the sanctuary city phrase. Massachusetts is not a sanctuary state, she added. Wu has also decried the ICE operation, saying the city would not be bullied or intimidated into abandoning the efforts that make Boston a safe home for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For months, ICE has refused to provide any information about their activities in Boston and refuses to issue warrants, while we hear reports of ICE agents taking parents as they are dropping their kids off at school, she said. That does not make our community safer. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Guest Opinion. One of the things that is never mentioned is something that both President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump agree on and that is increasing the nuclear power capacity in the U.S. Biden had a goal of tripling nuclear energy; Trump has a goal of quadrupling nuclear energy. Biden planned for 200GW by 2050; Trumps goal is 400GW by 2050. In a recent survey, 61% of Americans favor nuclear energy. The reasons may include reduced carbon emissions and compliance with our commitments on international climate change agreements, but the elephant in the room is the electricity appetite of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The electricity needs for data centers that run artificial intelligence applications cannot be met with existing energy resources. According to the MIT Technology Review: In the US, estimates from industry and academia suggest energy demand for data centers could be as high as 400 terawatt-hours by 2030up from fewer than 100 terawatt-hours in 2020 and higher than the total electricity demand from the entire country of Mexico. 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 One of the ways both presidents planned/plan to meet their goals is by building new nuclear reactor capacity, but also by recommissioning nuclear power plants that may have been decommissioned. Remembering the 1970s and the context for the creation of these nuclear power plants: The commercial nuclear energy industry started in the U.S. with the first nuclear reactor going online in 1969 (Nine Mile Island), followed by others in 1971(Palisades) and 1974 (Three Mile Island). The first nuclear power plant to start operating in December 1969, the same month that one of the most sweeping environmental statutes in the world was passed, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. In July 1970, President Richard Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through his reorganization plan. Yet nuclear power was not embraced as a clean alternative but as far too dangerous to humans and the environment. Then in 1979, Three Mile Island had its infamous nuclear plant accident. Through a series of human errors, Unit 2 suffered a meltdown that produced radiation and caused the need to evacuate people within a five mile radius of the plant. Fortunately, there were no injuries and no deaths as a result of the accident. However, Unit 2 was permanently closed, and Unit 1 continued to produce energy until 2019. The Palisades has been closed since 2022 and going into decommission status; while Three Mile Island stopped its last nuclear reactor Unit 1 in 2019. Nuclear Energy Status The United States now has 94 operating commercial nuclear reactors at 54 nuclear power plants in 28 states. The average age of these nuclear reactors is about 42 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The oldest operating reactor, Nine Mile Point Unit 1 in New York, began commercial operation in December 1969. The newest reactor to enter commercial service is Unit 3 at the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant in Georgia, which began commercial operation on July 31, 2023, and is the first reactor to come online since Watts Bar 2 was commissioned in 2016. Of the 54 operating nuclear power plants, 19 have one reactor, 31 have two reactors, four have three reactors and one has four reactors. The U.S. nuclear energy industry has supplied about 20% of total annual U.S. electricity since 1990. How do you decommission a nuclear power plant? We have never decommissioned a nuclear power plant, so the first one will be a precedent setting regulatory process. It looks like the Palisades Nuclear Energy plant located in Covert Township, Michigan on the Lake Michigan shore, will be the first. The beginning of Palisades was nearly six decades ago. Construction started in 1967 and the plant began operation in 1971. The nuclear power plant was owned originally by Consumers Energy and purchased by Entergy in 2006. The following year it was granted renewal of its license to operate which would be current until 2031. But Entergy said the nuclear energy market was no longer viable, stopped operation and sold it for scrap to Holtec in 2022. Holtec then changed from decommissioning to restarting something that had never been done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are two new legal authorities for decommissioning and bringing back into operation these nuclear power plants. The ADVANCE Act of 2024, intended to modernize the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and its processes; and Trumps Executive Order 14302 Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base (May 23, 2025). Both support more efficient processes to approve licensing. The executive order specifically addresses restarts as important. In the case of Palisades, they moved from decommissioned status to an operating license. NRC notes in their press release that while these NRC approvals will allow Holtec to load fuel, there are still several licensing actions under NRC review and additional requirements that need to be met before the plant can start up under the original operating license, which would expire March 24, 2031. NRC approved the transfer of all licenses from the previous owner, Entergy to Holtec Decommissioning International LLC to Palisades Energy LLC. Actions that make a restart viable is the acceptance of previous documents and programs by NRC, including technical specifications, emergency plan, emergency action levels, and physical security plan, as well as programs for quality assurance, maintenance, and inservice inspections. They are also using an Environmental Assessment from May 2025 where they made a finding of no significant impact on the environment (FONSI) which means no Environmental Impact Statement is needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So Palisades can now receive uranium for its nuclear reactor and begin the process of testing for their operating license. As NRC said, the plan will not open until it is safe and however long that is, is how long it will take. Palisades anticipates to begin operation in 2027 after spending $1.5 billion in renovations (government funded). What of Three Mile Island? Meanwhile Three Mile Island is watching the Palisades precedent. Three Mile Island, while decommissioned in 2019, was bought by Constellation to bring it back into operating status. They also expect to spend $1.5 billion to bring it back to operating condition. The renamed Three Mile Island, the Christopher M. Crane Clean Energy Center, has contracted with Microsoft to produce energy exclusively for their data center needs to fuel their artificial intelligence needs for 20 years. They will be selling it for $115-120 per MW, which is above market price of about $110 per GM. The Crane Center anticipates opening in 2028. From here? Weve only just begun (also the title of a hit song released in 1970) to build our nuclear energy capacity with an ambitious goal of quadrupling that capacity. Ensuring these first projects are done safely and without incident is critical. Given we have had almost half a century to improve on safety and efficiency, we are more accepting of the known risks than we were with the unknown risks of the 1970s, with 61% of Americans now favoring nuclear energy. New types of reactors are under development and the new micro-reactor is in the proof of concept stage, but promising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we restart these two old and infamous nuclear energy plants built almost half a century ago, we will have achieved a pathway to our carbon free, high volume, consistent production of electricity resource. It seems our love affair with nuclear energy is heating up again for America, cause breakin up is hard to do (another song from the 1970s) when it comes to nuclear energy. To read more articles by Professor Sutton go to: https://profvictoria.substack.com/ Professor Victoria Sutton (Lumbee) is Director of the Center for Biodefense, Law & Public Policy and an Associated Faculty Member of The Military Law Center of Texas Tech University School of Law. About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net." Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net Teachers strikes made up 60% of 2024's walkouts, driving the biggest disruption in the public sector. The total amount of workdays lost in the economy due to strike action almost tripled in 2024 as compared to 2023, the Labor Ministry's report published on Sunday found. The report counted the total number of workdays lost due to strikes. This number represents one day for each person participating in a strike or those who were unable to work due to their coworkers striking, resulting in the collective number missing work on a specific day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, there were 25 full strikes, with approximately 251,000 strikers participating. These strikes resulted in a loss of manpower that equals approximately 762,000 workdays, the Labor Ministry stated. In comparison, in 2023, there were only 16 full strikes, with approximately 73,000 strikers participating, causing a loss of approximately 266,000 workdays in total. Additionally, in 2024, there were only three partial strikes, in which approximately 80,000 strikers took part, as compared to 10 partial strikes in 2023, in which approximately 26,000 strikers took part. Teachers protest as they demand better pay and working conditions in Tel Aviv on May 8, 2025. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90) Approximately 64% of all strikes in 2024 were short in length, lasting between two hours and one day. About 16% were between one and three days, and around 18% lasted between three and 14 days. There were no strikes recorded that lasted longer than 14 days in 2024. Breakdown of reasons, sectors striking Over half (56%) of all 2024 strikes were due to wage demands. This contributed to approximately 86% of all workdays lost to the economy in that calendar year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Approximately 12% of the 2024 strikes were related to labor agreements, including new agreements and failures to renew existing ones. Approximately 12% of strikes were due to violence, about 8% were due to organizational changes, and the remaining approximately 12% were for reasons connected to employee dismissals, labor relations, and disciplinary issues. The report noted that this increase is mostly due to labor actions taken by the Teachers' Union, which continued over three school years, ending in September 2024, as part of a struggle to raise teachers' salaries. This is because 60% of all full strikes in 2024 took place in the education sector. In contrast, approximately 4% took place in health, welfare, and social services, with similar percentages in public and local administration, as well as water supply, sewage services, and construction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another 8% of full strikes occurred in the industry sector, with a similar percentage in transportation services, as well as financial and insurance services. In addition, the Labor Ministry published the breakdown of how the strike activity affected the public and private sectors. It found that 92% of all full strikes were in the public sector, constituting 99% of all workdays lost, as compared to approximately 4% in the private sector, consisting of 1% of all workdays lost. There are no photos of my brother Paul. No one recalls what he looked like or what type of personality he had. He wasnt here long enough to create those kinds of memories for us. However, his short life and tragic death were indelibly seared on our mothers heart. She tried to conceal the pain she felt from losing him, while also keeping the truth about his tragic and unnecessary death actually, I would call it manslaughter hidden for decades. The story everyone had been told was that Paul inexplicably inhaled a large quantity of birth fluids while he was being delivered. The fluids congested his little lungs and he died less than seven hours after his arrival. This seemed like an atypical childbirth injury, but it turns out it was so much more than that. As my parents youngest child, I recall visiting the local cemetery with them every Memorial Day to lay flowers on the graves of Paul and Johnny, another older brother I never met. Tragically, Johnny, who was born four years after Paul, died at age 2 due to a respiratory infection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My only living sibling was my sister, our parents first born, who was 14 years older than me. She married and started her own family when I was young, leaving me to often ponder what life would be like if Id had one or both of our brothers to grow up with. During those years, Pauls death remained shrouded in mystery. I didnt ask any questions about what happened and I didnt learn any new information about him until I was in high school. Related: 24 Small Habits That Have Made Such A Massive Difference In People's Lives, I'm Starting All Of Them Tomorrow Courtesy of Tammy Parker The author as a teenager I dont recall the specific date when my mother told me about the appalling incident from 25 years earlier, but I suspect it may have been Oct. 8, the anniversary of Pauls birth ... and death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was sitting at the kitchen table reading a magazine when Mom abruptly stopped preparing dinner and began telling me a story that sounded like something out of a gruesome horror novel. I listened in shock as she stoically and matter-of-factly explained why her first sons life ended hours after it began. Mom had been 28 years old in 1952 and, because Paul was her second full-term pregnancy, she knew how the delivery should play out. When her labor began, Dad rushed her to the hospital. All four of Moms babies were born quickly, but Paul had the misfortune of arriving in the early afternoon, when the family doctor was seeing patients and having trouble leaving his office to deliver a baby. In that small-town hospital, long before fathers were permitted inside the delivery room, my mother was trapped alone with a frenetic nurse who was completely unprepared for working in a maternity ward. As Mom cried out with intense labor pains, the nurse yelled, Your doctors not here! You cant have that baby now! My mother stared off into the distance as she recalled telling the nurse that the baby was coming. In that instant, the nurse morphed from a seemingly compassionate medical care provider into a crazed assailant who did the unthinkable. She grabbed Moms right thigh, forcibly crossed it over the left one, and then sat atop both of my mothers legs, using her weight to keep the infant from emerging through the birth canal. Mom struggled to push the nurse away, but racked with hard contractions, she was no match for this woman. Related: "I Recently Realized You Just Don't Do It Anymore": People Are Sharing Things That Have Almost Entirely Disappeared From Modern Society Courtesy of Tammy Parker The author's parents in Abilene, Texas, where her father was stationed while serving in the U.S. Army (1942). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minutes later the doctor finally arrived and delivered the baby, but it was too late. My brother had suffered fatal injuries. In the hours and days that followed, my parents told the doctor and hospital staff what this twisted nurse had done, but their outrage fell on deaf ears. No one believed a nurse would commit such a vile deed but she did. I recently received Pauls death certificate from the state of Colorado, and it exposed a startling surprise. I already knew my brother was born at 1:16 p.m. and died that same day at 8 p.m. of Atelectasis of Lungs Cong., meaning his lung sacs (alveoli) could not inflate properly due to congestion from inhaling birth fluids. However, the death certificate revealed another significant condition described as Rupture of Liver, a fact I dont believe my parents were ever told about. My heart sank as I realized this gory detail further underscored the nurses attempt to prevent Mom from delivering her son. The way my mother and infant brother were treated is soul-quashing, and its unforgivable that because no one believed my parents, Pauls death was quietly tucked away into a forgotten history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sadly, my moms experience wasnt an isolated incident. While most mothers havent experienced the kind of abuse that she did, an August 2023 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control revealed 20% of the women surveyed said they experienced mistreatment by health care practitioners during pregnancy and delivery. Common types of abuse include being shouted at or scolded, being forced to accept unwanted treatment and being threatened with the withholding of treatment. An April 2024 Columbia University study offered similar results: more than 1 in 8 parents who had a live birth reported mistreatment by health care providers during childbirth. Patients who are unmarried, have no insurance or public insurance, or are LGBTQ-identifying are among groups cited as most likely to experience mistreatment. Related: "It Changed My Life": 21 Secret "Life Hacks" That Are So Incredibly Useful, You'll Be Mad You Didn't Think Of Them Sooner Courtesy of Tammy Parker The author's parents celebrating her father's 75th birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such incidents can haunt traumatized parents for the rest of their lives. Mom was deeply depressed or angry at various periods throughout my childhood. My dad and I joked about her being a fiery redhead to explain away her fury, but I now realize that Moms inability to prevent the deaths of both her sons and her failure to attain justice for Paul made her equal parts despondent and enraged. How could it not? Sadly, after Mom revealed her horrific story to me in 1977, we never again discussed it. I was far too immature and had no idea how to broach the topic with her, though I eventually asked my father about it. Dad confirmed everything, adding that my mother had desperately wanted to sue the hospital, but he talked her out of it. Not only did they not have money for an attorney, but a lawsuit wasnt going to bring the baby back, Dad said resignedly. Astonishingly, the nurse kept working at the hospital despite her role in Pauls death. When Johnny was born four years later, she showed up to ask my parents what name to put on his birth certificate. Your mother threw a fit! She demanded that woman leave her room and stay away from Johnny, Dad recalled. She was so upset that I was afraid theyd sedate and restrain her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My sister and I had a phone conversation in late 2020 to discuss what to do with an antique Bible from our mothers side of the family. My sister had gotten the book after our parents passed away and mentioned that Mom had never added Pauls vital statistics to its family history pages, likely, we agreed, because doing so would have been too painful. 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 Courtesy of Tammy Parker The footprints of the author's brother Paul. You should jot in the date of Pauls birth and death, I said, adding that he might have enjoyed a long life if not for the unbelievable actions of a panicked nurse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What do you mean? my sister asked. I was shocked. How could my only living sibling still not know the full story of Pauls death? I realized that she was just 6 years old when Mom was pregnant with Paul, and it would be another 25 years before our mother could muster the courage to speak about the pain of this loss. So, I relayed to my sister everything I knew about the violence that stole our oldest brother from the family. That conversation led me to consider writing about our family tragedy, but I kept delaying the task until I unexpectedly stumbled across Pauls original hospital birth certificate in a pile of family photos. As I unfolded the brittle paper, I touched for the first time the only physical remnant of my brothers life both of his tiny footprints, stamped with purple ink. Paul deserved to be more than a whispered secret. He was a healthy baby whose future was recklessly destroyed by a callous health care provider. By sharing what happened to him and our family, I hope to encourage more research and discussions regarding patient mistreatment during maternity care. I cant bring Paul back nor could I assuage our mothers grief but I have finally shared their story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A long-time journalist, editor and market analyst, Tammy Parker holds a BA in Mass Communications from the University of Denver and an MBA from the University of Colorado. Her freelance articles have appeared in a wide variety of business and consumer publications. You can reach her at tammy@tammyparker.com and follow her on LinkedIn. This article originally appeared on HuffPost in August 2025. Also in Goodful: People In The Medical Field Are Sharing The One Thing They Won't Do Because Of The Trauma They've Seen On The Job, And I'm Anxiously Taking Notes Also in Goodful: "I Can't Wait For This To Go Out Of Style": People Are Sharing Popular Modern Trends That Are Actually Pretty Toxic Also in Goodful: "It's Sad And Sexist But True": 17 Tips Women Learned From Other Women For Keeping Themselves Safe In The World We Live In Read it on BuzzFeed.com HOLDEN, Mass. (WPRI) The National Weather Service (NWS) was in Massachusetts on Monday to survey the damage from a radar confirmed tornado. The agencys preliminary findings showed that an EF-1 tornado briefly touched down in Paxton on Saturday afternoon, followed by a second touchdown in Holden. EF-1 tornadoes have estimated winds of 86 to 110 mph, but this tornado appeared to be on the lower end of that range, according to NWS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents said it didnt last long, but the damage left behind was devastating. Its just heartbreak, one person said. Its like a movie scene, I mean, you dont expect to see trees uprooted like that. NWS also determined tornadoes touched down in Berlin and Stow. Its unclear if it was the same tornado that touched down twice or if it is two separate ones. Even though the tornadoes were confirmed on the radar, the NWS said it had to conduct the ground survey in order to determine the length and width of its path and assign the EF rating. No injuries were reported. NWS said the survey team also looked at the damage in Otis and Blandford, but there was no evidence of a tornado there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NEXT: 1.8 magnitude earthquake recorded in Rhode Island 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. NEW YORK A New York appeals court on Monday upheld the $83.3 million judgment against President Trump for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll after she accused him of rape during his first term based on the extraordinary and egregious facts of the case. In a 70-page, unsigned decision, three justices for the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals found Trump had recklessly put Carroll at risk in verbal attacks that continued throughout the pendency of the nearly five-year litigation and became more extreme and frequent as the trial approached. Trumps statements had a domino effect, the decision read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carroll was subjected to ongoing and prolific harassment as a result of these statements, including a multitude of death threats and other threats of physical injury. The court found that Trump had failed to make a case for the federal appeals court to revisit its previous ruling that his rejected his presidential immunity claims because he raised them too late. Trumps lawyers had partly argued that the July 2024 Supreme Court decision granting the president sweeping legal protections should get him off the hook, as the case concerned comments he made while he was president. Trump had the opportunity and incentive to raise this challenge in his initial appeal and failed to do so; hence, he may not do so now, the decision read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Carrolls lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, lauded the ruling and said, We look forward to an end to the appellate process so that justice will finally be done. A spokesman for Trumps legal team, in a statement, described the litigation as the Democrat-funded travesty of the Carroll Hoaxes and signaled the president would appeal to the Supreme Court. President Trump will keep winning against Liberal Lawfare, as he is focusing on his mission to Make America Great Again, Aaron Harison said. The appeals court also affirmed several rulings by Manhattan Federal Judge Lewis Kaplan, who presided over two lawsuits Carroll won against Trump, including his instructions to the jury about Trump sexually abusing Carroll with his fingers in a dressing room at Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Ave. in the mid-1990s, which the panel found were consistent with evidence about the nature of the assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carroll first sued Trump for defamation in 2019 after she publicly levied rape allegations, and he said she was a liar and not my type in a case that would become plagued by appeals. The former Elle advice columnist brought a second suit in 2022, including the claim Trump attacked her in a Midtown department store in 1996, a lawsuit made possible by the passage of New Yorks Adult Survivors Act. A jury awarded her $5 million in that case in May 2023, finding Trump sexually abused her in the dressing room and defamed her on his social media site Truth Social after leaving office, which the 2nd Circuit upheld last year. After the first trial, Kaplan ruled Trump was also liable for defaming Carroll during his first term leaving the second jury only to decide the damages due in the first suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jury award encompassed $65 million in punitive damages, $7.3 million for emotional harm suffered by the 81-year-old Carroll, who testified about living in paranoia and fear amid thousands of death threats, and $11 million for reputational harm. Carroll has yet to receive payment in either case as the president continues to appeal. Carrolls lawyers had asked the jury to come up with a large enough number to stop Trump from denigrating her, as he had before, during, and after the May 2023 trial, including in a town hall with CNN in the the wake of the verdict when he called her a wack job to an audience of millions. Upon review of the evidence, we agree with the district court that the jury was entitled to find that Trump would not stop defaming Carroll unless he was subjected to a substantial financial penalty, the 2nd Circuits Monday decision read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For nearly five years, Trump never wavered or relented in his public attacks on Carroll, the court later wrote. He also continued these same attacks during the trial itself. In one such statement, issued two days into the trial, Trump proclaimed that he would continue to defame Carroll a thousand times. _____ New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday said she will intervene in a legal fight over Texas ban on abortion pills, escalating a national showdown between states that have restricted abortion access and others that are defending practitioners who offer services to out-of-state women. Her decision came over a month after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued a New York county clerk for refusing to file a six-figure judgment against a doctor accused of prescribing abortion drugs to a Texas woman. This continues a legal battle over shield laws that experts say will likely reach the U.S. Supreme Court. I am stepping in to defend the integrity of our laws and our courts against this blatant overreach, James said in a news release. Texas has no authority in New York, and no power to impose its cruel abortion ban here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to The Texas Tribune, Paxton called the New York attorney general a lawless abortionist and said that he will defeat her in court. The legal fight first started in December 2024 when Paxton sued Dr. Margaret Carpenter, accusing her of mailing abortion pills from New York to a woman in Collin County in violation of Texas law. Carpenter is the co-founder of the Abortion Coalition for Telemedicine, which helps abortion providers in states with so-called shield laws. Shield law protections, which exist in over 20 states, seek to legally protect health care professionals and others who provide abortion-related services to those who live in states with abortion bans. In February, a Collin County judge ordered the New York doctor to stop providing abortion pills to Texans and to pay more than $113,000 in penalties and fees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acting Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck refused to file the judgment in March and cited his states shield law, which was passed in 2023 following the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Bruck again rejected a second Texas attempt to enforce the judgment in July. Paxton then sued the clerk later that month in Ulster County. His office also argued in a court document that New Yorks shield law violates the U.S. Constitutions full faith and credit clause, which requires states to respect other states public acts, records, and judicial proceedings. No matter where [Carpenter] hides, our pro-life laws will be enforced, and justice will be served, Paxton said Monday. The Constitution expressly requires states to recognize the judicial enactments of other states courts, and New York, unsurprisingly, is choosing to ignore that constitutional requirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James said she will submit a legal filing later this month to argue that New York has the legal right to safeguard its residents and courts against out-of-state overreach. She said Monday that she has formally notified the cases judge of that decision. Our shield law exists to protect New Yorkers from out-of-state extremists, and New York will always stand strong as a safe haven for health care and freedom of choice, she said in the news release. Besides this legal fight with New York, Paxton has joined over a dozen other attorneys general from Republican-led states in July in calling on Congress to take action against abortion shield laws. They similarly argued that such laws infringe on the Constitutions full faith and credit clause and the extradition clause. The Texas Legislature also just advanced a bill allowing private residents to sue anyone who manufactures or distributes abortion drugs to or from the state. Gov. Greg Abbott has yet to take action on the legislation passed during the second special session. Shape the future of Texas at the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, happening Nov. 1315 in downtown Austin! We bring together Texas most inspiring thinkers, leaders and innovators to discuss the issues that matter to you. Get tickets now and join us this November. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. Egypts Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Dr Rania Al-Mashat, announced on Sunday, September 7, that the country is aiming for 7 percent real GDP growth by 2030 under its newly launched economic narrative. The framework seeks to boost the share of private investments in total investments to 66 percent, up from 60 percent in FY2025/2026, while raising private investments contribution to GDP from 9.1 percent this fiscal year to 11.9 percent by the end of the decade. The contribution of the private sector to overall GDP is projected to climb from 77.1 percent in FY2024/2025 to 82 percent by 2030. The plan also targets significant improvements in employment and sustainable investment, including an increase in job creation from 900,000 in FY2025/2026 to 1.5 million by 2030. Total investments are expected to represent 18 percent of GDP, while green projects will constitute 75 percent of public investments. The narrative is currently open to community dialogue until November 2025, with a final draft due in December. Its launch coincides with Egypts preparations for discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the fifth and sixth reviews of its $8 billion loan program, as well as the first review of the $1.3 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility. Mayoral candidate supports halting pension fund purchases but stops short of full BDS backing. Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate for New York City mayor and a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement supporter, said on Sunday that if elected, he would end the citys investments in Israeli government bonds. We should not have a fund that invests in violations of international law. The current comptrollers approach, as he applied it with Israeli bonds, is the right approach, Mamdani said in an interview with Marcia Kramer on CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked whether he would also divest from private companies that do business with Israel, Mamdani said the priority was addressing direct municipal involvement. The most important thing is to understand where we are directly implicated, within the city pension fund, he said. A pension fund that purchasesIsraeli bonds, in my view, is clearly an indication of a conflict with our values, and we know that our values are actually within the framework of international law. Zohran Mamdani during an interview. (credit: screenshot) In January 2023, outgoing City Comptroller Brad Lander ended New York Citys decades-long practice of investing in Israeli government bonds. Lander, who is Jewish, assumed office in January 2022, when the citys pension funds held $39 million in Israeli bonds yielding about 5%. As chief financial officer overseeing the pension system, he chose not to reinvest in new bonds after the existing ones matured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lander said the move aligned with city policy to avoid foreign sovereign debt and aimed to treat Israel the same as other countries without special preference in the investment portfolio. The decision drew criticism from several Jewish organizations. Mamdani, who has pledged to reduce the citys economic ties with the Israeli government, voiced his support. I think this is the right approach, he said. Stopping short at BDS However, Mamdani stopped short of endorsing the broader demands of the BDS movement, which calls for full divestment from Israeli companies. As of May, New York City pension funds still held more than $315 million in Israel-based assets, including nearly $300 million in common stock and more than $1 million in Israeli real estate investment trusts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most important thing is to understand where we are directly implicated, Mamdani said again. And in the municipal pension fund, purchasing Israeli bonds is, for me, a clear indication of our values and we know that our values are, in fact, consistent with international law. Dani Naveh, the president and CEO of Israel Bonds, said, While we do not comment on statements made by candidates, what I can say is this: Israel Bonds is proud of the unprecedented outpouring of support. More than $5.5 billion in investments [were made] since October 7, including major commitments from local governments, including the State of New York, he added. The record-breaking investments we have seen in recent years demonstrate the confidence that Americans have in Israels strength and future. New York may be getting cell phones out of schools, but screen time is here to stay. Just days after Gov. Hochuls ban went into effect in the city, Mayor Adams announced Monday that local schools will issue 350,000 new Chromebooks to students over the next several months. The new devices, part of a partnership with T-Mobile, are equipped with LTE or 5G, which students without Wi-Fi at home can use to access the internet outside of school. Were going to focus on the locations where the needs are the greatest so that students are able to continue their learning, take advantage of remote opportunities, and apply for jobs and colleges, Adams said during a news conference at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So lets keep this in mind: We may have taken away cell phones during the day, but you got Chromebooks for the entire day. The city is expected to spend $129 million to buy the devices and pay $198 million in operating expenses, including the recurring cost of broadband, over the next four years, according to city and education officials. It was not immediately clear Monday what would happen to the Chromebooks internet capabilities after the four years lapse. The last time centrally funded Chromebooks were provided to schools was in 2023, though individual administrators have bought devices for their students in more recent years. A mayors office press release initially stated 1,700 public schools were expected to benefit from the investment. After the Daily News noted the figure was more schools than exist in the district, education officials revised it to 1,594 schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A phased rollout will start with schools where students do not have access to their own Chromebooks, or their devices are more than five years old, according to city Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. Priority will also be given to students in temporary housing or at high-poverty schools, and to new or existing schools that have appealed to the district for more devices. The announcement comes amid growing concerns that students are sidestepping the statewide cell phone ban by using school-issued devices to message their peers, or turning in other decoy electronics to hold on to their phones. Pressed on such loopholes, Adams on Monday chalked it up to young peoples creativity and promised equal levels of ingenuity in return. If children or young people or young scholars are trying to get around [the cell phone ban], this is all part of their creative spirit and energy, Adams said. We did it. Lets not act like when we were in school, we didnt have all our little tricks on how we got around things. This is all about creativity. We have to match their creativity for making sure the rules are followed. New York City is now home to the first HBCU preparatory high school in a major city. The school, which opened on Thursday, has been created in partnership with Delaware State University as part of its ongoing program to prepare students to enroll in college. Its the first HBCU public school in New York City HBCU Early College Prep High School opened in Jamaica, Queens, and has welcomed 100 enrolled students. It received over 1,000 applicants, according to Dr. Asya Johnson, the schools founding principal and an alum of Delaware State University, per ABC News. As part of the application process, students completed an essay solving a technology or health care issue in their community and recorded a video discussing how they would use their degree to help their community. Congratulations to the inaugural class at the citys first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Early College Prep High School in Queens, one of seven new schools opening this year. Thanks to a partnership with Delaware State University, an HBCU! pic.twitter.com/b6HStwPOkv NYC Youth & Comm. (@NYCYouth) September 4, 2025 Enrolled students will take online college courses taught by Delaware State professors starting in the 11th grade. Not only will they earn up to 64 college credits for an associates degree in liberal arts from the university, but they are also guaranteed admission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are thrilled to announce this innovative partnership with New York City Public Schools, which will not only prepare high school students for a college education, but give them a head start toward a bachelors degree while theyre still in high school, President of Delaware State, Tony Allen, said in a press release. We know this approach can work because weve seen it work. Hundreds of students are already enrolled at our Early College School in Dover, completing work toward their college degrees, he added. This dual enrollment model can reduce the cost of college, make higher education more attainable for many families, and prepare our students with the skills they need to succeed in todays economy. Were ready to get started. Students will also experience activities reflecting the legacy of HBCUs, such as Greek life, Founders Day activities, Mr. and Miss freshman competitions and homecoming celebrations. Celebrating to legacy and importance of HBCUs There are no HBCUs north of Pennsylvania on the East Coast, according to ABC News. Still, they enroll about 10% of all Black U.S. undergraduates and help train the majority of Black doctors, lawyers and judges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its important because it doesnt exist, Johnson told ABC News. We often dont explain to students what exists beyond just our state or our local tri-state area. Why not expose students to that? We want them to know that from the minute they walk into the doors, how much we love and care for them, she added. Allen highlighted the role that HBCUs have played in building the Black middle class throughout the history of the country. To be clear, the greatest indicator for a lower-resourced student from an underserved community to actually get into the middle class and change the economic trajectory for themselves, their families, and their communities is their attendance at an HBCU, he said. The post NYC Welcomes First HBCU Prep School In Partnership With Delaware State University appeared first on Blavity. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch made it clear Monday shes revolted by the idea of the National Guard patrolling the streets of New York City. National Guard, God bless them they are not trained to handle street crime in New York City, Tisch said at a Midtown breakfast hosted by the Citzens Budget Commission. Theyre trained in a lot of things. That happens not to be one of the things that they specialize in. Her comments come as the Trump administration is preparing to send the National Guard to Chicago, with the possibility of other cities to follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the major concerns that I have around this topic of deploying the National Guard to New York City or big cities across the country is that it will introduce an amount of chaos and disorder and confusion that will be counterproductive to say nothing of the fact that as a lifelong New Yorker I am revolted by the idea of the militarization of our streets, Tisch said. Mayor Adams has also dismissed the need for deploying the National Guard to the city to fight crime, saying last month that we dont need anyone to come in and take over our law enforcement apparatus. Adams, who has reportedly been in talks about potentially dropping out of this years mayoral race to take a potential Trump administration job, has not been as unequivocal as Tisch was Monday in condemning the very concept of a National Guard deployment. Tisch, who recently met with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, said Monday she would make it clear to her or anyone else who wants to discuss the matter that the NYPD, weve got this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont need or want the federal governments help here in that way, she added. Tisch touted New York Citys continued drop in murders, shootings and other crimes, saying that NYPD officers are the best at what they do. Now is certainly not the time to rock the boat, she said. Tisch did, however, say that if the White House really wants to help the city it should concentrate even more on the flow of guns along the so-called Iron Pipeline from Southern states north to the city. I would take many more gun cases federally if we had more federal prosecutors, she said. Lets focus on the right type of partnership with the federal government. Came out of nowhere: NWS to survey damage from radar-confirmed tornado in Mass. town The National Weather Service will survey a trail of destruction in a central Massachusetts town on Monday after a radar-confirmed tornado tore through the area over the weekend. The Saturday storm, which brought intense rain and high winds, uprooted large trees and left streets and yards across Holden littered with branches. South Road, Willow Brook Road, and Bailey Road took the brunt of the storm, with trees narrowly missing homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter Lukes, the Town Manager of Holden, said his neighborhood lost several large trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was pretty amazing, I mean, we were in my home and we lost about five trees that were at least 60 feet tall, and so as it was happening, we were just kind of watching it and closed the drapes really quickly and went towards the basement, Lukes recalled. It went right through our backyard. Matthew Wait, who lives near Bailey Road, said the storm launched lawn chairs off his back deck. I looked out on the back deck, and we had four lawn chairs on there, and two of them are completely gone, and the other one is obliterated in our driveway, Wait said. Homeowner Phylis Lorrain said she took cover when she heard there was a tornado warning in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My phone went off for the alarm, so as I headed from my backroom to go to my cellar, I could see the branches falling right in front of my window, Lorrain explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the NWS on Sunday said there was a radar-confirmed tornado in Holden, additional details need to be gathered on Monday, including path length, path width, and assigning an EF rating. We want to make sure we take the time to assess all of the storm damage to come up with the best conclusion possible, the NWS said in a post on X. On Monday, Janna Goodnow was left to clean up a mess of several uprooted trees scattered across her yard in Holden. A lot of clean up today, so well do what we can, explained Goodnow. Well have to get crews out here to help us because some of this is just way too big. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One tree narrowly missed Goodnows home, but took the foundation with it when it toppled over. Goodnow said the reported tornado on Saturday happened fast and sounded like a train whistling by. It came out of nowhere, lasted five minutes, we started running for the cellar, and then it was gone, she said. Berlin and other Worcester County communities were hit hard by the storm, experiencing similar destruction. There were no reported injuries. Damage like this on South Road in Holden is what we can expect the NWS to survey today. We are live with the latest this morning on @boston25 https://t.co/NDkaUrf32m pic.twitter.com/9VAU637rff Alyssa Azzara (@alyssaazzaraTV) September 8, 2025 Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Outside of free checked bags, the biggest perk that Southwest Airlines offered when booking a flight was a plethora of nonstop flights to almost anywhere you could want to travel. Unfortunately, Southwest has already ended its "bags fly free" policy, and it sounds like many of those nonstop flights could be next. Southwest recently cut six direct flights at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. At the time, we speculated that this move was part of a larger strategy shift for the airline that included fewer nonstop flights. This week, St. Louis Lambert International Airport Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge confirmed that major change in strategy. Southwest Prioritized Nonstop Flights If you're someone who values nonstop flights when traveling, Southwest has likely been your go-to airline in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most major airlines use a hub-and-spoke model, connecting many smaller cities to a central hub. While this increases efficiency and ultimately cuts costs for the airlines, it also increases travel time and results in far more layovers. Southwest, meanwhile, has long operated under a rigid point-to-point model, prioritizing direct flights between cities regardless of distance. However, it seems like this model is changing. Southwest Moving Away from Point-to-Point Over the past several months, Southwest Airlines has made several operational and policy changes as the airline undergoes a significant rebrand. And it sounds like these changes will include moving away from this point-to-point model a bit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some recent public comments, the airlines senior leaders made it pretty clear that the airline would be moving away from its point-to-point model and instead embrace a hybrid approach. On Wednesday, June 4, Southwest Airlines senior leaders spoke at the 9th Annual Future of the Consumer Conference, an industry gathering hosted by investment bank TD Cowen. Among many things that were discussed, it became very clear that Southwest Airlines is looking to evolve away from its traditional point-to-point business model towards a more hybrid approach that incorporates greater connectivity into the picture. The airline reaffirmed that it would aim to remain the dominant point-to-point carrier in the United States, Alexander Mitchell wrote for Simple Flying back in June. This is not necessarily a strategy that Southwest has publicized heavily to its customers, but it's been pretty clear for those willing to read between the lines. Southwest Cuts Several Direct Routes Last month, Southwest cut six of its direct flights out of St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the airline said that it was redesigning east-west connectivity in our network that has traditionally gone through St. Louis to other SWA points of strength (ICT, DSM, TUL to MDW, LIT to BNA, OKC to DAL). Through our March 2026 schedule that was released today, well offer up to 110 departures at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, providing unmatched point-to-point service for local Customers and strong north-south connectivity to the vast Southwest network. We are fully committed to the Gateway City and look forward to serving our loyal Customers there for years to come, Southwest said in a statement. Official Confirms This Change While Southwest claimed in its statement that the airline would continue to offer unmatched point-to-point service, one official confirmed that this decision was indeed part of a larger strategy to move away from a point-to-point model as we speculated at the time. During a meeting of the airport commission that helps govern the airport, Hamm-Niebruegge said that the decision to cut these six routes comes as Southwest looks to become more of a hub-and-spoke airline, according to St. Louis Business Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamm-Niebruegge said that Southwest will use hubs Chicago Midway, Denver, Nashville and St. Louis to connect passengers to other destinations. What Does This Mean Going Forward? With Hamm-Niebruegge confirming that Southwest's decision to cut these six direct routes was indeed part of a larger plan to embrace more of a hub-and-spoke model, this could mean that other direct flights could be cut in the future. While Southwest has indicated that it wants to maintain its point-to-point dominance, it is clear that the airline will look to end some of these direct and nonstop flights and replace them with multi-stop flights using hubs. This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Sep 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Officials in Pierce County, Washington, are using a public survey to help track the impacts of rising sea levels, reported Gig Harbor Now. What's happening? The Purdy Sand Spit in Pierce County is among the most affected areas in Washington. It offers direct beach access and is a popular place for families to enjoy, with its plentiful swimming areas and beachfront businesses. However, the Spit, as locals call it, also succumbs to flooding at least once a year due to its proximity to water. Pierce County officials hope to learn more about the area's flooding, which is largely caused by rising sea levels. To do this, they published an online survey for locals to document their experiences and opinions on sea level rise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We hear from residents frequently when we've got king tides and storm events that they are having increased flooding that they've never experienced before," said Pierce County Councilmember Robyn Denson, per Gig Harbor Now. The county's goal is to gather hyperlocal data to help protect against future flooding. Why are rising sea levels important? Sea levels rise naturally with precipitation, but weather events are becoming more extreme as climate change trends towards worsening. When storms cause more precipitation than usual, sea levels rise more than they would otherwise. Warmer global temperatures also cause water to expand across oceans. That extra water has nowhere else to go than in coastal communities, such as the Spit. The result can lead to devastating, sometimes deadly, flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pierce County planner Ansley Silva warned that severe flooding could occur in the area every year by 2050, per Gig Harbor Now. The U.S. currently experiences a billion-dollar or more natural disaster every 18 days, on average. What's truly concerning is that, in many ways, the issues causing rising sea levels are preventable. Using dirty energy sources like oil and gas and chemicals in the agriculture industry are examples of actions that contribute to planet-warming pollution. What's being done about flooding from rising sea levels? In Pierce County, the priority is getting locals to fill out the survey. "Whatever's happening now is going to continue happening later," warned Denson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere, officials and scientists are considering ways to restore wetlands, which act as protective barriers against flooding. Research teams have also developed technology to predict extreme weather events early by tracking sea surface temperatures. Until more can be done to lower the threat of rising sea levels, many communities are required to strengthen their coastal infrastructures to make them more resilient against flooding. To get involved, learn more about critical climate issues that affect sea levels and use your knowledge to put pressure on your local officials to enact planet-protecting policies. If you live in Pierce County, make your voice heard by sharing your experiences in the sea level rise survey. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Officials said a man from Baltimore was arrested and charged after he traveled down to D.C. to have sexual relations with a young girl. The U.S. Attorneys Office for D.C. announced on Monday that 28-year-old Andrew Juarez was arrested on Sept. 5 for traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a 9-year-old girl. Man accused of murdering missing Prince Georges County woman held without bond Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Juarez was arrested at a bar in D.C. He had gone there to meet someone who he thought was the girls mother. Officials said he had two phones on him. Juarez told authorities that one of the phones had child pornography on 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) Health officials are reminding people to take precautions against mosquito bites after someone recently tested positive for the mosquito-borne West Nile virus. The Trumbull County Combined Health District is encouraging people to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Erin Heckman is the Director of Nursing for the Health District. She says the only thing known about the patient is that they live in Trumbull County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their symptoms were severe enough to warrant testing, Heckman said. According to the Ohio Department of Health, 80% of people who contract West Nile Virus are asymptomatic. Mild symptoms include fever, body aches, and vomiting. It mimics a lot of other diseases, unfortunately, so very similar signs and symptoms, Heckman said. Earlier this summer, mosquito pools in Bazetta and West Farmington tested positive for the virus. Although its unknown where the patient contracted the virus, Heckman suggests making sure theres no standing water. Get the water out of there because thats where they like to live and breed, Heckman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, wear long sleeves and pants if you plan to be outside, especially during the peak biting hours from dusk to dawn. You just have to do the best you can with trying to avoid getting bit by the mosquito. Unfortunately, insect repellent is really your best bet, along with dressing appropriately, Heckman 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. The Los Angeles City Council and local advocates introduced a new ordinance aimed at protecting residents in rental units from extreme heat, according to CBS News. The concept isn't new several states, cities, and jurisdictions have "cooling ordinances." Las Vegas "introduced landmark legislation" mandating air conditioning capable of lowering indoor temperatures in rental units to a sustained 70 degrees in 1995. Back in 2018, research published in the thermoregulation-focused, peer-reviewed journal Temperature observed that higher average temperatures raised awareness of heat-related risks, but little attention had been paid to dangers associated with warmer indoor temperatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Extreme heat is a form of extreme weather, and it's deadlier than hurricanes, wildfires, and floods combined. Shifting climate patterns have gradually increased indoor temperatures, leading to a measurable, sharp uptick in heat-related ER visits in places like North Carolina. For an article published on Aug. 29, CalMatters spoke to residents about their experience living in units without air conditioning in and around Los Angeles. "It's like being inside a toaster," Memphis Perez told the outlet. Perez, his three children, his wife, and his elderly mother remained "crammed into a bedroom," the only room with an air conditioner, for days during a recent heatwave in the city. Vox examined various proposed cooling ordinances in 2024, noting that while the majority of states experienced "scorching heat waves in recent years," few had regulations mandating that property owners provide units with safe indoor temperatures during hot weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Unlike heat, cooling is really not incorporated into habitability standards or enforced in increasingly hot summers," said Ruthy Gourevitch of the Climate & Community Institute. In Los Angeles, the council and local leaders introduced a motion on Wednesday, Sept. 4. If successful, it would create a "maximum indoor temperature standard" of 82 degrees. "Nobody bats an eyelash about legislation that requires heating; we take that for granted. But in today's world, it should be the very same when it talks about conditioning the air against heat," ouncilmember Bob Blumenfield said at a press conference announcing the measure. Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez said that public cooling centers were insufficient, adding that Los Angeles residents deserved "relief in their own home." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "By setting this standard, Los Angeles will join the county in treating extreme heat as the emergency that it is," Hernandez stated. 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. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Mass General Brigham have found that integrating an automated smoking cessation intervention for parents into pediatric primary care demonstrated increased treatment received and reduced the number of cigarettes smoked. While additional interventions are needed to improve quit rates, the study indicates the benefits of pediatric primary care support in reducing parental smoking. The findings are published in JAMA Network Open. Prior studies have shown a variety of benefits for parents who quit smoking, including elimination of future tobacco-related poor pregnancy outcomes, reducing the likelihood of their children becoming smokers and decreasing childhood exposure to tobacco smoke, as well as less risk of developmental delays and increased financial resources. While some parents who smoke may not have their own primary care health physician, they will seek primary care for their children multiple times a year. To take advantage of when and where parents interact with the health care system, the Clinical Effort Against Secondhand Smoke Exposure (CEASE) intervention was developed prior to this study to address parental smoking by providing routine access to cessation resources. However, this approach has not been used broadly, in part because of difficulties in scaling the intervention in busy primary care settings. To address this gap in knowledge, this study aimed to automate adult smoking cessation support in pediatric primary care using electronic health care records to consistently screen parents and connect them to treatment. Visual Abstract. Credit: JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.29384 In this cluster-randomized clinical trial, 817 parents who smoked were enrolled across 12 pediatric primary care practices in the Philadelphia area between July 2021 and August 2023. Household members completed questionnaires about tobacco use before their child's visit, and parents in intervention practices were proactively offered automated home delivery of nicotine replacement therapy and enrollment in a quitline and/or SmokefreeTXT, a text messaging program to help people quit smoking. They were also offered health navigator support at the time of enrollment. Among parents who completed the follow-up, 48.2% of participants reported using nicotine replacement therapy compared with 16% in the control arm, and 22.8% of the intervention arm utilized a quitline or SmokefreeTXT compared with only 2.2% in the control arm. Just over 80% of parents in the intervention group had attempted to quit in the most recent three months, compared with just over 70% in the control group, with intervention practices leading to a greater reduction in the average number of cigarettes smoked daily as well as the percentage of daily smokers. However, the 7-day biochemically confirmed abstinence rate was only 8.3% in the intervention arm of the study compared with 6.4% in the control arm. "The significantly increased treatment engagement and reductions in cigarette use are particularly encouraging and suggest that additional strategies, integrated with automated intervention, may work even better to reduce smoking among parents," said co-senior study author Alexander Fiks, MD, a pediatrician and the Director of Clinical Futures and the Possibilities Project: Innovation in Pediatric Primary Care at CHOP. "We were surprised to see how effectively our approach identified parents who smoke and automatically engaged them in treatment," said co-senior author Jonathan P. Winickoff, MD, MPH, a pediatrician and researcher in the Department of Pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital. "Now, any health system in the country can routinely help parents with tobacco use and will likely be able to improve the quit rates seen in this study by offering additional FDA-approved medications, not just the nicotine replacement therapies offered in this trial." More information Emara Nabi-Burza et al, Automated Tobacco Cessation Intervention for Parents in Pediatric Primary Care, JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.29384 Journal information: JAMA Network Open Key medical concepts Nicotine Replacement Therapy SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Officials have extinguished a flame inside a Sioux City business. According to Sioux City Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Kevin Keleher, who was on the scene, the fire was located in the Wall of Fames back storage area. He told KCAU 9 that crews were able to go inside the building and extinguish the flames. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keleher said that some of what caught on fire in the midst of the fire were insulation, ceiling fixtures, and one propane tank used for forklifts. Crews were able to extinguish the fire entirely. No one was injured, and the cause of the fire 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Experts have pointed to the warming climate as a leading factor behind dozens of deaths in Italy's mountains over the summer. What's happening? Italy's national rescue organization, Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico, reported that more than 100 people have died in the country's high peaks since June, per Outside Magazine. That's an average of three deaths per day. "Too many are treating serious alpine trails with the same casual mindset they'd bring to a stroll in the park," Maurizio Dellantonio, the head of CNSAS, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hikers have been escaping warmer temperatures by traveling to the mountains, which has led to overcrowded hiking destinations. While many of the incidents have involved falls and illness, experts said the changing climate has also been a major contributor. Melting ice and permafrost can lead to rockfall and collapsing glaciers. Why is the surge in hiking deaths important? Not only do rising temperatures present dangerous conditions for hikers, but the environmental impact has become increasingly concerning. NASA scientists found that thawing permafrost can release microbes and chemicals that had been trapped in the frozen ground. And while collapsing glaciers are an immediate danger to hikers, shrinking glaciers are an issue too, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Melting glaciers and ice sheets are the primary reasons behind sea level rise, which can exacerbate the threat of extreme weather, per the Natural Resources Defense Council. While extreme weather events have always existed, human activities make them more powerful and dangerous. The burning of fossil fuels creates heat-trapping pollution that can increase temperatures, worsen health conditions, and harm communities that don't have access to proper heating and cooling systems. What's being done about keeping hikers safe? According to Outside Magazine, Italy's national rescue organization recommended that hikers take caution, use the correct equipment, and monitor the forecast before venturing out. However, finding ways to mitigate global rising temperatures is the best way to protect hikers in the long term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exploring critical climate issues can help consumers better understand the conditions and learn how to be part of the solution. Whether it be upgrading to an electric vehicle or modernizing a home, there are plenty of options for people to reduce their carbon footprint in an effort to protect the environment. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Brazil's antitrust regulator recently changed an anti-deforestation policy in a move that could bring back large-scale deforestation in the Amazon. What's happening? Mongabay recently shared the news about the suspension of the Amazon Soy Moratorium, a multi-sector agreement that has prohibited the purchase of soybeans grown in deforested areas in the Amazon since 2008. The Administrative Council for Economic Defence made the decision after Brazil's Agriculture Committee filed a complaint claiming that the moratorium was unfairly restricting soy producers and hurting competition in the soy market, Valor International reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The council's website stated that it imposed preventive measures essentially placing the moratorium on hold while the investigation is ongoing. Conservation groups warn that this move will speed up deforestation and curtail Brazil's environmental goals. "Dismantling an effective, internationally recognized agreement built over nearly twenty years, in the name of unchecked deforestation, would be a shot in the foot," said Greenpeace Brazil forest coordinator Cristiane Mazzetti, per Mongabay. Why is the moratorium important? The Amazon Soy Moratorium has effectively mitigated new deforestation for soybean cultivation. Prior to the moratorium, 30% of soy expansion happened through deforestation, as reported by Mongabay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the moratorium, the number dropped significantly. A recent report by the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries noted that while the soybean area increased 4.5 times, only 4.4% of the expansion was linked to new deforestation. The suspension of the moratorium could cost the Amazon dearly. It also threatens biodiversity and the communities that rely on the rainforest. Moreover, it damages the reputation of Brazilian soy in international markets, where there's more demand for responsible sourcing. This mirrors other government decisions that have had serious environmental implications. Amendments to sections of the U.S. Endangered Species Act could remove federal protections for gray wolves, potentially putting the species at risk. A new Indiana bill reduced protections for vulnerable wetlands, which may affect biodiversity and ecological resilience in the area. What's being done about the issue? Greenpeace Brazil and other groups are urging the government to reverse the suspension. Beyond the region, environmentalists are also pushing for policies that strengthen the protection and preservation of ecosystems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumers hold influence, too. They can vote for pro-climate candidates and scrutinize bills to spot potential loopholes that may cause more harm than good, such as the policy on shark poaching. Action from both policymakers and the public can bolster environmental safeguards, including preventing soy-driven deforestation from surging back. 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 city in Tennessee has launched a waste management program designed to help keep wildlife out of trash cans. However, the program's steep asking price is facing a growing amount of backlash from frustrated residents. As reported by WCYB, Kingsport is offering residents the chance to rent wildlife-resistant garbage carts for $20 a month. The city has ordered 100 of the carts that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The move is an effort to address an ongoing issue with animals finding their way into traditional trash cans. Rodney Deel, solid waste manager for Kingsport, emphasized the importance of the new program. "In certain areas where there is more of a wildlife population, you go through on trash day and you can see several cans that animals got into, and it's scattered in people's yard and stuff like that, so if you have this difficulty, this is a solution for you," Deel said, per WCYB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wildlife-resistant garbage carts are designed to prevent animals, particularly bears and raccoons, from accessing the trash kept inside. These carts often feature more durable construction, equipped with reinforced lids and specialized locking mechanisms that are easy for humans to operate but difficult or impossible for wildlife to open. Despite the notable benefits of the wildlife-resistant garbage carts, some residents felt that the cost was just too much for the service provided. After the program was first announced last October, residents took to social media to question the reasoning behind the program's price point. "I'd be curious to know what justifies the additional $20 a month. I understand if the city is asking for residents to pay for an upgrade but a flat fee would seem more appropriate," wrote one Kingsport resident on Facebook. "Well I'm not paying the city $240 a year for it. We are already paying too much for their services. I'll just keep securing my old one thanks," wrote another resident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isn't the first time that the city has sparked controversy regarding its trash collection policies. In 2016, the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved an $8 per month trash collection fee that was required for all its residents. While the fee included trash pickup, the city announced that residents would have to pay another $8 for each additional trash can used during collection. 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. Ofgem, the energy regulator, spent almost 4m on its London office last year despite having a policy permitting staff to work from home most workdays. The government quango pays an annual rent of 1.9m for its Canary Wharf office and another 1.8m for services such as heating, lighting and security. It also has bases in Glasgow and Cardiff. But figures released by Ofgem show that in the past financial year, only 204 of the organisations 1,226 full-time staff made it into the office on an average day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its London base is now costing the watchdog more than 10,000 per day. Ofgem brought in a work-from-home policy at the start of 2024, which allowed employees to work in the office just one day a week. Managers have been tasked with monitoring staff attendance and ensuring that employees stick to rules. William Yarwood, of the TaxPayers Alliance campaign group, said: Taxpayers are sick of working their socks off while quangocrats work from their beds and leave their swanky office space lying fallow. Its even worse that Ofgem is the latest culprit, given its rank failure to hold down energy bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ministers should consider axing Ofgem and liberating the energy sector from the shackles of government control and regulation. Past criticism of Ofgem Ofgem has been criticised in the past for being too weak with the energy giants and failing to protect householders from huge rises in domestic gas and electricity prices. In 2022, it was blamed by Parliaments Public Accounts Committee for leaving consumers on the hook for the 2.7bn bill that came with the collapse of 29 energy suppliers. The Committee found that the 94 per household that consumers would have to find to cover the cost was down to Ofgems failure to effectively regulate the energy supplier market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The regulator also came under attack for its handling of the prepayment meter scandal, where it emerged that debt agents were force-fitting prepayment meters into the homes of vulnerable people. It recently announced it would be lifting the energy price cap by 2pc from October this year, meaning a typical households energy bill would increase to 1,755 per year. The quango, headed up by 205,000-per-year chief executive Jonathan Brearley, said some staff were engineers and inspectors, which meant that they often had to be out of the office on visits. An Ofgem spokesman said: Ofgems maximum office capacity is 30pc of our headcount in our London, Glasgow and Cardiff offices so the 20pc minimum attendance requirement ensures that, to date, there has been working space for all in our offices without employees being forced to hot desk or sit in corridors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We keep our office space arrangements under review to ensure optimal desk space and good value for money, and we have cut the number of desks available at our London office and made the space available to other civil service departments. 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. OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) An Ogden man is facing felony charges after allegedly firing multiple rounds at people at an apartment building Saturday morning. According to a probable cause statement, Ogden Police were called out to an apartment complex early Saturday morning after multiple 911 calls were made reporting shots fired. When police arrived, they found a large crowd, with multiple witnesses saying they were fired upon by a lone male suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found seven spent shell casings inside of a hallway within complex, which were just outside of the apartment that was reported to be connected with the incident. Witnesses on scene were able to identify the suspect as 22-year-old Ralfo Guajardo. The affidavit states that Guajardo fled the scene prior to police arriving, but a blood trail was located leading away from the complex toward the Ogden River. Guajardo was initially not located by police during the initial investigation. Police discovered multiple rounds struck an outside wall of an apartment that was occupied. Guajardo was then later located by Ogden Police later that evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a police interview, Guajardo was reported to initially have denied possessing or firing a gun but later confessed to having one while stating he is a convicted felon and knew he was restricted from having one. Guajardo told police he fired five rounds at a group of people as they ran away from him. The affidavit states Guajardo confessed to fleeing the scene with a firearm, and told police he had discarded the firearm, and Ogden Police are still looking for it. Guajardo was convicted of Aggravated Assault by a Prisoner, a second-degree felony, in February 2022. He is currently facing seven counts of Felony Discharge of a Firearm, a third-degree felony, and one count of Prohibited Dangerous Weapon Conduct, a second-degree felony. 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. Attorney General Gentner Drummond gives a speech on improving Oklahoma public education for his gubernatorial campaign at the Edmond History Museum on Aug. 19, 2025, in Edmond. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY The head of a major Oklahoma agency announced his resignation Monday, days after the states chief law enforcement officer sent the governor a letter questioning his actions. Rick Rose resigned as head of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services and as state chief operating officer, a post he held since August 2024, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Monday. His resignation is effective Sept. 26. Rick Rose, director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (Photo provided by the Office of the Governor) Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond last week sent Stitt a letter accusing Rose of refusing to process a statutorily authorized transaction for my office presumably at your instruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rose refused to process the purchase of vehicles for agents in his office, Drummond wrote. His stated reason for doing so is that I have not responded to an unrelated inquiry from his office seeking information he already has, Drummond wrote. Drummond asked Stitt to remove Rose from office if he was not acting on a request from Stitt. Drummond said if the action came at Stitts request, the governors actions represent a serious misuse of your authority, causing direct harm to the ability of my law enforcement agents to do their job. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services handles a number of functions for state agencies and offices, including finance, human resources and information technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummonds office provided the letter shortly after Stitt announced that Rose was leaving office. Drummond asked Stitt to take immediate action to resolve the matter. Stitts office and the Office of Management and Enterprise Services did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In an Aug. 18 letter received by Drummond, Rose asked the agency to fill out a form with questions about why the offices staffing had increased since 2019. It was not clear how many offices and agencies received the letter. The questionnaire indicated the Attorney Generals Office had a staffing level of 201 in 2019, a figure which rose to 321 currently. The Oklahoma Legislature over the years has assigned the office additional responsibilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummond, who is running for governor, became attorney general on Jan. 9, 2023, after defeating John M. OConnor, who Stitt tapped to replace Mike Hunter, who resigned. Rose previously served as chief of staff and special counsel to former Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, who termed out and is running for governor. Drummond said he believes his letter to Stitt played a role in Roses departure. Stitt and Drummond have disagreed on numerous issues, including the use of state dollars for a Catholic charter school, tribal relations and dual-office holding. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Members of the Oklahoma Legislature listen as Gov. Kevin Stitt gives his State of the State Address in the House chamber of the state Capitol on Feb. 3, 2025. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice) Editors note: Parts of this column contain graphic depictions of domestic violence. Its become clear two systems of justice exist in Oklahoma : one that caters to the good ol boys, and another for everyone else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good ol boy network features Republican officials shielding each other from the types of scrutiny that would get an everyday person skewered in the court of public opinion, fired from their job or thrown in jail. Lets take the case of state Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee. For months, people at the highest levels of government kept silent about the fact that he was accused of not one, but two, separate and horrific attacks on his own family. In April, Burns used his pickup to chase a vehicle carrying two of his family members, according to court documents. He ran them into a ditch, injuring both occupants. In a second incident, Burns tried to gouge out his wifes eye the Pawnee County Sheriffs Office learned while investigating the roadway assaults. His wifes injuries forced her to miss a week of work, according to court records. To their credit, the Pawnee County Sheriffs Office appears to have swiftly investigated both attacks, collecting recorded interviews and a video depicting Burns terrifying chase. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation was called in, as was a child welfare specialist from the Department of Human Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But then, things were hushed up. The OSBI didnt file the findings of their investigation with the court until Aug. 27. Burns was never arrested or charged with a crime for over four months. Pawnee County District Attorney Mike Fisher himself recused from the matter, according to the Attorney Generals Office. Attorney General Gentner Drummond suddenly decided to step in. At some point, Burns hired his Republican colleague, state Rep. Chris Kannady, an attorney who is listed on his state House bio as counselor to the Speaker, to represent him. Kannady is also a donor to Drummonds gubernatorial campaign. Burns hasnt donated to Drummond, but either directly or via his campaign, he has donated to over two dozen seated House lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, according to ethics filings. Meanwhile, Burns got to go about his life in state government as if nothing happened for months. He continued voting on legislation, including House Bill 1273, which is now law. It shortens the time some people convicted in domestic abuse cases have to spend time in classes to curb their behavior from 52 weeks to 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his veto message, attempting to block the passage of the law, Gov. Kevin Stitt wrote it will make it easier for abusers to sidestep meaningful consequences and avoid jail time with less effort. This isnt meaningful reform its a concession to abusers, and it puts victims at greater risk. By that late May vote, Burns knew he was under criminal investigation. But rather than recusing himself because of a clear conflict of interest, he was one of the 89 House lawmakers who voted to overturn Stitts veto. They were successful, and no one said a word about Burns case as they weakened consequences for abusers. In August, Drummonds office finally got around to prosecuting the matter, disclosing in a press release after-the-fact that Burns had pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of domestic abuse and assault. In a highly unusual move, Burns was allowed to plead guilty the same day he was charged, sparing him months of deserved public scrutiny during continued court appearances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burns received a one-year suspended sentence, and then was allowed to use House media resources funded by you and me to put out a statement justifying the plea, in which he noted hes begun a 52-week batterers intervention program you know, that same program he championed shortening for other abusers beginning Nov. 1. Fellow Republicans Drummond and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, meanwhile, gave Burns the equivalent of a metaphorical pat on the back following his plea, both condemning his violence, but praising him for taking responsibility. Neither man demanded that he resign. And while state law doesnt actually require a lawmaker to resign unless theyre convicted of a felony, it doesnt mean they shouldnt. Elected officials should be held to a higher standard because if recent history is any judge, we know theyre not willing to hold each other to one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former House Rep. Dean Davis, R-Broken Arrow, whose campaign Burns donated to, was censured and briefly removed from all committees by the state House following a 2023 arrest for public intoxication in Oklahoma City. Body cam footage showed Dean, who later pleaded no contest to the charge, arguing with officers and saying he was immune from prosecution because he was a lawmaker. But he was allowed to be immediately reinstated to those committees when he publicly apologized. Voters later booted him themselves. And Drummond tossed out a case against former House Majority Whip Terry ODonnell, R-Catoosa, that involved allegations that he ran a bill allowing his wife to be appointed as a state tag agent. Drummond said at the time that the reason he dismissed the case wasnt because he thought ODonnell was blameless, but because he believed he was unfairly targeted. Republican lawmakers though had no problem targeting former state Rep. Mauree Turner, the nations first nonbinary legislator, after a protester went to the Democrats office following an altercation with the states Highway Patrol. Turner, who is also Black and Muslim, was never charged with a crime, but that didnt stop Republican legislators from censuring and stripping Turner of all committees for an imaginary House made up charge of harboring a fugitive. Republicans said Turner would be reinstated after apologizing. Turner never did, and later said the vote was a symbolic reminder to marginalized Oklahomans that they dont belong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Burns case, it wasnt until Stitt and state Republican Party Chair Charity Linch demanded he resign that the 46-year-old actually did so. But that resignation wont be effective until next month. Burns said he still wants to complete an interim study at the Capitol on post traumatic stress disorders and doesnt plan to step down until thats done. And apparently his good ol buddies are going to allow him that final gesture of respect. He doesnt deserve that. Lawmakers should not reward people who try to gouge out their spouses eyes or run people off the road. GOP chair Linch wrote in a statement that the good old boy system concealing nefarious behavior should no longer be tolerated in Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe the good ol boys can live up to that apparent Republican ideal next time one of their buddies breaks the law. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE An Oklahoma man was arrested for allegedly attempting to hire a hitman for to assassinate a couple who sued him and won more than a half-million dollars for selling them a house they said was infested with bats. Keith Barton Cathey is now facing two counts of soliciting murder in the first degree, according to court records. Police took Barton into custody on September 4, after which he was released on $200,000 bond and ordered not to have any contact with the alleged targets of the plot. Reached by phone on Monday, Cathey told The Independent, It was a misunderstanding. I dont want to talk about that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheryl Fritts, who, along with husband Mike, purchased her dream home from Cathey in 2015, sued him the following year after realizing the structure was overrun with the winged critters and winning a $526,000 jury verdict said on Monday that she could not comment without first speaking with her attorney. However, in response to Catheys contention, Fritts told The Independent, His whole life is a misunderstanding. She said she was at the airport, leaving town in order to stay safe. David Keesling, the attorney representing the pair, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Keith Cathey is accused of trying to hire a hitman to kill a couple who sued him and won. (Tulsa County Sheriff's Office) A probable cause affidavit obtained by Tulsa CBS affiliate KOTV says an informant told police that Cathey had asked him if he knew anyone who could execute the Frittses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These people sued me 4 years after I sold my f***ing house, they got bats in their house, Cathey allegedly said. ... If you know a hitman, Id give $100,000 to have those people killed. Im not even joking. Cathey told the unidentified individual that he cant find a hitman to save my life... Ive even asked some homeless people, following up with a plea for the contact to do the deed himself. Ill even take you and drop you off, Cathey said, according to the affidavit. With costs and fees, the $526,000 court judgment the Frittses were awarded exceeded $1 million, according to KOTV. The two said they were forced to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to get rid of the bats, which Cathey never mentioned before the sale. They discovered the infestation less than a day after moving in, and spent more on abatement than they did on the house itself, they said last year. Initially, the couple thought they were dealing only with a bad water leak, which drenched four of the homes bedrooms, according to KOTV. Sheryl and Mike Fritts were shocked to find their home infested with bats after buying it from Cathey, who allegedly tried to have the couple killed following their successful lawsuit (AFP via Getty Images) They soon found what they thought were bedbugs, only to realize the insects were in fact bat bugs, after which the Frittses were shocked to find hundreds of bats living in their walls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The homes insulation and drywall turned out to be soaked through with bat guano, and required the pair to replace the outside brickwork and strip the entire second floor interior down to the studs, Sheryl said at the time. An inspection prior to the purchase came up clear, and Cathey never disclosed the issue, according to the couple. Definitely looking forward to putting this chapter behind us, having our family and friends over, and celebrating the holidays in the house we thought we bought back in 2015, Mike told KOTV last year. Cathey was arrested on September 4 and freed the same day. He is due to be arraigned in court on September 11 at 9 a.m. Left-wing film stars including Olivia Colman have vowed to boycott Israeli cinema. More than 1,300 actors, producers and screenwriters signed an open letter accusing Israel of committing genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people. Pledging not to work with Israels film industry, signatories including Tilda Swinton and Mark Ruffalo claim: In this urgent moment of crisis, where many of our governments are enabling the carnage in Gaza, we must do everything we can to address complicity in that unrelenting horror. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The worlds highest court, the International Court of Justice, has ruled that there is a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza, and that Israels occupation and apartheid against Palestinians are unlawful. Standing for equality, justice and freedom for all people is a profound moral duty that none of us can ignore. So too, we must speak out now against the harm done to the Palestinian people. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed during Israels war on Hamas - Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters We answer the call of Palestinian film-makers, who have urged the international film industry to refuse silence, racism and dehumanisation, as well as to do everything humanly possible to end complicity in their oppression. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed in Israels war on Hamas following the terror groups Oct 7 2023 attacks on the Jewish state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel denies allegations that it is committing genocide, ethnic cleansing and mass starvation in Gaza. Other signatories include Juliet Stevenson known for her role in the 1991 film Truly, Madly, Deeply and Josh OConnor, who played Prince Charles in The Crown. Ken Loach, the socialist film-maker, and Miriam Margolyes, the British-Australian comedian, also signed the letter. Colman has previously described herself as Left-wing, saying in 2019 that she was one of those rare Left-wing monarchists very conflicted. Ruffalo is a vocal opponent of Donald Trump, while Swinton is a former member of the Communist Party of Great Britain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julia Sawalha, the Absolutely Fabulous actress, said she had been splintered by Israels war in Gaza. Mark Ruffalo, the Hollywood actor, is among film industry professionals who have signed the pledge - Mike Marsland/WireImage Witnessing the annihilation of the Palestinians in Gaza by Israel over the past two years has splintered the depths of me, and the unrelenting silence to their suffering is unconscionable, she said. As an actress and artist, I carry both the right and the duty to use my voice to shatter the silence by taking action. This pledge is my way of joining a global community that refuses to be intimidated, that refuses to surrender to hopelessness, and that insists on saying loud and clear: the lives of Palestinians matter. Last year, a similar letter against Israeli books and publishers was criticised as illiberal and dangerous. The actors, producers and screenwriters claim our governments are enabling the carnage in Gaza - Ali Jadallah/Anadolu via Getty Images Sally Rooney joined fellow writers in pledging to boycott Israeli cultural institutions complicit in justifying Israels occupation, apartheid or genocide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Lee Child, the bestselling novelist, and 1,000 leading writers and thinkers likened the planned boycott to the action of a self-righteous cult. The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which pressures retailers and consumers to stop buying products and services from Israel, has also taken off since the war in Gaza. Israeli food imports have plunged by 17 per cent in the past year amid the boycott campaigns. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Amid confusion at the federal level about access to updated COVID-19 vaccines, several states are taking steps this fall to make sure that residents have broad access to the shots. While the Food and Drug Administration recently approved updated COVID-19 vaccines, the agency changed its recommendations about who is eligible for the shots to those 65 and older or younger people with "high risk" conditions. In addition, CVS said at one point the shots would not be available in 16 statesincluding Massachusetts and Pennsylvaniathat required vaccines to be approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which is not meeting until Sept. 18-19. Governors and cabinet-level officials in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Colorado and New Mexico responded by issuing executive orders or directions to boards of health and pharmacy to ensure access to the vaccines. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement that the state would protect residents' rights to the COVID and other vaccines. California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii have formed a Western Health Alliance to develop their own immunization guidelines in the wake of disruptions at the CDC. "It's good news," says Wendy E. Parmet, a leading expert in public health law and director of the Center for Health Policy and Law at Northeastern's School of Law. What Massachusetts and other states are doing is not mandating COVID vaccines but making them available to people over and under age 65, she says. "States can make it easier to get vaccines," Parmet says. "As distrust rises, accessibility becomes more and more important. We can make it accessible, so people don't have to spend hours finding a pharmacy or drive out of state. "We can ensure that insurance companies that are under state regulation cover the vaccines. We can create state messaging. States can (operate) vaccine clinics," Parmet says. What states like Massachusetts are doing is making sure that people can continue to get COVID vaccines at the most convenient location, which for most people is their local pharmacy, says Neil Maniar, director of Northeastern's master of public health program. "About 90% of individuals get their COVID vaccines at a pharmacy," he says. Maniar says in some states the pharmacy will provide the vaccine with a physician's prescription. But prior to Healey's order this week, Massachusetts was not one of those states. Pharmacists in Massachusetts could only provide the vaccine if it was on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' list, he says. The irony is that states like Massachusetts relied on the committee due to its history of scientific leadership. But public health officials have called that leadership into question after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired and replaced committee members. Maniar says that development, combined with the recent ouster of CDC Director Susan Monarez over vaccine policy, has led to pushback from the medical community and public health communities. This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu. Jonathan Creswell bullied and broke women the way he bullied and broke horses, says Olympic dressage competitor Abi Lyle. In Skys new three-part documentary Death of a Showjumper, Lyle gives devastating testimony of how Creswell (a Northern Irish jockey-turned-horse trainer) repeatedly assaulted her during their nine-month relationship in 2008, before he went on to beat and fatally strangle 21-year-old Katie Simpson in August 2020. Creswell died by suicide after the first day of his murder trial in March 2021, with three devoted/brainwashed women later convicted of helping him hide the evidence of his attack by cleaning blood from his house, washing his clothes at a petrol station laundrette and backing his lie that the welts hed raised on Simpsons body with a horse whip had been caused by a riding accident the previous day. A gifted showjumper dreaming of a rosette-filled future, Simpson was the younger sister of Creswells long-term partner (and mother of his two children), Christina, and at the time of her death, was sharing a home with the couple (and another young woman in Creswells thrall) in rural Northern Ireland. They all worked together in what Lyle describes as the close-knit, patriarchal local horse riding community, where Lyle says Creswells reputation as a talented guy, well-respected and funny prevented locals and later the police from looking into his darker side. He was such a slickly convincing charmer that he successfully convinced the authorities that Simpson had tried to hang herself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chillingly, Creswell was at Simpsons bedside in hospital when she died (without regaining consciousness) six days after he attacked her. This documentary pays tribute to the tenacity of the small group of friends along with a dogged local journalist and one dedicated police worker who spent months pushing reluctant police bosses to question Creswells version of events. Disturbingly, initial police checks didnt flag Creswells 2010 conviction for assaulting Lyle a charge to which he pleaded guilty, leading to a six-month prison sentence (of which he served three months). Talking via Zoom from the home she shares with her partner of three years, Lyle tells me that when she heard about Simpsons death she was shocked but not surprised. Even though her determination to prevent Creswell from hurting any more women drove her to speak out in 2010, many refused to believe her. The local community even threw Creswell a party in the pub when he got out of prison. Having moved to England and thrown all her energy into her career, Lyle says she had got to a point where I felt: OK, youve said your piece, let it go and move on with your life. She shakes her head. Theres such a big part of me that wishes I hadnt done that, that wishes I had kept on [talking about Creswells violent streak]. But he would probably only have used that as fuel to make me seem like a crazy girl, a bunny-boiler. She shrugs. She had hoped sending him to prison would end Creswells violence. But his behaviour seems to have escalated after he got out. He was collecting more and more women The living situation he ended up in was wild. Jonathan Creswell was previously a jockey and became a trainer - Sky Even today, Lyle finds it hard to describe the horror film assaults she experienced at Creswells hands. In the documentary, she recalls having her head smashed into the dashboard of his car while he was at the wheel. She describes being driven out to the woods in the dark and repeatedly choked for hours as her then-boyfriend asked, Why are you such a w---e? On another occasion, he threatened to put her into a bath full of bleach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Talking about all that on camera was hard, she says. I shared some things that even members of my family hadnt heard, because I wouldnt have wanted to tell them. But it was also cathartic, because I have never spoken about everything so chronologically. Lyle explains that in previous interviews including a BBC podcast she has only described the unpleasant details, whereas this documentary gives her the opportunity to bring my story up to date and show that Ive made a good, happy life for myself. I got away from him and last summer I rode a horse at the Paris Olympics. Although Creswell was seen as a star of the horse world when they met, Lyles career quickly eclipsed his, and she tells me that was because he bullied horses. The documentary features testimony from those who saw him starve and punch animals in his care. Did she witness this behaviour? Yes, she says, so I get frustrated when I hear people go on about how talented he was. I think he was quite abusive to the animals. That was why he got as far as he did, as a big fish in a small pond, but also what stopped him from getting any farther. A family photo of Katie Simpson, who died in August 2020 - Sky UK Limited The documentary depicts the horse community as one full of secrets and silence. Creswell is shown operating like a cult leader, controlling a harem of (mostly younger) women. Were told he had the charisma of a pop star, but played the needy child. His ex-partners tell us that he brought out their maternal instincts by praising them for doing his chores, before devastating them with vicious criticism or sudden physical attacks. He slapped faces and yanked on ponytails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman he dated before Lyle Jill Robinson is shown on camera downplaying any physical attacks on her own body. She was one of the three women convicted of covering up his attack on Simpson (although she didnt know it was murder) and Lyle says: I think Jill is the bravest person in the documentary. It hit me so hard when she said that even after he was arrested for Katies murder, she was worried about him. After everything, her worry was still for him. It shows you how completely controlled she was. She had dedicated half her life to him. The horse world is quite old-fashioned in a lot of ways, Lyle continues. Youve got lots of vulnerable young girls working long hours, not making much money, spending a lot of time away from their families. In a lot of cases, they leave home to pursue this, and they are very dedicated and very hardy. But we really dont see a lot of men you can go for days so it is a bit of a joke that any man in the horse community is going to do well with girls. Theyll all be like, Oh my farrier is sooo good-looking. Creswell felt so immune from censure by his community that he told Lyle upfront when they started dating that his aim for me was that I would be compliant enough that all I ever needed was the odd slap to stay in line. She exhales. He told me he had hit his exes in the past. I thought it was bravado, I thought he was joking. Ive always been a strong woman, physically and I said, If you do that to me, Ill knock you out. Katie Simpson riding in 2017 - Kevin Owens/Sky In the event, Lyle was horrified to discover that even though Johnny wasnt a big man he was 5ft 10in she was never able to fight back. Its shocking, to be overpowered. As a girl, you have no idea what its like to be attacked by a furious man. Even if you are strong, if you work out like me, you cannot match even a weak man. You just go into survival mode and you do whatever you have to do to calm the man down and get out of the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the occasion when Creswell repeatedly asked Lyle, Why are you such a w---e? she ran through a gamut of placatory responses, between gasping for air before finding the answer he wanted: Because my mothers a w---e. What Lyle hopes viewers take away from the documentary is that there is no one type of woman affected by this kind of abuse. She says: Its not just shy, submissive women. Im a defiant, strong-willed type of person. Im not a walkover by any means. But you can be an independent-minded woman and still experience abuse. Instead of thinking about the type who is subjected to this, we should think more about the type of man who does it. Lyle hopes the documentary shines a light on domestic violence - Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images She would like to pass on the advice she got from an excellent domestic violence specialist with the police about the challenges of leaving an abuser. She told me it would be hard. She said: Youll spend weeks feeling like youre climbing up a hill, up to your neck in mud. But you will get to a point where you feel indifferent to him. She was completely right on both counts. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. Proving that women can break cycles of abuse, Lyle has now been in a very happy relationship with her current partner for three years. It sounds silly, she says, but I do occasionally check in with friends and family about the mundanities in a relationship: is this normal, is that healthy? But Mark [her partner] and I adore each other. We can have a bit of a row and halfway into it find ourselves laughing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also says that surviving Creswell has helped her career. I get nervous when Im competing, she laughs. But I remind myself: if I could survive Johnny, then Im more than capable of prancing around this sand arena on a pony! Death of a Showjumper is on Sky Documentaries and Now on Sunday September 7 at 9pm 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. John and Viv Ewing take the stage about 15 minutes after Mayor Jean Stothert called him to concede on May 13, 2025. (Courtesy of Howard K. Marcus) OMAHA The new Omaha mayor weighed in Monday on the 2nd Congressional Districts Democratic primary. Omaha Mayor John Ewing endorsed Douglas County District Court Clerk Crystal Rhoades in a busy field as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. House seat in the states most politically divided and diverse district. Crystal Rhoades is running to be the Democratic nominee in Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District. (Courtesy of Crystal Rhoadess campaign) Ewing said Congress requires leaders who are ready to get to work from day one and said, Crystal Rhoades is that leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her leadership as a key advisor on my mayoral campaign was not just instrumental to our victory, Ewing said. It was a clear demonstration of her ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver results. Rhoades said having Ewings endorsement was a great honor. She called him an experienced leader and said she was grateful for his support. Democrats started lining up to run next year even before news broke of U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., not running in 2026, partly because the Omaha-based district is a place where the partys nominees have lost four straight times by single digits. The crowded Democratic field includes State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, business owner and political action committee co-founder Denise Powell and Navy veteran Kishla Askins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Randall Adkins, a University of Nebraska at Omaha political science professor, described Ewing as Omahas most prominent Democrat. His endorsement is a signal to his supporters that they should consider supporting her financially or otherwise, Adkins said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Some Democrats point to the mayoral election in May as a hint of a possible blue tide for the states second-largest party to capitalize on, though political observers acknowledge that the fundamentals of the slightly right-leaning 2nd District havent changed. National and state GOP strategists have acknowledged that an open-seat 2nd District race is winnable for Democrats, but they say Republicans can win and hold the seat. The GOP primary to replace Bacon includes Omaha City Council Vice President Brinker Harding and former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom of Omaha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhoades, a lifetime Omahan, was previously elected as a member of the Nebraska Public Service Commission, the states catch-all regulator. She has a history of helping local Democrats win elections as a political consultant, including helping Ewing become the first Democrat in roughly a decade to lead the largest city in Nebraska. She also has faced criticisms for butting heads with people who disagree with her. Whether its advocating for working families, protecting access to healthcare, or standing up for civil rights, Ewing said, Crystal has never backed down. She will go to Washington with a clear mandate to get Congress working for the people again. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NEED TO KNOW Matthew Dieringer, 35, is accused of killing of 67-year-old Frank Quaranta This was a very violent and horrific murder, a Maricopa County prosecutor said at a hearing on Sunday, Sept. 7 He was convicted in 2023 of killing his roommate's dogs in Colorado A man who was convicted of killing dogs in Colorado has been arrested on a murder charge in Arizona. Matthew Dieringer, 35, is accused of murdering 67-year-old Frank Quaranta, who authorities say was murdered at his Scottsdale home in a targeted attack, per a Scottsdale Police Department press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a Sunday, Sept. 8, hearing, a Maricopa County prosecutor alleged Dieringer beat the victim to death. This was a very violent and horrific murder, the prosecutor said at the hearing. There was a strong weight of evidence against Mr. Dieringer, including presumptive DNA match to blood that was found at the scene. The prosecutor said Dieringer was on probation at the time of the slaying and had prior felony convictions that included animal cruelty. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. According to Denver7, Dieringer was arrested at a Days Inn in Centennial, Colo., on July 26, 2020 for killing two of his roommate's dogs, dismembering one of them. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison after the 2023 conviction, per Denver7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Maricopa prosecutor described Dieringer as an extremely dangerous individual. Police were called to Quarantas Scottsdale home about 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2025 when he didnt show up to work or answer his phone, according to a probable cause statement obtained by PEOPLE. Officers forced entry inside the residence and found Quaranta dead at the top of the stairs with extensive trauma to his head. There was a metal sculpture lying on its side on top of the decedents head and an additional metal sculpture covered in blood on the floor nearby, says the statement. During a search of the home, investigators found bloody handprints and what appeared to be bloody sock-covered foot impressions near the victims body and a bloody shirt and blood-soaked socks in a dirty clothes bin and blood on a larger pair of boots," according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police interviewed coworkers, who alleged that Quaranta allowed a subject to live with him for the past three months and was recently asking a coworker how to get the subject to move out of his house, per the statement. According to the press release, Dieringer has a history of experiencing homelessness, and has been described as manipulative and charismatic, often befriending others to assist him with a place to stay. During the hearing on Sunday, Dieringer, who is facing a first-degree murder charge, told the judge, "You are being given wrong information about me entirely, and my name." At the time of the slaying, Dieringer was on probation for theft in Arizona after he attempted to assault a man walking down the street and stole his sunglasses on June 20, 2024. He pleaded guilty to theft and misdemeanor assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same day, he allegedly approached a woman walking her dog in downtown Phoenix and asked her if he could pet her dog. Matthew Dieringer then bent down and rather than petting the 14-year-old dog, [he] picked it up and then forcefully threw the dog to the ground," states the probable cause statement. Shortly after, he allegedly kicked another womans dog, causing the dog to fly out of its leash and into the roadway, per the statement. Quaranta worked at the Wesley United Methodist Churchs schooling center, church leaders said, per AZfamily. Frank was a tireless advocate for the unhoused, and his kindness and compassion touched everyone he served, a pastor said, according to AZfamily. Read the original article on People MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) One person is dead and another was hospitalized with serious injuries after a fiery head-on collision in Union County over the weekend. According to the Union County Sheriffs Office, emergency calls were received just after 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning, when reports of a two-vehicle crash were received. Deputies and other emergency personnel arrived near the intersection of State Route 31 and Miller Road, approximately 14 miles north of Marysville in Union County. Epstein survivors push for accountability, invoking Les Wexners name One vehicle, a 2023 Jeep Renegade, was fully engulfed in flames, while another vehicle, a 2009 Honda Civic, was totaled from crash damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency crews from The Northern Union County Fire and EMS District, Northwestern Joint Fire District and the Marysville Fire Department extinguished the fire and pulled out the driver of the Jeep. That person was taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to a Columbus-area trauma center. The driver of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene and has not yet been identified. One person is dead after a fiery head-on collision in Union County, Aug. 6, 2025. (Courtesy/Union County Sheriffs Office) One person is dead after a fiery head-on collision in Union County, Aug. 6, 2025. (Courtesy/Union County Sheriffs Office) An investigation revealed that the Honda was traveling southbound on State Route 31, while the Jeep was heading north, before crossing the center line and colliding with the Honda. The Sheriffs Office does not yet know whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash, or what specifically led to the fatal collision. The Sheriffs Office, along with multiple Union County and Marysville area agencies assisted at the scene and the crash remains under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) One person is in critical condition after a reported shooting in the Hilltop section of Columbus Sunday night. According to a Columbus police dispatcher, the shooting happened on the 300 block of North Ogden Avenue at approximately 9 p.m. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Police have not said what led to the shooting and there is no suspect information available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. President Donald Trump unveiled a new national prayer initiative Monday at the Museum of the Bible, calling for Americans to unite in prayer ahead of the nations 250th anniversary. The America Prays initiative arrives as the administration pushes expanded religious protections in schools and government. Speaking to faith leaders, Trump linked national strength directly to religious belief. When faith gets weaker, our country seems to get weaker. When faith gets stronger good things happen for our country. Its amazing the way it seems to work that way. Under the Trump Administration, were defending our rights and restoring our identity as a nation under God. We are One Nation Under God and we always will be, the President said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative has already attracted significant support. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner announced that more than 70 faith organizations and churches have signed on to participate. Think about the miracles that would take place over the next year the transformation that you and I could witness in communities all across the land, Turner said. Trump also previewed upcoming guidance from the Education Department that protects prayer in public schools. I am pleased to announce this morning that the Department of Education will soon issue new guidance protecting the right to prayer in our public schools, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The President highlighted the case of a 12-year-old California student named Shay. Last year, in fifth grade, Shay was forced to read a book to a Kindergarten student promoting a message of radical gender ideology that is contrary to his religious beliefs and ours, Trump said. Trump also criticized Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia for questioning the religious origins of American rights. The senator had called such notions extremely troubling in recent comments. Its this Declaration of Independence that proclaims were endowed by our creator with the right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. The Senator from Virginia should be ashamed of himself, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The President emphasized faith as essential to American identity. To have a great nation, you have to have religion. I believe that so strongly. There has to be something after we go through all of this and that something is God, Trump said. Trump concluded with a pledge to defend religious freedom: America has always been a nation that believes in the power of prayer, and we will never apologize for our faith ever, ever, never, never. We will never surrender our God-given rights. RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WVNS) One person was arrested in Raleigh County for alleged sexual abuse. According to a post on the Raleigh County Sheriffs Offices Facebook page, Calvin Spencer was arrested for Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree and Sexual Abuse by a Parent, Guardian, Custodian, or Person in a Position of Trust to a Child. One child pronounced dead after reported gunshot wound in Greenbrier County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post from the Raleigh County Sheriffs office stated that Spencer was arrested after a reported incident was investigated by the Raleigh County Sheriffs Office Detective Bureau. According to the Raleigh County Sheriffs Offices Facebook post, Sheriff Frank Priddy and Chief Deputy Frankie Shelton thanked the Raleigh County Sheriffs Office Detective Bureau for their work on the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. WARREN COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) A man suspected of being one of the largest suppliers of methamphetamine in Warren County has been arrested, authorities announced Monday. The Warren County Sheriffs Department said 38-year-old Robert Bobby Alexander Russell was taken into custody on Saturday, Sept. 6, following a joint investigation, which involved the McMinnville Police Department and Coffee County Sheriffs Office. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts According to officials, the 38-year-old from Smyrna is a convicted felon with prior drug convictions out of Cannon County. Russell is reportedly believed to be one of the largest suppliers of methamphetamine in Warren and surrounding counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs department said narcotics investigators began an extensive investigation into Russell about two months ago after learning that he had been transporting massive quantities of methamphetamine approximately two to three pounds per trip from Smyrna into Warren and surrounding counties for more than a year. The arrest of Mr. Russell represents a major victory in our fight against illegal drugs. He was a key supplier of methamphetamine in our community, flooding Warren County with dangerous, life-destroying narcotics. Removing him from our streets is a critical step in protecting our citizens and sending a clear message to other drug traffickers that they will not be allowed to operate here, stated Warren County Sheriff Jackie Matheny Jr. in a post about the arrest. This arrest adds to the growing list of drug dealers who have been taken off our streets in recent months. Chief Mosely and I are proud to support our officers and their relentless efforts, and we continue to encourage anyone with information about illegal drug activity to contact our office. Together, we can and will make Warren County a safer place to live, he continued. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russell was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine (453 grams) with intent to deliver and driving while in possession of methamphetamine. The 38-year-old is being held at the Warren County Jail on a $150,000 bond, officials said. No additional details were immediately released. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. (NewsNation) Egypt is building a luxury resort at one of the most sacred religious sites in the world, Mount Sinai. The plan, known as the Great Transfiguration Project, was initiated by Egypt in 2021. The government is promoting it as Egypts gift to the entire world and all religions, according to a recent BBC report. The location is sacred to three prominent Abrahamic religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism, and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to religious tradition, the area is where Moses was given the Ten Commandments by God, and is also home to the 6th-century St. Catherines Monastery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ed Dept to debut guidance protecting prayer in schools: Trump Luxury hotels, villas and shopping bazaars are already under construction, drawing heavy international criticism and concerns about displacement of communities indigenous to the region. Displacement concerns The project has caused concern for a traditional Bedouin community in the region known as the Jebeleya tribe or Guardians of St. Catherine. Members of the tribe have had their homes and eco-camps demolished with little or no compensation. A grave site has been uprooted and replaced by a parking lot. A new urban world is being built around a Bedouin tribe of nomadic heritage, Ben Hoffler, a British travel writer who has worked closely with Sinai tribes, told the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $110M to faith-based organizations for security improvements: Noem Its a world they have always chosen to remain detached from, to whose construction they did not consent, and one that will change their place in their homeland forever, Hoffler continued. St. Catherines Monastery affected The 6th-century St. Catherines Monastery, located at the base of Mount Sinai, is the oldest continuously used Christian monastery in the world. Critics of Egypts project argue that construction on the land threatens to undermine the rich religious and cultural significance of the monastery. Recently, World Heritage Watch sent an open letter condemning the project and requesting that St. Katherine be added to the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites in danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Egypt is aiming to transform St. Katherine into a new hub of religious, environmental and health tourism, in greatest conceivable contrast to what this area is all about: serenity, solitude, and spirituality, a World Heritage Watch press release reads. Trump says he wants to get to heaven Greek officials have also been upfront with their criticism of the project, as the Greek Orthodox Church runs the monastery. The monasterys property is being seized and expropriated. This spiritual beacon of Orthodoxy and Hellenism is now facing an existential threat, Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens, head of the Church of Greece, said in a statement. SINAI, EGYPT JANUARY 17: A view of Saint Catherines Monastery, an 1,500-year-old monastery located on the Sinai Peninsula, at the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt on January 17, 2022. The monastery became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Built between 527 and 565, the monastery is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. (Photo by Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Egypt looks to boost tourism Amid economic uncertainty, Egypt has portrayed the project as an exciting opportunity to increase tourism and access to the holy site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project will provide all tourism and recreational services for visitors, promote the development of the town [of St Catherine] and its surrounding areas while preserving the environmental, visual, and heritage character of the pristine nature, and provide accommodation for those working on St Catherines projects, Egyptian Housing Minister Sherif el-Sherbiny said last year. Plans for the project also include the creation of various hotels, a cable car, a visitor center and an expansion of the nearby airport. The project coincides with the countrys stated goal of 30 million tourists to Egypt by 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 NewsNation. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The U.S. Department of Labors employment report, which was released on Friday, shows weak job growth nationwide in August, with just about 22,000 jobs added. Tariffs, AI, immigration policies, and increased minimum wages are some of the factors behind the lower-than-expected jobs numbers. San Diego employment attorney Annie Ellis joins Good Morning San Diego to discuss the disappointing August jobs numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The September report that comes out in a month, thats going to be even more telling because were going to see all the federal government employees fall off the severance payroll and theres going to be another downward revision, Ellis said. Watch her 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. 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 Clinical data demonstrate the combination of tarlatamab with anti-PD-L1 therapy as first-line maintenance has an acceptable safety profile and resulted in unprecedented overall survival in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). K.G. Paulson, MD, Providence-Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle, Wash., presented new safety and efficacy data from the Phase Ib DeLLphi-303 trial evaluating tarlatamab in combination with anti-PD-L1 therapy as first-line maintenance treatment for ES-SCLC at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) in Barcelona, Spain. Tarlatamab is a bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) immunotherapy designed to direct cytotoxic T cells to target and destroy cancer cells expressing delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3). Previous studies have shown tarlatamab prolongs overall survival in the second-line SCLC setting. In the DeLLphi-303 trial, investigators evaluated tarlatamab's safety and efficacy in the first-line maintenance setting in combination with either atezolizumab or durvalumab. The Phase Ib trial enrolled 88 patients with ES-SCLC who had completed four to six cycles of platinum-etoposide chemotherapy and anti-PD-L1 (unless unavailable) without disease progression. Within eight weeks of the start of their last chemo-immunotherapy cycle, patients began maintenance treatment with tarlatamab (10 mg IV every two weeks) in combination with either atezolizumab (1,680 mg IV every four weeks) or durvalumab (1,500 mg IV every four weeks) until disease progression. After a median follow-up of 18.4 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 25.3 months (95% CI, 20.3not reached), and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.6 months (95% CI, 3.59.0). The most common tarlatamab-related adverse event was cytokine release syndrome, occurring in 56% of patientspredominantly grade 1 in severity. Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome occurred in 6% of patients. Importantly, treatment-emergent and treatment-related adverse events decreased over time, demonstrating long-term tolerability. "The combination of tarlatamab with anti-PD-L1 therapy as first-line maintenance demonstrates a manageable safety profile and unprecedented overall survival in this patient population," said lead investigator K.G. Paulson, MD. "These results support further evaluation of this combination in the active Phase III DeLLphi-305 trial (NCT06211036) as a promising therapeutic strategy in first-line ES-SCLC." Provided by International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer The Honolulu Fire Department rescued a hiker who fell ill Sunday morning on the Makapuu Trail in Hawaii Kai. HFD received a 911 call at 10 :11 a.m. and dispatched seven units with 19 personnel, according to a news release. Firefighters reached the man, described as being in his 30s, near the tidepools at 10 :41 a.m., where they provided medical care. He was airlifted to a nearby landing zone and transferred to Emergency Medical Services at 11 :22 a.m. No firefighter injuries were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 0 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 ? . "You must convince people to accept socialism before they accept Communism." - Vladimir Lenin With midterms only months away, it is time we revisit the left's playbook to see what is facing our nation in the very near future. By the 5th century BC, General Sun Tzu mastered the art of Chinese warfare, "The Art of War." He believed the most important way to victory is to know your enemy. "Fear of the unknown is distracting and does allow you to develop a plan for victory." - Sun Tzu For those of us who grew up during the Cold War and watched the rebuilding of nations, we were shocked the Eastern Bloc became home to socialism and Communism. The countries in Western Europe like England and France developed democracies, but with caveats. They adopted many of the aspects of socialism. Their governments were pertinently branded as Democratic Socialist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Communists goals to infiltrate the U.S. were established decades ago. On Jan. 10, 1963, a list of their 45 goals was read into Congressional Record. If we look at the Democratic progressive party of today, it mirrors every objective that the Communist Manifesto felt relevant to infiltrate and subjugate America. "I believe its always good to spread the wealth around." - Barack Obama The progressives, like the Communists, elucidate that the working class struggles under capitalism. They banter a society always takes from the oppressed majority who lives beneath the capitalistic minority. Capitalism exploits the working class, which depends on the owners of production. The means of socialism equalizes the unfair social cleavage by making the lower classes feel equal. A Russian defector said, Socialism, communism, progressiveism and Democratic socialists have the same goal. They only wear different suits. That goal is to turn entire countries into government dependent states. Progressives are way ahead of their counterparts in completing this this decade. During the Cold War in 1958 in his book The Naked Communist, Cleon Skousen warns America the communists have completed most of Marx and Lenin's 45 goals to control the United States. Progressives like Lenin tell us, "Big Government" will rescue you from the evils off capitalism. "You must convince people socialism will rescue them from dependence on capitalism. - Vladimir Lenin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the USSR folded like a paper bag, it took only a minor crisis to bring Socialists, communists and progressives back into power. When the pandemic unraveled global economies, governments dolled out a fortress of cash to workers and businesses. This rekindled the faith people had in big government's ability to solve all their problems as long as they traded their liberty for false security. Governments assumed new powers to trace, track, and control people. Many were abused and it is conceivable they may never allow citizens to have control of their democracies again. "No Marxist can deny that the interests of socialism are higher than the rights of any nation" - Vladimir Lenin Left of center and progressive regimes came into power worldwide. In smaller nations, dictators ruled by fiat. The confiscation of democracy is crucial for success by any revolutionary. After these parties came to power, many leaders revised their constitutions, making them lifetime presidents. In the U.S., we've elected more progressives and socialists than any time in our republican history. Lasting political change must restructure society "disguised as reform" to end capitalism. There will be no ownership of property and all goods and services will be nationalized. This includes schools, housing, transportation, banks and speech. This society of equals will be equal in name only. "We are the change that you have been waiting for. We are the change that you seek." - Barack Obama Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a recent study by the Communism Memorial Foundation, nearly 40% of all Americans believe the Communist Manifesto guarantees more freedom than the Declaration of Independence. This is taught in U.S. classrooms by union teachers that obtain their curriculum from progressives. In 1858, Britain's Robert Owen said, "all man's problems stem from Christianity." Parliament then ordered teaching the merits of socialism and evils of Christianity. This removed God from all public education. Today, only half of UK students believe in God, never read the bible, or go to church. During the pandemic, many progressive politicians assumed emergency powers and are reluctant to let go of them. Political opportunism and public fear of another pandemic justify many of these politicians to keep these powers, claiming it will be an asset if a national emergency takes place. You can call it Communism, socialism or progressivism; the results are the same." - Ray Sanders Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those of us who know the history of our founding and the creation of a perfect union are longing for America to make a right turn back toward republicanism. The Berlin Wall fell in 1989, but did not end communism, socialism or progressiveism. A hundred years after the Russian Revolution, one-fifth of the worlds population lives under single-party communist or socialist regimes such as North Korea, Vietnam, China, Cuba and Laos. Over half of world governments are also progressive. Vladimir Lenin said "the goal of socialism is Communism," which has been renamed progressive-ism. Like socialism, it is a soft sell for Communism. Communist regimes have been responsible for over 100,000,000 deaths, killing political opposition and citizens that dare challenge their tyranny! Progressive presidents from Wilson through Biden have increased the authority of the president and now Americans expect more from the executive branch than their Constitutional powers. The progressives are violating the Constitution and every branch of government to sell their brand of socialism to the people. America has been moving further away from republicanism for years and too few people have stepped forward to reverse it. "Liberty once lost is lost forever." - John Adams. The Communist Manifesto is alive and well, working under the guise of the progressive bible on how to take control of a nation and make the people dependent on government; not capitalism. The progressives are winning by dividing the classes so there is no majority to stop them from turning America into a socialist democratic dictatorial nation where political tyranny replaces democracy. The Monroe Doctrine, the bible of U.S. foreign and military policy, tells other nations don't mess with America! Anyone who feels socialism, Communism or progressiveism is better than our republican democracy only needs to vacation 90 miles off the coast of Florida. Havana is a great example of a once thriving tourist big city turned Communist. Would anyone like to see Las Vegas, Nevada, turn in to the next Havana? Next election it is do or die for our republic. Let us hope and pray that the center right quits giving our elections away to progressives. The Communists and socialists believe there is "no mercy for the enemies of the people, the enemies of socialism, the enemies of the working people! War to the death against the rich and capitalist hangers-on." - Vladimir Lenin Americans want secure elections, and Democrats in the Senate are blocking legislation that would enhance election security. Thats why Tea Party Patriots Action and its allies are engaging in a nationwide bus tour to rally the grassroots to put pressure on Congress to attach a key piece of legislation to so-called must-pass legislation, like the annual defense authorization bill or an appropriations bill. Residents of Michigan have as much at stake as citizens in any other state, and thats why the bus tour will be making a stop in Michigans capital soon. Nearly universally, Americans agree that only U.S. citizens should vote in American elections. In fact, 87% of the public including majorities of Republicans, Democrats, and independents support requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote, according to a recent survey conducted for Tea Party Patriots Action by McLaughlin & Associated. More than 80% believe that only citizens should choose who governs. Under current federal law, registering to vote in federal elections requires nothing more than having an applicant check a box and sign a form affirming that he or she is a U.S. citizen. No document is required. This loophole has created confusion and opened the door to error and abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is why Congress should move fast. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act would close this loophole, and require those who register to vote to show documentary proof of citizenship thereby making sure we know whos on our voter rolls. Consider: Many forms of voter ID, such as drivers licenses and student cards, dont say whether the holder is a citizen. But many documents, like birth certificates and U.S. passports, make citizenship absolutely clear. The SAVE Act mandates that states check citizenship status at registration, and also lets states tap into federal databases to keep voter rolls up-to-date and accurate. After winning bipartisan support in the House this spring, the SAVE Act now sits in the Senate, stalled by Democrat opposition. With election security and public trust hanging in the balance, the stakes couldnt be higher. Last week, a nationwide grassroots bus tour organized by Tea Party Patriots Action stopped in Lansing to rally Michigan residents and lawmakers in support of the SAVE Act. This was one of the last stops of our three-week journey across the South, West and Midwest. Now is the time to act. The consequences of compromised elections are too serious to ignore. Thats why the SAVE Act should be attached to must-pass legislation. Congress must deliver on the secure, trustworthy elections that Americans demand and deserve. After all, our elections are only as secure as the voter registration process that precedes them. Illinois already has a reputation for having one of the most hostile civil legal climates in America. On August 15, 2025, Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 328 into law and, with a single signature, took our business climate from bad to worse. The American Tort Reform Associations recent Legislative HeatCheck Report had already warned of the dangers if this bill became law. Now that it has, we can expect those warnings to become reality, cementing Illinois as a Lawsuit Inferno for years to come. This isnt hyperbole. Senate Bill 328 fundamentally changes the civil legal standard so that out-of-state plaintiffs can sue out-of-state businesses for out-of-state disputes in Illinois courts, simply because some of the defendants business operations are located in the state. In plain English: our courts are now a magnet for lawsuits from across the country, even when the parties and the inciting event have nothing to do with this state. For small business owners like me, this is a slap in the face. My company, Atlas Tool Works in Lyons, employs skilled Illinois workers, pays Illinois taxes, and invests in Illinois communities. Instead of making it easier to grow and create jobs, Springfield just made it easier for trial lawyers to cash in at the expense of our job creators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets be clear about whats driving this. Since Election Day 2022, the trial bar has poured over $1 million exclusively into Democratic candidates and committees. According to the report, 81% of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association PACs contributions went directly to legislative candidates or PACs tied to the General Assembly and Senate. These are strategic investments aimed at expanding liability and creating new avenues to sue, lining lawyers pockets while Illinois companies foot the bill. The consequences will be far-reaching. This law sends an unmistakable message to employers across the Prairie State: Illinois is closed for business. Why expand or relocate here if you can be dragged into our courts for something that didnt even happen here? Were already struggling with out-migration and lagging investment, and SB 328 works to pour gasoline on that fire. Illinois families are already paying for our lawsuit-friendly civil justice system. We rank eighth highest in the nation for tort tax the hidden cost of excessive litigation adding more than $7,600 to every familys budget each year. Now, with SB 328, those burdens will only grow, siphoning even more money for basic household necessities and funneling it into legal fees and egregious settlements. But this doesnt have to be the status quo. Illinois should be focusing on attracting investment instead of lawsuits. We can build a legal climate that is fair, balanced, and competitive. But that will require political will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The call to action is simple and urgent: In the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers must roll back SB 328. Whether our legislators repeal it outright or, at a minimum, restore common sense guardrails, change is needed immediately. Anything less leaves Illinois on the wrong side of competition and common sense. For the sake of Illinois economic future, we need leaders willing to stand up to special interests and undo this damage in 2026. Until then, business owners like me will keep asking the same question: how much longer can we afford to stay in Illinois? Protecting public lands has become the rallying call this year for groups and individuals across the political spectrum. In June, when Utahs Sen. Mike Lee proposed selling three million acres of federal lands, the outcry was overwhelming. The proposal was loose in its oversight, not designating the specific parcels of land. This detail was the match to ignite protests against any sale or transfer of federal lands. In fear of federal public lands being sold off to the highest bidder, a constitutional amendment was presented in early August by Idaho state Sen. Ben Adams, prohibiting the sale of all future public lands. The proposed amendment reads: all other lands granted to or acquired by the state by or from the general government shall be held in a separate trust as public lands of the state. The trust shall remain inviolable and intact for this and future generations. Such lands shall not be sold. Such lands may be exchanged, except with lands granted, exchanged, purchased, or otherwise acquired The proposed constitutional amendment addresses two competing concerns in the public lands debate. Supporters of a land transfer recognize that the federal government is overwhelmed with western acreage and is a poor manager of public lands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those opposed to transferring federal land back to Idaho fear that the states constitutional directive to manage lands to maximize financial return will incentivize Idaho to sell off any public lands acquired from the federal government. The federal governments history as a manager of public lands is fraught with poor performance. In the West, over half of our states are owned by the federal government, whereas in eastern states, the federal government owns less than 5%, and often less than 1-2%. As U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said when asked about Mike Lees proposal, Half of the land in the West is owned by the federal government. Is that really the right solution for the American people? Much of the land in the western states is federally owned, with 96% of this land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, or the Department of Defense. The BLM is the largest federal land manager, with 99% of BLM land concentrated in the 11 contiguous western states and Alaska. For example, 62% of the land in Idaho is owned by the federal government. This is the third-highest percentage in the country. The national average is 27%. This inundation of federal acreage in western lands has led to poor management of fuels, pests, and diseases. Staffing shortages, existing before President Donald Trumps second administration, have resulted in wildfires raging out of control on federal land. Idahos Gov. Brad Little said, For too long, millions of acres of national forests in Idaho have remained totally untouched, creating a tinderbox of fuel that threatens communities, air quality, and the environment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, projects like the finally canceled Lava Ridge wind farm will continue to be unfairly shoved into the western states by Washington, D.C. landlords. Western states should be able to have a say in how public lands are managed and utilized within their borders. But even with the federal governments bad management and heavy-handedness, groups are still opposed to the transfer of public lands to the states, fearing public lands will be sold to the highest bidder. Section 8 of Idahos constitution mandates the Idaho State Board of Land Commissioners to manage Idaho state lands in such manner as will secure the maximum long term financial return to the institution to which granted or to the state if not specifically granted; provided, that no state lands shall be sold for less than the appraised price. Idaho hasnt been in the practice of auctioning off state land indiscriminately. The state acquired 54,000 acres of timber lands in the past nine years, and only sold 324 acres. This ensured that almost 97% of state lands remain open to the public. Should federal land be returned to the state, Idaho would be under scrutiny to maintain this same type of discipline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In regard to the proposed constitutional amendment, Idaho state Sen. Ben Adams said, I think it changes the discussion. Instead of it being, We have all of this land and we should sell it off. The sell-off needs to be off the table and instead ask, Whos going to manage it and whos going to benefit? And I think the answer to that is the state should manage as much as we can actually manage and the land should benefit the people. The proposal has several hurdles to be adopted. First, the amendment must receive a two-thirds vote from the state legislature and then be placed on the ballot in November 2026 and receive a simple majority to be adopted. In the upcoming public lands debate in the Idaho session, the state legislature needs to discuss whether all federal land should be off the table. In Idaho, where 17% of the land is managed by the BLM and of that 80% is unappropriated (meaning no intended purpose), there are acres that warrant the question, can a small percentage of land often dominated by tumbleweeds be transformed into affordable housing? For example, a recent proposal by the American Enterprise Institute advocates for auctioning off 0.3% (850 square miles) of BLM land to build 3 million family-sized homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This already falls within the BLM mandate. "The BLM Act authorizes the Secretary of Interior to auction off land at market value directly to the private sector, when 'disposal of such tract' will serve important public objectives, including but not limited to, expansion of communities and economic development. Idahos housing shortage and highest home prices in the nation would be aided by this proposal. The public lands discussion needs to address the fact that the federal government is a poor steward and that a protected transfer back to the state is in Idahos best interest. It is important to remember that land will still be public whether it is federal or state-owned. As the legislature considers new constitutional protections for public lands, future flexibility to meet the growing affordable housing needs of Idahoans should also be considered. Madi Clark is a Senior Policy Analyst for the Mountain States Policy Center, an independent research organization based in Idaho, Montana, Eastern Washington and Wyoming. Online at mountainstatespolicy.org. On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security announced a new Immigration and Custom Enforcement operation that will focus on Chicago and Illinois. It is being called Operation: Midway Blitz. According to the Department of Homeland Security, this ICE operation will target the criminal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operation has been named in honor of Katie Abraham. On January 19, the Glenview native was killed in Urbana- in a hit and run that also took the life of her friend, 21-year-old Chloe Polzin. Katie Abraham The two were visiting friends at the University of Illinois, and stopped at a red light when they were rear ended by a vehicle traveling nearly 80 miles per hour. Previous Coverage: Man accused in deadly Urbana crash used an alias: Police Julio Cucul Bol, 29, who was charged in the crash, is an illegal immigrant from Guatemala and was living in the U.S. under a false alias as a Mexican national. U.S. Marshalls tracked Bol to Texas, where he was caught on a bus headed to Mexico days later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katies father Joe Abraham spoke to WGN News on Monday. DHS had mentioned that theyd like to do this in Katies honor, which I thought was very nice of them to think about Katie, he said. No one here in Illinois thought about Katie. Its unfortunate that has to be political, because I dont know where the controversy here is. You have criminal illegal aliens. People have done everything improperly and these are the folks were standing behind while good kids like Katie are sacrificed In June, Joe Abraham went to Washington DC and shared Katies story during congressional hearings on sanctuary cities. I sat right behind (and) a little bit off to the right of JB Pritzker, and he couldnt muster up a word for me, he said. We kind of felt like we were sort of an annoyance, where we thought this might be an opportunity to understand why Katie had to lose her life in Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As far as this new ICE operation in Illinois, Joe Abraham says he hopes the focus will be on targeting criminals. If that saves one life, no one should have to go through what were going through, he said. So if they can get that cleaned up and parents can breathe easier at night, I think thats a good thing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Writing from Paris, I ponder the notion that, next year, America celebrates its first quarter of a millennium as a republic since declaring independence in 1776. But the more profound and unaddressed question is whether or not America will remain a republic for the next 250 years. The reasons for this pessimism rest in several cruel ironies. The first is that the basis for its political system the Constitution and its checks and balances is no longer fit for purpose. About four-fifths of Americans tacitly agree, no longer trusting the governments competence to govern in their interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second irony is that the only American who intuitively or otherwise grasps this reality and possesses a large enough ego potentially capable of governing in these circumstances is the president. But, so far, Donald Trump has not displayed the necessary judgmental, managerial and leadership skills critical to leading in this broken system. In fairness, no American may be up to this task. How did we get here? The Constitution went into force in 1789 when there were 4 million Americans. About 250,000 white, male land owners voted not directly for president and only for the House of Representatives. Seventeen percent of the population were enslaved. Governing under the Constitution was straightforward. Under Article I, the legislature made the laws. Under Article II, the president, as chief executive, carried out the laws. And under Article III the judiciary administered the laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the contradictions, anomalies and complications in governing in future decades were conveniently deferred. Where in the Constitution is the judiciary given the authority to invalidate a law as unconstitutional? Where in the Constitution is the authority to declare war given to the president, who as commander-in-chief can, order U.S. forces into battle? And why did the Second Amendment begin with A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State and not Americans shall have the right to keep and bear arms? Over the next 236 years, profound changes were made through 17 constitutional amendments and hundreds of thousands of laws and court rulings. But the fundamental contradictions among the three branches were never reconciled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Political parties, eschewed by the Founders as factions, were purposely omitted from the Constitution. And when government shutdowns due to Congresss failure to pass budgets on time became common practice, no constitutional relief was available. Is America still a republic if its citizens cannot directly elect a president? Can it be a representative republic when districts are gerrymandered with substantial political minorities having little or no representation in Congress? And can money be legally considered free speech in a republic where a naturalized U.S. citizen, with no spending limitations, can donate over $250 million to elect a president? In these circumstances, it was perhaps inevitable that a Trump would emerge. Well educated by his first term, Trump arguably has extended the influence and authority of the presidency further than any of his predecessors with the possible exception of Lincoln. Critics assert he is destroying democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clearly, Trump has strong idiosyncratic ideas about fixing a broken government that, in his view, only he can repair. Yes, he may not have the authority to impose tariffs or fire officials in his government meant to be independent and a check on presidential power. But so what? Trumps authority has stretched internationally, so far unsuccessfully, to end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, while claiming success in stopping conflicts between India and Pakistan and Armenia and Azerbaijan. And Trump has launched unprecedented attacks on crime in democratically controlled cities by mobilizing the National Guard and federal police officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another irony persists. Despite this expansion of presidential power and authority, Trump lacks sufficient competent help in his cabinet and Congress to make this work. The results are predictable: more bitter political partisanship and governmental gridlock unable to meet public needs, expectations and demands. If courts determine the president does not have the emergency authority to impose tariffs without congressional approval, that will have deep and dangerous economic consequences. Both a recession and a government shutdown this fall may be inevitable. On the Republican side, there is no Trump backup or replacement period. Democrats are in complete disarray. Only two corrective actions are possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump could learn. And so could Democrats. But do not bet either will, now or by 2028. This then is the grim reality. If the Founding Fathers magically materialized in Washington, what would they think about their creation? The answer might not be a constitution. Harlan Ullman, Ph.D., (@harlankullman) is UPIs Arnaud deBorchgrave Distinguished Columnist, a senior advisor at the Atlantic Council, the chairman of two private companies and the principal author of the doctrine of shock and awe. He and former United Kingdom Defense Chief David Richards are the authors of a forthcoming book on preventing strategic catastrophe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Paul Bledsoe is a highly respected veteran of Americas climate battles. He has been in the trenches a long time, including a stint in former President Bill Clintons Climate Change Task Force. He is now a lecturer at American University. Writing in The Hill recently, Bledsoe warned that millions of Americans have been turned off by radical fossil fuel prohibitionists who want to ban traditional fuels and undermine average citizens ability to enjoy a middle-class lifestyle. Of course, its the rapid advance of climate change, not opposition to fossil fuels, that most threatens our lifestyles. The climate-action advocates with whom Im familiar argue (correctly) that a decarbonized economy would allow a considerably better quality of life than Americans enjoy today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With more than 80 percent of U.S. energy consumption provided by oil, natural gas and coal, 90,000 Americans die prematurely each year because of fossil-fuel pollution. In fact, 156 million live where breathing is unhealthy, and 99.5 percent of congressional districts experienced at least one federally declared weather disaster between 2011 and 2024. Given those consequences, life without fossil fuels looks inviting. It also looks desirable for pocketbooks. Even without counting the social costs of carbon, electricity generated from unsubsidized sunlight and wind is less expensive than electricity from coal- or gas-fired power plants. Thats been the case for the last 10 years, according to the financial analysis firm Lazard. It makes little difference to the typical family whether their lights are powered by coal, natural gas, sunlight or wind turbines. However, it makes an enormous difference to the quality of the air they breathe, the outside temperatures, and the price of disaster insurance. Americas middle-class lifestyles have survived big energy shifts before. This one is admittedly more significant, but so is the danger of more delay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been 60 years since science advisers warned President Lyndon Johnson about the danger of fossil fuel pollution collecting in the atmosphere, and 48 years since President Carter told the nation, We must start now to develop the new unconventional sources of energy we will rely on in the next century. Thirty-eight years ago, the governments chief climate scientist warned Congress that we were running out of time to prevent a global warming disaster. A full 33 years have gone by since the United States signed a treaty to stabilize the atmosphere, and 10 years since the U.S. and 195 other nations agreed to limit global warming. Two years ago, Congress and the Biden administration approved Americas largest-ever federal investment in clean energy. It has taken President Trump and Republicans in Congress less than eight months to undo it all. The real enemies of the middle class are the greedy captains of the oil-and-gas sector who continue gaslighting the American people, greenwashing the sectors reputation, harassing opponents with lawsuits, placing profits above country and conspiring with the best politicians their money can buy. They scored big with Trump. He is openly defying free-market orthodoxy by manipulating markets to accelerate fossil fuel production and suppress investments in clean energy. Fiscal conservatives should be marching in the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump now says his administration will stop approving solar and wind projects. His energy policies arguably violate the federal securities and antitrust laws that prohibit anti-competitive practices. They definitely jeopardize the health and welfare of the American people. Lets be clear: Its the laws of physics, not radical leftists, that determine the Earths carbon budget and the timing of the energy transition. By mid-century, we must emit no more greenhouse gases than we and nature can absorb. Then we must draw down the gases already in the atmosphere until they return to safe and stable levels a capability we currently lack. How disruptive would an adequate energy transition be? President George W. Bush, a former oilman, provided a useful analogy when he characterized Americas oil dependence as an addiction. The state of an addicts health influences whether they must stop cold turkey or can undergo more gradual withdrawal. Climate doctors say our Goldilocks environment is approaching end-stage failure. As Nature reported two years ago, Had nations acted earlier to reduce emissions, they could have taken a much more gradual approach to limit warming. Now steep cuts are required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The International Renewable Energy Agency says that 90 percent of the worlds electricity can and should come from renewable energy sources by 2050. To get there, the world must double its current investment in solar, wind and other clean energy technologies. Its reasonable to ask whether a future without fossil fuels is possible. Reputable experts say an economy powered 100 percent by carbon-free energy is doable. Several have developed roadmaps on how to get there. Despite Trumps efforts to suppress these technologies, their use is expanding worldwide. Fossil fuels will not have a role in the future unless the industry eliminates carbon emissions not only at the point of combustion but also across their entire life cycles and value chains. They have yet to develop commercially scalable ways to do that. Even if they did, decarbonizing carbon fuels would significantly increase their costs, which would further cripple their ability to compete with renewable energy. What will our lifestyles be like in a decarbonized economy? We can ask the neighbors who drive electric vehicles or have solar panels on their roofs. Their beer is still cold, their showers are still hot, and their EVs save money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The time for ideology on climate is over, writes Bledsoe. Neither the far right nor far left should define the terms of climate politics and policy. Hes correct. The terms should be defined by science and humanitys interest in a livable planet. As it happens, climate activists come much closer than fossil fuels defenders to what science and self-interest dictate we must do. William S. Becker is a former U.S. Department of Energy central regional director who administered energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies programs. He also served as special assistant to the departments assistant secretary of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Becker is executive director of the Presidential Climate Action Project. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 only thing more annoying than left-wing delusions slipping the bonds of social media and escaping into civil discourse is that journalists tend to treat these fantasies as deserving of serious consideration. Its bad enough that Democratic legislators and activists knowingly pollute the discourse with ridiculous rumors and conspiracy theories meant to excite the base, juice fundraising numbers, and boost personal brands. We dont also need news anchors to play along. CNNs Dana Bash and Jake Tapper featured segments this week, entertaining the notion that President Trump may attempt to cancel the upcoming midterm and presidential elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governors Gavin Newsom and J.B. Pritzker are two closely watched Democrats who may run for president in 2028, the cable news talking head said. Both are increasingly sounding the alarm that a free and fair election may not even happen. Oh, come off it. The governors are doing this not because they believe a word of what they are saying, but because they understand this slop plays well with the piggies at the trough. Bash is old enough to understand this, which renders her doe-eyed just-asking-questions routine as phony as it is irresponsible. This is the thing that I hear most from Democrats, Bash continued, straight-faced, which is just the first election nationally that were going to see the midterms. And that is: How do we know that theyre not going to be messed with? I mean, its the kind of thing that we heard on the Republican side, pushed by Donald Trump erroneously going into 2020 and others. But I havent heard Democrats, this concerned, talk about the ecosystem and versus the reality thats driving that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She cant possibly be so dimwitted to have missed what she just said: When Trump and his MAGA base questioned the elections, it was erroneous. When Democrats do it well, they might have a point! To discuss the governors very serious concerns, Bash turned to former Obama White House senior advisor Dan Pfiefer, who (naturally) embraced the election paranoia and ran with it. I think we should be very concerned that Donald Trump can mess with these elections, he warned. I think we have to be prepared for everything. I would rather prepare for the worst and hope for the best than be caught flat-footed when Donald Trump does the worst. Bash then asked Pfiefer for practical advice on how to prepare for something that is rattling around primarily in resistance fever dreams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first thing is to call it out, responded the former Obama aide and Pod Save America co-host. To start talking about it now. Make everyone aware, right? Get people fired up, make people understand that these things are coming, so theyre not surprised when they happen. Later, Pfiefer clarified that he doesnt believe the president is going to cancel the elections, but may instead choose voter intimidation tactics, such as stationing ICE agents outside of polling places. Pfiefer also suggested that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) may refuse to seat Democratic members in close races, if control of the House is at stake. Elsewhere on the same network, Tapper also paid homage to Govs. Newsom and Pritzker, passing the segment to former ABC News reporter Terry Moran to explain what it all might mean. The National Guard has been deployed to places such as Los Angeles, Moran alleged, as part of a larger plot to prime the American people to see military forces on the streets of our cities when there is no justification. Theres no disaster. Theres no riot burning down square miles of any city. There was one car on fire in Los Angeles. And thats clearly what this is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, Tapper hinted there may be a secret connection between the National Guard deployments and the pending White House executive order to change the name of the Department of Defense back to the Department of War. Its interesting that this comes as all these National Guard troops are being deployed to major cities, having nothing to do with war, theoretically, Tapper said with a wink-and-a-nod. Added his guest, former Obama aide David Axelrod, Right. No. We have an active military now, and theyre landing in American cities. It is incredible that, after everything that has been said and printed about Trumps reckless disregard for election integrity with much of the sharpest criticism coming from CNN Bash should promote self-serving Democratic scaremongering and legitimize the left-wing bases worst neurotic conspiracy theories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For crying out loud, CNN is the network that originally repurposed an explicitly antisemitic propaganda term from Adolf Hitlers pen for the purpose of condemning denialism about the 2020 presidential election results. Yet here we are, with lead CNN anchors mainstreaming the baseless election conspiracy-theorizing of two potential 2028 Democratic presidential hopefuls. It is Stacey Abrams (D) all over again, where shameless and unapologetic election trutherism is treated with care and earnest consideration instead of scorn, so long as its a Democrat who is sowing the distrust. Whats the overarching message with these CNN segments anyway? That undermining trust in elections is bad only sometimes, and reasonable at other times? Or is the message really as venal as, Its okay when we do it? If these people didnt have double standards, theyd have no standards at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Becket Adams is a writer in Washington and program director for the National Journalism 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 The Hill. A new national study shows that Americans rates of reading for pleasure have declined radically over the first quarter of this century and that recreational reading can be linked to school achievement, career compensation and growth, civic engagement, and health. Learning how to enjoy reading not literacy proficiency isnt just for hobbyists, its a necessary life skill. But the conditions under which English teachers work are detrimental to the cause and while book bans are in the news, the top-down pressure to measure up on test scores is a more pervasive, more longstanding culprit. Last year, we asked high school English teachers to describe their literature curriculum in a national questionnaire we plan to publish soon. From responses representing 48 states, we heard a lot of the following: soul-deadening; only that which students will see on the test and too [determined] by test scores. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter These sentiments certainly arent new. In a similar questionnaire distributed in 1911, teachers described English class as deadening, focused on memory instead of thinking, and demanding cramming for examination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teaching to the test is as old as English itself as a secondary school subject, that is. Teachers have questioned the premise for just as long because too many have experienced a radical disconnect between how they are asked or required to teach and the pleasure that reading brings them. High school English was first established as a test-driven subject around the turn of the 20th Century. Even at a time when relatively few Americans attended college, English class was oriented around building students mastery of now-obscure literary works that they would encounter on the College Entrance Exam. The development of the Scholastic Aptitude Test in 1926 and the growth of standardized testing since No Child Left Behind have only solidified what was always true: As much as we think of reading as a social, cultural, even spiritual experience, English class has been shaped by credential culture. Throughout, many teachers felt that preparing students for college was too limited a goal; their mission was to prepare students for life. They believed that studying literature was an invaluable source of social and emotional development, preparing adolescents for adulthood and for citizenship. It provided them with vicarious experience: Through reading, young people saw other points of view, worked through challenging problems, and grappled with complex issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Why Are So Few Kids Reading for Pleasure? Indeed, a national study conducted in 1933 asked teachers to rank their aims in literature instruction. They listed vicarious experience first, preparation for college last. The results might not look that different today. Ask an English teacher what brought her to the profession, and a love of reading is likely to top the list. What is different today is the unmatched pressure to prepare students for a constant cycle of state and national examinations and for college credentialing. Increasingly, English teachers are compelled to use online curriculum packages that mimic the examinations themselves, composed largely of excerpts from literary and informational texts instead of the whole books that were more the norm in previous generations. Vicarious experience has less purchase in contemporary academic standards than ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Credentialing, however, does not equal preparing. Very few higher education skills map neatly onto standardized exams, especially in the humanities. As English professors, we can tell you that an enjoyment of reading not just a toleration of it is a key academic capacity. It produces better writers, more creative thinkers, and students less likely to need AI to express their ideas effectively. Yet we havent given K-12 teachers the structure or freedom to treat reading enjoyment as a skill. The data from our national survey suggests that English teachers and their students find the system deflating. Our district adopted a disjointed, excerpt-heavy curriculum two years ago, a Washington teacher shared, and it is doing real damage to students interest in reading. From Tennessee, a teacher added: I understand there are state guidelines and protocols, but it seems as if we are teaching the children from a script. They are willing to be more engaged and can have a better understanding when we can teach them things that are relatable to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And from Oregon, another tells us that because state testing is strictly excerpts, the district initially discouraged teaching whole novels. It changed course only after students exam scores improved. Withholding books from students is especially inhumane when we consider that the best tool for improved academic performance is engagement students learn more when they become engrossed in stories. Yet by the time they graduate from high school, many students master test-taking skills but lose the window for learning to enjoy reading. Teachers tell us that the problem is not attitudinal but structural. An education technocracy that consists of test making agencies, curriculum providers, and policy makers is squeezing out enjoyment, teacher autonomy and student agency. To reverse this trend, we must consider what reading experiences we are providing our students. Instead of the self-defeating cycle of test-preparation and testing, we should take courage, loosen the grip on standardization, and let teachers recreate the sort of experiences with literature that once made us, and them, into readers. 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: Dengue-infected cells taken under a microscope. Credit: Summer Zhang, Duke-NUS Medical School Just as a computer's operating system can be rewritten after a major update, dengue infection can "re-program" the body's immune system, leaving a long-lasting genetic imprint that influences how people respond to future infectionsan effect not seen with vaccination. These novel insights from a recent study shed light on the mechanics of dengue disease progression and vaccine action, filling an important knowledge gap on how even imperfect vaccines can be used safely. It also paves the way for the future development of safer and more effective dengue vaccines. The research was published in the journal Med, by scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School in collaboration with an international team of researchers. Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus that affects millions of people in tropical and subtropical regions each year. The illness can range from a mild fever with rash to a severe, life-threatening disease involving bleeding and organ failure. As there are four different types of dengue viruses, everyone is theoretically vulnerable to being infected up to four different times in a lifetime. Currently, dengue vaccines have limitationsthey are more effective in preventing the disease in people who have been infected with dengue previously. In such individuals, vaccination protects against illness from all four types of dengue viruses. The conventional thinking is that vaccination activates memory immune cells generated from prior dengue virus infection, to boost protection against the remaining types of dengue viruses. Without such pre-existing immune cells, the quality of the immune response to vaccination is thought to be poorer. On these grounds, vaccines that have been approved by the World Health Organization require more than one dose. Theoretically, the first dose should generate immune cells resembling those formed following a previous dengue infection. The second vaccine dose would then activate these cells to enhance protection against dengue. However, the immune response to the second dose is still lower than in those with prior infection with just one dose. To understand how the immune response to vaccination is different from that of natural dengue virus infection, the researchers conducted a clinical trial involving 26 volunteers in the US from 2018 to 2020. Participants received two doses of a dengue vaccine, administered 90 days apart. The team then analyzed and compared blood samples from those volunteers who had previously been infected with dengue with those who had not. To ensure wider representation, around 50 volunteers from Singapore with no recent dengue virus infection also contributed blood samples to be analyzed from 2022 to 2023. The team discovered that even before being vaccinated, those with prior dengue infection already showed distinct patterns of gene activity. Surprisingly, these gene activity patterns were not found in the memory cells that produce antibodies, but in specific types of immune cells that the dengue virus infects. Dr. Eugenia Ong, Principal Research Scientist from the Emerging Infectious Diseases Program at Duke-NUS Medical School and first author of the study, explained, "Our findings show that natural dengue infection can leave a lasting genetic imprint on the immune system. Instead of returning to normal, the immune system resets into a new baselineone that may explain why second infections are often more severe." Because of this new baseline, the scientists found that in those who had been infected with dengue previously, the first dose of the vaccine triggered a stronger immune response than in those without a previous dengue infection. As vaccination, unlike natural infection, does not leave an imprint, the immune response in those without prior dengue virus infection remains lower than in those with prior dengue, even with two doses of the vaccine. This long-term imprinting, also known as trained immunity, has been observed in other infections, like malaria, and after certain vaccines, such as BCG. This study adds dengue to that list and shows that both the type and intensity of infection matter. Professor Ooi Eng Eong from the Emerging Infectious Diseases Program at Duke-NUS Medical School and senior author of the study, explained, "Think of it as training for a sportthe immune system only gets a real workout from the full gamethe equivalent of a natural infection. A light warm-up from vaccination isn't enough to reprogram it. This reveals a threshold of immune response needed to leave an imprint on the immune system." A particular set of imprints that the researchers found involved genes that normally trigger immediate antiviral response to infection. These genes were less active in those with prior dengue infection. The dampened response means that upon vaccination (which uses a weakened viral strain), the resulting infection generates high levels of antibodies against the dengue virus. However, the dampened antiviral response may also explain why a second dengue infection with another dengue virus strain often carries a higher risk of progressing to severe illness. Professor Patrick Tan, Senior Vice-Dean for Research at Duke-NUS Medical School, said, "As dengue continues to affect millions across Asia, Latin America and other tropical regions, this study closes a critical gap in our understanding of how infection reshapes the immune system. These insights are vital not only for developing better vaccines but also for guiding global and national health policies. At Duke-NUS, our goal is to ensure that discoveries like these translate into real protection for the communities most at risk." The team hopes their work will encourage more research into the long-term effects of immune reprogramming and its impact on responses to other infections and vaccines. They also hope that this new evidence will shape advocacy and global health policies on dengue vaccines that have been approved or are close to being approved. The scientists feel it is unlikely that a perfect dengue vaccine will be developed in the next 10 yearscurrent vaccines, although imperfect, can still be used safely to reduce the estimated 100 million cases of dengue globally each year. More information Dengue virus infection reprograms baseline innate immune gene expression, Med (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2025.100841. www.cell.com/med/fulltext/S2666-6340(25)00268-5 Journal information: Med Key medical concepts BCG Vaccine Vice President Vance and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) are feuding over the Trump administrations decision to destroy a Venezuelan ship in the Caribbean, ostensibly because the ship was carrying illegal drugs. Let no one say that MAGA is a monoculture. Prominent conservative political figures and supporters of President Trumps agenda are united against Democrats, the left and the mainstream media, but they frequently disagree amongst themselves on policy particularly foreign policy. This disagreement is healthy, and the more public it is, the better. I want to see my political leaders actively arguing with each other. Thats democracy, thats free speech and its how good policy gets made. Liberals and mainstream commentators think its embarrassing when Trump feuds with other people in public, like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but as an informed citizen, Id rather witness the disagreement than have it take place behind closed doors. Disagreements are keeping the MAGA movement fresh, and vital and are a big reason that the current incarnation of the GOP has effectively outcompeted the Democrats, who are obsessed with gatekeeping and kicking anyone who dissents out of the coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I digress: onto the substance of debate. Last week, U.S. forces hit a Venezuelan drug ship alleged to be part of a Tren de Aragua drug smuggling ring. The boat was struck in open waters in the Caribbean, and 11 suspected cartel members were killed. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the drugs were headed for some other South or Central American shore, perhaps Trinidad. The vice president reacted positively to the news, writing on X: Killing cartel members who poison our fellow citizens is the highest and best use of our military. Liberal X personality Brian Krassenstein replied: Killing the citizens of another nation who are civilians without any due process is called a war crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To which Vance responded: I dont give a st. what you call it. That reaction drew a strong rebuke from Sen. Paul, who wrote on X that its a despicable and thoughtless sentiment to glorify killing someone without a trial. Look, Im not going to tone police the vice president, and I agree that U.S. foreign policy should not generally be constrained to international law or the laws of other countries. However, I do think Vance should care, and does care, about whether attacking and killing cartel members in the Caribbean is a good idea. I also want Vance and President Trump to keep in mind their promise to the American people, and to their voters in particular, that the U.S. would launch no new wars under Trump. Thats a key promise, a vital component of the MAGA agenda and a winning message. But now were changing the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War, and worse, were speculating openly about regime change in Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nicolas Maduro government is corrupt, it is authoritarian and it is socialist if it falls, it falls. Good riddance. But its not the U.S.s job to arrange that outcome, or to become complicit in whatever follows. Moreover, the U.S. has not declared war on Venezuela. The cartels are criminal associations, and we can disrupt their activities to the extent they are affecting U.S. citizens, but should we really go around wiping them out when theyre involved in disputes that have nothing to do with us? Trump still seems to be on solid ground on the issue, and is actually downplaying the idea of regime change in Venezuela currently. Thats a relief, and he should stick to that. The administration should also back off some of this tough guy rhetoric. Theres sounding like a tough guy, and acting like a tough guy it behooves our leaders to know the difference. What Rand Paul understands is that U.S. citizens are best served by a policy of not overly involving ourselves in the affairs of other countries. Further, drug smugglers would love if we prosecuted the drug war even more aggressively, because it makes the demand for their drugs even higher. We cant bomb or kill our way to victory in the drug war: if we could, we would have won it 40 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So while Im not shedding any tears on behalf of dead cartel thugs, its nevertheless important to remain wary about the prospect of the U.S. becoming embroiled in yet another disastrous overseas intervention. Vance had the right instincts on this when it came to the Houthis in Yemen, and sounded a note of caution when other people in the administration wanted to strike them. As always, America First! Robby Soave is co-host of The Hills commentary show Rising and a senior editor for Reason Magazine. This column is an edited transcription of his daily commentary. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. In 2019, a group of New York condominium owners voted overwhelmingly to take Donald Trumps name off their building. While the name Trump Place had once been a marker of status, his actions as president had tarnished the brand, especially in New York City, and they wanted to move on. Congressional Republicans apparently know the feeling. In a recent closed-door briefing, three top officials from the Trump campaign told them to stop referring to his signature accomplishment as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and instead call it the Working Families Tax Cut Bill, according to a New York Times article citing unnamed lawmakers who were at the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its a lot easier to tear a sign off a building than it is to convince the public that its wrong about an unpopular piece of legislation. And lets be clear: This bill is a clunker. In a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 46% of U.S. adults disapproved of what was described as the budget and tax law passed by Congress while only 32% approved. Whats more, three times as many strongly disapproved as strongly approved. And in this and other polls, most of the favorable ratings are coming from Republicans, while Democrats generally hate the bill and only a fraction of independents like it. In fact, the American public has generally been sour on most recent landmark laws, whether thats the Affordable Care Act or Trumps first-term tax cuts. Thats most likely because right now most of those bills pass along party lines, which predisposes half of the country to dislike them. The exceptions, such as the bipartisan infrastructure law or the CHIPS Act signed by President Joe Biden, were backed by both parties, but also tended to give little benefit to the incumbent for that same reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So whats a political party to do? One solution is to pass a law that will actually help people, and then wait for them to come to appreciate it. That happened with the Affordable Care Act, which never really became popular until it looked like Republicans might repeal it, but it took years to get to that point. In the case of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, theres little reason to believe its standing will improve, even under a different name. Some of the provisions that might be helping its reputation such as no taxes on tips or the Trump Accounts for newborns are much smaller than advertised. The president has taken to claiming that another popular promise, no taxes on Social Security, is in the law, even though it is not, while other Republicans have led voters to believe theyll be getting a DOGE dividend check or a tariff rebate check in the mail. (They wont get either.) This sort of rebranding never works. But its definitely not going to work on 1) the single biggest piece of legislation of Trumps second term that 2) he gave an especially memorable name and which 3) is not going to provide voters with many noticeable benefits. Trumps campaign team likely knows this already. Thats why the president successfully lobbied Texas to take the unprecedented move of further gerrymandering its maps five years ahead of schedule. Its why hes pressuring state lawmakers in Florida, Indiana and Missouri to follow suit. And its why hes already raising the specter of voter fraud to try to discredit any midterm losses his party will most certainly suffer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Republican incumbents are living on borrowed time. We dont know yet how next years midterms will turn out, but its likely that the die is already cast against the GOP. The decisions that Trump has made so far to give tax cuts for the wealthy, levy broad and constantly shifting tariffs on just about everything and send immigration agents into schools and courthouses have already set in motion the forces that will determine next years elections, even if we cant see all of them just yet. Trump can try to change the subject to crime in Chicago, Republicans in Congress can try to rebrand their signature piece of legislation, and GOP candidates can keep promising checks that will never come. But the public knows what theyve actually done, and its not happy with it. No amount of carefully workshopped slogans will change that. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com During my time in Congress, I learned that the best solutions to Americas toughest problems often come from the ground up not from Washington down. Thats why I believe the debate over cannabis reform presents an opportunity for conservatives to lead with a states-first approach that respects the will of voters, supports law enforcement, and advances public safety. Last month, President Trump reaffirmed that his administration is considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous substance. He has been clear on this issue for some time. Last September, he stated that as president, he would support research into the medical uses of marijuana by moving it to Schedule III and work with Congress on common-sense laws that uphold states rights to set their own cannabis policies. That approach prioritizing states prerogatives, safe commerce and practical governance should guide the next phase of cannabis reform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By contrast, merely rescheduling cannabis, as the Biden administration previously proposed, will not solve the problem. It might ease some challenges, but it will not address the core conflict between state and federal law. Nor would it fully confront the pressing concerns communities face of shutting down illicit markets, protecting youth, reducing impaired driving and ensuring consistent consumer safety standards. To solve those issues, Congress must act. A comprehensive framework like the STATES 2.0 Act would empower state and local leaders with the tools they need to make cannabis policy work in practice not just on paper. This bipartisan bill, led by Reps. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio), Max Miller (R-Ohio) and Dina Titus (D-Nev.), would let states that choose to legalize cannabis implement and enforce their own systems, while keeping federal prohibition in place for states that opt out. It is a clear, constitutional and conservative answer: Empower states, respect voters and keep Washington from dictating one-size-fits-all policy that simply doesnt work anymore. Recent national polling from the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation shows overwhelming public support for this approach. Nearly three-quarters of Republican and right-leaning voters 72 percent favor a bill that allows states to decide their own cannabis laws without federal interference. Across the political spectrum, 61 percent of all voters support the STATES 2.0 Act outright. Almost half of voters, 48 percent, say they would be more likely to support a candidate who backs reforming federal cannabis law, and 45 percent say they would feel more favorable toward the Trump administrations agenda if it included such reform. These are not marginal numbers they are a roadmap for bipartisan action that strengthens conservative leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support for a states-first approach is not limited to voters. Law enforcement leaders have increasingly recognized its value. The Peace Officers Research Association of California and the Oregon Coalition of Police and Sheriffs, representing thousands of officers, have endorsed the STATES 2.0 Act because it allows police to focus on keeping roads safe, disrupting cartel activity and cracking down on illegal markets rather than diverting resources toward compliant small businesses. The STATES 2.0 Act also includes safeguards that should matter to anyone serious about public safety. It establishes a minimum purchase age of 21 and incorporates proven strategies to prevent youth access. It empowers states to set and enforce clear standards for driving under the influence of cannabis. It disrupts the influence of Chinese and Mexican cartels in the U.S. cannabis market. And it implements robust tracking systems to ensure that cannabis products do not enter states where they are prohibited. In other words, this bill is not about expanding federal power it is about limiting it, restoring state authority, and focusing on core priorities that keep communities safe. President Trump has built his brand on delivering results, keeping promises, and putting power back where it belongs: in the hands of the American people. By championing the STATES 2.0 Act, he can do what no other president has done: put an end to the war between states and the federal government over cannabis policy. He can protect conservative principles, foster economic growth, and address legitimate public health and safety concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country is ready for decisive action. Instead of letting unelected bureaucrats tinker with rescheduling and leave the core conflict unresolved, its time to solve the cannabis question once and for all on terms that work for states, law enforcement, businesses and voters. The opportunity is here, the polling is clear, and law enforcement is getting on board. Now its time to act. Greg Walden is a former U.S. representative and co-chair of the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. When the Framers designed our government, they built in checks and balances for a reason: to make sure no one branch becomes too powerful. But Donald Trump has treated that system less like a guardrail and more like a speed bump. Hes not just bending the rules hes trampling Congresss constitutional authority. Time and again, Trump has taken actions that bypass Congress entirely. Hes launched military campaigns without authorization, withheld information from lawmakers, and even clawed back money Congress already approved. These arent small slip-ups. Theyre full-on assaults on the separation of powers. Take national security. The Pentagon recently blocked Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the senior Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, from conducting oversight at a U.S. spy agency. That decision came after Laura Loomer, a far-right conspiracy theorist, criticized the meeting. Think about that: a sitting senator, tasked with oversight, was sidelined because of pressure from a fringe influencer. Thats not how democracy is supposed to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or lets look at Venezuela. Armed forces launched a military campaign against alleged cartel members without notifying Congress something past presidents, Democrat and Republican alike, made sure never to do. Lawmakers said the lack of transparency fit a troubling pattern: the Trump administration simply ignoring requirements to keep Congress in the loop on national security. And then theres money. Trump used a rare maneuver called a pocket rescission to cancel nearly $5 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid. Democrats cried foul. Even some Republicans questioned whether that was legal. His heavy-handed use of the military has also drawn legal challenges. A federal judge ruled that Trumps deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles was illegal. Washington, D.C., officials have sued him for sending thousands of troops into the city without local consent. And now, as the president threatens to do the same thing in Chicago, even one of his supporters, Megyn Kelly, is saying out loud what constitutional scholars have been saying for months: We cant just send them in to random cities in support of just fighting crime, the political commentator said, you really cant do without the invitation of a governor. So were heading for an uncomfortable showdown with Governor Pritzker. We cant have Trump going in without the invitation of this governor, Im sorry but we cant have it. He does not have the constitutional permission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same goes for Iran. When Trump ordered strikes on nuclear facilities there, both Democrats and Republicans raised red flags. Said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.): Donald Trump and the administration chose to ignore the Constitution, and so theyre going to have to come before Congress and explain their justification for an offensive military strike against Iran. Even Republican Congressman Thomas Massie (Ky.) weighed in, saying the strikes were not constitutional. You see the patten, but heres the bigger picture: Trump has already signed nearly 200 executive orders even setting a record for the most in any presidents first 100 days. Republicans, the same party that used to scream about executive overreach, have mostly stayed silent as Trump does whatever he wants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The truth is, the founders never intended for America to have an all-powerful president. They gave Congress the power of the purse, the power to declare war, and the responsibility to provide oversight. By sidelining Congress, Trump isnt just rewriting norms hes rewriting the Constitution in practice. And the scariest part is that every time lawmakers shrug, it becomes harder to claw back that power. Congress was designed to check the president, not cheerlead for him. When it fails to do that, we dont just weaken a branch of government we weaken the very system thats supposed to keep presidents honest. Lindsey Granger is a News Nation contributor and co-host of The Hills commentary show Rising. This column is an edited transcription of her on-air commentary. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Call me MAHA! Oh, you should hear me complaining to family and friends about the harmful dyes and preservatives in food. Yes, as a Democrat, I celebrate the voices in the Make America Healthy Again movement. Let them shout out that the pharmaceutical companies are far too cozy with big government. Only a fool thinks that political donations havent bought them a pass on scrutiny of high prices and addictive drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is no rash conclusion. Does anyone remember Quaaludes or OxyContin? Those drugs had approval from the Food and Drug Administration. It took years for Quaaludes to be yanked from the market after causing widespread harm, while OxyContin remains FDA-approved, though now under much tighter prescribing controls after the devastation it caused. But also call me self-interested. Im one of the 79 percent of Americans who might have told a recent Harvard poll that children should be vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella. By the way, that trust in vaccines also puts me among the majority of MAHA supporters, 66 percent according to the same poll. My cursing about prescription drug companies and their high prices is honest aggravation. But if my grandchildren are not vaccinated, they become a big threat to my health. It means I take a risk by holding hands, opening doors, sitting next to young people at dinner or a ballgame. They will threaten everyone by spreading viruses and germs, especially elderly people with weak immune systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And we can see a direct line between Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissing the proven success of vaccines and the fading consensus that the government should protect the publics health. Kennedys baseless questioning of proven vaccines has opened the door to kooky miracle cures. Grifters are able to make big money on conspiracy theories and phony supplements, once Americans hear from top officials like Kennedy that it is okay to ignore scientists and doctors. This madness has led to the mind-blowing proposal by Floridas surgeon general to end all vaccine mandates. That means no vaccines are required for school-age children or anyone else. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo made his proposal with one of the most outrageous claims Ive ever heard. All of them. All of them, Ladapo said of vaccine experts. Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery. 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? Who am I to tell you what your child should put in [their] body? I dont have that right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The surgeon general is a Black man. For him to equate a vaccine mandate with slavery is not only historically wrong but also morally offensive. Would he really ask a slave to compare a stolen lifetime of labor, family and money to being told to get a vaccine? His proposal is also offensive to the 89 percent of Florida parents who feel it is their parental right to get their kindergarten-age children vaccinated, according to federal data. It is offensive to the 75 percent of American parents who support requiring vaccinations for school children. It is offensive to anyone alarmed that the U.S. just had a significant outbreak of measles in decades in West Texas. And it is offensive to me as I wait for my next COVID vaccine shot. I survived a bout with COVID-19 in 2020. I vividly remember being locked in a hotel room for days, fearing for my life and worrying if I had infected my family. I am at high risk for death by COVID as a Black man over 70. My wife is a smoker she, too, is at high risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getting a COVID shot before cases spike in the fall and winter is a necessary precaution for us. Kennedy has also ended recommendations for most people to get a COVID vaccine. Without the government endorsement, insurers would no longer be required to cover these lifesaving shots. Most Americans will have to pay out of pocket or go without. A single dose of the COVID vaccine can cost $200 if not covered by insurance. Kennedy also fired the entire panel of government experts on vaccines and replaced them with people who have doubted the efficacy of this medicine. He fired CDC Director Susan Monarez for failing to condemn vaccines. More than 1,000 current and former HHS employees recently signed an open letter calling for Kennedys ouster, citing his firing of Monarez. We believe health policy should be based in strong, evidence-based principles rather than partisan politics, the letter reads. But under Secretary Kennedys leadership, HHS policies are placing the health of all Americans at risk, regardless of their politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nine former CDC directors who served under presidents of both parties echoed this sentiment in the New York Times. CDC staff deserve an H.H.S. secretary who stands up for health, supports science and has their back, they wrote. So, too, does our country. Instead, Kennedy is leading a war on trust in public health as a government responsibility. Ranting about the danger of too much sugar and salt is great. It is also true. Undermining Americas trust in honest doctors and scientists is the highway to fast death. Juan Williams is senior political analyst for Fox News Channel and a prize-winning civil rights historian. He is the author of the new book New Prize for These Eyes: The Rise of Americas Second Civil Rights Movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Former acting FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton said he had a very hostile relationship with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials during an interview last week. When my character started being attacked, and then I was polygraphed, and then I passed, and there was no apology it became a very hostile relationship Hamilton told former FEMA official John Scardena on the Disaster Tough podcast on Wednesday. Hamilton was fired this past May, just one day after he told congressional lawmakers that eliminating FEMA was not in the publics best interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamiltons comments contradicted President Trumps assertions that the agency should be either overhauled or eliminated entirely. Trump has expressed a desire to shift more responsibility for disaster preparedness to states. I was not hired to abolish FEMA. That was never part of the conversation, and thats never something I would have agreed with. And I was very clear. I wanted some reform. I want to cut wasteful spending. I wanted to downsize the agency, Hamilton said. Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL and director of emergency medical services at DHS, was appointed as acting FEMA administrator on Jan. 22. In March, Hamilton was reportedly ordered by DHS to take a polygraph test regarding whether he leaked information on a private meeting concerning FEMA to Politicos E&E News and CNN. Trump criticized FEMA upon taking office and even teased an executive order shutting the agency down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had a gradual phasing out, because I also had concerns that FEMA had been forced into a scenario to assume more and more state responsibility, Hamilton said. We needed to give the states some time to see what that entails and to respond accordingly. Not just, Hey, the waters now shut off, youre on our own. Thats not wise. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees the agency, echoed the presidents rhetoric during a May 25 Cabinet meeting, saying, were going to eliminate FEMA. But last month, Noem touted $96 million in FEMA grants to North Carolina communities impacted by Hurricane Helene last year. Theres so much reform that can be done within FEMA, and thats a bipartisan issue, Hamilton noted. Whether youre progressive or conservative or anywhere in between on the political spectrum, pretty much universally across FEMA there was a shared concern over a lot of internal requirements, statutes and thing that should be amended or should be modified. David Richardson, who was appointed in January to assistant secretary for DHSs Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, replaced Hamilton as acting FEMA administrator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Effective response and recovery from disasters relies on strong local and state leadership, said White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson in a statement. While Federal assistance was always intended to supplement state actions, not replace those actions, FEMAs outsized role created a bloated bureaucracy that disincentivized state investment in their own resilience. President Trump is committed to right-sizing the Federal government while empowering State and local governments by enabling them to better understand, plan for, and ultimately address the needs of their citizens. The Presidents FEMA Review Council, comprised of top experts in their field, will recommend to the President how FEMA may be reformed in ways that best serve the national interest, including how America responds to and recovers from disasters such that the Federal role remains supplemental and appropriate to the scale of disaster, Jackson added. A FEMA spokesperson defended the agency in a statement to The Hill. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, FEMA has been transformed into a lean, deployable, disaster force that both prioritizes the American people and protects their hard-earned tax dollars, the spokesperson said. In recent months, billions of dollars have been disbursed to Americans in need of assistance, and hundreds of lives have been saved due to the swift actions of a revamped, and refocused FEMA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hill has reached out to DHS for comment. Updated: 4:39 p.m. ET Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (KRON) Burglars made off with tens of thousands of dollars in cash and jewelry after breaking into a Hindu temple in Dublin over the weekend, according to police. Sri Panchamukha Hanuman Temple, which is located at 6930 Village Parkway, was burglarized around 4:40 a.m. on Sunday, Dublin Police Services said. According to detectives, there is no evidence suggesting that the burglary was motivated by religious prejudice. During the burglary, about $34,000 in cash and jewelry were stolen, Dublin police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No further details on the burglary, including possible suspects, were released. Anyone with information or who witnessed the burglary is asked to contact Dublin Police Services at 925-833-6670. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. With his two Worcester businesses closed and their future now in question, Jay Grey says hes focused on helping his employees. On Sunday, Grey launched a GoFundMe to help raise money for his staff and vendors while his businesses, Broth and Odd By Worcester, are temporarily closed. The two businesses, located inside @ The Common mall at 17 Mechanic St. in Worcester, sustained water damage from firefighters battling a blaze on Saturday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While we are temporarily closed, your support will help us continue to pay our team and begin the process of repairing and rebuilding, with the hope of re-opening our doors as soon as possible, Grey writes. The fire occurred during a bout of severe weather. MassLive asked Assistant Fire Chief Adam Roche whether the weather was the cause of the fire but it was not confirmed. An investigation into the fire is underway, according to Roche. Photos taken by Grey show the extent of the damage inside Odd By Worcester Brewing. Pieces of the brewerys ceiling have fallen off and the astroturf on the floor appears to be soaked from the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The owner estimates that both of his businesses suffered damages worth $50,000 to $100,000. Its just unfair that this happens and there isnt a solution, a quick little fix, Grey said. We have to ask for help and were going to hope that insurance comes through and hopefully, were able to rebuild. Odd by Worcester is a 90s-themed bar where people can play vintage video games while getting a drink. Broth, which opened in March, serves ramen inspired by comfort food classics such as grilled cheese, chicken parmesan and smash burgers. Grey is hopeful that both his businesses will reopen soon and believes the citys residents will step up to help him and his staff through the GoFundMe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not something where I can just leave them while we wait for insurance to hopefully help us, Grey said of his employees. I need to do something now and take action. More Worcester Stories Read the original article on MassLive. SYDNEY (Reuters) -Pacific Islands leaders began a week-long summit on Monday in the Solomon Islands, where they are expected to endorse an "Ocean of Peace" declaration amid concern over rising tensions between the United States and China. The leaders are also expected to back Australia's bid to host the COP31 United Nations climate summit, after Canberra pledged to work closely with its island neighbours to raise awareness of the challenges they face from rising sea levels and worsening storms. Pressure from China to block Taiwan's participation at the forum, being held in Honiara, led to the Solomon Islands cancelling the attendance of two dozen donor partners, including China, Taiwan and the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among 18 forum members, three have diplomatic ties with Taiwan, three have defence compacts with the United States, and several are French territories. Thirteen of the members have ties with China. The largest forum member, Australia, is the region's biggest aid donor and has stepped up efforts to block China expanding its security presence in the region, after Beijing and the Solomon Islands struck a pact in 2022. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to arrive in Honiara on Wednesday, after visiting Vanuatu where he is expected to sign a landmark A$500 million ($326.50 million) deal to strengthen economic and security ties. New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said his country had advocated strongly for the donor partners to attend to discuss development opportunities, but added the forum was united nonetheless. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney and Lucy Craymer in Wellington; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question youd like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com. How is paint made? Atharva, age 11, Bengaluru, India Did you ever mix dirt and water when you were playing outside? You made a paint. Did you draw shapes on the ground with your muddy hands? You made a painting. Paint is made by combining a colorful substance a pigment with another material that binds the color together and helps spread that color onto surfaces such as paper, fabric or wood. Pigments can be found everywhere in rocks and minerals, plants or insects. Some colors are made by scientists in laboratories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long ago, artists made their own paints by mixing pigments with natural materials such as water, oil or egg yolk to hold the colors together in a paste. Artists today can still make their own paints, or they can order them from factories that mix, package and ship paint all over the world. Paint companies use large, industrial machines to grind pigments and binders together; these commercial paints include synthetic materials and preservatives to control the paints behavior and to help paint last longer in tubes or cans. Paints and coatings do many jobs beyond just coloring paper in an artists studio. They are also used as protective coatings to shield houses and cars from the sun or the cold, or as a barrier between boats and the water that surrounds their wood, metal or plastic parts. Where and how a paint will be used influence how its made and with what ingredients. Choosing the right materials A lot of questions need to be answered before materials are chosen for a paint. Who will use the paint? An artist, a house painter, an armadillo, a robot at an assembly plant? Why is the paint being used? For museum paintings and sculptures? In designs for furniture or mailboxes? How will the paint be applied? By brush, by spray, or some other way? Where and when will the paint be used? Does it need to dry quickly or slowly? Will the painted surface get really cold or hot? Is the paint safe for kids to use at home or school? What should the paint look like? Should the dried paint be shiny or matte? Should the surface be lumpy, or should it flatten and level out? Should the colors be bright or dull? Should the paint layers be opaque, transparent or almost clear? Does the paint need to hold up against scuffs and stains? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are many different companies that design and make the wide range of paints used around the world for all these various applications. Experts at each manufacturer understand their special type of paint, how the paint materials are measured and mixed, and the best ways to store and apply the paint. A single factory can make tens of thousands of gallons of paint each day, and paint companies produce millions of tubes of paint every year. Artist Thomas Morans palettes and brushes illustrate the way an artist mixes different paints to find just the desired qualities. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Miss Ruth B. Moran Using paint to learn about the past We work at the Smithsonians Museum Conservation Institute, where we study and conserve the diverse collection of painted objects at the Smithsonian from planes and spacecraft to portraits of presidents and maps covered in abstract swirls of color. Bright coatings are part of everything from the painted clothing and cultural items of Native peoples to the pots and pans used by chef Julia Child. Art conservators and conservation scientists like us work together to study and preserve cultural heritage such as paintings and painted objects. Studying paint helps us learn about the past and protect this history for future generations. The paint colors used on large, traditional Indian paintings called pichwai, for example, include pigments gathered from around the world. They can reveal information about ancient manufacturing and how communities that lived far apart exchanged goods and knowledge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are many techniques to investigate artwork, from looking at small pieces of paint under a microscope to using more complicated equipment to analyze materials exposed to different types of energy. For example, we can use X-ray, infrared or ultraviolet imaging to identify different pigments in a painting. Research on an Alaskan Tlingit crest hat made in the 1800s looked at the molecules in paint binders, combined with 3D scanning, to help clan members replicate the hat for ceremonial use. Unusual uses bring conservation challenges Artists use all sorts of materials in their artwork that were designed for other purposes. Some 19th- and early 20th-century sculptures were painted with laundry bluing a material that used blue pigment to brighten clothes during washing. In the 1950s, artists started using thin, quick-drying house paint in their paintings. When paints are used in a way that was not part of their design, strange things can happen. Paints made to be applied in thin layers but instead are used in thick layers can wrinkle and pucker as they dry. Paints designed to stick to rough wood can curl or lift away from slick surfaces. The colors and ingredients in paint can also fade or darken over time. Some artists want these different effects in their artwork; some artists are surprised when paints dont behave the way they expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Art conservators and conservation scientists use information about artists and their paints to understand why artworks are faded, broken or acting in surprising ways, and they use that knowledge to slow or stop the damage. We can even clean some kinds of damage with lasers. The more we know about paint, the more we learn about the past lives of painted objects and how to keep those objects around for a long, long time. Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question youd like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live. And since curiosity has no age limit adults, let us know what youre wondering, too. We wont be able to answer every question, but we will do our best. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Dawn Rogala, Smithsonian Institution and Gwenaelle Kavich, Smithsonian Institution Read more: The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. 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: University of Warwick In the U.K. there are more than 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) annually, but fewer than 10% of people survive. Early CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to restart the heart can at least double the chance of survival. AEDs are safe for the public to use, even without training, but it can be difficult for bystanders to locate and retrieve one quickly during an emergency. Researchers at the University of Warwick teamed up with the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust and autonomous drone specialists SkyBound for a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) study to test the feasibility of drone-delivered AEDs. They tested using drones to fly defibrillators in response to 999 calls as part of emergency simulations in a remote countryside location where ambulance crews would usually be delayed in reaching by road. Chief Investigator Dr. Christopher Smith, University of Warwick, said, "Ambulance services work as swiftly as possible to get to patients who have suffered cardiac arrests. However, it can sometimes be difficult to get there quickly. AEDs can be used by members of the public before the ambulance gets there, but this rarely happens. We've built a drone system to deliver defibrillators to people having cardiac arrest which could help save lives. "We have successfully demonstrated that drones can safely fly long distances with a defibrillator attached and maintain real-time communications with emergency services during the 999 call. We are in a position where we could operationalize this system and use it for real emergencies across the U.K. soon." In the study published in Resuscitation Plus, the researchers designed a system to deliver an AED attached by a winch to a DJI M300 drone following a 999 call. Skybound's automated drone software activated and controlled the drone's flight. The AED was lowered to a member of the public to help them carry out resuscitation on a CPR mannequin, all while receiving instructions from ambulance service call handlers. The study, which recruited 11 participants, involved assessing real-time communications between the drone pilot, call handler and public bystander. Experts observed how those taking part behaved and interacted with each other. They also timed how quickly the mock cardiac arrest patient would be reached. Steve Holt, who survived two cardiac arrests in remote Northern England beauty spots, says research into using drones to deliver Automated External Defibrillator (AEDs) to cardiac arrest patients may help to save lives. The 74-year-old retired surgeon collapsed on a walking holiday in the Lake District with his 43-year-old son Mark in 2019 in a remote country pub near Coniston. Mark began CPR and used the defibrillator located outside the pub, but bad weather thwarted an air ambulance, so it took 25 minutes before paramedics arrived by road. Mark, now a patient representative on the current NIHR study, sees the great potential of delivering defibrillators by drones and feels that it would be welcomed by people. He added, "While I was resuscitating dad, it felt like an eternity waiting for help. Ambulances can be delayed, especially when trying to get to remote areas like those we were in. But in the future, a call handler may be able to explain that help is on the way with a drone which can arrive much quicker. "Without clinical research, health care advances would not come to fruition. It has been a privilege to be involved with the NIHR and the University of Warwick's work. Study findings show the technology is very promising. Drone start-up procedures were quick. It took 2.18 minutes from emergency call to drone take-off. The drone flew autonomously and safely, with good links to the ambulance service and effective real-time communication. Participants reacted positively to drone delivery of the AED. However, there were delays once the drone had arrived on scene. It took a further 4.35 minutes after the drone had arrived before a shock was given to the simulated patient using the AED. Hands-off CPR time was 2.32 minutes, but only 0.16 minutes of this was spent retrieving the AED. Researchers concluded that bystanders interacted well with the drone but struggled using the AED, showing that bystanders and call-handlers need more support to use drone-delivered AEDs for this to be effective. The next stage will involve funding larger studies to test the technology and evaluate whether it can be used in the NHS. Professor Mike Lewis, NIHR Scientific Director for Innovation, said, "Cardiac arrest, as the Secretary of State highlighted, is one of the biggest killers, claiming tens of thousands of people's lives a year. In an emergency situation, time is of the essence and it's crucial that bystanders can help before ambulance crews arrive. "That's why it's so exciting this innovative study is investigating if enabling emergency services can harness drones to deliver defibrillators to help improve survival. This demonstrates how health and care research can deliver high-tech solutions to improve health and care services, and power the country's life sciences sector and technical advantage." Carl Powell, clinical lead (acute care) at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said, "In a cardiac arrest, every second counts. We will always send an ambulance as quickly as possible, but starting chest compressions and delivering an electric shock with a defibrillator in the meantime could mean the difference between life and death. "We'll continue to work with partners to further explore and test how drone-delivered defibrillators could be harnessed by the NHS." Gemma Alcock, CEO of SkyBound, said, "This collaboration represents a significant step forward in leveraging technology to potentially save lives, particularly in remote areas where access to defibrillators can be challenging. "Our involvement underscores the very reason SkyBound came into fruition, as the initial inspiration came from the experience I gained as a beach lifeguard where I dealt with a life-critical incident. More information Christopher M. Smith et al, The use of drone-delivered Automated External Defibrillators in the emergency response for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. A simulation study, Resuscitation Plus (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.resplu.2025.101045 Key medical concepts CPR TOPEKA (KSNT) A local judge sentenced two people Monday who admitted to their roles in the killing of a 22-year-old Topeka man in 2024. A Shawnee County judge sentenced 26-year-old Lolita L. Bradford and 25-year-old Michael D. Allen on Sept. 8 for participating in the death of Topekan Cody P. Cooper in April 2024. 27 News checked court records which show that Bradford and Allen received the following sentences for their crimes: Allen 155 months or around 13 years. Murder in the 2nd degree. Bradford 227 months or around 19 years. Aggravated burglary. Murder in the 2nd degree. Michael D. Allen (left) and Lolita L. Bradford (right). (Photos Courtesy/Shawnee County Department of Corrections) Officers with the Topeka Police Department (TPD) were called around 8 a.m. on April 19, 2024 to the 3700 block of Southwest Park Court on reports of gunshots in the area. Police found a man, later identified as Cooper, at the scene suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. First responders declared him dead a short time later. Police arrested three people in connection to the deadly shooting: Bradford, Allen and 28-year-old Kavshun J. Boykin. A jury found Boykin guilty of charges including murder in the first degree and aggravated burglary of a dwelling in July 2025. Boykin is set to be sentenced in September this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 30-year-old Topeka man killed in Labor Day shooting 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. 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. JALALPUR PIRWALA, Pakistan (AP) Rescuers backed by troops evacuated more than 25,000 people from a city in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province overnight as rising rivers threatened to flood the region, officials said Monday. The emergency rescue operation in Jalalpur Pirwala began late Sunday and continued through the night, said Irfan Ali Kathia, director-general of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority. By Monday morning, about 25,000 residents from high-risk neighborhoods had been moved to safer areas. The latest evacuations from Jalalpur Pirwala came two days after a rescue boat capsized in floodwaters on the citys outskirts, killing five people. Fifteen others were rescued after the boat overturned Saturday, local officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ghulam Shabir, a 50-year-old construction worker, said that he moved to higher ground near the city after floodwater entered his village, inundating homes and farmland. He appealed to the government to expedite rescue work as many people were still stranded in flooded villages. The government has deployed hundreds of boats, and thousands of rescuers and volunteers for evacuations in flood-hit districts. The Pakistan Markazi Muslim League, a volunteer group known for being among the first responders in natural disasters, is among those involved in the efforts, with members spread across the country. The groups spokesman, Taha Muneeb, said that floodwaters had already submerged all the villages surrounding Jalalpur Pirwala and had begun to seep into the city itself. Many residents refuse to leave, saying it is better to remain on their rooftops than to sit helpless on the roadside, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Survivors told reporters that many people remain stranded on rooftops and trees. I saw with my own eyes people perched on branches of trees, half-submerged in floodwaters, said Taj Din, who was among a dozen evacuees rescued by a boat. Punjab government spokesperson Uzma Bukhari said that they're utilizing thermal imaging drones to locate stranded people in flooded areas, enabling them to be rescued by boat. She said that the government is doing its best to handle this situation. Though Pakistan hasn't issued any appeal for help, the Saudi government on Monday delivered 10,000 food packages and 10,000 shelter kits to the Punjab government for flood-hit families. The Saudi shipment came just two days after Washington also dispatched emergency supplies for Pakistans flood victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floods have so far affected more than 4.1 million people across 4,100 villages in 25 districts of Punjab province. Since Aug. 26, there have been at least 56 flood-related deaths, while more than 2 million residents have been moved to safety, Kathia said. The disaster management official told The Associated Press that displaced families were being provided with tents and food supplies. He said that the local administration, assisted by troops and police, was expediting evacuations in the city, which has a population of nearly 700,000. Mosques broadcast evacuation announcements as residents scrambled onto vehicles amid heavy rainfall. Punjab has been conducting one of its largest rescue operations, including with the aid of drones, since last month, when floodwaters inundated multiple districts after India released water from its dams. The surges swelled the Ravi, Chenab and Sutlej rivers, while torrential monsoon rains further raised water levels. Kathia said that Punjabs chief minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is personally monitoring the evacuation effort from a central control room. The Pakistani army, police and rescue services are assisting, including helicopter airlifts from remote villages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since late June, monsoon flooding has killed more than 900 people across Pakistan, according to the National Disaster Management Authority, or NDMA. Over the weekend, India again notified Islamabad through diplomatic channels of potential cross-border flooding, the agency said. Kathia said that surging waters have already displaced more than 2 million people across Punjab since Aug. 23, when heavy rains and dam releases began overwhelming rivers. Only about 60,000 of them are living in official relief camps, he said, while most sought shelter with relatives in nearby towns or set up makeshift camps along river embankments, waiting for the waters to recede. Evacuations are also underway in southern Sindh province, which faces growing threats as water continues to flow downstream into the Indus River and where more than 100,000 people have already been relocated from vulnerable settlements. Sindh was among the worst-hit regions in the catastrophic 2022 floods, which killed 1,739 people nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Babar Dogar reported from Lahore. Munir Ahmed contributed to this report from Islamabad. ___ This story has been corrected to show that the last name of the volunteer group's spokesman is Muneeb, not Munir. Israeli soldiers shot and killed two 14-year-olds in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, Palestinian health officials reported on Monday. Two other Palestinians were injured, one of them seriously, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah reported. The Israeli military stated, when asked, that it was reviewing the report. Several residents of the city's refugee camp were attempting to retrieve belongings from their homes when the Israeli army opened fire on them, Palestinian media reported. The Israeli military has been operating in the northern West Bank since the beginning of the year, claiming it is targeting terrorist organizations in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many residents of the refugee camp, considered a stronghold of militant Palestinians, have fled. The situation in the occupied West Bank has worsened since the Hamas massacre in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the Gaza war. Since then, 975 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military operations, armed clashes, and their own attacks, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. On Monday morning two Palestinians killed at least six people in Jerusalem. The attackers were subsequently shot dead. At the same time, there has been an increase in violence by radical Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Las Cruces-based League of Women Voters of Southern New Mexico (LWVSNM) will hold a public meeting featuring a panel of experts who will discuss New Mexicos shortage of doctors. The free meeting begins at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Dona Ana Community College Workforce Center, 2345 Nevada Ave. The panelists will be: Dr. Arthur Berkson, president of the Dona Ana County Medical Society; Fred Nathan, Think New Mexico founder and executive director; Las Cruces journalist Walt Rubel; and Kathe Stark, Patients Primero Steering Committee, a bipartisan citizen advocacy group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Too many doctors and medical providers are leaving our community and our state, and its created a negative impact on our residents access to healthcare, said Joanne Turnbull, chairwoman of the LWVSNM Healthcare Committee. The panel discussion will give us credible information on this topic which, in turn, will help guide our organization on how to advocate for improvement. Turnbull will provide opening comments and there will be time for audience questions after the panelists remarks. The meeting will also be on teleconference via Zoom, using the link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/827344928 and entering passcode 693935. For more information on the meeting or about the League, email lwvsnm@gmail.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 KTSM 9 News. A Houthi drone struck Ramon Airport in the Arava on Sunday. The aircraft injured a passenger who sustained light wounds from shrapnel, along with seven others. A Houthi drone struck Ramon Airport in the Arava on Sunday. The aircraft injured a passenger who sustained light wounds from shrapnel, along with seven others - one from falling and the rest from shock. Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ran Kochav, former IDF air defense chief, spoke on Monday with Anat Davidov and Udi Segal on 103FM radio about the failed interception. "A failed interception is always a weakness, and this is a serious incident, unfortunately, not the first, and I hope the last," he said. "It happened yesterday in Ramon. It happened at the time when an Israeli citizen was killed in Jaffa, and it happened to us that one of theHouthi ballistic missiles fell near Ben-Gurion Airport." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is a paradox of success here. The air defense system works magic with 98% interception of drones," he continued. "The paradox is that at the end of the day, a goalie only counts the goals he intercepts. No one in Ramon is interested in having a 98% success rate if the airport is closed for two hours and, fortunately, without fatalities. Let's try to understand why it doesn't always happen, except for the correct statement that there is no hermetic defense and that not everything is perfect," he added. Houthi missile crashes at Ben Gurion Airport, May 4, 2025. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI) "This word of identification is divided, like everything in the military, into three parts. First, the drone, UAV, or unmanned aircraft must be detected, usually by the air force's radars. After that, it must be classified according to the type of vehicle, even before being classified as 'companion or predator,' and it must be understood whether it is a fighter jet, a passenger plane, or a drone, and of what type." Kochav later explained the stage at which, according to the initial investigation, the error occurred: "Only in the third stage does the essential classification stage come, namely, whether it is a friendly or predatory aircraft. Here we need to understand exactly what happened in the regional air control unit - was it a human error or a technical engineering error?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If I understand correctly from the initial investigation carried out by the air force, this is a human error in the human control unit. This is a fact: they managed to intercept the other drones in the Nitzana area from the same flight. We need to understand whether this is a phenomenon or a loophole and whether it can be closed." Public relations is important He then addressed the issue of Israel's public relations, or lack thereof, in the world: "Public relations is not everything, but it is important, and Netanyahu understands this better than we do. It is challenging to convey a reality that is itself complex and difficult to comprehend, and the policy here is equally complex and difficult to explain. In some places, it is even illogical." "This thing is a continuous failure, especially since Moshik Aviv left the head of the national public relations system. There is no national public relations department, and there is no Foreign Ministry or embassy system. This thing is one big failure. With all due respect to the IDF spokesman, and there is respect for his abilities, no one in Berlin, Barcelona, or London wants to see an officer in uniform with a beret and an Israeli accent, as we sneer when we see the Houthi military spokesman trying to explain." Paramount followed up on its promise to the Trump administration to appoint an ombudsman to root out complaints of bias at CBS News by naming longtime conservative think tank leader Kenneth R. Weinstein to the position on Monday. Besides previously serving as the Hudson Institutes president and CEO, Weinstein was also nominated by Donald Trump in 2020 to serve as the United States Ambassador to Japan and was appointed as a member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations by Trump in 2018. In this role, Weinstein will serve as an independent, internal advocate for journalistic integrity and transparency, reviewing concerns raised by employees and viewers, addressing questions about news coverage, and upholding the organizations longstanding commitment to accuracy and accountability, Paramount stated in a Monday press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Touting the move, Paramount President Jeff Shell said that he was looking forward to welcoming Ken as our new Ombudsman while suggesting that the appointment would help restore public trust in the mainstream and legacy press. At a time when trust in media is more important than ever, this new role reinforces our commitment to truth, trust, and accountability. Ive known him for many years and have great respect for his integrity, sound judgment, and thoughtful approach to complex issues, Shell said. Ken brings not only a wealth of advisory experience in media and beyond but also a calm, measured perspective that makes him exceptionally well-suited to serve as our Ombudsman. CBS News is appointing a former Trump appointee to serve as its ombudsman to root out complaints of bias. (AP) Weinstein, who now serves as the Japan Chair at the Hudson Institute, said he was honored by the new role at CBS News, which he called one of the most respected journalistic institutions in the world. He added that he looked forward to supporting the talented team behind its reporting and to stewarding public trust in this critical institution. In its press release, Paramount stated that under the newly established position, the ombudsman would review complaints from consumers, employees and others about CBS News coverage and determine if they require further action. If Weinstein determines a complaint warrants additional action, it will be raised to Shell and Chair of TV Media George Cheeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After assessing the complaint, and if they collectively determine that such outreach is necessary, Weinstein, Shell, and Cheeks will address the complaint with the President and Executive Editor of CBS News, Tom Cibrowski, who will recommend and implement any necessary action steps, Paramount concluded. According to a Paramount spokesperson, complaints reviewed by the ombudsman will not be made public. Besides his work for the Hudson Institute, Weinstein served on the National Council for the Humanities under George W. Bush and was nominated in 2013 by Barack Obama to sit on the Broadcast Board of Governors (now the U.S. Agency for Global Media), which oversees Voice of America and Radio Free Europe. During the first Trump administration, Weinstein was elected chairman of the BBG and was appointed to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. Trump also nominated Weinstein to serve as the ambassador to Japan in March 2020. Though his nomination was advanced out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that fall, he was never confirmed by the full Senate, as debate over Ruth Bader Ginsburgs replacement in the Supreme Court and the November presidential election placed a stop to his confirmation. Weinstein also donated over $10,000 to the Republican National Committee last year. As Jeremy Barr of The Washington Post noted on Monday, while some of the contributions were for the GOPs national convention, the majority of his donations were earmarked for the Trump 47 Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement of Weinstein as the CBS News ombudsman comes just days after Paramount, which officially closed on the politically fraught Skydance merger last month, implemented new rules for interviews on its Sunday news show Face the Nation following complaints from the White House. After CBS initially defended its decision to trim an interview with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for time, which Noem claimed was shamefully edited, Paramount leadership effectively sided with the administration amid ongoing public pressure. The excised portion of the interview included Noem making a series of unproven allegations against migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia. According to The New York Times, Cheeks consulted with Cibrowski and concluded that the network needed to take steps to ensure that a similar situation would not reoccur, adding that the move was endorsed by David Ellison, the chief executive of Paramount. Going forward, all interviews on Face the Nation will be broadcast live or live-to-tape, unless there are national security or legal concerns. CBS News' new surrender to Trump is an open invitation to Trumpers to lie on their network, The New Republics Greg Sargent wrote about the new policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, CBS News staffers are bracing for the likelihood that Ellison will not only purchase the anti-woke, pro-Israel digital media outlet The Free Press to be part of the news division, but will also install its founder Bari Weiss in a senior news leadership position. At the same time, while Ellison seems poised to pay a premium price for Weiss startup, his executive team is preparing to make painful cuts to the network. For employees already demoralized by years of cutbacks, the optics will certainly be enraging, Status News Oliver Darcy observed last week. And make no mistake: this isnt about financial prudence. Its about politics. Ellison is paying not for a strong business asset, but to send a signal to the anti-mainstream media crowd that CBS News is being reshaped. New Paramount chairman David Ellison is currently under investigation by House Democrats over concerns that the company may have violated anti-bribery laws. (Paramount) Meanwhile, House Democrats are currently investigating Paramount over the merger process and whether any anti-bribery laws were violated. Ahead of the presidents administration approving the $8 billion merger with Skydance, Paramount paid Trump $16 million to settle a meritless lawsuit over the editing of a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, sparking allegations that the company bribed the president. Furthermore, the investigation is also digging into the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of vocal Trump critic Stephen Colberts late-night CBS show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of that, Trump boasted about a side deal he reached with Ellison then the head of Skydance to air up to $20 million of pro-Trump advertisements on CBS programming once the deal was closed. Ellison, for his part, has remained mum about the matter. All the while, the president has openly praised Ellison as a great man who will do the right thing at CBS. Additionally, Democrats are looking into the promise Skydance made to Trumps handpicked FCC chairman Brendan Carr just days before the agency approved the merger. At the time, Skydances counsel told Carr that the new Paramount would install an ombudsman for two years to conduct a comprehensive review of complaints of bias at CBS News, as well as eliminate all diversity hiring processes. As a condition of the merger, Skydance also agreed to make changes to CBS and its editorial practices that align with the Trump Administrations political agenda, including a commitment to eliminate perceived bias in its reporting, the hiring of an ombudsman to police the news organizations editorial choices, and the dismantling of any initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, the House Democrats noted in their letter to Ellison last month. Paramount has named Kenneth R. Weinstein, former head of a conservative-leaning Washington think tank, to be ombudsman for CBS News, fulfilling a condition of winning the Trump administration's approval for an $8-billion merger. The company announced Monday "that complaints from consumers, employees and others" about CBS News stories will go to Weinstein, who will help determine if remedial action is necessary. Weinstein, who served as president and chief executive of the Hudson Institute, will report to Jeff Shell, who is president of Paramount under new owner and CEO David Ellison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weinstein will address complaints about news coverage in consultation with Shell, CBS President and CEO George Cheeks and CBS News Executive Editor Tom Cibrowski. Paramount buyer Skydance Media agreed to appoint an ombudsman in order to get regulatory clearance for its acquisition of the media company, which closed in August. The Federal Communications Commission said Skydance agreed to commit to "viewpoint diversity, nondiscrimination and enhanced localism" in its news coverage when the agency announced its approval of the deal. Americans no longer trust the legacy national news media to report fully, accurately, and fairly. It is time for a change, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in a statement at the time of the approval. That is why I welcome Skydances commitment to make significant changes at the once storied CBS broadcast network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Inside CBS News: Fear, anger and a silver lining after Paramount-Trump settlement Under Skydance's ownership, CBS News has already shown a willingness to respond to Trump White House beefs with its coverage. On Friday the division announced a new policy for its Washington public affairs program "Face the Nation," which will no longer edit taped interviews. The policy shift came after U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem complained that her Aug. 31 "Face the Nation" interview, which was trimmed for time, deleted harsh allegations against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man wrongly deported to his native El Salvador. He was returned to the U.S., where he faces deportation efforts. In addition to his work at the Hudson Institute, where he still holds a chair, Weinstein served on multiple advisory boards including the United States Agency for Global Media when it was known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors. The agency, currently headed on an interim basis by Kari Lake, oversees the funding for government-run media outlets such as Voice of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weinstein also holds a doctorate in government from Harvard University and has taught political theory at Georgetown University and Claremont McKenna College. "I've known [Weinstein] for many years and have respect for his integrity, sound judgment and thoughtful approach to complex issues," Shell said in a statement. "Ken brings not only a wealth of experience in media and beyond but also a calm measured perspective that makes him exceptionally well-suited to serve as our Ombudsman." Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The success of the Levitt shell in Sioux Falls could spread to other communities in Keloland. The town of Parkston is hoping to take advantage of funding from the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation. During the summer, Parkston has what it calls Amphithursdays. Every Thursday, the amphitheater at East Park in Parkston is filled with music. Bands like Wakefield, Ivory the Hegg Brothers, and Mogens Heroes have entertained crowds, bringing fun and excitement to this town of 1500 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of energy, our community all comes out and supports it, I actually have three young children and they look forward to it every single week, said Lindsay Weber, the CEO of Avera Saint Benedict. Avera is involved because every entrant in the grant program must have a non-profit sponsor. Parkston is a finalist for a Levitt AMP grant. It would provide $28,000 a year for three years in matching grant money. Celebrating 10 years at the Toy Lending Library There were over 300 applications for the initial round, and we made it into the top 100, so in a sense, weve already beat out 200 communities for an opportunity at this grant. And now being the only one in South Dakota that is in the running for this, we are hoping we can get support from across the state, said Rob Monson, the Summer Concert Coordinator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Parkston group has sought the advice of Levitt staff in Sioux Falls and found the grant opportunity through that relationship. We want people to help us win this grant and support small town South Dakota, said Bill Maxwell, President of the Parkston Commercial Club. To help Parkston, people can go online to levitt.org or use their phone to text the name Parkston to the number on your screen. It is one vote per person, said Maxwell. So we are trying to get as many people on board to just help us out with it and take ten seconds to text a vote for Parkston, and we all would greatly appreciate it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parkston is competing against a hundred communities in other states. The town is among the smallest, if not the smallest, in the competition, so they hope everyone watching will join them in their efforts to win the grant and then come to Parkston to enjoy AmphiThursdays. The voting runs from September 5th through the 15th. You can go to Levitt-dot-org below or text the name Parkston to 877-409-5525. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. The Seattle Fire Department says a 63-year-old was rushed to the hospital after being stabbed on a bus in Seattle. It happened just after 6 p.m. on Sunday near 3rd Avenue and Pike Street. The King County Sheriffs Office says that by the time law enforcement arrived, the suspect was nowhere to be found. The passenger was rushed to Harborview Medical Center and is expected to be okay. No word on what led up to the stabbing. 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: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be associated with an increased risk for tinnitus, Meniere disease, vestibular dysfunction, and sensorineural hearing loss, according to a study published online Aug. 20 in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare. Wen Zhao, from the Hebei Chinese Medical University in Shijiazhuang, and colleagues used genome-wide association study genetic data from individuals of European ancestry to examine the correlation between GERD, Barrett esophagus (BE), and ear disorders. Three Mendelian randomization methods were applied; causal estimates were determined using the inverse variance weighted method. The researchers identified potential effects of genetically predicted GERD on ear disorders. GERD was associated with Meniere disease, sensorineural hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, constant tinnitus, tinnitus occurring most of the time, and occasional tinnitus (odds ratios, 1.334, 1.127, 1.178, 1.019, 1.007, and 1.014, respectively). An increased risk for these ear disorders was seen in association with higher GERD levels. Elevated GERD levels were associated with a reduced likelihood of never experiencing tinnitus among individuals who never experienced tinnitus (odds ratio, 0.939). There was no causal association seen between GERD and otitis media. No causal relationship was observed for BE with ear disorder risk. "The MR analysis indicates that GERD may elevate the risk of Meniere's disease, sensorineural hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, and tinnitus," the authors write. "These findings could offer valuable insights for the prevention of Meniere's disease, sensorineural hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, and tinnitus." More information Wen Zhao et al, Association Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Barrett's Esophagus and Ear Disorders: A Mendelian Randomization Study, Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare (2025). DOI: 10.2147/JMDH.S530915 Copyright 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. WASHINGTON (AP) For decades, Doug Wilson was a relatively unknown pastor in Idaho, relegated to the fringe of evangelicalism for his radical teachings. Now he's an influential voice in the Christian right. That shift in clout was apparent this past week as he took a victory lap through Washington, sharing a stage with Trump administration officials and preaching at his denominations new church. This is the first time weve had connections with as many people in national government as we do now, Wilson told The Associated Press in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilson and his acolytes within the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches still teach that empathy can be a sin, that the U.S. is a Christian nation, that giving women the right to vote was a bad idea. But as evangelicalism has aligned more closely with President Donald Trumps Republican agenda, these teachings have a larger and more receptive audience. Whatever he may have been in the past, hes not fringe now, said Brian Kaylor, a Baptist minister and Wilson critic who wrote the forthcoming book The Bible According to Christian Nationalists. Wilsons Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, opened a church blocks from the U.S. Capitol this summer. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, member of a CREC church in Tennessee, attended the opening. On Saturday, the fledging congregation gathered for its first church conference. It rented a larger space in Virginia for the weekend to accommodate the 350 people who went to hear Wilson, more than doubling their usual Sunday attendance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilson said they started the congregation to serve church members who relocated to work in Trump's administration. We didnt come to D.C. in order to meet important people, Wilson told the gathering. Were here because we want to create the opportunity for important people and other people to meet with God. Making the case for Christian nationalism At the National Conservatism Conference days earlier, Wilson was a featured speaker along with members of Congress and Trumps Cabinet, including border czar Tom Homan, budget director Russell Vought and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri. Two more CREC ministers were on the program to give an opening prayer and speak on a panel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the lectern in his affable baritone, Wilson gave a full-throated endorsement of Christian nationalism. America was deeply Christian and Protestant at the founding, he said, while admitting numerous "credentialed historians dispute this notion, which should tell you something about our credentialing system. He talked to a sympathetic crowd, filled with conservatives who support a populist, nationalist and largely Christian America. Like Wilson, their movement has momentum, thanks to Trumps return to the White House. Wilsons vision for a renewed Christian America calls for the end of same-sex marriage, abortion and Pride parades. He advocates restricting pornography and immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not xenophobic to object to the immigration policies of those who want to turn the Michigan-Ohio border into something that resembles the India-Pakistan border, he said onstage. He questioned, in particular, Muslims ability to assimilate: Theres only so much white sand you can put in the sugar bowl before it isnt the sugar bowl anymore. Downplaying the horrors of slavery Wilson and the CREC, which he co-founded, ascribe to a strict version of Reformed theology rooted in the tradition of 16th-century Protestant reformer John Calvin that puts a heavy emphasis on an all-powerful God with dominion over all of society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the 1970s, Wilsons ministry and influence have grown to include the Association of Christian Classical Schools and New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho. Wilson is a prolific writer and content creator, and he and his ministry have a robust media presence, including a publishing arm, Canon Press. His extensive catalog of books and blog posts provides plenty of fodder for his critics. In one infamous example, he co-authored a 1996 book that downplayed the horrors of slavery, an effort not dissimilar from recent Trump administration moves to revise museum exhibits. Today Wilson says he'd make some points more clearly in Southern Slavery as It Was. While he condemns slavery, he still contends some slave owners and enslaved people had a good relationship with one another. There was horrific maltreatment on the one hand, and then there are other stories that are right out of Disneys Song of the South, Wilson told the AP, referring to the 1946 film that hasnt been released in decades because it paints a sunny picture of plantation life with racist stereotypes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worries that patriarchy can fuel abuse Wilsons hard-line theology and happy-warrior ethos have attracted a cadre of young, internet-savvy men to his ministry. They help make slickly produced hype videos to circulate online, like one in which Wilson uses a flamethrower to torch cardboard cutouts of Disney princesses. CREC leaders like to use humor to poke fun at their reputation. We want our wives to be barefoot, pregnant, in the kitchen making sourdough, joked Joe Rigney, one of Wilsons Idaho pastors, at the church conference. Of course, this is a gross slander, Rigney said. We are more than happy for our wives to wear shoes while they make the sourdough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CREC practices complementarianism the patriarchal idea that men and women have different God-given roles. Women within CREC churches cannot hold church leadership positions, and married women are to submit to their husbands. Christ Church allows only heads of households, usually men, to vote in church elections. Though Wilson said his wife and daughters vote in nonchurch elections, he would prefer the United States follow his congregations example with household voting. To the uproar of critics, Wilson has argued sex requires male authority and female submission, a point he acknowledges is offensive to all egalitarians. The sexual act cannot be made into an egalitarian pleasuring party, he writes in Fidelity. A man penetrates, conquers, colonizes, plants. A woman receives, surrenders, accepts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former CREC members have accused Wilson and the denomination of fostering a theological environment ripe for patriarchal abuse of women and children. Ive seen how much this hurts people, said journalist Sarah Stankorb, who documented allegations of mishandled abuse within CREC for Vice and in her 2023 book Disobedient Women. In her 2024 memoir A Well-Trained Wife, Tia Levings, a former CREC member, alleges Wilsons writings on marriage and patriarchy provided a theological justification for her ex-husbands violence toward her. I call it church-sanctioned domestic abuse, Levings told the AP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilson denies condoning abuse or ever sanctioning physical discipline of wives. Our teaching has to be taken as a whole, he said, emphasizing wives should submit but husbands must love them in a Christ-like way. Beating their wives or spanking their wives is a call-the-cops situation, he told reporters Saturday after his church conference concluded. CREC has more than 150 churches in the United States and abroad. Wilson said its goal is to have thousands of churches, so most Americans can be within driving distance of one. Wilson often says his movement is playing the long game, that its efforts wont come to fruition for two centuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doug loves to play humble, Levings said, that his vision is going to take 250 years to manifest. Thats actually not the case when we look at the results of what his ministry has done. After all, it took him only a few decades to get this close to the White House. ___ 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. Sep. 7Pastor Tim Remington loves the man who shot him six times nearly a decade ago in his Coeur d'Alene church's parking lot. "I love the guy," Remington said of Kyle Odom, the shooter who's serving a minimum 10-year prison sentence. "He's a great young man who needs help." Forgiveness and healing were the themes Saturday night at the Altar Church in a talk titled "Journey of Forgiveness." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides Remington, Sara Weaver, a survivor of the deadly 1992 Ruby Ridge standoff, told the crowd she forgave those responsible for shooting and killing her mother and 14-year-old brother during the bloody North Idaho siege. Cara Northington, mother to Xana Kernodle, also said she forgave Bryan Kohberger, who was sentenced this summer to life in prison for fatally stabbing Kernodle and three other University of Idaho students in 2022. 'Two horrific days' Weaver said she's still angry about the 11-day standoff on her family's wooded property that claimed the life of her mother, Vicki Weaver, and her younger brother, Samuel Weaver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My life and my family were robbed from me horrifically," said Sara Weaver, who was 16 years old during the 1992 standoff. " I must remember who the real enemy is, and it's the enemy of our souls." Randy Weaver, Sara Weaver's father, was wanted by U.S. marshals after he failed to appear in court to face charges for manufacturing and possessing illegal shotguns. Weaver refused to surrender and holed up in the family's cabin atop Ruby Ridge, near Naples in Boundary County. The standoff drew more than 400 law enforcement officers before Randy Weaver surrendered. Randy Weaver, who was also shot and injured during the standoff and who had white supremacist ties, died in 2022 at the age of 74. Photos of the Weaver family were shown on two projectors at the church as Sara Weaver spoke. She published a book, "Ruby Ridge to Freedom: The Sara Weaver Story," and signed copies for attendees after Saturday night's event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the first day of the standoff, marshals surveilling the Weaver cabin ran into Randy Weaver and Samuel Weaver as well as the elder Weaver's friend Kevin Harris. A shootout ensued that led to the deaths of U.S. Deputy Marshal William Degan and Samuel Weaver. Sara Weaver said Saturday her brother was shot twice in the back as he was running toward the family home. "His last words were, 'I'm comin,' Dad,' " she said. She said her younger brother was her best friend growing up. They did everything together, like fishing, hiking and building forts. She said her brother fixed her broken jewelry, and she stood up for him when other children bullied him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My brother was one of the most fiercely loyal friends I had ever had, and we were totally inseparable, or so I thought," said Sara Weaver, who then described his death. The day after her brother was shot and killed, an FBI sniper shot Sara Weaver's mother in the head. "I was standing next to her on our front porch when she fell at my feet," Sara Weaver said. "Her last words were screaming for us to get to our house for safety and calling the men she could not see 'bastards' for shooting at her family from their comfortable hiding places. The world as I knew it violently ended in two horrific days, and I did not expect to live much beyond that myself." Sara Weaver said the loss of her mother and brother started a decade of being "half alive" where she spent each day just trying to survive her sad, angry and extremely bitter emotions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I didn't know how to break through the depression," she said. "It haunted me day in and day out, and fear of loss took over, dread that at any minute something bad could happen to me or someone I love." A cloud always hung over her that stole her smile, Sara Weaver said. "I had no joy in my heart," she said. She said her "darkest depression" took over her life around the time of the birth of her son and trying to build a house. She said she desperately missed her mom to guide her into new motherhood. Sara Weaver said she struggled with what she now recognizes as postpartum depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, both of which were not talked about much at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In complete desperation, she dusted off her Sunday School Bible which she hadn't opened in about 20 years and went to the famous verse of John 3:16, the only verse she had memorized two decades earlier. She then read John 3:17. The verse reads, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." That was the day, 22 years ago this year, she met Jesus for the first time, she said. "I know he came into my heart to change my life because I felt him lift the literal weight of the world off of me," Sara Weaver said. She said Jesus wrapped her in a secure blanket with his love. It's a miracle she's alive today, she said. "I felt free for the first time in my life and no longer feared death, that awful thing that had robbed me of my family," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years after Ruby Ridge, she said forgiveness was a foreign concept to her. She said she does not believe she could have forgiven those responsible for killing her family without Jesus. "Death is not the winner in my story," she said. "Jesus is." Sara Weaver encouraged others to forgive their perpetrators and to trust God to help them along the way. She told attendees they can endure terrible things and still overcome them. "They don't have to cripple you forever," she said. 'I'm going to die happy' Twelve shots were fired, but Remington remembers the rapid succession of bullets as "one loud bang" when he was walking out of his church and about to enter his car on March 6, 2016. The force of the bullets "forced" him against the car so hard it left bruises, and he tried to speak through labored breathing from a punctured lung. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then dropped to the ground and thought, "OK, this is it," he recalled. Remington, who served as a state House representative after the shooting, told the crowd Saturday everything turned to slow motion when he was shot, and he thought two things: I want my family to be here, and I hope I make it to heaven. He said an emergency medical technician repeatedly asked Remington his name andbirth date. It became a "game," and the two started to laugh about it. "If I'm going to die, I'm going to die happy," Remington said. He said the hot bullets that stayed inside him made him feel like he was on fire, and he even asked someone to put out the blaze. Remington said he lost nine units of blood and embarked on a long recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Odom, who thought Remington was an alien, drove away from the Altar, hopped on a plane in Boise and flew to Washington, D.C., where he was arrested two days later by the U.S. Secret Service after he threw thumb drives over the White House gate. Remington later watched video of Odom before the shooting walking near Remington and his family. "It could have been bad, really bad, because he was in the church looking for me," Remington said. A judge in 2017 sentenced Odom to 10 years in prison with another 15 years to be determined by Idaho prison officials after the former U.S. Marine pleaded guilty to aggravated battery with a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remington said he forgave Odom right away for what he did to him, but it was more difficult to forgive him for how his actions affected his family. Remington was talking to his son on the phone about family lunch plans that day when the gunfire erupted. Police kept his son on the other side of the yellow crime scene tape, not allowing him to see his father. Meanwhile, Remington said his mother saw people hosing her son's blood from the ambulance he was inside moments earlier. "To me, it wasn't my forgiveness for what he did to me," Remington said. "I had to forgive him for what he did to all of them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remington acknowledged his family members attending Saturday's event. "I have incredible family," he said. "And when I started to figure out what in the world he did to them, that bothered me. You can do whatever you want to me, but now you're messing with my family." Still, Remington forgave Odom and even visited him in prison, where the two played chess. Remington playfully said he beat Odom in each of the six games of chess they played. "God loves Kyle Odom just as much as he loves me," Remington said. 'I don't hate Bryan Kohberger' Northington wiped away tears and hugged Sara Weaver as the Altar played news clips about her daughter's murder, the 911 call and the aftermath, including Northington's statement to Kohberger at his July sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She told Kohberger she forgave him and prayed for him, but she is "washing my hands" of him and not letting him rent space in her head anymore. "I don't hate Bryan Kohberger," she said Saturday. Northington described her daughter as a "beautiful soul" who "lit up a room." "She was funny," Northington said. "She just had a way of making you feel special." She said Kernodle, 20, always played practical jokes, like joining friends at midnight throwing toilet paper on their house. "She was always doing crazy things like that," Northington said. She will most remember when Kernodle was about 4 and she noticed a beautiful sunset. "Xana said, 'Mom, look, the clouds are pink,' and she just took off running," Northington said. Northington also described her 30-year journey battling drug addiction, which included going to jail a little over a year after the murders. She said she knew she needed to change. Turning to Jesus in jail jump-started her turnaround, and she couldn't stop reading the Bible while incarcerated, she said. "I was very determined and hungry for the word," Northington said. Northington credited the Altar's Good Samaritan Rehabilitation program, which helps people overcome drug and alcohol addiction, for helping her. "The Lord just had me surrender it all," she said of drugs. "And I did, and I haven't gone back." A patients chest CT scan was delayed for over 10 hours before he died from a pulmonary embolism, and now his family has filed a lawsuit over his alleged wrongful death. Andrew Garbor, 38, died at the Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center near San Diego in 2024 from the embolism a major blood clot blocking the arteries of his lungs. Gabors sister, Maria Healey, brought him to live with her family in Chula Vista while he was recovering from a significant infection before he died. At the time, Gabor worked two jobs and had type 2 diabetes, which made the road to recovery difficult, she told The San Diego Union-Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being the oldest sister, I just felt that need and desire to take care of him as the youngest brother, Healey told the outlet. Our mom wasnt able to do it because she has MS, and so I offered to take him home, and he agreed to it. Not long after, Gabor began to experience extreme back pain and wound up in the emergency room on February 16, 2024. He had a herniated disc that later required spinal decompression and fusion surgery. While recovering from surgery, Gabor called his sister in a panic because he felt like he was about to have a heart attack. He was just really alarmed, almost in tears he said Im just worried I might have had a heart attack. Im not really sure whats happening, maybe Im having a panic attack or anxiety attack, Healey recalled. A wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center in California after a mans chest CT scan was delayed over 10 hours before he died from a pulmonary embolism, according to a report. (Google) Healey arrived at the hospital just before visiting hours ended and found her brother experiencing severe chest pain, distressed breathing and a racing heart. When she returned the next morning, his condition had worsened significantly, and his skin appeared gray, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gabor died soon after on March 4, 2024, with his death certificate listing the cause as a bilateral pulmonary embolism. Healey had concerns with the care her brother received and felt her suspicions were only confirmed after she received the results of a state investigation by the California Department of Public Health. A copy of the report revealed that a CT angiography of Gabors chest was completed 12 hours after it was ordered, according to the lawsuit. The report came almost an entire year after he died and, when I got it, I was shaking as I read through the papers, Healey told the outlet. I just couldnt believe what they had found, and I felt vindicated that he shouldnt have died, that I was right that something had happened, that this shouldnt have happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scan had been ordered STAT, which investigators noted meant that staff knew it was supposed to be completed right away. An interview with a hospital physician also stated that the expectation was for a STAT order to be completed within one hour or there was no point (in) ordering (it to be completed) STAT, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit claims Gabors CT scan was completed 12 hours after it had been ordered. (AFP via Getty Images) I was very angry, very very upset, because, as his older sister, I felt like I was there to protect him, and I wasnt able to do that, Healey said. I was told he was in the best place, that he would be given the best care possible, and it just wasnt the truth. Healey filed the lawsuit against Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center in San Diego Superior Court on July 11, alleging wrongful death, abuse, neglect and negligence. The suit, served on Sharp last week, seeks unspecified punitive and compensatory money and reimbursement for attorney fees, according to the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharp declined to comment on the allegations to the Union-Tribune. Medical experts say death from a pulmonary embolism is common, killing a person every six minutes, according to the National Blood Clot Alliance. Research has also found that the risks of clots forming increase with the length of a patients hospital stay, highlighting the need for more preventative measures. Blood clots kill an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 Americans each year, according to the National Blood Clot Alliance. That startling statistic is greater than the total number of people who lose their lives each year to AIDS, breast cancer and motor vehicle crashes combined, according to the organization. Corporation for Public Broadcasting President and CEO Patricia Harrison received a standing ovation Sunday before accepting the 2025 Governors Award at Sundays Creative Arts Emmys. The honor comes as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is shutting down its operations after the loss of federal funding. It marks the end of almost six decades as the entity that distributed grants to public media, PBS and NPR. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement The CPB has noted that the majority of its funding, about 70%, goes to local stations, not the national outlets. Advocates also have pointed to polling showing high levels of public trust in public media. Public media is so different in this country, unlike the BBC or other systems in different countries, Harrison told reporters after receiving the honor. Stations raise, on an average, six times more than the federal investment. The small stations, the remote stations, that amount of money that they get from the federal government is all the difference in the world to them so they can connect with their audiences. When you eliminate CPB and that funding mechanism, its sort of like Jenga. You pull that little piece of wood out, things start shaking, and then things start going apart. It doesnt have to be that way, because general managers of these stations, these local stations, are very entrepreneurial, continued Harrison, who is the longest-serving president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. They raise money. The stations are contributing a lot of money, but theyre not going to be able to sustain it. So the question is, do the American people feel that public media is a value to them or their families, and if so, are they communicating that to people who make those decisions? Dr Henry Louis Gates introduced the Governors Award, which honors an individual, company or organization that has made a profound, transformational and long-lasting contribution to the arts and/or science of television. Established in 1967 by the Public Broadcasting Act, CPB is a private, nonprofit corporation authorized by Congress to serve as the steward of the federal investment in public broadcasting and support more than 1,500 locally owned and operated public radio and television stations across the United States. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting was created for the federal government to wield the power of television for the enrichment of all Americans, regardless of income, locale, race color or creed, Gates said. This is not the final throes. Even an act of Congress cannot erase the indelible legacy of the charter of CPB. He also mentioned how Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood was the embodiment of CPB. Where have you gone when we needed you the most? Advertisement Advertisement The CPB informed employees in August that the majority of staff positions will end on Sept. 30, with a small transition team in place through January, 2026. The CPB has around 100 employees. The GOP rescinded $1.1 billion in federal funding that was already allocated to the CPB for the next two fiscal years. President Donald Trump had called on lawmakers to roll back funding for CPB, calling the programming of PBS and NPR biased, part of his broader attacks on traditional media. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BOSTON (WPRI) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is targeting Massachusetts once again with another immigration crackdown. The operation, known as Patriot 2.0, will target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens living in the state, according to a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson. ICE is arresting sex offenders, pedophiles, murderers, drug dealers, and gang members released by local authorities, the DHS spokesperson added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALSO READ: AG Bondi threatens McKee over immigration policies The announcement comes as the Trump Administration sues the city of Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu, and Commissioner Michael Cox for allegedly interfering with immigration efforts. Sanctuary policies like those pushed by Mayor Wu not only attract and harbor criminals but also place these public safety threats above the interests of law-abiding American citizens, the DHS spokesperson said. There was a similar operation in May, where ICE said during the month-long Operation Patriot, 1,461 illegal alien offenders were arrested. BACKGROUND: 1,461 illegal aliens apprehended in Massachusetts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency did not provide the names of any of the people who were detained during that operation, but noted that 790 of them were charged with or convicted of crimes in the United States or abroad. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said the crackdown isnt about safety, but rather a political theatre. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, nowhere is a safe haven for criminal illegal aliens, the DHS spokesperson said. If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will hunt you down, arrest you, deport you, and you will never return. The Trump Administration said mass deportation remains a key campaign process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operation is expected to continue through the fall, with similar crackdowns being planned for other major cities, like Chicago. 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 News Congressional Republicans are steering clear of President Donald Trumps strike on a vessel allegedly carrying drugs off the coast of Venezuela all of them except Rand Paul. The Kentucky senator is loudly questioning the Trump administrations decision to blow up the boat, killing 11 people it alleges were drug traffickers. He said he hasnt decided whether to convene a hearing of the Senate homeland security committee, which he chairs, but Paul wondered to a pair of reporters whether its now the policy of the Coast Guard to shoot first, ask questions later. And the Kentuckian dug in further to his disagreement with Vice President JD Vance, who celebrated the military action and dismissed online criticism with an expletive over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What really ticked me off and got me going was for somebody [Vance] to glorify the idea of killing people without any due process and saying he just didnt give a shit what anybody who is going to criticize him is going to say, Paul said. That, to me, was a disdain for human life and a disdain for our process, the senator added. A person close to Vance said: The Vice President believes in the Trump doctrine and using overwhelming force to protect core American interests and save American lives. That pisses off hypocrites like Rand Paul, who during his failed run for president defended Obama droning American citizens without due process, but now is sticking up for foreign terrorists thanks to his debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome, the person added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summing up his view of the Venezuela strike, Paul said the US government needs some kind of process before you kill people. He acknowledged, however, that he didnt expect any other Republicans to join him in speaking out about the subject: People are very much afraid to have opinions right now. I doubt anybody else will. The White House did not have an immediate comment on Pauls criticisms. Other Republicans declined to criticize the boat strike on Monday, with none expressing qualms about an operation whose legal rationale has drawn skepticism from experts. I didnt have any problem with it. I did not get a notification, Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker, R-Miss., told Semafor. As for a hearing on the strike, he said, I dont have one scheduled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, said on Sunday he did not get any sort of a heads-up about the strike. He told Semafor that he hadnt gotten any more information, but its coming. Ask me in a day. Know More Counternarcotics operations tend to draw public support, but potentially extrajudicial strikes occasionally raise questions on Capitol Hill about congressional authorization for the use of military force even among some Republicans. Despite that past history, no other Republican is openly siding with Paul about the strike. One Democrat, Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, even indicated some comfort with the Trump administrations action, at least as an isolated incident. I think maybe when 100,000 Americans lives are taken through overdoses, nows maybe the time to push back. Im not saying blow up every single boat or anything, but if you have the intel there? Fetterman told Semafor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said that, because the Trump administration had designated the alleged traffickers as members of a terrorist organization, in the war against drugs, it doesnt strike me as off limits. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., said he would learn more about it this week, indicating that lawmakers expect more information after the administration scrapped a planned briefing about the strike last week. What weve been doing up until that point isnt working very well. Im open to different approaches. Obviously the president believes thats within his authority as commander-in-chief under the Constitution, said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. Weve constantly had battles over the years with the War Powers Act and authorizations for the use of military force, Cornyn acknowledged. Im not sure were going to resolve that anytime soon. Notable A Pennsylvania health insurer must pay nearly half a million dollars in penalties for violating an injunction that ordered the company not to send mailers that impose rate and benefit changes to hundreds of elderly Iowa policyholders, a Polk County District Court has ruled. The Aug. 31 ruling is the latest in a long-running dispute between insurance commissioners in Iowa and Pennsylvania that began in 2022 when Iowa Insurance Commissioner Douglas Ommen sought an injunction against Senior Health Insurance Co. of Pennsylvania (SHIP PA) after it declared it would change rates and benefits for Iowa policyholders without going through the required approval process with the state's insurance division. At the time, Ommen said SHIP, which had sold long-term care insurance policies to more than 880 Iowans, was financially insolvent with a $1.3 billion funding shortfall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The injunction, which was later granted, barred SHIP from offering any rates, riders or policy documents to any Iowa policyholders that had not been previously authorized and approved by the Iowa insurance commissioner. More: Legal battle escalates over long-term care insurance policies sold to Iowans A ruling by the Polk County District Court on Aug. 31 ordered $481,500 in penalties for contempt of court related to the conduct of SHIP PA, the commissioner of insurance in Pennsylvania and the special deputy rehabilitator for SHIP PA, according to a news release from the Iowa Insurance Division. In the release, Ommen said while the company is now in court rehabilitation, its "repeated efforts to change Iowa policyholder rates and benefits, including the recent mailings to Iowans, have caused policyholder confusion and violated both Iowa law and the Polk County District Courts previous injunction." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the policyholders, he added, are older and are on claim in long-term care facilities. In 2022, Commissioner Ommen filed suit against SHIP, saying the company intended to coerce vulnerable Iowans into paying confiscatory rate increases of 400% or more, even while imposing draconian cuts to policyholders benefits. In March 2023, the Iowa district court for Polk County issued a preliminary injunction that ordered SHIP PA to refrain from changing any rates or benefits for Iowa policyholders without the commissioners prior approval, according to the news release. Then, in January 2025, SHIP told the Iowa insurance commissioner the company had filed a request with the commonwealth court of Pennsylvania to begin implementing a court-approved rehabilitation plan for the company, allowing SHIP to contact Iowa policyholders and to offer, or in some cases force, changes to their policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Iowa commissioner then informed SHIP that even if the Pennsylvania court granted the request and the company followed through, it would be in clear violation of the injunction issued in Iowa. Under that scenario, the commissioner warned, he would authorize the Iowa attorney general to seek sanctions against SHIP. According to court papers filed in the spring, SHIP did not back down and intends to unilaterally modify all Iowa SHIP policies between May 31 and Oct. 28. The Aug. 31 ruling orders SHIP PA to cease any further violations of the order, according to the news release. SHIP has been litigating a nearly identical case in North Dakota, where a trial court recently awarded summary judgment in favor of the North Dakota Commissioner of Insurance and permanently barred SHIP from modifying the policies of North Dakota consumers without the commissioners approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Iowa Insurance Division has been in contact with Iowans impacted or their families but urges policyholders to reach out to the Iowa agency with any questions or concerns. Policyholders should also review any communications they have received from the company, state insurance officials said in the release. If policyholders have questions or concerns about their policies or about any communications from SHIP PA they should contact Insurance Complaint Analyst Sue Wittmack at 515-654-6606. Iowa Capital Dispatch Reporter Clark Kauffman contributed to this story. Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government and Polk County reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com. Follow her on X at @vbarreda2. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Pennsylvania health insurer to pay nearly $500K in penalties for violating Iowa law (WHTM) Its now the second week of September, and state lawmakers have yet to pass a state budget. Pennsylvania lawmakers were greeted by multiple faces today as they went back to work. There are different rallies from different groups almost every day now, calling for a budget at the Capitol. Today, it was home health care workers urging state lawmakers to come to a state budget agreement. They said it would guarantee that the workers who are helping the states most vulnerable would make at least $15 an hour. Lolita Owens, a 58-year-old client in Philadelphia with dementia who cooks, cleans, and even bathes, is pleading for help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No budget means no everything, said Owens. No transportation, no health care. Politicians have been playing games while we have been out here caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, said health care worker Rabia Davis. Shame. The budget was due June 30, making it around 70 days late. The State Senate is in session on Monday, but still no deal. Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa (D) said progress is being made. I mean, in all seriousness, I mean, a lot of conversations over the weekend have taken place, said Sen. Costa. Now I think that were closing the gap significantly, and I think it wont be long before this thing is resolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conservative Commonwealth Foundation wrote in a letter that the resolution shouldnt include tapping the rainy day fund, which they say is only for actual emergencies or economic downturns, neither of which is occurring. The rainy day fund is our emergency reserve fund, said Nathan Benefield, the Chief Policy Officer of the foundation. We need to protect that fund, to protect taxpayers against tax increases and control the growth of spending. Costa said the rainy day fund likely goes untouched this year, but all bets are off after the state likely, once again, spends more than itll take in next year. The rainy day fund is there to be able to address times whenever we dont have sufficient resources, said Costa. I would definitely believe that we need to tap into it probably next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good news is that all parties say they had good and productive talks over the weekend. The bad news is theyve been saying that for more than two months 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 ABC27. 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 For doctors and patients, the Holy Grail of medicine would be a simple blood or saliva test to detect all types of cancer before symptoms or sickness appears. Doctors could screen and treat patients earlier in the course of disease. As Dr. Lisa Stempel, director of the high-risk cancer screening program at Rush University Medical Center, told the Tribune recently, "The goal of all screening is to find cancer early when we can treat it." But as with the Holy Grail of ancient Christian legend, an early-detection multicancer test has long eluded all who have pursued it. Like the Grail, such a test may not even exist, and if it does, it might actually be quite different from what is being sought. Despite ongoing efforts to create such an early detection test, no regulatory body in the U.S. has yet to approve of one; there are still too many pitfalls in the results of tests currently available. But the search continues, and despite all those pitfalls, hospitals and physicians are using unapproved tests that are available to screen patients, often at exorbitant costs. For those understandably concerned about their health and undeterred by cost, there are things they should know about early-detection multicancer testingquestions to ask before consenting to be tested: Has this test been evaluated in my specific medical population, and am I an appropriate candidate for it? Screening tests depend on the possibility you could have the diseases those tests are designed to discover (epidemiologists call this "pretest probability"). If you are unlikely to have a certain disease, it would not be helpful to screen for it; the best screening test for a tropical disease such as malaria is pointless in Scandinavia. Because cancer incidence increases as people age, a multicancer screening test may be more appropriate for old people than for young ones. Does this test fail to identify many people who have cancer? A cancer test should be positive in most people with cancer (the test "sensitivity"). The test then has value even when negativea negative test in these situations can be reassuring that you do not have cancer. But a test missing a good percentage of those with treatable cancers is less useful. Is the test often positive in people who don't have cancer? A cancer test that is positive in many people without cancer can do harm medically, emotionally or financially for obvious reasons. It should be specific for cancer (the test "specificity"). There is usually a tradeoff between the sensitivity and specificity of a screening test. Those tests that pick up most cancers tend to pick up other unimportant things as welland those screening tests that are limited to discovering cancer often miss many people with the disease. What are the false positive and false negative rates for this test? These rates, from 0% to 100%, are the practical clinical expressions of test sensitivity and specificity. A false positive test is one that is positive when the person tested does not have cancer. A false negative test is one that is negative in a person who has cancer. The actual rates of false positive and false negative depend on how many people in a population have the disease. A false positive test for prostate cancer is much more likely in a 20-year-old than in a 75-year-old because virtually no 20-year-olds have prostate cancer, so any positive test is likely to be false positive. A new early-detection multicancer screening test may be described in glowing terms if it has a 1% false positive rate, but if 1 million people are screened, 10,000 will be told they have cancer when they don't. If you are one of those 10,000, this matters to you, your family and those who care about you. Will having this test prolong my life? Stempel's quote about the goal of screening being to find cancer earlier is incomplete. The ultimate goal of screening is to prolong life. It is often taken for granted that through screening, earlier diagnosis and treatment will improve survival. This is usually but not always true. If a cancer is fast-growing or treatment is ineffective, survival will not improve. That's why large-scale evaluation of these screening tests is needed to demonstrate not simply earlier diagnosis but also better patient survival. To illustrate, consider a concept called lead-time bias, in which earlier diagnosis makes it appear survival has improved when it hasn't. If a patient is diagnosed with cancer through conventional testing in 2025, then lives until 2030, he or she is said to have a five-year survival after diagnosis. If an early screening test diagnoses the same patient with cancer in 2024, but the patient still only lives until 2030, the patient has not lived longer but appears to have an improved six-year survival with the test. Cancer-specific screening tests have helped prolong the lives of patients with selected cancers: breast, cervical, colon, prostate and lung. So far, no multicancer screening test meets this standard. Anecdotes of patients who have undergone multicancer screening and had their lives lengthened by early discovery of cancer should be taken seriously. But the plural of anecdote is not data. What's more, data is not truth, and truth is not wisdom. When considering an early-diagnostic multiscreening cancer test, wisdom is what patients actually seek. Without good answers to these questions, the journey from data to truth to wisdom ends before it begins. 2025 Chicago Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A pensioner tried to smuggle cocaine worth more than 600,000 by hiding it in his mobility scooter. Ronald Lord, 71, was stopped by Border Force officers at Gatwick airport on Feb 7 2025. Lord, from Montreal, Canada, claimed he had been on a seven-day holiday in Barbados and was visiting England for a sight-seeing trip. His scooter was X-rayed and 18lbs of cocaine were found hidden in a void inside the scooters seat and backrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Crime Agency (NCA) experts valued the drugs at around 640,000. Packages of cocaine were hidden in the seat and backrest of Ronald Lords mobility scooter - National Crime Agency/Central News Lord insisted he had no idea how the cocaine got there, but a screw from the panel was found in his pocket. NCA investigators also carried out checks with airlines and found he had lied about his time in Barbados, spending only three days there before travelling to the UK. Lord admitted importing class A drugs into the country and was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court to six years in prison. Richard Wickham, of the NCA, said: Organised crime groups need smugglers like Lord to bring class A drugs into the UK, where they are sold for huge profit by gangs who deal in violence and exploitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He obviously thought that because he was a pensioner he would be less of a target for law enforcement. He was wrong, and I hope this case sends out a message to anyone who would consider doing the same. Working with partners like Border Force, the NCA is determined to do all we can to stop class-A drugs finding their way into the hands of criminal gangs, and target those involved in helping them. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. With so much of our daily news focusing on crisis, controversy, and what's going wrong in the world, it's easy to forget that there are actually some remarkable things happening, too. To help balance the scales, u/cthulhus_spawn recently asked people to share "some good things that are happening in the world that people might not know about." The responses were both hopeful and eye-opening, spotlighting environmental comebacks, scientific breakthroughs, and global efforts that often fly under the radar. Here are some of the positive stories they shared: 1."The Japanese are currently conducting a clinical trial for a medicine for tooth regrowth." Luis Alvarez / Getty Images u/slambre Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fact: In 2025, Japanese researchers launched the world's first human clinical trial of a drug designed to regrow teeth. The therapy works by suppressing USAG-1, a protein that normally prevents new teeth from forming. Earlier tests in mice and ferrets which share similar dental patterns with humans successfully triggered the growth of entirely new teeth. Researchers aim to make the therapy publicly available by 2030. Related: 24 Small Habits That Have Made Such A Massive Difference In People's Lives, I'm Starting All Of Them Tomorrow 2."Costa Rica is running almost entirely on renewable energy most of the year!" Ezequiel Becerra / Getty Images u/Timbob72 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fact: In 2023, about 95% of Costa Rica's electricity came from renewable sources: 74% hydropower, 13% geothermal, 12.5% wind, 0.5% solar, and 0.1% biomass. That's actually a dip from recent years, mostly due to drought. Since 2015, the country has consistently generated more than 98% of its electricity from renewables, peaking at a record 99.98% in 2021. 3."Scotland generated over 100% of its electricity demand from wind on some days last year. Literally more wind than they could use." Bloomberg / Getty Images u/Upskilltc23 Fact: In 2022, Scotland's renewable energy sources generated the equivalent of 113% of the country's electricity demand the highest share ever recorded and a 26% increase from the year before. Fossil fuels were still used at times to back up the grid, but overall, renewables outstripped total consumption for the first time. The milestone highlights Scotland's growing wind power capacity and its ambition to export surplus clean energy. The sector now supports more than 42,000 jobs and contributes over 10 billion to the economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4."Cancer deaths have dropped by over 25% in the United States since 1991, with breast cancer deaths decreasing by 39%." Bloomberg / Getty Images u/Literary-Anarchist Fact: According to the American Cancer Society, the US cancer death rate declined by 34% between 1991 and 2022, preventing an estimated 4.5 million deaths. Breast cancer deaths specifically have fallen by nearly 40% in that time, largely thanks to earlier detection, better treatment, and reductions in smoking. While progress is uneven across cancer types and demographics, the overall decline marks one of the most significant public health achievements of the past three decades. 5."Burkina Faso saved a huge amount of its country by planting trees in areas where the land was drying out, saving a lot of people from hunger and misery. They still have a bad time, but less so. It is a very interesting country. I had to organize a team between several sister airlines to send equipment for those trees and set up a logistics network that reached Ouagadougou. I feel proud to have been the leader of that team." Boureima Hama / Getty Images u/MiguelAngeloac Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fact: As of 2022, the Great Green Wall had added 4 million hectares of new forest, about 4% of its 100-million-hectare target for 2030. Launched by the African Union, the initiative is designed to fight desertification in the Sahel and slow the Saharas expansion by planting a living wall of trees stretching from Djibouti to Senegal. Its goals are ambitious: capture 250 million tons of carbon dioxide and create 10 million jobs. By 2024, the project had restored 30 million hectares of degraded land nearly the size of the Philippines, and about 30% of its overall target. 6."The ozone layer is actually healing faster than expected. Scientists think it could be fully restored in our lifetime." Cookelma / Getty Images u/Natural_Forever_8044 Fact: The ozone layer is on track to recover within our lifetimes. A 2025 MIT-led study found, with 95% confidence, that the Antarctic ozone hole is healing thanks to the global phaseout of ozone-depleting chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) under the 1987 Montreal Protocol. Satellite data now show a distinct "fingerprint" of recovery tied directly to human action, rather than natural weather fluctuations. If current trends continue, scientists project that by the mid-2030s, some years may see no seasonal ozone hole at all, with full global recovery likely by mid-century. Related: "I Recently Realized You Just Don't Do It Anymore": People Are Sharing Things That Have Almost Entirely Disappeared From Modern Society 7."Whales are slowly returning to parts of the ocean they had not been seen in for decades. Nature heals when we give it the chance." Pablo Porciuncula / Getty Images u/Upskilltc23 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fact: In the South Atlantic, humpback whales have rebounded from near-extinction after decades of commercial hunting reduced their population to just 450 animals by the mid-20th century. Thanks to international protections, their numbers have now risen to around 25,000 close to pre-whaling levels. Scientists say the recovery shows that with strong conservation measures, even severely depleted species can make a comeback. 8."The mayor of Baltimore is revolutionizing his city. Big spending on new recreation centers and after-school programs has cut crime almost in half. Test scores are also on the rise. It looks like kids just needed somewhere safe to go and be kids." Anadolu / Getty Images u/ThatFishySmell99 Fact: While not quite half (yet), overall crime in Baltimore is down nearly 25% from last year the citys lowest midyear homicide total in over 50 years. Mayor Brandon Scott credits the drop to a prevention-first approach: pouring resources into youth camps, extended recreational center hours, literacy programs, and community events that give kids safe places to go. That investment is paying off not only in safer streets but also in rising test scores, with Baltimore students outpacing the state in literacy gains for the third year in a row. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 9."The Ocean Cleanup is doing amazing work researching and removing plastic from our oceans and waterways, including intercepting plastics in rivers before they makes their way to the ocean. We might yet see the Great Pacific Garbage Patch cleaned up in our lifetimes, along with other floating islands of plastic!" Bloomberg / Getty Images u/psychstudent_101 Fact: Since 2019, The Ocean Cleanup has been removing plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and by 2021, its technology was proven effective. Its latest system, fully deployed in 2023, has already collected nearly 500,000 kilograms of trash much of it abandoned fishing gear while also intercepting plastics in rivers before they reach the ocean. The organizations modeling suggests that, with enough full-scale systems and continued support, it could remove up to 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040. Related: "It Changed My Life": 21 Secret "Life Hacks" That Are So Incredibly Useful, You'll Be Mad You Didn't Think Of Them Sooner 10."Scientists have discovered a direct cause-and-effect link between faulty mitochondria and the memory loss seen in neurodegenerative diseases. By creating a novel tool to boost mitochondrial activity in mouse models, researchers restored memory performance, suggesting mitochondria could be a powerful new target for treatments. The findings not only shed light on the early drivers of brain cell degeneration but also open possibilities for slowing or even preventing diseases like Alzheimer's." Ilexx / Getty Images u/nikipierson Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fact: In 2025, researchers in France and Canada showed for the first time that faulty mitochondria directly cause the memory loss seen in neurodegenerative diseases. In mouse studies, a new tool normalized mitochondrial activity and restored memory performance. While still early research, the breakthrough points to mitochondria as a promising new target that could one day transform treatment for conditions like Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. 11."mRNA cancer vaccines are showing extremely promising results in mice. We may actually have a cure for cancer within our lifetimes." Aaron Chown - Pa Images / Getty Images u/Stingray88 Fact: In the early 1990s, scientists first discovered the potential of mRNA to be used as a medical treatment, and by the 2000s, they were actively testing mRNA vaccines against diseases like cancer, HIV, rabies, Zika, and influenza. The technology promised to train the body's own cells to generate highly specific immune responses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic and the massive global investment it triggered led to the critical breakthrough: lipid nanoparticle technology that safely protects fragile mRNA and delivers it into human cells. With that solved, mRNA vaccines became the basis for the COVID-19 shots, proving their power at scale during the pandemic. Building on that success, researchers are continuing to push mRNA vaccines toward their long-envisioned applications in cancer. At Memorial Sloan Kettering, a phase 1 trial of a personalized mRNA vaccine called autogene cevumeran trained the immune system to recognize pancreatic cancer cells. Half of the 16 patients mounted strong T-cell responses, and those patients were less likely to see their cancer return three years later. Even more striking, vaccine-induced immune cells persisted for nearly four years in some cases, showing long-term activity. A larger phase 2 trial is now underway with about 260 patients worldwide. 12."There are lots of scholars out there translating old books into English for the first time. As an example, scholars are currently almost finished translating the complete works of St. Augustine into English for the first time. It has taken 35 years so far, and they have now published 45 of the 49 planned volumes: The Works of Saint Augustine, A Translation for the 21st Century." Dea / Getty Images u/RunDNA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fact: St. Augustine left behind more than 5 million words of surviving writing, but until recently, no complete English translation existed. In 1990, New City Press, in partnership with the Augustinian Heritage Institute, launched the first project to translate his entire corpus 132 works in total into modern English. The series, The Works of Saint Augustine: A Translation for the 21st Century, is planned in 49 volumes. So far, 45 have been published, putting this historic, 35-year effort in its final stages. 13."Frogs raised in captivity are crushing it in the wild!" Irfan Khan / Getty Images u/Xxx-object-xxX Fact: In August 2025, more than 350 endangered Mountain Yellow-legged Frogs were released into Californias San Bernardino Mountains including 220 raised behind the scenes at Birch Aquarium. It was the aquariums first-ever reintroduction of a species raised onsite and one of the largest frog releases to date. Each frog was microchipped so scientists can track survival and growth, and early signs are hopeful: Frogs are now hopping around Bluff Lake for the first time since 1951. The release is part of a long-running recovery program thats steadily bringing this species back from the brink. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 14."If you are young right now, there is a decent (not high, but not low) chance that there might be a general cancer cure in our lifetime because of CRISPR technology and immunotherapy. Early advances in CRISPR have been absolutely phenomenal; for instance, CRISPR Therapeutics has managed to cure sickle cell disease in humans. The treatment is known as Casgevy. Downside: it costs something like 2 million dollars. I'm also a physician in an area known for one of the top cancer hospitals in the country, and immunotherapy is a revolution happening right now, allowing physicians to give many patients with previously untreatable cancers a fighting chance. I'm seeing way more patients on it than ever, and we are being given guidance on how to treat potential side effects. These treatments were only theoretical when I was starting medical school." Gado / Getty Images "Same for CRISPR; in fact, it was only beginning to emerge in labs when I was getting my bachelor's and master's 10-ish years ago. Both of these technologies can be engineered to be incredibly specific to the exact genetic sequences of disease. If, for instance, you could create a CRISPR treatment that turns off crucial cancer genes in only your specific cancer cells, the cancer could be completely cured without affecting any other cell in your body. This is still very, very far from reality. However, that is what we said about these technologies 10-20 years ago, and they are already being used in humans to a very limited degree. I am very excited to see where they will progress in the next 20-40 years." u/Halefire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fact: In December 2023, the FDA approved Casgevy, the worlds first CRISPR-based medicine, offering a cure for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. This milestone shows how far gene editing has come in just a decade. Researchers see this as just the beginning. Stanford bioengineer Stanley Qi notes that CRISPR is rapidly expanding into trials for many diseases, including cancers, muscle and retinal disorders, and neurological conditions. Meanwhile, cancer immunotherapy is already transforming treatment, giving patients with previously untreatable cancers real options. Together, these advances point toward a future where genetic and immune-based therapies could radically change how we treat and maybe even cure some of the toughest diseases. 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 15."Solar and wind power are now cheaper than coal in many countries. Clean energy is actually winning on economics, not just ethics." Bloomberg / Getty Images u/Turbulent-Alfalfa136 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fact: New solar and wind are now cheaper than coal in most countries including the US. According to US government data, wind and solar produce electricity for about $26-36 per megawatt-hour, compared to coal's $74-101. A 2023 Energy Innovation analysis found that 99% of US coal plants cost more to run than replacing them with new wind or solar. Globally, the IEA reports the same trend: renewables are now the cheapest source of new power in much of the world. Clean energy isn't just the ethical choice anymore it's the economic one. 16."Peru is seeing improvements in water quality." Ernesto Benavides / Getty Images u/DirectionRepulsive82 Fact: Peru has taken steps to improve water quality and access, strengthening its legal framework and introducing measures like abstraction charges, wastewater treatment rules, and payments for ecosystem services. National policies aim to expand safe drinking water and sanitation, and water is high on the country's climate agenda. As of 2017, 50% of Peruvians used safely managed drinking water services, and 43% used safely managed sanitation services. Still, 3 million Peruvians lack access to clean water, and a quarter lack sewerage, with pollution from mining and waste remaining major challenges. 17."Child mortality has dropped by more than half worldwide in the last 30 years. Millions more kids are growing up healthy today than ever before." Skaman306 / Getty Images u/Flyingninjha Fact: Over the past three decades, child mortality has fallen dramatically worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, under-5 deaths declined from 12.8 million in 1990 to 4.8 million in 2023. That's a 59% drop in the global under-5 mortality rate, from 93 deaths per 1,000 live births to 37. Neonatal deaths (within the first month of life) also fell from 5.2 million to 2.3 million in the same period. While progress has been uneven across regions, the bottom line is striking. 18."Lyme disease vaccine is close to finishing third-stage clinical trials." Nurphoto / Getty Images u/[deleted] Fact: VLA15, developed by Pfizer and Valneva, is the world's only Lyme disease vaccine currently in Phase 3 clinical trials. The trial's primary vaccination series has been completed, with first data expected by the end of 2025. If results are positive, the companies plan to seek US and European approval in 2026, which would mark the first Lyme vaccine since LYMErix was withdrawn in 2002. Even in a world that can feel overwhelming, stories like these are a reminder that real progress is happening often in places and ways we might not expect. Did we miss any stories of hope or progress you think deserve attention? Share the good news you have seen in your community, your country, or around the globe, in the comments below! Note: Responses have been edited for length/clarity. Also in Goodful: People In The Medical Field Are Sharing The One Thing They Won't Do Because Of The Trauma They've Seen On The Job, And I'm Anxiously Taking Notes Also in Goodful: "I Can't Wait For This To Go Out Of Style": People Are Sharing Popular Modern Trends That Are Actually Pretty Toxic Also in Goodful: "It's Sad And Sexist But True": 17 Tips Women Learned From Other Women For Keeping Themselves Safe In The World We Live In Read it on BuzzFeed.com Recently, I came across a post on the popular Ask Reddit page from user Turbulent_Archer_727 asking, "What's one historical fact that they won't teach you in school?" and while I had heard of some of these, I definitely did not know all of them. It was so informative that I decided I had to share; so, here are some of the most interesting: 1."I was 28 when I learned about the Tulsa Massacre." Universal History Archive / Getty Images u/seekingthething Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2."I went to a British school in Asia. They glossed over the Opium Wars." Hulton Archive / Getty Images u/aronnyc "They gloss over that in Britain, too." u/VirtualArmsDealer "In China, they actually call that period of time The Century of Humiliation." u/killingjoke96 3."My history classes mentioned Frederick Douglass a few times, but they never went into detail about him. Truly one of the most badass people in all of American history." Library Of Congress / Getty Images u/Normal_Package_641 4."The Great Wall of China wasnt built all at once; its a patchwork of different walls from different dynasties." Sepia Times / Getty Images u/emokitten_xoxo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5."It's really obscure, but American Chestnut trees were all over the East Coast of the US up until around 1900. Then they all got infected with a fungus and now they're critically endangered." Frank Wagner / Getty Images u/Thomas_Chinchilla "And lets not forget the Chestnuts formed the base of the food web for a large part of the Eastern US ecology. A fuckton of animals were affected negatively by their loss." u/OakenGreen 6."In the UK, the Harrying of the North. William the Bastard burned whole villages to the ground in the North of England to cement his rule over the country. In school, it's usually taught as '1066, Hastings, and bam: William the Conqueror! Here are the Tudors..." Fine Art / Getty Images u/frustratedpolarbear Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 7."Japanese WWII war crimes are seldom discussed in detail." Pictures From History / Getty Images u/DigMother318 "When I was in school, my French teacher decided to ditch the whole 'teaching us French' thing one day, and spent the entire lesson talking about his father's experience in a Japanese POW camp, and the atrocities he'd witnessed. I think it was an anniversary day or something, as it wasn't relevant to a bunch of British kids doing French otherwise. One of the most memorable lessons I ever had, though." u/RedundantSwine "A Vietnamese man told me, 'The French were cruel, but two years of Japanese occupation were worse than a century of French occupation.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement u/Yugan-Dali 8."About 1 in 4 of the working cowboys in the Old West were Black men." Universal History Archive / Getty Images u/rimshot101 "And most 'cowboy slang' is just woefully butchered Spanish. Buckaroo: vaquero, cowboy Hoosgow: juzgado, the judge Ten-gallon hat: un sombrero tan gallan, a very handsome hat." u/bonos_bovine_muse 9."When we learned about prohibition, it was presented as kind of this silly historical mistake. It was years later when I learned that in the 19th century, people were drunk basically all the time in part because very few people had access to clean drinking water and would drink booze instead, which was often cleaner/safer to drink." Graphicaartis / Getty Images "So a big part of the anti-booze movement was providing safe drinking water, and we owe a lot of our drinking water infrastructure (like available public drinking fountains) to teetotalers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement u/seanofkelley 10."Both Americans of German descent and German immigrants were put in internment camps in several states during WWI and WWII." Buyenlarge / Getty Images u/Urbit1981 11."Federal highways were purposely built through affluent Black neighborhoods. Looking at you, Oklahoma." Andrew Lichtenstein / Getty Images u/Downtown31415 "Fun fact: the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit is based on this. The entire plot of bulldozing Toontown to build a freeway was exactly based on this. Other aspects of the movie were also direct allegories to racism, such as the Ink & Paint Club being 'Toon revue, strictly humans only.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement u/Amazing_Excuse_3860 12."Women needed their husband's (or a male co-signer's) permission to have a credit card in their own name until 1974." Keith Trumbo / Getty Images u/adaminoregon "Or even a bank account! Single women had to find a guarantor." u/Previous)Kale_4508 "My mom and dad married in 1969. They were looking for a house in the early '70s, both had good jobs, and made about the same amount of money. The bank would not recognize my mom's income because she was a woman." u/kingalingadingadongo 13."The Dutch once ate their prime minister. As in, an angry mob lynched him and actually consumed his flesh." Heritage Images / Getty Images u/wynnduffyisking Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 14."The guys defending the Alamo were the bad guys." Kean Collection / Getty Images "Texas was Mexico at the time. To attract settlers to the land, Mexico allowed American farmers to move there and bring their enslaved workers with them. Slavery was not something Mexico liked, and they soon banned slavery in the entire country except for Texas. A few years later, they tried to ban it in Texas. That's when the Texas Revolution started. The Texans were fighting to keep slavery, not for freedom from an oppressive government. Not everyone at the Alamo died. The enslaved workers were spared and are largely the reason we know what happened. If you visit the Alamo today (or at least when I did in 2022), most of the information is left out of the booklet and signage. It does mention the enslaved workers by name, but that's about it. Fighting to preserve slavery isn't the narrative they want to display today. I remember learning about the Alamo in school, and slavery wasn't mentioned. And then how absent it was from the actual site." u/nowhereman136 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 15."Hitler read about California's eugenics program and liked it, but didn't think it went far enough. Thus, the 'Final Solution' was born." Bettmann / Getty Images u/chocki305 16."The Ottoman Empire systematically killed over 1 million Armenians during WWI via camps, and it remains largely unacknowledged by the US because the US wants to keep positive relations with Turkey, which oscillates between denying it ever happened and saying they were justified because they were fomenting armed rebellion." Photo 12 / Getty Images u/Skunedog48 17."That the US Civil War was indisputably over slavery. I grew up in Mississippi. They did all sorts of contorting to avoid confronting that, but the biggest bit of dishonesty was that they never even mention the existence of the various articles of secession filed by the Confederate states, all of which make it SUPER clear what the reason was." Hey Darlin / Getty Images u/ubermonkey Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 18."The Middle Eastern and North African slave trade was larger, and somehow more brutal, than the transatlantic one." Pictures From History / Getty Images u/bingbongsnabel "The first foreign conflict the US fought was about this. The Barbary Wars. They were kidnapping American sailors to sell into slavery." u/ironwolf56 "Didn't they have a habit of castrating their slaves? Makes sense there aren't a lot of people 'round to talk about it." u/Crully "The Arab slave trade involved far more people and lasted far longer than the European/US slave trade, and yet the Arab world has essentially no minority Black populations while Europe and the US do." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement u/Overlord1317 19.And finally: "Thomas Jefferson created his own Bible, which is known as The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth. Jefferson created the Bible by cutting and pasting passages from the New Testament using a razor and glue." Tom Williams / Getty Images, Graphicaartis / Getty Images "He selected passages that he believed were the authentic words of Jesus, and excluded passages that he considered to be corruptions or that offended his sense of reason. Jefferson's Bible focuses on Jesus as a teacher of morals. It does not include miracles or supernatural events. Jefferson created the Bible as a book for spiritual guidance and solace. He believed that a person's religion was between them and their god. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jefferson never published the Bible, but it was eventually published in 1904 after an act of Congress. The Bible is currently held in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History." u/CaptainSeriousfun What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments. Better yet, tell me your own historical event you didn't learn in school! If you have something to share but prefer to remain anonymous, feel free to check out the anonymous form below. Who knows your comment could be included in a future BuzzFeed article! An armed robbery suspect shot by Phoenix police Sept. 8 died after being hospitalized, according to the department. Officers responded to a call shortly after noon about an armed robbery at 35th Avenue and Fillmore Street, police said. The person reporting the robbery said that a cell phone was stolen by a man pointing a handgun, according to police. The person reporting the robbery provided a description of the vehicle the man left in, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on the vehicle description, officers made a traffic stop on a southbound vehicle near 35th Avenue and Buckeye Road, police said. The vehicle pulled into a field, and the driver pointed a handgun at the officers, leading to the first of two shootings by officers, police said. The driver tried to get away, but their vehicle got stuck, police said. Officers continued to give commands, but the driver pointed a handgun at officers again, leading to the second shooting by officers, police said. The man had not been identified as of the night of Sept. 8. No officers were injured, police said. There have been at least 47 police shootings in Arizona so far in 2025, with at least 33 of them fatal. Phoenix police have shot nine people, five fatally. (This article was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix police fatally shoot suspected phone thief during traffic stop (WHTM) Nearly 40,000 pets die in house fire each year, according to American Humane, and a prevention effort is underway. The Save Our Pets Project came to Lancaster County this weekend to hold a pet walk in Amos Herr Park. What theyre raising awareness for, though, is no walk in the park. Proceeds go towards providing local fire companies with pet oxygen mask kits to help pets suffering from smoke inhalation after house fires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, we do see loss of life of pets and they are family and we want to make sure that theyre not forgotten in those emergencies and to ensure that our first responders do have the tools that they need when theyre on site fighting those fires, just as we do for our human family members to make sure our pets are also not forgotten, Jessica Rosito, co-founder of Class One Property Restoration, said. Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices A performing dog show, pet-friendly vendors, and more family friendly fun were all present. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) A Petersburg woman will spend time in federal prison after being sentenced on five counts of wire fraud. Ellen Corn, 50, was sentenced to one year and nine months after pleading guilty to the charges. According to court documents, from March 2017 to August 2022, Corn served as the Executive Director for a Dubois County nonprofit that facilities a youth mentoring program and provides college scholarships for local high school students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials state Corn had various financial responsibilities including entering all income and expenses into the organizations accounting software and had access to the organizations credit card. Over five years, Corn stole a total of $161,344.85 via several methods including using the credit card for personal expenses at various businesses and restaurants and to make tuition payments to colleges for her children. Nine children, six animals removed from filthy home, parents arrested Officials say she made about 1,226 unauthorized transactions with the card. She also stole funds by making unauthorized transfers from the organizations PayPal account to her personal PayPal account as well as making unauthorized purchases directly from the nonprofits checking account via debit card or check. Officials also say Corn ensured the organizations accounts had enough funds to pay for the illegitimate expenses by reducing funding for certain departments and programs, and to conceal the act, she deliberately omitted the transactions from the nonprofits accounting records, which she regularly presented to the Board of Directors and the organizations tax preparer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, Corn also failed to notify a first-generation college student that the student had been selected to receive a scholarship. Ellen Corn abused her position of trust and stole from an organization dedicated to serving and mentoring local youth. Her crimes not only harmed the program and its ability to serve young people but also betrayed the trust of the public who support and rely on its mission, said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. This sentence holds her accountable and demonstrates our commitment to protecting community nonprofits from fraud and financial exploitation. The sentencing in this case holds Ellen Corn accountable for violating the trust she held as the executive director of an organization focused on mentoring youth. It also reinforces the U.S. Secret Services commitment to pursuing officials who shamefully break the publics trust by illegally enriching themselves through fraud and deception, said Ike Barnes, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Services Indianapolis Field Office. Thanks to the Jasper Police Department and the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Southern District of Indiana for pursuing this case. In addition to the sentence, Corn will be subjected to three years of supervised release upon release from prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). President Donald Trump is celebrating bad news for a beloved actor. The Washington Post first reported over the weekend that the alumni association at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point had canceled an award ceremony honoring actor Tom Hanks. Retired Army Col. Mark Bieger, the president and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, pinned the decision on the Army academys desire to fully focus on preparing future officers, according to an email circulated to faculty and reviewed by the outlet. In June, Hanks, who is a staunch veterans advocate, was selected as the recipient of the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award, which recognizes an outstanding citizen who did not attend West Point, but has a distinguished record of service and represents the academys Duty, Honor, Country values. The ceremony was set for Sept. 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump took to his Truth Social platform to cheer on the cancellation of the ceremony and delivered a pointed jab at the actor. Our great West Point (getting greater all the time!) has smartly cancelled the Award Ceremony for actor Tom Hanks. Important move! We dont need destructive, WOKE recipients getting our cherished American Awards!!! Trump wrote on Monday. Hopefully the Academy Awards, and other Fake Award Shows, will review their Standards and Practices in the name of Fairness and Justice. Watch their DEAD RATINGS SURGE! he continued. Critics of the president immediately slammed his gleeful post on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proving yet again what a small, petty, whiny, pathetic loser he is, Ron Filipkowski, the editor-in-chief of MeidasTouch, posted on X. The Republicans against Trump account wrote, To the people who voted for Trump to fight cancel culture, arent you embarrassed? Political commentator Brian Krassenstein also chimed in: Dont worry guys! As the economy crumbles, we commit extrajudicial murders, and our trade partners ally with our enemies, Trumps out here defending America from checks notes Tom Hanks." Put aside the stupidity of dissing Tom Hanks Trump is saying that anyone who holds views different from those of him and his supporters are not Americans worthy of being honored," MSNBC columnist Michael A. Cohen added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hanks, who has criticized Trump in the past, expressed his support for former President Joe Biden, speaking at a campaign fundraiser in 2020, before he went on to defeat the president months later. In 2016, former President Barack Obama also awarded Hanks with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In its announcement, the group initially pointed to Hanks portrayals of U.S. service members in several movies, including Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan and Greyhound. It also cited his work in producing the World War II-themed miniseries Band of Brothers and The Pacific. Tom Hanks has done more for the positive portrayal of the American service member, more for the caring of the American veteran, their caregivers and their family, and more for the American space program and all branches of government than many other Americans, Hon. Robert A. McDonald, the board chair, said in a statement at the time, according to The Washington Post. It was not immediately made clear if Hanks would no longer receive the award. Stories by Rachel Cohen Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Read the original article on NJ.com. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain 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 suggestoften 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 optionssuch as more affordable drugs or behavioral health programsto 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 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." Key medical concepts Obesity Diabetes Type 2 2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A semi smashed into an overpass west of Downtown on Monday afternoon, leading to lane closures in the westbound lanes of Interstates 70 and 670. According to Columbus police, the truck struck an overpass and lost part of its load. As of 1 p.m., lanes of I-70 and I-670 were being affected at their merge point, with police allowing traffic through as crews cleaned up the scene. There is no word on if anyone was injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An NBC4 reporter passed the scene and submitted several photos. Traffic at Interstate 70 west of Interstate 670 in Columbus, Ohio, on Sept. 8, 2025. (Isabel Clearly / NBC4) Traffic at Interstate 70 west of Interstate 670 in Columbus, Ohio, on Sept. 8, 2025. (Isabel Clearly / NBC4) Traffic at Interstate 70 west of Interstate 670 in Columbus, Ohio, on Sept. 8, 2025. (Isabel Clearly / NBC4) Traffic at Interstate 70 west of Interstate 670 in Columbus, Ohio, on Sept. 8, 2025. (Isabel Clearly / NBC4) Find live traffic conditions on NBC4i.com by following this link. NBC4 Investigates Isabel Cleary contributed to this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. A lewd drawing Donald Trump allegedly sent Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday has been published. The sketch of a womans nude silhouette with a birthday message to the paedophile financier written inside ends with what appears to be the US presidents signature. Details of the apparent birthday card, which states that the two men had certain things in common, were first revealed by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The note was said to have been part of a 2003 birthday album compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell for Epstein, her ex-boyfriend. Mr Trump has denied sending the message and is suing the WSJ and its owners, including Rupert Murdoch, for at least $10bn (7.4bn) for its report. He called reports of the letter false, malicious, and defamatory. These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I dont draw pictures, Mr Trump said. Epsteins estate has now given the House oversight committee a copy of the album, allowing a photograph of Mr Trumps alleged message to be published. The birthday note ends with the line: Happy Birthday and may every day be another wonderful secret. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A further letter from the birthday book made a crude joke about Epstein selling a woman to Mr Trump for $22,500. The note reads: Jeffrey showing early talents with money + women sells fully depreciated [womans name redacted] to Donald Trump for $22,500. The letter, provided by the Epstein estate, allegedly came from Joel Pashcow, a businessman and long term Mar-a-Lago member, and included a photo of a giant cheque that had been mocked up to appear as if it had been sent from Mr Trump to Epstein. Beneath it, a hand-written note read: Jeffrey showing early talents with money + women sells fully depreciated [redacted] to Donald Trump for $22,500. The womans name is redacted from the image, and a lawyer for her told the WSJ that she doesnt know Mr Pashcow, has no knowledge of the letter naming her, and called the missive a disgusting and deeply disturbing hoax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Pashcow and his attorney didnt respond to a request for comment from the newspaper. The publication will pile fresh pressure on the US president, who has faced criticism from his own supporters for his relationship with Epstein. Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein together in 1997 - Davidoff Studios Photography Karoline Leavitt, Mr Trumps press secretary said the WSJ story was fake news and again insisted the president did not draw, or sign the picture. She said in a statement: The latest piece published by the WSJ proves this entire birthday card story is false. As I have said all along, its very clear President Trump did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trumps legal team will continue to aggressively pursue litigation. Furthermore, the reporter @joe_palazzolo who wrote this hatchet job reached out for comment at the EXACT same minute he published his story giving us no time to respond. This is fake news to perpetuate the Democrat Epstein hoax! The latest piece published by the Wall Street Journal PROVES this entire "Birthday Card" story is false. As I have said all along, it's very clear President Trump did not draw this picture, and he did not sign it. President Trump's legal team will continue to aggressively Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) September 8, 2025 On Monday, the House oversight committee confirmed it had received a copy of the birthday book, which includes letters from other high-profile individuals. The committee subpoenaed a number of other documents including Epsteins will, a slew of non-disclosure agreements signed between 1990 and 2019, and any pictures and videos taken at Epsteins properties or referring or relating to... presidents and vice-presidents of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee also ordered that bank statements, calendars and Epsteins little black book be handed over. Mr Trump was allegedly listed in the friends section of the book, along with Bill Clinton and about 20 other associates, the WSJ reported. A Clinton spokesman referred the WSJ to a previous statement which pointed to Clintons relationship with Epstein ending over a decade before he was arrested in 2019 for sex trafficking. Epstein died by suicide in his cell at the Metropolitan Correction Centre in August 2019 while awaiting trial. Mr Trump had been friends with Epstein but said severed ties with the wealthy financier after he poached staff from his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Telegraph has approached the White House for comment. The Trump administration has faced a backlash for closing the case on Epstein after releasing a memo concluding he killed himself alone in prison and there was no evidence he maintained a high-profile client list. On Friday, Mike Johnson, the Republican leader in the House of Representatives, claimed Mr Trump was an informant for the FBI in their investigation into the disgraced financier. What Trump is referring to is the hoax that the Democrats are using to try to attack him, Mr Johnson said. When he first heard the rumour, he kicked him out of Mar-a-Lago. He was an FBI informant to try to take this stuff down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He later rowed back on that statement saying he misspoke. I dont know if I used the right word, Mr Johnson told reporters at the Capitol. I said FBI informant. Im not sure I wasnt there. This isnt my lane. Im just repeating what is common knowledge and has been out in the public for a long time: President Trump was never a hindrance to the Epstein investigation. He was trying to assist in that. The crisis has become a major headache for Mr Trump in recent months. In an apparent effort to appease his disgruntled base, the administration interviewed Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disgraced British socialite told DoJ officials she never saw Mr Trump acting improperly during the years she knew him, calling him a gentleman in all respects. b' ' 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. Pittsburgh International Airport could lose a route to and from a destination in Pennsylvania, depending on the decision of the U.S. Department of Transportation. DOT is set to pick later this year on its choice for to serve Lancaster through Essential Air Service, a federally subsidized program designed to connect rural communities with bigger cities like Pittsburgh, Chicago and Charlotte where there are many flight choices. EAS sprung out of airline deregulation in the 1970s and the federal government subsidizes flights to make it financial viable, often several million dollars a year per route for the airline to make up the millions of dollars each route loses annually. Southern Airways Express serves several EAS cities in Pennsylvania with Bradford, DuBois and Lancaster having several flights a day to and from Pittsburgh International Airport. Southerns four-year contract with the DOT at Lancaster runs out at the end of the year and the DOT recently received bids for the new service that will begin Jan. 1, 2026, or soon after. Click here to read more from our partners at 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 PITTSFORD, N.Y. (WROC) With the second week of school starting, teachers say they are already noticing differences in their students with the statewide bell-to-bell policy in place. It was amazing to see students during lunches be able to talk to one another, said Pittsford Central School District superintendent Michael Pero. The noise level was loud, which is great because before students were on their phones, texting, playing games and this was more 1 to 1 interaction with students. The new bell-to-bell phone policy introduced by Governor Kathy Hochul went into effect this September, requiring students K-12 to keep their phones away. This includes other internet-enabled devices like smartwatches or iPads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the governor, the goal is to limit distractions within the classroom while supporting students mental and academic success. The superintendent says that while the adjustment may be challenging for the students, it is beneficial. Change is sometimes hard, but this is a positive change where were growing independence, trying to teach students that interpersonal skills are very important and that its a much healthier scenario when we dont have our phones out, said Pero. PCSD middle school health teacher Erin McRae shares similar sentiments. We worked very hard to plan lessons that are engaging for our students, and sometimes when theyre distracted by other things, they cant engage. They cant be there authentically be present, said McRae. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also says the distraction-free environment will help them in their lives beyond school. This is really helping students for the real world by helping them establish a balance between work and screen time, she said. And we know thats a really healthy outcome for students, but for people in general. For any parents who are concerned about staying connected with their child throughout the school day, the superintendent says they will stick to protocol for nay emergencies. We have practices in place where parents can certainly call and should call the school, the main office, and well get messages to the child, as soon as possible, said Pero. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Pittsford Central School District, students grades six through twelve are required to keep devices in their lockers for the entire school day, including lunches and study halls. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade have their phones collected and stored in the classroom. By the end of the school year, McRae says she hopes that students become comfortable with being unplugged. Im hoping that our students are going to be less stressed, that just not having a device is normal for them, she said. That they can authentically engage in the learning experiences that the teachers curate for them, that they engage with each other so that they can really do what we want them to do, which is to be their best selves, to do their best and to make a difference in our world. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. On Monday, the Platte County Commission unanimously voted to terminate its participation in the Clay Platte Ray Mental Health Board (CPR). This is an important first step to improving and expanding mental health services for Platte County residents, and we expect that this action will actually result in increased funding for mental health services in Platte County, Presiding Commissioner Scott Fricker said in a news release. This action will also pave the way for the formation of the Platte County Mental Health Board, which will oversee approximately $3 million annually in Platte County property tax revenue earmarked for mental health services in Platte County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IRS to hold direct hiring event next week to fill 220 vacancies at KCK service center For decades, Platte County has contributed significant funds to CPR, a tri-county collaboration serving Clay, Platte and Ray counties. In 2025 alone, more than $3 million was taken from Platte County taxpayers and given to CPR. However, county commissioners said that persistent issues with CPRs oversight and administration have raised serious concerns about the value of this partnership for Platte County residents. According to county commissioners, key deficiencies include: Lack of local control: With only two seats on CPRs nine-member board, Platte County has limited influence over how its tax dollars are allocated and managed. Lack of transparency: For eight months, Presiding Commissioner Scott Fricker sought documentation to confirm that Platte County funds were being used for Platte County residents. After initial resistance from CPR staff, rudimentary reporting provided by CPR revealed that Platte County tax dollars have been subsidizing services in Clay and Ray counties. No program evaluation: CPR lacks meaningful assessments of program effectiveness, leaving taxpayers without assurance that funds are achieving intended outcomes. Absence of financial audits: Despite managing a $10 million annual budget, CPR, a publicly funded nonprofit, does not conduct financial audits, undermining fiscal responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County commissioners said the discovery of these critical shortcomings led the commission to take this action to withdraw from CPR and redirect its $3 million annual mental health budget to a to-be-formed Platte County Mental Health Board. This new entity will prioritize transparency, financial oversight and services tailored to the needs of Platte County residents, according to county commissioners. We believe in the work that is being done by CPR to provide mental health services over the three-county area, but we are concerned that our community is not receiving its fair share of that support, said Platte County First District Commissioner Allyson Berberich. This decision ensures greater local control, accountability, transparency and efficient use of over $3 million annually in Platte County tax dollars dedicated to mental health 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. MERRILL, Iowa (KCAU) Melbourne Methodist church outside of Hinton was first constructed in the 1800s, with new editions added in 1960, and newer renovations taking place in 2017. Peggy Smith, a member of the church, shares a little piece of their history. Melbourne United Methodist Church has been around since 1860. So, were celebrating our 165th anniversary and the town of Melbourne was just a little way from here. And that was the first county seat in Plymouth County. And so, the church was, was erected there because thats where there were a lot of people with the early settlers, said Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local members and community members filled the church this morning during the morning service as they congregated for the celebration. Pastor Beth Odor says that the celebrations will include all sorts of fun activities for everyone.